Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 10, 2011
Battlefield 3 HD Comparison
You know what week it is? It’s Battlefield 3 week. Send the cat to a shelter, divorce the spouse, board up the house: We’re going in. For some silly privileged reason, the Xbox 360 version of the game comes packing an HD textures install option that purportedly allows for much-improved graphical zing throughout. Yeah yeah, talk’s cheap and gamers get a lot of it. Does it really make a difference? Check out this handy comparison video and decide for yourselves.
Batman: Arkham City's Official Map App
One of things I neglected to mention in our review of Batman: Arkham City is that yes, it’s an open-world environment but no, it doesn’t have a mini-map down there on the right to help you along. This is something I really liked, because I hate having to fixate on the GPS when I could be enjoying the road and scenery. However, the lack of a mini-map has annoyed some gamers, so here comes iOS to the rescue with Arkham City’s Offical Map App. Pretty good if you’re busting your butt hunting down all those fiendish Riddler quandaries.
Thứ Ba, 25 tháng 10, 2011
EA Caught Pressuring Publications Over Battlefield 3 Reviews
It’s an ugly thing, and one that sadly rears its head from time to time when big games are released: the practice of a publisher exerting a little too much pressure on gaming press.
Of course, pressure is applied all the time! That’s the people in marketing and PR’s job, to try and make sure their game is well-received. But there’s a point where that pressure stops being a mild annoyance, one easily shrugged off, becoming something obstructive and distasteful, and some EA reps in Europe seem to have crossed that line when it comes to Battlefield 3.
Scandinavian outlets requesting review copies of the game were asked for their mailing addresses. Standard question! They were then, however, asked a bunch of other questions, like:
Of course, pressure is applied all the time! That’s the people in marketing and PR’s job, to try and make sure their game is well-received. But there’s a point where that pressure stops being a mild annoyance, one easily shrugged off, becoming something obstructive and distasteful, and some EA reps in Europe seem to have crossed that line when it comes to Battlefield 3.
Scandinavian outlets requesting review copies of the game were asked for their mailing addresses. Standard question! They were then, however, asked a bunch of other questions, like:
This Could Be The Prettiest MMO In The World
all Jeremy Clarkson on you for a second, but after seeing this trailer for upcoming MMO Bless, that’s the first thought that popped into my head.
The game, developed by Korean studio Neowiz, has teamed up with Epic to bring us one of only a few Unreal Engine 3-powered in existence, finished or otherwise.
Massively Multiplayer Online games normally have to make concessions in terms of visual detail for two reasons: so everything runs smoothly, and so more people with shitty computers can play. Bless obviously doesn’t give a damn about concessions!
The game, developed by Korean studio Neowiz, has teamed up with Epic to bring us one of only a few Unreal Engine 3-powered in existence, finished or otherwise.
Massively Multiplayer Online games normally have to make concessions in terms of visual detail for two reasons: so everything runs smoothly, and so more people with shitty computers can play. Bless obviously doesn’t give a damn about concessions!
Aonuma Felt ‘Intense Pressure’ To Use Wii MotionPlus In Skyward Sword
The latest episode of Iwata Asks focuses on the development of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and has thrown up some very interesting details about the early development of Skyward Sword. Perhaps the most interesting detail is just how much internal debate went into the inclusion of Wii MotionPlus into the game.
Chủ Nhật, 23 tháng 10, 2011
Blizzcon 2011: day one round-up
Pandas Oh My God! World of Warcraft’s fourth expansion has been announced. It will let us play as Panda warrior monks on the back of a giant sea turtle. It will open up the new real of Pandaria to the Alliance and the Horde. It will introduce a pet battling system in which you must catch wild monsters, level them up and make them fight for your own amusement. It’s just one announcement of many in a brilliantly, stupidly hectic first day at Blizzcon 2011.
It’s not all been about World of Warcraft, either. New units have been revealed for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, new trailers have appeared for Blizzard DOTA and Diablo 3, and we’ve learned something new about each one of Blizzard’s upcoming titles. Below you’ll find our guide to day one of Blizzcon. Get all the latest at a glance.
It’s not all been about World of Warcraft, either. New units have been revealed for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, new trailers have appeared for Blizzard DOTA and Diablo 3, and we’ve learned something new about each one of Blizzard’s upcoming titles. Below you’ll find our guide to day one of Blizzcon. Get all the latest at a glance.
Saturday Crapshoot: Bikini Karate Babes
Every week, Richard Cobbett rolls the dice to bring you an obscure slice of gaming history, from lost gems to weapons grade atrocities. This week, prepare to see beat-em-up action like you’ve never seen it before! With women fighting in skimpy, ridiculous costum- waaaaaaaaait…
Karate translates as ‘Empty Hand’. Damn, no easy joke opportunities there! But is Bikini Karate Babes the gaming equivalent of Ronseal – primarily aqua and potassium tripolyphosphate? There’s only one way to find out, and we’re going to do so by trying something roughly 98% of online write-ups of it have never even dreamed of… actually installing the damn thing, and playing for more than ten seconds.
Karate translates as ‘Empty Hand’. Damn, no easy joke opportunities there! But is Bikini Karate Babes the gaming equivalent of Ronseal – primarily aqua and potassium tripolyphosphate? There’s only one way to find out, and we’re going to do so by trying something roughly 98% of online write-ups of it have never even dreamed of… actually installing the damn thing, and playing for more than ten seconds.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 trailer celebrates distant launch
The Modern Warfare 3 “launch trailer” has been released three weeks ahead of the game’s actual launch. That’s odd, but you have to remember that this is “the most anticipated game in history.” And a Battlefield 3 launch trailer was released a day ago and could not go unanswered. There’s plenty of explosions, of course, and tanks, and talk of Modern Warfare’s great villain, the mysterious Makarov. Will we finally get to finish him off? And where is Captain Price’s magnificent beard?
Blizzard Arcade to arrive with StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm
The Blizzard Arcade will arrive alongside the release of the StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, Blizzard have just announced at a Blizzcon panel. The Arcade will act as a hub for user-made mods and games created using StarCraft 2′s extensive mod tools. The Arcade will be available to everyone who owns StarCraft 2, not just Heart of the Swarm players.
Games available in the Blizzard Arcade will be free to begin with, but Blizzard plan to let mod makers charge for their games in future. The Arcade will be available from the front page, and take players to a central screen showing the most popular mods of the moment. A five star rating system and user reviews will help the best games rise to the top, and “what’s hot” sections will give players quick access to the most popular games on the service. The mods will use StarCraft 2′s matchmaking system to put players together.
The editor will also be improved, with debugging improvements, a cutscene editor, and custom UI editing tools.
Games available in the Blizzard Arcade will be free to begin with, but Blizzard plan to let mod makers charge for their games in future. The Arcade will be available from the front page, and take players to a central screen showing the most popular mods of the moment. A five star rating system and user reviews will help the best games rise to the top, and “what’s hot” sections will give players quick access to the most popular games on the service. The mods will use StarCraft 2′s matchmaking system to put players together.
The editor will also be improved, with debugging improvements, a cutscene editor, and custom UI editing tools.
Blizzard DOTA to be free with StarCraft 2 Starter Edition, mounts and boss monsters added
Blizzard have revealed some of the major changes they’re making to the classic defence of the ancients format for Blizzard DOTA. They’ve mentioned mounts, major changes to the vital last-hit system, spectacular capturable boss monsters, and the steps they’re taking to try and make Blizzard DOTA’s battles faster and more friendly. They also confirmed that Blizzard DOTA will be added to the free StarCraft 2 Starter Edition.
Diablo 3: twenty screenshots from Blizzcon 2011
Here are twenty new screenshots of Diablo 3 from Blizzcon, showing various denizens of the underworld being disintegrated by lightning bolts and powerful laser beams. There are a few different environments on show as well, from golden deserts to candle-lit crypts, daubed with arcane scribblings and infested with Azmodan’s brutish legions. Not shown: vast, vast quantities of sweet loot. Click on each screenshot to see it full size.
Thứ Bảy, 22 tháng 10, 2011
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Stop the fanboyism!
And here we go, with my second blog post; this time around, I'll be discussing another personal point of view. And no, this is not a retarded post intended to troll you, so stop overreacting and read on.
As you may know by now, thanks to the big title up there, the main theme on this post will be fanboys, their glorified pieces of electronics, and their oh-so-stupid brand loyalty, as well as how they relate to the community here, as far as I've got to experience it.
First off, no human is capable of showing no bias towards something. After all, we like and dislike different things, wich is why hell, even I show some bias when it comes to certain..."stuff", one could say.
But really, when you're in the comments of different news on the front page, saying stuff like "Sony rox omg!!11" "M$ can sux it lol", or hell, the other way around with "3DS is a beast!!!!111", "Halo: Reach FTW!!1 perfect gaem sux it sony", and another posts that REALLY make me worry about the mental sanity of these individuals, I can't help but feel annoyed and bothered with it.
As I said, everyone shows some signs of bias towards certain things, but when it comes down to...THAT...I really don't know. It's a pathetic display, to be honest.
I wonder if these fanboys are really honest with themselves; because hell, you can't like EVERY SINGLE EXCLUSIVE THAT COMES OUT ON A CERTAIN PLATFORM. You HAVE to dislike something, right? You should voice your opinion on things you don't like, instead of report-bombing a certain article that involves Hideki Kamiya saying he won't buy Gran Turismo 5, while approving things like "David Cage's left ball itches as he glorifies Sony once again", or "Kazunori Yamauchi says Premium Cars take 6 months to make despite GT5 taking 5 years in development and having 200-something Premium Cars, in other words, do the math." or any other article of the same nature.
What does NOT helps at all is how, usually, comments made by fanboys are truly a waste of time (Well, we're here to waste time, anyways) that consist of trolling back and forth between two, or more, users.
Consoles all have ups and downs. Companies usually screw up horribly. Developers promise too many things and deliver none. It's fine to comment about your dissapointment and dislikes. Really, nothing's perfect, and pointing out those flaws usually helps more than it hurts. You should not glorify anything, but rather simply say what's wrong, what you don't like, hell, you get the idea.
And no, the signs of fanboyism are even WORSE when it comes to N4G. Abusing the system that basically relies on the community, we have idiots that will report you if they don't like your comment; simply voicing your personal point of view is reported as "Trolling", "Immature", or more things that make me really worried about how N4G, as a page, works out. Let us not forget about the disagrees for those small, irrelevant and non-biased comments some individuals do! Truly hilarious, alright.
Either that, or rushing out to the store to buy overpriced, gimmicky motion controllers you will (probably) never use, yet again praising it for whatever it has, or making up excuses for things you BUY.
It just really seems VERY silly to me. Why must you all protect and hold dear pieces of electronic you PAID for, as well as these companies that do something right once every blue moon?
Remember, the customer is always right. Your right (and obligation) as a customer is to demand BETTER products, not simply stay idle while praising these doubtful games and accesories you probably don't even like.
In other words, stop being such a goddamn, horrible sheep! Voice your own, personal opinion instead of following this hivemind-like community!
As you may know by now, thanks to the big title up there, the main theme on this post will be fanboys, their glorified pieces of electronics, and their oh-so-stupid brand loyalty, as well as how they relate to the community here, as far as I've got to experience it.
First off, no human is capable of showing no bias towards something. After all, we like and dislike different things, wich is why hell, even I show some bias when it comes to certain..."stuff", one could say.
But really, when you're in the comments of different news on the front page, saying stuff like "Sony rox omg!!11" "M$ can sux it lol", or hell, the other way around with "3DS is a beast!!!!111", "Halo: Reach FTW!!1 perfect gaem sux it sony", and another posts that REALLY make me worry about the mental sanity of these individuals, I can't help but feel annoyed and bothered with it.
As I said, everyone shows some signs of bias towards certain things, but when it comes down to...THAT...I really don't know. It's a pathetic display, to be honest.
I wonder if these fanboys are really honest with themselves; because hell, you can't like EVERY SINGLE EXCLUSIVE THAT COMES OUT ON A CERTAIN PLATFORM. You HAVE to dislike something, right? You should voice your opinion on things you don't like, instead of report-bombing a certain article that involves Hideki Kamiya saying he won't buy Gran Turismo 5, while approving things like "David Cage's left ball itches as he glorifies Sony once again", or "Kazunori Yamauchi says Premium Cars take 6 months to make despite GT5 taking 5 years in development and having 200-something Premium Cars, in other words, do the math." or any other article of the same nature.
