jdodson | Cheerful Ghost

Super Time Force Continues To Look Amazing

Capybara Games just released a new trailer for Super Time Force and it is worth a watch. The trailer features examples of how the time travel game mechanic works during game play. When you rewind time you can also select another character to play, making it possible to play different parts of a level with different characters. The game boasts the ability to play as a Dinosaur but that aspect isn't shown in the trailer. The trailer does show off a Luke Skywalker character as well as others that resemble various iconic 80's action stars.

As with any Capybara game, the trailer features a really great music. The trailer itself is fairly unique in that the last minute is a very interesting rewind segment. I couldn't tell if that was just for fun or if that mechanic will be included in the game itself.

The game look very polished from what was shown in the trailer. Any hint to the release date was included at the end of the trailer that read: "2013 XBLA." I have no plans to buy an XBox 360 or XBox One so I hope this comes to PC at some point in the future. That said, the game looks fantastic and I can't wait for it to ship.

http://supertimeforce.com/

Development Progresses: Fruit, The Beach & Elves!

"Fruit trees are a long-term investment for your farm. They don’t need to be watered, but they are expensive to buy, need a lot of space, and require a full year of growth before they’ll produce any fruit. However, once it’s established, your tree will provide you with juicy morsels every day during its fruiting season!

What will you do with your new fruit?

Sell it? Cook with it? Give it to your sweetie?

Throw the pungent little thing into an oak barrel and spend the winter guzzling strong wine? (don’t do that)"

http://stardewvalley.net/mini-dev-update-8/

The Power of Glove Documentary

" 1989. In an era of Nintendo-mania, toymaker giant Mattel unleashes a bold technological experiment to an eager public. The POWER GLOVE: the first video game controller that allows players to operate Nintendo games with intuitive hand gestures.

Despite immense hype surrounding its release, the product is a critical failure, disappointing thousands of children with its subpar gameplay. More than two decades later, however, dedicated fans continue to repurpose the Power Glove for art pieces, hacking projects, electronic music, and more.

For the first time ever: the story behind the world’s most notorious video game controller."

The Power Glove is one of those awesome devices in gaming history that is more awesome in concept than in practice. Not to say your can't repurpose it for much now, but I never really found it useful in any of the games I owned as a kid. That said, I am really interested in watching the documentary as I really do appreciate owning my own Power Glove and love the lore and history of it all. I wonder if they will interview Lucas from The Wizard? Time will tell.

http://thepowerofglove.com/

Video Game History: Unreal Tournament

"Unreal Tournament 1999, original intended to be nothing more than an expansion pack for the original Unreal which would simply be called "The bot pack", turned out to be one of the most influential multiplayer shooters of all time. Toppling the giant powerhouse that was ID software in both technology and gameplay and modding capabilities of ID's engines. "

Unreal Tournament still holds up today as a great competitive FPS. I hope Epic decides to give some more attention to the franchise as UT3 was fantastic and id love a more modern take on this franchise.

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 07/22/2013 at 12:01am

UT3 was good, but UT2k4 is still the pinnacle of that series, IMHO.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/22/2013 at 04:25am

I agree 2k4 was amazing.

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 07/22/2013 at 05:57pm

That being said, if we can get Epic (or whomever is responsible for it these days) to get their existing Linux ports into Steam, we'd have to get an event together.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/23/2013 at 01:23am

Absolutely. Installing UT2k4 on Linux isn't too hard. Once you have it setup, if the key is legit you can play online with people. I have the binaries from back in the day but I am not certain where you pick them up online these days.

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 07/23/2013 at 08:32pm

I still have an ISO backup of my original disk from back in the day. I can play it in Linux just not via Steam. If we can get enough (8-10 people), I'd be down to play non-Steam, though.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/23/2013 at 08:50pm

Steam just installs the game for people, but the servers are not hosted on Steam and you don't need Steam to play a multi-player game.

You will need the Linux binary patch though and I think all the Community Bonus Pack stuff is available as a tarball or zip.

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 07/23/2013 at 10:19pm

I know I can. I just like having Steam organize them all for me. I have the CBP zip backed up somewhere for easy reinstallation, too.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/23/2013 at 10:57pm

I do too. Less stuff to manage. Which is odd for me to say because I was the most hardcore opponent of Steam just a few years ago. The thought of buying a game without a disc was tantamount to insanity.

Then The Humble Bundle dropped and I got some Steam Keys....

