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Adventure Time creator loves games, you guys, and started this Tumblr
Pendleton Ward, the beard behind the cult-cute cartoon series Adventure Time, loves games. He says so right on his new Tumblr called "I Love Games You Guys," which is where Ward plans to "interview people who work on games."Apparently it's also where he plans to post adorable video game gifs, starting with Mario. Ward is gearing up for his first interview with Charles Martinet, who has provided the voice of Mario since 1994. I Love Games You Guys is a community effort, with Ward asking readers if they can help him snag contacts or make connections with interviewees in the industry.Considering there's an Adventure Time game on its way, maybe Ward should interview himself. If you have a helpful connection or just want to watch Mario stick a plunger on his face for a few hours, check out Ward's Tumblr right here.
Cartoon Network's iPhone and iPad app adds a live TV feed, for authenticated customers
Cartoon Network announced plans to join the TV Everywhere party with a live internet feed of its channel (for authenticated cable / satellite customers) during upfronts and now the updated v1.8 app has arrived on iPhones and iPads. The feed can also be streamed with Flash on the channel's website (we tried it on an Android 2.3 device and logged in but couldn't get it to play), although the only differences we noticed were that the website feed was slightly ahead of our cable box and iOS was a few seconds behind, but with slightly higher picture quality. All in all it's very similar to the WatchESPN experience (which ABC expanded upon last week with Watch Disney, Watch Disney Jr and Watch DisneyXD apps, though the full experience is only currently available to Comcast customers), and should satisfy all those who have been missing the Toonami experience when they're away from home. Take a peek after the break for a preview trailer, shot of the login screen and press release.
MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut
Lately, I've been moving away from my "sword and board" mentality and instead checking out some MMOs that have faster gameplay, such as Vindictus' physics-based, arcade-style combat and Global Agenda's jetpack shooter battles. But while I've had fun grabbing gnolls by the throat and crushing them against the wall in Vindictus and fending off waves of zombies and chupacabras in Fallen Earth, the content isn't necessarily kid-friendly. I wanted to find a game that had action, fast-paced combat, and jetpacks but still touched on all the things that make for a good family game. I stumbled on Project Exonaut, made by Cartoon Network, and decided to check it out. It's a browser-based, free-to-play game that pits you against other players in a futuristic setting. It's not quite an MMO and would probably fall under our Not So Massively heading, but I decided to try it out. Read on for a look at the game and my first impressions!
Adult Swim looks to release one mobile game a month
Jeff Olsen of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim division did a quick interview with our fellow bloggers at Joystiq, and he says that in addition to the Android launches the company is doing this week, they are expecting to "get to the point where we can release a new mobile game a month." That would create quite a library of Adult Swim titles. The company has already seen a fair amount of success with its current setup of iOS titles, including the very popular Robot Unicorn Attack. Olsen says the idea is to keep working on Flash games that are promoted through the TV channel, and then take the best of those to iOS to profit. There's no word on how much money these games are making for the channel (it must still pale in comparison to their actual advertising dollars), but if nothing else, they're likely offering some good brand awareness for their cable programming.
Adult Swim releases free universal app with full episodes in the app
Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming division has been surprisingly Mac-friendly -- not only has it produced a number of great iOS games already, but its shows have included a number of Mac references as well (always in the service of comedy, of course). I guess it's no surprise that Adult Swim released a universal app of its own. Like many television apps, there are some extras, including a schedule of shows, and clock, weather and calendar features. But the real draw here is that you can watch full episodes of Adult Swim shows in the app, from Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job to Family Guy (reruns), Aqua Teen Hunger Force and, one of my favorites, The Venture Brothers. And the best part is that the app is completely and totally free. If you're an Adult Swim fan at all, you'll definitely want to go get it off of the App Store right now. Great to see such a solid strategy from these guys on iOS -- I guess they definitely know where their audience is.
