Personally, we love the now frequent additions of extremely unique, or otherwise impossible-in-the-real-world trees that have been released in FarmVille over the past few weeks. Keeping with this new in-game theme of sorts is tonight's release of the Confetti Tree, a bright, colorful tree that has been released as part of the New Years theme of limited edition items.
The Confetti Tree costs 5 Farm Cash to add to your farm, and can be harvested once every 2 days. You'll gain just 15 experience points for purchasing the tree, but you'll also make 150 coins each and every time you harvest it (of course, the tree grows colorful clusters of confetti).
As of this writing, the rumors surrounding this tree are that if you add this level 1 Confetti Tree to an Orchard on your farm, you'll have a chance to spawning a level 2 Disco Ball Tree as a Mystery Seedling. We'll be sure to confirm or deny this as more information becomes available, but either way, Disco Ball Trees have begun showing up as Mystery Seedlings, so make sure to collect all that you see your friends posts on your news feed!
The Confetti Tree will be available in the game for the next 21 days, and for those that are still on a holiday kick, it can be decorated with Lights and Snow once you purchase it. The tree is masterable, with the first star of mastery being available after 75 harvests.
Check out the rest of our New Year's coverage right here.
What do you think of the Confetti Tree?
Thứ Hai, 30 tháng 1, 2012
FarmVille Winter Countdown: Everything you need to know
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
The Winter Countdown has officially launched in FarmVille, allowing users to earn and share 12 unique items in a Holiday / Winter theme, one item per day, in an effort to earn themselves a very special prize at the end of the 12 day Winter Countdown.
This event will take a bit of cooperation between yourself and your FarmVille neighbors, so meet us behind the break to see how you can help your friends (and help yourself) earn these 13 new items! First, you'll only be able to start participating in the event when you see a pop-up like the one at the top of this post, alerting you that the Countdown has officially started in your own game. We're expecting this to be a slow rollout, as most new features are in FarmVille, so if you don't see the countdown the next time you log into the game - don't panic!
Once you accept the pop-up above, you'll be shown the Winter Countdown menu, where each day, a new item will be revealed. This initial item for day 1 is the White Soldier, a returning item from last year's Winter Holiday celebration. If you were playing the game at this time last year, and have a White Soldier already present on your land, this will NOT count as participation for Day 1 in this year's Winter Countdown - you will need to earn another one in order to earn credit for participating. The same will go for any other re-released items that we'll see launched in this event, such as the Gold Ornament (seen in the top image).
To do so, you'll need to click on the Ask/Share button underneath the item's name. This will allow you to post a news post to your feed, sharing a White Soldier with friends, and simultaneously asking your friends to send you a White Soldier as well.
Each day, a new item will be available to send, and if you can manage to log-in to the game and collect all 12 items as they are available (that is, login consistently and collect each day's item for the next 12 days in a row), you'll receive a special bonus prize at the end. The prize is shown at the bottom of the Winter Countdown menu, and looks like a Mystery Animal Crate.
To access the Winter Countdown menu at any time, you'll need to look out for the Blue and Red wrapped present icon that will be found in the top right corner of the FarmVille gameplay area. Don't worry about closing the window when you first see it upon launching the game, as this icon will allow instant access to the event from here on out.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Will you participate in the Winter Countdown event in FarmVille, or are you still occupied trying to add guests to your New Year's Even Party Barn?
The Winter Countdown has officially launched in FarmVille, allowing users to earn and share 12 unique items in a Holiday / Winter theme, one item per day, in an effort to earn themselves a very special prize at the end of the 12 day Winter Countdown.
This event will take a bit of cooperation between yourself and your FarmVille neighbors, so meet us behind the break to see how you can help your friends (and help yourself) earn these 13 new items! First, you'll only be able to start participating in the event when you see a pop-up like the one at the top of this post, alerting you that the Countdown has officially started in your own game. We're expecting this to be a slow rollout, as most new features are in FarmVille, so if you don't see the countdown the next time you log into the game - don't panic!
Once you accept the pop-up above, you'll be shown the Winter Countdown menu, where each day, a new item will be revealed. This initial item for day 1 is the White Soldier, a returning item from last year's Winter Holiday celebration. If you were playing the game at this time last year, and have a White Soldier already present on your land, this will NOT count as participation for Day 1 in this year's Winter Countdown - you will need to earn another one in order to earn credit for participating. The same will go for any other re-released items that we'll see launched in this event, such as the Gold Ornament (seen in the top image).
To do so, you'll need to click on the Ask/Share button underneath the item's name. This will allow you to post a news post to your feed, sharing a White Soldier with friends, and simultaneously asking your friends to send you a White Soldier as well.
Each day, a new item will be available to send, and if you can manage to log-in to the game and collect all 12 items as they are available (that is, login consistently and collect each day's item for the next 12 days in a row), you'll receive a special bonus prize at the end. The prize is shown at the bottom of the Winter Countdown menu, and looks like a Mystery Animal Crate.
To access the Winter Countdown menu at any time, you'll need to look out for the Blue and Red wrapped present icon that will be found in the top right corner of the FarmVille gameplay area. Don't worry about closing the window when you first see it upon launching the game, as this icon will allow instant access to the event from here on out.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Will you participate in the Winter Countdown event in FarmVille, or are you still occupied trying to add guests to your New Year's Even Party Barn?
FarmVille Mystery Game (12/26/10): Best of Animals Week
If you're a big animal collector in FarmVille, you'll be happy to know that this week's Mystery Game has been released, and it contains a new set of six exclusive animals that are sure to set your zoological gene on fire. This week's game will cost 20 Farm Cash to play, for each individual dart you'd like to play, which is 4 Farm Cash more than the "normal" 16 Farm Cash price.
This week's game contains the following items that are up for grabs:
Baby Giraffe
Baby Zebra
Purple Mane Pony
White Lion Cub
White Unicorn
Camargue Horse
If you missed your chance at some of these items when they were released previously in the game (the Camargue Horse was released as part of the French Chateau theme, for instance), you'll want to make sure to try your hand at this week's Mystery Game, as there's no telling when (if ever) the items will make another reappearance in the game after this week.
This week's game contains the following items that are up for grabs:
Baby Giraffe
Baby Zebra
Purple Mane Pony
White Lion Cub
White Unicorn
Camargue Horse
If you missed your chance at some of these items when they were released previously in the game (the Camargue Horse was released as part of the French Chateau theme, for instance), you'll want to make sure to try your hand at this week's Mystery Game, as there's no telling when (if ever) the items will make another reappearance in the game after this week.
FarmVille New Years Items: New Year Horse, Party House, Cider Fountain & More
In tonight's FarmVille update, we see what is presumably the first of multiple New Years items being released in the marketplace. There is a new animal, building, and a set of new decorations available to purchase, and we have all of the information about these new items here for your browsing pleasure.
All together, these items are mostly Farm Cash items that will set you back a pretty penny (or virtual Farm Cash) if you choose to purchase them all, but there is one item for those that would rather stay clear of spending premium currency. Meet us behind the break to find out what it is. First off, the new animal is the New Year Horse, which should look familiar, as we brought you a Sneak Peek of this (and many other items in this release) last week. The New Year Horse costs 22 Farm Cash, and comes outfitted with a cute Top Hat, noise maker, and New Years Sash. If purchased, you can harvest from your New Year Horse once every three days, to receive 140 coins each time. Of course, you'll also be able to place the New Year Horse in your Horse Stable, offering the potential to receive a New Year Foal (with matching top hat and sash).
Moving on, the new building is the animated Party House. This building costs 25 Farm Cash, and is a brightly decorated building with pulsing lights shooting from the windows, two rotating spotlights from the roof of the home, and four clusters of balloons perched at the home's corners. Sure, it might be a tad expensive, considering that it is just a decorative building, but the sheer quality of the animation seems to make it worth the price.
Finally, there are three decorations that are now available to purchase, two of which are Farm Cash-only. These items are the Cider Fountain and the New Year Band. The Cider Fountain is another animated item, which consists of a large tower of glasses over which Cider is pouring down, into a large trough at the bottom. It costs 15 Farm Cash to add to your farm. The New Year Band costs 20 Farm Cash, and is a truly clever item, consisting of a three piece band, instruments, stage equipment and lighting, with the band being made up of a Chicken drummer, a Duck guitarist, and a sheep playing the keyboard. How cute!
The other decoration is a simple stationary Happy New Year sign that costs just 4,800 coins to add to your land. Even if you don't want to spend the Farm Cash on these other items, this sign will allow you to still celebrate the holiday in fashion. You'll gain 48 experience points for purchasing the sign, which will only be available for the next 5 days.
All other items will be available for the next 13 days, so keep these separate time limits in mind when deciding which items to purchase. You wouldn't want to miss out on collecting any of these neat items, now would you?
All together, these items are mostly Farm Cash items that will set you back a pretty penny (or virtual Farm Cash) if you choose to purchase them all, but there is one item for those that would rather stay clear of spending premium currency. Meet us behind the break to find out what it is. First off, the new animal is the New Year Horse, which should look familiar, as we brought you a Sneak Peek of this (and many other items in this release) last week. The New Year Horse costs 22 Farm Cash, and comes outfitted with a cute Top Hat, noise maker, and New Years Sash. If purchased, you can harvest from your New Year Horse once every three days, to receive 140 coins each time. Of course, you'll also be able to place the New Year Horse in your Horse Stable, offering the potential to receive a New Year Foal (with matching top hat and sash).
Moving on, the new building is the animated Party House. This building costs 25 Farm Cash, and is a brightly decorated building with pulsing lights shooting from the windows, two rotating spotlights from the roof of the home, and four clusters of balloons perched at the home's corners. Sure, it might be a tad expensive, considering that it is just a decorative building, but the sheer quality of the animation seems to make it worth the price.
Finally, there are three decorations that are now available to purchase, two of which are Farm Cash-only. These items are the Cider Fountain and the New Year Band. The Cider Fountain is another animated item, which consists of a large tower of glasses over which Cider is pouring down, into a large trough at the bottom. It costs 15 Farm Cash to add to your farm. The New Year Band costs 20 Farm Cash, and is a truly clever item, consisting of a three piece band, instruments, stage equipment and lighting, with the band being made up of a Chicken drummer, a Duck guitarist, and a sheep playing the keyboard. How cute!
The other decoration is a simple stationary Happy New Year sign that costs just 4,800 coins to add to your land. Even if you don't want to spend the Farm Cash on these other items, this sign will allow you to still celebrate the holiday in fashion. You'll gain 48 experience points for purchasing the sign, which will only be available for the next 5 days.
All other items will be available for the next 13 days, so keep these separate time limits in mind when deciding which items to purchase. You wouldn't want to miss out on collecting any of these neat items, now would you?
FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions: Everything you need to know for Day 5
frontierville 12 days of christmas missions day 5
If you've been completing FrontierVille's 12 Days of Christmas Missions, you probably already know that today is Day 5. The Fifth Day requires a good deal of work to be done for your neighbors, so be careful not to do any unnecessary neighbor work. Unfortunately, unlike normal energy, your neighbor energy doesn't recharge. You won't get more energy to help your neighbors until tomorrow. So use it wisely if you want to complete FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions: Day Five.
Otherwise, FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5 is pretty straightforward. Here's what you have to do:
Tend Five Neighbor Cows
Tend Five Neighbor Oxen
Collect Five Friends to Go Caroling!
Tending five cows and five oxen is as simple as it sounds. But like I said earlier, help your neighbors carefully. Especially if you don't have a lot of neighbors (like me), scout out which friends have cows and oxen first. It would be tragic to discover you tended five oxen for the only neighbor with cows. Make a mistake and completing FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5 will be an impossible feat.
frontierville christmas missions day 5
As for collecting five friends to go caroling, this should also be straightforward assuming you have five friends that play FrontierVille consistently. All you have to do is click the "Ask Friends" button (pictured at the top) and post the notice to your wall. After five friends help you out by clicking "I Want In" on your wall, FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions: Day 5 will be a thing of the past. Well done folks.
frontierville christmas missions day 5
Note: FrontierVille has reported some issues on Facebook. If you're having trouble finishing FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5, just be patient and it will be working fine before long.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Have you completed any FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions?
If you've been completing FrontierVille's 12 Days of Christmas Missions, you probably already know that today is Day 5. The Fifth Day requires a good deal of work to be done for your neighbors, so be careful not to do any unnecessary neighbor work. Unfortunately, unlike normal energy, your neighbor energy doesn't recharge. You won't get more energy to help your neighbors until tomorrow. So use it wisely if you want to complete FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions: Day Five.
Otherwise, FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5 is pretty straightforward. Here's what you have to do:
Tend Five Neighbor Cows
Tend Five Neighbor Oxen
Collect Five Friends to Go Caroling!
