A bamboo curry’s worth of information on World of Warcraft’s panda-based race has hit the internet. In addition to Blizzard confirming details of the new animation system, an official website has launched and a video of the bears in action has leaked.
The video, sneakily shot by MMO-Champion, shows Pandaria’s starting area, as well as the impressive animations that bring the cuddly warriors to life. According to Blizzard art director, Chris Robinson, the Pandaren have ten times the facial bones as other races, making them more mobile and expressive. That’s good news even if you’re not planning to play as a panda. Blizzard say they’ll be retro-fitting the tech to the old races, eventually.
Robinson said that “I want to stress as well that it’s a massive undertaking to go back and do this. And to a lot of people it’s something that won’t be considered shiny new content.” Blizzard are also concerned about maintaining the “look and feel of the original models,” and want to find a way of revamping the old races that won’t put off players who have spent years with their characters.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Scrolls free-to-play “aspects” detailed, Mojang assuage pay-to-win fears
Scrolls free-to-play “aspects” detailed, Mojang assuage pay-to-win fears
Nathan Grayson at 10:42am October 25 2011
Comments 22
Scrolls
Yesterday, Notch took to his well-worn soap box to pipe up about free-to-play games and how many of them are perhaps a wee bit dishonest. He also mentioned that Scrolls – while not free-to-play in the traditional sense – does allow players to buy new content with real money. Many gamers, however, read that as “Give us money and we’ll hand you a silver platter covered in cards that will guarantee that you defeat your friends, get the girl, and overcome some crippling personality deficiency in a whirlwind montage of victory.”
With that in mind, I asked the fine folks at Mojang if they could clear things up for me. Here’s what they said:
“Scrolls will not be free to play,” designer Jakob Porser told PC Gamer via email. “It will come with an initial cost. Yes, you will also be able to spend more money on it later by buying spell-books (carrying randomly inserted scrolls), but as we have an initial cost, we do not have to balance the game with the focus of people having to spend any more money on the game once they started playing it.”
“The initial cost will not only give you a hefty portion of scrolls to build your decks with, it will also give you a life time subscription of spell-book, guaranteeing that you always will get new content for as long as you play the game (and longer). You will also get in-game currency as you win matches and with these you can buy spell-books. Same with single player. Advance your way through the world, and get in-game currency. On top of this, we will feature an auction house, letting the players buy/sell and trade their scrolls with one another.”
Porser also explained precisely why Mojang took that route in the first place – as opposed to simply kicking the initial cost to the curb like so many other modern games.
“I agree with what Markus is saying about a ‘Free to Play’-game being designed to make players spend money once they start playing the game. This isn’t always a bad thing of course. You could argue that this is a service to the players as they actually get to play the game before they make the decision whether to spend money on it or not. But this type of development also comes with two major problems. First, the term ‘Free to Play’ lends itself to misinterpretation as the game really isn’t all that Free. Second, a project like that will always bear the risk of ending up in a place where you chose to sacrifice game play in order to keep the income flowing. After all, game developers will want a return on their investment.”
“Scrolls is a ‘Collectible card game,’ and as such it will never be 100% balanced without removing the ‘Collectible’-part from the genre, which I would not want to do, as collecting scrolls is a key feature of the game. Having said that, I truly believe that Scrolls offers a great set of tools for playing the game without having to spend anything more than its initial cost. I believe this, because that is the way we want to design the game.”
Nathan Grayson at 10:42am October 25 2011
Comments 22
Scrolls
Yesterday, Notch took to his well-worn soap box to pipe up about free-to-play games and how many of them are perhaps a wee bit dishonest. He also mentioned that Scrolls – while not free-to-play in the traditional sense – does allow players to buy new content with real money. Many gamers, however, read that as “Give us money and we’ll hand you a silver platter covered in cards that will guarantee that you defeat your friends, get the girl, and overcome some crippling personality deficiency in a whirlwind montage of victory.”
With that in mind, I asked the fine folks at Mojang if they could clear things up for me. Here’s what they said:
“Scrolls will not be free to play,” designer Jakob Porser told PC Gamer via email. “It will come with an initial cost. Yes, you will also be able to spend more money on it later by buying spell-books (carrying randomly inserted scrolls), but as we have an initial cost, we do not have to balance the game with the focus of people having to spend any more money on the game once they started playing it.”
“The initial cost will not only give you a hefty portion of scrolls to build your decks with, it will also give you a life time subscription of spell-book, guaranteeing that you always will get new content for as long as you play the game (and longer). You will also get in-game currency as you win matches and with these you can buy spell-books. Same with single player. Advance your way through the world, and get in-game currency. On top of this, we will feature an auction house, letting the players buy/sell and trade their scrolls with one another.”
Porser also explained precisely why Mojang took that route in the first place – as opposed to simply kicking the initial cost to the curb like so many other modern games.
“I agree with what Markus is saying about a ‘Free to Play’-game being designed to make players spend money once they start playing the game. This isn’t always a bad thing of course. You could argue that this is a service to the players as they actually get to play the game before they make the decision whether to spend money on it or not. But this type of development also comes with two major problems. First, the term ‘Free to Play’ lends itself to misinterpretation as the game really isn’t all that Free. Second, a project like that will always bear the risk of ending up in a place where you chose to sacrifice game play in order to keep the income flowing. After all, game developers will want a return on their investment.”
“Scrolls is a ‘Collectible card game,’ and as such it will never be 100% balanced without removing the ‘Collectible’-part from the genre, which I would not want to do, as collecting scrolls is a key feature of the game. Having said that, I truly believe that Scrolls offers a great set of tools for playing the game without having to spend anything more than its initial cost. I believe this, because that is the way we want to design the game.”
CBeebies channel, CBeebies games, CBeebies investment, CBeebiesgames, Games, iPad, iPhone
Grand Theft Auto V has just been splattered all over the front page of the Rockstar website with a simple declaration. TRAILER: 11.02.11. That was a surprise. Everything we know about the new Grand Theft Auto is contained in that logo. It could be anything. What are you hoping for from GTA V?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Fund Goats Vs Nazi NES Style Game, Take That Third Reich!
News
Fund Goats Vs Nazi NES Style Game, Take That Third Reich!
By Chris Carolan on October 21, 2011 at 4:40 AM
The long list of enemies of the Nazi party will get a little longer if this Goats vs Nazis game gets off the ground. Nevermind logic or reason the goats are bringing guns, hooves and horns to the Nazi army.
Goal: $US14,000
Notable Reward: $US75 — A custom download of the game, with a prefix of your choice. Ex: Goats vs Nazi: Apple Pie edition
Chances: Good. It has a high goal, but come on, It’s Goats Vs. Nazis
Finishes: November 27
Fund Goats Vs Nazi NES Style Game, Take That Third Reich!
By Chris Carolan on October 21, 2011 at 4:40 AM
The long list of enemies of the Nazi party will get a little longer if this Goats vs Nazis game gets off the ground. Nevermind logic or reason the goats are bringing guns, hooves and horns to the Nazi army.
Goal: $US14,000
Notable Reward: $US75 — A custom download of the game, with a prefix of your choice. Ex: Goats vs Nazi: Apple Pie edition
Chances: Good. It has a high goal, but come on, It’s Goats Vs. Nazis
Finishes: November 27
News Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Devs Discuss The Series’ Reinvention
After we ran our “Yes” Gut Check for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, I noticed a lot of scepticism about the game. Is it really any good? It seems weird, and cold, and soulless.
Well, I’ve been playing off and on all week, and I’d just like to say that I personally am of a mind with “Michael Fahey, Fan of Air Combat in General.” I like it a lot. In this developer diary-slash-advertisement, the team at Namco Bandai talks about reinventing the series to feel fresh, punchy, and relevant. I’m no die-hard Ace Combat fan, but even I have gathered that this game is a significant departure from what longtime players have come to expect.
Well, I’ve been playing off and on all week, and I’d just like to say that I personally am of a mind with “Michael Fahey, Fan of Air Combat in General.” I like it a lot. In this developer diary-slash-advertisement, the team at Namco Bandai talks about reinventing the series to feel fresh, punchy, and relevant. I’m no die-hard Ace Combat fan, but even I have gathered that this game is a significant departure from what longtime players have come to expect.
News A Secret To Fighting Parkinson’s Disease? Play A Video Game
Video games might be the key to fighting off some of the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, according to research results released this week.
The pilot study, conducted by the UCSF School of Nursing and Red Hill Studios, helped more than half of the people with the disease who participated improve their balance, walking speed and stride length.
The computer games were created specifically to augment physical therapy designed at helping Parkinson’s patients and were funded by a $US900,000 federal grant. The team described the games as something similar to what you might see on the Wii or Xbox 360′s Kinect. The games award points for matching or following specific movements and has multiple difficulty levels which can be customised to a particular patient’s abilities.
“Each subject found his or her own gaming ‘sweet spot’ — the spot where the physical challenge was not too hard, not too easy, just right,” said Bob Hone, creative director of Red Hill Studios and the lead Principal Investigator of the study. “And when subjects mastered one game level, they often moved on to harder levels for more beneficial effect. The subjects improved their games scores while improving their gait and balance.”
While the games do sound an awful lot like some off-the shelf titles already available for the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360, these games required patients to wear a custom sensor suit with nine tracking sensors. Red Hill, which developed the game, said that current game technology doesn’t track movement at the resolution and accuracy that the system needs to be effective.
The three month trial tracked the stride length, gait velocity and balance of 20 people with moderate levels of Parkinson’s disease.
“These initial studies show the promise of custom-designed physical therapy games promoting specific movements and gestures that can help patients get better,” Dowling said. “Now that we have this preliminary positive result, we want to conduct a longer term clinical trial with more subjects to confirm these initial findings.”
The pilot study, conducted by the UCSF School of Nursing and Red Hill Studios, helped more than half of the people with the disease who participated improve their balance, walking speed and stride length.
The computer games were created specifically to augment physical therapy designed at helping Parkinson’s patients and were funded by a $US900,000 federal grant. The team described the games as something similar to what you might see on the Wii or Xbox 360′s Kinect. The games award points for matching or following specific movements and has multiple difficulty levels which can be customised to a particular patient’s abilities.
“Each subject found his or her own gaming ‘sweet spot’ — the spot where the physical challenge was not too hard, not too easy, just right,” said Bob Hone, creative director of Red Hill Studios and the lead Principal Investigator of the study. “And when subjects mastered one game level, they often moved on to harder levels for more beneficial effect. The subjects improved their games scores while improving their gait and balance.”
While the games do sound an awful lot like some off-the shelf titles already available for the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360, these games required patients to wear a custom sensor suit with nine tracking sensors. Red Hill, which developed the game, said that current game technology doesn’t track movement at the resolution and accuracy that the system needs to be effective.
The three month trial tracked the stride length, gait velocity and balance of 20 people with moderate levels of Parkinson’s disease.
“These initial studies show the promise of custom-designed physical therapy games promoting specific movements and gestures that can help patients get better,” Dowling said. “Now that we have this preliminary positive result, we want to conduct a longer term clinical trial with more subjects to confirm these initial findings.”
Saturday, October 22, 2011
DICE: Commo Rose in Day One Battlefield 3 Patch
This time next week, you'll be knee deep in Battlefield 3. And as a reminder that DICE's anticipated shooter is right around the corner, the official launch trailer is here. Click on through for a healthy dose of Battlefield 3's single-player storyline.
Battlefield 3
Prepare for full-scale war with Battlefield 3, the third major evolution of the long-running online battle franchise. Using the power of Frostbite 2 game engine technology, Battlefield 3 delivers superior visual quality, a grand sense of scale, massive destruction, dynamic audio and incredibly lifelike character animations. As bullets whiz by, walls crumble, and explosions throw you to the ground, the battlefield feels more alive and interactive than ever before.
In Battlefield 3, players step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines where they will experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer actions ranging across diverse locations from around the globe including Europe, Middle-East and North America.
In Battlefield 3, players step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines where they will experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer actions ranging across diverse locations from around the globe including Europe, Middle-East and North America.
Friday, October 21, 2011
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.
Disney XD News
DISNEY XD TO PREMIERE “FORT BOYARD – ULTIMATE CHALLENGE,” A REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
To N4G: Please grow up before debating me about Geohot
Okay, yeah, I have my opinions about the Geohot hack, and I'm sure you do.
Okay, I'm fine with that. If that's what you think, then by all means. If you think he needs to pay up, then go ahead and think that! All I have ever asked when debating me is that you, one, say things with facts to show that you know what you are talking about, and two, you act like an adult by not telling me to confirm or die, or using the stuff like “kill that f**k” that we've been seeing. How that sort of crap gets not only condoned or encouraged is beyond me (shame on the mods for not doing anything about this, still). You don't have to change the opinion, just the attitude.
