If you're all OH EM GEE THEY GOT PANDAS IN MY SRS BUSINESS WOW, listen up to Blizzard's creative development boss, Chris Metzen: Pandas are no joke.
Speaking at the World of Warcraft Story and Lore at Blizzcon on Saturday, Metzen said players shouldn't write Mists of Pandaria off as a fluffy expansion.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
New Skyrim teaser does the live action thing
How was that, then? Funny, I hadn't realised how CG the CG dragons looked until they plopped one down in a film set. With a game as beautiful as Skyrim seems, you almost forget that graphics aren't actually at photo-realism yet.
Still, makes you think, right? Who are these live action trailers for? It's not like the old Atari days when if you didn't have the boxart you had no idea whether you were playing Red Square Castle defence or Green Square Squadron takes Flight. You only need a bare minimum of imagination to believe in today's sophisticated game worlds; do we really need male models flouncing about in historically-inaccurate armour to put us in the Mood for Love?
Oh maybe it's for those blokes down the pub who hear "video games" and think Space Invaders is the height of the art form. We have dragons now! What a future.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim comes out on November 11 on all three major platforms. I can wait, because I have no choice, but I don't want to.
Still, makes you think, right? Who are these live action trailers for? It's not like the old Atari days when if you didn't have the boxart you had no idea whether you were playing Red Square Castle defence or Green Square Squadron takes Flight. You only need a bare minimum of imagination to believe in today's sophisticated game worlds; do we really need male models flouncing about in historically-inaccurate armour to put us in the Mood for Love?
Oh maybe it's for those blokes down the pub who hear "video games" and think Space Invaders is the height of the art form. We have dragons now! What a future.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim comes out on November 11 on all three major platforms. I can wait, because I have no choice, but I don't want to.
Lavender Pink 3DS hits November 17
The notorious "for girls" 3DS is to get an Aussie airing next month. But we won't take Nintendo Japan's casual sexism lying down, will we? No my friends: I know I can trust you to dress as masculinely as possible and exude testosterone when you lay down your cash for this little beauty. Real men love pink.
The new colour, mysteriously known as "Lavender Pink" despite featuring absolutely zero lavender shading, will arrive in-store on November 17, joining the similarly amusingly named Flame Red, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black.
Ninty took the opportunity to remind us that the 3DS is $250, which is a lot easier to swallow than its launch price of seventy gazillion dollars, and there's even some games now! I kid, I kid, there's always been games: we called them "DS carts".
The new colour, mysteriously known as "Lavender Pink" despite featuring absolutely zero lavender shading, will arrive in-store on November 17, joining the similarly amusingly named Flame Red, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black.
Ninty took the opportunity to remind us that the 3DS is $250, which is a lot easier to swallow than its launch price of seventy gazillion dollars, and there's even some games now! I kid, I kid, there's always been games: we called them "DS carts".
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Milla Jovovich Captures ‘Sick’ Resident Evil 5 Car Crash
In Real Life
Milla Jovovich Captures ‘Sick’ Resident Evil 5 Car Crash
By Brian Ashcraft on October 21, 2011 at 2:40 AM
You might think it’s not every day that a Hollywood star shoots behind-the-scenes footage with a mobile phone. You must not read Milla Jovovich’s Twitter, because that’s exactly what she’s been doing.
In this clip, a car flips over for a stunt in the upcoming Resident Evil: Retribution. Then Jovovich flips out, saying, “Oh mother”, and then “Fudge”, before laughing like a psycho and then going into German.
According to Jovovich, this is the “illest car crash”. Yes, illest.
Resident Evil: Retribution will hit theatres September 14, 2012.
Milla Jovovich Captures ‘Sick’ Resident Evil 5 Car Crash
By Brian Ashcraft on October 21, 2011 at 2:40 AM
You might think it’s not every day that a Hollywood star shoots behind-the-scenes footage with a mobile phone. You must not read Milla Jovovich’s Twitter, because that’s exactly what she’s been doing.
In this clip, a car flips over for a stunt in the upcoming Resident Evil: Retribution. Then Jovovich flips out, saying, “Oh mother”, and then “Fudge”, before laughing like a psycho and then going into German.
According to Jovovich, this is the “illest car crash”. Yes, illest.
Resident Evil: Retribution will hit theatres September 14, 2012.
Modern Technology Brings Us Computer-Controlled ‘Friends’
In gaming vernacular the consequences of one’s actions are usually marked in body count, or regime changes, or city destruction. So I’m not expecting the consequences that I see unfold in a gunfight in the middle of a future Tokyo: Hurt feelings, obstructionism and… sulking?
Don’t worry, Binary Domain, Sega’s upcoming squad-based, third-person shooter, isn’t a passive-aggressive behaviour simulator. It’s not a hipster version of Gears of War, not entirely. But it is a game that will chart the way you treat your console-controlled squadmates and change their willingness to help you based on those actions.
What’s that mean? Don’t compliment someone enough, make bad tactical decisions, force someone into a dangerous position and maybe the next time you call for back-up, your buddies “won’t hear you.” Need a little healing? “Sorry, we’re all busy.”
While I’d read a bit about the consequence system before, I didn’t realise how much impact it could have on the game’s battles. Sega’s Derrek Peel, brand manager for the game, walked me through a Binary Domain battle twice last week. (The game remains hands off to the press.) The first time, he said, the squadmates had “really low trust levels”.
“Everything you do or say to your squad members effects your relationship with them and that ripples throughout the game.” he said. “If you give good orders and they follow them and it works out then their trust levels go up. If their trust levels are low and you ask them to follow you or regroup, they’ll say, ‘No, I can’t do that right now.’
“It’s always good to have high trust levels but that’s not always possible because every character has a different personality.”
Dan Marshall and his sniper and French robot backups arrive at a Tokyo train station. The robots in the city know the team is here and why, so they attack in waves.
Peel, controlling Marshall, asks his team for cover: Both snap to it, providing fire as Marshall moves through the station. He calls for them to regroup on him and both move forward, concentrating their fire on the bots in the distance. It’s an effective fighting system that knocks the enemies down and picks them apart in short order.
When Marshall asks his team to charge in the thick of things, they don’t hesitate. When he asks them to draw fire from a massive robot near the end of the level, they do so without questioning his orders. The team work in unison to clear the level fairly quickly.
But then Peel takes me back to the beginning of the station and loads up a version of the level where his team has lost their faith in him. He starts off with something simple, asking the team to stick by his side as they march through the station. Not happening, both AI-controlled teammates refuse the order and walk off without him, wandering forward or lingering back.
When Marshall is pinned down by sniper fire, something he never ran into in the first play-through because his sniper just took the bot out on her own, his teammates refuse to help out.
“Cover me,” Marshall bellows with a button push.
The replies: No! Negative!
It’s also obvious that the two other characters aren’t being very effective, instead of concentrating their fire on the advancing robots, they’re sorta wandering around, hiding, or just not shooting the most imminent threat. They also seem to be less accurate.
At some point Marshall is knocked down. Health dangerously low, on his back, he calls for help. No one responds. Eventually, after managing to heal himself. Peel searches the area for his wayward teammates. They’ve somehow managed to cross the tracks of the station and get hung up fighting a single bot. Apparently, they were too busy to come to his rescue.
There’s a clever edge of passive aggression I pick up on in the game play, but there’s also a bit of quirkiness to the system that bothers me. For instance, gaining and losing trust doesn’t seem to be done in effective or obvious ways. While that may make the “consequence system” more realistic, it doesn’t make for a wonderful play mechanic.
For instance, there doesn’t seem to be any quick or even sort quick way to dig yourself out of the hole you create by mistreating your squadmates. I can see that leading to some nearly game breaking problems, with a player scrambling to take on sections of the game essentially alone because of some bad decisions earlier on in the game.
It also wasn’t clear when your actions had a direct impact. I was told that the life signal, which appears on the screen as you play, will change colours and display an arrow when you do or say something that impacts trust. But even looking for it when I was just watching I wasn’t able to spot the signal something had happened.
There’s a lot of potential here, beyond even what I saw. I was told that if the trust is high enough you’ll even get tips on how to defeat those big bots, essentially the bosses of the game. That’s a great idea, it’s just an idea that needs some polish.
I’m just not convinced the game will have enough time to tweak this interesting mechanic before it hits consoles on April 28.
Don’t worry, Binary Domain, Sega’s upcoming squad-based, third-person shooter, isn’t a passive-aggressive behaviour simulator. It’s not a hipster version of Gears of War, not entirely. But it is a game that will chart the way you treat your console-controlled squadmates and change their willingness to help you based on those actions.
What’s that mean? Don’t compliment someone enough, make bad tactical decisions, force someone into a dangerous position and maybe the next time you call for back-up, your buddies “won’t hear you.” Need a little healing? “Sorry, we’re all busy.”
While I’d read a bit about the consequence system before, I didn’t realise how much impact it could have on the game’s battles. Sega’s Derrek Peel, brand manager for the game, walked me through a Binary Domain battle twice last week. (The game remains hands off to the press.) The first time, he said, the squadmates had “really low trust levels”.
“Everything you do or say to your squad members effects your relationship with them and that ripples throughout the game.” he said. “If you give good orders and they follow them and it works out then their trust levels go up. If their trust levels are low and you ask them to follow you or regroup, they’ll say, ‘No, I can’t do that right now.’
“It’s always good to have high trust levels but that’s not always possible because every character has a different personality.”
Dan Marshall and his sniper and French robot backups arrive at a Tokyo train station. The robots in the city know the team is here and why, so they attack in waves.
Peel, controlling Marshall, asks his team for cover: Both snap to it, providing fire as Marshall moves through the station. He calls for them to regroup on him and both move forward, concentrating their fire on the bots in the distance. It’s an effective fighting system that knocks the enemies down and picks them apart in short order.
When Marshall asks his team to charge in the thick of things, they don’t hesitate. When he asks them to draw fire from a massive robot near the end of the level, they do so without questioning his orders. The team work in unison to clear the level fairly quickly.
But then Peel takes me back to the beginning of the station and loads up a version of the level where his team has lost their faith in him. He starts off with something simple, asking the team to stick by his side as they march through the station. Not happening, both AI-controlled teammates refuse the order and walk off without him, wandering forward or lingering back.
When Marshall is pinned down by sniper fire, something he never ran into in the first play-through because his sniper just took the bot out on her own, his teammates refuse to help out.
“Cover me,” Marshall bellows with a button push.
The replies: No! Negative!
It’s also obvious that the two other characters aren’t being very effective, instead of concentrating their fire on the advancing robots, they’re sorta wandering around, hiding, or just not shooting the most imminent threat. They also seem to be less accurate.
At some point Marshall is knocked down. Health dangerously low, on his back, he calls for help. No one responds. Eventually, after managing to heal himself. Peel searches the area for his wayward teammates. They’ve somehow managed to cross the tracks of the station and get hung up fighting a single bot. Apparently, they were too busy to come to his rescue.
There’s a clever edge of passive aggression I pick up on in the game play, but there’s also a bit of quirkiness to the system that bothers me. For instance, gaining and losing trust doesn’t seem to be done in effective or obvious ways. While that may make the “consequence system” more realistic, it doesn’t make for a wonderful play mechanic.
For instance, there doesn’t seem to be any quick or even sort quick way to dig yourself out of the hole you create by mistreating your squadmates. I can see that leading to some nearly game breaking problems, with a player scrambling to take on sections of the game essentially alone because of some bad decisions earlier on in the game.
It also wasn’t clear when your actions had a direct impact. I was told that the life signal, which appears on the screen as you play, will change colours and display an arrow when you do or say something that impacts trust. But even looking for it when I was just watching I wasn’t able to spot the signal something had happened.
There’s a lot of potential here, beyond even what I saw. I was told that if the trust is high enough you’ll even get tips on how to defeat those big bots, essentially the bosses of the game. That’s a great idea, it’s just an idea that needs some polish.
I’m just not convinced the game will have enough time to tweak this interesting mechanic before it hits consoles on April 28.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Batman: Arkham City (Console) Launch Trailer
The launch of Batman: Arkham City for Xbox 360 and PS3 is mere days away, and early reviews are suggesting the game may well be one of the best releases of the year (surprise, surprise!). But for us PC gaming folk, we're facing at least another month of delay before we can get our hands on Batman's latest adventure. What ever are we to do? Well, I guess we can watch this new trailer, while screaming expletives loudly at any console owners within earshot
Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City, the new maximum security home for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds.
Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.
Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.
