Mafia Wars 2 revealed! Check out the trailer here!
Is the above image an extremely early look at the sequel to Mafia Wars? Well, according to TopMafia user Bossy Don, who claims to have anonymous sources in Zynga, yes, it is. Found in a recent Zynga survey, the game will reportedly be titled "Mafia Wars 2: Shadow Nation" and will be far different from the current Mafia Wars in almost every way. Actually, this game looks familiar.
In fact, it looks just like the recent Crime City, a flash-based game that plays a lot like the original Grand Theft Auto games. You know, before they made the move to 3D and became insanely successful? Well, if the comments attached to the original photo are any indication, Mafia Wars fans aren't terribly happy with this new style change. While we're not going to judge too much from a single image, all we hope for is for Zynga to not take ideas from games like Crime City wholesale. Though, that does seem to be Zynga's M.O. these days.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Robot Unicorn Attack: Heavy Metal sets Facebook on fire
Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal on Facebook
Robot Unicorn Attack now comes in two flavors on Facebook, and by flavors, I don't mean unicorn SPAM. But since the original's September debut, Adult Swim Games has also launched a Heavy Metal and a Christmas version (iPhone only so far) on its site. But today, finally, Robot Unicorn Attack: Heavy Metal has been unleashed upon Facebook.
Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal action
While the original Robot Unicorn Attack is a mellow, rainbow-splashed, galloping breeze of pretty pink and purple hues swaddled by a song from an 80s synthpop duo -- the Heavy Metal version is its demonic counterpart, where you blaze across as a fiery red-eyed beast, over a desolate landscape of bone-encrusted bridges, to the song "Battlefield" by a German 80s metal band, Blind Guardian. Though it's not as catchy as Erasure's "Always", the lyrics definitely fit the feel of the revamped game:
It cannot be seen
But there's blood on the green.
Only god knows I'm innocent.
Take me, take me home.
A dark seed reigns in me like the storm rules over the sea.
I challenge thee, do not cross the bridge alone.
Supposedly, the band was inspired by the old Scandinavian legend, Das Hildebrandslied. But in any case, everything else about the Heavy Metal installment plays the same as the original. The keyboard keys 'Z' and 'X' still mean 'Jump' and 'Dash', and the game remains ridiculously popular.
Robot Unicorn Attack now comes in two flavors on Facebook, and by flavors, I don't mean unicorn SPAM. But since the original's September debut, Adult Swim Games has also launched a Heavy Metal and a Christmas version (iPhone only so far) on its site. But today, finally, Robot Unicorn Attack: Heavy Metal has been unleashed upon Facebook.
Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal action
While the original Robot Unicorn Attack is a mellow, rainbow-splashed, galloping breeze of pretty pink and purple hues swaddled by a song from an 80s synthpop duo -- the Heavy Metal version is its demonic counterpart, where you blaze across as a fiery red-eyed beast, over a desolate landscape of bone-encrusted bridges, to the song "Battlefield" by a German 80s metal band, Blind Guardian. Though it's not as catchy as Erasure's "Always", the lyrics definitely fit the feel of the revamped game:
It cannot be seen
But there's blood on the green.
Only god knows I'm innocent.
Take me, take me home.
A dark seed reigns in me like the storm rules over the sea.
I challenge thee, do not cross the bridge alone.
Supposedly, the band was inspired by the old Scandinavian legend, Das Hildebrandslied. But in any case, everything else about the Heavy Metal installment plays the same as the original. The keyboard keys 'Z' and 'X' still mean 'Jump' and 'Dash', and the game remains ridiculously popular.
FrontierVille: You can now sell directly from your Inventory, menus now hold your place
Two very appreciated technical adjustments launched in FrontierVille this week, and both of them can be seen in action via your in-game Inventory.
First and foremost, you can now sell items directly from your inventory. Yes, that's right, one feature that users have been clamoring for since the game first launched has finally been added. No longer will you have to open your inventory and manually drag item after item out onto your Homestead, only to sell them in an extra step - you can now click on the small pile of coins next to those items that can be sold, to see a small menu pop up that will confirm that you do in fact want to sell the item.
Via this menu (as seen above), you can choose how many of that particular item you'd like to sell (in cases where you own more than one), and you'll see how many coins you'll receive in return upon selling that quantity. Simply click on the "'Sell" button and voila! Your items will automatically be sold from your inventory, and your coin total will rise accordingly.
While this new convenience is admittedly pretty fantastic, it still doesn't address the issue of leftover quest items, as those items remain "un-sellable" as of this writing. We'll be sure to let you know if that changes.
In the meantime though, another addition to the inventory has also been made, as the game will now automatically keep your position in your Inventory if you use or place an item from your inventory onto your Homestead, or simply close the menu. That is, during the same gameplay session (leaving the game resets this) every time you open up your Inventory window, your position in scrolling through items will be saved. If you have a lot of trees that are on the third page of your inventory, you will be sent directly back to the third page after you place each tree, saving you the hassle of having to scroll through page after page in your inventory just to get back to where you were.
While the place-holding in FrontierVille is very appreciated, we have to say that the ability to sell items directly from your inventory has to be one of the best technical adjustments Zynga has made to the game since launch.
First and foremost, you can now sell items directly from your inventory. Yes, that's right, one feature that users have been clamoring for since the game first launched has finally been added. No longer will you have to open your inventory and manually drag item after item out onto your Homestead, only to sell them in an extra step - you can now click on the small pile of coins next to those items that can be sold, to see a small menu pop up that will confirm that you do in fact want to sell the item.
Via this menu (as seen above), you can choose how many of that particular item you'd like to sell (in cases where you own more than one), and you'll see how many coins you'll receive in return upon selling that quantity. Simply click on the "'Sell" button and voila! Your items will automatically be sold from your inventory, and your coin total will rise accordingly.
While this new convenience is admittedly pretty fantastic, it still doesn't address the issue of leftover quest items, as those items remain "un-sellable" as of this writing. We'll be sure to let you know if that changes.
In the meantime though, another addition to the inventory has also been made, as the game will now automatically keep your position in your Inventory if you use or place an item from your inventory onto your Homestead, or simply close the menu. That is, during the same gameplay session (leaving the game resets this) every time you open up your Inventory window, your position in scrolling through items will be saved. If you have a lot of trees that are on the third page of your inventory, you will be sent directly back to the third page after you place each tree, saving you the hassle of having to scroll through page after page in your inventory just to get back to where you were.
While the place-holding in FrontierVille is very appreciated, we have to say that the ability to sell items directly from your inventory has to be one of the best technical adjustments Zynga has made to the game since launch.
Cafe World Holiday Tree: Everything you need to know
If you thought this week's release of the Holiday Dinner catering order would be the end of the Holiday celebration in Cafe World, then Zynga has released a new feature today that is sure to surprise you. The new item is the Holiday Tree, which, like every other buildable in Cafe World, starts out as a simple tree, sans decorations, and must be "constructed" by adding various ingredients to the tree, like lights, bells, and of course, ornaments.
You'll need the help of friends to put this tree together, but it will be worth it, as users that finish building the tree will have a chance at earning free bundles of coins or even free Cafe Cash every single day from December 24 to January 5 just for doing so.
Want to know how you can potentially get your hands on some much-needed Cafe Cash? Meet us behind the break for full details on this new feature.
This is one case where money really will grow on trees, but only if you can help the tree itself grow first. The next time you login to the game, you'll see a pop-up like the one at the top of this post, introducing you to the event, and allowing you to place your entirely plain, generic evergreen tree in your cafe. Of course, a plain evergreen tree simply won't due for a true holiday celebration, so you'll need to finish building and decorating it by collecting four ingredients: Fairy Lights, Chimes, Baubles (ornaments), and Exotic Ornaments.
Since the ultimate goal of this feature is for all users to have the tree completed before December 24, Zynga has mercifully lowered the required number of ingredients from previous building events. This time around, you'll still need to collect 10 of the Fairy Lights, but only five Chimes and Baubles. All three of these are earned by clicking on the "Ask for More" button associated with that item, and then sending out individual gift requests to friends that you think would answer your call for help.
As for the Exotic Ornaments, this actually brings in an entirely different feature for the buildable, as you'll need to click on the "Collect" button in the tree's menu (as seen above), and then follow the menu that appears to head over to Treasure Isle, where you can find the exotic ornament you need for your tree.
By clicking on the "Play Treasure Isle" button, Treasure Isle will load in a new window, where you'll be given the specifics. You'll need to level up to at least level 5, and find any five treasures while playing the game to be "granted a Basket of Ornaments."
Depending on whether or not you've played Treasure Isle in the past, and on what level you are in the game overall, you may be able to finish this task in one sitting, but most players, especially newer players, will have to come back to the game more than once to finish the task. Still, since the other three Holiday Tree ingredients require you to wait for your friends to send you items, the cross-promotion with Treasure Isle at least gives you a way to occupy your time while you wait.
If at any time you'd like to stop waiting for your friends' help, you can purchase your remaining ingredients for 2 Cafe Cash each. You can even skip the Treasure Isle promotion entirely if you'd like to pay 8 Cafe Cash to do so. Additionally, if you really hate building things and want to purchase a completed tree outright, you can do that too, as a finished Holiday Tree is available under the Special Items section of the game's Functional Store (click on the gears, and then the blue gem) for 45 Farm Cash.