What does NOT helps at all is how, usually, comments made by fanboys are truly a waste of time (Well, we're here to waste time, anyways) that consist of trolling back and forth between two, or more, users.
Consoles all have ups and downs. Companies usually screw up horribly. Developers promise too many things and deliver none. It's fine to comment about your dissapointment and dislikes. Really, nothing's perfect, and pointing out those flaws usually helps more than it hurts. You should not glorify anything, but rather simply say what's wrong, what you don't like, hell, you get the idea.
And no, the signs of fanboyism are even WORSE when it comes to N4G. Abusing the system that basically relies on the community, we have idiots that will report you if they don't like your comment; simply voicing your personal point of view is reported as "Trolling", "Immature", or more things that make me really worried about how N4G, as a page, works out. Let us not forget about the disagrees for those small, irrelevant and non-biased comments some individuals do! Truly hilarious, alright.
Either that, or rushing out to the store to buy overpriced, gimmicky motion controllers you will (probably) never use, yet again praising it for whatever it has, or making up excuses for things you BUY.
It just really seems VERY silly to me. Why must you all protect and hold dear pieces of electronic you PAID for, as well as these companies that do something right once every blue moon?
Remember, the customer is always right. Your right (and obligation) as a customer is to demand BETTER products, not simply stay idle while praising these doubtful games and accesories you probably don't even like.
In other words, stop being such a goddamn, horrible sheep! Voice your own, personal opinion instead of following this hivemind-like community!
Thứ Năm, 20 tháng 10, 2011
Tales Of Grace F PS3 review
This is my latest review of Tales of Grace F for the ps3. This game is a gem on the ps3, I really hope Namco Bandai bring this state side at some point. Let me know what you guys think of this game and whether or not you think Namco Bandai should bring it state side.
The Balance of Gaming
Video games are one of the fastest growing forms of media in our generation. People who play video games on a regular basis, or gamers, use video games as a means of personal enjoyment, competition, or socialization among other gamers. Some would be as bold as to call video games their favorite past-time, maybe even compare video games to that of any Olympic sport. While one would be enticed to immediately indulge himself or herself in the joy of gaming nonstop for hours, one must always remember that every good thing almost always comes with something bad.
The original concept for the creation of video games was to create a fun experience for the player. There are many people that become immersed with the fun factor a game can provide. So much sometimes, that they neglect and ignore most of what is going on around them, and can even neglect life’s most basic functions; this can include eating, going to the bathroom, and sleeping. In November 2008, a boy from Sweden died of an epileptic seizure from playing World of Warcraft for more then 24 hours straight. This tragedy was due to the boy becoming too immersed in his game and not realizing that his body could not last as long as his mind could playing the game. A tragedy that could have been easily avoided if he took breaks to eat or sleep while possibly having his character do something that did not require his immediate attention. This is only one of many other easily avoided tragedies that have occurred due to lack of common sense.
Competition is a huge aspect in the world of gaming. Many gamers that have reached a point where they are confident in how well they play may decide to take their love of the game to the next level. That next level is being able to enter tournaments and compete with other players for different prizes, most usually and preferably cash prizes. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to win money for playing a video game, the lengths people are willing to go in order to win can be troublesome for most people. In a documentary titled “FRAG”, the directors follow the lives of a few competitive gamers and learn of the inside stories of being within the competitive field. Some of the tales told are people who want to win prize money so badly, they would willingly sacrifice their futures and personal health, without second thought, for a chance to come out on top. Most of these risk would include people dropping out of school as early as middle or high school, not finding a job with benefits, and even resorting to just consuming food and drinks that are loaded with caffeine and guarana. Taking such a plunge, without first thinking of the consequences is something that many people would consider to be not smart. Risking one’s whole future on the hope of winning a lot in a specific game is not a viable way of making a living in today‘s day and age. There is no retirement plan or annual benefits for playing a video game, nor is there a guarantee for a constant means of income. The game is just as it has always been, a source of entertainment, not a foundation for living. Pure common sense.
Since gaming has always been meant to be a fun activity, it is only natural that gamers would gather together with other gamers to share the fun. This socialization is the end result of multiplayer gaming at its best, that is if it is assumed that all those gamers have more then their fair share of common sense. It has been growing increasingly more noticeable that stories of people fighting, injuring, and at times killing other people when playing a video game at the time. In Harlem, a 9 year old boy was stabbed to death by a 24 year old man over a game of Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater. Even those with an unbiased eye would still be one of the first to jump up and call this sheer stupidity. In Kansas, a man was beaten to death by three of his friends for allegedly cheating in a game of Madden 2011. Again, although having every right to be upset over someone cheating, sheer stupidity. What these and many other tragic stories out there have in common is that someone acted impulsively while playing a video game. Gamers need to remember to think before they act, even when in a state of rage. Killing a person because they played a better game is not worth the consequences of such action, it makes the perpetrator look that much more foolish. Fully thinking out and using rational reasoning in a situation is a another aspect of, yet again, common sense.
The original concept for the creation of video games was to create a fun experience for the player. There are many people that become immersed with the fun factor a game can provide. So much sometimes, that they neglect and ignore most of what is going on around them, and can even neglect life’s most basic functions; this can include eating, going to the bathroom, and sleeping. In November 2008, a boy from Sweden died of an epileptic seizure from playing World of Warcraft for more then 24 hours straight. This tragedy was due to the boy becoming too immersed in his game and not realizing that his body could not last as long as his mind could playing the game. A tragedy that could have been easily avoided if he took breaks to eat or sleep while possibly having his character do something that did not require his immediate attention. This is only one of many other easily avoided tragedies that have occurred due to lack of common sense.
Competition is a huge aspect in the world of gaming. Many gamers that have reached a point where they are confident in how well they play may decide to take their love of the game to the next level. That next level is being able to enter tournaments and compete with other players for different prizes, most usually and preferably cash prizes. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to win money for playing a video game, the lengths people are willing to go in order to win can be troublesome for most people. In a documentary titled “FRAG”, the directors follow the lives of a few competitive gamers and learn of the inside stories of being within the competitive field. Some of the tales told are people who want to win prize money so badly, they would willingly sacrifice their futures and personal health, without second thought, for a chance to come out on top. Most of these risk would include people dropping out of school as early as middle or high school, not finding a job with benefits, and even resorting to just consuming food and drinks that are loaded with caffeine and guarana. Taking such a plunge, without first thinking of the consequences is something that many people would consider to be not smart. Risking one’s whole future on the hope of winning a lot in a specific game is not a viable way of making a living in today‘s day and age. There is no retirement plan or annual benefits for playing a video game, nor is there a guarantee for a constant means of income. The game is just as it has always been, a source of entertainment, not a foundation for living. Pure common sense.
Since gaming has always been meant to be a fun activity, it is only natural that gamers would gather together with other gamers to share the fun. This socialization is the end result of multiplayer gaming at its best, that is if it is assumed that all those gamers have more then their fair share of common sense. It has been growing increasingly more noticeable that stories of people fighting, injuring, and at times killing other people when playing a video game at the time. In Harlem, a 9 year old boy was stabbed to death by a 24 year old man over a game of Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater. Even those with an unbiased eye would still be one of the first to jump up and call this sheer stupidity. In Kansas, a man was beaten to death by three of his friends for allegedly cheating in a game of Madden 2011. Again, although having every right to be upset over someone cheating, sheer stupidity. What these and many other tragic stories out there have in common is that someone acted impulsively while playing a video game. Gamers need to remember to think before they act, even when in a state of rage. Killing a person because they played a better game is not worth the consequences of such action, it makes the perpetrator look that much more foolish. Fully thinking out and using rational reasoning in a situation is a another aspect of, yet again, common sense.
Thứ Tư, 19 tháng 10, 2011
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
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The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
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■- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Thứ Bảy, 15 tháng 10, 2011
EU PSN Welcome Back Pack; My Reaction
I'm willing to forgive Sony on this one as in this modern day of age, nothing is unhackable and especially by Anonymous, sure some mistakes were made, but it was exactly these kind that made Sony and the PS3 the way it was improving before this whole mess. I am willing to forgive and the fact that somewhere my details are lurking about on the internet and checking my money twice as much as I used to.
Now that's out of the way, I feel I have to bring up the EU Welcome Back Pack.
THE PS3 GAMES
The two games to select for free are pretty good. But as most have said, we already have them.
1. LittleBigPlanet
I'm pretty sure that most of us own LBP and some of us, LBP2 (Which I ashamedly don't yet), but really? LBP? I mean no offense, but as great as this is for a gift for the consumers, all the fans have already bought it and been waiting for PSN to come back up in order to play it again!
2. Infamous
This one's pretty fair. Infamous 2 is coming out soon and not everyone played the original, to be honest, this is a beast of a game to get free. Only second down from Uncharted:DF which probably should of been one of the giveaways. But I already own this and completed in Good and Infamous. If you haven't played Infamous and hyped for Infamous 2, this is a great freebie and perfect timing too.
3. Wipeout HD/Fury
This is actually utterly brilliant again, for those that don't own it. Again, unlike ME.
Anyway, trust me, Wipeout HD is a complete blast, so if this actually does turn out to be the bundle with the Fury expansion pack too, that's pretty neat. Wipeout HD is by far the most crisp racing experience on PS3, plus it has that slick futuristic design, pumping soundtrack, splitscreen features, custom soundtracks and online modes. If you're one that doesn't own this game, that's a great one to jump onto.
4. Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty
I'm one of the rare people to of owned and played R&C:Q4B before the release of Crack in Time, and believe me, It's a pretty neat game. That is. If you DON'T OWN IT. It was my honest belief that this game should of been given away as it is the perfect prequel to Crack in Time. It's a direct continuation from Tools of Destruction and has Ratchet stuck on an island surrounded by odd villagers and pirates. No sign of Clank due to the evens of the last game, but Ratchet can fend on his own. Some very good game mechanics and some graphics that for a download title, even rival Tools of Destruction's graphics, it was originally a great bite sized adventure between both games, a must play for Ratchet fans. Again, if you don't ALREADY OWN it.
5. Dead Nation
This game never hit my radar and I never bought it, sorry, I said it. I have Burn Zombie Burn (which would of made an AWESOME giveaway) and I just felt like I didn't need more. The whole '4 survivors and zombies' concept is so generic now. Even though it's by the makers of the fab Superstardust HD. I just wasn't interested, as a freebie, I guess I can accept.
THE PSP GAMES
Not a bad selection actually, a little GoW:GoS wouldn't go amiss though.
1. LittleBigPlanet PSP
Now, personally, this hit the jackpot. Yes. I would love to own this for free and I will do, I played a friend's copy and it was pretty good. I'd love to have this on the go and I also know a lot of people didn't buy it due to not actually being a sequel, but having a different plotline with the same name...Nice One Sony!
2. ModNation PSP
I have no idea what Modnation Racers PSP plays like. I've played a brief demo of the PS3 version (which again would of made a nice giveaway). But I guess I can accept the PSP version with open arms.
3. Pursuit Force
This is like giving Resistance 1 to people. No offence, but come on should of at least given Daxter or Medievil Resurrection instead as these were far better launch titles or even the recent Jak which wasn't that bad, nor great anyway. Poor, very poor Sony.
4. Killzone Liberation*
I'm just not interested. Wasn't then, hasn't changed now, changing the genre around before the sequel, I don't know, it just didn't gel to me. I would of preferred the similarly changed genre game of Resistance Retribution instead which came out about the same time as Resistance 2.
Even if it does result in me having played all the Killzone games...yeah, just not bothered.
THE SERVICE FREEBIES
1. 30 days free PlayStation Plus membership for non PS Plus subscribers*
Good, but I'm not too keen on the idea of a month to like games I own to suddenly have them whipped away and forced to continue the drip fed service with payments, all I can say, the discounts better be good.
2. Existing PlayStation Plus subscribers will be given 60 days free subscription.
This is great for PS+ owners as they get this valuable time back.
3. For existing Music Unlimited subscribers, you will be given 30 days free subscription.
yep, not interested, but okay. This should of been upped to 3 months or something due to details having been hacked and stolen as this is the real issue here.
4. We are working on a Welcome Back offer in PlayStation Home and will share that when it is confirmed.
Originally an avid supporter of the concept of Playstation Home, but now not, I found myself deleting the program to save space, I might of missed out on 'T-Shirts' and dressing around like a weird stereotypical Britishman, but I can't honestly say this is a GOOD thing as this is like Sony beating a dead horse.
