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Review: Set card game on the iPhone is oh so close to the perfect puzzle app
The idea behind Set, the now-classic card/puzzle game, can be mind-numbingly difficult to explain. Some people just can't wrap their heads around the "all the same or all different concept." Of course, some people get it right away. For both types, the new Set app [$2.99] for the iPhone and iPod touch is a fine challenge, even if it's not perfect in all aspects. Here's the gist of the game: each card in the 81-card deck has between one and three images on it. These images come in three shapes (diamond, oval, and squiggly), three colors (red, green, and purple), and three levels of shading (solid, lined, and empty). Every possible combination is available on one single card. The goal is to find sets from a collection of cards laid face-up on the table. A set is any three cards where each of these four features are, independently, either all the same or all different? So, a single red solid diamond, a single green solid diamond, and a single purple solid diamond make a set (in that example, the number, shading, and shape features are all the same while the colors are all different). Also, a single empty purple squiggle, two lined green diamonds, and three solid red ovals make a set. Got that? Good. If not, click through the gallery of images from the app starting here to see how the game's designers explain things. If you want to give Set a try for free, you can try an online daily puzzle here, or download the very limited lite version of the iPhone app here. For learning the game, the app's tutorial is tremendously helpful. Keep reading to find out more about how the game works, or doesn't, on the iPhone. %Gallery-88525%
Blizzard opens up official TCG forums
With all the news regarding the WoW Trading Card Game, avid players have been wondering exactly what's going on, where the license is going, and who's going to be producing new cards, if any. While there aren't any answers to these questions specifically, it's heartening to note that Blizzard just added a new Trading Card Game section to the official forums, solely for discussion about the TCG. The card game hasn't been forgotten, and neither have its players. The question of what the future of the TCG will bring has already been addressed on the forums by Eyonix, who restated Blizzard's earlier announcement that Blizzard and UDE would be parting ways. He also reassured players that Blizzard is committed to supporting the TCG and will be releasing new content in the near future, although there are still no new details as to who is picking up the license. While this also doesn't really answer any questions, it's good to know that Blizzard is still thinking about the TCG community -- and this gives an ideal place for Blizzard to post any updates regarding the game's production. Hopefully we'll see more news on the future of the TCG soon.
Blizzard: WoW TCG will come back better than ever
We recently broke the news that Upper Deck would no longer be producing the WoW TCG, and Blizzard poster Zarhym has popped by to say that they still have plans for the TCG: "As some of you may already be aware, we will not be renewing the World of Warcraft: The Trading Card Game license with Upper Deck. We want to assure you that we are committed to supporting the TCG, and players can look forward to new content and strong organized play support in the near future. We will share additional details about the game's transition to a new partner as soon as possible. For those awaiting tournament prizes, we will ensure you receive them." Of course, this isn't too surprising, really. As it turns out, sources close to the TCG say that all development and art for the game has been done inside Blizzard for a year or more -- Upper Deck has only been providing the printing. They've either been preparing for the switch for quite a while, or ... well, I can't really think of any other reasons. Why go elsewhere when you could get it done internally anyway? Licenses are big money, and contracts require that they be active for a certain amount of time. Companies can always choose not to renew their licensing agreement if they feel things aren't going well, or for any reason, really. But this is Blizzard, and this is a business move, pure and simple; you needn't worry that the game is going anywhere. It just might take a little bit to get everything back on track.
Upper Deck and WoW TCG parting ways [Updated]
We've discussed the reported death of the WoW TCG before, but its publisher Upper Deck reported that everything was good in the hood, so to speak, where the TCG was concerned. Today, however, Magic: The Gathering news site Mananation reported that Upper Deck and the WoW TCG are parting ways, citing confirmation from two sources. Mananation reports that the split was "amicable," but it seems very strange given that there are still several TCG products slated to be released in 2010, including class starter decks and the Wrathgate/Northrend sets. What this means for the future of the game is uncertain -- Blizzard might re-license the game to a different publisher or develop it internally, or pursue other means to keep the game (which was apparently doing well financially) alive. This also apparently affects the WoW Minis game, which might not have been doing as well. Upper Deck has had some legal issues lately, which may be the root cause of this split, but we won't know for sure until we get a comment from either company. We've confirmed the split independently through Potomac Distribution, and we contacted Blizzard and Upper Deck Entertainment around 6pm EST requesting their comment, and have yet to hear back from them. We'll update the post if we get a response. Update 7:56 p.m. EDT: Upper Deck replied to us letting us know that we'll hear from them on Monday concerning this matter. Update 8:10 p.m. EDT: A Upper Deck representative on their forums posted the following about an event happening in Houston: "We're going to make Houston all kinds of awesome, and I'm confident this will be a great start to a new chapter for the World of Warcraft TCG." Update 9:15 p.m. EDT: Zarhym hit the forums to confirm that the TCG is no longer in the hands of Upper Deck, but is not being discontinued entirely.
