Following on my last post: Where’s the line between “choose your own adventure” and video game?

Through Contagious, I found out about Verizon’s new online tchotchke, Action Hero, which explores the territory in between the two. You upload your own picture, make a few choices about plot and dialogue, and you become the star of your very own summer popcorn Michael Bay-esque movie. Here’s the link to my movie, where I defeat a mad scientist and his hoard of earth-invading robots. And a screenshot of me during a car chase:

Now, this isn’t really a video game, nor does it really qualify as a “choose your own adventure” sort of thing — I can’t make decisions real-time and the movie’s plot is pretty linear. (And I question how this marries up with or complements the other parts or Verizon’s whole communications plan… ) But it is exploring a world where the consumer truly becomes engaged with and a part of communications. And if nothing else, I got a rush out of seeing myself on the small screen. (I’m such a badass.)

Some more screen shots after the jump…