Starting a few hours ago, some FrontierVille players were given a mysterious letter from Frontier Jack, detailing a new mission set that was apparently launched in the game at the same time. The mission set is the "12 Days of FrontierVille," the game's admitted take on the 12 Days of Christmas. However, the Carolers and the missions that this letter details are nowhere to be found. In an effort to calm some of the confusion associated with this seemingly "glitched" event, here's a recap of what we know so far.
When logging into the game, you'll receive a regular notice from Frontier Jack, pointing at a letter decorated with musical notes. If you can actually click on the letter (you may need to refresh the page and try again), you'll be introduced to a group of carolers, who sing a few lines of a revised version of the 12 Days of Christmas. This verse lets us know that the 12 Missions of FrontierVille are going to be released, one mission at a time - one mission for each of the next twelve days.
However, we're told to "click on the carolers" to activate the 12 Mission Calendar and truly start the event. The kicker being that the Carolers are nowhere to be found. They aren't in the snowy add-on released to hold the Toy Factory, the aren't scattered about the Homestead, they can't even be summoned by clicking on a Dinner Triangle.
Apparently, the entire letter itself has been released to users early, as an official comment has been made on the FrontierVille forums stating that we've received these pop-ups, including the letter from Frontier Jack early - a few hours early, to be exact.
This hasn't stopped users from panicking, as they fear the game has been broken, but we are assured that the missions will be coming to the game in the very near future, as a statement at the top of the FrontierVille gameplay area asks if you are ready to complete the missions (this is a rhetorical question, released, we believe, to assuage fears that the missions won't be released at all).
What will these missions contain, and when will they finally be released? We're guessing sometime within the next 24 hours, and we'll be sure to give you all of the details therein once they are officially released in the game.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Thứ Hai, 30 tháng 1, 2012
FarmVille Add Comment FarmVille Sneak Peek: Balloon Crop items everywhere
Balloon Bushel Balloon Market Stall Balloon Mastery Sign
Things are about to very... bubbly in FarmVille. Our good friends at FarmVille Freak have found a most interesting set of unreleased items, the Balloon Crop collection. Soon enough, players will be able to plant, sell and master Balloons. And since April Fools is months away, you can rest assured that this is no joke.
Apparently, these Balloons will grow from the ground attached to plant-like stems and will be able to be collected in bushels, which could mean some Co-Op Jobs are in store involving the crop as well. We'd guesstimate that this crop will be part of ringing in the New Year since no celebration is complete without balloons, but don't quote us on that one. Stay tuned around Dec. 31 for when this crop might finally go live, but don't come crying to us if it doesn't happen then--just look at the pretty balloons and feel happy again.
When do you think the Balloon Crop will be released? Do you think it will be part of an event or simply just a limited edition crop?
Things are about to very... bubbly in FarmVille. Our good friends at FarmVille Freak have found a most interesting set of unreleased items, the Balloon Crop collection. Soon enough, players will be able to plant, sell and master Balloons. And since April Fools is months away, you can rest assured that this is no joke.
Apparently, these Balloons will grow from the ground attached to plant-like stems and will be able to be collected in bushels, which could mean some Co-Op Jobs are in store involving the crop as well. We'd guesstimate that this crop will be part of ringing in the New Year since no celebration is complete without balloons, but don't quote us on that one. Stay tuned around Dec. 31 for when this crop might finally go live, but don't come crying to us if it doesn't happen then--just look at the pretty balloons and feel happy again.
When do you think the Balloon Crop will be released? Do you think it will be part of an event or simply just a limited edition crop?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Gold and Silver Swiss Army Combine Tractor
Getting bored of your plain, old flaming Combine Tractor in FarmVille? Well, FarmVIlle Freak has struck the gold mine (literally) in finding this Gold and Silver Swiss Army Combine Tractor. We currently haven't in the slightest as to where, when nor how this shiny new vehicle will be released, but guess work never hurt anyone, did it?
Let's see, if the most recent Mystery Game features Golden items, this not-so-little gem could be included in the next Mystery Game. Also, FrontierVille recently released some Golden items in its promotions with American Express and Citi Group, so that's also a possibility if Zynga is looking to expand upon that theme. Until then, it looks like we'll be stuck with that teeny, tiny enticing image of the classiest-looking combine around.
When do you think this vehicle will be released? Would you pick it up regardless of the circumstances?
Let's see, if the most recent Mystery Game features Golden items, this not-so-little gem could be included in the next Mystery Game. Also, FrontierVille recently released some Golden items in its promotions with American Express and Citi Group, so that's also a possibility if Zynga is looking to expand upon that theme. Until then, it looks like we'll be stuck with that teeny, tiny enticing image of the classiest-looking combine around.
When do you think this vehicle will be released? Would you pick it up regardless of the circumstances?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: CityVille Promo, Fireworks, Ornaments and more
CityVille Promo Eskimo Gnome
This holiday is unexpectedly going to be jam-packed in FarmVille, if the FarmVille Freak team's recent findings are any indication. With a slew of items most likely on their way before 2010 is through, our inventories are about to become quite crowded with holiday-themed items like more Gnomes, Ornaments and snowy items than you can shake a yule log at.
First things first, it looks like the CityVille promotions are about to become much more intense with this ambiguously-named CityVille Promo item. Most likely, it will play out like cross-promotional events in the past, granting the item--featuring a Cow and Chicken team of contractors--to FarmVille veterans for leveling up in CityVille.
Find more details (and candid speculation) on this long list of items after the break.
Turtle Doves 2010 FarmVille Ornament Pinecone Mailbox
A new duo of Gnomes will make their way into FarmVille in time for the snowfall in adorable Eskimo and Reindeer varieties. And to wish us all a Merry Christmas, a new 2010 FarmVille Christmas Tree Ornament could be waiting for us beneath the Holiday Tree this Dec. 25.
And in the odd realm of Holiday-themed items, a pair of Turtle Doves will be fluttering into FarmVille shortly along with a Pinecone Mailbox. Since these are both decidedly Christmas-themed, expect them them to arrive sometime this week before the big day.
Snowpile Horse Fountain Fireworks Winter Snowshoes Waterfall Fireworks
Rounding out the list are a Snowpile Horse and Winter Snowshoes, which look exactly how they sound--a Horse stuck in a pile of snow and a pair of Snowshoes. Lastly, Fireworks await us to celebrate the New Year! Coming in Fountain and Waterfall varieties, 2011 is coming in with a bang in FarmVille. Stay tuned for when these items released and right here for more details on any changes.
Find the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
This holiday is unexpectedly going to be jam-packed in FarmVille, if the FarmVille Freak team's recent findings are any indication. With a slew of items most likely on their way before 2010 is through, our inventories are about to become quite crowded with holiday-themed items like more Gnomes, Ornaments and snowy items than you can shake a yule log at.
First things first, it looks like the CityVille promotions are about to become much more intense with this ambiguously-named CityVille Promo item. Most likely, it will play out like cross-promotional events in the past, granting the item--featuring a Cow and Chicken team of contractors--to FarmVille veterans for leveling up in CityVille.
Find more details (and candid speculation) on this long list of items after the break.
Turtle Doves 2010 FarmVille Ornament Pinecone Mailbox
A new duo of Gnomes will make their way into FarmVille in time for the snowfall in adorable Eskimo and Reindeer varieties. And to wish us all a Merry Christmas, a new 2010 FarmVille Christmas Tree Ornament could be waiting for us beneath the Holiday Tree this Dec. 25.
And in the odd realm of Holiday-themed items, a pair of Turtle Doves will be fluttering into FarmVille shortly along with a Pinecone Mailbox. Since these are both decidedly Christmas-themed, expect them them to arrive sometime this week before the big day.
Snowpile Horse Fountain Fireworks Winter Snowshoes Waterfall Fireworks
Rounding out the list are a Snowpile Horse and Winter Snowshoes, which look exactly how they sound--a Horse stuck in a pile of snow and a pair of Snowshoes. Lastly, Fireworks await us to celebrate the New Year! Coming in Fountain and Waterfall varieties, 2011 is coming in with a bang in FarmVille. Stay tuned for when these items released and right here for more details on any changes.
Find the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Goals: Everything you need to know for Day 12
Christmas CarolersFinally, the carolers have arrived in FrontierVille, singing songs of debris to clear and friends to visit for the next 12 days. In the new 12 Days of Christmas Goals, players will have a new mission to tackle every day to help celebrate the the biggest winter holiday of the year. All you need to do after receiving the letter from the postmaster is click on the carolers, played by Frontier Jack, Fanny Wildcat and Humble Bob, standing near the Pioneer Toy Factory to open up the 12 Days of Christmas Calendar.
From there the 12 Days of Christmas Calendar will open up to you. Looking much like a traditional Advent Calendar, a new mission themed after the original tune will open up to players each day. You'll have until Jan. 7 to complete each Goal, so rest easy if you can't get to each one that exact day. Players can also unlock each of the Goals early for increasing amounts of Horseshoes if they're feeling impatient.
Join us after the break for a look at Day 12 of this long-winded Christmas celebration.
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
In the first mission of 12, titled "On the Twelfth Day of Christmas," all you need to do is clear 12 Debris of any kind, which will take seconds. However, you also need to turn in one Collection and harvest 12 neighbors' Pear Trees (get it?). This can become troublesome for those who turn in Collections immediately upon completing them--never, ever do that. Not to mention that not every neighbor has Pear Trees, but perhaps some of your buddies run Victory Gardens. It wouldn't hurt to ask around the forums or in those infamous "Add Me" threads on Facebook for folks who take a liking to Pear Trees. Luckily, all of these Goals are good until Jan. 7, so you have quite a lot of time to complete them. We have a feeling that as the days pass by, you're going to need it.
Find the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
From there the 12 Days of Christmas Calendar will open up to you. Looking much like a traditional Advent Calendar, a new mission themed after the original tune will open up to players each day. You'll have until Jan. 7 to complete each Goal, so rest easy if you can't get to each one that exact day. Players can also unlock each of the Goals early for increasing amounts of Horseshoes if they're feeling impatient.
Join us after the break for a look at Day 12 of this long-winded Christmas celebration.
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
In the first mission of 12, titled "On the Twelfth Day of Christmas," all you need to do is clear 12 Debris of any kind, which will take seconds. However, you also need to turn in one Collection and harvest 12 neighbors' Pear Trees (get it?). This can become troublesome for those who turn in Collections immediately upon completing them--never, ever do that. Not to mention that not every neighbor has Pear Trees, but perhaps some of your buddies run Victory Gardens. It wouldn't hurt to ask around the forums or in those infamous "Add Me" threads on Facebook for folks who take a liking to Pear Trees. Luckily, all of these Goals are good until Jan. 7, so you have quite a lot of time to complete them. We have a feeling that as the days pass by, you're going to need it.
Find the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Thứ Năm, 12 tháng 1, 2012
What Will Online Games Look Like in a Year? Three Early Trends from Casual Connect
The annual Casual Connect conference in Seattle is underway, and big ideas from this year are already starting to crop up. Here's a sampling of some trends you might start to see in your favorite online games.
Increased Focus on Friends
Larry C. culled this from a social games panel he attended: Friends game play data as a mode of engagment. Friends who play more have more value. In other words, games that show players how their friends are doing seem to encourage the player to play more -- and friends that play more will encourage competition among their friends in turn.
This helps illuminate the exponential growth of certain games on social networking sites, particularly Facebook, which has an application development framework that makes it easy for game creators to pull in data about the player's friends and display statistics about their play inside the game itself. Some games (such as Facebook's Mafia Wars) even tie friends' accomplishments in the game to the player's own.