Tending five cows and five oxen is as simple as it sounds. But like I said earlier, help your neighbors carefully. Especially if you don't have a lot of neighbors (like me), scout out which friends have cows and oxen first. It would be tragic to discover you tended five oxen for the only neighbor with cows. Make a mistake and completing FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5 will be an impossible feat.
frontierville christmas missions day 5
As for collecting five friends to go caroling, this should also be straightforward assuming you have five friends that play FrontierVille consistently. All you have to do is click the "Ask Friends" button (pictured at the top) and post the notice to your wall. After five friends help you out by clicking "I Want In" on your wall, FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions: Day 5 will be a thing of the past. Well done folks.
frontierville christmas missions day 5
Note: FrontierVille has reported some issues on Facebook. If you're having trouble finishing FrontierVille Christmas Mission Day 5, just be patient and it will be working fine before long.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2010 coverage right here.
Have you completed any FrontierVille 12 Days of Christmas Missions?
Thứ Tư, 11 tháng 1, 2012
Nintendo gives in to 'free' with new iPhone, Android Pokemon game
An official, free Pokémon app (created by Nintendo) is coming to iPhones and Android phones this summer, Kotaku reports. Read that sentence again, and if you know anything about Nintendo, you'll know that this is huge.
In essence, this will be the first Pokemon game (and perhaps the first Nintendo property) to release on a competitor's platform. The is roughly translated from Japanese as "Pokémon Say Tap? BW," and it will rely heavily on music in a Pokémon timing game.
And did we mention that the game will be free. As in, cost no money and probably have to rely on either advertisements or micro-transactions to be profitable?
Wait, didn't Nintendo president Satoru Iwata just finish denouncing free as a bad move for Nintendo (but social is okay)--so much so that he proverbially hammered the final nail in the coffin in saying, "There are great examples of advertising and doing the micro-transactions, and several companies who have come up with that kind of system. But on the other hand, if you ask me, is this the system that can be sustained for the long time?" Why yes, yes he did say that.
In essence, this will be the first Pokemon game (and perhaps the first Nintendo property) to release on a competitor's platform. The is roughly translated from Japanese as "Pokémon Say Tap? BW," and it will rely heavily on music in a Pokémon timing game.
And did we mention that the game will be free. As in, cost no money and probably have to rely on either advertisements or micro-transactions to be profitable?
Wait, didn't Nintendo president Satoru Iwata just finish denouncing free as a bad move for Nintendo (but social is okay)--so much so that he proverbially hammered the final nail in the coffin in saying, "There are great examples of advertising and doing the micro-transactions, and several companies who have come up with that kind of system. But on the other hand, if you ask me, is this the system that can be sustained for the long time?" Why yes, yes he did say that.
Zynga buys 12 companies for fraction of what Disney spent on Playdom
Has Disney been shopping in the wrong places? VentureBeat reports that Zynga spent a total of $123 million in cash and stock for 12 companies over the past year.
That number is about a seventh of what Disney paid--around $763 million--for a single company, Playdom. Not to mention that it's a third of what EA paid for Playfish in 2009: around $400 million.
Of course, Zynga has bought considerably smaller companies, but it's also a sign that Zynga has been far more savvy in its purchases (and its uses for them) than its competitors. The most it paid for a studio was $53 million for Newtoy, the creators of Words with Friends and now Hanging with Friends under the big red dog.
Zynga just filed for IPO last week, valuing the company at nearly $20 billion, which is far more than the two most valuable gaming companies in the world, EA and Activision Blizzard. These small time purchases-turned-big time hit machines is surely a lynch pin in Zynga's strategy--though snagging a few major league execs helps, too. Perhaps the competition should consider going small instead of, say, eying up PopCap for $1 billion.
That number is about a seventh of what Disney paid--around $763 million--for a single company, Playdom. Not to mention that it's a third of what EA paid for Playfish in 2009: around $400 million.
Of course, Zynga has bought considerably smaller companies, but it's also a sign that Zynga has been far more savvy in its purchases (and its uses for them) than its competitors. The most it paid for a studio was $53 million for Newtoy, the creators of Words with Friends and now Hanging with Friends under the big red dog.
Zynga just filed for IPO last week, valuing the company at nearly $20 billion, which is far more than the two most valuable gaming companies in the world, EA and Activision Blizzard. These small time purchases-turned-big time hit machines is surely a lynch pin in Zynga's strategy--though snagging a few major league execs helps, too. Perhaps the competition should consider going small instead of, say, eying up PopCap for $1 billion.
Top 25 Facebook Games - July 2011: Zynga's Empires & Allies conquers (almost) all
Hear ye, hear ye -- the numbers are in and it looks like Zynga's Empires & Allies has successfully arrived and conquered the competition since its launch last month, bumping its sibling FarmVille out of its #2 spot and possibly looking to overtake CityVille this summer.
Empires & Allies, often described as a combination of Risk and CityVille, seems to have struck a chord with social gamers who are hungry for something different. Instead of a standard simulation game where you tend a farm or build a city -- this new Zynga game adds a little more risk and competition than the usual Facebook fare, requiring players to grow their empires by building armies, managing resources, and then go to battle to keep their empires safe from invasion.
That, plus the fact that Empires & Allies launched simultaneously in 12 languages and Zynga's impressive cross-promotional marketing powers, have helped ensure that the game starts strong. Now it's most likely a matter of time until we see the empire builder's popularity peak and then -- if it follows the same trajectory as CityVille and FarmVille -- drop and level off after a few months for a more realistic picture of its success.
top 25 facebook games july 2011
Other big Facebook game winners for June 2011 include Gaia Online's Pokemon-inspired Monster Galaxy (gaining an awe-worthy 6.6 million players), Playdom's hidden object game Gardens of Time (up 1 million players) and Wooga's Bejeweled clone Diamond Dash (up 800k players).
Other Zynga games, in the meantime, did not have as spectacular a showing as Empires & Allies in June. FarmVille hemorrhaged another 6 million players, 1 million players went missing from Mafia Wars and YoVille has dropped off the top 25 list completely. This highlights the fact that social games need to innovate or die -- and it'll be interesting to see how upcoming brand-name games, such as Sid Meier's Civilization World and Playfish's Risk Factions, will shake things up in the next few months.
Empires & Allies, often described as a combination of Risk and CityVille, seems to have struck a chord with social gamers who are hungry for something different. Instead of a standard simulation game where you tend a farm or build a city -- this new Zynga game adds a little more risk and competition than the usual Facebook fare, requiring players to grow their empires by building armies, managing resources, and then go to battle to keep their empires safe from invasion.
That, plus the fact that Empires & Allies launched simultaneously in 12 languages and Zynga's impressive cross-promotional marketing powers, have helped ensure that the game starts strong. Now it's most likely a matter of time until we see the empire builder's popularity peak and then -- if it follows the same trajectory as CityVille and FarmVille -- drop and level off after a few months for a more realistic picture of its success.
top 25 facebook games july 2011
Other big Facebook game winners for June 2011 include Gaia Online's Pokemon-inspired Monster Galaxy (gaining an awe-worthy 6.6 million players), Playdom's hidden object game Gardens of Time (up 1 million players) and Wooga's Bejeweled clone Diamond Dash (up 800k players).
Other Zynga games, in the meantime, did not have as spectacular a showing as Empires & Allies in June. FarmVille hemorrhaged another 6 million players, 1 million players went missing from Mafia Wars and YoVille has dropped off the top 25 list completely. This highlights the fact that social games need to innovate or die -- and it'll be interesting to see how upcoming brand-name games, such as Sid Meier's Civilization World and Playfish's Risk Factions, will shake things up in the next few months.
The Angry Birds movie is real, not coming until 2014 ... at least
According to former Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel, the Angry Birds movie is, in fact, happening. In an interview with Variety, Maisel revealed that franchise creator Rovio has hired him on a adviser and said, "There has been so much chatter about an Angry Birds movie, but now it's real. The process is starting now."
Rovio's recent purchase, a Finnish animation studio known as Kombo, will man the project. But first, the studio will create several short films starring the irate avian creatures that will act as foundation for the feature film.
And, according to Variety, Rovio has been clear in its intent to become the next Pixar. However, Rovio and Maisel don't expect the flick to release before 2014, according to The Telegraph.
This all begs the question: Will Angry Birds even be relevant three years from now? We've already seen mobile gaming (and Facebook game) hits come and go--Zynga pushes its own games out of the limelight regularly. While Rovio invests far more in expanding its brand, we're just wary of whether the company can sustain the fandom for another 1,095 days ... at least.
Rovio's recent purchase, a Finnish animation studio known as Kombo, will man the project. But first, the studio will create several short films starring the irate avian creatures that will act as foundation for the feature film.
And, according to Variety, Rovio has been clear in its intent to become the next Pixar. However, Rovio and Maisel don't expect the flick to release before 2014, according to The Telegraph.
This all begs the question: Will Angry Birds even be relevant three years from now? We've already seen mobile gaming (and Facebook game) hits come and go--Zynga pushes its own games out of the limelight regularly. While Rovio invests far more in expanding its brand, we're just wary of whether the company can sustain the fandom for another 1,095 days ... at least.
WildTangent grows from bloatware to social games platform
Remember that weird application that you've had to remove from every PC you've owned. That annoying purple "W" is known as WildTangent, a casual games service that is tacked onto 85 percent of PCs today that has just entered the social games space.
AllThingsD reports the top five online gaming platform has added Facebook-connected social games to its repertoire. In fact, the company has signed on some pretty big games in the biz, namely CrowdStar's It Girl.
According to AllThingsD, the website brings in 20 million players monthly, which is certainly impressive for a competitor. That is, if you would consider 20 million against 250 million competition.
That sounds like a burn, but its simply a sad reality of the social games scene. AllThingsD ponders whether WildTangent, or better yet Google+, will become competitors to Facebook's game platform.
It Girl on WildTangent
Though, we're forgetting how Facebook has tightened the reigns on developers, forcing them to price match virtual goods to Facebook Credits in other platforms so as to keep them around. While there's all the more reason to leave Facebook for some developers, some developers like Zynga has all the more reason to stick around.
Until a competitor swoops in and saves the day, social games are dependent on Facebook more than ever. But in order for another platform to thrive until the point of becoming a worthy opponent for Facebook, they must amass users. It's an ugly, unforgiving cycle you've created, Facebook.
AllThingsD reports the top five online gaming platform has added Facebook-connected social games to its repertoire. In fact, the company has signed on some pretty big games in the biz, namely CrowdStar's It Girl.
According to AllThingsD, the website brings in 20 million players monthly, which is certainly impressive for a competitor. That is, if you would consider 20 million against 250 million competition.
That sounds like a burn, but its simply a sad reality of the social games scene. AllThingsD ponders whether WildTangent, or better yet Google+, will become competitors to Facebook's game platform.
It Girl on WildTangent
Though, we're forgetting how Facebook has tightened the reigns on developers, forcing them to price match virtual goods to Facebook Credits in other platforms so as to keep them around. While there's all the more reason to leave Facebook for some developers, some developers like Zynga has all the more reason to stick around.
Until a competitor swoops in and saves the day, social games are dependent on Facebook more than ever. But in order for another platform to thrive until the point of becoming a worthy opponent for Facebook, they must amass users. It's an ugly, unforgiving cycle you've created, Facebook.
Thứ Ba, 10 tháng 1, 2012
A Nintendo 3DS revamp is in the works with ... less 3D? [Rumor]
First, Nintendo cuts the price of its new handheld nearly in half. Now, the company is reportedly looking to cut the thing that makes its 3DS unique ... the 3D. French gaming news website 01Net reports, citing insider sources, that the Big N is working on an overhaul to the 3DS that "radically tones down" the system's 3D capabilities, according to Eurogamer. Like all reports citing anonymous sources, this news deserves a certain amount of skepticism, though Eurogamer points out 01Net's track record.
According to Eurogamer, 01Net broke the news of Nintendo's Wii U and Sony's PS Vita hardware specifications before either console was even announced. The French website also reports that the company is regretful that it never added a second analog joystick to the 3DS, and that it will soon release a detachable one for about $10. Furthermore, Nintendo has reportedly asked a number of developers to work on games to make use of the upcoming peripheral.
The 01Net report goes on to say that this new version of the 3DS will release sometime in 2012, and could dramatically rebrand the handheld console entirely. According to the report, the recent $80 price cut made by Nintendo was not only in response to poor sales, but to clear stock of the original 3DS to make way for this new model.
However, we're not 100 percent sure 3D is what held the Nintendo 3DS back from being the absolute hit its predecessor was. For one, the system launched with little support from Nintendo staples like Mario and Link much less other games. Second, Nintendo has yet to introduce an online gaming network as robust as those you'll find even in modern day smartphones.
The price drop might turn out to be a brilliant move for Nintendo moving forward, but a complete rebranding sounds too rash of a decision for a company like Nintendo.
