The Arcade

[Beth]

Ok, maybe I am being silly posting this and am ignoring the obvious, but I cannot figure the keys to work the games. Like, I cannot figure how to flip or rotate columns in Candy Tetris. The keys I use for the games on my son's computer do not seem to match up with this particular game. I cannot find a 'how to play' tutorial so I am basically clueless. Help?

[HelenM]

Hi Beth,

I almost posted yesterday asking whether there were instructions for the arcade games. It seems like some have them and some don't.

I'm not sure whether I should reveal how to play Candy Tetris because then you might beat my score. :P Oh...I suppose I will...just for you ;)

You can't rotate blocks; they are always horizontal (but they split if where they land is not all the same height). Left or right arrow moves the entire falling block left or right. Left or right arrow once part of the block has landed can move the rest of it left or right.

Down arrow makes the block fall immediately instead of drifting down.

You can separate blocks sometimes once part has landed. For example, if the leftmost part of a block lands on a pile, you can use the right arrow so that the rest of it moves further to the right, until it lands also.

Each time you form a row of three or more of the same color - horizontal, vertical or diagonal - it will disappear and you get points. Sometimes there's a domino effect in that one row disappearing causes other pieces to fall down and form another row of three, so those disappear too, and so on.

Like the other tetris, the game is over when you reach the top of the screen.

I hope that helps!

Helen

[Dingfod]

Does anyone else find the Arcade to be as much of a waste of time and as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire? Does anyone else think the Arcade is one of the reasons there aren't any more posts in this board than there are?

OK, I know someone is going to point out that I'm only saying this because I'm not very good at the games in the Arcade. Perhaps there is a grain of truth in that.


Warren

[JoeP]

The Arcade (I wrote it with a small 'a' and it looked wrong; all hail the Arcade) is one of the reasons there aren't more posts at this and many other boards.

You just need to spend more time, lots more time. I still can't believe I'm showing up as the leader for that stupid beermat game (even though Khiron, with an equal score, shows as the leader when you check the high scores).

[Beth]

Helen, thanky so much. I scored very, very low,...bout 130-sumthin...so I doubt I will beat you. Especially knowing you made your high scores with the patter of your kids around also.

[Ronin]

Does anyone else find the Arcade to be as much of a waste of time and as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire?

I'm no english major, but these words don't seem to be strung together correctly.

That sentence simply makes no sense no matter how I read it.

What are you saying here, Warrenly?

You're saying something, I think.

:wtfsign:

* shuffles off aimlessly

[Chiron]

This probably deserves some sorta bug report. On the arcade main page, it says in the Champion column:
http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/images/arcade/trophy.gif JoeP (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/arcade.php?do=stats&userid=65)
with a score of
15
[High Scores] (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/arcade.php?do=scores&name=beermat)
But then if you are to glance over an inch to the next column, it says:
Your high score:
15
Whereas in the Beermat High Scores List (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/arcade.php?do=scores&name=beermat), I am labeled champion with 15 and JoeP is labeled number two.
But then in my arcade accomplishments, I do not hold the Beermat title and JoeP does. I also have not received an Arcade Alert email warning me that my high score was beaten (probably 'cos it wasnae), so I'm of the opinion that tied high scores should bestow multiple championships.

K
Btw, Joe -- my moniker here is actually the c-version Chiron, despite that I sign with a K. This is in order that I might destroy the sanity of all those present in order to allow me to obtain gainful championship with greater facility! Uwee hee hee!

[JoeP]

I'm no english major, but these words don't seem to be strung together correctly.

That sentence simply makes no sense no matter how I read it.

What are you saying here, Warrenly?

You're saying something, I think.

:wtfsign:

* shuffles off aimlessly
"Does anyone else find the Arcade to be as much of a waste of time and as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire?"

Does anyone else find (interrogative form of "Someone else finds...")
the Arcade (object)
to be (or not to be)

as much of a waste of time
and
as unfulfilling
as a game of solitaire?

(a contraction of "as much of a waste of time as a game of solitaire" and "as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire")

Grammatical and logical, captain.

/me leans back, satisfied
/me wonders if Ronin was just pulling something

[livius drusus]

I'm afraid there are no global instructions out there, Beth. As Helen says, some came with instructions and some didn't. I'm sure between the lot of us we could come up with a full set, though. I'll see about putting something together.

Meanwhile, I'm sure the Arcade distracts some people (*cough* Shake *cough* Ronin *cough* luna *cough*) from posting, but it's fun and I like offering a wider enjoyment experience, even if that means we have "only" 2600 posts in 3 weeks. Now go post something, warrenly. :P

[JoeP]

Problem solved, Ckiron. I scored 16. Didja receive an email now? Didja? :cool:

All the other games have higher possible scores so it's very unlikely to have tied champions. I don't think this bug will receive very much developer attention.

