What's New in Gamezebo
Social Saturdays: PackRat
A "pack rat" refers to someone who has a compulsive need to hoard items and refuses to throw anything away. If you're guilty of this little personality quirk - and have a basement full of junk to prove it - then you might want to look into PackRat. This nifty Facebook application channels all of those crafty, secretive hoarding tendencies into a fun and super addictive game about collecting sets of cards.
Just In - Tradewinds Caravans
Tradewinds Caravans has launched! Click here to download the game from Sandlot Games, and click here to discuss the game in our forum. Review and strategy guide coming soon!
Hell's Kitchen Review
Do you have what it takes to survive Hell's Kitchen? Find out in the new game based on the hit TV series. Starring none other than Michelin Starred chef Gordon Ramsay, Hell's Kitchen the game servers up some hot time management fun.
Suspects and Clues Review
Ever had the desire to play detective? Investigating those creepy neighbors down the block, or that funny man next door who's always digging in his garden... or maybe white collar crime is more abound? You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot to get a mystery work out. Suspects and Clues is a spot-the-difference hidden object game that has you playing detective in an elaborate, international antiquities heist.
Helen Gardener Review
Alright, what is it with all the gardening simulations lately... and sub-par desktop diversions? Helen Gardener deserves some serious raking - over the coals, not law, to be specific. A time management title that's more about precisely that (figuring out how to quickly cut through an ongoing series of tedious tasks) versus, say, having fun or getting to know an intriguing heroine, it sadly gets two whopping green thumbs down.
Casual News - May 30, 2008
A new report from PopCap reveals that the current trend towards banning personal Internet use in the workplace could actually be costing British businesses billions of pounds per year due to declining staff productivity. PopCap's recommendation, not surprisingly, is to suggest employers let their staff take 10-minute "e-breaks" during the day (to fit in a few quick rounds of Peggle, no doubt). More headlines after the cut.
Facebook is Gaming’s Napster
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking on Eric Goldberg's panel at the LA Games and Mobile Conference. During the session, I made the assertion that Facebook is the Napster of the games industry. The comment really got people talking, and although I must admit that I spoke off the top of my head, I’ve been trying to find a way of encapsulating the emergent changes to the games industry in a succinct way; I think I’ve found it.
Build in Time Preview
Construction is a dirty, messy, sweaty, backbreaking job. Just ask any tradesman. Wood shavings, plaster dust, bent nails, mud, paint spills and, well, you get the picture. Fortunately, you won't get dirt under your fingernails or even break a sweat in Reflexive's upcoming Build in Time, a game similar to Hipsoft's Build-a-lot.
Fury Race Review
Fury Race is the latest game to show that there's still some life to the match-3 genre yet. As the name suggests, this clever game fuses puzzles with car racing - but those with poor hand-eye coordination need not be concerned about commanding fast vehicles since all the driving is handled by the game itself.
Shopping Blocks Review
What do you get when you combine the thrill of time management games with decorating choices a la The Sims? The answer is Shopping Blocks, a quirky but challenging gamee that proves to be a refreshingly different pick for casual gamers.
Money Tree Review
We all know money doesn't grow on trees. Except, of course, in the frantic new mouse-masher Money Tree, where cold hard cash can literally sprout from any branch. As such, it's quite easy to see the click-happy arcade game's appeal, especially in a recession. (Hey, who wouldn't want to harvest a little moolah any time of year?) Unfortunately, what's not so simply to justify is how the outing's worth a fistful of your hard-earned real-world dollars.
Interview with Scott Balaban, Gameblend Studios
Game developer and toy maker, Scott Balaban of Gameblend Studios is the Geppetto of casual games. And, he and his team of game developers and Israeli scientists have just released Hidato, a web-based game updated daily that we think could become the next Sudoku. Bold words, but it's quite an addictive game.
We talked with Scott about the unique story behind Hidato, insights into game development over a wide variety of platforms, and the merging of the toy and games industries.
Web Wednesdays: Hidato
Could Hidato become the next Sudoku? We'll go out on a limb and say, we think so!
Puzzles start semi-filled with numbered tiles.
Connect the numbers together to win. Consecutive numbers must touch hortizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Each puzzle has exactly one solution and can be solved using 100% logic.
