Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zuma Blitz now launching multicolored marbles at Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/#comments PopCap shouldn't be allowed to do this, right? There should be some kind of legislation protecting our poor, non-gaming relations from the casual game developer's insidiously addictive creations -- sadly, no such law exists. In its absence, PopCap was recently able to put Zuma Blitz on Facebook. With its weekly tournament ladders, player progression system, unlockable power-ups and all manner of social networking features, it will almost certainly bring the lives of many a Facebook gamer to a grinding, sudden halt.

No kidding, guys -- we stopped in the middle of writing this post to see how well the marble-matching title translated over to Facebook, and an hour of our life was siphoned into the ether in what seemed like seconds. We ask that if you're going to Zuma, you take precautions to Zuma responsibly.

JoystiqZuma Blitz now launching multicolored marbles at Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfacebookpcpopcapzumazuma-blitzWed, 15 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/#comments Casual cost-cutting news now as this week's Xbox Live deals are now live. Through Sunday, Gold members can grab Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Zuma, Tetris Splash and Feeding Frenzy 2 for half-off their usual prices.

Continue reading Xbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweled-2bejweled-2deal-of-the-weekfeeding-frenzy-2microsoftpopcapPopCap-Gamestetris-splashuno-rushxblmxboxxbox-live-deal-of-the-weekzumaMon, 13 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/#comments PopCap Games and Taito announced a partnership this morning that would oversee the launch of a new "dedicated mobile social game service" in Japan. The service is named, appropriately enough, Pop Tower. The service will add an "all-new metagame with RPG elements" to several of PopCap's titles (Bejeweled, Chuzzle, and Zuma were all named), unifying multiple PopCap properties under one persistent leveling system.

Beyond unnamed new modes being added and the RPG metagame, additional "social elements" will give players the opportunity to communicate with friends. As we've come to expect with most games moved from the Western market to the East, microtransactions will play a major role in the monetization of Pop Tower's titles, allowing for the purchase of "in-game virtual goods and premium service options." And hey, if that means we can play as Björn the Unicorn across multiple PopCap titles and persistently level him up, consider us sold.

JoystiqPopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweledchuzzlejapanmacmicrotransactionsmobilepcpop-towerpopcappopcap-gamessquare-enixtaitozumaThu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot on the heels of PopCap stating that social features would be added to all its existing games, the company has announced Zuma Blitz for Facebook. Zuma Blitz is "expected to roll out gradually" in three weeks with a beta. The company will update the app with weekly tournaments, new levels, an 'experience points' system to unlock features and "a 'treasure chest' virtual currency-based system for obtaining in-game power-ups."

Zuma Blitz is PopCap's second "full-fledged" Facebook game. The casual e-crack developer previously released Bejeweled Blitz, which, according to PopCap, has had nearly 30 million players and 100 million sessions daily since being introduced 18 months ago.

JoystiqPopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CasualFacebookPopCapPopCap-GamesPuzzleZumazuma-blitzThu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap offering 75 percent off Zuma for yo' mama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/#comments Out of observance for this most matronly of holidays, PopCap has reduced the price of its Aztec themed casual puzzler Zuma by 75 percent. Until May 12, you (or your female progenitor) can pick up the PC or Mac version of Zuma for just $4.95 on PopCap's official site. If you ask us, it makes for a much better Mother's Day present than assorted chocolates. Or store-bought flowers. Or bath salts. Or the three-disc Blu-ray Extreme Unrated Edition of Fried Green Tomatoes.

JoystiqPopCap offering 75 percent off Zuma for yo' mama originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualmothermothers-daypopcappuzzlesalezumaSun, 09 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft takes both PopCap Arcade collections to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/#comments Microsoft recently turned its eyes to the east and decided, you know what, the good people of Japan look like they have way too much free time on their hands. Its solution for their overabundance of recreational opportunities was one we've become very familiar with over the past few years: The company will bring both volumes of the PopCap Arcade collection for Xbox 360 over to Japan in a single bundle, retailing for 3,990 yen ($43).

This one, malevolent disc contains within its circular borders a cornucopia of time-devouring casual classics: Bejeweled 2, Zuma, Feeding Frenzy, Astropop, Heavy Weapon, Feeding Frenzy 2, and Peggle. By our estimation, Japan should get back to being productive sometime in the middle of 2014.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMicrosoft takes both PopCap Arcade collections to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astropopbejeweled-2casualfeeding-frenzyfeeding-frenzy-2heavy-weaponjapanmicrosoftpegglePeggle-XBLApopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzlexblaXbox-360zumaTue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A whole bunch of PopCap games offered at half-price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/#comments You've probably got plenty of games from the present-receiving ceremony of your holiday of choice -- unfortunately, they're all about to get brutally neglected. Casual gaming juggernaut PopCap is offering 15 of its games for half-price; for most of these titles, that knocks the cost down to $9.95. Sadly, there won't be any opportunities to sink time into that still-fresh copy of Dragon Age: Origins once Peggle Nights snaps its colorful, unrelenting jaws down onto you.

