jdodson | Cheerful Ghost

A few weeks ago I was able to volunteer at the Portland

A few weeks ago I was able to volunteer at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo and during my time I met the awesome guys that run the podcast "Watch Out for Fireballs!" Watch out for Fireballs! is a cool retro themed podcast that covers topics close to our hearts like Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Bionic Commando, Secret of Mana, Earthbound and the recent episode on Super Mario World.

The most recent episode is interesting in that it features a plethora of stories and opinions on the fantastic Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo. They set up a TV and SNES playing Super Mario World and recorded people's thoughts on the game. I point this all out, not only because it is awesome but because I contributed my own audio story in the podcast of a level I initially hated, but have since grown to love. A bit of context, I was playing the level as I was talking, I don't know why but I felt that was worth sharing.

Nab the episode and for your information my story starts at 34.10. You have me at Beck's Loser, yeah I talk about that song too.

Grab the episode here:
http://duckfeed.tv/woff/30

If you are interested in more retro rad, check out the Fireball guys on the web here:
http://www.watchoutforfireballs.com/

For more backstory about Portland Retro Gaming Expo 2012 and my involvement, look see here:
http://cheerfulghost.com/assets/social/cheerfulghost_mini.png

More information for you all that love to clicky click:
http://floatzel.net/smw/levels/
http://www.smwiki.net/wiki/List_of_Super_Mario_World_levels
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_World

Mecromancer Backstory

As there have been many Borderlands 2 posts recently and I wanted to celebrate the event with one more!

Gearbox dropped the last echo log entry for Gaige completing her entire back story. I really enjoy these recordings and they paint a compelling picture of her character and how she became a vault hunter. Gearbox writing style has stepped up with Borderlands 2 and the Mecromancer back story is a great example of it.

Without further text, here are all of the echo logs for Gaige:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijs-FEk3OIk&list=UUSRO0JNUYTCjsk7VmMdNYKw&index=4&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zNk8kM2Qj0&list=UUSRO0JNUYTCjsk7VmMdNYKw&index=3&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qe4m0Oydw4&list=UUSRO0JNUYTCjsk7VmMdNYKw&index=2&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6iFA1KFPQI&list=UUSRO0JNUYTCjsk7VmMdNYKw&index=1&feature=plcp

Rock Star just announced Rockstar Games Collection a backlog

Rock Star just announced "Rockstar Games Collection" a backlog release of all its big modern titles to date on PS3 and XBox 360. In the collection are: Read Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, L.A. Noire & Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition.

If you haven't played many of these games getting them all for $59.99 is a steal! They are mysteriously missing some DLC that comes with the Game of the Year editions, but even at this price that omission isn't a problem.

Does this collection interest you? Does this "Rockstar Orange Box" tempt you into getting it or do you already have these titles?

Sad to not see a PC version of this, but some of the titles missed a PC release entirely, like Red Dead Redemption.

http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/45281/rockstar-games-collection-coming-this-november.html

That's not a Knife, this is a Knife!

http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/161/a/8/evolution_of_link__s_sword_wallpaper_by_blueamnesiac-d5270gz.png

Found this cool picture on the evolution of Link's Swords throughout the Zelda franchise.

File this under important historical information.

After watching Indie Game: The Movie I decided to try Super

After watching Indie Game: The Movie I decided to try Super Meat Boy. From what I saw in the movie, it looked awesome. I know I am behind on giving this game a shot, but I am glad I tried it out as it is a really unique modern experience.

First off the game really feels like Super Mario Brothers. Well, that's not entirely true, it feels like a more... stripped down Mario Brothers. Something more... focused perhaps. Think Mario, with just platforming. It is also quite challenging but that didn't hit me in the feels, I like how hard it is.

The premise is you are Meat Boy and Dr. Fetus keeps capturing your girlfriend Bandage Girl. In every level you make it to her and that dastardly Fetus snatches her away for you to find again in the next level. Each World has a fun cut scene intro and each world end boss fight comes with a cut scene as well.

