Monday, May 30, 2005

Arcade Bubbles

Last night I downloaded Java (a computer plugin http://www.java.com) because I thought it would help me get one of my pages to work right on the Internet (it didn't) but... there were a bunch of links to games:  http://www.java.com/en/games

Usually I am not too interested in games because most of them are shoot 'em up type or magical role-playing games, neither of which interest me in the least. However, I do like puzzle-type games if there is an element of intelligence to the game. If the game is based totally on chance, I lose interest quickly, but if I have a chance to pit myself against the computer. I easily become addicted.

I downloaded the free version of Arcade Bubbles. The bubbles look more like multi-colored cans of paint or candles (the wick being the highlight that is suppose to make it look round, I guess). My eyes play tricks with me inverting the dark background while I am playing.

The object of the game is to get three like-colored bubbles in a row. Two clicks of the mouse swap two bubbles. When you accomplish the objective, the three bubbles disappear. The remaining bubbles fall into the empty spaces and create a new arrangement. The process is timed, and if you get multiple triads of bubbles to fall at once, a cascade effect from falling bubbles making new three-in-a-row colors, then you get extra time. Each level of the game, you get less time to accomplish this.

There are two screens to play, one is arranged horizontally and the other is arranged diagonally. I found the diagonal arrangement the easiest because there are more options for getting three bubbles in a row.

The game tracks the high score and it came with several fictitious names for you to beat. So far my high score is 869.

Eventually the game started having a nag screen between each level. Then you have to wait 4 seconds, then 8 seconds, then 10 seconds, and so on between each level. Before you can continue playing, you have to click on an x to remove the nag screen. While the time is counting down, you are losing an equal amount of time to complete that level.

For $45 U.S. you can write to them in France and get this game as well as all their others on CD. I was seriously considering buying the game until the nag screen appeared. Now I am not so sure. If they don't trust me, then why should I trust them?