Locked out of FarmVille for the moment? You're certainly not alone. Zynga has reported that FarmVille is suffering loading issues and has disabled wither and puppy hunger until the issue has been resolved. Unfortunately, it appears that the problem has persisted for at least 12 hours, according to the first murmurs of it on the FarmVille forums.
Forum contributor vagabondma contacted customer support regarding the issue to which a representative replied, "Let me inform you that this is an issue currently affecting several accounts. However I assure you that The Development Team is currently working on fixing this problem. Although we can not provide you with an estimated wait time, we will make sure to let you know as soon as is completed."
Looks like we'll have to sit tight, then, huh? Hopefully the issue doesn't linger much longer (I'm still locked out), but stay tuned for updates for when the game becomes available.
What do you plan to do to occupy yourself while FarmVille is down? When do you think it will be back?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
FarmVille gets sloppy with Pig Breeding, slowly rolling out now
Pig Breeding is here
Well, if it wasn't for the loading issues FarmVille is suffering as of this writing, you'd already be slopping it up in the Pig Pen. FarmVille Feed has confirmed that the new Pig Breeding feature is slowly rolling out to players. After just a week of leaks, the new feature was released at just around the same time the game started to experience issues. (Coincidence? Possibly.) Players will be able to use the same Sheep Breeding techniques on Pigs to create colorful combinations and share them with their friends. The Market also has a Purple Boar available for 30 Farm Cash, but we doubt that's part of the Goals that will likely come with the new Pig Pen. Regardless, expect Pig Breeding to start not long, if instantly, after the game is restored.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Did you receive the Pig Breeding feature before the game glitched out? Do you expect to find yourself breeding Pigs or Sheep more once the feature releases?
Well, if it wasn't for the loading issues FarmVille is suffering as of this writing, you'd already be slopping it up in the Pig Pen. FarmVille Feed has confirmed that the new Pig Breeding feature is slowly rolling out to players. After just a week of leaks, the new feature was released at just around the same time the game started to experience issues. (Coincidence? Possibly.) Players will be able to use the same Sheep Breeding techniques on Pigs to create colorful combinations and share them with their friends. The Market also has a Purple Boar available for 30 Farm Cash, but we doubt that's part of the Goals that will likely come with the new Pig Pen. Regardless, expect Pig Breeding to start not long, if instantly, after the game is restored.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Did you receive the Pig Breeding feature before the game glitched out? Do you expect to find yourself breeding Pigs or Sheep more once the feature releases?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Thoroughbred Prince Horse, Crystal Trees et al.
If you play like me, you probably don't even have the Farm Cash to cover these new FarmVille items. Regardless, Zynga presses on with an update of regal proportions to match its expected price tags. First is the Thoroughbred Horse Prince, a fine steed dressed in royal garb that FarmVille Feed expects to cost between 24 and 26 Farm Cash. Join us behind the break for a look at four more items headed to FarmVille soon enough.
Pink and Purple Crystal Trees
These Crystal Trees, available in Pink and Purple, are likely coming to FarmVille in an update this week or next, according to FarmVille Feed. The fan website also estimates that they'll cost between 5 and 10 Farm Cash. As you can see from the screen shot, some of the artwork (note the Mastery signs) is unfinished, so these items could come later rather than sooner. Regardless, they'll probably sprout up from Mystery Seedlings before you even have to pay for them.
White Shire Horse
Finally, we come to the White Shire Horse. A majestic, snowy equine beauty. OK, let's not get too dramatic, but she is quite a pretty piece of art. According to FarmVille Feed, this horse will be released through the next upcoming Mystery Game. Good luck scoring this one once it releases.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these items are you most excited to see in the game? Would you consider buying any of them for your farm?
Pink and Purple Crystal Trees
These Crystal Trees, available in Pink and Purple, are likely coming to FarmVille in an update this week or next, according to FarmVille Feed. The fan website also estimates that they'll cost between 5 and 10 Farm Cash. As you can see from the screen shot, some of the artwork (note the Mastery signs) is unfinished, so these items could come later rather than sooner. Regardless, they'll probably sprout up from Mystery Seedlings before you even have to pay for them.
White Shire Horse
Finally, we come to the White Shire Horse. A majestic, snowy equine beauty. OK, let's not get too dramatic, but she is quite a pretty piece of art. According to FarmVille Feed, this horse will be released through the next upcoming Mystery Game. Good luck scoring this one once it releases.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these items are you most excited to see in the game? Would you consider buying any of them for your farm?
Gameloft rockets N.O.V.A. iOS shooter game onto Facebook
Remember our little chats about 3D gaming on Facebook? Well, this is what we were talking about. Gameloft has launched N.O.V.A., its popular iOS first-person shooter series, on Facebook. Titled N.O.V.A. Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance Elite, the game throws you into a galactic battle for the livelihood of Earth ... or something like that. The free-to-play social game expectantly runs on the Unity Engine, as do most 3D games on Facebook, and already has a virtual goods shop available. This marks Gameloft's, normally a mobile phone developer, third game on Facebook. And boy, is it a strong (looking) one.
"For over 10 years, Gameloft has established itself as the leading developer on all mass-market platforms for downloadable video games," Gameloft president Michel Guillemot said. "With this in mind, we've expanded our reach to include games for social networks. This also illustrates our resolve to be closer to our fans on all platforms of their choosing."
According to Digital Trends, the game is heavily inspired by Microsoft's Halo series, which is most definitely apparent. However, to say it's a rip-off would probably be selling it short entirely too early. Isn't it difficult enough for a sci-fi-themed shooter game to avoid the all-too-easy Halo comparison? We'll be the judge of whether N.O.V.A. dodges the Halo bullet in our preview, so stay tuned.
[Video Credit: Gameloft]
Are you psyched to try out this game on Facebook? Do you think N.O.V.A. will establish a traditional gameplay type well enough for it to stick (and where others have failed)?
"For over 10 years, Gameloft has established itself as the leading developer on all mass-market platforms for downloadable video games," Gameloft president Michel Guillemot said. "With this in mind, we've expanded our reach to include games for social networks. This also illustrates our resolve to be closer to our fans on all platforms of their choosing."
According to Digital Trends, the game is heavily inspired by Microsoft's Halo series, which is most definitely apparent. However, to say it's a rip-off would probably be selling it short entirely too early. Isn't it difficult enough for a sci-fi-themed shooter game to avoid the all-too-easy Halo comparison? We'll be the judge of whether N.O.V.A. dodges the Halo bullet in our preview, so stay tuned.
[Video Credit: Gameloft]
Are you psyched to try out this game on Facebook? Do you think N.O.V.A. will establish a traditional gameplay type well enough for it to stick (and where others have failed)?
FarmVille Scam Alert: Obvious Giant Cream Egg Tree scam is obvious
They're everywhere! Phony Giant Cream Egg Trees are running rampant through FarmVille. Well, at least scammers offering free ones are. FarmVille Freak has found the next big FarmVille scam, offering free Giant Cream Egg Trees. Wait, isn't the item offered through the Market called a Giant Spring Egg Tree? Exactly. These scammers don't seem to do their homework, but does it really matter? Aren't people going to click on it anyway simply because it reads "Free" somewhere on it? Not if you can help. Spread the word to your friends and those affected that this is a scam and they should get their computers checked out immediately. Problem solved ... for now.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
Have you seen this scam circulating through your News Feed? How do you think Zynga should handle what's arguably become a serious issue?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
Have you seen this scam circulating through your News Feed? How do you think Zynga should handle what's arguably become a serious issue?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
FarmVille GagaVille: Gem Fruit Trees sprout from Mystery Seedlings
See? We told you so. Lady Gaga's Gem Fruit Trees are popping up in Mystery Seedlings in FarmVille now, FarmVille Freak reports. The brand new GagaVille trees are here, but will likely only be featured in the Orchard spawn for a limited time before they hit the Market. FarmVille Freak has even dug up the Mastery requirements for these Level 2 Trees.
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
FarmVille Gem Fruit Tree share
Now, you have even more incentive to watch those News Feeds (and your own Tree Orchards) like a hawk. And you better hope that green thumb of yours gets lucky before these Gaga-fied Trees hit the Market for some serious Farm Cash.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you received a Gem Fruit Tree yet? What has been your favorite part of the GagaVille promotion thus far?
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
FarmVille Gem Fruit Tree share
Now, you have even more incentive to watch those News Feeds (and your own Tree Orchards) like a hawk. And you better hope that green thumb of yours gets lucky before these Gaga-fied Trees hit the Market for some serious Farm Cash.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you received a Gem Fruit Tree yet? What has been your favorite part of the GagaVille promotion thus far?
Cafe World The Cookie Crowd Goals: Everything you need to know
It's a great thing that Zynga finally decided to add a goal manager to Cafe World, as they sure haven't slowed down on releasing new goal series to the game (that, and I can't imagine that the vast majority of players would have put up with it much longer, but I digress). One of the newest goal series we've seen released deals with all things sweets, and is called "The Cookie Crowd."
The Cookie Crowd has five parts, with the first goal being incredibly easy, asking you to simply cook dishes, rather than serve them.
Cook Chocolate Cream Pie 2 Times
Cook Gem Cake 5 Times
Cook Angel Fruit Cake 3 Times
Just set these dishes to cook and voila - mission completed. You'll receive the Cookie Table decoration for finishing this first (incredibly simple) goal.
While you can feel free to delete any of the above dishes once you've cooked them to pass the goal, you might want to actually let the Gem Cakes go, as you'll need to serve a large quantity of servings in The Cookie Crowd II:
Have 3 Cookie Tables
Serve Gem Cake 30 Times
Ask for 5 Cookie Boxes
Gem Cakes can either be cooked manually, or you can ask your friends to send you servings via individual requests. If you choose to cook them yourself, you'll need to wait 12 hours to serve them (or break out some spices to speed up the process). For the Cookie Tables, each costs 5,000 coins, but remember, you were given one for free as a prize for the last quest, so you technically only have to buy two.
Cooke Crowd III gets even more difficult, as you'll need to serve a whopping 70 dishes to continue (this is beginning to seem like a Catering Order in here!).
Serve Pumpkin Pie 35 Times
Serve Chocolate Cream Pie 35 Times
Ask for 15 Baking Sheets
The Pumpkin Pie can be cooked manually or acquired from friends, while the Chocolate Cream Pie looks to be a manual only situation. Meanwhile, you'll need to ask your friends to send you the Baking Sheets, as you would any other collectible in the game.
Moving on, Cookie Crowd IV still asks you to cook a lot of dishes, but you'll need to bug your friends a bit more as well.
Serve 50 Jammin' Jelly Donuts
Ask for 10 Cookie Dough
Ask for 10 Mint Leaves
The reward for this mission is actually worthwhile - the exclusive Camper Cookies recipe that can only be earned (as of this writing) by completing this goal series. The Camper Cookies can be thought of as Girl Scout cookies, but they must be cooked in the Toaster Oven, not on regular stoves.
Finally, Cookie Crowd V asks you to do something that most other goals don't - actually master a dish.
Reach Level 1 Mastery of Camper Cookies
Spice 5 Friends' Stoves
Ask for 10 Camp Girl Backpacks
Just keep cooking the Camper Cookies (which take 10 minutes to prepare), and you'll eventually pass that requirement. Perhaps you'll even have time to acquire all ten backpacks while you wait.
All told, I wouldn't start worrying about these goals until you're sure you can dedicate a few hours/days right in a row to cook the mass quantities of dishes required to complete them. Sure, you're not under a strict time limit like with a Catering Order, but if you don't play often enough, your work will be for nothing as dishes expire. Plan ahead, though, and you'll do just fine.
The Cookie Crowd has five parts, with the first goal being incredibly easy, asking you to simply cook dishes, rather than serve them.
Cook Chocolate Cream Pie 2 Times
Cook Gem Cake 5 Times
Cook Angel Fruit Cake 3 Times
Just set these dishes to cook and voila - mission completed. You'll receive the Cookie Table decoration for finishing this first (incredibly simple) goal.
While you can feel free to delete any of the above dishes once you've cooked them to pass the goal, you might want to actually let the Gem Cakes go, as you'll need to serve a large quantity of servings in The Cookie Crowd II:
Have 3 Cookie Tables
Serve Gem Cake 30 Times
Ask for 5 Cookie Boxes
Gem Cakes can either be cooked manually, or you can ask your friends to send you servings via individual requests. If you choose to cook them yourself, you'll need to wait 12 hours to serve them (or break out some spices to speed up the process). For the Cookie Tables, each costs 5,000 coins, but remember, you were given one for free as a prize for the last quest, so you technically only have to buy two.
Cooke Crowd III gets even more difficult, as you'll need to serve a whopping 70 dishes to continue (this is beginning to seem like a Catering Order in here!).
Serve Pumpkin Pie 35 Times
Serve Chocolate Cream Pie 35 Times
Ask for 15 Baking Sheets
The Pumpkin Pie can be cooked manually or acquired from friends, while the Chocolate Cream Pie looks to be a manual only situation. Meanwhile, you'll need to ask your friends to send you the Baking Sheets, as you would any other collectible in the game.
Moving on, Cookie Crowd IV still asks you to cook a lot of dishes, but you'll need to bug your friends a bit more as well.
Serve 50 Jammin' Jelly Donuts
Ask for 10 Cookie Dough
Ask for 10 Mint Leaves
The reward for this mission is actually worthwhile - the exclusive Camper Cookies recipe that can only be earned (as of this writing) by completing this goal series. The Camper Cookies can be thought of as Girl Scout cookies, but they must be cooked in the Toaster Oven, not on regular stoves.
Finally, Cookie Crowd V asks you to do something that most other goals don't - actually master a dish.
Reach Level 1 Mastery of Camper Cookies
Spice 5 Friends' Stoves
Ask for 10 Camp Girl Backpacks
Just keep cooking the Camper Cookies (which take 10 minutes to prepare), and you'll eventually pass that requirement. Perhaps you'll even have time to acquire all ten backpacks while you wait.
All told, I wouldn't start worrying about these goals until you're sure you can dedicate a few hours/days right in a row to cook the mass quantities of dishes required to complete them. Sure, you're not under a strict time limit like with a Catering Order, but if you don't play often enough, your work will be for nothing as dishes expire. Plan ahead, though, and you'll do just fine.
Nival to bring social strategy game King's Bounty: Legions to Facebook this summer
Russian PC game developer Nival has announced today that they will be bringing the first ever social installment in the King's Bounty series - King's Bounty: Legions - to Facebook sometime this summer. Widely considered to be the predecessor of the Heroes of Might and Magic series, Nival hopes to capitalize on the franchise's existing fan base, along with introducing the brand to the unfamiliar. Taking the turn-based strategy gameplay that the series is known for and adding a social twist, King's Bounty: Legions will present players with an in-depth storyline spread across 40 initial gameplay levels.
Gameplay sees users primarily taking part in strategic, turn-based battles on a honeycomb grid, while completing quests along the way. You'll be able to manage your armies by hiring additional troops, and will be able to choose from multiple forms of combat based on your tastes. You can enter into PvP combat, taking the fight to your Facebook friends, or PvE battles, which see you fighting against intelligent AI armies. Regardless of the battle you enter, you'll need to use strategy to win, so I'd expect a fairly in-depth user interface and tons of gameplay customization options to accompany the game's release.
For the first time in the series' history, this installment will see additional gameplay and content added on what appears to be a regular basis, to fit in with (what are now) social gaming standards. While the 40 initial levels will keep players busy in the short term, Nival already has plans to release regular game updates that will include access to new troop types, creatures, maps and quests. It's unknown right now as to whether or not those updates will be for free, or will require the use of premium currency, but we do know that King's Bounty: Legions will support the purchase of in-game items.
Gallery: King's Bounty: Legions
Beta testing for the game will begin this summer, with the game then being released on the iOS and Android platforms at a later date. With more and more developers hoping to reel in the "hardcore" gamer, while still catering to the predominantly casual Facebook audience, we'll make sure to let you know how this one stacks up upon release.
Are you a King's Bounty fan, or do you prefer the Heroes of Might and Magic series? If you're new to both games, what do you think about the idea of turn-based combat against your Facebook friends? Do you think there's room on Facebook for hardcore game experiences normally only found on consoles, or can every genre coexist on the platform?
Gameplay sees users primarily taking part in strategic, turn-based battles on a honeycomb grid, while completing quests along the way. You'll be able to manage your armies by hiring additional troops, and will be able to choose from multiple forms of combat based on your tastes. You can enter into PvP combat, taking the fight to your Facebook friends, or PvE battles, which see you fighting against intelligent AI armies. Regardless of the battle you enter, you'll need to use strategy to win, so I'd expect a fairly in-depth user interface and tons of gameplay customization options to accompany the game's release.
For the first time in the series' history, this installment will see additional gameplay and content added on what appears to be a regular basis, to fit in with (what are now) social gaming standards. While the 40 initial levels will keep players busy in the short term, Nival already has plans to release regular game updates that will include access to new troop types, creatures, maps and quests. It's unknown right now as to whether or not those updates will be for free, or will require the use of premium currency, but we do know that King's Bounty: Legions will support the purchase of in-game items.
Gallery: King's Bounty: Legions
Beta testing for the game will begin this summer, with the game then being released on the iOS and Android platforms at a later date. With more and more developers hoping to reel in the "hardcore" gamer, while still catering to the predominantly casual Facebook audience, we'll make sure to let you know how this one stacks up upon release.
