Fortix and its sequel are two little indie games for PC and Mac that you might not have heard of. Taking the core gameplay of arcade classic Qix and transplanting it into a medieval fantasy world, the game challenges players to capture areas of a battlefield to lift the curse of an evil wizard.
Hungarian developer Nemesys Games has confirmed today that Fortix 2 is coming to iOS devices, and that in celebration of this fact (and, of course, Halloween) they have released a "preview" version for free on the App Store. Knight vs. Zombies features a series of zombie-themed levels with Fortix 2's core gameplay, and is indeed completely free -- grab it from the App Store here.
Fortix 2, meanwhile, is available from Steam and the Mac App Store right now, with the iOS version to follow soon.
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
Get Beat Hazard for $1 on the Mac App Store
In celebration of the excellent Beat Hazard Ultra's recent release on the Mac App Store, one man developer Cold Beam Games has decided to sell the game for an astonishing 90% off until November 1. That means you can get a copy for $1.
If you haven't experienced this game, it's a twin stick shooter in the Geometry Wars vein, with the twist being that you can play your own music in the background -- and said music affects enemy waves, visual effects and even the power of your weapons. The game comes bundled with a collection of music, supports iTunes tracks and also has an Internet Radio facility for downloading new tunes with which to play. There's also a levelling and perk system available, along with online play and leaderboard support.
Beat Hazard is now available for PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with an iOS version in the works releasing soon. Grab the $1 Mac version here.
If you haven't experienced this game, it's a twin stick shooter in the Geometry Wars vein, with the twist being that you can play your own music in the background -- and said music affects enemy waves, visual effects and even the power of your weapons. The game comes bundled with a collection of music, supports iTunes tracks and also has an Internet Radio facility for downloading new tunes with which to play. There's also a levelling and perk system available, along with online play and leaderboard support.
Beat Hazard is now available for PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with an iOS version in the works releasing soon. Grab the $1 Mac version here.
Infamous: Festival of Blood | Sucker Punch/Sony | PSN
Just in time for Halloween comes Sucker Punch's bizarre spinoff to the Infamous series. Festival of Blood features plenty of vampires, a flying Cole, PlayStation Move support and access to the complete user generated content toolset -- all for just $9.99. Those who like making their own missions also get a first try with the new narrative cutscene tool before it's implemented into InFamous 2's UGC toolset.
Editorial: Five Recent Releases for People Who Have No Interest in Battlefield 3
I can't be the only person out there who has absolutely no interest whatsoever in playing Battlefield 3, or indeed any competitive multiplayer manshooter -- however beautifully it might be rendered (or, err, not).
It's easy to forget that other games release around this time of year amid all the online buzz surrounding the year's biggest launches. So here are five recently released titles that you might have missed -- and that you might particularly enjoy if you don't feel like playing soldiers right now. While none of them have the budget of Battlefield 3, they all have entertainment value in droves. Even better, buy all of them and you'll still have spent less than you would have on a new copy of DICE's shooter. Hooray for frugality!
It's easy to forget that other games release around this time of year amid all the online buzz surrounding the year's biggest launches. So here are five recently released titles that you might have missed -- and that you might particularly enjoy if you don't feel like playing soldiers right now. While none of them have the budget of Battlefield 3, they all have entertainment value in droves. Even better, buy all of them and you'll still have spent less than you would have on a new copy of DICE's shooter. Hooray for frugality!
Best Video Game Monsters
The GamePro gang calls out their favorite video game monsters from the hulking Big Daddy and exploding babies to regenerating zombies and creepy mannequins. Do you have a favorite video game monster? Let us know on the comments below.
Monday, October 24, 2011
I’m Flip-Flopping On Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is that I recently switched my home computer to a Mac. This is a problem, because, several months after I first played it… years after it was first hyped.. I finally want to play Star Wars: The Old Republic, this December’s PC-only massive Star Wars game.
All I needed to be converted, it seems, was to play the game a second time. From the beginning. It was as if I was playing a different game.
My first experience with the game was impaired by high expectations. I don’t play massively multiplayer role-playing games. I’m not philosophically against games that join thousands (maybe millions!) of people together and just keep going and going with new adventures for months and years. I love video games too much to be against that idea of an infinite video game. I’m just against playing that game and nothing else, which is what getting enchanted with an MMO seems to mean.
I tried World of Warcraft for a weekend in 2007, had some fun, but ran away to save my time for real-life activities like playing video games that last less than infinite hours. I prefer my games to be liquids that fit into the containers of time I can allot to them. MMOs are some kind of gaseous form of video game, I take it. They seep in everywhere.
In the spring, I tried The Old Republic, cautiously wanting to believe the hype that this game, made by a company whose non-MMO games I enjoy, would be the gas-form video game for me. Within reason. I kind of didn’t want it to be, either, because I enjoy playing other games. But if one could take over my life, even for just a month before I quit it, I’d let it be a Star Wars game made by BioWare. Their Knights of the Old Republic, after all, is my favourite role-playing game and maybe my favourite Star Wars game. Plus, I like good Star Wars (not the bad stuff, which I’m sure you’ll agree with me; why do people like the bad stuff?)
My problem with The Old Republic last spring was that I was battling my way through a multiplayer flashpoint. These sections of the game are designed for a band of players to tackle together, marching through a linear series of battles that are shaped by a story. I was told I’d experience BioWare’s signature storytelling and some fantastic MMO combat. Well, I experienced some BioWare-style storytelling for a few minutes before the combat began and then the game turned into the thing WoW was for me: a disorienting and aesthetically unappealing jumble on my monitor of characters, numbers, too many icons, chat windows and a whole lot of waiting for powers to cool down so I could use them again to take down enemies with long health bars. That isn’t WoW, I reasoned. That must be what MMOs are. And if that’s what they are, I can wait another four years.
Last week, I got my second shot at the game. I was wary. I walked up the third level of a big preview event for Old Republic publisher EA. They had PCs set up for those of us who wanted to play, well, it seemed like we could play anything in the game, from the start. That helped me get my head around the fact that there are eight possible main characters in the game and, if the EA reps are to be believed, they all have their own long storyline. Eight games in one. But that’s quantity. I play for quality.
Of the eight possible lead characters, I decided to play as a Sith Inquisitor, a particular red female Twi’lek one. (That’s Twi’lek, as in has a couple of tendril-link things cascading over head like someone traded Rapunzel’s hair for two big slugs. You know, like the guy who hung out with Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.) I think her name was Sarbaox or something like that. I chose her because the text description for her back-story seemed to be the most interesting. She was some sort of slave who was trying to earn her way to be a Sith. Sounded good to me.
When you start The Old Republic, I realised, you’re basically playing a single-player BioWare Star Wars role-playing game. Sold! You also don’t have a bajillion icons crowding your screen and a flurry of party characters to worry about, which is good for people like me who fear MMOs. The first playable moments were fantastic. I’ve got my lady slave Sith-wannabe at the Sith academy. Her commanding officer is a complete jerk, disrespecting her, sending her on some dangerous training mission. And with that trademark BioWare dialogue wheel we first saw in their wonderful Mass Effect RPGs, I can make my Inquisitor lady mouth off to this guy.
I brought my heroine through her first few quests. She killed some giant bugs in a cave, murdered some bandits with Sith lightning and completed a blood trial for a guy named Spindrall.
The quests were fine. Nothing too great, nothing offensive. They were, more importantly, just the action between story I was finding myself caring about. I sent my Inquisitor back to her jerk trainer, a guy called Harkim who decided to tell my lady that she was filth. At least he didn’t kill her, which he did to another trainee he didn’t like. I got to choose more dialogue options and decided to threaten my trainer’s life. Why not? No reason to be polite to a guy like that. That bit of dialogue happened in a story area of the game world, which I understand will stay uncluttered with other players. You’re notified you are transitioning from a shared area of, say, a Sith academy, to a story area with a text alert. No load or transition, but a signal that it’s narrative time.
Harkim sent my lady on her next task, to chat with a jailer. That guy was hanging out in another story area. He had a young, nervous man stretched on a rack. The young guy knew about a murder and it was time to get him to spill. My Twi’Lek was allowed to perform the interrogation, which unfolded as a series of dialogue-wheel choices ranging from nice positive-karma-improving actions to some evil stuff. I had her make the guy sing–something happy–which he did. It was a bad song. So then I had her fry him. He coughed up a name.
That whole thing was maybe the first 25 minutes of The Old Republic for one of eight characters. I played it solo, and, more importantly, I played it happily. That’s when I turned to ask the EA rep a question I knew I wouldn’t like the answer to. Is this for Mac, too? Nope.
I doubt I’m going to go in for a Windows PC for just one game, but I’m pleased to tell those who care about this game and BioWare that things are looking up. What I played had a very good mix of basic Star Wars action mixed with the kind of character-driven storytelling in BioWare games that’s easy to get hooked on. I want to know what happens next to my heroine. I want to go through so many more decision points, mouthing off to jerk commanders, interrogating prisoners with just the right questions and who knows what else that this game might let me do.
I used to not like The Old Republic because it seemed like it might be just another MMO. That is, it might be one of those games that’s just not for me.
Now I like The Old Republic, because it seems like it might be just another BioWare Star Wars role-playing game. That is, it might be one of those games that’s just for me.
All I needed to be converted, it seems, was to play the game a second time. From the beginning. It was as if I was playing a different game.
My first experience with the game was impaired by high expectations. I don’t play massively multiplayer role-playing games. I’m not philosophically against games that join thousands (maybe millions!) of people together and just keep going and going with new adventures for months and years. I love video games too much to be against that idea of an infinite video game. I’m just against playing that game and nothing else, which is what getting enchanted with an MMO seems to mean.
I tried World of Warcraft for a weekend in 2007, had some fun, but ran away to save my time for real-life activities like playing video games that last less than infinite hours. I prefer my games to be liquids that fit into the containers of time I can allot to them. MMOs are some kind of gaseous form of video game, I take it. They seep in everywhere.
In the spring, I tried The Old Republic, cautiously wanting to believe the hype that this game, made by a company whose non-MMO games I enjoy, would be the gas-form video game for me. Within reason. I kind of didn’t want it to be, either, because I enjoy playing other games. But if one could take over my life, even for just a month before I quit it, I’d let it be a Star Wars game made by BioWare. Their Knights of the Old Republic, after all, is my favourite role-playing game and maybe my favourite Star Wars game. Plus, I like good Star Wars (not the bad stuff, which I’m sure you’ll agree with me; why do people like the bad stuff?)
My problem with The Old Republic last spring was that I was battling my way through a multiplayer flashpoint. These sections of the game are designed for a band of players to tackle together, marching through a linear series of battles that are shaped by a story. I was told I’d experience BioWare’s signature storytelling and some fantastic MMO combat. Well, I experienced some BioWare-style storytelling for a few minutes before the combat began and then the game turned into the thing WoW was for me: a disorienting and aesthetically unappealing jumble on my monitor of characters, numbers, too many icons, chat windows and a whole lot of waiting for powers to cool down so I could use them again to take down enemies with long health bars. That isn’t WoW, I reasoned. That must be what MMOs are. And if that’s what they are, I can wait another four years.
Last week, I got my second shot at the game. I was wary. I walked up the third level of a big preview event for Old Republic publisher EA. They had PCs set up for those of us who wanted to play, well, it seemed like we could play anything in the game, from the start. That helped me get my head around the fact that there are eight possible main characters in the game and, if the EA reps are to be believed, they all have their own long storyline. Eight games in one. But that’s quantity. I play for quality.
Of the eight possible lead characters, I decided to play as a Sith Inquisitor, a particular red female Twi’lek one. (That’s Twi’lek, as in has a couple of tendril-link things cascading over head like someone traded Rapunzel’s hair for two big slugs. You know, like the guy who hung out with Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.) I think her name was Sarbaox or something like that. I chose her because the text description for her back-story seemed to be the most interesting. She was some sort of slave who was trying to earn her way to be a Sith. Sounded good to me.
When you start The Old Republic, I realised, you’re basically playing a single-player BioWare Star Wars role-playing game. Sold! You also don’t have a bajillion icons crowding your screen and a flurry of party characters to worry about, which is good for people like me who fear MMOs. The first playable moments were fantastic. I’ve got my lady slave Sith-wannabe at the Sith academy. Her commanding officer is a complete jerk, disrespecting her, sending her on some dangerous training mission. And with that trademark BioWare dialogue wheel we first saw in their wonderful Mass Effect RPGs, I can make my Inquisitor lady mouth off to this guy.
I brought my heroine through her first few quests. She killed some giant bugs in a cave, murdered some bandits with Sith lightning and completed a blood trial for a guy named Spindrall.
The quests were fine. Nothing too great, nothing offensive. They were, more importantly, just the action between story I was finding myself caring about. I sent my Inquisitor back to her jerk trainer, a guy called Harkim who decided to tell my lady that she was filth. At least he didn’t kill her, which he did to another trainee he didn’t like. I got to choose more dialogue options and decided to threaten my trainer’s life. Why not? No reason to be polite to a guy like that. That bit of dialogue happened in a story area of the game world, which I understand will stay uncluttered with other players. You’re notified you are transitioning from a shared area of, say, a Sith academy, to a story area with a text alert. No load or transition, but a signal that it’s narrative time.
Harkim sent my lady on her next task, to chat with a jailer. That guy was hanging out in another story area. He had a young, nervous man stretched on a rack. The young guy knew about a murder and it was time to get him to spill. My Twi’Lek was allowed to perform the interrogation, which unfolded as a series of dialogue-wheel choices ranging from nice positive-karma-improving actions to some evil stuff. I had her make the guy sing–something happy–which he did. It was a bad song. So then I had her fry him. He coughed up a name.
That whole thing was maybe the first 25 minutes of The Old Republic for one of eight characters. I played it solo, and, more importantly, I played it happily. That’s when I turned to ask the EA rep a question I knew I wouldn’t like the answer to. Is this for Mac, too? Nope.
I doubt I’m going to go in for a Windows PC for just one game, but I’m pleased to tell those who care about this game and BioWare that things are looking up. What I played had a very good mix of basic Star Wars action mixed with the kind of character-driven storytelling in BioWare games that’s easy to get hooked on. I want to know what happens next to my heroine. I want to go through so many more decision points, mouthing off to jerk commanders, interrogating prisoners with just the right questions and who knows what else that this game might let me do.
I used to not like The Old Republic because it seemed like it might be just another MMO. That is, it might be one of those games that’s just not for me.
Now I like The Old Republic, because it seems like it might be just another BioWare Star Wars role-playing game. That is, it might be one of those games that’s just for me.
The New SSX Is Already Better Than The Last Two
I like SSX games so much that I know that the person who created the screenshot atop this story named it wrong. Someone at SSX publisher EA called our boarder here Koari. Her name is Kaori.
I know this because no video game took over my house quite the way SSX 3 did several years ago on the PlayStation 2. Since then, SSX has been the game by which to measure all others that might have a shot to appealing to me and my wife. I might have liked just a few other games better, but not many. And her? She liked this one best.
