7/23/09 Issue at Just-RPG

Just-RPG has posted a new issue, with news, reviews and more. Here's what you'll find in the latest issue:

• New Screens for the Fallout 3 DLC, Mothership Zeta
• New Mytheon Screenshots
• New The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road Screenshots
• New Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 360 Screenshot
• Download a playable demo of PuchiPuchi Virus
• Laxius Force Review
• And More!!

See the full update here. I've got a few articles in the works that I'm hoping to get posted there sooner than later. Just need to find a little extra time/motivation for gaming. Stay tuned!

Free Realms Comic

As if Free Realms wasn't already everywhere, now it's hitting comic book store shelves. The first issue was just released, so you should be able to find it in stores now.

Honestly, I'm not horribly interested in the comic itself. What I am interested in is the unique code that you can only get by purchasing the comic. It gives you access to the Level 20 'Spider Bite Sword' for Ninjas. Apparantly there will be a new, unique item with each issue of the comic.

I might just have to go looking for it. I'm such a loser.

Richard Garfield Working on New Game

Mind Control Software and Richard Garfield, the legendary creator of Magic: the Gathering, have just announced collaboration on an upcoming digital strategy game called Mind Twist.

Mind Twist will be supported by microtransaction purchases of pre-constructed armies. These armies can be customized to the player's liking just like a deck of cards in a TCG. It will be a head-to-head, free-to-play strategy game available on iPhone as an application and on Facebook. And of course, all players will start the game out with a starter Army so that you can explore Mind Twist and potentially get addicted.

Garfield is also joining Mind Control's advisory board, with promises to work on future products.

As a big Magic fan, I'm personally excited about this announcement. Particularly because it's free to play and putting it on Facebook will make it widely available. Should be an interesting game to follow...

Teaser site:
http://www.mind-control.com/mindtwist/

More info from Gamasutra:
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24498

Free Realms Content Update

Just after the layoff announcement, Free Realms now has announced some content updates. The updates include tweaks to leveling up, bug fixes, new quests (w00t), and some UI changes.

Here's the full rundown of changes.

IGN recently posted an article giving some info on Free Realms updates. It's a quick read, so check it out here: http://pc.ign.com/articles/100/1005002p1.html

Glad to see some new quests added in (there are tons already, but it's great to have a constant flow to keep us busy). Personally I'm not horribly excited about the new raceway that's under construction or the fact that the update focuses on the Demolition Derby job. Now, if only they'd increase the level cap...

SOE Layoffs

Ouch! Free Realms developer SOE recently laid off 41 employees, which is about 5% of their workforce.

Wonder if it's economy driven? A result of their latest game's development largely being done? Or a little bit of each? Either way, not good news. Just a bit of a surprise announcement since their recent game has been such a huge success so far.

Update: Worth noting, Gamasutra reported that the layofs were "company wide, from a variety of departments."

Virtual Chuck

My mediocre attempt at creating a virtual Chuck Norris. Without becoming a paying member, I didn't quite have all the clothing I needed. Still, it's always fun to try and recreate Chuck Norris...

Picture taken in Small Worlds, a virtual world that I don't really play very often but enjoy visiting from time to time. A lot of neat features there, but I definitely don't play enough to justify handing over a credit card.

Virtual Worlds Registered Accounts

There's a really interesting graph showing information about different virtual worlds posted on Virtual Worlds News. In addition to the number of registered accounts each world has, the graph also shows the target audience, growth since launch, and their launch status (active, closing, open beta, closed beta, etc).

No huge suprise, the worlds with the most registered account include Habbo (by a longshot), Neopets, Stardoll, and Club Penguin. My personal favorite, Free Realms, is on the graph with a strong 3 million users, which I think has recently been increased to 4 million. Some of the big winners in 2009 include Club Penguin, which gained 6 million users and Nicktropolis gaining over 3 million.

http://www.virtualworldtimes.com/.a/6a00d8341cac2153ef0115720a8ff2970b-pi

Sure are a lot of virtual worlds out there. I hadn't even heard of some of those prior to reading this, although I played/have played quite a few of them at some point.

UPDATE: Just found the article about Free Realms passing 4 million. I knew I saw it somewhere a while back, but couldnt find it. Thanks to VWN for posting a link directly to it! LOL
http://www.freerealms.com/article/detail.action?cid=1053341,EM960&articleId=134

Harry Potter Night

Going to see the 12:01 showing of the new Harry Potter tonight. Man, I'm going to be tired at work tomorrow.

I'm not even that big of a fan, but the wife is. I have enjoyed the previous films, though, so I'm somewhat excited.

New Issue at Just-RPG

Latest update on Just-RPG. Remember, you can sign-up for our newsletter for the latest info!

• Nostale Global Review
• Silent Hill: Homecoming Review
• League of Legends New Champions Revealed
• New trailer for FINAL FANTASY XI – “A Moogle Kupo d’Etat – Evil in Small Doses”
• And More!!!

http://www.just-rpg.com/.

Ummm.... Evony!?

This is the strangest banner ad I've seen for Evony yet. The previous one that was plastered all over the internet was a bit silly as well, but this takes it the a whole new level.

