The game has a simple but compelling plot. Your 6 cities are being attacked by ballistic missiles. Some will split like MIRVs (Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicle) and in some later levels there are smart bombs that can evade a targeted missile. You are the regional commander of three anti-missile batteries and your job will be to defend the six cities in your zone and keep them from being destroyed. What sounds simple actually makes for hours on end of fun.

You played the game by moving a crosshair across the background of the sky using a trackball and then pressing one of three different buttons to launch the counter-missile from the appropriate battery. The counter-missiles will explode on the cross hair, leaving a fireball and destroying any missiles that cross over it or through it.

There are a total of three batteries and each one has 10 missiles. A missile battery will be deemed useless once all of the missiles have been shot from it. It is also deemed useless if it is destroyed by enemy fire. So you need to work in combination of protecting your batteries while destroying the enemy fire.

Just like many games of this type, Missile Command is set to increase difficulty at higher levels. As you continue to progress in the game, it will get harder and faster. You will need to be right on with your targeting so as to complete each level and continue playing. This was part of the addictive nature of the game. Players wanted to beat their last high score or get one more level higher than they have ever reached before.

A level ends when all of the cities are destroyed or when all enemy weaponry is destroyed. At the end of each level, you can also receive points for unused weaponry and remaining cities. This means the game rewards you for the better you do on each level. As you can see, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers aspect of this game and it can easily become addicting.

Just like many other arcade games, especially of the times, there was no real way to win the game. It just keeps going and going until all six cities are wiped out and it ends. It gets harder and faster with each level until it becomes nearly impossible to complete the stages. Destroyed cities will not be reset but at certain intervals in the game, a bonus city will be awarded.

Some interesting facts about the game include the one that while programming the game, Dave Theurer, programmer, experienced nightmares. The original six cities of the game were also meant to represent six cities in California, United States. These included Eureka, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego.

The game has had many clones, been mentioned in popular culture and much more. A new treat for Missile Command fans is the multiplayer version that you can now find online. This allows you to play the same fun game with different people and from any computer with an internet connection.

Play Missile Command now!

Retro Gaming: Missile Command is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

There are many great features to the game such as the ability to customize each unique character that already has its own unique fighting style. As you level up, you can customize even farther. There are more than 50 different paths of the game to experience so you can play it again and again, each time like a new game. The variety of endings will keep it interesting to you, even if you’ve played it before.

Released on May 26, 1997 for the Sega Saturn and for MSRP of $19.99, Guardian Heroes was 1 player or a maximum of 4 players, making it multiplayer. You can change the world’s destiny when you play Guardian Heroes for yourself.

With 45 playable characters, there was something for everyone and since there is a variety of game play modes, you don’t get bored quickly. It’s not possible to just “beat” the game and move on. Since there are so many things to do, you will want to continue and do it all. This game from developer Treasure was one of the best things to ever come to the Sega Saturn.

It’s a beat ‘em up game but it’s more than just a copy of Streets of Rage or Final Fight and the other action fighters of the times. In this game, you could be one of the five heroes and push through thousands of enemies that roamed the lands. You have the power to determine the fate of the world.

The game has even more depth due to the ability to create combos, big hits and more. You also get experience points that you can choose how you will use. Let’s not forget that it looks great for its time as well. It has some of the best hand drawn sprites you will find in a game and the backdrops were beautiful, realistic and lively.

This was the type of game that was fun to watch as well as play so you didn’t mind so much hovering around the TV with your buddies, each taking turns on the Sega Saturn. If you’re looking for a great retro game to take you back to old times or just to experience the games of the time period for yourself, then Guardian Heroes is one you really want to try to get your hands on. It’s a game experience you won’t soon forget and even today, it’s still the kind of game that makes you feel good inside. It’s a great example of what good gaming is all about.

Retro Gaming: Guardian Heroes for the Sega Saturn is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

What benefits are there for me, if i get to level 99? .

Skill cape – The Skill cape can be bought at level 99, by a specific NPC (Non-Player Character), for example, the Fishing Skill cape can be bought from the Fishing Master, outside of the Fishing Guild, wearing a Skill cape puts you among the few players who have reached this skill mastery.

