True to its name, in order to play Donate2Play Media's first new game, Wordraiser, you're going to have to pony up some change. Wordraiser is an anagram game that has players make as many words as possible out of one word.
If you manage to guess the key word, you get to level up. After leveling up a few times, you'll be asked to buy "Karma Points" that enable you to play more games.
Donation packages range from $1 to $20 USD, where $1 USD equals 10 Karma Points, which is good for buying one game. But right now, it seems that there's nothing stopping you from playing as much as you want. We're not sure if this is a bug, as the game just launched during the previous weekend.
While Wordraiser is supposedly free-to-play, it's also the offspring of Donate2Play's partnership with The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), a Canadian grassroots organization devoted to finding the balance between forestry jobs and preserving British Columbia's ancient woodlands (defined as tree populations that are over 120 years old). So half of the money given to Wordraiser will be split between AFA and Donate2Play.
Gallery: Wordraiser
Lastly, there's a top ten high scores leaderboard that displays players' names followed by their levels, and two of AFA's founders, TJ Watts and Ken Wu, are currently on the board in ninth and third place, respectively. According to its Facebook page, Wordraiser currently has 202 monthly users.
Keep in mind, though, that Donate2Play is doing all the heavy lifting here, with no risk or prior investment from AFA. Outreach for the game is done via automatic Facebook wall posts. Players will also receive facts about British Columbian forests during load screens and photos of these forests by TJ Watt.
[Hat-tip: Times Colonist]
Click here to play Wordraiser on Facebook now >
Would you rather donate to a charity directly than through a Facebook game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 9, 2011
Adventure World: Redeem a Zynga Game Card for 15 free energy packs
If you've become a fan of Zynga's newest Facebook game Adventure World (now Adventure World - An Indiana Jones Game), and are ready to lay down some real-world money in the game, you now have some extra incentive to do so. For every Game Card redeemed in the game, you'll receive 15 Energy Packs.
Unfortunately, we're not sure exactly what that means. We'd love for it to mean 15 full energy refills, but if you look inside the game, a 30 Energy pot of coffee costs a whopping 30 Adventure Cash. Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like something Zynga would just give away for free, especially in bulk. This leaves us with another option, the single cup of coffee, which gives you just five energy points. This would be a decent boost, since we're talking about a "free" prize after all, but even then, it still likely won't take you long to burn through all of those bonus energy points.
What's worse, there's yet another option for energy refills: a Bolt that gives you just one energy point. Surely this isn't the "Energy Packs" Zynga is talking about, but it's something to keep in mind all the same. We're working on discovering just which kind of "Energy Pack" you'll receive when redeeming a Zynga Game Card, but for now, why not take a look at our tools upgrade guide, so you'll be able to upgrade your tools to do more work for less energy to make all of your points go that much further.
Will you redeem a Zynga Game Card to earn 15 free Energy Packs? If you have, which specific kind of pack did you receive? Sound off in the comments.
Unfortunately, we're not sure exactly what that means. We'd love for it to mean 15 full energy refills, but if you look inside the game, a 30 Energy pot of coffee costs a whopping 30 Adventure Cash. Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like something Zynga would just give away for free, especially in bulk. This leaves us with another option, the single cup of coffee, which gives you just five energy points. This would be a decent boost, since we're talking about a "free" prize after all, but even then, it still likely won't take you long to burn through all of those bonus energy points.
What's worse, there's yet another option for energy refills: a Bolt that gives you just one energy point. Surely this isn't the "Energy Packs" Zynga is talking about, but it's something to keep in mind all the same. We're working on discovering just which kind of "Energy Pack" you'll receive when redeeming a Zynga Game Card, but for now, why not take a look at our tools upgrade guide, so you'll be able to upgrade your tools to do more work for less energy to make all of your points go that much further.
Will you redeem a Zynga Game Card to earn 15 free Energy Packs? If you have, which specific kind of pack did you receive? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World RewardVille prizes now available
Amid the fanfare of Zynga's newest game Adventure World officially joining forces with the Indiana Jones brand, it might be easy to let the idea of RewardVille prizes slip your mind. Still, if you're an active player of many of Zynga's games, you'll be able to trade in your hard-earned zCoins for some prizes within this newest offering.
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead? Sound off in the comments.
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead? Sound off in the comments.
3 Blokes launches strategic assault on Facebook with Galactic Allies
Galactic Allies on Facebook
We can almost hear the 3 Blokes team in Australia screaming "Fire everything!" as they hit the proverbial "Launch" button on its first Facebook game under publisher RockYou, Galactic Allies. (It would be most appropriate, no?) Real-time strategy fans can jump in on the thrill of space-faring, asynchronous player vs player combat, complete with 3D visuals.
Essentially, Galactic Allies is RockYou and 3 Blokes's answer to the growing trend of hardcore strategy games on Facebook. However, the duo make a point of mentioning that this is a more casual approach to the burgeoning sub genre, and that the game features a heavy focus on an episodic storyline. And in keeping with current trends sparked by developers like Kixeye in War Commander, players can control units individually.
Gallery: Galactic Allies on Facebook
This means you'll likely be able to maneuver your starships around enemy fire, adding another layer of strategy to combat in the game. "Galactic Allies alters expectations for what a Facebook game can be," said 3 Blokes VP and GM George Fidler in a release. "It's a deep and compelling strategy game, but with the accessibility of a browser game." (It also looks like it takes the general idea behind Galactic Trader, one of 3 Blokes's first games, and blows it wide open using some familiar art assets.)
Hopefully this accessible approach will apply to the litany of upgrades players will accumulate across various missions and episodes. Judging from these early screen shots, it looks like Galactic Allies will focus heavily on dialog, but more importantly: Battles will take place both on the surface of alien planets and far above them in the infinite void. In other words, there will be plenty of things high and low to make go boom in Galactic Allies.
Click here to learn more about Galactic Allies on Facebook >
Are you a fan of strategy games on Facebook? How do you think Galactic Allies might size up against its competition? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
We can almost hear the 3 Blokes team in Australia screaming "Fire everything!" as they hit the proverbial "Launch" button on its first Facebook game under publisher RockYou, Galactic Allies. (It would be most appropriate, no?) Real-time strategy fans can jump in on the thrill of space-faring, asynchronous player vs player combat, complete with 3D visuals.
Essentially, Galactic Allies is RockYou and 3 Blokes's answer to the growing trend of hardcore strategy games on Facebook. However, the duo make a point of mentioning that this is a more casual approach to the burgeoning sub genre, and that the game features a heavy focus on an episodic storyline. And in keeping with current trends sparked by developers like Kixeye in War Commander, players can control units individually.
Gallery: Galactic Allies on Facebook
This means you'll likely be able to maneuver your starships around enemy fire, adding another layer of strategy to combat in the game. "Galactic Allies alters expectations for what a Facebook game can be," said 3 Blokes VP and GM George Fidler in a release. "It's a deep and compelling strategy game, but with the accessibility of a browser game." (It also looks like it takes the general idea behind Galactic Trader, one of 3 Blokes's first games, and blows it wide open using some familiar art assets.)
Hopefully this accessible approach will apply to the litany of upgrades players will accumulate across various missions and episodes. Judging from these early screen shots, it looks like Galactic Allies will focus heavily on dialog, but more importantly: Battles will take place both on the surface of alien planets and far above them in the infinite void. In other words, there will be plenty of things high and low to make go boom in Galactic Allies.
Click here to learn more about Galactic Allies on Facebook >
Are you a fan of strategy games on Facebook? How do you think Galactic Allies might size up against its competition? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 9, 2011
NHL Superstars coming to Facebook in October
Adding to its popular brand of "Superstars" titles on Facebook, Electronic Arts has announced the production of NHL Superstars for Facebook. This new game, as reported by ShackNews, comes on the heels of EA's NHL 12 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 breaking franchise records for the biggest launch week in the franchise's history.
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team? Sound off in the comments.
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team? Sound off in the comments.
Soon, you might score some Angry Birds with that Starbucks macchiato
Angry Birds Starbucks
"Hey, I'll take a grande caramel cappuccino ... with an Angry Bird on top? Yeah, that works." We doubt most Starbucks baristas would do this nonsense just for you, but you might at least be playing a lot more Angry Birds in Starbucks locations soon. In fact, according to Bloomberg, you may soon take trips to Starbucks specifically to play Rovio's wildly successful game.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Rovio SVP Wibe Wagemans said that his company is in talks with the Seattle-based coffee company to set up virtual goods offers and perhaps even digital scoreboards in Starbucks locations. Keep in mind, however, that this is the same guy who made lofty claims like, "We are now the fastest-growing consumer brand in history."
But what honestly leads us to believe that this isn't merely poppycock is that the Finnish game developer has conducted similar partnerships with national companies in the past. Take Barnes and Noble bookstores, for instance, which offered Nook e-reader owners a free Mighty Eagle download earlier this year--just for visiting with their device in tow.
And don't forget that you can already find a bunch of Angry Birds-themed retail items like plush dolls and t-shirts in the book seller's stores. More importantly, who runs the in-house Barnes and Noble cafes? Yup, Starbucks. So, despite Starbucks's refusal to comment on or acknowledge whether it's talking to Rovio, all signs are pointing at least to a dash of Mighty Eagle with your mocha macchiato.
And Starbucks would be kind of dumb not at least dip one toe into the Angry Birds nest. With toys, cook books and a feature film in the works, Rovio's flagship brand is huge. Not to mention that a Facebook version of the game is in the works, according to Wagemans, which would all but blow this franchise wide open. It's a good time for Angry Birds, and they're looking to share the wealth ... anywhere, really.
[Image Credit: Food Beast]
Would you go to Starbucks just to keep your high score above your fellow coffee snobs lovers'? What do you think of Rovio's immense push into the retail world with Angry Birds? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
"Hey, I'll take a grande caramel cappuccino ... with an Angry Bird on top? Yeah, that works." We doubt most Starbucks baristas would do this nonsense just for you, but you might at least be playing a lot more Angry Birds in Starbucks locations soon. In fact, according to Bloomberg, you may soon take trips to Starbucks specifically to play Rovio's wildly successful game.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Rovio SVP Wibe Wagemans said that his company is in talks with the Seattle-based coffee company to set up virtual goods offers and perhaps even digital scoreboards in Starbucks locations. Keep in mind, however, that this is the same guy who made lofty claims like, "We are now the fastest-growing consumer brand in history."
But what honestly leads us to believe that this isn't merely poppycock is that the Finnish game developer has conducted similar partnerships with national companies in the past. Take Barnes and Noble bookstores, for instance, which offered Nook e-reader owners a free Mighty Eagle download earlier this year--just for visiting with their device in tow.
And don't forget that you can already find a bunch of Angry Birds-themed retail items like plush dolls and t-shirts in the book seller's stores. More importantly, who runs the in-house Barnes and Noble cafes? Yup, Starbucks. So, despite Starbucks's refusal to comment on or acknowledge whether it's talking to Rovio, all signs are pointing at least to a dash of Mighty Eagle with your mocha macchiato.
And Starbucks would be kind of dumb not at least dip one toe into the Angry Birds nest. With toys, cook books and a feature film in the works, Rovio's flagship brand is huge. Not to mention that a Facebook version of the game is in the works, according to Wagemans, which would all but blow this franchise wide open. It's a good time for Angry Birds, and they're looking to share the wealth ... anywhere, really.
[Image Credit: Food Beast]
Would you go to Starbucks just to keep your high score above your fellow coffee snobs lovers'? What do you think of Rovio's immense push into the retail world with Angry Birds? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Social game network Hi5 suffers 'significant' layoffs, pushes onward
Hopefully not sounding too crass, but this is one of the unfortunate if efficient advantages of technology. TechCrunch reports that Hi5, a social game network looking to compete with Google+ Games and Facebook in 2012, has laid off 28 employees. The decision, confirmed by infamous pundit and Hi5 president and CTO Alex St. John, was made in response to new tech:
"We have also been building the next generation site in a new architecture, .NET framework, and have moved away from Open Source and Java technology," St. John told TechCrunch. "As we have recently turned the corner on our technology migration efforts we have been able to significantly reduce the number of positions required to support the older hi5 site and are in the process of re-organizing the company to focus entirely on the development and deployment of our next generation social play site."
Simply put, technological advances in how the future Hi5 website will work has led to automation in web support that was before handled by multiple employees. Since the new website can handle much of those tasks on its own, 28 of those full-time and contract workers were deemed no longer necessary. TechCrunch recalls this is far from the first time Hi5 has trimmed the fat, so to speak.
The company, originally a general-use social network, has since pivoted toward capitalizing on social gaming. Early next year, it will unveil its next generation social gaming network with 28 fewer people to celebrate, sadly. "The departing folks were very talented and we hated to let them go but our business is changing rapidly now," St. John said to TechCrunch. "We hope that other great companies in this area snap them up quickly."
Even with its automated enhancements, it will be interesting to see just whether Hi5 can hop into the ring with the big league players, Facebook and Google. Its strategy doesn't seem to be one of scale, so we're intrigued to see what's up St. John's sleeve. Regardless, best wishes to those 28 unfortunate folks--may you find super awesome gigs elsewhere.
What do you think of this news just as Hi5 prepares to enter its next phase of social gaming? Do you think the company could become a viable competitor to Facebook and Google in social games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"We have also been building the next generation site in a new architecture, .NET framework, and have moved away from Open Source and Java technology," St. John told TechCrunch. "As we have recently turned the corner on our technology migration efforts we have been able to significantly reduce the number of positions required to support the older hi5 site and are in the process of re-organizing the company to focus entirely on the development and deployment of our next generation social play site."
Simply put, technological advances in how the future Hi5 website will work has led to automation in web support that was before handled by multiple employees. Since the new website can handle much of those tasks on its own, 28 of those full-time and contract workers were deemed no longer necessary. TechCrunch recalls this is far from the first time Hi5 has trimmed the fat, so to speak.
The company, originally a general-use social network, has since pivoted toward capitalizing on social gaming. Early next year, it will unveil its next generation social gaming network with 28 fewer people to celebrate, sadly. "The departing folks were very talented and we hated to let them go but our business is changing rapidly now," St. John said to TechCrunch. "We hope that other great companies in this area snap them up quickly."