Facebook's Gareth Davis noted a few other aspects of the social network that make it a unique place to develop games. For one, Facebook allows players to easily distribute the games to their friends by inviting them to play right through the game. It also allows players to share their game experiences (new high score, unlocked levels, reaching certain goals) by publishing them in their profile.
Blurring Casual and Hardcore Lines
PopCap Games' CEO David Roberts headlined a panel this morning called, "Gamers are Casual Too" with a great carryaway message: don't pigeonhole gamers into demographics like "hardcore" and "casual" -- just make great games for everyone! Larry C. attended the panel himself, adding: Everyone is sick of labels. Casual, social, core and hard core. They are just games.
New platforms like the iPhone and Facebook are bringing games to people for the first time -- the gamer audience is growing, and it's not just more young men playing violent war games and not just soccer moms playing sparkly jewel games; it's the mass market.
In practice, this seems to mean that there's going to be a convergence of genres - games, on the whole, will cease to be either 'hardcore' or 'casual.' Many games we might label as 'casual' already have hardcore elements -- Fancy Pants Adventures on Games.com borrows elements from traditional platforming games such as the Super Mario series and its followers. Hardcore games, "video games" as opposed to "online games," in turn feature many casual elements, most apparent with minigames but also extending to the natural gameplay cycles (repeating certain actions to level up, emphasis on player to player interaction), even in games like World of Warcraft. Sure there will still be genres (in movies, we have action films, chick flicks, kids movies etc) but there might not be such a great divide between the demographic of who is actually playing games.
People Will Become Gamers With the Right Games
It's appropriate that Nintendo is the company extolling the virtues of finding non-gamer audiences, considering that their Wii console, along with games such as Wii Fit and Wii Sports, have been partially responsible for the dramatic increase of gamers in the last few years. During their keynote, Nintendo noted that in just 2.5 years, the console and handheld market for games increased by 30 million players.
"From our experience, many developers tend to narrow target to specific audience. We don't operate on those terms; rather we choose to focus on broader market; things that appeal to everyone," Prata said. "If you can make games that appeal to everyone, regardless of experience level, then one step closer to expanding the industry."
This last point compliments the previous one about blurring the casual/hardcore lines -- expanding the demographic means creating games that are going to appeal to either more people at a time or appeal to niche demographics that haven't previously been exposed to games.
Nintendo successfully did this by fostering games with a purpose -- with Wii Sports, they were able to take the real-life activities of bowling, baseball and more and creating their video game analogs. With Wii Fit, they were able to take a common 'chore' (working out) and turn it into a game that not only rewarded you with a healthier body, but also encouraged participation with in-game status reports and minigames. Of course, both games were enabled with help of a motion-sensing controller that helped bridge the gap between performing an action in real life and executing that action on the screen.
---------------------------------------------
Those are just three of the many trends being discussed at Casual Connect so far this year -- we'll try to bring you another update later this week on the exciting new ideas being shared at the conference and talk about how they'll change the way you, and even those who don't think gaming is for them, think about games.
What are your thoughts on these trends? Do you see them affecting how you look at games? Are you excited to see what new games developers will create in light of these discussions?
Increased Focus on Friends
Larry C. culled this from a social games panel he attended: Friends game play data as a mode of engagment. Friends who play more have more value. In other words, games that show players how their friends are doing seem to encourage the player to play more -- and friends that play more will encourage competition among their friends in turn.
This helps illuminate the exponential growth of certain games on social networking sites, particularly Facebook, which has an application development framework that makes it easy for game creators to pull in data about the player's friends and display statistics about their play inside the game itself. Some games (such as Facebook's Mafia Wars) even tie friends' accomplishments in the game to the player's own.
Facebook's Gareth Davis noted a few other aspects of the social network that make it a unique place to develop games. For one, Facebook allows players to easily distribute the games to their friends by inviting them to play right through the game. It also allows players to share their game experiences (new high score, unlocked levels, reaching certain goals) by publishing them in their profile.
Blurring Casual and Hardcore Lines
PopCap Games' CEO David Roberts headlined a panel this morning called, "Gamers are Casual Too" with a great carryaway message: don't pigeonhole gamers into demographics like "hardcore" and "casual" -- just make great games for everyone! Larry C. attended the panel himself, adding: Everyone is sick of labels. Casual, social, core and hard core. They are just games.
New platforms like the iPhone and Facebook are bringing games to people for the first time -- the gamer audience is growing, and it's not just more young men playing violent war games and not just soccer moms playing sparkly jewel games; it's the mass market.
In practice, this seems to mean that there's going to be a convergence of genres - games, on the whole, will cease to be either 'hardcore' or 'casual.' Many games we might label as 'casual' already have hardcore elements -- Fancy Pants Adventures on Games.com borrows elements from traditional platforming games such as the Super Mario series and its followers. Hardcore games, "video games" as opposed to "online games," in turn feature many casual elements, most apparent with minigames but also extending to the natural gameplay cycles (repeating certain actions to level up, emphasis on player to player interaction), even in games like World of Warcraft. Sure there will still be genres (in movies, we have action films, chick flicks, kids movies etc) but there might not be such a great divide between the demographic of who is actually playing games.
People Will Become Gamers With the Right Games
It's appropriate that Nintendo is the company extolling the virtues of finding non-gamer audiences, considering that their Wii console, along with games such as Wii Fit and Wii Sports, have been partially responsible for the dramatic increase of gamers in the last few years. During their keynote, Nintendo noted that in just 2.5 years, the console and handheld market for games increased by 30 million players.
"From our experience, many developers tend to narrow target to specific audience. We don't operate on those terms; rather we choose to focus on broader market; things that appeal to everyone," Prata said. "If you can make games that appeal to everyone, regardless of experience level, then one step closer to expanding the industry."
This last point compliments the previous one about blurring the casual/hardcore lines -- expanding the demographic means creating games that are going to appeal to either more people at a time or appeal to niche demographics that haven't previously been exposed to games.
Nintendo successfully did this by fostering games with a purpose -- with Wii Sports, they were able to take the real-life activities of bowling, baseball and more and creating their video game analogs. With Wii Fit, they were able to take a common 'chore' (working out) and turn it into a game that not only rewarded you with a healthier body, but also encouraged participation with in-game status reports and minigames. Of course, both games were enabled with help of a motion-sensing controller that helped bridge the gap between performing an action in real life and executing that action on the screen.
---------------------------------------------
Those are just three of the many trends being discussed at Casual Connect so far this year -- we'll try to bring you another update later this week on the exciting new ideas being shared at the conference and talk about how they'll change the way you, and even those who don't think gaming is for them, think about games.
What are your thoughts on these trends? Do you see them affecting how you look at games? Are you excited to see what new games developers will create in light of these discussions?
Free Hidden Object Game Contest - Win Hidden Expedition: Everest!
Hidden Expedition: Everest is one of our most popular hidden object games on the site - and why wouldn't it be? Just look at the smile on that guy. You can demo the game right on Games.com, but you can win a copy of the FULL game right now!
Fresh from a successful exploration of the wreck of the Titanic, the Hidden Expedition Club will pit one of its stellar members against a formidable group of opponents in a race to the summit of Everest. Other groups will battle you to be the first to summit Mount Everest. Expert Everest climber Ed Viesturs will assist you along the way. Explore mysteries of the world as you find hidden clues.
We have six codes to give away courtesy of our friends at Big Fish Games.
Here's how to win:
Step 1. Join our Facebook fan page! If you haven't joined our Facebook fan page yet, now's your chance! Go to facebook.com/gamescom, and hit the "Become a Fan" button at the top.
Step 2. Leave a comment saying "I Love Hidden Expedition!" using the Wall Post and include your email address so we know where to reach you!
We'll pick one entry at the beginning of next week and send you the code!
Any questions or comments? Post them in the comments area here and we'll do our best to answer them! Good luck!
Already playing Hidden Expedition: Everest? Check out tips and tricks on how to play hidden object games!
Fresh from a successful exploration of the wreck of the Titanic, the Hidden Expedition Club will pit one of its stellar members against a formidable group of opponents in a race to the summit of Everest. Other groups will battle you to be the first to summit Mount Everest. Expert Everest climber Ed Viesturs will assist you along the way. Explore mysteries of the world as you find hidden clues.
We have six codes to give away courtesy of our friends at Big Fish Games.
Here's how to win:
Step 1. Join our Facebook fan page! If you haven't joined our Facebook fan page yet, now's your chance! Go to facebook.com/gamescom, and hit the "Become a Fan" button at the top.
Step 2. Leave a comment saying "I Love Hidden Expedition!" using the Wall Post and include your email address so we know where to reach you!
We'll pick one entry at the beginning of next week and send you the code!
Any questions or comments? Post them in the comments area here and we'll do our best to answer them! Good luck!
Already playing Hidden Expedition: Everest? Check out tips and tricks on how to play hidden object games!
NFL Nixes Social Networking During Games
The Associated Press reports that the NFL is limiting the use of social network updates 90 minutes before kickoff and after players have completed post-game interviews with the media.
The rule also applies to coaches and other personnel. Yet, NFL game officials and officiating department personnel are banned from using social networks at all times. As play-by-play updates during games have always been a staple of NFL no-noes, the new rule appears to give a side-to-side nod to the growth of social networks, even with the sports elite.
Fines for violating the rule were not disclosed but the first known social fine, imposed on San Diego Chargers cornerback player, Antonio Cromartie, forced him to dish out $2,500 after he openly criticized the quality of the food at training camp this summer over Twitter.
The rule also applies to coaches and other personnel. Yet, NFL game officials and officiating department personnel are banned from using social networks at all times. As play-by-play updates during games have always been a staple of NFL no-noes, the new rule appears to give a side-to-side nod to the growth of social networks, even with the sports elite.
Fines for violating the rule were not disclosed but the first known social fine, imposed on San Diego Chargers cornerback player, Antonio Cromartie, forced him to dish out $2,500 after he openly criticized the quality of the food at training camp this summer over Twitter.
Announcing the AOL GameShow Podcast!
What's the AOL GameShow Podcast?
It's the best idea we've had since the last best idea we had.
Hosts Libe Goad, Laurent Courtines and Robin Yang are joined weekly by an ever-rotating cast of games industry friends/cohorts to talk about video/casual/social games -- we'll do a quick run-down of the week's big news and hit a few interesting discussion points.
You should also expect such recurring segments as Spanish Word of the Day (where we translate popular gaming terminology into Spanish) and What You Should Be Playing This Week Or Else You're A Big Dum-Dum (this one's pretty self-explanatory).
Awesome! How do I watch/listen to this show?
We're so glad you asked! We'll be posting each episode (video and audio) on this, the Games.com blog, every week as it debuts. But there are also multiple ways to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!
Subscribe in iTunes
(links will open in iTunes, make sure you click 'Subscribe'!)
AOL GameShow Video Podcast
AOL GameShow Audio Podcast
Subscribe using RSS
Video Podcast RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/aolgameshow
Audio Podcast RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/aolgameshow_audio
Hey, I've got a great idea/shoutout/question for your show!
We'd love to hear it! You can email us at podcast@games.com, or you can send us a reply on Twitter! Just include "@AOLGameShow" in your update and we'll be able to see it on our super computer controller panel screen. :)
It's the best idea we've had since the last best idea we had.
Hosts Libe Goad, Laurent Courtines and Robin Yang are joined weekly by an ever-rotating cast of games industry friends/cohorts to talk about video/casual/social games -- we'll do a quick run-down of the week's big news and hit a few interesting discussion points.
You should also expect such recurring segments as Spanish Word of the Day (where we translate popular gaming terminology into Spanish) and What You Should Be Playing This Week Or Else You're A Big Dum-Dum (this one's pretty self-explanatory).