Well, that's my verdict. It's kind of 'yay', but kind of 'meh' and although I'm not one to complain and revolt, I wouldn't be surprised if others will because we practically already own all these free games. So. In that way of thinking, Sony still owes one.
Never the less, good start but maybe this shows Sony doesn't really know their fanbase after all, because they're practically trying to give away the games the fans have already snapped up on release. We'd better be getting some good PSN updates, future firmwares and have great protection of our data, otherwise, this is going to look even worse than it does already.
Now that's out of the way, I feel I have to bring up the EU Welcome Back Pack.
THE PS3 GAMES
The two games to select for free are pretty good. But as most have said, we already have them.
1. LittleBigPlanet
I'm pretty sure that most of us own LBP and some of us, LBP2 (Which I ashamedly don't yet), but really? LBP? I mean no offense, but as great as this is for a gift for the consumers, all the fans have already bought it and been waiting for PSN to come back up in order to play it again!
2. Infamous
This one's pretty fair. Infamous 2 is coming out soon and not everyone played the original, to be honest, this is a beast of a game to get free. Only second down from Uncharted:DF which probably should of been one of the giveaways. But I already own this and completed in Good and Infamous. If you haven't played Infamous and hyped for Infamous 2, this is a great freebie and perfect timing too.
3. Wipeout HD/Fury
This is actually utterly brilliant again, for those that don't own it. Again, unlike ME.
Anyway, trust me, Wipeout HD is a complete blast, so if this actually does turn out to be the bundle with the Fury expansion pack too, that's pretty neat. Wipeout HD is by far the most crisp racing experience on PS3, plus it has that slick futuristic design, pumping soundtrack, splitscreen features, custom soundtracks and online modes. If you're one that doesn't own this game, that's a great one to jump onto.
4. Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty
I'm one of the rare people to of owned and played R&C:Q4B before the release of Crack in Time, and believe me, It's a pretty neat game. That is. If you DON'T OWN IT. It was my honest belief that this game should of been given away as it is the perfect prequel to Crack in Time. It's a direct continuation from Tools of Destruction and has Ratchet stuck on an island surrounded by odd villagers and pirates. No sign of Clank due to the evens of the last game, but Ratchet can fend on his own. Some very good game mechanics and some graphics that for a download title, even rival Tools of Destruction's graphics, it was originally a great bite sized adventure between both games, a must play for Ratchet fans. Again, if you don't ALREADY OWN it.
5. Dead Nation
This game never hit my radar and I never bought it, sorry, I said it. I have Burn Zombie Burn (which would of made an AWESOME giveaway) and I just felt like I didn't need more. The whole '4 survivors and zombies' concept is so generic now. Even though it's by the makers of the fab Superstardust HD. I just wasn't interested, as a freebie, I guess I can accept.
THE PSP GAMES
Not a bad selection actually, a little GoW:GoS wouldn't go amiss though.
1. LittleBigPlanet PSP
Now, personally, this hit the jackpot. Yes. I would love to own this for free and I will do, I played a friend's copy and it was pretty good. I'd love to have this on the go and I also know a lot of people didn't buy it due to not actually being a sequel, but having a different plotline with the same name...Nice One Sony!
2. ModNation PSP
I have no idea what Modnation Racers PSP plays like. I've played a brief demo of the PS3 version (which again would of made a nice giveaway). But I guess I can accept the PSP version with open arms.
3. Pursuit Force
This is like giving Resistance 1 to people. No offence, but come on should of at least given Daxter or Medievil Resurrection instead as these were far better launch titles or even the recent Jak which wasn't that bad, nor great anyway. Poor, very poor Sony.
4. Killzone Liberation*
I'm just not interested. Wasn't then, hasn't changed now, changing the genre around before the sequel, I don't know, it just didn't gel to me. I would of preferred the similarly changed genre game of Resistance Retribution instead which came out about the same time as Resistance 2.
Even if it does result in me having played all the Killzone games...yeah, just not bothered.
THE SERVICE FREEBIES
1. 30 days free PlayStation Plus membership for non PS Plus subscribers*
Good, but I'm not too keen on the idea of a month to like games I own to suddenly have them whipped away and forced to continue the drip fed service with payments, all I can say, the discounts better be good.
2. Existing PlayStation Plus subscribers will be given 60 days free subscription.
This is great for PS+ owners as they get this valuable time back.
3. For existing Music Unlimited subscribers, you will be given 30 days free subscription.
yep, not interested, but okay. This should of been upped to 3 months or something due to details having been hacked and stolen as this is the real issue here.
4. We are working on a Welcome Back offer in PlayStation Home and will share that when it is confirmed.
Originally an avid supporter of the concept of Playstation Home, but now not, I found myself deleting the program to save space, I might of missed out on 'T-Shirts' and dressing around like a weird stereotypical Britishman, but I can't honestly say this is a GOOD thing as this is like Sony beating a dead horse.
Well, that's my verdict. It's kind of 'yay', but kind of 'meh' and although I'm not one to complain and revolt, I wouldn't be surprised if others will because we practically already own all these free games. So. In that way of thinking, Sony still owes one.
Never the less, good start but maybe this shows Sony doesn't really know their fanbase after all, because they're practically trying to give away the games the fans have already snapped up on release. We'd better be getting some good PSN updates, future firmwares and have great protection of our data, otherwise, this is going to look even worse than it does already.
PS Welcome Back Package & Early Adopters - Incompatible?
So we have the welcome back page to look forward to. 5 PS3 games that have received critical acclaim and we get to choose 2 of them!
We should be happy right? Well if you're an early adopter, no. Dead Nation the only game being offered that is less than 12 months old, whereas the other 4 games are at least 2 years old.
The Welcome back package shows very little risk on Sony's part but also does nothing to "welcome back" early adopters.
Sadly it seems that those of us buy the games on launch date are being dubbed "whiners" But that's not the issue here.
The issue is that with Sony et al trying their best to stamp out pre-owned sales and putting online access codes in many games they are rewarding early adoption. However PS+ and now this package reward late adopters far more so than the early ones.
Yes, you can't please everyone granted and there will be alot of happy people out there who get to choose 2 new games that they've never touched before but to those of us who show the highest levels of PS loyalty we are frozen out.
Sony has detailed information of who logs in, logs out, frequency of purchases etc. It would have been very simple to correlate two pieces of data - frequency of use & early adoption - and subsequently offer something better to the most loyal PS users.
Sadly this won't happen meaning to those who are planning to buy LA Noire, Infamous 2, Red Faction etc it might be worth waiting to see if late adoption pays more dividends than being first in line.
We should be happy right? Well if you're an early adopter, no. Dead Nation the only game being offered that is less than 12 months old, whereas the other 4 games are at least 2 years old.
The Welcome back package shows very little risk on Sony's part but also does nothing to "welcome back" early adopters.
Sadly it seems that those of us buy the games on launch date are being dubbed "whiners" But that's not the issue here.
The issue is that with Sony et al trying their best to stamp out pre-owned sales and putting online access codes in many games they are rewarding early adoption. However PS+ and now this package reward late adopters far more so than the early ones.
Yes, you can't please everyone granted and there will be alot of happy people out there who get to choose 2 new games that they've never touched before but to those of us who show the highest levels of PS loyalty we are frozen out.
Sony has detailed information of who logs in, logs out, frequency of purchases etc. It would have been very simple to correlate two pieces of data - frequency of use & early adoption - and subsequently offer something better to the most loyal PS users.
Sadly this won't happen meaning to those who are planning to buy LA Noire, Infamous 2, Red Faction etc it might be worth waiting to see if late adoption pays more dividends than being first in line.
Thứ Sáu, 14 tháng 10, 2011
Which Zelda Should Be Remade?
Ocarina of Time was remade earlier this year, but which Zelda will be brought back to life next? Join me as I meander through some of the possibilities.
Majora's Mask- Since OoT looked so dang good on the 3DS, one might think that Nintendo would just remake the other Nintendo 64 Zelda as well. While this game wasn't really my favorite Zelda (probably one of my least favorite), it still deserves a make over sooner or later. Possible improvements could be a better save system, more masks, and of course, beautiful graphics.
A Link to the Past- Probably the one I want to see redone the most. The original Legend of Zelda often steals the glory from this game, which is a real shame. The game hasn't really seen many retail releases on newer consoles since the GBA, so I haven't gotten the chance to play it. But the third entry in this epic franchise could make for an amazing experience on the 3DS. Especially if it came with a graphical upgrade and 3D!
The Legend of Zelda- It was the first, so shouldn't it have been the first to be remade? Just picture a game with Phantom Hourglass type graphics, with the map of the original and the dungeons of the original. Doesn't the man in that cave deserve to give away that sword one more time? (Maybe in 3D?).
Wind Waker- This one would probably be better represented on the Wii U. What better way to get the new console started than with a remake of the most underrated (and over hated) Zeldas? With a more full sea and some HD graphics, this would be a winner for sure. Even if you hate the artsy graphics, this would be one of the most epic 3D Zelda experiences ever.
Twilight Princess- Oh, it makes me sad when I hear so many people hating on this game. It did so much right, but people seem to get stuck on the small things it did wrong. If anyone else read the latest Game Informer (a magazine that I usuallyhate, but hey, they did like a 20 page section on Zelda, so I figured I would cut them some slack.), one writers haled Twilight Princess as the best entry in the Zelda franchise. I might not call it that, but I have to admit that it is the best looking Link has ever looked. And if you thought the Wii game looked good, just picture what it would look like in HD. The game would play silky smooth, and look simply amazing. Hyrule Field would be as beautiful as it ever has, and the Fairy Springs would look astonishing. The Wii did the game justice, but the Wii U could do more than that. Possible improvements could be better sword controls, more fluid horse riding, and maybe more extras such as fish, bugs, and armor. And for those of you that are sitting their thinking the game would be no fun without motion controls, don't forget that the Wii U can use the Wii Remote and Motion Plus. Even just the game in HD with Motion Plus compatibility would be enough to make me pay 50 dollars for the game.
Well, you have heard my opinion, but what do you want? We all have our own unique opinions and views about Zelda, so share yours in the comment section below
Majora's Mask- Since OoT looked so dang good on the 3DS, one might think that Nintendo would just remake the other Nintendo 64 Zelda as well. While this game wasn't really my favorite Zelda (probably one of my least favorite), it still deserves a make over sooner or later. Possible improvements could be a better save system, more masks, and of course, beautiful graphics.
A Link to the Past- Probably the one I want to see redone the most. The original Legend of Zelda often steals the glory from this game, which is a real shame. The game hasn't really seen many retail releases on newer consoles since the GBA, so I haven't gotten the chance to play it. But the third entry in this epic franchise could make for an amazing experience on the 3DS. Especially if it came with a graphical upgrade and 3D!
The Legend of Zelda- It was the first, so shouldn't it have been the first to be remade? Just picture a game with Phantom Hourglass type graphics, with the map of the original and the dungeons of the original. Doesn't the man in that cave deserve to give away that sword one more time? (Maybe in 3D?).
Wind Waker- This one would probably be better represented on the Wii U. What better way to get the new console started than with a remake of the most underrated (and over hated) Zeldas? With a more full sea and some HD graphics, this would be a winner for sure. Even if you hate the artsy graphics, this would be one of the most epic 3D Zelda experiences ever.
Twilight Princess- Oh, it makes me sad when I hear so many people hating on this game. It did so much right, but people seem to get stuck on the small things it did wrong. If anyone else read the latest Game Informer (a magazine that I usuallyhate, but hey, they did like a 20 page section on Zelda, so I figured I would cut them some slack.), one writers haled Twilight Princess as the best entry in the Zelda franchise. I might not call it that, but I have to admit that it is the best looking Link has ever looked. And if you thought the Wii game looked good, just picture what it would look like in HD. The game would play silky smooth, and look simply amazing. Hyrule Field would be as beautiful as it ever has, and the Fairy Springs would look astonishing. The Wii did the game justice, but the Wii U could do more than that. Possible improvements could be better sword controls, more fluid horse riding, and maybe more extras such as fish, bugs, and armor. And for those of you that are sitting their thinking the game would be no fun without motion controls, don't forget that the Wii U can use the Wii Remote and Motion Plus. Even just the game in HD with Motion Plus compatibility would be enough to make me pay 50 dollars for the game.
