One shot from the chute and you'll be hooked. Bubble Town is the arcade-style puzzle game that will test your wits, not just your reflexes. Match three Borbs of the same color to knock them off. Collect the various power ups to gain an edge with special bonus abilities. But don't take too long; if the Borbs reach the Danger Zone, it'll be game over!
Join the unforgettable cast of characters for an adventure of bubble-popping proportions, just watch out for that Danger Zone. Choose to play with your Borbs grouped up in a ball or straight up. Either way, the addictive gameplay will give you hours of fun.
Click here to play Bubble Town!
bubble town game of the day bubble town game of the day
Pro Tips:
* Bank shots! These are crucial to your Bubble Town success. If you're trying to line up a bank shot, wait for a moment. A little cursor will appear to assist your aim making it easy to hit those two wall bank shots.
* Look for big drops. If you see a bunch of Borbs being held up by a couple of the same color, hitting that shot should be your top priority.
Click here to play Bubble Town!
What do you think of Bubble Town?
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Sims Social Cheats and Tips: A Guide to Land Expansions
You've grown out of room to put all of your cool stuff? Man, a Sim's life sure is rough, huh? Well, we're about to make your Sim's life in The Sims Social even easier. A large component to the game is building out your Sim's dream home, which of course, requires you to expand, expand expand. So, here is everything you need to know about Land Expansions in The Sims Social:
Are You Financially Prepared?
Before you even think about expanding your home, you will need to level up a bit. To expand your property for the first time, reach Level 10 and accumulate a House Value of at least 25K. To increase your House Value, simply buy more stuff! Once that's through, you will find "For Sale" signs littered around your property.
Location, Location, Location
Next, it's time to choose where you want to expand first. Expansions are good only for the square in which you request. Click on the square, and a pop-up window will appear with the requirements for a Land Expansion. Surprise--you'll need to ask your friends for items in true Facebook game fashion.
The Sims Social For Sale Sign
Oh, and it'll cost you a chunk of Simoleons, too. While the first Land Permit Application requires just four items and 2,000 Simoleons to take, we imagine this would increase with later expansions. Also, read carefully: This is a Land Permit Application, remember? That means ...
The Waiting Game
Every time you apply for a Land Expansion through this process, it'll take some time go through. And we're talking literal time: Your first Land Permit Application will not be accepted for one minute after completing it. Sure, this is nothing, but just wait until you reach your 11th and final expansion. That's right, it'll take days later on for applications to go through. Here are the requirements for each Land Permit Application, and the time it takes for each to go through:
Land Expansion Requirements:
* First: 25K House Value; Level 10
* Second: 30K House Value; Level 11
* Third: 70K House Value; Level 12
* Fourth: 80K House Value; Level 14
* Fifth: 90K House Value; Level 16
* Sixth: 100K House Value; Level 19
* Seventh: 120K House Value; Level 22
* Eighth: 140K House Value; Level 26
* Ninth: 170K House Value; Level 31
* 10th: 200K House Value; Level 38
* 11th: 250K House Value; Level 45
The Sims Social Land Permit Application
Land Permit Application Wait Times:
* First: One minute
* Second: Five minutes
* Third: 30 minutes
* Fourth: One hour
* Fifth: Two hours
* Sixth: Four hours
* Seventh: Eight hours
* Eighth: 12 hours
* Ninth: One day
* 10th: Two days
* 11th: Three days
Once your application has been approved, you'll definitely know. It's said that a prize comes with each major Land Expansion, and that your Sim won't be able to help but celebrate. And after all the hard clicking work, we doubt you will either.
[Source and Image Credit: Playfish]
Have you started expanding your property in The Sims Social yet? What do you think of how Playfish is handling land expansions in the game? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
Are You Financially Prepared?
Before you even think about expanding your home, you will need to level up a bit. To expand your property for the first time, reach Level 10 and accumulate a House Value of at least 25K. To increase your House Value, simply buy more stuff! Once that's through, you will find "For Sale" signs littered around your property.
Location, Location, Location
Next, it's time to choose where you want to expand first. Expansions are good only for the square in which you request. Click on the square, and a pop-up window will appear with the requirements for a Land Expansion. Surprise--you'll need to ask your friends for items in true Facebook game fashion.
The Sims Social For Sale Sign
Oh, and it'll cost you a chunk of Simoleons, too. While the first Land Permit Application requires just four items and 2,000 Simoleons to take, we imagine this would increase with later expansions. Also, read carefully: This is a Land Permit Application, remember? That means ...
The Waiting Game
Every time you apply for a Land Expansion through this process, it'll take some time go through. And we're talking literal time: Your first Land Permit Application will not be accepted for one minute after completing it. Sure, this is nothing, but just wait until you reach your 11th and final expansion. That's right, it'll take days later on for applications to go through. Here are the requirements for each Land Permit Application, and the time it takes for each to go through:
Land Expansion Requirements:
* First: 25K House Value; Level 10
* Second: 30K House Value; Level 11
* Third: 70K House Value; Level 12
* Fourth: 80K House Value; Level 14
* Fifth: 90K House Value; Level 16
* Sixth: 100K House Value; Level 19
* Seventh: 120K House Value; Level 22
* Eighth: 140K House Value; Level 26
* Ninth: 170K House Value; Level 31
* 10th: 200K House Value; Level 38
* 11th: 250K House Value; Level 45
The Sims Social Land Permit Application
Land Permit Application Wait Times:
* First: One minute
* Second: Five minutes
* Third: 30 minutes
* Fourth: One hour
* Fifth: Two hours
* Sixth: Four hours
* Seventh: Eight hours
* Eighth: 12 hours
* Ninth: One day
* 10th: Two days
* 11th: Three days
Once your application has been approved, you'll definitely know. It's said that a prize comes with each major Land Expansion, and that your Sim won't be able to help but celebrate. And after all the hard clicking work, we doubt you will either.
[Source and Image Credit: Playfish]
Have you started expanding your property in The Sims Social yet? What do you think of how Playfish is handling land expansions in the game? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Shammie 77's mountaintop kingdom
Today I've got a real treat for you fine folks: Shammie 77's mountain farm. It's farms like these that reinforce my belief that FarmVille designing is an art. Sure I've labeled some questionable farms as art in my time, but you have to agree that Shammie 77's design is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Shammie's farm does so many things right. The idea for the design itself is excellent, a fortress on a hill, with a small village at the bottom. The design is kept simple, featuring only the items that were absolutely necessary. This gives the whole thing a very clean look. Of course, the optical illuison is really excellent. Where other farmers tend to overdo or exagerate their FarmVille design illusions, Shammie includes it nonchalantly, giving the farm a really natural and convincing appearance. In addition, Shammie 77 smartly connects the areas together with paths and a river, furthering the optical illusion.
I could go on and on about everything that makes this farm so great, but instead I'm going to give you a chance to look it over by clicking the image above. This creation reportedly took Shammie 77 several weeks to make, so take your time checking it out.
What do you think of Shammie 77's sprawling kingdom?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist.
Shammie's farm does so many things right. The idea for the design itself is excellent, a fortress on a hill, with a small village at the bottom. The design is kept simple, featuring only the items that were absolutely necessary. This gives the whole thing a very clean look. Of course, the optical illuison is really excellent. Where other farmers tend to overdo or exagerate their FarmVille design illusions, Shammie includes it nonchalantly, giving the farm a really natural and convincing appearance. In addition, Shammie 77 smartly connects the areas together with paths and a river, furthering the optical illusion.
I could go on and on about everything that makes this farm so great, but instead I'm going to give you a chance to look it over by clicking the image above. This creation reportedly took Shammie 77 several weeks to make, so take your time checking it out.
What do you think of Shammie 77's sprawling kingdom?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist.
Pioneer Trail: Fort Courage (finally) open, now catch that Gratchet Gang
The day has finally come to stick it to the Gratchet Gang on the Pioneer Trail. That's right, Zynga has at last opened up the final frontier on your journey: Fort Courage. However, you will have to unlock Fort Courage first by completing the main Goals in the area before it: Avalanche Pass. Once you do, a pop-up will appear informing you that you can now visit the final zone.
Confirming our suspicions (sort of) with last week's reveal of the new World Map, Fort Courage is its own area, almost separate from the rest of the Pioneer Trail, it seems. The moment you arrive in Fort Courage, the Gratchet Gang will almost be waiting for you to tie 'em up. (These three just might be the worst kidnappers since Team Rocket.)
Once you capture them, you will wander on down to the actual Fort Courage. Then, your partners will say their goodbyes, and you'll be given the option to either restart your adventure on The Pioneer Trail or stick around the fort for awhile longer. One of the soliders guarding the fort invites you to return to Fort Courage time and again to search for more surprises.
Pioneer Trail World Map
Our guess is that Zynga will add more things to do to Fort Courage at a later date. Until then, you can always play through the content again for even more points and Prize Tickets. Plus, you'll get another chance to beat your friends' scores. Of course, this update--like all Zynga updates--is on a slow rollout, so sit tight, folks.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you made it Fort Courage just yet? What do you hope Zynga adds to the fort later on, and will you ever play through the expansion content again? Sound off in the comments. 5 Comments5 Comments
Confirming our suspicions (sort of) with last week's reveal of the new World Map, Fort Courage is its own area, almost separate from the rest of the Pioneer Trail, it seems. The moment you arrive in Fort Courage, the Gratchet Gang will almost be waiting for you to tie 'em up. (These three just might be the worst kidnappers since Team Rocket.)
Once you capture them, you will wander on down to the actual Fort Courage. Then, your partners will say their goodbyes, and you'll be given the option to either restart your adventure on The Pioneer Trail or stick around the fort for awhile longer. One of the soliders guarding the fort invites you to return to Fort Courage time and again to search for more surprises.
Pioneer Trail World Map
Our guess is that Zynga will add more things to do to Fort Courage at a later date. Until then, you can always play through the content again for even more points and Prize Tickets. Plus, you'll get another chance to beat your friends' scores. Of course, this update--like all Zynga updates--is on a slow rollout, so sit tight, folks.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you made it Fort Courage just yet? What do you hope Zynga adds to the fort later on, and will you ever play through the expansion content again? Sound off in the comments. 5 Comments5 Comments
Google+ Games Stream now real time, updates mimic Facebook
Google+ Games just got a little bit better ... or just more like Facebook games. (Zing!) Google+ Product Manager Satyajeet Salgar just announced that the Google+ Games Stream has gone real time. This means that, rather than having to refresh the Stream to see gaming updates from your friends, they'll appear before you as they happen. For speedier reading, keyboard shortcuts work when perusing the Games Stream, too.
Frankly, this sounds an awful lot like the recent Games Ticker addition to the Facebook games Canvas. The second update to Google+ Games is the brand new ability to add your own personalized comments to updates you share with friends. Again, this is something players could in Facebook games for awhile now.
Finally, game notifications will appear in the Google+ Bar lining the top of users' web pages just below the address bar. Bonus: If they're annoying, you can just mute them. (Double Bonus: Google added Kabam's Global Warfare to Google+ Games in addition to Zynga's CityVille earlier this week.)
Granted, these changes are likely welcome by Google+ gamers with open arms, but their Facebook counterparts either have existed for quite some time or were recently added. In defense of Google+, however, Facebook arguably made a lot of its recent changes to the games Canvas in response to its new arch nemesis. And something tell us this slap battle is far from over. Check out Salgar detail the changes below.
[Via The Next Web]
What do you think of the recent changes to Google+ Games? Where do you see the fight between Facebook and Google in the games space going? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Frankly, this sounds an awful lot like the recent Games Ticker addition to the Facebook games Canvas. The second update to Google+ Games is the brand new ability to add your own personalized comments to updates you share with friends. Again, this is something players could in Facebook games for awhile now.
Finally, game notifications will appear in the Google+ Bar lining the top of users' web pages just below the address bar. Bonus: If they're annoying, you can just mute them. (Double Bonus: Google added Kabam's Global Warfare to Google+ Games in addition to Zynga's CityVille earlier this week.)
Granted, these changes are likely welcome by Google+ gamers with open arms, but their Facebook counterparts either have existed for quite some time or were recently added. In defense of Google+, however, Facebook arguably made a lot of its recent changes to the games Canvas in response to its new arch nemesis. And something tell us this slap battle is far from over. Check out Salgar detail the changes below.
[Via The Next Web]
What do you think of the recent changes to Google+ Games? Where do you see the fight between Facebook and Google in the games space going? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Raptr report: Gamers play Zynga's 'Ville games almost as much as Halo
Wait a second, that's not possible. Zynga games are for casual players, aren't they? Well, maybe not as much as previously though. A report issued by Raptr, the social network for gamers, reveals that the 265 million fans of games like CityVille and FarmVille are playing those games almost as much as Halo players. More importantly, Raptr users are playing said games more than "core" game franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Assassin's Creed and Gears of War combined.
Raptr's report breaks down the top game franchises on the social network by time spent playing, as the service tracks whenever users enter a game and for how long they play. Zynga's stable of games tails top hardcore franchises like Call of Duty's massive 43 percent time share and Halo's 14 percent with 13 percent. The remaining 12 percent is reserved for other hardcore games.
According to the report, big time hardcore games like CoD and WoW are played for longer sessions at a time, but Zynga Facebook games such as Empires & Allies or Pioneer Trail are played more frequently. In fact, Raptr goes on to say that about 12 to 20 percent of CityVille players are also deep into games like StarCraft 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops. And the percentage of Xbox 360 owners that have played a Zynga game increased by 50 percent to a total of 30 percent, the report claims.
Top Franchises by Share Time Spent
The data goes on to show that Zynga controls 60 percent of the market in social games, at least judging from Raptr's 10 million users. And before The Sims Social came along, the massive company's top games racked up three times as many hours as the rest of the top 10 Facebook games combined. Not to mention that Zynga fans are loyal: 90 percent of FrontierVille, Treasure Isle, CityVille, and Empires & Allies players were pulled from existing Zynga games.
While it almost goes without saying, Zynga is still killing it. More importantly for the company, however, is that reports like this will help instill confidence in its upcoming $1 billion initial public offering. With recent news that the company's profits plummeted 90 percent--and that The Sims Social has gobbled up most of its top games--made those prospects shaky.
[Via VentureBeat]
Do you happen to be a "hardcore gamer" that dabbles in Zynga games? Are you surprised at all by Raptr's findings? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Raptr's report breaks down the top game franchises on the social network by time spent playing, as the service tracks whenever users enter a game and for how long they play. Zynga's stable of games tails top hardcore franchises like Call of Duty's massive 43 percent time share and Halo's 14 percent with 13 percent. The remaining 12 percent is reserved for other hardcore games.
According to the report, big time hardcore games like CoD and WoW are played for longer sessions at a time, but Zynga Facebook games such as Empires & Allies or Pioneer Trail are played more frequently. In fact, Raptr goes on to say that about 12 to 20 percent of CityVille players are also deep into games like StarCraft 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops. And the percentage of Xbox 360 owners that have played a Zynga game increased by 50 percent to a total of 30 percent, the report claims.
Top Franchises by Share Time Spent
The data goes on to show that Zynga controls 60 percent of the market in social games, at least judging from Raptr's 10 million users. And before The Sims Social came along, the massive company's top games racked up three times as many hours as the rest of the top 10 Facebook games combined. Not to mention that Zynga fans are loyal: 90 percent of FrontierVille, Treasure Isle, CityVille, and Empires & Allies players were pulled from existing Zynga games.
While it almost goes without saying, Zynga is still killing it. More importantly for the company, however, is that reports like this will help instill confidence in its upcoming $1 billion initial public offering. With recent news that the company's profits plummeted 90 percent--and that The Sims Social has gobbled up most of its top games--made those prospects shaky.
