Along with the release of the Pet Shop today in FrontierVille, Zynga has also added a new collection to complete. As usual, this collection is named appropriately as the Pet Shop Collection, and you'll be able to earn the five items necessary to complete it by either whacking the frame of the Pet Shop while building it, or by collecting the Daily Bonus from a completed Pet Shop afterwards. Here are the five items to look out for:
Fish Food
Hamster Wheel
Bird Food
Catnip
Lizards
Finishing this collection rewards you with a Chunky Chow, the food item that you had to collect back when helping the Old Dog who appeared on our Homesteads a few weeks ago. It's presumable we'll need tons of Chunky Chow in the future, as this item is also awarded via the Pet Shop Goals, so make sure you hold onto this prize in case you need it in the coming days and weeks.
Have you already completed this collection, or are you still trying to build the frame of your Pet Shop?
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 12, 2011
CityVille: Sign up for daily emails offering free energy, crew members and more
While most other Zynga games already offer a daily email rewards program, offering you items like free fuel in FarmVille or free energy in FrontierVille, the developer has launched a similar email system in CityVille, allowing users to be rewarded daily just for playing the game (and for giving Zynga permission to email you).
There's a catch here though - a good one, at that. Instead of being sent a random item, or just a single item that doesn't change everyday, you'll be able to choose your reward via the pop-up menu above, that you'll see when logging into the game itself. From there, just choose whether you'd like to receive free Energy, crew for one of your buildings, a building ingredient, or even a mystery item.
It doesn't seem as though you'll be locked into that choice though, as Zynga has shown off an image stating that you'll be given the option to choose yet again when receiving your email. If this does turn out to be the case, you'll be able to choose one price on Monday, a different prize for Tuesday, and so on and so forth depending on your current needs at the time. It's a nice setup, to be sure, but it only helps to further confirm that we're apparently stuck with the energy system the way it is, whether we like it or not.
What do you think? Which of these prizes will you most likely choose as your daily reward?
There's a catch here though - a good one, at that. Instead of being sent a random item, or just a single item that doesn't change everyday, you'll be able to choose your reward via the pop-up menu above, that you'll see when logging into the game itself. From there, just choose whether you'd like to receive free Energy, crew for one of your buildings, a building ingredient, or even a mystery item.
It doesn't seem as though you'll be locked into that choice though, as Zynga has shown off an image stating that you'll be given the option to choose yet again when receiving your email. If this does turn out to be the case, you'll be able to choose one price on Monday, a different prize for Tuesday, and so on and so forth depending on your current needs at the time. It's a nice setup, to be sure, but it only helps to further confirm that we're apparently stuck with the energy system the way it is, whether we like it or not.
What do you think? Which of these prizes will you most likely choose as your daily reward?
FarmVille Guide: Using the new and improved Gift Box
A time for celebration is here Farmers! The new and improved FarmVille Gift Box that we brought you a sneak peek of a few days ago has officially gone live in the game! If you're still looking at the old Gift Box, just be patience, as the new one will roll around to your account soon.
So, we're all pretty sure that this new Gift Box is great, right? Well, yes, it is great, but it can also take a bit of getting used to. We're here to help you acclimate as quickly as possible, by showing off not only the Gift Box's new layout, but also some entirely new features to the Gift Box that will have you playing the game in a much more streamlined and therefore enjoyable process.
Meet us behind the break for a full look at the new Gift Box in FarmVille.
First and foremost, you haven't lost any items that were in your Gift Box with this new update, so don't fret if things that you know usually appeared on the first page (Nails, Special Delivery Boxes, Watering Cans and the like) no longer appear. If you'd like to find them the old fashioned way, you can still scroll through your pages of items to find them. However, you no longer have to do anything the "old fashioned way" with this new update. Looking specifically for a Mystery Seedling to plant or a Watering Can to help it grow? Simply search for the item by typing its name into the Search box.
Your Gift Box will automatically filter your items with each new letter you type. So, you can stop searching at any time if you'd like, without typing in the whole world of the item you're looking for, as it will likely be showing it to you on the first page after only typing two or three letters. Additionally, you can skip searching (say, if you didn't want to leave Full Screen mode so that you can type), by simply using the tab buttons at the top of the Gift Box to sort your items by type.
For most users, Consumables will likely contain the most items, as you may have stored Nails, Wooden Boards and the like for future building projects. That being the case, you may still have to scroll to new pages to find items even when sorting to just the Consumables tab, making the manual Search feature much more desirable. For all other categories, however, simply choosing the appropriate tab will likely suffice. You can also note that the Wish feature is still about as useless as ever (from my experience anyway).
So, now you're used to navigating the Gift Box. That's great and all, but here's something you might not have come across before now - you now have the ability to sell items in bulk! Yes, that's right - no more clicking twice to sell a single item (once to click on the "Sell" button and a second click to confirm). You'll now be able to click on the Sell button to see a window like the one below, where you can manually input how many of a particular item you'd like to sell, up to your maximum amount currently available. You'll then have to confirm this transaction via another simple click, only to see all of your specified items automatically sold (or deleted) and your profits (if applicable) automatically added to your bank.
I'd be lying if I said this feature shouldn't have been added to the game months ago, just as we were given the option to use more than one Special Delivery Box at a time (as an example), but I digress. This is a case where "better late than never" definitely holds true, and I'll gladly stop complaining. Hopefully, this means that the Storage Menu update will also be released in the very near future. You'll know when it does, as you'll be able to see me dancing in the streets from miles away. Until then, dear Farmers. Until then.
So, we're all pretty sure that this new Gift Box is great, right? Well, yes, it is great, but it can also take a bit of getting used to. We're here to help you acclimate as quickly as possible, by showing off not only the Gift Box's new layout, but also some entirely new features to the Gift Box that will have you playing the game in a much more streamlined and therefore enjoyable process.
Meet us behind the break for a full look at the new Gift Box in FarmVille.
First and foremost, you haven't lost any items that were in your Gift Box with this new update, so don't fret if things that you know usually appeared on the first page (Nails, Special Delivery Boxes, Watering Cans and the like) no longer appear. If you'd like to find them the old fashioned way, you can still scroll through your pages of items to find them. However, you no longer have to do anything the "old fashioned way" with this new update. Looking specifically for a Mystery Seedling to plant or a Watering Can to help it grow? Simply search for the item by typing its name into the Search box.
Your Gift Box will automatically filter your items with each new letter you type. So, you can stop searching at any time if you'd like, without typing in the whole world of the item you're looking for, as it will likely be showing it to you on the first page after only typing two or three letters. Additionally, you can skip searching (say, if you didn't want to leave Full Screen mode so that you can type), by simply using the tab buttons at the top of the Gift Box to sort your items by type.
For most users, Consumables will likely contain the most items, as you may have stored Nails, Wooden Boards and the like for future building projects. That being the case, you may still have to scroll to new pages to find items even when sorting to just the Consumables tab, making the manual Search feature much more desirable. For all other categories, however, simply choosing the appropriate tab will likely suffice. You can also note that the Wish feature is still about as useless as ever (from my experience anyway).
So, now you're used to navigating the Gift Box. That's great and all, but here's something you might not have come across before now - you now have the ability to sell items in bulk! Yes, that's right - no more clicking twice to sell a single item (once to click on the "Sell" button and a second click to confirm). You'll now be able to click on the Sell button to see a window like the one below, where you can manually input how many of a particular item you'd like to sell, up to your maximum amount currently available. You'll then have to confirm this transaction via another simple click, only to see all of your specified items automatically sold (or deleted) and your profits (if applicable) automatically added to your bank.
I'd be lying if I said this feature shouldn't have been added to the game months ago, just as we were given the option to use more than one Special Delivery Box at a time (as an example), but I digress. This is a case where "better late than never" definitely holds true, and I'll gladly stop complaining. Hopefully, this means that the Storage Menu update will also be released in the very near future. You'll know when it does, as you'll be able to see me dancing in the streets from miles away. Until then, dear Farmers. Until then.
FarmVille Easter Trees: Spring Egg Tree & Giant Spring Egg Tree
After undergoing a name change, and being priced a bit higher than expected, a pair of Spring Egg Trees (formerly Cream Egg Trees) have arrived in the market in FarmVille. Specifically, the two trees are the Spring Egg Tree priced at 7 Farm Cash and the Giant Spring Egg Tree which costs 12 Farm Cash. Long time fans will notice that this is more than the normal prices for new trees (which tend to be 5 and 10 Farm Cash respectively). Hopefully, this won't be a sign of things to come.
The higher price aside, you still have the ability to save quite a bit of Farm Cash by only purchasing the regular Spring Egg Tree and then hoping to receive the giant version from a Mystery Seedling either from your own Orchard or claimed from your News Feed. Either way, it's great to see true Easter items finally being released in the store and we'll be sure to let you know if there are more items released in this theme in the future.
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
The higher price aside, you still have the ability to save quite a bit of Farm Cash by only purchasing the regular Spring Egg Tree and then hoping to receive the giant version from a Mystery Seedling either from your own Orchard or claimed from your News Feed. Either way, it's great to see true Easter items finally being released in the store and we'll be sure to let you know if there are more items released in this theme in the future.
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
FarmVille Spring Animal: Meet the Bunny Ewe
While we certainly haven't seen the end of the English Countryside item them in FarmVille, it is nice to see another theme join the ranks of limited edition items this evening, as new items were launched in the Spring theme. One animal was among the release, coming in the form of the Bunny Ewe.
This happens to be one of the cutest darn sheep I've ever seen in the game, and while the price tag is fairly high at 20 Farm Cash, sheep collectors will want to add at least one to their herd. As the Ewe's body is plain white, we doubt that sheep breeders will be able to get anything special from breeding her, but that's also something to keep in mind all the same. The Bunny Ewe will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and we can only hope she'll be given some more company in that time.
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
This happens to be one of the cutest darn sheep I've ever seen in the game, and while the price tag is fairly high at 20 Farm Cash, sheep collectors will want to add at least one to their herd. As the Ewe's body is plain white, we doubt that sheep breeders will be able to get anything special from breeding her, but that's also something to keep in mind all the same. The Bunny Ewe will be available in the game for the next two weeks, and we can only hope she'll be given some more company in that time.
Check out the rest of our Easter 2011 coverage right here.
FarmVille English Countryside Decorations: Spring Cottage, Bluebells Knoll & More
While we've seen some Easter and Spring-related items being released in FarmVille this week, we can't forget that the English Countryside theme is still chugging alone, with four new items being released in the buildings and decorations department this evening.
To start, the two buildings are the Spring Cottage and the English Mill. The English Mill is the more expensive of the two items, costing 25 Farm Cash, while the Spring Cottage goes for coins - a whopping 350,000 coins, to be exact. With the increasing coin prices of buildings, it almost makes me want to spend Farm Cash on the items instead... almost. Then again, that's probably the entire point, but I digress.
For a full look at the new decorations released tonight, meet us behind the break.
As for the new decorative items, you'll be able to purchase just two: the Bluebells Knoll, which costs 10,000 coins, and the Garden Trellis Bench, which is priced at 150,000. The Garden Trellis Bench is a fairly large item, all things considered, standing both tall and wide. The Bluebells Knoll, then, is roughly the size of the other hill items that have been released in the past, but simply covered in a few Bluebell flowers for effect.
Regardless of which item you choose to purchase, all are available in the game's store for the next two weeks. There weren't a lot of items released in the English Countryside theme this evening, which leaves me to wonder if Zynga is finally running out of things to release; or, perhaps they've transitioned more into Spring items for the time being. We'll make sure to let you know what ends up being the case either way.
