Review by tapeworm June 11, 2008

In Forward Always Forward, as in many of Wacheski's games, you pilot an abstract ship and battle abstract enemies. But although common threads run through many of his games, I always find each new title quite unique.

This time, you're infiltrating a sort of fortress guarded by sentries who throw firecracker-like projectiles. Your goal is to collect green things (crystals) and destroy red things (enemies and their projectiles). You move using your keyboard and aim and fire using your mouse. The atmosphere is hostile and odd, and the graphics and sounds are high-quality, though sparse.

You can leave an area at any time (the exit's at the top), but if you leave an area that you haven't cleared, you'll see it again. To clear an area, collect all the crystals. This requires defeating the sentries, as they hold some of the crystals.

I find this game fairly challenging, but not frustrating. Collecting crystals adds to your shields, so you can take a few hits without having to start over.

If you're already a fan of Jph's games, this one shouldn't disappoint you. If you have never tried one, this is probably as good an introduction as any.