Free Swag Mystery Bag

Crossword: Character Study

Character Study

Complete this crossword and tell us, “Who came first?”

By John Teti • November 8, 2012

It’s been a while since we dipped into the Free Swag Mystery Bag, but with the holiday release season upon us, PR companies are sending me a lot of useless crap, and it’s becoming a fire hazard, so I need to get rid of it. By which I mean to say: Here is a fun contest where you can win amazing prizes!

Okay, that’s a half-lie. But the contest really is fun. It’s a video game-themed crossword put together for The Gameological Society by leading crossword constructor Brendan Emmett Quigley. My favorite constructor, Quigley’s work appears often in The New York Times and many other newspapers. He also posts excellent free puzzles twice a week on his website, which is awfully swell of him.

Now, on to the contest. First, solve the crossword puzzle. As you fill in the grid, you will notice a theme emerging. Take note of this theme, because you’ll need it to answer this all-important question: “Who came first?” Send an email with your answer and your mailing address to swagbag@gameological.com. Three readers with the correct answer will be chosen at random to receive a pick from the Free Swag Mystery Bag. (And no spoilers in the comments, please.)

As far as downloading the puzzle goes, you’ve got a few options:

Or you can solve the puzzle right here in your internet web browser, using the 1990s magic of Java:

What will your prize be? It could be a promotional color-your-own ModNation Racers car, complete with markers, stickers, and personalize-able figurine!

ModNation Racers car

It could be a pair of men’s size 10 Crysis II sneakers!

Crysis shoes

It could be this Quantum Conundrum T-shirt!

Quantum Conundrum T-shirt

Or something else from our enormous pile of game swag. We’ll surprise you. Good luck!

Rules: Entries must be received by Nov. 14, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Winners will be chosen at random. We will not save email addresses or use them for anything other than contacting the winners. Employees of Onion Inc. and their families are not eligible. U.S. or Canada addresses only, sorry.

Share this with your friends and enemies

Write a scintillating comment