Hard to believe that it was only two years ago that Mafia Wars launched on Facebook, and over that time the game has seen many incremental changes, which has both pleased and teed off devoted fans.
To celebrate this 24-month milestone, the mafioso game's offering double the loot for fighting for the next two days, plus a five free Throwing Knives (+65 attack skill) to help you hit rivals where it hurts. We're not exactly sure why this 'celebration' is focused fighting, though we suspect it might have something to do with the recent announcement that, in Mafia Wars Las Vegas, fighting will be "integral to conquering your enemies and completing your ultimate goal as the lord of the Las Vegas Underworld."
Monday, February 13, 2012
Same-sex marriage available in Frontierville
Zynga's new Farmville-meets-Oregon-Trail simulation Frontierville is so new that we're still wading in to reveal all the game's deepest secrets. That's all by way of explanation as to why we're just now learning that the game apparently allows characters to enter into same sex marriage.
As a blogger over at outsider gamer site Border House notes, marriage in Frontierville comes after a series of letter-delivered quests where the future love of your life demands certain chores be performed in preparation for their arrival. Only after these prerequisites are met do you get to meet and customize your spouse, setting their appearance and gender to your liking.
At first glance the option for same sex marriage seems like a big step forward in open-mindedness and acceptance of alternative lifestyles in the world of social games. Then you realize that the wall post that accompanies your Frontierville marriages still mentions a bride and groom alongside a smiling, heteronormative picture. It's quite possible Zynga just didn't think to go to the trouble of forcing spouses to be different genders, and so this feature is a nod to laziness rather than inclusion.
Either way, that sound you hear is probably an army of culture warriors revving up their outrage engines over the idea of Zynga exposing children to such "controversial" content.
Source
As a blogger over at outsider gamer site Border House notes, marriage in Frontierville comes after a series of letter-delivered quests where the future love of your life demands certain chores be performed in preparation for their arrival. Only after these prerequisites are met do you get to meet and customize your spouse, setting their appearance and gender to your liking.
At first glance the option for same sex marriage seems like a big step forward in open-mindedness and acceptance of alternative lifestyles in the world of social games. Then you realize that the wall post that accompanies your Frontierville marriages still mentions a bride and groom alongside a smiling, heteronormative picture. It's quite possible Zynga just didn't think to go to the trouble of forcing spouses to be different genders, and so this feature is a nod to laziness rather than inclusion.
Either way, that sound you hear is probably an army of culture warriors revving up their outrage engines over the idea of Zynga exposing children to such "controversial" content.
Source
YoVille: New Collectibles and Hollywood sets arrive
Three new YoVille collectibles have hit the furniture store, Animated Gorilla and Planes costing 32 YoCash, Rideable Camera Dolly 32 YoCash and YoWood Sign 16,995 Coins. Also the last set of the Hollywood themed items, these items range from carpets, curtains, ropes and many more items including The World Cup Plushies. Happy Shopping.
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
Report: Japanese bank invests $147M in Zynga
We can't imagine Farmville-maker Zynga is having any cash problems, what with its myriad sources of revenue and individual players dropping upwards of $25,000 on social games as a whole. But the company is nonetheless continuing to take on cash infusions from willing investors.
The latest investment comes in the form of 13.5 billion yen (about $147 million) invested by Japan's Softbank Corp., according to two anonymous sources who talked to Bloomberg Businessweek. You may remember Softbank as the ones that invested $17 million in social game ad network RockYou back in 2008.
Along with the $180 million invested by a Russian firm late last year, this latest investment would go a small way towards making Zynga's theoretical $5 billion market cap a reality rather than a suppostion. Frankly, we're wondering why the company doesn't just pull a Google and cash in with a public-auction style initial public offering while the iron is still hot.
The latest investment comes in the form of 13.5 billion yen (about $147 million) invested by Japan's Softbank Corp., according to two anonymous sources who talked to Bloomberg Businessweek. You may remember Softbank as the ones that invested $17 million in social game ad network RockYou back in 2008.
Along with the $180 million invested by a Russian firm late last year, this latest investment would go a small way towards making Zynga's theoretical $5 billion market cap a reality rather than a suppostion. Frankly, we're wondering why the company doesn't just pull a Google and cash in with a public-auction style initial public offering while the iron is still hot.
FarmVille Official Podcast June 14th - 'coming soon' announcements
This week's Official FarmVille Podcast announced a couple of exciting updates that are coming soon:
- Changes to Wheat
Because of the important role wheat will play in the Cottage Crafting feature, it has been changed so that it's no longer an epic multi-day crop. It sports a new grow time, cost, yield, and mastery characteristics.
Click here to learn more.
- Dairy barn expansions are coming soon!
- Bees are coming to FarmVille
Coming sometime in the next few weeks, bees are coming to FarmVille. Not only will they be available in the game, but FarmVille is building an entire feature around them. More info on the bee section will be posted soon.
- Changes to Wheat
Because of the important role wheat will play in the Cottage Crafting feature, it has been changed so that it's no longer an epic multi-day crop. It sports a new grow time, cost, yield, and mastery characteristics.
Click here to learn more.
- Dairy barn expansions are coming soon!
- Bees are coming to FarmVille
Coming sometime in the next few weeks, bees are coming to FarmVille. Not only will they be available in the game, but FarmVille is building an entire feature around them. More info on the bee section will be posted soon.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Pet Society Chocolate Boxes Glow in the Dark
Pet Society Glow in the Dark Box
Whee! What a nice surprise to see that the new chocolate boxes glow in the dark! They're even brighter than the skyscrapers in the window.
These boxes cost 550 apiece and give you a different piece of chocolate for the rest of this week. The chocolates themselves are nice, but we really like these beautiful boxes which can be used as decoration long after they've become empty.
We're not sure if the glow-in-the-dark feature was intentional or a mistake. The official Pet Society blog made no mention of it. Either way, we think it's fun, and the boxes get our highest rating of 5 paws. Here they are in the light:
Pet Society Chocolate Box
Which chocolate box is your favorite?
This article originally appeared on Pet Society Anonymous.
Whee! What a nice surprise to see that the new chocolate boxes glow in the dark! They're even brighter than the skyscrapers in the window.
These boxes cost 550 apiece and give you a different piece of chocolate for the rest of this week. The chocolates themselves are nice, but we really like these beautiful boxes which can be used as decoration long after they've become empty.
We're not sure if the glow-in-the-dark feature was intentional or a mistake. The official Pet Society blog made no mention of it. Either way, we think it's fun, and the boxes get our highest rating of 5 paws. Here they are in the light:
Pet Society Chocolate Box
Which chocolate box is your favorite?
This article originally appeared on Pet Society Anonymous.
Games.com blog takes on Casual Connect in Seattle
I'm feeling a little giddy this morning. Why? It's the first day of Casual Connect in Seattle. For those of you who aren't in the know, Casual Connect is a three-day conference where the who's who of casual games get together and, well, talk about casual games. That also includes social games, which is what we cover religiously on the Games.com blog.
This week, our crew will be meeting with people who make your favorite casual/social games and pick their brains about big trends and, hopefully, get a sneak peek at upcoming games. I'm especially looking forward to the always outspoken Hi5 CTO Alex St. John's Facebook Smackdown event, Playdom's John Pleasant's talk about the future of social games, hearing Ohai's Susan Wu's thoughts on what's next for social games after FrontierVille and World of Warcraft and learning more about the upcoming Google Games.
casual connect in seattle
And, like all trade shows, there will be lots of after-hours socializing. Why should you care? That means we'll get a chance to squeeze out more information on what games will be headed your way this year. If you want to stay abreast what's happening at Casual Connect, bookmark http://blog.games.com/tag/casualconnect/and follow us on Twitter.
