tag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:/games/63Cheerful Ghost: Borderlands2024-03-29T00:27:24+00:002023-08-12T05:28:03Ztag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/49122023-08-12T05:25:16Z2023-08-12T05:28:03Z/jdodson/posts/4912/the-steam-deck-is-just-what-pc-gaming-neededThe Steam Deck Is Just What PC Gaming Needed<div class='youtube-player' data-id='7_0SnbF_MhU'></div> <br/>I've been a PC gamer since I was a wee lad starting out on a Commodore VIC-20. The VIC wasn't called a PC, but it had a monitor a keyboard and played awesome games. Fast forward to 2023 and PC gaming has evolved a lot and if you can afford the hardware, is the cutting edge of graphics and performance. All that said, my profession is Software Engineering so at the end of the day I don't want to spend a lot more time at my desk playing games. I've preferred the Switch or more recently the XBox because I can kick back on the couch. I was excited when Valve announced Steam Machines but I was waiting a bit to see how folks were using them and even though Steam Machines were a great idea, they didn't catch on. Apparently Valve didn't give up on Steam in the living room because even after the Steam box streamer they came hot to the market with the Steam Deck, a premium Linux handheld that has quite a bit of PC power. I didn't pick one up at launch because I wasn't sure what to make of it. The initial reviews were good, but who knows how well they'd hold up? Well after waiting a while when the Deck recently went on sale I picked it up.<br><br>For me the Steam Deck is a shot in the arm to PC gaming and bringing me back to it to play games in my back catalog. Plus the Steam Deck runs Linux so you can do whatever else with it you want. Want to play Nintendo games you've already bought from Nintendo 5 times already? They will run. Want to play those free games you got on the Epic Games Store? Most will run. Want to play your incredible Steam back catalog? Most will work too.<br><br>Since the Steam Deck is running Linux and using Proton as the Wine emulation layer I expected things to be janky and I'm surprised it's as seamless as it is. I've been a Linux Desktop user and gamer for years and nothing in the past is this easy to use. Valve has done a ton of work and them owning all the hardware, drivers and Proton stack really adds up to a magical device that just works. Now all Steam games don't work, but I don't care much about that because I have thousands of games I'll never get around to playing anyway.<br><br>I got the official Steam Deck Dock and that works great on my TV and am currently replaying Borderlands that way. Bouncing between the Deck and my TV is seamless and occasionally there are issues, but it's nothing game breaking. The Steam Deck is so great I'll most likely purchase most new games digitally on PC because this really seems like the best way to play games.2023-08-12T05:28:03Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/45812021-03-02T06:07:04Z2021-03-02T06:07:04Z/Azurephile/posts/4581/bordlands-movie-casting-newsBordlands Movie Casting News<img src='https://mcfarlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New_Borderlands_Header.jpg' class='img-responsive' alt='https://mcfarlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New_Borderlands_Header.jpg' /> <br/>I found some fresh news from the production of the Borderlands movie that I'd thought I'd share. They've cast Ariana Greenblatt to play Tiny Tina. Ariana played young Gamore in Avengers: Infinity War. The article also reveals (possibly not new news) other cast members including "Cate Blanchett as Lilith, Kevin Hart as Roland, Jamie Lee Curtis as Tannis, and Jack Black lending his voice to Claptrap." I think this seems interesting. I wonder how Jack Black will sound as Claptrap. There's currently no news of when the movie will be released, but at least we know it's in production.<br><br>It's interesting to see video games being adapted as movies, sometimes with success and other times with failure. I remember something I read recently about this and how movie makers have seen that video games have become a dominant leader in entertainment. What I read mentioned how, many years ago, movies would buy the rights to video game characters and such, but did not stick to the IP and instead took their own "creative" path. I'd say Super Mario Bros. (the 1993 movie) is a prime example of this. What I read stated that movie makers saw Sonic the Hedgehog as a success and have seen the value of video games. That movie did veer off of what we knows as Sonic the Hedgehog a bit, but it probably wasn't as off course as the Super Mario Bros. movie. In fact, there will be a Sonic the Hedgehog sequel and it may already be in production. If you watched that movie's end-credits scene, you'll notice that Tails will be joining Sonic in the sequel (and rightly so, I think). Monster Hunter is another recent video game that was adapted into a move, but from what I read it seemed to have flopped, although the movie itself most certainly showed the possibility of a sequel.