Taking a page from the Wheel of Fortune, Zynga has started sending out emails to FarmVille players containing the "Wheel of Fuel." Like the Daily Bonus email, this Wheel of Fuel email offers you free fuel - anything from a single Small can, to three Large cans of fuel.
Unfortunately, this Wheel of Fuel isn't interactive, and overall seems like a rather pointless change. Clicking on the button in your email opens Facebook in a new window where you're simply shown the amount of fuel that you won. There's no flash animation of the Wheel of Fuel actually spinning, you don't get to press a big red button to make it stop. It's all quite a let down, really. Either way, I'm never going to complain about receiving free fuel, so if this is the direction future fuel emails are going to look then bring it on, I say. I just hope no one around me minds when I make up my own spinning sound effects to replace the stationary wheel I see before me.
Have your daily bonus emails started containing the Wheel of Fuel? What do you think of this change?
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Cows ask: Should cow breeding go the way of pigs and sheep?
Zynga's FarmVille Cows fan page asks us a very interesting question this evening - Would you like to see Cow Breeding in FarmVille change to be similar to Sheep and Pig breeding, or are you fine with the randomized system currently in place? They ask the question via a quick poll that you can answer on their official fan page. It's a yes or no question, and as of right now, the overwhelming majority of users are stating that yes, they would like to see Cow Breeding change.
Actually, it's a bit of an odd setup. It seems as though the Cows (err, Zynga) have forgotten that Cow Breeding exists in the first place. Sure, it's not a great system, as it relies solely on luck when having both Cows and a Bull inside a Dairy Farm, but you can receive calves through that manner. The question's wording here makes it seem as though Breeding is impossible in the game altogether, but we can only imagine, then, that the question refers to the Love Potion / Sheep Breeding method of Breeding, rather than anything more simplistic.
Am I reading too much into this? Perhaps, but if, at the end of the day, this poll allows me to manually breed as many pink and purple calves as I want, then over-dramatize events I will!
Would you like to see Cow Breeding change in FarmVille to a more manual process? What about Horse Breeding? Are there any other animals you would like to breed?
Actually, it's a bit of an odd setup. It seems as though the Cows (err, Zynga) have forgotten that Cow Breeding exists in the first place. Sure, it's not a great system, as it relies solely on luck when having both Cows and a Bull inside a Dairy Farm, but you can receive calves through that manner. The question's wording here makes it seem as though Breeding is impossible in the game altogether, but we can only imagine, then, that the question refers to the Love Potion / Sheep Breeding method of Breeding, rather than anything more simplistic.
Am I reading too much into this? Perhaps, but if, at the end of the day, this poll allows me to manually breed as many pink and purple calves as I want, then over-dramatize events I will!
Would you like to see Cow Breeding change in FarmVille to a more manual process? What about Horse Breeding? Are there any other animals you would like to breed?
FarmVille: White Duckling available in new Spring theme
Just a few days ago, we gave you a sneak peek of the adorable White Duckling that we predicted would be coming to FarmVille in the near future. It was anyone's guess as to when the Duckling would launch in the game, but that time is now, as you can now purchase the White Duckling from the market for 16 Farm Cash.
The White Duckling is available in the new Spring theme of items that first launched in the game just this week, and it will only be available to purchase for a limited time - two weeks, to be exact. You'll gain 1600 experience points for purchasing the Duckling, which can be grown into an adult if you so choose, but really, why would you want to? The entire point of this Duckling being limited edition is because it won't be available anytime or anywhere else (at least in our foreseeable future). Would you really want to get rid of something you paid Farm Cash for, instead of keeping this cute little fella in your Duck Pond just as he is.. forever? Perhaps that's just me, but it's something to think about either way, before shelling out the real bucks for one.
Check out the rest of our Spring / Easter 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the White Duckling? Is he cute enough to earn a permanent spot on your farm in his current form, or will you grow him up into an adult?
The White Duckling is available in the new Spring theme of items that first launched in the game just this week, and it will only be available to purchase for a limited time - two weeks, to be exact. You'll gain 1600 experience points for purchasing the Duckling, which can be grown into an adult if you so choose, but really, why would you want to? The entire point of this Duckling being limited edition is because it won't be available anytime or anywhere else (at least in our foreseeable future). Would you really want to get rid of something you paid Farm Cash for, instead of keeping this cute little fella in your Duck Pond just as he is.. forever? Perhaps that's just me, but it's something to think about either way, before shelling out the real bucks for one.
Check out the rest of our Spring / Easter 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the White Duckling? Is he cute enough to earn a permanent spot on your farm in his current form, or will you grow him up into an adult?
Cafe World Spring is the Season Goals: Everything you need to know
Spring certainly is the season, at least for most Cafe World players, and Zynga is looking to celebrate the turn to better weather with a new series of goals to complete, and a new set of recipes to unlock in the game. The Spring is the Season goal set is eight parts long, meaning that you'll be spending quite a bit of time celebrating the change in seasons, unless you have some able-bodied friends, lots of stoves, or a lot of Cafe Cash to help you out.
The first goal is simple, and requires you to just cook two dishes and help in some of your friends' cafes.
Serve Pumpkin Pie 5 Times
Serve Super Chunk Fruit Salad 7 Times
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
If you're like me, you likely won't see these goals appear in your own game (in terms of seeing the icon appear on the right side of your screen), and you'll need to force it to appear by either serving one of the dishes, or by spicing a friend's stove and then immediately clicking on the black progress window that appears in the top left corner of your screen. Pumpkin Pie takes 12 hours to cook, while the Fruit Salad takes just 15 minutes. You can use the above method to force your quest window to appear at any time, and for any quest, so it's something to keep in mind should you ever have to ask for items (hint: like now) and can't find the window to do so on your own. Part II of VIII sees you doing just that, by replacing the stove spicing task with an item collection task.
Serve Caramel Apples 7 Times
Serve or Ask for Spaghetti and Meatballs 20 Times
Ask for 10 Bags of Asparagas
To be clear, you need to either serve Spaghetti and Meatballs (an 8-hour dish) 20 times, or ask your friends to send you 20 individual portions of the dish, meaning that you'd need to get up to 20 friends to help you in total. If you are lacking in very active friends, it might be smartest to simply wait the eight hours for your dishes to cook on your own. As for the Caramel Apples, they take just two hours to cook.
Moving on, Part III of VIII has the same setup as the second quest, although the recipes and collectibles are different. The prize is also something very worthwhile, all things considered.
Serve Jammin'n Jelly Donuts 15 Times
Serve Angel Fruit Cake 15 Times
Ask for 12 Cups of Almonds
The Donuts take just 20 minutes to cook, while the Angel Fruit Cake is ready to serve after eight hours. While you're waiting for your dishes to cook, you can ask your friends to send you the Almonds via individual gift requests. Once this goal is completed, you'll unlock the Asparagus Almondine dish, which is available to cook for 2200 coins and takes two hours to prepare.
Your first new recipe under your belt, you might think that you have to put it to good use, but alas, that is not the case. You'll instead take on three entirely unrelated tasks in Part IV of VIII.
Restock your Salad Bar 5 Times
Serve 18 Cups of Decaf Coffee
Ask for 10 Spring Flowers
Remember, use the 10 serving setting when restocking your Salad Bar, and you'll be able to run through this task much faster. The Decaf Coffee, meanwhile, can be found under the "Basics" setting in your Coffee Machine, and can be prepared for 35 energy. You'll receive eight servings to share with your customers, meaning that you'll have to prepare the coffee at least three times in order to pass that part of the mission. Completing this mission gives you a Sunshine Flower decoration, which has a painted on face - how cute!
Part V of VIII doesn't reward you with a new recipe, and it doesn't even require you to cook anything even relatively new. It's as if Zynga forgot they just gave you a new recipe, for all of the good it will do in helping you get here, but I guess that's not really a horrible thing. Either way, you'll need to complete three tasks, as usual.
Serve 12 Servings of Ginger Ale
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
Serve Clubhouse Sandwiches 20 Times
Clubhouse Sandwiches take 18 hours to prepare, so you'll have more than enough time to serve your Ginger Ale while you're waiting for them to cook. A single supply of Ginger Ale costs 22 energy to make, and you'll receive just six servings each time. Luckily, this divides evenly, so you'll only have to waste use energy on making the Ginger Ale twice.
Part VI of VIII starts to prepare you for the end of this mission series, which eventually rewards you with two additional new recipes by giving you a hint as to one of the ingredients therein. Can you guess what it is?
Serve 15 Servings of Triple Berry Cheesecake
Serve of ask for 15 Pizza Margherita
Ask for 10 Cups of Sliced Rhubarb
You guessed it - one of your eventual new recipes contains Rhubarb, so you'll need to prepare by collecting some from friends. While you're waiting, you can cook your Pizza Margherita and Triple Berry Cheesecakes, which take 30 minutes and 12 hours to cook, respectively.
Finally, with Part VII of VIII, we start to get to things that are a bit more interesting, even if only for the prize you'll receive at the end. You'll need to purchase two items from the store, and complete a catering order that was released quite a long time ago, which make save you any real effort in completing this mission now.
Have 1 Pink Egg Clock
Have 1 Bunny Hostess
Cater Sunday Brunch
First things first, the Sunday Brunch catering order launched in September, and if you haven't completed it yet, make sure to check out our complete guide to doing so. If you're like the many players that have already completed that order, however, you can simply head into the store, purchase the Pink Egg Clock for 150,000 coins and the Bunny Hostess for 80,000 coins and call this one done. Finishing this mission gives you a new recipe in the form of the Rhubarb Betty. This American dish can be cooked for 1,550 coins and will be ready to serve in eight hours.
All of this work brings us to the final part of this mission series. Part VIII of VIII flips the proverbial switch yet again, asking you to serve tons of pizza, and collect a single ingredient for a new pizza recipe you'll receive at the end.
Serve or Ask for 30 Pepperoni Pizza
Serve 30 Sausage Deep Dish Pizza
Ask for 25 Heads of Artichoke
Luckily, you can save your gift requests for the Heads of Artichoke, and can simply cook your own Pepperoni Pizzas, with a single pizza taking eight hours to cook. Sure, this would be much more quickly solved if you simply asked your friends to send you these pizzas instead, but another method is even better - don't forget to look inside your gift box for extra servings of the pizza that your friends have shared with you. Even if you've held onto them for weeks or months, simply serving them out of your gift box will help complete the task that much quicker, which is definitely something I can get behind. This final mission unlocks one final recipe in the form of the Garlic Artichoke Pizza, available to cook for just 120 coins and ready in five minutes.
All told, these missions aren't so complex as they are simply time-consuming. While many users will fly past Part VII with little to no effort, simply getting there is a long and arguably hard process, so get started now to make the most of your time before these goals eventually disappear (that is, while no expiration date has been announced, we can't imagine goals celebrating Spring could last after the season is over).
The first goal is simple, and requires you to just cook two dishes and help in some of your friends' cafes.
Serve Pumpkin Pie 5 Times
Serve Super Chunk Fruit Salad 7 Times
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
If you're like me, you likely won't see these goals appear in your own game (in terms of seeing the icon appear on the right side of your screen), and you'll need to force it to appear by either serving one of the dishes, or by spicing a friend's stove and then immediately clicking on the black progress window that appears in the top left corner of your screen. Pumpkin Pie takes 12 hours to cook, while the Fruit Salad takes just 15 minutes. You can use the above method to force your quest window to appear at any time, and for any quest, so it's something to keep in mind should you ever have to ask for items (hint: like now) and can't find the window to do so on your own. Part II of VIII sees you doing just that, by replacing the stove spicing task with an item collection task.
Serve Caramel Apples 7 Times
Serve or Ask for Spaghetti and Meatballs 20 Times
Ask for 10 Bags of Asparagas
To be clear, you need to either serve Spaghetti and Meatballs (an 8-hour dish) 20 times, or ask your friends to send you 20 individual portions of the dish, meaning that you'd need to get up to 20 friends to help you in total. If you are lacking in very active friends, it might be smartest to simply wait the eight hours for your dishes to cook on your own. As for the Caramel Apples, they take just two hours to cook.
Moving on, Part III of VIII has the same setup as the second quest, although the recipes and collectibles are different. The prize is also something very worthwhile, all things considered.
Serve Jammin'n Jelly Donuts 15 Times
Serve Angel Fruit Cake 15 Times
Ask for 12 Cups of Almonds
The Donuts take just 20 minutes to cook, while the Angel Fruit Cake is ready to serve after eight hours. While you're waiting for your dishes to cook, you can ask your friends to send you the Almonds via individual gift requests. Once this goal is completed, you'll unlock the Asparagus Almondine dish, which is available to cook for 2200 coins and takes two hours to prepare.
Your first new recipe under your belt, you might think that you have to put it to good use, but alas, that is not the case. You'll instead take on three entirely unrelated tasks in Part IV of VIII.
Restock your Salad Bar 5 Times
Serve 18 Cups of Decaf Coffee
Ask for 10 Spring Flowers
Remember, use the 10 serving setting when restocking your Salad Bar, and you'll be able to run through this task much faster. The Decaf Coffee, meanwhile, can be found under the "Basics" setting in your Coffee Machine, and can be prepared for 35 energy. You'll receive eight servings to share with your customers, meaning that you'll have to prepare the coffee at least three times in order to pass that part of the mission. Completing this mission gives you a Sunshine Flower decoration, which has a painted on face - how cute!
Part V of VIII doesn't reward you with a new recipe, and it doesn't even require you to cook anything even relatively new. It's as if Zynga forgot they just gave you a new recipe, for all of the good it will do in helping you get here, but I guess that's not really a horrible thing. Either way, you'll need to complete three tasks, as usual.
Serve 12 Servings of Ginger Ale
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
Serve Clubhouse Sandwiches 20 Times
Clubhouse Sandwiches take 18 hours to prepare, so you'll have more than enough time to serve your Ginger Ale while you're waiting for them to cook. A single supply of Ginger Ale costs 22 energy to make, and you'll receive just six servings each time. Luckily, this divides evenly, so you'll only have to waste use energy on making the Ginger Ale twice.
Part VI of VIII starts to prepare you for the end of this mission series, which eventually rewards you with two additional new recipes by giving you a hint as to one of the ingredients therein. Can you guess what it is?
Serve 15 Servings of Triple Berry Cheesecake
Serve of ask for 15 Pizza Margherita
Ask for 10 Cups of Sliced Rhubarb
You guessed it - one of your eventual new recipes contains Rhubarb, so you'll need to prepare by collecting some from friends. While you're waiting, you can cook your Pizza Margherita and Triple Berry Cheesecakes, which take 30 minutes and 12 hours to cook, respectively.
Finally, with Part VII of VIII, we start to get to things that are a bit more interesting, even if only for the prize you'll receive at the end. You'll need to purchase two items from the store, and complete a catering order that was released quite a long time ago, which make save you any real effort in completing this mission now.
Have 1 Pink Egg Clock
Have 1 Bunny Hostess
Cater Sunday Brunch
First things first, the Sunday Brunch catering order launched in September, and if you haven't completed it yet, make sure to check out our complete guide to doing so. If you're like the many players that have already completed that order, however, you can simply head into the store, purchase the Pink Egg Clock for 150,000 coins and the Bunny Hostess for 80,000 coins and call this one done. Finishing this mission gives you a new recipe in the form of the Rhubarb Betty. This American dish can be cooked for 1,550 coins and will be ready to serve in eight hours.
All of this work brings us to the final part of this mission series. Part VIII of VIII flips the proverbial switch yet again, asking you to serve tons of pizza, and collect a single ingredient for a new pizza recipe you'll receive at the end.
Serve or Ask for 30 Pepperoni Pizza
Serve 30 Sausage Deep Dish Pizza
Ask for 25 Heads of Artichoke
Luckily, you can save your gift requests for the Heads of Artichoke, and can simply cook your own Pepperoni Pizzas, with a single pizza taking eight hours to cook. Sure, this would be much more quickly solved if you simply asked your friends to send you these pizzas instead, but another method is even better - don't forget to look inside your gift box for extra servings of the pizza that your friends have shared with you. Even if you've held onto them for weeks or months, simply serving them out of your gift box will help complete the task that much quicker, which is definitely something I can get behind. This final mission unlocks one final recipe in the form of the Garlic Artichoke Pizza, available to cook for just 120 coins and ready in five minutes.
All told, these missions aren't so complex as they are simply time-consuming. While many users will fly past Part VII with little to no effort, simply getting there is a long and arguably hard process, so get started now to make the most of your time before these goals eventually disappear (that is, while no expiration date has been announced, we can't imagine goals celebrating Spring could last after the season is over).