According to Eurogamer, 01Net broke the news of Nintendo's Wii U and Sony's PS Vita hardware specifications before either console was even announced. The French website also reports that the company is regretful that it never added a second analog joystick to the 3DS, and that it will soon release a detachable one for about $10. Furthermore, Nintendo has reportedly asked a number of developers to work on games to make use of the upcoming peripheral.
The 01Net report goes on to say that this new version of the 3DS will release sometime in 2012, and could dramatically rebrand the handheld console entirely. According to the report, the recent $80 price cut made by Nintendo was not only in response to poor sales, but to clear stock of the original 3DS to make way for this new model.
However, we're not 100 percent sure 3D is what held the Nintendo 3DS back from being the absolute hit its predecessor was. For one, the system launched with little support from Nintendo staples like Mario and Link much less other games. Second, Nintendo has yet to introduce an online gaming network as robust as those you'll find even in modern day smartphones.
The price drop might turn out to be a brilliant move for Nintendo moving forward, but a complete rebranding sounds too rash of a decision for a company like Nintendo.
Infographic: Almost 60 percent of social gamers play with their friends
And the other 40 percent play with complete strangers. Alright, that's not true, but any update on the FarmVille fan page says otherwise. According to an infographic thrown together by Rounds, a Facebook video chat app, and research firm Column Five Media, nearly 60 percent of North American social gamers play with their friends. From there, just 33 percent play with their siblings and 25 percent play with parents and spouses.
You could infer from this data that a large percentage of social gamers either play with others they've met through games on Facebook or another social network, or that they play alone. But considering that would cost an enormous amount of money, we're going with the former. Ultimately, this data speaks to either players making friends out of necessity or that true connections are forming through social games.
The infographic goes on to say that there are 100 million social gamers in North America, which sounds about right given recent estimates. (That's about a third of everyone in the U.S.) A fraction of that, 26 million, are playing mobile social games. Though, that can easily be attributed to smartphones still perceived and priced as luxury devices.
Citing sources such as The New York Times and and MIT, this infographic drives one major point home: Social gaming is the fastest growing and evolving genre in the history of video games, and we're just getting started. Check out the whole infographic below:
You could infer from this data that a large percentage of social gamers either play with others they've met through games on Facebook or another social network, or that they play alone. But considering that would cost an enormous amount of money, we're going with the former. Ultimately, this data speaks to either players making friends out of necessity or that true connections are forming through social games.
The infographic goes on to say that there are 100 million social gamers in North America, which sounds about right given recent estimates. (That's about a third of everyone in the U.S.) A fraction of that, 26 million, are playing mobile social games. Though, that can easily be attributed to smartphones still perceived and priced as luxury devices.
Citing sources such as The New York Times and and MIT, this infographic drives one major point home: Social gaming is the fastest growing and evolving genre in the history of video games, and we're just getting started. Check out the whole infographic below:
Farm Cash Goes Global: Zynga Game Cards invade Europe, Turkey
It's not just language that's been a barrier to Zynga's global domination (which as of late it seems to have mastered). International digital farmers need a way to pay, too. This is exactly why the company has announced partnerships with distributors in Europe and Turkey to dole out Zynga Game Cards to the masses, VentureBeat reports.
Euronet Worldwide's epay division will distribute the game cards across 18 European countries. More specifically, European fans looking for an in-game boost can find the cards in 276,000 retail spots and 588,000 kiosks spanning the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Croatia, according to VentureBeat. Those who buy a Zynga Game Card from these locations will also score a free in-game gift.
In Turkey, mobile payment provider Mikro Ödeme will offer the prepaid cards for smaller increments of Turkish Lira. However, players can also pay through their mobile phones through services TurkCell and Turk Telekom. This is far from the first place Zynga has expanded its game cards. Most recently, Zynga Game Cards entered the Middle East and North Africa through Gate2Play, touched India through MOL and into Latin America through Mentez.
The FarmVille creator's quest to be the number one games company in the world takes more than just localization through language support, but allowing international players to pay up, too. According to VentureBeat, Zynga already has 12 games in 50 countries--only 146 countries to go.
Euronet Worldwide's epay division will distribute the game cards across 18 European countries. More specifically, European fans looking for an in-game boost can find the cards in 276,000 retail spots and 588,000 kiosks spanning the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Croatia, according to VentureBeat. Those who buy a Zynga Game Card from these locations will also score a free in-game gift.
In Turkey, mobile payment provider Mikro Ödeme will offer the prepaid cards for smaller increments of Turkish Lira. However, players can also pay through their mobile phones through services TurkCell and Turk Telekom. This is far from the first place Zynga has expanded its game cards. Most recently, Zynga Game Cards entered the Middle East and North Africa through Gate2Play, touched India through MOL and into Latin America through Mentez.
The FarmVille creator's quest to be the number one games company in the world takes more than just localization through language support, but allowing international players to pay up, too. According to VentureBeat, Zynga already has 12 games in 50 countries--only 146 countries to go.
FrontierVille, Ravenwood Fair score multiple GDC Online Awards nominations
It's almost that time of year again when the social games industry comes together for one collective pat on the back: The Game Developers Choice Online Awards. The second annual ceremony will be held during the GDC Online event in Austin, Texas this October. This year's GDC Online Awards nominations include a litany of hot online games, but are largely dominated by two Facebook games: Zynga's FrontierVille and Ravenwood Fair by Lolapps.
Each of the two games came away with three nominations, bested only by Spiral Knights, a free-to-play MMO (massively multiplayer game) by SEGA and recently released on Steam. Chosen by a committee of 400 industry professionals, FrontierVille earned nominations for Best Social Network Game, Best Online Game Design and Best Audio For An Online Game. Ravenwood Fair scored nods in the exact same categories.
Both FrontierVille and Ravenwood Fair made it onto our list of the Top Facebook Games of 2010, so we're not terribly surprised by the two games possibly cleaning house at the awards. Speaking of which, the GDC Online Awards will be held Oct. 12, smack dab in the middle of the three-day long conference celebrating all things social games. Take a look at the full list of nominees:
Best Online Visual Arts
DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment)
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Dragons Of Atlantis (Kabam)
Vindictus (devCAT/Nexon)
Best Social Network Game
CityVille (Zynga)
Gardens Of Time (Playdom)
Dragons Of Atlantis (Kabam)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
Best Online Game Design
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
Pocket Frogs (NimbleBit)
Zuma Blitz (Popcap)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Online Innovation
Dragon Age Legends (EA2D)
Shadow Cities (Grey Area)
Empire Avenue (Empire Avenue)
Pocket Frogs (NimbleBit)
Zombie Lane (Digital Chocolate)
Best Online Technology
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
CityVille (Zynga)
DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment)
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Lego Universe Online (The LEGO Group/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)
Best Community Relations
Wizard101 (KingsIsle Entertainment)
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
Minecraft (Mojang)
EA Sports FIFA Superstars (Playfish/EA)
World Of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
Best Audio For An Online Game
Clone Wars Adventures (Sony Online Entertainment)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Dragon Age Legends (EA2D)
Best New Online Game
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Gardens Of Time (Playdom)
Vindictus (devCAT/Nexon)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Monster Galaxy (Gaia Online)
Best Live Game
Wizard101 (KingsIsle Entertainment)
Moshi Monsters (Mind Candy)
League Of Legends (Riot Games)
World Of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
Minecraft (Mojang)
Each of the two games came away with three nominations, bested only by Spiral Knights, a free-to-play MMO (massively multiplayer game) by SEGA and recently released on Steam. Chosen by a committee of 400 industry professionals, FrontierVille earned nominations for Best Social Network Game, Best Online Game Design and Best Audio For An Online Game. Ravenwood Fair scored nods in the exact same categories.
Both FrontierVille and Ravenwood Fair made it onto our list of the Top Facebook Games of 2010, so we're not terribly surprised by the two games possibly cleaning house at the awards. Speaking of which, the GDC Online Awards will be held Oct. 12, smack dab in the middle of the three-day long conference celebrating all things social games. Take a look at the full list of nominees:
Best Online Visual Arts
DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment)
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Dragons Of Atlantis (Kabam)
Vindictus (devCAT/Nexon)
Best Social Network Game
CityVille (Zynga)
Gardens Of Time (Playdom)
Dragons Of Atlantis (Kabam)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
Best Online Game Design
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
Pocket Frogs (NimbleBit)
Zuma Blitz (Popcap)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Online Innovation
Dragon Age Legends (EA2D)
Shadow Cities (Grey Area)
Empire Avenue (Empire Avenue)
Pocket Frogs (NimbleBit)
Zombie Lane (Digital Chocolate)
Best Online Technology
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
CityVille (Zynga)
DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment)
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Lego Universe Online (The LEGO Group/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)
Best Community Relations
Wizard101 (KingsIsle Entertainment)
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
Minecraft (Mojang)
EA Sports FIFA Superstars (Playfish/EA)
World Of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
Best Audio For An Online Game
Clone Wars Adventures (Sony Online Entertainment)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
Dragon Age Legends (EA2D)
Best New Online Game
Rift (Trion Worlds)
Gardens Of Time (Playdom)
Vindictus (devCAT/Nexon)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings Design/Sega)
Monster Galaxy (Gaia Online)
Best Live Game
Wizard101 (KingsIsle Entertainment)
Moshi Monsters (Mind Candy)
League Of Legends (Riot Games)
World Of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
Minecraft (Mojang)
Orbitz 50 Faves Facebook 'game' offers luxury vacations giveaway
Is Orbitz 50 Faves really a game? Every press release out there certainly says so, but I beg to differ. What we've got instead is a Facebook app that has you coming back daily, making you nag your friends to help out so you can unlock new areas and gain points for bids. I know what you're thinking -- that does sound suspiciously like a Facebook game, doesn't it? But Orbitz 50 Faves isn't so much a game as it is a glorious raffle board.
Social games are so huge right now that even banks and TV broadcasters are adding Facebook games to their official fan pages and creating games portals. So, it's understandable if they want to bring more attention to an app by labeling it as a "game". Moreover, this approach works, because it's certainly caught our attention.
Orbitz Games Hovernaut
Before we turn away, it seems this internet travel company does indulge in social games. Orbitz.com launched Orbitz Games in 2001, before making it a standalone website in 2005. Now it comes complete with Facebook integration and carries a large selection of simple games. Currently, the top 5 games on the site are Shuffleboard (on a cruise ship background), Orbuku (a travel-themed Sudoku), Home Run Hero (a baseball game), 8-Ball (a pool game), and Air Dog (snowboarding). But you've also got weirder titles such as Hovernaut (pilot a hovercraft), Where's My Hotel? (a spatial game), and Shove Your Love ("Give family members a loving shove down the street and try to outscore your opponent!").
Orbitz Games Where's My Hotel?
But none of these Orbitz Games are going to let you win up to a $15,000 luxury dream vacation to places like Dubai, Cancun, Rome, Fiji, and the list goes on. Given this, I think most of us could care less about Orbitz calling their app a "game."
Orbitz 50 Faves destinations on Facebook
Click here to start 'playing' Orbitz 50 Faves and get your shot at one of 50 dream vacations! This "game" will last until Sept 18.
Social games are so huge right now that even banks and TV broadcasters are adding Facebook games to their official fan pages and creating games portals. So, it's understandable if they want to bring more attention to an app by labeling it as a "game". Moreover, this approach works, because it's certainly caught our attention.
Orbitz Games Hovernaut
Before we turn away, it seems this internet travel company does indulge in social games. Orbitz.com launched Orbitz Games in 2001, before making it a standalone website in 2005. Now it comes complete with Facebook integration and carries a large selection of simple games. Currently, the top 5 games on the site are Shuffleboard (on a cruise ship background), Orbuku (a travel-themed Sudoku), Home Run Hero (a baseball game), 8-Ball (a pool game), and Air Dog (snowboarding). But you've also got weirder titles such as Hovernaut (pilot a hovercraft), Where's My Hotel? (a spatial game), and Shove Your Love ("Give family members a loving shove down the street and try to outscore your opponent!").
Orbitz Games Where's My Hotel?
But none of these Orbitz Games are going to let you win up to a $15,000 luxury dream vacation to places like Dubai, Cancun, Rome, Fiji, and the list goes on. Given this, I think most of us could care less about Orbitz calling their app a "game."
Orbitz 50 Faves destinations on Facebook
Click here to start 'playing' Orbitz 50 Faves and get your shot at one of 50 dream vacations! This "game" will last until Sept 18.
Thứ Hai, 9 tháng 1, 2012
FarmVille: 20 free Farm Cash emails now in the wild
Be sure to keep a watchful eye (or two) on your email in the future, as we've heard reports (and have experienced personally) of Zynga releasing 20 free Farm Cash to FarmVille players through an official Zynga email.