<br><br>Let me know what you think about this announcement. Is Borderlands something you're looking forward to seeing? What do you think about how more video games are being adapted into movies? <br><br>If you want to read the full article you can find it here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-movie-casts-avengers-infinity-wars-ariana-greenblatt-as-tiny-tina/1100-6488253/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage">https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-movie-casts-avengers-infinity-wars-ariana-greenblatt-as-tiny-tina/1100-6488253/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage</a>2021-03-02T06:07:04ZAzurephiletag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/44292020-06-29T03:42:45Z2020-06-29T03:47:27Z/jdodson/posts/4429/i-might-have-a-problem-and-borderlands-on-switch-is-also-very-goodI Might Have a Problem and Borderlands on Switch Is Also Very Good<div class='youtube-player' data-id='-FuSiIdcZRI'></div> <br/>2K Games dropped a raft of games on Switch recently with Bioshock The Collection, The Borderlands Legendary Collection and X-Com 2. Last week I happily opened The Borderlands Legendary Collection on Father's Day and was able to play it enough to note that's it's another solid Switch port worthy of the games strong legacy.<br><br>I know this might not be a popular opinion but I think the first Borderlands game is the best in the series(I have yet to play Borderlands 3). And now that the original Borderlands was remastered with a ton of updates and quality of life improvements (auto pickup, etc) it really is the best looter shooter around. 2K took this remastered version and perfectly ported it to Switch such that I honestly can't tell if they had to compromise anything in the way of visuals or gameplay.<br><br>If you are interested in buying the physical version of Borderlands on Switch there is something to keep in mind. 2K was able to put the original Borderlands on the game cart but if you want to play Borderlands 2 and the Pre-Sequel there is an included code to download them. As someone that enjoys buying a physical copy and loaning it to friends this is a bummer but on the other hand, there is no cart switching required to play Borderlands 2 or the Pre-Sequel. Plus if you just wanted to play those two games, one could buy the game snag the codes and loan out the game cart to someone that has yet to play the original.<br><br>Earlier on I picked up The Bioshock Collection and 2K put a bit of each game on the cart and required complete downloads of all with the game cart. I appreciate that they included a sample of all three games I think I prefer what they did with The Borderlands Legendary Collection.<br><br>Borderlands is already a classic game and it's good to see it continue to be relevant and come to an even wider audience on Switch. If you have Borderlands remastered on PC already and prefer that platform i'd recommend playing it that way but if you have a Switch and have yet to try it out this is a great way to do that.<br><br>I also wanted to note that I played Borderlands on Switch co-op with a friend recently and if your Switch is online it requires you friends account to be connected to a Switch online account. This makes some sense as Borderlands co-op can interact with public online as well but it was a major hassle to figure out how to get around this. To get around Switch Borderlands requirement for a friend account to link online you simply turn wifi off on your Switch. It's a strange hack but it worked and hope it helps anyone that runs into that problem.2020-06-29T03:47:27Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/43832020-03-28T19:03:22Z2020-03-28T19:04:47Z/jdodson/posts/4383/so-many-games-coming-to-switch-in-the-latest-nintendo-directSo Many Games Coming To Switch In The Latest Nintendo Direct<div class='youtube-player' data-id='ubRf4zyEvG4'></div> <br/>There were a lot of games announced for Switch in the latest Nintendo direct and I wanted to highlight that 2K games is bringing some essential classics such as The Bioshock Collection, Borderlands Legendary Collection: includes Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and The XCom 2 Collection to the Switch on May 29th. The good news is these versions will come with a physical game releases but they are so large that they couldn't include everything on the 16 gig game cart.<br><br>I love Borderlands and had fun playing it on the PS3 and hopefully the Switch version is faithful to these games. As they don't require the most cutting edge of hardware hopefully they hold up well and I'm looking forward to the Digital Foundry reviews to see more.