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Call of Duty: Heroes: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to be the Finest Hero

Posted by Jennifer Allen on November 25th, 2014

Hello Heroes:
What'd we think of Call of Duty's take on Clash of Clans? Check out our Call of Duty: Heroes review to find out!

Just downloaded Call of Duty: Heroes and need some handy tips and tricks on how to get ahead of the rest? As we often do, we’re here to help you out with getting started.


The Basics


  • Straight away, Oil should be your focus as it all goes towards building new structures.

  • Build mines and oil pumps as much as you’re allowed to, but don’t forget you can gain such resources by taking out enemies.

  • You’re given a protective shield at first, so use that safe time to upgrade and build turrets so you can withstand invasions later on.

  • Buy a second builder as soon as possible so that you can construct two things at once. A third would be handy but will take some focused mission-chasing to achieve for free.

  • Join an alliance as soon as possible. Safety in numbers works here and it’s good to have backup and assistance.

  • Upgrading your Command Center is a wise move. It’ll unlock new structures and units, as well as boost your resource limits.

  • You also unlock new heroes as you increase the Command Center’s level, and they’re the only troops you can directly control.

Mark of the Dragon - Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Leading Your Dragons to Glory

Posted by Nadia Oxford on November 24th, 2014

Calling All Dragon Riders:
Want to know what we liked (and didn't like) about all this fantasy fighting? Check out our Mark of the Dragon review!

Mark of the Dragon from Gamevil is a strategy/battle game that plays similarly to Clash of Clans. There's one twist, however: you can breed dragons and raise them to be rideable war machines. Not surprisingly, this small gameplay tweak is pretty cool.

But fighting isn't easy - even when you're commanding things from the back of a giant lizard. Here are some tips and tricks to help you succeed in the dragon war.


Keep the Home Base Safe and Stocked



  • Guard your eggs - Dragon eggs are arguably your most valuable resource in Mark of the Dragon. They take time and effort to breed and hatch, and the resulting offspring forms the backbone of your assault force. Other players can steal eggs during a raid, so defend them accordingly. Build walls around your nest, and put weapons nearby.

  • Upgrade your resource depots ASAP - Upgrading the most important structures in your base, like your headquarters, requires a lot of resources - more than you can hold when you first begin playing the game. It's extremely important to upgrade your resource depots whenever possible so you can amass the iron and wood necessary for major building projects.

  • Raids provide tons of resources - Low on wood or iron? Mark of the Dragon's single-player campaign provides opportunities to score tons of resources. Get out there!

Golfinity - Tips, Tricks, Strategies, and Cheats for Intrepid Golfers

Posted by Campbell Bird on November 21st, 2014

Dig this:
Would you like to know what we thought of being an infinite golfer? Check out our Golfinity review!

Golfinity offers unlimited ways to test your skills at golf. Here are a few ways to make sure your score doesn't get too high and your spirits don't get too low.


Considering Perspective is Crucial


  • Yes, Golfinity is most easily compared to Desert Golfing, but did you know the devs from NimbleBit have described the game as Desert Golfing meets Monument Valley? That being said, occasionally the game will present some differences in depth that seem deliberately confusing. When in doubt about these changes, play it safe, be prepared to get a bad score, or get ready to retry.

  • On the flipside, there will be times when a level presents no depth changes or holes. This is typically toward the beginning of the game. When presented with courses like these, don't fear the power of your stroke. Hitting the ball super-hard generally won't knock it out of bounds, and it might be just what you need to ricochet right past some annoying obstacles.

  • Always look carefully at the course your dealing with. Golfinity makes it really easy to just jump into the next level swinging, but don't be overly tempted to do so. Courses can be tricky, and making sure you tap the lower left corner of the screen to get a good look at the whole course can save you from some poor initial strokes.

Reckless Racing 3 - Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Daring Drifters

Posted by Lee Hamlet on November 20th, 2014

Start your engines:
Would you like to know what we thought of all this drifting and rough racing? Check out our Reckless Racing 3 review!

Reckless Racing 3 is down and dirty racing that prides itself on crazy drifts, breakneck straights, and fantastic in-game physics. Here are few tips to help you to take those corners like a pro.