Playmatic's Shadow Government social game will use real world news and data, says CEO Margaret Wallace
Shadow Government is the brain-child of New York-based game developer Playmatics. According to Gamasutra, the game is "based on the gamification of real countries, systems, and worldwide events." To make Shadow Government a reality, the company has secured $1 million from a group of Swiss-based investors.
Shadow Government will allow players to build up, manage, and then destroy entire nations, virtually. With a set of simulation tools that have been designed to help test reactions to massive world-scale events, the game looks to offer a bit of educational content in addition to what may come across as an in-depth city-builder. While the game may sound violent, Playmatic's CEO Margaret Wallace claims that the game isn't really as "serious" as it may sound.
"It's not a 'serious game,' really, because we aim to design an entertainment experience. People can use Shadow Government to destroy their own little country, or to wreak havoc where they can."
To me, this sounds a heck of a lot like the original Sim City games, in that users could build their city, taking real world economics and the needs of their citizens into account, only to pillage everything with a tornado or earthquake, as examples. To a greater extent, it also sounds as though Playmatics might have been inspired by Jennifer Government: NationStates, which also gives players the power to completely form and run a self-created country by answering questions around what they would do given a certain political uproar or environmental crisis, as examples.
Of course, this is all speculation, as we've yet to see a final product come out of the Shadow Government idea, but it will be interesting to see how the developer balances what could become some nasty cultural and political disputes, should the game's focus on real-world events suddenly backfire.
What do you think of the idea of Shadow Government? Do you think you'd want to create a country bent on world-domination, or would you crush your enemies with a single blow?
Shadow Government will allow players to build up, manage, and then destroy entire nations, virtually. With a set of simulation tools that have been designed to help test reactions to massive world-scale events, the game looks to offer a bit of educational content in addition to what may come across as an in-depth city-builder. While the game may sound violent, Playmatic's CEO Margaret Wallace claims that the game isn't really as "serious" as it may sound.
"It's not a 'serious game,' really, because we aim to design an entertainment experience. People can use Shadow Government to destroy their own little country, or to wreak havoc where they can."
To me, this sounds a heck of a lot like the original Sim City games, in that users could build their city, taking real world economics and the needs of their citizens into account, only to pillage everything with a tornado or earthquake, as examples. To a greater extent, it also sounds as though Playmatics might have been inspired by Jennifer Government: NationStates, which also gives players the power to completely form and run a self-created country by answering questions around what they would do given a certain political uproar or environmental crisis, as examples.
Of course, this is all speculation, as we've yet to see a final product come out of the Shadow Government idea, but it will be interesting to see how the developer balances what could become some nasty cultural and political disputes, should the game's focus on real-world events suddenly backfire.
What do you think of the idea of Shadow Government? Do you think you'd want to create a country bent on world-domination, or would you crush your enemies with a single blow?
FrontierVille: Tend trees to find a Spring Quail critter
A new critter has been added to FrontierVille today, as Zynga has officially launched the Spring Quail in the game. You'll be able to find this Spring Quail egg in the same was that you find the Spring Robin, by simply tending to your trees (whether fruit trees, oaks or pines).
Once you find a Spring Quail, you'll need to confirm that you want to help the animal via a pop-up like the one above. Then, you'll be tasked with collecting a whole slew of Fuzzy Blankets to warm up the Quail egg and help it hatch. This seems like one of the most difficult animals to "heal," as, while the Fuzzy Blankets are fairly easy to come by (just ask your friends to send them to you via wall posts), it will take a lot of Fuzzy Blankets to fill the Quail's meter to the point that the egg cracks and you have a true, ready-to-be-fed animal for your Homestead.
With more birds being released in the game, it almost makes me wonder if some sort of Aviary is in the works for the future. Sure, that's a complete speculation out of left field, but now that I think about it, it would make sense. Either way, keep stocking up on those pink Fuzzy Blankets, as you never know when one of these cute little eggs will drop from your trees.
Once you find a Spring Quail, you'll need to confirm that you want to help the animal via a pop-up like the one above. Then, you'll be tasked with collecting a whole slew of Fuzzy Blankets to warm up the Quail egg and help it hatch. This seems like one of the most difficult animals to "heal," as, while the Fuzzy Blankets are fairly easy to come by (just ask your friends to send them to you via wall posts), it will take a lot of Fuzzy Blankets to fill the Quail's meter to the point that the egg cracks and you have a true, ready-to-be-fed animal for your Homestead.
With more birds being released in the game, it almost makes me wonder if some sort of Aviary is in the works for the future. Sure, that's a complete speculation out of left field, but now that I think about it, it would make sense. Either way, keep stocking up on those pink Fuzzy Blankets, as you never know when one of these cute little eggs will drop from your trees.
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Scotland Decorations Sneak Peek: Violet Fountain, Scottish Mansion, Purple Martin and more
We've come across a whole slew of unreleased items in FarmVille, which we believe will be launching in the game as early as this weekend. Most of these items appear to come in the current Scottish theme of limited edition items, and we believe that three of these nine items will be separated into this week's Mystery Game (as purple looks to be the theme).
The new items are the Purple Martin, Lavender Garden, Violet Fountain, Scottish Thistle Flowerbed, Scottish Bridge, Scottish Fence and the Scottish Gate. Remember, it's likely that the Purple Martin will be one of the many decorative bird pairs that are just that - decorative, and aren't able to earn a profit for you on your farm. As for the fencing, that will likely cost anywhere from 5,000 coins to 10,000 coins for a single piece, so you'll be able to create an entire themed area on your land using these items for relatively cheap.
We'll make sure to let you know when these items officially launch in the game and how you can add them to your farm, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these Scottish decorations? Do you think this week's Mystery Game will be purple in theme?
The new items are the Purple Martin, Lavender Garden, Violet Fountain, Scottish Thistle Flowerbed, Scottish Bridge, Scottish Fence and the Scottish Gate. Remember, it's likely that the Purple Martin will be one of the many decorative bird pairs that are just that - decorative, and aren't able to earn a profit for you on your farm. As for the fencing, that will likely cost anywhere from 5,000 coins to 10,000 coins for a single piece, so you'll be able to create an entire themed area on your land using these items for relatively cheap.
We'll make sure to let you know when these items officially launch in the game and how you can add them to your farm, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these Scottish decorations? Do you think this week's Mystery Game will be purple in theme?
FarmVille GagaVille Animal Sneak Peek: Gaga Horse, Hair Sheep, Crystal Sheep
If you're a fan of purple, outlandish FarmVille animals, crystals, or just Lady Gaga in general, that you're set to love the set of items coming to GagaVille last this month. We've come across a set of unreleased animals that combine all of those things and more. There's a horse and foal, along with two sheep here that are so darn cute / outlandish that my wallet is already starting to cry from all of the Farm Cash they'll likely cost.
First and foremost, it looks like there will be a horse named after Gaga herself. The Gaga Horse will most likely be made available for Farm Cash in the store, while the Foal can presumably be bred in the same way as all others, by simply using the Horse Stable. Meanwhile, the other two animals are the Hair Sheep (whose hairstyle reminds us a lot of Elvira) and the Crystal Sheep, which really needs no explanation. The only thing I can say is that I want one - aw heck, I want 12!
The only thing that's worrying about these animals is that they will likely cost more Farm Cash than we're used to, simply due to their incredibly exclusive / cross-branding nature. Hopefully, Zynga will pleasantly surprise us and release these items for close to those prices that we're used to (say, 24-26 Farm Cash for the Gaga Horse and 12-16 Farm Cash per Sheep), but if not, don't say I didn't warn you.
What do you think of these Lady Gaga-inspired animals? Have you jumped on the hype train for all things GagaVille, or are you going to stick to your regular, "normal" farm?
First and foremost, it looks like there will be a horse named after Gaga herself. The Gaga Horse will most likely be made available for Farm Cash in the store, while the Foal can presumably be bred in the same way as all others, by simply using the Horse Stable. Meanwhile, the other two animals are the Hair Sheep (whose hairstyle reminds us a lot of Elvira) and the Crystal Sheep, which really needs no explanation. The only thing I can say is that I want one - aw heck, I want 12!
The only thing that's worrying about these animals is that they will likely cost more Farm Cash than we're used to, simply due to their incredibly exclusive / cross-branding nature. Hopefully, Zynga will pleasantly surprise us and release these items for close to those prices that we're used to (say, 24-26 Farm Cash for the Gaga Horse and 12-16 Farm Cash per Sheep), but if not, don't say I didn't warn you.
What do you think of these Lady Gaga-inspired animals? Have you jumped on the hype train for all things GagaVille, or are you going to stick to your regular, "normal" farm?
FarmVille GagaVille Sneak Peek: Gem Tree, Crystal Fountain, Lady Gaga Costume and more
Heads-up little monsters! It looks like the Lady Gaga-themed "GagaVille" set of items in FarmVille is going to be a rather large one, if this recent set of unreleased images is anything to go by. There are two trees, some decorations, and even two avatar costumes that will apparently be coming to the game later this month, and we've got all of those image here for you to gaze upon until they're actually available in the store.
The two trees are the Gem Tree and Giant Gem Tree. While they are in no way realistic, they're very pretty and I can't wait to add one of each (or more) to my farm(s). As for the decorations, there's a Chrome Black Roses Flowerbed and a Crystal Fountain. Finally, to dress up your avatar, you can purchase either the Gaga Glasses, or a male or female version of the Lady Gaga Costume. The names of the two costumes may be placeholders right now, as we expect each to be given a more specific name upon their final release.
With all of these items, plus some unreleased animals, this GagaVille promotion is shaping up to be one interesting event! We'll make sure to bring you more coverage about GagaVille as we know more, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these new decorations? Will you dress your in-game avatar up as Lady Gaga?
The two trees are the Gem Tree and Giant Gem Tree. While they are in no way realistic, they're very pretty and I can't wait to add one of each (or more) to my farm(s). As for the decorations, there's a Chrome Black Roses Flowerbed and a Crystal Fountain. Finally, to dress up your avatar, you can purchase either the Gaga Glasses, or a male or female version of the Lady Gaga Costume. The names of the two costumes may be placeholders right now, as we expect each to be given a more specific name upon their final release.
With all of these items, plus some unreleased animals, this GagaVille promotion is shaping up to be one interesting event! We'll make sure to bring you more coverage about GagaVille as we know more, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these new decorations? Will you dress your in-game avatar up as Lady Gaga?
FarmVille: Brown Squirrel available as limited time free gift
It's not everyday that we see a limited time free gift being released in FarmVille that's actually worthwhile, but tonight's release of the Brown Squirrel (in my humble opinion) definitely is. These cute little critters have been made available in the game previously, starting last June as part of the Mystery Gift system, but you've never been able to purchase them outright from the store.
This necessity of luck likely means that a lot of farmers have gone without, until now. Now, all you need to do is send some of these cute little fellas to your friends as you would any other free gift, and then sit back as your friends return the favor. You'll have a whole group of fluffy squirrels in no time! Speaking of time, you can only send these Brown Squirrels to your friends for a limited time so get to it! You don't want to miss out on this great chance to add another animal (or 10) to your collection!
Did you already have Brown Squirrels on your land? What do you think of these limited time free gifts?
This necessity of luck likely means that a lot of farmers have gone without, until now. Now, all you need to do is send some of these cute little fellas to your friends as you would any other free gift, and then sit back as your friends return the favor. You'll have a whole group of fluffy squirrels in no time! Speaking of time, you can only send these Brown Squirrels to your friends for a limited time so get to it! You don't want to miss out on this great chance to add another animal (or 10) to your collection!
Did you already have Brown Squirrels on your land? What do you think of these limited time free gifts?
FarmVille Scottish Trees: Red Pine Tree & Scots Pine Tree
Breaking with tradition, FarmVille has updated early this weekend, with a slew of new items being released in the limited edition Scottish theme. Part of this update included two new Pine trees: the Red Pine Tree and Scots Pine Tree. Luckily, these trees retain the "cheaper" pricing scheme, with the Scots Pine costing 5 Farm Cash and the Red Pine being more expensive at 10 Farm Cash.
As usual though, purchasing the Red Pine Tree is a fairly large waste of Farm Cash, as you can earn these trees for free either by claiming your friends' Mystery Seedlings and getting lucky, or by placing the Scots Pine Tree into your Orchard and spawning your own. Either way, both of these trees will only be in the game for the next two weeks, so shop fast!
What do you think of these new Scottish trees?
As usual though, purchasing the Red Pine Tree is a fairly large waste of Farm Cash, as you can earn these trees for free either by claiming your friends' Mystery Seedlings and getting lucky, or by placing the Scots Pine Tree into your Orchard and spawning your own. Either way, both of these trees will only be in the game for the next two weeks, so shop fast!
What do you think of these new Scottish trees?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Sheep getting Pig levels treatment soon
Soon, you'll be able to power up your Sheep just like your Pigs in FarmVille. It's about time Zynga released the Sheep progression tree, and according to FarmVille Feed, that will be very soon. The fan site reports that Sheep progression will be essentially identical to how Pigs leveled up, and your Sheep Pen capacity will increase by 50.
FarmVille Sheep Levels 2
However, FarmVille Feed points out that this doesn't exactly add up with the overall limit of 100 Sheep on the farm. The news has revealed some fancy new Sheep patterns as well, including the previously-released Level 30 pattern. The new Sheep Breeding progression should be here soon considering all this artwork has been made available. So, sit tight and you'll be able to power up your Sheep in no time.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you psyched to finally get to level up your Sheep like you did with Pigs? What do you think of the brand new patterns?
FarmVille Sheep Levels 2
However, FarmVille Feed points out that this doesn't exactly add up with the overall limit of 100 Sheep on the farm. The news has revealed some fancy new Sheep patterns as well, including the previously-released Level 30 pattern. The new Sheep Breeding progression should be here soon considering all this artwork has been made available. So, sit tight and you'll be able to power up your Sheep in no time.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you psyched to finally get to level up your Sheep like you did with Pigs? What do you think of the brand new patterns?
FrontierVille: Zynga lets players skip Hankerin' for Fanny Goals
I can almost hear the immense amount of emails soaring across the Internet to Zynga HQ, furious that the company allowed lesser FrontierVille players to skip an entire series of Goals. (The nerve!) FrontierVille Info has found that the company is now allowing pioneers that have yet to complete the Hankerin' for Fanny Goals to skip them entirely. This way they have a shot of tackling the Plannin' the Big Day Goals in time for ... something?
Anyway, players might find Fanny on their homestead upon logging in with an exclamation mark hovering above her head. Click it, and she will offer for you to skip the series of Goals entirely, and for her to propose herself. Now, that's a woman who doesn't mess around! For doing this, you will receive 1,000 XP, 1,000 Coins and a decoration. But more importantly, you will have instant access to the most recent Hank and Fanny Goals in the game.
Skip Hankerin' for Fanny Goals
The big question that this news raises has nothing to do with the annoying debate of elitists doing the work vs casual players reaping the easier rewards. Rather, why exactly is Zynga pushing players along at this very moment? My personal guess is that the Fanny and Hank Goals are the final Goals to be released before the developer pushes out the Pioneer Trail expansion. Keep those fingers crossed.
[Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Have you opted to skip these missions entirely to catch up with your friends? If you've already completed these Goals only to see other players get a free pass? What are your thoughts?
Anyway, players might find Fanny on their homestead upon logging in with an exclamation mark hovering above her head. Click it, and she will offer for you to skip the series of Goals entirely, and for her to propose herself. Now, that's a woman who doesn't mess around! For doing this, you will receive 1,000 XP, 1,000 Coins and a decoration. But more importantly, you will have instant access to the most recent Hank and Fanny Goals in the game.
Skip Hankerin' for Fanny Goals
The big question that this news raises has nothing to do with the annoying debate of elitists doing the work vs casual players reaping the easier rewards. Rather, why exactly is Zynga pushing players along at this very moment? My personal guess is that the Fanny and Hank Goals are the final Goals to be released before the developer pushes out the Pioneer Trail expansion. Keep those fingers crossed.
[Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Have you opted to skip these missions entirely to catch up with your friends? If you've already completed these Goals only to see other players get a free pass? What are your thoughts?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Craftshop Mastery signs revealed
FarmVillle Craftshop Mastery signs
Now that Zynga has made some long-awaited optimizations to the brand new Craftshop in FarmVille, it's time we move on and start making the good stuff. For that extra kick in the behind, FarmVille Feed has uncovered a list of Mastery signs for the recipes, including some fresh arrivals.
There are a total of 25 recipes to master, and each one will add a nifty sign to that micro-farm of wooden idols you've cultivated over the years. The unreleased images even reveal some potentially new recipes like a Horse Statue, and even a full-blown house. Well, color us excited for the new upcoming source of bragging rights, and kind of scared for the room we'll need to make.