Are you a King's Bounty fan, or do you prefer the Heroes of Might and Magic series? If you're new to both games, what do you think about the idea of turn-based combat against your Facebook friends? Do you think there's room on Facebook for hardcore game experiences normally only found on consoles, or can every genre coexist on the platform?
FarmVille GagaVille Trees: Big Chrome Apple, Big Chrome Cherry and Gem Fruit Trees
Tonight's FarmVille update apparently sees the final set of GagaVille items being released to the store, with this update bringing with it four new trees. There's the pair of the Gem Fruit Trees that we've told you about previously, available for 7 and 12 Farm Cash each, along with giant versions of the Chrome Apple and Chrome Cherry Tree.
Interestingly, even though both of the latter trees are large, they don't have the same price tag, as the Big Chrome Apple Tree costs 7 Farm Cash and the Big Chrome Cherry Tree costs 12 Farm Cash. I'm actually glad that this theme is coming to an end, as I don't know how much more my virtual wallet could take before bursting into flames from overuse. All of these trees are masterable, and they'll all be available in the game for the next two weeks.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of these new (and apparently final) GagaVille trees? Are you ready for Lady Gaga to say her farewell to the game, or could you continue adding these brightly colored items to your farm for eternity?
Interestingly, even though both of the latter trees are large, they don't have the same price tag, as the Big Chrome Apple Tree costs 7 Farm Cash and the Big Chrome Cherry Tree costs 12 Farm Cash. I'm actually glad that this theme is coming to an end, as I don't know how much more my virtual wallet could take before bursting into flames from overuse. All of these trees are masterable, and they'll all be available in the game for the next two weeks.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of these new (and apparently final) GagaVille trees? Are you ready for Lady Gaga to say her farewell to the game, or could you continue adding these brightly colored items to your farm for eternity?
FarmVille GagaVille Carry It On Goal: Everything you need to know
Tonight marks the release of the 10th and final GagaVille goal in FarmVille. This final quest is called Carry it On, and it asks you to "embrace the music" and help Lady Gaga's influence carry on into the future by completing three tasks:
Get 5 Microphones
Plant 100 Electric Roses
Fertilize plots on neighbors' farms 10 Times
The Microphones are earned through individual gift requests that you'll send to friends. If you can finish this goal within the next 24 hours (that is, before it expires), you'll receive the Crystal Lake, 100 XP and 2,500 coins. This isn't to be confused with the Giant Crystal Lake already available in the store, as this is a much less interesting item (in my opinion). I only wish we could trade it for the one in the store!
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
Are you sad that this is (apparently) the last goal in the GagaVille series? What items from the GagaVille farm do you wish had been made available as prizes?
Get 5 Microphones
Plant 100 Electric Roses
Fertilize plots on neighbors' farms 10 Times
The Microphones are earned through individual gift requests that you'll send to friends. If you can finish this goal within the next 24 hours (that is, before it expires), you'll receive the Crystal Lake, 100 XP and 2,500 coins. This isn't to be confused with the Giant Crystal Lake already available in the store, as this is a much less interesting item (in my opinion). I only wish we could trade it for the one in the store!
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
Are you sad that this is (apparently) the last goal in the GagaVille series? What items from the GagaVille farm do you wish had been made available as prizes?
FarmVille Animals: Bedazzled Horse, Fame Pig, Spots and Stars Rams
Tonight's FarmVille update sees animals being released in two different themes. There are two animals in the current GagaVille theme, along with two other animals for Sheep Breeders that technically come in the English Countryside theme, but can be placed on both farms. For the Lady Gaga animals, you have the Bedazzled Horse for 26 Farm Cash and the Fame Pig for 18 Farm Cash. If you purchase the Bedazzled Horse, remember that you have a chance to breed it for the Bedazzled Foal in your Horse Stable. Meanwhile, the Fame Pig can just look cute with her purple hair and red platform heels.
If you're into something a little more functional, or at least calm, you can now pick up the Yellow Stars Ram or the Green Dots Ram for 30 Farm Cash each. These two Rams offer you the ability to breed Lambs with either the star or dot pattern, so I can definitely see the draw with these two (aside from the fact that they're both pretty cute on their own).
All four of these animals will only be around for the next two weeks (as least in the store). Make a note of that Sheep Breeders - you've been given more time in the past to decide to purchase animals, but your time has been cut shorter with these two.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of this Bedazzled Horse? Is it your favorite Gaga animal released so far? What about the two patterns on these Rams? Will you add these patterns to your Sheep Breeding catalog, or will you save your Farm Cash for something else?
If you're into something a little more functional, or at least calm, you can now pick up the Yellow Stars Ram or the Green Dots Ram for 30 Farm Cash each. These two Rams offer you the ability to breed Lambs with either the star or dot pattern, so I can definitely see the draw with these two (aside from the fact that they're both pretty cute on their own).
All four of these animals will only be around for the next two weeks (as least in the store). Make a note of that Sheep Breeders - you've been given more time in the past to decide to purchase animals, but your time has been cut shorter with these two.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of this Bedazzled Horse? Is it your favorite Gaga animal released so far? What about the two patterns on these Rams? Will you add these patterns to your Sheep Breeding catalog, or will you save your Farm Cash for something else?
FarmVille GagaVille Items: Crystal Palm Tree, Bedazzled Combine, Bedazzled Gloves and more
Tonight's FarmVille update sees a wide array of new decorative and functional items released in the GagaVille theme, along with a little something for your in-game avatar. First off, there are four new decorations to purchase, with three of these really embracing the look of crystals.
Of these four items, the Crystal Palm Tree (decoration only) and the Crystal Waterfall are the only premium items, costing 3 and 15 Farm Cash each, respectively. There is a relatively large Crystal Mushroom (about the size of one crop plot) available for 10,000 coins, and finally, a Gem Topiary can be purchased for 5,000 coins. With these four items, I'm happy that the Crystal Palm Tree is such a bargain (all things considered), as I know it will be the first one I add to my land.
Meet us behind the break for a look at a new vehicle and avatar accessory.
While we've already been able to purchase a Bedazzled Tractor to our land, what if you want something that can do it all - a vehicle so powerful, and so shiny, that it could instantly mesmerize you with its crystals and farming powers? You're in luck, as a Bedazzled Combine is now available. Just don't expect to purchase this three-in-one vehicle for cheap - it'll cost you 110 Farm Cash to add to your farm. Sure, the Combine looks great, but maybe I'll just keep looking at my Bedazzled Tractor from afar instead...
Finally, a new set of Bedazzled Gloves is available for your in-game avatar. The gloves cost just 1 Farm Cash, so if you've been saving all of your premium currency for other decorations, you can rest easy knowing that your avatar has gotten in on the fun of the Lady Gaga promotion, without you breaking the bank.
All of these items will be available for the next two weeks. That may not be enough time to earn the Farm Cash you need to purchased the Bedazzled Combine, but it does give you time to hit the store and purchase some Farm Cash, so keep that in mind if you really want one for your farm.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of this supposed final release of GagaVille decorations and items in FarmVille? Have you stocked up on enough purple and pink items to last you a lifetime, or will you always have room for one more?
Of these four items, the Crystal Palm Tree (decoration only) and the Crystal Waterfall are the only premium items, costing 3 and 15 Farm Cash each, respectively. There is a relatively large Crystal Mushroom (about the size of one crop plot) available for 10,000 coins, and finally, a Gem Topiary can be purchased for 5,000 coins. With these four items, I'm happy that the Crystal Palm Tree is such a bargain (all things considered), as I know it will be the first one I add to my land.
Meet us behind the break for a look at a new vehicle and avatar accessory.
While we've already been able to purchase a Bedazzled Tractor to our land, what if you want something that can do it all - a vehicle so powerful, and so shiny, that it could instantly mesmerize you with its crystals and farming powers? You're in luck, as a Bedazzled Combine is now available. Just don't expect to purchase this three-in-one vehicle for cheap - it'll cost you 110 Farm Cash to add to your farm. Sure, the Combine looks great, but maybe I'll just keep looking at my Bedazzled Tractor from afar instead...
Finally, a new set of Bedazzled Gloves is available for your in-game avatar. The gloves cost just 1 Farm Cash, so if you've been saving all of your premium currency for other decorations, you can rest easy knowing that your avatar has gotten in on the fun of the Lady Gaga promotion, without you breaking the bank.
All of these items will be available for the next two weeks. That may not be enough time to earn the Farm Cash you need to purchased the Bedazzled Combine, but it does give you time to hit the store and purchase some Farm Cash, so keep that in mind if you really want one for your farm.
Check out the rest of our GagaVille coverage right here. >
What do you think of this supposed final release of GagaVille decorations and items in FarmVille? Have you stocked up on enough purple and pink items to last you a lifetime, or will you always have room for one more?
FarmVille Tree, Animal Storage: Stow the cows away for another day
This could possibly be Zynga's most inhumane FarmVille update yet. The developer is slowly rolling a feature that will allow farmers to store their Trees and Animals in, well, Storage. FarmVille Feed reports soon, players will be able to simply click on Trees and Animals, select the "Store" option and watch them go bye-bye like any other Vehicle (in the Garage) or Building. The new Storage update, as promised, will even have new tabs for Animals and Trees--how awesome barbaric! Keep your eyes glued to the game for when this feature hits your homestead, and have PETA on speed dial.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Have you seen this new feature appear on your farm? What other convenience features are you waiting for in FarmVille?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Have you seen this new feature appear on your farm? What other convenience features are you waiting for in FarmVille?
Game of the Day: Club 300 Bowling
The Game of the Day wants you to play the only sport where a turkey is a good thing. Club 300 Bowling: Just like real bowling but without the need for special shoes. Throw the ball by left clicking, flinging he mouse forward in the desired direction and release the mouse button to release the ball. While the ball is traveling down the lane you can use the mouse arrow to add spin. Now get out there and throw some strikes!
Click --> Play Club 300 Bowling
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Click --> Play Club 300 Bowling
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Who's laughing now? FarmVille maker Zynga files for $1 billion IPO
For all of the people who have complained about the annoyance of Facebook friends' FarmVille wall posts and how Zynga games are "not really games," put this in your pipe and smoke it. Zynga has just filed an S-1 with the SEC, which means the company plans to go public.
The filing says that Zynga plans to raise as much as $1 billion dollars, though that number is still murky at this point. Even so, that's not shabby for a company who built its foundation on simple games with not-so-state-of-the-art graphics that let you play, among other things, a virtual farmer, mafia member and city builder.
In a letter to potential shareholders, Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says its operating philosophies are the following: "Games should be accessible to everyone, anywhere anytime ... games should be social ... games should be free ... games should be data driven and games should do good."
The S-1 filing then talks about the risks to the stock holders, many of which would be applicable to most game companies -- with a few exceptions. Zynga's reliance, and possible over-reliance, on Facebook for its success. From the S-1 filing:
"If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with Facebook, our business will suffer.
Facebook is the primary distribution, marketing, promotion and payment platform for our games. We generate substantially all of our revenue and players through the Facebook platform and expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Any deterioration in our relationship with Facebook would harm our business and adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
We are subject to Facebook's standard terms and conditions for application developers, which govern the promotion, distribution and operation of games and other applications on the Facebook platform. We have entered into an addendum to these terms and conditions pursuant to which we have agreed to use Facebook Credits, Facebook's proprietary payment method, as the primary means of payment within our games played through Facebook. This addendum expires in May 2015."
Then, there's also the note that Zynga makes most of its money from a small number of players who pay real-life cash for virtual goods in these games. The filing doesn't reveal what percentage of players are funneling cash into Zynga's coffers, but the industry standard for social games is between 1% to 5%.
"A small percentage of our players account for nearly all of our revenue. We lose paying players in the ordinary course of business. In order to sustain our revenue levels, we must attract new paying players or increase the amount our players pay. To retain paying players, we must devote significant resources so that the games they play retain their interest and attract them to our other games. If we fail to grow or sustain the number of our paying players, or if the rate at which we add paying players declines or if the average amount our paying players pay declines, our business may not grow, our financial results will suffer, and our stock price may decline."
Zynga IPO stats - infographics
The filing says that Zynga plans to raise as much as $1 billion dollars, though that number is still murky at this point. Even so, that's not shabby for a company who built its foundation on simple games with not-so-state-of-the-art graphics that let you play, among other things, a virtual farmer, mafia member and city builder.
In a letter to potential shareholders, Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says its operating philosophies are the following: "Games should be accessible to everyone, anywhere anytime ... games should be social ... games should be free ... games should be data driven and games should do good."
The S-1 filing then talks about the risks to the stock holders, many of which would be applicable to most game companies -- with a few exceptions. Zynga's reliance, and possible over-reliance, on Facebook for its success. From the S-1 filing:
"If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with Facebook, our business will suffer.
Facebook is the primary distribution, marketing, promotion and payment platform for our games. We generate substantially all of our revenue and players through the Facebook platform and expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Any deterioration in our relationship with Facebook would harm our business and adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
We are subject to Facebook's standard terms and conditions for application developers, which govern the promotion, distribution and operation of games and other applications on the Facebook platform. We have entered into an addendum to these terms and conditions pursuant to which we have agreed to use Facebook Credits, Facebook's proprietary payment method, as the primary means of payment within our games played through Facebook. This addendum expires in May 2015."
Then, there's also the note that Zynga makes most of its money from a small number of players who pay real-life cash for virtual goods in these games. The filing doesn't reveal what percentage of players are funneling cash into Zynga's coffers, but the industry standard for social games is between 1% to 5%.
"A small percentage of our players account for nearly all of our revenue. We lose paying players in the ordinary course of business. In order to sustain our revenue levels, we must attract new paying players or increase the amount our players pay. To retain paying players, we must devote significant resources so that the games they play retain their interest and attract them to our other games. If we fail to grow or sustain the number of our paying players, or if the rate at which we add paying players declines or if the average amount our paying players pay declines, our business may not grow, our financial results will suffer, and our stock price may decline."
Zynga IPO stats - infographics
FrontierVille Fireworks Stand: Build it, then custom-create your own 'works
FrontierVille rolls out a new Fireworks stand just in time for Fourth of July. Build it and then use it to craft custom fireworks. Stay tuned for our complete guide.
Got any must-hear tips on how to build this Fireworks stand fast?
Got any must-hear tips on how to build this Fireworks stand fast?
FrontierVille Fourth of July goals: Everything you need to know
Just in the nick of time, FrontierVille rolls out its special Fourth of July goals for 2011. Best get started on these over the holiday weekend -- this series of missions expire on July 21.
The first mission is called This Land is Your Land, and it's relatively easy to complete. Here's what you need to do:
frontierville this land is your land mission
- Chop trees 30 times on your homestead or a neighbor's
- Plant 25 wheat
- Visit 15 neighbors
Stay tuned for our complete guide....
The first mission is called This Land is Your Land, and it's relatively easy to complete. Here's what you need to do:
frontierville this land is your land mission
- Chop trees 30 times on your homestead or a neighbor's
- Plant 25 wheat
- Visit 15 neighbors
Stay tuned for our complete guide....
New CityVille Apple Pie crop with instant growth
If you're in need of instant goods in CityVille, you now have an easy option for growing new goods quickly -- that is, if you're willing to fork out the cash. The Apple Pie crop was released today, and for the hefty price of 4 City Cash, you can grow yourself a delicious meal in no time at all.
The Apple Pie crop makes 115 goods and grows instantly. No waiting whatsoever -- your crop is ready to be harvested as quickly as you plant it. However, 4 City Cash doesn't come cheap. I'm not too sure that I will ever be in the need of extra goods so bad that I cannot wait for a train delivery. You never know though, there could be someone who wants immediate gratification.
The Apple Pie crop is only available for the next 4 days, so it will be disappearing pretty soon after the 4th of July weekend.
Would you pay real money for a crop in CityVille, or do you think it's ridiculous? Do tell!
The Apple Pie crop makes 115 goods and grows instantly. No waiting whatsoever -- your crop is ready to be harvested as quickly as you plant it. However, 4 City Cash doesn't come cheap. I'm not too sure that I will ever be in the need of extra goods so bad that I cannot wait for a train delivery. You never know though, there could be someone who wants immediate gratification.
The Apple Pie crop is only available for the next 4 days, so it will be disappearing pretty soon after the 4th of July weekend.
Would you pay real money for a crop in CityVille, or do you think it's ridiculous? Do tell!
CityVille: Throw a July 4th cookout, complete with fireworks
If you're planning on spending any time indoors over this upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, Zynga hopes that you'll spend some of that time playing CityVille, as they have released a whole set of themed items that scream of backyard barbecues and fireworks celebrations.
There are two new businesses to purchase for coins (that is, once you unlock them by completing the accompanying 4th of July goals): an Ice Cream Parlor for 2,200 coins and a Barbecue Restaurant for 2,500 coins. The Ice Cream Parlor will give your citizens a chance to buy some sweet treats, so long as you supply it with 70 Goods. You'll earn 308 coins in return. As for the Barbecue Restaurant, you'll need to stock the business with 75 Goods (probably napkins) to receive a 338 coin payout in return.
If you have some City Cash to spare, you can purchase a third business - the Fireworks Tent - for 30 City Cash. This one requires a whopping 200 Goods to open, but you'll receive 920 coins as profit in return.
