


ABOUT ME
My name's Josh Hallaran and I'm an independent game developer from the Central Coast, in NSW, Australia. For over a decade, I've been making games under the business title of Critical Games.
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While I've dabbled in mobile development, I'm best known for my work on PC and Consoles, creating story-driven Japanese-style RPG experiences with the 8-Bit Adventures series.
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I want to stress that I'm not usually a solo developer, and big games like 8-Bit Adventures 2 are definitely a team effort where I've worked with fellow freelancers. My real passion is Writing and Game Design, although I've filled many roles on my projects.
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This website exists as a portfolio of my work, and a way for players to easily get in touch with me.

8-Bit Adventures 2
Genre: JRPG Release Date: January 31st 2023 (PC), October 16th 2024 (Console)
Platforms: PC (via Steam, GOG, Itch.io), Nintendo Switch,
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
An Exciting, Emotional Tribute to the Golden Age of JRPGs!
8-Bit Adventures 2 is everything you love about NES, SNES and PS1-era JRPGs. Pilot your Airship and explore a vast World Map; strengthen your party’s bonds with character-driven side-quests, and face off with challenging Super Bosses in dynamic Turn-Based battles!
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A mistreated child with impossible powers wreaks havoc upon the world, fighting for his right to exist. But if he lives, humanity must die. Now a famous hero has disappeared, kicking off a grand adventure - and a battle for survival...
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A perfect entry point into the fan-favorite series, this is a story for new and returning players. Try the Free Demo today!
8-Bit Adventures 1
Genre: JRPG Release Date: March 31st, 2015
Platforms: PC (via Steam, GOG, Itch.io)
8-Bit Adventures: The Forgotten Journey Remastered Edition is a retro-styled JRPG with polish and personality, that focuses less on references (although there are plenty!) and more on telling a story...
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Featuring a classic story with a unique twist, genuine NES-like music with retro charm, a vast World Map packed with monsters and treasures, a colour-based Element System which adds an extra layer of strategy to battles, and engaging, lovable characters! ​
Tales across time
Genre: JRPG Release Date: April 18th, 2016
Platforms: PC (via Steam and Itch.io)
Tales Across Time is a linear, story-driven RPG experience from the creator of 8-Bit Adventures: The Forgotten Journey. It uses the classic short-story format to tell the tale of three very different characters; each living centuries apart, but in the same location.
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​Each narrative presents a different experience. Explore a haunted, ancient ruin; help a young woman save her town and her love; face off with an unstoppable masked killer. Many tales have been told across time; will yours be able to transcend it?
Get in Touch
If you have any questions,
media inquiries, or issues regarding
my games, please feel free to
send me a message!