by Stone Marshall | Jan 14, 2016 | Minecraft News |
There’s an old saying about a sucker being born every minute. If you need proof, you only have to look as far as the App Store, where Minecraft Pocket Edition 2 recently stormed into the top 5.
What’s that, you say? You don’t remember hearing anything from Mojang or Microsoft about an all-new mobile Minecraft game being released? That’s because they didn’t release one. No, Minecraft Pocket Edition 2 was just another scammy app uploaded to the app store by someone looking to make a quick buck, and $10.99 less Apple’s cut, it probably wound up being quite a few quick bucks. Lots of times apps with scam-riffic names get bounced at the door. Sometimes they get discovered shortly after being approved and are unceremoniously yanked.
Minecraft Pocket Edition 2 managed to stick around in the App Store for several weeks — long enough to fool enough Minecraft-crazed iOS users into installing it that it climbed all the way up Apple’s charts to the number four spot. Apparently someone finally clued in to the fact that PE2 wasn’t an official release.
The app’s name wasn’t the only clue it was bogus. The developer’s name was also pretty suspicious: Scott Cawthorn. It’s only one letter away from being Scott Cawthon, who is far too busy printing money with his Five Nights at Freddy’s games (and donating to charities) to bother building a Minecraft ripoff. Still, you put the right name on an app and slap a familiar-looking dev on it and you’re going to fill your trap pretty fast.
Eurogamer figures they know the real name of the guy behind PE2. Ironically enough, they found his name — Viktor Todorov — on the game’s copyright screen.
Minecraft ripoff skyrocketed into the App Store’s top 5
by Stone Marshall | Jan 13, 2016 | Minecraft News |
Top 10 free and paid game apps for the iPhone and iPad in Canada for Jan. 4-10.
Top Paid iPhone Game Apps
1. Minecraft: Pocket Edition (Mojang)
2. Geometry Dash (RobTop Games AB)
3. Heads Up! (Warner Bros.)
4. Plague Inc. (Ndemic Creations)
5. Minecraft: Story Mode (Telltale Inc.)
6. Cut the Rope: Magic (ZeptoLab UK Ltd.)
7. Bloons TD 5 (Ninja Kiwi)
8. The Game of Life Classic Edition (Electronic Arts)
9. Terraria (505 Games (US), Inc.)
10. True Skate (True Axis)
Top Free iPhone Game Apps
1. Clash Royale (Supercell)
2. Geometry Dash Meltdown (RobTop Games AB)
3. Color Switch (Samuel Ratumaitavuki)
4. Candy Crush Jelly Saga (King.com Ltd.)
5. Piano Tiles 2 (Don’t Tap The White Tile 2) (Cheetah Technology Corp. Ltd.)
6. Traffic Rider (Soner Kara)
7. Mobile Strike (Epic War LLC)
8. Swing (Ketchapp)
9. Surfingers (Digital Melody Games Kitajewski I Stalewski Spolka Jawna)
10. Solitaire (Harpan LLC)
Top Paid iPad Game Apps
1. Minecraft: Pocket Edition (Mojang)
2. Geometry Dash (RobTop Games AB)
3. Minecraft: Story Mode (Telltale Inc.)
4. Escapists – Back in Prison: Survival Hunter Mini Block Game with Multiplayer (Noah Mason)
5. Cut the Rope: Magic (ZeptoLab UK Ltd.)
6. Terraria (505 Games (US) Inc.)
7. Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 (Hitcents.com, Inc.)
8. Heads Up! (Warner Bros.)
9. Bloons TD 5 HD (Ninja Kiwi)
10. Plague Inc. (Ndemic Creations)
Top Free iPad Game Apps
1. Clash Royale (Supercell)
2. Candy Crush Jelly Saga (King.com Ltd.)
3. Geometry Dash Meltdown (RobTop Games AB)
4. LEGO Nexo Knights: Merlok 2.0 (LEGO Systems Inc.)
5. World Chef (Social Point)
6. Piano Tiles 2 (Don’t Tap The White Tile 2) (Cheetah Technology Corp. Ltd.)
7. Subway Surfers (Kiloo)
8. Sky Burger (NimbleBit LLC)
9. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes (Electronic Arts)
10. Solitaire (Zentertain Ltd.)
Top Paid TV Game Apps
1. Galaxy on Fire: Manticore Rising (FISHLABS)
2. Beat Sports (Harmonix Games LLC)
3. Golf Pro 2016 (Inlovewith AB)
4. Does not Commute TV (Mediocre AB)
5. Riptide GP2 (Vector Unit)
6. Battle Supremacy: Evolution (Atypical Games)
7. Oceanhorn (FDG Mobile Games GbR)
8. Snowboard Party 2 (Ratrod Studio)
9. Alto’s Adventure (Snowman)
10. Dumb Ways to Die: Wire Walk (Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd.)
Top Free TV Game Apps
1. Just Dance Now (Ubisoft)
2. PAC-MAN 256 – Endless Arcade Maze (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe)
3. GT Spirit (Eden Games Mobile)
4. Crossy Road – Endless Arcade Hopper (Hipster Whale)
5. Strike! Ten Pin Bowling (Touch Mechanics)
6. Despicable Me: Minion Rush (Gameloft)
7. Asphalt 8: Airborne (Gameloft)
8. Rayman Adventures (Ubisoft)
9. Beach Buggy Racing (Vector Unit)
10. Jetpack Joyride (Halfbrick Studios)
These game apps are available from the App Store on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or atwww.itunes.ca/appstore.
