If you're the kind of FrontierVille player that likes the Boosts system in the game, that lets you do everything from speeding up crop growth to making your trees instantly ready to harvest (and more), you'll want to pay very close attention to the Unwither Crop Boosts available in the General Store the next time you go shopping.
While we've all been used to the Unwither Crop Boosts that you receive from trading in the Peanut Collection that (as of this writing) still unwither every withered crop on your land without limit, these General Store Boosts aren't as useful. While they may look fairly similar visually, if you hover over the item, you'll see that they only "restore a section" of your crops back to life. As of right now, that appears to be either a single crop, or five crops per Boost (there are conflicting reports, leading us to believe that Zynga might have changed them recently).
One look at the FrontierVille forums confirms this, as users have been able to unwither just a single crop per a single Boost, or have been able to unwither five. Either way, we'll make sure to keep an eye on this situation, and will let you know if a definitive number comes out in the end. For now though, make sure to save your Horseshoes if you're expecting an entire field to magically be saved - you'll end up very disappointed if you don't.
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Frito Lay Promotion: Help out to receive Frito-Lay Stand, double mastery, & more
A new cross-promotional activity launched in FarmVille this evening, with Zynga partnering with Frito Lay to give away two new items to players on a new Frito Lay farm. You can visit this farm by clicking on the Frido Lay logo, which can be found as the first "neighbor" in your friends' bar. You'll see a completely themed farm, and will be asked to help "harvest and package farm fresh ingredients" that go into bags of Lays, Tostitos, and Sun Chips brand snacks.
Through a simple pop-up window, you'll be able to "Help Out," and will see the freshly harvested crops being driven, literally, to the store on the farm by an animated van. This process takes a few seconds, so be patient if you don't see the second pop-up window appear immediately. From there, you'll need to click on the new window that appears [pictured] to head to the Frito Lay fan page to see your exclusive prizes. This seems to be a technicality, as the fan page loads in a new window, and the above pop-up disappears in your game. Simply look inside your Gift Box after this point, and you'll see your two prizes: a Frito-Lay Stand, and a Frito-Lay Truck, two new decorations for your farm (one of which comes with a very special surprise).
farmville frito layClick the image to make it larger
But wait! There's more! As you place the Frito-Lay Stand on your farm, you'll be given a special bonus - you'll receive double mastery on all crops and trees harvested on that particular farm for the next two days. Plan accordingly for this bonus - if you still have an Instant Grow from a previous promotion, then by all means plant a four day crop, but otherwise, this looks like the time to bust out Straspberry seeds or Raspberries (both two-hour crops that take a lot of harvests to completely master), to make the most of this free bonus. The stand will remain on your farm as a regular decoration after the double mastery boost has expired.
And there you have it! An activity that will take you literally less than 60 seconds to complete, but which offers some very cool rewards in return. We'll make sure to let you know when Zynga holds other cross-promotions in the future, so remember to keep checking back.
What do you think of the prizes offered in this cross-promotion? If you didn't receive double mastery for the Frito-Lay Stand, would you be as likely to complete this promotion?
Through a simple pop-up window, you'll be able to "Help Out," and will see the freshly harvested crops being driven, literally, to the store on the farm by an animated van. This process takes a few seconds, so be patient if you don't see the second pop-up window appear immediately. From there, you'll need to click on the new window that appears [pictured] to head to the Frito Lay fan page to see your exclusive prizes. This seems to be a technicality, as the fan page loads in a new window, and the above pop-up disappears in your game. Simply look inside your Gift Box after this point, and you'll see your two prizes: a Frito-Lay Stand, and a Frito-Lay Truck, two new decorations for your farm (one of which comes with a very special surprise).
farmville frito layClick the image to make it larger
But wait! There's more! As you place the Frito-Lay Stand on your farm, you'll be given a special bonus - you'll receive double mastery on all crops and trees harvested on that particular farm for the next two days. Plan accordingly for this bonus - if you still have an Instant Grow from a previous promotion, then by all means plant a four day crop, but otherwise, this looks like the time to bust out Straspberry seeds or Raspberries (both two-hour crops that take a lot of harvests to completely master), to make the most of this free bonus. The stand will remain on your farm as a regular decoration after the double mastery boost has expired.
And there you have it! An activity that will take you literally less than 60 seconds to complete, but which offers some very cool rewards in return. We'll make sure to let you know when Zynga holds other cross-promotions in the future, so remember to keep checking back.
What do you think of the prizes offered in this cross-promotion? If you didn't receive double mastery for the Frito-Lay Stand, would you be as likely to complete this promotion?
FarmVille LE English Countryside Trees: Downy Birch Tree & Silver Birch Tree
After predicting that Zynga would release the Downy Birch Tree in FarmVille this evening, we've been lucky enough to be proven right, as tonight's FarmVille update brought with it not only the Downy Birch Tree, but the Silver Birch Tree as well. Both of these trees continue in the recent "realism" kick Zynga seems to be on with trees (we know you've been wanting more realism, and they've clearly heard you), and you can add them to your farm for 10 and 5 Farm Cash each, respectively.
As you might have guessed, the Downy Birch Tree is the level 2 tree in this pair, meaning that you can go ahead and save your 10 Farm Cash and just purchase the Silver Birch Tree, as you'll likely eventually receive the Downy Birch via a Mystery Seedling. Or, you can just luck into receiving one being posted by your friend(s) on their wall.
Both of these trees will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and both can be placed either on your Home Farm or on your second farm in the English Countryside. While realism is great and all, this Downy Birch Tree gives us a great idea for a cross-promotion Zynga could look into. A Downy Fabric Softener Tree anyone? C'mon, I can't be the only one that would like a stuffed animal tree, would I? It would look great right next to my Cotton Candy Tree, after all. But I guess that's for another time.
As you might have guessed, the Downy Birch Tree is the level 2 tree in this pair, meaning that you can go ahead and save your 10 Farm Cash and just purchase the Silver Birch Tree, as you'll likely eventually receive the Downy Birch via a Mystery Seedling. Or, you can just luck into receiving one being posted by your friend(s) on their wall.
Both of these trees will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and both can be placed either on your Home Farm or on your second farm in the English Countryside. While realism is great and all, this Downy Birch Tree gives us a great idea for a cross-promotion Zynga could look into. A Downy Fabric Softener Tree anyone? C'mon, I can't be the only one that would like a stuffed animal tree, would I? It would look great right next to my Cotton Candy Tree, after all. But I guess that's for another time.
FarmVille LE English Countryside Animals: Dales Pony, Campbell Duck, & Purple Stripes Ram
Three new animals have been released tonight as part of the latest FarmVille update. While all three of these animals are part of the limited edition English Countryside theme, this release is a bit different than those we've seen recently, as these three animals can all be placed on your second farm in the English Countryside, but (as of this writing), only two of them can be purchased for your Home Farm.
The two universal animals are the Dales Pony and the Campbell Duck. The Pony is the more expensive animal, at 24 Farm Cash. Remember, if you place the Dales Pony in your Horse Stable, you'll have a chance to breed the Pony for a Dales Pony Foal which can be shared with friends. Meanwhile, the Campbell Duck is cheaper at 16 Farm Cash. You'll receive 1600 experience points for purchasing it.
The final animal is the Ram (Purple Stripes), which can only be purchased for your second farm, as it is part of the sheep breeding process. It costs 30 Farm Cash. While technically, sheep breeding is supposed to only allow the pattern to come from the male, users are reporting that the female's pattern has been carried over to some lambs. Zynga is holding firm to the "father only" story though, so this is most likely a bug, and if you want a "guarantee" of receiving a purple striped lamb in the future, this really is your best bet.
While the Dales Pony and Campbell Duck will be available for the next two weeks, the Purple Stripes Ram will be available in the store for almost a full month, giving you a bit of time to earn up the necessary Farm Cash to purchase it if you can't do so now.
The two universal animals are the Dales Pony and the Campbell Duck. The Pony is the more expensive animal, at 24 Farm Cash. Remember, if you place the Dales Pony in your Horse Stable, you'll have a chance to breed the Pony for a Dales Pony Foal which can be shared with friends. Meanwhile, the Campbell Duck is cheaper at 16 Farm Cash. You'll receive 1600 experience points for purchasing it.
The final animal is the Ram (Purple Stripes), which can only be purchased for your second farm, as it is part of the sheep breeding process. It costs 30 Farm Cash. While technically, sheep breeding is supposed to only allow the pattern to come from the male, users are reporting that the female's pattern has been carried over to some lambs. Zynga is holding firm to the "father only" story though, so this is most likely a bug, and if you want a "guarantee" of receiving a purple striped lamb in the future, this really is your best bet.
While the Dales Pony and Campbell Duck will be available for the next two weeks, the Purple Stripes Ram will be available in the store for almost a full month, giving you a bit of time to earn up the necessary Farm Cash to purchase it if you can't do so now.
FarmVille LE English Countryside Buildings: English Manor & English Tower
There are two new buildings available in the limited edition English Countryside theme in FarmVille, with both of these buildings coming as "sneak peek" objects we brought you a look at yesterday. The two items are the English Manor and the English Tower (note that the English Tower has been name-changed from the Stone Clock Tower).
These two buildings will cost Farm Cash to purchase for you farm, at a rate of 35 Farm Cash for the English Manor, and 18 Farm cash for the English Tower (which yes, still does contain a clock). Both of these items are fairly large, with the English Manor being one of the widest items we've seen released in the game (that is, you'll likely need to do so reorganizing of your decorations to make this bad boy fit).
Both of these items will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and both can be purchased for either of your farms. Remember though, if you'd like to have one of these items on both of your farms, you'll need to shell out the Farm Cash twice. Yes, that's a high cost, but until Zynga releases the ability to transfer items between farms, that's unfortunately how it has to be.
Will you purchase either of these items for either of your farms?
These two buildings will cost Farm Cash to purchase for you farm, at a rate of 35 Farm Cash for the English Manor, and 18 Farm cash for the English Tower (which yes, still does contain a clock). Both of these items are fairly large, with the English Manor being one of the widest items we've seen released in the game (that is, you'll likely need to do so reorganizing of your decorations to make this bad boy fit).
Both of these items will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and both can be purchased for either of your farms. Remember though, if you'd like to have one of these items on both of your farms, you'll need to shell out the Farm Cash twice. Yes, that's a high cost, but until Zynga releases the ability to transfer items between farms, that's unfortunately how it has to be.
Will you purchase either of these items for either of your farms?
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille: English Countryside Pigpen updated to match other English buildings
If you've been holding off on building a Pigpen in your English Countryside in FarmVille, because it looked like the Pigpen on your Home Farm (and didn't match the rest of the expansion's animal buildings), you can rest easy now as the building has been updated to match. What a relief!
The Pigpen's cost has remained the same - 5,000 coins for the frame. You'll also still need to build the frame to completion by using bricks, nails, and wooden boards. The only difference now comes in the building's appearance, but, for those detail-centric players like myself - that's all the change the building needed. For a detailed guide on how to build a Pigpen (say, if this were your first, or you'd just like a reminder), check out our complete guide.
Did you wait to build a Pigpen because it was light brown and white rather than dark brown like other English Countryside buildings?
The Pigpen's cost has remained the same - 5,000 coins for the frame. You'll also still need to build the frame to completion by using bricks, nails, and wooden boards. The only difference now comes in the building's appearance, but, for those detail-centric players like myself - that's all the change the building needed. For a detailed guide on how to build a Pigpen (say, if this were your first, or you'd just like a reminder), check out our complete guide.
Did you wait to build a Pigpen because it was light brown and white rather than dark brown like other English Countryside buildings?
CityVille Short Story Quest Line Contest offers 1,000 City Cash to creative writers
Do you have a passion for writing? Are you a huge CityVille fan? You can now combine your two loves in a new CityVille contest being thrown by Zynga over on the game's official forums. The contest is called the Short Story Quest Line Contest and it asks users to create a new quest line in the game. The quest line must fit the current CityVille theme, and users are encouraged to incorporate some of the game's current characters (Samantha, Ruth, Alexi and so on), in addition to creating some of their own.
The main point with this contest is to be creative. You can continue an old quest line in a sequel story, or you can do something totally original for the game. Don't worry about including the rewards for completing these goals - this contest is all about the "why?" Why does our character need help? Are they in trouble? Why should players want to help these characters achieve their current goals?
If you've got what it takes, you could see yourself walking away with the first place prize of 1,000 City Cash. Fear not, though, if you fail to take home the top prize, as the second and third place finishers will also win a fantastic sum of 500 and 250 City Cash each. For full details on how to enter the contest, check out the official submission thread. Good luck!
The main point with this contest is to be creative. You can continue an old quest line in a sequel story, or you can do something totally original for the game. Don't worry about including the rewards for completing these goals - this contest is all about the "why?" Why does our character need help? Are they in trouble? Why should players want to help these characters achieve their current goals?
If you've got what it takes, you could see yourself walking away with the first place prize of 1,000 City Cash. Fear not, though, if you fail to take home the top prize, as the second and third place finishers will also win a fantastic sum of 500 and 250 City Cash each. For full details on how to enter the contest, check out the official submission thread. Good luck!
Cafe World: The Goal Manager has arrived at last
Honestly chefs, this is a post I never thought I would be writing. After complaining - err, uh... heavily suggesting that Zynga add a Goal Manager to Cafe World, so that users could see more than four active goal sets at once, our calls for help have finally been answered! Over the next 24 hours, Zynga will be rolling out the Goal Manager to all users in the game.
This Goal Manager doesn't take up much space, and is actually a fully integrated menu, rather than a pop-up, that rests along the right side of the screen. This Goal Manager has a set of up and down arrows, that will allow you to scroll through all available goals, presenting you with three at a time, until you have found the goal you'd like to complete. No more slogging through the same four goal sets while you know you could easily finish others if you could only get to them - no more frustration when that goal that you've almost finished is suddenly covered up by a new release.
This is, without doubt, the best thing to happen to Cafe World in a very, very long time - I might even go so far to say as it might be the single best thing, but that could be pushing it just a bit. Either way, this will change the way we play the game forever, and definitely in a good way. Now, won't you join me in the celebration?
[Image Credit: Forums user okekeca]
Have you received the Goal Manager in Cafe World yet? What do you think of its streamlined appearance?
This Goal Manager doesn't take up much space, and is actually a fully integrated menu, rather than a pop-up, that rests along the right side of the screen. This Goal Manager has a set of up and down arrows, that will allow you to scroll through all available goals, presenting you with three at a time, until you have found the goal you'd like to complete. No more slogging through the same four goal sets while you know you could easily finish others if you could only get to them - no more frustration when that goal that you've almost finished is suddenly covered up by a new release.
This is, without doubt, the best thing to happen to Cafe World in a very, very long time - I might even go so far to say as it might be the single best thing, but that could be pushing it just a bit. Either way, this will change the way we play the game forever, and definitely in a good way. Now, won't you join me in the celebration?
[Image Credit: Forums user okekeca]
Have you received the Goal Manager in Cafe World yet? What do you think of its streamlined appearance?
Mafia Wars LIVE event will see your questions answered on camera
Ever submitted a question for the Mafia Wars team, but were afraid your voice wasn't heard? That can all change tomorrow, as Zynga has announced their first ever LIVE broadcast from within the Mafia Wars studio, where Community Manager "Blue Eyed Nate" and game designer "Crazy Dragon" will be on-hand (and on camera) not only talking about the future of the game (including currently unannounced new features), but will also be answering some user questions.
To be specific, Zynga is looking for questions to be submitted over on the game's official forums. Then, tomorrow, May 4, at 3:30 PM PST (that's 6:30 Eastern, for our friends on the east cost), the broadcast will be launched on UStream, apparently at this link (feel free to bookmark the page so you don't have to search for it later), and you may just see your question answered live in front of all of your fellow players!