Even with its automated enhancements, it will be interesting to see just whether Hi5 can hop into the ring with the big league players, Facebook and Google. Its strategy doesn't seem to be one of scale, so we're intrigued to see what's up St. John's sleeve. Regardless, best wishes to those 28 unfortunate folks--may you find super awesome gigs elsewhere.
What do you think of this news just as Hi5 prepares to enter its next phase of social gaming? Do you think the company could become a viable competitor to Facebook and Google in social games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Zynga reveals Mafia Wars 2, to be a 'badass' Facebook game [Video]
To most, Facebook gaming is nothing but farmland, cows and rainbows with a dash of brand endorsement. Zynga, one of the stereotype's main offenders, hopes to set the record straight with Mafia Wars 2. A full-blown sequel to the original text-based Facebook RPG (role-playing game), Mafia Wars 2 will bring the franchise into "a vast 3D world where being bad never felt so good."
Judging from this early artwork and the ... interesting trailer below, it seems as if Zynga could make good on previous speculation that its next Mafia Wars game would take a more literal approach in paying homage to its inspirations.
The trailer is set to Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song," you know, so its badassery really sets in. Jokes (about the narration) aside, the video is impressively-edited with its stylistic, "golden" approach to blood and gore.
Unfortunately, all we know about Mafia Wars 2 is apparently how badass it's going to be. While that may be all some need to get psyched, you can check out and "Like" the game's official Facebook fan page to find out more about the game.
Oh, and you'll score some early items for the game by hopping on board early like some accessories for your character and decorations. These already tell us a great deal about the game--fully customizable 3D avatars, anyone? Alright, now we know you're hyped.
[Video and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to get your clickers on some fresh gang bustin' in Mafia Wars 2? What did you think of the announcement trailer? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
Judging from this early artwork and the ... interesting trailer below, it seems as if Zynga could make good on previous speculation that its next Mafia Wars game would take a more literal approach in paying homage to its inspirations.
The trailer is set to Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song," you know, so its badassery really sets in. Jokes (about the narration) aside, the video is impressively-edited with its stylistic, "golden" approach to blood and gore.
Unfortunately, all we know about Mafia Wars 2 is apparently how badass it's going to be. While that may be all some need to get psyched, you can check out and "Like" the game's official Facebook fan page to find out more about the game.
Oh, and you'll score some early items for the game by hopping on board early like some accessories for your character and decorations. These already tell us a great deal about the game--fully customizable 3D avatars, anyone? Alright, now we know you're hyped.
[Video and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to get your clickers on some fresh gang bustin' in Mafia Wars 2? What did you think of the announcement trailer? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
Finally, hang out with your Android buddies in Hanging With Friends
It looks like Tuesday is unofficially Zynga Game Day, as the company just announced that Hanging With Friends is now available for free on the Android Market. Keep in mind, this comes just minutes after the company revealed Mafia Wars 2. Even better news than the fact that Android players can get in on Zynga With Friends's second mobile game is that it's now cross-platform ready.
Yes, now you can play both your iPhone-toting friends and your best Android-owning enemies buds in this crazy take on the classic pen and paper game of Hangman. In case you're unfamiliar, Hanging With Friends takes the popular turn-based exchange of the wildly popular Words With Friends and applies that to a wacky game of Hangman, but with some twists.
For one, players who choose their word for an opponent are limited by the letters provided to them. Then, that challenge is sent to a player who must guess the word with a limited amount of guesses. This exchange of posing challenges and guesses continues asynchronously until one player loses all of their balloons and falls into a pit of lava or other various deathtraps.
Luckily, you have a series of power-ups at your disposal that can restore some of your guesses or reveal letters that may or may not be part of the word your friend chose in secret. Of course, these boosts cost Coins, which you can accumulate over time by winning Hanging With Friends matches or purchasing them outright in-game.
Gallery: Hanging With Friends on Android
Of course, the Android version contains all of the features that its iOS counterpart sports, like the ability to play up to 20 games at a time, in-game chat and push notifications. Finally, you can add friends via your existing With Friends account, or just connect to Facebook (like everyone else) to find more folks to crush with your wordsmithery. Have at thee, Fandroids.
Click here to download Hanging With Friends on the Android Market Now >
Are you psyched that Hanging With Friends has finally come to Android? What other Zynga games do you hope to see on Android phones on the future? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Yes, now you can play both your iPhone-toting friends and your best Android-owning enemies buds in this crazy take on the classic pen and paper game of Hangman. In case you're unfamiliar, Hanging With Friends takes the popular turn-based exchange of the wildly popular Words With Friends and applies that to a wacky game of Hangman, but with some twists.
For one, players who choose their word for an opponent are limited by the letters provided to them. Then, that challenge is sent to a player who must guess the word with a limited amount of guesses. This exchange of posing challenges and guesses continues asynchronously until one player loses all of their balloons and falls into a pit of lava or other various deathtraps.
Luckily, you have a series of power-ups at your disposal that can restore some of your guesses or reveal letters that may or may not be part of the word your friend chose in secret. Of course, these boosts cost Coins, which you can accumulate over time by winning Hanging With Friends matches or purchasing them outright in-game.
Gallery: Hanging With Friends on Android
Of course, the Android version contains all of the features that its iOS counterpart sports, like the ability to play up to 20 games at a time, in-game chat and push notifications. Finally, you can add friends via your existing With Friends account, or just connect to Facebook (like everyone else) to find more folks to crush with your wordsmithery. Have at thee, Fandroids.
Click here to download Hanging With Friends on the Android Market Now >
Are you psyched that Hanging With Friends has finally come to Android? What other Zynga games do you hope to see on Android phones on the future? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Game of the Day: Alchemy
alchemy game of the dayAlchemy is a game of strategy and wit. Carefully place runes and turn the entire board to gold. You can only place runes next to pieces of the same color or shape. However, you can place a rune of any color or shape next to a grey stone. If you can't place the rune, you may discard it. But be careful, discard four runes in a row and it'll be game over! If you fill a row or column with runes, they'll all disappear, opening up the board. Similarly, a skull will let you destroy any rune on the board.
Alchemy may seem complicated at first, but once you grasp the basics, you'll be hooked on its addictive gameplay. Good luck!
Click here to play Alchemy!
alchemy game of the day alchemy game of the day
What did you think of Alchemy? Where you able to turn lead into gold?
Alchemy may seem complicated at first, but once you grasp the basics, you'll be hooked on its addictive gameplay. Good luck!
Click here to play Alchemy!
alchemy game of the day alchemy game of the day
What did you think of Alchemy? Where you able to turn lead into gold?
Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski is awfully addicted to Angry Birds
Another falls to the power of casual games. Just as actress Emma Stone had to go cold turkey on FarmVille, Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski has admitted to Collider an acute Angry Birds addiction. The actress (and voice of Miranda Lawson in Bioware's Mass Effect series) told the website she's not just hopelessly addicted to the game, but has some serious bird-slinging game.
"I don't know if this classifies as a video game, but I have a terrible obsession with Angry Birds," Strahovski admitted to Collider. "I have 3 stared every single level that has ever come out ever except for this one in this moon thing that just came out." Well, she already has me beat, it seems, and likely many of you.
When asked whether she used YouTube or something else to cheat, the Australian starlet replied, "No. I am legitimate. The only thing I looked up is that I could't find the last two golden watermelons in the Rio version. I could't find them. I was like, 'Where are the watermelons?!' So I had to go online and find out where they were." Alright, we get it, so you know your stuff.
Her next mission? Clear every level in the game with 100 percent using the Mighty Eagle. Well, I guess that's about the only challenge she has left, considering she's obliterated every last level. After that, maybe she might consider voice over work for the upcoming Angry Birds movie when it goes into production in oh, I don't know, two years? And who knows, maybe you'll catch her in a Starbucks, flicking away to destroy your high score sometime soon.
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit: Collider]
Are you still addicted to Angry Birds after all this time? Have you accomplished more in the game than lovely Yvonne? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"I don't know if this classifies as a video game, but I have a terrible obsession with Angry Birds," Strahovski admitted to Collider. "I have 3 stared every single level that has ever come out ever except for this one in this moon thing that just came out." Well, she already has me beat, it seems, and likely many of you.
When asked whether she used YouTube or something else to cheat, the Australian starlet replied, "No. I am legitimate. The only thing I looked up is that I could't find the last two golden watermelons in the Rio version. I could't find them. I was like, 'Where are the watermelons?!' So I had to go online and find out where they were." Alright, we get it, so you know your stuff.
Her next mission? Clear every level in the game with 100 percent using the Mighty Eagle. Well, I guess that's about the only challenge she has left, considering she's obliterated every last level. After that, maybe she might consider voice over work for the upcoming Angry Birds movie when it goes into production in oh, I don't know, two years? And who knows, maybe you'll catch her in a Starbucks, flicking away to destroy your high score sometime soon.
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit: Collider]
Are you still addicted to Angry Birds after all this time? Have you accomplished more in the game than lovely Yvonne? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: AlexisSkrull's petting zoo
A few days ago, I featured a massive FarmVille zoo. However, plenty of folks complained that it was just too crowded and busy. While it was a super detailed zoo, the jumbled appearance diminished its aesthetic appeal. Today's featured zoo farm resolves many of the issues present in the old farm, by attempting a simpler approach to the FarmVille zoo.
Today's featured farm, created by AlexisSkrull, is in many ways quite humble. For instance, it doesn't even fill the whole farm plot and there are no fancy complex illusions to be found. However, the simplicity of the fenced in pens full of animals is charming. It reminds me of the early days of FarmVille and FrontierVille, when all I had was a few animals, crops, and some decorations that I was forced to buy in order to complete goals.
Of course, in reality this farm is far more detailed than my boring starter farm. There are unique habitats and exhibitions built for various animals. So make sure to look closely at the images below to get the full effect of AlexisSkrull's farm.
Click the images to make them larger.
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
What do you think of AlexisSkrull's zoo farm? Which zoo farm do you prefer?
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!
Today's featured farm, created by AlexisSkrull, is in many ways quite humble. For instance, it doesn't even fill the whole farm plot and there are no fancy complex illusions to be found. However, the simplicity of the fenced in pens full of animals is charming. It reminds me of the early days of FarmVille and FrontierVille, when all I had was a few animals, crops, and some decorations that I was forced to buy in order to complete goals.
Of course, in reality this farm is far more detailed than my boring starter farm. There are unique habitats and exhibitions built for various animals. So make sure to look closely at the images below to get the full effect of AlexisSkrull's farm.
Click the images to make them larger.
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
What do you think of AlexisSkrull's zoo farm? Which zoo farm do you prefer?
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!
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 9, 2011
FarmVille: Visit the Capital One farm for a free Capital One Goat
As we told you earlier this week, Zynga has officially launched a three-part cross-promotion with Capital One that sees the brand returning to FarmVille (and also making an appearance in CityVille and the Pioneer Trail). For FarmVille, we see the Capital One farm being added to our neighbor bars, and an incentive being offered for actually visiting said farm.
Once you visit the Capital One farm (don't worry if it doesn't show up in your friends list; an in-game prompt will appear allowing you to access it), you'll find that you don't really need to do anything here, except take in the scenery and click on the "Help Out" button that quickly appears. This sees the Capital One Goat (you'll know it's him as he's wearing sunglasses) harvesting crops and boosting animal storage buildings before being given to you as a gift.
What's more, if you agree to visit the Capital One Facebook Page, and then "Like" it, you'll receive one free application of "Capital One Grow," or instant grow for your farm. On top of this, there's also a Capital One Gift available to send to your friends on the FarmVille free gifts page, that can contain all sorts of goodies, so make sure to send some while you can. It will only be available to send for the next nine days.
Any and all of these prizes will appear in your Gift Box when you return to your farm, so make sure to check them out!
What do you think of this newest Capital One promotion? Will you save your Capital One grow for a Double Mastery event, or will you use it right away? Sound off in the comments.
Once you visit the Capital One farm (don't worry if it doesn't show up in your friends list; an in-game prompt will appear allowing you to access it), you'll find that you don't really need to do anything here, except take in the scenery and click on the "Help Out" button that quickly appears. This sees the Capital One Goat (you'll know it's him as he's wearing sunglasses) harvesting crops and boosting animal storage buildings before being given to you as a gift.
What's more, if you agree to visit the Capital One Facebook Page, and then "Like" it, you'll receive one free application of "Capital One Grow," or instant grow for your farm. On top of this, there's also a Capital One Gift available to send to your friends on the FarmVille free gifts page, that can contain all sorts of goodies, so make sure to send some while you can. It will only be available to send for the next nine days.
Any and all of these prizes will appear in your Gift Box when you return to your farm, so make sure to check them out!
What do you think of this newest Capital One promotion? Will you save your Capital One grow for a Double Mastery event, or will you use it right away? Sound off in the comments.
CityVille Capital One Bank: Everything you need to know
While we already knew that Capital One would be appearing via a new bank building in CityVille, we didn't know the exact details until now. That's right - the promotion has launched in the game this evening, bringing with it the "branded business" in the form of the Capital One Bank. This bank looks like a fairly modern building, and has Capital One written along the top corner, but overall isn't overly "advertising." It costs 5,000 coins to add to your town, and must be built using four energy to build the frame.
From there, you won't be able to actually name your building, but you can operate it using Goods like other businesses. Specifically, the Bank requires 100 Goods to put into service and will reward you with 500 coins once those Goods are used. What makes this particular business special however is that it introduces "branded business mastery" to the game.
While this doesn't give us any sort of indication as to what other "branded" businesses will be coming to the game, we do know that we have just over a month to master this one. As with upgrading businesses, mastering the Capital One Bank will require you to continually stock and collect from the business whenever possible, with each round giving you a single point. Once you reach 50 points, you'll receive your reward, which we know is some form of decoration (probably a statue), but don't have the specific name as of this writing.
