Spring Garden Notice
It's officially spring in FarmVille, thanks to Zynga's most recent release: The Spring Garden. This new building project will act similarly to the Pot of Gold or Leprechaun Cottage a few weeks back. In other words, this structure will provide you with Flowers to add to your upcoming Spring Basket Collection, which offers up rare items for Flowers. Players will have to build the Spring Garden in stages with increasingly larger amounts of Bricks, Wooden Boards, and Nails.
Spring Garden 1 Spring Garden 2 Spring Garden 3
Stage 1: 12 Bricks, 12 Wooden Boards, and 12 Nails
Stage 2: 16 Bricks, 16 Wooden Boards, and 16 Nails
Stage 3: 30 Bricks, 30 Wooden Boards, and 30 Nails
That might not seem like a lot, but add it all up and that's a whopping 174 item requests. Consider this your next big project, as if your journey deeper into the English Countryside wasn't enough. Enjoy your Facebook-filled Friday--just try bringing the laptop outside with you this time, eh?
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you started on your Spring Garden yet? How do you plan on mastering it quickly?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Watch Out, Zynga: EA, Playfish want bigger piece of the Facebook pie
EA Sports president Peter Moore (pictured) drew the lines clearly in his MI6 (no, not British secret service--a games marketing conference) keynote speech: Zynga better watch themselves, because EA wants to be number one on Facebook, Gamesindustry.biz reports. "There's a big dog in front of us," Moore said, making a jab at FarmVille maker Zynga. "But we aren't far behind, and we're confident that we can catch up. What we can bring to the market in terms of blue chip IP is phenomenal."
Now that the carrot on the stick for EA and Playfish is clear as day, it seems as if the parent company is wary of how much longer consumers will pay $60 for a video game. And with good reason: Fewer gamers, casual, social and hardcore alike, are spending money upfront on their games. How does EA plan to be on top in the end? It's going to follow you everywhere, that's how.
Moore revealed a plan for EA Sports that included persistent profiles across all EA Sports games regardless of platform (ahem, that means you too, Facebook). This isn't far from what EA is doing right now with its EA Accounts working between mobile, Facebook and console games for exclusive items and other unlockables. It's unknown when exactly we'll see EA take the first step in this direction, but it also doesn't have much time before Zynga topples even Activision Blizzard. In short, expect it soon.
[Image Credit: Joystiq]
Do you EA is focused in the right direction in tackling Zynga? How successful do you think the company will be in trying to defeat the social gaming giant?
Now that the carrot on the stick for EA and Playfish is clear as day, it seems as if the parent company is wary of how much longer consumers will pay $60 for a video game. And with good reason: Fewer gamers, casual, social and hardcore alike, are spending money upfront on their games. How does EA plan to be on top in the end? It's going to follow you everywhere, that's how.
Moore revealed a plan for EA Sports that included persistent profiles across all EA Sports games regardless of platform (ahem, that means you too, Facebook). This isn't far from what EA is doing right now with its EA Accounts working between mobile, Facebook and console games for exclusive items and other unlockables. It's unknown when exactly we'll see EA take the first step in this direction, but it also doesn't have much time before Zynga topples even Activision Blizzard. In short, expect it soon.
[Image Credit: Joystiq]
Do you EA is focused in the right direction in tackling Zynga? How successful do you think the company will be in trying to defeat the social gaming giant?
Apple rejects PopCap's first 4th & Battery game, Unpleasant Horse
What's the matter, Apple? A little edginess too much for ya, huh? Well, the news that Apple rejected PopCap's first offering on the App Store through 4th & Battery, its new indie studio, gets me a little miffed--unpleasant even. Horrible puns aside, Gamasutra reports that Apple brought down the hammer on Unpleasant Horse for "mature content," to which 4th & Battery announced the bummer on Twitter with, "We thought horses dying in meat grinders was wholesome family entertainment!"
The Seattle-based indie studio then tweeted that it has resubmitted the game with nothing changed but the listed age requirement. The game features an adorable if murderous horse that kills birds and leaps on other horses from above, launching them into a meat grinder, for bonus points. Think of it as a much darker Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition.
This could lead to an ongoing battle between the studio and Apple as it plans to release more iOS games with what Apple calls "mature content." It's just a wonder that completely useless "fart apps" spread meaningless flatulence around the App Store, while potentially fun games get the gates smashed in their faces for comedic violence. It begs the question: Where's the "immature content" rating standard?
[Image Credit: Gamers Daily News]
What do you think of PopCap's first indie iOS game being rejected? Will its next attempt be accepted? What do you think of Apple's rating process for apps and games?
The Seattle-based indie studio then tweeted that it has resubmitted the game with nothing changed but the listed age requirement. The game features an adorable if murderous horse that kills birds and leaps on other horses from above, launching them into a meat grinder, for bonus points. Think of it as a much darker Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition.
This could lead to an ongoing battle between the studio and Apple as it plans to release more iOS games with what Apple calls "mature content." It's just a wonder that completely useless "fart apps" spread meaningless flatulence around the App Store, while potentially fun games get the gates smashed in their faces for comedic violence. It begs the question: Where's the "immature content" rating standard?
[Image Credit: Gamers Daily News]
What do you think of PopCap's first indie iOS game being rejected? Will its next attempt be accepted? What do you think of Apple's rating process for apps and games?
RockYou's Julie Shumaker: 'We've got to blow sh*t up'
According to RockYou SVP and GM Julie Shumaker, social games need more explosions to reel in the hardcore crowd. While she was probably kidding, Shumaker spoke on this very topic at MI6, more specifically the future of social games, Inside Social Games reports. "The irony is that the future of social gaming will actually be social," Shumaker said. "The evolution of social games is about game content and the mechanics that make interesting social game experiences. Content will move from clicks to storylines. We may require people to think."
While we've heard it before--that social games are social enough--Shumaker addressed the how of it all in a short, six-minute long presentation at the games marketing conference in San Francisco. To her, multiplayer in social games needs to become seamless rather than harvesting your friends crops and then waiting for their response. From the looks of what Shumaker is dishing out, Facebook games need to become more like MMOs and less like Flash games. While the outset of Facebook gaming already appears to be headed in that direction, the first Facebook MMOs haven't been wildly successful. That said, some serious marketing dollars and audience rewiring will be needed to make the genre a success on Facebook.
However, mobile is also an exciting concept for social game creators. According to Inside Social Games, Shumaker presented a scenario in which someone walks into Starbucks with his smartphone, wins a level and earns a free latte from that shop. When you think of it, the whole game layer movement could turn the lot of casual mobile gamers into hardcore social gamers, which would make folks like Shumaker very happy.
RockYou recently appointed a new CEO from within and signed with Loot Drop, an extremely promising developer. It should be apparent by now that the company means business. More importantly, Facebook game creators like RockYou are out to turn us into hardcore, dedicated social gamers on every platform. But are we ready to offer that dedication?
Do you think social games need more hardcore engagement or deeper, more social gameplay? Do you see a future where you're more dedicated to social games than, say, "hardcore" games?
While we've heard it before--that social games are social enough--Shumaker addressed the how of it all in a short, six-minute long presentation at the games marketing conference in San Francisco. To her, multiplayer in social games needs to become seamless rather than harvesting your friends crops and then waiting for their response. From the looks of what Shumaker is dishing out, Facebook games need to become more like MMOs and less like Flash games. While the outset of Facebook gaming already appears to be headed in that direction, the first Facebook MMOs haven't been wildly successful. That said, some serious marketing dollars and audience rewiring will be needed to make the genre a success on Facebook.
However, mobile is also an exciting concept for social game creators. According to Inside Social Games, Shumaker presented a scenario in which someone walks into Starbucks with his smartphone, wins a level and earns a free latte from that shop. When you think of it, the whole game layer movement could turn the lot of casual mobile gamers into hardcore social gamers, which would make folks like Shumaker very happy.
RockYou recently appointed a new CEO from within and signed with Loot Drop, an extremely promising developer. It should be apparent by now that the company means business. More importantly, Facebook game creators like RockYou are out to turn us into hardcore, dedicated social gamers on every platform. But are we ready to offer that dedication?
Do you think social games need more hardcore engagement or deeper, more social gameplay? Do you see a future where you're more dedicated to social games than, say, "hardcore" games?
Playdom's Gardens of Time launches on Facebook
If there's one game genre that has clearly been missing from Facebook -- it's the ever popular hidden object game. But that's not going to last for long -- earlier this week, we saw the release of Mystery Manor from Game Insight and, today, Playdom has released its hidden object game, Gardens of Time (Check out our preview from early March).
gardens of time playdom facebook
For the uninitiated, hidden object games, aka HOGs, are puzzle games where you find items hidden in different scenes, similar to the game I Spy that you may have played as a child. Most of these puzzlers involve some kind of storyline and generally contain high-end graphics and a lush soundtrack -- all characteristics specifically designed to appeal to their largely female audience. Some of the better known hidden object games are the Mystery Case Files series from Big Fish Games, which are available for download for a price.
Playdom's Gardens of Time, like most other games on Facebook, is a freemium game, which means it's free to play and then you can spend cash if you so desire. We're just warming up our browsers to try this brand new game -- and in the first few minutes, Gardens of Time seems to be hitting all of the right notes. We've seen characters, a storyline, great looking puzzles and a garden that you can decorate with artifacts related to various puzzles you've completed. We'll be back with a full review soon -- in the meantime, check out the game for yourself by following the link below.
Play Gardens of Time on Facebook now >
Gallery: Gardens of Time on Facebook
Gardens of Time: What do you think? Looking for friends to play the game with?
gardens of time playdom facebook
For the uninitiated, hidden object games, aka HOGs, are puzzle games where you find items hidden in different scenes, similar to the game I Spy that you may have played as a child. Most of these puzzlers involve some kind of storyline and generally contain high-end graphics and a lush soundtrack -- all characteristics specifically designed to appeal to their largely female audience. Some of the better known hidden object games are the Mystery Case Files series from Big Fish Games, which are available for download for a price.
Playdom's Gardens of Time, like most other games on Facebook, is a freemium game, which means it's free to play and then you can spend cash if you so desire. We're just warming up our browsers to try this brand new game -- and in the first few minutes, Gardens of Time seems to be hitting all of the right notes. We've seen characters, a storyline, great looking puzzles and a garden that you can decorate with artifacts related to various puzzles you've completed. We'll be back with a full review soon -- in the meantime, check out the game for yourself by following the link below.
Play Gardens of Time on Facebook now >
Gallery: Gardens of Time on Facebook
Gardens of Time: What do you think? Looking for friends to play the game with?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Mafia Wars players celebrate Osama bin Laden's death with mock-up News Feed posts
The energy behind the celebration of Osama bin Laden's capture and death is captivating Facebook games, one way or another. In response to the news, one anonymous Mafia Wars player has created a mock-up News Feed post, celebrating the Al-Qaeda leader's death through the lens of, well, Mafia Wars. "America just brought their body count to 911 by icing Osama bin Laden. America is sharing the muscle power to help you fight rivals and dispatch your enemies," reads the fake News Feed post. While it would tough to argue that celebrations aren't in order, we doubt Zynga would be happy with being associated with bin Laden's death nor would some folks be enthused about how others are rejoicing. It's doubtful that this is the last we'll see of the celebrations though Facebook games.
[Source and Image Credit: MW Loot Lady]
What do you think of this celebratory joke via Mafia Wars? How have you responded to the news, and is this a response you agree with?
[Source and Image Credit: MW Loot Lady]
What do you think of this celebratory joke via Mafia Wars? How have you responded to the news, and is this a response you agree with?
Dunkin' Donuts says, 'America runs on Facebook,' with new advergame
Now while sipping that delicious new Mountain Dew Coolata from Dunkin' Donuts, you can play a Facebook game all about it. How meta! The national donuts, coffee and everything else chain has released Unfreeze It, a social game to promote its brand new frozen beverage, the Mountain Dew Coolata. OK, this drink has nothing to do with breakfast, but we'll let it slide in respect of cool prizes up for grabs.
To start the advergame, you must submit contact information for in the event that you win a prize. Once that's through, you're presented with a tall block of ice within a grid. Toward the bottom of the grid, there is a red laser. Your mission is to loosen up the frozen Mountain Dew Coolata inside so that it reaches the laser. If you succeed, you will be entered with a chance to win that day's prize, like a Sony Bravia 3D TV. "It's that simple," the instructions read.
Dunkin Donuts Unfreeze It
Once you click your three shots and submit, you'll be asked to add more friends to the game. Then, a video will play that will notify you that players can attempt to melt the ice daily. The video also reveals a very important fact: The water shots that you submit will have a chance at being the shots that a real water cannon fires at a real Coolata encased in real ice. (For real?)
This is all pretty interesting--and way deeper than most viral advergame campaigns go. Regardless, it appears that this is a finite sweepstakes. Well, I guess we'll see if I won that sweet TV by May 28, when the contest ends.
To start the advergame, you must submit contact information for in the event that you win a prize. Once that's through, you're presented with a tall block of ice within a grid. Toward the bottom of the grid, there is a red laser. Your mission is to loosen up the frozen Mountain Dew Coolata inside so that it reaches the laser. If you succeed, you will be entered with a chance to win that day's prize, like a Sony Bravia 3D TV. "It's that simple," the instructions read.
Dunkin Donuts Unfreeze It
Once you click your three shots and submit, you'll be asked to add more friends to the game. Then, a video will play that will notify you that players can attempt to melt the ice daily. The video also reveals a very important fact: The water shots that you submit will have a chance at being the shots that a real water cannon fires at a real Coolata encased in real ice. (For real?)
This is all pretty interesting--and way deeper than most viral advergame campaigns go. Regardless, it appears that this is a finite sweepstakes. Well, I guess we'll see if I won that sweet TV by May 28, when the contest ends.
Rumor: Assassin's Creed: Revelations leaks through Facebook app
Ubisoft said it would reveal more information on the next Assassin's Creed game in May, but it looks as if someone posted the "Publish" button too early on Facebook. The French developer's upcoming installment in the time-traveling, conscious-jumping assassin game will be known as Assassin's Creed: Revelations. We know that thanks to a leak on the franchise's Facebook page that occurred late last week. While Ubisoft quickly removed the News Feed post that allowed fans into the Flash application, it wasn't fast enough to stop screen captures and even at least one user swiping the Flash file, seen here.
Apparently, the sneak peek of the game was supposed to be revealed slowly through an interactive Facebook campaign, something the company has previous experience with. To coincide the release of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Ubisoft released Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy in Nov. of last year. Well, thanks to a Facebook advergame leak, it looks like the cat is out of the bag. Enjoy your first peek at the next game in this immense series, and remember it was your addiction to Facebook games that made it all possible. Well, you can at least justify it that way.
[Source: NeoGAF]
[Via: VG247, Games.on.net]
What do you think of this pretty large leak? Will this affect Ubisoft negatively or positively, and what does it mean for future Facebook advergames or companion games?
Apparently, the sneak peek of the game was supposed to be revealed slowly through an interactive Facebook campaign, something the company has previous experience with. To coincide the release of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Ubisoft released Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy in Nov. of last year. Well, thanks to a Facebook advergame leak, it looks like the cat is out of the bag. Enjoy your first peek at the next game in this immense series, and remember it was your addiction to Facebook games that made it all possible. Well, you can at least justify it that way.
[Source: NeoGAF]
[Via: VG247, Games.on.net]
What do you think of this pretty large leak? Will this affect Ubisoft negatively or positively, and what does it mean for future Facebook advergames or companion games?
Rumor: CityVille Housing population upgrade incoming
Players have been both excited and worried to find that Zynga might be adding the option to increase the population cap or normal Homes in CityVille. CityVille player and forum contributor mdavidson provided the above image of his game, detailing that all Housing in the game will include potential population upgrades in their tooltips. More specifically, when hovering over a House in the Build menu, a new message will appear that reads, "Up to 350," in the case of this screenshot.
We imagine that the number will be based on the cost and size of each House, though the method for improving this population cap has yet to be seen. This change could provide a solution to the growing problem of space in CityVille, allowing players to increase population without having to place more buildings. Regardless of whether a CityVille forum moderator named forgotn confirmed the change as "part of a feature that is being rolled out gradually," we're going to throw this one into the "Rumor" pile until we get official word from Zynga.
[Source and Image Credit: mdavidson]
Have you seen this strange feature appear in your game? Woud you rather increase your population by adding new buildings or improving existing ones?
We imagine that the number will be based on the cost and size of each House, though the method for improving this population cap has yet to be seen. This change could provide a solution to the growing problem of space in CityVille, allowing players to increase population without having to place more buildings. Regardless of whether a CityVille forum moderator named forgotn confirmed the change as "part of a feature that is being rolled out gradually," we're going to throw this one into the "Rumor" pile until we get official word from Zynga.
