A new "injured critter" is now available to discover in FrontierVille, but like the Spring Bear Cub, this new animal isn't so much injured as it is shy. Perhaps we'll start calling them Shy Critters. At any rate, this new Shy Critter is the Spring Chinchilla, and also like the Spring Bear Cub, you'll be able to discover one while clearing debris on your own Homestead.
The Chinchilla will be hiding in a mound of dirt, and you'll need to lure her our using Juicy Berries. So, yes, this is exactly the setup of the Bear Cub, but you receive a different (arguably cuter) animal at the end. You'll need to first click on the dirt mound to confirm that you'd like to help the Chinchilla, and afterwards, will need to fill the green bar above it by feeding it Juicy Berries that you'll earn by asking your friends to send them to you via a general wall post. It seems that this is one animal you don't have to wait to repeatedly feed, as I was able to feed the Chinchilla four times in the matter of a few seconds (rather than waiting five minutes between feedings), before I finally ran out of Juicy Berries. It's unknown whether this was intentional, or whether this is a bug that will be fixed in the future, so keep that in mind.
Have you received a Chinchilla on your land yet? Do you like the animal's pink color, or would you have preferred something more realistic?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Cafe World Supreme Cuisine goals changed to allow quick access to competition
If you've been having difficulty completing the two qualifying missions in the Cafe World Supreme Cuisine event, you'll be happy to know that Zynga has altered these missions to be easy enough for every user to jump in and play as quickly as possible. In the beginning, the first of these two goals, Qualify First, required you to serve 15 dishes and collect six items, but now, you have to cook (not serve, just cook) three dishes in total.
The second goal was more difficult, forcing you to cook 15 dishes and collect nine items, but it too has been drastically changed, requiring just one "cooking" of Eggs Benedict, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Caramel Apples. You don't have to serve any of these dishes, meaning that you can instantly delete them from your stoves to save space, while still unlocking access to the Supreme Cuisine event on your account.
If you've yet to complete these goals, because you were too busy working on catering orders, or simply chose to work on other goals, at least now you'll be able to jump into this competitive cooking event in time to enjoy it.
What do you think of these goal changes? Are you one that finished these goals before the change? Do you think it's fair that Zynga has made them easier for everyone else?
The second goal was more difficult, forcing you to cook 15 dishes and collect nine items, but it too has been drastically changed, requiring just one "cooking" of Eggs Benedict, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Caramel Apples. You don't have to serve any of these dishes, meaning that you can instantly delete them from your stoves to save space, while still unlocking access to the Supreme Cuisine event on your account.
If you've yet to complete these goals, because you were too busy working on catering orders, or simply chose to work on other goals, at least now you'll be able to jump into this competitive cooking event in time to enjoy it.
What do you think of these goal changes? Are you one that finished these goals before the change? Do you think it's fair that Zynga has made them easier for everyone else?
Cafe World avatar system overhauled, game performance (slightly) increased
Apparently users had been clamoring for a change to the avatar system in Cafe World (which was admittedly archaic), as Zynga has responded in kind, completing overhauling the appearance of avatars in the game. Gone are the square heads and body parts from past avatars - in are the new rounded legs, circular heads, and fairly pear shaped bodies.
You can still go about changing your avatar by clicking on the small chef icon in the bottom menu, and you'll still have the option of changing your avatar's clothing and facial features one by one, with eye color, hair style, and more being available as options. The most noteworthy feature here though is the fact that these clothing items are now free. That's right - you won't have to pay thousands of coins to outfit your avatar in some new fashions, as every clothing item currently in the store (as of this writing) is free.
On top of that, the game's performance finally seems to be making a turn in the right direction in terms of speed. With the release of the new Cookbook, and perhaps helped by these new, slightly smaller avatars, you should slowly start to see your cafe's speed increase, in terms of how quickly the cookbook appears after clicking on an empty stove, how long it takes to scroll through pages in your Gift Box, and so on.
While it's great that we see an increase in performance finally occurring in the game, things are definitely far from perfect. In fact, while I'm appreciative of the new avatars, a much more important issue has yet to be addressed (but is definitely being called for more by the fans) - that being a mission select screen, which is still nowhere to be found. Will we ever see one added to the game? That much is still up in the air, but it looks like finally the game is making steps in the right direction, so we haven't given up hope just yet. C'mon Zynga - do the right thing. We'll love you all the more for it.
Have you noticed an increase in speed in your Cafe's performance? What do you think of these new avatars?
You can still go about changing your avatar by clicking on the small chef icon in the bottom menu, and you'll still have the option of changing your avatar's clothing and facial features one by one, with eye color, hair style, and more being available as options. The most noteworthy feature here though is the fact that these clothing items are now free. That's right - you won't have to pay thousands of coins to outfit your avatar in some new fashions, as every clothing item currently in the store (as of this writing) is free.
On top of that, the game's performance finally seems to be making a turn in the right direction in terms of speed. With the release of the new Cookbook, and perhaps helped by these new, slightly smaller avatars, you should slowly start to see your cafe's speed increase, in terms of how quickly the cookbook appears after clicking on an empty stove, how long it takes to scroll through pages in your Gift Box, and so on.
While it's great that we see an increase in performance finally occurring in the game, things are definitely far from perfect. In fact, while I'm appreciative of the new avatars, a much more important issue has yet to be addressed (but is definitely being called for more by the fans) - that being a mission select screen, which is still nowhere to be found. Will we ever see one added to the game? That much is still up in the air, but it looks like finally the game is making steps in the right direction, so we haven't given up hope just yet. C'mon Zynga - do the right thing. We'll love you all the more for it.
Have you noticed an increase in speed in your Cafe's performance? What do you think of these new avatars?
FarmVille English Countryside: Royal Hops crop now available
A new crop has been added to the English Countryside in FarmVille, but there's a catch - you must master another of the already released crops on your second farm in order to grow it. The new crop is the Royal Hops, which we brought you a sneak peek of in the past, and it can only be grown once you have mastered the original Hops crop.
Once you've completed that task, you'll be able to plant a single square of the Royal Hops for 150 coins. You'll find that this crop is slightly more profitable than its predecessor, offering you 240 coins for each square grown, rather than the 220 total received for regular Hops. The other stats are the same, with a harvest time of 10 hours, and a single experience point earned for every square you plant.
The Royal Hops are, of course, masterable, with the first star of mastery being available after 900 harvests, which is more than what is required for the original Hops crop. With the extra fertile soil in the English Countryside though, we hope the difference won't take that long to make up for.
What do you think of this new crop? Are you looking forward to more mastery-specific crops in FarmVille, or would you rather these new crops be instantly accessible to all players
Once you've completed that task, you'll be able to plant a single square of the Royal Hops for 150 coins. You'll find that this crop is slightly more profitable than its predecessor, offering you 240 coins for each square grown, rather than the 220 total received for regular Hops. The other stats are the same, with a harvest time of 10 hours, and a single experience point earned for every square you plant.
The Royal Hops are, of course, masterable, with the first star of mastery being available after 900 harvests, which is more than what is required for the original Hops crop. With the extra fertile soil in the English Countryside though, we hope the difference won't take that long to make up for.
What do you think of this new crop? Are you looking forward to more mastery-specific crops in FarmVille, or would you rather these new crops be instantly accessible to all players
FarmVille English Countryside: Lionhead Ale recipe available to all Pub owners
Whether you've been working on your English Countryside farm ever since its launch in FarmVille, or if you've just started working on it after the inclusion of an option to turn off Pause, there is a new recipe for you to create in your Pub crafting building. The recipe is called Lionhead Ale, and while it does require the Barley Crop which you may be saving for the Duke's Stout or other recipes, it will also give you something to do with those English Rose and new Royal Hops bushels that you'll likely have on hand before too long.
This recipe requires 3 Royal Hops bushels, 2 Barley bushels, and 2 English Roses bushels. While it might take you some time to master the original Hops crop in order to grow Royal Hops in the first place, remember that you can always claim some free bushels from your friends that have them on hand.
What do you think of this new crafting recipe?
This recipe requires 3 Royal Hops bushels, 2 Barley bushels, and 2 English Roses bushels. While it might take you some time to master the original Hops crop in order to grow Royal Hops in the first place, remember that you can always claim some free bushels from your friends that have them on hand.
What do you think of this new crafting recipe?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Game of the Day: Burger Shop 2
The Game of the Day is taking burger making seriously and is using robots to make them better. Burger Shop 2: A Games.com staff favorite, Burger Shop 2 is a super-fun, gorgeous, time management burger making game that you won't be able to stop playing.Thanks to the BurgerTron 2000 and your excellent skills, you were able to build a burger empire in Burger Shop. You were serving the best burgers in town but now, well, you're in a dumpster . . . literally! And, to make matters worse, your restaurants have been boarded up and there's a strange bump on your head! Can you bring you empire back and find out what happened?
Click --> Play Burger Shop 2
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Click --> Play Burger Shop 2
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Zynga doubles FarmVille Bushel capacity to 200; go Crafting crazy
In respect of the three new Co-Op Farming Jobs added to FarmVille last night in the English Countryside, Zynga has doubled the capacity of Bushels from 100 to 200. For every Market Stall that you own (up to a total of five), your Bushel capacity will increase by 25. This new found room for Bushels should increase our ability to complete certain Goals, Crafting Jobs and even Co-Op Farming Jobs. Check behind the break for a breakdown of how exactly this change pans out.
Here is exactly how Bushels will increase as you place more Market Stalls:
"With tonight's update we've also altered the total amount of bushels you can have stored on your farm. Previously the limit was 100; currently the base limit is 100, and you get to store an additional 25 bushels for every Market Stall after the first for a maximum of 200. Here's an easy way of looking at it the new bushel capacity cap:
1 Market Stall – 100 Bushels
2 Market Stalls – 125 Bushels
3 Market Stalls – 150 Bushels
4 Market Stalls – 175 Bushels
5 Market Stalls – 200 Bushels
Happy farming!"
So, get to placing those Market Stalls, and start tackling the brand new Goals in FarmVille English Countryside--we're sure you'll hit that cap soon enough.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Have you already reached the new Bushel cap? How do you normally use Bushels the most?
Here is exactly how Bushels will increase as you place more Market Stalls:
"With tonight's update we've also altered the total amount of bushels you can have stored on your farm. Previously the limit was 100; currently the base limit is 100, and you get to store an additional 25 bushels for every Market Stall after the first for a maximum of 200. Here's an easy way of looking at it the new bushel capacity cap:
1 Market Stall – 100 Bushels
2 Market Stalls – 125 Bushels
3 Market Stalls – 150 Bushels
4 Market Stalls – 175 Bushels
5 Market Stalls – 200 Bushels
Happy farming!"
So, get to placing those Market Stalls, and start tackling the brand new Goals in FarmVille English Countryside--we're sure you'll hit that cap soon enough.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Have you already reached the new Bushel cap? How do you normally use Bushels the most?
CityVille joins the Royal Wedding celebrations with new decorations
FarmVille and Nickelodeon's Royal Wedding Run aren't the only games to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton's fateful union anymore. Zynga has updated CityVille with four new decorations to honor the Royal Wedding. The new items include a British Flag, which for 200 coins provides a 1 percent payout bonus, and the Royal Guard that, for 8 City Cash, offers the exact same bonus. The Waving Royal People is the same story, but even more expensive: 10 City Cash for 1 percent bonus. However, the Royal Palace Gate offers 4 percent payout bonus for 5 thousand coins. Regardless of whether these prices fit with a royal fellow's lavish lifestyle, we still call foul on their utility. But hey, at least they'll allow you celebrate right along with the Royal Family ... in Facebook.
[Source and Image Credit: CityVille Info]
Have you bought any of these items for your city? How do you plan to celebrate or honor the Royal Wedding, if at all?
[Source and Image Credit: CityVille Info]
Have you bought any of these items for your city? How do you plan to celebrate or honor the Royal Wedding, if at all?
Zynga survey teases FrontierVille Bank, robbers and ... a stock market?
Yet another one of Zynga's infamous surveys has been released on the FrontierVille fan page, asking players what they would like to see in a Bank feature. Of course, this means that the team is working on a brand new building in FrontierVille that may or may not be released. As we've seen with surveys like the recent Mafia Wars 2 questionnaire, these proclaimed features could be in extremely early development.
However, the questions that Zynga asks in the survey are most important. Apparently, the company is ready to get as deep with this feature as you want it to be. In a series of eight questions, the company considers loans, interest rates, bank robberies (pictured right), foreign currency exchanges and even a FrontierVille stock market. Depending on how overwhelming player responses are one way or the other, the FrontierVille Bank could easily be the deepest, most robust feature to ever launch in the game. If you're interested in making that happen, participate in the survey right here.
Are you excited to see that FrontierVille might be getting a Bank? How deep would you want this feature to go once released?
However, the questions that Zynga asks in the survey are most important. Apparently, the company is ready to get as deep with this feature as you want it to be. In a series of eight questions, the company considers loans, interest rates, bank robberies (pictured right), foreign currency exchanges and even a FrontierVille stock market. Depending on how overwhelming player responses are one way or the other, the FrontierVille Bank could easily be the deepest, most robust feature to ever launch in the game. If you're interested in making that happen, participate in the survey right here.
Are you excited to see that FrontierVille might be getting a Bank? How deep would you want this feature to go once released?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Hawthorn Trees and Misty Lake mist-ify farmers
Hawthorn Trees
In the midst of an absolutely massive FarmVille update last night, two unreleased items emerged ... somehow. The Hawthorn Tree and Misty likely won't be seen in the game for at least a few days as the game was just updated, but a little ogling never hurt anyone, right? (Well, in this context, no.) FarmVille Feed expects these, like most new trees, to end up in Mystery Seedlings sometime soon, but also for them to hit the Market at between 5 and 12 Farm Cash. But the more exciting item, the Misty Lake, will almost certainly cost Farm Cash.
The Misty Lake is one of the most animated decorations we've seen in FarmVille, so it makes sense why this gem would cost a pretty penny. If anything, it will certainly bring a mystical aesthetic to your English farm. Keep your eyes peeled for these items next week.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these unreleased items are you most psyched about? Would you pay up the Farm Cash for either of them?
In the midst of an absolutely massive FarmVille update last night, two unreleased items emerged ... somehow. The Hawthorn Tree and Misty likely won't be seen in the game for at least a few days as the game was just updated, but a little ogling never hurt anyone, right? (Well, in this context, no.) FarmVille Feed expects these, like most new trees, to end up in Mystery Seedlings sometime soon, but also for them to hit the Market at between 5 and 12 Farm Cash. But the more exciting item, the Misty Lake, will almost certainly cost Farm Cash.
The Misty Lake is one of the most animated decorations we've seen in FarmVille, so it makes sense why this gem would cost a pretty penny. If anything, it will certainly bring a mystical aesthetic to your English farm. Keep your eyes peeled for these items next week.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these unreleased items are you most psyched about? Would you pay up the Farm Cash for either of them?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
EA launches Facebook-like social network, online games shop Origin
As other traditional game companies feel the heat from the digital age, EA just threw on a comfy teflon Snuggy. The veteran of video games launched Origin, its response to digital game stores like Steam, DirectDownload and OnLive. EA also made the Origin desktop app available today, where users can buy games--mostly for PC--directly, but that's just the beginning. Origin is also a social network for EA fans and, much like Steam, provides players with their own profiles with which to interact with their fellow EA gamers.
