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Gameloft starts the Father's Day app sales
I suspect we'll see quite a few app sales pop up over this upcoming Father's Day weekend, partly because any holiday these days tends to attract a few lowered prices in the App Store, and partly because there will likely be a few lucky dads out there picking up a new iPhone or iPad 2 for their parenting trouble. Gameloft's the first company with a slew of sales on, including Final Fantasy ripoff Eternal Legacy, NFL 2011, Real Soccer 2011, WoW ripoff Order and Chaos Online, and Spider-man: Total Mayhem, all for the low, low price of just US 99 cents. Gameloft also has a Twitter contest going on, but it requires a pretty gnarly retweet, so you'll have to decide if a $10 iTunes card is worth spamming all of your followers. Or do what I do, and keep a separate Twitter account just for silly RT contests like this one. So congrats to all those dads out there -- just think, all of the diapers and whining and crying were completely worth it, because this weekend you get to pick up Eternal Legacy for just a buck. And stay tuned, we'll probably see a few more sales heading on into this weekend.
Amazon Wii deals say 'Condadulations'
Amazon is getting started on its Father's Day celebration early, with the first of three week-long video game sales in honor of "Dads and grads." That website's dad is really important to it, we suppose -- he helped Amazon.com develop a strong sense of right and wrong, and provided the encouragement it needed to grow up and be a successful website -- and made just the best chili. The first sale, running through June 4, discounts a bunch of Wii games and accessories, heavily focused on EA Sports stuff, like NBA Jam for $20 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 The Masters for $30. Next week, from June 5 through June 11, Amazon will offer "Handheld Deals," followed by "Next Generation Console & PC Deals" on June 12-18.
5 Apps & more for Father's Day
Here in the US, in the UK and in 53 other countries, we're celebrating Father's Day. It's a day for Dad to sleep in, revel in the love of his family, and (perhaps not as importantly, but still nice) receive presents. Lots and lots of presents. Before you purchase yet another soap on a rope, consider our list of potential last-minute gifts for the Mac-loving or iDevice-toting dad in your life. He'll thank you for sure. ( If Dad doesn't have an iPhone 4, iPad or iPod touch -- there's a suggestion right there.) Macworld posted a solid list of apps for dads; some of them are our picks as well, and we've got a few divergent suggestions.
Breakfast Topic: Father's Day
The secret to making a good cake is in the fun involved. If you have to ninja your way into making it when your dad is out of the house, so be it. If you have to beg your brother to take your dad to the store for some nonsensical reason so you can frost it, so be it. However, one small bit of advice I forgot: If you're making a cake in desert conditions, it will melt. Especially if it's coconut pecan frosting ... it tasted good anyway, and I swear it was pretty when I finished it! Obviously we did our Father's Day festivities on Saturday rather than waiting until Sunday -- it was mainly a matter of when we could get all the siblings and their families together on one day. Still, despite the late dinner (helpful hint: one should always check and make sure the grill is still functional sometime before the steaks are ready to be cooked) and the melting cake, my dad was terribly pleased with all the ninja efforts to pull it together. How about you guys? Are you doing something nice for the dads in your life? What have you got planned? And if you are a father, happy Father's Day -- I guarantee even if the cake is half-melted and the dinner was a little late, we still love you. We just have to work on our timing. %Gallery-31459%
MLB.TV free for Father's Day weekend on PS3
MLB.TV typically requires a subscription plan to get access to live and pre-recorded games throughout the entire league; however, the service will be available for free this weekend, according to an e-mail sent to PSN members. To take advantage of the trial, you'll have to download the free app from the PlayStation Store. That sounds like a slam dunk to us.
Xbox 360 Arcade reduced to $99** during Walmart Father's Day sale
We already heard that the legacy Xbox 360 consoles would see a price cut with the introduction of the new Xbox 360 slimster. Now Walmart has sweetened the deal with a tempting Father's Day bundle. Up through June 20th, purchasing a newly priced $149 Xbox 360 Arcade gets you a $50 Walmart eGift card (usable only on Walmart.com and Samsclub.com) on top of the two free games (Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and Viva Piñata), wireless controller, and 256MB of memory already included in Microsoft's Spring Bundle. So really, a console that cost $199 just a few days ago is now selling for $99. Not bad. ** after using your $50 eGift card on crap you'd buy anyway, like Xbox 360 games and accessories.
T-Mobile celebrates Father's Day with one-day 'every phone is free' event
We'd heard a rumor this was coming, and T-Mobile has now made it a reality -- the carrier will be offering a one-day-only, every phone is free event on June 19th to celebrate Father's Day. Yes, that really means every phone T-Mobile offers (including the brand new myTouch 3G Slide and Garminfone) and the only "catch" is that you have to either switch to a family plan or add a new line to an existing plan -- and, of course, sign a two-year agreement. The deal is only available in T-Mobile stores, however, and the carrier warns that phones will only be available "while supplies last," so you'll likely have to deal with a line if you're looking to get in on the savings.