As for purchasing the building, it has a different time limit than that for actually earning your decorative reward. You can only purchase the Capital One Bank from the store for the next 28 days, giving you around a week to earn the decoration even after that point. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Capital One Bank and the new branded business mastery feature? What sorts of branded businesses do you hope Zynga releases in the future? Sound off in the comments.
From there, you won't be able to actually name your building, but you can operate it using Goods like other businesses. Specifically, the Bank requires 100 Goods to put into service and will reward you with 500 coins once those Goods are used. What makes this particular business special however is that it introduces "branded business mastery" to the game.
While this doesn't give us any sort of indication as to what other "branded" businesses will be coming to the game, we do know that we have just over a month to master this one. As with upgrading businesses, mastering the Capital One Bank will require you to continually stock and collect from the business whenever possible, with each round giving you a single point. Once you reach 50 points, you'll receive your reward, which we know is some form of decoration (probably a statue), but don't have the specific name as of this writing.
As for purchasing the building, it has a different time limit than that for actually earning your decorative reward. You can only purchase the Capital One Bank from the store for the next 28 days, giving you around a week to earn the decoration even after that point. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Capital One Bank and the new branded business mastery feature? What sorts of branded businesses do you hope Zynga releases in the future? Sound off in the comments.
Pioneer Trail Capital One Goals: Everything you need to know
While we've already taken a look at the Capital One cross-promotions in FarmVille and CityVille, Pioneer Trail's version of the promotion is definitely the most complex, taking four goals to complete. The first of these goals introduces you to the Capital One Goat, who hopes that you can help him find his lost band mates, and bring their bandstand to life on your Homestead. That's right - there's a new building to create as part of this cross-promotion, along with the four goals. Here's a complete rundown of the event.
Sterling the Bloodhound
* Collect one Bandstand Upgrade Part
* Visit Capital One Facebook Page
* Craft Sterling's Guitar in the Bandstand
First things first, the Bandstand can be purchased inside the store for under 10 coins if you have the discount enabled in your game. You won't have to whack a frame or collect items to create a functioning Bandstand; however, you will have to collect these parts to upgrade the building. This is done by clicking on the Bandstand and then clicking "Upgrade" on the menu that appears. From here, it's the familiar process of asking your friends for items.
You'll need to collect 10 each of Stage Lights, pieces of Band Merchandise and Concert Wristbands, all of which are earned through general news posts, while 15 each of Sandbags and Scaffolding are earned by sending out individual requests to your friends for help. The final item - the five Band Groupies - are earned by completing these new goals, as they'll be earned automatically. That being the case, you don't have to be in too great of a rush to collect the rest of the ingredients, as you literally can't complete it anyway.
As for finishing this first goal, you'll need to head inside your Bandstand to craft items as you would in other buildings. From there, you'll need three Guitar Fretboards and five Guitar Strings to actually craft the guitar. These are both new items, requiring you to tend goats or simply ask your friends to help you earn them, among other tasks. Finishing the entirety of this first goal will give you 250 XP, Sterling the Bloodhound and 250 coins.
Toonie the Bear
* Chop 10 Trees on your Neighbors' Homesteads
* Feed 30 Goats on your Homestead
* Craft Toonie's Upright Bass in the Bandstand
Again, you'll need to head inside the Bandstand to craft Toonie's Upright Base, which requires three Tailpieces and five Bass Strings. Again, you can ask your friends to send you the Bass Strings, and can craft the Tailpieces, also inside the Bandstand.
Once you finish this second goal, you'll receive 500 XP, Toonie the Bear and 500 coins.
Penny the Bullfrog
* Feed 30 Geese on your Homestead
* Have or Collect 3 Termites
* Craft Penny's Banjo in the Bandstand
Again, just head inside the Bandstand to see the parts you need to craft Penny's Banjo (in this case the Banjo Pot and Banjo Pick), and then make sure you have three termites from the Oak Tree collection to finish this one off. For doing so, you'll receive 750 XP, Goat and Penny (the two remaining band members) and 5 Band Groupies. Remember those Groupies that you needed to complete the upgrade of the Bandstand? There you go.
Entertainment, Not Food
* Collect the Upgraded Bandstand Bonus Once
* Collect 10 Wildberries
* Harvest 50 Corn
Like a regular building, the Bandstand has a daily bonus that can be collected, so complete that and these other simple (albeit time-consuming) tasks and you'll be golden. You'll receive 1,000 XP, a Rockin Horse (a new mount for your avatar that wears sunglasses) and 1,000 coins for finishing this final goal.
All told, we're not given an expiration date for when this cross-promotion and these goals will leave the game, but your best bet would be to finish everything off as soon as possible just to make sure you don't miss out on anything. Have fun!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this entire Capital One promotion in Pioneer Trail? Are you going to make your avatar ride this horse-with-shades? Sound off in the comments.
Sterling the Bloodhound
* Collect one Bandstand Upgrade Part
* Visit Capital One Facebook Page
* Craft Sterling's Guitar in the Bandstand
First things first, the Bandstand can be purchased inside the store for under 10 coins if you have the discount enabled in your game. You won't have to whack a frame or collect items to create a functioning Bandstand; however, you will have to collect these parts to upgrade the building. This is done by clicking on the Bandstand and then clicking "Upgrade" on the menu that appears. From here, it's the familiar process of asking your friends for items.
You'll need to collect 10 each of Stage Lights, pieces of Band Merchandise and Concert Wristbands, all of which are earned through general news posts, while 15 each of Sandbags and Scaffolding are earned by sending out individual requests to your friends for help. The final item - the five Band Groupies - are earned by completing these new goals, as they'll be earned automatically. That being the case, you don't have to be in too great of a rush to collect the rest of the ingredients, as you literally can't complete it anyway.
As for finishing this first goal, you'll need to head inside your Bandstand to craft items as you would in other buildings. From there, you'll need three Guitar Fretboards and five Guitar Strings to actually craft the guitar. These are both new items, requiring you to tend goats or simply ask your friends to help you earn them, among other tasks. Finishing the entirety of this first goal will give you 250 XP, Sterling the Bloodhound and 250 coins.
Toonie the Bear
* Chop 10 Trees on your Neighbors' Homesteads
* Feed 30 Goats on your Homestead
* Craft Toonie's Upright Bass in the Bandstand
Again, you'll need to head inside the Bandstand to craft Toonie's Upright Base, which requires three Tailpieces and five Bass Strings. Again, you can ask your friends to send you the Bass Strings, and can craft the Tailpieces, also inside the Bandstand.
Once you finish this second goal, you'll receive 500 XP, Toonie the Bear and 500 coins.
Penny the Bullfrog
* Feed 30 Geese on your Homestead
* Have or Collect 3 Termites
* Craft Penny's Banjo in the Bandstand
Again, just head inside the Bandstand to see the parts you need to craft Penny's Banjo (in this case the Banjo Pot and Banjo Pick), and then make sure you have three termites from the Oak Tree collection to finish this one off. For doing so, you'll receive 750 XP, Goat and Penny (the two remaining band members) and 5 Band Groupies. Remember those Groupies that you needed to complete the upgrade of the Bandstand? There you go.
Entertainment, Not Food
* Collect the Upgraded Bandstand Bonus Once
* Collect 10 Wildberries
* Harvest 50 Corn
Like a regular building, the Bandstand has a daily bonus that can be collected, so complete that and these other simple (albeit time-consuming) tasks and you'll be golden. You'll receive 1,000 XP, a Rockin Horse (a new mount for your avatar that wears sunglasses) and 1,000 coins for finishing this final goal.
All told, we're not given an expiration date for when this cross-promotion and these goals will leave the game, but your best bet would be to finish everything off as soon as possible just to make sure you don't miss out on anything. Have fun!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this entire Capital One promotion in Pioneer Trail? Are you going to make your avatar ride this horse-with-shades? Sound off in the comments.
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 9, 2011
CityVille Back to School Goals: Everything you need to know
What better way to celebrate the launch of another school year in the real world than to... play CityVille on Facebook? Ok, so maybe I'm grasping at straws with that one, but Zynga has done it too! Just look at these new goals! There are four new goals to complete in all, in a Back to School series that will see you ultimately rewarded with a Football Field, among other prizes. Without further ado (as we all know there's homework to be done), here's a guide to finishing these four goals off.
Too Cool For School / Brain Food
* Ask for 5 Pocket Protectors
* Visit 10 Neighbors
* Harvest 20 Wheat
The Pocket Protectors are earned through a general news post, rather than individual requests to friends. While you're waiting for those to arrive, you can plant your wheat, which takes a whopping 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive just 35 XP.
Show & Tell
* Ask for 8 Text Books
* Collect from 20 Businesses
* Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
For this goal, it looks as though you can collect from the same Burger Joint four times in a row, or collect from four individual Burger Joints, so keep that in mind if you happen to have more than one in your town. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive 960 coins.
Study Hall of Fame
* Upgrade a Library
* Collect from any Library 2 Times
* Have a Crossing Guard in your City
Back at the end of July, Zynga released the ability to upgrade your Library, and you can find our complete guide to doing so right here. For finishing this goal, you'll earn 480 Goods.
Playing Hooky
* Have 2 Pairs of High Heels from the Designer Collection
* Collect from Flower Kiosk 10 Times
* Collect from Diner 8 Times
The High Heels are available from the Shoe Store, Handbag Store, Sunglasses Store or Watch Shop, so just keep supplying and collecting from those businesses and you should get lucky (if you're impatient, you can also ask your friends to send you some extras from their own collections). For finishing this final goal, you'll receive the Football Field, which is a 6x4 decorative item that gives you a 30% bonus to surrounding businesses and residences. It is currently only available through this goal series, so make sure to keep track of them if you are interested in adding one to your town.
What do you think of these new CityVille Back to School goals? Is it too late for back-to-school fun, or will you do anything for exclusive new decorations? Sound off in the comments.
Too Cool For School / Brain Food
* Ask for 5 Pocket Protectors
* Visit 10 Neighbors
* Harvest 20 Wheat
The Pocket Protectors are earned through a general news post, rather than individual requests to friends. While you're waiting for those to arrive, you can plant your wheat, which takes a whopping 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive just 35 XP.
Show & Tell
* Ask for 8 Text Books
* Collect from 20 Businesses
* Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
For this goal, it looks as though you can collect from the same Burger Joint four times in a row, or collect from four individual Burger Joints, so keep that in mind if you happen to have more than one in your town. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive 960 coins.
Study Hall of Fame
* Upgrade a Library
* Collect from any Library 2 Times
* Have a Crossing Guard in your City
Back at the end of July, Zynga released the ability to upgrade your Library, and you can find our complete guide to doing so right here. For finishing this goal, you'll earn 480 Goods.
Playing Hooky
* Have 2 Pairs of High Heels from the Designer Collection
* Collect from Flower Kiosk 10 Times
* Collect from Diner 8 Times
The High Heels are available from the Shoe Store, Handbag Store, Sunglasses Store or Watch Shop, so just keep supplying and collecting from those businesses and you should get lucky (if you're impatient, you can also ask your friends to send you some extras from their own collections). For finishing this final goal, you'll receive the Football Field, which is a 6x4 decorative item that gives you a 30% bonus to surrounding businesses and residences. It is currently only available through this goal series, so make sure to keep track of them if you are interested in adding one to your town.
What do you think of these new CityVille Back to School goals? Is it too late for back-to-school fun, or will you do anything for exclusive new decorations? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove loading screen gives us more to speculate about
Now that we know the official name of the third farm in FarmVille--that being Lighthouse Cove--new details are releasing all of the time. First, we were given just a sample image of what looks to be a dolphin-filled cove, and now we have a full loading screen that shows off a bit more, including the third farm's logo.
For one, we're given an overall theme for this new farm: Fall. That's fitting, as the farm will likely officially launch sometime this fall, and it looks like we'll see a set of appropriately colored trees released to go along with that (along with what looks to be some Autumn Ginkgo trees, which is also fitting). We also see some crop squares in this loading screen, though they are muted in the bottom-left corner of the screen. As an educated guess, I'd say those are American Cranberries, which is one of the crops we expect to launch in this new farm.
As for the rest of the screen, we see a dock, boat and mermaid, with the boat likely being our ride in and out of Lighthouse Cove. As for the mermaid, perhaps she'll be a part of a goal series, or will perhaps let us communicate with the dolphin and whale that appear in the water. Of course, we're completely speculating on that front, but it's a fun idea to keep in mind either way. Along with all of this, we see some new animals, and what looks to be a new garage (perhaps a boat garage?), making this an incredibly in-depth farm, if all of these items are interactive, and not just for show.
Regardless of how much of our speculation ends up being true, we'll make sure to keep you up to date with all of the details concerning Lighthouse Cove, including when you can expect it to release. Keep checking back with us for more.
What do you think of this new loading screen? Are there any particular details you're looking forward to more than others? Are you saving up your Farm Cash to take a fast trip to the Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait before jumping into a third farm? Sound off in the comments.
For one, we're given an overall theme for this new farm: Fall. That's fitting, as the farm will likely officially launch sometime this fall, and it looks like we'll see a set of appropriately colored trees released to go along with that (along with what looks to be some Autumn Ginkgo trees, which is also fitting). We also see some crop squares in this loading screen, though they are muted in the bottom-left corner of the screen. As an educated guess, I'd say those are American Cranberries, which is one of the crops we expect to launch in this new farm.
As for the rest of the screen, we see a dock, boat and mermaid, with the boat likely being our ride in and out of Lighthouse Cove. As for the mermaid, perhaps she'll be a part of a goal series, or will perhaps let us communicate with the dolphin and whale that appear in the water. Of course, we're completely speculating on that front, but it's a fun idea to keep in mind either way. Along with all of this, we see some new animals, and what looks to be a new garage (perhaps a boat garage?), making this an incredibly in-depth farm, if all of these items are interactive, and not just for show.
Regardless of how much of our speculation ends up being true, we'll make sure to keep you up to date with all of the details concerning Lighthouse Cove, including when you can expect it to release. Keep checking back with us for more.
What do you think of this new loading screen? Are there any particular details you're looking forward to more than others? Are you saving up your Farm Cash to take a fast trip to the Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait before jumping into a third farm? Sound off in the comments.