Sure, there are likely to be many more questions asked than there will be time to answer them, but hey - this is your chance to talk to the folks behind Mafia Wars, so take the shot while you have it!
Will you tune into the first ever installment of Mafia Wars LIVE tomorrow?
To be specific, Zynga is looking for questions to be submitted over on the game's official forums. Then, tomorrow, May 4, at 3:30 PM PST (that's 6:30 Eastern, for our friends on the east cost), the broadcast will be launched on UStream, apparently at this link (feel free to bookmark the page so you don't have to search for it later), and you may just see your question answered live in front of all of your fellow players!
Sure, there are likely to be many more questions asked than there will be time to answer them, but hey - this is your chance to talk to the folks behind Mafia Wars, so take the shot while you have it!
Will you tune into the first ever installment of Mafia Wars LIVE tomorrow?
FrontierVille: Zynga enables quick posting of item requests to save you time
In an effort to save users some time when beg... err, asking for the many items we need in FrontierVille on a daily basis, Zynga has started to roll out an optional system of Quick Posting to certain pop-ups.This Quick Post method isn't anything sinister - unlike how it sounds, this won't see you posting tons of unknown items to your news feed, that you didn't approve or even know existed. This will simply save you the step of waiting for the Facebook news post window to appear before being able to confirm that yes, you do want to post a request asking for more Salt Licks, as in the image above.
To be especially clear, you'll still play the game as normal, clicking on the "Ask friends" or "Publish" buttons (among others) that would normally pop-up a Facebook confirmation window, but this last step will be skipped. You have to manually choose what to post, as usual, as FrontierVille won't simply post anything without you telling it to (at least where this new feature is concerned). Again, this is a voluntary step, and you can continue in your old ways if you'd prefer. If you'd like to save a few clicks though, the option should be rolling out to all players soon.
[Image Credit: WebGameTips]
Will you enable quick posting of your item requests, or do you like adding personal messages before your news feed items are posted?
To be especially clear, you'll still play the game as normal, clicking on the "Ask friends" or "Publish" buttons (among others) that would normally pop-up a Facebook confirmation window, but this last step will be skipped. You have to manually choose what to post, as usual, as FrontierVille won't simply post anything without you telling it to (at least where this new feature is concerned). Again, this is a voluntary step, and you can continue in your old ways if you'd prefer. If you'd like to save a few clicks though, the option should be rolling out to all players soon.
[Image Credit: WebGameTips]
Will you enable quick posting of your item requests, or do you like adding personal messages before your news feed items are posted?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
E3 2011: Fruit Ninja Frenzy takes a slice out of Facebook this summer
At this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, we had a chance to go hands-on with Halfbrick's upcoming port of the popular iOS game Fruit Ninja - Fruit Ninja Frenzy - on Facebook. As of this writing, you can Like of the game's official fan page, and you can "play" an incredibly short version of the game, slicing one single fruit just to see what the mechanic would look like (you hold down the left mouse button and then slice just as you would when drawing your finger across a touch screen).
For this E3 demo, however, we got to take a look at a fairly final version of the game, which is more comparable to Bejeweled Blitz and other one-minute games than anything else. In Fruit Ninja Frenzy, the same basic gameplay from the mobile version has been retained, but has been chopped (no pun intended) into 60-seconds of bite sized fruity goodness. Your goal is still to slice as many pieces of fruit as you can in the 60 seconds to earn points. You'll earn combo points for slicing multiple fruit at once, and you'll need to what out for bombs that will remove points from your score.
While all of that remains the same, the Facebook elements here give you an overall profile and score. Sure, each game has an individual score, which allows you to climb your leaderboard of friends that have posted scores, but you'll also earn a tenth of your points as Juice, a new currency in the game (that is, if you scored 100 points, you'd receive 10 Juice). Another currency, Starfruit, allows you to unlock Smoothies, which are power-ups that can be activated before each run at the game.
This power-up system will be familiar to Bejeweled Blitz fans, as they allow you to make bombs harmless (they'll show up as dimmed outlines and can't be sliced), add more time to your clock and so on. You'll start with only one power-up slot free, but can eventually expand to three by spending more Starfruit, which can be earned through simply playing the game or purchasing it outright.
For iOS fans, the game will connect to the iOS version, just as the way Bejeweled Blitz works on iPhone. The Frenzy gameplay will be available in the palm of your hand, and if you happen to beat your high score posted on Facebook, it will be updated via this cross-platform support. Additionally, just as with the iOS version(s) of the game, you'll be able to unlock achievements, blades and other unlockables on Facebook, giving you an incentive to keep going (as if you really needed any extra persuasion).
Does Fruit Ninja Frenzy break the mold when it comes to 60-second gameplay on Facebook? Not really, but it doesn't have to. The game has become so iconic to mobile players, and the gameplay was incredibly smooth here, making for a seamless transition. I can't wait to be able to spend five minutes (or more, let's face it) here and there slicing and dicing my way through fruit to earn bragging rights among friends.
For this E3 demo, however, we got to take a look at a fairly final version of the game, which is more comparable to Bejeweled Blitz and other one-minute games than anything else. In Fruit Ninja Frenzy, the same basic gameplay from the mobile version has been retained, but has been chopped (no pun intended) into 60-seconds of bite sized fruity goodness. Your goal is still to slice as many pieces of fruit as you can in the 60 seconds to earn points. You'll earn combo points for slicing multiple fruit at once, and you'll need to what out for bombs that will remove points from your score.
While all of that remains the same, the Facebook elements here give you an overall profile and score. Sure, each game has an individual score, which allows you to climb your leaderboard of friends that have posted scores, but you'll also earn a tenth of your points as Juice, a new currency in the game (that is, if you scored 100 points, you'd receive 10 Juice). Another currency, Starfruit, allows you to unlock Smoothies, which are power-ups that can be activated before each run at the game.
This power-up system will be familiar to Bejeweled Blitz fans, as they allow you to make bombs harmless (they'll show up as dimmed outlines and can't be sliced), add more time to your clock and so on. You'll start with only one power-up slot free, but can eventually expand to three by spending more Starfruit, which can be earned through simply playing the game or purchasing it outright.
For iOS fans, the game will connect to the iOS version, just as the way Bejeweled Blitz works on iPhone. The Frenzy gameplay will be available in the palm of your hand, and if you happen to beat your high score posted on Facebook, it will be updated via this cross-platform support. Additionally, just as with the iOS version(s) of the game, you'll be able to unlock achievements, blades and other unlockables on Facebook, giving you an incentive to keep going (as if you really needed any extra persuasion).
Does Fruit Ninja Frenzy break the mold when it comes to 60-second gameplay on Facebook? Not really, but it doesn't have to. The game has become so iconic to mobile players, and the gameplay was incredibly smooth here, making for a seamless transition. I can't wait to be able to spend five minutes (or more, let's face it) here and there slicing and dicing my way through fruit to earn bragging rights among friends.
E3 2011: Pet Society Vacation on iPhone takes your Facebook pet on a tropical trip
Before this year's E3, we were given nothing more than a name to go on for EA Interactive and Playfish's newest iOS game, but what a name it was: Pet Society Vacation. Today, we may not have been able to go hands-on with Pet Society Vacation, or even see it in action (due to a temporary wi-fi issue), but we did learn more about what makes this expansion of the established Facebook game tick.
First and foremost, Pet Society Vacation isn't so much a new game as it is a way for you to earn exclusive items back in your Facebook game. Your pet's appearance and level from Facebook will be brought over to this tropical expansion and island, where you'll be given a house boat. The house boat has a single room, but over time can be expanded just like your normal home. These rooms, of course, will be empty, so a set of tropical item shops will be available in the game to allow you to outfit both your new rooms and your pet in tropical gear. Unfortunately, if you have any themed items currently in your Facebook inventory, you can't access these from Vacation, so you really are starting from scratch in that respect.
As for earning coins in Vacation, you'll be able to visit friends and care for your friends' pets as you'd expect, but you can also play a new Scuba-diving mini-game to dig for not only coins under the water, but also new decorative items for your house boat.
Even if you have a lot of Pet Society friends in the original game on Facebook, you won't be able to send free gifts to all of them via the app; only the ones that also play Vacation on iPhone. Additionally, due to the fact that both games on are different platforms, you'll have to accept not being able to use your saved premium currency on Facebook over in Vacation and vice versa.
Pet Society Vacation will launch on iPhone and iPod Touch later this summer and will be free to download. Get ready to connect your Facebook account once more to start new adventures with your pets on the go!
First and foremost, Pet Society Vacation isn't so much a new game as it is a way for you to earn exclusive items back in your Facebook game. Your pet's appearance and level from Facebook will be brought over to this tropical expansion and island, where you'll be given a house boat. The house boat has a single room, but over time can be expanded just like your normal home. These rooms, of course, will be empty, so a set of tropical item shops will be available in the game to allow you to outfit both your new rooms and your pet in tropical gear. Unfortunately, if you have any themed items currently in your Facebook inventory, you can't access these from Vacation, so you really are starting from scratch in that respect.
As for earning coins in Vacation, you'll be able to visit friends and care for your friends' pets as you'd expect, but you can also play a new Scuba-diving mini-game to dig for not only coins under the water, but also new decorative items for your house boat.
Even if you have a lot of Pet Society friends in the original game on Facebook, you won't be able to send free gifts to all of them via the app; only the ones that also play Vacation on iPhone. Additionally, due to the fact that both games on are different platforms, you'll have to accept not being able to use your saved premium currency on Facebook over in Vacation and vice versa.
Pet Society Vacation will launch on iPhone and iPod Touch later this summer and will be free to download. Get ready to connect your Facebook account once more to start new adventures with your pets on the go!
CityVille: Earn a free gift with City Cash purchase
If you've been holding on to some Facebook Credits, you can now put them to use in CityVille to receive an extra bonus for doing so. You'll see that this new promotion offers three different packages: a $5 package, a $20 package, and a $50 package.
Depending on the package you purchase, you'll receive a different bonus. Here's the full rundown:
$5 - 40 City Cash and a Zen Garden (18% bonus payout)
$20 - 179 City Cash and a Family Den residence (50-80 population and 145 coins in rent)
$50 - 465 City Cash and a Modular Modern residence (90-170 population and 150 coins in rent)
This promotion is being slowly rolled out to users, and you must be level six or higher to claim one of these deals.
Depending on the package you purchase, you'll receive a different bonus. Here's the full rundown:
$5 - 40 City Cash and a Zen Garden (18% bonus payout)
$20 - 179 City Cash and a Family Den residence (50-80 population and 145 coins in rent)
$50 - 465 City Cash and a Modular Modern residence (90-170 population and 150 coins in rent)
This promotion is being slowly rolled out to users, and you must be level six or higher to claim one of these deals.
Cafe World Ice Cream Cart Goals: Everything you need to know
A new appliance of sorts has been added to the Cafe World catalog in the form of the Ice Cream Cart. Just in time for summer, you'll be able to prepare some cool treats to combat the summer heat. However, before you get too excited, know that the setup of the Ice Cream Cart is like that of the recently released Sous Chef Station, in that before you can actually accomplish any real tasks here, you'll first need to ask your friends to man the Ice Cream Cart as a sort of temporary staff.
To go along with this Ice Cream Cart are six new goals that will see you completing all manner of goals on your way to cold and creamy success. Meet us behind the break for a complete look at those goals.
Goal 1 of 6:
Place the Cart!
Goal 2 of 6:
Collect 3 Bags of Ice (ask friends)
Collect 2 Stone Mixing Boards
Serve Angel Fruit Cake 15 Times
Goal 3 of 6:
Collect 7 Packs of Rainbow Sprinkles (ask friends)
Collect 7 Butterscotch Syrups
Serve Caramel Apples 18 Times
Goal 4 of 6:
Hire Ice Cream Crew (ask your friends to join you)
Serve Chocolate Cream Pie 10 Times
Serve Belgian Waffles 10 Times
Goal 5 of 6:
Serve Loco Moco 10 Times
Serve Fish 'n' Chips 10 Times
Spice 5 Neighbors' Stoves
Goal 6 of 6:
Collect 10 Ice Cream Tasting Spoons
Serve White Raddish Cake 20 Times
Collect 10 Ice Cream Cones
To staff your Ice Cream Cart, you'll need to have six friends answer your call for help to fill out the staff. However, you can't really do anything with the Ice Cream Cart right now, as it has yet to be stocked up with new recipes. Apparently, the new ice cream recipes will be coming in just a few days, so keep checking back with us for more on this summer-themed feature.
To go along with this Ice Cream Cart are six new goals that will see you completing all manner of goals on your way to cold and creamy success. Meet us behind the break for a complete look at those goals.
Goal 1 of 6:
Place the Cart!
Goal 2 of 6:
Collect 3 Bags of Ice (ask friends)
Collect 2 Stone Mixing Boards
Serve Angel Fruit Cake 15 Times
Goal 3 of 6:
Collect 7 Packs of Rainbow Sprinkles (ask friends)
Collect 7 Butterscotch Syrups
Serve Caramel Apples 18 Times
Goal 4 of 6:
Hire Ice Cream Crew (ask your friends to join you)
Serve Chocolate Cream Pie 10 Times
Serve Belgian Waffles 10 Times
Goal 5 of 6:
Serve Loco Moco 10 Times
Serve Fish 'n' Chips 10 Times
Spice 5 Neighbors' Stoves
Goal 6 of 6:
Collect 10 Ice Cream Tasting Spoons
Serve White Raddish Cake 20 Times
Collect 10 Ice Cream Cones
To staff your Ice Cream Cart, you'll need to have six friends answer your call for help to fill out the staff. However, you can't really do anything with the Ice Cream Cart right now, as it has yet to be stocked up with new recipes. Apparently, the new ice cream recipes will be coming in just a few days, so keep checking back with us for more on this summer-themed feature.
Cafe World Plots and Pans Goals: Everything you need to know
If you're looking to unlock even more Pizza recipes in your recipe book in Cafe World, look no further than the new Plots and Pans goal series. This five-part goal series will also reward you with a few decorations, but you'll need to work extra hard each step of the way to actually reach the end.
Goal 1 of 5:
Serve Gourmet Blend 10 Times
Cook Belgian Waffles 5 Times (do not have to be served)
Cook eggs Benedict 5 Times (do not have to be served)
Reward: Book Shelf wall decoration
Meet us behind the break for a look at the other four goals.
Goal 2 of 5:
Have 3 Bookshelves (buy the other two from the store to match the one you were just given as a quest reward
Serve Chips and Guacamole 30 Times
Ask for 5 Pens (ask your friends to send them to you)
Goal 3 of 5:
Serve Double Espresso coffee 20 Times
Serve Pita and Dolmas 60 Times
Ask for 10 Thermoses (ask your friends to send them)
Reward: Novelist decoration 3
Goal 4 of 5:
Serve Spicy Devil Eggs 70 Times
Ask for 15 Manuscript pages
Ask for 5 Book Covers
Reward: Framed Book wall decoration
Goal 5 of 5:
Serve Gem Cake 90 Times
Ask for 7 Flatbreads
Ask for 14 Goat Cheese
Reward: Fancy Schmancy
Remember, if you ever need help on a dish's serving tasks, always check your Gift Box for any extra servings of something you can serve instantly to earn the points.
What do you think of the Plots and Pans goals in Cafe World? Will you complete all of these goals just for a small recipe in exchange?
Goal 1 of 5:
Serve Gourmet Blend 10 Times
Cook Belgian Waffles 5 Times (do not have to be served)
Cook eggs Benedict 5 Times (do not have to be served)
Reward: Book Shelf wall decoration
Meet us behind the break for a look at the other four goals.