Latest Articles for The War of the Worlds
X360 Previews | Oct 21, 2011
Whenever Halloween comes around I always look forward to the re-broadcast of a significant radio drama. On October 30th, 1938, Orsen Wells directed and narrated an adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells novel, The War of the Worlds
Whenever Halloween comes around I always look forward to the re-broadcast of a significant radio drama. On October 30th, 1938, Orsen Wells directed and narrated an adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells novel, The War of the Worlds
The War of the Worlds
Inspired by the seminal work of author H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds is a cinematic 2D platformer that pits players in a story of survival as a lone person trying to escape chaos and destruction amidst an alien invasion in 1950s London. The game is a dark and breathtaking new vision of the classic novel, with a gameplay narrative parallels the timeline and events from the 1953 movie adaptation, but introduces a new story arc, characters, locations, and sub-plots. Players follows the exploits of an unknown everyman struggling to escape the Martian invasion of London and rescue his family. Forced to think through insurmountable odds, players will outsmart an army of alien tripods and other menacing war machines as they make their way through a landscape of total devastation.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Disney XD Games
Disney Friends for Change Games
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Noob guide to N4G
Congratulations on visiting the world’s premier (and pretty much only) gaming news aggregate website. In these pages you’ll find a collection of top quality articles from around the web approved by a foolproof system of responsible contributors. This system ensures you’ll never see: duplicate articles, flame bait, poorly translated articles, bad grammar, blogs or Youtube videos. To get you started in the comments section here’s a handy guide that will help you become a valuable member of the ‘community’.
1. Pick a side. To promote healthy ‘debate’ the community is divided into supporters of certain video game systems, pick your favourite and stick with it... NO MATTER WHAT.
2. Be sure to get your comment at the top of the page, even if it’s irrelevant or you haven’t read the article yet.
3. Grammar is for Nazis! There’s absolutely no difference between there, their, they’re or your and you’re.
4. Your opinion is fact right? Make sure people are aware of this by writing the word ‘fact’ in capital letters at the end of your comment, use exclamation marks to emphasize the factyness.
5. This is the Internet so be sure to never back down from an argument, no matter how redundant or off topic it becomes.
6. If you read something you disagree with, whatever you do, DO NOT debate the point logically. Instead try to discredit the source as biased or just spout misinformation to confuse and mislead ignorant readers.
7. If you lose a bubble for trolling you can always write a blog about how unfair it is, people really care and love reading about your tragedy.
8. Click disagree but NEVER give a reason.
9. The ‘shipped vs sold’ argument never gets old.
10. VGchartz is 100% accurate and the ‘z’ makes it cool.
Follow these easy steps and you’ll fit in nicely here. Remember, controversy > truth.
1. Pick a side. To promote healthy ‘debate’ the community is divided into supporters of certain video game systems, pick your favourite and stick with it... NO MATTER WHAT.
2. Be sure to get your comment at the top of the page, even if it’s irrelevant or you haven’t read the article yet.
3. Grammar is for Nazis! There’s absolutely no difference between there, their, they’re or your and you’re.
4. Your opinion is fact right? Make sure people are aware of this by writing the word ‘fact’ in capital letters at the end of your comment, use exclamation marks to emphasize the factyness.
5. This is the Internet so be sure to never back down from an argument, no matter how redundant or off topic it becomes.
6. If you read something you disagree with, whatever you do, DO NOT debate the point logically. Instead try to discredit the source as biased or just spout misinformation to confuse and mislead ignorant readers.
7. If you lose a bubble for trolling you can always write a blog about how unfair it is, people really care and love reading about your tragedy.
8. Click disagree but NEVER give a reason.
9. The ‘shipped vs sold’ argument never gets old.
10. VGchartz is 100% accurate and the ‘z’ makes it cool.
Follow these easy steps and you’ll fit in nicely here. Remember, controversy > truth.
Where has all the creativity gone? Even more so, where is my content?
I recently had this debate with a good friend of mine of how games seem to be turning 1 shade of gray now and days. Yet he thought the opposite so hopefully ill hear more input on the topic from other gamers but in an overall sense games have lost their charm or just dont seem to peak my interest. Now im not referring to every game thats been out or will come out in the future of this gen its just an overall feeling i get. Its more commonplace than i would like so let me give you my perspective.
First off, what happened to creativity and content? They seemed, at one point, to go hand in hand. The days of unlockables, long single player adventures, and loads of content have all but vanished. Now replaced with DLC, map packs, and multiplayer being the standard if you want any sort of longevity. Have shooters become the quick cash in that developers can no longer bring something fresh and inventive to the table? I hate to say it, but yes seems to be the answer. Now granted, games on the nes and genesis were short and often cost 60-80 dollars a game. I understand that, but from there we started to progress forward where games were cheaper, a whole lot longer, and came with tons of extras, unlocks and replayablity. Now we are in the process of going back down that slope again. Shorter games, less content and the only thing that seems to be increasing is how much we have to pay, which just doesn't sit right with me. Is it so wrong to ask for more for a fair price? If the games pack less than the standard they should be priced accordingly and i have seen a few such as sengoku basara and majin and the forsaken kingdom, both of which came out at 40 dollars. That is how a feel most shooters should be priced now and days but thats just my opinion.
Now im not trying to pick on fps games or bash them in any way, but the market is extremely over saturated with more shooters than i can handle. I like the fps genre, its not my favorite, but its just as enjoyable is any other genre out there. My complaint is not with the fps genre itself but how the games are presented. The standard is a 4-5 hour campaign, some multiplayer and you have a winning formula to sell millions. Now see, why cant those types of games be priced cheaper, especially since the content is, for the most part, underwhelming in favor of DLC. There are fps games on last gen systems that have double the maps, double the modes and even map creators right on the disk. Not to mention full campaigns with 10 or more hours. My point is that its far to easy for the developers to squeeze every nickel and dime out of us and it pushes me away from certain games.
Sadly though, i have to turn to last gen games to play anything different or out of the ordinary. Heck, even the wii packs more interesting games than what i have been seeing as of late and people refuse to acknowledge it half the time and merely dismiss it as a "casual only" kind of system. Im not the kind of person who will list endless amounts of games but a few that come to mind are games like rez, ape escape, tomba, psychonauts, katamari damacy, and okami. I can keep going on and on but im sure you get the point so ill only list a few. I mean look at seaman on the dreamcast, that game was ridiculous. Its wasent the best game and was kind of just mediocre but it was creative, inventive and outside the box. You talked to a fish who whittedly remarked back, where are the games that take that sort of inventive approach? You just wont see those sorts of things now and days since its not considered a money maker which is disheartening.
Overall, last gen and even the gen before had a general quality much higher than just about anything you'll see today. There will be exceptions to that statement but thats all they are, exceptions instead of the rule. I think some gamers have lost sight of what makes a great game. You dont necessarily have to have 1080p graphics, more pixels than the competition and online play to enjoy something outstanding. The industry seems to be taking note and following along one path and to be honest i just dont want to be apart of that. You cant really blame them though. Game developers and publishers are a business just like any other business and the number 1 goal is to make money. I wish that more unique, niche games sold better cause 9 out of 10 times they flop making it harder and harder for developers to risk trying something new and in turn resorting back to what works. Which is, as of now, just one endless cycle. THQ comes to mind as of late. They didnt always make or publish the best games but what they had was fun and entertaining. Yet now that homefront is out and their pre order sales are through the roof i expect them to follow suit and continue along the fps path.
Hopefully i didnt ramble on to much but maybe im not the only one who feels this way. Or maybe im just missing the point entirely. Id like to hear feedback on how others take this situation.
First off, what happened to creativity and content? They seemed, at one point, to go hand in hand. The days of unlockables, long single player adventures, and loads of content have all but vanished. Now replaced with DLC, map packs, and multiplayer being the standard if you want any sort of longevity. Have shooters become the quick cash in that developers can no longer bring something fresh and inventive to the table? I hate to say it, but yes seems to be the answer. Now granted, games on the nes and genesis were short and often cost 60-80 dollars a game. I understand that, but from there we started to progress forward where games were cheaper, a whole lot longer, and came with tons of extras, unlocks and replayablity. Now we are in the process of going back down that slope again. Shorter games, less content and the only thing that seems to be increasing is how much we have to pay, which just doesn't sit right with me. Is it so wrong to ask for more for a fair price? If the games pack less than the standard they should be priced accordingly and i have seen a few such as sengoku basara and majin and the forsaken kingdom, both of which came out at 40 dollars. That is how a feel most shooters should be priced now and days but thats just my opinion.
Now im not trying to pick on fps games or bash them in any way, but the market is extremely over saturated with more shooters than i can handle. I like the fps genre, its not my favorite, but its just as enjoyable is any other genre out there. My complaint is not with the fps genre itself but how the games are presented. The standard is a 4-5 hour campaign, some multiplayer and you have a winning formula to sell millions. Now see, why cant those types of games be priced cheaper, especially since the content is, for the most part, underwhelming in favor of DLC. There are fps games on last gen systems that have double the maps, double the modes and even map creators right on the disk. Not to mention full campaigns with 10 or more hours. My point is that its far to easy for the developers to squeeze every nickel and dime out of us and it pushes me away from certain games.
Sadly though, i have to turn to last gen games to play anything different or out of the ordinary. Heck, even the wii packs more interesting games than what i have been seeing as of late and people refuse to acknowledge it half the time and merely dismiss it as a "casual only" kind of system. Im not the kind of person who will list endless amounts of games but a few that come to mind are games like rez, ape escape, tomba, psychonauts, katamari damacy, and okami. I can keep going on and on but im sure you get the point so ill only list a few. I mean look at seaman on the dreamcast, that game was ridiculous. Its wasent the best game and was kind of just mediocre but it was creative, inventive and outside the box. You talked to a fish who whittedly remarked back, where are the games that take that sort of inventive approach? You just wont see those sorts of things now and days since its not considered a money maker which is disheartening.
Overall, last gen and even the gen before had a general quality much higher than just about anything you'll see today. There will be exceptions to that statement but thats all they are, exceptions instead of the rule. I think some gamers have lost sight of what makes a great game. You dont necessarily have to have 1080p graphics, more pixels than the competition and online play to enjoy something outstanding. The industry seems to be taking note and following along one path and to be honest i just dont want to be apart of that. You cant really blame them though. Game developers and publishers are a business just like any other business and the number 1 goal is to make money. I wish that more unique, niche games sold better cause 9 out of 10 times they flop making it harder and harder for developers to risk trying something new and in turn resorting back to what works. Which is, as of now, just one endless cycle. THQ comes to mind as of late. They didnt always make or publish the best games but what they had was fun and entertaining. Yet now that homefront is out and their pre order sales are through the roof i expect them to follow suit and continue along the fps path.
Hopefully i didnt ramble on to much but maybe im not the only one who feels this way. Or maybe im just missing the point entirely. Id like to hear feedback on how others take this situation.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry bir
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry bir
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Microsoft E3 - or "Is motion gaming making me cry?"
So, it's day zero (technically E3 doesn't start until Tuesday, but, hey, some people wanted to get their news out there before everyone else one year and now it starts on Monday) and Microsoft was up with what has become their fairly typical E3 Press Conference.
So, what did we get out of it? But, more importantly, what did _I_ get out of it?
Author's note: This is all my opinion. YMMV.
MODERN WARFARE 3: THE SUB-WAY
Hey, the demo looked good. But... it looked kind of boring as heck as well. Lots of slow moving, standard "few guys to kill along the corridors" scenes, and lots of scripted scenes of you blowing stuff up and playing follow the leader in an environment that is scripted to look like it's "real time" but really has no effect on what you do. I haven't been big into CoD and this is typically why. I think they would have done a lot better showing off a new multiplayer mode or some of the Elite features rather than the single player game that tends to be okay, at best.
TOMB RAIDER REBOOT
I'm all for gritty, harsh worlds, and this seems to pull it off really well. But, I worry about if it's not trying to reboot Lara a bit too much so that she's no longer the Lara we know and more just an entirely different game. Not to say I'm not very interested to see how this turns out, they look to have some good gameplay going, but let's hope I still get to do a backflip while shooting at an endangered tiger at some point ;)
EA SPORTS
Don't care, don't play. I'll leave that for people who actually do play to talk about.
MASS EFFECT 3 - LIARA, SEX SCENE!
This was my biggest let down. We were told many times that implementing Kinect wouldn't be a gimmick, that it would be built in and integral to the game. Instead, we got voice commands... It's not even motion gaming, it's a microphone that can be done on any game with a headset. To me, I just have to wonder what the point is. I don't want to talk at my TV. Perhaps that's just me? But this is not what I would call "integral" to the gaming experience, far from. Very disappointed in you, BioWare.
GHOST RECON - STOP DISASSEMBLING MY WEAPONS!
This was nice as a general game design element, but will Gunsmith Mode be shoe-horned in as being a Kinect-only feature? I ask because the UI didn't show anything that would normally be interpreted as controlled by a controller, including menu options for changing a weapon for close and ranged combat. If it is, that's a massive let down to gamers in general, because the feature itself looks awesome, Kinect or no.
