On Friday, Future Publishing, the British media company behind some of the best gaming magazines in both Europe and the US (Edge, PC Gamer, Max PC and the Official Xbox and Playstation mags), announced that its CEO Stevie Spring and CFO John Bowman have stepped down. The move was not unexpected -- rumors of corporate restructuring have been doing the rounds since July, and the company's stock has taken a serious beating over the last few months. Reuters reported that the media company's board has named Mark Wood as the new CEO and Graham Harding as the finance chief.
"The recent restructuring which positions the company for its digital future has allowed the Board this opportunity to achieve substantial savings by eliminating an entire tier of corporate overhead," Future said in a statement. According to a Reuter's report, the company's stock has dropped sixty percent on the year.
What this means for the American publications under Future umbrella remains to be seen. Video game magazines like The Official Xbox Magazine, Playstation: The Magazine, Nintendo Power, and PC Gamer have been industry icons for years, but Future's July statement revealed the company is heading to a "primarily digital model" for its U.S. businesses. Additionally, a reorganization of Future's UK business will likely lead to layoffs and cash cutting measures.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
10 Creepy Mobile Games
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to gear up for the holiday by playing creepy games on your phone or tablet? Admittedly there aren't a ton of legitimately scary horror-themed iOS and Android games, but here are 10 (in no particular order) that will at least make you think twice about turning off the lights.
UPDATE: Want to Win a Copy of Fruit Ninja Kinect? (Winners Announced!)
Original text: The fine folks at Halfbrick have hooked us up with a set of ten download codes for copies of their awesome motion-controlled hack-'n-slash arcade game, Fruit Ninja Kinect, as well as redeem codes for all three DLC packs that've been released for it so far. That means the Storm Season, Space Capsule, and Art Box packs, and a copy of the complete game. Want to get in on the frenzied fruit-felling action? Here's how!
Big Metal Gear Solid: Rising Reveal in November?
A huge exclamation point appears on the very last page of the latest issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine UK. The image bears a striking resemblance to the iconic symbol from Konami's popular stealth series, Metal Gear Solid.
It's been a long time since we've last heard a peep out of Kojima or Konami about the next game in the franchise. And some suggest that this is in fact hinting at some sort of big announcement about Metal Gear: Rising.
Or it could just be, you know, a big exclamation mark. What do you think?
It's been a long time since we've last heard a peep out of Kojima or Konami about the next game in the franchise. And some suggest that this is in fact hinting at some sort of big announcement about Metal Gear: Rising.
Or it could just be, you know, a big exclamation mark. What do you think?
Win a Free Tribes: Ascend Beta Key
If you're not familiar with Tribes: Ascend, then watch the trailer above to get a feel for the multiplayer, sci-fi, FPS action. But you know what's better than just watching? Getting to try it out yourself.
The development team's been accepting limited beta invites through their homepage for some time now, but we're going to help you jump right to the front of the line. If you want to snag a code, just leave a comment on this story with a short message explaining why you want to play. It's just that easy.
But what if you want to enter, but don't want to leave a comment? We have you covered with two other options!
Follow us on Twitter and write a post using the hashtag: #GameProTribesBeta
Comment on this story's Facebook post saying you want a code! (And make sure your settings allow non-friends to message you. You'll receive the code from GamePro Contest).
We'll be running the contest all weekend until we run out of codes so enter now to ensure yourself a spot!
The development team's been accepting limited beta invites through their homepage for some time now, but we're going to help you jump right to the front of the line. If you want to snag a code, just leave a comment on this story with a short message explaining why you want to play. It's just that easy.
But what if you want to enter, but don't want to leave a comment? We have you covered with two other options!
Follow us on Twitter and write a post using the hashtag: #GameProTribesBeta
Comment on this story's Facebook post saying you want a code! (And make sure your settings allow non-friends to message you. You'll receive the code from GamePro Contest).
We'll be running the contest all weekend until we run out of codes so enter now to ensure yourself a spot!
Saints Row: The Third's Initiation Station Lets Us Put Hitler in Bondage Gear
THQ recently debuted the Saint's Row: The Third character creation tool - dubbed Initiation Station - prior to the game's scheduled release to give fans a chance to create and upload custom characters that will be available to all players on day one. For fans, it's a great opportunity to play with the creation tools, which have the kind of fine granularity it takes to make a character that looks exactly how they want. For people with more twisted minds, it affords the opportunity to make avatars that look like famous people, and put them in weird costumes.
RolePlayers' Realm XXII: Another Mail Call (and Pandas)!
A few hours before Blizzard announced Mists of Pandaria, our fearless leader Julian Rignall made it clear that he thought adding the Pandarens as a playable race would be a "jump the shark" moment for the entire franchise. Then Blizzard went and did just that, and Julian said that he was excited for WoW all over again. He explains his change of heart along with WoW veteran Karen Chu in the first segment, while I explain why even I'm a little excited for the expansion (hint: Pokemon).
In the second segment, Bob returns to save the podcast once again with another mail call. You, dear listeners, helped as well, of course. You answered the Bat Signal when I put out the call for contributions, this week's topic being, "How did you get into RPGs." The lesson I learned? Our listeners are pretty darn hardcore.
In the second segment, Bob returns to save the podcast once again with another mail call. You, dear listeners, helped as well, of course. You answered the Bat Signal when I put out the call for contributions, this week's topic being, "How did you get into RPGs." The lesson I learned? Our listeners are pretty darn hardcore.
Mario Kart Gets Gritty in New Indie Film
One of the cooler video-game-themed movies part of G4's Film Festival is Kart Driver, which features a much darker take on Nintendo's Mario Kart series.
Written and directed by Drew Daywalt, Kart Driver follows Mario as he attempts to save his girlfriend Pauline and defeat what's probably the ugliest interpretation of Donkey Kong we've seen.
Written and directed by Drew Daywalt, Kart Driver follows Mario as he attempts to save his girlfriend Pauline and defeat what's probably the ugliest interpretation of Donkey Kong we've seen.
Postal 3 is Not Dead, Coming to Steam on December 10
After years without any kind of an update on Running With Scissors' Postal III, the company has officially announced that the game will finally be coming to PC through Steam on December 10th.
Postal III sees the return of the "Postal Dude" as he wreaks havoc in the town Catharsis, as well as some special celebrity guests including none other than Ron Jeremy.
While only the PC release date has been announced so far, the developer says that they are still planning on eventually releasing the game on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, too.
Postal III sees the return of the "Postal Dude" as he wreaks havoc in the town Catharsis, as well as some special celebrity guests including none other than Ron Jeremy.
While only the PC release date has been announced so far, the developer says that they are still planning on eventually releasing the game on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, too.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The World’s Most Amazing (And Painful) Video Game Setup
When Battlefield 3 is out next week, we’ll all be playing it on either a TV or a monitor. Some of us on a big TV. Sadly, we won’t be playing like this guy is, on a rig that includes five HD projectors, surround sound, a treadmill and… paintball guns?
Britain’s The Gadget Show got a chance to step inside this one-of-a-kind rig, which in addition to the above gear also includes a massive omni-directional treadmill, wireless gun peripheral, ambient lighting and wrap-around, domed screen.
So, how’s it all work? The gun peripheral is your mouse, or right thumbstick. The treadmills are your WASD keys, or left thumbstick, replicating your actual feet’s movements in the game. The wrap-around screen gives you an almost virtual reality-like environment to play in, and the paintball guns, well, they’re there to actually shoot you when you’ve been shot in the game.
Making it the most immersive, and painful, video game setup around.
Britain’s The Gadget Show got a chance to step inside this one-of-a-kind rig, which in addition to the above gear also includes a massive omni-directional treadmill, wireless gun peripheral, ambient lighting and wrap-around, domed screen.
So, how’s it all work? The gun peripheral is your mouse, or right thumbstick. The treadmills are your WASD keys, or left thumbstick, replicating your actual feet’s movements in the game. The wrap-around screen gives you an almost virtual reality-like environment to play in, and the paintball guns, well, they’re there to actually shoot you when you’ve been shot in the game.
Making it the most immersive, and painful, video game setup around.
Professor Layton: The Arcade Game?
Level-5, the studio responsible for Professor Layton, is working on a new piece of game hardware: An all-purpose arcade cabinet for its games.
Dubbed “Level-5 Station”, the cabinet will be capable of playing customised versions of Level-5 console games altered specifically for this general purpose cabinet.
The cabinet features a 32-inch monitor and the ability to save on IC cards. What’s more, the cabinet’s on-board Wi-Fi means that players can download items and characters to their portables.
The idea is that Level-5 will take its games, perhaps Professor Layton, and then put out Level-5 station versions. First up in 2012 is Level-5 Station Inazuma Eleven: Strikers 2012 Extreme, a tweaked Level-5 Station version of upcoming Wii title Inazuma Eleven: Strikers 2012 Extreme.
Level-5 Station will be available across Japan — start date is TBA. One play will cost ¥100 or $1.30.
Dubbed “Level-5 Station”, the cabinet will be capable of playing customised versions of Level-5 console games altered specifically for this general purpose cabinet.
The cabinet features a 32-inch monitor and the ability to save on IC cards. What’s more, the cabinet’s on-board Wi-Fi means that players can download items and characters to their portables.
The idea is that Level-5 will take its games, perhaps Professor Layton, and then put out Level-5 station versions. First up in 2012 is Level-5 Station Inazuma Eleven: Strikers 2012 Extreme, a tweaked Level-5 Station version of upcoming Wii title Inazuma Eleven: Strikers 2012 Extreme.
Level-5 Station will be available across Japan — start date is TBA. One play will cost ¥100 or $1.30.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Conan O’Brien Thinks Batman’s Getting Too Old For This
Batman is Batman, he’s not like the Patterson family in For Better or For Worse in which everyone ages real-time. He was created more than 70 years ago and, as this Conan O’Brien sketch from Thursday imagines, he’d be a lot less bad-arse if Batman: Arkham City didn’t lie about his age.
The Cel-Shaded Stylings Of NBA 2K12′s DLC
People seem to be fixated so much on the backstory of this and 2K’s motivations, and rightly so. This is the first paid post-release DLC extension for a 2K Sports title; it offers online play for a “My Player” created character, a kind of partial replacement for the loss of the “My Crew” feature. And it’s also $US10.
But “Legends Showcase”, due out by the end of the year, also does something I haven’t seen before in a sports simulation title, and that is present its stars in a stylised, cel-shaded way suitable for immediate posterising. I’m going to want to see it in action but, for now, it does make for some great screenshots.
But “Legends Showcase”, due out by the end of the year, also does something I haven’t seen before in a sports simulation title, and that is present its stars in a stylised, cel-shaded way suitable for immediate posterising. I’m going to want to see it in action but, for now, it does make for some great screenshots.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
My Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood beta experience
So I just got done playing the AC:Bh beta. Took a while to get it working. Before I start explain how I feel about the beta I will say how I felt before I played the beta. When I heard that the next Assassins Creed will have online I was REALLY excited. I liked the first Assassin's Creed, and loved the second. I really thought that the AC:Bh online could be revolutionary (I think that every video game has potential to become one of the best). When I heard that AC:Bh will have online I thought how it would be. At the time I thought it would feel really intense. Just thinking that in front of you there is a crowd of people in that crowd is the person you have to kill, and the person that has to kill you is some where in the area. Sounds pretty intense, and interesting. Now what I experienced was different then what I expected (This was obviously going to happen).