Start Your Engines


  • Use the straight sections to steal a glance at the mini map towards the top of the screen and check for any fast-approaching sharp turns.

  • It's only on those severe turns that braking becomes necessary. Usually releasing the acceleration while turning into the bend, then hitting the gas and turning out of it will suffice. When using the default button layout, tapping to turn out of a drift is a much better technique than holding down on the directional arrow, ensuring maximum control rather than veering into another drift accidentally. Just be aware that terrain can sometimes dictate otherwise.

  • While the green guideline might be a great tool for rough navigation, deviating slightly wide and then taking corners as close as possible without crashing is a surefire way to overtake and undercut other racers.

  • The reset button isn't as damning as you'd think. In fact, in any situation that requires a reversal maneuver the reset button is actually preferential as it only incurs a minimal time penalty, can serve as an obstruction to opponents, and sometimes players won't even lose their position.

  • Larger, heavier vehicles can use their weight to their advantage by smashing other cars off-course. This is best achieved by hitting the back of an opponent's car during a turn, forcing them into a tailspin. Be sure to judge how this will effect the speed and trajectory of your own car, though.

  • In the settings menu, turn on the Chase Camera to have a clearer view of the road ahead, putting you behind your racer rather than at a fixed bird's eye view. While this new angle may bring on a bit of motion sickness for the weak-stomached (if you had a problem with iOS' home screen animations then you might want to play Zen Garden instead) it grants a better perspective for upcoming turns. For Gymkhana Mode however, the sheer amount of donuts and spins makes the Chase Camera a dizzying nightmare, so it's better to have it saved for Races and Drift events.

Haunt the House: Terrortown - Tips, Tricks, Strategies, and Cheats for a Silent Night

Posted by Nadia Oxford on November 14th, 2014
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: A SPOOKY GOOD TIME :: Read Review »

BOO!
Want to know how we felt about spreading all these ghostly heebie-jeebies? Check out our Haunt the House: Terrortown review!

Haunt the House: Terrortown is a supremely cute action/puzzle game that's all about a ghost on a quest to shut some humans up. Permanently. Players take control of a little ghost that makes itself as scary as possible in order to drive away the loud and obnoxious folks that are partying near its clock tower. Humans are sometimes a bit too stupid to realize when they're being haunted, so this guide will help players clear the area of all objectionable presences as quickly as possible.


Getting Started



  • Use small taps to dart from place to place - Learning to control your ghost is vital for a haunting job well done. If you're restricting yourself to a single area, use small taps to move from place to place. That way you can explore your surroundings calmly and efficiently.
  • Hold down to zip from scene to scene - On the other hand, if you're wanting to travel from one scenario to another lickety-split, hold down on the screen to barrel through an area at top speed.
  • Possess a bell in the clock tower to change your ghost's appearance - Once a person is dead, they take up residence in one of the tower's bells. Your ghost can possess these bells to take on the inhabitant's visage.

Cars: Fast as Lightning - Tips, Tricks, Strategies, and Cheats For an Easy Ride

Posted by Nadia Oxford on October 23rd, 2014

Hey there, Stickers:
Want to know all about how impressed we were with Radiator Springs? Check out our Cars: Fast as Lightning review!

Cars: Fast as Lightning is a cute and fun app that combines racing and town-building with the charisma and marketability of Disney Pixar's Cars franchise. It's a friendly game, but that doesn't mean you can't use a few tips to help you make Radiator Springs shine again.


Starting Out


  • Complete quests to earn rewards - Quests queue up on the left side of the screen when you're not racing. Quests offer rewards like experience and coins, and they're a good way to get back on track if you've been meandering from task to task.
  • Pay attention to the difficulty meter before you race - Each car you engage in a race has a difficulty measuring from one to four. Make sure to race within your rank if you don't want to waste gas on a loss.
  • Place attractions on the track to earn more experience with races - Don't neglect putting attractions on race tracks. They earn you a bit of extra experience with every race, plus they make the joint look classy.

