While it may cold where you are, a cool surfer has shown up in your game in FarmVille this week, offering a taste of summer fun here in the middle of winter (of course, we'll all quickly learn that surfing in the middle of winter might not be the best idea). His appearance comes by way of a new goal series, with there being nine goals in all to complete within the next two weeks. Here's what to expect when completing these goals, as reported by FarmVille Freak.
The Future's So Bright
Get 3 Pairs of Cool Shades
Get Pairs of Board Shorts
Harvest 150 Fruit
For these two "Get X Item" tasks, and any other similar task in this series, you'll need to ask your friends to send you the items in question via either individual requests or general wall posts. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 100 XP, 2,500 coins and a Shivering Duck.
Totally Tantastic
Get 4 Bottles of Tanning Lotion
Harvest Shivering Duck
Harvest 200 Corn
Rewards: 100 XP, Summer Polar Bear, 2,500 coins
Hang Ten?!
Get 5 Surfboards
Harvest Summer Polar Bear
Harvest 250 Sunflowers
Rewards: 100 XP, Shivering Pig, 2,500 coins
On the Mend
Get 6 Heat Packs
Harvest the Aviary
Harvest 400 Aloe Vera
Rewards: 100 XP, White Doe Nurse, 2,500 coins
From Swells to Flurries
Get 7 Snowboarding Outfits
Harvest White Doe Nurse Twice
Harvest 700 Strawberries
Rewards: 100 XP, Boarding Gear, 2,500 coins
Time to Shred!
Get 8 Snowboards
Master Shivering Duck to Level 1
Harvest 800 Blueberries
Rewards: 100 XP, Snowboarding Kangaroo
Let it Snow!
Get 9 Pairs of Snow Shoes
Harvest 1 Snowboarder Kangaroo
Harvest 850 Grain
Rewards: 100 XP, Arborist, 2,500 coins
Put a Lid On It!
Get 10 Beanies
Harvest Summer Polar Bear Twice
Harvest 900 Veggies
Rewards: 100 XP, Farmhands, 2,500 coins
It's Cold Outside
Get 12 Firewood Bundles
Master Snowboard Kangaroo to Level 1
Harvest 950 Fruit
Rewards: 100 XP, XP Book, 10,000 coins
Unfortunately, the XP rewards in these goals are disappointing, so it falls on the decorations or animals that you'll also receive to take up the slack. Sure, an XP Book is fine, but some of the farming tasks here will take quite some time to complete, unless you have enough plots across all of your farms to have 900 crops growing at the same time (it's definitely possible, but not 100% probable if you're a lower level player). Still, if you want to get your hands on these new and (for now) exclusive items, make sure to start on this goal series in your game before it's too late.
What do you think of these goals in FarmVille? Do you think the rewards are worth all of the extra farming we'll have to do to complete them?
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 3, 2012
FarmVille Winter Livestock Pen: Everything you need to know
In the middle of December, Zynga released the Winter Horse Paddock and Winter Cow Pasture in FarmVille, allowing players in Winter Wonderland (or elsewhere) to store their new winter animals in themed buildings. While Horses and Cows are just two groups of animals in the game, that same themed storage has now come to goats, sheep and pigs via the Winter Livestock Pen.
Luckily, if you still have some ingredients on hand from the previous Livestock Pens you've probably built, you can use those here, as you'll need 10 each of Water Pumps, Wires and Steel Beams to complete the Winter Livestock Pen's construction. These items, of course, come from item requests sent to friends, or they can be purchased individually for 1 Farm Cash each. When you finish its construction, you'll be left with a building that can hold 20 goats, sheep and pigs, and will be given a Snow Flake Pig for free.
Afterwards, you can immediately go to work expanding the building to hold more animals, by simply collecting more and more of the three building ingredients above. That is, to expand the first time, you'll need 15 of each item. This takes the capacity to 30 animals, while the next expansion takes 20 of each ingredient and brings the Winter Livestock Pen to its maximum capacity of 40 individual animals.
This still doesn't complete the lineup of animal storage buildings that need to be given winter treatments, but it does get us one step closer. Every little bit counts, right?
What do you think of this Winter Livestock Pen? Did you already build a regular Livestock Pen on your Winter Wonderland farm?
Luckily, if you still have some ingredients on hand from the previous Livestock Pens you've probably built, you can use those here, as you'll need 10 each of Water Pumps, Wires and Steel Beams to complete the Winter Livestock Pen's construction. These items, of course, come from item requests sent to friends, or they can be purchased individually for 1 Farm Cash each. When you finish its construction, you'll be left with a building that can hold 20 goats, sheep and pigs, and will be given a Snow Flake Pig for free.
Afterwards, you can immediately go to work expanding the building to hold more animals, by simply collecting more and more of the three building ingredients above. That is, to expand the first time, you'll need 15 of each item. This takes the capacity to 30 animals, while the next expansion takes 20 of each ingredient and brings the Winter Livestock Pen to its maximum capacity of 40 individual animals.
This still doesn't complete the lineup of animal storage buildings that need to be given winter treatments, but it does get us one step closer. Every little bit counts, right?
What do you think of this Winter Livestock Pen? Did you already build a regular Livestock Pen on your Winter Wonderland farm?
FarmVille Winter Aviary: Everything you need to know
Along with this week's release of the Winter Livestock Pen in FarmVille comes the launch of the Winter Aviary, a storage building specifically themed for your Winter Wonderland farm, complete with holiday wreaths and snow. The Winter Aviary is built in the manner you'd expect: just place the base of one on your farm, and then collect the 10 Clamps, Hinges and Screwdrivers necessary to complete its construction.
These items come from individual gift requests sent to friends, or can also be purchased individually for a single Farm Cash each. When you finish this first construction phase, you'll receive a Snow Chicken for free, and can share one with your friends. The Aviary will hold 20 birds to start, and can then be expanded to hold 30 animals by collecting 15 each of the same three building ingredients above. Finally, the second expansion takes the building to its maximum storage capacity of 40 animals by collecting 20 each of the items.