Awesome! How do I watch/listen to this show?
We're so glad you asked! We'll be posting each episode (video and audio) on this, the Games.com blog, every week as it debuts. But there are also multiple ways to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!
Subscribe in iTunes
(links will open in iTunes, make sure you click 'Subscribe'!)
AOL GameShow Video Podcast
AOL GameShow Audio Podcast
Subscribe using RSS
Video Podcast RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/aolgameshow
Audio Podcast RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/aolgameshow_audio
Hey, I've got a great idea/shoutout/question for your show!
We'd love to hear it! You can email us at podcast@games.com, or you can send us a reply on Twitter! Just include "@AOLGameShow" in your update and we'll be able to see it on our super computer controller panel screen. :)
Monopoly City Streets: A Quick-Start Guide
Google and Hasbro recently launched Monopoly City Streets, a free online version of Monopoly that gives players a chance to go from average Joe to real estate tycoon.
This game is different than traditional Monopoly. Instead of using the traditional game board, Monopoly City Streets works with Google Maps, meaning you can buy and sell real-life streets across the globe.
Once you've bought a street, spent your virtual cash building houses and other buildings, their rent will keep cash flowing into your coffers. After all, the ultimate goal of any Monopoly is to have the biggest bankroll by game's end.
Monopoly City Streets is relatively easy to pick up and play. Find out how to get started in our eight-step Quick Start guide:
Monopoly City Streets Quick Start Guide:
1. Go to the Monopoly City Streets site (monopolycitystreets.com)
2. Click the cash icon at the bottom of the screen to search for and buy a street. That will open the Google maps to the city/street you selected, along with a list of streets for sale in the area. All streets are color coded: purple streets are for sale, yellow streets are locked and not for sale, blue streets are already sold and the streets you buy will be highlighted in red.
3. Once you buy a street, you will be prompted to register and create a profile for the game. It's a relatively painless process, and doesn't require you to dole out any personal information.
4. You start the game with $3,000,000 in Monopoly money. After buying your first street, there are two options: buy more streets or start erecting buildings on your street and raking in the rent.
5. You can build buildings by clicking on your street, which pops a window containing information on your street. Select the Build Property option. When prompted, select the building you want to buy, then click on a traffic cone to place it on the street. Note: Once you place a building, you will not be able to move it later.
6. If you want to buy a street that's already taken, negotiate a sales price with the owner. Start by clicking on any taken street, which will pop a window with the street's information, owner name and a box to enter a bid. Enter how much you're willing to pay for the street, and the owner will approve if the price is right. Note: If the current owner does not respond to you in seven days, you automatically take over the street.
7. To keep things from getting too predictable; the game also doles out random Chance cards, that can give players an edge or take them down a few notches. Soon after signing in, we received a card that said we could bulldoze an opponent's building of our choosing. Score!
8. Log in to the game daily to pick up your rent and buy and sell buildings and property, then grow wealthy enough to register on the local, national or global leaderboards.
Another important note, Monopoly City Streets has been overwhelmed with players and has started crashing often. That means, you might find yourself coming back later to play again. The official blog says once the game stabilizes, they will restart the game, meaning everyone will have to start over from scratch (and ends January 31, 2010). That means if you've been dreaming of building high-rise condos on the streets of NYC, you might get your chance.
If you're yearning to play some more traditional Monopoly, check out these four Games.com games:
This game is different than traditional Monopoly. Instead of using the traditional game board, Monopoly City Streets works with Google Maps, meaning you can buy and sell real-life streets across the globe.
Once you've bought a street, spent your virtual cash building houses and other buildings, their rent will keep cash flowing into your coffers. After all, the ultimate goal of any Monopoly is to have the biggest bankroll by game's end.
Monopoly City Streets is relatively easy to pick up and play. Find out how to get started in our eight-step Quick Start guide:
Monopoly City Streets Quick Start Guide:
1. Go to the Monopoly City Streets site (monopolycitystreets.com)
2. Click the cash icon at the bottom of the screen to search for and buy a street. That will open the Google maps to the city/street you selected, along with a list of streets for sale in the area. All streets are color coded: purple streets are for sale, yellow streets are locked and not for sale, blue streets are already sold and the streets you buy will be highlighted in red.
3. Once you buy a street, you will be prompted to register and create a profile for the game. It's a relatively painless process, and doesn't require you to dole out any personal information.
4. You start the game with $3,000,000 in Monopoly money. After buying your first street, there are two options: buy more streets or start erecting buildings on your street and raking in the rent.
5. You can build buildings by clicking on your street, which pops a window containing information on your street. Select the Build Property option. When prompted, select the building you want to buy, then click on a traffic cone to place it on the street. Note: Once you place a building, you will not be able to move it later.
6. If you want to buy a street that's already taken, negotiate a sales price with the owner. Start by clicking on any taken street, which will pop a window with the street's information, owner name and a box to enter a bid. Enter how much you're willing to pay for the street, and the owner will approve if the price is right. Note: If the current owner does not respond to you in seven days, you automatically take over the street.
7. To keep things from getting too predictable; the game also doles out random Chance cards, that can give players an edge or take them down a few notches. Soon after signing in, we received a card that said we could bulldoze an opponent's building of our choosing. Score!
8. Log in to the game daily to pick up your rent and buy and sell buildings and property, then grow wealthy enough to register on the local, national or global leaderboards.
Another important note, Monopoly City Streets has been overwhelmed with players and has started crashing often. That means, you might find yourself coming back later to play again. The official blog says once the game stabilizes, they will restart the game, meaning everyone will have to start over from scratch (and ends January 31, 2010). That means if you've been dreaming of building high-rise condos on the streets of NYC, you might get your chance.
If you're yearning to play some more traditional Monopoly, check out these four Games.com games:
Thứ Ba, 10 tháng 1, 2012
Cut the Rope 2 has a mysterious new character and plenty more rope
If I learned anything from the Boondock Saints, it's that you can never have enough rope. Chillingo, publisher of Angry Birds in the U.S. and now with EA, has released the first images of Cut the Rope 2 by Zepto Lab.
IGN expects the game to be a full-blown sequel to the original hit iOS game in which players cut a series of ropes that hold candy for Om Nom, the game's adorably green protagonist. At the moment, all we're riding on is three new images, none of which include gameplay, but are quite telling of what's in store for Om Nom.
Aside from a logo for the new game, the released media includes a storyboard for what will likely be an introductory cut scene. It seems that Om Nom is heading to a new home, and judging from the second screenshot, finally free from his box (the entire first game is played from inside it).
Cut the Rope 2 storyboard
However, a brand new character has been revealed for the game known only as "The Professor." This mysterious new character could be who players now cut the rope as. But one thing is for certain: With a name like "The Professor," I would expect some wacky new ways of delivering tasty sweets to our beloved green friend.
IGN says that Cut the Rope 2 will hit the App Store "soon," and that it might focus more heavily on story than the original. I don't think we've ever been this excited about cutting ropes. We blame the green thing.
Cut the Rope 2 The Professor
IGN expects the game to be a full-blown sequel to the original hit iOS game in which players cut a series of ropes that hold candy for Om Nom, the game's adorably green protagonist. At the moment, all we're riding on is three new images, none of which include gameplay, but are quite telling of what's in store for Om Nom.
Aside from a logo for the new game, the released media includes a storyboard for what will likely be an introductory cut scene. It seems that Om Nom is heading to a new home, and judging from the second screenshot, finally free from his box (the entire first game is played from inside it).
Cut the Rope 2 storyboard
However, a brand new character has been revealed for the game known only as "The Professor." This mysterious new character could be who players now cut the rope as. But one thing is for certain: With a name like "The Professor," I would expect some wacky new ways of delivering tasty sweets to our beloved green friend.
IGN says that Cut the Rope 2 will hit the App Store "soon," and that it might focus more heavily on story than the original. I don't think we've ever been this excited about cutting ropes. We blame the green thing.
Cut the Rope 2 The Professor
NBA Jam creator splits EA for Zynga; next stop, BasketballVille? [Rumor]
With Zynga, anything is possible. Come on, it made a mini game called PrivacyVille. Kotaku reports that Mark Turmell (pictured), creator of the legendary NBA Jam series of arcade-style basketball games that were recently revisited on the Wii and other consoles, has left EA Sports and joined the creator of FarmVille. (However, no sources have been cited.) And considering his extensive track record with entertaining sports games with wide appeal, Zynga might intend on entering the sports genre with Turmell.
Turmell had been with EA Sports at its Tiburon studio since 2009 and also helped bring iconic games like the '90s arcade game Smash TV and NFL Blitz, another arcade-style sports game. Turmell was senior creative director at EA Tiburon in Orlando, Fla., and while his Linkedin profile has yet to be updated with the new position, his departure is official. "We appreciate Mark's contribution to Tiburon and EA Sports and wish him well in future endeavors," an EA spokesman told Kotaku.
A number of EA employees have reportedly left the company in recent months for ventures in social gaming. Former EA CCO John Schappert has left the company for Zynga, and former EA CCO Bing Gordon has invested in the monolithic company. Ben Cousins of EA's free-to-play developer Easy Studios left the company for Ngmoco's (owned by Japanese gaming giant DeNA) new Sweden studio.
Amidst rampant departures, EA runs headstrong into the social games world and is making huge strides to compete--the company bought Bejeweled developer PopCap for a whopping potential $1.3 billion recently. However, it will be interesting to see if these talent losses affect EA's ability to go toe-to-toe with Zynga, but with an entire company's worth of talent now, we'd say it has a pretty solid shot at the big time.
Turmell had been with EA Sports at its Tiburon studio since 2009 and also helped bring iconic games like the '90s arcade game Smash TV and NFL Blitz, another arcade-style sports game. Turmell was senior creative director at EA Tiburon in Orlando, Fla., and while his Linkedin profile has yet to be updated with the new position, his departure is official. "We appreciate Mark's contribution to Tiburon and EA Sports and wish him well in future endeavors," an EA spokesman told Kotaku.
A number of EA employees have reportedly left the company in recent months for ventures in social gaming. Former EA CCO John Schappert has left the company for Zynga, and former EA CCO Bing Gordon has invested in the monolithic company. Ben Cousins of EA's free-to-play developer Easy Studios left the company for Ngmoco's (owned by Japanese gaming giant DeNA) new Sweden studio.
Amidst rampant departures, EA runs headstrong into the social games world and is making huge strides to compete--the company bought Bejeweled developer PopCap for a whopping potential $1.3 billion recently. However, it will be interesting to see if these talent losses affect EA's ability to go toe-to-toe with Zynga, but with an entire company's worth of talent now, we'd say it has a pretty solid shot at the big time.
Facebook games to hit the red carpet at 2011 Golden Joystick Awards
This year, you may see CityVille Sam strutting or the Zuma Blitz frog hopping along the red carpet at the 2011 Golden Joystick Awards on Oct. 21 at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza in London. (OK, probably not, but that would be seriously awesome.) Future, hosts of the awards for 29 years running, have teamed up with UK games magazine GamesMaster this time around and have introduced a new category: free-to-play games.
More importantly, there is a number of Facebook games on the list that could win the coveted honor of Free-to-play Game of the Year. CityVille, Empires & Allies, FIFA Superstars and Zuma Blitz have all been put up for a vote by the public starting now. However, they're beset on all sides by plenty more free-to-play MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) like the popular League of Legends, RuneScape and Champions Online among eight others.
Everyone knows that Facebook games are popular. But it's only recently that they have been publicly recognized at large media events. For instance, FarmVille and social other games scored nominations at this year's Webby Awards, while a number of upcoming social games like Sims Social and MargaritaVille were featured at this year's E3. (Even a game about illegal farming was nominated for an award recently.) So, consider this a call to action.