For new decorations, you can purchase a Bean Bag Toss for 10 City Cash (offers a 6% bonus payout), a Horseshoe Pit for 15 City Cash (9% bonus payout), a Barbecue for 1,000 coins (4% bonus payout) or an American Flag for 20 coins (2% bonus payout). There are even three different flower patches that come in the expected colors: red, white, and blue. A patch of each single color costs just 50 coins, with each patch offering a single 1% in bonus to surrounding buildings.
Finally, a new home comes in the form of the Boat Driveway House. While this home has a funny name, it basically just means that you're purchasing a house that happens to have a boat parked in the driveway. You can purchase a single Boat Driveway House for 25,000 coins. It starts with 150 citizens in population, and can be expanded to 250 citizens over time.
All told, it's great to see so many items released for coins, when the game seemed to have taken a turn for the worse in that respect over the past few weeks. I, for one, will be glad to see this sort of balance return in the future.
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
Which of these new decorations, businesses and homes will you add to your city in CityVille?
There are two new businesses to purchase for coins (that is, once you unlock them by completing the accompanying 4th of July goals): an Ice Cream Parlor for 2,200 coins and a Barbecue Restaurant for 2,500 coins. The Ice Cream Parlor will give your citizens a chance to buy some sweet treats, so long as you supply it with 70 Goods. You'll earn 308 coins in return. As for the Barbecue Restaurant, you'll need to stock the business with 75 Goods (probably napkins) to receive a 338 coin payout in return.
If you have some City Cash to spare, you can purchase a third business - the Fireworks Tent - for 30 City Cash. This one requires a whopping 200 Goods to open, but you'll receive 920 coins as profit in return.
For new decorations, you can purchase a Bean Bag Toss for 10 City Cash (offers a 6% bonus payout), a Horseshoe Pit for 15 City Cash (9% bonus payout), a Barbecue for 1,000 coins (4% bonus payout) or an American Flag for 20 coins (2% bonus payout). There are even three different flower patches that come in the expected colors: red, white, and blue. A patch of each single color costs just 50 coins, with each patch offering a single 1% in bonus to surrounding buildings.
Finally, a new home comes in the form of the Boat Driveway House. While this home has a funny name, it basically just means that you're purchasing a house that happens to have a boat parked in the driveway. You can purchase a single Boat Driveway House for 25,000 coins. It starts with 150 citizens in population, and can be expanded to 250 citizens over time.
All told, it's great to see so many items released for coins, when the game seemed to have taken a turn for the worse in that respect over the past few weeks. I, for one, will be glad to see this sort of balance return in the future.
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
Which of these new decorations, businesses and homes will you add to your city in CityVille?
CityVille: Instantly unwither crops and boat supplies with City Cash
Have you ever accidentally forgot to come back to your CityVille town in time to harvest your crops, only to return to a withered field of strawberries or pumpkins? Don't worry, we've done it too. In the future though, this won't be as big of an issue, that is, if you're willing to pay City Cash to rectify the error.
The next time you have withered crops on your land, and you click on a square to remove them, you'll first be given a chance to "instantly unwither" those crops by paying Farm Cash. Similarly, if you've ever let supplies on your Cargo Ships spoil, you can "refresh" those Goods with City Cash as well.
Just as this system works in FarmVille, the more crops or Cargo Ship goods you've allowed to wither/spoil, the more City Cash it will cost to revive them. And actually, it's a fairly expensive number. For example, to unwither 17 crops, I was told the price would be 39 City Cash. That's a fairly huge number on its own, but can you imagine how expensive it would have been had I let even more crops wither? What if there were 50 withered crops? I shutter at the thought.
So why would we bother with reviving crops, if it costs this much? I suppose this would save you from having to wait for crops to grow all over again, should you have needed them for a quest or the like, but at that point, whether or not this high price of revival is really worth it would be up to you.
What do you think? Will you spend City Cash to revive crops or unspoil Cargo Ships supplies? Would you do so if it didn't cost as much?
The next time you have withered crops on your land, and you click on a square to remove them, you'll first be given a chance to "instantly unwither" those crops by paying Farm Cash. Similarly, if you've ever let supplies on your Cargo Ships spoil, you can "refresh" those Goods with City Cash as well.
Just as this system works in FarmVille, the more crops or Cargo Ship goods you've allowed to wither/spoil, the more City Cash it will cost to revive them. And actually, it's a fairly expensive number. For example, to unwither 17 crops, I was told the price would be 39 City Cash. That's a fairly huge number on its own, but can you imagine how expensive it would have been had I let even more crops wither? What if there were 50 withered crops? I shutter at the thought.
So why would we bother with reviving crops, if it costs this much? I suppose this would save you from having to wait for crops to grow all over again, should you have needed them for a quest or the like, but at that point, whether or not this high price of revival is really worth it would be up to you.
What do you think? Will you spend City Cash to revive crops or unspoil Cargo Ships supplies? Would you do so if it didn't cost as much?
CityVille July 4th Quests: Everything you need to know
To celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Zynga has released a series of quests in CityVille that will introduce you to a series of new businesses, among other things. The first quest in this series is called "Brain Freeze," and it will help you unlock the Ice Cream Parlor business. Here's what you'll need to do to unlock it:
Collect from City Hall 2 Times
Have 2 Strawberry Collection Items
Get 3 Baseball Caps
When you complete this quest, you will unlock access to purchasing an Ice Cream Parlor from the store for just 2,200 coins. That's not a bad price, all things considered.
Next comes the Four Scoops of Freedom quest:
Build and Supply Ice Cream Parlor
Collect from Ice Cream Parlor 5 Times
Harvest 45 Watermelon
Watermelon take four hours to grow, so you'll plenty of time for your Ice Cream Parlor to run out of goods five times so you can resupply it. Each resupply costs 70 Goods. Finishing this quest gives you the Liberty Bell item.
Quest number three is called Red, White & BBQ and it asks you to deal with one older business in particular.
Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
Send 30 Tour Buses to Burger Joints
Get 10 Packages of Hot Dogs
You'll need to ask your friends for help with the Hot Dog portion of this goal, while simply visiting friends and clicking on their Burger Joints will add up to your tally of 30 tour buses in total. Remember, if you don't have enough friends to add up to 30 Burger Joints, just come back the next day and repeat the process until you do have enough. For your efforts here, you'll unlock the Fireworks Tent, another business, but this one costing City Cash.
Finally, you'll come to the quest called Light the Fuse, which deals with fireworks and a bit of fireworks safety.
Collect from Emergency Clinic(s) 5 Times
Supply a Fireworks Shop 10 Times
Get 5 Boxes of Sparklers
Don't panic here players. You don't need to build or supply a Fireworks Tent in your city (a new business that costs City Cash to place); rather, you'll need to supply the Fireworks Shop, released back in the Lunar New Year celebration, so your City Cash is safe. Finishing this goal unlocks yet another business to you: the Barbeque Restaurant, that costs just 2,500 coins to build from the store. Of course, as this is the end of the quest line, you don't technically have to build one, but the cost is fairly low if you do wish to.
All told, these quests don't really seem to be too difficult, but perhaps more time consuming in the case of supplying the same business 10 times. Just remember, if you only supply that one business, and leave the rest of your businesses ready to be cashed out, all of your citizens will clamor for this one location, and you can complete such tasks much more quickly. Happy July 4th!
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
What do you think of these Fourth of July goals in CityVille? Do you think more could have been done to specifically cater them to the holiday?
Collect from City Hall 2 Times
Have 2 Strawberry Collection Items
Get 3 Baseball Caps
When you complete this quest, you will unlock access to purchasing an Ice Cream Parlor from the store for just 2,200 coins. That's not a bad price, all things considered.
Next comes the Four Scoops of Freedom quest:
Build and Supply Ice Cream Parlor
Collect from Ice Cream Parlor 5 Times
Harvest 45 Watermelon
Watermelon take four hours to grow, so you'll plenty of time for your Ice Cream Parlor to run out of goods five times so you can resupply it. Each resupply costs 70 Goods. Finishing this quest gives you the Liberty Bell item.
Quest number three is called Red, White & BBQ and it asks you to deal with one older business in particular.
Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
Send 30 Tour Buses to Burger Joints
Get 10 Packages of Hot Dogs
You'll need to ask your friends for help with the Hot Dog portion of this goal, while simply visiting friends and clicking on their Burger Joints will add up to your tally of 30 tour buses in total. Remember, if you don't have enough friends to add up to 30 Burger Joints, just come back the next day and repeat the process until you do have enough. For your efforts here, you'll unlock the Fireworks Tent, another business, but this one costing City Cash.
Finally, you'll come to the quest called Light the Fuse, which deals with fireworks and a bit of fireworks safety.
Collect from Emergency Clinic(s) 5 Times
Supply a Fireworks Shop 10 Times
Get 5 Boxes of Sparklers
Don't panic here players. You don't need to build or supply a Fireworks Tent in your city (a new business that costs City Cash to place); rather, you'll need to supply the Fireworks Shop, released back in the Lunar New Year celebration, so your City Cash is safe. Finishing this goal unlocks yet another business to you: the Barbeque Restaurant, that costs just 2,500 coins to build from the store. Of course, as this is the end of the quest line, you don't technically have to build one, but the cost is fairly low if you do wish to.
All told, these quests don't really seem to be too difficult, but perhaps more time consuming in the case of supplying the same business 10 times. Just remember, if you only supply that one business, and leave the rest of your businesses ready to be cashed out, all of your citizens will clamor for this one location, and you can complete such tasks much more quickly. Happy July 4th!
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
What do you think of these Fourth of July goals in CityVille? Do you think more could have been done to specifically cater them to the holiday?
Building the FrontierVille Fireworks Stand: Everything you need to know
Earlier today, we brought you the news that the Fireworks Stand had launched in FrontierVille to celebrate the Fourth of July. Well, now that the building has started rolling out to more users, we can bring you a complete guide to actually building one on your own Homestead.
First, you can either place the building when prompted by an in-game pop-up, or you can simply purchase the Stand from the market for around 1700 coins. From there, you'll need to whack the base five times, with each whack costing five wood. As usual, your work is just beginning at this point, as you'll then be tasked with collecting six building materials: 10 each of Scrap Wood, Small Flags and Banners, and eight each of Stock Labels, No Smoking Signs and Canopies. The first three items are earned by simply posting a general request to your news feed, while the latter trio is acquired by sending out individual item requests to friends.
Once you complete the Fireworks Stand, you'll be able to craft fireworks within the building using various recipes. The items used to create fireworks, like Firework Shells and Firework Fuses, can be found by completing tasks around your own Homestead, or you can ask your friends to send these items to you, whenever the "Ask for More" button happens to be available.
Once you have crafted enough fireworks to create what you think is a great show, you'll be able to ask for Matches, and three helpers, to set the whole thing ablaze. Yes, you read that correctly - you're not just setting off your fireworks, you're destroying the entire Fireworks Stand! You'll be able to rebuild the stand and craft more fireworks, but as the building will only be available until July 21, you might have time to only do this once or twice, so plan accordingly beforehand.
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
Will you go through this entire process only to destroy your Fireworks Stand at the end? Or, will you try to save this building (therefore not wasting your work or item requests) even after the event has ended?
First, you can either place the building when prompted by an in-game pop-up, or you can simply purchase the Stand from the market for around 1700 coins. From there, you'll need to whack the base five times, with each whack costing five wood. As usual, your work is just beginning at this point, as you'll then be tasked with collecting six building materials: 10 each of Scrap Wood, Small Flags and Banners, and eight each of Stock Labels, No Smoking Signs and Canopies. The first three items are earned by simply posting a general request to your news feed, while the latter trio is acquired by sending out individual item requests to friends.
Once you complete the Fireworks Stand, you'll be able to craft fireworks within the building using various recipes. The items used to create fireworks, like Firework Shells and Firework Fuses, can be found by completing tasks around your own Homestead, or you can ask your friends to send these items to you, whenever the "Ask for More" button happens to be available.
Once you have crafted enough fireworks to create what you think is a great show, you'll be able to ask for Matches, and three helpers, to set the whole thing ablaze. Yes, you read that correctly - you're not just setting off your fireworks, you're destroying the entire Fireworks Stand! You'll be able to rebuild the stand and craft more fireworks, but as the building will only be available until July 21, you might have time to only do this once or twice, so plan accordingly beforehand.
Check out the rest of our July 4th coverage right here. >
Will you go through this entire process only to destroy your Fireworks Stand at the end? Or, will you try to save this building (therefore not wasting your work or item requests) even after the event has ended?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Poll: The Sims Social is back online (for some), how about you?
While it is cliche, there's really no other way to put it: Sims fans, rejoice! It looks like EA and Playfish London have made good on their promise, as The Sims Social appears to be back online for us here in the Aol Games office. (Not to mention I've seen some of my friends in the game, too.)
EA was quick to bring the game down when it launched last week with numerous performance and access issues, and was equally as quick to point out that The Sims Social is in "open beta." Days later, the developer issued an email to all registered players--after silence on its Facebook fan page, mind you--apologizing for the inconvenience and reiterating the fact that it is in open beta testing.
More importantly, EA and Playfish said that part of the game's recovery process open beta test was to let players into The Sims Social gradually. And, here we are, directing our Sims to do nearly whatever we damn well please once again. And with much glee, might we add. (Seriously, despite a terribly unfavorable launch, this is one impressive Facebook game.)
However, if players are gradually being reintroduced to The Sims Social, the perhaps some have still unfortunately been left behind. And with that, we ask you, the ever-so-patient players:
Are you finally playing The Sims Social again?
Indeed! Boy, does it feel good to play god...No, and why'd you have to rub it in?!I haven't checked ... kinda forgot about it.
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
Click here to see if The Sims Social has come back online for you Now >
Have something to get off of your chest about The Sims Social outage?
EA was quick to bring the game down when it launched last week with numerous performance and access issues, and was equally as quick to point out that The Sims Social is in "open beta." Days later, the developer issued an email to all registered players--after silence on its Facebook fan page, mind you--apologizing for the inconvenience and reiterating the fact that it is in open beta testing.
More importantly, EA and Playfish said that part of the game's recovery process open beta test was to let players into The Sims Social gradually. And, here we are, directing our Sims to do nearly whatever we damn well please once again. And with much glee, might we add. (Seriously, despite a terribly unfavorable launch, this is one impressive Facebook game.)
However, if players are gradually being reintroduced to The Sims Social, the perhaps some have still unfortunately been left behind. And with that, we ask you, the ever-so-patient players:
Are you finally playing The Sims Social again?
Indeed! Boy, does it feel good to play god...No, and why'd you have to rub it in?!I haven't checked ... kinda forgot about it.
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
Click here to see if The Sims Social has come back online for you Now >
Have something to get off of your chest about The Sims Social outage?
Facebook: Google charges '5% because they don't have any users'
In my alley, them's fightin' words. The words came from the mouth of Facebook Director of Games Partnerships Sean Ryan during an event last week, Fortune reports. More specifically, Ryan is referring to the fact that Google takes just a 5 percent cut in revenues from developers with games hosted on its fresh Google+ social platform. Compare that to Facebook's whopping 30 percent through its Facebook Credits payment system, and you can see why Ryan would have such strong words for Google.
According to Fortune, Ryan likened Google's entry into the social games space to when McDonald's entered the premium coffee biz, where Starbucks has reigned supreme. (Fortune also cleverly points out that coffee has been huge for Mickey D's.) Google launched Google+ Games just last week with support from several major developers including Zynga, EA (and PopCap) and Wooga--three of the largest Facebook game developers today.
And Fortune reports that Google+ already has 25 million registered users, so it's growing rather quickly. Regardless, Google still has a ways to go in the face of Facebook's gargantuan 750 million-strong user base, not to mention a whopping 270 million monthly social gamers. If anything, it's simply amusing to see Facebook squirm ... at least just a little bit. Let's just wait and see if Google+ Games can turn those squirms into shivers.
[Image Credit: Content Crossroads]
Do you think Facebook's Sean Ryan was right in saying this? Do you think Google+ Games has a chance to compete with Facebook?
According to Fortune, Ryan likened Google's entry into the social games space to when McDonald's entered the premium coffee biz, where Starbucks has reigned supreme. (Fortune also cleverly points out that coffee has been huge for Mickey D's.) Google launched Google+ Games just last week with support from several major developers including Zynga, EA (and PopCap) and Wooga--three of the largest Facebook game developers today.
And Fortune reports that Google+ already has 25 million registered users, so it's growing rather quickly. Regardless, Google still has a ways to go in the face of Facebook's gargantuan 750 million-strong user base, not to mention a whopping 270 million monthly social gamers. If anything, it's simply amusing to see Facebook squirm ... at least just a little bit. Let's just wait and see if Google+ Games can turn those squirms into shivers.
[Image Credit: Content Crossroads]
Do you think Facebook's Sean Ryan was right in saying this? Do you think Google+ Games has a chance to compete with Facebook?
Sony PS Vita adds standard social features to its 'revolutionary' arsenal
When it's the nauseating buzz word of the decade, who can blame 'em? Sony's Jim Ryan revealed today during the company's keynote at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany that its upcoming PSP successor, the PS Vita, will have support for a number of social networks, Kotaku reports. Ryan touted that the Vita will allow players to access Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and even call their friends using Skype.