Once the tree has been completed, and once December 24 arrives, you'll be awarded a free prize from the tree once per day just for playing the game. Zynga has confirmed that these prizes will either be coins, or even free Cafe Cash, although they didn't announce in what quantities either would be given away (that is, whether you could win up to 1 Cafe Cash per day, 10, 100, or so on).
Either way, if you're done with the Holiday catering orders in Cafe World, this seems like more than a decent replacement for how to spend your time in the game.
You'll need the help of friends to put this tree together, but it will be worth it, as users that finish building the tree will have a chance at earning free bundles of coins or even free Cafe Cash every single day from December 24 to January 5 just for doing so.
Want to know how you can potentially get your hands on some much-needed Cafe Cash? Meet us behind the break for full details on this new feature.
This is one case where money really will grow on trees, but only if you can help the tree itself grow first. The next time you login to the game, you'll see a pop-up like the one at the top of this post, introducing you to the event, and allowing you to place your entirely plain, generic evergreen tree in your cafe. Of course, a plain evergreen tree simply won't due for a true holiday celebration, so you'll need to finish building and decorating it by collecting four ingredients: Fairy Lights, Chimes, Baubles (ornaments), and Exotic Ornaments.
Since the ultimate goal of this feature is for all users to have the tree completed before December 24, Zynga has mercifully lowered the required number of ingredients from previous building events. This time around, you'll still need to collect 10 of the Fairy Lights, but only five Chimes and Baubles. All three of these are earned by clicking on the "Ask for More" button associated with that item, and then sending out individual gift requests to friends that you think would answer your call for help.
As for the Exotic Ornaments, this actually brings in an entirely different feature for the buildable, as you'll need to click on the "Collect" button in the tree's menu (as seen above), and then follow the menu that appears to head over to Treasure Isle, where you can find the exotic ornament you need for your tree.
By clicking on the "Play Treasure Isle" button, Treasure Isle will load in a new window, where you'll be given the specifics. You'll need to level up to at least level 5, and find any five treasures while playing the game to be "granted a Basket of Ornaments."
Depending on whether or not you've played Treasure Isle in the past, and on what level you are in the game overall, you may be able to finish this task in one sitting, but most players, especially newer players, will have to come back to the game more than once to finish the task. Still, since the other three Holiday Tree ingredients require you to wait for your friends to send you items, the cross-promotion with Treasure Isle at least gives you a way to occupy your time while you wait.
If at any time you'd like to stop waiting for your friends' help, you can purchase your remaining ingredients for 2 Cafe Cash each. You can even skip the Treasure Isle promotion entirely if you'd like to pay 8 Cafe Cash to do so. Additionally, if you really hate building things and want to purchase a completed tree outright, you can do that too, as a finished Holiday Tree is available under the Special Items section of the game's Functional Store (click on the gears, and then the blue gem) for 45 Farm Cash.
Once the tree has been completed, and once December 24 arrives, you'll be awarded a free prize from the tree once per day just for playing the game. Zynga has confirmed that these prizes will either be coins, or even free Cafe Cash, although they didn't announce in what quantities either would be given away (that is, whether you could win up to 1 Cafe Cash per day, 10, 100, or so on).
Either way, if you're done with the Holiday catering orders in Cafe World, this seems like more than a decent replacement for how to spend your time in the game.
My Shops on Facebook: Why build just one store, when you can build them all?
While there are plenty of Facebook games that allow you to start managing a single kind of business or store (a restaurant, a clothing store, electronics store, and so on), what if you were instead given a game where you could create an entire "Shopping Street," rather than just a single store? Pretty Simple Games will allow you to make that hypothetical scenario into a reality, with their Facebook game My Shops.
The game launched in the middle of November, and has since grown to almost 140,000 users - not bad for a game from a little-known developer, in a genre that is already quite full. If you'd like to see what it takes to run more than one business at once, then meet us behind the break for more details about this up-and-coming business management sim.
My Shops begins with a basic tutorial in your first shop - a Bakery. The game's street view is presented much like the Street View in Restaurant City, for those that are familiar, as it is a flat image that can be scrolled through left and right to see your various buildings, or even open new ones.
Through the tutorial, you'll learn that the game is filled with a large variety of customers, each of which has different demands represented by thought bubbles. These thought bubbles contain images of what a customer wants to help you keep track. Via these thought bubbles, you'll be able to keep track of which items will be hot sellers, and can then order goods from the shipping menu accordingly. To start, at your Bakery you'll meet customers that want either bread or croissants, so you'll need to order both kinds of goods to be delivered on a delivery truck.
This is where the game's timer comes in, as you'll need to wait for the delivery trucks to arrive, with different travel times being available for the different items that you could purchase. You'll need to be on-hand to accept the delivery when it does arrive (increasing the incentive for repeat returns on a daily basis), and from there, your shop will automatically go about the business of selling goods. Your total stock is represented as meters in the bottom left corner of the gameplay screen, and you'll be able to see when a good will sell out based on how many hours that stock will last given the store's current popularity.
With your stores supplied, you'll be able to tackle a series of missions (upgrade your buildings, add certain decorations, and so on) or you can choose to upgrade your customers. In terms of customer upgrading, when a customer leaves your store satisfied, they will have a red heart appear above their head. Clicking on this heart earns your business a recommendation, and when enough of the same variety of customer recommend your business, you'll be able to unlock new kinds of customers, with entirely different sets of demands.
These customers may wish to purchase items you don't have in stock, which either means you can unlock them from the game's store (in the case of entirely new items), or you can simply wait for your current stock of items to empty and then order more of that particular item in the next Delivery Truck.
As you go along, you can increase the popularity of your shops by increasing their "Beauty," or adding decorations. Considering the time of year, there are some incredibly adorable Holiday decorations currently available, for those that are interested in that sort of thing. Otherwise, you can choose from decorative baskets, flower pots, street lamps, trees, bicycles and more, to make each individual building on your street look customized and unique (you'll need to customize stores for missions, but you can do this voluntarily as well).
Of course, your buildings can also be upgraded in terms of size (allowing you to hold more goods in your stock), with starter upgrades being available for coins, so that the average user can upgrade their Starter Bakery twice without running out of their beginning stock of coins, which is appreciated. Delivery Trucks can also be upgraded, but this requires you to collect building parts.
Since the game is all about opening up additional shops, it seems odd that you won't be able to do so without at least reaching level five. Not that this is an incredibly difficult milestone to reach in terms of gameplay, but levels do see to take a bit longer to complete than in other games of this type (that being the business-management sim). Once you start leveling up, you'll be able to get your hands on new shops like Pet Shops, Cake Shops, and more.
All in all, though, we're definitely pleased with what My Shops has to offer so far. If you're willing to climb your way to level 5 and finally start unlocking additional shop locations, then we'd suggest giving this one a look.
The game launched in the middle of November, and has since grown to almost 140,000 users - not bad for a game from a little-known developer, in a genre that is already quite full. If you'd like to see what it takes to run more than one business at once, then meet us behind the break for more details about this up-and-coming business management sim.
My Shops begins with a basic tutorial in your first shop - a Bakery. The game's street view is presented much like the Street View in Restaurant City, for those that are familiar, as it is a flat image that can be scrolled through left and right to see your various buildings, or even open new ones.
Through the tutorial, you'll learn that the game is filled with a large variety of customers, each of which has different demands represented by thought bubbles. These thought bubbles contain images of what a customer wants to help you keep track. Via these thought bubbles, you'll be able to keep track of which items will be hot sellers, and can then order goods from the shipping menu accordingly. To start, at your Bakery you'll meet customers that want either bread or croissants, so you'll need to order both kinds of goods to be delivered on a delivery truck.
This is where the game's timer comes in, as you'll need to wait for the delivery trucks to arrive, with different travel times being available for the different items that you could purchase. You'll need to be on-hand to accept the delivery when it does arrive (increasing the incentive for repeat returns on a daily basis), and from there, your shop will automatically go about the business of selling goods. Your total stock is represented as meters in the bottom left corner of the gameplay screen, and you'll be able to see when a good will sell out based on how many hours that stock will last given the store's current popularity.
With your stores supplied, you'll be able to tackle a series of missions (upgrade your buildings, add certain decorations, and so on) or you can choose to upgrade your customers. In terms of customer upgrading, when a customer leaves your store satisfied, they will have a red heart appear above their head. Clicking on this heart earns your business a recommendation, and when enough of the same variety of customer recommend your business, you'll be able to unlock new kinds of customers, with entirely different sets of demands.
These customers may wish to purchase items you don't have in stock, which either means you can unlock them from the game's store (in the case of entirely new items), or you can simply wait for your current stock of items to empty and then order more of that particular item in the next Delivery Truck.
As you go along, you can increase the popularity of your shops by increasing their "Beauty," or adding decorations. Considering the time of year, there are some incredibly adorable Holiday decorations currently available, for those that are interested in that sort of thing. Otherwise, you can choose from decorative baskets, flower pots, street lamps, trees, bicycles and more, to make each individual building on your street look customized and unique (you'll need to customize stores for missions, but you can do this voluntarily as well).
Of course, your buildings can also be upgraded in terms of size (allowing you to hold more goods in your stock), with starter upgrades being available for coins, so that the average user can upgrade their Starter Bakery twice without running out of their beginning stock of coins, which is appreciated. Delivery Trucks can also be upgraded, but this requires you to collect building parts.