Voting in the Golden Joysticks is absolutely free and available now right here. And those who vote in every category will be eligible for prizes like copies of the nominated games and even a PS Vita--but back to the mission. Should you accept it, you must vote for your favorite Facebook game and make sure that the world's biggest place for games is not only recognized, but beats the competition. Dismissed!
More importantly, there is a number of Facebook games on the list that could win the coveted honor of Free-to-play Game of the Year. CityVille, Empires & Allies, FIFA Superstars and Zuma Blitz have all been put up for a vote by the public starting now. However, they're beset on all sides by plenty more free-to-play MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) like the popular League of Legends, RuneScape and Champions Online among eight others.
Everyone knows that Facebook games are popular. But it's only recently that they have been publicly recognized at large media events. For instance, FarmVille and social other games scored nominations at this year's Webby Awards, while a number of upcoming social games like Sims Social and MargaritaVille were featured at this year's E3. (Even a game about illegal farming was nominated for an award recently.) So, consider this a call to action.
Voting in the Golden Joysticks is absolutely free and available now right here. And those who vote in every category will be eligible for prizes like copies of the nominated games and even a PS Vita--but back to the mission. Should you accept it, you must vote for your favorite Facebook game and make sure that the world's biggest place for games is not only recognized, but beats the competition. Dismissed!
King's Bounty: Legions trailer asks, 'Will you be a king or pawn' [Video]
We hope you'll go with the former, or this will be one terribly boring game for you. Nival, the Russian developer of the hit strategy franchise King's Bounty, has released the first trailer for King's Bounty: Legions, its Facebook adaptation of the series.
The company has started the invite-only beta test of the game through Gamesradar. Members of the video game news website will have instant access to the King's Bounty beta on Facebook, and can invite anyone they please. So, at least everyone will get a crack at the hexagonal madness eventually.
The trailer poses an important if rhetorical question to players: "Will you be a king or a pawn?" Then, it dives right into some flashy gameplay footage filled with spells, swords and spiders--you know, what you expect from a fantasy game these days. We first got a look at the game at this year's E3, but now we know a bit more about King's Bounty: Legions. Namely, it uses the Unity Player to display its arguably beautiful 3D graphics and sparkly spells, which means an extra download.
The turn-based strategy game is being developed by KranX Productions, another Russian developer. King's Bounty on Facebook is most definitely going after the hardcore crowd, which is more familiar with tools like the Unity Player and likely has more of an affinity for the franchise. Players will be able to manage their armies through a card system across the Kingdom (humans and general good guys), Chaos (orcs, beasts with several eyes, you name it), Beasts (wild animals) and The Ancients (unicorns and other mythical creatures) factions. Covering all of these factions is the class system:
Archer - This range class offers players the chance to deal damage while keeping a safe distance from the fray.
Defender - The best offense is a good defense, as demonstrated with their ability to withstand heavy attacks from enemies.
Mage - Unleash magical powers to conquer foes from afar with these masters of the mystic arts.
Support - Everybody needs somebody to watch their back and this class is the go-to back-up in battle.
Warrior - Whether it's swinging a big sword, showing off some big fangs or just being a frontline trooper, this class will get up close and personal with foes.
The game will also have an asynchronous feature that allows players to do battle even when away, according to King's Bounty: Legions North American producer David D. Christensen. If you want an invite into the beta, you'll either have to sign up for a Gamesradar account or wait for a friend to invite you. And after watching that explosive trailer, we're sure you're patience for an invite will be tested.
The company has started the invite-only beta test of the game through Gamesradar. Members of the video game news website will have instant access to the King's Bounty beta on Facebook, and can invite anyone they please. So, at least everyone will get a crack at the hexagonal madness eventually.
The trailer poses an important if rhetorical question to players: "Will you be a king or a pawn?" Then, it dives right into some flashy gameplay footage filled with spells, swords and spiders--you know, what you expect from a fantasy game these days. We first got a look at the game at this year's E3, but now we know a bit more about King's Bounty: Legions. Namely, it uses the Unity Player to display its arguably beautiful 3D graphics and sparkly spells, which means an extra download.
The turn-based strategy game is being developed by KranX Productions, another Russian developer. King's Bounty on Facebook is most definitely going after the hardcore crowd, which is more familiar with tools like the Unity Player and likely has more of an affinity for the franchise. Players will be able to manage their armies through a card system across the Kingdom (humans and general good guys), Chaos (orcs, beasts with several eyes, you name it), Beasts (wild animals) and The Ancients (unicorns and other mythical creatures) factions. Covering all of these factions is the class system:
Archer - This range class offers players the chance to deal damage while keeping a safe distance from the fray.
Defender - The best offense is a good defense, as demonstrated with their ability to withstand heavy attacks from enemies.
Mage - Unleash magical powers to conquer foes from afar with these masters of the mystic arts.
Support - Everybody needs somebody to watch their back and this class is the go-to back-up in battle.
Warrior - Whether it's swinging a big sword, showing off some big fangs or just being a frontline trooper, this class will get up close and personal with foes.
The game will also have an asynchronous feature that allows players to do battle even when away, according to King's Bounty: Legions North American producer David D. Christensen. If you want an invite into the beta, you'll either have to sign up for a Gamesradar account or wait for a friend to invite you. And after watching that explosive trailer, we're sure you're patience for an invite will be tested.
Nintendo president apologizes for 'unprecedented' 3DS price drop
Isn't cutting your own salary in half enough? Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has issued a public apology to early adopters of the brand new 3DS handheld console. Giant Bomb has translated Iwata's public apology letter, which was issued on the company's Japanese website recently.
The letter is expectantly formal, but terribly honest. "... never before has Nintendo chosen to issue such a dramatic price drop less than 6 months after a system release," Iwata wrote. "This unprecedented timing for a price cut is because the situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS."
That situation Iwata refers to is that the 3DS has not sold to Nintendo's expectations, and after the company's drastic reduction in its annual earnings forecast, it was time to try something equally as drastic. You know, like cut nearly a third off of its original $250 asking price to $170? (This is effective Aug. 12.)
"If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system," Iwata admitted. He then went on to remind fans of the 20 free games the company will offer early adopters as consolation.
This letter comes after Iwata addressed investors with the news that he will take a 50 percent cut to his salary as a result of the poor 3DS launch, and other Nintendo executives will take less severe pay cuts. However, the Nintendo president mentions in the letter that there's nothing the company can do to completely make up for cheated feeling many fans might be experiencing. And while that's true, it might take more than just free games to make players feel like their purchase was worthwhile.
Nintendo announced recently that the 3DS and upcoming Wii U will embrace digital item transactions. It's the first step of many that the company should make if it wants to compete with consoles and mobile devices whose game offerings become more and more "connected." After witnessing the 3DS stumble out of the gate, we can't to see how Nintendo debuts the Wii U next year.
The letter is expectantly formal, but terribly honest. "... never before has Nintendo chosen to issue such a dramatic price drop less than 6 months after a system release," Iwata wrote. "This unprecedented timing for a price cut is because the situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS."
That situation Iwata refers to is that the 3DS has not sold to Nintendo's expectations, and after the company's drastic reduction in its annual earnings forecast, it was time to try something equally as drastic. You know, like cut nearly a third off of its original $250 asking price to $170? (This is effective Aug. 12.)
"If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system," Iwata admitted. He then went on to remind fans of the 20 free games the company will offer early adopters as consolation.
This letter comes after Iwata addressed investors with the news that he will take a 50 percent cut to his salary as a result of the poor 3DS launch, and other Nintendo executives will take less severe pay cuts. However, the Nintendo president mentions in the letter that there's nothing the company can do to completely make up for cheated feeling many fans might be experiencing. And while that's true, it might take more than just free games to make players feel like their purchase was worthwhile.
Nintendo announced recently that the 3DS and upcoming Wii U will embrace digital item transactions. It's the first step of many that the company should make if it wants to compete with consoles and mobile devices whose game offerings become more and more "connected." After witnessing the 3DS stumble out of the gate, we can't to see how Nintendo debuts the Wii U next year.
Thứ Hai, 9 tháng 1, 2012
FarmVille Winter Wonderland Decorations: Ice Skating Ring, Penguin Fishing, Iced Duck & More!
In tonight's FarmVille update, we see the launch of five new decorative items in the new Winter Wonderland theme of limited edition items. The five items are those that we've seen in the past, through a FarmVille Sneak Peek that we brought you last month.
Four of the items are premium, for those that don't mind spending a little Farm Cash, but there is one item (and a cute one at that) that is available for coins. The four premium items are the Hot Springs, Ice Skate Ring, Penguin Fishing, and the Iced Cow. The Hot Springs and Ice Skate Ring are large, natural looking elements, while the Penguin Fishing is an oddly named item (in our opinion). Yes, it has a penguin that dives into a frozen pond to retrieve a fish, but couldn't it have been called "Fishing Penguin" instead? Either way, the Penguin Fishing item costs 18 Farm Cash. The Hot Springs and Ice Skate Ring cost 30 Farm Cash and 26 Farm Cash, respectively, while the Iced Cow is a relative bargain (at least by comparison) at 4 Farm Cash.
The lone coin item fits in with the Iced Cow, as it is an iced version of another in-game animal. The Iced Duck will set you back just 10,000 coins - now that's a real bargain in the game, at least where limited edition decorative items are concerned.
These five items will be available in the game for the next 13 days (as of this writing). It's still unknown as to whether or not Zynga will release more items in this theme, or if this is a one-off release, but we'll be sure to let you know if and when more new items arrive.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Winter Wonderland theme in FarmVille so far? Do you want Zynga to continue releasing items for the theme, or are you tired of seeing winter-themed items in the game?
Four of the items are premium, for those that don't mind spending a little Farm Cash, but there is one item (and a cute one at that) that is available for coins. The four premium items are the Hot Springs, Ice Skate Ring, Penguin Fishing, and the Iced Cow. The Hot Springs and Ice Skate Ring are large, natural looking elements, while the Penguin Fishing is an oddly named item (in our opinion). Yes, it has a penguin that dives into a frozen pond to retrieve a fish, but couldn't it have been called "Fishing Penguin" instead? Either way, the Penguin Fishing item costs 18 Farm Cash. The Hot Springs and Ice Skate Ring cost 30 Farm Cash and 26 Farm Cash, respectively, while the Iced Cow is a relative bargain (at least by comparison) at 4 Farm Cash.
The lone coin item fits in with the Iced Cow, as it is an iced version of another in-game animal. The Iced Duck will set you back just 10,000 coins - now that's a real bargain in the game, at least where limited edition decorative items are concerned.
These five items will be available in the game for the next 13 days (as of this writing). It's still unknown as to whether or not Zynga will release more items in this theme, or if this is a one-off release, but we'll be sure to let you know if and when more new items arrive.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Winter Wonderland theme in FarmVille so far? Do you want Zynga to continue releasing items for the theme, or are you tired of seeing winter-themed items in the game?
CityVille Cheats and Tips: How to move, sell and delete items
cityville cheats move items
cityville cheats how to move itemsIf you've been playing CityVille for a while, you know the importance of moving and deleting items. Moving decorations and organizing your buildings can earn you thousands of extra coins for very little energy. Unfortunately though, many people just aren't sure how to move or delete their items. This makes decorating and reorganizing your CityVille city a daunting task. Fortunately for you, moving and deleting items is extremely simple. Unlike other city building games like Millionaire City, CityVille lets you move items for free, no money, bots, or cheats required.
To move an item, building, decoration, or some other CityVille structure, simple click on the arrow or cursor button at the bottom right of the screen (pictured above). It can be found above the 'Build' button and left of the button that contains your Inventory, Collections, and Franchises.