Well, you have heard my opinion, but what do you want? We all have our own unique opinions and views about Zelda, so share yours in the comment section below
Join N4G as We Game for the Children's Miracle Network
N4G Moderators Odion, JL, cgoodno and I are leading the N4G team to charity victory - want in? As gamers in Extra Life's annual 24-hour video game marathon you can join the N4G team and get some play time in or you can donate and help us reach our fundraising goal!
All contributions will benefit local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Any contribution will help and all donations are tax deductible.
Our team fundraising goal is $5000 - which is huge for our first year, but c'mon...we can so do this!
If you would like to be part of the N4G team by playing just go here: http://www.extra-life.org/i... All gaming counts - PC, console, mobile, board...just game!
If you want to be part of the N4G team by donating choose any of our participant profiles on that page and donate!
Some other stuff: Want to play 24 hours but not for 24 hours straight? That's cool, just clock 24 hours in the time frame you choose! This is about the kids, after all - any Achievements/Trophies/etc. earned is just icing on the very real cake.
BONUS: If you join the team OR donate $24 or more to one of the N4G team's participants you'll be entered to win a swag bundle from our swag closet. This is a grab bag of posters, t-shirts, buttons, bags, and dog tags to name a few from GDC, E3, PAX...or stuff that showed up in the mail.
1. Swag bundle is open to all except for employees of HAVAmedia and immediate relatives. You do not have to be a registered N4G user to win.
2. Closing date is 15th October 2011
3. The winner will be chosen by random.org and notified via email or N4G ticket on or after October 16, 2011.
4. Failure to reply to notification within fourteen (14) days results in forfeiture of prize.
All contributions will benefit local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Any contribution will help and all donations are tax deductible.
Our team fundraising goal is $5000 - which is huge for our first year, but c'mon...we can so do this!
If you would like to be part of the N4G team by playing just go here: http://www.extra-life.org/i... All gaming counts - PC, console, mobile, board...just game!
If you want to be part of the N4G team by donating choose any of our participant profiles on that page and donate!
Some other stuff: Want to play 24 hours but not for 24 hours straight? That's cool, just clock 24 hours in the time frame you choose! This is about the kids, after all - any Achievements/Trophies/etc. earned is just icing on the very real cake.
BONUS: If you join the team OR donate $24 or more to one of the N4G team's participants you'll be entered to win a swag bundle from our swag closet. This is a grab bag of posters, t-shirts, buttons, bags, and dog tags to name a few from GDC, E3, PAX...or stuff that showed up in the mail.
1. Swag bundle is open to all except for employees of HAVAmedia and immediate relatives. You do not have to be a registered N4G user to win.
2. Closing date is 15th October 2011
3. The winner will be chosen by random.org and notified via email or N4G ticket on or after October 16, 2011.
4. Failure to reply to notification within fourteen (14) days results in forfeiture of prize.
Battlefield 3 beta and all the voices
Battlefield's 3 beta opened 27th of September for those who bought Tier 1 edition of Medal of Honor and preordered the game on EA's downloadable service Origin. My goal with this post is to set up a constructive discussion regarding BF3 in general comparing it to it's predecessors.
I have 500 hours in Bad Company 2 on the PS3. Some don't care and some would not understand why I put 500 hrs in a game. That's fine. It's not too important, but point being I got enough experience comparing BC2 to the BF3 beta.
What do I want to discuss? Yes, "all the voices". BF3 has touch everyone in a way in the media it seems. Some loved BF2, some loved BC2 etc. Meaning, there are 10000** opinions on this game and sadly there are no correct answer. I will be talking a bit more about the PS3 version instead of PC in terms of presentation.
Let's jump into it. I've played the beta for 5 hours now. To summarize the game personally, it's freaking awesome. Not very constructive but listen. I felt right at home from the minute I fired a shot. The BC2 feel was there for me controller wise. I was very curious what they would do with BC2 controls in BF3 and it they used them and improved on them. It feels great to move around, and aiming is as good as it can get on consoles in my opinion. I played a few fps's in my time and these controls are the very best I've played with. Some may wonder why this is so important, and I'm not sure how to explain it. It makes the basic gameplay feel a lot more smooth. There are no rough edges in a way.
And now a shout out to those who actually complain that there are bugs, glitches and technical issues with the beta. Oh yes, let me mock you. It's a BETA. If you are unsure what a beta actually is then google it. And if you don't know, don't say anything. Yes your screen may freeze, yes you may get stuck in invisible objects, etc.
I've not played BF3 on the PC yet so I'm not going to voice my opinion on the graphics but I've heard it's looking VERY nice from friends. Now, graphics and the PS3. Honestly, what did most of you expect? 4AA, same resolution of textures as PC etc.? The PS3 was released in 2006 meaning the hardware hasn't changed since 2006. Considering this BF3 is looking quite good on the PS3. The overall presentation is astounding. Sound, environment, colors, light. It all makes BF3 looks very nice on the PS3. I honestly don't know what many are complaining over. Of course it's graphically below the PC, and not by a little, but by a lot. Want me to also compare the PS3 and today's PC's CPU's, GPU's and then really crunch these numbers down? Apparently some of you would be surprised.
Now on to the hard part. I've talked to many about the BF3 beta and what they think compared to BC2. And we loved BC2. We came up with: "BF3 beta so far is everything BC2 was, added some more and then some more and multiplied it all with 3".
What about BF2 veterans? I barely played BF2 so I got no grounds to compare. This is the true sequel to BF2, but when I read EA's forums people are not happy. There are no real statistics here. "Those who yell the loudest will be heard". This is true in many cases and most likely is the case here. Are you guys happy with the BF3 beta so far? Sure Metro is a small map, with no vehicles etc. but's we have only seen 2 maps so far. Caspian Border is got everything you wanted to obviously DICE is taking into everything you loved with BF2. And there will be more maps, many more.
The post got a bit more messy than planed. I would like to end with that I love the BF3 beta on the PS3 so far and I'm having a blast. This ism my shooter of the year, probably of this generation. The post may conclude that I'm a battlefield fanboy, but please argue this. Come with cons and pros in a constructive matter and let me know what you like and don't like with the beta. It needs to be related to the design of the game, but technical difficulties etc considering it's a beta.
I have 500 hours in Bad Company 2 on the PS3. Some don't care and some would not understand why I put 500 hrs in a game. That's fine. It's not too important, but point being I got enough experience comparing BC2 to the BF3 beta.
What do I want to discuss? Yes, "all the voices". BF3 has touch everyone in a way in the media it seems. Some loved BF2, some loved BC2 etc. Meaning, there are 10000** opinions on this game and sadly there are no correct answer. I will be talking a bit more about the PS3 version instead of PC in terms of presentation.
Let's jump into it. I've played the beta for 5 hours now. To summarize the game personally, it's freaking awesome. Not very constructive but listen. I felt right at home from the minute I fired a shot. The BC2 feel was there for me controller wise. I was very curious what they would do with BC2 controls in BF3 and it they used them and improved on them. It feels great to move around, and aiming is as good as it can get on consoles in my opinion. I played a few fps's in my time and these controls are the very best I've played with. Some may wonder why this is so important, and I'm not sure how to explain it. It makes the basic gameplay feel a lot more smooth. There are no rough edges in a way.
And now a shout out to those who actually complain that there are bugs, glitches and technical issues with the beta. Oh yes, let me mock you. It's a BETA. If you are unsure what a beta actually is then google it. And if you don't know, don't say anything. Yes your screen may freeze, yes you may get stuck in invisible objects, etc.
I've not played BF3 on the PC yet so I'm not going to voice my opinion on the graphics but I've heard it's looking VERY nice from friends. Now, graphics and the PS3. Honestly, what did most of you expect? 4AA, same resolution of textures as PC etc.? The PS3 was released in 2006 meaning the hardware hasn't changed since 2006. Considering this BF3 is looking quite good on the PS3. The overall presentation is astounding. Sound, environment, colors, light. It all makes BF3 looks very nice on the PS3. I honestly don't know what many are complaining over. Of course it's graphically below the PC, and not by a little, but by a lot. Want me to also compare the PS3 and today's PC's CPU's, GPU's and then really crunch these numbers down? Apparently some of you would be surprised.
Now on to the hard part. I've talked to many about the BF3 beta and what they think compared to BC2. And we loved BC2. We came up with: "BF3 beta so far is everything BC2 was, added some more and then some more and multiplied it all with 3".
What about BF2 veterans? I barely played BF2 so I got no grounds to compare. This is the true sequel to BF2, but when I read EA's forums people are not happy. There are no real statistics here. "Those who yell the loudest will be heard". This is true in many cases and most likely is the case here. Are you guys happy with the BF3 beta so far? Sure Metro is a small map, with no vehicles etc. but's we have only seen 2 maps so far. Caspian Border is got everything you wanted to obviously DICE is taking into everything you loved with BF2. And there will be more maps, many more.
The post got a bit more messy than planed. I would like to end with that I love the BF3 beta on the PS3 so far and I'm having a blast. This ism my shooter of the year, probably of this generation. The post may conclude that I'm a battlefield fanboy, but please argue this. Come with cons and pros in a constructive matter and let me know what you like and don't like with the beta. It needs to be related to the design of the game, but technical difficulties etc considering it's a beta.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Thứ Ba, 11 tháng 10, 2011
Analyst: The last three years was the 'first generation of social games'
It's statements like this that make you hopeful for what the next three years will bring. Speaking to IndustryGamers, Eedar analyst Jesse Divnich concluded a talk with, "If anything, what I am suggesting is that what we've seen over the last 3 years should be classified as the 'first generation' of social games." What Divnich is referring to is the property and time-management sub genre of social games on Facebook and other networks that have arguably hit critical mass since they hit the scene way back in 2008.
According to Divnich, social gamers are getting their fill from new releases in a fraction of the time it took before. This means players are bouncing from one game to the next more quickly, and those games left by the wayside are reaching their peak in monthly and daily players far sooner than ever before. You can blame the sheer volume of high-quality time-management games for this--think about it: What are the top three games on Facebook right now?
Divnich goes on to compare this form of social gaming to the Guitar Hero franchise (how timely) in that innovation is quickly running dry in this sub genre. "New technology breeds innovation and while I am confident that both Facebook and Google are beginning to expand their social offerings, I think it may be safe to say that the current time-based management genre, as we know it today, will have to rapidly evolve beyond the traditional 'sprite clicking' mechanics to sustain consumer interest," Divnich told IndustryGamers.
With technologies like Unreal Engine 3 coming to Flash (and as a result Facebook games) and HTML5 slowly gaining traction, Divnich might be onto something here. The analyst goes on to cite the upcoming Mafia Wars 2 by Zynga as a harbinger of the second generation of social games, but let's not get ahead of ourselves now. Check out the interview in full right here.
[Via VG 24/7]
Do you think this form of social gaming has reached it peak? Where would like to see the industry go next in terms of gameplay, graphics and social features? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
According to Divnich, social gamers are getting their fill from new releases in a fraction of the time it took before. This means players are bouncing from one game to the next more quickly, and those games left by the wayside are reaching their peak in monthly and daily players far sooner than ever before. You can blame the sheer volume of high-quality time-management games for this--think about it: What are the top three games on Facebook right now?
Divnich goes on to compare this form of social gaming to the Guitar Hero franchise (how timely) in that innovation is quickly running dry in this sub genre. "New technology breeds innovation and while I am confident that both Facebook and Google are beginning to expand their social offerings, I think it may be safe to say that the current time-based management genre, as we know it today, will have to rapidly evolve beyond the traditional 'sprite clicking' mechanics to sustain consumer interest," Divnich told IndustryGamers.
With technologies like Unreal Engine 3 coming to Flash (and as a result Facebook games) and HTML5 slowly gaining traction, Divnich might be onto something here. The analyst goes on to cite the upcoming Mafia Wars 2 by Zynga as a harbinger of the second generation of social games, but let's not get ahead of ourselves now. Check out the interview in full right here.
[Via VG 24/7]
Do you think this form of social gaming has reached it peak? Where would like to see the industry go next in terms of gameplay, graphics and social features? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Rift maker Trion wants Red Door to be Facebook for hardcore games
If you still think Facebook games haven't made a visible impact on traditional games, then look no further than Trion Worlds. The creator of hit MMO (massively multiplayer online game) Rift announced Red Door, an upcoming game development and distribution platform that looks to do for the traditional games industry what Facebook has done for social games. And, at least on paper, it sounds pretty brilliant.