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 07/24/2013 at 01:44am

That's how I got hooked, too and now with the onset of Steam for Linux, I'm hooked.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/24/2013 at 01:47am

It's a very convenient thing. And all told , well worth the trade. Then again I put in my ol' Half-life key and it was redeemed on Steam so yay! :D

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Auth Changes + New Account Security Section

I wanted to update you about a recent batch of features to hit the site. One such thing I have been experimenting with are the comment visuals. The old comment style was fine in Desktop browsers but on mobile they were squished. The new style gives the comment body much more room and I think they are much easier to read. That said, they don't seem as good as they could be. I can't put my thumb on it entirely, but something needs to be done in terms of the colors we use or placement. Beyond that, I really love how much more room the comments have on my iPhone.

A few days ago I changed the "Update Profile" link in the drop down to "Account Settings." This will be an "umbrella" area for all things related to your account. I added a series of tab buttons to the top of the page allowing you to update your profile as before and I also added a new "Account Security" section. Currently what this allows you to do is sign out all other open Cheerful Ghost browser sessions. If you think your account may have been compromised or you are just a bit paranoid, this should help you be more secure.

I want to stress the point that we have not been hacked and no account has been hacked that I am aware of. Security really matters to me and I want to allow people the right tools to ensure that is a priority. We also started a new policy that requires everyone re authenticate every 2 months. I know this is somewhat of a hassle but is a fairly normal convention on modern web apps.

One of the next features I will be working on in the upcoming weeks is updating how posts are seen on the Cheerful Ghost main page. Some of you have asked for some kind of front page moderation and Travis and I are currently working out how that will work. Our goal is to painlessly allow awesome content to make it to the front page. I want to stress that the majority of what people post will still make it to the front page, that said as the site grows we need to ensure that the stuff people see is our best.

If you have any questions or comments about anything covered hit me in the comments or using site feedback:

http://cheerfulghost.com/feedback

The Firehose: Star Citizen Economy and More

Star Citizen developers Cloud Imperium Games recently released an interesting video about the games economy. Very interested in seeing how this works in the final product.

https://robertsspaceindustries.com/about-the-game

Ittle Dew is a game heavily influenced by Zelda that focusing on puzzles and speed running. Its a fresh take on the Zelda game style available now for Windows and Mac on the Humble Store.

http://www.ittledew.com/

An interesting art piece I found online titled "Super Dead Mario."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oskunk93/9243500652/

Sony recently dropped the news that the PS4 will allows instant play for digital and disc based games in the process of downloading. Playing your games faster after you buy them sounds good to me.

http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/15968/article/ps4-digital-library-instantly-playable-on-any-console

Take a Guided Tour of the FTL Score -w Ben Prunty

Its no secret that I love FTL. I am not sure I have been as proud of completing a game as when CapnCurry and I beat it in a FTL pairing session. One aspect of FTL I really love is Ben Prunty's score. Its a really great album to put on while I am surfing the web or reading. Recently Ben posted about his thoughts on a few of tracks in the FTL score. He talks about "Space Cruise" (the song featured above) and a few other iconic tracks from the score.

On "Space Cruise"

"This is a very simple three-chord progression that was the very first thing I wrote for FTL. I was trying to prove to the guys at Subset Games that I could make something fun and breezy, but also not overly saccharine. Sometimes it has more minor chords mixed in. I think the name ‘Space Cruise’ really sums up the feeling of it. Since Space Cruise shows up at the title screen, many people will decide that this is the ‘main theme’. I see all three of the major motifs I list here as equally valid main themes, and honestly it’s up to you as to which one resonates the most."

Ben includes some staff music for reference as well. If you are interesting in reading more about Ben's thoughts on the FTL score, check them out here:

http://benprunty.com/2013/07/11/a-guided-tour-through-the-ftl-soundtrack-analysis-of-themes/

If you are interested in our FTL pairing session, read more:

http://cheerfulghost.com/CapnCurry/posts/1334
http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/1333

Wasted On Steam: Analyze Your Steam Habits

Wasted On Steam is a new web application that scrapes your Steam public profile and analyzes you game playing habits. It lets you know which games you play the most and what the ratio of played VS unplayed games you have. Its really interesting to see the numbers and most of it turned out how I expected with Terraria leading the bunch.

See how many hours I have wasted on Steam:

http://wastedonsteam.com/usd/id/jdodson

If you want to find out your own, head over to the website proper and share your page in the comments.

http://wastedonsteam.com/

The site is slow as I imagine they are experiencing quite a lot of traffic.

Terraria 2 Confirmed!

Andrew Spinks recently gave an interview to the Terrarian Times, a news letter made by the Terraria community. On the question of the future of the game, Andrew had this to say:

"Following 1.2 I am wanting to do more frequent smaller updates until I am ready to move forward to my next project (Yes, Terraria 2). At that time I would definitely be open to the idea of hiring a small team to keep Terraria alive and kicking until T2 is ready.

