What’s in making a game?

BoomsticK is a shooting game where a a stick-figure shoots moving targets in the sky.  When a target is hit, it rains ammunition that the shooter must pick up to restock on ammo.  Pretty basic game with basic graphics.  I only made it to level 1, so maybe I’m missing out on the advanced level theatrics, but if you’re like me, you might have your fill after a few games.

I’ve never created a game but I’d be interested in hearing from people who are familiar with creating games to understand what’s involved with making this type of seemingly simple game.  Is it hard or is it easy?  And is this game purposely simple to attract fast play for a larger audience?

Centipede!!!

Okay, it’s actually not Centipede, but it sure looks and plays like it!  Earth Defense, from MochiAds, is the first game I’ve come across that is nearly the same as the Centipede arcade game.  The main difference with Earth Defense is that the shooter is in the middle and the centipedes circle the shooter.  The graphics and sounds mimic the original game, but having the shooter in the center makes the game harder.

I’m not sure this has ever happened to me before, but I scored lower and lower after every play!  My first game ended with 700 points, the second and third games scored 400 and 300.  I don’t get it?!

If you’re into Centipede, save your arcade quarters for laundry and metered parking — and try Earth Defense here.  Otherwise, stay tuned and I’ll let you know when I find an online version of Mrs. PacMan!

The Ark’s got game

For an instant, nostalgic laden pick-me-up, check out The Ark, located in Laurel Heights, Noe Valley and Berkeley.  It is toy heaven for small and big kids alike!  As I walked through the front door, I was immediately itransformed into my 8 year-old self.  I rediscovered childhood games and nearly pulled on the ethereal princess, pirate and ballerina costumes, which were just a wee bit too small for me.

The magical store is set up in a way that will make you want to explore each nook and try out every game and toy on display.   You’ll love it – whether you pick up something for yourself or for a lucky little one.

This is killin’ my Noggin

I found Noggin on a friend’s FB page and thought I’d give it a try.  It’s not terribly satisfying, though that might have to do with my lack of fondness for these word guessing type of games.  It does however, kind of suck you in. 

You’re given 3 minutes to type in as many words as possible from a 4×4 tile board, the catch is that you have to create words only from letters that are next to each other on the board.  As you play you can see the names of other people who are playing at the same time and your score and ranking against other players is updated real-time.  You might like it if you’re into Word Challenge and similar word-guessing type of games.  I’m not really into it!

Jenga

No, I’m not posing as a tourist, that’s a V-sign for victory!  I played the drinking games version of Jenga this weekend, where there are scribbled commands on the side of the little logs –  “Take a shot”, “Pinch the butt of the person sitting to your right”… yeah.  Since there were only two of us and the hardest thing I drink is coffee, we stuck to the simple version of Jenga to find out who has steadier hands.   And apparently that’s me. 

How fun would it be to have an online Jenga, where you can play with friends, and it would be realistic with lots of jiggling, and a tilting tower as logs are pulled out.   I’d play!  Anyone out there wanna make that??    You never know… it could be the next Scrabulous!

A Girl’s Gotta Eat

When I’m not playing games, I’m usually planning my next meal!  This picture was taken at Ella’s, my favorite brunch spot in SF. Their banana pancakes are heavenly, and the chicken hash is a perennial favorite. Playing games and eating pancakes. What a life.

Victorious!

Pizza was eaten, poker was played, a table was broken in half, and I came in first!  Pretty sweet night.  Nothing out of the ordinary, except for me winning.

We played 2-card guts, Texas hold-em, follow-the-queen, and Omaha style poker.  Our sophistication in the ways of poker was illustrated when we had to look up whether a straight beat a 3-of-a-kind.  Yeah, you’re probably kicking yourself for not taking our money when you had the chance.  Maybe next time.

Live Poker

My place.  Tonight.  Pizza, beer, colas, chips & salsa.  Drop me a line (or comment) if you want to join us!  Be warned, we’re not serious players, but we do have a lot of fun!  The group is equally split between girls and guys so everyone’s welcome.  We might even have you warm up your poker hands with a RockBand jam on the PS3.  One drum set, 3 guitars and 3 microphones should make for a good bit of pre-poker mayhem.

Hi, my name is Teena

And I’m addicted to Ultrablock.
How do I know?
1. When I’m not playing, I wish I was
2. When my hands start cramping mid-play, I power through
3. When my laptop displays the warning, “Your battery is about to run out”, I am secretly happy because a hard shutdown will for sure get me to stop playing the game!

Save yourselves. Don’t try it.
But if you do, see if you can get past level 8! My new high score is 23,000!!
Bring it on, suckas!

Ultrablock, I dare you to try it!

Slightly mind-numbing and totally addictive,  Ultrablock, a RockYou game, is a close cousin of Tetris.  As blocks build on the screen, the goal is to pop blocks of at least 3 of the same color to keep the tower from hitting the top of the screen.  It sucked me in, and before I knew it, an hour was gone!  I got up to level 7 with a high score of 14,500.

I should go outside before I get sucked in for another hour.  Well, okay, just.. one.. more.. game….. 

If you have an addictive personality, avoid this game at all costs!  If you’re like me and think you’re good at exerting self-control, test yourself out here!