Click the cursor button and a menu will open allowing you to either move, rotate, or sell an item. When you're done moving items, click the Stop icon where the cursor icon used to be. Simple.
cityville cheats how to move itemsIf you've been playing CityVille for a while, you know the importance of moving and deleting items. Moving decorations and organizing your buildings can earn you thousands of extra coins for very little energy. Unfortunately though, many people just aren't sure how to move or delete their items. This makes decorating and reorganizing your CityVille city a daunting task. Fortunately for you, moving and deleting items is extremely simple. Unlike other city building games like Millionaire City, CityVille lets you move items for free, no money, bots, or cheats required.
To move an item, building, decoration, or some other CityVille structure, simple click on the arrow or cursor button at the bottom right of the screen (pictured above). It can be found above the 'Build' button and left of the button that contains your Inventory, Collections, and Franchises.
Click the cursor button and a menu will open allowing you to either move, rotate, or sell an item. When you're done moving items, click the Stop icon where the cursor icon used to be. Simple.
CityVille beats FarmVille's best numbers, shatters and sets records
CityVille is huge
It looks like Zynga and the CityVille team have received a New Year's gift now, too. (In fact, CityVille doesn't seem to need an occasion anymore.) TechCrunch reports that CityVille has become the biggest social game to ever grace Facebook, breaking FarmVille's record-setting peak of nearly 83.8 million monthly players in March 2010 with 84.2 million monthly players. Zynga's most recent social-gaming juggernaut has been shattering records since it launched early in Dec. 2010, but this is a first for both CityVille and the Facebook game genre altogether.
We've all said that the growth has to plateau at some point, but continues surging upward, blowing away our expectations and doubts without much more than a few stutters, according to a chart provided by Inside Social Games (ISG). It's ISG that also predicts CityVille to reach 125 million players at some point in 2011. Well, if the game keeps soaring at this rate of almost two million new monthly players daily, it's only a matter of time before CityVille at least reaches 100 million. Either way, CityVille is already the most popular social game to date in the genre's infantile lifespan. That is until Zynga launches something else, of course.
It looks like Zynga and the CityVille team have received a New Year's gift now, too. (In fact, CityVille doesn't seem to need an occasion anymore.) TechCrunch reports that CityVille has become the biggest social game to ever grace Facebook, breaking FarmVille's record-setting peak of nearly 83.8 million monthly players in March 2010 with 84.2 million monthly players. Zynga's most recent social-gaming juggernaut has been shattering records since it launched early in Dec. 2010, but this is a first for both CityVille and the Facebook game genre altogether.
We've all said that the growth has to plateau at some point, but continues surging upward, blowing away our expectations and doubts without much more than a few stutters, according to a chart provided by Inside Social Games (ISG). It's ISG that also predicts CityVille to reach 125 million players at some point in 2011. Well, if the game keeps soaring at this rate of almost two million new monthly players daily, it's only a matter of time before CityVille at least reaches 100 million. Either way, CityVille is already the most popular social game to date in the genre's infantile lifespan. That is until Zynga launches something else, of course.
Top 25 Facebook Games - January 2011
Inside Social Games has released the top 25 Facebook games for January and -- to no surprise -- Zynga's new darling CityVille has gone straight to the top of the charts, overtaking FarmVille, which until recently, seemed darn near impossible. The real question is how long CityVille will stay at the top or if this number is inflated due to extra promotion and the 'new'ness of it all.
Other newcomers to January's Top 25 list include PopCap's Zuma Blitz, which is a timed version of the classic PC game,and CrowdStar's uber girly game, It Girl, which grew 1.2 million last month.
top 25 facebook games 2011
A few other things to point out in this list:
- CityVille gained 80 million users in one month. Wow. It's surprising to see how a city-building game, which isn't drastically different from the many other city-building games out there, gained that much traction. It's a true testament to the power of Zynga's cross-promotion (and it also might be a sign that Zynga's learning how to make more compelling games).;
- FarmVille has been losing players for monthy (roughly 30 million so far), but in December, managed to gain 4 million players One would assume that's due to a combination of all of the special events in the game for the holiday season, the return of game notifications on Facebook and a cross-promotional synergy among all of Zynga's games, many of which were also up last month (with exception of Mafia Wars).
Other newcomers to January's Top 25 list include PopCap's Zuma Blitz, which is a timed version of the classic PC game,and CrowdStar's uber girly game, It Girl, which grew 1.2 million last month.
top 25 facebook games 2011
A few other things to point out in this list:
- CityVille gained 80 million users in one month. Wow. It's surprising to see how a city-building game, which isn't drastically different from the many other city-building games out there, gained that much traction. It's a true testament to the power of Zynga's cross-promotion (and it also might be a sign that Zynga's learning how to make more compelling games).;
- FarmVille has been losing players for monthy (roughly 30 million so far), but in December, managed to gain 4 million players One would assume that's due to a combination of all of the special events in the game for the holiday season, the return of game notifications on Facebook and a cross-promotional synergy among all of Zynga's games, many of which were also up last month (with exception of Mafia Wars).
Little War on Facebook: Stone Age game at a Stone Age pace
If there is one niche that Facebook games have yet to hit, it might very well be the Stone Age. Thanks to Chinese social game developer Five Minutes, that's no longer an issue with Little War. Set in prehistoric times, Little War puts you in the role of chieftain, overseeing a fledgling tribe as they kill, expand and cultivate their way to caveman supremacy. Drawing obvious similarities from established warfare and city-building games like My Empire, Little War brings a lot to the table in presentation as one the most visually appealing Facebook games out there. Unfortunately, the game moves at a fossilized snail's pace, forcing players to wait for sometimes days before seeing the fleeting moments of combat.
Find more detailed impressions of Little War after the break.
Little War Tirbe
Your nascent tribe begins already facing the stony tips of an opposing tribe's spears, which serves as the training ground for you, the only person this small community has to look up to. While that sure sounds pretty intense, it quickly boils down to "harvest this" and "train this." Worse off, these processes will take hours outside of the tutorial, which grants you with Hourglasses to instantly finish training cycles and push the invaders back with your own pointy weapons.
Unlike most games that operate in coins, Little War is all about Food, which is at least historically accurate to a point. Everything from building dwellings and warrior training grounds to decorations costs Food. Harvesting crops, completing quests, killing roaming monsters and leveling are all sources of Food. Of course, harvesting is the most readily available and reliable source of food, but also the least entertaining. There is also your population cap to worry about, which fills up with the more soldiers you train and increases with the more dwellings you create. Admittedly, it has the potential to become an interesting balance considering it all draws from a single resource.
Little War Monster Hunt
To mix things up, your tribe can also tap ancient magics to summon more monsters to hunt, increase your tribe's statistics, damage other tribes and more. These are accessed by creating new Wonders, or buildings whose only purpose is to fuel new magic powers. Once built, Wonders can be upgraded using parts collected from defeating monsters, purchasing from the shop, completing quests or even--dare I say--asking friends. Yes, asking and helping friends with requests is a major component to Little War like most social games.
On to what should the most exciting part of Little War: combat. Unfortunately, I've yet to enter a combat experience with another tribe on any scale since the tutorial. And while it hasn't been a terribly long time since then, why should it be? When there are plenty of other games out there that are much more rewarding of building and maintaining a community, combat should be more frequent and far more exciting than it is. When fighting monsters, all that decides the outcome is a small cartoon-style scuffle cloud accompanied by a loading bar. When fighting opposing tribes, scale that same goofy animation to fill the entire screen, add some more oomph to it with more warriors and that's how large scale combat is decided. The only statistic that contributes to your success in combat is Combat Power, which is merely a measure of the amount of warriors you possess in your army. In short, the combat won't exactly have you running back to your computer screen for more like in games such as Mighty Pirates or Monster Galaxy.
Little War Level Up
As mentioned before, getting into combat takes long enough--but so does everything else. Training even the smallest regiment of warrior takes two hours, most of the more meaningful magic powers take almost a day to recharge and harvesting a worthwhile amount of Food takes a full day. You're going to spend a lot of time either staring at timers or setting alarms around events that aren't exactly enthralling. Little War has an incredibly charming art style and smooth presentation, but sadly is sitting on a gold mine of potentially exciting content while emulating elements of other popular social games so well. Just because your game is about the Stone Age doesn't mean it has to move like it.
Find more detailed impressions of Little War after the break.
Little War Tirbe
Your nascent tribe begins already facing the stony tips of an opposing tribe's spears, which serves as the training ground for you, the only person this small community has to look up to. While that sure sounds pretty intense, it quickly boils down to "harvest this" and "train this." Worse off, these processes will take hours outside of the tutorial, which grants you with Hourglasses to instantly finish training cycles and push the invaders back with your own pointy weapons.
Unlike most games that operate in coins, Little War is all about Food, which is at least historically accurate to a point. Everything from building dwellings and warrior training grounds to decorations costs Food. Harvesting crops, completing quests, killing roaming monsters and leveling are all sources of Food. Of course, harvesting is the most readily available and reliable source of food, but also the least entertaining. There is also your population cap to worry about, which fills up with the more soldiers you train and increases with the more dwellings you create. Admittedly, it has the potential to become an interesting balance considering it all draws from a single resource.
Little War Monster Hunt
To mix things up, your tribe can also tap ancient magics to summon more monsters to hunt, increase your tribe's statistics, damage other tribes and more. These are accessed by creating new Wonders, or buildings whose only purpose is to fuel new magic powers. Once built, Wonders can be upgraded using parts collected from defeating monsters, purchasing from the shop, completing quests or even--dare I say--asking friends. Yes, asking and helping friends with requests is a major component to Little War like most social games.
On to what should the most exciting part of Little War: combat. Unfortunately, I've yet to enter a combat experience with another tribe on any scale since the tutorial. And while it hasn't been a terribly long time since then, why should it be? When there are plenty of other games out there that are much more rewarding of building and maintaining a community, combat should be more frequent and far more exciting than it is. When fighting monsters, all that decides the outcome is a small cartoon-style scuffle cloud accompanied by a loading bar. When fighting opposing tribes, scale that same goofy animation to fill the entire screen, add some more oomph to it with more warriors and that's how large scale combat is decided. The only statistic that contributes to your success in combat is Combat Power, which is merely a measure of the amount of warriors you possess in your army. In short, the combat won't exactly have you running back to your computer screen for more like in games such as Mighty Pirates or Monster Galaxy.
Little War Level Up
As mentioned before, getting into combat takes long enough--but so does everything else. Training even the smallest regiment of warrior takes two hours, most of the more meaningful magic powers take almost a day to recharge and harvesting a worthwhile amount of Food takes a full day. You're going to spend a lot of time either staring at timers or setting alarms around events that aren't exactly enthralling. Little War has an incredibly charming art style and smooth presentation, but sadly is sitting on a gold mine of potentially exciting content while emulating elements of other popular social games so well. Just because your game is about the Stone Age doesn't mean it has to move like it.
Thứ Bảy, 7 tháng 1, 2012
World Food Program thanks Zynga, FarmVille farmers for Haiti relief
A school in Haiti is well on its way to being rebuilt thanks to your contributions in FarmVille. And the evidence is right there in that video above. A World Food Program employee named Stephanie thanks you, the FarmVille farmers, for your contributions to the WFP and the Haitians who suffered the devastating earthquake last year. A year since Zynga's donation events started and over $1.5 million later, one of the schools destroyed in the disaster has now been rebuilt and class is back in session.