Goal 2 of 5:
Have 3 Bookshelves (buy the other two from the store to match the one you were just given as a quest reward
Serve Chips and Guacamole 30 Times
Ask for 5 Pens (ask your friends to send them to you)
Goal 3 of 5:
Serve Double Espresso coffee 20 Times
Serve Pita and Dolmas 60 Times
Ask for 10 Thermoses (ask your friends to send them)
Reward: Novelist decoration 3
Goal 4 of 5:
Serve Spicy Devil Eggs 70 Times
Ask for 15 Manuscript pages
Ask for 5 Book Covers
Reward: Framed Book wall decoration
Goal 5 of 5:
Serve Gem Cake 90 Times
Ask for 7 Flatbreads
Ask for 14 Goat Cheese
Reward: Fancy Schmancy
Remember, if you ever need help on a dish's serving tasks, always check your Gift Box for any extra servings of something you can serve instantly to earn the points.
What do you think of the Plots and Pans goals in Cafe World? Will you complete all of these goals just for a small recipe in exchange?
Thứ Sáu, 23 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille: Price for 100% Pattern Inheritance on the rise
If you've ever tried to make the argument that Zynga isn't all about earning money in FarmVille, now would be the time to look the other way. Starting at the end of June, farmers were given the chance to guarantee that their Sheep Breeding efforts resulted in a Lamb with a particular pattern by purchasing a 100% guarantee from the breeding menu for 3 Farm Cash. Now, the price is on the rise.
In my own game, it appears that the price for the 100% guarantee has only risen to 5 Farm Cash, but some farmers are reporting that they'd been charged 10 Farm Cash (that is, if they were willing to pay it) just for a single Lamb and pattern guarantee. While this could just be another attempt at Zynga to "test the waters," and eventually settle on a number that users will pay, if they weren't having success earning money at 3 Farm Cash per Lamb (if they were, why are they trying again to set a right price?), what makes them think 10 Farm Cash would be any better?
This is one time that I'm truly confused farmers. Hopefully, the price will land closer to 1 Farm Cash where it belongs, but for now, I'd suggest sticking away from the option entirely so you don't end up paying anything more than you "have" to.
What's the price for 100% pattern inheritance in your game currently? What's the most you would ever pay to receive a Lamb with a guaranteed pattern?
In my own game, it appears that the price for the 100% guarantee has only risen to 5 Farm Cash, but some farmers are reporting that they'd been charged 10 Farm Cash (that is, if they were willing to pay it) just for a single Lamb and pattern guarantee. While this could just be another attempt at Zynga to "test the waters," and eventually settle on a number that users will pay, if they weren't having success earning money at 3 Farm Cash per Lamb (if they were, why are they trying again to set a right price?), what makes them think 10 Farm Cash would be any better?
This is one time that I'm truly confused farmers. Hopefully, the price will land closer to 1 Farm Cash where it belongs, but for now, I'd suggest sticking away from the option entirely so you don't end up paying anything more than you "have" to.
What's the price for 100% pattern inheritance in your game currently? What's the most you would ever pay to receive a Lamb with a guaranteed pattern?
FarmVille: Free Mystery Game Dart available to some farmers
We've seen another mystery start to take shape in FarmVille this morning, as farmers are logging into their farms only to be greeted with a pop-up notifying them that they've been selected for a free Mystery Game Dart. For this week's game, that Dart is worth 20 Farm Cash, and you're asked to use it right then and there. There are a few catches before you can use it though, so read on to make sure you don't wrongfully spend Farm Cash.
First, if you receive the pop-up below, you'll need to make sure your Gift Box currently sits at 499 or less items. If it's at 500, you won't be allowed to play, as the game's limit is 500 items in your Gift Box, and there's no "room" for another - although we all know there are ways. Second, the dart doesn't seem to actually be appearing in users' gift boxes, so if you had to empty out your gift box, you'll have to manually go back into the store and access the Mystery Game that way. From there, make sure you're looking at text that says you have a "FREE PLAY" or else you're about to pay Farm Cash. If all else fails, empty your gift box to under 500, refresh the game and hope for the best.
This mysterious free Dart appears to function on both the Home Farm and your farm in the English Countryside, but just as the random appearance of Dartmoor Ponies originally had no explanation (we later saw it officially announced in an email that only certain farmers received), there's no explanation for this free dart either. If we had to make a guess, it would be that we're all being compensated for missing out on a few days of last week's game, which was cut off early for the current game to become active. Either way, with this week's game containing a slew of Rainbow-themed animals, you'd be amiss to not use the dart since it is entirely free. Here's a rundown of what you have a chance of winning. Good luck!
Did you receive a free Mystery Game Dart when you logged into your farm this morning? Were you able to use it without being charged Farm Cash?
First, if you receive the pop-up below, you'll need to make sure your Gift Box currently sits at 499 or less items. If it's at 500, you won't be allowed to play, as the game's limit is 500 items in your Gift Box, and there's no "room" for another - although we all know there are ways. Second, the dart doesn't seem to actually be appearing in users' gift boxes, so if you had to empty out your gift box, you'll have to manually go back into the store and access the Mystery Game that way. From there, make sure you're looking at text that says you have a "FREE PLAY" or else you're about to pay Farm Cash. If all else fails, empty your gift box to under 500, refresh the game and hope for the best.
This mysterious free Dart appears to function on both the Home Farm and your farm in the English Countryside, but just as the random appearance of Dartmoor Ponies originally had no explanation (we later saw it officially announced in an email that only certain farmers received), there's no explanation for this free dart either. If we had to make a guess, it would be that we're all being compensated for missing out on a few days of last week's game, which was cut off early for the current game to become active. Either way, with this week's game containing a slew of Rainbow-themed animals, you'd be amiss to not use the dart since it is entirely free. Here's a rundown of what you have a chance of winning. Good luck!
Did you receive a free Mystery Game Dart when you logged into your farm this morning? Were you able to use it without being charged Farm Cash?
FarmVille: You can now plant Snow Cones in your fields, for a price
Here's another example of Zynga showing off their greedy side in FarmVille. In a small update this weekend, we see the launch of the new, limited edition Snow Cone crop in the game. This crop is incredibly colorful, and sees you planting bunches of five snow cones that are arranged much like flowers. This incredibly cute crop comes with a catch, though: it's only available to plant if you purchase a permit for 10 Farm Cash.
It's not that we haven't seen this before. Most recently, the Star Flower crop (that's still available in the store for 10 more days) was released under the same setup. Here, your 10 Farm Cash will give you the ability to plant as many Snow Cones as you can / want in a seven day period. After purchasing the permit, you'll find that it costs 10 coins to plant a single square, which are then ready to harvest after 12 hours to receive 200 coins (making it a good money-earned). You'll gain four experience points for each square you plant, so it's a good level-booster as well. Still, the price of 10 Farm Cash will likely sit wrong with many farmers.
Either way, if you're interested in collecting one of every crop mastery sign, you're going to have to pull the trigger on the permit here. The first star comes at only 250 harvests, and with 46 days to plant and master this crop, I'm sure you'll have it completed in no time. Just don't forget about the Habanero Chili crop (you know, the limited edition crop that doesn't go for Farm Cash), as you'll want to focus on mastering it before moving on (it will expire first).
Again, the 10 Farm Cash cost here is entirely voluntary. If you don't care about growing or mastering Snow Cones than you can ignore it entirely. Those focused on crop mastery though, might just want to pull out that virtual wallet.
Will you purchase the Snow Cone permit to grow this crop on your farm? Do you think 10 Farm Cash is an understandable price to pay for a limited edition crop with an exclusive mastery sign, or should they all cost coins?
It's not that we haven't seen this before. Most recently, the Star Flower crop (that's still available in the store for 10 more days) was released under the same setup. Here, your 10 Farm Cash will give you the ability to plant as many Snow Cones as you can / want in a seven day period. After purchasing the permit, you'll find that it costs 10 coins to plant a single square, which are then ready to harvest after 12 hours to receive 200 coins (making it a good money-earned). You'll gain four experience points for each square you plant, so it's a good level-booster as well. Still, the price of 10 Farm Cash will likely sit wrong with many farmers.
Either way, if you're interested in collecting one of every crop mastery sign, you're going to have to pull the trigger on the permit here. The first star comes at only 250 harvests, and with 46 days to plant and master this crop, I'm sure you'll have it completed in no time. Just don't forget about the Habanero Chili crop (you know, the limited edition crop that doesn't go for Farm Cash), as you'll want to focus on mastering it before moving on (it will expire first).
Again, the 10 Farm Cash cost here is entirely voluntary. If you don't care about growing or mastering Snow Cones than you can ignore it entirely. Those focused on crop mastery though, might just want to pull out that virtual wallet.
Will you purchase the Snow Cone permit to grow this crop on your farm? Do you think 10 Farm Cash is an understandable price to pay for a limited edition crop with an exclusive mastery sign, or should they all cost coins?
FarmVille: Parisian Model Farm shows off decorating ideas with new items
It's been a while since we've seen a new Model Farm released for our viewing and shopping pleasure in FarmVille, but this weekend sees the launch of a new Model Farm filled with Parisian-themed items that are currently available to purchase in the game's store for a limited time. On top of the French decorative items and limited edition animals and trees, you'll also see some previously released animals, or even those that go for coins and are permanent in the store. To access the Model Farm, look for the white horse in your neighbor bar at the far right of the screen.
While the Model Farm is incredibly lovely, with plenty of trees, buildings, and animated animals, we have to say the feature remains fairly useless (that is of course, unless you like purchasing items directly from it now that you've seen them at their full size and completely animated). If you're looking for decorating ideas on where to place items (or how to make your Eiffel Tower not stick out like a sore thumb amongst... everything else), then I suppose it's worth a look, but just don't expect to earn any free items for visiting.
What did you take away from the Parisian Model Farm? Do you think the feature is useful, or do you tend to ignore them entirely?
While the Model Farm is incredibly lovely, with plenty of trees, buildings, and animated animals, we have to say the feature remains fairly useless (that is of course, unless you like purchasing items directly from it now that you've seen them at their full size and completely animated). If you're looking for decorating ideas on where to place items (or how to make your Eiffel Tower not stick out like a sore thumb amongst... everything else), then I suppose it's worth a look, but just don't expect to earn any free items for visiting.
What did you take away from the Parisian Model Farm? Do you think the feature is useful, or do you tend to ignore them entirely?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Animal Mastery coming soon, say goodbye to your free time
While FarmVille has had crop and tree mastery for some time now, animals were left entirely out of the loop. It turns out though that this won't be the case forever, as FVNation has come across new loading screens detailing - you guessed it - Animal Mastery. The loading screens themselves say "Coming Soon," so it looks like even Zynga may not have decided when the right time really is.
That being the case, all we can do now is speculate. While it's a fairly easy assumption that each animal will have a Mastery Sign to work towards, we still don't know whether all varieties of a particular animal (that is, all Horse, all Sheep, all Ducks, etc.) will be mastered collectively, or if each individual animal will have its own sign. If I were a betting woman, I'd lay my cash on the latter. After all, what better way to encourage farmers to spend more Farm Cash on animals than if each individual animal, including those that were limited edition, came with a sign you could only earn from that specific animal?
Personally, I'd hope that things don't turn out that way, as there have been so many animals released over the years that I can easily see that outcome becoming overwhelming, but I guess all that's left for us to do now is wait and see. We'll keep a close eye on all things related to Animal Mastery in FarmVille, so keep checking back with us for more.
[Image Credit: FVNation]
In the meantime, let us know what you think of the idea of Animal Mastery in FarmVille. Would you prefer all of one kind of animal be mastered together, or do you want each individual variety of Sheep, Duck, etc. to have its own sign? Would you be more likely to purchase Farm Cash animals if you could master them down the line?
That being the case, all we can do now is speculate. While it's a fairly easy assumption that each animal will have a Mastery Sign to work towards, we still don't know whether all varieties of a particular animal (that is, all Horse, all Sheep, all Ducks, etc.) will be mastered collectively, or if each individual animal will have its own sign. If I were a betting woman, I'd lay my cash on the latter. After all, what better way to encourage farmers to spend more Farm Cash on animals than if each individual animal, including those that were limited edition, came with a sign you could only earn from that specific animal?
Personally, I'd hope that things don't turn out that way, as there have been so many animals released over the years that I can easily see that outcome becoming overwhelming, but I guess all that's left for us to do now is wait and see. We'll keep a close eye on all things related to Animal Mastery in FarmVille, so keep checking back with us for more.
[Image Credit: FVNation]
In the meantime, let us know what you think of the idea of Animal Mastery in FarmVille. Would you prefer all of one kind of animal be mastered together, or do you want each individual variety of Sheep, Duck, etc. to have its own sign? Would you be more likely to purchase Farm Cash animals if you could master them down the line?
Thứ Ba, 20 tháng 12, 2011
NBA Legend creator Lionside bought out by Ngmoco [Updated]
Update: An ngmoco spokesperson confirmed the news to ISG: "We can confirm that ngmoco has acquired the Lionside team. The terms of the agreement are undisclosed. We are very excited to have Lionside join the ngmoco and DeNA family. They are working on new products for the Mobage social gaming platform, bringing their passion and experience to our continuously expanding first party development capabilities."
Neither side seems to want anyone to know about it just yet, but signs are pointing toward a buyout in the works between ngmoco and Lionside. Inside Social Games reports that, according to numerous Lionside employee Linkedin pages, a shuttered website, an inactive Twitter account and Facebook games that simply aren't operational, ngmoco may have acquired the San Francisco-based company.
A tipster pointed ISG toward the Linkedin pages of Lionside VP of Business Operations Michael McBride and European Account Manager Kane Curran, both of which read that Lionside has been acquired by ngmoco. Not to mention that Lionside CEO Brandon Barber's Google+ profile reads, "Lionside & ngmoco marketing and product guy."
To add to the mountain of evidence that Lionside has potentially been acquired by ngmoco, the company's official website has been taken down. And neither NBA Legend nor Lionside Football are available to play, the former of which is "being enhanced," according to a page that has replaced the actual game on Facebook.
Unfortunately, both games have been performing poorly, garnering a mere total of just over 367,000 monthly players, according to AppData. So, this begs the question: If Lionside has been acquired by ngmoco, just what would the studio be up to in its new capacity? Ngmoco, since it was purchased by Japanese social gaming giant DeNA earlier this year, has been working diligently on a global version of the publisher's Mobage mobile social games network, which was just released for Android.
So, our best guess is that Lionside would be working on mobile social games to be played on the Mobage network, though it doesn't seem that Lionside has ever worked in mobile games as a company (official information from the company is unavailable at the moment). We've contacted Lionside for comment.
Are you convinced that ngmoco has purchased Lionside? What do you think or hope the studio will do for ngmoco and DeNA as a result?
Neither side seems to want anyone to know about it just yet, but signs are pointing toward a buyout in the works between ngmoco and Lionside. Inside Social Games reports that, according to numerous Lionside employee Linkedin pages, a shuttered website, an inactive Twitter account and Facebook games that simply aren't operational, ngmoco may have acquired the San Francisco-based company.
A tipster pointed ISG toward the Linkedin pages of Lionside VP of Business Operations Michael McBride and European Account Manager Kane Curran, both of which read that Lionside has been acquired by ngmoco. Not to mention that Lionside CEO Brandon Barber's Google+ profile reads, "Lionside & ngmoco marketing and product guy."
To add to the mountain of evidence that Lionside has potentially been acquired by ngmoco, the company's official website has been taken down. And neither NBA Legend nor Lionside Football are available to play, the former of which is "being enhanced," according to a page that has replaced the actual game on Facebook.
