ABOUT ME
My name's Josh Hallaran and I'm an independent game developer from Australia. For over a decade now, I've been making games under the business name of Critical Games.
​
While I've dabbled in mobile development, I'm best known for my work on PC (and soon consoles), creating story-driven Japanese-style RPG experiences with the 8-Bit Adventures series.
​
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.
​
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
Platforms: PC (via Steam, GOG, Itch.io) Coming soon to Nintendo Switch,
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
8-Bit Adventures 2 is everything you love about NES, SNES and PS1-era JRPGs - with all of the charm, heart and soul, but none of the inconvenience.
That means a a heartfelt, character-focused narrative; strategic turn-based combat; deep party customisation; an unforgettable soundtrack; no random battles; and a fantastical world traversed by Airship, all brought to life by vibrant 8-Bit inspired visuals. While it may be a sequel, anyone can jump into this all-new JRPG adventure!
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...
​
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.
​
​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!