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Breakfast Topic: What iPhone app should Blizzard release next?
WoW-loving iPhone owners (and yes, I count myself among you) are feeling the love from Blizzard with the release of the Armory app this week. It's shiny, useful and just as practical, if not more, as the Authenticator app. We knew this was coming, of course, from the moment Blizzard issued C and D's relating to specific apps. However now their second app is out it's sure not to be the last. Blizzard has once again favored the iPhone over all the other phones. It seems like there's a trend developing here, much to the sorrow of Palm Pre and Android owners, I'm sure.Blizzard seem to be developing apps with the same due care and diligence they give their games (including awesome sound effects as well) and it warms my heart to see they're exercising their talents to make the game more accessible without needing to login with the main client or be directly in-front of your PC. So, readers, now that Blizzard is obviously putting their heart and soul into creating apps, what would you like to see them develop next? Do you think a certain kind of app - like one which allows you to use the auction hose, send and receive mail or use guild chat - is in need? I'd love a Warcraft: Peggle version with even more levels just for the iPhone please. Pop your thoughts in the comments box below.
Peggle: WoW Edition released as a standalone download
There's Peggle the original PC game, Peggle the XBLA game, Peggle the iPhone game, Peggle: Steam edition, and Peggle the WoW addon, and so when I heard rumblings of "Peggle: WoW edition," I just figured people were talking about one of the many, many already-released versions of PopCap's popular Plinko-inspired pasttime. But no -- the folks at PopCap have released another version of Peggle: Peggle World of Warcraft edition is a standalone, free (PC-only) download that allows you to play a WoW-related version completely outside of World of Warcraft.All that make sense? It sounds like PopCap realized that there was a call for a brand new version of Peggle (including new stages, WoW-related backgrounds, and even a secret easter egg between Arthas and Bjorn the unicorn) that was different enough to stand as its own PC game, so they worked their coding magic and put it all together into a downloadable standalone. And much to the lament of Mac gamers everywhere, it's PC-only.But then again, it's free, it's Peggle, and so if you haven't gotten your Peggle fix through any of the aforementioned channels yet, here's the hit you've been waiting for. If you do the math (and chart the number of Peggle versions over time), we're pretty sure that, soon, all games will be Peggle. And strangely enough, we're kind of OK with that. Peggle is really fun.
Play World of Warcraft Peggle now for free
So, Blizzard and PopCap have teamed up create 10 World of Warcraft-themed Peggle levels, which you can grab now for no money whatsoever. Exciting news? Maybe. But we can't help but wonder at what point the DEA needs to step in and start regulating this kind of stuff.Like, this is is a combination of Peggle ... and World of Warcraft. At what point does, "Oh, sweetie, you're so addicted to Peggle! <giggle>" become, "You just blacked out on the keyboard for the 17th time, and I'm leaving you for Tracy and taking the kids with me"?
Metaboli's Chill-Out Pack brings casual games, parental controls
European game service Metaboli -- partner to GameTap -- has announced its plans to launch the Chill-Out Pack, a service dedicated to downloadable, family-friendly casual games. The service is set to include over 200 casual games, including recognizable movie licenses like The Chronicles of Narnia and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, according to Casualgaming.biz. The service will update with new titles every week as well.The Chill-Out Pack also offers new parental controls, including the ability to create sub-accounts for children, which allow parents to set parameters for their little ones, such as limiting playtime and deciding which games the kids can play.Honestly, we thought it sounded like a great idea, until we discovered that the pack offers Peggle. As a warning to unsuspecting parents: Know that Peggle has the ability to tear your family apart. Seriously, you might want to hide it from the kids.