Since the game is all about opening up additional shops, it seems odd that you won't be able to do so without at least reaching level five. Not that this is an incredibly difficult milestone to reach in terms of gameplay, but levels do see to take a bit longer to complete than in other games of this type (that being the business-management sim). Once you start leveling up, you'll be able to get your hands on new shops like Pet Shops, Cake Shops, and more.
All in all, though, we're definitely pleased with what My Shops has to offer so far. If you're willing to climb your way to level 5 and finally start unlocking additional shop locations, then we'd suggest giving this one a look.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tagged bulks up for a bout with Facebook, acquires WeGame
The imminent battle between Facebook and Google+ over social games domination has a potential, scrappy third contender. People often forget about Tagged, the San Francisco-based social network with a considerable 100 million plus users. Video games, our favorite thing to talk about, might change all that, as the company announced that it has purchased WeGame.
WeGame is a cross between a social network for gamers in vein of services like Raptr and an online store with digital copies of games. Of course, terms of the deal weren't disclosed, and it's unclear exactly how the social network will make use of its new gaming network-meets-game store.
This news is especially striking considering the fact that Tagged already offers social games to its users. In fact, the company hired former Pogo VP Andrew Pederson to oversee its social gaming efforts. Perhaps that venture hasn't produced results, or Tagged simply looks to further bolster its social gaming efforts. Unfortunately, we currently haven't a clue.
According to TechCrunch, Tagged will reveal the details of how WeGame's technology will be incorporated "in the coming months." The company in question is run by a mere four employees, so we imagine there is a good amount of automation going on there, something Tagged could be looking to take advantage of.
It's also worth noting that WeGame is heavily skewed toward the hardcore crowd, offering a number of games for sale that only fans of franchises like World of WarCraft might recognize. That said--and this is pure speculation--Tagged could be looking in a completely different direction than Facebook is and Google+ appears to be: the proverbial Call of Duty player. Hey, if the social network has found strong enough of a niche to thrive in the shadow of Facebook, perhaps it has found another.
WeGame is a cross between a social network for gamers in vein of services like Raptr and an online store with digital copies of games. Of course, terms of the deal weren't disclosed, and it's unclear exactly how the social network will make use of its new gaming network-meets-game store.
This news is especially striking considering the fact that Tagged already offers social games to its users. In fact, the company hired former Pogo VP Andrew Pederson to oversee its social gaming efforts. Perhaps that venture hasn't produced results, or Tagged simply looks to further bolster its social gaming efforts. Unfortunately, we currently haven't a clue.
According to TechCrunch, Tagged will reveal the details of how WeGame's technology will be incorporated "in the coming months." The company in question is run by a mere four employees, so we imagine there is a good amount of automation going on there, something Tagged could be looking to take advantage of.
It's also worth noting that WeGame is heavily skewed toward the hardcore crowd, offering a number of games for sale that only fans of franchises like World of WarCraft might recognize. That said--and this is pure speculation--Tagged could be looking in a completely different direction than Facebook is and Google+ appears to be: the proverbial Call of Duty player. Hey, if the social network has found strong enough of a niche to thrive in the shadow of Facebook, perhaps it has found another.
CrowdStar, others dock in Sibblingz Spaceport for mobile social games
If we haven't driven home yet that mobile will be massive in the future of social games, we clearly haven't done our job. Luckily, news like the fact that Sibblingz has signed on It Girl creator CrowdStar and a number of other developers to use its Spaceport service helps us make good on that.
TechCrunch reports that--in addition to CrowdStar--BitRhymes, IKIGames, LuckyLabs, Fortune Planet and DeezGames have signed on to use Spaceport to create mobile versions of their Facebook games. Spaceport is Sibblingz's cloud-based game development platform that allows developers like CrowdStar to create mobile games that work on both iOS and Android devices.
Essentially, it allows developers to create a mobile game once and have it run on multiple mobile devices. The platform makes use of coding languages like Javascript and HTML5, but neither of which are known for making robust or fully-featured games on iPhones or Android phones. However, Sibblingz claims that games built on Spaceport feature an app-like experience.
What Sibblingz means is that, while these games are built using simpler code languages, they will perform like, say CityVille Hometown by Zynga. That game was built using tools specifically for iOS devices and is thus more visually impressive and feature-rich than mobile browser games. However, according to TechCrunch, developers can even create games specifically for iPhones and iPads through Spaceport.
Sibblingz also says that developers can make games for Facebook's worst-kept secret, Project Spartan--an initiative to bring Facebook to mobile devices through browsers using HTML5 complete with full-featured apps and games--through Spaceport. Jeez, on paper it sounds like Spaceport can do anything but make the cash flow.
Regardless, what's important to take away here is that social game developers realize that mobile is where it's at. Frankly, it's one area where clear winners have yet to be defined, much unlike Facebook (ahem, Zynga and EA). At this point, anyone could come out a winner on mobile, and perhaps the companies that embrace cross-platform game creation like CrowdStar will have the upper hand.
TechCrunch reports that--in addition to CrowdStar--BitRhymes, IKIGames, LuckyLabs, Fortune Planet and DeezGames have signed on to use Spaceport to create mobile versions of their Facebook games. Spaceport is Sibblingz's cloud-based game development platform that allows developers like CrowdStar to create mobile games that work on both iOS and Android devices.
Essentially, it allows developers to create a mobile game once and have it run on multiple mobile devices. The platform makes use of coding languages like Javascript and HTML5, but neither of which are known for making robust or fully-featured games on iPhones or Android phones. However, Sibblingz claims that games built on Spaceport feature an app-like experience.
What Sibblingz means is that, while these games are built using simpler code languages, they will perform like, say CityVille Hometown by Zynga. That game was built using tools specifically for iOS devices and is thus more visually impressive and feature-rich than mobile browser games. However, according to TechCrunch, developers can even create games specifically for iPhones and iPads through Spaceport.
Sibblingz also says that developers can make games for Facebook's worst-kept secret, Project Spartan--an initiative to bring Facebook to mobile devices through browsers using HTML5 complete with full-featured apps and games--through Spaceport. Jeez, on paper it sounds like Spaceport can do anything but make the cash flow.
Regardless, what's important to take away here is that social game developers realize that mobile is where it's at. Frankly, it's one area where clear winners have yet to be defined, much unlike Facebook (ahem, Zynga and EA). At this point, anyone could come out a winner on mobile, and perhaps the companies that embrace cross-platform game creation like CrowdStar will have the upper hand.
Kabam study suggests hardcore gamers are flocking to Facebook
hardcore gamers
Have the tables finally turned? Not quite just yet, but slowly and surely they are, a study released by Kabam suggests. The Redwood City-Calif.-based creator of Facebook games like Dragons of Atlantis and Edgeworld recently commissioned a survey of 1,412 "hardcore" gamers to find just how their behavior has changed since the dawn of Facebook games.
Dubbed the "Social Gamer Study," Kabam found that the demographics of the average social game fan are slowly changing--more young to middle-aged men are playing Facebook games. And a whopping 82 percent of them come from the console game space, which is terribly important. This is because 27 percent of those surveyed report playing console games less often.
And perhaps more importantly to those looking to make cash from hardcore games, those surveyed reported spending 50 percent less on console games. Of course, Kabam threw in that players of its games are even more dedicated to Facebook games than console games: 55 percent reported playing console games less and spending 65 percent on the games.
Social Gamer Study findings
According to the study conducted by Information Solutions Group, 72 percent of these hardcore social gamers are playing two or more games at once, and 47 percent are playing three or more. If you've ever played a game like Kingdoms of Camelot or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters, you know that this is quite a lot to keep up with--much more so than, say, FarmVille.
Not to mention that this growing sub culture of Facebook gamers plays far longer game sessions than the 30 minutes or so your average Bejeweled Blitz player sits down for on lunch break. A massive 68 percent reported playing social strategy games for three hours or longer a day, and 30 percent said they play for longer than an hour per session.
Of course, it's important to keep in mind who commissioned this study: a developer and publisher of hardcore Facebook games. Vested interests aside, it's undeniable that a new breed of Facebook game fan is emerging, and fast. And you have to assume, with advances like download-free 3D gaming on the horizon, these numbers will only grow. Check out the study in full here.
Have the tables finally turned? Not quite just yet, but slowly and surely they are, a study released by Kabam suggests. The Redwood City-Calif.-based creator of Facebook games like Dragons of Atlantis and Edgeworld recently commissioned a survey of 1,412 "hardcore" gamers to find just how their behavior has changed since the dawn of Facebook games.
Dubbed the "Social Gamer Study," Kabam found that the demographics of the average social game fan are slowly changing--more young to middle-aged men are playing Facebook games. And a whopping 82 percent of them come from the console game space, which is terribly important. This is because 27 percent of those surveyed report playing console games less often.
And perhaps more importantly to those looking to make cash from hardcore games, those surveyed reported spending 50 percent less on console games. Of course, Kabam threw in that players of its games are even more dedicated to Facebook games than console games: 55 percent reported playing console games less and spending 65 percent on the games.
Social Gamer Study findings
According to the study conducted by Information Solutions Group, 72 percent of these hardcore social gamers are playing two or more games at once, and 47 percent are playing three or more. If you've ever played a game like Kingdoms of Camelot or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters, you know that this is quite a lot to keep up with--much more so than, say, FarmVille.
