jdodson | Cheerful Ghost

The News From BlizzCon 2017: Kobolds & Catacombs, StarCraft II F2P & More

This year my friend Dan gifted me a BlizzCon virtual ticket and I spent this weekend basking in 24/7 Blizzard live stream goodness! I watched a bunch of the BlizzCon panels and tournaments and if you are into Blizzard and want to experience it live I recommend looking into the virtual ticket. Not only do you get a live stream of the events but also a bunch of digital bonuses and some are really compelling(like the Hearthstone golden Legendary).

New Hearthstone Expansion Kobolds and Catacombs

I think one of the biggest news nuggets our of BlizzCon is the new Kobolds and Catacombs Hearthstone expansion. Not only is K&C an all new expansion but it also comes with tiered Single Player content like in the last expansion Knights of the Frozen Throne. Blizzard let us know that they only plan on releasing 3 new expansions per year and with each new set they are releasing free single player adventure boss fights. Not only does Kobolds and Catacombs expansion see a whole bunch of new cards and some new single player content but starting November 6th until K&C launches Blizzard is giving away the new Marin the Fox legendary for logging in. Fear not though because if you miss getting him for free as a login bonus you can get him for free by simply opening one K&C pack at launch.

Kobolds and Catacombs will be Blizzards third expansion this year making it a really full year to collect Hearthstone cards and if you've been away for sometime stepping back in might seem daunting. K&C is adding a new mode that might be for you in the all new Dungeon Run giving Hearthstone an all new game mode that is entirely free to play. From my understanding the new Dungeon Run mode won't require gold to play or money, it will just be an all new PvE single player mode you can play whenever you want.

"Each time you start a new dungeon run, your deck and character will grow in power as you fight your way through the catacombs. Your goal is to defeat eight progressively more challenging encounters picked from a pool of over four dozen."

I reinstalled Hearthstone on my phone because after some time off as this new Dungeon Run mode seems very interesting to me. Not sure if i'm going to jump back into Hearthstone full time but I do like a new way to play the game and since it's free, might not be bad to give it a shot.

https://playhearthstone.com/en-us/expansions-adventures/kobolds-and-catacombs/

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Is Now Free To Play

StarCraft II has had a free to play version for quite some time but whats different now is that this November 14th StarCraft II's first single player campaign Wings of Liberty, Versus Mode and Co-op Commanders up to level 5 are going to be available for free. This is part of Blizzards larger push to get StarCraft II more players and make the game more accessible. If you enjoy RTS games and haven't yet played Wings of Liberty you are in for a treat. The SCII single player campaigns have been some of the most fun i've had in quite some time and if you are a fan of the old StarCraft and Brood War the single player campaigns do the old game much justice.

https://www.starcraft2.com/en-us/#free-to-play

Prince of Darkness Wins - No New Diablo III News

Diablo III had a pretty good year in it got some big content patches, balancing changes and the all new Necromancer hero. Each year at BlizzCon there is a "whats next" panel for each game and Diablo III didn't have one. It's sad that Diablo III was one of the biggest PC game releases ever and now the game seems ... like it's something Blizzard isn't really focusing on anymore. I figured we'd have another expansion by now but that just doesn't seem in the cards for the game.

I'm not sure what Blizzard has in mind for Diablo III moving forward but whatever it is they didn't say anything about it at this years BlizzCon.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/06/2017 at 02:02am

Excellent news for Hearthstone, as I want much more of a single player element in the game.

I was also disappointed in lack of news regarding Diablo. I read another article that contains a couple of wish lists, like the next Diablo or DII remastered. I know some of you are expecting another expansion, while I'd love to see one, I'm not quite expecting one, hoping perhaps.

As for StarCraft II, I already own it (it was one of the first games I bought for my new PC years ago) and all the expansions. Letting WoL go free might help bring more people into the SC universe. I really liked that they remastered StarCraft and I wish they'd do the same for the first three WarCraft games.

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-was-missing-from-blizzcon-2017/1100-6454674/

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/06/2017 at 10:16pm

I decided to check out the single player stuff you mentioned. I, too, had to reinstall the game, since I removed it some time ago. I defeated the three challengers. It was fun. I also got that free gift with the new client update.