"We're committed to offering consumers direct access to great content and community in a way they have never experienced before," said EA CEO John Riccitiello in a press release. "Today we're launching Origin.com and the Origin beta application. Over time, Origin will grow with new functionality and unique new content that consumers can't get anywhere else."
Origin Store
Players will be able to see what games their friends are playing and later even broadcast messages from within their favorite games. The Origin application is open beta testing right now, but it will eventually be the only place to download EA games directly like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Madden 12. Eventually, Origin will go mobile as well, offering much of the same features that its desktop app does now, but more mobile games like Scrabble and the upcoming mobile edition of Battlefield 3.
Remember when former EA executive Bing Gordon said that EA needed to up its digital game if it wanted to survive? Well, let's just say he probably knew more than he cared to let off. Not to mention that Riccitiello recently expressed his own concerns regarding online games when speaking to Berkeley business graduates. EA will have more information regarding the service at E3 next week, so hang tight.
"We're committed to offering consumers direct access to great content and community in a way they have never experienced before," said EA CEO John Riccitiello in a press release. "Today we're launching Origin.com and the Origin beta application. Over time, Origin will grow with new functionality and unique new content that consumers can't get anywhere else."
Origin Store
Players will be able to see what games their friends are playing and later even broadcast messages from within their favorite games. The Origin application is open beta testing right now, but it will eventually be the only place to download EA games directly like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Madden 12. Eventually, Origin will go mobile as well, offering much of the same features that its desktop app does now, but more mobile games like Scrabble and the upcoming mobile edition of Battlefield 3.
Remember when former EA executive Bing Gordon said that EA needed to up its digital game if it wanted to survive? Well, let's just say he probably knew more than he cared to let off. Not to mention that Riccitiello recently expressed his own concerns regarding online games when speaking to Berkeley business graduates. EA will have more information regarding the service at E3 next week, so hang tight.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester throws mobile gaming a changeup
Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester is no gamer. Why then is he the centerpiece for Hardball Ace, a 3D iPhone and Android game by Face the Ace? Aside from being an All-Star pitcher--a perfect fit to challenge seasoned touch gamers and baseball fans on the go--Lester wanted to have fun. "[Face the Ace are] just good guys that are interested in making a good product," Lester told us. "And I thought it would be fun. That was the main thing: Just have a good time with it, do something different." Sure, he admittedly had a much better time working on Hardball Ace than your average 30-second commercial, but that's not to say it didn't take some effort.
Hardball Ace pits you, the batter, against Jon Lester in a home run derby-style effort to score as many hits and runs on him as possible. But don't take it too lightly: Aside from being digitized, this is the real Jon Lester, thanks to motion capture technology. And, like we said, hopping into a unitard, covering yourself in tiny yellow balls and throwing pitches for five hours isn't exactly easy.
"To be a part of it and see me with this really stupid-looking suit on with all these different motion deals that are taped to your body and you have to go through your motion every couple minutes--it's a process that's tedious," Lester admits. "We spent a good amount of time doing this."
Every pitch recreated in Hardball Ace was hand-thrown, so to speak, by Lester. When meeting with Face the Ace to see a version of the game post-motion capture, the honorary Bostonian couldn't put the game down. "It was just cool to see the whole deal, and the frustrating part was that they handed it to me on Level Hard and I couldn't get a hit." That's when you know it's accurate, no?
Jon Lester Hardball Ace
According to Lester, that's thanks to the Face the Ace team, which recorded every single pitch Lester makes at every possible ball and strike count. This way, the Lester in Hardball Ace adapts to the conditions of the game--just like real deal. (Well, almost, but this might be as close as we'll get to realism in an iPhone for a long time.) But Hardball Ace is about more than just beating Lester--it's about smack-talking him when you do.
Lester will directly interact with Hardball Ace players post-launch through Twitter integration. Players who have an account can send him tweets from within the game for whatever reason, but is there is any harm in friendly taunts? Well, nothing, as Lester recorded a few busts for players to watch as he smokes them. And after throwing you a few no-hitters, he might feel so inclined to toss a few giveaways your way as well.
The name of the game here is engagement, and Lester joins a list of athletes and celebrities who have seen the light of interactive endorsements. (Just look at what the New Boyz are up to on Facebook.) But to this pitcher, it's not about shaking things up as much as, simply put, having some fun and doing something different. When asked whether projects like former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's 38 Studios are a sign of things to come, Lester says, "You know, he loves World of WarCraft or whatever the heck it's called. He loves that whole deal and created his own world. We're definitely not trying to do that."
Jon Lester pitching in Hardball Ace
While Lester isn't exactly trying to flip mobile gaming or advertising on its head, it sure does beat your average half-minute of fame on TV. "Commercial stuff is tough," Lester admits. "We're definitely not actors. For people that deal with actors and people who know how to do all that stuff in one take or two takes, it can be frustrating for us." According to the Lester, helping make video games is easy in comparison (aside from some serious time spent), because all he needs to do is what he does best: hurl that ball ... really fast.
Even after doing motion capture work twice before for Sony Computer Entertainment in the MLB: The Show game series, Lester is still amazed at how it all works. "To go through [motion capture] and go on the computer to see a stick figure and how that looks [compared] to what you were doing, and to see that stick figure go to what it is now in the game is unbelievable," Lester gushes. "Not only looks-wise--facial features and all that stuff--but the delivery is down to a 'T' in looking like me."
And, according to the 5-year-strong pitcher, that's exactly what Face the Ace was looking for. But between his Twitter interactions, video messages and future giveaways, Lester says Hardball Ace has a more personal touch than his console exploits. Nothing is more personal these days than good old gaming trash talk and tweet battles, so kudos, Mr. Lester.
Hardball Ace pits you, the batter, against Jon Lester in a home run derby-style effort to score as many hits and runs on him as possible. But don't take it too lightly: Aside from being digitized, this is the real Jon Lester, thanks to motion capture technology. And, like we said, hopping into a unitard, covering yourself in tiny yellow balls and throwing pitches for five hours isn't exactly easy.
"To be a part of it and see me with this really stupid-looking suit on with all these different motion deals that are taped to your body and you have to go through your motion every couple minutes--it's a process that's tedious," Lester admits. "We spent a good amount of time doing this."
Every pitch recreated in Hardball Ace was hand-thrown, so to speak, by Lester. When meeting with Face the Ace to see a version of the game post-motion capture, the honorary Bostonian couldn't put the game down. "It was just cool to see the whole deal, and the frustrating part was that they handed it to me on Level Hard and I couldn't get a hit." That's when you know it's accurate, no?
Jon Lester Hardball Ace
According to Lester, that's thanks to the Face the Ace team, which recorded every single pitch Lester makes at every possible ball and strike count. This way, the Lester in Hardball Ace adapts to the conditions of the game--just like real deal. (Well, almost, but this might be as close as we'll get to realism in an iPhone for a long time.) But Hardball Ace is about more than just beating Lester--it's about smack-talking him when you do.
Lester will directly interact with Hardball Ace players post-launch through Twitter integration. Players who have an account can send him tweets from within the game for whatever reason, but is there is any harm in friendly taunts? Well, nothing, as Lester recorded a few busts for players to watch as he smokes them. And after throwing you a few no-hitters, he might feel so inclined to toss a few giveaways your way as well.
The name of the game here is engagement, and Lester joins a list of athletes and celebrities who have seen the light of interactive endorsements. (Just look at what the New Boyz are up to on Facebook.) But to this pitcher, it's not about shaking things up as much as, simply put, having some fun and doing something different. When asked whether projects like former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's 38 Studios are a sign of things to come, Lester says, "You know, he loves World of WarCraft or whatever the heck it's called. He loves that whole deal and created his own world. We're definitely not trying to do that."
Jon Lester pitching in Hardball Ace
While Lester isn't exactly trying to flip mobile gaming or advertising on its head, it sure does beat your average half-minute of fame on TV. "Commercial stuff is tough," Lester admits. "We're definitely not actors. For people that deal with actors and people who know how to do all that stuff in one take or two takes, it can be frustrating for us." According to the Lester, helping make video games is easy in comparison (aside from some serious time spent), because all he needs to do is what he does best: hurl that ball ... really fast.
Even after doing motion capture work twice before for Sony Computer Entertainment in the MLB: The Show game series, Lester is still amazed at how it all works. "To go through [motion capture] and go on the computer to see a stick figure and how that looks [compared] to what you were doing, and to see that stick figure go to what it is now in the game is unbelievable," Lester gushes. "Not only looks-wise--facial features and all that stuff--but the delivery is down to a 'T' in looking like me."
And, according to the 5-year-strong pitcher, that's exactly what Face the Ace was looking for. But between his Twitter interactions, video messages and future giveaways, Lester says Hardball Ace has a more personal touch than his console exploits. Nothing is more personal these days than good old gaming trash talk and tweet battles, so kudos, Mr. Lester.
FrontierVille Hitchin' Rail and Wedding Wagon: Everything you need to know
FrontierVille Wedding Wagon
Love is in the air in FrontierVille, is it not? No, really, it is--just look right here. And part of this new series of Goals that will ultimately bring Hank and Fanny Wildcat is the Hitchin' Rail ... and the Wedding Wagon attached to it. These two items are vital in completing the Love is in the Air Goals, and thankfully they require little more than a few whacks to complete. If you a better chance at seeing Hank and Fanny tie the knot, you better join us behind the break.
FrontierVille Wedding Wagon crafting
As soon as the Goals appear in your game and you accept them, you will be thrown into placement mode with the Hitchin' Rail in hand. Put it any old place, click on it and choose "Call Wagon." Just like that, the Wedding Wagon will appear before your eyes. Click on it to go inside, and you'll see several recipes for items required to complete a bunch of the new Goals:
Polished: 30 Rough Gemstones and 3 Gem Polisher
The Ring: 3 Gem Polisher and Ring Band
Posies: 5 Red Rose Buds and 5 Silver Candles
Arrangement: 1 Vase and 2 Posies
Twill: 30 Cloth and 1 Shears
The Suit: 5 Twill and Armadillo Shoes
Rough Gemstones are found by performing normal actions like clearing debris on the homestead, while the Polished items are requested from friends (surprised?). The Ring Band to create "The Ring" is found after completing the third Goal in the series. Red Rose Buds comes from collecting the Chapel Daily Bonus, and Silver Candles are a friend-only gift. As for the Vase, it will one of your rewards from the first Goal in the series. You will need to collect 30 Cloth for Twill by visiting friends, but Shears come from the Sheep Collection. Finally, those fancy Armadillo Shoes come to you as a reward in the fifth Goal.
Love is in the air in FrontierVille, is it not? No, really, it is--just look right here. And part of this new series of Goals that will ultimately bring Hank and Fanny Wildcat is the Hitchin' Rail ... and the Wedding Wagon attached to it. These two items are vital in completing the Love is in the Air Goals, and thankfully they require little more than a few whacks to complete. If you a better chance at seeing Hank and Fanny tie the knot, you better join us behind the break.
FrontierVille Wedding Wagon crafting
As soon as the Goals appear in your game and you accept them, you will be thrown into placement mode with the Hitchin' Rail in hand. Put it any old place, click on it and choose "Call Wagon." Just like that, the Wedding Wagon will appear before your eyes. Click on it to go inside, and you'll see several recipes for items required to complete a bunch of the new Goals:
Polished: 30 Rough Gemstones and 3 Gem Polisher
The Ring: 3 Gem Polisher and Ring Band
Posies: 5 Red Rose Buds and 5 Silver Candles
Arrangement: 1 Vase and 2 Posies
Twill: 30 Cloth and 1 Shears
The Suit: 5 Twill and Armadillo Shoes
Rough Gemstones are found by performing normal actions like clearing debris on the homestead, while the Polished items are requested from friends (surprised?). The Ring Band to create "The Ring" is found after completing the third Goal in the series. Red Rose Buds comes from collecting the Chapel Daily Bonus, and Silver Candles are a friend-only gift. As for the Vase, it will one of your rewards from the first Goal in the series. You will need to collect 30 Cloth for Twill by visiting friends, but Shears come from the Sheep Collection. Finally, those fancy Armadillo Shoes come to you as a reward in the fifth Goal.
Dungeons and Dragons is headed for Facebook: No d20 required!
Sorry, but you won't be needing that gold-threaded dice bag real soon, because D&D is coming to Facebook, Inside Social Games reports. The legendary console developer, Atari, Liquid Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast is expecting to launch Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter this summer on Facebook. Of course, the game will be free (sorry for you vets that have already spent hundreds on this stuff) and support micro-transactions.
According to ISG, the game is actually being developed in advance of another presumably more robust online game in the same universe, titled Neverwinter. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this could be the first Facebook game to promote another MMO--the line continues to blur.
But on to the good stuff. In addition to custom character creation and progression across over 50 single player dungeons, an interesting AI option for your friend's avatars (this appears to be asynchronous, folks) and all the sweet loot you love the franchise for did we mention that the game is free? Seriously, have you seen how much those books cost? Insanity (That starter set was a gift, OK?). Atari revealed much more about this Facebook-nerdery in a full-on preview of Heroes of Neverwinter with ISG, so go read it in full here.
[Image Credit: Wizards of the Coast]
Would you be psyched to play a game like this, even if you're not a D&D nut? Do you think this game could get you hyped for the next Neverwinter (i.e. do you think these types of games are effective)?
According to ISG, the game is actually being developed in advance of another presumably more robust online game in the same universe, titled Neverwinter. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this could be the first Facebook game to promote another MMO--the line continues to blur.
But on to the good stuff. In addition to custom character creation and progression across over 50 single player dungeons, an interesting AI option for your friend's avatars (this appears to be asynchronous, folks) and all the sweet loot you love the franchise for did we mention that the game is free? Seriously, have you seen how much those books cost? Insanity (That starter set was a gift, OK?). Atari revealed much more about this Facebook-nerdery in a full-on preview of Heroes of Neverwinter with ISG, so go read it in full here.
[Image Credit: Wizards of the Coast]
Would you be psyched to play a game like this, even if you're not a D&D nut? Do you think this game could get you hyped for the next Neverwinter (i.e. do you think these types of games are effective)?
Friday, December 23, 2011
My Country on Facebook adds in-depth micromanagement to city building
With the success of CityVille, we've seen a slew of new city-building games released on Facebook in an effort to try and capitalize on the genre's success, which most games falling far short of capturing Zynga's spark. Yet another contender has stepped into the proverbial ring, as 6waves and innoWate have launched My Country on Facebook. My Country looks like an ordinary city-builder, as you're asked to build new businesses and homes, eventually expand your land and continue the process, but there's a real emphasis on complex micro-management, as you'll have to do far more than simply build a business to actually open it for customers.
As an example, let's take a look at the construction and initial operation of a Taxi Stand. Once you pay a chunk of change to start the building's construction, you can pay even more to speed up the process (or wait a few minutes for it to finish automatically). You'll then have to hire a Taxi Driver to actually work there, which requires you to collect profits from other businesses and homes until you receive enough randomly appearing collectible items to hire him (each individual employee requires three collectible items, only some of which can be earned by asking friends). One final step sees you actually starting a contract at the Taxi Stand to earn your first profits. In terms of other businesses, the process is similar, and will see you using the game's collection feature to hire new employees (turn in those collections), rather than the process being automatic.