To start, the two buildings are the Spring Cottage and the English Mill. The English Mill is the more expensive of the two items, costing 25 Farm Cash, while the Spring Cottage goes for coins - a whopping 350,000 coins, to be exact. With the increasing coin prices of buildings, it almost makes me want to spend Farm Cash on the items instead... almost. Then again, that's probably the entire point, but I digress.
For a full look at the new decorations released tonight, meet us behind the break.
As for the new decorative items, you'll be able to purchase just two: the Bluebells Knoll, which costs 10,000 coins, and the Garden Trellis Bench, which is priced at 150,000. The Garden Trellis Bench is a fairly large item, all things considered, standing both tall and wide. The Bluebells Knoll, then, is roughly the size of the other hill items that have been released in the past, but simply covered in a few Bluebell flowers for effect.
Regardless of which item you choose to purchase, all are available in the game's store for the next two weeks. There weren't a lot of items released in the English Countryside theme this evening, which leaves me to wonder if Zynga is finally running out of things to release; or, perhaps they've transitioned more into Spring items for the time being. We'll make sure to let you know what ends up being the case either way.
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
Sid Meier's Civilization World to conquer Facebook this summer
Real time strategy games are no stranger to Facebook--just look at, oh, every Kabam game out there--but the arguable god of RTS games, Civilization, is coming to Facebook this summer. Civilization creator Sid Meier made the offhand announcement in an interview with CNN. The game, titled Civilization World, has been in alpha testing since January of this year, and is biggest stretch for the franchise yet, according to Meier.
"What was really intriguing to us was being able to emphasize cooperative game play, which was something that really hadn't been a major part of 'Civilization' up to now," he said to CNN. "A lot of our design in 'Civ World' was taking advantage and using these opportunities for players to work together -- teamwork, communication, planning. Those are all the things that become really important to 'Civ World.'"
Meier continued to point out that some Civ World matches--comprising of up to 200 players, which do have an end--can last for up to 12 hours. That sounds like Civilization (and social games) alright. And because the game is being developed with Flash, Meier said that the game looks quite different from standard Civilization fare. Will the average social gamer be ready for gaming sessions lasting half a day? We're going to lean on the side of "absolutely," but reserve full judgment for when the game launches.
[Via Game Focus]
Are you in the Civ World testing phase now? What are you most excited/worried about this upcoming behemoth on Facebook?
"What was really intriguing to us was being able to emphasize cooperative game play, which was something that really hadn't been a major part of 'Civilization' up to now," he said to CNN. "A lot of our design in 'Civ World' was taking advantage and using these opportunities for players to work together -- teamwork, communication, planning. Those are all the things that become really important to 'Civ World.'"
Meier continued to point out that some Civ World matches--comprising of up to 200 players, which do have an end--can last for up to 12 hours. That sounds like Civilization (and social games) alright. And because the game is being developed with Flash, Meier said that the game looks quite different from standard Civilization fare. Will the average social gamer be ready for gaming sessions lasting half a day? We're going to lean on the side of "absolutely," but reserve full judgment for when the game launches.
[Via Game Focus]
Are you in the Civ World testing phase now? What are you most excited/worried about this upcoming behemoth on Facebook?
Starz to brandish 'Camelot' Facebook game beta very soon
To arms, my brothers and sisters, as Starz is set to release a Facebook game promoting its hit new show, Camelot, in just a few weeks. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a beta version of the game will launch today, with a commercial release short after. The game seems to mark a new strategy for the cable TV network, as it released Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, alongside the debut of the miniseries of the same name. The first game enjoyed over 1 million monthly players at its peak, according to AppData, so Starz Digital Media is likely hopeful for the same success here with a new property.
As soon as the beta releases, players can log into the game and enter the password, "Merlin," for access. The game plays similarly to popular Facebook strategy games, driving players to gather resources, equip their armies, and rush into battle. Not to mention that this time around, the game will borrow liberally from plot points in the TV show. Fans of Spartacus (including myself) didn't appreciate the lack of control over battles, which would explain the drastic shift to an real time strategy game. Camelot: The Game is published by 6waves and developed by Sarbakan and Large Animal Games yet again in association with international distributor GK-tv, Hollywood Reporter wrote.
"We felt Camelot suits a couple of game genres out there, and none of the properties out there in this space were branded," Marc DeBevoise, senior VP digital media, business development and strategy said to Hollywood Reporter. "The action, adventure and challenge of this game is unmatched in the marketplace today and is a beautiful complement and extension of the Starz original series." From how it sounds, we're not so sure this game will cater to a large social gaming audience, but we'll see as soon as we get to wave some swords around soon enough.
[Image Credit: Hollywood Reporter]
Are you excited to play out your favorite moments from the series on Facebook? What do you think of social game tie-ins to existing franchises?
As soon as the beta releases, players can log into the game and enter the password, "Merlin," for access. The game plays similarly to popular Facebook strategy games, driving players to gather resources, equip their armies, and rush into battle. Not to mention that this time around, the game will borrow liberally from plot points in the TV show. Fans of Spartacus (including myself) didn't appreciate the lack of control over battles, which would explain the drastic shift to an real time strategy game. Camelot: The Game is published by 6waves and developed by Sarbakan and Large Animal Games yet again in association with international distributor GK-tv, Hollywood Reporter wrote.
"We felt Camelot suits a couple of game genres out there, and none of the properties out there in this space were branded," Marc DeBevoise, senior VP digital media, business development and strategy said to Hollywood Reporter. "The action, adventure and challenge of this game is unmatched in the marketplace today and is a beautiful complement and extension of the Starz original series." From how it sounds, we're not so sure this game will cater to a large social gaming audience, but we'll see as soon as we get to wave some swords around soon enough.
[Image Credit: Hollywood Reporter]
Are you excited to play out your favorite moments from the series on Facebook? What do you think of social game tie-ins to existing franchises?
SOE offers free stuff for network outage, zilch for Facebook gamers
We expected Sony to offer its 24 million Sony Online Entertainment game fans a deal for putting up with its 12-day network outage, but one subgroup in particular seems to have got the shaft. SOE, according to VentureBeat, is offering several deals for Everquest, DC Universe Online, Star Wars Galaxies and even Vanguard players. But only one Facebook game has been mentioned (if SOE is even referring to the Facebook edition): PoxNora.
PoxNora fans, once the service comes back online, will enjoy a limited edition Carrionling pet, a Welcome Back 5K Gold Award Tournament, two Draft Tournaments and 500 Station Cash. That's a pretty hefty offer, though VentureBeat points out that, because these are all virtual goods, it's not actually costing SOE much dough. However, what about fans of other SOE Facebook games like Wildlife Refuge or the Everquest companion app? While those games have tiny player bases, they are SOE games nonetheless.
"We thank you for your patience as we continue to work around the clock to restore our game services," SOE said in a statement. "We know this has been a frustrating time for you and appreciate your understanding as we work to confirm the security of our network." No date was given on the expected return of SOE's games. We've also contacted SOE regarding the news.
[Image Credit: Massively]
Have you been affect by the SOE outage? Do you think the company should reward its Facebook audience as well, or is it not worth it?
PoxNora fans, once the service comes back online, will enjoy a limited edition Carrionling pet, a Welcome Back 5K Gold Award Tournament, two Draft Tournaments and 500 Station Cash. That's a pretty hefty offer, though VentureBeat points out that, because these are all virtual goods, it's not actually costing SOE much dough. However, what about fans of other SOE Facebook games like Wildlife Refuge or the Everquest companion app? While those games have tiny player bases, they are SOE games nonetheless.
"We thank you for your patience as we continue to work around the clock to restore our game services," SOE said in a statement. "We know this has been a frustrating time for you and appreciate your understanding as we work to confirm the security of our network." No date was given on the expected return of SOE's games. We've also contacted SOE regarding the news.
[Image Credit: Massively]
Have you been affect by the SOE outage? Do you think the company should reward its Facebook audience as well, or is it not worth it?
Konami sees rise in social games as console game revenues dip
Soon enough, you could be entering the Konami Code on Facebook. Providing further confirmation that social games are on the up and up, Konami posted its earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011, and its social games sales have increased as everything else dipped a bit. Gaming Union reports that the Japanese publisher of mega hits like Contra and Metal Gear Solid said that net revenue was down to $3.19 billion from last year's $3.24 billion, while net income dipped to $12.9 billion from $13.3 billion last year.
However, social games sales picked up steam with $195 million in sales, up from $156.7 million last year, Gamasutra reports. This might explain why the company closed Bomberman creator Hudson Soft in the traditional sense, and plans to reopen it as a social games studio.
"Phenomenal recent growth in [social network services] is spawning more and more new business opportunities," Konami said, according to Gaming Union. "Konami is already seeing signs of success with social games, and certain content has earned rave reviews from users. For this reason, Konami will further concentrate business resources on this field and take full advantage of its expertise and extensive content developed so far to reinforce online distribution via SNS sites and expand its product lineup."
This news is in line with other major publishers like EA, who have Facebook in their cross hairs, scrambling for a sliver of the pie Zynga ran away with years ago. While the company will likely continue to release triple-A games throughout the year, it looks Konami has found a new cash cow in social games (who hasn't?). However, let's just hope this means there are even better, more accessible games on the horizon for Facebook from Konami.
[Image Credit: Neon Wind]
What do you think this news might imply for the industry in general? Do you think the earnings for other major publishers will look similar to Konami's?
However, social games sales picked up steam with $195 million in sales, up from $156.7 million last year, Gamasutra reports. This might explain why the company closed Bomberman creator Hudson Soft in the traditional sense, and plans to reopen it as a social games studio.
"Phenomenal recent growth in [social network services] is spawning more and more new business opportunities," Konami said, according to Gaming Union. "Konami is already seeing signs of success with social games, and certain content has earned rave reviews from users. For this reason, Konami will further concentrate business resources on this field and take full advantage of its expertise and extensive content developed so far to reinforce online distribution via SNS sites and expand its product lineup."
This news is in line with other major publishers like EA, who have Facebook in their cross hairs, scrambling for a sliver of the pie Zynga ran away with years ago. While the company will likely continue to release triple-A games throughout the year, it looks Konami has found a new cash cow in social games (who hasn't?). However, let's just hope this means there are even better, more accessible games on the horizon for Facebook from Konami.
[Image Credit: Neon Wind]
What do you think this news might imply for the industry in general? Do you think the earnings for other major publishers will look similar to Konami's?
Rumor: Nintendo to reveal (another) Pokemon game next month
Seriously? I've barely caught the 100 or so little buggers you released two months ago! Nintendo will announce the next game in the Pokemon series in Japan's CoroCoro Magazine this coming June 15, Official Nintendo Magazine reports. There are no details on this new edition in the puzzlingly well-off franchise, but there's dispute as to when exactly information on the game will release.
According to Pocket Gamer, Japanese magazine Dengeki Nintendo DS claims that it will publish details on the game this May 21, which obviously differs from CoroCoro's promise.
However, CoroCoro broke most of the news regarding Nintendo's most recent Pokemon release, the Black and White versions, which might make this magazine's June 15 promise more convincing.
If the game is truly the next in the long-running series, it would most likely be on the 3DS, considering Nintendo missed that boat this time around. (But wouldn't a socially-connected Pokemon on iPhone be awesome? Dream on.)
Regardless, this is all wild speculation that does exactly what Nintendo wants: to build hype for the company before this year's E3 Expo. It's there that the company will have a playable version of its next big console, codenamed Project Cafe. And, who knows, maybe some potentially pretty pocket monsters will make a cameo as well.