Today's Xbox Live deal: Uno Rush for $5
We'll make this one quick: Today's Xbox Live deal has cut the cost of Live Arcade's recommended skip-reverse-plus-4 sim, Uno Rush. Microsoft has taken 50% off the top, leaving a mere 400 MS Points behind. That's $5! Also, did you see what we did there at the beginning? "We'll make this one quick." Uno Rush. Pretty amazing stuff. Maybe you should give the $5 to us for our fabulous wordplay. Add Uno Rush to your Xbox 360 download queue
Eye of Judgment: Legends to be released on PSN in spring
Not only does Eye of Judgment: Legends on PSP lack both the camera and physical cards that characterized the PlayStation 3 original, but it doesn't even have a disc. SCEA officially announced the game for the US, to be released only as a download on the PlayStation Store in (when else?) spring 2010. Despite the absence of real cards, players will still be able to expand their decks through additional PSN downloads. Cards can also be traded between players or earned in-game. Producer Kumi Yuasa promised more information on "new single and multi player modes," meaning that this game has additional content not found in the PS3 version, other than the "over 30" new cards being added to the deck.
PAX 2009: Penny Arcade worked on collectible ping-pong card game
At long last, the two culturally distinct worlds of ping-pong and trading card games have been fused into one aggregate superhobby. During the Penny Arcade Media Q&A Panel at PAX, the comic's illustrator, Mike Krahulik, explained, "We've been tinkering with a Paint the Line card game -- that has been quite a bit of fun in the office, so we'll see how that goes." For non-readers, Paint the Line was a series of strips the duo did in 2008 which tells the story of a global ping-pong power struggle. It's also a story of love and killer whales. There's a lot going on in there.For those who aren't immediately turned on by this notion, Krahulik added, "Ping-pong played in CCG is surprisingly interesting." Draw one backhand swipe! Tap one ping energy! Discard one pong.
Breakfast Topic: Have you played those other games?
One of the things I got to do at BlizzCon 2009 that ended up being a whole lot of fun was sit down and play a few rounds of the World of Warcraft TCG at the Upper Deck Booth. I actually plan to write a bit more on that later, but for now, my main thought on it was that it was pretty fun. As a former Magic: The Gathering Player way back in the early 3rd edition days, I've always held a soft spot in my heart for a good solid card game, and I've been meaning for the longest time to check out the TCG as something more than a silly thing that refuses to give me a mount. I have to say, if anything, that I probably enjoyed it too much. Not only did I catch onto the rules pretty quickly, but I was transported back to the old magic days, and I'm halfway tempted now to perfect a good solid deck and go out to my local gaming store in a couple weekends to see if anyone else plays. On the other hand, I'm trying to avoid that temptation, because I just know it'll eat up my life like Magic did back in the day.
Death Knight class arrives in the TCG
Upper Deck has announced that the Death Knight class is coming to the WoW trading card game. Just like in the MMO, the class plays differently than any other -- their website has a series of previews posted that show just how different their DKs are. The class is designed to do crazy damage with two-hand weapons, and there are options to do extra damage by sacrificing allies or equip gear that provides you with solid armor even as you're churning out DPS. There are Death Knight Horde and Alliance allies as well, and each of them has a Death Knight-specific ability -- lots of Shadow damage, exchanging protection for more damage, and even some Frost-tree cold debuffs. And there are quests to go along with the Death Knight class as well, where DKs get extra bonuses for completing and playing certain quests.Starting on June 16th, you'll be able to pick up 36-card deluxe starter decks for Death Knights at a store near you, and those decks will get inserted into the game just like any other class -- they come with a Hero to play, associated spells and quests, and three "Ghoul token cards" to play as allies. While this is the first time Death Knights will be playable as Heroes, the very first Death Knight cards were actually included in the Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition -- a pair of Ally cards named Lord Anton Nightbane (Alliance) and Conqueror Kagon Blackskull (Horde). If you like the TCG but have been looking for a new twist (or a way to bring your Death Knight character into the game), this definitely seems worth a look. And speaking of the TCG, they are now on Facebook, so if you're a fan, go say hi over there as well. The MMO and TCG crowd still seem to run in different circles (though you'll definitely see the game at BlizzCon), but there are quite a few intersecting points between them.