The animations in My Country are plentiful, and you can alter your town's appearance by painting buildings in colors of your choosing to give it more life. You can even alter the land by adding square of water for lakes or rivers. These touches are greatly appreciated, as the rest of the game almost seems to be too complex for its own good. You'll quickly run through your beginning allowance of $650,000 by purchasing and opening just three businesses (as you'll likely have to upgrade everything to completion to finish the hiring collections for postal workers, businessmen, etc.), and there are some unintuitive menu screens that seem to contain far too much text without any explanation as to how to complete upgrade tasks while you're there.
If you follow along with the game's quest system, you'll learn about adding decorations, and ensuring that your city has enough power by building wind turbines, solar panels, and more to generate electricity. As your population grows, you'll require more and more energy, adding another layer (and another expense) for you to keep track of. Even decorations require you to have certain people working in your town, as you can't have a Pool without hiring a Lifeguard, a Cocktail Bar without a Bartender and so on.
Gallery: My Country on Facebook
If you're interested in a slow-moving title, where you can have as much control over your city as you'd like, My Country would likely satisfy your needs. Just keep in mind that funds are fairly difficult to earn at the start, and you can run out quicker than you might expect with just a single building. There's a lot of promise with My Country, even for its steep learning curve, and with a few adjustments, it just might have what it takes to compete with Zynga's juggernaut. With over 800,000 monthly active users already starting their own countries, it will be interesting to see just how high this one climbs.
As an example, let's take a look at the construction and initial operation of a Taxi Stand. Once you pay a chunk of change to start the building's construction, you can pay even more to speed up the process (or wait a few minutes for it to finish automatically). You'll then have to hire a Taxi Driver to actually work there, which requires you to collect profits from other businesses and homes until you receive enough randomly appearing collectible items to hire him (each individual employee requires three collectible items, only some of which can be earned by asking friends). One final step sees you actually starting a contract at the Taxi Stand to earn your first profits. In terms of other businesses, the process is similar, and will see you using the game's collection feature to hire new employees (turn in those collections), rather than the process being automatic.
The animations in My Country are plentiful, and you can alter your town's appearance by painting buildings in colors of your choosing to give it more life. You can even alter the land by adding square of water for lakes or rivers. These touches are greatly appreciated, as the rest of the game almost seems to be too complex for its own good. You'll quickly run through your beginning allowance of $650,000 by purchasing and opening just three businesses (as you'll likely have to upgrade everything to completion to finish the hiring collections for postal workers, businessmen, etc.), and there are some unintuitive menu screens that seem to contain far too much text without any explanation as to how to complete upgrade tasks while you're there.
If you follow along with the game's quest system, you'll learn about adding decorations, and ensuring that your city has enough power by building wind turbines, solar panels, and more to generate electricity. As your population grows, you'll require more and more energy, adding another layer (and another expense) for you to keep track of. Even decorations require you to have certain people working in your town, as you can't have a Pool without hiring a Lifeguard, a Cocktail Bar without a Bartender and so on.
Gallery: My Country on Facebook
If you're interested in a slow-moving title, where you can have as much control over your city as you'd like, My Country would likely satisfy your needs. Just keep in mind that funds are fairly difficult to earn at the start, and you can run out quicker than you might expect with just a single building. There's a lot of promise with My Country, even for its steep learning curve, and with a few adjustments, it just might have what it takes to compete with Zynga's juggernaut. With over 800,000 monthly active users already starting their own countries, it will be interesting to see just how high this one climbs.
FrontierVille: Design the perfect wedding for 1000 Horseshoes
If you've taken to decorating your entire FrontierVille Homestead with wedding-themed decorations to celebrate Hank and Fanny Wildcat's big day, make sure to enter Zynga's newest forum contest as you have a chance of being rewarded for your work. This newest giveaway asks you to "design the perfect wedding," using any and all wedding-themed items, along with items that may have been released previously but happen to fit in with the theme (flowers, planters, trees, etc.). The options here are limitless, just decorate until you're satisfied and then post screenshots in this forum thread.
This contest will be open until July 17. After that point, Zynga will choose the top ten Homesteads that will then be voted on by the community. If you win it all, you'll receive the grand prize of 1,000 Horseshoes. Second and third place winners will receive 500 and 350 Horseshoes each, respectively. Don't think you have a chance? Just remember that the final vote is up to your peers, so if you've got plenty of friends that play the game, why not enter? You just may walk away with enough Horseshoes to last you a lifetime!
This contest will be open until July 17. After that point, Zynga will choose the top ten Homesteads that will then be voted on by the community. If you win it all, you'll receive the grand prize of 1,000 Horseshoes. Second and third place winners will receive 500 and 350 Horseshoes each, respectively. Don't think you have a chance? Just remember that the final vote is up to your peers, so if you've got plenty of friends that play the game, why not enter? You just may walk away with enough Horseshoes to last you a lifetime!
FrontierVille: Design the perfect wedding for 1000 Horseshoes
If you've taken to decorating your entire FrontierVille Homestead with wedding-themed decorations to celebrate Hank and Fanny Wildcat's big day, make sure to enter Zynga's newest forum contest as you have a chance of being rewarded for your work. This newest giveaway asks you to "design the perfect wedding," using any and all wedding-themed items, along with items that may have been released previously but happen to fit in with the theme (flowers, planters, trees, etc.). The options here are limitless, just decorate until you're satisfied and then post screenshots in this forum thread.
This contest will be open until July 17. After that point, Zynga will choose the top ten Homesteads that will then be voted on by the community. If you win it all, you'll receive the grand prize of 1,000 Horseshoes. Second and third place winners will receive 500 and 350 Horseshoes each, respectively. Don't think you have a chance? Just remember that the final vote is up to your peers, so if you've got plenty of friends that play the game, why not enter? You just may walk away with enough Horseshoes to last you a lifetime!
Will you enter the Perfect Wedding decorating contest in FrontierVille? Have any decorating tips for your fellow players?
This contest will be open until July 17. After that point, Zynga will choose the top ten Homesteads that will then be voted on by the community. If you win it all, you'll receive the grand prize of 1,000 Horseshoes. Second and third place winners will receive 500 and 350 Horseshoes each, respectively. Don't think you have a chance? Just remember that the final vote is up to your peers, so if you've got plenty of friends that play the game, why not enter? You just may walk away with enough Horseshoes to last you a lifetime!
Will you enter the Perfect Wedding decorating contest in FrontierVille? Have any decorating tips for your fellow players?
FrontierVille Sneak Peek: Forest Fire and Earthquake World Events coming soon?
It looks like two new events may be coming to FrontierVille sometime in the future, if the info found by the folks at CEGamers is anything to go on. Apparently, the game's been given a bit of new coding, detailing two new widespread events that may or may not actually launch in the game.
The first is the Forest Fire event, which looks to cause our Pine and Oak trees to catch fire. Could this mean that we'll need to ask our friends for water pails to put out the fire, or that we'll have to put out the fire fast enough to stop it from catching other items on fire as well? I can only imagine the backlash that would occur if buildings or decorations were suddenly set ablaze if we didn't gather enough watering pails in time, but hey, stranger things have happened.
Likewise, the Earthquake event also seems to have destruction as a theme. All we know right now is that there will apparently be earthquakes of different strengths and speeds. The speed would likely deal with a certain amount of screen shake that would let you know when an earthquake had hit. Like the Forest Fires, we don't know if these Earthquakes would destroy buildings, ruin decorations or even injure animals, but part of me can see Zynga asking us to gather new tools to rebuild items that were destroyed.
Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of these two events. If they're simply a small part of some larger goal series, that doesn't actually negatively impact our land, then most users will probably complete them as normal. However, if we're looking at a loss of progress or even just a waste of time as we have to rebuild, I can only imagine the community reaction. Either way, we'll make sure to let you know if anything comes of these World Events, so keep checking back.
[Via CEGamers]
Would you like to see large, natural disasters come to FrontierVille, even if it didn't mean you had to rebuild items or lose progress? How would you like to see these elements added?
The first is the Forest Fire event, which looks to cause our Pine and Oak trees to catch fire. Could this mean that we'll need to ask our friends for water pails to put out the fire, or that we'll have to put out the fire fast enough to stop it from catching other items on fire as well? I can only imagine the backlash that would occur if buildings or decorations were suddenly set ablaze if we didn't gather enough watering pails in time, but hey, stranger things have happened.
Likewise, the Earthquake event also seems to have destruction as a theme. All we know right now is that there will apparently be earthquakes of different strengths and speeds. The speed would likely deal with a certain amount of screen shake that would let you know when an earthquake had hit. Like the Forest Fires, we don't know if these Earthquakes would destroy buildings, ruin decorations or even injure animals, but part of me can see Zynga asking us to gather new tools to rebuild items that were destroyed.
Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of these two events. If they're simply a small part of some larger goal series, that doesn't actually negatively impact our land, then most users will probably complete them as normal. However, if we're looking at a loss of progress or even just a waste of time as we have to rebuild, I can only imagine the community reaction. Either way, we'll make sure to let you know if anything comes of these World Events, so keep checking back.
[Via CEGamers]
Would you like to see large, natural disasters come to FrontierVille, even if it didn't mean you had to rebuild items or lose progress? How would you like to see these elements added?
CityVille level cap rises to 90 with new buildings, the addiction endures
If you finally grew bored, you can run back to CityVille now. Zynga has increased the level cap in the game from 80 to 90, and though details of each level aren't yet available, there are some attractive buildings that have appeared for Levels 85 and 90.
In addition, you can expect at least 10 more free City Cash for reaching each milestone. But you can also expect to need gobs of XP to reach even Level 81, considering it took 69,383 XP to reach Level 80. Here are the new buildings you'll unlock on your way to max level once again:
Cubic Modular (Unlocks at Level 85):
Cost: 25,000,000 Coins
Provides: 700-1,300 Population
Pays: 1,000 Coins every 2.1 days
Geodesic Rainforest (Unlocks at Level 90):
Cost: 5,000,000 Coins
Allows: 5,000 Population
Cubic Modular Geodesic Rainforest
I only hope that by Level 85 you have millions in Coins. However, this update raises an important question: Is this enough to bring players back to the game? According to AppData, CityVille has lost nearly 3 million monthly players in the last week, and has been in steady decline since the middle of June. Perhaps CityVille's reign is slowly coming to an end, opening the floor up for yet another Zynga game to surpass the industry's expectations.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Is CityVille on the way out? If so, what Zynga game will take its place at the top? Could it be a mobile game?
In addition, you can expect at least 10 more free City Cash for reaching each milestone. But you can also expect to need gobs of XP to reach even Level 81, considering it took 69,383 XP to reach Level 80. Here are the new buildings you'll unlock on your way to max level once again:
Cubic Modular (Unlocks at Level 85):
Cost: 25,000,000 Coins
Provides: 700-1,300 Population
Pays: 1,000 Coins every 2.1 days
Geodesic Rainforest (Unlocks at Level 90):
Cost: 5,000,000 Coins
Allows: 5,000 Population
Cubic Modular Geodesic Rainforest
I only hope that by Level 85 you have millions in Coins. However, this update raises an important question: Is this enough to bring players back to the game? According to AppData, CityVille has lost nearly 3 million monthly players in the last week, and has been in steady decline since the middle of June. Perhaps CityVille's reign is slowly coming to an end, opening the floor up for yet another Zynga game to surpass the industry's expectations.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Is CityVille on the way out? If so, what Zynga game will take its place at the top? Could it be a mobile game?
Rumors: First PopCap, now Ohai--EA looks for leg up in social games
Remember that mystery buyer that was rumored to pick up PopCap for an insane $1 billion? How about the scuttlebutt that a mystery shopper was eying up Ohai? As it turns out, they're both EA, the veteran games publisher that has tailed Zynga on Facebook with games like Madden NFL Superstars and Pet Society for some time. According to VentureBeat, unnamed sources have revealed that the company has purchased Ohai for an undisclosed amount, though the website guesses that it wasn't much.
While an opt to buy a company like PopCap with hit properties like Bejeweled and Plants vs Zombies (even if for $1 billion) is fairly obvious, a move to purchase a company like Ohai is a bit more ... puzzling. (Though, the company did just release a new game, Unicorn Parade.) Especially considering the fact that EA owns companies in the social games industry like Playfish and Chillingo, publisher of Angry Birds in the U.S.
However, some considerable talent has passed through Ohai, like former CEO Susan Wu, a professional gamer turned former venture capitalist. But with most of that talent long gone after a few lukewarm releases, why else would EA want Ohai? Our best guess is for good talent at a cheap price, but we know just about as much as you do.
Regardless of whether either rumor turns out to be true, know this: EA is on the hunt, and if it isn't PopCap or Ohai it'll be someone else. With lots of cash and lots of reason to close that gap between its now third-place 31 million players, EA looks like it's ready for another shopping spree.
[Image Credit: Ohai]
Which do you think EA is more likely to buy: Ohai or PopCap? Do you think either could help EA compete with Zynga in the social games race?
While an opt to buy a company like PopCap with hit properties like Bejeweled and Plants vs Zombies (even if for $1 billion) is fairly obvious, a move to purchase a company like Ohai is a bit more ... puzzling. (Though, the company did just release a new game, Unicorn Parade.) Especially considering the fact that EA owns companies in the social games industry like Playfish and Chillingo, publisher of Angry Birds in the U.S.
However, some considerable talent has passed through Ohai, like former CEO Susan Wu, a professional gamer turned former venture capitalist. But with most of that talent long gone after a few lukewarm releases, why else would EA want Ohai? Our best guess is for good talent at a cheap price, but we know just about as much as you do.
Regardless of whether either rumor turns out to be true, know this: EA is on the hunt, and if it isn't PopCap or Ohai it'll be someone else. With lots of cash and lots of reason to close that gap between its now third-place 31 million players, EA looks like it's ready for another shopping spree.
[Image Credit: Ohai]
Which do you think EA is more likely to buy: Ohai or PopCap? Do you think either could help EA compete with Zynga in the social games race?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Empires & Allies Special Forces Spectacular Goals: Everything you need to know
Some of the beefiest, baddest military folk we've ever seen (in tiny pixel form) have arrived in Empires & Allies. And to celebrate this Special Forces Spectacular in the game, Zynga has added a series of Goals for players to complete.
The series is only three Goals long, but the series can become quite demanding, so follow our guide to find out how it's done (however, keep in mind this is early information is subject to change):
Forward Base
Gather 250 Wood
Build a Control Tower 1
Build a Helipad
Just set and forget your Lumber Mill to produce the Wood. Both the Control Tower 1 and the Helipad are found in the Build menu for 3,000 and 10,000 Coins, respectively. For completing this Goal, you'll score 30 Gold or an Ore that doesn't appear in your Empire.
Gastronomical
Harvest 12 Chili Pepper Fields from Neighbors' Farms
Harvest 40 Tomato Fields
This Goal will require some communication with friends, so use Facebook chat or the Games Ticker to coordinate. Since you'll want to plant your own Chili Peppers for your friends, they'll cost you 216 Coins a piece and take at least 24 hours to ripen. The Tomatoes, on the other hand, will cost you a total of 4,800 Coins and each crop takes one hour to ripen and harvest. It would be in your best interest to speed up your friends' Tomatoes so they might do the same. Unfortunately, reward information isn't available for this one.