Due to the current condition of Terraria there are a lot of things I cannot do that I will be bringing to Terraria 2. You can expect bigger and more diverse worlds, deeper rpg elements such as leveling, classes, skill trees, and a world full of life that is constantly changing based on your decisions. The world will change with or without you, but you will be the deciding factor. I have learned a lot from Terraria and I feel capable of doing something bigger and more ambitious."

It makes sense that he will focus on updating Terraria with as much content as it will allow then focus on Terraria 2 for new sweeping changes. The interview talks a bit about the upcoming 1.2 update and how Demilogic is hiring more developers and artists.

Read the whole interview here:

http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/the-terrarian-times-issue-11.102349/

Steam Summer Getaway Sale

"Pack your bags and grab your sandals, folks. The Steam Summer Getaway Sale is here! For the next eleven days, take advantage of huge saving of up to 75% off on over 2000 PC, Mac and Linux titles. Check back often to take advantage of our eight-hour Flash Sales. You can even help select what goes on sale with our Community's Choice Voting Sales.

Also, buying discounted games now earns you an all-new collectible in the form of Trading Cards. Collect, trade and craft over 50 new sets of cards, including 10 Summer Getaway Trading Cards that can only be earned during the sale. Each set can be crafted into badges, backgrounds, emoticons and other rewards."

Today's daily deals are pretty interesting featuring Don't Starve, Skyrim, Hotline Miami & The Half-life Complete Pack.

I am aiming at picking up Don't Starve & Prison Architect. What are you picking up?

Sale goes from July 11th - July 22nd.

http://store.steampowered.com/
http://i.imgur.com/WXMko.gif

Travis Admin wrote on 07/11/2013 at 07:49pm

July 12? Is this last year's image?

Bioshock Infinite is cheap, which means anyone who doesn't have it should buy it now. Like, immediately. Why are you reading this and not playing it?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/11/2013 at 07:50pm

It is last years image. I will update when there is one for this year. So far they seem to be having issues with imagery. :D

Travis Admin wrote on 07/11/2013 at 07:59pm

http://i.imgur.com/85fF7qO.png

Kinda small, they don't seem to be doing the big image like they used to.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/11/2013 at 08:58pm

I am a programmer so off by one doesn't bug me too much.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/11/2013 at 10:26pm

Can't wait to pick up Skyrim tonight!

BR Supporter wrote on 07/12/2013 at 12:30am

I was so happy when I got on and saw this today! I'm hoping to pick up farcry 3 and possibly bioshock infinite.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/12/2013 at 12:55am

Farcry 3 is one of the games I am considering as well as Blood Dragon, but its one of those games I can wait on showing up in a future sale too. Have so many I have yet to try already.

hardeyez wrote on 07/12/2013 at 02:09am

So far I've picked up Antichamber, Rogue Legacy, and Left4Dead combo (yeah, I never played it, and for 7.49 for both that's a steal... and now with l4d2 being on linux...)

I've been wanting to get Antichamber and Rogue Legacy as they are both incredibly interesting, just windows only... which keeps me from snagging them immediately. However, on sale...

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/12/2013 at 02:15am

Look into Don't Starve, its a survival crafting game with a great art style. And its like $8. You may dig it :D

http://store.steampowered.com/app/219740/

BR Supporter wrote on 07/12/2013 at 02:20am

I've been also wanting antichamber to go on sale for a long time. Looks very interesting

Travis Admin wrote on 07/12/2013 at 03:37am

Jon, I think you were looking to pick up cheap BL2 DLC, no?

http://store.steampowered.com/app/49520/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/12/2013 at 04:52am

AAAAAHHHH! As tempting is that is, no I am going to wait. I SOOOO want to, but I still have the normal BL2 to finish on PC.

So... VERY... tempting....

Such a great deal too.

hardeyez wrote on 07/12/2013 at 11:51pm

Yeah, so I grabbed Don't Starve also... It's wild and weird. (and plays beautifully on my older linux box).

I was going to snag The Cave when it was on 75% off, but the timer on the sale price lied to me and I missed it (now it's "only" 50% off).

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/12/2013 at 11:56pm

One nice thing about Don't Starve is that it syncs the saves between all your machines. So I start a game on my Mac and I can continue it on Linux with Steam Cloud.

Super nice.

BR Supporter wrote on 07/13/2013 at 04:46am

I'm spending too much money. Today I picked up Antichamber, Just Cause 2, and Anno 2070 complete.

I'm excited to play them but not so excited about the money loss. Was still pretty cheap for all three. Only $34.

jaelte wrote on 07/14/2013 at 04:06am

Not like I need any more games, but I've picked up Sleeping Dogs, Borderlands 2, and On The Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness 3&4 so far. *sigh*

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/14/2013 at 07:04pm

I nabbed Fez. $4.99 and its getting a Linux & Mac port soon so I picked it up for $8 with the score.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 07/15/2013 at 08:11pm

A lot of the purchases I'm making are to, cost effectively (that's what I tell myself, anyway), replace games that I have purchased on certain consoles. It's Anticipation for the "Steam Box" and securing games for posterity, as much as possible. Fallout New Vegas for $2.49?! Oh, yes, please!