<br><br>Anything else interest you in the latest Nintendo Direct?<br><br>From Kotaku:<br><br>"<strong>According to a press release from 2K Games BioShock: The Collection will come on a 16GB cartridge that only contains the “opening acts” of each of the three games with the rest needing to be downloaded. They don’t say just how big that download will be. On PS4 it’s about 60GB.<br><br>XCOM 2, meanwhile, comes on an 8GB cartridge that will only have the first two missions in the game installed. To get the rest you’ll need to download up to 24GB more.<br><br>Finally, the Borderlands Legendary Collection will require an additional 41.6GB download to fully play. For reference, the Switch only comes with 32GB of internal storage.</strong>"<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://2k.com/en-US/blog/borderlands-legendary-collection/">https://2k.com/en-US/blog/borderlands-legendary-collection/</a><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://kotaku.com/bioshock-borderlands-and-xcom-are-coming-to-switch-1842507828">https://kotaku.com/bioshock-borderlands-and-xcom-are-coming-to-switch-1842507828</a>2020-03-28T19:04:47Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/40662019-04-11T03:07:14Z2019-04-11T03:08:08Z/jdodson/posts/4066/borderlands-game-of-the-year-edition-enhanced-is-an-incredible-update-to-borderlandsBorderlands Game of the Year Edition Enhanced Is An Incredible Update To Borderlands!<div class='youtube-player' data-id='8xRwf5e2PIM'></div> <br/>Borderlands is one of the best shooters I've ever played. The story, loot and gameplay are fantastic and started a new wave of looter-shooters that continued with Borderlands 2, Destiny and The Division. I was elated to learn that Gearbox was going to release a new 4K remaster of the original Borderlands and the best part is that Gearbox has added new features and quality of life enhancements making it even better.<br><br>I'm gonna clip out some new features that Gearbox brought to Borderlands to make it easy to see all the new stuff:<br><br>"<strong>* A Borderlands 2-style mini-map, which you can toggle on and off, has been added to complement the original compass<br>* Substantial improvements to the inventory system—such as allowing you to “lock” weapons or mark them as “junk”—simplify item management <br>* Items like ammo, money, and health now auto-pick up from the ground<br>* Rewards Ready: With the addition of the SHiFT player rewards program, you can now use Golden Keys to unlock special in-game items and rewards. Returning SHiFT users who’ve played Borderlands 2 or The Pre-Sequel on PC will receive 75 free Golden Keys, as well as two randomly selected all-new weapons, for their first newly-created Vault Hunter.<br>* Added Firepower: A new set of six named, custom-skinned Legendary weapons make the base game’s arsenal even deeper. Beat bosses or gather Golden Keys for a chance to collect ‘em all.<br>* Badder Boss Battle: In direct response to fan feedback, the campaign’s final boss encounter has been adjusted to be more engaging, challenging, and rewarding.<br>* Cosmetic Customization: For the first time, you will be able to customize your Vault Hunter beyond simply selecting a color scheme. Each of the four available characters has five brand new cosmetic heads unlocked and equippable right from the start of the game.</strong>"<br><br>After the new Borderlands released for free to everyone that had the original on Steam, I installed it and transferred over my original Borderlands characters. I decided to start fresh with a new character and I'm glad I did because I forgot how great the start of Borderlands is. Right away the Borderlands 2 style mini-map and auto-pickup of items is just what Doctor Zed ordered and makes the game feel so much better. Truth be told the original mechanics weren't bad, but these enhancements just make the game that much nicer. There is also a huge golden key chest in the middle of town and with 75 keys to start, you have a lot of options for some great weapon finds. That said, I don't typically use the golden keys as I've found they make the game a bit too easy, that said they are here now which is a nice addition. Gearbox is also tweeting golden keys for Borderlands often so if you want more, you can get them.<br><br>The 4K visuals are stunning and the new build of the game makes Borderlands <strong>feel like a brand new game</strong>. The addition of character skins is also really neat and already I've customized my character a bit to make the game a bit more fun. It's not something I found essential in Borderlands 2 but it's a nice way to look a bit different to friends in multiplayer.