The email will appear as all of your other Zynga emails (that its, they'll be sent by "FarmVille by Zynga") and the title is "Email-Only 20 Farm Cash INSIDE!" Once you open the email, you'll see a link that you can click on to claim your free Farm Cash. It's a bit of an odd situation, this, as not every user will receive these emails, and the users chosen could very well be random.
According to the email we received, we were "specially chosen to get a reward." Normally, these kinds of emails only go out to users that haven't played a particular Zynga game in a long period of time, as a way to entice users into joining back in on the fun. This may very well be the case for some users here, but I personally play FarmVille every day, so it must be going out to other users at random as well.
There's no telling when and if you'll receive this free Farm Cash email, as there are obviously no guarantees that this is a widespread event. Still, it couldn't hurt to keep a close watch on your email inbox just so you don't miss this great Farm Cash opportunity.
The email will appear as all of your other Zynga emails (that its, they'll be sent by "FarmVille by Zynga") and the title is "Email-Only 20 Farm Cash INSIDE!" Once you open the email, you'll see a link that you can click on to claim your free Farm Cash. It's a bit of an odd situation, this, as not every user will receive these emails, and the users chosen could very well be random.
According to the email we received, we were "specially chosen to get a reward." Normally, these kinds of emails only go out to users that haven't played a particular Zynga game in a long period of time, as a way to entice users into joining back in on the fun. This may very well be the case for some users here, but I personally play FarmVille every day, so it must be going out to other users at random as well.
There's no telling when and if you'll receive this free Farm Cash email, as there are obviously no guarantees that this is a widespread event. Still, it couldn't hurt to keep a close watch on your email inbox just so you don't miss this great Farm Cash opportunity.
Earn 2 free FarmVille Farm Cash in Oreo DSRL promotion
It just wouldn't be a normal week in FarmVille (at least lately) without seeing the release of a new free Farm Cash promotion in the game. This time, we see Zynga partnering with Oreo (Nabisco), and the Double Stuf Racing League. You'll find this promotion underneath the FarmVille gameplay area on Facebook. Here is the link to the offer, for those that don't see it on their account, but please note that there's no guarantee that it will work for you.
Once you click on the Sponsored Link window as seen at the right side of this post, you'll see a trailer for a new DSRL promotion that introduces a character called the "Hooded Menace." Simply answer a poll as to which of the four celebrities in the league has the best chance of beating this mystery character, and you'll be able to claim your free Farm Cash, and a free ringtone as well (which is earned by Liking the official Oreo page on Facebook and following the directions therein).
This is one of the quickest free Farm Cash promotions that we've seen recently, and you should be able to complete it and get back to your gaming session in less than 2 or 3 minutes.
Once you click on the Sponsored Link window as seen at the right side of this post, you'll see a trailer for a new DSRL promotion that introduces a character called the "Hooded Menace." Simply answer a poll as to which of the four celebrities in the league has the best chance of beating this mystery character, and you'll be able to claim your free Farm Cash, and a free ringtone as well (which is earned by Liking the official Oreo page on Facebook and following the directions therein).
This is one of the quickest free Farm Cash promotions that we've seen recently, and you should be able to complete it and get back to your gaming session in less than 2 or 3 minutes.
First China and now India: Zynga sets its sights on the Indian social market
Back in February of 2010, Zynga opened its first international office in Bangalore, India. However, major news from the new studio was fairly silent in the overall scheme of things. With the recent release of Chinese FarmVille, however, it seems that Zynga has renewed, and in fact strengthened their international efforts. The most recent news comes just this week, as we learn that Zynga plans to market heavily to the Indian social gaming market by offering new in-game payment methods, in addition to the standards like credit cards or PayPal.
For our friends playing in India, sometime in the first half of this year, Zynga is planning on launching localized Game Cards, internet banking options, or even a system of SMS payments through mobile phones. This will, of course, give Indian players a chance to add the same level of customization to their farms as those in the States and other countries can, as they will be more easily able to purchase Farm Cash to do that in-game shopping.
As reported by the Next Web, Country Manager of Zynga India Shan Kadavil sees "opportunity in India," as its economy is currently the second-fastest growing in the entire world. Prepaid cards are already familiar to citizens via the mobile phone market, so it makes sense that Game Cards for Zynga's games would take off equally well.
We'll be sure to let you know more information about Zynga's advancement into world domination as it becomes available.
For our friends playing in India, sometime in the first half of this year, Zynga is planning on launching localized Game Cards, internet banking options, or even a system of SMS payments through mobile phones. This will, of course, give Indian players a chance to add the same level of customization to their farms as those in the States and other countries can, as they will be more easily able to purchase Farm Cash to do that in-game shopping.
As reported by the Next Web, Country Manager of Zynga India Shan Kadavil sees "opportunity in India," as its economy is currently the second-fastest growing in the entire world. Prepaid cards are already familiar to citizens via the mobile phone market, so it makes sense that Game Cards for Zynga's games would take off equally well.
We'll be sure to let you know more information about Zynga's advancement into world domination as it becomes available.
FrontierVille: Earn a free Ox from the FrontierVille fan page
It seems as though Zynga is feeling a bit desperate lately, at least when it comes to getting players to both Like, and routinely check up on the FrontierVille fan page on Facebook. Over the past few weeks, they have started giving away items at seemingly random intervals via the game's official page on Facebook, with tonight seeing another item being released.
We've seen food released in the past, but today's release is a free Ox. The motivation behind releasing it, says Zynga, is for users that need an Ox for one of our missions. However, what you do with your free Ox is entirely up to you - you can keep it in your inventory indefinitely, waiting for a mission that asks you to buy an Ox (as placing one from your inventory tends to count as "buying"), you can immediately sell it (for a very small profit, I assure you), or you can decide to help the animal grow, and then sell it once its an adult (perhaps once you're on a mission that asks you to).
No matter what you decide to do with the Ox, it is kind of nice to see Zynga offering free items to fans of the game, as a way of saying thanks, or even if it is just a ploy to get more players to like the fan page. Whatever the reason, we'll gladly accept free gifts (You hear that Zynga? More free items, please!).
It's likely that this free Ox (worth almost 1,000 coins in the game, if you purchased it from the store) will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to click on the free giveaway link (this link right here) as soon as possible to ensure that your free Ox makes his way safe and sound into your inventory.
We've seen food released in the past, but today's release is a free Ox. The motivation behind releasing it, says Zynga, is for users that need an Ox for one of our missions. However, what you do with your free Ox is entirely up to you - you can keep it in your inventory indefinitely, waiting for a mission that asks you to buy an Ox (as placing one from your inventory tends to count as "buying"), you can immediately sell it (for a very small profit, I assure you), or you can decide to help the animal grow, and then sell it once its an adult (perhaps once you're on a mission that asks you to).
No matter what you decide to do with the Ox, it is kind of nice to see Zynga offering free items to fans of the game, as a way of saying thanks, or even if it is just a ploy to get more players to like the fan page. Whatever the reason, we'll gladly accept free gifts (You hear that Zynga? More free items, please!).
It's likely that this free Ox (worth almost 1,000 coins in the game, if you purchased it from the store) will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to click on the free giveaway link (this link right here) as soon as possible to ensure that your free Ox makes his way safe and sound into your inventory.
FarmVille 'Reunite Them' Game Bar: Here's your reward (and a friend's)
Baby Brown Lamb and Brown Sheep
Remember when that "Reunite Them" progress bar appeared above your FarmVille game? And remember your anger when it required you to find five new FarmVille players? Well, at least one of those is still around, but a brave and determined FarmVille player has completed the mission and has the images to prove it. Thanks to FarmVille Freak, we can show you what the fruits of your labor are for bringing the Baby Brown Lamb and Brown Sheep back together.
Baby Lamb Share
After completing the task, players will receive both the Brown Sheep and Baby Brown Lamb in their farms. However, they'll also be given the option to share a Baby Brown Lamb with their friends. If you're willing to berate your friends into playing FarmVille, then this is your reward plus another friend's (preferably one you just recruited). Are you up to the challenge?
Remember when that "Reunite Them" progress bar appeared above your FarmVille game? And remember your anger when it required you to find five new FarmVille players? Well, at least one of those is still around, but a brave and determined FarmVille player has completed the mission and has the images to prove it. Thanks to FarmVille Freak, we can show you what the fruits of your labor are for bringing the Baby Brown Lamb and Brown Sheep back together.
Baby Lamb Share
After completing the task, players will receive both the Brown Sheep and Baby Brown Lamb in their farms. However, they'll also be given the option to share a Baby Brown Lamb with their friends. If you're willing to berate your friends into playing FarmVille, then this is your reward plus another friend's (preferably one you just recruited). Are you up to the challenge?
Thứ Bảy, 7 tháng 1, 2012
FarmVille Weekend Sale gives 20% off Farm Cash
If you have a few extra dollars in your pocket to spare this weekend, you're in luck! FarmVille are being generous Saturday through Monday and offering a 20% discount on Farm Cash. There is a catch though, it's only available for players who buy a Zynga Game Card or an eCard online. They're promoting this as the perfect Valentine's gift, and I have to be honest that I wouldn't be disappointed with this kind of present from my sweetie.
You can find more details on this sale on the login screen as you're loading into FarmVille. Game cards can be purchased at most 7/11 stores or GameStop locations, and eCards can be found on the Zynga website. They even have custom eCards for Valentine's Day. This sale ends on February 14th, so hurry up and make your purchases if you want to take advantage of the bonus Farm Cash.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
You can find more details on this sale on the login screen as you're loading into FarmVille. Game cards can be purchased at most 7/11 stores or GameStop locations, and eCards can be found on the Zynga website. They even have custom eCards for Valentine's Day. This sale ends on February 14th, so hurry up and make your purchases if you want to take advantage of the bonus Farm Cash.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
FrontierVille Hank and Fanny Goals: Everything you need to know
In the ongoing saga of the love triangle between Hank, Fanny, and Bess in FrontierVille, we've now been given a choice of which two of these characters we'd like to see move into romantic relationship via the launch of the Kissing Tree in the game. After finishing the first three Kissing Tree Goals (link is to a guide to completing said goals), you'll be able to choose which couple you'd like to hit it off.
If you choose to have Hank and Fanny hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
The first step in this goal series has you helping Hank build up the nerve to ask Fanny out to a nice dinner, which you'll apparently be making yourself.
Harvest 10 Tomatoes
Harvest 10 Wheat
Have or Get 2 Butters
Butters are part of the Cow collection, and if you already have them on your account, you won't need to earn two more. Tomatoes, meanwhile, grow in 15 minutes, while Wheat takes one full day to grow. Don't forget, though, all you need to do is have your friends come and water your crops and then accept their action to count as a harvest. Four friends later, and you could have this step done within a matter of minutes, rather than waiting a full day for your wheat to grow. The rewards for completing Part I are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (individual points, not full levels).
Part II of V will slow your progress a bit, as you'll have to ask for some items from your friends, allowing with growing more crops.
Have or Get 1 Old Book
Collect 10 Body-Building Magazines
Harvest 20 Pink Roses
Pink Roses are available to harvest after growing for 14 hours, while the Old Book is part of the General Store collection. Just as with the Butters before, if you already have an Old Book, you won't have to ask for another. Finally, the Body-Building Magazines can be earned by asking your friends to send them to you (at the time of this writing via your news feed). Finish this quest and you'll earn 50 XP and 200 coins.
Part III of V will slow your progress even further, as you won't be able to finish it for at least 24 hours, unless you want to pay Horseshoes.
Collect 2 School Bonuses
Visit 10 Neighbors
Talk to Fanny
Fanny can be spoken to at any time by clicking on her avatar standing outside the School. Meanwhile, the daily bonus from the School can only be collected once per day. This quest is quite simple, and so are the rewards - 50 XP and 1 Bed of Flowers (a decorative item available to purchase in the store for 14,500 coins)
Part IV of V will require you to chop down quite a few trees, but not because that itself is a stipulation of the goal.
Clobber 5 Bears
Harvest 30 White Roses
Collect 10 Silver Needles
Like I said, you'll need to chop down plenty of trees to be able to bring out 5 Bears, but hopefully, you still have some trees left over from your recent 35 x 35 land expansion that you can chop down to lure them out. Meanwhile, you'll need to ask your friends for Silver Needles, and then wait 10 hours to harvest your 30 White Roses, if you don't believe in the "friends watering" exploit that I spoke of at the top of this post. Your final rewards before the finale of this mission are 100 coins and 2 Dinner energy items.
Finally, Part V of V will see the culmination of this particular romance on your farm, with a big party to celebrate Hank and Fanny's new-found romance. The three tasks required though, are rather odd.
Sell 10 Adult Geese
Harvest 20 Potatoes
Pick 10 Wildflowers
Geese can be purchased from the store for 330 coins each, and will grow to an adult goose after being fed a total of 11 times. Potatoes, meanwhile, can be planted and harvested after just 4 hours. Your rewards for finishing this love-story on your homestead are 200 XP and 1 Flowery Can, a decorative item that normally costs 10,000 coins when purchased from the store.