Admittedly, I've been a bit of a sucker for the whole Trading Card thing. That may have had some influence of a couple of purchases...

Travis Admin wrote on 07/15/2013 at 09:10pm

I just need two more cards :)

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/15/2013 at 09:27pm

My inner old man doesn't get the trading cards honestly. I have 3, but don't really know what good they are. I put one up for sale for $0.50, but there were many being sold for around the same price, so it likely won't sell.

jaelte wrote on 07/16/2013 at 02:34am

I'm somewhat confused about the purpose of trading cards as well. I'm just hoarding them for now until I figure if there's anything useful I can do with them.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/16/2013 at 02:45am

My strategy with the cards is to keep what I have. After this summer sale this years summer sale the special summer sale cards they are handing out now will be less common over time. So perhaps in a few years I could trade one or two for a game.

I hope they make other cards limited in some other way too. They have no value to me over the "kind of neat" factor.

So I am hoping over time they become more valuable. Else, yay pretty pictures.

BR Supporter wrote on 07/16/2013 at 06:30am

Well, I know that the foil cards are much more rare than just the regular cards. Those usually sell for a buck or two. I'm just trying to complete badges so I can level up my steam profile. I need 4 more cards from the summer sale to get that badge.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/16/2013 at 01:00pm

"I'm just trying to complete badges so I can level up my steam profile."

Yeah that's what I'm doing as well, but... *why* are we doing that? :)

scrypt Supporter wrote on 07/16/2013 at 03:17pm

Because it's a scavenger hunt, and most people like to collect things :). It has the same flare as an achievement mixed with a special customization feature, of which the latter usually costs money in today's console gaming world. With the Steam Trading Cards, you can collect a certain amount from time played in a game, then trade for the rest, continue to play and hope for a "booster pack" drop, or go into the marketplace and purchase from another player (often for less than $.25). If you are the type of person that ever purchased avatar items on XBox Marketplace, or icons and themes on PSN, this fits the same mold, only they've made an interactive game out of it, and if you have the patience, would never cost you a thing, besides purchase of the actual participating game.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 07/16/2013 at 03:19pm

Remember that 'turret' emoticon I dropped in Steam chat that time, Travis? Trading Card loot!

Travis Admin wrote on 07/16/2013 at 08:01pm

Yeah I know all that, it's just so pointless! Pointless but I'm compelled to do it anyway. :)

Travis Admin wrote on 07/16/2013 at 09:57pm

Delightfully pointless, I guess :)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/16/2013 at 10:00pm

I think that is true for me to a certain extent. It's also new. What I do know is that I keep going back and vote on the next Steam Sale Deals so I can get the cards. Its just something easy I can do to collect stuff.

I got two of the Football Manager 2013 cards though, I hope I don't get another one I don't like Football.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/16/2013 at 10:27pm

I'll trade ya fer those football cards!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/16/2013 at 10:28pm

I don't know why, but I just thought "Man, I want those!"

I kinda get the cards now lol

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/16/2013 at 11:58pm

Sounds good to me.

BR Supporter wrote on 07/17/2013 at 02:18am

If anyone has Kerbal, Chivalry, Torchlight II or Football manager, I want those and am willing to trade. For some reason it does not want to give me those.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/17/2013 at 01:35pm

I'm now looking for two more cards so I can create the second level badge. I've found that selling cards for cheap and buying the ones you need is quite easy and gets the job done quickly. I guess it's a quicker way to trade. So far I haven't spent any money I didn't already have, and I even got a few cents off one of my actual game purchases thanks to card sales.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/17/2013 at 07:33pm

Football Manager 2013 is a soccer game? Nevermind, I don't need those cards.

hardeyez wrote on 07/27/2013 at 03:41am

I have dupes of Chivalry, Torchlight 2, Football Manager, Riptide and Reus... In fact I have multiple dupes (3 extras of Chivalry if you can believe it).
Will trade for any of: Bioshock, Prison Architect, Skyrim, or Tomb Raider... Yup I got 14 cards but only 6 different ones.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/27/2013 at 03:53am

You can sell your dupes and buy up the others. That's what I did, and managed to turn a bit of a profit. I don't have any of the ones you need, or I'd just give them to you. I have some extras after crafting the badges.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 07/27/2013 at 04:32pm

Not sure what I want to do with my dupes yet. I guess if I see someone that wants my Football Manager we can trade for something I don't have.