I did find the alternative shooting controls to be slow and not something we will likely see in online use, but they did what they did well. Would be neat to see a matchmaking option that would put Kinect-only users against each other.
YOUTUBE ON XBOX LIVE
About time! And a slight tap to Sony's groin considering they haven't been updating the browser to view YouTube's updated code in their browser.
BING ON XBOX LIVE
Saw this coming ages ago. If they can keep this integrated to all content... this could be a great tool for people to use. But, I'm still not going to use Bing on my PC primarily because I got sick and tired of hearing all the radio DJs I listen to advertise it for months on end (let alone seeing it in almost every single TV show I've watched last season). Stop shoving it down my throat!
TV ON XBOX LIVE
I would really love to see them explain this in the U.S. considering every single service they mentioned was for Europe and many of them already available on the PS3 and other devices. Will Microsoft finally demolish the cable/satellite company dominance in the U.S.? I don't think so, but would love to see it happen.
UFC - I THOUGHT ESPN COVERED THIS?
Seriously, I guess it's great for those who love UFC and own a 360, but I don't see this being much of a massively used tool/service compared to ESPN and everything else your 360 is starting to do.
GEARS OF WAR 3 - RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Great demo and our first and only star rep on the stage. But, this one actually works since Ice-T actually is a huge gamer and does love Gears of War (and CoD and MoH and BF and tons of other shooters). Graphics in this game are looking good. Not Crysis 2 good, but very close.
HALO CE HD - BECAUSE IT'S WORKED FOR SONY AND NINTENDO SO FAR
This will be a huge hit, IMHO. I don't go in for FPS shooters like this, but there's no denying the love for this game by millions of gamers who made XBOX Live what it is today. And, you better bet it will come with a beta invite for the next halo game (see last item).
FORZA MOTORSPORT 4
More photo mode and the same thing I already saw in Forza 3? Just wasn't impressed with what they showed and saw nothing that was "innovative."
MINECRAFT ON 360
Awesome, but not sure this will do that well outside of those who are already into it on the PC. Also would love to see how Kinect will be implemented.
KINECT DISNEYLAND ADVENTURES
Really need to see a lot more of how this plays out, but based on what I saw I was disappointed. It looks like just a mess of mini games without any storytelling elements other than using the known Disney characters in the mini games. Don't get me started on how annoying the kid actors were... total /facepalm when I heard "fist bump!"
STAR WARS KINECT
I would get this for my kid if they asked for it, but only because I approve of raising my child to be a geek like me. The gameplay itself was just boring, IMHO. On rails being key, and I'm not even sure it would be possible to lose a battle in the game as long as you waved your hand about based on what they showed. I would push the Lego games on my kid before this, considering it has more in depth gameplay, better cooperative play, and good puzzles to help them with critical thinking.
SESAME STREET
This trumps the heck out of Disney Kinect and is the right way to do it. You get the kids involved in a story, you get them interacting with known characters who talk to them, and you get them to learn based on the stories being told. This is how to do a Kinect kids game. Sure, they're a bunch of mini games, but they're mini games with a purpose to teach your child something rather than just collect some gold stars.
SCANNING ME INTO KINECT
And plans for the first ever penis t-shirt are being devised. This isn't bad, but the skeptic in me questions how well it really works. Will love to see some public demos of this and how it really works with the many clothing types available out there.
FINGER TRACKING
That's not finger tracking. That's hand tracking with your finger point being the edge used. Finger tracking involves following all of your fingers at the same time using minute gestures, such as being able to play an air keyboard or those used with sign language. Sadly, this is now the new definition of finger tracking and there's no way I can say anything that would change someone's mind on what is and isn't finger tracking.
SCANNING THIS INTO KINECT
And right after the first ever penis t-shirt, we now have the first ever dildo being scanned in and played being devised.
So, what did we get out of it? But, more importantly, what did _I_ get out of it?
Author's note: This is all my opinion. YMMV.
MODERN WARFARE 3: THE SUB-WAY
Hey, the demo looked good. But... it looked kind of boring as heck as well. Lots of slow moving, standard "few guys to kill along the corridors" scenes, and lots of scripted scenes of you blowing stuff up and playing follow the leader in an environment that is scripted to look like it's "real time" but really has no effect on what you do. I haven't been big into CoD and this is typically why. I think they would have done a lot better showing off a new multiplayer mode or some of the Elite features rather than the single player game that tends to be okay, at best.
TOMB RAIDER REBOOT
I'm all for gritty, harsh worlds, and this seems to pull it off really well. But, I worry about if it's not trying to reboot Lara a bit too much so that she's no longer the Lara we know and more just an entirely different game. Not to say I'm not very interested to see how this turns out, they look to have some good gameplay going, but let's hope I still get to do a backflip while shooting at an endangered tiger at some point ;)
EA SPORTS
Don't care, don't play. I'll leave that for people who actually do play to talk about.
MASS EFFECT 3 - LIARA, SEX SCENE!
This was my biggest let down. We were told many times that implementing Kinect wouldn't be a gimmick, that it would be built in and integral to the game. Instead, we got voice commands... It's not even motion gaming, it's a microphone that can be done on any game with a headset. To me, I just have to wonder what the point is. I don't want to talk at my TV. Perhaps that's just me? But this is not what I would call "integral" to the gaming experience, far from. Very disappointed in you, BioWare.
GHOST RECON - STOP DISASSEMBLING MY WEAPONS!
This was nice as a general game design element, but will Gunsmith Mode be shoe-horned in as being a Kinect-only feature? I ask because the UI didn't show anything that would normally be interpreted as controlled by a controller, including menu options for changing a weapon for close and ranged combat. If it is, that's a massive let down to gamers in general, because the feature itself looks awesome, Kinect or no.
I did find the alternative shooting controls to be slow and not something we will likely see in online use, but they did what they did well. Would be neat to see a matchmaking option that would put Kinect-only users against each other.
YOUTUBE ON XBOX LIVE
About time! And a slight tap to Sony's groin considering they haven't been updating the browser to view YouTube's updated code in their browser.
BING ON XBOX LIVE
Saw this coming ages ago. If they can keep this integrated to all content... this could be a great tool for people to use. But, I'm still not going to use Bing on my PC primarily because I got sick and tired of hearing all the radio DJs I listen to advertise it for months on end (let alone seeing it in almost every single TV show I've watched last season). Stop shoving it down my throat!
TV ON XBOX LIVE
I would really love to see them explain this in the U.S. considering every single service they mentioned was for Europe and many of them already available on the PS3 and other devices. Will Microsoft finally demolish the cable/satellite company dominance in the U.S.? I don't think so, but would love to see it happen.
UFC - I THOUGHT ESPN COVERED THIS?
Seriously, I guess it's great for those who love UFC and own a 360, but I don't see this being much of a massively used tool/service compared to ESPN and everything else your 360 is starting to do.
GEARS OF WAR 3 - RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Great demo and our first and only star rep on the stage. But, this one actually works since Ice-T actually is a huge gamer and does love Gears of War (and CoD and MoH and BF and tons of other shooters). Graphics in this game are looking good. Not Crysis 2 good, but very close.
HALO CE HD - BECAUSE IT'S WORKED FOR SONY AND NINTENDO SO FAR
This will be a huge hit, IMHO. I don't go in for FPS shooters like this, but there's no denying the love for this game by millions of gamers who made XBOX Live what it is today. And, you better bet it will come with a beta invite for the next halo game (see last item).
FORZA MOTORSPORT 4
More photo mode and the same thing I already saw in Forza 3? Just wasn't impressed with what they showed and saw nothing that was "innovative."
MINECRAFT ON 360
Awesome, but not sure this will do that well outside of those who are already into it on the PC. Also would love to see how Kinect will be implemented.
KINECT DISNEYLAND ADVENTURES
Really need to see a lot more of how this plays out, but based on what I saw I was disappointed. It looks like just a mess of mini games without any storytelling elements other than using the known Disney characters in the mini games. Don't get me started on how annoying the kid actors were... total /facepalm when I heard "fist bump!"
STAR WARS KINECT
I would get this for my kid if they asked for it, but only because I approve of raising my child to be a geek like me. The gameplay itself was just boring, IMHO. On rails being key, and I'm not even sure it would be possible to lose a battle in the game as long as you waved your hand about based on what they showed. I would push the Lego games on my kid before this, considering it has more in depth gameplay, better cooperative play, and good puzzles to help them with critical thinking.
SESAME STREET
This trumps the heck out of Disney Kinect and is the right way to do it. You get the kids involved in a story, you get them interacting with known characters who talk to them, and you get them to learn based on the stories being told. This is how to do a Kinect kids game. Sure, they're a bunch of mini games, but they're mini games with a purpose to teach your child something rather than just collect some gold stars.
SCANNING ME INTO KINECT
And plans for the first ever penis t-shirt are being devised. This isn't bad, but the skeptic in me questions how well it really works. Will love to see some public demos of this and how it really works with the many clothing types available out there.
FINGER TRACKING
That's not finger tracking. That's hand tracking with your finger point being the edge used. Finger tracking involves following all of your fingers at the same time using minute gestures, such as being able to play an air keyboard or those used with sign language. Sadly, this is now the new definition of finger tracking and there's no way I can say anything that would change someone's mind on what is and isn't finger tracking.
SCANNING THIS INTO KINECT
And right after the first ever penis t-shirt, we now have the first ever dildo being scanned in and played being devised.
EA's E3 Conference
Mass Effect 3. The game looks great, from what I could see all of the minor graphical problems and annoyances from the previous games, are gone. The new engine also brings, better textures, lighting, and effects showing a nice step up in therm of graphics. Mass Effect 3 also seems to be MUCH more action based, but they have to show these segments to keep the audience entertained, so we’ll have to determine that when it gets closer to launching. As I suspected when Mass Effect 3 was first announced (regardless of what EA or Bioware said) Mass Effect 3 won’t be launching until March 6, 2012, so you can finish the trilogy next year.
EA takes a stab at Everyone (particularly MS and Ubisoft) “At EA we do it a little different. We don’t build elaborate stages, and invite random celebrities for guest appearances. We like to keep it simple.”
Need for Speed: The Run. A country wide Racer, where you have to race across the US from San Francisco (YEAH) to New York (yeah). The game tracks your race times so you can compare how long it took you to reach NY (that’s cool). You can now get out of the cars and free run it (I wonder if you can run from San Fran to NY). The game is running on Frostbite 2 (aka Battlefield 3’s engine) and looks mixed. Mixed because the car model look like any other racing game that’s come out within the last year or two, but the city and rain effects look next gen, yes that good. Frostbite 2 is showing all developers that it’s time to upgrade to a new engine, because it’s making every 3rd party game look average. Moving on to free running gameplay, from what I can tell, it’s just a QTE (so much for running to NY), but the sequences look like Alan Wake/Heavy Rain, which helicopters shooting at you, police officers chasing you, and once you get in a car the game goes back into the normal racing gameplay, but the chase never lets up (you have to see it). It was all running on the PS3 which means Battlefield 3 may look almost as good as the PC version we’ve been seeing. I haven’t bought a Need for Speed Game since the PS2, but this one looks like it may be a Day 1 for me which was a huge surprise.
Star Wars the Old Republic. Once again the trailer was epic (not as good as the last one, but still good) if only it was gameplay. Nevertheless Star Wars and Bioware fans unite, and pick it up whenever it’s ready.
SSX. To be honest my favorite and the only one I played was SSX Tricky. The trailer was a little over the top for me, but I know a lot of people will be looking forward to this January 2012.
Fifa 12 I don’t care, Madden 12 I don’t care, Peter Moore trying to flex his Microsoft muscle by announcing Kinect integration I DON’T CARE.
Sims Social. Sims on Facebook next. Once again EA takes a jab at the competition saying, “There’s alot of fans waiting for this one, including a lot of fans tired of playing robotic games based on agriculture.” For the slower ones out there that’s a jab at farmville. After watching the trailer, kids can now have sex without having it, which is a good thing....maybe.....kind of.
Microsoft and Sony heads sitting side by side, nice sight to calm the fanboys.
38 Studios shows Kingdoms of Alamur: The Reckoning. The game looks like it has potential, kind of a more action based Oblivion/Demon’s Souls. It looks like it has a way to go, and with a 2012 release date it will hopefully get better.
Overstrike. Insomniacs first multiplatform game looks like great fun. It’s Ratchet and Clank with a Mature rating, sort of. The characters are completely over the top, and ooze personality, and the weapons are just as over the top. I’m praying this is Left 4 Dead meets Ratchet and Clank, which sounds terrible, but looking at the trailer looks to be so kick@$$.