[Source and Image Credit: mdavidson]
Have you seen this strange feature appear in your game? Woud you rather increase your population by adding new buildings or improving existing ones?
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata: Social gamers like the DS too
According to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, there is nothing to fear of social gamers. In fact, FarmVille players and their ilk actually are more likely to use a Nintendo DS than those who don't, the head of Nintendo said in a Tokyo press briefing last week. Wired reports that Iwata responded to several hard-hitting questions like the emergence of tablet computers, the Wii's weakness and, most importantly for us, Facebook games.
I can not say that no one said, 'I recently stopped playing Nintendo DS because I am now playing games on my smartphone,' but statistically, there was no significant difference. On the other hand, we found out that people who play paid social games have a higher Nintendo DS use rate. This was a significant difference. Isn't this the opposite of your impression? Therefore, I think that the people who play paid social games are people who like games. And as a result, they have a higher overall use rate.
This was Iwata's response to a question concerning his opinion of how social games have affected Nintendo. According to him, the effect is not what most would expect, in fact social gamers are more likely to play a DS than those who don't play social games. While he doesn't provide any hard data, this lines up with his previous statement to worried investors, citing an infographic and all. Regardless of whether this is truly the case, Nintendo would be smart to meet the growing social/casual gamer audience at least halfway in the future.
[Image Credit: Nintendo Fuse]
Do you think Nintendo is right in its approach to social and casual gaming? Would Nintendo do better to embrace the two genres or compete with them directly?
I can not say that no one said, 'I recently stopped playing Nintendo DS because I am now playing games on my smartphone,' but statistically, there was no significant difference. On the other hand, we found out that people who play paid social games have a higher Nintendo DS use rate. This was a significant difference. Isn't this the opposite of your impression? Therefore, I think that the people who play paid social games are people who like games. And as a result, they have a higher overall use rate.
This was Iwata's response to a question concerning his opinion of how social games have affected Nintendo. According to him, the effect is not what most would expect, in fact social gamers are more likely to play a DS than those who don't play social games. While he doesn't provide any hard data, this lines up with his previous statement to worried investors, citing an infographic and all. Regardless of whether this is truly the case, Nintendo would be smart to meet the growing social/casual gamer audience at least halfway in the future.
[Image Credit: Nintendo Fuse]
Do you think Nintendo is right in its approach to social and casual gaming? Would Nintendo do better to embrace the two genres or compete with them directly?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Empires & Allies Cheats and Tips: Ore Free Gift Request Links
Aluminum Copper Gold Iron Uranium
Getting the Ore you need in Empires & Allies, the next big Facebook game from Zynga, is nothing short of a bother. Thanks to Facegamer, we can alleviate that problem for you--at least a little bit. To find all five Ores, and request them from your friends, even more easily, we've included links for all five metals in the above images. However, you must be at least Level 14 in the game for these links to work. According to Facegamer, these links can be used at least every six hours, so just click on the Ore you need and see it the metals roll in.
[Image Credit: Facegamer]
Check out the rest of our Empires & Allies Cheats and Tips right here.
How has Ore trading been going for you? Do you like the Ore system in Empires & Allies?
Getting the Ore you need in Empires & Allies, the next big Facebook game from Zynga, is nothing short of a bother. Thanks to Facegamer, we can alleviate that problem for you--at least a little bit. To find all five Ores, and request them from your friends, even more easily, we've included links for all five metals in the above images. However, you must be at least Level 14 in the game for these links to work. According to Facegamer, these links can be used at least every six hours, so just click on the Ore you need and see it the metals roll in.
[Image Credit: Facegamer]
Check out the rest of our Empires & Allies Cheats and Tips right here.
How has Ore trading been going for you? Do you like the Ore system in Empires & Allies?
Nintendo announces Wii U home console, coming in 2012 [Updated]
This just might change things. Nintendo announced during its E3 2011 keynote address that its Project Cafe is known as the Wii U, a successor to the original Wii headed to stores in 2012. The console features a 6.2-inch touch pad controller that can stream game content between itself and the console, play games on its own, offer video chat and more.
The Wii U will be backwards-compatible with the original Wii games and controllers, and the company displayed multiplayer scenarios where players would use both the Wii remote and Wii U touch pad.Pricing and an exact release date have not been provided, but Nintendo President Satoru Iwata said during his address that the Wii U was not designed to be a portable console to replace the Nintendo 3DS.
The system looks to appeal to fans of Nintendo and touchscreen gaming from devices like the iPhone and iPad, but several hardcore-skewed games have been announced as well from franchises like Assassin's Creed, Ninja Gaiden, Ghost Recon, Tekken and more. In other words, the Nintendo Wii U is looking to be a game console not just for casual players, but for everyone. E3 is still young, and more details (like more about the actual console) from Nintendo are sure to come, so stay tuned.
[Image Credit: Reuters]
Do you think Nintendo will remain on top in the casual games scene with Wii U? Will the Wii U win over hardcore gamers too?
The Wii U will be backwards-compatible with the original Wii games and controllers, and the company displayed multiplayer scenarios where players would use both the Wii remote and Wii U touch pad.Pricing and an exact release date have not been provided, but Nintendo President Satoru Iwata said during his address that the Wii U was not designed to be a portable console to replace the Nintendo 3DS.
The system looks to appeal to fans of Nintendo and touchscreen gaming from devices like the iPhone and iPad, but several hardcore-skewed games have been announced as well from franchises like Assassin's Creed, Ninja Gaiden, Ghost Recon, Tekken and more. In other words, the Nintendo Wii U is looking to be a game console not just for casual players, but for everyone. E3 is still young, and more details (like more about the actual console) from Nintendo are sure to come, so stay tuned.
[Image Credit: Reuters]
Do you think Nintendo will remain on top in the casual games scene with Wii U? Will the Wii U win over hardcore gamers too?
Super Mario 3D, Mario Kart et al popping out of Nintendo 3DS this year
Super Mario will finally soon make your Nintendo 3DS pop. Sure, the 3DS released this past March, but now's the time to get those games out. Nintendo announced several upcoming games for its new 3DS handheld console at its E3 keynote address in Los Angeles including the first original, 3D (in both regards) Mario game aptly titled Super Mario 3D. The company gave an extremely vague release window of "before this year is over," which more than likely means a holiday release.
In addition to jumping out your stereoscopic 3D screen, Mario will drive, glide and swim out of it in Mario Kart 3D, which Nintendo announced will land this fall. Judging from the trailer played during the keynote, players will customize their own karts, drive underwater and glide in the air across all new and re-purposed tracks. The original Starfox 64 and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time have also been reiterated in 3D with new modes and enhanced graphics. The former will soar this September, while the latter will plunge into 3DS next week, June 16.
Pokemon fans will love the free Pokedex 3D, which will be available on the 3DS eShop within a few days. The mini game will use the handheld's augmented reality capabilities to display every Pokemon including 16 new ones, and share Pokemon with friends through its StreetPass and SpotPass functions. The Nintendo 3DS, combined with the Wii U, are looking to spearhead the idea of "games for everyone" and be number one in nearly all markets. But there's always those dastardly Facebook games.
[Image Credit: Eurogamer]
What do you think of what Nintendo has shown so far at this year's E3? Do you think the company has a chance at reigning in even more casual and hardcore gamers than before?
In addition to jumping out your stereoscopic 3D screen, Mario will drive, glide and swim out of it in Mario Kart 3D, which Nintendo announced will land this fall. Judging from the trailer played during the keynote, players will customize their own karts, drive underwater and glide in the air across all new and re-purposed tracks. The original Starfox 64 and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time have also been reiterated in 3D with new modes and enhanced graphics. The former will soar this September, while the latter will plunge into 3DS next week, June 16.
Pokemon fans will love the free Pokedex 3D, which will be available on the 3DS eShop within a few days. The mini game will use the handheld's augmented reality capabilities to display every Pokemon including 16 new ones, and share Pokemon with friends through its StreetPass and SpotPass functions. The Nintendo 3DS, combined with the Wii U, are looking to spearhead the idea of "games for everyone" and be number one in nearly all markets. But there's always those dastardly Facebook games.
[Image Credit: Eurogamer]
What do you think of what Nintendo has shown so far at this year's E3? Do you think the company has a chance at reigning in even more casual and hardcore gamers than before?
'Arookoo: World Explorers' steps up social gaming, but stumbles on Facebook
Arookoo World Explorers
Arookoo is a "social fitness platform" in three parts: mobile, web, and social. Reader's Digest Association and Vivity Labs' big idea is to turn walking into a real-life game. To do this, they released a free iPhone app that takes advantage of the iPhone's Accelerometer and GPS functions, created a website to help users track fitness progress, and finally, a Facebook game that players can earn boosts for, while walking around with their iPhones in the real world.
Arookoo World Explorers
Of the three, the Facebook idea is the most novel. But letting players use their pedometers to power up game items isn't entirely a new one. (Nintendo did it with the Pokéwalker for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver on the DS.) As it stands, "World Explorers" is a polished looking title that may be too tied into the Arookoo app to stand as a solid Facebook game. On top of that, the game launched today with plenty of bugs (I completed the Africa maps but the game wiped my progress upon refreshing without letting me redo those maps) and doesn't give anyone much to do at the moment.
Arookoo World Explorers
On the surface, "World Explorers" resembles other Facebook treasure-hunting games, like Zynga's Treasure Isle (inspired by zSlide's "Treasure Madness"), but in actuality, it's so horribly underdeveloped that there's no room for comparison. Regardless, if you want to keep your eye on this game, then follow the game's official Facebook page here.
Arookoo is a "social fitness platform" in three parts: mobile, web, and social. Reader's Digest Association and Vivity Labs' big idea is to turn walking into a real-life game. To do this, they released a free iPhone app that takes advantage of the iPhone's Accelerometer and GPS functions, created a website to help users track fitness progress, and finally, a Facebook game that players can earn boosts for, while walking around with their iPhones in the real world.
Arookoo World Explorers
Of the three, the Facebook idea is the most novel. But letting players use their pedometers to power up game items isn't entirely a new one. (Nintendo did it with the Pokéwalker for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver on the DS.) As it stands, "World Explorers" is a polished looking title that may be too tied into the Arookoo app to stand as a solid Facebook game. On top of that, the game launched today with plenty of bugs (I completed the Africa maps but the game wiped my progress upon refreshing without letting me redo those maps) and doesn't give anyone much to do at the moment.
Arookoo World Explorers
On the surface, "World Explorers" resembles other Facebook treasure-hunting games, like Zynga's Treasure Isle (inspired by zSlide's "Treasure Madness"), but in actuality, it's so horribly underdeveloped that there's no room for comparison. Regardless, if you want to keep your eye on this game, then follow the game's official Facebook page here.
DropIn on LinkedIn with its first ever social game
Hey, before you executives get in a tizzy about productivity, professionals need to play too. LinkedIn, the popular social network for businesses and professionals, takes a side on the argument with DropIn. Crafted by LinkedIn technical marketing manager Matthew Shoup in LinkedIn Labs, this is the first social game ever created for the network. In honor of the 27th anniversary of Tetris, Shoup created a Tetris like game, but in place of tetrominoes, Shoup puts the faces of your LinkedIn contacts.
"DropIn takes the classic Tetris experience to a professional level," Shoup wrote on the LinkedIn Blog. "Rotate and stack your LinkedIn connections' faces, while discovering the fresh content they're sharing online. There's never been a more relevant and productive time to play games at work."
Shoup, who had some help from brand user environment design manager Steve Pecko, made the controls identical to just about any Tetris-like game you'd see on a PC. However, the duo also included updates on the faces your crushing beneath one another in a nifty sidebar. Players can click on what their friends are sharing at the moment to see that content as well. If you like DropIn enough to share it, you can post it to Twitter and LinkedIn through a handy button. Now, if only getting that dream gig was as easy as Tetris.
Click here to play DropIn on LinkedIn Now >
[Via SocialTimes]
Are you a LinkedIn user that likes to game? Do you think there's an audience for games on LinkedIn, or is this nothing more than a pet project?
"DropIn takes the classic Tetris experience to a professional level," Shoup wrote on the LinkedIn Blog. "Rotate and stack your LinkedIn connections' faces, while discovering the fresh content they're sharing online. There's never been a more relevant and productive time to play games at work."
Shoup, who had some help from brand user environment design manager Steve Pecko, made the controls identical to just about any Tetris-like game you'd see on a PC. However, the duo also included updates on the faces your crushing beneath one another in a nifty sidebar. Players can click on what their friends are sharing at the moment to see that content as well. If you like DropIn enough to share it, you can post it to Twitter and LinkedIn through a handy button. Now, if only getting that dream gig was as easy as Tetris.
Click here to play DropIn on LinkedIn Now >
[Via SocialTimes]
Are you a LinkedIn user that likes to game? Do you think there's an audience for games on LinkedIn, or is this nothing more than a pet project?
Friday, December 23, 2011
Cafe World Sushi Station Goals: Everything you need to know
Along with the new Sushi Station in Cafe World comes an announcement concerning a set of accompanying goals that will ask you to serve a ton of seafood dishes, along with introducing you to some entirely new dishes as rewards. As a fair warning, there are seven goals here to complete, apparently because Zynga simply doesn't know how to listen (read?). Complaining aside, let's jump straight into the steps needed to put these goals to rest sooner, rather than later.
A Cut Above
Place your Sushi Station
Serve Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail 15 Times
Spice 5 of your Neighbor's Dishes
Thankfully, none of these tasks are particularly taxing. The only one that will take some time is the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, but even then, the dish cooks in 30 minutes (thank goodness). The ease of this goal series won't last for long though, so appreciate it while you can.
Gone Fishin'
Complete building the Sushi Station
Collect 6 Bags of Rice
Complete 5 Eat Missions
The Sushi Station will likely take you quite a while to finish, unless you have an abundance of active neighbors on your account that are ready to quickly send you the ingredients necessary. Check out our complete guide for details. Meanwhile, you'll also have to ask your friends for the Bags of Rice. In a time-saving addition, you can now complete Eat Missions directly from your neighbor bar (click on a friend's picture and click on "Today's Dish"), so don't feel like you have to visit friends (and wait through long loading times) to finish this one off entirely. Finish this goal and you'll receive the Avocado Roll recipe, which you'll need next.
Wasabi Hobby
Collect 10 Bunches of Wasabi
Serve 5 Avocado Rolls
Serve Fruit Punch 16 Times
Fruit Punch can be served from your Drink Bar, so remember to claim some free energy from your friends' wall posts if you don't have enough to do this in one sitting. As for the Wasabi - you guessed it - ask some friends to help you out.
Fishy Business
Collect 6 Octopi
Serve 5 Spicy Tuna Rolls
Get 6 Eels
Yet again, you're left to bu-- err, ask your friends for ingredients, and will be rewarded with another free recipe for your time: the Caterpillar Roll. If you didn't like the amount of item requests so far, then brace yourself, as it's about to get a bit worse.
Get Out of Your Shell
Collect 6 Urchins
Serve 5 Caterpillar Rolls
Collect 8 Sweet Shrimp
Ok, so the item collection didn't get so bad here, but it did increase, so the point stands. Finishing this goal gives you the Uni recipe. Keep pressing forward chefs; we're almost done.
On a Roll
Get 8 Seaweed Packages
Serve 6 Uni
Get 6 Ginger Roots
I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, aren't I? Ask your friends for the cooking ingredients, serve a few dishes and let's move onto the next (final!) goal in this series.
The Deadliest Dish
Get 12 Fugu
Serve 5 Sushi Boats
Collect 12 Antidotes
This goal brings in the real-world dish Fugu, or Pufferfish, which can actually kill you if not prepared correctly. Hopefully, once you've received this recipe (the reward for this final goal), Chef Takeshi will be skilled enough to not send your virtual guests to the hospital or worse!
Remember, if you don't see any of these dishes immediately in your game, you'll need to not only complete these goals to receive some along the way, but also finish construction on your Sushi Station, as Chef Takeshi brings a few with him as well. Good luck to all who attempt these goals. Do your best to not become overwhelmed with all of the other tasks we've seen released recently, and I'm sure you'll finish them in time.
What do you think of the Sushi Station goals? Are you tired of Zynga releasing so many goals and pieces of cooking equipment so quickly, or do you relish the challenge?
A Cut Above
Place your Sushi Station
Serve Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail 15 Times
Spice 5 of your Neighbor's Dishes
Thankfully, none of these tasks are particularly taxing. The only one that will take some time is the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, but even then, the dish cooks in 30 minutes (thank goodness). The ease of this goal series won't last for long though, so appreciate it while you can.
