Those Addictive Smartphone Games...

I don't play a lot of smartphone games, and by "not a lot" I mean, I don't play a lot of different games, only a couple, actually. There's a solitaire game, and...well, that was about it. I know there's a lot of addictive smartphone games out there. Back in the day I geeked out on Angry Birds and all of its incarnations. It was fun, but then it wasn't. I also used to play Simpson's Tapped Out way too much. That relationship ended as well, which left me and solitaire to be friends once again.

I do have friends that play these bubble-bursting games and I know they're addictive. I never tried Candy Crush or the others. But then I found Angry Birds Blast. Yes, a bubble-bursting game.

These games are different. For one, you can't just play and play--there are actual time limits. You can keep playing as long as you clear the levels. I'm not that good. And another way to continue playing whenever you want is to pay. Yes, it's a pay to play format. Since I'm very cheap when it comes to these games, I'm at the mercy of my video game skills, which are less than stellar. Plus, the game rewards you for watching ads. That's something I haven't experienced before. If you don't clear the level, you can watch a short video and you'll get some help. Pretty sly.

But, in a way, this is a good thing. It keeps me from playing all day and whenever I want. And as almost everyone knows, time spent playing games on your phone can be better spent doing almost anything else. I wonder how long it will take for me to not enjoy this one. Time will tell. I do know, however, that if and/or when that time comes, solitaire will be waiting.

My Friend's Vicariously Lived Life...

I've written about his game before, and it really doesn't take up all my time. It is an occasional pleasure, I assure you. 

My friend used to play the game, but he stopped. That's too bad because he seems to enjoy when I send him pictures from the game.

This is my friend who is a huge Simpson's fan, and when I say huge, I'm talking his admiration of the cartoon. But, he only likes the older shows...he's not partial to the more recent seasons.

These short stories remind him of the way the show used to be. So, if anyone asks why I still play the game, I blame it on Steve.

A Diversion From Reality...

Due to the horrific news from Boston today, I wanted to focus on something completely different...a diversion from reality, an iPhone app called The Simpson's Tapped Out.

A few months ago I ran across this little game--a free game, mind you--and I thought I'd give it a try. This follows a new trend in smart phone and tablet games--they give you the base game for free, but if you want to buy extra levels or accelerate your game-playing experience, you can pony up real money for virtual fun.

 

The object is simple, tap on the characters, follow instructions, build up experience points and money, collect doughnuts, which in Homer's world, can be used as currency. It's mindless, I know, but I've enjoyed my time building my imaginary society.

Every couple of months, there's a different theme. I started playing back when Halloween was the theme. Now, it's snake-whacking time. 

Today I was able to harvest my crop of corn after waiting 90 days to do so. It's almost like living on a real farm! Ha...no it isn't.

 

But, when the harvest came in I had the means to build Burns Manor...Excellent! In 24 hours, it will be mine.

I don't know how long I'll play the little game, but I've not spent one penny on it and I'm glad about that. Of course, my time is worth something...