The Bot Squad: Puzzle Battles - Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Better Bot Battling

Posted by Jordan Minor on October 21st, 2014

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Curious to know what we though about all this robot-on-robot carnage? Then check out our Bot Squad review!

The Bot Squad: Puzzle Battles offers nearly 200 stages based on its varied approach to tower defense. That’s pretty great, but it also means there are lots of strategies to master and the amount of options can be a little daunting. Here are some tips on how to save Dynamo City.

The Best Defense



The Bot Squad is separated into Defensive stages and Offensive stages. Defensive stages play more like typical tower defense games, and many of the same strategies apply, but they still have their own quirks.
  • To start, use standard Smacker and Blaster tower bots to weaken enemies that cross your paths. Always pay attention to the range of your units and try to cover as much ground as possible.

  • Sometimes it’s good to be redundant and have multiple towers clustered in the same area to kill enemies faster. It depends on the stakes.

  • Stop enemies in their tracks with Stoppabots like Blockers and Grabbers. Unlike towers though, these obstacles can be destroyed. They can also only be placed on certain terrain so be smart with them.

  • Certain levels provide a limited number of towers to take down a limited number of enemies. However, other stages have an unlimited supply of towers that spawn at set intervals. Enemies come fast and furious in these levels though, usually in big groups, so quickly put your extra power to use.

  • If a level already has a few towers, pick them up and rearrange them to forge a better defense.

Motorsport Manager - Beginner Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for a Winning Team

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lee Hamlet on August 29th, 2014
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: MARVELOUS MANAGEMENT
Here are a few hints and tips to leave your opponents in the dust.
Read The Full Review »

Ice Age Adventures - Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Keeping it Cool

Posted by Jordan Minor on August 12th, 2014
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: STAY FROSTY :: Read Review »

Hey there, town-builders:
Want to know what we thought about the Ice Age team's adventures in environmental preservation? Check out our Ice Age Adventures Review!

While we may have to wait a few years before the next 'Ice Age' movie, Ice Age Adventures lets fans pass the time with Sid, Manny, and Diego on the go. The great thaw has caused the world to crack, leaving friends stranded and the community in disarray. Here are some tips for saving everybody and making the village as good as new. Who else is going to rescue Ray Romano?

The Meltdown


You’ll spend most of your time exploring the different islands for treasures and members of the village.

  • You’ll need to clear paths to get around. As your party expands, you’ll be able to clear more obstacles. Sid cuts trees, Manny tramples rocks, and Diego fights off enemy pirates. However, this also consumes your berry reserves faster.

  • Clearing paths gives you tons of shells - another currency for store. Finding clams, particularly golden clams, is also a great way to gain resources.

  • A few times a day you can enter the various caves on the islands. They provide everything from extremely valuable golden acorns to chances to rescue even more lost baby animals.

  • Rescuing a member of the herd typically involves playing a short mini-game like sledding downhill or solving a match-3 puzzle. Take them seriously though, because failure leads to a lengthy wait before the next chance to try again.

  • To unlock more parts of the map, you’ll occasionally have to gather items like vines and torches for friendly characters. Caves and shells are usually the best places to look. You’ll have to complete most of each island’s missions before moving onto the next one.

  • You can always go back to past islands to find things you may have missed or enter caves again for the chance to win more prizes.

  • Getting by in The Sims FreePlay - Tips, Tricks, Strategies, and Cheats for Helping Your Sims Succeed

    Posted by Tre Lawrence on August 5th, 2014
    + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
    Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: SIM-TASTIC :: Read Review »

    When it comes to suburban life simulations, The Sims pretty much wrote the book. In The Sims Freeplay, we get to see a mobile-centric version of the game that is equal parts enjoyable and complex. Here are a few tips to get folks going on the natural path to building a happy, healthy cyber-community.

    Currency


    The first thing one probably wants to understand is the currency system. There are several different tenders that can be used to make purchases or otherwise enhance the life of your Sims. Within the game, the main form of currency is referred to - naturally - as "Simoleons." Simoleons are probably most like real-life money, and can be earned by having Sims do things like going to work. Established properties can garner Simoleons at intervals, so it pays to "invest" and upgrade these properties. There are a few easter egg Simoleon earning activities as well, like pets digging for them.

