Trash-picking is part of the grind of social games, and in Happy Island, each piece of trash you pick up earns you six coins. Such a tiny payoff makes the chore something easy to ignore, especially when players can just build attractions on their island that rake in hundreds and thousands of coins without any further attention.
But for those that want every last coin, Happy Island is selling the Limited Edition Trash Master 3000 for 99 Facebook Credits (or roughly, $10 USD) to collect up to three days' worth of trash on your island.
Right now, there are 11,117 trash cans left. You can purchase the trash can via the window prompt when you open your game, or by heading to the "Featured" section of the in-game shop.
Earn money online
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Cafe World: Latest Decor has Players choosing between Heaven and Hell
Cafe World Good vs Evil
Build a restaurant fit for heaven or hell with the new Good vs Evil decor in Cafe World. Of the 55 new items created for this theme release, 35 are premium goods that require Cafe Cash to buy. The premium prices of this set ranged from 1 Cafe Cash (for things like wall and floor tiles) to 18 Cafe Cash -- for the glittering blue "Weighty World" statue of the titan Atlas bearing the Earth on his shoulders.
The whole heaven and hell schema is used very liberally here. For example, heaven is associated with classical music, while hell has a lot of items associated with rock and metal bands. The rest seem to be a matter of color compatibility where whatever looks classy, white and gold is considered heavenly decor. And whatever's red, orange, and black is all-out hell.
To get a full visual preview, click on the link below to view the rest of this post.
Cafe World Good vs Evil decorations
Build a restaurant fit for heaven or hell with the new Good vs Evil decor in Cafe World. Of the 55 new items created for this theme release, 35 are premium goods that require Cafe Cash to buy. The premium prices of this set ranged from 1 Cafe Cash (for things like wall and floor tiles) to 18 Cafe Cash -- for the glittering blue "Weighty World" statue of the titan Atlas bearing the Earth on his shoulders.
The whole heaven and hell schema is used very liberally here. For example, heaven is associated with classical music, while hell has a lot of items associated with rock and metal bands. The rest seem to be a matter of color compatibility where whatever looks classy, white and gold is considered heavenly decor. And whatever's red, orange, and black is all-out hell.
To get a full visual preview, click on the link below to view the rest of this post.
Cafe World Good vs Evil decorations
Meet the man behind the FarmVille theme song
If you've spent as many hours as we have playing FarmVille, you know how easily the game's folksy theme song gets permanently imprinted on your brain. The man behind that ditty is musician Steve Kirk, who has written songs for video games such as Disney's Princess and the Frog and an unannounced LucasArts game.
In an interview on Social Times, Kirk says that he wanted to create a song that was 'down home' but 'not too country."
The FarmVille Theme was written in June of 2009. We wanted the piece to have as broad an appeal as possible- a "down-home" atmosphere but not too country. So there are no banjos or fiddles, but a simple two guitars, piano and upright bass instrumentation, with the electric guitar carrying the melody. We settled on a style that hints at Chet Atkins and Randy Newman- an older style of American music that is somewhat country-ish and blues-ish in flavor.
Considering the game-play environment was very important, and because the music was to be only 30 seconds long, we wanted it to bear a lot of repetition before people would turn it off. I wanted to have real instruments be the focal point, and chose guitar because I play guitar and there was no budget to hire other musicians. I decided not to use drums or percussion because I felt that might end up being too distracting from the game.
Kirk's favorite game on Facebook, is not Zynga's virtual farming game -- it's PopCap's crack-like match-three game, Bejeweled Blitz. To learn more about Kirk, check out his official Web site.
In an interview on Social Times, Kirk says that he wanted to create a song that was 'down home' but 'not too country."
The FarmVille Theme was written in June of 2009. We wanted the piece to have as broad an appeal as possible- a "down-home" atmosphere but not too country. So there are no banjos or fiddles, but a simple two guitars, piano and upright bass instrumentation, with the electric guitar carrying the melody. We settled on a style that hints at Chet Atkins and Randy Newman- an older style of American music that is somewhat country-ish and blues-ish in flavor.
Considering the game-play environment was very important, and because the music was to be only 30 seconds long, we wanted it to bear a lot of repetition before people would turn it off. I wanted to have real instruments be the focal point, and chose guitar because I play guitar and there was no budget to hire other musicians. I decided not to use drums or percussion because I felt that might end up being too distracting from the game.
Kirk's favorite game on Facebook, is not Zynga's virtual farming game -- it's PopCap's crack-like match-three game, Bejeweled Blitz. To learn more about Kirk, check out his official Web site.
FarmVille playground decor - because virtual farmers need recess too
All work and no play makes farmers a dull lot. That's why we were psyched to discover the crop of new playground items that have just arrived in the FarmVille Market.
farmville tetherball
Now our mini farmers can take a rest from all of that back-breaking work and gaze upon the following playground items:
Lookout Tower
Merry-go-round
Seesaw
Swing set
Slide
Monkey bars
Tetherball
The big winner out of all of these is the Merry-Go-Round, an animated item with a chicken that looks on from the side. Gotta love when regular items get a FarmVille twist.
If you have pictures of your FarmVille playground, please send them to editors@games.com, and we'll post them here.
farmville tetherball
Now our mini farmers can take a rest from all of that back-breaking work and gaze upon the following playground items:
Lookout Tower
Merry-go-round
Seesaw
Swing set
Slide
Monkey bars
Tetherball
The big winner out of all of these is the Merry-Go-Round, an animated item with a chicken that looks on from the side. Gotta love when regular items get a FarmVille twist.
If you have pictures of your FarmVille playground, please send them to editors@games.com, and we'll post them here.
FarmVille Tuscany items multiply with Allegra's Abby and Dante's Ristorante
Gotta give FarmVille credit-- when it latches on to a good theme, it really goes for broke. Of course, thats ultimately to our benefit, and we're happy to see that more Tuscan-themed items have made their way to the in-game Market, including a handsome Tuscan church called Allegra's Abby and a Tuscan Restaurant, aka Dante's Ristorante, complete with outdoor seating. We could really stand to be kicking back on that restaurant patio about now. There are also three new decorations that will give your farm that extra authentic Tuscan-y look.
farmville pot of lavender
Here is the complete list of new items:
Tuscany Lamppost
Tuscany Planter
Tuscany Rocky Red Flower Knoll
Allegra's Abby
Dante's Ristorante
Which Tuscan-themed items have you bought so far?
farmville pot of lavender
Here is the complete list of new items:
Tuscany Lamppost
Tuscany Planter
Tuscany Rocky Red Flower Knoll
Allegra's Abby
Dante's Ristorante
Which Tuscan-themed items have you bought so far?
Monday, February 13, 2012
FarmVille Re-Releases Clover, Amaranth, White Roses, & Forget-Me-Not Seeds
FarmVille Re-Releases Clover, Amaranth, White Roses, & Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Welcome back the Clover, Amaranth, White Roses and Forget-Me-Nots! The Clover will unlock at level 70, Amaranth at level 76, White Roses at level 80 and requires that Pink Roses are mastered, and the Forget-Me-Nots at level 90.
Are you happy to see these crops come back with the ability to master them?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Bookmark this site!
Welcome back the Clover, Amaranth, White Roses and Forget-Me-Nots! The Clover will unlock at level 70, Amaranth at level 76, White Roses at level 80 and requires that Pink Roses are mastered, and the Forget-Me-Nots at level 90.
Are you happy to see these crops come back with the ability to master them?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Bookmark this site!
FarmVille Adds New Levels: 90-999
FarmVille has now added new levels! The following levels have been added with the XP needed.