Popcap's addons updated
Popcap kindly sent us a note to say that both of their free addons (Bejeweled and Peggle) for World of Warcraft have seen updates lately, so if you're still playing the versions you downloaded when they first came out, better give them a refresh. Bejeweled, the classic gem matching game, is now up to 1.1, and features a completely updated score system (you'll be asked to convert it the first time you load) that tracks all kinds of new features. In addition, the Achievements now have their own screen, so they're all easier to track as well. And a bunch of bug fixes have gone in, to make the game smoother and faster.And Peggle has reached 1.02, with some new code to try and keep users with different versions from having compatibility problems, as well as a few options to keep the chatspam down to a minimum. If your guild is angry that you keep accidentally hitting "Publish" and getting your score in their guild chat, get this new version, as it allows you to control where that goes, as well as change the name from "Publish" to "Brag," to more accurately describe what it is.Both versions can be downloaded right over on Popcap's WoW site, or from the usual suspects at your favorite addon databases. It's great that they're still updating these (still for free!), but, completely selfishly, we still kind of want Zuma next.
PopCap's $1 Peggle sale on App Store a hit, specials for other titles 'TBD'
PopCap's Peggle sale on the App Store was clearly another blow to the productivity of thousands (millions?) of lost souls. A representative for the publisher told us, "We sold nearly as many units in the three or four days of the sale as we did in the preceding three weeks." MTV's Multiplayer takes note of the deeper politics of the App Store sale and Peggle's success, which saw the app move on the sales chart from #60 to to #1 during the sale. PopCap tells us it's still trying to determine what the right price is for games on the iPhone/iPod Touch, expressing that the "App Store is still kind of an experimental arena or environment for anyone who is making products there." When asked if the company plans a similar sale for any of its other highly addictive titles, we were informed that's still "TBD."
Kaloki Adventure and Peggle on sale, plus free music
If you didn't jump to pick up Kaloki Adventure [App Store link] after our first look last week, now's your chance: the game is on sale today (not tomorrow, apparently -- you've got under 24 hours) for just $1.99, a buck cheaper than the usual $2.99 price. The game offers some fun but casual real-time strategy business simulation, so if your dream has ever been to own a burgeoning spaceport, they don't come cheaper than that.And as an added bonus, NinjaBee is also offering a catchy tune from the game's soundtrack on their website for the low, low price of completely free. It's the jumpy, swingin' background music to the main gameplay, composed by Eric Nunamaker, who's apparently been working on video game music for quite a while.Oh, and finally, while we're talking about awesome iPhone games on sale, Peggle is only a buck. 'Nuff said.
Peggle (iPhone/iPod Touch) only $1 for a limited time
Look, guys and gals, there is a crazy sale going on right now. If you're observant and like to read post titles before you dive right in to the meaty body of text you're reading right this second, then you already know the score: Peggle on the iPhone is only $1 for a limited time. Seriously, it's only a buck up until midnight, June 14. We're talking about one of the most addictive game experiences ever, for only $1. That's like ... we can't even compare it to anything, because, dude, Peggle is only $1. That's like ordering some chicken fingers and the server hands you some filet mignon, too. Act fast, though. The sale is only going on for a couple more days. [Via Shacknews] Download Peggle for iPhone/iPod Touch -
WoW Insider Show special video edition live tomorrow
The day has arrived. A little while ago, we challenged you fans to get us over 9000 Twitter followers, and somehow, some way, you delivered. So now we have to keep our promises -- tomorrow, the WoW Insider Show, which has only ever been an audio podcast, will include video with our live feed, and you'll be able to see the faces of all your favorite bloggers (for better or worse). Turpster and I will be dressed in our finest threads, we'll be toasting champagne (so bring your own if you want to toast with us, 21+ please), and we'll host a cavalcade of bloggers and friends of the show on live video. We've got some surprises planned, and hopefully Ustream will hold up under the strain -- whatever happens, it'll surely be wild.The show begins our Ustream page at May 23, 2009 3:30 PM EDT var date_span = document.getElementById("date"); var date = new Date(date_span.innerHTML); var monthname=new Array("Jan","Feb","Mar","Apr","May","Jun","Jul","Aug", "Sep","Oct","Nov","Dec"); var weekday=new Array("Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday", "Friday","Saturday"); var year = date.getFullYear(); var day_of_month = date.getDate(); var month = monthname[date.getMonth()]; var day = weekday[date.getDay()]; var hour = date.getHours(); if (hour > 11) { if (hour > 12) {hour -= 12} am_pm = "PM"; } else { am_pm = "AM"; } var minute = date.getMinutes(); if (minute < 10) { minute = "0"+minute; } date_string = day + ", " + month + " " + day_of_month; date_string += " at " + hour + ":" + minute + " " + am_pm; offset = -date.getTimezoneOffset()/60; if (offset >= 0) { offset = "+"+offset; } date_string += " in your time zone (GMT"+offset+")"; date_span.innerHTML = (date_string); , or you can jump after the break to see an embedded feed. The audio archive of the show will appear here on Monday, and we'll have a video version on Ustream, but unfortunately Ustream will only save one video stream -- mine. So if you want to see Turpster and our guests on video, someone in the live audience might have to Fraps it out. And directly after the show, we'll be spending some time on Zangarmarsh (It Came From the Blog is our guild over there on Horde side, and I'll be hanging out and dueling Peggle if you want to stop by).Whew. It will be memorable, I can guarantee that. We'll also talk a little bit of Warcraft, and of course we'll talk about the new WoW.com and what it means for the podcast as well. We'll see you (and by see you, I mean you'll actually see us) tomorrow afternoon.
