I Could Have Been A Champion
Written: Mar 09 '01 (Updated Mar 10 '01)
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The Bottom Line
Elotteryfreeway is one of the better free game sites available worldwide. Chances are it won't make you rich, but you will get a few extra dollars.
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I could have been a champion. A world champion. For four hours I sat in silence, and with total concentration I focused upon the task at hand. Dressed in my best sit-around-the-house-it's-the-weekend-clothes, and with the computer mouse in hand, I paddled a small red ball towards a never ending series of brick walls. For four hours the only sounds to be heard from this room was a metallic "ping" and groans from me as I stretched in my chair. Four hours!
Having surpassed my previous highest score by around 50, 000 my game of "Demolition" suddenly ended. With 8 lives still up my sleeve I was well on my way to obtaining the highest score ever at Elotteryfreeway. I couldn't understand what was going on: the computer hadn't froze since I was able to open a new window, so why the halt in proceedings? Was this some cruel trick played by a computer nerd? Was I being punished by a vengeful God for cursing several motorists the day before? Or was it just plain bad luck?
You would think after so much effort I would have lost my temper, however, all I could manage was an, "Oh bugger!". I clicked on the mouse one hundred times or more, pressed the space bar and escape keys frantically, and then rose from my chair for a well-deserved Vegemite fix. During my opulent meal of dried crackers and Vegemite I planned my revenge. And here it is!
What Is Elotteryfreeway Anyway?
Elotteryfreeway is actually a very good site. What you will find there is a number of games, quizzes, and lotteries which you can play free of charge. In return for your labor contestants receive a box of chocolates and two nights in a classy city hotel. Actually what you really receive are "epoints". Depending on how well you perform in a game you can win between 1 and 100 "epoints".
What Do I Do With "Epoints"?
"Epoints" are basically a type of currency. When you have accumulated enough points you can redeem them for a gift rebate or a check.
How Many Points Do I Need?
A lot. When you have 1400 "epoints" you can redeem them for a US$10 rebate from one of Elotteryfreeway's retail partners. If, like me you prefer money, then you must accumulate 1500 "epoints" in order to receive a check for US$10.
How Long Will It Take Me To Get Paid?
Depending on a number or variables this may take you a matter of weeks or a number of years. The variables I am speaking of are: luck, skill, and knowledge.
Games Requiring Luck
To a certain degree all of Elotteryfreeway's games require luck, especially if you are going to win more than a few cents. However, to win some games you will need an awfully large amount of luck. These include:
6 from 49 Million Dollar Lottery
I imagine winning one million dollars must be a fairly satisfying experience and is probably just a little bit better than finding that loose change you left in your trousers. I say "imagine" because every time I have attempted to play this game I have been presented with an empty white screen where the lotto box should appear. It's not supposed to be this way.
Fun Lotto Games
An advertisement for fun lotto games has been on their site for quite some time now. When you attempt to play one of these exciting games you are presented with the words, "Coming Soon". So is Christmas.
Pick 3
Pick 3 is a stock market game. Is there anything on earth that requires more luck than playing the stock market? Perhaps a casino, but that's about it!
Games Requiring Skill
When I use the word "skill" I am referring to hand/eye dexterity. If you have poor hand/eye dexterity I recommend by-passing these games. They include:
Blocks
Playing this game requires planning. From the top of the screen a number of differently shaped boxes fall. It is your job to manipulate them so the fit neatly on top of each other. The better you are able to do this, the greater the number of points you are rewarded. Most single-celled organisms have higher skill levels than me with this game.
Demolition
This is my favorite "skill" game. It is the game where I have enjoyed my greatest success and biggest disappointment. The disappointment I detailed above. If you can move a mouse and bat a small ball against various shaped objects for an hour or more, then you will win some money.
Space Blasters
Space Blasters is another name for the 1970s arcade game "Asteroids". You know the one: you start in the middle of the screen and attempt to blow up a never ending series of large space rocks. The outcome is always the same: you lose. This game takes less time to play in comparison to "Blocks" and "Demolition" and most of the recorded scores range from ordinary to lousy.
Knowledge Games
Elotteryfreeway's knowledge games are amongst the best found on the Internet. If you have a fairly decent level of general knowledge and are willing to learn more, then these games are for you. All of the knowledge games at Elotteryfreeway are found by following the banner called "Quizland".
Quizland
There a several subjects covered at "Quizland". They include:
* TV Trivia
* Music Trivia
* Leisure & Entertainment
* Sports Trivia
* Movie Trivia
* Celebrity Trivia
* News & History
* Majority Says
* Pot Luck
* The Daily Quiz Show
Unlike some other American trivia sites, Elotteryfreeway has a fairly even balance between American and world events. I mention this because some other sites I've visited have far too much American content in topics dealing with world history. Out of the thousands of questions I've answered in their "News & History" quiz, two have dealt specifically with Australia. If you know the capital of Australia (Canberra), and can name our first Prime Minister (Edmund Barton), then you will have mastered all things Australian!
A Little Luck Is Needed Here Too!
All the questions at "Trivialand" are randomly generated. The points you're awarded depend upon how many people answered it incorrectly. For example a question may be worth 34 points because 34% of previous answers were wrong. So, even if you answer all questions correctly you still might receive an average score at the end. I have answered all trivia questions correctly on numerous occasions but I haven't topped the list just yet. My strategy is to play the game until I'm happy with my final mark.
Defunct Games
All of the sports games are now defunct. Internet Sports Network withdrew their support from Elotteryfreeway. A dead link.
Good News If You're Not American
Elotteryfreeway can be played outside of the United States. If you're local currency is enjoying a downwards spiral (like the Aussie dollar) then a check from the United States should cheer you up.
Final Words
Elotteryfreeway is almost a great free game site. As it stands today, Elotteryfreeway has some of the very best trivia games available, however, persistent technical problems prevent it from obtaining a higher mark. The rewards Elotteryfreeway offer their patrons are fair and I am yet to hear any complaints concerning late payments or refusal to pay. Elotteryfreeway offers a wide range of games, and with some luck and perseverance most people should have little trouble receiving a check from them at least once a year. Getting paid to play games - what a world we live in.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Location: Canberra, ACT. Australia
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 57 members
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