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Follow Us on TwitterLarry C
New York - http://blog.games.com
I am the community manager and community advocate for the games.com team. Email me at laurent.courtines@corp.aol.com
How to Score High in Bejeweled Blitz
To say I have been playing Bejeweled Blitz a little would be the understatement. I have been playing Bejeweled Blitz like a man possessed by evil monkeys while on fire. I am just hooked! I have been able to do well for myself and am consistently the top man for the week among my friends.
Here are my tips on:
Bejeweled Blitz rewards speed. Don't sit and wait for everything to cascade down the screen. There is no time for marvelling at your work. Once you make a move, immediately make the next move. Remember, the faster you make a move, the sooner you can get into the speed bonus.
Everybody loves explosions.
Just like every natural born man, Bejeweled Blitz loves explosions. While you are cranking through the game do not miss opportunities to match fours and fives. Matching fives creates the awesome power of destroying all of one color. Power cubes are the main drivers of multipliers.
You must match multipliers.
No single tip is more important for high scores than multiplier cubes. If you want to hit a high score, you must have at least a four times multiplier. Multiplier cubes are created when you score big on one move - see item number two.
Use a hint.
Bejeweled Blitz has a hint button for a reason. Use it. Sometimes you just need to get out a quick rut so you can get your rhythm back into the game. As far as we can tell there is no penalty for using the hint button (aside from taking time to actually use it.)
Don't like the look of the game? Restart.
With one minute of play constantly tantalizing you to play one more game Bejeweled Blitz is a deceptive time sink. If you want to hit the high scores you need to stay focused on the games you can score the highest in. If you load a game and the jewels didn't fall right or you're ten seconds in and still have a low score, reset the game.
You can reset by hitting menu >> main menu >> yes >> play
These are my tips if you have any others please feel free to post them in the comments!
More on Bejeweled Blitz
Six Reason Every Man Should Play Bejeweled Blitz
Bejeweled Blitz for iPhone Exclusive First Look
Bejeweled Blitz Tips & Cheats Six Wasy to Bust Gems like Pro
Here are my tips on:
How to score high in Bejeweled Blitz
Move fast, and I mean FAST.Bejeweled Blitz rewards speed. Don't sit and wait for everything to cascade down the screen. There is no time for marvelling at your work. Once you make a move, immediately make the next move. Remember, the faster you make a move, the sooner you can get into the speed bonus.
Everybody loves explosions.
Just like every natural born man, Bejeweled Blitz loves explosions. While you are cranking through the game do not miss opportunities to match fours and fives. Matching fives creates the awesome power of destroying all of one color. Power cubes are the main drivers of multipliers.
You must match multipliers.
No single tip is more important for high scores than multiplier cubes. If you want to hit a high score, you must have at least a four times multiplier. Multiplier cubes are created when you score big on one move - see item number two.
Use a hint.
Bejeweled Blitz has a hint button for a reason. Use it. Sometimes you just need to get out a quick rut so you can get your rhythm back into the game. As far as we can tell there is no penalty for using the hint button (aside from taking time to actually use it.)
Don't like the look of the game? Restart.
With one minute of play constantly tantalizing you to play one more game Bejeweled Blitz is a deceptive time sink. If you want to hit the high scores you need to stay focused on the games you can score the highest in. If you load a game and the jewels didn't fall right or you're ten seconds in and still have a low score, reset the game.
You can reset by hitting menu >> main menu >> yes >> play
These are my tips if you have any others please feel free to post them in the comments!
More on Bejeweled Blitz
Six Reason Every Man Should Play Bejeweled Blitz
Bejeweled Blitz for iPhone Exclusive First Look
Bejeweled Blitz Tips & Cheats Six Wasy to Bust Gems like Pro
Is Social Gaming A Threat to Video Games? Playfish Boss Says No
Sebastien De Halleux, Playfish COO, talks with MSNBC's Power Lunch crew about the the social media gaming threat to traditional game makers. De Halleux says he doesn't see games like Pet Society, et al as a threat to video games, since it caters to two different audiences and Major League Gaming's Sundance DiGiovanni says hardcore gamers are just as likely too take up social games. In the end, there's no real conclusion, just a bunch of talking head stuff for quick-hit investor types. Watch the entire segment below.