SuperPoke! Pets creator 'working out the details' on post-closure access
To say even that SuperPoke! Pets fans are "pissed" is an understatement. (Seriously, just look at the comments on our first post regarding the sad news.) SuperPoke Pets and SPP Ranch players' rage at Slide's shuttering at the hand of Google has made headlines of nearly every major news outlet, and finally some details regarding Slide's response have come to light.
Namely, CNN reports that Slide and Google representatives have responded to complaints concerning players' hard-earned cash pumped into the now-defunct game. "One thing you can't do [with virtual goods] is bring them home and keep them forever," Slide's communications team wrote on the SuperPoke! Pets forums in response to complaints.
While Slide did say that it's "working out the details" on how to make some of the games' content and items available outside of the game, it also compared digital pets purchased with real cash to Halloween costumes, according to CNN. "You purchase it to dress up and enjoy the experience, but likely don't wear that costume day in and day out, or for every Halloween thereafter," the team wrote. (Um, was I the only kid who had to wear the same costume for a few Halloweens?)
Net Jacobsson, a former Facebook executive and adviser to companies like CrowdStar, told CNN that refunding players with their hard-earned, spent digital cash is far from simple. "The accounting issues can be massively complicated," Jacobsson told CNN. "They've already counted it as revenue. They've taxed it. Refunding $20 would cost more than $20, not to mention the man-hours involved in dealing with it."
CNN recalls that, when games like Pirates Ahoy! and Gangster City shut down, creator Playfish allowed players to take their earned currency into a new Playfish game and offered free incentives for the games' fans to enjoy new Playfish games. However, players wouldn't exactly have any other Slide games to go to. So, why not herd the disgruntled players into one of those shiny new Google+ Games with either some free in-game cash or other incentives? Or, here's just a thought: Bring the games into Google+ Games already.
How do you think Slide and Google should handle the unfortunate situation? Sound off in the comments. 39 Comments
Namely, CNN reports that Slide and Google representatives have responded to complaints concerning players' hard-earned cash pumped into the now-defunct game. "One thing you can't do [with virtual goods] is bring them home and keep them forever," Slide's communications team wrote on the SuperPoke! Pets forums in response to complaints.
While Slide did say that it's "working out the details" on how to make some of the games' content and items available outside of the game, it also compared digital pets purchased with real cash to Halloween costumes, according to CNN. "You purchase it to dress up and enjoy the experience, but likely don't wear that costume day in and day out, or for every Halloween thereafter," the team wrote. (Um, was I the only kid who had to wear the same costume for a few Halloweens?)
Net Jacobsson, a former Facebook executive and adviser to companies like CrowdStar, told CNN that refunding players with their hard-earned, spent digital cash is far from simple. "The accounting issues can be massively complicated," Jacobsson told CNN. "They've already counted it as revenue. They've taxed it. Refunding $20 would cost more than $20, not to mention the man-hours involved in dealing with it."
CNN recalls that, when games like Pirates Ahoy! and Gangster City shut down, creator Playfish allowed players to take their earned currency into a new Playfish game and offered free incentives for the games' fans to enjoy new Playfish games. However, players wouldn't exactly have any other Slide games to go to. So, why not herd the disgruntled players into one of those shiny new Google+ Games with either some free in-game cash or other incentives? Or, here's just a thought: Bring the games into Google+ Games already.
How do you think Slide and Google should handle the unfortunate situation? Sound off in the comments. 39 Comments
Thứ Sáu, 23 tháng 9, 2011
by Brandy Shaul, Posted Sep 8th 2011 8:22PM With the launch of Adventure World on Facebook, we see the launch of Zynga's biggest Facebook game yet, split into chapters, as you work to gain entry to the lost city of El Dorado. You'll have a base camp that serves as your supply point and an overall way to earn coins and other materials, but the majority of your time will be spend on expeditions through the game's main storyline. Right out of the gate, you're taken through the game's tutorial and Prologue section of quests. With any new game, it can be a bit difficult getting used to the new gameplay, so we've compiled a guide to these Prologue Quests to help you acclimate as quickly as possible. Save Malcom! Part 1 Collect the First Key Fragment Collect the Second Key Fragment Collect the Third Key Fragment Your fellow adventurer Malcolm has fallen into a cave after wandering off on his own (silly boy). In order to gain access to the cave to rescue him, you'll need to collect three key pieces that are scattered around the mostly linear outdoor map. You can either navigate the map on your own, hacking shrubs to clear a path (and collecting statues for coins), or you can click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window seen above to have the camera automatically pan to where you need to go. These Key Fragments are surrounded by traps, so you'll need to pull switches (as seen below) to deactivate the trap before you're caught within them! Save Malcolm! Part 2 Collect Your Journal Open Cave Door Enter the Cave The Journal will be found right in the middle of the path, on the way into the Cave Door - you can't miss it. As for opening the door, just click on the round circular rock, standing vertically in the distance, and it will be opened for you automatically. Click on it again to go inside. Note: Once you go inside the cave, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get back out, so make sure you've collected any treasures you want before you go in. Save Malcolm! Part 3 Get the Whip Collect Malcolm's Canteen Save Malcolm Poor Malcolm - he's trapped in spider webs! You'll be given a whip in order to battle those Spiders that are guarding him, so just continue along the path until you reach Malcolm's Canteen at the right side of the screen. Unlike the shrubs and spider webs, the Spiders themselves (and other animals like Snakes) can fight back, so you'll want to make sure to take them out as soon as you can. If they attack you first, you'll lose energy points. Once you defeat the Spider(s), click on Malcolm to free him from the web. Escape the Lost Cave! Recover the Master Key Use the Master Key to open the door Use the Door to escape Now that you've rescued Malcolm from the spiders, you'll need to escape from the cave. Conveniently enough, you'll be able to pick up the master key to opening up El Dorado while you're here. Continue along the path and you'll fight a couple of additional spiders before you can pull the Master Key from the stone. One final spider blocks the exit, but Malcolm takes care of it, allowing you both to leave and head back to Base Camp. At this point, you will have finished the Prologue of Adventure World, and will be launched into Chapter 1. While the Master Key is a great discovery, you won't actually be able to enter El Dorado until you've replaced four lost idols to the outside of El Dorado, where they surround the Master Key's hole. You've got one heck of a journey ahead of you, adventurers! Good luck! Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here. What do you think of Adventure World so far? Did you complete this Prologue Chapter and save Malcolm, or are you still working your way through the Lose Cave? Sound off in the comments. Bookmark this site! 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With the launch of Adventure World on Facebook, we see the launch of Zynga's biggest Facebook game yet, split into chapters, as you work to gain entry to the lost city of El Dorado. You'll have a base camp that serves as your supply point and an overall way to earn coins and other materials, but the majority of your time will be spend on expeditions through the game's main storyline. Right out of the gate, you're taken through the game's tutorial and Prologue section of quests.
With any new game, it can be a bit difficult getting used to the new gameplay, so we've compiled a guide to these Prologue Quests to help you acclimate as quickly as possible.
Save Malcom! Part 1
Collect the First Key Fragment
Collect the Second Key Fragment
Collect the Third Key Fragment
Your fellow adventurer Malcolm has fallen into a cave after wandering off on his own (silly boy). In order to gain access to the cave to rescue him, you'll need to collect three key pieces that are scattered around the mostly linear outdoor map. You can either navigate the map on your own, hacking shrubs to clear a path (and collecting statues for coins), or you can click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window seen above to have the camera automatically pan to where you need to go. These Key Fragments are surrounded by traps, so you'll need to pull switches (as seen below) to deactivate the trap before you're caught within them!
Save Malcolm! Part 2
Collect Your Journal
Open Cave Door
Enter the Cave
The Journal will be found right in the middle of the path, on the way into the Cave Door - you can't miss it. As for opening the door, just click on the round circular rock, standing vertically in the distance, and it will be opened for you automatically. Click on it again to go inside. Note: Once you go inside the cave, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get back out, so make sure you've collected any treasures you want before you go in.
Save Malcolm! Part 3
Get the Whip
Collect Malcolm's Canteen
Save Malcolm
Poor Malcolm - he's trapped in spider webs! You'll be given a whip in order to battle those Spiders that are guarding him, so just continue along the path until you reach Malcolm's Canteen at the right side of the screen. Unlike the shrubs and spider webs, the Spiders themselves (and other animals like Snakes) can fight back, so you'll want to make sure to take them out as soon as you can. If they attack you first, you'll lose energy points. Once you defeat the Spider(s), click on Malcolm to free him from the web.
Escape the Lost Cave!
Recover the Master Key
Use the Master Key to open the door
Use the Door to escape
Now that you've rescued Malcolm from the spiders, you'll need to escape from the cave. Conveniently enough, you'll be able to pick up the master key to opening up El Dorado while you're here. Continue along the path and you'll fight a couple of additional spiders before you can pull the Master Key from the stone. One final spider blocks the exit, but Malcolm takes care of it, allowing you both to leave and head back to Base Camp.
At this point, you will have finished the Prologue of Adventure World, and will be launched into Chapter 1. While the Master Key is a great discovery, you won't actually be able to enter El Dorado until you've replaced four lost idols to the outside of El Dorado, where they surround the Master Key's hole. You've got one heck of a journey ahead of you, adventurers! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Did you complete this Prologue Chapter and save Malcolm, or are you still working your way through the Lose Cave? Sound off in the comments.
With any new game, it can be a bit difficult getting used to the new gameplay, so we've compiled a guide to these Prologue Quests to help you acclimate as quickly as possible.
Save Malcom! Part 1
Collect the First Key Fragment
Collect the Second Key Fragment
Collect the Third Key Fragment
Your fellow adventurer Malcolm has fallen into a cave after wandering off on his own (silly boy). In order to gain access to the cave to rescue him, you'll need to collect three key pieces that are scattered around the mostly linear outdoor map. You can either navigate the map on your own, hacking shrubs to clear a path (and collecting statues for coins), or you can click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window seen above to have the camera automatically pan to where you need to go. These Key Fragments are surrounded by traps, so you'll need to pull switches (as seen below) to deactivate the trap before you're caught within them!
Save Malcolm! Part 2
Collect Your Journal
Open Cave Door
Enter the Cave
The Journal will be found right in the middle of the path, on the way into the Cave Door - you can't miss it. As for opening the door, just click on the round circular rock, standing vertically in the distance, and it will be opened for you automatically. Click on it again to go inside. Note: Once you go inside the cave, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get back out, so make sure you've collected any treasures you want before you go in.
Save Malcolm! Part 3
Get the Whip
Collect Malcolm's Canteen
Save Malcolm
Poor Malcolm - he's trapped in spider webs! You'll be given a whip in order to battle those Spiders that are guarding him, so just continue along the path until you reach Malcolm's Canteen at the right side of the screen. Unlike the shrubs and spider webs, the Spiders themselves (and other animals like Snakes) can fight back, so you'll want to make sure to take them out as soon as you can. If they attack you first, you'll lose energy points. Once you defeat the Spider(s), click on Malcolm to free him from the web.
Escape the Lost Cave!
Recover the Master Key
Use the Master Key to open the door
Use the Door to escape
Now that you've rescued Malcolm from the spiders, you'll need to escape from the cave. Conveniently enough, you'll be able to pick up the master key to opening up El Dorado while you're here. Continue along the path and you'll fight a couple of additional spiders before you can pull the Master Key from the stone. One final spider blocks the exit, but Malcolm takes care of it, allowing you both to leave and head back to Base Camp.
At this point, you will have finished the Prologue of Adventure World, and will be launched into Chapter 1. While the Master Key is a great discovery, you won't actually be able to enter El Dorado until you've replaced four lost idols to the outside of El Dorado, where they surround the Master Key's hole. You've got one heck of a journey ahead of you, adventurers! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Did you complete this Prologue Chapter and save Malcolm, or are you still working your way through the Lose Cave? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World Treasure Trail Expedition: Everything you need to know
So, you've gone through the jungle and have saved your friend Malcolm from the Lost Cave, but you've really only scratched the surface for what Adventure World has to offer. With Zynga's newest Facebook game, we see gameplay that is split into two: you'll have a Base Camp that allows you to earn supplies, build buildings and collect coins (not entirely unlike the Homestead in Pioneer Trail), and can then set out on adventures, or expeditions, that help to further along the main storyline, or just serve as side-quests of sorts.
The first of these expeditions is called Treasure Trail, and it sees you being put in search of an Azure Skull. You'll need to have 600 Supplies to start this expedition (after all, if you're going to be gone from Base Camp for an extended period of time, you'll need the basics like food and water), and will have enough Supplies to last you three days. To be specific, this three day time period is how long you have to finish the entire expedition, but if you follow our guide (and work straight through), you can easily finish it in one sitting. The Treasure Trail has three quests within itself; here's how to complete all three.
Find the Azure Skull!
Recover the Rare Azure Skull
As you might have guessed, this Skull is located at the very end of this particular map, and while the path is mostly linear, there are traps and enemies in the way (Snakes) that hope to stop you from succeeding. As usual, if you ever see a tiki-head with a lever, you'll want to make sure and clear your path to it before doing anything else (particularly walking over those matching tiles on the ground). If you do happen to get stuck, you'll have to waste valuable energy in escaping, so it is in your best interest to go a bit slower to avoid the traps.
Once you get to the end of the map, you'll see the setup above, where you'll need to click on the highlighted button to start a Simon Says game. Click on the three totems in the order you're told and the Azure Skull will lower allowing you to collect it.
Gather the Ruby Vases
Get at least 3 Ruby Vases
These Ruby Vases stand out pretty well against the green of the jungle, and while you can normally save your energy and skip collecting them, in this case they are required. Your first Ruby Vase is located just inside the map's beginning, so knock that shrub out of the way to get to it. The next Ruby Vase is guarded by a Snake and a trap, so make sure to deactivate the trap and eliminate the Snake before focusing your attention on the Vase itself. There are two more vases located even further ahead (one up a hillside, and the other next to the bridge, as seen below), so grab one or both of them to finish this particular quest with ease.