With the release of this Aviary and the Winter Livestock Pen, we're still missing winter versions of buildings like the Zoo or Wildlife Habitat, but it's great to see these released while we're waiting. We'll make sure to let you know when the rest of the winter-themed animal buildings do eventually launch in the game.
Are you excited to see a Winter Aviary launch in FarmVille, or had you already purchased regular Aviaries for your farm in Winter Wonderland?
These items come from individual gift requests sent to friends, or can also be purchased individually for a single Farm Cash each. When you finish this first construction phase, you'll receive a Snow Chicken for free, and can share one with your friends. The Aviary will hold 20 birds to start, and can then be expanded to hold 30 animals by collecting 15 each of the same three building ingredients above. Finally, the second expansion takes the building to its maximum storage capacity of 40 animals by collecting 20 each of the items.
With the release of this Aviary and the Winter Livestock Pen, we're still missing winter versions of buildings like the Zoo or Wildlife Habitat, but it's great to see these released while we're waiting. We'll make sure to let you know when the rest of the winter-themed animal buildings do eventually launch in the game.
Are you excited to see a Winter Aviary launch in FarmVille, or had you already purchased regular Aviaries for your farm in Winter Wonderland?
CityVille Cruise Ship Upgrades: Everything you need to know
Way back in the Spring of 2011, CityVille saw the launch of the City Port and Cruise Ships that allow you to earn large coin payouts every time you supply and collect from the Cruise Ship that waits in port. After a while, though, the feature fell into the background. In an effort to get users to care once more about their City Ports, Zynga has released new Cruise Ships and City Port upgrades to users that are Level 20 or higher (of course, you also have to own a City Port).
First things first, you'll need to start upgrading your City Port to Level 2, which requires the following:
Gather Parts
Unload Tourists from Alaskan or Scandinavian Tours 25 Times
Unload Tourists from Caribbean or Mediterranean Tours 25 Times
The part gathering task sees you collecting 35 building ingredients. You'll need to collect seven each of Baggage, Check-in Booths, Captain's Hats, Waiting Benches and Brochures. To complete the other two tasks, you can now take part in another new feature - the ability to send your Cruise Ship to whichever location you desire (from a list of five), with each location requiring different amounts of Goods to activate.
Alaskan Tour - 200 Goods; Lasts 8 Hours
Scandinavian Tour - 300 Goods; Lasts 12 Hours
Caribbean Tour - 500 Goods; Lasts 1 Day
Mediterranean Tour - 750 Goods; Lasts 2 Days
When you complete your first upgrade, your City Port will be a Level 2 Port, unlocking the Delucxe Cruiser ship to be purchased from the game's store for 500 coins. It offers a 1.5x payout on coins, depending on which Tour you purchase with your Goods. In comparison, the basic Little Liner only costs 100 coins and has a 1x multiplier.
You can continue to upgrade your City Port to Level 3 after this point, but you'll need to collect 12 each of five different building materials, instead of just seven. One final perk of upgrading your City Port is the fact that it become longer, allowing you to purchase larger boats for the sides.
What do you think of these CityVille City Port and Cruise Ship upgrades?
First things first, you'll need to start upgrading your City Port to Level 2, which requires the following:
Gather Parts
Unload Tourists from Alaskan or Scandinavian Tours 25 Times
Unload Tourists from Caribbean or Mediterranean Tours 25 Times
The part gathering task sees you collecting 35 building ingredients. You'll need to collect seven each of Baggage, Check-in Booths, Captain's Hats, Waiting Benches and Brochures. To complete the other two tasks, you can now take part in another new feature - the ability to send your Cruise Ship to whichever location you desire (from a list of five), with each location requiring different amounts of Goods to activate.
Alaskan Tour - 200 Goods; Lasts 8 Hours
Scandinavian Tour - 300 Goods; Lasts 12 Hours
Caribbean Tour - 500 Goods; Lasts 1 Day
Mediterranean Tour - 750 Goods; Lasts 2 Days
When you complete your first upgrade, your City Port will be a Level 2 Port, unlocking the Delucxe Cruiser ship to be purchased from the game's store for 500 coins. It offers a 1.5x payout on coins, depending on which Tour you purchase with your Goods. In comparison, the basic Little Liner only costs 100 coins and has a 1x multiplier.
You can continue to upgrade your City Port to Level 3 after this point, but you'll need to collect 12 each of five different building materials, instead of just seven. One final perk of upgrading your City Port is the fact that it become longer, allowing you to purchase larger boats for the sides.
What do you think of these CityVille City Port and Cruise Ship upgrades?
Empires & Allies Heavenly Ruler's Palace demands devotion from your soldiers
As the overseer of your very own island empire in Empires & Allies, you might sometimes feel unappreciated by your citizens and soldiers (they are virtually after all). All of that can change this week however, as the game has received a rather... egotistical update in the form of the Heavenly Ruler's Palace. This item serves as a decoration that will give you a 15% bonus on the payouts of all surrounding industry buildings and homes.
What makes this item special, however, is the fact that your Facebook profile picture will show up in a highlighted square in the center of the Palace - it is named for you, after all, the ruler of your island. Unfortunately, this item doesn't come pre-built, as you will need to collect parts to complete it:
12 Gold Statues
12 Marble Pillars
12 Palace Crests
12 Red Carpets
These items are, of course, earned by asking your friends to send them to you. Once it's done, you'll be the proud (well, hopefully proud) owner of a building with your picture on it. It's a seemingly random addition to the game, but it's also kind of fun, right?
What do you think of this Heavenly Ruler's Palace item in Empires & Allies? Will you build one in your empire?
What makes this item special, however, is the fact that your Facebook profile picture will show up in a highlighted square in the center of the Palace - it is named for you, after all, the ruler of your island. Unfortunately, this item doesn't come pre-built, as you will need to collect parts to complete it:
12 Gold Statues
12 Marble Pillars
12 Palace Crests
12 Red Carpets
These items are, of course, earned by asking your friends to send them to you. Once it's done, you'll be the proud (well, hopefully proud) owner of a building with your picture on it. It's a seemingly random addition to the game, but it's also kind of fun, right?