Trion CEO Dr. Lars Buttler said to Kotaku, "Facebook catalyzed a ton of new experiences and we want to do that for premium AAA games. We want make them more live and more dynamic than the current model of social games where months go by and nothing changes." Red Door, which will be available to third-party game creators in spring 2012, will offer them a server infrastructure with support for billing, customer support and content management, according to Kotaku.
In other words, Trion looks to be the Zynga of the hardcore games industry through Red Door, a platform that sounds a whole lot like Facebook. Combining the HD graphics and complex gameplay capabilities of hardcore game engines with the ability to constantly and continually update games with new content a' la Facebook games, Trion looks to usher in the future of hardcore game creation. According to Kotaku, Red Door could be the end of $60 traditional game sequels like, say, Gears of War 3.
If anything, Trion Worlds is certainly onto something. As companies make millions (and see valuations in the billions) from free-to-play social gaming, traditional game creators have to do something to survive. And just as Unreal Engine 3, a widely-used traditional game creation technology, comes to Flash Facebook, Trion hopes to lure game makers through its big Red Door.
Do you think the future of hardcore gaming looks a lot like how Facebook games are distributed and curated today? Is Trion Worlds onto something visionary? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Trion CEO Dr. Lars Buttler said to Kotaku, "Facebook catalyzed a ton of new experiences and we want to do that for premium AAA games. We want make them more live and more dynamic than the current model of social games where months go by and nothing changes." Red Door, which will be available to third-party game creators in spring 2012, will offer them a server infrastructure with support for billing, customer support and content management, according to Kotaku.
In other words, Trion looks to be the Zynga of the hardcore games industry through Red Door, a platform that sounds a whole lot like Facebook. Combining the HD graphics and complex gameplay capabilities of hardcore game engines with the ability to constantly and continually update games with new content a' la Facebook games, Trion looks to usher in the future of hardcore game creation. According to Kotaku, Red Door could be the end of $60 traditional game sequels like, say, Gears of War 3.
If anything, Trion Worlds is certainly onto something. As companies make millions (and see valuations in the billions) from free-to-play social gaming, traditional game creators have to do something to survive. And just as Unreal Engine 3, a widely-used traditional game creation technology, comes to Flash Facebook, Trion hopes to lure game makers through its big Red Door.
Do you think the future of hardcore gaming looks a lot like how Facebook games are distributed and curated today? Is Trion Worlds onto something visionary? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Thứ Tư, 5 tháng 10, 2011
Gundam's giant fighting robots even bigger on Japan's Gree, DeNA
Just in case you haven't noticed, Japan kind of has a thing for gargantuan fighting robots. The incredible growth of mobile social games based on the popular Gundam franchise reflects this, as Gundam Masters by Gree has reached over 1 million players just over a month since its Sept. 1 release on Japanese mobile phones. Serkan Toto reports that the number breaks down to 1,262 players registered per hour since its launch.
Even more impressive is that the Gundam game available through DeNA's Mobage network, Gundam Royal, reached 1 million players in just six days when it launched in December of last year. According to Serkan Toto, the game now enjoys around 3 million players on the Mobage network, which just launched in China and across the English-speaking world through Ngmoco.
While these numbers certainly pale in comparison to, say, CityVille's meteoric growth going into 2011, there's likely more Gundam where this came from. DeNA just embarked on a joint venture with Bandai Namco, the company that holds the Gundam license, to make a 100 million yen joint studio project called BDNA Inc. And Serkan Toto reports that Bandai Namco is also working with competitor Gree to release four more mobile social games this year.
Mobile social games are clearly far bigger across the Pacific than they are in the U.S., but they're gaining traction in the western world as well. Several secret Zynga projects have been cropping up like Mafia Wars Shakedown and FarmVille Express. Not to mention companies like Capcom making major moves in the space with its Smurfs games. If 2011 was the year of social games, 2012 will certainly be the year of mobile social games.
[Via and Image Credit: The Next Web, Gunjap.net]
Do you think mobile social games are going to take off in the U.S. and abroad like they have in Japan? What social game are you dying to get to play on your mobile phone? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Even more impressive is that the Gundam game available through DeNA's Mobage network, Gundam Royal, reached 1 million players in just six days when it launched in December of last year. According to Serkan Toto, the game now enjoys around 3 million players on the Mobage network, which just launched in China and across the English-speaking world through Ngmoco.
While these numbers certainly pale in comparison to, say, CityVille's meteoric growth going into 2011, there's likely more Gundam where this came from. DeNA just embarked on a joint venture with Bandai Namco, the company that holds the Gundam license, to make a 100 million yen joint studio project called BDNA Inc. And Serkan Toto reports that Bandai Namco is also working with competitor Gree to release four more mobile social games this year.
Mobile social games are clearly far bigger across the Pacific than they are in the U.S., but they're gaining traction in the western world as well. Several secret Zynga projects have been cropping up like Mafia Wars Shakedown and FarmVille Express. Not to mention companies like Capcom making major moves in the space with its Smurfs games. If 2011 was the year of social games, 2012 will certainly be the year of mobile social games.
[Via and Image Credit: The Next Web, Gunjap.net]
Do you think mobile social games are going to take off in the U.S. and abroad like they have in Japan? What social game are you dying to get to play on your mobile phone? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Game of the Day: Stars Logic
Folks, though Stars Logic looks rather different, it's still a match 3 game at heart. The object of Stars Logic is to eliminate all the orange stars outlined in blue. To do this, box each one with 8 stars of the same color. To get more points, create the colored combos shown on the left side. But don't take too long racking up the points, because time is ticking and if the clock runs out, it's game over!
Sure you'll breeze through the first level with ease. But after that, it's going to take some wit and planning to clear those stars. Carefully attempt to box the stars while creating patterns to create extra space. If you fill up the board, it's all over, so make sure you think ahead.
And in case you're confused about the controls: Use the arrow keys to aim and rotate the board. Press space bar to launch a star. Awesome, give it a shot and let me know what you think!
Click here to play Stars Logic!
stars logic game of the day stars logic game of the day
What level of Stars Logic were you able to reach? Did you get a high score?
Sure you'll breeze through the first level with ease. But after that, it's going to take some wit and planning to clear those stars. Carefully attempt to box the stars while creating patterns to create extra space. If you fill up the board, it's all over, so make sure you think ahead.
And in case you're confused about the controls: Use the arrow keys to aim and rotate the board. Press space bar to launch a star. Awesome, give it a shot and let me know what you think!
Click here to play Stars Logic!
stars logic game of the day stars logic game of the day
What level of Stars Logic were you able to reach? Did you get a high score?
Pioneer Trail 3F Mastery Garden Goals: Everything you need to know
When the 4F Animal Mastery Club released to Pioneer Trail (then known as FrontierVille), Zynga granted players the ability to master their animals on the homestead. Now, pioneers everywhere can master their crops, but for far more than just bragging rights. The 3F Mastery Garden is here, and along with it a number of Goals and features brand new to the game.
For one, the new building will unlock the Crop Mastery feature, but also Super Crops. These beefed up crops have a higher chance of appearing when harvesting normal crops as you increase their Mastery rating, and provide much bigger rewards for less Energy spent. But enough about what Crop Mastery will do for you, here's how to get your grubby mitts on it:
A Growing Interest
* Harvest Fifteen Corn
* Harvest Twenty Pink Roses
* Collect 10 Composters
Harvesting 15 Corn will cost a total of 3,375 Coins and take at least 12 hours to complete, while 20 Pink Roses will cost 6,000 Coins and take 14 hours at least to finish. The 10 Composters appear to be sourced from friend requests, as per usual. For completing this Goal, you will score 500 XP, 500 Coins and 10 Super Clover Seeds, which will come in handy next.
Get Yer Garden Goin'
* Collect One 3F Garden Daily Bonus
* Harvest any five Super Crops
* Clear 8 Rocks
This Goal assumes you have already completed the 3F Mastery Garden. So, if you clicked "Place Garden" when the feature appeared on your homestead (remember folks, all Zynga game features are on slow roll-outs), you're already on your way. Once you place the foundation and whack it a few times at the cost of Wood and Energy, clicking it again will cause this window below to appear. Unfortunately, you will need to ask your friends through general News Feed posts for 10 of each of the three items up top, while 15 each of the three items down below will require you to ask friends directly.
Finish your 3F Mastery Garden
Once your 3F Mastery Garden is complete, you will have access to Crop Mastery and all of the extra Crop Mastery Goals that come with the new building. (Of course, clicking on the finished building will allow you to collect the Daily Bonus.) You already have 10 Super Clover Seeds, so plant and harvest them. Clear eight simple rocks, and enjoy access to the new Orchid crop, 700 XP and 700 Coins.
Romance Blossoms
* Complete the Clover 3F Mission
* Collect three Orchid Arrangements
* Harvest 25 Melons
To access the extra, repeatable Goals, just click on the 3F Mastery Garden and then click "Mastery Missions." The Clover 3F Mission, "The Clover Grower," requires you to harvest 80 Clover, which will cost 800 Coins and take at least five minutes. You're also asked to tend 20 Sheep and collect 15 Loam, the latter of which come from friend requests. Finally, 25 Melons can be found by sharing the new crop from the Free Gifts page, so they're free to plant. Finish this daunting tasks and enjoy a Straw Hat, 900XP and 900 Coins.
About Crop Mastery
Make Yer Granny Proud
* Complete the Grape 3F Mission
* Master Eggplants to Level 1
* Tend 50 Neighbor Crops
The Grape 3F Mission, "The Grandeur of Grapes," requires you to harvest 55 Grapes, which will cost 14,025 Coins and take at least 12 hours to grow. The repeatable mission also asks you to harvest 15 White Roses, and those will cost 3,000 Coins total and will grow in at least 10 hours. Again, the mission will demand you ask your friends for 15 more Loam.
Back to the Goal at hand, you must master Eggplant to Level 1, a feat that will require you to be at least Level 19 and have 15 neighbors. Finally, you will need to visit at least 10 friends to tend 50 neighbor crops. For all of this, you will score Gardening Overalls, 900XP and 900 Coins. You'll also be done with these immense and be able to enjoy Crop Mastery in peace.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
What do you think so far of the 3F Mastery Garden so far? Are you impressed by the Crop Mastery feature, or underwhelmed? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
For one, the new building will unlock the Crop Mastery feature, but also Super Crops. These beefed up crops have a higher chance of appearing when harvesting normal crops as you increase their Mastery rating, and provide much bigger rewards for less Energy spent. But enough about what Crop Mastery will do for you, here's how to get your grubby mitts on it:
A Growing Interest
* Harvest Fifteen Corn
* Harvest Twenty Pink Roses
* Collect 10 Composters
Harvesting 15 Corn will cost a total of 3,375 Coins and take at least 12 hours to complete, while 20 Pink Roses will cost 6,000 Coins and take 14 hours at least to finish. The 10 Composters appear to be sourced from friend requests, as per usual. For completing this Goal, you will score 500 XP, 500 Coins and 10 Super Clover Seeds, which will come in handy next.
Get Yer Garden Goin'
* Collect One 3F Garden Daily Bonus
* Harvest any five Super Crops
* Clear 8 Rocks
This Goal assumes you have already completed the 3F Mastery Garden. So, if you clicked "Place Garden" when the feature appeared on your homestead (remember folks, all Zynga game features are on slow roll-outs), you're already on your way. Once you place the foundation and whack it a few times at the cost of Wood and Energy, clicking it again will cause this window below to appear. Unfortunately, you will need to ask your friends through general News Feed posts for 10 of each of the three items up top, while 15 each of the three items down below will require you to ask friends directly.
Finish your 3F Mastery Garden
Once your 3F Mastery Garden is complete, you will have access to Crop Mastery and all of the extra Crop Mastery Goals that come with the new building. (Of course, clicking on the finished building will allow you to collect the Daily Bonus.) You already have 10 Super Clover Seeds, so plant and harvest them. Clear eight simple rocks, and enjoy access to the new Orchid crop, 700 XP and 700 Coins.
Romance Blossoms
* Complete the Clover 3F Mission
* Collect three Orchid Arrangements
* Harvest 25 Melons
To access the extra, repeatable Goals, just click on the 3F Mastery Garden and then click "Mastery Missions." The Clover 3F Mission, "The Clover Grower," requires you to harvest 80 Clover, which will cost 800 Coins and take at least five minutes. You're also asked to tend 20 Sheep and collect 15 Loam, the latter of which come from friend requests. Finally, 25 Melons can be found by sharing the new crop from the Free Gifts page, so they're free to plant. Finish this daunting tasks and enjoy a Straw Hat, 900XP and 900 Coins.