We're just glad to see that social gaming is on people's radar (and did you see Sebastien's awesome hair? He's so handsome). Best factoid gleaned from this segment: "...in Restaurant City our players buy 20 million items every day." If you think about it -- that's a lot of coin. All aboard the money train!
Do you think social gaming is a threat to companies who make traditional video games? Sound off in the comments below.
We're just glad to see that social gaming is on people's radar (and did you see Sebastien's awesome hair? He's so handsome). Best factoid gleaned from this segment: "...in Restaurant City our players buy 20 million items every day." If you think about it -- that's a lot of coin. All aboard the money train!
Do you think social gaming is a threat to companies who make traditional video games? Sound off in the comments below.
Ice Breakers Beta Ready For Testing
We're getting games out into testing faster than every and it's great to see all these games.
We're covering the classics and we're totally excited about it.
Some of you may be asking what is a beta test? Well here is the OFFICIAL definition:
A beta version is the first version released outside the organization or community that develops the software, for the purpose of evaluation or real-world. The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release. Beta level software generally includes all features, but may also include known issues and bugs of a less serious variety.
What does that mean to you folks? Well it means that the games are not in their final version and may have bugs. We'll be sure to let everyone know what the bugs are.
What we need from you fine folks:
You need to let us know what you think of the game?
What you think can be done to make the game better?
Let us know what issues you have with the game?
Anything you can think of that we should know!
When you post an issue, please be sure to include:
- Which game you are playing.
- Approximately the time your are playing
- What browser you are using (AOL or Internet Explorer)
- What operating system you have (Windows XP, Vista)
New Games This Week - Meeblings and More Bloons
NEW Free Online Games:
More Bloons - (web, puzzle)
http://games.com/game/more-bloons/
Fifty more new levels for the original Bloons game.
Meeblings - (web, puzzle)
http://games.com/game/meeblings/
Help the Meebling use their special abilities to get home.
NEW Downloadable Games:
1. Avenue Flo - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13696/Puzzle/Avenue-Flo.html
2. Creatures: Exodus - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13697/Time-Management/Creatures-Exodus.html
3. Creatures: Village - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13698/Time-Management/Creatures-Village.html
4. Mystery P.I Special Edition Bundle - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13703/Puzzle/Mystery-P.I.-Special-Edition-Bundle.html
5. Kitchen Brigade - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13705/Time-Management/Kitchen-Brigade.html
6. Hollywood - The Director's Cut - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13711/Puzzle/Hollywood-The-Directors-Cut.html
7. Delicious - Emily's Holiday Season - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13731/Time-Management/Delicious-Emilys-Holiday-Season.html
More Bloons - (web, puzzle)http://games.com/game/more-bloons/
Fifty more new levels for the original Bloons game.
Meeblings - (web, puzzle)
http://games.com/game/meeblings/
Help the Meebling use their special abilities to get home.
NEW Downloadable Games:
1. Avenue Flo - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13696/Puzzle/Avenue-Flo.html
2. Creatures: Exodus - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13697/Time-Management/Creatures-Exodus.html
3. Creatures: Village - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13698/Time-Management/Creatures-Village.html
4. Mystery P.I Special Edition Bundle - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13703/Puzzle/Mystery-P.I.-Special-Edition-Bundle.html
5. Kitchen Brigade - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13705/Time-Management/Kitchen-Brigade.html
6. Hollywood - The Director's Cut - (downloadable, puzzle)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1497_13711/Puzzle/Hollywood-The-Directors-Cut.html
7. Delicious - Emily's Holiday Season - (downloadable, time management)
http://download.games.com/t_01ac1/s_1492_13731/Time-Management/Delicious-Emilys-Holiday-Season.html
UPDATE - Six Reasons Every Man Should Play Bejeweled Blitz
Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook is taking the dude world by storm. While Bejeweled 2 and Bejeweled have always largely attracted the females, the Blitz is taking the Bejeweled to the boys. Even the name, "Bejeweled Blitz" appeals to men - when I hear the word Blitz, I think of linebacker coming off the corner to sack a QB or maybe some cool World War II documentary covering the Blitz on England.