And there you have it! A sweeping love-story that apparently ends on a happy ending... for now. How will your choice alter the gameplay and story of your own game into the future? Only time will tell at this point, but we'll be sure to let you know how this changes the big picture when we know more.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
Is this the love-story that you chose in FrontierVille? Is your choice affected by the complexity of the missions, or will you follow your own heart with your choice?
If you choose to have Hank and Fanny hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
The first step in this goal series has you helping Hank build up the nerve to ask Fanny out to a nice dinner, which you'll apparently be making yourself.
Harvest 10 Tomatoes
Harvest 10 Wheat
Have or Get 2 Butters
Butters are part of the Cow collection, and if you already have them on your account, you won't need to earn two more. Tomatoes, meanwhile, grow in 15 minutes, while Wheat takes one full day to grow. Don't forget, though, all you need to do is have your friends come and water your crops and then accept their action to count as a harvest. Four friends later, and you could have this step done within a matter of minutes, rather than waiting a full day for your wheat to grow. The rewards for completing Part I are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (individual points, not full levels).
Part II of V will slow your progress a bit, as you'll have to ask for some items from your friends, allowing with growing more crops.
Have or Get 1 Old Book
Collect 10 Body-Building Magazines
Harvest 20 Pink Roses
Pink Roses are available to harvest after growing for 14 hours, while the Old Book is part of the General Store collection. Just as with the Butters before, if you already have an Old Book, you won't have to ask for another. Finally, the Body-Building Magazines can be earned by asking your friends to send them to you (at the time of this writing via your news feed). Finish this quest and you'll earn 50 XP and 200 coins.
Part III of V will slow your progress even further, as you won't be able to finish it for at least 24 hours, unless you want to pay Horseshoes.
Collect 2 School Bonuses
Visit 10 Neighbors
Talk to Fanny
Fanny can be spoken to at any time by clicking on her avatar standing outside the School. Meanwhile, the daily bonus from the School can only be collected once per day. This quest is quite simple, and so are the rewards - 50 XP and 1 Bed of Flowers (a decorative item available to purchase in the store for 14,500 coins)
Part IV of V will require you to chop down quite a few trees, but not because that itself is a stipulation of the goal.
Clobber 5 Bears
Harvest 30 White Roses
Collect 10 Silver Needles
Like I said, you'll need to chop down plenty of trees to be able to bring out 5 Bears, but hopefully, you still have some trees left over from your recent 35 x 35 land expansion that you can chop down to lure them out. Meanwhile, you'll need to ask your friends for Silver Needles, and then wait 10 hours to harvest your 30 White Roses, if you don't believe in the "friends watering" exploit that I spoke of at the top of this post. Your final rewards before the finale of this mission are 100 coins and 2 Dinner energy items.
Finally, Part V of V will see the culmination of this particular romance on your farm, with a big party to celebrate Hank and Fanny's new-found romance. The three tasks required though, are rather odd.
Sell 10 Adult Geese
Harvest 20 Potatoes
Pick 10 Wildflowers
Geese can be purchased from the store for 330 coins each, and will grow to an adult goose after being fed a total of 11 times. Potatoes, meanwhile, can be planted and harvested after just 4 hours. Your rewards for finishing this love-story on your homestead are 200 XP and 1 Flowery Can, a decorative item that normally costs 10,000 coins when purchased from the store.
And there you have it! A sweeping love-story that apparently ends on a happy ending... for now. How will your choice alter the gameplay and story of your own game into the future? Only time will tell at this point, but we'll be sure to let you know how this changes the big picture when we know more.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
Is this the love-story that you chose in FrontierVille? Is your choice affected by the complexity of the missions, or will you follow your own heart with your choice?
FrontierVille Hank and Bess Goals: Everything you need to know
In the ongoing saga of the love triangle between Hank, Fanny, and Bess in FrontierVille, we've now been given a choice of which two of these characters we'd like to see move into romantic relationship via the launch of the Kissing Tree in the game. After finishing the first three Kissing Tree Goals (link is to a guide to completing said goals), you'll be able to choose which couple you'd like to hit it off.
If you choose to have Hank and Bess hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
The first step in Hank and Bess's romance will see you learning more about what Bess likes, in order for Hank to become a smarter gentleman in the process.
Clear 5 Wildflowers
Get 1 Bird House
Feed 10 Cows
These steps are relatively simple, so long as you have enough room on your land for the Wildflowers to actually spawn. A Bird House can be purchased from the store for 1500 coins and 10 Wood. Your rewards for starting on your path to romance are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (individual points, not full Reputation levels).
Part II of V will see you helping Bess cook a nice dinner for Hank, as he is tired of living the Bachelor's life, with no down-home cooking on his plate.
Harvest 20 Potatoes
Have or Get 2 Butters
Turn in the Pig Collection
Potatoes are available to harvest after just four hours, while Butters are part of the Cow Collection. As tends to be the case with such requirements, if you already have the Butters on your account before starting this mission, you won't need to earn anymore - this step will be completed for you automatically. Meanwhile, you'll be able to tend pigs on your own, or on your friends' Homesteads to randomly earn the items necessary to turn in the Pig Collection. Completing these three steps rewards you with 150 Food and 50 Reputation points.
Part III of V will finally see the inclusion of a collection feature to this mission set, so I hope you have a few friends on hand that can help you out.
Harvest 20 Sunflowers
Visit 20 Neighbors
Collect 10 Love Ballads
Love Ballads are a new item in the game that can be collected by posting a general news item to your feed, while Sunflowers can be planted from the store and harvested after 18 hours. Remember, you can also take advantage of the friends' watering exploit, by having four of your friends come to your Homestead and water your Sunflowers. When accepting this action back in your own game, the quest will act as though you have harvested those Sunflowers, saving you time. Finishing this mission rewards you with 150 Food and one Bed of Flowers, a decorative item that is normally available to purchase in the store for 14,500 coins.
Part IV of V asks you to craft a few items, but this can be easily skipped if you have a few Care Packages on hand.
Harvest 30 White Roses
Craft 10 Presents
Collect 2 Daily Bonuses at the Chapel
As we said, you can either open Care Packages and receive free Presents, or you can craft Presents inside the General Store. Each Present costs 2 Ribbon and 5 Cloth to produce. Meanwhile, White Roses are available to purchase from the store, and are ready to harvest after 10 hours. Finishing this quest rewards you with 200 XP and 100 coins.
Finally Part V of V sees you wrapping up this romance on your Homestead by helping Hank and Bess collect a sum of coins and supplies that they can use to hopefully own their own Homestead sometime in the future.
Collect 10,000 coins
Harvest 30 Red Roses
Collect 10 Sets of Silverware
As you might expect, the 10,000 coins will be taken from you at the completion of this mission. However, you'll earn plenty of coins in profit from harvesting your Red Roses, which take 1 day and 12 hours to grow. Finally, collecting Sets of Silverware is accomplished by simply posting a news feed to your wall asking your friends to help you. For finishing this love-story on your homestead, you'll receive 200 XP, 1 of the candy items available to purchase in the store (the giant candy hearts), and 50 Reputation Hearts.
And there you have it! A fairly simple set of missions that, while time-consuming, might be the right choice for someone who is looking to complete their section of the love-triangle as easily as possible.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
Is this the choice you'll make in your own FrontierVille game, or do you think that Hank should end up with Fanny instead?
If you choose to have Hank and Bess hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
The first step in Hank and Bess's romance will see you learning more about what Bess likes, in order for Hank to become a smarter gentleman in the process.
Clear 5 Wildflowers
Get 1 Bird House
Feed 10 Cows
These steps are relatively simple, so long as you have enough room on your land for the Wildflowers to actually spawn. A Bird House can be purchased from the store for 1500 coins and 10 Wood. Your rewards for starting on your path to romance are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (individual points, not full Reputation levels).
Part II of V will see you helping Bess cook a nice dinner for Hank, as he is tired of living the Bachelor's life, with no down-home cooking on his plate.
Harvest 20 Potatoes
Have or Get 2 Butters
Turn in the Pig Collection
Potatoes are available to harvest after just four hours, while Butters are part of the Cow Collection. As tends to be the case with such requirements, if you already have the Butters on your account before starting this mission, you won't need to earn anymore - this step will be completed for you automatically. Meanwhile, you'll be able to tend pigs on your own, or on your friends' Homesteads to randomly earn the items necessary to turn in the Pig Collection. Completing these three steps rewards you with 150 Food and 50 Reputation points.
Part III of V will finally see the inclusion of a collection feature to this mission set, so I hope you have a few friends on hand that can help you out.
Harvest 20 Sunflowers
Visit 20 Neighbors
Collect 10 Love Ballads
Love Ballads are a new item in the game that can be collected by posting a general news item to your feed, while Sunflowers can be planted from the store and harvested after 18 hours. Remember, you can also take advantage of the friends' watering exploit, by having four of your friends come to your Homestead and water your Sunflowers. When accepting this action back in your own game, the quest will act as though you have harvested those Sunflowers, saving you time. Finishing this mission rewards you with 150 Food and one Bed of Flowers, a decorative item that is normally available to purchase in the store for 14,500 coins.
Part IV of V asks you to craft a few items, but this can be easily skipped if you have a few Care Packages on hand.
Harvest 30 White Roses
Craft 10 Presents
Collect 2 Daily Bonuses at the Chapel
As we said, you can either open Care Packages and receive free Presents, or you can craft Presents inside the General Store. Each Present costs 2 Ribbon and 5 Cloth to produce. Meanwhile, White Roses are available to purchase from the store, and are ready to harvest after 10 hours. Finishing this quest rewards you with 200 XP and 100 coins.
Finally Part V of V sees you wrapping up this romance on your Homestead by helping Hank and Bess collect a sum of coins and supplies that they can use to hopefully own their own Homestead sometime in the future.
Collect 10,000 coins
Harvest 30 Red Roses
Collect 10 Sets of Silverware
As you might expect, the 10,000 coins will be taken from you at the completion of this mission. However, you'll earn plenty of coins in profit from harvesting your Red Roses, which take 1 day and 12 hours to grow. Finally, collecting Sets of Silverware is accomplished by simply posting a news feed to your wall asking your friends to help you. For finishing this love-story on your homestead, you'll receive 200 XP, 1 of the candy items available to purchase in the store (the giant candy hearts), and 50 Reputation Hearts.
And there you have it! A fairly simple set of missions that, while time-consuming, might be the right choice for someone who is looking to complete their section of the love-triangle as easily as possible.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2011 coverage right here.
Is this the choice you'll make in your own FrontierVille game, or do you think that Hank should end up with Fanny instead?
FrontierVille Bess and Fanny Goals: Everything you need to know
In the ongoing saga of the love triangle between Hank, Fanny, and Bess in FrontierVille, we've now been given a choice of which two of these characters we'd like to see move into romantic relationship via the launch of the Kissing Tree in the game. After finishing the first three Kissing Tree Goals (link is to a guide to completing said goals), you'll be able to choose which couple you'd like to hit it off.
If you choose to have Bess and Fanny hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
Part I of V sees you kicking off this romance on your homestead by seeing what exactly Bess and Fanny have in common. You know they say opposites attract...
Harvest 10 White Roses
Clear 5 Wildflowers
Have or Get 2 Cherry Candies
The Cherry Candies are part of the Cherry Collection, but as usual, if you already have two of these in your inventory, you won't need to gather anymore - this step will be completed for you. Meanwhile, White Roses can be purchased from the store and harvested after 10 hours. Your rewards for launching this romance on your Homestead are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (those being individual points, not full Reputation levels).
Part II of V continues this romance by seeing Fanny taking a real interest in Bess, who doesn't think she has time for romance. You'll need to help convince her that she does.
Harvest 20 Pink Roses
Turn in the Cow Collection
Have 10 Love Letters
The Love Letters are a new item that can be collected by posting a general news item to your feed asking your friends to help. While you're waiting, you can plant your Pink Roses, which take 14 hours to grow, or you can spend your time harvesting either your own or your neighbors' cows in an effort to collect the items necessary to turn in the Cow Collection (if you don't have them all on-hand to start). The rewards for completing Part II are 50 XP and 200 coins.
Part III of V marks the halfway point of this storyline, and it sees you helping your friends with their animals, along with turning in another collection.
Collect 2 Barn Bonuses
Tend 20 Neighbor Oxen
Turn in the Oxen Collection
Hopefully, through the process of tending to all of those Oxen on your neighbors' homesteads, you'll be able to earn the item necessary to turn in the Oxen Collection. Remember, though, you can also tend your own Oxen to earn items as well. Meanwhile, the Barn Bonus can be collected once per day. Finishing this relatively simple mission will reward you with 50 XP and one Bed of Flowers, a decorative item that can otherwise be purchased from the store for 14,500 coins.