Click here to play Hidato (new puzzles updated daily).
Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice Preview
Teenage sleuth Nancy Drew will step into a world of art dealers, elite socialites and organized crime syndicates when she travels to Venice to solve a series of art thefts thought to be the work of a mysterious masked figure in Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice. The 18th instalment in the Nancy Drew adventure series will launch on July 7.
New video podcast from Wadjet Eye Games
Dave Gilbert of Wadjet Eye Games is hard at work on his super secret PlayFirst project, but he's taken the time to record a video podcast to bring fans up to speed about what else is going on at the studio (besides the super secret PlayFirst project). Click here to see Dave talk about the status of The Blackwell Convergence and reveal details of a completely new project.
Just In - Money Tree
Money Tree, a new game from MumboJumbo, has just launched. Click here to download a free trial, and click here to talk about the game in our forum.
Tip of the Day: Changing Avatars
Sometimes you feel like a Zeeby, other days a Tradewinds Adventurer! You can change your avatar anytime by going to your My Gamezebo Page, clicking “Edit My Profile,” and then clicking your avatar picture on top to change.
We are always adding avatars from the latest games as provided by our friends in the casual games industry. You can now find new avatars from: Virtual Villagers 3, The Clumsys, Airport Mania, Westward II, Eye for Design, and Sandlot’s upcoming game, Tradewinds Caravans.
In Living Colors Review
My three-year-old daughter accompanied me as I clicked my way through much of In Living Colors. No stranger to computer games, my toddler offspring was certain that this matching game, with its giant paintbrush pointer and boldly colored and happy looking little paint blots, was meant for her. Of course, it isn't meant for toddlers. In fact, in some ways, the game nearly proved too tricky for her papa.
Baby Talk: Interview with Michelle McKelvey
Programmer Michelle McKelvey recently met two very important deadlines: the launch of her latest game, Slingo Quest Hawaii, and the birth of her son Elijah, both of which happened right around the same time.
Michelle spoke to Gamezebo about the unique experience of developing a game while pregnant, and shares some insight into how to maintain the all-important balance between work and family.
Casual News - May 27, 2008
AdventureGamers.com interviews Women's Murder Club designer Jane Jensen about her new project, an adventure game called Gray Matter, and an article in The Scotsman explores opportunities and challenges for Scottish game developers - including competition from Eastern European casual game makers. These headlines and more after the cut.
Just In - Helen Gardener
A new time management game called Helen Gardener has just launched on iWin. Help Helen stay on top of a healthy garden by pruning, raking, watering and getting rid of pests. Click here to download a free trial of the game, and click here to discuss it in our forums.
The Flying Trapeezees Preview
The baguettes are soft, croissants are hard, berets are in short supply and Paris is soggier than Seattle. Moreover, the resulting malaise has the French in a funk. Enter The Flying Trapeezees. Set on inspiring France with their amazing aerial skills, the Trapeeze family knows what must be done. They've donned their leotards, loaded up their wagon and hit the road in an effort to put an end to the dastardly doldrums.
Flash Dating Review
Today's hypothesis: The best time management games are based on real-world activities. See Diner Dash, First Class Flurry, Airport Mania and now Flash Dating, which artfully transforms the world's trickiest job - helping busy singles find their soulmate in seconds flat - into an engaging desktop diversion. While some players may find it hard to fall in love with the title's starry-eyed setup and highly repetitious action, thankfully a strong sense of personality and catchy subject matter still carry the day.
The Sultan's Labyrinth Review
In this Arabian-themed adventure, the only things standing between Prince Tallis and his love, Princess Sadira, are the 78 levels and 26 rooms of The Sultan's Labyrinth. Sadira's father Sultan Bahar has decreed that if Tallis can pass through the maze by solving all of the puzzles and challenges inside, he will earn the right to marry Sadira and become the next Sultan.
Curse of Montezuma Review
Alawar's Curse of Montezuma offers a fresh spin on the three-in-a-row gem-swapping formula by introducing rewards, mini-games, a fun story and memorable characters.
Money Tree Preview
William the gardener has inherited a strange house with an even stranger tree in the yard. In Money Tree, an upcoming time mangement game from MumboJumbo and ITT Territory Nord, you must help William catch the falling leaves and turn them into apples, pears, cherries and other fruit.