I don't know what secret sauce Popcap Games is using (maybe the same they used with Plants vs. Zombies, which was just nominated for a dude-tastic Spike TV Video Game Award), but here are five reasons every man should play Bejeweled Blitz.
UPDATE: Popcap games loved the post so much they were kind enough to send me a reply.
They thought of another awesome reason for dudes to play Bejeweled Blitz.
6. Smack Talking
From the time we're little dudes, men always talk smack. You know, an "everything you can do, I can do better" type of thing. Bejeweled Blitz addresses those manly needs for one-upmanship (see, even that word has 'man' in it) with Jewel Jabber, a messaging system that lets you send taunts to friends on Facebook.
5. Lots of Game Stats
Guys love numbers and showing we know things. Bejeweled Blitz feeds that need by letting you dive into your game numbers and compare your stats with other players. It's almost like playing fantasy sports, except it has got more diamonds than your average baseball game.
I don't know what secret sauce Popcap Games is using (maybe the same they used with Plants vs. Zombies, which was just nominated for a dude-tastic Spike TV Video Game Award), but here are five reasons every man should play Bejeweled Blitz.
UPDATE: Popcap games loved the post so much they were kind enough to send me a reply.
They thought of another awesome reason for dudes to play Bejeweled Blitz.
6. Smack Talking
From the time we're little dudes, men always talk smack. You know, an "everything you can do, I can do better" type of thing. Bejeweled Blitz addresses those manly needs for one-upmanship (see, even that word has 'man' in it) with Jewel Jabber, a messaging system that lets you send taunts to friends on Facebook.
5. Lots of Game Stats
Guys love numbers and showing we know things. Bejeweled Blitz feeds that need by letting you dive into your game numbers and compare your stats with other players. It's almost like playing fantasy sports, except it has got more diamonds than your average baseball game.
Continue reading UPDATE - Six Reasons Every Man Should Play Bejeweled Blitz
FarmVille, Mafia Wars and Happy Aquarium: Who Plays What and Where
Every wonder if your neighbor down the street is playing the same Facebook games you are? Are you more likely to encounter a Mafia Wars mafia in Memphis or Macon?
Through the power of Google Trends we've tracked down the top states for some of Facebook most popular games.
We found it fascinating to find out that Hawaii ranked the highest for both Cafe World and Mafia Wars with Utah, of all places, being the top spot for Restaurant City. Anything surprise you? Please let us know what you think of our Facebook game interest heat map in the comments.
Through the power of Google Trends we've tracked down the top states for some of Facebook most popular games.
We found it fascinating to find out that Hawaii ranked the highest for both Cafe World and Mafia Wars with Utah, of all places, being the top spot for Restaurant City. Anything surprise you? Please let us know what you think of our Facebook game interest heat map in the comments.
Continue reading FarmVille, Mafia Wars and Happy Aquarium: Who Plays What and Where
New Games This Week - Inca Ball, Kelly Green Garden Queen and More.
NEW Free Online Games:
http://www.games.com/game/inca-ball/
Launch into the valiant quest for the treasures of the ancient civilization.
Launch into the valiant quest for the treasures of the ancient civilization.
Many Balls - (web, puzzle)
Guess how many balls are on the screen.
Kelly Green - Garden Queen (web, time management)
Build a buzzing organic nursery in Kelly Green Garden Queen, a spunky and unique time management game that blossoms with every season!
NEW Downloadable Games:
Find all new download games a our Download Game Hub
Trapped
Mr. Jones' Graveyard Shift
The Tudors
FishVille - First Look Video!
Zynga, makers of FarmVille and Cafe World have released their newest game - FishVille. This game promises to be a hit just like Zynga's previous efforts, even though it's still in it's infancy. We took a video of our first few moments playing the game, and you'll almost instantly see some familiar gameplay elements from both FarmVille and Cafe World.
Will fish tank simulators be the new farming game? Time will tell.
Related Stories:
- FishVille Bubbles Up on Facebook
- Poll: FishVille or FarmVille?
- Video: FishVille First Look
Will fish tank simulators be the new farming game? Time will tell.
Related Stories:
- FishVille Bubbles Up on Facebook
- Poll: FishVille or FarmVille?