<br><br>Whenever I came back to Borderlands on PC I never felt like that version gave the game the credit it deserved and it seemed like more attention was put into the PS3 and XBox 360 versions. Borderlands 2 changed this as the PC version was first class and now, the original Borderlands is just as incredible. And frankly with all the Epic store exclusive business, maybe returning to the original adventure through is the best choice?<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://steamcommunity.com/games/8980/announcements/detail/1767008477036180317">https://steamcommunity.com/games/8980/announcements/detail/1767008477036180317</a>2019-04-11T03:08:08Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/40572019-03-29T03:43:08Z2019-03-29T03:43:08Z/jdodson/posts/4057/borderlands-and-borderlands-2-are-getting-a-4k-re-release-wub-wubBorderlands and Borderlands 2 Are Getting A 4K Re-Release "Wub Wub"<div class='youtube-player' data-id='hiJjmdEvl9o'></div> <br/>We are living in the age of the video game re-release where a game company or publisher takes an older game, maybe not even that old and dusts it off, upgrades the textures and makes it easier to play on modern systems. As a huge fan of retro games I think it's great so many games are becoming easier to play. Recently Gearbox had a huge PAX East presentation and two bits of news were that Borderlands and Borderlands 2 The Handsome Collection are getting 4K remasters. If you own Borderlands on Steam this new version will be applied to your existing version for free and if you have the Handsome Collection it's also a free upgrade.<br><br>The Borderlands 4K remaster is a bit more than a graphical overhaul, with the included new features it's a lot like a new Borderlands game. According to PCGamer:<br><br>"<strong>As well as a minimap in the style of Borderlands 2 which you can switch on or off, the inventory system will be simplified, and you'll automatically pick up items found on the ground like ammo and health. <br><br>There are more fundamental tweaks to the game, too. The game's final boss has been altered for a tougher, more rewarding challenge, and to make it a more "engaging" encounter—we'll have to give that a try before we know exactly what impact that makes. <br><br>The SHiFT player rewards are also coming to the game—anyone who's played Borderlands 2 or The Pre-Sequel on PC will get 75 free Golden Keys, as well as two random new weapons when they create a new Vault Hunter. Six new legendary weapons have been added to the game, too, which you can unlock by hoovering up Golden Keys or by defeating bosses. More customization options are being added for player characters, too, with five swappable sets of head gear for your Vault Hunter available at the start. </strong>"<br><br>The original Borderlands on PC has always been a bit shaky, and I can't wait for this new version to give it the love it deserves. I found the loot drops and story to be more my style in the original Borderlands and I can't wait to jump back in to the fresh new version to see how well it translates.<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.pcgamer.com/borderlands-game-of-the-year-edition-is-coming-to-pc">https://www.pcgamer.com/borderlands-game-of-the-year-edition-is-coming-to-pc</a>2019-03-29T03:43:08Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/32562017-02-13T22:51:39Z2017-02-13T22:52:13Z/Azurephile/posts/3256/borderlands-a-new-beginningBorderlands, A New Beginning?<img src='http://cdn.edgecast.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/8980/header.jpg?t=1447366534' class='img-responsive' alt='http://cdn.edgecast.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/8980/header.jpg?t=1447366534' /> <br/>I became aware of Borderlands 2 because a friend told me he was playing it on his Xbox. There was a free weekend of it on Steam and I tried out it then, but not for very long. While first-person shooter games are very popular, I tend to stay away from them, with a few exceptions. I missed out on the Borderlands 2 Cheerful Ghost event. Every seemed to have a good time with that. Someone else mentioned it to me and I decided to buy the trilogy during a recent seasonal Steam sale.<br><br>As of less than 20 hours into the game, it seems ok. It has humor, challenge, and fun. I’m getting more used to it, my character is growing, and I’m feeling more comfortable with it. It seemed a bit challenging in a few areas, but then I started to max out my inventory with health kits. I also overlooked my special (F key) ability at first, but I found it to be helpful when I’m surrounded. I decided to be a soldier.<br><br>There seems to be plenty of areas and quests. I think some of the most fun I’ve had so far is in the vehicle, especially running over creatures and enemies for easy XP. <br><br>I just defeated Mothrakk. That was definitely a tough fight. I had to use a vehicle and alternate between gunner and driver seats. The gunner seat gave me more room to aim, but then I had to jump back in the driver seat to avoid being bombed by Mothrakk.