Aren't flash games awesome? Just when you think a genre's dead, someone thinks of a way to make it new again! And that's what I like about flash games; There's always something new. There's always a new concept or feature that hasn't been used. Well, as good as flash games are, I don't think the people that make them get enough respect. So that's why I'm making this list; To show you guys some really high-quality flash games that should get to take it to the next level.

1. Enigmata

Enigmata is a top-down space shooter with wonderful design and visuals that can really pull you in. The thing I love about this game is the fact that it never feels lacking; There's plenty of levels, enemies, bosses, power-ups, and equipment to experience, and it's getting a sequel soon! As you can see, I'm really looking forward to it, and I really hope that it will one day get a console rendition. (Mostly because it runs kinda slow on this old desktop I use, but I do want to see this game succeed.)


Woah.

2. Flash-DooM 2D

Platformers are usually kid-friendly, light-hearted games with little challenge and lots of bright colors. DOOM is the antithesis of kid-friendly, light-hearted, and colorful. So would you ever expect a platformer-Doom game to be made by anyone? Chances are no. But for knarrenheinz, the answer is a resounding 'Yes!' But onto the game: Flash-DooM 2D is a platformer game that cheated on Mario with the Space Marine. The child was a pixelated sidescrolling-shooter that has fun levels, all the weapons from Doom 1, and some sweet sprite rips. An extended version on XBLA would make my day. (Even if the day is December 21, 2012. But I don't buy into that stuff, so anyday is good.)


Step 1. Pull trigger. Step 2. Don't step in it.

3. Level Up!

Like the last game, Level Up! is an 8-bit platformer-adventure that oozes charm. You play as The Girl who has to help The Boy regain his memory by collecting red gems. Along the way, you meet a plethora of NPCs, traverse a well-sized landscape, and level up by doing anything. You heard me; Anything. I know this joke has probably been done before, but you know the old saying: 'A joke's all in execution.' And trust me, the execution in this game is flawless. You can level up jumping, running, interaction, relationships, and much more! Just be careful not to forget...


Did that lever just talk?

4. Music Catch

Music Catch is definitely one of my favorite flash games for alot of reasons: 1. It has a simple but fun concept; Using your mouse as a pointer, you collect music notes as various songs play. 2. It has stunning, but soothing, visuals that don't make your eyes pop out of your head. 3. You can upload music from the Audio Portal! (No membership required.)


I know, it looks sort of crazy right know, but if you play it, you'll know what I mean.

5. CrunchDown

Alright you've played Kirby, right? Alright, now imagine that Kirby got totally hammered one night and got Golden Axe in a corner; Nine months later, you've got CrunchDown! 8 levels of beat 'em up action, 6 challenging boss fights, and 25 abilties! (Oh, and don't forget the hats and funny cutscenes!) What more could you ask for?! Well, maybe some zombies. But that problem is solved by...


Now that's a sweet intro screen!

6. TOXIE-RADD

Top-down persective: Check.
Upgrades: Check.
Shambing undead: Check!
Comic-style cutscenes: CHECK!
Arms replaced with weapons: CHECK!!!!
An attitude of 'MOAR!': FUCKIN' CHECK!!!!!

As you can see, Toxie-Radd is a top-down zombie shooter with alot going for it. You play as a prisoner of Rose Prison who undergoes a gruesome experiment where his right arm is replaced with a multi-purpose gatling weapon. You know not this mysterious prisoner's name for the experiment screwed your memory to hell. All you know is you have a gun for an arm, a tattoo across your chest that says 'JOE', and apparently you live in a prison full of zombies! It is unclear whether the experiment that you underwent was for military purposes or so Joe could clear the prison of these walking meat-grinders, but you know that you want revenge, and you'll let nothing stop you.

Toxie-Radd already has a sequel that takes place after Joe escapes the prison and is aided by 'The Trader'; Another experiment who didn't get a gunarm, but is still useful nonetheless. In the second game, you search a rural countryside for a cure to your zombification disease. As I've already beat it, I know that It'll be getting another sequel next year!


This is a pic of level 1 because the game doesn't save your file after you beat it. You should totally play it.

Links:
Enigmata
Flash-DooM 2D
Level Up!
Music Catch 1
Music Catch 2
Toxie-Radd 1
Toxie-Radd 2