LINE PLAY 101: Using Gift Codes

LINE Play
     This is part of the LINE Play 101 series of updates.  Each update covers a specific section of the LINE Play app.  Please read the LINE Play review for more information about this app, before reading this post.

     NOTE:  These are the gift codes that work in all versions of LINE Play.  If a region specific code is used, I will make a notation.  If you enter a code that should work in your region and get an error saying it isn't, be sure that your account is linked to your region.  If you use your LP account via LINE, but didn't register your phone number, you may not have region specific access to certain codes.

     From time to time LINE will release a special code that you can enter into LINE Play to receive a free gift or gems.  You can find them many different ways.  Sometimes LINE will release the codes in the LINE Play announcements or advertisements.  Sometimes they will post a code on their Facebook page.  Then other times they will have a specific event that you must partake in to find the code (Such as their recent LINE messaging app event).  Once a code is found, it can be used, whether or not you yourself went through the trouble of obtaining it.  As long as the code is active, and not specific to a region you are not in, you can use it.
     To enter codes walk over to the Event section on your main screen.  See the image to the right.  I am standing by the Event building.
     Once there, you can partake in any current events (Usually prize wheels).  You can enter a Coupon Code, or you can enter a Gift Code.  Gift Code is what you need to click.
     After a while codes will expire.  If you find this page once the codes have expired, please leave a comment, letting me know.  I will grey out the code so no one will be confused.  Additionally, if you have codes that I have no added, let me know that in the comments as well.  Only non-region specific codes, please.
     Here are the current active gift codes.

LAST UPDATE: August 13, 2015

--------------------------

LINEPLAYOA - 2000 Gems awarded
COMEBACK - 5000 Gems awarded
SSRCHANNEL - Sugar Sugar Rune Cake Room Item
SSRMAJO430 - Sugar Sugar Rune Poster Room Item
PLAY0424  - Liar & His Lover TV Room Item
HAPPYWKND - 2000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
HAPPYWKND2  - 2000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
HAPPYWKND3  - 2000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
HAPPYWKND4  - 2000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
ILOVEPLAY - 3000 Gems awarded
CBEVENT  - 5000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
GOLDDESUZO - SHOW BY ROCK! Gold Maple Item.
MIKA  - 2000 Gems awarded (US CN Only)
     (Greyed out codes are no longer active.)

Sherlock: The Network

Sherlock: The Network
     If you're a big fan of BBC's Sherlock, or just the actors in general (Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, etc), you are going to love this app.  It allows you to be part of Sherlock's homeless network.  You have the opportunity to help Sherlock Holmes solve his latest mysteries!
     The app is free to download.  It has video and audio scenes filmed and recorded by the original cast specifically for this app.  However, some of the cases need to be purchased.  If you wan to unlock them all, you will need to put down a little cash.  You will only get 2 for free, with your download.  This is a downside.
     A while back, when I got the app (2014), there was a promo special that allowed you to get all of the cases for free (The ones available at that time).  This is how I was able to play so much of this.  I certainly wouldn't have had the cash to spend to unlock the cases.  Which is why I am not covering screen shots from the newest case release.  Because I do not have it.
     Let's talk about game play.  Once you start your first case you go straight in and get to meet Sherlock himself.  You are part of his secret network of homeless people.  He will comment on your failings in basic hygiene, give you a phone, some money, and give you a task.  Each case requires you to solve various puzzles.  Even traveling about the city often required simple puzzle solving.  Not to mention you have to balance your time (You do not have unlimited time) and your money (Taking the train or a car will cost you).
     Your main screen (While playing a case) is going to be the city map.  You can find money while traversing the map.  But be weary of going too far out of your way.  The extra time could cost you the case.  You can also find fun little bits of information about the filming shot at specific locations (TV Trivia).
     The train is faster than walking (Obviously).  The cab is the fastest way of travelling, but costs the most.  As you get further into the cases, you'll find you have a lot of money saved up.  However, you can choose to spend this money on items that may better assist you.  Such as a nice pair of shoes that will cause you to walk faster.
     Sherlock will call you on your phone from time to time.  You will hear an audio message from the actor when you check your voicemail.  He will keep you updated on new information and new places to visit.  Check these messages as soon as you can.
     The puzzles in each case vary.  Some are as simple as lining up various images to get a complete picture, to decoding an audio recording.  Speeding it up, slowing it down, reversing it, etc.  You also have to look around rooms and find clues.  Not everything you find will be relevant, of course.
     Once you get to the end of the case, you have solved all of your puzzles and gathered your clues, you will need to solve the case.  You will see Sherlock's clue cloud (His mind palace via floating text).  You will need to choose the correct clues that result in the answer to the mystery.  If you get it correct, you finish the case, and sometimes you get a nice praising from Mr Holmes.  Well, as much praise as you could expect from him.
     The puzzles are fun and can be challenging.  The game play is fun... But, let's be honest, it's the footage that really makes this app amazing.  Being able to interact with the cast of Sherlock is so much fun.  I will post some screen shots from some of the video footage in the app, below.  Click the images to see them larger.