Gather Supplies
Have 10 Parachutes
Have 10 Camo Paint
Gather 500 Oil
The 10 Parachutes and 10 Camo Paint look to come from your friends, so get to beggin'. The 500 Oil, again, is a set it and forget it type of deal. Sadly, no other information is available on this Goal at the moment, but let the suspense motivate you, huh?
[Source: Empires And Allies Missions]
Check out the rest of our Empires & Allies Cheats and Tips right here. -->
Have you seen these Goals appear in your version of E&A yet? What do you think of these sick new units from the event?
The series is only three Goals long, but the series can become quite demanding, so follow our guide to find out how it's done (however, keep in mind this is early information is subject to change):
Forward Base
Gather 250 Wood
Build a Control Tower 1
Build a Helipad
Just set and forget your Lumber Mill to produce the Wood. Both the Control Tower 1 and the Helipad are found in the Build menu for 3,000 and 10,000 Coins, respectively. For completing this Goal, you'll score 30 Gold or an Ore that doesn't appear in your Empire.
Gastronomical
Harvest 12 Chili Pepper Fields from Neighbors' Farms
Harvest 40 Tomato Fields
This Goal will require some communication with friends, so use Facebook chat or the Games Ticker to coordinate. Since you'll want to plant your own Chili Peppers for your friends, they'll cost you 216 Coins a piece and take at least 24 hours to ripen. The Tomatoes, on the other hand, will cost you a total of 4,800 Coins and each crop takes one hour to ripen and harvest. It would be in your best interest to speed up your friends' Tomatoes so they might do the same. Unfortunately, reward information isn't available for this one.
Gather Supplies
Have 10 Parachutes
Have 10 Camo Paint
Gather 500 Oil
The 10 Parachutes and 10 Camo Paint look to come from your friends, so get to beggin'. The 500 Oil, again, is a set it and forget it type of deal. Sadly, no other information is available on this Goal at the moment, but let the suspense motivate you, huh?
[Source: Empires And Allies Missions]
Check out the rest of our Empires & Allies Cheats and Tips right here. -->
Have you seen these Goals appear in your version of E&A yet? What do you think of these sick new units from the event?
Zynga calls game over on 'Wars' game and two others
Before it was known for Pioneer Trail and Empires & Allies, and even before FarmVille and Mafia Wars, Zynga had a large stable of Facebook games in vein of the company's old "Just add 'Wars'" strategy.
One of those games, Fashion Wars, was officially shut down last week, along with Pirates: Rule the Caribbean! and Special Forces.
If this seems a bit last minute to you, it's not. Players were given 90 days to wrap up their affairs in these games. The original announcement of the shutdown occurred on May 23. The games weren't turned off until August 22.
Players who log into Fashion Wars after the shutdown are greeted with the following message:
Dear Fashion Wars player,
Our goal at Zynga is to bring players the most fun and engaging social games on the web. Despite a strong community, the popularity of Fashion Wars has declined significantly.
As of today, Fashion Wars is no longer available to players.
Zynga is committed to helping Fashion Wars players find a new game to enjoy.
Thank you for playing Fashion Wars.
Sincerely,
Zynga Game Network
Moreover, Zynga put out three official goodbye threads in the forums for each of the games as seen below. These were kept open to posts until August 23, and are available to the public:
Pirates: Rule The Caribbean
Fashion Wars
Special Forces
Zynga Fashion Wars
Pirates: Rule the Caribbean!, according to AppData, once possessed an all-time high of 1.8 million monthly average users. This is followed in size by Fashion Wars with 1.5 million MAU, then Special Forces with 800K MAU.
[Hat-tip: Social Games Lounge]
[Bottom image credit: Fashion Wars wiki]
Have you ever played or even heard of these three Zynga games before?
One of those games, Fashion Wars, was officially shut down last week, along with Pirates: Rule the Caribbean! and Special Forces.
If this seems a bit last minute to you, it's not. Players were given 90 days to wrap up their affairs in these games. The original announcement of the shutdown occurred on May 23. The games weren't turned off until August 22.
Players who log into Fashion Wars after the shutdown are greeted with the following message:
Dear Fashion Wars player,
Our goal at Zynga is to bring players the most fun and engaging social games on the web. Despite a strong community, the popularity of Fashion Wars has declined significantly.
As of today, Fashion Wars is no longer available to players.
Zynga is committed to helping Fashion Wars players find a new game to enjoy.
Thank you for playing Fashion Wars.
Sincerely,
Zynga Game Network
Moreover, Zynga put out three official goodbye threads in the forums for each of the games as seen below. These were kept open to posts until August 23, and are available to the public:
Pirates: Rule The Caribbean
Fashion Wars
Special Forces
Zynga Fashion Wars
Pirates: Rule the Caribbean!, according to AppData, once possessed an all-time high of 1.8 million monthly average users. This is followed in size by Fashion Wars with 1.5 million MAU, then Special Forces with 800K MAU.
[Hat-tip: Social Games Lounge]
[Bottom image credit: Fashion Wars wiki]
Have you ever played or even heard of these three Zynga games before?
Zynga's Adventure World gives Facebook the Indiana Jones treatment
Going on a trek with your buddies down the Pioneer Trail is a hoot and all, but how about something more ... adventurous? Adventure World, Zynga's next big Facebook game, will give you just that. This brand new Zynga game will launch soon with what appears to be a slightly new take on what Facebook games are all about.
We already know, based on the action-packed trailer below, that players will journey through multiple tropical, volcanic and even ancient environments with their friends. Wild beasts, traps and puzzles will be thrown at eager adventurers as they traverse what looks to be a litany of detailed, animated locales.
Speaking of animation, look at what these explorers are doing: climbing ropes, triggering traps and leaping around levels. This game already looks more action-packed than possibly even Empires & Allies--and I didn't see one tank in that trailer. (And is that the voice of Duke Nukem, John St. John, narrating?)
More questions completely different from these will be answered in the coming weeks on Adventure World's Facebook page. Until then, sit back and enjoy the cel-shaded, '30s comic style characters run and jump around what looks to be Indie Jones's stomping grounds. Soon enough, we'll have more than just a trailer to show you about Adventure World.
[Video Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to dive into the mystery and intrigue of Adventure World? How do you think this game will do compared to its existing Facebook games?
We already know, based on the action-packed trailer below, that players will journey through multiple tropical, volcanic and even ancient environments with their friends. Wild beasts, traps and puzzles will be thrown at eager adventurers as they traverse what looks to be a litany of detailed, animated locales.
Speaking of animation, look at what these explorers are doing: climbing ropes, triggering traps and leaping around levels. This game already looks more action-packed than possibly even Empires & Allies--and I didn't see one tank in that trailer. (And is that the voice of Duke Nukem, John St. John, narrating?)
More questions completely different from these will be answered in the coming weeks on Adventure World's Facebook page. Until then, sit back and enjoy the cel-shaded, '30s comic style characters run and jump around what looks to be Indie Jones's stomping grounds. Soon enough, we'll have more than just a trailer to show you about Adventure World.
[Video Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to dive into the mystery and intrigue of Adventure World? How do you think this game will do compared to its existing Facebook games?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Visit the Boot of Europe on ombra231's Italia
Satellite image of Italy
Benvenuto, FarmVille friends! As you may have guessed, that's "Welcome" in Italian, because today's farm of the day takes us right to the Lo Stivale, or "The Boot" (of Europe), which is what the Italian peninsula is known to resemble.
Crafted by ombra231, who not only managed to create the peninsula out of many, many trees, he also included the surrounding islands -- namely, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Sicily is the piece that looks like it's about to be kicked by the toe of Italy's boot. Sardinia is the one northwest of Sicily, and the one north of Sardinia is Corsica, which is actually owned by the French. Corsica is best known as Napoléon's birthplace.
Like Supertech67's farm from yesterday, ombra231 also used Limited Edition Mayflower ships (from the 2010 Thanksgiving Basket) to add realism to hundreds of tiny, blue hay bales representing the following three seas: Tyrrhenian (on the west), Ionian (on the south), and Adriatic (on the east). In the landlocked northern part of the peninsula, ombra231 used several of last summer's Swiss Alps (which cost 42 Farm Cash each) to recreate the Apennine Mountain Range.
Lastly, if you look closely at the flag in the water, you can see the number "150" above it. To understand that we have to dig into Italy's history, namely, that Italy didn't exist as a singular country until it was united by Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1861. That number represents the 150 years that Italy's remained a unified country, of which 2011 was its 150th year. Talk about detail. Ombra231 sure has us impressed.
Isn't this farm amazing? Do you think ombra231 is missing any crucial part of Italy's geography? Add Comment
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!
Benvenuto, FarmVille friends! As you may have guessed, that's "Welcome" in Italian, because today's farm of the day takes us right to the Lo Stivale, or "The Boot" (of Europe), which is what the Italian peninsula is known to resemble.
Crafted by ombra231, who not only managed to create the peninsula out of many, many trees, he also included the surrounding islands -- namely, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Sicily is the piece that looks like it's about to be kicked by the toe of Italy's boot. Sardinia is the one northwest of Sicily, and the one north of Sardinia is Corsica, which is actually owned by the French. Corsica is best known as Napoléon's birthplace.
Like Supertech67's farm from yesterday, ombra231 also used Limited Edition Mayflower ships (from the 2010 Thanksgiving Basket) to add realism to hundreds of tiny, blue hay bales representing the following three seas: Tyrrhenian (on the west), Ionian (on the south), and Adriatic (on the east). In the landlocked northern part of the peninsula, ombra231 used several of last summer's Swiss Alps (which cost 42 Farm Cash each) to recreate the Apennine Mountain Range.
Lastly, if you look closely at the flag in the water, you can see the number "150" above it. To understand that we have to dig into Italy's history, namely, that Italy didn't exist as a singular country until it was united by Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1861. That number represents the 150 years that Italy's remained a unified country, of which 2011 was its 150th year. Talk about detail. Ombra231 sure has us impressed.
Isn't this farm amazing? Do you think ombra231 is missing any crucial part of Italy's geography? Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
CityVille Side Goals to soon disappear, make way for upcoming Goals
Like FarmVille's English Countryside Goals before it, something's gotta give in CityVille. (I mean, come on, the game is downright huge.) Unfortunately, Zynga has announced that a number of the side Goals in its hit city-builder will go the way of the dodo. What's worse is that they might even disappear from the game this week. If you're currently working on any of the Goals listed below, I highly recommend you finish them on the double before they're gone forever:
More Billy
1.Cinema Investment
2.Build Cinema
3.Cinema Tour
More Andre
1. Restaurant Research
2. Restaurant Food
3. Build Restaurant
More Rita
1. Supply Capital City
2. Crop Tending
3. Harvest Peas
4. Build Corner Store
Lorenzo
1. Lorenzo's Family
2. House the Family
3. Family Value
4. Sneezy Niece
Rusty Gets Lost
1. Rusty Lost at Seas
2. Search Party Time
3. Send the Ships
4. More Rusty Clues
5. Bring Rusty Home
Intl Food Fest
1. Food Festival
2. Festival Recipes
3. Food For Thought
4. Pigeons Feast
5. Festival Time
Eating Contest
1. Eating Contest
2. Paul Packs It In
3. Training on Track
4. Vote for Eating
5. It's Eating Time
Movie Star
1. Star in the City
2. Luxury Shopping
3. Recipe for Success
4. Meet the Star
5. Shooting Star
Museum
1. Archaeological Dig
2. Artifacts of Life
3. Student Archeology
4. Cabin Copy
5. For the Children
Louise
1. Louise's Homework
2. Higher Education
3. Edgar Gets Funky
4. Education Rules
5. Edgar's College Try
6. Education Rises
7. Bird Doctor
St Patty's Day
1. St Patty's Pub
2. Paul and St Pats
3. Face Painting
4. Clovers for Ruth
5. Edgar Bows Down
Cinco De Mayo
1. Cinco de Mayo
2. Ready to Party
As you can see, these Goals are largely associated with in-game holiday events or those that simply add flavor to the game. Zynga is quick to point out in its announcement that, while these Goals will be gone most likely by the end of the week, only some of their rewards will.
Rewards in the Build Menu that are unlocked through these Goals will remain in the Build Menu with their restrictions lifted. This change will, however, remove items from the game that were direct rewards from these Goals. Besides, most of these Goals are old school, so you won't be missing much. You know what they say: Old Goals die hard ... or something like that.
[Source: Zynga]
Sad to see these old Goals go? What type of Goals or content do you hope Zynga introduces to CityVille in replace of these lost Goals?
More Billy
1.Cinema Investment
2.Build Cinema
3.Cinema Tour
More Andre
1. Restaurant Research
2. Restaurant Food
3. Build Restaurant
More Rita
1. Supply Capital City
2. Crop Tending
3. Harvest Peas
4. Build Corner Store
Lorenzo
1. Lorenzo's Family
2. House the Family
3. Family Value
4. Sneezy Niece
Rusty Gets Lost
1. Rusty Lost at Seas
2. Search Party Time
3. Send the Ships
4. More Rusty Clues
5. Bring Rusty Home
Intl Food Fest
1. Food Festival
2. Festival Recipes
3. Food For Thought
4. Pigeons Feast
5. Festival Time
Eating Contest
1. Eating Contest
2. Paul Packs It In
3. Training on Track
4. Vote for Eating
5. It's Eating Time
Movie Star
1. Star in the City
2. Luxury Shopping
3. Recipe for Success
4. Meet the Star
5. Shooting Star
Museum
1. Archaeological Dig
2. Artifacts of Life
3. Student Archeology
4. Cabin Copy
5. For the Children
Louise
1. Louise's Homework
2. Higher Education
3. Edgar Gets Funky
4. Education Rules
5. Edgar's College Try
6. Education Rises
7. Bird Doctor
St Patty's Day
1. St Patty's Pub
2. Paul and St Pats
3. Face Painting
4. Clovers for Ruth
5. Edgar Bows Down
Cinco De Mayo
1. Cinco de Mayo
2. Ready to Party
As you can see, these Goals are largely associated with in-game holiday events or those that simply add flavor to the game. Zynga is quick to point out in its announcement that, while these Goals will be gone most likely by the end of the week, only some of their rewards will.
Rewards in the Build Menu that are unlocked through these Goals will remain in the Build Menu with their restrictions lifted. This change will, however, remove items from the game that were direct rewards from these Goals. Besides, most of these Goals are old school, so you won't be missing much. You know what they say: Old Goals die hard ... or something like that.
[Source: Zynga]
Sad to see these old Goals go? What type of Goals or content do you hope Zynga introduces to CityVille in replace of these lost Goals?
A Twix bar, Facebook and Breakout combined makes FeedBreaker
You know, at least advergames have become more entertaining as of late on Facebook. Keeping the much-preferred tradition alive is Twix and Matmi's FeedBreaker, a Breakout-inspired game in which players control a Twix bar to continually bounce a white ball into blocks. Yeah, it sounds entirely too familiar, but what advergame hasn't?
And, if it's fun ... meh. Matmi, a Manchester, UK-based design firm, has experience creating branded social and online games for everyone from Nokia to Iron Maiden. (You know, the hair metal band?)
Designed by Matmi both to get you to buy a Twix bar and to mildly entertain you with familiar but branded gameplay, FeedBreaker has players essentially playing Breakout (Arkanoid ring a bell for anyone?) to delicious candy bars and thumping techno beats.
