We’ve just gotten word that JB Hi-fi is now selling Batman: Arkham City ahead of its release date this Wednesday. We’re not sure exactly who was first to break street date at this moment, but we’ve had confirmation from JB Hi-fi in Pitt Street Mall that they are now selling the game. We expect all other specialist retailers to follow.
We also spoke to EB, who at this point are not selling the game early, but it’s possible that they haven’t heard about the break yet.
We’ll update this story with more news as we get it.
Thanks for the tip Batguy!
UPDATE: EB has updated via its Facebook page. It’s now selling the game. GAME has followed suit, updating via its twitter account.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Arkham City’s Launch Trailer Shows Batman Has A Lot On His Plate
This is the launch trailer for Batman: Arkham City, out this week on 360 and PS3. It shows most of the people you fight with, and against, in the game.
I actually finished the game yesterday. The reason I bring this up is that I didn’t see some of the content in this trailer, meaning it was part of a side-mission I never got around to completing. So, yeah, there’s a lot of stuff to do!
PC owners, in case you’re in the dark, your version won’t be out until November. Sorry.
I actually finished the game yesterday. The reason I bring this up is that I didn’t see some of the content in this trailer, meaning it was part of a side-mission I never got around to completing. So, yeah, there’s a lot of stuff to do!
PC owners, in case you’re in the dark, your version won’t be out until November. Sorry.
Why Battlefield 3′s PC Version Is More Than Just A Game
We know that console games help sell consoles, but it’s easy to forget that PC games can sometimes do the same. And when it happens on PC, it happens on an enormous scale.
That’s because when a big PC game comes along that’s considered a generational leap, PC owners can, en masse, feel the need to go out and buy new hardware for their rigs. And Battlefield 3 is, for many, that game.
Jon Peddie Research’s Ted Pollak has told IGN “Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3 will help sales of Xbox 360s and PS3s.”
“More importantly, and rarely covered by the press, Battlefield 3 is driving upwards of a billion dollars in PC builds and upgrades this year alone. No other title since Crytek’s Crysis had such an anticipatory impact on PC hardware sales.”
While I think Skyrim is contributing its fair share to this guesstimate, he does have a point. There’s an excitement in the air for Battlefield 3 from PC gamers that hasn’t been seen for years, an almost unanimous feeling that, yes, a game is coming unlike any other we have seen before, and we need new gear for our PCs to get the most out of it.
Add up hundreds of thousands of PC gamers across the world spending anywhere between $US150-$1000 on everything from new graphics cards to an all-new system and, yeah, you can see where the “billion dollar” estimate comes from.
Let’s just hope after all that money spent on making it look good, what we’re actually playing is worth all that cash!
That’s because when a big PC game comes along that’s considered a generational leap, PC owners can, en masse, feel the need to go out and buy new hardware for their rigs. And Battlefield 3 is, for many, that game.
Jon Peddie Research’s Ted Pollak has told IGN “Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3 will help sales of Xbox 360s and PS3s.”
“More importantly, and rarely covered by the press, Battlefield 3 is driving upwards of a billion dollars in PC builds and upgrades this year alone. No other title since Crytek’s Crysis had such an anticipatory impact on PC hardware sales.”
While I think Skyrim is contributing its fair share to this guesstimate, he does have a point. There’s an excitement in the air for Battlefield 3 from PC gamers that hasn’t been seen for years, an almost unanimous feeling that, yes, a game is coming unlike any other we have seen before, and we need new gear for our PCs to get the most out of it.
Add up hundreds of thousands of PC gamers across the world spending anywhere between $US150-$1000 on everything from new graphics cards to an all-new system and, yeah, you can see where the “billion dollar” estimate comes from.
Let’s just hope after all that money spent on making it look good, what we’re actually playing is worth all that cash!
This Guy Is Way Too Into This Arcade Game
The game in question is Ghost Squad, a 2004 light gun shooter from Sega. The action’s taking place in a Thai arcade. And note that, in addition to the theatrics, he’s also awesome at the game, playing through the whole thing with a single credit.
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because there was a recent-ish Wii port of the game. And yes, it’s the one with the dolphins.
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because there was a recent-ish Wii port of the game. And yes, it’s the one with the dolphins.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mass Effect 3′s Multiplayer Demo Will Be In January
At 3:00 of this unboxing video for Battlefield 3 we’re shown the card for Mass Effect 3‘s multiplayer beta, which says it will take place in January. Anyone who buys Battlefield 3 gets into the beta.
On its forums, BioWare just confirmed the Beta is “coming soon” and that there “will be multiple opportunities to qualify for early access.” The surest is through the Online Pass included in new copies of Battlefield 3.
Notice of the exact date for the beta will be sent out over Battlefield 3‘s in-game ticker; you can also sign up for an email notice at masseffect3.com.
Battlefield 3 multiplayer gamers can also go ahead and access a set of N7 Mass Effect 3 dogtags.
On its forums, BioWare just confirmed the Beta is “coming soon” and that there “will be multiple opportunities to qualify for early access.” The surest is through the Online Pass included in new copies of Battlefield 3.
Notice of the exact date for the beta will be sent out over Battlefield 3‘s in-game ticker; you can also sign up for an email notice at masseffect3.com.
Battlefield 3 multiplayer gamers can also go ahead and access a set of N7 Mass Effect 3 dogtags.
Harmonix Should Make A Shooter, Says Expert
Fast Company, the business magazine read by movers and/or shakers, uncorked some outside-the-box advice for companies stuck in a rut. Harmonix Music Systems is on the list, it seems, because of stagnation in the music gaming genre, not necessarily because it’s spinning its wheels, but whatever. They are being advised to make, wait for it, a shooter.
Marc Nesbitt tells Fast Company that Harmonix should spare no expense in creating “the world’s first immersive shoot-’em-up, where gamers move their bodies to take cover.” This game would be Kinect-controlled.
Nesbitt correctly notes Harmonix has a head start on developing for Kinect. In fact, it has experience making a big seller for Kinect. It’s called Dance Central, and Nesbitt (then with MTV Games, which sold Harmonix late last year) was actually the game’s senior producer.
Dance Central sold more than 2.5 million copies, plus a lot of DLC, and its sequel arrives next week. So, advising Harmonix to jump aboard Kinect like it was a lifeboat, hasn’t it already done that?
This is an excerpt from a longer item appearing in the print edition, so maybe there’s something more that got lopped out in a really zealous edit. Still, all the other suggestions, for companies like Honda, the NBA and Quiznos, are daring, but they fit the character of the product for which they are best known. Suggesting Harmonix make a shooter comes off a little tone deaf.
Marc Nesbitt tells Fast Company that Harmonix should spare no expense in creating “the world’s first immersive shoot-’em-up, where gamers move their bodies to take cover.” This game would be Kinect-controlled.
Nesbitt correctly notes Harmonix has a head start on developing for Kinect. In fact, it has experience making a big seller for Kinect. It’s called Dance Central, and Nesbitt (then with MTV Games, which sold Harmonix late last year) was actually the game’s senior producer.
Dance Central sold more than 2.5 million copies, plus a lot of DLC, and its sequel arrives next week. So, advising Harmonix to jump aboard Kinect like it was a lifeboat, hasn’t it already done that?
This is an excerpt from a longer item appearing in the print edition, so maybe there’s something more that got lopped out in a really zealous edit. Still, all the other suggestions, for companies like Honda, the NBA and Quiznos, are daring, but they fit the character of the product for which they are best known. Suggesting Harmonix make a shooter comes off a little tone deaf.
You Can Play A Console-Quality Video Game From… YouTube?
To very little fanfare, the PC demo of FIFA 12 is now playable without a download. All you have to do is go to the game’s YouTube page. Provided you have a decent Internet connection and up-to-date Java, simply clicking a banner puts you on the pitch.
The development was Tweeted out about three hours ago by David Perry, the CEO of Gaikai, the cloud gaming company that is serving the demo.
I just tested it myself (MacOS Leopard, using Google Chrome) and it worked brilliantly. I had to close some bandwidth-hogging Internet applications but in a matter of moments I was taking AC Milan against Barcelona.
Seriously. Go to the EA Sports Football YouTube page and try it for yourself. The demo recognises your input device and standard mouse and keyboard controls apply, so there’s no need to have a PC compatible gaming controller. The game is powered entirely from Gaikai’s cloud.
The demo launches in a separate window, so this isn’t like you’re playing it within the YouTube video itself. But that’s somewhat beside the point. What Gaikai is doing for publishers here is allowing them to serve a game to interested gamers right at the point where they’re marketing it. Say there’s a new hype video of some feature or gameplay; people go see it on YouTube, then click a banner and start playing the demo to experience it for themselves.
The development was Tweeted out about three hours ago by David Perry, the CEO of Gaikai, the cloud gaming company that is serving the demo.
I just tested it myself (MacOS Leopard, using Google Chrome) and it worked brilliantly. I had to close some bandwidth-hogging Internet applications but in a matter of moments I was taking AC Milan against Barcelona.
Seriously. Go to the EA Sports Football YouTube page and try it for yourself. The demo recognises your input device and standard mouse and keyboard controls apply, so there’s no need to have a PC compatible gaming controller. The game is powered entirely from Gaikai’s cloud.
The demo launches in a separate window, so this isn’t like you’re playing it within the YouTube video itself. But that’s somewhat beside the point. What Gaikai is doing for publishers here is allowing them to serve a game to interested gamers right at the point where they’re marketing it. Say there’s a new hype video of some feature or gameplay; people go see it on YouTube, then click a banner and start playing the demo to experience it for themselves.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
"These changes give you a much greater level of control over how you develop your main characters..
Each fresh installment in the franchise brings with it the usual array of new faction-oriented campaigns, re-tooled units, slick graphical updates, and other subtle iterative tweaks. You'll find all of that in Heroes VI, including a sweet new faction of Far Eastern-inspired serpent people called the Sanctuary that prominently features aquatic and amphibious creatures. But Black Hole Entertainment also made some notable adjustments to the way the game's heroic protagonists work. On the battlefield, heroes now act strictly as support units that can fling spells or attack once per round from the sidelines. Outside of combat, there's also a new alignment-based reputation system that affects heroes' abilities, and the skill tree system has been entirely re-worked for the better. These changes give you a much greater level of control over how you develop your main characters, and they're a welcome improvement.
Other refinements in Heroes VI are geared towards streamlining the flow of exploration and expansion to make it more manageable. Resources, for example, have been pared down to four key elements: gold, wood, ore, and blue crystals instead of the usual seven. A new zone of control system makes defending your realm a little less stressful, since enemies have to take over your central town in a region if they want to permanently steal your resource-producing mines. There's even an awesome option to convert captured enemy settlements to your own faction type. While the sudden push towards greater accessibility isn't geared towards HoMM veterans who revel in the series complexities, it doesn't diminish the level of challenge or strategy of the experience. If anything, Heroes VI's steep difficulty is as unforgiving as it always has been, requiring careful thought and planning with each move to avoid being outpaced and annihilated by your foes.
Other refinements in Heroes VI are geared towards streamlining the flow of exploration and expansion to make it more manageable. Resources, for example, have been pared down to four key elements: gold, wood, ore, and blue crystals instead of the usual seven. A new zone of control system makes defending your realm a little less stressful, since enemies have to take over your central town in a region if they want to permanently steal your resource-producing mines. There's even an awesome option to convert captured enemy settlements to your own faction type. While the sudden push towards greater accessibility isn't geared towards HoMM veterans who revel in the series complexities, it doesn't diminish the level of challenge or strategy of the experience. If anything, Heroes VI's steep difficulty is as unforgiving as it always has been, requiring careful thought and planning with each move to avoid being outpaced and annihilated by your foes.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
My first video game
I remember the day like it was yesterday, the first time I had even been introduced to the realm of gaming, that cold winter morning changed my life forever. I woke up to my first ever game system, the Sega Genesis. Not only that, but inside it I found Sonic the Hedgehog.
Being that i was 7 years old, tasks such as handling a game system were still some what difficult. Truth be told I was not good at it at the start, I didn't understand it and I had a lot of trouble keeping up with the game. The first few levels were at first a challenge because I would just try to speed through them, hitting almost every obstacle. The first time I defeated Egg man at the end of the Green Hill Zone. I was filled with joy, and I was proud of what I had done. I let out a little sigh of relief the game was not over, I still had a lot more to do.
My next few days with that game were frustrating ones, the second world “Marble Zone” had challenged me beyond what I was capable of, and it took me forever to get enough skill to pass it. Every time I had made it farther I got more and more excited, I was about to beat it. Little did I know, Sonic was growing on me, and it was becoming an addiction.
Every level felt like a right of passage, and I was slowing unlocking the gaming potential in me. As i progressed the game, I would always feel accomplished if I could get just a bit farther each time, and every time I had lost all my lives, I would try again, working at getting farther and farther each time.
I loved that game, so much I played it day to night every day of the week. In school all I could think about was how I was going to beat the next world. I practically memorized the first 10 or so levels, and with each play through I got farther and farther into the game. I don't remember the exact day I beat the game, but eventually i did,"Unlocking” up-down-left-right up-down-left-right.
I look back to this day and think, how did such a simple game keep my entertained for so many hours, day in and day out for almost a year? Perhaps it was because I was seven years old, and I didn't have the mentality I have now, where I expect a game to be exceptional, or perhaps its because it was, and still is an amazing game.
No game to this day has had such a huge impact on my life; Sonic turned me into the gamer I am today, and because of that, this game will always have a special place in my heart.
Being that i was 7 years old, tasks such as handling a game system were still some what difficult. Truth be told I was not good at it at the start, I didn't understand it and I had a lot of trouble keeping up with the game. The first few levels were at first a challenge because I would just try to speed through them, hitting almost every obstacle. The first time I defeated Egg man at the end of the Green Hill Zone. I was filled with joy, and I was proud of what I had done. I let out a little sigh of relief the game was not over, I still had a lot more to do.
My next few days with that game were frustrating ones, the second world “Marble Zone” had challenged me beyond what I was capable of, and it took me forever to get enough skill to pass it. Every time I had made it farther I got more and more excited, I was about to beat it. Little did I know, Sonic was growing on me, and it was becoming an addiction.
