Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Arrives 12/13/22

“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion will bring the PSP adventure to Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC on December 13.” (Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-confirmed-for-december-13-launch/1100-6507433/)

I got really obsessed with Final Fantasy when I went to college 22 years ago. While FF8 is my favorite, FF7 seems to be the fan favorite with good reason. It’s continued to receive a lot of attention long after it’s original release on the PlayStation (that’s PS1).

I haven’t played FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, yet, but it seems to be popular. However, I’ve enjoyed many of... Read All

Marvel Strike Force Getting Hulked Out

Because of this year’s D23 expo (https://d23.com/), I found out about Marvel Strike Force. An announcement was made that, “the free-to-play turn-based mobile game, is getting an influx of Hulk content very soon.”

The game is currently out and installed on my phone, but I haven’t tried it yet and I know pretty much nothing about it. I’ve never owned an expensive cellphone and I hate them anyway. I haven’t played many cellphone games in part because mine haven’t been compatible with many things. I was a “mobile” gamer long before cellphones had gaming functionality. My Gameboy was my first Nintendo product and remained my primary gaming device for a long time. I... Read All

Marvel Snap Coming to PC and mobile 10/18/22

At this year’s D23 expo (https://d23.com/), a new game called Marvel Snap was announced for PC and mobile. You can pre-register on the website (https://www.marvelsnap.com/pre-register) or within the Apple store and Google Play. It’s coming to PC, too, but I wasn’t able to find a link for it, so I visited Google Play on my phone.

Marvel Snap is the debut from Second Dinner, which is an indie studio composed of Blizzard veterans who worked on Hearthstone. It doesn’t sound like a Marvel variant (keyword there if you’re following the MCU). It’s hard to describe what I’ve just read and I think the best thing to do is to point you towards the links below to read for... Read All At this year’s D23 expo (https://d23.com/), a new game called Marvel Snap was announced for PC and mobile. You can pre-register on the website (https://www.marvelsnap.com/pre-register) or within the Apple store and Google Play. It’s coming to PC, too, but I wasn’t able to find a link for it, so I visited Google Play on my phone.

Marvel Snap is the debut from Second Dinner, which is an indie studio composed of Blizzard veterans who worked on Hearthstone. It doesn’t sound like a Marvel variant (keyword there if you’re following the MCU). It’s hard to describe what I’ve just read and I think the best thing to do is to point you towards the links below to read for yourself. You’ll probably understand it better than I do.

I got into CCGs w/ Magic the Gathering and the Star Trek: Next Generation CCG. I still have cards from both. My son has a nice collection from the Pokemon CCG. My problem with Hearthstone is simply that I do not enjoy PVP. I’d rather play against an AI. I did enjoy it to a point and I do believe it’s a good and popular game, but there was little for a single lone player to do when I played, so I stopped.

I’ve never had a great phone nor have I had a ridiculously expensive iPhone nor have I had the interest in them. So, I’ve never really gotten into mobile gaming when it applies to cell phones. I hate cellphones, most especially due to stupid touch screens. I’m only glad now that there’s a Windows Phone Link app that lets me use my PC to text and call. Texting is far superior with a full keyboard to type on!

I’m Marvel-ously obsessed (Dad joke, check!), so I’ll probably at least check this out for a bit. Let me know what you think about this and if it’s something you’re interested in.

Sources:

Announcement: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-snap-releasing-on-pc-and-mobile-october-18/1100-6507228/

In-depth interview with Ben Brode: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-marvel-snap-puts-a-new-spin-on-the-card-game-formula/1100-6503598/

Blockchain Gaming!

This weekend, I played a handful of blockchain games from Levana Protocol (https://twitter.com/Levana_protocol)

Salim's Adventure is an 8-bit side scroller that took a few hours for me to get the hang of (some of the hit detection isn't perfect, so I kept running into some spikes lol). It's a fun Mario-type game where you can jump on enemies, avoid spikes, and at the end defeat a dragon ghost. If you're into side scrollers, I recommend checking it out :)

Alchemy is an ingredient combining game. To master "future space science," you need to combine ingredients to find new ingredients and keep combining them until you've mastered it all.

Arach Attack is a puzzle game,... Read All

Everything New in Terraria 1.4.4!

Greetings Terrarians! Terraria's State of the Game for August is up and it brings some great new about the "Labor of Love" update. First, what is it? Well, this came about when a few years ago Terraria won the "Labor of Love" award on Steam. This was a category in one of the "Game of the Year" polls they do. The "Labor of Love" category was for games that have been out for a while, but continue to receive new content. So, it was decided to give an update to version 1.4.4.