Not to mention that this growing sub culture of Facebook gamers plays far longer game sessions than the 30 minutes or so your average Bejeweled Blitz player sits down for on lunch break. A massive 68 percent reported playing social strategy games for three hours or longer a day, and 30 percent said they play for longer than an hour per session.
Of course, it's important to keep in mind who commissioned this study: a developer and publisher of hardcore Facebook games. Vested interests aside, it's undeniable that a new breed of Facebook game fan is emerging, and fast. And you have to assume, with advances like download-free 3D gaming on the horizon, these numbers will only grow. Check out the study in full here.
GameHouse hopes to build buzz on Facebook with Bayou Blast
This might be the first and last time you see these words from me: I cannot wait to hit the bayou. GameHouse just announced that its next Facebook game, Bayou Blast, is scheduled to hit the platform this October. Keeping with the recurring "Blast" theme started with Collapse! Blast, this game tasks players with matching gems to make them explode. Sound familiar?
Of course it does, but judging from an early look at the game courtesy of GameHouse CEO Matt Hulett, Bayou Blast brings a fresh twist to the sub genre. You are Bayou, the last remaining firefly of the swamp who must save his friends from a voodoo frog that has captured them in various gems. But rather than simply matching them à la Bejeweled Blitz, you must draw lines of lightning through as many identical gems as you can to destroy them.
Bayou Blast takes this hook and crams it into 60-second game sessions in a race for the high score. Much like its competitors and previous offerings from GameHouse on Facebook, Bayou Blast features weekly tournaments between friends and power-ups that unlock over time and can be bought using either in-game currency or Facebook Credits. These include staples like time extensions, exploding gems and score multipliers.
Bayou Blast gameplay
The game takes on a charming, cartoonish art style, and rewards players for blowing up gems with greater speed. In fact, match fast enough and the game board will burst into flame, which we assume means much more points. "We've really focused on the quality of the game," Hulett tells us. "I've got people outside my office who are constantly looking at different art effects. Like, 'Is the lightning looking the right way when [players] drag the mouse cursor?' The amount of detail they're putting into this game is really great."
According to Hulett, games like Collapse! Blast and soon Bayou Blast mark a significant shift in where the company is headed. About 50 percent of the GameHouse staff is now focused on creating social games for Facebook and mobile devices. (GameHouse was originally focused on downloadable casual games.) Speaking of which, both of these games will receive Facebook-connected versions for the iPhone and iPad early next year. And Hulett is confident that GameHouse's new direction will pay off.
"We have a good shot of being in the Top 10," Hulett gushes. "I think we've gotten really good at Facebook games over the past three to five months. Maybe Bayou Blast will be our first game [with 1 million daily players]." We'll see if Bayou Blast lives up to Hulett's ambitions this October. Until then, check out the trailer below.
Of course it does, but judging from an early look at the game courtesy of GameHouse CEO Matt Hulett, Bayou Blast brings a fresh twist to the sub genre. You are Bayou, the last remaining firefly of the swamp who must save his friends from a voodoo frog that has captured them in various gems. But rather than simply matching them à la Bejeweled Blitz, you must draw lines of lightning through as many identical gems as you can to destroy them.
Bayou Blast takes this hook and crams it into 60-second game sessions in a race for the high score. Much like its competitors and previous offerings from GameHouse on Facebook, Bayou Blast features weekly tournaments between friends and power-ups that unlock over time and can be bought using either in-game currency or Facebook Credits. These include staples like time extensions, exploding gems and score multipliers.
Bayou Blast gameplay
The game takes on a charming, cartoonish art style, and rewards players for blowing up gems with greater speed. In fact, match fast enough and the game board will burst into flame, which we assume means much more points. "We've really focused on the quality of the game," Hulett tells us. "I've got people outside my office who are constantly looking at different art effects. Like, 'Is the lightning looking the right way when [players] drag the mouse cursor?' The amount of detail they're putting into this game is really great."
According to Hulett, games like Collapse! Blast and soon Bayou Blast mark a significant shift in where the company is headed. About 50 percent of the GameHouse staff is now focused on creating social games for Facebook and mobile devices. (GameHouse was originally focused on downloadable casual games.) Speaking of which, both of these games will receive Facebook-connected versions for the iPhone and iPad early next year. And Hulett is confident that GameHouse's new direction will pay off.
"We have a good shot of being in the Top 10," Hulett gushes. "I think we've gotten really good at Facebook games over the past three to five months. Maybe Bayou Blast will be our first game [with 1 million daily players]." We'll see if Bayou Blast lives up to Hulett's ambitions this October. Until then, check out the trailer below.
Adventure World rockets to over 9 million players, thanks to promotions
Adventure World Mafia Wars promo
And it did so in just under five days. According to Appdata, Zynga's newest release, Adventure World, has finally found its second wind, gaining over 8 million players in almost five days. If you remember, Zynga Boston's debut game sat stagnant at under 500,000 players for over a week after its release. This wild growth is likely thanks to one thing: cross promotions.
Zynga has finally taken advantage of (some of) its 267 million players to give Adventure World some much needed exposure. During its first week on Facebook, the game enjoyed little to no cross promotion between the company's existing games aside from banner ads and the like. But now, Adventure World can be found in games like Mafia Wars through special promotions.
In this particular case, Mafia Wars players have until Sept. 30 to reach Level 5 in Adventure World and receive a special item for their digital mafia don, an Ancient Hammer. While the item won't exactly wow veteran Mafia Wars players, it at least has value to collectors. Before that, we saw hints of Adventure World being advertised within FarmVille, which has yet to happen.
So, you can only imagine how far Adventure World would go if such involved promotions were featured in FarmVille, CityVille, Pioneer Trail and Empires & Allies. However, we were under the impression that this type of cross promotion was through with the release of RewardVille, Zynga's cross-game achievement system that rewards players for using all of its games daily.
Unfortunately, it seems as if the developer can't avoid such arguably invasive practices if it wants all of its games to succeed. And that could ultimately rekindle the ire of its players, many of which are already fed up with resurgent demands to enter new games for items within their favorite games. (Hence the creation of RewardVille.)
Zynga looks like it's more dependent than ever on its swath of existing players, but the developer might want to cook up a more elegant solution of getting those players to play its new games. If not, Zynga might run the risk of losing its most powerful method of growth: the players it already has.
And it did so in just under five days. According to Appdata, Zynga's newest release, Adventure World, has finally found its second wind, gaining over 8 million players in almost five days. If you remember, Zynga Boston's debut game sat stagnant at under 500,000 players for over a week after its release. This wild growth is likely thanks to one thing: cross promotions.
Zynga has finally taken advantage of (some of) its 267 million players to give Adventure World some much needed exposure. During its first week on Facebook, the game enjoyed little to no cross promotion between the company's existing games aside from banner ads and the like. But now, Adventure World can be found in games like Mafia Wars through special promotions.
In this particular case, Mafia Wars players have until Sept. 30 to reach Level 5 in Adventure World and receive a special item for their digital mafia don, an Ancient Hammer. While the item won't exactly wow veteran Mafia Wars players, it at least has value to collectors. Before that, we saw hints of Adventure World being advertised within FarmVille, which has yet to happen.
So, you can only imagine how far Adventure World would go if such involved promotions were featured in FarmVille, CityVille, Pioneer Trail and Empires & Allies. However, we were under the impression that this type of cross promotion was through with the release of RewardVille, Zynga's cross-game achievement system that rewards players for using all of its games daily.
Unfortunately, it seems as if the developer can't avoid such arguably invasive practices if it wants all of its games to succeed. And that could ultimately rekindle the ire of its players, many of which are already fed up with resurgent demands to enter new games for items within their favorite games. (Hence the creation of RewardVille.)
Zynga looks like it's more dependent than ever on its swath of existing players, but the developer might want to cook up a more elegant solution of getting those players to play its new games. If not, Zynga might run the risk of losing its most powerful method of growth: the players it already has.
Monday, January 9, 2012
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Heart Pony, Heart Cow will be your Valentine
Heart Pony Heart Cow Heart Foal
Valentine's Day will soon be upon us in FarmVille and FV Fan's most recent findings show that the livestock will be feeling the love as much as we will. Two new unreleased animals have been uncovered: the Heart Cow and Heart Pony. These animals will act just like their normal counterparts and even have calf and foal forms, respectively.
As with all unreleased items, it's not 100 percent that these two tickled-pink animals will make it into the game. Nor do we know whether they will cost Farm Cash, coins or be involved in some sort of event or Goal. What we do know, however, is they're ridiculously adorable. Well, except for the adult Heart Cow. He just look confused as to why he's pink. It happens to the best of us, buddy.
[Image Credit: FV Fan]
What do you think of these unreleased animals? How do you think they'll be introduced to the game?a
Valentine's Day will soon be upon us in FarmVille and FV Fan's most recent findings show that the livestock will be feeling the love as much as we will. Two new unreleased animals have been uncovered: the Heart Cow and Heart Pony. These animals will act just like their normal counterparts and even have calf and foal forms, respectively.
As with all unreleased items, it's not 100 percent that these two tickled-pink animals will make it into the game. Nor do we know whether they will cost Farm Cash, coins or be involved in some sort of event or Goal. What we do know, however, is they're ridiculously adorable. Well, except for the adult Heart Cow. He just look confused as to why he's pink. It happens to the best of us, buddy.
