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| | August 18, 2006
So long to summer
Okay so you know how I was complaining about the heat in my last column? I take it all back! Since we last talked I've been feeling fall sneakily approaching. Our sunny Seattle days have been accompanied by suspiciously cool nights and frankly, I don't like it at all. So I've been trying to make the most of the fleeting days of summer. | |
| Games, Games, Games
So as you might have noticed, I play quite a few games…well a heck of a lot of games. But I'm allowed, for it is my responsibility as your friendly neighborhood gaming guru! Despite my gaming addiction I sometimes fall out of the loop due to the usual life distractions (final days of summer). So to get up to speed on all things gaming, I usually consult GameSpot.com. GameSpot has been the authority on everything gaming for years and I visit their site to find out what's coming out, check out game reviews, and um…get tips on how to get past the boss on level six. (It's not cheating! It's just assistance!) And although GameSpot is a great source of information they were seriously lacking the gaming skinny on all things casual. Zuma and Diner Dash are just as cool (and addictive) as those fancy console games! So to give the casual game addicts a news/reviews/cheats site of their very own we teamed up with GameSpot to give you GameNews!
You still can find all the info on the hottest console and PC games but now you can find the information you need on those fun-filled casual games. GameNews will suck you in for much longer than you planned. I paid them a visit to get a little assistance with Mah Jong Quest (more on that later) and I ended up reading up on backgammon, finding out the release dates of some upcoming games, and learning some secrets to my fav console game - Fable. So pay GameNews a visit if you want to be the most knowledgeable gamer on your block, forum, virtual world, etc…
A Badge Quest
As you may know, I strive to obtain every special achievement badge MSN Games offers. I have amassed quite the collection if I do say so myself. Despite my gaming prowess, this Mah Jong Quest Dragon Breath badge was eluding me. (Look at that badge image! I had to have it!) After playing some rounds, those 10,000 points seemed like they would take quite awhile to amass. I would not let those points get in between me and that badge! So, I went on a game tip hunt and lo and behold…someone on our games tips forum understood my plight! Kudos to you Oni-Kudo! Due to his Mah Jong Quest talents and his helpful hints, the adorable Dragon Breath badge is now a part of my collection. Oh and speaking of cuteness, I've heard rumors of an upcoming badge for Puzzle Inlay featuring a canine of some sort. Puzzles and puppies? What a fantastic combo!
Tech Time
Hey guys, it’s time for the techy issue of the week!
This year has been a time of big changes here at Microsoft. One of the most significant happenings was the retirement of Windows 98 and ME. So what does that mean for you gamers that are still using those operating systems? Well…you may have a few issues trying to get your favorite game going, so we suggest that you upgrade to XP. Windows XP is more secure than 98 and ME and it will make your gaming experience much more enjoyable. Also, Microsoft has discontinued support for the Windows XP SP1 and Windows XP SP1a service packs. However, if you have Windows XP, all you have to do is install all the latest updates, including Windows XP SP2. It's free and easy to do!
If you want more information on this issue, check out the ever useful support article!
See you all next time! | |