Unfortunately, both games have been performing poorly, garnering a mere total of just over 367,000 monthly players, according to AppData. So, this begs the question: If Lionside has been acquired by ngmoco, just what would the studio be up to in its new capacity? Ngmoco, since it was purchased by Japanese social gaming giant DeNA earlier this year, has been working diligently on a global version of the publisher's Mobage mobile social games network, which was just released for Android.
So, our best guess is that Lionside would be working on mobile social games to be played on the Mobage network, though it doesn't seem that Lionside has ever worked in mobile games as a company (official information from the company is unavailable at the moment). We've contacted Lionside for comment.
Are you convinced that ngmoco has purchased Lionside? What do you think or hope the studio will do for ngmoco and DeNA as a result?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Joelr's Floating Farm Illusion is king of the hill
FarmVille landscape designer Joelr is literally king of the hill and top of the heap, thanks to his "Floating Uphill illusion [sic]" farm. With all the awesome 3D looking farms out there, it's easy to forget that what you see is actually flat, and that it takes a lot of creativity and imagination to pull off any kind of depth in these landscapes.
Central to Joelr's bag of tricks is clever positioning. The "shadow" that allows the top of his hill to float is obviously made of black hay bales.The illusion of rounded hillsides is created by putting all the farm plots on a diagonal. Basically, you put one down and keep scooting each one a bit more over than the previous one. When you get enough of these off-kilter, the edges start to appear curved. To give the effect even more of a boost, the fences bordering the hillsides are 'stacked' higher on the top than on the bottom, while the bottom has more pieces. (Remember, there is no real stacking on FarmVille!)
It's all about layers, people -- basic visual engineering. In fact, methods such as this are great, because you can use the same techniques over and over again. There are no fancy items here, aside for decorative purposes. I'd like to see someone rework this so that it looks like a giant UFO saucer beaming up cows.
BONUS: Check out this interview to learn more about Joelr and the creation of this farm.
Are you impressed? Because we certainly are. What else do you think would work for a floating hill illusion? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
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!
Central to Joelr's bag of tricks is clever positioning. The "shadow" that allows the top of his hill to float is obviously made of black hay bales.The illusion of rounded hillsides is created by putting all the farm plots on a diagonal. Basically, you put one down and keep scooting each one a bit more over than the previous one. When you get enough of these off-kilter, the edges start to appear curved. To give the effect even more of a boost, the fences bordering the hillsides are 'stacked' higher on the top than on the bottom, while the bottom has more pieces. (Remember, there is no real stacking on FarmVille!)
It's all about layers, people -- basic visual engineering. In fact, methods such as this are great, because you can use the same techniques over and over again. There are no fancy items here, aside for decorative purposes. I'd like to see someone rework this so that it looks like a giant UFO saucer beaming up cows.
BONUS: Check out this interview to learn more about Joelr and the creation of this farm.
Are you impressed? Because we certainly are. What else do you think would work for a floating hill illusion? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
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!
CityVille Ride the Rapids Timed Goal: Everything you need to know
A new timed goal has launched in CityVille, that sees Paul hoping to enjoy one last outing in the summer heat by taking a ride on the rapids. Of course, the goal is called "Ride the Rapids," and it comes with just a 24 hour time limit, if you're looking for the biggest (and best) prizes.
Before Paul can take off on his adventure, you'll need to help him prepare by gathering quite a few ingredients. Luckily, these three tasks do seem doable in the 24 hour time period, at least more so than others that require you to grow crops.
Get 8 Paddles
Visit 15 Unique Neighbors
Collect from 80 Businesses
It doesn't seem to matter how many businesses you collect from repeatedly, so if I were you, I'd simply collect from some of the least profitable businesses tons of time to reach the 80 businesses total quicker. As for the paddles, they're earned via a general news post on your wall that any of your friends can respond to.
If you complete these three tasks within 24 hours, you'll receive the Gold Trophy, 2,300 coins, 1,100 Goods and 48 XP. For finishing after the first 24 hours, but within 72 hours of starting this goal, you'll earn the Silver Trophy, 2,300 coins and 1,100 Goods, but no experience points. Finally, if you finish these tasks at any point after the first 72 hours have passed, you'll receive 1,100 Goods. Either way, you'll receive plenty of Goods to pay you back for the Goods you spent in completing these tasks, so it isn't all bad.
There doesn't look to be a time limit for how long you'll have to accept this goal, so feel free to finish some other projects in your city before tackling it, if it makes you feel better.
What do you think of the Ride the Rapids Timed Goal? Is it the easiest timed goal yet, or the hardest?
Before Paul can take off on his adventure, you'll need to help him prepare by gathering quite a few ingredients. Luckily, these three tasks do seem doable in the 24 hour time period, at least more so than others that require you to grow crops.
Get 8 Paddles
Visit 15 Unique Neighbors
Collect from 80 Businesses
It doesn't seem to matter how many businesses you collect from repeatedly, so if I were you, I'd simply collect from some of the least profitable businesses tons of time to reach the 80 businesses total quicker. As for the paddles, they're earned via a general news post on your wall that any of your friends can respond to.
If you complete these three tasks within 24 hours, you'll receive the Gold Trophy, 2,300 coins, 1,100 Goods and 48 XP. For finishing after the first 24 hours, but within 72 hours of starting this goal, you'll earn the Silver Trophy, 2,300 coins and 1,100 Goods, but no experience points. Finally, if you finish these tasks at any point after the first 72 hours have passed, you'll receive 1,100 Goods. Either way, you'll receive plenty of Goods to pay you back for the Goods you spent in completing these tasks, so it isn't all bad.
There doesn't look to be a time limit for how long you'll have to accept this goal, so feel free to finish some other projects in your city before tackling it, if it makes you feel better.
What do you think of the Ride the Rapids Timed Goal? Is it the easiest timed goal yet, or the hardest?
FarmVille: Lighthouse Cove crafting recipes show up in Pubs
While we already knew that Lighthouse Cove will be launching in FarmVille "soon," the exact release date hasn't been announced. That "soon" however, looks to be incredibly so, as new Crafting Recipes, dealing with unreleased Lighthouse Cove crops have started appearing in the currently accessible crafting buildings.
As two particular examples, if you travel to the English Countryside and look into your Pub, you'll see Blackberry Brandy and Potato Soup, two recipes that require unreleased crops: the Darrow Blackberries and Kennebec Potatoes, respectively. Now, while this might make you think that these two crops will just be released in the English Countryside instead, let's not forget that these two crops were first spotted in a whole slew of Mastery Signs dealing with what was then known as the New Hampshire farm, which was then officially announced to be Lighthouse Cove.
While that still doesn't explain how these recipes ended up inside these Crafting Cottages (heck, it could be that they will come to the English Countryside instead, although that's highly unlikely at this point), it could simply be a test by Zynga, or a quiet released sneak peek for those who are paying close attention. Either way, we'll make sure to let you know when these crops officially release, and where you can craft these new recipes, as soon as they launch.
Do you have any other unreleased crop crafting recipes hiding away in your Crafting Cottages? What are they?
As two particular examples, if you travel to the English Countryside and look into your Pub, you'll see Blackberry Brandy and Potato Soup, two recipes that require unreleased crops: the Darrow Blackberries and Kennebec Potatoes, respectively. Now, while this might make you think that these two crops will just be released in the English Countryside instead, let's not forget that these two crops were first spotted in a whole slew of Mastery Signs dealing with what was then known as the New Hampshire farm, which was then officially announced to be Lighthouse Cove.
While that still doesn't explain how these recipes ended up inside these Crafting Cottages (heck, it could be that they will come to the English Countryside instead, although that's highly unlikely at this point), it could simply be a test by Zynga, or a quiet released sneak peek for those who are paying close attention. Either way, we'll make sure to let you know when these crops officially release, and where you can craft these new recipes, as soon as they launch.
Do you have any other unreleased crop crafting recipes hiding away in your Crafting Cottages? What are they?
Playfish says goodbye to Hotel City, My Empire and four more games
The Sims Social might have dethroned the mighty FarmVille, but its success may have cut into Playfish's other Facebook games and sent them to a speedier doom, too. On August 30th, the word went out in the official Playfish forums that Hotel City, My Empire, Who Has The Biggest Brain?, Geo Challenge, Word Challenge and Bowling Buddies will be getting axed Sept. 30.
We used to cover Hotel City back in the day (the game first launched on March 26, 2010) and can remember when it was a big deal. The game was well made and had once held an all-time high of 13 million monthly players and 3 million daily players. Right now, it's at 1.4 million monthly players and about 100,000 dailies, ranking it the 9th most-played Playfish and EA game on Facebook. But it's clear that won't be enough to save it.
Hotel City's popularity is followed closely by Bowling Buddies, Word Challenge, then Geo Challenge. Finally, far beneath them all on the social games ladder are Who Has The Biggest Brain? and My Empire. Though, at least one player suspects it may not be all about numbers, because Country Story currently ranks 10th behind Hotel City. But there's been no announcement to shut it down (yet).
Are you going to miss any of these Playfish games? Care to start a betting pool on the death of Country Story?
We used to cover Hotel City back in the day (the game first launched on March 26, 2010) and can remember when it was a big deal. The game was well made and had once held an all-time high of 13 million monthly players and 3 million daily players. Right now, it's at 1.4 million monthly players and about 100,000 dailies, ranking it the 9th most-played Playfish and EA game on Facebook. But it's clear that won't be enough to save it.
Hotel City's popularity is followed closely by Bowling Buddies, Word Challenge, then Geo Challenge. Finally, far beneath them all on the social games ladder are Who Has The Biggest Brain? and My Empire. Though, at least one player suspects it may not be all about numbers, because Country Story currently ranks 10th behind Hotel City. But there's been no announcement to shut it down (yet).
Are you going to miss any of these Playfish games? Care to start a betting pool on the death of Country Story?
FarmVille: Lighthouse Cove takes over the travel screen [UPDATE]
UPDATE: Apparently, my "week" prediction was even too long, as users on the FarmVille forums have reported gaining access for 55 Farm Cash. If this turns out to be legitimate, we'll make sure to give you a complete rundown of how you too can access Lighthouse Cove as soon as possible. Check out our complete guide to getting early access into Lighthouse Cove (and what you can expect once your boat hits shore) right here.
If there wasn't already enough indication that Lighthouse Cove will be launching in FarmVille very, very soon, there's this. The game's travel screen animation has been blown up and replaced with this massive banner (again, it's animated, with the boat riding the waves), showing us a bit of Lighthouse Cove in the distance (well, the Lighthouse and some grass, anyway). We already know that we'll be traveling to Lighthouse Cove via boat, so this will likely be the sight we'll see when traveling for quite a while.
Does this matter? Yes, it most certainly does, as it gives us a better time table of when to expect the launch of this third farm (and when we'll apparently need to shell out 45 Farm Cash to travel there). After the launch of new crafting recipes in-game that deal with unreleased crops that (we can only assume) are part of Lighthouse Cove, and after the many teaser images Zynga has laid out for us over the last week or so, I'd wager some pretty serious (virtual) money that we'll be seeing Lighthouse Cove launch within the next week - two at most.
The FarmVille team doesn't normally release this much in-game content weeks or months before that content is ready (aside from screenshots that may be posted on Facebook fan pages, which, again, isn't live in the game), so I'd grab some Farm Cash, people. It looks like we'll be heading off to Lighthouse Cove a lot sooner than anyone imagined.
Have you spotted any other Lighthouse Cove content in your own game? Are you ready to tackle a third farm, or will you stick with the two you already have for the foreseeable future?
If there wasn't already enough indication that Lighthouse Cove will be launching in FarmVille very, very soon, there's this. The game's travel screen animation has been blown up and replaced with this massive banner (again, it's animated, with the boat riding the waves), showing us a bit of Lighthouse Cove in the distance (well, the Lighthouse and some grass, anyway). We already know that we'll be traveling to Lighthouse Cove via boat, so this will likely be the sight we'll see when traveling for quite a while.
Does this matter? Yes, it most certainly does, as it gives us a better time table of when to expect the launch of this third farm (and when we'll apparently need to shell out 45 Farm Cash to travel there). After the launch of new crafting recipes in-game that deal with unreleased crops that (we can only assume) are part of Lighthouse Cove, and after the many teaser images Zynga has laid out for us over the last week or so, I'd wager some pretty serious (virtual) money that we'll be seeing Lighthouse Cove launch within the next week - two at most.
The FarmVille team doesn't normally release this much in-game content weeks or months before that content is ready (aside from screenshots that may be posted on Facebook fan pages, which, again, isn't live in the game), so I'd grab some Farm Cash, people. It looks like we'll be heading off to Lighthouse Cove a lot sooner than anyone imagined.
Have you spotted any other Lighthouse Cove content in your own game? Are you ready to tackle a third farm, or will you stick with the two you already have for the foreseeable future?
FarmVille: Take a trip to Lighthouse Cove tonight (for 55 Farm Cash)
The time we've been waiting for has arrived, farmers! Lighthouse Cove has officially started its rollout in FarmVille, allowing "VIP Farmers" (ie: those that are willing to pay Farm Cash) access to this third farm via a one-time purchase of 55 Farm Cash. Everyone else will have to wait until September 19, when "free boat departures" start taking off.
If you're willing to make a purchase, you'll know that you can when you see a set of pop-ups like the ones below. If you don't have the 55 Farm Cash on your account currently, you'll be prompted to purchase it, with the 55 Farm Cash being available for $10 (conveniently in a single package).
Once you've paid for your ticket, you'll see a cutscene where Brenda will remember the beauty of the Lighthouse Cove, before a terrible storm came and swept it all away. The boat dock has been struck by lightning and the buildings (save for a few) have been destroyed.
After that point, you'll be set on your way with a series of new quests, where Brenda will introduce you to your new farm. The rules here are actually a bit different from other farms; specifically, as this is a resort town, farmland is limited, and you'll be limited to a specific amount of farm plots for the size of your farm. That is, as you expand your Lighthouse Cove, you'll gain access to plowing more plots. To start, you'll have room for just 35 farm plots, although you don't have to plow that many if you don't want to.
Other than that, things are as you'd expect - you can plant chicken coops, raise animals and other general farm tasks, and can build the Wildlife Habitat or Orchard that you've been given as free frames. You'll even be given a Mountain Lion for free in your inventory if you purchased your way in. As for repairing the Lighthouse Cove itself, you can check out our guide to repairing it right here.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received your ticket to enter Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait until September 19, when you can get in for free?
If you're willing to make a purchase, you'll know that you can when you see a set of pop-ups like the ones below. If you don't have the 55 Farm Cash on your account currently, you'll be prompted to purchase it, with the 55 Farm Cash being available for $10 (conveniently in a single package).
Once you've paid for your ticket, you'll see a cutscene where Brenda will remember the beauty of the Lighthouse Cove, before a terrible storm came and swept it all away. The boat dock has been struck by lightning and the buildings (save for a few) have been destroyed.
After that point, you'll be set on your way with a series of new quests, where Brenda will introduce you to your new farm. The rules here are actually a bit different from other farms; specifically, as this is a resort town, farmland is limited, and you'll be limited to a specific amount of farm plots for the size of your farm. That is, as you expand your Lighthouse Cove, you'll gain access to plowing more plots. To start, you'll have room for just 35 farm plots, although you don't have to plow that many if you don't want to.
Other than that, things are as you'd expect - you can plant chicken coops, raise animals and other general farm tasks, and can build the Wildlife Habitat or Orchard that you've been given as free frames. You'll even be given a Mountain Lion for free in your inventory if you purchased your way in. As for repairing the Lighthouse Cove itself, you can check out our guide to repairing it right here.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received your ticket to enter Lighthouse Cove, or will you wait until September 19, when you can get in for free?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Items: Outfit your new farm with these goodies
With tonight's launch of the Lighthouse Cove in FarmVille, we're given an opportunity to stock that farm with all sorts of new goodies! There are new trees, animals, buildings and of course plenty of decorations to choose from in this initial launch, some of which even go for coins! Here's a complete rundown of these items, along with a bit of a visual sneak peek for those that decide to wait until "free" Lighthouse Cove tickets launch next week.