Moving onto Part IV of V sees you collecting 10 more items with the help of friends, along with turning in yet another collection.
Harvest 30 Red Roses
Turn in the Apple Collection
Collect 10 Charm Bracelets
You'll be able to collect the Charm Bracelets by posting a general news item to your wall asking your friends to help, while you can harvest both your own or your friends' Apple Trees in order to earn the items necessary to complete the Apple Collection. Finally, Red Roses can be purchased from the store and harvested after growing for 1 day and 12 hours. Your final reward before the finale of this romance is 300 XP.
Finally, Part V of V sees you concluding this love-story on your homestead by helping Fanny convince Bess to sing in the Sunday Choir at the Chapel.
Craft 3 Comforters in the Chicken Coop
Collect 10,000 coins
Craft 2 Choir Outfits in the Chapel
While this mission may look challenging, remember to use any Care Packages you might have saved to see if you can be given these five crafted items for free. If not, you can craft a Comforter using 15 Cloth and Downy Feathers, with Downy Feathers themselves being the reward for turning in the Goose Collection. Choir Outfits, meanwhile, can be crafted in the Chapel using 2 Pamphlets and 2 Fancy Clothing. Pamphlets themselves are created in the Chapel using one Ink Well and 1,000 coins each, while a single Fancy Clothing is made in the General Story for 2 Ribbon and 2 Clothes. It's a complicated process - finally getting to both of these end products - but it shouldn't prove too difficult if you have some ribbon, cloth, and coins on hand. Your final rewards for helping these two find love are 300 XP and a Dozen Roses, a decorative item that can otherwise be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins.
And there you have it! A complete guide to bringing love to your frontier. We'll be sure to let you know how your choices in this Kissing Tree event alter the rest of the game as soon as Zynga reveals more, so keep checking back.
If you choose to have Bess and Fanny hit it off in the game, you'll be given a five-part mission series detailing their specific romance. The contents of this quests are subject to change at any time, so keep that in mind.
Part I of V sees you kicking off this romance on your homestead by seeing what exactly Bess and Fanny have in common. You know they say opposites attract...
Harvest 10 White Roses
Clear 5 Wildflowers
Have or Get 2 Cherry Candies
The Cherry Candies are part of the Cherry Collection, but as usual, if you already have two of these in your inventory, you won't need to gather anymore - this step will be completed for you. Meanwhile, White Roses can be purchased from the store and harvested after 10 hours. Your rewards for launching this romance on your Homestead are 100 XP and 25 Reputation Hearts (those being individual points, not full Reputation levels).
Part II of V continues this romance by seeing Fanny taking a real interest in Bess, who doesn't think she has time for romance. You'll need to help convince her that she does.
Harvest 20 Pink Roses
Turn in the Cow Collection
Have 10 Love Letters
The Love Letters are a new item that can be collected by posting a general news item to your feed asking your friends to help. While you're waiting, you can plant your Pink Roses, which take 14 hours to grow, or you can spend your time harvesting either your own or your neighbors' cows in an effort to collect the items necessary to turn in the Cow Collection (if you don't have them all on-hand to start). The rewards for completing Part II are 50 XP and 200 coins.
Part III of V marks the halfway point of this storyline, and it sees you helping your friends with their animals, along with turning in another collection.
Collect 2 Barn Bonuses
Tend 20 Neighbor Oxen
Turn in the Oxen Collection
Hopefully, through the process of tending to all of those Oxen on your neighbors' homesteads, you'll be able to earn the item necessary to turn in the Oxen Collection. Remember, though, you can also tend your own Oxen to earn items as well. Meanwhile, the Barn Bonus can be collected once per day. Finishing this relatively simple mission will reward you with 50 XP and one Bed of Flowers, a decorative item that can otherwise be purchased from the store for 14,500 coins.
Moving onto Part IV of V sees you collecting 10 more items with the help of friends, along with turning in yet another collection.
Harvest 30 Red Roses
Turn in the Apple Collection
Collect 10 Charm Bracelets
You'll be able to collect the Charm Bracelets by posting a general news item to your wall asking your friends to help, while you can harvest both your own or your friends' Apple Trees in order to earn the items necessary to complete the Apple Collection. Finally, Red Roses can be purchased from the store and harvested after growing for 1 day and 12 hours. Your final reward before the finale of this romance is 300 XP.
Finally, Part V of V sees you concluding this love-story on your homestead by helping Fanny convince Bess to sing in the Sunday Choir at the Chapel.
Craft 3 Comforters in the Chicken Coop
Collect 10,000 coins
Craft 2 Choir Outfits in the Chapel
While this mission may look challenging, remember to use any Care Packages you might have saved to see if you can be given these five crafted items for free. If not, you can craft a Comforter using 15 Cloth and Downy Feathers, with Downy Feathers themselves being the reward for turning in the Goose Collection. Choir Outfits, meanwhile, can be crafted in the Chapel using 2 Pamphlets and 2 Fancy Clothing. Pamphlets themselves are created in the Chapel using one Ink Well and 1,000 coins each, while a single Fancy Clothing is made in the General Story for 2 Ribbon and 2 Clothes. It's a complicated process - finally getting to both of these end products - but it shouldn't prove too difficult if you have some ribbon, cloth, and coins on hand. Your final rewards for helping these two find love are 300 XP and a Dozen Roses, a decorative item that can otherwise be purchased from the store for 4,000 coins.
And there you have it! A complete guide to bringing love to your frontier. We'll be sure to let you know how your choices in this Kissing Tree event alter the rest of the game as soon as Zynga reveals more, so keep checking back.
Game of the Day: Sparkle
The game of the day has a little bit of bling. In Sparkle you use your Orb Slinger to shoot colored spheres into groups of three or more and reclaim every corner of this once vibrant forest. Discover amazing amulets and glittering power-ups hidden along the shaded path.
Click here to play Sparkle.
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Click here to play Sparkle.
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Thứ Sáu, 6 tháng 1, 2012
Rumor: Zynga randomizes FrontierVille item Horseshoe prices
According to several reports from both FrontierVille Info and the FrontierVille forums, Zynga is randomizing the price of Horseshoe items, namely the new Fanny and Bess Mystery Crates. A forum contributor named Jmrissaved claims, "I noticed that the mystery crates are 40 [Horseshoes] for me but 34 [Horseshoes] for my mom. When [I] asked about this I was told that's how Zynga is now pricing things."
FrontierVille Info has received similar reports from its readers like Jamie who said, "It has come to my attention from a Zynga chat employee that Zynga is now randomizing prices of items and diff people are having to pay diff prices for same items for no reason at all! This is illegal for most services and should be here too!"
If you haven't gathered already, players are less than excited about the situation. Not to mention that if both of these players truly spoke with Zynga customer support and got that response, this change could be intentional. That said, this is the first time I've ever heard of a company randomizing prices for goods. Even in the digital world prices are normally standardized. Prices will vary from game to game and even between items, but not from player to player at random. So, the pricing issue could easily be a glitch. Regardless, we've contacted Zynga for comment, so stay tuned.
[Image Credit: Fun on Mars]
Have you seen different prices for FrontierVille items than your friends? What do you imagine Zynga is up to?
FrontierVille Info has received similar reports from its readers like Jamie who said, "It has come to my attention from a Zynga chat employee that Zynga is now randomizing prices of items and diff people are having to pay diff prices for same items for no reason at all! This is illegal for most services and should be here too!"
If you haven't gathered already, players are less than excited about the situation. Not to mention that if both of these players truly spoke with Zynga customer support and got that response, this change could be intentional. That said, this is the first time I've ever heard of a company randomizing prices for goods. Even in the digital world prices are normally standardized. Prices will vary from game to game and even between items, but not from player to player at random. So, the pricing issue could easily be a glitch. Regardless, we've contacted Zynga for comment, so stay tuned.
[Image Credit: Fun on Mars]
Have you seen different prices for FrontierVille items than your friends? What do you imagine Zynga is up to?
Facebook Discover New Games Sidebar: Viral games discovery returns
The Facebook teams have been hard at work developing a way to bring games discovery back to Facebook since November, if not farther back than that. Finally, the fruits of their labor have surfaced with the Discover New Games sidebar, which Inside Facebook has a sneak peek of. The new sidebar module is currently in beta testing, but what it does is show you when your friends are playing a game that you've yet to install. This is essentially what we've awaited for months.
For example, say you're friends with a whole lot of CityVille players and you have yet to try it out (fat chance). A message will appear in your sidebar informing you that a number of your friends are playing CityVille along with images of their faces. Underneath, a link to the game's install page will appear. In other words, you're friends will tell you about that hot new Facebook game without doing anything--in theory.
This is the desired effect of the new sidebar module, but since it's still in beta we won't know how effective it is until it formally releases. While this won't restore the rampant viral growth that games enjoyed last year (which Facebook promptly stomped on), it will bring some of that back in a way that appears to be unobtrusive. A way to find new games that isn't going to piss off half of my friends? Where do I sign up?
[Image Credit: Inside Facebook]
Do you happen to be part of this beta test for the new Games Bar? Do you think this will be effective in bringing new games into the mix?
For example, say you're friends with a whole lot of CityVille players and you have yet to try it out (fat chance). A message will appear in your sidebar informing you that a number of your friends are playing CityVille along with images of their faces. Underneath, a link to the game's install page will appear. In other words, you're friends will tell you about that hot new Facebook game without doing anything--in theory.
This is the desired effect of the new sidebar module, but since it's still in beta we won't know how effective it is until it formally releases. While this won't restore the rampant viral growth that games enjoyed last year (which Facebook promptly stomped on), it will bring some of that back in a way that appears to be unobtrusive. A way to find new games that isn't going to piss off half of my friends? Where do I sign up?
[Image Credit: Inside Facebook]
Do you happen to be part of this beta test for the new Games Bar? Do you think this will be effective in bringing new games into the mix?
FarmVille English Countryside Cheats and Tips: Farming on new land
We know, you've been inundated with news about the first FarmVille expansion, English Countryside (EC). But don't worry, as this information will be far more useful to you than a minute-long trailer (though, it is kind of cool). So, you've arrived in England and now it's time to begin farming, but much has changed since your days in ... wherever your original farm is located. Join us behind the break for some pointers on farming in the English Countryside.
1. Brand New Crops to Master
Of course, we all know that this new farm will have brand new crops to master, but which exactly. So far, we know of a few crops that will be exclusive to English Countryside:
Red Currents
Hops
Foxglove
Barley
Turnips
Radish
Pink Asters
If you hadn't already noticed, many of these new crops are normally used in brewing beers and wine making. This is because the Pub will be a brand new building in EC. While it's not 100 percent certain that we will be crafting beers and wines, I'm willing to bet on it based on these exclusive crops. Speaking of which ...
Mastery everywhere!
2. Mastery Bonuses Aplenty!
Zynga treated Mastery in FarmVille EC with a laser focus. Apparently the soil in England is much richer than wherever your original farm was, meaning that crops will be much easier to master. Just like the notifications you receive for crop bushels while harvesting crops now, pop-ups will appear notifying you of bonus Mastery points when harvesting in EC.
3. Trees can Grow Anywhere
Of course, there will be new trees to grow in EC with a brand new Orchard that can be repaired using the same materials used to build the original like Boards, Nails and Bricks. While these trees will only grow in England initially, the Mystery Seedlings they provide will appear in your Gift Box, which will be linked between both games. That said, it's your choice whether to grow that seed in England or on the old farm.
English Buildings and Vehicles
4. Repairing this Old n' Busted Farm
When you arrive in England, the farm you will come to know and love will be in tatters. It's up to you to fix these buildings and vehicles if a.) You want Sheep to breed, drinks to brew or Horses to stable, and b.) You want to help the good folks of EC. Thankfully, it's a fairly simple process: All of the buildings in EC use the same building materials as those in the original. So, start stacking up on Special Delivery Boxes--about 100 would be good to start with. Of course, your friends will be there to help as well.
5.The Market has Remained Sacred
Thankfully, Zynga has refrained from making any jarring changes to the Market in EC. This means that both games' Markets will be nearly identical. Well, except for the contents given that many FarmVille EC items are exclusive.
[Source and Final Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you prepared for farming on the English Countryside? What other tips might you have for preparing to farm in this new environment?
1. Brand New Crops to Master
Of course, we all know that this new farm will have brand new crops to master, but which exactly. So far, we know of a few crops that will be exclusive to English Countryside:
Red Currents
Hops
Foxglove
Barley
Turnips
Radish
Pink Asters
If you hadn't already noticed, many of these new crops are normally used in brewing beers and wine making. This is because the Pub will be a brand new building in EC. While it's not 100 percent certain that we will be crafting beers and wines, I'm willing to bet on it based on these exclusive crops. Speaking of which ...
Mastery everywhere!