I noticed you can pre-order the card packs for $50. After looking at it again, I think it's just the card packs and the new game mechanic will be free. Or, at least, that is my hope. https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/product/hearthstone-kobolds-and-catacombs

I started playing CCGs with Magic and Star Trek back in about '94. I don't collect cards anymore, but I still have some around. I liked a Magic game I bought for the PS3, but there seems to be a lot more of them on Steam. I enjoyed my recent play of ES Legends. I also reinstalled Faeria to check it out again. My only problem with these games is playing against other people, I really don't like it. So, I greatly appreciate single player modes and knowing that Hearthstone is getting more of it makes me feel better about it.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/07/2017 at 03:35am

There was some Diablo 2and Warcraft 3 news but the news was kinda just that... there is no news.

https://www.vg247.com/2017/11/06/warcraft-3-and-diablo-2-remasters-arent-in-the-works-because-the-base-games-still-need-work/

It's interesting to hear that they're working on how they could do it though. So while it's not likely we'll see them next year or anything, it's likely we *will* eventually see them.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/07/2017 at 04:06am

> I think it's just the card packs and the new game mechanic will be free.

Yep. Just new packs, the single player adventure content AND the new Dungeon Run mode are both free.

I am really looking forward to the WarCraft III updates too. They updated it to run on modern Operating Systems and that worked really well but I'm wondering what they might do next there? They might be making StarCraft stable as i've seen MANY updates on that since launch and then maybe look into doing the same for D2 or War3 and if so they didn't really hint which one they might do first. I think they'd maybe rather just surprise us that say anything ahead of time and fail to meet fan timeline expectations.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/30/2017 at 05:05am

Hearthstone Kobolds & Catacombs releases 12/7 https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-hearthstone-expansion-kobolds-and-catacombs-re/1100-6455248/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/01/2017 at 03:08am

Yep, I saw that. You gonna play the new dungeon run mode it when it comes out?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 12/02/2017 at 04:28am

I don't know. If I remember I may check it out.

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Watch The BlizzCon 2017 Opening Ceremony Now!

BlizzCon opening ceremony drops @ 11am PST and will cover all the upcoming Blizzard stuff for the upcoming year. If you have some time to watch it and love all things Blizzard you should click play. Posting this a couple minutes before the festivities hit and I imagine there will be plenty of things to discuss afterward!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/04/2017 at 02:48am

So, I read that Hearthstone is getting a new single player mode, which definitely intrigues me. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzcon-2017-news-and-announcements-overwatch-cha/1100-6454639/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/05/2017 at 02:25pm

Yeah, it really is interesting. I’ll write more about it soon!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/05/2017 at 08:13pm

I'm excited about it, but then I realized that it might actually cost something. I'm not sure how big that single player mode is going to be either.

I read something about how Diablo was missing from this event, which is kind of disappointing. I'm hoping for more Diablo and I'd love if they'd remaster the firs three Warcraft games.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/05/2017 at 11:59pm

Just wrote about all of that in my latest post. Funny, I just read your comment after I posted this so it's nice the post could address it.

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Super Nintendo Buying Guide With Metal Jesus & John Hancock

Metal Jesus has a new video with John Hancock where they cover the Super Nintendo, it's hardware and the games for the system they consider must buys. Nearly all of the games the include in their must buys are included in the SNES Classic but a few weren't such as Actraiser, Chrono Trigger, Biker Mice From Mars, NBA Jam & Mario All Stars. I agree with them on nearly every point but i'd personally put in Sim City, Mario Paint, Romance of the Three Kingdoms II & King Arthurs World.

And in thinking more about it i'd also put in Genghis Khan Clan of the Grey Wolf but like I think i'm the only one of the only people in the US that played that one.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/02/2017 at 01:22pm

I understood Actraiser not being included, as I don't think it was super popular at the time, and the cult following isn't as large as some. But I was a little shocked that Chrono Trigger wasn't in the Classic. Mario All Stars makes a little sense anyway, since those games were included on the NES Classic. NBA Jam was crazy fun, I'd honestly forgotten about it.

I've never even heard of that Genghis Khan game. It looks kinda like a Civ game but you get more hands on with the individual battles? Looks fun!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/02/2017 at 04:09pm

> I've never even heard of that Genghis Khan game. It looks kinda like a Civ game but you get more hands on with the individual battles? Looks fun!