Furthermore, that money has also provided the Haitian children within the rebuilt school food for lunch, the primary goal of the WFP. The classrooms are temporary, but we'd hope that with $1.5 million that a full restoration is underway. Regardless, this speaks volumes to the incredible potential that social games have to contribute to the world around them. In fact, developers are even creating games built solely around that purpose. At least as far as social impact is concerned, Facebook games are definitely headed in the right direction.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Did you complete the Haitian relief events in FarmVille last year? How do these results make you feel about your contributions and, more importantly, gameplay?
Furthermore, that money has also provided the Haitian children within the rebuilt school food for lunch, the primary goal of the WFP. The classrooms are temporary, but we'd hope that with $1.5 million that a full restoration is underway. Regardless, this speaks volumes to the incredible potential that social games have to contribute to the world around them. In fact, developers are even creating games built solely around that purpose. At least as far as social impact is concerned, Facebook games are definitely headed in the right direction.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Did you complete the Haitian relief events in FarmVille last year? How do these results make you feel about your contributions and, more importantly, gameplay?
Spend those free Facebook Credits before they expire Feb. 15
You freeloaders better get to spending fast, because any Facebook Credits received for free from Facebook will expire Feb. 15. The company has been doling out Credits for about six months as it solidified five-year exclusivity deals with several developers including Zynga, Playfish and Playdom. All Facebook reports that the social network is killing the free credits because the idea behind the promotions was to spur in-app (ahem, in-game) spending, not hoarding.
However, Inside Facebook reports that this change will only effect a small number of the lazier folks to receive promotions. All Facebook guesses that this implies that Credits will only be removed from accounts that have yet to long into a Facebook app since receiving the free Credits. Of course, this has yet to be seen.
Clearly this all ties back into Facebook's July 1 deadline for all applications on the platform, including games, to use Facebook Credits as their one and only currency. Console gamers will already be used to this type of transition given how many of you are used to buying games and expansion packs through services like the Xbox Game Marketplace and the PlayStation Store. But for terribly non-traditional gamers on Facebook, the company is doing everything it can to educate them in time for the change.
Even if you're a frequent Facebook gamer, I would recommend spending those free Credits as soon as possible to play it safe. Refilling the old Energy bar once or twice never hurt anyone, huh? Or maybe it's time to indulge in one of those lovely Unwither Rings.
However, Inside Facebook reports that this change will only effect a small number of the lazier folks to receive promotions. All Facebook guesses that this implies that Credits will only be removed from accounts that have yet to long into a Facebook app since receiving the free Credits. Of course, this has yet to be seen.
Clearly this all ties back into Facebook's July 1 deadline for all applications on the platform, including games, to use Facebook Credits as their one and only currency. Console gamers will already be used to this type of transition given how many of you are used to buying games and expansion packs through services like the Xbox Game Marketplace and the PlayStation Store. But for terribly non-traditional gamers on Facebook, the company is doing everything it can to educate them in time for the change.
Even if you're a frequent Facebook gamer, I would recommend spending those free Credits as soon as possible to play it safe. Refilling the old Energy bar once or twice never hurt anyone, huh? Or maybe it's time to indulge in one of those lovely Unwither Rings.
Facebook-heavy Angry Birds Valentine's Day Edition hits app stores
Angry Birds Like
Just as predicted last week, the Valentine's Day edition of Angry Birds has hit the Apple App Store and Android Market, Mashable reports. However, this version of the infamous bird-slinger holds a few interesting features that survived the rampant media leaks. In addition to 15 heart-packed levels rimming with cute, Rovio has embedded some heavy Facebook integration into the game this time around.
Angry Birds Bing
Right from the home screen, players can use Facebook Connect to send their friends Angry Birds-themed Valentines in adorable little News Feed posts. Unfortunately, Mashable wasn't able to work this feature as of this writing, so hopefully Rovio is working on a hot fix. Moving on to the second page of the game's levels and clicking that big old "Like" button will unlock three more levels to play around in. Not to mention it likely causes Angry Birds updates to pop up in your own News Feed like any normal "Like."
Of course, there are Golden Eggs to collect in this version of the game, but Rovio has decided to help with a pre-loaded Bing web search. Packed with tips for how to find each Egg, clicking on the "Bing" button will open up the loaded search in your phone's browser. Given that the developer already has a Rio-themed game on the way in March, you can expect more in-game marketing from the Angry Birds in the future. And oddly enough, I don't mind at all.
Just as predicted last week, the Valentine's Day edition of Angry Birds has hit the Apple App Store and Android Market, Mashable reports. However, this version of the infamous bird-slinger holds a few interesting features that survived the rampant media leaks. In addition to 15 heart-packed levels rimming with cute, Rovio has embedded some heavy Facebook integration into the game this time around.
Angry Birds Bing
Right from the home screen, players can use Facebook Connect to send their friends Angry Birds-themed Valentines in adorable little News Feed posts. Unfortunately, Mashable wasn't able to work this feature as of this writing, so hopefully Rovio is working on a hot fix. Moving on to the second page of the game's levels and clicking that big old "Like" button will unlock three more levels to play around in. Not to mention it likely causes Angry Birds updates to pop up in your own News Feed like any normal "Like."
Of course, there are Golden Eggs to collect in this version of the game, but Rovio has decided to help with a pre-loaded Bing web search. Packed with tips for how to find each Egg, clicking on the "Bing" button will open up the loaded search in your phone's browser. Given that the developer already has a Rio-themed game on the way in March, you can expect more in-game marketing from the Angry Birds in the future. And oddly enough, I don't mind at all.
CityVille: Bonuses being offered for first neighbor visits
If you didn't have any incentive to add new neighbors to your account in CityVille before, Zynga is hoping that a new change will be just the push you need to do so. From now on, the first time you visit a neighbor (that being the very first time after adding that user as a neighbor), you'll receive 500 bonus coins, 10 bonus experience points, and 10 free energy.
While those three items individually might not seem to amount to much, let's say you took advantage of this offer by adding ten new neighbors to your account. Suddenly, that 500 coins has turned into 5,000, the 10 energy has turned into 100 energy and the ten experience points has become 100 - not so shabby now, is it?
Remember, you might always be able to add new friends to you account by checking on the neighbors tab above the CityVille gameplay area. Here, you'll be able to see all of the users that have installed the game, but have yet to add you as a neighbor, and you can conveniently send them a neighbor request from this screen. Just don't forget to visit their city at least once to take advantage of these new bonuses!
What do you think of these new rewards for visiting neighbors? Will you add new neighbors just to earn bonus XP or coins?
While those three items individually might not seem to amount to much, let's say you took advantage of this offer by adding ten new neighbors to your account. Suddenly, that 500 coins has turned into 5,000, the 10 energy has turned into 100 energy and the ten experience points has become 100 - not so shabby now, is it?
Remember, you might always be able to add new friends to you account by checking on the neighbors tab above the CityVille gameplay area. Here, you'll be able to see all of the users that have installed the game, but have yet to add you as a neighbor, and you can conveniently send them a neighbor request from this screen. Just don't forget to visit their city at least once to take advantage of these new bonuses!
What do you think of these new rewards for visiting neighbors? Will you add new neighbors just to earn bonus XP or coins?
CityVille Get Noodle-ing & Time to Go Lunar Goals: Everything you need to know
As we told you over the weekend, Zynga has launched a Chinese / Lunar New Year themed set of missions in CityVille, the first of which rewarded you with the ability to purchase a new Noodle Shop from the store. Now, two more missions are available called "Get Noodle-ing" and "Time to Go Lunar," with the first requiring you to, you guessed it, purchase a Noodle Shop for your town.
There are two other tasks to complete as well. You can't simply build the Noodle Shop, but you must also collect from it a total of five times. You'll also need to mail your Lunar New Year presents at the Post Office (or simply collect the bonus from the Post Office two times).
The Noodle Shop itself can be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins, and it requires 90 Goods to operate. Simply wait for those goods to run out five times and you'll have this goal finished. The reward for this mission is a Dragon Dancers item. You can share free goods with your friends on your wall.
Meet us behind the break for a look at the second of these two goals.
Time to Go Lunar is an entirely different quest - the third (in total) of the new Lunar New Year mission series. Just like those before it, this one requires you to complete three tasks:
Ask friends for 8 Red Envelopes
Have 1 Lunar Gate
Click on 20 Neighbor Businesses
In other words, you'll need to visit at least four neighbors, clicking on their businesses to send tour buses. The Lunar Gate, meanwhile, can be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins. It will provide a bonus payout to surrounding structures of 3%. Once you finish this mission, you'll receive the Fireworks Shop, which can be stocked with 100 Goods.
As of this writing, this is as far as the Chinese / Lunar New Year set of missions goes, but we'll be sure to let you know if Zynga adds additional quests or items to the game in the future.
What do you think of these two goals? Will you focus on these goals first, or will you try to tackle any older goals before moving on
There are two other tasks to complete as well. You can't simply build the Noodle Shop, but you must also collect from it a total of five times. You'll also need to mail your Lunar New Year presents at the Post Office (or simply collect the bonus from the Post Office two times).
The Noodle Shop itself can be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins, and it requires 90 Goods to operate. Simply wait for those goods to run out five times and you'll have this goal finished. The reward for this mission is a Dragon Dancers item. You can share free goods with your friends on your wall.
Meet us behind the break for a look at the second of these two goals.
Time to Go Lunar is an entirely different quest - the third (in total) of the new Lunar New Year mission series. Just like those before it, this one requires you to complete three tasks:
Ask friends for 8 Red Envelopes
Have 1 Lunar Gate
Click on 20 Neighbor Businesses
In other words, you'll need to visit at least four neighbors, clicking on their businesses to send tour buses. The Lunar Gate, meanwhile, can be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins. It will provide a bonus payout to surrounding structures of 3%. Once you finish this mission, you'll receive the Fireworks Shop, which can be stocked with 100 Goods.
As of this writing, this is as far as the Chinese / Lunar New Year set of missions goes, but we'll be sure to let you know if Zynga adds additional quests or items to the game in the future.
What do you think of these two goals? Will you focus on these goals first, or will you try to tackle any older goals before moving on
Thứ Sáu, 6 tháng 1, 2012
MySpace game developers shutter games amidst plummeting traffic
Byespace?
Let's not beat around the bush here: MySpace is hurtin'. Overall traffic is down, while the company lays off unfortunate employees and considers a sale, according to Inside Social Games. As a result, games are doing so hot on MySpace--at least when compared to the Facebook. That said, developers like Playdom, RockYou and Zynga have shut down many of their MySpace offerings in favor of focusing their full attention on Facebook and mobile.
ISG reports that Playdom, one of the most dominant MySpace developers, has shuttered Overdrive and Bloodlines, two text-based role-playing games. The company will still run Mobsters, Sorority Life and World Series of Poker, but who knows for how long is MySpace keeps sinking. RockYou, the folks behind games like Gourmet Ranch, has essentially boarded up shop on MySpace in closing RockYou Pets, Speed Racing and a few more social applications.
Oddly enough, Zynga hasn't completely given up on Tom yet. According to Inside Social Games, it seems as if Zynga has only shut down Street Racing on MySpace (and Facebook), a role-playing game. At the moment, the company still dominates the MySpace Top 25 with seven games: Mafia Wars, YoVille, Zynga Poker, Vampires, Fashion Wars, Special Forces, and Friend Factory. How long these games will be around is entirely up to Zynga, but gaging the MySpace situation overall doesn't bode well for games on the platform.
Let's not beat around the bush here: MySpace is hurtin'. Overall traffic is down, while the company lays off unfortunate employees and considers a sale, according to Inside Social Games. As a result, games are doing so hot on MySpace--at least when compared to the Facebook. That said, developers like Playdom, RockYou and Zynga have shut down many of their MySpace offerings in favor of focusing their full attention on Facebook and mobile.
