Spotlight on ORION: Prelude

Guns, cool armour, vehicles, aliens, and lush alien worlds. At first you might think: Halo. But then I follow that up with dinosaurs, jet packs, and a deeply detailed universe containing over 12,000 years of history. Now we’re talking about ORION.

ORION is the kind of project that deserves to be applauded, even before it is fully finished. It has been in the works since 1998, and in that decade developer Spiral Game Studios has been working hard to bring its dream into reality. Perhaps the most striking and impressive fact to note is that Spiral Game Studios consists of only 20 or so people working out of their homes and financing this out of their own pockets in order to keep the creation wholly independent.

This game has got some potential, and if Spiral can get the support, then this game could probably make a lasting impression on the entire industry. Now as far as game footage has gone, we’ve only seen multiplayer footage, and those that are interested can sign up for the beta. However, I’d like to hold off on the talk of mindless, shooter-y, dinosaur-y action to focus on what I think might be an epic single player experience.

This thing has been in the oven for 12 years give or take a few months, and from what I can tell a lot of that time has been spent creating a rich, detailed, and immersing game world like few others. They’ve revealed that ORION is a planned trilogy, and so I can only speculate as to the story these guys have crafted for the games, however, after this long, and with that much effort, I can only expect something great. Looking at the screens and concept art they’ve released I have no doubt that this will be one of the more interesting storylines of modern gaming.

Now on to the game play. This first release is called ORION: Prelude and it is a multiplayer-based game in the lines of Counter-Strike. The multiplayer footage looks beastly ... in a totally-dinosaur-punny kind of way. There’s so much going on during the multiplayer, it’s a tad ridiculous. What’s more is that the developers have promised long-term support as well as plentiful free DLC, which makes both my mouth and my wallet smile. Now as any good game has, there are multiple multiplayer game types.
Read more

Webkinz Wacky Zingoz Game Tips

 Ganz is a company that specializes in plush children's toys called "Webkinz." Each toy comes with a special code that is redeemable on the Webkinz website to give you a virtual version of your toy. You must have at least one toy in order to use its key to gain access to the website. With the Wacky Zingos toy, you get a secret code that allows you to play a game on the Webkinz website called "Wacky Zingoz Extreme." The goal of the game is to hit Wacky into the air and collect coins with which to buy accessories for your other Webkinz.

Clubs

1. Before whacking Wacky across the playing field, choose a club that will give you the most power. Pick the blue club farthest to the right of the club selection screen (called the "Cyber Club") for the most powerful hit that will send Wacky flying the furthest.

Timing

2. You get five tries to get the largest cumulative distance for hitting Wacky. Click the left mouse button once to make Wacky jump out of the tree then click it again to swing the club at him. Timing is crucial because hitting him too soon will result in his flying up into the air and not getting much distance while hitting him too late will send him skidding across the ground. Look at Wacky's shadow on the ground for an indication. Time your second click for when his shadow is still small to get the best hit and farthest bounce.

Trophies

3. Hit Wacky further than 600-point mark to get a special award called the "Wacky Zingoz 600" trophy. Wait until Wacky falls to about the height of Zangos (the character that hits him) shoulder before clicking for the second time. This will send Wacky flying into a flower patch, giving him some extra bounce that should carry you to the 600-point mark.

Coins

4. A big reason for playing this game is that it allows you to earn KinzCash, which is used to buy items like food, clothing and decorations on the Webkinz site. For every 350 points you score in the "Wacky Zingos" game, you will earn one KinzCash. Coins are spread out across the playing area at various heights, so adjust your timing when hitting Wacky to get as many of them as possible. More