Gone Fishin'
Complete building the Sushi Station
Collect 6 Bags of Rice
Complete 5 Eat Missions
The Sushi Station will likely take you quite a while to finish, unless you have an abundance of active neighbors on your account that are ready to quickly send you the ingredients necessary. Check out our complete guide for details. Meanwhile, you'll also have to ask your friends for the Bags of Rice. In a time-saving addition, you can now complete Eat Missions directly from your neighbor bar (click on a friend's picture and click on "Today's Dish"), so don't feel like you have to visit friends (and wait through long loading times) to finish this one off entirely. Finish this goal and you'll receive the Avocado Roll recipe, which you'll need next.
Wasabi Hobby
Collect 10 Bunches of Wasabi
Serve 5 Avocado Rolls
Serve Fruit Punch 16 Times
Fruit Punch can be served from your Drink Bar, so remember to claim some free energy from your friends' wall posts if you don't have enough to do this in one sitting. As for the Wasabi - you guessed it - ask some friends to help you out.
Fishy Business
Collect 6 Octopi
Serve 5 Spicy Tuna Rolls
Get 6 Eels
Yet again, you're left to bu-- err, ask your friends for ingredients, and will be rewarded with another free recipe for your time: the Caterpillar Roll. If you didn't like the amount of item requests so far, then brace yourself, as it's about to get a bit worse.
Get Out of Your Shell
Collect 6 Urchins
Serve 5 Caterpillar Rolls
Collect 8 Sweet Shrimp
Ok, so the item collection didn't get so bad here, but it did increase, so the point stands. Finishing this goal gives you the Uni recipe. Keep pressing forward chefs; we're almost done.
On a Roll
Get 8 Seaweed Packages
Serve 6 Uni
Get 6 Ginger Roots
I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, aren't I? Ask your friends for the cooking ingredients, serve a few dishes and let's move onto the next (final!) goal in this series.
The Deadliest Dish
Get 12 Fugu
Serve 5 Sushi Boats
Collect 12 Antidotes
This goal brings in the real-world dish Fugu, or Pufferfish, which can actually kill you if not prepared correctly. Hopefully, once you've received this recipe (the reward for this final goal), Chef Takeshi will be skilled enough to not send your virtual guests to the hospital or worse!
Remember, if you don't see any of these dishes immediately in your game, you'll need to not only complete these goals to receive some along the way, but also finish construction on your Sushi Station, as Chef Takeshi brings a few with him as well. Good luck to all who attempt these goals. Do your best to not become overwhelmed with all of the other tasks we've seen released recently, and I'm sure you'll finish them in time.
What do you think of the Sushi Station goals? Are you tired of Zynga releasing so many goals and pieces of cooking equipment so quickly, or do you relish the challenge?
CityVille Burger Joint Upgrades: Everything you need to know
Whether you like it or not, upgrades seem to be the wave of the future in CityVille, as the Burger Joint is now the next building in an ever-increasing line of businesses that can be upgraded in your town. If you like the appearance and stats of your Burger Joint as it stands currently, you can only put off upgrading by never collecting from or supplying the business again, so keep that in mind. At the very least, you can not ask your friends for help, which will slow down the process a bit.
If you're in the mood to upgrade, though, here's a look at the steps necessary. First, you'll need to collect 50 points to upgrade form your current Level 1 to Level 2. You can ask a few friends to help you, with each friend adding two bonus points to your total. Otherwise, you'll earn a point every time you collect from and supply a Burger Joint in your town. At Level 2, your Burger Joint will produce 420 coins for every 115 Goods, which is up from 240 coins and 75 Goods at its default level.
To reach Level 3, you'll need to complete the process all over again, earning more points or asking more friends to help you. Your Level 3 Burger Joint will not only look much taller than the original form, but you'll also earn 580 coins for every 145 Goods supplied to it. Of course, you can make those profits even larger by adding nearby decoration bonuses, but that's voluntary.
As it stands, you now have a plentiful supply of businesses and buildings to upgrade, but don't think that Zynga is going to stop there. If you'd like to get these upgrades out of the way quickly, here's a tip: only restock the Burger Joint and nothing else. Your citizens will flock to the only open business in your town, and points will come much faster than before. Happy upgrading!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these CityVille business upgrades? Have you kept up with all of the upgrades released so far, or do you just let upgrades happen on their own, without any extra help from your actions?
If you're in the mood to upgrade, though, here's a look at the steps necessary. First, you'll need to collect 50 points to upgrade form your current Level 1 to Level 2. You can ask a few friends to help you, with each friend adding two bonus points to your total. Otherwise, you'll earn a point every time you collect from and supply a Burger Joint in your town. At Level 2, your Burger Joint will produce 420 coins for every 115 Goods, which is up from 240 coins and 75 Goods at its default level.
To reach Level 3, you'll need to complete the process all over again, earning more points or asking more friends to help you. Your Level 3 Burger Joint will not only look much taller than the original form, but you'll also earn 580 coins for every 145 Goods supplied to it. Of course, you can make those profits even larger by adding nearby decoration bonuses, but that's voluntary.
As it stands, you now have a plentiful supply of businesses and buildings to upgrade, but don't think that Zynga is going to stop there. If you'd like to get these upgrades out of the way quickly, here's a tip: only restock the Burger Joint and nothing else. Your citizens will flock to the only open business in your town, and points will come much faster than before. Happy upgrading!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these CityVille business upgrades? Have you kept up with all of the upgrades released so far, or do you just let upgrades happen on their own, without any extra help from your actions?
CityVille: Collect building parts to add two more floors to your Mall
If you're like me, you probably rejoiced at the idea of the Mall in CityVille, only to be disappointed when it filled up so quickly. If only there was a way to add more businesses to the Mall to save more space than before. A-ha! What's this? Zynga has apparently listened to that idea, as they have added two additional floors to the Mall for your building and business-storing pleasure. Of course, you'll have to work for them (darn it).
Floors four and five can only be accessed by those users that have already completed all construction on the Mall up to level three. From there, the process for upgrading is the same: fully staff the floor by asking your friends to come "work" in your Mall, and then collecting tons of building materials to actually complete the process. Sure, there's a lot of work involved here, but the reward is sweet: freeing up much needed land space that can be used for anything from new homes and businesses to decorative landscaping or crops.
Hopefully, the user response to these two additional floors will be positive enough for Zynga to realize that even five floors isn't enough. A limitless amount of floors in our Malls? Now that's more like it. C'mon Zynga: make it happen!
Are you happy to see two new floors added to the Mall, even if it means more work to unlock them? Do you think unlocking them is too difficult a process, or do the ends justify the means?
Floors four and five can only be accessed by those users that have already completed all construction on the Mall up to level three. From there, the process for upgrading is the same: fully staff the floor by asking your friends to come "work" in your Mall, and then collecting tons of building materials to actually complete the process. Sure, there's a lot of work involved here, but the reward is sweet: freeing up much needed land space that can be used for anything from new homes and businesses to decorative landscaping or crops.
Hopefully, the user response to these two additional floors will be positive enough for Zynga to realize that even five floors isn't enough. A limitless amount of floors in our Malls? Now that's more like it. C'mon Zynga: make it happen!
Are you happy to see two new floors added to the Mall, even if it means more work to unlock them? Do you think unlocking them is too difficult a process, or do the ends justify the means?
CityVille: Go gaga for new Grape crop, available for a limited time
If your CityVille town is in desperate need of Goods, but you don't want to spend the time waiting for worthwhile crops to grow, you can now invest some City Cash for instant satisfaction (and instant Goods) by growing Grapes. This new limited time crop hasn't replaced the Pineapples released previously (they're still available), it simply gives us another option for our investment.
For these Grapes, you can grow a single square instantly for 3 City Cash. Yes, instantly means that you don't have to actually wait for them to grow, as they'll be ready to harvest just as soon as you plant them. For the price, you'll receive 95 Goods per square. Adding another interesting (or perhaps dangerous) layer to this scenario is the fact that even though this crop will only be available for a limited time, it's still been given the new crop Mastery treatment. If you like collecting Mastery Signs in FarmVille, you'll likely love to do so here as well, and the first star for Grape Mastery is available at just 3 harvests.
Still, this does bring up a valid question: Is the inclusion of a limited edition, exclusive Mastery Sign enough to make users pay City Cash to grow crops? Well, is it?
[Image Credit: Thomas E. Eltzroth, Sunset]
You tell us. Will you purchase any Grape plots to earn its new Mastery Sign, or are you fine letting that one slip past while saving your City Cash?
For these Grapes, you can grow a single square instantly for 3 City Cash. Yes, instantly means that you don't have to actually wait for them to grow, as they'll be ready to harvest just as soon as you plant them. For the price, you'll receive 95 Goods per square. Adding another interesting (or perhaps dangerous) layer to this scenario is the fact that even though this crop will only be available for a limited time, it's still been given the new crop Mastery treatment. If you like collecting Mastery Signs in FarmVille, you'll likely love to do so here as well, and the first star for Grape Mastery is available at just 3 harvests.
Still, this does bring up a valid question: Is the inclusion of a limited edition, exclusive Mastery Sign enough to make users pay City Cash to grow crops? Well, is it?
[Image Credit: Thomas E. Eltzroth, Sunset]
You tell us. Will you purchase any Grape plots to earn its new Mastery Sign, or are you fine letting that one slip past while saving your City Cash?
FarmVille Parisian Items: Fleur De Les Tree, French Mini Horse and more
Tonight's FarmVille update comes as a bit of a surprise. As last night's update already included items in the Parisian theme, it wasn't expected that another set (a larger set) of items would be released so soon, but we're not complaining. If you're keeping track, there are new items in the trees, animals, buildings and decorations categories, though some are re-releases from previous events. Here's a rundown so you can get straight to shopping.
Trees:
Fleur De Les Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Fleur De Les Tree - 10 Farm Cash
Animals:
French Mini Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Parisian Cafe - 25 Farm Cash
Eiffel Tower - 150 Farm Cash
The Eiffel Tower has been seen - for free - in the past. If you don't have one, now is not the time to purchase one. If you can stand it, I'd suggest waiting until we see this again as a free item collection prize (perhaps around Valentine's Day).
Decorations:
Parisian Garden - 10 Farm Cash
Provencal Fence - 700 coins per piece
Bike with Basket - 2,000 coins
Provencal Pot - 2,200 coins
Romantic Fountain - 12 Farm Cash
Paris Patio - 7 Farm Cash
Keep a special eye on these items, farmers. Like the Eiffel Tower above, some of these items are re-releases, as the Provencal Pot, Bike with Basket and Provencal Fence items have been around this way before. Make sure to check your storage for these items if you've forgotten whether or not you purchased them. Sure, they're all cheap, but there's no reason to duplicate if you can help it.
Interestingly, these items will be available for the next 16-17 days, which is up from the normal solid two week time limit. This is presumably due to their skewed release date, as users may have not been expected another update until Sunday. Still, make sure you take advantage of this time while you have it. You wouldn't want to forget these items are available only to come back too late.
Are you excited about this set of Parisian-themed items? Do you already have an Eiffel Tower from a previous event or release? Would you ever pay 150 Farm Cash for something that others could have had for free, even if it does have limited availability?
Trees:
Fleur De Les Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Fleur De Les Tree - 10 Farm Cash
Animals:
French Mini Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Parisian Cafe - 25 Farm Cash
Eiffel Tower - 150 Farm Cash
The Eiffel Tower has been seen - for free - in the past. If you don't have one, now is not the time to purchase one. If you can stand it, I'd suggest waiting until we see this again as a free item collection prize (perhaps around Valentine's Day).
Decorations:
Parisian Garden - 10 Farm Cash
Provencal Fence - 700 coins per piece
Bike with Basket - 2,000 coins
Provencal Pot - 2,200 coins
Romantic Fountain - 12 Farm Cash
Paris Patio - 7 Farm Cash
Keep a special eye on these items, farmers. Like the Eiffel Tower above, some of these items are re-releases, as the Provencal Pot, Bike with Basket and Provencal Fence items have been around this way before. Make sure to check your storage for these items if you've forgotten whether or not you purchased them. Sure, they're all cheap, but there's no reason to duplicate if you can help it.
Interestingly, these items will be available for the next 16-17 days, which is up from the normal solid two week time limit. This is presumably due to their skewed release date, as users may have not been expected another update until Sunday. Still, make sure you take advantage of this time while you have it. You wouldn't want to forget these items are available only to come back too late.
Are you excited about this set of Parisian-themed items? Do you already have an Eiffel Tower from a previous event or release? Would you ever pay 150 Farm Cash for something that others could have had for free, even if it does have limited availability?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Habbo Hotel maker names ex-Playdom exec CEO in social games push
You might have heard of the mega popular social network slash social game Habbo Hotel (pictured), but Finnish developer Sulake wants to turn "might" into "absolutely." The company just announced that it has hired former Playdom VP of global distribution Paul LaFontaine as CEO, Reuters reports. Sulake made the hire in an ambitious attempt to help the company break into the world of social gaming, and who would know the space better than a guy who was there from the beginning?
LaFontaine, who was largely responsible for publishing Playdom's--now owned by entertainment behemoth Disney--games will replace Timo Soininen as CEO of Sulake. "We have been turning that direction for two years and are now accelerating it with this new CEO," Sulake chairman Mika Salmi told Reuters.
Habbo Hotel, for the uninformed, is a social network-meets-social game in which about 10 million monthly visitors interact in a world designed to hearken back to the good old days of 8-bit gaming. Players create their own rooms in collective hotels normally restricted to countries of origin or native language, and play mini games, decorate and share gifts with other hotel denizens. Of course, like any social game, players can buy premium items using real money.
Judging from the fact that prospective players can already connect to Habbo Hotel through Facebook Connect, and that Sulake has made their interest in traditional social games clear, Sulake making games for Facebook is certainly a possibility. Alright, with the crazy money everyone seems to be raking in on Facebook, this is most likely exactly where the company is headed. And LaFontaine will lead the charge--watch out, Zynga and EA, Habbo is looking hinder your hottest games.
Have you ever played Habbo Hotel before--what do you think of it? Do you think Sulake and Habbo Hotel will make waves in the Facebook gaming world with LaFontaine?
LaFontaine, who was largely responsible for publishing Playdom's--now owned by entertainment behemoth Disney--games will replace Timo Soininen as CEO of Sulake. "We have been turning that direction for two years and are now accelerating it with this new CEO," Sulake chairman Mika Salmi told Reuters.
Habbo Hotel, for the uninformed, is a social network-meets-social game in which about 10 million monthly visitors interact in a world designed to hearken back to the good old days of 8-bit gaming. Players create their own rooms in collective hotels normally restricted to countries of origin or native language, and play mini games, decorate and share gifts with other hotel denizens. Of course, like any social game, players can buy premium items using real money.
Judging from the fact that prospective players can already connect to Habbo Hotel through Facebook Connect, and that Sulake has made their interest in traditional social games clear, Sulake making games for Facebook is certainly a possibility. Alright, with the crazy money everyone seems to be raking in on Facebook, this is most likely exactly where the company is headed. And LaFontaine will lead the charge--watch out, Zynga and EA, Habbo is looking hinder your hottest games.
Have you ever played Habbo Hotel before--what do you think of it? Do you think Sulake and Habbo Hotel will make waves in the Facebook gaming world with LaFontaine?
Amazon gets serious about social games, calls out for developers
The Facebook gaming arena is about to welcome a new gladiator: Amazon. The household name of online retailers (and e-readers) is officially pulling out all the stops for its inevitable entrance into the space, openly and internally calling out for a team of designers and developers.
Since taking on veteran tabletop RPG (roleplaying game) designer Jonathan Tweet for a mysterious project, Reuters reports that signs have appeared in the kitchen of Amazon's Seattle campus that unveil a "Social Games Group." A poster in the kitchen area of the office reads, "The Group is growing fast! We're actively looking," according to Reuters.
It seems that Amazon is primarily looking for software engineers and Flash developers, most likely referring to Adobe Flash, the software through which almost all Facebook games are created. Amazon has reportedly been eying up social gaming since May of this year, calling out for senior level game designers.
Since Amazon hired Tweet for a mysterious project, that's all we knew about the upcoming social games effort from the company. Unfortunately, we still know very little, which leaves us with wild speculation (how lovely). While Amazon is looking strictly for software engineers and Flash developers, we have a feeling this project will be much larger than just pumping out a few games.
Amazon didn't become one of the largest Internet companies in the world without thinking big, so who's to say the company doesn't have equally lofty ambitions for its social gaming efforts? I mean, this is a company has enjoyed success and ubiquity that even the biggest name in social gaming aspires to. That said, it's entirely possible that Amazon looks to create a platform of its very own, complete with games developed in house. Call that an educated guess, or my wild dreams of slaying dragons attached to awesome deals on otherwise pricey cell phone cases and magazine subscriptions.
[Image Credit: Slacktory]
Are you excited to hear what Amazon is up to in social games? Do you think the company is working on its own platform to compete with Facebook and Google+, or just some good old games?