The brick-breaking, which can be controlled through either your mouse or keyboard, hasn't changed one bit. What has changed is the inclusion of "Social Bricks," which will be adorned with your Facebook friends' faces at random.
When destroyed, the game will take that friend's most recent status update and feed it through a marquee below the moving Twix bar. It's an interesting social twist on a tired genre (both advergames and Breakout), at least.
Twix FeedBreaker in action
Oh, and the game has nifty power-ups like stretching paddles, double balls, and multiple paddles to play with. (Though, the game also has power-downs, so watch out.) As players progress in the game, they can gift power-ups or power-downs to their friends. Throw in some achievements and you got yourself a fine way to waste a few minutes ... and get really hungry. If you'll excuse me.
[Via All Facebook]
Click here to play Twix FeedBreaker on Facebook Now >
Do you think advergames on Facebook have evolved at all since they appeared on the platform? What do you think of this caramelized take on Breakout?
And, if it's fun ... meh. Matmi, a Manchester, UK-based design firm, has experience creating branded social and online games for everyone from Nokia to Iron Maiden. (You know, the hair metal band?)
Designed by Matmi both to get you to buy a Twix bar and to mildly entertain you with familiar but branded gameplay, FeedBreaker has players essentially playing Breakout (Arkanoid ring a bell for anyone?) to delicious candy bars and thumping techno beats.
The brick-breaking, which can be controlled through either your mouse or keyboard, hasn't changed one bit. What has changed is the inclusion of "Social Bricks," which will be adorned with your Facebook friends' faces at random.
When destroyed, the game will take that friend's most recent status update and feed it through a marquee below the moving Twix bar. It's an interesting social twist on a tired genre (both advergames and Breakout), at least.
Twix FeedBreaker in action
Oh, and the game has nifty power-ups like stretching paddles, double balls, and multiple paddles to play with. (Though, the game also has power-downs, so watch out.) As players progress in the game, they can gift power-ups or power-downs to their friends. Throw in some achievements and you got yourself a fine way to waste a few minutes ... and get really hungry. If you'll excuse me.
[Via All Facebook]
Click here to play Twix FeedBreaker on Facebook Now >
Do you think advergames on Facebook have evolved at all since they appeared on the platform? What do you think of this caramelized take on Breakout?
Pioneer Trail (finally) scores searchable Inventory, Collections
Seriously, I may have spent more time sifting through my inventory for that one item in Pioneer Trail than actually pioneering at times. Before today, players would have the click through nearly endless lists of slowly loading items, only to pass the one they were looking and having to backtrack.
It was quite the process until Zynga one day (today for most) released a search function to the Inventory and Collections pages. When players log into the game today and take a look at their inventory or the Collections page, they'll quickly notice a white bar at the bottom of each window that displays a word of infinite opportunity: Search.
Your entire inventory and Collections are literally at your fingertips. Just click in the box with the magnifying glass and type away. Of course, not knowing exactly what you're looking for will cause players to enjoy varied mileage on this one.
Zynga later reiterates the point that it has not forgotten about the Homestead, and it's true. Just recently both the Chuck Wagon and Bank have been released to the Homestead. Now, players can get the heck out of there even faster with the new search feature. But an addition for the "romantically-inclined" is incoming, so it looks like Pioneer Trail is about to get saucy and sage-like.
Pioneer Trail Inventory Search
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited by the addition of searchable Inventory and Collections to Pioneer Trail? What other optimizations do you think the game needs at the moment?
It was quite the process until Zynga one day (today for most) released a search function to the Inventory and Collections pages. When players log into the game today and take a look at their inventory or the Collections page, they'll quickly notice a white bar at the bottom of each window that displays a word of infinite opportunity: Search.
Your entire inventory and Collections are literally at your fingertips. Just click in the box with the magnifying glass and type away. Of course, not knowing exactly what you're looking for will cause players to enjoy varied mileage on this one.
Zynga later reiterates the point that it has not forgotten about the Homestead, and it's true. Just recently both the Chuck Wagon and Bank have been released to the Homestead. Now, players can get the heck out of there even faster with the new search feature. But an addition for the "romantically-inclined" is incoming, so it looks like Pioneer Trail is about to get saucy and sage-like.
Pioneer Trail Inventory Search
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited by the addition of searchable Inventory and Collections to Pioneer Trail? What other optimizations do you think the game needs at the moment?
The Secret World MMO plots mysterious Facebook advergame
The Secret World Secret War beta
Unleashing one incredible trailer after another, EA and Funcom's The Secret World is an MMO (massive multiplayer online) set for Windows-based PCs and (possibly) Xbox 360. Standing outside your typical MMO, the game seeks to do away with levels and classes, focusing instead on skills and abilities. There's an overarching storyline and side quests among three ancient, rival organizations banding together to save the world from evil. It's all very modern, urban, and full of super dramatic secret stuff.
Gallery: Secret War: Personality test for beta registration
While it isn't clear if the game will be launching on Facebook, beta registrations for a "Phase One" Facebook social game called "Secret War" have opened up online. Prospective applicants just need to sign up on the official website after taking a personality test to decide which of the three factions you'll play -- the Dragons, Templars, or Illuminati.
Trailers for each group were released, represented by the following characters, "The Firestarter" (her milkshake brings all the demons to the yard), "The Puritan" (holy shotgun, Batman!), and "Alex McCall" (who doesn't care if he's a John Constantine knockoff, because at least he's not being played by Keanu Reeves).
The Secret War on Facebook
You'll also have the option to register for the beta without Facebook, but Facebook is the one that promises to deliver "the full experience". The Secret World MMO itself is set for release on April 2012. To keep track of this game and interact with other excited fans, follow its official fan page here. A direct link to the Secret War app is here.
[Hat-tip: GameShard]
Are you excited for The Secret World yet? What do you think of this intersection between MMO and Facebook game?
Unleashing one incredible trailer after another, EA and Funcom's The Secret World is an MMO (massive multiplayer online) set for Windows-based PCs and (possibly) Xbox 360. Standing outside your typical MMO, the game seeks to do away with levels and classes, focusing instead on skills and abilities. There's an overarching storyline and side quests among three ancient, rival organizations banding together to save the world from evil. It's all very modern, urban, and full of super dramatic secret stuff.
Gallery: Secret War: Personality test for beta registration
While it isn't clear if the game will be launching on Facebook, beta registrations for a "Phase One" Facebook social game called "Secret War" have opened up online. Prospective applicants just need to sign up on the official website after taking a personality test to decide which of the three factions you'll play -- the Dragons, Templars, or Illuminati.
Trailers for each group were released, represented by the following characters, "The Firestarter" (her milkshake brings all the demons to the yard), "The Puritan" (holy shotgun, Batman!), and "Alex McCall" (who doesn't care if he's a John Constantine knockoff, because at least he's not being played by Keanu Reeves).
The Secret War on Facebook
You'll also have the option to register for the beta without Facebook, but Facebook is the one that promises to deliver "the full experience". The Secret World MMO itself is set for release on April 2012. To keep track of this game and interact with other excited fans, follow its official fan page here. A direct link to the Secret War app is here.
[Hat-tip: GameShard]
Are you excited for The Secret World yet? What do you think of this intersection between MMO and Facebook game?
CityVille: Head to the country with new Farm houses and decorations
Well, you can't say I didn't warn you. The Circus Caravan has packed up shop and rolled on out of CityVille, leaving a gaping hole in the game's store for limited edition items. Don't worry though Mayors, a new theme has already launched in a new country-inspired Farm theme. Just as with previous themes, this one comes complete with businesses, homes and even a Mystery Crate, some of which are fancier than others. Here's a complete look at the new items.
Ingram House
60 City Cash
Population: 1600 - 3200
Rent: 20 coins every five minutes
Cow Ranch (Home)
90 City Cash
Population: 3000 - 5500
Rent: 156 coins every hour
Rustic Shack (Home)
3000 coins
Population: 80-160
Rent: 170 coins every four hours
Saddles Shop (Business)
9000 coins
Requires: 225 Goods
Earnings: 1284 coins
Hay Bale (Decoration)
500 coins
1% bonus payout
Oaty Oats Factory (Community Building)
60 City Cash
Allows 1800 citizens to live in your town
As with previous themes, the Hay Bale (and presumably any future decorations that will/may be released in the theme) offer a bonus payout when placed next to other Farm items, but unfortunately, the Hay Bale doesn't offer a boost to current Farm items, like our Goods storage items or farm plots.
Additionally, you can also purchase a Farm Mystery Crate for 45 City Cash, which will contain a Cow Ranch, Oaty Oats Factory, Ingram House or an Antebellum Home, which right now isn't available for a single purchase. This home offers at least 2400 citizens to your town, and can be upgraded to 4600 citizens via random upgrades. It's an uncommon prize in this Mystery Crate (the Oaty Oats Factory and Ingram House are the most common), so you may need to purchase more than one crate to end up with all four items, if that's your goal.
Currently, all of these items are limited edition, save for the Hay Bale which looks to be permanent. The limited items will only be available for the next week, so make sure to go shopping now while these items are still readily available.
Are you sad to see the Circus theme leave CityVille, or are you happy for a change of pace? What do you think of the Farm theme? What other kinds of items would you like to see released before this current theme expires as well?
Ingram House
60 City Cash
Population: 1600 - 3200
Rent: 20 coins every five minutes
Cow Ranch (Home)
90 City Cash
Population: 3000 - 5500
Rent: 156 coins every hour
Rustic Shack (Home)
3000 coins
Population: 80-160
Rent: 170 coins every four hours
Saddles Shop (Business)
9000 coins
Requires: 225 Goods
Earnings: 1284 coins
Hay Bale (Decoration)
500 coins
1% bonus payout
Oaty Oats Factory (Community Building)
60 City Cash
Allows 1800 citizens to live in your town
As with previous themes, the Hay Bale (and presumably any future decorations that will/may be released in the theme) offer a bonus payout when placed next to other Farm items, but unfortunately, the Hay Bale doesn't offer a boost to current Farm items, like our Goods storage items or farm plots.
Additionally, you can also purchase a Farm Mystery Crate for 45 City Cash, which will contain a Cow Ranch, Oaty Oats Factory, Ingram House or an Antebellum Home, which right now isn't available for a single purchase. This home offers at least 2400 citizens to your town, and can be upgraded to 4600 citizens via random upgrades. It's an uncommon prize in this Mystery Crate (the Oaty Oats Factory and Ingram House are the most common), so you may need to purchase more than one crate to end up with all four items, if that's your goal.
Currently, all of these items are limited edition, save for the Hay Bale which looks to be permanent. The limited items will only be available for the next week, so make sure to go shopping now while these items are still readily available.
Are you sad to see the Circus theme leave CityVille, or are you happy for a change of pace? What do you think of the Farm theme? What other kinds of items would you like to see released before this current theme expires as well?
Pioneer Trail Bank Collections offer rewards for saving money
Along with the release of the Bank in Pioneer Trail comes not just one, but three new collections to complete. While we may not yet have the ability to search for these new collections (although that is coming), these are found near the very back (that is, keep bashing on the right arrow and head backwards a few pages when you reach the end).
As you might have guessed, there's a collection here based on simply building the Bank and collecting its daily bonus, but there's also one here for visiting your friends' Banks, and one based around upgrading the Bank. First things first, the basic Bank Collection items can be earned by collecting the Daily Bonus from multiple levels of this upgradeable building: Penny, Nickel, Dollar, Silver and Gold Banks, to be exact. For completing it, you'll earn the Bank Crate item.
From there, you can further upgrade your Bank to either the Platinum or Diamond levels, which takes your Bank to the next collection, appropriately called the Platinum Bank Collection. These items are only earned from those two levels, and then apparently eliminate your ability to earn the previous collection's items, so you'll want to keep that in mind if you like completing each collection at least once. Your reward for this collection is the Platinum Bank Crate.
Finally, the Travelin' Bank Collection rewards you with items for collecting your daily bonus from your friends' Banks. These five items are only found on your friends' Homesteads, and you'll receive (you guessed it) the Travelin' Bank Crate for finishing it off.
All together, these three collections seem more like those that you'll finish passively over time, rather than those you can go out of your way to complete. While you can still ask your friends to help you with any extra items you need, don't worry about rushing through these collections just yet - they'll be there when you're finally ready.
What do you think of these three new Bank Collections? Will you purposefully not upgrade to either Platinum or Diamond just to complete the first Bank collection before upgrading?
As you might have guessed, there's a collection here based on simply building the Bank and collecting its daily bonus, but there's also one here for visiting your friends' Banks, and one based around upgrading the Bank. First things first, the basic Bank Collection items can be earned by collecting the Daily Bonus from multiple levels of this upgradeable building: Penny, Nickel, Dollar, Silver and Gold Banks, to be exact. For completing it, you'll earn the Bank Crate item.
From there, you can further upgrade your Bank to either the Platinum or Diamond levels, which takes your Bank to the next collection, appropriately called the Platinum Bank Collection. These items are only earned from those two levels, and then apparently eliminate your ability to earn the previous collection's items, so you'll want to keep that in mind if you like completing each collection at least once. Your reward for this collection is the Platinum Bank Crate.
Finally, the Travelin' Bank Collection rewards you with items for collecting your daily bonus from your friends' Banks. These five items are only found on your friends' Homesteads, and you'll receive (you guessed it) the Travelin' Bank Crate for finishing it off.
All together, these three collections seem more like those that you'll finish passively over time, rather than those you can go out of your way to complete. While you can still ask your friends to help you with any extra items you need, don't worry about rushing through these collections just yet - they'll be there when you're finally ready.
What do you think of these three new Bank Collections? Will you purposefully not upgrade to either Platinum or Diamond just to complete the first Bank collection before upgrading?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Bug Village is the third game on Google+ that isn't on Facebook
And if you even try to say Sudoku Puzzles counts, we're no longer friends. Glu Mobile has announced that its iOS and Android village-builder Bug Village has hit Google+, and it's the first of many to hit Google's social games platform in the coming months. Bug Village is essentially CityVille, but with insects rather than humans: Players decorate and manage a colony of bugs.
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
Zynga has more people working on new games than existing ones
So, that's what happened to Mafia Wars 2, eh? Let's not jump ahead of ourselves, but that's what Zynga COO John Schappert is telling potential investors as the company begins its IPO (initial public offering) road show. The company posted a video of the same presentation it is putting on for investors across the country--all 30 minutes of 51 mind-numbingly boring slides.
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
Sims Medieval for iPhone: Now available for the low price of free
It's time get Medieval, Sims-style, and, today, you can do it for free. The Sims Medieval for iPhone lets you create a virtual hero and then take on a series of medieval era quests, like dueling or... wizardry! The game normally costs $4.99 and until midnight (EST) tonight, you can snag it for free. As in nada, zilch, zip.
This deal is the first of many EA Mobile's new Daily Deals program, which kicks off today through January 2, and iOS and Android games will be offered for free or at a steep discount. Deals change daily and run from 9 a.m. PST 12 p.m. EST, and you can check EA's Daily Deals site, well, daily to see what other deep discounts await.
In addition to this Sims game aimed at renaissance fair regulars, the driving game Shift 2 Unleashed for iPhone and iPad are also free today. Battlefield Bad Company 2 for iPad is 50% off and NBA Jam for iPad is 60% off. It's not a bad way to build your mobile phone gaming library without breaking the bank.