What do you think of this Heavenly Ruler's Palace item in Empires & Allies? Will you build one in your empire?
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 3, 2012
FarmVille Anti-Valentine's Day Items: For when you aren't feeling the love
Last year, FarmVille saw it's first Anti-Valentine's Day theme of items released in the store, giving single folks a chance to celebrate their statue by making a statement on their farms. This year, the theme has returned to the store, bringing with it new animals, trees and more. As usual, we're here with a complete look at those items, so let's see just how you'll be able to spread the Anti-Valentine's Day "pride" this year on your farms.
Trees
Broken Heart Tree - 6 Farm Cash
Giant Broken Heart Tree - 12 Farm Cash
This is basically the pair of regular Heart Trees, but with a much darker, purple color theme and broken hearts instead of intact ones growing on the trees.
Animals
Broken Heart Bear - 18 Farm Cash
Single Unicorn - 30 Farm Cash
Decorations
Heart Broken Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Tainted Love Lake - 16 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there just aren't very many items available with this set of Anti-Valentine's Day items. Still, there are a couple of days before that huge day of romance arrives, so it's incredibly likely we'll see this theme grow between now and then. You can be sure that we'll let you know if and when that happens.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2012 coverage here.
What do you think of this Anti-Valentine's Day items in FarmVille? Are you sticking with the traditional pink and love-filled items, or do you like these items for single gamers?
Trees
Broken Heart Tree - 6 Farm Cash
Giant Broken Heart Tree - 12 Farm Cash
This is basically the pair of regular Heart Trees, but with a much darker, purple color theme and broken hearts instead of intact ones growing on the trees.
Animals
Broken Heart Bear - 18 Farm Cash
Single Unicorn - 30 Farm Cash
Decorations
Heart Broken Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Tainted Love Lake - 16 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, there just aren't very many items available with this set of Anti-Valentine's Day items. Still, there are a couple of days before that huge day of romance arrives, so it's incredibly likely we'll see this theme grow between now and then. You can be sure that we'll let you know if and when that happens.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2012 coverage here.
What do you think of this Anti-Valentine's Day items in FarmVille? Are you sticking with the traditional pink and love-filled items, or do you like these items for single gamers?
FarmVille Model Farm shows off Valentine's Day items, offers free prizes
Like every other installment of the Model Farm in FarmVille, a new edition is now available celebrating Valentine's Day, and also offering items for you for simply taking a few seconds to check it out. As usual, this Model Farm is nothing but a visual representation of some of the themed items you can currently purchase in the store, giving you a way to see items in their full sizes, sitting next to other like-objects. In theory, you can take some decorating ideas away from the Model Farm, and can also purchase these items instantly by just clicking on them.
If you're just in it for the goodies however, know that your first prize isn't so hot: just 500 coins. Still, with all of the coin land expansions that have recently released, you might need every coin now more than ever, so it definitely doesn't hurt to pick these up. Make sure to go back to the Model Farm everyday for a new prize.
Check out the rest of our Valentine's Day 2012 coverage here.
What sorts of items do you hope come as prizes from visiting this Model Farm? More coins? Arborists? Farmhands?
FarmVille Chinese New Year Goals: Everything you need to know
While the Chinese New Year holiday may have already passed (this year it was on January 23), apparently Zynga has decided that it's never too late to celebrate, as a series of Chinese New Year goals have launched in the game, bringing with them themed prizes and even a Mystery Dart. As reported by the folks at FarmVilleFreak, there are nine goals in all, and you'll have two weeks to finish them across your farms.
A Clean Sweep
Get 4 Brooms
Harvest 2 Chicken Coops
Harvest 50 Lilac
This "Get 4 Brooms" task and every other "Get X Item" task requires you to ask your friends to send you these items, either through general news posts on your wall, or individual requests sent to specific neighbors. Meanwhile, Chicken Coops are available to harvest once per day, and Lilacs take 10 hours to grow. When you finish this first goal, you'll receive 100 XP, a Lunar New Year Cow and 1,000 coins.
Paint the Town Red
Get 6 Paint Brushes
Harvest Lunar New Year Cow
Harvest 75 Strawberries
Rewards: 150 XP, Lunar New Year Chicken, 2,000 coins
A New Year's Feast
Get 8 Woks
Harvest Lunar New Year Chicken Twice
Harvest 100 Soybeans
Rewards: 300 XP, Lunar New Year Tree and 1,000 coins
A New Year's Cake
Get 8 Cake Decorations
Harvest Lunar New Year Cow Twice
Harvest 125 Wheat
Rewards: 500 XP, 20 Shovels, 2,500 coins
Share the Wealth
Get 8 Lunar Red Envelopes
Master Lunar New Year Cow to Level 1
Harvest 150 Rice
Rewards: 750 XP, Lunar New Year Pig, 2,500 coins
Celebrate!
Get 8 Lunar Firecrackers
Master Lunar New Year Chicken to Level 1
Harvest 150 Flowers
Rewards: 1,000 XP, Turbo Charger 3 Pack, 5,000 coins
Loud Noises
Get 9 Snug Sweaters
Harvest Lunar New Year Pig
Harvest 150 Rhubarb
Rewards: 1,250 XP, Lunar New Year Sheep, 5,500 coins
Light Show
Get 10 Large Flashlights
Harvest Lunar New Year Sheep
Harvest 150 Morning Glory
Rewards: 1,500 XP, Mystery Dart, 7,500 coins
Apples to Horses
Get 12 Large Water Bottles
Master Lunar Sheep to Level 1
Harvest 200 Carrots
Rewards: 2,000 XP, Lunar New Year Horse, 10,000 coins
With these Turbo Charger and Mystery Dart prizes, you'll not only have a chance to farm a lot easier (at least for a brief time), but will also be able to walk away with an item (in the case of the Mystery Dart) that would otherwise cost around 16-20 Farm Cash. That's a pretty great deal, considering that these goals are mostly "free" to complete. Just remember to finish them within the two week period
A Clean Sweep
Get 4 Brooms
Harvest 2 Chicken Coops
Harvest 50 Lilac
This "Get 4 Brooms" task and every other "Get X Item" task requires you to ask your friends to send you these items, either through general news posts on your wall, or individual requests sent to specific neighbors. Meanwhile, Chicken Coops are available to harvest once per day, and Lilacs take 10 hours to grow. When you finish this first goal, you'll receive 100 XP, a Lunar New Year Cow and 1,000 coins.