Gather the Jade Vases
Get at least 5 Jade Vases
These Jade Vases are harder to spot (since they're green like most of the map), but the quest works the same as the Red Vase quest above. Just make your way through the shrubs, snakes and traps to gather at least five Jade Vases. Watch out - one Jade Vase is particularly well hidden, to the left of a trap at the top of the map, as seen below.
Once you've finished these three quests, you'll receive your score and expedition/quest mastery points. That's right - you can complete these expeditions again multiple times in order to earn more coins, experience points and so on. That's not the way to eventually progress through the story, but if you need a few more XP before you can level up (and unlock new Expeditions to complete), it's something to keep in mind.
Congratulations on finishing your first real Expedition, adventurers! Keep checking back with us as we break down all of the Expeditions as they become available. Happy exploring!
Have you finished the Treasure Trail expedition? What do you think of the gameplay in Adventure World so far? Sound off in the comments.
The first of these expeditions is called Treasure Trail, and it sees you being put in search of an Azure Skull. You'll need to have 600 Supplies to start this expedition (after all, if you're going to be gone from Base Camp for an extended period of time, you'll need the basics like food and water), and will have enough Supplies to last you three days. To be specific, this three day time period is how long you have to finish the entire expedition, but if you follow our guide (and work straight through), you can easily finish it in one sitting. The Treasure Trail has three quests within itself; here's how to complete all three.
Find the Azure Skull!
Recover the Rare Azure Skull
As you might have guessed, this Skull is located at the very end of this particular map, and while the path is mostly linear, there are traps and enemies in the way (Snakes) that hope to stop you from succeeding. As usual, if you ever see a tiki-head with a lever, you'll want to make sure and clear your path to it before doing anything else (particularly walking over those matching tiles on the ground). If you do happen to get stuck, you'll have to waste valuable energy in escaping, so it is in your best interest to go a bit slower to avoid the traps.
Once you get to the end of the map, you'll see the setup above, where you'll need to click on the highlighted button to start a Simon Says game. Click on the three totems in the order you're told and the Azure Skull will lower allowing you to collect it.
Gather the Ruby Vases
Get at least 3 Ruby Vases
These Ruby Vases stand out pretty well against the green of the jungle, and while you can normally save your energy and skip collecting them, in this case they are required. Your first Ruby Vase is located just inside the map's beginning, so knock that shrub out of the way to get to it. The next Ruby Vase is guarded by a Snake and a trap, so make sure to deactivate the trap and eliminate the Snake before focusing your attention on the Vase itself. There are two more vases located even further ahead (one up a hillside, and the other next to the bridge, as seen below), so grab one or both of them to finish this particular quest with ease.
Gather the Jade Vases
Get at least 5 Jade Vases
These Jade Vases are harder to spot (since they're green like most of the map), but the quest works the same as the Red Vase quest above. Just make your way through the shrubs, snakes and traps to gather at least five Jade Vases. Watch out - one Jade Vase is particularly well hidden, to the left of a trap at the top of the map, as seen below.
Once you've finished these three quests, you'll receive your score and expedition/quest mastery points. That's right - you can complete these expeditions again multiple times in order to earn more coins, experience points and so on. That's not the way to eventually progress through the story, but if you need a few more XP before you can level up (and unlock new Expeditions to complete), it's something to keep in mind.
Congratulations on finishing your first real Expedition, adventurers! Keep checking back with us as we break down all of the Expeditions as they become available. Happy exploring!
Have you finished the Treasure Trail expedition? What do you think of the gameplay in Adventure World so far? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World Snake Marsh Expedition: Everything you need to know
After completing the Treasure Trail expedition in Adventure World, you've hopefully come to understand how the game is played, and how these Expeditions can work in your favor to help you level up and earn coins. For the second Expedition, Snake Marsh, you'll have a single day to make your way through the entire trip, with your possible rewards being a maximum of 445 coins and one Food.
Of course, you'll need to have some goodies before starting this trip, so you'll need to have 50 Supplies, one Food, one Fuel and one Water before you begin. These can be earned either through buildings in your own Base Camp, or by collecting them from buildings in your friends' camps (including the Base Camp of John Allen, the NPC character in your team). Snake Marsh is, you guessed it, full of snakes, and three quests to complete in all. Follow our guide and you'll be able to get through the Marsh in one piece, and with the top rewards.
A Place to Call Home
Plant 3 Rare Orange Flowers
Plant 3 Rare Pink Flowers
Plant 3 Rare Blue Flowers
Apparently, the climate is so great in the Snake Marsh that you're being asked to risk life and limb to plant some exotic flowers in the soil to test how well they'll grow. This is the main goal for the overall Snake Marsh expedition, seeing you traveling from one end of the map to the other, clicking on small mounds of dirt to plant flowers. As this map has a lot of cloud cover (clouds are removed as you explore more areas of the map) and isn't as linear, your best bet would be to start at one end and work your way around the outskirts of the map, clearing out snakes and bushes as you go. In this way, you'll be able to make sure you complete everything possible on this map, if you're into that sort of thing. That is, you could also fly through, just planting the flowers, if you're more into speed rather than completion.
Snake Master
Clear 3 Wiggling Bushes
Defeat 3 Quick Snakes
Get 5 Ruby Vases
Once again, you're asked to collect Ruby Vases, but these are often guarded by Snakes. While we're once again met with the Quick Snakes (of the brown, yellow and orange variety), these kinds of Snakes need a clear path to get to you, allowing you to tackle them only when you really want to. As for the Wiggling Bushes, these let you know that a Snake is hiding inside. Clear the bush and a Snake will appear, normally taking more than one whack to remove.
Dislike Spikes
Clear 10 Bushes
Disarm or Clear the Yellow Spike Traps
Disarm or Clear the Green Spike Traps
Disarm or Clear the Blue Spike Traps
For this quest, we're introduced to traps that are different colors, and the levers themselves don't necessarily have to appear directly next to the trap they control. For instance, the Blue Spike lever is directly north from where you enter this map, but the Blue Spikes themselves are on the far left side of the map. Just be cautious that you don't go into things with low amounts of energy, as you might be surrounded by snakes (which will remove all of your energy just by attacking you), and you'll eventually come through this Expedition in one piece.
As you likely won't be able to finish this expedition in one sitting, remember your time limit: if you don't finish in a single 24 hour period, you will have failed and will likely have to start over from scratch. While you're waiting for your energy to refill, keep checking back with us as we bring you continued coverage on Zynga's newest game. Have fun!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you started playing through Snake Marsh in Adventure World yet? What do you think of its increased level of difficulty over the game's beginning Expeditions / quests? Sound off in the comments.
Of course, you'll need to have some goodies before starting this trip, so you'll need to have 50 Supplies, one Food, one Fuel and one Water before you begin. These can be earned either through buildings in your own Base Camp, or by collecting them from buildings in your friends' camps (including the Base Camp of John Allen, the NPC character in your team). Snake Marsh is, you guessed it, full of snakes, and three quests to complete in all. Follow our guide and you'll be able to get through the Marsh in one piece, and with the top rewards.
A Place to Call Home
Plant 3 Rare Orange Flowers
Plant 3 Rare Pink Flowers
Plant 3 Rare Blue Flowers
Apparently, the climate is so great in the Snake Marsh that you're being asked to risk life and limb to plant some exotic flowers in the soil to test how well they'll grow. This is the main goal for the overall Snake Marsh expedition, seeing you traveling from one end of the map to the other, clicking on small mounds of dirt to plant flowers. As this map has a lot of cloud cover (clouds are removed as you explore more areas of the map) and isn't as linear, your best bet would be to start at one end and work your way around the outskirts of the map, clearing out snakes and bushes as you go. In this way, you'll be able to make sure you complete everything possible on this map, if you're into that sort of thing. That is, you could also fly through, just planting the flowers, if you're more into speed rather than completion.
Snake Master
Clear 3 Wiggling Bushes
Defeat 3 Quick Snakes
Get 5 Ruby Vases
Once again, you're asked to collect Ruby Vases, but these are often guarded by Snakes. While we're once again met with the Quick Snakes (of the brown, yellow and orange variety), these kinds of Snakes need a clear path to get to you, allowing you to tackle them only when you really want to. As for the Wiggling Bushes, these let you know that a Snake is hiding inside. Clear the bush and a Snake will appear, normally taking more than one whack to remove.
Dislike Spikes
Clear 10 Bushes
Disarm or Clear the Yellow Spike Traps
Disarm or Clear the Green Spike Traps
Disarm or Clear the Blue Spike Traps
For this quest, we're introduced to traps that are different colors, and the levers themselves don't necessarily have to appear directly next to the trap they control. For instance, the Blue Spike lever is directly north from where you enter this map, but the Blue Spikes themselves are on the far left side of the map. Just be cautious that you don't go into things with low amounts of energy, as you might be surrounded by snakes (which will remove all of your energy just by attacking you), and you'll eventually come through this Expedition in one piece.
As you likely won't be able to finish this expedition in one sitting, remember your time limit: if you don't finish in a single 24 hour period, you will have failed and will likely have to start over from scratch. While you're waiting for your energy to refill, keep checking back with us as we bring you continued coverage on Zynga's newest game. Have fun!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you started playing through Snake Marsh in Adventure World yet? What do you think of its increased level of difficulty over the game's beginning Expeditions / quests? Sound off in the comments.
CityVille: Take to the field with new Sports-themed items
I hope you had your fill of the Farm theme in CityVille, as another theme has swooped in to steal the spotlight. To be specific, this new theme has to do with Sports, and there are tons of items available (some for coins, which is a plus) to allow your citizens to spend time in the great outdoors, living a fit and healthy lifestyle. As usual, we're here to give a complete look at what these items are, and (more importantly) how much they cost, so that you can be better prepared the next time you take on your role as Mayor.
Sports Hall of Fame (Community Building)
* Costs: 60 City Cash
* Raises Maximum Population Cap by 1800 citizens
* Available for: 6 Days
Kid on Unicycle (Decoration)
* Costs: 5,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 1% to residences and businesses; extra 1% to Sports themed items
* Available for: 6 Days
Dodge Ball (Decoration)
* Costs: 27 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 27% to residences and businesses; extra 27% to Sports theme
* Available for: 6 Days
Win Water Sports Drink (Crop)
* Costs: 4 City Cash per square
* Harvest Time: Instant
* Supplies: 360 Goods per square
* First Star of Mastery: 3 Harvests
* Available for: 6 Days
Archery Store (Business)
* Costs: 350,000 coins
* Requires: 335 Goods
* Earnings: 1781 coins
* Available for: 6 Days
Birdie Manor (Home)
* Costs: 30,000 coins
* Population: 170-320
* Rent: 19 coins every five minutes
* Available for: 6 Days
Healthy Home (Home)
* Costs: 10,000 coins
* Population: 130-250
* Rent: 231 coins every day
* Available for: 5 Days
Red Card Residence (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1850-3650
* Rent: 461 coins every day
* Available for: 6 Days
Half-Pipe House (Home)
* Costs: 75 City Cash
* Population: 2350-4350
* Rent: 240 coins every eight hours
* Available for: 6 Days
Trophy Store (Business)
* Costs: 20,000 coins
* Requires: 260 Goods
* Earnings: 1445 coins
* Available for: 5 Days
Big Play Brewery (Business)
* Costs: 46 City Cash
* Requires: 335 Goods
* Earnings: 1781 coins
* Available for: 5 Days
Trampoline (Decoration)
* Costs: 11 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 11% to businesses and residences; extra 11% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Monkey Golf (Decoration)
* Costs: 120,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 12% to businesses and residences; extra 12% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Holland Hole in One (Decoration)
* Costs: 135,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 12% to businesses and residences; extra 12% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Pirate Putt Putt (Decoration)
* Costs: 27 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 27% to businesses and residences; extra 27% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Fencing School (Community Building)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Raises Maximum Population Cap by 1700 citizens
* Available for: 5 Days
On top of all of these items, there's also a Sports Mystery Crate available for 45 City Cash. If you purchase one, you'll be guaranteed one of four items: the Half-Pipe House, Red Card Residence, Fencing School or Big Play Brewery. This Mystery Crate will only be available for five days, so you'll need to decide fairly quickly if you want to risk receiving duplicates by purchasing multiple boxes, or if you'll purchase the four items individually.
As you can see, all of these items will be disappearing from the game rather quickly, so if you have any desire for them whatsoever, your best bet would be to purchase them now (even if it's just a few coin decorations), rather than waiting. Why? Well, there are few things worse than forgetting... and then regretting.
Will you purchase any of these Sports themed items before they expire from the store? What sort of theme of items do you hope Zynga releases next? Sound off in the comments.
Sports Hall of Fame (Community Building)
* Costs: 60 City Cash
* Raises Maximum Population Cap by 1800 citizens
* Available for: 6 Days
Kid on Unicycle (Decoration)
* Costs: 5,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 1% to residences and businesses; extra 1% to Sports themed items
* Available for: 6 Days
Dodge Ball (Decoration)
* Costs: 27 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 27% to residences and businesses; extra 27% to Sports theme
* Available for: 6 Days
Win Water Sports Drink (Crop)
* Costs: 4 City Cash per square
* Harvest Time: Instant
* Supplies: 360 Goods per square
* First Star of Mastery: 3 Harvests
* Available for: 6 Days
Archery Store (Business)
* Costs: 350,000 coins
* Requires: 335 Goods
* Earnings: 1781 coins
* Available for: 6 Days
Birdie Manor (Home)
* Costs: 30,000 coins
* Population: 170-320
* Rent: 19 coins every five minutes
* Available for: 6 Days
Healthy Home (Home)
* Costs: 10,000 coins
* Population: 130-250
* Rent: 231 coins every day
* Available for: 5 Days
Red Card Residence (Home)
* Costs: 65 City Cash
* Population: 1850-3650
* Rent: 461 coins every day
* Available for: 6 Days
Half-Pipe House (Home)
* Costs: 75 City Cash
* Population: 2350-4350
* Rent: 240 coins every eight hours
* Available for: 6 Days
Trophy Store (Business)
* Costs: 20,000 coins
* Requires: 260 Goods
* Earnings: 1445 coins
* Available for: 5 Days
Big Play Brewery (Business)
* Costs: 46 City Cash
* Requires: 335 Goods
* Earnings: 1781 coins
* Available for: 5 Days
Trampoline (Decoration)
* Costs: 11 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 11% to businesses and residences; extra 11% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Monkey Golf (Decoration)
* Costs: 120,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 12% to businesses and residences; extra 12% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Holland Hole in One (Decoration)
* Costs: 135,000 coins
* Payout Bonus: 12% to businesses and residences; extra 12% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Pirate Putt Putt (Decoration)
* Costs: 27 City Cash
* Payout Bonus: 27% to businesses and residences; extra 27% to Sports theme
* Available for: 5 Days
Fencing School (Community Building)
* Costs: 55 City Cash
* Raises Maximum Population Cap by 1700 citizens
* Available for: 5 Days
On top of all of these items, there's also a Sports Mystery Crate available for 45 City Cash. If you purchase one, you'll be guaranteed one of four items: the Half-Pipe House, Red Card Residence, Fencing School or Big Play Brewery. This Mystery Crate will only be available for five days, so you'll need to decide fairly quickly if you want to risk receiving duplicates by purchasing multiple boxes, or if you'll purchase the four items individually.