Trees:
Eastern Red Cedar - 7 Farm Cash
Tulip Poplar - 7 Farm Cash
Lombardy Poplar - 15 Farm Cash
White Ash Tree - 5,000 coins
Black Gum Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Speckled Alder - 15 Farm Cash
White Cedar Tree - 15 Farm Cash
In this scenario, we're stuck with seven trees, which doesn't seem to make sense in the "Level 1 / Level 2 tree pairing setup," but we can confirm that Eastern Red Cedar Trees will produce White Cedar Trees when placed in an Orchard. You're given one of each as free gifts just for landing in Lighthouse Cove, however, so keep that in mind.
Animals:
Milking Shorthorn - 100,000 coins
Pine Marten - 100,000 coins
Main Coon - 200,000 coins
Loon Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Buttercup Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Chinook - 20 Farm Cash
Dorset Sheep - 20 Farm Cash
Duroc Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Pineywoods Cow - 24 Farm Cash
New England Pinto - 26 Farm Cash
Sailor Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Canadian Goose - 20 Farm Cash
Quarter Pony - 24 Farm Cash
Eastern Moose - 22 Farm Cash
Mountain Lion - 20 Farm Cash
River Otter - 20 Farm Cash
Painted Turtle - 20 Farm Cash
Take particular notice of the Mountain Lion. If you purchased your way into Lighthouse Cove for 55 Farm Cash, you will have one of these big cats waiting for you in your Gift Box as a free gift for purchasing your ticket. Your farm will also have a River Otter waiting for you, for free, so feel free to skip on purchasing it if you don't care about having only one.
Buildings:
Chicken Coop - 5,000 coins
Garden Shed - 30,000 coins
Restaurant - 100,000 coins
Cove B&B - 30 Farm Cash
Garage (fully constructed) - 50 Farm Cash
Garage (frame) - 50,000 coins
Orchard (fully constructed) - 30 Farm Cash
Orchard (base) - 1,000 coins
Coastal Tool Shed - 22 Farm Cash
Coastal Barn - 30 Farm Cash
Cape House - 500,000 coins
Cottage - 20 Farm Cash
Cape Mansion - 50 Farm Cash
Post Office - 15 Farm Cash
Village Center - 50,000 coins
With these buildings, keep in mind that you'll receive a free base of an Orchard, and will also receive the Cove B&B on your land when you first arrive in Lighthouse Cove. As for the garage and restaurant, these are the vehicle storage and crafting buildings, respectively. We'll bring you a complete guide to the Restaurant feature in the Lighthouse Cove as soon as we can.
Decorations:
Beached Rowboat - 20 Farm Cash
Red Clover Pot - 1,000 coins
Ladyslipper Flower - 2 Farm Cash
Horse-Drawn Wagon - 10 Farm Cash
Inkeeper Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sailor Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Fountain - 15 Farm Cash
Haystack - 10,000 coins
Pond - 15 Farm Cash
Stone Fence Gate - 50,000 coins
Picket Fence Gate - 2 Farm Cash
Daylily Flowerbed - 5,000 coins
Picket Fence - 5,000 coins
Stone Fence - 5,000 coins
Bench - 30,000 coins
Lamppost - 1 Farm Cash
You'll be given a few pieces of the Stone Fence for free when starting in Lighthouse Cove, but for the other decorations, it looks like you're on your own.
And there you have it! A complete look at what are (as of this writing) not-time-limited items available in the Lighthouse Cove farm. We'll bring you continued coverage about this new farm, so keep checking back with us for more!
What do you think of the many items made available to newcomers to the Lighthouse Cove? How many of these items will you stock up on?
Trees:
Eastern Red Cedar - 7 Farm Cash
Tulip Poplar - 7 Farm Cash
Lombardy Poplar - 15 Farm Cash
White Ash Tree - 5,000 coins
Black Gum Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Speckled Alder - 15 Farm Cash
White Cedar Tree - 15 Farm Cash
In this scenario, we're stuck with seven trees, which doesn't seem to make sense in the "Level 1 / Level 2 tree pairing setup," but we can confirm that Eastern Red Cedar Trees will produce White Cedar Trees when placed in an Orchard. You're given one of each as free gifts just for landing in Lighthouse Cove, however, so keep that in mind.
Animals:
Milking Shorthorn - 100,000 coins
Pine Marten - 100,000 coins
Main Coon - 200,000 coins
Loon Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Buttercup Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Chinook - 20 Farm Cash
Dorset Sheep - 20 Farm Cash
Duroc Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Pineywoods Cow - 24 Farm Cash
New England Pinto - 26 Farm Cash
Sailor Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Canadian Goose - 20 Farm Cash
Quarter Pony - 24 Farm Cash
Eastern Moose - 22 Farm Cash
Mountain Lion - 20 Farm Cash
River Otter - 20 Farm Cash
Painted Turtle - 20 Farm Cash
Take particular notice of the Mountain Lion. If you purchased your way into Lighthouse Cove for 55 Farm Cash, you will have one of these big cats waiting for you in your Gift Box as a free gift for purchasing your ticket. Your farm will also have a River Otter waiting for you, for free, so feel free to skip on purchasing it if you don't care about having only one.
Buildings:
Chicken Coop - 5,000 coins
Garden Shed - 30,000 coins
Restaurant - 100,000 coins
Cove B&B - 30 Farm Cash
Garage (fully constructed) - 50 Farm Cash
Garage (frame) - 50,000 coins
Orchard (fully constructed) - 30 Farm Cash
Orchard (base) - 1,000 coins
Coastal Tool Shed - 22 Farm Cash
Coastal Barn - 30 Farm Cash
Cape House - 500,000 coins
Cottage - 20 Farm Cash
Cape Mansion - 50 Farm Cash
Post Office - 15 Farm Cash
Village Center - 50,000 coins
With these buildings, keep in mind that you'll receive a free base of an Orchard, and will also receive the Cove B&B on your land when you first arrive in Lighthouse Cove. As for the garage and restaurant, these are the vehicle storage and crafting buildings, respectively. We'll bring you a complete guide to the Restaurant feature in the Lighthouse Cove as soon as we can.
Decorations:
Beached Rowboat - 20 Farm Cash
Red Clover Pot - 1,000 coins
Ladyslipper Flower - 2 Farm Cash
Horse-Drawn Wagon - 10 Farm Cash
Inkeeper Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sailor Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Fountain - 15 Farm Cash
Haystack - 10,000 coins
Pond - 15 Farm Cash
Stone Fence Gate - 50,000 coins
Picket Fence Gate - 2 Farm Cash
Daylily Flowerbed - 5,000 coins
Picket Fence - 5,000 coins
Stone Fence - 5,000 coins
Bench - 30,000 coins
Lamppost - 1 Farm Cash
You'll be given a few pieces of the Stone Fence for free when starting in Lighthouse Cove, but for the other decorations, it looks like you're on your own.
And there you have it! A complete look at what are (as of this writing) not-time-limited items available in the Lighthouse Cove farm. We'll bring you continued coverage about this new farm, so keep checking back with us for more!
What do you think of the many items made available to newcomers to the Lighthouse Cove? How many of these items will you stock up on?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Restaurant: Everything you need to know
As we told you earlier, one of the biggest themed items farmers can expect from FarmVille's new Lighthouse Cove would be the Restaurant, which serves as this third farm's Crafting Cottage. The base Restaurant, with just two Crafting tables, can be purchased from the game's store for 100,000 coins, and as of this writing, you're only allowed to have one Restaurant in your Lighthouse Cove farm.
With this starter Restaurant, you'll have an item that is far less impressive than that of the game's preview image, but will still have access to a few recipes. Here's a rundown of those, including the crops you'll need to grow to craft them.
Cheddar Cheese - 2 Red Clover, 1 Hay and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Blackberry Ice Cream - 3 Darrow Blackberry, 2 Chandler Blueberry and 3 Strawberry Bushels
Creamed Corn - 3 Butter & Sugar Corn, 3 Tarragon and 1 Pepper Bushels
Once you level up recipes six times, you'll be able to upgrade your restaurant to level 2 (which also changes it visually). At that point, you'll unlock three Level 2 recipes:
Wild Blueberry Pie - 2 Chandler Blueberry, 3 Wheat and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Black Raspberry Wine - 3 Raspberry, 2 White Grape and 3 Chandler Blueberry Bushels
Fruit Cider - 2 Cove Cranberry, 3 Red Currant and 3 Lady Slipper Bushels
As you might expect, there are far more recipes to unlock than this, as you level up your Restaurant and unlock new ones to craft. We'll make sure to update you when we know what those recipes are, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the look of the Restaurant in FarmVille? Are you going to focus on crafting just to level up its appearance to that of the teaser image, or will you craft casually and let the upgrades happen along the way?
With this starter Restaurant, you'll have an item that is far less impressive than that of the game's preview image, but will still have access to a few recipes. Here's a rundown of those, including the crops you'll need to grow to craft them.
Cheddar Cheese - 2 Red Clover, 1 Hay and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Blackberry Ice Cream - 3 Darrow Blackberry, 2 Chandler Blueberry and 3 Strawberry Bushels
Creamed Corn - 3 Butter & Sugar Corn, 3 Tarragon and 1 Pepper Bushels
Once you level up recipes six times, you'll be able to upgrade your restaurant to level 2 (which also changes it visually). At that point, you'll unlock three Level 2 recipes:
Wild Blueberry Pie - 2 Chandler Blueberry, 3 Wheat and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Black Raspberry Wine - 3 Raspberry, 2 White Grape and 3 Chandler Blueberry Bushels
Fruit Cider - 2 Cove Cranberry, 3 Red Currant and 3 Lady Slipper Bushels
As you might expect, there are far more recipes to unlock than this, as you level up your Restaurant and unlock new ones to craft. We'll make sure to update you when we know what those recipes are, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the look of the Restaurant in FarmVille? Are you going to focus on crafting just to level up its appearance to that of the teaser image, or will you craft casually and let the upgrades happen along the way?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Introduction Goals: Everything you need to know
After you've made your way into the Lighthouse Cove in FarmVille, you'll be met with a series of introductory goals, that serve to introduce you to some crops, and the crop growth limit. We'll start with Welcome to Lighthouse Cove.
Plow 3 Plots
Plant 10 Chandler Blueberries
As you can see, we're given a very easy goal to get us started in the game's third farm. Just finish these two tasks, and you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and two each of Logs, Steel Beams and Stones, the building materials native to Lighthouse Cove.
After this introductory goal, you'll launch straight into another trio, this time of limited time goals that will only be around for a week. The first is called Ahead of Schedule.
Get 3 Wool Blankets
Harvest 10 Chandler Blueberries
Complete 1 Pet Run
The Wool Blankets are earned through a general news item posted to your wall. Unfortunately, it does look like you'll have to build another Pet Run from scratch for this goal, as traveling to a farm with a completed Pet Run removes your access to these goals, as of this writing. Finishing this goal gives you 100 XP, a Tourist Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Pick It Up
Get 6 Oat Sacks
Harvest 45 Daylilies
Buy 1 Storage Cellar
Storage Cellars cost just one coin from the store. Meanwhile, Daylilies are a new crop that take 16 hours to grow. Finally, the Oat Sacks are earned through a general news feed item. Finish this goal and you'll earn 200 XP, one Scottie dog and 2,500 coins.
Happy Trees
Get 6 Tree Fertilizers
Harvest 45 Butter & Sugar Corns
Store 20 Trees in an Orchard
Luckily, you can purchase trees that aren't native to the Lighthouse Cove - like old fruit trees that cost just a few hundred coins each, so feel free to fill an Orchard with those. The Fertilizers, meanwhile, are earned through another news feed item. Once you finish this goal, you'll earn 300 XP, 1 Red Oak Tree and 2,500 coins.
Once you finish this trio of goals, you'll have finished the first "Chapter" in the Lighthouse Cove goal series. We're told that new "tasks" will be released in Lighthouse Cove every week, for an undisclosed amount of weeks, however, so we'll make sure to give you a look at every new set of guys just as soon as they're released.
Plow 3 Plots
Plant 10 Chandler Blueberries
As you can see, we're given a very easy goal to get us started in the game's third farm. Just finish these two tasks, and you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and two each of Logs, Steel Beams and Stones, the building materials native to Lighthouse Cove.
After this introductory goal, you'll launch straight into another trio, this time of limited time goals that will only be around for a week. The first is called Ahead of Schedule.
Get 3 Wool Blankets
Harvest 10 Chandler Blueberries
Complete 1 Pet Run
The Wool Blankets are earned through a general news item posted to your wall. Unfortunately, it does look like you'll have to build another Pet Run from scratch for this goal, as traveling to a farm with a completed Pet Run removes your access to these goals, as of this writing. Finishing this goal gives you 100 XP, a Tourist Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Pick It Up
Get 6 Oat Sacks
Harvest 45 Daylilies
Buy 1 Storage Cellar
Storage Cellars cost just one coin from the store. Meanwhile, Daylilies are a new crop that take 16 hours to grow. Finally, the Oat Sacks are earned through a general news feed item. Finish this goal and you'll earn 200 XP, one Scottie dog and 2,500 coins.
Happy Trees
Get 6 Tree Fertilizers
Harvest 45 Butter & Sugar Corns
Store 20 Trees in an Orchard
Luckily, you can purchase trees that aren't native to the Lighthouse Cove - like old fruit trees that cost just a few hundred coins each, so feel free to fill an Orchard with those. The Fertilizers, meanwhile, are earned through another news feed item. Once you finish this goal, you'll earn 300 XP, 1 Red Oak Tree and 2,500 coins.
Once you finish this trio of goals, you'll have finished the first "Chapter" in the Lighthouse Cove goal series. We're told that new "tasks" will be released in Lighthouse Cove every week, for an undisclosed amount of weeks, however, so we'll make sure to give you a look at every new set of guys just as soon as they're released.
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Items: Outfit your new farm with these goodies
With tonight's launch of the Lighthouse Cove in FarmVille, we're given an opportunity to stock that farm with all sorts of new goodies! There are new trees, animals, buildings and of course plenty of decorations to choose from in this initial launch, some of which even go for coins! Here's a complete rundown of these items, along with a bit of a visual sneak peek for those that decide to wait until "free" Lighthouse Cove tickets launch next week.
Trees:
Eastern Red Cedar - 7 Farm Cash
Tulip Poplar - 7 Farm Cash
Lombardy Poplar - 15 Farm Cash
White Ash Tree - 5,000 coins
Black Gum Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Speckled Alder - 15 Farm Cash
White Cedar Tree - 15 Farm Cash
In this scenario, we're stuck with seven trees, which doesn't seem to make sense in the "Level 1 / Level 2 tree pairing setup," but we can confirm that Eastern Red Cedar Trees will produce White Cedar Trees when placed in an Orchard. You're given one of each as free gifts just for landing in Lighthouse Cove, however, so keep that in mind.
Animals:
Milking Shorthorn - 100,000 coins
Pine Marten - 100,000 coins
Main Coon - 200,000 coins
Loon Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Buttercup Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Chinook - 20 Farm Cash
Dorset Sheep - 20 Farm Cash
Duroc Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Pineywoods Cow - 24 Farm Cash
New England Pinto - 26 Farm Cash
Sailor Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Canadian Goose - 20 Farm Cash
Quarter Pony - 24 Farm Cash
Eastern Moose - 22 Farm Cash
Mountain Lion - 20 Farm Cash
River Otter - 20 Farm Cash
Painted Turtle - 20 Farm Cash
Take particular notice of the Mountain Lion. If you purchased your way into Lighthouse Cove for 55 Farm Cash, you will have one of these big cats waiting for you in your Gift Box as a free gift for purchasing your ticket. Your farm will also have a River Otter waiting for you, for free, so feel free to skip on purchasing it if you don't care about having only one.
