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Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner

Recommended Specs:

OS: Windows XP / Vista

Processor: 1.5GHz

RAM: 256MB (512MB recommended)

Video card: 32MB 3D-accelerated video card (64MB recommended)

DirectX 9 or above

I had, until playing this episode, never heard of Homestar Runner, the website where the Strong Bad cartoons are hosted. I had no idea what to expect or what the game would be like except that sight of the main character of the game, Strong Bad, who looks like a midget Luchador.

This game is great fun. Just about everything is clickable, ala Sam and Max (of course that comparison would be here right?), but other than the cartoon feel, this is nothing like that other great episodic series from the same publisher…. The game is short, playable in a few hours, but that’s the great thing about episodic gaming: Bite-size game, bite-size price. The episodes are 8.95 each, or 34.95 for all 5 Episodes.

I was able to pick it up and play it right away, clicking with my mouse like those old Sierra adventure games of yore. My oldest son also picked it up, and he aboslutely loved the game. He did get stuck on some of the puzzles, but he figured them out with a little help from Dad. The cartoon graphics and G-Rated content made it fun for the boys to play along with me.

While you have the main story to play, which revolves around some “French” guy’s e-mail about why he just doesn’t beat up Homestar (who Strong Bad views as his enemy, but Homestar sees Strong Bad as his friend). So He sets out to kick some Homsetar booty. Eventually, Homestar and Strong Bad wind up having to work together to get things back to their version of normalcy.

There a are a lot of side quests to keep you busy as well, collecting cards, finding things for other characters, or just playing videogames at the house. That adds another hour or two to the game’s 6 hour or so length. I know some hardcore gamers or old-school adventurers are going to finish it in 4 or less, but there’s too much fun to just blaze through it so fast.

I would recommend visiting the site (http://www.homestarrunner.com) and watching some or all of the cartoons. You’ll appreciate the game more, and get a better feel of who’s doing what to who and why. 

I definately enjoyed this episode, and look forward to Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free, which I’m sure will be coming out very soon (I’m really late on this review, Episode 1 came out in August).

I am going to go for a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The bar was raised high with sam and Max, and while this one hits it well, it was pretty short. The easy level is great if you have younger players, while well-seasoned ones will probably find it run by a bit too quick. Fans of Sam and Max, or even old LucasArts games will have a blast with the things that happen when you click around. Puzzles were fun and well done, and nothing that didn’t make sense to put together. Graphics are fairly simple, and should be, it looks exactly like the cartoons that it’s based on. I’m not a great judge of music, but it didn’t get in the way of the rest of the game.

If you like bite-sized gaming, need something to play while travelling (which I do a lot of), or are a fan of the toon, I have no problem recommending this download to anyone looking for some fun.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel available for hands-on multiplayer matches at North American LAN event

September 5, 2008 — cdv Software Entertainment USA is pleased to announce their attendance at Showdown LAN in Worchester, MA. From September 5 through September 7, cdv USA will be allowing gamers to get hands-on time with their upcoming action-RPG, Sacred 2: Fallen Angel in both single- and multiplayer cooperative modes. For more information about Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, which will be released for Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3, please visit http://www.sacred2.com or http://www.cdvus.com.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

Police Frontman/Bassist Sting to Lend Voice and Likeness; Rockers Tool Bring Three Popular Tracks and Band-Designed Venue to the Game

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept 05, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Rock and roll legend Sting and progressive metal pioneers Tool are making their video game debuts, contributing more than just music, in Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero(R) World Tour.

In what will be the largest collection of artists ever to appear in a Guitar Hero game, singer-songwriter, actor, author, activist and lead singer/bassist of The Police, Sting will add his voice and likeness as an in-game character. Aspiring frontmen can take the stage as Sting throughout their vocal career or play alongside him as he performs one of The Police classics, “Demolition Man.”

Hugely popular alternative metal band Tool, known for their epic, intense musical arrangements and killer visual arts, will also soon be known for their contribution to the upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour. Guitar Hero fans from all over the world will be able to rock out to “Parabola” and Grammy-award winning “Schism” from Tool’s critically-acclaimed 2001 album Lateralus in addition to “Vicarious” from their 2006 Grammy-award winning album 10,000 Days. The game will also feature an all-new venue designed in collaboration with the band and highlighting the art style that has become a staple in their music videos, live shows and album artwork.

When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes(SM) where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. The Wii(TM) version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit http://www.guitarhero.com.