FarmVille Craftshop Mastery signs 2
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you excited to amass a whole new collection of Mastery Signs? Which recipe do you aim to master first?
Now that Zynga has made some long-awaited optimizations to the brand new Craftshop in FarmVille, it's time we move on and start making the good stuff. For that extra kick in the behind, FarmVille Feed has uncovered a list of Mastery signs for the recipes, including some fresh arrivals.
There are a total of 25 recipes to master, and each one will add a nifty sign to that micro-farm of wooden idols you've cultivated over the years. The unreleased images even reveal some potentially new recipes like a Horse Statue, and even a full-blown house. Well, color us excited for the new upcoming source of bragging rights, and kind of scared for the room we'll need to make.
FarmVille Craftshop Mastery signs 2
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you excited to amass a whole new collection of Mastery Signs? Which recipe do you aim to master first?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Marsal's Locomotive Fortress
Today's FamVille Pic of the Day departs from the Lady Gaga themed farms. Instead of highlighting colorful creativity, this week's featured farm focuses on an artist's technical ability. FarmVille Forum member, Marsal, has created a complex farm full of depth and detail. Bridges, staircases, walls, and tunnels cover the fortress, giving the flat farm a 3D feel.
marsal farmville farm pic
Though Marsal wasn't able to comment, I'm sure this project took well over 30 hours to complete. Not only did Marsal create a farm design with awesome illusions (just look at that staircase!) and item placement, but even threw in small touches such as a river and a small hedge maze. The trains are also a nice touch, filling the fortress with the feeling of a bustling, living world.
Be sure to check out the close up pictures below to really spot the nuances of Marsal's creation.
marsal farmville farm pic marsal farmville farm pic marsal farmville farm pic
What do you think of Marsal's fortress farm design?
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!
marsal farmville farm pic
Though Marsal wasn't able to comment, I'm sure this project took well over 30 hours to complete. Not only did Marsal create a farm design with awesome illusions (just look at that staircase!) and item placement, but even threw in small touches such as a river and a small hedge maze. The trains are also a nice touch, filling the fortress with the feeling of a bustling, living world.
Be sure to check out the close up pictures below to really spot the nuances of Marsal's creation.
marsal farmville farm pic marsal farmville farm pic marsal farmville farm pic
What do you think of Marsal's fortress farm design?
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!
Report: Pottermore will be Harry Potter's online gaming hub [Updated]
Soon enough, you'll become a wizard of the worldwide web in Pottermore, which The London Times (subscription required) reports will be an online gaming hub for all things Harry Potter. The website was revealed last week, which of course sent Potter fans into a whirlwind of wizardly guesswork as to what Pottermore would be.
And while author J.K. Rowling promises to officially reveal more details this June 23, this leak found by the London Times confirms what many a fan might have hoped for.
Pottermore will reportedly be an online game website that will grant players clues to the locations of hidden prizes in the real world, most notably of which are magic wands in the U.K. and US.
We also know that the project is being handled by Adam & Eve, a UK-based PR firm. Since everything is still up in the air, my (hopeful) guess is that this is a Harry Potter social game. Until we find out more information, fuel your hype with this special YouTube countdown timer until the official reveal in 16 long hours.
Update: Author J.K. Rowling has revealed that Pottermore will not be a social game, but an interactive reading experience for Harry Potter fans. It will offer audio books, and, for the first time e-books for all of the Harry Potter series. However, there will be virtual rewards for tasks completed on the site, Mashable reports. Check out Rowling's message to you, the loyal Potter-heads, below:
[Via Mashable]
Do you think Pottermore will live up to what's already been leaked, or do you still expect something different? What were you hoping Pottermore would be?
And while author J.K. Rowling promises to officially reveal more details this June 23, this leak found by the London Times confirms what many a fan might have hoped for.
Pottermore will reportedly be an online game website that will grant players clues to the locations of hidden prizes in the real world, most notably of which are magic wands in the U.K. and US.
We also know that the project is being handled by Adam & Eve, a UK-based PR firm. Since everything is still up in the air, my (hopeful) guess is that this is a Harry Potter social game. Until we find out more information, fuel your hype with this special YouTube countdown timer until the official reveal in 16 long hours.
Update: Author J.K. Rowling has revealed that Pottermore will not be a social game, but an interactive reading experience for Harry Potter fans. It will offer audio books, and, for the first time e-books for all of the Harry Potter series. However, there will be virtual rewards for tasks completed on the site, Mashable reports. Check out Rowling's message to you, the loyal Potter-heads, below:
[Via Mashable]
Do you think Pottermore will live up to what's already been leaked, or do you still expect something different? What were you hoping Pottermore would be?
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2011
That's Smurftastic! Ubisoft releases The Smurfs & Co on Facebook
Though, we doubt good old NPH will make a cameo in this game. (A 90 minute flick with the blue things is more than enough.) Ubisoft has recently released The Smurfs and Co to Facebook, a social game that seems to follow the plot from the hit '80s cartoon rather closely. The evil wizard Gargamel has discovered the location of the Smurfs' village, and it's up to you and your friends to find the secret ingredients that will make him forget everything.
To do so, of course, you must erect a new village with new workshops, decorations to increase your Smurfs' happiness, which will draw in new Smurfs bringing quests and smurfy cheer. The game just released days ago, and already is home to over 78 thousand fans of the blue-skinned, white-capped creatures. (Well, except for Papa Smurf, of course.)
The game plays out much like your standard farming/property management Facebook game, but swathed in blue Smurfish charm. Players gather weeds and other debris around them to create huts, workshops and other items to increase their town's Happiness.
smurfs and co facebook
The happier your towns-Smurf are, the more famous Smurfs like Handy Smurf (and maybe Smurfette--ooh la la) will drop in on Storks with new quests in tow. The game has already capitalized on the recent Smurfs movie, asking players to "Like" the film for an exclusive in-game item. And you can probably bet there's more where that came from.
smurfs and co facebook smurfs and co facebook
Capcom recently released a Smurfs social game for iOS devices, Smurfs' Village, and it quickly became a red-hot item (and so did ... its items). And considering how popular these little blue buggers are after 30 years, we're expecting about the same for Ubisoft's take on social Smurfology ... or something Smurfy like that.
Click here to play The Smurfs and Co on Facebook Now >
Have you smurfed this new Facebook game? Which is your favorite Smurf, and why?
To do so, of course, you must erect a new village with new workshops, decorations to increase your Smurfs' happiness, which will draw in new Smurfs bringing quests and smurfy cheer. The game just released days ago, and already is home to over 78 thousand fans of the blue-skinned, white-capped creatures. (Well, except for Papa Smurf, of course.)
The game plays out much like your standard farming/property management Facebook game, but swathed in blue Smurfish charm. Players gather weeds and other debris around them to create huts, workshops and other items to increase their town's Happiness.
smurfs and co facebook
The happier your towns-Smurf are, the more famous Smurfs like Handy Smurf (and maybe Smurfette--ooh la la) will drop in on Storks with new quests in tow. The game has already capitalized on the recent Smurfs movie, asking players to "Like" the film for an exclusive in-game item. And you can probably bet there's more where that came from.
smurfs and co facebook smurfs and co facebook
Capcom recently released a Smurfs social game for iOS devices, Smurfs' Village, and it quickly became a red-hot item (and so did ... its items). And considering how popular these little blue buggers are after 30 years, we're expecting about the same for Ubisoft's take on social Smurfology ... or something Smurfy like that.
Click here to play The Smurfs and Co on Facebook Now >
Have you smurfed this new Facebook game? Which is your favorite Smurf, and why?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Flower Mini Horses--My Little Pony hits the farm
We think Zynga is missing out on a huge marketing opportunity right here. The developer will soon release Flower Mini Horses to FarmVille, and they're almost a spitting image of my sister's My Little Pony toys that I used to break with my G.I. Joe figures as a kid. (Hey, we all gotta keep the bratty little brother persona in those tender years.)
The upcoming horse also has a Foal model, through we're curious as to why since the thing is so tiny and cute already. FarmVille Feed estimates that this new horse might be part of a currently unreleased feature, the Raffle Booth. But we have a hunch that Farm Cash will be involved ... somehow. Have your plastic at the ready.
Flower Mini Horse and Foal
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you excited for these quasi-horses to hit the Market or elsewhere? What's been your favorite horse to hit the game thus far?
The upcoming horse also has a Foal model, through we're curious as to why since the thing is so tiny and cute already. FarmVille Feed estimates that this new horse might be part of a currently unreleased feature, the Raffle Booth. But we have a hunch that Farm Cash will be involved ... somehow. Have your plastic at the ready.
Flower Mini Horse and Foal
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Are you excited for these quasi-horses to hit the Market or elsewhere? What's been your favorite horse to hit the game thus far?
Angry Birds Seasons Moon Festival will soar to China first, globally later
Rovio is preparing one giant slingshot to fling the Angry Birds into China, and on the backs of those birds will be the Moon Festival update for Angry Birds Seasons. Pocket Gamer reports that the company will launch this update, which is expected to have extra levels that celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with distinctly festive Chinese set pieces.
Like all Angry Birds updates (well, except for that Mighty Eagle bit), this Moon Festival update will be free. However, Rovio plans to release the update to China first through Madhouse, a Chinese ad marketing network, according to VentureBeat.
And the developer has high expectations of its Chinese audience, awaiting about 100 million downloads by year's end. (Apparently, Rovio is going straight to Chinese stomachs with Angry Birds-themed Moon Cakes, too.) According to Pocket Gamer, the update is slated for September release.
Angry Birds Moon Festival items
[Image Credit: Rovio]
Are you psyched for another set of bird-flinging, pig-destroying levels? Do you Angry Birds will be around for much longer in its current state?
Like all Angry Birds updates (well, except for that Mighty Eagle bit), this Moon Festival update will be free. However, Rovio plans to release the update to China first through Madhouse, a Chinese ad marketing network, according to VentureBeat.
And the developer has high expectations of its Chinese audience, awaiting about 100 million downloads by year's end. (Apparently, Rovio is going straight to Chinese stomachs with Angry Birds-themed Moon Cakes, too.) According to Pocket Gamer, the update is slated for September release.
Angry Birds Moon Festival items
[Image Credit: Rovio]
Are you psyched for another set of bird-flinging, pig-destroying levels? Do you Angry Birds will be around for much longer in its current state?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Lynn Edwards' fantastic farm art
After the last insane farm design, this FarmVille Pic of the Day is brought to you by dedicated farm designer, Lynn Edwards. It should be obvious why Lynn Edwards' farm design attracted our attention. The pattern in the middle is simply splendid. The featured farm's arrangement is created with all kinds of crops, trees, and items, creating a fantastic effect. If there is anyone who can successfully name all the items used to create this pattern, they would definitely be awarded some kudos.
However, aside from the design in the middle, the rest of the farm is a bit lacking. This submission was entered to a FarmVille Forums contest, and despite how nice it is, it failed to win the top prize. Lynn Edwards, if you're out there, please get rid of the farm plots! Instead of having an ugly brown border around your beautiful farm, extend the pattern all the way out to the edges. Fix that, and you'll be a contender for the top prize for sure. This is, without a doubt, a farm with potential. Keep up the good work Lynn Edwards.
What do you think of Lynn Edwards' neat farm design?
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!
However, aside from the design in the middle, the rest of the farm is a bit lacking. This submission was entered to a FarmVille Forums contest, and despite how nice it is, it failed to win the top prize. Lynn Edwards, if you're out there, please get rid of the farm plots! Instead of having an ugly brown border around your beautiful farm, extend the pattern all the way out to the edges. Fix that, and you'll be a contender for the top prize for sure. This is, without a doubt, a farm with potential. Keep up the good work Lynn Edwards.
What do you think of Lynn Edwards' neat farm design?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille: Double Mastery on for this weekend on trees and crops
Even though there's no real holiday going on, that hasn't stopped Zynga from celebrating this weekend in FarmVille by turning on double mastery. This double mastery event will take place from now until Monday evening at 9:00 PM PDT. Within that time, all of your crops and trees harvested will count for double the mastery points, so there's a great opportunity here for mastery sign earning!
A couple of things to keep in mind: If you're going for crop mastery, you can activate a bushel when harvesting to earn three points of mastery for each square with this bonus. For tree farmers, you can also employ the orchard rotation technique, while earning double mastery on each orchard you harvest as well. Also, if you happen to own a Platinum Mastery Statue or recently re-released 2X Mastery Statue on your farm, this bonus will not stack on either crops or trees - you'll simply miss out on this event on that particular farm, as it only applies to those without such statues.
As one final note, this event does not give you double mastery points on animals. Why the FarmVille team hasn't decided to include our (mostly) furry friends in these updates hasn't yet been revealed, but I'm sure Zynga has its reasons. Either way, remember - this event will only last for the next couple of days. If you've ever needed extra incentive to play FarmVille on the weekends, this is about as good as it gets.
What crops or trees will you try to mastery during this double mastery weekend?
A couple of things to keep in mind: If you're going for crop mastery, you can activate a bushel when harvesting to earn three points of mastery for each square with this bonus. For tree farmers, you can also employ the orchard rotation technique, while earning double mastery on each orchard you harvest as well. Also, if you happen to own a Platinum Mastery Statue or recently re-released 2X Mastery Statue on your farm, this bonus will not stack on either crops or trees - you'll simply miss out on this event on that particular farm, as it only applies to those without such statues.
As one final note, this event does not give you double mastery points on animals. Why the FarmVille team hasn't decided to include our (mostly) furry friends in these updates hasn't yet been revealed, but I'm sure Zynga has its reasons. Either way, remember - this event will only last for the next couple of days. If you've ever needed extra incentive to play FarmVille on the weekends, this is about as good as it gets.
What crops or trees will you try to mastery during this double mastery weekend?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Model Farm rewards free items daily
While the Model Farm has long been a fairly useless feature in FarmVille, that merely lets you look at limited edition items currently available in the store in all of their "life-size" and (sometimes) animated glory, it seems that the FarmVille team really wants you to pay attention to this "neighbor" on your friends list, as they've taken to rewarding you for doing so. In this newest case, we see the Model Farm taking on a Lighthouse Cove theme, with plenty of trees, animals and buildings giving off that "resort town" feeling.
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick?
For visiting the Model Farm, you should receive 1,000 coins for free. Don't worry if the window doesn't pop up right away; there are simply tons of items to load (and plenty of price-tags as well), so it might take the game a few seconds longer than normal to reward you with your prize. We're not sure if the 1,000 coin prize is static across the game just for today's visits, or for your first visit to the Model Farm, so make sure to take advantage of the daily prize giveaways on this farm while you can.
We're told that we can "come back tomorrow to win again," and while the prize may just be more coins, free is free, right?
What sorts of prizes would make you want to visit the Model Farm, or are some free coins enough to do the trick?
Adventure World Level Up Giveaway gives more prizes for fan page 'Likes'
Leave it to Zynga to release yet another giveaway in one of its games requiring players to Like that game's particular Facebook fan page. Such is the case now with Adventure World, as a "Level Up Giveaway" has now launched, giving players a chance to walk away with either 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash (the game's premium currency) as the page gains more and more "Likes."
As of this writing, the fan page has around 600,000 Likes, but when it reaches three milestones: 1, 2 and 3 millions fans each, a giveaway will be held between all people that currently Like the fan page, and also enter the contest specifically via email. Don't worry - you'll only have to send them your name and Facebook ID so they know who exactly to reward.
Again, there will be three giveaways in all, with the first giving 25 people 100 Adventure Cash each. The second will reward 25 players 200 Adventure Cash each, and finally, the third giveaway will reward 25 fans a whopping 300 Adventure Cash each. As energy is such a valuable commodity in Adventure World, this Adventure Cash would give you plenty of room to purchase Energy Packs to really push yourself along further in the story of unlocking El Dorado. For a complete look at the rules and how to send in your email entry, check out the game's official forums.
What would you do with 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash? Would you spend it on Energy, or would you purchase building supplies?
As of this writing, the fan page has around 600,000 Likes, but when it reaches three milestones: 1, 2 and 3 millions fans each, a giveaway will be held between all people that currently Like the fan page, and also enter the contest specifically via email. Don't worry - you'll only have to send them your name and Facebook ID so they know who exactly to reward.
Again, there will be three giveaways in all, with the first giving 25 people 100 Adventure Cash each. The second will reward 25 players 200 Adventure Cash each, and finally, the third giveaway will reward 25 fans a whopping 300 Adventure Cash each. As energy is such a valuable commodity in Adventure World, this Adventure Cash would give you plenty of room to purchase Energy Packs to really push yourself along further in the story of unlocking El Dorado. For a complete look at the rules and how to send in your email entry, check out the game's official forums.
