Quentin Tarantino once described Jackie Brown as a "hang-out movie": Plot aside, viewers enjoy the
film for the chance to spend time with its characters. The first episode of the new Strong
Bad game series has the same hook. While there's a convoluted story and a
handful of reasonably clever puzzles to solve, the game's appeal lies in the
chance to explore the world of Homestar Runner, and especially the House Of
Strong, where protagonist, troublemaker, and would-be macho hero Strong Bad
sketches his latest comic book, tries to beat Snake Boxer 5, and answers his e-mail.
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People,
Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner is a point-and-click adventure game, of the "Try the hedge
clippers on the car, because why not?" variety. Like Telltale's other comic-based games (Sam And Max, Bone), it will be released in
Sunday-afternoon-length episodes, and the story in the first one is just
complicated enough to satisfy.
But the strange mini-games,
the dialogue, and the interactive peek into the mind of Strong Bad are the real
draw.
Beyond the game: Prior knowledge of the Homestar
Runner web-cartoon
series isn't required, but you can catch up at homestarrunner.com.
Worth playing for: The puzzles are never too
difficult, and the hint system will keep novice players moving along. But even if you're stuck, the world
remains interesting to explore as you recheck every location and clue.
Frustration sets in when: In fact, the puzzles are simple
enough that the bigger challenge may be following Strong Bad's logic and
figuring out exactly what he's actually trying to accomplish.
Final judgment: Within a tight space,
Telltale once again crafts a clever, satisfying world.