However, I do have to point this out because it speaks to the heart of what is going on right now. I posted a response to a N4G user who I will not name because I want this blog to be approved, even though you might within minutes know who it is I'm referring to ( http://n4g.com/news/719804/... ). The post was about how the term “hacker” was too broad of a term because it could mean a variety of things. I remember a message board I used to frequent. The owner bought a UBB license (remember UBB?). Knowing the code it was written in, he went in and began adding additional functionality that wasn't originally in the program. He referenced it to hacking. It wasn't illegal to do that, since he wasn't exactly going to get our IP addressees or anything like that.
Actually, now that I think about it, he was “modding” the thing. But you could call it a hack.
Anyway, following that comment, I got a PM from the guy that I responded to. Here's where it hit the fan for me:
“Hacking the PS3 is illegal. You are in error concerning the DMCA revision. The adjustments to the DMCA, as per the findings of the Library of Congress Court covered devices such as smart phones and excepted them to the DMCA.
“However, video game consoles were not provided an exception under this ruling. You can either keep this info to yourself or do the right thing, research the finding, and then post the facts back in that thread. The decision you make will define you as a person.
“ http://thetechjournal.com/e... “
For one, look how we word this. Define me as a person? I view that as a threat. Either change what I think or else. How else could I view that?
Secondly, go back to my post that started all this. I had already mentioned this in that and several other threads (and I had mentioned the LoC's actions, though I didn't mention the LoC by name). I don't condone cheating. I don't like it, I don't do it. Unless it's using a code that the developers themselves put into the game. I've mentioned my opinions several times, and you should know that I don't validate opinions for anyone.
Secondly, his link is exactly WHERE I got MY info from. Mind this part of the story:
"The news was well received by Civil Rights activists like Jennifer Stisa Granick, civil liberties director with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and others who had been pushing for this exemption and others for years now. Stisa Granick told the Huffington Post on Monday “You bought it, you own it” and it seems the Library of Congress agreed."
Keep in mind, too, that I fully support the EFF, so of course I've been following them for a while. I should know that the EFF “pushing” for something means more than them saying things. They take action. They get their visitors and members to take action by sending e-mails and calling their local representatives. This is petitioning for something to happen. I mention this in my whole post. If this poster could only read that post, he would've noticed that. Not to mention all the controversies that the DMCA has created (I keep saying that, too).
Lastly, this is a guy that, up until now, I had always thought about this guy as someone who posted worthwhile comments on the site. I've thought that he knew what he was talking about, and never thought that he deserved the BS he got from the 360 fanboys on this site. However, it seems as if he completely ignored my past opinions about him and just went for the knife to backstab me without thinking twice.
However, after PMing him about that, his only answer was:
“It isn't a threat. The fact that you perceive that comment as such tells me all that I care to know concerning you. Your remarks read like a guilty person in the midst of a panic attack. Whether you like it or not your actions tell me, your friends, your enemies, everyone what you are. If you won't post the truth someone else will. The truth is the very act of hacking the PS3 is illegal. Have a nice life.”
Excuse me! What right does this guy have to say that to me? Of course I respond, but this time, not in a kind way, because THIS is EXACTLY what I'm saying you shouldn't be doing when debating me. Don't say that my opinions need to change (and yes, he IS saying that I have to change my opinions). I said that my opinion stands, I brought my facts, that how dare he say such things (he knows nothing about me), and that I did my damn research. Finally, I suggested to him that perhaps he's the type of person that's condoning and encouraging the wishes of physical harm on Geohot.
I read a post on Ripten at http://www.ripten.com/2011/... from “Tom Ato” which was equally as disgusting (and of course, I responded AND flagged that comment. Not holding my breath on anything happening to it). This disgusts me, and Tom, and the N4G user, are only examples of how repulsive the attitude is getting here.
I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not minding the debate. However, grow the hell up before doing so. Change your attitude before saying your opinion (and no, your attitude is NOT your opinion).
Okay, I'm fine with that. If that's what you think, then by all means. If you think he needs to pay up, then go ahead and think that! All I have ever asked when debating me is that you, one, say things with facts to show that you know what you are talking about, and two, you act like an adult by not telling me to confirm or die, or using the stuff like “kill that f**k” that we've been seeing. How that sort of crap gets not only condoned or encouraged is beyond me (shame on the mods for not doing anything about this, still). You don't have to change the opinion, just the attitude.
However, I do have to point this out because it speaks to the heart of what is going on right now. I posted a response to a N4G user who I will not name because I want this blog to be approved, even though you might within minutes know who it is I'm referring to ( http://n4g.com/news/719804/... ). The post was about how the term “hacker” was too broad of a term because it could mean a variety of things. I remember a message board I used to frequent. The owner bought a UBB license (remember UBB?). Knowing the code it was written in, he went in and began adding additional functionality that wasn't originally in the program. He referenced it to hacking. It wasn't illegal to do that, since he wasn't exactly going to get our IP addressees or anything like that.
Actually, now that I think about it, he was “modding” the thing. But you could call it a hack.
Anyway, following that comment, I got a PM from the guy that I responded to. Here's where it hit the fan for me:
“Hacking the PS3 is illegal. You are in error concerning the DMCA revision. The adjustments to the DMCA, as per the findings of the Library of Congress Court covered devices such as smart phones and excepted them to the DMCA.
“However, video game consoles were not provided an exception under this ruling. You can either keep this info to yourself or do the right thing, research the finding, and then post the facts back in that thread. The decision you make will define you as a person.
“ http://thetechjournal.com/e... “
For one, look how we word this. Define me as a person? I view that as a threat. Either change what I think or else. How else could I view that?
Secondly, go back to my post that started all this. I had already mentioned this in that and several other threads (and I had mentioned the LoC's actions, though I didn't mention the LoC by name). I don't condone cheating. I don't like it, I don't do it. Unless it's using a code that the developers themselves put into the game. I've mentioned my opinions several times, and you should know that I don't validate opinions for anyone.
Secondly, his link is exactly WHERE I got MY info from. Mind this part of the story:
"The news was well received by Civil Rights activists like Jennifer Stisa Granick, civil liberties director with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and others who had been pushing for this exemption and others for years now. Stisa Granick told the Huffington Post on Monday “You bought it, you own it” and it seems the Library of Congress agreed."
Keep in mind, too, that I fully support the EFF, so of course I've been following them for a while. I should know that the EFF “pushing” for something means more than them saying things. They take action. They get their visitors and members to take action by sending e-mails and calling their local representatives. This is petitioning for something to happen. I mention this in my whole post. If this poster could only read that post, he would've noticed that. Not to mention all the controversies that the DMCA has created (I keep saying that, too).
Lastly, this is a guy that, up until now, I had always thought about this guy as someone who posted worthwhile comments on the site. I've thought that he knew what he was talking about, and never thought that he deserved the BS he got from the 360 fanboys on this site. However, it seems as if he completely ignored my past opinions about him and just went for the knife to backstab me without thinking twice.
However, after PMing him about that, his only answer was:
“It isn't a threat. The fact that you perceive that comment as such tells me all that I care to know concerning you. Your remarks read like a guilty person in the midst of a panic attack. Whether you like it or not your actions tell me, your friends, your enemies, everyone what you are. If you won't post the truth someone else will. The truth is the very act of hacking the PS3 is illegal. Have a nice life.”
Excuse me! What right does this guy have to say that to me? Of course I respond, but this time, not in a kind way, because THIS is EXACTLY what I'm saying you shouldn't be doing when debating me. Don't say that my opinions need to change (and yes, he IS saying that I have to change my opinions). I said that my opinion stands, I brought my facts, that how dare he say such things (he knows nothing about me), and that I did my damn research. Finally, I suggested to him that perhaps he's the type of person that's condoning and encouraging the wishes of physical harm on Geohot.
I read a post on Ripten at http://www.ripten.com/2011/... from “Tom Ato” which was equally as disgusting (and of course, I responded AND flagged that comment. Not holding my breath on anything happening to it). This disgusts me, and Tom, and the N4G user, are only examples of how repulsive the attitude is getting here.
I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not minding the debate. However, grow the hell up before doing so. Change your attitude before saying your opinion (and no, your attitude is NOT your opinion).
Nintendo 3DS Hands-on Impressions
So, I recently got back from a 3DS demo event and finally got to experience the hand-held device. But, does it really work? Read on and I'll share my impressions about the system from the 3D effect, to the photos, to the AR games and circlepad.
Now, onto the actual experience. Let me get something straight: the 3D effect will take some getting used to, the 'sweet spot' (the spot at which the 3D effect can be clearly seen) is rather small, and I can see why some people say it may cause headaches and eye-strain. However, it works...and it works VERY well. Not only did it work well, I personally did not suffer from any sort of strain, and in the case of most games, it was easy to stay in the 'sweet spot'. Notice I said for most games. During my hands-on with Ocarina of Time, I found that using the motion-control for aiming with the slingshot caused the 3D effect to get a little blurry and unclear.
The circlepad felt a little strange for me at first to be honest. But, after using it for sometime, you'll get used to it, and I actually grew to like it quite a lot. It allows full 360 degree movement, and feels very smooth as you turn, push and slide it. I particularly liked the way it played with Pilot Wings Resort. The flying in that game just feels so easy and effortless, yet rewarding and satisfying. In fact, I must say that I think Pilot Wings Resort was one of the best show-cases for the 3D effect. It did not some much pop-out the screen, but rather created a nice, welcome field of depth which just made the game a whole lot more impressive. The 3D depth slider works very well, too. It feels very smooth and can be adjusted to virtually any position to suit your preferences. My only concern is that it is too sensitive, meaning a slight tap might move it out of your preferable level of 3D. In my case, I had the 3D effect at about 80% (with 0% being 2D, and 100% being complete 3D). The in-built motion sensors are very responsive. I'd say they are round about as responsive as the Wii Remote with Wii MotionPlus. In my opinion, it was far more precise than those in the iPod Touch and iPhone.
Now, the online. I had a chance to play a wi-fi match on Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. There was absolutely no lag. I'm actually amazed at how smoothly it played. There was no stuttering, and load times were minimal. Speaking of Street Fighter, it was awesome. I found that gameplay was a little slower-paced than on previous consoles, however it was still incredibly fun non-stop action. The graphics are sweet; they are very colourful and have great effects. Also, there are few jaggies.
The screens themselves are good too. Resolutions have received a considerably large, and much needed kick. Everything is very clear and much sharper than the original DS, they are also more bright and have higher contrast and colour levels. You will notice, however, that the upper (3D) screen on the 3DS is quite a bit thicker than the top screen on the DS. Also, the touch screen seems to have been improved, but not that much. The screen still seems to be favour the stylus over fingers, in other words, using your hands on the touch screen is still a little unresponsive. I would have to say its still a fair margin away from the iPod Touch's touch screen in terms of responsiveness.
Finally, allow me to move onto what was, to me, probably one of the largest stand-out features of the system, and that was the AR (augmented reality) games. They are really cool, really fun, and make great use of the 3DS's motion sensors, cameras and 3D effects. I particularly liked the target shooting game in which targets and a dragon appear on your chosen surface (in my case a table) and you must move around the surface in order to get the best view of the targets and shoot them. I found that if you got too far from the AR card, a fuzzy effect appeared on the screen, sort of like when you lose signal on a TV channel. Other than the target shooting, there was also a free-draw game in which you could draw your own objects (using the touch screen) and bring them into the real world, a Mii poser in which you could bring your Mii into the real world, another poser, but for Nintendo characters rather than Mii's, along with a fishing and billiards game.
In all, I would have to say the 3DS isn't flawless, but it really is a step-up for Nintendo and I can't wait to get one. You really do have to see it to believe it. And once you do see it, the effect is great. The games (both retail and AR) were all great and played smoothly, the system as a whole is slik and well-designed, the 3D photography really does work, and the addition of motion sensors really help make the experience even more immersive. My only concerns are the sort of disappointing battery life, and the small size of the sweet spot.
Please feel free to ask any questions about the 3DS, and I'll do my best to answer them.
The 3DS will be hitting US and EU in March 27th and 25th, for $250 and £220, respectively.
Now, onto the actual experience. Let me get something straight: the 3D effect will take some getting used to, the 'sweet spot' (the spot at which the 3D effect can be clearly seen) is rather small, and I can see why some people say it may cause headaches and eye-strain. However, it works...and it works VERY well. Not only did it work well, I personally did not suffer from any sort of strain, and in the case of most games, it was easy to stay in the 'sweet spot'. Notice I said for most games. During my hands-on with Ocarina of Time, I found that using the motion-control for aiming with the slingshot caused the 3D effect to get a little blurry and unclear.