This week, our crew will be meeting with people who make your favorite casual/social games and pick their brains about big trends and, hopefully, get a sneak peek at upcoming games. I'm especially looking forward to the always outspoken Hi5 CTO Alex St. John's Facebook Smackdown event, Playdom's John Pleasant's talk about the future of social games, hearing Ohai's Susan Wu's thoughts on what's next for social games after FrontierVille and World of Warcraft and learning more about the upcoming Google Games.
casual connect in seattle
And, like all trade shows, there will be lots of after-hours socializing. Why should you care? That means we'll get a chance to squeeze out more information on what games will be headed your way this year. If you want to stay abreast what's happening at Casual Connect, bookmark http://blog.games.com/tag/casualconnect/and follow us on Twitter.
Big Fish Games pens exclusive deal with Woman's Day
Big Fish Games, the casual game company behind those insanely addictive Mystery Case Files games, has signed an exclusive deal with Woman's Day. Starting Tuesday, July 20, head to WomansDay.com to check out 2,500 games from Big Fish, which include hidden object games to puzzle games and time management games.
mystery case files women's day
"Our games are a great fit for Woman's Day readers ... Casual games are relaxing, mentally stimulating, and fun," says Big Fish CEO Jeremy Lewis in a press release.
Woman's Day has an audience of 24 million women ages 25 to 65 -- so that means we can expect more ladies to learn that hidden object and time management games (which sound like a chore) are more addictive than a frosty pint of Haagen Daas' Caramel Cone.
mystery case files ravenhearst
Woman's Day and Big Fish Games will also include "a special offer" for readers in the September issue of the magazine, available on stands in August. The details on that have not been disclosed yet, but we know that more of these offers -- like this free version of Mystery Case Files Ravenhurst -- will be rolling out during the partnership.
mystery case files women's day
"Our games are a great fit for Woman's Day readers ... Casual games are relaxing, mentally stimulating, and fun," says Big Fish CEO Jeremy Lewis in a press release.
Woman's Day has an audience of 24 million women ages 25 to 65 -- so that means we can expect more ladies to learn that hidden object and time management games (which sound like a chore) are more addictive than a frosty pint of Haagen Daas' Caramel Cone.
mystery case files ravenhearst
Woman's Day and Big Fish Games will also include "a special offer" for readers in the September issue of the magazine, available on stands in August. The details on that have not been disclosed yet, but we know that more of these offers -- like this free version of Mystery Case Files Ravenhurst -- will be rolling out during the partnership.
Job posting points to Facebook videoconference Charades game
My usual daily Google crawl of social-gaming-related terms turns up an awful lot of job postings looking for "social game programmers." These posts are usually extremely vague or, alternatively, all-too-clear about wanting to copy the hot social gaming trend-of-the-moment. But sometimes, all that searching hits upon a genuinely unique and exciting social gaming idea well before it officially hits.
Such is the case with this here posting for a "videoconference social game" from a mysterious outfit called PoserGames.com. Basically, the game described in the attached documents is an online, multiplayer version of charades (or "celebrities") where players take turns acting out silent clues to get their teammates to guess a secret term or person. Up to eight people will be able to play at once through video conference windows that shift around and change sizes as new players come up for their three minute rounds.
After reading through the description, this seems like a no-brainer idea for online social networks, and with the mass availability of webcams and high bandwidth connections capable of handling multiple streaming video, it seems like it might finally be technically feasible. It also got us wondering what other dinner-party-style games could make the transition online. Pictionary is already well represented, as are most card and board games, but with maybe this video conferencing idea could be put towards something like Truth or Dare or Spin the Bottle next, eh?
Such is the case with this here posting for a "videoconference social game" from a mysterious outfit called PoserGames.com. Basically, the game described in the attached documents is an online, multiplayer version of charades (or "celebrities") where players take turns acting out silent clues to get their teammates to guess a secret term or person. Up to eight people will be able to play at once through video conference windows that shift around and change sizes as new players come up for their three minute rounds.
After reading through the description, this seems like a no-brainer idea for online social networks, and with the mass availability of webcams and high bandwidth connections capable of handling multiple streaming video, it seems like it might finally be technically feasible. It also got us wondering what other dinner-party-style games could make the transition online. Pictionary is already well represented, as are most card and board games, but with maybe this video conferencing idea could be put towards something like Truth or Dare or Spin the Bottle next, eh?
Virtual Villagers: Facebook's 'first true God game' debuts
Virtual Villagers
Launched today, Virtual Villagers for Facebook is the latest addition to a well-received series of desktop games, the oldest hailing from 2006, released by the San Francisco indy games developer, Last Day of Work (LDW). LDW has partnered with the Australia-based casual games developer, 3 Blokes Studios to bring a version of their title onto Facebook that incorporates social gaming elements.
At first glance, this game has a ton of similarities to Zynga's immensely popular FrontierVille, sporting a "persistent game world" that changes over time. But it also vows to provide "real, dynamic multiplayer storytelling that unfolds according to the actions of all the players together." Like FrontierVille, your characters can get hitched. But not only can you have kids in this game, they will also inherit some of the skills from their parents. Your characters will have stats pages. They can acquire special skills over time. They can also grow old, get sick, and be nursed back to health.
Basically, this game is promising to do everything that FrontierVille does, and more. We'll be providing additional coverage on this soon. For now, everyone can play god by logging into Facebook and giving the game a spin here.
Launched today, Virtual Villagers for Facebook is the latest addition to a well-received series of desktop games, the oldest hailing from 2006, released by the San Francisco indy games developer, Last Day of Work (LDW). LDW has partnered with the Australia-based casual games developer, 3 Blokes Studios to bring a version of their title onto Facebook that incorporates social gaming elements.
At first glance, this game has a ton of similarities to Zynga's immensely popular FrontierVille, sporting a "persistent game world" that changes over time. But it also vows to provide "real, dynamic multiplayer storytelling that unfolds according to the actions of all the players together." Like FrontierVille, your characters can get hitched. But not only can you have kids in this game, they will also inherit some of the skills from their parents. Your characters will have stats pages. They can acquire special skills over time. They can also grow old, get sick, and be nursed back to health.
Basically, this game is promising to do everything that FrontierVille does, and more. We'll be providing additional coverage on this soon. For now, everyone can play god by logging into Facebook and giving the game a spin here.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
YoVille: Camp Yo Fishing Clothes and Gear now at the Fashion Store
The Camp Yo Clothes we told you about have arrived at YoVille. You will find everything you need to go fishing from vest for 850 coins to fishing poles for 11 YoCash. While your there check out the Yo Scout Uniforms available for 1300 coins and Badges for 7 Yo cash. Accessories include a hand held s'more, insect repellent, and a hatchet.
Prices and photos after the link.
YoVille Fishing Rod, Fishing Hat
YoVille Camp Yo: Fishing Boots, S'more, Scout Uniforms
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
Prices and photos after the link.
YoVille Fishing Rod, Fishing Hat
YoVille Camp Yo: Fishing Boots, S'more, Scout Uniforms
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
FarmVille Prohibition! Farm game's virtual winery banned from making wine
Update (4 p.m.):FarmVille Prohibition will only apply to certain players; read more details here.
In the United States, Prohibition ended 1933, but it looks like it's just getting started in FarmVille. Zynga has pulled alcoholic beverages from the game, because they don't want "to promote alcohol consumption among the underage," says a customer service rep.
"Recently, FarmVille decided to change the products that are produced in the Winery Cottage. The change was from alcoholic products to, well, Non-alcoholic beverages. The reason behind this change is that since FarmVille is a game, we have a lot of underage players. In connection with this, FarmVille does not want to promote alcohol consumption among the underage."
So, if you decided to place a winery crafting building on your farm, your days of being able to produce virtual bottles of sake, wine and white sangria may soon be coming to an end. Some players have already noticed that their wineries have started pumping out fruit-based alternatives instead, such as Rich Grape Juice and White Grape Cooler.
Below is a list of Prohibition friendly drinks that the FarmVille winery will produce going forward:
* Sweet Energy Drink (previously Sweet Sake)
* White Grape Cooler (previously White Sangria)
* Rich Grape Juice
* Fruit Punch
* Spicy Tomato Juice (*No Change)
* Spiced Lilac Tea
* Blackberry Explosion
* Strawberry Cranberry Juice (*No Change)
* Raspberry Energy Drink
While it's understandable why Farmville maker Zynga doesn't want to promote alcohol to minors, this change is annoying for those of us who are 'of age,' and chose the winery as our crafting building for one reason, and one reason only: We wanted to make wine on our farm.