Since taking on veteran tabletop RPG (roleplaying game) designer Jonathan Tweet for a mysterious project, Reuters reports that signs have appeared in the kitchen of Amazon's Seattle campus that unveil a "Social Games Group." A poster in the kitchen area of the office reads, "The Group is growing fast! We're actively looking," according to Reuters.
It seems that Amazon is primarily looking for software engineers and Flash developers, most likely referring to Adobe Flash, the software through which almost all Facebook games are created. Amazon has reportedly been eying up social gaming since May of this year, calling out for senior level game designers.
Since Amazon hired Tweet for a mysterious project, that's all we knew about the upcoming social games effort from the company. Unfortunately, we still know very little, which leaves us with wild speculation (how lovely). While Amazon is looking strictly for software engineers and Flash developers, we have a feeling this project will be much larger than just pumping out a few games.
Amazon didn't become one of the largest Internet companies in the world without thinking big, so who's to say the company doesn't have equally lofty ambitions for its social gaming efforts? I mean, this is a company has enjoyed success and ubiquity that even the biggest name in social gaming aspires to. That said, it's entirely possible that Amazon looks to create a platform of its very own, complete with games developed in house. Call that an educated guess, or my wild dreams of slaying dragons attached to awesome deals on otherwise pricey cell phone cases and magazine subscriptions.
[Image Credit: Slacktory]
Are you excited to hear what Amazon is up to in social games? Do you think the company is working on its own platform to compete with Facebook and Google+, or just some good old games?
Vostu snags MP Game Studio, access to brands like Coca-Cola with it
Perhaps Vostu's sticky legal dispute with Zynga isn't so bad, after all. The Brazilian social game creator announced that it has acquired Buenos Aires, Argentina-based MP Game Studio for an undisclosed amount. MP Games has created social games for major (like, huge) brands including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Coca-Cola, Microsoft and National Geographic.
As part of the deal, MP Game Studio will become fully integrated into Vostu, with its employees to relocate to the new Vostu headquarters that just so happens to be located in Buenos Aires, too. And Vostu will hit the ground running with this buyout, expecting to release its first game from the deal over the next few weeks.
"Vostu is committed to creating entertaining social games for our growing user base of over 42 million registered users," Vostu COO Matias Recchia said in a release. "MP has been on the cutting edge of development of online games, working with the most well-known well respected companies and brands and we are excited to add them to our team of more than 550 dedicated, talented and passionate programmers, game designers and artists."
If you hadn't noticed, Vostu is pretty darn excited about not only the talent in MP, but the brands it works with. While it's certainly not our wildest guess, we're confident that Vostu will get into branded social games, thanks to this acquisition. Now, if Vostu has access to that particularly lucrative Coca-Cola license, can we finally get game with those adorable polar bears on Facebook?
Do you think this buyout will help Vostu compete even better in the global big leagues of social games? What brands do you hope Vostu takes advantage of as part of this purchase?
As part of the deal, MP Game Studio will become fully integrated into Vostu, with its employees to relocate to the new Vostu headquarters that just so happens to be located in Buenos Aires, too. And Vostu will hit the ground running with this buyout, expecting to release its first game from the deal over the next few weeks.
"Vostu is committed to creating entertaining social games for our growing user base of over 42 million registered users," Vostu COO Matias Recchia said in a release. "MP has been on the cutting edge of development of online games, working with the most well-known well respected companies and brands and we are excited to add them to our team of more than 550 dedicated, talented and passionate programmers, game designers and artists."
If you hadn't noticed, Vostu is pretty darn excited about not only the talent in MP, but the brands it works with. While it's certainly not our wildest guess, we're confident that Vostu will get into branded social games, thanks to this acquisition. Now, if Vostu has access to that particularly lucrative Coca-Cola license, can we finally get game with those adorable polar bears on Facebook?
Do you think this buyout will help Vostu compete even better in the global big leagues of social games? What brands do you hope Vostu takes advantage of as part of this purchase?
MapleStory maker Nexon sets sail on Facebook with Wonder Cruise
Clicking cute creatures in MapleStory Adventures sure was fun, but Korean MMO (massively multiplayer online game) developer Nexon is ready to tread new water on Facebook. (Well, at least new water for Nexon.) The global studio based in South Korea has released Wonder Cruise, its second Facebook game tasking players with creating a world-class cruise ship.
While Gamasutra reports that the game will launch after testing with a small audience later this month, it appears that Wonder Cruise is live now for all. So, consider this the open beta for Wonder Cruise, or as we see it: The game is live. The game comes hot off of the heels of MapleStory Adventures, a Facebook rendition of the hugely successful free-to-play MMO that has already amassed over 2.8 million monthly players.
Wonder Cruise looks an awful lot like Perfect World Entertainment's recent Perfect Getaway, but plays a bit differently. Yes, you're still stuck on the same old cruise ship while your customers see the best of what the world has to offer. But this time around, the cruises, well, actually mean something. Each cruise is timed, and once you leave port after customizing and upgrading your ship with decorations and whatnot from the money that guests throw your way, you must help as many patrons have a good time before your ETA by clicking on them.
Wonder Cruise gameplay
Then, you'll be graded on how many guests you satisfied in the time limit, which matches up with a leaderboard spanning your friends. However, each time you help a guest, it consumes Energy that refills at a slow rate, like all Facebook games. This would be fine if you weren't graded on how many guests you help on a given timed cruise. Unfortunately, if you want those coveted S ranks for each trip, you'll have to either buy Energy or bug your friends.
Wonder Cruise is expected to "officially" launch on Sept. 12, Gamasutra reports. When the game releases from an open beta to most likely yet another open beta, Nexon will introduce more content (and hopefully a fix to this Energy system). As the game is testing, Nexon urges players to take a survey. Until then, keep clicking away on those guests ... at least for a minute or two.
Click here to play Wonder Cruise on Facebook Now >
Have you tried Wonder Cruise out yet on Facebook? What do you think of Nexon's approach to Facebook gaming thus far?
While Gamasutra reports that the game will launch after testing with a small audience later this month, it appears that Wonder Cruise is live now for all. So, consider this the open beta for Wonder Cruise, or as we see it: The game is live. The game comes hot off of the heels of MapleStory Adventures, a Facebook rendition of the hugely successful free-to-play MMO that has already amassed over 2.8 million monthly players.
Wonder Cruise looks an awful lot like Perfect World Entertainment's recent Perfect Getaway, but plays a bit differently. Yes, you're still stuck on the same old cruise ship while your customers see the best of what the world has to offer. But this time around, the cruises, well, actually mean something. Each cruise is timed, and once you leave port after customizing and upgrading your ship with decorations and whatnot from the money that guests throw your way, you must help as many patrons have a good time before your ETA by clicking on them.
Wonder Cruise gameplay
Then, you'll be graded on how many guests you satisfied in the time limit, which matches up with a leaderboard spanning your friends. However, each time you help a guest, it consumes Energy that refills at a slow rate, like all Facebook games. This would be fine if you weren't graded on how many guests you help on a given timed cruise. Unfortunately, if you want those coveted S ranks for each trip, you'll have to either buy Energy or bug your friends.
Wonder Cruise is expected to "officially" launch on Sept. 12, Gamasutra reports. When the game releases from an open beta to most likely yet another open beta, Nexon will introduce more content (and hopefully a fix to this Energy system). As the game is testing, Nexon urges players to take a survey. Until then, keep clicking away on those guests ... at least for a minute or two.
Click here to play Wonder Cruise on Facebook Now >
Have you tried Wonder Cruise out yet on Facebook? What do you think of Nexon's approach to Facebook gaming thus far?
Troy Aikman + Facebook = A fantasy football game all about the QBs
Fantasy football, or as I like to call it: The Jock's Dungeons and Dragons, doesn't exactly make for a fun Facebook game. Even the mighty Sports Illustrated couldn't make fantasy football fun on Facebook, regardless of how robust its features are. Troy Aikman (you know, the famous former Dallas Cowboys quarterback?) and Boulder, Co.-based Prediculous--which runs a social game of sorts that challenges players to accurately predict real world events--hope to change that with Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB.
"The quarterback is one of the most important and exciting positions on a football team," Aikman said in a release. "Knowing a little something about that position, I wanted to create a fun fantasy game centered around QBs that anyone can play. From casual fans to long-time fantasy players, this game gives everyone a shot to play and win."
The game simplifies the classic fantasy football gameplay of drafting an entire team down to one of the only positions that matters most exciting positions in all of football: the quarterback. Each week, players will pick their top four QBs for the week that will earn them points based on how they perform in the real NFL games. Then, those choices will be sized up against Aikman's own picks each week found in a video feature uploaded every week.
Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB gameplay
While this will serve as a guide for the casual football fan, it should also serve as a source of competition beyond the stat crunching mega fans and their friends. However, each QB can only be chosen once every three weeks, unless you want to pay up with QB Chips using Facebook Credits. You'll earn QB Chips based on your participation each week as well. And unlike most traditional fantasy football leagues with their rigid times and rules, players can join Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB at any time during the NFL season.
Every Tuesday morning, the game will tally whose QB picks earned the most points per game based on several factors, and declare the winner within your league, which can be comprised of as many as 100 players. Of course, you can brag about your winning predictions using the News Feed, and find friends via requests. Sure, it's a simplistic fantasy football game for Facebook, but maybe that's the key to getting Facebook gamers into fantasy football. We'll see once the season starts on Sept. 8.
Click here to play Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of fantasy football or have a fan in the home? Do you think Troy Aikman's approach to fantasy football on Facebook could popularize the game on a new platform?
"The quarterback is one of the most important and exciting positions on a football team," Aikman said in a release. "Knowing a little something about that position, I wanted to create a fun fantasy game centered around QBs that anyone can play. From casual fans to long-time fantasy players, this game gives everyone a shot to play and win."
The game simplifies the classic fantasy football gameplay of drafting an entire team down to one of the only positions that matters most exciting positions in all of football: the quarterback. Each week, players will pick their top four QBs for the week that will earn them points based on how they perform in the real NFL games. Then, those choices will be sized up against Aikman's own picks each week found in a video feature uploaded every week.
Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB gameplay
While this will serve as a guide for the casual football fan, it should also serve as a source of competition beyond the stat crunching mega fans and their friends. However, each QB can only be chosen once every three weeks, unless you want to pay up with QB Chips using Facebook Credits. You'll earn QB Chips based on your participation each week as well. And unlike most traditional fantasy football leagues with their rigid times and rules, players can join Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB at any time during the NFL season.
Every Tuesday morning, the game will tally whose QB picks earned the most points per game based on several factors, and declare the winner within your league, which can be comprised of as many as 100 players. Of course, you can brag about your winning predictions using the News Feed, and find friends via requests. Sure, it's a simplistic fantasy football game for Facebook, but maybe that's the key to getting Facebook gamers into fantasy football. We'll see once the season starts on Sept. 8.
Click here to play Aikman 2011 Fantasy QB on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of fantasy football or have a fan in the home? Do you think Troy Aikman's approach to fantasy football on Facebook could popularize the game on a new platform?
FarmVille Aviary Goals: Everything you need to know
Attention all farmers! The FarmVille Aviary has started rolling out to some users this afternoon, and as we told you earlier this week, the new building comes with a full set of goals. We've got a guide to completing these goals right here, so even if you haven't been able to start building your own Aviary, you'll at least know what to expect.
For the Birds!
Get 6 Bunches of Bird Seed
Place 1 Aviary
Harvest 3 Aviary Birds
Of course, this new building deals with with birds, and as such, you'll need to start harvesting birds (Ducks will probably be the easiest for most farmers) to complete this third task. As for the Aviary, you'll receive a base once the update has rolled around to your game, so just clear out some land on your farm and place it to finish that. For the Bird Seed, you'll need to ask your friends to send you some bunches by posting a general news item to your wall. The rewards for completing this first goal are 50 XP, one Red Bill Duck and 2,500 coins.
Bird Watching
Get 6 Binoculars
Buy 1 Bird House
Harvest 100 Vegetable Crops
As usual, it doesn't matter which kind of vegetable crop you grow, so feel free to plant some of the shortest-growth-time vegetables available to you to quickly finish this off. As for this Binocular collection task, you'll be able to send out requests directly to your friends, asking them for help. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 5 Animal Feed and 2,500 coins.
No Birds in Last Year's Nest
Get 6 Bird Nests
Complete the Aviary
Plant 3 Basic Apple Trees
This goal takes us back to general news feed requests to collect these Bird Nests. While you're waiting for them to arrive, you can plant the Apple Trees, which cost just 325 coins each to purchase from the store. To build the Aviary, you'll need to collect ingredients, and you can find our complete guide to building the habitat right here. Finish this goal and you'll receive 50 XP, 5 Animal Feed and 2,500 coins.
Free as a Bird!
Get 9 Bird Toys
Harvest the Aviary
Harvest 3 Basic Apple Tress
Here's something different: instead of being able to immediately delete those trees you previously purchased, you'll need to wait for them to be ready to harvest. You'll want to make sure that these trees are not in an Orchard before you harvest them though, as harvesting trees that are in an Orchard will not count for this goal. For these Bird Toys, you'll need to ask your friends through individual gift requests to earn them. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 4 Swan Geese and another 2,500 coins.
Whistle While You Work
Get 9 Bird Whistles
Raise a Baby Bird
Harvest 30 Basic Cranberries
Cranberries take 10 hours to grow, so you'll want to plant them pretty quickly to not be too delayed by this goal. While you're waiting for them to grow, you can post a general news item requesting the Bird Whistles. As for the Baby Bird, you can either claim one from your friends' wall posts, or wait until your Aviary is ready to collect from with the chance of receiving a Baby Bird in the process.
The Swing of Things
Get 9 Bird Swings
Master Swan Goose to Level 1
Harvest 50 Fruit Crops
Again, it doesn't matter which kind of fruit you harvest. You'll collect the Bird Swings via individual requests to friends. For finishing this goal, you'll not only finish this Aviary goal series, but you'll also receive 50 XP, one Lady Amherst Pheasant and 2,500 coins.
With this new Aviary building, we've passed the halfway point in the game's new breeding building feature, and we'll make sure to let you know when additional animal breeding buildings launch in the game.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received the new Aviary or this set of Aviary goals? What do you think of them?
For the Birds!
Get 6 Bunches of Bird Seed
Place 1 Aviary
Harvest 3 Aviary Birds
Of course, this new building deals with with birds, and as such, you'll need to start harvesting birds (Ducks will probably be the easiest for most farmers) to complete this third task. As for the Aviary, you'll receive a base once the update has rolled around to your game, so just clear out some land on your farm and place it to finish that. For the Bird Seed, you'll need to ask your friends to send you some bunches by posting a general news item to your wall. The rewards for completing this first goal are 50 XP, one Red Bill Duck and 2,500 coins.
Bird Watching
Get 6 Binoculars
Buy 1 Bird House
Harvest 100 Vegetable Crops
As usual, it doesn't matter which kind of vegetable crop you grow, so feel free to plant some of the shortest-growth-time vegetables available to you to quickly finish this off. As for this Binocular collection task, you'll be able to send out requests directly to your friends, asking them for help. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 5 Animal Feed and 2,500 coins.
No Birds in Last Year's Nest
Get 6 Bird Nests
Complete the Aviary
Plant 3 Basic Apple Trees
This goal takes us back to general news feed requests to collect these Bird Nests. While you're waiting for them to arrive, you can plant the Apple Trees, which cost just 325 coins each to purchase from the store. To build the Aviary, you'll need to collect ingredients, and you can find our complete guide to building the habitat right here. Finish this goal and you'll receive 50 XP, 5 Animal Feed and 2,500 coins.
Free as a Bird!
Get 9 Bird Toys
Harvest the Aviary
Harvest 3 Basic Apple Tress
Here's something different: instead of being able to immediately delete those trees you previously purchased, you'll need to wait for them to be ready to harvest. You'll want to make sure that these trees are not in an Orchard before you harvest them though, as harvesting trees that are in an Orchard will not count for this goal. For these Bird Toys, you'll need to ask your friends through individual gift requests to earn them. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 4 Swan Geese and another 2,500 coins.
Whistle While You Work
Get 9 Bird Whistles
Raise a Baby Bird
Harvest 30 Basic Cranberries
Cranberries take 10 hours to grow, so you'll want to plant them pretty quickly to not be too delayed by this goal. While you're waiting for them to grow, you can post a general news item requesting the Bird Whistles. As for the Baby Bird, you can either claim one from your friends' wall posts, or wait until your Aviary is ready to collect from with the chance of receiving a Baby Bird in the process.
The Swing of Things
Get 9 Bird Swings
Master Swan Goose to Level 1
Harvest 50 Fruit Crops
Again, it doesn't matter which kind of fruit you harvest. You'll collect the Bird Swings via individual requests to friends. For finishing this goal, you'll not only finish this Aviary goal series, but you'll also receive 50 XP, one Lady Amherst Pheasant and 2,500 coins.