      Once you complete your cases, you can go back to play them again, if you like.  Though, once you know the answers to all of the puzzles, they are a lot less fun.  Why play again?  Because there is a leader board.  If you want to get the highest scores, you'll have to play as quickly and efficiently as possible.  This could take many tries.  Personally, I only played the cases once.  I'm not really one for leader boards.
     You can look through all of the TV trivia from the menu as well.  You can browse cases, leader board scores.  You can also change your profile image.
     If you are wondering about pricing for additional cases:
8 Case multi-pack 3-10: 2.99USD
A Race & A Case (One case): 0.99USD (This is the new one)
     If you get cases for free with promos (As I did), note that they do not count as purchases.  This is important to know, because it means that if you remove the app from your phone (or iPad), and add it back later, you will not get the free cases back.  You will only have the first 2 cases, and any cases you actually paid for.  If I remove this app from my phone, I lose all my cases (Besides the first 2).  So it has been on my phone for a year now.
      My end opinion?  An amazing app.  Well made.  Challenging, fun, interactive...  I wish you didn't have to pay 99 cents per case (Or the 2.99 for cases 3-10).  However, I can understand why they did it that way.  After all, they have to pay the actors, cameramen, etc.  They also use the same sets as the television program.

      If you're a big Sherlock fan, you can't pass this up.  Even if you only play the first 2 cases, it's worth the download.  I recommend it.

 Rating: 4.5/5

• Free
• Category: Entertainment
• Updated: Mar 04, 2015
• Version: 1.9.1
• Size: 283 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: The Digital Development Factory Pty Ltd
• © 2015

Rated 12+ for the following:

• Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
• Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
• Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence

Zombiegal Kawaii

Zombiegal Kawaii
     Have you ever wanted to shoot, slash and punch a horde of zombies in the face?  Have you ever wanted to do that while dressed as an adorable school girl, maid or bunny?  Of course you have.
    This is a really well made shooter game that is absolutely free to lay.  Great graphics, lots of stages, bosses, challenges, leveling, an arsenal of weapons to choose from, and even a small wardrobe to dress up your character.
     I feel like this game used to have an intro... Though it apparently doesn't now.  I played this game a few years back (2013).  I recently (Today) started playing it again.  I may just remember that wrong.
     For me, the cons to this are that even though you can multiplayer play this app, there rarely seems to be anyone else on who is playing multiplayer.  So good luck teaming up...  Also, everyone gets the same character.  Sure, you can change her attire if you've saved enough coins... But her hair and face never change.  I'd like a little more variety, personally.  Otherwise?  I love this game.
     The graphics are great, as are the voice and music elements.  You can even change the voices in the settings (Small gear icon in the bottom left corner).  You can actually change quite a few things here.  You can switch from casual to hardcore (And back again), turn the sound on and off, turn the background music on and off... and then the voice settings.
     The voice settings are as follows:
CV (^.^*) : This voice is in Japanese.  She is slightly more excitable than the default CV JP voice.
CV Off : Pretty self explanatory...
CN CV : Chinese voiced character.  She says things so matter of factly that it seems like fighting zombies is such a bothersome bore to her.
CV JP : The default voice.  Japanese, high pitched, female.
     Perhaps one day they will expand their languages for voices.  I would love to hear the character voiced in English, French or even German.