The circlepad felt a little strange for me at first to be honest. But, after using it for sometime, you'll get used to it, and I actually grew to like it quite a lot. It allows full 360 degree movement, and feels very smooth as you turn, push and slide it. I particularly liked the way it played with Pilot Wings Resort. The flying in that game just feels so easy and effortless, yet rewarding and satisfying. In fact, I must say that I think Pilot Wings Resort was one of the best show-cases for the 3D effect. It did not some much pop-out the screen, but rather created a nice, welcome field of depth which just made the game a whole lot more impressive. The 3D depth slider works very well, too. It feels very smooth and can be adjusted to virtually any position to suit your preferences. My only concern is that it is too sensitive, meaning a slight tap might move it out of your preferable level of 3D. In my case, I had the 3D effect at about 80% (with 0% being 2D, and 100% being complete 3D). The in-built motion sensors are very responsive. I'd say they are round about as responsive as the Wii Remote with Wii MotionPlus. In my opinion, it was far more precise than those in the iPod Touch and iPhone.
Now, the online. I had a chance to play a wi-fi match on Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. There was absolutely no lag. I'm actually amazed at how smoothly it played. There was no stuttering, and load times were minimal. Speaking of Street Fighter, it was awesome. I found that gameplay was a little slower-paced than on previous consoles, however it was still incredibly fun non-stop action. The graphics are sweet; they are very colourful and have great effects. Also, there are few jaggies.
The screens themselves are good too. Resolutions have received a considerably large, and much needed kick. Everything is very clear and much sharper than the original DS, they are also more bright and have higher contrast and colour levels. You will notice, however, that the upper (3D) screen on the 3DS is quite a bit thicker than the top screen on the DS. Also, the touch screen seems to have been improved, but not that much. The screen still seems to be favour the stylus over fingers, in other words, using your hands on the touch screen is still a little unresponsive. I would have to say its still a fair margin away from the iPod Touch's touch screen in terms of responsiveness.
Finally, allow me to move onto what was, to me, probably one of the largest stand-out features of the system, and that was the AR (augmented reality) games. They are really cool, really fun, and make great use of the 3DS's motion sensors, cameras and 3D effects. I particularly liked the target shooting game in which targets and a dragon appear on your chosen surface (in my case a table) and you must move around the surface in order to get the best view of the targets and shoot them. I found that if you got too far from the AR card, a fuzzy effect appeared on the screen, sort of like when you lose signal on a TV channel. Other than the target shooting, there was also a free-draw game in which you could draw your own objects (using the touch screen) and bring them into the real world, a Mii poser in which you could bring your Mii into the real world, another poser, but for Nintendo characters rather than Mii's, along with a fishing and billiards game.
In all, I would have to say the 3DS isn't flawless, but it really is a step-up for Nintendo and I can't wait to get one. You really do have to see it to believe it. And once you do see it, the effect is great. The games (both retail and AR) were all great and played smoothly, the system as a whole is slik and well-designed, the 3D photography really does work, and the addition of motion sensors really help make the experience even more immersive. My only concerns are the sort of disappointing battery life, and the small size of the sweet spot.
Please feel free to ask any questions about the 3DS, and I'll do my best to answer them.
The 3DS will be hitting US and EU in March 27th and 25th, for $250 and £220, respectively.
My reaction to Mortal Kombat being banned in Australia
Well if you didn't know, I'm Australian and Mortal Kombat got banned here. Probably don't care because you'll be able to play it, but regardless of what people think or care I decided to give my opinion about it.
Personally I agree with the decision... under the current guideliness of the Classification Board. I mean look at it. There is no way it's going to pass with an MA15+ with all the explicit violence in it. I am pissed off about it being banned admittedly and I want to get the game but I can seem to find a website that will send it to me because of it's banning, and then there's the chance my PSN account could get banned because of playing it in Australia. A lose-lose situation as you can see.
Now when you look at why they denied it classification it's justifiable because of the x-ray attacks and the fatalities. The games fatalities feature dismemberment, disemboweling, decaptitation and other forms of slaughter. Now because it's using realistic graphics, this was enough for it to get denied.
Now I'd like to know what happened to Friendships, Animalities and Babalities? I miss those so much, don't you? I mean come on, in a world with online multiplayer why forgo these? I think it'd be awesome to beat someone and then turn them into a baby if they think they're awesome or do a Friendship finisher when I beat a newcomer who's not very skilled. As for Animalities it was just cool to have an animal form finish the opponent.
Now the SCAG(Standing Council of Attorney Generals) meeting to determine the R18+ in Australia isn't until July thanks to the NSW state election on the 26th of March so I thought of a solution I want Australian readers to do. Send emails, tweets, Facebook messages, whatever to Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment(WBIE) telling them to just release it after the meeting with all the DLC released at that point for free with it. There's a pretty good chance they'll listen if enough people tell them this. Please don't bother abusing the Classifcation Board or the members of SCAG about the descision. It's not they're faults completely and the more you abuse, the more childish you make us look.
Well they may still get it released under the current rating system without changing it if they're lucky but I think we should show them support and wait patiently... maybe it'll be the first R18+ game released if they wait which could be historic because it will be the game that helped Australia grow up.
Personally I agree with the decision... under the current guideliness of the Classification Board. I mean look at it. There is no way it's going to pass with an MA15+ with all the explicit violence in it. I am pissed off about it being banned admittedly and I want to get the game but I can seem to find a website that will send it to me because of it's banning, and then there's the chance my PSN account could get banned because of playing it in Australia. A lose-lose situation as you can see.
Now when you look at why they denied it classification it's justifiable because of the x-ray attacks and the fatalities. The games fatalities feature dismemberment, disemboweling, decaptitation and other forms of slaughter. Now because it's using realistic graphics, this was enough for it to get denied.
Now I'd like to know what happened to Friendships, Animalities and Babalities? I miss those so much, don't you? I mean come on, in a world with online multiplayer why forgo these? I think it'd be awesome to beat someone and then turn them into a baby if they think they're awesome or do a Friendship finisher when I beat a newcomer who's not very skilled. As for Animalities it was just cool to have an animal form finish the opponent.
Now the SCAG(Standing Council of Attorney Generals) meeting to determine the R18+ in Australia isn't until July thanks to the NSW state election on the 26th of March so I thought of a solution I want Australian readers to do. Send emails, tweets, Facebook messages, whatever to Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment(WBIE) telling them to just release it after the meeting with all the DLC released at that point for free with it. There's a pretty good chance they'll listen if enough people tell them this. Please don't bother abusing the Classifcation Board or the members of SCAG about the descision. It's not they're faults completely and the more you abuse, the more childish you make us look.
Well they may still get it released under the current rating system without changing it if they're lucky but I think we should show them support and wait patiently... maybe it'll be the first R18+ game released if they wait which could be historic because it will be the game that helped Australia grow up.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
E3. What a disappointment.
This years E3 has been, well, really underwhelming in terms of quality. I am not going to run down the list of the conferences as many users have already given a broad range of opinions to look out but more an over view as why this E3 was disappointing.
1. Casual/gimmicky motion control gaming is back. This is more focusing on Microsoft but Sony and Nintendo have fallen victim to this. Kinect seemed the centre piece at Microsoft conference where third party developers tried to justify the PR tag line of "better with Kinect". This gimmick nature of stripping a rifle apart with your hands in Ghost Recon to the voice commands (which isn't new nor ground breaking) has made me question what are they doing. That was the hope core 360 fan base squashed for a Kinect core game. The first party from both Sony and Microsoft was well poor. From Sony we had an on rail swinging game ( I am not sure why when there is a sub controller) and a Fable on rail spin off from Microsoft (with other kids games). I thought motion control gaming is meant to be a new way to play but they have failed. Nintendo showed a little of with their tech demos and trailer which seems more mini party games than actually decent motion control games.
2. Wii U conference. Big let down here. The come out an announce the controller and not really the system it self. I know the controller is the main (I would say gimmick more than game changer) system but this is meant to be a first look. I ended up feeling more confused. The rumours made more sense than the actual conference. I had to read around to find out that it isn't really the console but a small box is. They sold this console really badly. Instead of being hyped and waiting for the next details announcement I find myself not caring. I am not sure what it does and why I should put money down when the third party exclusives are going to be the same on the 360/PS3. The first party games like Mario and Wii Sports (looks the same with other controller interfaces) are not enough. I was expecting a few new IP announcements in the works. Overall there is nothing here that seems next gen. I didn't believe the rumours but they sounded a much better idea.
3. Celebrity endorsement is back. EA came on the stage and what comes out with them an arsenal of celebs. I really do not care what celebrities think or say I wanted to see more about the games.
4. No shock announcement. Before I start I know there were a few (like Far Cry 3) but apart from that nothing at E3 made me go WTF. Sony announced most of there games already and Microsoft's Halo 4 was inevitable (would have been better if they had shown gamplay. That would have been a shock).
I know this seems like a rant but in recent memory this has been a really disappointing E3. There has been nothing that made me go wow. I hope next year is better but this year has been disappointing.
1. Casual/gimmicky motion control gaming is back. This is more focusing on Microsoft but Sony and Nintendo have fallen victim to this. Kinect seemed the centre piece at Microsoft conference where third party developers tried to justify the PR tag line of "better with Kinect". This gimmick nature of stripping a rifle apart with your hands in Ghost Recon to the voice commands (which isn't new nor ground breaking) has made me question what are they doing. That was the hope core 360 fan base squashed for a Kinect core game. The first party from both Sony and Microsoft was well poor. From Sony we had an on rail swinging game ( I am not sure why when there is a sub controller) and a Fable on rail spin off from Microsoft (with other kids games). I thought motion control gaming is meant to be a new way to play but they have failed. Nintendo showed a little of with their tech demos and trailer which seems more mini party games than actually decent motion control games.
2. Wii U conference. Big let down here. The come out an announce the controller and not really the system it self. I know the controller is the main (I would say gimmick more than game changer) system but this is meant to be a first look. I ended up feeling more confused. The rumours made more sense than the actual conference. I had to read around to find out that it isn't really the console but a small box is. They sold this console really badly. Instead of being hyped and waiting for the next details announcement I find myself not caring. I am not sure what it does and why I should put money down when the third party exclusives are going to be the same on the 360/PS3. The first party games like Mario and Wii Sports (looks the same with other controller interfaces) are not enough. I was expecting a few new IP announcements in the works. Overall there is nothing here that seems next gen. I didn't believe the rumours but they sounded a much better idea.
3. Celebrity endorsement is back. EA came on the stage and what comes out with them an arsenal of celebs. I really do not care what celebrities think or say I wanted to see more about the games.
4. No shock announcement. Before I start I know there were a few (like Far Cry 3) but apart from that nothing at E3 made me go WTF. Sony announced most of there games already and Microsoft's Halo 4 was inevitable (would have been better if they had shown gamplay. That would have been a shock).
I know this seems like a rant but in recent memory this has been a really disappointing E3. There has been nothing that made me go wow. I hope next year is better but this year has been disappointing.
Who Won E3? The 'Scientific' Results Are In
This is a follow up to my previous blog, which can be read here:
http://n4g.com/user/blogpos...
First off let me say that this is all tongue-in-cheek stuff and should not be taken seriously in the slightest. For those of you that will inevitably feel the need to vent your anger in the comments section please do so in a respectful manner where possible.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
All of the following results are up for debate, however because of the bubble system I may not be able to give individual reasons for every action. If you think I have missed anything out or misrepresented facts somewhere please feel free to point them out, I will read every comment eventually and change the results accordingly if necessary. I'd also like to mention that due to time constraints I may have half-@r$ed a lot of this.
A TL;DR section will be provided at the bottom of the page for the lazy or slightly illiterate among you, thanks for reading.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Individual scores will be laid out to see and a total for each company given at the end. E-peen will be calculated by taking the total points (in centimetres), converting it to inches and dividing by this E3's magic number... 3.
Let's start with Microsoft's conference. Some say it was a little too 'Kinect heavy' but, as we know opinion means little in the face of logic and science!
MS's colourful conference:
Modern Warefare 3 live gameplay 5
Timed MW3 exclusive content 1
Tomb Raider live gameplay 5
Mass Effect 3 live demo 5
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier live demo 5
New dash 1
Bing 1
Youtube 1
Halo CE HD remake 5
UFC ‘live interaction’ 1
Forza 4 gameplay trailer 3
Kinect Disney ‘game’ announced (new IP) 3+5
Ryse ‘gameplay’ trailer 3
Gears of War 3 live demo 5
Fable: The journey announced 3
Announced Minecraft for Kinect 3
Announced Dance Central 2 3
Announced Kinect Sesame St (new IP) 3+5
Announced Kinect Sports 2 3
Announced Kinect ‘fun’ labs 1
Trotted out celebrity (Ice-T) -1
Talked about sales -1
Total: 68cm, 27.2 inches / 3
= 9.06 inches
Respectable.
Now we move onto Nintendo. The unveiling of Wii U seems to have slightly confused the media and fans alike, pity there's no points for ambiguity.