Massively Exclusive: FusionFall gets new nanos and more
Two years ago, Cartoon Network Digital unleashed its browser-based MMO FusionFall on the world with a velvet-rope freemium option. Players could try out the first four levels (the FutureWorld) for free, but getting past that and into the current-day world zones involved a subscription. A year later, the studio opted to take its game to a fully ad-supported free-to-play model so more people could have fun stomping around in the Cartoon Network universe with their favorite characters. Now, just past the game's second birthday, Cartoon Network Digital has decided to crank things up yet again with a bunch of major changes that will rock the world of FusionFall -- and we've gotten an exclusive first look! Set to launch on February 16th, this bigger, badder version of FusionFall will add in the number one change that players have been asking for since the game's launch: new nanos! Indeed, the team at Cartoon Network Digital has been hard at work creating a slew of brand-new nanos that will be added over the next year -- a whopping 20 in all. However, this isn't just an update in terms of smacking a handful of levels on the end and calling it good. Instead, the dev team has decided to change the nano system entirely so that picking up new nanos will no longer be tied to leveling up. No more nano level-lock means players can pick them up as they adventure! Sound exciting? There's even more in store with the update. Join me behind the break for the rest of the details -- including an exclusive reveal of two of the three all-new nanos that players can expect to see this Wednesday in FusionFall! %Gallery-16922%
Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition
Ah, another week of playing in the Spiral of Wizard101. It's been a lot of fun so far, and I've learned more than I thought I would. Of course, the game continues to run smoothly without almost any issues, and the combat is really starting to ramp up. I've barely dipped my toes into crafting and gathering, only going so far as to take on the first quest in a line that seems to explain it. I even dabbled in pet-raising and games, as well, probably the main area in which I can see the need for more improvement. Other than that, I mostly enjoyed jumping into open groups with other players. Solo play is a blast, for sure, but having three other wizards at your side as you battle a gaggle of baddies is a sight to be seen. I'll have to get much better, though, in spite of finding it easy to mow down my enemies. I've started to notice chinks in the armor of my deck and have begun to wonder what it is I am doing wrong. I have an idea, but more testing is needed. Click past the cut to read the details of my adventure, and maybe you can give me some advice, too!
FiOS TV Online gains three more On-Demand channels courtesy of Time Warner
After picking up content from TNT and TBS back in March, Verizon has reached additional agreements with Time Warner Inc. to bring Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and TruTV on-demand channels to its FiOS TV Online service lineup. As per usual, each will offer a free selection of programming from their respective channel as soon as 24 hours after it has aired live, which in the case of Adult Swim shows like The Boondocks, The Venture Bros., Delocated, Childrens Hospital, and Metalocalypse should have already started to happen. Content from the Cartoon Network and TruTV however is currently slated to appear within the next month thanks to the deal. So for now waiting a few weeks to get your Hardcore Pawn fix on FiOS TV Online is both the reality and actuality of the situation folks. Can't stand it? Then bide your time by reading the PR below.
Exclusive: New Hero:108 developer diary
Hero:108 Online may have been presented as an MMO for the younger set, but it's attracting a bit of attention from MMO gamers of all ages, thanks to its lighthearted presentation. The Hero:108 Online team is pretty happy with how the story and character lineup has turned out, and has shared an exclusive developer diary with us here at Massively. The diary serves as an introduction to the heroes in the game, the backstory, and some poorly-made dumplings. This information comes complete with a few new screenshots to give a visual idea of the game. Follow along after the jump to begin learning about the world of Hero:108 Online.
Hero:108 Online bringing new commercial to Nickelodeon
Hero:108 is a popular kids show on Cartoon Network, and the MMO that has spun off of the series will be making its presence known on Nickelodeon pretty soon. The new Hero:108 Online commercial will take viewers on a quick, raucous trip through the free-to-play game, through the eyes of a fairly enthusiastic young player. The commercial will air on Nickelodeon beginning Friday, but Massively has an exclusive sneak peek for you now. Follow along after the jump for the newest peek at Hero:108 Online. If it piques your interest (or that of your kids), check out the game's site to learn more and sign up.
FusionFall & Ben 10 Omniverse heading overseas
When it comes to free-to-play games, normally we hear about companies from Asia importing their games to us here in the US and EU. This time around, we get to turn the tables, as Cartoon Network Digital is sending its popular free-to-play browser-based games to the Eastern markets. That's right, with the creation of Turnout Ventures -- a combination of Turner Entertainment Asia and Outblaze Investments -- people in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will get a chance to check out FusionFall and Ben 10 Omniverse for themselves. "The launch of the incredible online experience FusionFall in the Asia-Pacific region and mutually beneficial partnerships with Ben 10 MMOG publishers such as Omedia and c2vision, are set to bring gamers never-before-seen levels of immersive game play, as well as create even more localized, partnership opportunities," said Benjamin Grubbs, Regional Director, Interactive Media, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia and General Manager, TurnOut Ventures. "Most importantly, these initiatives build on and extend our iconic properties into the online space, so that fans can be part of the Cartoon Network experience anytime and anywhere." Meanwhile, here in the States, FusionFall has noted that over 9 million accounts have been created in the West, which certainly bodes well as a start for this venture. Considering World of Warcraft has easily half of their entire 11.5 million players overseas, then spreading the FusionFall and Ben 10 Omniverse love is a wise strategic decision.