A WoW player's guide to Free Realms
Our good friends at Massively have written up a post just for you WoW players about the new hotness in MMOs lately, a game called Free Realms. I haven't gotten a chance to play it, but it's all the team over there can talk about, and the game itself just hit a whopping three million players. It's a free-to-play game (with more premium memberships getting more features -- the minimum is about $5 a month) put out by Sony Online Entertainment that aims towards a more casual audience, with extra content placed in for more hardcore gamers. The questing and leveling itself is very forgiving -- you have a dotted green line leading you to quest targets, and combat only takes place in instanced areas. But the crafting and other various minigames (in order to do mining, you actually play a Bejewelled-style matching game, and there's even a "Kart Driver" profession) can get pretty hard. Just like WoW, those who want to collect pets or build skills can do that, while those who are more interested in dungeon crawling have that option as well.I've been meaning to pick up the game and check it out (on the free level, of course -- with my WoW subscription running, I'm not made of MMO money), and Massively's guide is an excellent first overview to how the game relates to our favorite MMO. If you're getting a little bored in Azeroth waiting for the next expansion announcement and are looking for something else to try, Free Realms might just be it.
Destroy all droids and nab some free loot!
What do bounty hunters and trade federation droids have in common? They're both rewards for playing through the upcoming Star Wars Galaxies trading card game scenario, "Destroy All Droids!"Yes, you too can bask in the glory of a rare card featuring bounty hunter Bane Malar and a nice piece of Star Wars Galaxies in-game loot for your house. All you have to do is simply complete the upcoming card game scenario, which will be released on April 15th. That's it!When you complete the small little storyline, the game will reward you with your card and a trade federation droid vendor for your house. If you beat it again with a new deck that has a different archetype you'll get another copy of the Bane Malar card, but you can only have up to four copies. So, if you're a Star Wars Galaxies player, you might want to check this out even if you aren't a rabid follower of the card game. Free stuff is free stuff!
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: UNO RUSH
This week on XBLA in Brief, we look at UNO RUSH, a speedy new take on the classic card game. Players have to adjust their hands quickly and play as many cards as possible on every turn. It sounds easy, but each turn is only a few seconds long, meaning you have to plan ahead. Check out the video above and see if UNO RUSH will be pulling 800 from your account. Download the trial version of UNO RUSH [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
This Wednesday: Put on your CAPS for UNO RUSH
Microsoft has announced that the next game to be released as part of the Days of Arcade promotion will be none other than UNO RUSH. A fast-paced version of UNO, the game requires gamers to assemble their hands ahead of time, as everyone's hand is played automatically. The game features online play for up to four players and includes Avatar support. The game will release this Wednesday for 800. %Gallery-27823%
Days of Arcade promotion coming to XBLA March 18; Lode Runner, six other titles coming soon
Xbox Live figurehead Major Nelson recently updated his blog with the titillating announcement of a six-week long promotion titled the "Days of Arcade." Similar to last year's "Summer of Arcade" event, the promotion will kick off March 18 with the release of Hasbro Family Game Night, with the following five weeks bringing a number of highly anticipated titles to the Marketplace, including The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, Flock, Outrun Online Arcade, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, UNO Rush and Tozai Games' remake of Lode Runner. Aside from Game Night, we won't know which games are coming which weeks until Major Nelson announces them on the Mondays preceeding their Wednesday releases. However, as the keen-eyed mathmaticians among you have already noticed, with seven titles dropping in six weeks, one XBLA Wednesday will bring us a double dose of downloadable distractions. We've already canceled our Spring Break excursion to Cabo San Lucas in a fit of breathless anticipation.