After SSX 3, however, came two not very good SSXs and then, later, apprehension when a new one was announced for January 2012. I finally played it last week and can tell you what I told my wife about it. It’s not going to be the old SSX, but we can like this one.
The new SSX looks more realistic than the PlayStation 2 game that I loved. The landscape is coloured more naturally and the runs down mountainsides involve slightly more believable land formations than those in the over-the-top SSX 3. But what we loved about SSX 3 was the ability to snowboard long runs full of jumps, tricks, with a defiance of gravity as fun as Super Mario’s. When I tried a Siberia course in the new SSX last week, running on non-final code at an showcase event for publisher EA, I got some of that grand, soaring scale. The run felt less crowded than SSX On Tour‘s obstacle-laden courses and was easier to zip through than the the Wii SSX‘s absurd gesture-controlled boarding was.
I know this because no video game took over my house quite the way SSX 3 did several years ago on the PlayStation 2. Since then, SSX has been the game by which to measure all others that might have a shot to appealing to me and my wife. I might have liked just a few other games better, but not many. And her? She liked this one best.
After SSX 3, however, came two not very good SSXs and then, later, apprehension when a new one was announced for January 2012. I finally played it last week and can tell you what I told my wife about it. It’s not going to be the old SSX, but we can like this one.
The new SSX looks more realistic than the PlayStation 2 game that I loved. The landscape is coloured more naturally and the runs down mountainsides involve slightly more believable land formations than those in the over-the-top SSX 3. But what we loved about SSX 3 was the ability to snowboard long runs full of jumps, tricks, with a defiance of gravity as fun as Super Mario’s. When I tried a Siberia course in the new SSX last week, running on non-final code at an showcase event for publisher EA, I got some of that grand, soaring scale. The run felt less crowded than SSX On Tour‘s obstacle-laden courses and was easier to zip through than the the Wii SSX‘s absurd gesture-controlled boarding was.
How To Play With Your Skylanders Toys On Console, 3DS, Online
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure hit game and toy store shelves, resulting in thousands of children and adults learning a new way to play together. There are many different ways to squeeze fun out of these shiny lumps of plastic; let’s take a look at three of them.
There’s the game console version of Skylanders, in which the player hooks up a glowing portal to their PlayStation, Wii, Xbox or PC’s USB port, creating a glowing disc from which sprouts virtual heroes ready to defend the realm from the voice of Invader Zim.
Then there’s the 3DS version, which features a wireless portal and the ability to carry any two Skylanders with you at any given time, keeping things portable. Oddly enough, it also features a much more dynamic style of gameplay, with well-designed jumping and platforming elements that are absent in the console version.
And finally there’s the web portal, which functions as both an online home for your Skylanders complete with your own personal playground, and a social online world where players can meet and play games in a family-friendly environment.
There’s also a fourth way to play with Skylanders, but that involves imagination, funny voices, and children’s laughter, and nobody likes any of that stuff.
There’s the game console version of Skylanders, in which the player hooks up a glowing portal to their PlayStation, Wii, Xbox or PC’s USB port, creating a glowing disc from which sprouts virtual heroes ready to defend the realm from the voice of Invader Zim.
Then there’s the 3DS version, which features a wireless portal and the ability to carry any two Skylanders with you at any given time, keeping things portable. Oddly enough, it also features a much more dynamic style of gameplay, with well-designed jumping and platforming elements that are absent in the console version.
And finally there’s the web portal, which functions as both an online home for your Skylanders complete with your own personal playground, and a social online world where players can meet and play games in a family-friendly environment.
There’s also a fourth way to play with Skylanders, but that involves imagination, funny voices, and children’s laughter, and nobody likes any of that stuff.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Report: Nintendo 3DS Can Film 3D For A Chunk Of Time
10 minutes isn’t an eternity. But on YouTube, 10 minutes is a fair bit of time. And, according to Japanese news source the Nikkei, that’s how long you can shoot 3D on the 3DS.
Next month, the Nintendo 3DS is getting a big update. Later today, Nintendo will apparently be detailing said update. The Nikkei published a report that the update will bring 3D video filming functionality and the ability to upload clips to websites like YouTube.
Apparently, 3DS owners can shoot up to 10 minutes of 3D footage. The update will be free and supposedly hit in late November.
Next month, the Nintendo 3DS is getting a big update. Later today, Nintendo will apparently be detailing said update. The Nikkei published a report that the update will bring 3D video filming functionality and the ability to upload clips to websites like YouTube.
Apparently, 3DS owners can shoot up to 10 minutes of 3D footage. The update will be free and supposedly hit in late November.
Three New Twisted Metal Screens, One Iron Maiden
Yesterday, Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe quietly released three new screenshots for the PS3′s entry in the franchise. Here they are.
Twisted Metal is a PS3 exclusive, and will be out in February 2012.
Twisted Metal is a PS3 exclusive, and will be out in February 2012.
The Kick-Arse Capcom Art Of Kinu Nishimura
Former Capcom artist Kinu Nishimura is one of those people who, if I grabbed you and said WHO IS KINU NISHIMURA, you would scream and say I HAVE NO IDEA. Then I’d show you some of her work, mostly from Capcom’s legendary fighting game series, and you’d be all “Oohhhhh, it’s her. Awesome!”
Nishimura began work at Capcom in 1991, and while she’s not directly employed there any more, still does the odd piece for the publisher from time to time.
In the 20 years since her first gig on brawler King of Dragons, Nishimura has contributed either promotional art or character design work for classics like Street Fighter II, Rival Schools, Street Fighter III, Capcom vs. SNK, Darkstalkers, Street Fighter IV and Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
Much of which you’ll see in the gallery below!
Nishimura began work at Capcom in 1991, and while she’s not directly employed there any more, still does the odd piece for the publisher from time to time.
In the 20 years since her first gig on brawler King of Dragons, Nishimura has contributed either promotional art or character design work for classics like Street Fighter II, Rival Schools, Street Fighter III, Capcom vs. SNK, Darkstalkers, Street Fighter IV and Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
Much of which you’ll see in the gallery below!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
News Star Wars: The Old Republic Day!
BioWare gave us the keys to Star Wars: The Old Republic's Origin World levels for the game's Republic classes, and we happily took the anticipated MMO for a lengthy test drive. Leif Johnson, Mike Nelson, and Mike Sharkey report back from the frontlines of Tython and Ord Mantell with stories of Jedis, Smugglers, and more.
Playing as a Necromancer in Skyrim
I was a bad, bad man. Or should I say, Argonian? At a recent hands-on session with Skyrim I elected to play as "that lizard race," and I wanted to be as evil as possible. Although the race is designed primarily for thieves and stealth-based characters, I was interested to see how it would fare as a Necromancer. Turns out it's a pretty good combination.
The Argonian skill-set allows them to be immune to most poisons, capable of breathing underwater, and able to cast a wicked-good healing spell known as Histkin. The races in Skyrim can be anything with a few caveats, but it wasn't until I ventured past the Guardian Stones to select my speciality between Thief, Mage, or Warrior that I could really select my specialty. For the sake of my hands-on I went with Mage which allowed me to learn magic skills 30% faster. (If I was playing the full retail version of the game, I could return to the Guardian Stones at any time to swap out my special trait -- you can only have one active trait from the Guardian Stones at a time.)
With my skill selected I continued down the trail to the town of Riverwood. After listening in on various conversations throughout the town, I entered a nearby shop and spoke to one Lucan Valeries. Soon after I accepted his quest to retrieve an item known as the Golden Claw. Turns out a group of bandits who are holed up at the nearby Bleak Falls Barren have taken the artifact. I accepted the quest but not before looking through Valeries' wares to see what he had for sale.
I spotted a few spells he had in his possession: Raise Zombie, Fury, and Oakflesh. Raise Zombie is exactly as it sounds -- it allows me to raise a recently killed enemy to fight by my side. Fury, when cast on anyone below level 6, will have them attack any and everything near them (including me). Oakflesh increases my armor by 40 points for 60 seconds.
The Argonian skill-set allows them to be immune to most poisons, capable of breathing underwater, and able to cast a wicked-good healing spell known as Histkin. The races in Skyrim can be anything with a few caveats, but it wasn't until I ventured past the Guardian Stones to select my speciality between Thief, Mage, or Warrior that I could really select my specialty. For the sake of my hands-on I went with Mage which allowed me to learn magic skills 30% faster. (If I was playing the full retail version of the game, I could return to the Guardian Stones at any time to swap out my special trait -- you can only have one active trait from the Guardian Stones at a time.)
With my skill selected I continued down the trail to the town of Riverwood. After listening in on various conversations throughout the town, I entered a nearby shop and spoke to one Lucan Valeries. Soon after I accepted his quest to retrieve an item known as the Golden Claw. Turns out a group of bandits who are holed up at the nearby Bleak Falls Barren have taken the artifact. I accepted the quest but not before looking through Valeries' wares to see what he had for sale.
I spotted a few spells he had in his possession: Raise Zombie, Fury, and Oakflesh. Raise Zombie is exactly as it sounds -- it allows me to raise a recently killed enemy to fight by my side. Fury, when cast on anyone below level 6, will have them attack any and everything near them (including me). Oakflesh increases my armor by 40 points for 60 seconds.
GameSpy
Alan: It started from the thought that mods like Darkest Hour and Mare Nostrum were really popular for the original Red Orchestra, and we wanted more like them for RO2. However, those big mods can take a long time to build, not being available until a year or two after the game launches. So, we wanted to try and give some people a head start - which is where the idea for Rising Storm came from. We toyed around with the ideas, talked to a few people who modded for RO1, came up with the Pacific theater and took it from there. Then we picked up a producer to lead it for us (Tony) and it went from there.
Tony: As Red Orchestra: Ostfront had such an avid modding community, producing some pretty good content, it made sense for the Tripwire team, the core of whom were ex-modders themselves, to offer this opportunity to a team of modders. This team was recruited, with me approaching a 'hit-list' of existing modders who had worked with Tripwire before.
Tony: As Red Orchestra: Ostfront had such an avid modding community, producing some pretty good content, it made sense for the Tripwire team, the core of whom were ex-modders themselves, to offer this opportunity to a team of modders. This team was recruited, with me approaching a 'hit-list' of existing modders who had worked with Tripwire before.
Preview: Red Orchestra 2: Rising Storm
Hardcore shooter franchise Red Orchestra has its roots in the modding community, so it's no wonder the folks at Roswell, Georgia-based Tripwire Interactive wanted to do something special for modders with Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad. The result is Rising Storm, a total conversion of RO2 set in the Pacific theater of WWII that stands as a first-of-its kind collaboration between a mod team and a professional game development studio.
We had the chance to speak with Tripwire Vice President Alan Wilson and Rising Storm Producer Tony Gillham about the mod, and they broke down how the project came together and the challenges they faced (and continue to face) in creating the forthcoming RO2 total conversion. We also gathered all of the details they were ready to share about Rising Storm, including the debut trailer. Get the scoop below.
We had the chance to speak with Tripwire Vice President Alan Wilson and Rising Storm Producer Tony Gillham about the mod, and they broke down how the project came together and the challenges they faced (and continue to face) in creating the forthcoming RO2 total conversion. We also gathered all of the details they were ready to share about Rising Storm, including the debut trailer. Get the scoop below.
Friday, October 21, 2011
My Night gaming with Celebrities
So late last night I was checking my Twitter feed and I notice Fred Durst the front man for Limp Bizkit has tweeted that he is hoping on Quake 4 and that if anyone has the game to pop it in and hop on Xbox Live.
So I did and to my surprise only me and him were on the game. So we played a couple of rounds and just talked a bit and he is pretty laid back. We talked about gaming in general and he talked about how he has like ten Xbox 360's, like one in every room of his house and even on his tour bus.
Well after I won a game on Quake 4 he added me to his friends list but asked that I not give out him Gamertag to anyone, as he said he has to change it like every week as it is already. I can say he runs with (LBGC) tags in his name. Of course this means "Limp Bizcut Gaming Clan".
So he asked if I had Black Ops and of course I do, so we switched over to that. He invited some band members into the party and I invited my brother as well. I believe it was his DJ, Guitarist and son in the party with myself and my brother.
All of the people he invited sported the (LBGC) tags actually in their names and their names all were similar with a common theme.
We got to talking and he was telling me how he always is playing on Xbox live and usually plays with other celebrities like James Hetfield (Singer for Metallica)apparently they play Gears Of War a lot, same with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Brent Smith from Shinedown.
He actually added me to his friends list and said he would get me in a party with Hetfield, since I told him what a huge Metallica fan I Was. One thing I thought was particularly funny was unprovoked Fred Durst totally trashed the PS3. He said he didn't really like to play it because he couldn't appear offline and would get slammed with invites, nobody had a mic and the voice chat sounded like the McDonald's drive through guy. He also went on to say if you ever see a celebrity endorsing the PS3 that you can bet they were paid to do so, as he didn't know a single celebrity that actually liked the PS3. Now I'm sure there are some out there, just not the ones he chills with.
So we played some rounds of Black Ops and I'll say Fred Durst got game, we played Hard Core CTF and won every match. I did get TKed by him twice though....good times.
Anyway you could hear him talk to his son and tell him that he needed to take his medicine so he could feel better, so I assume his son was ill and they were playing Xbox together.
All in all it was super cool to play with famous people, they all were super nice and talked like regular people and joked around with my brother and I. We ended the night around 1:00 a.m. est. and he said he'd hit me up for some Quake 4 and Black Ops in the future as him and his band like to play Quake 4 and do 4v4 and they are usually a man short to do this.
Now when we were actually in a lobby on XBL they said nothing, they didn't talk till we got in the game.
Before I left Fred said to have a good New Year and that he spent his New Years on the couch playing Xbox live.
Nice to see my habits aren't too different from famous peoples....
So I did and to my surprise only me and him were on the game. So we played a couple of rounds and just talked a bit and he is pretty laid back. We talked about gaming in general and he talked about how he has like ten Xbox 360's, like one in every room of his house and even on his tour bus.
Well after I won a game on Quake 4 he added me to his friends list but asked that I not give out him Gamertag to anyone, as he said he has to change it like every week as it is already. I can say he runs with (LBGC) tags in his name. Of course this means "Limp Bizcut Gaming Clan".
So he asked if I had Black Ops and of course I do, so we switched over to that. He invited some band members into the party and I invited my brother as well. I believe it was his DJ, Guitarist and son in the party with myself and my brother.
All of the people he invited sported the (LBGC) tags actually in their names and their names all were similar with a common theme.
We got to talking and he was telling me how he always is playing on Xbox live and usually plays with other celebrities like James Hetfield (Singer for Metallica)apparently they play Gears Of War a lot, same with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Brent Smith from Shinedown.
