Another great Stootsi storyline. Our very own immortal.pancake is not just a Stootsi code machine. He's a budding game developer and co-founder of Mercury Effects. Jeremy Palermo and his partner Colin Mann co-developed Miner Madness as their 2nd project a few years ago. A successful second project in it's own right, they are now currently working on their 4th title, a full-featured online RPG scheduled to be released within the next 1-2 years.

Originally retailing for $20 as shareware, I've convinced Jeremy to allow us to peddle his wares for only 3 bones (hey, that's the Stootsi way!). Very generous of him. Keep in mind every dime we collect is going straight to him - Stootsi makes no money. Hopefully you guys can appreciate that. We support our staff and their dreams here - if you like new games and have some change in your pocket, give it a whirl. Know that there isn't a corporate giant behind the scenes keeping 60 percent of the proceeds like iTunes.

I asked Jeremy to email me the full version of the game a week ago - I hadn't actually played it before. So I grabbed a beer and sat down at my desk ready to dish out my first real video game "critique" if you will. One pizza and three mountain dews later (and three hours), I forgot about the whole "critique" thing. What I'm saying is I got so into Miner Madness and it's addictive game play that I forgot about the review I was supposed to give. I've come to the conclusion that I stink at this review stuff.

Let me try to summarize a few points about Miner Madness that I think are worth noting, and why you should forego tomorrow's latte and buy this. First, the game is extremely addictive - something I believe is necessary for any game priced under 20 bucks. Did I mention we're selling this for 3 bucks? Now I did. Secondly, it's extremely kid-friendly - safe for kids of all ages. Third, since it's cheap and addictive, this is a perfect work-killer. Yes, the kind of game you fire up for 30 minutes when your boss isn't looking. You know what I mean. Lastly, as with our music offerings today, SOSs - Support our Stootsi Staff. Jeremy is slaving away here at work for you guys each and every day, so he can go home and follow his true passion - video game design. The words talent and work ethic don't do it justice. BUY THE GAME.

Let Jeremy know how awesome his work is by sending him an email to: games@stootsi.com

Experience the thrills as you ignite dynamite and slam super pickaxes into the ground to blast through rock and dirt. Detonate old powder kegs using blasting caps, or summon heavy-machinery for ultimate destruction. Miner Madness is the widely-anticipated subterranean adventure game which immerses you in the role of a determined miner blasting his way to the surface of a collapsing mine. In unexplored chasms and abandoned shafts, you will encounter leagues of mutated rodents, storms of bats, gushing water and oil geysers, bottomless sinkholes, haunting apparitions, and much more. Ultimately, the fear of further collapse will resonate in your mind as pressure in the mine builds, and the ground begins to quake.

Miner Madness also introduces an exclusive system which allows you to collect over 175 unique artifacts as you solve challenging puzzles, perform adventure quests, and blast your way through the treacherous mine. Adding great challenge and fun, this feature allows you to view each artifact and its unique description in the Museum of Lost Artifacts.

Adventure through 40 treacherous levels as you try to escape the unstoppable pressure that mounts beneath you. From abandoned mines to geyser-gushing, ground-quaking battlefields, you will need to keep your wits about you to reach the surface.

Miner Madness combines an engaging story, funky tunes, and an exciting adventure to produce a diverse and humorous game for a non-violent experience that everyone will enjoy. With multiple in-game help screens, tutorial tips and more, Miner Madness is quick to learn but hard to put down.

Screenshots:



Features:

• Strategically blast through the mine with six unique special items
• Exchange nuggets and molerat fangs at mysterious, underground shops to purchase special items, play lotteries, and more!
• Help menus and in-game tips show you how to play quickly and easily
• Every level dynamically generated to offer a continuous change between games
• Adventure quests and artifact puzzles provide a challenging and rewarding experience for gamers seeking high replay value and content diversity
• Professionally produced music adds to a comical and immersive experience
• Over 175 fun and unique artifacts wait to be found in the mine
• Saved game system allows you to save and stop playing when you need to
• Pre-rendered 3D artwork provides sharp graphics and smooth animation
• And much more!