As you can see, all of these items will be disappearing from the game rather quickly, so if you have any desire for them whatsoever, your best bet would be to purchase them now (even if it's just a few coin decorations), rather than waiting. Why? Well, there are few things worse than forgetting... and then regretting.
Will you purchase any of these Sports themed items before they expire from the store? What sort of theme of items do you hope Zynga releases next? Sound off in the comments.
Thứ Ba, 20 tháng 9, 2011
CityVille Back to School Goals: Everything you need to know
What better way to celebrate the launch of another school year in the real world than to... play CityVille on Facebook? Ok, so maybe I'm grasping at straws with that one, but Zynga has done it too! Just look at these new goals! There are four new goals to complete in all, in a Back to School series that will see you ultimately rewarded with a Football Field, among other prizes. Without further ado (as we all know there's homework to be done), here's a guide to finishing these four goals off.
Too Cool For School / Brain Food
* Ask for 5 Pocket Protectors
* Visit 10 Neighbors
* Harvest 20 Wheat
The Pocket Protectors are earned through a general news post, rather than individual requests to friends. While you're waiting for those to arrive, you can plant your wheat, which takes a whopping 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive just 35 XP.
Show & Tell
* Ask for 8 Text Books
* Collect from 20 Businesses
* Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
For this goal, it looks as though you can collect from the same Burger Joint four times in a row, or collect from four individual Burger Joints, so keep that in mind if you happen to have more than one in your town. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive 960 coins.
Study Hall of Fame
* Upgrade a Library
* Collect from any Library 2 Times
* Have a Crossing Guard in your City
Back at the end of July, Zynga released the ability to upgrade your Library, and you can find our complete guide to doing so right here. For finishing this goal, you'll earn 480 Goods.
Playing Hooky
* Have 2 Pairs of High Heels from the Designer Collection
* Collect from Flower Kiosk 10 Times
* Collect from Diner 8 Times
The High Heels are available from the Shoe Store, Handbag Store, Sunglasses Store or Watch Shop, so just keep supplying and collecting from those businesses and you should get lucky (if you're impatient, you can also ask your friends to send you some extras from their own collections). For finishing this final goal, you'll receive the Football Field, which is a 6x4 decorative item that gives you a 30% bonus to surrounding businesses and residences. It is currently only available through this goal series, so make sure to keep track of them if you are interested in adding one to your town.
What do you think of these new CityVille Back to School goals? Is it too late for back-to-school fun, or will you do anything for exclusive new decorations? Sound off in the comments.
Too Cool For School / Brain Food
* Ask for 5 Pocket Protectors
* Visit 10 Neighbors
* Harvest 20 Wheat
The Pocket Protectors are earned through a general news post, rather than individual requests to friends. While you're waiting for those to arrive, you can plant your wheat, which takes a whopping 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive just 35 XP.
Show & Tell
* Ask for 8 Text Books
* Collect from 20 Businesses
* Collect from Burger Joint 4 Times
For this goal, it looks as though you can collect from the same Burger Joint four times in a row, or collect from four individual Burger Joints, so keep that in mind if you happen to have more than one in your town. For finishing this second goal, you'll receive 960 coins.
Study Hall of Fame
* Upgrade a Library
* Collect from any Library 2 Times
* Have a Crossing Guard in your City
Back at the end of July, Zynga released the ability to upgrade your Library, and you can find our complete guide to doing so right here. For finishing this goal, you'll earn 480 Goods.
Playing Hooky
* Have 2 Pairs of High Heels from the Designer Collection
* Collect from Flower Kiosk 10 Times
* Collect from Diner 8 Times
The High Heels are available from the Shoe Store, Handbag Store, Sunglasses Store or Watch Shop, so just keep supplying and collecting from those businesses and you should get lucky (if you're impatient, you can also ask your friends to send you some extras from their own collections). For finishing this final goal, you'll receive the Football Field, which is a 6x4 decorative item that gives you a 30% bonus to surrounding businesses and residences. It is currently only available through this goal series, so make sure to keep track of them if you are interested in adding one to your town.
What do you think of these new CityVille Back to School goals? Is it too late for back-to-school fun, or will you do anything for exclusive new decorations? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove loading screen gives us more to speculate about
Now that we know the official name of the third farm in FarmVille--that being Lighthouse Cove--new details are releasing all of the time. First, we were given just a sample image of what looks to be a dolphin-filled cove, and now we have a full loading screen that shows off a bit more, including the third farm's logo.
For one, we're given an overall theme for this new farm: Fall. That's fitting, as the farm will likely officially launch sometime this fall, and it looks like we'll see a set of appropriately colored trees released to go along with that (along with what looks to be some Autumn Ginkgo trees, which is also fitting). We also see some crop squares in this loading screen, though they are muted in the bottom-left corner of the screen. As an educated guess, I'd say those are American Cranberries, which is one of the crops we expect to launch in this new farm.
As for the rest of the screen, we see a dock, boat and mermaid, with the boat likely being our ride in and out of Lighthouse Cove. As for the mermaid, perhaps she'll be a part of a goal series, or will perhaps let us communicate with the dolphin and whale that appear in the water. Of course, we're completely speculating on that front, but it's a fun idea to keep in mind either way. Along with all of this, we see some new animals, and what looks to be a new garage (perhaps a boat garage?), making this an incredibly in-depth farm, if all of these items are interactive, and not just for show.
Regardless of how much of our speculation ends up being true, we'll make sure to keep you up to date with all of the details concerning Lighthouse Cove, including when you can expect it to release. Keep checking back with us for more.
What do you think of this new loading screen? Are there any particular details you're looking forward to more than others? Are you saving up your Farm Cash to take a fast trip to the Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait before jumping into a third farm? Sound off in the comments.
For one, we're given an overall theme for this new farm: Fall. That's fitting, as the farm will likely officially launch sometime this fall, and it looks like we'll see a set of appropriately colored trees released to go along with that (along with what looks to be some Autumn Ginkgo trees, which is also fitting). We also see some crop squares in this loading screen, though they are muted in the bottom-left corner of the screen. As an educated guess, I'd say those are American Cranberries, which is one of the crops we expect to launch in this new farm.
As for the rest of the screen, we see a dock, boat and mermaid, with the boat likely being our ride in and out of Lighthouse Cove. As for the mermaid, perhaps she'll be a part of a goal series, or will perhaps let us communicate with the dolphin and whale that appear in the water. Of course, we're completely speculating on that front, but it's a fun idea to keep in mind either way. Along with all of this, we see some new animals, and what looks to be a new garage (perhaps a boat garage?), making this an incredibly in-depth farm, if all of these items are interactive, and not just for show.
Regardless of how much of our speculation ends up being true, we'll make sure to keep you up to date with all of the details concerning Lighthouse Cove, including when you can expect it to release. Keep checking back with us for more.
What do you think of this new loading screen? Are there any particular details you're looking forward to more than others? Are you saving up your Farm Cash to take a fast trip to the Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait before jumping into a third farm? Sound off in the comments.
SuperPoke! Pets creator 'working out the details' on post-closure access
To say even that SuperPoke! Pets fans are "pissed" is an understatement. (Seriously, just look at the comments on our first post regarding the sad news.) SuperPoke Pets and SPP Ranch players' rage at Slide's shuttering at the hand of Google has made headlines of nearly every major news outlet, and finally some details regarding Slide's response have come to light.
Namely, CNN reports that Slide and Google representatives have responded to complaints concerning players' hard-earned cash pumped into the now-defunct game. "One thing you can't do [with virtual goods] is bring them home and keep them forever," Slide's communications team wrote on the SuperPoke! Pets forums in response to complaints.
While Slide did say that it's "working out the details" on how to make some of the games' content and items available outside of the game, it also compared digital pets purchased with real cash to Halloween costumes, according to CNN. "You purchase it to dress up and enjoy the experience, but likely don't wear that costume day in and day out, or for every Halloween thereafter," the team wrote. (Um, was I the only kid who had to wear the same costume for a few Halloweens?)
Net Jacobsson, a former Facebook executive and adviser to companies like CrowdStar, told CNN that refunding players with their hard-earned, spent digital cash is far from simple. "The accounting issues can be massively complicated," Jacobsson told CNN. "They've already counted it as revenue. They've taxed it. Refunding $20 would cost more than $20, not to mention the man-hours involved in dealing with it."
CNN recalls that, when games like Pirates Ahoy! and Gangster City shut down, creator Playfish allowed players to take their earned currency into a new Playfish game and offered free incentives for the games' fans to enjoy new Playfish games. However, players wouldn't exactly have any other Slide games to go to. So, why not herd the disgruntled players into one of those shiny new Google+ Games with either some free in-game cash or other incentives? Or, here's just a thought: Bring the games into Google+ Games already.
How do you think Slide and Google should handle the unfortunate situation? Sound off in the comments. 35 Comments
Namely, CNN reports that Slide and Google representatives have responded to complaints concerning players' hard-earned cash pumped into the now-defunct game. "One thing you can't do [with virtual goods] is bring them home and keep them forever," Slide's communications team wrote on the SuperPoke! Pets forums in response to complaints.
While Slide did say that it's "working out the details" on how to make some of the games' content and items available outside of the game, it also compared digital pets purchased with real cash to Halloween costumes, according to CNN. "You purchase it to dress up and enjoy the experience, but likely don't wear that costume day in and day out, or for every Halloween thereafter," the team wrote. (Um, was I the only kid who had to wear the same costume for a few Halloweens?)
Net Jacobsson, a former Facebook executive and adviser to companies like CrowdStar, told CNN that refunding players with their hard-earned, spent digital cash is far from simple. "The accounting issues can be massively complicated," Jacobsson told CNN. "They've already counted it as revenue. They've taxed it. Refunding $20 would cost more than $20, not to mention the man-hours involved in dealing with it."
CNN recalls that, when games like Pirates Ahoy! and Gangster City shut down, creator Playfish allowed players to take their earned currency into a new Playfish game and offered free incentives for the games' fans to enjoy new Playfish games. However, players wouldn't exactly have any other Slide games to go to. So, why not herd the disgruntled players into one of those shiny new Google+ Games with either some free in-game cash or other incentives? Or, here's just a thought: Bring the games into Google+ Games already.
How do you think Slide and Google should handle the unfortunate situation? Sound off in the comments. 35 Comments
Top 25 Facebook Games - September 2011: Rise of The Sims Social
Will Zynga finally be dethroned? August saw one of the biggest upsets in Facebook gaming history, as EA and Playfish released The Sims Social. Short after its shoddy release in the middle of the month, the game has skyrocketed to third place this month with over 7.5 million daily players and fifth place on the monthly player charts with over 24 million players. While CityVille, Empires & Allies, Zynga Poker and FarmVille are on top of the charts yet again, all four games have suffered declines.
If this doesn't stir the pot a bit in the Facebook gaming world, nothing will. But The Sims Social isn't the only new game to upset the charts and displace a few hit games. Zynga's The Pioneer Trail expansion hit the monthly chart just under The Sims Social in sixth place at a healthy 19.7 million players. Words with Friends, the Facebook version of the popular mobile game, released in August to over 11.5 million monthly players, while Ubisoft set The Smurfs and Co. loose to over 8.6 million rabid fans and hit 16th place.
The casualties for this month include August's last five spot holders: Treasure Isle, Zombie Lane, Happy Aquarium, Mall World and Crime City. These games weren't just displaced because of the influx of new games hitting top spots, but all five were already on a decline. This allowed new additions like the Bubble and Ninja Sagas in the 21 and 22 spots at 6.6 million and 6.2 million monthly players, respectively.
Top 25 Facebook Games September
But look more closely at this month's chart, and you'll notice that each and every one of these brand new games to upset the charts is backed by a massive, recognizable brand. Perhaps this is what it takes to disrupt the status quo in Facebook games. And with ambitious branded games like Dexter Slice of Life on the way, our guess is that you'll be seeing a lot more from where The Sims Social and The Smurfs and Co. came from.
[Source and Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
What do you think of the charts this month? Do you think these branded games will continue to upset the Facebook games world? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
If this doesn't stir the pot a bit in the Facebook gaming world, nothing will. But The Sims Social isn't the only new game to upset the charts and displace a few hit games. Zynga's The Pioneer Trail expansion hit the monthly chart just under The Sims Social in sixth place at a healthy 19.7 million players. Words with Friends, the Facebook version of the popular mobile game, released in August to over 11.5 million monthly players, while Ubisoft set The Smurfs and Co. loose to over 8.6 million rabid fans and hit 16th place.
The casualties for this month include August's last five spot holders: Treasure Isle, Zombie Lane, Happy Aquarium, Mall World and Crime City. These games weren't just displaced because of the influx of new games hitting top spots, but all five were already on a decline. This allowed new additions like the Bubble and Ninja Sagas in the 21 and 22 spots at 6.6 million and 6.2 million monthly players, respectively.