Playing the tutorial gave me the impression that what I expected was going come true. Sneak up behind your enemy, kill him, then hide from anyone who saw you do it. Now The only game mode I played was Wanted, and the only map I played in was Siena. My first hour into the game, and I was getting WRECKED. I was trying to sneak up from behind my target, and kill the person, while the person who kills me is jumping around on top of the houses, and then kill me before my meter drops and goes into chase mode. During that first hour I noticed that while I was being sneaky I would always see 3 people on roofs, or being ridiculously obvious (also noticed that the beta has almost no lag, ran nicely). Then I invited my friend to a party, and we talked (also noticed that the mics work really well).
We then join a match, and I am still getting DEMOLISHED. The match ends, and my friend tells me that I really only have to be sneaky when I am around my target. I decided to listen to him. The match starts, and I almost always ran unless I was in range of my target. The match ends, and I come in 3rd place (out of 6). I keeping using that technique. Which is basically run around trying not to get killed while I try to find my target, act sneaky, and kill him to get the extra point, and then run around trying not to get killed again. Eventually in 1 match I came in 1st place having double the amount of points the person in 2nd place had (I had 4550 points). Using that technique the beta got less fun (the beta is still more fun than all of the games I have). I'm playing the same game mode, same map, using the same technique over, and over again for a while.
The impressions I got from the beta is that the game mode "Wanted" might be the worst game mode. Its basically a Free-For-All. Also in the full game people will be trying to find NPCs that looks like them, and start camping around it/them. This can get out of hand when the monk you have to kill is camping next to 3 other monks. My friend is now calling them Look-a-like whores.
The beta is good, but its not great. I'm hoping for a game mode that would split the people into 2 teams, and everyone had just 1 life so they would REALLY have to work together. Hopefully the full game has that kind of game mode. I still have hopes that the multi-player of AC:Bh will still be amazing, just not the game mode Wanted.
Playing the tutorial gave me the impression that what I expected was going come true. Sneak up behind your enemy, kill him, then hide from anyone who saw you do it. Now The only game mode I played was Wanted, and the only map I played in was Siena. My first hour into the game, and I was getting WRECKED. I was trying to sneak up from behind my target, and kill the person, while the person who kills me is jumping around on top of the houses, and then kill me before my meter drops and goes into chase mode. During that first hour I noticed that while I was being sneaky I would always see 3 people on roofs, or being ridiculously obvious (also noticed that the beta has almost no lag, ran nicely). Then I invited my friend to a party, and we talked (also noticed that the mics work really well).
We then join a match, and I am still getting DEMOLISHED. The match ends, and my friend tells me that I really only have to be sneaky when I am around my target. I decided to listen to him. The match starts, and I almost always ran unless I was in range of my target. The match ends, and I come in 3rd place (out of 6). I keeping using that technique. Which is basically run around trying not to get killed while I try to find my target, act sneaky, and kill him to get the extra point, and then run around trying not to get killed again. Eventually in 1 match I came in 1st place having double the amount of points the person in 2nd place had (I had 4550 points). Using that technique the beta got less fun (the beta is still more fun than all of the games I have). I'm playing the same game mode, same map, using the same technique over, and over again for a while.
The impressions I got from the beta is that the game mode "Wanted" might be the worst game mode. Its basically a Free-For-All. Also in the full game people will be trying to find NPCs that looks like them, and start camping around it/them. This can get out of hand when the monk you have to kill is camping next to 3 other monks. My friend is now calling them Look-a-like whores.
The beta is good, but its not great. I'm hoping for a game mode that would split the people into 2 teams, and everyone had just 1 life so they would REALLY have to work together. Hopefully the full game has that kind of game mode. I still have hopes that the multi-player of AC:Bh will still be amazing, just not the game mode Wanted.
Gaming Consoles and Handhelds as service endpoints
Sony removing the Linux option from its PS3 console shows the short sighted vision that SCE has adopted in recent years. Instead of leading the way through innovation it has decided to follow it's competitor's (Microsoft' XBOX 360) closed network philosophy and try to squeeze consumers for ever red cent.
Gaming consoles are becoming a log jam to innovation for Gaming Developers and the Gaming Industry. With longer development cycles and fewer options for upstarts, the console is headed for disaster. Consumers are the ones who are losing the most. Instead of being able choose preferred services and destinations for our consoles for nominal fees, we are stuck with cable company like packaged deals. Handheld devices are providing an example of the way forward. If Sony were to continue in leading the way by recognizing the delima of the console. It would free up the industry and push interactive entertainment services in a whole new direction.
Sony, if you have difficulty understanding what I'm saying, look at Apple. It will soon have various options consumers can choose from to get services they desire. E.g. Apple TV, iPhone, iPod. These devices aren't preloaded with a bunch of stuff the consumer doesn't need. I think the controversy is as plain as day.
Gaming consoles are becoming a log jam to innovation for Gaming Developers and the Gaming Industry. With longer development cycles and fewer options for upstarts, the console is headed for disaster. Consumers are the ones who are losing the most. Instead of being able choose preferred services and destinations for our consoles for nominal fees, we are stuck with cable company like packaged deals. Handheld devices are providing an example of the way forward. If Sony were to continue in leading the way by recognizing the delima of the console. It would free up the industry and push interactive entertainment services in a whole new direction.
Sony, if you have difficulty understanding what I'm saying, look at Apple. It will soon have various options consumers can choose from to get services they desire. E.g. Apple TV, iPhone, iPod. These devices aren't preloaded with a bunch of stuff the consumer doesn't need. I think the controversy is as plain as day.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Accessibility in fighting games
Recently I keep seeing the topic of accessibility come up within the fighting game community. Players who are hardcore invested in the scene being turned off by the idea of simple mode control schemes, short cut input controls such as Street Fighter 4's, and lowering the threshold for things like teching throws.
Personally it seems like both a step in the right and the wrong direction. Yes fighting game developers definitely want to find ways to make their games which require a real degree of execution skill to be approachable and fun to newer and more casual players, but perhaps they are going at it the wrong way. I feel strongly that developers should always try to succeed in the best of both worlds. Marvel vs Capcom 3 includes a simple control scheme, but at the expense of being able to do everything someone using standard controls will have access to. I would have taken it a step further to just include an online mode specifically for simple control only match making and normal mode only.
A lot of us gamers do not want to see our games dumbed down to appeal for a new generation who just wants automatic rewards. The best example I could give is what if a game so skill, thought, and execution based as Starcraft 2 all of the sudden did build orders for you and all you had to worry about was moving units around. This would not only make the game a shell of its former self, but it would drastically cut into what makes the game so fun in the first place at a competitive level. To know you out played, out thought, and out executed your opponent is such a rewarding feeling and is the equal to winning say a Super Bowl in the NFL or a fighting heavy weight title in boxing.
Would boxing really be boxing anymore if one guy had simple mode "padded" armor on, or was allowed 5 free hits at the start of each round? When you think of it this way you see why this is such a no-no in the eyes of gamers who stick with fighting games throughout years. At the same time though we know we can't get fighting games if the developers can't make money from making them to merit sequels. It's a fine line they have to tread.
I'd also like to add there's more way to appeal to a casual gamer than simply letting them do easy mode combos or special moves. A lot of players now love seeing rewards in some form for their time spent with a game. Things like emblems, avatar pictures, titles, etc. Casual players are also more likely to trade a game in or stop playing it if the online component has issues, where the hardcore will complain but will ride it out. If more fighters could really fine tune net codes while making that carrot at the end of the stick really far out of reach with shiny unlocks then that'd help boost the games appeal in their minds. Couple that together with the idea of the simple mode controls having their own match making and we could maybe see a harmony of both hardcore and casual fighters really enjoying the same game with just a slight tweak in skill.
At the end of the day a game has to be fun to be enjoyed by gamers and hopefully developers won't sacrifice the hardcore gamers fun from skill for a few more sales from guys who won't stick with the game for even one-fifth of what the hardcore guy will.
Personally it seems like both a step in the right and the wrong direction. Yes fighting game developers definitely want to find ways to make their games which require a real degree of execution skill to be approachable and fun to newer and more casual players, but perhaps they are going at it the wrong way. I feel strongly that developers should always try to succeed in the best of both worlds. Marvel vs Capcom 3 includes a simple control scheme, but at the expense of being able to do everything someone using standard controls will have access to. I would have taken it a step further to just include an online mode specifically for simple control only match making and normal mode only.
A lot of us gamers do not want to see our games dumbed down to appeal for a new generation who just wants automatic rewards. The best example I could give is what if a game so skill, thought, and execution based as Starcraft 2 all of the sudden did build orders for you and all you had to worry about was moving units around. This would not only make the game a shell of its former self, but it would drastically cut into what makes the game so fun in the first place at a competitive level. To know you out played, out thought, and out executed your opponent is such a rewarding feeling and is the equal to winning say a Super Bowl in the NFL or a fighting heavy weight title in boxing.
Would boxing really be boxing anymore if one guy had simple mode "padded" armor on, or was allowed 5 free hits at the start of each round? When you think of it this way you see why this is such a no-no in the eyes of gamers who stick with fighting games throughout years. At the same time though we know we can't get fighting games if the developers can't make money from making them to merit sequels. It's a fine line they have to tread.
I'd also like to add there's more way to appeal to a casual gamer than simply letting them do easy mode combos or special moves. A lot of players now love seeing rewards in some form for their time spent with a game. Things like emblems, avatar pictures, titles, etc. Casual players are also more likely to trade a game in or stop playing it if the online component has issues, where the hardcore will complain but will ride it out. If more fighters could really fine tune net codes while making that carrot at the end of the stick really far out of reach with shiny unlocks then that'd help boost the games appeal in their minds. Couple that together with the idea of the simple mode controls having their own match making and we could maybe see a harmony of both hardcore and casual fighters really enjoying the same game with just a slight tweak in skill.
At the end of the day a game has to be fun to be enjoyed by gamers and hopefully developers won't sacrifice the hardcore gamers fun from skill for a few more sales from guys who won't stick with the game for even one-fifth of what the hardcore guy will.
Killzone 3 Beta: Final Concerns/Criticisms
This summation is contradictory to my last blog on Killzone. Yet virtually nothing has changed
Let me explain:
Frozen Dam map is a good map. Thank goodness the public beta didn't allow the other two maps found in the private beta, Corinth Highway and Turbine (or something like that).
While they are fascinating twists on vehicular gameplay, the exoskeletons are problematic.
Mainly, the thing is too powerful, recovers health, spams rockets and bullets constantly into spawns, and people camp in corners (so their vulnerabilities are protected)
They seem to be crucial to keep bigger maps exciting especially since the the game is now 24 players max, but I'd rather they are removed.
The turbine-powered map was cramped. A popular problem in K2 was that maps, even the roomy ones, were always cramped with players. You can spot the enemy base a few feet from your own and shoot them down easily.
Hardcore K2 fans will be slightly taken back by the changes. This is not a proper Killzone sequel. The changes, at the core, are radically different and caters to a different style of gameplay. You can definitely see the Call of Duty influences. Faster aiming, perks-- known as ribbons-- and skills, (which I'll get to later), lower health, an entirely opposite spawning system... these all change the fundamentals of K2 which was staggeringly different.
If you are able to accept that this game takes obvious influences from more common FPS designs and if you are able to enjoy the game for that, then you will enjoy K3. If you are expecting K2 reskinned with slightly adjusted weapons & abilities then you aren't going to get that alone.