What would you do with 100, 200 or 300 Adventure Cash? Would you spend it on Energy, or would you purchase building supplies?
Adventure World: New chapters revealed after El Dorado
While we all know that Zynga's newest game, Adventure World, starts out as a quest to solve the mystery of El Dorado by gathering the Mastery Key and four totems, did you know that the game is far from over after this first mission is complete? That's right, after solving the mystery of El Dorado, Zynga announced that we'll be taken through Chapters 2 and 3 of the game (each likely as lengthy as the first - or longer).
While there's no way to guarantee when each user will make their way to these newest chapters individually, we do know their locations, thanks to a screenshot posted by the big Z on the game's Facebook fan page. Chapter 2 takes us to Egypt, where we'll solve the "Riddle of the Sphinx." Meanwhile, Chapter 3 is set in Tibet, where the "Mystery of the Yeti" waits to be solved.
Unfortunately, while we also know that Indiana Jones will showing up in the game next month, we haven't been told how great of an impact he will have on these two Chapters, if at all. It could be that we'll need to wait until Chapter 4 and beyond to see Indy come into the actual story of the game, depending on how far ahead the team at Zynga had developed the game before making this announcement.
Either way, we'll make sure to bring you continued coverage on the quests, expeditions and story missions in Adventure World, so keep checking back with us for more.
Are you excited to travel to Egypt and Tibet in Adventure World? How far have you made it in the story so far?
While there's no way to guarantee when each user will make their way to these newest chapters individually, we do know their locations, thanks to a screenshot posted by the big Z on the game's Facebook fan page. Chapter 2 takes us to Egypt, where we'll solve the "Riddle of the Sphinx." Meanwhile, Chapter 3 is set in Tibet, where the "Mystery of the Yeti" waits to be solved.
Unfortunately, while we also know that Indiana Jones will showing up in the game next month, we haven't been told how great of an impact he will have on these two Chapters, if at all. It could be that we'll need to wait until Chapter 4 and beyond to see Indy come into the actual story of the game, depending on how far ahead the team at Zynga had developed the game before making this announcement.
Either way, we'll make sure to bring you continued coverage on the quests, expeditions and story missions in Adventure World, so keep checking back with us for more.
Are you excited to travel to Egypt and Tibet in Adventure World? How far have you made it in the story so far?
Adventure World Mountain Quests: Everything you need to know
After making your way through the Deep Jungle in Adventure World, and successfully retrieving the Monkey Idol, you'll unlock the ability to head up the mountain in - you guessed it - Mountain quests. You're going after the Bird Idol here, but you'll have some steep requirements to meet before you can leave Base Camp on the trek. You'll need to collect 20 each of Food, Fuel and Water, and will need to gather six friends to help you out on this quest. Technically, their job will be to "pull you up the mountain elevator," so they must be gathered before you're allowed to start on this quest for the Bird Idol. They can also be used while on the quests, giving you three free energy for each friend.
Once you begin, there's no time limit associated with these Quests, unlike the time limits found in Expeditions, so don't feel the need to rush through. Take your time with completing these quests and you'll get the biggest bang for your buck in terms of rewards. Here's a complete guide to doing just that.
Main Quests on the Mountain
Recover the Bird Idol Part 1
Get the Box of TNT
Get the Fuse Cord
Get the Detonator
These three items are scattered about the map, and are guarded by a new kind of enemy: the Ram. By simply exploring the various "islands" or cliffs in this map (they look more like islands, if you ask me), you'll come across these three items on your own, but can always click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window to be shown exactly where they lie.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 2
Set the TNT Below the Cliff
Once you've defeated Papa Cliff Jumper and have gathered all of the materials for your TNT bundle, you can place it in the highlight on your map, at the very top end. There's a Ram up here guarding the path, so keep that in mind.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 3
Use the Plunger to Blast a Path!
Recover the Bird Idol
The Plunger is found past a rock that must be blown up with dynamite (see the screenshot above), which can be purchased back at Base Camp for 1,000 coins. It's a single-use item, so you'll have to purchase one each time you want to use dynamite on a map. Once you've used the Plunger, you'll have to fight one last Ram before finding the Bird Idol on the platform you've just formed.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 4
Return to Base Camp
Place the Bird Idol
Unlike last time (when recovering the 27 Comments), once you collect the Bird Idol on the top of the cliff, you really will be done (no secret cave this time around). You'll just need to head home and place it outside the entrance to El Dorado to be completely finished.
Mountain Side Quests
Society Work
Get 10 Jade Vases
Get 5 Ruby Vases
Get 2 Azure Skulls from Hidden Caves
Get a Ram Horn Grip from the Mountaineer Collection
The Mountaineer Collection items drop from any Mountain map, including this one, so as you complete tasks, you might be lucky enough to come across enough collectibles to turn this one in (the Ram Horn Grip is the prize) before everything is said and done. As for the Ruby & Jade Vases (especially Jade Vases), they're scattered around the map as you might expect, hidden behind trees or under clouds, so make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the map to find them all. As an example, you'll be able to find four Jade Vases on the very first "island" you start the Mountain quests on. As for the Azure Skulls, the Hidden Caves are found under "Blooming Bushes," which are small areas of ground cover, the size of a regular bush, with white flowers on top. Once you interact with these bushes, they'll disappear, revealing a ladder into the cave. Here, you'll find Red Vases as well. Check out the screenshots below for the locations of both Hidden Caves, and an example of what you'll see when entering one.
A couple of notes: First, ignore Fluffy the Ewe in the below screenshot - she is a "lost animal" that may not appear in this particular location in your own game, and shouldn't be used as a place marker. Second, if you don't happen to find a Ram Horn, you don't technically have to to complete this entire mission and recover the Bird Idol. You can skip this quest and simply head back to Base Camp and place the Idol in its place.
Butting Heads
Defeat four Rams
Defeat Papa Cliff Jumper!
The four Rams are scattered around the map (check out the screenshot above), while Papa Cliff Jumper is found at the top end of the map, next to the Detonator you need for the first story mission in this area. He has 12 hit points, and he takes away two energy points each time he hits you, so it might take you a while to whittle him down, depending on how much you've upgraded your whip.
On the Rocks
Break five Small Rocks
Break five Medium Rocks
Break three Big Rocks
Use Dynamite
A single use of Dynamite is available to purchase for 1,000 coins in your Tool Shop back in Base Camp. As for the 13 rocks, you'll find them blocking your path between islands, or blocking your path between collectibles like vases, so you shouldn't have any problem finding the ones you need. If you do need one or more of a particular kind of rock, remember to hit the "Show Me" button in the quest window to see the camera zoom to a rock's location. As for the dynamite, you'll find a rock on your path after finding the Fuse Cord that must be blown up for you to proceed, and another as you reach the top of the map.
Bird Watching
Investigate Rare Birds
Investigate Exotic Eggs
Investigate Bird Nests
Just like the Vases and rocks, these Birds, Nests, and Eggs are scattered around the map, normally blocked by some kind of obstacle, whether that be a trap, bush, thorn, or rock (as examples). The nests are found in similar areas, but they blend in incredibly well (that is, they look almost identical to thorns), so keep a lookout for things that look like the item in the square below.
Once you finish all of these goals, you will have successfully retrieved the Bird Idol, and will be at the halfway point for opening El Dorado itself, back on Base Camp. We'll make sure to let you know how to recover the other two idols, so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these Mountain / Bird Idol quests? Do you like it more than those quests for collecting the Monkey Idol? What sorts of adventures are you looking forward to next?
Once you begin, there's no time limit associated with these Quests, unlike the time limits found in Expeditions, so don't feel the need to rush through. Take your time with completing these quests and you'll get the biggest bang for your buck in terms of rewards. Here's a complete guide to doing just that.
Main Quests on the Mountain
Recover the Bird Idol Part 1
Get the Box of TNT
Get the Fuse Cord
Get the Detonator
These three items are scattered about the map, and are guarded by a new kind of enemy: the Ram. By simply exploring the various "islands" or cliffs in this map (they look more like islands, if you ask me), you'll come across these three items on your own, but can always click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window to be shown exactly where they lie.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 2
Set the TNT Below the Cliff
Once you've defeated Papa Cliff Jumper and have gathered all of the materials for your TNT bundle, you can place it in the highlight on your map, at the very top end. There's a Ram up here guarding the path, so keep that in mind.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 3
Use the Plunger to Blast a Path!
Recover the Bird Idol
The Plunger is found past a rock that must be blown up with dynamite (see the screenshot above), which can be purchased back at Base Camp for 1,000 coins. It's a single-use item, so you'll have to purchase one each time you want to use dynamite on a map. Once you've used the Plunger, you'll have to fight one last Ram before finding the Bird Idol on the platform you've just formed.
Recover the Bird Idol Part 4
Return to Base Camp
Place the Bird Idol
Unlike last time (when recovering the 27 Comments), once you collect the Bird Idol on the top of the cliff, you really will be done (no secret cave this time around). You'll just need to head home and place it outside the entrance to El Dorado to be completely finished.
Mountain Side Quests
Society Work
Get 10 Jade Vases
Get 5 Ruby Vases
Get 2 Azure Skulls from Hidden Caves
Get a Ram Horn Grip from the Mountaineer Collection
The Mountaineer Collection items drop from any Mountain map, including this one, so as you complete tasks, you might be lucky enough to come across enough collectibles to turn this one in (the Ram Horn Grip is the prize) before everything is said and done. As for the Ruby & Jade Vases (especially Jade Vases), they're scattered around the map as you might expect, hidden behind trees or under clouds, so make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the map to find them all. As an example, you'll be able to find four Jade Vases on the very first "island" you start the Mountain quests on. As for the Azure Skulls, the Hidden Caves are found under "Blooming Bushes," which are small areas of ground cover, the size of a regular bush, with white flowers on top. Once you interact with these bushes, they'll disappear, revealing a ladder into the cave. Here, you'll find Red Vases as well. Check out the screenshots below for the locations of both Hidden Caves, and an example of what you'll see when entering one.
A couple of notes: First, ignore Fluffy the Ewe in the below screenshot - she is a "lost animal" that may not appear in this particular location in your own game, and shouldn't be used as a place marker. Second, if you don't happen to find a Ram Horn, you don't technically have to to complete this entire mission and recover the Bird Idol. You can skip this quest and simply head back to Base Camp and place the Idol in its place.
Butting Heads
Defeat four Rams
Defeat Papa Cliff Jumper!
The four Rams are scattered around the map (check out the screenshot above), while Papa Cliff Jumper is found at the top end of the map, next to the Detonator you need for the first story mission in this area. He has 12 hit points, and he takes away two energy points each time he hits you, so it might take you a while to whittle him down, depending on how much you've upgraded your whip.
On the Rocks
Break five Small Rocks
Break five Medium Rocks
Break three Big Rocks
Use Dynamite
A single use of Dynamite is available to purchase for 1,000 coins in your Tool Shop back in Base Camp. As for the 13 rocks, you'll find them blocking your path between islands, or blocking your path between collectibles like vases, so you shouldn't have any problem finding the ones you need. If you do need one or more of a particular kind of rock, remember to hit the "Show Me" button in the quest window to see the camera zoom to a rock's location. As for the dynamite, you'll find a rock on your path after finding the Fuse Cord that must be blown up for you to proceed, and another as you reach the top of the map.
Bird Watching
Investigate Rare Birds
Investigate Exotic Eggs
Investigate Bird Nests
Just like the Vases and rocks, these Birds, Nests, and Eggs are scattered around the map, normally blocked by some kind of obstacle, whether that be a trap, bush, thorn, or rock (as examples). The nests are found in similar areas, but they blend in incredibly well (that is, they look almost identical to thorns), so keep a lookout for things that look like the item in the square below.
Once you finish all of these goals, you will have successfully retrieved the Bird Idol, and will be at the halfway point for opening El Dorado itself, back on Base Camp. We'll make sure to let you know how to recover the other two idols, so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these Mountain / Bird Idol quests? Do you like it more than those quests for collecting the Monkey Idol? What sorts of adventures are you looking forward to next?
Thứ Ba, 13 tháng 12, 2011
Earn 4 free FarmVille Farm Cash in Capital One promotion
At this rate, perhaps we should just rename FarmVille "Capital OneVille." Why? Yet another cross-promotional activity has launched in the game, allowing users to walk away with 4 free Farm Cash. Unlike the Capital One farm and goat, or even the Capital One free gift that can be sent to friends, this promotion is found where most other free Farm Cash promotions are located: underneath the FarmVille gameplay area.
This promotion is a fairly lengthy one. Once you launch the activity window, you'll need to watch a full Capital One trailer, and can then answer some quiz and survey about what you've seen or the Capital One brand in general. Don't worry - these "quiz" questions are incredibly easy, and if I had to make a guess, it likely wouldn't matter which way you answered; you'd still likely get the Farm Cash at the end.
After manually answering one fill-in-the-blank question, the activity will finally be complete, and you'll be the proud owner of 4 free Farm Cash. This is double the amount of Farm Cash we normally see released in such promotions, so at least it excuses a bit of the additional time it takes to complete this particular activity. As usual, you'll want to complete this promotion as soon as you see it pop-up underneath your game; there's no telling when it will expire, and you will have missed your chance.
Have you seen the Capital One promotion appear under your gameplay area in FarmVille? What will you do with your four free Farm Cash?
This promotion is a fairly lengthy one. Once you launch the activity window, you'll need to watch a full Capital One trailer, and can then answer some quiz and survey about what you've seen or the Capital One brand in general. Don't worry - these "quiz" questions are incredibly easy, and if I had to make a guess, it likely wouldn't matter which way you answered; you'd still likely get the Farm Cash at the end.
After manually answering one fill-in-the-blank question, the activity will finally be complete, and you'll be the proud owner of 4 free Farm Cash. This is double the amount of Farm Cash we normally see released in such promotions, so at least it excuses a bit of the additional time it takes to complete this particular activity. As usual, you'll want to complete this promotion as soon as you see it pop-up underneath your game; there's no telling when it will expire, and you will have missed your chance.
Have you seen the Capital One promotion appear under your gameplay area in FarmVille? What will you do with your four free Farm Cash?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove: Splurge on an Unwither Ring for your new farm
Even though the actual act of farming isn't the main focus of FarmVille's third farm the Lighthouse Cove (rather, the focus is on creating a resort village with buildings, trees or even animals), if you really don't want to have to worry about farming (specifically, losing your crops) ever again, you can purchase an Unwither Ring specifically for your new farm so that your new crops will never wither... ever. Even if you happen to forget you've planted crops in your new farm, or plant short-growing crops that happen to wither quicker than you imagined, this Unwither Ring will prevent all that.
Of course, just because you're purchasing one for a new farm doesn't mean the price of this luxury / convenience has gone down. A single Unwither Ring costs 250 Farm Cash, and you can either keep one for yourself, or purchase one to send to a friend (a very, very lucky friend). If the color matters, this new version of the Unwither Ring comes in a lovely purple box.
As usual, this Unwither Ring release isn't permanent, as you'll only have 12 days to purchase one for your Lighthouse Cove. While the item will permanently function on that farm, your ability to purchase is fading fast. Still, is the current equivalent of over $45 US worth the convenience of never having to worry about your crops' time limit? We'll leave that up to you to decide.
Will you purchase an Unwither Ring for your Lighthouse Cove farm? Do you have a ring on your other farms? If so, were they worth the purchase?
Of course, just because you're purchasing one for a new farm doesn't mean the price of this luxury / convenience has gone down. A single Unwither Ring costs 250 Farm Cash, and you can either keep one for yourself, or purchase one to send to a friend (a very, very lucky friend). If the color matters, this new version of the Unwither Ring comes in a lovely purple box.
As usual, this Unwither Ring release isn't permanent, as you'll only have 12 days to purchase one for your Lighthouse Cove. While the item will permanently function on that farm, your ability to purchase is fading fast. Still, is the current equivalent of over $45 US worth the convenience of never having to worry about your crops' time limit? We'll leave that up to you to decide.
Will you purchase an Unwither Ring for your Lighthouse Cove farm? Do you have a ring on your other farms? If so, were they worth the purchase?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove: New items come with sale prices for a limited time
On top of releasing new items in the FarmVille marketplace this evening, Zynga has also given us an extra incentive to go shopping by placing (most of these) new items on sale, but only for a limited time. These items come in the Lighthouse Cove theme, which, as you'll recall means that you can either place them on your Lighthouse Cove proper, or can place them on other farms as well. Just remember that if you purchase them on your Home or English farm and then want to move them to the Lighthouse Cove, you won't be able to move them back and forth until we've been given the ability to access storage across all three farms. Without further ado, here's a look at this week's available items.
