What's New in Gamezebo
Puzzle City Preview
Puzzle City isn't the first casual game to let players try their hand at city planning, but it's certainly one of the most frenetic as Gamezebo found out during our hands-on time with it. As the newly hired construction manager, you'll get to build up the cityscape by matching color-coded pieces on a grid as they fly off a conveyor belt.
Just In - The Scruffs
Help prevent the Scruff family from losing their beloved house in this new hidden object game from Sweet Tooth Games. Go on an elaborate scavenger hunt to find clues that will help Grandpa Scruff remember where he's hidden his valuable artifact collection - and find out what Grandpa's shocking secret is too. We're working on our review, but in the meantime click here to download The Scruffs.
Bloom Review
"Violets are blue, roses are red.
Forget to water, and they'll be dead!"
While far from great poetry, the above is true nonetheless when it comes to flowers. It's also the basic gist of Bloom, a new twist on old connect-the-pipes puzzlers like Pipe Dream.
Diner Dash: Hometown Hero Review
After her cruise ship adventure in Diner Dash: Flo on the Go, entrepreneur extraordinaire Flo comes back to find her hometown looking like a run-down dump. And so, she vows to rejuvenate the town one hotdog or hamburger at a time. There you have the premise for Diner Dash: Hometown Hero, the latest sequel to PlayFirst's smash hit Diner Dash franchise.
Little Shop of Treasures 2 Review
Gamers who clicked through Little Shop of Treasures, which debuted in March from GameHouse, will immediately have a deja vu moment when playing this sequel, Little Shop of Treasures 2.
Steals & Deals
iWin is offering "retro games at retro prices" - pay $9.99 instead of $19.99 for classic games such as Risk, Boggle, Battleship Fleet Command and Monopoly. For a limited time you can download the full version of Word Slinger for free on RealArcade. From Sept. 27 to Oct. 2, three Xbox Live Arcade games are going on sale: Hardwood Spades (300 Microsoft Points instead of 400), Frogger (300 instead of 400) and Bankshot Billiards 2 (900 instead of 1200).
Zen Games Review
Ever heard of Hexajong or Ishidoku? We didn't think so. They happen to be German developer Like Dynamite's own unique spins on mah jong and Sudoku, respectively. Both games appear together in the package known collectively as Zen Games.
Interview with Robert Gordon, Article 19 Group
I am always fascinated by how "old school" game and software developers end up in the casual game space and find tremendous success. Take The Article 19 Group, for example. Started 12 years ago as an education software company in Montreal, Canada, The Article 19 Group is now a leading developer of casual games, having released with Shockwave Carrie the Caregiver and just recently, Carrie the Caregiver 2. We spoke with Robert Gordon of The Article 19 about the making of the Carrie series, his unique background in psychology, as well as ask the question: Is Montreal the New Seattle?
Aquitania Review
The name Aquitania, at first glance, sounds like an underwater adventure. It's actually a Roman division in the southwest part of Gaul. The game indeed radiates ancient Rome much like Awem Studio's previous hit, Cradle of Rome. Despite quickly turning frenzied and missing an introduction to the story, Aquitania's match-three gameplay entertains.
15 Minutes of Game: Featured Web Game of the Week
A Very Simple Game is very simple indeed... all you have to do is find and click on the tiny colored dot to proceed to the next level. Click here to give it a try.
Forest Resort Review
Consider it Diner Dash with animals. Forest Resort is a micromanagement game -- where you need to seat, serve and satisfy hungry customers who come to your restaurant - except it's a forest instead of a diner, and it's animals instead of people.
Diner Dash: Hometown Hero Preview
The greatest irony of being the man behind Gamezebo is that in the year and half since our launch, I personally have not written one preview or review of any game. My brilliant staff of writers has the privilege of writing reviews and previews for you. But when PlayFirst, creators of the popular Diner Dash series, gave me the opportunity to stop by their offices in downtown San Francisco today for a sneak peak of their upcoming game, Diner Dash: Hometown Hero and write a preview, I had to oblige.
So how is the fourth sequel in the saga of Flo? In one word: Wow!
Ozzy Bubbles Review
There was a time when side-scrolling platform games ruled the gaming world -- when a new Mario or Metroid title brought visions of frantic jump-and-run fantasies, not gratuitous 3D worlds and multiplatform launches. With the emergence of powerful console hardware, though, the side-scroller became something of a lost art, much to the frustration of fans. Thank goodness, then, for the creative freedom the PC and the Internet offer small developers, and for games like Ozzy Bubbles.
