The Tikis Get Down with Downloadables!

In the name of vengeance, yesterday I secretly sabotaged Reds Internet connection to see what he does without his favorite pastime; Pogo!

Come on. Let’s go see if he is running around frustrated, banging his wooden Tiki head against the wall…

What the heck?!?! (*Squints*) What’s he doing? He appears to be having fun on his computer!

Red: Oh, what fun!

Green: HEY! WHATS GOING ON HERE!!! I sabotaged your Internet! How can you POSSIBLY be having fun with Pogo??!!!

Red: Haha! Hi Green! I’m playing Pogo Downloadable games of course! All the fun of Pogo in a compact, convenient, portable package!

Green: Oh, Man!… You got me this time. Arrrggg!!!! I guess you are too resourceful for your own good!

Red: Well, it looks like your little stunt came at a perfect time Green. It ties in perfectly with this week’s question:

Holly L. from Anchorage Alaska writes: My internet connection likes to go out during the frequent snow storms up here in Alaska. I heard that Downloadable games might be a good workaround to weather the storms. I just don’t know how Pogo Downloadable games work, so I’ve been afraid to try. Help!

You’re in luck Holly. Green’s little shenanigan has helped me brush up on my knowledge of downloadable games. Green obviously forgot all about them, didn’t you, Green?

Green: Grrr… no, I most certainly did not! In fact, I’ll begin to answer Holly’s question with a definition. Downloadable games are games that you download onto your computer and run separately from your web browser. They don’t really use Java technology to run, and can be played with your computer “off-line.” This makes them quite handy in a pinch, like if your Internet connection goes out, or if you just want a change of pace. These games are only for Windows though, so, unfortunately, if you have Mac OS or Linux you will be out of luck.

Red: Haha, yeah Green. I remember when you were playing Cake Mania for about a MONTH! That game is sooo addictive! I was happy when a web version of the game finally came out, but the full downloadable version has a lot more to it.

Green: I totally agree. The full version was way cooler. It’s way more awesomer! “Awesomer” is a word right? Well yeah anyway, that’s what it was! Haha!

Red: (*shakes head in shame*) Anyway… There are also a handful of “Pogo Original” downloadable games that are made by Pogo that have extra special features for Pogo players such as the ability to win Pogo tokens and transfer them to your Pogo account.

There are also special game modes like “Waterwheel” mode in Mahjong Garden To Go. You’ll have to try the game yourself to check out that cool game mode.

Green: Speaking of trying it out. Did you know that you can try all of these games for a no-obligation 60 minute free trial before you decide purchase them? It’s really easy. From the download page hit the “Try it free” link to download the game to your computer.

Red: Whoa cowboy, you’re starting to sound like an advertisement!

Green: Well, they ARE a lot of fun!

Anyway, once it’s downloaded, double-click the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the game. Most games will let you start the game as soon as you are finished installing it. Or, if it’s already installed you can find your game again through the start menu of your computer and locating the “Pogo games” folder. All your installed downloadable games can be found in there.

Red: So, you might be wondering what to do if you decide to keep playing these games after your free trial. The easiest thing to do is click on the “Buy Full Version Now” button on the game launcher screen. It will take you to the “Oberon-Media” website where you can enter your billing information to get the game.

Oberon Media is the Pogo official billing partner for downloadable games. Immediately after you submit your billing info you will get a registration key through email. To register the game, start up your Downloadable game and click on the “Enter Registration Key” button on the bottom right hand side of the game launcher. This registration screen will ask for the code you just received and the email address you used to get the code. Once you do this it unlocks the game.

Green: Oh, and on a technical note. This registration process actually contacts Oberon-Media though your computer on the Internet to confirm your registration code and email. So, even though most of these games are played offline, your computer will need to be connected to the Internet when you first install a downloadable. Also if you are having trouble with the registration process, make sure you try turning off your Internet security software when registering for the first time, or if you are trying to upload tokens to Pogo.

Red: Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Also make sure you print out the email with your registration key. If you ever need to install the game again, you can simply download the free trial again, and enter your registration key and email again.

Also keep in mind that if you ever have any trouble with installation, registration, refunds or billing with a downloadable, you will need to contact Oberon-Media’s support at: http://www.oberongames.com/support.asp.

As smart as they are, the folks at Pogo support will not be able to help you with billing or codes and you will have to contact Oberon.

Green: Well that’s about it. So, Red, anything you want to add?

Red: Yeah! If you haven’t tried our extra special connected Downloadable game, “The Poppit! Show,” you really should! Not only does it let you win Tokens, it also lets you connect to and chat with your friends on Pogo. You can even win badges and free mini items! I sure hope we make more games like Poppit! Show soon.

Green: NOW who’s sounding like an advertisement?

Red: Well, you’re right– they are fun. And I sense there are more on the horizon. Lottsa ones! That may or may not have been a hint. I’m not sure.

Now would you be so kind as to plug the network cable back into my laptop? I want to download some new downloadable games. Oh yeah, and watch your back little brother. The next joke is on you, you prankster!

Green: Grrrr… You drive me crazy Red! I’ll get you *one* of these days! See you next time everyone!