[Via VentureBeat]
Do you happen to be a "hardcore gamer" that dabbles in Zynga games? Are you surprised at all by Raptr's findings? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Game of the Day: Impale
impale game of the dayNo one likes zombies.They're scary, they're smelly, they eat our brains, they congest our highways, and are generally a nuisance to have around. Has one of your socks ever gone mysteriously missing in the wash? Chances are a zombie took it.
Today's Game of the Day, Impale, understands your zombie-hatred. That's why the object of the game is to hurl zombies from a catapult, impaling them on spikes, hooks, saws, and much much more. On each map there are a number of hazards with red lights on them, impaling a zombie on that object will turn off the red light. If you turn off all the red lights, you'll progress to the next level!
Though it may sound easy, Impale quickly ramps up the difficulty in it's 50 regular and 20 bonus levels. It'll take accuracy, wit, and a little luck to successfully impale all the zombies.
Click here to play Impale!
impale game of the day impale game of the day
Pro Tips:
* To unlock the bonus levels you'll need to get a score of 1,000 on the first 50 levels. To do that, you're going to need to limit the amount of zombies you launch. The fewer zombies it takes you to complete a level, the higher your score.
* Remember to aim carefully. The further your cursor is from the catapult when you click, the farther and faster your zombie will travel. Also, though they are above death, zombies aren't above gravity. When you launch a zombie, it will travel in an arc. Aim slightly above what your trying to hit for best results.
* If you aren't looking to unlock the bonus levels or get a high score, and just want to have fun, may I suggest my preferred technique: the zombie catapult machine gun. Simply rapid-fire zombies at whatever you want for maximum effectiveness.
Click here to play Impale!
Were you able to complete all fifty levels?
Today's Game of the Day, Impale, understands your zombie-hatred. That's why the object of the game is to hurl zombies from a catapult, impaling them on spikes, hooks, saws, and much much more. On each map there are a number of hazards with red lights on them, impaling a zombie on that object will turn off the red light. If you turn off all the red lights, you'll progress to the next level!
Though it may sound easy, Impale quickly ramps up the difficulty in it's 50 regular and 20 bonus levels. It'll take accuracy, wit, and a little luck to successfully impale all the zombies.
Click here to play Impale!
impale game of the day impale game of the day
Pro Tips:
* To unlock the bonus levels you'll need to get a score of 1,000 on the first 50 levels. To do that, you're going to need to limit the amount of zombies you launch. The fewer zombies it takes you to complete a level, the higher your score.
* Remember to aim carefully. The further your cursor is from the catapult when you click, the farther and faster your zombie will travel. Also, though they are above death, zombies aren't above gravity. When you launch a zombie, it will travel in an arc. Aim slightly above what your trying to hit for best results.
* If you aren't looking to unlock the bonus levels or get a high score, and just want to have fun, may I suggest my preferred technique: the zombie catapult machine gun. Simply rapid-fire zombies at whatever you want for maximum effectiveness.
Click here to play Impale!
Were you able to complete all fifty levels?
Android gaming gets smurfalicious, Smurfs' Village launches Sept. 28
The Smurfs Village
Android owners, did you really think you could survive the blue wave for long? Capcom's Beeline Interactive announced that Smurfs' Village will launch on select Android devices for free on Sept. 28. Originally released for the iPhone and iPad in late 2010, the mobile social game skyrocketed in popularity and even resulted in one hilarious lesson in child rearing in 2011.
The game plays out much like mobile Zynga games like CityVille Hometown in that players are tasked (by Papa Smurf) to build up their very own--you guessed it--village. But this time, it's for the Smurfs to dwell in as the evil Gargamel seeks them out. During your time expanding the Smurfs' miniature empire, you'll gain access to some of the more popular Smurfs and their special abilities.
Namely, many of these blue buggers will unlock mini games for you to enjoy and find additional resources with like Greedy Smurf's Baking Game or Papa Smurf's Potion Mixing Game. Of course, players can also share their experiences with their friends on Facebook through Facebook Connect. According to Capcom, Smurfs' Village consistently ranks as a top grossing app worldwide. (We think we have an idea of how that happened back in the day.)
Most recently, Capcom and Beeline released Smurfs' Grabber to iPhone and iPad, which will soon integrate directly with Smurfs' Village. (Not to mention that Ubisoft released a full-blown Smurfs game for Facebook.) We imagine that, with the heaping gold mine that the Smurfs property has proven to be for Capcom, it won't be long before you're grabbing for goodies in Smurfs' Village with Smurfs' Grabber on Android devices, too. Until then, just focus on building your blue buddies some comfy mushroom houses.
Click here to find The Smurfs' Village on the Android Market >
Are you a fan of the recent mobile and social takes on the Smurfs in smartphones and on Facebook? Will we ever get enough of the smurfing? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Android owners, did you really think you could survive the blue wave for long? Capcom's Beeline Interactive announced that Smurfs' Village will launch on select Android devices for free on Sept. 28. Originally released for the iPhone and iPad in late 2010, the mobile social game skyrocketed in popularity and even resulted in one hilarious lesson in child rearing in 2011.
The game plays out much like mobile Zynga games like CityVille Hometown in that players are tasked (by Papa Smurf) to build up their very own--you guessed it--village. But this time, it's for the Smurfs to dwell in as the evil Gargamel seeks them out. During your time expanding the Smurfs' miniature empire, you'll gain access to some of the more popular Smurfs and their special abilities.
Namely, many of these blue buggers will unlock mini games for you to enjoy and find additional resources with like Greedy Smurf's Baking Game or Papa Smurf's Potion Mixing Game. Of course, players can also share their experiences with their friends on Facebook through Facebook Connect. According to Capcom, Smurfs' Village consistently ranks as a top grossing app worldwide. (We think we have an idea of how that happened back in the day.)
Most recently, Capcom and Beeline released Smurfs' Grabber to iPhone and iPad, which will soon integrate directly with Smurfs' Village. (Not to mention that Ubisoft released a full-blown Smurfs game for Facebook.) We imagine that, with the heaping gold mine that the Smurfs property has proven to be for Capcom, it won't be long before you're grabbing for goodies in Smurfs' Village with Smurfs' Grabber on Android devices, too. Until then, just focus on building your blue buddies some comfy mushroom houses.
Click here to find The Smurfs' Village on the Android Market >
Are you a fan of the recent mobile and social takes on the Smurfs in smartphones and on Facebook? Will we ever get enough of the smurfing? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Zynga publishes Mafia Wars 2 comic, sets the stage for Las Vegas intrigue
Mafia Wars 2 has remained a mystery since the word leaked in January. The only follow-up the public has gotten from Zynga is last week's 'badass' trailer. But the game's official fan page announced a Mafia Wars 2 digital comic last night, titled with the game's much bandied about tagline, "Being Bad Never Felt So Good". The comic presents the glamorous yet dangerous world of the game, which is set in Las Vegas, and drops just enough exposition for the reader to meet the cast -- including whose shoes players will be stepping into once the game launches.
This eight-page comic was created by UDON Entertainment, a Canadian comics studio that specializes in Asian-inspired art, lending the story a manga flair in the character designs and paneling layout. UDON (named after the Japanese noodle) isn't a new entrant in games comics either. They're best known for their work with major Japanese games maker Capcom, drawing and publishing comics and artbooks for the Street Fighter series.
Mafia Wars 2 characters
So far, Zynga seems intent on keeping quiet about Mafia Wars 2's gameplay (except for the fact that it'll be a "vast 3-D world"), but they've been very big on establishing the game's world and its characters, the latter of which actually have detailed backstories available on the official website. A focus on characters and narratives is a rare thing in Facebook games. The last time this was done, and to a much greater extent, was Qunify's CLASH: Rise of the Heroes, which is heavily based on superhero comics. One of Zynga's developers, Mike Humphrey, has said that "I'm really looking forward to finally seeing how Mafia Wars 2 is received; it's unlike most games on Facebook right now, and I think it pushes the envelope of what people can expect from games on the platform." Let's hope they keep pushing until the day of the launch.
To check out the comic yourself, click here and follow the directions to 'Like' the game's official Facebook fan page.
How do you like the comic so far? Are you enjoying what appears to be Zynga's move towards more in-depth, story-driven Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
This eight-page comic was created by UDON Entertainment, a Canadian comics studio that specializes in Asian-inspired art, lending the story a manga flair in the character designs and paneling layout. UDON (named after the Japanese noodle) isn't a new entrant in games comics either. They're best known for their work with major Japanese games maker Capcom, drawing and publishing comics and artbooks for the Street Fighter series.
Mafia Wars 2 characters
So far, Zynga seems intent on keeping quiet about Mafia Wars 2's gameplay (except for the fact that it'll be a "vast 3-D world"), but they've been very big on establishing the game's world and its characters, the latter of which actually have detailed backstories available on the official website. A focus on characters and narratives is a rare thing in Facebook games. The last time this was done, and to a much greater extent, was Qunify's CLASH: Rise of the Heroes, which is heavily based on superhero comics. One of Zynga's developers, Mike Humphrey, has said that "I'm really looking forward to finally seeing how Mafia Wars 2 is received; it's unlike most games on Facebook right now, and I think it pushes the envelope of what people can expect from games on the platform." Let's hope they keep pushing until the day of the launch.
To check out the comic yourself, click here and follow the directions to 'Like' the game's official Facebook fan page.
How do you like the comic so far? Are you enjoying what appears to be Zynga's move towards more in-depth, story-driven Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
RockYou partner Peak Games raises $11.5M for social game projects
For those of you (like myself) who are kind of tired of seeing the western world dominate Facebook games, this news should come as breath of fresh air. VentureBeat reports that Istanbul-based company Peak Games has raised $11.5 million and purchased two companies in efforts to become a power player in Facebook games. The developers in question, Umaykut and Erlikhan, were bought in what Peak Games calls "talent acquisitions." Sound familiar?
This move speaks to the rapid growth of Facebook games in regions like Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, Mexico and South America. As we already know, Peak Games will work with growing publisher RockYou to distribute and localize its games in those regions. At the moment, Peak Games is the 18th most popular developer on Facebook, according to AppData, beating out notables like CrowdStar and Digital Chocolate in daily players.
Its most popular internally-created game is Okey, a social puzzle board game. And if you count its fans across all social networks including Facebook, Peak Games welcome 4 million daily players and 16 million monthly players, according to VentureBeat. Peak Games has made a name for itself in localizing social games from national companies for its audience, which is the the fourth largest on Facebook.
"Our goal is to be the dominant provider of games for emerging markets," Peak Games CSO Rina Onur, told VentureBeat. "The growth has been huge in the last six months. These regions are growing super fast and they are very hungry for games."
Facebook gaming is huge in regions other than the U.S.--companies like DeNA and Gree in Japan, Tencent in China and wooga in Europe are testament to that. But what we're more interested in is seeing creators like Peak Games create successful games for a global audience. Perhaps an injection of cash (from Hummingbird Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital and an anonymous strategic investor) and talent will make that happen--Peak Games has an office in San Francisco, after all.
Would you like to see more Facebook games from these regions? Do you think Peak Games has a good chance at climbing up the ladder? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
This move speaks to the rapid growth of Facebook games in regions like Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, Mexico and South America. As we already know, Peak Games will work with growing publisher RockYou to distribute and localize its games in those regions. At the moment, Peak Games is the 18th most popular developer on Facebook, according to AppData, beating out notables like CrowdStar and Digital Chocolate in daily players.
Its most popular internally-created game is Okey, a social puzzle board game. And if you count its fans across all social networks including Facebook, Peak Games welcome 4 million daily players and 16 million monthly players, according to VentureBeat. Peak Games has made a name for itself in localizing social games from national companies for its audience, which is the the fourth largest on Facebook.
"Our goal is to be the dominant provider of games for emerging markets," Peak Games CSO Rina Onur, told VentureBeat. "The growth has been huge in the last six months. These regions are growing super fast and they are very hungry for games."
Facebook gaming is huge in regions other than the U.S.--companies like DeNA and Gree in Japan, Tencent in China and wooga in Europe are testament to that. But what we're more interested in is seeing creators like Peak Games create successful games for a global audience. Perhaps an injection of cash (from Hummingbird Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital and an anonymous strategic investor) and talent will make that happen--Peak Games has an office in San Francisco, after all.
Would you like to see more Facebook games from these regions? Do you think Peak Games has a good chance at climbing up the ladder? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
FarmVille 1 Comment FarmVille Mystery Game (09/25/11): Dairy animals take the spotlight
Last week, the FarmVille Mystery Game contained Livestock animals to go along with the Livestock Pen animal habitat that had recently been released. Well, you might be able to guess what this week's game would contain then, in response. With the launch of the Cow Pasture last week, this week's Mystery Game is full of cows and bulls that will help you earn all sorts of calves.
This week's Mystery Game costs 20 Farm Cash per dart, but remember that you may end up with duplicates in the process of going for them all. There are six basic prizes available in this week's game, along with the expected bonus prize that we'll get to later. For now, here are the six animals you can win by popping balloons:
* Ayrshire Cow
* Black Angus Bull
* Brown Swiss Cow
* Canadienne Cow
* Guernsey Cow
* Norwegian Red Cow
If you can manage to win all six of these (through either luck or pure determination - and tons of Farm Cash), you'll receive a Randall Bull as a free gift. Although, when it really comes down to it, you will have spent so many Farm Cash on these first six animals, I'm not sure if "free" is the appropriate word here.
Either way, you'll have just a single week to earn these six (potentially seven dairy animals) before they go into retirement with no guarantee that they'll be re-released. Good luck if you're going for all seven!
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you take a stab at this week's Mystery Game in FarmVille? Which of the six animals would you most hope to win? Which ones did you receive? Let us know in the comments!
This week's Mystery Game costs 20 Farm Cash per dart, but remember that you may end up with duplicates in the process of going for them all. There are six basic prizes available in this week's game, along with the expected bonus prize that we'll get to later. For now, here are the six animals you can win by popping balloons:
* Ayrshire Cow
* Black Angus Bull
* Brown Swiss Cow
* Canadienne Cow
* Guernsey Cow
* Norwegian Red Cow
If you can manage to win all six of these (through either luck or pure determination - and tons of Farm Cash), you'll receive a Randall Bull as a free gift. Although, when it really comes down to it, you will have spent so many Farm Cash on these first six animals, I'm not sure if "free" is the appropriate word here.
Either way, you'll have just a single week to earn these six (potentially seven dairy animals) before they go into retirement with no guarantee that they'll be re-released. Good luck if you're going for all seven!
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you take a stab at this week's Mystery Game in FarmVille? Which of the six animals would you most hope to win? Which ones did you receive? Let us know in the comments!
FarmVille Raffle Booth (09/25/11): Win a Lily Pond or Summer House
The FarmVille Raffle Booth has been updated once again this evening, with three prizes being those you'd expect, and two that are far better, if not entirely original. Remember, if you don't see these items in your Raffle Booth right away, it's likely due to the fact that you haven't traded in last week's Raffle Tickets, so you'll need to do that (and see if you won any of last week's prizes) before you can see these new prizes and start gathering tickets all over again. Here's the set of prizes for this week's raffle, along with your odds of winning them.
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
5 Love Potions - 1:50
Summer House - 1:200
Lily Pond - 1:500
Remember, these odds simply mean that you'll have a 1 in 500 chance of winning the Lily Pond, as a particular example. Of course, that means you'll have a far better chance of winning the first two prizes, or even the third prize (the Love Potions) before you'll walk away with the top two prizes for this week. Still, Raffle Tickets are free, so long as your friends send them to you (they can also be purchased with Farm Cash), so there's no harm in trying and hoping to win them all!
