Y 3-year-old nephew Calvin has mastered tinkering with my iTouch. Even though he still can’t read, he can differentiate the applications from the games, name the title of each game and even knows how to download only the “free kid games” from the App Store. What’s even more amazing is that he almost learned all these on his own (except for my password). I guess New York resident Kelly Rummelhart felt the same pride and amazement as her 4-year-old son Sawyer showed the same proficiency with her iPad— that is until she saw a mysterious $65-plus charge on her credit card bill. Apparently, Sawyer has been having the time of his life with “The Smurf’s Village” and has unknow- ingly played part in making it one of the highest-grossing application in the iTunes store just a month after its release—despite being a free download.
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When mom downloaded the game, she probably thought it was just another inno- cently-cute looking game that could keep her son occupied. Little did she know that it was one of those games where you can actually buy things—using real money. While playing, her son actually bought a bushel and 11 buckets of “Smurfberries” (used to speed up gameplay) that amounted to $66.88. Still, the 36-year-old mom still considers herself lucky that Sawyer didn’t purchase the “wheelbarrow” of Smurfberries which cost $59.99. Parents have already voiced out their complaints about the rising number of accidental buys ever since Apple introduced “in-app purchases” last year. This enabled developers to use the iTunes billing system to sell items and add-ons in their games and applications. Developers have begun using this as their main source of revenue, offering games for free download and relying on in- game purchases to make money. Among the 10 highest-grossing apps in the App Store, six are “free” games, most of which are easy, child-friendly games such as “TapZoo” and
6 » The Sunday Times
December 12,2010
GAME TIME
“Bakery Story.” Easy may also refer to how to make mistakes as just two taps can result into a $100 purchase.
Capcom, the publisher of “The Smurfs’
Village,” says it has already added a warning about the option of in-app purchases to the game’s description in the App Store and it’s updating the game to include in-game warnings as well. The warning may alert the parents but it is highly unlikely that a young child who can’t read will notice it. So the next time you lend your any of your Apple gadgets to a child, make sure to check the games they are playing—regularly, because while it might surprise you to see them play so well, you might be in more of a shock once you get your credit card statement.
Are smartphones replacing the DS, PSP?
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It seems that more gamers are ditching their portables in favor of the iPhone and other smartphones. According to a new survey released by market research firm Interpret, “gamers appear to be defecting from their handheld gaming devices to phones to get their gaming kicks.” The survey polled 9,000 US consumers aged between 12 and 65, wherein almost 27.2 percent said they now only play games on their phones despite owning a DS or PSP.
The Interpret report added that roughly 12 million active gamers now played exclusively on smartphones in the second quarter of 2010, up from 7.4 million for the same period the year before. The PSP and DS on the other hand, only grew minimally from 21 million last year to 21.5 million.
This explosive proportional growth of the phone gaming market the report said “could signal a potentially significant threat to or even coup of the reigning handheld sovereigns: Sony and Nintendo.”
This probably means Sony now has to work a lot faster on its rumored Zeus project that integrates an Android-based smartphone with
PSP game functionality. The bigger question is “Will Nintendo follow suit?” ❋❋❋
Datablitz christmas picks Still looking for great games to buy this
Christmas? Here are some new games from Datablitz that will surely make your significant gamer happy.