Super Hero Squad Online: No more "nameless sidekicks"
These days, it takes a lot to impress me. Oh sure, I love MMOs. But sometimes I feel I'm in a rut, waiting for something new and different. Something that doesn't just have a "new" sticker, but actually has some new hook that will keep me happily playing -- not grinding -- more than a month. Something that will make me feel good about being a gamer again. Something cute and friendly that actually relieves stress rather than creating more. That's why I was so surprised by Marvel Super Hero Squad Online, the official premiere of which I was lucky enough to attend yesterday in downtown San Francisco. (The folks at Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society put on a great show!) I certainly didn't walk into the event expecting SHSO to pique more than my passing fancy. Comic book-themed games are definitely something I love, and Marvel couldn't be hotter right now, but let's be honest -- SHSO's press release and early screenshots suggest an overtly family-friendly, even kid-oriented, cartoony romp. I figured the game would be Free Realms in capes, and that Massively's readers would probably be more interested in the other Marvel MMO (simultaneously in development by Gazillion with Gargantuan Studios). Well, I'm pleased to report that my preconceptions about Super Hero Squad Online were mostly wrong, and now I've got a new upcoming game to add to my "gotta buy" list. Join me on the flipside of the break and find out why SHSO seems poised to *POW* *ZAP* *BLAMMO* the casual MMO sweet spot!%Gallery-93313%
Hero: 108 Online wages war in closed beta
If you didn't think that 14th century Chinese novels would have any impact on your life in the 21st century, then you obviously aren't a fan of the hit Cartoon Network series Hero: 108. Based on a book called "Water Margin," Hero:108 is the hyper-kinetic tale of a country where a bad dude named "High Roller" (did old China have a version of Las Vegas?) who pits animals against humans, just because. Happily, there's a group of rebels who are trying to bring peace, per standard cartoon series contract, and they're looking for your help in the fight. Also, there are turtle tanks. Hero: 108 Online is a MMOG that takes some of the best parts of the series and enables fans and newcomers alike to try their hand at fast-paced combat through this bizarre alternate reality. Utilizing the four powers of wind, water, fire and earth, players can get a taste of the game as it has recently hit closed beta. During the CB, there are several GM-sponsored events taking place, including safaris which take players on tours of some of the more dangerous areas in the game. If this sounds like an interesting change of pace to you, head on over to Hero: 108 Online's site and sign up for the closed beta!
Hero:108 Online announces closed beta
Gamania Digital Entertainment has announced the upcoming closed beta of a new MMO for the younger set: Hero:108. This new MMO, set to enter closed beta in May, is based on a Cartoon Network series of the same name. Gamania COO Davig Wong hopes that Hero:108 will server as an introduction for the next round of up-and-coming MMO fans: "This teen-centric free-to-play online video game was developed to ease young gamers graduating from casual games into the exciting world of MMOs." The game is described as part of a "cross-platform" collaboration between Gamania, Cartoon Network, Moonscoop Entertainment, and Playmates Toys, so besides the television show and MMO, you'll be seeing a line of products including collectible toys in the near future. For now, however, their focus is on the MMO. If you're interested in giving it a look for yourself, you're in luck. Gamania has arranged for a beta key giveaway, and it's as simple as visiting their site to sign up. While we don't have a specific date for the beginning of closed beta yet, May is just a few days away so it's bound to be soon.
Exclusive: FusionFall free to play launch details
Near the end of last year, Cartoon Network, the developers of FusionFall, announced that the game would move from a freemium/velvet rope type of pricing structure to a completely free-to-play model. While the fans waited, the developers were a bit silent as to when the new version would be released. Well, wait no more. We have received the official date, along with some exclusive shots of new characters and the new armor that subscribers would receive for being loyal to the game! If you haven't tried it yet, FusionFall is a browser based first-person style shooter that mixes elements of platforming, social gaming, and fashion. Think of Tabula Rasa's combat system, complete with its "soft lock" mechanism, and add tons of your favorite Cartoon Network characters. It makes for a very fun, actiony and surprisingly deep experience. Join me after the jump for an exclusive look at new characters and new armor!
Free for All: How free is freemium?