This deal is the first of many EA Mobile's new Daily Deals program, which kicks off today through January 2, and iOS and Android games will be offered for free or at a steep discount. Deals change daily and run from 9 a.m. PST 12 p.m. EST, and you can check EA's Daily Deals site, well, daily to see what other deep discounts await.
In addition to this Sims game aimed at renaissance fair regulars, the driving game Shift 2 Unleashed for iPhone and iPad are also free today. Battlefield Bad Company 2 for iPad is 50% off and NBA Jam for iPad is 60% off. It's not a bad way to build your mobile phone gaming library without breaking the bank.
Watch your back, Nintendo: GREE doesn't want just a piece of your pie
The Japan-based mobile social games company wants all of it. That's essentially what the company's founder and CEO, Yoshikazu Tanaka, told TechCrunch during its Disrupt event in Tokyo recently. The GREE chief told TechCrunch that most of the company's revenue comes from its Japanese audience, but that it hopes to follow Nintendo's example in creating a massive global audience.
But Tanaka isn't happy with just following Nintendo, he looks to displace the veteran games maker. He told the news outlet that he wouldn't surprised to see GREE's revenue in the West jump to four to five times of what it is in Asian within the next five years. "We definitely feel positive, and our goal is to make sure our brand is just as successful, if not better than Nintendo."
Nintendo is infamous for its unwillingness to enter the mobile games market through iOS or Android. While the company does plan to release an iOS version of its eShop (the downloadable games store on the 3DS), it simply refuses to create games for mobile phones. This is despite numerous studies suggesting otherwise and even investors clamoring for Nintendo games on iPhone.
Nintendo did, however, manage to sell more 3DS consoles in its first eight months on the market than the original DS system sold in one year. Perhaps there's still interest in a handheld device dedicated to gaming, but you could also chalk these immense sales up to the devices' price cut over the summer and a terribly strong Black Friday. Regardless, the mobile gaming world is after Nintendo, which leaves us wondering whether its stern strategy can withstand the onslaught.
Could GREE eventually overtake Nintendo through its mobile social games network? Can Nintendo continue to dominate the mobile gaming space with its current strategy?
But Tanaka isn't happy with just following Nintendo, he looks to displace the veteran games maker. He told the news outlet that he wouldn't surprised to see GREE's revenue in the West jump to four to five times of what it is in Asian within the next five years. "We definitely feel positive, and our goal is to make sure our brand is just as successful, if not better than Nintendo."
Nintendo is infamous for its unwillingness to enter the mobile games market through iOS or Android. While the company does plan to release an iOS version of its eShop (the downloadable games store on the 3DS), it simply refuses to create games for mobile phones. This is despite numerous studies suggesting otherwise and even investors clamoring for Nintendo games on iPhone.
Nintendo did, however, manage to sell more 3DS consoles in its first eight months on the market than the original DS system sold in one year. Perhaps there's still interest in a handheld device dedicated to gaming, but you could also chalk these immense sales up to the devices' price cut over the summer and a terribly strong Black Friday. Regardless, the mobile gaming world is after Nintendo, which leaves us wondering whether its stern strategy can withstand the onslaught.
Could GREE eventually overtake Nintendo through its mobile social games network? Can Nintendo continue to dominate the mobile gaming space with its current strategy?
CastleVille: Zynga's next 'Ville' is now live on Facebook
FarmVille and CityVille-maker Zynga's next new game, CastleVille, is now live on Facebook. The game is best described as FrontierVille meets Medieval Times, and the goal of the game is to build your kingdom by completing missions, exploring new territories and helping friends do the same. If you've played other Zynga games, this will feel instantly familiar, save for a few new enhanced features. Whether that's enough new stuff to get (and keep) Facebook gamers interested remains to be seen.
Click here to play CastleVille now & stay tuned for our first impressions and getting started guides.
Psst! Want to make new friends to play CastleVille with? Head over to our new CastleVille "Add Me" page for details on how to do just that.
Click here to play CastleVille now & stay tuned for our first impressions and getting started guides.
Psst! Want to make new friends to play CastleVille with? Head over to our new CastleVille "Add Me" page for details on how to do just that.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Game of the Day: Guardian Rock
In today's Game of the Day, you are the Guardian Rock. After an endless slumber, it's time to rise and defend your glorious temple from intruding archaeologists. As the Guardian of the temple, it's up to you to destroy all the puny humans by crashing into them using the arrow keys, then continue to the next room by entering the shining door. Avoid spikes, TNT and cannonballs and take use of the ancient traps and devices in the temple to drive all intruders out.
This game starts off fairly simple, but the challenge quickly increases. It's going to take some patience and practice to get through these puzzles. But if anyone can make it through, it's the dedicated players of Games.com. Good luck!
Click here to play Guardian Rock!
guardian rock game of the day guardian rock game of the day
How far were you able to get in Guardian Rock?
This game starts off fairly simple, but the challenge quickly increases. It's going to take some patience and practice to get through these puzzles. But if anyone can make it through, it's the dedicated players of Games.com. Good luck!
Click here to play Guardian Rock!
guardian rock game of the day guardian rock game of the day
How far were you able to get in Guardian Rock?
Asura's Wrath maker says mobile social games are 'all rubbish'
At least they're "junk" in Japan, according to Hiroshi Matsuyama (pictured), CEO of Fukuoka, Japan-based developer CyberConnect 2. During an interview with Gamasutra, the chief overseeing upcoming traditional console games like Asura's Wrath for publisher Capcom and a Naruto game for Namco Bandai, said, "Another thing that I dislike is social games. Everybody is talking about social this, and social that. Even Bandai Namco. I don't like that."
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Join Chubby Butterbean's tour of Pumpkinville
Pumpkinville isn't a one-shot wonder that impresses with a single glance, but it's a romp for those of you who love detail. This FarmVille Halloween farm creation is the work of Chubby Butterbean, who specializes in crafting "working farms." Chubby basically builds farms where you can realistically visit if visitors were capable of shrinking down to size. But since we can't beam down shrunken versions of ourselves into Pumpkinville, Butterbean has opted to take tons of screenshots of his farm in a Zynga forum thread to give folks the grand tour.
Click the image to make it larger.
Starting off in the modestly-built Pumpkin Patch, we move onto the Apple Harvest Festival, Orchards, Fall Woods, and Harvest Lodge. For me, the most amazing picture is of the "Candy Corn Condos" which include the Candy Corn House, Candy Corn Home, Candy Corn Stallion, Candy Corn Gnome, and tons of Candy Corn crops. Next, is Heart Attack Villa and Pumpkin's Palace. There's also a Faerie Forest, Trick or Treat House, "The Leaky Cauldron" (which is totally a Harry Potter shout-out), Hideaway House, The Experimental Lab, Teen Wolf Shack & Cornfields, Duckula's Crypt and last but not least, The Haunted Mansion. Chubby Butterbean also wrote little stories for each location, so be sure to read the thread, too.
What's your favorite area of Pumpkinville? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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!
Click the image to make it larger.
Starting off in the modestly-built Pumpkin Patch, we move onto the Apple Harvest Festival, Orchards, Fall Woods, and Harvest Lodge. For me, the most amazing picture is of the "Candy Corn Condos" which include the Candy Corn House, Candy Corn Home, Candy Corn Stallion, Candy Corn Gnome, and tons of Candy Corn crops. Next, is Heart Attack Villa and Pumpkin's Palace. There's also a Faerie Forest, Trick or Treat House, "The Leaky Cauldron" (which is totally a Harry Potter shout-out), Hideaway House, The Experimental Lab, Teen Wolf Shack & Cornfields, Duckula's Crypt and last but not least, The Haunted Mansion. Chubby Butterbean also wrote little stories for each location, so be sure to read the thread, too.
What's your favorite area of Pumpkinville? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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!
Mafia Wars 2 offers a free Winged Unicorn to FarmVille players
Zynga's tapping into its base of faithful FarmVille farmers with a free Winged Unicorn if they can reach Level 5 in its latest game, Mafia Wars 2. This gorgeous, sexy beast sports a black body with a pair of metal wings and a metal horn. The unicorn also has a scarred leg, a patch of flame-shaped, gray fur on its chest, spiked knee pads and hooves covered in blue fire. That is one badass equine. If you have the need for steed, I suggest you don't pass this one up.
You can find the offer by playing FarmVille and looking at your neighbor bar on the bottom of the game screen. On the far right of the screen--where the model farm normally is--you'll find a picture of Zoe Sato, the Japanese Yakuza chick from Mafia Wars 2. Clicking on it will lead you to the pop-up, which will take you to the game.
Mafia Wars 2 FarmVille Winged Unicorn
How many of you have tried Mafia Wars 2? Will this free animal be enough to make you play?
You can find the offer by playing FarmVille and looking at your neighbor bar on the bottom of the game screen. On the far right of the screen--where the model farm normally is--you'll find a picture of Zoe Sato, the Japanese Yakuza chick from Mafia Wars 2. Clicking on it will lead you to the pop-up, which will take you to the game.
Mafia Wars 2 FarmVille Winged Unicorn
How many of you have tried Mafia Wars 2? Will this free animal be enough to make you play?
MapleStory Adventures hits home on Facebook in new content update
Remain calm: Nexon hasn't added the chance for home wreckers to ruin things just yet--only homes. The Korean developer of MapleStory Adventures, the Facebook edition of its hit online game, has allowed players to shack up in their very own homes. This major content update brings multifaceted living spaces to the game's 1.7 million monthly players, which players can visit daily.
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
Disney My Store: Gree gets a Disney-branded game before Playdom?
Technically, yes: Japanese social gamers now have a game that features Disney's iconic characters before the Western world. According to Serkan Toto, Gree has announced Disney My Store, a mobile social game for feature phones that will allow players to create shops complete with Disney products like Mickey Mouse plush dolls and Lightning McQueen toy cars.
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Internet safety expert accuses The Sims Social of promoting cybersex
I hope you packed some dry clothes, because we're about to lead you down one slippery slope. (Zing!) Charles Conway, self-proclaimed UK-based Internet safety expert and editor of Scam Detectives, alleges that EA and Playfish's enormously popular The Sims Social promotes cyber sex between children and adults (fat chance). And it's all thanks to The Sims Social's Woo-Hoo feature.
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Free gifts from ice blocks in Winter Wonderland
As more and more details are discovered about FarmVille's upcoming Christmas-themed farm called the Winter Wonderland, this particular farmer gets more and more excited. Forgive me, then, as I gush over what will likely be a pretty exciting new feature in this fourth farm. As discovered by the folks at FVNation, we'll come across four different kinds of presents, all trapped within blocks of ice and snow.
The four sizes (small, medium, large and extra large) apparently represent different groups of potential prizes, and you'll need to ask your friends for items in helping you to retrieve them. How do you get rid of ice in a snow-covered, freezing land? You take a blow dryer to it, of course! This will work on just two of the sizes of ice blocks, while a more conventional tool - the Pick Axe - will be used on the other two kinds of ice blocks.
According to pre-release details, it looks like the larger the ice block itself, the better the potential prize inside, although we're still unclear on exactly what those prizes will be. Could we be looking at new animals, trees or decorations? Or, will these items be functional and come in the form of Farmhands, Fertilize Alls or Animal Feed? I hope my excitement isn't misplaced, but it really does seem like we're in for a treat when the Winter Wonderland farm opens up. And remember, just as soon as we find out what's inside these blocks of ice, we'll let you know.
[Bottom Image Credit: FVNation]
While we're waiting for this newest farm to launch, why not help us speculate as to what prizes could be inside these ice blocks? Do you think they will be exclusive, decorative items that are only available throughout Winter Wonderland, or will they be more basic, functional items that we may already have some of?
The four sizes (small, medium, large and extra large) apparently represent different groups of potential prizes, and you'll need to ask your friends for items in helping you to retrieve them. How do you get rid of ice in a snow-covered, freezing land? You take a blow dryer to it, of course! This will work on just two of the sizes of ice blocks, while a more conventional tool - the Pick Axe - will be used on the other two kinds of ice blocks.
According to pre-release details, it looks like the larger the ice block itself, the better the potential prize inside, although we're still unclear on exactly what those prizes will be. Could we be looking at new animals, trees or decorations? Or, will these items be functional and come in the form of Farmhands, Fertilize Alls or Animal Feed? I hope my excitement isn't misplaced, but it really does seem like we're in for a treat when the Winter Wonderland farm opens up. And remember, just as soon as we find out what's inside these blocks of ice, we'll let you know.
[Bottom Image Credit: FVNation]
While we're waiting for this newest farm to launch, why not help us speculate as to what prizes could be inside these ice blocks? Do you think they will be exclusive, decorative items that are only available throughout Winter Wonderland, or will they be more basic, functional items that we may already have some of?
Pioneer Trail: Play CastleVille for a free Castle Supply Crate
As CastleVille continues to make the cross-promtional rounds through Zynga's catalog of current games on Facebook, we see it making a pit stop in Pioneer Trail. If you're a Pioneer Trail fan, you'll want to be on the lookout for the CastleVille bubble in the top right-hand corner of your Homestead screen, as you may never receive a in-game pop-up telling you this promotion is available. And you wouldn't want to miss out on free stuff, right?
Once you reach Level 5 in CastleVille (which can easily be done in a single day), you'll be able to head back into Pioneer Trail and track down the Castle Supply Crate in your inventory. Since the search function may or may not work in your own inventory (personally, it freezes my game at any attempt to type in the search bar), you're looking for a small brown and silver treasure chest, with a book, energy item and drink flask floating above it. Obviously, then, these small images give us a preview of what you'll find inside: a Seven-Course Feast (offering 62 Energy points), five Quick Draw Quaffs (perform five actions per click), and a Book of Experience (automatically boosts you to the next level with free experience points).
The Seven-Course Feast normally costs 600 Food in the store, while Quick Draw Quaffs require you to collect a ton of items to craft them within the Saloon. That being the case, these two items are pretty useful, especially if you've let your Homestead become a bit overrun with debris. The Quick Draw Quaffs will allow you to complete more tasks with each individual energy point, and the Feast will refill your energy when you finally do run out - how convenient!
There doesn't appear to be an exact expiration date for when this cross-promotion will end in Pioneer Trail, taking your chance at a free Supply Crate with it, so be sure to play CastleVille sooner, rather than later to score yours. Heck, even if you didn't play the game ever, you've earned enough free items in other Zynga games to make it worth it, right?
Have you already received your Castle Supply Crate in Pioneer Trail, or have you yet to try Zynga's newest Facebook game?
Once you reach Level 5 in CastleVille (which can easily be done in a single day), you'll be able to head back into Pioneer Trail and track down the Castle Supply Crate in your inventory. Since the search function may or may not work in your own inventory (personally, it freezes my game at any attempt to type in the search bar), you're looking for a small brown and silver treasure chest, with a book, energy item and drink flask floating above it. Obviously, then, these small images give us a preview of what you'll find inside: a Seven-Course Feast (offering 62 Energy points), five Quick Draw Quaffs (perform five actions per click), and a Book of Experience (automatically boosts you to the next level with free experience points).
The Seven-Course Feast normally costs 600 Food in the store, while Quick Draw Quaffs require you to collect a ton of items to craft them within the Saloon. That being the case, these two items are pretty useful, especially if you've let your Homestead become a bit overrun with debris. The Quick Draw Quaffs will allow you to complete more tasks with each individual energy point, and the Feast will refill your energy when you finally do run out - how convenient!