Trees
Autumn Cherry Tree - 5 Farm Cash (down from 8)
Bradford Pear Tree - 10 Farm Cash (down from 14)
The Autumn Cherry Tree is the level one tree in this equation, meaning you can earn Bradford Pear Trees for free from Mystery Seedlings. These sale prices bring the trees back down to the prices we used to see trees priced at normally, so make sure to snag one (some) if those cheaper prices are acceptable to you.
Animals
Brown Maine Coon - 8 Farm Cash (down from 10)
Brown Pinto Mini - 22 Farm Cash (down from 26)
The Brown Maine Coon is simply a brown version of the original Maine Coon that's available for 200,000 coins, permanently. It does, however, come with its own mastery sign, so you'll need to splurge on at least one if you want to be eligible to earn it. As for the Brown Pinto Mini, this is a new horse that gives you 2,600 experience points upon purchasing it.
Buildings
Fisherman's Shack - 16 Farm Cash (down from 20)
New England Inn - 30 Farm Cash
If you're taking the supposed "purpose" of Lighthouse Cove seriously (that being to create a building-centric resort town), you'll be happy to see that this Fisherman's Shack placed on sale, as you'll be able to further flesh out that building with this "home" for even cheaper than before. Interestingly, the New England Inn isn't on sale, but it's not the only one that's not been given the sale price treatment.
Decorations
Autumn Creek - 12 Farm Cash (down from 15)
October Picnic - 3 Farm Cash
Flowery Picket - 5,000 coins
Porch Swing - 50,000 coins
Tree Arch - 10,000 coins
As I said before, here's another set of items that haven't been given sale prices. While this is expected with coin items, as coins are free to come by, I am surprised that the October Picnic hasn't been priced at 1 or 2 Farm Cash instead of 3, just so it too could be "on sale." Either way, make sure to check your storage for a Tree Arch, as it's been released before in previous events. Also, while an item called the "Porch Swing" has been released before, please note that this item is different.
As usual, all of these items are on a time limit, and will only be around for the the next 13 days. Happy farming!
Which of these items will you purchase for your farms? Have you been using these Lighthouse Cove items on other farms as simply decorations, or are you keeping them on your new farm?
Trees
Autumn Cherry Tree - 5 Farm Cash (down from 8)
Bradford Pear Tree - 10 Farm Cash (down from 14)
The Autumn Cherry Tree is the level one tree in this equation, meaning you can earn Bradford Pear Trees for free from Mystery Seedlings. These sale prices bring the trees back down to the prices we used to see trees priced at normally, so make sure to snag one (some) if those cheaper prices are acceptable to you.
Animals
Brown Maine Coon - 8 Farm Cash (down from 10)
Brown Pinto Mini - 22 Farm Cash (down from 26)
The Brown Maine Coon is simply a brown version of the original Maine Coon that's available for 200,000 coins, permanently. It does, however, come with its own mastery sign, so you'll need to splurge on at least one if you want to be eligible to earn it. As for the Brown Pinto Mini, this is a new horse that gives you 2,600 experience points upon purchasing it.
Buildings
Fisherman's Shack - 16 Farm Cash (down from 20)
New England Inn - 30 Farm Cash
If you're taking the supposed "purpose" of Lighthouse Cove seriously (that being to create a building-centric resort town), you'll be happy to see that this Fisherman's Shack placed on sale, as you'll be able to further flesh out that building with this "home" for even cheaper than before. Interestingly, the New England Inn isn't on sale, but it's not the only one that's not been given the sale price treatment.
Decorations
Autumn Creek - 12 Farm Cash (down from 15)
October Picnic - 3 Farm Cash
Flowery Picket - 5,000 coins
Porch Swing - 50,000 coins
Tree Arch - 10,000 coins
As I said before, here's another set of items that haven't been given sale prices. While this is expected with coin items, as coins are free to come by, I am surprised that the October Picnic hasn't been priced at 1 or 2 Farm Cash instead of 3, just so it too could be "on sale." Either way, make sure to check your storage for a Tree Arch, as it's been released before in previous events. Also, while an item called the "Porch Swing" has been released before, please note that this item is different.
As usual, all of these items are on a time limit, and will only be around for the the next 13 days. Happy farming!
Which of these items will you purchase for your farms? Have you been using these Lighthouse Cove items on other farms as simply decorations, or are you keeping them on your new farm?
FarmVille: Limited edition Cows come back to the barnyard (again)
No, you're not experiencing deja vu farmers, Zynga has yet again re-released a set of cows into FarmVille, giving you guys a chance to fill your collections in anticipation of what looks to be a Cow-centric breeding habitat coming to the farm. We last saw some of these Cows back in August, when Animal Mastery hit the farm, but there are some different options for your shopping pleasure this time around.
As usual, you'll only have a week to do any shopping associated with this re-release of Cows, so here's a complete look at those that have been re-released:
Autumn Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Blue Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Robot Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Western Longhorn - 20 Farm Cash
Devon Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Mohawk Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Fairy Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Hereford Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Highland Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Chrome Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there aren't any coin-only Cows in this update, so you'll have to spend some of your hard-earned Farm Cash to stock up on any of these animals. Unlike previous animal habitats, the upcoming Cow building will allow you to breed Calves, rather that duplicates of these Cows, so if you don't want to waste time waiting for those Calves to grow inside your Nursery Barn, you might want to buy these Cows as is.
We'll make sure to let you know when the next animal habitat launches in the game, and hopefully we'll be able to bring you the news very, very soon.
Will you purchase any of these Cows for your farms, even if you don't place them in a storage building? Which ones are your favorites?
As usual, you'll only have a week to do any shopping associated with this re-release of Cows, so here's a complete look at those that have been re-released:
Autumn Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Blue Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Robot Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Western Longhorn - 20 Farm Cash
Devon Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Mohawk Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Fairy Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Hereford Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Highland Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Chrome Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there aren't any coin-only Cows in this update, so you'll have to spend some of your hard-earned Farm Cash to stock up on any of these animals. Unlike previous animal habitats, the upcoming Cow building will allow you to breed Calves, rather that duplicates of these Cows, so if you don't want to waste time waiting for those Calves to grow inside your Nursery Barn, you might want to buy these Cows as is.
We'll make sure to let you know when the next animal habitat launches in the game, and hopefully we'll be able to bring you the news very, very soon.
Will you purchase any of these Cows for your farms, even if you don't place them in a storage building? Which ones are your favorites?
FarmVille Cow Pasture: Everything you need to know
Check out our FarmVille Cow Pasture Goals Guide right here!
A fifth breeding building has started rolling out in FarmVille, and this newest animal habitat comes in the form of the Cow Pasture. Yes, I know we all probably have plenty of Dairy Farms on our farms to store cows (note: with the launch of this feature, Dairy Farms are no longer available for purchase in the market), but with these new buildings, we'll have a chance to store and breed cows even without bulls, by simply having one of a particular animal inside it. Of course, you'll need to first build your Cow Pasture before you can use it, so let's get straight into the guide.
The Cow Pasture requires 30 ingredients: 10 each of Hay Bundles, Stones and Tin Sheets. Unfortunately, these Stones are the same items you'll need to continue to repair the cove in Lighthouse Cove, so you'll need to once again decide which item is more important at the time: building this Cow Pasture, or repairing the Cove. Once the Cow Pasture is built, you'll be able to store 20 different Cows inside (perhaps you'd like to fill it with some cows that were re-released this evening). You'll also receive a free Irish Moiled Cow for completing it.
What makes this Cow Pasture different than other animal habitats is that you'll breed calves, rather than duplicate animals of those placed inside your Cow Pasture. With this comes the announcement that Calf and Foal mastery is "coming soon," so you'll want to have as many of these calves appear on your land as possible to prepare for that. While that may not give you a chance to easily stock up on fully grown Cows, I suppose you could place these extra calves in your Nursery Barn in the hopes that they eventually grow up.
Alternatively, you can click on the "Grow Up" button on your new Calves to grow them manually into adults by paying Farm Cash. Yes, this feature only costs Farm Cash and is currently unavailable for coins. The only positive that comes with this is that you won't need to collect Animal Feed, and can then use your excess Feed on the many, many babies you probably already have on your land.
For the record, it doesn't look like this Cow Pasture will do anything to your existing Dairy Farms, so feel free to keep those on your farm for easy storage of existing Cows on your farm(s).
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Cow Pasture feature? Are you looking forward to calf and foal mastery?
A fifth breeding building has started rolling out in FarmVille, and this newest animal habitat comes in the form of the Cow Pasture. Yes, I know we all probably have plenty of Dairy Farms on our farms to store cows (note: with the launch of this feature, Dairy Farms are no longer available for purchase in the market), but with these new buildings, we'll have a chance to store and breed cows even without bulls, by simply having one of a particular animal inside it. Of course, you'll need to first build your Cow Pasture before you can use it, so let's get straight into the guide.
The Cow Pasture requires 30 ingredients: 10 each of Hay Bundles, Stones and Tin Sheets. Unfortunately, these Stones are the same items you'll need to continue to repair the cove in Lighthouse Cove, so you'll need to once again decide which item is more important at the time: building this Cow Pasture, or repairing the Cove. Once the Cow Pasture is built, you'll be able to store 20 different Cows inside (perhaps you'd like to fill it with some cows that were re-released this evening). You'll also receive a free Irish Moiled Cow for completing it.
What makes this Cow Pasture different than other animal habitats is that you'll breed calves, rather than duplicate animals of those placed inside your Cow Pasture. With this comes the announcement that Calf and Foal mastery is "coming soon," so you'll want to have as many of these calves appear on your land as possible to prepare for that. While that may not give you a chance to easily stock up on fully grown Cows, I suppose you could place these extra calves in your Nursery Barn in the hopes that they eventually grow up.
Alternatively, you can click on the "Grow Up" button on your new Calves to grow them manually into adults by paying Farm Cash. Yes, this feature only costs Farm Cash and is currently unavailable for coins. The only positive that comes with this is that you won't need to collect Animal Feed, and can then use your excess Feed on the many, many babies you probably already have on your land.
For the record, it doesn't look like this Cow Pasture will do anything to your existing Dairy Farms, so feel free to keep those on your farm for easy storage of existing Cows on your farm(s).
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Cow Pasture feature? Are you looking forward to calf and foal mastery?
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 12, 2011
Game of the Day: Pizza Pronto
In Pizza Pronto, help the chef create the most delicious pizza the world has ever known! However, you have to be quick because the unappreciative customers won't wait too long for your mouthwatering pizza. So make sure to serve your customers with a big smile and of course, on time! Reach those daily goals and then spend your hard earned cash on ingredients and upgrades for your restaurant!
This pizza themed time management game starts off slow, but by level four you'll have angry customers lined up asking for six different pizza recipes. But I think you folks are up for the challenge, so get out there and serve some pizza!
Click here to play Pizza Pronto!
What level were you able to get to in Pizza Pronto?
This pizza themed time management game starts off slow, but by level four you'll have angry customers lined up asking for six different pizza recipes. But I think you folks are up for the challenge, so get out there and serve some pizza!
Click here to play Pizza Pronto!
What level were you able to get to in Pizza Pronto?
Sumon is Tetris-meets-math class on Facebook, Chrome and mobile
If there is one game genre that will likely survive them all, it's puzzlers. San Francisco-based Ludei claims to be one of the first social game developers to launch a game on Facebook, Chrome, HTML5, iOS and Android. The game is called Sumon, a puzzle game that evokes feelings of Tetris, but with math-centric gameplay that's said to serve well as a mind sharpening tool.
The game combines simple math problems through addition with spatial reasoning. Players are presented with a series of blocks, each with specific numbers on them, and a goal number. It's up to players to string blocks together to reach that goal number. Of course, the game sets players against the clock, adding numbered blocks until each level is cleared.
"Sumon is the first in a series of titles that is going to take advantage of bleeding edge innovation in mobile entertainment as we plan for a bigger footprint in the U.S. and worldwide," Ludei CEO Eneko Knorr said in a release. "By launching on HTML5, iOS and Android, we're able to bring Sumon to the largest possible audience, a sentiment that is often discussed but rarely executed-until now."
It's certainly a novel strategy in the social games world where the pressure to go multiplatform or go home is increasing. There are three modes of play in Sumon: classic, progressive and respawn. But generally, the more numbered blocks you use to reach a given goal number, the higher your score will go. But really, we're just digging the paper mache art style--so pretty.
Click here to play Sumon on Facebook Now >
Is there room for another puzzle game in the social games space? Do you like a little bit of brain teasing in your social games?
The game combines simple math problems through addition with spatial reasoning. Players are presented with a series of blocks, each with specific numbers on them, and a goal number. It's up to players to string blocks together to reach that goal number. Of course, the game sets players against the clock, adding numbered blocks until each level is cleared.
"Sumon is the first in a series of titles that is going to take advantage of bleeding edge innovation in mobile entertainment as we plan for a bigger footprint in the U.S. and worldwide," Ludei CEO Eneko Knorr said in a release. "By launching on HTML5, iOS and Android, we're able to bring Sumon to the largest possible audience, a sentiment that is often discussed but rarely executed-until now."
It's certainly a novel strategy in the social games world where the pressure to go multiplatform or go home is increasing. There are three modes of play in Sumon: classic, progressive and respawn. But generally, the more numbered blocks you use to reach a given goal number, the higher your score will go. But really, we're just digging the paper mache art style--so pretty.
Click here to play Sumon on Facebook Now >
Is there room for another puzzle game in the social games space? Do you like a little bit of brain teasing in your social games?
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 12, 2011
The Sims 3 Showtime: A Facebook game, minus Facebook
A live news feed, in-game gifting and the ability to visit your friend's games -- this might sound like the next big 'Ville' game on Facebook is actually none other than a new expansion for the hit PC game Sims 3.
This new add-on, Sims 3 Showtime, lets Sims take the stage as a performer -- a DJ, acrobat, what have you -- and eventually work their way to the top of their chosen profession. This will all take place with the help of friends though -- not Facebook -- but an in-game network that will have Facebook-like functionality. Players will be able to send in-game gifts, post updates to a news feed and visit each other's customized stages using something called a Sim-Port. Whether this new Sims network will be confined to this game -- or something larger -- remains to be seen.
sims 3 showtime
It's interesting to see this kind of convergence of social gaming and more traditional types of games. We've been watching Facebook games crib from more traditional games, in an effort to beef up the gameplay experience, for a while now. Maybe things are starting to go the other way as well.
Sims 3 Showtime will roll out in March 2012 for Mac and PC.
This new add-on, Sims 3 Showtime, lets Sims take the stage as a performer -- a DJ, acrobat, what have you -- and eventually work their way to the top of their chosen profession. This will all take place with the help of friends though -- not Facebook -- but an in-game network that will have Facebook-like functionality. Players will be able to send in-game gifts, post updates to a news feed and visit each other's customized stages using something called a Sim-Port. Whether this new Sims network will be confined to this game -- or something larger -- remains to be seen.
sims 3 showtime
It's interesting to see this kind of convergence of social gaming and more traditional types of games. We've been watching Facebook games crib from more traditional games, in an effort to beef up the gameplay experience, for a while now. Maybe things are starting to go the other way as well.
Sims 3 Showtime will roll out in March 2012 for Mac and PC.
CastleVille is the second most played Facebook game daily in 22 days
If there's one takeaway from this, it's that 'Ville games still got it. Zynga's CastleVille has surpassed the likes of FarmVille, The Sims Social and Zynga Poker to become the second most played game daily on Facebook with 8.1 million returning every day. The game is now in the top five for monthly players, with 27.6 million, according to AppData. And it did it in just 22 days.
As a result, CastleVille is both faster and slower than CityVille was a year. The latter reached nearly as many monthly players in almost half the time, but didn't amass as many daily players as Zynga Dallas's new hotness did last month. For what it's worth, CastleVille is far stronger out of the gate where it counts: daily players, the best measure of how gripping a Facebook game is.
This explosive growth can be chalked up to a few factors, but one stands out the most: the Zynga fan base. CastleVille released to a pool of over 200 million able-handed social gamers practically twitching at the thought of a new game to play. Of course, Zynga took great advantage of this, employing several cross promotions across its existing stable of successful games. "Reach Level 5 in CastleVille and get a free Cow" ... or something like that.
That easily explains the burst of growth, but what is it about CastleVille that's drawing more players in than nearly all of Zynga's games? While the game is certainly the most robust, full-featured and gorgeous 'Ville game to date, it's still a 'Ville game. Could it simply be that it's new and shinier than the rest, or is the 'Ville formula really still the best way to approach social games?