     Clicking the Arsenal button from the main screen takes you to where you can choose your weapon and attire.  You can purchase ones you don't have with the gold you get from battling zombies.  You can also power up your weapons with upgrades.  

     There are currently 29 weapons in the game.  They range from an RPG-13 to a Mac738 Chainsaw, a Napalm Bomb to a ZS-01 Dummy, and a Samurai Sword to a Baseball Bat.  You really do have some variety.  You can unlock up to 3 weapon slots.  All equip weapons can be used during battle.

  There are also 17 power skills (Such as Life Tap, Fast Escape, etc).  These skills will make the game play easier.  However, like the weapons, only 3 can be equip at once.

     There are 36 fashion accessories to choose for your character.  They serve no purpose besides aesthetics.  However, they are incredibly expensive (Most of them).  So you'll be saving up for a long time.  Alternatively, any item that you can buy with gold can also be purchased with cash.

     Cash can be purchased in the shoppe (Under arsenal, choose the shopping trolley icon.  You must be connected to the internet).  In game cash is called "Medals".  You can get one free every day from the shoppe.  You can purchase 30 for 99 cents or up to 2700 for 59.99USD.  You can also purchase coins for 99 cents for 3000 or up to 270000 for 59.99USD.

     You get a log in bonus every day.  The more days in a row that you log in, the better your bonus.

     Let's discuss the actual game play (As seen above).  The circle to the left is for your thumb.  Use it as you would an analog stick.  Taping the weapons at the bottom left shoots them.  Be careful, you have limited ammo.  You can keep track of your ammunition at the top of the screen.  You life bar is top left.  If you run out of life, it's game over (Unless you have a resurrection.  You can get them free as login bonuses, otherwise it will cost you medals).  You can pause the game with the button at the top right.

     You have to line up with the zombies to shoot them.  Otherwise your bullets may fly right past them.  If you have a bat, sword, or other close range item, you will of course need to be quite close to do damage.  Though the accuracy will be better.

     There are many kinds of zombies in the game.  The red ones that look like suicide bombers will explode if they touch you, taking a lot of your HP.  Don't let them get close!  The archery zombies can hit you from across the screen, so you need to dodge their arrows.  They can't shoot you if they are taking damage though.  There are zombies with shields.  The shields need to be destroyed before the zombie will take damage.  There are many other types of zombies as well, including mini boss zombies and boss zombies.  You can tell it's a mini boss because it will be glowing purple.  The bosses will be obvious.

     If you see someone running past you while carrying a brown sack, attack!  Those sacks are full of loot.  You can get coins, ammo and health by attacking these characters.  You can also get these things by attacking cardboard boxes, rubbish bin, traffic cones and other such objects.

     When you see a glowing rainbow target on the ground, that is the end of the level.  Stand on the circle to finish the level and claim your reward.

     If you want to play the multiplayer version, click the Co-Op button at the bottom of the main screen.  You can quick play or create a game.  This is a great way to get help clearing levels that you may be having a tough time clearing on your own.  However, I suggest you convince your friends to download the app and make sure they are on when you want to co-op.  Otherwise you could be sitting there for hours, waiting for someone to play with you.

     All in all, this is a really great game.  The fact that it's free makes it ten times better.  If you like shooters, zombies or just like cute apps, give this one a go.  I think you will really enjoy it.

 Rating: 5/5

• Free
• Category: Games
• Released: Jun 20, 2013
• Version: 1.5.5
• Size: 76.5 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: YANSHU SUN
• © miHoYo Co., Ltd.

You must be at least 17 years old to download this app.

• Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
• Frequent/Intense Realistic Violence
• Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes

I Love Coffee

I Love Coffee
     If you have ever dreamed of designing and running your own chain of coffee shoppes, now you can!... Sort of...  I Love Coffee is a digital game where your grandfather has given you a coffee shoppe to run.  You can decorate it, choose the menus, hire the staff and even create additional branches!