Every level felt like a right of passage, and I was slowing unlocking the gaming potential in me. As i progressed the game, I would always feel accomplished if I could get just a bit farther each time, and every time I had lost all my lives, I would try again, working at getting farther and farther each time.
I loved that game, so much I played it day to night every day of the week. In school all I could think about was how I was going to beat the next world. I practically memorized the first 10 or so levels, and with each play through I got farther and farther into the game. I don't remember the exact day I beat the game, but eventually i did,"Unlocking” up-down-left-right up-down-left-right.
I look back to this day and think, how did such a simple game keep my entertained for so many hours, day in and day out for almost a year? Perhaps it was because I was seven years old, and I didn't have the mentality I have now, where I expect a game to be exceptional, or perhaps its because it was, and still is an amazing game.
No game to this day has had such a huge impact on my life; Sonic turned me into the gamer I am today, and because of that, this game will always have a special place in my heart.
Milking: Sony is as guilty as anyone
All over this site you will see people continuously bash Microsoft for not having any "exclusives". Whenever a new Fable or Forza comes they say "not another one! How much can you milk it?" The same applies to Halo. And even Rare's own games.
Yet whenever Sony are rumoured to be making a sequel, it is very different. When Killzone 4 and God of War 4 are rumoured they take it on the chin and shrug it off. Some may say this Halo Remake is just a port. So what does that make the Sly, Ico and God Of War collections?
Some continuously banter about how Microsoft needs new IPs. How many new IPs are ever as popular as existing IPs? Mario is one of the most popular icons of the industry and no single new IP this generation has surpassed him in popularity. Besides that Microsoft have had new IPs. Viva Pinata is an example. And regardless of what "critics" say, I base my opinion on actually playing the game. I like Viva Pinata and think its a good 360 alternative to Nintendo's Animal Crossing.
Have you ever asked yourself why Nintendo and Microsoft have official mascots and Sony doesn't? Gran Turismo is the biggest game series Sony have. A car simply does not suffice to represent a console. Master Chief and Mario are mascots because they are so popular and have face enough to represent their consoles.
And yet they continue at it. Having 3 of Uncharted, God of War and Killzone isn't milking. But Naughty Dog have said that Uncharted can continue, Killzone 4 is being thought about right after Killzone 3 hit and if GOW 4 is in development after only a year then Sony are hardly innocent of milking it are they?
Microsoft could easily announce any game series by Rare this year. None of these games are milked. And Rare have a lot of games. People really need to wait and see on these things. Its obvious Microsoft will have casual stuff at E3 for Kinect but they could surprise you with core games.
Kingdoms and Gears of war 3 are core games. The thing is people assume that is all they have. They will most certainly have a Halo remake but they may have other stuff which could surprise you. What if a new Crackdown comes? Is that milked too, even though its only the third game?
Yet whenever Sony are rumoured to be making a sequel, it is very different. When Killzone 4 and God of War 4 are rumoured they take it on the chin and shrug it off. Some may say this Halo Remake is just a port. So what does that make the Sly, Ico and God Of War collections?
Some continuously banter about how Microsoft needs new IPs. How many new IPs are ever as popular as existing IPs? Mario is one of the most popular icons of the industry and no single new IP this generation has surpassed him in popularity. Besides that Microsoft have had new IPs. Viva Pinata is an example. And regardless of what "critics" say, I base my opinion on actually playing the game. I like Viva Pinata and think its a good 360 alternative to Nintendo's Animal Crossing.
Have you ever asked yourself why Nintendo and Microsoft have official mascots and Sony doesn't? Gran Turismo is the biggest game series Sony have. A car simply does not suffice to represent a console. Master Chief and Mario are mascots because they are so popular and have face enough to represent their consoles.
And yet they continue at it. Having 3 of Uncharted, God of War and Killzone isn't milking. But Naughty Dog have said that Uncharted can continue, Killzone 4 is being thought about right after Killzone 3 hit and if GOW 4 is in development after only a year then Sony are hardly innocent of milking it are they?
Microsoft could easily announce any game series by Rare this year. None of these games are milked. And Rare have a lot of games. People really need to wait and see on these things. Its obvious Microsoft will have casual stuff at E3 for Kinect but they could surprise you with core games.
Kingdoms and Gears of war 3 are core games. The thing is people assume that is all they have. They will most certainly have a Halo remake but they may have other stuff which could surprise you. What if a new Crackdown comes? Is that milked too, even though its only the third game?
How much do you play?
Hey all! I am writing a piece in school about computer-games and I wanted to ask this community a couple of questions. Please answer them below :)
How much do you play per week?
What genre is your personal favorite?
What's your favorite game of all time?
What game, among the ones you play at the moment, is your favorite?
How much do you play per week?
What genre is your personal favorite?
What's your favorite game of all time?
What game, among the ones you play at the moment, is your favorite?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
The Cod Days Are Over ?
I think most gamer's can agree with me ,when i say that the Call Of Duty franchise is one, or maybe the most successful series in gaming history. Every year there is another instant into the series and every year the new game break every sales record in the book. But with the game play getting slightly stale and other titles like Battlefield 3 arriving on the scene. It seems Call of duty could be knocked off the top spot very soon. So do i think that this time next are gamers will have giving up on Call of duty and Activision will of lost it's number one seller ? Well the simple answer to this is... No.
It seems on every you tube video and gaming forum there seems to be a huge amount of hate towards Call Of Duty and much love for Battlefield 3. Often People will argue that Call Of Duty is rubbish and Battlefield 3 will be so much better. Although I completely agree that Call Of Duty is incredibly stale and Battlefield 3 will be a better game. But I also agree that Call Of Duty is going absolutely no where and definitely not by the hands of EA and there attempts to out sell this years Call Of Duty.
I think it's is pretty obvious seeing that Call Of Duty MW3 has the highest pre-order sales in history. Battlefield on the other hand has it's fans threatening to not purchase the game over some pre-order exclusive DLC for the game. Which features 1 unique weapon and 2 attachments. That won't available to people who didn't pre-order until a later date. Although I agree this kind of marketing is wrong. I do believe this was probably an attempt by EA to increase the pre-order sales of Battlefield 3.
I guess the only we will know which Fps is the best later this year when Battlefield 3 and Mw3 are released.Lets just say I wont be buying Mw3 but I will be buying Battlefield 3.
Battlefield 3 will not out sell Call Of Duty this year as COD applies to all Types of gamer. Casual, Harcore and anything in betwine. More importantly it applies the kinds of people who get transformers to number 1 of the movies charts.A quick drop in,easy to pick action title. Those are the kind of people who will be getting Mw3 to the top of the charts in November. So EA enjoy your two weeks of fame before the release of Mw3 as I'm sure when Mw3 arrives it will crush BF3 in sales. Personally i believe that's a shame as Ive always enjoys Battlefield more then Cod.
And I will leave you will this. "The only thing that will every kill Cod is not Skyrim, not Battlefield, not Halo but Cod Itself."
It seems on every you tube video and gaming forum there seems to be a huge amount of hate towards Call Of Duty and much love for Battlefield 3. Often People will argue that Call Of Duty is rubbish and Battlefield 3 will be so much better. Although I completely agree that Call Of Duty is incredibly stale and Battlefield 3 will be a better game. But I also agree that Call Of Duty is going absolutely no where and definitely not by the hands of EA and there attempts to out sell this years Call Of Duty.
I think it's is pretty obvious seeing that Call Of Duty MW3 has the highest pre-order sales in history. Battlefield on the other hand has it's fans threatening to not purchase the game over some pre-order exclusive DLC for the game. Which features 1 unique weapon and 2 attachments. That won't available to people who didn't pre-order until a later date. Although I agree this kind of marketing is wrong. I do believe this was probably an attempt by EA to increase the pre-order sales of Battlefield 3.
I guess the only we will know which Fps is the best later this year when Battlefield 3 and Mw3 are released.Lets just say I wont be buying Mw3 but I will be buying Battlefield 3.
Battlefield 3 will not out sell Call Of Duty this year as COD applies to all Types of gamer. Casual, Harcore and anything in betwine. More importantly it applies the kinds of people who get transformers to number 1 of the movies charts.A quick drop in,easy to pick action title. Those are the kind of people who will be getting Mw3 to the top of the charts in November. So EA enjoy your two weeks of fame before the release of Mw3 as I'm sure when Mw3 arrives it will crush BF3 in sales. Personally i believe that's a shame as Ive always enjoys Battlefield more then Cod.
And I will leave you will this. "The only thing that will every kill Cod is not Skyrim, not Battlefield, not Halo but Cod Itself."
Hacking Game Companies: Who is to Blame?
April 17th 2011, a day that will live in infamy in gaming history. Of course, this is the date that the Sony Playstation Netowrk (PSN) was first taken down due to unauthorized intrusion on the PSN servers from hackers. This event had two significant consequences: first it prevented nearly 50 million PS3 and 70 million PSP owners from accessing any of the network features of their respective systems (i.e online play, playstation e-store, trophy syncing, etc), and second it exposed over 100 millions user accounts to hackers including emails, passwords, usernames, download history, and credit card credentials. Naturally, panic insued more so because hardcore fans could not fathom life without being able to sync their trophies to watch their trophy level increase or get online with their buddies for nearly a full month. In all seriousness, it was one of the largest hacker events in the internet age and something that has cost Sony dearly in terms of customer confidence, money, time, and momentum.
As unfortunate as all this was for fans, developers, and Sony what really struck me was that most people seemed to actually put the blame for all of this on Sony for not doing enough to protect the confidential information of the users and for taking too long to inform the users on the breach. While browsing numerous game sites and forums during the network outage, it wasn't uncommon to see talk like "I'm never buying a Sony product ever again!", "I'm not going to buy the new PSP when it comes out because it will still be on PSN", "I've sold my PS3 and moved to Xbox", "I will never trust Sony again", "Sony screwed up big time" etc. In my opinion, to draw conclusions like that sound naive, immature, and ignorant of the real issue. The real issue of course is that the Internet is not secure in any sense and you should never blindly trust Sony or any other company with your confidential information on any network.
I've always contended that to blame Sony (or any other victim of a hacking attack) for allowing themselves to be hacked is analogous to blaming a robbery victim for letting the burglar get into the house. The key point is the same in both scenarios: there is no such thing as complete 100% protection against intrusion. Throughout history, people have been victims to robbery whether they had a wooden door with no locks or a 10 ton safe protecting their assets. The reason for this is simple: if the person(s) committing the robbery is dedicated enough to the task and given adequate resources, there is always a way of working around any security measure. Security mechanisms are intrinsically made to be broken because there is always at least one party who should have access to the protected content. Thus for every lock out there, there is a key somewhere. For every encryption algorithm, there is an encryption key. The best thing the victim can do is not make it easy for them. Use a metal door with deadbolts instead of a wooden door without locks. Invest in an alarm to accelerate notification and potential recovery. But there is no guaranteed security for anything.
So did Sony make it easy for the hackers to access the personal information of over 100 millions customers? Well it couldn't have been too easy given that PSN debuted back in 2006 when the PS3 was released and was not hacked for over 4 years. In fact, among gaming companies and hardware, Sony's PS3 was the only system to not have been hacked as of end of 2010. Then of course, the PS3 master key was finally broken opening the flood gates for hackers in December 2010. By that time, both the Xbox360 and Wii hardware had long been hacked and Xbox live has been victim to intrusion on more than one occasion. Let's not even put the words "security" and ipod, ipad, or PC in the same sentence. So I would argue that Sony has been relatively secure for quite some time and has arguably increased the target on themselves with some questionable decisions (i.e removing otherOS). But at the end of the day, let's not confuse what this is: this was not a high school student playing around who happened to stumble upon the database of the PSN and its users accidentally (that would be making it easy). This was a concentrated, sophisticated, and deliberate attack on Sony that could have honestly happened to any of the large gaming or tech companies out there. Think of this attack as more like the Ocean series or the Italian Job instead of the apartment robbery seen on your local news.
If I was being rash with my thinking that this attack could have happened to anyone, the last few weeks have proven me correct. The list of just gaming companies that have been victims to cyber attacks in just the past few weeks since the PSN attack include (but not limited to)
Codemasters (DIRT series)
Bethesada (Brink, Fallout)
Eidos (Tomb Raider)
Epic (Unreal engine, Gears of War)
Sega (Sonic)
Nintendo (Mario)
Mircosoft (Xbox)
Square Enix (Final Fantasy)
Bioware (Mass Effect)
So again nobody is safe from these coordinated and determined attacks. So tell me, are each of these companies to blame just as Sony was for the PSN hack?
As unfortunate as all this was for fans, developers, and Sony what really struck me was that most people seemed to actually put the blame for all of this on Sony for not doing enough to protect the confidential information of the users and for taking too long to inform the users on the breach. While browsing numerous game sites and forums during the network outage, it wasn't uncommon to see talk like "I'm never buying a Sony product ever again!", "I'm not going to buy the new PSP when it comes out because it will still be on PSN", "I've sold my PS3 and moved to Xbox", "I will never trust Sony again", "Sony screwed up big time" etc. In my opinion, to draw conclusions like that sound naive, immature, and ignorant of the real issue. The real issue of course is that the Internet is not secure in any sense and you should never blindly trust Sony or any other company with your confidential information on any network.
I've always contended that to blame Sony (or any other victim of a hacking attack) for allowing themselves to be hacked is analogous to blaming a robbery victim for letting the burglar get into the house. The key point is the same in both scenarios: there is no such thing as complete 100% protection against intrusion. Throughout history, people have been victims to robbery whether they had a wooden door with no locks or a 10 ton safe protecting their assets. The reason for this is simple: if the person(s) committing the robbery is dedicated enough to the task and given adequate resources, there is always a way of working around any security measure. Security mechanisms are intrinsically made to be broken because there is always at least one party who should have access to the protected content. Thus for every lock out there, there is a key somewhere. For every encryption algorithm, there is an encryption key. The best thing the victim can do is not make it easy for them. Use a metal door with deadbolts instead of a wooden door without locks. Invest in an alarm to accelerate notification and potential recovery. But there is no guaranteed security for anything.
