In honor of E3, aka every game nerd's favorite trade show of the year, we'd like to introduce you to a new weekly feature, Geek-Offs, where you'll find the perfect distractions to help you muddle your way though hump day each week.
When you can't bring yourself to look at yet another company-wide announcement, turn to us and we'll have the cure for the workplace doldrums, namely a quick and easy way to goof off. Whether it's a fun new puzzler, a must-have app or a revamped classic, we're taking the casual, procrastinatory approach to your midweek need for de-stressing. Don't worry, we don't expect you to shell out massive amounts of cash for a new console game or the next big thing (though we can't wait to get our hands on the Wii U next spring). Just about everything we'll offer will be available online for free (except for the occasional small purchase in the app store).
Kicking Geek-Offs off in style, we've got a few of offerings for you. There's a little something for everyone (except for the traditional hardcore gamers, who are probably logged into their steam account right now anyway). After the jump, pick your poison and enjoy, just keep an eye out for the boss coming around the corner, because we can't be held responsible for your new decline of productivity.
Dino Run: Marathon of Doom You a button masher? Thought so. You think you could outrun a Stegosaurus if asteroids were falling from the sky? Then give it a shot and play Dino Run: Marathon of Doom. The directions are simple (run, jump) but survival is a beast. Just be warned -- if you scream/grunt/spew obscenities every time you die in a game, your coworkers will notice your new running habit pretty fast.
Laser Cannon 2 Substitute bombing birds with lasers and pigs with sharp-teethed Furby-like monsters and you get Laser Cannon 2. 'Nuff said.
Adventures of Red If there's one thing we love, it's free food -- you can get us to do just about anything at the offering of something tasty. Driven by a similar love, our new friend Red (who is yellow, BTW), has been lured into a castle adventure on a quest for a free chocolate muffin, and it's your job to help him find his way. Hone your collecting and puzzling skills in Adventures of Red as you work your way through various rooms of standard puzzler staples like matching, twisting and spotting differences.
Disc Drivin' Sick of getting your ass handed to you every time you play Words with Friends? Challenge those wordsmith friends to a game of Disc Drivin' and watch them curse Noah Webster. Part shuffle board and part traditional racer (complete with power boosts), Disc Drivin' is available in a free ad-sponsored app or an ad-free version for $1.99. Gamer tip: Use your middle finger to propel the disc. I like to claim it's because the longest finger gives more swiping propulsion, but really, it's a good way to send the disc off with a nice big "eff you" to your opponents.
