My fourth time management game guide is out, this time it's about parking cars. Sorry DB, I know you hate this game.
I've copied and pasted my game guide below for anyone who wants to check out all the advice on Parking Dash. For those really persnickety ones (like Gable, LOL) who want a copy they can take with them anywhere, anytime, here's a prettiful printable one: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dft29q82_5ddtjw8gz
As with my other guides, it is very straightforward. It includes a (brief) introduction inside.
After my Fitness Dash, Wedding Dash 2, and First Class Flurry guides made a debut, I decided to do a less traditional game for my next guide: Parking Dash.
Parking Dash got its loves and hates: It was a fun game. It mixed two genres of games (time management and puzzle). It was very challenging and complicated. It was tons of fun. It was perfect, stressful, made you think, and was a pain in the butt, just like other Dash games!
So why did so many dang people not like it???
For my next guide, I will be doing the coveted Parking Dash. When I first heard about a game about parking cars, I at first wasnt too thrilled. I mean, PARKING CARS? I hate auto shows and have no interest in things like the NASCAR and Daytona 500. And I see cars everyday. What could be more boring? You dont go to restaurants or weddings everyday, do you?
But when I tried the free trial version, I wasnt expecting too much from the game.
I loved it.
It grew to be one of my favorite Dash games, just like Mizzmm and Carfixer. If I didnt like the game, I wouldnt be writing a game guide on it right now, would I? LOL!
The game is very challenging. You may be doing fine until an obnoxious SUV pulls up. You might have to rearrange all the cars to make everything fit, but thats not all! You must also find out
I definitely hope there is a Parking Dash 2 in the near future. I can imagine Karma parking cars for movie premieres, hospitals, and black tie events! The customers she will be parking cars for will be EMTs, Fashion Plates, CEOs, Bridesmaids, and Moms with Minivans! LOL
So, Hobbit Hollow, are you ready for this??? (crowd screams for Ben)
As I have with my previous game guides, I will begin with the storyline and locations.
Storyline
Karma is bored in her Donutville apartment and is buried under piles of laundry until she receives a phone call! When she finds out that she inherited property from her great-uncle, she heads off to Dinertown right away!
But when she finds out her property is a small blacktop lot behind Flos Diner, she becomes disappointed. She considers selling her property to Mr. Big for a new location for the Mega Mall he has planned for. But Flo stops her! Flo asks Karma if she could open a parking lot insteadthere have been some parking problems for Flos Diner.
Karma then must run a parking lot for five different Dinertown locations, from diners to wedding castles to beaches.
Can Karma manage to park all the cars and succeed in her duties? Find out in Parking Dash!
Locations
Each location has ten different levels.
Flos Diner
Karmas first parking lot is for Dinertowns most popular burger joint: Flos Diner! Karma must deal with hungry customers quickly. Its also the first day of autumn; the leaves are falling. If Karma does a good job, shell move on to another locationand maybe clear up the mud around the blacktop lot. Eew!
Quinns Wedding Castle
Karma must park for wedding guests. There are new difficulties Karma must face, like falling snow and Karmas boredom of certain songs. The parking gets a little fiercer herebe prepared to have lots of work to do! Oh, and its the first day of winter. Hope Karma doesnt get too cold in that tank-top of hers.
Chinatown
Karma is now parking cars for Bobbis clothing store in Chinatown. Karma must also seek help in the form of her Cousin Jimmy, who will help Karma out by washing cars. Its also spring; the flowers are falling off the trees and love is in the air. Karma is faced for the most beautiful location shes parked cars at yet.
Sandytails Beach
Walter and Scarlett run the Doggie Daycare on the beach, but the beach-goers are clogging up parking by parking in the kennels parking lot. Karma must run the beachs parking lot in order to unclog the parking problems at Walter and Scarletts. Its also fun in the summersummers in full bloom!
Mr. Bigs Mega Mall
Guess where Mr. Bigs Mega Mall is located? ON THE MOON! Thats right, on the satellite that orbits the Earth. Karma must park cars on the cratered surface of the moon. Just be sure to keep your oxygen helmet onyoure a definite goner if you do happen to take it off!
This chapter talks about how Parking Dash is played.
The Arrival of Customers
When customers first arrive, they wait at the left side of the screen for their car to be parked. They will have a clock by their heads. The fuller the clock, the longer the customer will be staying. A good strategy is to park cars that are staying for a long time behind cars that arent staying for very long.
You can tell a customers happiness by his/her facial expressions. If the customer has a red face, the customer is very unhappy and you will lose money when you return the car unless you raise the customers happiness. Each customer has a different car.
Parking Cars
Click on a customer waiting to have her car parked to have her car pull up. Click on the car to have Karma walk over and hop in, then click on an open, available parking space to have Karma drive the car over and park it. If the car is the same color as the parking space, you earn a Color Matching Bonus.