The community, for example, simply couldn't grasp the idea of tactical spawn grenades, and when considering their freedom of use, you have to realize that the concept was exploitable. Spawn grenades do not implement the many suggestions fans gave (for example, the ability to stomp on tactical spawn grenades like you would in Call of Duty). Instead, it changes it to a capture-and-hold style of spawning known as Tactial Spawn Point capturing (TSPs)
Personally I'd have liked to seen them implement the ability to cancel out enemy spawn points via going up to them and pressing a button, but instead we get TSPs. They bring with them their own frustrations (see my previous blog), but also some redeeming factors.
And while yes, TSPs are much more limited, they control and limit the ridiculous chaos K2 was known for.
Tactical grenades keeps things more predictable, and so long as you have a semi-smart tactitian on both sides of the team, you will have good competition.
If one side dominates those TSPs and the other side gets spawn trapped, well then you are screwed. This was a special problem in the other 2 maps. Frozen Dam doesn't seem to have this issue, however.
In Corinth Highway, exoskeletons spawn camped any chance the other team had of reclaiming new territory. In the turbine map, the cramped size simply resulted in enemies constantly flooding your spawn area in a matter of seconds. You do NOT want to play the turbine-powered map if you have no TSPs. The two TSPs overlook both spawns, so any chance of escaping your own base will result in either death from above or death from across the map.
Thus, Killzone's success relies heavily on map designs. And with 8 maps, and with 2 having issues, I remain concerned. Frozen Dam is a shining example of a well done map. TSPs are plentiful and action usually is well paced.
The spawning system is crucial in Killzone, and the map design compliments it. While many will complain about the lack of spawn grenades, it does seem like Guerilla Games stepped in the right direction.
Now, I want to address the health. In my opinion GG needs to turn it higher. I can understand “catering to the COD fans”, but Halo has proven that the wider audience can have the patience for those kinds of health systems.
K3's low health seems contradictory to the “teamwork” nature of the game. You can, (and often players do), knock out 2-3 enemies with ease before getting eliminated yourself in the blink of an eye. Many often complain that what low health brings are reflexed-based shooters. This is often held opposite to team games. While they don't need to triple the health, they should do one of two things:
-increase it noticeably
-get rid of the damage modifier
This crosses over to my point on ribbons and skills. These are really half-baked ideas. They feel like a poor man's perk system and it's evident from the list of skills and ribbons that it's been treated more of an afterthought.
Skills are modifiers all players can choose from. There is a weak pool of 4 skills consisting of armor, silent footsteps (useless), ability to carry two primary weapons, and the ability to carry more ammo
The issue? Extra health and extra ammo undermine the roles of engineers and medics. Both health and ammo is very low. You often run out of ammo. But I should HAVE to rely on my team to provide me such things. I should have to rely on medics who ought to be able to heal friendlies and engineers' ability to give me ammo deposits. Killzone's actual teamwork roles are actually really small when compared to something like Bad Company 2. While every class in BC2 has an incredibly crucial role to play out, Killzone's classes feel more like a glorified self-improvement enhancer. Everything offers you more kills, and every class promotes selfishness. Infiltrators offer nothing to the team (why can't they hack enemy equipment or hear enemy communications? Why can't they steal enemy mortars?) but instead are stealthy killing machines. The marksman is the lonewolf that kills from afar. The Engineer has his bots that cover their backsides or chokepoints. The medic has his drone. The tactitian has his air support. 3/5 of these classes actually support the team. Engineers build and fix (though fixing is pointless), but building ammo boxes isn't something that is done constantly (unless the enemy team is destroying your ammo deposits). And of course, if teammates are using extra ammo modifiers, why would they need an ammo box? Medics' roles are diminished for two reasons:
-reviving has no real benefits outside of assassination
-t's more convenient to spawn considering how short the respawn time is
In BC2, every role is important, but the medic's added role to keep the game alive (via keeping the ticket count from depleting) emphasizes the teamwork of the game.
If Killzone can make reviving favorable to spawning (increase the consequences of death by increasing the spawn time) then medics will have a better role. Of course, the supporting function of healing is diminished by armor and the fact that unlike K2, health increases to 100% in K3. A better idea would be the ability for medics to increase health, heal, and revive for a better purpose.
When you consider the fact that Killzone is a very tight game (you will see enemies constantly, maps are nowhere near the size of BC), the reliance of medics is undermined by the constant threat of enemy attacks. Health is too low, enemies are too fast, and as a result, the role of the medic seems unwanted by the players.
Then there's also the awful new reviving system that limits the ability to use the medic gun freely. That, and the considerable downtime of the revive feature makes medics very unimportant to the game.
Tactitians remain the true glue of the game. Now they spot and scan (removing the only contributing ability of the marksman), as well as provide air support and capture TSPs, the most important part of winning.
Back to my point on skills: they not only undermine the limited team-roles of classes, but they are pretty poor and cause lack of balance. They should honestly be taken out. Even Black Ops has abandoned damage and health modifiers. They always dominate the variety. But worse is that generally, the “rock, paper, scissors” gameplay isn't something I want to see in a squad based shooter like Killzone.
In the case of ribbons, they are pretty much “Earned” perks that stay throughout the game. It creates super-soldiers and I don't particularly like it at all. Faster aim, faster reload, better accuracy, and extra damage are some common ribbons. And boy are they unfair! Rewarding players who get assists with extra damage not only favours players who can't get kills, but also ruins balance of a game that already runs on a low-health system. Aiming, accuracy, etc are already fine in the game, yet the fact that you can improve them even better is a completely awful idea. Again, the system should be ditched completely.
There are some other issues with games lacking flow: it's way too easy to defend assassination targets because they have a lot of time to escape and hide behind his whole team. And of course, the time it takes to win the mode is also pretty quick. Of course this depends on the team a lot. But a big map like Frozen Dam has enemies making an entire trip down to the other side only to die because the other team is just set up for the attack-- yes, the enemy team can take a closer TSP, but by the time that is able to happen the other team has already won. So long as there are good tactitians for Search and Destroy the game is winnable. However, generally, and especially for Spec Ops, offensive attacks are thwarted by semi-intelligent defences. Is there really a need for a bot for the C4 area when enough enemies camp up there? I am carefully suggesting that the game is a bit more easier for attackers by doing something like giving more time in the case of assassination. Of course, perhaps this just depends on the TSP layout.
Sometimes you die from what feels like one stray bullet, sometimes dead bodies and other players get in the way of your movement, and some of the general destruction of stray grenades, exploding bots, running through said bots, and seeing the screen shake with the blurring draining of colour creates a bit of unnecessary confusion. The fade to black, for example, when health is low, makes it hard to see your surroundings and kill any other enemies. Good idea? Well I don't like it, but maybe it has its place.
I think another important question is to ask if this game has any long-standing legs. Killzone 2 fizzled out really fast. Yes, it has a community, but nothing like that of even the lowest Halo Reach playlist. You'll be hard-pressed to find DLC maps in Killzone 2. I think Guerilla took some smart steps:
you will notice sadly that not all modes are playable in all map. 3 of the final maps support Spec Ops, and the luscious jungle map only supports guerilla warfare. Perhaps they will do what DICE did and unlock modes via free map updates? It's a smart way to keep players coming back for more. But if this doesn't happen then the limitations of choice is disappointing. This is where I hope DLC gets proper support. The problem with Killzone 2 DLC was that nobody bothered to choose them to play. With matchmaking, you can have all maps rotated via playlists. This funnels the community in a way that even if the community is small, there is enough diversity in what you play. Something Killzone 2 lacked. The limited players and the popularity of Radec Academy really killed the DLC and other map variety.
Now, COD players, and following the philosophy that they need to be catered to, like progression. Killzone 3's progression is very fast. You can upgrade everything in a mere day by my estimations. And there isn't exactly a variety of weapons to choose from, or skills to unlock, or emblems, etc to deck out your profile. Killzone remains a very straight-up shooter with less modes and maps than COD, and less features too. I am disappointed with the lack of split-screen online, or a co-op mode that is better fleshed out (like Halo's) and the lack of a theater mode. The limited guns and other unlocks is something I'm concerned will bore COD players, and if they are going to give up on the game so quickly then GG risks losing their audience relatively fast again. This is where I hope they are really using DICE's tactics and I really do hope to see more gun variety, and if they are going to support the skills (which I don't think they should), then we need to see a lot more of them that are significant enough to warrant diversity in the choices.
Of course, clan matches and weekly rankings are likely both in the final game. Honestly, a simple thing like offering a ranking system that rewards you with a new emblem is all the “COD crowd” needs. Halo Reach offers armour customization and new badges to keep players coming back and it works.
If you despise Call of Duty then you are going to hate the COD influences. I know Killzone fans adamantly pride themselves in having a unique shooter, but the fact is that COD has elements that are forcing many other games to adapt. Some influences, like the addition of perks, are greatly disappointing and a step too far for K3. Others simply are for the better.
Let me explain:
Frozen Dam map is a good map. Thank goodness the public beta didn't allow the other two maps found in the private beta, Corinth Highway and Turbine (or something like that).
While they are fascinating twists on vehicular gameplay, the exoskeletons are problematic.
Mainly, the thing is too powerful, recovers health, spams rockets and bullets constantly into spawns, and people camp in corners (so their vulnerabilities are protected)
They seem to be crucial to keep bigger maps exciting especially since the the game is now 24 players max, but I'd rather they are removed.
The turbine-powered map was cramped. A popular problem in K2 was that maps, even the roomy ones, were always cramped with players. You can spot the enemy base a few feet from your own and shoot them down easily.
Hardcore K2 fans will be slightly taken back by the changes. This is not a proper Killzone sequel. The changes, at the core, are radically different and caters to a different style of gameplay. You can definitely see the Call of Duty influences. Faster aiming, perks-- known as ribbons-- and skills, (which I'll get to later), lower health, an entirely opposite spawning system... these all change the fundamentals of K2 which was staggeringly different.
If you are able to accept that this game takes obvious influences from more common FPS designs and if you are able to enjoy the game for that, then you will enjoy K3. If you are expecting K2 reskinned with slightly adjusted weapons & abilities then you aren't going to get that alone.
The community, for example, simply couldn't grasp the idea of tactical spawn grenades, and when considering their freedom of use, you have to realize that the concept was exploitable. Spawn grenades do not implement the many suggestions fans gave (for example, the ability to stomp on tactical spawn grenades like you would in Call of Duty). Instead, it changes it to a capture-and-hold style of spawning known as Tactial Spawn Point capturing (TSPs)
Personally I'd have liked to seen them implement the ability to cancel out enemy spawn points via going up to them and pressing a button, but instead we get TSPs. They bring with them their own frustrations (see my previous blog), but also some redeeming factors.
And while yes, TSPs are much more limited, they control and limit the ridiculous chaos K2 was known for.
Tactical grenades keeps things more predictable, and so long as you have a semi-smart tactitian on both sides of the team, you will have good competition.
If one side dominates those TSPs and the other side gets spawn trapped, well then you are screwed. This was a special problem in the other 2 maps. Frozen Dam doesn't seem to have this issue, however.
In Corinth Highway, exoskeletons spawn camped any chance the other team had of reclaiming new territory. In the turbine map, the cramped size simply resulted in enemies constantly flooding your spawn area in a matter of seconds. You do NOT want to play the turbine-powered map if you have no TSPs. The two TSPs overlook both spawns, so any chance of escaping your own base will result in either death from above or death from across the map.