JoystiqA whole bunch of PopCap games offered at half-price originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebookwormcasualiPadiPodpeggleplants-vs-zombiespopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzlesalezumaSun, 27 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap reveals Zuma's Revenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/popcap-reveals-zumas-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/popcap-reveals-zumas-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/popcap-reveals-zumas-revenge/#comments
When we heard from MTV that PopCap was releasing a PC game called Zuma's Revenge on September 15th, we, of course, assumed it was the casual, interactive retelling of South African president Jacob Zuma's election in 2009 after he served as deputy president until 2005. You can imagine our disappointment to learn that it's actually a game about a frog that shoots colorful clay balls out of its mouth.

There's a long list of PopCap games we'd love to see in sequel form -- yes, Plants vs. Zombies is at the top, but it's not the only one. 2003's Zuma may not necessarily be high on that list, but we suspect fans have already waited long enough.

JoystiqPopCap reveals Zuma's Revenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casual-gamespopcapzumazumas-revengeTue, 18 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zuma coming to PlayStation Store today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/zuma-coming-to-playstation-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/zuma-coming-to-playstation-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/zuma-coming-to-playstation-store-today/#comments
More PopCap-flavored casual goodness is coming to the PlayStation Store. Zuma has players shooting brightly colored balls from a stone frog idol in order to match three or more of the same color and clear a deadly chain of spheres. The PS3 version includes full 1080p visuals, Trophy support, and offers Remote Play for use on PSP. The game will be available on the PlayStation Store later today for $9.99.

JoystiqZuma coming to PlayStation Store today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>popcappsnremote-playzumaThu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: Zuma]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/trophies-zuma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/trophies-zuma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/trophies-zuma/#comments
Zuma is another casual game from PopCap Games. The objective is to eliminate all of the balls rolling around the screen along a given path, before the player meets an evil skull.

View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal

Continue reading Trophies: Zuma

JoystiqTrophies: Zuma originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>trophiestrophyzumaWed, 18 Feb 2009 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap bringing Bejeweled 2, Peggle, and more to PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/popcap-bringing-bejewled-2-peggle-and-more-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/popcap-bringing-bejewled-2-peggle-and-more-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/popcap-bringing-bejewled-2-peggle-and-more-to-psn/#comments
While Xbox Live Arcade enthusiasts have been enjoying some of these titles for a while now, PopCap has finally hopped on the PSN bandwagon to bring select titles to Sony's network through a partnership with Sony Online Entertainment. Bejeweled 2, Zuma, Heavy Weapon, Peggle, and Feeding Frenzy will all be coming to the PlayStation Network. But hey, even though PSN users are late to the party, at least getting some of those Trophies won't be incredibly impossible, especially in the case of Bejeweled 2.

Bejeweled 2 will be available today on the PlayStation Store for $9.99 (plus applicable taxes). The rest will follow "soon thereafter," so keep an eye on Joystiq to find out exactly when.

Gallery: Bejeweled 2 (PSN)

JoystiqPopCap bringing Bejeweled 2, Peggle, and more to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-2feeding-frenzyheavy-weaponpeggleplaystation-networkpopcappopcap-gamespsnzumaThu, 29 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free XBLA game ... if you follow the rules ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/free-xbla-game-if-you-follow-the-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/free-xbla-game-if-you-follow-the-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/free-xbla-game-if-you-follow-the-rules/#commentsFiled under:

Itching for a gratis Xbox Live Arcade game? Microsoft is offering one of five titles for free, but you have to follow these four steps:
  1. Live in the UK.
  2. Sign up for 12 months of Xbox Live Gold between now and January 5. It must be done directly through Xbox Live, meaning you can't use that prepaid card your mom or significant other bought you as a gift.
  3. Decide what game you want free: Zuma, Marble Blast, Sonic the Hedgehog, Assault Heroes or 3D Ultra Minigolf. Do this step in your head.
  4. Download a gamer pic or theme related to the game. Only the first one counts, so make sure you didn't skip Step 3 before downloading a picture of a putter when you're hoping to nab Sonic.
See, folks? Even with digital distribution, TINSTAAFL applies: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Of course, if you were needing to upgrade or renew your subscription anyways, you might as well get something extra out of it.

Update: Sorry, one more caveat folks -- it's UK only.

[Thanks, Richard]

JoystiqFree XBLA game ... if you follow the rules originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-ultra-minigolfassault-heroesmarble-blast-ultraXbox-360zumaTue, 23 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap bringing Heavy Weapon, Zuma to PS2 on a single disc]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/popcap-bringing-heavy-weapon-zuma-to-ps2-on-a-single-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/popcap-bringing-heavy-weapon-zuma-to-ps2-on-a-single-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/popcap-bringing-heavy-weapon-zuma-to-ps2-on-a-single-disc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The move from free internet diversion to retail is a daunting leap, yet PopCap has decided to swing across the chasm one more time, announcing a follow-up to last year's PopCap Hits for the PlayStation 2. While 2007's release included a pair of puzzlers in Bejeweled 2 and AstroPop, the sequel, planned for release sometime in June, will change things up a bit, partnering Zuma with the whimsical action sidescroller Heavy Weapon on a single disc.