I can think of, well, hundreds of devices you can access all four of those services on, play games and (drum roll, please) ... make phone calls with. They're called smartphones, and they are exactly what Sony is looking at every time it utters the words "social gaming revolution." Honestly, I'd be more wowed if the Vita didn't include these features considering its aggressive approach to social gaming thus far. Not to mention existing PSPs can already make Skype calls and access Facebook.
Now, if game developers make liberal use of these social networks as gameplay mechanics, then I'd almost certainly be impressed. (And no, I'm not implying that FarmVille belongs on the PS Vita.) Pokes and prods almost aside, these features look to be supplemental to what Sony calls "revolutionary" social features like Near, Live and Party. But honestly, at this point, couldn't Sony have just made this the PlayStation Phone? Hey, I'm just sayin'. Check out video of the announcement below:
[Video Credit: Kotaku's Mike Fahey]
Do you think the PS Vita will be revolutionary when it comes to social gaming? Will this be enough for Sony to compete with the growing shift toward mobile phone gaming?
I can think of, well, hundreds of devices you can access all four of those services on, play games and (drum roll, please) ... make phone calls with. They're called smartphones, and they are exactly what Sony is looking at every time it utters the words "social gaming revolution." Honestly, I'd be more wowed if the Vita didn't include these features considering its aggressive approach to social gaming thus far. Not to mention existing PSPs can already make Skype calls and access Facebook.
Now, if game developers make liberal use of these social networks as gameplay mechanics, then I'd almost certainly be impressed. (And no, I'm not implying that FarmVille belongs on the PS Vita.) Pokes and prods almost aside, these features look to be supplemental to what Sony calls "revolutionary" social features like Near, Live and Party. But honestly, at this point, couldn't Sony have just made this the PlayStation Phone? Hey, I'm just sayin'. Check out video of the announcement below:
[Video Credit: Kotaku's Mike Fahey]
Do you think the PS Vita will be revolutionary when it comes to social gaming? Will this be enough for Sony to compete with the growing shift toward mobile phone gaming?
Turkish bank earns 500k fans by offering Facebook games
These days, many companies are turning to Facebook games as a way of connecting with and building their audience (e.g. Channel 4's Beauty Town). But one pioneering company, a Turkish bank called Akbank, is really throwing themselves into their official Facebook page.
As of this writing, Akbank's Facebook page has 508,397 fans. The bank itself has 913 branches serving 8 million customers, and they've been managing a total of 15 social media accounts between Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. They've also created 5 Facebook applications, some of which, are games promoting their brand.
One of these games, Kur Yönet, which translates into "Manage the Exchange Rate", allows users to build a virtual factory that involves everything from production to marketing to R&D. All banking, of course, is handled by the Akbank branch within the game.
Akbank Kur Yönet Facebook game
Another game, Kırmızı'nın Peşinde or "The Pursuit of the Red", is based on Pac-Man and comes with a super dramatic game trailer (shown below). Your characters run around each level collecting personal needs (e.g. education, vacation, home renovations). Ads are shown in-between level changes.
Aside from these two, there's also been a music trivia page offering free concert tickets that was targeted at the youth, a gift cards giveaway page on applying for personal loans, and another trivia game involving current events in Turkish history that later tells players how much money they could've made if only they opened a Cumulative Mutual Fund account on a certain date. These are all a bit of a stretch, but Akbank seems completely devoted to pushing their brand, wherever, whenever, and however possible. Moreover, it appears that all their efforts have paid off.
As of this writing, Akbank's Facebook page has 508,397 fans. The bank itself has 913 branches serving 8 million customers, and they've been managing a total of 15 social media accounts between Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. They've also created 5 Facebook applications, some of which, are games promoting their brand.
One of these games, Kur Yönet, which translates into "Manage the Exchange Rate", allows users to build a virtual factory that involves everything from production to marketing to R&D. All banking, of course, is handled by the Akbank branch within the game.
Akbank Kur Yönet Facebook game
Another game, Kırmızı'nın Peşinde or "The Pursuit of the Red", is based on Pac-Man and comes with a super dramatic game trailer (shown below). Your characters run around each level collecting personal needs (e.g. education, vacation, home renovations). Ads are shown in-between level changes.
Aside from these two, there's also been a music trivia page offering free concert tickets that was targeted at the youth, a gift cards giveaway page on applying for personal loans, and another trivia game involving current events in Turkish history that later tells players how much money they could've made if only they opened a Cumulative Mutual Fund account on a certain date. These are all a bit of a stretch, but Akbank seems completely devoted to pushing their brand, wherever, whenever, and however possible. Moreover, it appears that all their efforts have paid off.
Pioneer Trail Avalanche Pass Missions: Everything you need to know
After passing through Beaver Valley and the High Plains in FrontierVille's Pioneer Trail, you've just one (long) stop left before hitting Fort Courage - Avalanche Pass. Watch out though - this section is apparently the hardest, or at least most dangerous section of the Trail yet, so make sure you're fully prepared (Rations, friends to help you along the way) before you head out!
Here's a complete guide to the many missions found in Avalanche Pass. Just remember that Bonus Missions must be activated manually, and are found by completing tasks with your own avatar (and looking for special blue exclamation points that appear above items). Also, your own experience with these missions may occur in a different order.
Avalanche Pass Map Mission
Complete 6 Hidden Missions
Complete 5 Story Scrolls
Move your Wagon to the end of Avalanche Pass
As you complete tasks on the trail with your own avatar, you'll have the chance of receiving Story Scrolls at random. These normally come in the form of short "choose your own adventure" interactions, as you're presented with a situation (you hear music in the distance, see berries guarded by a bear, etc.) and are then given different options for how to react (investigate the noise or leave it alone, try and scare the bear away and so on). In order to move your Wagon to the end of the Pass, you'll need to complete the other story missions in the Avalanche Pass section, so continue reading to find out how to do just that! In other words - this mission won't be completed right away, but that's ok!
Avalanche
Scavenge 15 Snowy Barrels
Clear 30 Manzanita Bushes
Clear 30 Snow Drifts
You can use your Carpenter to complete tasks and bring out the Snowy Barrels, while the other two items are kinds of "debris" (using the term lightly) in the Avalanche Pass.
Busted Wagon
Collect 14 Parts
Upgrade your Wagon for a third time
Collect 15 Spruce Logs
For information on how to upgrade your Wagon, check out our full look at upgrades in the Beaver Valley mission guide. Meanwhile, you'll need to use your Carpenter to bring out items to scavenge for Parts.
Frostbite!
Collect 16 Medicine
Start 2 Hidden / Bonus Missions
Ask friends to send you 15 Long Underwear
Medicine is found by completing tasks with your Doctor, which brings out items like Doctor's Bags that contain medicine. We'll get to some additional Bonus Missions in a moment, so hang in there.
Bonus Mission: Gonner Party Dinner Party
Collect 14 Meat
Collect 14 Medicine
Have five friends up for dinner on the Gonner Pass
This is one of those times where I'm actually upset that I understand the reference Zynga was pulling out on this mission's design. Let's just say you might want to finish off this mission sooner, rather than later, before the "Gonners" can have their way with you.
Bonus Mission: Apple Squeezins'
Use your Doctor to harvest 50 Crabapple Trees
Collect 30 Spruce Logs for the Fire
Ask for 15 Cinnamon Sticks
Fixin' the Storm Shelter
Clear 20 Tree Stumps
Harvest 30 Crabapple Trees with your Carpenter
Whack the Shelter 5 Times
As a quick note, whacking the Shelter requires Parts, so you may need to complete a few extra tasks with your Carpenter to earn enough to move on.
Stockin' the Storm Shelter
Have 16 Medicine
Hunt 15 Gnarly-Horned Mountain Goats
Finish the Storm Shelter and collect the Daily Bonus
Use your Hunter to hunt the Mountain Goats (if you don't have some already sitting on your land, then complete tasks with the Hunter to lure them out. As for building the Storm Shelter itself, according to FrontierVilleInfo, you'll need to collect 10 each of Muddy Caulk, Spruce Lumber and Trail Soup (earned through general news posts) and 15 each of Wool Sheets, Twisting Twine and Rusty Hatchets (through individual requests to friends).
Ice Fishin'
Finish 3 Hidden / Bonus Missions
Craft 15 Ice Fishin' Tip-Ups
Ask your friends for 15 Fish Hooks
The Ice Fishin' Tip-Ups can be crafted inside the Storm Shelter using Parts and Spruce Logs.
Bonus Mission: Missin' Home
Use your Hunter to clear 50 Red Trillium
Use your Doctor to chop Spruce Trees 50 Times
Use your Hunter to harvest 50 Blackberry Bushes
A fairly self-explanatory mission - just make sure you have the right character active before queuing a bunch of steps at once; you wouldn't want to have your Carpenter clearing Blackberry Bushes, only to be forced to wait for them to regrow after the mistake.
Trail Feast
Harvest 40 Mountain Blueberries with your Doctor
Have 15 Meat
Collect 16 Trout by tending to your Fishing Rigs
For this goal, you'll need to make sure you dig ice patches to create Fishing Holes where you can apparently collect Trout. As for the Meat, remember to use your Hunter to bring out animals that they can kill, giving you plenty of Meat in return.
Wolf Attack!
Flush out and shoot 30 Wolves
Upgrade your Wagon a fourth time
Clear 40 Red Trillium
In this mission, we've almost made our way entirely through Avalanche Pass, but we won't get out without being attacked by wolves first. This is the same sort of gameplay we saw in the Pioneer Trail teaser trailer, so just stick with it long enough and you'll fight off the lot of them.
Bonus Mission: The Missing Lynx
Ask for 15 Yarn Balls
Use your Doctor to clear 50 Snowy Rocks
Collect 16 Meat
Apparently, we'll be using this Meat as bait to lure out a Lynx or two, as the animal is incredibly rare and of course, your character wants to catch one! We're getting pretty close to the end of the Avalanche Pass, pioneers - don't give up on me yet!
Build a Plunger
Scavenge Three Packs from Pack Mules
Hunt 3 Canadian Geese
Construct and Collect the Bonus from your Plunger
To finally escape Avalanche Pass, you'll need to remove the massive wall of snow that's now blocking your path. With this new Plunger, you will have a tool that will later be used for a very explosive conclusion to this section of the Pioneer Trail. But first, you can use your Carpenter to find Pack Mules.
Blastin' Through the Pass
Gather from 3 St. Bernards
Craft a Detonator out of parts and dynamite fuses
Stuff the Landslide full of explosives
The Detonator can be crafted inside the Storm Shelter, but that's not the biggest part of your work in this mission. You see, you'll need to ask your friends to send you a ton of explosives - 100 to be exact. You'll be able to track your progress towards 100 explosives at the top of the gameplay screen, in a new meter that looks similar to that in the One Billion Hammers event.
Pimp Yer Wagon
Have 16 Meat
Have 16 Medicine
Use your Carpenter to chop Spruce Trees 20 times
You're one step closer to leaving the cold, dangerous Avalanche Pass, so just complete these simplistic tasks and let's get out of here already! Actually, there is one more Bonus Mission to find and complete - if you're up to it.
Bonus Mission: What Big Feet You Have!
Use your Carpenter to clear 40 Manzanita
Use your Doctor to clear 40 Red Trillium
Ask friends for 15 Enormous Paw Prints
By completing this mission, you'll earn access to purchasing the Snow Chipmunk from Bart's Bargains. This is a required step for the Bring Back Some Souvenirs mission, so make sure you find this Bonus Mission and complete it sooner or later!
And there you have it! With these final Missions, you've been able to blast through the landslide blocking your path, and will now be able to move on to Fort Courage! What awaits you there? Keep checking back with us to find out!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here. >
How far have you traveled in the Pioneer Trail? Have you already completed Beaver Valley and the High Plains, or will it be a while before you're able to join other folks here in Avalanche Pass?
Here's a complete guide to the many missions found in Avalanche Pass. Just remember that Bonus Missions must be activated manually, and are found by completing tasks with your own avatar (and looking for special blue exclamation points that appear above items). Also, your own experience with these missions may occur in a different order.
Avalanche Pass Map Mission
Complete 6 Hidden Missions
Complete 5 Story Scrolls
Move your Wagon to the end of Avalanche Pass
As you complete tasks on the trail with your own avatar, you'll have the chance of receiving Story Scrolls at random. These normally come in the form of short "choose your own adventure" interactions, as you're presented with a situation (you hear music in the distance, see berries guarded by a bear, etc.) and are then given different options for how to react (investigate the noise or leave it alone, try and scare the bear away and so on). In order to move your Wagon to the end of the Pass, you'll need to complete the other story missions in the Avalanche Pass section, so continue reading to find out how to do just that! In other words - this mission won't be completed right away, but that's ok!
Avalanche
Scavenge 15 Snowy Barrels
Clear 30 Manzanita Bushes
Clear 30 Snow Drifts
You can use your Carpenter to complete tasks and bring out the Snowy Barrels, while the other two items are kinds of "debris" (using the term lightly) in the Avalanche Pass.
Busted Wagon
Collect 14 Parts
Upgrade your Wagon for a third time
Collect 15 Spruce Logs
For information on how to upgrade your Wagon, check out our full look at upgrades in the Beaver Valley mission guide. Meanwhile, you'll need to use your Carpenter to bring out items to scavenge for Parts.
Frostbite!
Collect 16 Medicine
Start 2 Hidden / Bonus Missions
Ask friends to send you 15 Long Underwear
Medicine is found by completing tasks with your Doctor, which brings out items like Doctor's Bags that contain medicine. We'll get to some additional Bonus Missions in a moment, so hang in there.
Bonus Mission: Gonner Party Dinner Party
Collect 14 Meat
Collect 14 Medicine
Have five friends up for dinner on the Gonner Pass
This is one of those times where I'm actually upset that I understand the reference Zynga was pulling out on this mission's design. Let's just say you might want to finish off this mission sooner, rather than later, before the "Gonners" can have their way with you.
Bonus Mission: Apple Squeezins'
Use your Doctor to harvest 50 Crabapple Trees
Collect 30 Spruce Logs for the Fire
Ask for 15 Cinnamon Sticks
Fixin' the Storm Shelter
Clear 20 Tree Stumps
Harvest 30 Crabapple Trees with your Carpenter
Whack the Shelter 5 Times
As a quick note, whacking the Shelter requires Parts, so you may need to complete a few extra tasks with your Carpenter to earn enough to move on.
Stockin' the Storm Shelter
Have 16 Medicine
Hunt 15 Gnarly-Horned Mountain Goats
Finish the Storm Shelter and collect the Daily Bonus
Use your Hunter to hunt the Mountain Goats (if you don't have some already sitting on your land, then complete tasks with the Hunter to lure them out. As for building the Storm Shelter itself, according to FrontierVilleInfo, you'll need to collect 10 each of Muddy Caulk, Spruce Lumber and Trail Soup (earned through general news posts) and 15 each of Wool Sheets, Twisting Twine and Rusty Hatchets (through individual requests to friends).
Ice Fishin'
Finish 3 Hidden / Bonus Missions
Craft 15 Ice Fishin' Tip-Ups
Ask your friends for 15 Fish Hooks
The Ice Fishin' Tip-Ups can be crafted inside the Storm Shelter using Parts and Spruce Logs.
Bonus Mission: Missin' Home
Use your Hunter to clear 50 Red Trillium
Use your Doctor to chop Spruce Trees 50 Times
Use your Hunter to harvest 50 Blackberry Bushes
A fairly self-explanatory mission - just make sure you have the right character active before queuing a bunch of steps at once; you wouldn't want to have your Carpenter clearing Blackberry Bushes, only to be forced to wait for them to regrow after the mistake.
Trail Feast
Harvest 40 Mountain Blueberries with your Doctor
Have 15 Meat
Collect 16 Trout by tending to your Fishing Rigs
For this goal, you'll need to make sure you dig ice patches to create Fishing Holes where you can apparently collect Trout. As for the Meat, remember to use your Hunter to bring out animals that they can kill, giving you plenty of Meat in return.
Wolf Attack!
Flush out and shoot 30 Wolves
Upgrade your Wagon a fourth time
Clear 40 Red Trillium
In this mission, we've almost made our way entirely through Avalanche Pass, but we won't get out without being attacked by wolves first. This is the same sort of gameplay we saw in the Pioneer Trail teaser trailer, so just stick with it long enough and you'll fight off the lot of them.
Bonus Mission: The Missing Lynx
Ask for 15 Yarn Balls
Use your Doctor to clear 50 Snowy Rocks
Collect 16 Meat
Apparently, we'll be using this Meat as bait to lure out a Lynx or two, as the animal is incredibly rare and of course, your character wants to catch one! We're getting pretty close to the end of the Avalanche Pass, pioneers - don't give up on me yet!
Build a Plunger
Scavenge Three Packs from Pack Mules
Hunt 3 Canadian Geese
Construct and Collect the Bonus from your Plunger
To finally escape Avalanche Pass, you'll need to remove the massive wall of snow that's now blocking your path. With this new Plunger, you will have a tool that will later be used for a very explosive conclusion to this section of the Pioneer Trail. But first, you can use your Carpenter to find Pack Mules.