So did Sony make it easy for the hackers to access the personal information of over 100 millions customers? Well it couldn't have been too easy given that PSN debuted back in 2006 when the PS3 was released and was not hacked for over 4 years. In fact, among gaming companies and hardware, Sony's PS3 was the only system to not have been hacked as of end of 2010. Then of course, the PS3 master key was finally broken opening the flood gates for hackers in December 2010. By that time, both the Xbox360 and Wii hardware had long been hacked and Xbox live has been victim to intrusion on more than one occasion. Let's not even put the words "security" and ipod, ipad, or PC in the same sentence. So I would argue that Sony has been relatively secure for quite some time and has arguably increased the target on themselves with some questionable decisions (i.e removing otherOS). But at the end of the day, let's not confuse what this is: this was not a high school student playing around who happened to stumble upon the database of the PSN and its users accidentally (that would be making it easy). This was a concentrated, sophisticated, and deliberate attack on Sony that could have honestly happened to any of the large gaming or tech companies out there. Think of this attack as more like the Ocean series or the Italian Job instead of the apartment robbery seen on your local news.
If I was being rash with my thinking that this attack could have happened to anyone, the last few weeks have proven me correct. The list of just gaming companies that have been victims to cyber attacks in just the past few weeks since the PSN attack include (but not limited to)
Codemasters (DIRT series)
Bethesada (Brink, Fallout)
Eidos (Tomb Raider)
Epic (Unreal engine, Gears of War)
Sega (Sonic)
Nintendo (Mario)
Mircosoft (Xbox)
Square Enix (Final Fantasy)
Bioware (Mass Effect)
So again nobody is safe from these coordinated and determined attacks. So tell me, are each of these companies to blame just as Sony was for the PSN hack?
Why the concern for Mass Effect 3?
Mass Effect 3 is currently my most anticpated video game to date and it will most likely stand that way until it comes out. I played through the first two in the series multiple times. With that said I am eager to see how my decisons play out. However, when it comes to changes in certain video games there will always be people displeased with what they see. It seems as though Mass Effect's new and improved combat has caused quite a stir with some hardcore bioware fans. Let me address those.
In both Mass Effect 1 and 2, one of the most consistent flaws was the combat system. In the first one it was pretty weak with the constant annoying but humorous one liners such as "ENEMIES EVERYWHERE" and "I WIL DESTROY YOU" being uttered by enemies every 5 seconds. In the second one there was some improvements but the fighting was a little too slow paced and enemies just took cover and shot or we had the occasional bigger enemies walking and shooting straight towards us. Mass Effect 3 addressed all of these problems. Enemy A.I. is intense and much more aggressive than the previous games. Shephard can just vault over objects instead of taking cover first. He can even roll now. I personally think all 3rd person action games is flawed if players can't either crouch or roll. Movement is fluid and the melee system is better than ever. Awkward punches are replaced with new melee kills designed for each class.
Some fans are dissapointed to the point where they automatically compare this to Gears of war. To quote some people, "It's now a hack and slash/shooter instead of an RPG". Just because they improved drastically on all phases of combat doesn't mean they are totally ditching all of the RPG aspects. If people actually payed attention to the Mass Effect 3 demo and interviews, they would've seen the customization and mods that it had to offer. Weapon mods are back and powers can now evolve multiple times.
Dragon Age 2 is something I've seen brought into the Mass Effect 3 arguement on numerous occasions. I've never played Dragon Age 2 but after doing research I noticed 2 different teams worked on both Dragon Age and Mass Effect. These are 2 different development cycles. These are 2 different franchises.
It's starting to get out of hand to the point where people are completely ignoring the good things Mass Effect 3 has to offer. I've seen no acknowledgement of the fact that planet exploration is brought back into the equation and is better than ever with 3 drop zones into the planet instead of only 1 area to explore. I've seen no acknowledgement of the fact that it is still decison making gameplay and our decisions will turn out for the better or worse.
There are some things in the first Mass Effect I feel are being exaggerated just because they aren't in the second game. I've heard people complain about the MAKO being gone. If I'm not mistaken there were more people complaining about the MAKO so I understand why that vehicle is gone.
Anyway I could go on and on but these are just my general thoughts about all the concern. To this day, the only legitimate concerns about Mass Effect 3 is EA's control over Bioware, possible DLC milking, and rumors of multiplayer.
Here is an article explaining some of the RPG elements in depth.
http://www.rpgsite.net/arti...
In both Mass Effect 1 and 2, one of the most consistent flaws was the combat system. In the first one it was pretty weak with the constant annoying but humorous one liners such as "ENEMIES EVERYWHERE" and "I WIL DESTROY YOU" being uttered by enemies every 5 seconds. In the second one there was some improvements but the fighting was a little too slow paced and enemies just took cover and shot or we had the occasional bigger enemies walking and shooting straight towards us. Mass Effect 3 addressed all of these problems. Enemy A.I. is intense and much more aggressive than the previous games. Shephard can just vault over objects instead of taking cover first. He can even roll now. I personally think all 3rd person action games is flawed if players can't either crouch or roll. Movement is fluid and the melee system is better than ever. Awkward punches are replaced with new melee kills designed for each class.
Some fans are dissapointed to the point where they automatically compare this to Gears of war. To quote some people, "It's now a hack and slash/shooter instead of an RPG". Just because they improved drastically on all phases of combat doesn't mean they are totally ditching all of the RPG aspects. If people actually payed attention to the Mass Effect 3 demo and interviews, they would've seen the customization and mods that it had to offer. Weapon mods are back and powers can now evolve multiple times.
Dragon Age 2 is something I've seen brought into the Mass Effect 3 arguement on numerous occasions. I've never played Dragon Age 2 but after doing research I noticed 2 different teams worked on both Dragon Age and Mass Effect. These are 2 different development cycles. These are 2 different franchises.
It's starting to get out of hand to the point where people are completely ignoring the good things Mass Effect 3 has to offer. I've seen no acknowledgement of the fact that planet exploration is brought back into the equation and is better than ever with 3 drop zones into the planet instead of only 1 area to explore. I've seen no acknowledgement of the fact that it is still decison making gameplay and our decisions will turn out for the better or worse.
There are some things in the first Mass Effect I feel are being exaggerated just because they aren't in the second game. I've heard people complain about the MAKO being gone. If I'm not mistaken there were more people complaining about the MAKO so I understand why that vehicle is gone.
Anyway I could go on and on but these are just my general thoughts about all the concern. To this day, the only legitimate concerns about Mass Effect 3 is EA's control over Bioware, possible DLC milking, and rumors of multiplayer.
Here is an article explaining some of the RPG elements in depth.
http://www.rpgsite.net/arti...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
NASA to create space-themed social game combining in-depth education with fun
A few years ago, NASA held a research challenge looking for a developer and game proposal for an educational, space-themed video game that could not only be extremely educational, but also fun and commercially viable. Now, four years later, we've started to see the fruits of that challenge, as Canadian developer Project Whitecard has created a Kickstarter video preview, asking the public at large for donations to boost the project along (for the record, its goal has already been met).
The game is called Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond, and it will play like an MMO set in the year 2035. Space flight for the average citizen is now not only available, but actually encouraged, as players will make their way through our solar system (and potentially beyond), landing on Mars and exploring other celestial bodies with both friends and strangers alike. In the game's story, a threat to "civilization as we know it" has emerged, and you'll need to build a base somewhere in outer space (yes, Mars is an option) and eventually outfit a team of other players or potentially NPCs (non-player characters) with high-tech gear to fight back.
Astronauts is described by the developers as being Harry Potter in space, as players are centered around the Arthur C. Clarke Astronaut Academy Station, which is the game's version of "Hogwarts." We'll be assigned missions in this fictional version of outer space, and can then go about our business in either player vs. environment or team vs. team modes. True scientific challenges will appear in the game, as we'll need to worry about radiation, extreme heat or cold and other elements that true-to-life astronauts and NASA as a whole must deal with everyday.
If everything goes well for Project Whitecard, we can expect to see the full launch of Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond on PC, Mac and iOS in December of 2012. Sure, that's a long time to wait, but hey - space is a pretty big place to recreate.
[Via Mashable]
Are you interested in trying out Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond when it launches? Will you donate any money to the cause of helping the game reach final production? What do you think of educational video games - do they have a place, or are they out of touch with what gamers want? Sound off in the comments.
The game is called Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond, and it will play like an MMO set in the year 2035. Space flight for the average citizen is now not only available, but actually encouraged, as players will make their way through our solar system (and potentially beyond), landing on Mars and exploring other celestial bodies with both friends and strangers alike. In the game's story, a threat to "civilization as we know it" has emerged, and you'll need to build a base somewhere in outer space (yes, Mars is an option) and eventually outfit a team of other players or potentially NPCs (non-player characters) with high-tech gear to fight back.
Astronauts is described by the developers as being Harry Potter in space, as players are centered around the Arthur C. Clarke Astronaut Academy Station, which is the game's version of "Hogwarts." We'll be assigned missions in this fictional version of outer space, and can then go about our business in either player vs. environment or team vs. team modes. True scientific challenges will appear in the game, as we'll need to worry about radiation, extreme heat or cold and other elements that true-to-life astronauts and NASA as a whole must deal with everyday.
If everything goes well for Project Whitecard, we can expect to see the full launch of Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond on PC, Mac and iOS in December of 2012. Sure, that's a long time to wait, but hey - space is a pretty big place to recreate.
[Via Mashable]
Are you interested in trying out Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond when it launches? Will you donate any money to the cause of helping the game reach final production? What do you think of educational video games - do they have a place, or are they out of touch with what gamers want? Sound off in the comments.
Bungie's first game since Halo is a freemium pirate combat iPad game?
Why yes, and it's hitting the App Store globally (in phases) as of this writing, Pocket Gamer reports. It was recently revealed that "Crimson," the mysterious first project by Halo creator Bungie's new label, Bungie Aerospace, is a free-to-play steampunk pirate ship combat game for the iPad. Developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Bungie, this is far of a cry as it gets from the legendary developer's previous work.
Officially titled "Crimson: Steam Pirates," the game throws players into an alternate Civil War era in which steam technology has taken off and powers technologically-advanced pirate ships. You're Captain Thomas Blood as he conquers the Caribbean Sea in turn-based battles of strategy and smart move-making. Of course, thanks to Bungie, players will be able to track their Crimson stats and progress on Bungie.net (and hopefully even in the Bungie iOS app).
Bungie is far from the first developer to enter the free-to-play mobile or social games space. Valve is already knee-deep in freemium goodness, thanks to multiple updates to its Steam game store and network like free-to-play game offerings. Atari recently reiterated its focus on social and mobile games, as did a number of big time game designers like John Romero, Will Wright and Richard Garriott, to name a few.
Crimson Steam Pirates iPad
While the game is available for free, additional content is available for an in-game download that costs $1.99. That does sound pricey, but based on the fact it's Chapter 2 in the storyline, "Tales of Captain Blood," this sounds like a collection of new missions. Crimson: Steam Pirates is exclusive to iPad at the moment, and should hit western App Stores later today.
[Image Credit: Pocket Gamer]
Are you surprised that the creator of one the biggest retail games ever has done a near complete 180 to freemium games? What do you think this means for both Bungie and the existing free-to-play games scene? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Officially titled "Crimson: Steam Pirates," the game throws players into an alternate Civil War era in which steam technology has taken off and powers technologically-advanced pirate ships. You're Captain Thomas Blood as he conquers the Caribbean Sea in turn-based battles of strategy and smart move-making. Of course, thanks to Bungie, players will be able to track their Crimson stats and progress on Bungie.net (and hopefully even in the Bungie iOS app).
Bungie is far from the first developer to enter the free-to-play mobile or social games space. Valve is already knee-deep in freemium goodness, thanks to multiple updates to its Steam game store and network like free-to-play game offerings. Atari recently reiterated its focus on social and mobile games, as did a number of big time game designers like John Romero, Will Wright and Richard Garriott, to name a few.
Crimson Steam Pirates iPad
While the game is available for free, additional content is available for an in-game download that costs $1.99. That does sound pricey, but based on the fact it's Chapter 2 in the storyline, "Tales of Captain Blood," this sounds like a collection of new missions. Crimson: Steam Pirates is exclusive to iPad at the moment, and should hit western App Stores later today.
[Image Credit: Pocket Gamer]
Are you surprised that the creator of one the biggest retail games ever has done a near complete 180 to freemium games? What do you think this means for both Bungie and the existing free-to-play games scene? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Mass Effect for Facebook looks even more likely, job posting suggests
And honestly, with how well Dragon Age Legends (DAL) did (and how impressive of a game it is) when its companion Dragon Age 2 launched this year, why wouldn't it be? Mass Effect is even bigger than Dragon Age--that's enough to convince me, but alas, we have another piece of hard evidence. Inside Social Games reports that Bioware is looking for "a well-rounded Artist to work on an exciting, new, social game for gamers," a job posting reads.
More specifically, the job is based in Bioware San Francisco. You know, the studio that was born of EA2D, the social game arm of Bioware's parent company? The studio that was also wholly responsible for Dragon Age Legends? (Hopefully, this is all coming together now.) While the text does well to avoid pointing out any Bioware franchise in particular, the timing is simply too close to the release of Mass Effect 3.
The console game releases on March 6, 2012, and most social game development cycles range between six and nine months. The job posting calls specifically for an experienced concept and UI artist, meaning this game could be past early planning stages already.
While DAL never cleared the 1 million monthly players most Facebook games strive for, again, Mass Effect has much more mainstream appeal than Dragon Age and could easily blow past 1 million monthly players. We have only one request, Bioware: Please, somehow, make it involve a Reaper?
[Via Kotaku]
Do you think this is enough evidence to guess that Bioware is working on a Mass Effect Facebook game? What would want out of a Mass Effect game on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
More specifically, the job is based in Bioware San Francisco. You know, the studio that was born of EA2D, the social game arm of Bioware's parent company? The studio that was also wholly responsible for Dragon Age Legends? (Hopefully, this is all coming together now.) While the text does well to avoid pointing out any Bioware franchise in particular, the timing is simply too close to the release of Mass Effect 3.
The console game releases on March 6, 2012, and most social game development cycles range between six and nine months. The job posting calls specifically for an experienced concept and UI artist, meaning this game could be past early planning stages already.