Finally the show is wrapped up with Battlefield 3........WOW. I’m not a WW2/ Pseudo WW3 kind of gamer, but this looks EPIC. Again Frostbite 2 is incredible. The level of destruction in Red Faction levels, the Scale is perfect, you actually look like you’re in a city, and audio was highlighted, but hard to determine as of now, especially since Music and voice acting are what I rate most when thinking of sound, then sound effects. There’s open beat in September, for PC, PS3, and 360 so get ready.
One funny moment that wasn’t suppose to be, was when the presenter said keep your thumbs crossed. LOL.
Anyway Battlefield 3 was demoned on PC, and the game basically shows us what we can expect to be playing on the Xbox 720 and PS4. The game just blows everything away, THERE IS NO GAME OUT RIGHT NOW THAT CAN COMPETE WITH BATTLEFIELD 3 GRAPHICALLY. I will say that the demo wasn’t the best thing to show since it was very slow (tank battle), but the game truly impresses on all front, front runner for FPS GOTY.
That wraps things up, but EA takes a one more jab at the competition this time at Activision with Battlefield 3. “We have the best game, on the best engine, with no subscription fee for online gaming servie”. But come on EA if we buy BF3 used, do we have to pay for online.
EA ‘s Conference Grade: B
EA had a great show. The only downside I would say was that they didn’t have enough games to me, they showed 9 games, which is great, but 3 of them are scheduled for 2012, and more than likely Star Wars and Overstrike will also be seeing a 2012 release, which mean only 4 of the games we saw will be available this year. The show was still great through. They got to the point with everything, show great footage of known and unknown games, and kept things moving. One thing they did that no one else really nails, was being funny without trying or failing. EA did an excellent job, and has nearly distanced themselves from every other 3rd party developer, and standout as the one of if not the best among them. Take that Activision.
I wanted to give them an A- so bad, but.
EA takes a stab at Everyone (particularly MS and Ubisoft) “At EA we do it a little different. We don’t build elaborate stages, and invite random celebrities for guest appearances. We like to keep it simple.”
Need for Speed: The Run. A country wide Racer, where you have to race across the US from San Francisco (YEAH) to New York (yeah). The game tracks your race times so you can compare how long it took you to reach NY (that’s cool). You can now get out of the cars and free run it (I wonder if you can run from San Fran to NY). The game is running on Frostbite 2 (aka Battlefield 3’s engine) and looks mixed. Mixed because the car model look like any other racing game that’s come out within the last year or two, but the city and rain effects look next gen, yes that good. Frostbite 2 is showing all developers that it’s time to upgrade to a new engine, because it’s making every 3rd party game look average. Moving on to free running gameplay, from what I can tell, it’s just a QTE (so much for running to NY), but the sequences look like Alan Wake/Heavy Rain, which helicopters shooting at you, police officers chasing you, and once you get in a car the game goes back into the normal racing gameplay, but the chase never lets up (you have to see it). It was all running on the PS3 which means Battlefield 3 may look almost as good as the PC version we’ve been seeing. I haven’t bought a Need for Speed Game since the PS2, but this one looks like it may be a Day 1 for me which was a huge surprise.
Star Wars the Old Republic. Once again the trailer was epic (not as good as the last one, but still good) if only it was gameplay. Nevertheless Star Wars and Bioware fans unite, and pick it up whenever it’s ready.
SSX. To be honest my favorite and the only one I played was SSX Tricky. The trailer was a little over the top for me, but I know a lot of people will be looking forward to this January 2012.
Fifa 12 I don’t care, Madden 12 I don’t care, Peter Moore trying to flex his Microsoft muscle by announcing Kinect integration I DON’T CARE.
Sims Social. Sims on Facebook next. Once again EA takes a jab at the competition saying, “There’s alot of fans waiting for this one, including a lot of fans tired of playing robotic games based on agriculture.” For the slower ones out there that’s a jab at farmville. After watching the trailer, kids can now have sex without having it, which is a good thing....maybe.....kind of.
Microsoft and Sony heads sitting side by side, nice sight to calm the fanboys.
38 Studios shows Kingdoms of Alamur: The Reckoning. The game looks like it has potential, kind of a more action based Oblivion/Demon’s Souls. It looks like it has a way to go, and with a 2012 release date it will hopefully get better.
Overstrike. Insomniacs first multiplatform game looks like great fun. It’s Ratchet and Clank with a Mature rating, sort of. The characters are completely over the top, and ooze personality, and the weapons are just as over the top. I’m praying this is Left 4 Dead meets Ratchet and Clank, which sounds terrible, but looking at the trailer looks to be so kick@$$.
Finally the show is wrapped up with Battlefield 3........WOW. I’m not a WW2/ Pseudo WW3 kind of gamer, but this looks EPIC. Again Frostbite 2 is incredible. The level of destruction in Red Faction levels, the Scale is perfect, you actually look like you’re in a city, and audio was highlighted, but hard to determine as of now, especially since Music and voice acting are what I rate most when thinking of sound, then sound effects. There’s open beat in September, for PC, PS3, and 360 so get ready.
One funny moment that wasn’t suppose to be, was when the presenter said keep your thumbs crossed. LOL.
Anyway Battlefield 3 was demoned on PC, and the game basically shows us what we can expect to be playing on the Xbox 720 and PS4. The game just blows everything away, THERE IS NO GAME OUT RIGHT NOW THAT CAN COMPETE WITH BATTLEFIELD 3 GRAPHICALLY. I will say that the demo wasn’t the best thing to show since it was very slow (tank battle), but the game truly impresses on all front, front runner for FPS GOTY.
That wraps things up, but EA takes a one more jab at the competition this time at Activision with Battlefield 3. “We have the best game, on the best engine, with no subscription fee for online gaming servie”. But come on EA if we buy BF3 used, do we have to pay for online.
EA ‘s Conference Grade: B
EA had a great show. The only downside I would say was that they didn’t have enough games to me, they showed 9 games, which is great, but 3 of them are scheduled for 2012, and more than likely Star Wars and Overstrike will also be seeing a 2012 release, which mean only 4 of the games we saw will be available this year. The show was still great through. They got to the point with everything, show great footage of known and unknown games, and kept things moving. One thing they did that no one else really nails, was being funny without trying or failing. EA did an excellent job, and has nearly distanced themselves from every other 3rd party developer, and standout as the one of if not the best among them. Take that Activision.
I wanted to give them an A- so bad, but.
E3 2011 Ubisoft Press Conference
Ok this press conference wasn't as boring as the EA one but not much made me look forward to the next 12 months. Anyway here's my responses to the announcements.
- Rayman Origins. Seems like fun. Also has local co op like a lot more games should.
- Driver San Francisco. I wasn't a fan and still not sold on it. Also confused on what's going on.
- Far Cry 3. Not my type of game but visually stunning in it's demo.
- Brothers In Arms: Furious 4. Another war shooter...ugh...
- A Tin Tin game based on the movie... yeah...
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Still not giving a crap. Guess it's either because I'm a golden age gamer or the fact that I'm Australian.
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon online. More fricking Tom Clancy games? I think I'm the only one sick of these... and warfare games against humans.
- Trackmania 2 Canyon. Never played it before but guess what? Still won't. It's a part of the mania planet series.
- Another Rabbids game. Raving Rabbids: Alive and Kicking for Kinect. I hate those things!
- Just Dance 3. How many dance games are there now? Seriously so many dancing games are spawning now.
- Rocksmith. A guitar game that teaches how to play guitar. Interested since I own a guitar and am learning to play. I can plug in and use my Les Paul on it too? I may buy it.
- YourShape Fitness Evolved 2012. Another fitness game... Yes I know I'm fat but I'm not going to buy a game to lose weight.
- Assassin's Creed Revelations. The bell of the ball. Ezio's final chapter. A new chapter of awesome. I am so buying it.
Well it looks like me wanting to turf away Guitar Hero is a good idea after all. Also new Assassin's Creed Revelations gameplay looks more of the same but it's more of what I like.
- Rayman Origins. Seems like fun. Also has local co op like a lot more games should.
- Driver San Francisco. I wasn't a fan and still not sold on it. Also confused on what's going on.
- Far Cry 3. Not my type of game but visually stunning in it's demo.
- Brothers In Arms: Furious 4. Another war shooter...ugh...
- A Tin Tin game based on the movie... yeah...
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Still not giving a crap. Guess it's either because I'm a golden age gamer or the fact that I'm Australian.
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon online. More fricking Tom Clancy games? I think I'm the only one sick of these... and warfare games against humans.
- Trackmania 2 Canyon. Never played it before but guess what? Still won't. It's a part of the mania planet series.
- Another Rabbids game. Raving Rabbids: Alive and Kicking for Kinect. I hate those things!
- Just Dance 3. How many dance games are there now? Seriously so many dancing games are spawning now.
- Rocksmith. A guitar game that teaches how to play guitar. Interested since I own a guitar and am learning to play. I can plug in and use my Les Paul on it too? I may buy it.
- YourShape Fitness Evolved 2012. Another fitness game... Yes I know I'm fat but I'm not going to buy a game to lose weight.
- Assassin's Creed Revelations. The bell of the ball. Ezio's final chapter. A new chapter of awesome. I am so buying it.
Well it looks like me wanting to turf away Guitar Hero is a good idea after all. Also new Assassin's Creed Revelations gameplay looks more of the same but it's more of what I like.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
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* angry birds FLASH SCAM
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- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
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- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Divide and conquer (literally) in Carcasonne for Android, BlackBerry
Board games are so last decade. And yet, they live on in every touch device we own. Finally, the epic tile-based board game surrounding the medieval French city, Carcassonne, has come to a smartphone near you. Berlin, Germany-based developer exozet games and London-based sister company of Ubisoft and Gameloft, Advanced Mobile Applications, have released the internationally-known board game to Android, BlackBerry and Java-based mobile devices.
Of course, the game has sold millions of passé decorated cardboard planks worldwide, but this is the digital age, people. And surely, the duo expects to sells millions more of the game to Android and BlackBerry users across the globe. Not much has changed from the original game: Five players spread their influence from the city of Carassonne to the surrounding roads, fields, cities and cloisters. Whomever develops the surrounding land best is, of course, the victor.
This mobile version of the game includes all of the content that came with "The River II" expansion for the physical board game (what's that?). Exozet and AMA were also so thorough as to include clever AI opponents for when your friends aren't around, and they'll need to be close by if you want to embark on a five-player journey out from Carcassonne--multiplayer is local only. For the uninitiated, the game also features a tutorial and 12 new challenges to keep your mobile, fickle minds intrigued. Look, board gamers just aren't how they used to be, hence Scrabble Words with Friends for mobile and Facebook, Risk for Facebook and now, Carcassonne for smartphones.
Carcassonne for mobile games
Click here to download Carcassonne for Android devices Now >
Are you one the millions of Carcassonne fans out here (of course you are)? What other board games would you like to see on your smartphone? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Of course, the game has sold millions of passé decorated cardboard planks worldwide, but this is the digital age, people. And surely, the duo expects to sells millions more of the game to Android and BlackBerry users across the globe. Not much has changed from the original game: Five players spread their influence from the city of Carassonne to the surrounding roads, fields, cities and cloisters. Whomever develops the surrounding land best is, of course, the victor.
This mobile version of the game includes all of the content that came with "The River II" expansion for the physical board game (what's that?). Exozet and AMA were also so thorough as to include clever AI opponents for when your friends aren't around, and they'll need to be close by if you want to embark on a five-player journey out from Carcassonne--multiplayer is local only. For the uninitiated, the game also features a tutorial and 12 new challenges to keep your mobile, fickle minds intrigued. Look, board gamers just aren't how they used to be, hence Scrabble Words with Friends for mobile and Facebook, Risk for Facebook and now, Carcassonne for smartphones.
Carcassonne for mobile games
Click here to download Carcassonne for Android devices Now >
Are you one the millions of Carcassonne fans out here (of course you are)? What other board games would you like to see on your smartphone? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Diamond Dash creator: 'Asynchronous play is not going to go away'
Well, there goes my dream of a real-time Diamond Dash battle with hundreds of crashing fireballs. Wooga CEO Jens Begemann (pictured) laid it out for everyone who had questions about social gaming at his GDC Europe keynote recently. Begemann said, "Social games are not here to take today's gamers and make them Farmville farmers," Gamasutra reports. The CEO of currently the second most popular Facebook games creator (according to AppData) also pointed out that, "Asynchronous play is not going to go away."
What he seems to imply here is that hardcore social games aren't going to overtake Facebook and other platforms. Social games weren't designed for your friends that play Call of Duty for 30 hours a week, but for those who pop into FarmVille for a few minutes to check on their crops every day. This is exactly why Begemann thinks that asynchronous gameplay (think of how friend interaction is handled in Empires & Allies as opposed to CivWorld): It caters so much better to casual spurts of play.