Social Saturdays: Bumper Stars
Welcome to a new series we're calling Social Saturdays, where each week we'll feature a game that has some kind of social aspect to it, whether it's something that can be played between friends on Facebook, a social network, or even a causal MMO (massively-multiplayer online) game. This week's game is a Facebook application from our friends at Large Animal Games called Bumper Stars.
Steals & Deals - Memorial Day Edition
Big Fish Games - 50% off Hidden Expedition Titanic
Chill - 40% off all games (use coupon code MEMORIALDAY)
iWin - 50% off all games
PlayFirst - Sign up for the Dash Pass and get Wedding Dash 2, the upcoming Fashion Dash and three other mystery Dash games for $50
RealArcade - 50% off Luxor 2
Sandlot Games - 50% off Eye for Design
WildGames - 50% off Build-a-lot, Virtual Villagers, Blasterball 3, Battlestar Galactica and Polar Golfer
Museum Mystery Review
Oh no! A sly art thief has stolen the world's most recognized and valuable painting. Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa was lifted from the Louvre and you've been called in as lead detective to solve puzzles and collect clues that can lead to the masterpiece's recovery.
Just In - The Sultan's Labyrinth
A new hidden object game called The Sultan's Labyrinth has just launched on Big Fish Games. Our review and tips are coming soon.
In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of the game, and click here to discuss it in our forums.
Casual News - May 23, 2008
WildTangent becomes the exclusive ad sales force for PopCap, Fashion Solitaire is coming to retail, and panelists discuss casual games at the LA Games Conference. These headlines and more behind the cut.
The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks Preview
I always thought that The Three Stooges' zany brand of slapstick humor would make a great time management game (maybe something to do with waiters and pies? Or fast-moving hospital gurneys?), but as it turns out, the upcoming Stooges game from eGames, The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks, will be of the seek-and-find variety.
The Pini Society: The Remarkable Truth Preview
The Pini Society is a secret organization dedicated to finding and protecting mankind's sacred treasures. While this sounds like an intriguing plot point for any casual game, the difference in the case of The Pini Society: The Remarkable Truth is that the Pini Society actually exists in real life. How cool is that?
Laura Jones and the Gates of Good and Evil Review
Not quite a point-and-click adventure but more than a hidden object game, Laura Jones and the Gates of Good and Evil falls into the category of "casual adventure," alongside the likes of Azada and Dream Chronicles. In such esteemed company, this new offering from Nevosoft holds its own quite well although it's relatively brief and easy.
Just In: Flash Dating
Flash Dating, a new time management game from Lifetime TV Games, is out now on Gamehouse's Web site. Our review and tips are coming soon.
In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of the game and click here to discuss in our forums.
Web Wednesdays: Knuckleheads
Welcome to Web Wednesdays! Every Wednesday we'll be featuring a new Web game to play. You can find our Web Game Picks anytime by clicking Features and Web Games from the top navigation bar.
Today's Pick: Knuckleheads, the latest game from Nitrome and MTV Arcade, featuring what appears to be two Mexican wrestlers chained together as they move up and down, side to side on the screen. Oh, those wild and crazy guys at Nitrome...
Gamezebo Update: May 21, 2008
We have been working hard to fix the issues we were having with the new Gamezebo Web site. As promised, here's my update:
We fixed the issue so that screen shots display with all our Margie B's huge Tips (and we've been posting new ones quickly). We've also made fixes so that our search feature should be working much better and you'll see a lot less file not founds on the site.
Next Up: Fixing Gamezebo To Go so you start to get daily updates again. Thanks for your patience and excellent suggestions.
Yummy Drink Factory Preview
Many cooking and food-themed time management games have come out recently, but we're willing to bet that you've never had to make a Choco Slime, Frog Drop or Witch Brew yet. That's about to change with Yummy Drink Factory, the upcoming game from the studio that brought us Aveyond and Grimm's Hatchery.
The Clumsys Review
If you've ever found yourself clicking on random basketballs, elephants or telephones and wondering why, you're not alone. Hidden object fans frequently find themselves in this situation, since certain games are better than others about including items that fitthe plot or time period that the game is meant to represent. The Clumsys is full of items that don't belong, but in this case it's on purpose.
Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle Review
Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle offers an onslaught of over-the-top dialogue and madcap situations that are so crazy they actually work - sometimes.
Little Farm Review
Little Farm isn't just another match-three game - in fact, nothing happens if you match three objects. Forgive the cliché, but Little Farm is like the little match engine that could by adding a new twist to the matching genre.
Casual News - May 20, 2008
PopCap will spend more than $1 million on its next game, Majesco and Sandlot announce a version of Cake Mania for the Nintendo Wii videogame console, and Pogo.com's Todd Kerpelman talks about the state of casual games. These headlines and more after the cut.
Fitness Frenzy Preview
I just got off the line at George Donovan and he shared with me a sneak peak of his upcoming time management game, Fitness Frenzy. With all these games designed around cooking, fashion, and travel, it only seems appropriate that someone would soon release a game around the fitness theme.
Fitness Frenzy will offer 50 levels and 10 unique fitness centers. You check out the screen shots here or click here to go to Gogii Games' Fitness Frenzy preview page. We'll tell you the moment it's out.
The healing power of games
When Harold Snaring of Lake Cushman, Washington suffered a stroke last year, his wife Marilyn brought some unconventional therapy to the rehab center: her copy of Mystery Case Files: Huntsville, a popular hidden object game from Big Fish Games.
Mah Jong Quest III Review
Mahjong solitaire may be played with mahjong tiles, but it's very different from the traditional four-person game played in Asia. Instead, mahjong solitaire is reportedy based off of an Ancient Chinese matching game called "the Turtle." Mah Jong Quest III follows in these age-old footsteps, with a bunch of new challenges for players seeking a serious mahjong experience.
Just In: Museum Mystery
Museum Mystery is out on Pogo. It's a mystery puzzle game where you rebuild 12 famous museum paintings to solve the investigation.
Our review is in the works. In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of Museum Mystery and click here to discuss in our in our forums.
Ice Cream Dee Lites Review
Here's a useless factoid: did you know that there is a strong positive correlation between the amount of ice cream eaten and the likelihood to commit murder? It's true! But, it's not fair to say that eating ice cream causes a crime... the real reason is that both are associated with hot weather. Ice Cream Dee Lites has nothing to do with crime statistics (happily), but plenty to do with yummy ice cream.
Yard Sale Junkie Review
A garage or yard sale gives owners a great way to get rid of perfectly good junk. A neighbor recently held a garage sale and my kids couldn't help but buy some of the cheap goods - after all, one person's junk is another person's treasure. However, when it comes to my kids' purchased treasures, I see them as junk cluttering up my house. The same could be said of Yard Sale Junkie.
Just In: Hide & Secret 2 - Cliffhanger Castle
There is a new hidden object game on Big Fish Games, Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle by Anarchy Enterprises.
Our review is coming soon but in the meantime, you can download a free trial of Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle now. You can click here to discuss the game in our forum.
Just In: Laura Jones & The Gates of Good and Evil
There is another new hidden object game that just got released: Laura Jones & the Gates of Good & Evil by Nevosoft.
How unique is this hidden object game, aside from the fact that it has the longest name of a game we have ever seen? We'll find out as we review this game in the coming week. In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of Laura Jones and the Gates of Good and Evil and click here to discuss the game in our new forum.
Just In: The Clumsys
As many of you have noticed, The Clumsys by Gogii Games is now exclusively out on iWin. Our review, video, and tips are coming next week (promise).
In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of the Clumsys here and click here to discuss the game in our Clumsys forum.
Virtual Villagers 3: The Secret City Review
Once more Isola beckons, luring you back to its sun-drenched shores in this third installment of the Virtual Villagers series. And, like its predeccor, Virtual Villagers: The Secret City deposits your fledgling tribe on a new part of the isle. This time, however, you begin in the ruins of a once-great city to the north, exploring, rebuilding and repopulating while unraveling its numerous mysteries.
New Gamezebo Update
Hello all. You may have noticed a lot of changes here at Gamezebo in the past day. Unfortunately, not all the changes have taken place as expected. The main issues that are not working properly are: Gamezebo to Go daily updates not working; screen shots within our archive of Tips are not displaying; and there are some pages displaying "file not found."