ISG reports that Playdom, one of the most dominant MySpace developers, has shuttered Overdrive and Bloodlines, two text-based role-playing games. The company will still run Mobsters, Sorority Life and World Series of Poker, but who knows for how long is MySpace keeps sinking. RockYou, the folks behind games like Gourmet Ranch, has essentially boarded up shop on MySpace in closing RockYou Pets, Speed Racing and a few more social applications.
Oddly enough, Zynga hasn't completely given up on Tom yet. According to Inside Social Games, it seems as if Zynga has only shut down Street Racing on MySpace (and Facebook), a role-playing game. At the moment, the company still dominates the MySpace Top 25 with seven games: Mafia Wars, YoVille, Zynga Poker, Vampires, Fashion Wars, Special Forces, and Friend Factory. How long these games will be around is entirely up to Zynga, but gaging the MySpace situation overall doesn't bode well for games on the platform.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Green Rose Crafting items
If you were wondering why the Green Roses in FarmVille haven't been producing bushels since they were released at the beginning of the month, it could be because Zynga has been hard at work creating ways for you to use those bushels, should they eventually be released. There look to be three new crafting items that you'll be able to create using Green Rose Bushels, all of which are masterable. The three items are a Green Rose Cake, Green Rose Water, and Potpourri.
While these items could very well be added to the standard crafting buildings that we have now, it looks as though these options will be available in an English Countryside version of crafting buildings, as the bushel comes in a darker brown bucket, which has been found on other unreleased English crops.
With the release of a second farm, it only makes sense to allow us to have a second crafting building to use bushels from our new exclusive crops, and we'll be sure to let you know if that is indeed what Zynga is up to as soon as we know more.
What do you think of the idea of having a second crafting building on your English farm? Do you still use the crafting building you already have?
While these items could very well be added to the standard crafting buildings that we have now, it looks as though these options will be available in an English Countryside version of crafting buildings, as the bushel comes in a darker brown bucket, which has been found on other unreleased English crops.
With the release of a second farm, it only makes sense to allow us to have a second crafting building to use bushels from our new exclusive crops, and we'll be sure to let you know if that is indeed what Zynga is up to as soon as we know more.
What do you think of the idea of having a second crafting building on your English farm? Do you still use the crafting building you already have?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Wishing Well coming to English Countryside?
The folks at FV Nation are at it again, discovering what they believe to be either an updated version of the current Wishing Well in FarmVille that will add English collections, or a new Wishing Well altogether, that will be released in the upcoming English Countryside expansion.
It looks more likely that this will be an entirely new Wishing Well for our second farms, and the Wishing Well will have at least 2 levels, according to the screenshot above. We've found some interesting new unreleased items, that don't look to fit into any particular theme, and we believe these might either be some of the items you'll need to collect, or some of the rewards you'll receive for each collection.
These items, seen above, are the Grapes Fruit Crate, the Strawberry Milk Crate, a Springtime Flower Basket, and a Tulip Bucket. Interestingly, this new version of the Wishing Well looks to serve a purpose even after the collections have been completed, as this example screen asks if you'd like to replay the collections over again for a chance at more of the same prizes. That would, of course, make this version of the Wishing Well automatically more useful than the current Wishing Well, which goes unused once the collections have been completed.
Whether this is an entirely new (second) Wishing Well, or just an update to the well we already have, we'll make sure to let you know once we know more.
[Image Credit: FV Nation]
What do you think of this supposed "second" Wishing Well?
It looks more likely that this will be an entirely new Wishing Well for our second farms, and the Wishing Well will have at least 2 levels, according to the screenshot above. We've found some interesting new unreleased items, that don't look to fit into any particular theme, and we believe these might either be some of the items you'll need to collect, or some of the rewards you'll receive for each collection.
These items, seen above, are the Grapes Fruit Crate, the Strawberry Milk Crate, a Springtime Flower Basket, and a Tulip Bucket. Interestingly, this new version of the Wishing Well looks to serve a purpose even after the collections have been completed, as this example screen asks if you'd like to replay the collections over again for a chance at more of the same prizes. That would, of course, make this version of the Wishing Well automatically more useful than the current Wishing Well, which goes unused once the collections have been completed.
Whether this is an entirely new (second) Wishing Well, or just an update to the well we already have, we'll make sure to let you know once we know more.
[Image Credit: FV Nation]
What do you think of this supposed "second" Wishing Well?
FarmVille English Countryside Q&A: Zynga reveals more about upcoming expansion
Back in February, Zynga launched a thread on the official FarmVille forums that asked users to post their questions about the upcoming English Countryside expansion, and now, the FarmVille English Countryside fan page has been updated with some of the best questions, with responses direct from the developers. Here's a quick rundown of what we've learned.
Neighbors will be able to visit your English farm as normal. They'll be able to fertilize your crops, tend to your English chickens and so on.
We'll need lots of boards, bricks, and nails to not only get started in England, but to also build things (we're assuming this means we'll need to build our English Chicken Coops and Dairy Farms from scratch just as we've done in our first farms).
Zynga confirmed that we'll be able to grow English Peas, King Edward Potatoes, Blue Bells, and English Roses (along with many more crops).
The English Countryside will contain a true story, centered around the various characters in the English Countryside. You will not have to actively participate in the story in order to "work on, decorate, and expand your second farm," but hey, we asked for a story, and we'll be getting one.
On the topic of Sheep breeding, we've learned that not only will we be able to breed Lambs that contain characteristics from both parents, but we'll be able to name each individual baby Lamb and then choose whether or not to keep it, or let a friend adopt it on their own farm. When Lambs mature, they can be bred as well, to create entire family trees and new color combos. Each baby Lamb has a chance at being either a Ram or a Ewe.
A Garden Shed will be available in England, which will apparently hold perfect bunches of the many flower crops we expect to be released.
You won't have to add neighbors or spend Farm Cash to receive and head over to the English Countryside. Zynga also seems to have quietly confirmed the existence of Duke's Airship.
The English Countryside will not rely on energy to play. Zynga says they are "committed to keeping FarmVille's gameplay just as our players have always enjoyed it." That means you'll be able to infinitely play the game, just as you can now, even while in England, so long as you can find ways to occupy your time.
Aside from the Q&A list, Zynga also announced that for every 1 million "Likes" the official fan page received they will add another grand prize trip to England (yes, England in the real world) to their upcoming sweepstakes. If you haven't liked the page yet, this surely gives you some added incentive, no?
Neighbors will be able to visit your English farm as normal. They'll be able to fertilize your crops, tend to your English chickens and so on.
We'll need lots of boards, bricks, and nails to not only get started in England, but to also build things (we're assuming this means we'll need to build our English Chicken Coops and Dairy Farms from scratch just as we've done in our first farms).
Zynga confirmed that we'll be able to grow English Peas, King Edward Potatoes, Blue Bells, and English Roses (along with many more crops).
The English Countryside will contain a true story, centered around the various characters in the English Countryside. You will not have to actively participate in the story in order to "work on, decorate, and expand your second farm," but hey, we asked for a story, and we'll be getting one.
On the topic of Sheep breeding, we've learned that not only will we be able to breed Lambs that contain characteristics from both parents, but we'll be able to name each individual baby Lamb and then choose whether or not to keep it, or let a friend adopt it on their own farm. When Lambs mature, they can be bred as well, to create entire family trees and new color combos. Each baby Lamb has a chance at being either a Ram or a Ewe.
A Garden Shed will be available in England, which will apparently hold perfect bunches of the many flower crops we expect to be released.
You won't have to add neighbors or spend Farm Cash to receive and head over to the English Countryside. Zynga also seems to have quietly confirmed the existence of Duke's Airship.
The English Countryside will not rely on energy to play. Zynga says they are "committed to keeping FarmVille's gameplay just as our players have always enjoyed it." That means you'll be able to infinitely play the game, just as you can now, even while in England, so long as you can find ways to occupy your time.
Aside from the Q&A list, Zynga also announced that for every 1 million "Likes" the official fan page received they will add another grand prize trip to England (yes, England in the real world) to their upcoming sweepstakes. If you haven't liked the page yet, this surely gives you some added incentive, no?
FarmVille: Free Mac & Cheese Tree from Stouffer's Farm
Earlier today, we brought you the news that a tree made entirely out of Macaroni and Cheese would be launching in FarmVille thanks to the folks at Stouffer's and their new cross-promotion with Zynga. Well, that promotion has launched in full this evening, with the Model Farm being replaced by the Stouffer's Farm.
Simply for visiting the farm, and clicking on the "Help Out" button that appears on the pop-up as seen above, you'll receive two free items - a free Mac&Cheese Tree (yes, Zynga "spells" it as one word), and a free application of Stouffer's Instant Grow, which will automatically grow all of your crops to be ready to harvest.
To make the most of this free Instant Grow, we'd suggest allowing your current crops to grow as normal, and then plant a four-day crop, or any other crop that requires a lot of time / harvests to master. Apply the Instant Grow and voila - you have saved yourself four days of waiting, all for free. Of course, you can use the Instant Grow however you'd like, but that's how I'd use it.
farmville mac and cheese tree
As for the Mac&Cheese Tree itself, it will be available in your inventory, and can be placed into an Orchard where it will have a chance of spawning more of itself. The tree is masterable.
farmville mac and cheese treeMac and Cheese Tree Mastery Levels and Rewards:
Level 1- 75 harvests
Reward - 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Level 2 -150 harvests
Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Level 3 - 225 harvests
Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
We'll make sure to let you know if other prizes are handed out in the Stouffer's Farm in the future, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this free Mac&Cheese Tree promotion? Would you like to see more "make-believe" trees released in the game?
Simply for visiting the farm, and clicking on the "Help Out" button that appears on the pop-up as seen above, you'll receive two free items - a free Mac&Cheese Tree (yes, Zynga "spells" it as one word), and a free application of Stouffer's Instant Grow, which will automatically grow all of your crops to be ready to harvest.
To make the most of this free Instant Grow, we'd suggest allowing your current crops to grow as normal, and then plant a four-day crop, or any other crop that requires a lot of time / harvests to master. Apply the Instant Grow and voila - you have saved yourself four days of waiting, all for free. Of course, you can use the Instant Grow however you'd like, but that's how I'd use it.
farmville mac and cheese tree
As for the Mac&Cheese Tree itself, it will be available in your inventory, and can be placed into an Orchard where it will have a chance of spawning more of itself. The tree is masterable.
farmville mac and cheese treeMac and Cheese Tree Mastery Levels and Rewards:
Level 1- 75 harvests
Reward - 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Level 2 -150 harvests
Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Level 3 - 225 harvests
Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
We'll make sure to let you know if other prizes are handed out in the Stouffer's Farm in the future, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this free Mac&Cheese Tree promotion? Would you like to see more "make-believe" trees released in the game?
Thứ Tư, 4 tháng 1, 2012
Meteor Games axes almost all staff, shutters social Neopets [Report]
And the company couldn't have better timing. Inside Social Games reports that Meteor Games, the social game developer behind Facebook games like Island Paradise and Serf Wars, has laid off 90 percent of its staff. Anonymous sources told the website that the terribly unfortunate move was made because the company couldn't raise funding for find an interested buyer.
Along with loosing nearly all of its staff, Meteor Games also opted to shut down Neopets: Treasure Keepers, which as of this writing welcomes just 30,000 monthly players and 3,000 daily players, according to AppData. Meteor Games made the announcement on the game's Facebook Wall just yesterday that the game would close today. As an apology for the short notice, Meteor Games gave players some items to use within the game before it closes.
ISG reports that the game peaked in September to the tune of 300,000 monthly players and 35,000 daily players, but it plummeted soon after. Sadly, Meteor Games isn't looking so hot across the board, as its total monthly player base is a hair above 900,000.
