Games.com Blog: “Happy Aquarium: What's inside those Mystery Treasure Chests?” plus 19 more

Games.com Blog: “Happy Aquarium: What's inside those Mystery Treasure Chests?” plus 19 more

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Happy Aquarium: What's inside those Mystery Treasure Chests?

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT

Mystery Treasure Chests
Right after the announcement of Happy Aquarium's new Mystery Treasure Chests, I bought myself four of the things for 100 Coins each and waited a day for 'em to open. The results can be seen in the image right below.
Mystery Treasure Chest results
The 4 items, which were 2 "'Beware' Signs" and 2 "Octopus", were less than stellar, but they were easily resold to net me a profit of 72 Coins. So I tried buying 16 Mystery Treasure Chests, and waited another day. The results indicated that there was a pattern forming.

My Mystery Treasure Chest Results:
4 x Octopus; costs 145 Coins at the store; resells for 116 Coins
4 x "Beware" Signs; costs 150 Coins at the store; resells for 120 Coins
4 x Glacier Point; costs 153 Coins at the store; resells for 122 Coins
4 x Bonsai; costs 154 Coins at the store; resells for 123 Coins

Since I sold back everything, I had spent 1,600 Coins, but got back 1,924 Coins. If you've got the patience to wait, the Chests could be a good monetary investment, because it's like it's guaranteed that you'll more than break even. But the whole point of the Chests is to get a random assortment of items, and the item selection was oddly consistent.

My Verdict: For 100 Coins, you can't expect too much. You'll get your money's worth and then some, but that's not the point of these grab-bag deals. They seriously need to grind some Gremlins into their randomizer to liven up the results. At least the Chests look cool.

 

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Crowdstar's Fan Appreciation Week Giveaways: Day 4

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 10:45 AM PDT

Crowdstar -- the creator of popular Facebook games Happy Pets, Happy Aquarium, and Happy Island -- has announced that April 5th through April 9th, shall be known as "Fan Appreciation Week", and every day shall be a day of free giveaways.

Giveaways from Day One, Day Two, and Day Three have been revealed, but they're strictly a 24-hr deal, so it's GRAB 'EM or LOSE 'EM!

Here's a quick summary of Day Four:

Happy Pets: Earn double the coins for cleaning, feeding, and petting!
Happy Island: Willy S. Balding Volleyball (which is a tribute to the Wilson Volleyball in the 2000 film "Cast Away", starring Tom Hanks)
Happy Aquarium: TBA

See the rest of this post for pics and details!

Happy Pets:
Happy Pets Double Coins Fan Appreciation Day 4
Day Two: - Gain DOUBLE COINS when feeding, petting and cleaning!
- Starts today @ 2PM PDT, ends Friday April 8th, 2PM PDT

Happy Island:
Happy Island Fan Appreciation Week Day 4
Day Two:
- Log into Happy Island today 2PM PDT through 2PM PDT Friday and receive one FREE Willy S. Balding Volleyball.
- The Willy S. Balding Volleyball item sells for a measly 65 Coins, but the movie reference is enough to bring a smile to our faces.

Happy Aquarium:

 

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PetVille furniture decorates dens and rec rooms

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 10:31 AM PDT

petville recreation furniture
Last week, PetVille hinted on its fan page that new den suited furniture and recreation room decor would be coming to the store. Sure enough, the new decorations were released and personally, I think they're the best batch yet.
PetVille den
The recreation furniture includes wild decorations like poker tables, pinball machines, and even an awesome mechanical bull. With these new items it's finally possible to make the studly-est of recreation rooms. The room now easily has the potential to be the best room in your humble PetVille abode.
The den items, while not as awesome as the rec room furniture, are definitely unique. In addition to the FishVille aquarium, there are wall hangings, fireplaces, and more, to help your den feel as cozy and as personal as possible.

To find the new items, head to the furniture store and click to head to either the Recreation or Den floor. Then scroll across to check out all the new items. Beware: many of the coolest things cost large amounts of PetCash. Luckily, a copious amount of stuff goes for simple Coins. Make sure to head over to the PetVille mall and browse around yourself.

 

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Quote of the Moment: Sheep is for the Weak

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 10:30 AM PDT


"If you have a little trouble falling asleep, there is nothing wrong with counting sheep. Just make sure they're not from Farmville."

-CBS News anchor Katie Couric scolds the "almost half of young Americans" that a recent survey suggests check Facebook when they wake up in the middle of the night. No word on whether Couric finds late night Mafia Wars sessions acceptable, but we're gonna guess "no."

 

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Wild Ones hints at huge update

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 10:01 AM PDT

Wild ones new maps
Wild Ones updateLately, fans of Wild Ones have been calling for more! Active players of the game have started to get bored of the same old weapons, accessories, maps, and animals in every fight. As a result, Wild Ones is planning to release more of everything. They are doing research and taking suggestions on their Facebook fan page, learning about what players would like to see.

