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Digital Slob
Curt Brandao
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Flash games bring back college daze
There's something about playing online Flash games that reminds Digital Slobs of our college days.
Perhaps it's their simple graphics -- reminiscent of state-of-the-art computer games back when we spent the better part of our day hitting the snooze button in our dorm. Or maybe it's the goof-off factor -- you can't play one of these no-download, Internet-based games without acknowledging that any other activity would be more productive -- a feeling I had at least 85 percent of the time at college.
Oh, there was book-learning. And parking-stall hunting. But those memories fade faster than this actual "stressed-out" quote from my sophomore year:
"Dude, hurry up and finish that computer chess game. If we want to get in a full 18 holes of Frisbee golf, we've got to be done by 6 because happy hour is over at 7, and the appetizers will be long gone once the Saints football game comes on."
Such in-the-field tactical thinking is why I got such a high score on the analytical portion of the Graduate Records Examination.
Anyway, searching for the best online Flash games makes me yearn for campus life. Perhaps I'll go back for my Ph.D. All I need is two or three key campus policemen to retire, and I'll be right back on that Frisbee golf back nine -- and isn't that where we all want to be?
Until then, here are some cool online Flash games to color your trip down memory lane:
Bumper Karts (teagames.com): Everybody knows that polite driving never gets anyone anywhere, and this multitrack race game rewards those willing to shove a few elbows around tight corners. Race three other carts on increasingly curvy courses. Pros: Beginning levels give your cart a bit more juice than the others. Cons: You must keep winning to keep playing.
Redline Rumble (shockwave.com): Unlike the bird's-eye view of Bumper Karts, this Flash game puts you behind the wheel on the highway, "Fast and Furious" style. Race for car titles, avoid traffic, weave under 18-wheelers and amass a collection of spoils for your garage. Pros: Hectic pace and sound effects make it easy to pretend you're a bad-boy babe magnet. Cons: Don't bother to stay ahead until you lose the helicopter cops midway through the race.
InkLink (shockwave.com): For those who love Pictionary but fear developing an addiction to marker fumes, this multiplayer game is sure to please. Win points by being the first to type what someone else is drawing, and also for quickly drawing something (with your mouse) that others can identify. Pros: Helps you develop your creative side (example: draw a tie and a wand for "Taiwan"). Cons: You must type the answer exactly right, or you will lose to someone who does.
Picture Pyramid (shockwave.com): If you prefer your idle pursuits to be less action-oriented, then try this "what's wrong with this picture" game. Compare two almost identical photos, pick out which details are different and keep an eye out for the timer. Pros: Hints are available. Cons: Fun quickly turns into purgatory because you can never get that last one.