Moving Cars
If a car is behind another car, you arent able to drive the car anywhere. Click on any available car in the parking lot to have Karma hop in, then click on a different spot to move the car. You cant earn Color Matching Bonuses for moving cars.
Returning Cars
The customer will return on the right side of the screen. Click on the customer to see which car is his, and a key will appear above the car. Click on the car to have Karma hop in it, then (if you can) click on the Exit Space to have Karma pull the car out and return it. You earn payment plus an additional tip depending on the customers happiness when the car is returned. The level is over when all the cars have been parked and returned.
The Radio
You have a radio available. You start out with only one radio station, but you unlock more as you progress through the game. You can change the radio stations; they all play a different song. Later on in the game, Karma might get bored with a song. Change the station, and Karma will earn a temporary speed boost. You unlock additional radio stations as you progress.
Parking Elevators
Parking elevators are super useful. Just park a car on the elevator and the elevator will rise. You can drive cars under elevators and also park cars under elevators. Just to warn you, though. You cannot access cars on elevators with cars under them (aka you cant get in them, wash them, or turn off their alarms). This means you must clear out the car underneath to get to the car on top. This can be really annoying.
Reserved Spaces
Sometimes a customer will reserve a space. You must park the reserved customers car in the reserved space. Your payment is higher if the car is still in the reserved spot when it is returned.
Washing Cars
Sometimes cars will pull in that are absolutely filthy. Click on the cleaning equipment to have Karma walk over and pick it up, then click on the dirty car to have Karma run over and wash it. After Karma finishes washing it, shell shake her head to get rid of the water (very annoying). You can wash several cars in a row for a higher amount of cash. Later on, Cousin Jimmy can wash cars for Karma.
Sweeping out Spots
Sometimes, snow, flowers, sand, or moondust will fall in a parking spot. The last thing we want is the car to be spinning its tires in that, so have Karma sweep it out! Click on the broom to have Karma walk over and pick it up, then click on the parking space to have Karma walk over and sweep it out! It takes a little bit of time for Karma to sweep.
Doggie Biscuits
You arent able to move a car that has a dog in it without dog treats. Click on the dog treats to have Karma walk over and pick them up, then click on the car to have Karma hop in. If you dont have dog treats, the dog will bark at Karma. You dont need dog treats for when youi return cars to their owners.
Vending Machine
Sometimes customers will get angry, so why not serve them some treats? Click on the vending machine when its stocked to have Karma run over and grab some treats, then click on the group of people either waiting for their car to be parked or returned. Everyone in the group will earn a mood boost. Treats really DO make people happier!
Nitro Booster
If you find that a car is moving too slowly for your personal tastes, give it a blast with the Nitro Booster! This makes the car move at a really fast speed until it is returned. You can only use the Nitro Booster a limited amount of times per level, so use it wisely!
Upgrades
You can upgrade the functions or décor of the parking lot. Upgrades are available between levels.
Functional upgrades are basically faster everything: faster Karma, faster car washing, etc.
There are three different decorative upgrades available every level. There is one that makes cars move faster, another that makes customers more patient, and another that encourages customers to give generous tips. Not only that, it makes the parking lot look schnazzier.
Loud Car Alarms
Some cars may have a car alarm, which may incidentally go off! If that happens, click on the car to have Karma run over and give the car a soft kick to shut it up. If the car alarm beeps too long, customers will get angry.
This chapter talks about the various customers in Parking Dash.
Customer Factors
There are three different customer factors in Parking Dash: patience, car speed, and car size.
Patience
Patience affects how long a customer can wait. A patient customer can wait for a long time, while an impatient customer can hardly wait for long at all!
Car Speed
Car speed affects how quickly the customers car moves. A customer with a speedy car can be parked quickly, while a customer with a slow car putzes along!
Car Size
Car size affects how much room the customers car takes up. A customer with an average car only takes up one space, while a customer with a big car can take up two or even three spaces!
Behold, the Customers!
Here are the many customers in Parking Dash.
Young Lady
The young lady is the first customer at Karmas parking lot. Shes a very moderate miss with an average car.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Normal
Car Size: 1 Space
Businesswoman
Like in Diner Dash, the businesswoman is impatient, but a generous tipper. She has a pretty fast car, too!
Patience: Low
Car Speed: High
Car Size: 1 Space
Celebrity
The celebrity has a lovely stretch limousine. It takes up two spaces, so itll be a bit of a pain to park!
Patience: Low
Car Speed: Normal
Car Size: 2 Spaces Long
Guy with Cell Phone
Weve seen this guy in Diner Dash, and his car is just as annoying, too. He has a car alarm, so if the alarm goes off, Karma will have to kick it, hopefully leaving a dent! LOL.