This, of course, leads to the bigger question that we've touched on before -- how do social games deal with mature content? Will more social games restrict certain content for people under a certain age, or will these games eventually employ some kind of rating system?
Well, now there's an alternative use for that new storage cellar we've been busy digging on the Back Forty. Maybe we can carve out some space for a moonshine-fueled speakeasy to help keep our virtual farmers in top spirits.
In the United States, Prohibition ended 1933, but it looks like it's just getting started in FarmVille. Zynga has pulled alcoholic beverages from the game, because they don't want "to promote alcohol consumption among the underage," says a customer service rep.
"Recently, FarmVille decided to change the products that are produced in the Winery Cottage. The change was from alcoholic products to, well, Non-alcoholic beverages. The reason behind this change is that since FarmVille is a game, we have a lot of underage players. In connection with this, FarmVille does not want to promote alcohol consumption among the underage."
So, if you decided to place a winery crafting building on your farm, your days of being able to produce virtual bottles of sake, wine and white sangria may soon be coming to an end. Some players have already noticed that their wineries have started pumping out fruit-based alternatives instead, such as Rich Grape Juice and White Grape Cooler.
Below is a list of Prohibition friendly drinks that the FarmVille winery will produce going forward:
* Sweet Energy Drink (previously Sweet Sake)
* White Grape Cooler (previously White Sangria)
* Rich Grape Juice
* Fruit Punch
* Spicy Tomato Juice (*No Change)
* Spiced Lilac Tea
* Blackberry Explosion
* Strawberry Cranberry Juice (*No Change)
* Raspberry Energy Drink
While it's understandable why Farmville maker Zynga doesn't want to promote alcohol to minors, this change is annoying for those of us who are 'of age,' and chose the winery as our crafting building for one reason, and one reason only: We wanted to make wine on our farm.
This, of course, leads to the bigger question that we've touched on before -- how do social games deal with mature content? Will more social games restrict certain content for people under a certain age, or will these games eventually employ some kind of rating system?
Well, now there's an alternative use for that new storage cellar we've been busy digging on the Back Forty. Maybe we can carve out some space for a moonshine-fueled speakeasy to help keep our virtual farmers in top spirits.
FarmVille hits the beach with limited edition items
FarmVille Volleyball, boardwalk, surfer gnome, toucan
Tonight new decorations were added to the market as part of the LE Summer theme on August 20th, 2010. These decorations will be available for the next 7 days and can be purchased for both FarmVille coins and cash.
Coin items:
* Boardwalk 20,000 coins
* Sandcastle 50,000 coins
Available for FarmVille Cash:
* Toucan 16 $FV
* Surfer Gnome 18 $FV
* Beach Volleyball 30 $FV
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Tonight new decorations were added to the market as part of the LE Summer theme on August 20th, 2010. These decorations will be available for the next 7 days and can be purchased for both FarmVille coins and cash.
Coin items:
* Boardwalk 20,000 coins
* Sandcastle 50,000 coins
Available for FarmVille Cash:
* Toucan 16 $FV
* Surfer Gnome 18 $FV
* Beach Volleyball 30 $FV
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille Beach Game Stand and Lemonade here for a limited time only
FarmVille Beach Game Stand and Lemonade Stand
FarmVille introduced two additional Limited Edition Summer buildings that includes a Beach Game Stand and a Lemonade Stand.
You can purchase both of these buildings in the FarmVille Market during the next 7 days only.
FarmVille Summer Buildings (Released August 18, 2010):
* Beach Game Stand – 24 FV$
* Lemonade Stand – 140,000 Coins
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille introduced two additional Limited Edition Summer buildings that includes a Beach Game Stand and a Lemonade Stand.
You can purchase both of these buildings in the FarmVille Market during the next 7 days only.
FarmVille Summer Buildings (Released August 18, 2010):
* Beach Game Stand – 24 FV$
* Lemonade Stand – 140,000 Coins
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille Unreleased: Horse Harvester, Pumpkin Cannon, Pig on a Trampoline and more
Thank you to FarmVille Freak Teresa for finding these FarmVille unreleased Horse Harvester, Rocking Chair, Snowball Cannon, Pig Trampoline, Pumpkin Cannon, Tiki Shower, & Project Truck!
FarmVille Unreleased: Horse Harvester, Rocking Chair, Snowball Cannon, Pig Trampoline, Pumpkin Cannon, Tiki Shower, & Project Truck
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille Unreleased: Horse Harvester, Rocking Chair, Snowball Cannon, Pig Trampoline, Pumpkin Cannon, Tiki Shower, & Project Truck
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Monday, February 6, 2012
KISS makes its Facebook game debut in Nightclub City
Even if you weren't born when the band KISS was still rocking the charts with songs like 'Rock and Roll All Nite,' you're probably vaguely aware of the '70s band with painted faces and its enterprising front man Gene Simmons, who currently stars in his own reality show on A&E.
This Saturday, KISS will make Facebook gaming history by hosting its first live show Booyah's Nightclub City -- a club simulation game where you keep your customers happy by keeping the drinks and music flowing. Nightclub City is one of the first social games to integrate music from real-life artists -- so when you play a DJ set, you're actually able to listen to tracks from indie artists.
If you tune into Nightclub City for the live KISS event on Saturday, you will be rewarded with special KISS items, including face paint that you can use on your in-game avatar.
Image credit: Getty Images kiss in nightclub city
kiss in nightclub city
Getty Images
This Saturday, KISS will make Facebook gaming history by hosting its first live show Booyah's Nightclub City -- a club simulation game where you keep your customers happy by keeping the drinks and music flowing. Nightclub City is one of the first social games to integrate music from real-life artists -- so when you play a DJ set, you're actually able to listen to tracks from indie artists.
If you tune into Nightclub City for the live KISS event on Saturday, you will be rewarded with special KISS items, including face paint that you can use on your in-game avatar.
Image credit: Getty Images kiss in nightclub city
kiss in nightclub city
Getty Images
Cafe World "Sunday Brunch" Catering Order: Everything you need to know
The sixth catering order teased yesterday by the Zynga team is finally live in Cafe World. Titled "Sunday Brunch," this catering gig requires that you complete the previous "Dinner Party" order in less than 10 days.
Again, the rewards from this job will depend on how long it takes you. However, only completing the job within seven days will allow you to move on to the next catering order when it goes live. No pressure, right? Don't worry, with our help behind the break you'll have this order done in no time at all. Cafe World Sunday Brunch LadyThis order does require a lot, but if you fail to complete the order after starting it or you're not satisfied with the results, you can always do it over. Here are the dishes you'll need to make to complete the order and how long they'll take:
195 Eggs Benedict: 6 hours per 190 servings, 16 Cafe Cash to unlock*
195 Lox Bagel: 3 hours per 135 servings, 14 Cafe Cash to unlock
120 Belgian Waffles: 2 hours per 150 servings, 12 Cafe Cash to unlock
120 Powdered French Toast: 20 minutes per 37 servings, 8 Cafe Cash to unlock
*If you're feeling lazy stretched for time, each of these requirements can be bypassed by paying a certain amount of Cafe Cash.
Unfortunately for the newbies, you'll need to be at least Level 43 before you can complete this order as the Powdered French Toast recipe doesn't unlock until then. Also, you'll need to spend Cafe Cash regardless on this order, since you'll need 10 Bottles of Maple Syrup and 15 Serving Baskets for this order, which cost 2 and 1 Cafe Cash a piece respectively. So, a minimum of 35 Cafe Cash (about $7) and 21 hours later, you'll have completed the sixth catering order in Cafe World!