He actually added me to his friends list and said he would get me in a party with Hetfield, since I told him what a huge Metallica fan I Was. One thing I thought was particularly funny was unprovoked Fred Durst totally trashed the PS3. He said he didn't really like to play it because he couldn't appear offline and would get slammed with invites, nobody had a mic and the voice chat sounded like the McDonald's drive through guy. He also went on to say if you ever see a celebrity endorsing the PS3 that you can bet they were paid to do so, as he didn't know a single celebrity that actually liked the PS3. Now I'm sure there are some out there, just not the ones he chills with.
So we played some rounds of Black Ops and I'll say Fred Durst got game, we played Hard Core CTF and won every match. I did get TKed by him twice though....good times.
Anyway you could hear him talk to his son and tell him that he needed to take his medicine so he could feel better, so I assume his son was ill and they were playing Xbox together.
All in all it was super cool to play with famous people, they all were super nice and talked like regular people and joked around with my brother and I. We ended the night around 1:00 a.m. est. and he said he'd hit me up for some Quake 4 and Black Ops in the future as him and his band like to play Quake 4 and do 4v4 and they are usually a man short to do this.
Now when we were actually in a lobby on XBL they said nothing, they didn't talk till we got in the game.
Before I left Fred said to have a good New Year and that he spent his New Years on the couch playing Xbox live.
Nice to see my habits aren't too different from famous peoples....
Best of the generation
Each Generation has a game that defines that generation, and after a discussion, I decided to ask gamers what was the best game for each generation of consoles.
PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, Dreacast generation?
PS1, N64, Sega Saturn generation?
SNES, Sega Genesis generation?
NES?
PC 2000 - 2009
PC 1990 - 1999
PC 1980 - 1989
Before that (I'm not ancient)?
PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, Dreacast generation?
PS1, N64, Sega Saturn generation?
SNES, Sega Genesis generation?
NES?
PC 2000 - 2009
PC 1990 - 1999
PC 1980 - 1989
Before that (I'm not ancient)?
Gaming and Surround Sound
We have been told for many years that for movies, that the picture is important but also the sound. Without good sound reproduction we are only getting 50% of the movie going experience, for both at home and at the theater.
Well, I feel the exact same way for video games.
Without a good surround system you are getting only half the experience when your playing your favorite video games. Don't get me wrong, there is no problem using the TV speakers to play games, but I think you're missing on the other half of the video game immersion process. There is nothing more satisfying when your being bombarded by excellent graphics but hearing awesome sounds coming out from various points in your gaming room.
There have been many games that I have played that the surround sound reproduction in them has been excellent, totally making me believe that I'm in a forest or on a battlefield. There have been a few games that really hit this mark and really stood out in my mind.
Here is an example of a few of them...
Warhawk - excellent use of front back and side to side surround sound panning. Nothing beats being on the ground with an enemy warhawk coming behind you on a strafing run.
Uncharted 2 - This is a classic case of being surrounded by the sounds of the environment that you are in. It can be subtle at times with the score playing but you actually think you're in the mountains.
Battlefield Bad Company 2 - This is where your subwoofer gets a complete work out. When your in a Bradley and you're firing the main gun, the sound is so well reproduced that you think you're actually there with the tactile sounds hitting you in the chest. Nothing beats the low reaching gut twisting sound when you fire the main gun on the tank. Also, who can forget the sound of a explosion going off close by, causing your ears to ring.
That is just a small example of the surround sound effects that are out there in games. Dolby and DTS have API's for developers to bring out the best in their games, to excite you visually and to tickle your ear drums, and hopefully they are doing there best to fully immerse you.
Now, you say this whole surround sound thing is expensive or to complicated, well, it doesn't have to be. You don't need a $30,000 system to really experience it. You can start of with a cheap Home Theater in a box or you can start buying components to build your system within the budget that you have set out. The sky is the limit.
What you really need to do, is to do your home work. DTS and Dolby are great places to start to get the fundamentals of surround sound. Then check AVS Forums and Audioholics for more detailed information on speakers and electronics. Or you can leave me some questions on our forums at www.PS3GamerGroup.ca and I can give you some heads up on your quest of getting a great sounding system.
If you listened to our last podcast, we did a review of Tron and in the review I pointed our the surround effects of the game and how well it sounded. I will be doing more of these in future podcasts and showcasing outstanding games that really pull you in with their sound.
Well, I feel the exact same way for video games.
Without a good surround system you are getting only half the experience when your playing your favorite video games. Don't get me wrong, there is no problem using the TV speakers to play games, but I think you're missing on the other half of the video game immersion process. There is nothing more satisfying when your being bombarded by excellent graphics but hearing awesome sounds coming out from various points in your gaming room.
There have been many games that I have played that the surround sound reproduction in them has been excellent, totally making me believe that I'm in a forest or on a battlefield. There have been a few games that really hit this mark and really stood out in my mind.
Here is an example of a few of them...
Warhawk - excellent use of front back and side to side surround sound panning. Nothing beats being on the ground with an enemy warhawk coming behind you on a strafing run.
Uncharted 2 - This is a classic case of being surrounded by the sounds of the environment that you are in. It can be subtle at times with the score playing but you actually think you're in the mountains.
Battlefield Bad Company 2 - This is where your subwoofer gets a complete work out. When your in a Bradley and you're firing the main gun, the sound is so well reproduced that you think you're actually there with the tactile sounds hitting you in the chest. Nothing beats the low reaching gut twisting sound when you fire the main gun on the tank. Also, who can forget the sound of a explosion going off close by, causing your ears to ring.
That is just a small example of the surround sound effects that are out there in games. Dolby and DTS have API's for developers to bring out the best in their games, to excite you visually and to tickle your ear drums, and hopefully they are doing there best to fully immerse you.
Now, you say this whole surround sound thing is expensive or to complicated, well, it doesn't have to be. You don't need a $30,000 system to really experience it. You can start of with a cheap Home Theater in a box or you can start buying components to build your system within the budget that you have set out. The sky is the limit.
What you really need to do, is to do your home work. DTS and Dolby are great places to start to get the fundamentals of surround sound. Then check AVS Forums and Audioholics for more detailed information on speakers and electronics. Or you can leave me some questions on our forums at www.PS3GamerGroup.ca and I can give you some heads up on your quest of getting a great sounding system.
If you listened to our last podcast, we did a review of Tron and in the review I pointed our the surround effects of the game and how well it sounded. I will be doing more of these in future podcasts and showcasing outstanding games that really pull you in with their sound.
DCUO Beta Giveaway, Hangover Edition
So, you're still bleary-eyed from that New Year's party, can't get up for work on time since Steve Jobs broke your iPhone, and DCUO releases this month - what better time to dive into the Beta?
We have PC and PS3 beta keys, and you have 3 hours to enter! Contest begins now, 10 a.m. PST and ends at 1 p.m. PST (January 4).
How to enter:
Step 1: Change your avatar to one of the characters - need help? http://www.dcuniverseonline...
Step 2: Comment on this Blog telling me whether you'll be playing PC or PS3.
Nitty Gritty:
-All comments made with a DCUO character avatar before 1 p.m. PST today, January4, 2011 are entered to win a code.
-Code winners will be drawn at random and awarded this afternoon and winners will be PMed their code by 5:00 p.m. PST.
-Multiple comments do not get you additional entries, but they don't DQ you, either. You're just entered once.
_____________________________ _
Here are the instructions for the PC redemption process:
PC BETA DETAILS
***How to Get Into the Game***
In order to access the DC Universe Online Beta server, you will need to enter the Beta Key above onto your Station account by visiting www.dcuniverseonline.com and entering the key code in the box on the Home Page under the call-out “Redeem Your Code”. If you do not have a Station account you will need to create one by going to Station.com and clicking on the “Sign Up” button on the right end of the top navigation bar.
Once you have created a Station account and entered the key above, follow the steps below to obtain the appropriate files. You may download the appropriate installer from the following web address:
https://account.station.son...
To get into the game:
Enter the web address into your web browser.
Enter your Station Name and Password and click "Log In".
Click the "Download" button to start the download of the Beta Software “Patcher”.
When prompted, click "Save". You may save the file to a location of your choosing. The file is called DCUO_Beta_setup.exe.
Once the download has completed, browse to the location the file was saved to.
Double click DCUO_Beta_setup.exe to begin installation.
Select "Install" to install the software or "patcher" to the default directory (RECOMMENDED).
Once installation is complete, the patcher will automatically launch. An icon will be placed on your desktop for future use.
Enter your Station Name and password at the prompt and click "Log In".
If this is the first time running the Beta Software Patcher, you will be prompted to accept the Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Click "I Accept" if you agree to the terms of the agreement.
We have PC and PS3 beta keys, and you have 3 hours to enter! Contest begins now, 10 a.m. PST and ends at 1 p.m. PST (January 4).
How to enter:
Step 1: Change your avatar to one of the characters - need help? http://www.dcuniverseonline...
Step 2: Comment on this Blog telling me whether you'll be playing PC or PS3.
Nitty Gritty:
-All comments made with a DCUO character avatar before 1 p.m. PST today, January4, 2011 are entered to win a code.
-Code winners will be drawn at random and awarded this afternoon and winners will be PMed their code by 5:00 p.m. PST.
-Multiple comments do not get you additional entries, but they don't DQ you, either. You're just entered once.
_____________________________ _
Here are the instructions for the PC redemption process:
PC BETA DETAILS
***How to Get Into the Game***
In order to access the DC Universe Online Beta server, you will need to enter the Beta Key above onto your Station account by visiting www.dcuniverseonline.com and entering the key code in the box on the Home Page under the call-out “Redeem Your Code”. If you do not have a Station account you will need to create one by going to Station.com and clicking on the “Sign Up” button on the right end of the top navigation bar.
Once you have created a Station account and entered the key above, follow the steps below to obtain the appropriate files. You may download the appropriate installer from the following web address:
https://account.station.son...
To get into the game:
Enter the web address into your web browser.
Enter your Station Name and Password and click "Log In".
Click the "Download" button to start the download of the Beta Software “Patcher”.
When prompted, click "Save". You may save the file to a location of your choosing. The file is called DCUO_Beta_setup.exe.
Once the download has completed, browse to the location the file was saved to.
Double click DCUO_Beta_setup.exe to begin installation.
Select "Install" to install the software or "patcher" to the default directory (RECOMMENDED).
Once installation is complete, the patcher will automatically launch. An icon will be placed on your desktop for future use.
Enter your Station Name and password at the prompt and click "Log In".
If this is the first time running the Beta Software Patcher, you will be prompted to accept the Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Click "I Accept" if you agree to the terms of the agreement.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Be an E3 Correspondent
On our recent contest post ( http://n4g.com/user/blogpos...
) it was suggested that in a future contest N4G send someone to E3. We're not doing that this year, but Video Game Voters Network is!
http://videogamevoters.org/...
If you think you're good on camera, can talk passionately about games, and know how to interview people then they want you to create a two-minute audition video telling them why they should send as their insider correspondent to E3 2011.
They will be accepting video entries until midnight on April 25th.
Not sure you're up for entering but you know someone that would be great? You can peer pressure them: http://videogamevoters.org/...
) it was suggested that in a future contest N4G send someone to E3. We're not doing that this year, but Video Game Voters Network is!
http://videogamevoters.org/...
If you think you're good on camera, can talk passionately about games, and know how to interview people then they want you to create a two-minute audition video telling them why they should send as their insider correspondent to E3 2011.
They will be accepting video entries until midnight on April 25th.
Not sure you're up for entering but you know someone that would be great? You can peer pressure them: http://videogamevoters.org/...
Misinformation
User blog
My greatest battles are fought not over something you don't like about the Network, but over misinformation. I want as many of you as possible to have the correct information - because then, if you genuinely hate it, I have valuable feedback for the development team! Of course, some misinformation is more harmful than others.
I have become aware of a couple of situations where a member has posed as a member of staff, or as a soon-to-be member of staff, and used that as leverage over other members. I hope that this does not extend beyond the handful of instances I know have transpired. So what can I do to combat this? N4G and the NewsBoiler are huge communities, and try as we might there's just no effective way to get *everyone* to see the information I think they need to see, but here goes…
User roles are visible. If you visit a member's profile you will see at the top whether they are an Admin, Site Manager, Moderator, Contributor, Trainee or Member. You can view staff for the entire network here: http://forums.n4g.com/tm.as...
You know what roles aren't listed there or on member profiles? Possible Future Moderator, Maybe Admin, Someday Staffer. You know why? Because something that hasn't happened yet - and may never happen - is not helpful. Don't pretend to be a Moderator (you will be banned), don't tell people you're "practically" a Moderator (if you're saying that, you probably aren't), and for everyone else - N4G is user-driven, and time and again it has been proven that this means more than users submitting news. It means helpful regulars offering advice, tips and helping less informed members get the info they need and find the people they want to ask a question of. So if you really do want to become a Moderator, be helpful in those ways (and check out http://n4g.com/user/blogpos... ).
My greatest battles are fought not over something you don't like about the Network, but over misinformation. I want as many of you as possible to have the correct information - because then, if you genuinely hate it, I have valuable feedback for the development team! Of course, some misinformation is more harmful than others.
I have become aware of a couple of situations where a member has posed as a member of staff, or as a soon-to-be member of staff, and used that as leverage over other members. I hope that this does not extend beyond the handful of instances I know have transpired. So what can I do to combat this? N4G and the NewsBoiler are huge communities, and try as we might there's just no effective way to get *everyone* to see the information I think they need to see, but here goes…
User roles are visible. If you visit a member's profile you will see at the top whether they are an Admin, Site Manager, Moderator, Contributor, Trainee or Member. You can view staff for the entire network here: http://forums.n4g.com/tm.as...
You know what roles aren't listed there or on member profiles? Possible Future Moderator, Maybe Admin, Someday Staffer. You know why? Because something that hasn't happened yet - and may never happen - is not helpful. Don't pretend to be a Moderator (you will be banned), don't tell people you're "practically" a Moderator (if you're saying that, you probably aren't), and for everyone else - N4G is user-driven, and time and again it has been proven that this means more than users submitting news. It means helpful regulars offering advice, tips and helping less informed members get the info they need and find the people they want to ask a question of. So if you really do want to become a Moderator, be helpful in those ways (and check out http://n4g.com/user/blogpos... ).
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Fox News' Bias Against Video Games (pt.1)
In the several years I have spent on this website, I have seen many stories about attempts to censor video games in many countries. From seemingly censor happy Australia to the relatively censorship free United Kingdom, the world seems engulfed in a debate over the role of video games in society. Fortunately for American gamers, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declared video games to be protected under freedom of speech. This article (and accompanying video) will focus on attempts to demonize and censor video games in the United States. More specifically, we will be focusing on how Fox News repeatedly demonstrate an anti video game bias. This bias is shown by the guests that they have on the air, the "discussions" that Fox News employees have during their shows, and the numerous times that Fox has lied about video games. What lies you ask? Read on and watch the video to find out.