Ca‘World of Warcraft: ❋❋❋
taclysm’ (PC, Mac) Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
An ancient evil lies dormant within Deepholm, the domain of earth in the Elemental Plane. Hidden away in a secluded sanctuary, the corrupted Dragon Aspect Deathwing has waited, recovering from the
»horoscope
TODAY’S birthday (12/12/10). Take time over the coming year to smell the roses. This includes the real ones as well as the fantasies you’ve nurtured and kept alive. Let your passions color and shape career, educa- tion and family decisions. Allow for relaxing, healing interludes along the way. To get the advantage, check
the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19)—
Today is a 7—A teacher offers you an opportunity for a special workshop or course. To fit it in the schedule, you may need to drop something else. Consider the big picture. Taurus (April 20-May 20)—
Today is a 9—Your plans don’t roll along as smoothly as you might like, but everything gets accomplished on time. Nudge others and expect to be nudged back. Gemini (May 21-June 21)—
Today is a 7—Balance hard work with plans for fun. Travel may be part of the picture. Make sure a partner’s available before booking tickets. Enjoy anticipation. Cancer (June 22-July 22)—
Today is a 6—A dream points you in a unique direction. You perceive choices that were invisible before. Allow your thoughts to simmer before taking action. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)—Today is a 6—Romance begins at home today. Take care of family members in just the way you want to be cared for. Choose an outing or entertainment for later in the day. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)—
Today is a 5—Let others know you need time alone to give yourself some peace. Meditate or catch up on reading. Don’t feel guilty; everyone needs a break sometimes. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)—Today is a 6—Get in touch with the emotional undercurrent at work. A fresh idea interferes with your creative plan, yet may be just the ticket. Discuss possibili- ties openly. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)—Today is a 7—Romantic desires become reality when you apply intuitive insights. Not everyone would agree, but those you care about love what you do. Give hugs and kisses!. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)—
Today is an 8—Tension on the home front could feed your restlessness. Tell others how you feel so they understand. Take a walk outside or get some physical activity. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)—Today is a 7—A group activity has you on pins and needles. You’re not sure what your role should be. Relax and go with the flow, and it will all work out fine. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)—Today is an 8—Manage today’s plans yourself. Others are busy trying to decide what to wear and what to take. You can coordinate the activity and still get ready. Then play!. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)—Today is a 6—Make your own choices today. Someone else may wish to dictate the direction, but you can participate how you like. Seize an opportunity and run with it. BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.
THE ANSWER TO YESTERDAY’S CROSSWORD WILL APPEAR ON MONDAY
magazine games • puzzles • crossword iPhone surprise (charges), smartphones replacing ds, PSP, datablitz Christmas buys
wounds of his last battle against Azeroth and biding his time until he can reforge the world in molten fire. Soon, Deathwing the Destroyer will return to Azeroth, and his eruption from Deepholm will sunder the world, leaving a festering wound across the continents. As the Horde and Alliance race to the epicenter of the cataclysm, the kingdoms of Azeroth will witness seismic shifts in power, the kindling of a war of the elements, and the emergence of unlikely heroes who will rise up to protect their scarred and broken world from utter devastation.
(C ollec‘Tron: Evolution’ ❋❋❋
tor’s Edition) (360, PS3) Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Developer: Propaganda Games TRON: Evolution is the prequel story to the
film TRON: Legacy and unlocks mysteries in the rich TRON mythology. It is an immersive 3rd person action game that pulls players onto the digital grid of TRON. Explore TRON’s cities using free running mobility, navigate among unique rebel factions, and fight an epic battle against a dictator’s seemingly unstoppable army as the powerful System Monitor. Seamlessly connect from single player story mode into 10 person multiplayer battles with martial arts inspired light disc combat and thrilling light cycle chases based on the movie. The Collector’s Edition includes a collect- ible light cycle model based on the movie and created by renowned collectibles manufac- turer Sideshow Collectibles. ❋❋❋
‘Disney Epic Mickey:
Collector’s Edition’ (Wii) Publisher: Disney Interactive Developer: Junction Point Disney Epic Mickey is an action-adventure platforming game for the Wii console that sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey of creativity and discovery. As Mickey, the player is propelled into Wasteland, an alternate world made up of Disney’s forgotten creative efforts, and is given the power to wield paint and paint thinner to dynamically change the world while determining Mickey’s path to becoming an epic hero. Through the use of this unique paint and paint thinner, the key components of animation and Mickey’s tools for impacting his world, players will have the ability to shape how the story unfolds as they discover the concept of “Playstyle Matters”—an innovative style of gameplay created by Disney Interactive Studios’ Junction Point, led by industry luminary Warren Spector, where players creatively tackle different challenges in the world to explore all the possibilities and storylines— but with consequences for their chosen actions. The Collector’s Edition is contained in a special packaging and includes a Disney Epic Mickey Software, a 5" Collectible Vinyl Figure, a special edition DVD with behind- the-scenes footage and other bonus content as well as a Wii Remote Faceplate and Wii console skins.