Those numbers sound daunting, we know. But when you enlist the help of up to 21 friends whose work will count for their own "Sunday Brunch" catering orders, you shouldn't worry too much about getting this done on time. Here's what's in it for you should you complete the gig:
Within three days: 4,158 Cafe Points, 62,370 coins and the Banana Nut recipe
Within seven days: 2,970 Cafe Points and 44,450 coins
More than seven days: 1,782 Cafe Points and 26,730 coins
Keep in mind that you'll need to complete the order within seven days to gain access to the next order whenever it's released. Here's a hot tip: you can load up your stoves with as many of the required dishes as possible before starting the order. Accept the order just before the first of those dishes is complete and you just bought yourself some serious time.
Just remember to plan out with your friends who will cook what. If you have enough friends working together to follow this strategy all at the same time, you can have this order done in minutes, but you didn't hear that from us.
Again, the rewards from this job will depend on how long it takes you. However, only completing the job within seven days will allow you to move on to the next catering order when it goes live. No pressure, right? Don't worry, with our help behind the break you'll have this order done in no time at all. Cafe World Sunday Brunch LadyThis order does require a lot, but if you fail to complete the order after starting it or you're not satisfied with the results, you can always do it over. Here are the dishes you'll need to make to complete the order and how long they'll take:
195 Eggs Benedict: 6 hours per 190 servings, 16 Cafe Cash to unlock*
195 Lox Bagel: 3 hours per 135 servings, 14 Cafe Cash to unlock
120 Belgian Waffles: 2 hours per 150 servings, 12 Cafe Cash to unlock
120 Powdered French Toast: 20 minutes per 37 servings, 8 Cafe Cash to unlock
*If you're feeling lazy stretched for time, each of these requirements can be bypassed by paying a certain amount of Cafe Cash.
Unfortunately for the newbies, you'll need to be at least Level 43 before you can complete this order as the Powdered French Toast recipe doesn't unlock until then. Also, you'll need to spend Cafe Cash regardless on this order, since you'll need 10 Bottles of Maple Syrup and 15 Serving Baskets for this order, which cost 2 and 1 Cafe Cash a piece respectively. So, a minimum of 35 Cafe Cash (about $7) and 21 hours later, you'll have completed the sixth catering order in Cafe World!
Those numbers sound daunting, we know. But when you enlist the help of up to 21 friends whose work will count for their own "Sunday Brunch" catering orders, you shouldn't worry too much about getting this done on time. Here's what's in it for you should you complete the gig:
Within three days: 4,158 Cafe Points, 62,370 coins and the Banana Nut recipe
Within seven days: 2,970 Cafe Points and 44,450 coins
More than seven days: 1,782 Cafe Points and 26,730 coins
Keep in mind that you'll need to complete the order within seven days to gain access to the next order whenever it's released. Here's a hot tip: you can load up your stoves with as many of the required dishes as possible before starting the order. Accept the order just before the first of those dishes is complete and you just bought yourself some serious time.
Just remember to plan out with your friends who will cook what. If you have enough friends working together to follow this strategy all at the same time, you can have this order done in minutes, but you didn't hear that from us.
Survey: Two out of every three Americans plays games
PlayFirst, publisher of ubiquitous time-management game Diner Dash, has teamed up with Frank Magid Associates, a research-based consulting firm, to find out more on the state of causal gaming. Casual gaming is -- no surprise -- still growing on almost every possible platform, according to the survey of 2,075 Americans. However, the study also suggests that 80 percent of those 18 to 34-years-old play casual games regularly. That's quite a lot of gamers (and quite a lot of money).
"Casual digital game play has truly become a pervasive part of the American lifestyle now that we can take our games with us anywhere and play them anytime," says Mari Baker, president and CEO of PlayFirst. "The popularity of emotionally engaging casual games is exploding due to the convenience factor mobile and social platforms bring to game players of both genders and all ages."
How pervasive has gaming become in America, exactly? The survey says 80 percent of gamers enjoy playing games more than watching movies, listening to music and reading books, newspapers or magazines. Now, that is huge. Diner Dash
"The face of gaming is evolving to a broader group more representative of the overall population," said president of Magid Advisors Mike Vorhaus. "Gaming is a cross-generational, cross-platform activity that's ubiquitous, yet requires unique and targeted experiences to be successful."
The study suggests that nearly two-thirds (87 percent) of casual gamers play on their PC or Mac computer (what, no love for Linux?). Breaking it down further, half of those surveyed play games on Facebook and only 28 percent play on their smart phones. With most smartphone games being free or just $0.99, it's surprising that this percentage isn't higher.
There also is some considerable overlap between those who play casual games on their computer and on Facebook (since one requires the other to play), but only 14 percent play casual games on all three platforms. Clearly, the push for cross-platform connectivity between Facebook and smartphones isn't unwarranted.
Lastly, preferences in gameplay differ between men and women, according to Frank Magid Associates. The study shows that 90 percent of women rank "entertaining" as the primary consideration when choosing a game while 77 percent look for games that are "easy to understand and play." On the other hand, 79 percent of men seek out games that are "challenging to finish" whereas three in four say that they prefer games that make them feel accomplished.
What happens you combine all of these elements into one game? You get Angry Birds, that's what.
"Casual digital game play has truly become a pervasive part of the American lifestyle now that we can take our games with us anywhere and play them anytime," says Mari Baker, president and CEO of PlayFirst. "The popularity of emotionally engaging casual games is exploding due to the convenience factor mobile and social platforms bring to game players of both genders and all ages."
How pervasive has gaming become in America, exactly? The survey says 80 percent of gamers enjoy playing games more than watching movies, listening to music and reading books, newspapers or magazines. Now, that is huge. Diner Dash
"The face of gaming is evolving to a broader group more representative of the overall population," said president of Magid Advisors Mike Vorhaus. "Gaming is a cross-generational, cross-platform activity that's ubiquitous, yet requires unique and targeted experiences to be successful."
The study suggests that nearly two-thirds (87 percent) of casual gamers play on their PC or Mac computer (what, no love for Linux?). Breaking it down further, half of those surveyed play games on Facebook and only 28 percent play on their smart phones. With most smartphone games being free or just $0.99, it's surprising that this percentage isn't higher.
There also is some considerable overlap between those who play casual games on their computer and on Facebook (since one requires the other to play), but only 14 percent play casual games on all three platforms. Clearly, the push for cross-platform connectivity between Facebook and smartphones isn't unwarranted.
Lastly, preferences in gameplay differ between men and women, according to Frank Magid Associates. The study shows that 90 percent of women rank "entertaining" as the primary consideration when choosing a game while 77 percent look for games that are "easy to understand and play." On the other hand, 79 percent of men seek out games that are "challenging to finish" whereas three in four say that they prefer games that make them feel accomplished.
What happens you combine all of these elements into one game? You get Angry Birds, that's what.
FarmVille shows the first signs of Oktoberfest
FarmVille Oktoberfest Tent and German Clock Tower
Nothing says beer like Oktoberfest, and FarmVille's newest unreleased items -- Oktoberfest Tent and German Clock Tower -- show that the game is ready to jump into the festival's 200th year.
Since their launch of Limited Edition Germany items earlier this month, we knew this was bound to happen. But Oktoberfest isn't all about booze. It used to involve horse races, an agricultural show and carnival booths in its first century. So don't expect mountains of beer mugs just yet. Given Facebook policy, FarmVille will have to be family-friendly in what it decides to roll out for celebration on the farm.
Nothing says beer like Oktoberfest, and FarmVille's newest unreleased items -- Oktoberfest Tent and German Clock Tower -- show that the game is ready to jump into the festival's 200th year.
Since their launch of Limited Edition Germany items earlier this month, we knew this was bound to happen. But Oktoberfest isn't all about booze. It used to involve horse races, an agricultural show and carnival booths in its first century. So don't expect mountains of beer mugs just yet. Given Facebook policy, FarmVille will have to be family-friendly in what it decides to roll out for celebration on the farm.
PetVille: 5 free Pet Cash link good until midnight
We thought you guys wouldn't want to miss this -- 5 free Pet Cash from PetVille, and all you've gotta do is click here. For the curious, this was announced on the game's official Facebook fanpage, so we recommend making yourself a fan of the page for more offers. This is probably what Zynga wants, since there's no special reason attached to the giveaway.