Thus, Killzone's success relies heavily on map designs. And with 8 maps, and with 2 having issues, I remain concerned. Frozen Dam is a shining example of a well done map. TSPs are plentiful and action usually is well paced.
The spawning system is crucial in Killzone, and the map design compliments it. While many will complain about the lack of spawn grenades, it does seem like Guerilla Games stepped in the right direction.
Now, I want to address the health. In my opinion GG needs to turn it higher. I can understand “catering to the COD fans”, but Halo has proven that the wider audience can have the patience for those kinds of health systems.
K3's low health seems contradictory to the “teamwork” nature of the game. You can, (and often players do), knock out 2-3 enemies with ease before getting eliminated yourself in the blink of an eye. Many often complain that what low health brings are reflexed-based shooters. This is often held opposite to team games. While they don't need to triple the health, they should do one of two things:
-increase it noticeably
-get rid of the damage modifier
This crosses over to my point on ribbons and skills. These are really half-baked ideas. They feel like a poor man's perk system and it's evident from the list of skills and ribbons that it's been treated more of an afterthought.
Skills are modifiers all players can choose from. There is a weak pool of 4 skills consisting of armor, silent footsteps (useless), ability to carry two primary weapons, and the ability to carry more ammo
The issue? Extra health and extra ammo undermine the roles of engineers and medics. Both health and ammo is very low. You often run out of ammo. But I should HAVE to rely on my team to provide me such things. I should have to rely on medics who ought to be able to heal friendlies and engineers' ability to give me ammo deposits. Killzone's actual teamwork roles are actually really small when compared to something like Bad Company 2. While every class in BC2 has an incredibly crucial role to play out, Killzone's classes feel more like a glorified self-improvement enhancer. Everything offers you more kills, and every class promotes selfishness. Infiltrators offer nothing to the team (why can't they hack enemy equipment or hear enemy communications? Why can't they steal enemy mortars?) but instead are stealthy killing machines. The marksman is the lonewolf that kills from afar. The Engineer has his bots that cover their backsides or chokepoints. The medic has his drone. The tactitian has his air support. 3/5 of these classes actually support the team. Engineers build and fix (though fixing is pointless), but building ammo boxes isn't something that is done constantly (unless the enemy team is destroying your ammo deposits). And of course, if teammates are using extra ammo modifiers, why would they need an ammo box? Medics' roles are diminished for two reasons:
-reviving has no real benefits outside of assassination
-t's more convenient to spawn considering how short the respawn time is
In BC2, every role is important, but the medic's added role to keep the game alive (via keeping the ticket count from depleting) emphasizes the teamwork of the game.
If Killzone can make reviving favorable to spawning (increase the consequences of death by increasing the spawn time) then medics will have a better role. Of course, the supporting function of healing is diminished by armor and the fact that unlike K2, health increases to 100% in K3. A better idea would be the ability for medics to increase health, heal, and revive for a better purpose.
When you consider the fact that Killzone is a very tight game (you will see enemies constantly, maps are nowhere near the size of BC), the reliance of medics is undermined by the constant threat of enemy attacks. Health is too low, enemies are too fast, and as a result, the role of the medic seems unwanted by the players.
Then there's also the awful new reviving system that limits the ability to use the medic gun freely. That, and the considerable downtime of the revive feature makes medics very unimportant to the game.
Tactitians remain the true glue of the game. Now they spot and scan (removing the only contributing ability of the marksman), as well as provide air support and capture TSPs, the most important part of winning.
Back to my point on skills: they not only undermine the limited team-roles of classes, but they are pretty poor and cause lack of balance. They should honestly be taken out. Even Black Ops has abandoned damage and health modifiers. They always dominate the variety. But worse is that generally, the “rock, paper, scissors” gameplay isn't something I want to see in a squad based shooter like Killzone.
In the case of ribbons, they are pretty much “Earned” perks that stay throughout the game. It creates super-soldiers and I don't particularly like it at all. Faster aim, faster reload, better accuracy, and extra damage are some common ribbons. And boy are they unfair! Rewarding players who get assists with extra damage not only favours players who can't get kills, but also ruins balance of a game that already runs on a low-health system. Aiming, accuracy, etc are already fine in the game, yet the fact that you can improve them even better is a completely awful idea. Again, the system should be ditched completely.
There are some other issues with games lacking flow: it's way too easy to defend assassination targets because they have a lot of time to escape and hide behind his whole team. And of course, the time it takes to win the mode is also pretty quick. Of course this depends on the team a lot. But a big map like Frozen Dam has enemies making an entire trip down to the other side only to die because the other team is just set up for the attack-- yes, the enemy team can take a closer TSP, but by the time that is able to happen the other team has already won. So long as there are good tactitians for Search and Destroy the game is winnable. However, generally, and especially for Spec Ops, offensive attacks are thwarted by semi-intelligent defences. Is there really a need for a bot for the C4 area when enough enemies camp up there? I am carefully suggesting that the game is a bit more easier for attackers by doing something like giving more time in the case of assassination. Of course, perhaps this just depends on the TSP layout.
Sometimes you die from what feels like one stray bullet, sometimes dead bodies and other players get in the way of your movement, and some of the general destruction of stray grenades, exploding bots, running through said bots, and seeing the screen shake with the blurring draining of colour creates a bit of unnecessary confusion. The fade to black, for example, when health is low, makes it hard to see your surroundings and kill any other enemies. Good idea? Well I don't like it, but maybe it has its place.
I think another important question is to ask if this game has any long-standing legs. Killzone 2 fizzled out really fast. Yes, it has a community, but nothing like that of even the lowest Halo Reach playlist. You'll be hard-pressed to find DLC maps in Killzone 2. I think Guerilla took some smart steps:
you will notice sadly that not all modes are playable in all map. 3 of the final maps support Spec Ops, and the luscious jungle map only supports guerilla warfare. Perhaps they will do what DICE did and unlock modes via free map updates? It's a smart way to keep players coming back for more. But if this doesn't happen then the limitations of choice is disappointing. This is where I hope DLC gets proper support. The problem with Killzone 2 DLC was that nobody bothered to choose them to play. With matchmaking, you can have all maps rotated via playlists. This funnels the community in a way that even if the community is small, there is enough diversity in what you play. Something Killzone 2 lacked. The limited players and the popularity of Radec Academy really killed the DLC and other map variety.
Now, COD players, and following the philosophy that they need to be catered to, like progression. Killzone 3's progression is very fast. You can upgrade everything in a mere day by my estimations. And there isn't exactly a variety of weapons to choose from, or skills to unlock, or emblems, etc to deck out your profile. Killzone remains a very straight-up shooter with less modes and maps than COD, and less features too. I am disappointed with the lack of split-screen online, or a co-op mode that is better fleshed out (like Halo's) and the lack of a theater mode. The limited guns and other unlocks is something I'm concerned will bore COD players, and if they are going to give up on the game so quickly then GG risks losing their audience relatively fast again. This is where I hope they are really using DICE's tactics and I really do hope to see more gun variety, and if they are going to support the skills (which I don't think they should), then we need to see a lot more of them that are significant enough to warrant diversity in the choices.
Of course, clan matches and weekly rankings are likely both in the final game. Honestly, a simple thing like offering a ranking system that rewards you with a new emblem is all the “COD crowd” needs. Halo Reach offers armour customization and new badges to keep players coming back and it works.
If you despise Call of Duty then you are going to hate the COD influences. I know Killzone fans adamantly pride themselves in having a unique shooter, but the fact is that COD has elements that are forcing many other games to adapt. Some influences, like the addition of perks, are greatly disappointing and a step too far for K3. Others simply are for the better.
Disney XD News
DISNEY XD TO PREMIERE “FORT BOYARD – ULTIMATE CHALLENGE,” A REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
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- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
angry birds for pc
activate free angry birds for pc
angry birds FLASH SCAM
angry-birds-online scam
free angry birds games full version for window xp
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry bir
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry bir
What the 3DS Price Drop Means for Us
User blog
Simply put, when I heard the news about the 3DS massive price-drop, I was got pretty pissed off about the whole thing. It's a fairly understandable reaction: Nintendo of America basically told their core consumers to "bugger off" for the second time this summer.
So I did some research: surely, I thought, there must be some way for me to recoup the $70 USD I lost by buying a 3DS in the later days of June.
But, as it turns out, there's nothing to be done. As asinine as Nintendo's attitude may be, and as pisspoor as their relationship with their customers has become, the price drop of the 3DS (so soon, to boot) was more than an inevitability: it was an utter necessity.
Here's the deal:
Well... we all know gaming stuff depreciates absurdly fast. The 3DS is no exception. If you were to sell a 3DS on ebay, you'd be lucky to get $180 for it. If you included a case, some downloaded games, you MIGHT get $190 or $200 for it.
But then you'd have to give $9% of that to ebay. So if you manage to sell one for $200 (and yeah, shipping is included in all of this) you'd have to give eBay $18. So you would only get $182 at most, if you're lucky, but more likely around $163.20.
Use paypal, they'll take at least 1.9% (plus $0.30) of whatever you get. So if you sold it for $200, you'd only end up with $147.12. That's the MOST you could get. As I said, the $180 selling price would be most likely--and that would only leave you with $131.89. So, basically, the current "real" value of a 3DS to the consumer is only a meager $130, which is basically half of the initial MSRP.
There's no denying that value is awful.
So there's no way to try and recoup the loss. Part of the reason why the 3DS price is dropping to begin with is because of poor sales, yes, but another part of it is how MUCH the hardware has depreciated since launch, coupled with the fact that the market is currently saturated with used copies. There are currently, for example, over 400 separate listings for 3DS systems on eBay right now.
So, yeah, for all of us early-adopters, for all of us Nintendo-loyals, this is a second giant "**** You!" from Nintendo of America in the past month or two... but unlike Operation Rainfall, there's really nothing we can do about it. Right now, Nintendo is trying to get out of a corner they've been forced into by the 3DS's poor launch and lackluster library of games. The 3DS needs to be priced to compete with not only the existing DSi systems, but also the massive number of used 3DSs on the market.
The only thing left to consider is what this may mean for the future: with the 3DS depreciating so rapidly, with 3rd party support already draining, and with Nintendo trying to slog through a summer filled with nothing but negative press, the future of this tiny handheld--and the giant corporation that spawned it--may very much be in doubt.
Simply put, when I heard the news about the 3DS massive price-drop, I was got pretty pissed off about the whole thing. It's a fairly understandable reaction: Nintendo of America basically told their core consumers to "bugger off" for the second time this summer.
So I did some research: surely, I thought, there must be some way for me to recoup the $70 USD I lost by buying a 3DS in the later days of June.
But, as it turns out, there's nothing to be done. As asinine as Nintendo's attitude may be, and as pisspoor as their relationship with their customers has become, the price drop of the 3DS (so soon, to boot) was more than an inevitability: it was an utter necessity.
Here's the deal:
Well... we all know gaming stuff depreciates absurdly fast. The 3DS is no exception. If you were to sell a 3DS on ebay, you'd be lucky to get $180 for it. If you included a case, some downloaded games, you MIGHT get $190 or $200 for it.
But then you'd have to give $9% of that to ebay. So if you manage to sell one for $200 (and yeah, shipping is included in all of this) you'd have to give eBay $18. So you would only get $182 at most, if you're lucky, but more likely around $163.20.
