Platinum Life: A Cut Above the Rest

Social gaming has become big business. As people sit in front of their favorite addiction, happily plugging away at the next task, a few companies are laughing all the way to the bank. Zygna, maker of the uber-popular Farmville and Mafia Wars are the ones to beat in the quest for social gaming dominance. Last year, the innocuous farming game raked in the dough making $145 million. So where does Heatwave Interactive’s Platinum Life fit in the social gaming hierarchy?

As the new kid on the block, Platinum Life has a lot to prove. While there’s still enough space for in this rapidly growing market for everyone to turn a profit, it’s never that simple. Social gaming is more than pretty graphics, mouse clicks, tasks, and leveling. People need to feel connected to the gaming experience. As social gaming’s first Hip-Hop themed adventure, Platinum Life has the advantage of etching out it’s own niche. But niches can sometimes be a kiss of death, especially if the niche is too small. This shouldn’t be a problem for Heatwave, since Hip-Hop has become globalized with Hip-Hop head spanning from the U.S. to Japan and back again.

Another draw point for the game is the star power Heatwave has recruited for the game. Thanks to Executive Producer Mykel Mitchell and his extensive background in entertainment, the Texas-based company was able to add big name artists including Ludacris, Omarion, and DJ Skee. Which isn’t surprising since this is the same company that worked with actor Samuel L. Jackson to create the awesome iSamJackson app.  On the way to superstardom, players have the opportunity to work with Luda — doing charity work, performing as the opening act, and eventually working your way into the artist’s video.

To further bank on the music theme, there’s an in depth trivia section that quizzes players on their music knowledge. To keep it interesting the questions extend beyond the world of Hip-Hop. You could be answering questions about Redman or Drake one minute and Britney Spears and Lady Gaga the next. To keep those living the life up on their favorite artists’ latest happenings, there’s a news feed that’s constantly refreshed. It’s a unique twist on a format that has put players into the shoes of a restaurateur, farmer, CEO, and gangster.

Platinum Life has star power and innovation on its side, but the biggest and most important thing about the game is that it’s just plain fun.