Paint the Town Red
Get 6 Paint Brushes
Harvest Lunar New Year Cow
Harvest 75 Strawberries
Rewards: 150 XP, Lunar New Year Chicken, 2,000 coins
A New Year's Feast
Get 8 Woks
Harvest Lunar New Year Chicken Twice
Harvest 100 Soybeans
Rewards: 300 XP, Lunar New Year Tree and 1,000 coins
A New Year's Cake
Get 8 Cake Decorations
Harvest Lunar New Year Cow Twice
Harvest 125 Wheat
Rewards: 500 XP, 20 Shovels, 2,500 coins
Share the Wealth
Get 8 Lunar Red Envelopes
Master Lunar New Year Cow to Level 1
Harvest 150 Rice
Rewards: 750 XP, Lunar New Year Pig, 2,500 coins
Celebrate!
Get 8 Lunar Firecrackers
Master Lunar New Year Chicken to Level 1
Harvest 150 Flowers
Rewards: 1,000 XP, Turbo Charger 3 Pack, 5,000 coins
Loud Noises
Get 9 Snug Sweaters
Harvest Lunar New Year Pig
Harvest 150 Rhubarb
Rewards: 1,250 XP, Lunar New Year Sheep, 5,500 coins
Light Show
Get 10 Large Flashlights
Harvest Lunar New Year Sheep
Harvest 150 Morning Glory
Rewards: 1,500 XP, Mystery Dart, 7,500 coins
Apples to Horses
Get 12 Large Water Bottles
Master Lunar Sheep to Level 1
Harvest 200 Carrots
Rewards: 2,000 XP, Lunar New Year Horse, 10,000 coins
With these Turbo Charger and Mystery Dart prizes, you'll not only have a chance to farm a lot easier (at least for a brief time), but will also be able to walk away with an item (in the case of the Mystery Dart) that would otherwise cost around 16-20 Farm Cash. That's a pretty great deal, considering that these goals are mostly "free" to complete. Just remember to finish them within the two week period
CityVille goes mobile with the launch of CityVille Express
While CityVille Hometown offers a completely separate CityVille experience on your mobile devices, there's currently no real way to "play" your Facebook version of CityVille while on the go (that is, unless you're using paid apps like iSwifter or the equivalent thereof on your iPad). In comes Zynga with a solution: CityVille Express. Similar to FarmVille Express, CityVille Express is an incredibly streamlined version of your city, that only allows you to complete certain activities, like harvesting crops or collecting from businesses, but not play the entire game that you're used to.
If you're trying to access CityVille Express on iOS, and tap on a link within your Facebook app, this might show you an error, rather than redirecting to the CityVille Express program itself (ah, the joys of new products). When using FarmVille Express, this is the quickest way to get in, but unfortunately, you may be forced to go the manual route here. The link to access CityVille Express is: http://m.city.zynga.com/express (clicking on this on a regular computer simply redirects you to the full game).
Once there, you'll be able to view your messages, send and receive gifts to/from friends and even add neighbors. Say you're ready to ask your friends to send you some items for goals - you can ask for those too, by clicking on the Ask for a Gift button and then viewing a long list of items that you need for goals. You'll then be able to choose which specific friends to ask for those items, just like you would in the main game.
Gallery: CityVille Express
Scrolling down the page, you'll be able to harvest crops, plow over withered ones and plant new crops by choosing your desired crop from the store and then tapping once for each plot that you'd like to plant, up to the amount of plots you actually have in your city. The best part? None of that requires energy. UPDATE: Apparently, the lack of energy usage when tending crops was a bug, as that has been fixed. It now does cost energy to tend your crops in CityVille Express.
Where energy does come into play (you'll see the energy bar at the top of the screen) is in collecting from Businesses. Just as with the main game, you'll be able to collect from your ready Businesses, using one energy per Business, and can then use Goods to resupply them. Of course, depending on the number of Businesses you have in your city, this could actually turn into a lengthier process than if you had just logged into the game. Still, if you're waiting at the doctor's office, on your lunch break at work or even standing in line at the grocery store and need that CityVille fix, you can now have just that.
Are you excited about CityVille Express? What other Zynga games would you like to see given the "Express" treatment?
If you're trying to access CityVille Express on iOS, and tap on a link within your Facebook app, this might show you an error, rather than redirecting to the CityVille Express program itself (ah, the joys of new products). When using FarmVille Express, this is the quickest way to get in, but unfortunately, you may be forced to go the manual route here. The link to access CityVille Express is: http://m.city.zynga.com/express (clicking on this on a regular computer simply redirects you to the full game).
Once there, you'll be able to view your messages, send and receive gifts to/from friends and even add neighbors. Say you're ready to ask your friends to send you some items for goals - you can ask for those too, by clicking on the Ask for a Gift button and then viewing a long list of items that you need for goals. You'll then be able to choose which specific friends to ask for those items, just like you would in the main game.
Gallery: CityVille Express
Scrolling down the page, you'll be able to harvest crops, plow over withered ones and plant new crops by choosing your desired crop from the store and then tapping once for each plot that you'd like to plant, up to the amount of plots you actually have in your city. The best part? None of that requires energy. UPDATE: Apparently, the lack of energy usage when tending crops was a bug, as that has been fixed. It now does cost energy to tend your crops in CityVille Express.