Use paypal, they'll take at least 1.9% (plus $0.30) of whatever you get. So if you sold it for $200, you'd only end up with $147.12. That's the MOST you could get. As I said, the $180 selling price would be most likely--and that would only leave you with $131.89. So, basically, the current "real" value of a 3DS to the consumer is only a meager $130, which is basically half of the initial MSRP.
There's no denying that value is awful.
So there's no way to try and recoup the loss. Part of the reason why the 3DS price is dropping to begin with is because of poor sales, yes, but another part of it is how MUCH the hardware has depreciated since launch, coupled with the fact that the market is currently saturated with used copies. There are currently, for example, over 400 separate listings for 3DS systems on eBay right now.
So, yeah, for all of us early-adopters, for all of us Nintendo-loyals, this is a second giant "**** You!" from Nintendo of America in the past month or two... but unlike Operation Rainfall, there's really nothing we can do about it. Right now, Nintendo is trying to get out of a corner they've been forced into by the 3DS's poor launch and lackluster library of games. The 3DS needs to be priced to compete with not only the existing DSi systems, but also the massive number of used 3DSs on the market.
The only thing left to consider is what this may mean for the future: with the 3DS depreciating so rapidly, with 3rd party support already draining, and with Nintendo trying to slog through a summer filled with nothing but negative press, the future of this tiny handheld--and the giant corporation that spawned it--may very much be in doubt.
Whats better disc or digital
Digital is beginning to dominate the gaming and other media formats today thanks to methods such as streaming from Netflix®, music from iTunes® marketplace, the popular e-books and kindle® and Steam store®. This has changed peoples opinions over the physical product and those with great internet are taking advantage of this life change.
First I will start with the pros of the digital format. First off now there's no need for going to the store for your products since there directly downloaded to there computer or streaming to there computer or game console. Another great feature that many favor is safety of scratches to the products since its downloaded it cant crack, break, or stop working from spill of water or a moved console. A great fact is how it affects mother nature since there's less plastic from discs and paper from books wasted and this will have a positive impact on the environment.
Now with the cons, digital may have made life easy for consumers but not for media store like video stores(Hollywood and blockbuster® movie stores, bookstores(Borders® and B&N®) and many local music stores. Many have gonna bankrupt and lost their stores and chains of business's others have modernized with the B&N nook. Also people are paying more for what there getting. First of all your not getting the disc, the box, or all the paper and ink from the book, does this still change to price? No it doesn't your still paying the physical price and that isn't right. Now my last and most hateful con is nothing to do with it in the future, how would you feel if all that digital media has no resell value or no being able to share or trade it with friend so every purchase is a permanent purchase
Now I'm still not all the way with digital media but this is just the beginning and some of those cons may be fixed in the future but the permanent damage will not be. Are you with or against digital media please comment below
First I will start with the pros of the digital format. First off now there's no need for going to the store for your products since there directly downloaded to there computer or streaming to there computer or game console. Another great feature that many favor is safety of scratches to the products since its downloaded it cant crack, break, or stop working from spill of water or a moved console. A great fact is how it affects mother nature since there's less plastic from discs and paper from books wasted and this will have a positive impact on the environment.
Now with the cons, digital may have made life easy for consumers but not for media store like video stores(Hollywood and blockbuster® movie stores, bookstores(Borders® and B&N®) and many local music stores. Many have gonna bankrupt and lost their stores and chains of business's others have modernized with the B&N nook. Also people are paying more for what there getting. First of all your not getting the disc, the box, or all the paper and ink from the book, does this still change to price? No it doesn't your still paying the physical price and that isn't right. Now my last and most hateful con is nothing to do with it in the future, how would you feel if all that digital media has no resell value or no being able to share or trade it with friend so every purchase is a permanent purchase
Now I'm still not all the way with digital media but this is just the beginning and some of those cons may be fixed in the future but the permanent damage will not be. Are you with or against digital media please comment below
Are game companies doing the right thing for piracy or making it worse?
One of the worst things for PC game makers and the business is pirating. Pirating has grown greatly with games and especially with music and movies. This generation game publishers have a program included in most pc games called DRM(Digital Rights Management) which is a software that limits installations, burning or distribution of the game, and other ways to fight piracy, but this just encourages piracy for 3 reasons
1.You cant resell the game or trade since it can be used for a few times
2. When changing your computer(which many people do) it recognizes it as a new computer and needs to be re installed.
3. Many times it will need a constant internet connection which many people cant provide with conditions such as stationed in Iraq or people who travel a lot or don't have internet available.
They think there saving there trying game but they end up hurting and there fans. For example: Spore became the top pirated game of the year in 2008 and check out the Amazon product page if you don't believe me. One method i hate is running games through steam just like just cause 2 since all they did is put the steam addition in a disc and steam is a DRM but a friendly but can at times be annoying.
Now that gamestop is know to be a problem publishers are now making limited edition for the same price as a regular new copy of the game with bonus content and games such as resistance 3 and F.E.A.R. 3 will a have a online pass which makes only one console playable so if you have a different account buy two copies. I love used game just like the next guy and I know that publishers arent making money from used game sales but its something they have to live with and they are hurting more fans with this nonsense that make people either just get a used or new copy. Whats your opinion on used games?
1.You cant resell the game or trade since it can be used for a few times
2. When changing your computer(which many people do) it recognizes it as a new computer and needs to be re installed.
3. Many times it will need a constant internet connection which many people cant provide with conditions such as stationed in Iraq or people who travel a lot or don't have internet available.
They think there saving there trying game but they end up hurting and there fans. For example: Spore became the top pirated game of the year in 2008 and check out the Amazon product page if you don't believe me. One method i hate is running games through steam just like just cause 2 since all they did is put the steam addition in a disc and steam is a DRM but a friendly but can at times be annoying.
Now that gamestop is know to be a problem publishers are now making limited edition for the same price as a regular new copy of the game with bonus content and games such as resistance 3 and F.E.A.R. 3 will a have a online pass which makes only one console playable so if you have a different account buy two copies. I love used game just like the next guy and I know that publishers arent making money from used game sales but its something they have to live with and they are hurting more fans with this nonsense that make people either just get a used or new copy. Whats your opinion on used games?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Angry Birds for PC
Finally, those birds that everybody likes has arrived on PC. After iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile versions, also iPhone cases and toys, Angry Birds has finally arrived on the PC thanks to the Intel App Up store. It’ll work fine and dandy on laptops and netbooks and will cost you only $4.99 to download. Nice price for this lovely game.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
Incoming search terms:
* angry birds for pc
* activate free angry birds for pc
* angry birds FLASH SCAM
* angry-birds-online scam
* free angry birds games full version for window xp
*
- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
Angry Birds is a global phenomenon in mobile gaming and the top grossing iPhone app of 2010. So if you’re not a smart-phone wielding hipster, you no longer have an excuse not to be part of this franchise.
Overall it’s pretty much an identical game play experience to the iPhone app, with some minor differences. It’s snappy, gorgeous, and it sounds amazing. On the netbook version you use a mouse or trackpad instead of touch. There is an open hand icon when the mouse is in hover state, and a closed hand icon when you are clicking or dragging. This visible clue when pulling the slingshot is a nice aid. It allows you to fine tune shots more than just observing the angle of the slingshot band.
Angry Birds for PC
Larger screen means more visibility in the game. On many levels you can see the target that can’t be seen on the iPhone. The previous shot trail is more easily seen, allowing fine tuning of your next shot. Overall the animations and physics seem to have more fluidity.
In terms of features, options, menu etc it’s pretty close to the original. On the netbook the replay level icon has been added to the game space. So you don’t need to pause first then replay. If you start off with bad shot, just click the replay icon, then you can start over. Saving a click is nice. There is a Menu button in the Pause menu that gets you back to the Start screen. There are some things not in play on the netbook version. The leader board and achievements are not available in the main menu. The Golden Eggs are there.
Angry Birds strikes an interesting balance of repetitive, simple tasks and challenging game play working for the many scenarios. So, if you liked this game on your iPhone or Android phone, you’ll sure like it on your big PC screen. If you are new player, don’t hesitate and join the fun now.
You must know and recognize the game from the Rovio, Angry Birds.
This game consists of seven birds with super abilities are different. By using slingshots, you can control the jump and the height of ill-tempered birds to tear down the building where the collection of green pork fat is shelter.
Where is a funny collection of birds swelled, turned into a grumpy group of birds which destroy the kingdom of lustful pigs these cunning thieves.
Angry Birds now not only for the iPhone, Android OS, PS3 and PSP. even Angry Birds has been available in Ovi Store for Nokia. And now Angry Birds have been available for Windows XP and Windows 7
Free Angry Birds for PC
Plenty of dodgy website owners want to rip off Google and push traffic towards their sites on the bogus promise of the free version of Angry Birds for PC. This is only a scam but in fact there exists a download free Angry Birds for PC nevertheless, you will need to move quickly to take advantage of that offer
Finland games producer Rovio Mobile has produced their very 1st version of Angry Birds Game for the Apple iPhone. This particular game was immediately caught by the iPhonesters, and Rovio understood that they will become successful. That has been fine. However, Rovio needed to get going by recoding Angry Birds Games for several programs, which become easier for small companies to get done.
Several weeks went by and finally, the Nokia and Android users could get themselves the Angry Birds Game. After that, the RovioMobile switched their attentions to the huge users of the PSP or the Play Station Portable and the PS3. That has been an additional huge porting project for Rovio operations.
During that time, the PC users have been reading and hearing rumors regarding Angry Birds for PC. Ultimately, in January, Angry Birds for PC was released, and downloading is not for free. However, not everybody is willing to pay for $5 for just a game, even if they will enjoy playing with it. These days, several users have grown to be familiar of getting some thing for free, so there are many who are on the lookout for a totally free Angry Birds for PC download. It can be downloaded via Windows 7 and Windows XP and Vista, or Mac support. But downloading can only be downloaded if you have an internet connection for the process to activate successfully.
Angry Birds pc is one of the well-known games that have taken the popularity with over 200 million downloads. The availability of this game is taking place in almost all of the popular platforms. In addition to playing the game online in the browser you can now download it on your laptop and take it wherever you may go to enjoy the amazing games, enabling you to play whenever, wherever you go. Take it to your workplace or even in the park, while resting and basting under the sun. Probably launching the Angry Birds for PC the wisest and the best move the game maker ever made. This availability made for the millions of platform owners, even made the popularity of Angry Birds known to more video-gaming enthusiasts more than over.
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- Angry Birds PC Updated
The PC version was updated last week which we talked about in this post. This update will finally include all episodes of Ham ‘Em High and the two chapters of Mine and Dine. I’m sure this is welcome news for all the PC players who have been feeling left out. It shouldn’t have taken this long to get all the episodes out but that’s in the past now so lets just get to playing. Since all the chapters are available you also have access to all of the golden eggs. You can finally complete your collection!
As a side note because I didn’t want to do an entire post about the subject, have you all seen the Angry Birds bra? It’s available over on etsy you should go check it out. I personally don’t know anyone who would wear it but i’m sure there is someone out there who would. I don’t recommend buying this for you girlfriend or wife unless she really loves angry birds.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Battlefield Commandment No. 3: Plug in Thy Mic and Use It From DRMB Members "ghstr3con2" and "pudude"
Ghstr3con2 Says: Most matches are lost because people refuse to plug in/buy a mic and TALK to the people on their team. If you think you're the only one doing something on the team, someone else probably thinks that, too. Get a mic in and talk to your squad mates and figure out a way to win. If you're not comfortable with communicating with randoms find other people that have your play style(or a clan) and give your input. The game is so much easier when the entire team has input.