[Image Credit: Dual Shockers]
Are you excited to see what Nintendo has in store next for Pokemon? Have you even caught them all yet?
According to Pocket Gamer, Japanese magazine Dengeki Nintendo DS claims that it will publish details on the game this May 21, which obviously differs from CoroCoro's promise.
However, CoroCoro broke most of the news regarding Nintendo's most recent Pokemon release, the Black and White versions, which might make this magazine's June 15 promise more convincing.
If the game is truly the next in the long-running series, it would most likely be on the 3DS, considering Nintendo missed that boat this time around. (But wouldn't a socially-connected Pokemon on iPhone be awesome? Dream on.)
Regardless, this is all wild speculation that does exactly what Nintendo wants: to build hype for the company before this year's E3 Expo. It's there that the company will have a playable version of its next big console, codenamed Project Cafe. And, who knows, maybe some potentially pretty pocket monsters will make a cameo as well.
[Image Credit: Dual Shockers]
Are you excited to see what Nintendo has in store next for Pokemon? Have you even caught them all yet?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
Lego Universe goes free-to-play this August, who needs plastic bricks?
Honestly, have you seen how expensive those sets are? The Lego Group has announced that its flagship MMO (massively-multiplayer online game), Lego Universe, will become free to play this August. The game will then allow would-be Lego fanatics--like I was circa 1995--to get into the world-creation action at no cost indefinitely. Not to mention that the initial cost of the game will be slashed to zero as well, as Lego Universe will be a direct download as soon as it goes free-to-play.
"The LEGO Group remains committed to success in the digital space and to LEGO Universe," said Lego Group VP Jesper Vilstrup in a release. "We see LEGO Universe as a key element for our digital play division, and are adjusting the business model to make the game more accessible to players, without the immediate obligation to purchase or subscribe."
While the game becomes more and more like a Facebook game, the Lego Group will still offer paid subscriptions with added benefits. However, there are no micro-transactions planned at this time. (I have $10 on that stance changing in the next two months. Who's in?) And unfortunately, the free version of the game will offer limited content: "two adventure zones and one player property area for building their own virtual LEGO models," the Lego Group wrote in a statement.
Lego Universe joins a lot of MMOs going free to increase their player bases in a social game-like fashion such as Spiral Knights on Steam. Those who pay the $10 monthly subscription will enjoy everything the game has to offer and will be exclusively eligible for the game's first expansion, Ninjago. Either way, this sounds like a fine way to test the waters before committing to that monthly fee, so tell the youngin's to hang tight and play with that new plastic Lego set you picked up for them last week. (Your secret is safe with us.)
Are you psyched to see Lego Universe go free-to-play? Would you ever pay the monthly subscription for an MMO, or even one based on the web?
"The LEGO Group remains committed to success in the digital space and to LEGO Universe," said Lego Group VP Jesper Vilstrup in a release. "We see LEGO Universe as a key element for our digital play division, and are adjusting the business model to make the game more accessible to players, without the immediate obligation to purchase or subscribe."
While the game becomes more and more like a Facebook game, the Lego Group will still offer paid subscriptions with added benefits. However, there are no micro-transactions planned at this time. (I have $10 on that stance changing in the next two months. Who's in?) And unfortunately, the free version of the game will offer limited content: "two adventure zones and one player property area for building their own virtual LEGO models," the Lego Group wrote in a statement.
Lego Universe joins a lot of MMOs going free to increase their player bases in a social game-like fashion such as Spiral Knights on Steam. Those who pay the $10 monthly subscription will enjoy everything the game has to offer and will be exclusively eligible for the game's first expansion, Ninjago. Either way, this sounds like a fine way to test the waters before committing to that monthly fee, so tell the youngin's to hang tight and play with that new plastic Lego set you picked up for them last week. (Your secret is safe with us.)
Are you psyched to see Lego Universe go free-to-play? Would you ever pay the monthly subscription for an MMO, or even one based on the web?
PopCap's Bejeweled 3 coming to Nintendo DS, go zen on the go
Soon, you'll be able to go zen while on the move (sounds relaxing, huh?). PopCap announced that it will release its critically-acclaimed Bejeweled 3 on the Nintendo DS this fall or winter, according to Pocket Gamer. More specifically, PopCap said that the game is coming to the DS in the fourth quarter, which spans October to December of this year. Though, we can't help but wonder why PopCap would pass up the allure of 3D(S)--perhaps to hit the largest amount of handheld Nintendo fans?
While PopCap hasn't revealed any details on what will be included in the portable version of last year's PC casual hit, we can't imagine it won't include Zen Mode. I mean, that's the whole hook of the new Bejeweled, no? (We just want to go zen wherever we go--is that too much to ask?) PopCap also announced that the game is headed to Xbox 360 and PS3 through Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, according to PCMag. We've contacted PopCap for more information.
[Image Credit: PopCap]
Are you excited to blow up shiny gems on three (or four) new screens? Why do you think PopCap passed on the 3DS and mobile phones for now?
While PopCap hasn't revealed any details on what will be included in the portable version of last year's PC casual hit, we can't imagine it won't include Zen Mode. I mean, that's the whole hook of the new Bejeweled, no? (We just want to go zen wherever we go--is that too much to ask?) PopCap also announced that the game is headed to Xbox 360 and PS3 through Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, according to PCMag. We've contacted PopCap for more information.
[Image Credit: PopCap]
Are you excited to blow up shiny gems on three (or four) new screens? Why do you think PopCap passed on the 3DS and mobile phones for now?
New social game pokes fun at corrupt Russian politics
Here's a new social game idea that's ripe for the picking. (Are you listening, Zynga?) A new game called Politics, has arrived on the Russian social network/Facebook clone VKontakte and was designed as both a parody of the Russian government and a way to get younger people more engaged in the political process.
"This is the election year for Russia and people's interest to politics, already blended with pop culture, will grow," Max Masin, Politics developer and producer, says in a statement. "The idea behind the game combines the interactivity of social gaming with relevant, newsworthy content."
To play Politics you must be invited by a current player. Once you're in, you start out as an average Joe and work your way up to running for President, working your way through the Russian political system, which includes dealing with corruption, including bribery and kickbacks. Right now, the game is available exclusively through VKontakte, but the creators plans to release versions to other popular Russian social networks as well.
As for an eventual release on Facebook -- there's no word on that just yet, though an English-language rendition of this game (or something in the same vein) might be what apathetic Americans need to get revved up for the upcoming 2012 election year.
"This is the election year for Russia and people's interest to politics, already blended with pop culture, will grow," Max Masin, Politics developer and producer, says in a statement. "The idea behind the game combines the interactivity of social gaming with relevant, newsworthy content."
To play Politics you must be invited by a current player. Once you're in, you start out as an average Joe and work your way up to running for President, working your way through the Russian political system, which includes dealing with corruption, including bribery and kickbacks. Right now, the game is available exclusively through VKontakte, but the creators plans to release versions to other popular Russian social networks as well.
As for an eventual release on Facebook -- there's no word on that just yet, though an English-language rendition of this game (or something in the same vein) might be what apathetic Americans need to get revved up for the upcoming 2012 election year.
Vatican Wars on Facebook increases desire to attend church - honest!
Just when we thought we've seen every kind of Facebook "Wars" game, we get Vatican Wars, and to top off a new height in Facebook gaming nomenclature, the 9-month beta for the game was originally called PriestVille. And get this -- it's not created by Zynga. In fact, the actual creators, SGR Games (who named themselves after Saint Genesius of Rome) spells out on their website that they "are not affiliated with FarmVille or the company that makes FarmVille" (or the "Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican or the Holy See").
And the fun doesn't stop there, SGR claims that playing Vatican Wars increased people's desire to attend mass and join the priesthood. Their proof is a two-part survey of 461 players, part one of which, was released last November. Due to such a positive response from its players, SGR relaunched PriestVille as Vatican Wars, a title that better fits its gameplay, which involves increasing your diocese and taking stands on controversial topics such as abortion, birth control, clerical celibacy, the definition of marriage and more.
So, ready to defend the true teachings of Christ? Grow some ideology instead of crops? So far, Vatican Wars has amassed a small, but dedicated fanbase that claims the game is educational, and SGR welcomes non-Catholics to join in as well. For more info, you can also check out the game's official Facebook fan page.
And the fun doesn't stop there, SGR claims that playing Vatican Wars increased people's desire to attend mass and join the priesthood. Their proof is a two-part survey of 461 players, part one of which, was released last November. Due to such a positive response from its players, SGR relaunched PriestVille as Vatican Wars, a title that better fits its gameplay, which involves increasing your diocese and taking stands on controversial topics such as abortion, birth control, clerical celibacy, the definition of marriage and more.
So, ready to defend the true teachings of Christ? Grow some ideology instead of crops? So far, Vatican Wars has amassed a small, but dedicated fanbase that claims the game is educational, and SGR welcomes non-Catholics to join in as well. For more info, you can also check out the game's official Facebook fan page.
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Chardonnay and Zinfandel crops finally released to farmers
After one heck of a wait, Zynga has finally launched the Zinfandel and Chardonnay crops in FarmVille. If these crops sound vaguely familiar, that's because we've been waiting for them for well over a year. Don't believe me? Check out our sneak peek of the crops from March of 2010. Yeah, I told you it was a long time ago. At least their release makes some sense now, as what better way to introduce two winery themed crops than during the Vineyard limited edition item theme.
Fortunately, neither of these crops are limited edition, but you do have to master other crops before you can grow them. For Zinfandel, you first must master the original Grapes crop, and for Chardonnay, you must have mastered White Grapes. If you haven't completed either of those tasks, you've got... well, forever to do so. Once you've unlock these crops, you'll find the following stats waiting for you:
Chardonnay
Costs: 200 coins per square
Growing Time: 10 hours
XP Gained: 2 XP per square
Harvest for: 315 coins per square
Mastery: 1,500 - 3,000 - 4,500 harvests
Zinfandel
Costs: 50 coins per square
Growing Time: 1 day
XP Gained: 3 XP per square
Harvests for: 250 coins
Mastery: 500 - 1,000 - 1,500 harvests
Again, neither of these crops are marked as being limited edition in the store, so just put them on the back-burner for now, if you're more interested in mastering the new Super Crops, or simply don't have access to planting them right now due to their previous mastery requirements. They'll be there waiting for you when you're ready.
Are you shocked to see these two crops finally released into FarmVille? Will you immediately work on mastering them, or will you wait until you master some other crops first?
Fortunately, neither of these crops are limited edition, but you do have to master other crops before you can grow them. For Zinfandel, you first must master the original Grapes crop, and for Chardonnay, you must have mastered White Grapes. If you haven't completed either of those tasks, you've got... well, forever to do so. Once you've unlock these crops, you'll find the following stats waiting for you:
Chardonnay
Costs: 200 coins per square
Growing Time: 10 hours
XP Gained: 2 XP per square
Harvest for: 315 coins per square
Mastery: 1,500 - 3,000 - 4,500 harvests
Zinfandel
Costs: 50 coins per square
Growing Time: 1 day
XP Gained: 3 XP per square
Harvests for: 250 coins
Mastery: 500 - 1,000 - 1,500 harvests
Again, neither of these crops are marked as being limited edition in the store, so just put them on the back-burner for now, if you're more interested in mastering the new Super Crops, or simply don't have access to planting them right now due to their previous mastery requirements. They'll be there waiting for you when you're ready.
Are you shocked to see these two crops finally released into FarmVille? Will you immediately work on mastering them, or will you wait until you master some other crops first?