Buildings:
Chicken Coop - 5,000 coins
Garden Shed - 30,000 coins
Restaurant - 100,000 coins
Cove B&B - 30 Farm Cash
Garage (fully constructed) - 50 Farm Cash
Garage (frame) - 50,000 coins
Orchard (fully constructed) - 30 Farm Cash
Orchard (base) - 1,000 coins
Coastal Tool Shed - 22 Farm Cash
Coastal Barn - 30 Farm Cash
Cape House - 500,000 coins
Cottage - 20 Farm Cash
Cape Mansion - 50 Farm Cash
Post Office - 15 Farm Cash
Village Center - 50,000 coins
With these buildings, keep in mind that you'll receive a free base of an Orchard, and will also receive the Cove B&B on your land when you first arrive in Lighthouse Cove. As for the garage and restaurant, these are the vehicle storage and crafting buildings, respectively. We'll bring you a complete guide to the Restaurant feature in the Lighthouse Cove as soon as we can.
Decorations:
Beached Rowboat - 20 Farm Cash
Red Clover Pot - 1,000 coins
Ladyslipper Flower - 2 Farm Cash
Horse-Drawn Wagon - 10 Farm Cash
Inkeeper Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sailor Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Fountain - 15 Farm Cash
Haystack - 10,000 coins
Pond - 15 Farm Cash
Stone Fence Gate - 50,000 coins
Picket Fence Gate - 2 Farm Cash
Daylily Flowerbed - 5,000 coins
Picket Fence - 5,000 coins
Stone Fence - 5,000 coins
Bench - 30,000 coins
Lamppost - 1 Farm Cash
You'll be given a few pieces of the Stone Fence for free when starting in Lighthouse Cove, but for the other decorations, it looks like you're on your own.
And there you have it! A complete look at what are (as of this writing) not-time-limited items available in the Lighthouse Cove farm. We'll bring you continued coverage about this new farm, so keep checking back with us for more!
What do you think of the many items made available to newcomers to the Lighthouse Cove? How many of these items will you stock up on?
Trees:
Eastern Red Cedar - 7 Farm Cash
Tulip Poplar - 7 Farm Cash
Lombardy Poplar - 15 Farm Cash
White Ash Tree - 5,000 coins
Black Gum Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Speckled Alder - 15 Farm Cash
White Cedar Tree - 15 Farm Cash
In this scenario, we're stuck with seven trees, which doesn't seem to make sense in the "Level 1 / Level 2 tree pairing setup," but we can confirm that Eastern Red Cedar Trees will produce White Cedar Trees when placed in an Orchard. You're given one of each as free gifts just for landing in Lighthouse Cove, however, so keep that in mind.
Animals:
Milking Shorthorn - 100,000 coins
Pine Marten - 100,000 coins
Main Coon - 200,000 coins
Loon Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Buttercup Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Chinook - 20 Farm Cash
Dorset Sheep - 20 Farm Cash
Duroc Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Pineywoods Cow - 24 Farm Cash
New England Pinto - 26 Farm Cash
Sailor Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Canadian Goose - 20 Farm Cash
Quarter Pony - 24 Farm Cash
Eastern Moose - 22 Farm Cash
Mountain Lion - 20 Farm Cash
River Otter - 20 Farm Cash
Painted Turtle - 20 Farm Cash
Take particular notice of the Mountain Lion. If you purchased your way into Lighthouse Cove for 55 Farm Cash, you will have one of these big cats waiting for you in your Gift Box as a free gift for purchasing your ticket. Your farm will also have a River Otter waiting for you, for free, so feel free to skip on purchasing it if you don't care about having only one.
Buildings:
Chicken Coop - 5,000 coins
Garden Shed - 30,000 coins
Restaurant - 100,000 coins
Cove B&B - 30 Farm Cash
Garage (fully constructed) - 50 Farm Cash
Garage (frame) - 50,000 coins
Orchard (fully constructed) - 30 Farm Cash
Orchard (base) - 1,000 coins
Coastal Tool Shed - 22 Farm Cash
Coastal Barn - 30 Farm Cash
Cape House - 500,000 coins
Cottage - 20 Farm Cash
Cape Mansion - 50 Farm Cash
Post Office - 15 Farm Cash
Village Center - 50,000 coins
With these buildings, keep in mind that you'll receive a free base of an Orchard, and will also receive the Cove B&B on your land when you first arrive in Lighthouse Cove. As for the garage and restaurant, these are the vehicle storage and crafting buildings, respectively. We'll bring you a complete guide to the Restaurant feature in the Lighthouse Cove as soon as we can.
Decorations:
Beached Rowboat - 20 Farm Cash
Red Clover Pot - 1,000 coins
Ladyslipper Flower - 2 Farm Cash
Horse-Drawn Wagon - 10 Farm Cash
Inkeeper Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Sailor Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Fountain - 15 Farm Cash
Haystack - 10,000 coins
Pond - 15 Farm Cash
Stone Fence Gate - 50,000 coins
Picket Fence Gate - 2 Farm Cash
Daylily Flowerbed - 5,000 coins
Picket Fence - 5,000 coins
Stone Fence - 5,000 coins
Bench - 30,000 coins
Lamppost - 1 Farm Cash
You'll be given a few pieces of the Stone Fence for free when starting in Lighthouse Cove, but for the other decorations, it looks like you're on your own.
And there you have it! A complete look at what are (as of this writing) not-time-limited items available in the Lighthouse Cove farm. We'll bring you continued coverage about this new farm, so keep checking back with us for more!
What do you think of the many items made available to newcomers to the Lighthouse Cove? How many of these items will you stock up on?
Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 12, 2011
Russian Little Helper maker Pixonic sets sights on Facebook, iPhones
Sure, Zynga has created some of the most popular social games around, but it has also created its own competition. (See: EA, Disney, Wooga.) Elena Masolova, the 27-year-old founder and CEO of Russian social (and mobile) game developer and publisher Pixonic, was inspired by the company's success in founding her own game company. Since its creation in 2009, the company has created 40 games for local and European networks, but has big plans for its global expansion.
Ahead of opening its third (and first international) office in San Francisco, Pixonic published Little Helper (pictured below) for iPhone and iPad. First released on Russian and European social networks, Little Helper is the mobile version of a simulator game similar to Pet Society, but with heavy Russian themes. Despite the visible cultural influences, Little Helper hit the U.S. top 10 free games chart in September, hopefully setting a precedent for future releases.
Pixonic is also slowly making headway on Facebook with The Island: Castaway, a farming-type social game that proved largely successful on local Russian networks. While it's unfortunately not doing so well on Facebook at the moment, according to AppData, Masolova looks to make a splash in the U.S. and around the globe the old-fashioned way.
Little Helper
"I don't think there's some secret sauce--you just need to make high-quality games that promote themselves," Masolova tells us. "Second, you need to be very numbers-oriented in marketing. I think it's a numbers game, and you need to look at the numbers constantly. The goal by the end of the year is to launch several high-quality games on Facebook."
The Russian game creator and publisher also looks to bring six of its most popular social games to iOS and Android devices, likely in the same vein as Little Helper, which was developed for Pixonic by MobyTail. However, Masolova says that the company has its 46 plus employees working on three mobile games from scratch. Despite coming into the Facebook and mobile games space just as the big players begin to exert their dominance, Masolova is confident that Pixonic will succeed.
"For the first three months of the company's existence, we were focused on Russian markets in social networks," Masolova says. "I think for the time it was the right decision, but now we can move to Facebook and other networks and feel very comfortable there."
Have you played any of Pixonic's games before? Do you think the Russian developer/publisher has a shot at making it big on Facebook and mobile?
Ahead of opening its third (and first international) office in San Francisco, Pixonic published Little Helper (pictured below) for iPhone and iPad. First released on Russian and European social networks, Little Helper is the mobile version of a simulator game similar to Pet Society, but with heavy Russian themes. Despite the visible cultural influences, Little Helper hit the U.S. top 10 free games chart in September, hopefully setting a precedent for future releases.
Pixonic is also slowly making headway on Facebook with The Island: Castaway, a farming-type social game that proved largely successful on local Russian networks. While it's unfortunately not doing so well on Facebook at the moment, according to AppData, Masolova looks to make a splash in the U.S. and around the globe the old-fashioned way.
Little Helper
"I don't think there's some secret sauce--you just need to make high-quality games that promote themselves," Masolova tells us. "Second, you need to be very numbers-oriented in marketing. I think it's a numbers game, and you need to look at the numbers constantly. The goal by the end of the year is to launch several high-quality games on Facebook."
The Russian game creator and publisher also looks to bring six of its most popular social games to iOS and Android devices, likely in the same vein as Little Helper, which was developed for Pixonic by MobyTail. However, Masolova says that the company has its 46 plus employees working on three mobile games from scratch. Despite coming into the Facebook and mobile games space just as the big players begin to exert their dominance, Masolova is confident that Pixonic will succeed.
"For the first three months of the company's existence, we were focused on Russian markets in social networks," Masolova says. "I think for the time it was the right decision, but now we can move to Facebook and other networks and feel very comfortable there."
Have you played any of Pixonic's games before? Do you think the Russian developer/publisher has a shot at making it big on Facebook and mobile?
Island Paradise makes Turkey a bit more tropical through Peak Games
And in directly related news, productivity levels of Turkish businesses plummet by as much as 90 percent. Social game developer Meteor Games announced that its hit Island Paradise is now available in Turkish on Facebook, thanks to a deal with Peak Games. The Istanbul-based company will make the game available through Ciftlik Adasi, which appears to be a full Turkish localization.
According to its Facebook page, Ciftlik Adasi--the Turkish Island Paradise that translates roughly to Farm Island--has already garnered over 123,000 thousand players since its launch on Sept. 30. And it makes sense: Turkey is the fourth-largest region for Facebook with over 30 million users.
And with just over 634,000 monthly Island Paradise players on Facebook, Meteor Games is playing it smart by expanding into new territories to boost its player base. The Beverly Hills, Calif.-based social game creator likens itself to the Nintendo of the Facebook game world, and scale is one approach to take in order to make good on that comparison.
Peak Games however, has reportedly amassed over 16 million monthly players across its games by making the international rounds with big time western developers like RockYou and now Meteor Games. Facebook games are growing beyond the scope of the U.S. and Western Europe, but we can only hope that will make for more culturally diverse social games.
Do you think Meteor Games made a smart move in expanding into Turkey through Peak Games? Do you think the social games space needs more culturally diverse games?
According to its Facebook page, Ciftlik Adasi--the Turkish Island Paradise that translates roughly to Farm Island--has already garnered over 123,000 thousand players since its launch on Sept. 30. And it makes sense: Turkey is the fourth-largest region for Facebook with over 30 million users.
And with just over 634,000 monthly Island Paradise players on Facebook, Meteor Games is playing it smart by expanding into new territories to boost its player base. The Beverly Hills, Calif.-based social game creator likens itself to the Nintendo of the Facebook game world, and scale is one approach to take in order to make good on that comparison.
Peak Games however, has reportedly amassed over 16 million monthly players across its games by making the international rounds with big time western developers like RockYou and now Meteor Games. Facebook games are growing beyond the scope of the U.S. and Western Europe, but we can only hope that will make for more culturally diverse social games.
Do you think Meteor Games made a smart move in expanding into Turkey through Peak Games? Do you think the social games space needs more culturally diverse games?
The Sims Social yanked millions of Zynga players, Raptr report suggests
With over 66 million monthly players, we all know that The Sims Social is killing it. But EA and Playfish's flagship social game might be killing more than just it --the game is rapidly killing off Zynga's player base, if you ask Raptr. The 10 million-strong social network for gamers has issued another report based on the data it gathers from its users, and it doesn't look pretty.
Well, it's not looking pretty for Zynga, at least. Raptr found that a whopping 50 percent of The Sims Social players are also playing Zynga's games. More importantly, play time for both FarmVille and Empires & Allies has dropped 25 percent since EA launched its secret weapon, while CityVille dipped just 10 percent in play time. The latter is thanks to a number of promotions and major content additions like the recent Enrique Iglesias event and the ongoing Governor's Run goals.
Still, that means 33 million Zynga fans are playing both The Sims Social and the top Zynga games. (Keep in mind, this study was conducted before Adventure World surpassed FarmVille.) So, how did EA do it? Well, aside from attracting a swath of Zynga game players, the company marketed heavily to its existing social game players and even the 10 million remaining The Sims 3 fans on the PC. As a result, The Sims Social has effectively cannibalized EA's own player base, according to Raptr.
Raptr Report The Sims Social
As for how EA can strike gold again on Facebook, Raptr suggests the company looks at its most recent buy: PopCap. According to the study, social versions of the publisher's core franchises like Dragon Age Legends didn't do so hot. (Who woulda' thunk it?) But the social network finds that anywhere from around 58 to 75 percent of those who enjoy PopCap casual games also play social games.
In other words, EA is sitting on the weapons cache of a lifetime, but after Zynga Unleashed, it's clear that Zynga plans to return fire. Find the full report from Raptr right here in PDF form.
Are you a Zynga game player that has also been sucked into The Sims Social? Do you think EA will attract even more Zynga fans through PopCap and Playfish?
Well, it's not looking pretty for Zynga, at least. Raptr found that a whopping 50 percent of The Sims Social players are also playing Zynga's games. More importantly, play time for both FarmVille and Empires & Allies has dropped 25 percent since EA launched its secret weapon, while CityVille dipped just 10 percent in play time. The latter is thanks to a number of promotions and major content additions like the recent Enrique Iglesias event and the ongoing Governor's Run goals.
Still, that means 33 million Zynga fans are playing both The Sims Social and the top Zynga games. (Keep in mind, this study was conducted before Adventure World surpassed FarmVille.) So, how did EA do it? Well, aside from attracting a swath of Zynga game players, the company marketed heavily to its existing social game players and even the 10 million remaining The Sims 3 fans on the PC. As a result, The Sims Social has effectively cannibalized EA's own player base, according to Raptr.
Raptr Report The Sims Social
As for how EA can strike gold again on Facebook, Raptr suggests the company looks at its most recent buy: PopCap. According to the study, social versions of the publisher's core franchises like Dragon Age Legends didn't do so hot. (Who woulda' thunk it?) But the social network finds that anywhere from around 58 to 75 percent of those who enjoy PopCap casual games also play social games.
In other words, EA is sitting on the weapons cache of a lifetime, but after Zynga Unleashed, it's clear that Zynga plans to return fire. Find the full report from Raptr right here in PDF form.
Are you a Zynga game player that has also been sucked into The Sims Social? Do you think EA will attract even more Zynga fans through PopCap and Playfish?
Google engineer rant suggests Google+ Games was an afterthought
Believe it or not, some people aren't very happy with Google+. Take Steve Yegge, a Google engineer who accidentally posted what was meant to be an internal rant to fellow Google employees to his over 2,000 followers on the new social network. Reposted by many of his followers, the 5,000 plus-word diatribe hits every gory to explain Yegge's beef with Google+.
And that includes Google+ Games. Frankly, Yegge seems to think that the games portion of Google's second attempt at a social network is, well, uninspired. "Our Google+ team took a look at the aftermarket and said: 'Gosh, it looks like we need some games. Let's go contract someone to, um, write some games for us,'" Yegge wrote. "Do you begin to see how incredibly wrong that thinking is now? The problem is that we are trying to predict what people want and deliver it for them."