New TCG Loot cards announced for Blood of Gladiators expansion
Our friends over at WoWTCGLoot have posted what they believe are the next three loot cards coming out in the "Blood of Gladiators" expansion of the card game. A Sandbox Tiger, we're told, will be a cooldown-based location toy like the D.I.S.C.O. ball, and will allow you to ride a spectral tiger in place, like a rocking horse. An Epic Purple Shirt will not only look epic, but should allow you to do a special emote (probably /flex) that will make you "the center of attention." And perhaps more exciting, a Foam Swords Rack will let players around you grab foam swords and swordfight to the finish, complete with a declared winner. Very cool. The first time we'll see these in stores will likely be the upcoming preview of the new expansion, taking place on the weekend of March 7th. Since these likely came from information found in the PTR, they are, of course, subject to change. Upper Deck will likely share a few screenshots and some more information on these soon, and when they do, we'll let you know.
DS Daily: Uno or U-nooooo?
Gameloft has acquired the rights to the Uno card game for, well, pretty much everything, but most importantly DSiWare. Chances are, the DS version will be similar to the iPhone release, which is apparently pretty good, but lacks the theme decks and online infrastructure (i.e. Xbox Live friends lists and such) of the Xbox 360 game.Uno decks themselves are a classic, and the Xbox version has done very well, but will the success transfer to other platforms? Will people be as interested in playing online on the DSi as they are on Xbox Live, or does the online service make the game? Could it be a killer app for DSiWare?
Punch-Out!! developer making WiiWare card game as well
Next Level Games, the Canadian developer behind the Super Mario Strikers series, is currently at work on an extremely high-profile game: the Wii update to the classic Punch-Out!! series. According to an OFLC listing spotted by Spencer from Siliconera, they've decided to work on something else while they've got the Wii devkits out: something called Jungle Speed. Rather than a Donkey Kong-themed racing game (which has been tried on the Wii to little success), Jungle Speed is most likely a Wii version of a card game of the same name, in which players must get rid of all their cards while racing to take possession of a totem. We suspect that this title will end up on WiiWare: Jungle Speed also has a rating on the American ESRB, which lists its publisher as Playful Entertainment. Playful states on their website that they have "multiple, unannounced titles" planned for WiiWare.In bonus OFLC news, Mercs, Enduro Racer, and M.U.S.H.A. have also been rated! Awesome games from Sega consoles incoming![Via Siliconera]
WoW Minis in stores on November 11th
Upper Deck has announced an official release date for the WoW Miniatures game, and surprise, it's in early November, too (it's going to be a busy couple of months for WoW fans). You'll be able to buy a four-figure starter set or a three-figure booster pack in stores on November 11th -- we're not sure about the prices yet, but if the MSRP we saw a while back hasn't changed, they'll end up at around $20-25 for starter packs, and $10-15 for boosters. Each starter will also contain a sampler of the WoW TCG cards, and while we haven't heard anything about ingame loot items for the minis game, those samplers may have some Loot cards in them if you're lucky.Upper Deck also was kind enough to provide us with a preview of a few figures from the set, including some concept and reference art for some of the characters and figures. You can see it all in the gallery below -- there's a nice sampling of characters from the MMO game, a few from the TCG, and even some new character types from Northrend in there. Looks like fun. %Gallery-33212%
E308: Uno Rush 400MS points, has pricey theme packs
Click for high-resolution image. If the Xbox Live Experience trailer is to be believed, Uno Rush already has a price-point nailed and downloadable content in the works. While showing off the new dashboard update in quick marketing video during the Microsoft Press Conference the Uno Rush menu is displayed and reveals an asking price of 400MS points for the game and 800MS points for an something called an Uno Rush Theme Pack. 800MS points for an Uno Rush Theme Pack? We don't know what could possibly be included for that price but if we had to wager, Geddy Lee is going to hand deliver the pack to each person on a disc himself. Now that's value! Of course, these prices haven't been confirmed as of yet. So, stay tuned. [Thanks, andyg8180]
Trailer-splosion! Galaga Legions, Uno Rush, South Park, Word Soup for XBLA
Grab your welding goggles – that there's a video of the XBLA-exclusive Galaga Legions, the latest update of Namco's coin-op classic. This one's being handled by the team behind Pac-Man Championship Edition, which equals eye-searing effects that are the graphical equivalent of spirit fingers. Keep reading after the break for another salvo of videos showcasing incoming XBLA titles including Uno Rush, South Park, and Word Soup. You can take your welding goggles off for viewing those. We promise it's safe.