Welcome to Free for All, a weekly column highlighting the world of Free to Play/Freemium games! The new generation of free-to-play games are not only of the same quality as many "standard" MMOs, but they give players a chance to try them out before they ever spend a dime (if they choose to). I am going to try to make sense out of the masses with this column, so wish me luck and thanks for reading! Freemium is one of those rare hybrid terms that is used to describe some games in the MMO market. Yet, what does it mean? I prefer to use the term "velvet rope", because it places a good picture in your head as to how the game might work. I decided to examine what the term means, and what it might say to a potential player. The best way for me to do this is to look at some "freemium" games that not only do it well, but are some of the most successful games out there, regardless of subscription model.
Parents can breathe a bit easier thanks to Crisp Thinking's NetModerator
Letting your children play MMOs can be a tricky balancing act for gamer parents. On the one hand, you want your children to have fun playing games online while gaining socialization and computer skills. On the other, you're a protective parent who wants to make sure your kids are safe -- without making them live in a bubble. You can teach them about online safety and how to protect themselves, but there's always the possibility that something will take a wrong turn. Thankfully, it seems that a company called Crisp Thinking have developed a tool to help parents in their fight for online safety. Their system, called NetModerator, has been put into place in kid-friendly MMOs like Free Realms and FusionFall to combat against predators, bullies, and the like. It watches for certain keywords and phrases during online interactions. When detected, the system will step in and moderate the conversations -- allowing for real-time changes in potentially dangerous situations, as opposed to a reactionary method of dealing with abusive or predatory accounts after the conversations have taken place. The entire concept is fascinating, so we're sure parents will want to pop over to VentureBeat's Games Beat and check out Dean Takahashi's great write up about this new technology. With an accuracy rate of 98.4% in terms of flagging dangerous and harmful conversations, and the ability to learn cloaked phrases, we're sure parents will be glad to hear that there's another layer protecting their kids from online danger. It's no replacement for the first line of defense -- good parenting -- but it certainly doesn't hurt. [Thanks, Pete!]
Macworld 2010: Hands-on with Musicskins
Musicskins was kind enough to show us around their booth on the Macworld floor, and while we expected to see the usual vinyl case stickers, what we found was actually pretty impressive. The 'skins, which are made for almost every accessory and device under the sun (the rep told us they add five to ten devices to their roster per week) are actually very durable. For one thing, they're made to be removed and replaced as much as you want, so while attaching one to the back of your iPhone, you don't have to worry about making one minor mistake and having to stare at it every time you check Twitter. The skins themselves have little grooves on the surface, which we were told acted as air channels, so if you ever did get a bubble underneath, it's much easier to squeeze out. But the most interesting part of skins like these isn't on the side towards the phone, it's on the side away. Musicskins is one of the biggest licensors of art for device skins, and as you can see in the gallery below, they've got all kinds of different famous and infamous licenses to stick on your iPod, iPhone or Macbook. They just recently made Apple history, too -- read on to learn how. %Gallery-85262%
Robot Chicken coming to PlayStation Home Theater
We've come a long, long way from the opening days of the PlayStation Home Theater space, where the debut trailer for Twilight played in an endless cycle of brain-melting teen melodrama. Today, if you drop by the networking service's silver screens, you'll be able to view some programming that's probably more in your wheelhouse -- clips from Adult Swim's Mego-infused comedy series, Robot Chicken.Whether or not you enjoy Seth Green's stop-motion brainchild, we think we can all agree that it's a step up from teasers for vampiric romance novel adaptations. Unfortunately, we're physically incapable of watching Robot Chicken without succumbing to waves of nausea, a side-effect from our youthful diet of G.I. Joes.
BEN 10 MMO officially announced
We kind of already knew this one was on the way, thanks to a listing on TurnOut Ventures' product page that was spotted last month, but now it's official: BEN 10 Omniverse will be coming to a browser near you in Q4 this year. TurnOut Ventures made the announcement and gave a description of what to expect from the free-to-play title:BEN 10 Omniverse will let players participate in the evolving story arc of Cartoon Network's BEN 10 saga, featuring Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy with the ability to morph into different aliens using a strange alien device called the Omnitrix.They also mentioned that the game will be episodic in nature (the launch game will actually be called BEN 10 Omniverse Episode 1: Rise of Heroes), with content updates bringing new zones, quests and other additions on a regular basis. The gameplay will consist of both PvE and PvP, with each of these activities offering the opportunity to group up with other players. According to the official site for the show, a closed beta application process is coming soon.