Blastin' Through the Pass
Gather from 3 St. Bernards
Craft a Detonator out of parts and dynamite fuses
Stuff the Landslide full of explosives
The Detonator can be crafted inside the Storm Shelter, but that's not the biggest part of your work in this mission. You see, you'll need to ask your friends to send you a ton of explosives - 100 to be exact. You'll be able to track your progress towards 100 explosives at the top of the gameplay screen, in a new meter that looks similar to that in the One Billion Hammers event.
Pimp Yer Wagon
Have 16 Meat
Have 16 Medicine
Use your Carpenter to chop Spruce Trees 20 times
You're one step closer to leaving the cold, dangerous Avalanche Pass, so just complete these simplistic tasks and let's get out of here already! Actually, there is one more Bonus Mission to find and complete - if you're up to it.
Bonus Mission: What Big Feet You Have!
Use your Carpenter to clear 40 Manzanita
Use your Doctor to clear 40 Red Trillium
Ask friends for 15 Enormous Paw Prints
By completing this mission, you'll earn access to purchasing the Snow Chipmunk from Bart's Bargains. This is a required step for the Bring Back Some Souvenirs mission, so make sure you find this Bonus Mission and complete it sooner or later!
And there you have it! With these final Missions, you've been able to blast through the landslide blocking your path, and will now be able to move on to Fort Courage! What awaits you there? Keep checking back with us to find out!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here. >
How far have you traveled in the Pioneer Trail? Have you already completed Beaver Valley and the High Plains, or will it be a while before you're able to join other folks here in Avalanche Pass?
Cafe World Astounding Expansion for All Goals: Everything you need to know
And the saga of the Astounding Cafe expansion in Cafe World continues... No, you're not seeing things; an entirely new goal series has been added to Cafe World that will allow you to unlock the Astounding Expansion without spending Cafe Cash. As a recap, the expansion was launched in June as part of a bundle costing $35, and then again in July as a single purchase item for 150 Cafe Cash. If you spent money on either of those items specifically to unlock the Astounding Cafe expansion, I won't blame you for being mighty upset right now.
Either way, if you're in the mood to complete a series of new goals, let's take a look at the "Astounding Expansion For All" set, as it's sure to keep you busy for a while. As a quick note, this goal series can and likely will present you with different dishes than those listed here. That's perfectly normal, but we unfortunately can't guarantee which dish you'll be required to cook, so keep that in mind (these are examples).
Astounding Expansion 1
Have the Lavish Cafe Expansion
Serve 10 Artichoke Dips
Ask for 5 Hammers
The Lavish Cafe expansion was previously the largest expansion available, so if you haven't reached it yet, you'll need to reach the 1 million coin mark and unlock it before even being able to begin these goals.
Astounding Expansion 2
Serve 20 Beef Skewers
Ask for 10 Bricks
Ask for 5 Nails
As if we expected anything different, this goal turns the series back to the "norm," of asking your friends for parts while serving dishes as you wait. You know the drill here - just continue cooking and asking your friends for help and you'll eventually pass this one.
Astounding Expansion 3
Spice 10 of your Neighbors' Stoves
Serve 30 Sweet Potato Souffles
Ask for 15 Bricks
Finishing this goal gives you a new recipe: Baklava. It's the first of two recipes you'll unlock in addition to the Astounding Cafe Expansion, so keep that in mind if you need more incentive to push through.
Astounding Expansion 4
Master Baklava to Level 1
Serve 45 Eggys in Baskets
Ask for 15 Hammers
Astounding Expansion 5
Mastery Baklava to Level 2
Serve 40 Baklava
Ask for 15 Nails
Astounding Expansion 6
Master Baklava to Level 3
Serve 50 Philly Cheesesteaks
Ask for 5 Cans of Paint
[Source: Zynga]
Finishing this goal completes the Astounding Expansion For All goal series, and also rewards you with the Apple Crumble recipe as another prize. At this point, you'll be able to access the Astounding Cafe expansion, taking you from 15x17 squares to 16x18, and can then set to work buying floor and wall tiles to make the new space match the old. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long for another expansion to come around.
After waiting a year for a new expansion, has this one been worth it (especially after these many hoops we've had to jump through to unlock it)?
Either way, if you're in the mood to complete a series of new goals, let's take a look at the "Astounding Expansion For All" set, as it's sure to keep you busy for a while. As a quick note, this goal series can and likely will present you with different dishes than those listed here. That's perfectly normal, but we unfortunately can't guarantee which dish you'll be required to cook, so keep that in mind (these are examples).
Astounding Expansion 1
Have the Lavish Cafe Expansion
Serve 10 Artichoke Dips
Ask for 5 Hammers
The Lavish Cafe expansion was previously the largest expansion available, so if you haven't reached it yet, you'll need to reach the 1 million coin mark and unlock it before even being able to begin these goals.
Astounding Expansion 2
Serve 20 Beef Skewers
Ask for 10 Bricks
Ask for 5 Nails
As if we expected anything different, this goal turns the series back to the "norm," of asking your friends for parts while serving dishes as you wait. You know the drill here - just continue cooking and asking your friends for help and you'll eventually pass this one.
Astounding Expansion 3
Spice 10 of your Neighbors' Stoves
Serve 30 Sweet Potato Souffles
Ask for 15 Bricks
Finishing this goal gives you a new recipe: Baklava. It's the first of two recipes you'll unlock in addition to the Astounding Cafe Expansion, so keep that in mind if you need more incentive to push through.
Astounding Expansion 4
Master Baklava to Level 1
Serve 45 Eggys in Baskets
Ask for 15 Hammers
Astounding Expansion 5
Mastery Baklava to Level 2
Serve 40 Baklava
Ask for 15 Nails
Astounding Expansion 6
Master Baklava to Level 3
Serve 50 Philly Cheesesteaks
Ask for 5 Cans of Paint
[Source: Zynga]
Finishing this goal completes the Astounding Expansion For All goal series, and also rewards you with the Apple Crumble recipe as another prize. At this point, you'll be able to access the Astounding Cafe expansion, taking you from 15x17 squares to 16x18, and can then set to work buying floor and wall tiles to make the new space match the old. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long for another expansion to come around.
After waiting a year for a new expansion, has this one been worth it (especially after these many hoops we've had to jump through to unlock it)?
Cafe World Help Out the Hoedown Catering Order: Everything you need to know
A new Catering Order has been launched in Cafe World, with this one being enough to have you shouting "Yee-Haw!" In this "Help Out the Hoedown" order, you'll need to strap on some cowboy(girl) boots and grab a square dance partner, as a country party is a brewin'.
For this order, you'll need to cook four dishes instead of three. Your menu consists of serving Four Bean Chili 400 times, Skillet Corn Bread 120 times, BBQ Corn 120 times and 40 Oz Steak 30 times. That's an astronomical amount of cooking being required in just a five day time limit (that is, for the maximum three-star rating), so make sure to take advantage of the 13 friends you can bring into this order with you. Also, remember to check your Gift Box for leftover servings of these dishes that you've been saving, as they'll quickly knock a few servings out of your total required.
In addition to these cooking tasks, you'll need to collect 15 Hay Bales and 15 Cowboy Hats by asking your friends to send them to you. If you can do that, along with cooking these dishes in less than five full days of starting it, you'll receive the three-star rating, 15 Catering Points, 7,500 Cafe Points, 200,000 coins and the Rootin' Tootin' Ribeye recipe. Remember, this recipe is only given to those who finish with the max of three stars, so if you pass five days and still haven't finished, feel free to start over.
Finishing this order between five and seven days after starting it will earn you two stars, 10 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 125,000 coins, and finally, finishing at any point after the first week of starting will earn you a single star, 5 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points and 75,000 coins. That's actually a lot of coins if you stick through to the end, but I still wouldn't blame you for quitting entirely and starting over to refresh your time limit (and your chance at that exclusive recipe). Just make sure to warn any friends you're helping (or those that are helping you) before you do.
Have you already started working on this Catering Order? Do you think it's one of the more difficult orders ever released, or do you really appreciate such a challenge?
For this order, you'll need to cook four dishes instead of three. Your menu consists of serving Four Bean Chili 400 times, Skillet Corn Bread 120 times, BBQ Corn 120 times and 40 Oz Steak 30 times. That's an astronomical amount of cooking being required in just a five day time limit (that is, for the maximum three-star rating), so make sure to take advantage of the 13 friends you can bring into this order with you. Also, remember to check your Gift Box for leftover servings of these dishes that you've been saving, as they'll quickly knock a few servings out of your total required.
In addition to these cooking tasks, you'll need to collect 15 Hay Bales and 15 Cowboy Hats by asking your friends to send them to you. If you can do that, along with cooking these dishes in less than five full days of starting it, you'll receive the three-star rating, 15 Catering Points, 7,500 Cafe Points, 200,000 coins and the Rootin' Tootin' Ribeye recipe. Remember, this recipe is only given to those who finish with the max of three stars, so if you pass five days and still haven't finished, feel free to start over.
Finishing this order between five and seven days after starting it will earn you two stars, 10 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 125,000 coins, and finally, finishing at any point after the first week of starting will earn you a single star, 5 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points and 75,000 coins. That's actually a lot of coins if you stick through to the end, but I still wouldn't blame you for quitting entirely and starting over to refresh your time limit (and your chance at that exclusive recipe). Just make sure to warn any friends you're helping (or those that are helping you) before you do.
Have you already started working on this Catering Order? Do you think it's one of the more difficult orders ever released, or do you really appreciate such a challenge?
FarmVille Fairy Garden outfits come without wings... for now
As part of the current Fairy Garden theme in FarmVille, both male and female avatars can dress up in two Fairy Dresses. Actually, it's the same dress, technically, just available in two colors: Pink and Purple. It doesn't matter which color you choose (you can see previews of both at right, or by "trying them on" on your own avatar in your game), as they both cost the same: 10 Farm Cash each.
That's a fairly hefty price tag, in my humble farmer opinion, especially considering neither of the dresses come with wings. Aren't fairies supposed to have wings, or am I looking at things too literally?
Either way, it looks like that oversight might be fixed in the future, as FarmVille Freak has spotted pictures of Fairy Wings that we should be able to purchase for our avatars soon, including another outfit that comes with the wings intact.
Of course, I can only imagine that these two items will cost more than 10 Farm Cash, if a simply flower design cost that much. Here's hoping that we won't have to break the bank to purchase these lovely costumes; we'll make sure to give you the details about these items as they launch.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you purchase either of these flowery Fairy Dresses, or will you wait for anything with wings to come out in the store first?
That's a fairly hefty price tag, in my humble farmer opinion, especially considering neither of the dresses come with wings. Aren't fairies supposed to have wings, or am I looking at things too literally?
Either way, it looks like that oversight might be fixed in the future, as FarmVille Freak has spotted pictures of Fairy Wings that we should be able to purchase for our avatars soon, including another outfit that comes with the wings intact.
Of course, I can only imagine that these two items will cost more than 10 Farm Cash, if a simply flower design cost that much. Here's hoping that we won't have to break the bank to purchase these lovely costumes; we'll make sure to give you the details about these items as they launch.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you purchase either of these flowery Fairy Dresses, or will you wait for anything with wings to come out in the store first?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Bounty Packs offer cheap Farm Cash, coin and animal bundles
For once, I'm actually excited about something that Zynga looks to be releasing in FarmVille in the near future (that is, something that will cost real world money). FVNation has spotted images of items called "Bounty Packs," which are bundles of items including Farm Cash, coins, trees and even animals that normally cost quite a few real world dollars when purchased separately, but can be bundled together for a fairly large discount.
We're not sure if these bundles are slowly rolling out, or if this is all just speculation on Zynga's part (trying to find numbers they like), but there are (as of this writing) three presumed packages that we know about. All three contain a Dogwood Tree, Ribbon Flower Tree and what looks like a Black Gypsy Horse, while the differences come in the amount of coins and Farm Cash you earn, along with the price.
For just $2, you'll earn the three items above, along with 8 Farm Cash and 3,000 coins. When keeping in mind the prices that you'd pay for the two trees (5 and 7 Farm Cash each, if the Ribbon Flower tree isn't the giant) and the Horse (26 Farm Cash), that's far more than an 8 Farm Cash or even $2 value. Zynga actually claims the value is $14, if you're curious. Going from there, a $5 pack comes with 25 Farm Cash and 7,500 coins (an $18 value), while a final pack costs $19 and offers you $45 of goodies, including 110 Farm Cash and 320,000 coins.
You know, I've never actually purchased coins in FarmVille before, and normally reserve all of my Farm Cash shopping sprees for when Farm Cash is 50% off, but if these bundles are released as we see here, I just might have to break that streak. Will you join me? Note: All of these Bounty Packs look to still be unreleased, so they're stats and contents could change at any time.
[Source and Image Credit: FVNation]
Would you purchase any of these Bounty Packs? Would you splurge for the most expensive, or stick with the $2 bargain?
We're not sure if these bundles are slowly rolling out, or if this is all just speculation on Zynga's part (trying to find numbers they like), but there are (as of this writing) three presumed packages that we know about. All three contain a Dogwood Tree, Ribbon Flower Tree and what looks like a Black Gypsy Horse, while the differences come in the amount of coins and Farm Cash you earn, along with the price.
For just $2, you'll earn the three items above, along with 8 Farm Cash and 3,000 coins. When keeping in mind the prices that you'd pay for the two trees (5 and 7 Farm Cash each, if the Ribbon Flower tree isn't the giant) and the Horse (26 Farm Cash), that's far more than an 8 Farm Cash or even $2 value. Zynga actually claims the value is $14, if you're curious. Going from there, a $5 pack comes with 25 Farm Cash and 7,500 coins (an $18 value), while a final pack costs $19 and offers you $45 of goodies, including 110 Farm Cash and 320,000 coins.
You know, I've never actually purchased coins in FarmVille before, and normally reserve all of my Farm Cash shopping sprees for when Farm Cash is 50% off, but if these bundles are released as we see here, I just might have to break that streak. Will you join me? Note: All of these Bounty Packs look to still be unreleased, so they're stats and contents could change at any time.
[Source and Image Credit: FVNation]
Would you purchase any of these Bounty Packs? Would you splurge for the most expensive, or stick with the $2 bargain?
Market Street becomes the seventh Playdom game to shut down
Players who attempt to log into Playdom's game Market Street right now will be greeted with a message stating that the game has been removed for good. This colorful and lively simulation game puts the player in charge of running their own virtual store. While the game was polished and relatively fun, it didn't bring anything new to the crowded world of Facebook sim games. Players could decorate their isometric shop and send away for shipments so that they could please the customers that come inside to purchase wares. Market Street launched approximately one year ago.
At its peak, Market Street hit over 9 million monthly active users and over 1 million daily players, however that was in 2010 and the Facebook game landscape has grown much more crowded since its heyday. Playdom has a history of closing down games that aren't faring so well, such as Treetopia, Tiki Farm, Tiki Resort, Verdonia, Fanglies, and Lil' Farm Life. In fact, Playdom have closed more games than most developers will ever launch. With the release of Gnome Town, it is clear that Playdom are now focusing on richer and more innovative titles to set them apart from the competition.
The sad thing about games closing down is that the players not only lose any progress, coins, or hard currency that they purchased, but they also lose all their hard work decorating their space. Many players become quite attached to these spaces and it is quite sad to have to say goodbye to something you worked so hard on. It's too bad that Playdom and other developers cannot keep the games up but cease to update them. Unfortunately, the operating costs are too high to keep a game running that isn't showing much traction.
At its peak, Market Street hit over 9 million monthly active users and over 1 million daily players, however that was in 2010 and the Facebook game landscape has grown much more crowded since its heyday. Playdom has a history of closing down games that aren't faring so well, such as Treetopia, Tiki Farm, Tiki Resort, Verdonia, Fanglies, and Lil' Farm Life. In fact, Playdom have closed more games than most developers will ever launch. With the release of Gnome Town, it is clear that Playdom are now focusing on richer and more innovative titles to set them apart from the competition.
The sad thing about games closing down is that the players not only lose any progress, coins, or hard currency that they purchased, but they also lose all their hard work decorating their space. Many players become quite attached to these spaces and it is quite sad to have to say goodbye to something you worked so hard on. It's too bad that Playdom and other developers cannot keep the games up but cease to update them. Unfortunately, the operating costs are too high to keep a game running that isn't showing much traction.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Winter is coming, and so is another Game of Thrones Facebook game
Since HBO's second season of Game of Thrones won't hit until April 2012, our guess is that it'll hit long after that nasty winter. USA Today reports that another social game based on the acclaimed novel series turned hit TV series is in the works already. Of course, that's along with two more games under development, enjoying close involvement with the property.
If you remember, a Facebook advergame surrounding George R. R. Martin's work launched earlier this year, Game of Thrones: Battle for the Iron Throne. (And just in time for the HBO show's debut ... how convenient.) While we dug it--for an advergame--the game has since been shut down.
The game was pretty impressive considering its sole purpose was to generate hype for the then-upcoming fantasy drama. However, we can see why the game was canned: Chatter about Game of Thrones has been at a minimum since for awhile. Hopefully whatever developer is currently working with HBO and Martin gets the chance to create a Facebook game that's longer lasting than its predecessor. USA Today briefly described the game as "think FarmVille comes to Westeros." If that's the case, then we'll pass on the social Iron Throne, thanks.