To make up a little for the growing pains, we are posting highly requested Strategy Guides for 3 games today and will post a review for a big game this weekend.
It's been a major upgrade so we expected a few issues along the way. Still, I apologize. I'll update whenever things are fixed as well as point out all the cool things that are working. Our goal is to get everthing fixed by mid-next week.
Little Farm Preview
It's Steve and Martha Norman's lucky day after Martha buys a raffle ticket for a fundraiser and wins! Her prize is a real, honest to goodness farm. Although it's a big life change, the Normans decide to jump into the family motor home with the kids and leave the big city behind in Little Farm, the upcoming puzzle game from MumboJumbo and Hot Lava. "How hard can it be?" asks Steve. Famous last words...
Welcome to the new Gamezebo!
It was just 2 years ago that we launched Gamezebo. Our goal was then and still remains the same: to create an online home and community for people passionate about casual games, just like you.
During this time, many of you have written in with suggestions and requests for new features and ideas on ways we can improve the Web site. Well, we’ve listened and the result is new Gamezebo, featuring improved search, enhanced community, new personalization, and a lot more fun and games!
Just In: Virtual Villagers 3 - The Secret City
Today is a very exciting day for two reasons. One, we added just a few new features to the site if you have not noticed (more on that very soon).
Two, Last Day of Work has officially released Virtual Villagers 3: The Secret City! Our review, strategy guide, video and special surprises will be coming up soon.
In the meantime, click here to download a free trial of Virtual Villagers 3: The Secret City and click here to talk about it in our new forums!
Women's Murder Club Review
Looking for murder and intrigue, wrapped up in a meaty story with lots of twists? Women's Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, a combination hidden object puzzler and detective adventure, should do the trick.
Tradewinds Caravans Preview
We got our hands on some screenshots for the the next game in the Tradewinds series, Tradewinds Caravans, which is set to launch on Sandlot Games' website later this month. Click the brand new Screenshots tab to check them out.
Pastry Passion Review
Forgive me if I don't come across as an expert in this review. Don't get me wrong; I've played plenty of match-three games. And after watching an endless parade of them hit the market, I sitll enjoy them. It' sjust that I do have a life, and therefore haven't played every single one. So the gameplay in Pastry Passion might not be unique. I don't know. But it is fun.
Win a free copy of The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes
Visit Sherlockgame.com for a chance to win a free copy of the new hidden object mystery The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes. All you have to do is follow the clues provided to find special Sherlock Holmes icons hidden on certain LegacyGames.com pages, then email them to the address provided to be entered in a draw. The contest runs until May 30. Good luck!
Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around the World Review
Casual game sequels tend to look and play similar to their predecessors, but PlayFirst's Wedding Dash 2 takes the cake, if you can pardon the pun. Despite a few minor additions, this game is virtually identical to the original. To some time management fans this will be just fine, but to others, including yours truly, there is little here to justify the cost. Yes, it's fun and frantic and hard to put down, just like the first Wedding Dash, but those expecting more might decline the invitation to this affair. Think I'm harsh? Download the playable demo to see for yourself.
The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes Review
While the casual game market is flooded with hidden object games, very few actually tie in an intriguing story, memorable characters and relevant items to find. While not a flawless adventure, The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes does a terrific job with delivering a cohesive interactive detective experience worth investigating.
Hope Springs Eternal Review
Hope Springs Eternal is the second game in the Carol Reed Mystery series developed by MDNA Games. This first person point-and-click adventure features Carol Reed as a freelance investigator currently on holiday in Sweden when she becomes involved in a mysterious disappearance.
Mystery Case Files: Agent X launches on mobile phones
Big Fish Games and Glu Mobile have announced a spin-off of the Mystery Case Files series for mobile phones, called Agent X. The game will transplant the familiar seek-and-find experiences to the mobile phone, letting players take on the role of detectives solving mysteries by finding hidden clues. The game will also include weekly updates that provide a steady stream of new content, and a leaderboard where users can post and compare high scores. Agent X launches today on carriers across North America. Click here for more information and screenshots.