Which of this week's prizes are you most hoping to win with your Raffle Tickets? Did you walk away with the top prize last week? Share with us in the comments!
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
5 Love Potions - 1:50
Summer House - 1:200
Lily Pond - 1:500
Remember, these odds simply mean that you'll have a 1 in 500 chance of winning the Lily Pond, as a particular example. Of course, that means you'll have a far better chance of winning the first two prizes, or even the third prize (the Love Potions) before you'll walk away with the top two prizes for this week. Still, Raffle Tickets are free, so long as your friends send them to you (they can also be purchased with Farm Cash), so there's no harm in trying and hoping to win them all!
Which of this week's prizes are you most hoping to win with your Raffle Tickets? Did you walk away with the top prize last week? Share with us in the comments!
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Items: American Aspen Tree, Draft Horse, Anchor Statue and more
With tonight's FarmVille update, we see a continuation of the Lighthouse Cove limited edition item theme in the game's store. As a reminder, these items may be in the new Lighthouse Cove theme (corresponding with the game's newest farm), but they can be purchased and used on other farms. As of right now, however, there's no way to get items from the Lighthouse Cove and onto other farms, so you'll have to purchase more than one of each item for each farm until the FarmVille team fixes that issue. That all being said, here's a complete look at the newly available items!
Trees
American Aspen Tree - 8 Farm Cash
European Aspen Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, these items don't come with sale prices like those released in the last Lighthouse Cove release, so you'll be stuck paying the full (high) price for these trees. Of course, you only ever should purchase the Level 1 tree in these pairings, with this one being the American Aspen Tree. You'll be able to earn the European Aspen Tree for free (eventually) by growing Mystery Seedlings.
Animals
Draft Horse - 26 Farm Cash
American Buff - 8 Farm Cash
The American Buff is a kind of Goose, so you'll (in theory) be able to breed it inside your Aviary animal habitats. Either way, just purchasing a single American Buff gives you access to the animal's animal mastery sign, so you'll earn it eventually (if that's what you're interested in). As for the Draft Horse, this one rewards you with 2,600 experience points for purchasing it.
Buildings
Clock Tower - 20 Farm Cash
This Clock Tower is unfortunately the only new building released this week, but that just makes it all the more special. It's an incredibly tall building, so you'll likely want to place it on the outskirts of your farm (towards the top of the screen) so that it doesn't block your view of anything resting "behind" it.
Decorations
Pumpkin Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Anchor Statue - 40,000 coins
Sunflower Pot - 8,000 coins
Autumn Fall - 30 Farm Cash
Trawler Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Hayride Wagon - 80,000 coins
As fall is now officially upon us, it's not surprising to see a return of items like the Autumn Fall and Hayride Wagon to the game. Just make sure to check your storage before purchasing these re-released items to make sure you're not needlessly purchasing duplicates.
While there's no word when this "theme" of items will officially end, I am starting to wonder when exactly we'll see the game switch from Lighthouse Cove to Halloween in overall theme. Regardless of when it happens, you can be sure we'll be there every step of the way to help you prepare for the beginning of FarmVille's lengthy in-game holiday season.
What do you think of this newest set of Lighthouse Cove items? Sound off in the comments.
Trees
American Aspen Tree - 8 Farm Cash
European Aspen Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, these items don't come with sale prices like those released in the last Lighthouse Cove release, so you'll be stuck paying the full (high) price for these trees. Of course, you only ever should purchase the Level 1 tree in these pairings, with this one being the American Aspen Tree. You'll be able to earn the European Aspen Tree for free (eventually) by growing Mystery Seedlings.
Animals
Draft Horse - 26 Farm Cash
American Buff - 8 Farm Cash
The American Buff is a kind of Goose, so you'll (in theory) be able to breed it inside your Aviary animal habitats. Either way, just purchasing a single American Buff gives you access to the animal's animal mastery sign, so you'll earn it eventually (if that's what you're interested in). As for the Draft Horse, this one rewards you with 2,600 experience points for purchasing it.
Buildings
Clock Tower - 20 Farm Cash
This Clock Tower is unfortunately the only new building released this week, but that just makes it all the more special. It's an incredibly tall building, so you'll likely want to place it on the outskirts of your farm (towards the top of the screen) so that it doesn't block your view of anything resting "behind" it.
Decorations
Pumpkin Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Anchor Statue - 40,000 coins
Sunflower Pot - 8,000 coins
Autumn Fall - 30 Farm Cash
Trawler Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Hayride Wagon - 80,000 coins
As fall is now officially upon us, it's not surprising to see a return of items like the Autumn Fall and Hayride Wagon to the game. Just make sure to check your storage before purchasing these re-released items to make sure you're not needlessly purchasing duplicates.
While there's no word when this "theme" of items will officially end, I am starting to wonder when exactly we'll see the game switch from Lighthouse Cove to Halloween in overall theme. Regardless of when it happens, you can be sure we'll be there every step of the way to help you prepare for the beginning of FarmVille's lengthy in-game holiday season.
What do you think of this newest set of Lighthouse Cove items? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille farmers might endorse presidential candidates in-game
Soon, you might be able to show your red (or blue) colors on your digital lawn. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that social media consulting firm Campaign Solutions is working to bring political campaigns into Facebook games, namely Zynga's FarmVille. Michael Hendrix, a consultant for the firm working on Rep. Michele Bachmann's, R-Minn., presidential ad campaign, is at the helm.
"We'll throw out four or five different messages targeting different demographics," Hendrix told the San Francisco Chronicle. "You're trying to figure out which message will drive a higher response." After working with advertising tools created by Facebook to directly target Bachmann's (a Tea Party supporter) demographic, his next message is said to hit FarmVille later this year.
The consultant has "written software" that will allow players to campaign for their candidate of choice by visiting their friends' farms spreading the message. FarmVille players will also be able to place yard signs on their farms, showing support for their favorite candidate. "The majority of social gamers are stay-at-home moms over 38," said Hendrix to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The consultant hopes to use FarmVille "to target soccer moms again." According to the report, Hendrix is looking squarely at Republican supporters in his campaign. However, nothing is said of whether Campaign Solutions's efforts will include support for Democratic candidates.
We'd imagine that, if this campaign were to actually happen in FarmVille, it would have to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. Otherwise, players might get the impression that Zynga itself is expressing its support one way or the other. Zynga has yet to mention any collaboration with this firm, so we've contacted the company for comment.
[Image Credit: Kevin Bondelli]
Would you campaign for your favorite presidential candidate in FarmVille? How do you feel about Zynga potentially allowing players to express their political opinions in-game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"We'll throw out four or five different messages targeting different demographics," Hendrix told the San Francisco Chronicle. "You're trying to figure out which message will drive a higher response." After working with advertising tools created by Facebook to directly target Bachmann's (a Tea Party supporter) demographic, his next message is said to hit FarmVille later this year.
The consultant has "written software" that will allow players to campaign for their candidate of choice by visiting their friends' farms spreading the message. FarmVille players will also be able to place yard signs on their farms, showing support for their favorite candidate. "The majority of social gamers are stay-at-home moms over 38," said Hendrix to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The consultant hopes to use FarmVille "to target soccer moms again." According to the report, Hendrix is looking squarely at Republican supporters in his campaign. However, nothing is said of whether Campaign Solutions's efforts will include support for Democratic candidates.
We'd imagine that, if this campaign were to actually happen in FarmVille, it would have to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. Otherwise, players might get the impression that Zynga itself is expressing its support one way or the other. Zynga has yet to mention any collaboration with this firm, so we've contacted the company for comment.
[Image Credit: Kevin Bondelli]
Would you campaign for your favorite presidential candidate in FarmVille? How do you feel about Zynga potentially allowing players to express their political opinions in-game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Zynga looks to give CityVille a boost, launches on Google+ Games
CityVille might have just scored a much-needed shot in the arm, as Zynga's most popular Facebook game has launched on Google+. Zynga announced the move today, and the game is already playable on the platform. Unfortunately, folks who decide to take the plunge into CityVille on Google+ Games will have to start all over again.
But considering its top game has been in decline in both monthly and daily players for some time, it's clear that Zynga is looking for new users with this move. Before today, CityVille was exclusive to Facebook for Western audiences, though the developer will soon expand the game to Asian audiences on the Tencent social network.
It was previously understood that Zynga had an agreement with Facebook that prevented the company from launching its games on directly-competing platforms. It looks like there is some fine print in that exclusivity deal that allows Zynga to do just that. This is especially evident considering Zynga has already released Zynga Poker to Google+ Games. With the largest Facebook game now on Google+ Games, Facebook's competitor just received reinforcements in its battle for social gaming dominance. (Now, Google+ has a whopping 18 social games!)
However, this move also speaks to Zynga's growing understanding that it needs to expand to grow its thriving business. With games like EA's The Sims Social gaining fast on the red dog's top spot with now over 60 million monthly players, competition is growing for the developer on Facebook.
Zynga is also hopeful that diversification will help the company grow and increase revenues ahead of its planned $1 billion IPO (initial public offering), the prospects of which have become shaky lately. Hopefully for Google, the presence of a huge name like CityVille will instill confidence in developers to bring new game ideas to Google+.
[Via VentureBeat]
Do you plan to try out CityVille on Google+ Games? Do you think CityVille has seen its best days, or will this expansion help the game find its second wind? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
But considering its top game has been in decline in both monthly and daily players for some time, it's clear that Zynga is looking for new users with this move. Before today, CityVille was exclusive to Facebook for Western audiences, though the developer will soon expand the game to Asian audiences on the Tencent social network.
It was previously understood that Zynga had an agreement with Facebook that prevented the company from launching its games on directly-competing platforms. It looks like there is some fine print in that exclusivity deal that allows Zynga to do just that. This is especially evident considering Zynga has already released Zynga Poker to Google+ Games. With the largest Facebook game now on Google+ Games, Facebook's competitor just received reinforcements in its battle for social gaming dominance. (Now, Google+ has a whopping 18 social games!)
However, this move also speaks to Zynga's growing understanding that it needs to expand to grow its thriving business. With games like EA's The Sims Social gaining fast on the red dog's top spot with now over 60 million monthly players, competition is growing for the developer on Facebook.
Zynga is also hopeful that diversification will help the company grow and increase revenues ahead of its planned $1 billion IPO (initial public offering), the prospects of which have become shaky lately. Hopefully for Google, the presence of a huge name like CityVille will instill confidence in developers to bring new game ideas to Google+.
[Via VentureBeat]
Do you plan to try out CityVille on Google+ Games? Do you think CityVille has seen its best days, or will this expansion help the game find its second wind? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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 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 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.
[Source and Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Are you on board with the growing trend of branded games on Facebook? Do you think developers will maintain integrity as the focus on branded content in their games intensifies? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
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 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.
[Source and Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Are you on board with the growing trend of branded games on Facebook? Do you think developers will maintain integrity as the focus on branded content in their games intensifies? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
New Pioneer Trail World Map: Are four more expansions on the way?
That's the logical guess, at least. Zynga recently updated The Pioneer Trail with a brand new World Map that hints at four unreleased areas. Instead of showing the four areas on the Pioneer Trail, the "Travel" button now shows a condensed icon representing the recently-released expansion in a larger map. What's more important, however, is what surrounds it.
Considering this is all we have right now, prepare for some wild speculation. The Pioneer Trail icon is surrounded by four grayed out icons. Moving from most left to right, what first appears is either a castle or a fort, with no trail marks leading to it. Perhaps this is a new area for players to tend to much like the Homestead (maybe players claim Fort Courage for themselves.) To the bottom left is a canyon, which is most likely the long-teased Rattlesnake Canyon.
Directly below The Pioneer Trail icon is what appears to be a Gold Mine, likely alluding to the Gold Rush expansion that has been hinted at since almost day one. (You know, way back when this game was still known as FrontierVille?) Finally, a haunted graveyard of sorts is featured. We seriously doubt Zynga would create an entire expansion's worth of content with a Halloween theme, so maybe this will be the home of future season-specific events.
At this point, who knows what the developer is up to. What we do know, however, is that Zynga has big plans for Pioneer Trail well into 2012. And considering the game has lost the majority of its daily players since it was re-branded in August, we're not surprised Zynga would be working hard to keep the major content releases flowing.
What do you make of this brand new World Map in Pioneer Trail? Do you think Zynga can recover its lost fans with a flurry of major expansions in 2012? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Considering this is all we have right now, prepare for some wild speculation. The Pioneer Trail icon is surrounded by four grayed out icons. Moving from most left to right, what first appears is either a castle or a fort, with no trail marks leading to it. Perhaps this is a new area for players to tend to much like the Homestead (maybe players claim Fort Courage for themselves.) To the bottom left is a canyon, which is most likely the long-teased Rattlesnake Canyon.
Directly below The Pioneer Trail icon is what appears to be a Gold Mine, likely alluding to the Gold Rush expansion that has been hinted at since almost day one. (You know, way back when this game was still known as FrontierVille?) Finally, a haunted graveyard of sorts is featured. We seriously doubt Zynga would create an entire expansion's worth of content with a Halloween theme, so maybe this will be the home of future season-specific events.
At this point, who knows what the developer is up to. What we do know, however, is that Zynga has big plans for Pioneer Trail well into 2012. And considering the game has lost the majority of its daily players since it was re-branded in August, we're not surprised Zynga would be working hard to keep the major content releases flowing.
What do you make of this brand new World Map in Pioneer Trail? Do you think Zynga can recover its lost fans with a flurry of major expansions in 2012? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The CityVille French Riviera Casino: Everything you need to know
Nearly a year after the game's release, it's finally time to unlock the first CityVille Wonder: The Eiffel Tower. We've guided you through building both the Sailboat Hotel and the Tonga Tower, and now Zynga has released the French Riviera Casino to the game. It's the third and final building required to access CityVille's first Wonder, and follows about the same pattern as its predecessors. But that doesn't make it any simpler of a task, so here's everything you need to know:
Players must be at least Level 30 to access the French Riviera Casino. Once you reach that point, you'll come across a new Goal from Edgar. It simply asks that you place the foundation for the building, and rewards you 2 XP for doing so. Keep in mind that you don't have to complete the Sailboat Hotel and Tonga Tower to access this Goal.
However, you will have to finish all three to access the Eiffel Tower. Once you place the new building, it will appear complete with massive tarps, scaffolding and a giant crane. Click on it again to reveal the next giant steps in constructing this massive building in a window featuring three tasks.
Unlock French Riviera Casino
Unlock the French Riviera Casino
* Gather parts to Unlock
* Upgrade one French Business to Level 2
* Master one French Crop to Level 2
Like most buildings in CityVille, you must ask your friends for a list of items, though this time that list is more like a litany. You must ask friends for 12 of each of these items: Roulette Wheel, Dice, Slot Machine, Deck of Cards and Poker Chip. Once you receive one of each, you can place them on your Wish List to possibly make this part pass by more quickly.
Of the French Businesses listed in the Goal, we recommend upgrading the French Restaurant, as it costs the least at 4,500 Coins and holds just 110 Goods, meaning it will be open for collection more often and thus more upgrade points. Choosing the best French crop to upgrade is easy: Go with what's cheapest. That would be the Sun Flowers, which cost just 51 Coins and take 15 hours to harvest.
Inside French Riviera Casino
Once you completed all three daunting tasks, click "Finish Building" to unveil the French Riviera Casino. Of course, the building is functional, but operates much like a standard Hotel. Click on the building to supply it with a whopping 500 Goods. Click it again, and a menu similar to the Hotels will appear. While your city's residents will populate the French Riviera Casino, you can invite friends to boost the building's payout up to three times the normal value.