Where energy does come into play (you'll see the energy bar at the top of the screen) is in collecting from Businesses. Just as with the main game, you'll be able to collect from your ready Businesses, using one energy per Business, and can then use Goods to resupply them. Of course, depending on the number of Businesses you have in your city, this could actually turn into a lengthier process than if you had just logged into the game. Still, if you're waiting at the doctor's office, on your lunch break at work or even standing in line at the grocery store and need that CityVille fix, you can now have just that.
Are you excited about CityVille Express? What other Zynga games would you like to see given the "Express" treatment?
Hidden Chronicles Emperor's Chambers: Our guide to finding every item
As part of the new Year of the Dragon feature in Zynga's Hidden Chronicles, you'll unlock three new scenes themed around ancient Chinese culture. The first of these scenes is the Emperor's Chambers, and it comes with plenty of items on a red/orange background, making some items blend in more than others.
Still, we're here with a guide showing you where to find the scene's many items, so if you're working on building up your combo points or just on the scene's individual mastery scale, make sure to check out our images below! Note: The items you'll receive will just be a selection of all of those pictured below.
If you're looking to find a particular item: Hit Ctrl +F (or Command + F if on a Mac) and type in the name of the object you're looking for. This will take you directly to its image.
Set 1:
Pinecone
Lotus
Hunting Dog
Ring
Coin
Drum
Set 2:
Birdcage
Snail
Pair of Tassels
Set 3:
Bonsai Tree
Chinese Squirrel
Boots
Carp
Fu Lion
Emperor's Helmet
Set 4:
Chair
Tiger
Peaches
Crane
Cat
Rhinoceros
Set 5:
Flute
Peacock Feather
Lute
Firecrackers
Rug
Set 6:
Painted Teapot
Therapy Balls
Green Feathers
Rat
Imperial Flag
Set 7:
Arrow
Emperor's Robes
Ivory Vase
Set 8:
Cloisonne Vase
Monkeys
Yin Yang
Jade Basin
Set 9:
Misty Trees Scroll
Book
Cloisonne Pitcher
There are a handful of items not pictured above, as the game generates each set of items randomly. When we come across those missing items, we'll make sure to update this space with how you too can find them. In the meantime, feel free to start decorating your Manor and working on building up your own mastery of this scene or any other in the game!
Check out the rest of our Hidden Chronicles cheats and tips right here.
Have you unlocked this Emperor's Chambers scene in your Hidden Chronicles game, or are you sticking with the true story-based quests and scenes for now?
Mutant Mudds on 3DS: Finding depth in a flat world
In the age of 3D movies and eye-popping video game graphics, literal depth has become a bit of a bullet point, a "me too." But it's said that great things are born of limitations, namely in the art world. Mutant Mudds, a 3D-meets-2D platformer by Renegade Kid for the 3DS, somehow squeezes blood from a stone. This game on Nintendo's newest handheld is 3D all right, but on a 2D plane.
Mutant Mudds puts players in the shoes of a blond-haired nerd that, when a meteor crashes into Earth and unleashes an army of alien mud creatures, dons a water gun and bubble-powered jet pack to blast the extraterrestrial grime away. That's about as much exposition as you'll get from Mutant Mudds, and in the days that this game hearkens back to, that's all you ever needed. Austin, Texas-based Renegade Kid's first game on the eShop is a celebration of all things retro in gaming.
Gallery: Mutant Mudds on 3DS
However, it's also an answer to a question that, in most 2D platform games, is never even asked: "Hey, what's back there?" The backgrounds in most classic 2D games (i.e. Sonic and Mario) are slightly animated, but largely static additions. In Mutant Mudds, they're a vital part of the play hook. Whenever the little kid jumps from an orange platform, he'll be launched into the background. Generally, there are more tokens to collect back there and enemies to wash away, and the same goes for the foreground.
Yes, some orange platforms launch little four-eyes into the foreground of each level, revealing even more secrets or paths to the end of each level. In this regard, the key to finding the end marker of each level within the time limit isn't simply running toward the right, but toward (and away from) the player. That said, players will definitely want to push the 3D slider on the 3DS way up when playing Mutant Mudds.
Mutant Mudds
Mutant Mudds addresses nearly every trope of the original Nintendo and Sega days, like a sunny plains level, underground cave levels, disappearing platforms and icy, slippery terrain. Another staple of retro gaming that Renegade Kid couldn't seem to pull itself away from is difficulty. Games back in the day were downright throw-my-controller-in-a-blind-rage hard, and Mutant Mudds gets this writer so close to the boiling point before the reminder that the system is the controller comes back.
There's nothing wrong with a little challenge. In fact, more games should give gamers a fight these days. But when each stage is designed to be finished within a few minutes (thank heaven--this is a portable game, after all), death by spiky pitfall or losing the third heart for the umpteenth time is enough to rage on the morning train into work. And that's just embarrassing.
Mutant Mudds lava stage
That said, it's tough to stay angry at Mutant Mudds too long, especially with a pair of headphones blocking everything else out but a symphony of bleeps and boops. Again, a mastery of limitations creates something impressive, and there was no better time for video game music than way back when. Call it rosy-colored glasses all you want, but few tracks in games today sound as inspired as those of old.
Mutant Mudds is a brilliant platform game that's a clever use of Nintendo's technology that rarely gets old. However, these charms are bound to get lost among the gamers born in the Call of Duty era, unless you've raised them well, moms and dads. But there's more here than just pangs of nostalgia. When considering the limitations Renegade placed on itself, there's more depth--both literal and implied--behind Mutant Mudds than what the 3D slider reveals, and that's well worth the $8.99 price tag.
Click here to learn more about Mutant Mudds for 3DS Now >
Have you tried Mutant Mudds on your 3DS yet? Do you think there's still room for 2D platform games among the legions of shooters, casual games and MMOs?
Mutant Mudds puts players in the shoes of a blond-haired nerd that, when a meteor crashes into Earth and unleashes an army of alien mud creatures, dons a water gun and bubble-powered jet pack to blast the extraterrestrial grime away. That's about as much exposition as you'll get from Mutant Mudds, and in the days that this game hearkens back to, that's all you ever needed. Austin, Texas-based Renegade Kid's first game on the eShop is a celebration of all things retro in gaming.