    Another currency type is the "Social Point." This can be earned in neighboring towns by doing tasks such as practicing fire fighting. This encourages interaction with other players, as it's easier to get fellow players to invest in an item necessary to get Social Points. Social Points can be spent on items in the game store.

    "Lifestyle Points" can be gained by completing quests, increasing the town's value, leveling-up, or watching and viewing special offers. They can also be purchased with real money. Lifestyle Points can be used to purchase items and speed up tasks.

    The game also incorporates experience points, which allow characters to level-up and have access to more content.


    One of the best ways to accumulate cash is to work. Consistently. On that note, getting promoted helps earn more faster. Building in moderation also helps maximize reserves. Happy Sims are better able to earn spendables, so keeping Sims inspired by ensuring their needs are met.

    Even the simple act of gardening also leads to supplemental game cash. Several "natural" tasks like checking mail can net small amounts that add up.

    Careers

    There are quite a few professions to choose from, ranging from Real Estate Agent to politician, and a Sim's career can be enhanced by "practicing" the job. Practicing makes the Sim better, and helps them get promoted. Sims can max out in careers, so the progress is not limitless.

    Hobbies


    Hobbies are great tools for gaining experience and limited content. The availability of hobbies to a specific character are generally restricted based on what one has unlocked and the age of a character. In other words, after the age requirement is met, one might have to do achieve/build something to be able to perform that hobby.

    The biggest overall tip is to exhibit patience. The game runs in real-time, so there is always the temptation to use Lifestyle Points to expedite the action. Those Lifestyle Points could probably be best used elsewhere. Along those same lines, rushing to become a real estate mogul sounds logical - in the real world. In FreePlay, restraint is sometimes a good thing.

    Battleheart Legacy Guide

    Posted by Jessica Fisher on July 31st, 2014
    + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
    Our rating: starstarstarstarstar :: A LEGACY IS BORN :: Read Review »

    The world of Battleheart Legacy is fun and deep; full of wizards, warriors, and witches. Here are some tips and tactics to help you get the most enjoyment out of this great game.

    Explore Everything!


    The people of the Battleheart Legacy world, as in so many other RPGs, have never heard of home invasion and thus have never invested in locks for their doors. Feel free to explore each building you come to as it may hold valuable gold and items that no one will seem to miss. Many areas will often also have a treasure chest tucked away for intrepid explorers to find. As you move around the world map, you will come across “Encounters”. These side missions can be anything from a random battle to get you XP and loot, to meeting an important NPC who might just be a trainer in your future.

    Who am I?


    As you play Battleheart Legacy, you will choose how your character levels-up and what equipment they will wield, but just as importantly, you will also decide how you interact with people. You can be either pleasant or snarky but be warned: NPCs have feelings too, and some of them may just turn on you if you are being a jerk.

    Advancement


    When you gain enough experience to level-up, refrain from doing so immediately. Wait until you can return to the trainers at the Academy in Eston - one of the starting areas and a hub where most trainers will appear. Each level of a class requires different stat minimums to be met, so waiting to invest your stat points until you know what you need will save you some grief.

    In addition to the starting classes available at the beginning of the game, there are some classes that you will have to explore to find - like the Ninja, Bard, Necromancer, and Monk. It is generally easier to stick to one or two classes your first time around so that you're not spreading your valuable stat points too thin. Some classes have good synergistic qualities, like Knight and Paladin working well together, as they both require strength and endurance. Mixing and matching class abilities can be very satisfying, fun, and downright powerful (barbarian whirlwind + paladin 'heal % of damage done' powers are devastating when combined). Picking combinations that make sense is the key to developing an effective character.

    Each level in a class gives you access to a new skill - either passive or active. These can be equipped and switched out whenever you are not in combat. You can always check out your character's stats, skills, and equipment by touching their character portrait. On the stats tab, there is some extra info like dodge chance and speed if you scroll down on the stats section.

    Don't underestimate the passives. Passive skills can either give you a bump where you need it (defense, damage, etc), or completely change your tactics (equip giant weapons, deal extra damage at low HP). Experiment and plan accordingly.