Ninty's musical conference:
Zelda 4 swords announced 5
Gold Zelda Wiimote 1
Mario Kart 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Starfox 64 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Mario 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Kid Icarus Uprising gameplay trailer 3
Luigi’s Mansion 2 announcement & gameplay trailer 5+3
3DS Virtual Console with free Excitebike 1
Wii U announcement ( hardware not shown live) 3
Announced Smash Bros. 3DS + Wii U 5
Announced Super Mario Bros. Mii 5
Announced Shield Pose (new IP) 3+5
Announced Lego: City Stories (new IP) 5+5
Honourable mention to Nintendo for gaining a lot of multi-plat games also coming to other systems but since they were not shown running on Wii U but on PS3/360 points cannot be given.
Total: 72cm, 28.8 inches / 3
= 9.6 inches
Nintendo has certainly 'matured' in my eyes.
Last but not least (or is it) we take a look at Sony's shin-dig. I've seen it described as the "best of a bad E3" but how will the Playstation brand fare under the blood-shot, coffee-fueled eye of science?
Sony's transformable conference:
Uncharted 3 live demo 5
Resistance 3 live demo 5
Announced GOW PSP HD remakes 5
NBA 2K12 live demo 5
Trotted out celebrity (Kobe Bryant) -1
Medieval Moves live demo (new IP) 3+5
Starhawk Trailer (no actual gameplay) 1
Announced Sly 4 (trailer – no gameplay) 5+1
Announced DUST 514 (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Bioshock Infinite (gameplay trailer+move support) 3
Announced Bioshock for PSV 5
Exclusive Saints Row content 3
Exclusive Star Trek content 3
Exclusive SSX course 3
Exclusive Need 4 Speed: The Run cars 3
Exclusive Battlefield content 3
Star Trek Phaser peripheral 1
PSVita shown live 5
Uncharted: Golden Abyss live demo 5
Announced Ruin for PSV/PS3 with live demo 5+5
Announced Mod Nation Racers for PSV with live demo 5+5
Street Fighter X Tekken on PSV + Exclusive content 5+3
Sales Jibber jabba -1
Total: 103cm, 41.2 inches / 3
= 13.73 inches!
Or what I like to call... average.
So there you have it 'science' has spoken and now opens the cellar door to release the opinions it had held hostage down there. Have fun tearing this apart and thanks again for reading.
http://n4g.com/user/blogpos...
First off let me say that this is all tongue-in-cheek stuff and should not be taken seriously in the slightest. For those of you that will inevitably feel the need to vent your anger in the comments section please do so in a respectful manner where possible.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
All of the following results are up for debate, however because of the bubble system I may not be able to give individual reasons for every action. If you think I have missed anything out or misrepresented facts somewhere please feel free to point them out, I will read every comment eventually and change the results accordingly if necessary. I'd also like to mention that due to time constraints I may have half-@r$ed a lot of this.
A TL;DR section will be provided at the bottom of the page for the lazy or slightly illiterate among you, thanks for reading.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Individual scores will be laid out to see and a total for each company given at the end. E-peen will be calculated by taking the total points (in centimetres), converting it to inches and dividing by this E3's magic number... 3.
Let's start with Microsoft's conference. Some say it was a little too 'Kinect heavy' but, as we know opinion means little in the face of logic and science!
MS's colourful conference:
Modern Warefare 3 live gameplay 5
Timed MW3 exclusive content 1
Tomb Raider live gameplay 5
Mass Effect 3 live demo 5
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier live demo 5
New dash 1
Bing 1
Youtube 1
Halo CE HD remake 5
UFC ‘live interaction’ 1
Forza 4 gameplay trailer 3
Kinect Disney ‘game’ announced (new IP) 3+5
Ryse ‘gameplay’ trailer 3
Gears of War 3 live demo 5
Fable: The journey announced 3
Announced Minecraft for Kinect 3
Announced Dance Central 2 3
Announced Kinect Sesame St (new IP) 3+5
Announced Kinect Sports 2 3
Announced Kinect ‘fun’ labs 1
Trotted out celebrity (Ice-T) -1
Talked about sales -1
Total: 68cm, 27.2 inches / 3
= 9.06 inches
Respectable.
Now we move onto Nintendo. The unveiling of Wii U seems to have slightly confused the media and fans alike, pity there's no points for ambiguity.
Ninty's musical conference:
Zelda 4 swords announced 5
Gold Zelda Wiimote 1
Mario Kart 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Starfox 64 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Mario 3DS (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Kid Icarus Uprising gameplay trailer 3
Luigi’s Mansion 2 announcement & gameplay trailer 5+3
3DS Virtual Console with free Excitebike 1
Wii U announcement ( hardware not shown live) 3
Announced Smash Bros. 3DS + Wii U 5
Announced Super Mario Bros. Mii 5
Announced Shield Pose (new IP) 3+5
Announced Lego: City Stories (new IP) 5+5
Honourable mention to Nintendo for gaining a lot of multi-plat games also coming to other systems but since they were not shown running on Wii U but on PS3/360 points cannot be given.
Total: 72cm, 28.8 inches / 3
= 9.6 inches
Nintendo has certainly 'matured' in my eyes.
Last but not least (or is it) we take a look at Sony's shin-dig. I've seen it described as the "best of a bad E3" but how will the Playstation brand fare under the blood-shot, coffee-fueled eye of science?
Sony's transformable conference:
Uncharted 3 live demo 5
Resistance 3 live demo 5
Announced GOW PSP HD remakes 5
NBA 2K12 live demo 5
Trotted out celebrity (Kobe Bryant) -1
Medieval Moves live demo (new IP) 3+5
Starhawk Trailer (no actual gameplay) 1
Announced Sly 4 (trailer – no gameplay) 5+1
Announced DUST 514 (gameplay trailer) 5+3
Bioshock Infinite (gameplay trailer+move support) 3
Announced Bioshock for PSV 5
Exclusive Saints Row content 3
Exclusive Star Trek content 3
Exclusive SSX course 3
Exclusive Need 4 Speed: The Run cars 3
Exclusive Battlefield content 3
Star Trek Phaser peripheral 1
PSVita shown live 5
Uncharted: Golden Abyss live demo 5
Announced Ruin for PSV/PS3 with live demo 5+5
Announced Mod Nation Racers for PSV with live demo 5+5
Street Fighter X Tekken on PSV + Exclusive content 5+3
Sales Jibber jabba -1
Total: 103cm, 41.2 inches / 3
= 13.73 inches!
Or what I like to call... average.
So there you have it 'science' has spoken and now opens the cellar door to release the opinions it had held hostage down there. Have fun tearing this apart and thanks again for reading.
My E3 2011 Impressions - Sony
Okay guys, here's the second part of my E3 2011 Impressions, this time is Sony's turn. Admittedly I'm a Sony fanboy and with good reason. Anyway, I'm not going to ramble on about how I think Sony and PlayStation are the best, you can see that for yourself...
Okay, So Sony started off the show with some Uncharted 3 gameplay, it shows Nathan Drake on a boat that is sinking/being destroyed. He makes his way through the boat in textbook Uncharted style, kills some bad guys and basically acts like drake. Now, I don't wanna talk too much about Uncharted 3 because I personally don't want to be on the hype train as I loved Uncharted 2 and don't want to get hyped and be disappointed so that's all for Uncharted for now.
After that there was some Resistance 3 gameplay, now I liked the first Resistance a lot, the second one... not so much, I've had it since Christmas, yet I still haven't finished it, it just doesn't do anything for me. With Resistance 3, this is still the case, it just looked like another shooter to me, perhaps it didn't help that the person playing on stage was terrible at shooting so that slowed the flow of the game, I don't know.
I've forgot the order of the conference from here so I'm just gonna go through my list. Sony announced the rumored God of War psp games remakes for the PS3 and the ICO and shadow of the colossus HD remakes. I haven't played any of them so it will be good to check them out at higher resolutions and HD graphics. Sony also announced a fantastic deal, A 24" HD 3DTV with a HDMI cable, a pair of 3D glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. How much you ask?? $499, yep you read right, $499. Now in my books that's a pretty fantastic deal that if i had the money I would take advantage of straight away.
Next up was the creators of EVE online, they announced a new game called dust 514, dust 514 will be cross platform and will be combined with EVE online to create one big universe, slated for spring 2012. Now, this will either work and be great or won't and will suck big time,it's a big risk but I guess we'll have to wait. Irrational games now, discussing a PSvita (more of this later) game set in the bioshock infinite universe, not only that, but also the PS3 version of Bioshock:Infinite will come with a copy of Bioshock on the same disk. I haven't played any of the Bioshock games so this may just persuade me to try them if Infinite turns out good. Bioshock isn't the only game though to get exclusive content on the PS3, When you buy battlefield 3, you get a copy of Battlefield 1943 on the same disk, also there's exclusive content for the new SSX, in the form an exclusive Mt.fuji track. Another game with exclusive content is NFS: The run, the Ps3 version will have extra cars only available on the PS3, also saints row 3 will come with an extra game mode and other content. It seems Sony are stepping it up with exclusive content lately, great news.
A new star trek game was announced, just showed a trailer which looks like the game may be centered around co-op, not really interested in this game as of yet but maybe I will be when more information is released. Okay, now what everyone was waiting for, the new NGP, Sony confirmed the rumors of the name to be "Vita" true, they announced a 3g and wifi version and a wifi only version. Of course, there's the question of the price, well here's another fantastic deal from Sony, the wifi only version will cost just $249 and 250 euros. This is a great deal, they've nailed the price and I am looking forward to this a lot. They showed some Uncharted: Golden Abbys gameplay, which looks great and is a prequel to uncharted:drakes fortune. Can't wait for this.
The Vita is planned to start rolling out around fall 2011 Jack Tretton said, but now there are rumors that it won't be released in Europe until 2012, I hope it does release in 2012 as Fall 2011 is packed full of games with so little money. Of course, they didn't just announce Uncharted for the vita, there's LittleBigPlanet vita, Modnation racers vita, street fighter x tekken with Cole from Infamous playable and Wipeout 2048 which will be compatible with the PS3. They also showed Party chat on the Vita which is cross game chat, this makes you wonder if Sony are working on PS3 cross game chat if they can do it on the Vita.
Back on the PS3 front, they released a trailer for a new sly game, Sly: Thieves in time. I haven't played any of the Sly games so I will have to pick up the sly collection before this comes out. They also showed a lot of move games, I don't have the move and the games they showed didn't get me interested in buying one either.
Well that's basically it for the Sony conference, as you can see there was a lot more content at Sony's conference than Microsoft's and I'm really looking forward to the PlayStation vita, Uncharted 3 and all the other exclusives coming out this year for the PlayStation 3.
Okay, So Sony started off the show with some Uncharted 3 gameplay, it shows Nathan Drake on a boat that is sinking/being destroyed. He makes his way through the boat in textbook Uncharted style, kills some bad guys and basically acts like drake. Now, I don't wanna talk too much about Uncharted 3 because I personally don't want to be on the hype train as I loved Uncharted 2 and don't want to get hyped and be disappointed so that's all for Uncharted for now.
After that there was some Resistance 3 gameplay, now I liked the first Resistance a lot, the second one... not so much, I've had it since Christmas, yet I still haven't finished it, it just doesn't do anything for me. With Resistance 3, this is still the case, it just looked like another shooter to me, perhaps it didn't help that the person playing on stage was terrible at shooting so that slowed the flow of the game, I don't know.
I've forgot the order of the conference from here so I'm just gonna go through my list. Sony announced the rumored God of War psp games remakes for the PS3 and the ICO and shadow of the colossus HD remakes. I haven't played any of them so it will be good to check them out at higher resolutions and HD graphics. Sony also announced a fantastic deal, A 24" HD 3DTV with a HDMI cable, a pair of 3D glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. How much you ask?? $499, yep you read right, $499. Now in my books that's a pretty fantastic deal that if i had the money I would take advantage of straight away.
Next up was the creators of EVE online, they announced a new game called dust 514, dust 514 will be cross platform and will be combined with EVE online to create one big universe, slated for spring 2012. Now, this will either work and be great or won't and will suck big time,it's a big risk but I guess we'll have to wait. Irrational games now, discussing a PSvita (more of this later) game set in the bioshock infinite universe, not only that, but also the PS3 version of Bioshock:Infinite will come with a copy of Bioshock on the same disk. I haven't played any of the Bioshock games so this may just persuade me to try them if Infinite turns out good. Bioshock isn't the only game though to get exclusive content on the PS3, When you buy battlefield 3, you get a copy of Battlefield 1943 on the same disk, also there's exclusive content for the new SSX, in the form an exclusive Mt.fuji track. Another game with exclusive content is NFS: The run, the Ps3 version will have extra cars only available on the PS3, also saints row 3 will come with an extra game mode and other content. It seems Sony are stepping it up with exclusive content lately, great news.