Gallery: Mutant Mudds on 3DS
However, it's also an answer to a question that, in most 2D platform games, is never even asked: "Hey, what's back there?" The backgrounds in most classic 2D games (i.e. Sonic and Mario) are slightly animated, but largely static additions. In Mutant Mudds, they're a vital part of the play hook. Whenever the little kid jumps from an orange platform, he'll be launched into the background. Generally, there are more tokens to collect back there and enemies to wash away, and the same goes for the foreground.
Yes, some orange platforms launch little four-eyes into the foreground of each level, revealing even more secrets or paths to the end of each level. In this regard, the key to finding the end marker of each level within the time limit isn't simply running toward the right, but toward (and away from) the player. That said, players will definitely want to push the 3D slider on the 3DS way up when playing Mutant Mudds.
Mutant Mudds
Mutant Mudds addresses nearly every trope of the original Nintendo and Sega days, like a sunny plains level, underground cave levels, disappearing platforms and icy, slippery terrain. Another staple of retro gaming that Renegade Kid couldn't seem to pull itself away from is difficulty. Games back in the day were downright throw-my-controller-in-a-blind-rage hard, and Mutant Mudds gets this writer so close to the boiling point before the reminder that the system is the controller comes back.
There's nothing wrong with a little challenge. In fact, more games should give gamers a fight these days. But when each stage is designed to be finished within a few minutes (thank heaven--this is a portable game, after all), death by spiky pitfall or losing the third heart for the umpteenth time is enough to rage on the morning train into work. And that's just embarrassing.
Mutant Mudds lava stage
That said, it's tough to stay angry at Mutant Mudds too long, especially with a pair of headphones blocking everything else out but a symphony of bleeps and boops. Again, a mastery of limitations creates something impressive, and there was no better time for video game music than way back when. Call it rosy-colored glasses all you want, but few tracks in games today sound as inspired as those of old.
Mutant Mudds is a brilliant platform game that's a clever use of Nintendo's technology that rarely gets old. However, these charms are bound to get lost among the gamers born in the Call of Duty era, unless you've raised them well, moms and dads. But there's more here than just pangs of nostalgia. When considering the limitations Renegade placed on itself, there's more depth--both literal and implied--behind Mutant Mudds than what the 3D slider reveals, and that's well worth the $8.99 price tag.
Click here to learn more about Mutant Mudds for 3DS Now >
Have you tried Mutant Mudds on your 3DS yet? Do you think there's still room for 2D platform games among the legions of shooters, casual games and MMOs?
Game of the Day: Four Square
Four Square is a fun variation of tic-tac-toe and Connect Four. The object of this Game of the Day is to make squares of four blocks of your color. You can play alone or with a friend on the same computer. Once you get the hang of it, try completing multiple boxes in a single turn to earn you bonus points.
Folks, I spent quite a while playing Four Square before writing this post and not once was I able to connect two squares in a single turn. I am by no means a bad Four Square player, but if you're able to complete multiple boxes in a single turn, I will bow down to you as my gaming superior. Check out Four Square below and make sure to read my pro tips if you're struggling.
Click here to play Four Square!
four square game of the day four square game of the day
Pro Tips:
Place three blocks in a row, then add another block to create a T shape, The computer will try to block one possible square, but you can then just fill in the other. Keep doing this until you win!
Click here to play Four Square!
Where you able to defeat the computer in Four Square?
Folks, I spent quite a while playing Four Square before writing this post and not once was I able to connect two squares in a single turn. I am by no means a bad Four Square player, but if you're able to complete multiple boxes in a single turn, I will bow down to you as my gaming superior. Check out Four Square below and make sure to read my pro tips if you're struggling.
Click here to play Four Square!
four square game of the day four square game of the day
Pro Tips:
Place three blocks in a row, then add another block to create a T shape, The computer will try to block one possible square, but you can then just fill in the other. Keep doing this until you win!
Click here to play Four Square!
Where you able to defeat the computer in Four Square?
Chủ Nhật, 4 tháng 3, 2012
Will Facebook revive game discovery through genre suggestions?
We sure as hell hope so. (We need some new blood around here.) Sean Ryan, Director of Games Partnerships at Facebook, announced during the Casual Connect keynote in San Francisco that Facebook will be making some changes to how the platform virally spreads new games, Inside Social Games reports. The changes made to the platform last year, not to mention the recent disappearance of the Facebook app directory, essentially brought game discovery to a screeching halt on the platform.
But Ryan has a plan to alleviate that. In addition to working with developers to find better ways of producing News Feed stories players will want to click on, Ryan looks to sort games by genre so that Facebook can recommend new games to players of a similar genre to what they tend to play.
The idea seems pretty nebulous at this point, but hey, at least they're talking about it. For instance, if you're playing Bejeweled Blitz, Facebook could recommend similar match-three games like Diamond Dash to you. Then, Ryan went on to plea for developers to stop copying one another (finally!), according to ISG, and provided a list of untapped genres:
Fishing - There's only one actual fishing game on the platform so far.
Christian - An untapped market, as 42% of the United States is evangelical.
Urban - By which Ryan means games that speak authentically to that audience.
Role-Playing Games - Here, Ryan characterizes RPGs as Diablo (not Mafia Wars)
Fighting - A genre that's just starting to take off.
Romance - A very big literary category, and yet there are no social games for it (we're not sure if It Girl counts)
First-Person Shooter - So far, there are only two, but Ryan admits that there are limitations on this genre that come from the browser.
We'd like to see almost all of these genres get more attention on Facebook, especially more RPGs. Ryan went on to say that, despite the big players in the social games space like Zynga and EA having already staked their claim, there is plenty of room left. "There is a massive amount of value creation still going on here," Ryan said. "Social games are driving the revenue on mobile, the revenue on web. If you're not building social games on a platform, you're building for a shrinking market."