Begemann is of the belief that the majority of the 270 million plus Facebook gamers play for just minutes a day, and judging from a recent study regarding FarmVille players he's probably right. So, there are a great amount of Facebook gamers that play hardcore games like the recently-released Edgeworld by Kabam or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters. But, in Begemann's eyes, they pale in comparison to the growing casual Facebook player base that just doesn't have the time or care to check in on whether their base was invaded in the middle of the night.
"Social games are parallel play," Begemann said during his keynote address. "People want to play for themselves. Sometimes, they may walk up to the other and either help or destroy what the other has been doing." Considering wooga--which just launched Magic Land--is the second largest social games developer right now, it's hard to argue with that ideology. However, the hardcore approach is doing just fine for a select few companies. If anything, Facebook is proving to be quite the microcosm of the games industry at large.
[Image Credit: Jens Begemann]
Which way do you think the social games industry is going to end up leaning more toward? Do you agree that both casual and hardcore games have a place on platforms like Facebook and Google+? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
What he seems to imply here is that hardcore social games aren't going to overtake Facebook and other platforms. Social games weren't designed for your friends that play Call of Duty for 30 hours a week, but for those who pop into FarmVille for a few minutes to check on their crops every day. This is exactly why Begemann thinks that asynchronous gameplay (think of how friend interaction is handled in Empires & Allies as opposed to CivWorld): It caters so much better to casual spurts of play.
Begemann is of the belief that the majority of the 270 million plus Facebook gamers play for just minutes a day, and judging from a recent study regarding FarmVille players he's probably right. So, there are a great amount of Facebook gamers that play hardcore games like the recently-released Edgeworld by Kabam or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters. But, in Begemann's eyes, they pale in comparison to the growing casual Facebook player base that just doesn't have the time or care to check in on whether their base was invaded in the middle of the night.
"Social games are parallel play," Begemann said during his keynote address. "People want to play for themselves. Sometimes, they may walk up to the other and either help or destroy what the other has been doing." Considering wooga--which just launched Magic Land--is the second largest social games developer right now, it's hard to argue with that ideology. However, the hardcore approach is doing just fine for a select few companies. If anything, Facebook is proving to be quite the microcosm of the games industry at large.
[Image Credit: Jens Begemann]
Which way do you think the social games industry is going to end up leaning more toward? Do you agree that both casual and hardcore games have a place on platforms like Facebook and Google+? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
LEGO Universe goes free-to-play; remember to give the kids a try, too
We know your inner child can't resist, but try to remember your outer children, kay? The LEGO Group has finally made a nice chunk of LEGO Universe, the MMO (massively multiplayer online game) created by NetDevil, free to play. The game is going the way of Facebook games and the legion of MMOs before it to make bank a few extra bucks. However, fans who want to get in on the action for free will be relegated to the new Free to Play Zone, an area blocked off from the rest of the game.
But don't think this form of digital plastic segregation means you'll be lesser than those willing to put up 10 bucks a month (which The LEGO Group points out you can upgrade to at any time). Free players will be granted access to two adventure zones to romp through, a player property area to build new LEGO creations in and the chance to participate in mini games and face the ominous-sounding Spider Queen. Well, as ominous as plastic toys can get.
Just like in your favorite Facebook games, free players can visit their friends' property areas and see what they've created. The LEGO Group says in a statement, "If you haven't played LEGO Universe yet, now is the time!" Obvious marketing speak or not, it's pretty tough to disagree with free. LEGO Universe is available for free digital download only right here. If you can't sate your inner 12-year-old long enough for your real 12-year-old to play, you might want to install this baby on two machines.
LEGO Universe gameplay
Click here to download LEGO Universe for free Now >
Have you tried LEGO Universe already? If so, what did you think? If not, is free enough to reel you in? Even if all the above are stupid questions, share with us in the comments. Add Comment
But don't think this form of digital plastic segregation means you'll be lesser than those willing to put up 10 bucks a month (which The LEGO Group points out you can upgrade to at any time). Free players will be granted access to two adventure zones to romp through, a player property area to build new LEGO creations in and the chance to participate in mini games and face the ominous-sounding Spider Queen. Well, as ominous as plastic toys can get.
Just like in your favorite Facebook games, free players can visit their friends' property areas and see what they've created. The LEGO Group says in a statement, "If you haven't played LEGO Universe yet, now is the time!" Obvious marketing speak or not, it's pretty tough to disagree with free. LEGO Universe is available for free digital download only right here. If you can't sate your inner 12-year-old long enough for your real 12-year-old to play, you might want to install this baby on two machines.
LEGO Universe gameplay
Click here to download LEGO Universe for free Now >
Have you tried LEGO Universe already? If so, what did you think? If not, is free enough to reel you in? Even if all the above are stupid questions, share with us in the comments. Add Comment
Syfy Games set to launch on Facebook with new partner KlickNation
We first caught wind of Syfy getting into the social games biz back in March, and it has moved quickly, all things considered. A glance at KlickNation's top games is enough to tell you why Syfy chose this fledgling, Sacramento, CA-based game developer to make their Facebook games. KlickNation currently has about 1.2 million players spread out across four major games (in order of most popular to least) -- Six Gun Galaxy, Age of Champions, Superhero City, and Starship Command: Battle for Earth. These four fall right in line with the kinds of genres the Syfy Channel purports to service.
Under its undisclosed, multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with Syfy, KlickNation will be unleashing a combat game about the Olympian gods, called Age of Immortals, later this year. Syfy President David Howe also reports that "around six Facebook games" are in the works. KlickNation must be ecstatic, because partnering with Syfy (in conjunction with NBC Universal) means access to a newer, wider audience and bigger budgets. And, who knows, maybe one of these games will be turned into a new Syfy film or TV series.
Syfy Games logo
Truth be told, the Syfy Channel leaves many science fiction fans feeling lukewarm. Every now and then, the network champions a gem, such as Battlestar Galactica, but lately have taken to indulging in corny, B-movie fare, such as Megashark vs Giant Octopus. Or even worse, the network airs shows that have nothing to do with science fiction, such as WWE SmackDown. Then again, shows like Megashark vs Giant Octopus could be translated into one helluva Facebook game.
[Source: The Joplin Globe]
Under its undisclosed, multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with Syfy, KlickNation will be unleashing a combat game about the Olympian gods, called Age of Immortals, later this year. Syfy President David Howe also reports that "around six Facebook games" are in the works. KlickNation must be ecstatic, because partnering with Syfy (in conjunction with NBC Universal) means access to a newer, wider audience and bigger budgets. And, who knows, maybe one of these games will be turned into a new Syfy film or TV series.
Syfy Games logo
Truth be told, the Syfy Channel leaves many science fiction fans feeling lukewarm. Every now and then, the network champions a gem, such as Battlestar Galactica, but lately have taken to indulging in corny, B-movie fare, such as Megashark vs Giant Octopus. Or even worse, the network airs shows that have nothing to do with science fiction, such as WWE SmackDown. Then again, shows like Megashark vs Giant Octopus could be translated into one helluva Facebook game.
[Source: The Joplin Globe]
Angry Birds creator might be worth a happy $1.2 billion [Rumor]
The perma-frown on the Angry Birds' faces might finally turn upside down. Bloomberg reports, citing "two people with knowledge of the discussions," that Finnish creator Rovio could be valued at $1.2 billion if talks to receive extra funding go through. The creator of arguably the most popular mobile game, um, ever is in investment talks with a company in the entertainment business. That most vague of statements leaves the possibilities up to ... a couple hundred companies, but industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities has narrowed it down to a select few.
Of course, Zynga could be the big spender, especially considering recent rumors. But Pachter goes on to make educated guesses including EA, News Corp. and Disney. "I can see how Disney would take 'Angry Birds' and turn them into a theme-park ride and a movie," Pachter told Bloomberg. "Zynga could take 'Angry Birds' and make it into 'FarmVille.'"
We're going to just ignore that blanket statement regarding FarmVille. As for EA, though, we doubt it's in any position to invest right now considering it just spent an effective $1.3 billion alone on Bejeweled creator PopCap. But Pachter makes a whole lot of sense with his Disney guess, especially since Rovio has made its goals for the Angry Birds franchise crystal clear. And don't forget, Disney has been in the games biz for quite some time before even Facebook games with Playdom.
(A sidenote: Can I just say how surprised I am that Rovio is being valued at just $1.2 billion? When's the last time you mentioned the damned game and someone hadn't heard of it? Sure, Zynga is worth at least $11.5 billion thanks to virtual goods, but I've yet to hear of a FarmVille movie.)
On top of being found on every device out there (even Facebook someday), Rovio works diligently on turning Angry Birds into an internationally-recognized icon much like--dare I say--Mickey Mouse. And Old Big Ears has grown a bit ragged over the years, no? As with all rumors, this is all wild, but educated, speculation. Now all we can do is wait for Rovio to announce a "Steamboat Angry Birds" update somewhere down the line.
[Via TouchArcade]
[Image Credit: Geek.com]
Who do you think would most likely be the big Angry Birds investor? What do you think Rovio would do with the cash injection? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
Of course, Zynga could be the big spender, especially considering recent rumors. But Pachter goes on to make educated guesses including EA, News Corp. and Disney. "I can see how Disney would take 'Angry Birds' and turn them into a theme-park ride and a movie," Pachter told Bloomberg. "Zynga could take 'Angry Birds' and make it into 'FarmVille.'"
We're going to just ignore that blanket statement regarding FarmVille. As for EA, though, we doubt it's in any position to invest right now considering it just spent an effective $1.3 billion alone on Bejeweled creator PopCap. But Pachter makes a whole lot of sense with his Disney guess, especially since Rovio has made its goals for the Angry Birds franchise crystal clear. And don't forget, Disney has been in the games biz for quite some time before even Facebook games with Playdom.
(A sidenote: Can I just say how surprised I am that Rovio is being valued at just $1.2 billion? When's the last time you mentioned the damned game and someone hadn't heard of it? Sure, Zynga is worth at least $11.5 billion thanks to virtual goods, but I've yet to hear of a FarmVille movie.)
On top of being found on every device out there (even Facebook someday), Rovio works diligently on turning Angry Birds into an internationally-recognized icon much like--dare I say--Mickey Mouse. And Old Big Ears has grown a bit ragged over the years, no? As with all rumors, this is all wild, but educated, speculation. Now all we can do is wait for Rovio to announce a "Steamboat Angry Birds" update somewhere down the line.
[Via TouchArcade]
[Image Credit: Geek.com]
Who do you think would most likely be the big Angry Birds investor? What do you think Rovio would do with the cash injection? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Zynga profits plummet 90 percent, raises questions about imminent IPO
Will the big show still go on? That's what many wonder, as Zynga just revealed in an updated regulatory filing that its profits dipped by 90 percent in the June quarter, thanks to increased spending and a lack of major game releases earlier this year, Reuters reports. According to the news service, this raises questions as to whether the company can sustain growth ahead of its long-awaited IPO (initial public offering).
Zynga's net income took a nose dive to $1.4 million from $14 million a year earlier, and its net profit plummeted over 90 percent in three months from $16.8 million in March of this year. Reuters chalks this up to the fact that the filing shows that the FarmVille maker's expenses rose $149 million compared to a year earlier, and $59 million alone from the previous financial quarter.
We'd imagine a major chunk of those expenses are thanks to the 14 companies Zynga gobbled up in the past year. It's also worth noting that the developer didn't really release any major Facebook games in 2011 prior to Empires & Allies. (And no, we're not counting FarmVille English Countryside.) Since then, however, the company has been on a frenzy, launching three more Facebook games this summer: Words With Friends, Pioneer Trail and recently Adventure World.
This news speaks volumes to the fact that Zynga has reached a point where it constantly needs to produce in order to sustain its meteoric growth, and more importantly for them right now, the faith of investors. Since the company's last filing, Zynga conducted a third-party analysis that estimated the probability of an IPO at 75 percent. This is down from the 80 percent probability reported in Zynga's previous filing.
In other words, it looks like the anticipated Zynga IPO could be delayed, just as previous reports suggested, to wait for improved market conditions. However, EA is gaining on the company with The Sims Social, and fast. According to AppData, EA and Playfish's game has just about 1.6 million fewer daily players than CityVille's 12.9 million.
Do you think Zynga has anything to worry about, given the news? Would you ever invest in Zynga if given the chance? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Zynga's net income took a nose dive to $1.4 million from $14 million a year earlier, and its net profit plummeted over 90 percent in three months from $16.8 million in March of this year. Reuters chalks this up to the fact that the filing shows that the FarmVille maker's expenses rose $149 million compared to a year earlier, and $59 million alone from the previous financial quarter.