Level 91 = 876,500 XP
Level 92 = 918,500 XP
Level 93 = 963,500 XP
Level 94 = 1,012,000 XP
Level 95 = 1,064,000 XP
Level 96 = 1,120,000 XP
Level 97 = 1,180,000 XP
Level 98 = 1,244,500 XP
Level 99 = 1,313,500 XP
Level 100 = 1,387,500 XP
Level 101 = 1,500,000 XP
Level 102-999 increase in increments of 100,000 XP to achieve next level.
It has been rumored that the levels go up to level 999! We will confirm shortly!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Level 91 = 876,500 XP
Level 92 = 918,500 XP
Level 93 = 963,500 XP
Level 94 = 1,012,000 XP
Level 95 = 1,064,000 XP
Level 96 = 1,120,000 XP
Level 97 = 1,180,000 XP
Level 98 = 1,244,500 XP
Level 99 = 1,313,500 XP
Level 100 = 1,387,500 XP
Level 101 = 1,500,000 XP
Level 102-999 increase in increments of 100,000 XP to achieve next level.
It has been rumored that the levels go up to level 999! We will confirm shortly!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FrontierVille invaded by a new breed of varmint. Hint: they're foxy
UPDATE (6/25): Foxes appear while feeding animals. And they're rabid! Also added pictures of the fox below.
Looks like there's a new varmint on the loose in FrontierVille that will need to be scared, clobbered or worse -- a fox.
I haven't spotted one of these sly canines prowling around my property yet, but it was hard to miss the new Fox Collection that popped up into the game today. A notification at the top of the game also says that there are new "varmints,' so after putting two and two together and, well, I expect a fox to show up at any point now. Me and my spouse be waiting, Mr. Fox.
Frontierville fox larryfrontierville fox from larry
Thanks to Larry for these pics of the fox in action!
Have you seen a fox yet?
Looks like there's a new varmint on the loose in FrontierVille that will need to be scared, clobbered or worse -- a fox.
I haven't spotted one of these sly canines prowling around my property yet, but it was hard to miss the new Fox Collection that popped up into the game today. A notification at the top of the game also says that there are new "varmints,' so after putting two and two together and, well, I expect a fox to show up at any point now. Me and my spouse be waiting, Mr. Fox.
Frontierville fox larryfrontierville fox from larry
Thanks to Larry for these pics of the fox in action!
Have you seen a fox yet?
FarmVille releases the Pheasant for 2 million coins
A new pheasant was released in the FarmVille market. It can be purchased for 2,000,000 coins once you have reached level 85. The pheasant will sell for 92 coins and harvests in 2 days.
Do you think 2,000,000 coins is too much for this Pheasant?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Do you think 2,000,000 coins is too much for this Pheasant?
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Quote of the Moment: Generosity is its own reward
"It's unintuitive to think that games where you actually do not ever directly interact with another person could have a community, but what social games do is generate an asynchronous cloud of persistent community formed by the constant exchange of gifts, tools, and requests sent by other players. It's generosity-driven, but transactional - if I send you a gift, I'm feeling happy because I helped you out (especially if I'm responding to a request you've put out), but I'm also hoping you'll send me something back. And the more I send and receive, the more I plant, the more I return every day (or more than once a day) - the more hardcore my play becomes. Watch a hardcore FarmVille player. They move fluidly and attentively around the tiniest change in mechanics, and play not for some whimsical dollhouse experience but for tight, fast, controlled optimizations, seeking the fastest path to a clear goal, and putting in as much time as it takes to get there.
"In GoPets we knew that generous players were sticky players - meaning that we kept them for a long time - and so we incentivized generosity in our player base. But because our generosity levers were "manual" - players had the ability to send gifts, and socially benefited from doing so, but there were no specific mechanical achievement or requirement structures around them - our community was more genuinely social and less frenetic than its social game antecedents. The basic concept held true: Encourage players to exchange valuable items and they'll create an atmosphere of positive assistance that will in turn bring them to associate the game with generosity and positive feelings."
-Game designer and writer Erin Hoffman explains how the gifting system is key to the appeal of many social games.
"In GoPets we knew that generous players were sticky players - meaning that we kept them for a long time - and so we incentivized generosity in our player base. But because our generosity levers were "manual" - players had the ability to send gifts, and socially benefited from doing so, but there were no specific mechanical achievement or requirement structures around them - our community was more genuinely social and less frenetic than its social game antecedents. The basic concept held true: Encourage players to exchange valuable items and they'll create an atmosphere of positive assistance that will in turn bring them to associate the game with generosity and positive feelings."
-Game designer and writer Erin Hoffman explains how the gifting system is key to the appeal of many social games.
FarmVille Update includes One-Click Harvesting for Animal Buildings
one click harvesting
Tonight's FarmVille update featured lots of new limited edition New England themed items, new Mystery Game prizes and some other minor and less noticeable updates including the following:
Animal Buildings such as the Chicken Coop,Dairy Farm, Horse Stable and Nursery Barn now have one-click harvesting, just like other animals!
Goji Berry seeds are still available in the FarmVille Market, but have simply moved to another place. Usually the first item you see is Goji Berry seeds, now they can be found with other fruits.
The Email promotion of "Daily Fuel Boost" is now a regular feature.
More farmers should have access to the new Crafting Building feature.
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Tonight's FarmVille update featured lots of new limited edition New England themed items, new Mystery Game prizes and some other minor and less noticeable updates including the following:
Animal Buildings such as the Chicken Coop,Dairy Farm, Horse Stable and Nursery Barn now have one-click harvesting, just like other animals!
Goji Berry seeds are still available in the FarmVille Market, but have simply moved to another place. Usually the first item you see is Goji Berry seeds, now they can be found with other fruits.
The Email promotion of "Daily Fuel Boost" is now a regular feature.
More farmers should have access to the new Crafting Building feature.
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
YoVille Magic Genie Lamp & Other Moroccan collectibles arrive
Three new Collectibles have arrived in the YoVille furniture store. The Moroccan Genie in a Lamp is on sale for for 21 YoCash, the Moroccan Water Trampoline is available for 26 YoCash and the Moroccan Lion Statue is available for 11,900 coins.
Enjoy the pictures after the jump.
These items are on sale for 13 days only. Get yourselves down to the furniture store to check out these lovely new collectibles!
yoville magic genie lamp
yoville collectibles
yoville moroccan trampoline
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
Enjoy the pictures after the jump.
These items are on sale for 13 days only. Get yourselves down to the furniture store to check out these lovely new collectibles!
yoville magic genie lamp
yoville collectibles
yoville moroccan trampoline
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
YoVille New Moroccan Kitchen Items
yoville moroccan kitchen items
The Moroccan items we told you about are out! Head over to the YoVille Furniture Store and grab the latest ovens, sinks, cabinets and more. All items are part of the Moroccan theme.
Zynga has already released the living, bedroom and bathroom sets.
Read more for a full list of items and prices.
yoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen items
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
The Moroccan items we told you about are out! Head over to the YoVille Furniture Store and grab the latest ovens, sinks, cabinets and more. All items are part of the Moroccan theme.
Zynga has already released the living, bedroom and bathroom sets.
Read more for a full list of items and prices.
yoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen itemsyoville moroccan kitchen items
This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.
Mafia Wars Las Vegas officially opens to all virtual mobsters
mafia wars las vegas
Mafia Wars Las Vegas is here! The new expansion for Mafia Wars was only open to VIPs last week, but now everyone's invited to enter Sin City. Jobs, fighting, properties and currency have been changed up slightly this go-round -- see the details below.
Energy Lover or Fighter?: You Decide
Jobs follow two different paths: Energy Path or a Fighting Path. Choose either path and complete all of the jobs -- which will lead to a boss battle that will unlock the next District. There are six districts in all -- and, from what I've heard from fellow players, they take a long time to finish.