Star Defender 4 Review
Ever get the chance to play seminal 1981 arcade shooter Galaga? If not, rest assured you aren't missing much at this point - one of the first interactive titles to pit a single spaceship against hordes of incoming alien fighters, it's looking slightly dated 26 years on. Thankfully, that's where dozens of catchy tributes like Star Defender 4 come in.
Baby Luv Review
Having three young kids of my own, I doubted how much fun it would be to play a game that requires you to take care of a baby. I mean, this is my life, so the games I usually enjoy playing are for a temporary escape after the kids go to bed and not living my day-to-day life again inside the digital world. Well, after booting up Baby Luv, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun this game is.
Just In - Diner Dash: Hometown Hero screenshots!
PlayFirst sent us the first screenshots for Diner Dash: Hometown Hero. Click READ MORE for a sneak peak at the next installment of one of the most successful casual game franchises of all time.
Interview with Steven Zhao, Blue Tea Games
Most casual gamers may have only heard of Blue Tea Games with the recent release of Forbidden Riddles: The Mayan Princess, the #1 game on Big Fish Games as we speak. But not me, I've been a fan ever since I discovered an indie gem of a game called Cactus Bruce and The Corporate Monkeys, which I wasted countless days and nights playing (what can I say, I'm a sucker for games with coconuts and angry monkeys). We sat down and talked to Steven Zhao (but not over blue tea) to talk about his current projects, his experience as an independent game developer, and corporate monkeys.
Snowy: Treasure Hunter 3 Review
Snowy, the white bear and former waiter, has reached celebrity status as the star of almost 10 games. He does a little of everything from restaurant management to solving brain-busting puzzles. (We bet he even does his own stunts.) In Snowy Treasure Hunter 3, he continues his platform-style game adventures and travels to a castle full of hidden treasures, ghosts, fools, executioners, Draculas, and other monsters.
Just In - Build-a-lot Tips 2.0
Many of you have been asking for help with how to complete specific levels of Build-a-lot, so we've updated our Tips & Tricks with walkthroughs for levels 15 - 35. Enjoy! Click here to go to the guide, or click here to watch a cool gameplay video.
Paradise Pet Salon Review
There's nothing that devoted pet lovers won't do for their furry friends, including pampering them with a day at the spa - something many humans can't even afford to do for themselves. It's all in a day's work in Paradise Pet Salon.
15 Minutes of Game: Featured Web Game of the Week
You eeediot! Ren has loaded Stimpy into the kitten cannon. Now, see how far you can make him fly! Click here to play Ren & Stimpy's Crazy Cannon.
Neopets: Codestone Quest Review
A Luxor-style game with a dash of Breakout isn't likely to win awards for originality, but Neopets: Codestone Quest - based on the Neopets online virtual pet craze - goes to show that sometimes it's just as much about fun, challenge and presentation.
Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess Review
Consider them "Where's Waldo" for the 21st century. One of the most popular genres in casual game space is the "seek-and-find" or "hidden object" games, where players must find a number of well-hidden objects in a cluttered scene, within a predetermined time limit.
The latest offering is Big Fish Games' Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess, which does a great job fusing game-play with a compelling story about the fate of a Mayan royal family in the 16th century.
Women in Gaming: Carla Humphrey, Last Day of Work
Welcome to the third installment of our Women in Gaming series, where we introduce you to some of the women who are working behind the scenes to create the games you love to play. Carla Humphrey is the co-founder of Last Day of Work, the folks responsible for the Virtual Villagers series, Fish Tycoon, and, most recently, Plant Tycoon.
Friday Casual Games Weekly News Roundup
It's Friday, which means it's time for our weekly casual games news roundup. Among the highlights: Square Enix and 2K Games are the latest video game studios to jump onto the casual band wagon (following in the footsteps of EA, Ubisoft and others), and the Casual Games Association is offering $200,000 in prizes to indie game developers.
Save $10 on Carrie the Caregiver!
To celebrate the launch of Carrie the Caregiver 2, Shockwave has created a $10 off coupon for the oiginal Carrie the Caregiver game just for Gamezebo! Click here to download the game from Shockwave, and enter the coupon code GAMEZEBO10OFF at checkout. The offer is good until Sept. 30, 2007.
Cafe Mahjongg Review
Pop culture meets ancient puzzles in Cafe Mahjongg, the new game from iWin and Jenkat that is sure to give a "jolt" to casual game fans.
Mahjong Roadshow Review
Confession is good for the soul, so here goes: I like watching Antiques Roadshow on PBS. I enjoy seeing someone's jaw drop when they learn the ratty piece of furniture they bought at a garage sale for twenty bucks is actually worth a few grand. These days, that's close to the feeling I get when I play a casual game that takes a worn-out formula and injects it with new life. Case in point: Mahjong Roadshow from publisher PlayFirst and developer Zemnott.