We'd imagine a major chunk of those expenses are thanks to the 14 companies Zynga gobbled up in the past year. It's also worth noting that the developer didn't really release any major Facebook games in 2011 prior to Empires & Allies. (And no, we're not counting FarmVille English Countryside.) Since then, however, the company has been on a frenzy, launching three more Facebook games this summer: Words With Friends, Pioneer Trail and recently Adventure World.
This news speaks volumes to the fact that Zynga has reached a point where it constantly needs to produce in order to sustain its meteoric growth, and more importantly for them right now, the faith of investors. Since the company's last filing, Zynga conducted a third-party analysis that estimated the probability of an IPO at 75 percent. This is down from the 80 percent probability reported in Zynga's previous filing.
In other words, it looks like the anticipated Zynga IPO could be delayed, just as previous reports suggested, to wait for improved market conditions. However, EA is gaining on the company with The Sims Social, and fast. According to AppData, EA and Playfish's game has just about 1.6 million fewer daily players than CityVille's 12.9 million.
Do you think Zynga has anything to worry about, given the news? Would you ever invest in Zynga if given the chance? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
FarmVille Cow Pasture Goals: Everything you need to know
Even though last night's FarmVille update brought with it the new Cow Pasture animal habitat, the corresponding goal series didn't appear for many users (myself included) until today. Luckily, we don't seem to have lost any time in the process, as these goals give us a full two weeks to complete them. Interestingly, with the launch of these goals, some users have lost access to previous habitat goal series, so we can only hope that Zynga will sort things out with time. In the meantime, however, here's a look at these Cow Pasture goals, so you'll know what to expect as you move through them.
Cow Cookies
* Get 6 Cow Treats
* Place 1 Cow Pasture
* Harvest 100 Grain Crops
If you're having trouble deciding which crops fit the "Grain" distinction, just head into the store's crops section and click on the "Grains" tab to automatically sort the store to show you just grain crops. Pick the one you like most (perhaps one that takes the shortest time to grow) and plant away. Finishing this first goal gives you 50 XP, a Red Heart Cow and 2,500 coins.
The Tethered Heifer
* Get 6 Cow Tethers
* Buy 2 Cow Topiaries
* Harvest 30 Plain Cows
Just ask your friends for these Cow Tethers and then buy two Cow Topiaries from the store - they cost just 300 coins each. After that, you'll need to harvest 30 original, regular cows (of the brown and white variety) to finish this last step. If you've long outgrown such "normal" animals and need to buy some in the store, you can also do that for 300 coins each. They can be harvested once per day, so make sure you have enough on hand to not slow yourself down too greatly while waiting for them to become ready to harvest. Finish this goal and you'll earn 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a Grey Yak.
Lickety Split!
* Get 6 Salt Licks
* Complete the Cow Pasture
* Place 3 Green Hay Bales
To see what you'll need to complete the construction of a Cow Pasture, check out our guide. The Salt Licks can be earned by posting a general help request on your feed, while Green Hay Bales cost 125 coins each in the store. For making it past this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a Black Shorthorn Cow.
Born and Grazed
* Get 9 Cow Collars
* Achieve Level 1 Mastery of Cow
* Harvest 125 Strawberries
If you're into animal mastery, you'll likely already have the Cow mastered to this point, but if not, just keep those 30 cows you had (or purchased) earlier and harvest them until you reach that point. As for the Cow Collars, they are also earned via a general request posted on your news feed. As for the Strawberries, please note that Super Strawberries do not count, and you'll simply waste your time by planting them. These must be the original Strawberries only. After completing this goal, you will have cross the halfway mark and will receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and five units of Animal Feed.
Milk Master
* Get 9 Milk Buckets
* Harvest one Cow Pasture
* Harvest 150 Vegetables
It doesn't matter which kind of vegetable you choose to harvest here, so feel free to plant something you need bushels for, or just something you've yet to master to complete two tasks in one. The Milk Bucket request is a general one to your news feed, while harvesting the Cow Pasture can happen once every day. Finish off this goal and you'll earn 50 XP, one Grey Jersey Cow and 2,500 coins.
Moovin' In
* Get 9 Brass Cow Bells
* Place 10 Cows in a Cow Pasture
* Harvest 150 Fruit Crops
If you haven't removed your Dairy Barns from your farm (which is a voluntary process, mind you), you can simply pull cows out of them and place them into the Cow Pasture until you've reached ten (don't worry - you can always put them back later). Finally, to collect the Brass Cow Bells, you'll need to - you guessed it - post a general request on your news feed for all of your friends to help. Finishing this final goal in the series gives you 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a B0v1n3-11 - a very pretty two-toned red alien cow.
Again, these goals, as so many others in the game, are time limited, so you'll have two weeks to finish them off and earn all of the prizes therein. Good luck completing everything in time!
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received the Cow Pasture goals on your farm? Are you going to keep the Dairy Farms as normal, or are you going to swap them all out for Cow Pastures? Sound off in the comments.
Cow Cookies
* Get 6 Cow Treats
* Place 1 Cow Pasture
* Harvest 100 Grain Crops
If you're having trouble deciding which crops fit the "Grain" distinction, just head into the store's crops section and click on the "Grains" tab to automatically sort the store to show you just grain crops. Pick the one you like most (perhaps one that takes the shortest time to grow) and plant away. Finishing this first goal gives you 50 XP, a Red Heart Cow and 2,500 coins.
The Tethered Heifer
* Get 6 Cow Tethers
* Buy 2 Cow Topiaries
* Harvest 30 Plain Cows
Just ask your friends for these Cow Tethers and then buy two Cow Topiaries from the store - they cost just 300 coins each. After that, you'll need to harvest 30 original, regular cows (of the brown and white variety) to finish this last step. If you've long outgrown such "normal" animals and need to buy some in the store, you can also do that for 300 coins each. They can be harvested once per day, so make sure you have enough on hand to not slow yourself down too greatly while waiting for them to become ready to harvest. Finish this goal and you'll earn 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a Grey Yak.
Lickety Split!
* Get 6 Salt Licks
* Complete the Cow Pasture
* Place 3 Green Hay Bales
To see what you'll need to complete the construction of a Cow Pasture, check out our guide. The Salt Licks can be earned by posting a general help request on your feed, while Green Hay Bales cost 125 coins each in the store. For making it past this goal, you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a Black Shorthorn Cow.
Born and Grazed
* Get 9 Cow Collars
* Achieve Level 1 Mastery of Cow
* Harvest 125 Strawberries
If you're into animal mastery, you'll likely already have the Cow mastered to this point, but if not, just keep those 30 cows you had (or purchased) earlier and harvest them until you reach that point. As for the Cow Collars, they are also earned via a general request posted on your news feed. As for the Strawberries, please note that Super Strawberries do not count, and you'll simply waste your time by planting them. These must be the original Strawberries only. After completing this goal, you will have cross the halfway mark and will receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and five units of Animal Feed.
Milk Master
* Get 9 Milk Buckets
* Harvest one Cow Pasture
* Harvest 150 Vegetables
It doesn't matter which kind of vegetable you choose to harvest here, so feel free to plant something you need bushels for, or just something you've yet to master to complete two tasks in one. The Milk Bucket request is a general one to your news feed, while harvesting the Cow Pasture can happen once every day. Finish off this goal and you'll earn 50 XP, one Grey Jersey Cow and 2,500 coins.
Moovin' In
* Get 9 Brass Cow Bells
* Place 10 Cows in a Cow Pasture
* Harvest 150 Fruit Crops
If you haven't removed your Dairy Barns from your farm (which is a voluntary process, mind you), you can simply pull cows out of them and place them into the Cow Pasture until you've reached ten (don't worry - you can always put them back later). Finally, to collect the Brass Cow Bells, you'll need to - you guessed it - post a general request on your news feed for all of your friends to help. Finishing this final goal in the series gives you 50 XP, 2,500 coins and a B0v1n3-11 - a very pretty two-toned red alien cow.
Again, these goals, as so many others in the game, are time limited, so you'll have two weeks to finish them off and earn all of the prizes therein. Good luck completing everything in time!
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you received the Cow Pasture goals on your farm? Are you going to keep the Dairy Farms as normal, or are you going to swap them all out for Cow Pastures? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Dairy Mystery Box brings re-released Cows to pasture
Even if you're dissatisfied with the release of the Cow Pasture animal habitat in FarmVille, that has, more or less, replaced the Dairy Farm on our farms, you still might be interested in adding some previously released cows to your collection for the sake of Animal Mastery. You're now allowed to do just that with the release of the Dairy Mystery Box in the game's store. This box contains six different cows, but remember - the cow you receive upon opening each box is random, and very well could give you duplicates if you purchase more than one.
For 20 Farm Cash, you'll be able to purchase a single Dairy Mystery Box containing one of the following:
Black Yak
Jersey Cow
New Year Cow
Panda Cow
Vineyard Cow
Welsh Black Cow
While it's great to see these cows make a comeback, they won't be here forever; you'll have just a week to purchase as many of these boxes as you like before these cows go back into retirement. Then again, it's always possible these cows will release yet again sometime in the future, so you'll just have to decide for yourself how important it is to have each one right now. Good luck with receiving the cow(s) you want most!
Which of these cows do you hope to win from the Dairy Mystery Box? Do you already have enough of these cows that it would make purchasing one of these boxes too big of a risk? Sound off in the comments.
For 20 Farm Cash, you'll be able to purchase a single Dairy Mystery Box containing one of the following:
Black Yak
Jersey Cow
New Year Cow
Panda Cow
Vineyard Cow
Welsh Black Cow
While it's great to see these cows make a comeback, they won't be here forever; you'll have just a week to purchase as many of these boxes as you like before these cows go back into retirement. Then again, it's always possible these cows will release yet again sometime in the future, so you'll just have to decide for yourself how important it is to have each one right now. Good luck with receiving the cow(s) you want most!
Which of these cows do you hope to win from the Dairy Mystery Box? Do you already have enough of these cows that it would make purchasing one of these boxes too big of a risk? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille: 2x Mastery Statue comes back for 12 days only
While many users voiced their concerns upon the initial release of the 2x Mastery Statue in FarmVille (that Zynga had created the ultimate money-grabber), that didn't stop many other farmers from purchasing one for their farms. Apparently, the initial release was so successful that they've decided to bring the statue back around for another go. That's right, the 2x Mastery Statue is once again available to purchase in the store, but only for a limited time (12 days, to be exact).
As a reminder, this 2x Mastery Statue gives you double the amount of mastery points on all crops and trees harvested during a two-day period. A single statue costs 25 Farm Cash, and if you're already the owner of a Platinum Mastery Statue (which has the same effect, but permanently), you'll want to skip out on buying these re-released statues as the status effect doesn't stack.
Also, let me once again point out that this double mastery boost doesn't apply to animals, so if you've really taken to Animal Mastery, there's no reason to waste your Farm Cash on these statues either. Perhaps one day we'll see a double mastery statue released just for animals, but that still doesn't solve the conundrum of whether or not these items should exist to begin with. With enough hard work and some patience, you'll be able to earn dozens, if not hundreds of mastery signs for your farm. Do we really need to pay Farm Cash to speed up the process? We'll leave that up to you, farmers.
Will you purchase a 2x Mastery Statue? Did you purchase one of these statues upon their initial release, or did you splurge on the Platinum Mastery Statue instead? Sound off in the comments.
As a reminder, this 2x Mastery Statue gives you double the amount of mastery points on all crops and trees harvested during a two-day period. A single statue costs 25 Farm Cash, and if you're already the owner of a Platinum Mastery Statue (which has the same effect, but permanently), you'll want to skip out on buying these re-released statues as the status effect doesn't stack.
Also, let me once again point out that this double mastery boost doesn't apply to animals, so if you've really taken to Animal Mastery, there's no reason to waste your Farm Cash on these statues either. Perhaps one day we'll see a double mastery statue released just for animals, but that still doesn't solve the conundrum of whether or not these items should exist to begin with. With enough hard work and some patience, you'll be able to earn dozens, if not hundreds of mastery signs for your farm. Do we really need to pay Farm Cash to speed up the process? We'll leave that up to you, farmers.
Will you purchase a 2x Mastery Statue? Did you purchase one of these statues upon their initial release, or did you splurge on the Platinum Mastery Statue instead? Sound off in the comments.
Cafe World 2 Year Anniversary Manny's Journey Goals: Everything you need to know
After spending a few days in Great Britain, the Cafe World two-year anniversary extravaganza has moved onto the Philippines, where we'll meet Master Chef Manny in a new set of goals called "Manny's Journey." Through these goals, we'll be introduced to four new dishes, but of course, they won't simply be handed to you. You'll need to finish the Manny's Journey goals multiple times in order to unlock all of the prizes, which include a 50% Lightning Stove (that would reduce the time it takes your dishes to cook by 50%). Here's a complete guide to these new goals.