Test Your Mettle in Fight Club Tournaments
Fighting and robbing have stayed the same, but Fight Club Tournaments have finally been unlocked. Choose a class (based largely on how many Mafia members you have) and then jump into a tournament. There's a betting portion as well, where you can bet chips on who the winner will be (either yourself or someone else).
Build Your Own Casino
Properties have changed in Las Vegas as well. Instead of buying up lots of buildings, your mission is to build the mother of all casinos. You'll have to complete certain jobs to start building out five (5) sections of your mega-casino and then upgrade the parts until you get a 5-star casino. You'll also have to build your own vault to keep your poker chips safe.
Bank Big with Poker Chips
Speaking of poker chips, that's the currency for Las Vegas (kinda like real-life Vegas). Like all of the other Mafia Wars expansions, you'll be starting over from scratch. money-wise. and will start amassing wealth in form of Poker Chips. The good thing is that you don't have to start out from nothing --- all of t those poker chip racks you collected from friends over the past few weeks can be converted into Poker Chips. So, the more diligent you were about stocking up on racks, the more cash you'll have to take on Viva Las Vegas.
Play Mafia Wars Las Vegas Now >
Mafia Wars Las Vegas is here! The new expansion for Mafia Wars was only open to VIPs last week, but now everyone's invited to enter Sin City. Jobs, fighting, properties and currency have been changed up slightly this go-round -- see the details below.
Energy Lover or Fighter?: You Decide
Jobs follow two different paths: Energy Path or a Fighting Path. Choose either path and complete all of the jobs -- which will lead to a boss battle that will unlock the next District. There are six districts in all -- and, from what I've heard from fellow players, they take a long time to finish.
Test Your Mettle in Fight Club Tournaments
Fighting and robbing have stayed the same, but Fight Club Tournaments have finally been unlocked. Choose a class (based largely on how many Mafia members you have) and then jump into a tournament. There's a betting portion as well, where you can bet chips on who the winner will be (either yourself or someone else).
Build Your Own Casino
Properties have changed in Las Vegas as well. Instead of buying up lots of buildings, your mission is to build the mother of all casinos. You'll have to complete certain jobs to start building out five (5) sections of your mega-casino and then upgrade the parts until you get a 5-star casino. You'll also have to build your own vault to keep your poker chips safe.
Bank Big with Poker Chips
Speaking of poker chips, that's the currency for Las Vegas (kinda like real-life Vegas). Like all of the other Mafia Wars expansions, you'll be starting over from scratch. money-wise. and will start amassing wealth in form of Poker Chips. The good thing is that you don't have to start out from nothing --- all of t those poker chip racks you collected from friends over the past few weeks can be converted into Poker Chips. So, the more diligent you were about stocking up on racks, the more cash you'll have to take on Viva Las Vegas.
Play Mafia Wars Las Vegas Now >
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Mafia Wars promises 'a better user experience'
Mafia Wars players have been extremely vocal about the game's bugs and general sluggishness. So it seems very brave for Zynga reps to say that a better user experience is on its way in the most recent post on the official Mafia Wars blog:
"Our team has fixed a whole lot of bugs over the past 2 days. Some of these issues include fixing cross-promotional items that players weren't receiving, replacing wonky error messages and stopping players from awarding themselves extra skill points when they complete jobs."
OK, so we're glad that some bugs have been fixed. Some is better than none. Perhaps more telling are the seemingly endless comments after the post, brimming with suggestions on other things that need to be fixed or changed in the game, including "overloaded' servers, complaints about players using 'snag' cheat apps, no more challenge missions and allow clans/all players to share loot... to name a few.
The post ends by saying "Our work is far from over." Seems like a lot of fed-up virtual mobsters will agree with that.
Have you had trouble with bugs and sluggishness in Mafia Wars? What else (if anything) needs to be fixed?
"Our team has fixed a whole lot of bugs over the past 2 days. Some of these issues include fixing cross-promotional items that players weren't receiving, replacing wonky error messages and stopping players from awarding themselves extra skill points when they complete jobs."
OK, so we're glad that some bugs have been fixed. Some is better than none. Perhaps more telling are the seemingly endless comments after the post, brimming with suggestions on other things that need to be fixed or changed in the game, including "overloaded' servers, complaints about players using 'snag' cheat apps, no more challenge missions and allow clans/all players to share loot... to name a few.
The post ends by saying "Our work is far from over." Seems like a lot of fed-up virtual mobsters will agree with that.
Have you had trouble with bugs and sluggishness in Mafia Wars? What else (if anything) needs to be fixed?
FarmVille Limited Edition Wild West Animal: Cottontail Rabbit
farmville cottontail rabbit
Are you ready for a new Rabbit? FarmVille released a Limited Edition Wild West themed Cottontail Rabbit tonight.
The Cottontail Rabbit can be purchased for 12 farm cash in the FarmVille Market during the next 9 days only.
farmville cottontail rabbit
FarmVille LE Wild West Animal (Released August 31, 2010):
Cottontail Rabbit – 12 FV$
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Will you purchase the new Cottontail Rabbit for your animal collection?
Are you ready for a new Rabbit? FarmVille released a Limited Edition Wild West themed Cottontail Rabbit tonight.
The Cottontail Rabbit can be purchased for 12 farm cash in the FarmVille Market during the next 9 days only.
farmville cottontail rabbit
FarmVille LE Wild West Animal (Released August 31, 2010):
Cottontail Rabbit – 12 FV$
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Will you purchase the new Cottontail Rabbit for your animal collection?
FarmVille Unreleased Pinto Bean, Pinto Bean Market Stall, Pinto Bean Mastery Sign, & Pinto Bean Bushel
farmville pinto bean bushel farmville pinto bean market stall farmville pinto bean mastery
Thank you to Teresa for finding these unreleased FarmVille Pinto Bean, Pinto Bean Market Stall, Pinto Bean Mastery Sign, & Pinto Bean Bushel items!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Thank you to Teresa for finding these unreleased FarmVille Pinto Bean, Pinto Bean Market Stall, Pinto Bean Mastery Sign, & Pinto Bean Bushel items!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille Unreleased Back to School Duck, Dutch Barn, Rectangular Haybale, & Pig Slop
Thank you to Teresa for finding these unreleased FarmVille Back to School Duck, Dutch Barn, Rectangular Haybale, Slop!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
FarmVille Unreleased Blacksmith, Sherriff's Office, Water Well, Wanted Sign, Sage, Wild Turkey v2, Gold Rush Stream
farmville sheriff station farmville gold rush stream farmville wild turkey
Lots of new unreleased FarmVille Wild West items! There is a Blacksmith, Sherriff's Office for the buildings and decorations that include a Water Well, an awesome Wanted Sign, Gold Rush Stream, and Sage plant. Finally a handsome Wild West Wild Turkey rounds out the list. These items would look great with the Wild West theme and we can't wait to see if and when they come out!
farmville wanted poster farmville wild west water well farmville wild west sage bush
Note, unreleased items have no official release date or guarantee that they will make it to the FarmVille Market and are subject to change without notice.
Thank you to Teresa for finding these unreleased FarmVille Blacksmith, Sherriff's Office, Wild West Water Well, Wild West Wanted Sign, Wild West, Sage, Wild Turkey v2, Gold Rush Stream items!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Lots of new unreleased FarmVille Wild West items! There is a Blacksmith, Sherriff's Office for the buildings and decorations that include a Water Well, an awesome Wanted Sign, Gold Rush Stream, and Sage plant. Finally a handsome Wild West Wild Turkey rounds out the list. These items would look great with the Wild West theme and we can't wait to see if and when they come out!
farmville wanted poster farmville wild west water well farmville wild west sage bush
Note, unreleased items have no official release date or guarantee that they will make it to the FarmVille Market and are subject to change without notice.