There doesn't appear to be an exact expiration date for when this cross-promotion will end in Pioneer Trail, taking your chance at a free Supply Crate with it, so be sure to play CastleVille sooner, rather than later to score yours. Heck, even if you didn't play the game ever, you've earned enough free items in other Zynga games to make it worth it, right?
Have you already received your Castle Supply Crate in Pioneer Trail, or have you yet to try Zynga's newest Facebook game?
Playdom will pull the plug on Social City next month
I hate to say it gamers, but it was only a matter of time. After launching Social City on Facebook back in the Spring of 2010, Playdom's city-building game skyrocketed in popularity and for a time sat on the top charts for most popular Facebook games. That popularity declined quickly however, and the game has continued to hemorrhage users up until now, with the game currently resting at just 270,000 monthly active players (20,000 daily active players, according to AppData).
While new content is still regularly pushed out for the game, one could argue that CityVille's release last year was the final straw for what would break its chance of a revival. It may have put up a hard fight, but Playdom is finally saying goodbye to its city-builder. Via emails that have now started circulating to players, we see that the game will officially close on December 20, 2011. There's no mention as to what will happen to any remaining City Bucks, the game's premium currency, but the ability to purchase more has seemingly been removed from the game (you'll receive an error message when attempting to go to the "Get City Bucks" page).
We can only assume that the reasoning behind the closure has been the mass exodus of players, along with any revenue they might have been providing, but Playdom is attempting to save existing players by advertising Gardens of Time and Gnome Town in the same breath as this closing announcement. "Unfortunately we feel the game has run its course," the email reads. "As we release new games, we hope to have your continued support and patronage!"
It's been fun Social City. Thanks for the memories.
Were you one of the faithful players that still latched to hope for the game's resurgence, or had you long ago abandoned the game for Zynga's CityVille or other city-builders on Facebook?
While new content is still regularly pushed out for the game, one could argue that CityVille's release last year was the final straw for what would break its chance of a revival. It may have put up a hard fight, but Playdom is finally saying goodbye to its city-builder. Via emails that have now started circulating to players, we see that the game will officially close on December 20, 2011. There's no mention as to what will happen to any remaining City Bucks, the game's premium currency, but the ability to purchase more has seemingly been removed from the game (you'll receive an error message when attempting to go to the "Get City Bucks" page).
We can only assume that the reasoning behind the closure has been the mass exodus of players, along with any revenue they might have been providing, but Playdom is attempting to save existing players by advertising Gardens of Time and Gnome Town in the same breath as this closing announcement. "Unfortunately we feel the game has run its course," the email reads. "As we release new games, we hope to have your continued support and patronage!"
It's been fun Social City. Thanks for the memories.
Were you one of the faithful players that still latched to hope for the game's resurgence, or had you long ago abandoned the game for Zynga's CityVille or other city-builders on Facebook?
Angry Birds Rio 'Smuggler's Plane' will steal away your free time today
Say goodbye to legions more of those dastardly green pigs (and hours of your spare time). Rovio has released a new update to Angry Birds Rio, the branded version of the game the company released this year to coincide with the Rio animated flick. The free update contains 15 new levels and plenty more hidden fruit to discover ... but really just more things to smash and birds to save.
These levels appear to take place within a giant plane--hence the name--and it's up to you to rescue numerous caged birds. And how else would you do that other than careening into them at full speed? None, and maybe that's why Angry Birds has surpassed 500 million downloads: It delivers exactly what you're expecting every time. (But remember that, if you paid up the dollar for the Mighty Eagle, each level can be cleared using that character in a new challenge.)
Angry Birds Rio Smugglers Plane
However, that could eventually be the franchise's downfall, but Rovio is prepared. Recently, the company revealed that the Angry Birds would enter new game genres to remain relevant (and hopefully reach that 1 billion fans mark). The next winter-themed update to Angry Birds Seasons was reportedly leaked, so we wouldn't expect a new type of Angry Birds game until 2012. Maybe it's time these birds actually grow some wings and race--now that would be fun.
[Via PocketGamer]
Are you still digging Angry Birds after all this time? What can be done to the franchise to keep it relevant in the coming years?
These levels appear to take place within a giant plane--hence the name--and it's up to you to rescue numerous caged birds. And how else would you do that other than careening into them at full speed? None, and maybe that's why Angry Birds has surpassed 500 million downloads: It delivers exactly what you're expecting every time. (But remember that, if you paid up the dollar for the Mighty Eagle, each level can be cleared using that character in a new challenge.)
Angry Birds Rio Smugglers Plane
However, that could eventually be the franchise's downfall, but Rovio is prepared. Recently, the company revealed that the Angry Birds would enter new game genres to remain relevant (and hopefully reach that 1 billion fans mark). The next winter-themed update to Angry Birds Seasons was reportedly leaked, so we wouldn't expect a new type of Angry Birds game until 2012. Maybe it's time these birds actually grow some wings and race--now that would be fun.
[Via PocketGamer]
Are you still digging Angry Birds after all this time? What can be done to the franchise to keep it relevant in the coming years?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Darkstalkers May Soon Be Available on PS3
Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom have gotten plenty of love, but at least one Capcom fighting game series has remained conspicuously absent--Darkstalkers.
Based on a recent ESRB rating though, the PSOne version of Darkstalkers: The Night Warrior may soon be available on PlayStation Network.
Darkstalkers May Soon Be Available on PS3
Obviously, an ESRB rating is no guarantee that it will be out immediately, but it seems a good bet that it will be out by the end of the year.
Maybe it's not the revival Darkstalkers fans have been hoping for. But hey, buy it and Capcom may just come around...
Based on a recent ESRB rating though, the PSOne version of Darkstalkers: The Night Warrior may soon be available on PlayStation Network.
Darkstalkers May Soon Be Available on PS3
Obviously, an ESRB rating is no guarantee that it will be out immediately, but it seems a good bet that it will be out by the end of the year.
Maybe it's not the revival Darkstalkers fans have been hoping for. But hey, buy it and Capcom may just come around...
Review: The War of the Worlds (360)
While film and comic books often find themselves adapted into video games, to see that treatment given to classic literature is far more rare. In large part that disparity stems from the difficulty of adapting a novel into an immersive interactive experience. The War of the Worlds approaches that issue in an interesting way. True, there have been a few The War of the World movies, but the game's contemplative tone is far more reminiscent of the H.G. Wells classic than a Hollywood blockbuster.
War of the Worlds is primarily a platformer of the Prince of Persia variety. No, I'm not talking about the time-altering, acrobatic prince -- what Other Ocean Interactive has created is more along the lines of the 2D original. In fact, the developers went all out and used the same rotoscope technology for character animations as its inspiration. Sadly, this leads to many of the same control issues that plagued Prince of Persia back in 1989. Simple actions like climbing over a crate can become an overcomplicated affair, requiring standing still and pressing jump precisely next to the object. While frustrating, these slow, methodical controls could have still been manageable. However, when coupled with obstacles and chase sequences that require split-second timing, they quickly shift from cumbersome to unforgivable.
Review: The War of the Worlds (360)
Not even Patrick Stewart's fantastic narration can save the experience. The narration is spoken in Stewart's heavenly voice, but dying in the middle of a line causes all narration to cease until you reach the next arbitrary, unmarked checkpoint. Death is a constant occurrence thanks to the archaic controls, resulting in large portions of the game's story and atmosphere going completely missed.
The result is the videogame equivalent of a period piece. It perfectly channels a bygone era, both in its literal representation of H.G. Wells' classic story and its design as a videogame. Unfortunately, such strict adherence to those design philosophies is also the game's downfall. War of the Worlds is filled with puzzles that could have been interesting had they been paired with just a hint of responsive controls; levels involving toxic smoke and creeping red vines stand out as particularly novel. But even the best laid levels fall bare when I find myself dying seven, twelve, or sixteen times because the traps seemed to be designed with a more agile character in mind.
Other Ocean Interactive made its mark with last year's superb Dark Void Zero. That game too was a love letter to videogames past. One thing that can not be denied is the studio's skill and passion for the origins of the medium. However, the danger with diving head-first into the past is that there are sometimes very good reasons why those techniques are no longer in practice. For someone interested in videogame design or history, The War of the Worlds is an interesting case study. But is it fun? Dear god, no. Just, no.
War of the Worlds is primarily a platformer of the Prince of Persia variety. No, I'm not talking about the time-altering, acrobatic prince -- what Other Ocean Interactive has created is more along the lines of the 2D original. In fact, the developers went all out and used the same rotoscope technology for character animations as its inspiration. Sadly, this leads to many of the same control issues that plagued Prince of Persia back in 1989. Simple actions like climbing over a crate can become an overcomplicated affair, requiring standing still and pressing jump precisely next to the object. While frustrating, these slow, methodical controls could have still been manageable. However, when coupled with obstacles and chase sequences that require split-second timing, they quickly shift from cumbersome to unforgivable.
Review: The War of the Worlds (360)
Not even Patrick Stewart's fantastic narration can save the experience. The narration is spoken in Stewart's heavenly voice, but dying in the middle of a line causes all narration to cease until you reach the next arbitrary, unmarked checkpoint. Death is a constant occurrence thanks to the archaic controls, resulting in large portions of the game's story and atmosphere going completely missed.
The result is the videogame equivalent of a period piece. It perfectly channels a bygone era, both in its literal representation of H.G. Wells' classic story and its design as a videogame. Unfortunately, such strict adherence to those design philosophies is also the game's downfall. War of the Worlds is filled with puzzles that could have been interesting had they been paired with just a hint of responsive controls; levels involving toxic smoke and creeping red vines stand out as particularly novel. But even the best laid levels fall bare when I find myself dying seven, twelve, or sixteen times because the traps seemed to be designed with a more agile character in mind.
Other Ocean Interactive made its mark with last year's superb Dark Void Zero. That game too was a love letter to videogames past. One thing that can not be denied is the studio's skill and passion for the origins of the medium. However, the danger with diving head-first into the past is that there are sometimes very good reasons why those techniques are no longer in practice. For someone interested in videogame design or history, The War of the Worlds is an interesting case study. But is it fun? Dear god, no. Just, no.
10 Creepy Mobile Games
Be sure to also read: The 10 Best PS3 Games, The 15 Best PSN Games, The 10 Best Xbox 360 Games, The 15 Best XBLA Games, The 10 Best Wii Games, The 30 Best PC Games, The 6 Best Free Steam Games, The 15 Best iPhone Games, The 15 Best iPad Games, The 10 Best 3DS Games, The 31 Best DS Games, The 10 Best PSP Games, The 15 Best Android Games, and The 15 Best Free Android Games.
10 Creepy Mobile Games
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to gear up for the holiday by playing creepy games on your phone or tablet? Admittedly there aren't a ton of legitimately scary horror-themed iOS and Android games, but here are 10 (in no particular order) that will at least make you think twice about turning off the lights.
10 Creepy Mobile Games
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to gear up for the holiday by playing creepy games on your phone or tablet? Admittedly there aren't a ton of legitimately scary horror-themed iOS and Android games, but here are 10 (in no particular order) that will at least make you think twice about turning off the lights.
UPDATE: Want to Win a Copy of Fruit Ninja Kinect? (Winners Announced!)
Facebook winners:
Bill Putman
Lisa Sassone
Kellen Casey
GamePro.com winners:
heatherspeaks493
The12P
Bipple
Htial
Twitter winners:
@SirKhalid
@8bitPOPE
@BritishBryn
Thanks to everyone for entering, and congrats to our winners! Sit tight -- codes will be sent out shortly!
Original text: The fine folks at Halfbrick have hooked us up with a set of ten download codes for copies of their awesome motion-controlled hack-'n-slash arcade game, Fruit Ninja Kinect, as well as redeem codes for all three DLC packs that've been released for it so far. That means the Storm Season, Space Capsule, and Art Box packs, and a copy of the complete game. Want to get in on the frenzied fruit-felling action? Here's how!
Via GamePro: Leave one comment on this article, and you'll be entered into the drawing.
Via Twitter: Make sure you're following @GamePro, then shoot us a tweet mentioning @GamePro and #FruitNinja.
Via Facebook: "Like" the GamePro Facebook page, then comment on our following contest post on Facebook.
Bill Putman
Lisa Sassone
Kellen Casey
GamePro.com winners:
heatherspeaks493
The12P
Bipple
Htial
Twitter winners:
@SirKhalid
@8bitPOPE
@BritishBryn
Thanks to everyone for entering, and congrats to our winners! Sit tight -- codes will be sent out shortly!
Original text: The fine folks at Halfbrick have hooked us up with a set of ten download codes for copies of their awesome motion-controlled hack-'n-slash arcade game, Fruit Ninja Kinect, as well as redeem codes for all three DLC packs that've been released for it so far. That means the Storm Season, Space Capsule, and Art Box packs, and a copy of the complete game. Want to get in on the frenzied fruit-felling action? Here's how!
Via GamePro: Leave one comment on this article, and you'll be entered into the drawing.
Via Twitter: Make sure you're following @GamePro, then shoot us a tweet mentioning @GamePro and #FruitNinja.
Via Facebook: "Like" the GamePro Facebook page, then comment on our following contest post on Facebook.
Big Metal Gear Solid: Rising Reveal in November?
A huge exclamation point appears on the very last page of the latest issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine UK. The image bears a striking resemblance to the iconic symbol from Konami's popular stealth series, Metal Gear Solid.
It's been a long time since we've last heard a peep out of Kojima or Konami about the next game in the franchise. And some suggest that this is in fact hinting at some sort of big announcement about Metal Gear: Rising.
It's been a long time since we've last heard a peep out of Kojima or Konami about the next game in the franchise. And some suggest that this is in fact hinting at some sort of big announcement about Metal Gear: Rising.
Win a Free Tribes: Ascend Beta Key
If you're not familiar with Tribes: Ascend, then watch the trailer above to get a feel for the multiplayer, sci-fi, FPS action. But you know what's better than just watching? Getting to try it out yourself.
The development team's been accepting limited beta invites through their homepage for some time now, but we're going to help you jump right to the front of the line. If you want to snag a code, just leave a comment on this story with a short message explaining why you want to play. It's just that easy.
But what if you want to enter, but don't want to leave a comment? We have you covered with two other options!
Follow us on Twitter and write a post using the hashtag: #GameProTribesBeta
Comment on this story's Facebook post saying you want a code! (And make sure your settings allow non-friends to message you. You'll receive the code from GamePro Contest).
We'll be running the contest all weekend until we run out of codes so enter now to ensure yourself a spot!
The development team's been accepting limited beta invites through their homepage for some time now, but we're going to help you jump right to the front of the line. If you want to snag a code, just leave a comment on this story with a short message explaining why you want to play. It's just that easy.
But what if you want to enter, but don't want to leave a comment? We have you covered with two other options!
Follow us on Twitter and write a post using the hashtag: #GameProTribesBeta
Comment on this story's Facebook post saying you want a code! (And make sure your settings allow non-friends to message you. You'll receive the code from GamePro Contest).
We'll be running the contest all weekend until we run out of codes so enter now to ensure yourself a spot!
Monday, October 24, 2011
What Happened To Evony?
“Come play, my Lord”, the ad beckons. “Save your lover!” it cries, as two seductive porcelain-skinned women lean into each other. “Start your journey now, my Lord”, says another ad, this one featuring a busty, blonde bombshell in the process of removing her clothes. Any of this ring a bell?