With this new Aviary building, we've passed the halfway point in the game's new breeding building feature, and we'll make sure to let you know when additional animal breeding buildings launch in the game.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received the new Aviary or this set of Aviary goals? What do you think of them?
FarmVille Aviary Habitat: Everything you need to know
Check out our FarmVille Aviary Habitat Goals Guide right here!
Earlier tonight, we brought you a detailed guide to finishing the new set of Aviary goals in FarmVille, that will reward you with loads of Animal Feed and even some new birds. But, of course, these goals require you to have built an Aviary, which is a bit easier said than done. The new Aviary will be given to you automatically when you next login to the game (that is, after this building has rolled around to you), and once it's built, you'll be able to store all sorts of birds inside, including (but not limited to) Geese, Turkeys and Ducks.
To actually build your Aviary, you'll need to collect 30 ingredients, all of which should look familiar to you:
10 Clamps
10 Hinges
10 Screwdrivers
In order to earn these items, you'll either be able to ask your friends to send them to you, claim them from news feed items posted by your friends, or purchasing them outright for Farm Cash. Once it's finished, you'll receive a free Farm Goose to store inside your new Aviary, and will then have space for 19 more birds (20 in total) to live inside. As usual, you'll be able to view all of the possible birds that can be stored inside your Aviary by browsing through the 18 pages of possible animals within the Aviary's menu.
When your Aviary is ready to "harvest," you'll have a chance to receive one of two kinds of Eggs at random. Orange eggs will contain common animals, while Purple eggs are rare and can even contain past limited edition animals that would have originally cost less than 15 Farm Cash (when those eggs are claimed from friends). Any egg you claim from your own Aviary will be identical to one of the animals currently living inside (as it has literally been bred). Unlike other animal breeding buildings, these Eggs don't require Animal Feed to hatch (how would they eat it?!), but instead hatch on a timer. Rare eggs take longer to hatch than Common eggs, as you might expect.
There's no word yet as to what kind of an animal building we'll see released next in the game, so this gives you plenty of time to complete the new Aviary goals that go along with this new building. Good luck in completing them in time!
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Aviary? Do you like collecting Animal Feed for these baby animals, or do you like the idea of a timer for them to grow?
Earlier tonight, we brought you a detailed guide to finishing the new set of Aviary goals in FarmVille, that will reward you with loads of Animal Feed and even some new birds. But, of course, these goals require you to have built an Aviary, which is a bit easier said than done. The new Aviary will be given to you automatically when you next login to the game (that is, after this building has rolled around to you), and once it's built, you'll be able to store all sorts of birds inside, including (but not limited to) Geese, Turkeys and Ducks.
To actually build your Aviary, you'll need to collect 30 ingredients, all of which should look familiar to you:
10 Clamps
10 Hinges
10 Screwdrivers
In order to earn these items, you'll either be able to ask your friends to send them to you, claim them from news feed items posted by your friends, or purchasing them outright for Farm Cash. Once it's finished, you'll receive a free Farm Goose to store inside your new Aviary, and will then have space for 19 more birds (20 in total) to live inside. As usual, you'll be able to view all of the possible birds that can be stored inside your Aviary by browsing through the 18 pages of possible animals within the Aviary's menu.
When your Aviary is ready to "harvest," you'll have a chance to receive one of two kinds of Eggs at random. Orange eggs will contain common animals, while Purple eggs are rare and can even contain past limited edition animals that would have originally cost less than 15 Farm Cash (when those eggs are claimed from friends). Any egg you claim from your own Aviary will be identical to one of the animals currently living inside (as it has literally been bred). Unlike other animal breeding buildings, these Eggs don't require Animal Feed to hatch (how would they eat it?!), but instead hatch on a timer. Rare eggs take longer to hatch than Common eggs, as you might expect.
There's no word yet as to what kind of an animal building we'll see released next in the game, so this gives you plenty of time to complete the new Aviary goals that go along with this new building. Good luck in completing them in time!
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Aviary? Do you like collecting Animal Feed for these baby animals, or do you like the idea of a timer for them to grow?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Sneak Peek: Chandler Blueberry crops in the wild
Here we go again, farmers. More news about FarmVille's upcoming Lighthouse Cove has been released today by Zynga itself. This new "news" comes in the form of a single screenshot, containing two animals and an area of nine crops. To go along with this screenshot, we're given the following text:
Not only Lighthouse Cove will have exclusive animals, but there will also be new crops like the Lady Slipper and the Chandler Blueberry. Will you be ready to master more crops?
While we already knew that Chandler Blueberries existed, based on Mastery Signs we've previously seen, the Lady Slippers do look to be new. We can also spot two animals in this picture, with one looking to be a new kind of Rooster, and a fluffy gray sheep.
What we still haven't been able to determine is where exactly our farm will "end," and where the Cove landscaping will begin. In this new picture, the crops and sheep are placed incredibly close to the water, without a dark line separating interactive farmland from background picture. If this is deliberate, it opens up a whole world of possibilities for new game features out on the water, which would further explain why so much is going on out there in the Lighthouse Cove loading screen we discovered just days ago.
Whether this screenshot really sheds light on big features or not (I suppose it doesn't, depending on your viewpoint), it does continue to raise at least this farmer's hopes for something fantastic. We'll make sure to bring you all of the continued news about Lighthouse Cove as we know more, so keep checking back.
Are you excited about Lighthouse Cove? What sorts of themed items or activities are you looking forward to seeing in this new farm?
Not only Lighthouse Cove will have exclusive animals, but there will also be new crops like the Lady Slipper and the Chandler Blueberry. Will you be ready to master more crops?
While we already knew that Chandler Blueberries existed, based on Mastery Signs we've previously seen, the Lady Slippers do look to be new. We can also spot two animals in this picture, with one looking to be a new kind of Rooster, and a fluffy gray sheep.
What we still haven't been able to determine is where exactly our farm will "end," and where the Cove landscaping will begin. In this new picture, the crops and sheep are placed incredibly close to the water, without a dark line separating interactive farmland from background picture. If this is deliberate, it opens up a whole world of possibilities for new game features out on the water, which would further explain why so much is going on out there in the Lighthouse Cove loading screen we discovered just days ago.
Whether this screenshot really sheds light on big features or not (I suppose it doesn't, depending on your viewpoint), it does continue to raise at least this farmer's hopes for something fantastic. We'll make sure to bring you all of the continued news about Lighthouse Cove as we know more, so keep checking back.
Are you excited about Lighthouse Cove? What sorts of themed items or activities are you looking forward to seeing in this new farm?
FarmVille Animal Sanctuary Items: Acacia Tree, Red Kangaroo, Safari Tent and more
With tonight's FarmVille update, we see a continuation of the Animal Sanctuary theme containing a pair of new trees, some animals, decorations (Gnome-collectors watch out!) and more! As usual, we'll take a thorough look at these new items before we send you off to do some shopping of your own so you'll know exactly which items you want once you get there.
Trees
Acacia Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Candelabra Tree - 15 Farm Cash
First things first, Zynga has added level markers to all of the trees in the store, which is a welcome addition, even if a bit unnecessary. After all, I think we're all accustomed to Level 2 trees costing more in the store (in fact, this Candelabra Tree is the Level 2 tree of the pair), but a quick reminder before you spend Farm Cash is always nice. Just don't think that you have to purchase this Candelabra Tree, as you can use some patience and wait to receive one or more for free as Mystery Seedlings.
Animals
Red Kangaroo - 8 Farm Cash
Cassowary - 10 Farm Cash
Black Friesian - 35 Farm Cash
I don't know if Zynga is feeling generous, or if I happened to have stumbled upon a "low" period in their price testing routine, but the Kangaroo and Cassowary prices are far lower than those for most other animals released in the store. If you've wanted some exclusive animals, but didn't want to pay 20+ Farm Cash per animal, here's your chance. Again, if the prices are higher when you look in your own store, that's probably due to price testing and it can't be changed.
Buildings
Safari Tent - 20 Farm Cash
Again, for a building, this isn't a horrible price, as we've routinely seen items priced at 35 Farm Cash or more. Is this Safari Tent a bargain? Definitely not, but it's also not something that will entirely break the bank.
Decorations
Safari Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sunset Flower - 4,000 coins
Safari Rock - 3 Farm Cash
With these items, Gnome collectors obviously have something to be excited about, but those shopping on a coins-only budget will likely walk away disappointed (yet again). It's not that the Sunset Flower isn't pretty, but with that being the only new coin item, frustration will (understandably) be high. Hopefully, with enough public outcry, we'll see a return of more coin-only items, but for now, we'll just have to accept Zynga's arguably greedy ways.
Avatar Clothing
Safari Outfit - 10 Farm Cash
All of these items will be in the game's store for the next two weeks. Shop now while you can, as there's no guarantee that any will return after they've been retired.
What do you think of these Animal Sanctuary items? Are you becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of coin items in these FarmVille updates, or are you used to Zynga's business practices?
Trees
Acacia Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Candelabra Tree - 15 Farm Cash
First things first, Zynga has added level markers to all of the trees in the store, which is a welcome addition, even if a bit unnecessary. After all, I think we're all accustomed to Level 2 trees costing more in the store (in fact, this Candelabra Tree is the Level 2 tree of the pair), but a quick reminder before you spend Farm Cash is always nice. Just don't think that you have to purchase this Candelabra Tree, as you can use some patience and wait to receive one or more for free as Mystery Seedlings.
Animals
Red Kangaroo - 8 Farm Cash
Cassowary - 10 Farm Cash
Black Friesian - 35 Farm Cash
I don't know if Zynga is feeling generous, or if I happened to have stumbled upon a "low" period in their price testing routine, but the Kangaroo and Cassowary prices are far lower than those for most other animals released in the store. If you've wanted some exclusive animals, but didn't want to pay 20+ Farm Cash per animal, here's your chance. Again, if the prices are higher when you look in your own store, that's probably due to price testing and it can't be changed.
Buildings
Safari Tent - 20 Farm Cash
Again, for a building, this isn't a horrible price, as we've routinely seen items priced at 35 Farm Cash or more. Is this Safari Tent a bargain? Definitely not, but it's also not something that will entirely break the bank.
Decorations
Safari Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sunset Flower - 4,000 coins
Safari Rock - 3 Farm Cash
With these items, Gnome collectors obviously have something to be excited about, but those shopping on a coins-only budget will likely walk away disappointed (yet again). It's not that the Sunset Flower isn't pretty, but with that being the only new coin item, frustration will (understandably) be high. Hopefully, with enough public outcry, we'll see a return of more coin-only items, but for now, we'll just have to accept Zynga's arguably greedy ways.
Avatar Clothing
Safari Outfit - 10 Farm Cash
All of these items will be in the game's store for the next two weeks. Shop now while you can, as there's no guarantee that any will return after they've been retired.
What do you think of these Animal Sanctuary items? Are you becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of coin items in these FarmVille updates, or are you used to Zynga's business practices?
FarmVille birds take flight back into the store for a limited time
To go along with tonight's release of the Aviary Habitat in FarmVille comes the re-release of several birds to the game's store. You can purchase one or all of these birds for Farm Cash, but they'll only be available for a limited time. Here's a look at what's available. Note: while these animals have been released with the likely purpose of placing them inside your Aviary, that isn't mandatory. If you'd like to keep your feathered friends out to show off to your neighbors, feel free to do just that.
Eider Duck - 20 Farm Cash
Snow Goose - 16 Farm Cash
Royal Guard Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Modern Game Hen - 20 Farm Cash
Campbell Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Crested Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Marans Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Pelican - 18 Farm Cash
As you can see, none of these animals are exactly cheap, but if you're going for those exclusive animal mastery signs, this is an opportunity you'll really want to consider. Just remember, these animals will only be around for another week, so shop now while you have a chance.
Will you purchase any of these re-released birds, or do you already have them on your land?
Eider Duck - 20 Farm Cash
Snow Goose - 16 Farm Cash
Royal Guard Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Modern Game Hen - 20 Farm Cash
Campbell Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Crested Duck - 16 Farm Cash
Marans Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Pelican - 18 Farm Cash
As you can see, none of these animals are exactly cheap, but if you're going for those exclusive animal mastery signs, this is an opportunity you'll really want to consider. Just remember, these animals will only be around for another week, so shop now while you have a chance.
Will you purchase any of these re-released birds, or do you already have them on your land?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Cool story, Storm8: Zoo Story 2, Pet Shop hit iPhone, iPad for free
Seriously, though. Mobile social game publisher Storm8 announced that two new games in its popular "Story" franchise of games have hit the App Store for both iPhone and iPad. (And for free, mind you.) Both developed by TeamLava, Zoo Story 2 and Pet Shop Story are available now on nearly all Apple devices, and mark the 10th and 11th releases from the developer in 18 months.
Zoo Story 2, according to Storm8 CEO Perry Tam, is "the most beautiful, fun and social zoo game on iOS." The game allows players to create their own zoos from scratch, choose from more than 100 animals to populate it and even crossbreed critters. Ever wanted to make your own gryphon? You got it. How about a flying monkey? Yours. Of course, players can invite friends to their zoos through Facebook Connect and help them build new habitats for their animals through gifting.
Pet Shop Story, however, sounds as if it's the same premise in a different setting. (Or would that be the other way around?) Players can create a thriving pet shop with a wide variety of domesticated animals. As with the former, you can also crossbreed your pets, though it doesn't sound like you'll be able to create creatures like winged dogs or cats with fins. Of course, this game too allows for friendly interactions via Facebook Connect, and we're sure you're going to need it.
Zoo Story 2
Storm8 is on a roll with mobile social games this year. In June, the publisher had its first million-dollar day, meaning it made $1 million in a single day from virtual goods sales. And now, it's one of the launch partners on the release of Facebook Mobile platform, with games like World War available in HTML5. So, yes: Cool story, bro Storm8.
Click here to download Zoo Story 2 and here to download Pet Shop Story for free Now >
Are you a fan of Storm8's Story series of mobile games? What are your favorite mobile social games these days?
Zoo Story 2, according to Storm8 CEO Perry Tam, is "the most beautiful, fun and social zoo game on iOS." The game allows players to create their own zoos from scratch, choose from more than 100 animals to populate it and even crossbreed critters. Ever wanted to make your own gryphon? You got it. How about a flying monkey? Yours. Of course, players can invite friends to their zoos through Facebook Connect and help them build new habitats for their animals through gifting.
Pet Shop Story, however, sounds as if it's the same premise in a different setting. (Or would that be the other way around?) Players can create a thriving pet shop with a wide variety of domesticated animals. As with the former, you can also crossbreed your pets, though it doesn't sound like you'll be able to create creatures like winged dogs or cats with fins. Of course, this game too allows for friendly interactions via Facebook Connect, and we're sure you're going to need it.
Zoo Story 2
Storm8 is on a roll with mobile social games this year. In June, the publisher had its first million-dollar day, meaning it made $1 million in a single day from virtual goods sales. And now, it's one of the launch partners on the release of Facebook Mobile platform, with games like World War available in HTML5. So, yes: Cool story, bro Storm8.
Click here to download Zoo Story 2 and here to download Pet Shop Story for free Now >
Are you a fan of Storm8's Story series of mobile games? What are your favorite mobile social games these days?
Do young folk get Alec Baldwin's thing for Words With Friends?
They might "understand" Mr. Baldwin's desire to play mobile games while on the runway, but we doubt they understand his ... handling of the situation. According to poll of 1,356 by Poll Position, 69.9 percent of people aged 18 to 29 years old think that passengers should be able to play electronic games with others while awaiting take-off in the plane. They got your back, Alec!
That's all well and good, but what about people that are the guy's age--the 45 to 64-year-old group? According to the poll, only 26.8 percent of folks in that group think you should be able to play said games while waiting for take-off. In that case, we almost definitely know that they wouldn't be down with Baldwin's reported outburst on an American Airlines flight last week.
The snafu had far more of a ripple effect than you'd might imagine. Not only did it lead to both American Airlines and the Greyhound bus company's embarrassment, but it drove Baldwin off of Twitter and (of course) garnered the support of Zynga. The Words With Friends creator enjoyed a fine week with its hit word game: Last week, the game skyrocketed by 500,000 daily players to oust competitor The Sims Social on the charts, knocking it down to sixth place. In short, Words With Friends is serious business. That is, if you ask over-privileged millennials.
[Image Credit: Jim Lopes]
Do you think people should be able to play video games while waiting for the plane to take off? Was Baldwin right in his outrage with American Airlines?
That's all well and good, but what about people that are the guy's age--the 45 to 64-year-old group? According to the poll, only 26.8 percent of folks in that group think you should be able to play said games while waiting for take-off. In that case, we almost definitely know that they wouldn't be down with Baldwin's reported outburst on an American Airlines flight last week.