I enjoy the games humor and unabashed grotesquery. I mean the main character is meat and he bleeds... everywhere. I came at this game from having played The Binding of Isaac first so I was used to Edmund McMillan's unique art style and Meat Boy delivers.

The game is fairly pick-up and play as I beat the first world in under 20 minutes and hit a wall of difficulty with World 2. Now I can make my way through about 2 - 3 levels in a 30 minute sitting and enjoy that process. Unlike other games that are very hard I find Meat Boy's difficulty to be loads of fun. Death doesn't really penalize you like in the Binding of Isaac and starting again is simple, fast and fun.

If you have Super Meat Boy and haven't tried it, do so. Oh and I recommend playing it with a controller too, it just right playing it that way. Just like platforming was intended.

http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/607

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 10/11/2012 at 01:21am

Wow man, that game looks super hard!

Tungsten wrote on 10/11/2012 at 01:33am

I need a controller. It is impossible with the keyboard.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/11/2012 at 03:39am

I have a few USB controllers and they are really nice for some games. In fact, Amazon has some very cheap old school NES or SNES controllers as well:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=usb+controller

I played a few games with controller recently, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story & Sleeping Dogs.

Talky wrote on 10/17/2012 at 04:42am

I can't help but wonder where people come up with these names.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/17/2012 at 04:44am

Super Meat Boy because he is made of meat and... Super. Sleeping Dogs I think... Someone help me if I eat this wrong, but I think it's a take on the old "let sleeping dogs lye" adage.

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Heard about a game coming to Steam via Greenlight called DLC

Heard about a game coming to Steam via Greenlight called DLC Quest. DLC Quest is a satiric game that sends up the recently trend to making more game content available as DLC. From the Steam Greenlight page:

"What happens when DLC practices go too far? An indie developer makes a game that mocks the industry and its foibles, that's what! Defeat the bad guy, save the world and get the girl! But first you'll need to find coins to buy DLC to enable animation, sound and even pausing. Thankfully this is just satire and all the DLC is purchased with in-game coins. But consider it a cautionary tale for the future..."

Pausing as DLC is very funny. That said, I sort of wonder if we will get to the point where features we take for granted become DLC, like the games proper ending?

Looks like DLC Quest allows you to turn on the features by collecting coins so you don't really have to pay to unlock the features. Hopefully this gets Greenlit!

Go, go, vote, vote, click, cick!

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=92911011

BR Supporter wrote on 10/10/2012 at 02:19am

I remember watching someone play this game on youtube. It was really funny because you literally have to buy EVERYTHING in the game. The game has a few jokes about certain game's dlc like the horse armor for oblivion. It has a good humor to it which I liked. I will definitely vote for this to be greenlit

Sparklepop wrote on 03/25/2013 at 12:40am

I am super glad this came to Steam. I can't recommend this game enough, as it isn't afraid the poke fun at EVERYTHING (The dark world?! Too funny!)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 03/25/2013 at 02:54am

Yeah, it's also super cheap on Steam right now too!

Sparklepop wrote on 03/25/2013 at 04:30am

And cheap is good!

CapnCurry Supporter wrote on 03/26/2013 at 07:37am

Not bad as far as it goes, but it's less of a game than it is a joke delivered in game format. There's a free game on Kongregate called "Upgrade Complete" that covers a lot of the same ground. I don't regret spending $2.50 on it, but if I'd spent $6 I think I'd honestly be a little miffed.

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Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer

Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer class here:

http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/mechromancer.html

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):

Buckup: Deathtrap restores the sheilds of one ally.

Upshot Robot: 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.

Explosive Clap: Deathtrap causes an explosion in front of him, dealing Explosive Damage to all nearby enemies.

Made of Sterner Stuff: You and Deathtrap gain Damage Reduction against All Damage Types. Additionally, Deathtrap gains bonus Melee Damage

Make it Sparkle: Shooting Deathtrap with an elemental weapon charges him with that element, causing his melee attacks to deal additional damage of that element.

