The guys at io9 have the perfect solution for situations like the one described above – drinking games based on notable sci-fi themes. Just like them, I am going to say outright that I am not promoting irresponsible drinking. ;)

Remember guys, it’s not all about the alcohol – it’s the theme behind the game. So here are my top picks from their list.

Tron Loko

How to play? Simple instructions from the article:

For three or more players. Pop in a copy of Tron or Tron Legacy. Players must drink Four Loko (or Joose or Mad Dog 20/20 or Cisco or whatever neon-hued alcopop doesn’t make you retch) whenever a character…

1.) Derezzes.
2.) Boards some form of vehicular transport.
3.) Volleys back a disc.
4.) Drinks some digital liquid at The End of Line Club (Tron Legacy only).

If you don’t drink alcopop, make your own brightly colored drink. I choose strawberry or blue margaritas! (This might mean taking a only couple of sips each time instead of downing the entire glass, though.)

Hello, Sarah Connor?

This game is only for those who are feeling really silly and are willing to take the risk of getting in trouble. It is highly recommended that you play this game only if you are already buzzed. Or maybe you shouldn’t play it at all. Instructions:

For three or more players. Every player starts with a beer. Open the yellow pages and call each and every John Connor, Sarah Connor, Kyle Reese, Edward Furlong, or Marcus Wright on speakerphone while speaking in a Styrian accent. Keep them on the line while reading verbatim from a 1991 Radio Shack catalogue. For every 20 seconds you keep them on the line, do not drink 1/4 of your beer.

I understand that you might not have a 1991 Radio Shack catalogue lying around, but I am sure you can find a good enough alternative. Now I have a feeling that customer service agents or outbound sales agents will trump everyone else in this game!

Are you a Cylon?

Hands down the winner in the list. To play the game, you must first know how to play Handshake/Wink Murder. Introducing the Cylon element just makes it all the more interesting:

For 6 or more players. This is more or less a standard game of handshake murder but with several exceptions.

First off, everyone carries a coffee mug full of their favorite hooch, Saul Tigh-style. Second, whenever you “die,” you must pound whatever’s in your cup. Finally, if you have slept with the person who’s revealed to be “the Cylon,” you must slug another cup.

More than playing Cylons, the fact that you can have whatever drink you prefer makes this the perfect party game.

Anyone up for some drinks this weekend?

Off the top of my head, I can name four reasons.

1. He was forced to go to a mixer courtesy of Raj’s Green Lantern lantern. He went further than acquiring the lantern – he actually went to the mixer carrying the lantern with him in case his ring needed to be recharged1
2. He was bribed to go out with a girl for the second time, again courtesy of Raj – this time he gave up his Hulk gloves. I really need not say more, do I? By the way, these first two reasons are from the same episode (The Psychic Vortex).
3. He has a Cylon toaster. Considering that I am in a BSG mode right now, this really ought to be number one on my list. And yes, there really are Cylon toasters out there.
4. He is smarter than everyone else; he knows it; and he will not hesitate to point it out. Isn’t this trait of his just charming? In other people, it would probably be irritating, but when Sheldon does his thing, you just can’t help but smile and shake your head.

I found a similar list – same concept, different reasons – at TechRepublic about why Dr. Sheldon Cooper is TV’s biggest geek. You might want to check it out.

Parting question for Sheldon fans: what makes him the best geek on TV for you?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever spoken to Tricia Helfer, Six from Battlestar Galactica, for more than 10 minutes. Anybody? Oh, I guess it’s just me then. Back in September, I interviewed her for a magazine I was working for at the time. 30 minutes later, I had the best interview I ever did on MP3, and I couldn’t wait to write it. Then the magazine shut down, and I had no outlet for it. I even had exclusive pics, too. Bummer.

Six was just one of the great things about that show. The interaction between humans and cylons, the constant drama and action – it was all worth every minute. Well, except for the half-assed ending, anyways. If only there were some kind of way for me to play as a BSG character …

Oh wait, there is. NBC Universal and Bigpoint has just announced an MMO based on BSG. From the official fancy press release:

Players will be able to choose to play as cylons or humans in a constant struggle to control the universe or just survive its perils. A blend of tactical space combat, exploration, and mission-based gameplay will provide a diverse experience. The dramatic missions will define the game’s overall storyline, enabling the player to delve into mysteries of the Battlestar universe. Battlestar Galactica Online will create a new standard for web games, with beautiful 3d graphics and innovative game mechanics bringing a new level of game play to browser based MMOG. Assets from the television production will be integrated into the game to deliver an even more authentic experience.

There’s not much to their teaser site yet, but feel free to check it out and sign up for updates as they come. No word yet on a release date, but as soon as we know, we’ll let you know.

Reaver’s Etsy listing.
]]> http://www.forevergeek.com/2009/06/hommage_cylon_inspired_jet_robot/feed/ 0