PunchCard
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Square lets merchants offer first visit deals, reward regulars with digital punch cards (video)
The great philosopher, Huey Lewis, once mused that it was "hip to be square." And it looks like he might have been right. The nifty geometrically-named payment widget is fast gaining popularity, no doubt thanks to its simplicity and accessibility. The system's had basic loyalty functions for a while, but now, users of its Pay with Square app can rack up loyalty points for repeat visits, or certain spend amounts. That means no more scratching around trying to find that bent up punch card, just pay up and -- literally -- reap the rewards. New customers can also now be lured in with the ability for retailers to add first visit specials. Merchants also get an upgrade, including real-time in-app analytics and the ability to give on the spot discounts. Great news, of course, though we wonder if it'll extend to a free ride home?
Preorder Monster Rancher, get a unique monster
Monster Rancher is looking more and more like a fantastic example of the way the unique features of the DS should be used. The latest word is that gamers who preorder a copy of the anniversary game Monster Rancher Jamboree will receive a punch card with a special monster encoded within, much like the cards for Spectrobes. From the look of the design, the cards are in keeping with the tablets that carry the monsters' genetic codes.Now let's just hope someone doesn't decide that this is a gold mine in the making -- if these cards were packaged and sold, things could be bad. Our bank accounts just shuddered at the mere thought. We'd much rather stick to GBA carts and holding the DS mic up to the stereo speakers. We do hope, however, that this preorder bonus makes it to US gamers, because we're all about free monsters.
First look at a Spectrobes "punch card"
This is one of the cards that comes packed in with Spectrobes. Notice the little holes for the stylus to poke through when the card is placed on the touchscreen. We must say, we like this idea better than passwords! And involving physical artifacts in gameplay makes the whole experience a little more special.Still, something is nagging at us. It's a card used to input data into a computer. How can it seem so innovative? It's basically 18th-century technology.