While DAL never cleared the 1 million monthly players most Facebook games strive for, again, Mass Effect has much more mainstream appeal than Dragon Age and could easily blow past 1 million monthly players. We have only one request, Bioware: Please, somehow, make it involve a Reaper?
[Via Kotaku]
Do you think this is enough evidence to guess that Bioware is working on a Mass Effect Facebook game? What would want out of a Mass Effect game on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Monster Galaxy makes iPhones even more addictive at no charge
At this rate, we may as well just graft iPhones to our arms ... or make iWatches (©®™). Gaia Online has released Monster Galaxy, its hit Pokemon-style Facebook game with over 9 million monthly players, to iOS devices, Inside Social Games reports. However, the game is a standalone version of what you'll find on Facebook, meaning there is no connection to your Facebook friends in this version.
The game is much similar to its popular Facebook counterpart in that players become Moga Tamers--the Mogas being the 137 monsters you must capture on a linear journey. The game, officially titled "Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands," relies heavily on the astrological theme with many of its monsters and much of its art reflecting the Zodiac. Players navigate several islands, finding wild Moga to capture and plenty of other Moga Tamers to do battle with.
Speaking of which, combat in Monster Galaxy is a turn-based affair, much like its primary source of inspiration, but rewards players for good timing as well as matching up Zodiac types correctly. (Just like in Pokemon, certain Mogas are more powerful or weaker against other types.)
Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands
Unlike Pokemon and more like Facebook games, Monster Galaxy limits how much players can do in a given sitting, as each step the player takes between battles consumes Energy. Yes, the Facebook gaming staple has encroached upon iPhone games, and this is far from the first. Of course, you can buy more Energy and other items for the green stuff. Hey, the game is free, and looks to be the only Pokemon-like fix you'll ever get on your iPhone. Is that enough convincing for ya?
Click here to download Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands for Free Now >
Are you psyched that Monster Galaxy is on iPhone? What other popular Facebook games would you like see come to iOS? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
The game is much similar to its popular Facebook counterpart in that players become Moga Tamers--the Mogas being the 137 monsters you must capture on a linear journey. The game, officially titled "Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands," relies heavily on the astrological theme with many of its monsters and much of its art reflecting the Zodiac. Players navigate several islands, finding wild Moga to capture and plenty of other Moga Tamers to do battle with.
Speaking of which, combat in Monster Galaxy is a turn-based affair, much like its primary source of inspiration, but rewards players for good timing as well as matching up Zodiac types correctly. (Just like in Pokemon, certain Mogas are more powerful or weaker against other types.)
Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands
Unlike Pokemon and more like Facebook games, Monster Galaxy limits how much players can do in a given sitting, as each step the player takes between battles consumes Energy. Yes, the Facebook gaming staple has encroached upon iPhone games, and this is far from the first. Of course, you can buy more Energy and other items for the green stuff. Hey, the game is free, and looks to be the only Pokemon-like fix you'll ever get on your iPhone. Is that enough convincing for ya?
Click here to download Monster Galaxy: The Zodiac Islands for Free Now >
Are you psyched that Monster Galaxy is on iPhone? What other popular Facebook games would you like see come to iOS? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
Facebook games are 'not where our interests lie,' Fallout 3 maker says
So, no post-apoc mutant murder fests on Facebook then, huh? During an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Fallout 3 creator Bethesda's Pete Hines said, "That's not where our interests lie," referring to Facebook and mobile games. "That's not what we're known for and it's not the kind of stuff we've traditionally done."
Bethesda, which recently acquired Doom creator--and Loot Drop founder John Romero's original stomping ground--id Software, is currently working to release the fifth Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim (pictured). The game looks like it will certainly grab several Game of the Year nods when it releases to consoles Nov. 11. But even as future Game of the Year contenders like Mass Effect 3 could be getting the Facebook treatment, Bethesda simply doesn't see the connection.
"I guess I would put it this way: I want to make the kind of games that somebody who likes Rage would want to play, and who likes Skyrim would want to play, and there's a much clearer path from the guy who likes Rage is also probably going to like Skyrim also probably likes Prey 2 also probably likes Dishonored, or at least there's a much bigger chance of moving an audience from one to the next," Hines said to GamesIndustry.biz.
Basically, despite the fact that hardcore social gamers near 80 million, Hines doesn't see Bethesda effectively reaching its audience through Facebook. Well, it's either that or Hines doesn't buy that a large enough portion of its audience could be there.
While Hine said that he wouldn't want to "go off and do something that is completely different that we don't have a lot of expertise and knowledge of," he fails to mention how most of its competitors got into this at all: buying out folks that do know. Fine Bethesda, I didn't want Skyrim on Facebook anyway (still totally buying it)!
Do you think Bethesda is making a smart move in staying away from Facebook games or mobile games? Are you bummed that you won't be able to slay dragons with your bare hands on Facebook? (We are.) Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Bethesda, which recently acquired Doom creator--and Loot Drop founder John Romero's original stomping ground--id Software, is currently working to release the fifth Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim (pictured). The game looks like it will certainly grab several Game of the Year nods when it releases to consoles Nov. 11. But even as future Game of the Year contenders like Mass Effect 3 could be getting the Facebook treatment, Bethesda simply doesn't see the connection.
"I guess I would put it this way: I want to make the kind of games that somebody who likes Rage would want to play, and who likes Skyrim would want to play, and there's a much clearer path from the guy who likes Rage is also probably going to like Skyrim also probably likes Prey 2 also probably likes Dishonored, or at least there's a much bigger chance of moving an audience from one to the next," Hines said to GamesIndustry.biz.
Basically, despite the fact that hardcore social gamers near 80 million, Hines doesn't see Bethesda effectively reaching its audience through Facebook. Well, it's either that or Hines doesn't buy that a large enough portion of its audience could be there.
While Hine said that he wouldn't want to "go off and do something that is completely different that we don't have a lot of expertise and knowledge of," he fails to mention how most of its competitors got into this at all: buying out folks that do know. Fine Bethesda, I didn't want Skyrim on Facebook anyway (still totally buying it)!
Do you think Bethesda is making a smart move in staying away from Facebook games or mobile games? Are you bummed that you won't be able to slay dragons with your bare hands on Facebook? (We are.) Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Thursday, October 6, 2011
CityVille: Earn a free Tunnel decoration for playing Adventure World
While Adventure World has finally started seeing a push in its user base (to a current total of around 26 million players), that doesn't mean Zynga wants the growth to slow down. To help users discover its newest game, the developer has launched a cross-promotion between Adventure World and its largest game: CityVille. This promotion, like the FarmVille promotion that came before it, will give users some incentive to play AW by rewarding them with a prize back in CityVille at the end.
To be specific, a free Tunnel decoration (pictured at right) is up for grabs for all CityVille players that take the time to reach at least Level 7 in Adventure World. This is unfortunately two levels more than that required for the FarmVille cross-promotion, so you will need to keep chugging along until you level up two more times. To help you do that, we have guides on the game's starting Expeditions, along with the game's main story quests, so make sure to check out our guides to those events to help yourself level up as quickly as possible.
While you shouldn't have to, you should also remember to click on the "Play Now" button in the pop-up that appears in CityVille to activate this cross-promotion in your game. It's possible that Zynga will automatically track the players that have met both requirements (that is, those that play CityVille and are at least Level 7 in Adventure World), but clicking on this link should eliminate all doubt. Oh yeah, you'll need to do all of the above fairly quickly - your time limit for receiving your free Tunnel Decoration is October 6. On that date, all qualifying users will receive their prize, so don't worry if you don't receive it beforehand. Just make sure you meet the deadline if you want this free Tunnel in your town.
Will you play Adventure World to at least Level 7 to qualify for a free CityVille Tunnel? Sound off in the comments.
To be specific, a free Tunnel decoration (pictured at right) is up for grabs for all CityVille players that take the time to reach at least Level 7 in Adventure World. This is unfortunately two levels more than that required for the FarmVille cross-promotion, so you will need to keep chugging along until you level up two more times. To help you do that, we have guides on the game's starting Expeditions, along with the game's main story quests, so make sure to check out our guides to those events to help yourself level up as quickly as possible.
While you shouldn't have to, you should also remember to click on the "Play Now" button in the pop-up that appears in CityVille to activate this cross-promotion in your game. It's possible that Zynga will automatically track the players that have met both requirements (that is, those that play CityVille and are at least Level 7 in Adventure World), but clicking on this link should eliminate all doubt. Oh yeah, you'll need to do all of the above fairly quickly - your time limit for receiving your free Tunnel Decoration is October 6. On that date, all qualifying users will receive their prize, so don't worry if you don't receive it beforehand. Just make sure you meet the deadline if you want this free Tunnel in your town.
Will you play Adventure World to at least Level 7 to qualify for a free CityVille Tunnel? Sound off in the comments.
CityVille Metropolis items take the fun to the big city
If all of the small-scale businesses and homes in CityVille just aren't doing it for you, and you want some larger skyscrapers to sit beside your (probably) large franchises, you're in luck with the release of new Metropolis items in the game today. These items will be available for 15 days, and you'll be able to purchase either a Mystery Crate to try your luck at receiving a random item, or purchase some of these items outright. Fair warning: these items cost City Cash, so I hope you're ready to bust out your wallet.
Infinite Towers II (Home)
* Costs: 110 City Cash
* Population: 4000 - 7000 citizens
* Rent: 532 coins every day
Destiny's Calling (Home)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Population: 1350 - 2650 population
* Rent: 150 coins every two hours
Oasis Apartments II (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1850 - 3650 citizens
* Rent: 200 coins every four hours
Visual Art Academy (Community Building)
* Costs: 70 City Cash
* Raises maximum population cap by 5,000 citizens
In addition to these four items, the Metropolis Mystery Crate will give you a chance at one additional item - the Oasis Apartments I - along with three other items above (the Infinite Towers II, Destiny's Calling and Visual Art Academy). A single crate costs 55 City Cash, so unless you only win the Destiny's Calling, you'll really come out ahead over purchasing items individually. Keep in mind though, you might win duplicates in your quest to get all three at a "discount." As for the Oasis Apartments I, the exclusive item to this crate, it comes with a population of 2,000 - 4,000 citizens and provides 251 coins every eight hours in rent.
Again, these items, including the Mystery Crate are only available in the game for a limited time of around 15 days. We'll make sure to let you know if any themed decorations or businesses launch in this theme in the future, so keep checking back with us!
Will you purchase any of these Skyscrapers for use in your town, or will you try your hand with the Mystery Crate to see if you can walk away with an expensive item for "cheap?" Sound off in the comments.
Infinite Towers II (Home)
* Costs: 110 City Cash
* Population: 4000 - 7000 citizens
* Rent: 532 coins every day
Destiny's Calling (Home)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Population: 1350 - 2650 population
* Rent: 150 coins every two hours
Oasis Apartments II (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1850 - 3650 citizens
* Rent: 200 coins every four hours
Visual Art Academy (Community Building)
* Costs: 70 City Cash
* Raises maximum population cap by 5,000 citizens
In addition to these four items, the Metropolis Mystery Crate will give you a chance at one additional item - the Oasis Apartments I - along with three other items above (the Infinite Towers II, Destiny's Calling and Visual Art Academy). A single crate costs 55 City Cash, so unless you only win the Destiny's Calling, you'll really come out ahead over purchasing items individually. Keep in mind though, you might win duplicates in your quest to get all three at a "discount." As for the Oasis Apartments I, the exclusive item to this crate, it comes with a population of 2,000 - 4,000 citizens and provides 251 coins every eight hours in rent.
Again, these items, including the Mystery Crate are only available in the game for a limited time of around 15 days. We'll make sure to let you know if any themed decorations or businesses launch in this theme in the future, so keep checking back with us!
Will you purchase any of these Skyscrapers for use in your town, or will you try your hand with the Mystery Crate to see if you can walk away with an expensive item for "cheap?" Sound off in the comments.
Want exclusive freebies in The Sims Social? Register on the forums
I'd put away that credit card, if I were you, at least for the moment. I know, it's burning a hole and blah, blah, blah, but Playfish recently announced that it will give The Sims Social players exclusive freebies on a regular basis, but under one condition: You have to register on the Playfish forums. In fact, the game's community team created a new forum category just for this purpose.
Starting last week, Playfish gave away some free Relaxation--an ingredient used in crafting Fun Potions--in a short 24-hour window. So, it looks like, if you do decide to partake in the freebie-fest, you'll have to visit the Playfish forums on a regular basis to catch the next free giveaway that pops up. Perhaps eventually the developer will start to dole some beefier prizes like decorations for your Sim's house or straight-up Simoleons and Social Points.
EA and Playfish have been on a freebie frenzy as of late for all The Sims Social players. Just recently, the developer announced a week-long event in which it will post even more handouts on its Facebook page. At this point, we can't help but ask: Why? Well, considering just how close The Sims Social is to overtaking Zynga's CityVille as the number one game on Facebook in daily players, we're not surprised that Playfish would be pulling all the stops. To register on the Playfish forums, click right here.
Have you been reaping the rewards from Playfish on the forums and on The Sims Social Facebook page? What do you think of the game so far? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
Starting last week, Playfish gave away some free Relaxation--an ingredient used in crafting Fun Potions--in a short 24-hour window. So, it looks like, if you do decide to partake in the freebie-fest, you'll have to visit the Playfish forums on a regular basis to catch the next free giveaway that pops up. Perhaps eventually the developer will start to dole some beefier prizes like decorations for your Sim's house or straight-up Simoleons and Social Points.
EA and Playfish have been on a freebie frenzy as of late for all The Sims Social players. Just recently, the developer announced a week-long event in which it will post even more handouts on its Facebook page. At this point, we can't help but ask: Why? Well, considering just how close The Sims Social is to overtaking Zynga's CityVille as the number one game on Facebook in daily players, we're not surprised that Playfish would be pulling all the stops. To register on the Playfish forums, click right here.
Have you been reaping the rewards from Playfish on the forums and on The Sims Social Facebook page? What do you think of the game so far? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
Pioneer Trail Greenhouse Goals: Everything you need to know
Zynga has just released a new Pioneer Trail goal -- the Greenhouse -- that's best described by a player as "a TARDIS for crops" in more ways than one. For those who don't get the Doctor Who reference, I'd also say it's like the previously released FrontierVille Orchard.