A new star trek game was announced, just showed a trailer which looks like the game may be centered around co-op, not really interested in this game as of yet but maybe I will be when more information is released. Okay, now what everyone was waiting for, the new NGP, Sony confirmed the rumors of the name to be "Vita" true, they announced a 3g and wifi version and a wifi only version. Of course, there's the question of the price, well here's another fantastic deal from Sony, the wifi only version will cost just $249 and 250 euros. This is a great deal, they've nailed the price and I am looking forward to this a lot. They showed some Uncharted: Golden Abbys gameplay, which looks great and is a prequel to uncharted:drakes fortune. Can't wait for this.
The Vita is planned to start rolling out around fall 2011 Jack Tretton said, but now there are rumors that it won't be released in Europe until 2012, I hope it does release in 2012 as Fall 2011 is packed full of games with so little money. Of course, they didn't just announce Uncharted for the vita, there's LittleBigPlanet vita, Modnation racers vita, street fighter x tekken with Cole from Infamous playable and Wipeout 2048 which will be compatible with the PS3. They also showed Party chat on the Vita which is cross game chat, this makes you wonder if Sony are working on PS3 cross game chat if they can do it on the Vita.
Back on the PS3 front, they released a trailer for a new sly game, Sly: Thieves in time. I haven't played any of the Sly games so I will have to pick up the sly collection before this comes out. They also showed a lot of move games, I don't have the move and the games they showed didn't get me interested in buying one either.
Well that's basically it for the Sony conference, as you can see there was a lot more content at Sony's conference than Microsoft's and I'm really looking forward to the PlayStation vita, Uncharted 3 and all the other exclusives coming out this year for the PlayStation 3.
Hardcore Gamers--You're Doing it WRONG.
I'd like to take a moment to address something that, frankly, irritates the hell out of me: the recent divide of the gaming demographic between the "hardcore gamer" and the "casual gamer."
And no, it's not what you're thinking. Well, probably.
I'm not going to argue that this division doesn't exist (it does). The problem is, we seem to have reversed the meaning. Somewhere along the line, casual gamers adopted the moniker "hardcore," and the real hardcore gamers? Honestly, I'm not sure they even exist any more. Well, before we go any further with this, perhaps it's best to define the terms.
What is a casual gamer? A casual gamer is someone who doesn't really care about games. (That plurality is important!) He or she will only ever play a handful of titles out of one or two genres. He or she will not be interested in the medium at all, and will not explore older games due to the shallow level of interest he or she has in the medium. Basically, the casual gamer plays games, but doesn't know or care to know much else.
And the hardcore gamer? The hardcore gamer is someone who has been playing games for a long time. He or she has played hundreds of games from every era and every genre. He or she has explored the medium from every possible angle. From Japanese visual novels like the sublime Clannad, to almost impossibly dense strategy games like Universalis. The hardcore gamer actively seeks out old "classic" games: he or she cares more about content than style. To the hardcore gamer, gaming is more than a simple hobby--it's a pastime. It's something to research, to ponder, to discuss.
At least, that's how I define the terms. Seems pretty simple and straight-forward, doesn't it? I think so, at least. But that brings me to the chewy caramel center of my little diatribe: the reversal. The people who, today, identify themselves as hardcore gamers--I see them as casual gamers. No different at their cores than the soccer moms who sit down for ten minutes of Peggle or Wii Fit every other thursday. I am talking, of course, of the "Shooter" crowd.
When Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 console in 2005, they gave birth to a new era of gaming. Just as the Wii introduced gaming to older audiences, the 360 broadened the gaming demographic to pretty much everyone in the much-lauded 18-34 demographic. Young men who had never played games before because of the "geek" stigma attached to the hobby soon found it socially acceptable--encouraged, even--to pick up a controller and play some Halo.
This stereotypical individual is commonly seen through the stereotypical lens of the "jock" or the "frat boy." They got into gaming with the 360 and Halo 3, and ushered in the era of the First Person Shooter.
And do I really need to say much more? For the first several years of the the current console generation, all of the big games were first person shooters: Halo, Call of Duty, Resistance--and there was little else. Like RTS games? Too bad. Like RPGs? Too bad. Like adventure games? Too bad.
For a while there, gaming seemed dead. Every game: look down the barrel of a gun. Every game: lots of brown and red. Every game: Fuck, fuck, fuck, dialog writers only know one fucking word.
In much the same way that "Nintendo" was once synonymous with "video games," First Person Shooters became synonymous with games, period. This new breed of gamers lapped up the shooters and didn't just care little for the other genres--they didn't even seem to realize other genres existed! These are the people who call themselves "hardcore gamers" today.
But they're casual. Casual as it comes.
These are the "hardcore gamers" who will profess to love a genre, yet refuse to play the classic, older games of that genre because "old games suck."
These are the "hardcore gamers" who throw tantrums when they play any game that doesn't let them murder someone within the first few minutes.
These are the "hardcore gamers" that toss out racist epithets on Xbox Live; Who disconnect before losing matches; who fixate entirely too much on the minutiae of differences between nearly-identical shooters. Who think taking a generic shooter's leaderboard as the premier measure of social status makes them hardcore, but fail to realize that just playing one or two similar genres, no matter how much, does not make you a hardcore gamer.
And the worst bit about it? For as casual as their exploration of the gaming medium is, these "hardcore gamers" take themselves far, far, far too seriously.
Today, "hardcore gaming" has come to mean ultra-simple controls, quick-time events, poorly-written drivel filled with violence and profanity, and "hyper-realistic" environments (lots of brown and dust). The move toward appeasing these "hardcore gamers" has ruined several venerable franchises already, and has helped more than anything else to transform the once vibrant assortment of gaming genres into one big, homogenous pile of samey dullness.
And no, it's not what you're thinking. Well, probably.
I'm not going to argue that this division doesn't exist (it does). The problem is, we seem to have reversed the meaning. Somewhere along the line, casual gamers adopted the moniker "hardcore," and the real hardcore gamers? Honestly, I'm not sure they even exist any more. Well, before we go any further with this, perhaps it's best to define the terms.
What is a casual gamer? A casual gamer is someone who doesn't really care about games. (That plurality is important!) He or she will only ever play a handful of titles out of one or two genres. He or she will not be interested in the medium at all, and will not explore older games due to the shallow level of interest he or she has in the medium. Basically, the casual gamer plays games, but doesn't know or care to know much else.
And the hardcore gamer? The hardcore gamer is someone who has been playing games for a long time. He or she has played hundreds of games from every era and every genre. He or she has explored the medium from every possible angle. From Japanese visual novels like the sublime Clannad, to almost impossibly dense strategy games like Universalis. The hardcore gamer actively seeks out old "classic" games: he or she cares more about content than style. To the hardcore gamer, gaming is more than a simple hobby--it's a pastime. It's something to research, to ponder, to discuss.
At least, that's how I define the terms. Seems pretty simple and straight-forward, doesn't it? I think so, at least. But that brings me to the chewy caramel center of my little diatribe: the reversal. The people who, today, identify themselves as hardcore gamers--I see them as casual gamers. No different at their cores than the soccer moms who sit down for ten minutes of Peggle or Wii Fit every other thursday. I am talking, of course, of the "Shooter" crowd.
When Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 console in 2005, they gave birth to a new era of gaming. Just as the Wii introduced gaming to older audiences, the 360 broadened the gaming demographic to pretty much everyone in the much-lauded 18-34 demographic. Young men who had never played games before because of the "geek" stigma attached to the hobby soon found it socially acceptable--encouraged, even--to pick up a controller and play some Halo.
This stereotypical individual is commonly seen through the stereotypical lens of the "jock" or the "frat boy." They got into gaming with the 360 and Halo 3, and ushered in the era of the First Person Shooter.
And do I really need to say much more? For the first several years of the the current console generation, all of the big games were first person shooters: Halo, Call of Duty, Resistance--and there was little else. Like RTS games? Too bad. Like RPGs? Too bad. Like adventure games? Too bad.
For a while there, gaming seemed dead. Every game: look down the barrel of a gun. Every game: lots of brown and red. Every game: Fuck, fuck, fuck, dialog writers only know one fucking word.
In much the same way that "Nintendo" was once synonymous with "video games," First Person Shooters became synonymous with games, period. This new breed of gamers lapped up the shooters and didn't just care little for the other genres--they didn't even seem to realize other genres existed! These are the people who call themselves "hardcore gamers" today.
But they're casual. Casual as it comes.
These are the "hardcore gamers" who will profess to love a genre, yet refuse to play the classic, older games of that genre because "old games suck."
These are the "hardcore gamers" who throw tantrums when they play any game that doesn't let them murder someone within the first few minutes.
These are the "hardcore gamers" that toss out racist epithets on Xbox Live; Who disconnect before losing matches; who fixate entirely too much on the minutiae of differences between nearly-identical shooters. Who think taking a generic shooter's leaderboard as the premier measure of social status makes them hardcore, but fail to realize that just playing one or two similar genres, no matter how much, does not make you a hardcore gamer.
And the worst bit about it? For as casual as their exploration of the gaming medium is, these "hardcore gamers" take themselves far, far, far too seriously.
Today, "hardcore gaming" has come to mean ultra-simple controls, quick-time events, poorly-written drivel filled with violence and profanity, and "hyper-realistic" environments (lots of brown and dust). The move toward appeasing these "hardcore gamers" has ruined several venerable franchises already, and has helped more than anything else to transform the once vibrant assortment of gaming genres into one big, homogenous pile of samey dullness.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Friday, October 14, 2011
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
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.
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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.
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
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!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Yar's Rutabaga Revenge: Atari's 'core focus' now on social, mobile games
Looks like Yar might exact his revenge on your farm next. Atari has announced three additions to its high-level staff, but more importantly, a big clue as to where the ancient company is headed next. According to a release, Atari will shift its "core focus to casual gaming experiences designed for mobile, social networks and emerging platforms."
The bolstering of the company's senior management with three new hires brings in collective experience from EA, Vivendi Games, King.com, Sprint and more. The lucky (lady and) gentlemen are Robert Mattes as CFO, Owais Farooqui as Senior VP of Digital Publishing, and Maria Pacheco as VP of Mobile.
Some might have seen this one coming, considering it will have released three Facebook games in less than a year once Dungeons & Dragons hits Facebook, but this the proverbial mission statement for the company going forward. Since December of last year, the company has released two Facebook games: Asteroids Online and most recently Fairies vs Darklings, neither of which have been particularly successful, according to AppData.
Alas, the company will press on into social games in search of its flagship Facebook game. Thankfully, it has a few ginormous properties up its sleeve like Missile Command, Centipede, Pong and Breakout. And with Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter (pictured) headed to Facebook this fall, the company just might have a shot. Just look, those are some of the most well-known names in gaming. Come on, just try and tell me you wouldn't play (a legit version of) Pong on your iPhone.
Do you think Atari is making a good move, shifting its focus to social and mobile games? Which of its properties do you think has the best chance of "sticking" on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
The bolstering of the company's senior management with three new hires brings in collective experience from EA, Vivendi Games, King.com, Sprint and more. The lucky (lady and) gentlemen are Robert Mattes as CFO, Owais Farooqui as Senior VP of Digital Publishing, and Maria Pacheco as VP of Mobile.
Some might have seen this one coming, considering it will have released three Facebook games in less than a year once Dungeons & Dragons hits Facebook, but this the proverbial mission statement for the company going forward. Since December of last year, the company has released two Facebook games: Asteroids Online and most recently Fairies vs Darklings, neither of which have been particularly successful, according to AppData.
Alas, the company will press on into social games in search of its flagship Facebook game. Thankfully, it has a few ginormous properties up its sleeve like Missile Command, Centipede, Pong and Breakout. And with Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter (pictured) headed to Facebook this fall, the company just might have a shot. Just look, those are some of the most well-known names in gaming. Come on, just try and tell me you wouldn't play (a legit version of) Pong on your iPhone.
Do you think Atari is making a good move, shifting its focus to social and mobile games? Which of its properties do you think has the best chance of "sticking" on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Ultima's Richard Garriott: Social, mobile games are the 'future of games'
We knew it was for more than the buck all along. For big league game designers and (literal) space cadets, apparently, like Richard Garriott, their leap into social games is about more than money: It's the future, Marty! During the final keynote speech of GDC Europe, the creator of Ultima commonly known as Lord British said, "I'm a devout believer that this is the current and near-term future of games." What's "this," you ask?
Social and mobile games, and Garriott is certainly not alone in his new found faith. The founder of social games studio (and technology) Portalarium has been joined by veterans like Doom co-creator John Romero and Civilization maker Sid Meier. Even Sim City creator Will Wright is said to be digging Facebook games right now. (Though, there is certainly a ton of cashola to be made in this biz.)