Joystiq review: Peggle (iPhone/iPod touch)
The question isn't: Should I buy Peggle? It's: Should I buy Peggle again? If you've been holding off on re-buying the game and are looking for an obsessive, detail-oriented comparison of the portable versions, read on! (Otherwise, jump to a conclusion.) This week's iPhone/iPod touch release is the same game we've been playing for two years now on our PCs (and Macs), touch-wheel iPods, DSs, Xbox 360s, and Java/BREW cell phones. To be completely accurate, this version is a port of the original Peggle modified for use on iPhone. While it lacks any new content (so-called "trophies" hardly count) or even levels from the sequel, Peggle Nights, the iPhone adaptation excels as the definitive portable version of PopCap's masterful time sink.%Gallery-63294%
Confirmed: Kotaku reporting that Blizzard has hired PopCap VP
Rumours abound from the Australian arm of Kotaku (and our own Joystiq) that PopCap's CEO Greg Canessa is joining Blizzard. Given the success of their WoW addons for Peggle and (my personal favourite) Bejweled, the hiring of the man who helped launch Xbox Live Arcade is quite exciting. Kotaku reports Canessa will be joining the teams responsible for Diablo and World of Warcraft. However they don't actually cite a source and Blizzard apparently didn't respond for a comment 'immediately', which is quite an odd way to phrase it. Update: Blizzard spokesperson Shon Damron got back to us confirming that Greg Canessa has indeed been hired by the company:"Yes, we can confirm that Greg Canessa has taken a position at Blizzard Entertainment as project director for Battle.net. He will report to our vice president of online technologies and work closely with the executive team to help fine-tune the next version of Battle.net, currently in development."
Peggle now available for iPhone
We told you everything you needed to know back when it was announced. When it got delayed, we were bummed, but only a little, because we knew we'd soon have it in our hands. And now, it's finally here.55 levels and 40 challenges of some of the most addictive gameplay there has ever been. Controls feature a "precision wheel" on the side of the screen that will let you line up your shot perfectly. All of the Peggle masters and powers in the regular version made it to the iPhone as well. If you've ever played Peggle, you probably already know that at $4.99, this is a steal, and if you've never played Peggle, we can almost assuredly tell you it's more than worth the price (though there is a free trial for the Mac just in case you're not 100% sure).Peggle for the iPhone is out. Your free time's days are numbered.