[Via All Facebook]
Are you playing CastleVille every day? Why do you think the game is drawing so many players in every day?
As a result, CastleVille is both faster and slower than CityVille was a year. The latter reached nearly as many monthly players in almost half the time, but didn't amass as many daily players as Zynga Dallas's new hotness did last month. For what it's worth, CastleVille is far stronger out of the gate where it counts: daily players, the best measure of how gripping a Facebook game is.
This explosive growth can be chalked up to a few factors, but one stands out the most: the Zynga fan base. CastleVille released to a pool of over 200 million able-handed social gamers practically twitching at the thought of a new game to play. Of course, Zynga took great advantage of this, employing several cross promotions across its existing stable of successful games. "Reach Level 5 in CastleVille and get a free Cow" ... or something like that.
That easily explains the burst of growth, but what is it about CastleVille that's drawing more players in than nearly all of Zynga's games? While the game is certainly the most robust, full-featured and gorgeous 'Ville game to date, it's still a 'Ville game. Could it simply be that it's new and shinier than the rest, or is the 'Ville formula really still the best way to approach social games?
[Via All Facebook]
Are you playing CastleVille every day? Why do you think the game is drawing so many players in every day?
The Sims Social lures players into a Winter Wonderland this week
Unfortunately, not everyone (including this writer) can fly to Sweden on a whim and stay in a gorgeous ice hotel. Well, at least EA and Playfish look to provide the next best thing in this week's update to The Sims Social. Fittingly titled "Winter Wonderland," this update (coming Thursday) will allow you to build your very own ice house, complete with frozen furniture and ice sculptures.
The Sims Social Eskimo KissOf course, a number of these items will likely cost SimCash, but hopefully a few of the cool ones go for at least Social Points. Take the Pola-Ice Igloo, for instance. This interactive decoration has several uses: Players can use the Pola-Ice as a toilet for their Sims, throw rotten fish in their friends' igloos and make frozen WooHoo with other Sims inside--the igloo even shakes. We're ... not exactly sure how to feel about that last point.
Players can also pick up special Santa outfits for him and her that allow Sims to Eskimo Kiss during visits. Of course, the Thursday update comes with a quest, "Revenge of the Simch," which will reward players with a Rocking Reindeer decoration should they complete it in time.
The festivities continue throughout the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday seeing the release of the Ice Ring, an interactive decoration that lets Sims do pirouette spins. Finally, players will gain access to an Ice Block on Monday that, when used, will increase Sims' sculpting skill and eventually result in an Ice Wolf Statue. We're calling next week's theme: "The Simch Strikes Back."
The Sims Social Ice Block
What do you think of the winter celebrations in The Sims Social so far? Are you still digging the game since its release this summer?
The Sims Social Eskimo KissOf course, a number of these items will likely cost SimCash, but hopefully a few of the cool ones go for at least Social Points. Take the Pola-Ice Igloo, for instance. This interactive decoration has several uses: Players can use the Pola-Ice as a toilet for their Sims, throw rotten fish in their friends' igloos and make frozen WooHoo with other Sims inside--the igloo even shakes. We're ... not exactly sure how to feel about that last point.
Players can also pick up special Santa outfits for him and her that allow Sims to Eskimo Kiss during visits. Of course, the Thursday update comes with a quest, "Revenge of the Simch," which will reward players with a Rocking Reindeer decoration should they complete it in time.
The festivities continue throughout the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday seeing the release of the Ice Ring, an interactive decoration that lets Sims do pirouette spins. Finally, players will gain access to an Ice Block on Monday that, when used, will increase Sims' sculpting skill and eventually result in an Ice Wolf Statue. We're calling next week's theme: "The Simch Strikes Back."
The Sims Social Ice Block
What do you think of the winter celebrations in The Sims Social so far? Are you still digging the game since its release this summer?
FarmVille Holiday Present Goals: Everything you need to know
As we eagerly await the launch of this year's Holiday Tree in FarmVille, which has already started rolling out to some farmers, we can now start on a set of Holiday Present goals in the game. Before you might panic, you don't have to complete these goals on your new Winter Wonderland farm specifically - instead, you can travel between your four farms, completing goals in whichever farm is easiest. In this way, you can plant crops across farms to better reach totals, or just to plan ahead using our guide. Here's a complete look at the requirements for all six goals, thanks to the folks at FarmVilleFreak.
Deck the Halls!
Get 6 Boughs of Holly
Harvest an Aviary 1 Time
Harvest 100 Fruit Crops
The Holly is available to earn by posting a general news item to your wall asking your friends to send them to you. Meanwhile, you can harvest any kind of fruit crop in the game, regardless of growth time, so feel free to grow something like Strawberries, which take just four hours to grow, to get done with this task easily. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Corgi (a corgi dog dressed as Santa).
Pucker Up!
Get 6 Mistletoe
Harvest 1 Holiday Corgi
Harvest 150 Flower Crops
This is a similar goal to the first, but with flower crops instead of fruit. In addition, you can place the Holiday Corgi in an Animal Pen to harvest it much more quickly than if you waited for it to be harvest-ready on its own. Finish this goal and you'll earn 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Cat (this looks more like a traditional fairy than anything "holiday," but we'll let it slide).
The Gift of Song
Get 6 Holiday Song Books
Harvest your Livestock Pen
Harvest 200 Grain Crops
Again, we have an incredibly similar goal, which is still pretty simple to complete. Regardless of the farm it's on, just harvest a ready Livestock Pen to finish one task and grow whatever Grain you'd like until you've harvested 200 plots in total. Ask your friends for the Song Books and you'll finish this goal off, earning 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Mini Elf Goat in the process.
Gift Boxes
Get 6 Gift Boxes
Harvest 1 Mini Elf Goat
Harvest 300 Golden Poinsettias
Golden Poinsettias are a limited edition crop in the store for the winter holiday season; they take 16 hours to grow. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Alpaca.
Season's Greetings
Get 8 Gift Tags
Harvest Zoos 3 Times
Harvest 350 Vegetable Crops
If you only have one of each animal storage building, this one will slow you down, as you'll need to wait three days to finish the Zoo task. On the other hand, if you have one of each pen on each farm, you can simply travel to each farm and collect from each pen to finish this off just as quickly as the previous tasks. You'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Turkey for finishing this goal.
Put a Bow On It!
Get 10 Fancy Bows
Harvest 2 Holiday Alpacas
Harvest 400 Golden Poinsettias
Here's another goal that might slow you down. Either you can try to receive a second Holiday Alpaca from Mystery Babies in the Winter Animal Pen, or you can simply wait two days to harvest the same one (which should work, in theory). As for the Fancy Bows, just keep with tradition - ask your friends to send them to you and you'll finish the goal in time. You'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Cupid Reindeer for finishing this final goal.
You'll have two weeks to finish these goals in your game, but as you can use all of your farms to complete them more quickly and easily, the only real tests that might slow you down come when harvesting multiple Zoos or the Holiday Alpacas. The rest relies on a lot of help from friends, but I'm sure your active neighbors will be just as eager to help you out as they are to finish these goals in their own game.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of these Holiday Present goals in FarmVille? Have you already received your Holiday Tree to go along with them, or are you just trying to get a head-start on these goals?
Deck the Halls!
Get 6 Boughs of Holly
Harvest an Aviary 1 Time
Harvest 100 Fruit Crops
The Holly is available to earn by posting a general news item to your wall asking your friends to send them to you. Meanwhile, you can harvest any kind of fruit crop in the game, regardless of growth time, so feel free to grow something like Strawberries, which take just four hours to grow, to get done with this task easily. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Corgi (a corgi dog dressed as Santa).
Pucker Up!
Get 6 Mistletoe
Harvest 1 Holiday Corgi
Harvest 150 Flower Crops
This is a similar goal to the first, but with flower crops instead of fruit. In addition, you can place the Holiday Corgi in an Animal Pen to harvest it much more quickly than if you waited for it to be harvest-ready on its own. Finish this goal and you'll earn 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Cat (this looks more like a traditional fairy than anything "holiday," but we'll let it slide).
The Gift of Song
Get 6 Holiday Song Books
Harvest your Livestock Pen
Harvest 200 Grain Crops
Again, we have an incredibly similar goal, which is still pretty simple to complete. Regardless of the farm it's on, just harvest a ready Livestock Pen to finish one task and grow whatever Grain you'd like until you've harvested 200 plots in total. Ask your friends for the Song Books and you'll finish this goal off, earning 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Mini Elf Goat in the process.
Gift Boxes
Get 6 Gift Boxes
Harvest 1 Mini Elf Goat
Harvest 300 Golden Poinsettias
Golden Poinsettias are a limited edition crop in the store for the winter holiday season; they take 16 hours to grow. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Alpaca.
Season's Greetings
Get 8 Gift Tags
Harvest Zoos 3 Times
Harvest 350 Vegetable Crops
If you only have one of each animal storage building, this one will slow you down, as you'll need to wait three days to finish the Zoo task. On the other hand, if you have one of each pen on each farm, you can simply travel to each farm and collect from each pen to finish this off just as quickly as the previous tasks. You'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Holiday Turkey for finishing this goal.
Put a Bow On It!
Get 10 Fancy Bows
Harvest 2 Holiday Alpacas
Harvest 400 Golden Poinsettias
Here's another goal that might slow you down. Either you can try to receive a second Holiday Alpaca from Mystery Babies in the Winter Animal Pen, or you can simply wait two days to harvest the same one (which should work, in theory). As for the Fancy Bows, just keep with tradition - ask your friends to send them to you and you'll finish the goal in time. You'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Cupid Reindeer for finishing this final goal.
You'll have two weeks to finish these goals in your game, but as you can use all of your farms to complete them more quickly and easily, the only real tests that might slow you down come when harvesting multiple Zoos or the Holiday Alpacas. The rest relies on a lot of help from friends, but I'm sure your active neighbors will be just as eager to help you out as they are to finish these goals in their own game.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of these Holiday Present goals in FarmVille? Have you already received your Holiday Tree to go along with them, or are you just trying to get a head-start on these goals?
CityVille Save the Holidays Act 1: Everything you need to know
Similar to the Halloween Monster event in CityVille, that saw us completing three acts of goals dealing with Halloween Monsters, community buildings and more, the Winter Holiday season has received its own in-game event. Santa has crash-landed in your town, and it's up to you to complete three Acts of goals to help him get back on his feet. As of this writing, only Act 1 is available to complete, and you'll need to be at least level nine to access this entire feature.
Act 1 is called "Santa's Little Helper!," and if you can finish all three goals in the Act, you'll receive an Outdoor Skating Rink (decorated for the holidays, of course) as a reward. You'll also receive individual rewards for finishing each goal. Here's how to do just that.
Let's Talk Shop!
Place Santa's Workshop
Have 10 Presents
Harvest 10 Wheat
Santa's Workshop is this year's collection building for the Christmas holiday. You'll use it to collect Christmas presents from your friends, and we'll have a complete guide to the building for you as soon as possible you can check out our full guide to earning presents right here. In the meantime, the Wheat takes 2.1 days to harvest, so you'll want to plant that as soon as possible to waste little time. Finishing this first goal gives you a Snowman, a decoration with a 1% payout bonus.
Deck the Halls!
Ask friends for 15 Tinsel
Collect from Holiday Bakeries 10 Times
Collect 10 Wreaths from Residences
Just collecting from your town's houses gives you a chance to randomly receive Wreaths. Meanwhile, the Holiday Bakery costs 9,800 coins and takes 245 Goods to operate. You can either build and operate more than one at once to finish faster, or just collect and supply the same individual Bakery ten times - it's up to you. Finally, the Tinsel is earned through a general wall post. Finish this goal and you'll receive 3,000 coins.
That's a Wrap!
Ask friends for 20 Stockings
Have 50 Presents
Collect 10 Toys from Businesses
Similar to the Wreaths, collecting from businesses gives you a random chance of collecting Toys. To be clear, you apparently don't have to collect exclusively from Toy Stores to receive these Toys - any business will count. However, your own luck may vary. Personally, I've collected from plenty of random businesses and haven't received a single Toy. Hopefully this will sort itself out in time. For finishing this final goal in Act 1, you'll receive a Tree Lot. This is the Tree Lot from last year's holiday event, so if you weren't playing back then, or sold your first one, you'll receive another one here.
Once all three Acts roll out in this Save the Holidays event, you'll eventually have a chance to the City Snow Globe as the ultimate prize. We'll make sure to bring you continued coverage of the event, complete with guides to finishing Acts 2 and 3 so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Save the Holiday event? Do you think it's starting off easier than the Halloween Monsters event, or will it be just as hard?
Act 1 is called "Santa's Little Helper!," and if you can finish all three goals in the Act, you'll receive an Outdoor Skating Rink (decorated for the holidays, of course) as a reward. You'll also receive individual rewards for finishing each goal. Here's how to do just that.
Let's Talk Shop!
Place Santa's Workshop
Have 10 Presents
Harvest 10 Wheat
Santa's Workshop is this year's collection building for the Christmas holiday. You'll use it to collect Christmas presents from your friends, and we'll have a complete guide to the building for you as soon as possible you can check out our full guide to earning presents right here. In the meantime, the Wheat takes 2.1 days to harvest, so you'll want to plant that as soon as possible to waste little time. Finishing this first goal gives you a Snowman, a decoration with a 1% payout bonus.
Deck the Halls!
Ask friends for 15 Tinsel
Collect from Holiday Bakeries 10 Times
Collect 10 Wreaths from Residences
Just collecting from your town's houses gives you a chance to randomly receive Wreaths. Meanwhile, the Holiday Bakery costs 9,800 coins and takes 245 Goods to operate. You can either build and operate more than one at once to finish faster, or just collect and supply the same individual Bakery ten times - it's up to you. Finally, the Tinsel is earned through a general wall post. Finish this goal and you'll receive 3,000 coins.
That's a Wrap!
Ask friends for 20 Stockings
Have 50 Presents
Collect 10 Toys from Businesses
Similar to the Wreaths, collecting from businesses gives you a random chance of collecting Toys. To be clear, you apparently don't have to collect exclusively from Toy Stores to receive these Toys - any business will count. However, your own luck may vary. Personally, I've collected from plenty of random businesses and haven't received a single Toy. Hopefully this will sort itself out in time. For finishing this final goal in Act 1, you'll receive a Tree Lot. This is the Tree Lot from last year's holiday event, so if you weren't playing back then, or sold your first one, you'll receive another one here.
Once all three Acts roll out in this Save the Holidays event, you'll eventually have a chance to the City Snow Globe as the ultimate prize. We'll make sure to bring you continued coverage of the event, complete with guides to finishing Acts 2 and 3 so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of this Save the Holiday event? Do you think it's starting off easier than the Halloween Monsters event, or will it be just as hard?
Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 10, 2011
WoW: Pandas aren't a joke, okay?
The context of what’s going on where they live, the context of what’s happening in the history of the world at this time: serious as a heart attack. They’re just really chill about it. This is no joke. This is not a throw-away silly-silly ha ha funny expansion set; it is absolutely the next vital chapter and as things ratchet up, they’re gonna get really gnarly.
It’s about as rich a kit as anything we’ve put out so far and it’s definitely got its intrigues and its dangers and its drama. It ain’t armies of the dead and it ain’t demons fallin’ out of the sky, but it’s definitely gonna have some flavor and some teeth.
It’s about as rich a kit as anything we’ve put out so far and it’s definitely got its intrigues and its dangers and its drama. It ain’t armies of the dead and it ain’t demons fallin’ out of the sky, but it’s definitely gonna have some flavor and some teeth.
New Skyrim teaser does the live action thing
How was that, then? Funny, I hadn't realised how CG the CG dragons looked until they plopped one down in a film set. With a game as beautiful as Skyrim seems, you almost forget that graphics aren't actually at photo-realism yet.
Still, makes you think, right? Who are these live action trailers for? It's not like the old Atari days when if you didn't have the boxart you had no idea whether you were playing Red Square Castle defence or Green Square Squadron takes Flight. You only need a bare minimum of imagination to believe in today's sophisticated game worlds; do we really need male models flouncing about in historically-inaccurate armour to put us in the Mood for Love?
Oh maybe it's for those blokes down the pub who hear "video games" and think Space Invaders is the height of the art form. We have dragons now! What a future.
Still, makes you think, right? Who are these live action trailers for? It's not like the old Atari days when if you didn't have the boxart you had no idea whether you were playing Red Square Castle defence or Green Square Squadron takes Flight. You only need a bare minimum of imagination to believe in today's sophisticated game worlds; do we really need male models flouncing about in historically-inaccurate armour to put us in the Mood for Love?
