Gamer

The Crazies: Not just another Tower Defense Social Game!

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

After playing all the Tower defense games, I had the basic strategy down– especially for sand box TDs. Use the cheapest towers to create the longest path and upgrade the more powerful towers in places where they are most efficient. For this reason, new games were becoming a bit repetitive.

The social media game by Merscom, The Crazies Tower Defense Game on Facebook, changed my mind completely!  It is actually challenging because you have to earn your weapons and upgrades rather than simply being handed them. That makes strategy a key to the game because you have to choose what weapons and upgrades you will purchase. You have to become an active part of the game because not only do you have to place towers, but you must also actively collect the money the dead Crazies leave behind and make sure your towers do not run out of ammunition.

Unlike all the Tower Defense games, The Crazies keep on coming even after you have logged off! So make sure you have sufficient ammunition and defenses or else your base will not be safe! This lends to a more authentic feeling because a general can’t keep watch 24-7 over his troops right? No, he provides the resources and prays that when he awakes the next morning all will be safe.

The largest part of the battle that is normally missing from typical TDs is alliances. In the Crazies TD social game, alliances are an important aspect of warfare because you can give gifts to your friends and in return receive them. The more gifts, the more likely you will last the incoming hordes of Crazies!

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Facebook game The Crazies: They Just Won’t Die

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Just another Facebook game right? 

Not this time.  The Crazies have arrived! 

When I was asked to play The Crazies, I thought “this will be just another game to pass time.  I’m already playing Mafia Wars.  I have put so much time into Mafia Wars.” 

After, a little bit of pushing I agreed.  “WOW” would be a good word to use here.  After reading the instructions and working through the tutorial, I started playing.  From level one the intensity was incredible.  It started off slow to allow you to learn the controls like any other game.  By the time you reach level two or three, you are so involved that your heart feels as if it is about to beat right out of your chest.  The Crazies are coming out of the woodwork.  The Crazies came from the left…no the right…no from top to the bottom.  With each wave of the Crazies, they become more reluctant die so the intensity and quick reaction of the player becomes electrifying.  Eyes and hands are moving from side to side trying to insert barriers and shooters to stop these Crazies, but they just keep coming at you. 

The Crazies game is nothing like any other Facebook game that I have seen.  For those who like badges and metals, you will not lose any of that.  The Crazies will post level promotions and badges that you earn so your friends can still follow your progress and maybe even join in on your fun. 

I do recommend this game, but not to anyone with a weak heart!  This game will have you jumping up and down and shouting at your computer screen by the time you reach level 3.  So, go CRAZY and ENJOY.  It’s a great game.

Ronnie Bourgeois

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Facebook and Social Gaming: ‘The Crazies’ Survival Kit

Monday, January 25th, 2010

In anticipation of the upcoming The Crazies Tower Defense game based on the movie release, I have created a Basic Survival Kit in case of a Crazies attack. Don’t get caught unprepared when those killer viruses start transmutation in a neighborhood near you!

It is a good list for other, more run of the mill-type emergencies… though not as fun as using it against the hordes of infected Crazies!

1. Bleach. Not only will a few drops purify water sources for drinking, but bleach can also offer a quick fix during a surprise attack. Simply throw some at the eyes of perpetrating Crazies to add valuable seconds in your escape!  How it burns!

2. Mini Ax. Cuts down trees for both fire and fort construction in order to protect you against the elements. Plus, it is great for slicing and dicing the Crazies. You can’t go wrong with this handy tool!

3. Emergency Crank 2-way Radio. Learn about your predicament. Call in your location. Let the military know you are not infected to avoid that tragic ’survive a zombie invasion only to get a bullet between the eyes’ ending.  Oh yeah, we have all seen that movie!

4. Gun. Hunting animals for food, keeping aggressive survivors away, the typical ’shot in the brain’ zombie-like kill. Downside: running low on ammo. Upside: your mini ax will never run out.

5. Duct tape. Handy in every-which-way possible when dire situations threaten your survival– just ask MacGyver. And though MacGyver never used it for tying up Crazies to extract some sort of antivirus, I am sure he would approve!

6. Medicine & antibacterial care. Clean your wounds and treat small conditions before they turn sour. Remember, when a member of your party is bitten by an infected friend or family member, do not try to treat them and do not ignore the impending doom! One swift blow to the head with your trusty mini ax is the only sure-fire treatment for any possibly contaminated party members.