[Sonnet]

Does anyone else find the Arcade to be as much of a waste of time and as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire? Does anyone else think the Arcade is one of the reasons there aren't any more posts in this board than there are?

Negative and negative, mon capitan. When people want to post, they do. :hypno2:

[Ronin]

"Does anyone else find the Arcade to be as much of a waste of time and as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire?"

Does anyone else find (interrogative form of "Someone else finds...")
the Arcade (object)
to be (or not to be)

as much of a waste of time
and
as unfulfilling
as a game of solitaire?

(a contraction of "as much of a waste of time as a game of solitaire" and "as unfulfilling as a game of solitaire")

Grammatical and logical, captain.

* JoeP leans back, satisfied
* JoeP wonders if Ronin was just pulling something

Nope.

Still nothing, JoeP.

Is he saying that we should spend loads more time in the Arcade instead of playing solitaire?

In which case, I wholeheartedly agree.

:balloon:

PS ~ liv, you should try an altoid for that persistent throat tickle of yours...or perhaps, you know...a customized hot toddy of some sort.

:pimp:

[Sonnet]

Nope.

Still nothing, JoeP.

Is he saying that we should spend loads more time in the Arcade instead of playing solitaire?

In which case, I wholeheartedly agree.


Are long sentences usually this much of a problem, or is it just this one? It seems perfectly clear to me. :P

[Chiron]

Well, just for kicks, I solved the problem again. You can never be too sure. Better safe than sorry, I always say. :wink:

I actually didn't receive an email when I lost the tied high score... maybe I turned off my notification thing without remembering. And I still think that tied championships should be awarded to the joint top scorers -- the current behavior, even if not generally a problem, still seems like a bug.

K

[Dingfod]

I think Ronin's tongue is pressed firmly into his cheek. Careful you don't bite it, Ronin... your tongue, that is.

There, I posted something, liv. Real life has been seriously impeding my participation in message boards of any kind and is currently kicking my normally lazy ass, much like most of the games in The-the Arcade-ade-ade-ade.


Warren

[livius drusus]

PS ~ liv, you should try an altoid for that persistent throat tickle of yours...or perhaps, you know...a customized hot toddy of some sort.

:pimp:

Customized hot toddy, you say? Now that's a fine, fine idea. Thank you for taking a break from your busy flashpoker schedule to share of your sagacity.


There, I posted something, liv. Real life has been seriously impeding my participation in message boards of any kind and is currently kicking my normally lazy ass, much like most of the games in The-the Arcade-ade-ade-ade.

Hmmm... So am I meant to believe that your resentment towards the Arcade has nothing at all to do with the ass-kicking its been laying on you? Still, you posted, so all is well in my world. :)

[Ronin]

Customized hot toddy, you say? Now that's a fine, fine idea. Thank you for taking a break from your busy flashpoker schedule to share of your sagacity.

Hey, ain't nothing saggin' on the Ronin, babe.

:biceps:

[Ronin]

Are long sentences usually this much of a problem, or is it just this one? It seems perfectly clear to me. :P

This one of warrenly's is particulary vexing to me still.

Here's another:

"There are three errers in this sentance."

:dunce:

...and people wonder why I turn to pingu for solace.

[Dingfod]

Hmmm... So am I meant to believe that your resentment towards the Arcade has nothing at all to do with the ass-kicking its been laying on you? Still, you posted, so all is well in my world. :)Resentment? Resentment is perhaps a bit harsh. I was merely making an observation or two about the effects of The Arcade on members of this forum. I found myself mesmerized by the same blinking lights and flashy sounds as everyone else. I suck at these games, but I don't resent the fact that I suck at the games, it is merely a fact. However, my video game skills may merely reflect my success in life, they suck, it sucks.


Warren

[Chiron]

This one of warrenly's is particulary vexing to me still.

Here's another:

"There are three errers in this sentance."

:dunce:

...and people wonder why I turn to pingu for solace.No, Warren, you silly! There are only two!!! I mean, what the hell.

Kevin

[Ronin]

Resentment? Resentment is perhaps a bit harsh. I was merely making an observation or two about the effects of The Arcade on members of this forum. I found myself mesmerized by the same blinking lights and flashy sounds as everyone else. I suck at these games, but I don't resent the fact that I suck at the games, it is merely a fact. However, my video game skills may merely reflect my success in life, they suck, it sucks.


Warren

So...you *were* calling The Arcade (pbuin) a waste of time and unfulfilling?!?

It's all so clear to me now.

:glare:

Let me tell you what my good shaman elder Flacido Domingo once told me, warrenly:

"We live as kings, each of us...so pay no more attention to that fucking penguin, you damn moron!"

We should consider the depth of these words and contemplate them often.

:bow:

[Dingfod]

Yes.