You can even invite friends as VIP guests after the Casino is ready to be collected. Just click on the hovering VIP icon to select five VIP friends. This is the final building to unlock the Eiffel Tower, so go on and build the first Wonder ever to hit CityVille.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you finished all three buildings to unlock the Eiffel Tower yet? What do you think of how Zynga has handled this new set of buildings? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
Players must be at least Level 30 to access the French Riviera Casino. Once you reach that point, you'll come across a new Goal from Edgar. It simply asks that you place the foundation for the building, and rewards you 2 XP for doing so. Keep in mind that you don't have to complete the Sailboat Hotel and Tonga Tower to access this Goal.
However, you will have to finish all three to access the Eiffel Tower. Once you place the new building, it will appear complete with massive tarps, scaffolding and a giant crane. Click on it again to reveal the next giant steps in constructing this massive building in a window featuring three tasks.
Unlock French Riviera Casino
Unlock the French Riviera Casino
* Gather parts to Unlock
* Upgrade one French Business to Level 2
* Master one French Crop to Level 2
Like most buildings in CityVille, you must ask your friends for a list of items, though this time that list is more like a litany. You must ask friends for 12 of each of these items: Roulette Wheel, Dice, Slot Machine, Deck of Cards and Poker Chip. Once you receive one of each, you can place them on your Wish List to possibly make this part pass by more quickly.
Of the French Businesses listed in the Goal, we recommend upgrading the French Restaurant, as it costs the least at 4,500 Coins and holds just 110 Goods, meaning it will be open for collection more often and thus more upgrade points. Choosing the best French crop to upgrade is easy: Go with what's cheapest. That would be the Sun Flowers, which cost just 51 Coins and take 15 hours to harvest.
Inside French Riviera Casino
Once you completed all three daunting tasks, click "Finish Building" to unveil the French Riviera Casino. Of course, the building is functional, but operates much like a standard Hotel. Click on the building to supply it with a whopping 500 Goods. Click it again, and a menu similar to the Hotels will appear. While your city's residents will populate the French Riviera Casino, you can invite friends to boost the building's payout up to three times the normal value.
You can even invite friends as VIP guests after the Casino is ready to be collected. Just click on the hovering VIP icon to select five VIP friends. This is the final building to unlock the Eiffel Tower, so go on and build the first Wonder ever to hit CityVille.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you finished all three buildings to unlock the Eiffel Tower yet? What do you think of how Zynga has handled this new set of buildings? Sound off in the comments. 3 Comments
Game of the Day: Sudoku X
Sudoku X is a challenging rendition of the classic puzzle game. It's everything you're used to in Sudoku, but with one mine-bending twist. The object of Sudoku is to completely fill the grid with numbers. You aren't allowed to repeat the same number in any row, column, or 3 by 3 box. In Sudoku X you also aren't allowed to repeat a number in either of the purple diagonals running from corner to corner.
If you manage to finish today's puzzle, try attempting some of the other ones by clicking through the archive at the top!
Click here to play Sudoku X!
sudoku x game of the day sudoku x game of the day
If you manage to finish today's puzzle, try attempting some of the other ones by clicking through the archive at the top!
Click here to play Sudoku X!
sudoku x game of the day sudoku x game of the day
Video Game Roundup: Gears of War 3, Star Fox 64 3D, The Gunstringer
Finally, Halloween approaches. Zynga is already preparing its in-game festivities with the release of the Shaman Lodge to Pioneer Trail. Laughing Bear the Shaman has arrived on the Homestead, and he foresees a terrible spookiness on your land. It's up to you (if you're at least Level 17) to help Laughing Bear build his lodge to collect as many charms as possible in preparation for a seriously spooky event.
Once you complete the Lodge, you will be able to collect shiny charms from it daily. We assume these will come in handy in this year's Halloween event in Pioneer Trail, so it's in your best interest to get started on this new building right away. Since we know the suspense is killing you, here's everything you need to know to build the Shaman Lodge:
Clearin' the Ground
* Place the Shaman Lodge
* Clear 12 Skulls
* Harvest 30 Sunflowers
When the even appears in your game, it will present you with the option to place the Lodge in a pop-up. Select "Build Lodge" to get started. Then, simply search your Homestead for Skulls--they're also a reward for completing the Cow and Graveyard Collections. Harvesting 30 Sunflowers will cost a total of 9,300 Coins and take at least 18 hours to grow. Your reward for completing this Goal includes one Mystery Animal Crate, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Staffin' Up
* Chop 30 Oak Trees on a Neighbor's Homestead
* Collect Two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge
* Collect 15 Eerie Gems
By this point, the Goals assume you've already completed the Shaman Lodge, so give the foundation a few whacks (which we imagine will cost Energy and Wood). Once that's complete, a window will appear with what's needed to complete the building, pictured below. Based on previous Goals, we imagine the first three items are requested through News Feed posts, while the latter three are found by asking your friends directly.
Finish your Shaman Lodge
After that's through, visit at least six friends to chop 30 Oak Trees. Collecting two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge will take at least two days. The 15 Eerie Gems will, again, come from your friends. Your rewards for this Goal include a welcome nod to the popular Internet video, the Double Rainbow, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Final Preparations
* Clobber six Snakes
* Harvest 30 Peppermint
* Collect 15 Monsterbane Arrows
Snakes appear most frequently beneath Skulls and Rocks, so try to avoid clobbering any Snakes from collecting Skulls in the first Goal. Peppermint acts more like a fruit tree than a crop, so you can choose to buy all 30, but I wouldn't recommend that. Regardless, this portion of the Goal will take you at least four hours at the very least. The Monsterbane Arrows are sourced from your friends like the Eerie Gems before them. Enjoy a Mystical Charm Totem, 700 XP and 700 Coins for completing this Goal.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started your Shaman Lodge yet? What do you think these Charms will be used for this Halloween? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Once you complete the Lodge, you will be able to collect shiny charms from it daily. We assume these will come in handy in this year's Halloween event in Pioneer Trail, so it's in your best interest to get started on this new building right away. Since we know the suspense is killing you, here's everything you need to know to build the Shaman Lodge:
Clearin' the Ground
* Place the Shaman Lodge
* Clear 12 Skulls
* Harvest 30 Sunflowers
When the even appears in your game, it will present you with the option to place the Lodge in a pop-up. Select "Build Lodge" to get started. Then, simply search your Homestead for Skulls--they're also a reward for completing the Cow and Graveyard Collections. Harvesting 30 Sunflowers will cost a total of 9,300 Coins and take at least 18 hours to grow. Your reward for completing this Goal includes one Mystery Animal Crate, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Staffin' Up
* Chop 30 Oak Trees on a Neighbor's Homestead
* Collect Two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge
* Collect 15 Eerie Gems
By this point, the Goals assume you've already completed the Shaman Lodge, so give the foundation a few whacks (which we imagine will cost Energy and Wood). Once that's complete, a window will appear with what's needed to complete the building, pictured below. Based on previous Goals, we imagine the first three items are requested through News Feed posts, while the latter three are found by asking your friends directly.
Finish your Shaman Lodge
After that's through, visit at least six friends to chop 30 Oak Trees. Collecting two Daily Bonuses from the Shaman Lodge will take at least two days. The 15 Eerie Gems will, again, come from your friends. Your rewards for this Goal include a welcome nod to the popular Internet video, the Double Rainbow, 500 XP and 500 Coins.
Final Preparations
* Clobber six Snakes
* Harvest 30 Peppermint
* Collect 15 Monsterbane Arrows
Snakes appear most frequently beneath Skulls and Rocks, so try to avoid clobbering any Snakes from collecting Skulls in the first Goal. Peppermint acts more like a fruit tree than a crop, so you can choose to buy all 30, but I wouldn't recommend that. Regardless, this portion of the Goal will take you at least four hours at the very least. The Monsterbane Arrows are sourced from your friends like the Eerie Gems before them. Enjoy a Mystical Charm Totem, 700 XP and 700 Coins for completing this Goal.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started your Shaman Lodge yet? What do you think these Charms will be used for this Halloween? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Monday, September 26, 2011
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove: New items come with sale prices for a limited time
On top of releasing new items in the FarmVille marketplace this evening, Zynga has also given us an extra incentive to go shopping by placing (most of these) new items on sale, but only for a limited time. These items come in the Lighthouse Cove theme, which, as you'll recall means that you can either place them on your Lighthouse Cove proper, or can place them on other farms as well. Just remember that if you purchase them on your Home or English farm and then want to move them to the Lighthouse Cove, you won't be able to move them back and forth until we've been given the ability to access storage across all three farms. Without further ado, here's a look at this week's available items.
Trees
Autumn Cherry Tree - 5 Farm Cash (down from 8)
Bradford Pear Tree - 10 Farm Cash (down from 14)
The Autumn Cherry Tree is the level one tree in this equation, meaning you can earn Bradford Pear Trees for free from Mystery Seedlings. These sale prices bring the trees back down to the prices we used to see trees priced at normally, so make sure to snag one (some) if those cheaper prices are acceptable to you.
Animals
Brown Maine Coon - 8 Farm Cash (down from 10)
Brown Pinto Mini - 22 Farm Cash (down from 26)
The Brown Maine Coon is simply a brown version of the original Maine Coon that's available for 200,000 coins, permanently. It does, however, come with its own mastery sign, so you'll need to splurge on at least one if you want to be eligible to earn it. As for the Brown Pinto Mini, this is a new horse that gives you 2,600 experience points upon purchasing it.
Buildings
Fisherman's Shack - 16 Farm Cash (down from 20)
New England Inn - 30 Farm Cash
If you're taking the supposed "purpose" of Lighthouse Cove seriously (that being to create a building-centric resort town), you'll be happy to see that this Fisherman's Shack placed on sale, as you'll be able to further flesh out that building with this "home" for even cheaper than before. Interestingly, the New England Inn isn't on sale, but it's not the only one that's not been given the sale price treatment.
Decorations
Autumn Creek - 12 Farm Cash (down from 15)
October Picnic - 3 Farm Cash
Flowery Picket - 5,000 coins
Porch Swing - 50,000 coins
Tree Arch - 10,000 coins
As I said before, here's another set of items that haven't been given sale prices. While this is expected with coin items, as coins are free to come by, I am surprised that the October Picnic hasn't been priced at 1 or 2 Farm Cash instead of 3, just so it too could be "on sale." Either way, make sure to check your storage for a Tree Arch, as it's been released before in previous events. Also, while an item called the "Porch Swing" has been released before, please note that this item is different.
As usual, all of these items are on a time limit, and will only be around for the the next 13 days. Happy farming!
Which of these items will you purchase for your farms? Have you been using these Lighthouse Cove items on other farms as simply decorations, or are you keeping them on your new farm? Sound off in the comments.
Trees
Autumn Cherry Tree - 5 Farm Cash (down from 8)
Bradford Pear Tree - 10 Farm Cash (down from 14)
The Autumn Cherry Tree is the level one tree in this equation, meaning you can earn Bradford Pear Trees for free from Mystery Seedlings. These sale prices bring the trees back down to the prices we used to see trees priced at normally, so make sure to snag one (some) if those cheaper prices are acceptable to you.
Animals
Brown Maine Coon - 8 Farm Cash (down from 10)
Brown Pinto Mini - 22 Farm Cash (down from 26)
The Brown Maine Coon is simply a brown version of the original Maine Coon that's available for 200,000 coins, permanently. It does, however, come with its own mastery sign, so you'll need to splurge on at least one if you want to be eligible to earn it. As for the Brown Pinto Mini, this is a new horse that gives you 2,600 experience points upon purchasing it.
Buildings
Fisherman's Shack - 16 Farm Cash (down from 20)
New England Inn - 30 Farm Cash
If you're taking the supposed "purpose" of Lighthouse Cove seriously (that being to create a building-centric resort town), you'll be happy to see that this Fisherman's Shack placed on sale, as you'll be able to further flesh out that building with this "home" for even cheaper than before. Interestingly, the New England Inn isn't on sale, but it's not the only one that's not been given the sale price treatment.
Decorations
Autumn Creek - 12 Farm Cash (down from 15)
October Picnic - 3 Farm Cash
Flowery Picket - 5,000 coins
Porch Swing - 50,000 coins
Tree Arch - 10,000 coins
As I said before, here's another set of items that haven't been given sale prices. While this is expected with coin items, as coins are free to come by, I am surprised that the October Picnic hasn't been priced at 1 or 2 Farm Cash instead of 3, just so it too could be "on sale." Either way, make sure to check your storage for a Tree Arch, as it's been released before in previous events. Also, while an item called the "Porch Swing" has been released before, please note that this item is different.
As usual, all of these items are on a time limit, and will only be around for the the next 13 days. Happy farming!
Which of these items will you purchase for your farms? Have you been using these Lighthouse Cove items on other farms as simply decorations, or are you keeping them on your new farm? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille: Limited edition Cows come back to the barnyard (again)
No, you're not experiencing deja vu farmers, Zynga has yet again re-released a set of cows into FarmVille, giving you guys a chance to fill your collections in anticipation of what looks to be a Cow-centric breeding habitat coming to the farm. We last saw some of these Cows back in August, when Animal Mastery hit the farm, but there are some different options for your shopping pleasure this time around.
As usual, you'll only have a week to do any shopping associated with this re-release of Cows, so here's a complete look at those that have been re-released:
Autumn Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Blue Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Robot Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Western Longhorn - 20 Farm Cash
Devon Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Mohawk Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Fairy Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Hereford Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Highland Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Chrome Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there aren't any coin-only Cows in this update, so you'll have to spend some of your hard-earned Farm Cash to stock up on any of these animals. Unlike previous animal habitats, the upcoming Cow building will allow you to breed Calves, rather that duplicates of these Cows, so if you don't want to waste time waiting for those Calves to grow inside your Nursery Barn, you might want to buy these Cows as is.
We'll make sure to let you know when the next animal habitat launches in the game, and hopefully we'll be able to bring you the news very, very soon.
Will you purchase any of these Cows for your farms, even if you don't place them in a storage building? Which ones are your favorites? Sound off in the comments.
As usual, you'll only have a week to do any shopping associated with this re-release of Cows, so here's a complete look at those that have been re-released:
Autumn Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Blue Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Robot Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Western Longhorn - 20 Farm Cash
Devon Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Mohawk Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Fairy Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Hereford Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Highland Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Chrome Cow - 24 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there aren't any coin-only Cows in this update, so you'll have to spend some of your hard-earned Farm Cash to stock up on any of these animals. Unlike previous animal habitats, the upcoming Cow building will allow you to breed Calves, rather that duplicates of these Cows, so if you don't want to waste time waiting for those Calves to grow inside your Nursery Barn, you might want to buy these Cows as is.
We'll make sure to let you know when the next animal habitat launches in the game, and hopefully we'll be able to bring you the news very, very soon.
Will you purchase any of these Cows for your farms, even if you don't place them in a storage building? Which ones are your favorites? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Cow Pasture: Everything you need to know
Check out our FarmVille Cow Pasture Goals Guide right here!
A fifth breeding building has started rolling out in FarmVille, and this newest animal habitat comes in the form of the Cow Pasture. Yes, I know we all probably have plenty of Dairy Farms on our farms to store cows (note: with the launch of this feature, Dairy Farms are no longer available for purchase in the market), but with these new buildings, we'll have a chance to store and breed cows even without bulls, by simply having one of a particular animal inside it. Of course, you'll need to first build your Cow Pasture before you can use it, so let's get straight into the guide.