[Via PC Gamer]
Are you a fan of A Game of Thrones? What did you think of the first Facebook game based on the series, and what would you want from this second crack at it?
If you remember, a Facebook advergame surrounding George R. R. Martin's work launched earlier this year, Game of Thrones: Battle for the Iron Throne. (And just in time for the HBO show's debut ... how convenient.) While we dug it--for an advergame--the game has since been shut down.
The game was pretty impressive considering its sole purpose was to generate hype for the then-upcoming fantasy drama. However, we can see why the game was canned: Chatter about Game of Thrones has been at a minimum since for awhile. Hopefully whatever developer is currently working with HBO and Martin gets the chance to create a Facebook game that's longer lasting than its predecessor. USA Today briefly described the game as "think FarmVille comes to Westeros." If that's the case, then we'll pass on the social Iron Throne, thanks.
[Via PC Gamer]
Are you a fan of A Game of Thrones? What did you think of the first Facebook game based on the series, and what would you want from this second crack at it?
Jimmy Buffett will melt away winter 2012 with Margaritaville Online
What better time to munch on a virtual cheeseburger in paradise than in the dead of winter? THQ announced that Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Online will launch this coming January for Facebook, iPhone and iPad. The game has also entered a closed beta on Facebook, cutely named the Buffett Beta Club. Players can sign up for a chance to enter Buffett's world before the rest of us and sip on digital margaritas.
Membership of the Buffett Beta Club is limited, but if you "Like" the game's Facebook fan page, you can keep an ear to the sand for when THQ opens the game up to more players. (Actually, don't do that--sand is icky, and it gets everywhere.) This is chance for the real Buffett fans to give their feedback on the game, but more importantly, score "premium rewards, achievements and badges, along with a special treasure chest at the game's official launch," according to a release.
Gallery: MargaritaVille Online on Facebook
The Parrothead-in-charge recently revealed details regarding his personal involvement in the Exploding Barrel Games-developed Facebook game. "I'll sneak in," Buffett told CNN. "I already have my pseudonyms picked out, because I know they'll track me quick." The songwriter is also looking to tie Margaritaville Online to his existing chain of restaurants and hotels. That sounds exciting and all, but really guys, how could you pass up "MargaritaVille"? It was right there, ripe for the taking.
Are you excited for Margaritaville Online? Excited enough to sign up for the Buffett Beta Club?
Membership of the Buffett Beta Club is limited, but if you "Like" the game's Facebook fan page, you can keep an ear to the sand for when THQ opens the game up to more players. (Actually, don't do that--sand is icky, and it gets everywhere.) This is chance for the real Buffett fans to give their feedback on the game, but more importantly, score "premium rewards, achievements and badges, along with a special treasure chest at the game's official launch," according to a release.
Gallery: MargaritaVille Online on Facebook
The Parrothead-in-charge recently revealed details regarding his personal involvement in the Exploding Barrel Games-developed Facebook game. "I'll sneak in," Buffett told CNN. "I already have my pseudonyms picked out, because I know they'll track me quick." The songwriter is also looking to tie Margaritaville Online to his existing chain of restaurants and hotels. That sounds exciting and all, but really guys, how could you pass up "MargaritaVille"? It was right there, ripe for the taking.
Are you excited for Margaritaville Online? Excited enough to sign up for the Buffett Beta Club?
Is the Kindle Fire the new hotness in social gaming?
When Amazon's Kindle Fire arrives on November 15, you will be able to read books, surf the web and have easy access to "several thousand" mobile and social games including Zynga's Words with Friends.
"Teaming with Amazon to make Words With Friends a featured game on the Kindle Fire provides us with a great way to reach new and existing players on a fresh and exciting device," Zynga chief mobile officer David Ko says.
The $199 device will plug into Amazon's App store (rather than the Android app store), so the big A has been doing double-time to make sure that some of the more popular mobile games, such as Words, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle and Cut the Rope, will be ready to play once people have the Fire in hand.
FarmVille, CityVIlle Hometown or Mafia Wars apps are not currently available in the Amazon app store, so it's hard to say what plans - if any -- Zynga has to bring those games to Amazon's hot new tablet.
"Teaming with Amazon to make Words With Friends a featured game on the Kindle Fire provides us with a great way to reach new and existing players on a fresh and exciting device," Zynga chief mobile officer David Ko says.
The $199 device will plug into Amazon's App store (rather than the Android app store), so the big A has been doing double-time to make sure that some of the more popular mobile games, such as Words, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle and Cut the Rope, will be ready to play once people have the Fire in hand.
FarmVille, CityVIlle Hometown or Mafia Wars apps are not currently available in the Amazon app store, so it's hard to say what plans - if any -- Zynga has to bring those games to Amazon's hot new tablet.
Google+ Games sidebar rips another note from Facebook's playbook
Imitation is the finest form of flattery, but this is just getting ridiculous. Google has updated the home page of its Google+ social network with a sidebar that allows users to jump into the games they've played recently. In other words, Google+ has ripped Facebook once again. (But don't think you're off the hook either, Facebook.) Granted, this is a fundamental change.
But that still doesn't explain why, after months of Google+ Games existing, that these incremental changes are introduced to the platform. Of course, it's not as if Facebook had its "Apps" sidebar trademarked or patented, but these updates only serve to make it looks as if Google+ biting off of its number one competitor chunk by chunk. The comparisons are simply unavoidable.
However, the Google+ Games sidebar does have a one-up over its Facebook counterpart: You can actually remove it. We do have to admire Google+ for how it much it allows users to change about what's displayed. That said, getting the Games sidebar back after removing it--aside from those fleeting moments in which you can click "Undo"--is currently unknown. Commenters are also clamoring for more games, which is something Google is taking very seriously ... almost too seriously.
Google+ Games sidebar
As Google continues to rip pages from Facebooks' playbook (and Facebook does the same), it'll be interesting to see how the company takes advantage of its unique position. Google has the chance to change how a social games platform is done. But not if it continues to entertain this slap fight with the gorilla.
[Via The Next Web]
[Image Credit: Vermont Lasmarias]
Are you playing games on Google+ still? What do you think of the experience, and what can Google do to improve it?
But that still doesn't explain why, after months of Google+ Games existing, that these incremental changes are introduced to the platform. Of course, it's not as if Facebook had its "Apps" sidebar trademarked or patented, but these updates only serve to make it looks as if Google+ biting off of its number one competitor chunk by chunk. The comparisons are simply unavoidable.
However, the Google+ Games sidebar does have a one-up over its Facebook counterpart: You can actually remove it. We do have to admire Google+ for how it much it allows users to change about what's displayed. That said, getting the Games sidebar back after removing it--aside from those fleeting moments in which you can click "Undo"--is currently unknown. Commenters are also clamoring for more games, which is something Google is taking very seriously ... almost too seriously.
Google+ Games sidebar
As Google continues to rip pages from Facebooks' playbook (and Facebook does the same), it'll be interesting to see how the company takes advantage of its unique position. Google has the chance to change how a social games platform is done. But not if it continues to entertain this slap fight with the gorilla.
[Via The Next Web]
[Image Credit: Vermont Lasmarias]
Are you playing games on Google+ still? What do you think of the experience, and what can Google do to improve it?
Mafia Wars Shakedown holds up the App Store for absolutely free
Well, that's not much of a holdup, now is it? Regardless, Mafia Wars Shakedown--or, as we like to call it: Mafia Wars Mobile: Take Three--is now available on the U.S. App Store for the cool price of "free". This next attempt at a suitable Mafia Wars game for mobile devices marks the first time Zynga has launched a full HTML5 game through the App Store.
And frankly, it looks downright slick when you consider it was built using HTML5, the web-based coding platform that Zynga has been less than bullish on before. Now, Mafia Wars Shakedown is the fourth HTML5-based game released by the developer, so we're going to guess Zynga is whistling a different tune by this point. According to a release, "Players are challenged to steal collection pieces from friends and strangers in order to earn powerful items and defeat bosses to level up from chump to Don."
But our very own in-depth preview can already tell you what the game is like. Based on that, it sounds like a fairly bare bones release that works well technically, but more importantly a number of features are already teased as "coming soon." The game's App Store page claims that players can steal from their friends live. So, we'd say Mafia Wars Shakedown is worth at least a try, if only to see what a Mafia Wars game looks like in real time.
Click here to download Mafia Wars Shakedown on iOS devices for Free Now >
Have you tried the previous Mafia Wars games on your smartphone? What do you hope has changed in Shakedown in comparison to those older releases?
And frankly, it looks downright slick when you consider it was built using HTML5, the web-based coding platform that Zynga has been less than bullish on before. Now, Mafia Wars Shakedown is the fourth HTML5-based game released by the developer, so we're going to guess Zynga is whistling a different tune by this point. According to a release, "Players are challenged to steal collection pieces from friends and strangers in order to earn powerful items and defeat bosses to level up from chump to Don."
But our very own in-depth preview can already tell you what the game is like. Based on that, it sounds like a fairly bare bones release that works well technically, but more importantly a number of features are already teased as "coming soon." The game's App Store page claims that players can steal from their friends live. So, we'd say Mafia Wars Shakedown is worth at least a try, if only to see what a Mafia Wars game looks like in real time.
Click here to download Mafia Wars Shakedown on iOS devices for Free Now >
Have you tried the previous Mafia Wars games on your smartphone? What do you hope has changed in Shakedown in comparison to those older releases?
Monday, December 12, 2011
FarmVille: Corn Fence, Giant Maracija and Witch Scarecrow available for Farmer Appreciation Week
While it may be Sunday (and therefore technically the start of another week), that doesn't mean that you've missed out entirely on the goodies associated with FarmVille's Farmer Appreciation Week. In fact, three more items have been re-released in the game's store this weekend for the event, and all are available for coins. If you're into decorating for the Fall or Halloween seasons, you'll especially want to pay attention. Here's a look at the three items in detail:
Giant Maracija
Originally Released: Southwest Event 2010
Cost: 6,000 coins (formerly 4,440 coins)
XP Gained: 60
Sells for: 300 coins
Corn Fence (single piece)
Originally Released: Fall Event 2010
Cost: 8,000 coins (formerly 4,000 coins)
XP Gained: 80
Sells for: 400 coins
Witch Scarecrow
Originally Released: Halloween 2010
Cost: 100,000 coins (formerly 80,000)
XP Gained: 1,000
Sells for: 5,000 coins
Yet again, these three items have received a price hike over their original releases in the store, but you have to take a certain amount of convenience into mind when discussing them. Without this Farmer Appreciation Event, we could be left wanting, without access to purchasing these items at all. In that case, I think the simple fact that we've been allowed to purchase them again (either in bulk or individually) makes up for the increase in price, don't you?
We'll continue to bring you a look at all things related to the Farmer Appreciation Week in FarmVille, but remember - double mastery is still on, so make the most of it while you can!
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these three re-released FarmVille items? Will you purchase the Corn Fence or Witch Scarecrow for your Halloween / fall decorating plans this year?
Giant Maracija
Originally Released: Southwest Event 2010
Cost: 6,000 coins (formerly 4,440 coins)
XP Gained: 60
Sells for: 300 coins
Corn Fence (single piece)
Originally Released: Fall Event 2010
Cost: 8,000 coins (formerly 4,000 coins)
XP Gained: 80
Sells for: 400 coins
Witch Scarecrow
Originally Released: Halloween 2010
Cost: 100,000 coins (formerly 80,000)
XP Gained: 1,000
Sells for: 5,000 coins
Yet again, these three items have received a price hike over their original releases in the store, but you have to take a certain amount of convenience into mind when discussing them. Without this Farmer Appreciation Event, we could be left wanting, without access to purchasing these items at all. In that case, I think the simple fact that we've been allowed to purchase them again (either in bulk or individually) makes up for the increase in price, don't you?
We'll continue to bring you a look at all things related to the Farmer Appreciation Week in FarmVille, but remember - double mastery is still on, so make the most of it while you can!
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these three re-released FarmVille items? Will you purchase the Corn Fence or Witch Scarecrow for your Halloween / fall decorating plans this year?
FarmVille: Animal Habitat expansions on sale
A few days ago, we brought you the news that Animal Habitats in FarmVille could be upgraded and expanded. This process is done by collecting larger amounts of the same building materials used to complete each Habitat in the beginning. For instance, expanding the Cow Pasture takes more Hay Bundles, Stones and Tin Sheets. With each Habitat being allowed to expand twice, and each Habitat needing to be expanded individually, this has suddenly placed a lot of work (albeit completely voluntary work) onto our plates. What if there were an easier way? Well, there is.
If you're not opposed to spending some Farm Cash to get ahead, you'll be happy to know that all Animal Habitat expansions can be purchased outright with Farm Cash. What's more, those expansions currently happen to be on sale. You'll know if you have these sale prices available to you if a pop-up like the one below appears on your farm at login. Your own menu will vary, depending on how many of each Habitat you have on your farm and how many you've already completely upgraded (the 0/1, 0/2 numbers will vary), but the general process works in the same way.
You'll simply be able to look around the window, picking out which expansions you'd like to complete with Farm Cash, with the costs seemingly depending on how many parts you've already placed manually. As you can see, my Horse Paddock is the closet Animal Habitat I have to being completely expanded, so it costs the least amount of money. Formerly, that expansion would cost me 14 Farm Cash, but with this sale, I could save a single Farm Cash.
While that may not seem like a lot, look at some of the other expansions - 75 down to 68 Farm Cash, for instance, on the two Wildlife Habitats. Again, these numbers vary between Habitats, and will likely vary in your own game as well. What stays the same is that you're guaranteed to save at least some Farm Cash if going this route. Is it worth it? That will ultimately be up to you, but I think I'll personally stick with collecting free ingredients the old fashioned way.
Will you expand your Animal Habitats for Farm Cash during this sale period?
If you're not opposed to spending some Farm Cash to get ahead, you'll be happy to know that all Animal Habitat expansions can be purchased outright with Farm Cash. What's more, those expansions currently happen to be on sale. You'll know if you have these sale prices available to you if a pop-up like the one below appears on your farm at login. Your own menu will vary, depending on how many of each Habitat you have on your farm and how many you've already completely upgraded (the 0/1, 0/2 numbers will vary), but the general process works in the same way.
You'll simply be able to look around the window, picking out which expansions you'd like to complete with Farm Cash, with the costs seemingly depending on how many parts you've already placed manually. As you can see, my Horse Paddock is the closet Animal Habitat I have to being completely expanded, so it costs the least amount of money. Formerly, that expansion would cost me 14 Farm Cash, but with this sale, I could save a single Farm Cash.
While that may not seem like a lot, look at some of the other expansions - 75 down to 68 Farm Cash, for instance, on the two Wildlife Habitats. Again, these numbers vary between Habitats, and will likely vary in your own game as well. What stays the same is that you're guaranteed to save at least some Farm Cash if going this route. Is it worth it? That will ultimately be up to you, but I think I'll personally stick with collecting free ingredients the old fashioned way.
Will you expand your Animal Habitats for Farm Cash during this sale period?
FarmVille: Hut, Monkey Bars and Bougainvillea Pot available for Farmer Appreciation Week
I hope you have your virtual wallets ready, farmers, as another set of extremely limited edition items has been re-released into the FarmVille marketplace in honor of Farmer Appreciation Week. These three items, again, were all released in previous themes, so if they look familiar to you, that's perfectly normal. Just make sure to check out your storage (across both your Home and English Countryside farms) to make sure you're not purchasing any of these items as duplicates unnecessarily. Here's a complete look at the three items, including their prices:
Hut
Originally Released: Island Event 2010
Cost: 200,000 coins (formerly 100,000 coins)
XP Gained: 2,000
Sells for: 10,000 coins
Monkey Bars
Originally Released: International Children's Day 2010
Cost: 24,000 coins (originally 14,000 coins)
XP Gained: 240
Sells for: 1,200 coins
Bougainvillea Pot
Originally Released: Far East Event 2010
Cost: 5,000 coins (originally 2,200 coins)
XP Gained: 50
Sells for: 250
As a quick note, the Monkey Bars item here is fairly rare, all things considered (or, it was until tonight's release). Even if you don't have any of the other playground equipment / items previously released, this one is quite the bargain, and it's likely you won't have another chance at purchasing one for quite some time (if ever again). Either way, this trio of items will be available in the game's store for just under a single day. We're not sure if additional coin items will come out tomorrow (or when, exactly, Zynga decides to flip the switch on ending Farmer Appreciation Week), but we'll continue to give you a rundown of new items should they become available.
Will you purchase any of these three items during this brief purchase window? Did you already have a Monkey Bars item, or are you just picking this one up for the first time tonight?
Hut
Originally Released: Island Event 2010
Cost: 200,000 coins (formerly 100,000 coins)
XP Gained: 2,000
Sells for: 10,000 coins
Monkey Bars
Originally Released: International Children's Day 2010
Cost: 24,000 coins (originally 14,000 coins)
XP Gained: 240
Sells for: 1,200 coins
Bougainvillea Pot
Originally Released: Far East Event 2010
Cost: 5,000 coins (originally 2,200 coins)
XP Gained: 50
Sells for: 250
As a quick note, the Monkey Bars item here is fairly rare, all things considered (or, it was until tonight's release). Even if you don't have any of the other playground equipment / items previously released, this one is quite the bargain, and it's likely you won't have another chance at purchasing one for quite some time (if ever again). Either way, this trio of items will be available in the game's store for just under a single day. We're not sure if additional coin items will come out tomorrow (or when, exactly, Zynga decides to flip the switch on ending Farmer Appreciation Week), but we'll continue to give you a rundown of new items should they become available.