Pudude Says:You have three squad mates... make yourself heard. Even if the other person does not respond (maybe they don't have a mic) does not mean they are deaf. Give a call out, ask for a revive or even reject a revive, ask for ammo, and most importantly, grow your friends list.
GameSpy Says: One of the most useful pieces of information you can communicate to your team is the location of enemies. If you spot them, let your team know it. You can help save lives, tickets, and help move your team forward toward the objective.
Pudude Says:You have three squad mates... make yourself heard. Even if the other person does not respond (maybe they don't have a mic) does not mean they are deaf. Give a call out, ask for a revive or even reject a revive, ask for ammo, and most importantly, grow your friends list.
GameSpy Says: One of the most useful pieces of information you can communicate to your team is the location of enemies. If you spot them, let your team know it. You can help save lives, tickets, and help move your team forward toward the objective.
Battlefield Commandment No. 2: Support Thy Teammates
Renesis Says: Support your teammates. Use whatever tool that you have at your disposal whether you are playing as an engineer, support, recon, or assault/medic. If you see someone needs ammo; throw some down. If your team is having a hard time with a vehicle use whatever explosives you have to try to remove the threat. If you see someone has taken on the task of arming an objective or taking a flag, cover them.
EcentC Says:Everyone has a squad of four. Choose your kit accordingly to your squad. If the other members of your squad are assault, maybe choose engineer. Having a well-balanced squad working together playing different classes is essential for success in Battlefield.
GameSpy Says: Instead of charging off in search of enemies, find your squad mates first. See what they're trying to accomplish, and help them do it with your class' unique skill set.
EcentC Says:Everyone has a squad of four. Choose your kit accordingly to your squad. If the other members of your squad are assault, maybe choose engineer. Having a well-balanced squad working together playing different classes is essential for success in Battlefield.
GameSpy Says: Instead of charging off in search of enemies, find your squad mates first. See what they're trying to accomplish, and help them do it with your class' unique skill set.
Battlefield Commandment No. 1: Know Thy Classes From DRMB Members "garnz" and "tiamosloren"
Garnz Says: Engineers are supposed to take out heavy/light armor vehicles with AT4/RPG/AT Mines; Recon has C4 if they are able to flank; Medics are not rambo revivers unless in the situation where it is critical to just keep on revving everyone; Assault should be the front/mid men of the battle who are giving ammo and continue firing upon waves of enemies during defense or clearing waves of enemies during attack to prevent/get to the objective.
Tiamosloren Says: If you're running Engineer and you're on a vehicle-heavy map, make sure enemy flyers and tanks are rendered disabled, or keep your tanks running. If you're running Medic, work on clearing an area of hostiles before reviving teammates. If running Assault, remember your ammo packs, your team will be relying on you for that ammo support. If running Recon, don't hold back - get into the fight, throw some motion mines, remember to spot enemies, keep your team in the know.
GameSpy Says: Battlefield's classes aren't there for decoration, each one has a specific role in the game. Learn those roles, play them well, and you'll help your team win.
Tiamosloren Says: If you're running Engineer and you're on a vehicle-heavy map, make sure enemy flyers and tanks are rendered disabled, or keep your tanks running. If you're running Medic, work on clearing an area of hostiles before reviving teammates. If running Assault, remember your ammo packs, your team will be relying on you for that ammo support. If running Recon, don't hold back - get into the fight, throw some motion mines, remember to spot enemies, keep your team in the know.
GameSpy Says: Battlefield's classes aren't there for decoration, each one has a specific role in the game. Learn those roles, play them well, and you'll help your team win.
News The Ten Commandments of Battlefield
The Battlefield 3 beta opens to all today, and to help you from becoming instant cannon fodder in Operation Metro, we've partnered with the Battlefield fanatics at Don't Revive Me Bro to create a list of 10 essential Battlefield tips that will help transform you from a wandering bullet magnet into a team-focused, elite Battlefield commando. Ready to up your game for Battlefield 3? You came to the right place.
Before we dive in, a word about Don't Revive Me Bro. When we first started putting this feature together, we contacted Battlefield community manager Ian Tornay and asked where we could find a good resource for Battlefield gameplay tips. He responded without hesitation, "Don't Revive Me Bro." The fan site is full of Battlefield fanatics, and many of them took the time to share their knowledge of the game here with you.
Welcome to The 10 Commandments of Battlefield.
Before we dive in, a word about Don't Revive Me Bro. When we first started putting this feature together, we contacted Battlefield community manager Ian Tornay and asked where we could find a good resource for Battlefield gameplay tips. He responded without hesitation, "Don't Revive Me Bro." The fan site is full of Battlefield fanatics, and many of them took the time to share their knowledge of the game here with you.
Welcome to The 10 Commandments of Battlefield.
Modern Warfare 3: The PC Interview
We recently had a chance to sit down with Infinity Ward's main PR guru, Robert Bowling. Our topic of discussion? The PC version of Modern Warfare 3, and all that it entails. In this frank discussion Robert shared with us information on the new system specs (higher than before), the improved cheat detection, the choice to return to dedicated servers, and a whole lot more. If you're a PC gamer who is interested in Modern Warfare 3, this is the interview for you.
GameSpy: What sort of connection options are PC gamers going to have? Are they going to have the full server browser as well as matchmaking?
Robert Bowling: Yeah, so in Modern Warfare 3 you have the matchmaking that we introduced in MW2 so you have the party system, the lobby system, all that stuff. That is standard fare for it, but you also have a server browser so you can search, browse, filter, rate, and favorite dedicated servers or set up your own dedicated server so you have full control over ban lists, game setup rules, all that stuff that we know our PC players said they wanted coming out of Modern Warfare 2.
More Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Videos
GameSpy: With the server browser, are you going to be able to sort by region or is it ping based?
Robert Bowling: Right now I think it's just ping based.
GameSpy: Have you made any changes to the matchmaking algorithms this time around?
"...we took a ton of feedback coming out of Modern Warfare 2 on how we could optimize matchmaking..."
Robert Bowling: Yeah we have. We always do a lot of work in that, especially speaking specifically to Australian gamers, we took a ton of feedback coming out of Modern Warfare 2 on how we could optimize matchmaking for local regions like what it prioritizes, because you can't prioritize across the board, saying this is how matchmaking works for everybody. That inherently isn't fair because everyone doesn't have the same sort of connection. An Australian player playing with a US player isn't the same as a US player connecting with a US player.
So we've changed the way things are prioritized so it's not just based on ping. It should allow people in Australia or another country to have a better experience, rather than being at the will of one American host who comes in and takes over everything.
GameSpy: Sure. Now you mentioned there that users can set up their own dedicated servers. Will they still be ranked servers or are they unranked?
Robert Bowling: That's something that hasn't been decided yet. It's something that we're working out.
GameSpy: It's kind of a big deal for you guys to go back to a dedicated server model after Modern Warfare 2's system. Can you give us some kind of insight in the decision making process that went behind that? Were there a lot of discussions around this choice?
Robert Bowling: There were. I mean, in every aspect of Modern Warfare 3 it was about looking at our player feedback, what they wanted. More importantly, in every aspect from gameplay to dedicated servers, it was about giving more options, more control to our players, to have the experience that they want to have. So coming out of Modern Warfare 2 it was pretty clear what our PC audience was looking for and what direction they wanted us to go in. The conversation was pretty straight forward because we knew what they wanted and we wanted to execute on that.
New graphical effects means slightly higher systerm requirements.
GameSpy: Was part of the decision to go with the Modern Warfare 2's model to do with piracy? What was the driving force behind removing dedicated servers?
Robert Bowling: In Modern Warfare 2 it was multiple things. As our first time going to Steam, it was our first time doing a lot of different things like adding in the matchmaking. It was about trying to control the experience ourselves, doing things like VAC and introducing things that we thought would be the first step in improving the experience overall. We wanted to unify the experience across every platform but it was always intended to be the first step in a series in what IWNet would become. So we looked at how that performed and regretfully there were a lot of things that it didn't achieve that we wanted it to achieve. Things like making it as secure as it can be - Modern Warfare 2 had a lot of problems with cheating and hacking, especially on the PC, that VAC didn't fully take care of. As a result we've done a lot of work on Modern Warfare 3 on the back end. We are still using VAC in Steam but in addition to that we've done much more work on the backend, locking down our stuff to make it more secure, to make sure we have more flexibility on addressing things like that ourselves rather than just relying on some third party anti-cheat program.
Head to the next page to read about the game's cheat protection, mod support and system requirements.
GameSpy: What sort of connection options are PC gamers going to have? Are they going to have the full server browser as well as matchmaking?
Robert Bowling: Yeah, so in Modern Warfare 3 you have the matchmaking that we introduced in MW2 so you have the party system, the lobby system, all that stuff. That is standard fare for it, but you also have a server browser so you can search, browse, filter, rate, and favorite dedicated servers or set up your own dedicated server so you have full control over ban lists, game setup rules, all that stuff that we know our PC players said they wanted coming out of Modern Warfare 2.
More Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Videos
GameSpy: With the server browser, are you going to be able to sort by region or is it ping based?
Robert Bowling: Right now I think it's just ping based.
GameSpy: Have you made any changes to the matchmaking algorithms this time around?
"...we took a ton of feedback coming out of Modern Warfare 2 on how we could optimize matchmaking..."
Robert Bowling: Yeah we have. We always do a lot of work in that, especially speaking specifically to Australian gamers, we took a ton of feedback coming out of Modern Warfare 2 on how we could optimize matchmaking for local regions like what it prioritizes, because you can't prioritize across the board, saying this is how matchmaking works for everybody. That inherently isn't fair because everyone doesn't have the same sort of connection. An Australian player playing with a US player isn't the same as a US player connecting with a US player.
So we've changed the way things are prioritized so it's not just based on ping. It should allow people in Australia or another country to have a better experience, rather than being at the will of one American host who comes in and takes over everything.
GameSpy: Sure. Now you mentioned there that users can set up their own dedicated servers. Will they still be ranked servers or are they unranked?
Robert Bowling: That's something that hasn't been decided yet. It's something that we're working out.
GameSpy: It's kind of a big deal for you guys to go back to a dedicated server model after Modern Warfare 2's system. Can you give us some kind of insight in the decision making process that went behind that? Were there a lot of discussions around this choice?
Robert Bowling: There were. I mean, in every aspect of Modern Warfare 3 it was about looking at our player feedback, what they wanted. More importantly, in every aspect from gameplay to dedicated servers, it was about giving more options, more control to our players, to have the experience that they want to have. So coming out of Modern Warfare 2 it was pretty clear what our PC audience was looking for and what direction they wanted us to go in. The conversation was pretty straight forward because we knew what they wanted and we wanted to execute on that.
New graphical effects means slightly higher systerm requirements.
GameSpy: Was part of the decision to go with the Modern Warfare 2's model to do with piracy? What was the driving force behind removing dedicated servers?