[Image Credit: FV Fan]
What do you think of these unreleased animals? How do you think they'll be introduced to the game?a
FarmVille Cheats and Tips: Infinite Breedings for Multiple Foals
farmville infinite horse breedings cheat
So you've looked at our FarmVille Cow & Calf Breeding Guide or our Horse & Foal Breeding Guide and decided what animals you want to breed. Maybe you've even started breeding cows and horses by harvesting your Dairy Farm, Nursery Barn, or Horse Stable once a day. But you've noticed some of your friends are posting dozens of foals a day, and you're looking to get a little more serious about breeding horses and cows in FarmVille. But how exactly do they get so many foals? They do it by using the FarmVIlle Multiple Breedings Cheat.
FarmVille's Multiple Breedings Cheat allows you to harvest your Horse Stable an infinite amount of times and potentially breed multiple foals a day. The Infinite Breedings Cheat is a technique that only works with horses and the Horse Stable. Sorry cow breeders. This is because the Horse Stable automatically takes on the ready status of the last horse put inside. So even if you just harvested your Horse Stable, if you put a ready horse inside, you can re-harvest the stable. This makes the FarmVIlle Infinite Breedings Cheat possible, and allows horse breeders to post multiple foals for their neighbors every day.
Continue reading to learn how to use the FarmVille Multiple Horse Breeding Cheat.
farmville infinite horse breedings cheat
Before you start breeding horses with the Infinite Breedings Cheat, you're going to need:
Horse Stable
One stallion
Horses that you want to breed into foals
A large amount of seeder horses that are between 34% and 99% ready to harvest (The more seeder horses you have, the more times you can harvest your Horse Stable)
Follow our step by step instructions and you should have no using the Infinite Breedings Cheat. You'll be breeding horses and foals like an expert in no time. Check it out:
Step 1
Place your stallion in the Horse Stable. You never have to remove your stallion.
Step 2
Decide which horses you want to breed into foals, and then place them into your Horse Stable. You don't have to remove these from the Horse Stable until you decide to breed different horses. Remember, place your stallion and breeding horses into the Horse Stable before your seeder horses.
Step 3
Place one seeder horse that is between 33% and 99% ready, into the Horse Stable. This will make your Horse Stable ready to be harvested.
Step 4
Harvest your Horse Stable and post the reward or foal on your wall. A good horse breeder is always generous.
Step 5
Remove the now un-ready seeder horse from your barn and repeat the process until you have no more seeder horses left to breed with.
If you decide you want to breed different horses start again at Step 2. If you want to keep breeding foals with the horses you already have inside your Horse Stable, repeat the process starting with Step 3.
ProTip: The more of a type of horse you have in the Horse Stable when harvested, the higher chance the foal produced will be of that type. So it's best to only use one seeder horse at a time and have lots of rare horses in the stable to reduce the chance of your foal being the offspring of the seeder horse.
ProTip: If you want to share your foal with specific people, when you go to share your foal, click the lock next to the publish button and select Customize. Set the post to only be visible to Specific People and select the people you want the foal to be available to. Then publish.
So you've looked at our FarmVille Cow & Calf Breeding Guide or our Horse & Foal Breeding Guide and decided what animals you want to breed. Maybe you've even started breeding cows and horses by harvesting your Dairy Farm, Nursery Barn, or Horse Stable once a day. But you've noticed some of your friends are posting dozens of foals a day, and you're looking to get a little more serious about breeding horses and cows in FarmVille. But how exactly do they get so many foals? They do it by using the FarmVIlle Multiple Breedings Cheat.
FarmVille's Multiple Breedings Cheat allows you to harvest your Horse Stable an infinite amount of times and potentially breed multiple foals a day. The Infinite Breedings Cheat is a technique that only works with horses and the Horse Stable. Sorry cow breeders. This is because the Horse Stable automatically takes on the ready status of the last horse put inside. So even if you just harvested your Horse Stable, if you put a ready horse inside, you can re-harvest the stable. This makes the FarmVIlle Infinite Breedings Cheat possible, and allows horse breeders to post multiple foals for their neighbors every day.
Continue reading to learn how to use the FarmVille Multiple Horse Breeding Cheat.
farmville infinite horse breedings cheat
Before you start breeding horses with the Infinite Breedings Cheat, you're going to need:
Horse Stable
One stallion
Horses that you want to breed into foals
A large amount of seeder horses that are between 34% and 99% ready to harvest (The more seeder horses you have, the more times you can harvest your Horse Stable)
Follow our step by step instructions and you should have no using the Infinite Breedings Cheat. You'll be breeding horses and foals like an expert in no time. Check it out:
Step 1
Place your stallion in the Horse Stable. You never have to remove your stallion.
Step 2
Decide which horses you want to breed into foals, and then place them into your Horse Stable. You don't have to remove these from the Horse Stable until you decide to breed different horses. Remember, place your stallion and breeding horses into the Horse Stable before your seeder horses.
Step 3
Place one seeder horse that is between 33% and 99% ready, into the Horse Stable. This will make your Horse Stable ready to be harvested.
Step 4
Harvest your Horse Stable and post the reward or foal on your wall. A good horse breeder is always generous.
Step 5
Remove the now un-ready seeder horse from your barn and repeat the process until you have no more seeder horses left to breed with.
If you decide you want to breed different horses start again at Step 2. If you want to keep breeding foals with the horses you already have inside your Horse Stable, repeat the process starting with Step 3.
ProTip: The more of a type of horse you have in the Horse Stable when harvested, the higher chance the foal produced will be of that type. So it's best to only use one seeder horse at a time and have lots of rare horses in the stable to reduce the chance of your foal being the offspring of the seeder horse.
ProTip: If you want to share your foal with specific people, when you go to share your foal, click the lock next to the publish button and select Customize. Set the post to only be visible to Specific People and select the people you want the foal to be available to. Then publish.
Zynga launches RewardVille website; says goodbye to cross promos?
While RewardVille, an upcoming Zynga property, has already been discovered (and we were right on the nose with our predictions), the website "www.rewardville.com" is now live. Unfortunately, it's not functional, but it gives a few more solid details as to what the new service will provide once it goes live for real. RewardVille will be a service that grants players a new currency called zCoins when they play just about all Zynga games including FarmVille, FrontierVille, CityVille, Mafia Wars, Cafe World and more.
To find everything we know about the new feature, join us behind the break.
RewardVille Level
Players will need to create a Zynga account to participate in the service, something that might scare off a majority of Zynga gamers who merely connect via Facebook. The rate at which players will accumulate zCoins and the available rewards are unknown at this point. And according to the above image, it appears that players will have some sort of Zynga Level that will follow them across all Zynga games. Fusible reports that Zynga did have some answers posted on their customer help page, which have since been taken down. Here's what they found in a short F.A.Q:
What are zPoints?
zPoints are points you earn for playing Zynga games. You can earn a maximum of 80 points per game per day, with a maximum of 300 points across the entire Zynga network each day. As you earn points you increase your zLevel and earn zCoins. Currently, you can earn zPoints for playing the following games: FarmVille, FrontierVille, Mafia Wars, Treasure Isle, Zynga Poker
What are zCoins?
zCoins are awarded when your zLevel increases. zCoins are redeemed in RewardVille for in-game items.
How do I sign up for zPoints?
You automatically earn zPoints for playing all Zynga games. To redeem zCoins in RewardVille, you must register for a Zynga account.
Zynga Game Mascots
One of the reasons that this F.A.Q. might have been taken down is because it uses terms like "zPoints" that are inconsistent with terms use on the homepage such as "zCoins." Regardless, two glaring questions remain: How is this going to fit in with Zynga's existing paid currencies and those in-game? And since this seems like a fine tool for cross promotion, what will become of Zynga's infamous cross-promotional Goals? While it doesn't exactly answer our questions, Zynga had this to say of the upcoming feature:
As a company focused on innovation we're constantly testing new products and features. When experimenting with new products we take the feedback we receive and apply it to deliver the best possible user experience. We look forward to hearing how our users like RewardVille.
It seems that with this new feature, cross promotion could be almost automatic (and eliminate traditional cross promotions), rewarding players for playing all of its games daily to win items in their favorite Zynga game. We'll have more details as soon as the feature begins to accept sign-ups.
To find everything we know about the new feature, join us behind the break.
RewardVille Level
Players will need to create a Zynga account to participate in the service, something that might scare off a majority of Zynga gamers who merely connect via Facebook. The rate at which players will accumulate zCoins and the available rewards are unknown at this point. And according to the above image, it appears that players will have some sort of Zynga Level that will follow them across all Zynga games. Fusible reports that Zynga did have some answers posted on their customer help page, which have since been taken down. Here's what they found in a short F.A.Q:
What are zPoints?
zPoints are points you earn for playing Zynga games. You can earn a maximum of 80 points per game per day, with a maximum of 300 points across the entire Zynga network each day. As you earn points you increase your zLevel and earn zCoins. Currently, you can earn zPoints for playing the following games: FarmVille, FrontierVille, Mafia Wars, Treasure Isle, Zynga Poker
What are zCoins?
zCoins are awarded when your zLevel increases. zCoins are redeemed in RewardVille for in-game items.
How do I sign up for zPoints?
You automatically earn zPoints for playing all Zynga games. To redeem zCoins in RewardVille, you must register for a Zynga account.