15 Minutes of Game: Newsblaster
On the surface, Newsblaster is a simple bubble-popping game a la Bust-a-move. But, as part of MSNBC.com's NewsWare initiative, the game also lets you collect breaking news headlines as they fall from the screen for extra lives and power-ups - and if you're interested in the headline you can click it and follow through to read the entire article. Click here to play Newsblaster, or click here to play its sister game, a brick-buster called Newsbreaker.
The Amazing Brain Train Review
Advocates of video and computer games have made innumerable claims about the benefits of interactive entertainment. From easing the pain of cancer to improving hand eye coordination, games are said to be good for more than sucking away your free time and emptying your bank account. Now some are arguing that a new category of games can actually sharpen your acuity through mental exercises. Grubby Games, creators of the Professor Fizzwizzle series, tackles the genre with their latest release: The Amazing Brain Train!
First Class Flurry Review
Airport Mania fans may wonder if First Class Flurry attempts to clone Airport Mania's success, but that would be comparing apples to oranges. Or should that be comparing supersonic jets to gliders? Anyway, Airport Mania involves directing and taking care of planes while First Class Flurry, like most traditional time management games, has players controlling a young girl - in this case, a flight attendant.
Womens Murder Club Preview
Author James Patterson's thrilling Women's Murder Club hit book series (and now television series too) is coming to life in this soon-to-be-released murder-mystery game. Meet Lindsay Boxer, Claire Washburn, Cindy Thomas and Jill Bernhardt - four friends who together form the Women's Murder Club, or WMC for short, as they work together to solve a gruesome homicide.
Virtual Farm Review
Have you ever wanted to run your own farm? Here is your chance in the new game Virtual Farm. Till your fields and plant your crops to see if you can turn a run-down farm into a prosperous business in this cute simulation game.
Word Riot Deluxe Review
Although an Internet-only diversion (and Pogo.com exclusive at that), fans of popular TV game shows can't help but be drawn to Word Riot Deluxe. Despite being strictly multiplayer endeavor - and one that's built around a fairly limited rule set, no less - there's much to like about the skillfully-presented title, which takes the form of a virtual primetime broadcast.
Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express Review
CD-ROM games never die. They are simply reborn as casual game downloads. Such is the case with 1996's Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express, a classic point-and-click adventure game based on the beloved murder mystery novel penned by Agatha Christie.
Carrie the Caregiver 3: Camp Funshine Review
How time flies… the same fresh-faced Carrie who began her first assignment with Caregivers International as an infant nurse is now married and raising two children of her own: Safi, the daughter she adopted from Africa in the previous game, and her husband's son Peter – both of whom are now teenagers! Camp Funshine: Carrie
the Caregiver 3 finds Carrie assuming the role of head counselor at a summer camp for 7- to 13-year-olds with a new set of time management challenges to face.
Just In - Virtual Farm
Ok, so the title isn't exactly snappy, but it's descriptive. Virtual Farm is just that, putting you in charge of turning a struggling farm into a success by harvesting goods and taking them to market. Sound like fun? Click here to play the game and click here to discuss the game in our forums.
Stay tuned for our review.
Just In - First Class Flurry
Could airplanes be the next big theme for time management games? As unlikely as it sounds, first there was Airport Mania and now there's First Class Flurry - athough to be fair, the latter game takes place inside a plane instead of in an airport. Click here to play First Class Flurry and click here to discuss in our new forums.
Stay tuned for our review and strategy guide.
Just In - Carrie the Caregiver 3: Camp Funshine
Carrie the Caregiver 3 has just launched on Shockwave. Our review is coming later today, but in the meantime click here to play the game.
Click here to discuss Carrie the Caregiver 3 in our forums.
Miss Management Workplace Contest
Who is the craziest person in your workplace? Is there someone who sleeps all day on the couch? Spends all their time doodling? Wears silly hats? To celebrate the retail launch of Miss Management (yay!), Brighter Minds is running a contest where the winner can receive $200 Target gift certificate, a bundle of Brighter Minds casual games (including Miss Management and Diner Dash), $50 in coffee and doughnut certificates, a collectors edition Rio Red Swingline stapler and a set of dry erase markers. Sweet. All you have to do is upload a picture of your co-workers doing crazy stuff. Click here to find out more about the contest and enter.