One thing's for sure, you can't ever accuse PetVille of being stingy. Of all the Zynga games, and even Facebook games, that I've tried, PetVille has the most opportunities for players to earn premium game currency through just playing.
One thing's for sure, you can't ever accuse PetVille of being stingy. Of all the Zynga games, and even Facebook games, that I've tried, PetVille has the most opportunities for players to earn premium game currency through just playing.
Friday, February 3, 2012
FarmVille: Free Tuscan Cow with Facebook Credit Redemption
FarmVille Free Tuscan Cow Gift
As a new promotion for using your Facebook Credits, FarmVille is offering a free Tuscan Cow! The Tuscan Cow was a past Farm Cash-only item that you can no longer purchase in the game. Previously, the Appaloosa Horse was offered. What do you think they'll use next?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
As a new promotion for using your Facebook Credits, FarmVille is offering a free Tuscan Cow! The Tuscan Cow was a past Farm Cash-only item that you can no longer purchase in the game. Previously, the Appaloosa Horse was offered. What do you think they'll use next?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
THQ working on two UFC social games thanks to extended contract
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The San Fernando Valley Business Journal reports that THQ, the folks behind the Red Faction franchise and the recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) games, has signed an extended agreement through 2018 with American sports promoter Zuffa LLC. While that's fine and dandy for all parties involved, what's most important is THQ's vice president of Core Games Danny Bilson's official statement:
"We're very excited to extend our relationship with Zuffa and the Ultimate Fighting Championship." "Working closely together with Dana White and the incredible team at UFC, we plan to continue to deliver outstanding interactive UFC experiences to gamers around the world in all new ways, including social, mobile and brand extensions."
This must mean that Digital Chocolate's MMA Pro Fighter will finally have a worthy combatant to face in the octagon. While details on the upcoming social games are scarce, THQ also mentions that it now has the rights to bring UFC games to iPhone and iPad as well (so, no WWE for Facebook?). Soon you'll finally be able to beat up your bullies on even ground. Unless they all have this puppy; then you're probably out of luck.
The San Fernando Valley Business Journal reports that THQ, the folks behind the Red Faction franchise and the recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) games, has signed an extended agreement through 2018 with American sports promoter Zuffa LLC. While that's fine and dandy for all parties involved, what's most important is THQ's vice president of Core Games Danny Bilson's official statement:
"We're very excited to extend our relationship with Zuffa and the Ultimate Fighting Championship." "Working closely together with Dana White and the incredible team at UFC, we plan to continue to deliver outstanding interactive UFC experiences to gamers around the world in all new ways, including social, mobile and brand extensions."
This must mean that Digital Chocolate's MMA Pro Fighter will finally have a worthy combatant to face in the octagon. While details on the upcoming social games are scarce, THQ also mentions that it now has the rights to bring UFC games to iPhone and iPad as well (so, no WWE for Facebook?). Soon you'll finally be able to beat up your bullies on even ground. Unless they all have this puppy; then you're probably out of luck.
Zynga faces class-action lawsuit for recent Facebook privacy breach
Remember that little problem the Wall Street Journal stumbled upon in several of Zynga's top ranking Facebook games like FarmVille? Well, the social gaming giant could very well pay the price... to over 200 million players as the company faces a class-action lawsuit brought by Nancy Graf of St. Paul, Minn., according to an Edelson McGuire LLC press release.
Backed by Michael Aschenbrener of Edelson McGuire and Kassra Nassiri of Nassiri & Jung LLP, Graf filed suit in San Francisco Federal Court yesterday under the claim that Zynga "collected the Facebook data of its 218 million users and shared it with advertisers and data brokers in violation of federal law and Zynga's contract with Facebook," according to Edelson McGuire.
Graf expects Zynga to provide both monetary relief and further protection from abuses of privacy to the company's loyal players, Edelson McGuire says. Aschenbrener adds, "This appears to be another example of an online company failing the American public with empty promises to respect individual privacy rights."
When Facebook completely shut down some Lolapps games, a smaller studio by comparison, for the entire weekend in response to the news, it was only a matter of time before somebody targeted the biggest potential offender. We've contacted Zynga for comment, so stay tuned for potential updates.
Update: Zynga replied with this official statement: "We believe that the complaint is without merit and we intend to defend against it vigorously."
Backed by Michael Aschenbrener of Edelson McGuire and Kassra Nassiri of Nassiri & Jung LLP, Graf filed suit in San Francisco Federal Court yesterday under the claim that Zynga "collected the Facebook data of its 218 million users and shared it with advertisers and data brokers in violation of federal law and Zynga's contract with Facebook," according to Edelson McGuire.
Graf expects Zynga to provide both monetary relief and further protection from abuses of privacy to the company's loyal players, Edelson McGuire says. Aschenbrener adds, "This appears to be another example of an online company failing the American public with empty promises to respect individual privacy rights."
When Facebook completely shut down some Lolapps games, a smaller studio by comparison, for the entire weekend in response to the news, it was only a matter of time before somebody targeted the biggest potential offender. We've contacted Zynga for comment, so stay tuned for potential updates.
Update: Zynga replied with this official statement: "We believe that the complaint is without merit and we intend to defend against it vigorously."
Microsoft could be preparing for social games with Xbox.com update
Xbox.com update coming tomorrow
The Xbox Team's Major Nelson revealed that Xbox.com will undergo a massive overhaul tomorrow that includes a brand new design, an Avatar editor (finally!), a new message and request center and most importantly, brand new games to play right on the website. According to Major Nelson, these new, unannounced web games can be played over Xbox Live on either the new website or on Windows Phone 7.
Since this is Xbox Live, we'll make an educated guess that these games will have more use to you than just a few minutes of play time. It wouldn't make much sense for achievements and Gamerscore tracking not to find their way into these new games. And if FarmVille has already been confirmed for Windows Phone 7, who's to say other social games won't their way onto either platform? If you were in any doubt that Microsoft was serious about making Xbox Live a fully-featured social ecosystem for their devices, then we'll see tomorrow just what these "web games" will mean for the network.
The Xbox Team's Major Nelson revealed that Xbox.com will undergo a massive overhaul tomorrow that includes a brand new design, an Avatar editor (finally!), a new message and request center and most importantly, brand new games to play right on the website. According to Major Nelson, these new, unannounced web games can be played over Xbox Live on either the new website or on Windows Phone 7.
Since this is Xbox Live, we'll make an educated guess that these games will have more use to you than just a few minutes of play time. It wouldn't make much sense for achievements and Gamerscore tracking not to find their way into these new games. And if FarmVille has already been confirmed for Windows Phone 7, who's to say other social games won't their way onto either platform? If you were in any doubt that Microsoft was serious about making Xbox Live a fully-featured social ecosystem for their devices, then we'll see tomorrow just what these "web games" will mean for the network.
Liberty Mutual promotes 'senior driving simulator' through Zynga's PetVille
PetVille: Liberty Mutual: Free Pet Cash
When I first opened up the Liberty Mutual promotion in the Get Pet Coins & Cash section of PetVille today, I expected 5 free Pet Cash (which I totally got, and you guys should grab it too) and some lazy mini-game on par with FarmVille's free Farm Cash Secretariat promo.
Liberty Mutual Driver Seat promo in PetVille
So imagine my surprise when I was treated to a competently done Flash game that (after I had run over a pedestrian and dented my front fender three times) led me to an even bigger, nicer Flash game -- nice enough to warrant a name, Driver Seat, and big enough to declare itself as "the world's first senior driving simulator." Say, what?
Liberty Mutual Driver Seat
It seems the whole point of Driver Seat is to set you up as the most terrible driver possible, then have you struggle with being a terrible driver. This is done so you'll develop sympathy for the plight of senior drivers and how old age makes driving suck, not just for the folks who share the road with them, but for them too, personally. When you start the full version of the game, which is available for free on the Liberty Mutual website here, the game asks you to choose an "impairment level".