Ryan also mentioned the companies that Facebook pays most attention to: Zynga, Playdom, Crowdstar and Playfish, 6waves (now 6waves Lolapps), Kabam, Kixeye, PopCap, GSN, Digital Chocolate, Wooga, Double Down Casino and Playtika. With this many major companies munching on the Facebook pie, I guess there's still some crust left ... somewhere.
Do you think there's still room for new game creators on Facebook? Do you think Sean Ryan's ideas will restore games discovery to Facebook?
But Ryan has a plan to alleviate that. In addition to working with developers to find better ways of producing News Feed stories players will want to click on, Ryan looks to sort games by genre so that Facebook can recommend new games to players of a similar genre to what they tend to play.
The idea seems pretty nebulous at this point, but hey, at least they're talking about it. For instance, if you're playing Bejeweled Blitz, Facebook could recommend similar match-three games like Diamond Dash to you. Then, Ryan went on to plea for developers to stop copying one another (finally!), according to ISG, and provided a list of untapped genres:
Fishing - There's only one actual fishing game on the platform so far.
Christian - An untapped market, as 42% of the United States is evangelical.
Urban - By which Ryan means games that speak authentically to that audience.
Role-Playing Games - Here, Ryan characterizes RPGs as Diablo (not Mafia Wars)
Fighting - A genre that's just starting to take off.
Romance - A very big literary category, and yet there are no social games for it (we're not sure if It Girl counts)
First-Person Shooter - So far, there are only two, but Ryan admits that there are limitations on this genre that come from the browser.
We'd like to see almost all of these genres get more attention on Facebook, especially more RPGs. Ryan went on to say that, despite the big players in the social games space like Zynga and EA having already staked their claim, there is plenty of room left. "There is a massive amount of value creation still going on here," Ryan said. "Social games are driving the revenue on mobile, the revenue on web. If you're not building social games on a platform, you're building for a shrinking market."
Ryan also mentioned the companies that Facebook pays most attention to: Zynga, Playdom, Crowdstar and Playfish, 6waves (now 6waves Lolapps), Kabam, Kixeye, PopCap, GSN, Digital Chocolate, Wooga, Double Down Casino and Playtika. With this many major companies munching on the Facebook pie, I guess there's still some crust left ... somewhere.
Do you think there's still room for new game creators on Facebook? Do you think Sean Ryan's ideas will restore games discovery to Facebook?
Facebook gets its own World of Warcraft with Order & Chaos Online
Don't feel like paying up 15 clams a month to play the most popular MMO out there? Well, French mobile game developer Gameloft wants to bring Facebook gamers the next best thing with Order & Chaos Online. Pocket Gamer reports that the popular iPhone and Android MMORPG (massivley mutliplayer role-playing game) will be headed to Facebook, though specifics--like a release date--have not been announced.
However, what we do know about Gameloft's answer to WoW on Facebook, revealed on Gameloft's video podcast, is that it will keep the tradition of killin' monsters and collectin' sweet loot alive. Only this time, it will be even easier to connect with your friends through Facebook features that will be adapted specifically for this version of the game. (Though, keep in mind that traditional 3D RPGs haven't exactly set Facebook on fire yet.)
Order & Chaos Online Facebook
According to Pocket Gamer, the game will have even more updates like new quests, armor sets and more. Unfortunately, it's unknown whether Facebookers will be able to adventure with their mobile counterparts. But since that would only make sense--and would be really darn cool--we're keeping our gauntlet-laden fingers crossed.
[Image Credit: Pocket Gamer]
Are you psyched to see a traditional online RPG headed to Facebook? How do you think this game will do on the platform, considering how the genre has done around here prior?
However, what we do know about Gameloft's answer to WoW on Facebook, revealed on Gameloft's video podcast, is that it will keep the tradition of killin' monsters and collectin' sweet loot alive. Only this time, it will be even easier to connect with your friends through Facebook features that will be adapted specifically for this version of the game. (Though, keep in mind that traditional 3D RPGs haven't exactly set Facebook on fire yet.)
Order & Chaos Online Facebook
According to Pocket Gamer, the game will have even more updates like new quests, armor sets and more. Unfortunately, it's unknown whether Facebookers will be able to adventure with their mobile counterparts. But since that would only make sense--and would be really darn cool--we're keeping our gauntlet-laden fingers crossed.
[Image Credit: Pocket Gamer]
Are you psyched to see a traditional online RPG headed to Facebook? How do you think this game will do on the platform, considering how the genre has done around here prior?
Pet Society Vacation dives into iOS in New Zealand, US release coming
And there's no scuba gear required. EA and Playfish have launched the iOS version of their Facebook hit, Pet Society, on the New Zealand App Store. According to Pocket Gamer, the game--titled Pet Society Vacation--should hit the UK App Store around midnight. Of course, this should mean that a U.S. release will follow soon after.
And based on our early impressions of the game from this year's E3 (well, more like additional information), color us excited. The game will be connected to your Facebook, but only so far as your main pet's appearance and level. Other than that, this is a brand new adventure for your pet that will involve it relaxing in a house boat on the coast of a tropical island.
While your items and currency won't carry over to this version of Pet Society, your mobile pet will be able to earn items and other rewards to use in your Facebook home. Better yet, players can take their pet scuba diving for extra coins and rewards like decorations. In other words, this will be your Pet Society away from ... Pet Society, or something like that. Keep your eyes glued to the App Store--you better bet we are.
Pet Society scuba dave
Are you excited to take your favorite digital pet on the go with you? What do you expect or hope for this mobile extension of Pet Society?
And based on our early impressions of the game from this year's E3 (well, more like additional information), color us excited. The game will be connected to your Facebook, but only so far as your main pet's appearance and level. Other than that, this is a brand new adventure for your pet that will involve it relaxing in a house boat on the coast of a tropical island.
While your items and currency won't carry over to this version of Pet Society, your mobile pet will be able to earn items and other rewards to use in your Facebook home. Better yet, players can take their pet scuba diving for extra coins and rewards like decorations. In other words, this will be your Pet Society away from ... Pet Society, or something like that. Keep your eyes glued to the App Store--you better bet we are.