CityVille Pedal of Honor Timed Goal: Everything you need to know
Apparently, the Race Invaders Timed Goal in CityVille went over fairly well, as Zynga has followed that up today with a new timed goal called Pedal of Honor. Also referred to as "Leader of the Pack," this goal is only available to players level 50 or above, and has three tasks that must be completed within three days for the ultimate prize (but we'll get to the prizes later).
Ask 20 friends to join your Bike Crew
Send 100 Tour Buses
Collect from Water Bottling Plant 2 times
The Water Bottling Plant is a community building that costs 125,000 coins to add to your town, and requires you to staff it with 12 friends to open. From there, you'll be able to collect from it once every 24 hours. While you're waiting for the Water Bottling Plant to "recharge," you can add friends to your Bike Crew by posting a general wall post, asking all of your neighbors to help at once.
If you've got really receptive friends, you'll be able to finish this goal within three days, rewarding you with the Gold Trophy. Along with this shiny trophy, you'll unlock a Cyclist Statue, 28,000 coins and a Boulevard Apartment. Don't worry, even if it takes you longer than three days, you still have a chance at the shiny Cyclist Statue, as the Silver Trophy also earns one, along with the 28,000 coins. Unfortunately, if you earn just a Bronze Trophy, you'll only receive the 28,000 coins, and none of the other goodies.
If, for whatever reason, you don't like to be rushed, it's presumable that this goal will remain available indefinitely, offering you the Bronze Trophy prize, as is the case with the Race Invaders goal which is still available. Should a time limit come into play with this one eventually expiring entirely, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you think this Pedal of Honor goal is more difficult, or easier than the Racer Invaders goal? Will you work to earn the Gold Trophy on this one, or are you find simply taking your time and finishing it at your leisure?
Ask 20 friends to join your Bike Crew
Send 100 Tour Buses
Collect from Water Bottling Plant 2 times
The Water Bottling Plant is a community building that costs 125,000 coins to add to your town, and requires you to staff it with 12 friends to open. From there, you'll be able to collect from it once every 24 hours. While you're waiting for the Water Bottling Plant to "recharge," you can add friends to your Bike Crew by posting a general wall post, asking all of your neighbors to help at once.
If you've got really receptive friends, you'll be able to finish this goal within three days, rewarding you with the Gold Trophy. Along with this shiny trophy, you'll unlock a Cyclist Statue, 28,000 coins and a Boulevard Apartment. Don't worry, even if it takes you longer than three days, you still have a chance at the shiny Cyclist Statue, as the Silver Trophy also earns one, along with the 28,000 coins. Unfortunately, if you earn just a Bronze Trophy, you'll only receive the 28,000 coins, and none of the other goodies.
If, for whatever reason, you don't like to be rushed, it's presumable that this goal will remain available indefinitely, offering you the Bronze Trophy prize, as is the case with the Race Invaders goal which is still available. Should a time limit come into play with this one eventually expiring entirely, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you think this Pedal of Honor goal is more difficult, or easier than the Racer Invaders goal? Will you work to earn the Gold Trophy on this one, or are you find simply taking your time and finishing it at your leisure?
CityVille: Super Grain Elevator offers a major storage boost at a high price
Hey CityVille players - are you looking for a way to increase your maximum Goods storage capacity, without building tons of space-wasting Barns and Silos? How does the idea of increasing your storage capacity by 1200 Goods with a single item sound? If you like the sound of that, then be sure and check out the Super Grain Elevator in the game's store. Available only for a limited time, this Super Grain Elevator allows you to increase your maximum storage by 1200 Goods, all in a tiny 2x2 space on your land.
Of course, such a convenience doesn't come cheap, as the Super Grain Elevator costs a whopping 55 City Cash. Still, this lovely purple building (what? purple is my favorite color) comes with a great storage capacity, and could even allow you to remove other storage buildings entirely to increase the amount of space you have available for more crop plots or even businesses and homes. There's a lot of give and take with this one; you give Zynga a lot of money, but you take a lot of storage (and potentially land space) back in return.
Does that make it worth it? Ultimately, you won't have forever to decide, as this one has been marked as being available for a "limited time" in the store. Of course, it would be helpful if we were told exactly when it will expire, but for now that information hasn't been made available. Your safest bet would be to purchase one sooner, rather than later, if you plan on eventually doing so, just to make sure it doesn't leave the store before you have a chance.
Will you purchase a Super Grain Elevator for your city, or will you stick with the regular Grain Elevator that offers less storage, but is free?
Of course, such a convenience doesn't come cheap, as the Super Grain Elevator costs a whopping 55 City Cash. Still, this lovely purple building (what? purple is my favorite color) comes with a great storage capacity, and could even allow you to remove other storage buildings entirely to increase the amount of space you have available for more crop plots or even businesses and homes. There's a lot of give and take with this one; you give Zynga a lot of money, but you take a lot of storage (and potentially land space) back in return.
Does that make it worth it? Ultimately, you won't have forever to decide, as this one has been marked as being available for a "limited time" in the store. Of course, it would be helpful if we were told exactly when it will expire, but for now that information hasn't been made available. Your safest bet would be to purchase one sooner, rather than later, if you plan on eventually doing so, just to make sure it doesn't leave the store before you have a chance.
Will you purchase a Super Grain Elevator for your city, or will you stick with the regular Grain Elevator that offers less storage, but is free?
FrontierVille's Return of Lt. Flintlock event is on!
Earlier this week, we brought you a detailed look at the six goals we expected would launch with the return of Lt. Flintlock in FrontierVille. Well, that prediction was right on target, as the event has officially launched in the game this evening, with a few rules.
You see, while the six goals we brought you in our guide are final, they won't all be available to you all at once. This is yet another event that allows you to complete only a single goal each day, as they are unlocked over a six day period. Lt. Flintlock has appeared on the outskirts of your land, complete with a new stagecoach. Each day, a new goal will be unlocked within the stagecoach, so you'll need to click on it and start each manually.
These missions are timed, as you'll need to help Lt. Flintlock prepare for his secret mission before August 30, when the event ends. Once you reach the halfway point of these goals, you'll receive a special Black Buffalo as a prize, and when you finish the sixth and final goal, you'll receive a special Carved Tree (presumably, carved with Bess and Lt. Flintlock's initials).
Unfortunately, the return of Lt. Flintlock doesn't exactly end in a happy, romantic getaway for Bess and the Lt., as he's off to the wild frontier on a mission of incredible danger (and equal importance). If you're as big of a fan of the romantic saga of these two as I am, then this is actually a bit worrying, as the Lt. leaves the Homestead by giving Bess a letter to read should he not return after six weeks. How tragic (and yet romantic)! Let's just hope everything goes well for the Lt., and that we'll eventually get to see these two live happily ever after. They deserve that much, right? Perhaps we'll even get to meet Lt. Flintlock on the Pioneer Trail and ensure that he gets back to her safely. We'll make sure to let you know if that happens to be the case.
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here. >
What do you think of the Return of Lt. Flintlock event? Would you rather be allowed to start all six goals at once, or do you like the slower pacing of events such as these?
You see, while the six goals we brought you in our guide are final, they won't all be available to you all at once. This is yet another event that allows you to complete only a single goal each day, as they are unlocked over a six day period. Lt. Flintlock has appeared on the outskirts of your land, complete with a new stagecoach. Each day, a new goal will be unlocked within the stagecoach, so you'll need to click on it and start each manually.
These missions are timed, as you'll need to help Lt. Flintlock prepare for his secret mission before August 30, when the event ends. Once you reach the halfway point of these goals, you'll receive a special Black Buffalo as a prize, and when you finish the sixth and final goal, you'll receive a special Carved Tree (presumably, carved with Bess and Lt. Flintlock's initials).
Unfortunately, the return of Lt. Flintlock doesn't exactly end in a happy, romantic getaway for Bess and the Lt., as he's off to the wild frontier on a mission of incredible danger (and equal importance). If you're as big of a fan of the romantic saga of these two as I am, then this is actually a bit worrying, as the Lt. leaves the Homestead by giving Bess a letter to read should he not return after six weeks. How tragic (and yet romantic)! Let's just hope everything goes well for the Lt., and that we'll eventually get to see these two live happily ever after. They deserve that much, right? Perhaps we'll even get to meet Lt. Flintlock on the Pioneer Trail and ensure that he gets back to her safely. We'll make sure to let you know if that happens to be the case.
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here. >
What do you think of the Return of Lt. Flintlock event? Would you rather be allowed to start all six goals at once, or do you like the slower pacing of events such as these?
FarmVille: Free Mystery Game Darts get you one step closer to a French Unicorn
Well, this looks a bit desperate, doesn't it? I had a feeling when this week's FarmVille Mystery Game released, offering farmers a free French Unicorn only after they had paid enough Farm Cash to win the six regularly available animals in the game, heads might roll. While it may not have come to anything as violent as that, it does look like the response has been less than anticipated, as Zynga is now outright giving away Mystery Darts to get people to play the game.
This, of course, is good news for those who have yet to play the game this week, but bad for those who've already spent dozens or even hundreds of Farm Cash to complete the game. There's no word on whether those particular farmers will be able to save the free dart until next week's game (it doesn't show up in your inventory), but I wouldn't get my hopes up about that. As it stands, you'll need to manually check to see if you have been given the dart, by entering the Mystery Game as though you were about to pay to play it. There, you may be greeted by the "You've been selected for a free dart" pop-up, although there's no guarantee that you'll be so lucky.
Now that this is the second time we've been given a free Mystery Game Dart, it leaves us to wonder: has the popularity of the entire game slipped, or was this French Unicorn debacle simply something Zynga wanted to apologize for? The real test will come this evening, when the Mystery Game is restocked. Will another "free" item be available to lure players back in, or will Zynga have learned from this week's fan backlash? Stick with us to find out.
Which animal did you win with your free Mystery Game Dart this week? Had you already completed the game using Farm Cash? If so, were you still offered a free dart, or was the dialog you received any different?
This, of course, is good news for those who have yet to play the game this week, but bad for those who've already spent dozens or even hundreds of Farm Cash to complete the game. There's no word on whether those particular farmers will be able to save the free dart until next week's game (it doesn't show up in your inventory), but I wouldn't get my hopes up about that. As it stands, you'll need to manually check to see if you have been given the dart, by entering the Mystery Game as though you were about to pay to play it. There, you may be greeted by the "You've been selected for a free dart" pop-up, although there's no guarantee that you'll be so lucky.
Now that this is the second time we've been given a free Mystery Game Dart, it leaves us to wonder: has the popularity of the entire game slipped, or was this French Unicorn debacle simply something Zynga wanted to apologize for? The real test will come this evening, when the Mystery Game is restocked. Will another "free" item be available to lure players back in, or will Zynga have learned from this week's fan backlash? Stick with us to find out.
Which animal did you win with your free Mystery Game Dart this week? Had you already completed the game using Farm Cash? If so, were you still offered a free dart, or was the dialog you received any different?
FarmVille Vineyard Animals: Race Stripe Ram and Boar offer patterns for the impatient
In an unusual update, Zynga has released a new Boar and a new Ram to the FarmVille marketplace, both in the current Vineyard limited edition item theme. As it stands, there's no reasonable explanation as to what these animals have to do with vineyards, or even grapes, making their placement in this theme feel entirely out of place. If anything, it could just be an easier way for Zynga to make sure the items have a limited edition time limit, but I digress.
The Race Stripe Ram is a red and orange Ram that offers you the Racing Stripe pattern in Sheep Breeding, while the Race Stripe Boar is a two-toned blue Boar which also gives you the Racing Stripe pattern, but in Pig Breeding instead. The Boar costs less at 20 Farm Cash, while the Ram costs 30.