I know, right, we thought we saw the last content update for Terraria that gave us Journey mode. But we're always delightfully surprised (except with the cancellation of Terraria: Otherworld). So, ... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 08/26/2022 at 08:26pm

Wow. Love that they keep updating this game. I bought it on sale for a few bucks and it’s been updated so much since then. ❤️

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 08/26/2022 at 08:30pm

Yeah! Cheerful Ghost introduced me to it and I've been in love w/ it! I'm loving the new stuff and can't wait to experience it! 💙

Travis Admin wrote on 08/28/2022 at 02:14pm

Kinda wondering if they’ll come back with a 1.5 later too. It seems like they truly love it as much as we do, and don’t want to leave it.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 08/28/2022 at 02:42pm

>Kinda wondering if they’ll come back with a 1.5 later too. It seems like they truly love it as much as we do, and don’t want to leave it.

I doubt it probably just because we thought that they last major update (Journey Mode) would be the last. But, clearly it isn't. Is LoL the last? LOL!? I dunno, maybe no one knows (certainly Redigit know more than anyone). From what I've read or heard it seems like they've pretty much reached the limits of the engine. I think Terraria 2 would be the next step. This is all speculation of course and it's really a good idea to explore. I'm sure there are still lots of suggested/requested content, adding content that fans suggest/request is something they've done very well, though. What do you all think?

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this update. Speculating again, but I'm going to make a prediction and say that we'll get this update next month or Oct., Nov. at the latest. I'm sure we'll have it before the year ends.

jdodson Admin wrote on 08/30/2022 at 03:52pm

>

Kinda wondering if they’ll come back with a 1.5 later too. It seems like they truly love it as much as we do, and don’t want to leave it.

I mean... yeah? I hope so.

I wonder if we'll ever get a Terraria 2 knowing that we basically got one already with the updates? I think they could do a better Starbound (personally).

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/18/2022 at 07:25pm

There's a new link in Steam I recommend you check out. Three spoiler videos are scheduled. The first is out now, while the other two will arrive on 9/20, and 9/22.

New spoiler, the "Rubblemaker:" https://youtu.be/wbw3aMNibuE

Travis Admin wrote on 09/19/2022 at 01:26pm

Ok well, I am in love with the Rubblemaker!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/19/2022 at 10:59pm

Are you following up with the graphic novels? I want to wait until they're all released and then decide which edition to get. I want the all-in-one. Here's a link to the announcement for the first, but the 2nd is available now. https://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/terraria-graphic-novel-book-one-issue-one-orders-now-open.114075/

Travis Admin wrote on 09/20/2022 at 04:38pm

Nah, one of the great things about terraria is it’s lack of story, I’m not super interested in the graphic novels.

Travis Admin wrote on 09/20/2022 at 04:40pm

That said. The stuff that comes with the higher editions looks great

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/28/2022 at 06:00pm

The update is here and I feel like I need to watch a video covering what's included, because I'm overwhelmed with what I read. Here's the changelog: https://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/terraria-labor-of-love-is-out-now.114357/

Travis Admin wrote on 09/29/2022 at 01:59pm

It’s a hell of a changelog. The new liquid that I won’t spoil for anyone who wants to go in with a surprise is incredibly interesting

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/29/2022 at 07:30pm

Are you talking about a paint/coating? I saw a video about it.

I haven't played since our last server and it was funny that I had to remember how to play again.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/01/2022 at 11:30pm

No it’s a new liquid like water, lava, and honey

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 10/02/2022 at 12:35am

Yeah I saw Chippy Gaming mention it's a spoiler, so I stopped watching his video. I haven't discovered it yet.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 11/24/2022 at 04:10am

Chippy Gaming has a great video giving a good overview of all the hotfixes this update has gotten. I recommend checking it out here: https://youtu.be/wwpOBogqV54

I haven't discovered Shimmer in my own game and don't know how. I haven't let myself become "spoiled" about it yet, waiting to discover it own. I've created multiple worlds and characters and have only once finished a Hell bridge before restarting.

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BEAM ME UP For The Original Star Trek Films in 4K

Physical media is on a downward slope to oblivion because streaming is good enough for nearly everyone. I'm not lamenting this, I'm just noting it because I love collecting some kinds of physical media (games, films, music) and when I write about it I'm always thinking about how this pastime is for Dinosaurs and folks that love wasting money. Or at least that's what I think sometimes even though I love it. People say you can't take anything with you when you die and pass into the next whatever life but some cultures believed you could. I imagine it's possible to stack up a pile of Blu-ray and Limited Run Games and take them with you to Valhalla or wherever. Or at... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 08/24/2022 at 06:36pm

When you get to Valhalla, will you tell Mighty Thor I love her, please? LOL I won't be anywhere though.

I understand your physical media desire. I love digital access, but how long are we going to have access to that content? Steam leaving would cut me off from LOTS of money I've spent on games. Epic Games leaving would cut me off of the free games I've gotten, some of which I already own on Steam, so they could be a bit of a backup.