The Cow Pasture requires 30 ingredients: 10 each of Hay Bundles, Stones and Tin Sheets. Unfortunately, these Stones are the same items you'll need to continue to repair the cove in Lighthouse Cove, so you'll need to once again decide which item is more important at the time: building this Cow Pasture, or repairing the Cove. Once the Cow Pasture is built, you'll be able to store 20 different Cows inside (perhaps you'd like to fill it with some cows that were re-released this evening). You'll also receive a free Irish Moiled Cow for completing it.
What makes this Cow Pasture different than other animal habitats is that you'll breed calves, rather than duplicate animals of those placed inside your Cow Pasture. With this comes the announcement that Calf and Foal mastery is "coming soon," so you'll want to have as many of these calves appear on your land as possible to prepare for that. While that may not give you a chance to easily stock up on fully grown Cows, I suppose you could place these extra calves in your Nursery Barn in the hopes that they eventually grow up.
Alternatively, you can click on the "Grow Up" button on your new Calves to grow them manually into adults by paying Farm Cash. Yes, this feature only costs Farm Cash and is currently unavailable for coins. The only positive that comes with this is that you won't need to collect Animal Feed, and can then use your excess Feed on the many, many babies you probably already have on your land.
For the record, it doesn't look like this Cow Pasture will do anything to your existing Dairy Farms, so feel free to keep those on your farm for easy storage of existing Cows on your farm(s).
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Cow Pasture feature? Are you looking forward to calf and foal mastery? Sound off in the comments.
A fifth breeding building has started rolling out in FarmVille, and this newest animal habitat comes in the form of the Cow Pasture. Yes, I know we all probably have plenty of Dairy Farms on our farms to store cows (note: with the launch of this feature, Dairy Farms are no longer available for purchase in the market), but with these new buildings, we'll have a chance to store and breed cows even without bulls, by simply having one of a particular animal inside it. Of course, you'll need to first build your Cow Pasture before you can use it, so let's get straight into the guide.
The Cow Pasture requires 30 ingredients: 10 each of Hay Bundles, Stones and Tin Sheets. Unfortunately, these Stones are the same items you'll need to continue to repair the cove in Lighthouse Cove, so you'll need to once again decide which item is more important at the time: building this Cow Pasture, or repairing the Cove. Once the Cow Pasture is built, you'll be able to store 20 different Cows inside (perhaps you'd like to fill it with some cows that were re-released this evening). You'll also receive a free Irish Moiled Cow for completing it.
What makes this Cow Pasture different than other animal habitats is that you'll breed calves, rather than duplicate animals of those placed inside your Cow Pasture. With this comes the announcement that Calf and Foal mastery is "coming soon," so you'll want to have as many of these calves appear on your land as possible to prepare for that. While that may not give you a chance to easily stock up on fully grown Cows, I suppose you could place these extra calves in your Nursery Barn in the hopes that they eventually grow up.
Alternatively, you can click on the "Grow Up" button on your new Calves to grow them manually into adults by paying Farm Cash. Yes, this feature only costs Farm Cash and is currently unavailable for coins. The only positive that comes with this is that you won't need to collect Animal Feed, and can then use your excess Feed on the many, many babies you probably already have on your land.
For the record, it doesn't look like this Cow Pasture will do anything to your existing Dairy Farms, so feel free to keep those on your farm for easy storage of existing Cows on your farm(s).
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the Cow Pasture feature? Are you looking forward to calf and foal mastery? Sound off in the comments.
Kabam study suggests hardcore gamers are flocking to Facebook
hardcore gamers
Have the tables finally turned? Not quite just yet, but slowly and surely they are, a study released by Kabam suggests. The Redwood City-Calif.-based creator of Facebook games like Dragons of Atlantis and Edgeworld recently commissioned a survey of 1,412 "hardcore" gamers to find just how their behavior has changed since the dawn of Facebook games.
Dubbed the "Social Gamer Study," Kabam found that the demographics of the average social game fan are slowly changing--more young to middle-aged men are playing Facebook games. And a whopping 82 percent of them come from the console game space, which is terribly important. This is because 27 percent of those surveyed report playing console games less often.
And perhaps more importantly to those looking to make cash from hardcore games, those surveyed reported spending 50 percent less on console games. Of course, Kabam threw in that players of its games are even more dedicated to Facebook games than console games: 55 percent reported playing console games less and spending 65 percent on the games.
Social Gamer Study findings
According to the study conducted by Information Solutions Group, 72 percent of these hardcore social gamers are playing two or more games at once, and 47 percent are playing three or more. If you've ever played a game like Kingdoms of Camelot or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters, you know that this is quite a lot to keep up with--much more so than, say, FarmVille.
Not to mention that this growing sub culture of Facebook gamers plays far longer game sessions than the 30 minutes or so your average Bejeweled Blitz player sits down for on lunch break. A massive 68 percent reported playing social strategy games for three hours or longer a day, and 30 percent said they play for longer than an hour per session.
Of course, it's important to keep in mind who commissioned this study: a developer and publisher of hardcore Facebook games. Vested interests aside, it's undeniable that a new breed of Facebook game fan is emerging, and fast. And you have to assume, with advances like download-free 3D gaming on the horizon, these numbers will only grow. Check out the study in full here.
Are you part of this growing portion of Facebook gamers? Do you think social game creators like Zynga, EA and wooga have anything to worry about? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Have the tables finally turned? Not quite just yet, but slowly and surely they are, a study released by Kabam suggests. The Redwood City-Calif.-based creator of Facebook games like Dragons of Atlantis and Edgeworld recently commissioned a survey of 1,412 "hardcore" gamers to find just how their behavior has changed since the dawn of Facebook games.
Dubbed the "Social Gamer Study," Kabam found that the demographics of the average social game fan are slowly changing--more young to middle-aged men are playing Facebook games. And a whopping 82 percent of them come from the console game space, which is terribly important. This is because 27 percent of those surveyed report playing console games less often.
And perhaps more importantly to those looking to make cash from hardcore games, those surveyed reported spending 50 percent less on console games. Of course, Kabam threw in that players of its games are even more dedicated to Facebook games than console games: 55 percent reported playing console games less and spending 65 percent on the games.
Social Gamer Study findings
According to the study conducted by Information Solutions Group, 72 percent of these hardcore social gamers are playing two or more games at once, and 47 percent are playing three or more. If you've ever played a game like Kingdoms of Camelot or Kixeye's Backyard Monsters, you know that this is quite a lot to keep up with--much more so than, say, FarmVille.
Not to mention that this growing sub culture of Facebook gamers plays far longer game sessions than the 30 minutes or so your average Bejeweled Blitz player sits down for on lunch break. A massive 68 percent reported playing social strategy games for three hours or longer a day, and 30 percent said they play for longer than an hour per session.
Of course, it's important to keep in mind who commissioned this study: a developer and publisher of hardcore Facebook games. Vested interests aside, it's undeniable that a new breed of Facebook game fan is emerging, and fast. And you have to assume, with advances like download-free 3D gaming on the horizon, these numbers will only grow. Check out the study in full here.
Are you part of this growing portion of Facebook gamers? Do you think social game creators like Zynga, EA and wooga have anything to worry about? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
GameHouse hopes to build buzz on Facebook with Bayou Blast
This might be the first and last time you see these words from me: I cannot wait to hit the bayou. GameHouse just announced that its next Facebook game, Bayou Blast, is scheduled to hit the platform this October. Keeping with the recurring "Blast" theme started with Collapse! Blast, this game tasks players with matching gems to make them explode. Sound familiar?
Of course it does, but judging from an early look at the game courtesy of GameHouse CEO Matt Hulett, Bayou Blast brings a fresh twist to the sub genre. You are Bayou, the last remaining firefly of the swamp who must save his friends from a voodoo frog that has captured them in various gems. But rather than simply matching them à la Bejeweled Blitz, you must draw lines of lightning through as many identical gems as you can to destroy them.
Bayou Blast takes this hook and crams it into 60-second game sessions in a race for the high score. Much like its competitors and previous offerings from GameHouse on Facebook, Bayou Blast features weekly tournaments between friends and power-ups that unlock over time and can be bought using either in-game currency or Facebook Credits. These include staples like time extensions, exploding gems and score multipliers.
Bayou Blast gameplay
The game takes on a charming, cartoonish art style, and rewards players for blowing up gems with greater speed. In fact, match fast enough and the game board will burst into flame, which we assume means much more points. "We've really focused on the quality of the game," Hulett tells us. "I've got people outside my office who are constantly looking at different art effects. Like, 'Is the lightning looking the right way when [players] drag the mouse cursor?' The amount of detail they're putting into this game is really great."
According to Hulett, games like Collapse! Blast and soon Bayou Blast mark a significant shift in where the company is headed. About 50 percent of the GameHouse staff is now focused on creating social games for Facebook and mobile devices. (GameHouse was originally focused on downloadable casual games.) Speaking of which, both of these games will receive Facebook-connected versions for the iPhone and iPad early next year. And Hulett is confident that GameHouse's new direction will pay off.
"We have a good shot of being in the Top 10," Hulett gushes. "I think we've gotten really good at Facebook games over the past three to five months. Maybe Bayou Blast will be our first game [with 1 million daily players]." We'll see if Bayou Blast lives up to Hulett's ambitions this October. Until then, check out the trailer below.
Are you psyched to play Bayou Blast on Facebook? What do you think of GameHouse's approach the world of Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Of course it does, but judging from an early look at the game courtesy of GameHouse CEO Matt Hulett, Bayou Blast brings a fresh twist to the sub genre. You are Bayou, the last remaining firefly of the swamp who must save his friends from a voodoo frog that has captured them in various gems. But rather than simply matching them à la Bejeweled Blitz, you must draw lines of lightning through as many identical gems as you can to destroy them.
Bayou Blast takes this hook and crams it into 60-second game sessions in a race for the high score. Much like its competitors and previous offerings from GameHouse on Facebook, Bayou Blast features weekly tournaments between friends and power-ups that unlock over time and can be bought using either in-game currency or Facebook Credits. These include staples like time extensions, exploding gems and score multipliers.
Bayou Blast gameplay
The game takes on a charming, cartoonish art style, and rewards players for blowing up gems with greater speed. In fact, match fast enough and the game board will burst into flame, which we assume means much more points. "We've really focused on the quality of the game," Hulett tells us. "I've got people outside my office who are constantly looking at different art effects. Like, 'Is the lightning looking the right way when [players] drag the mouse cursor?' The amount of detail they're putting into this game is really great."
According to Hulett, games like Collapse! Blast and soon Bayou Blast mark a significant shift in where the company is headed. About 50 percent of the GameHouse staff is now focused on creating social games for Facebook and mobile devices. (GameHouse was originally focused on downloadable casual games.) Speaking of which, both of these games will receive Facebook-connected versions for the iPhone and iPad early next year. And Hulett is confident that GameHouse's new direction will pay off.
"We have a good shot of being in the Top 10," Hulett gushes. "I think we've gotten really good at Facebook games over the past three to five months. Maybe Bayou Blast will be our first game [with 1 million daily players]." We'll see if Bayou Blast lives up to Hulett's ambitions this October. Until then, check out the trailer below.
Are you psyched to play Bayou Blast on Facebook? What do you think of GameHouse's approach the world of Facebook games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Spartacus on Facebook: Tis but a flesh wound on the competition
Spartacus: Gods of Arena
When we first heard word that Starz would be releasing a social game to promote the release of its miniseries titled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," I was admittedly skeptical. Publisher 6waves and developer Large Animal Games have exceeded my expectations, for sure. Unfortunately, it's tough to envision this social game of the same name having life beyond the run of the miniseries. Luckily, it'll be worth some good fun while it lasts.
Join us after the break for a more detailed take on Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.
Equipment Menu
When Disney released its social app to accompany Tron Legacy and Telltale launched its Back to the Future Blitz, a clear-as-day Bejeweled clone, Large Animal Games was busy working on a legit Facebook game. And its originality shines throughout. (No, this game is not like Mafia Wars.) Players assume the role of "managing" a lineup of enslaved gladiators by training them, sending them into battle and equipping them with new weapons and armor to master the circuit of arenas in ancient Greece. Winning battles earns players denarii, the games main currency used to buy gear and more gladiators. Also rewarded for victories is a more figurative stat called Influence, which is used to rig fights on your favor and to buy premium gear. Think of it as the game's paid currency (and it operates in Facebook Credits).
In the arena, battles are largely automatic like games are in Madden NFL Superstars, but you have the ability to either Cheer or Jeer. Of course, Cheering when your gladiator lands a blow or blocks one will increase your chance of winning and bonuses afterward. Jeering the opponent when he lands a blow or blocks one will limit his chances of victory. The music and artwork are well-produced and engaging, but rip a little too much from the near-ubiquitous comic book, 300. Unfortunately, that's about for the battle system: click either of two buttons enough and you win. For some added depth, players can challenge their friends' gladiators, but its not a real-time fight that occurs.
Cheer or Jeer to win
And that's about it for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which is sad to say. But at least the developer did more with this property when it could have easily created a shallow advergame. The game will be a blast to play on the laptop in between episodes of the new miniseries, but there isn't much point in sticking around once the TV battles are over.
Click here to play Spartacus: Gods of the Arena on Facebook Now>
Have you tried Spartacus on Facebook yet? What's been your favorite branded social game thus far? Share with us in the comments
When we first heard word that Starz would be releasing a social game to promote the release of its miniseries titled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," I was admittedly skeptical. Publisher 6waves and developer Large Animal Games have exceeded my expectations, for sure. Unfortunately, it's tough to envision this social game of the same name having life beyond the run of the miniseries. Luckily, it'll be worth some good fun while it lasts.
Join us after the break for a more detailed take on Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.
Equipment Menu
When Disney released its social app to accompany Tron Legacy and Telltale launched its Back to the Future Blitz, a clear-as-day Bejeweled clone, Large Animal Games was busy working on a legit Facebook game. And its originality shines throughout. (No, this game is not like Mafia Wars.) Players assume the role of "managing" a lineup of enslaved gladiators by training them, sending them into battle and equipping them with new weapons and armor to master the circuit of arenas in ancient Greece. Winning battles earns players denarii, the games main currency used to buy gear and more gladiators. Also rewarded for victories is a more figurative stat called Influence, which is used to rig fights on your favor and to buy premium gear. Think of it as the game's paid currency (and it operates in Facebook Credits).
In the arena, battles are largely automatic like games are in Madden NFL Superstars, but you have the ability to either Cheer or Jeer. Of course, Cheering when your gladiator lands a blow or blocks one will increase your chance of winning and bonuses afterward. Jeering the opponent when he lands a blow or blocks one will limit his chances of victory. The music and artwork are well-produced and engaging, but rip a little too much from the near-ubiquitous comic book, 300. Unfortunately, that's about for the battle system: click either of two buttons enough and you win. For some added depth, players can challenge their friends' gladiators, but its not a real-time fight that occurs.
Cheer or Jeer to win
And that's about it for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which is sad to say. But at least the developer did more with this property when it could have easily created a shallow advergame. The game will be a blast to play on the laptop in between episodes of the new miniseries, but there isn't much point in sticking around once the TV battles are over.
Click here to play Spartacus: Gods of the Arena on Facebook Now>
Have you tried Spartacus on Facebook yet? What's been your favorite branded social game thus far? Share with us in the comments
Become an entrepreneur in space with Galactic Trader
6waves is a very large publisher of Facebook games with over 30 titles so far. A brand new title to join the masses is Galactic Trader, which is an adventure game developed by 3 Blokes Studios (known for their work on Virtual Villagers). Galactic Trader is a hybrid of the Treasure Isle style of seek-and-click games combined with the theme and flavor from sci-fi games like Mass Effect. In fact, there are some serious similarities with Mass Effect that make the game feel comfortable for those of us who are totally comfortable as Commander Shepard.