Nightmares Episode 1
We came across this nifty web game at AOL.com - although it's designed for kids, adults should get a kick out of it as well. The goal of the point-and-click adventure is to help Victor face his fears in the Land of Nightmares so he can get a good night's sleep. Don't take too long, or the boogey man will get him! Click here to play Nightmares Episode 1.
Carrie the Caregiver 2 Review
We first met Carrie as she bustled around nurseries looking after babies in Carrie the Caregiver. The former nurse is back for more in Carrie the Caregiver 2, but now she's set her sights on running a classroom of toddlers as she trains to become a teacher. The good news is that Carrie 2 isn't just a sequel that maintains the status quo; instead, it breaks new ground and expands the franchise in a positive new direction.
15 Minutes of Game: Featured Web Game of the Week
Climb up an endless cascade of falling rocks to see what altitude you can reach. Be careful that you don't get squished, and watch out for the rising liquid! Click here to play Avalanche.
Plant Tycoon Review
Plant Tycoon is a lot like the film Pan's Labyrinth: you might not have heard of it, or you might have written it off as not your cup of tea, but it's an example of entertainment done right.
Build-a-lot Review
Many people might find the world of real estate intimidating, but HipSoft's tycoon game Build-a-lot makes it seem easy. With a few clicks of the mouse you'll be building, buying, renovating and selling properties in no time - and having a blast doing it.
Jeopardy 2 Review
Answer: The Jeopardy theme. Question: What song was running through my head as I tried to write a clever lead for this review? While my intro might remind you of the popular quiz program -- and put a catchy tune in your head -- it doesn't capture its spirit. To do that, I'd need music and visuals from the series, along with the charismatic personalities millions of fans have come to adore. So how does the new Jeopardy game stack up against such demanding criteria? Let's find out.
Steals & Deals: 50% off Cake Mania, Mystery Solitaire
To celebrate the launch of Cake Mania 2, RealArcade is selling the original Cake Mania for 50% off. RealArcade is also giving away a free Mahjong game, Safari Island.
iWin has a large variety of classic (and some new) games for sale and for free in their Game Vault. And SpinTop Games is offering Mystery Solitaire at 50% off until September 11, 2007.
Deep Quest Review
Somewhere deep within the ocean, two underwater forces are battling for supremacy. It's a war that will rage from one end of the ocean to the other, and you're invited to take part. But take heed: This isn't a fight for the timid.
Jewel Quest Solitaire 2 Review
Rather than casual games that challenge players to click furiously to accomplish goals -- such as time-based micromanagement games a la Diner Dash or Cake Mania - some digital diversions serve as relaxing getaways for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Jewel Quest Solitaire 2 is a perfect example of the latter, as its relatively simple premise, slow pace and compelling story make this an ideal pick for puzzle fans of all ages.
Friday Casual Games Weekly News Roundup
It's Friday, which means it's time for our weekly casual games news roundup. Last week it was families playing casual games; this week it's white collar workers and executives according to PopCap.
Mind Medley Review
Forget about watching your weight and cholesterol: the latest health obsession is not with the body but with the mind, and the buzz word is "brain games." You can add Mind Medley to the growing list of games that are concerned with the size, weight, age (or, in this case, brightness) of your brain.
Just In - Mind Medley
Mind Medley, the latest game from GameHouse and Real, has just launched. We'll be posting our review shortly, but in the meantime click here to download a free trial.
Cake Mania 2 Review
When it comes to casual games, a good sequel should retain much of what made its predecessor a success yet introduce enough new features to justify to purchase. Cake Mania 2, the follow-up to one of the most popular casual game downloads of last year, attempts to achieve this tricky balance, but this sequel isn't as deliciously different as you might have hoped.
15 Minutes of Game: Featured Web Game of the Week
Tower Bloxx, one of the best and most popular puzzle games created by Digital Chocolate for the mobile phone, is finally available now as a free Web game.
Build a high-rising tower by dropping sections on top of each other from the crane above. People move in if you stack them correctly but miss your target, and the entire tower falls.
Thanks to JayisGames for finding this game. Click here to play Tower Bloxx.
Secrets of Olympus Review
Rich and varied as Greek mythology is, our heads couldn't help but fill with visions of magical treasures, hidden temples and stunning supernatural beasts at the sound of this new tile-matching puzzler's name. Unfortunately, despite offering two highly distinct styles of play and a wholly attractive range of backgrounds, visuals and lilting symphonic tunes, it was soon discovered that the real Secrets of Olympus are as follows.