Also, I kind of hate buying a Blu-Ray, for instance, because once I watch a movie, I don't usually want to again until years later. I don't even want the Jurassic World: Dominion Blu-Ray. Yes I love everything JP/JW, but I don't want another Blu-Ray that's going to collect dust for years, like the JP/JW collection I have (all-in-one).

One great thing about physical media, though, is it gives you something to pass on to your kids (if you have any). I've decided EVERYTHING I own goes to my son when I die. He's my only and only intended, so no competition. If my mom is still alive, though, everything I got from my grandmother's when she died will go to her instead (like my grandfather's ring and old radio).

I love streaming, though. It gives me quick and easy access. Then I sit at my PC and watch it, this is my comfort zone. I only turned on my TV recently because I needed it to help me troubleshoot "no signal" from my new GPU. I got that TV between 2006-2009. It's a 50' plasma. I don't use it anymore, just glad I had it for troubleshooting when I needed it (and it helped!). I guess that also can be evidence for me being a PC snob. LOL

Wow, Star Trek in 4K! I can't do 4K, but I can do half and I strongly believe that extra resolution makes the picture really crisp and gorgeous! I don't have a special audio system, I don't notice it's quality unless I'm in the movie theater. The first high-res HDR movie I watched was Ghostbusters: Afterlife and I was so impressed with how gorgeous it was! I got to see Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that way, too (after I saw it in theater).

I binged all of ST years ago. I'm all caught up, too, except for Lower Deck (not sure I'm interested). I think that's all I've missed out on. I love all of it! TNG was what got me into it.

Thanks for sharing this! That makes me want to watch those movies again! (I love V-ger!)

jaelte wrote on 08/24/2022 at 07:10pm

Ah, I see you purchased one of them new-fangled "Blue Ray" devices. I've never owned one. I'm still holding on to these old DVDs. And probably VHS or two if I look hard enough. ;-)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 08/24/2022 at 07:52pm

🤣

I’ve got Star Trek on VHS and DVD. I used to ditch old formats when I upgraded. Now I just keep all the old stuff.

Help. I have a problem. 😅

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 08/24/2022 at 07:53pm

“ Also, I kind of hate buying a Blu-Ray, for instance, because once I watch a movie, I don't usually want to again until years later.”

I buy on a few criteria. What stuff do I always want to watch or play no matter what (I mean, as long as I have electricity). What stuff will I watch again? Ok if it’s years in the future. (This one is less a thing, but partly a thing) what stuff might I lend to a friend?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 08/24/2022 at 08:54pm

>I buy on a few criteria. What stuff do I always want to watch or play no matter what (I mean, as long as I have electricity). What stuff will I watch again? Ok if it’s years in the future. (This one is less a thing, but partly a thing) what stuff might I lend to a friend?

I think that's a good way of thinking about it, Jon.

Travis Admin wrote on 08/25/2022 at 04:55pm

Yeah I buy based on “will I want to watch this multiple times” and especially “do I want to see the special features” because those rarely come to streaming services.

Travis Admin wrote on 08/25/2022 at 04:56pm

And this is a collection I think I’ll get. I have the blu ray set but that’s nowhere near enough pixels 😂

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Genesis Mini 2

We live in an incredible time where fantastic new games are coming out at a frantic pace and on top of that we are getting many remakes and modern ports of classic games. Nintendo smashed the scene a handful of years back with the Nintendo and Super Nintendo Classic and Sega wasn't too far behind with the Genesis mini. Apparently that wasn't good enough because they are back with 50+ games packing the Genesis Mini 2 featuring a handful of Sega CD games such as Night Trap, Sewer Shark and Sonic CD! I never had a Sega when I was younger so this coupled with the original Genesis Mini should tide us all over...

Until they release the Genesis Mini 3 that is.

Let me know if... Read All

HeroQuest: Epic Board Game Adventure That Doesn't Require a PHD

jdodson gives this an astounding "Must Play" on the Ghost Scale

This achieves something special, and it would be a shame to miss it.

jdodson gives this a "Must Play" on the Ghost Scale

This achieves something special, and it would be a shame to miss it.

My favorite board game of all time is DOOM: The Board Game by Kevin Wilson. In Wilson's DOOM the goal is to escape each level and engage the Demons in so much as you need to to escape to survive. Sometimes you should stand and fight and sometimes you should run quickly to the next room. It's a difficult game and exploration is available, but not quite encouraged as the game will kill you if you linger too long. Like many modern dungeon crawling board games it has a fair amount of rules and it can take quite a while to complete a mission. According to Boardgamegeek each mission of DOOM can last upwards of 180 minutes making it an epic game that requires a time... Read All My favorite board game of all time is DOOM: The Board Game by Kevin Wilson. In Wilson's DOOM the goal is to escape each level and engage the Demons in so much as you need to to escape to survive. Sometimes you should stand and fight and sometimes you should run quickly to the next room. It's a difficult game and exploration is available, but not quite encouraged as the game will kill you if you linger too long. Like many modern dungeon crawling board games it has a fair amount of rules and it can take quite a while to complete a mission. According to Boardgamegeek each mission of DOOM can last upwards of 180 minutes making it an epic game that requires a time commitment to master the rules and complete a mission. DOOM is awesome but sometimes it's good to play an epic board game where the missions take a bit less time and the rules are easier to understand. Recently I picked up a remake of such a game I played back in the 90's called HeroQuest.