iPhone Peggle priced $4.99
PopCap has confirmed with Joystiq that Peggle will be priced at $4.99 when it launches tomorrow in the App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch. The "nickel bag" will include a single nugget, the original Peggle, with the potential to sprinkle on additional content through DLC support once iPhone OS 3.0 is released. It's a familiar high, but the iPhone version does deliver with all of the original content (not Nights), adding a double-tap zoom view and scroll wheel for precision aiming on the device's relatively tiny screen, plus redesigned, touch-based menus -- not to mention "trophies" to keep you chasing that elusive dragon. Stay tuned for our full review of Peggle for iPhone -- just as soon as we *ahem* sober up. In the meantime, head past the break for a video preview courtesy of UGO. Update: PopCap must have grown tired of the repeated calls and hangups from users fans, as it has gone ahead and released the game a day early. (app store link)
PopCap's addons are obfuscated, Blizzard is OK with that
We've posted about both the Bejeweled and the Peggle addons here lots -- we're big fans of PopCap releasing free versions of their games for us to play in Azeroth. But all might not be well in addon land -- a few authors have come to us to point out that PopCap's addons actually contain obfuscated code in them. Obfuscation is a little hard to define -- it's a coding technique that makes code difficult to be read by other programmers, either for purposes of compression or to deliberately hide the code's function or purpose from anyone reading it. Obfuscation is strictly prohibited by Blizzard's addon policy, and so when addon authors dived into PopCap's code and found it obfuscated, they were concerned that PopCap is dodging Blizzard's rules.We spoke with PopCap about the issue, and they told us that yes, they run a program called luasrcdiet on their code to shrink it down and keep the memory footprint to a minimum. While working on their addons, they were in contact with Blizzard (and showed them the original, non-obfuscated code), and they tell us that Blizzard decided that since the purpose of the obfuscation rule in the policy was to allow the community to police their own addons for bad code (and since Blizzard trusted PopCap, there were no concerns there), then Blizzard was OK with PopCap releasing obfuscated addon code.So. Has PopCap broken the rules? In the strictest sense, yes -- the rules say no obfuscated code, and PopCap's addons do make things hard to read. But Blizzard, who wrote the rules to begin with, has no problem with making an exception for PopCap, and in doing so, their reasoning seems pretty sound. It doesn't seem fair to make an exception in any case, but we admit, if you're going to make an exception for anyone, you can't go wrong with PopCap. What do you think?
Peggle on iPhone delayed to May 12th
Bad news for those of you who've been drooling to play Peggle on the iPhone. As you may have noticed, it didn't come out in March as we were originally told. The good news is that our friends at Joystiq have gotten a new date for the addictive PopCap game's release on the App Store, and it's close. The game will be out, we're being told, on May 12th. There's no price given yet, but we're with Joystiq on this one too: it probably won't be as low at 99 cents. At $9.99, it would probably be worth it (Peggle is awesome) but pricey -- we're guessing the price will end up right around $4.99.Joystiq's been playing the game too (lucky peg-hitters), and while they are saving their full impressions for an upcoming review, they hint that the game won't disappoint. We can't wait -- even though Peggle is pretty much everywhere already, from the Mac to Xbox Live to the classic iPod and even in World of Warcraft, there's still room for a little portable Peggle in our lives.
Peggle (finally!) coming to iPhone on May 12
Although we've been sworn to secrecy about its finer points (shhh, PopCap nailed it), Joystiq can excitedly confirm that Peggle for iPhone / iPod Touch will be released onto the App Store on Tuesday, May 12. PopCap is still considering an appropriate price, but we can assume Peggle is not going to be tossed in the 99-cent free-for-all pile and will probably fit into a more "premium" price range between $5-6. Though, if any game's worth the ceiling price of $10, Peggle is (just, you know, don't actually price it that high, PopCap, cool?).Rest assured, the "delay" -- heightened by our agonizing jonesing for a Peggle fix ever since the App Store launched -- has been used to design a quality experience. This is no half-baked port. Peggle has long been likened to "crack," but let's be more accurate: It's one of those highly-addictive pharmaceutical concoctions, created by professionals in tidy laboratories and tailored through extensive QA trials. Can you tell? We're hooked.Watch out for our review of Peggle for iPhone / iPod Touch in the coming weeks.