As a note, we weren't told by Zynga whether or not these goals contain the same dishes for all users across the entire game, or if they vary as in past goal sets. If you notice any differences in your own game, this will likely be the cause.
Manny's Journey 1
* Ask for 3 Old Filipino Recipe Cards
* Place the Roasting Pit
* Serve 20 Fish n Chips
You'll start this goal series out serving Fish n Chips which takes two hours to prepare. You can wait for those to cook while asking your friends to send you the Old Filipino Recipe Cards, and can finish off this goal by placing the base to your new Roasting Pit. Yes, there's a building project to go along with these goals, and we'll bring you a guide to building the Roasting Pit as soon as we can you can check out our guide to building the Roasting Pit right here. Finishing this first goal gives you 15 Travel Passes. As a reminder, these Travel Passes work as contest entries of sorts, giving you a chance to win in-game prizes, along with real world trips to exotic locations.
Manny's Journey 2
* Ask for 6 Filipino Postcards
* Spice 6 Neighbors Dishes
* Serve 20 Gnocchi Gianna
The Gnocchi Gianna takes six hours to prepare, and is unlocked while completing the Pasta Maker goals. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 20 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 3
* Ask for 10 New Filipino Recipe Cards
* Collect 4 Anniversary Collection items
* Serve 30 Broiled Rainbow Trout
Anniversary Collection items are earned by using spices on your dishes, while Broiled Rainbow Trout takes 12 hours to cook (at the very least, this gives you plenty of time to collect spices if you don't earn the four Anniversary Collection items after running through your supply). Finish this goal to receive 25 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 4
* Ask for 8 Filipino Postcards
* Serve 12 Cafe Bombon
* Serve 30 Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco takes 18 hours to prepare, giving you plenty of time to collect these Postcards from friends. As for the Cafe Bombon, this is a Specialty Coffee Drink that can only be served after you've hired Becky the Barista to work in your cafe. It costs 55 Energy for 10 Servings, so you'll need to prepare it twice in order to reach the total required number of 12 servings. You've almost reached the finale at this point, and finishing this particular goal gives you 30 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 5
* Ask for 12 Dirty Filipino Recipe Cards
* Serve 18 Acai Blueberry Juice
* Complete the Roasting Pit
Once again, the Acai Blueberry Juice must be served from a machine - this time the Drink Bar. It's not available until after you've hired Beverly Bartender. Once you finish this goal, you'll have finished off Manny's Journey, and will receive 500 Travel Passes. You'll also receive one of four new dishes, from a selection of Beef Mechado, Filipino Paella, Lechon and Sisig.
To be especially clear, completing this goal series the first time only gives you a single recipe, and it looks like you'll need to complete the entirety of these goals another three times to unlock the remaining three recipes. These goals (along with your chance to repeat the British goals) will expire in 10 days, so you'll want to make sure and complete as many goals as quickly as possible to stand the biggest chance of unlocking everything in time.
What do you think of these Manny's Journey goals? Do you think they're easier, or more difficult than Winston's Royals goals? Sound off in the comments.
As a note, we weren't told by Zynga whether or not these goals contain the same dishes for all users across the entire game, or if they vary as in past goal sets. If you notice any differences in your own game, this will likely be the cause.
Manny's Journey 1
* Ask for 3 Old Filipino Recipe Cards
* Place the Roasting Pit
* Serve 20 Fish n Chips
You'll start this goal series out serving Fish n Chips which takes two hours to prepare. You can wait for those to cook while asking your friends to send you the Old Filipino Recipe Cards, and can finish off this goal by placing the base to your new Roasting Pit. Yes, there's a building project to go along with these goals, and we'll bring you a guide to building the Roasting Pit as soon as we can you can check out our guide to building the Roasting Pit right here. Finishing this first goal gives you 15 Travel Passes. As a reminder, these Travel Passes work as contest entries of sorts, giving you a chance to win in-game prizes, along with real world trips to exotic locations.
Manny's Journey 2
* Ask for 6 Filipino Postcards
* Spice 6 Neighbors Dishes
* Serve 20 Gnocchi Gianna
The Gnocchi Gianna takes six hours to prepare, and is unlocked while completing the Pasta Maker goals. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 20 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 3
* Ask for 10 New Filipino Recipe Cards
* Collect 4 Anniversary Collection items
* Serve 30 Broiled Rainbow Trout
Anniversary Collection items are earned by using spices on your dishes, while Broiled Rainbow Trout takes 12 hours to cook (at the very least, this gives you plenty of time to collect spices if you don't earn the four Anniversary Collection items after running through your supply). Finish this goal to receive 25 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 4
* Ask for 8 Filipino Postcards
* Serve 12 Cafe Bombon
* Serve 30 Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco takes 18 hours to prepare, giving you plenty of time to collect these Postcards from friends. As for the Cafe Bombon, this is a Specialty Coffee Drink that can only be served after you've hired Becky the Barista to work in your cafe. It costs 55 Energy for 10 Servings, so you'll need to prepare it twice in order to reach the total required number of 12 servings. You've almost reached the finale at this point, and finishing this particular goal gives you 30 Travel Passes.
Manny's Journey 5
* Ask for 12 Dirty Filipino Recipe Cards
* Serve 18 Acai Blueberry Juice
* Complete the Roasting Pit
Once again, the Acai Blueberry Juice must be served from a machine - this time the Drink Bar. It's not available until after you've hired Beverly Bartender. Once you finish this goal, you'll have finished off Manny's Journey, and will receive 500 Travel Passes. You'll also receive one of four new dishes, from a selection of Beef Mechado, Filipino Paella, Lechon and Sisig.
To be especially clear, completing this goal series the first time only gives you a single recipe, and it looks like you'll need to complete the entirety of these goals another three times to unlock the remaining three recipes. These goals (along with your chance to repeat the British goals) will expire in 10 days, so you'll want to make sure and complete as many goals as quickly as possible to stand the biggest chance of unlocking everything in time.
What do you think of these Manny's Journey goals? Do you think they're easier, or more difficult than Winston's Royals goals? Sound off in the comments.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Angry Birds creator wants to publish indie games, Rovio exec saysIt makes you wonder: Could Rovio be just a little bit scared that it might not strike gold again? Chief marketing officer for the creator of Angry Birds Peter Vesterbacka (pictured) said to Develop in an interview that the developer is planning to open a publishing label. "We have some plans for this area, but not ready to announce yet," Vesterbacka told Develop. "If we do something in the publishing area, you can expect it to be a bit different." However, it seems as if the maker of your favorite annoyed avians wants to keep things 1.) indie (independently developed) and 2.) mobile. According to Develop, Rovio has already approached several mobile game studios to form a foundation for the new business. While the Finnish company's other ventures have arguably been leaps of faith--cookbooks ... seriously?--it certainly has experience in the publishing business. Well, at least from the other end. Angry Birds made it to the US in 2009 though Chillingo, a mobile games publisher that is now owned by EA. Of course, Rovio was able to back out of deal once the acquisition occurred, but the company is currently in another publisher relationship with Twentieth Century Fox, through which it nabbed the rights to create Angry Birds Rio. And honestly, it would be a no-brainer for an indie game developer to team up with Rovio. For one, if the company claims to be worth at least as much as Zynga, it at least has considerable resources to offer. And seriously, could you go wrong with a team that has somehow successfully hyped up slingshotting birds into pigs for two years running? I think not. [Via TouchArcade] What do you think of Rovio potentially becoming an indie games publisher? Would you try a new iPhone game just knowing it was published by the creator of Angry Birds? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
It makes you wonder: Could Rovio be just a little bit scared that it might not strike gold again? Chief marketing officer for the creator of Angry Birds Peter Vesterbacka (pictured) said to Develop in an interview that the developer is planning to open a publishing label.
"We have some plans for this area, but not ready to announce yet," Vesterbacka told Develop. "If we do something in the publishing area, you can expect it to be a bit different."
However, it seems as if the maker of your favorite annoyed avians wants to keep things 1.) indie (independently developed) and 2.) mobile. According to Develop, Rovio has already approached several mobile game studios to form a foundation for the new business. While the Finnish company's other ventures have arguably been leaps of faith--cookbooks ... seriously?--it certainly has experience in the publishing business.
Well, at least from the other end. Angry Birds made it to the US in 2009 though Chillingo, a mobile games publisher that is now owned by EA. Of course, Rovio was able to back out of deal once the acquisition occurred, but the company is currently in another publisher relationship with Twentieth Century Fox, through which it nabbed the rights to create Angry Birds Rio.
And honestly, it would be a no-brainer for an indie game developer to team up with Rovio. For one, if the company claims to be worth at least as much as Zynga, it at least has considerable resources to offer. And seriously, could you go wrong with a team that has somehow successfully hyped up slingshotting birds into pigs for two years running? I think not.
[Via TouchArcade]
What do you think of Rovio potentially becoming an indie games publisher? Would you try a new iPhone game just knowing it was published by the creator of Angry Birds? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"We have some plans for this area, but not ready to announce yet," Vesterbacka told Develop. "If we do something in the publishing area, you can expect it to be a bit different."
However, it seems as if the maker of your favorite annoyed avians wants to keep things 1.) indie (independently developed) and 2.) mobile. According to Develop, Rovio has already approached several mobile game studios to form a foundation for the new business. While the Finnish company's other ventures have arguably been leaps of faith--cookbooks ... seriously?--it certainly has experience in the publishing business.
Well, at least from the other end. Angry Birds made it to the US in 2009 though Chillingo, a mobile games publisher that is now owned by EA. Of course, Rovio was able to back out of deal once the acquisition occurred, but the company is currently in another publisher relationship with Twentieth Century Fox, through which it nabbed the rights to create Angry Birds Rio.
And honestly, it would be a no-brainer for an indie game developer to team up with Rovio. For one, if the company claims to be worth at least as much as Zynga, it at least has considerable resources to offer. And seriously, could you go wrong with a team that has somehow successfully hyped up slingshotting birds into pigs for two years running? I think not.
[Via TouchArcade]
What do you think of Rovio potentially becoming an indie games publisher? Would you try a new iPhone game just knowing it was published by the creator of Angry Birds? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Myhomefarm23's angular English countryside
Today's featured farm was created by FarmVille Forums member, Myhomefarm23. This FarmVille English Countryside plot is a great example of intelligent farm design. Sure it's a farm art masterpiece, but it's also functional!
Myhomefarm23 went about creating this absurd tree design without a single orchard, laughing at anyone who squishes their beautiful trees into storage bins. Breathtaking rows of fruit trees line the path leading up to the Eiffel Tower located at the center of the farm, creating a truly spectacular effect. Not only that, but if you look closely, where there isn't trees, the farm is full of animals! This, folks, is an exceptional sheep and pig breeding design. If harvested consistantly, this farm could turn a huge profit! Just looking at this excellent farm makes me wish I was Myhomefarm23's neighbor, just so I could reap some of the rewards :)
I just hope Myhomefarm23 has plenty of Farm Hands and Arborists saved up or they're in for a lot of clicking!
What do you think of this great English Countryside design?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Myhomefarm23 went about creating this absurd tree design without a single orchard, laughing at anyone who squishes their beautiful trees into storage bins. Breathtaking rows of fruit trees line the path leading up to the Eiffel Tower located at the center of the farm, creating a truly spectacular effect. Not only that, but if you look closely, where there isn't trees, the farm is full of animals! This, folks, is an exceptional sheep and pig breeding design. If harvested consistantly, this farm could turn a huge profit! Just looking at this excellent farm makes me wish I was Myhomefarm23's neighbor, just so I could reap some of the rewards :)
I just hope Myhomefarm23 has plenty of Farm Hands and Arborists saved up or they're in for a lot of clicking!
What do you think of this great English Countryside design?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
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.
Are you either a Tagged or WeGame user? What do you think of Tagged picking up another games service when it already offers games? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
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.
Are you either a Tagged or WeGame user? What do you think of Tagged picking up another games service when it already offers games? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
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.
Do you think these developers have a chance at winning the mobile race these social game creators are running with Spaceport? Who do you think will ultimately win the mobile social gaming war? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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.
Do you think these developers have a chance at winning the mobile race these social game creators are running with Spaceport? Who do you think will ultimately win the mobile social gaming war? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Mafia Wars 2: Like Facebook fan page to unlock prizes in final game
While little is known about Mafia Wars 2 in terms of it's actual gameplay, we do know that prizes are being offered for users that Like the game's Facebook fan page. If this entire promotion looks familiar, it's because EA/Playfish pulled this one during the Sims Social pre-launch hype, and now we're seeing it again here.