Zynga Game Mascots
One of the reasons that this F.A.Q. might have been taken down is because it uses terms like "zPoints" that are inconsistent with terms use on the homepage such as "zCoins." Regardless, two glaring questions remain: How is this going to fit in with Zynga's existing paid currencies and those in-game? And since this seems like a fine tool for cross promotion, what will become of Zynga's infamous cross-promotional Goals? While it doesn't exactly answer our questions, Zynga had this to say of the upcoming feature:
As a company focused on innovation we're constantly testing new products and features. When experimenting with new products we take the feedback we receive and apply it to deliver the best possible user experience. We look forward to hearing how our users like RewardVille.
It seems that with this new feature, cross promotion could be almost automatic (and eliminate traditional cross promotions), rewarding players for playing all of its games daily to win items in their favorite Zynga game. We'll have more details as soon as the feature begins to accept sign-ups.
FarmVille Breeding Guide
Cow and horse breeding is a feature of FarmVille overlooked by many. Because of how complicated breeding in FarmVille can be, only a select few players actually breed foals and calves. Fortunately, with our FarmVille Breeding charts, guides, and information, you too can be use the multiple harvest (infinite breedings) cheat and become a FarmVille breeding master.
By breeding horses and cows into foals and calves in FarmVille, you'll earn you a fortune, make your neighbors happy, and amass an impressive collection of foals, calves, horses, and cows. A calf or a foal can be gifted to neighbors, harvested, or matured into an adult horse or cow and used to breed it's own offspring. A foal or calf can also serve as a valuable collectible to show off to your friends. Those with strong collections of cows and horses are highly respected in the FarmVille community.
It's time to join the ranks of the elite FarmVille players, the breeders, and learn how to breed calves and foals. That's where our FarmVille Breeding Guide comes in. Whether it's the Multiple Breeding Cheat, our Nursery Barn Guide, our Cow Breeding Guide or our Horse Breeding Guide; our charts, information, instructions, and guides contain everything you need to know about breeding foals and calves in FarmVille.
Check out our FarmVille Breeding Guides below:
farmville horse breedingFarmVille Breeding:
Horses & Foals Guide farmville cow breedingFarmVille Breeding:
Cows & Calves Guide
farmville breeding nursery barnFarmVille Breeding:
Multiple Breedings Cheat FarmVille Breeding:
Nursery Barn Guide
[Images via Zynga Forums]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have any FarmVille Breeding questions?
By breeding horses and cows into foals and calves in FarmVille, you'll earn you a fortune, make your neighbors happy, and amass an impressive collection of foals, calves, horses, and cows. A calf or a foal can be gifted to neighbors, harvested, or matured into an adult horse or cow and used to breed it's own offspring. A foal or calf can also serve as a valuable collectible to show off to your friends. Those with strong collections of cows and horses are highly respected in the FarmVille community.
It's time to join the ranks of the elite FarmVille players, the breeders, and learn how to breed calves and foals. That's where our FarmVille Breeding Guide comes in. Whether it's the Multiple Breeding Cheat, our Nursery Barn Guide, our Cow Breeding Guide or our Horse Breeding Guide; our charts, information, instructions, and guides contain everything you need to know about breeding foals and calves in FarmVille.
Check out our FarmVille Breeding Guides below:
farmville horse breedingFarmVille Breeding:
Horses & Foals Guide farmville cow breedingFarmVille Breeding:
Cows & Calves Guide
farmville breeding nursery barnFarmVille Breeding:
Multiple Breedings Cheat FarmVille Breeding:
Nursery Barn Guide
[Images via Zynga Forums]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have any FarmVille Breeding questions?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Red Alder and Sitka Spruce Trees Mastery
Red Alder Sign Sitka Spruce Sitka Spruce Sign
New crops are always welcome in FarmVIlle by veteran farmers, but new Trees are tough to come by. If FarmVille Freak's most recent findings end up in the live game, then farmers will enjoy some new foliage to grow. Two new Trees to master, the Red Alder and Sitka Spruce could soon arrive in the game.
It's interesting that both of these Trees grow in the Northwest of the U.S.--namely Alaska--considering the amount of hints at an Alaskan theme we've seen over the past few weeks. It seems as if these leaks are Zynga's way of telling us that soon our predictions and speculation will become reality. Then again, none of these are confirmed to be actually en route to FarmVille, so consider that hopeful speculation. Stay tuned to the farm for when or if these Trees make their way into the Market.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
What do you think of two potential new Trees to master? Do you think an Alaskan theme is on the way?
New crops are always welcome in FarmVIlle by veteran farmers, but new Trees are tough to come by. If FarmVille Freak's most recent findings end up in the live game, then farmers will enjoy some new foliage to grow. Two new Trees to master, the Red Alder and Sitka Spruce could soon arrive in the game.
It's interesting that both of these Trees grow in the Northwest of the U.S.--namely Alaska--considering the amount of hints at an Alaskan theme we've seen over the past few weeks. It seems as if these leaks are Zynga's way of telling us that soon our predictions and speculation will become reality. Then again, none of these are confirmed to be actually en route to FarmVille, so consider that hopeful speculation. Stay tuned to the farm for when or if these Trees make their way into the Market.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
What do you think of two potential new Trees to master? Do you think an Alaskan theme is on the way?
Friday, January 6, 2012
FarmVille English Countryside Delivery: Save your building materials
We already know that FarmVille's English Countryside will finally be bringing us a second farm. FarmVille aren't going to miss the opportunity to continue to tease us and get us excited about this new feature. Farmers will find a new special delivery on their farm from Agatha, which contains a brief letter and 5 bags of Fertilize All.
In the letter, Agatha tells us that we'll love having our second farm in the English Countryside, because the soil is rich and we'll be able to master crops faster. We knew this already, but one great tip in this letter is in her P.S.:
"Get more boards, nails, and bricks from friends. They will help get you started faster here."
So now we know that gaining access (or at least utilizing) our second farm will require some building, and probably some massive building. It's a great time now to be saving up all of your building materials so that when the English Countryside releases you won't be left behind while your neighbors are all off enjoying their second farm.
To read the letter from Agatha, scroll down to the bottom right corner of your farm and click on the plane and special delivery.
In the letter, Agatha tells us that we'll love having our second farm in the English Countryside, because the soil is rich and we'll be able to master crops faster. We knew this already, but one great tip in this letter is in her P.S.:
"Get more boards, nails, and bricks from friends. They will help get you started faster here."
So now we know that gaining access (or at least utilizing) our second farm will require some building, and probably some massive building. It's a great time now to be saving up all of your building materials so that when the English Countryside releases you won't be left behind while your neighbors are all off enjoying their second farm.
To read the letter from Agatha, scroll down to the bottom right corner of your farm and click on the plane and special delivery.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Unreleased Falabella Horse and Foal
We have another top secret unreleased FarmVille item to share with you all today, that is, if you don't tell anyone. The Falabella Horse and the Falabella Foal are two adorable white and black spotted horses that are most likely going to prance into your game sometime in the near future.
The Falabella Horse is actually a miniature breed of horse, and is the smallest breed in the world. They can only be ridden by very small children, but are used to pull little carts. They are quite rare, with only a few thousand alive in the world. We're sure they'll make a welcome addition to any farm, and we hope they're itty-bitty just like the real life version of the horse breed. Don't confuse these with a pony though, just because they're small does not mean they're a pony.
We can't necessarily guarantee you'll see the Falabella Horse in FarmVille, but we're willing to place our bets on it.
The Falabella Horse is actually a miniature breed of horse, and is the smallest breed in the world. They can only be ridden by very small children, but are used to pull little carts. They are quite rare, with only a few thousand alive in the world. We're sure they'll make a welcome addition to any farm, and we hope they're itty-bitty just like the real life version of the horse breed. Don't confuse these with a pony though, just because they're small does not mean they're a pony.
We can't necessarily guarantee you'll see the Falabella Horse in FarmVille, but we're willing to place our bets on it.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Unreleased Panda Cow and Calf
FarmVille Panda Cow and Calf
Moooove over brown cows, a new heifer is making her way onto a farm near you (that is, we hope so!). The FarmVille Panda Cow and Panda Calf were leaked out onto the web today despite not actually making an appearance in game. The Panda Cow is a rare and genetically mutated breed of miniature cow that can sell for around $25,000. There are only around 25 of them in the world.
With the Panda Cow and the tiny Falabella Pony both coming around at the same time, we can't help but wonder if a rare and miniature theme is coming along soon. Both of these animals are miniature versions of the real thing, are rare, and are expensive. No one would say no to having a field full of miniature animals though, so we're sure they will be well-received within FarmVille.
As always, there is no guarantee these animals will end up in the game - but we have fair reason to believe that they will.
Moooove over brown cows, a new heifer is making her way onto a farm near you (that is, we hope so!). The FarmVille Panda Cow and Panda Calf were leaked out onto the web today despite not actually making an appearance in game. The Panda Cow is a rare and genetically mutated breed of miniature cow that can sell for around $25,000. There are only around 25 of them in the world.
With the Panda Cow and the tiny Falabella Pony both coming around at the same time, we can't help but wonder if a rare and miniature theme is coming along soon. Both of these animals are miniature versions of the real thing, are rare, and are expensive. No one would say no to having a field full of miniature animals though, so we're sure they will be well-received within FarmVille.