Back in the 90's one of my high school friends introduced me to HeroQuest and after opening the box and showing me the game, I was hooked. Recently Hasboro Game Lab worked in partnership with Avalon Hill to re-create the original game and ran a Kickstarter-like that smashed it's initial funding goals and made several stretch goals to bring extra characters and campaign game books to fans. After quite a while in the making, with what I imagine was more than a few delays due to COVID, Hero Quest shipped and in nearly every way I've really enjoyed the recreation. In some instances I prefer the original sculpt(slightly more meat cleavers please!) to the new one but the detail and love shown on the new version is incredible. I've also included a video on this review that showcases many of the differences and most of them are entirely cosmetic. Avalon Hill kept all the original rules and missions intact, which is a lovely surprise.

HeroQuest was a game initially targeted at kids to provide them with an epic dungeon crawling game that was easy enough to understand and play. I find that HeroQuest is a great game for everyone looking to play a sword and magic board game because it makes it accessible and fun in a way that few do. The new version also includes a Companion App that allows you to play the game if you don't have anyone that can act as the Zargon/Dungeon Master character. Does everyone you are playing with want to just play as the heroes, welp, that works with the companion app.

"The HeroQuest Companion App unlocks new, optional game modes for the HeroQuest board game (sold separately). Traditionally, a game of HeroQuest requires one player to take on the role of Zargon, the Dread Sorceror who also acts as the game master in command of the dungeon board. However, the app can take the role of a Digital Zargon, allowing up to four human players to play solely as the heroes. And we do mean “up to,” because with Digital Zargon you can now play HeroQuest as a solo board game, controlling all four heroes yourself!"

When I first got HeroQuest I played the initial mission with the companion app and it worked out really well. Wasn't as fun as playing with friends though, which makes sense.

I've had three parties at my place where we played HeroQuest and I'd say the game has been a hit. Early on we figured out a way to make the game a bit easier and I suggest absolutely not doing what we did. You can speed up the gameplay by not rolling the dice after you kill all the monsters on the board and just move your characters where you want to go but when you do that it makes the game very formulaic and not fun. I had that idea and it turns out, it's a terrible one as ALWAYS rolling the dice to move is more fun. In our last play sessions we also stopped making choices as a group and let the main party split up into two parties, making the mission more dangerous and compelling. It's possible if every player played it safe and got good rolls, each player could solo a room by themselves except the Wizard, which is who I am playing. I'm not sure we'll break out four ways, but it's possible.

HeroQuest is a classic board game that needed a remake. If you are looking for an accessible game to play with friends and this sounds interesting, you should give HeroQuest a try. It seems like Avalon Hill is re-releasing each HeroQuest expansion and after that I hope they can create a new one. With the original 14 mission campaign and the two expansions (Witch Lord, Kellars Keep) and the quest books I got as Kickstarter extras I have more than enough Hero Quest to play. Still, more is always fun and I hope Hero Quest has a long life ahead of it.

https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/avalon-hill/heroquest-companion-app-details-and-release-date?

Orders For Terraria Graphic Novels Are Open Now!

One of our favorite games, Terraria, now has a graphic novel series and orders are open now! You can begin ordering them at 50 Amp Productions website. You can order the first one here: https://www.50ampproductions.com/collections/comic-issue-01 You may notice that there are tiers. You can get the graphic novel itself for pretty much $5 or you can spend $50 and get a whole bunch of goodies!

Here's a good tidbit from the news report: "Overall, the plan is to roll out Issues 1-4 (Book One) over the next few months, followed by a full Book One release to book sellers/retailers as well as available online some time in Q1 2023. Book One will contain all of the first four... Read All

Tactics Ogre Gets Reborn on November 11th

I just found this piece of news, which I fell in love with once I saw the YouTube video (embedded). I haven’t played any Tactics Ogre game, but I believe they are popular. According to the article, “Tactics Ogre: Reborn is based on 2011's Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together on the PSP, which itself was a port of the original 1995 release for Super Nintendo.” If you know more about these games, please feel free to let me know what you think of them!

The reason I fell in love with the video was because it looks just like the Final Fantasy Tactics games I’ve loved so very much. I got introduced to Final Fantasy in college (I will forever love FF8 the most). FF Tactics was... Read All