About Crop Mastery
Make Yer Granny Proud
* Complete the Grape 3F Mission
* Master Eggplants to Level 1
* Tend 50 Neighbor Crops
The Grape 3F Mission, "The Grandeur of Grapes," requires you to harvest 55 Grapes, which will cost 14,025 Coins and take at least 12 hours to grow. The repeatable mission also asks you to harvest 15 White Roses, and those will cost 3,000 Coins total and will grow in at least 10 hours. Again, the mission will demand you ask your friends for 15 more Loam.
Back to the Goal at hand, you must master Eggplant to Level 1, a feat that will require you to be at least Level 19 and have 15 neighbors. Finally, you will need to visit at least 10 friends to tend 50 neighbor crops. For all of this, you will score Gardening Overalls, 900XP and 900 Coins. You'll also be done with these immense and be able to enjoy Crop Mastery in peace.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
What do you think so far of the 3F Mastery Garden so far? Are you impressed by the Crop Mastery feature, or underwhelmed? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Trash Tycoon creator Guerillapps provides tips, tricks and insights
Look, recycling and resource management have always been snore-inducing topics. But those very issues have the world in quite a scary predicament right now, and New York City-based social game maker Guerillapps looks to change that with Trash Tycoon. Since our first look at the game, we recently sat down with the new developer's CEO Raviv Turner and community manager Chris Dugan to learn more about Trash Tycoon and get some pointers on how to make the most of the eco-friendly game.
"We had this idea that sometime in the near apocalyptic, but fun, future the city got destroyed with trash," Turner gushes to us. "But waste is your best friend--it's a resource, right? With this, we also hope to change the set of mind among our players looking at waste. Again, the idea was to create a 100 percent pure, fun and engaging experience, not to educate. So, we try to stay away from edutainment, take it to a fun place, but there is still this subtext once you're done playing for the day. Maybe the player is going to look at waste a different way."
Turner tells us that the developer has over 90 days worth of content planned, and later joint team features that make liberal use of its support from Terracycle will be implemented. Guerillapps is working with its strategic partners like Terracycle and Carbon Fund to help its players hopefully make a tangible difference in the environment. While players can only donate to the cause directly with Facebook Credits now, Guerillapps is working with Carbon Fund so its commercial partners will allow the company to donate to the cause through virtual goods bought even without Facebook Credits. But onto how to get by in Trash Tycoon:
Trash Tycoon map
Games.com: I noticed that you need to be at least Level 8 to access the next portion of the city in Trash Tycoon. So, what's the best or fastest way a player can reach that point?
Dugan: The map really is massive, and even in the area that's not fog-of-warred off it's nice to see how much there is to do and to clean up. The best way to reach Level 8 is really diligence, as with any Facebook game, and being on top of your productions as well as prioritizing.
You can level up a number of ways: through just cleaning up trash, you gain experience points for completing goals. With the goals, there are very obvious short term goals and there are long term goals, and you have to plan your playing time around those deadlines.
And you're referring to creating the fertilizer (pictured below) and other items?
Yes, and items can take anywhere from five minutes from a whole day to create. And some goals require a variety of items like five that take five minutes and one that takes a day. So, you have to figure out how long you can be logged on for a certain time to knock out those five items, but you need to think more ahead to be like, 'This glass window is going to take an entire day to construct, so I'm gonna put it on and come back to it.'
I saw that in the early goals you're given the option to create and upcycling building you want. Is there any advantage to certain buildings, or do goals require items from all of them?
Goals will require items from all, but I'd say that the main advantage is that you're getting a randomized generation of trash, so you never know what you're going to have. So, it's the kind of thing where you could have a lot of plastic, but you might be running low on glass. So, you might have to go to friends neighborhoods and check their piles--not using your Energy points, but Friend points.
Or, of course with most Facebook games, there's the idea that time will replenish your stockpiles. The trash does replenish over time, and will inevitably give you what you need for the upcycling machines.
Worm HouseNow, would you recommend building multiple instances of each machine?
It sort of depends--for example, in the first neighborhood the dirt area you have to build upcycling machines and worm farms is quite limited. I found that it was best to have a couple of worm farms, and then one of each of the upcycling machines, a warehouse and some other dumpsters just to make sure you never overflow. It's most efficient to have at least one of each upcycling machine. Prioritize that first, and everything will just fall into place with everything else you have.
Now, the social features: Are there other advantages to adding friends other than the five free points you get daily?
There's obviously the gifting feature, which is present in many Facebook games, kind of the idea that you can circumvent having pay up for decorations that increase your Greeness value. Also, the prospect of constructing teams and having that sense of community, which we tried to implement through the chat feature.
What advantages does the in-game chat feature bring?
[There is real-time interaction in the game, so] say you have your Friend points and your friend is low on Energy and they really need to finish cleaning this building. Then, that's something you could talk about that in team chat [and work it out in real time.]
If you could choose one thing that players should focus on in Trash Tycoon to advance, what would you say that is?
Certainly, the goals. It's great to sort of branch out and make upcycled items on a whim, [but] if you're kind of carelessly spending your resources you're likely to run into walls much sooner than other players. You have to be very efficient in how you manage your resources--very much like the real world, obviously. It's a constant battle between 'I want to make these things' and 'I need to make these things.'
Thanks for filling us in, Raviv and Chris.
Have you tried playing Trash Tycoon yet on Facebook? What do you think of social games that have real-world implications? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"We had this idea that sometime in the near apocalyptic, but fun, future the city got destroyed with trash," Turner gushes to us. "But waste is your best friend--it's a resource, right? With this, we also hope to change the set of mind among our players looking at waste. Again, the idea was to create a 100 percent pure, fun and engaging experience, not to educate. So, we try to stay away from edutainment, take it to a fun place, but there is still this subtext once you're done playing for the day. Maybe the player is going to look at waste a different way."
Turner tells us that the developer has over 90 days worth of content planned, and later joint team features that make liberal use of its support from Terracycle will be implemented. Guerillapps is working with its strategic partners like Terracycle and Carbon Fund to help its players hopefully make a tangible difference in the environment. While players can only donate to the cause directly with Facebook Credits now, Guerillapps is working with Carbon Fund so its commercial partners will allow the company to donate to the cause through virtual goods bought even without Facebook Credits. But onto how to get by in Trash Tycoon:
Trash Tycoon map
Games.com: I noticed that you need to be at least Level 8 to access the next portion of the city in Trash Tycoon. So, what's the best or fastest way a player can reach that point?
Dugan: The map really is massive, and even in the area that's not fog-of-warred off it's nice to see how much there is to do and to clean up. The best way to reach Level 8 is really diligence, as with any Facebook game, and being on top of your productions as well as prioritizing.
You can level up a number of ways: through just cleaning up trash, you gain experience points for completing goals. With the goals, there are very obvious short term goals and there are long term goals, and you have to plan your playing time around those deadlines.
And you're referring to creating the fertilizer (pictured below) and other items?
Yes, and items can take anywhere from five minutes from a whole day to create. And some goals require a variety of items like five that take five minutes and one that takes a day. So, you have to figure out how long you can be logged on for a certain time to knock out those five items, but you need to think more ahead to be like, 'This glass window is going to take an entire day to construct, so I'm gonna put it on and come back to it.'
I saw that in the early goals you're given the option to create and upcycling building you want. Is there any advantage to certain buildings, or do goals require items from all of them?
Goals will require items from all, but I'd say that the main advantage is that you're getting a randomized generation of trash, so you never know what you're going to have. So, it's the kind of thing where you could have a lot of plastic, but you might be running low on glass. So, you might have to go to friends neighborhoods and check their piles--not using your Energy points, but Friend points.
Or, of course with most Facebook games, there's the idea that time will replenish your stockpiles. The trash does replenish over time, and will inevitably give you what you need for the upcycling machines.
Worm HouseNow, would you recommend building multiple instances of each machine?
It sort of depends--for example, in the first neighborhood the dirt area you have to build upcycling machines and worm farms is quite limited. I found that it was best to have a couple of worm farms, and then one of each of the upcycling machines, a warehouse and some other dumpsters just to make sure you never overflow. It's most efficient to have at least one of each upcycling machine. Prioritize that first, and everything will just fall into place with everything else you have.
Now, the social features: Are there other advantages to adding friends other than the five free points you get daily?
There's obviously the gifting feature, which is present in many Facebook games, kind of the idea that you can circumvent having pay up for decorations that increase your Greeness value. Also, the prospect of constructing teams and having that sense of community, which we tried to implement through the chat feature.
What advantages does the in-game chat feature bring?
[There is real-time interaction in the game, so] say you have your Friend points and your friend is low on Energy and they really need to finish cleaning this building. Then, that's something you could talk about that in team chat [and work it out in real time.]
If you could choose one thing that players should focus on in Trash Tycoon to advance, what would you say that is?
Certainly, the goals. It's great to sort of branch out and make upcycled items on a whim, [but] if you're kind of carelessly spending your resources you're likely to run into walls much sooner than other players. You have to be very efficient in how you manage your resources--very much like the real world, obviously. It's a constant battle between 'I want to make these things' and 'I need to make these things.'
Thanks for filling us in, Raviv and Chris.
Have you tried playing Trash Tycoon yet on Facebook? What do you think of social games that have real-world implications? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Watch thousands of people scream to make the Angry Birds fly [Video]
And here we thought Angry Birds was supposed to be a soothing, amusing time waster. When we first heard that Rovio's mobile game-turned-household name would become one of those stadium sound games used to kill time between innings (or in this case, races), we were admittedly curious. But this promotional video displaying what Finnish companies Uplause and Rovio have created certainly clears things up a bit.
For one, it effectively dispels all inklings that the Angry Birds have lost their luster--kids are still nuts for those peeved, parrot-like creatures. Second, it looks like accuracy is predetermined, meaning the bird in the slingshot will never miss. What decides whether the little piggies are going down is a power meter. The meter takes the generated noise and translates it into how hard the bird is going to hit the makeshift fort.
This video was taken during the first display of Uplause has accomplished at the 2011 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. And, well, everyone seems to have pretty much loved. But we're just gonna' guess that those guys in the Angry Birds costumes were Rovio employees--scratch that. We're just gonna hope that was the case.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
What do you think of this new technology? Do you hope the Angry Birds make it to a ball park or stadium near you? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
For one, it effectively dispels all inklings that the Angry Birds have lost their luster--kids are still nuts for those peeved, parrot-like creatures. Second, it looks like accuracy is predetermined, meaning the bird in the slingshot will never miss. What decides whether the little piggies are going down is a power meter. The meter takes the generated noise and translates it into how hard the bird is going to hit the makeshift fort.
This video was taken during the first display of Uplause has accomplished at the 2011 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. And, well, everyone seems to have pretty much loved. But we're just gonna' guess that those guys in the Angry Birds costumes were Rovio employees--scratch that. We're just gonna hope that was the case.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
What do you think of this new technology? Do you hope the Angry Birds make it to a ball park or stadium near you? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Trash Tycoon creator Guerillapps provides tips, tricks and insights
Look, recycling and resource management have always been snore-inducing topics. But those very issues have the world in quite a scary predicament right now, and New York City-based social game maker Guerillapps looks to change that with Trash Tycoon. Since our first look at the game, we recently sat down with the new developer's CEO Raviv Turner and community manager Chris Dugan to learn more about Trash Tycoon and get some pointers on how to make the most of the eco-friendly game.
"We had this idea that sometime in the near apocalyptic, but fun, future the city got destroyed with trash," Turner gushes to us. "But waste is your best friend--it's a resource, right? With this, we also hope to change the set of mind among our players looking at waste. Again, the idea was to create a 100 percent pure, fun and engaging experience, not to educate. So, we try to stay away from edutainment, take it to a fun place, but there is still this subtext once you're done playing for the day. Maybe the player is going to look at waste a different way."
Turner tells us that the developer has over 90 days worth of content planned, and later joint team features that make liberal use of its support from Terracycle will be implemented. Guerillapps is working with its strategic partners like Terracycle and Carbon Fund to help its players hopefully make a tangible difference in the environment. While players can only donate to the cause directly with Facebook Credits now, Guerillapps is working with Carbon Fund so its commercial partners will allow the company to donate to the cause through virtual goods bought even without Facebook Credits. But onto how to get by in Trash Tycoon:
Trash Tycoon map
Games.com: I noticed that you need to be at least Level 8 to access the next portion of the city in Trash Tycoon. So, what's the best or fastest way a player can reach that point?