As always, there is no guarantee these animals will end up in the game - but we have fair reason to believe that they will.
FarmVille Greenhouse, now featuring leaderboards
FarmVille Greenhouse Leaderboards
The FarmVille Greenhouse was received a minor update today with the addition of a leaderboard. This new leaderboard allows you to show off how many Greenhouse crops you have harvested, and of course, check out how your friends are doing. You can access the new leaderboard simply by clicking on the "Leaderboard" button in the top right of the header when you look inside your greenhouse. You will then see an ordered list of your friends so that you can find out who your competition is.
Some players really enjoy and are motivated by leaderboard type features, and other players can get quite fed up with the competitive nature of leaderboards. For me personally, I don't play social games to compete with other people - I just like to casually enjoy working on my own tasks at hand. I can definitely understand how competing with friends can be a major driver for in-game interaction and engagement though, so it makes sense from Zynga's perspective to add this type of feature.
The FarmVille Greenhouse was received a minor update today with the addition of a leaderboard. This new leaderboard allows you to show off how many Greenhouse crops you have harvested, and of course, check out how your friends are doing. You can access the new leaderboard simply by clicking on the "Leaderboard" button in the top right of the header when you look inside your greenhouse. You will then see an ordered list of your friends so that you can find out who your competition is.
Some players really enjoy and are motivated by leaderboard type features, and other players can get quite fed up with the competitive nature of leaderboards. For me personally, I don't play social games to compete with other people - I just like to casually enjoy working on my own tasks at hand. I can definitely understand how competing with friends can be a major driver for in-game interaction and engagement though, so it makes sense from Zynga's perspective to add this type of feature.
Game of the Day: Bloons Super Monkey
The game of the day is not monkeying around. Bloons Super Monkey: Take control of Super Monkey as he embarks on a Bloon popping frenzy through 5 stages and 15 waves. Collect and use Power Blops to upgrade Super Monkey in three different skill paths. Watch out for super powerups and make sure you score at least Bronze in each wave to advance to the next. Good luck!
Click --> Play Bloons Super Monkey
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Click --> Play Bloons Super Monkey
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.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
IGN social games channel possibly in development, News Corp says
The videogame news site, IGN, could be News Corp's target for its social gaming efforts rather than the obvious choice, MySpace, Reuters reports. (We're sure IGN is just thrilled about this news.) Rupert Murdoch's media empire has its hands in nearly every form of media from social networking to film studios and now social gaming. News Corp digital group CEO Jonathan Miller revealed the news to the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and added that Making Fun, the company's very own social games publisher, could also be involved in its social gaming efforts.
When asked about whether News Corp had an interest in Zynga, Miller replied, "It's a little expensive, that particular company, at the present. We're trying to build it up organically." In other words, Zynga's nearly $10 billion price tag is too much for even News Corp. Instead, Murdoch and the gang seem to be looking to take Mark Pincus and his crew head on. "We're putting a toe and then a foot in the water and we'll see how that goes," Miller added.
Come to think of it, News Corp is in a unique position for a social games channel what with its nearly limitless advertising opportunities to generate a following. In fact, Miller added that the company could use its existing television and film properties to attract players, according to Reuters. If anyone is going to topple Zynga, it's going to be someone with financial backing like News Corp. However, as is with all endeavors, it's all in the execution.
Are you excited to hear about another potential Zynga competitor? How do you think News Corp could stack up against the competition?
When asked about whether News Corp had an interest in Zynga, Miller replied, "It's a little expensive, that particular company, at the present. We're trying to build it up organically." In other words, Zynga's nearly $10 billion price tag is too much for even News Corp. Instead, Murdoch and the gang seem to be looking to take Mark Pincus and his crew head on. "We're putting a toe and then a foot in the water and we'll see how that goes," Miller added.
Come to think of it, News Corp is in a unique position for a social games channel what with its nearly limitless advertising opportunities to generate a following. In fact, Miller added that the company could use its existing television and film properties to attract players, according to Reuters. If anyone is going to topple Zynga, it's going to be someone with financial backing like News Corp. However, as is with all endeavors, it's all in the execution.
Are you excited to hear about another potential Zynga competitor? How do you think News Corp could stack up against the competition?
FarmVille English Countryside trailer released (with Queen's permission)
Alright, so we doubt this new English Countryside trailer had to be green-lighted by the Queen of England herself, but it's here nonetheless. Zynga released a brand new trailer to FarmVille fans recently, touting the list of perks and new features you'll find in this expansion. The trailer takes on a TV commercial style, and with a giant poster in Times Square, it wouldn't be surprising to see it on the old boob tube soon. Unfortunately, the trailer doesn't provide new details, but it sure does fuel the hype.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
What do you think of the new trailer? What excites you the most about English Countryside?
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
What do you think of the new trailer? What excites you the most about English Countryside?
FrontierVille St. Patrick's Day Event: Pot of Gold has goodies inside
Green Fountain Leprechaun Statue Festive Table Keg of Green Beer
And here we thought that inconspicuous Pot of Gold in FrontierVille was merely a decoration. But after digging some more thanks to a tip from Games.com reader Barbara (and the folks at FrontierVille Info), we found the Pot of Gold acts as a Mystery Crate of sorts. Not to mention the Pot of Gold is available through multiple methods, meaning you have a chance at collecting everything that's inside. Join us behind the break to find out what these treasures hide and how to get them fast.
First of all, here's what you have to look forward to when opening up a Pot of Gold:
Green Waterfall
Green Fountain
Leprechaun Statue
Festive Table
Keg of Green Liquid
It's also said that players have found Boosts, XP and coins inside the Pot of Gold too. Getting your hands on a Pot of Gold is far from complicated, but no one said it was easy:
Complete the St. Patrick's Day Collection
Finish the St. Patrick's Day Celebration Goals
Clobbered Leprechauns drop them at random
Alright, so some of those methods overlap a bit, but you will receive one for completing the series of Goals, but that's terribly inefficient. The number one easiest way to amass Pots of Gold? Like we said in a previous post, just plant a field of 100 or more Clovers and the Leprechauns should come pouring in. Then, all you need to do is clobber away and see the Pots of Gold pile up. And don't worry about the cost--Clovers cost only 10 coins and harvest in five minutes, so there's nothing stopping you.
[Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Find the rest of our St. Patrick's Day Coverage right here.
Have you found all five Pot of Gold decorations yet? What do you think is the best method for collecting them all?
And here we thought that inconspicuous Pot of Gold in FrontierVille was merely a decoration. But after digging some more thanks to a tip from Games.com reader Barbara (and the folks at FrontierVille Info), we found the Pot of Gold acts as a Mystery Crate of sorts. Not to mention the Pot of Gold is available through multiple methods, meaning you have a chance at collecting everything that's inside. Join us behind the break to find out what these treasures hide and how to get them fast.
First of all, here's what you have to look forward to when opening up a Pot of Gold:
Green Waterfall
Green Fountain
Leprechaun Statue
Festive Table
Keg of Green Liquid
It's also said that players have found Boosts, XP and coins inside the Pot of Gold too. Getting your hands on a Pot of Gold is far from complicated, but no one said it was easy:
Complete the St. Patrick's Day Collection
Finish the St. Patrick's Day Celebration Goals
Clobbered Leprechauns drop them at random
Alright, so some of those methods overlap a bit, but you will receive one for completing the series of Goals, but that's terribly inefficient. The number one easiest way to amass Pots of Gold? Like we said in a previous post, just plant a field of 100 or more Clovers and the Leprechauns should come pouring in. Then, all you need to do is clobber away and see the Pots of Gold pile up. And don't worry about the cost--Clovers cost only 10 coins and harvest in five minutes, so there's nothing stopping you.
[Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Find the rest of our St. Patrick's Day Coverage right here.
Have you found all five Pot of Gold decorations yet? What do you think is the best method for collecting them all?
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.
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.
Facebook Discover New Games Sidebar: Viral games discovery returns
Discover New Games
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?
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?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Sims Social: Receive your free Bath Kit and Inspired Potion before its too late!
If anything, the Sims Social can easily be called one of the more generous of Facebook games. Sure, plenty of items cost premium currency within the game's store, but if you watch out for posts on the game's official Facebook fan page, you can walk away with free Siimoleons, Social Points or even items for your avatar or home. Such is the case with today's freebies, as one is a potion that will allow you to earn bonus Simoleons, while another is a decorative item in the new Japanese item theme.
First, the older of these two prizes is a free Inspired Potion. This prize was first made available yesterday, so we'd imagine the link to claim one won't survive the rest of the week. If you'd like to claim one (it's only one per person, sorry!), you'll need to simply click on this link. Once you do that, you'll need to refresh your game to find your free Inspired Potion waiting for you in your inventory.
As for the second prize, we see a free Bath Kit decorative item being offered via a link activated just this morning. You'll likely have a few days to claim this one (if history tells us anything), but why not click on this link to claim one right now? From there, just load your game and click on the Shop to enter your storage. If the Bath Kit doesn't show up as the first item there, you can find it by going into the Decorations section of your storage. The item is worth 500 Simoleons and adds $350 to the value of your home. Not bad for something that's free, right?
Again, these free prizes will only be available for a limited time, so claim yours now before it's too late!
Are you excited about receiving a free Inspired Potion and Bath Kit in Sims Social? Aside from Sim Cash, what other sorts of freebies would you like to see Playfish give away?