- Video: FishVille First Look
Games.com Questions and Answers - Thursday November 5th
At Games.com we continue to try and find ways to keep you informed and make sure you know that we care about your game play. To that end, we're going to post your questions and feedback along with our answers. We hope that this will both let you know that we're here, answering questions and care.
Q: I think the aol service sucks I'm probably cancel my subscription I have been with aol for many years can't get on the tournaments any more I'm having too much trouble and aggravation with the service with downloads.
Q: I think the aol service sucks I'm probably cancel my subscription I have been with aol for many years can't get on the tournaments any more I'm having too much trouble and aggravation with the service with downloads.
A: We hear you and understand. Can you explain how you are unable to get to the tournaments? Is it that you cannot find them or that you cannot log into them when you find them. The more information you can provide us the better we can help.
Q: CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD, REPAIR YOUR SYSTEM , IT STINKS, WHO WOULD SPEND MONEY ON ADS WITH YOUR ROTTEN CHEAP SYSTEM NEEDS UPDATING I WANT THE CEO OF AOL, TO RESPOND OR I WILL SHUT YOUR SYSTEM DOWN FOR GOOD IF YOU THINK IAM PLAYING I AM NOT.
A: So sorry and I have had the general manager of Games.com respond to you via email. We're working on bugs and will get all major bugs repaired as soon as possible.
Q: I only have a problem with the audio on my spades game. This has NOTHING to do with any of the response you sent me. Nor does it have to do with my computer or clearing my browser. Please have one of your capable technicians actually check on this problem rather than send me another canned response. Thank you
A: I do apologize for the canned responses. Many times those canned responses resolve 90% of issues. On occasion something is unique and we need to address it. I'll have to contact our spades game developer to find out what could be going on with your sound.
In the short term however, you should make sure that you have not checked off the sound icon in the game, your computers speakers are on, and that it is not on mute. I know it sounds odd, and you have likely checked these items but it can be worth it to check once more.
Continue reading Games.com Questions and Answers - Thursday November 5th
Games.com 2009 Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect gift? Miss the hussle-and-bussle of the holiday rush and give the gift of games! We've made it even easier with a collection of our most beloved PC downloads in one central source: our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. Provide hours of fun for her, for him, or simply yourself.
Whether you're shopping for the avid gamer, the occasional puzzle solver, or someone brand new to gaming, there's definitely something for that special someone on your list. For those on a tighter budget, check out our selection of games under $10. Or sip on some eggnog while playing our holiday games. If you're a frequent buyer, join our new games.com DownloadClub for additional discounts up to 75%.
Pet Society Tips and Cheats: How Do I Buy Coins? How Much do They Cost?
You asked,and we listened. Pet Society players are curious about the Pet Society coins: how do they work, how much do they cost and what the heck are they for?
Coins in Pet Society are the basic unit of currency for buying clothes, food and decorating your pet's home. Playfish has been very good about not requiring people to purchase items to advance. Instead, you can play forever, accumulate coins by completing tasks and there's little pressure to spend extra cash on additional coins for big ticket items.
However, if you love the game, but don't have as much time to play and collect coins -- you can buy additional coins using real-life cash.
Buying coins in Pet Society is a snap. To buy them, click on the button on the top of the screen that says 'Add Coins.' Then you'll be able to pay using five options: Visa/Mastercard, PayPal and more.
The pricing for paying with credit card is:
26,000 coins for $39.99
12,000 for $19.99
5,000 for $9.99
Coins in Pet Society are the basic unit of currency for buying clothes, food and decorating your pet's home. Playfish has been very good about not requiring people to purchase items to advance. Instead, you can play forever, accumulate coins by completing tasks and there's little pressure to spend extra cash on additional coins for big ticket items.
However, if you love the game, but don't have as much time to play and collect coins -- you can buy additional coins using real-life cash.
Buying coins in Pet Society is a snap. To buy them, click on the button on the top of the screen that says 'Add Coins.' Then you'll be able to pay using five options: Visa/Mastercard, PayPal and more.
The pricing for paying with credit card is:
26,000 coins for $39.99
12,000 for $19.99
5,000 for $9.99
Continue reading Pet Society Tips and Cheats: How Do I Buy Coins? How Much do They Cost?