Fox is probably best known for the "Mass Effect sex scene scandal". This interview is included in the video, but the gist of it is that Fox anchors made up that the game featured a full sex scene that gamers were forced to play though. They claimed that the scene was interactive and showed full nudity. In reality, the sex scene was optional. Gamers had to follow a specific dialog tree in the game to access the scene. The scene was entirely in a cut-scene, and there was no interactivity at all. Finally, the ESRB would obviously rate the game AO if it had full nudity. The game featured some partial nudity, which is not at all unusual in games with an M rating (see God of War, GTA). The sensationalist title "se"xbox also does not help. Ironically games that actually do have interactive sex scenes (God of War series) have never been mentioned on Fox.
On the show Red Eye (also featured in the video) it becomes even more evident that Fox News anchors did very little research going into the show. One of the hostesses actually asks what happened to pinball and other classic arcade games, suggesting that she has missed every change in gaming after 1980. They seem to be entirely unaware that video games now commonly have a plot. This type of ignorance leads most of the people on the show to come to incredibly unrealistic conclusions about video games in general, with several suggesting bans.
This opinion piece and the video are all my work and/or protected under fair use. I decided to make this video and write this article because, despite the success of the recent court ruling in the US, many other countries in the world are facing censorship of video games. Even in the U.S. I fear that that battle over video games has not yet quite ended. People like Jack Thompson are unlikely to give up in their endeavors, especially when they are paid so well to do what they do. I hope that my articles and video will continue to inform people about this issue, as gamers around the world must come together to stop groups who wish to slander or censor video games.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhxRjih_Ejc&feature=related
Fox is probably best known for the "Mass Effect sex scene scandal". This interview is included in the video, but the gist of it is that Fox anchors made up that the game featured a full sex scene that gamers were forced to play though. They claimed that the scene was interactive and showed full nudity. In reality, the sex scene was optional. Gamers had to follow a specific dialog tree in the game to access the scene. The scene was entirely in a cut-scene, and there was no interactivity at all. Finally, the ESRB would obviously rate the game AO if it had full nudity. The game featured some partial nudity, which is not at all unusual in games with an M rating (see God of War, GTA). The sensationalist title "se"xbox also does not help. Ironically games that actually do have interactive sex scenes (God of War series) have never been mentioned on Fox.
On the show Red Eye (also featured in the video) it becomes even more evident that Fox News anchors did very little research going into the show. One of the hostesses actually asks what happened to pinball and other classic arcade games, suggesting that she has missed every change in gaming after 1980. They seem to be entirely unaware that video games now commonly have a plot. This type of ignorance leads most of the people on the show to come to incredibly unrealistic conclusions about video games in general, with several suggesting bans.
This opinion piece and the video are all my work and/or protected under fair use. I decided to make this video and write this article because, despite the success of the recent court ruling in the US, many other countries in the world are facing censorship of video games. Even in the U.S. I fear that that battle over video games has not yet quite ended. People like Jack Thompson are unlikely to give up in their endeavors, especially when they are paid so well to do what they do. I hope that my articles and video will continue to inform people about this issue, as gamers around the world must come together to stop groups who wish to slander or censor video games.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhxRjih_Ejc&feature=related
Multi-Player vs. Single-Player
What was once just a highly-craved, welcomed add-on tacked on to a game designed to be played by an individual at a time, has now manifested into a popular, ever-expanding feature practically deemed necessary by gamers and some developers for a game to be considered adequate. Entire libraries can be filled talking and touting all the intricacies and details that entails how, when, where and on what game should such a feature be implemented toward. Some feel every game should come equipped with it while others feel none should at all. A delicate yet stern, resounding integration of this feature is pertinent in establishing a stronghold on a developers fanbase, revenue, rapport and overall stance in the gaming industry. If decided to be put to use, how well a developer executes this feature ultimately defines who they are and who their target audience is. If by now you haven't a clue at what I'm hinting at, I'm referring to gaming's new backbone--Multiplayer.
How is it then, that of which was once just an extension of a self-sustained experience, have now come to be a veritable triumph in its own right? When said out loud, the word alone--"Multi-player& quot ; -- should immediately send the readers mind down a tunnel of unmeasurable, almost unattainable possibilities. Those of which can only be achieved by a platform that allows a user to control the outcome of a scenario ( a video game in essence), and doubles it. Whatever was happening in your game, can now be done by another, sometimes simultaneously. Yes, Multiplayer, or the act of playing a game with another user, can be enjoyed and experienced in a multitude of ways. Today, developers offer gamers the ability to team up with other players on the same screen or in a different time zone. They can also annihilate that very same person, often times within the same game. The possibilities are almost limitless. When attempting to grasp the massive potential to be harnessed by the concept, it almost proves fruitless to imagine another entity that can stand against it. Yet, one exists. It has always and continues to dwell, if even ever more so gallantly.
Its tough to imagine an activity thats so engaging and empathetic, that when its experienced by anyone else besides the user at the time its happening, it actually loses its worth. A technique that was designed to make a game more fun by adding more users into the experience, actually taints the experience when additional users are forced into it. Many gamers feel adding co-op to a game, limits the impact of the campaign by forcing other gamers to be involve in the story. The Single Player experience thrives off its ability to concentrate all of its resources into delivering an unadulterated experience designed to only affect a single individual at a time. Imagine if a movie was directed by two different people. However similar these different directors viewpoints on the plot of the movie may be, its hard to imagine the movie being completed as it would have originally been, had one person directed it. This isn't bad in the least, however it is highly improbable for two individuals to respond the same exact way emotionally to every scene. Much like a movie in its production phase, a Single Player game being played is only truly recognized for its brilliance if one individual controls the outcome of the product in the way he/she sees fit. Anything designed that's so desperately dependent on the emotional attachment of the user to the product via its storyline, gameplay, length, entertainment value, visual fidelity and musical scores, can only be understood as the result of a person or group of individuals, who understand the value of the human beings ability to understand a person's vision. It is because of this notion, Single Player games are both held on high pedestals and remain so popular. When the ideology is finally realized, it becomes very easy to understand why Single-Player games are in a league of their own.
If we're to assume that this is all true, then which experience remains the better of the two? Unfortunately, this question can't be answered by conventional means. Anyone of us in here can go on for days as to why each respective component is better than the other. Not before long, we'll come to the inevitable conclusion this subject isn't as black and white as we'd hoped it'll be. To truly find out which component of gaming reigns supreme, we have to come into terms with how trends work. This is the only true way to coming as close to a solid conclusion as anyone can hope for. There's a great debate ready to be tried with the subject matter at hand for those who wish to undertake the task in finding out which is better. However, I personally believe that to even begin to understand the overlying point that is present in a case such as this, is to look towards the status quo.
The state of the gaming industry is seldom in a standstill. Most times it's pretty useless to use it's current performance as a means of providing solid proof in any case. There is in one instance however, where the industry's constant fluctuation plays a vital role in supporting a case. That is when the case is proving what's hot and why? It's as simple as that. Only in an industry such as this, can a feature/game/graphic style/genre/etc reign for years at a time and then suddenly, overnight, become superfluous. This is the case with the "What's more important/better, Single Player or Multiplayer" debate. As it stands, both can exist successfully as their own embodiments. However, only a developer who implements both features inside of a game whose very SP/MP components compliment each other so well and transition between each other so seamlessly, reserves the right to be accredited a winner. Many titles execute this technique very well in fact. Isn't it ironic? In an age where mere components that once couldn't exist without each other, are now only regarded as great when they exist within each other? This says much more about the games we play and the gamers who play them, then it ever could about the components themselves.
As it stands, Multiplayer now lives as its own entity in the gaming universe. It has emerged and to many, evolved further than its Single Player counterpart ever could have hoped to. Entire, fully-priced games are being designed around Multiplayer alone and the general "hardcore" consensus leans towards multiplayer based games, over single player campaigns. Suffice it to say, games that ONLY include MP are generally priced at $39.99 USD....which leaves one wondering about its integrity in the industry. Now so more than ever are Multiplayer components (meaning some sort of multi-user gameplay) being implementing into games whom which were once designed to just deliver a single-player experience. Many gamers feel the forcing of this application is where the problem lies. Its difficult to determine if a game could've been better or worst with or without multiplayer added to it. Much like its difficult to tell if a song would've been as great if it did or didn't have that artist guest featured on the track. Declaring a winner on a subject as grand as this has little chance of succeeding by simply referring to one article's perspective. C'est la vie. Alas, this is just one observers attempt to understand what's at hand. I have my viewpoints, as you have yours and we both have our preferences. However, to get involved means to be support what you stand for, so do so by continuing to support the games and developers that generate the titles that you find deliver the respective features that are the most entertaining
How is it then, that of which was once just an extension of a self-sustained experience, have now come to be a veritable triumph in its own right? When said out loud, the word alone--"Multi-player& quot ; -- should immediately send the readers mind down a tunnel of unmeasurable, almost unattainable possibilities. Those of which can only be achieved by a platform that allows a user to control the outcome of a scenario ( a video game in essence), and doubles it. Whatever was happening in your game, can now be done by another, sometimes simultaneously. Yes, Multiplayer, or the act of playing a game with another user, can be enjoyed and experienced in a multitude of ways. Today, developers offer gamers the ability to team up with other players on the same screen or in a different time zone. They can also annihilate that very same person, often times within the same game. The possibilities are almost limitless. When attempting to grasp the massive potential to be harnessed by the concept, it almost proves fruitless to imagine another entity that can stand against it. Yet, one exists. It has always and continues to dwell, if even ever more so gallantly.
Its tough to imagine an activity thats so engaging and empathetic, that when its experienced by anyone else besides the user at the time its happening, it actually loses its worth. A technique that was designed to make a game more fun by adding more users into the experience, actually taints the experience when additional users are forced into it. Many gamers feel adding co-op to a game, limits the impact of the campaign by forcing other gamers to be involve in the story. The Single Player experience thrives off its ability to concentrate all of its resources into delivering an unadulterated experience designed to only affect a single individual at a time. Imagine if a movie was directed by two different people. However similar these different directors viewpoints on the plot of the movie may be, its hard to imagine the movie being completed as it would have originally been, had one person directed it. This isn't bad in the least, however it is highly improbable for two individuals to respond the same exact way emotionally to every scene. Much like a movie in its production phase, a Single Player game being played is only truly recognized for its brilliance if one individual controls the outcome of the product in the way he/she sees fit. Anything designed that's so desperately dependent on the emotional attachment of the user to the product via its storyline, gameplay, length, entertainment value, visual fidelity and musical scores, can only be understood as the result of a person or group of individuals, who understand the value of the human beings ability to understand a person's vision. It is because of this notion, Single Player games are both held on high pedestals and remain so popular. When the ideology is finally realized, it becomes very easy to understand why Single-Player games are in a league of their own.
If we're to assume that this is all true, then which experience remains the better of the two? Unfortunately, this question can't be answered by conventional means. Anyone of us in here can go on for days as to why each respective component is better than the other. Not before long, we'll come to the inevitable conclusion this subject isn't as black and white as we'd hoped it'll be. To truly find out which component of gaming reigns supreme, we have to come into terms with how trends work. This is the only true way to coming as close to a solid conclusion as anyone can hope for. There's a great debate ready to be tried with the subject matter at hand for those who wish to undertake the task in finding out which is better. However, I personally believe that to even begin to understand the overlying point that is present in a case such as this, is to look towards the status quo.
The state of the gaming industry is seldom in a standstill. Most times it's pretty useless to use it's current performance as a means of providing solid proof in any case. There is in one instance however, where the industry's constant fluctuation plays a vital role in supporting a case. That is when the case is proving what's hot and why? It's as simple as that. Only in an industry such as this, can a feature/game/graphic style/genre/etc reign for years at a time and then suddenly, overnight, become superfluous. This is the case with the "What's more important/better, Single Player or Multiplayer" debate. As it stands, both can exist successfully as their own embodiments. However, only a developer who implements both features inside of a game whose very SP/MP components compliment each other so well and transition between each other so seamlessly, reserves the right to be accredited a winner. Many titles execute this technique very well in fact. Isn't it ironic? In an age where mere components that once couldn't exist without each other, are now only regarded as great when they exist within each other? This says much more about the games we play and the gamers who play them, then it ever could about the components themselves.
As it stands, Multiplayer now lives as its own entity in the gaming universe. It has emerged and to many, evolved further than its Single Player counterpart ever could have hoped to. Entire, fully-priced games are being designed around Multiplayer alone and the general "hardcore" consensus leans towards multiplayer based games, over single player campaigns. Suffice it to say, games that ONLY include MP are generally priced at $39.99 USD....which leaves one wondering about its integrity in the industry. Now so more than ever are Multiplayer components (meaning some sort of multi-user gameplay) being implementing into games whom which were once designed to just deliver a single-player experience. Many gamers feel the forcing of this application is where the problem lies. Its difficult to determine if a game could've been better or worst with or without multiplayer added to it. Much like its difficult to tell if a song would've been as great if it did or didn't have that artist guest featured on the track. Declaring a winner on a subject as grand as this has little chance of succeeding by simply referring to one article's perspective. C'est la vie. Alas, this is just one observers attempt to understand what's at hand. I have my viewpoints, as you have yours and we both have our preferences. However, to get involved means to be support what you stand for, so do so by continuing to support the games and developers that generate the titles that you find deliver the respective features that are the most entertaining
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
What's going on in Japan?
I believe the title says it all. Japan was once the "IT" country when it comes to games. But now North America has blown them completely out of the water when it comes to game development. Japan were the kings of the RPG genre (JRPG's) and Action/Adventure games, but now little of anything worthwhile comes out of Japan. We're lucky to get 2 - 3 good games a year out of Japan, and I just don't understand what's going on over there.
There are the Big 3, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Of the 3 Sony and Nintendo are Japanese based companies, but most of Sony's content is now developed in the North America and European regions of their company, with little from SCJ making it's way over to the Americas. Is their contend coming to Japan only. Nintendo the house of Mario actually makes less of their franchises than you would think. A quick look at your Wii games will show you that Nintendo does a lot of outsourcing with their properties doing a good amount of business in you guessed it North America and Europe, but the Big N does keep most of their big franchises in house.
This bring me to the next group of developers/publishers. In North America we have EA and Activision, with newcomers trying to compete and doing a great job (Bethesda, Take-Two, and THQ to name a few). Japan's big wigs (excluding Nintendo and Sony) would be Capcom, Square Enix, Sega, Namco, and to a lesser extent Konami and Team Ninja (Konami makes one of gaming's best franchises, but what else).
