Garden Gnome Carnage

By: Xander

On: December 4th, 2007

Apparently there’s a Game Maker Winter Contest on at the moment which I somehow had no idea about. Probably has something to do with the monumental news posts underneath me (which strike upon my love of things both mermaid and goo related). However, given the quality of Garden Gnome Carnage, it’s certainly something I shouldn’t be overlooking, which is partly why it’s highlighted here! The other reason is that it’s also the first game I’ve ever shouted ‘How the heck do I stop beating off this cat?!’ whilst playing, so if nothing else I need to clear my name with the neighbours and/or animal protection societies.

In Garden Gnome Carnage you play a building, which is attached to a gnome. Or you play a gnome attached to a building. In the ensuing insanity it’s easy to forget. The idea is to stop the elves from entering the roof of the chimney by smashing them in the face with your gnome, or by any of the other methods of attack you can find. For instance the gnome can pick up bricks from your building to throw into crowds of elves, who then launch into the sky to take down sleighs, which rain destruction back down on the elves you missed first time around.

This combo system is the key to scoring big in the game, and the overall carnage that ensues from taking advantage of it is fantastic. As an extra incentive for doing this, you’re awarded tips at the end of each game which clue you in on extra abilities and attacks you never thought a building and a gnome were capable of. It’s insane, and that’s what makes it so damnbokorin-tastic to play, with so many aspects of the gameplay hidden amongst the debris, death and ridiculous hat/footwear. Just wait until you hit 80,000 points!

Update:Version 2 – Download

Also Hit the extended for gameplay footage and some PROTIP usage also courtesy of Ultimortal himself!
(Source: Paul Eres via the ever awesome Indygamer )