Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands (PC) Review

Posted by Chris Vicari on 10.28.2008

And the Trogdor comes in the NIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHHTTTTTTTT!!!!!



Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
System - PC
Developer - Telltale Games
Publisher - Telltale Games

Also available for WiiWare on the Nintendo Wii

It’s time for another Strong Bad episode of epic proportions from Telltale Games, makers of the critically acclaimed Sam and Max series. Despite being the third game in the Cool Game(s) for Attractive People franchise, I still can’t believe games are being made based on one of my favorite websites, Homestarrunner.com. The series launched in August with "Homestar Ruiner", followed by "Strongbadia the Free" in September, and now we get to play the third installment titled, "Baddest of the Bands".

Gameplay/Story

Similar to the two previous Strong Bad episodes, Baddest of the Bands is a point-and-click adventure game. Most puzzles are simple to navigate and mainly consist of use item on object or character to progress. If you get stuck, Strong Bad will spout off a useful hint once in a while, although it kind of spoiled it for me as sometimes he gave me hints when I was just exploring the game. The hunt for hidden extras like clothing, posters and shot glasses depicting Strong Bad’s favorite band, Limozeen, make a return here as well. There are multiple ways of finding them which include Strong Bad screaming into a microphone or using his trusty “black” metal detector. It’s a fun little deviation from the game’s plotline.

In this episode, Strong Bad’s coveted FunMachine fizzles out and is in need of repairs. For Strong Bad to pay with “Giant Bags of Cash” and fix his dated console, he gets the idea to put on a battle of the bands concert to raise the necessary funds. To ensure that the concert is a success and FunMachine receives a well-deserved tune-up, Strong Bad must con his way into signing three bands to perform as well as hiring security and celebrity judges.

Homestar Runner favorites make a return and character interaction is enjoyable to watch unfold. In some instances of dialogue, you have the choice of being somewhat nice, which according to Strong Bad means lying to get what you want, or you can be mean to the other characters, as per usual Strong Bad behavior. Although these choices were enjoyable to select, they were a little on the rare side and it didn’t really matter which option you chose.

The game’s humor and charm is one of the strongest driving forces behind this game. It’s definitely a game suited for Homestar Runner fans as many jokes are throwbacks to episodes on the website. However, I still enjoyed the humor immensely despite my lack of fandom over the past few years. I didn’t necessarily get ALL the jokes, but I still laughed on many occasions. Props were a main proponent of the game’s humor as the Strong Bad house and game world were littered with “NO LOAFING” signs, Lappy, a Trogdor arcade game and a whole slew of other stuff. You can also travel to the many locales seen on the site such as Bub’s store, the Stick, Strongbadia, Marzipan’s house and other notable places.

You don’t necessarily have to be a massive fan of Homestar Runner to enjoy Baddest of the Bands, as it is still a well-made point-and-click adventure game, but it certainly helps.



Graphics

It’s nice to get a glimpse of the Strong Bad world in three dimensions for once. Visuals are colorful, crisp and pleasing on the eyes. Some environments, namely the large green field which makes up the outside area, are quite dull. The game tries to spruce it up by putting some of the hidden extras out here which require the “black” metal detector to find. It can be a little of a hassle but nothing serious. The game is solid in this department nonetheless.

Sound

Like the two previous games, the same sounds found on the website are used here as well so fans will immediately recognize them. Voiceover work remains topnotch and the same voice actors are used. Strong Bad receives additional praise for being exceedingly likeable, which has never really been an issue. He was exceptionally funny.



Lasting Appeal

At a brisk two and a half to three hours needed for completion, Baddest of the Bands has little to no lasting appeal whatsoever. The treasure hunt for extra goodies doesn’t really add much to the game’s longevity either. What we’re left with is a brilliant initial play through followed with years of dust collection on a shelf and then maybe one day, once you’ve forgotten how to complete all the puzzles and forgot all the jokes and quips, you’d be ready for another fix.

Fun Factor

No bones about it, Baddest of the Bands is a blast to play. The humor, characters and events make up for one enjoyable adventure game. Even though it is short, you will most likely enjoy every second of it.



The 411

Well worth the 10 bucks for three hours of gameplay. Fans of Homestar Runner are of course recommended to purchase the game while adventure fans may find something they like here as well. Don’t expect it to be a Monkey Island or Dreamfall though.

Graphics	8.5	Great to see Strongbadia in 3D and the visuals themselves are colorful and crisp.
Gameplay	9.0	Baddest of the Bands is exceedingly entertaining, the puzzles aren't too hard and the humor is topnotch.
Sound	9.0	Familiar voices and effects give you the warm and fuzzies. All high quality as well.
Lasting Appeal	5.0	After three quick hours you'll be done with this game only to never play it again, except for maybe years down the road.
Fun Factor	9.0	Likeable characters, great story, funny dialogue and well-crafted gameplay makes Episode 3 phenominal.
Overall	9.0   [  Amazing ]