Top 25 Facebook Games September
But look more closely at this month's chart, and you'll notice that each and every one of these brand new games to upset the charts is backed by a massive, recognizable brand. Perhaps this is what it takes to disrupt the status quo in Facebook games. And with ambitious branded games like Dexter Slice of Life on the way, our guess is that you'll be seeing a lot more from where The Sims Social and The Smurfs and Co. came from.
[Source and Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
What do you think of the charts this month? Do you think these branded games will continue to upset the Facebook games world? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Facebook Credits enter Asia, but what about Zynga Game Cards?
Now, it will be even easier for folks in southern Asia to waste money on buy virtual items in their favorite Facebook games. Facebook Credits, the platform's dominant currency, will enter several Asian markets through MOL, Asia's Internet services payment provider with over 600,000 locations.
The strategic partnership allows Asian Facebook gamers to purchase Facebook Credits online through MOLPoints, or what becomes of users' money when purchased, through a new MOLPoints application on Facebook. "MOL is committed to ensure that our consumers are able to acquire virtual currency for their digital lifestyle with safety and ease and we believe that this strong partnership with Facebook will continue MOL's momentum to provide highly effective monetization solutions for the social web." said MOL CEO Ganesh Kumar Bangah in a statement.
MOL says that it puts no surcharges on its MOLPoint transactions, which are conducted over a secure payment gateway. That's all well and good, but didn't Zynga just enter the same territory a few months back with the exact same company? Indeed, so what could this mean for the company's Game Cards? Judging from the wording in MOL's release (and the step-by-step guide on its website), this service will be online only.
This means that Zynga Game Cards would still be the go-to option for low-income families in Asia that can only buy in-game content with cash. Regardless, the news speaks volumes to the fact that Facebook gaming is huge in more places than just the U.S., Europe and Japan. And the social gaming scene can only grow from here.
Do you think southern Asia could become a power player in the social games world? And who do you think will gain dominance in the region: Zynga, DeNA, Gree ... or someone else? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
The strategic partnership allows Asian Facebook gamers to purchase Facebook Credits online through MOLPoints, or what becomes of users' money when purchased, through a new MOLPoints application on Facebook. "MOL is committed to ensure that our consumers are able to acquire virtual currency for their digital lifestyle with safety and ease and we believe that this strong partnership with Facebook will continue MOL's momentum to provide highly effective monetization solutions for the social web." said MOL CEO Ganesh Kumar Bangah in a statement.
MOL says that it puts no surcharges on its MOLPoint transactions, which are conducted over a secure payment gateway. That's all well and good, but didn't Zynga just enter the same territory a few months back with the exact same company? Indeed, so what could this mean for the company's Game Cards? Judging from the wording in MOL's release (and the step-by-step guide on its website), this service will be online only.
This means that Zynga Game Cards would still be the go-to option for low-income families in Asia that can only buy in-game content with cash. Regardless, the news speaks volumes to the fact that Facebook gaming is huge in more places than just the U.S., Europe and Japan. And the social gaming scene can only grow from here.
Do you think southern Asia could become a power player in the social games world? And who do you think will gain dominance in the region: Zynga, DeNA, Gree ... or someone else? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Thứ Năm, 15 tháng 9, 2011
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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"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? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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? Sound off in the comments.
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? Sound off in the comments.
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? Sound off in the comments!
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? Sound off in the comments!
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? Sound off in the comments.
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? Sound off in the comments.
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? Sound off in the comments.
* 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? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Aviary Mystery Box offers re-released birds for your new habitat
If the re-released birds that have hit the FarmVille marketplace tonight aren't enough to stock your new Aviary habitat to capacity, why not take a look at the new Aviary Mystery Box that's also launched in the game? The Aviary Mystery Box contains re-released birds, with some of these birds having originally launched in the game back in March and April of this year. Needless to say, we haven't seen some of them for quite a while, so you'll want to keep them in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase a box.
Each Aviary Mystery Box costs 16 Farm Cash. You unfortunately have no guarantee that you won't end up with duplicates as you go for the complete set of six, but you can thankfully stop at any time should you decide the risk is too great. Here's a list of the six available birds:
* Chrome Duck
* White Stork
* Gray Heron
* Golfer Duck
* Gallic Rooster
* Tufted Duck
Again, these animals can all be stored inside your new Aviary habitat, but if you'd rather leave them outside to show off to your visiting neighbors, feel free to do that as well. Just make sure to purchase this box fast if you want any of the birds inside, as it will only be available for a week.
Will you purchase any of these Aviary Mystery Boxes? If you go for the full set of six, how many duplicates did you receive first? Which of these birds is your favorite? Sound off in the comments.
Each Aviary Mystery Box costs 16 Farm Cash. You unfortunately have no guarantee that you won't end up with duplicates as you go for the complete set of six, but you can thankfully stop at any time should you decide the risk is too great. Here's a list of the six available birds:
* Chrome Duck
* White Stork
* Gray Heron
* Golfer Duck
* Gallic Rooster
* Tufted Duck
Again, these animals can all be stored inside your new Aviary habitat, but if you'd rather leave them outside to show off to your visiting neighbors, feel free to do that as well. Just make sure to purchase this box fast if you want any of the birds inside, as it will only be available for a week.
Will you purchase any of these Aviary Mystery Boxes? If you go for the full set of six, how many duplicates did you receive first? Which of these birds is your favorite? Sound off in the comments.
Kingdoms & Quests looks like Zynga's next big game, a social RPG?
pdate: Zynga has since taken down the support pages detailing Kingdoms & Quests. However, the "restricted" app still has a presence on Facebook.
And its worst-kept secret at that. Even before Adventure World has hit Facebook, it looks as if we already know a great deal about Zynga's next major social game. It's called Kingdoms & Quests, and at the moment is available only in Australia, according to brand new support pages for the game.
This is the first we're hearing of this new game, but a detailed guide for beginners reveals quite a lot about the unannounced Kingdoms & Quests. (You can try to access the game via Facebook, though you'll simply get a screen that reads, "Use of app 'Kingdoms & Quests' is restricted.")
First of all, we know that this game is a fantasy RPG (roleplaying game) in which players gain experience and resources like wood, coins and food through battling monsters as they clear the fog surrounding their kingdom. So, there will be a property management and expansion aspect to Kingdoms & Quests, but the support page drives home that combat is the focus in this game.
Like Empires & Allies before it, players will create a kingdom and populate it with combat units to do battle against monsters in turn-based bouts, though we doubt this game will focus on strategy like E&A does. That's namely because Zynga doesn't at all mention PvP (player vs player) combat nor does it mention large-scale encounters or having to defend your territory. In fact, it looks like you'll only be able to have four units in battle at a time.
Kingdoms & Quests art
Zynga uses language that implies that players will explore the land around them on quests, killing individual groups of monsters with supporting warriors. Furthermore, it looks like players will be able to micromanage their units through equipment either crafted or found during battle. It sounds as if each and every unit will be outfitted with unique weapons.
While PvP doesn't seem to be a part of Kingdoms & Quests, social interaction will, of course, be a major focus ... perhaps more so than in any Zynga game before it. "If a player has an element icon next to their name, rather than the home kingdom icon, you can visit them on their map and play Kingdoms & Quests with them in real-time," the support page reads. Surely Kingdoms & Quests will be a first for Zynga on many levels, and we're psyched to learn more. To see what this game will be about in detail, check out its support page right here.
[Via Mafia Wars Maniac]
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for yet another new Zynga game? How do you think or hope Kingdoms & Quests will play? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
And its worst-kept secret at that. Even before Adventure World has hit Facebook, it looks as if we already know a great deal about Zynga's next major social game. It's called Kingdoms & Quests, and at the moment is available only in Australia, according to brand new support pages for the game.
This is the first we're hearing of this new game, but a detailed guide for beginners reveals quite a lot about the unannounced Kingdoms & Quests. (You can try to access the game via Facebook, though you'll simply get a screen that reads, "Use of app 'Kingdoms & Quests' is restricted.")
First of all, we know that this game is a fantasy RPG (roleplaying game) in which players gain experience and resources like wood, coins and food through battling monsters as they clear the fog surrounding their kingdom. So, there will be a property management and expansion aspect to Kingdoms & Quests, but the support page drives home that combat is the focus in this game.
Like Empires & Allies before it, players will create a kingdom and populate it with combat units to do battle against monsters in turn-based bouts, though we doubt this game will focus on strategy like E&A does. That's namely because Zynga doesn't at all mention PvP (player vs player) combat nor does it mention large-scale encounters or having to defend your territory. In fact, it looks like you'll only be able to have four units in battle at a time.
Kingdoms & Quests art
Zynga uses language that implies that players will explore the land around them on quests, killing individual groups of monsters with supporting warriors. Furthermore, it looks like players will be able to micromanage their units through equipment either crafted or found during battle. It sounds as if each and every unit will be outfitted with unique weapons.
While PvP doesn't seem to be a part of Kingdoms & Quests, social interaction will, of course, be a major focus ... perhaps more so than in any Zynga game before it. "If a player has an element icon next to their name, rather than the home kingdom icon, you can visit them on their map and play Kingdoms & Quests with them in real-time," the support page reads. Surely Kingdoms & Quests will be a first for Zynga on many levels, and we're psyched to learn more. To see what this game will be about in detail, check out its support page right here.
[Via Mafia Wars Maniac]
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for yet another new Zynga game? How do you think or hope Kingdoms & Quests will play? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Plants vs Zombies for iPhone update unearths nine new mini games
Look, Plants vs Zombies might be PopCap's most entertaining game to date (next to Peggle), but even flinging seeds at ravenous zombies gets stale after awhile. Luckily, PopCap thinks so too, and has updated PvZ for iPhone, bringing with it a whopping nine new mini games that players can buy using coins in Crazy Dave's Shop. Well, at least these mini games are new to the iPhone--they're all from the PC and Mac version of PvZ.
Each of the nine new games comes in a pack of three for 50,000 coins, which players can collect through just playing the Adventure Mode or tending to their Zen Gardens (released in the previous update). Of course, you can expedite the process by purchasing bundles of 100,000 coins for $.99 apiece. Here's a sneak peek at all nine mini games, courtesy of PopCap:
Game Pack #3
* Walnut Bowling 2: Knock 'em dead in this killer twist to an old favorite sport.
* Seeing Stars: Unravel the mystery of the star-shaped pattern.
* Bobsled Bonanza: Melt the ice and defeat bobsledders and Zombonis in this frosty battle.
Game Pack #4
* Invisi-Ghoul: Test your prowess to take on invisible zombies.
* Last Stand: Not your average day at the pool!
* ZomBotany 2: Hybrid zombies sport plant heads and abilities to up the challenge ante.
Game Pack #5
* Beghouled Twist: An homage to Bejeweled Twist, this mash-up requires match-3 skill.
* Pogo Party: Crash the pogo party of your roof!
* Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick: Get ready to move faster than ever!
PvZ mini games
All nine mini games sound like fun, but we're most interested in this homage to Bejeweled Twist, and Walnut Bowling has always been a blast when it comes up in Adventure Mode. This update also introduces more Achievements to brag about share on Apple Game Center, most notable of which is Peking Express.
This is a micro game of sorts in which you're timed on how quickly you scroll all the way down the Achievements page to visit China and its zombies. I made it in just over 10 seconds--can you beat my time? If you're game, then click on the link below and get to diggin'. If anything, this should hold you over until Peggle and PvZ hit Facebook ... maybe.
Click here to download the new Plants vs Zombies update for iPhone >
Have you unlocked any of the new features in this PvZ update? Which of the new mini games are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Each of the nine new games comes in a pack of three for 50,000 coins, which players can collect through just playing the Adventure Mode or tending to their Zen Gardens (released in the previous update). Of course, you can expedite the process by purchasing bundles of 100,000 coins for $.99 apiece. Here's a sneak peek at all nine mini games, courtesy of PopCap:
Game Pack #3
* Walnut Bowling 2: Knock 'em dead in this killer twist to an old favorite sport.
* Seeing Stars: Unravel the mystery of the star-shaped pattern.
* Bobsled Bonanza: Melt the ice and defeat bobsledders and Zombonis in this frosty battle.
Game Pack #4
* Invisi-Ghoul: Test your prowess to take on invisible zombies.
* Last Stand: Not your average day at the pool!
* ZomBotany 2: Hybrid zombies sport plant heads and abilities to up the challenge ante.
Game Pack #5
* Beghouled Twist: An homage to Bejeweled Twist, this mash-up requires match-3 skill.
* Pogo Party: Crash the pogo party of your roof!
* Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick: Get ready to move faster than ever!
PvZ mini games
All nine mini games sound like fun, but we're most interested in this homage to Bejeweled Twist, and Walnut Bowling has always been a blast when it comes up in Adventure Mode. This update also introduces more Achievements to brag about share on Apple Game Center, most notable of which is Peking Express.
This is a micro game of sorts in which you're timed on how quickly you scroll all the way down the Achievements page to visit China and its zombies. I made it in just over 10 seconds--can you beat my time? If you're game, then click on the link below and get to diggin'. If anything, this should hold you over until Peggle and PvZ hit Facebook ... maybe.
Click here to download the new Plants vs Zombies update for iPhone >
Have you unlocked any of the new features in this PvZ update? Which of the new mini games are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Car Town Japan drifts onto Mobage, Cie Games opens Tokyo office
If The Fast and the Furious has taught us anything about the "real" world, it's that Tokyo is a haven for gear-heads. Car Town creator Cie Games looks to bring Japanese social gamers just what they've been looking for in a social game with Car Town Japan. Inside Social Games (ISG) reports that the Facebook racer with over 5.8 million monthly players will expand to Mobage, DeNA's mobile social games network, before the end of this week as the company opens its Tokyo office.
"When we launch future titles, you'll see us deployed internationally much more quickly on multiple platforms," Cie Games CEO Justin Choi told ISG. "We are planning on opening additional offices. We are going to use Japan as a hub to expand into other markets in Asia."
According to ISG, this Japanese version of Car Town on Mobage is different from what sounds like a dedicated version of Car Town for iOS and Android devices that's in the works, which will be released "soon." Car Town Japan features a decidedly Japanese look and feel, though folks will still race, build, decorate and upgrade cars based on real-life brands like Toyota, Honda and Ford.