Looking at the screenshot on the right, I can vaguely see how the Greenhouse resembles a time-traveling police box. But that's not where the resemblance ends, because once completed, your new Greenhouse will allow you to plant more crops. Even though it looks like a 3x3 building on the outside, it's actually a 6x6 building on the inside.
So what's the catch? Well, you won't be able to do this goal unless you're Level 13 or above. Also, like most goals, you'll need to collect a lot of stuff in order to build it. For the following items, you'll need to make Facebook Wall posts to get 10 of each: Mulch, Plant Food, and Ladybugs. The next set of required items are ones you've got to ask your friends for by sending them requests, and you'll need 15 of each: Insulating Glass, Sturdy Frame, and Irrigation System.
Pioneer Trail Finish Your Greenhouse
The upside though, is that once you finish your Greenhouse, and complete the four quests that go along with it, you'll unlock three new crops: Carrots, Grapes, and Watermelons. Watermelons are prized because they've got a harvest period of five days. Your crops will also be safe from Groundhogs during that time, and your neighbors can come by to tend those crops.
Pioneer Trail Greenhouse crops
Time to Flex That Green Thumb!
* Place the Greenhouse
* Harvest 50 Clover
* Clear 15 Debris on Neighbors' Homesteads
* Reward: 250XP, 250 Coins, Hanging Plant
Record-Breaking Crops!
* Collect the Daily Bonus from the Greenhouse
* Have or collect 50 Poultry Puddin'
* Collect ten bottles of Buttermilk
* Reward: 500XP, 500 Coins, Carrots Unlocked!
It's Carrotastic!
* Harvest 40 Carrots in your Greenhouse or on your Homestead
* Harvest 15 Crops on Neighbors' Homestead or in their Greenhouse
* Collect 15 Fish Heads
* Reward: 1000XP, 1000 Coins, Grapes Unlocked
A Grape Escape!
* Harvest 40 Grapes in your Greenhouse or on your Homestead
* Tend 30 Adult Cows
* Collect 10 rays of Country Sunshine
* Reward: 1000XP, 1000 Coins, Watermelon Unlocked
Pioneer Trail Greenhouse Collection
Finally, completion of the Greenhouse unlocks a new Collection that delivers a Big Wither Protection Boost, which prevents all your crops from dying. The Collection items are Butterflies, Mister, Garden Bunny, Gardening Glove, and Gardening Tape.
But there are players who believe the Greenhouse is poorly planned, and they have a point. Three of the four Greenhouse Goals ask you to plant 40 crops within the Greenhouse or on your Homestead. But the Greenhouse only has room for 36, therefore, leaving four that must be planted outside to fulfill the quest. There are also complaints that the first item you're forced to plant is the Clover, which is one of the earliest crops for a beginner. It would have been better if the game allowed players to get started with planting and harvesting the new unlockable crops right away instead.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Would you rather have a land expansion than a building that lets you plant more crops? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Looking at the screenshot on the right, I can vaguely see how the Greenhouse resembles a time-traveling police box. But that's not where the resemblance ends, because once completed, your new Greenhouse will allow you to plant more crops. Even though it looks like a 3x3 building on the outside, it's actually a 6x6 building on the inside.
So what's the catch? Well, you won't be able to do this goal unless you're Level 13 or above. Also, like most goals, you'll need to collect a lot of stuff in order to build it. For the following items, you'll need to make Facebook Wall posts to get 10 of each: Mulch, Plant Food, and Ladybugs. The next set of required items are ones you've got to ask your friends for by sending them requests, and you'll need 15 of each: Insulating Glass, Sturdy Frame, and Irrigation System.
Pioneer Trail Finish Your Greenhouse
The upside though, is that once you finish your Greenhouse, and complete the four quests that go along with it, you'll unlock three new crops: Carrots, Grapes, and Watermelons. Watermelons are prized because they've got a harvest period of five days. Your crops will also be safe from Groundhogs during that time, and your neighbors can come by to tend those crops.
Pioneer Trail Greenhouse crops
Time to Flex That Green Thumb!
* Place the Greenhouse
* Harvest 50 Clover
* Clear 15 Debris on Neighbors' Homesteads
* Reward: 250XP, 250 Coins, Hanging Plant
Record-Breaking Crops!
* Collect the Daily Bonus from the Greenhouse
* Have or collect 50 Poultry Puddin'
* Collect ten bottles of Buttermilk
* Reward: 500XP, 500 Coins, Carrots Unlocked!
It's Carrotastic!
* Harvest 40 Carrots in your Greenhouse or on your Homestead
* Harvest 15 Crops on Neighbors' Homestead or in their Greenhouse
* Collect 15 Fish Heads
* Reward: 1000XP, 1000 Coins, Grapes Unlocked
A Grape Escape!
* Harvest 40 Grapes in your Greenhouse or on your Homestead
* Tend 30 Adult Cows
* Collect 10 rays of Country Sunshine
* Reward: 1000XP, 1000 Coins, Watermelon Unlocked
Pioneer Trail Greenhouse Collection
Finally, completion of the Greenhouse unlocks a new Collection that delivers a Big Wither Protection Boost, which prevents all your crops from dying. The Collection items are Butterflies, Mister, Garden Bunny, Gardening Glove, and Gardening Tape.
But there are players who believe the Greenhouse is poorly planned, and they have a point. Three of the four Greenhouse Goals ask you to plant 40 crops within the Greenhouse or on your Homestead. But the Greenhouse only has room for 36, therefore, leaving four that must be planted outside to fulfill the quest. There are also complaints that the first item you're forced to plant is the Clover, which is one of the earliest crops for a beginner. It would have been better if the game allowed players to get started with planting and harvesting the new unlockable crops right away instead.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Would you rather have a land expansion than a building that lets you plant more crops? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Adventure World Cave of Montezuma Expedition: Everything you need to know
If you've already made your way through Adventure World's "starter" Expeditions, you might be surprised when scrolling through the list today to find a new entry has been added. While we know that Expeditions are already available all of the way to Level 40, this entirely new Expedition sits in between Jungle Run and Mountain Pass, making it now the fourth Expedition on the list. If you're thorough and wish to complete all Expeditions at least once, we've got a guide to help you do just that.
This particular Expedition requires 175 Supplies and two each of Food, Fuel and Water. Your overall goal is to defeat a spider infestation and find Montezuma's Headdress, and you only have two days to accomplish it all. Let's get started!
Montezuma's Headdress
* Recover the Blue Feather
* Recover the Green Feather
* Recover the Red Feather
* Recover the Headdress
While the Professor has successfully located Montezuma's Headdress, you'll quickly learn that it's in pieces and must be gathered bit by bit before this Expedition can be completed. The pieces of the headdress are scattered throughout this fairly complex map, with some of the feathers being perched high atop pillars that must be lowered by activating statues, not entirely unlike the ending of the Treasure Trail Expedition.
Outsmarting Spiders
* Defeat 5 Spiders
* Clear 5 Spider Webs
* Ask friends for 10 Bat Houses
* Place Bat Houses on Gnarled Trees
Unfortunately, while a few Bat Houses can be found on this map, you won't be able to find all 10, so you do need to ask for your friends' help, and quickly! As for the Spiders, these guys may not immediately be visible on the map, as they fall down from the "ceiling" using lines of web. Spider Webs themselves can be found around the map like a normal piece of debris. As for the Gnarled Trees, these are also found on the map, which put your Bat Houses to good use. In the second picture below, you'll see a Gnarled Tree highlighted in red. By clicking on it when you have a Bat House in your inventory, the Bat House will be hung from the tree.
Montezuma Says
* Solve the First Puzzle
* Solve the Second Puzzle
* Solve the Third Puzzle
As I said above, two of the feathers to the headdress are blocked by puzzles, while a Ruby Vase sits at the end of the third. Even if you'd rather not, you will need to spend some energy going after this Ruby Vase to complete this particular quest, as you must complete all three puzzles. These puzzles give you a series of pillars that animate in order. You must then repeat the animation by clicking on the appropriate statues like in a game of "Simon Says." You'll be able to push a nearby button to see the puzzle repeatedly, if you can't remember the exact order to activate the statues in, so don't worry if you forget to pay attention. Once you complete each puzzle appropriate, its prize will lower so that you can collect it (note: you may not be able to walk directly up to it, but might have to go around, or even use a Grappling Hook to get there).
By finishing these three quests, you will have successfully complete the Cave of Montezuma Expedition. Remember though - even though this is a new addition to the game, it can still be mastered like all others, requiring multiple runs through the Expedition in its entirety. The more you master an Expedition, the higher the rewards become, so feel free to master them all for the best rewards in the end.
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Cave of Montezuma Expedition? Do you think it's too difficult to be placed this early in the Expedition "timeline?" Sound off in the comments.
This particular Expedition requires 175 Supplies and two each of Food, Fuel and Water. Your overall goal is to defeat a spider infestation and find Montezuma's Headdress, and you only have two days to accomplish it all. Let's get started!
Montezuma's Headdress
* Recover the Blue Feather
* Recover the Green Feather
* Recover the Red Feather
* Recover the Headdress
While the Professor has successfully located Montezuma's Headdress, you'll quickly learn that it's in pieces and must be gathered bit by bit before this Expedition can be completed. The pieces of the headdress are scattered throughout this fairly complex map, with some of the feathers being perched high atop pillars that must be lowered by activating statues, not entirely unlike the ending of the Treasure Trail Expedition.
Outsmarting Spiders
* Defeat 5 Spiders
* Clear 5 Spider Webs
* Ask friends for 10 Bat Houses
* Place Bat Houses on Gnarled Trees
Unfortunately, while a few Bat Houses can be found on this map, you won't be able to find all 10, so you do need to ask for your friends' help, and quickly! As for the Spiders, these guys may not immediately be visible on the map, as they fall down from the "ceiling" using lines of web. Spider Webs themselves can be found around the map like a normal piece of debris. As for the Gnarled Trees, these are also found on the map, which put your Bat Houses to good use. In the second picture below, you'll see a Gnarled Tree highlighted in red. By clicking on it when you have a Bat House in your inventory, the Bat House will be hung from the tree.
Montezuma Says
* Solve the First Puzzle
* Solve the Second Puzzle
* Solve the Third Puzzle
As I said above, two of the feathers to the headdress are blocked by puzzles, while a Ruby Vase sits at the end of the third. Even if you'd rather not, you will need to spend some energy going after this Ruby Vase to complete this particular quest, as you must complete all three puzzles. These puzzles give you a series of pillars that animate in order. You must then repeat the animation by clicking on the appropriate statues like in a game of "Simon Says." You'll be able to push a nearby button to see the puzzle repeatedly, if you can't remember the exact order to activate the statues in, so don't worry if you forget to pay attention. Once you complete each puzzle appropriate, its prize will lower so that you can collect it (note: you may not be able to walk directly up to it, but might have to go around, or even use a Grappling Hook to get there).
By finishing these three quests, you will have successfully complete the Cave of Montezuma Expedition. Remember though - even though this is a new addition to the game, it can still be mastered like all others, requiring multiple runs through the Expedition in its entirety. The more you master an Expedition, the higher the rewards become, so feel free to master them all for the best rewards in the end.
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Cave of Montezuma Expedition? Do you think it's too difficult to be placed this early in the Expedition "timeline?" Sound off in the comments.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Sims Social celebrates fans with a week of free stuff
Free stuff? Yes, please, I'll take some of that! With almost 61 million players (and climbing), the folks at EA / Playfish have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the Sims Social on Facebook. As a way to thank their ever-growing player base for their support (even when the game suffered from some nagging loading and gameplay issues), the developers have launched a week long celebration involving free stuff that will be given away, apparently on a daily basis.
To start, we're given a gift of Social Points - a whopping 400 Social Points at that. Since your other methods of earning Social Points normally come in small increments (of 10 or less per action) when visiting friends, this really is a substantial prize. Remember, these Social Points work as a form of third currency in the game, and can be used to purchase exclusive decorations or other home items that aren't available through any other method or currency.
We've also been told that we'll be able to increase our land size in the future, although that wasn't exactly announced in as many words. To be specific, we're asked if we "need more space to build your dream home" and that with that question comes a secret that the developers just couldn't hold in anymore. We're even asked "If you could expand your land, what is the first room you'd build on it?"
Put two and two together here, and you're left with the answer that land size will soon be increasing, although no particular release date was announced (unfortunately). If you're like me, your home has already filled most nooks and crannies of land in our admittedly small square, and is surrounded by outdoor goodies to boot. Being able to increase the size of our house plot is a huge deal, and we'll make sure to let you know when that feature / ability launches as soon as it does.
In the meantime, keep checking back with the game's Facebook fan page for additional links / announcements of free prizes, and click right here to claim your free 400 Social Points.
What sorts of prizes are you hoping to receive in this week-long event of free stuff? What will you purchase with your 400 free Social Points? Sound off in the comments.
To start, we're given a gift of Social Points - a whopping 400 Social Points at that. Since your other methods of earning Social Points normally come in small increments (of 10 or less per action) when visiting friends, this really is a substantial prize. Remember, these Social Points work as a form of third currency in the game, and can be used to purchase exclusive decorations or other home items that aren't available through any other method or currency.
We've also been told that we'll be able to increase our land size in the future, although that wasn't exactly announced in as many words. To be specific, we're asked if we "need more space to build your dream home" and that with that question comes a secret that the developers just couldn't hold in anymore. We're even asked "If you could expand your land, what is the first room you'd build on it?"
Put two and two together here, and you're left with the answer that land size will soon be increasing, although no particular release date was announced (unfortunately). If you're like me, your home has already filled most nooks and crannies of land in our admittedly small square, and is surrounded by outdoor goodies to boot. Being able to increase the size of our house plot is a huge deal, and we'll make sure to let you know when that feature / ability launches as soon as it does.
In the meantime, keep checking back with the game's Facebook fan page for additional links / announcements of free prizes, and click right here to claim your free 400 Social Points.
What sorts of prizes are you hoping to receive in this week-long event of free stuff? What will you purchase with your 400 free Social Points? Sound off in the comments.