However, Garriott has some specific ideas for how social games will continue to operate, according to Gamasutra. Namely, he seems to think that asynchronicity is here to stay. This means that how friends interact independently of one another a' la FarmVille will be the mode for Facebook and mobile games going forward. Of course, the burgeoning freemium model will also become a norm in mobile games as it has social games, according to Garriott, who is currently working on bringing his flagship character, Lord British, to social networks in a big way.
His answer to the naysayers still sitting in the Xbox and PlayStation camps? Just you watch, these things are evolving fast. Garriott reiterated on his points made earlier in the year that Facebook gamers are already more sophisticated at navigating video games than we've assumed, and they'll be ready when the technology catches up.
"My main message to the development community is don't get left behind," Garriott said. Don't worry, milord, I reckon the dollar signs alone will eventually attract almost everyone.
[Via Massively]
Do you agree with Garriott that mobile and social are the future of games? How do you think the rest of those in the games industry will react? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Social and mobile games, and Garriott is certainly not alone in his new found faith. The founder of social games studio (and technology) Portalarium has been joined by veterans like Doom co-creator John Romero and Civilization maker Sid Meier. Even Sim City creator Will Wright is said to be digging Facebook games right now. (Though, there is certainly a ton of cashola to be made in this biz.)
However, Garriott has some specific ideas for how social games will continue to operate, according to Gamasutra. Namely, he seems to think that asynchronicity is here to stay. This means that how friends interact independently of one another a' la FarmVille will be the mode for Facebook and mobile games going forward. Of course, the burgeoning freemium model will also become a norm in mobile games as it has social games, according to Garriott, who is currently working on bringing his flagship character, Lord British, to social networks in a big way.
His answer to the naysayers still sitting in the Xbox and PlayStation camps? Just you watch, these things are evolving fast. Garriott reiterated on his points made earlier in the year that Facebook gamers are already more sophisticated at navigating video games than we've assumed, and they'll be ready when the technology catches up.
"My main message to the development community is don't get left behind," Garriott said. Don't worry, milord, I reckon the dollar signs alone will eventually attract almost everyone.
[Via Massively]
Do you agree with Garriott that mobile and social are the future of games? How do you think the rest of those in the games industry will react? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Tic-Tac-Bacon: Xtra-Crispy makes Facebook 100 percent cooler
At this point, only bacon could make Facebook even more "hip" than it is now. Facebook's wishes for global popularity and awesomeness have potentially been fulfilled with the announcement of Tic-Tac-Bacon: Xtra-Crispy for Facebook. The self-proclaimed first game surrounding the (debatable) best breakfast meat ever by developer Cerulean Games, Tic-Tac-Bacon is also headed to iOS and Android devices with eventual plans to also release on the Google+ platform.
"Many games have featured bacon, but this is the first to be completely about bacon", says Cerulean Games CEO and founder Dave Calabrese. "We wanted to give fans of meat-candy the opportunity to play a game that will entice their minds just as much as their need for delicious, crispy flavors."
That's kind of the only argument he needs, but went on to reveal that the game will launch with a baconized version of tic-tac-toe and will be updated through packages with baconized (that better catch on) varieties of Go, Backgammon, and Checkers. And they all just needed a little bacon to become relevant in the digital age again, apparently.
Gallery: Tic-Tac-Bacon Facebook
Well, we should also mention that the bacon could be in scrumptious full 3D, given that Cerulean Games is using the Unity Engine, according to a release. (Look, 3D and bacon ... do I need to day more?) Alright, so that's about all we know at this point, and frankly it's all we need to know. When Tic-Tac-Bacon launches this fall, we recommend pairing it with a crisp bacon martini. Simply. Delish.
How psyched are you for a bacon Facebook game on a scale of 10 to 11 (10 being awesome and 11 being hella' awesome)? But really, could bacon be the next big thing in gaming like it was to ... everything else? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"Many games have featured bacon, but this is the first to be completely about bacon", says Cerulean Games CEO and founder Dave Calabrese. "We wanted to give fans of meat-candy the opportunity to play a game that will entice their minds just as much as their need for delicious, crispy flavors."
That's kind of the only argument he needs, but went on to reveal that the game will launch with a baconized version of tic-tac-toe and will be updated through packages with baconized (that better catch on) varieties of Go, Backgammon, and Checkers. And they all just needed a little bacon to become relevant in the digital age again, apparently.
Gallery: Tic-Tac-Bacon Facebook
Well, we should also mention that the bacon could be in scrumptious full 3D, given that Cerulean Games is using the Unity Engine, according to a release. (Look, 3D and bacon ... do I need to day more?) Alright, so that's about all we know at this point, and frankly it's all we need to know. When Tic-Tac-Bacon launches this fall, we recommend pairing it with a crisp bacon martini. Simply. Delish.
How psyched are you for a bacon Facebook game on a scale of 10 to 11 (10 being awesome and 11 being hella' awesome)? But really, could bacon be the next big thing in gaming like it was to ... everything else? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Activision: Social game company (Zynga) valuations 'out of whack'
Somebody's been hanging out with Nintendo, eh? Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg (pictured) is on a roll lately, now having said, "Valuations of some of the companies in that space are out of whack, so that's an issue when it comes to acquisitions," Bloomberg reports. Hirshberg said these seemingly defensive words at this year's Gamescom in Cologne, Germany when asked whether his company will make purchases to get into social gaming.
Bloomberg reports that Zynga is worth $13.5 billion, citing SharesPost, Inc., which is already way more than we last heard from its revised SEC filing. All the while, Angry Birds creator Rovio is looking at a $1.2 billion valuation if some mysterious funding comes through. Not to mention EA is making major strides to compete in social games, having just bought PopCap for a whopping potential $1.3 billion. (Keep in mind that valuation is nothing more than a collective opinion on how much a company is worth based on several market factors and outside analysis.)
What's even more amusing is reading what he said next, considering the harsh words he had recently for Facebook gaming: "We haven't made any formal announcements," Hirschberg said, referring to Facebook games. "But don't mistake careful, methodical planning for inaction. Any new place where people are playing games, at scale, is something that we're interested in."
So, Activision poo-poos on Facebook games, but turns around and admits in so many words that it's preparing to enter the space? Twice? Considering Activision is working on a social network of sorts for its future Call of Duty games, this might not be the ideal way to instill consumer confidence in its efforts.
Do you think Activision is right in saying that social game company valuations are 'out of whack?' How well do you predict Activision will do in Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Bloomberg reports that Zynga is worth $13.5 billion, citing SharesPost, Inc., which is already way more than we last heard from its revised SEC filing. All the while, Angry Birds creator Rovio is looking at a $1.2 billion valuation if some mysterious funding comes through. Not to mention EA is making major strides to compete in social games, having just bought PopCap for a whopping potential $1.3 billion. (Keep in mind that valuation is nothing more than a collective opinion on how much a company is worth based on several market factors and outside analysis.)
What's even more amusing is reading what he said next, considering the harsh words he had recently for Facebook gaming: "We haven't made any formal announcements," Hirschberg said, referring to Facebook games. "But don't mistake careful, methodical planning for inaction. Any new place where people are playing games, at scale, is something that we're interested in."
So, Activision poo-poos on Facebook games, but turns around and admits in so many words that it's preparing to enter the space? Twice? Considering Activision is working on a social network of sorts for its future Call of Duty games, this might not be the ideal way to instill consumer confidence in its efforts.
Do you think Activision is right in saying that social game company valuations are 'out of whack?' How well do you predict Activision will do in Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader will stump Facebook gamers, too
Finally, a new source of self-embarrassment on Facebook. (Posting incriminating photos of myself got kinda old.) Now, you can show just how unintelligent you are with Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader on Facebook.
The hit game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, thanks to Ludia--known for Who Wants to be a Millionaire on Facebook--and One Three Television, is now a Facebook game. This multiplayer version of the game that shows contestants just how dumb they really are (all in good fun, of course!), features simultaneous multiplayer gameplay.
Yes, that means you play the game with real people in real time--none of this friend visitation stuff here, folks. Players are sent into lobbies where the first rounds are played. (If you're thinking this looks a lot like its Millionaire game, that's because it is.)
Multiple choice questions are given, which are timed to increase the challenge. And Ludia took advantage of the real-time gameplay, providing bonuses to players who answer the questions the fastest. The developer also took advantage of that whole "social" thing, providing players who make friends with cheats for each round.
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader gameplay
The top three contestants then move on to the Bonus 5th Grade Question. Of course, your play is limited by how many "Episodes" you have to play. These seem to refill over time, and leveling up provides you with bonus episodes. However, you might want to give this game a couple tries: It's one of the most polished and slickest Facebook game shows I've seen, and that alone is enough to bring me back.
Click here to play Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader on Facebook Now >>
Are you a fan of the show on TV? What do you think of game shows turned social games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The hit game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, thanks to Ludia--known for Who Wants to be a Millionaire on Facebook--and One Three Television, is now a Facebook game. This multiplayer version of the game that shows contestants just how dumb they really are (all in good fun, of course!), features simultaneous multiplayer gameplay.
Yes, that means you play the game with real people in real time--none of this friend visitation stuff here, folks. Players are sent into lobbies where the first rounds are played. (If you're thinking this looks a lot like its Millionaire game, that's because it is.)
Multiple choice questions are given, which are timed to increase the challenge. And Ludia took advantage of the real-time gameplay, providing bonuses to players who answer the questions the fastest. The developer also took advantage of that whole "social" thing, providing players who make friends with cheats for each round.
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader gameplay
The top three contestants then move on to the Bonus 5th Grade Question. Of course, your play is limited by how many "Episodes" you have to play. These seem to refill over time, and leveling up provides you with bonus episodes. However, you might want to give this game a couple tries: It's one of the most polished and slickest Facebook game shows I've seen, and that alone is enough to bring me back.
Click here to play Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader on Facebook Now >>
Are you a fan of the show on TV? What do you think of game shows turned social games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Pioneer Trail Shaman Lodge Goals: Everything you need to know
Finally, Halloween approaches. Zynga is already preparing its in-game festivities with the release of the Shaman Lodge to Pioneer Trail. Laughing Bear the Shaman has arrived on the Homestead, and he foresees a terrible spookiness on your land. It's up to you (if you're at least Level 17) to help Laughing Bear build his lodge to collect as many charms as possible in preparation for a seriously spooky event.
Once you complete the Lodge, you will be able to collect shiny charms from it daily. We assume these will come in handy in this year's Halloween event in Pioneer Trail, so it's in your best interest to get started on this new building right away. Since we know the suspense is killing you, here's everything you need to know to build the Shaman Lodge:
Clearin' the Ground
* Place the Shaman Lodge
* Clear 12 Skulls
* Harvest 30 Sunflowers
When the even appears in your game, it will present you with the option to place the Lodge in a pop-up. Select "Build Lodge" to get started. Then, simply search your Homestead for Skulls--they're also a reward for completing the Cow and Graveyard Collections. Harvesting 30 Sunflowers will cost a total of 9,300 Coins and take at least 18 hours to grow. Your reward for completing this Goal includes one Mystery Animal Crate, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Staffin' Up
* Chop 30 Oak Trees on a Neighbor's Homestead
* Collect Two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge
* Collect 15 Eerie Gems
By this point, the Goals assume you've already completed the Shaman Lodge, so give the foundation a few whacks (which we imagine will cost Energy and Wood). Once that's complete, a window will appear with what's needed to complete the building, pictured below. Based on previous Goals, we imagine the first three items are requested through News Feed posts, while the latter three are found by asking your friends directly.
Finish your Shaman Lodge
After that's through, visit at least six friends to chop 30 Oak Trees. Collecting two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge will take at least two days. The 15 Eerie Gems will, again, come from your friends. Your rewards for this Goal include a welcome nod to the popular Internet video, the Double Rainbow, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Final Preparations
* Clobber six Snakes
* Harvest 30 Peppermint
* Collect 15 Monsterbane Arrows
Snakes appear most frequently beneath Skulls and Rocks, so try to avoid clobbering any Snakes from collecting Skulls in the first Goal. Peppermint acts more like a fruit tree than a crop, so you can choose to buy all 30, but I wouldn't recommend that. Regardless, this portion of the Goal will take you at least four hours at the very least. The Monsterbane Arrows are sourced from your friends like the Eerie Gems before them. Enjoy a Mystical Charm Totem, 700 XP and 700 Coins for completing this Goal.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started your Shaman Lodge yet? What do you think these Charms will be used for this Halloween? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Once you complete the Lodge, you will be able to collect shiny charms from it daily. We assume these will come in handy in this year's Halloween event in Pioneer Trail, so it's in your best interest to get started on this new building right away. Since we know the suspense is killing you, here's everything you need to know to build the Shaman Lodge:
Clearin' the Ground
* Place the Shaman Lodge
* Clear 12 Skulls
* Harvest 30 Sunflowers
When the even appears in your game, it will present you with the option to place the Lodge in a pop-up. Select "Build Lodge" to get started. Then, simply search your Homestead for Skulls--they're also a reward for completing the Cow and Graveyard Collections. Harvesting 30 Sunflowers will cost a total of 9,300 Coins and take at least 18 hours to grow. Your reward for completing this Goal includes one Mystery Animal Crate, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Staffin' Up
* Chop 30 Oak Trees on a Neighbor's Homestead
* Collect Two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge
* Collect 15 Eerie Gems
By this point, the Goals assume you've already completed the Shaman Lodge, so give the foundation a few whacks (which we imagine will cost Energy and Wood). Once that's complete, a window will appear with what's needed to complete the building, pictured below. Based on previous Goals, we imagine the first three items are requested through News Feed posts, while the latter three are found by asking your friends directly.