Liberty Mutual asks for your impairment level
After you do that, you get to choose what location you wish to inflict your impaired driving skills on -- the Wilderness, Urban, Suburban, or the Outskirts. There's something quaint, and oddly humorous about this game. In the time I took to write this, I had left my 'impaired' vehicle unattended, thereby causing a long wall of cars to become stuck behind me. But they're all just politely waiting for me to move. I mean, where's the screaming, honking, cursing, and the death threats?
So yeah, it's cute and I got my free Pet Cash, but I don't really get the point. The game just isn't distinctive or realistic enough. It looks sleek, but feels gimmicky and runs (metaphorically) bloodless scenarios. In fact, Driver Seat can probably be repackaged to raise social awareness on the dangers of drunken driving with better results. You just have to slip in some factoids on Blood Alcohol Content. But with senior citizens, you can't get any more specific than "impairment levels".
When I first opened up the Liberty Mutual promotion in the Get Pet Coins & Cash section of PetVille today, I expected 5 free Pet Cash (which I totally got, and you guys should grab it too) and some lazy mini-game on par with FarmVille's free Farm Cash Secretariat promo.
Liberty Mutual Driver Seat promo in PetVille
So imagine my surprise when I was treated to a competently done Flash game that (after I had run over a pedestrian and dented my front fender three times) led me to an even bigger, nicer Flash game -- nice enough to warrant a name, Driver Seat, and big enough to declare itself as "the world's first senior driving simulator." Say, what?
Liberty Mutual Driver Seat
It seems the whole point of Driver Seat is to set you up as the most terrible driver possible, then have you struggle with being a terrible driver. This is done so you'll develop sympathy for the plight of senior drivers and how old age makes driving suck, not just for the folks who share the road with them, but for them too, personally. When you start the full version of the game, which is available for free on the Liberty Mutual website here, the game asks you to choose an "impairment level".
Liberty Mutual asks for your impairment level
After you do that, you get to choose what location you wish to inflict your impaired driving skills on -- the Wilderness, Urban, Suburban, or the Outskirts. There's something quaint, and oddly humorous about this game. In the time I took to write this, I had left my 'impaired' vehicle unattended, thereby causing a long wall of cars to become stuck behind me. But they're all just politely waiting for me to move. I mean, where's the screaming, honking, cursing, and the death threats?
So yeah, it's cute and I got my free Pet Cash, but I don't really get the point. The game just isn't distinctive or realistic enough. It looks sleek, but feels gimmicky and runs (metaphorically) bloodless scenarios. In fact, Driver Seat can probably be repackaged to raise social awareness on the dangers of drunken driving with better results. You just have to slip in some factoids on Blood Alcohol Content. But with senior citizens, you can't get any more specific than "impairment levels".
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Restaurant City's Tiffin Take Away will be going away in three days
Playfish seems to have caught onto the success of limited edition items in other games, as they have created a similar system in Restaurant City, where each new theme contains at least one especially limited (but arguably very worthwhile) item.
For this week's Bollywood theme, we see the release of the Tiffin Take Away, a small counter where customers can come in and purchase small containers of food, earning you a continuous profit over time. The machine functions as an arcade machine does - all you'll need to do is place the item in your restaurant, and then check back often to collect your profits. All of the work of actually collecting said profits is automated. That being said, this item seems to have great money-making potential for those that have the time to frequently play the game, as you can earn 850 coins every 2 hours. For a comparison, items like a soda vending machine only earn 300 coins, in double the time.
That being said, such convenience doesn't come cheap, as the Tiffin Take Away stand costs 40 Playfish Cash. In addition, the item will only be available in the store for 3 days (as of this writing), so you won't have forever to earn up the required premium currency. The moral of this story is that interested users should shop now, and shop fast.
For this week's Bollywood theme, we see the release of the Tiffin Take Away, a small counter where customers can come in and purchase small containers of food, earning you a continuous profit over time. The machine functions as an arcade machine does - all you'll need to do is place the item in your restaurant, and then check back often to collect your profits. All of the work of actually collecting said profits is automated. That being said, this item seems to have great money-making potential for those that have the time to frequently play the game, as you can earn 850 coins every 2 hours. For a comparison, items like a soda vending machine only earn 300 coins, in double the time.
That being said, such convenience doesn't come cheap, as the Tiffin Take Away stand costs 40 Playfish Cash. In addition, the item will only be available in the store for 3 days (as of this writing), so you won't have forever to earn up the required premium currency. The moral of this story is that interested users should shop now, and shop fast.
Restaurant City: Three Bollywood-inspired meals will tantalize your taste buds
As we've told you earlier this evening, this week's item theme in Restaurant City is Bollywood, and with that comes the addition of new Indian themed dishes in the game. There are three new dishes to serve to your guests, including two entrees and one drink.
The first entree is the Chicken Korma, which can be learned with four ingredients: Chicken, Coconut, Chili, and Onion. Fortunately, this isn't a limited time recipe, so luckily, tracking down a coconut (or ten, if you'd like to master the dish) can be done at your leisure.
The other available entree is the Lamb Biryani. It also takes four ingredients to learn, but they are very different from that of the other dish: Rice, Raisins, Saffron, and Lamb. Again, this seems to be a permanent addition to the game, so you can search for the missing ingredients (where applicable) whenever you want.
Finally, the drink is the Mango Lassi, a tropical new offering that takes just three ingredients to learn: Milk, Cream, and Mango. Like the other two recipes, this one isn't limited, so take your time in learning it.
All told, it's nice to see Playfish releasing standard recipes into the game's menu that don't require users to panic and rush to collect the ingredients necessary to learn them. We'll be sure to let you know if that continues to be the case in the future.
The first entree is the Chicken Korma, which can be learned with four ingredients: Chicken, Coconut, Chili, and Onion. Fortunately, this isn't a limited time recipe, so luckily, tracking down a coconut (or ten, if you'd like to master the dish) can be done at your leisure.
The other available entree is the Lamb Biryani. It also takes four ingredients to learn, but they are very different from that of the other dish: Rice, Raisins, Saffron, and Lamb. Again, this seems to be a permanent addition to the game, so you can search for the missing ingredients (where applicable) whenever you want.
Finally, the drink is the Mango Lassi, a tropical new offering that takes just three ingredients to learn: Milk, Cream, and Mango. Like the other two recipes, this one isn't limited, so take your time in learning it.
All told, it's nice to see Playfish releasing standard recipes into the game's menu that don't require users to panic and rush to collect the ingredients necessary to learn them. We'll be sure to let you know if that continues to be the case in the future.
Social City: Sign up for Disney's Movie Club to receive 175 City Bucks
Disney is looking to make more of their acquisition of Playdom this week, by launching a new promotion (via Playdom's partnership with Trial Pay) in Social City, offering users a chance to receive a whopping gift of 175 City Bucks, just for signing up for Disney's Movie Club. This is an absolutely massive amount of City Bucks, as anyone who's played the game can attest to (the game tends to offer less free points than others). However, there's a catch.
For those that are unfamiliar, this won't be a free deal, and it will cost you real-world money in the long run. Disney's Movie Club allows you to purchase Disney DVDs, sometimes at discounted prices, but you'll need to sign up for a long term commitment with the service in order to be eligible. At this time, the club is offering 4 DVD's for $1.99 each, but you'll need to purchase at least 5 more movies within the next 24 months, presumably at full price, to be eligible.
It's a hassle many players may not be willing to put up with, but with the chance of earning 175 City Bucks, if you're already a fan of Disney, or had been toying with the idea of joining the movie club in the past, this might be something to look into.
For those that are unfamiliar, this won't be a free deal, and it will cost you real-world money in the long run. Disney's Movie Club allows you to purchase Disney DVDs, sometimes at discounted prices, but you'll need to sign up for a long term commitment with the service in order to be eligible. At this time, the club is offering 4 DVD's for $1.99 each, but you'll need to purchase at least 5 more movies within the next 24 months, presumably at full price, to be eligible.