Emote – Skill capes also come with a Skill cape Emote, the Emote is specific to that skill, some are more popular then others, such as Agility, which has a very awesome Emote, compared with Thieving, which shows a man stealing a sack of gold, not as exciting.

Above, is my character performing the Fletching Skill Cape Emote.

This all sounds expensive! How much will it cost? Well, the amount of money spent varies between skills, for example:

• Fletching – Moderate, can cost from as little was 3.5million Gold.
• Herblore – Very Expensive! Can cost 350 – 500 million depending on the speed you’d like to get 99.
• Cooking –  Cheapest out of all ‘buyable 99’s’, costs as low as 3 million Gold, this is done by buying the food, cooking it, selling it, and buying more.
• Construction – Second most expensive to get, can cost 150 million, to 500 million, depending on the method.
• Crafting – Third most expensive, can cost between 50 million, to 250 million, depending on the method.
• Fire Making – Can cost as little, as 10 Million coins, the more money spent on logs, the quicker you’ll get level 99.

Note – The RuneScape economy over time, sometimes prices increase, or decrease, watch out for this when choosing your 99.

RuneScape – A Guide To A Quick Skill Mastery, level 99. is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

Upon loading the game, you are presented with this screen. If you are a new player to Storm the House, it may be a good idea to either read the instructions, or play Storm the House 1, to be more acquainted. On the left, are the difficulty modes, Easy, Medium, Hard, and Why God?

The ‘Why God?’ mode was added to spice up the games playability, and give the player a slight challenge.

Through each mode, the amount of men to Storm the House, and the damage they can take increases. On Easy mode, a swordsman dies after getting shot once, on ‘Why God?’ It takes up to 5 or 6 shots!

Above, is the upgrades screen, after every day/stage, this is shown.

As you can see in the image above, there are plenty of ways of keeping those pesky Stickselvanians out of your home! My advice, is to use either the Machine Gun, (highlighted in green), and increase the clip size, or use the missile launcher, both are great fun!

Tips on success in Storm the House 2

• Clip Size – On the image above you can see that you can increase the clip size of your weapon, this means you have more bullets to fire, until you need to reload.
• Gunmen – Start to buy gunmen at day 3 or 4, gradually increase that amount each time, i suggest about 20 – 30 Gunmen at Day 10 at least.
• Craftsmen – Just in case one Stickselvanian gets to your house unharmed, it’s best to have Craftsmen, ready to deal with the damage it’s caused!
• Increase your Fort, and Wall – Best ways to keep Stickselvanians from destroying your house. Works well with a good amount of Craftsmen, i suggest about 5 – 10 at Day 20 at least.

Storm the House 2 is a great sequel to it’s predecessor, I for one really enjoyed this game, and if you also enjoyed Storm the House 1, then Storm the House 2 is for you!

An Introduction To Storm The House 2 is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

Even better they can be played online and for free! Check out the games section at the top of the page for some fast fun.

GREAT NEW GAMES ADDED TO EGGNCHIPS is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

Yes, it’s not the most exciting game in the world, nor the most technologically advanced – even then. But for whiling away a night shift when everything was running smoothly there was nothing quite like it. The entire production floor would be involved in Pinball tournaments and the Kudos for winning was enormous!

In no way could it be described as "involved". There was only the one table, which was part of it’s charm, and any number of cheats for it, which just take away the fun to my mind. The sound effects are undoubted a little naff but it just struck the right note for 3 in the morning. I can still hear it now and if it came installed in Vista I’d probably be playing it now as well. To my mind it’s right up there as one of the great time-wasters of…well…all time.

I’m a little saddened by the fact that Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, no longer package it with their OS. Equally, that it’s not available to play for free online somewhere. With the interest in "retro-gaming" that’s sprung up, surely there’s a place for a basic, rather uncool pinball game.

So cast your minds back. What was it that you played in the wee small hours of the morning? What kept you amused at work, distracted from your homework and up half the night? And I’m not just talking to the Cool Kids here. I’m talking to you…

Space Cadet Glow! is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

One of the difficulties of online multiplayer gaming, using a portal, is coaxing your friends and family to sign up for a particular service out of the thousands that are available. Even more unlikely is the chance of stumbling upon someone you already know in order to challenge them with online games.