The main objective of Galactic Trader is to level up by a combination of exploring new planets and fighting enemies encountered in space. Traveling through the solar system is as simple as clicking on the planet you want to go to. Landing on planets takes energy, as does seeking for resources while on the planet. One neat feature is the ability to scan planets to reveal the best locations to dig. (We told you that there are similarities to Mass Effect). Scanning costs 3 energy but is virtually an "I win" button since it shows you exactly where to dig. While digging you discover a variety of materials such as aluminum or titanium, money to spend, and experience.
Galactic Trader
Collecting materials is one of the main goals of because there is a market (named the Galactic Trading House) where you can buy and sell materials. Materials cost coins or Facebook Credits and can also be transmuted in a laboratory into higher level resources.
Another big part of Galactic Trader is combat. Each player has ships purchased in the Shipyard which can be upgraded with boosts to do more damage or have more defense. Combat is easy, and just requires you to move close to the enemy and target it while your ammunition is automatically fired. Buying and upgrading new and better ships requires finding or buying the resources needed to build them, collecting particular items from friends, and spending money. Better ships do better damage and have more boost slots to upgrade their power.
Galactic Trader
There definitely feels like there is something here and this game could appeal to that core gaming demographic. It's fairly easy to understand and doesn't venture too far off the beaten path, but could use a bit more polish on some of the interface elements and the combat. We'll be keeping a close eye on this game to see if it gains any traction. We want to know what you think in the comments!
The main objective of Galactic Trader is to level up by a combination of exploring new planets and fighting enemies encountered in space. Traveling through the solar system is as simple as clicking on the planet you want to go to. Landing on planets takes energy, as does seeking for resources while on the planet. One neat feature is the ability to scan planets to reveal the best locations to dig. (We told you that there are similarities to Mass Effect). Scanning costs 3 energy but is virtually an "I win" button since it shows you exactly where to dig. While digging you discover a variety of materials such as aluminum or titanium, money to spend, and experience.
Galactic Trader
Collecting materials is one of the main goals of because there is a market (named the Galactic Trading House) where you can buy and sell materials. Materials cost coins or Facebook Credits and can also be transmuted in a laboratory into higher level resources.
Another big part of Galactic Trader is combat. Each player has ships purchased in the Shipyard which can be upgraded with boosts to do more damage or have more defense. Combat is easy, and just requires you to move close to the enemy and target it while your ammunition is automatically fired. Buying and upgrading new and better ships requires finding or buying the resources needed to build them, collecting particular items from friends, and spending money. Better ships do better damage and have more boost slots to upgrade their power.
Galactic Trader
There definitely feels like there is something here and this game could appeal to that core gaming demographic. It's fairly easy to understand and doesn't venture too far off the beaten path, but could use a bit more polish on some of the interface elements and the combat. We'll be keeping a close eye on this game to see if it gains any traction. We want to know what you think in the comments!
Mystery Manor on Facebook: A getting started guide
Take your chances in the Mystery Manor or Facebook, developed by Game Insight. In this hidden object game you are trapped in the Mystery Manor and will need to search through the various rooms locating treasures and collectibles all while avoiding spooky, and sometimes perilous, forces. Use several different searching tools to increase your score, take on quests, complete collections, and play along with neighbors visiting their manors and helping them complete collections for cash and prizes while increasing your reputation as a good neighbor.
Mystery Manor logoGetting Started
* Mystery Manor is played on Facebook and you will need to have an account to play. If you need to register for a free account click here - http://www.facebook.com
* Once you have a Facebook account you are ready to play and can click on the "Free - Play Now" button at the top of this page.
* You will have to grant permission to the developer to access your basic information, send you emails, and post to your Facebook profile page and live feeds when you allow the game to do so.
* You will be taken on a brief tutorial of how to maneuver around the game board and work through a basic hidden object scene.
* The game has a lot of dialogue to read in between scenes. You can click on the text to close it if you're not interested in the storyline.
* Game controls - Along the top right of the game screen there is an icon with a wrench on it. Click on this to toggle the game music and sounds on or off and to change the screen to low or high quality depending on your computer speed.
* Full screen - The game is much easier in full screen and you can access at the top right of the game screen via the large green button with the four arrows on it.
* Experience points - Experience points (XP) are earned by searching rooms, helping neighbors, completing collections, and purchasing items from the game store. These are what allow you to level up. The meter at the top center shows you your current level and how much XP you need to reach the next level.
* Note - Before each hidden object scene you will be shown some of the storyline and given information about what collectibles may be in the scene and which phenomena may be affecting it. Be sure to read through these messages before you start each hidden object scene in a new room.
Mystery Manor Currency Bar
Mystery Manor Get Diamonds
Game Currency
* There are two types of currency in Mystery Manor:
* Gold coins - This is the basic game currency and what you earn when you find items, complete quests, and help neighbors.
* Diamonds - Diamonds are the premium currency of the game and can be used to buy high end items, special game advantages, and meals to restore energy.
* How to obtain more currency - You can purchase additional diamonds or gold coins by clicking on the "+" symbol next to the currency indicators at the top right of the game screen.
* You can purchase additional diamonds or gold coins using a major credit card, PayPal, Facebook Credits and more.
Mystery Manor Energy Meter
Energy
* Energy is used each time you search a hidden object scene and you are given a maximum of 30 energy points when you start the game.
* The energy meter is located top center of the game screen and you can see a countdown clock which earns you one energy point each time it hits zero.
* Each time you level up the maximum energy your meter can hold increases by 10 and you earn a complete energy meter refill each time you level up in the game.
* If you run out of energy it will either regenerate over time at a rate of one energy point per three minutes.
* How to obtain more energy - You can obtain energy points in a few ways. You can let it regenerate over time, ask neighbors to help you by sending gifts, or you can purchase meals with diamonds in the game store.
* Note - "Energy" is what you use to search rooms in your game. "Strength" is what is used when you visit neighbors and help them. (See "Strength" below for more information.)
Mystery Manor Energy Meals Store
Meals
* Meals can be purchased in the game store to restore your energy.
* These meals can only be purchased with diamonds and range from a cup of coffee, which is a few energy points, to the largest meal that actually increases your energy maximum by 10 and refills your energy meter.
* Click on the store button then look for the "Meals" tab to access this area.
* Note - Meals do not increase your "Strength" used in neighbor visits. It is only used to restore energy levels for you to use in your manor.
Mystery Manor Quest Find a Saucer
Quests
* There are ongoing quests that you will be able to complete for coins and XP rewards.
* Click on the icon at the upper left side of the game screen to see your current quest.
* You will have to do things such as finding specific items in rooms or clearing out a room a certain number of times.
* As soon as one quest is completed you will have to click on the icon and then click on "Claim My Reward" as the game does not automatically notify you that you have finished the quest.
* As soon as one quest has been completed and the reward claimed, a new one will appear in its place and the storyline will continue.
* You can sometimes use diamonds to purchase items required of you in quests. Use your diamonds wisely because you will need them.
Mystery Manor Controls
How to Find Hidden Objects
* You will start each game on the map of Mystery Manor. The first room is unlocked and you will unlock more rooms as you level up. Click on an open room to search it. Note that you may need to search more than one room.
* Next you will see a message that contains some storyline and explains what items you can find that are collectibles in this particular scene. Be sure to look at these items closely and run your cursor over them to see a written description if you are not sure what the item is.
* Once you enter the hidden object screen you will be playing in timed mode. You will see a countdown clock in the upper right hand corner of the game screen.
* It is best to put the screen in full screen mode as some of the items are very tiny and hard to see.
* Phenomena - As you level up there will be all kinds of obstacles or phenomena that make it harder for you to find items in a room. You can pay with diamonds to remove the phenomena or you can purchase charms, or special items to help you overcome them. Tools will be used to overcome most phenomena. (See "Phenomena" below for more detailed information.)
* You will have a list in the upper right corner. In this list you will see either a text description or a silhouette of the item you need to find. As you level up other things will happen such as the words in the list may be scrambled or you may have to figure out a puzzle before you know what items to find.
* Note - Before each hidden object scene starts you will be shown which collectibles may be found. These do not appear in the list to the right so you will have to remember these and there can be several at a time.
* The scene has a large magnifying glass that sticks to your cursor and you will need this to enlarge the area and see the small detailed items. Note that in the center of the magnifying glass is a gold dot. Place this gold dot on the item you have found and then click your mouse button to lock in the choice.
* If you correctly find an item you will see a coin fall and it will split into a coin, energy bolt, and experience star. Click on these if you can and if not they will add to your totals. Finding items equals extra money, energy, and experience points.
* You must find all of the items before the timer runs out. And if you do not you will see a "Failed" message and will have to use more energy to try again.
* Using tools - When you are stumped or you have a phenomena in place making it hard for you to complete the search you can use tools that are located under the text list of items to find on the right of the screen. Each tool has a different use and you will have to decide which ones to use in which scenes based on how you play and what kind of issues you encounter. (See "Tools/items to help you find objects" below for more details)
* As you level up there will be more rooms with phenomena happening to them. Be sure to read about this in the "Phenomena" section of this guide.
Mystery Manor Tools Store
Tools and Items
* Tools are used to help you find hidden objects in a scene and to fight off various phenomena that may be in place in a room.
* You will need to either purchase tools or have them gifted to you by neighbors.
* Tools are listed at the mid-right of the search screen. Click on them to use or add more.
* Some tools can be purchased with gold coins and some only with diamonds. Click on the store icon and then on "Tools" at the tab along the top to locate them.
Types of Tools
* Compass Tool - Mysteriously guides you to the item you are looking for. These can be purchased for one diamond each or you can purchase a 10 pack for nine diamonds.
* Flashlight/Enhanced Flashlight - Lasts either 30 or 60 seconds and increases your light's range for use in dark screens
* Time Freeze - Stops time for 40 seconds.
* Enhanced Time Snail - Slows time for 60 seconds.
* Gold Bomb - This causes five items on the find list to blow up.
* Time Snail - Slows speed to half speed for 10 seconds.
* The Flare - This lights up the entire room while it is in night mode for 30 seconds.
* Enhanced Pointer - This lights up items that are on your list when you point at them for 60 seconds.
* Pointer - This lights up items that are on your list when you point to them for 30 seconds.
Mystery Manor Floating Neighbors Help
Mystery Manor Help Locked in Neighbor
Floating Neighbors (Manor Map)
* On your manor map you will see the names of people floating around the map and footprints that appear and disappear in a magical fashion. These are people on your friend list that are playing the game.
* Click on one of these neighbors to initiate a bonus for helping them.
* You will be taken to a hidden object scene where you are to find five hidden items and possible collectibles.
* Once finished you can send energy to this neighbor or you can ask them to go with you, which means they will help you search the next room giving you the benefit of their level and experience. This can increase the odds of your finding collectibles or earning a higher score while searching a room.
* When you accept this help an icon will appear to the right of the screen before the control buttons and list. You will also see bonuses and special items listed here when they go into effect.
Mystery Manor Darkness Phenomena
Phenomena
* Each room in the manor will have various "Phenomena" that you have to get rid of or use tools to defeat. You will see the name of the phenomena when you place your cursor over the room such as "Evil Eye" or "Witches Curse"
* You can instantly remove an annoying phenomenon by purchasing its removal with diamonds or you can clear the room which may eventually stop it.
* Phenomenons might include a dark rooms in which you have to use a flashlight, or you may have a curse where time moves faster than what the clock tells you and you will need to purchase a snail charm to counteract it for a few seconds.
* There are many different phenomena in the game and it can be very expensive to purchase the release of it. So use your diamonds sparingly and save them for the higher levels where you will need to get rid of these to proceed.
Mystery Manor Charms Store
Charms
* Charms are used for special benefits in the game as you search rooms. They increase your luck and odds of finding items, give you more time, and increase the odds collectibles will be in a room you search.
* You may also be able to increase your odds of finding items for a specific number of hours or you could speed up your energy restore rate or the percentage of experience you will earn while searching.
* Visit the game store and click on the "Charms" tab to access the various charms and note that some can be purchased with gold coins and some with diamonds.
* Most charms are only available for purchase once you reach a certain level and unlock them.
Mystery Manor store Special Items
Special Items
* Special items are available in the store which when purchased give you all kinds of advantages when searching scenes in a room and removing the annoying phenomena.
* Some of the items reverse actions in rooms and some of the items are used for entry into specific rooms.
* You can purchase treasure chests which instantly give you six random collectible items so you do not have to search for these. The more expensive the chest the more likely you are to get rare collectibles.
* Click on the store button then on "Special" to access two pages of these items and be sure to check back daily for more.
Mystery Manor Collections
Collections/Wishlist
* Collections are kept in "Mr. X's" mystical chest and you can access it by clicking on the collections button at the upper right corner of the game screen.
* There are currently 38 collections each requiring you find five items available to complete. (The number of collections will likely increase with future game upgrades.)
* Each room you search will have potential collectibles in it and you will be shown which ones in a message before you start each hidden object scene. Sometimes a room will not have collectibles in it and it is random with the placement of these items so you may have to search a room many times before you run across them.
* You are only given five minutes to search a location and the faster you find the items the more money and experience you will earn. You have to make sure you keep in mind that collectibles need to be found but can not take up a lot of time. Once you find the final item on the list the scene will close and you will not be able to look for collectibles so keep this in mind before you click on the last item.
* Once in the hidden object scene look for these items before you find you final item on your list. If you find any collectibles click on them and they will be added to your collections area.
* Once you have all five required items in a collection you will also have to have the correct number of collectibles required to charge the box. Once this is done you will earn a coin and/or experience point reward as well as a special item to be used in the game.
* You can click on the collections button at the upper right corner and the box will appear with all items shown along with the gift that can be earned by completing that collection.
* Note - It appears at this time that collections can be completed only once.
* Wishlist - Along the top of the collection box you will notice a wishlist. Click on the little icon that looks like paper with a plus sign to add this item to your wishlist. Now others can gift this item to you and help you complete collections you are having difficulty finding things for.
Mystery Manor Wishlist
* Gifting wishlist item to your neighbor - When you place the cursor over any of your neighbors along the bottom of the game screen you will notice that their wishlist expands immediately and you can see what they need and if you have any of these items to gift to them. Your neighbors will also be able to see your wishlist and if they send you an item on it, it will disappear from your list so be sure to keep your list updated.
* Be sure to help your neighbors so they will return the favor.
* Mystery gifts - Please encourage friends to send you a mystery gift as their free gift of the day to send to you. These very often contain collectibles and will keep you from having to search rooms several times to find them.
Mystery Manor Reputation Meter
Reputation
* Each time you visit a neighbor you increase your reputation level. Hearts represent reputation in the game. There is a meter in the upper left corner under the experience meter that shows you how many reputation points you have earned.
* You are only allowed to collect a daily neighbor visit bonus once the first time you play the game and each time you play you increase your reputation a little more and will be allowed to collect more daily visit bonuses. You will still be allowed to help your neighbors and collect reputation points and gold for doing so. (See "Visiting and Helping Neighbors" for more information.)
* When you look at a neighbor in the menu at the bottom of the screen look at the star to see their level and the heart to see their reputation rating. The higher the number, the more visits that person does daily.
* When you have a higher reputation level you are able to do more things for your neighbors each day such as leave hints.
Mystery Manor Neighbor Menu Options
Visiting and Helping Neighbors
* Along the bottom of the game screen you will see your neighbors. These are people already playing the game that are on your Facebook friend list. The star indicates their level in the game and the number in the heart indicates their reputation rating.