Capcom has been hit or miss this gen. Standouts include Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Super Street Fighter 4, Monster Hunter, and Megaman arcade games. But Capcom has also had quite a few duds this gen sales wise, review wise, and fan wise. Dark Void, Bionic Commando, Devil May Cry 4 and the reboot, Lost Planet, and Resident Evil 5 were all big games for Capcom that wither fell flat sales wise, had poor review score, or upset fans in some kind of way. But the worst thing Capcom has done was giving fans the reach around. Capcom has been notorious this generation with DLC and re-releasing games over and over and over again (I'm looking at you Street Fighter 4). This kind of business practice will run any fan's loyalty into the ground, and Capcom needs to rethink things before doing it anymore than they already have. But that's not what this blog is about. This about game, and with Capcom like the rest of Japan there are tons of them missing. A quick skim through of what Capcom made during the previous generation and what they've made so far this gen is just sad. Where is Onimusha, Viewtiful Joe, Okami 2, Maximo, Darkwatch 2, Clock Tower, Capcom vs. SNK, Namco vs. Capcom 2, Strider 3, Dino Crisis 3, Darkstalkers, and Power Stone? All these franchises that you had where are they now. We're stuck in an endless mass of sequels and now is the time for something new or a reboot of a franchise that hasn't seen the light of day in over 6 years. Even if the games are released as PSN/XBLA titles just give us something NEW, and something new from Japan
Square Enix. You guys sucked hard this gen. I don't know what's going on over there, but you need to get your business in order. Having to wait 4 years for the first Final Fantasy was absolutely ridiculous, especially for it to turn out to be a bit underwhelming. The JRPG's released thus far have been B material at best. We still don't have FF13 vs., we still don't have FF13 PSP (move it over to NGP now), we still don't have Kingdom Hearts 3, we still don't have FF7 remake (not confirmed, but goodness they need all the help they can get) I mean what are you guys doing. Were you not ready for this gen, are you one of the developers who aren't ready for the PS4 and Nextbox? A look at the games they've made thus far for next gen console is absolutely abysmal and makes Capcom's look amazing by comparison. 90% of Sqaure's games have been made for Nintendo DS and PS2 with PSP just now getting some love after becoming really popular in Japan. With the information from that last sentence it's clear to see Sqaure's in it for the $$$, because they're not making games games for console that's for sure. It's a good thing they bought Edios, because now they have some games that look good.......wait that's Sqaure Enix Europe :(
Sega. Sega has been down and out in the dirt for a long time now. It seemed liked nothing was going their way, and they couldn't make a good game to save their lives. But along comes Platinum studios and with them Sega got they magic back.....somewhat. Sega has held the fort down for Japanese gaming, which is shocking considering has badly they were being talked about what a couple of years ago. But enough of the past with Bayonetta, Vanquished, and MadWorld under their wings (thanks solely to Platinum games) Sega has obtained a nice set of NEW POTENTIAL FRANCHISES. They've also developed highly praised Tactical-RPG Valkyria Chronicles, the well received Yakuza franchise, and theire finally pumping out some good Sonic games. Now all we need is a real Golden Axe, a new Virtua Fighter, Shinobi, Crazy Taxi, Shenmue, Panzer Dragoon, and whatever else you can pull out of there. Oh and give Platinum games any and everything they want since they're the best you have. As a matter of fact tell them to make the next Shinobi game. Oh and stop making those crappy movie games, I sure you trick some poor ignorant fool into buying them, but doesn't it hurt your soul to sell that trash to someone....it should, it should.
Namco. You guys are in the same boat as Capcom, maybe a little better. Namco has really had a lot of bad games, but they haven't had anything really good either. After a quick overview of all the games/franchises you have I can see you don't really have much to reboot either. You guys need some new franchise and bad. I liked Enslaved, Tekken 6 was OK, Soul Calibur 4 was OK, and Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 was pretty good, but there's nothing AAA in your library at all. You guys need to hire some people with big ideas and soon.
Konami. So now Kojima's pretty much calling the shots, since he's working on a new engine, has what 3 studios now, and working on MGS HD Collection, ZOE Collection, MGS Rising, a new IP, Contra, and that game about that Immortal guy. That's all I can ask for from you guys since most of your other stuff isn't geared towards me. I guess Suikoden 5, a good Silent Hill, and start working on expanding and getting some new IP's under your belt.
Team Ninja. WE'll see how you do without Itagaki, and with teh new Ninja Gaiden before I comment on you guys. So far you've been in the fame boat as Namco, but far worse. All you have is Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. It's time to work on some new franchises, and start working on more projects (but leave the writing and storytelling to the original IP owners "Metroid Other M"), most importantly hire some screenwriters and build a new engine.
The best way to sum this up is with this statistic Japan owned 50% of the game market share, now they only own a mere 10%. So Japan wake, because we need you and we need you to innovate with some brand new
There are the Big 3, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Of the 3 Sony and Nintendo are Japanese based companies, but most of Sony's content is now developed in the North America and European regions of their company, with little from SCJ making it's way over to the Americas. Is their contend coming to Japan only. Nintendo the house of Mario actually makes less of their franchises than you would think. A quick look at your Wii games will show you that Nintendo does a lot of outsourcing with their properties doing a good amount of business in you guessed it North America and Europe, but the Big N does keep most of their big franchises in house.
This bring me to the next group of developers/publishers. In North America we have EA and Activision, with newcomers trying to compete and doing a great job (Bethesda, Take-Two, and THQ to name a few). Japan's big wigs (excluding Nintendo and Sony) would be Capcom, Square Enix, Sega, Namco, and to a lesser extent Konami and Team Ninja (Konami makes one of gaming's best franchises, but what else).
Capcom has been hit or miss this gen. Standouts include Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Super Street Fighter 4, Monster Hunter, and Megaman arcade games. But Capcom has also had quite a few duds this gen sales wise, review wise, and fan wise. Dark Void, Bionic Commando, Devil May Cry 4 and the reboot, Lost Planet, and Resident Evil 5 were all big games for Capcom that wither fell flat sales wise, had poor review score, or upset fans in some kind of way. But the worst thing Capcom has done was giving fans the reach around. Capcom has been notorious this generation with DLC and re-releasing games over and over and over again (I'm looking at you Street Fighter 4). This kind of business practice will run any fan's loyalty into the ground, and Capcom needs to rethink things before doing it anymore than they already have. But that's not what this blog is about. This about game, and with Capcom like the rest of Japan there are tons of them missing. A quick skim through of what Capcom made during the previous generation and what they've made so far this gen is just sad. Where is Onimusha, Viewtiful Joe, Okami 2, Maximo, Darkwatch 2, Clock Tower, Capcom vs. SNK, Namco vs. Capcom 2, Strider 3, Dino Crisis 3, Darkstalkers, and Power Stone? All these franchises that you had where are they now. We're stuck in an endless mass of sequels and now is the time for something new or a reboot of a franchise that hasn't seen the light of day in over 6 years. Even if the games are released as PSN/XBLA titles just give us something NEW, and something new from Japan
Square Enix. You guys sucked hard this gen. I don't know what's going on over there, but you need to get your business in order. Having to wait 4 years for the first Final Fantasy was absolutely ridiculous, especially for it to turn out to be a bit underwhelming. The JRPG's released thus far have been B material at best. We still don't have FF13 vs., we still don't have FF13 PSP (move it over to NGP now), we still don't have Kingdom Hearts 3, we still don't have FF7 remake (not confirmed, but goodness they need all the help they can get) I mean what are you guys doing. Were you not ready for this gen, are you one of the developers who aren't ready for the PS4 and Nextbox? A look at the games they've made thus far for next gen console is absolutely abysmal and makes Capcom's look amazing by comparison. 90% of Sqaure's games have been made for Nintendo DS and PS2 with PSP just now getting some love after becoming really popular in Japan. With the information from that last sentence it's clear to see Sqaure's in it for the $$$, because they're not making games games for console that's for sure. It's a good thing they bought Edios, because now they have some games that look good.......wait that's Sqaure Enix Europe :(
Sega. Sega has been down and out in the dirt for a long time now. It seemed liked nothing was going their way, and they couldn't make a good game to save their lives. But along comes Platinum studios and with them Sega got they magic back.....somewhat. Sega has held the fort down for Japanese gaming, which is shocking considering has badly they were being talked about what a couple of years ago. But enough of the past with Bayonetta, Vanquished, and MadWorld under their wings (thanks solely to Platinum games) Sega has obtained a nice set of NEW POTENTIAL FRANCHISES. They've also developed highly praised Tactical-RPG Valkyria Chronicles, the well received Yakuza franchise, and theire finally pumping out some good Sonic games. Now all we need is a real Golden Axe, a new Virtua Fighter, Shinobi, Crazy Taxi, Shenmue, Panzer Dragoon, and whatever else you can pull out of there. Oh and give Platinum games any and everything they want since they're the best you have. As a matter of fact tell them to make the next Shinobi game. Oh and stop making those crappy movie games, I sure you trick some poor ignorant fool into buying them, but doesn't it hurt your soul to sell that trash to someone....it should, it should.
Namco. You guys are in the same boat as Capcom, maybe a little better. Namco has really had a lot of bad games, but they haven't had anything really good either. After a quick overview of all the games/franchises you have I can see you don't really have much to reboot either. You guys need some new franchise and bad. I liked Enslaved, Tekken 6 was OK, Soul Calibur 4 was OK, and Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 was pretty good, but there's nothing AAA in your library at all. You guys need to hire some people with big ideas and soon.
Konami. So now Kojima's pretty much calling the shots, since he's working on a new engine, has what 3 studios now, and working on MGS HD Collection, ZOE Collection, MGS Rising, a new IP, Contra, and that game about that Immortal guy. That's all I can ask for from you guys since most of your other stuff isn't geared towards me. I guess Suikoden 5, a good Silent Hill, and start working on expanding and getting some new IP's under your belt.
Team Ninja. WE'll see how you do without Itagaki, and with teh new Ninja Gaiden before I comment on you guys. So far you've been in the fame boat as Namco, but far worse. All you have is Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. It's time to work on some new franchises, and start working on more projects (but leave the writing and storytelling to the original IP owners "Metroid Other M"), most importantly hire some screenwriters and build a new engine.
The best way to sum this up is with this statistic Japan owned 50% of the game market share, now they only own a mere 10%. So Japan wake, because we need you and we need you to innovate with some brand new
Wii U GPU rumors, and PS4 and Nextbox rumors
Well the rumor is the Wii U is running an AMD 770 GPU, and it looks like those rumors might be absolutely true.
A stroll over to AMD website will show a list of all the HD cards they have right now. You can look at the specifications of each card, and there's a very consistent rundown of each card......except the 700 series (excluding the 790). It doesn't show how much RAM is in the card or the Engine Clock for the 700 series, but the information can be found on EVERY other card series.
http://www.amd.com/us/produ...
Hum, sounds fishy.
There are 3 cards in the 700 series. The lower end 750, the mid tier 770, and the high end 790. From the looks of the three it seems Nintendo is deciding on whether they should go with the 750 or 770. One thing to notice is that these cards support DX11, so the Wii U may very well sport some high end graphics if the consoles CPU, Memory, and HDD are as capable as the GPU.
What do you guys think? Is the 700 series enough?
To me it's more than enough with what Nintendo plans to do with it, and for Nintendo's franchises. Although the GPU is already a generation behind (actually 2, but the 900 series is way too much right now), and it's age is going to show even more by the time the console actually launches. Also with PC upgrading each year and a PS4 and Nextbox rolling out not to far from it's release Nintendo is going to have a hard time trying to keep the 3rd party support that it seems like it's going to have at least early on. But as shown with the Wii all that doesn't matter. Nintendo is trying to carve out their own little world, and more than likely 3rd games will make their way to the Wii U thanks to a similar interface as the 3DS and PS Vita. The GPU is also enough, because Nintendo doesn't have any franchise that really need to push the graphical barrier except maybe Zelda (as it was demonstrated) and Metorid, everything else not so much. What Nintendo games would benefit most from with this new GPU is allowing game developers to make larger game worlds for better exploration (will Pokefan finally get their POkemon MMO?).
But this brings me to my thought. How much are these consoles going to cost. The 700 series GPU retails for around $150 on AMD's website, but a quick peak at wholesale sites has the GPU listed for just over $100 (750 = $105, 770 = $120). Either way that's expensive considering Nintendo standards, so a $250 Wii U is out the Wii-ndow (get it, oh well). A $250 price for the Wii U was gone as soon as Nintendo decided to sell a $250 3DS (which I still don't get to this day, it should be $199 at the most, and it's not like $50 is that big of a deal, but $250 is an ugly number to look at for what is practically considered a children's toy). My guess is this thing is going to be at least $349 upon release which based off what it has, $349 isn't as bad as it may seem, but $400 is too much (again with the $50 difference). Once again this leads me to a bigger question.
What kind of GPU is the PS4 and Nextbox going to use, and how much are those consoles going to cost. A $600 console would be doom for either Sony or MS, and they're going to try their best to prevent it. But if they really want to leap forward like they did with the previous generation they're going to have to use 900 series card with the lowest being priced at over $200 and the highest reaching almost $800 (4GB version), and I don't even want to think what the rumored 7000 series is going to cost O_o
(Just in case you don't know they are on the 6000 series which means the Big N is using a 6770/6750).
So it's safe to say we won't be seeing a PS4 or Nextbox until Nov. 2012 at the earliest, but more than likely 2013 no later than 2014. And if they come out in 2013 then they should be around the $400 - $500 price range, but should be sporting a fairly powerful GPU that will be a generation behind :) by that time, so is it really that much different from the Wii U whose GPU will probably be 4 generation behind even the the console would only be 1 year old......nevermind that. Just enjoy what you get.
A stroll over to AMD website will show a list of all the HD cards they have right now. You can look at the specifications of each card, and there's a very consistent rundown of each card......except the 700 series (excluding the 790). It doesn't show how much RAM is in the card or the Engine Clock for the 700 series, but the information can be found on EVERY other card series.
http://www.amd.com/us/produ...
Hum, sounds fishy.
There are 3 cards in the 700 series. The lower end 750, the mid tier 770, and the high end 790. From the looks of the three it seems Nintendo is deciding on whether they should go with the 750 or 770. One thing to notice is that these cards support DX11, so the Wii U may very well sport some high end graphics if the consoles CPU, Memory, and HDD are as capable as the GPU.
What do you guys think? Is the 700 series enough?
To me it's more than enough with what Nintendo plans to do with it, and for Nintendo's franchises. Although the GPU is already a generation behind (actually 2, but the 900 series is way too much right now), and it's age is going to show even more by the time the console actually launches. Also with PC upgrading each year and a PS4 and Nextbox rolling out not to far from it's release Nintendo is going to have a hard time trying to keep the 3rd party support that it seems like it's going to have at least early on. But as shown with the Wii all that doesn't matter. Nintendo is trying to carve out their own little world, and more than likely 3rd games will make their way to the Wii U thanks to a similar interface as the 3DS and PS Vita. The GPU is also enough, because Nintendo doesn't have any franchise that really need to push the graphical barrier except maybe Zelda (as it was demonstrated) and Metorid, everything else not so much. What Nintendo games would benefit most from with this new GPU is allowing game developers to make larger game worlds for better exploration (will Pokefan finally get their POkemon MMO?).