The Canadian Press
‘Minecraft: Pocket Edition’ top paid iPhone game app in Canada
by Stone Marshall | Jan 13, 2016 | Minecraft News |
If your kid has been swept up in the “Minecraft” craze, you’ve probably come to realize that resistance is futile. It isn’t only the game itself that kids obsess over. There are Minecraft YouTube videos, “Minecraft”-like games, and lots more.
Here’s the know-how you need to engage with your kid on one of the coolest games out there.
A GUIDE TO THE “MINECRAFT” GAMES BY AGE
One of the best-selling, independently developed and published video games, Minecraft immerses kids in creative thinking, geometry, and even a little geology as they build imaginative block structures. Here’s the scoop on the games that make up “Minecraft’s” offerings:
_’Minecraft,’ age 8; platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows, Xbox 360
“Minecraft” is an open-ended, exploration- and creation-focused environment. Players can create items and buildings from scratch using materials they harvest from the world around them. Given carte blanche to sculpt virtually any creation of their choice in this 3-D space, kids can try tons of possibilities while working toward simple objectives. An option to work with others on larger building projects can help kids develop collaboration skills.
_’Minecraft-Pocket Edition,’ age 8; devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
“Minecraft-Pocket Edition” is a mobile version of the popular PC game. Players can build essentially anything in this game, so long as they’re able to mine the appropriate resources.
‘Minecraft: Story Mode,’ age 10; platforms: Mac, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iPhone
Though part of the fun of “Minecraft” is creating the story as you go along, “Story Mode” offers a storyline, characters, and plot for kids who prefer a narrative. This game offers positive messages about teamwork and diplomacy, and its learning curve isn’t as steep as the original.
‘MINECRAFT’ ON YOUTUBE
Since Minecraft is a game that spans many ages – and has infinite possibilities – not all YouTube videos will be appropriate for your kid. Here’s one of our faves for young players.
‘Wonder Quest’ (for age 6+)
This YouTube program is inspired by “Minecraft,” and its central character hails from creator Joseph Garrett’s other Internet hit, Stampylonghead. The videos do an excellent job blending comedy, adventure, and quality educational content under the premise of its heroes’ efforts to thwart a villain’s plan and return a collection of gems to their town. There are even social lessons that promote cooperation, kindness, and perseverance.
GAMES LIKE ‘MINECRAFT’
Because of its complexity, mild violence, and online community, we recommend “Minecraft” for kids age 8 and up. So what if your younger kids want to play but aren’t quite ready? These games can occupy them with a very similar style, without some of the tougher stuff.
‘Blox, 3D Junior,’ age 5
With a style similar to “Lego” and “Minecraft,” this app’s 3-D creation environment empowers kids to create, encourages visual acuity, and fosters critical thinking.
‘The Robot Factory,’ by Tinybop, age 6
This exploratory app for early elementary school-age kids is tailor-made for players who love to create, design, and experience free play.
‘Toca Builders,’ age 6
“Toca Builders” offers sandbox-style play where kids can create worlds. It’s easier to pick up and play than Minecraft, and there’s no fighting or monsters.
“Hovercraft – Build Fly, Retry,” age 7
Kids can learn about physics and problem solving as they design, test, and rebuild a hovercraft.
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
Everything you need to know about ‘Minecraft’; a guide for all ages
by Stone Marshall | Jan 12, 2016 | Minecraft News |
Admittedly it looks and moves more like a worm (it’s even partly made ofslime blocks), but hey, it’s underwater and it keeps you dry. A bit proof of concept-y, but it’s a Minecraft submarine.
Designed by Minecrafter Alex_you, the sub is constructed out of slime andredstone blocks and glass, with glowstone for lighting and pistons that actually move the cabin forward. The start/stop mechanism is operated by way of flint & tinder, as the video shows:
Looks like a bumpy ride. Still, some engineering. If you wanna give it a try yourself, a download link to the map with the submarine in it can be found here, in the video description.
Dayshot is an image-based feature that runs every morning, showcasing some of the prettiest, funniest game-related screenshots and art we can find. Send us suggestions if you’ve got them.
Today’s Feat of Minecraft Engineering: A Working Submarine
by Stone Marshall | Jan 8, 2016 | Minecraft News |
It’s nearly Rift time! This is the year that Virtual Reality becomes the next big thing in videogames or at least embarrasses itself while trying to, like your drunk uncle trying to dance to Las Ketchup’s Asereje at your sister’s wedding reception.
