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In anticipation of the upcoming The Crazies Tower Defense game based on the movie release, I have created a Basic Survival Kit in case of a Crazies attack. Don’t get caught unprepared when those killer viruses start transmutation in a neighborhood near you!

It is a good list for other, more run of the mill-type emergencies… though not as fun as using it against the hordes of infected Crazies!

1. Bleach. Not only will a few drops purify water sources for drinking, but bleach can also offer a quick fix during a surprise attack. Simply throw some at the eyes of perpetrating Crazies to add valuable seconds in your escape!  How it burns!

2. Mini Ax. Cuts down trees for both fire and fort construction in order to protect you against the elements. Plus, it is great for slicing and dicing the Crazies. You can’t go wrong with this handy tool!

3. Emergency Crank 2-way Radio. Learn about your predicament. Call in your location. Let the military know you are not infected to avoid that tragic ’survive a zombie invasion only to get a bullet between the eyes’ ending.  Oh yeah, we have all seen that movie!

4. Gun. Hunting animals for food, keeping aggressive survivors away, the typical ’shot in the brain’ zombie-like kill. Downside: running low on ammo. Upside: your mini ax will never run out.

5. Duct tape. Handy in every-which-way possible when dire situations threaten your survival– just ask MacGyver. And though MacGyver never used it for tying up Crazies to extract some sort of antivirus, I am sure he would approve!

6. Medicine & antibacterial care. Clean your wounds and treat small conditions before they turn sour. Remember, when a member of your party is bitten by an infected friend or family member, do not try to treat them and do not ignore the impending doom! One swift blow to the head with your trusty mini ax is the only sure-fire treatment for any possibly contaminated party members.

7. Gasoline. For many uses– from driving to safety and fueling your fire to cook to thoroughly toasting Infected remains for disposal. Better safe than sorry: shoot between the eyes, remove the head and burn. No coming back from that. Just don’t forget the matches!

Check out our Twitter account @TheCraziesTD and Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crazies-Tower-Defense/199121078443 for more helpful advice when the going gets tough, and the neighborhood gets Crazy!

Gwendolyn Borgen

Way back when, gaming was simple. The graphics basic, limited by the technology of the age; therefore, the game play and goals were basic. All you had to do was play to get to the next level (even though all levels were basically the same in design/story) and play to achieve the highest score such as in Space Invaders. Gaming was a social event, being mainly played out in arcades in the accompaniment of your peers, where competition through high scores was key motivational factor to keep on playing.

The next incarnation was gaming consoles and games with more complex stories.  The first I remember playing was Mario. The reasons why you played changed– you would play for the story and the main goals were no longer to rise in rank or to get the high score to impress your friends. You played to be a part of the environment, to explore different levels, and to be a part of the story as it unfolds. Gaming moved away from its social roots in the arcade to a more personal, home venture.

Jump ahead a few decades.

The advent of online gaming is claiming the time of committed gamers now. Call of Duty is one of the main games.  The goals of the gamer have changed again. No longer do people play to get new levels nor for the story, but the goals mirror their arcade roots.  The goal of the social gamer is to gain stats and play against friends to achieve the high score all from the comfort of your home.

Now, the social gaming consoles are limited to those who own them; however, with social games online, such as those on Facebook, the need for gaming is now met.  It is no longer along the lines we once played such as Final Fantasy.  It is back to the basics: simple levels, basic graphics, and the goal of social competition to keep you coming back.

Do high scores, ranking, and social recognition outweigh the story or the actual complexity of game play? I for one love a great game with epic stories that challenges you, but I can understand the even more addictive nature of surpassing your peers in  competition. It is what makes you come back, even when the dynamics of the game is as repetitive as sowing crops.

Gwendolyn Borgen