<br><br>This isn’t meant to be a review, that may come later. This may just be the beginning.<br><br>I wanted to point out the music, though. The very beginning music reminds me of Diablo 3, which is cool. I also heard music that reminds me of StarCraft. So as far as music, this game sounds much like a Blizzard game, to me. As for game play, it seems similar to Fallout 3, NV, or 4.2017-02-13T22:52:13ZAzurephiletag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/21432014-07-30T02:05:05Z2014-07-30T04:32:37Z/jdodson/posts/2143/borderlands-update-removes-drm-allows-everyone-steam-copyBorderlands Update Removes DRM Allows PC Users Steam Copyjdodson's post on Borderlands:<br/><br/>The original Borderlands was one of my most beloved games of the last few years so it's awesome to see it get some useful updates. It seems Gearbox pushed an update to Steam to get rid of the SecuRom DRM from the base game and all DLC. They also created a tool that grants you the Steam copy if you purchased the PC version outside Steam.<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="http://steamcommunity.com/games/8980/announcements/detail/175956536787509775">http://steamcommunity.com/games/8980/announcements/detail/175956536787509775</a>2014-07-30T04:32:37Zjdodsontag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/19732014-04-09T15:24:32Z2014-05-12T23:48:35Z/Travis/posts/1973/new-borderlands-coming-this-year-not-developed-by-gearboxNew Borderlands coming this year, not developed by Gearbox<img src='http://i.imgur.com/wmCNJWA.jpg' class='img-responsive' alt='http://i.imgur.com/wmCNJWA.jpg' /> <br/>I have mixed feelings about Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel<br><br>On the one hand, more Borderlands! And we finally get to go to the moon base that everyone has been wanting for years now.<br><br>On the other hand, it isn't being developed by Gearbox. In the past we've seen good and bad things come from franchises that get games passed around like this, so I'll hold out hope for good things. It's still staying inside 2K, and Randy Pitchford loves the way 2K Australia is handling it, so I'm choosing to trust them until I'm proven otherwise.<br><br>The game takes place between Borderlands 1 and 2, and you'll play as familiar characters from the franchise, including Claptrap. Yes, Claptrap is a playable character. The four new characters fight alongside Handsome Jack as he gains power.<br><br>It's running on the Borderlands 2 engine, and from the screenshots it looks very similar, which isn't a bad thing. Borderlands 2 was quite a beautiful game.<br><br>Destructoid has a ton more here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="http://www.destructoid.com/borderlands-the-pre-sequel-takes-the-shooter-looter-to-the-moon-272973.phtml">http://www.destructoid.com/borderlands-the-pre-sequel-takes-the-shooter-looter-to-the-moon-272973.phtml</a>2014-05-12T23:48:35ZTravistag:cheerfulghost.com,2005:Post/6272012-10-09T03:18:28Z2014-05-13T06:09:39Z/jdodson/posts/627/gearbox-just-dropped-the-skill-tree-for-the-new-mecromancerGearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer<img src='http://i.imgur.com/2xUXb.jpg' class='img-responsive' alt='http://i.imgur.com/2xUXb.jpg' /> <br/>Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer class here:<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/mechromancer.html">http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/mechromancer.html</a><br><br>Based on information in the skill tree the Mech you summon is called Deathtrap. Not all the Mecromancer skills effect the Mech, that said some do and they look really cool(these are not all of Deathtrap's abilities):<br><br><ul>
<br><li>
<strong>Buckup</strong>: Deathtrap restores the sheilds of one ally.</li>
<br><li>
<strong>Upshot Robot</strong>: While Deathtrap is active, if you or Deathtrap kill an enemy it increases Deathtrap’s Duration and grants both of you a stackable Melee Damage bonus. Bonuses are lost when Deathtrap goes away.</li>
<br><li>
<strong>Explosive Clap</strong>: Deathtrap causes an explosion in front of him, dealing Explosive Damage to all nearby enemies.</li>
<br><li>
<strong>Made of Sterner Stuff</strong>: You and Deathtrap gain Damage Reduction against All Damage Types. Additionally, Deathtrap gains bonus Melee Damage</li>
<br><li>
<strong>Make it Sparkle</strong>: Shooting Deathtrap with an elemental weapon charges him with that element, causing his melee attacks to deal additional damage of that element.</li>
<br>
</ul><br><br><strong>Update</strong>: According to Gearbox Gaige will drop today 10/9 a day earlier than planned, woot:<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/DuvalMagic/status/255540164959559682">https://twitter.com/DuvalMagic/status/255540164959559682</a>2014-05-13T06:09:39Zjdodson