    Never Fear

    You have five potions at your disposal, and while that might not seem like a lot, they replenish every time you leave an area and each one heals you completely. If you are getting low on health, don't be afraid to pop a potion when you need it. If you are still having trouble, you can lower the difficulty setting and get unlimited potions. With that in mind, try not to die too often. You get penalized a percent of your gold each time you do.

    Fight Smart


    Standing your ground and letting monsters beat on you is an easy way to lose fast. Most monsters can be tricked into mindlessly following you around, allowing you the time you need to recharge your special attacks while avoiding damage. Feel free to use your cooldown abilities and then run around a rock to break line-of-sight to save yourself from those pesky archers.

    Enemies with big attacks will often telegraph their moves either with power-up animations or ground effects, which show you where their attack will land. Learning your foes' patterns is invaluable in helping avoid damage, thus keeping you alive long enough to kill the monsters and grab their treasure.

    If you find yourself out of potions and don't think you can survive the next big fight, you can always retreat. Monsters do not respawn until you leave a dungeon, so you can always backtrack and leave the dungeon. Of course, the monsters will be back when you return, but you will get to keep whatever experience and loot you accumulated, and your potions will be automatically refilled.

    Spend that Gold

    You can upgrade your items pretty quickly and there is no real reason to hang onto equipment you have outgrown or cannot use. Gear tends to accumulate, and if you are going a melee route for example, you can probably safely sell that expensive but useless mage's armor you picked up. Also, hitting harder is great, but don't underestimate the value of defensive bonuses - monsters that hit like trucks can be made much easier to deal with by increasing your armor a few points.

    As mentioned above, when you die, you lose a percentage of your gold. It is well worth your time to invest it in upgrades as soon as you can. By upgrading your gear and getting new skills, you have the added benefit of not really losing much when you die. Of course, you still need to save for that next big skill upgrade, but your shiny new armor will likely help you live long enough to do that, too.

    Hay Day - Tip, Tricks, Strategies, and Cheats on How to be the Finest Farmer Out There

    Posted by Jennifer Allen on July 25th, 2014
    + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

    Recently got into Supercell's other huge hit, Hay Day and could do with some advice on what to do? We've got you covered with some helpful trips and tricks to bear in mind!

    Ticking Along


    One of the key things to keep in mind while building up that farm is the importance of the different currencies available. Everything to do with Hay Day depends on one of three things - experience, coins, and diamonds.

    • Experience is gained by things such as selling goods and harvesting crops. Following the order board is the fastest way to level up, but it's not always wise to level too fast (more on that later).

    • Coins are used for purchasing buildings, animals, and items from shops. You can earn coins from completing truck orders, selling stuff, and profiteering from visiting customers.

    • Diamonds are the premium currency here but they can be gained via a few different ways. You earn diamonds every time you level up, if you sync the game with your Facebook account, and also when completing one of the many achievements on offer. As a final tip, look for purple tickets that appear near your newspaper and watch a clip to gain more diamonds. Also, try not to use them too often as you're better off saving them for more expensive things.

    The Importance of Crops

    • Every crop you plant will double its yield upon harvest. That's an important fact to remember. Don't use up all the seeds in your silo, no matter how tempting it might be, in order to complete an objective. Instead, plant those seeds but make sure there's enough spare for later on. Otherwise you'll have to use diamonds to buy more, which is such a waste.

    • Always have a good, steady supply of the basics such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and other simple feed for your animals. It'll keep your livestock happy and keep the symmetry of the Hay Day life stable.

    • It's an important lesson that we all need to remember with these kind of games - TIME WHAT YOU PLANT. Yes, it's that important that it needed capital letters. Plant slow growing stuff overnight or when you're away from the game for a while. It'll keep you sane while still feeling like you're progressing without wasting those all-important diamonds.

    • Remember: wheat, corn, and carrots take mere minutes to grow, while pumpkins and indigo can take hours. Plan accordingly.

    Progressing


    • Use the roadside stand to sell spare goods. It's a quick way to make a few bucks. Check the newspaper to see what your friends are selling at the moment and work around that.