Cafe World Hack - Top Posts on Cafe World
We've been writing up tons and tons of posts on Cafe World and the shear amount of things we've written is enough for us to round up the top posts on Cafe World.Posted below are our most popular Cafe World posts over the last 30 days. Bookmark this page for easy access to our most popular cheats, tips and hacks for Cafe World.
Cafe World Tips - Serving Glitch
Get Your Level Up in Cafe World
Cafe World Cheats & Tips: Six Easy Ways to Get Ahead
Cafe World vs. Restaurant City - Which Foodie Facebook Game should I play?
Cafe World Buzz Rating FAQ
Please help us provide you the best Cafe World tricks we can. What else can we help you with or what questions do you have for us. We'll do all we can to get the best information we can for Cafe WorldCafe World Cheats & Tips: Do Some Stoves Work Better Than Others?
One of the biggest questions in Cafe World on Facebook is -- do pricier stoves help you cook faster? Players looking for a way to cook faster in Cafe World have been scouring search engines for information. One major question on that front is -- will fancier stoves cook food faster? The answer is, no.
Instead if relying on stoves, we've found the best way to peel through levels is to set up your Cafe so that you can serve items faster. See our Six Ways to Level Up Fast in Cafe World guide for more tips.
Our take: Save your money and just buy the basic stoves, the basic counters and expand your restaurant vigorously. Cafe World rewards speed and size, not decorations (for now, anyway).
Related Stories:
- Cafe World Blows Up! 20 Million Users in Three Weeks
- Cafe World Cheats & Tips: Best Seating Arrangements
- Cafe Cash, Expansions Show Up in Cafe World
- Cafe World Growing Faster Than FarmVille
New Games This Week (and last!) Halloween Games Edition
NEW Free Play Online Games:
Jewel Quest III - (web, puzzle)
http://www.games.com/game/jewel-quest-iii/
Visit every continent, while working on specific quests to earn jewels and artifacts, searching for the fabled Golden Jewel Board.
Luxor - (web, puzzle)
http://www.games.com/game/luxor/
The mysterious goddess, Isis, has enlisted you to battle Set and his evil minions.
NEW Downloadable Games:
Find all new download games a our Download Game Hub
Night of the Scarecrows
Princess Isabella - A Witches Curse
Sters
Nat Geo Games - Mystery of Cleopatra
Age of Oracles - Tara's Journey
Jewel Quest Mysteries - Trail of the Midnight Heart
Ghost Town Mysteries - Bodie
Magic Academy II
Midnight Mysteries - The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy
http://www.games.com/game/jewel-quest-iii/
Visit every continent, while working on specific quests to earn jewels and artifacts, searching for the fabled Golden Jewel Board.
Luxor - (web, puzzle)
http://www.games.com/game/luxor/
The mysterious goddess, Isis, has enlisted you to battle Set and his evil minions.
Super Tic Tac Toe - (web, card & board)
Play this classic game against the computer or against a friend. How many times can you win?
Find all new download games a our Download Game Hub
Night of the Scarecrows
Princess Isabella - A Witches Curse
Sters
Nat Geo Games - Mystery of Cleopatra
Age of Oracles - Tara's Journey
Jewel Quest Mysteries - Trail of the Midnight Heart
Ghost Town Mysteries - Bodie
Magic Academy II
Midnight Mysteries - The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy
Wizard's Hat
Hostile Makeover - A Fashion Murder Mystery Game
Frankenstein - The Dismembered Bride
Dragon Hatchery
Romance of Rome
Kelly Green - Garden Queen
Picket Fences
Celebrate 31 Spooky Days of Halloween with Games.com
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Halloween is right around the corner. Get in the spirit with 31 Days of Halloween games on Games.com.
Trick or treat! We're celebrating one of the most fun nights of the year with 31 (yup, 31 -- you can count 'em) Halloween games -- one new game will be unveiled every day.
What do you get out of this deal? Aside from hours of entertainment (all games have free trials), they can all be downloaded for $9.99 if you sign up for our brand new Games.com Download Club. If you don't join the Club right now, you can still download a handful of games for a discounted price -- see the list of those after the jump.
Click to check out the 31 Days of Halloween Games >
Continue reading Celebrate 31 Spooky Days of Halloween with Games.com
Are we missing big news on your favorite game? Help us out! Email us at