* If you invite more friends you will have to wait for them to accept before they appear on your list. You can only invite people on your Facebook friend list.
* Use your cursor and place it on a neighbor's icon at the bottom of the screen. You will see three buttons and if they have any items on their wishlist it will expand upward and you have the option to send them one of these items if you have it to spare in your inventory.
* Visit - Click here to visit your neighbor.
* Profile - This will open your friend's Facebook profile page in another browser window.
* Gift - Click here to send this particular neighbor a free gift.
Mystery Manor Neighbor Visit Bonus
* Helping neighbors - Once you are in your neighbor's mansion based on your current reputation rating you will earn a reward of 50 experience points and 100 gold coins.
* Note - The first time you play the game you will only be able to collect this bonus from one neighbor. The more people you visit and help, the more reputation points you will earn. This will increase the number of neighbors you can collect these daily visit bonuses from each day.
* Next, you will see your name floating around your neighbor's mansion map along with others that have visited this friend.
* You can help your neighbor a certain number of times, which begins at a minimum of five. This is seen in the upper left corner as a blue icon with a hand on it. The number you see in this button is the number of times you can help this neighbor. As your reputation level increases you will be able to help more times.
Mystery Manor Helping Neighbors
* How to help - Look for rooms with the downward facing orange arrows and click on them. You will leave hints in these rooms for your neighbor and a heart and a coin will appear. Click on these hearts and coins to collect. Each heart you click on goes into your reputation meter, which increases the number of neighbors you can collect the daily bonuses from when you visit. You will need to work hard to get this bonus from many neighbors.
* You will be able to see a detailed listing of your neighbor's game stats to the far right of the game screen.
* Once you are finished, you are given the option to post a notification on your neighbor's Facebook profile. If you do not want to do this simply close the message.
* To return home look for the house button at the bottom left corner of the game screen.
Mystery Manor Strength Indicator
Strength
* Strength is used each time you visit a neighbor and you are given a maximum of 25 strength points when you start the game.
* Each time you level up the maximum strength your meter can hold increases by 10 and you earn a complete strength meter refill each time you level up in the game.
* Each time you give your friend hints you will spend 10 strength points.
* If you run out of strength it will either regenerate over time at a rate of one strength point every three minutes. You will not be able to visit neighbors until you have enough strength points to help them out.
* How to obtain more strength - You can only obtain strength points by waiting until it regenerates at a rate of one point per three minutes.
* Note - "Energy" is what you use when you are home playing in your own mansion. "Strength is used for neighbor visits only. If you purchase a meal it will upgrade your energy at home not your strength meter.
Mystery Manor Sending Gifts
Sending/Receiving Daily Free Gifts
* Sending gifts - You will be allowed to send one free gift to 50 of your friends per day. At first this amount may be less and you will build up to the maximum of 50 friends per day that you can initiate sending a gift to.
* If a friend requests that you send them a certain gift or collectible you will be able to do that by clicking on "Gift" in the neighbor menu, send free gift at the top of the game, or returning the favor when you accept a gift in the gift area.
Mystery Manor Messages
* Claiming your gifts - When gifts are sent to you a notification will appear in the messages area when you load the game. You will be shown who sent you the gift and what it is. Click on "Take" and the gift will be found laying on the manor map when you first visit it. Click on the item and it will be placed in your inventory for future use. Click on "Send Gift" to immediately send an item back to your neighbor.
* Click on the inventory box when you are ready to use the gift item.
* Be sure to send return gifts to your neighbors whenever possible so the gifting relationship will benefit both of you.
* Tip - Mystery boxes are a great gift to send as they have collectibles in them hat can really help you out.
This article originally appeared on Gamezebo.
Looking for a few new friends to play Mystery Manor with? Got additional cheats or tips? Drop a line in the comments below. 24 Comments
Mystery Manor logoGetting Started
* Mystery Manor is played on Facebook and you will need to have an account to play. If you need to register for a free account click here - http://www.facebook.com
* Once you have a Facebook account you are ready to play and can click on the "Free - Play Now" button at the top of this page.
* You will have to grant permission to the developer to access your basic information, send you emails, and post to your Facebook profile page and live feeds when you allow the game to do so.
* You will be taken on a brief tutorial of how to maneuver around the game board and work through a basic hidden object scene.
* The game has a lot of dialogue to read in between scenes. You can click on the text to close it if you're not interested in the storyline.
* Game controls - Along the top right of the game screen there is an icon with a wrench on it. Click on this to toggle the game music and sounds on or off and to change the screen to low or high quality depending on your computer speed.
* Full screen - The game is much easier in full screen and you can access at the top right of the game screen via the large green button with the four arrows on it.
* Experience points - Experience points (XP) are earned by searching rooms, helping neighbors, completing collections, and purchasing items from the game store. These are what allow you to level up. The meter at the top center shows you your current level and how much XP you need to reach the next level.
* Note - Before each hidden object scene you will be shown some of the storyline and given information about what collectibles may be in the scene and which phenomena may be affecting it. Be sure to read through these messages before you start each hidden object scene in a new room.
Mystery Manor Currency Bar
Mystery Manor Get Diamonds
Game Currency
* There are two types of currency in Mystery Manor:
* Gold coins - This is the basic game currency and what you earn when you find items, complete quests, and help neighbors.
* Diamonds - Diamonds are the premium currency of the game and can be used to buy high end items, special game advantages, and meals to restore energy.
* How to obtain more currency - You can purchase additional diamonds or gold coins by clicking on the "+" symbol next to the currency indicators at the top right of the game screen.
* You can purchase additional diamonds or gold coins using a major credit card, PayPal, Facebook Credits and more.
Mystery Manor Energy Meter
Energy
* Energy is used each time you search a hidden object scene and you are given a maximum of 30 energy points when you start the game.
* The energy meter is located top center of the game screen and you can see a countdown clock which earns you one energy point each time it hits zero.
* Each time you level up the maximum energy your meter can hold increases by 10 and you earn a complete energy meter refill each time you level up in the game.
* If you run out of energy it will either regenerate over time at a rate of one energy point per three minutes.
* How to obtain more energy - You can obtain energy points in a few ways. You can let it regenerate over time, ask neighbors to help you by sending gifts, or you can purchase meals with diamonds in the game store.
* Note - "Energy" is what you use to search rooms in your game. "Strength" is what is used when you visit neighbors and help them. (See "Strength" below for more information.)
Mystery Manor Energy Meals Store
Meals
* Meals can be purchased in the game store to restore your energy.
* These meals can only be purchased with diamonds and range from a cup of coffee, which is a few energy points, to the largest meal that actually increases your energy maximum by 10 and refills your energy meter.
* Click on the store button then look for the "Meals" tab to access this area.
* Note - Meals do not increase your "Strength" used in neighbor visits. It is only used to restore energy levels for you to use in your manor.
Mystery Manor Quest Find a Saucer
Quests
* There are ongoing quests that you will be able to complete for coins and XP rewards.
* Click on the icon at the upper left side of the game screen to see your current quest.
* You will have to do things such as finding specific items in rooms or clearing out a room a certain number of times.
* As soon as one quest is completed you will have to click on the icon and then click on "Claim My Reward" as the game does not automatically notify you that you have finished the quest.
* As soon as one quest has been completed and the reward claimed, a new one will appear in its place and the storyline will continue.
* You can sometimes use diamonds to purchase items required of you in quests. Use your diamonds wisely because you will need them.
Mystery Manor Controls
How to Find Hidden Objects
* You will start each game on the map of Mystery Manor. The first room is unlocked and you will unlock more rooms as you level up. Click on an open room to search it. Note that you may need to search more than one room.
* Next you will see a message that contains some storyline and explains what items you can find that are collectibles in this particular scene. Be sure to look at these items closely and run your cursor over them to see a written description if you are not sure what the item is.
* Once you enter the hidden object screen you will be playing in timed mode. You will see a countdown clock in the upper right hand corner of the game screen.
* It is best to put the screen in full screen mode as some of the items are very tiny and hard to see.
* Phenomena - As you level up there will be all kinds of obstacles or phenomena that make it harder for you to find items in a room. You can pay with diamonds to remove the phenomena or you can purchase charms, or special items to help you overcome them. Tools will be used to overcome most phenomena. (See "Phenomena" below for more detailed information.)
* You will have a list in the upper right corner. In this list you will see either a text description or a silhouette of the item you need to find. As you level up other things will happen such as the words in the list may be scrambled or you may have to figure out a puzzle before you know what items to find.
* Note - Before each hidden object scene starts you will be shown which collectibles may be found. These do not appear in the list to the right so you will have to remember these and there can be several at a time.
* The scene has a large magnifying glass that sticks to your cursor and you will need this to enlarge the area and see the small detailed items. Note that in the center of the magnifying glass is a gold dot. Place this gold dot on the item you have found and then click your mouse button to lock in the choice.
* If you correctly find an item you will see a coin fall and it will split into a coin, energy bolt, and experience star. Click on these if you can and if not they will add to your totals. Finding items equals extra money, energy, and experience points.
* You must find all of the items before the timer runs out. And if you do not you will see a "Failed" message and will have to use more energy to try again.
* Using tools - When you are stumped or you have a phenomena in place making it hard for you to complete the search you can use tools that are located under the text list of items to find on the right of the screen. Each tool has a different use and you will have to decide which ones to use in which scenes based on how you play and what kind of issues you encounter. (See "Tools/items to help you find objects" below for more details)
* As you level up there will be more rooms with phenomena happening to them. Be sure to read about this in the "Phenomena" section of this guide.
Mystery Manor Tools Store
Tools and Items
* Tools are used to help you find hidden objects in a scene and to fight off various phenomena that may be in place in a room.
* You will need to either purchase tools or have them gifted to you by neighbors.
* Tools are listed at the mid-right of the search screen. Click on them to use or add more.
* Some tools can be purchased with gold coins and some only with diamonds. Click on the store icon and then on "Tools" at the tab along the top to locate them.
Types of Tools
* Compass Tool - Mysteriously guides you to the item you are looking for. These can be purchased for one diamond each or you can purchase a 10 pack for nine diamonds.
* Flashlight/Enhanced Flashlight - Lasts either 30 or 60 seconds and increases your light's range for use in dark screens
* Time Freeze - Stops time for 40 seconds.
* Enhanced Time Snail - Slows time for 60 seconds.
* Gold Bomb - This causes five items on the find list to blow up.
* Time Snail - Slows speed to half speed for 10 seconds.
* The Flare - This lights up the entire room while it is in night mode for 30 seconds.
* Enhanced Pointer - This lights up items that are on your list when you point at them for 60 seconds.
* Pointer - This lights up items that are on your list when you point to them for 30 seconds.
Mystery Manor Floating Neighbors Help
Mystery Manor Help Locked in Neighbor
Floating Neighbors (Manor Map)
* On your manor map you will see the names of people floating around the map and footprints that appear and disappear in a magical fashion. These are people on your friend list that are playing the game.
* Click on one of these neighbors to initiate a bonus for helping them.
* You will be taken to a hidden object scene where you are to find five hidden items and possible collectibles.
* Once finished you can send energy to this neighbor or you can ask them to go with you, which means they will help you search the next room giving you the benefit of their level and experience. This can increase the odds of your finding collectibles or earning a higher score while searching a room.
* When you accept this help an icon will appear to the right of the screen before the control buttons and list. You will also see bonuses and special items listed here when they go into effect.
Mystery Manor Darkness Phenomena
Phenomena
* Each room in the manor will have various "Phenomena" that you have to get rid of or use tools to defeat. You will see the name of the phenomena when you place your cursor over the room such as "Evil Eye" or "Witches Curse"
* You can instantly remove an annoying phenomenon by purchasing its removal with diamonds or you can clear the room which may eventually stop it.
* Phenomenons might include a dark rooms in which you have to use a flashlight, or you may have a curse where time moves faster than what the clock tells you and you will need to purchase a snail charm to counteract it for a few seconds.
* There are many different phenomena in the game and it can be very expensive to purchase the release of it. So use your diamonds sparingly and save them for the higher levels where you will need to get rid of these to proceed.
Mystery Manor Charms Store
Charms
* Charms are used for special benefits in the game as you search rooms. They increase your luck and odds of finding items, give you more time, and increase the odds collectibles will be in a room you search.
* You may also be able to increase your odds of finding items for a specific number of hours or you could speed up your energy restore rate or the percentage of experience you will earn while searching.
* Visit the game store and click on the "Charms" tab to access the various charms and note that some can be purchased with gold coins and some with diamonds.
* Most charms are only available for purchase once you reach a certain level and unlock them.
Mystery Manor store Special Items
Special Items
* Special items are available in the store which when purchased give you all kinds of advantages when searching scenes in a room and removing the annoying phenomena.
* Some of the items reverse actions in rooms and some of the items are used for entry into specific rooms.
* You can purchase treasure chests which instantly give you six random collectible items so you do not have to search for these. The more expensive the chest the more likely you are to get rare collectibles.
* Click on the store button then on "Special" to access two pages of these items and be sure to check back daily for more.
Mystery Manor Collections
Collections/Wishlist
* Collections are kept in "Mr. X's" mystical chest and you can access it by clicking on the collections button at the upper right corner of the game screen.
* There are currently 38 collections each requiring you find five items available to complete. (The number of collections will likely increase with future game upgrades.)
* Each room you search will have potential collectibles in it and you will be shown which ones in a message before you start each hidden object scene. Sometimes a room will not have collectibles in it and it is random with the placement of these items so you may have to search a room many times before you run across them.
* You are only given five minutes to search a location and the faster you find the items the more money and experience you will earn. You have to make sure you keep in mind that collectibles need to be found but can not take up a lot of time. Once you find the final item on the list the scene will close and you will not be able to look for collectibles so keep this in mind before you click on the last item.
* Once in the hidden object scene look for these items before you find you final item on your list. If you find any collectibles click on them and they will be added to your collections area.
* Once you have all five required items in a collection you will also have to have the correct number of collectibles required to charge the box. Once this is done you will earn a coin and/or experience point reward as well as a special item to be used in the game.
* You can click on the collections button at the upper right corner and the box will appear with all items shown along with the gift that can be earned by completing that collection.
* Note - It appears at this time that collections can be completed only once.
* Wishlist - Along the top of the collection box you will notice a wishlist. Click on the little icon that looks like paper with a plus sign to add this item to your wishlist. Now others can gift this item to you and help you complete collections you are having difficulty finding things for.
Mystery Manor Wishlist
* Gifting wishlist item to your neighbor - When you place the cursor over any of your neighbors along the bottom of the game screen you will notice that their wishlist expands immediately and you can see what they need and if you have any of these items to gift to them. Your neighbors will also be able to see your wishlist and if they send you an item on it, it will disappear from your list so be sure to keep your list updated.
* Be sure to help your neighbors so they will return the favor.
* Mystery gifts - Please encourage friends to send you a mystery gift as their free gift of the day to send to you. These very often contain collectibles and will keep you from having to search rooms several times to find them.
Mystery Manor Reputation Meter
Reputation
* Each time you visit a neighbor you increase your reputation level. Hearts represent reputation in the game. There is a meter in the upper left corner under the experience meter that shows you how many reputation points you have earned.
* You are only allowed to collect a daily neighbor visit bonus once the first time you play the game and each time you play you increase your reputation a little more and will be allowed to collect more daily visit bonuses. You will still be allowed to help your neighbors and collect reputation points and gold for doing so. (See "Visiting and Helping Neighbors" for more information.)
* When you look at a neighbor in the menu at the bottom of the screen look at the star to see their level and the heart to see their reputation rating. The higher the number, the more visits that person does daily.