Fiesta Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Outspark’s free MMORPG Fiesta is celebrating its one year anniversary. Released last September, Outspark’s first title has already attracted over two million players. Outspark has released multiple major content patches over the past year, including a free expansion last month that raised the level cap, introduced player weddings and an apprentice system.

Over the next two weeks (September 4-16) players will be able to participate in a quest to celebrate the one year anniversary. Vietree in Roumen is working on baking a birthday cake and needs players’ help to gather all the ingredients. Every player that completes the quest will earn a Mini Cake – a tasty treat that boosts players’ stats for a limited time.

For more information check out the official Fiesta website.

Related Links:

Official Fiesta website: http://fiesta.outspark.com
“Let There Be Cake” event description: http://www.outspark.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=699&day=2008-9-4&c=1
Fiesta birthday forum thread:http://outspark.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1085563

Clever little press release from Natsume about Princess Debut:

Some early screens from this XBLA game coming out later on this fall.

The ultimate pursuit for every TOP (http://top.igg.com/) player must be of Black Dragon challenge due to the fabulous rewards it brings. In this news we will talk about some tips for players who are fancy in challenging Black Dragon Boss.

Introduction of Black dragon lair

The lair of Black Dragon hides in the depth of Summer Island near (3430, 3296).

Pirates who want to explore the lair must prepare 2 things: Voodoo Puppet and Lantern.

Black Dragon Lair 1

Getting into the entrance of Black Dragon Lair 1, Pirates will see Level 85 Huge Cyborg. The high-level monsters are just ordinary here, I f two monster coming together, they are possible to kill Champion in a second although he has the ultimate defense.

Tips: Crusader goes first and stun the monster at entrance, then Champion go up to attack following by other team members to kill it together. Huge Cyborg will drop Timeless Machines which is very useful in the following quest, so make sure every member has got one.

As Moving forward pirates will see elite monster Anubis which is more powerful than that Anubis in Long Tower.

Tips: Seal Master and Sharp Shooter must be the vanguard to seal the monster, and then other members cooperate with them to attack. Anubis will drop the Sigil of Anubis; make sure every member has got one.

Moving to the depth of Black dragon lair, pirates will see Dharma Pharaoh which has radiate skill called Poison Dart. Here the Cleric class must help recover the team member who has been poisoned.

Tips: Seal Master and Sharp Shooter must be the vanguard to seal the monster, and then other members cooperate with them to attack. Dharma Pharaoh will drop the Mask of Mummy King; make sure every member has got one.

The place transfer from Black Dragon Lair 1 to Black Dragon Lair 2 locates at (845,250).

At entrance of Black Dragon Lair 2 pirates will see Guarding Statue which will ask for 3 props as passport: Timeless Machine, Sigil of Anubis and Mask of Mummy King.

Black Dragon Lair 2

You should stay where you are the moment you enter Black Dragon Lair 2 to avoid disturbing the Black Dragon untimely. The entire player should observe the surrounding after entering Black Dragon Lair 2. Black Dragon Lair 2 is a square backroom. Only the Black Dragon resides in the room. After all the group members enter the lair, all walk along walls to the nearest corner because only the four corners of the room are safe. After all reach the corner, the whole team should cast beneficial spells and effects on one another. Remember to carry some Lanterns before heading to fighting the Black Dragon because Lanterns can be used to increase defense. After that, the fighting can start. Sharpshooters run swiftest so Sharpshooter should be in charge of pulling the Black Dragon. Sharpshooters should seal the Black Dragon first to prevent it from summoning little dragons and then pull the Black Dragon to the corner where other teammates are. Then one Crusader should stun it and other players attack it. After the Black Dragon revives from the stun, other Crusader stuns it again. The Crusaders should stun the Black Dragon in turn. Do not waste any stun abilities. If the Black Dragon summons little dragons, one of Clerics or Priests in the team should log character out of the game and then relog into the game after 15 minutes to revive other teammates. We recommend 50 players at least to slay the Black Dragon. It will cost at least 3 hours.

The fabulous drops from the Black Dragon are listed below:

*Heart of the Black Dragon

*Eye of the Black Dragon

*Soul of the Black Dragon

These three fabulous items can be refined and will give out fabulous attack power after forged into gear. Those who loves enhancement will love them.

*Dragon Key which can be used to open the Black Dragon Chest.

For more game strategy, please visit our official website: (http://top.igg.com/main.php/)

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