Oh maybe it's for those blokes down the pub who hear "video games" and think Space Invaders is the height of the art form. We have dragons now! What a future.
Lavender Pink 3DS hits November 17
The notorious "for girls" 3DS is to get an Aussie airing next month. But we won't take Nintendo Japan's casual sexism lying down, will we? No my friends: I know I can trust you to dress as masculinely as possible and exude testosterone when you lay down your cash for this little beauty. Real men love pink.
Thứ Ba, 25 tháng 10, 2011
Some Guy Recreated A Country In SimCity
SimCity 4′s world creation suite is a wonderful thing, allowing players fine control over the hills, valleys and rivers of their virtual building plot. It’s so fine, in fact, people can try and recreate entire countries. In this case, Taiwan.
OK, so it’s a small country, but at 3,902 square miles and with a population of just under 25 million, it’s not exactly a small hamlet or fishing village.
This amazing creation was built by Reddit user sneakypanda86 over a period of around nine months, and while it doesn’t use any cheats, does use a mod or two, both for ease of creation and to get things looking a little more realistic.
Note that it’s not a literal copy – streets and city outlines aren’t exact – but considering the way the game generates plots of land it still looks great.
OK, so it’s a small country, but at 3,902 square miles and with a population of just under 25 million, it’s not exactly a small hamlet or fishing village.
This amazing creation was built by Reddit user sneakypanda86 over a period of around nine months, and while it doesn’t use any cheats, does use a mod or two, both for ease of creation and to get things looking a little more realistic.
Note that it’s not a literal copy – streets and city outlines aren’t exact – but considering the way the game generates plots of land it still looks great.
The Next Call Of Duty DLC Has…Muppets?
Oh, if only that were the case.
This fan art from poopbird, dropping the Muppets in as Call of Duty characters, certainly has me wishing.
Though, when you think about it, it’s not that crazy an idea. It’s not that far a leap to go from soldier dudes to zombies to Muppets. Is it?
This fan art from poopbird, dropping the Muppets in as Call of Duty characters, certainly has me wishing.
Though, when you think about it, it’s not that crazy an idea. It’s not that far a leap to go from soldier dudes to zombies to Muppets. Is it?
Chủ Nhật, 23 tháng 10, 2011
If I Never Write Another Review As Long As I Live, I’ll Die A Happy Man
Every now and then I’ll get an email, hidden in my inbox. Sometimes it’s just a comment, sitting amongst a horde of others in a story I’ve written. “Why doesn’t Kotaku Australia write its own reviews?” It’ll say.
Then sometimes I’ll get a different kind of email, saying roughly the same thing, only it doesn’t take the form of a question it’s more like a quasi statement. It’ll say something along the lines of, “oh, but you guys don’t really do reviews, do you?” Those ones are normally from the representatives of a games publisher.
Usually that statement will be a response to why Kotaku Australia didn’t get early access to a new game, or why we were last in the queue for a review copy. But that’s OK — I’m more than happy to wait until the game’s general release to play.
And if I never have to write another video game review as long as I live, I’ll die a happy man.
I’ve written hundreds of product reviews and the wide matrix of issues you have to navigate, particularly in video games, is nigh on unmanageable, to the point where you have to ask yourself: What is the purpose of this, and what do reviews even mean anymore? What are they for?
First you have the scale itself — do you risk going against the traditional video game scale in attempt to bring more legitimacy to your review, or focus attention on the content of the review itself? Do you succumb to pressure and the need to remain relevant by reviewing games like every other media outlet, or do you plough your own path? The idea of a 7 out of 10 or an 8 out of 10 is so engrained on our psyche after decades of reading reviews that stepping outside that lexicon is risky.
Then comes the process of writing your ‘opinion’ — a process fraught with more doubt, and more issues to tackle. Do you review your game like a product, is it a series of experiences that you should judge? Should you take into account your knowledge or lack of knowledge — do you review from a fan’s perspective? Should your review be objective or a written piece focusing on what is essentially a subjective experience?
And that’s just the beginning — do you consider your audience? You are writing for them after all. I have no personal interest in, say, Modern Warfare 3 — but thousands of Kotaku readers do. Is this review for them? Do I have to take my own dislike of war-based shooters into account?
Normally this sort of self-indulgent navel gazing should be of no consequence or interest to anyone, but in an environment where EA Norway sending a series of demanding questions to prospective reviewers of Battlefield 3 becomes the biggest games story of the day and inspires thousands of seething comments and retorts — it’s clear that people really do care.
And I care — I really do. Enough to honestly admit that my opinion of any game — shrink-wrapped and squeezed into a totemic number to be sacrificed at the altar of metacritic — is really of little value to anyone or anything. So why bother?
What do we do with these reviews? In an age where we can watch trailers the instant they’re released and drown in details of development from the minute a game is greenlit, what is the consequence of another review? Why does it need to exist; particularly in a place where reviews are so ubiquitous. Do I really want to add my voice to that mashed up chorus — simultaneously chaotic and synchronised — what would be the value of that? What would be the point? I’d like to trust that you’ve already made a relatively informed decision what games you want to buy — slapping a numerical score on a game and beating my chest like King Kong probably won’t change that.
Don’t get me wrong, I admire those who manage to navigate this whole minefield and come out intact, people like Adam Mathew over at Game Informer/OPS, or Junglist, or Joab Gilroy at Game Arena. I may not always agree with their opinions, but I want to read what they think, even if I disagree with them. In fact, that’s arguably what video game reviews need more of. Proper, well justified, dissenting voices where necessary.
I enjoy reading well-written reviews, particularly when I’ve already played a game and it feels like a chance to exchange notes. But I don’t want to participate in that dialogue anymore. Not if I don’t have to.
For me writing about video games is something different. It’s the chance to share experiences and make some sort of connection — it’s a chance to find common ground in a shared moment. It’s not about a product and whether or not you’ll buy it.
Then sometimes I’ll get a different kind of email, saying roughly the same thing, only it doesn’t take the form of a question it’s more like a quasi statement. It’ll say something along the lines of, “oh, but you guys don’t really do reviews, do you?” Those ones are normally from the representatives of a games publisher.
Usually that statement will be a response to why Kotaku Australia didn’t get early access to a new game, or why we were last in the queue for a review copy. But that’s OK — I’m more than happy to wait until the game’s general release to play.
And if I never have to write another video game review as long as I live, I’ll die a happy man.
I’ve written hundreds of product reviews and the wide matrix of issues you have to navigate, particularly in video games, is nigh on unmanageable, to the point where you have to ask yourself: What is the purpose of this, and what do reviews even mean anymore? What are they for?
First you have the scale itself — do you risk going against the traditional video game scale in attempt to bring more legitimacy to your review, or focus attention on the content of the review itself? Do you succumb to pressure and the need to remain relevant by reviewing games like every other media outlet, or do you plough your own path? The idea of a 7 out of 10 or an 8 out of 10 is so engrained on our psyche after decades of reading reviews that stepping outside that lexicon is risky.
Then comes the process of writing your ‘opinion’ — a process fraught with more doubt, and more issues to tackle. Do you review your game like a product, is it a series of experiences that you should judge? Should you take into account your knowledge or lack of knowledge — do you review from a fan’s perspective? Should your review be objective or a written piece focusing on what is essentially a subjective experience?
And that’s just the beginning — do you consider your audience? You are writing for them after all. I have no personal interest in, say, Modern Warfare 3 — but thousands of Kotaku readers do. Is this review for them? Do I have to take my own dislike of war-based shooters into account?
Normally this sort of self-indulgent navel gazing should be of no consequence or interest to anyone, but in an environment where EA Norway sending a series of demanding questions to prospective reviewers of Battlefield 3 becomes the biggest games story of the day and inspires thousands of seething comments and retorts — it’s clear that people really do care.
And I care — I really do. Enough to honestly admit that my opinion of any game — shrink-wrapped and squeezed into a totemic number to be sacrificed at the altar of metacritic — is really of little value to anyone or anything. So why bother?
What do we do with these reviews? In an age where we can watch trailers the instant they’re released and drown in details of development from the minute a game is greenlit, what is the consequence of another review? Why does it need to exist; particularly in a place where reviews are so ubiquitous. Do I really want to add my voice to that mashed up chorus — simultaneously chaotic and synchronised — what would be the value of that? What would be the point? I’d like to trust that you’ve already made a relatively informed decision what games you want to buy — slapping a numerical score on a game and beating my chest like King Kong probably won’t change that.
Don’t get me wrong, I admire those who manage to navigate this whole minefield and come out intact, people like Adam Mathew over at Game Informer/OPS, or Junglist, or Joab Gilroy at Game Arena. I may not always agree with their opinions, but I want to read what they think, even if I disagree with them. In fact, that’s arguably what video game reviews need more of. Proper, well justified, dissenting voices where necessary.
I enjoy reading well-written reviews, particularly when I’ve already played a game and it feels like a chance to exchange notes. But I don’t want to participate in that dialogue anymore. Not if I don’t have to.
For me writing about video games is something different. It’s the chance to share experiences and make some sort of connection — it’s a chance to find common ground in a shared moment. It’s not about a product and whether or not you’ll buy it.
This week’s best free PC games
Telling the tale of a young fisherman setting out to build his career, Fisher-Diver is an unusual fishing game that sees you – a strange, line-drawn eyeball character – diving below the water’s surface to blast various intricate sea creatures and collect their carcasses to sell back on the surface. Smashing them to smithereens won’t do much good, though, as keeping their bodies relatively intact will allow you to reap more money. As you progress through the game, earning cash allows you to unlock new fishing licenses and helpful items, drawing you on a journey deeper below the surface in search of diary entries dropped into the sea by the fisherman who came before you.
It’s a slow-paced game – agonisingly so at times – but the journey is an engaging one. And the story, sparse as it may be, is enough to keep things interesting as the in-game days tick by. There’s a wonderful sense of exploration, complemented by music whose mood changes the deeper underwater you go. The game ends on a surprising note, too: a nice, unexpected payoff for the time it’ll take you to get there.
It’s a slow-paced game – agonisingly so at times – but the journey is an engaging one. And the story, sparse as it may be, is enough to keep things interesting as the in-game days tick by. There’s a wonderful sense of exploration, complemented by music whose mood changes the deeper underwater you go. The game ends on a surprising note, too: a nice, unexpected payoff for the time it’ll take you to get there.
This week’s best free PC games
Games about fishing aren’t generally the most exciting ones around, nor are they the most artistic, but exploratory underwater shooter Fisher-Diver has an exceedingly good go at being both. If it’s still a little too calm for your liking, though, assaults on the senses such as one-button platformer Braindead and the complete mind-splurge that is Keyboard Drumset Fucking Werewolf should keep you entertained. Or how about playing as a scientist working through a zombie apocalypse? You can do that in Lab of the Dead. Read on for more details about this week’s best PC freebies.
Thứ Bảy, 22 tháng 10, 2011
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!
If Microsoft left the gaming industry...
Before crying "flamebait", try to remember how the market changed when the Dreamcast died and SEGA exited the market. In all honesty, not much changed (although SEGA was/is missed by many).
With Kinect as the final grasp of life for the 360 (disagree? Then where are all of Microsoft's studios churning out new games and new IPs?), rumors of the XBOX branch splitting, and several key execs either leaving the company or selling their stock like Balmer did, Microsoft's XBOX brand might not be around as long as we thought and hoped.
But think: what IPs does the 360 have that can't be done elsewhere? Former exclusives Bioshock, Mass Effect, and Ninja Gaiden can already be found on non-360 platforms. Someone else can easily buy RARE or Lionhead, and Bungie belongs to Activision now. Gears of War is EPIC's, Forza is Turn 10's, Left 4 Dead is Valve's, and Alan Wake is Remedy's. You'd be hard pressed to find many games actually made by Microsoft, and those IPs that Microsoft does own (Halo, Fable) could easily become multiplatform.
Impossible? Well, that's what SEGA fans said about many of the Dreamcast's exclusives, and now almost all of SEGA's biggest franchises are found on non-SEGA consoles.
With Kinect as the final grasp of life for the 360 (disagree? Then where are all of Microsoft's studios churning out new games and new IPs?), rumors of the XBOX branch splitting, and several key execs either leaving the company or selling their stock like Balmer did, Microsoft's XBOX brand might not be around as long as we thought and hoped.
But think: what IPs does the 360 have that can't be done elsewhere? Former exclusives Bioshock, Mass Effect, and Ninja Gaiden can already be found on non-360 platforms. Someone else can easily buy RARE or Lionhead, and Bungie belongs to Activision now. Gears of War is EPIC's, Forza is Turn 10's, Left 4 Dead is Valve's, and Alan Wake is Remedy's. You'd be hard pressed to find many games actually made by Microsoft, and those IPs that Microsoft does own (Halo, Fable) could easily become multiplatform.
Impossible? Well, that's what SEGA fans said about many of the Dreamcast's exclusives, and now almost all of SEGA's biggest franchises are found on non-SEGA consoles.
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
M4ndat0ry_1nstall (User) Contributor 1 bubbles 5 in CRank Score: 9480 "" PM Add as friend Track Ignore Report Exposing Sony's lies, hypocrisy, spin etc...
It is a well known fact many diehard fans of the PS3 are not well informed and see SCE as a charity and not a business. This blog is dedicated to exposing the hypocrisy, lies, truth, "spin" and arrogance of SCE and proving that they are in fact a business.
1) ACHIEVEMENTS AND TROPHIES:
Many fans believe that the universal trophy system available on the PlayStation 3 was not influenced, based on or copied from Microsoft's "achievement" system on the Xbox 360. This is in fact false. In 2006 Sony were posed with the question "Will you be implementing an achievement system similar to the Xbox 360 on the PS3?" just before the PS3s launch. This was Sony's response: "The short answer: no"
http://www.wired.com/gameli...
Read the full interview in the link. Sony had no interest in implementing a universal achievement like system on the PS3. In my opinion, that was until achievements became the deciding factor for many multi-console owners when it came to multiplatform games. And relying on developers to implement them into their own games just wasn't working out.
2) NO "RUMBLE" IN THE "SIXAXIS" CONTROLLER:
Some fans are still completely unaware as to why the Sixaxis had no "rumble" feedback. I remember reading all kinds of "spin" to justify the complete lack of rumble feedback in the Sixaxis which was even present in ALL last-gen controllers, spin such as this:
"Vibration in the Sixaxis would screw up the motion sensor"
"I don't even notice the lack of vibration"
"I'd take the motion controls over rumble"
"Rumble is a last generation feature"
The last quote is actually a quote from SCE themselves: "I believe that the Sixaxis controller offers game designers and developers far more opportunity for future innovation than rumble ever did. Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature."
http://www.1up.com/news/son...
The real reason the Sixaxis had no "rumble" and was later discontinued in favor of the DS3, was because Sony were being sued by the company Immersion over patent rights. Sony lost to the tune of about $90 million. Sony insisted [at the time] that the lawsuit had nothing to do with why the Sixaxis was lacking "rumble", something we now know was a lie as the DS3 was announced shortly after the lawsuit settlement.
http://www.engadget.com/200...
Sony's shady "BUSINESS" practices don't stop there though, read:
http://www.engadget.com/200...
3) SONY DOESN'T "PAY" FOR EXCLUSIVES:
This by far is the biggest load of BS being spewed out by Sony and it's fans alike. If you are one of those people that believe Sony didn't pay Konami for MGS4, Square Enix for FF13 to be a timed-exclusive in Japan and Rockstar for Agent, then you are sorely mistaken.
A quote from SCEA on losing GTAIV: "It's just a question of how deep into your pockets do you have to reach to secure [exclusivity]? Desperation breeds deep pockets. Confidence breeds the opposite. When it makes sense, you do the deal. When it doesn't, you pass."
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...
Further proof of Sony paying for exclusives like MGS4 could be the fact that MGO uses Konami's own in store purchases, servers, online ID and registration process completely separate from the PSN. No other game, exclusive or multiplatform offers anything similar, a sacrifice Sony had to make to "do the deal".
This of course is only fiction, there is no concrete proof Sony paid for the above games like there is for M$ paying $50 million for DLC. However, take a look at this quote from Sony in 2007: "We have a very different approach to exclusives than some of our competitors," he continued. "We don't buy exclusivity. We don't fund development. We don't, for lack of a better term, bribe somebody to only do a game on our platform."
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...
Now take a look at this from 2009 titled "Sony Will Pay Devs for PSN Exclusivity": "Sony has declared a willingness to back up its aspirations for exclusive content with cold, hard cash. Its Pub Fund, just announced today, will match developer funding for exclusive games headed to the PSN."
http://www.ps3informer.com/...