First, the older of these two prizes is a free Inspired Potion. This prize was first made available yesterday, so we'd imagine the link to claim one won't survive the rest of the week. If you'd like to claim one (it's only one per person, sorry!), you'll need to simply click on this link. Once you do that, you'll need to refresh your game to find your free Inspired Potion waiting for you in your inventory.
As for the second prize, we see a free Bath Kit decorative item being offered via a link activated just this morning. You'll likely have a few days to claim this one (if history tells us anything), but why not click on this link to claim one right now? From there, just load your game and click on the Shop to enter your storage. If the Bath Kit doesn't show up as the first item there, you can find it by going into the Decorations section of your storage. The item is worth 500 Simoleons and adds $350 to the value of your home. Not bad for something that's free, right?
Again, these free prizes will only be available for a limited time, so claim yours now before it's too late!
Are you excited about receiving a free Inspired Potion and Bath Kit in Sims Social? Aside from Sim Cash, what other sorts of freebies would you like to see Playfish give away?
Recent The Sims Social changes will reel in the XP and Simoleons
Looking on the bright side of life shows that things are on the up and up for The Sims Social players. Well, the ones that have opted to stick around for the moment, at least. EA and Playfish have made a few major changes to the game that the duo hope will keep players around, considering they'll help Sims fans climb the social ladder all the more quickly.
First, Playfish made it so players now earn XP by simply interacting with their friends asynchronously. This is designed to give you an extra incentive, aside from Social Points, to visit your friends on a regular basis. The second change is a simple increase in the rewards received from growing and harvesting crops. In other words, Playfish wants its players to return to The Sims Social more often. Finally, Sims now earn double Simoleons while inspired.
That last change will (at least for Playfish) hopefully motivate players to hang out in the game for longer periods of time, as reaching "inspired" status takes time within the game. The Sims Social busted out of the gate this summer, threatening the number one Facebook game, CityVille, and dethroning a number of Zynga's other hits. Now, the game is working double time to maintain its number two spot with promotions like Fan Appreciation Month and changes such as these. Well, if that means more freebies and an easier time for us, the players, then bring it on.
Are you still kicking around in the The Sims Social? What do you think needs to be done in order for the game to continue its reign over FarmVille and Zynga Poker?
First, Playfish made it so players now earn XP by simply interacting with their friends asynchronously. This is designed to give you an extra incentive, aside from Social Points, to visit your friends on a regular basis. The second change is a simple increase in the rewards received from growing and harvesting crops. In other words, Playfish wants its players to return to The Sims Social more often. Finally, Sims now earn double Simoleons while inspired.
That last change will (at least for Playfish) hopefully motivate players to hang out in the game for longer periods of time, as reaching "inspired" status takes time within the game. The Sims Social busted out of the gate this summer, threatening the number one Facebook game, CityVille, and dethroning a number of Zynga's other hits. Now, the game is working double time to maintain its number two spot with promotions like Fan Appreciation Month and changes such as these. Well, if that means more freebies and an easier time for us, the players, then bring it on.
Are you still kicking around in the The Sims Social? What do you think needs to be done in order for the game to continue its reign over FarmVille and Zynga Poker?
The Sims Social is turning Japanese, and has the pictures to prove it
Could a few of the Playfish team be closet otaku? Based on the recent items released in The Sims Social, it certainly looks like it. It's Japan week in EA's flagship Facebook game, and the developer went all out to honor Japanese traditions both young and old. We're talking everything from tributes to classic Japanese architecture and interior design to stuff you'd find only in Tokyo.
Well, more specifically, Akihabra. Playfish has considered everything from cheesy anime posters to giant dance arcade machines and clothes fit for a harajuku girl. In one particular scene sent our way by EA, a boy dances furiously on what's clearly an homage to the Dance Dance Revolution arcade game. Of course, the barefoot nerd is surrounded by statues of Japanese monsters pillows made to look like rice cakes.
Gallery: The Sims Social Japan Week
Another scene shows a more classic version of Japanese culture, with a woman dressed in a kimono painting on an easel, surrounded by futon-style furniture, a giant tanooki statue and privacy walls with cherry blossoms drawn on them. And how could we forget about the Maneki Neko? Many of the new, more interesting items go at least for Social Points, so start socializing. In the meantime, check out the gallery above for some ideas for how to turn your house into an anime fan's dream.
Are you digging the Japanese theme in The Sims Social so far? What do you think of how Playfish is handling content updates in the game so far?
Well, more specifically, Akihabra. Playfish has considered everything from cheesy anime posters to giant dance arcade machines and clothes fit for a harajuku girl. In one particular scene sent our way by EA, a boy dances furiously on what's clearly an homage to the Dance Dance Revolution arcade game. Of course, the barefoot nerd is surrounded by statues of Japanese monsters pillows made to look like rice cakes.
Gallery: The Sims Social Japan Week
Another scene shows a more classic version of Japanese culture, with a woman dressed in a kimono painting on an easel, surrounded by futon-style furniture, a giant tanooki statue and privacy walls with cherry blossoms drawn on them. And how could we forget about the Maneki Neko? Many of the new, more interesting items go at least for Social Points, so start socializing. In the meantime, check out the gallery above for some ideas for how to turn your house into an anime fan's dream.
Are you digging the Japanese theme in The Sims Social so far? What do you think of how Playfish is handling content updates in the game so far?
The Sims Social parodies Dance Dance Revolution
Back in the day, you'd be hard pressed to enter an arcade and not find at least one person dominating a Dance Dance Revolution machine, stomping the game's directional pads into submission as they pulled off complicated footwork with the deftness of a ninja.
While most have either hung up their video game dancing shoes or have moved on to Let's Dance for Wii or Dance Central for Xbox Kinect, Sims Social give a wink and a nod to the classic game by releasing a parody version of it in the store for a limited time.
For 35,000 Simoleons (can you say sticker shock?), you can purchase the Prance Prance Humiliation X or Prance Prance Humiliation O machine for your Sim's home. Once the purchase is made, you'll have to build it out and then you can show of your Sim's sweet moves and vicariously relive your days as an arcade dancing superstar.
sims social dance dance revolution
The Prance Prance Humiliation machines are two of a handful of new Tokyo-themed items that were released in the in-game store this week, along with big plush sushis and Naruto inspired posters, and, for real Otaku, an entire manga collection.
While most have either hung up their video game dancing shoes or have moved on to Let's Dance for Wii or Dance Central for Xbox Kinect, Sims Social give a wink and a nod to the classic game by releasing a parody version of it in the store for a limited time.
For 35,000 Simoleons (can you say sticker shock?), you can purchase the Prance Prance Humiliation X or Prance Prance Humiliation O machine for your Sim's home. Once the purchase is made, you'll have to build it out and then you can show of your Sim's sweet moves and vicariously relive your days as an arcade dancing superstar.
sims social dance dance revolution
The Prance Prance Humiliation machines are two of a handful of new Tokyo-themed items that were released in the in-game store this week, along with big plush sushis and Naruto inspired posters, and, for real Otaku, an entire manga collection.
Sims Social Turning Japanese 'oops' means 1,000 free Social Points for you
The Sims Social Turning Japanese quest, which just rolled out in the game, apparently had a similar problem to the Big Trouble in Littlehaven mission last week. Part 7 of this mission asks players to buy four decorative items from the new Tokyo items in the in-game store, but when you purchase them, they do not count toward completion of the quest. (Part 1 of the quest is pictured above).
The error seems to be fixed as of this writing, but the powers-that-be are giving away 1,000 Social Points (to claim your free points, click here) anyway, along with their humblest apologies. See the full apology below:
"At 12 a.m. GMT, the new quest "Turning Japanese" will be released.Players will notice that in part 7, we ask players to buy 4 decorative items from this week's new theme. Due to an unfortunate bug, items bought will not be counted towards the quest.
This will be fixed Friday morning GMT. In the meantime, we advise our players not to start this part of the quest until after the fix has been made.
We cannot express how sorry we are about this. Please accept these 1000 free Social Points as our way of saying sorry.
We will update you all as soon as the fix has been made.
Apologies again,
The Sims Social Team"
Aw shucks, that almost makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside (especially since I did not even start this mission when this bug was discovered).
> IMPORTANT INFO RE: NEW QUEST: Turning Japanese [Sims Social Official Forums]
Did you get to Part 7 of the Turning Japanese mission and discover the bug? Or were you not affected?
The error seems to be fixed as of this writing, but the powers-that-be are giving away 1,000 Social Points (to claim your free points, click here) anyway, along with their humblest apologies. See the full apology below:
"At 12 a.m. GMT, the new quest "Turning Japanese" will be released.Players will notice that in part 7, we ask players to buy 4 decorative items from this week's new theme. Due to an unfortunate bug, items bought will not be counted towards the quest.
This will be fixed Friday morning GMT. In the meantime, we advise our players not to start this part of the quest until after the fix has been made.
We cannot express how sorry we are about this. Please accept these 1000 free Social Points as our way of saying sorry.
We will update you all as soon as the fix has been made.
Apologies again,
The Sims Social Team"
Aw shucks, that almost makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside (especially since I did not even start this mission when this bug was discovered).
> IMPORTANT INFO RE: NEW QUEST: Turning Japanese [Sims Social Official Forums]
Did you get to Part 7 of the Turning Japanese mission and discover the bug? Or were you not affected?
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