Let's not be so hasty to press the "buy" button though, farmers. Keep in mind that both of these patterns (albeit not in the same colors) are available for "free" by simply leveling up your farmer as a Pig or Sheep Breeder. To be specific, the Racing Stripe pattern unlocks at Pig Breeding Level 20 and Sheep Breeding Level 15. That being the case, the only real reason you should purchase these animals is if you have a true love of their colors, or don't want to work your way through leveling up the old-fashioned way, and want these patterns right now.
If you are toying with the idea of purchasing either of them, know that you only have a limited amount of time to do so: 11 days, as of this writing. Hopefully we'll see more actually "Vineyard" themed items released in the "Vineyard" theme in the future (how novel a concept), and we'll make sure to let you know if and when we do.
Will you purchase either of these breeding animals for your collections, or have you already unlocked the patterns through leveling up your Sheep or Pig Pens?
The Race Stripe Ram is a red and orange Ram that offers you the Racing Stripe pattern in Sheep Breeding, while the Race Stripe Boar is a two-toned blue Boar which also gives you the Racing Stripe pattern, but in Pig Breeding instead. The Boar costs less at 20 Farm Cash, while the Ram costs 30.
Let's not be so hasty to press the "buy" button though, farmers. Keep in mind that both of these patterns (albeit not in the same colors) are available for "free" by simply leveling up your farmer as a Pig or Sheep Breeder. To be specific, the Racing Stripe pattern unlocks at Pig Breeding Level 20 and Sheep Breeding Level 15. That being the case, the only real reason you should purchase these animals is if you have a true love of their colors, or don't want to work your way through leveling up the old-fashioned way, and want these patterns right now.
If you are toying with the idea of purchasing either of them, know that you only have a limited amount of time to do so: 11 days, as of this writing. Hopefully we'll see more actually "Vineyard" themed items released in the "Vineyard" theme in the future (how novel a concept), and we'll make sure to let you know if and when we do.
Will you purchase either of these breeding animals for your collections, or have you already unlocked the patterns through leveling up your Sheep or Pig Pens?
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 12, 2011
tyVille 7 Comments The CityVille French Riviera Casino: Everything you need to know
Nearly a year after the game's release, it's finally time to unlock the first CityVille Wonder: The Eiffel Tower. We've guided you through building both the Sailboat Hotel and the Tonga Tower, and now Zynga has released the French Riviera Casino to the game. It's the third and final building required to access CityVille's first Wonder, and follows about the same pattern as its predecessors. But that doesn't make it any simpler of a task, so here's everything you need to know:
Players must be at least Level 30 to access the French Riviera Casino. Once you reach that point, you'll come across a new Goal from Edgar. It simply asks that you place the foundation for the building, and rewards you 2 XP for doing so. Keep in mind that you don't have to complete the Sailboat Hotel and Tonga Tower to access this Goal.
However, you will have to finish all three to access the Eiffel Tower. Once you place the new building, it will appear complete with massive tarps, scaffolding and a giant crane. Click on it again to reveal the next giant steps in constructing this massive building in a window featuring three tasks.
Unlock French Riviera Casino
Unlock the French Riviera Casino
Gather parts to Unlock
Upgrade one French Business to Level 2
Master one French Crop to Level 2
Like most buildings in CityVille, you must ask your friends for a list of items, though this time that list is more like a litany. You must ask friends for 12 of each of these items: Roulette Wheel, Dice, Slot Machine, Deck of Cards and Poker Chip. Once you receive one of each, you can place them on your Wish List to possibly make this part pass by more quickly.
Of the French Businesses listed in the Goal, we recommend upgrading the French Restaurant, as it costs the least at 4,500 Coins and holds just 110 Goods, meaning it will be open for collection more often and thus more upgrade points. Choosing the best French crop to upgrade is easy: Go with what's cheapest. That would be the Sun Flowers, which cost just 51 Coins and take 15 hours to harvest.
Inside French Riviera Casino
Once you completed all three daunting tasks, click "Finish Building" to unveil the French Riviera Casino. Of course, the building is functional, but operates much like a standard Hotel. Click on the building to supply it with a whopping 500 Goods. Click it again, and a menu similar to the Hotels will appear. While your city's residents will populate the French Riviera Casino, you can invite friends to boost the building's payout up to three times the normal value.
You can even invite friends as VIP guests after the Casino is ready to be collected. Just click on the hovering VIP icon to select five VIP friends. This is the final building to unlock the Eiffel Tower, so go on and build the first Wonder ever to hit CityVille.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you finished all three buildings to unlock the Eiffel Tower yet? What do you think of how Zynga has handled this new set of buildings?
Players must be at least Level 30 to access the French Riviera Casino. Once you reach that point, you'll come across a new Goal from Edgar. It simply asks that you place the foundation for the building, and rewards you 2 XP for doing so. Keep in mind that you don't have to complete the Sailboat Hotel and Tonga Tower to access this Goal.
However, you will have to finish all three to access the Eiffel Tower. Once you place the new building, it will appear complete with massive tarps, scaffolding and a giant crane. Click on it again to reveal the next giant steps in constructing this massive building in a window featuring three tasks.
Unlock French Riviera Casino
Unlock the French Riviera Casino
Gather parts to Unlock
Upgrade one French Business to Level 2
Master one French Crop to Level 2
Like most buildings in CityVille, you must ask your friends for a list of items, though this time that list is more like a litany. You must ask friends for 12 of each of these items: Roulette Wheel, Dice, Slot Machine, Deck of Cards and Poker Chip. Once you receive one of each, you can place them on your Wish List to possibly make this part pass by more quickly.
Of the French Businesses listed in the Goal, we recommend upgrading the French Restaurant, as it costs the least at 4,500 Coins and holds just 110 Goods, meaning it will be open for collection more often and thus more upgrade points. Choosing the best French crop to upgrade is easy: Go with what's cheapest. That would be the Sun Flowers, which cost just 51 Coins and take 15 hours to harvest.
Inside French Riviera Casino
Once you completed all three daunting tasks, click "Finish Building" to unveil the French Riviera Casino. Of course, the building is functional, but operates much like a standard Hotel. Click on the building to supply it with a whopping 500 Goods. Click it again, and a menu similar to the Hotels will appear. While your city's residents will populate the French Riviera Casino, you can invite friends to boost the building's payout up to three times the normal value.
You can even invite friends as VIP guests after the Casino is ready to be collected. Just click on the hovering VIP icon to select five VIP friends. This is the final building to unlock the Eiffel Tower, so go on and build the first Wonder ever to hit CityVille.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you finished all three buildings to unlock the Eiffel Tower yet? What do you think of how Zynga has handled this new set of buildings?
Game of the Day: Sudoku X
Sudoku X is a challenging rendition of the classic puzzle game. It's everything you're used to in Sudoku, but with one mine-bending twist. The object of Sudoku is to completely fill the grid with numbers. You aren't allowed to repeat the same number in any row, column, or 3 by 3 box. In Sudoku X you also aren't allowed to repeat a number in either of the purple diagonals running from corner to corner.
If you manage to finish today's puzzle, try attempting some of the other ones by clicking through the archive at the top!
Click here to play Sudoku X!
sudoku x game of the day sudoku x game of the day
Were you able to complete today's puzzle?
If you manage to finish today's puzzle, try attempting some of the other ones by clicking through the archive at the top!
Click here to play Sudoku X!
sudoku x game of the day sudoku x game of the day
Were you able to complete today's puzzle?
Video Game Roundup: Gears of War 3, Star Fox 64 3D, The Gunstringer
Gears of War 3 has only had, let's say, a billion of advertisements all over the airwaves, so we figured we'd kick off this edition of the Video Game Roundup with a look at the the final game in the popular Xbox 360 trilogy. Then we'll delve into the outer space adventures of Fox McCloud in Star Fox 64 3D, and finish up with a look at the Kinect-only The Gunstringer on Xbox 360.
gears of war 3
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3 continues the trilogy as you play Marcus Fenix, head of a team of super soldiers known as "Gears" who are intent on combating the various plagues that are infesting the planet Sera (got that?). Human resistance to the hostile enemies known as the Locust have all but wiped civilization out, but that's sooooo previous-game-in-the-series. In Gears of War 2, you made a dent in their forces, but they're still around, and now are joined by some crazy zombie aliens called the Lambent.
If this sounds confusing, we assure you, it isn't, mainly because you'll be way too busy blowing up stuff to care! The action is almost non-stop, and while we were able to complete the game in about a week, it always keeps you guessing with what they'll throw at you next. Our favorite part is... well, we won't spoil it!
The greatest thing about Gears is the fact that this is definitely not meant to be played just by one person. The real draw is when you get a group of buddies together to play through the story at the same time. Instead of protecting some computer-controlled player, having your friends in the roles of these characters makes the game a lot more dramatic!
Of course, instead of saving them, you may just want to throw a grenade at their feet, so the famous competitive modes are also in this version of Gears, and one play is definitely not enough. This game will have you hooked as you score medals and experience to unlock new weapons and characters.
Overall, Gears of War 3 is the best in the series, and our contender so far for video game of the year. Visually, it's a stunner, and while the story does try to add depth, the action is what it's all about. Amazing stuff.
Games.com Score: Five zombie aliens (out of five)
star fox 3d
Star Fox 64 3D
Star Fox 64 3D is the second Nintendo 64 title to get the Nintendo 3DS treatment (the first being the amazing The Legend if Zelda: Ocarina of Time), and in a lot of ways, it's a better fit for the 3D portable. You take control of Fox McCloud as he leads his cohorts (my personal favorite is Slippy) into some very cool space adventures, both in space and on land, and all of which uses the Nintendo 3DS in some pretty innovative ways.
For example, you can use the gyroscope in the Nintendo 3DS to tilt your ship any which way you want, so leaning into turns actually makes a difference. It feels very natural, and when used with the analog controls, you're able to get out of some pretty hair-raising situations. All that moving the system around makes the 3D fuzzy, but you can just turn the 3D slider down all the way for a clear view of the action.
Or you can play without the gyroscope and crank that 3D effect because the game is gorgeous. The stars and backgrounds have a great layering effect that makes this one of the best looking Nintendo 3DS games to come out. It's just a shame you almost have to choose either the gyro controls or the 3D effect, as both don't work too well at the same time.
Still this is a great game that is worth a purchase even if you have played the Nintendo 64 original. And if you haven't? You're in for a treat, as the story takes you from battle to battle, with a few variations that keeps things fresh. The main style of play will have you flying straight ahead as enemies come at you, and you just have to move the target around the screen to fire your lasers and bombs. This happens during many flying missions, although you'll hop in a tank for a very cool diversion a bit later in the game. There's also a free roam style that has you dogfighting against different enemies, including a few characters from the original game that are back to make life a pain for Fox.
The hardware shows off a great experience, although it's not perfect. It's still a lot of fun though (wait until you play against some of your friends in a very cool multiplayer mode) and worth a look!
Games.com Score: Four old rabbits in space (out of five)
the gunstringer
The Gunstringer
The Gunstringer is another Xbox 360 title worthy of a closer look. Made by the guys behind the indie sensation 'Splosion Man on Xbox Live, The Gunstringer uses the Xbox Kinect to bring to life the story of a cowboy with a sordid past out for revenge. And he happens to be an undead puppet. So, yeah, there's that.
Controlling the cowboy puppet is as simple as using your left hand to move him around like a marionette, while using your right hand to point like a pistol and shoot. This is as simple as it gets, folks, but it is a very fun time.