The best aspect of social gaming on a social network site is that your friends and family are probably already members and as many networking sites open up their back-end systems through easy to use API – taking advantage of them for social gaming is on the rise.

There seems to be no distinct formula for games either, with a range of member demographics on offer, pretty much any game genre from short lived casual games to massive online pervading worlds are reaching out to provide something for everyone.

Already, diverse games like FarmVille, Mafia Wars and Bejeweled Blitz, are undergoing huge increases in popularity simply because they are so accessible and the friends network is already established.

The future for social networking is in gaming – social gaming.

Social Gaming Leads The Way For Social Media is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

Read PONG backwards and you get GNOP – which entirely sums up this cool, nod back to the retro genre, game. Of course, it’s the classic game of PONG turned on it’s head as you play the role of the ball. Think it’s easy – think again. GNOP is from Bit Battalion, “two guys who like to make flash games.” and if you like GNOP you can also give their other games a run – Mr. Runner and Spacetacular Voyage.

The aim of the game is to progress through the levels (clues are given at the top of each screen). Early levels are relatively easy but the complexity soon picks up as you find the ball taking you back levels if you make one false move.

The only keys required to play the game are the UP and DOWN arrow keys – the rest is down to strategic thinking. Are you up to the challenge of GNOP? Go on, give it a go, it’s great fun.

To play GNOP visit Bit Battalion GNOP.

Play PONG Backwards With GNOP is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

You start by viewing a small optional tutorial in which the hermit of the story will tell you all about his life, and tell you what you need to achieve. I suggest you watch the tutorial if you are interested in knowing the background to a game or want to eke some clues as to what to do.

For added ambience, there is an almost sinister theme to this game which is portrayed through the use of music, which could have come right out of a Hollywood horror movie.

The controls for this game are simple:

• Arrow Keys – Move (Up arrow to Jump)
• A – Use switch
• R – Restart Level
• Spacebar – Create Shadow/Enter Level

On each level there will be a small riddle which acts as a hint on how to proceed through that level, an example of this can be found in the image below, which tells you “Even from back here, I can tell that ledge ahead it too high for me to jump.” – perhaps if you had some help?

The game eases you in gently with a bit of running, then jumping, but quickly introduced locked doors, force fields, multi-coloured switches, and of course the company of yourself. If you get really stuck, there is a ‘Help Me’ button, which takes you to the game website which will give you further hints on how to complete each  level. There is no penalty for doing this but the game is more fun when you do it yourself.

Tips for success

• Be patient – remember this game is a challenge, it requires a good knowledge of solving puzzles. I got stuck a number of times before completing this game.
• Think outside the box – whilst each level can be tricky – each one can be completed quite easily once you figure out the right sequence of actions
• If you find you or your shadow constantly falling to your doom – remember sometimes it pays to stand still on someone else’s shoulders.

The Company of Myself is a great little game, particularly when you want to give your brain its daily dose of problem solving. Play The Company of Myself here.

Online Casual Gaming – The Company of Myself is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology

• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves grabs four BAFTAs
• Batman: Arkham Asylum wins two BAFTAs, including Gameplay and Best Game
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 wins public-voted GAME Award of 2009
• FIFA 10 team wins two BAFTAs for Sports and Use of Online
• LITTLE BIG PLANET wins a BAFTA for Handheld
• LEFT 4 DEAD 2 wins BAFTA for Multiplayer for a second year (for this series)
• WII SPORTS RESORT wins BAFTAs for Family and Social
• EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR wins BAFTA for Strategy
• FLOWER wins a BAFTA for Artistic Achievement

The first-person shooter “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”, recently became Britain’s second best-selling game ever.

SHIGERU MIYAMOTO, the creative force behind some of the world’s most popular and enduring video games, is awarded the BAFTA highest recognition – the Fellowship.

Accepting the award, Miyamoto-san heralded the burgeoning importance of video games as a mainstream entertainment medium and also spoke of the joy he takes in creating gaming experiences for people of all ages, saying that “Our imaginations and creativity … should be the only limits and that is what makes our industry a joy and a dream to work in.”

BAFTA Video Games Awards, The Winners is a post from: eggnchips.com - cracking good technology