Community College Hero: Fun and Games

Unnecessary

*I played this in the Hosted Games omnibus app*

Just when you didn't think Eric Moser's "Community College Hero" series could possibly get any better, along comes an installment that's pure joy from start to finish.

Community College Hero 2.5: Fun and Games does nothing to advance the plot of the series. There are no epic battles with the Diabolical Dozen, hints of corruption in high places, or life-and-death decisions to be made. We've seen the highlights of the first year of the hero program at Speck Community College; now we get a glimpse into how they passed the time in between. Fun and Games doesn't share data with any of the other games in the series, but as long as you remember your character's hero name, gender, whom (if anyone) they're dating, and their mother's basic personality type, you can jump right in.

There are three stories to play: "The Fury of Zarlor," "There's a Monster on My Line," and "Family Day." In "Zarlor," which takes place midway through the spring semester, the PC and their six best friends reserve a room in the library to play a D&D-style tabletop roleplaying game. "Monster" takes us back to fall semester, when the PC gets stranded in another town with a bunch of students outside their core friend group - and dragged into a mystery about a lake monster with a randomized solution and abundant meta humor. "Family Day" takes place near the end of the spring semester and brings the young heroes and their families together in the Speck gymnasium for a day of wholesome (but corny!) fun.

The focus is on friendship and camaraderie among the students, and although the stories are pretty entertaining, the real joy in this game is getting to spend time with the characters. They're all as endearing and annoying as ever, with their quirky personalities on full display: those we have come to know well in the first two games, a few whose role has always been fairly peripheral, and even some who are no longer part of the class for various reasons. I have always loved the sense of humor in this series, but Moser dials it up a few notches here - every story is punctuated by laugh-out-loud-funny moments, sometimes more than one to a page. That's not to say it's all laughs, though; don't take the option to stargaze with Origami in "There's a Monster on My Line" unless you're eager to have your heart ripped out of your chest and stomped on a few times.

Moser has outdone himself with this game's list of Achievements. I managed to "Encourage the dean to make more puns," but I'll have to play again if I want to "Help Crook win a chili cook-off with lots of beer," "Order the greasiest meal in the state of Nebraska," or "Listen to Dirty Girl sing a song about vampire sex."

Three of the Achievements involve unlocking a non-interactive short story about one of the characters. There are stories about Crook, Dr. Hover, and Stoic, but so far the only one I've managed to unlock is "By Hook or by Crook." It turns out Crook has a bleaker backstory than I was expecting.

It would be hard to overstate just how much fun I had with this delightful little intraquel, and how much I look forward to uncovering more of its secrets when I play it again. It's the perfect palate cleanser after the intensity of Knowledge Is Power, and it's sure to whet your appetite for All Things End. Spend some relaxed time with the young heroes of Speck Community College, and you'll find yourself more invested in their story than ever.

*originally posted on Reddit*

Is it short? Sure! Does it break immersion? Maybe! But will we allow it? Absolutely!

Jokes aside, who could have guessed that a small collection of extra stories will turn out to be so much fun? I dare say, I enjoyed them even more than the main one in some ways. Fun and Games added this cute lighthearted comradery that the two other games did not describe enough (IMHO) and showed us the true power of friendship. Huzzah!

OK, OK, I am starting to sound extremely cheesy, so it is high time to talk about the game itself. For those of you who are in the mood for some reading, I present my fabulous thoughts about CCH 2.5. Enjoy!

You street-sleeping hobos have all the fun!

To begin with, it is important to say right away that all stories here are rather short. There are also three extras about specific characters that did not get much spotlight before. They are very important and shed some light on events that took place in the background and were only hinted at in the main games.

Another notable aspect of Fun and Games is how light it is. Ever wanted to investigate a mystery in Scooby Doo-style? Or play a quick DnD session with many twists and heartwarming banter? Or maybe an old-school family day is your cup of tea - or better say, a suspiciously beer-like bowl of soup? Hey, we do not judge, so just enjoy yourself in any way you like.

More importantly, the author was able to add interesting choices even to such short stories. Many are just cosmetic and just add some flavor, but others open unique paths and interactions. And do not forget about a vast collection of achievements connected with them! Overall, there is enough stuff to do and secrets to find – so do not be afraid to experiment.

At the same time, be warned that the first story, The Fury of Zarlor, relies heavily on pure chance in terms of your success. Like in a real DnD, I suppose. Do not be discouraged if you cannot, for example, steal a purse at your first attempt – maybe your third playthrough will be more successful. There is no harm in failing from time to time.

And to end a positive note: you cannot bring your saves from the main games, but there is one nice feature that fully compensates it – you are free to choose any romantic partner from the get-go. Just one click and you are set for extra bits of text and special interactions in stories that feature your darling. These short sweet moments somewhat compensate the lack of proper romance in the first installments, so I am definitely not complaining. The more steamy nights with a shapeshifting troll, the merrier!

It is the calm before the storm…

The million-dollar question: should you buy Community College Hero 2.5?

Have no idea what CCH series is? Then skip Fun and Games for now as this game relies heavily on information from its predecessors. Get it only if you are in dire need of some wholesome goofiness.

If you have already played other two parts or at least the first one, - buy CCH 2.5. without a question. This collection is a very nice addition to the main story that helps us understand characters and their relationships better. You also get the last chance to enjoy some fun time with your favorite superheroes before the third game hits you with an epic ending, heartbreaking deaths and difficult choices. And no cliffhangers here, so yay!

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Nothing too substantial, but it's a nice bite-sized adventure while it lasts. Leans a bit too heavy on foreshadowing things we already know are going to happen, but it's still a fun time.

Its like a role playing inside a story. very entertaining and funny to read.
Try it you wont be disapointed.