But this brings me to my thought. How much are these consoles going to cost. The 700 series GPU retails for around $150 on AMD's website, but a quick peak at wholesale sites has the GPU listed for just over $100 (750 = $105, 770 = $120). Either way that's expensive considering Nintendo standards, so a $250 Wii U is out the Wii-ndow (get it, oh well). A $250 price for the Wii U was gone as soon as Nintendo decided to sell a $250 3DS (which I still don't get to this day, it should be $199 at the most, and it's not like $50 is that big of a deal, but $250 is an ugly number to look at for what is practically considered a children's toy). My guess is this thing is going to be at least $349 upon release which based off what it has, $349 isn't as bad as it may seem, but $400 is too much (again with the $50 difference). Once again this leads me to a bigger question.
What kind of GPU is the PS4 and Nextbox going to use, and how much are those consoles going to cost. A $600 console would be doom for either Sony or MS, and they're going to try their best to prevent it. But if they really want to leap forward like they did with the previous generation they're going to have to use 900 series card with the lowest being priced at over $200 and the highest reaching almost $800 (4GB version), and I don't even want to think what the rumored 7000 series is going to cost O_o
(Just in case you don't know they are on the 6000 series which means the Big N is using a 6770/6750).
So it's safe to say we won't be seeing a PS4 or Nextbox until Nov. 2012 at the earliest, but more than likely 2013 no later than 2014. And if they come out in 2013 then they should be around the $400 - $500 price range, but should be sporting a fairly powerful GPU that will be a generation behind :) by that time, so is it really that much different from the Wii U whose GPU will probably be 4 generation behind even the the console would only be 1 year old......nevermind that. Just enjoy what you get.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry 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.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
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.
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!
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Adult Swim Games Arcade brings some shock and awe to Facebook
Robot Unicorn Attack -- the most magical game of all time -- and its darker twin, Heavy Metal, now have company as their developer, Adult Swim Games, has finally decided to launch a stable of their games on Facebook yesterday.
Adult Swim, a cable network (on the same channel as the Cartoon Network) known for dozens of high-quality absurdist and shock comedy shows, runs a games portal that houses over a hundred absurdist and shock comedy online games. (However, there's no overlap between the two in terms of content. That is, you're not going to get a Robot Unicorn Attack show, or a Venture Bros. game, no matter how badly you want one.) Now a fraction of that portal is accessible via Facebook.
To give you an idea of what you'll be walking into, they've got titles like "Five Minutes to Kill Yourself Wedding Day", "Amateur Surgeon", "Pole Dance Party", "Death Row Diner", and "Radioactive Teddy Bear Zombies". Of course, Robot Unicorn Attack is also there, but it's only linked there, since it was released last September as a separate app.
Adult Swim Games Arcade view all games
This new arcade app currently contains 21 games categorized along 6 genres: Action, Adventure, Twitchy, Shooter, Puzzle, and Classic. If you're wondering what "Twitchy" means, it describes games where reaction time is of utmost importance.
Adult Swim Games arcade
Unlike your usual new Facebook game launch, all of these games have stood the test of time on the Adult Swim Games website. However, the arcade app itself is currently in beta, so if something breaks or you've got a kerfuffle, shoot them an email at games@adultswim.com.
Click here to play Adult Swim Games Arcade on Facebook now >
Do you find Adult Swim Games disturbing or awesome? Have you ever seen an Adult Swim show? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
Adult Swim, a cable network (on the same channel as the Cartoon Network) known for dozens of high-quality absurdist and shock comedy shows, runs a games portal that houses over a hundred absurdist and shock comedy online games. (However, there's no overlap between the two in terms of content. That is, you're not going to get a Robot Unicorn Attack show, or a Venture Bros. game, no matter how badly you want one.) Now a fraction of that portal is accessible via Facebook.
To give you an idea of what you'll be walking into, they've got titles like "Five Minutes to Kill Yourself Wedding Day", "Amateur Surgeon", "Pole Dance Party", "Death Row Diner", and "Radioactive Teddy Bear Zombies". Of course, Robot Unicorn Attack is also there, but it's only linked there, since it was released last September as a separate app.
Adult Swim Games Arcade view all games
This new arcade app currently contains 21 games categorized along 6 genres: Action, Adventure, Twitchy, Shooter, Puzzle, and Classic. If you're wondering what "Twitchy" means, it describes games where reaction time is of utmost importance.
Adult Swim Games arcade
Unlike your usual new Facebook game launch, all of these games have stood the test of time on the Adult Swim Games website. However, the arcade app itself is currently in beta, so if something breaks or you've got a kerfuffle, shoot them an email at games@adultswim.com.
Click here to play Adult Swim Games Arcade on Facebook now >
Do you find Adult Swim Games disturbing or awesome? Have you ever seen an Adult Swim show? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
Kixeye's War Commander blasts onto Facebook for all to conquer
Hardcore gamers have established a beachhead on Facebook, and now can make their next offensive in War Commander. The next social strategy game by San Francisco-based Kixeye has entered public beta is now live and available for all would-be commanders on Facebook to dominate with. The game isn't a far cry from the studio's previous efforts, except for one thing.
Players can finally control individual units on the battle field in real time as they slaughter enemy units and demolish buildings. Clearly inspired by traditional strategy staples like Command and Conquer on the PC, War Commander continues the developer's tradition of real time gameplay with asynchronous interaction between friends ... or enemies.
Based on our time trying out the game's closed beta test, our very own Brandy Shaul found attacking and defending bases to be a largely passive experience, regardless of whether you can now directly control units. Personally, I find the choice to decide which unit gets fired at first by enemy defense turrets a strategic boost, though a small one.
Regardless, this marks Kixeye's next step in its ultimate goal to bring a true RTS (real time strategy) experience to Facebook, Kixeye CEO Will Harbin told VentureBeat. "It's the most advanced strategy game ever created for Facebook," Harbin said. "We're getting closer and closer to real-time strategy titles that you've seen on the PC."
Gallery: War Commander on Facebook
Based on my brief experience with the game, War Commander suffers from brief lag issues at the moment, with intermittent pauses during gameplay. However, Kixeye appears to be hard at work on optimizing the game already. (It is in "open beta," after all.) "We're learning from the past and optimizing the code base more and more," Harbin told VentureBeat.
While Kixeye mentioned that it's "waiting for an onslaught of competition" that it has yet to see, the company does have one worthy opponent that it has already exchanged stern words with over its most recent release, Kabam and Edgeworld. We're sure this rivalry is far from over, so why not check the latest traded blow right now?
Click here to play War Commander on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of hardcore strategy games on Facebook? Regardless, what do you think of the growing hardcore scene on the platform traditionally dominated by mothers and other casual players? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Players can finally control individual units on the battle field in real time as they slaughter enemy units and demolish buildings. Clearly inspired by traditional strategy staples like Command and Conquer on the PC, War Commander continues the developer's tradition of real time gameplay with asynchronous interaction between friends ... or enemies.
Based on our time trying out the game's closed beta test, our very own Brandy Shaul found attacking and defending bases to be a largely passive experience, regardless of whether you can now directly control units. Personally, I find the choice to decide which unit gets fired at first by enemy defense turrets a strategic boost, though a small one.
Regardless, this marks Kixeye's next step in its ultimate goal to bring a true RTS (real time strategy) experience to Facebook, Kixeye CEO Will Harbin told VentureBeat. "It's the most advanced strategy game ever created for Facebook," Harbin said. "We're getting closer and closer to real-time strategy titles that you've seen on the PC."
Gallery: War Commander on Facebook
Based on my brief experience with the game, War Commander suffers from brief lag issues at the moment, with intermittent pauses during gameplay. However, Kixeye appears to be hard at work on optimizing the game already. (It is in "open beta," after all.) "We're learning from the past and optimizing the code base more and more," Harbin told VentureBeat.
While Kixeye mentioned that it's "waiting for an onslaught of competition" that it has yet to see, the company does have one worthy opponent that it has already exchanged stern words with over its most recent release, Kabam and Edgeworld. We're sure this rivalry is far from over, so why not check the latest traded blow right now?
Click here to play War Commander on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of hardcore strategy games on Facebook? Regardless, what do you think of the growing hardcore scene on the platform traditionally dominated by mothers and other casual players? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
No More Heroes creator to spit out three more Mobage social games
And only one of which will actually involve grasshoppers. Grasshopper Manufacture, the Japanese developer responsible for stylish, gory hardcore games like No More Heroes, revealed just before the Tokyo Game Show that it will release three mobile social games through the now-global Mobage network, Kotaku reports.
The first game to be released internationally under this new deal between the developer and DeNA, which runs the Mobage network with recent acquisition ngmoco, is Frog Minutes. The game already released in Japan back in March, so this will likely just be a localized version for Mobage on Android phones in the U.S. and abroad.
In Frog Minutes, players disturb parts of a forest scene to stir up various insects and feed them to frogs. The more quickly players do this, the higher their score will climb, it seems. Ribbeting, isn't it? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Not much was revealed about Grasshopper Manufacture's other two Mobage projects other than their titles: Humans vs Zombies and Alien Busters.
The developer plans to show more of those games at a later date, according to Kotaku. Grasshopper Manufacture is placing big bets on social games with a mobile social version of No More Heroes, which designer Suda 51 said he hopes it will be bloodiest social game around.
While it's interesting to see a Japanese developer known for taking risks with unique games major consoles that (unfortunately) sell poorly hop into the low-risk, high-profit world of social gaming, it wasn't hard to see this one coming. And considering the effect social games has had on traditional American developers, we doubt this is the last news like this we'll hear from Japan.
Are you excited to see Grasshopper Manufacture go full-bore into social gaming? What other Japanese developers do you expect to see enter the space? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The first game to be released internationally under this new deal between the developer and DeNA, which runs the Mobage network with recent acquisition ngmoco, is Frog Minutes. The game already released in Japan back in March, so this will likely just be a localized version for Mobage on Android phones in the U.S. and abroad.
In Frog Minutes, players disturb parts of a forest scene to stir up various insects and feed them to frogs. The more quickly players do this, the higher their score will climb, it seems. Ribbeting, isn't it? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Not much was revealed about Grasshopper Manufacture's other two Mobage projects other than their titles: Humans vs Zombies and Alien Busters.
The developer plans to show more of those games at a later date, according to Kotaku. Grasshopper Manufacture is placing big bets on social games with a mobile social version of No More Heroes, which designer Suda 51 said he hopes it will be bloodiest social game around.
While it's interesting to see a Japanese developer known for taking risks with unique games major consoles that (unfortunately) sell poorly hop into the low-risk, high-profit world of social gaming, it wasn't hard to see this one coming. And considering the effect social games has had on traditional American developers, we doubt this is the last news like this we'll hear from Japan.
Are you excited to see Grasshopper Manufacture go full-bore into social gaming? What other Japanese developers do you expect to see enter the space? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Karma Kingdom looks to combine social good, social fun on Facebook
A Facebook game that can score us some good karma points--where do we sign up? We've seen games like FarmVille and CityVille run social good campaigns, but Singapore-based developer Asvathaa has a made an entire game of the idea. The developer just released Karma Kingdom on Facebook, a quest-driven game that looks to help you "Create Your Better World," according to its tag line.
Karma Kingdom integrates Indian mythology into modern lessons of doing good for others. It does this by allowing players to curate an island nation and maintain their citizens' happiness using the three tenants of happiness: health, community and knowledge. You will be guided by several Indian gods and goddesses in your efforts to keep the people happy through quests.
You do this through creating homes for your people to live in, and then surrounding those homes with decorations that promote Health, Community and Knowledge. It seems as if it's important to keep that balance in the decorations you place. Otherwise, your citizens will quickly become unhappy and provide less Goodwill, the resource you need to provide for your people.
Players can plant crops to provide more Goodwill, and the game doesn't seem to be governed by any energy system. (Now, that's something fresh.) But what's more important is the real goodwill Asvathaa aims to create with Karma Kingdom. The Singapore developer has promised to donate a 10 percent of its income through Facebook Credits to non-profit charities. (However, Asvathaa doesn't say which charities it will donate to exactly.)
Karma Kingdom in action
The more happiness-generating decorations you buy in the game using Facebook Credits, the more Asvathaa will donate ... somewhere. "We want to offer a personal CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) platform for every individual as the desire to give back exists in each one of us," Asvathaa CEO and founder Ashok Desai said in a release. If anything, the game looks to be a fresh take on the genre given that it doesn't limit your play time through energy, and maybe it will do some good, too.
Click here to play Karma Kingdom on Facebook Now >
Have you tried this new Facebook game yet, and what do you think of the fact that it doesn't limit you via energy? Would you ever pay up in the game, not knowing exactly where your Facebook Credits are going? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Karma Kingdom integrates Indian mythology into modern lessons of doing good for others. It does this by allowing players to curate an island nation and maintain their citizens' happiness using the three tenants of happiness: health, community and knowledge. You will be guided by several Indian gods and goddesses in your efforts to keep the people happy through quests.
You do this through creating homes for your people to live in, and then surrounding those homes with decorations that promote Health, Community and Knowledge. It seems as if it's important to keep that balance in the decorations you place. Otherwise, your citizens will quickly become unhappy and provide less Goodwill, the resource you need to provide for your people.
Players can plant crops to provide more Goodwill, and the game doesn't seem to be governed by any energy system. (Now, that's something fresh.) But what's more important is the real goodwill Asvathaa aims to create with Karma Kingdom. The Singapore developer has promised to donate a 10 percent of its income through Facebook Credits to non-profit charities. (However, Asvathaa doesn't say which charities it will donate to exactly.)
Karma Kingdom in action
The more happiness-generating decorations you buy in the game using Facebook Credits, the more Asvathaa will donate ... somewhere. "We want to offer a personal CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) platform for every individual as the desire to give back exists in each one of us," Asvathaa CEO and founder Ashok Desai said in a release. If anything, the game looks to be a fresh take on the genre given that it doesn't limit your play time through energy, and maybe it will do some good, too.
Click here to play Karma Kingdom on Facebook Now >
Have you tried this new Facebook game yet, and what do you think of the fact that it doesn't limit you via energy? Would you ever pay up in the game, not knowing exactly where your Facebook Credits are going? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Club Penguin fires a salvo of fun with Puffle Launch for iPhone [Video]
Parents, secure the iPhones and iPads. If Club Penguin isn't going to slide onto Facebook anytime soon, we'll take the next best thing: the iPhone. Puffle Launch, first released as a mini game within the kids world of Club Penguin over a year ago, launches onto iPhone tomorrow, Sept. 15. The game, which will be available for the paltry price of $.99, puts players in control of Daredevil, one of the many Puffles available in the existing Disney-owned web game.
Just like in Club Penguin, kids can fire Daredevil from a cannon, careening into obstacles and collecting Coins. Better yet, those Coins can be transferred to kids' existing Club Penguin accounts to buy new items from the web game's store. As players advance through the game's many daring and dangerous aerial courses, they will eventually have to face the Crab Boss.
According to a Club Penguin representative, Puffle Launch is already played by 150,000 kids daily, and a new Puffle is adopted every second in the kid-friendly virtual world. (That amounts to more than 20 million of the little balls of love adopted in 2011 already!) With statistics like that, color us baffled as to why Club Penguin has yet to hit Facebook, especially considering the amount of preteens that are already active on the social network.