Finish your Shaman Lodge
After that's through, visit at least six friends to chop 30 Oak Trees. Collecting two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge will take at least two days. The 15 Eerie Gems will, again, come from your friends. Your rewards for this Goal include a welcome nod to the popular Internet video, the Double Rainbow, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Final Preparations
* Clobber six Snakes
* Harvest 30 Peppermint
* Collect 15 Monsterbane Arrows
Snakes appear most frequently beneath Skulls and Rocks, so try to avoid clobbering any Snakes from collecting Skulls in the first Goal. Peppermint acts more like a fruit tree than a crop, so you can choose to buy all 30, but I wouldn't recommend that. Regardless, this portion of the Goal will take you at least four hours at the very least. The Monsterbane Arrows are sourced from your friends like the Eerie Gems before them. Enjoy a Mystical Charm Totem, 700 XP and 700 Coins for completing this Goal.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started your Shaman Lodge yet? What do you think these Charms will be used for this Halloween? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
FarmVille Pic(s) of the Day: Master farm artist Nicky Tran
Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're probably wondering why there are so many handsome farms all in one FarmVille Pic of the Day post. Well folks, today is a special day devoted to one very talented farm artist: Nicky Tran. As you can immediately tell, Nicky Tran is a farm artist of the highest caliber. There was no way I was going to be able to choose just one of Nicky's amazing farms to feature. So, I decided to feature them all!
farmville featured farm nicky tranFarmVille designer Nicky Tran is a master of item optical illusions, creating unbelievable 3D surfaces and structures. Not only that, but Nicky carefully selects item themes to prevent their farms from looking to disorderly. However, if I were to go into detail about what makes each one of these such a fantastic farm design, this post would be far too long. So I'm going to let you explore Nicky Tran's farms on your own. Look closely though, there's a lot to see and a lot to appreciate!
Click the images to make them larger!
farmville featured farm of the day nicky tran farmville pic nicky tran
Here's what Nicky Tran had to say about their farms:
First, I'd like to thank you for your compliments! My farms were all inspired by passion. It was that passion that gave me all these ideas for farm designs.
The advice I would give to other upcoming farm artists is to do what's in your mind courageously and boldly. Always do whatever it is you feel like! It was the passion and that understanding that helped me complete these very difficult designs. Once again, I thank you very much. - Nicky Tran
What do you like best about Nicky Tran's farms? Add Comment
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.
farmville featured farm nicky tranFarmVille designer Nicky Tran is a master of item optical illusions, creating unbelievable 3D surfaces and structures. Not only that, but Nicky carefully selects item themes to prevent their farms from looking to disorderly. However, if I were to go into detail about what makes each one of these such a fantastic farm design, this post would be far too long. So I'm going to let you explore Nicky Tran's farms on your own. Look closely though, there's a lot to see and a lot to appreciate!
Click the images to make them larger!
farmville featured farm of the day nicky tran farmville pic nicky tran
Here's what Nicky Tran had to say about their farms:
First, I'd like to thank you for your compliments! My farms were all inspired by passion. It was that passion that gave me all these ideas for farm designs.
The advice I would give to other upcoming farm artists is to do what's in your mind courageously and boldly. Always do whatever it is you feel like! It was the passion and that understanding that helped me complete these very difficult designs. Once again, I thank you very much. - Nicky Tran
What do you like best about Nicky Tran's farms? Add Comment
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.
Using the CityVille Eiffel Tower: Everything you need to know
So, you've finally completed all three CityVille Landmarks required to unlock the Eiffel Tower: The Sailboat Hotel, the Tonga Tower and the French Riviera Casino. Now that the game's first Wonder is yours, just what do you do with it? More importantly, how does it work? Luckily for you, we have the answers. Here's everything you need to know about the Eiffel Tower:
What's This Thing Do?
Once you unlock the Eiffel Tower, building it is as simple as placing it, and then clicking on its foundation to finish it. What the building does essentially is power-up the payouts of all Restaurants, Hotels and other Businesses in your city. More specifically, Wonders triple the payout of Hotels, double the payout of Restaurants and boost other Businesses by 25 percent. However, this effect only lasts for a limited time. In that respect, Wonders are similar to Attractions in the game.
Giving the Shine Treatment
There's no range on the Eiffel Tower--it's bonuses are city-wide. So, place the building wherever you please. Then, click on the building to get it started. Each time you use the Eiffel Tower, it costs you 3 Energy, and the effect lasts for three minutes. You can extend this time with City Cash, which at least grants you with bonus Energy. During that three minutes, any relevant buildings surrounding the Wonder will sparkle, and you must collect from those buildings while the bonuses are in effect.
Eiffel Tower Maitenance
Pushing the Restart Button
After the three minutes are up, your Eiffel Tower will shut down, so to speak. An icon with a key inside will hover above the building. Click it to open a new window in which displays two options. If you want to use the Wonder again immediately, you can ask your friends for six Keys to start it up again, but if you're willing to wait, the Eiffel Tower recharges in 72 hours. In essence, the Eiffel Tower is one massive Attraction, so push the power button and reap the rewards.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you unlocked the Eiffel Tower yet in CityVille? What do you think of Zynga's approach to Wonders? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
What's This Thing Do?
Once you unlock the Eiffel Tower, building it is as simple as placing it, and then clicking on its foundation to finish it. What the building does essentially is power-up the payouts of all Restaurants, Hotels and other Businesses in your city. More specifically, Wonders triple the payout of Hotels, double the payout of Restaurants and boost other Businesses by 25 percent. However, this effect only lasts for a limited time. In that respect, Wonders are similar to Attractions in the game.
Giving the Shine Treatment
There's no range on the Eiffel Tower--it's bonuses are city-wide. So, place the building wherever you please. Then, click on the building to get it started. Each time you use the Eiffel Tower, it costs you 3 Energy, and the effect lasts for three minutes. You can extend this time with City Cash, which at least grants you with bonus Energy. During that three minutes, any relevant buildings surrounding the Wonder will sparkle, and you must collect from those buildings while the bonuses are in effect.
Eiffel Tower Maitenance
Pushing the Restart Button
After the three minutes are up, your Eiffel Tower will shut down, so to speak. An icon with a key inside will hover above the building. Click it to open a new window in which displays two options. If you want to use the Wonder again immediately, you can ask your friends for six Keys to start it up again, but if you're willing to wait, the Eiffel Tower recharges in 72 hours. In essence, the Eiffel Tower is one massive Attraction, so push the power button and reap the rewards.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you unlocked the Eiffel Tower yet in CityVille? What do you think of Zynga's approach to Wonders? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The Sims Social: Celebrate the last days of summer with new Summer House theme
With the mass popularity of the Sims Social on Facebook, it's no surprise that Playfish / EA are continually adding new decorative items to the game's store, allowing you to personalize your home in new ways. Specifically, this week sees the launch of a "Summer House" theme of items, with items being available for your living room, bedroom and even outdoor areas. There are also plenty of decorative items here to take a look at, so we'll do our best to give you a complete guide to these new items. Check them out!
SolTrain Cubic (Shelving Unit)
* Costs: 35 SimCash
* Value: $5,150
SolTrain Chair (Buildable item)
* Costs: 2,250 coins
* Value: $1,800
SolTrain Kingsize (Bed)
* Costs: 79 SimCash
* Value: $11,700
* Sleep Stat: 11
SolTrain Rays (Lamp)
* Costs: 3 SimCash
* Value: $450
BasketCase Travel (Requires Level 30)
* Value: $350
SolTrain UV Lite
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: $1,750
BasketCase XL (Requires Level 30)
* Value: $600
SolTrain UV XL (Lamp)
* Costs: 22 SimCash
* Value: $3,250
Summer Tones (Painting - requires level 30)
* Value: $750
Woody Divider (Requires Level 24)
* Value: $1,300
SolTrain BagelUp
* Costs: 5 SimCash
* Value: $750
Woody Boxout B (Kitchen cabinet - requires Level 26 - Buildable item)
* Value: $1,650
Woody Boxout L (Kitchen Cabinet - requires Level 26 - Buildable item)
* Value: $1,650
SolTrain Panama (Outdoor Bed)
* Costs: 49 Sim Cash
* Value: $7,250
SolTrain Snug (Buildable item - requires Level 30)
* Value: $2,200
Palm Tree
* Costs: 1,750 coins
* Value: $1,650
* Happiness Stat: 3
* Social Stat: 3
SolTrain Parasol
* Costs: 59 SimCash
* Value: $8,700
SolTrain Swing (Buildable item - requires Level 30)
* Value: $4,850
* Sleep Stat: 3
UltiMax Top Deck (Stereo)
* Costs: 59 SimCash
* Value: $8,700
* Fun Stat: 5
In addition to all of these items, there's a full set of windows available in the Build menu is a new "Alpine" theme, which consists of a dark tan, almost orange colored frame. Four flooring options are available for either Social Points or (at most) a single SimCash per tile, and the theme is rounded out with a "SolTrain Beach" wallpaper that costs 55 Social Points per square.
As with previously released themes, these Summer House items don't appear to be limited edition; rather, they should be available permanently in the game's store. That being the case, you should be able to save up coins, or Social Points, or have time to purchase SimCash long into the future to create this theme in your home as far into the future as you like. If we see this change, we'll make sure to let you know.
What do you think of these Summer House items in Sims Social? What kinds of items would you like to see released next in the game? Sound off in the comments.
SolTrain Cubic (Shelving Unit)
* Costs: 35 SimCash
* Value: $5,150
SolTrain Chair (Buildable item)
* Costs: 2,250 coins
* Value: $1,800
SolTrain Kingsize (Bed)
* Costs: 79 SimCash
* Value: $11,700
* Sleep Stat: 11
SolTrain Rays (Lamp)
* Costs: 3 SimCash
* Value: $450
BasketCase Travel (Requires Level 30)
* Value: $350
SolTrain UV Lite
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: $1,750
BasketCase XL (Requires Level 30)
* Value: $600
SolTrain UV XL (Lamp)
* Costs: 22 SimCash
* Value: $3,250
Summer Tones (Painting - requires level 30)
* Value: $750
Woody Divider (Requires Level 24)
* Value: $1,300
SolTrain BagelUp
* Costs: 5 SimCash
* Value: $750
Woody Boxout B (Kitchen cabinet - requires Level 26 - Buildable item)
* Value: $1,650
Woody Boxout L (Kitchen Cabinet - requires Level 26 - Buildable item)
* Value: $1,650
SolTrain Panama (Outdoor Bed)
* Costs: 49 Sim Cash
* Value: $7,250
SolTrain Snug (Buildable item - requires Level 30)
* Value: $2,200
Palm Tree
* Costs: 1,750 coins
* Value: $1,650
* Happiness Stat: 3
* Social Stat: 3
SolTrain Parasol
* Costs: 59 SimCash
* Value: $8,700
SolTrain Swing (Buildable item - requires Level 30)
* Value: $4,850
* Sleep Stat: 3
UltiMax Top Deck (Stereo)
* Costs: 59 SimCash
* Value: $8,700
* Fun Stat: 5
In addition to all of these items, there's a full set of windows available in the Build menu is a new "Alpine" theme, which consists of a dark tan, almost orange colored frame. Four flooring options are available for either Social Points or (at most) a single SimCash per tile, and the theme is rounded out with a "SolTrain Beach" wallpaper that costs 55 Social Points per square.
As with previously released themes, these Summer House items don't appear to be limited edition; rather, they should be available permanently in the game's store. That being the case, you should be able to save up coins, or Social Points, or have time to purchase SimCash long into the future to create this theme in your home as far into the future as you like. If we see this change, we'll make sure to let you know.
What do you think of these Summer House items in Sims Social? What kinds of items would you like to see released next in the game? Sound off in the comments.
