Mobile Game News Roundup: Christmas 2014 Edition

As we celebrate the Christmas holiday season, mobile developers are hoping to snag a bit of your time with themed content updates in many popular games on iOS, Android and beyond. Here’s a look at just a handful of the updates available, which should offer a little something for every type of gamer. 2020: My Country (iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows) - In Game Insight's city-builder, players will need to solve the mystery of Santa's disappearance through a new series of quests. Users can place a Christmas tree in their town and decorate it, or send holiday presents to their friends as free gifts. Finally, players can place new decorations and buildings in their town, and if they complete all of the game's "Winter Season" activities, they'll receive 50 CountryBucks.Airport City (iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows) - In this airport-focused city-builder, players will need to help Santa save Christmas after he loses his sleigh and gifts. Users can complete four unique Christmas collections and send special Christmas flights around the world. In addition, players have access to special winter buildings and a new type of plane, the Jet-Powered Sleigh. Cloud Raiders (iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows) - In this strategy combat game, players will face off against "Mad Santa," who, instead of giving gifts, has decided to steal players' loot. Players can access the new Xmas Island skin for their land, and will receive new gifts each day during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. In addition, a giant Titan has fallen on players' islands, and gamers will need to defeat him to claim Santa's "secret stash." Finally, players can access the Elves' war chest, but must claim it before time runs out.Sunshine Bay (Android) - This tropical city-builder has been updated with new collections to complete and a Christmas cruise feature, along with a Christmas tree for players' towns. Legacy of Transylvania (iOS) - During this Christmas event, players will find that the main Christmas symbol has disappearance, and they'll need to bring it back while also solving an "ancient calendar's" riddle. Players can complete more than 30 new quests during this event, and explore a new location: the Winter Garden. Finally, players can finish six new collections in the game.Mystery Manor (iPhone, Android, Amazon) - The hidden object game has been updated with a New Year Hall, as well as a Kind Snowman event and 14 new quests. Users will complete new Christmas collections and face off against new monsters, including sorcerer, magician and merry elves. Players can construct a Christmas tree in the manor, and can defeat a boss named Drosselmeyer to unlock a new room (a holiday edition of the Snow Queen's Castle), among other events.Mirrors of Albion (iOS, Android, Amazon) - Another hidden object game, Mirrors of Albion has been updated with a new quest line that will see players decorating a Christmas tree. At the end of the quest chain, players will receive access to a new location, the Christmas Tree itself. As a separate feature, players will need to save Santa's Reindeer from the Queen of Hearts. These are just two of the in-game events, with others focusing on finding Santa's costume, building a snowman with friends, and interacting with penguins who will give players Christmas gifts over time, among others.The Tribez (iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows) - In this city-building game, players will defeat Yetis who have stolen Santa's presents. In exchange, they'll receive decorations for a new Christmas Tree. The Tribez and Castlez (iOS, Android, Amazon) - In this medieval version of The Tribez, players will go after Gobules, who have stolen all of the letters delivered to Santa. As players work to help Santa retrieve them, they'll decorate a Christmas tree and build their own presents.Flower House (iOS, Android, Amazon) - In the flower-growing game, players will help Miranda cook a Christmas dinner to receive prizes. Players can decorate their windows with holiday statues, and are encouraged to check in with the game each day to see new sales. Hidden Land (iPad) - Players Level 12+ can complete a holiday themed quest line in this hidden object game, meeting a new character in the form of a Yeti, and unlocking the new Magic Sleigh scene. Players will interact with new mobs, including the Cheerful Elf, an Elf Keeper, a Greedy Gremlin and an Angry Gremlin. Finally, players have access to a Christmas tree, which gives away presents when players tap on it. Maritime Kingdom (iOS) - An update as been released for players Level 8 and above, which allows them to destroy the pirates who have kidnapped Santa. Players will need to collect magic cannonballs to defeat the pirates, and after doing so, will receive a Christmas Tree for their island. Visual changes have also occurred, as players will see objects and locations covered in snow. Finally, players can purchase 10 new decorations, and send their ships to ports at the South Pole. Mysterior (iPad) - Yet another Game Insight hidden object game, Mysterior will receive a new storyline, asking