For you lucky folks going to the Tokyo Game Show next week, Cie Games will have a playable version of Car Town Japan there, too. For the rest of us back in the states and elsewhere, we'll just have to wait patiently until the game speeds onto our iPhones and various Android devices. So pump your brakes, and go play Car Town on Facebook some more.
[Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
Do you think this is a sign of Cie Games rise to social game notoriety among the elites like Zynga and EA? Are you excited to soon have a mobile version of Car Town to take around? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
"When we launch future titles, you'll see us deployed internationally much more quickly on multiple platforms," Cie Games CEO Justin Choi told ISG. "We are planning on opening additional offices. We are going to use Japan as a hub to expand into other markets in Asia."
According to ISG, this Japanese version of Car Town on Mobage is different from what sounds like a dedicated version of Car Town for iOS and Android devices that's in the works, which will be released "soon." Car Town Japan features a decidedly Japanese look and feel, though folks will still race, build, decorate and upgrade cars based on real-life brands like Toyota, Honda and Ford.
For you lucky folks going to the Tokyo Game Show next week, Cie Games will have a playable version of Car Town Japan there, too. For the rest of us back in the states and elsewhere, we'll just have to wait patiently until the game speeds onto our iPhones and various Android devices. So pump your brakes, and go play Car Town on Facebook some more.
[Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
Do you think this is a sign of Cie Games rise to social game notoriety among the elites like Zynga and EA? Are you excited to soon have a mobile version of Car Town to take around? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Tell your best FarmVille story to win early access to Lighthouse Cove
The hype surrounding Lighthouse Cove, the upcoming second expansion to FarmVille, is officially at a fever pitch. Zynga has teased us long enough about our future trip to the coastline, so it's about time it opens up the gates to Lighthouse Cove. Well, Zynga plans on doing just that ... for 25 people. Oh yes, if you want to be one of the first to step digital foot onto this new expansion, you'll have to work for it. It's time to put your writing chops to the test in a new FarmVille Story Challenge.
What you need to do is pen your brightest, most vivid FarmVille story in just 20 sentences or less, and accompany your tale with no more than seven unedited images of your farm. The game's team will then review all of the submissions posted in this forum thread and decide on 25 skilled FarmVille fabulists on Sept. 9 after 3 p.m. PST, when the contest ends.
If you're chosen as one of FarmVille's great storytellers, you will be asked to send your Facebook ID to FarmVille community manager TerriHelper through a forum private message. The winners, in addition to getting into Lighthouse Cove before everyone else (nyah, nyah!), will score exclusive items as well as a quest line just for them with "handsome rewards." If that didn't get your fingers typing yet, then nothing will. Check out the full contest rules here, and open that word processor already, will ya?
Have you started writing your epic FarmVille fable yet? What do you think of how Zynga is handling early access to Lighthouse Cove, and what are you excited for most with this new expansion? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
What you need to do is pen your brightest, most vivid FarmVille story in just 20 sentences or less, and accompany your tale with no more than seven unedited images of your farm. The game's team will then review all of the submissions posted in this forum thread and decide on 25 skilled FarmVille fabulists on Sept. 9 after 3 p.m. PST, when the contest ends.
If you're chosen as one of FarmVille's great storytellers, you will be asked to send your Facebook ID to FarmVille community manager TerriHelper through a forum private message. The winners, in addition to getting into Lighthouse Cove before everyone else (nyah, nyah!), will score exclusive items as well as a quest line just for them with "handsome rewards." If that didn't get your fingers typing yet, then nothing will. Check out the full contest rules here, and open that word processor already, will ya?
Have you started writing your epic FarmVille fable yet? What do you think of how Zynga is handling early access to Lighthouse Cove, and what are you excited for most with this new expansion? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
CityVille Tonga Tower Goals: Everything you need to know
The Eiffel Tower in CityVille has been but a light at the end of a tunnel for many players, a distant one. Now, Zynga has released the second step in unlocking the first Wonder to hit the game, the Tonga Tower.
This brand new Business is a tiki-themed restaurant that will eventually function as the previous Hotels released to the game. Of course, there are some daunting Goals tied directly to its construction. So, without further ado, here' everything you need to know about the Tonga Tower:
First things first, you must be at least Level 30 to access the Tonga Tower and the Goals attached to it. And while you do not have to build the Sailboat Hotel before the Tonga Tower, both are required to access the Eiffel Tower when it finally releases. If you're Level 30 and log into the game, Edgar will appear with a task for you.
Tonga Tower!
* Place the Tonga Tower
This woefully simple Goal will introduce you to the Tonga Tower. Just click on the Place button in the Goal's window to throw it onto your city. And ... that's it--enjoy the 2 XP that is your reward. (I mean, all you did was place a building, after all.) Placing the Tonga Tower will cause it to appear nearly finished complete with scaffolding. Click on it for your next and final Goal.
CityVille Unlock Tonga Tower
CityVille Tonga Tower completeUnlock the Tonga Tower
* Gather parts to Unlock Tonga Tower
* Upgrade one Tiki Business to Level 3
* Master one Tiki Crop to Level 3
Clicking on the Tonga Tower again after receiving this Goal will open the familiar window when constructing buildings. As per usual, you must ask your friends to send you items, which this time include seven of each these: Drink Umbrellas, Open Coconuts, Ukuleles, Table Mats and Welcome Treats.
The upgraded Businesses that will count toward this Goal are the Song Bird Pet Shop, the Ku Drive-in and the Tonga Room. We suggest you go with the Song Bird Pet Shop, as it's the cheapest option at 150,000 coins and will be ready for collection more often than the others as it holds just 320 Goods. Upgrading a Business is a completely different ball game these days, so check out this post for an idea of how to upgrade Businesses in the new system.
Crop Mastery is as simple as harvesting a given crop a certain amount of times, and you must harvest either the Pineapple or Sugar Cane crop to fulfill this Goal. We recommend going with the Sugar Cane, as it only costs 47 coins per plot, which amounts to 14,100 coins total for Level 3 Mastery. Your reward for this Goal is simple: a finished Tonga Tower, which will function like a normal Hotel once completed.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started on your Tonga Tower yet? What tips might you have for completing it even more quickly? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
This brand new Business is a tiki-themed restaurant that will eventually function as the previous Hotels released to the game. Of course, there are some daunting Goals tied directly to its construction. So, without further ado, here' everything you need to know about the Tonga Tower:
First things first, you must be at least Level 30 to access the Tonga Tower and the Goals attached to it. And while you do not have to build the Sailboat Hotel before the Tonga Tower, both are required to access the Eiffel Tower when it finally releases. If you're Level 30 and log into the game, Edgar will appear with a task for you.
Tonga Tower!
* Place the Tonga Tower
This woefully simple Goal will introduce you to the Tonga Tower. Just click on the Place button in the Goal's window to throw it onto your city. And ... that's it--enjoy the 2 XP that is your reward. (I mean, all you did was place a building, after all.) Placing the Tonga Tower will cause it to appear nearly finished complete with scaffolding. Click on it for your next and final Goal.
CityVille Unlock Tonga Tower
CityVille Tonga Tower completeUnlock the Tonga Tower
* Gather parts to Unlock Tonga Tower
* Upgrade one Tiki Business to Level 3
* Master one Tiki Crop to Level 3
Clicking on the Tonga Tower again after receiving this Goal will open the familiar window when constructing buildings. As per usual, you must ask your friends to send you items, which this time include seven of each these: Drink Umbrellas, Open Coconuts, Ukuleles, Table Mats and Welcome Treats.
The upgraded Businesses that will count toward this Goal are the Song Bird Pet Shop, the Ku Drive-in and the Tonga Room. We suggest you go with the Song Bird Pet Shop, as it's the cheapest option at 150,000 coins and will be ready for collection more often than the others as it holds just 320 Goods. Upgrading a Business is a completely different ball game these days, so check out this post for an idea of how to upgrade Businesses in the new system.
Crop Mastery is as simple as harvesting a given crop a certain amount of times, and you must harvest either the Pineapple or Sugar Cane crop to fulfill this Goal. We recommend going with the Sugar Cane, as it only costs 47 coins per plot, which amounts to 14,100 coins total for Level 3 Mastery. Your reward for this Goal is simple: a finished Tonga Tower, which will function like a normal Hotel once completed.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started on your Tonga Tower yet? What tips might you have for completing it even more quickly? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Ubisoft CEO: Smurfs & Co. gained 4.2 million players with no marketing
And now, The Smurfs & Co. is sitting pretty with over 9 million monthly players since its launch just over a month ago. During an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed, "Smurfs went from zero to 4.2 million without marketing in two weeks."
While these might not be The Sims Social numbers, it speaks volumes to the power social games with strong brands behind them have on Facebook. This is especially considering Ubisoft conducted zero advertising (the main method of growth for Facebook games these days) for The Smurfs & Co. in that time period. That's the power of The Smurfs for ya, I guess.
Guillemont continued," So it's amazing how fast, when the content is adapted, those products can grow. So it really shows that people are very interested by new content in games. So we will continue to develop and make sure the quality of the game experience is adapted to what people are looking for."
In other words, the best way to for a Facebook game to grow is the keep it current, according to Guillemont. (So, that's why Zynga updates its games incessantly!) The Ubisoft boss went on to reveal to GamesIndustry.biz just why it's in on the rapidly growing free-to-play and social games movement: "In the long term there's no reason why the casual would not overcome the hardcore business because there are more people that are interested in buying casual."
So, if you ask Guillemont, casual (and free-to-play) are the way to go, which already accounted for 40 percent of the company's revenue in 2010. And Ubisoft is certainly not alone--EA has already spent over $1 billion on Facebook and mobile games, which is looking to already be paying off. Other traditional companies are slowly dipping their feet, while a legion of originally hardcore game designers have Facebook Credits twinkling in their eyes.
Does this mean no more Assassin's Creed or Ghost Recon for the hardcore crowd? Of course not, but I'm willing to bet that it does mean far more blue creatures in white hats in a not-so-little place called Facebook.
Do you agree that casual games could overtake hardcore games in the future? What do you think of The Smurfs & Co. so far, what brands do you hope Ubisoft brings to Facebook next? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
While these might not be The Sims Social numbers, it speaks volumes to the power social games with strong brands behind them have on Facebook. This is especially considering Ubisoft conducted zero advertising (the main method of growth for Facebook games these days) for The Smurfs & Co. in that time period. That's the power of The Smurfs for ya, I guess.
Guillemont continued," So it's amazing how fast, when the content is adapted, those products can grow. So it really shows that people are very interested by new content in games. So we will continue to develop and make sure the quality of the game experience is adapted to what people are looking for."
In other words, the best way to for a Facebook game to grow is the keep it current, according to Guillemont. (So, that's why Zynga updates its games incessantly!) The Ubisoft boss went on to reveal to GamesIndustry.biz just why it's in on the rapidly growing free-to-play and social games movement: "In the long term there's no reason why the casual would not overcome the hardcore business because there are more people that are interested in buying casual."
So, if you ask Guillemont, casual (and free-to-play) are the way to go, which already accounted for 40 percent of the company's revenue in 2010. And Ubisoft is certainly not alone--EA has already spent over $1 billion on Facebook and mobile games, which is looking to already be paying off. Other traditional companies are slowly dipping their feet, while a legion of originally hardcore game designers have Facebook Credits twinkling in their eyes.
Does this mean no more Assassin's Creed or Ghost Recon for the hardcore crowd? Of course not, but I'm willing to bet that it does mean far more blue creatures in white hats in a not-so-little place called Facebook.
Do you agree that casual games could overtake hardcore games in the future? What do you think of The Smurfs & Co. so far, what brands do you hope Ubisoft brings to Facebook next? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Game Developers Choice Online Awards Audience Award: Vote for your fave Facebook game
We know, you're miffed that your favorite Facebook game didn't make the cut in the second annual Game Developers Choice Online Awards nominations. Luckily for you, the Audience Award category has finally opened up for voting from the public starting today, Sept. 8, through Sept. 22. All you need to do is head on over to the Audience Award voting page, type in what game--any online game--you think should win, and provide an email address to confirm your vote.
The second annual GDC Online, an Austin, Texas-based online game-centric offshoot of the annual GDC event that takes place annually in San Francisco, is little more than a month away, running Oct. 10-13. The GDC Online Awards will be held on the evening of Oct. 12 in the Austin Convention Center. Now that you know all of the logistics regarding the GDC Online Awards, let's talk a bit about that Audience Award.
Frankly, it can be a little daunting, that blank white box, just waiting for your answer. If you need some help framing your answer deciding on a sound candidate, take a look at the nominees that were already decided upon. If that doesn't help, take a look at this month's Top 25 Facebook Games to see what's hot.
Or, you know, just vote for what game you enjoy best--just make sure it's a Facebook game, kay? League of Legends won the Audience Award last year, and while it's a blast, we can't have that this year ... or we'll miss out on the Facebook royalty checks again. (Before the flaming starts: Jokes, people, just jokes.)
Do you plan on casting a vote for the GDC Online Awards Audience Award? Which game do you think should win the honor? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The second annual GDC Online, an Austin, Texas-based online game-centric offshoot of the annual GDC event that takes place annually in San Francisco, is little more than a month away, running Oct. 10-13. The GDC Online Awards will be held on the evening of Oct. 12 in the Austin Convention Center. Now that you know all of the logistics regarding the GDC Online Awards, let's talk a bit about that Audience Award.
Frankly, it can be a little daunting, that blank white box, just waiting for your answer. If you need some help framing your answer deciding on a sound candidate, take a look at the nominees that were already decided upon. If that doesn't help, take a look at this month's Top 25 Facebook Games to see what's hot.
Or, you know, just vote for what game you enjoy best--just make sure it's a Facebook game, kay? League of Legends won the Audience Award last year, and while it's a blast, we can't have that this year ... or we'll miss out on the Facebook royalty checks again. (Before the flaming starts: Jokes, people, just jokes.)
Do you plan on casting a vote for the GDC Online Awards Audience Award? Which game do you think should win the honor? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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