The Arcade = Solitaire
just like
The Arcade = Unfulfilling
and
My life = Unfulfilling
therefor
The Arcade = My life


Ronin, I will ponder the thoughts of Flacido Domingo what's left of my short life. Remember this, the wise words of Earnest Laigher, "I am not responsible for how you interpret my words."


Warren

[JoeP]

This one of warrenly's is particulary vexing to me still.

Here's another:

"There are three errers in this sentance."

:dunce:

...and people wonder why I turn to pingu for solace.

How about:
"There are two different kinds of errers in this sentance."

This sentence no verb.

[viscousmemories]

I see the arcade and the forums here as not dissimilar to having a real arcade and a library next door to each other. When people want to read (or in the case of the forums, write) they'll come to the boards. When they want to take a break or veg, they'll go to the arcade. It may be true that people would spend more time posting if not for the games, but I doubt it; I think they'd just come around less.

[HelenM]

I don't see why having the Arcade would reduce yikes - someone just beat one of my high scores - gotta go!! :runaway:

[livius drusus]

This I promise you: as long as all y'all stay away from my straight Tetris scores, the Arcade will remain intact.

[pescifish]

... my straight Tetris scores ...
Wow, isn't it rather extreme to have separate versions of Tetris based on sexual preference? Just curious, which group tends to score the best? :wink:

[JoeP]

I see the arcade and the forums here as not dissimilar to having a real arcade and a library next door to each other. When people want to read (or in the case of the forums, write) they'll come to the boards. When they want to take a break or veg, they'll go to the arcade. It may be true that people would spend more time posting if not for the games, but I doubt it; I think they'd just come around less.
No. The arcade is like a rave; the forums are like a chill room. People come here for a short break when they get dehydrated or exhausted.

[livius drusus]

Wow, isn't it rather extreme to have separate versions of Tetris based on sexual preference?

Hey, I didn't name it Candy(ass) Tetris. It was like that when I got here.

Just curious, which group tends to score the best? :wink:

Stereotypes be damned. No question the straight ones put out far, far more. :yup:

[Dingfod]

A-ha! (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5117&postcount=11) Just as I suspected.

...since FF started I've hardly posted at all either here or at HH (I'm too busy gobbling up the high scores in the arcade)


Warren

[viscousmemories]

A-ha! (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5117&postcount=11) Just as I suspected.
It's all part of our rather devious strategy. I wasn't able to confess it earlier, but I believe farren is now sufficiently enthralled that even knowing our plan won't stop him now. You see, we realized we were suffering a dearth of quality intellectual contributions from certain folks because of their unhealthy obsession with the arcade, and their equally unhealthy preoccupation with besting each other.

So, we gave it a think.

What we concluded is that with minimal encouragement, we could get farren to put his life on hold and devote his time (in nearly its entirety) to capturing the high scores in the arcade and dominating the scene. We knew that as a result, the discouraged victims would eventually slink away from the glitz and glamour of the games and return to the fora. Of course we also knew that we would be sacrificing farren's contributions to the arcade Gods, but we decided it was a price that had to be paid.

It is worth noting, however, that while farren has conquered the arcade in sheer volume of awards, he has not succeeded in toppling any of the more serious competitors in their field. I'm thinking now of Sonnet's PoolJam championship or livius' Tetris cups. No, farren is strictly a numbers man, satisfying his craving for superiority by filling the void with easily acquired trophies...

:popcorn:

[pescifish]

You see, we realized we were suffering a dearth of quality intellectual contributions from certain folks
See, now, I was thinking maybe your devious plan involved capturing all those "certain folks" in the arcade so that their lame (non-quality) contributions to the forums could be avoided. :runaway:

[HelenM]

What we concluded is that with minimal encouragement, we could get farren to put his life on hold and devote his time (in nearly its entirety) to capturing the high scores in the arcade and dominating the scene. We knew that as a result, the discouraged victims would eventually slink away from the glitz and glamour of the games and return to the fora.

But what if it results in us - er, I mean, them - spending more time in the arcade now they have high scores to recapture?

Anyway, I don't see Farren anywhere on the high scores board for Candy Tetris :D

Helen

[viscousmemories]

See, now, I was thinking maybe your devious plan involved capturing all those "certain folks" in the arcade so that their lame (non-quality) contributions to the forums could be avoided. :runaway:
Oh well, um, yeah, that too! All part of the plan!

But what if it results in us - er, I mean, them - spending more time in the arcade now they have high scores to recapture?
We thought of that too. We thought of everything!! But that's a straw herring tu quoque. My motives are not the issue here. :innocent:

Anyway, I don't see Farren anywhere on the high scores board for Candy Tetris.
As I said, he showed up to the Olympics and has been tackling the kids playing hopscotch in the parking lot. When he captures a real trophy I'll start to worry.