Love, Betrayal, Passion, Hate.
Those are not exactly things you expect to come across while playing a "Dash" game right? But in the newest one from Playfirst called "Soap Opera Dash", you will be.
I have to confess that soap operas are not exactly my thing, I'm more of a reality TV watcher to tell you the truth.
But after doing some research on what it takes to work on a soap opera, I have a newfound respect for the genre-I didn't realize that working on one was such hard work!
Soap stars put in incredibly long hours day after day after day, and when you consider the fact that they're filming 5 hours of television a week (as opposed to a primetime series that only films an average 22-24 hours a year) you can see why they deserve some credit.
Still not convinced that soaps are real TV? Well that's ok, you don't have to be a fan of soap operas to play or enjoy "Soap Opera Dash."
Now I know what you're thinking- another game in the Dash series, another excuse to perform a menial task that's somehow made fun! Only now, instead of worrying about serving cranky, hungry customers, you've got cranky, snobby actors to deal with!
In "Soap Opera Dash", you play Rosie, another character from DinerTown who has been made the star of her own game (way to go Rosie!) who comes together with the usual suspects from the other Dash games to start up their own soap opera.
Rosie, who has a lot to do to produce a hit daytime show. Each level is an “episode,” and each stage is a “season,” ending in a huge season finale. Get scripts to the actors, do their hair, prep their wardrobe and apply their makeup. Then it’s time for props, cameras and actually filming the show.
The storyline or as they say in TV lingo the "synopsis" of the game goes something like this, when Rosie loses her job she decides to create her own soap opera.
This will both feel familiar and somewhat different for Dash fans. For one thing, Rosie isn’t alone, she has many people to help her produce each episode. For example, she hires well-known DinerTown characters. Aunt Ethel directs, Bernie the bookworm character writes the scripts, and Hank the Handyman character films the scenes. For actors, Flo from "Diner Dash" and Quinn from "Wedding Dash"as well as her high school crush Simon. But Rosie will still be running around to make sure everything is running smoothly by making sure the actors are happy and ready for their closeup!
SideNote: Flo is the nice actress who always takes the time to sign autographs for her fans, but Quinn is well...let's just say...not so nice. I always got the B vibe from her to tell you the truth.
You are given the choice over who plays which roles (such as the “lover,” “best friend,” and “back stabber”), as well as how the finale will play out, it’s kind of fun to decide if the best friend will betray one of the lovers, or the evil mastermind will kiss the sidekick.
I really thought the storyline of the game was very dramatic and would have made for a great real show on its own. Wait I know what they could call it!
They could call it "As The Burger Turns." What do ya think?
Anyway, back to the gameplay shall we, you'll use your mouse for everything. You'll click and drag an actor, a prop and drop off other items to a specific area on the TV set. It's pretty basic.
The game consists of the usual "tried and true"dash formula, in each level the player has to perform color matching(script colors must match actors colors) and chaining bonuses in order to reach their goal. There are some side minigames, I didn't feel that they were all that exciting and after playing 1 or 2 I ended up skipping playing them and just focused on the main game. Still, it's nice that they threw in extra stuff to do for those who want it.
Even though I said earlier that it follows the same basic formula I must say that PlayFirst really tried to add some -not a lot- but some new elements that makes it feel slightly different from other Dash games. For example, after each level a panel of judges will rate you (Olympic-style score judging) on certain conditions, such as completing the level without using the trash, or making a certain number of combos. These earn you extra budget dollars that you can spend on special items such as an iced tea maker and prop upgrades.
In addition to everything going on, you'll also have fans and critics that begin to show up. Critics expect to be seated immediately in a waiting chair and to be given an iced tea once they ask for it; otherwise, they'll slam your show.
Now, don't try to butter them up them by bringing them a treat too early or you'll have to throw it away and lose points! That's right you will have to throw it away because I guess Rosie can't carry an item and a script at the same time! Makes no sense to me since Flo in "Diner Dash"
Unfortunately "Soap Opera Dash" has two problems. First thing, the playtime is very short, you will breeze through the levels without a problem. Secondly, the game is too easy. In fact I can't think about any dash game that is was this easy. Without any effort I completed all of the levels with expert scores at first try.
The game doesn't offer too much challenge, and besides a few levels where you're managing a dozen things at once, you probably won't even break a sweat.
All in all this wasn't my favorite Dash game but fans looking for a new game to play should give it a try.
That's a wrap.
Get Soap Opera Dash Here |
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Posted by oxyjen on Jan 17, 2011
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1 Comment(s):On December 10, 2011, backsavekkk said:
yeah?
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