The story is full of laughs (just take a look at some of the audience members in your play), and the game changes it up quite a bit. One chapter will have you swinging your arm from side to side while avoiding boulders, while another will have you swiping at ninja enemies with your very own samurai blades.
gears of war 3
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3 continues the trilogy as you play Marcus Fenix, head of a team of super soldiers known as "Gears" who are intent on combating the various plagues that are infesting the planet Sera (got that?). Human resistance to the hostile enemies known as the Locust have all but wiped civilization out, but that's sooooo previous-game-in-the-series. In Gears of War 2, you made a dent in their forces, but they're still around, and now are joined by some crazy zombie aliens called the Lambent.
If this sounds confusing, we assure you, it isn't, mainly because you'll be way too busy blowing up stuff to care! The action is almost non-stop, and while we were able to complete the game in about a week, it always keeps you guessing with what they'll throw at you next. Our favorite part is... well, we won't spoil it!
The greatest thing about Gears is the fact that this is definitely not meant to be played just by one person. The real draw is when you get a group of buddies together to play through the story at the same time. Instead of protecting some computer-controlled player, having your friends in the roles of these characters makes the game a lot more dramatic!
Of course, instead of saving them, you may just want to throw a grenade at their feet, so the famous competitive modes are also in this version of Gears, and one play is definitely not enough. This game will have you hooked as you score medals and experience to unlock new weapons and characters.
Overall, Gears of War 3 is the best in the series, and our contender so far for video game of the year. Visually, it's a stunner, and while the story does try to add depth, the action is what it's all about. Amazing stuff.
Games.com Score: Five zombie aliens (out of five)
star fox 3d
Star Fox 64 3D
Star Fox 64 3D is the second Nintendo 64 title to get the Nintendo 3DS treatment (the first being the amazing The Legend if Zelda: Ocarina of Time), and in a lot of ways, it's a better fit for the 3D portable. You take control of Fox McCloud as he leads his cohorts (my personal favorite is Slippy) into some very cool space adventures, both in space and on land, and all of which uses the Nintendo 3DS in some pretty innovative ways.
For example, you can use the gyroscope in the Nintendo 3DS to tilt your ship any which way you want, so leaning into turns actually makes a difference. It feels very natural, and when used with the analog controls, you're able to get out of some pretty hair-raising situations. All that moving the system around makes the 3D fuzzy, but you can just turn the 3D slider down all the way for a clear view of the action.
Or you can play without the gyroscope and crank that 3D effect because the game is gorgeous. The stars and backgrounds have a great layering effect that makes this one of the best looking Nintendo 3DS games to come out. It's just a shame you almost have to choose either the gyro controls or the 3D effect, as both don't work too well at the same time.
Still this is a great game that is worth a purchase even if you have played the Nintendo 64 original. And if you haven't? You're in for a treat, as the story takes you from battle to battle, with a few variations that keeps things fresh. The main style of play will have you flying straight ahead as enemies come at you, and you just have to move the target around the screen to fire your lasers and bombs. This happens during many flying missions, although you'll hop in a tank for a very cool diversion a bit later in the game. There's also a free roam style that has you dogfighting against different enemies, including a few characters from the original game that are back to make life a pain for Fox.
The hardware shows off a great experience, although it's not perfect. It's still a lot of fun though (wait until you play against some of your friends in a very cool multiplayer mode) and worth a look!
Games.com Score: Four old rabbits in space (out of five)
the gunstringer
The Gunstringer
The Gunstringer is another Xbox 360 title worthy of a closer look. Made by the guys behind the indie sensation 'Splosion Man on Xbox Live, The Gunstringer uses the Xbox Kinect to bring to life the story of a cowboy with a sordid past out for revenge. And he happens to be an undead puppet. So, yeah, there's that.
Controlling the cowboy puppet is as simple as using your left hand to move him around like a marionette, while using your right hand to point like a pistol and shoot. This is as simple as it gets, folks, but it is a very fun time.
The story is full of laughs (just take a look at some of the audience members in your play), and the game changes it up quite a bit. One chapter will have you swinging your arm from side to side while avoiding boulders, while another will have you swiping at ninja enemies with your very own samurai blades.
Thứ Ba, 13 tháng 12, 2011
Adventure World RewardVille prizes now available
Amid the fanfare of Zynga's newest game Adventure World officially joining forces with the Indiana Jones brand, it might be easy to let the idea of RewardVille prizes slip your mind. Still, if you're an active player of many of Zynga's games, you'll be able to trade in your hard-earned zCoins for some prizes within this newest offering.
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead?
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead?
3 Blokes launches strategic assault on Facebook with Galactic Allies
Galactic Allies on Facebook
We can almost hear the 3 Blokes team in Australia screaming "Fire everything!" as they hit the proverbial "Launch" button on its first Facebook game under publisher RockYou, Galactic Allies. (It would be most appropriate, no?) Real-time strategy fans can jump in on the thrill of space-faring, asynchronous player vs player combat, complete with 3D visuals.
Essentially, Galactic Allies is RockYou and 3 Blokes's answer to the growing trend of hardcore strategy games on Facebook. However, the duo make a point of mentioning that this is a more casual approach to the burgeoning sub genre, and that the game features a heavy focus on an episodic storyline. And in keeping with current trends sparked by developers like Kixeye in War Commander, players can control units individually.
Gallery: Galactic Allies on Facebook
This means you'll likely be able to maneuver your starships around enemy fire, adding another layer of strategy to combat in the game. "Galactic Allies alters expectations for what a Facebook game can be," said 3 Blokes VP and GM George Fidler in a release. "It's a deep and compelling strategy game, but with the accessibility of a browser game." (It also looks like it takes the general idea behind Galactic Trader, one of 3 Blokes's first games, and blows it wide open using some familiar art assets.)
Hopefully this accessible approach will apply to the litany of upgrades players will accumulate across various missions and episodes. Judging from these early screen shots, it looks like Galactic Allies will focus heavily on dialog, but more importantly: Battles will take place both on the surface of alien planets and far above them in the infinite void. In other words, there will be plenty of things high and low to make go boom in Galactic Allies.
Click here to learn more about Galactic Allies on Facebook >
Are you a fan of strategy games on Facebook? How do you think Galactic Allies might size up against its competition?
We can almost hear the 3 Blokes team in Australia screaming "Fire everything!" as they hit the proverbial "Launch" button on its first Facebook game under publisher RockYou, Galactic Allies. (It would be most appropriate, no?) Real-time strategy fans can jump in on the thrill of space-faring, asynchronous player vs player combat, complete with 3D visuals.
Essentially, Galactic Allies is RockYou and 3 Blokes's answer to the growing trend of hardcore strategy games on Facebook. However, the duo make a point of mentioning that this is a more casual approach to the burgeoning sub genre, and that the game features a heavy focus on an episodic storyline. And in keeping with current trends sparked by developers like Kixeye in War Commander, players can control units individually.
Gallery: Galactic Allies on Facebook
This means you'll likely be able to maneuver your starships around enemy fire, adding another layer of strategy to combat in the game. "Galactic Allies alters expectations for what a Facebook game can be," said 3 Blokes VP and GM George Fidler in a release. "It's a deep and compelling strategy game, but with the accessibility of a browser game." (It also looks like it takes the general idea behind Galactic Trader, one of 3 Blokes's first games, and blows it wide open using some familiar art assets.)
Hopefully this accessible approach will apply to the litany of upgrades players will accumulate across various missions and episodes. Judging from these early screen shots, it looks like Galactic Allies will focus heavily on dialog, but more importantly: Battles will take place both on the surface of alien planets and far above them in the infinite void. In other words, there will be plenty of things high and low to make go boom in Galactic Allies.
Click here to learn more about Galactic Allies on Facebook >
Are you a fan of strategy games on Facebook? How do you think Galactic Allies might size up against its competition?
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 12, 2011
CityVille Halloween Sweet Tooth Goal: Everything you need to know
If the three Acts of Halloween Monsters goals in CityVille aren't enough to keep you busy until the end of the month, take a look at this new set of goals that deal with one of the side-effects of consuming so much Halloween candy - bad teeth! The Halloween Dentist goal is called "Sweet Tooth," or "By the Skin of My Teeth," if you prefer the menu name.
To complete this goal, you'll need to complete three tasks:
Place Demented Dentist
Complete Demented Dentist
Build Spooky House
As we've told you recently, the Demented Dentist is a new Community Building in the game that adds 1,500 Monsters to your town's maximum population cap. Here's a complete guide to constructing the building, with its basic item collection tasks (yes, unfortunately, this isn't a staff Community Building, as that would have made things a bit quicker, all things considered).
As for the Spooky House, this is a home that costs 18,500 coins to purchase from the store. If you use the "Show Me" button within the goal to be taken to the game's store, please keep in mind that you might need to scroll through a few pages of Halloween-themed items to actually find the house in question. While this goal technically wants you to build the Spooky House so your new demented dentist has a place to live, this one functions normally, giving you 130-250 Monsters when placed, and allowing you to collect 382 coins in rent every 3.2 days.
Once you complete this goal, you'll receive the Grooving Mummies decoration. This one is a 2x2 square decoration that offers a 15% payout bonus to surrounding businesses and homes, and a bonus 15% payout if placed next to other Halloween themed items. While this goal itself doesn't come stamped with a time limit, make sure to complete this goal sooner, rather than later, as it's likely that it won't stick around (at least for very long) after Halloween, if at all.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of this Halloween Sweet Tooth goal? Have we been given too much to work on in CityVille for Halloween, or is it "the more, the merrier" in your opinion?
To complete this goal, you'll need to complete three tasks:
Place Demented Dentist
Complete Demented Dentist
Build Spooky House
As we've told you recently, the Demented Dentist is a new Community Building in the game that adds 1,500 Monsters to your town's maximum population cap. Here's a complete guide to constructing the building, with its basic item collection tasks (yes, unfortunately, this isn't a staff Community Building, as that would have made things a bit quicker, all things considered).
As for the Spooky House, this is a home that costs 18,500 coins to purchase from the store. If you use the "Show Me" button within the goal to be taken to the game's store, please keep in mind that you might need to scroll through a few pages of Halloween-themed items to actually find the house in question. While this goal technically wants you to build the Spooky House so your new demented dentist has a place to live, this one functions normally, giving you 130-250 Monsters when placed, and allowing you to collect 382 coins in rent every 3.2 days.
Once you complete this goal, you'll receive the Grooving Mummies decoration. This one is a 2x2 square decoration that offers a 15% payout bonus to surrounding businesses and homes, and a bonus 15% payout if placed next to other Halloween themed items. While this goal itself doesn't come stamped with a time limit, make sure to complete this goal sooner, rather than later, as it's likely that it won't stick around (at least for very long) after Halloween, if at all.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of this Halloween Sweet Tooth goal? Have we been given too much to work on in CityVille for Halloween, or is it "the more, the merrier" in your opinion?
CityVille Run for Governor Act 3 Big Business Goals: Everything you need to know
Talk about bad timing. While there might be a few users ready to move on in CityVille's Run for Governor event, I can make a pretty easy assumption that most folks are too busy working on the game's many Halloween-themed events instead. Still, if you're ready to move on to some "normal" goals, you'll be happy to know that the first part of Act 3 has launched in the game's political event, this time seeing us move our focus to earning the support of Big Business. Specifically, our first part in Act 3 comes from a man named Salvador, who seems to be all about making money. Here's a guide to completing his three goals.