To keep fans at bay, the devastating shock rifle was released into the fray (pictured below). In addition, Wild Ones has stated they "are trying to add a lot of new weapons." .

New maps are also in development. Since the game's release, the maps section of the store has said "Coming Soon!" Based on the surveys on the fan page we can expect that department to open up rather soon.
Wild Ones Shock Rifle
Finally, Wild Ones has asked fans to share what their favorite accessories and animals are, hinting at new character and item releases.

All we have to hope for now is that all these new things can be bought with coins as opposed to precious Treats or Facebook Credits. Fans have been complaining that weapons should be earned, not simply bought. The system in place gives unfair advantage to those willing to spend real money, instead of those with experience and skill. Hopefully Wild Ones continues to listen to their fans and rolls out the updates with their players in mind.

So if you want to have a say in the next update, head over to the fan page and join the discussion.

 

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AOL social network Bebo reportedly set to close

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 10:00 AM PDT

Here at Games.com -- The Blog! we're a fully-owned subsidiary of the fine folks at AOL (A shout out to any corporate overlords reading this. Hi guys!). But even we don't really pay that much attention to Bebo, a social network that the company bought for $850 million back in 2008. Apparently we're not the only ones not paying attention, as AOL is reportedly considering killing off the struggling social network by the end of May.

It wasn't a lack of social gaming that killed off Bebo -- the site apparently had a healthy 5,000+ games for its users to play, including versions of popular titles like Pet Society and MindJolt Games. Of course, social gaming is only as good as the friends available to play with you, and with millions of college and high school students locked in early to social networks like MySpace and Facebook, friends flocked to those burgeoning services rather than AOL's Bebo. Even at its height in 2006, Bebo only had 21.6 million registered users -- a respectable number, but one that compares rather unfavorably to Facebook's recent count of 250+ million. Recent Bebo user counts are reportedly much lower.

So we offer a (perhaps premature but still heartfelt) final salute to our fellow AOL-owned compatriots over at Bebo -- the latest social gaming victims of the Facebook juggernaut. May you rest in peace.

 

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Apple's Game Center to bring social gaming features to iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 09:30 AM PDT

Until now, social gaming on Apple's popular iPhone has been largely defined by third-party services like OpenFeint and Plus+, or half-measure extensions of existing social networks like Facebook Connect. That's all set to change soon, though, with Game Center, an integrated social gaming network Apple has developed for the iPhone, iPod Tocuh and iPad.

Few details are known about the Game Center service, which was revealed at a developer preview for the upcoming iPhone OS 4.0 today, but Apple's Scott Forstall promised it would let players invite friends to games, match up against similarly skilled opponents, get ranked on Internet leaderboards and earn Achievements for specific in-game accomplishments. If all that sounds familiar, then you're probably familiar with a successful little online service known as Xbox Live.

Developers will be able to integrate these features into their existing iPhone and iPod Touch games before the new OS launches to consumers this Summer (an iPad version is planned for the Fall). Unfortunately, the OS will not be available to owners of the original iPhone or first-generation iPod touch, but, come on people, it's not 2007 anymore. It's time to upgrade!

 

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Flutter game on Facebook: And now for something completely different

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 09:00 AM PDT

flutter on Facebook
For social gamers who are fed up with the Facebook gaming clone wars -- that seemingly endless glut of me-too farming games, virtual pet sims and, most recently, a combo of island/resort/treasure hunting games -- New Zealand based game company Runaway, promises something completely different with its upcoming genre-bending game called Flutter.


In Flutter, players take control of a series of butterflies, navigating them through various nature-themed environments, pollinating flowers and "constructing a thriving eco-system of flora and fauna with their friends." Due to the game's social nature, it will have some of the trappings of other Facebook games -- working with friends, time-sensitive game mechanics -- but the overall look and feel of the game (see trailer above) is reminiscent another genre-busting game -- Flower for PlayStation 3 (where players take control of the wind and blow flower petals through the air changing the surrounding environment), which has, arguably, changed the definition of console gaming.

Other details on Flutter are still spotty, though Runaway's official blog offers a few clues on what to expect when the final game rolls out in May. The in-game currency will be 'honey dust,' which butterflies will collect from flowers. Those who visit the game daily will be rewarded with more flowers (and, therefore, more honey dust). The game will also have a customizable home base, where you will be able to select which butterfly to take on certain missions or 'chapters' (the first chapter will be based in the Amazon Rainforest). You'll be able to decorate the home base with 'various flora,' which will eventually attract other rainforest creatures as well.

We're very curious to see what happens with this game over the next six weeks or so -- we'd be lying if we didn't say that the idea of an artsy, high concept Facebook game gives us a case of the butterflies (ya know, the good kind).