The snafu had far more of a ripple effect than you'd might imagine. Not only did it lead to both American Airlines and the Greyhound bus company's embarrassment, but it drove Baldwin off of Twitter and (of course) garnered the support of Zynga. The Words With Friends creator enjoyed a fine week with its hit word game: Last week, the game skyrocketed by 500,000 daily players to oust competitor The Sims Social on the charts, knocking it down to sixth place. In short, Words With Friends is serious business. That is, if you ask over-privileged millennials.
[Image Credit: Jim Lopes]
Do you think people should be able to play video games while waiting for the plane to take off? Was Baldwin right in his outrage with American Airlines?
The Sims Social PSA: Playfish Cash Cards on sale on Target
Heads up! If you're a player of one Playfish's Facebook games - The Sims Social, Pet Society, Restaurant City, FIFA Superstars or Madden NFL Superstars, as examples - you'll want to pay attention to Target this week, as the department store is offering $10 Playfish Cash Cards for 20% off. To be specific, that makes a $10 Cash Card just $8. You can redeem these cards on Playfish's website by simply connecting your Facebook account, choosing your game and redeeming your code.
If you're one that only checks your weekly newspaper ads for deals, you will have missed this one, as it's not technically a "sale," but rather a case where the price has been temporarily cut (a Temporary Price Cut, or TPC, in Target jargon). Typically, these TPC events last a few weeks or longer, but we don't have that luxury here. This deal ends on December 17.
Using the Sims Social as an example, if you choose to redeem your card for SimCash, you'll receive 72 SimCash for the $8 price. That's the $10 bundle of SimCash, but of course you will have paid $2 less to receive it. It's not a huge savings, but if you were already planning on purchasing a Cash Card as a present this holiday season, why not save money where you can?
This Playfish sale follows a similar discount on Zynga Game Cards at Target, so could Playdom or another major Facebook game developer be next? You can be sure we'll keep an eye on things and will let you know when and if another opportunity to save some money comes around.
Will you buy a Playfish Cash Card for someone special this holiday since they're now on sale, or will you use your Playfish Cash Card as an early present for yourself?
If you're one that only checks your weekly newspaper ads for deals, you will have missed this one, as it's not technically a "sale," but rather a case where the price has been temporarily cut (a Temporary Price Cut, or TPC, in Target jargon). Typically, these TPC events last a few weeks or longer, but we don't have that luxury here. This deal ends on December 17.
Using the Sims Social as an example, if you choose to redeem your card for SimCash, you'll receive 72 SimCash for the $8 price. That's the $10 bundle of SimCash, but of course you will have paid $2 less to receive it. It's not a huge savings, but if you were already planning on purchasing a Cash Card as a present this holiday season, why not save money where you can?
This Playfish sale follows a similar discount on Zynga Game Cards at Target, so could Playdom or another major Facebook game developer be next? You can be sure we'll keep an eye on things and will let you know when and if another opportunity to save some money comes around.
Will you buy a Playfish Cash Card for someone special this holiday since they're now on sale, or will you use your Playfish Cash Card as an early present for yourself?
Keep the little ones off of Facebook: MokoFarm is FarmVille for kids
You love them to tears, but your kids want shut the heck up about FarmVille. And what (good) parent wants their toddler on Facebook? MokoMomo Interactive has released MokoFarm for the iPad for $1.99 on the App Store. This game is said to give kids the FarmVille experience and might teach them a thing or two in the process. And near everything in the game is touchable.
And we all know your kids like to touch things--you put those plastic things on the outlets around the house for a reason. MokoFarm doesn't look like it's limited by the boundaries of normal social games like energy or lengthy time constraints. However, kids can also share their farm creations through their parents' Facebook accounts. According to MokoMomo, the game is narrated to help the younger folks learn new words.
Of course, the common FarmVille-like tropes are all present like buying animals, crops and new buildings to deck out the farm. That said, nearly every piece of content, including the animals, appear to be interactive. Kids can tap the windmills to make them spin, touch trees to shake their leaves and tap critters to make them run. Your tike can even take pictures of his/her farm to send to you. Sure, it's no FarmVille, but for what it's worth it looks pretty darn close.
Click here to download MokoFarm on iPad Now >
[Via E27]
Does your kid(s) bug you about playing FarmVille? Do you wish Facebook games were more kid-friendly?
And we all know your kids like to touch things--you put those plastic things on the outlets around the house for a reason. MokoFarm doesn't look like it's limited by the boundaries of normal social games like energy or lengthy time constraints. However, kids can also share their farm creations through their parents' Facebook accounts. According to MokoMomo, the game is narrated to help the younger folks learn new words.
Of course, the common FarmVille-like tropes are all present like buying animals, crops and new buildings to deck out the farm. That said, nearly every piece of content, including the animals, appear to be interactive. Kids can tap the windmills to make them spin, touch trees to shake their leaves and tap critters to make them run. Your tike can even take pictures of his/her farm to send to you. Sure, it's no FarmVille, but for what it's worth it looks pretty darn close.
Click here to download MokoFarm on iPad Now >
[Via E27]
Does your kid(s) bug you about playing FarmVille? Do you wish Facebook games were more kid-friendly?
Microsoft breaks adorable new ground with Kinectimals for iPhone, iPad
You read that right: Microsoft Studios has released a game for an Apple device. (Did you see that pig?!) Kinectimals, the popular kids game that launched with the Xbox 360 Kinect, is now available for iPhone and iPad for $2.99. The game appears similar to the original in that players can interact, feed and play with a number of wild pets through touch controls.
The game also provides five exclusive new pets for those who already own the Kinect version of Kinectimals for their Xbox 360. The visuals in this mobile version of the motion-controlled selling point for Kinect look nearly identical, which is far from a bad thing. If anything, based on screen shots, it's testament to how far iPhones and iPads have come in the graphics department. As for play hooks, they look like much of the same, but with the novelty of touch rather than motion.
Created by Frontier Developments and published by Microsoft Studios, Kinectimals on iOS devices not only breaks its exclusivity with Windows Phone, but could mark the start of an interesting relationship. Microsoft and Apple aren't exactly best buddies, and never would the latter release a product on the former's hardware. Perhaps this is an attempt to foster some sort of relationship with the iPad maker. What we do know, however, is that your kids are probably going to go bonkers over this.
Click here to download Kinectimals for iPhone and iPad Now >
[Via Major Nelson]
Did you see this one coming at all (neither did we)? Will you pick this one up for your kids to play around with?
The game also provides five exclusive new pets for those who already own the Kinect version of Kinectimals for their Xbox 360. The visuals in this mobile version of the motion-controlled selling point for Kinect look nearly identical, which is far from a bad thing. If anything, based on screen shots, it's testament to how far iPhones and iPads have come in the graphics department. As for play hooks, they look like much of the same, but with the novelty of touch rather than motion.
Created by Frontier Developments and published by Microsoft Studios, Kinectimals on iOS devices not only breaks its exclusivity with Windows Phone, but could mark the start of an interesting relationship. Microsoft and Apple aren't exactly best buddies, and never would the latter release a product on the former's hardware. Perhaps this is an attempt to foster some sort of relationship with the iPad maker. What we do know, however, is that your kids are probably going to go bonkers over this.
Click here to download Kinectimals for iPhone and iPad Now >
[Via Major Nelson]
Did you see this one coming at all (neither did we)? Will you pick this one up for your kids to play around with?
Social game makers to see 'massive layoffs' in 2012 (except for Zynga)
That is, if you listen to doomsayers analysts like Exent's head of content programming Rick Marazzani. IndustryGamers reports that Marazzani predicts that 2012 will see the social games space thin out as a result of Zynga's meteoric rise to dominance. According to him, downsizing at companies like RockYou and Playfirst is just the beginning of a terrible time for social games.
"With multiple hit games and big marketing budgets needed to stay afloat at the top of the Facebook game charts, many social publishers simply weathered 2011 waiting to see what Zynga's IPO would foretell for their own futures," Marazzani said. "Faced with the reality that there are too many people working on too many games for the market to bear, social developers will be forced to place smarter (and fewer) bets as user acquisition cost and competition grows. The result will be more belt tightening along the lines of developer RockYou (ZooWorld), who shed 40% of its staff in late 2011."
In other words, the social game craze is going to die down come next year, and with it so will hopeful game developers' salaries. Marazzani made the prediction within a series of projections for the future of gaming issued by Exent, a provider of games on demand services. The company's other educated guesses include that Android tablet gaming is going to take off, a renaissance in location-based mobile gaming and more. But you've got to wonder, prediction or not, how the little guys will continue to survive underneath the cold shadows of Zynga, EA and wooga.
Do you think smaller social game creators are doomed come 2012? How will independent social game companies continue to survive on Facebook?
"With multiple hit games and big marketing budgets needed to stay afloat at the top of the Facebook game charts, many social publishers simply weathered 2011 waiting to see what Zynga's IPO would foretell for their own futures," Marazzani said. "Faced with the reality that there are too many people working on too many games for the market to bear, social developers will be forced to place smarter (and fewer) bets as user acquisition cost and competition grows. The result will be more belt tightening along the lines of developer RockYou (ZooWorld), who shed 40% of its staff in late 2011."
In other words, the social game craze is going to die down come next year, and with it so will hopeful game developers' salaries. Marazzani made the prediction within a series of projections for the future of gaming issued by Exent, a provider of games on demand services. The company's other educated guesses include that Android tablet gaming is going to take off, a renaissance in location-based mobile gaming and more. But you've got to wonder, prediction or not, how the little guys will continue to survive underneath the cold shadows of Zynga, EA and wooga.
Do you think smaller social game creators are doomed come 2012? How will independent social game companies continue to survive on Facebook?
An Angry Birds 'social' game (and three others) is in the works for 2012
So, we're just going to assume that by "social", Rovio game designer Jaako Iisalo means "Facebook". During the Social Games and Virtual Goods World conference in London, England, the Angry Birds designer told Pocket Gamer that four new Angry Birds games will launch next year. More specifically, one of them will be a "social" game.
And, will you look at that, Angry Birds is already on Google+. Granted, there are versions of the iconic everywhere mobile game on Facebook, but none of which seem legitimate. (One even seems to stream the Google Chrome version of Angry Birds through to Facebook.) While this could just as easily mean an Angry Birds game on a mobile platform with heavier social features, the developer has said in the past that the franchise will hit Facebook.
Honestly, how Angry Birds is available on the Intel AppUp store and in retail stores across Europe before officially on Facebook is beyond us. At any rate, we can likely expect these other three Angry Birds games to tap into new genres, since Rovio has expressed interest in exploring new types of games for its irate avian creatures. And just when you started to grow bored of it.
Would you play Angry Birds on Facebook more than elsewhere? What other genres would you like to see the Angry Birds characters take a part in?
And, will you look at that, Angry Birds is already on Google+. Granted, there are versions of the iconic everywhere mobile game on Facebook, but none of which seem legitimate. (One even seems to stream the Google Chrome version of Angry Birds through to Facebook.) While this could just as easily mean an Angry Birds game on a mobile platform with heavier social features, the developer has said in the past that the franchise will hit Facebook.
Honestly, how Angry Birds is available on the Intel AppUp store and in retail stores across Europe before officially on Facebook is beyond us. At any rate, we can likely expect these other three Angry Birds games to tap into new genres, since Rovio has expressed interest in exploring new types of games for its irate avian creatures. And just when you started to grow bored of it.
Would you play Angry Birds on Facebook more than elsewhere? What other genres would you like to see the Angry Birds characters take a part in?
Monday, December 12, 2011
FarmVille Pic of the Day: A fire burns in ForeverFarmer's lighthouse cove
Ladies and gentlemen, the day has come! A FarmVille Lighthouse Cove farm has made it into the ranks of featured farms. This farm is special because not only is it a featured farm here on Games.com, but it also won farm of the week over at the FarmVille Forums. Two serious FarmVille achievements.
But let's take a look at what makes this farm so nice. Of course it has that Lighthouse Cove charm. That oceanfront Cape Cod type scenery with fall trees is always a nice start, but ForeverFarmer does a good job building upon it. Adding fences and buildings, ForeverFarmer really fleshed out and worked with what they were given. In particular, the stream of water flowing through the farm is so perfect, I almost didn't notice it was part of the design. In addition, the fall and Halloween elements are particularly excellent. The fire peach trees are really a sight to behold. So while this farm doesn't do anything abstract or bizarre, it is super solid and a masterpiece in its own right. Hopefully we'll see more FarmVille Lighthouse Cove designs in the weeks to come.
What do you think of ForeverFarmer's Lighthouse Cove farm?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
But let's take a look at what makes this farm so nice. Of course it has that Lighthouse Cove charm. That oceanfront Cape Cod type scenery with fall trees is always a nice start, but ForeverFarmer does a good job building upon it. Adding fences and buildings, ForeverFarmer really fleshed out and worked with what they were given. In particular, the stream of water flowing through the farm is so perfect, I almost didn't notice it was part of the design. In addition, the fall and Halloween elements are particularly excellent. The fire peach trees are really a sight to behold. So while this farm doesn't do anything abstract or bizarre, it is super solid and a masterpiece in its own right. Hopefully we'll see more FarmVille Lighthouse Cove designs in the weeks to come.
What do you think of ForeverFarmer's Lighthouse Cove farm?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Zynga ensures CityVille fans new decorations with Farmers Insurance
Zynga likes giving its players a sense of security free stuff. We know that, and you know that. And Farmers Insurance certainly knows that--in fact, it's joining in on the fun. The Farmers Insurance headquarters has appeared in CityVille along with a very simple Goal that will lead to some hopefully interesting rewards. All right, so there's no big Farmers Insurance reveal just yet, but believe us: It's a comin'.
Simply find the new Goal on the left hand side of the game screen, and follow it to place the new, massive (and heavily branded) building in your city. Then, click on it once to complete the structure. Now, here's the tricky part. Between now and Oct. 27, you must collect all five items in the Farmers Insurance Collection to receive the limited edition Farmers Insurance item.
And you might want to make collecting from this building a habit, as it offers 3 Energy, coins and XP daily, which is "one of the best payouts ever," according to Zynga. Just for starting the Goal, you'll score a Farmers Insurance Airship decoration to go alongside the skyscraper. When you manage to redeem the Farmers Insurance Collection, you'll receive a Farmers Insurance Autoboathome decoration.
In addition to all of the Farmers Insurance bonuses in the game, Zynga is working with the company to give you and a friend a free trip to New York City. You can enter that contest on the Farmers Insurance Facebook page right here ... Farmers Insurance. There, I think we met our quota, now where's our Applebees gift card, guys?
Have you started the Farmers Insurance event in CityVille yet? What do you think of the Farmers Insurance (that's two gift cards, now) event compared to other branded events in Zynga games?
Simply find the new Goal on the left hand side of the game screen, and follow it to place the new, massive (and heavily branded) building in your city. Then, click on it once to complete the structure. Now, here's the tricky part. Between now and Oct. 27, you must collect all five items in the Farmers Insurance Collection to receive the limited edition Farmers Insurance item.
And you might want to make collecting from this building a habit, as it offers 3 Energy, coins and XP daily, which is "one of the best payouts ever," according to Zynga. Just for starting the Goal, you'll score a Farmers Insurance Airship decoration to go alongside the skyscraper. When you manage to redeem the Farmers Insurance Collection, you'll receive a Farmers Insurance Autoboathome decoration.
In addition to all of the Farmers Insurance bonuses in the game, Zynga is working with the company to give you and a friend a free trip to New York City. You can enter that contest on the Farmers Insurance Facebook page right here ... Farmers Insurance. There, I think we met our quota, now where's our Applebees gift card, guys?
Have you started the Farmers Insurance event in CityVille yet? What do you think of the Farmers Insurance (that's two gift cards, now) event compared to other branded events in Zynga games?
Pioneer Trail Spook Shack: Everything you need to know
So, Zynga really, really likes Halloween. And it really, really wants you to help it celebrate it in the Pioneer Trail. If you haven't guessed where I'm going with this, yet another feature has been released in the game to celebrate the upcoming spook-tastic holiday. Luckily, though, you'll have until November 18 to get everything done. This particular feature revolves around something called the Spook Shack, which lets you craft themed decorations for use on your Homestead, and even lets you unlock Brooms that can be ridden by your avatars just like Horses! Of course, you'll need to build it first.
The Spook Shack requires the following building ingredients:
10 Trick or Treat Sacks
10 Ghost Catchers
10 Bone Pillars
15 Dead Wood
15 Cobwebs
15 Creaky Stairs
The first three items are earned through general news items you'll post on your wall, while the latter three items are earned through individual gift requests sent to friends.
Once the Spook Shack is built, you'll be able to start going "Trick-or-Treating" on your neighbors' Homesteads - literally. By visiting neighbors, you'll be given the choice of "Trick" or "Treat," with these actions apparently giving you some of the building materials you'll need to craft those decorations and rideable Brooms I mentioned earlier. Here's a full rundown of the items you can craft:
For some of these items, other tasks must be completed, instead of just going Trick-or-Treating. For instance, Corn Bristles drop at random when you harvest corn on both your or your neighbors' Homesteads, while Paper Bags, Sandstone pieces, Fences, Treats and Tricks drop while clearing debris on either your or your neighbors' Homesteads.