Will you purchase any of these three items during this brief purchase window? Did you already have a Monkey Bars item, or are you just picking this one up for the first time tonight?
FarmVille Halloween Items: Zombie Gnome, Bat Dog, Mossy Tree and more
Tonight's FarmVille update sees tons of items released in the current Halloween limited edition item theme, and there's one item in particular here that you'll want to watch out for. Not only is this particular item available for coins, but it's more limited than the others, only being available in the game's store for a week. What's that item? Read on to find out!
Trees
Spider Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Spider Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Mossy Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Mossy Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Don't worry about the Spider Tree being overly creepy; it's more cartoon-y than scary, and tree farmers will definitely like to have one on their farms. Meanwhile, the Mossy Tree would work great in any sort of haunted, creepy forest you're building. As usual, you can skip buying the Giant versions of each tree and then earn them for free either by placing the smaller versions in your own Orchards and producing Mystery Seedlings, or waiting for your friends to post seedlings or even fully grown trees to their walls.
Animals
Black Ponytail Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Skeleton Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Blue Oxen - 2 million coins
Bat Dog - 100,000 coins 10 Farm Cash
UPDATE: The Bat Dog, for whatever reason, now costs 10 Farm Cash, rather than 100,000 coins.
While seeing the Bat Dog for coins is exciting, it's not the special item we were talking about before. However, the Blue Oxen is. This one is available for just a week's time (as opposed to the two week time limit shared by these other items), but you'll need to shell out a whopping 2 million coins just to add a single Blue Oxen to your farm. Is it worth it? If you're going for every single mastery sign ever released, or at least the vast majority of them, I suppose it must be. However, these coin items have become a lot more expensive over time, leaving me to worry about the future.
Buildings
Haunted Mansion - 15 Farm Cash
Black Pumpkin - 15 Farm Cash
Again, both of these buildings, while containing either purple or bright green in their coloring, really work well for a more spooky, creepy Halloween theme on your land, rather than something overly cutesy. Still, this Black Pumpkin house is pretty heavily detailed, if you can get past the dreary black paint.
Decorations
Cauldron Fountain - 16 Farm Cash
Zombie Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Gargoyle Gate - 15 Farm Cash
Kraken Lake - 20 Farm Cash
Pumpkin Witch - 5,000 coins
Pumpkin Mummy - 5,000 coins
Even though they may be inexpensive, these two Pumpkin items are incredibly cute, serving as lighted jack-o-lanterns that wanted to get in on the fun of Halloween costumes themselves. The other items, however, will set you wallet back a pretty penny, but are admittedly pretty cool, if you're willing to spend some Farm Cash.
Avatar Costumes
Frankenstine - 10 Farm Cash
Frankenstine Bride - 10 Farm Cash
Mad Scientist - 10 Farm Cash
I suppose I'll have to forgive Zynga their error here. The Frankenstine (or Frankenstein, as it were) is not the monster, but the name of the scientist that brings him to life. Either way, if you want to dress as Frankenstein's Monster, you can now go right ahead (that is, unless Universal causes a stir based on their retained copyright/trademark).
All in all, these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, with the exception of the Blue Oxen we told you about earlier. With plenty of time still left on the proverbial clock before Halloween proper arrives, I'm sure we'll continue to see plenty additional items released in the Halloween decoration theme, and you can be sure we'll give you a complete look at all future items just as soon as they're released.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
Which of these new items is your favorite? Did you get a Skeleton Cow when it was given away for free earlier this week, or are you splurging on one now?
Trees
Spider Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Spider Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Mossy Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Mossy Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Don't worry about the Spider Tree being overly creepy; it's more cartoon-y than scary, and tree farmers will definitely like to have one on their farms. Meanwhile, the Mossy Tree would work great in any sort of haunted, creepy forest you're building. As usual, you can skip buying the Giant versions of each tree and then earn them for free either by placing the smaller versions in your own Orchards and producing Mystery Seedlings, or waiting for your friends to post seedlings or even fully grown trees to their walls.
Animals
Black Ponytail Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Skeleton Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Blue Oxen - 2 million coins
Bat Dog - 100,000 coins 10 Farm Cash
UPDATE: The Bat Dog, for whatever reason, now costs 10 Farm Cash, rather than 100,000 coins.
While seeing the Bat Dog for coins is exciting, it's not the special item we were talking about before. However, the Blue Oxen is. This one is available for just a week's time (as opposed to the two week time limit shared by these other items), but you'll need to shell out a whopping 2 million coins just to add a single Blue Oxen to your farm. Is it worth it? If you're going for every single mastery sign ever released, or at least the vast majority of them, I suppose it must be. However, these coin items have become a lot more expensive over time, leaving me to worry about the future.
Buildings
Haunted Mansion - 15 Farm Cash
Black Pumpkin - 15 Farm Cash
Again, both of these buildings, while containing either purple or bright green in their coloring, really work well for a more spooky, creepy Halloween theme on your land, rather than something overly cutesy. Still, this Black Pumpkin house is pretty heavily detailed, if you can get past the dreary black paint.
Decorations
Cauldron Fountain - 16 Farm Cash
Zombie Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Gargoyle Gate - 15 Farm Cash
Kraken Lake - 20 Farm Cash
Pumpkin Witch - 5,000 coins
Pumpkin Mummy - 5,000 coins
Even though they may be inexpensive, these two Pumpkin items are incredibly cute, serving as lighted jack-o-lanterns that wanted to get in on the fun of Halloween costumes themselves. The other items, however, will set you wallet back a pretty penny, but are admittedly pretty cool, if you're willing to spend some Farm Cash.
Avatar Costumes
Frankenstine - 10 Farm Cash
Frankenstine Bride - 10 Farm Cash
Mad Scientist - 10 Farm Cash
I suppose I'll have to forgive Zynga their error here. The Frankenstine (or Frankenstein, as it were) is not the monster, but the name of the scientist that brings him to life. Either way, if you want to dress as Frankenstein's Monster, you can now go right ahead (that is, unless Universal causes a stir based on their retained copyright/trademark).
All in all, these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, with the exception of the Blue Oxen we told you about earlier. With plenty of time still left on the proverbial clock before Halloween proper arrives, I'm sure we'll continue to see plenty additional items released in the Halloween decoration theme, and you can be sure we'll give you a complete look at all future items just as soon as they're released.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
Which of these new items is your favorite? Did you get a Skeleton Cow when it was given away for free earlier this week, or are you splurging on one now?
FarmVille Mystery Game (10/09/11): FarmVille animals celebrate Halloween
If you're an animal collector in FarmVille, and you happen to love Halloween, you'll be happy to see that Zynga has combined the best of both worlds this evening with the launch of the game's newest Mystery Game, which just so happens to be full of Halloween-themed animals. This week's game costs 20 Farm Cash to play (per dart), which I have to say is actually a fairly cheap price, considering the fact that this one comes with both a Pegasus and Unicorn that are up for grabs.
Here's a complete list of what you can win, if you happen to be lucky enough with your darts.
Cancy Corn Pegasus
Frankenstein Bride Cow
Mini Candy Corn Horse
Nightmare Pony
Skeleton Unicorn
Bee Westie
As usual, if you can manage to win all six of the above animals, you'll walk away with a special prize - the Giraffe Llama - that isn't available through any other means (as of this writing). Just remember, with this Mystery Game, there's no guarantee that you'll receive one of each individual animal in your first six darts thrown, so you might waste dozens, or even hundreds, of Farm Cash on empty balloons or receiving duplicates.
Whether you choose to go for that particular animal or not, make sure to throw your darts at this board sooner, rather than later, as these prizes will only be around for a week. I wouldn't be surprised if additional Halloween-themed animals were released in next week's game as well (or at least at some point before Halloween proper) and we'll make sure to let you know if that's the case.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
Which of these animals did you win with your darts? Did you win all six animals to receive the Giraffe Llama? How many darts did you ultimately end up throwing?
Here's a complete list of what you can win, if you happen to be lucky enough with your darts.
Cancy Corn Pegasus
Frankenstein Bride Cow
Mini Candy Corn Horse
Nightmare Pony
Skeleton Unicorn
Bee Westie
As usual, if you can manage to win all six of the above animals, you'll walk away with a special prize - the Giraffe Llama - that isn't available through any other means (as of this writing). Just remember, with this Mystery Game, there's no guarantee that you'll receive one of each individual animal in your first six darts thrown, so you might waste dozens, or even hundreds, of Farm Cash on empty balloons or receiving duplicates.
Whether you choose to go for that particular animal or not, make sure to throw your darts at this board sooner, rather than later, as these prizes will only be around for a week. I wouldn't be surprised if additional Halloween-themed animals were released in next week's game as well (or at least at some point before Halloween proper) and we'll make sure to let you know if that's the case.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
Which of these animals did you win with your darts? Did you win all six animals to receive the Giraffe Llama? How many darts did you ultimately end up throwing?
FarmVille Raffle Booth (10/09/11): Colonial Farm House and Rooster Compass back for another round
Back at the end of August, both the Colonial Farm House and Rooster Compass were available as the main prizes in the FarmVille Raffle Booth. While the other three prizes were different back then, these two major prizes have come back around for another week. This will give you potentially dozens of additional chances at earning either of these prizes, if you didn't win them the first time around. As usual, we're here to give you a complete look at these new items, along with the odds you'll have of winning them.
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
5 Love Potions - 1:50
Rooster Compass - 1:200
Colonial Farm House - 1:500
Compared to their last appearance, the odds for both the Rooster Compass and the Colonial Farm House have moved more into your favor. For instance, the Colonial Farm House used to only have a 1:2000 odds of winning. Hopefully, this means that more items will actually be given away, and we'll see the rarity of this one drop. Remember, just because you win one item in the raffle doesn't mean your guaranteed to win them all, no matter how nice that might be.
As usual, you have a full week to gather raffle tickets, either by asking friends to send them to you or by purchasing them outright with Farm Cash. If you have a large enough circle of active friends, however, there's really no reason to waste the Farm Cash on them, especially when you're not guaranteed to win anything (as I said before). Still, we wish you good luck in winning all five of the prizes this week. Make sure to let us know if you do!
Have you ever won one of the top two prizes in a FarmVille Raffle Booth drawing? Which items did you win in last week's drawing?
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
5 Love Potions - 1:50
Rooster Compass - 1:200
Colonial Farm House - 1:500
Compared to their last appearance, the odds for both the Rooster Compass and the Colonial Farm House have moved more into your favor. For instance, the Colonial Farm House used to only have a 1:2000 odds of winning. Hopefully, this means that more items will actually be given away, and we'll see the rarity of this one drop. Remember, just because you win one item in the raffle doesn't mean your guaranteed to win them all, no matter how nice that might be.
As usual, you have a full week to gather raffle tickets, either by asking friends to send them to you or by purchasing them outright with Farm Cash. If you have a large enough circle of active friends, however, there's really no reason to waste the Farm Cash on them, especially when you're not guaranteed to win anything (as I said before). Still, we wish you good luck in winning all five of the prizes this week. Make sure to let us know if you do!
Have you ever won one of the top two prizes in a FarmVille Raffle Booth drawing? Which items did you win in last week's drawing?
Zynga readies, aims and fires its live Mafia Wars 2 round at Facebook
The second salvo of digital death and destruction has been fired on Facebook. Zynga has officially launched Mafia Wars 2 in a slow roll-out (we imagine) on the social network. The game, developed by much of the same team that worked on the original, is the first direct sequel to a Zynga game, and it takes the series in a vastly different direction.
Mafia Wars 2, while it looks strikingly similar to competitors like Crime City, is essentially an animated, visual representation of the chaos you've reigned upon the world since way back in 2008. You'll build a brand new crime empire on the outskirts of Las Vegas, defending it from random thugs hailing from either storyline enemies or your enemies' friends' gangs. The isometric perspective of this new version of Mafia Wars puts an even more intense focus on the violence of mob life.
Peppered throughout your travels across seven areas of the city that never sleeps--Casino Row, Granite Square, Neon Strip, Downtown, Bluebird Meadows, Boxer Island and Westside Wharf--are heavy doses of player vs player combat (PvP). In addition to invading neighboring turf, players can take the fight to three PvP arenas: Bone Yard, Badlands and Area 51. It's here where players will fight asynchronously, rob one another and spark rivalries.
Gallery: Mafia Wars 2 on Facebook
Zynga's next take on Mafia Wars will allow players to customize nearly ad infinitum with over 300 types of weapons and armor as well as over 600 pieces of decorative clothing. And Mafia Wars 2 will be Zynga's first game available in 16 languages (including English): French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Japanese and Thai.
As the original Mafia Wars steadily loses monthly and daily players, according to AppData, it looks like Zynga hopes to revive the franchise with a full-blown sequel. However, we've been assured that the developer plans to keep the 3-year-old game alive as long as the players keep coming back. Though, after a look at this brand spankin' new version, we wonder how long that will last.
Click here to play Mafia Wars 2 on Facebook Now >
Have you hopped into the brand new Mafia Wars yet? What do you think of Zynga's approach to keeping the franchise alive?
Mafia Wars 2, while it looks strikingly similar to competitors like Crime City, is essentially an animated, visual representation of the chaos you've reigned upon the world since way back in 2008. You'll build a brand new crime empire on the outskirts of Las Vegas, defending it from random thugs hailing from either storyline enemies or your enemies' friends' gangs. The isometric perspective of this new version of Mafia Wars puts an even more intense focus on the violence of mob life.
Peppered throughout your travels across seven areas of the city that never sleeps--Casino Row, Granite Square, Neon Strip, Downtown, Bluebird Meadows, Boxer Island and Westside Wharf--are heavy doses of player vs player combat (PvP). In addition to invading neighboring turf, players can take the fight to three PvP arenas: Bone Yard, Badlands and Area 51. It's here where players will fight asynchronously, rob one another and spark rivalries.
Gallery: Mafia Wars 2 on Facebook
Zynga's next take on Mafia Wars will allow players to customize nearly ad infinitum with over 300 types of weapons and armor as well as over 600 pieces of decorative clothing. And Mafia Wars 2 will be Zynga's first game available in 16 languages (including English): French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Japanese and Thai.
As the original Mafia Wars steadily loses monthly and daily players, according to AppData, it looks like Zynga hopes to revive the franchise with a full-blown sequel. However, we've been assured that the developer plans to keep the 3-year-old game alive as long as the players keep coming back. Though, after a look at this brand spankin' new version, we wonder how long that will last.
Click here to play Mafia Wars 2 on Facebook Now >
Have you hopped into the brand new Mafia Wars yet? What do you think of Zynga's approach to keeping the franchise alive?
Playdom leads gamers into double life in Secret Agent X on Facebook
By day, you're a suburban soccer mom who brings dinner to the table for her kids. By night, you're a secret agent working for an undercover organization that keeps the world safe. This is the general premise for Playdom's next game since Disney's GnomeTown, Secret Agent X. The game, set to launch this fall, pits you against the evil organization known as SCAM.
All Things Digital reports that the game is available in some international markets in a closed beta test. The Disney-owned developer released a teaser trailer that reveals next to nothing about its gameplay, but we can always image what it'll be like. Based on what Playdom has told ATD, the game will send players on adventures using high-tech gadgets only to have them return home to the normal duties of suburban life.
It's easy to envision "home" being the hub of the game in which you customize a house, while you explore large maps on missions as a secret agent. (Again, this is speculation.) Playdom tells ATD that, starting with Secret Agent X, the company will release a dozen games within the next year. Up to three of those games--coming in January, March and August 2012--will revolve around Disney brands, according to ATD.
Playdom has been under fire from analysts for dragging its feet into the social games race since Disney bought it for a whopping $563.2 million over a year ago. How does the developer plan to catch up to the likes of wooga, Playfish and possibly Zynga: Explore new concepts and leverage the bevy of Disney mega brands. "A year after the acquisition, we are successfully transitioning into an operating division within Disney," Playdom COO Brad Serwin told ATD. "We are 100 percent back to work."
Based on the teaser trailer, what do you expect from Secret Agent X? Which of Disney's brands do you hope becomes a Facebook game most?
All Things Digital reports that the game is available in some international markets in a closed beta test. The Disney-owned developer released a teaser trailer that reveals next to nothing about its gameplay, but we can always image what it'll be like. Based on what Playdom has told ATD, the game will send players on adventures using high-tech gadgets only to have them return home to the normal duties of suburban life.
It's easy to envision "home" being the hub of the game in which you customize a house, while you explore large maps on missions as a secret agent. (Again, this is speculation.) Playdom tells ATD that, starting with Secret Agent X, the company will release a dozen games within the next year. Up to three of those games--coming in January, March and August 2012--will revolve around Disney brands, according to ATD.
Playdom has been under fire from analysts for dragging its feet into the social games race since Disney bought it for a whopping $563.2 million over a year ago. How does the developer plan to catch up to the likes of wooga, Playfish and possibly Zynga: Explore new concepts and leverage the bevy of Disney mega brands. "A year after the acquisition, we are successfully transitioning into an operating division within Disney," Playdom COO Brad Serwin told ATD. "We are 100 percent back to work."