The year was 2009. Ads began appearing on the internet for a game called Civony, later renamed Evony. They started innocently enough – “Free Forever” one banner ad claimed while an image of a knight wielding a sword took up half the ad. Then a woman appeared. “Start your journey now, my Lord!” this ad said, an attractive woman dressed as a fairy standing to the side. Over the next few months, the ads became progressively more risqué, first featuring CGI women displaying ample bosom, proceeding to real models undressing. Eventually the medieval theme of the ads was abandoned and replaced with models in lingerie.
The internet was buzzing with criticism over Evony’s advertising. Many people were upset that such sexualised images were being used to market a game, with claims being made that it was a poor Civilization clone that wasn’t worth anyone’s time. It was a controversial ad campaign that attracted criticism from both the game development and game playing community alike. It was also a successful one.
Do You Come With The Car?
“Initially, the goal was to get the game in front of as many people as possible,” says Darold Higa, a lead producer on Evony who joined the company in 2010.
“The ads were very successful in bringing people to the website. I understand there was a lot of criticism about them, but I remember even before joining the company I looked at the criticism and thought it was a bit hypocritical because there are a lot of other games that do that.”
Higa isn’t far off the mark. Numerous games use sex to sell, with female characters often being over-sexualised and leaving little to the imagination. There could be an argument for the fact that none of the models in the Evony ads actually have anything to do with the game itself, but he believes the team behind Evony were simply doing what was best for the game.
“The whole idea with a browser-based free-to-play game like Evony is to put it in front of a large an audience as possible and say ‘Here you go, try it for yourself’. That was the end message: ‘Look at this’.”
And look at it they most certainly did. After the beta went live two years ago, Evony – a free-to-play a massively multiplayer real-time strategy (MMORTS) set in medieval times — currently has 27 million registered users, although the figures on active users were not made available to us. Evony currently runs on 250 servers that are active 24/7 and the game has been so successful that the team behind it launched the game’s second age, Age II, an upgrade on the first, last year. At beta the company had a handful of permanent staff with contractors. Now the company employs more than 170 people in publishing, marketing, programming, level design, and production, and all these roles are being supported by the one game, Evony.
The Game Behind The Ads
So what is Evony?
In 2009, having read the criticism and dismissive comments, I wanted to see the game for myself. Clicking through one of the ads, I arrived at Evony’s homepage where a CGI woman, eyes closed, cleavage on display, instructed me to sign up. I did. I then clicked to “Play Now”. I followed the in-game tutorial and read the live chat-feed of others who were playing on my server. They were planning some sort of attack on a colony; they were discussing resource management.
I began clicking away at this game, which reminded me of other city-building games I’d played in the past. It wasn’t quite a Civilization clone, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, either. The game offered micro-transactions; you could play the entire game for free, but small payments would buy you perks and bonuses, similar to other free-to-play MMOs.
The game had a distinct lack of females, let alone lingerie-clad ladies beckoning me to go and “play with” them. “This game has no hot chicks at all!” I joked at the time, looking at an interface that resembled a client-based city-building game.
So I ask Higa this: if Evony is a fully-functional and supported game that clearly has enough going for it to attract and engage players, why did they go with boobs to begin with?
“Being perfectly honest, it’s incredibly hard to launch in this kind of environment, especially when you don’t have a retail box and you don’t have a presence on shelves when people go to buy a game,” he says.
“I’ve heard the executives talk about this many times and I don’t think they would have done anything differently. It was a bit shocking and hurtful for the industry itself to respond so negatively, but overall it was an effective way to launch in an environment where it was very hard to get noticed.”
“And when you think about it, perfume uses sex to sell. Cars use sex to sell. We’re finally reaching an age where games are using the same advertising methods as everyone else – we’re now trying to appeal to such a wide base of gamers that we’re using the same tricks that other industries are using. I don’t know, to me it was a logical evolution, and it worked for the company.”
Looking Beyond The Breasts
While many people remember the game by its risqué ads and the banners of rivals who poked fun at them, such as when PopCap created parody advertisements for the launch of Plants Vs Zombies, millions have looked beyond the ads of ’09 to find something more.
Higa himself played Evony before working for the company. Spending many years as a publisher and developer, he worked on developing a military simulator for the US army, and most of his development experience was in the PC and console space.
Development on Evony began in 2006, and while the game has been compared to Sid Meier’s Civilization, Higa says that the roots of the game came from the desire to create a type of game that didn’t yet exist.
“The whole idea was to bring immediacy to the gameplay and an element of ubiquitousness,” he says.
“Most games involve the installation of a client, so one of the first and foremost goals was to make something you can play through your web browser. Prior to our launch there were some browser strategy games, but lots of them had a very basic interface – it would just be a list of numbers or something like that. So we were seeking to bridge the gap.”
“One of the games we always talk about is Settlers – how can we get that kind of play that’s graphically appealing and yet has this whole element of an MMORTS game? That was the kernel of the idea. Everyone always talks about Civilization, but it wasn’t just Civilization that inspired us. It was the whole idea of this kind of empire-building game that’s quick and ubiquitous so as long as you have a browser, you can play. You don’t have to download a client. That was the big goal.”
While Higa admits that Civilization was a source of inspiration, it was one of many sources. He talks about board games like Supremacy and Settlers of Catan as providing the kind of experience that Evony tries to replicate, and also games like Hearts of Iron and Panzer General. The whole team play and analyse all kinds of games to figure out what’s fun, what works, and what doesn’t work.
Higa believes that Evony succeeded in its goal of taking the functionality of a client-based game and implementing it into a browser. He says the technology was there, but it required a leap of faith to move the MMORTS out of the client and onto a platform that few people consider to be on the same level as consoles and client-based games on PC.
“Ironically, a lot of that bias actually comes from the game development community itself,” says Higa.
“When I was deciding to change companies, people were like: ‘You’re going to work on a browser-based game? Really?’ But to me that’s like saying you’re only going to work on PS3 games and not Xbox 360 games – I just see the browser as another platform, and it’s a very viable platform.”
The Uphill Battle For Browser-Based Games
Higa says that browser-based games tend to have a psychological barrier for a lot of gamers, especially hardcore players, but the game has been able to attract a loyal community that comprises of gamers of all backgrounds – hardcore players included. He says part of the game’s success is in the way it provides players with the tools to create their own action, narrative, and drama.
“In an MMORPG, I think some of the longevity comes from constantly releasing new worlds. In a strategy game, the goal is to create an environment by which it’s always engaging to the player – in our case, it’s constantly shifting the battleground.”
Higa refers to the alliance system within the game that allows players to team up with others to transfer knowledge and plot tactics together. While all players begin by building their cities, raising their armies and attacking NPCs, the lively community leads to alliances forming as players eye off the resources of their neighbours, work together to conquer and colonise other cities, before turning on each other.
The year was 2009. Ads began appearing on the internet for a game called Civony, later renamed Evony. They started innocently enough – “Free Forever” one banner ad claimed while an image of a knight wielding a sword took up half the ad. Then a woman appeared. “Start your journey now, my Lord!” this ad said, an attractive woman dressed as a fairy standing to the side. Over the next few months, the ads became progressively more risqué, first featuring CGI women displaying ample bosom, proceeding to real models undressing. Eventually the medieval theme of the ads was abandoned and replaced with models in lingerie.
The internet was buzzing with criticism over Evony’s advertising. Many people were upset that such sexualised images were being used to market a game, with claims being made that it was a poor Civilization clone that wasn’t worth anyone’s time. It was a controversial ad campaign that attracted criticism from both the game development and game playing community alike. It was also a successful one.
Do You Come With The Car?
“Initially, the goal was to get the game in front of as many people as possible,” says Darold Higa, a lead producer on Evony who joined the company in 2010.
“The ads were very successful in bringing people to the website. I understand there was a lot of criticism about them, but I remember even before joining the company I looked at the criticism and thought it was a bit hypocritical because there are a lot of other games that do that.”
Higa isn’t far off the mark. Numerous games use sex to sell, with female characters often being over-sexualised and leaving little to the imagination. There could be an argument for the fact that none of the models in the Evony ads actually have anything to do with the game itself, but he believes the team behind Evony were simply doing what was best for the game.
“The whole idea with a browser-based free-to-play game like Evony is to put it in front of a large an audience as possible and say ‘Here you go, try it for yourself’. That was the end message: ‘Look at this’.”
And look at it they most certainly did. After the beta went live two years ago, Evony – a free-to-play a massively multiplayer real-time strategy (MMORTS) set in medieval times — currently has 27 million registered users, although the figures on active users were not made available to us. Evony currently runs on 250 servers that are active 24/7 and the game has been so successful that the team behind it launched the game’s second age, Age II, an upgrade on the first, last year. At beta the company had a handful of permanent staff with contractors. Now the company employs more than 170 people in publishing, marketing, programming, level design, and production, and all these roles are being supported by the one game, Evony.
The Game Behind The Ads
So what is Evony?
In 2009, having read the criticism and dismissive comments, I wanted to see the game for myself. Clicking through one of the ads, I arrived at Evony’s homepage where a CGI woman, eyes closed, cleavage on display, instructed me to sign up. I did. I then clicked to “Play Now”. I followed the in-game tutorial and read the live chat-feed of others who were playing on my server. They were planning some sort of attack on a colony; they were discussing resource management.
I began clicking away at this game, which reminded me of other city-building games I’d played in the past. It wasn’t quite a Civilization clone, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, either. The game offered micro-transactions; you could play the entire game for free, but small payments would buy you perks and bonuses, similar to other free-to-play MMOs.
The game had a distinct lack of females, let alone lingerie-clad ladies beckoning me to go and “play with” them. “This game has no hot chicks at all!” I joked at the time, looking at an interface that resembled a client-based city-building game.
So I ask Higa this: if Evony is a fully-functional and supported game that clearly has enough going for it to attract and engage players, why did they go with boobs to begin with?
“Being perfectly honest, it’s incredibly hard to launch in this kind of environment, especially when you don’t have a retail box and you don’t have a presence on shelves when people go to buy a game,” he says.
“I’ve heard the executives talk about this many times and I don’t think they would have done anything differently. It was a bit shocking and hurtful for the industry itself to respond so negatively, but overall it was an effective way to launch in an environment where it was very hard to get noticed.”
“And when you think about it, perfume uses sex to sell. Cars use sex to sell. We’re finally reaching an age where games are using the same advertising methods as everyone else – we’re now trying to appeal to such a wide base of gamers that we’re using the same tricks that other industries are using. I don’t know, to me it was a logical evolution, and it worked for the company.”
Looking Beyond The Breasts
While many people remember the game by its risqué ads and the banners of rivals who poked fun at them, such as when PopCap created parody advertisements for the launch of Plants Vs Zombies, millions have looked beyond the ads of ’09 to find something more.
Higa himself played Evony before working for the company. Spending many years as a publisher and developer, he worked on developing a military simulator for the US army, and most of his development experience was in the PC and console space.
Development on Evony began in 2006, and while the game has been compared to Sid Meier’s Civilization, Higa says that the roots of the game came from the desire to create a type of game that didn’t yet exist.
“The whole idea was to bring immediacy to the gameplay and an element of ubiquitousness,” he says.
“Most games involve the installation of a client, so one of the first and foremost goals was to make something you can play through your web browser. Prior to our launch there were some browser strategy games, but lots of them had a very basic interface – it would just be a list of numbers or something like that. So we were seeking to bridge the gap.”
“One of the games we always talk about is Settlers – how can we get that kind of play that’s graphically appealing and yet has this whole element of an MMORTS game? That was the kernel of the idea. Everyone always talks about Civilization, but it wasn’t just Civilization that inspired us. It was the whole idea of this kind of empire-building game that’s quick and ubiquitous so as long as you have a browser, you can play. You don’t have to download a client. That was the big goal.”
While Higa admits that Civilization was a source of inspiration, it was one of many sources. He talks about board games like Supremacy and Settlers of Catan as providing the kind of experience that Evony tries to replicate, and also games like Hearts of Iron and Panzer General. The whole team play and analyse all kinds of games to figure out what’s fun, what works, and what doesn’t work.
Higa believes that Evony succeeded in its goal of taking the functionality of a client-based game and implementing it into a browser. He says the technology was there, but it required a leap of faith to move the MMORTS out of the client and onto a platform that few people consider to be on the same level as consoles and client-based games on PC.
“Ironically, a lot of that bias actually comes from the game development community itself,” says Higa.
“When I was deciding to change companies, people were like: ‘You’re going to work on a browser-based game? Really?’ But to me that’s like saying you’re only going to work on PS3 games and not Xbox 360 games – I just see the browser as another platform, and it’s a very viable platform.”
The Uphill Battle For Browser-Based Games
Higa says that browser-based games tend to have a psychological barrier for a lot of gamers, especially hardcore players, but the game has been able to attract a loyal community that comprises of gamers of all backgrounds – hardcore players included. He says part of the game’s success is in the way it provides players with the tools to create their own action, narrative, and drama.
“In an MMORPG, I think some of the longevity comes from constantly releasing new worlds. In a strategy game, the goal is to create an environment by which it’s always engaging to the player – in our case, it’s constantly shifting the battleground.”
Higa refers to the alliance system within the game that allows players to team up with others to transfer knowledge and plot tactics together. While all players begin by building their cities, raising their armies and attacking NPCs, the lively community leads to alliances forming as players eye off the resources of their neighbours, work together to conquer and colonise other cities, before turning on each other.
Pro Battlefield 3 Gamers And "Real World" Stars Team Up For A Shot At $50,000
Well this certainly sounds fun-slash-frustrating. On CBS Interactive’s upcoming show The Controller, six pro gamers will be competing against one another in Battlefield 3, but not in the way that you’d think. Rather than sitting down and demonstrating their skills in the game itself, the pros will be competing in real-world physical challenges, then training amateurs to compete against one another in the video game.
The pro gamers in question–Tsquared, MrsViolence, Bravo, Proofy, Mr X and neighbour according to the press release–will not be allowed to touch the controller at all, and instead will be forced to coach their assigned “N00bs” in the ways of war. I anticipate some suuuuuper-frustrated people here, especially considering that several of the n00bs in question are former cast members of “The Real World,” a show which I believe is contractually obligated to cast only jerkholes who don’t work well with others.
The Controller will be hosted by Jonny Moseley, and premieres on Gamespot this friday at 11:00 AM Eastern. Each episode will be around 10 minutes long, and they’ll air through December 9th, at which point a winner will be announced, and walk away with $US50,000. Not bad at all.
Side note: How much do I love that there is a pro gamer whose handle is “Neighbor?” So much.
The pro gamers in question–Tsquared, MrsViolence, Bravo, Proofy, Mr X and neighbour according to the press release–will not be allowed to touch the controller at all, and instead will be forced to coach their assigned “N00bs” in the ways of war. I anticipate some suuuuuper-frustrated people here, especially considering that several of the n00bs in question are former cast members of “The Real World,” a show which I believe is contractually obligated to cast only jerkholes who don’t work well with others.
The Controller will be hosted by Jonny Moseley, and premieres on Gamespot this friday at 11:00 AM Eastern. Each episode will be around 10 minutes long, and they’ll air through December 9th, at which point a winner will be announced, and walk away with $US50,000. Not bad at all.
Side note: How much do I love that there is a pro gamer whose handle is “Neighbor?” So much.
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