Geek and author Ernest Cline is celebrating the paperback release of Armada in one of the most unique and fantastically nerdy ways. He has helped create an in-browser game based on the 2015 novel called Phaeton and is encouraging fans and players to post their high scores online. There are tons of great browser games out there, why is this one any different?
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipjRqk__5LU[/embedyt]
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For posting a high score, players will receive a really cool Earth Defense Alliance (EDA) patch (also based on the novel’s lore). The patch can be seen below, and the game can be played by clicking here!
As with any contest, there are rules. At the Armada book website you can check out all the details (and purchase the book!), but what it really comes down to is being able to hit the 525-point score necessary to enter.
In the novel, Cline (once again, as in Ready Player One) uses virtual reality as a way for the main character and others to be immersed into the world of games. With the recent releases of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the connection to this approach is that much more potent. What’s even better, is the amazing list of prizes that include a Grand Prize Winner receiving an Oculus Rift and a ton of great loot from Cline himself.
Cline, the publishers, and the contest runners are not stopping at the 10 individuals winning the one Grand Prize and the nine runner-ups either. Anyone who posts a 525 or higher in Phaeton will receive one of the three great EDA patches.
As you can see from the screenshot above, Phaeton is a simple-yet-flashy throw-back to 80’s arcade games. All you need is a trusty-ol mouse to fire down the incoming waves of ships.
If the “commercial” posted above doesn’t get you jazzed up to play the game, whether you post your high score or not, I’m not sure what will! I’m a massive fan of both Ernest Cline novels Ready Player One and Armada, and I find seeing such a fun and unique way to promote his novel just amazing.