 

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Bejeweled Blitz gets downloadable desktop version

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 08:30 AM PDT

Tired of playing Bejeweled Blitz in a small window on your Facebook page? Publisher Popcap has you covered, today offering up a downloadable version of their hit Facebook game that you can play full screen on your PC.

The downloadable version of Bejeweled Blitz plays exactly like the Facebook version you know and love, asking you to match as many sets of colored gems as you can in one minute. For those making the switch from Facebook, the game uses Facebook Connect so you can transfer your coin balance back and forth and still brag about your scores to your friends list just like before (You can also play the downloadable version offline, for those times when you don't have an Internet connection).

The downloadable version also adds some interesting secondary goals to the mix, including stackable badges for in-game accomplishments (destroy X gems, score X points in one move, explode X special gems etc.) and a leveling system based on your total career points. The new version also includes some welcome graphical and audio enhancements that make full use of that 3D graphics card you spent so much money on.

A free trial version will get you sixty minutes of play, but you'll have to shell out $20 if you want to play past that. If that sounds high for a game you can play for free on Facebook, consider that your $20 also gets you a million in-game coins, enough to purchase over 1300 of the game's most expensive "boost" power-ups. That should be enough to last you, oh, a week or two, considering how freaking addictive this game is.

 

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Happy Pets: Rules of the New Nursery

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT

After finally bringing players some "No Pets Allowed" storage space in the form of a new attic, Happy Pets has now decided to build a "Newborns Only" Nursery over in the next room.
Happy Pets Nursery Room
Now this is a lovely idea and the room itself is beautiful, but just like the storage attic, there's a hefty price tag attached to it. There's also a bunch of rules involved.

We'll start off with the price... to unlock the Nursery, you're going to need either 20 Facebook Credits or 300 Coins along with 40 neighbors friended. (Yes, you read that right. And we thought it was harsh when the storage space was asking for 25 neighbors. But 40?)

Now, here are the RULES:
- The store is functional in the Nursery, but limited. You cannot buy pets or pet accessories when you are in the Nursery.
- You cannot move already born pets into the Nursery.
- Nursery starts with a base of 4 Pet capacity but increases by +2 Pet capacity every 3 levels
- Babies are not allowed to "Hatch" in the Nursery (you must move baby basket to another room in the house before you can hatch it)

If you have at least 40 neighbors, then:
Level 1-2 gets 4 slots
level 3-5 gets 6 slots
level 6-8 gets 8 slots
level 9-11 gets 10 slots and so on...

Gameplay Changes:
- User must now "Grow Up" a baby in order to receive
- You'll need to click on the basket when the baby has completed its growth cycle (instead of being automatically born when entering the game)

Everything above, from the Rules down, is the official word from Crowdstar at the Happy Pets Community forum.

 

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Happy Pets: New Fluffy Cats

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:30 AM PDT

Fluffy Cats in Happy Pets
Ten new fluffy cats entered the Happy Pets store today, but like most pets, they're level-locked. The good news is that none of these are Facebook Credits only, so if you make it to the right level, you can eventually buy 'em using coins. Three of the Fluffies -- White, Gold and Orange -- unlock at Level 20.

These cats can be bred with other cats to pass on their "fluffiness" to their offspring. They're being sold at different prices, but all share a maturation rate of 3 Days and a feeding time of 8 hours.

 

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Free YoVille Gifts Issues

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:25 AM PDT

"All games are experiencing issues with gift friend selector. This is prohibiting gift sends right now. We are working to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible and we apologize for the inconvenience."

This announcement appeared on the official YoVille page. If you are having difficulty sending or receiving gifts you are not alone. Hopefully this feature will be fixed soon and you will be able to send gifts again. Looking forward to it!

Some of you may also notice that a pop up occurs when visiting friends on YoVille, inviting you to send gifts. This is new and reminds you to send free gift to other players. Read more to see what the new pop up looks like.

Are you having facebook gifting issues?

This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.

 

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Zynga Advertises FishVille In YoVille

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:22 AM PDT

The big YoVille billboard found on the main YoVille map is updated to advertise Zynga's fish aquarium game, FishVille. The new add simply invites you to play FishVille. No rewards or gifts. A month ago, Zynga advertised YoVille in FishVille through a special snail that can be obtained for free by reaching level 10 in YoVille.
Should Zynga reward YoVille players for playing FishVille with a special item like the free snail? Share your thoughts in comments.

This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.

 

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Restaurant City: Sushi, Samurai, and Sakura, oh my!

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:15 AM PDT

While Restaurant City has always had bit of of Japan here and there, such as the "Tuna Sushi" and "Yakibuta Ramen" recipes, and the "Flowering Bonsai" decor, the game has finally released an official themed set.