T-Mobile confirms free phone offer for family plans this Saturday
Yes, it's happening: T-Mobile is looking to drum up some serious foot traffic in T-Mobile stores ahead of Father's Day this weekend by making every single one of its phones free on Saturday only -- but naturally, there's a catch. You can only get in on the offer by switching to a family plan or adding another line to your existing family plans, so anyone flying solo is pretty much out of luck. Clearly, the idea is to get daddy that new HD2 or myTouch 3G Slide he wants without paying a dime out of pocket -- but what about the Galaxy S, hmm? Follow the break for T-Mobile's full press release.
Happy Father's Day from WoW.com!
This was so cute we had to share -- that future Alliance kid at right is Cara's son Riley, no doubt owning it up on Daddy's Death Knight in the battlegrounds. That's right -- the DK who rolled over you with Howling Blast in Wintergrasp yesterday was actually played by a 9.5 month old baby. How's that burn feel? Cara tells us, and the pic was part of a "WoW you're a great father" theme for Riley's first Father's Day.From all of us here at WoW.com, here's a shout out to all of the fathers out there, both Dads of players and Dads who are players themselves. Take a break from taking down Ulduar or grinding out those Argent Tournament quests and make sure to give your Dad a call (and/or the usual tie or socks) today. Or just send him an in-game email for those of you who play with your pops. Happy Father's Day!
Amazon.com celebrates Father's Day with PS3 games sale
What does your dad want for Father's Day? Well, apparently he wants PS3 games, according to Amazon.com. The online retailer is discounting a number of PS3 games. Some highlights: Grand Theft Auto 4 for $28 Call of Duty: World at War for $42 Guitar Hero Metallica for $42 007: Quantum of Solace for $20 To check out all of Amazon's sales goods, click here.[Via CAG]
Nintendo brings families closer with Father's Day tourney
Click image to enter the gallery Yesterday was Father's Day and there were so many ways to celebrate love for dad. One such way was to just spend time with dear dad playing games. If you're a father yourself, the same concept applies -- spend some time playing games with the kids. Though, if you're reading this, perhaps you've already done your fair share of getting the kids involved with your gaming habits. Anyway, Nintendo thought the idea was good and ran with it this Sunday by holding a Super Smash Brothers Brawl tourney for fathers and their children at the Nintendo World Store. We caught up with some of these father-son/daughter teams to see how gaming has played into their lives. Paul and his son Samuel arrived at the tourney with a strong game plan. They set out to scout out the competition and "protect each other" when it came time to brawl. Paul himself is a longtime gamer: "I'm old school. Remember Space Invaders?" He's been playing with his son since the N64 days, and we suspect that's where that serious competitive edge comes from. Many other dads, like Larry, had never played games before or rarely did with their children. Larry's sons Jeffrey and Philip got him to go to today's event and try out a game for the first time. Interestingly, he liked it and even said he'd play more often with his kids from now on. Out of the 32 teams, the most interesting story comes from tourney winners Dennis and his son Michael. "I'm a Zelda guy," said Dennis. The family plays games every weekend. "It's our thing. We play until we're tired." Like Paul's family, Dennis and his kids have been playing together since the N64 days, and like them, they too came with a strong game plan: "We're pretending to not know how to play," we were told. It's a strategy that worked, resulting in them beating out all other father-child duos. Dennis and Michael won themselves a Wii, a trophy, and a copy of Smash Bros. We guess that the family that plays together ... wins tournaments together. Fancy that. %Gallery-25228%
Father's Day in Azeroth: A salute to the fathers of Warcraft lore
So it's Father's Day, the time when we all pay homage to the fathers or father figures in our lives, and thank them for all that they do. While we can't say for sure if they celebrate Father's Day in Azeroth, too, there's a lot of people in Azeroth and Outland who have reason to think back on their dads today. Many dads of Azeroth have affected their children's lives or been affected by them. The ramifications of the interactions of these fathers and children have then in turn affected the lore and story of Warcraft in ways great and small. Therefore, in honor of the holiday, let's look at 10 famous and not-so-famous dads of Warcraft lore (listed in no particular order).
Breakfast Topic: Father's Day for gamers
Happy Father's Day, to all of you fathers out there!* If you and yours aren't the type to go out and about on a day like this, never fear. For the family that games together, I Heart Chaos has 8 great ideas for an Azerothian Father's Day. A few other things that come to mind for Dad's special day: Roll a new alt with your pops, maybe crossing your primary faction lines. Sometimes leveling together is more meaningful than twinking an alt. Talk your guild into having a Father's Day raid night! Take your dad to Karazhan or Zul'Aman, assuming he isn't further progressed than you are. Hey, don't give me that look. My raid has Dads in some pretty phat purps. Yes, I did just say 'phat'. And 'purps'. Don't judge me! Fill his mailbox with delicious cake. Do any of you have Father's Day plans in Azeroth, or any Father's Day plans at all?*Sorry if I missed any of you!
One for the dads
Father's Day is a great time for all the dads out there to kick back and relax. Watch a few movies, some sports, cuddle with the little ones, or spend a few hours playing video games (we like a combination of the last two options the best) -- whatever works for you. But whatever you do, enjoy it. If you're not a dad, but you've got one, send some love his way. It's the day for it, after all.Happy day to everyone celebrating the holiday out there.