Robert Bowling: In Modern Warfare 2 it was multiple things. As our first time going to Steam, it was our first time doing a lot of different things like adding in the matchmaking. It was about trying to control the experience ourselves, doing things like VAC and introducing things that we thought would be the first step in improving the experience overall. We wanted to unify the experience across every platform but it was always intended to be the first step in a series in what IWNet would become. So we looked at how that performed and regretfully there were a lot of things that it didn't achieve that we wanted it to achieve. Things like making it as secure as it can be - Modern Warfare 2 had a lot of problems with cheating and hacking, especially on the PC, that VAC didn't fully take care of. As a result we've done a lot of work on Modern Warfare 3 on the back end. We are still using VAC in Steam but in addition to that we've done much more work on the backend, locking down our stuff to make it more secure, to make sure we have more flexibility on addressing things like that ourselves rather than just relying on some third party anti-cheat program.
Head to the next page to read about the game's cheat protection, mod support and system requirements.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Is there more to PS Vita's 'Near' social feature than we thought?
Catchphrases like "Social Gaming Revolution," have clouded what the device actually accomplishes with its social features somewhat. But now Sony has unveiled more than just cursory glances, and has detailed the PS Vita's Near feature in full.
Sure, we already knew that Near would allow players to gift one another based on location, but, according to the PlayStation Blog, it goes deeper than that. When PS Vita players press the "Update" button, it will send a ping in an outward radius to other potential Vita players with current, location-based information about you. From there, players can challenge those around them to competitive games or join forces in a co-op romp.
Of course, this is all assuming the games support said features, which we're sure at least some will. But how Sony is going to get you hooked on playing in public more often is the fact that players may have to share through Near in order unlock new content. Want that new multiplayer map for your Vita shooter of choice? Better head to the nearest library or airport to get it. You'll also be able to compare player stats like trophies through Near.
Wait a tick--that sounds a lot like how FarmVille players compare farms or Mastery achievements. Regardless of whether you're on board with Sony's PlayStation Vita handheld gaming console, it's undeniable that the device is a response to the social and mobile gaming scenes. We'll whether that response is strong enough in 2012.
[Via Kotaku]
What do you think of the PS Vita's social features? Do you think they're robust or slick enough to compete with what Facebook or mobile games are capable of already? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Sure, we already knew that Near would allow players to gift one another based on location, but, according to the PlayStation Blog, it goes deeper than that. When PS Vita players press the "Update" button, it will send a ping in an outward radius to other potential Vita players with current, location-based information about you. From there, players can challenge those around them to competitive games or join forces in a co-op romp.
Of course, this is all assuming the games support said features, which we're sure at least some will. But how Sony is going to get you hooked on playing in public more often is the fact that players may have to share through Near in order unlock new content. Want that new multiplayer map for your Vita shooter of choice? Better head to the nearest library or airport to get it. You'll also be able to compare player stats like trophies through Near.
Wait a tick--that sounds a lot like how FarmVille players compare farms or Mastery achievements. Regardless of whether you're on board with Sony's PlayStation Vita handheld gaming console, it's undeniable that the device is a response to the social and mobile gaming scenes. We'll whether that response is strong enough in 2012.
[Via Kotaku]
What do you think of the PS Vita's social features? Do you think they're robust or slick enough to compete with what Facebook or mobile games are capable of already? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Dexter Slice of Life chops up Facebook after Season 6 debut
Dexter Slice of Life gameplay
It's time to see the darker side of Facebook games ... much darker. Like, "a social game about serial killers" dark. Ecko|Code announced that Dexter Slice of Life is now available for play on Facebook, and just in time for the show's Season 6 debut last night. The game enlists players as Dexter, tasking them with the daunting mission of investigating big-time criminals and giving them the axe--literally.
It appears to be the first social game of its kind to employ real-time stealth gameplay that has players stalking Dexter's prey and lunging for the good old shot of tranquilizer. (We're sure you all know what happens afterward.) Of course, there's no escape yet from common Facebook game tropes like maintaining property--in this case, Dexter's apartment complex--but it's the Dark Passenger multiplayer system that Ecko|Code appeared most excited about when they told us all about the game last month.
Dexter Slice of Life kill room
Well, that and the fact that the game features full voiceover work from the show's star, Michael C. Hall. Not to mention that the Dexter screen writers worked with the developer to craft relevant missions that will explore the Season 6 plot in more detail every Monday, after the latest episode airs on Showtime. Slice of Life looks like it might tread new ground in the ever-growing branded games scene on Facebook, but don't take our word for it. See it for yourself, but beware: Spoiler Warning!
Click here to play Dexter Slice of Life on Facebook Now >
Are you psyched to see Dexter get his very own Facebook game? What do you think of branded games thus far on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
It's time to see the darker side of Facebook games ... much darker. Like, "a social game about serial killers" dark. Ecko|Code announced that Dexter Slice of Life is now available for play on Facebook, and just in time for the show's Season 6 debut last night. The game enlists players as Dexter, tasking them with the daunting mission of investigating big-time criminals and giving them the axe--literally.
It appears to be the first social game of its kind to employ real-time stealth gameplay that has players stalking Dexter's prey and lunging for the good old shot of tranquilizer. (We're sure you all know what happens afterward.) Of course, there's no escape yet from common Facebook game tropes like maintaining property--in this case, Dexter's apartment complex--but it's the Dark Passenger multiplayer system that Ecko|Code appeared most excited about when they told us all about the game last month.
Dexter Slice of Life kill room
Well, that and the fact that the game features full voiceover work from the show's star, Michael C. Hall. Not to mention that the Dexter screen writers worked with the developer to craft relevant missions that will explore the Season 6 plot in more detail every Monday, after the latest episode airs on Showtime. Slice of Life looks like it might tread new ground in the ever-growing branded games scene on Facebook, but don't take our word for it. See it for yourself, but beware: Spoiler Warning!
Click here to play Dexter Slice of Life on Facebook Now >
Are you psyched to see Dexter get his very own Facebook game? What do you think of branded games thus far on Facebook? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.
Frima Studio brings flatulence to Facebook in Pocket God Episode 9
Has Robot Unicorn Attack met its match? In the most recent update to Frima Studio's Facebook take on Pocket God, Episode 9: My Little Pygmy, the Canadian developer has introduced a new pygmy-pulverizing power to the game. We'll just come out and say it: The new power is a unicorn that, when clicked twice, farts rainbows that dissolve pygmies instantly.
If you're not laughing yet, then you have no soul. Come on, flatulent humor never gets old in small doses. Oh, and the gaseous mythical horse can also impale pygmies and send them flying with a rainbow flourish. The fart-filled unicorn is available to players Level 11 and above, and comes with a hidden quest that tasks them with defeating the Night Mare. Players that enlist the help of their friends in besting the beast will have a better shot at unlocking another god idol.
The update introduced a Daily Bonus mechanic to Pocket God, something that most Facebook games have enjoyed for some time now. But we're sure Frima Studio is far more excited at introducing such a chuckle-worthy character.
As of this writing, Pocket God enjoys just over 222,000 monthly players and over 27,000 daily players, according to AppData. Frankly, a game with this much humor (and this little shame) deserves far more players than that. Well, it at least deserves points for originality.
Have you played around with this gassy unicorn yet in Pocket God? What do you think of the game's Facebook rendition so far? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
If you're not laughing yet, then you have no soul. Come on, flatulent humor never gets old in small doses. Oh, and the gaseous mythical horse can also impale pygmies and send them flying with a rainbow flourish. The fart-filled unicorn is available to players Level 11 and above, and comes with a hidden quest that tasks them with defeating the Night Mare. Players that enlist the help of their friends in besting the beast will have a better shot at unlocking another god idol.
The update introduced a Daily Bonus mechanic to Pocket God, something that most Facebook games have enjoyed for some time now. But we're sure Frima Studio is far more excited at introducing such a chuckle-worthy character.
As of this writing, Pocket God enjoys just over 222,000 monthly players and over 27,000 daily players, according to AppData. Frankly, a game with this much humor (and this little shame) deserves far more players than that. Well, it at least deserves points for originality.
Have you played around with this gassy unicorn yet in Pocket God? What do you think of the game's Facebook rendition so far? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
UK online safety expert proposes Pet Society feature as dangerous to children
Playfish might want to take a break from its London headquarters and head to Wrexham for a chat with Charles Conway. Conway, a self-touted "online safety expert," has been making rounds in North Wales and North West England telling people that Pet Society is encouraging "stranger danger" in kids.
He alleges that the game exposes them to real-world contact with "murderers, rapists and pedophiles." While those passionate about Facebook games might want to write off Conway as a professional fearmonger, Conway may have a point, because he's actually played the game.
A professional web designer by trade, Conway runs the Clear as Crystal web firm. He then started the Scam Detectives website with his wife Christine in Jan. 2010, claiming "over a quarter of a million visitors around the world" since its inception. In March 2011, he released an ebook titled, "Scammers, Spammers & Social Engineers: A Scam Detectives guide to keeping your business safe online", available on the Amazon Kindle for $9.99. A month later, he wrote a tech column in Euro Weekly News. Lastly, Scam Detectives was also shortlisted for the 2011 Nominet Internet Awards in the category of "Making the internet safer", although it didn't win.
While Conway also names FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and CityVille in his lecture on Facebook games, he uses Pet Society's social features to build his strongest case. We've all known about the "Cafe" in Pet Society, a location in the game where everyone can go to show off their pets and their pets' homes.
Charles Conway Pet Society BunnyPig
Pet Society Go to ProfileBy being in the Cafe, you're bound to meet strangers. Even though all you can do once you get to another pet's home is some pre-set actions (e.g. hug, kiss, dance, laugh, and punch), there's also the option to visit the real Facebook profile of a someone you might not know at all. Conway demonstrated this by creating an avatar named "BunnyPig" to demonstrate to a group of foster care and social workers.
Because Facebook games require players to have lots of friends to earn virtual money and goods, Conway concludes that kids will be tempted to friend strangers. And in turn, he estimates that malevolent strangers can scope out kids who play the game. This "Go to profile" option is clearly a valid concern and does exist in the game.
So far, I could find no options within Pet Society to turn off this feature. However, Pet Society players can secure their Facebook profiles within the "Privacy Settings" menu beneath the "Account" tab on the Facebook home page. Just because a stranger can visit a kid's profile, doesn't mean a stranger will see much if their profiles are locked in Friends Only mode.
It's also entirely possible that this feature is only available for the adults who play the game. But as we've proven before, even if that is the case, kids under 13 years-old could still lie to Facebook about their age just to have a Facebook account.
In an ironic twist, Conway actually hosts several online games on his Scam Detectives website. However, these are simple Flash-based web games designed to teach and quiz players about online security. So there are no social elements involved in these games and they could be played anonymously.
(Editor's Note: This article and its headline was edited for clarity, and now clarifies how users can secure their Facebook profiles.)
[Hat-tip: PR Fire]
Is Charles Conway just another fearmonger? Do you think Pet Society players should be able to disable the Cafe? Share with us in the comments. 19 Comments
He alleges that the game exposes them to real-world contact with "murderers, rapists and pedophiles." While those passionate about Facebook games might want to write off Conway as a professional fearmonger, Conway may have a point, because he's actually played the game.
A professional web designer by trade, Conway runs the Clear as Crystal web firm. He then started the Scam Detectives website with his wife Christine in Jan. 2010, claiming "over a quarter of a million visitors around the world" since its inception. In March 2011, he released an ebook titled, "Scammers, Spammers & Social Engineers: A Scam Detectives guide to keeping your business safe online", available on the Amazon Kindle for $9.99. A month later, he wrote a tech column in Euro Weekly News. Lastly, Scam Detectives was also shortlisted for the 2011 Nominet Internet Awards in the category of "Making the internet safer", although it didn't win.