Based on the teaser trailer, what do you expect from Secret Agent X? Which of Disney's brands do you hope becomes a Facebook game most?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
MargaritaVille Online: Jump into a life of tropical relaxation on Facebook
For the last few months, we've been bringing you coverage surrounding THQ's upcoming Facebook game MargaritaVille Online, which will launch officially on the platform sometime this winter, along with an iPhone / iPad version that will come in January. For a few lucky Parrotheads, however, the game's Closed Beta does offer access to the game early, into what's called the Buffett Beta Club. We've had a chance to go in-depth with this early, non-final build of the game, and can already tell you that it's one of the most polished and best looking titles we've seen released on Facebook to date.
If you do happen to sign up for the Closed Beta, be warned that you'll have to download the Unity Engine onto your computer in order to run the game. This is a completely safe process, and it's been used in other Facebook games as well (see: N.O.V.A., for one), to make them run more like console game experiences (with smoother frame-rates, better graphics, etc.). As for the game itself, you'll start in stuffy, business casual attire, but can customize your character's gender, hairstyle, eyes and mouth. You'll land on the beach of Puerto Mi Casa, where you'll find that the sand is littered with debris and the buildings, like the Oasis bar, are just recovering from a hurricane.
You'll immediately go to work helping your new friends clear out the debris, and will then learn exactly what it takes to live the life of relaxation in MargaritaVille (for one - ditch those business clothes, and try on some flip-flops instead!). The game is quest-based, sending you first and foremost through a detailed story, seeing you becoming the owner of the Oasis Bar, and of a boat that you can use to go fishing, among other "achievements," if you will. You'll unlock other areas on the island, like a dense jungle or more stores in MargaritaVille itself, all while taking some time to play some unique mini-games in between.
As owner of the Oasis Bar, you'll have access to Stills, which produce coins over time, with different amounts of coins being available for each different Still. Of course, better Stills may take longer to produce those coins as well, so there's the expected trade-off often seen in such social games. You can also decorate the Oasis as a sort of home-away-from-home with new chairs and tables for your patrons, along with decorations like palm trees, tiki torches and even lawn flamingos. If it's tropical, or even just a bit kitsch, you'll likely find it available to purchase.
While you're waiting for your money to regenerate in your bar, you can feel free to explore the island. Some areas are blocked either by broken bridges or forms of bamboo obstacles, so you'll need to either ask your friends for parts to rebuild those bridges, or look elsewhere on the island for building materials for machetes, hammers, and even shovels to interact with these obstacles, clearing the way to other things. This is one of those cases where the game is so large, and there's so much to do that it can almost be overwhelming, but if you place your focus on one particular quest (rather than trying to multi-task through everything simultaneously), or on one particular area of the island, you'll be able to study its intricacies and appreciate them all the more. Who knows? You might find a Treasure Chest buried behind some palm fronds, or will see some coconuts that you can slingshot out of a tree for more energy.
Speaking of, you're limited in your gameplay time by having to wait for your energy to recharge. Unfortunately, most every action in the game requires energy, from opening barrels or chopping down bamboo stalks to digging for treasure or playing mini-games. These mini-games themselves require energy in bulk to complete, but then last just as long as you can. For five energy, you can play "Hammock Time," a version of Bejeweled that asks you to fill the meter by making matches to progress through rounds. Another game has you limbo-ing by clicking your mouse when a pointer falls into a green section on an ever-moving line. You'll be able to shoot flamboyant Party Pirates with a slingshot before they come ashore, or can toss your fishing line into a group of fish to catch your next meal. Each proper mini-game (like the Bejeweled or limbo variations) grant you various rewards at the end, like coins and experience points, and will give you a chance to earn various achievements for your profile. As for Jimmy Buffett himself? He apparently likes spending time fishing out on his boat, riding the waves.
Gallery: MargaritaVille Online Closed Beta Preview
Again, this current version of MargaritaVille Online isn't perfect, so if you do find yourself lucky enough to snag a closed beta spot (simply head to the game's fan page and try to access the game as normal - if there are closed beta spots open, you'll get in), don't be thrown by any click-recognition issues you might see. As it stands, we'll make sure to let you know when the full version of MargaritaVille Online launches on Facebook, but for now, why not try to get into the closed beta? What better way to chase off old man winter than with a trip to the beach!?
Are you excited to try MargaritaVille Online on Facebook? What do you think of these kinds of story-based, 3D game worlds?
If you do happen to sign up for the Closed Beta, be warned that you'll have to download the Unity Engine onto your computer in order to run the game. This is a completely safe process, and it's been used in other Facebook games as well (see: N.O.V.A., for one), to make them run more like console game experiences (with smoother frame-rates, better graphics, etc.). As for the game itself, you'll start in stuffy, business casual attire, but can customize your character's gender, hairstyle, eyes and mouth. You'll land on the beach of Puerto Mi Casa, where you'll find that the sand is littered with debris and the buildings, like the Oasis bar, are just recovering from a hurricane.
You'll immediately go to work helping your new friends clear out the debris, and will then learn exactly what it takes to live the life of relaxation in MargaritaVille (for one - ditch those business clothes, and try on some flip-flops instead!). The game is quest-based, sending you first and foremost through a detailed story, seeing you becoming the owner of the Oasis Bar, and of a boat that you can use to go fishing, among other "achievements," if you will. You'll unlock other areas on the island, like a dense jungle or more stores in MargaritaVille itself, all while taking some time to play some unique mini-games in between.
As owner of the Oasis Bar, you'll have access to Stills, which produce coins over time, with different amounts of coins being available for each different Still. Of course, better Stills may take longer to produce those coins as well, so there's the expected trade-off often seen in such social games. You can also decorate the Oasis as a sort of home-away-from-home with new chairs and tables for your patrons, along with decorations like palm trees, tiki torches and even lawn flamingos. If it's tropical, or even just a bit kitsch, you'll likely find it available to purchase.
While you're waiting for your money to regenerate in your bar, you can feel free to explore the island. Some areas are blocked either by broken bridges or forms of bamboo obstacles, so you'll need to either ask your friends for parts to rebuild those bridges, or look elsewhere on the island for building materials for machetes, hammers, and even shovels to interact with these obstacles, clearing the way to other things. This is one of those cases where the game is so large, and there's so much to do that it can almost be overwhelming, but if you place your focus on one particular quest (rather than trying to multi-task through everything simultaneously), or on one particular area of the island, you'll be able to study its intricacies and appreciate them all the more. Who knows? You might find a Treasure Chest buried behind some palm fronds, or will see some coconuts that you can slingshot out of a tree for more energy.
Speaking of, you're limited in your gameplay time by having to wait for your energy to recharge. Unfortunately, most every action in the game requires energy, from opening barrels or chopping down bamboo stalks to digging for treasure or playing mini-games. These mini-games themselves require energy in bulk to complete, but then last just as long as you can. For five energy, you can play "Hammock Time," a version of Bejeweled that asks you to fill the meter by making matches to progress through rounds. Another game has you limbo-ing by clicking your mouse when a pointer falls into a green section on an ever-moving line. You'll be able to shoot flamboyant Party Pirates with a slingshot before they come ashore, or can toss your fishing line into a group of fish to catch your next meal. Each proper mini-game (like the Bejeweled or limbo variations) grant you various rewards at the end, like coins and experience points, and will give you a chance to earn various achievements for your profile. As for Jimmy Buffett himself? He apparently likes spending time fishing out on his boat, riding the waves.
Gallery: MargaritaVille Online Closed Beta Preview
Again, this current version of MargaritaVille Online isn't perfect, so if you do find yourself lucky enough to snag a closed beta spot (simply head to the game's fan page and try to access the game as normal - if there are closed beta spots open, you'll get in), don't be thrown by any click-recognition issues you might see. As it stands, we'll make sure to let you know when the full version of MargaritaVille Online launches on Facebook, but for now, why not try to get into the closed beta? What better way to chase off old man winter than with a trip to the beach!?
Are you excited to try MargaritaVille Online on Facebook? What do you think of these kinds of story-based, 3D game worlds?
CrowdStar launches Tower Town on iOS: Why build just one Tiny Tower when you can build more?
Presumably after seeing the success achieved by Tiny Tower earlier this year, CrowdStar has decided to launch its own "tiny tower" game on both iPhone and iPad, that combines both Playfish's former Facebook game Hotel City and high-rise living (plus some very minor social features). The goal in Tower Town is to build as many towers as you can to house different kinds of residences and businesses. You'll build towers of increasingly tall heights, with all towers given a Lobby that takes up the first floor.
In your very first tower, you'll have a 2x2 square area to work with, which is enough room for a Coffee Shop, Flower Shop and two single-square Studio Apartments. The next tower is 3x3, giving you another two squares to work with, and so on. Eventually, towers themselves become wider, as well as taller, so that you'll be able to place larger types of homes and businesses in each tower. For instance, a Basic Apartment may be two squares wide, or a Basic Penthouse could take up six full squares (talk about luxury).
Your progress works in a fairly simple circle. You'll be given a new citizen that wishes to live in one of your towers. They only want to live in a particular kind of home, so you'll need to determine which home that will fit into, and whether or not you have the resources necessary to built it. As you expand your towers to the right of the screen, you'll run into mountains and trees. Chopping down the trees or mining the mountains gives you resources like wood planks, cement bricks or glass panels, with different buildings requiring different amount of both these materials and coins to construct. You'll earn coins from the various businesses you place in your towers, which continually turn a profit so long as you continue to collect those profits from them manually.
Once you place a citizen into the home of their dreams, they'll have a secondary requirement that will make them "happy." If you can make every citizen living in a single tower happy, it will increase in start ranking and will therefore give you better payouts when you collect from it. These secondary wishes usually deal with specific decorations that you can purchase from the store. One guest might want a mailbox placed near the tower, while another wants to see flowers growing on the sidewalk. So long as you ensure that these items are close enough to the tower in question, you'll finish with that particular citizen and can move onto the next.
Gallery: Tower Town iOS
And so it goes, as you'll mine more mountains and chop more trees only to build more towers in which your virtual citizens can live. The game seems to have a reliance on too many unnecessary taps, as you'll need to tap on rooms more than once to actually build them, or tap on a ready business twice just to collect. If I tapped on the business once, and it has profits waiting for me, why would that be a mistake, requiring a confirmation first?
In terms of social features, the game (as of this writing) only seems to allow you to send gifts to your friends. These won't cost you anything, but you will have to be nearby the friend that you wish to send a present. This is handled via a "Bump" mechanic that seems to serve as a digital form of a handshake.
As it stands, Tower Town is a cute little freemium game, but doesn't offer the kinds of social features you might expect from such a game. It would be great if we could visit our friends' towers, and we'll make sure to let you know if a feature like that launches sometime in the future. For now, Tower Town is available for free on iTunes, so why not give it a go?
Have you tried Tower Town? What do you think of CrowdStar Network's newest mobile game?
In your very first tower, you'll have a 2x2 square area to work with, which is enough room for a Coffee Shop, Flower Shop and two single-square Studio Apartments. The next tower is 3x3, giving you another two squares to work with, and so on. Eventually, towers themselves become wider, as well as taller, so that you'll be able to place larger types of homes and businesses in each tower. For instance, a Basic Apartment may be two squares wide, or a Basic Penthouse could take up six full squares (talk about luxury).
Your progress works in a fairly simple circle. You'll be given a new citizen that wishes to live in one of your towers. They only want to live in a particular kind of home, so you'll need to determine which home that will fit into, and whether or not you have the resources necessary to built it. As you expand your towers to the right of the screen, you'll run into mountains and trees. Chopping down the trees or mining the mountains gives you resources like wood planks, cement bricks or glass panels, with different buildings requiring different amount of both these materials and coins to construct. You'll earn coins from the various businesses you place in your towers, which continually turn a profit so long as you continue to collect those profits from them manually.
Once you place a citizen into the home of their dreams, they'll have a secondary requirement that will make them "happy." If you can make every citizen living in a single tower happy, it will increase in start ranking and will therefore give you better payouts when you collect from it. These secondary wishes usually deal with specific decorations that you can purchase from the store. One guest might want a mailbox placed near the tower, while another wants to see flowers growing on the sidewalk. So long as you ensure that these items are close enough to the tower in question, you'll finish with that particular citizen and can move onto the next.
Gallery: Tower Town iOS
And so it goes, as you'll mine more mountains and chop more trees only to build more towers in which your virtual citizens can live. The game seems to have a reliance on too many unnecessary taps, as you'll need to tap on rooms more than once to actually build them, or tap on a ready business twice just to collect. If I tapped on the business once, and it has profits waiting for me, why would that be a mistake, requiring a confirmation first?
In terms of social features, the game (as of this writing) only seems to allow you to send gifts to your friends. These won't cost you anything, but you will have to be nearby the friend that you wish to send a present. This is handled via a "Bump" mechanic that seems to serve as a digital form of a handshake.
As it stands, Tower Town is a cute little freemium game, but doesn't offer the kinds of social features you might expect from such a game. It would be great if we could visit our friends' towers, and we'll make sure to let you know if a feature like that launches sometime in the future. For now, Tower Town is available for free on iTunes, so why not give it a go?
Have you tried Tower Town? What do you think of CrowdStar Network's newest mobile game?
Zynga CEO's memo to employees: 'We have nothing to hide in our past'
The big red dog bites back. FarmVille maker Zynga came under fire recently from a Wall Street Journal report that claims CEO Mark Pincus and other executives asked early employees for their unvested stock or face termination. Now, Pincus has responded. Well, not directly, but to his employees. Fortune acquired the Zynga chief's memo to his staff of 2,000 plus.
"The wall street journal posted a story last night (copied below) which paints our meritocracy in a false and skewed light," the memo reads. "The story is based on hearsay and innuendo which is disappointing but is to be expected as we move towards becoming a public company."
The guy has a point: The media has employed a laser focus on Zynga since it revealed its intent to file for its initial public offering (IPO), but this report is by far the most ... unfortunate. Before receiving the memo, Fortune issued its own response to the WSJ report, looking to downplay the severity of the issue.
As the memo reads on, Pincus reminds his employees of Zynga's core values. More importantly, the Zynga chief says that Zynga has "nothing to hide." (But we're reminded of a certain TechCrunch story and video.) Read the memo in full below:
Team,
The wall street journal posted a story last night (copied below) which paints our meritocracy in a false and skewed light. The story is based on hearsay and innuendo which is disappointing but is to be expected as we move towards becoming a public company.
We have nothing to hide in our past and present policies and I am proud of the ethical and fair way that we've built this company. As many of you have heard me say -- we're building a house that we want to live in.
Being a meritocracy is one of our core values and it's on our walls. We believe that every employee deserves the same opportunity to lead. Its not about where or when you enter zynga its how far you can grow. This is what our culture of leveling up is all about and its one of our coolest features.
we want everyone to put zynga first and contribute to the overall success of our company and all of you have.
thanks,
mark
What are your thoughts on the WSJ report? How about Pincus's response
"The wall street journal posted a story last night (copied below) which paints our meritocracy in a false and skewed light," the memo reads. "The story is based on hearsay and innuendo which is disappointing but is to be expected as we move towards becoming a public company."
The guy has a point: The media has employed a laser focus on Zynga since it revealed its intent to file for its initial public offering (IPO), but this report is by far the most ... unfortunate. Before receiving the memo, Fortune issued its own response to the WSJ report, looking to downplay the severity of the issue.
As the memo reads on, Pincus reminds his employees of Zynga's core values. More importantly, the Zynga chief says that Zynga has "nothing to hide." (But we're reminded of a certain TechCrunch story and video.) Read the memo in full below:
Team,
The wall street journal posted a story last night (copied below) which paints our meritocracy in a false and skewed light. The story is based on hearsay and innuendo which is disappointing but is to be expected as we move towards becoming a public company.
We have nothing to hide in our past and present policies and I am proud of the ethical and fair way that we've built this company. As many of you have heard me say -- we're building a house that we want to live in.
Being a meritocracy is one of our core values and it's on our walls. We believe that every employee deserves the same opportunity to lead. Its not about where or when you enter zynga its how far you can grow. This is what our culture of leveling up is all about and its one of our coolest features.
we want everyone to put zynga first and contribute to the overall success of our company and all of you have.
thanks,
mark
What are your thoughts on the WSJ report? How about Pincus's response
Game of the Day: Windows of Opportunity
Today's Game of the Day is a delicate puzzle game. The concept sounds simple: as the floor shifts below your feet, pick up white balls while on white, and pick up black balls while on black. But as you'll quickly discover, it's not that easy.
Windows of Opportunity will test your ability to take opportunities as they arise. To be successful you'll need to combine strategic planning with flexibility and risk-taking. You only have a limited amount of steps, so to hit that points target, you'll have to carefully plan your every movement. Think you're up for it? Check it out below.
Click here to play Windows of Opportunity!
windows of opportunity game of the day windows of opportunity game of the day
What level were you able to get to in Windows of Opportunity?
Windows of Opportunity will test your ability to take opportunities as they arise. To be successful you'll need to combine strategic planning with flexibility and risk-taking. You only have a limited amount of steps, so to hit that points target, you'll have to carefully plan your every movement. Think you're up for it? Check it out below.
Click here to play Windows of Opportunity!
windows of opportunity game of the day windows of opportunity game of the day
What level were you able to get to in Windows of Opportunity?
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