It's a hassle many players may not be willing to put up with, but with the chance of earning 175 City Bucks, if you're already a fan of Disney, or had been toying with the idea of joining the movie club in the past, this might be something to look into.
Happy Pets Monkey Nanny will take care of your Baby Baskets for you
First there was the Monkey Butler, and now, CrowdStar has released the Monkey Nanny in Happy Pets. This Monkey Nanny is a limited edition item, being available in a quantity of almost 1500 units as of this writing.
If you are willing to shell out the insane price of 348 Facebook Credits (that's a whopping $34.80 US), you can use the Monkey Nanny to permanently cut all of your baby baskets' "hatching times" by half. That is, if you'd normally wait two days for a baby pet to appear, the time would be cut to a single day, as an example.
In addition, the Monkey Nanny will feed all of your Baby Baskets that reside in a single room with one click - simply click o the Feed Baskets button from within the Monkey Nanny menu. Finally, the Monkey Nanny is breedable, but unfortunately will only produce a regular monkey (no mass production of little nannies).
Even though the Monkey Nanny has a real function, it still is an actual pet, and will require feeding and proper care. It will grow to an adult after four days, so long as it has been fed regularly at a rate of at least once every 12 hours.
Just as with the Monkey Butler, this pet is a serious investment, and we question how many people will actually shell out almost $35 to purchase a virtual animal, especially with the Christmas season rapidly approaching. Perhaps we're wrong, but I suppose only time will tell.
If you are willing to shell out the insane price of 348 Facebook Credits (that's a whopping $34.80 US), you can use the Monkey Nanny to permanently cut all of your baby baskets' "hatching times" by half. That is, if you'd normally wait two days for a baby pet to appear, the time would be cut to a single day, as an example.
In addition, the Monkey Nanny will feed all of your Baby Baskets that reside in a single room with one click - simply click o the Feed Baskets button from within the Monkey Nanny menu. Finally, the Monkey Nanny is breedable, but unfortunately will only produce a regular monkey (no mass production of little nannies).
Even though the Monkey Nanny has a real function, it still is an actual pet, and will require feeding and proper care. It will grow to an adult after four days, so long as it has been fed regularly at a rate of at least once every 12 hours.
Just as with the Monkey Butler, this pet is a serious investment, and we question how many people will actually shell out almost $35 to purchase a virtual animal, especially with the Christmas season rapidly approaching. Perhaps we're wrong, but I suppose only time will tell.
Happy Pets Camouflage Pets: Can you spot 'em?
We've seen some pretty interesting themed pets released in Happy Pets over the months, and this newest theme is no exception. CrowdStar has released a series of six G.I. pets, and we can only assume that these pets-in-military-colors have been added to the game in anticipation of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday (either that, or it's an incredible coincidence).
Either way, you won't have to be a military veteran to purchase these pets. As of this writing, there are still six pets to choose from - G.I. versions of (brown and green camouflaged) Pandas, Dogs, Kitties, Monkeys, Warrior Dragons, and Pegacorns (Unicorn/Pegasus combos).
Depending on the pet you choose, you'll find yourself spending anywhere from 48 to 70 Facebook Credits ($4.80 - $7.00 US). Also, since these are all different species of pets, they all come with their own needs in terms of proper care and upbringing, so keep their growth and feeding times in mind when deciding which pet to purchase.
As you might expect, these pets are limited edition, and are currently available in quantities ranging from just over 500 units (Panda and Dog) to over 1,100 (the Pegacorn). That being said, once you've made up your mind about which pet (if any) you want to purchase, shop fast so you don't miss your chance at them!
Either way, you won't have to be a military veteran to purchase these pets. As of this writing, there are still six pets to choose from - G.I. versions of (brown and green camouflaged) Pandas, Dogs, Kitties, Monkeys, Warrior Dragons, and Pegacorns (Unicorn/Pegasus combos).
Depending on the pet you choose, you'll find yourself spending anywhere from 48 to 70 Facebook Credits ($4.80 - $7.00 US). Also, since these are all different species of pets, they all come with their own needs in terms of proper care and upbringing, so keep their growth and feeding times in mind when deciding which pet to purchase.
As you might expect, these pets are limited edition, and are currently available in quantities ranging from just over 500 units (Panda and Dog) to over 1,100 (the Pegacorn). That being said, once you've made up your mind about which pet (if any) you want to purchase, shop fast so you don't miss your chance at them!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Zynga and American Express team up for virtual Membership Rewards
AMEX Lightning Stove Ridable Roadster
American Express wants to be in your virtual wallet and it's joined forces with the king of social gaming to make it happen. FarmVille creator Zynga announced today that it has made an industry first in teaming up with American Express to provide virtual goods through the credit card provider's Membership Rewards Program. Card members can now use their Membership Reward Points toward buying goods in Zynga's Facebook games as well as toward physical and virtual Zynga Game Cards.
"Our partnership with American Express marks the first time that virtual goods are available for purchase with rewards points and reinforces our commitment to offer consumers meaningful experiences that enhance their game play,”" says Vishal Makhijani, Zynga's SVP of Business Operations.
Take a look at some of the items you can buy with points after the break.
Purple Cow Robot Boy Outdoor Fountain
The games included in the deal are FarmVille, FrontierVille, PetVille, YoVille, Treasure Isle and Café World with items available for FarmVille, Cafe World and YoVille immediately. All you need to do type "Zynga" into the keyword search box on the Membership Rewards website to find all of the exclusive items available through points, some of which include:
FarmVille:
-Manx Cat (435 points)
-Purple Cow (540 points)
Cafe World:
-Outdoor Fountain (1,080 points)
-AMEX Lightning Stove (1,945 points)
YoVille:
-Ridable Import Roadster (755 points)
-Animated Robot Boy and Girl (325 points each)
While there isn't exactly a wide selection right now, 20 more items are on the way Dec. 6 including FrontierVille (including those golden items, so no Gold Rush just yet) and Treasure Isle items, according to Zynga and American Express. Finally, a way to justify buying virtual goods without actually spending money has arrived. Just don't go overboard, OK?
American Express wants to be in your virtual wallet and it's joined forces with the king of social gaming to make it happen. FarmVille creator Zynga announced today that it has made an industry first in teaming up with American Express to provide virtual goods through the credit card provider's Membership Rewards Program. Card members can now use their Membership Reward Points toward buying goods in Zynga's Facebook games as well as toward physical and virtual Zynga Game Cards.
"Our partnership with American Express marks the first time that virtual goods are available for purchase with rewards points and reinforces our commitment to offer consumers meaningful experiences that enhance their game play,”" says Vishal Makhijani, Zynga's SVP of Business Operations.
Take a look at some of the items you can buy with points after the break.
Purple Cow Robot Boy Outdoor Fountain
The games included in the deal are FarmVille, FrontierVille, PetVille, YoVille, Treasure Isle and Café World with items available for FarmVille, Cafe World and YoVille immediately. All you need to do type "Zynga" into the keyword search box on the Membership Rewards website to find all of the exclusive items available through points, some of which include:
FarmVille:
-Manx Cat (435 points)
-Purple Cow (540 points)
Cafe World:
-Outdoor Fountain (1,080 points)
-AMEX Lightning Stove (1,945 points)
YoVille:
-Ridable Import Roadster (755 points)
-Animated Robot Boy and Girl (325 points each)
While there isn't exactly a wide selection right now, 20 more items are on the way Dec. 6 including FrontierVille (including those golden items, so no Gold Rush just yet) and Treasure Isle items, according to Zynga and American Express. Finally, a way to justify buying virtual goods without actually spending money has arrived. Just don't go overboard, OK?
The next Facebook MMO will take social gamers to 'A Mystical Land'
A Mysitcal Land gameplay
And like brave adventurers to yet another randomly placed, dark and dank dungeon, here come the MMOs. Oregon-based developer Mad Otter Games and Berlin games publishers Neonga announced today the fruit of their recent partnership is a 3D Facebook MMO. Titled "A Mystical Land", the game is a traditional fantasy-MMO through and through, but with a social twist. For instance, it will include several common class archetypes like Wizards, Warriors and Healers while infusing social and sharing mechanics throughout. And what would a traditional fantasy MMO be without monsters to slay, quests to complete and loot to collect? Well, Mad Otter claims to have that and more in spades.