4) SONY'S "BLACKLISTING" OF KOTAKU:
I'm not sure if many of you are aware or even care that Sony has blacklisted Kotaku. Those of you who are aware and believe that Kotaku were blacklisted due to their "pro-360 and anti-PS3" stance, you would actually be wrong. According to Kotaku, Sony "blackballed" them for leaking info about Playstation Home which Kotaku labelled as a rumor, effectively trying to silence them.
http://kotaku.com/gaming/to...
1) ACHIEVEMENTS AND TROPHIES:
Many fans believe that the universal trophy system available on the PlayStation 3 was not influenced, based on or copied from Microsoft's "achievement" system on the Xbox 360. This is in fact false. In 2006 Sony were posed with the question "Will you be implementing an achievement system similar to the Xbox 360 on the PS3?" just before the PS3s launch. This was Sony's response: "The short answer: no"
http://www.wired.com/gameli...
Read the full interview in the link. Sony had no interest in implementing a universal achievement like system on the PS3. In my opinion, that was until achievements became the deciding factor for many multi-console owners when it came to multiplatform games. And relying on developers to implement them into their own games just wasn't working out.
2) NO "RUMBLE" IN THE "SIXAXIS" CONTROLLER:
Some fans are still completely unaware as to why the Sixaxis had no "rumble" feedback. I remember reading all kinds of "spin" to justify the complete lack of rumble feedback in the Sixaxis which was even present in ALL last-gen controllers, spin such as this:
"Vibration in the Sixaxis would screw up the motion sensor"
"I don't even notice the lack of vibration"
"I'd take the motion controls over rumble"
"Rumble is a last generation feature"
The last quote is actually a quote from SCE themselves: "I believe that the Sixaxis controller offers game designers and developers far more opportunity for future innovation than rumble ever did. Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature."
http://www.1up.com/news/son...
The real reason the Sixaxis had no "rumble" and was later discontinued in favor of the DS3, was because Sony were being sued by the company Immersion over patent rights. Sony lost to the tune of about $90 million. Sony insisted [at the time] that the lawsuit had nothing to do with why the Sixaxis was lacking "rumble", something we now know was a lie as the DS3 was announced shortly after the lawsuit settlement.
http://www.engadget.com/200...
Sony's shady "BUSINESS" practices don't stop there though, read:
http://www.engadget.com/200...
3) SONY DOESN'T "PAY" FOR EXCLUSIVES:
This by far is the biggest load of BS being spewed out by Sony and it's fans alike. If you are one of those people that believe Sony didn't pay Konami for MGS4, Square Enix for FF13 to be a timed-exclusive in Japan and Rockstar for Agent, then you are sorely mistaken.
A quote from SCEA on losing GTAIV: "It's just a question of how deep into your pockets do you have to reach to secure [exclusivity]? Desperation breeds deep pockets. Confidence breeds the opposite. When it makes sense, you do the deal. When it doesn't, you pass."
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...
Further proof of Sony paying for exclusives like MGS4 could be the fact that MGO uses Konami's own in store purchases, servers, online ID and registration process completely separate from the PSN. No other game, exclusive or multiplatform offers anything similar, a sacrifice Sony had to make to "do the deal".
This of course is only fiction, there is no concrete proof Sony paid for the above games like there is for M$ paying $50 million for DLC. However, take a look at this quote from Sony in 2007: "We have a very different approach to exclusives than some of our competitors," he continued. "We don't buy exclusivity. We don't fund development. We don't, for lack of a better term, bribe somebody to only do a game on our platform."
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...
Now take a look at this from 2009 titled "Sony Will Pay Devs for PSN Exclusivity": "Sony has declared a willingness to back up its aspirations for exclusive content with cold, hard cash. Its Pub Fund, just announced today, will match developer funding for exclusive games headed to the PSN."
http://www.ps3informer.com/...
4) SONY'S "BLACKLISTING" OF KOTAKU:
I'm not sure if many of you are aware or even care that Sony has blacklisted Kotaku. Those of you who are aware and believe that Kotaku were blacklisted due to their "pro-360 and anti-PS3" stance, you would actually be wrong. According to Kotaku, Sony "blackballed" them for leaking info about Playstation Home which Kotaku labelled as a rumor, effectively trying to silence them.
http://kotaku.com/gaming/to...
Thứ Năm, 20 tháng 10, 2011
UnSelf (User) Contributor 4 bubbles 5 in CRank Score: 46630 "" PM Add as friend Track Ignore Report The Perfect Game
Does it exist? If not, then why not? Resources? Lack of technical skill? Laziness? Maybe its already here. What does it mean to you? We all have one. Usually one that someone else finds that couldn't be more imperfect. What does it even mean? Is it even definable? With a word thrown around so often as such, shouldn't it be? These questions and countless more, are amongst the firsts that should pop into our heads when asked what is the perfect game? We may not know, but fortunately, we clearly know what it isn't. Excuse my opinion, but I can tell you if you're looking for it, it is further from this current generation than any of the past or any to come. And here's why...
2005 introduced to the world the 7th generation of home consoles. Before we even knew what we were in stored for, rumors, predictions and just plain conjecture, plagued the information highways with more speculation and half-truths than any of us care to remember. The Xbox 360 entered and hit the ground hard, running. Sony and Nintendo followed the following year with their console entries. We didn't see the true fruits of the labor of any of these corporations, until about 4 years into the respective consoles lifespans. In inclusion with the PC, gaming consoles in 2011, holds the most promising hand in delivering a litany of unparalleled gaming software and hardware capabilities, never before seen in gaming. Boasting unprecedented processing power and innovative motion controlling, the gaming generation we currently reside in provides plenty of backed-up testament from its past to ascertain its place as making this era, the most exciting. With that evidence present, it would only make sense that a person with no prior gaming knowledge would choose this generation before any other if given the task to seek the perfect game.....and he would fail miserably.
Every time a veteran gamer is asked to name his favorite titles of all time, the list usually consists of games deriving from the Super Nintendo, Playstation 1, and PS2 eras....usually. Why is that? Is it because those who've been gaming longer have a natural tendency to lean towards the games of yesterday? Doubt it. Has the longevity of playing games over time tarnish and taint their judgement of what makes a game perfect in their eyes? Perhaps. Should we be even asking these guys, I mean what do they know? The truth is, there are too many variables to consider when trying to isolate a single reason as to why this consensus is so consistent. The only conclusion we can draw from THAT conclusion is that, those who've been gaming longer seem to be relatively dissatisfied with todays games on a general level. So what is it about last gen and the generations before, that was so good that is now absent from todays gaming generation? One word: Everything.
There is something very peculiar about this generation that we haven't seen in a very long time. That thing is experimentation. Never before, has a generation been so plagued, so overwhelmed with test experimentation on hardware and software developments. In this gen alone, we have seen the mainstreaming of motion controls, controller-less hardware, online dominion, compatible hardware integration, achievement lists, battery operated controllers, multiple SKU's of a particular hardware, DLC, DRM, firmware updates, software updates, remote system shut-downs, HDD swaps, PC-intergration, HD resolution, "True" HD resolution, DDM, online services...the list goes on. All of these things in some part may have existed in the past but never as prevalent as it is today. Believe it or not, these things were created to make the gaming experience a heck of a lot more fun, and in some areas it actually did. However, with potential solutions comes potential problems, and now our video gaming experience is susceptible to more things going wrong then right....and that unfortunate trend is steadily increasing. However dismal the situation may seem, these issues aren't applied to the games themselves. So let's briefly talk about those.
At first glance, experimentation may seem like the right path to choose when developing for a market with an unquenchable thirst for innovation. Yet, never before has a generation suffered from more sequels, rehashes, remakes, reboots and reminders of bad games. Right now I lack the resources to create a chart, but I'm sure the total of all of the sequels, reboots and remakes of all the games in this gen, would make up for more than 85% of all the games out now versus new IP's. So you see, the perfect game can't exist today, because chances are, it already existed yesterday.
My point was to make clear why is it games today are the last things to be considered perfect. A lot of questions were asked in the beginning of this passage and perhaps none of them were answered. While writing this article, I discovered that neither I, nor any one can find the perfect game. However, I did discover what the perfect game isn't, or rather, where it isn't. Too many gems that have already done what so many games yearn to perfect today, exist in history as testaments of gaming/development perfection. Don't get me wrong, today, now more so than ever, is THE most exciting time to be a gamer. The potential, coupled with the technological breakthroughs, creates a concoction that generates inconceivable possibilities of what may come. Storytelling in gaming has never been better, and neither has gameplay. Graphics are more close to looking realer than ever and games are laced with orchestrated masterpieces. Its unfortunate though, that tomorrow and yesterday was and will be, much more engrossing than today can or will ever be. An unfortunate paradox, if we will ever have to see one.
2005 introduced to the world the 7th generation of home consoles. Before we even knew what we were in stored for, rumors, predictions and just plain conjecture, plagued the information highways with more speculation and half-truths than any of us care to remember. The Xbox 360 entered and hit the ground hard, running. Sony and Nintendo followed the following year with their console entries. We didn't see the true fruits of the labor of any of these corporations, until about 4 years into the respective consoles lifespans. In inclusion with the PC, gaming consoles in 2011, holds the most promising hand in delivering a litany of unparalleled gaming software and hardware capabilities, never before seen in gaming. Boasting unprecedented processing power and innovative motion controlling, the gaming generation we currently reside in provides plenty of backed-up testament from its past to ascertain its place as making this era, the most exciting. With that evidence present, it would only make sense that a person with no prior gaming knowledge would choose this generation before any other if given the task to seek the perfect game.....and he would fail miserably.
Every time a veteran gamer is asked to name his favorite titles of all time, the list usually consists of games deriving from the Super Nintendo, Playstation 1, and PS2 eras....usually. Why is that? Is it because those who've been gaming longer have a natural tendency to lean towards the games of yesterday? Doubt it. Has the longevity of playing games over time tarnish and taint their judgement of what makes a game perfect in their eyes? Perhaps. Should we be even asking these guys, I mean what do they know? The truth is, there are too many variables to consider when trying to isolate a single reason as to why this consensus is so consistent. The only conclusion we can draw from THAT conclusion is that, those who've been gaming longer seem to be relatively dissatisfied with todays games on a general level. So what is it about last gen and the generations before, that was so good that is now absent from todays gaming generation? One word: Everything.
There is something very peculiar about this generation that we haven't seen in a very long time. That thing is experimentation. Never before, has a generation been so plagued, so overwhelmed with test experimentation on hardware and software developments. In this gen alone, we have seen the mainstreaming of motion controls, controller-less hardware, online dominion, compatible hardware integration, achievement lists, battery operated controllers, multiple SKU's of a particular hardware, DLC, DRM, firmware updates, software updates, remote system shut-downs, HDD swaps, PC-intergration, HD resolution, "True" HD resolution, DDM, online services...the list goes on. All of these things in some part may have existed in the past but never as prevalent as it is today. Believe it or not, these things were created to make the gaming experience a heck of a lot more fun, and in some areas it actually did. However, with potential solutions comes potential problems, and now our video gaming experience is susceptible to more things going wrong then right....and that unfortunate trend is steadily increasing. However dismal the situation may seem, these issues aren't applied to the games themselves. So let's briefly talk about those.
At first glance, experimentation may seem like the right path to choose when developing for a market with an unquenchable thirst for innovation. Yet, never before has a generation suffered from more sequels, rehashes, remakes, reboots and reminders of bad games. Right now I lack the resources to create a chart, but I'm sure the total of all of the sequels, reboots and remakes of all the games in this gen, would make up for more than 85% of all the games out now versus new IP's. So you see, the perfect game can't exist today, because chances are, it already existed yesterday.
My point was to make clear why is it games today are the last things to be considered perfect. A lot of questions were asked in the beginning of this passage and perhaps none of them were answered. While writing this article, I discovered that neither I, nor any one can find the perfect game. However, I did discover what the perfect game isn't, or rather, where it isn't. Too many gems that have already done what so many games yearn to perfect today, exist in history as testaments of gaming/development perfection. Don't get me wrong, today, now more so than ever, is THE most exciting time to be a gamer. The potential, coupled with the technological breakthroughs, creates a concoction that generates inconceivable possibilities of what may come. Storytelling in gaming has never been better, and neither has gameplay. Graphics are more close to looking realer than ever and games are laced with orchestrated masterpieces. Its unfortunate though, that tomorrow and yesterday was and will be, much more engrossing than today can or will ever be. An unfortunate paradox, if we will ever have to see one.
The era of "World of Warcraft" is coming to an end
Surely, many of the almost 12 million players won't agree with me. But in a way, I sincerely hope that I am right.
World of Warcraft is surely great for the beginner, it is great for those who want to relax and do things randomly. One instance here, an easy raid there. Gather some materials for that, and so on.
World of Warcraft is great in many ways, but its biggest flaw is how repetitive it truly is and feels. I've been playing the game for over 5 years so I have been there through it all. I once got randomly stomped by a huge egyptian statue thingy in Silithus when the gates of Ahn'Qiraj was about to be opened. The ground started to tremble and then I died. I found that quite funny. My main character has over 100 days of played time. (Yes back then I had no life).
As I said, World of Warcraft is very repetitive. The game (Oh well, I should say blizzard, but I will say "the game") Re-uses game-play mechanics and graphical designs like theres no tomorrow. The classes of World of Warcraft (Which includes Mages, Rogues, Warriors, Hunters, Paladins, Warlocks, Shamans, Druids, Death Knights) are very similar if you are able to look past the names of the talents. A dot (Damage over time effect) for a warlock is the same as a dot for example a hunter, but it uses focus instead of mana. It does the same thing, and works in the same way, basically.
The gameplay mechanics in WoW simply aren't advanced enough for my taste. I want classes that actually matters. I want races that has truly unique and useful abilities that is required in certain raids or other challenges. Today, the races doesn't matter at all. There are so much that could be done, and I hate that the game focuses so much on simplicity. I want a complex game that challenges me intellectually and instigates a feeling in me that I am actually needed in a group. I mean sure, I heal on my main and the group wouldn't make it without me, but its more like a "meh" moment every time. They need to have more creative instances featuring game-play mechanics that simply isn't "Lets hit that until it dies". I mean, comon, whats the fun in that? And if u fail, you just die and have to try again. The mechanics are so simple, and feels so cheap.
I can understand that it is expensive to develop a game with
an actual depth to it (Both mechanic-wise and storywise), but I am looking for that, more and more. There are so many ways to create unique challenges and I can't understand why they don't do this. There are so much that could be done. I hope that the era of "World of Warcraft" is coming to an end. It's about time.
World of Warcraft is surely great for the beginner, it is great for those who want to relax and do things randomly. One instance here, an easy raid there. Gather some materials for that, and so on.
World of Warcraft is great in many ways, but its biggest flaw is how repetitive it truly is and feels. I've been playing the game for over 5 years so I have been there through it all. I once got randomly stomped by a huge egyptian statue thingy in Silithus when the gates of Ahn'Qiraj was about to be opened. The ground started to tremble and then I died. I found that quite funny. My main character has over 100 days of played time. (Yes back then I had no life).
As I said, World of Warcraft is very repetitive. The game (Oh well, I should say blizzard, but I will say "the game") Re-uses game-play mechanics and graphical designs like theres no tomorrow. The classes of World of Warcraft (Which includes Mages, Rogues, Warriors, Hunters, Paladins, Warlocks, Shamans, Druids, Death Knights) are very similar if you are able to look past the names of the talents. A dot (Damage over time effect) for a warlock is the same as a dot for example a hunter, but it uses focus instead of mana. It does the same thing, and works in the same way, basically.
The gameplay mechanics in WoW simply aren't advanced enough for my taste. I want classes that actually matters. I want races that has truly unique and useful abilities that is required in certain raids or other challenges. Today, the races doesn't matter at all. There are so much that could be done, and I hate that the game focuses so much on simplicity. I want a complex game that challenges me intellectually and instigates a feeling in me that I am actually needed in a group. I mean sure, I heal on my main and the group wouldn't make it without me, but its more like a "meh" moment every time. They need to have more creative instances featuring game-play mechanics that simply isn't "Lets hit that until it dies". I mean, comon, whats the fun in that? And if u fail, you just die and have to try again. The mechanics are so simple, and feels so cheap.
I can understand that it is expensive to develop a game with
an actual depth to it (Both mechanic-wise and storywise), but I am looking for that, more and more. There are so many ways to create unique challenges and I can't understand why they don't do this. There are so much that could be done. I hope that the era of "World of Warcraft" is coming to an end. It's about time.
Thứ Tư, 19 tháng 10, 2011
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 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 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.
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