Thank you to Teresa for finding these unreleased FarmVille Blacksmith, Sherriff's Office, Wild West Water Well, Wild West Wanted Sign, Wild West, Sage, Wild Turkey v2, Gold Rush Stream items!
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
RSPCA's Think Pig Facebook game has adorable pigs, not-so adorable sounds
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a U.K. -based advocacy group for animal rights, has launched a Facebook game to raise awareness about the fair treatment of pigs (no, not these pigs) with Think Pig. This anagram game asks you to line up pigs with letters on their backs to make words, but it's unsure as to how this game raises awareness.
Amongst the unsettling noise of swines grunting and snorting--sans any music at all--it's difficult enough to concentrate on putting words together. If you manage to achieve a score of at least "Weaner" ("Porker" and "Whole Hog" being the highest titles), you'll be sent to the bonus round where you'll have to answer a pig trivia question that will double your score if answered correctly.
Find out more about this snout-nosed game after the break.
Think Pig gameplay
Then you'll be given the option to stick with the herd or move on to a new one for more letter options. You can share your scores with friends, like almost every social game, and there are personal, friend and global leaderboards to stoke that competitive flame.
Think Pig Trivia
According to the Think Pig Facebook page, the goal of the game is "to raise awareness about pig welfare and what labels you should look for when shopping," but we're finding it hard to see that message in Think Pig. While the trivia questions seem to fulfill this claim (all I can still hear are squealing pigs and outdoor ambiance), but trivia questions aren't provocative like immersive gameplay can be.
Play Think Pig on Facebook Now >
Amongst the unsettling noise of swines grunting and snorting--sans any music at all--it's difficult enough to concentrate on putting words together. If you manage to achieve a score of at least "Weaner" ("Porker" and "Whole Hog" being the highest titles), you'll be sent to the bonus round where you'll have to answer a pig trivia question that will double your score if answered correctly.
Find out more about this snout-nosed game after the break.
Think Pig gameplay
Then you'll be given the option to stick with the herd or move on to a new one for more letter options. You can share your scores with friends, like almost every social game, and there are personal, friend and global leaderboards to stoke that competitive flame.
Think Pig Trivia
According to the Think Pig Facebook page, the goal of the game is "to raise awareness about pig welfare and what labels you should look for when shopping," but we're finding it hard to see that message in Think Pig. While the trivia questions seem to fulfill this claim (all I can still hear are squealing pigs and outdoor ambiance), but trivia questions aren't provocative like immersive gameplay can be.
Play Think Pig on Facebook Now >
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Let's Drink to German Hospitality
Between this new unreleased FarmVille German Beer Garden (see the 3rd item from the left in above pic), last week's lederhosen and dirndl dressed gnomes, and the Oktoberfest Tent from the week before that, there might finally be enough items to pull off a beer fest on the farm. Aside from that, you've got the German Hotel and the German Castle Wall Fence, which is a classier way of corralling your revelers than with cheap wooden fences. And while we're at it, nothing completes a party like a Backyard Pool, but this one comes off more like a garden pond than one for cannon-balling. Grab a dose of serenity by checking out the animation of the pool below:
[via FarmVille Freak and FarmVille Latest]
[via FarmVille Freak and FarmVille Latest]
Happy Aquarium One Year Anniversary Event extended by five hours, more time to win an exclusive fish
Happy Aquarium One Year Anniversary
CrowdStar will soon be rewarding its Happy Aquarium fans for their enjoyment of the game for a whole year with the Happy Aquarium One Year Anniversary Event. Extended by five hours, log in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST to get your own exclusive, vibrant One Year Anniversary Fish. The event already has over 843,000 confirmed attendees, so you definitely won't be alone.
It's a bummer that CrowdStar isn't doing more to celebrate this milestone, but if it maintains its Number 2 position under Zynga long enough, maybe next year's event will be even better. This event, unlike Zynga's week-long festivities in Cafe World, will only be around for six hours. So, be sure to log in tomorrow for your exclusive fish and to celebrate playing Happy Aquarium for a whole 365 days.
CrowdStar will soon be rewarding its Happy Aquarium fans for their enjoyment of the game for a whole year with the Happy Aquarium One Year Anniversary Event. Extended by five hours, log in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST to get your own exclusive, vibrant One Year Anniversary Fish. The event already has over 843,000 confirmed attendees, so you definitely won't be alone.
It's a bummer that CrowdStar isn't doing more to celebrate this milestone, but if it maintains its Number 2 position under Zynga long enough, maybe next year's event will be even better. This event, unlike Zynga's week-long festivities in Cafe World, will only be around for six hours. So, be sure to log in tomorrow for your exclusive fish and to celebrate playing Happy Aquarium for a whole 365 days.
Mafia Wars Dublin Challenge Missions Chapter Two: Ireland Hopping with stout in hand
Zynga has finally unlocked Chapter Two of the Dublin Challenge Missions in Mafia Wars. Named "Ireland Hopping," players will escape Ireland with the money from the bank robbery, launder the cash in an "offshore account" and funnel the dough back into the Irish mob. Sounds like my kind of weekend.
These missions will require a lot more stout than before, so you'll have to ask your friends for even more pints. Also, be sure to collect your stout from above the Dublin jobs pane every 24 hours. For mastering each job Chapter 2, you'll receive an Irish mob weapon called Black Irish with 84 Attack and 59 Defense.
Join us behind the cut for a detailed look at the four new jobs in the Dublin Challenge Mission.
Dublin Challenge Mission Chapter 2 jobs
Here is a look at the jobs you'll have to take on to successfully go Ireland Hopping:
Get the Money to a Waiting Jet: Costs 2 Stout and 22 Energy; Rewards 38 XP per attempt
Fly to a Caribbean Island: Costs 2 Stout and 33 Energy; Rewards 60 XP per attempt
Launder the Money to an "Offshore Account": Costs 3 Stout and 49 Energy; Rewards 93 XP per attempt
Pipe the Funds back to Ireland: Costs 4 Stout and 55 Energy, Rewards 104 XP per attempt
Be mindful of the Job Heat Meter, as once that fills after doing too many jobs the amount of Energy and Stout used during these jobs will increase, forcing an eight-hour wait before costs become normal again. Mastering this chapter also unlocks access to the final chapter once it releases in about four days. Happy Ireland Hopping.
These missions will require a lot more stout than before, so you'll have to ask your friends for even more pints. Also, be sure to collect your stout from above the Dublin jobs pane every 24 hours. For mastering each job Chapter 2, you'll receive an Irish mob weapon called Black Irish with 84 Attack and 59 Defense.
Join us behind the cut for a detailed look at the four new jobs in the Dublin Challenge Mission.
Dublin Challenge Mission Chapter 2 jobs
Here is a look at the jobs you'll have to take on to successfully go Ireland Hopping:
Get the Money to a Waiting Jet: Costs 2 Stout and 22 Energy; Rewards 38 XP per attempt
Fly to a Caribbean Island: Costs 2 Stout and 33 Energy; Rewards 60 XP per attempt
Launder the Money to an "Offshore Account": Costs 3 Stout and 49 Energy; Rewards 93 XP per attempt
Pipe the Funds back to Ireland: Costs 4 Stout and 55 Energy, Rewards 104 XP per attempt
Be mindful of the Job Heat Meter, as once that fills after doing too many jobs the amount of Energy and Stout used during these jobs will increase, forcing an eight-hour wait before costs become normal again. Mastering this chapter also unlocks access to the final chapter once it releases in about four days. Happy Ireland Hopping.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Haiti 'The School of Choice' Hot Air Balloon
Our last look at FarmVille's School of Choice campaign showed that they had hit their 400 million mark, and were now aiming for 1 billion in virtual exchanged gifts. Right now, the counter has passed the 750 million mark with a $72k increase in player donations from Sweet Beets.
Given the momentum of this charity drive, it seems inevitable that Zynga will end up donating their promised total of $200k.