Dress up a real turtle and win a trip to New York with Bravo's Turtle Time
Are you ready to help embarrass a turtle on cable TV and make life difficult for set designers on a weekly basis? If the answer is no, that's fine. I don't think most of us are ready for such a thing either. But for those of you who are, there's a new Facebook game that lets you do this called Turtle Time.
First announced last Thursday, Turtle Time is Bravo TV's little promotional stunt for Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live show. Cohen supposedly found the turtle, love blossomed and he decided to go steady by making her his show's mascot. Since the announcement, Bravo TV has launched a Facebook game for the turtle, given her a Twitter account (that now has 1,889 followers) and a name: "Tramona."
The game involves dressing up the turtle, and while the concept sounds innocuous, there might be some PG-13 material in the game, such as the presence of alcoholic items and profanity by the users. So I repeat, this is not a game targeted for kids. Right off the bat, when you try to play the game, it'll ask you for your birth date.
Gallery: Turtle Time
For the time being, players get 14 free items (nine Goods, three Costume pieces, and two Scenes) with 53 for sale at the store. Possibly the most outrageous item is "Gay Guys Holding Hands in Speedos," which surprisingly costs 150 Lettuce instead of Facebook Credits. Lettuce (a turtle's favorite food) is the in-game currency of Turtle Time, and you start off with 1,000 of it. But I managed to snag an extra 100 Lettuce, because I correctly answered a completely random, pop-up quiz question. And while there's no dedicated free gifts option yet, you can buy items and gift them to your friends.
Turtle Time Crowds Make Me Crabby
We can see this getting fun as more people play. Already, there's some killer entries, like surrounding the turtle with crabs or balancing the turtle on a pyramid of wine glasses or whiskey bottles--sorry, I can't rightly recall which. Overall, this is a simple game and the chance for a free trip to New York doesn't hurt either. This game has only been up for less than two days, and it's got 1,486 players. To follow the game, check out its official Facebook page.
Click here to play Turtle Time on Facebook now >
Are you playing for fun or for the free trip to New York? What's the wackiest costume and backdrop can you come up with for the turtle? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
First announced last Thursday, Turtle Time is Bravo TV's little promotional stunt for Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live show. Cohen supposedly found the turtle, love blossomed and he decided to go steady by making her his show's mascot. Since the announcement, Bravo TV has launched a Facebook game for the turtle, given her a Twitter account (that now has 1,889 followers) and a name: "Tramona."
The game involves dressing up the turtle, and while the concept sounds innocuous, there might be some PG-13 material in the game, such as the presence of alcoholic items and profanity by the users. So I repeat, this is not a game targeted for kids. Right off the bat, when you try to play the game, it'll ask you for your birth date.
Gallery: Turtle Time
For the time being, players get 14 free items (nine Goods, three Costume pieces, and two Scenes) with 53 for sale at the store. Possibly the most outrageous item is "Gay Guys Holding Hands in Speedos," which surprisingly costs 150 Lettuce instead of Facebook Credits. Lettuce (a turtle's favorite food) is the in-game currency of Turtle Time, and you start off with 1,000 of it. But I managed to snag an extra 100 Lettuce, because I correctly answered a completely random, pop-up quiz question. And while there's no dedicated free gifts option yet, you can buy items and gift them to your friends.
Turtle Time Crowds Make Me Crabby
We can see this getting fun as more people play. Already, there's some killer entries, like surrounding the turtle with crabs or balancing the turtle on a pyramid of wine glasses or whiskey bottles--sorry, I can't rightly recall which. Overall, this is a simple game and the chance for a free trip to New York doesn't hurt either. This game has only been up for less than two days, and it's got 1,486 players. To follow the game, check out its official Facebook page.
Click here to play Turtle Time on Facebook now >
Are you playing for fun or for the free trip to New York? What's the wackiest costume and backdrop can you come up with for the turtle? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
Pioneer Trail Bug Report: Lost progress bug is being squashed
If you've been playing Pioneer Trail (even when it was FrontierVille) for any considerable amount of time, I'd be surprised if you hadn't suffered from a rollback issue or two, or some other form of game/fun-breaking bug. If not, you're liable to run into one now, as a widespread issue has broken out in the game, causing users to lose considerable amounts of progress on goals. This is apparently such a large issue that the majority of the game's official forums has been branded with posts and banners about the issue, but Zynga is here to let you know that help is on the way.
Specifically, we're told this by customer service:
"We have received a high number of inquiries about players losing progress in the game and seeing old missions come back. We apologize for the problem and have our developers looking at the problem now.
There's no need to submit a help ticket for this matter, as we plan on correcting this problem on our end for all affected players. We request if you are having this problem to try again in a few hours (or even later today) to see if your progress has been returned. If this problem has occurred for you, please simply click the "vote to fix" button, this will alert us that you were affected."
Essentially, what this means is that you don't need to contact Zynga Customer Support to fix this issue, as supposedly everything will be placed back to normal on Zynga's end without any input from us. That is, the "game knows" where you were when the bug first hit, and will revert you back to the proper state when the bug has been fixed. As for the time table, things aren't progressing as quickly as we would have hoped. As of yesterday morning, the issue was still being worked on by developers, but a proper fix hadn't actually been pushed out.
While you're waiting for the issue to be resolved, I'd suggest simply not playing the game (or doing anything significant, that you would be upset about having to repeat). Keep checking back with the game's official forums for updates as to the progress of the bug fix, and we'll make sure to let you know if anything significant happens between now and then.
Have you been hit by this "lost progress" bug? How far did it push you back? Let us know in the comments.
Specifically, we're told this by customer service:
"We have received a high number of inquiries about players losing progress in the game and seeing old missions come back. We apologize for the problem and have our developers looking at the problem now.
There's no need to submit a help ticket for this matter, as we plan on correcting this problem on our end for all affected players. We request if you are having this problem to try again in a few hours (or even later today) to see if your progress has been returned. If this problem has occurred for you, please simply click the "vote to fix" button, this will alert us that you were affected."
Essentially, what this means is that you don't need to contact Zynga Customer Support to fix this issue, as supposedly everything will be placed back to normal on Zynga's end without any input from us. That is, the "game knows" where you were when the bug first hit, and will revert you back to the proper state when the bug has been fixed. As for the time table, things aren't progressing as quickly as we would have hoped. As of yesterday morning, the issue was still being worked on by developers, but a proper fix hadn't actually been pushed out.
While you're waiting for the issue to be resolved, I'd suggest simply not playing the game (or doing anything significant, that you would be upset about having to repeat). Keep checking back with the game's official forums for updates as to the progress of the bug fix, and we'll make sure to let you know if anything significant happens between now and then.
Have you been hit by this "lost progress" bug? How far did it push you back? Let us know in the comments.
Cafe World Farmers Insurance promotion comes with Professor Burke Statue
If anything, the folks at Zynga definitely know how to setup a good cross-promotion. After Capital One recently set up shop in a slew of Zynga's games (and practically took over FarmVille), we now see a new promotion launching in Cafe World with another company: Farmers Insurance (remember, we were told that Farmers would be making an appearance in the game back in June). If you watch a lot of TV, you might recognize this promotion's mascot of sorts - Professor Burke - from recent Farmers Insurance commercials.
Now, Professor Burke has come to your cafe as a character and as a statue, plated in gold. This "Professor Burke Statue" has a limited time of effectiveness, but will "insure" your cafe, granting you spoil protection on all of the dishes you cook from now until October 2. Luckily, the statue is free, and it doesn't require any "building" to gain its effect. You can either simply place the statue from the in-game pop-up that appears, or you can head into the game's build menu manually to drag your free statue out and into your cafe.
If there's one thing to remember about this, it isn't that the statue itself comes with a time limit that can be turned on and off depending on when you place it in your cafe; rather, it's a case where you'll want to place it in your cafe as soon as possible as the overall countdown timer ticks down until October 2. If the Farmers Insurance promotion grows in Cafe World, we'll make sure to let you know.
Would you have liked the Professor Burke Statue to have another effect, rather than wither protection? Or, will you take advantage of this opportunity to cook some quickly cooking dishes while you're busy doing other things since they won't spoil? Sound off in the comments.
Now, Professor Burke has come to your cafe as a character and as a statue, plated in gold. This "Professor Burke Statue" has a limited time of effectiveness, but will "insure" your cafe, granting you spoil protection on all of the dishes you cook from now until October 2. Luckily, the statue is free, and it doesn't require any "building" to gain its effect. You can either simply place the statue from the in-game pop-up that appears, or you can head into the game's build menu manually to drag your free statue out and into your cafe.
If there's one thing to remember about this, it isn't that the statue itself comes with a time limit that can be turned on and off depending on when you place it in your cafe; rather, it's a case where you'll want to place it in your cafe as soon as possible as the overall countdown timer ticks down until October 2. If the Farmers Insurance promotion grows in Cafe World, we'll make sure to let you know.
Would you have liked the Professor Burke Statue to have another effect, rather than wither protection? Or, will you take advantage of this opportunity to cook some quickly cooking dishes while you're busy doing other things since they won't spoil? Sound off in the comments.
Cafe World Manny's Mobile Meal Catering Order: Everything you need to know
Last week, we gave you a look at the second portion of the Cafe World two-year anniversary event, which takes us to the Philippines to help Manny on a Journey. While that may have been an already complex series of goals (and even a building project), Manny's story becomes even more in-depth today, as the accompanying catering order has finally launched. This order asks you to cook up a storm for a Filipino feast, and comes with the usual free recipe for completing this order with a three star rating.
Unfortunately, this is another order that will likely be impossible for some chefs to complete, unless they've already completed Manny's goals enough times to unlock all of the new Filipino recipes launched in this particular event. To be specific, you'll need to serve Lechon 475 times, Sisig 45 times and Filipino Paella 140 times. I suppose you could get lucky and have some really, really helpful friends do the cooking in these tasks for you (while you showered them with thanks, of course), or you could even pay your way through the goals with Cafe Cash to unlock the dishes more quickly that way. Either way, you're looking at some lengthy gameplay before you can even be eligible for completing this catering order on your own.
While you're cooking (or waiting on your friends to cook), you can ask your friends for the two collectible items in this order: 12 Monster Skewers and 16 Banana Leaves. Both of these are earned by sending out individual requests to friends, so earning all 28 may take you a few days, depending on the number of neighbors you have available to ask for help.
If you can complete this entire order within the first three days, you'll earn the three-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 3,200 Cafe Points, 70,000 coins and the Cassava Cake recipe. In addition, since this order is technically part of the two-year anniversary event, finishing with the three star rating also gives you a bonus of 10,000 Travel Passes. If three days proves to be too short, but you can finish within five days, you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 2,300 Cafe Points and 50,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the first five days have passed, you'll receive just a single star, 4 Catering Points, 1,400 Cafe Points and 30,000 coins. Again, you must finish with the three star rating to unlock the new recipe and the extra Travel Passes, so feel free to "cancel" your order if you run out of time and start over for another try.
What do you think of this newest catering order? How many of these three required dishes have you already unlocked in your cafe? Let us know in the comments.
Unfortunately, this is another order that will likely be impossible for some chefs to complete, unless they've already completed Manny's goals enough times to unlock all of the new Filipino recipes launched in this particular event. To be specific, you'll need to serve Lechon 475 times, Sisig 45 times and Filipino Paella 140 times. I suppose you could get lucky and have some really, really helpful friends do the cooking in these tasks for you (while you showered them with thanks, of course), or you could even pay your way through the goals with Cafe Cash to unlock the dishes more quickly that way. Either way, you're looking at some lengthy gameplay before you can even be eligible for completing this catering order on your own.
While you're cooking (or waiting on your friends to cook), you can ask your friends for the two collectible items in this order: 12 Monster Skewers and 16 Banana Leaves. Both of these are earned by sending out individual requests to friends, so earning all 28 may take you a few days, depending on the number of neighbors you have available to ask for help.
If you can complete this entire order within the first three days, you'll earn the three-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 3,200 Cafe Points, 70,000 coins and the Cassava Cake recipe. In addition, since this order is technically part of the two-year anniversary event, finishing with the three star rating also gives you a bonus of 10,000 Travel Passes. If three days proves to be too short, but you can finish within five days, you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 2,300 Cafe Points and 50,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the first five days have passed, you'll receive just a single star, 4 Catering Points, 1,400 Cafe Points and 30,000 coins. Again, you must finish with the three star rating to unlock the new recipe and the extra Travel Passes, so feel free to "cancel" your order if you run out of time and start over for another try.
What do you think of this newest catering order? How many of these three required dishes have you already unlocked in your cafe? Let us know in the comments.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
CityVille: Russian-themed items available for a limited time
After releasing Mexican-themed items in CityVille in celebration of the Mexican Independence Day, it looks like Zynga wasn't ready to leave the international travel behind just yet, as it has released a set of Russian items into the store. As usual, you can expect to find businesses, homes, decorations and more available here, so read on for a complete overview of these items.
Cosmonaut Statue (Decoration)
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Baranovsky House (Home)
* Costs: 500,000 coins
* Population: 250-480
* Rent: 110 coins every four hours
Balalaika Shop (Business)
* Costs: 40 City Cash
* Requires: 305 Goods
* Earnings: 1,648 coins
Russian Tea Room (Business)
* Costs: 30 City Cash
* Requires: 265 Goods
* Earnings: 1,468 coins
Winter Wheat (Crop)
* Costs: 4 City Cash per square
* Harvest Time: Instant
* Produces: 127 Goods per square
Russian Hall (Community Building)
* Costs: 75 City Cash
* Allows: 2,250 citizens added to maximum population cap
Matryoshka Dolls (Decoration)
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Caviar Shop (Business)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Requires: 430 Goods
* Earnings: 2,198 coins
Rudzinskaya House (Home)
* Costs: 25 City Cash
* Population: 250-490
* Rent: 120 coins every four hours
Ballet Company (Community Building)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Allows: 1,400 citizens added to maximum population cap
Russian Folk Dancers
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Alexandrov Apartments (Home)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Population: 1,350-2,650
* Rent: 165 coins every eight hours
Simcovich Apartments (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1,850-3,650
* Rent: 185 coins every eight hours
On top of all of this, there's also a Russia Mystery Crate available for 40 City Cash that contains one of four items: the Russian Hall, Simcovich Apartments, Alexandrov Apartments or the Balalaika Shop. Unfortunately, that wraps up the theme at this point, with all of these items being available ranging from 11 to 12 more days in the store. With only one coin-related item available, I personally really hope that more items are added in the future, or I doubt I'll be the only one that skips this theme altogether. Am I right?