7. Gasoline. For many uses– from driving to safety and fueling your fire to cook to thoroughly toasting Infected remains for disposal. Better safe than sorry: shoot between the eyes, remove the head and burn. No coming back from that. Just don’t forget the matches!

Check out our Twitter account @TheCraziesTD and Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crazies-Tower-Defense/199121078443 for more helpful advice when the going gets tough, and the neighborhood gets Crazy!

Gwendolyn Borgen

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The Return to the Social Roots of Gaming

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Way back when, gaming was simple. The graphics basic, limited by the technology of the age; therefore, the game play and goals were basic. All you had to do was play to get to the next level (even though all levels were basically the same in design/story) and play to achieve the highest score such as in Space Invaders. Gaming was a social event, being mainly played out in arcades in the accompaniment of your peers, where competition through high scores was key motivational factor to keep on playing.

The next incarnation was gaming consoles and games with more complex stories.  The first I remember playing was Mario. The reasons why you played changed– you would play for the story and the main goals were no longer to rise in rank or to get the high score to impress your friends. You played to be a part of the environment, to explore different levels, and to be a part of the story as it unfolds. Gaming moved away from its social roots in the arcade to a more personal, home venture.

Jump ahead a few decades.

The advent of online gaming is claiming the time of committed gamers now. Call of Duty is one of the main games.  The goals of the gamer have changed again. No longer do people play to get new levels nor for the story, but the goals mirror their arcade roots.  The goal of the social gamer is to gain stats and play against friends to achieve the high score all from the comfort of your home.

Now, the social gaming consoles are limited to those who own them; however, with social games online, such as those on Facebook, the need for gaming is now met.  It is no longer along the lines we once played such as Final Fantasy.  It is back to the basics: simple levels, basic graphics, and the goal of social competition to keep you coming back.

Do high scores, ranking, and social recognition outweigh the story or the actual complexity of game play? I for one love a great game with epic stories that challenges you, but I can understand the even more addictive nature of surpassing your peers in  competition. It is what makes you come back, even when the dynamics of the game is as repetitive as sowing crops.

Gwendolyn Borgen

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Gamer Review: Tower Defense Games for the iPhone

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

I have seen many lists reviewing Tower defense Games for the iTouch and iPhone, but none of them comprehensive enough to truly paint a picture of what is out there and what is worth it.

So here it is…not just three or so TD games reviewed, but a whole pile of them (in no order whatsoever). There are some more TDs that I do not own and therefore have not reviewed, such as Dungeon Defense, Tridefense, Staunch Defense, A Bugs Defense, Garden War, Hexagram, Critter Wars, Towers in Space, Besiegement,but they did not stand out too much graphic/review wise for me to invest.

Gameplay-wise: I cannot judge since I have not played them yet.

On a side note: I bought all these games (except for those that the lite version fell short) for 99 cents to $1.99. It took patience, luck, and an App Sniper or App Miner, which I highly recommend.

Final tip: if you type in “Tower Defense” in the app store be prepared to get back results that are not TD games (such as Castle Defense games and apps such as Trenches); however, this is a good way to search for new TDs and how I came across most of the below.

1. Geodefense & GeoSwarm
Current Price: 1.99 each
Lite Version: Yes
I will lump these two together for they are basically the same besides one key difference: Geodefense is the traditional TD and GeoSwarm is in sandbox mode. These are two of my favorite TDs due to the retro graphics– and when I say retro, please throw out any basic meanings of the word. It is truly a beautiful gameplay. I enjoy the music too on this one, and is one of the few games I actually like to play with the sound on.  The best bit of news: very challenging, which is a plus to any experienced TDer!

2. Ninja TD
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Overlooked in my book, because I hardly hear anything about this TD Game yet it is my favorite TD next to geoDefense. Nice Graphics, varying levels with different strategies needed for each, and my favorite aspect: the more active part of the gamer. You cannot just build the towers, you also are responsible for contributing to your base’s defense by casting ‘magic spells’ (whether it is spells to lightning zap the creeps, expose cloaked creeps, to make more money, or several more options). Another challenging game dependent on strategy, especially when you increase to the higher levels- Ninja TD is a must have game!