Today, a leaked image of a Haiti Hot Air Balloon imprinted with the "L' Ecole de Choix" banner and sporting the colors of the Haitian flag, made its way around the fan sites. FarmVille will probably cap off the event with a commemorative item and we can only bet that this balloon is it. But as always, the only guarantee when it comes to leaked items is a little insight into what the game creators are pondering.
Given the momentum of this charity drive, it seems inevitable that Zynga will end up donating their promised total of $200k.
Today, a leaked image of a Haiti Hot Air Balloon imprinted with the "L' Ecole de Choix" banner and sporting the colors of the Haitian flag, made its way around the fan sites. FarmVille will probably cap off the event with a commemorative item and we can only bet that this balloon is it. But as always, the only guarantee when it comes to leaked items is a little insight into what the game creators are pondering.
Social City joins the Magic Kingdom with a free Cinderella Castle
Social City Cinderella Castle
Today, players will find a Goofy Statue in the free gifts section of Social City along with the Mickey Mouse collectible from last week. (Note: Players who have an e-mail subscription with Social City received a link to a free Mickey without needing friends to gift them one.) This is all part of Playdom's plan to make use of their merger with Disney to bring famous characters and properties into Social City. Six more statues are expected, and those who collect all eight will get a free Cinderella Castle!
Today, players will find a Goofy Statue in the free gifts section of Social City along with the Mickey Mouse collectible from last week. (Note: Players who have an e-mail subscription with Social City received a link to a free Mickey without needing friends to gift them one.) This is all part of Playdom's plan to make use of their merger with Disney to bring famous characters and properties into Social City. Six more statues are expected, and those who collect all eight will get a free Cinderella Castle!
Zynga expands to new global headquarters in San Francisco: More jobs incoming?
Townsend Center
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that social gaming colossus Zynga has signed a 7-year lease on a new location for their imperial stronghold global headquarters. Located at 8th and Townsend Streets in the city by the bay, 270,000 of the 650,000 square foot Townsend Center, a TMG Partners building, will belong to Zynga.
The move in from 365 Vermont Street begins in Spring 2011 to the sprawling Townsend Center, complete with wellness center and company cafe, which hopefully will fit however many of the company's 1,200 employees who will be stationed there. Over the past two years, the creator of FarmVille has grown from 398 employees in September 2009 to its current number in September 2010 with offices worldwide in Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Los Angeles, Austin, Boston, Baltimore, Bangalore, Beijing, Tokyo and recently Frankfurt.
"As a 15-year San Francisco resident, I value the city's unique ability to attract the combination of top creative and tech talent that enables innovation," said Zynga CEO Mark Pincus (wait a tick). "Our new headquarters will capture our culture of collaboration, creativity and fun. I want to thank the Mayor for being an outstanding partner in making our new headquarters become a reality."
While Zynga is obviously excited about the move for financial and creative reasons (and more office space!), Mayor Newsom is just thankful for the company's potential "to flourish, keep and grow jobs in San Francisco." With two office buys in the past week with one having room for some 2,000 employees, according to Venture Beat, somebody might be hiring again.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that social gaming colossus Zynga has signed a 7-year lease on a new location for their imperial stronghold global headquarters. Located at 8th and Townsend Streets in the city by the bay, 270,000 of the 650,000 square foot Townsend Center, a TMG Partners building, will belong to Zynga.
The move in from 365 Vermont Street begins in Spring 2011 to the sprawling Townsend Center, complete with wellness center and company cafe, which hopefully will fit however many of the company's 1,200 employees who will be stationed there. Over the past two years, the creator of FarmVille has grown from 398 employees in September 2009 to its current number in September 2010 with offices worldwide in Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Los Angeles, Austin, Boston, Baltimore, Bangalore, Beijing, Tokyo and recently Frankfurt.
"As a 15-year San Francisco resident, I value the city's unique ability to attract the combination of top creative and tech talent that enables innovation," said Zynga CEO Mark Pincus (wait a tick). "Our new headquarters will capture our culture of collaboration, creativity and fun. I want to thank the Mayor for being an outstanding partner in making our new headquarters become a reality."
While Zynga is obviously excited about the move for financial and creative reasons (and more office space!), Mayor Newsom is just thankful for the company's potential "to flourish, keep and grow jobs in San Francisco." With two office buys in the past week with one having room for some 2,000 employees, according to Venture Beat, somebody might be hiring again.
FishVille Glowing Phosphorus Jungle: Electro Fern and Magic Lily illuminate your tank
Pressing on with the Glowing Phosphorus Jungle theme, Zynga has added three new decorations to FishVille to help light up your tank. The Electro Fern asks for 10 Sand Dollars ($2 USD) and rewards 3,000 XP, while the Magic Lily is locked for purchase until Level 80. Considering it's an animated item, we're going to go out on a limb and say that it'll cost you a good amount of Sand Dollars.
The update on FishVille's Facebook page brags about a Teal Lamp (pictured center) item as well, but it is nowhere to be found in the game's store. Unless Zynga is referring to the Hanging Lamp, which costs 150,000 coins and rewards 1,500 XP, this Teal Lamp does not exist. While these items don't have a limited time in FishVille, the Glowing Phosphorus Jungle theme can't stick around forever, so get these items to brighten your tank before a new theme rushes in.
The update on FishVille's Facebook page brags about a Teal Lamp (pictured center) item as well, but it is nowhere to be found in the game's store. Unless Zynga is referring to the Hanging Lamp, which costs 150,000 coins and rewards 1,500 XP, this Teal Lamp does not exist. While these items don't have a limited time in FishVille, the Glowing Phosphorus Jungle theme can't stick around forever, so get these items to brighten your tank before a new theme rushes in.
Facebook Account Banning: How Zynga handles it
A tipster to the Mafia Wars Maniac had a revealing Skype discussion with a Zynga representative involving gaming accounts being banned from Facebook and what Zynga can help with during the appeal process. First things first, what accounts get banned?
Mostly, accounts made purely for gaming, i.e. those that include no personal photos or information but are extremely active within apps on the platform are suspect for inspection by Facebook, according to Mafia Wars Maniac. If you fit this criteria, then it's very likely that you could get banned from Facebook. Here's what to do if this ever happens to you on a real account (accounts proven to be fake will not be reactivated by Facebook):
Submit a CS ticket... "I've been banned from facebook!" or something to that extent. You will get a response with a specific escalation URL for Facebook
Use that URL to appeal your ban to facebook...
If your ban is lifted... Halelua!
If not...
Copy the response you get from facebook and reply back to the CS ticket with the response. We will then be able to take that information and escalate it from our end. So... here is why we need to do it this way...
Apparently Zynga can track this exchange, appeal on your behalf to Facebook and hopefully restore your account. The issue with this is that many players (like myself) have made separate accounts on the platform just for gaming out respect for our friends' news feeds. However, with that issue alleviated recently, it might be a good idea to get back on your normal account for gaming. That is, if all of your gaming information wasn't linked to that account.
So, what can you do to avoid being banned? Just spruce up your account with some more personal information. Just your name, hometown and a photo isn't much to sacrifice for being able to play your favorite game. Is it?
When asked whether improvements will be made to Mafia Wars that would remove the need for a Facebook account, the representative cryptically replied, "Fortunately we have teams of people who are able to work on multiple projects at one time. So while it may seem that we keep launching missions or new cities... that doesn't mean we don't have another team working on other issues/improvements."
We can only hope that some changes to the Mafia Wars infrastructure are under way for those who wish to remain anonymous mobsters. If such a fortunate change does happen, you know where to find it.
