Learning to Play YoVille on Facebook

Fans of character-based simulation may want to check out the hot Facebook application, YoVille. The creators of YoVille, Zynga Games, are one of the top social gaming companies on the internet. Mastering the basics of YoVille does not take long.

Navigating YoVille - The Main Screen

Upon starting the game, YoVillians will find themselves in the living room of their apartment. At the top of the screen are buttons to go to the map of the city, edit the layout and contents of a room, change the appearance of the character and view inventory. The next line down includes the energy meter, which is used as the character performs actions, and the level gauge.

Below the view of the apartment are all the social tools that players need to interact with other YoVille residents. Characters can perform actions, throw water balloons and chat with other players they encounter.

One important aspect is the friend ladder. This ranks a player�s Facebook friends and YoVille buddies by the YoPoints level they have achieved. Clicking on a buddy takes the player to their friend�s home.

Places in YoVille - Understanding the Map

Clicking on �Show Map� will display the entirety of YoVille. There are two ways to navigate through the city. Either visit the main map screen and click on the desired location or use the arrows on the street level to head to the next shop over.

Though other features are coming soon, these locations are currently available for all players to stop by:

• Widget Factory - Head to work every six hours to earn YoCoins and YoPoints.
• Your Apartment & Houses - Players all begin with an apartment near their buddies, but can purchase a house later in the game.
• Furniture Store - Decorate homes in a variety of styles, using YoCoins and YoCash.
• Vinny�s Diner - Get something to eat or meet new players to chat with.
• Lucky Casino - YoCoins can be gambled on a slot machine in the Casino.
• Realtor Office - Move from the apartment to a new home by visiting this office, with the appropriate amount of YoCoins or YoCash.
• Pet Shelter - Adopt a pet for the home. Most options require YoCash, however a few can be purchased for coins.
• Gifts & Flowers - Buy gifts for buddies or decorations for the home at this store.
• YoDepot - Pick out new wallpaper, flooring and fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen at this store.
• Sky Nightclub - Visit the nightclub to socialize, or to grab a snack.
• Gym Equipment - Turn a spare room into an exercise area with purchases from this store.
• Coffee Shop - Grab a quick snack to help renew energy.
• The Bank - At the bank, YoCash can be exchanged for either YoCoins or crew.
• Clothing Store - YoVillians can buy new outfits, accessories and shoes here.
• Music Store - Play music in an apartment or home with stereos and CDs.
• Speedway - Play a racing game to earn YoCoins and YoPoints.
• Beach & Fishing - The beach offers a fishing game, which gives players another way to earn coins.

Things to Do in YoVille

There are many things that residents of YoVille can complete every day. Each of these tasks will help players become more familiar with the game and earn them a combination of YoCoins, items and YoPoints:

• Daily Scratcher - A daily lottery scratcher is available to YoVillians. Once per day, players can scratch off a space on the ticket. Match three to win a prize. Every ticket is a winner, so players should log in daily even if they only have a moment to play.
• Go to Work - Every six hours, players are eligible to go to work in the Widget Factory. Here, they can earn YoCoins, YoPoints or even furniture.
• Chat with Friends - YoVille is a social environment and playing with friends has advantages. Inviting more friends to join a crew will result in bonuses from the Factory as well as the opportunity to purchase better homes later in the game.
• Earn YoCoins and YoCash - Getting new items requires YoCash or YoCoins. YoCoins are earned by completing tasks within the game, while YoCash must be purchased or earned by completing offers.
• Play Games - Fishing, YoMoto, Tic-Tac-Toe and Rock-Paper-Scissors are all available to play. Earn up to 200 YoCoins a day by playing games.
• Go Shopping - Furnish an apartment, listen to music or buy new clothing at the stores available.
• Level Up with YoPoints - A higher level allows YoVillians to access new items, actions and rooms for their apartment.

YoVille is also available to play on MySpace. Visit YoVille.com to find contests, message boards and other extras to enhance game play.

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