‘Disney Tangled’ (Wii) Publisher: Disney Interactive
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Developer: Planet Moon Studios Tangled: The Video Game takes young
players (recommended for ages 6-11) on a film-inspired, hair-raising adventure designed for the Wii gaming system. In this story-based journey, players will venture into a kingdom filled with colorful 3D environments, creative play, fun quests and competitive challenges. Kids will discover multiple activities, meet interesting characters, befriend animals and work as a team to help the unlikely duo of adventur- ous Rapunzel and swashbuckling Flynn with their comical antics.
Mastering unique abilities, players can swing into action as Rapunzel using her golden tresses, pull objects and climb, grow flowers in “charm mode” and collect a variety of colors to draw and paint the Tower wall or collect sun drops to earn points. And as Flynn, players can climb walls, clear obstacles, engage in sword play, and discover hidden treasures using his “Flynntuition.” In order to win challenges faster, players will need to work as a team, helping each other along the journey and collecting as many items as possible.
‘Red Dead Redemption: ❋❋❋
Undead Nightmare’ (PS3, 360) Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Rockstar San Diego
When former outlaw John Marston wakes up at his farmhouse, he finds a world gone insane: overnight, deranged hordes have overrun the towns and outposts of the American frontier. In a desperate attempt to save his family, Marston must traverse a world torn apart by chaos and disorder, using every skill he has to survive long enough to find a cure. Undead Nightmare is a single, stand-alone disc that bundles together for the first time ever, the Undead Nightmare Pack, the Outlaws to the End Co-Op Mission Pack, the Legends and Killers Pack, the Liars and Cheats Pack and all the Multiplayer Free Roam modes.
Unleashed upon the world of Red Dead Redemption, the Undead Nightmare Pack features an entirely new single-player campaign that follows John Marston as he tries to find a cure for the highly-infectious undead plague spreading across the frontier. In addition to this epic single-player adventure, the Undead Nightmare Pack also features a brand new multiplayer mode in addition to new gameplay mechanics, weapons, undead animals and mythical creatures. ❋❋❋
C‘Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
ollector’s Edition’ (PS3, 360) Publisher: Ubisoft
Live and breathe as Ezio, a legendary
12 12 34 41 11 14 21 11
44 12
44 Series no.12
Master Assassin, in his enduring struggle against the powerful Templar Order. He must journey into Italy’s greatest city, Rome, center of power, greed and corruption to strike at the heart of the enemy. Defeating the corrupt tyrants entrenched there will require not only strength, but leadership, as Ezio commands an entire Brotherhood who will rally to his side. Only by working together can the Assassins defeat their mortal enemies and prevent the extinction of their Order. And for the first time, introducing a never-before-seen multiplayer layer that allows you to choose from a wide range of Assassin characters, each with their own unique weapons and assassination techniques, and match your skills against other Assassins from around the world. It’s
time to join the Brotherhood. ❋❋❋
For all your PC gaming needs drop by Datablitz’ branches at SM, Robinsons and Ayala Malls. You could also call (632) 734- 5058; (632) 733-8477; (632) 7348 or check out their website at
www.datablitz.com.ph. Send your questions and comments on anything gaming to
eduyisgood@gmail.com or
gamexads@yahoo.com. Check out
eduysblog@blogspot.com for the latest gaming, pop, tech and music news, and follow me on
twitter.com/ed_uy.
CHALLENGEof The Times BY CELSO BINAMIRA-GO BERINGUELA
Solve and arrange five (5) consecutive numbers into the given figures. Every three (3) numbers lying on the two (2) diagonals [forming the multiplication sign; TIMES or X] should have the same totals. Four (4) arrangements are needed. Given as clues is the Common Total (CT) (at the center) and other numbers to help you solve the puzzle.
45 67
76 54
»Sudoku 88
88 19
Series no.11 BY MICHAEL MEPHAM
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit
www.sudoku.org.uk.
Solution to today’s puzzle will be published tomorrow.
64 75
57 46
ED RICHELLE UY
Solution for yesterdays puzzle.
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