While Conway also names FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and CityVille in his lecture on Facebook games, he uses Pet Society's social features to build his strongest case. We've all known about the "Cafe" in Pet Society, a location in the game where everyone can go to show off their pets and their pets' homes.
Charles Conway Pet Society BunnyPig
Pet Society Go to ProfileBy being in the Cafe, you're bound to meet strangers. Even though all you can do once you get to another pet's home is some pre-set actions (e.g. hug, kiss, dance, laugh, and punch), there's also the option to visit the real Facebook profile of a someone you might not know at all. Conway demonstrated this by creating an avatar named "BunnyPig" to demonstrate to a group of foster care and social workers.
Because Facebook games require players to have lots of friends to earn virtual money and goods, Conway concludes that kids will be tempted to friend strangers. And in turn, he estimates that malevolent strangers can scope out kids who play the game. This "Go to profile" option is clearly a valid concern and does exist in the game.
So far, I could find no options within Pet Society to turn off this feature. However, Pet Society players can secure their Facebook profiles within the "Privacy Settings" menu beneath the "Account" tab on the Facebook home page. Just because a stranger can visit a kid's profile, doesn't mean a stranger will see much if their profiles are locked in Friends Only mode.
It's also entirely possible that this feature is only available for the adults who play the game. But as we've proven before, even if that is the case, kids under 13 years-old could still lie to Facebook about their age just to have a Facebook account.
In an ironic twist, Conway actually hosts several online games on his Scam Detectives website. However, these are simple Flash-based web games designed to teach and quiz players about online security. So there are no social elements involved in these games and they could be played anonymously.
(Editor's Note: This article and its headline was edited for clarity, and now clarifies how users can secure their Facebook profiles.)
[Hat-tip: PR Fire]
Is Charles Conway just another fearmonger? Do you think Pet Society players should be able to disable the Cafe? Share with us in the comments. 19 Comments
Facebook games move to Requests 2.0, or one-click requests, next year
The FarmVille fans are just gonna' love this one. Facebook announced that Requests 2.0, a feature that will allow users to opt into one-click requests in their favorite Facebook games with specific friends, will become the standard starting Jan. 1, 2012. The upcoming change was announced on the Facebook Developers Blog, but don't fret just yet, privacy watchdogs.
Actually, this feature already exists on Facebook in games like EA and Playfish's The Sims Social. We're all familiar with the pop-ups that require us to click "Share" in order to send direct requests to our friends, but you may have noticed some with a checked box and a message that reads, "Don't ask again before sending requests to Joe Shmoe from this app." While perhaps the box shouldn't already be checked, removing the check will force Facebook to continue requesting for your permission.
Honestly, after Facebooks' Mark Zuckerberg revealed at the annual f8 Conference that games will automatically post certain data to the new universal Ticker, it's hard not to wonder why players would be scared of a feature like this. This change is much different than Zynga's approach, which essentially makes all sharing automatic and barred players from choosing who to send what items. Requests 2.0 gives players to option to activate automatic sharing with whomever they want on an individual basis.
Facebook Games Platform developer Derek Brandao then revealed how this new change--that will remove support for the old requests model come Jan. 1, 2012--could make Facebook game requests much faster for players. Brandao then starts speaking developer, to which many of your eyes (including mine) will begin to glaze over.
This change doesn't seem to affect public game shares like "I need 17 pickles in FarmVille," but could make sharing between friends much smoother. Giving players the choice to opt out of the feature protects Facebook somewhat from anti-privacy claims, but there's still something about Facebook reporting on every game we play that's just a tiny bit disconcerting.
What do you think of this upcoming change to Facebook games? Do you think it somehow encroaches on players' privacy or complicates things like FarmVille One-Click Sharing did? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Actually, this feature already exists on Facebook in games like EA and Playfish's The Sims Social. We're all familiar with the pop-ups that require us to click "Share" in order to send direct requests to our friends, but you may have noticed some with a checked box and a message that reads, "Don't ask again before sending requests to Joe Shmoe from this app." While perhaps the box shouldn't already be checked, removing the check will force Facebook to continue requesting for your permission.
Honestly, after Facebooks' Mark Zuckerberg revealed at the annual f8 Conference that games will automatically post certain data to the new universal Ticker, it's hard not to wonder why players would be scared of a feature like this. This change is much different than Zynga's approach, which essentially makes all sharing automatic and barred players from choosing who to send what items. Requests 2.0 gives players to option to activate automatic sharing with whomever they want on an individual basis.
Facebook Games Platform developer Derek Brandao then revealed how this new change--that will remove support for the old requests model come Jan. 1, 2012--could make Facebook game requests much faster for players. Brandao then starts speaking developer, to which many of your eyes (including mine) will begin to glaze over.
This change doesn't seem to affect public game shares like "I need 17 pickles in FarmVille," but could make sharing between friends much smoother. Giving players the choice to opt out of the feature protects Facebook somewhat from anti-privacy claims, but there's still something about Facebook reporting on every game we play that's just a tiny bit disconcerting.
What do you think of this upcoming change to Facebook games? Do you think it somehow encroaches on players' privacy or complicates things like FarmVille One-Click Sharing did? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
NHL Superstars coming to Facebook in October
Adding to its popular brand of "Superstars" titles on Facebook, Electronic Arts has announced the production of NHL Superstars for Facebook. This new game, as reported by ShackNews, comes on the heels of EA's NHL 12 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 breaking franchise records for the biggest launch week in the franchise's history.
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team? Sound off in the comments.
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team? Sound off in the comments.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Game of the Day: Pop & Drop
pop and drop game of the dayA herd of colored balls is headed your way, and unless you act quickly, they'll drop right on top of you! Pop all the colored balls before they reach you by creating sets of three or more.
Pop & Drop features two awesome game modes: action mode and the strategy-based perpetual mode. I promise you though, you'll be kept on your toes regardless of what mode you play. Make sure to use the special power pieces to help you rack up the big points.
Click here to play Pop & Drop!
pop and drop game of the day pop and drop game of the day
Pro Tips:
* Pop & Drop shows you where your next shot is going to land. This is an invaluable tool! With it you can line up insanely tight shots through gaps, enabling you to hit those huge combos.
* Bank balls off the walls. As I said before, Pop & Drop shows you where your next ball will land, even for banked shots. Use it to access those hard to reach places.
* Be precise! When the balls are closing in, don't fire wildly. Calm down and make sure you hit an intelligent shot. For example, don't just shoot the ball onto the first level, or you'll need two more balls of the same color to knock it off. Instead, stack it onto another color so when you knock that set off, both colors will pop.
* When all hope is lost, and the colored ball armada is knocking on your door, don't forget to use your arsenal of destructive grenades.
Click here to play Pop & Drop!
What level were you able to get to in Pop & Drop?
Pop & Drop features two awesome game modes: action mode and the strategy-based perpetual mode. I promise you though, you'll be kept on your toes regardless of what mode you play. Make sure to use the special power pieces to help you rack up the big points.
Click here to play Pop & Drop!
pop and drop game of the day pop and drop game of the day
Pro Tips:
* Pop & Drop shows you where your next shot is going to land. This is an invaluable tool! With it you can line up insanely tight shots through gaps, enabling you to hit those huge combos.
* Bank balls off the walls. As I said before, Pop & Drop shows you where your next ball will land, even for banked shots. Use it to access those hard to reach places.
* Be precise! When the balls are closing in, don't fire wildly. Calm down and make sure you hit an intelligent shot. For example, don't just shoot the ball onto the first level, or you'll need two more balls of the same color to knock it off. Instead, stack it onto another color so when you knock that set off, both colors will pop.
* When all hope is lost, and the colored ball armada is knocking on your door, don't forget to use your arsenal of destructive grenades.
Click here to play Pop & Drop!
What level were you able to get to in Pop & Drop?
Diamond Dash maker: Social games 'will evolve again in the next years'
Frankly, they kind of have no choice. That's general idea Wooga studio head Henric Suuronen (pictured) seems to have put forward in an in-depth interview with Gamasutra. And it would be wise to listen--the Berlin, Germany-based Facebook game creator is third behind Zynga and EA (now that PopCap's numbers have been integrated), according to AppData.
During the interview, Suuronen gave Gamasutra a detailed explanation of where Facebook games have been, what it takes to create them from a design perspective and, most importantly, where they're going. Specifically speaking to social mechanics in Facebook games, Suuronen said to Gamasutra:
"Now moving four years forward, you have games like CityVille, Pioneer Trail from Zynga, Kabam games, Digital Chocolate games, and Zombie Lane -- great game -- and now Magic Land," Suuronen told Gamasutra. "So it has really evolved. So why would the progression stop here? So I think it will evolve, as it has done from four years ago with Jetman and Scrabulous and Tower Bloxx. So it will evolve again in the next years."
The hit maker behind Diamond Dash recently released its seventh game on Facebook, Magic Land, which enjoys a healthy 3.4 million monthly players and over 330,000 daily players. According to Suuronen, Wooga's latest game had the most man hours thrown into it, a trend he seems to believe will continue. "The whole myth of the minimum viable product -- it's gone," Suuronen told Gamasutra. "It's something that you say to investors to sound cool."
Sure, Suuronen believes that players will eventually get tired of the standard social gaming mechanics of sharing gifts and helping asynchronously. However, the Wooga studio head also points out that the harsh reality of designing Facebook games to get players to pay up isn't going anywhere, and some traditional designers have trouble coming to grips with that.
Considering social games are expected to make $1 billion this year alone (and cash in even more from there), traditional designers and companies better wise up quick if they want to fit in the next big money machine. Read Suuronen's full interview with Gamasutra here, in which he predicts how you might be enticed to pay up in the future.
Do you agree that Facebook games can only grow into more robust entertainment options from here? Where would you like to see the industry go from today's CityVille's and other life simulators? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
During the interview, Suuronen gave Gamasutra a detailed explanation of where Facebook games have been, what it takes to create them from a design perspective and, most importantly, where they're going. Specifically speaking to social mechanics in Facebook games, Suuronen said to Gamasutra:
"Now moving four years forward, you have games like CityVille, Pioneer Trail from Zynga, Kabam games, Digital Chocolate games, and Zombie Lane -- great game -- and now Magic Land," Suuronen told Gamasutra. "So it has really evolved. So why would the progression stop here? So I think it will evolve, as it has done from four years ago with Jetman and Scrabulous and Tower Bloxx. So it will evolve again in the next years."
The hit maker behind Diamond Dash recently released its seventh game on Facebook, Magic Land, which enjoys a healthy 3.4 million monthly players and over 330,000 daily players. According to Suuronen, Wooga's latest game had the most man hours thrown into it, a trend he seems to believe will continue. "The whole myth of the minimum viable product -- it's gone," Suuronen told Gamasutra. "It's something that you say to investors to sound cool."
Sure, Suuronen believes that players will eventually get tired of the standard social gaming mechanics of sharing gifts and helping asynchronously. However, the Wooga studio head also points out that the harsh reality of designing Facebook games to get players to pay up isn't going anywhere, and some traditional designers have trouble coming to grips with that.
Considering social games are expected to make $1 billion this year alone (and cash in even more from there), traditional designers and companies better wise up quick if they want to fit in the next big money machine. Read Suuronen's full interview with Gamasutra here, in which he predicts how you might be enticed to pay up in the future.
Do you agree that Facebook games can only grow into more robust entertainment options from here? Where would you like to see the industry go from today's CityVille's and other life simulators? Sound off in the comments. 2 Comments
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