Hopefully, this is just the beginning of Club Penguin's expansion beyond its little home on the web and onto new platforms (aside from Nintendo's stable of consoles). Check out the game's trailer below, but you might not want to show the kids just yet, unless you're willing to buy it on every iOS device in the house.
Are you excited that Club Penguin has finally made it to iOS? Where or how else would you like to see the Club Penguin franchise go? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Just like in Club Penguin, kids can fire Daredevil from a cannon, careening into obstacles and collecting Coins. Better yet, those Coins can be transferred to kids' existing Club Penguin accounts to buy new items from the web game's store. As players advance through the game's many daring and dangerous aerial courses, they will eventually have to face the Crab Boss.
According to a Club Penguin representative, Puffle Launch is already played by 150,000 kids daily, and a new Puffle is adopted every second in the kid-friendly virtual world. (That amounts to more than 20 million of the little balls of love adopted in 2011 already!) With statistics like that, color us baffled as to why Club Penguin has yet to hit Facebook, especially considering the amount of preteens that are already active on the social network.
Hopefully, this is just the beginning of Club Penguin's expansion beyond its little home on the web and onto new platforms (aside from Nintendo's stable of consoles). Check out the game's trailer below, but you might not want to show the kids just yet, unless you're willing to buy it on every iOS device in the house.
Are you excited that Club Penguin has finally made it to iOS? Where or how else would you like to see the Club Penguin franchise go? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Thursday, October 6, 2011
FarmVille: Is a free Duckling a sign of things to come?
The last time we were frequently given free Ducklings in FarmVille, we had yet to see the launch of the Aviary animal habitat in the game. One could theorize that the launch of the Ducklings back then were a warning for us that Ducks and Birds in general would become pretty important in the game in the future. If we take that route of speculation, then what does today's free Duckling mean?
First things first, you'll receive this free Duckling automatically when logging in (if you don't receive it yet, it's possible that the freebie hasn't "rolled around" to your game yet). Once you click on the "Place" button, you'll see that your Duckling is a Red Duckling (by all accounts, it doesn't seem that this varies across users), which can grow into anything from a Black, Blue or Red Swans or even a Rainbow Duck (with a few options in between).
Unfortunately, this free Duckling doesn't let you escape from the work of growing it, so you'll need to ask seven friends for help in nurturing your little Duckling. The quicker you do so, the more options you'll have when it comes to growing it into an adult, or you can simply sell the Duckling for a quick 100 coins of profit, if you'd rather not deal with growing it up.
If we go back to speculating, does this mean we might see a new Duck/Bird-themed item released in FarmVille in the future? Perhaps a set of Ducks will be released in the Lighthouse Cove theme? Or, maybe this isn't as complicated as all that, and is simply a gift from Zynga to us to keep us busy this weekend. Whatever the case, we'll keep an eye on things and will let you know.
Will you take the time to grow this Duckling into an adult, or will you just sell it? What sorts of other free items would you like to see Zynga give away? Sound off in the comments.
First things first, you'll receive this free Duckling automatically when logging in (if you don't receive it yet, it's possible that the freebie hasn't "rolled around" to your game yet). Once you click on the "Place" button, you'll see that your Duckling is a Red Duckling (by all accounts, it doesn't seem that this varies across users), which can grow into anything from a Black, Blue or Red Swans or even a Rainbow Duck (with a few options in between).
Unfortunately, this free Duckling doesn't let you escape from the work of growing it, so you'll need to ask seven friends for help in nurturing your little Duckling. The quicker you do so, the more options you'll have when it comes to growing it into an adult, or you can simply sell the Duckling for a quick 100 coins of profit, if you'd rather not deal with growing it up.
If we go back to speculating, does this mean we might see a new Duck/Bird-themed item released in FarmVille in the future? Perhaps a set of Ducks will be released in the Lighthouse Cove theme? Or, maybe this isn't as complicated as all that, and is simply a gift from Zynga to us to keep us busy this weekend. Whatever the case, we'll keep an eye on things and will let you know.
Will you take the time to grow this Duckling into an adult, or will you just sell it? What sorts of other free items would you like to see Zynga give away? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Apple Bobbing feature coming soon?
With the fall season now upon us, it looks like Zynga will be releasing a new feature in FarmVille concerning a Fall staple at carnivals and parties: Apple Bobbing. Via a new Apple Bobbing Stand, seen in the banner above, along with at least five goals, we'll be able to apparently bring the chaotic fun of apple bobbing to our farms.
While the exact function of the Apple Bobbing Stand or even the accompanying goals has yet to be announced, there's always room for speculation. With the bag of Apples that we see above, it looks like the Apples themselves might be collectibles of some kind. Could this be the return of the token-collecting feature that sees us collecting dozens, if not hundreds of apples to redeem them for special fall-themed prizes?
Or, perhaps these goals will simply function as a way to reward us with this Apple Bobbing Stand, which will animate in some way (or serve some other purpose beside being purely decorative) to make it worthwhile. Whatever the case, it has this farmer incredibly interested in learning more, and if you're the same, make sure to keep checking back with us as we'll bring you all of the info about this supposed Apple Bobbing feature as soon as we know more.
Note: This is an unreleased feature, which may change before release or may never release at all (granted, that final option is incredibly unlikely).
Are you excited for Apple Bobbing to come to FarmVille, no matter its form? What do you think the Apple Bobbing goals will contain? Speculate with us in the comments!
While the exact function of the Apple Bobbing Stand or even the accompanying goals has yet to be announced, there's always room for speculation. With the bag of Apples that we see above, it looks like the Apples themselves might be collectibles of some kind. Could this be the return of the token-collecting feature that sees us collecting dozens, if not hundreds of apples to redeem them for special fall-themed prizes?
Or, perhaps these goals will simply function as a way to reward us with this Apple Bobbing Stand, which will animate in some way (or serve some other purpose beside being purely decorative) to make it worthwhile. Whatever the case, it has this farmer incredibly interested in learning more, and if you're the same, make sure to keep checking back with us as we'll bring you all of the info about this supposed Apple Bobbing feature as soon as we know more.
Note: This is an unreleased feature, which may change before release or may never release at all (granted, that final option is incredibly unlikely).
Are you excited for Apple Bobbing to come to FarmVille, no matter its form? What do you think the Apple Bobbing goals will contain? Speculate with us in the comments!
FarmVille: Coin Tree and Giant Coin Tree now available in the store
While you may already have a collection of Giant Coin Trees on your farm(s) in FarmVille, if you're like me, you were probably fairly disappointed in the "giant" size of that particular tree. Well, be disappointed no longer friends, as Zynga has finally fixed the size discrepancy with these trees, making them truly giant (at least when compared to other giant trees in the game), and has even released them for purchase in the store.
Not only that, but we see the Level 1 tree of this pairing - the regular Coin Tree - also available to buy in the game's marketplace. The pair goes for 5 and 10 Farm Cash each, which is exciting for those that were tried of the 7/8-14 Farm Cash prices we've seen take over the store in the past few months. Again, this Giant Coin Tree is the same one you likely already have on your land to begin with, and you don't have to do anything special (or purchase any additional Giant Coin Trees) to automatically convert all of your existing trees to the new "Giant" size.
For a look at the two different trees, you can check out our picture at right. Keep in mind that the Giant Coin Tree used to look like the version on the left, which is now just the standard Coin Tree. The larger tree on the right is the Giant Coin Tree as it functions today in the game, the way it should have been all along.
If you don't happen to have one of these Giant Coin Trees on your farm, or you just wish to purchase the smaller version to go along with it, make sure to do it fast as they'll only be available for five more days.
Will you purchase either of these Coin Trees from the store? Did you notice that your Giant Coin Trees had grown in size automatically over the past few days? Sound off in the comments.
Not only that, but we see the Level 1 tree of this pairing - the regular Coin Tree - also available to buy in the game's marketplace. The pair goes for 5 and 10 Farm Cash each, which is exciting for those that were tried of the 7/8-14 Farm Cash prices we've seen take over the store in the past few months. Again, this Giant Coin Tree is the same one you likely already have on your land to begin with, and you don't have to do anything special (or purchase any additional Giant Coin Trees) to automatically convert all of your existing trees to the new "Giant" size.
For a look at the two different trees, you can check out our picture at right. Keep in mind that the Giant Coin Tree used to look like the version on the left, which is now just the standard Coin Tree. The larger tree on the right is the Giant Coin Tree as it functions today in the game, the way it should have been all along.
If you don't happen to have one of these Giant Coin Trees on your farm, or you just wish to purchase the smaller version to go along with it, make sure to do it fast as they'll only be available for five more days.
Will you purchase either of these Coin Trees from the store? Did you notice that your Giant Coin Trees had grown in size automatically over the past few days? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Giant Jack-O'-Lantern collection event coming for Halloween?
My, my is Zynga ever predictable. It looks like a third Jack-O'-Lantern collection event will be coming to FarmVille to celebrate Halloween this year, asking users to collect pieces of candy or other themed items (called "Treats") in order to trade them in for collectible items inside a new "Giant Jack-O'-Lantern."
If the menu below is anything to go by, then FarmVilleFreak has discovered that the menu will allow us to not only collect Treats to fill a meter (as we're used to), but we might also be able to purchase the prizes themselves directly from the menu, if asking for Treats is too time-consuming for your liking (this could also just be a link to purchase Treats in bulk). Either way, keep in mind that some of the text in this window is a placeholder, as we'll of course be able to redeem our Treats for themed items, and not just six different "Purple Valentine Cows." Still, this gives us something to look forward to in the long run, as we know we'll be able to interact with friends to earn as many Treats possible within the few weeks that will likely be available to do so.
As for the Treats themselves, it looks like we'll be able to collect Candy Corn, wrapped pieces of Candy and perhaps even small Jack-O'-Lanterns to fill our Giant Jack-O'-Lantern to the brim. It would be great to see a return of the Haunted House as well, giving us free Candy daily, but a new item released for the same purpose also wouldn't be an entirely bad thing.
We'll make sure to keep an eye on all of the Halloween festivities in FarmVille, and will make sure you're the first to know when this Giant Jack-O'-Lantern (or Halloween collection event in general) kicks off in the game.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Are you looking forward to collecting pieces of candy to earn more prizes in FarmVille this Halloween? Sound off in the comments.
If the menu below is anything to go by, then FarmVilleFreak has discovered that the menu will allow us to not only collect Treats to fill a meter (as we're used to), but we might also be able to purchase the prizes themselves directly from the menu, if asking for Treats is too time-consuming for your liking (this could also just be a link to purchase Treats in bulk). Either way, keep in mind that some of the text in this window is a placeholder, as we'll of course be able to redeem our Treats for themed items, and not just six different "Purple Valentine Cows." Still, this gives us something to look forward to in the long run, as we know we'll be able to interact with friends to earn as many Treats possible within the few weeks that will likely be available to do so.
As for the Treats themselves, it looks like we'll be able to collect Candy Corn, wrapped pieces of Candy and perhaps even small Jack-O'-Lanterns to fill our Giant Jack-O'-Lantern to the brim. It would be great to see a return of the Haunted House as well, giving us free Candy daily, but a new item released for the same purpose also wouldn't be an entirely bad thing.
We'll make sure to keep an eye on all of the Halloween festivities in FarmVille, and will make sure you're the first to know when this Giant Jack-O'-Lantern (or Halloween collection event in general) kicks off in the game.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Are you looking forward to collecting pieces of candy to earn more prizes in FarmVille this Halloween? Sound off in the comments.
Pioneer Trail Ghost Town feature coming soon [Video]
Way back in January, Pioneer Trail players (then FrontierVille) were able to take a survey detailing potential new themes for the game. One of those themes just so happened to be "Ghost Town." While it may now be October, it looks like that theme is finally coming around, and will likely comprise the greatest portion of the game's Halloween event this month. While we haven't received much official news in text, Zynga has released a preview trailer for this Ghost Town theme, which it's calling a "Mega-Feature!"
The trailer [embedded below] shows us that the Ghost Town will be more than just an item theme in the game's store; it will apparently be a location we can visit and complete tasks in. The story of Ghost Town sees the evil Mayor Witherwood placing a curse on the town, which has apparently resulted in some... unusual animals and crops being developed. There looks to be some sort of zombie corn with glowing pink eyes, a broken clock tower, Frankenstein's Monster trees, tombstones a plenty (including what looks to be an Indian Burial Ground and ghost frogs) and even floating, zombie / ghost chickens!
We're told that we'll use "your Sharpshooter, Mad Scientist and Shaman" in tasks that resemble those out on the Pioneer Trail map proper. If I'm making an educated guess, it's likely that these positions will be filled by friends, with your Sharpshooter being able to go out and hunt undead bears and other monsters to earn Hides, the mad scientist can "tackle" man-eating plants for Potions, and the Shaman will seek out ghosts and bless them for Spirits. Your own character can also complete tasks, rewarding you with Charms (from rocks, shrubs and buildings). You'll be able to use the hides, potions and spirits to help the locals in Ghost Town, with the ultimate goal being to earn enough keys to open the Mayor's Mansion and bring him to justice.
As for the Charms, you'll use those to earn special, exclusive prizes like decorations along the way. The more Charms you collect, the more prizes you'll apparently wind up with, giving you incentive to play around in Ghost Town for days and even weeks after the feature launches. Unfortunately, we just don't know when that will be.
Either way, we'll make sure to keep track of all things Ghost Town in the Pioneer Trail, and will let you know when you can embark on this spooky adventure in your own game, so keep checking back!
Are you excited to travel to Ghost Town in Pioneer Trail? What sorts of prizes are you hoping to earn along the way? Sound off in the comments.
The trailer [embedded below] shows us that the Ghost Town will be more than just an item theme in the game's store; it will apparently be a location we can visit and complete tasks in. The story of Ghost Town sees the evil Mayor Witherwood placing a curse on the town, which has apparently resulted in some... unusual animals and crops being developed. There looks to be some sort of zombie corn with glowing pink eyes, a broken clock tower, Frankenstein's Monster trees, tombstones a plenty (including what looks to be an Indian Burial Ground and ghost frogs) and even floating, zombie / ghost chickens!
We're told that we'll use "your Sharpshooter, Mad Scientist and Shaman" in tasks that resemble those out on the Pioneer Trail map proper. If I'm making an educated guess, it's likely that these positions will be filled by friends, with your Sharpshooter being able to go out and hunt undead bears and other monsters to earn Hides, the mad scientist can "tackle" man-eating plants for Potions, and the Shaman will seek out ghosts and bless them for Spirits. Your own character can also complete tasks, rewarding you with Charms (from rocks, shrubs and buildings). You'll be able to use the hides, potions and spirits to help the locals in Ghost Town, with the ultimate goal being to earn enough keys to open the Mayor's Mansion and bring him to justice.
As for the Charms, you'll use those to earn special, exclusive prizes like decorations along the way. The more Charms you collect, the more prizes you'll apparently wind up with, giving you incentive to play around in Ghost Town for days and even weeks after the feature launches. Unfortunately, we just don't know when that will be.