What do you think of these Russian themed items? Would you purchase many of these items if they cost coins rather than City Cash? Sound off in the comments.
Cosmonaut Statue (Decoration)
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Baranovsky House (Home)
* Costs: 500,000 coins
* Population: 250-480
* Rent: 110 coins every four hours
Balalaika Shop (Business)
* Costs: 40 City Cash
* Requires: 305 Goods
* Earnings: 1,648 coins
Russian Tea Room (Business)
* Costs: 30 City Cash
* Requires: 265 Goods
* Earnings: 1,468 coins
Winter Wheat (Crop)
* Costs: 4 City Cash per square
* Harvest Time: Instant
* Produces: 127 Goods per square
Russian Hall (Community Building)
* Costs: 75 City Cash
* Allows: 2,250 citizens added to maximum population cap
Matryoshka Dolls (Decoration)
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Caviar Shop (Business)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Requires: 430 Goods
* Earnings: 2,198 coins
Rudzinskaya House (Home)
* Costs: 25 City Cash
* Population: 250-490
* Rent: 120 coins every four hours
Ballet Company (Community Building)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Allows: 1,400 citizens added to maximum population cap
Russian Folk Dancers
* Costs: 10 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 10% - extra 10% to Russian-themed items
Alexandrov Apartments (Home)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Population: 1,350-2,650
* Rent: 165 coins every eight hours
Simcovich Apartments (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1,850-3,650
* Rent: 185 coins every eight hours
On top of all of this, there's also a Russia Mystery Crate available for 40 City Cash that contains one of four items: the Russian Hall, Simcovich Apartments, Alexandrov Apartments or the Balalaika Shop. Unfortunately, that wraps up the theme at this point, with all of these items being available ranging from 11 to 12 more days in the store. With only one coin-related item available, I personally really hope that more items are added in the future, or I doubt I'll be the only one that skips this theme altogether. Am I right?
What do you think of these Russian themed items? Would you purchase many of these items if they cost coins rather than City Cash? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Friends feature finally launches; add neighbors without being Facebook buddies For the past few weeks, we've been given you details about a then unreleased feature in FarmVille called "FarmVille Friends," which will - to put it simply - allow you to add new FarmVille neighbors without being Facebook friends. Finally, this feature has launched in the game, allowing you to browse through a list of possible neighbor suggestions to find just the right people for you. You'll be greeted with this feature automatically once the update has rolled around to your game. From there, you'll have to take a trip to the "Add Neighbors" tab at the top of the FarmVille game page to see a list of five strangers at a time that you could add as FarmVille neighbors without actually adding them as Facebook friends. You'll see their first names, in-game levels, profile pictures (where available), locations and the last time they played. You'll then either have the option of sending them a neighbor request directly or visiting their farm to see if they have many of the game's newest features to be sure they're really an active player. If you happen to have any mutual Facebook friends with that person, that information will be displayed as well, and you can tell who the mutual friend is by hovering over the orange banner, as seen above. If you don't wish to add any of those five strangers as FarmVille neighbors, you can click on the "See More" button at right to refresh your selection. Keep in mind, as you're able to see others in this feature, so too can people see you. You may appear in players' groups of five, where others can add you as FarmvVille neighbors instead. You'll see these requests in the Zynga Messaging Center upon logging into the game, and can simply click to accept or ignore the request as you see fit. If you'd rather remove yourself from this feature entirely (that is, remove yourself from the pool of possible neighbors, and not add any strangers as neighbors yourself), this is accomplished by scrolling all of the way down the Add Neighbors tab and unchecking the "FarmVille Friends" box, as seen below. Should you change your mind later, you can always check the box again to put yourself back in the pool. Once you've become neighbors with these users, you'll be able to visit their farms and send them free gifts as normal, but it doesn't look like our interactions can spread much beyond that as of this writing. That makes this feature questionable in quality, but you can always try it out on a few neighbors to see if it positively changes your gameplay around the farm. What do you think of this FarmVille Friends feature? Will you participate and add new players as neighbors? Sound off in the comments.
For the past few weeks, we've been given you details about a then unreleased feature in FarmVille called "FarmVille Friends," which will - to put it simply - allow you to add new FarmVille neighbors without being Facebook friends. Finally, this feature has launched in the game, allowing you to browse through a list of possible neighbor suggestions to find just the right people for you.
You'll be greeted with this feature automatically once the update has rolled around to your game. From there, you'll have to take a trip to the "Add Neighbors" tab at the top of the FarmVille game page to see a list of five strangers at a time that you could add as FarmVille neighbors without actually adding them as Facebook friends. You'll see their first names, in-game levels, profile pictures (where available), locations and the last time they played. You'll then either have the option of sending them a neighbor request directly or visiting their farm to see if they have many of the game's newest features to be sure they're really an active player.
If you happen to have any mutual Facebook friends with that person, that information will be displayed as well, and you can tell who the mutual friend is by hovering over the orange banner, as seen above. If you don't wish to add any of those five strangers as FarmVille neighbors, you can click on the "See More" button at right to refresh your selection.
Keep in mind, as you're able to see others in this feature, so too can people see you. You may appear in players' groups of five, where others can add you as FarmvVille neighbors instead. You'll see these requests in the Zynga Messaging Center upon logging into the game, and can simply click to accept or ignore the request as you see fit.
If you'd rather remove yourself from this feature entirely (that is, remove yourself from the pool of possible neighbors, and not add any strangers as neighbors yourself), this is accomplished by scrolling all of the way down the Add Neighbors tab and unchecking the "FarmVille Friends" box, as seen below. Should you change your mind later, you can always check the box again to put yourself back in the pool.
Once you've become neighbors with these users, you'll be able to visit their farms and send them free gifts as normal, but it doesn't look like our interactions can spread much beyond that as of this writing. That makes this feature questionable in quality, but you can always try it out on a few neighbors to see if it positively changes your gameplay around the farm.
What do you think of this FarmVille Friends feature? Will you participate and add new players as neighbors? Sound off in the comments.
You'll be greeted with this feature automatically once the update has rolled around to your game. From there, you'll have to take a trip to the "Add Neighbors" tab at the top of the FarmVille game page to see a list of five strangers at a time that you could add as FarmVille neighbors without actually adding them as Facebook friends. You'll see their first names, in-game levels, profile pictures (where available), locations and the last time they played. You'll then either have the option of sending them a neighbor request directly or visiting their farm to see if they have many of the game's newest features to be sure they're really an active player.
If you happen to have any mutual Facebook friends with that person, that information will be displayed as well, and you can tell who the mutual friend is by hovering over the orange banner, as seen above. If you don't wish to add any of those five strangers as FarmVille neighbors, you can click on the "See More" button at right to refresh your selection.
Keep in mind, as you're able to see others in this feature, so too can people see you. You may appear in players' groups of five, where others can add you as FarmvVille neighbors instead. You'll see these requests in the Zynga Messaging Center upon logging into the game, and can simply click to accept or ignore the request as you see fit.
If you'd rather remove yourself from this feature entirely (that is, remove yourself from the pool of possible neighbors, and not add any strangers as neighbors yourself), this is accomplished by scrolling all of the way down the Add Neighbors tab and unchecking the "FarmVille Friends" box, as seen below. Should you change your mind later, you can always check the box again to put yourself back in the pool.
Once you've become neighbors with these users, you'll be able to visit their farms and send them free gifts as normal, but it doesn't look like our interactions can spread much beyond that as of this writing. That makes this feature questionable in quality, but you can always try it out on a few neighbors to see if it positively changes your gameplay around the farm.
What do you think of this FarmVille Friends feature? Will you participate and add new players as neighbors? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille: Double Mastery on for this weekend on trees and crops
Even though there's no real holiday going on, that hasn't stopped Zynga from celebrating this weekend in FarmVille by turning on double mastery. This double mastery event will take place from now until Monday evening at 9:00 PM PDT. Within that time, all of your crops and trees harvested will count for double the mastery points, so there's a great opportunity here for mastery sign earning!
A couple of things to keep in mind: If you're going for crop mastery, you can activate a bushel when harvesting to earn three points of mastery for each square with this bonus. For tree farmers, you can also employ the orchard rotation technique, while earning double mastery on each orchard you harvest as well. Also, if you happen to own a Platinum Mastery Statue or recently re-released 2X Mastery Statue on your farm, this bonus will not stack on either crops or trees - you'll simply miss out on this event on that particular farm, as it only applies to those without such statues.
As one final note, this event does not give you double mastery points on animals. Why the FarmVille team hasn't decided to include our (mostly) furry friends in these updates hasn't yet been revealed, but I'm sure Zynga has its reasons. Either way, remember - this event will only last for the next couple of days. If you've ever needed extra incentive to play FarmVille on the weekends, this is about as good as it gets.
What crops or trees will you try to mastery during this double mastery weekend? Tell us in the comments!
A couple of things to keep in mind: If you're going for crop mastery, you can activate a bushel when harvesting to earn three points of mastery for each square with this bonus. For tree farmers, you can also employ the orchard rotation technique, while earning double mastery on each orchard you harvest as well. Also, if you happen to own a Platinum Mastery Statue or recently re-released 2X Mastery Statue on your farm, this bonus will not stack on either crops or trees - you'll simply miss out on this event on that particular farm, as it only applies to those without such statues.
As one final note, this event does not give you double mastery points on animals. Why the FarmVille team hasn't decided to include our (mostly) furry friends in these updates hasn't yet been revealed, but I'm sure Zynga has its reasons. Either way, remember - this event will only last for the next couple of days. If you've ever needed extra incentive to play FarmVille on the weekends, this is about as good as it gets.
What crops or trees will you try to mastery during this double mastery weekend? Tell us in the comments!
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Model Farm rewards free items daily
While the Model Farm has long been a fairly useless feature in FarmVille, that merely lets you look at limited edition items currently available in the store in all of their "life-size" and (sometimes) animated glory, it seems that the FarmVille team really wants you to pay attention to this "neighbor" on your friends list, as they've taken to rewarding you for doing so. In this newest case, we see the Model Farm taking on a Lighthouse Cove theme, with plenty of trees, animals and buildings giving off that "resort town" feeling.
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick? Sound off in the comments.
While the Model Farm has long been a fairly useless feature in FarmVille, that merely lets you look at limited edition items currently available in the store in all of their "life-size" and (sometimes) animated glory, it seems that the FarmVille team really wants you to pay attention to this "neighbor" on your friends list, as they've taken to rewarding you for doing so. In this newest case, we see the Model Farm taking on a Lighthouse Cove theme, with plenty of trees, animals and buildings giving off that "resort town" feeling.
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick? Sound off in the comments.
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick? Sound off in the comments.
While the Model Farm has long been a fairly useless feature in FarmVille, that merely lets you look at limited edition items currently available in the store in all of their "life-size" and (sometimes) animated glory, it seems that the FarmVille team really wants you to pay attention to this "neighbor" on your friends list, as they've taken to rewarding you for doing so. In this newest case, we see the Model Farm taking on a Lighthouse Cove theme, with plenty of trees, animals and buildings giving off that "resort town" feeling.
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World Level Up Giveaway gives more prizes for fan page 'Likes'
Leave it to Zynga to release yet another giveaway in one of its games requiring players to Like that game's particular Facebook fan page. Such is the case now with Adventure World, as a "Level Up Giveaway" has now launched, giving players a chance to walk away with either 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash (the game's premium currency) as the page gains more and more "Likes."
As of this writing, the fan page has around 600,000 Likes, but when it reaches three milestones: 1, 2 and 3 millions fans each, a giveaway will be held between all people that currently Like the fan page, and also enter the contest specifically via email. Don't worry - you'll only have to send them your name and Facebook ID so they know who exactly to reward.
Again, there will be three giveaways in all, with the first giving 25 people 100 Adventure Cash each. The second will reward 25 players 200 Adventure Cash each, and finally, the third giveaway will reward 25 fans a whopping 300 Adventure Cash each. As energy is such a valuable commodity in Adventure World, this Adventure Cash would give you plenty of room to purchase Energy Packs to really push yourself along further in the story of unlocking El Dorado. For a complete look at the rules and how to send in your email entry, check out the game's official forums.
What would you do with 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash? Would you spend it on Energy, or would you purchase building supplies? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
As of this writing, the fan page has around 600,000 Likes, but when it reaches three milestones: 1, 2 and 3 millions fans each, a giveaway will be held between all people that currently Like the fan page, and also enter the contest specifically via email. Don't worry - you'll only have to send them your name and Facebook ID so they know who exactly to reward.
Again, there will be three giveaways in all, with the first giving 25 people 100 Adventure Cash each. The second will reward 25 players 200 Adventure Cash each, and finally, the third giveaway will reward 25 fans a whopping 300 Adventure Cash each. As energy is such a valuable commodity in Adventure World, this Adventure Cash would give you plenty of room to purchase Energy Packs to really push yourself along further in the story of unlocking El Dorado. For a complete look at the rules and how to send in your email entry, check out the game's official forums.
What would you do with 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash? Would you spend it on Energy, or would you purchase building supplies? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Adventure World rockets to over 9 million players, thanks to promotions
Adventure World Mafia Wars promo
And it did so in just under five days. According to Appdata, Zynga's newest release, Adventure World, has finally found its second wind, gaining over 8 million players in almost five days. If you remember, Zynga Boston's debut game sat stagnant at under 500,000 players for over a week after its release. This wild growth is likely thanks to one thing: cross promotions.
Zynga has finally taken advantage of (some of) its 267 million players to give Adventure World some much needed exposure. During its first week on Facebook, the game enjoyed little to no cross promotion between the company's existing games aside from banner ads and the like. But now, Adventure World can be found in games like Mafia Wars through special promotions.
In this particular case, Mafia Wars players have until Sept. 30 to reach Level 5 in Adventure World and receive a special item for their digital mafia don, an Ancient Hammer. While the item won't exactly wow veteran Mafia Wars players, it at least has value to collectors. Before that, we saw hints of Adventure World being advertised within FarmVille, which has yet to happen.