Cafe World Red Phone Booth Goals: Everything you need to know
While we all have plenty of goals on our plate in Cafe World right now, what with the release of not one, but two five-part goal series dealing with the game's two-year anniversary, there's another goal series to complete concerning a Red Phone Booth. To be fair, this trio of goals deals with the two-year anniversary event itself, in that it will give you a bonus on all of the Travel Passes you earn. Remember, collecting more Travel Passes gives you a better opportunity of earning prizes both in-game (stoves and the like) and in the real world (trips to exotic locales). Here's a complete look at the Red Phone Booth goals.
Also, this is another case where the dishes you're asked to serve will likely vary from those listed here. It is impossible for us to predict which dishes each individual user will be required to cook, but for that we apologize.
Phone a Friend 1
* Place Red Phone Booth
* Serve 12 Biscuits of Tomorrow
* Call 3 Friends from your Phone Booth
Luckily, even though the Red Phone Booth is an item we'll place in our cafes, it doesn't need to be built like other items. Instead, you'll be able to look inside it and post messages ("phone calls") to your friends' walls. If they agree to be your Travel Buddy (it looks like you can collect 30 Travel Buddies in all), you'll earn points. As you earn Travel Buddies, you'll unlock items, as seen below:
3 Travel Buddies: Crispy Egg Rolls
6 Travel Buddies: Ivory Lightning Stove
10 Travel Buddies: Pineapple Cake
15 Travel Buddies: Double Travel Passes
Phone a Friend 2
* Call 6 Friends from your Phone Booth
* Spice 10 Neighbors' Stoves
* Serve 10 Napoleon's Napoleon
Remember, if you want to rush your way through this goal series to get back to the main two-year anniversary goals, you can use spices on your own dishes to make them cook faster. You can also check out your Gift Box to make sure you don't have extra servings lying around that you can use to instantly skip any cooking time here.
Phone a Friend 3
* Call 10 Friends from your Phone Booth
* Spice 10 Neighbors' Stoves
* Serve 15 Basil Finger Sandwiches
Again, this goal is fairly self-explanatory; just head inside your Red Phone Booth to post messages to your friends' walls, thus fulfilling the "call" task, and you'll be able to finish this one off basically in the time it takes to cook the dish you're required to. After that's done, you'll be able to celebrate by (hopefully) unlocking the double Travel Passes boost in your cafe, and can go back to completing tasks in the two-year anniversary event. Happy Cooking!
What do you think of these Red Phone Booth goals? Do you think they have a real purpose, or should the Phone Booth have been released without them? Sound off in the comments.
Also, this is another case where the dishes you're asked to serve will likely vary from those listed here. It is impossible for us to predict which dishes each individual user will be required to cook, but for that we apologize.
Phone a Friend 1
* Place Red Phone Booth
* Serve 12 Biscuits of Tomorrow
* Call 3 Friends from your Phone Booth
Luckily, even though the Red Phone Booth is an item we'll place in our cafes, it doesn't need to be built like other items. Instead, you'll be able to look inside it and post messages ("phone calls") to your friends' walls. If they agree to be your Travel Buddy (it looks like you can collect 30 Travel Buddies in all), you'll earn points. As you earn Travel Buddies, you'll unlock items, as seen below:
3 Travel Buddies: Crispy Egg Rolls
6 Travel Buddies: Ivory Lightning Stove
10 Travel Buddies: Pineapple Cake
15 Travel Buddies: Double Travel Passes
Phone a Friend 2
* Call 6 Friends from your Phone Booth
* Spice 10 Neighbors' Stoves
* Serve 10 Napoleon's Napoleon
Remember, if you want to rush your way through this goal series to get back to the main two-year anniversary goals, you can use spices on your own dishes to make them cook faster. You can also check out your Gift Box to make sure you don't have extra servings lying around that you can use to instantly skip any cooking time here.
Phone a Friend 3
* Call 10 Friends from your Phone Booth
* Spice 10 Neighbors' Stoves
* Serve 15 Basil Finger Sandwiches
Again, this goal is fairly self-explanatory; just head inside your Red Phone Booth to post messages to your friends' walls, thus fulfilling the "call" task, and you'll be able to finish this one off basically in the time it takes to cook the dish you're required to. After that's done, you'll be able to celebrate by (hopefully) unlocking the double Travel Passes boost in your cafe, and can go back to completing tasks in the two-year anniversary event. Happy Cooking!
What do you think of these Red Phone Booth goals? Do you think they have a real purpose, or should the Phone Booth have been released without them? Sound off in the comments.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Have fun getting lost in Aliciafay03's farm maze
Don't let the look of this farm fool you. Because the first thing someone would notice about Aliciafay03's FarmVille farm is that she's got "FARM VILLE" spelled out in an outline of red, orange, and blue hay bales, which I know isn't a big whoop. Hay bales as a design element have gotten pretty stale in the landscaping community. Bales are good for spelling out visual shout-outs, portraits, and the occasional fun art (care for a whopper?), but there's rarely any impressive ones anymore. But look closer at Aliciafay03's farm, and you'll realize that it's an interactive maze.
Originally designed to be a cornfield maze, Aliciafay03 was eager to debut her farm for Zynga's official Farm of the Week contest, so she released her entry before the corn had a chance to grow. This is probably better, cause a cornfield would've obscured all the clever lettering. What we know about hay bales is that there's a cheat for players to harvest crops faster by trapping your FarmVille farming avatar in hay bales -- now here's where the interactive part comes in -- so if you click one end of this farm, your avatar can't go anywhere but to run through the maze!
Have you ever played in a real cornfield maze? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
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.
Originally designed to be a cornfield maze, Aliciafay03 was eager to debut her farm for Zynga's official Farm of the Week contest, so she released her entry before the corn had a chance to grow. This is probably better, cause a cornfield would've obscured all the clever lettering. What we know about hay bales is that there's a cheat for players to harvest crops faster by trapping your FarmVille farming avatar in hay bales -- now here's where the interactive part comes in -- so if you click one end of this farm, your avatar can't go anywhere but to run through the maze!
Have you ever played in a real cornfield maze? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
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.
Stadiums full of people become Angry Birds players with Uplause
Could the Angry Birds replace the proverbial demands of "Make Some Noise" at your next baseball game? Maybe not your next one, but soon you could be cheering to fling the irate winged beasts into their plump green enemies. Pocket Gamer reports that Uplause, a Finnish developer of crowd-based games, has rebuilt Angry Birds with its creator, Rovio, into a version controlled by noise.
The self-proclaimed "social game maker for big crowds" has created similar games for use in stadiums for ice hockey games, soccer matches and even music festivals. Over the past summer, Uplause worked with Rovio to create a version of Angry Birds that is controlled using noise as an input device. (Namely, cheering, clapping, stomping and perhaps even booing, we assume.)
"As in the original, there's about a four second period before firing," Uplause CEO Veli-Pekka Marin explained to Pocket Gamer. "For live events, we'd expect each gaming session to take a few minutes." But in that time, thousands of folks will play at the same time. If anything, it's terribly efficient.
While all we know about this seriously social version of Angry Birds is that noise generates power for the game's slingshot, Pocket Gamer guesses that aiming is done automatically. Rovio and Uplause will first test this massive version of Angry Birds at a Formula 1 race taking place in Singapore this weekend, and the company's CMO Peter Vesterbacka sounds excited for its imminent global expansion.
"Through social participation, our fans will get to interact with the Angry Birds in an entirely new way," Vesterbacka said to Pocket Gamer. "We think this new form of gaming will give fans a great opportunity to form a strong emotional connection with the characters." I think Vesterbacka is confusing "emotional connection" with "drunken, crowd-fueled stupor." Check out the video below to get an idea of how it might work. Who knows you might be doing the same thing at the next World Series.
What do you imagine a noise-controlled version of Angry Birds would be like? What other games come to mind when you think of this approach? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The self-proclaimed "social game maker for big crowds" has created similar games for use in stadiums for ice hockey games, soccer matches and even music festivals. Over the past summer, Uplause worked with Rovio to create a version of Angry Birds that is controlled using noise as an input device. (Namely, cheering, clapping, stomping and perhaps even booing, we assume.)
"As in the original, there's about a four second period before firing," Uplause CEO Veli-Pekka Marin explained to Pocket Gamer. "For live events, we'd expect each gaming session to take a few minutes." But in that time, thousands of folks will play at the same time. If anything, it's terribly efficient.
While all we know about this seriously social version of Angry Birds is that noise generates power for the game's slingshot, Pocket Gamer guesses that aiming is done automatically. Rovio and Uplause will first test this massive version of Angry Birds at a Formula 1 race taking place in Singapore this weekend, and the company's CMO Peter Vesterbacka sounds excited for its imminent global expansion.
"Through social participation, our fans will get to interact with the Angry Birds in an entirely new way," Vesterbacka said to Pocket Gamer. "We think this new form of gaming will give fans a great opportunity to form a strong emotional connection with the characters." I think Vesterbacka is confusing "emotional connection" with "drunken, crowd-fueled stupor." Check out the video below to get an idea of how it might work. Who knows you might be doing the same thing at the next World Series.
What do you imagine a noise-controlled version of Angry Birds would be like? What other games come to mind when you think of this approach? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Bravo gifts turtle with instant cable TV fame and a Facebook game
Andy Cohen Watch What Happens Live turtle mascot eating
Just when we thought we've seen everything, US cable TV network Bravo is launching a Facebook game where you get to dress up their latest celebrity -- she's a turtle. I don't mean she's reclusive or anything. I mean that literally: She is a turtle, but she's not just any turtle. This is a turtle that caught the eye of Bravo's Executive Vice President of Original Programming, also known as Andy Cohen, and host of Bravo TV's Watch What Happens: Live.
The turle has been selected as the show's new mascot and will make her first appearance on Sept. 25. Her Facebook game will be called "Turtle Time", named after a TV episode of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York, where one of the drunk stars made a toast at "Fat Turtle", a bar and dance club in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Facebook game's objective is to design the turtle's tank and dress her up each week. There will be options to gift decorations to friends in the game, or to use Facebook Credits to buy special items. Results will be posted online, voting will commence, winners will be chosen and live versions of these designs will then be used on the show. Finally, when the season ends in December, Cohen will choose a past winner to fly to New York for a live taping and chance to meet the turtle.
What does the turtle have to say about all this? Here's a quote from Bravo's cheeky press release:
"Ever since I landed on the shores of Sag Harbor, I have been searching for my big break in show biz. When Andy Cohen came walking down those golden sands, I knew my dreams were coming true," Divulged Yet-To-Be-Named Turtle. "I can't wait to move into the Bravo Clubhouse and to be dressed in the latest fashions."
Oh, and before anyone runs to the nearest phone to alert PETA, Bravo has contacted the American Humane Association for an animal safety monitor who'll oversee the tapings according to the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals In Filmed Media. There's no word if there's someone to monitor the turtle's dignity, but I think that's irretrievable at this point.
[Hat-tip: The Hollywood Reporter]
Is this cruel and/or unusual treatment of animals? Or just some harmless and wacky fun? Have you lost your faith in humanity yet? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Just when we thought we've seen everything, US cable TV network Bravo is launching a Facebook game where you get to dress up their latest celebrity -- she's a turtle. I don't mean she's reclusive or anything. I mean that literally: She is a turtle, but she's not just any turtle. This is a turtle that caught the eye of Bravo's Executive Vice President of Original Programming, also known as Andy Cohen, and host of Bravo TV's Watch What Happens: Live.
The turle has been selected as the show's new mascot and will make her first appearance on Sept. 25. Her Facebook game will be called "Turtle Time", named after a TV episode of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York, where one of the drunk stars made a toast at "Fat Turtle", a bar and dance club in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Facebook game's objective is to design the turtle's tank and dress her up each week. There will be options to gift decorations to friends in the game, or to use Facebook Credits to buy special items. Results will be posted online, voting will commence, winners will be chosen and live versions of these designs will then be used on the show. Finally, when the season ends in December, Cohen will choose a past winner to fly to New York for a live taping and chance to meet the turtle.
What does the turtle have to say about all this? Here's a quote from Bravo's cheeky press release:
"Ever since I landed on the shores of Sag Harbor, I have been searching for my big break in show biz. When Andy Cohen came walking down those golden sands, I knew my dreams were coming true," Divulged Yet-To-Be-Named Turtle. "I can't wait to move into the Bravo Clubhouse and to be dressed in the latest fashions."
Oh, and before anyone runs to the nearest phone to alert PETA, Bravo has contacted the American Humane Association for an animal safety monitor who'll oversee the tapings according to the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals In Filmed Media. There's no word if there's someone to monitor the turtle's dignity, but I think that's irretrievable at this point.
[Hat-tip: The Hollywood Reporter]
Is this cruel and/or unusual treatment of animals? Or just some harmless and wacky fun? Have you lost your faith in humanity yet? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
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.
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