However, Neonga claims that the game will be much more approachable than traditional MMOs have been in the past with casual gaming elements like crafting, fishing and gardening. (They had to fit it in somewhere, didn't they?) "Mad Otter has strived to keep 'A Mystical Land' easy to play and understand for players, while layering the deeper gameplay so that players discover it as they become familiar with the game," Mad Otter CEO Damon Slye says.
While the game will be playable on multiple platforms aside from Facebook including mobile devices, players will be able to publish their achievements and find their Facebook friends through Facebook Connect. And although this certainly isn't the first 3D MMO announced for Facebook, it could very well be the first designed specifically around the platform from scratch. Mad Otter is accepting beta test applications right now for next year, so trek on over if you want to journey to A Mystical Land in 2011.
And like brave adventurers to yet another randomly placed, dark and dank dungeon, here come the MMOs. Oregon-based developer Mad Otter Games and Berlin games publishers Neonga announced today the fruit of their recent partnership is a 3D Facebook MMO. Titled "A Mystical Land", the game is a traditional fantasy-MMO through and through, but with a social twist. For instance, it will include several common class archetypes like Wizards, Warriors and Healers while infusing social and sharing mechanics throughout. And what would a traditional fantasy MMO be without monsters to slay, quests to complete and loot to collect? Well, Mad Otter claims to have that and more in spades.
However, Neonga claims that the game will be much more approachable than traditional MMOs have been in the past with casual gaming elements like crafting, fishing and gardening. (They had to fit it in somewhere, didn't they?) "Mad Otter has strived to keep 'A Mystical Land' easy to play and understand for players, while layering the deeper gameplay so that players discover it as they become familiar with the game," Mad Otter CEO Damon Slye says.
While the game will be playable on multiple platforms aside from Facebook including mobile devices, players will be able to publish their achievements and find their Facebook friends through Facebook Connect. And although this certainly isn't the first 3D MMO announced for Facebook, it could very well be the first designed specifically around the platform from scratch. Mad Otter is accepting beta test applications right now for next year, so trek on over if you want to journey to A Mystical Land in 2011.
The FrontierVille Christmas Items shopping spree begins today
Be ready to whip out those virtual shopping carts as Zynga has finally released a long list of Christmas decorations in FrontierVille. Hinted at earlier this week, there are items available that go for both coins and Horseshoes. Here's a full list of what you'll find in the Market:
- Snow Fox: 2375 coins
- Pile o' Snowballs: 5130 coins
- Candy Cane Fence: 475 coins, 50 wood
- Luminaire: 1805 coins
- Lawn buck: 2565 coins, 50 wood
- Yellow Snow: 2280 coins, 20 wood
- Tangled Lights: 3230 coins
- Lighted Sign: 2280 coins, 20 wood
- Mistletoe: 40 Horseshoes
- Santa's Chair: 25 Horseshoes
- Lawn Rudolph: 6 Horseshoes
- Train Set: 23 Horseshoes
- Red Luminaire: 5 Horseshoes
- Green Luminaire: 5 Horseshoes
- Red Nutcracker: 18 Horseshoes
- Green Nutcracker: 18 Horseshoes
- Sack o' Gifts: 22 Horseshoes
- Lawn Deer: 40 Horseshoes
- Snow Jack: 40 Horseshoes
These items will be here well past the holidays and into next year (38 days, to be exact), so that should give you some time to recover after this year's shopping season. Well, we mean financially--if you end up drinking a tad too much eggnog, not much we can do for you there.
- Snow Fox: 2375 coins
- Pile o' Snowballs: 5130 coins
- Candy Cane Fence: 475 coins, 50 wood
- Luminaire: 1805 coins
- Lawn buck: 2565 coins, 50 wood
- Yellow Snow: 2280 coins, 20 wood
- Tangled Lights: 3230 coins
- Lighted Sign: 2280 coins, 20 wood
- Mistletoe: 40 Horseshoes
- Santa's Chair: 25 Horseshoes
- Lawn Rudolph: 6 Horseshoes
- Train Set: 23 Horseshoes
- Red Luminaire: 5 Horseshoes
- Green Luminaire: 5 Horseshoes
- Red Nutcracker: 18 Horseshoes
- Green Nutcracker: 18 Horseshoes
- Sack o' Gifts: 22 Horseshoes
- Lawn Deer: 40 Horseshoes
- Snow Jack: 40 Horseshoes
These items will be here well past the holidays and into next year (38 days, to be exact), so that should give you some time to recover after this year's shopping season. Well, we mean financially--if you end up drinking a tad too much eggnog, not much we can do for you there.
FrontierVille Holiday Mystery Animals adorably appear on the scene
Antlers Penguin Santa Hat Sugar Glider
While we discovered them last week, the Holiday Mystery Animals in FrontierVille have been MIA until now. Thankfully, Zynga just introduced the three brand new varieties of Mystery Animals: Penguins, Polar Bears and Sugar Gliders (Brandy hit that one right on the nose). Each Mystery Animal Crate will cost 50 Horseshoes, or around $6, and will have a chance of containing one of nine animals:
Pink, White or Yellow Polar Bear
Black, Blue or White Penguin
Black, Brown or White Sugar Glider
While it appears that you can't buy some of these Mystery Animals individually like before, there are three much more festive Mystery Animals available as reward from Part III of the recently released Winter's a Comin' Goals. They include the Antlers Penguin, Bow Polar Bear and Santa Hat Sugar Glider. Although it's far more work to get to that point repeatedly, at least these special Mystery Animals only cost a few thousand coins. Like the rest of the FrontierVille Christmas Item collection, these cutesy critters will be on the homestead for another 37 days. So, feel free to take your time collecting these, but make sure you have cash leftover to buy your loved ones a little somethin', will ya?
While we discovered them last week, the Holiday Mystery Animals in FrontierVille have been MIA until now. Thankfully, Zynga just introduced the three brand new varieties of Mystery Animals: Penguins, Polar Bears and Sugar Gliders (Brandy hit that one right on the nose). Each Mystery Animal Crate will cost 50 Horseshoes, or around $6, and will have a chance of containing one of nine animals:
Pink, White or Yellow Polar Bear
Black, Blue or White Penguin
Black, Brown or White Sugar Glider
While it appears that you can't buy some of these Mystery Animals individually like before, there are three much more festive Mystery Animals available as reward from Part III of the recently released Winter's a Comin' Goals. They include the Antlers Penguin, Bow Polar Bear and Santa Hat Sugar Glider. Although it's far more work to get to that point repeatedly, at least these special Mystery Animals only cost a few thousand coins. Like the rest of the FrontierVille Christmas Item collection, these cutesy critters will be on the homestead for another 37 days. So, feel free to take your time collecting these, but make sure you have cash leftover to buy your loved ones a little somethin', will ya?
FrontierVille's Snowy Land: Cover your homestead in frosty flakes
Fortunately, Zynga is not referring to the bladed cereal of death that plagues children around the globe. What it does mean, however, is the opportunity to transform your homestead into a winter wonderland thanks to the Snowy Land option in the FrontierVille Market. This new item requires you to either invite 10 new friends or unlock it early with a fat 30 Horseshoes.
Snowy Land includes the option to "Skip" the friend requirement, but we imagine this will lock you out of adding friends to make this item available. If you're going the traditional route, FrontierVille Info recommends you add friends through the option in the Market to make sure they count toward unlocking the item. With the amount of Holiday-themed content that's been added over the past few days, it's only fitting that you do it up in wintry style.
Snowy Land includes the option to "Skip" the friend requirement, but we imagine this will lock you out of adding friends to make this item available. If you're going the traditional route, FrontierVille Info recommends you add friends through the option in the Market to make sure they count toward unlocking the item. With the amount of Holiday-themed content that's been added over the past few days, it's only fitting that you do it up in wintry style.
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