    • Remember that most crafted goods will sell relatively quickly because other players want them to fill their orders. Go for the maximum price then pull it back by about 10% so that you sell quickly but for a good price.

    • The board fills up with order requests but don't be afraid to skip some. It'll take a few minutes for a new order to show up, but it's worth it. Some orders pay a pittance or simply take too long to complete. Focus on what's easiest to achieve for maximum profit.

    Money, Money, Money

    • There's a pretty easy but dull way to make money fast: plant wheat everywhere. If you constantly harvest and sell off the surplus, you'll gain some valuable rare items along the way. It's dull though, so only do it if you're exceptionally determined.

    • With that money, you can buy building materials that can then be used to upgrade your various storage places, as well as buy new land plots. It'll be worth it in the long run.

    • Find those materials through newspaper ads but remember to decide quickly as things change fast. Don't like the ads? Quit the game completely (right down to double tapping the home screen and swiping up on the game to clear Hay Day from running in the background) and go back in. The ads will all be new!

    Most importantly of all, balance your aims to make money alongside gaining experience. It'll ensure you don't end up too unbalanced but it's also a heck of a lot more fun that way! After all, developing that farm is a marathon, not a sprint.

    Dragons: Rise of Berk - Tips, Tricks, and Strategies on How to Train Your Dragons

    Posted by Jordan Minor on July 23rd, 2014
    + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
    Our rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar :: PLAYING IT SAFE :: Read Review »

    Things have changed in Berk, the fantasy Viking village of DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon series. Dragons and Vikings, once mortal enemies, now must learn to live together in peace. Dragons: Rise of Berk lets players manage dragon-Viking relations first hand, and here are some tips for keeping everyone happy and prosperous.

    Reign of Fire


    Obviously, dragons play a pretty big role in a game named after them, and they’re good for much more than just flying and fire-breathing. Here's how to put them to work.

  • To get started, level up Toothless by feeding him tasty fish. Once he’s strong enough, you can then send him out to search nearby islands for more dragons eggs. Get a Whispering Death on Bashem or maybe a Scauldron on Unlandable Cove.

  • After hatching an egg, place your new baby dragon wherever there is room and feed them until they level up and reach adult size. You can also train dragons by sending them to the academy for a few minutes.

  • Adult dragons can independently perform many tasks around Berk, and as they grow they learn new skills such as how to gather resources like fish and lumber. Having more dragons at your command also increases Berk’s ability to expand.

  • As you progress, tons of new dragon breeds become available to search for, including some limited time offers. Also, by helping characters from the movies their personal dragons, like Astrid’s Stormfly, can be yours.

  • Boom Beach - Tips, Tricks, Cheats, and Strategies on How to be the Biggest and Baddest

    Posted by Jennifer Allen on July 2nd, 2014
    + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
    Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: CLASH OF TANKS :: Read Review »

    New to Boom Beach and in need of a helping hand? We've got you covered. While a lot of the fun of such games is figuring out your own strategies for success, it's also useful to have someone give you a few helpful tips and tricks to get you started. We offer up a few pieces of advice for those just starting out and confused as to where to go or what to do next.



    The Importance of Being Resourceful

  • As with most freemium-based city or base building games, the resources you gather are vital to getting anywhere in Boom Beach. Early on, you'll mainly be dealing with wood and gold. Wood is used for building new things as well as upgrading existing structures. Gold is primarily used to recruit new units and reveal more of the map, thereby opening up more opportunities to progress.

  • As well as that is the premium currency: diamonds. These can be used to fill up the gaps left behind by lack of wood or gold, but they're much more efficiently used to speed up timers on things that have long waiting times. Early on, few things take long to build so save any diamonds acquired (when possible) for later on in the game when things can take days to finish. Completing achievement objectives unlocks more diamonds, so focus on these where possible.

  • Later on in the game stone and iron will play valuable roles in upgrading buildings, but by then you should have a handle on what's going on.

  • Unusually, in the early levels gold is quite plentiful while wood is much harder to come by. A useful tip is to remove as many trees as possible. It'll cost 600 gold a turn but you'll gain 300 wood in exchange, thereby making it much simpler to afford those all-important building upgrades.