Yeah I was really into KOEI games back then. The only negative was that they were WAY more expensive than normal games back then due to how niche they were. KOEI was the best option for strategy war sim games on the NES/SNES back then and I couldn't get enough. I think I rented Romance II 5+ times because of how much I love that one. Now I have it in box, which was a treat to find and it was WAY less expensive that when it was new.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/02/2017 at 04:10pm

> I understood Actraiser not being included, as I don't think it was super popular at the time, and the cult following isn't as large as some.

I've heard so much about it I really need to play it and to date I haven't.

... adds to list of shame.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/02/2017 at 08:12pm

You know how I feel about it! It's definitely worth a run through.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/03/2017 at 02:10am

Yeah, i'm going to pick it up for sure.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/06/2017 at 04:03am

I've never played Act Raiser either, but heard a lot of good things about it.
I'm pretty surprised Chrono Trigger wasn't included with the SNES classic, but I guess there were already two other Square games included (Mana and FF3).

Mario paint is kind of a weird game. I had plenty of fun with it at the time, but I don't really see much reason to pick it up these days.

Genghis Khan: Clan of the Grey Wolf is definitely a hidden gem on the SNES. So few people know about it, but it was a really fun strategy game!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/07/2017 at 04:07am

> Mario paint is kind of a weird game. I had plenty of fun with it at the time, but I don't really see much reason to pick it up these days.

If you want to make SNES music, it's an interesting option but I agree, it really is an odd game. I am not planning on playing it a ton but I like collecting the strange stuff and that swatter game was better than it should have been.

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The SNES Classic Book Is Reviewing Well

16bitbrit reviews the all new Super Nintendo Classic Playing With Super Power book and it looks to be better than I was anticipating. Not only does 16bitbrit give it two big thumbs up but the Amazon reviews for the book seem to be really solid as well sitting at a 4/5 stars. Looks to be a massive upgrade from the NES Classic Playing with Power but only focusing on the Nintendo games on the SNES Classic.

Let me know if you plan on picking this up and while you are waiting for your shipment check out my review of the NES Classic Playing With Power below.

https://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/3246/it-s-dangerous-to-go-alone-take-this-playing-with-power-book-review

The Angry Video Game Nerd Discovers And Reviews Polybius!

According to legend, Polybius is arcade game that is so addictive that it can control your thoughts. Polybius was rumored to have been created by a rogue branch of the US Government and in 1981 was tested in an actual arcade. The Angry Video Game Nerd found a Polybius arcade cabinet and in his latest video reviews the game.

Watch it.... if you can.

Happy Halloween!

http://download.gamezone.com/uploads/image/data/1154815/article_post_width_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Majora_s_Mask_-_N64_-_Feature.jpg

Wanted to wish everyone a very happy Halloween and safe night out for tricks or treats!

What Are You Playing Right Now - Crazy Releases All At Once October Edition!

If you keep pace with the latest releases in gaming this is an interesting week to be paying attention. Today saw the launch of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, Super Mario Odyssey and Assassins Creed Origins. If you count all the other not-quite-new-releases such as Destiny 2, the Super Nintendo Classic and the new South Park game how can anyone play all this stuff? Well if you're me you don't even try and just keep playing Mega Man 2 and Castlevania every night on your NES Classic. Which has honestly been a ton of fun and with a job how would I have time for a 60+ hour game anyway? That said, I absolutely loved Wolfenstein: The New Order so I bet that's something I might pickup if i'm feeling like I need to shooty shoot at some Nazi's.

What are all you playing right now? Is it all NES games or maybe you're playing something a little less 1986? I'd love to know.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/27/2017 at 03:32pm

I am playing The Final Fantasy Legend on my Game Boy Color, a little bit of Grim Fandango and some StarTropics.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/27/2017 at 06:27pm

I'm playing Fallout New Vegas on Steam. I'd like to get Wolfenstein II, but can't afford it at the moment. I'm also waiting on Ark's new DLC to come out.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/28/2017 at 01:47am

WOLF 2 BABY

Taking a break from the retro for this one.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/28/2017 at 02:59am

I will get Wolf 2 on the switch.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/28/2017 at 06:21pm

Wolf 2 console comparisons. https://youtu.be/YxVD5z3Kj64

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/30/2017 at 01:34am

Everspace, with sprinkles of other games here and there, but mostly Everspace.