While that last quip seems to contradict his previous comment on Google+ Games, his message is clear. Yegge thinks Games were an afterthought for Google, which he seems to think is why the search giant enlisted the help of major social game developers like Zynga, PopCap and Kabam to release their existing games on the platform. Yegge has since publicly apologized for accidentally posting the essay rant.
Most recently, Zynga launched its brand new Mafia Wars 2 on Google+ Games. And before that, Google updated the platform with features that, while impressive, have been considered fundamental to Facebook games for some time. Recent estimates put the number of Google+ users at around 43 million, but how many of those are playing games is still unknown. And with sentiments such as this flying around, we imagine much work needs to be done for Google+ Games to be considered a viable alternative to Facebook gaming. If you have about 30 minutes, you can read Yegge's rant in full right here.
And that includes Google+ Games. Frankly, Yegge seems to think that the games portion of Google's second attempt at a social network is, well, uninspired. "Our Google+ team took a look at the aftermarket and said: 'Gosh, it looks like we need some games. Let's go contract someone to, um, write some games for us,'" Yegge wrote. "Do you begin to see how incredibly wrong that thinking is now? The problem is that we are trying to predict what people want and deliver it for them."
While that last quip seems to contradict his previous comment on Google+ Games, his message is clear. Yegge thinks Games were an afterthought for Google, which he seems to think is why the search giant enlisted the help of major social game developers like Zynga, PopCap and Kabam to release their existing games on the platform. Yegge has since publicly apologized for accidentally posting the essay rant.
Most recently, Zynga launched its brand new Mafia Wars 2 on Google+ Games. And before that, Google updated the platform with features that, while impressive, have been considered fundamental to Facebook games for some time. Recent estimates put the number of Google+ users at around 43 million, but how many of those are playing games is still unknown. And with sentiments such as this flying around, we imagine much work needs to be done for Google+ Games to be considered a viable alternative to Facebook gaming. If you have about 30 minutes, you can read Yegge's rant in full right here.
PopCap to set fire to iPhone, iPad this winter with Popcorn Dragon
Look, PopCap, first you give us a lust for diamonds, and now you're just making us downright hungry. Bejeweled Blitz maker PopCap Games just announced Popcorn Dragon during an EA event in New York City. The game will have players shoot fireballs at flying popcorn kernels by touching the screen, and that adorable dragon will try to eat it all, according to Joystiq.
Popcorn Dragon has no specific release date nor were any other platforms mentioned during the game's reveal. Adding to the mystery, PopCap has yet to reveal a price, though we doubt it will stray far from the coveted $.99 price point. Actually, the EA-owned studio has become quite the fan of microtransactions as of late, so "free" is certainly a possibility.
Popcorn Dragon logo
But back to the game: It looks as if players will feed their miniature dragon across several movie scenes, earning stars and bumping up the infamous score multiplier for quick, accurate fireball shots. Players will be able to buy upgrades with "Tickets," reinforcing the assumption that microtransactions will be a major component to Popcorn. Well, that and growing that cute little whelp's tail. Now, where in the world is the Pop Secret?
Are you excited for PopCap's next big game? What do you think of the studio's next crack at an original idea?
Popcorn Dragon has no specific release date nor were any other platforms mentioned during the game's reveal. Adding to the mystery, PopCap has yet to reveal a price, though we doubt it will stray far from the coveted $.99 price point. Actually, the EA-owned studio has become quite the fan of microtransactions as of late, so "free" is certainly a possibility.
Popcorn Dragon logo
But back to the game: It looks as if players will feed their miniature dragon across several movie scenes, earning stars and bumping up the infamous score multiplier for quick, accurate fireball shots. Players will be able to buy upgrades with "Tickets," reinforcing the assumption that microtransactions will be a major component to Popcorn. Well, that and growing that cute little whelp's tail. Now, where in the world is the Pop Secret?
Are you excited for PopCap's next big game? What do you think of the studio's next crack at an original idea?
Burnout Crash comes to iOS this fall with help from David Hasselhoff [Interview]
Earlier this year, Criterion Games and Electronic Arts released Burnout Crash for XBLA on Xbox 360 and PSN on PlayStation 3. The game takes auto destruction to a new level with plenty of gameplay modes and speed. The game allows you to send cars crashing into one another, detonating massive explosions with the press of a button. Boss vehicles like limos, pizza trucks and ice cream trucks are thrown into the works, with the game still looks to retain a fast-paced environment. While console gamers have already been able to get their fill of this arcade title, mobile gamers will finally be able to do so this holiday season.
Burnout Crash will be launching on iOS this fall, for iPad and iPhone 4. The game has 18 traffic junctions (settings), three different gameplay modes and an '80s inspired soundtrack featuring songs by Vanilla Ice and Gloria Estefan. The game will feature Autolog technology, bringing a major social edge to the experience, as users will be able to connect with others and compare their stats across the game's different modes. You'll also be able to challenge friends directly via "Autolog Challenges," for some head-to-head fun.
While the mobile version of the game has just now been officially announced, the console versions of the game already come with some pretty heavy backing and publicity, thanks to a partnership with the Knight Rider himself–David Hasselhoff. David has been featured in three commercials for the game, each one funnier and crazier than the last, and we were lucky enough to get to speak to David about his experience creating them, and his thoughts on Burnout Crash in general.
We asked David what it was about Burnout Crash that made him want to partner up with EA, and he could answer in a single word: "Explosions." Going into more detail, the Hoff told us that he "love[s] to blow things up," and that even as a child, he was all about the stunts and explosions. He told us of a go-kart he had as a child that he would send off of makeshift ramps, and that his role as Michael Knight in Knight Rider, it was fitting because "Knight Rider had tons of explosions" as well, so these explosions really "drew him" into the game.
But aside from explosions, what else makes Burnout Crash great? According to David, the game is simply "fun and funny," and that it makes you "use your brain to figure things out." With each level in some of the game's modes (both on iPhone and console) allowing you to earn higher and higher scores so long as you keep the explosions going, we suppose he's right.
While the ideas for the three commercials weren't David's, he says that he did ad-lib in the phrases of his "Chicken Man" and "Cheerleader" personas. "I said the things like 'Eat my pom poms' and 'Time to get plucked.'" At first, EA wanted him to dress as a female cheerleader for the second video in the series, but after dressing as a woman in The Producers on stage, he said he would rather stick to the male outfit this time around, "especially after putting on the wig." This isn't to say that David doesn't know how to have a good time. He says he loves "self-effacing humor that the kids will love or relate to." "If you can stay relevant with the kids, then you'll last forever," Hasselhoff tells us.
We asked David what he thought about Burnout Crash coming to iPhone, and he instantly unleashed his excitement. Apparently, the Hoff has become quite the mobile gamer. He says people are often shocked when he tells them "I'm going on a 21 hour flight around the world." They wonder how he can remain sane while being isolated for so long, but he says he thrives on it. "I love it. It lets me catch up with television shows." He also spends some of that time gaming on his iPhone.
"I wasn't always a big mobile gamer," he says, but that a happy accident got him into it. "I needed a roadie, so my 25-year old nephew has started traveling with me. He accidentally loaded all of his games onto my iPhone." He says that it's funny when he's surrounded by people on a plane, and here are these "two grown men are playing with rollercoasters, going ooh!"
We here at Games.com love what the united front of Hasselhoff and EA have been able to put together, so make sure to check out one of David's commercials below, and keep checking back with us as we bring you more details about Burnout Crash on iPhone in the future.
Are you excited about Burnout Crash on iPhone / iPad? Have you already tried the game on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? What do you think of the trio of commercials filmed with David Hasselhoff?
Burnout Crash will be launching on iOS this fall, for iPad and iPhone 4. The game has 18 traffic junctions (settings), three different gameplay modes and an '80s inspired soundtrack featuring songs by Vanilla Ice and Gloria Estefan. The game will feature Autolog technology, bringing a major social edge to the experience, as users will be able to connect with others and compare their stats across the game's different modes. You'll also be able to challenge friends directly via "Autolog Challenges," for some head-to-head fun.
While the mobile version of the game has just now been officially announced, the console versions of the game already come with some pretty heavy backing and publicity, thanks to a partnership with the Knight Rider himself–David Hasselhoff. David has been featured in three commercials for the game, each one funnier and crazier than the last, and we were lucky enough to get to speak to David about his experience creating them, and his thoughts on Burnout Crash in general.
We asked David what it was about Burnout Crash that made him want to partner up with EA, and he could answer in a single word: "Explosions." Going into more detail, the Hoff told us that he "love[s] to blow things up," and that even as a child, he was all about the stunts and explosions. He told us of a go-kart he had as a child that he would send off of makeshift ramps, and that his role as Michael Knight in Knight Rider, it was fitting because "Knight Rider had tons of explosions" as well, so these explosions really "drew him" into the game.
But aside from explosions, what else makes Burnout Crash great? According to David, the game is simply "fun and funny," and that it makes you "use your brain to figure things out." With each level in some of the game's modes (both on iPhone and console) allowing you to earn higher and higher scores so long as you keep the explosions going, we suppose he's right.
While the ideas for the three commercials weren't David's, he says that he did ad-lib in the phrases of his "Chicken Man" and "Cheerleader" personas. "I said the things like 'Eat my pom poms' and 'Time to get plucked.'" At first, EA wanted him to dress as a female cheerleader for the second video in the series, but after dressing as a woman in The Producers on stage, he said he would rather stick to the male outfit this time around, "especially after putting on the wig." This isn't to say that David doesn't know how to have a good time. He says he loves "self-effacing humor that the kids will love or relate to." "If you can stay relevant with the kids, then you'll last forever," Hasselhoff tells us.
We asked David what he thought about Burnout Crash coming to iPhone, and he instantly unleashed his excitement. Apparently, the Hoff has become quite the mobile gamer. He says people are often shocked when he tells them "I'm going on a 21 hour flight around the world." They wonder how he can remain sane while being isolated for so long, but he says he thrives on it. "I love it. It lets me catch up with television shows." He also spends some of that time gaming on his iPhone.
"I wasn't always a big mobile gamer," he says, but that a happy accident got him into it. "I needed a roadie, so my 25-year old nephew has started traveling with me. He accidentally loaded all of his games onto my iPhone." He says that it's funny when he's surrounded by people on a plane, and here are these "two grown men are playing with rollercoasters, going ooh!"
We here at Games.com love what the united front of Hasselhoff and EA have been able to put together, so make sure to check out one of David's commercials below, and keep checking back with us as we bring you more details about Burnout Crash on iPhone in the future.
Are you excited about Burnout Crash on iPhone / iPad? Have you already tried the game on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? What do you think of the trio of commercials filmed with David Hasselhoff?
It was ... Mafia Wars malware that infected the Air Force drone fleet?
I guess when local politicians are too busy playing CityVille to attend meetings, you really can't put this sort of thing past anyone. The U.S. Air Force has revealed new details on just what virus has infected the remote cockpits of its drone fleet, Wired reports. They're quite revealing as to what these remote crews might be up to on the job.
An anonymous defense official told the Associated Press that the malware that infected the remote cockpits' hard drives "is routinely used to steal log-in and password data from people who gamble or play games like Mafia Wars online." The official didn't explain why remote drone crews were playing Mafia Wars or gambling online while on missions overseas.
And according to Wired, insiders say that the virus has been particularly difficult to remove, forcing crew to erase and completely rebuild the infected hard drives. The Air Force said that the virus is "a credential stealer," transmitted by thumb drives. So, Air Force drone crews were either playing Mafia Wars/gambling online using military computers, or using thumb drives in said computers that had been used in outside computers with access to Mafia Wars.
But do you really think those thumb drives ever leave base? If that's the case (fat chance), then this is another issue entirely. Remotely piloted drones are on slippery enough of a slope already. Come on, people, couldn't you at least have been playing a new Zynga game, like Mafia Wars 2?
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit:: TSgt Erik Gudmundson/U.S. Defense]
Have you ever played a social game on the job? What do you think of the remote drone program, given news like this?
An anonymous defense official told the Associated Press that the malware that infected the remote cockpits' hard drives "is routinely used to steal log-in and password data from people who gamble or play games like Mafia Wars online." The official didn't explain why remote drone crews were playing Mafia Wars or gambling online while on missions overseas.
And according to Wired, insiders say that the virus has been particularly difficult to remove, forcing crew to erase and completely rebuild the infected hard drives. The Air Force said that the virus is "a credential stealer," transmitted by thumb drives. So, Air Force drone crews were either playing Mafia Wars/gambling online using military computers, or using thumb drives in said computers that had been used in outside computers with access to Mafia Wars.
But do you really think those thumb drives ever leave base? If that's the case (fat chance), then this is another issue entirely. Remotely piloted drones are on slippery enough of a slope already. Come on, people, couldn't you at least have been playing a new Zynga game, like Mafia Wars 2?
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit:: TSgt Erik Gudmundson/U.S. Defense]
Have you ever played a social game on the job? What do you think of the remote drone program, given news like this?
Ngmoco names former Mattel exec as CMO to oversee Mobage launch
DeNA and Ngmoco really want the Mobage platform to succeed in the states and elsewhere. And who can blame them: Mobile is the proverbial final frontier for games companies. This must be why Ngmoco just announced that it has hired former Mattel marketing executive Michael Staskin to oversee the company's marketing push for Mobage, DeNA's mobile social gaming network for Android devices (and soon iPhone and iPad).
Staskin most recently served as VP of marketing and communications at Milan, Italy-based gaming and lottery company Sisal SpA. At Ngmoco he will "lead all global marketing and communications efforts for the company," according to a release, and that includes things like advertising, public relations and customer acquistion. In layman's terms, it's Staskin's job to get more mobile gamers to use Mobage.
"ngmoco is poised to forever change the way people interact with content on their mobile devices," new Ngmoco CMO Staskin said in a release. "I'm excited to introduce consumers around the world to Mobage, a new way to consume, share and experience mobile entertainment."
A report by JP Morgan in Tokyo, via Serkan Toto, said there have been between 50,000 and 100,000 installs of the Mobage app for Android devices, calling that number "extremely small." So yeah, DeNA and Ngmoco could certainly use a guy like Staskin to get more players on their mobile social gaming platform. And with developers like Grasshopper Manufacture and Atakama Labs on board, perhaps Mobage has yet to "arrive."
[Image Credit: Business People Italy]
Do you think Staskin will bring what it takes for Mobage to come out on top as the premier mobile social gaming platform? Have you tried Mobage for Android?
Staskin most recently served as VP of marketing and communications at Milan, Italy-based gaming and lottery company Sisal SpA. At Ngmoco he will "lead all global marketing and communications efforts for the company," according to a release, and that includes things like advertising, public relations and customer acquistion. In layman's terms, it's Staskin's job to get more mobile gamers to use Mobage.
"ngmoco is poised to forever change the way people interact with content on their mobile devices," new Ngmoco CMO Staskin said in a release. "I'm excited to introduce consumers around the world to Mobage, a new way to consume, share and experience mobile entertainment."
A report by JP Morgan in Tokyo, via Serkan Toto, said there have been between 50,000 and 100,000 installs of the Mobage app for Android devices, calling that number "extremely small." So yeah, DeNA and Ngmoco could certainly use a guy like Staskin to get more players on their mobile social gaming platform. And with developers like Grasshopper Manufacture and Atakama Labs on board, perhaps Mobage has yet to "arrive."
[Image Credit: Business People Italy]
Do you think Staskin will bring what it takes for Mobage to come out on top as the premier mobile social gaming platform? Have you tried Mobage for Android?
Find free Android games through OpenFeint's Game Channel app
Gree and OpenFeint just opened fire on DeNA and Ngmoco's Mobage network for Android. DeNA's primary competitors abroad just announced that Game Channel has arrived on Android devices. Known on iOS devices as OpenFeint's mobile games discovery platform, Game Channel offers Android gamers a way to discover new games to play, namely free-to-play games.