3. The Creeps!
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: No
The second Tower Defense game I ever played, and thereby deserving a spot near the top. This game is good to an introduction to TD games in my opinion– it is easy and pretty basic but fun and well animated. It has a cute storyline: defend a sleeping boy from his nightmares with use of glue, flashlights, etc. Also, for those into Pocket God– it does do some crossover.

4. Warp Defense
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: No
Another retro TD game, but it is a very different feel from GeoDefense (which is good, otherwise why get both?). I would recommend this game because it is visually appealing and a good price– however in the reviews there were some complaints of crashing but I have yet to encounter a bug.

5. ElementalMonster TD
Current Price: 3.99
Lite Version: No
This is the first TD I tried where the game allowed you to choose which selection of towers you wish to bring to each game, therefore allowing you to strategize even before the game starts. You earn different ‘cards’ that have monsters/etc on them that you can use as ‘towers’ for battle. Also, unlike many TD games where you build stagnate towers, you place monsters/knights/etc that will actively fight. Great game, recommended especially to those who enjoy card type games, but on a sidenote: it may say monsters but has all types of creatures from mythological ones to knights to large animals so at times it feels all over the place. Also- a downer: do not upgrade your tower too much or it may just disappear! The ratings in the app store are lower than they should be– many people gave it less stars due to an update that included advertisements. However. the developers (thank goodness) did away with the in game ads.

6. FieldRunners
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: No
An open sandbox type gameplay. Very easy when you understand the strategy of sandbox play, but enjoyable. The only downer is it seems limited map wise and has little replay value imo. There is a new update where you can buy new maps for .99 each. I was wondering why this previously rated 5 star app was now only 3.5 stars but can understand why. These new maps should be free imo for the game to be worth 2.99 (and I know many users paid more than that for this game).

7. Comets and Craters
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Build Towers and collect resources type game. Some of the ‘towers’ you can build in the creeps path which is cool, however there are not enough maps especially for the price.

8. Dictator Defense
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
A Plants versus Zombies type game play (which is actually soon coming out for iPhone!), but until it gets here Dictator defense may satisfy those who enjoy this type of TD gameplay. I only have played the lite version: from what I can tell from that limited view, it is easy but fun and different from the usual TD setup. Also has a fun game play, but not for those who are politically sensitive. They should probably bring down the price to make it a good game to buy though.

9. Vector TD
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: Yes
Again, only played the lite version. A retro type feel, but graphically less than both geoDefense and Warp defense. I would say pass, unless it comes down in price and you truly love TDs.

10. Defender Chronicles
Current Price: 4.99
Lite Version: Yes
This brings a different feel to the traditional TD, in that you are not looking down at the map in a bird eye view, but instead you view it perpendicular to the horizon. I have to say, I bought this excited about it– but have yet to get into it. I guess I am too biased toward the bird eye view, however for those who love trying something different and do not mind the high price, I would recommend this game. I know the reviews for this game are awesome, I might go back and give it another try.

11. 7 Cities
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: No
Build towers to protect the waterways of your base. Fight against ships and sea monsters… fun, straightforward. However it is short for the price.

12. Zombies Attack! & Zombie Attack: Second Wave
Current Price: 1.99 / 3.99
Lite Version: Yes / Yes
Zombies are attacking your shack, and you are responsible to run around and setup weapons on your property. You do not just touch the area where you want the weapon, but move the guy in order to set it up. Sandbox feel, 3d graphics, but I do not really enjoy the gameplay since it gets frustrating trying to move the guy around to place weapons– however it is a new take on traditional TD gameplay– I give it that. Another con is their is only one map. I have not tried Number II of this game (Zombie Attack: Second Wave 3.99) but will soon considering they just put out a Lite version (Zombie Attack! Bridge Defense).

13. Retro defense
Current Price: 3.99
Lite Version: Yes
First TD I have ever played, though I have only played the lite. I love the retro feel, as you can tell from my previous reviews– however it is filled with bugs. Until they fix the bugs (which I do not think they are going to do) I would recommend you stay away from this one. Also, it is a high price and I have had it in my Sniper for over a year without any price drops.