Raise the Stakes
Collect from City Hall, Clerk's Office or Court House 4 Times
Place one New Expansion
Ask for 10 Fundraiser RSVPs
Fundraiser RSVPs are earned by posting a general news item on your wall, asking your friends to help. As for the first task, we can confirm that you can collect from all three of these buildings at once to receive the first three points. You're not being asked to choose one individual building to collect from four separate times. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive "Salvador's," a business that requires 430 Goods to operate, and gives off 3,143 coins in earnings.
One Track Mind
Harvest 60 Alfalfa
Ask for 10 Horse Saddles
Collect from Salvador's 5 Times
What do rich people like to do in their spare time? According to CityVille, they like to go to the Horse Track, which just so happens to be the reward for finishing this goal. First, though, you'll need to harvest the Alfalfa (a six-hour crop) and ask your friends for the Horse Saddles. As for the Horse Racing Track itself, this is a community building that allows for 10,000 citizens to live in your town. When building it, you'll need to have 12 staff members (friends) come help you out to finish it off.
Crowd Control
Upgrade Salvador's to Level 2
Collect from Horse Racing Track 5 Times
Collect from any Casino 5 Times
Here, it looks like you might be able to collect from both the French Riviera Casino (if you've finished building it), along with the Mafia Wars 2 Casino that was given away for free, since the goal specifically says "any." We'll make sure to confirm that as soon as we can. As for upgrading Salvador's, you'll be able to reach Level 2 by supplying and collecting from Salvador's a whopping 125 times. For finishing this final goal in the Act 3 Part 1 Big Business series, you'll receive 5,000 Goods and 1,000 XP.
We'll make sure to let you know when additional Run for Governor goals launch in CityVille, so keep checking back with us. In the meantime, good luck completing these goals, and all others you might still be working on!
[Via: CityVille Wiki]
What do you think of these first Big Business goals? Will you drop everything to work on them, or are you going to take your time and complete more pressing goals / events first?
Raise the Stakes
Collect from City Hall, Clerk's Office or Court House 4 Times
Place one New Expansion
Ask for 10 Fundraiser RSVPs
Fundraiser RSVPs are earned by posting a general news item on your wall, asking your friends to help. As for the first task, we can confirm that you can collect from all three of these buildings at once to receive the first three points. You're not being asked to choose one individual building to collect from four separate times. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive "Salvador's," a business that requires 430 Goods to operate, and gives off 3,143 coins in earnings.
One Track Mind
Harvest 60 Alfalfa
Ask for 10 Horse Saddles
Collect from Salvador's 5 Times
What do rich people like to do in their spare time? According to CityVille, they like to go to the Horse Track, which just so happens to be the reward for finishing this goal. First, though, you'll need to harvest the Alfalfa (a six-hour crop) and ask your friends for the Horse Saddles. As for the Horse Racing Track itself, this is a community building that allows for 10,000 citizens to live in your town. When building it, you'll need to have 12 staff members (friends) come help you out to finish it off.
Crowd Control
Upgrade Salvador's to Level 2
Collect from Horse Racing Track 5 Times
Collect from any Casino 5 Times
Here, it looks like you might be able to collect from both the French Riviera Casino (if you've finished building it), along with the Mafia Wars 2 Casino that was given away for free, since the goal specifically says "any." We'll make sure to confirm that as soon as we can. As for upgrading Salvador's, you'll be able to reach Level 2 by supplying and collecting from Salvador's a whopping 125 times. For finishing this final goal in the Act 3 Part 1 Big Business series, you'll receive 5,000 Goods and 1,000 XP.
We'll make sure to let you know when additional Run for Governor goals launch in CityVille, so keep checking back with us. In the meantime, good luck completing these goals, and all others you might still be working on!
[Via: CityVille Wiki]
What do you think of these first Big Business goals? Will you drop everything to work on them, or are you going to take your time and complete more pressing goals / events first?
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 12, 2011
The Sims Social Cheats and Tips: Bunk Beds Stacking Guide
Move over carpet art, stacking in The Sims Social has become the de facto way of home design.
Our first guide showed you the basic principles of stacking, and gave you some cool, simple ideas to use. They only required one stacking tool. This one is going to take a bit more than that, but it's just as easy.
Many Sims Social items also aren't made to be stacked, so you'll need a workaround for it, which we'll show you here.
What You Need:
1) Six tables from the store that are two tile lengths long, preferably the Basix TV Stand - Tan (costs 350 Simoleons), because it's the cheapest option. (Another popular, though more expensive option is the ShortNSweet tables, but they've been discontinued.) My example also uses the Black stand (costs 650 Simoleons), cause I want to make it easier for you to see what I'm doing.
2) Any two beds you want. I'm using the SweetDreams Classic IV (the red one with the bed posts) and the Spartan Special.
Sims Social bunk bed requirements
Step 1: Arrange everything the way you see in the above picture. Unlike the first guide, which had you making and using one stacking tool, "L-tool". This time, you need to make two stacking tools. Let's start with the first tool.
Sims Social Stack Tool 1
Step 2: To make the first tool, look at the table set that has one Black stand and one Tan stand as its base. You need to grab that Black stand on the bottom and move it away. The Tan stand on the top should automatically get dragged off too when you do this. If this worked, then congrats! These two stuck tables are now your Stacking Tool #1. (Note: Always move your Tool by holding the bottom or it'll fall apart.)
Sims Social stacking tools
Step 3: You should have a leftover Tan stand after the first tool (shown in the above pic on the right). Take the leftover Tan stand and place it upon the other table set.
Sims Social Stacking Tool 2
Step 4: Now we need to make Stacking Tool #2 out of the second table set! To do that, grab the Black table to the far back and drag it away like you did with the first example. This should leave you with a leftover Black table, which you won't need anymore.
Sims Social bed stacking
Step 5: With your two stacking tools, you're now ready to stack the beds. Because your bed is three tile lengths long, you'll need to layer the tools on top of the bed like so -- Stacking Tool #2 will cover 2/3 of the bed, while Stacking Tool #1 will cover the last 1/3 of the bed. (Note again: Always move your Stacking Tools by holding their bottoms or they'll fall apart!)
Step 6: The next part is like the classic tablecloth trick, where your tablecloth are the stacking tools and the SweetDreams Classic IV bed is the table. Grab the bottom of Stacking Tool #1 to slide it away from the bed. Do the same for Stacking Tool #2. You should have a pair of bunk beds now where the red bed is on the bottom and the gray bed is floating above it!
Sims Social Bunk Beds and Plush
BONUS: Would you like to put Plumpkins Bear plush on the top of the gray bed like you see in the picture? To do that, simple add two of the TV stands to Stacking Tool #1. Then shove the tool on top of the gray bed, like in the first guide, and put Plumpkins Bear on top of the beds and the stands. As you see in the above picture, there's two Tans and one Black stand perched atop the Black base. When you move the Black base, Plumpkins Bear will stay on the gray bed!
Sims Social bed action
Now to see if the beds will work after all that fussing, and guess what? My Sim can nap or sleep and there's no glitches in sight. SUCCESS!
Finally, special thanks to Jhail for first posting about bunk beds in the official forums.
What other items do you think will look good stacked together?
Our first guide showed you the basic principles of stacking, and gave you some cool, simple ideas to use. They only required one stacking tool. This one is going to take a bit more than that, but it's just as easy.
Many Sims Social items also aren't made to be stacked, so you'll need a workaround for it, which we'll show you here.
What You Need:
1) Six tables from the store that are two tile lengths long, preferably the Basix TV Stand - Tan (costs 350 Simoleons), because it's the cheapest option. (Another popular, though more expensive option is the ShortNSweet tables, but they've been discontinued.) My example also uses the Black stand (costs 650 Simoleons), cause I want to make it easier for you to see what I'm doing.
2) Any two beds you want. I'm using the SweetDreams Classic IV (the red one with the bed posts) and the Spartan Special.
Sims Social bunk bed requirements
Step 1: Arrange everything the way you see in the above picture. Unlike the first guide, which had you making and using one stacking tool, "L-tool". This time, you need to make two stacking tools. Let's start with the first tool.
Sims Social Stack Tool 1
Step 2: To make the first tool, look at the table set that has one Black stand and one Tan stand as its base. You need to grab that Black stand on the bottom and move it away. The Tan stand on the top should automatically get dragged off too when you do this. If this worked, then congrats! These two stuck tables are now your Stacking Tool #1. (Note: Always move your Tool by holding the bottom or it'll fall apart.)
Sims Social stacking tools
Step 3: You should have a leftover Tan stand after the first tool (shown in the above pic on the right). Take the leftover Tan stand and place it upon the other table set.
Sims Social Stacking Tool 2
Step 4: Now we need to make Stacking Tool #2 out of the second table set! To do that, grab the Black table to the far back and drag it away like you did with the first example. This should leave you with a leftover Black table, which you won't need anymore.
Sims Social bed stacking
Step 5: With your two stacking tools, you're now ready to stack the beds. Because your bed is three tile lengths long, you'll need to layer the tools on top of the bed like so -- Stacking Tool #2 will cover 2/3 of the bed, while Stacking Tool #1 will cover the last 1/3 of the bed. (Note again: Always move your Stacking Tools by holding their bottoms or they'll fall apart!)
Step 6: The next part is like the classic tablecloth trick, where your tablecloth are the stacking tools and the SweetDreams Classic IV bed is the table. Grab the bottom of Stacking Tool #1 to slide it away from the bed. Do the same for Stacking Tool #2. You should have a pair of bunk beds now where the red bed is on the bottom and the gray bed is floating above it!
Sims Social Bunk Beds and Plush
BONUS: Would you like to put Plumpkins Bear plush on the top of the gray bed like you see in the picture? To do that, simple add two of the TV stands to Stacking Tool #1. Then shove the tool on top of the gray bed, like in the first guide, and put Plumpkins Bear on top of the beds and the stands. As you see in the above picture, there's two Tans and one Black stand perched atop the Black base. When you move the Black base, Plumpkins Bear will stay on the gray bed!
Sims Social bed action
Now to see if the beds will work after all that fussing, and guess what? My Sim can nap or sleep and there's no glitches in sight. SUCCESS!
Finally, special thanks to Jhail for first posting about bunk beds in the official forums.
What other items do you think will look good stacked together?
Word Trick: Take your Facebook word game to the next level with bonus point tiles
Fans of word games like Scrabble or crosswords have a new option to dive into on Facebook via the launch of Word Trick from recently formed social game developer Outplay Entertainment. In Word Trick, you start out with a setup incredibly similar to Scrabble, giving you a chance to play against others by forming words either horizontally or vertically using individual letter tiles. However, the "trick" or catch to the game comes with special green Trick Tiles, that gives you bonus points when used in bulk in the same word.
You'll need to match three or more green Trick Tiles to earn a bonus score, but the more tiles you use, the higher your score multiplier (for that word) climbs. Gameplay is turn-based, with the traditional Double / Triple Letter and Double / Triple Word score spots being scattered throughout the game board, and you'll only have a selection of seven letters with which to create a word on each turn.
There doesn't seem to be a lack of green Trick Tiles in the game, but this is due to the fact that the tiles turn back to yellow (the standard color) after each turn, meaning that you can't use your opponents' letters to create an even bigger score for yourself. That is, if your opponent played the word "Friend," you couldn't simply add an "S' to the end to create "Friends" for a massive bonus. You could still play that S, but you won't gain the Trick Tile bonus.
On top of simply playing with random opponents, you can also start games with your Facebook friends by inviting them from a list (or being invited, if that friend is already playing the game). You can have multiple games running at once (up to 21), which allows you to always have something to do, and you can even invite more than one person to join in a single game (for a total of four players, including yourself).