Mostly, accounts made purely for gaming, i.e. those that include no personal photos or information but are extremely active within apps on the platform are suspect for inspection by Facebook, according to Mafia Wars Maniac. If you fit this criteria, then it's very likely that you could get banned from Facebook. Here's what to do if this ever happens to you on a real account (accounts proven to be fake will not be reactivated by Facebook):
Submit a CS ticket... "I've been banned from facebook!" or something to that extent. You will get a response with a specific escalation URL for Facebook
Use that URL to appeal your ban to facebook...
If your ban is lifted... Halelua!
If not...
Copy the response you get from facebook and reply back to the CS ticket with the response. We will then be able to take that information and escalate it from our end. So... here is why we need to do it this way...
Apparently Zynga can track this exchange, appeal on your behalf to Facebook and hopefully restore your account. The issue with this is that many players (like myself) have made separate accounts on the platform just for gaming out respect for our friends' news feeds. However, with that issue alleviated recently, it might be a good idea to get back on your normal account for gaming. That is, if all of your gaming information wasn't linked to that account.
So, what can you do to avoid being banned? Just spruce up your account with some more personal information. Just your name, hometown and a photo isn't much to sacrifice for being able to play your favorite game. Is it?
When asked whether improvements will be made to Mafia Wars that would remove the need for a Facebook account, the representative cryptically replied, "Fortunately we have teams of people who are able to work on multiple projects at one time. So while it may seem that we keep launching missions or new cities... that doesn't mean we don't have another team working on other issues/improvements."
We can only hope that some changes to the Mafia Wars infrastructure are under way for those who wish to remain anonymous mobsters. If such a fortunate change does happen, you know where to find it.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Treasure Madness Halloween Maps and Gifts hide terrifying treasure
Ever seen that episode of Scooby Doo where the gang takes a row boat to some nondescript haunted island in order to solve the next mystery? (More like every other episode.) Well, it seems that zSlide has seen their fair share of spooky isles and brought that inspiration to Treasure Madness with a massive 10 new maps to explore. Better yet, they all cost 1500 GP and below. Here is a list of all 10 haunted islands:
Scary Skulls Island: 750 GP, 154 tiles
Spider Island: 1,300 GP, 259 tiles
Scary Pumpkin Bay: 1,250 GP, 247 tiles
Frankenstein Island: 1,000 GP, 192 tiles
Black Cat Island: 1,250 GP, 250 tiles
Devil Island: 1,500 GP, 288 tiles
Werewolf Isle: 1,250 GP, 249 tiles
Angry Ghost Island: 1,150 GP, 230 tiles
Pumpkin Isle: 1,300 GP, 262 tiles
Bat Island: 700 GP, 145 tiles
Unfortunately, every one of these new maps has a very low treasure density and an average amount of gold to loot. But the maps do contain seven mysterious Halloween-themed collections. If you want all 10 maps and their rare collections, you better start saving that GP as these haunted islands will disappear in just 19 days.
Join us after the break for a look at the new free gifts available.
Treasure Madness community manager Jennifer Johnson says that most of these items will help complete the seven Halloween collections that can be finished in the 10 new maps. As for the delicious desserts, expect some free HP gains for the next 19 days. There are also Halloween mystery crates available that will contain some of the collection items as well, so enjoy the plenty of options to celebrate Halloween this year in the tropics.
Scary Skulls Island: 750 GP, 154 tiles
Spider Island: 1,300 GP, 259 tiles
Scary Pumpkin Bay: 1,250 GP, 247 tiles
Frankenstein Island: 1,000 GP, 192 tiles
Black Cat Island: 1,250 GP, 250 tiles
Devil Island: 1,500 GP, 288 tiles
Werewolf Isle: 1,250 GP, 249 tiles
Angry Ghost Island: 1,150 GP, 230 tiles
Pumpkin Isle: 1,300 GP, 262 tiles
Bat Island: 700 GP, 145 tiles
Unfortunately, every one of these new maps has a very low treasure density and an average amount of gold to loot. But the maps do contain seven mysterious Halloween-themed collections. If you want all 10 maps and their rare collections, you better start saving that GP as these haunted islands will disappear in just 19 days.
Join us after the break for a look at the new free gifts available.
Treasure Madness community manager Jennifer Johnson says that most of these items will help complete the seven Halloween collections that can be finished in the 10 new maps. As for the delicious desserts, expect some free HP gains for the next 19 days. There are also Halloween mystery crates available that will contain some of the collection items as well, so enjoy the plenty of options to celebrate Halloween this year in the tropics.
Pet Society's Spooky Furniture: Buy all four pieces for a matching room
Spooky Ghost Fireplace and Spooky Ghost Piano
Now, talk about a furniture deal. In honor of our favorite holiday (at the moment), Playfish has added a collection of Spooky Furniture to Pet Society. There are four beautifully animated pieces in all that each cost Playfish Cash, unfortunately. Here is the set of unlively furniture available:
Spooky Ghost Fireplace: 14 Playfish Cash
Spooky Ghost Piano: 15 Playfish Cash
Haunted Grandfather Clock: 13 Playfish Cash
Spooky Dinner for Two: 17 Playfish Cash
Find the other half of this limited edition furniture set after the break.
Haunted Grandfather Clock and Spooky Dinner for Two
For 59 Playfish Cash, or just over $10, you'll have the entire spine-chilling set. If you're not sold yet, Playfish wants to give you a special room to match all of this spooky stuff for free. While there isn't a preview of the room available, we can just imagine a dining room with deep black walls and a piano that plays on its own into the night with wailing wights trapped in the clock, singing the chorus. If that image doesn't get you excited for Halloween, we don't know what will. It's too bad that Playfish doesn't offer financing or delayed payments, because these items will disappear forever after Oct. 31.
Now, talk about a furniture deal. In honor of our favorite holiday (at the moment), Playfish has added a collection of Spooky Furniture to Pet Society. There are four beautifully animated pieces in all that each cost Playfish Cash, unfortunately. Here is the set of unlively furniture available:
Spooky Ghost Fireplace: 14 Playfish Cash
Spooky Ghost Piano: 15 Playfish Cash
Haunted Grandfather Clock: 13 Playfish Cash
Spooky Dinner for Two: 17 Playfish Cash
Find the other half of this limited edition furniture set after the break.
Haunted Grandfather Clock and Spooky Dinner for Two
For 59 Playfish Cash, or just over $10, you'll have the entire spine-chilling set. If you're not sold yet, Playfish wants to give you a special room to match all of this spooky stuff for free. While there isn't a preview of the room available, we can just imagine a dining room with deep black walls and a piano that plays on its own into the night with wailing wights trapped in the clock, singing the chorus. If that image doesn't get you excited for Halloween, we don't know what will. It's too bad that Playfish doesn't offer financing or delayed payments, because these items will disappear forever after Oct. 31.
Millionaire City's Halloween Week items are frighteningly expensive
Millionaire City Halloween Week
It turns out that in Millionaire City you really do have to be a millionaire to enjoy Halloween, not to mention you might want a small wad of real cash. Digital Chocolate has added six new Halloween-themed buildings and attractions to the game that will turn your real estate empire into a frightening suburbia that looks oddly reminiscent of the set in Edward Scissorhands. The new items you'll find for sale are:
Dracula's Castle: 12 Gold, Wonder (Increases Income Bonus three percent)
Pumpkin House: 1,500,000 Dollars, 500 XP
Cursed Tree: Level 9 required
Shop of Horrors: Level 12 required
Trick or Treat Garden: Level 14 required
Zombie Cemetery: Level 23 required
Haunted House: Level 24 required
Unfortunately, some of the cooler items, of course, cost Gold while those that go for Dollars are asking for millions, which will put a serious dent into anyone's supply of funds. If you're interested in these lofty business opportunities, act quick as they'll only be around for another 13 days--how cute. Hey, at least you're not building a real Halloween-themed town. Now that would be pricey.