Dugan: The map really is massive, and even in the area that's not fog-of-warred off it's nice to see how much there is to do and to clean up. The best way to reach Level 8 is really diligence, as with any Facebook game, and being on top of your productions as well as prioritizing.
You can level up a number of ways: through just cleaning up trash, you gain experience points for completing goals. With the goals, there are very obvious short term goals and there are long term goals, and you have to plan your playing time around those deadlines.
And you're referring to creating the fertilizer (pictured below) and other items?
Yes, and items can take anywhere from five minutes from a whole day to create. And some goals require a variety of items like five that take five minutes and one that takes a day. So, you have to figure out how long you can be logged on for a certain time to knock out those five items, but you need to think more ahead to be like, 'This glass window is going to take an entire day to construct, so I'm gonna put it on and come back to it.'
I saw that in the early goals you're given the option to create and upcycling building you want. Is there any advantage to certain buildings, or do goals require items from all of them?
Goals will require items from all, but I'd say that the main advantage is that you're getting a randomized generation of trash, so you never know what you're going to have. So, it's the kind of thing where you could have a lot of plastic, but you might be running low on glass. So, you might have to go to friends neighborhoods and check their piles--not using your Energy points, but Friend points.
Or, of course with most Facebook games, there's the idea that time will replenish your stockpiles. The trash does replenish over time, and will inevitably give you what you need for the upcycling machines.
Worm HouseNow, would you recommend building multiple instances of each machine?
It sort of depends--for example, in the first neighborhood the dirt area you have to build upcycling machines and worm farms is quite limited. I found that it was best to have a couple of worm farms, and then one of each of the upcycling machines, a warehouse and some other dumpsters just to make sure you never overflow. It's most efficient to have at least one of each upcycling machine. Prioritize that first, and everything will just fall into place with everything else you have.
Now, the social features: Are there other advantages to adding friends other than the five free points you get daily?
There's obviously the gifting feature, which is present in many Facebook games, kind of the idea that you can circumvent having pay up for decorations that increase your Greeness value. Also, the prospect of constructing teams and having that sense of community, which we tried to implement through the chat feature.
What advantages does the in-game chat feature bring?
[There is real-time interaction in the game, so] say you have your Friend points and your friend is low on Energy and they really need to finish cleaning this building. Then, that's something you could talk about that in team chat [and work it out in real time.]
If you could choose one thing that players should focus on in Trash Tycoon to advance, what would you say that is?
Certainly, the goals. It's great to sort of branch out and make upcycled items on a whim, [but] if you're kind of carelessly spending your resources you're likely to run into walls much sooner than other players. You have to be very efficient in how you manage your resources--very much like the real world, obviously. It's a constant battle between 'I want to make these things' and 'I need to make these things.'
Thanks for filling us in, Raviv and Chris.
Have you tried playing Trash Tycoon yet on Facebook? What do you think of social games that have real-world implications? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"We had this idea that sometime in the near apocalyptic, but fun, future the city got destroyed with trash," Turner gushes to us. "But waste is your best friend--it's a resource, right? With this, we also hope to change the set of mind among our players looking at waste. Again, the idea was to create a 100 percent pure, fun and engaging experience, not to educate. So, we try to stay away from edutainment, take it to a fun place, but there is still this subtext once you're done playing for the day. Maybe the player is going to look at waste a different way."
Turner tells us that the developer has over 90 days worth of content planned, and later joint team features that make liberal use of its support from Terracycle will be implemented. Guerillapps is working with its strategic partners like Terracycle and Carbon Fund to help its players hopefully make a tangible difference in the environment. While players can only donate to the cause directly with Facebook Credits now, Guerillapps is working with Carbon Fund so its commercial partners will allow the company to donate to the cause through virtual goods bought even without Facebook Credits. But onto how to get by in Trash Tycoon:
Trash Tycoon map
Games.com: I noticed that you need to be at least Level 8 to access the next portion of the city in Trash Tycoon. So, what's the best or fastest way a player can reach that point?
Dugan: The map really is massive, and even in the area that's not fog-of-warred off it's nice to see how much there is to do and to clean up. The best way to reach Level 8 is really diligence, as with any Facebook game, and being on top of your productions as well as prioritizing.
You can level up a number of ways: through just cleaning up trash, you gain experience points for completing goals. With the goals, there are very obvious short term goals and there are long term goals, and you have to plan your playing time around those deadlines.
And you're referring to creating the fertilizer (pictured below) and other items?
Yes, and items can take anywhere from five minutes from a whole day to create. And some goals require a variety of items like five that take five minutes and one that takes a day. So, you have to figure out how long you can be logged on for a certain time to knock out those five items, but you need to think more ahead to be like, 'This glass window is going to take an entire day to construct, so I'm gonna put it on and come back to it.'
I saw that in the early goals you're given the option to create and upcycling building you want. Is there any advantage to certain buildings, or do goals require items from all of them?
Goals will require items from all, but I'd say that the main advantage is that you're getting a randomized generation of trash, so you never know what you're going to have. So, it's the kind of thing where you could have a lot of plastic, but you might be running low on glass. So, you might have to go to friends neighborhoods and check their piles--not using your Energy points, but Friend points.
Or, of course with most Facebook games, there's the idea that time will replenish your stockpiles. The trash does replenish over time, and will inevitably give you what you need for the upcycling machines.
Worm HouseNow, would you recommend building multiple instances of each machine?
It sort of depends--for example, in the first neighborhood the dirt area you have to build upcycling machines and worm farms is quite limited. I found that it was best to have a couple of worm farms, and then one of each of the upcycling machines, a warehouse and some other dumpsters just to make sure you never overflow. It's most efficient to have at least one of each upcycling machine. Prioritize that first, and everything will just fall into place with everything else you have.
Now, the social features: Are there other advantages to adding friends other than the five free points you get daily?
There's obviously the gifting feature, which is present in many Facebook games, kind of the idea that you can circumvent having pay up for decorations that increase your Greeness value. Also, the prospect of constructing teams and having that sense of community, which we tried to implement through the chat feature.
What advantages does the in-game chat feature bring?
[There is real-time interaction in the game, so] say you have your Friend points and your friend is low on Energy and they really need to finish cleaning this building. Then, that's something you could talk about that in team chat [and work it out in real time.]
If you could choose one thing that players should focus on in Trash Tycoon to advance, what would you say that is?
Certainly, the goals. It's great to sort of branch out and make upcycled items on a whim, [but] if you're kind of carelessly spending your resources you're likely to run into walls much sooner than other players. You have to be very efficient in how you manage your resources--very much like the real world, obviously. It's a constant battle between 'I want to make these things' and 'I need to make these things.'
Thanks for filling us in, Raviv and Chris.
Have you tried playing Trash Tycoon yet on Facebook? What do you think of social games that have real-world implications? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Thứ Hai, 3 tháng 10, 2011
FarmVille Mystery Game (10/02/11): Horse theme leads to a free Halloween Tower
If you're a FarmVille Horse collector that still hasn't had your fill of adding Horses to your collection with the release of Mystery Boxes and return of plenty of past Horses to the store, why not take a look at this week's Mystery Game? That's right, this week's theme is primarily Horses, while this week's bonus prize is a bit... odd.
First things first, this week's game costs 20 Farm Cash to play per dart. While you don't have a guarantee of receiving a different animal with every dart you throw, if you do win, you'll walk away with one of the following:
* Black Arabian
* Brumby Horse
* Peruvian Horse
* Tennessee Horse
* Trakehner Horse
* Trotter Stallion
If you win all six (again, this might not happen on your first six darts, and can turn into a very expensive prospect depending on your luck), you'll walk away with a bonus prize, this time in the new Halloween limited edition item theme. The item specifically is the Halloween Tower, as seen at right in TritonHelper's picture from the FarmVille forums.
Interestingly, it looks like these Horses are scaled down a bit, as looking at the Foal in the background shows that they aren't as big as other Horses you may already have in your collection. Not that this is the first time animals have been oddly scaled in the game, but I digress.
Whether you're going for the full set, or just one or two of these Horses, make sure to throw those darts within the next week, while they're still available. Good luck!
Will you play this week's Mystery Game? Which Horses did you want to win? Which ones did you actually end up with? Sound off in the comments!
First things first, this week's game costs 20 Farm Cash to play per dart. While you don't have a guarantee of receiving a different animal with every dart you throw, if you do win, you'll walk away with one of the following:
* Black Arabian
* Brumby Horse
* Peruvian Horse
* Tennessee Horse
* Trakehner Horse
* Trotter Stallion
If you win all six (again, this might not happen on your first six darts, and can turn into a very expensive prospect depending on your luck), you'll walk away with a bonus prize, this time in the new Halloween limited edition item theme. The item specifically is the Halloween Tower, as seen at right in TritonHelper's picture from the FarmVille forums.
Interestingly, it looks like these Horses are scaled down a bit, as looking at the Foal in the background shows that they aren't as big as other Horses you may already have in your collection. Not that this is the first time animals have been oddly scaled in the game, but I digress.
Whether you're going for the full set, or just one or two of these Horses, make sure to throw those darts within the next week, while they're still available. Good luck!
Will you play this week's Mystery Game? Which Horses did you want to win? Which ones did you actually end up with? Sound off in the comments!
Zynga has launched a new cross-promotional event in FarmVille this evening, teaming the game up with video game retailer GameStop to offer "exclusive mystery goods" to users that purchase and redeem Zynga Game Cards from GameStop. That is, in addition to simply earning the appropriate amount of Farm Cash based on the card value you redeemed (whether that be $10, $25 or $50), you'll also receive a free gift.
So far, it looks like you'll receive one of four items all wrapped up in a red and white box. All of these items are themed for Halloween, with three being re-releases. Specifically, there's a Wizard Gnome and Spooky Bush from last year's Halloween theme, while a Plant Monster from both Halloween 2009 and 2010 is also available. In terms of new goodies, you have a chance to earn the Candy Corn Chicken, although the loading screen above doesn't detail whether or not we'll be able to choose our prize, or if we'll just need to get lucky. For someone that already has the three previously released items, that's definitely something to keep in mind. On the other hand, there's also the slight possibility that a single card will guarantee you all four items, but again, that wasn't detailed either.
We'll be able to learn more about this promotion by visiting GameStop's website, but as of this writing, the promotion link doesn't work (it instead redirects to GameStop's downloads page). We'll make sure to keep checking on things and will let you know when the link goes live, along with exactly what you'll find there (hopefully answers to our questions). Either way, we do know one thing: this promotion will end November 6.
Will you purchase a Zynga Game Card for a chance at these Halloween-themed items in FarmVille? Sound off in the comments.
So far, it looks like you'll receive one of four items all wrapped up in a red and white box. All of these items are themed for Halloween, with three being re-releases. Specifically, there's a Wizard Gnome and Spooky Bush from last year's Halloween theme, while a Plant Monster from both Halloween 2009 and 2010 is also available. In terms of new goodies, you have a chance to earn the Candy Corn Chicken, although the loading screen above doesn't detail whether or not we'll be able to choose our prize, or if we'll just need to get lucky. For someone that already has the three previously released items, that's definitely something to keep in mind. On the other hand, there's also the slight possibility that a single card will guarantee you all four items, but again, that wasn't detailed either.
We'll be able to learn more about this promotion by visiting GameStop's website, but as of this writing, the promotion link doesn't work (it instead redirects to GameStop's downloads page). We'll make sure to keep checking on things and will let you know when the link goes live, along with exactly what you'll find there (hopefully answers to our questions). Either way, we do know one thing: this promotion will end November 6.
Will you purchase a Zynga Game Card for a chance at these Halloween-themed items in FarmVille? Sound off in the comments.
Is there more to PS Vita's 'Near' social features than we thought?
Catchphrases like "Social Gaming Revolution," have clouded what the device actually accomplishes with its social features somewhat. But now Sony has unveiled more than just cursory glances, and has detailed the PS Vita's Near feature in full.
Sure, we already knew that Near would allow players to gift one another based on location, but, according to the PlayStation Blog, it goes deeper than that. When PS Vita players press the "Update" button, it will send a ping in an outward radius to other potential Vita players with current, location-based information about you. From there, players can challenge those around them to competitive games or join forces in a co-op romp.