Update: According to Gearbox Gaige will drop today 10/9 a day earlier than planned, woot:

https://twitter.com/DuvalMagic/status/255540164959559682

Timogorgon Member wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:18am

The little big trouble tree looks like fun. I usually I don't go for the electric weapons because their damage takes a dive once your target's shield is down. But I like the idea of your electric weapons also setting stuff on FIRE! Mwa ha ha ha!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 01:42pm

Yep, that extra ability seems fun. The Mecromancers skill tree is pretty creative, too bad she didn't ship with the normal game.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:06pm

I need to get Maya to max level fast so I can be done with her when Gaige comes out. This is quickly becoming the most interesting class.

Multiplayer should be fun on day 1. Hundreds of 4-mech parties.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:09pm

While we're on the topic of classes, does anyone else have zero interest in the commando?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:51pm

Axton is pretty good. I use him when I play with my friends. The turret is pretty good and this time around its a bit better.

Looks like the Mecromancer is made to be a sort of support class though now, which is pretty cool.

BR Supporter wrote on 10/09/2012 at 03:48pm

I love playing as axton. His turret is much better than the one in the first borderlands as Jon said. Currently he is my favorite character, that is, until Gaige comes out. I'm really looking forward to trying out her skills.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 04:02pm

Hey yall, looks like Gaige will drop later today, or a full day early.

https://twitter.com/DuvalMagic/status/255540164959559682

Woot.

vdogmr25 wrote on 10/09/2012 at 05:09pm

Going through the skill names I'm amazed at the My Little Pony references. 20% Cooler, Evil Enchantress, The Stare, Discord, and Potent as a Pony (sort of) all reference MLP. Kinda cool.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:09pm

It seems everyone who isn't me is obsessed with MLP ;)

But awesome that she's dropping today! Can't wait.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:18pm

/me not obsessed with MLP. I liked it when I was a young lad i'll admit. Happily not a Brony. That said, I have no aversion to Bronies.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:30pm

I play Axton as my solo character. The Turret is fun and really helpful while playing solo. Plus, when 5 points are put into it, one of Axton's first tier abilities gives you a +20% gun damage. That's an awesome tier 1 ability!

And WHAT!? Mecromancer drops today!? That's awesome!

BR Supporter wrote on 10/09/2012 at 10:27pm

I can't believe they released it early! I am so excited to try her out. I won't be able to till tomorrow though, but still, I'm just extremely happy they released her early.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/10/2012 at 03:07am

OK, can I just say... The mechromancer is awesome. That is all.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/10/2012 at 06:02am

Yeah she really is. Played her tonight in 3 person game to level 9 and she was awesome. Deathtrap is real fun! He is like a much better version of the turret with melee and ranged attacks. Plus he stays on the battle field pretty long compared to other abilities!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/13/2012 at 05:54pm

Just tried Maya with 3 people and lockdown is DOPE FLY!

The abilities I had were if you kill something in lockdown you get health regen orbs. Really useful in co-op. I also tinkered with the shoot to heal ability, that was fun but at a low level kind of a bullet waste.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/13/2012 at 05:55pm

Didn't think the new Siren would be good at all, I really like her quite a bit now.

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Looks like our dreams have been answered. Yes Virginia,

Looks like our dreams have been answered. Yes Virginia, there is a Skyrim Super Mario Brothers mod and it hit 1.0!

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24709

Downloading this now, report back in the comments or a post what you think of this! Ok Internet, you know I love you right? How bout a Zelda mod?

*poof*

Wha?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ck0PC8fguY
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3216

NEVER ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY!

Notch recently released a demo video of Mojangs upcoming

Notch recently released a demo video of Mojang's upcoming game 0x10c. If you are wondering how to pronounce the name, Notch explains it like this: "I say 'ten to the see', but people can pronounce it however they want." 0x10c is interesting as what I gather from "teh intarwebs" it will include engineering, space battles, seamless space-to-planet transitions, mining and trading, and an open universe with both single and multi-player modes.