14. Moonlight Minions
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: Yes
Interesting graphics- for some reason it reminds me of deep water sea life. Your towers are what seems to be coral, and the creeps are glowing monsters. This game has yet to capture my interest to keep going back and playing it. Normally when I get a game, I play it like mad for the first day until I beat it– but this has not has that effect. It just does not add any new dimension to gameplay that I have not already had. However, if you yearn for some basic TD gameplay with new pretty cool graphics and at .99, this one is for you– the only true negative I have seen so far is it has some bugs.

15. Star Defense
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: Yes
This game stands out because it is not a one dimensional field that you are placing the towers on. Instead, it is a planet– and as a planet it is round. You spin the planet to decide where to place the towers in this 3 dimensional game (traditional/not sandbox). There is also an online challenge system with leadership boards for those who enjoy playing with others. For .99 this is a must have.

16. Navy Patrol Coastal
Current Price: 4.99
Lite Version: Yes
Great water graphics, relaxing in the way that you can touch and interact with the water. Gameplay is the basic sandbox with fighting against airplanes and ships… Have not bought the full version because it is expensive and the lite version did not impress me that much to spend 4.99. Maybe the full version is better than the lite? The reviews are certainly high enough by others.

17. TowerMadness
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Protect the sheep from aliens who want to turn them into scarves. Fun storyline, and it stands out from other TD’s with its 3D graphics and ability to view the action both in bird eye view and ground level. Sandbox mode. I have not bought the full version because I still think it is too expensive for what it is. Also, I wish the weapons were fun as well (they are just the typical gun type). For such a fun storyline, it should have fun weapons imo.

18. Tap Defense
Current Price:  Free
Free- so give it a try. Standard TD gameplay in a scenario typical of medieval war.

19. Magical Tower Defense
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
I have only tried the lite version, from what I hear though via reviews the full version is too short. This game is a typical TD, nothing special to it. Your towers are magical beings… I still do not know what each’s strengths are though. I often like straightforward tower strengths (i.e. it does not take a genius to figure out the glue in the Creeps is going to slow the enemy). Sometimes it is fun to guess what does what, but most of the time I like to know going in.

20. INKoming!
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: Yes
Interesting concept (ink/paper)– however one huge drawback: you cannot decide where to place the towers. You must place your ‘ink’ towers in predetermined locations. So because of this, Tower Defense enthusiasts may hate the constraints, but those unfamiliar with TD games may like it. Because of this, I have not bought the full version, however if it ever does go down in price I may try it out.

21. Sentinel & Sentinel 2
Current Price: .99 / 2.99
Lite Version: No
Aliens attacking a base, collecting resources, typical TD… I only have Sentinel 1 and I liked it. However, nothing special, very short, needs more maps.

22. League of Legends
Current Price: Free
Again, free, so try it out. Typical sandbox TD game style. Simple, easy, simple in gameplay to Fieldrunners but with more of a fantasy twist in the storyline.

23. Paper War Tower Defense
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: No
One TD I cannot review since I have not played it yet. It looks very good, but without reviews and at 1.99 I will save my money until a lite version/price drop happens. However, I am looking forward to when I can try this one out because the screen shots look cool. I am hoping it adds another dimension to gameplay than the typical TD, but will have to wait to see for that.

Next week: Top Ten Must have Games for the iPhone. If I can keep it limited to ten!
Gwen Borgen

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A Casual Gamer is Born

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Recently, I was asked the question do I enjoy playing casual games.  To me, casual games are games that are high impact, risk taking and have a lot of things blowing up.  So needless to say I was very skeptical when asked to play the hour version of The City of Z and to tell my story.  Granted the game does not have anything exploding, shaking or loud music to grab your attention, but it does intrigue the mind.  The City of Z makes you use your senses to locate objects that are hidden in plain site but are not so plain when having to find the objects.  Some objects are harder to see than others and that is what makes the game intriguing. 

Throughout The City of Z, you are keeping certain objects that you find to help with you trip through the jungle.  You also maintain a diary of your events and take pictures of exciting creatures that you encounter throughout your adventure. 

I continually found myself being sucked into thought process of finding the objects and completing each adventure of the trip through the jungle.  By the end of the hour I found myself completely absorbed with finding the next object and moving through to the next level.  If you like Sudoku or crossword puzzles, then you will love the Lost City of Z because it is finding the clues with adventure mixed in.

Caron Davis

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