The best of WoW Insider: April 21-28, 2009
What a week in the World of Warcraft -- we've explored even further into the mysteries of Ulduar, we saw Peggle in WoW and WoW on the iPhone, and the Easter holiday of Noblegarden has arrived (even though it is a little late thanks to Blizzard's long testing periods) in Azeroth. But even though all of this is happening at once, there's no need to fear -- Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider is here every single day with news and views about what's going on in Azeroth. Whether you're a complete noob, you left the game at level 60 (boy howdy things have changed since then), or you're currently rolling through the 80 endgame, we've got news for you. News Val'anyr stats discoveredA new legendary mace has been discovered in the game's new Ulduar instance. WoW Insider exclusive: PopCap releases Peggle for WoWInsert joke here about one addictive substance inside another. Video teases iPhone WoW clientBlizzard will likely never let it happen, but a third party says they've gotten WoW running on the iPhone. Today's in-game fixesTwo weeks later, Blizzard is still fixing a few issues from patch 3.1. The OverAchiever: Guide to Noblegarden AchievementsAlbeit a little late, Blizzard is finally celebrating their version of Easter on the live realms. Features Varian Wrynn is rightThe Alliance's latest leader really, really hates the Horde. And here's why he should. The Queue: Raid goes up, boss goes downA little Queue and A about... whatever you want to know. Loot, rationality and The Sunwell EffectA great essay about what drives us to do what we do in-game, and how Blizzard can use that. Lichborne: A Patch 3.1 talent build cookie platter for Death KnightsSo you're a DK and you have no idea what talent build to choose after 3.1. If you're OK with a cookie cutter build, boy do we have a batch for you. Eggsellent Guidance: 30 Noblegarden eggs in 15 minutesThe easiest and quickest way to collect some yolks for the latest holiday achievement.
Can adults find fun in Free Realms?
For what it's worth I'm well aware that Free Realms isn't exactly the kind of game that appeals to an adult male -- at least not to the average sort. But with its forward thinking design and near instantaneous variety of quests and missions to participate in, SOE's newest MMO should make everyone consider giving it a shot. If you're feeling more than hesitant about that statement, then I'm here just for you.You may have heard there's kart racing in this game. That fact may or may not turn you off to playing, but know this: it's all very optional, just like real life. For instance, you may not want to put a chef's hat on and cook mystery meat surprise -- and you don't have to!You can, also. If, you know, you'd like to do that.
WoW Insider Show Episode 87: Extreme Peggle fever
Another great week on our podcast last Saturday. We welcomed a brand new voice in our newest writer, Lesley Smith, as well as a familiar old one in the great Alex Ziebart, and of course Turpster and I were on hand as usual. We talked about patch 3.1.1 and a few of the hotfixes that are going out lately, the server downtime and how it compares to past patches, what the new five-man instance might be, and of course the coming of a thing called Peggle.We answered email as well -- we talked about what to do when your guild didn't have enough room in their raids, and we decided to contribute a prize to our friend Brigwyn's Child's Play auction: when his auction goes live May 1-7, you'll have a chance to bid on a guest appearance on the WoW Insider Show. Given that you have Skype installed and a free Saturday afternoon around 3:30pm (and of course that you're the highest bidder in the charity auction), you'll be able to join Turpster and I for about an hour of Warcraft discussion, along with a few other actual prizes we'll dig out of the prize closet. Stay tuned to both WoW Insider and The Hunting Lodge for more info about that.Enjoy the show, and we'll be back next week as always.Get the podcast:[iTunes] Subscribe to the WoW Insider Show directly in iTunes.[RSS] Add the WoW Insider Show to your RSS aggregator.[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.Listen here on the page:
Sunday Morning Funnies: Kiss some frogs
Today is the official start of the week-long festival of Noblegarden, and is the last Sunday in April. I can't believe that it is almost May! We have some great comics this week, as always, along with one newbie. Check out a new comic, It's a 2v2 Life. Check out the latest from Cru the Dwarf. Dark Legacy Comics shows us how to Make your own DLC! Experience Points has something to say about the new Argent Tournament, and is offering up an advertisement. The latest from Flintlocke vs the Horde has set up next week's comic to be quite thing to see. Earlier this week, WoW Insider announced the new Peggle addon for WoW, and GU comics has done up a comic about it. Check out the latest from LFG. NoObz: Powerlevelage. NPC: Questionable Judgement. I love those little cats! Check out the latest from Teh Gladiators. From The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf: Frenching Kermit.