Through Game Channel, OpenFeint will display games to users such as the Featured Game and Free Game of the Day, which the company says will include free in-game items, too. As for curation, OpenFeint will recognize notable free games under its Free Games That Rock category, and highlight game personally recommended by the company within Feint's Featured Picks.
The Game Channel app will also recommend games based on the seasons and other themes like holidays. Players will get to access their profiles and other social features right from within Game Channel, and OpenFeint will recommend new releases. This news comes just as OpenFeint finds itself with a new CEO, former Gree exec Naoki Aoyagi, and a new director of developer relations, Sarah Thompson.
Gree and DeNA have begun to battle for mobile social gaming supremacy vicariously through their strategic acquisitions, OpenFeint and Ngmoco, respectively. While Ngmoco is reportedly seeking more users to bolster its rather small number of Mobage users, OpenFeint reports welcoming 128 million players across all platforms. But it's also important to note the amount of developer support DeNA and Ngmoco have garnered recently. And now Zynga is heavy into mobile gaming--oy vey.
Are an Android gamer that has trouble finding new mobile social games to play? Do you think OpenFeint will provide that solution better than Mobage can, and which do you prefer?
Through Game Channel, OpenFeint will display games to users such as the Featured Game and Free Game of the Day, which the company says will include free in-game items, too. As for curation, OpenFeint will recognize notable free games under its Free Games That Rock category, and highlight game personally recommended by the company within Feint's Featured Picks.
The Game Channel app will also recommend games based on the seasons and other themes like holidays. Players will get to access their profiles and other social features right from within Game Channel, and OpenFeint will recommend new releases. This news comes just as OpenFeint finds itself with a new CEO, former Gree exec Naoki Aoyagi, and a new director of developer relations, Sarah Thompson.
Gree and DeNA have begun to battle for mobile social gaming supremacy vicariously through their strategic acquisitions, OpenFeint and Ngmoco, respectively. While Ngmoco is reportedly seeking more users to bolster its rather small number of Mobage users, OpenFeint reports welcoming 128 million players across all platforms. But it's also important to note the amount of developer support DeNA and Ngmoco have garnered recently. And now Zynga is heavy into mobile gaming--oy vey.
Are an Android gamer that has trouble finding new mobile social games to play? Do you think OpenFeint will provide that solution better than Mobage can, and which do you prefer?
Angry Birds maker Rovio looking at $1 billion IPO next year
Thanks to those irate, wingless birds, Rovio is worth lots and lots of money, apparently. Speaking with Bloomberg, the Angry Birds creator's CMO Peter Vesterbacka said, "We're not ready to file for an IPO tomorrow. Maybe a year from now." And speaking to the recent estimations that Rovio is worth around $1 billion, Vesterbacka all but confirmed the guesswork.
"We're happy with our valuation but we think it's probably a bit north of that," Vesterbacka said to Bloomberg. So, there you have it: Regular folks like you and I might be able to invest in the creator of Angry Birds by sometime next year. Also known as Rovio's Mighty Eagle, a play on the in-game character, Vesterbacka said that the company is "insanely profitable."
While we're not sure, we're going to make an educated guess and say that the Angry Birds' insane profitably comes from, oh, I don't know, the fact that they're everywhere? From big-time movie deals to plush toys, cookbooks, board games and stadium screen games, Rovio's flagship franchise is everywhere. And it's through this massive push that the company looks to be the first entertainment brand with 1 billion fans.
The two never seem to come up in the same conversation, but Rovio sounds more and more like Zynga every day, though with a vastly different strategy. As rumors stir of a FarmVille movie in the works (sound familiar?), Rovio toys with the idea of becoming a games publisher (again, sound familiar?). It makes one wonder if the two will ever clash. Hey, Angry Birds is supposedly in development on Facebook, after all.
[Via Mashable]
Do you think Angry Birds can sustain the Angry Birds fever into 2012 for its potential initial public offering? Do you think Zynga and Rovio consider each other a threat?
"We're happy with our valuation but we think it's probably a bit north of that," Vesterbacka said to Bloomberg. So, there you have it: Regular folks like you and I might be able to invest in the creator of Angry Birds by sometime next year. Also known as Rovio's Mighty Eagle, a play on the in-game character, Vesterbacka said that the company is "insanely profitable."
While we're not sure, we're going to make an educated guess and say that the Angry Birds' insane profitably comes from, oh, I don't know, the fact that they're everywhere? From big-time movie deals to plush toys, cookbooks, board games and stadium screen games, Rovio's flagship franchise is everywhere. And it's through this massive push that the company looks to be the first entertainment brand with 1 billion fans.
The two never seem to come up in the same conversation, but Rovio sounds more and more like Zynga every day, though with a vastly different strategy. As rumors stir of a FarmVille movie in the works (sound familiar?), Rovio toys with the idea of becoming a games publisher (again, sound familiar?). It makes one wonder if the two will ever clash. Hey, Angry Birds is supposedly in development on Facebook, after all.
[Via Mashable]
Do you think Angry Birds can sustain the Angry Birds fever into 2012 for its potential initial public offering? Do you think Zynga and Rovio consider each other a threat?
FarmVille Express, Words With Friends, Zynga Poker hit Facebook Mobile
Just when you thought Zynga might be through with HTML5 gaming for the time being, the developer has launched three of its most popular games to the mobile web. FarmVille Express, Words With Friends and Zynga Poker are all available now through either Facebook Mobile directly or on the mobile web.
Revealed earlier this week, the company announced the three games as part of its continued push into mobile gaming with the upcoming Dream Zoo and Mafia Wars Shakedown for iPhone and iPad. FarmVille Express is a stripped version of the native iOS game that's already available, but it allows players to plant crops on their main farm, send free gifts to their friends and respond to help requests.
There's no visual representation of your farm(s) in FarmVille Express--this is merely a companion app that's meant to let you keep up while on the go. While this is brilliant for those who don't own iPhones or other iOS devices, we can't see much reason for an iOS device owner to use this. And since the full Facebook Mobile platform is only available for iOS at the moment, that leaves Android and other smartphone users with just mobile web access to FarmVille Express.
Zynga Poker HTML5
Words with Friends HTML5Words With Friends and Zynga Poker were designed with users who have access to only the mobile web in mind, as attempting to launch either from Facebook for iOS either moves you into the native app, or isn't available at all. And Word With Friends for mobile web appears no different from its native mobile counterpart. The presentation looks nearly identical to its iOS and Android cousins, albeit with less than stunning polish.
However, the game has full sound effects and smooth animations as you navigate its menus. That said, this version of Words With Friends is probably the most impressive HTML5 game we've seen to date. It tracks your finger movements with great accuracy and little to no lag, and it even has advertisements--just like the original! But if you already have Words With Friends for either iOS or Android, there's not much reason to play this version.
Zynga Poker, which must be played in landscape mode, is a somewhat stripped down version of what you'll find on Facebook, but more features are promised to be on the way. However, this too is an impressive HTML5 outing for Zynga. The game lets players sit down for poker hands in real time with other players. Sure, you can send free gifts and will soon be able to buy chips from right within the browser game, but just seeing players interact in real time over HTML5 within a browser is remarkable.
These games are certainly an impressive improvement over recent HTML5 games we've seen, and will only become more robust over time. However, it's tough to recommend these versions over their iOS counterparts or even their Android cousins, when it applies. If anything, consider these games a smooth step in the direction nearly everyone else in the social games world is headed.
Click here to launch all three of Zynga's new HTML5 games Now >
Are you interested in HTML5 gaming more so than native, downloadable gaming apps for your smartphone? Do you think Zynga was smart in releasing these games before a majority of the competition did?
Revealed earlier this week, the company announced the three games as part of its continued push into mobile gaming with the upcoming Dream Zoo and Mafia Wars Shakedown for iPhone and iPad. FarmVille Express is a stripped version of the native iOS game that's already available, but it allows players to plant crops on their main farm, send free gifts to their friends and respond to help requests.
There's no visual representation of your farm(s) in FarmVille Express--this is merely a companion app that's meant to let you keep up while on the go. While this is brilliant for those who don't own iPhones or other iOS devices, we can't see much reason for an iOS device owner to use this. And since the full Facebook Mobile platform is only available for iOS at the moment, that leaves Android and other smartphone users with just mobile web access to FarmVille Express.
Zynga Poker HTML5
Words with Friends HTML5Words With Friends and Zynga Poker were designed with users who have access to only the mobile web in mind, as attempting to launch either from Facebook for iOS either moves you into the native app, or isn't available at all. And Word With Friends for mobile web appears no different from its native mobile counterpart. The presentation looks nearly identical to its iOS and Android cousins, albeit with less than stunning polish.
However, the game has full sound effects and smooth animations as you navigate its menus. That said, this version of Words With Friends is probably the most impressive HTML5 game we've seen to date. It tracks your finger movements with great accuracy and little to no lag, and it even has advertisements--just like the original! But if you already have Words With Friends for either iOS or Android, there's not much reason to play this version.
Zynga Poker, which must be played in landscape mode, is a somewhat stripped down version of what you'll find on Facebook, but more features are promised to be on the way. However, this too is an impressive HTML5 outing for Zynga. The game lets players sit down for poker hands in real time with other players. Sure, you can send free gifts and will soon be able to buy chips from right within the browser game, but just seeing players interact in real time over HTML5 within a browser is remarkable.
These games are certainly an impressive improvement over recent HTML5 games we've seen, and will only become more robust over time. However, it's tough to recommend these versions over their iOS counterparts or even their Android cousins, when it applies. If anything, consider these games a smooth step in the direction nearly everyone else in the social games world is headed.
Click here to launch all three of Zynga's new HTML5 games Now >
Are you interested in HTML5 gaming more so than native, downloadable gaming apps for your smartphone? Do you think Zynga was smart in releasing these games before a majority of the competition did?
Zynga: Mafia Wars is not connected to Air Force drone fleet virus
It seems that Zynga's Mafia Wars might not have anything to do with this Air Force drone scare, after all. Speaking to Kotaku, Zynga Chief Security Officer Nils Puhlmann said, "We have no indications that suggest Zynga's Mafia Wars was connected with the malware that infected the Pentagon's drone program."
Earlier this week, an anonymous defense official told the Associated Press that the virus that has infected the hard drives of remote cockpits used to pilot Air Force drones "is routinely used to steal log-in and password data from people who gamble or play games like Mafia Wars online." While the official simply name-dropped Mafia Wars, it seemed terribly specific.
However, Zynga's Puhlmann said to Kotaku, "We actively take steps to maintain and protect the trust of our customers, including educating our players about the risks associated with visiting untrusted sites and downloading untrusted applications. Both of those actions can increase the risk of getting infected with malware."
The malware that infected the cockpits' hard drives was first found on a connected thumb drive, but according to Air Force Space Command spokesperson Colonel Kathleen Cook, the malware has since been isolated and has not affected the drones directly. While it's possible that the drone crews weren't specifically playing Mafia Wars while said thumb drive was connected to either a personal or military PC, the malware was likely designed to attack social networks with such games on them.
According to Cook, the malware was found on a stand-alone, Windows-based support network and was considered a nuisance rather than a threat. However, the origins of the malware have yet to be determined, only narrowed slightly. Whether a social network website like Facebook was accessed through a military computer with the drive connected, or the infected drive was used on a personal computer, is still a mystery.
[Image Credit: Sky News]
Now that Zynga has made a statement looking to clear things up, what do you think might have caused the virus? Have you ever logged into Facebook while at work or played a social game at work?
Earlier this week, an anonymous defense official told the Associated Press that the virus that has infected the hard drives of remote cockpits used to pilot Air Force drones "is routinely used to steal log-in and password data from people who gamble or play games like Mafia Wars online." While the official simply name-dropped Mafia Wars, it seemed terribly specific.
However, Zynga's Puhlmann said to Kotaku, "We actively take steps to maintain and protect the trust of our customers, including educating our players about the risks associated with visiting untrusted sites and downloading untrusted applications. Both of those actions can increase the risk of getting infected with malware."
The malware that infected the cockpits' hard drives was first found on a connected thumb drive, but according to Air Force Space Command spokesperson Colonel Kathleen Cook, the malware has since been isolated and has not affected the drones directly. While it's possible that the drone crews weren't specifically playing Mafia Wars while said thumb drive was connected to either a personal or military PC, the malware was likely designed to attack social networks with such games on them.
According to Cook, the malware was found on a stand-alone, Windows-based support network and was considered a nuisance rather than a threat. However, the origins of the malware have yet to be determined, only narrowed slightly. Whether a social network website like Facebook was accessed through a military computer with the drive connected, or the infected drive was used on a personal computer, is still a mystery.
[Image Credit: Sky News]
Now that Zynga has made a statement looking to clear things up, what do you think might have caused the virus? Have you ever logged into Facebook while at work or played a social game at work?
Namco Bandai, DeNA to tell a social tale with Tales of Kizna for Mobage
Namco Bandai has as bad a case of sequelitis with its Tales series that Square Enix has with its Final Fantasy franchise. Marking the 14th (seriously) game in the series, the publisher announced that Tales of Kizna will launch on DeNA's Mobage. Slated to release only on Japan's version of the popular mobile social game network, KLab Ltd is handling the game's creation.
The Tales series of Namco RPGs (role-playing games) always takes on a heavy Japanese anime aesthetic with real-time combat and deep, twisting plots, but Tales of Kizna will have players battle enemies cooperatively using character cards. And since the game will feature characters spanning the entirety of the franchise, we're expecting a much lighter story this time.
Players, as with most social games, will have the option to join guilds and form parties to do battle with one another. On paper at least, the game sounds a whole lot like a mobile Mafia Wars, but with a card game as its combat system. Tales of Kizna is due out on Japan's Mobage network this November, and Japanese fans of the series can pre-register for the game right now.
We imagine this game marks the start of Namco Bandai's joint venture with the social gaming giant, BDNA Inc. DeNA has reportedly had trouble gaining a foothold in the U.S. and abroad with its Android version of Mobage. But to help move that along (as its main competitor, Gree, gets a move on with OpenFeint), the company has reigned in some big time developers. For one, No More Heroes maker Grasshopper Manufacture looks to bring the bloodiest social game to date to Mobage in Japan and abroad.
[Via Gamasutra]
Do you think such a niche RPG will do well on DeNA's Mobage network? Do you wish DeNA and its competitors would bring such games stateside and elsewhere?
The Tales series of Namco RPGs (role-playing games) always takes on a heavy Japanese anime aesthetic with real-time combat and deep, twisting plots, but Tales of Kizna will have players battle enemies cooperatively using character cards. And since the game will feature characters spanning the entirety of the franchise, we're expecting a much lighter story this time.
Players, as with most social games, will have the option to join guilds and form parties to do battle with one another. On paper at least, the game sounds a whole lot like a mobile Mafia Wars, but with a card game as its combat system. Tales of Kizna is due out on Japan's Mobage network this November, and Japanese fans of the series can pre-register for the game right now.
We imagine this game marks the start of Namco Bandai's joint venture with the social gaming giant, BDNA Inc. DeNA has reportedly had trouble gaining a foothold in the U.S. and abroad with its Android version of Mobage. But to help move that along (as its main competitor, Gree, gets a move on with OpenFeint), the company has reigned in some big time developers. For one, No More Heroes maker Grasshopper Manufacture looks to bring the bloodiest social game to date to Mobage in Japan and abroad.
[Via Gamasutra]
Do you think such a niche RPG will do well on DeNA's Mobage network? Do you wish DeNA and its competitors would bring such games stateside and elsewhere?
Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 12, 2011
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Disney XD Games
Disney Friends for Change Games
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
Disney XD News
DISNEY XD TO PREMIERE “FORT BOYARD – ULTIMATE CHALLENGE,” A REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
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