2. Mastery Bonuses Aplenty!
Zynga treated Mastery in FarmVille EC with a laser focus. Apparently the soil in England is much richer than wherever your original farm was, meaning that crops will be much easier to master. Just like the notifications you receive for crop bushels while harvesting crops now, pop-ups will appear notifying you of bonus Mastery points when harvesting in EC.
3. Trees can Grow Anywhere
Of course, there will be new trees to grow in EC with a brand new Orchard that can be repaired using the same materials used to build the original like Boards, Nails and Bricks. While these trees will only grow in England initially, the Mystery Seedlings they provide will appear in your Gift Box, which will be linked between both games. That said, it's your choice whether to grow that seed in England or on the old farm.
English Buildings and Vehicles
4. Repairing this Old n' Busted Farm
When you arrive in England, the farm you will come to know and love will be in tatters. It's up to you to fix these buildings and vehicles if a.) You want Sheep to breed, drinks to brew or Horses to stable, and b.) You want to help the good folks of EC. Thankfully, it's a fairly simple process: All of the buildings in EC use the same building materials as those in the original. So, start stacking up on Special Delivery Boxes--about 100 would be good to start with. Of course, your friends will be there to help as well.
5.The Market has Remained Sacred
Thankfully, Zynga has refrained from making any jarring changes to the Market in EC. This means that both games' Markets will be nearly identical. Well, except for the contents given that many FarmVille EC items are exclusive.
[Source and Final Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you prepared for farming on the English Countryside? What other tips might you have for preparing to farm in this new environment?
FarmVille English Countryside Cheats and Tips: Sheep Breeding 101
Horse breeding has been a mainstay of FarmVille for some time, but Zynga's other favorite livestock, Sheep, has been largely ignored. Well, aside from being the game's mascot, but no more! Sheep Breeding is the next big thing in FarmVille's English Countryside. Thanks to FarmVille Freak, we have all the details to make your experiencing easing into this brand new feature an enjoyable one.
Here are the most important things to know about Sheep Breeding before touching down in EC:
Breeding Sheep has the possibility of producing Lambs.
Lambs can be named. You will be able to change the name of your Lamb when it's a baby or adult.
Lambs will require that you feed them Baby Bottles if you want them to grow into a Ram or Ewe.
You cannot transfer Sheep over from your original farm to the English Countryside.
Sheep Breeding is random, with no deterministic outcome.
Offspring is based on DNA of parents genetics, but is not fully predetermined.
Combinations of patterned sheep is in the thousands or even millions range! There are many, many possibilities for patterns and colors of offspring.
You do not know what a Lamb will look like when it grows up. They are mysterious like that, meaning that if you have a Grey Lamb it could grow into a Purple Star patterned Sheep.
Males determine Lamb patterns.
New breeding opportunity for farmers to specialize in such as a color or pattern.
When your Lamb is fully grown, you will be given Love Potions in which you can share with your farming friends via the Facebook News Feed.
Sheep UK FlagAs you can see, Sheep Breeding will be complex in FarmVille EC. Players will receive five Sheep to breed upon entering the game or fixing up the Sheep Pen. Breeding takes place on a Sheep Pen that looks largely similar to Pig Pens currently in the game, but with less mud and slop. Of course, the Pen has a "Look Inside" option that allows players to micromanage 20 of their sheep, but that number can double with an upgrade.
Breeding the Sheep is as easy as picking two Sheep and selecting "Breed." Once your Sheep produce a Lamb, you will have the option to either keep it or give it away to your friends, presumably through a News Feed post. The potential combinations for your fluffy offspring is said to be in the millions.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you made any preparations for Sheep Breeding in FarmVille EC? What pre-game tips might you have to ready us for Sheep Breeding?
Here are the most important things to know about Sheep Breeding before touching down in EC:
Breeding Sheep has the possibility of producing Lambs.
Lambs can be named. You will be able to change the name of your Lamb when it's a baby or adult.
Lambs will require that you feed them Baby Bottles if you want them to grow into a Ram or Ewe.
You cannot transfer Sheep over from your original farm to the English Countryside.
Sheep Breeding is random, with no deterministic outcome.
Offspring is based on DNA of parents genetics, but is not fully predetermined.
Combinations of patterned sheep is in the thousands or even millions range! There are many, many possibilities for patterns and colors of offspring.
You do not know what a Lamb will look like when it grows up. They are mysterious like that, meaning that if you have a Grey Lamb it could grow into a Purple Star patterned Sheep.
Males determine Lamb patterns.
New breeding opportunity for farmers to specialize in such as a color or pattern.
When your Lamb is fully grown, you will be given Love Potions in which you can share with your farming friends via the Facebook News Feed.
Sheep UK FlagAs you can see, Sheep Breeding will be complex in FarmVille EC. Players will receive five Sheep to breed upon entering the game or fixing up the Sheep Pen. Breeding takes place on a Sheep Pen that looks largely similar to Pig Pens currently in the game, but with less mud and slop. Of course, the Pen has a "Look Inside" option that allows players to micromanage 20 of their sheep, but that number can double with an upgrade.
Breeding the Sheep is as easy as picking two Sheep and selecting "Breed." Once your Sheep produce a Lamb, you will have the option to either keep it or give it away to your friends, presumably through a News Feed post. The potential combinations for your fluffy offspring is said to be in the millions.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you made any preparations for Sheep Breeding in FarmVille EC? What pre-game tips might you have to ready us for Sheep Breeding?
FrontierVille 37 x 37 Expansion: Get an early start for 185 Horseshoes
Taking a page from the FarmVille team, the folks behind FrontierVille's updates have decided to release the next land expansion - the Enormous or 37x37 land expansion - in the game, but only for premium currency. That's right - if you'd like a head-start on expanding your land to its current maximum, you'll have to pay Horseshoes to do it. It should be noted that a few pioneers have been given this opportunity in the past, but it appears that only now has the option been released on a widespread scale.
You can trigger the purchase of the 37x37 land expansion missions by clicking on the new border that has appeared around your Homestead. This will show you a pop-up like the one above, where you can spend the massive sum of 185 Horseshoes to start expanding your land early. We've been told that the expansion missions will be coming in full "soon," presumably for coins, but if you'd like expand now, rather than waiting, here's your chance.
For the record, 185 Horseshoes is the equivalent of around $23 US, with the current Horseshoe to dollar exchange rate. Whether or not that price is worth it, or not, will of course be up to you. If you know you'll purchase these missions early, and want a look at what to expect from them, check out our guide.
Will you unlock the 37 x 37 land expansion for Horseshoes, or will you wait until a coin option is available?
You can trigger the purchase of the 37x37 land expansion missions by clicking on the new border that has appeared around your Homestead. This will show you a pop-up like the one above, where you can spend the massive sum of 185 Horseshoes to start expanding your land early. We've been told that the expansion missions will be coming in full "soon," presumably for coins, but if you'd like expand now, rather than waiting, here's your chance.
For the record, 185 Horseshoes is the equivalent of around $23 US, with the current Horseshoe to dollar exchange rate. Whether or not that price is worth it, or not, will of course be up to you. If you know you'll purchase these missions early, and want a look at what to expect from them, check out our guide.
Will you unlock the 37 x 37 land expansion for Horseshoes, or will you wait until a coin option is available?
Thứ Ba, 3 tháng 1, 2012
Games for iPad: Top 10 Racing Games
It may not look like it, but Apple's iPad is a speed demon in disguise. To unlock its potential, you'll need to download the best racers for the platform, transforming the innocent looking tablet into a high end muscle machine that can go from zero to 60 in seconds.
Turn on the iPad, step behind the virtual wheel and burn rubber.
1. Real Racing HD
If you prefer the new hotness, go with the superior Real Racing sequel. Part 2, otherwise known as car porn, ups the proverbial ante with an experience optimized for iPad 2, allowing for superior graphics. Beyond that, the game has 30 licensed cars, 15 locations, a ten plus hour career mode and YouTube support, allowing you to upload races within minutes. Don't even hesitate. Buy this now.
2. Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD
We have to hand it to Gameloft. The company knows how to deliver an arcade quality racing experience on the iPad. Exhibit A- Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD. This over the top and positively gorgeous video game has 42 cars, a plethora of tracks based on real world locations (Bahamas, here we come) and some of the most spectacular looking effects we've seen on the platform, like cinematic blur, bump mapping and real time reflections. We can't say enough positive things about this stellar App.
3. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit HD
We lost track of the hours we invested in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of this game, and the iPad edition is almost as addictive. Like its console brethren, Hot Pursuit lets you command the highway as local law enforcement or a speeding criminal. The developers even took a page from the popular Burnout series, allowing you to take down rivals en route to the finish line.
4. Real Racing HD
No Gran Turismo on the iPad? No problem. You'll never miss Sony's real driving simulator, thanks to Firemint's Real Racing HD. This sim heavy speedster comes with a variety of licensed cars, detailed tracks and a variety of options, such as online multiplayer, leaderboards, vehicle customization and realistic engine sounds. This should be one of the first iPad games you buy.
5. Need for Speed Shift HD
Electronic Arts released a sweet version of NFS Shift on the App Store with iPad exclusive features, like eight new cars, physics based acceleration and manual controls. Test-drive these sexy mommas through 18 tracks set in such locations as Chicago, Tokyo and London, all the while marveling at the sweet cockpit view. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with this game.
Read the rest of the Top Ten iPad Racing Games on Modojo.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
Turn on the iPad, step behind the virtual wheel and burn rubber.
1. Real Racing HD
If you prefer the new hotness, go with the superior Real Racing sequel. Part 2, otherwise known as car porn, ups the proverbial ante with an experience optimized for iPad 2, allowing for superior graphics. Beyond that, the game has 30 licensed cars, 15 locations, a ten plus hour career mode and YouTube support, allowing you to upload races within minutes. Don't even hesitate. Buy this now.
2. Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD
We have to hand it to Gameloft. The company knows how to deliver an arcade quality racing experience on the iPad. Exhibit A- Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD. This over the top and positively gorgeous video game has 42 cars, a plethora of tracks based on real world locations (Bahamas, here we come) and some of the most spectacular looking effects we've seen on the platform, like cinematic blur, bump mapping and real time reflections. We can't say enough positive things about this stellar App.
3. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit HD
We lost track of the hours we invested in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of this game, and the iPad edition is almost as addictive. Like its console brethren, Hot Pursuit lets you command the highway as local law enforcement or a speeding criminal. The developers even took a page from the popular Burnout series, allowing you to take down rivals en route to the finish line.
4. Real Racing HD
No Gran Turismo on the iPad? No problem. You'll never miss Sony's real driving simulator, thanks to Firemint's Real Racing HD. This sim heavy speedster comes with a variety of licensed cars, detailed tracks and a variety of options, such as online multiplayer, leaderboards, vehicle customization and realistic engine sounds. This should be one of the first iPad games you buy.
5. Need for Speed Shift HD
Electronic Arts released a sweet version of NFS Shift on the App Store with iPad exclusive features, like eight new cars, physics based acceleration and manual controls. Test-drive these sexy mommas through 18 tracks set in such locations as Chicago, Tokyo and London, all the while marveling at the sweet cockpit view. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with this game.
Read the rest of the Top Ten iPad Racing Games on Modojo.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
Nintendo 3DS Causing Headaches?
Recently, Nintendo issued a warning against children under the age of seven using its Nintendo 3DS. Apparently, the handheld's 3-D feature can potentially impair their still-developing eyesight.
To combat this issue, the publisher displays a prominent warning on every game box. Of course, that didn't stop us from wincing as we read the user complaints rack up on Twitter about headaches and dizzy spells caused by the 3D-capable screen.
aronlongoria: Got to play with a 3DS today. The 3D gave me a headache, so I hated it.
SeanBamberger: Went to buy 3DS. Played demo 3DS. Felt really ill. Bottled it. Nintendo, why do you hate me now? It was the
RiotBananas: Warning to everyone, if you're already ill and have a migraine, DO NOT play the 3DS with 3D on. Urgh.
Scimac: Just had a quick play on a 3DS. Really not sure especially as I'm feeling a bit dizzy now.
f1r3wire: Well I've just comfirmed I can't use the new 3DS as I can't see it's 3D either, it just makes me dizzy which isn't good right now.
MikeMusings: Just played the 3ds, now I'm dizzy, imma hafta pass on this one
Meshi_Kiyang: Just had a go on the new Nintendo 3DS and i was very impressed! dizzy but impressed
Kartones: Today I played a Street Fighter IV match on the 3DS.The 3D effect is both amazing and a bit dizzy,but at least you can control or disable it
laureninspace: Trying out the 3DS at best buy. Feeling more dizzy than impressed.
AnthonyJGomez: I tried out Pilotwings at Best Buy yesterday on the Nintendo 3DS. The 3D made me dizzy, so I turned it off.