In addition to this new building, there are also three new goals to complete as well, and we'll have a complete rundown of those goals for you as soon as we can and you can check out our complete guide to finishing those goals right here.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Spook Shack and the ability to craft decorations for your Homestead? Will you craft Brooms for your characters to ride?
The Spook Shack requires the following building ingredients:
10 Trick or Treat Sacks
10 Ghost Catchers
10 Bone Pillars
15 Dead Wood
15 Cobwebs
15 Creaky Stairs
The first three items are earned through general news items you'll post on your wall, while the latter three items are earned through individual gift requests sent to friends.
Once the Spook Shack is built, you'll be able to start going "Trick-or-Treating" on your neighbors' Homesteads - literally. By visiting neighbors, you'll be given the choice of "Trick" or "Treat," with these actions apparently giving you some of the building materials you'll need to craft those decorations and rideable Brooms I mentioned earlier. Here's a full rundown of the items you can craft:
For some of these items, other tasks must be completed, instead of just going Trick-or-Treating. For instance, Corn Bristles drop at random when you harvest corn on both your or your neighbors' Homesteads, while Paper Bags, Sandstone pieces, Fences, Treats and Tricks drop while clearing debris on either your or your neighbors' Homesteads.
In addition to this new building, there are also three new goals to complete as well, and we'll have a complete rundown of those goals for you as soon as we can and you can check out our complete guide to finishing those goals right here.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Spook Shack and the ability to craft decorations for your Homestead? Will you craft Brooms for your characters to ride?
Pioneer Trail Trick or Treat Goals: Everything you need to know
Along with today's release of the Spook Shack in Pioneer Trail comes the ability to visit your neighbors' Homestead and then go "trick-or-treating" while you're there. You'll earn a variety of goodies by doing so that can be used in your new Spook Shack building on your Homestead proper, but you'll also need to go trick-or-treating to complete a series of three goals to truly round out this event. Here's a guide to completing all three!
The Spookiest Homestead on the Frontier
Place the Spook Shack
Visit 5 Neighbors' Homestead to Trick or Treat
Collect 10 Issues of Frontier Living Magazine
The Magazines are earned through a general news item you'll post to your wall. As for Trick or Treating, this is done by simply visiting your friends as normal, and then waiting for a pop-up to appear, showing you a door and welcome mat with two buttons: "Trick" or "Treat." Depending on the choice you choose, you'll be given the opportunity to share your rewards with friends by posting another wall post. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 500 XP, a Candy Bag and 500 coins.
Turning Tricks and Treats
Craft 5 of Any Spook Shack Decorations
Collect 15 Halloween Kits
Tend 80 Pumpkins or Ghost Pumpkins on your Homestead or a Neighbors
Halloween Kits are earned through individual gift requests sent to individual friends. Meanwhile, for a complete rundown of the different items you can craft inside the Spook Shack, and the requirements for each, be sure to check out our guide. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive a Candy Bag, 1000 XP and an Unripe Pumpkins item.
Get Witchy
Craft & Mount Any Wicked Broom in the Spook Shack
Tend any Paper Lanterns 10 Times on your Homestead or a Neighbors'
Have 10 Crafted Spook Shack Decorations
Paper Lanterns are crafted using Treats and Paper Bags, and can be "tended" once every three hours. The Brooms are also crafted inside the Spook Shack, with there being multiple options for you to choose from. Finishing this final goal gives you five Candy Bags, 1000 XP and a Witch Outfit for your avatar.
With this event, we now see four separate things to do in Pioneer Trail for Halloween, but luckily this particular activity will be around until the middle of November - November 18, to be exact - if you'd like to put it off in favor of finishing other things. If any additional Halloween content launches in Pioneer Trail between now and then, we'll make sure to let you know.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Trick or Treat series of Goals in Pioneer Trail? Do you like the Spook Shack feature as a whole, or do you think there was already plenty to do this year in terms of Halloween content?
The Spookiest Homestead on the Frontier
Place the Spook Shack
Visit 5 Neighbors' Homestead to Trick or Treat
Collect 10 Issues of Frontier Living Magazine
The Magazines are earned through a general news item you'll post to your wall. As for Trick or Treating, this is done by simply visiting your friends as normal, and then waiting for a pop-up to appear, showing you a door and welcome mat with two buttons: "Trick" or "Treat." Depending on the choice you choose, you'll be given the opportunity to share your rewards with friends by posting another wall post. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 500 XP, a Candy Bag and 500 coins.
Turning Tricks and Treats
Craft 5 of Any Spook Shack Decorations
Collect 15 Halloween Kits
Tend 80 Pumpkins or Ghost Pumpkins on your Homestead or a Neighbors
Halloween Kits are earned through individual gift requests sent to individual friends. Meanwhile, for a complete rundown of the different items you can craft inside the Spook Shack, and the requirements for each, be sure to check out our guide. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive a Candy Bag, 1000 XP and an Unripe Pumpkins item.
Get Witchy
Craft & Mount Any Wicked Broom in the Spook Shack
Tend any Paper Lanterns 10 Times on your Homestead or a Neighbors'
Have 10 Crafted Spook Shack Decorations
Paper Lanterns are crafted using Treats and Paper Bags, and can be "tended" once every three hours. The Brooms are also crafted inside the Spook Shack, with there being multiple options for you to choose from. Finishing this final goal gives you five Candy Bags, 1000 XP and a Witch Outfit for your avatar.
With this event, we now see four separate things to do in Pioneer Trail for Halloween, but luckily this particular activity will be around until the middle of November - November 18, to be exact - if you'd like to put it off in favor of finishing other things. If any additional Halloween content launches in Pioneer Trail between now and then, we'll make sure to let you know.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Trick or Treat series of Goals in Pioneer Trail? Do you like the Spook Shack feature as a whole, or do you think there was already plenty to do this year in terms of Halloween content?
Pioneer Trail Lost Stallion Timed Goal: Everything you need to know
Ok, this is just getting a bit overwhelming. Don't get me wrong - I love Halloween. It's easily one of my favorites throughout the entire year, but the amount of Halloween content Pioneer Trail has seen released in the past few weeks is enough to overwhelm any player! Adding to that pile is a timed goal by the name of Lost Stallion. This one sees a ghost cowgirl named Hattie (don't worry - she's friendly - asking for help in searching for her lost ghost horse, Kelpie. You'll have five days to complete this timed goal once you manually start it, and here's what's expected of you:
Tend 30 Neighbor Non-Rideable Horses
Collect 15 Dark Compasses
Collect 15 Ghost Town Maps
If I were you, I'd wait on starting this one. The goal will be available to begin up until November 7, so why not wait a few days for your friends to send you the Dark Compasses and Ghost Town Maps by default (in the "send-one-get-one" situations) and then start the goal when you know you won't be so rushed?
If you can complete this goal within the first five days of starting it, you'll receive a Ghostly Buzzard Tree decoration, 300 XP and 300 coins. While this particular feature isn't incredibly difficult, it does make me wonder exactly when the cutoff will be for new Halloween content within the game. Zynga does realize October is only so long, right? They'll have to stop eventually... right?!
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Lost Stallion timed goal? Are you looking forward to seeing even more Halloween content released in Pioneer Trail this month, or is it "enough already?!"
Tend 30 Neighbor Non-Rideable Horses
Collect 15 Dark Compasses
Collect 15 Ghost Town Maps
If I were you, I'd wait on starting this one. The goal will be available to begin up until November 7, so why not wait a few days for your friends to send you the Dark Compasses and Ghost Town Maps by default (in the "send-one-get-one" situations) and then start the goal when you know you won't be so rushed?
If you can complete this goal within the first five days of starting it, you'll receive a Ghostly Buzzard Tree decoration, 300 XP and 300 coins. While this particular feature isn't incredibly difficult, it does make me wonder exactly when the cutoff will be for new Halloween content within the game. Zynga does realize October is only so long, right? They'll have to stop eventually... right?!
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Lost Stallion timed goal? Are you looking forward to seeing even more Halloween content released in Pioneer Trail this month, or is it "enough already?!"
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Lunchtime Poll: Would you toss $1000 at a Facebook game item?
There's no need for a clever lede on this story: 2,000 people spent over $1,000 on a single item within a video game. (It pretty much speaks for itself, no?) VentureBeat reports that 2,000 players of Bigpoint Games's browser-based sci-fi MMO (massively multiplayer online game) Dark Orbit spent €1000, or $1365, on a rare space drone to use in combat against other players.
The special drone, known as the Zeus Drone, was available for the immensely premium price for just four days, which netted Bigpoint about $2.67 million in extra sales revenue. Tell us of another free-to-play game that's made that much cash in less than a work week, because this writer certainly hasn't heard of it. But here's the clincher: The Zeus Drone, while unbearably difficult to attain, is available for absolutely free to all Dark Orbit players.
That means 2,000 people were both A.) with an extra G to throw around on a digital item within a game and B.) impatient enough to spend said thousand clams on a digital item within a game. That's a down payment on a car, a month's rent (with utilities, mind you) or even a brand new laptop to play video games on. This news reminds us--though, on a far larger scale--of expensive Facebook game items like, say, the infamous Unwither Ring. Because it's only a matter of time before a Facebook game developer takes a crack at this, we ask you:
Would you spend $1K on a Facebook game item?
You have to be kidding. Who in their right mind would do that?Well, maybe if the item was cool/useful enough...I don't pay for Facebook games. Period.Not on a single item, but I may have spent $1K total so far.
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The special drone, known as the Zeus Drone, was available for the immensely premium price for just four days, which netted Bigpoint about $2.67 million in extra sales revenue. Tell us of another free-to-play game that's made that much cash in less than a work week, because this writer certainly hasn't heard of it. But here's the clincher: The Zeus Drone, while unbearably difficult to attain, is available for absolutely free to all Dark Orbit players.
That means 2,000 people were both A.) with an extra G to throw around on a digital item within a game and B.) impatient enough to spend said thousand clams on a digital item within a game. That's a down payment on a car, a month's rent (with utilities, mind you) or even a brand new laptop to play video games on. This news reminds us--though, on a far larger scale--of expensive Facebook game items like, say, the infamous Unwither Ring. Because it's only a matter of time before a Facebook game developer takes a crack at this, we ask you:
Would you spend $1K on a Facebook game item?
You have to be kidding. Who in their right mind would do that?Well, maybe if the item was cool/useful enough...I don't pay for Facebook games. Period.Not on a single item, but I may have spent $1K total so far.
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The Sims Social It's a Date Quest: Everything you need to know
The Sims Social has become a lot more ... rosy. It's Pink Paradise Week in Playfish's hit Facebook game, and this week's theme comes with a new timed quest, "It's a Date." It's up to you to help Scarlett run her new business, which helps anyone and everyone score the perfect date.
In this seven-part quest, you'll have to do quite a lot of weird tasks to make sure her business gets off the ground. For starters, you'll need at least five friends and 400 Simoleons to ensure this quests goes on without too many hitches, at least. With that, here's everything you need to know to complete "It's a Date":
It's a Date 1
Become Inspired
Ask 3 Sims what Grodie means
Have 3 Muse
To become inspired, make sure all of your stats are in the bright green, and you'll see the notification appear above your Sim's head. Then, visit three friends to see the conversation option "What does Grodie mean?" Finally, you can get Muses by playing instruments.
It's A Date
It's a Date 2
Have 4 Plans
Trademark the name Perfect Date Company
Design Company Logo 5 times
To find four Plans, just try writing and cooking repetitively for them to appear, using own computer or oven. You can also use your own computer to trademark the name "Perfect Date Company," as the option should automatically be there. Luckily, you can use your friends' easels to design the company logo, saving you energy.
It's a Date 3
Dance with 4 Sims
Place 2 decorations from Pink Paradise collection
Play any type of piece on grand piano
Dancing with four Sims is as easy as visiting four friends and using their stereo. The two least expensive items that will complete that second requirement are the NeoN Pink and the InThePink Jo, which are 175 and 200 Simoleons, respectively. As for that grand piano, Bella happens to have one in her house that you can play.
Wedding Cake Plush Kitty Queen Bed
It's a Date 4
Have 4 Delicious Morsels
Have 6 Mixing Bowls
Prepare Meal 4 times
The four Delicious Morsels come from eating food, while the Mixing Bowls come from preparing certain dishes using the Cooking Skill menu through "Cater". Using the Cater option through, say, the Microwave will satisfy the final requirement.
It's a Date 5
Ask 5 Sims to Prom
Wash 5 times
Compose Music 5 times
The "Ask to Prom" should now appear when conversing with friends that you visit. After showering five times in your house, just select the Compose Music option on your guitar or other instrument five times.
Grand Piano Bird Cage Snow Globe
It's a Date 6
Add 1 friend
Check appearance 5 times on Fancy Dresser
Have 10 Bling
You can either find new friends the hard way, or just check out our The Sims Social Add-Me page right here. Since you won't have your own Fancy Dresser at this point, just use Bella's. The Bling comes from either requesting it from friends directly or finding it in the treasure chests that appear in your backyard.
It's a Date 7
Ask friends to Toast Your Way Business Genius
Gush to 5 Sims about Good News
Have 10 Dreams
The first requirement is a general News Feed option likely given in the quest's menu. To gush to five Sims, just visit your friends and the dialog option should be available. Dreams come from simply sleeping in your bed. Your final reward for completing this series of quests is the clockwork bird that your Sims can wind up
[Source: Aude06]
Are you enjoying Pink Paradise Week in The Sims Social? What do you think of the game so far?
In this seven-part quest, you'll have to do quite a lot of weird tasks to make sure her business gets off the ground. For starters, you'll need at least five friends and 400 Simoleons to ensure this quests goes on without too many hitches, at least. With that, here's everything you need to know to complete "It's a Date":
It's a Date 1
Become Inspired
Ask 3 Sims what Grodie means
Have 3 Muse
To become inspired, make sure all of your stats are in the bright green, and you'll see the notification appear above your Sim's head. Then, visit three friends to see the conversation option "What does Grodie mean?" Finally, you can get Muses by playing instruments.
It's A Date
It's a Date 2
Have 4 Plans
Trademark the name Perfect Date Company
Design Company Logo 5 times
To find four Plans, just try writing and cooking repetitively for them to appear, using own computer or oven. You can also use your own computer to trademark the name "Perfect Date Company," as the option should automatically be there. Luckily, you can use your friends' easels to design the company logo, saving you energy.
It's a Date 3
Dance with 4 Sims
Place 2 decorations from Pink Paradise collection
Play any type of piece on grand piano
Dancing with four Sims is as easy as visiting four friends and using their stereo. The two least expensive items that will complete that second requirement are the NeoN Pink and the InThePink Jo, which are 175 and 200 Simoleons, respectively. As for that grand piano, Bella happens to have one in her house that you can play.
Wedding Cake Plush Kitty Queen Bed
It's a Date 4
Have 4 Delicious Morsels
Have 6 Mixing Bowls
Prepare Meal 4 times
The four Delicious Morsels come from eating food, while the Mixing Bowls come from preparing certain dishes using the Cooking Skill menu through "Cater". Using the Cater option through, say, the Microwave will satisfy the final requirement.
It's a Date 5
Ask 5 Sims to Prom
Wash 5 times
Compose Music 5 times
The "Ask to Prom" should now appear when conversing with friends that you visit. After showering five times in your house, just select the Compose Music option on your guitar or other instrument five times.
Grand Piano Bird Cage Snow Globe
It's a Date 6
Add 1 friend
Check appearance 5 times on Fancy Dresser
Have 10 Bling
You can either find new friends the hard way, or just check out our The Sims Social Add-Me page right here. Since you won't have your own Fancy Dresser at this point, just use Bella's. The Bling comes from either requesting it from friends directly or finding it in the treasure chests that appear in your backyard.
It's a Date 7
Ask friends to Toast Your Way Business Genius
Gush to 5 Sims about Good News
Have 10 Dreams
The first requirement is a general News Feed option likely given in the quest's menu. To gush to five Sims, just visit your friends and the dialog option should be available. Dreams come from simply sleeping in your bed. Your final reward for completing this series of quests is the clockwork bird that your Sims can wind up
[Source: Aude06]
Are you enjoying Pink Paradise Week in The Sims Social? What do you think of the game so far?
Facebook to host social games hack-a-thon, hopefully to inspire variety
Let's face it, people: Things are getting a tad stale around here. (At least when it comes to popular Facebook games.) Facebook has said it, the developers have said it and we know you readers have, too. Finally, Facebook has decided to take the problem by the reins, and has announced a social game hack event in its headquarters in Palo Alot, Calif. Facebook wanted a social smörgåsbord, so it decided to try and make one itself.
