SHORT ORDER/EGGSPLODE FAQ
v1.0 (5-04-2001)

  author: Jabu-Jabu <[email protected]>

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                          Updates
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5-04-2001: First version.  Probably the last version.

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                     Table of Contents
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I. INTRODUCTION
II. SHORT ORDER
III. EGGSPLODE
IV. CLOSING

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                      I. INTRODUCTION
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  The NES Power Pad was based on a similar peripheral from
Bandai that didn't do very well.  The idea's simple; playing
Nintendo (as video games were called during that age) had a
strong stigma of promoting an unfit lifestyle, and turning
kids into obese vegetables.  The Power Pad was a clever
marketing dude's answer to this; an accessory that intended
to promote active games.
  The device is laid on the ground and has 12 "buttons"
that are intended to be activated by feet.  It looks a little
bit like this:
   ________________________
  /        |______|        \
 |                          |
 |  ,-,   ,-,    ,-,   ,-,  |
 | | 1 | | 2 |  | 3 | | 4 | |
 |  `-`   `-`    `-`   `-`  |
 |                          |
 |  ,-,   ,-,    ,-,   ,-,  |
 | | 5 | | 6 |  | 7 | | 8 | |
 |  `-`   `-`    `-`   `-`  |
 |                          |
 |  ,-,   ,-,    ,-,   ,-,  |
 | | 9 | |10 |  |11 | |12 | |
 |  `-`   `-`    `-`   `-`  |
 |                          |
  \________________________/

  Normally, you're supposed to use your feet; however, the
device can be used with your hands if one were cheap enough.
But we're strong and honorable people, right?  Okay, maybe
not.
  Nonetheless, the Power Pad was a pretty nice idea.  Since
it cost quite a bit, it never gained much in the way of
popularity.  Unlike the Zapper, it doesn't have the benefit
of alot of cool games; however, for NES enthusiasts who like
to collect accessories, it's a must-have.
  One of my favorite games for the Power Pad is Eggsplode.
It's very simple, and doesn't get too fast, but it's a fun
game to play at parties (assuming you can find other NES
freaks in your area, which I cannot).  Eggsplode comes
with Short Order, which is okay for younger players, but
doesn't require much for older players.
  As for the Power Pad, I believe Nintendo sells them at
their site for a very low price.

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                      II. SHORT ORDER
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  Short Order is a simple game of memorization.  You work
for a fast food restaurant, and must fulfill the orders of
various animals.  Step on certain pairs to add burger
ingredients to your sandwich.  As the game progresses, the
chain becomes longer.  Depending on which game you play,
you'll win at a height of 10, 20, 30, or 99(!).

  TIPS: If you can't play this game, I can't help you.  Have
fun.

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                      III. EGGSPLODE!
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  Eggsplode is all about coordination.  In this simple yet
addictive game, nasty foxes plant bombs in the nests of
unsuspecting chickens.  Your job is to step on the
corresponding position on the pad to squash the bomb, but be
wary about stepping on the chickens' eggs.  If you let a bomb
explode, or step on an egg twice, the game is over.  As the
game progresses, the action gets faster; how far can you make
it?

  Scoring:
  RED BOMB = 100 pts
  ORANGE BOMB = 300 pts
  BLUE BOMB = 500 pts

  EGG =  1 miss (2 misses = GAME OVER)

  HOW TO PLAY: This game is simple; if you step on the
button, you'll squash the bomb.  There is no penalty for
placing your foot on an empty nest, so don't lose your
footing.  For example, stepping on "1" affects the top left
nest, "4" affects the top right, and so on.
  Up to five people can play, but not all at once.

  TIPS:
  - The game has a limit on its speed.  Once blue bombs
appear, the game has reached its maximum speed.  However,
eggs will appear more frequently as the game progresses.
  - I like to hold one foot on the pad while the other foot
dominates the pad.  Of course, it helps that I'm big, but if
you are big, use it to your advantage.  When a bomb or egg
appears on the button your foot is on, jump off and choose
another.
  - Larger players should handicap themselves by not
allowing themselves to step on a nest with no bombs.  This
makes the game a bit more challenging.
  - I scored around 250000 points before I screwed up and
let a bomb go.  How high can you go?

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                        IV. CLOSING
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  Much thanks to Nintendo, for making such a fun game and
encouraging me to get off my lazy bum.  Seriously, I'm one of
the few who doesn't always use his hands when using the power
pad.  I'm so lame.
  Thank you for reading this FAQ.  It's nice to know someone
benefits from something I made when I was bored during
school...

  COMING SOON: As soon as I find more Power Pad games, I
might consider creating a general FAQ, as there is not enough
to say about each individual game.

~ finis