Depending on who you talk to, Virtual Reality is wither the thing that’ll make games genuinely exciting again, or the most expensive video gaming gimmick, one that’s destined for catastrophic failure.
The very necessary head-mounted displays that’ll drive Virtual Reality are coming soon. Though HTC’s Vive was delayed to April, and PlayStation VR (along with its Wii-sized external processor) is expected at around the same time, we still have no idea when the frontrunner and progenitor of the current craze, Oculus’ Rift is out. Nor, critically, do we know what it’ll cost. For some though, it’ll cost nothing.
In one of the most generous bits of technological good will, Oculus has said that those who bought in to the original Rift Development Kit, backing it on Kickstarter in the early days, will be given a special Kickstarter Edition consumer headset for no extra cost. Like the standard consumer one, it’ll come bundled with two games; Lucky’s Tale and EVE: Valkyrie.
The caveat here though, is that you’ll have to reside in one of the twenty launch countries for the headset. As we in South Africa are so used to technological disappointment, it should come as no surprise then that we’re not one of those countries.
These are:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.
“For those who don’t live in one of those 20 countries, we’re working on an alternative,” Oculus says – so you may yet be in luck.
Pre-orders for the Rift go live later today in those territories. We have no idea what it’ll cost or when it’ll ship.
According to the chaps at Superdata, the market for VR this year could reach $5.1 billion in 2016, and they suggest that the user base will reach 56 million in 2016. Before you roll your eyeballs so hard that they break free from the constraints of your skull, they do think that the majority of the market will be taken up by what they call “Light smartphone” VR.
“Initially, affordable smartphone devices will drive the bulk of sales as consumers first explore virtual reality before committing to the more expensive platforms,” said SuperData Director of Research Stephanie Llamas. “After this first wave, consumers will likely move more high-end VR devices on PC.”
Those who haven’t vomited themselves right out of existence thereafter would perhaps migrate towards the more expensive, premium VR tech that will soon be available; stuff like Vive, PlayStation VR and the Rift.
Oculus is giving early backers a consumer Rift for free
by Stone Marshall | Jan 8, 2016 | Minecraft News |
It was only in the third episode of Minecraft Story Mode that I actually started to care about the blocky characters I’d been barely controlling since I started playing this latest in Telltale’s increasing library of adventure games that are all largely the same. The Last Place You Look introduced something that resembled character development, and started to explore the bubbling frustrations that the group holds below the surface.
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There’s a bit more of that here, along with Telltale going for their signature one-two emotional punch that could leave particularly sensitive players, and the game’s intended younger audience distraught, on the brink of tears. The problem is that it feels both cheap and obvious – something that carries through in much of the rest of the episode.
When we last encountered Jesse and friends, they were well on their way to becoming the new order of the stone; a new set of heroes. Faced with a gargantuan Wither storm that just doesn’t seem to want to die, our friends and heroes start this episode escaping the aftermath of their unsuccessful attempt to destroy the black and purple beast that’s swallowing up the world and its denizens.
As has happened with just about every episode thus far, the adventure takes us to another wonderfully referenced are that ties in to Minecraft’s lore. This time, it sees our new heroes make their way to The Far Lands, which as Minecraft aficionados will tell you is where the limits of the game proper’s procedurally generated worlds.
It’s here that we learn about the true nature of the Order of the Stone. We learn why it is that some characters – like the much maligned Ivor who caused all of this mess I the first place – have been motivated in their actions and why the rest of the order are so damned insufferable. It’d be a great plot twist if it wasn’t so blindingly obvious thanks to the signposting that’s portended it all.
A bigger issue I’ve had is that it still doesn’t feel like my actions make all that much of a difference. Sure, some of my choices have led me to have different shiny, enchanted weapons, or given me slightly differing ways of finding my inside the pervasive wither storm – and maybe a choice or two about who I spend my adventuring time. Beyond that though, it really feels like all choices lead to the same outcome.
As far as gameplay goes, it’s more of the same, which is to be expected. A handful of QTE’s, a sprinkling of fisticuffs, some simple crafting and the usual barrage of timed dialogue choices. There’s also a bit of light puzzling that’s not too difficult if you pay attention to the dialogue, though it may flummox younger players. There is, however, a frustrating maze section that I feel has to be called out for its silliness; thanks to poor lighting and the perspective shown, it’s far harder to navigate than it really ought to be.
There’s something odd about this latest episode in Minecraft Story mode. The change in tone set by the last episode continues, and for a while is darker and sombre than a children’s game should be. And, by the end of it, it feels like the story’s come to a close, though there’s still another episode left. There’s very little that needs wrapping up, so I’m left suspecting that whatever happens in the last episode is little more than set-up for a second season. It’s either that or it’ll be odd padding for the sake of it, which would be a bit of misstep for Telltale.
Conclusion
A Block and a Hard Place isn’t a terrible episode – it’s certainly better than the fumbling second one – but it caps the adventure with a mild fizzle as opposed to the great big bang I’d been expecting. One of the biggest problems with it though, is that I don’t really care what happens in the concluding episode
7.0