CLUE Classic Review
Books, movies, television shows, DVD/VCR challenges, the odd children's novel or interactive CD... Since debuting in 1949, British board game sensation Clue (or Cluedo, as it's known to fans overseas) has been entertaining families across the world. Small wonder then the title's received several PC conversions, the latest being CLUE Classic. While a faithful translation of the tabletop favorite which accurately captures the multiplayer whodunnit's excitement and atmosphere though, the outing also suffers from some of the same drawbacks as the family game night staple it's modeled on. Bummer.
15 Minutes of Game: Magneboy
Our featured web game of the week is Magneboy, a puzzle game where the goal is to safely move your robot to the end of the level by using magnetism to drag the robot over chasms and around various obstacles. Click here to check it out.
Just In - Hope Springs Eternal
Over at iWin, the latest Carol Reed mystery adventure has just launched. Click here play Hope Springs Eternal, and stay tuned for our review.
Click here to discuss this game in our new forums!
Miss Popularity Review
Explore your own signature style, make friends, shop at the mall and win the boy of your dreams in the new simulation game Miss Popularity. Each choice you make in this 3D virtual world will impact the outcome of your character and your social standing.
Eye for Design Review
If you're going to remodel your home, it's probably best to save up before you take on the kitchen. It's reportedly the priciest room to upgrade. Depending on who you ask, a "minor" kitchen remodel can set you back a good $15,000! (I'm definitely in the wrong business.) If you love redesigning homes (and don't want to spend a small fortune on your own), Eye for Design is an interior decorating themed simulation/puzzle game that might interest you.
Just In - Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express
There is a new Agatha Christie adventure game recently over at Big Fish Games.
Our review is in the works. In the meantime, you can download and play a Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express here. Note: there is no free trial with this game.
Click here to discuss Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express on our new forums.
Just In - Eye for Design
Sandlot Games has just launched the home decorating game, Eye for Design. As Halle, you design and decorate the ultimate dream homes, from single room studio apartments to mad mansions.
Do you have an eye for design? Click here to download a free trial of Eye for Design. Click here to discuss Eye for Design in our forum.
And, watch out for our review and tips coming soon.
Friday Casual Games Weekly News Roundup - May 2, 2008
Post-Bulletin has an interview with Nancy Smith, president of The Sims, and a study released by the East Carolina University's Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies highlights the "mood-lifting effects" of casual games. These headlines and more in our end-of-the-week casual news roundup.
Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around the World Preview
Quinn has come a long way since she took on her first wedding planning assignment as a favor for a friend. Now, Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around the World finds her firmly established in her career as one of the top wedding planners around - so much so that she catches the eye of the businessman Mr. Bigger, who asks her to be a contestant on his wedding reality TV show where the winner gets the privilege of planning his daughter Adriana's wedding.
Pets Fun House Review
With the invasion of pet shop management games into the casual games market, it's hard to get enthusiastic when another comes out. Of course, here we treat all new games the same - reviewing based on the game's merits, not what the market produces (unless the game clones another one). As soon as we started playing, however, we realized our gut instincts were right: Pet Fun House doesn't electrify.
Just In - CLUE Classic
Remember the classic family mystery boardgame Clue? The PC download version is new and out now on RealArcade. Stay tuned for reviews and tips.
Click here to download CLUE Classic now and here to discuss CLUE Classic in our forums.
Just In - Miss Popularity
Fans of Supple and other sims-style games might also like Miss Popularity, a new game that has just launched on iWin. Stay tuned for reviews and tips.
Click here to download Miss Popularity now and here to discuss Miss Popularity in our forums.
Steals & Deals
PopCap - 30% off Bejeweled 2, Peggle and Zuma
RealArcade - 50% off Safari Island
This last item is neither a steal nor a deal, but it's still pretty darn cool: Until May 11, when you buy any game at PopCap the company will donate 30% of your purchase to Komen for the Cure to help fight breast cancer. If PopCap reaches its goal of $100,000, all participants will win a special thank-you prize. Click here for info.
Beebo Deluxe Preview
Here at Gamezebo we think games for charity are great. That's why we were excited to learn about Beebo Deluxe, an upcoming game from Encore that was created to help preserve the health of honeybees and other important pollinators.