The all-day event, held on Dec. 8 at Facebook HQ, will let developers get hands-on experience with developing Facebook games with the Facebook team, who will share best practices with the developers. Facebook specifically mentions the Open Graph, which developers like Zynga have already taken part in with games like CastleVille. But hopefully some of the company's desire for variety in Facebook games will rub off on the bigger folks. (So, more games like this?)
At the end of the event, developers with the most impressive games will be rewarded with prizes, and the announcement specifically mentions that the games do not have to be made from scratch at the event. Those interested can register for the event right here, but Facebook asks for developers only. What we're more interested in is the potential long term results, anyway.
[Image Credit: Eva Meszaros]
Do you agree that the Facebook game space needs more visible variety? What other types of games would you like to see on Facebook?
The all-day event, held on Dec. 8 at Facebook HQ, will let developers get hands-on experience with developing Facebook games with the Facebook team, who will share best practices with the developers. Facebook specifically mentions the Open Graph, which developers like Zynga have already taken part in with games like CastleVille. But hopefully some of the company's desire for variety in Facebook games will rub off on the bigger folks. (So, more games like this?)
At the end of the event, developers with the most impressive games will be rewarded with prizes, and the announcement specifically mentions that the games do not have to be made from scratch at the event. Those interested can register for the event right here, but Facebook asks for developers only. What we're more interested in is the potential long term results, anyway.
[Image Credit: Eva Meszaros]
Do you agree that the Facebook game space needs more visible variety? What other types of games would you like to see on Facebook?
Xbox 360 cures gamers' loneliness, goes social in Dashboard update
Alright, so maybe they weren't lonely, but we'll bet that, after this Xbox 360 Dashboard update, players friends list will magically grow. Microsoft's Major Nelson, or Larry Hryb, made the announcement earlier this week that the next major Xbox update will hit Dec. 6 on his blog. Come the week after next, players will be able to share to Facebook straight from the Dashboard.
But the updates go a bit deeper with the addition of Beacons, which allow players to broadcast status updates to their friends that share what games they would like to play with anyone interested. These open call-outs for in-game teammates can be pushed to players' Facebook Walls too. Other changes include cloud storage for games, meaning more space on players' hard drives and access to games from any Xbox 360.
In a way, you could say that makes games more "social" as well, lowering the barrier to playing games with friends in person (IRL, if you will) ever so slightly. But we can't help but notice Microsoft's growing focus on social, and wonder if it's a response at all to the arrival potential game changers like these to Facebook. It may only a matter of time before that competition heats up.
[Via Inside Social Games]
Are you excited at all by these changes to Xbox gaming? Do you think Xbox-like games could ever be popular/successful on Facebook?
But the updates go a bit deeper with the addition of Beacons, which allow players to broadcast status updates to their friends that share what games they would like to play with anyone interested. These open call-outs for in-game teammates can be pushed to players' Facebook Walls too. Other changes include cloud storage for games, meaning more space on players' hard drives and access to games from any Xbox 360.
In a way, you could say that makes games more "social" as well, lowering the barrier to playing games with friends in person (IRL, if you will) ever so slightly. But we can't help but notice Microsoft's growing focus on social, and wonder if it's a response at all to the arrival potential game changers like these to Facebook. It may only a matter of time before that competition heats up.
[Via Inside Social Games]
Are you excited at all by these changes to Xbox gaming? Do you think Xbox-like games could ever be popular/successful on Facebook?
Adventure World Radio Tower Expedition: Everything you need to know
Continuing in Adventure World's "Plane Crash" sub-story is another new Expedition that's now available in the game: Radio Tower. This Expedition sees a character named Ken giving you a tip that an old Radio Tower might be a good place to "scavenge some cargo." You'll be out to repair the Radio Tower, so that hopefully it can be used to prevent further plane crashes in the jungle in the future. You'll need 700 Supplies to access this Expedition, along with two each of Food, Fuel and Water. You'll have five days to finish this Expedition once you begin, so let's get started.
Gorilla Radio
Collect 6 Girders
Ask friends for 12 Vacuum Tubes
Repair the Radio Tower
All things considered, this map is a fairly small one, but there are ground-pounding Monkeys and Rams to worry about here. There's also a set of traps and plenty of debris blocking your path towards the Radio Tower in the center of the map, or to finding the Girders, which are scattered around the map. As for the Vacuum Tubes, you'll need to ask your friends to send them to you via individual requests.
Take the Tower Back
Place Relay Echo Foxtrot
Place Relay Kilo Bravo
Place Relay Oscar Zulu
This second goal is activated once you reach the center of the island and approach the actual Radio Tower. You're out to amplify it's power, so you'll need to go to three ends of the map (north, west and south) to place Relay Towers at the end of the rocky cliffs. There are Rams, traps and debris all along the way, so make sure you have plenty of energy before going in.
Rams on Parade
Place 3 Ram Baits
Defeat 3 Rams
Since Rams here have 12 hit points, you can easily spend three or four energy (or more) in simply defeating a single one. Ram Bait can be crafted inside Zoey's Tent back in Base Camp, so if you've yet to complete its construction, check out our guide to doing so.
Once you finish this straightforward Expedition, you'll apparently have secured a better means of communication between incoming aircraft and your Base Camp, so hopefully this will be the last plane crash we see in the game.
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Do you think this Radio Tower expedition will be challenging? Did you already complete the three other Expeditions in the Plane Crash storyline?
Gorilla Radio
Collect 6 Girders
Ask friends for 12 Vacuum Tubes
Repair the Radio Tower
All things considered, this map is a fairly small one, but there are ground-pounding Monkeys and Rams to worry about here. There's also a set of traps and plenty of debris blocking your path towards the Radio Tower in the center of the map, or to finding the Girders, which are scattered around the map. As for the Vacuum Tubes, you'll need to ask your friends to send them to you via individual requests.
Take the Tower Back
Place Relay Echo Foxtrot
Place Relay Kilo Bravo
Place Relay Oscar Zulu
This second goal is activated once you reach the center of the island and approach the actual Radio Tower. You're out to amplify it's power, so you'll need to go to three ends of the map (north, west and south) to place Relay Towers at the end of the rocky cliffs. There are Rams, traps and debris all along the way, so make sure you have plenty of energy before going in.
Rams on Parade
Place 3 Ram Baits
Defeat 3 Rams
Since Rams here have 12 hit points, you can easily spend three or four energy (or more) in simply defeating a single one. Ram Bait can be crafted inside Zoey's Tent back in Base Camp, so if you've yet to complete its construction, check out our guide to doing so.
Once you finish this straightforward Expedition, you'll apparently have secured a better means of communication between incoming aircraft and your Base Camp, so hopefully this will be the last plane crash we see in the game.
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Do you think this Radio Tower expedition will be challenging? Did you already complete the three other Expeditions in the Plane Crash storyline?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Triple Town, 'Civilization of match-3 games', goes Kindle to Facebook
Like most match-3 games--Bejeweled Blitz and Diamond Dash, for instance--you'll receive random pieces one at a time, but you get to control where they go on your grid. But unlike those traditional games, matching stuff doesn't make it disappear. Instead, matching stuff creates other stuff that's worth a lot more, thereby, netting you more points. The goal of the game is to get as high a score as possible by continuing to merge objects and not running out of space to put things.
'Zynga is making games for accidental gamers,' studio VP says
The studio head was implying that Zynga doesn't create video games for hardcore or traditional gamers. Sure, that's stating the obvious, but it's vitally important to remember when looking at Zynga's games. They're not exactly technological marvels, accessible to those who just don't get the complexity of controllers and traversing 3D space. But as players progress, they become well-versed in increasingly complex interfaces, thus becoming, well, gamers.
Zynga studio VP Lou Castle leaves for Las Vegas casino games maker
Castle is best known for his contributions in creating the famed strategy game series, Command & Conquer, as co-founder of Westwood Studios. The former Zynga executive most recently joins Treasure Isle GM Jeremy Verba in leaving the company. Verba also entered a completely different industry, becoming the CEO of famous (or infamous?) online dating website eHarmony.
You might be able to invest in Zynga just in time for Turkey Day
The company has delayed its IPO in fear of a shaky market, but recently held Zynga Unleashed, a press event that announced a number of new games and initiatives like Project Z. While this was certainly to show off what the company had in store for its fans (and to show off its spiffy new offices), we're sure Zynga was looking to impress investors and analysts. If successful, this move could set the big red dog on the track to becoming the most valuable game company around. And with 70 times voting power on his share of the company, you can be sure that CEO Mark Pincus (pictured) will be at the reins.
Facebook has more gamers than Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo combined?
Social games have no doubt garnered more players in such a short amount of time than any gaming platform to date. But, if you look at the amount of consoles shipped and sold by all three major manufacturers, Beard's claim appears to fall a bit short. That is, unless Beard is talking online gamers. Then Facebook just might have the big three beat, to which Beard said, "These aren't games with friends sprinkled on top; it's more about social interactions with gaming on top."
Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter goes live on Facebook
Movement is achieved on a grid, with this turn-based game automatically allowing you to move at the beginning of each turn. When commanding a party, you'll be able to complete multiple actions, including attacking or opening your inventory with each character before needing to manually end their turn and start over with the next character. Once each "adventure" in the game is complete, you'll receive experience points for the battles you won and the tasks you completed in the process. For immediate prizes, you'll sometimes be able to loot your fallen enemies, selecting a prize from a list of ten. You can choose randomly from ten cards, or can use a potion to reveal items before you choose.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Akihabara Stabbing Massacre Inspiring New Motion Picture
June 2008 was tragic. Then 25-year-old Tomohiro Kato went on a stabbing rampage in Tokyo’s geek district, leaving seven dead and 10 injured. He was sentenced to death earlier this year. Not exactly the feel-good backdrop for a movie.
Written and directed by prolific filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, the movie, dubbed River, follows a young woman who lost her otaku boyfriend in the attack. She slowly rebuilds her life, interacting with Akihabara inhabitants and even working in a maid cafe.
The film’s director has made an array of films on difficult topics, but online in Japan, many are complaining that a movie like this is unnecessary and too soon.
Written and directed by prolific filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, the movie, dubbed River, follows a young woman who lost her otaku boyfriend in the attack. She slowly rebuilds her life, interacting with Akihabara inhabitants and even working in a maid cafe.
The film’s director has made an array of films on difficult topics, but online in Japan, many are complaining that a movie like this is unnecessary and too soon.
Japanese English Versus Siri
Siri is not only miffed by Scottish English, it also doesn’t follow English spoken with a Japanese accent.
“Work” and “walk” are notoriously difficult for Japanese speakers — largely because the Japanese loan word for “work” is “waaku” (ワーク). Japanese people are used to saying “waaku” for “work”.
The gentlemen who recorded this video has a good accent and more patience than I.
“Work” and “walk” are notoriously difficult for Japanese speakers — largely because the Japanese loan word for “work” is “waaku” (ワーク). Japanese people are used to saying “waaku” for “work”.
The gentlemen who recorded this video has a good accent and more patience than I.
China’s First Game Console Dated And Priced
The iSec, Lenovo’s home game console, was supposed to be out soon. According to Chinese reports, it will get a limited release this December in the Mainland. Previously called the eBox, the iSec has Kinect-style controls and will cost 3000 yuan ($460).
How iSec’s release will factor into China’s ban on game consoles, we shall see.
How iSec’s release will factor into China’s ban on game consoles, we shall see.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Best-Ever Zombies Ate My Neighbours Arcade Machine
Frankly if you’re not, right now, building your own paper-mache arcade machine to house a ZSNES-powered laptop to play Zombies At My Neighbours, then you’re doing something horribly, horribly wrong.
It would be an understatement to declare myself inadequate as both man and gamer after seeing this gorgeous monstrosity, constructed by Reddit user “resslx” for an upcoming Halloween shindig. Can you believe it’s just five cardboard boxes on a black filing cabinet with two coats of suitably fearsome spraypaint? Oh, and all that paper-mache business.
Hit up resslx’s blog at the link below for a slightly longer explanation than what I’ve posted here.
[Rezlmix, via Reddit]
It would be an understatement to declare myself inadequate as both man and gamer after seeing this gorgeous monstrosity, constructed by Reddit user “resslx” for an upcoming Halloween shindig. Can you believe it’s just five cardboard boxes on a black filing cabinet with two coats of suitably fearsome spraypaint? Oh, and all that paper-mache business.
Hit up resslx’s blog at the link below for a slightly longer explanation than what I’ve posted here.
[Rezlmix, via Reddit]
In Real Life Ask Me Stuff: Game Developer Edition
Here’s a different angle on your regular dose of Ask Me Stuff, which the impregnable Mark Serrels does a mighty fine job of tackling from the journo side of the equation. But what about the poor developers he and Tracey harass on a daily basis?
Over three years in professional games development, the majority spent as a game designer, and now indie games dude, I’ve seen and done some things. Or at least I like to think.
Anyway, if there’s anything you’re curious about, be it games development local or abroad, in a proper studio or enveloped and partially comatose in the vivid stench of a basement, ask it here in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer.
Over three years in professional games development, the majority spent as a game designer, and now indie games dude, I’ve seen and done some things. Or at least I like to think.
Anyway, if there’s anything you’re curious about, be it games development local or abroad, in a proper studio or enveloped and partially comatose in the vivid stench of a basement, ask it here in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Who tried for the Killzone 3 beta?
I have downloaded the necessary theme to have a chance to be in the Killzone 3 beta. Sat for 15 mins refreshing the store until it popped up, which it finally did around 20:02, according to my PS3 clock. Even got a half day off work to get home to catch it. Pity the theme is pretty crappy lol guess they needed the beta invite to get people to download it. Nothing to do now but keep my fingers crossed and hope for an e-mail. Hopefully I can contribute something useful towards the development of the multi-player, which is looking awesome!
Delay Turismo 5
What we thought was finally etched in stone, disappeared like it never happened. Obviously I’m talking about the release date of the most anticipated game of the Holiday season, Gran Turismo 5. Set for a November 2nd release in the US, it is now set for a Holiday 2010 release but no official date yet. Sony promised that it will see the light of day before 2011 hopefully to calm down the angry fanboys that were counting down the days to the release.
Speaking of the angry fanboys, reading those blogs and comments made me realize how people are so impulsive on the internet! They absolutely want to know why it happened, and no matter what answer they get (For polishing or marketing reasons) they won’t be satisfied with it. They’re so mad about the delay that they reconsider their excitement they had 3 seconds before learning the bad news. They also flood the internet with negative comments about the game and the fact that sales will drop significantly. I could go on and on about this…
GT5 is hyped as the next best thing to Jesus and with reason. Feature wise, no racing game as far as I know boasts this much content on a single disk. On top of the quantity, there is no reason to believe that quality won’t be part of the equation. I won’t lie, I’m disappointed about this delay but if it means a more polished game, and/or a better spot for Sony on the Holiday calendar, then I can wait. Polyphony Digital doesn’t owe anything to anyone, if they want to release the game in 2014 on the PS4, it’s their decision and that’s it. The day of release when gamers will dish out their 60$, that’s the moment when people can start complaining to PD if they’re not happy about something. But for now PD owes you jack s***. (Those with pre-orders that paid the full amount, well that’s the risk to take!!)
So to the impulsive kind, I say take a chill pill, unwrap and play some of those games you bought but haven’t started yet. Maybe you should also finish some of those games you have ongoing. Or simply enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall season! Hopefully all of this will pass the time until the release of GT5.
Speaking of the angry fanboys, reading those blogs and comments made me realize how people are so impulsive on the internet! They absolutely want to know why it happened, and no matter what answer they get (For polishing or marketing reasons) they won’t be satisfied with it. They’re so mad about the delay that they reconsider their excitement they had 3 seconds before learning the bad news. They also flood the internet with negative comments about the game and the fact that sales will drop significantly. I could go on and on about this…
GT5 is hyped as the next best thing to Jesus and with reason. Feature wise, no racing game as far as I know boasts this much content on a single disk. On top of the quantity, there is no reason to believe that quality won’t be part of the equation. I won’t lie, I’m disappointed about this delay but if it means a more polished game, and/or a better spot for Sony on the Holiday calendar, then I can wait. Polyphony Digital doesn’t owe anything to anyone, if they want to release the game in 2014 on the PS4, it’s their decision and that’s it. The day of release when gamers will dish out their 60$, that’s the moment when people can start complaining to PD if they’re not happy about something. But for now PD owes you jack s***. (Those with pre-orders that paid the full amount, well that’s the risk to take!!)
So to the impulsive kind, I say take a chill pill, unwrap and play some of those games you bought but haven’t started yet. Maybe you should also finish some of those games you have ongoing. Or simply enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall season! Hopefully all of this will pass the time until the release of GT5.
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