Either way, we'll make sure to keep track of all things Ghost Town in the Pioneer Trail, and will let you know when you can embark on this spooky adventure in your own game, so keep checking back!
Are you excited to travel to Ghost Town in Pioneer Trail? What sorts of prizes are you hoping to earn along the way? Sound off in the comments.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Cafe World Amelia's Admirer Goals: Everything you need to know
A new goal series has launched in Cafe World this week, which sees Chef Amelia having a bit of a secret admirer. Don't worry though - this doesn't come with a lengthy romance that you'll need to help evolve, as it turns out to be far more innocent than that. We'll get to the specifics of the story here later, but for now, let's get started on the guide for this eight part goal series.
Note: Zynga didn't confirm whether or not these goals will be different for each user (we expect that they will be) so if you are required to cook other dishes, that's completely normal.
Amelia's Admirer 1
* Serve 30 Vegetarian Chili
* Serve 10 Kung Pao Stir Fry
* Complete 5 Eat Missions
Eat Missions are those that see you trying the "daily special" in your friends' cafes. As for the Kung Pao Stir Fry, it takes four hours to prepare and the Vegetarian Chili takes two hours.
Amelia's Admirer 2
* Ask for 8 Chocolate Chips
* Serve 20 Belgian Waffles
* Ask for 8 Frosting Squeezers
Belgian Waffles take two hours to cook. By this point, Amelia will have been given a love letter in the shape of a heart, which explains this goal's prize: the Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake recipe.
Amelia's Admirer 3
* Ask for 10 Clue Notebooks
* Serve 25 Fish n Chips
* Serve Gem Cake 12 Times
Fish n Chips takes two hours to prepare, while Gem Cake takes 12 hours. There's still no official word as to who the secret admirer is by this point, so let's keep going.
Amelia's Admirer 4
* Ask for 8 Macaroni Noodles
* Serve Macaroni and Cheese 20 Times
* Ask for 6 Chipotles in Adobo
Macaroni and Cheese takes two hours to prepare. At this point, you'll get another clue: a heart made of macaroni on a note. It looks like the new recipe for this goal is 4-Alarm Chili Mac.
Amelia's Admirer 5
* Serve Angel Fruit Cake 16 Times
* Serve Jammin' Jelly Donuts 40 Times
* Master Heart-Shaped Cookie to Level 1
Jammin' Jelly Donuts take 20 minutes to prepare, while Angel Fruit Cake takes eight hours. As for the Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake, this new recipe takes just 30 minutes.
Amelia's Admirer 6
* Ask for 8 Multicolored Sprinkles
* Serve Triple Berry Cheesecake 20 Times
* Ask for 10 Vanilla Extract
Another note arrives at this goal, this time with an animal drawn on it. Hmm, macaroni pictures and drawings of animals - are you starting to put two and two together about who this secret crush could be? While you're trying to piece together the puzzle, you'll need to serve Triple Berry Cheesecake, which is ready in 12 hours. For finishing this goal, you're given the Ice Animal Cookies recipe.
Amelia's Admirer 7
* Serve Iced Animal Cookies 20 Times
* Serve Triple Berry Cheesecake 20 Times
* Spice 5 Neighbors' Stoves
We'll tell you outright - something seems a bit off about this goal. The in-game window says that you need to serve 40 Cheesecakes, while the text says 20, but the accompanying picture is of a chair, not the cheesecake itself. Whatever the official requirement may be, the story here becomes completely clear as we learn that Amelia's secret admirer is actually a young boy - a child by the name of Oscar in the local kindergarten class who has found his first crush! How cute! There's just one more thing left to do before finishing this goal series off completly.
Amelia's Admirer 8
* Serve Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake 1 Time
* Master Iced Animal Cookies to Level 1
* Ask for 10 Balloons
To make Oscar's day, you'll be able to bake him a few goodies, and in doing so, you'll also finish this goal series off for good. You won't receive any additional recipes for finishing the goal series entirely, but you will have made a (virtual) little boy's day. Isn't that reward enough?
What do you think of the Amelia's Admirer goals in Cafe World? Were you able to figure out who the admirer was early on in the series? Sound off in the comments.
Note: Zynga didn't confirm whether or not these goals will be different for each user (we expect that they will be) so if you are required to cook other dishes, that's completely normal.
Amelia's Admirer 1
* Serve 30 Vegetarian Chili
* Serve 10 Kung Pao Stir Fry
* Complete 5 Eat Missions
Eat Missions are those that see you trying the "daily special" in your friends' cafes. As for the Kung Pao Stir Fry, it takes four hours to prepare and the Vegetarian Chili takes two hours.
Amelia's Admirer 2
* Ask for 8 Chocolate Chips
* Serve 20 Belgian Waffles
* Ask for 8 Frosting Squeezers
Belgian Waffles take two hours to cook. By this point, Amelia will have been given a love letter in the shape of a heart, which explains this goal's prize: the Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake recipe.
Amelia's Admirer 3
* Ask for 10 Clue Notebooks
* Serve 25 Fish n Chips
* Serve Gem Cake 12 Times
Fish n Chips takes two hours to prepare, while Gem Cake takes 12 hours. There's still no official word as to who the secret admirer is by this point, so let's keep going.
Amelia's Admirer 4
* Ask for 8 Macaroni Noodles
* Serve Macaroni and Cheese 20 Times
* Ask for 6 Chipotles in Adobo
Macaroni and Cheese takes two hours to prepare. At this point, you'll get another clue: a heart made of macaroni on a note. It looks like the new recipe for this goal is 4-Alarm Chili Mac.
Amelia's Admirer 5
* Serve Angel Fruit Cake 16 Times
* Serve Jammin' Jelly Donuts 40 Times
* Master Heart-Shaped Cookie to Level 1
Jammin' Jelly Donuts take 20 minutes to prepare, while Angel Fruit Cake takes eight hours. As for the Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake, this new recipe takes just 30 minutes.
Amelia's Admirer 6
* Ask for 8 Multicolored Sprinkles
* Serve Triple Berry Cheesecake 20 Times
* Ask for 10 Vanilla Extract
Another note arrives at this goal, this time with an animal drawn on it. Hmm, macaroni pictures and drawings of animals - are you starting to put two and two together about who this secret crush could be? While you're trying to piece together the puzzle, you'll need to serve Triple Berry Cheesecake, which is ready in 12 hours. For finishing this goal, you're given the Ice Animal Cookies recipe.
Amelia's Admirer 7
* Serve Iced Animal Cookies 20 Times
* Serve Triple Berry Cheesecake 20 Times
* Spice 5 Neighbors' Stoves
We'll tell you outright - something seems a bit off about this goal. The in-game window says that you need to serve 40 Cheesecakes, while the text says 20, but the accompanying picture is of a chair, not the cheesecake itself. Whatever the official requirement may be, the story here becomes completely clear as we learn that Amelia's secret admirer is actually a young boy - a child by the name of Oscar in the local kindergarten class who has found his first crush! How cute! There's just one more thing left to do before finishing this goal series off completly.
Amelia's Admirer 8
* Serve Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake 1 Time
* Master Iced Animal Cookies to Level 1
* Ask for 10 Balloons
To make Oscar's day, you'll be able to bake him a few goodies, and in doing so, you'll also finish this goal series off for good. You won't receive any additional recipes for finishing the goal series entirely, but you will have made a (virtual) little boy's day. Isn't that reward enough?
What do you think of the Amelia's Admirer goals in Cafe World? Were you able to figure out who the admirer was early on in the series? Sound off in the comments.
Cafe World Soap Box Supper Catering Order: Everything you need to know
Here's an interesting one: a new Catering Order has launched in Cafe World asking you to help feed a group of racers after their Soap Box Derby race. You'll be there at the finish line waiting, and if you can help these racers out in time, you'll walk away with a free recipe for your efforts.
This particular catering order requires you to serve Tony's Classic Pizza (a five-hour dish) 100 Times, Basil Finger Sandwiches (a six-hour dish) 35 Times, Clubhouse Sandwiches (an 18 hour dish) 20 times and Bacon Cheeseburgers (a five-minute dish) 300 times. Luckily, the Bacon Cheeseburger happens to be the shortest cooking dish and is the one required in the highest quantity. This means that you'll be able to push out dozens of servings in a single sitting in the game, and when you bring up to 14 of your friends in on this order with you, the progress becomes even quicker.
In addition to these cooking tasks, you'll also need to collect 12 Axles and 12 Racing Flags to go along with the Soap Box Derby theme. Both of these sets of items are earned through individual gift requests sent to your friends.
If you can finish all six tasks within the first three days of starting, you'll earn the three-star rating, 15 Catering Points, 7,500 Cafe Points, 200,000 coins and a Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe. Unfortunately, you must complete this order with the three star rating in order to earn the recipe, so feel free to cancel the order and start over if you haven't finished it by that time. If you do decide to push on, however, and can finish before five full days have passed, you'll receive two stars, 10 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 125,000 coins. Finally, finishing at any point after those first five days gives you a single star, 5 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points and 75,000 coins.
All in all, this Catering Order doesn't have a time limit in terms of when it must be started, so if you have more time-sensitive tasks to complete in your cafe first, feel free to complete those entirely before coming back and helping these racers.
What do you think of the Soap Box Supper Catering Order? Do you appreciate "easier" orders like these, or do you prefer a true challenge? Sound off in the comments.
This particular catering order requires you to serve Tony's Classic Pizza (a five-hour dish) 100 Times, Basil Finger Sandwiches (a six-hour dish) 35 Times, Clubhouse Sandwiches (an 18 hour dish) 20 times and Bacon Cheeseburgers (a five-minute dish) 300 times. Luckily, the Bacon Cheeseburger happens to be the shortest cooking dish and is the one required in the highest quantity. This means that you'll be able to push out dozens of servings in a single sitting in the game, and when you bring up to 14 of your friends in on this order with you, the progress becomes even quicker.
In addition to these cooking tasks, you'll also need to collect 12 Axles and 12 Racing Flags to go along with the Soap Box Derby theme. Both of these sets of items are earned through individual gift requests sent to your friends.
If you can finish all six tasks within the first three days of starting, you'll earn the three-star rating, 15 Catering Points, 7,500 Cafe Points, 200,000 coins and a Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe. Unfortunately, you must complete this order with the three star rating in order to earn the recipe, so feel free to cancel the order and start over if you haven't finished it by that time. If you do decide to push on, however, and can finish before five full days have passed, you'll receive two stars, 10 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 125,000 coins. Finally, finishing at any point after those first five days gives you a single star, 5 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points and 75,000 coins.
All in all, this Catering Order doesn't have a time limit in terms of when it must be started, so if you have more time-sensitive tasks to complete in your cafe first, feel free to complete those entirely before coming back and helping these racers.
What do you think of the Soap Box Supper Catering Order? Do you appreciate "easier" orders like these, or do you prefer a true challenge? Sound off in the comments.
CityVille Governor's Run Act 2 Nature Goals: Everything you need to know
If you've been keeping up with the governor's election in CityVille, you'll now be ready for Act 2 to begin. After helping "the people" in Act 1, Act 2 sees you helping out special interest groups, starting with a nature-loving group led by Zookeeper Karen. If you don't want Captain Krunsch to earn Karen's vote (and those of her friends), you'll need to finish the following three goals.
When Nature Calls
* Place Conservatory
* Collect from Conservatory four times
The Conservatory is a new Community Building that requires 12 staff members to operate. Once you build the base, you'll need to ask 12 friends to come staff the building, at which point you'll gain a bonus of 3,750 citizens to your maximum population cap. Just collect its profits four times after it's built to finish this first goal. You'll receive eight energy when doing so.
Food For Thought
* Ask friends for 6 Gardening Gloves
* Water Rose Garden 5 Times
* Harvest 80 Cranberries
You can have more than one Rose Garden in your city, so feel free to place multiples just so you don't have to wait for the same Garden to be ready five times in a row (a time-consuming process, to say the least). As for the Cranberries, these take 12 hours to grow. Finish this goal and you'll earn 840 Goods.
More Power To You
* Ask friends for 12 Recyclable Bags
* Collect from Produce Paradise 30 Times
* Collect from City Works 6 Times
The City Works is another Community Building that you might already have in your town. If not, here's a guide to building one. As for the Produce Paradise, this is a Business that's available from the store. It requires 253 Goods to operate and gives you 1,413 coins in profit by default. To more quickly finish this particular step (since 30 times is a long time to wait), make sure that the Produce Paradise is the only business operating in your town so that all customers will come to it, allowing it to sell out much more quickly than normal. Finishing this third goal gives you the EV Charging Station, a business that requires 475 Goods to operate and produces 2,393 coins.
Since this is just the first part of the second act of the Governor's Run event in CityVille, once you finish two more sets you'll receive an additional item: the Capital Rotunda building. What's more, you don't have to complete the entirety of Act 1 in order to access these Act 2 goals either, and can have them all running simultaneously in your town - talk about multi-tasking! We'll make sure to let you know when additional political goals launch in the game, so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these Nature goals? Are you enjoying the Governor's Run event so far? Sound off in the comments.
When Nature Calls
* Place Conservatory
* Collect from Conservatory four times
The Conservatory is a new Community Building that requires 12 staff members to operate. Once you build the base, you'll need to ask 12 friends to come staff the building, at which point you'll gain a bonus of 3,750 citizens to your maximum population cap. Just collect its profits four times after it's built to finish this first goal. You'll receive eight energy when doing so.
Food For Thought
* Ask friends for 6 Gardening Gloves
* Water Rose Garden 5 Times
* Harvest 80 Cranberries
You can have more than one Rose Garden in your city, so feel free to place multiples just so you don't have to wait for the same Garden to be ready five times in a row (a time-consuming process, to say the least). As for the Cranberries, these take 12 hours to grow. Finish this goal and you'll earn 840 Goods.
More Power To You
* Ask friends for 12 Recyclable Bags
* Collect from Produce Paradise 30 Times
* Collect from City Works 6 Times
The City Works is another Community Building that you might already have in your town. If not, here's a guide to building one. As for the Produce Paradise, this is a Business that's available from the store. It requires 253 Goods to operate and gives you 1,413 coins in profit by default. To more quickly finish this particular step (since 30 times is a long time to wait), make sure that the Produce Paradise is the only business operating in your town so that all customers will come to it, allowing it to sell out much more quickly than normal. Finishing this third goal gives you the EV Charging Station, a business that requires 475 Goods to operate and produces 2,393 coins.
Since this is just the first part of the second act of the Governor's Run event in CityVille, once you finish two more sets you'll receive an additional item: the Capital Rotunda building. What's more, you don't have to complete the entirety of Act 1 in order to access these Act 2 goals either, and can have them all running simultaneously in your town - talk about multi-tasking! We'll make sure to let you know when additional political goals launch in the game, so keep checking back with us!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these Nature goals? Are you enjoying the Governor's Run event so far? Sound off in the comments.
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