It turns out that in Millionaire City you really do have to be a millionaire to enjoy Halloween, not to mention you might want a small wad of real cash. Digital Chocolate has added six new Halloween-themed buildings and attractions to the game that will turn your real estate empire into a frightening suburbia that looks oddly reminiscent of the set in Edward Scissorhands. The new items you'll find for sale are:
Dracula's Castle: 12 Gold, Wonder (Increases Income Bonus three percent)
Pumpkin House: 1,500,000 Dollars, 500 XP
Cursed Tree: Level 9 required
Shop of Horrors: Level 12 required
Trick or Treat Garden: Level 14 required
Zombie Cemetery: Level 23 required
Haunted House: Level 24 required
Unfortunately, some of the cooler items, of course, cost Gold while those that go for Dollars are asking for millions, which will put a serious dent into anyone's supply of funds. If you're interested in these lofty business opportunities, act quick as they'll only be around for another 13 days--how cute. Hey, at least you're not building a real Halloween-themed town. Now that would be pricey.
My Vineyard's Spooky Vineyard: Explore an eerie world of weird wines
Spooky Vineyard
You wouldn't expect a game as calming and serene as My Vineyard to celebrate the most chill-inducing holiday of the year, but here we are in the Spooky Vineyard. Released by Playdom earlier this month, this new location is open to players Level 10 and above or for those willing to shell out 3 Wine Cash.
The Spooky Vineyard tasks you with unfolding the winding love story of Lady Anastasia by searching trees, bushes and crops for love-struck undead (weird, we know) and returning them to their beloveds' graves. Each time you unite an oddly complacent and loyal zombie with its much deader spouse, you'll unlock another clue that will take you closer to finding out just what happened to Lady Anastasia.
But who could forget the most important feature of the Spooky Vineyard: new wines! Find more on just that after the break.
My Vineyard Zombie
While searching the vineyard, players will stumble upon some viable wine ingredients among the amorous undead, rat droppings and cricket legs. Take these back to the wine cauldron to create new, strange wine blends like Blood of the Wolf (pictured below). Some ingredients are rarer than others--like the Wolves Milk--requiring some cunning to find. While you can buy these ingredients outright, that would ruin all the fun, wouldn't it?
Once you find all of the ingredients, you'll be able to blend the wine yourself in a small mini game that will directly effect the quality of your wine. All you need to do is pop as many bubbles as possible while it boils to keep the wine from burning. The more bubbles you pop, the better your wine will be. Better yet, these limited edition wines don't need to age and sell at the maximum price once boiled and blended.
Blood of the Wolf
Unfortunately, you can only search each spot once daily for ingredients and heart-broken cadavers. But there are more areas to the Spooky Vineyard to unlock as you master more recipes and unite more expired lovers. The Spooky Vineyard will close on Nov. 4, so learn Lady Anastasia's story and master the Halloween wines before it's too late.
You wouldn't expect a game as calming and serene as My Vineyard to celebrate the most chill-inducing holiday of the year, but here we are in the Spooky Vineyard. Released by Playdom earlier this month, this new location is open to players Level 10 and above or for those willing to shell out 3 Wine Cash.
The Spooky Vineyard tasks you with unfolding the winding love story of Lady Anastasia by searching trees, bushes and crops for love-struck undead (weird, we know) and returning them to their beloveds' graves. Each time you unite an oddly complacent and loyal zombie with its much deader spouse, you'll unlock another clue that will take you closer to finding out just what happened to Lady Anastasia.
But who could forget the most important feature of the Spooky Vineyard: new wines! Find more on just that after the break.
My Vineyard Zombie
While searching the vineyard, players will stumble upon some viable wine ingredients among the amorous undead, rat droppings and cricket legs. Take these back to the wine cauldron to create new, strange wine blends like Blood of the Wolf (pictured below). Some ingredients are rarer than others--like the Wolves Milk--requiring some cunning to find. While you can buy these ingredients outright, that would ruin all the fun, wouldn't it?
Once you find all of the ingredients, you'll be able to blend the wine yourself in a small mini game that will directly effect the quality of your wine. All you need to do is pop as many bubbles as possible while it boils to keep the wine from burning. The more bubbles you pop, the better your wine will be. Better yet, these limited edition wines don't need to age and sell at the maximum price once boiled and blended.
Blood of the Wolf
Unfortunately, you can only search each spot once daily for ingredients and heart-broken cadavers. But there are more areas to the Spooky Vineyard to unlock as you master more recipes and unite more expired lovers. The Spooky Vineyard will close on Nov. 4, so learn Lady Anastasia's story and master the Halloween wines before it's too late.
Cute Game of the Day: Feed Mr. Peterson
The hits keep coming and they keep on coming with cats in them. Today's Cute Game of the Day comes from friend of Games.com, Alexander Shen. He works at Mochi Media and has helped us put many of the Game of the Day games on Games.com proper.
In Feed Mr. Peterson, your job is to well, feed your cat Mr. Peterson. (The game has been dedicated to Mr. Peterson by Mr. Shen) The game is simple and cute, just like we like our free flash games. Play it, it's a hoot.
Click the link below and start helping Mr. Peterson out.
In Feed Mr. Peterson, your job is to well, feed your cat Mr. Peterson. (The game has been dedicated to Mr. Peterson by Mr. Shen) The game is simple and cute, just like we like our free flash games. Play it, it's a hoot.
Click the link below and start helping Mr. Peterson out.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
FarmVille's Agricultural Alchemy theme debuts in the marketplace
Less than 24 hours after being shown a teaser video for the newest theme in FarmVille, that being Agricultural Alchemy, we have already been given the first round release of items in this new theme in the game's store.
This (presumably first of many) release sees the addition of the full trio of expected items: Animals, Buildings and Decorations. In this case, the newest animal in the game is the Griffin, which is available to purchase for 40 Farm Cash. This mythical creature can be harvested from every 2 days, and remember, as a Farm Cash item, you can send one to a friend as a gift if you feel so inclined.
Meanwhile, the theme's new building is the Wizard's Lab, also a Farm Cash item, available for 36 Farm Cash. Finally, there are two new decorative items to go along with this theme, and they are the Sorcerer Pig (a cute pig flying on a floating broom), and the Magic Books shelf. Unfortunately, both of these items are premium as well, with the Sorcerer Pig setting you back 18 Farm Cash to the Magic Books' 10 Farm Cash price tag.
With the upcoming release of the newest Harry Potter film, it only makes sense that Zynga would attempt to cross-promote (even unofficially) to make the most of the film's success with fans who are apparently willing to spend real money on items that remind them of the franchise.
This (presumably first of many) release sees the addition of the full trio of expected items: Animals, Buildings and Decorations. In this case, the newest animal in the game is the Griffin, which is available to purchase for 40 Farm Cash. This mythical creature can be harvested from every 2 days, and remember, as a Farm Cash item, you can send one to a friend as a gift if you feel so inclined.
Meanwhile, the theme's new building is the Wizard's Lab, also a Farm Cash item, available for 36 Farm Cash. Finally, there are two new decorative items to go along with this theme, and they are the Sorcerer Pig (a cute pig flying on a floating broom), and the Magic Books shelf. Unfortunately, both of these items are premium as well, with the Sorcerer Pig setting you back 18 Farm Cash to the Magic Books' 10 Farm Cash price tag.
With the upcoming release of the newest Harry Potter film, it only makes sense that Zynga would attempt to cross-promote (even unofficially) to make the most of the film's success with fans who are apparently willing to spend real money on items that remind them of the franchise.
FarmVille: New Pilgrim, Turkey, and Wizard costumes
FarmVille Pilgrim and FarmVIlle Turkey
Tonight's massive FarmVille update brought four new adorable costumes, three for Thanksgiving and one for the new Agricultural Alchemy theme. Available for 10 Farm Cash each, these costumes are absolutely cute and are decently priced for the full makeover that they give your avatar.