And if that doesn't churn your butter, PopCap has promised a handful of lukewarm extras, chiefly in the form of development histories and tips, meaning the colorblind among us can rest easy knowing that we won't be burning up the phone bill calling the hint line for tips on how to master Zuma's ever-elusive chains. Still, it's impossible to get too worked up about this release, especially given the $19.95 asking price for what we can try -- and get our fill of -- for free through the magic of the world wide web.

JoystiqPopCap bringing Heavy Weapon, Zuma to PS2 on a single disc originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualheavy-weaponheavyweaponpopcappopcap-hitspopcaphitsPS2zumaMon, 10 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberball, Fatal Fury on XBLA next week, limited price drops this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

special
Eager to ditch the office for the last rays of summer sun, Microsoft has let loose word of next week's Xbox Live Arcade update a bit early. Ready for this...? A pair of Silver Age arcade ports:
  • Cyberball 2072 (400 points): X3F calls it "football for nerds" where today's deficiencies are replaced with robots and the pigskin explodes. 2072 is the 1989 update to the original Atari game and is better known as Tournament Cyberball, which still captivates competitive circles of, um, nerds.
  • Fatal Fury Special (400 points): Fatal Fury 2 with bells and whistles, namely some old fighters and playable bosses. As Garou Densetsu Special, the game became a huge hit in Japan for successfully transplanting Ryo Sakazaki (from sister franchise Art of Fighting) as a hidden character, laying the seed for SNK's The King of Fighters series. Nearly 15 years later, perhaps the innovation is lost on us.
And for those in search of an alternative to the weekend's poolside barbecue, Microsoft has also announced a Labor Day XBLA sale, dropping Zuma and Small Arms from to 800 to 400 Microsoft Points, and Dig Dug and Gauntlet from 400 to 200 points. The sale begins at 5:00 PM PT on Saturday, Sept. 1st, and ends at 4:59 PM PT on Monday, Sept. 3rd. Nothing like half-priced underperformers, eh?

JoystiqCyberball, Fatal Fury on XBLA next week, limited price drops this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cyberball2072DigDugFatalFurySpecialGauntletSmallArmsxblaXBLA-WednesdayXBLAWednesdayXbox-360ZumaThu, 30 Aug 2007 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[EB-Gamestop launches download service, "largely garbage" declares 1UP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/eb-gamestop-launches-download-service-largely-garbage-declare/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/eb-gamestop-launches-download-service-largely-garbage-declare/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/eb-gamestop-launches-download-service-largely-garbage-declare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gamestop Download ServiceEB Games and Gamestop have launched a download service, staking claim in the growing industry trend to distribute content digitally. If you're familiar with the conglomerate retailer's websites, the setup is straightforward, giving browsers near-instant access to over 1,000 PC titles; though it's a collection that has been criticized by 1UP as being "largely garbage."

We're also concerned about prices. The games range from $9.99 to $49.99, but, for example, Texas Hold 'Em and Zuma, which are featured on the Gamestop (pictured) and EB pages, both retail for $19.99, whereas XBLA versions of the same games retail for just $10. Still, as 1UP points out, there are a few gems to be unearthed from the trash heap (e.g., 1942, Civilization III, Deus Ex, & Heroes of Might and Magic). Unfortunately, the sites lack a satisfying interface for sorting out these favorites from the rubbish.

Looks like an act of desperation to us. This service needs a makeover and more reasons for us to check it out. Anyone cashed in on a game yet? How are the download speeds?

[Via 1UP]

Shop - Gamestop
Shop - EB Games

JoystiqEB-Gamestop launches download service, "largely garbage" declares 1UP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloaddownload serviceDownloadServiceEBEB GamesEbGamesElectronics BoutiqueElectronicsBoutiqueGamestopPCTexas Hold \'EmTexasHold\'emXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveArcadeZumaTue, 10 Oct 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Casual players act hardcore, win loot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/casual-players-act-hardcore-win-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/casual-players-act-hardcore-win-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/casual-players-act-hardcore-win-loot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Something's perverse about the idea of a casual games tournament, but that's exactly what happened when 71 gamers who don't speak a word of l337 gathered to compete in Bejeweled 2, Solitaire and Zuma.

We're having trouble imagining a LAN party without overwhelming BO, shouts of "pwnt!" and at least one Y chromosome for every X, but that's what Fun Technologies claims happened this past weekend in Hollywood, CA.

To be serious for just a second: casual games tournaments are nothing new. Scrabble, Chess, Poker and Bridge tournies have been around for many years (in some cases, hundreds of 'em). This may well be the biggest prize awarded in a software-based casual game tournament, though.

Professional FPS players the world over can now rest easy. When ya'll are too old and slow for FPS competitions, you won't need to start endorsing Mueslix and Viagra. Instead, prolong your glory days on the casual gaming circuit.

[In the image: champion Kavitha Yalavarthi, with her winnings and her fiance.]

JoystiqCasual players act hardcore, win loot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejewledcasual gamesCasualGamesfatal1tyjonathan wendelmsnPCpopcapPopCap-Gamesprofessional gamingrealarcadezumaMon, 11 Sep 2006 01:01:00 EST