There's a chat system available, so players can talk without Facebook's own chat system getting in the way (especially helpful if you just want to make casual conversation with the stranger you're playing against), and you'll have the option of sharing your most impressive words on your wall for friends to see, or to email opponents reminders that it's their turn.
Gallery: Word Trick Facebook
Unfortunately, while the game's Trick Tiles do add a bit of a unique flair to Word Trick, the game is still incredibly similar to Words with Friends or even the original Scrabble itself. Still, with a future release on iOS, and the possibility of cross-platform play (whether or not that will be available has yet to be announced by Outplay), along with the ability for four-player games, there is a definite draw to Word Trick. It's not just about creating the "smartest" words anymore, and just because you place that Q on the Triple Letter square doesn't mean you're guaranteed a victory. You'll need to use those Trick Tiles to your advantage, allowing even the humblest of plays to launch you to the top.
If you'd like to try your hand at Word Trick against strangers or friends, head on over to the game's page on Facebook.
Play Word Trick on Facebook -->
Have you tried Word Trick on Facebook? What do you think of this twist on the classic Scrabble formula?
You'll need to match three or more green Trick Tiles to earn a bonus score, but the more tiles you use, the higher your score multiplier (for that word) climbs. Gameplay is turn-based, with the traditional Double / Triple Letter and Double / Triple Word score spots being scattered throughout the game board, and you'll only have a selection of seven letters with which to create a word on each turn.
There doesn't seem to be a lack of green Trick Tiles in the game, but this is due to the fact that the tiles turn back to yellow (the standard color) after each turn, meaning that you can't use your opponents' letters to create an even bigger score for yourself. That is, if your opponent played the word "Friend," you couldn't simply add an "S' to the end to create "Friends" for a massive bonus. You could still play that S, but you won't gain the Trick Tile bonus.
On top of simply playing with random opponents, you can also start games with your Facebook friends by inviting them from a list (or being invited, if that friend is already playing the game). You can have multiple games running at once (up to 21), which allows you to always have something to do, and you can even invite more than one person to join in a single game (for a total of four players, including yourself).
There's a chat system available, so players can talk without Facebook's own chat system getting in the way (especially helpful if you just want to make casual conversation with the stranger you're playing against), and you'll have the option of sharing your most impressive words on your wall for friends to see, or to email opponents reminders that it's their turn.
Gallery: Word Trick Facebook
Unfortunately, while the game's Trick Tiles do add a bit of a unique flair to Word Trick, the game is still incredibly similar to Words with Friends or even the original Scrabble itself. Still, with a future release on iOS, and the possibility of cross-platform play (whether or not that will be available has yet to be announced by Outplay), along with the ability for four-player games, there is a definite draw to Word Trick. It's not just about creating the "smartest" words anymore, and just because you place that Q on the Triple Letter square doesn't mean you're guaranteed a victory. You'll need to use those Trick Tiles to your advantage, allowing even the humblest of plays to launch you to the top.
If you'd like to try your hand at Word Trick against strangers or friends, head on over to the game's page on Facebook.
Play Word Trick on Facebook -->
Have you tried Word Trick on Facebook? What do you think of this twist on the classic Scrabble formula?
Booty Quest offers match-three gameplay in 90-second bursts on Facebook
While there isn't a shortage of match-three games on Facebook, or even those games that time you in short bursts (normally 60 seconds), Outplay Entertainment hopes to give the genre a "kick in the booty" via its pirate-themed Booty Quest, which is now live on Facebook.
Booty Quest challenges players to earn the highest score possible in 90-second increments by matching three or more jewels on a grid. By matching four or more jewels in a single move, power-up gems are created. For instance, a match of four creates the Bomb Gem which can be used to remove a square of nine gems from the board at once, while matches of five give you a Storm Gem that blows much larger sections of gems away. You can even activate Blaze Mode for creating matches in rapid succession.
While all of this sounds incredibly similar to the standard - Bejeweled Blitz - and it in fact is incredibly similar, there are some differences, aside from being given 90 seconds instead of 60. For one, the Blaze Mode allows you to clear entire rows of columns of gems while activated, simply by making that kind of a match (horizontal or vertical, respectively). In addition, your score multiplier increases over time, as you make more and more matches, rather than requiring you to destroy special multiplier gems. Of course, the quicker you make matches, the quicker your multiplier sores. These differences would seem to make the game easier for those who aren't as good at manipulating the board to create matches where they need to be (for those multiplier gems). Finally, the in-game level system gives you a bigger boost to your scores as you play more and more.
Unfortunately, you'll limited to playing just give games at once, with your "Lives," or individual games recharging over time as a sort of energy system. You can purchase additional games instantly for premium currency, or can ask your friends to send you those Lives for free (of course, that requires you to have friends that also play the game, which might be difficult in this early stage).
Gallery: Booty Quest Facebook
Speaking of social features, you'll be able to compare your scores to those of your friends, and climb an overall leaderboard for a weekly tournament. However, there doesn't seem to be a real incentive to make your way to the top of this leaderboard, except for basic bragging rights (not that those aren't fun in their own right).
Add to all of this a series of achievements that reward you for tasks like activating Blaze Mode or reaching a certain multiplier level and you have a system that's as addictive as the other match-three games on Facebook. It's just unfortunate that there are so many of them out there already, which will likely hurt Booty Quest over the long haul. Still, if you've already made your way to the top of your friends leaderboard in Bejeweled Blitz, or are simply looking for a new game to sink your time into, Booty Quest is worth a look.
Play Booty Quest on Facebook -->
Have you tried Booty Quest on Facebook? Do you need another match-three game to play on Facebook? Which of these kinds of games is your favorite
Booty Quest challenges players to earn the highest score possible in 90-second increments by matching three or more jewels on a grid. By matching four or more jewels in a single move, power-up gems are created. For instance, a match of four creates the Bomb Gem which can be used to remove a square of nine gems from the board at once, while matches of five give you a Storm Gem that blows much larger sections of gems away. You can even activate Blaze Mode for creating matches in rapid succession.
While all of this sounds incredibly similar to the standard - Bejeweled Blitz - and it in fact is incredibly similar, there are some differences, aside from being given 90 seconds instead of 60. For one, the Blaze Mode allows you to clear entire rows of columns of gems while activated, simply by making that kind of a match (horizontal or vertical, respectively). In addition, your score multiplier increases over time, as you make more and more matches, rather than requiring you to destroy special multiplier gems. Of course, the quicker you make matches, the quicker your multiplier sores. These differences would seem to make the game easier for those who aren't as good at manipulating the board to create matches where they need to be (for those multiplier gems). Finally, the in-game level system gives you a bigger boost to your scores as you play more and more.
Unfortunately, you'll limited to playing just give games at once, with your "Lives," or individual games recharging over time as a sort of energy system. You can purchase additional games instantly for premium currency, or can ask your friends to send you those Lives for free (of course, that requires you to have friends that also play the game, which might be difficult in this early stage).
Gallery: Booty Quest Facebook
Speaking of social features, you'll be able to compare your scores to those of your friends, and climb an overall leaderboard for a weekly tournament. However, there doesn't seem to be a real incentive to make your way to the top of this leaderboard, except for basic bragging rights (not that those aren't fun in their own right).
Add to all of this a series of achievements that reward you for tasks like activating Blaze Mode or reaching a certain multiplier level and you have a system that's as addictive as the other match-three games on Facebook. It's just unfortunate that there are so many of them out there already, which will likely hurt Booty Quest over the long haul. Still, if you've already made your way to the top of your friends leaderboard in Bejeweled Blitz, or are simply looking for a new game to sink your time into, Booty Quest is worth a look.
Play Booty Quest on Facebook -->
Have you tried Booty Quest on Facebook? Do you need another match-three game to play on Facebook? Which of these kinds of games is your favorite
FarmVille: Zynga apologizes for Winter Wonderland glitches with free gift
If you're just taking a trip to Winter Wonderland in FarmVille, you might not have noticed some of the glitches that were taking place on this newest farm. While many users (myself included) may have never experienced these glitches (aside from the game running incredibly slowly while on that farm), we've all been given a free item by way of an apology from Zynga.
The next time you login to your game, you'll receive a pop-up from Zynga: "Thanks for playing Winter Wonderland! The elves caused a few glitches, but they also left a gift in your giftbox! Enjoy!" Sure enough, heading into your Gift Box shows you the Snowy Winter Fountain. Since this item has popped into your Gift Box, feel free to place it on a farm that isn't your Winter Wonderland farm, as we've tested it and have found that the item isn't locked to just that farm.
While there isn't a time limit posted for when this item will stop being available, we can only assume it will vanish soon. Make sure to login to your farm as soon as possible for your chance at a free Snowy Winter Fountain and make sure to let us know if you've noticed your Winter Wonderland running better than before - we'd love to hear from you!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Did you receive your free Snowy Winter Fountain in FarmVille? Did you notice any glitches in Winter Wonderland, or are you just receiving this item "for nothing?"
The next time you login to your game, you'll receive a pop-up from Zynga: "Thanks for playing Winter Wonderland! The elves caused a few glitches, but they also left a gift in your giftbox! Enjoy!" Sure enough, heading into your Gift Box shows you the Snowy Winter Fountain. Since this item has popped into your Gift Box, feel free to place it on a farm that isn't your Winter Wonderland farm, as we've tested it and have found that the item isn't locked to just that farm.
While there isn't a time limit posted for when this item will stop being available, we can only assume it will vanish soon. Make sure to login to your farm as soon as possible for your chance at a free Snowy Winter Fountain and make sure to let us know if you've noticed your Winter Wonderland running better than before - we'd love to hear from you!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Did you receive your free Snowy Winter Fountain in FarmVille? Did you notice any glitches in Winter Wonderland, or are you just receiving this item "for nothing?"
FarmVille: Play CastleVille for 10 free Instant Grows
No, this isn't a case of deja vu. After launching a cross promotion between FarmVille and CastleVille late last month, Zynga apparently decided that 5 free Instant Grows (the prize in that last promotion) just wasn't good enough. Why? Well, it's now offering yet another promotion, this time to users that can reach at least Level 10 in CastleVille.
The same rules apply to this promotion as before - you'll simply need to play CastleVille until you reach Level 10, and will the be able to come back to FarmVille to receive a new batch of 10 free Instant Grows. However, there is a slight catch. Instead of being given these Instant Grows, well... instantly, we'll have to wait until December 19 when they'll be given away. At that point, there should be a mass release of these potions to anyone that was eligible for them, which actually gives you plenty of time (almost two weeks) to reach Level 10, if you've yet to do so.
For a better look at getting ahead (and fast) in CastleVille, make sure to check out our tips and tricks.
Will you continue to play CastleVille until you reach Level 10 in order to earn the 10 free Instant Grows in FarmVille? Have you already used the five you received from the first promotion?
The same rules apply to this promotion as before - you'll simply need to play CastleVille until you reach Level 10, and will the be able to come back to FarmVille to receive a new batch of 10 free Instant Grows. However, there is a slight catch. Instead of being given these Instant Grows, well... instantly, we'll have to wait until December 19 when they'll be given away. At that point, there should be a mass release of these potions to anyone that was eligible for them, which actually gives you plenty of time (almost two weeks) to reach Level 10, if you've yet to do so.
For a better look at getting ahead (and fast) in CastleVille, make sure to check out our tips and tricks.
Will you continue to play CastleVille until you reach Level 10 in order to earn the 10 free Instant Grows in FarmVille? Have you already used the five you received from the first promotion?
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