The trailer shows Notch running around the area, bobbing around as the player walks around. The bullets emit light which is a nice effect and the light hanging from the ceiling bobs around a bit when things happen to the environment.

I am interested in a modern space sandbox game. Back in the BBS days of yore I was addicted to Tradewars and that was fairly open and allowed you do much in the world. If 0x10c is Tradewars mixed with Minecraft I can't imagine ill ever get my life back.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/

Jacob_Richardson wrote on 10/09/2012 at 04:18am

Oh my god. Star wars. Someone make star wars battlefront 3 with this.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 04:19am

If I had to guess i'd say LucasArts is working on a Star Wars Battlefront 3. I mean, if they are not they need to get on that because it would be epic.

Jacob_Richardson wrote on 10/09/2012 at 04:40am

Well. There was light speculation that they might have hired a new team to pick it up again. But if anything that is a very small faint glimmer of hope from people seriously dieing to play it. The only for sure thing is that if their new game coming out doesn't sell well. I don't think we will ever see a new battlefront.

BR Supporter wrote on 10/09/2012 at 10:42pm

I'd rather see this become a sandbox space type game. There aren't many of them out there and I think they are some of the best games. I would like to see Lucas Arts grow a brain and make battlefront 3 though.

Jacob_Richardson wrote on 10/09/2012 at 11:45pm

Well you don't have to see it become a sandbox space type game. It already is one haha. But the modding community for minecraft is really strong so hopefully they make some alternative ways to play as well. Ala star wars. More of an additional feature. Although i do love space trading games as well...and then there's freelancer.

BR Supporter wrote on 10/10/2012 at 12:31am

You never know, its still in a very early development stage. They could change the way its played.

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I have been finding many retro themed YouTube channels

I have been finding many retro themed YouTube channels lately. Here is the latest from YouTuber snowcon3 on Double Dragon for the Game Boy.

http://www.youtube.com/user/snowcon3

I played this version a bit but I was never really awesome at Double Dragon. Then again, who was? :D Did you ever beat any incarnation of this classic?

Travis Admin wrote on 10/07/2012 at 08:24pm

Double Dragon 2 was my jam. I didn't have it but my friend did. I used to spend the night with him every couple of weeks, and we'd play the hell out of it. We beat it a handful of times, it never got old.

But going back to it a few years ago, man it didn't age well.

I never played it on the game boy though.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/07/2012 at 08:51pm

Some games don't age well at all. I know this is sacrilege in certain circles, but ol Atari 2600 games don't generally hit me as aging too well. Most of the NES games I loved aged fine, except(again heresy in certain circles) the original Metoid.

The first time I played the original Metroid I had beaten Super Metroid already and it wasn't as polished and hard to get into.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/07/2012 at 09:05pm

Super Metroid has aged amazingly well, but you're right, I actually played the original Metroid for the first time about 3 years ago. So clunky.

There was an absolute masterpiece released on XBox Live a fear years ago, Shadow Complex. It was basically just Super Metroid with better graphics and a different setting. Super Metroid has not only stood the test of time, it's one of the most copied games of all time, because of how amazing it is.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/07/2012 at 09:08pm

I agree, Super Metroid is amazing.

Hmm no shadow complex on Steam. Did it run on the PSN?

Travis Admin wrote on 10/07/2012 at 09:13pm

No, it was exclusive. Unfortunately.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/08/2012 at 10:21am

Doh!

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jdodson1

2746 Posts

A few weeks ago I was able to volunteer at the Portland

Mecromancer Backstory

Rock Star just announced Rockstar Games Collection a backlog

That's not a Knife, this is a Knife!

After watching Indie Game: The Movie I decided to try Super

Heard about a game coming to Steam via Greenlight called DLC

Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer

Looks like our dreams have been answered. Yes Virginia,

Notch recently released a demo video of Mojangs upcoming

I have been finding many retro themed YouTube channels