     I have been playing this app for years.  For me, that's a long time.  I rarely use an app for more than a month.  Especially if it's a game.  I love the creative design element to the game.  I like dressing up my employees and decorating my cafes.  If that's your cuppa tea (Or coffee) then you might want to give this app a try.
     In the beginning your cafe is quite small, and you must serve the costumers yourself, as you can't afford employees.  Though this caterpillar stage of the game doesn't last long.  You'll be designing and employing before you know it.

     The game employs an experience earning system which in turn gains you levels.  The higher your level the more items you have access to in the shoppe (Where you purchase furnishings, equipment, decor, wallpaper, etc).  The clothing, face and hair does not require any articular levels to obtain anything, however.  The only disadvantage is that much of the clothing, hair and eyes cost real cash.  Less than half can be obtained through in game free currency.  This is a draw back.  In fact, there are also a good deal of furnishings that cost real money too.  Though you will never truly need to purchase these things.  Also, cash has been easier to gain through special events.  So you can actually save up your free event cash, rather than spending money on it.  It will just take longer.

      You may be wondering how to gain experience.  Most things you do gain you experience.  However, the big points come from performing quests.  As you get to higher levels you will obtain new quests.  Finishing a quest gets you experience, money and sometimes beans or special items.  In fact, some items can only be obtained by completing a quest.

     Once you reach level 21 you will have access to the "Daily Quest".  It changes every day.  It will give you 3 random things to do.  Once you have performed these 3 tasks, you complete the quest.  Aside from the quest finish gold and experience, you also get a special stamp.  Once you have collected enough stamps you get a special lucky box.  The lucky box acts as a gacha, giving you one random item from a set the box has access to.  Many of these items can only be obtained through this lucky box.
     The game also have different lucky boxes that can be bought either with real cash, cherries (A social free in game currency, obtained by performing social tasks), or gold.  many boxes are limited or seasonal, so get them while you can!
     If you have friends who play the game, you can visit their cafe as well.  You can even help them out by clicking up to 4 things in their cafe (Such as employees, roasters, coffee makers, ovens, display cases, etc).  When you do this, you get cherries.  The cherries are the free social currency.  Saving them up allows you to buy special lucky boxes, increase the size of your roof top cafe (All cafe buildings can be expanded, but roof tops require a combination of cherries and gold to expand), and complete management tasks.

     If you don't know anyone who lays, that is alright too.  You can add people in the game as friends.  Then you can help one another with social activity and quests!
     The management task system (Certif) is relatively new.  There are several sections.  Each section has a different list of tasks.  Complete the tasks at all of their stages and obtain rewards and special items!
     You can also obtain special items from your "Regular Customers".  this is a special set of NPCs that can frequent your cafe.  Level up their happiness to get a chance to get a timed item (An item that can only be used for 30 days) or max out their level to get their special item (Permanently).  If they have a bubble above their head, be sure to click it.  They like to chat and order special coffee that you have to make especially for them.
     Aside from the NPCs you can talk to anyone in your cafe by tapping on them.  You can also perform "Street Charm" which requires you to chat with people passing by your cafe.  To be successful you must correctly respond to them 3/3 times.  Doing so will gain you some extra coins.  This task is often required for completing quests.  Plus it's fun because they say many funny things.  Some mention pop culture things.  Memorize which responses suit which characters.  If you find it too hard, you can find the correct responses for each character type here.  Special street charm with Special Guests here.
     With so much to do, it isn't any wonder why I still play this game.  Not to mention the constant addition of new content, special events and more.  I could go on and on about the other features of the game, but you should really try it out for yourself.
     There is ability to purchase in game items, but the game is free, and you never truly have to make any real purchases.  Also, the easy ability to earn and save up "cash' is a plus for me.  The ability to customize various cafes, characters and even your car and scenery is also a plus.  I love customization!  Plus the artwork is adorable and there is a lot of style variety.  From over the top cutesy to antique; to jazz motif; to modern and high tech.  All in all, I think this is a great app.  I recommend it.  I love apps that you can play for a few minutes here and there, but don't need to set aside a huge amount of time for.  If you do too, give this one a try!
Rating: 5/5

• Free
• Category: Games
• Updated: Dec 10, 2014
• Version: 1.1.0
• Size: 66.1 MB
• Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
• Seller: LINE Corporation
• © LINE Corporation

Rated 4+