So, you can only imagine how far Adventure World would go if such involved promotions were featured in FarmVille, CityVille, Pioneer Trail and Empires & Allies. However, we were under the impression that this type of cross promotion was through with the release of RewardVille, Zynga's cross-game achievement system that rewards players for using all of its games daily.
Unfortunately, it seems as if the developer can't avoid such arguably invasive practices if it wants all of its games to succeed. And that could ultimately rekindle the ire of its players, many of which are already fed up with resurgent demands to enter new games for items within their favorite games. (Hence the creation of RewardVille.)
Zynga looks like it's more dependent than ever on its swath of existing players, but the developer might want to cook up a more elegant solution of getting those players to play its new games. If not, Zynga might run the risk of losing its most powerful method of growth: the players it already has.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Do you think players would up and leave if Zynga turned up the heat on its in-game cross promotions once again? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
And it did so in just under five days. According to Appdata, Zynga's newest release, Adventure World, has finally found its second wind, gaining over 8 million players in almost five days. If you remember, Zynga Boston's debut game sat stagnant at under 500,000 players for over a week after its release. This wild growth is likely thanks to one thing: cross promotions.
Zynga has finally taken advantage of (some of) its 267 million players to give Adventure World some much needed exposure. During its first week on Facebook, the game enjoyed little to no cross promotion between the company's existing games aside from banner ads and the like. But now, Adventure World can be found in games like Mafia Wars through special promotions.
In this particular case, Mafia Wars players have until Sept. 30 to reach Level 5 in Adventure World and receive a special item for their digital mafia don, an Ancient Hammer. While the item won't exactly wow veteran Mafia Wars players, it at least has value to collectors. Before that, we saw hints of Adventure World being advertised within FarmVille, which has yet to happen.
So, you can only imagine how far Adventure World would go if such involved promotions were featured in FarmVille, CityVille, Pioneer Trail and Empires & Allies. However, we were under the impression that this type of cross promotion was through with the release of RewardVille, Zynga's cross-game achievement system that rewards players for using all of its games daily.
Unfortunately, it seems as if the developer can't avoid such arguably invasive practices if it wants all of its games to succeed. And that could ultimately rekindle the ire of its players, many of which are already fed up with resurgent demands to enter new games for items within their favorite games. (Hence the creation of RewardVille.)
Zynga looks like it's more dependent than ever on its swath of existing players, but the developer might want to cook up a more elegant solution of getting those players to play its new games. If not, Zynga might run the risk of losing its most powerful method of growth: the players it already has.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Do you think players would up and leave if Zynga turned up the heat on its in-game cross promotions once again? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
f8 Developers Conference: Facebook game shares move to the Ticker
Super Mario Facebook Share
You know those annoying pop-ups Facebook displays whenever you try to share something in FarmVille or what have you? Soon, those might be a thing of the past, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The Facebook boss announced the change in brief during the f8 Facebook Developers Conference, referring to a particularly hilarious Internet meme.
This change applies to Facebook apps across the board, but, of course, we're concerned with the games. According to Zuckerberg, sharing activity will be directly and automatically published to the News Feed or the Games Ticker, depending on what exactly it is you're sharing. And with that comes the privacy concerns.
Judging from Zuckerberg's brief mention of the change, this would cause apps to inform users upon installation exactly what activity they will automatically share. This information is extremely early, but we imagine that, if developers like Zynga were to implement this change, that players would have the be informed of those changes.
Later in the presentation, Zuckerberg mentioned that games will take even more advantage of the Games Ticker, which launched earlier this summer. The Facebook chief showed an instance in which a friend played the word "TEXT" against another in Words With Friends, which was displayed on the Games Ticker. He then proceeded to mouse over that Ticker notification, and it displayed a snapshot of the game board.
Words with Friends Share
Of course, you could then jump into the game and start a match with either player. In short, the day of the game-stopping share notification will soon be over. In its place, much of the viral sharing in Facebook games seems as if it will take place in the Games Ticker. It appears that these changes have already taken place in Words With Friends.
When these specific changes will take place has yet to be announced, though we imagine much of them will be up to the developers. And if FarmVille players' reactions to when Zynga made similar changes to its flagship game is any indication, we're opinons will be ... mixed. We'll keep you posted.
What do you think of Facebook doing away with the game share notifications, automating them and moving them into the Games Ticker? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
You know those annoying pop-ups Facebook displays whenever you try to share something in FarmVille or what have you? Soon, those might be a thing of the past, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The Facebook boss announced the change in brief during the f8 Facebook Developers Conference, referring to a particularly hilarious Internet meme.
This change applies to Facebook apps across the board, but, of course, we're concerned with the games. According to Zuckerberg, sharing activity will be directly and automatically published to the News Feed or the Games Ticker, depending on what exactly it is you're sharing. And with that comes the privacy concerns.
Judging from Zuckerberg's brief mention of the change, this would cause apps to inform users upon installation exactly what activity they will automatically share. This information is extremely early, but we imagine that, if developers like Zynga were to implement this change, that players would have the be informed of those changes.
Later in the presentation, Zuckerberg mentioned that games will take even more advantage of the Games Ticker, which launched earlier this summer. The Facebook chief showed an instance in which a friend played the word "TEXT" against another in Words With Friends, which was displayed on the Games Ticker. He then proceeded to mouse over that Ticker notification, and it displayed a snapshot of the game board.
Words with Friends Share
Of course, you could then jump into the game and start a match with either player. In short, the day of the game-stopping share notification will soon be over. In its place, much of the viral sharing in Facebook games seems as if it will take place in the Games Ticker. It appears that these changes have already taken place in Words With Friends.
When these specific changes will take place has yet to be announced, though we imagine much of them will be up to the developers. And if FarmVille players' reactions to when Zynga made similar changes to its flagship game is any indication, we're opinons will be ... mixed. We'll keep you posted.
What do you think of Facebook doing away with the game share notifications, automating them and moving them into the Games Ticker? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Have fun getting lost in Aliciafay03's farm maze
Don't let the look of this farm fool you. Because the first thing someone would notice about Aliciafay03's FarmVille farm is that she's got "FARM VILLE" spelled out in an outline of red, orange, and blue hay bales, which I know isn't a big whoop. Hay bales as a design element have gotten pretty stale in the landscaping community. Bales are good for spelling out visual shout-outs, portraits, and the occasional fun art (care for a whopper?), but there's rarely any impressive ones anymore. But look closer at Aliciafay03's farm, and you'll realize that it's an interactive maze.
Originally designed to be a cornfield maze, Aliciafay03 was eager to debut her farm for Zynga's official Farm of the Week contest, so she released her entry before the corn had a chance to grow. This is probably better, cause a cornfield would've obscured all the clever lettering. What we know about hay bales is that there's a cheat for players to harvest crops faster by trapping your FarmVille farming avatar in hay bales -- now here's where the interactive part comes in -- so if you click one end of this farm, your avatar can't go anywhere but to run through the maze!
Have you ever played in a real cornfield maze? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist.
Originally designed to be a cornfield maze, Aliciafay03 was eager to debut her farm for Zynga's official Farm of the Week contest, so she released her entry before the corn had a chance to grow. This is probably better, cause a cornfield would've obscured all the clever lettering. What we know about hay bales is that there's a cheat for players to harvest crops faster by trapping your FarmVille farming avatar in hay bales -- now here's where the interactive part comes in -- so if you click one end of this farm, your avatar can't go anywhere but to run through the maze!
Have you ever played in a real cornfield maze? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist.
Stadiums full of people become Angry Birds players with Uplause
Could the Angry Birds replace the proverbial demands of "Make Some Noise" at your next baseball game? Maybe not your next one, but soon you could be cheering to fling the irate winged beasts into their plump green enemies. Pocket Gamer reports that Uplause, a Finnish developer of crowd-based games, has rebuilt Angry Birds with its creator, Rovio, into a version controlled by noise.
The self-proclaimed "social game maker for big crowds" has created similar games for use in stadiums for ice hockey games, soccer matches and even music festivals. Over the past summer, Uplause worked with Rovio to create a version of Angry Birds that is controlled using noise as an input device. (Namely, cheering, clapping, stomping and perhaps even booing, we assume.)
"As in the original, there's about a four second period before firing," Uplause CEO Veli-Pekka Marin explained to Pocket Gamer. "For live events, we'd expect each gaming session to take a few minutes." But in that time, thousands of folks will play at the same time. If anything, it's terribly efficient.
While all we know about this seriously social version of Angry Birds is that noise generates power for the game's slingshot, Pocket Gamer guesses that aiming is done automatically. Rovio and Uplause will first test this massive version of Angry Birds at a Formula 1 race taking place in Singapore this weekend, and the company's CMO Peter Vesterbacka sounds excited for its imminent global expansion.
"Through social participation, our fans will get to interact with the Angry Birds in an entirely new way," Vesterbacka said to Pocket Gamer. "We think this new form of gaming will give fans a great opportunity to form a strong emotional connection with the characters." I think Vesterbacka is confusing "emotional connection" with "drunken, crowd-fueled stupor." Check out the video below to get an idea of how it might work. Who knows you might be doing the same thing at the next World Series.
What do you imagine a noise-controlled version of Angry Birds would be like? What other games come to mind when you think of this approach? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The self-proclaimed "social game maker for big crowds" has created similar games for use in stadiums for ice hockey games, soccer matches and even music festivals. Over the past summer, Uplause worked with Rovio to create a version of Angry Birds that is controlled using noise as an input device. (Namely, cheering, clapping, stomping and perhaps even booing, we assume.)
"As in the original, there's about a four second period before firing," Uplause CEO Veli-Pekka Marin explained to Pocket Gamer. "For live events, we'd expect each gaming session to take a few minutes." But in that time, thousands of folks will play at the same time. If anything, it's terribly efficient.
While all we know about this seriously social version of Angry Birds is that noise generates power for the game's slingshot, Pocket Gamer guesses that aiming is done automatically. Rovio and Uplause will first test this massive version of Angry Birds at a Formula 1 race taking place in Singapore this weekend, and the company's CMO Peter Vesterbacka sounds excited for its imminent global expansion.
"Through social participation, our fans will get to interact with the Angry Birds in an entirely new way," Vesterbacka said to Pocket Gamer. "We think this new form of gaming will give fans a great opportunity to form a strong emotional connection with the characters." I think Vesterbacka is confusing "emotional connection" with "drunken, crowd-fueled stupor." Check out the video below to get an idea of how it might work. Who knows you might be doing the same thing at the next World Series.
What do you imagine a noise-controlled version of Angry Birds would be like? What other games come to mind when you think of this approach? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Bravo gifts turtle with instant cable TV fame and a Facebook game
Andy Cohen Watch What Happens Live turtle mascot eating
Just when we thought we've seen everything, US cable TV network Bravo is launching a Facebook game where you get to dress up their latest celebrity -- she's a turtle. I don't mean she's reclusive or anything. I mean that literally: She is a turtle, but she's not just any turtle. This is a turtle that caught the eye of Bravo's Executive Vice President of Original Programming, also known as Andy Cohen, and host of Bravo TV's Watch What Happens: Live.
The turle has been selected as the show's new mascot and will make her first appearance on Sept. 25. Her Facebook game will be called "Turtle Time", named after a TV episode of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York, where one of the drunk stars made a toast at "Fat Turtle", a bar and dance club in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Facebook game's objective is to design the turtle's tank and dress her up each week. There will be options to gift decorations to friends in the game, or to use Facebook Credits to buy special items. Results will be posted online, voting will commence, winners will be chosen and live versions of these designs will then be used on the show. Finally, when the season ends in December, Cohen will choose a past winner to fly to New York for a live taping and chance to meet the turtle.
What does the turtle have to say about all this? Here's a quote from Bravo's cheeky press release:
"Ever since I landed on the shores of Sag Harbor, I have been searching for my big break in show biz. When Andy Cohen came walking down those golden sands, I knew my dreams were coming true," Divulged Yet-To-Be-Named Turtle. "I can't wait to move into the Bravo Clubhouse and to be dressed in the latest fashions."
Oh, and before anyone runs to the nearest phone to alert PETA, Bravo has contacted the American Humane Association for an animal safety monitor who'll oversee the tapings according to the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals In Filmed Media. There's no word if there's someone to monitor the turtle's dignity, but I think that's irretrievable at this point.
[Hat-tip: The Hollywood Reporter]
Is this cruel and/or unusual treatment of animals? Or just some harmless and wacky fun? Have you lost your faith in humanity yet? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Just when we thought we've seen everything, US cable TV network Bravo is launching a Facebook game where you get to dress up their latest celebrity -- she's a turtle. I don't mean she's reclusive or anything. I mean that literally: She is a turtle, but she's not just any turtle. This is a turtle that caught the eye of Bravo's Executive Vice President of Original Programming, also known as Andy Cohen, and host of Bravo TV's Watch What Happens: Live.
The turle has been selected as the show's new mascot and will make her first appearance on Sept. 25. Her Facebook game will be called "Turtle Time", named after a TV episode of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York, where one of the drunk stars made a toast at "Fat Turtle", a bar and dance club in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Facebook game's objective is to design the turtle's tank and dress her up each week. There will be options to gift decorations to friends in the game, or to use Facebook Credits to buy special items. Results will be posted online, voting will commence, winners will be chosen and live versions of these designs will then be used on the show. Finally, when the season ends in December, Cohen will choose a past winner to fly to New York for a live taping and chance to meet the turtle.
What does the turtle have to say about all this? Here's a quote from Bravo's cheeky press release:
"Ever since I landed on the shores of Sag Harbor, I have been searching for my big break in show biz. When Andy Cohen came walking down those golden sands, I knew my dreams were coming true," Divulged Yet-To-Be-Named Turtle. "I can't wait to move into the Bravo Clubhouse and to be dressed in the latest fashions."
Oh, and before anyone runs to the nearest phone to alert PETA, Bravo has contacted the American Humane Association for an animal safety monitor who'll oversee the tapings according to the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals In Filmed Media. There's no word if there's someone to monitor the turtle's dignity, but I think that's irretrievable at this point.
[Hat-tip: The Hollywood Reporter]
Is this cruel and/or unusual treatment of animals? Or just some harmless and wacky fun? Have you lost your faith in humanity yet? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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