Nintendads? Father-son Brawl tournament
Nothing shows Dad your life-long appreciation more than kicking his butt at Super Smash Bros. Brawl, further affirming to him that he is now a lost soul in a whole world of new technology. Well, that could be the case, but plenty of parents have proven their dedication to gaming in the past, so the chil'n may not have the upper hand.Stroll on down to the Nintendo World store in New York City on Father's Day for an official Brawl tournament, where fathers and sons will engage in battle, bond lovingly, and question each other's sexuality upon choosing Peach or Zelda.Save any household fussin' and feudin' for the tournament, as pent-up male rage is set to explode in an ocean of umbrellas, star wands and banana peels. Nintendo is awarding two Wii consoles, two copies of Brawl and a winner's trophy for whichever dynamic duo takes the tournament crown. All the action goes down from 1 - 4pm on Sunday, June 15.%Gallery-3347%
Parents just don't understand WoW
Rufus Honker IV over at the World of Warcraft LJ has joined a very small, elite community. Like Amanda Dean and Blizzard staffer J. Allen Brack, Rufus plays WoW with his parents. Of course, the elder Honkers make some "newb" mistakes along the way. Mom's got an ammo pouch on her Warrior, and Dad's bags are packed with obsolete crafting materials, outdated quest items, and even gray vendor trash. Rufus's post isn't a complaint. It's more an endearing sigh that "Parents just don't understand WoW." He ends the post saying that they may be noobs, but they're his noobs. His parents look like they've embraced the game, and seem pretty cool to go on about their merry way in Azeroth. (I can't help but wonder if they have feelings on "welfare epix.") I think my own father would be even more helplessly lost in Azeroth, and would cause me no end of frustration. But, I'd gladly handle that to hang out with him that readily. Maybe it's my advanced age, but if you get to do something like this together, you should probably treasure it while you can. Rufus seems to be doing a good job of that.
World of WarCrafts: Duskwood chest
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.Father's Day is looming just around the corner (for some of us anyway) and what better way to celebrate fatherhood than a chest full of loot? Another uninspired neck-tie and socks combo is hard to beat but hopefully the target of this gift can appreciate the change of pace. If you happen to be the giver of this veritable cornucopia of awesomeness, prepare to be lavished with praise. If you happen to be on the potential receiving end, it might not be a bad idea to drop some subtle hints to your loved ones about a certain column on your favorite weblog.Here is what you will need: Unfinished Wood Chest (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby) Wood Stain (Honey) Metallic Paint (Bronze) Paintbrush Gift Ideas: Pre-Paid WoW game card TCG booster packs Snacks Coupon Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-24410%
Pirates of the Caribbean Online brings boatloads of fun for Father's Day
Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online has created a whole raft of new content for fans of high seas adventure, beginning with the addition of special Ghost Ships that haunt Isla Cangrejos and Cutthroat Island. These ships -- Shadow Crow, Cerberus, and Blood Scourge -- are crewed by the terrifying undead, and they're no easy pickings, but the rewards for taking them on will be well worth the risk.Additionally, PotCO is bringing a Father's Day event to its players, asking you to find Captain Teague, reputedly Jack Sparrow's father. Under what circumstances could such a notorious pirate disappear? That's up to you to find out.
ESPN unveils The Ultimate Remote, is WiFi worth $300?
ESPN's unleashing The Ultimate Remote, developed by tvCompass, complete with 2.2-inch QVGA LCD screen and 802.11 b/g WiFi stuffed in a 6.5 oz package. It's certainly a serious contender with the Harmony One -- and priced like it, at $300. The marketing info claims no PC is required for setup, recharging via USB, an internet browser with real time access to scores, fantasy info and TV listings for broadcast, cable and satellite from click365's wireless partners. There's even a messaging feature for texting from remote to remote, email, or to a cellphone. We got a glimpse of it at Microsoft's booth during CES, and while it claims "Advanced Microsoft Windows operating software" it's not talking about SideShow. It reminds us a lot of the Ricavision VAVE100 MCE/SideShow remote, but with a slightly different feature set. Father's Day is coming up and suddenly walking over to the computer (or keeping a laptop or PDA/phone on the couch) is sounding like a lot of unnecessary work. Check after the break for a bigger pic with keypad breakdown, or head to Amazon to preorder.[Via Electronista]
Save another $100 on HD DVD this FATHER'S DAY
It seems that every week we hear about a price drop from either HD DVD or Blu-ray, and this week it's both. First Panasonic announced their DMP-BD10A for $600 and now Toshiba is announcing a $100 in-store instant rebate -- our favorite kind -- on any HD DVD player purchased between May 20th and June 16th. Assuming no other discounts, you can now get a stand-alone HD DVD player for that magic price of $299. This combined with the free movies promotion, removes any (price-related) excuses for not picking up an HD DVD player, and enjoying the Ultimate Matrix Collection on HD DVD.
