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  • TNT Staff Smasher Guide (formerly known as Whack a Staff Member)
  • The Buzzer Game Guide

  • TNT Staff Smasher: The Guide

    So, you want to whack some staff members. Maybe you want a fancy trophy for your lookup? Or perhaps you want a certain spiffy avie? Or, maybe, TNT is just getting on your nerves? No matter, DarkNercrofear and I have been playing Whack-A-Staff-Member for a while now and we have some tips to help you improve your score and meet whatever goal you have for the game. In fact, we've been playing for so long that Neopets has changed this game's name from Whack a Staff Member (WASM for short) to TNT Staff Smasher.

    Setting Yourself Up For Ideal Play


    The Basics: How to Play the Game . . . To Get the Score You Want


    Tips to Bump Up Your Score


    All Good Things in Time


    Your Rewards:


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    The Buzzer Game: The Guide

    You have come here seeking guidance to beat The Buzzer Game. Perhaps rather than victory you want an avatar or a trophy? No matter your reasons, you have come to the right place, Apprentice. DarkNercrofear and I have been playing The Buzzer Game for many seasons and we have some tips to help you improve your score so that one day, you too will be a master of the game.

    Preparing for the Game: Mentally and Physically

    • Conquer Cluttered Surfaces: Clutter is the enemy in this game, Apprentice. Your most important asset, after your finely-tuned intellect, is a steady hand. Hands are steadiest when they are not bumping into objects strewn across your desk. You want a large area to maneuver your mouse. Generally a good rule is to have a space as large as an 8 and 1/2 by 11 inch (standard sized) sheet of typing paper.
    • Choose Your Weapon: An optical mouse is a great asset for this game because it is much steadier than a regular mouse. Some players will tell you to not use a mouse pad. I find a mouse pad keeps the mouse from moving too jerkily. The final decision will lie with you apprentice. If you do not have an optical mouse, be sure that it is clean before beginning and keep in mind that it will likely take a bit of patience since older "ball style" mouses are not as steady.
    • Size Does Matter: Unlike other Neopets games, this one is not about speed at all. It is 100% about accuracy. For this reason, play the game on the largest screen size you can without compromising the image integrity. I would usually also take this moment to comment on your chosen picture quality, but given Neopets technology changes game quality shouldn't impair your movements or create lag, so if you like high quality, go for it. If not, be aware you may also be distorting the game images.
    • Focus, Young Apprentice: NEVER try to play this game with external distractions. You will lose. If you must leave, do so between levels. Also, this will sound strange, but turn off the sound as this will only distract you (the buzzer is annoying as is the ticking of the bonus timer). If you can't function in silence (or you don't live in a vacuum) listen to music instead, it will be much less distracting.

    To Become a Grand Master, You Must Master the Basics

    • The Rules: The game is simple, Apprentice. Use the mouse to guide the metal hoop around the wire on the screen.If the metal hoop touches the wire, you will complete the circuit and hear a buzzing sound. This is bad and means that you have lost a life.
    • Accuracy Matters: Be sure to note where the hoop is in relation to the wire. A good rule of thumb is to keep part of the wire "visible" above and below the wire to avoid accidentally bumping it.
    • Patience, Young Apprentice: In order to conquer the game, you must learn patience. Do not try to get your bonus points, it will make you sloppy. If you must, let the time run out completely before you start. The game is not timed, so take as long as you need.
    • Focus: As your skills improve, the Techo Master will try to distract you. His eyes will glow red or bulge. He will stick out his tongue. Fruit will fall. In order to steer clear of these pitfalls, move slowly and try to pause until a distraction ceases.
    • Making the Grade: If you want to get this avatar you need to score over 300. This means that you need to complete 11 of the 15 levels of the game.
    • The Levels (this will be updated as I have time to play the game and take screenies--if you are ahead of me level-wise just take a minute to assess the layout before you start):


      Level One


      Level Two


      Level Three


      Level Four


      Level Five


      Level Six


    Advanced Techniques

    • Memorize the Scene: Take some time to assess the level before you start, young apprentice. That way you can have a sense of what you're getting into at the start of each level.
    • Not all Bonuses are Good Things: It is just a device to get you to rush and therefore lose. You don't want to lose! So give up trying to get the bonus and just take your time with each level.
    • The Techo is Not Your Friend: This point cannot be stressed enough. Do not let the Techo phase you!

    All Good Things in Time

    • Do Not Expect to Get the Avatar (or a super high score) in One Day:Doing well in this game takes time, so don't plan on reaching the Grand Master level in one day. Instead, just try to complete one more level with each game . . . it doesn't matter as long as you continue to improve your score because every little bit helps.
    • Don't Strain Yourself: If you get bored with the game, stop playing until you regain interest. Do not play for hours at a time, it will only lower your score and strain your eyes.
    • General High Score Tips:In order to get a trophy plan on staying up late the last night of the month. Sending your scores (for trophies) on the last day of the month near 4am NST will give you a better chance of having your score make it onto the high score table. Good Luck!
    • Remember to Have Fun: This is a game, after all, you should be enjoying yourself when you play it! Now your training is complete, I can do no more for you, young apprentice. Good luck!
    *Special Thanks to AvatarLog whose excellent Buzzer Game Guide inspired me to work on my own*

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    Where you can find my guides:


    http://avatar.starried.net



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    *Note: Everything on this page is 100% original work by me. NO STICKY FINGERS!*




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