players to help Elli place and decorate the Christmas tree. When it's finished, the tree will give away presents each hour to encourage users to return multiple times each day. FarmVille 2: Country Escape (iOS, Android, Amazon) - Zynga has released the “Home for the Holidays” event in its mobile farming title, asking players to collect ornaments to decorate the special Holiday Tree on the farm, as well as collect gifts to give to the game’s computer-controlled friends. Players can send their Farmhands to key locations around the farm in order to earn special event items, which are then used in new crafting recipes. As players complete their friends’ wish lists, they’ll receive Mystery Gift Packages. Finally, players can call on Kris Kringle (a temporary Farmhand), who has a higher chance of receiving those event items when used in an exploration task. In addition to this update, Zynga has partnered with Save the Children for a new in-game campaign, allowing players to spend real money on in-game items, with Zynga’s share of the purchase price going to Save the Children.The Secret Society: Hidden Mystery (Android, Amazon) - G5 Entertainment and MyTona have released a “winter wonderland” in this hidden object game, asking players to explore two new locations (“Excavations” and “Winter Street”) and complete 100 new quests and 16 new collections. The game has also been updated with new daily login bonuses, including Christmas puddings, candy canes, gingerbread houses and more. If players complete all of the holiday quests, they’ll receive a Holiday Talisman which increases their energy restoration going forward. Modern Combat 5 (iOS, Android) - Gameloft’s first-person shooter has received a Christmas update containing changes to multiplayer maps and a special Santa Skin for VIPs. Players will see a winter blizzard effect on the Rooftop map, and will also see themed posters and props on all of the game’s multiplayer maps. IronKill (iOS, Android) - From December 19 to January 2, players of Play Motion’s robot fighting game can complete the Christmas Clash tournament to receive a Frostbot, a holiday-themed robot. He offers a unique frostbite attack that freezes opponents with a block of ice.Heroes Charge (iOS, Android) - Similar to the game’s Thanksgiving celebration, users are encouraged to participate in a social event outside of the game itself. Starting December 18, players are encouraged to make a daily visit to the game’s Facebook fan page, where they’ll read tales about the game’s most popular heroes in a “Twelve Days of Heroes Charge” series. As users share their own stories and screenshots, they’ll receive a chance to win 100 Gems for use back in the game. These stories will be posted weekdays at 10AM Pacific.Monsu (iOS) - Boomlagoon’s collectible card-based platformer has been given a visual overhaul for the holidays, which sees users exploring the Freezing Forest (complete with snow-covered ground) while defeating enemies wearing red Santa hats. HellFire: The Summoning (iOS, Android) - From December 23 to December 29, players can complete the Silent Night event, which features the Krampus, Santa’s former ally who has gone rogue and threatens to take over Christmas. Players will need to help Santa (and his group of elves and reindeer) defeat Krampus before it’s too late. Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary (iOS, Android) - From December 19 to December 30, players can complete the Festive Event, earning holiday prizes including a Wisp Mother skin, holiday colors and other decorations. In addition, users can work with the community to reach community gifting goals. In exchange, they’ll receive presents, which may include free wisps and premium currency. Blood Brothers (iOS, Android) - From now until December 23, players can login to this fantasy RPG each day to receive a special “Twelve Days Before Christmas” reward. Until December 29, users can complete the God of Steel event to fight off fiendish snowmen, while a World Battle Tournament launches in a Frozen Castle on December 23. This World Battle Tournament ends on Christmas day. Finally, users can decorate the in-game Christmas tree with ornaments to receive “fantastic presents” in exchange.Super Battle Tactics (iOS, Android) - DeNA’s tank battle game is hosting the 10 Days of Gifting event, offering players special gifts to unwrap each day they return to the game. Players can scrap tanks to earn holiday-themed vehicles, skins, animations, boss tanks and more. This event is live through December 24.Bingo PartyLand (iOS, Android) - From December 22 to December 28, players can play in a new Enchanted Wish Bingo room, and will collect trophies as they win Bingos to unlock seasonal prizes. The players at the top of the leaderboards will win the ultimate in-game prizes for this event.World of Warriors (iOS, Android) - Mind Candy’s combat strategy game has been updated with a limited edition Santa Claus-inspired character named Kringle the Festive Fighter, who will be playable for all players “just before Christmas” for a limited time. Kringle is equipped with an axe, and his special move is the Ice Storm. He’ll expire from the game on January 5. Hit it Rich: Casino Slots (iOS, Android) - Zynga’s