Patience: Low
Car Speed: High
Car Size: 1 Space
Uncle Al
Weve seen Al in Wedding Dash, and Karma gets the privilege of zipping around in his sedan. Hes a very generous tipper.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: High
Car Size: 1 Space
SUV Guy
The SUV guy has a gas-guzzler of a car. Its so wide, it takes up TWO spaces. His car is a REAL pain to park. He is an average tipper.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Low
Car Size: 2 Spaces Wide
Aunt Ethel
The bawling Aunt Ethel has a clunker of a car. She doesnt want to be late, so she isnt patient. She is a lovely tipper.
Patience: Low
Car Speed: Low
Car Size: 1 Space
Derek
This single, suave bachelor has a very swanky car. Unfortunately, it acts just like the young womans carit runs at an average speed.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Normal
Car Size: 1 Space
Lovestruck Guy
The lovestruck guy is so in love, he refuses to tell Karma which car is his. Youll have to try every car in the parking lot that looks like his.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Normal
Car Size: 1 Space
Chinese New Year Festival Girl
The Chinese New Year parade is on its way, so the girl in charge of driving the dragon float is coming by. The float takes up THREE SPACES. Shes an average tipper.
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Low
Car Size: 3 Spaces Long
College Student
The college student is known for his moderate patience and tipping, and his super-fast convertible! Its going to be fun driving it around!
Patience: Normal
Car Speed: Very High
Car Size: 1 Space
Dog Owner
The dog owner leaves his dog in his car. You arent able to move it unless you give the dog some doggie biscuits. Hes a stingy tipper.
Patience: High
Car Speed: Normal
Car Size: 1 Space
Senior Citizen
The senior has a lovely classic car. Karma loves to drive around in it. But the senior still tips like its 1927be careful!
This chapter talks about the various items and their uses in Parking Dash.
Washing Buckets
Click on the buckets to have Karma walk over and pick them up, then click on the dirty car to have Karma run over and wash the car. You can have Karma wash several cars in a row for a chaining bonus. After Karma washes a car, she shakes her head annoyingly.
Broom
Sometimes things will fall in a parking space. You arent able to drive cars through parking spots with things in it. Ive even had things fall in the Exit Space! Click on the broom to have Karma walk over and pick it up, then click on the parking space to sweep it out. Here are the things that might fall in the spaces:
Quinns Castle: Snow
Chinatown: Flowers
Sandytails Beach: Sand
Mega Mall: Moondust
Parking Elevator
You can park a car on an elevator and it will rise. This allows you to drive cars under it and park cars under it. You will not be able to access a car that is on top of an elevator with a car under it. This means Karma cannot get into it, wash it, or even kick it!
Radio
The radio allows you to listen to different songs. To change the station, just click on an arrow. When the green light on the radio flashes, Karma wants the station to be changed. If you do change the station when this happens, Karma will earn a short burst of speed.
Vending Machine
The vending machine allows you to make customers happier. When it is stocked, just click on it to have Karma walk over and pick up treats, then click on a group of people to have Karma walk over and serve them all treats to make them all happier.
This chapter talks about how you can manage your customers happiness.
Facial Expressions and Happiness
You can tell a customers happiness by her facial expression. Here is a guide to the expressions and happiness.
Expression
Emotion
Big Smile w/Teeth or Tongue
Total Happiness
Normal Smile w/Teeth or Tongue
Feeling Good!
Normal Smile
Normal Expression
Folded Arms, Fair Expression
Slightly Irritated
Frowning, Hands on Hips
Moderately Angry
Frowning, Steam out of Ears
Pretty Darn Angry
Red Face, Jagged Teeth
Very Angry
Deep Red Face, Jagged Teeth
Extremely Angry
Deep Red Face, Shaking Head
Angry Beyond Comprehension
How Can Customers Be Made Happier?
You can give a group of customers treats from the vending machine to perk them up. Treats are ready when the machine has a flashing yellow line around it and the vending machine is full. Here are the treats the vending machine offers in each location.
As with all the other guides Ive written, I have a chapter at the end with tips and tricks that wouldnt fit in the other chapters. Enjoy!
· Park cars that wont be staying for long in front of cars that will be staying for a long time. This will allow you to return cars much more efficiently.
· Use the vending machine wisely. You dont want to fatten up only one customer waiting for her car to be parked when youve got a hullabaloo of angry customers waiting for their cars to be returned!
· Try not to park cell phone guys cars on parking elevators. Their alarms could go off. Heres a simple equation: Alarm + angry customers = PANDEMONIUM!
· Ive never really found any purpose for the Nitro Booster. I tend to use it on Ethels car, the limo, and the dragon float.
· When choosing the decorative upgrade, get the better floor first. This makes all of the cars move faster. Just you wait until you see those convertibles shred up the pavement!
· If youre listening to a song you really like, but Karma would rather have the station be changed, do this: change to a different station, then change back to the station you were originally listening to. It works with all the benefits!
· I know this really isnt a tip, but: have you seen how high Gevat and RjX_ get their scores???
· One final tip: serve the big tippers first. Youll find that you get bigger payouts if you serve them first.