I mean, the ad doesn't give a single detail about the game. I played a little bit of Evony a while back and I don't recall ever seeing any scantily clad women during my adventure. Of course, I didn't play a whole lot of the game since it's a tad confusing and not very exciting... so who knows what I missed...

Either way, this just looks more like an ad for a dating site or a sex hotline than it does an ad for a fantasy, city building game. Somebody needs a new marketing department. Then again, I see ads for Evony everywhere... and here I am talking about it. So, maybe they've accomplished their goal?

Free Realms Codes

If you're playing Free Realms, enter the code SUMMERSPARKLER to get a free purple sparkler. This info was just recently posted on the official twitter.

Also, I believe tomorrow is the last day to enter the code FBREDSPARKLER in order to redeem the red sparkler.

Lastly, I just recently discovered that Target sells exclusive 'Value Packs' of Free Realms cards that include 3 cards, 50 station cash, and a free in-game item for only $1.99. Not a bad deal at all. Of course, I had to buy a few.

Just wanted to share the info.

Habbo Open Beta

W00t! I've been wondering what Habbo had up their sleeves ever since I saw the Beta announcement... now it's Open Beta so the time to check it out has finally come.

Unfortunately, no time to play right now. Glad it's almost the weekend because I'm eager to see what's going on. If you haven't visited in a while, maybe it's about time that you do. And then let me know if the updates are cool.

Bobba

This virtual world looks interesting... almost enough to make me want a new phone that will actually allow me to play it.

Bobba is from Sulake, the developers of Habbo Hotel (Habbo fans will recognize the word 'Bobba'), which I'm rather fond of. I've been following it for a while now and it seems to have a lot of potential. If you've got a compatible mobile phone, you might want to check it out.

http://www.bobba.com/

I'm not much for mobile gaming, but I did love Pocket Kingdom. Anyone tried Bobba? How is it?

UPDATE: Gamasutra reported a while back that Sulake plans on releasing Bobba onto the PC in the future. Well, screw getting a new phone... I'd rather play on PC anyway so I'll just wait it out.

“Of course I can say that we’re not planning to limit this only to mobile
phones,” he expanded. "In the future it will also be for the PC platform
market.”

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23404

New Issue at Just-RPG 7/08/09

Recent update on Just-RPG. Details below:

• Prototype Review
• Resident Evil 5 Review
• And More!!!

And of course, if you'd like to keep up to date with Just-RPG's latest news, make sure to register for our newsletter.
http://www.just-rpg.com

Free Realms Updates

Seems like every time I log into Free Realms, there's something new. They do a great job of keeping the place up to date and fresh with improvements. A lot of the changes aren't major, but it's just enough to show you that they're constantly working to deliver the best game possible. You have to admire that!

Heh, and for any facebook users out there... try redeeming this code: facebookfans03.

Ok, time to go back to playing!!!

Online "fun" with Michael Jackson

I find this a little bit ironic. Sure, Jackson is a pop icon and both he and his music will be remembered forever. But, doesn't it seems a bit strange when an online game for kids is honoring him? I mean let's be honest... wouldn't the thought of Michael Jackson online with your kids creep you out at least a little bit??? Info from Planet Cazmo below...

Planet Cazmo –
Michael Jackson Honored and 4th of July
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE IN THE CAZMO-RENA!Planet Cazmo is paying homage to the king of pop all weekend long.To honor his life, Michael Jackson pictures and videos are showing in the cazmo-rena.

Oh well, rest in peace Michael Jackson. Habbo Hotel paid a small tribute to him as well, which is where the above image comes from.

Rules are rules...

Free Realms Starter

So I just bought a Free Realms Star Card from Target. For only 99 cents, you get a 30-day Membership, 250 station cash (to be used to buy special in-game items or even put towards further monthly memberships), and a magical potion. At that price it's a bargain, and since Free Realms is a high quality, addictive game... it's an even better deal.

Other than purchasing these Starter Cards, you can also buy Station Cash cards from Target, Blockbuster and other stores (in various amounts). You can even get a free 1 month Membership in the Starter Pack of Topps Free Realms cards.

They've managed to really get word of this product out there and make it easily accessibly for anyone who wants to get a membership. No wonder they have 4 million registered users!

Either way, at only 99 cents I picked up some extra Starter Cards. If you're interested in checking Free Realms out, let me know! The Starter Cards can only be used for new memberships, though... which I learned the hard way.

Free Realms 4th

Time for Summer fun and a 4th of July celebration in Free Realms.

For a limited time only, members can purchase an 'Uncle Sam' suit in the Marketplace. There is also a special Roman Candle you can win by defeating Grekel in a card game (he's at Seaside), and three different color Sparklers available. Lastly, there are also and some special quests that are awarding stickers that you can use to trade in for special summer goodies. So visit Free Realms and make sure to head on over to Seaside!

I've spent some time playing over the weekend and finally went out and bought a membership. I've been pretty distracted from questing and leveling up my Brawler and Chef (which are what I usually play as), but it's still a fun game to explore and now that I'm a member I need to become a Wizard!!