social slots game has been updated with the “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” slot machine.Tiny Troopers: Alliance (iOS) - Chillingo’s base-building combat game has received the “Where Eagles Freeze” content update, which allows players to move their base to a frosty new map populated by snowmen and penguins. Two new campaigns have been added, including 20 new missions. Finally, players who login to the game between December 25 and December 31 will receive 100 free Medals.Kim Kardashian: Hollywood (iOS, Android) - Glu’s lifestyle simulation game will see two new characters added to celebrate the holidays. Kourtney Kardashian will make her debut in the game on December 19, while Khloe will arrive on December 26. As part of this event, users can receive special 12 Days of Christmas gift boxes, and collect new holiday items during holiday events hosted by the two characters. For the New Year, players will be able to visit Times Square in NYC for a special party.Terraria (iOS, Android) - The game’s Christmas update brings more than just Christmas features to the game, including content and abilities that were previously only available in PC and console versions of the game. For Christmas specifically, players can wear a Santa Claus suit, summon a new Christmas pet named Elfa, and fight enemies who leave behind Christmas presents when they’re defeated. Forge of Empires (iOS) - InnoGames has launched a Christmas update within its city-buuilding strategy title, which is the first major event to run on mobile as well as browser. The game’s holiday experience is on now through January 5, and features two new buildings and a new currency. Players can complete unique quests to earn stars and trade them for special rewards. On December 24, a new and unique building will be given away as a holiday present.Celtic Heroes (iOS, Android) - One Thumb Mobile’s mobile MMO has been updated with a large Yule event, including daily quests and an appearance from Jack Frost. Players can defeat enemies to earn cold-dealing Frostiron weapons, rings or bracelets, or visit Kennis of the Snow in Farcrag Castle to take part in a top hat quest chain, which sees them hunting for presents across multiple zones. Eight new mounts have been added to the game’s store, with each boosting players’ movement, while the best of the best mounts have special attacks designed just for them. This is but a taste of the game’s many Christmas updates, but players can learn more by diving into the game for free. Covet Fashion (iOS, Android) - The shopping and styling mobile game has been updated with limited time events based on specific holiday themes. The Building a Snowman event, for instance, allows users to dress their avatar for an outing with friends, where they'd build a snowman (that is, answering the question: "What you would you wear while building a snowman?"). Other holiday events focus on auditioning for a holiday dance line, or bouncing back after a holiday break-up. Additional events will be added throughout the holidays.Secret Passages (iOS) - Another Pocket Gems hidden object game, Secret Passages has been updated with a holiday-themed quest series that includes holiday characters and a new holiday region. During this event, players will be able to explore three holiday-themed dune buildings. Night at the Museum: Hidden Treasures (iOS, Android) - Pocket Gems' hidden object game based on the upcoming Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb film will receive a content update on Christmas day that allows players to unlock a festive Winter Tree while meeting a new quest character, the Snow Maiden, and exploring the Winter Cottage exhibit.Campus Life (iOS, Android, Amazon) - The college-themed life simulation game has been updated with falling snow, as well as a Winter Holiday Fashion Showdown event. Players will be able to participate in the "Holiday Mystery Box Girl" promotion, and a Mystery Box arrives with a Wintery costume as a reward for players. On Christmas Eve, players will receive a special holiday gift as a thank you for playing.Animal Voyage: Island Adventure (iOS, Android, Amazon) - This Pocket Gems title allows players to explore lands and collect animals for their refuge. During its holiday event, players will be able to complete the winter animal wonderland, receiving a special holiday animal in the process. DragonVale (iOS, Android, Amazon) - The dragon-raising game has been updated with its largest update ever for the "Season of Goodies." Players can collect Magical Iceberries and exchange them for limited-edition rewards including a Treatery for making dragon treats, or a Dragonsai Bush which increases the number of gems players can gift to their friends. In addition, between December 24 and December 26, players can gift a limited-edition Coal Dragon to their friends. During that same time period, any player who logs into the game will receive a free Gift Dragon from the developer. There are more holiday events also taking place, so check out the game for more.

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Mobile Game News Roundup: Christmas 2014 Edition

Brandy Shaul

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Brandy Shaul