Of course, this is all assuming the games support said features, which we're sure at least some will. But how Sony is going to get you hooked on playing in public more often is the fact that players may have to share through Near in order unlock new content. Want that new multiplayer map for your Vita shooter of choice? Better head to the nearest library or airport to get it. You'll also be able to compare player stats like trophies through Near.
Wait a tick--that sounds a lot like how FarmVille players compare farms or Mastery achievements. Regardless of whether you're on board with Sony's PlayStation Vita handheld gaming console, it's undeniable that the device is a response to the social and mobile gaming scenes. We'll whether that response is strong enough in 2012.
[Via Kotaku]
What do you think of the PS Vita's social features? Do you think they're robust or slick enough to compete with what Facebook or mobile games are capable of already? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Sure, we already knew that Near would allow players to gift one another based on location, but, according to the PlayStation Blog, it goes deeper than that. When PS Vita players press the "Update" button, it will send a ping in an outward radius to other potential Vita players with current, location-based information about you. From there, players can challenge those around them to competitive games or join forces in a co-op romp.
Of course, this is all assuming the games support said features, which we're sure at least some will. But how Sony is going to get you hooked on playing in public more often is the fact that players may have to share through Near in order unlock new content. Want that new multiplayer map for your Vita shooter of choice? Better head to the nearest library or airport to get it. You'll also be able to compare player stats like trophies through Near.
Wait a tick--that sounds a lot like how FarmVille players compare farms or Mastery achievements. Regardless of whether you're on board with Sony's PlayStation Vita handheld gaming console, it's undeniable that the device is a response to the social and mobile gaming scenes. We'll whether that response is strong enough in 2012.
[Via Kotaku]
What do you think of the PS Vita's social features? Do you think they're robust or slick enough to compete with what Facebook or mobile games are capable of already? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Lunchtime Poll: Your thoughts on Pioneer Trail's Fort Courage finale?
Now that Zynga has finally released the Pioneer Trail finale to everyone with Fort Courage, it seems that many players are less than enthused about the release. While it appears that the developer made the area into a permanent zone on the World Map, pioneers everywhere sound bummed with, frankly, the lack of content available.
For one, capturing the Gratchet Gang in Fort Courage is nothing more than approaching the trio and clicking on them to receive a pop-up window and cute illustration. And once players arrive to the actual fort, they're simply given the opportunity to purchase items with Trail Points and start all over again from Beaver Valley with the opportunity for more rewards.
Pioneer Trail player free1indeed seems to capture the general sentiment of this 54-page forum thread: "Yeah, it's out and what a disappointment it is! All the hype and all you can do it collect from and talk to soldiers and water prickly cactus ... wow ... What a disappointment." Though, players like NiniD come to Zynga's defense regarding Fort Courage early on.
Forum moderator MizzFaith reminds players that more may be on the way for Fort Courage to hopefully make up for the lack of content. However, I wouldn't expect those updates to come until after this shiny new Ghost Town feature is released. But we want to know what you think of Fort Courage right now, so ...
What do you think of Fort Courage?
What a bummer!
Bummed, but excited for future updates!
It serves its purpose quite nicely.
I haven't made it to Fort Courage yet.
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Have something unique to add to this discussion? Have any particular ideas for enhancing Fort Courage? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
For one, capturing the Gratchet Gang in Fort Courage is nothing more than approaching the trio and clicking on them to receive a pop-up window and cute illustration. And once players arrive to the actual fort, they're simply given the opportunity to purchase items with Trail Points and start all over again from Beaver Valley with the opportunity for more rewards.
Pioneer Trail player free1indeed seems to capture the general sentiment of this 54-page forum thread: "Yeah, it's out and what a disappointment it is! All the hype and all you can do it collect from and talk to soldiers and water prickly cactus ... wow ... What a disappointment." Though, players like NiniD come to Zynga's defense regarding Fort Courage early on.
Forum moderator MizzFaith reminds players that more may be on the way for Fort Courage to hopefully make up for the lack of content. However, I wouldn't expect those updates to come until after this shiny new Ghost Town feature is released. But we want to know what you think of Fort Courage right now, so ...
What do you think of Fort Courage?
What a bummer!
Bummed, but excited for future updates!
It serves its purpose quite nicely.
I haven't made it to Fort Courage yet.
VoteView Results
Share ThisPolldaddy.com
Quantcast
Have something unique to add to this discussion? Have any particular ideas for enhancing Fort Courage? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
Thứ Bảy, 1 tháng 10, 2011
FarmVille: Lighthouse Cove land expansions on sale for "select users"
Just what makes someone a "select user?" We're not exactly sure, but if you're even remotely interested in expanding the size of your land in FarmVille's Lighthouse Cove farm, and aren't afraid to spend some Farm Cash to do so, you'll be happy to know that "some" users are being offered the ability to do so at a discount. So far, these are the sale expansions, with their prices:
Harbor Homestead (18x18) - 40 Farm Cash (down from 50)
Oceanside Farm (20x20) - 50 Farm Cash (down from 60)
Seaside Farmland (22x22) - 60 Farm Cash (down from 80)
Unfortunately, that seems to be where the discounts stop for now. It could be that different users have different selections of expansions on sale in their own games, but as the Lighthouse Cove currently supports up to the 32x32 size (the Waterfront Land expansion), this 22x22 cutoff is pretty low. Still, by the time you reach that point, you'll have already shelled out 150 Farm Cash, so maybe that's enough (for now).
Again, the game's loading screen [pictured] says that these sale prices are only available for "select users," but I haven't personally come across anyone that doesn't have the option to expand with sale prices. That's not to say this is a lie, but I'd simply make an educated guess that more people have the ability than not. After all - Zynga wants your money, so why not release the sale to more users to entice them to actually spend some? Either way, this sale isn't going to be around forever, so make sure to browse through the Farm Aides section of the store soon to see if the sale prices are available to you.
Do you have the sale prices on Expansions in your store? Will you take advantage of any of the sale prices? Sound off in the comments.
Harbor Homestead (18x18) - 40 Farm Cash (down from 50)
Oceanside Farm (20x20) - 50 Farm Cash (down from 60)
Seaside Farmland (22x22) - 60 Farm Cash (down from 80)
Unfortunately, that seems to be where the discounts stop for now. It could be that different users have different selections of expansions on sale in their own games, but as the Lighthouse Cove currently supports up to the 32x32 size (the Waterfront Land expansion), this 22x22 cutoff is pretty low. Still, by the time you reach that point, you'll have already shelled out 150 Farm Cash, so maybe that's enough (for now).
Again, the game's loading screen [pictured] says that these sale prices are only available for "select users," but I haven't personally come across anyone that doesn't have the option to expand with sale prices. That's not to say this is a lie, but I'd simply make an educated guess that more people have the ability than not. After all - Zynga wants your money, so why not release the sale to more users to entice them to actually spend some? Either way, this sale isn't going to be around forever, so make sure to browse through the Farm Aides section of the store soon to see if the sale prices are available to you.
Do you have the sale prices on Expansions in your store? Will you take advantage of any of the sale prices? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World Cave of Doom Expedition: Everything you need to know
Over the past two days, we've brought you a look at two of the three new Indiana Jones-themed Expeditions in Zynga's Adventure World. Now, we're ready to finish off this new trio, and not a moment too soon, as Indy himself will be showing up in the game any day! This third Expedition is called The Cave of Doom, and it has us searching for one last Standing Stone in the middle of a cave.
The particular Expedition has a three day time limit, and requires 575 Supplies to begin. You'll also need two each of Food, Fuel and Water. Once you start, you'll learn that the cave you entered way back at the beginning of the game (in the Prologue Quests) is actually a lot bigger than you thought. We're returning here now to find the lost Standing Stone, but remember - watch out for spiders!
Rub That Stone!
* Solve the First Puzzle to drop the West Wall
* Solve the Second Puzzle to drop the East Wall
* Push the Stone Halves Together
* Take a Rubbing of the Standing Stone
For this Expedition, you're dealing with tons of puzzles, right from the start. The two pieces of this Standing Stone are perched high atop walls in a locked room. The room itself is locked with three more pillars, as seen below. You'll need to solve the Expected "Simon Says" puzzles to drop the two walls, and push various switches and levers along the path to unlock the room itself.
This Expedition also introduces us to torch switches, which block your path with walls. You'll need to press the appropriately colored switches to match the torches and walls you'd like to lower. Sometimes though, there are multiple switches in your path and by pressing the wrong one, you'll normally be confronted by a spider.
Find the Thieves' Documents
* Recover the First Set of Papers
* Recover the Second Set of Papers
* Recover the Third Set of Papers
* Recover the Fourth Set of Papers
Yet again, a group of thieves has beaten you to the punch with this Standing Stone. They've left a lot of stuff behind, and Professor Allen wants you to collect it so we can learn more about them. According to Allen, they're far too organized to be petty thieves, so we're out to find out just what they're up to. These Papers are found in boxes at various points along the map, blocked by some kind of debris (thorns, spider webs) or a Spike Trap.
Disarm the Thieves' Explosive Traps
* Get 10 Pliers
* Collect the Magnifying Glass
* Disarm 4 Explosives
You'll need to ask your friends to send you the Pliers via individual gift requests. Remember, you have three full days to complete this Expedition, so don't panic at the thought of it just yet. Meanwhile, the Magnifying Glass is found early on (before lowering either of the two walls) at the top of the map, as seen below. The Explosives are found randomly scattered around the map (although you might have to clear some debris out of the way before reaching them), and once you've started gathering pliers, you can simply click on them to disarm them.
After finishing these three quests, you will have successfully completed Cave of Doom and will be ready to greet Indy in the game with open arms. Will we continue to learn more about these Thieves, or will they forever be one step ahead of us? We'll keep bringing you guides to Expeditions and story quests, so keep checking back with us to find out!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Were you satisfied by these three new Indiana Jones-themed Expeditions in Adventure World? What do you think of this Cave of Doom Expedition specifically? Sound off in the comments.
The particular Expedition has a three day time limit, and requires 575 Supplies to begin. You'll also need two each of Food, Fuel and Water. Once you start, you'll learn that the cave you entered way back at the beginning of the game (in the Prologue Quests) is actually a lot bigger than you thought. We're returning here now to find the lost Standing Stone, but remember - watch out for spiders!
Rub That Stone!
* Solve the First Puzzle to drop the West Wall
* Solve the Second Puzzle to drop the East Wall
* Push the Stone Halves Together
* Take a Rubbing of the Standing Stone
For this Expedition, you're dealing with tons of puzzles, right from the start. The two pieces of this Standing Stone are perched high atop walls in a locked room. The room itself is locked with three more pillars, as seen below. You'll need to solve the Expected "Simon Says" puzzles to drop the two walls, and push various switches and levers along the path to unlock the room itself.
This Expedition also introduces us to torch switches, which block your path with walls. You'll need to press the appropriately colored switches to match the torches and walls you'd like to lower. Sometimes though, there are multiple switches in your path and by pressing the wrong one, you'll normally be confronted by a spider.
Find the Thieves' Documents
* Recover the First Set of Papers
* Recover the Second Set of Papers
* Recover the Third Set of Papers
* Recover the Fourth Set of Papers
Yet again, a group of thieves has beaten you to the punch with this Standing Stone. They've left a lot of stuff behind, and Professor Allen wants you to collect it so we can learn more about them. According to Allen, they're far too organized to be petty thieves, so we're out to find out just what they're up to. These Papers are found in boxes at various points along the map, blocked by some kind of debris (thorns, spider webs) or a Spike Trap.
Disarm the Thieves' Explosive Traps
* Get 10 Pliers
* Collect the Magnifying Glass
* Disarm 4 Explosives
You'll need to ask your friends to send you the Pliers via individual gift requests. Remember, you have three full days to complete this Expedition, so don't panic at the thought of it just yet. Meanwhile, the Magnifying Glass is found early on (before lowering either of the two walls) at the top of the map, as seen below. The Explosives are found randomly scattered around the map (although you might have to clear some debris out of the way before reaching them), and once you've started gathering pliers, you can simply click on them to disarm them.
After finishing these three quests, you will have successfully completed Cave of Doom and will be ready to greet Indy in the game with open arms. Will we continue to learn more about these Thieves, or will they forever be one step ahead of us? We'll keep bringing you guides to Expeditions and story quests, so keep checking back with us to find out!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Were you satisfied by these three new Indiana Jones-themed Expeditions in Adventure World? What do you think of this Cave of Doom Expedition specifically? Sound off in the comments.
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