The website also confirms that company CEO Zac Brandenberg, left 4-year-old Meteor Games in November. Our best wishes go to those that may have lost their jobs at such an unfortunate time. We've reached out to Meteor Games for comment.
Were you a fan of Neopets: Treasure Keepers? What do you think this news might mean for other smaller social game makers?
Along with loosing nearly all of its staff, Meteor Games also opted to shut down Neopets: Treasure Keepers, which as of this writing welcomes just 30,000 monthly players and 3,000 daily players, according to AppData. Meteor Games made the announcement on the game's Facebook Wall just yesterday that the game would close today. As an apology for the short notice, Meteor Games gave players some items to use within the game before it closes.
ISG reports that the game peaked in September to the tune of 300,000 monthly players and 35,000 daily players, but it plummeted soon after. Sadly, Meteor Games isn't looking so hot across the board, as its total monthly player base is a hair above 900,000.
The website also confirms that company CEO Zac Brandenberg, left 4-year-old Meteor Games in November. Our best wishes go to those that may have lost their jobs at such an unfortunate time. We've reached out to Meteor Games for comment.
Were you a fan of Neopets: Treasure Keepers? What do you think this news might mean for other smaller social game makers?
With Angry Birds playgrounds, your kids might never come back inside
At this point, the only way to go up is to build an Angry Birds theme park. For the moment, Angry Birds-themed playgrounds should do just fine. Rovio partnered with Lappset Group to create two playgrounds in Finland complete with play equipment inspired by the iconic mobile game-turned-entertainment brand. The playgrounds will arrive in Rovaniemi and Espoo next year.
"The activity parks perfectly tie in with the Angry Birds world and our way of thinking," Rovio "Mighty Eagle" and CMO Peter Vesterbacka said in a release. "We will be developing a service which brings together the digital world and the physical world in a way that's never been seen before. The popularity of Angry Birds isn't restricted to any age, sex or social group, and the activity parks too will be designed to be interesting places for absolutely everyone, all around the world."
Every piece of play equipment --20 in total--in the parks will evoke a piece of the Angry Birds universe. Kids will romp around on everything from Angry Birds spring riders to climbing towers with slides. According to Kotaku, the playgrounds will even feature kid-friendly slingshots. And somehow, Rovio looks to merge the world of its games with these kiddie parks.
Of course, the Angry Birds are no stranger to exposure in the real world. Rovio has released numerous pieces of Angry Birds merchandise including even a cookbook. People have made life-sized games of Angry Birds, and Rovio has spurred thousands to scream at the Angry Birds. If you ask us, this is Rovio simply prototyping its Angry Birds Fortress of Solitude.
[Via and Image Credit: Kotaku]
Would you play with your kids at an Angry Birds playground? What's the next step in the real world for Angry Birds?
"The activity parks perfectly tie in with the Angry Birds world and our way of thinking," Rovio "Mighty Eagle" and CMO Peter Vesterbacka said in a release. "We will be developing a service which brings together the digital world and the physical world in a way that's never been seen before. The popularity of Angry Birds isn't restricted to any age, sex or social group, and the activity parks too will be designed to be interesting places for absolutely everyone, all around the world."
Every piece of play equipment --20 in total--in the parks will evoke a piece of the Angry Birds universe. Kids will romp around on everything from Angry Birds spring riders to climbing towers with slides. According to Kotaku, the playgrounds will even feature kid-friendly slingshots. And somehow, Rovio looks to merge the world of its games with these kiddie parks.
Of course, the Angry Birds are no stranger to exposure in the real world. Rovio has released numerous pieces of Angry Birds merchandise including even a cookbook. People have made life-sized games of Angry Birds, and Rovio has spurred thousands to scream at the Angry Birds. If you ask us, this is Rovio simply prototyping its Angry Birds Fortress of Solitude.
[Via and Image Credit: Kotaku]
Would you play with your kids at an Angry Birds playground? What's the next step in the real world for Angry Birds?
Plants vs Zombies says 'I, Zombie' in festive holiday update for iPhone
Plants vs Zombies Christmas
The characters of Plants vs Zombies (PvZ) have basically become the unofficial mascots for PopCap. So, it's only fitting that the developer throws festive hats on their heads in time for the holidays. PopCap has updated PvZ on iPhone in time for Christmas, Hanukkah, what have you and has included way more than just a few hats and some Christmas cheer.
In addition to all the zombies in the game looking rather festive, the beloved "I, Zombie" mode is now playable on iPhone. This play mode allows players to try the game from the zombies' side, attempting to use every zombie in the book to take over that single home's backyard. The "I, Zombie" has one free level to start, but eight additional levels and an endless mode are available through an in-game purchase at Crazy Dave's Shop.
The "I, Zombie" mode has been available on most version of PvZ for some time, so PopCap expects it to be a welcome addition to the iPhone variety. This update finally brings leaderboard support through Game Center along with four new achievements for players to brag about share with their friends. Now, all we need a holiday video to top PopCap's Halloween romp, and the holidays will have been sufficiently rung in. Well, that long-rumored Facebook version would rock, too.
Do you have Plants vs Zombies on your iPhone? Where do you prefer to play most of your PopCap games?
The characters of Plants vs Zombies (PvZ) have basically become the unofficial mascots for PopCap. So, it's only fitting that the developer throws festive hats on their heads in time for the holidays. PopCap has updated PvZ on iPhone in time for Christmas, Hanukkah, what have you and has included way more than just a few hats and some Christmas cheer.
In addition to all the zombies in the game looking rather festive, the beloved "I, Zombie" mode is now playable on iPhone. This play mode allows players to try the game from the zombies' side, attempting to use every zombie in the book to take over that single home's backyard. The "I, Zombie" has one free level to start, but eight additional levels and an endless mode are available through an in-game purchase at Crazy Dave's Shop.
The "I, Zombie" mode has been available on most version of PvZ for some time, so PopCap expects it to be a welcome addition to the iPhone variety. This update finally brings leaderboard support through Game Center along with four new achievements for players to brag about share with their friends. Now, all we need a holiday video to top PopCap's Halloween romp, and the holidays will have been sufficiently rung in. Well, that long-rumored Facebook version would rock, too.
Do you have Plants vs Zombies on your iPhone? Where do you prefer to play most of your PopCap games?
Today on Games.com Cribs: Zynga CEO Pincus's homes up for grabs
Mark Pincus house 1
That is, if you're packing at least $1.97 million. Zillow reports that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus put his two San Francisco, Calif. homes on the real estate market just before the FarmVille maker is expected to hit the stock market on Dec. 16. One house, located in Cole Valley, is going for a cool $1.97 million, while the other in the classy Presidio District is asking for a mind-boggling $8.95 million.
Well, mind-boggling for folks like us that think $1 million is filthy rich--this dude is likely a billionaire. Both homes are enough to be featured on some special video game-themed episode of Cribs. The Cole Valley house (pictured above) looks low key from outside, but its interior screams, "I have enough money to take napalm to this place and build it again." Seriously, the master bedroom doubles as a projection room.
Mark Pincus home 2
The Presidio District pad above looks richie rich both outside and in. According to Zillow, this home is being billed as the "Gold Standard" of homes. The building features not one, but two front-facing balconies over the street and six bedrooms. (The Pincus's are a family of four.) Mrs. Alison Pincus decorated both homes using pieces from her own business, One Kings Lane, a high-end home furnishings website.
According to what Zillow's heard, the Pincus family never lived in the $8.95 million dream house due to scares from Vera Svenchina. A former stripper-turned-amateur filmmaker, the Russian women reportedly threatened Pincus and his family, driving the CEO behind CityVille to file for a restraining order. For what it's worth, enjoy the depressingly beautiful eye candy right here.
[Via SFist]
What do you think of Mark Pincus's two high-end homes? What do you expect from Zynga's IPO tomorrow?
That is, if you're packing at least $1.97 million. Zillow reports that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus put his two San Francisco, Calif. homes on the real estate market just before the FarmVille maker is expected to hit the stock market on Dec. 16. One house, located in Cole Valley, is going for a cool $1.97 million, while the other in the classy Presidio District is asking for a mind-boggling $8.95 million.
Well, mind-boggling for folks like us that think $1 million is filthy rich--this dude is likely a billionaire. Both homes are enough to be featured on some special video game-themed episode of Cribs. The Cole Valley house (pictured above) looks low key from outside, but its interior screams, "I have enough money to take napalm to this place and build it again." Seriously, the master bedroom doubles as a projection room.
Mark Pincus home 2
The Presidio District pad above looks richie rich both outside and in. According to Zillow, this home is being billed as the "Gold Standard" of homes. The building features not one, but two front-facing balconies over the street and six bedrooms. (The Pincus's are a family of four.) Mrs. Alison Pincus decorated both homes using pieces from her own business, One Kings Lane, a high-end home furnishings website.
According to what Zillow's heard, the Pincus family never lived in the $8.95 million dream house due to scares from Vera Svenchina. A former stripper-turned-amateur filmmaker, the Russian women reportedly threatened Pincus and his family, driving the CEO behind CityVille to file for a restraining order. For what it's worth, enjoy the depressingly beautiful eye candy right here.
[Via SFist]
What do you think of Mark Pincus's two high-end homes? What do you expect from Zynga's IPO tomorrow?
Mystery Manor shrouds the iPad in ... hidden-object puzzles for free
Gotcha, didn't we? There will probably be plenty more (arguably better) "gotcha" and "ah-ha" moments where that came from in Mystery Manor on the iPad. Russian developer Game Insight has released its hit social puzzle game to Apple's ubiquitous tablet for the fine price of, well, nothing. Titled "Mystery Manor: Hidden Adventure," the hidden-object puzzler looks to build on the franchise's 8 million existing fans across Facebook, Orkut and VKontakte combined.
This take on Mystery Manor takes place in--you guessed it--a mansion full of mystery, spooks and laughs. According to Game Insight, Hidden Adventure, first announced last month, features hand-drawn graphics, four game modes and a "captivating detective storyline." (That last bit we'd have to see to believe.) The play hooks appear to be largely unchanged from its social counterpart, but with the added novelty of touch controls.
The game is free to play, but it's of course governed by an energy system and features plenty of virtual currency to collect. Like its social counterparts, Hidden Adventure allows players to enlist the help of their friends to complete puzzles. It appears that players will interact with friends through an in-game map, foregoing the use of Facebook or Game Center. Hidden Adventure releases just as Playdom hits the iPad with social hidden-object king Gardens of Time. Check out the trailer below, and let the mega match of mystery begin.
Click here to download Mystery Manor on iPad for Free Now >
Are you a Mystery Manor fan? What do you think of the hidden-object games currently available on iPad?
This take on Mystery Manor takes place in--you guessed it--a mansion full of mystery, spooks and laughs. According to Game Insight, Hidden Adventure, first announced last month, features hand-drawn graphics, four game modes and a "captivating detective storyline." (That last bit we'd have to see to believe.) The play hooks appear to be largely unchanged from its social counterpart, but with the added novelty of touch controls.
The game is free to play, but it's of course governed by an energy system and features plenty of virtual currency to collect. Like its social counterparts, Hidden Adventure allows players to enlist the help of their friends to complete puzzles. It appears that players will interact with friends through an in-game map, foregoing the use of Facebook or Game Center. Hidden Adventure releases just as Playdom hits the iPad with social hidden-object king Gardens of Time. Check out the trailer below, and let the mega match of mystery begin.
Click here to download Mystery Manor on iPad for Free Now >
Are you a Mystery Manor fan? What do you think of the hidden-object games currently available on iPad?
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