After a relatively successful first episode, the fine folks at Telltale have released the second in the five-part series of Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People. Strong Badia the Free retains its humor and accurate interpretation of the Homestar Runner universe, but improves as a fun and challenging game. This time, Strong Bad’s beef is with the portly, gluttonous King of Town, who hits our favorite luchador-like schemer right where it hurts.

When Strong Bad is unable to pay the King of Town’s new email tax (the cost is one Creamy Ding Snack Cake for every email sent or received), he’s put under house arrest. He successfully escapes but declares revenge on the King for such an unfair law. He delivers a passionate, Patton-esque speech in the hopes of rallying his friends to his cause, but it backfires as they’re instead inspired to start sovereign nations of their own. Most of the game focuses on Strong Bad’s attempts to convince his friends to join his land, Strong Badia (a small patch of dirt and populated by a stop sign and spare tire).

The silly, odd humor of the Homestar Runner animated series is as prevalent in this second episode as was the first. Strong Bad’s barbs are as sharp as ever. Favorite punching bag Strong Sad takes most of the abuse, and in fact there’s an achievement for insulting him a certain number of times. Unlike some achievements however (e.g. collecting each “nation’s” flags), you have to get this done before you complete the game. Unfortunately, some insults become unavailable once you do certain actions, such as using a specific item on another character.

I especially liked the references and parodies of old war movies and propaganda. Younger players may not get the joke, but it’ll guarantee a chuckle from others. For example, every time Strong Bad convinces someone to join his side, a small video plays that parodies those World War II newsreels that play before the start of a film during the early 1940s, complete with animated arrows that indicate Strong Bad’s “occupation” of territories.

Unlike the first episode, the storyline is more linear, which makes things less confusing as to which parts of the map to visit. In fact, some regions aren’t available until you conquer some territories first. Usage of items in your inventory is also a little less random this time around, and often times you can easily figure out what item to use where or on whom. However, there are still a few Easter eggs for curious types who like to experiment. For example, try using the lighter on various places and/or people and see what happens!