Moreover, prices on all the pre-established Japanese items, such as the aforementioned "Bonsai", "Shoji Folding Screen", "Bamboo Plant", "Koi Pond", and "Sake Keg" are now discounted up to 40%! All the new items can be seen on the official Restaurant City blog here. We're looking at 15 new outdoor items and 19 new indoor items. (Sadly, there's no giant transforming robot or Godzilla decor in sight...)

There's also 3 new recipes to go with everything: 1) Miso Soup, 2) Sushi Selection, and 3) Green Tea:
Restaurant City Miso Soup, Sushi Selection, and Green Tea
And 2 never-before-seen ingredients to use: 1) Salmon and 2) Seaweed...
Free Tea Leaves, Seaweed, and Salmon
...which are being offered for free on the official Restaurant City Facebook fanpage. Or you can grab the ingredients links here below, in addition to free Tea Leaves.

Note: All links below will launch the game.

FREE Salmon: http://playfi.sh/aMHD7E
FREE Seaweed: http://playfi.sh/cwJdSo
FREE Tea Leaves: http://bit.ly/bQ90gr

KANPAI, everyone!

 

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New Enchanted Bath Items Arrive To YoVille

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:08 AM PDT

If you were waiting for the new YoVille Enchanted Items to be released, your wait is over! Get new Enchanted Bathroom furniture at the furniture store today!

We love the new Enchanted medicine cabinets and the Enchanted Sunken bathtub is YoVille a must have, great for any space! Also in this line of new items you can collect the new Enchanted toilet, sink, and waste baskets. Get the new Enchanted bathmats and towels in earthy green and brown colors.

Most of these items are available for coins; however the New Bathtub and Toilet will be available for YoCash.

These new items are perfect for the New Castle. They can also bring an Enchanted atmosphere to any home! More Enchanted items are sure to make their way to Yoville so we'll keep you posted.

Pictures of the full catalog follow after the break.



What else would you like to see in the new Enchanted line?

This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.

 

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New Enchanted Collectibles Added To Furniture Store

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:05 AM PDT
Two new collectibles have been added to the furniture store. These collectibles are additions to this month's theme, Enchanted lands! The collectibles available are an Enchanted Pixie for 16, 850 coins and a Fly Catching Frog for 21 Yocash. These items are available for about two weeks so get them while you can. Hope to see pixie dust on your rugs...

This article originally appeared on YoVille Lounge.

 

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Vegas Buffet, the Latest Cafe World Recipe

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:00 AM PDT

There's a new and cool Cafe World recipe for virtual cooks to master in Zynga's game: the Vegas Buffet, pictured below. I'm sure that you're curious to know all the details of this new dish, so check them out and decide for yourself if you should start cooking this new dish or not!

Here are the stats of the Vegas Buffet:

Cook Time: 9 hours
Cost: 1000 coins
Servings: 550
Profit: 1750 coins
Cafe Points Earned: 52 CP for cooking, 195 CP for serving
A pretty cool new recipe with lots of servings. Do you like the Vegas Buffet in Cafe World or not?

This article originally appeared on Social Games Help.

 

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Send Hanging Tomatoes in FarmVille

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:54 AM PDT

Zynga has been quite busy introducing new FarmVille updates today and one of them is a cool new gift, the Hanging Tomatoes. Check them out.

This is not a new crop, it's just a decorative item, but it looks really nice so I think we can consider it a cool new feature.

This article originally appeared on Social Games Help.

 

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Pet Society Wedding: Tutti & Mustard

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:29 AM PDT

Congratulations to Tutti a la Rutti and Colonel Mustard, who tied the knot in Pet Society on April 5, 2010. Owned by a real life couple named Amanda and Victor, the two got engaged on Valentine's Day. Colonel Mustard proposed to Tutti with a diamond engagement ring held in a heart-shaped box. "It was so cute! Of course, Tutti said yes," says Amanda. Below are more pics from their wedding. We wish them the best of luck and many years of happiness together!
This article originally appeared on Pet Society Anonymous.

 

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FarmVille New Co-Op Jobs: Stirring Things Up & Frantic for Flowers

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:00 AM PDT

There are two new FarmVille Co-Op farming jobs to join!

The Stirring Things Up job and Frantic for Flowers job are two new jobs that you can help your FarmVille neighbors with to earn special rewards and XP.

Stirring Things Up job

Description: Grow 3 crops of Rice, Soy Beans, and Peppers to make Stir Fry.
Gold Reward: Mini Pagoda (previously FVFreak Unreleased item)

Frantic for Flowers job

Description: Grow Red Tulips for a wedding.
Gold Reward: Wedding Gazebo (previously FVFreak Unreleased item)
This article originally appeared on FarmVille Freak.

 

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