For Thanksgiving, there are two Pilgrim costumes, a Pilgrim Girl and a Pilgrim Boy. Even if you are a female avatar, you can still wear the other gender's clothing option, so you're not stuck to buying the gender that your avatar happens to be. There is also a new Turkey costume, which has big cute eyes.
For the new Agricultural Alchemy theme, there is a new Wizard costume that will give you the perfect outfit to celebrate the new Harry Potter movie this weekend.
Which costume do you like best? Will you be celebrating Thanksgiving in FarmVille, or is Harry Potter more your style?
Find more stories on our 2010 Thanksgiving Guide for FarmVille, Mafia Wars & more.
Check out the rest of our Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coverage.
Tonight's massive FarmVille update brought four new adorable costumes, three for Thanksgiving and one for the new Agricultural Alchemy theme. Available for 10 Farm Cash each, these costumes are absolutely cute and are decently priced for the full makeover that they give your avatar.
For Thanksgiving, there are two Pilgrim costumes, a Pilgrim Girl and a Pilgrim Boy. Even if you are a female avatar, you can still wear the other gender's clothing option, so you're not stuck to buying the gender that your avatar happens to be. There is also a new Turkey costume, which has big cute eyes.
For the new Agricultural Alchemy theme, there is a new Wizard costume that will give you the perfect outfit to celebrate the new Harry Potter movie this weekend.
Which costume do you like best? Will you be celebrating Thanksgiving in FarmVille, or is Harry Potter more your style?
Find more stories on our 2010 Thanksgiving Guide for FarmVille, Mafia Wars & more.
Check out the rest of our Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coverage.
New FarmVille Animals: Harvest Horse & Silver Turkey
It's that time folks - Zynga has officially kicked off the Thanksgiving celebration in FarmVille, and they've started with this set of two two, limited edition animals.
The first is a Harvest Horse, available to purchase for 26 Farm Cash. It is decorated with a lovely wreath of sorts, and is one of the prettiest horses we've seen released in the game to date. It can be harvested from every 3 days.
The Silver Turkey costs a bit less, at 18 Farm Cash, and takes one less day to harvest, allowing you to collect from it at a rate of every two days. While this is a lovely new turkey, that would look great in its own special reserved spot on your farm, we're sure the other Turkeys in your Turkey Roost would love the company of this new fella as well.
As of this writing, the Harvest Horse has a time limit of 16 days, while the Silver Turkey will be around for 19. You've still got plenty of time to save up the Farm Cash necessary to purchase either animal, but keep those dates in mind when you go to shop.
The first is a Harvest Horse, available to purchase for 26 Farm Cash. It is decorated with a lovely wreath of sorts, and is one of the prettiest horses we've seen released in the game to date. It can be harvested from every 3 days.
The Silver Turkey costs a bit less, at 18 Farm Cash, and takes one less day to harvest, allowing you to collect from it at a rate of every two days. While this is a lovely new turkey, that would look great in its own special reserved spot on your farm, we're sure the other Turkeys in your Turkey Roost would love the company of this new fella as well.
As of this writing, the Harvest Horse has a time limit of 16 days, while the Silver Turkey will be around for 19. You've still got plenty of time to save up the Farm Cash necessary to purchase either animal, but keep those dates in mind when you go to shop.
Zoo Paradise: New breedable dragons create exclusive offspring
Zoo Paradise dragons
Zoo Paradise has been getting rather wacky with their creations as of late, and this new one is no exception. There are now Dragons available in the store, and you can breed them together in order to make new colors of dragons. The available dragons in the store are the Golden Dragon for 70 Facebook Credits, and the Dragon (which is green) for 60 Credits. The Golden Dragon is a premium dragon, and if you breed your regular dragon to it you have a higher chance of getting exclusive colored offspring.
So far, we don't know too much about these dragons because they're a bit too expensive for us to try them out. It would appear that having two dragons will allow you to breed them together and make additional dragons. The color possibilities are unknown, but we do know that there are definitely blue, pink, purple, lime green, red, and white dragons because the promotional image for the dragons showed them. We're a bit sad that we can't try out the new dragons without spending Facebook Credits, but we've seen them in our neighbor's zoos and we're loving what we see.
Zoo Paradise has been getting rather wacky with their creations as of late, and this new one is no exception. There are now Dragons available in the store, and you can breed them together in order to make new colors of dragons. The available dragons in the store are the Golden Dragon for 70 Facebook Credits, and the Dragon (which is green) for 60 Credits. The Golden Dragon is a premium dragon, and if you breed your regular dragon to it you have a higher chance of getting exclusive colored offspring.
So far, we don't know too much about these dragons because they're a bit too expensive for us to try them out. It would appear that having two dragons will allow you to breed them together and make additional dragons. The color possibilities are unknown, but we do know that there are definitely blue, pink, purple, lime green, red, and white dragons because the promotional image for the dragons showed them. We're a bit sad that we can't try out the new dragons without spending Facebook Credits, but we've seen them in our neighbor's zoos and we're loving what we see.
FarmVille: Thanksgiving Buildings/Decorations now available
Not only has Zynga released a new set of Agricultural Alchemy items in tonight's FarmVille update, but they've also unveiled a large portion of this year's Thanksgiving theme of items, including a new building and a whole slew of new decorations.
The new building is the Fall Home, a country home covered in fallen leaves, that is available to purchase for 15 Farm Cash. While this building is quite lovely, it's in the decorative portion of the store that we start to find the items that are really interesting.
There, you'll find two of the three Thanksgiving Balloons we spoke of over the weekend. Those being the Horse and Cow Balloons (as of this writing, the Duck Balloon is strangely MIA). In addition to these balloons (which go for 5 Farm Cash each), you'll find Autumn Gourds for 2 Farm Cash, a set of regular Gourds for 1 Farm Cash, an individual section of Wreath Fencing for 5,000 coins, and two kinds of decorative pumpkins: a Black Pumpkin and a White Pumpkin, each of which costs 1,500 coins.
Currently, these items are listed at between 14-16 days remaining in the game's store, depending on the item. The Balloons, Fencing, Pumpkins and even Fall Home will leave the store after two weeks, but the two Gourds items will last the full 16 day time limit.
As we've seen more unreleased images leak pertaining to Thanksgiving, we can only assume that this is but the first round of Thanksgiving themed buildings / decorations we'll see released in FarmVille this month. Be sure to check back with us as (if) new items release, so you're always on top of the game.
Check out the rest of our Thanksgiving 2010 coverage right here
The new building is the Fall Home, a country home covered in fallen leaves, that is available to purchase for 15 Farm Cash. While this building is quite lovely, it's in the decorative portion of the store that we start to find the items that are really interesting.
There, you'll find two of the three Thanksgiving Balloons we spoke of over the weekend. Those being the Horse and Cow Balloons (as of this writing, the Duck Balloon is strangely MIA). In addition to these balloons (which go for 5 Farm Cash each), you'll find Autumn Gourds for 2 Farm Cash, a set of regular Gourds for 1 Farm Cash, an individual section of Wreath Fencing for 5,000 coins, and two kinds of decorative pumpkins: a Black Pumpkin and a White Pumpkin, each of which costs 1,500 coins.
Currently, these items are listed at between 14-16 days remaining in the game's store, depending on the item. The Balloons, Fencing, Pumpkins and even Fall Home will leave the store after two weeks, but the two Gourds items will last the full 16 day time limit.
As we've seen more unreleased images leak pertaining to Thanksgiving, we can only assume that this is but the first round of Thanksgiving themed buildings / decorations we'll see released in FarmVille this month. Be sure to check back with us as (if) new items release, so you're always on top of the game.
Check out the rest of our Thanksgiving 2010 coverage right here
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