Pet Society scuba dave
Are you excited to take your favorite digital pet on the go with you? What do you expect or hope for this mobile extension of Pet Society?
CivWorld's connection issues are through, have 5 CivBucks for your troubles
The troubles are finally over. (No, not The Troubles, those have been through with for years, thank heaven.) It seems that Civilization fans everywhere can finally connect to 2K Games and Firaxis' ambitious Facebook version of its iconic strategy game, CivWorld. And to reign in a new era free of connection errors and slow game speeds, the CivWorld team has a little gift for its patient fans.
2K Games community manager 2K Greg posted today on the CivWorld forums that, for all the trouble they experienced during the game's launch, players would receive a free 5 CivBucks. This is the game's paid currency, which would normally be worth about 5 Facebook Credits, or about $.50. Yup, 50 cents. Half of one dollar--you get the idea. Which, in turn, will net players an extra 500 Gold to play around with.
Now that the game is (and likely has been) back online for a little while, the game has launched from some 17 thousand players before to a comfortable 366 thousand monthly players. However, if 2K Games and Firaxis want CivWorld to live up to its massive expectations (and fill the gargantuan shoes of its predecessor, Civilization 5), there's much work to be done.
Are you back into CivWorld now that the game is over its connection and loading issues? Do you plan on sticking around, or moving on to another Facebook strategy game?
2K Games community manager 2K Greg posted today on the CivWorld forums that, for all the trouble they experienced during the game's launch, players would receive a free 5 CivBucks. This is the game's paid currency, which would normally be worth about 5 Facebook Credits, or about $.50. Yup, 50 cents. Half of one dollar--you get the idea. Which, in turn, will net players an extra 500 Gold to play around with.
Now that the game is (and likely has been) back online for a little while, the game has launched from some 17 thousand players before to a comfortable 366 thousand monthly players. However, if 2K Games and Firaxis want CivWorld to live up to its massive expectations (and fill the gargantuan shoes of its predecessor, Civilization 5), there's much work to be done.
Are you back into CivWorld now that the game is over its connection and loading issues? Do you plan on sticking around, or moving on to another Facebook strategy game?
Like cutesy birds? How about ropes? Then you'll love Rope Rescue
How do you best the crazy success of two of your most beloved iOS games? Make one game to rule them all! At least that's what seems to be EA and Chillingo's idea behind Rope Rescue. This upcoming game for iOS devices is set to release "soon," according to video posted by Kotaku's Brian Crecente (found below).
The game was spotted at an EA fall preview event, and it challenges players with--using a rope attached to one bird across pulleys and avoiding obstacles--freeing a slew of caged birds. Hmm, colorful, animated birds guiding ropes that are in danger of being cut?
That sounds as if Chillingo and EA are looking to hook Angry Birds and Cut the Rope (you know, the two astronomical iPhone games?) fans--though, that could entirely coincidental. In the duo's defense, neither are these birds "angry" nor is the goal of the game to "cut the rope." (In fact, your mission is to keep the rope intact amidst floating knives, bursts of flame and other threats.)
There looks to be around 60 levels that will be ready at launch, which will grow in complexity as you progress. And as you rescue more birds, they will be featured in a bird sanctuary of sorts. It also displays secret butterflies, should you manage to find them in each level. No official release date or price was announced during the event, but Kotaku seems to think we'll be seeing the game this September. Stay tuned, folks: This might be the next Angry Birds ... or should I say Cut the Rope? Oh, whatever.
[Image Credit: Modojo]
Are you psyched for an iOS game that has both birds and ropes in it? Do you think Rope Rescue could take off like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope did for Chillingo?
The game was spotted at an EA fall preview event, and it challenges players with--using a rope attached to one bird across pulleys and avoiding obstacles--freeing a slew of caged birds. Hmm, colorful, animated birds guiding ropes that are in danger of being cut?
That sounds as if Chillingo and EA are looking to hook Angry Birds and Cut the Rope (you know, the two astronomical iPhone games?) fans--though, that could entirely coincidental. In the duo's defense, neither are these birds "angry" nor is the goal of the game to "cut the rope." (In fact, your mission is to keep the rope intact amidst floating knives, bursts of flame and other threats.)
There looks to be around 60 levels that will be ready at launch, which will grow in complexity as you progress. And as you rescue more birds, they will be featured in a bird sanctuary of sorts. It also displays secret butterflies, should you manage to find them in each level. No official release date or price was announced during the event, but Kotaku seems to think we'll be seeing the game this September. Stay tuned, folks: This might be the next Angry Birds ... or should I say Cut the Rope? Oh, whatever.
[Image Credit: Modojo]
Are you psyched for an iOS game that has both birds and ropes in it? Do you think Rope Rescue could take off like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope did for Chillingo?
Is Galaxy of Wonder Playdom's next Facebook game?
It looks like City of Wonder is headed for the stars. Playdom recently posted a teaser trailer to YouTube that revealed the first glimpse (and by glimpse we mean a 13-second long video clip with a logo) of Galaxy of Wonder. Aside from an official logo that cleverly throws a spaceship in replace of an "A"--and the famous words of Neil Armstrong when he step foot on the moon exactly 42 years ago--all we know about this project is that it's "coming soon."
Is it an expansion to its strategy game City of Wonder a' la FrontierVille's Pioneer Trail, or is this a new game entirely? I guess we'll find out "soon" enough. In the meantime, go on and spend the 13 seconds it takes to learn all there is to know about Galaxy of Wonder ... so far.
Are you excited about what looks to be a space-age strategy game? What do you hope Playdom will do differently with Galaxy of Wonder than it did City of Wonder?
Is it an expansion to its strategy game City of Wonder a' la FrontierVille's Pioneer Trail, or is this a new game entirely? I guess we'll find out "soon" enough. In the meantime, go on and spend the 13 seconds it takes to learn all there is to know about Galaxy of Wonder ... so far.
Are you excited about what looks to be a space-age strategy game? What do you hope Playdom will do differently with Galaxy of Wonder than it did City of Wonder?
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