AnselmGibbs: Playing Madden on the new Nintendo 3DS at work... I feel dizzy/cross-eyed now... It's available in stores this Thursday
There's a larger list of complaints compiled by the good folks at MaxConsole, and famed comic Penny Arcade takes a jab at the problem in their latest strip. Our own advice? Use the slider on the right of every 3DS to turn down or off the 3-D effects. It's OK to rely on that "boring" 2-D mode.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
To combat this issue, the publisher displays a prominent warning on every game box. Of course, that didn't stop us from wincing as we read the user complaints rack up on Twitter about headaches and dizzy spells caused by the 3D-capable screen.
aronlongoria: Got to play with a 3DS today. The 3D gave me a headache, so I hated it.
SeanBamberger: Went to buy 3DS. Played demo 3DS. Felt really ill. Bottled it. Nintendo, why do you hate me now? It was the
RiotBananas: Warning to everyone, if you're already ill and have a migraine, DO NOT play the 3DS with 3D on. Urgh.
Scimac: Just had a quick play on a 3DS. Really not sure especially as I'm feeling a bit dizzy now.
f1r3wire: Well I've just comfirmed I can't use the new 3DS as I can't see it's 3D either, it just makes me dizzy which isn't good right now.
MikeMusings: Just played the 3ds, now I'm dizzy, imma hafta pass on this one
Meshi_Kiyang: Just had a go on the new Nintendo 3DS and i was very impressed! dizzy but impressed
Kartones: Today I played a Street Fighter IV match on the 3DS.The 3D effect is both amazing and a bit dizzy,but at least you can control or disable it
laureninspace: Trying out the 3DS at best buy. Feeling more dizzy than impressed.
AnthonyJGomez: I tried out Pilotwings at Best Buy yesterday on the Nintendo 3DS. The 3D made me dizzy, so I turned it off.
AnselmGibbs: Playing Madden on the new Nintendo 3DS at work... I feel dizzy/cross-eyed now... It's available in stores this Thursday
There's a larger list of complaints compiled by the good folks at MaxConsole, and famed comic Penny Arcade takes a jab at the problem in their latest strip. Our own advice? Use the slider on the right of every 3DS to turn down or off the 3-D effects. It's OK to rely on that "boring" 2-D mode.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
Future Zynga Facebook, mobile games could be more sequels
At least Zynga chief creative officer Brian Reynolds is thinking about it. The design head of the company recently spoke with IndustryGamers and, when whether FarmVille English Countryside has sparked a trend within the company, Reynolds replied, "Well, it's so early in our industry, is it time to have sequels? I don't know. It sounds like something we might do." In fact, Reynolds appears to be a big fan of the sequel--just look at his previous work.
"It's never too late to do a sequel, by the way," Reynolds said to IndustryGamers. "It's not like we need to be quickly running for the sequels because you can do sequels even 10 years after the original game. The first Civilization sequel came out 5 years after the first one and the next one was 5 years after that. And we've only even been a company for 3 years."
And he has a point. Civilization still sells like hotcakes and it's been reiterated upon five times now. Not to mention the mobile releases and other rehashes over the years. Could Zynga employ the same strategy to remain relevant? While the company has already shown that it can successfully launch new properties (ahem, CityVille), the groundwork has already been laid out.
FrontierVille is surrounded on all sides by promised expansions with one recently receiving a mysterious update in its description. Mafia Wars constantly releases new content, and you could consider its new-and-improved mobile app an expansion. So, would it be in Zynga's benefit to succumb to "sequelitis?"
We've yet to see FarmVille's daily active player base stabilize as a result of the new expansion, nor has its monthly players grew dramatically. Granted, it's only been around for a week, but remember CityVille's meteoric climb? If anything is to decide whether more sequels are in the future for Zynga games, it is the numbers.
[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
[Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Would you still be interested in Zynga games if the next few releases were sequels? What is the likelihood that this is the direction the company will head in?
"It's never too late to do a sequel, by the way," Reynolds said to IndustryGamers. "It's not like we need to be quickly running for the sequels because you can do sequels even 10 years after the original game. The first Civilization sequel came out 5 years after the first one and the next one was 5 years after that. And we've only even been a company for 3 years."
And he has a point. Civilization still sells like hotcakes and it's been reiterated upon five times now. Not to mention the mobile releases and other rehashes over the years. Could Zynga employ the same strategy to remain relevant? While the company has already shown that it can successfully launch new properties (ahem, CityVille), the groundwork has already been laid out.
FrontierVille is surrounded on all sides by promised expansions with one recently receiving a mysterious update in its description. Mafia Wars constantly releases new content, and you could consider its new-and-improved mobile app an expansion. So, would it be in Zynga's benefit to succumb to "sequelitis?"
We've yet to see FarmVille's daily active player base stabilize as a result of the new expansion, nor has its monthly players grew dramatically. Granted, it's only been around for a week, but remember CityVille's meteoric climb? If anything is to decide whether more sequels are in the future for Zynga games, it is the numbers.
[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
[Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Would you still be interested in Zynga games if the next few releases were sequels? What is the likelihood that this is the direction the company will head in?
FarmVille Mystery Seedlings become Wych Elms; next stop Market?
The Mystery Seedlings have changed in FarmVille once again. Once planted in either an Orchard or plain grass, the enigmatic baby trees now grow to become Wych Elms, FarmVille Freak reports. However, the chance at receiving a Wych Elm appears to be random, but unlocking the new, rare tree will give players the chance to share it amongst their friends.
For a little trivia, the Wych Elm, also known as the Scots Elm, is a large deciduous tree is the only native Elm to the British Isles. (Zynga will sneak in any reference to the English Countryside it can.) Trees first appearing as Mystery Seedlings is usually a good sign of their future appearance in the Market. We bet you hope you're one of the luck ones either way now, huh?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you received this new tree via either sharing or from a Mystery Seedling? When do you think it will hit the Market and, more importantly, what price are we talking here?
For a little trivia, the Wych Elm, also known as the Scots Elm, is a large deciduous tree is the only native Elm to the British Isles. (Zynga will sneak in any reference to the English Countryside it can.) Trees first appearing as Mystery Seedlings is usually a good sign of their future appearance in the Market. We bet you hope you're one of the luck ones either way now, huh?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you received this new tree via either sharing or from a Mystery Seedling? When do you think it will hit the Market and, more importantly, what price are we talking here?
Nintendo 3DS: Everything You Need To Know
Nintendo 3DS came out two days ago, and numerous websites (including this one) have posted negative articles concerning headaches, the price and lackluster sales. It's a ridiculous amount of criticism. You'd think Nintendo 3DS was made by Muammar Gaddafi.
Well, we're lucky enough to own the shiny new portable, and there's plenty to love. After spending hours on games like Nintendogs + Cats and Pilotwings Resort, we've grown very fond of the system, and wanted to highlight a few of the good things that make 3DS a worthwhile investment.
Nintendo First Party Comes Through Yet Again
Everyone talks about "Mario this," and "Zelda that." You know what? Pilotwings Resort is strong enough to make the wait for one of Nintendo's premiere characters bearable. We've spent hours on the game, both in Mission Mode and Free Flight, and it's amazing how much the "one more time" bug hits you. We've racked up lots of flight time with the plane, rocket belt and hang glider, and the innovative vehicles that show up in later levels are clever and fun. The game also has a ton of unlockables, practically daring you to try and put it down before you hit three stars across all modes.
Also, don't mind what Metacritic says, Steel Diver is a lot of fun. You have three game types, gyroscope support and some cool 2-D underwater missions. It's worth a purchase.
Lastly, Nintendogs + Cats is a system seller for anyone who is an animal lover. We already have two animals frolicking in our Japanese-style apartment (there are others you can try out, too), and the magic is even more evident with the clean 3-D effects. Our dog, Kiwi, is already racking up the wins, vanquishing other, lesser canines in Frisbee and lure competitions, and the obedience trials are a blast, using augmented reality, voice recognition and 3-D to make a true emotional connection with these virtual creatures.
Third Parties Show Up Big
Haters always talk about how third parties fail to deliver on Nintendo platforms, but this time, companies showed a ton of support. Lots of third party games achieved massive sales, with Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition dominating the charts. Meanwhile, games like Ghost Recon Shadow Warrior and Ridge Racer 3D deliver memorable gameplay experiences that will have Nintendo 3DS owners happily occupied for a long time.
3-D Is Awesome
We get headaches from eating too much ice cream, but that doesn't mean ice cream kills. There are reports of Nintendo 3DS causing headaches, but people forget that, like everything in life, 3-D (and ice cream) is best in small doses.
Besides, unlike a PlayStation 3, which requires a system, 3-D enabled HDTV and crazy-looking glasses, all we have to do with 3DS is, you know, look at the screen and get magical 3-D. Some people can't stop complaining about things as cool as 3-D without glasses. We find it absolutely fascinating.
Augmented Reality Is As Good As 3-D
The Nintendo 3DS Augmented Reality found in Nintendogs, Face Raiders and AR Games trumps the 3-D effects. In fact, when showing off the system to family and friends, we were surprised to hear the "oohs and ahhs" coming from the Archery mini-game. Seriously, the coffee table transformed into a video game. Amazing stuff.
Other Awesome Things
Pedometer that unlocks Nintendo 3DS Play Coins? Nintendo 3DS StreetPass ushering in a new way of interacting with other gamers? Play Coins to purchase new games within the system? Nintendo 3DS 3-D Camera? Sound effects editor? We could go on.
In this day and age of instant gratification, everyone wants the latest fad, but sometimes, people need to stop to smell the proverbial roses. Or, in this case, play Nintendo 3DS. Give it a look and let the haters hate. We'll strap on our rocket belt and head for the blue skies of Wuhu Island, away from all that noise.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
Well, we're lucky enough to own the shiny new portable, and there's plenty to love. After spending hours on games like Nintendogs + Cats and Pilotwings Resort, we've grown very fond of the system, and wanted to highlight a few of the good things that make 3DS a worthwhile investment.
Nintendo First Party Comes Through Yet Again
Everyone talks about "Mario this," and "Zelda that." You know what? Pilotwings Resort is strong enough to make the wait for one of Nintendo's premiere characters bearable. We've spent hours on the game, both in Mission Mode and Free Flight, and it's amazing how much the "one more time" bug hits you. We've racked up lots of flight time with the plane, rocket belt and hang glider, and the innovative vehicles that show up in later levels are clever and fun. The game also has a ton of unlockables, practically daring you to try and put it down before you hit three stars across all modes.
Also, don't mind what Metacritic says, Steel Diver is a lot of fun. You have three game types, gyroscope support and some cool 2-D underwater missions. It's worth a purchase.
Lastly, Nintendogs + Cats is a system seller for anyone who is an animal lover. We already have two animals frolicking in our Japanese-style apartment (there are others you can try out, too), and the magic is even more evident with the clean 3-D effects. Our dog, Kiwi, is already racking up the wins, vanquishing other, lesser canines in Frisbee and lure competitions, and the obedience trials are a blast, using augmented reality, voice recognition and 3-D to make a true emotional connection with these virtual creatures.
Third Parties Show Up Big
Haters always talk about how third parties fail to deliver on Nintendo platforms, but this time, companies showed a ton of support. Lots of third party games achieved massive sales, with Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition dominating the charts. Meanwhile, games like Ghost Recon Shadow Warrior and Ridge Racer 3D deliver memorable gameplay experiences that will have Nintendo 3DS owners happily occupied for a long time.
3-D Is Awesome
We get headaches from eating too much ice cream, but that doesn't mean ice cream kills. There are reports of Nintendo 3DS causing headaches, but people forget that, like everything in life, 3-D (and ice cream) is best in small doses.
Besides, unlike a PlayStation 3, which requires a system, 3-D enabled HDTV and crazy-looking glasses, all we have to do with 3DS is, you know, look at the screen and get magical 3-D. Some people can't stop complaining about things as cool as 3-D without glasses. We find it absolutely fascinating.
Augmented Reality Is As Good As 3-D
The Nintendo 3DS Augmented Reality found in Nintendogs, Face Raiders and AR Games trumps the 3-D effects. In fact, when showing off the system to family and friends, we were surprised to hear the "oohs and ahhs" coming from the Archery mini-game. Seriously, the coffee table transformed into a video game. Amazing stuff.
Other Awesome Things
Pedometer that unlocks Nintendo 3DS Play Coins? Nintendo 3DS StreetPass ushering in a new way of interacting with other gamers? Play Coins to purchase new games within the system? Nintendo 3DS 3-D Camera? Sound effects editor? We could go on.
In this day and age of instant gratification, everyone wants the latest fad, but sometimes, people need to stop to smell the proverbial roses. Or, in this case, play Nintendo 3DS. Give it a look and let the haters hate. We'll strap on our rocket belt and head for the blue skies of Wuhu Island, away from all that noise.
Modojo is a mobile games industry website, which primarily covers the iPhone games, iPad games, Android games and Windows Phone 7 games. Chris Buffa is the editor-in-chief.
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