Either way, we know that there will eventually be nine prizes available to unlock, although only seven of them have been revealed. These prizes are limited to varying (increasing) amounts of Likes, and will be unlocked in the final game upon launch if we reach those milestones in time. Here's the complete rundown:
Black Mohawk Hair - 20,000 Likes
Casino Row T-Shirt - 50,000 Likes
Graffiti Wall - 100,000 Likes
Skull Bandana - 250,000 Likes
Animated Lions - 500,000 Likes
Tribal Tattoo - 1 million Likes
Stripes Baseball Cap - 1.5 million Likes
Two additional prizes have yet to be revealed. So far, the fan page has only gained 70,000 Likes, so we've only managed to unlock the Black Mohawk Hair and Casino Row T-Shirt as prizes. Since the game's announcement is so new, and the hype train has barely left the station, I'd imagine we'll see that number climb slowly at first, and then monumentally as the game comes closer and closer to launch. And once we find out what those final two prizes are, we'll make sure to let you know.
Are you excited about Mafia Wars 2? If the game doesn't offer any incentive for users to switch from the original to this new version, will you? Sound off in the comments.
Either way, we know that there will eventually be nine prizes available to unlock, although only seven of them have been revealed. These prizes are limited to varying (increasing) amounts of Likes, and will be unlocked in the final game upon launch if we reach those milestones in time. Here's the complete rundown:
Black Mohawk Hair - 20,000 Likes
Casino Row T-Shirt - 50,000 Likes
Graffiti Wall - 100,000 Likes
Skull Bandana - 250,000 Likes
Animated Lions - 500,000 Likes
Tribal Tattoo - 1 million Likes
Stripes Baseball Cap - 1.5 million Likes
Two additional prizes have yet to be revealed. So far, the fan page has only gained 70,000 Likes, so we've only managed to unlock the Black Mohawk Hair and Casino Row T-Shirt as prizes. Since the game's announcement is so new, and the hype train has barely left the station, I'd imagine we'll see that number climb slowly at first, and then monumentally as the game comes closer and closer to launch. And once we find out what those final two prizes are, we'll make sure to let you know.
Are you excited about Mafia Wars 2? If the game doesn't offer any incentive for users to switch from the original to this new version, will you? Sound off in the comments.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Earn 2 free FarmVille Farm Cash in Yahoo promotion
It looks like we're seeing a change for the better in terms of free Farm Cash promotions in FarmVille, as there's another available this afternoon, from Yahoo. Technically, this promotion is encouraging users to add Yahoo! as their browser homepage, but as usual, there's a way around that (that still allows you your free Farm Cash)!
To start, you'll need to click on the sponsored link window displaying the Yahoo "Y" and then wait for the window to load (it might take a bit longer than normal, as the promotion has to decide which browser you're using to access it). From there, you're given instructions on how to make Yahoo! your homepage on that particular browser, but at the bottom of the window sits a countdown timer that starts at 30 seconds and slowly counts down (much more slowly than 30 seconds, that is). When it finally does run out, you can click on the "Finish" button to end the promotion and receive your two Farm Cash.
As usual, your Farm Cash should automatically update into your account upon closing this activity window, but if it doesn't, a simple refresh of the game should do the trick. Either way, make sure to complete this activity the very first time you see it appear under your FarmVille gameplay area, as these cross-promotions tend to be incredibly fast-moving, and may disappear even after refreshing the page.
Were you able to earn your free Farm Cash from Yahoo, or has the promotion not appeared for you yet? Sound off in the comments.
To start, you'll need to click on the sponsored link window displaying the Yahoo "Y" and then wait for the window to load (it might take a bit longer than normal, as the promotion has to decide which browser you're using to access it). From there, you're given instructions on how to make Yahoo! your homepage on that particular browser, but at the bottom of the window sits a countdown timer that starts at 30 seconds and slowly counts down (much more slowly than 30 seconds, that is). When it finally does run out, you can click on the "Finish" button to end the promotion and receive your two Farm Cash.
As usual, your Farm Cash should automatically update into your account upon closing this activity window, but if it doesn't, a simple refresh of the game should do the trick. Either way, make sure to complete this activity the very first time you see it appear under your FarmVille gameplay area, as these cross-promotions tend to be incredibly fast-moving, and may disappear even after refreshing the page.
Were you able to earn your free Farm Cash from Yahoo, or has the promotion not appeared for you yet? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Capital One Free Gift: What's inside?
If you've played FarmVille at all in the last 24 hours, you're likely aware that a Capital One cross-promotional farm has appeared in the game, giving you a chance to earn a free Capital One Goat and some "Capital One" instant grow. What you might have missed, however, is the release of a Capital One Gift on the game's free gifts page. This box can be thought of as a mystery box, as you'll never know which item you'll receive when opening one.
There are quite a few items that can be found inside each Capital One Gift, but unfortunately only a few are really "exciting." Here's a list of items that we've received from those boxes so far:
Pygmy Goat
Animal Feed
Passion Fruit Tree
Flower Sheep
Farmhand
While the Pygmy Goat and Farm Sheep are cute little animals, we've easily received an overwhelming amount of Passion Fruit Trees, and little of everything else. Whether that means those are the most common prizes, or we're just "unlucky" remains to be seen. This Capital One gift will only be available to send for the next nine days, so make sure to send some now while you still can (and ask for some in return!).
Have you received any other items from your Capital One Gifts? Let us know and we'll add them here! Sound off in the comments.
There are quite a few items that can be found inside each Capital One Gift, but unfortunately only a few are really "exciting." Here's a list of items that we've received from those boxes so far:
Pygmy Goat
Animal Feed
Passion Fruit Tree
Flower Sheep
Farmhand
While the Pygmy Goat and Farm Sheep are cute little animals, we've easily received an overwhelming amount of Passion Fruit Trees, and little of everything else. Whether that means those are the most common prizes, or we're just "unlucky" remains to be seen. This Capital One gift will only be available to send for the next nine days, so make sure to send some now while you still can (and ask for some in return!).
Have you received any other items from your Capital One Gifts? Let us know and we'll add them here! Sound off in the comments.
Facebook game lets you solve anagrams to save Canada's forests
True to its name, in order to play Donate2Play Media's first new game, Wordraiser, you're going to have to pony up some change. Wordraiser is an anagram game that has players make as many words as possible out of one word.
If you manage to guess the key word, you get to level up. After leveling up a few times, you'll be asked to buy "Karma Points" that enable you to play more games.
Donation packages range from $1 to $20 USD, where $1 USD equals 10 Karma Points, which is good for buying one game. But right now, it seems that there's nothing stopping you from playing as much as you want. We're not sure if this is a bug, as the game just launched during the previous weekend.
While Wordraiser is supposedly free-to-play, it's also the offspring of Donate2Play's partnership with The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), a Canadian grassroots organization devoted to finding the balance between forestry jobs and preserving British Columbia's ancient woodlands (defined as tree populations that are over 120 years old). So half of the money given to Wordraiser will be split between AFA and Donate2Play.
Gallery: Wordraiser
Lastly, there's a top ten high scores leaderboard that displays players' names followed by their levels, and two of AFA's founders, TJ Watts and Ken Wu, are currently on the board in ninth and third place, respectively. According to its Facebook page, Wordraiser currently has 202 monthly users.
Keep in mind, though, that Donate2Play is doing all the heavy lifting here, with no risk or prior investment from AFA. Outreach for the game is done via automatic Facebook wall posts. Players will also receive facts about British Columbian forests during load screens and photos of these forests by TJ Watt.
[Hat-tip: Times Colonist]
Click here to play Wordraiser on Facebook now >
Would you rather donate to a charity directly than through a Facebook game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you manage to guess the key word, you get to level up. After leveling up a few times, you'll be asked to buy "Karma Points" that enable you to play more games.
Donation packages range from $1 to $20 USD, where $1 USD equals 10 Karma Points, which is good for buying one game. But right now, it seems that there's nothing stopping you from playing as much as you want. We're not sure if this is a bug, as the game just launched during the previous weekend.
While Wordraiser is supposedly free-to-play, it's also the offspring of Donate2Play's partnership with The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), a Canadian grassroots organization devoted to finding the balance between forestry jobs and preserving British Columbia's ancient woodlands (defined as tree populations that are over 120 years old). So half of the money given to Wordraiser will be split between AFA and Donate2Play.
Gallery: Wordraiser
Lastly, there's a top ten high scores leaderboard that displays players' names followed by their levels, and two of AFA's founders, TJ Watts and Ken Wu, are currently on the board in ninth and third place, respectively. According to its Facebook page, Wordraiser currently has 202 monthly users.
Keep in mind, though, that Donate2Play is doing all the heavy lifting here, with no risk or prior investment from AFA. Outreach for the game is done via automatic Facebook wall posts. Players will also receive facts about British Columbian forests during load screens and photos of these forests by TJ Watt.
[Hat-tip: Times Colonist]
Click here to play Wordraiser on Facebook now >
Would you rather donate to a charity directly than through a Facebook game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Adventure World: Redeem a Zynga Game Card for 15 free energy packs
If you've become a fan of Zynga's newest Facebook game Adventure World (now Adventure World - An Indiana Jones Game), and are ready to lay down some real-world money in the game, you now have some extra incentive to do so. For every Game Card redeemed in the game, you'll receive 15 Energy Packs.
Unfortunately, we're not sure exactly what that means. We'd love for it to mean 15 full energy refills, but if you look inside the game, a 30 Energy pot of coffee costs a whopping 30 Adventure Cash. Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like something Zynga would just give away for free, especially in bulk. This leaves us with another option, the single cup of coffee, which gives you just five energy points. This would be a decent boost, since we're talking about a "free" prize after all, but even then, it still likely won't take you long to burn through all of those bonus energy points.
What's worse, there's yet another option for energy refills: a Bolt that gives you just one energy point. Surely this isn't the "Energy Packs" Zynga is talking about, but it's something to keep in mind all the same. We're working on discovering just which kind of "Energy Pack" you'll receive when redeeming a Zynga Game Card, but for now, why not take a look at our tools upgrade guide, so you'll be able to upgrade your tools to do more work for less energy to make all of your points go that much further.
Will you redeem a Zynga Game Card to earn 15 free Energy Packs? If you have, which specific kind of pack did you receive? Sound off in the comments.
Unfortunately, we're not sure exactly what that means. We'd love for it to mean 15 full energy refills, but if you look inside the game, a 30 Energy pot of coffee costs a whopping 30 Adventure Cash. Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like something Zynga would just give away for free, especially in bulk. This leaves us with another option, the single cup of coffee, which gives you just five energy points. This would be a decent boost, since we're talking about a "free" prize after all, but even then, it still likely won't take you long to burn through all of those bonus energy points.
What's worse, there's yet another option for energy refills: a Bolt that gives you just one energy point. Surely this isn't the "Energy Packs" Zynga is talking about, but it's something to keep in mind all the same. We're working on discovering just which kind of "Energy Pack" you'll receive when redeeming a Zynga Game Card, but for now, why not take a look at our tools upgrade guide, so you'll be able to upgrade your tools to do more work for less energy to make all of your points go that much further.
Will you redeem a Zynga Game Card to earn 15 free Energy Packs? If you have, which specific kind of pack did you receive? Sound off in the comments.
Adventure World RewardVille prizes now available
Amid the fanfare of Zynga's newest game Adventure World officially joining forces with the Indiana Jones brand, it might be easy to let the idea of RewardVille prizes slip your mind. Still, if you're an active player of many of Zynga's games, you'll be able to trade in your hard-earned zCoins for some prizes within this newest offering.
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead? Sound off in the comments.
Unfortunately, there's a fairly slim selection of items available: just seven, to be specific. While some are functional items, the others can be used as decorations back in your Base Camp. Here's a complete rundown of the newly available prizes, along with their prices.
Telescope - 200 zCoins
Floodlight - 155 zCoins
Outhouse - 120 zCoins
Dynamite Stick - 100 zCoins
Water - 62 zCoins
Fuel - 62 zCoins
Food - 62 zCoins
Yes, as you might have guessed, these Dynamite, Fuel, Water and Food items are those that you need to complete various Expeditions and quests within the game. The Dynamite in particular is fairly worthwhile, if you have plenty of zCoins to spare, as you'll be left spending 1,000 coins on a single stick if you purchase it within the game.
Unfortunately, that's the lineup of all prizes as of this writing. If more are added in the future, we'll make sure to let you know.
Do you save up your RewardVille zCoins, or do you spend them just as quickly as you earn them? What do you think of these Adventure World prizes? What other sorts of items should be offered as prizes instead? Sound off in the comments.
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