* When you have a higher reputation level you are able to do more things for your neighbors each day such as leave hints.
Mystery Manor Neighbor Menu Options
Visiting and Helping Neighbors
* Along the bottom of the game screen you will see your neighbors. These are people already playing the game that are on your Facebook friend list. The star indicates their level in the game and the number in the heart indicates their reputation rating.
* If you invite more friends you will have to wait for them to accept before they appear on your list. You can only invite people on your Facebook friend list.
* Use your cursor and place it on a neighbor's icon at the bottom of the screen. You will see three buttons and if they have any items on their wishlist it will expand upward and you have the option to send them one of these items if you have it to spare in your inventory.
* Visit - Click here to visit your neighbor.
* Profile - This will open your friend's Facebook profile page in another browser window.
* Gift - Click here to send this particular neighbor a free gift.
Mystery Manor Neighbor Visit Bonus
* Helping neighbors - Once you are in your neighbor's mansion based on your current reputation rating you will earn a reward of 50 experience points and 100 gold coins.
* Note - The first time you play the game you will only be able to collect this bonus from one neighbor. The more people you visit and help, the more reputation points you will earn. This will increase the number of neighbors you can collect these daily visit bonuses from each day.
* Next, you will see your name floating around your neighbor's mansion map along with others that have visited this friend.
* You can help your neighbor a certain number of times, which begins at a minimum of five. This is seen in the upper left corner as a blue icon with a hand on it. The number you see in this button is the number of times you can help this neighbor. As your reputation level increases you will be able to help more times.
Mystery Manor Helping Neighbors
* How to help - Look for rooms with the downward facing orange arrows and click on them. You will leave hints in these rooms for your neighbor and a heart and a coin will appear. Click on these hearts and coins to collect. Each heart you click on goes into your reputation meter, which increases the number of neighbors you can collect the daily bonuses from when you visit. You will need to work hard to get this bonus from many neighbors.
* You will be able to see a detailed listing of your neighbor's game stats to the far right of the game screen.
* Once you are finished, you are given the option to post a notification on your neighbor's Facebook profile. If you do not want to do this simply close the message.
* To return home look for the house button at the bottom left corner of the game screen.
Mystery Manor Strength Indicator
Strength
* Strength is used each time you visit a neighbor and you are given a maximum of 25 strength points when you start the game.
* Each time you level up the maximum strength your meter can hold increases by 10 and you earn a complete strength meter refill each time you level up in the game.
* Each time you give your friend hints you will spend 10 strength points.
* If you run out of strength it will either regenerate over time at a rate of one strength point every three minutes. You will not be able to visit neighbors until you have enough strength points to help them out.
* How to obtain more strength - You can only obtain strength points by waiting until it regenerates at a rate of one point per three minutes.
* Note - "Energy" is what you use when you are home playing in your own mansion. "Strength is used for neighbor visits only. If you purchase a meal it will upgrade your energy at home not your strength meter.
Mystery Manor Sending Gifts
Sending/Receiving Daily Free Gifts
* Sending gifts - You will be allowed to send one free gift to 50 of your friends per day. At first this amount may be less and you will build up to the maximum of 50 friends per day that you can initiate sending a gift to.
* If a friend requests that you send them a certain gift or collectible you will be able to do that by clicking on "Gift" in the neighbor menu, send free gift at the top of the game, or returning the favor when you accept a gift in the gift area.
Mystery Manor Messages
* Claiming your gifts - When gifts are sent to you a notification will appear in the messages area when you load the game. You will be shown who sent you the gift and what it is. Click on "Take" and the gift will be found laying on the manor map when you first visit it. Click on the item and it will be placed in your inventory for future use. Click on "Send Gift" to immediately send an item back to your neighbor.
* Click on the inventory box when you are ready to use the gift item.
* Be sure to send return gifts to your neighbors whenever possible so the gifting relationship will benefit both of you.
* Tip - Mystery boxes are a great gift to send as they have collectibles in them hat can really help you out.
This article originally appeared on Gamezebo.
Looking for a few new friends to play Mystery Manor with? Got additional cheats or tips? Drop a line in the comments below. 24 Comments
Starz to brandish 'Camelot' Facebook game beta very soon
Camelot: The Game
To arms, my brothers and sisters, as Starz is set to release a Facebook game promoting its hit new show, Camelot, in just a few weeks. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a beta version of the game will launch today, with a commercial release short after. The game seems to mark a new strategy for the cable TV network, as it released Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, alongside the debut of the miniseries of the same name. The first game enjoyed over 1 million monthly players at its peak, according to AppData, so Starz Digital Media is likely hopeful for the same success here with a new property.
As soon as the beta releases, players can log into the game and enter the password, "Merlin," for access. The game plays similarly to popular Facebook strategy games, driving players to gather resources, equip their armies, and rush into battle. Not to mention that this time around, the game will borrow liberally from plot points in the TV show. Fans of Spartacus (including myself) didn't appreciate the lack of control over battles, which would explain the drastic shift to an real time strategy game. Camelot: The Game is published by 6waves and developed by Sarbakan and Large Animal Games yet again in association with international distributor GK-tv, Hollywood Reporter wrote.
"We felt Camelot suits a couple of game genres out there, and none of the properties out there in this space were branded," Marc DeBevoise, senior VP digital media, business development and strategy said to Hollywood Reporter. "The action, adventure and challenge of this game is unmatched in the marketplace today and is a beautiful complement and extension of the Starz original series." From how it sounds, we're not so sure this game will cater to a large social gaming audience, but we'll see as soon as we get to wave some swords around soon enough.
[Image Credit: Hollywood Reporter]
Are you excited to play out your favorite moments from the series on Facebook? What do you think of social game tie-ins to existing franchises? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
To arms, my brothers and sisters, as Starz is set to release a Facebook game promoting its hit new show, Camelot, in just a few weeks. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a beta version of the game will launch today, with a commercial release short after. The game seems to mark a new strategy for the cable TV network, as it released Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, alongside the debut of the miniseries of the same name. The first game enjoyed over 1 million monthly players at its peak, according to AppData, so Starz Digital Media is likely hopeful for the same success here with a new property.
As soon as the beta releases, players can log into the game and enter the password, "Merlin," for access. The game plays similarly to popular Facebook strategy games, driving players to gather resources, equip their armies, and rush into battle. Not to mention that this time around, the game will borrow liberally from plot points in the TV show. Fans of Spartacus (including myself) didn't appreciate the lack of control over battles, which would explain the drastic shift to an real time strategy game. Camelot: The Game is published by 6waves and developed by Sarbakan and Large Animal Games yet again in association with international distributor GK-tv, Hollywood Reporter wrote.
"We felt Camelot suits a couple of game genres out there, and none of the properties out there in this space were branded," Marc DeBevoise, senior VP digital media, business development and strategy said to Hollywood Reporter. "The action, adventure and challenge of this game is unmatched in the marketplace today and is a beautiful complement and extension of the Starz original series." From how it sounds, we're not so sure this game will cater to a large social gaming audience, but we'll see as soon as we get to wave some swords around soon enough.
[Image Credit: Hollywood Reporter]
Are you excited to play out your favorite moments from the series on Facebook? What do you think of social game tie-ins to existing franchises? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Facebook Game Faceoff: Gardens of Time vs Mystery Manor
While Facebook's thousands of social games allow us to do everything from tending crops to growing cities and even defeating evil empires set on world destruction, there's one area of casual gaming that has just begun to really take a stand on Facebook: the hidden object game. Dozens of these games are released for download every month, but what if you want to play a social version of a hidden object game on Facebook (not to mention, play one of these games for free)? Luckily, there are two very solid options to choose from in Playdom's Gardens of Time and 6waves / Game Insight's Mystery Manor.
While both of these games come with quite a bit of complexity and depth, let's take a look at three major elements that hidden object game fans would likely look for in a title. The most obvious "want" in a hidden object game is a huge selection of scenes to enjoy, along with the variety of items you'll be searching for. Next comes item placement; are these hidden objects really hidden, changing location each time you replay a scene, or can you simply memorize their locations? Finally, are there any gameplay elements outside of simple item hunts?
Pictures are Worth 1,000 Words:
Don't worry, we won't bore you will all 1,000, but we will take a look at each games' setting and themes, which alters the types of scenes you'll search. For those that have always wanted to travel the world, you can experience a very cluttered version of locations like Giza, London, Florence and more in Gardens of Time. You can even travel throughout a historical timeline to see ancient Egyptian tombs still bursting at the seams with treasure or classical Italian gondolas not yet transformed into a tourist trap. Mixing standard hidden object scenes (find items on a list) with spot-the-difference scenes, you'll be able to unlock new chapters as you play, increasing your available scenes to search to a high degree.
For Mystery Manor, the setting is altogether different, and even a bit sinister. Ghosts and other nasty ghouls have taken over a sprawling estate, and it's up to you to search this haunted home for treasures. Each scene in Mystery Manor is themed in the same way - dark, dreary and cluttered with various household items like vases, silverware or clothing items. There's a Victorian charm to each room that hearkens to some of the most popular hidden object games ever released, so if you're looking for a traditional theme, Mystery Manor has it in spades.
Should I Be Taking Notes?:
In a social game setting, gameplay needs to be allowed to repeat forever, without a real end, so revisiting certain scenes in hidden object games is downright inevitable. It's in how the games treat these second (and third, and fourth) visits that can make or break them. For Gardens of Time, items remain in constant locations, but as you master a scene (that is, as you replay it more and more), your list of necessary items may become harder. That is, there are more than 12 items hidden in each scene, so you may wind up looking for items that are much smaller in size than before. Still, there are only so many items that you could ever be asked to find, so memorizing item locations is a sound strategy to undertake. This experience will ultimately allow you to earn higher scores on scenes, as you become more familiar with the standard item locations and can click on them faster.
On the other side of the coin, Mystery Manor's items cycle through multiple locations each time you play a scene. A flashlight that once sat upon the couch may be on the floor the next time you play that particular scene, as but one example. Items can only ever be located in a handful of locations, but with all 12 items in a scene changing locations each time you play, it adds more originality and freshness to your searches. This also adds more challenge to the experience, with is an equally important thing to consider.
Rounding Out the Experience:
Even the most dedicated of hidden object fans may want something more out of their experiences, which is where Gardens of Time's name really shines through. Between each hidden object scene, you'll have the opportunity to design your own garden, using themed artifacts and landmarks from around the world as decorations, along with items like flowers and garden benches, to name just a few. While you may not be tasked with creating a full town for some sort of virtual population of citizens, you can think of these elements as those from a common city-builder, as you can build paths to walk on, and even increase your Reputation, similar to increasing a town's population.
Meanwhile, Mystery Manor sticks closer to the hidden object cloth, instead offering you smaller item hunts when helping friends that are trapped in the rooms of your own manor, or by helping them by visiting them in your friends bar.
While both Gardens of Time and Mystery Manor offer beautifully drawn hidden object scenes with unique stories (including quests to complete) and social elements that actively engage your friends, the make or break element in any hidden object game is whether or not you can simply coast by memorizing or will be actively challenged time and time again. As Mystery Manor keeps bringing the challenge over time, we declare it the victor in this second Facebook Game Faceoff! The margin here was slim - almost too close to call - which leaves us to ask which game you prefer.
Gardens of Time vs Mystery Manor: Which game is better?
Gardens of Time stands the test of "time!"
It's no "mystery" - Mystery Manor is the winner!
VoteView Results
Share ThisPolldaddy.com
Quantcast
[Garden screenshot via HerbyTod]
Are there other gameplay elements that matter to you more when choosing a hidden object game? Ready to defend your chosen game against the masses? Speak up in the comments!
While both of these games come with quite a bit of complexity and depth, let's take a look at three major elements that hidden object game fans would likely look for in a title. The most obvious "want" in a hidden object game is a huge selection of scenes to enjoy, along with the variety of items you'll be searching for. Next comes item placement; are these hidden objects really hidden, changing location each time you replay a scene, or can you simply memorize their locations? Finally, are there any gameplay elements outside of simple item hunts?
Pictures are Worth 1,000 Words:
Don't worry, we won't bore you will all 1,000, but we will take a look at each games' setting and themes, which alters the types of scenes you'll search. For those that have always wanted to travel the world, you can experience a very cluttered version of locations like Giza, London, Florence and more in Gardens of Time. You can even travel throughout a historical timeline to see ancient Egyptian tombs still bursting at the seams with treasure or classical Italian gondolas not yet transformed into a tourist trap. Mixing standard hidden object scenes (find items on a list) with spot-the-difference scenes, you'll be able to unlock new chapters as you play, increasing your available scenes to search to a high degree.
For Mystery Manor, the setting is altogether different, and even a bit sinister. Ghosts and other nasty ghouls have taken over a sprawling estate, and it's up to you to search this haunted home for treasures. Each scene in Mystery Manor is themed in the same way - dark, dreary and cluttered with various household items like vases, silverware or clothing items. There's a Victorian charm to each room that hearkens to some of the most popular hidden object games ever released, so if you're looking for a traditional theme, Mystery Manor has it in spades.
Should I Be Taking Notes?:
In a social game setting, gameplay needs to be allowed to repeat forever, without a real end, so revisiting certain scenes in hidden object games is downright inevitable. It's in how the games treat these second (and third, and fourth) visits that can make or break them. For Gardens of Time, items remain in constant locations, but as you master a scene (that is, as you replay it more and more), your list of necessary items may become harder. That is, there are more than 12 items hidden in each scene, so you may wind up looking for items that are much smaller in size than before. Still, there are only so many items that you could ever be asked to find, so memorizing item locations is a sound strategy to undertake. This experience will ultimately allow you to earn higher scores on scenes, as you become more familiar with the standard item locations and can click on them faster.
On the other side of the coin, Mystery Manor's items cycle through multiple locations each time you play a scene. A flashlight that once sat upon the couch may be on the floor the next time you play that particular scene, as but one example. Items can only ever be located in a handful of locations, but with all 12 items in a scene changing locations each time you play, it adds more originality and freshness to your searches. This also adds more challenge to the experience, with is an equally important thing to consider.
Rounding Out the Experience:
Even the most dedicated of hidden object fans may want something more out of their experiences, which is where Gardens of Time's name really shines through. Between each hidden object scene, you'll have the opportunity to design your own garden, using themed artifacts and landmarks from around the world as decorations, along with items like flowers and garden benches, to name just a few. While you may not be tasked with creating a full town for some sort of virtual population of citizens, you can think of these elements as those from a common city-builder, as you can build paths to walk on, and even increase your Reputation, similar to increasing a town's population.
Meanwhile, Mystery Manor sticks closer to the hidden object cloth, instead offering you smaller item hunts when helping friends that are trapped in the rooms of your own manor, or by helping them by visiting them in your friends bar.
While both Gardens of Time and Mystery Manor offer beautifully drawn hidden object scenes with unique stories (including quests to complete) and social elements that actively engage your friends, the make or break element in any hidden object game is whether or not you can simply coast by memorizing or will be actively challenged time and time again. As Mystery Manor keeps bringing the challenge over time, we declare it the victor in this second Facebook Game Faceoff! The margin here was slim - almost too close to call - which leaves us to ask which game you prefer.
Gardens of Time vs Mystery Manor: Which game is better?
Gardens of Time stands the test of "time!"
It's no "mystery" - Mystery Manor is the winner!
VoteView Results
Share ThisPolldaddy.com
Quantcast
[Garden screenshot via HerbyTod]
Are there other gameplay elements that matter to you more when choosing a hidden object game? Ready to defend your chosen game against the masses? Speak up in the comments!
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