Wolf 2 looks amazing, but that will probably be a PS4 pickup for me. I had a lot of fun with New Order on PS4, and I'm confident now (thanks for that video, Jon) that New Colossus will run just as well there.

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The Marble Madness Troll Wand

This last weekend at Portland Retro Game Expo we had a Marble Madness High Roller Score Tournament. I decided to run with Marble Madness for the score tournament on NES because I think that's one of the best ports of Marble Madness and also because the game is really unique. Marble Madness is a game where you roll a marble around an obstacle course and it only has 6 levels. I'm a huge proponent of small games and Marble Madness is a really great example of that and is also a fun game to watch a speedrun of. That said, it has been sometime since I played Marble Madness and I forgot about the magic wand.... which actually is supposed to help you, unless you are speedrunning the game and the Troll Wand Compilation above describes why it doesn't help.

"Name: Magic Wand
Appearance: A wand appears from nowhere.
Effect: It gives you ten extra seconds except on Race 5.
First level: It appears random."

http://www.ign.com/faqs/2004/marble-madness-walkthrough-542789

Wait so the wand is supposed to be a good thing in that it gives you 10 seconds EXCEPT on level 5 for some reason? And yeah the wand is death for speedrunning but since it's random it does make the game more interesting to watch... sometimes.

I picked up the loose cart of NES Marble Madness at a local retro game store before Portland Retro Gaming Expo for $7 and if you were looking to get a version of the game that's the one I recommend. I've also heard really good things about the Gameboy version so I think i'll get that when I find a copy.

Special thanks to LeviathanMist for sharing the troll wand video!

The Day Of The Devs Bundle Is Out And It's Well Worth A Look!

Recently the Day of the Devs Bundle hit and it contains a game I wanted to add to my collection in Full Throttle Remastered. I loved the original LucasArts classic and I've been really happy with how Double Fine has remade a bunch of the old LucasArts games for the modern era. Originally I was going to pick this up SIMPLY because I wanted Full Throttle Remastered but after watching the trailer for Everything I am thinking i'll be playing that too. Actually, I watched the trailer for Everything had no idea what it was and watched the gameplay video linked above and was ABSOLUTELY floored by it. I've never been drawn to think about life in the way I did after watching a Gameplay trailer and i've included it above so you can watch it in it's entirety. My recommendation is that you set aside some time to watch it and consider what it's saying. It's actually not really a gameplay tailer, well I guess it is but it's more about life and how things are connected and I found it absolutely beautiful. In fact if I had to point a discussion that talked about "games as art" i'd point to this gameplay trailer. If the game is even a fraction of what's in that gameplay trailer then the game looks great.

For $9 you can pick up the entire Day of the Devs Bundle featuring: Tumble Seed, Grim Fandango Remastered, Loot Rascals, ABZU, Flint Hook, Day of the Tentacle Remastered, Full Throttle Remastered, Everything and access to the Day of the Devs Double Fine VIP ticket.

https://www.humblebundle.com/day-of-the-devs-2017

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/25/2017 at 04:05pm

I picked up the full bundle. Payed a little extra, because I think it is worth it.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/25/2017 at 04:21pm

Not to be trite, but Everything is, indeed, awesome. There are situations in the trailer that I haven't experienced yet during my playing, but the sprinkling of recordings from philosopher Alan Watts alone, acting as a sort of spiritual guide, tying Everything together, give the game a depth of intrigue that might otherwise have left me to bury it deep in a wishlist. The games creators indicate that these in-game recordings are optional, and they are, but I'm sure that most that have played would say that they are essential to Everything's presentation of everything. If you deep dive with an open mind, you may find yourself questioning things that you have yet considered, or dared not. It's a rabbit hole well worth falling into.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/25/2017 at 05:07pm

I don't know about the rolling animals.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/26/2017 at 03:40am

The rolling animals really didn't make sense to me but then I let the gameplay trailer work it's magic and I found it really endearing. Want to talk more about it after I play it.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/26/2017 at 03:24pm

When you do get around to playing, I highly recommend using headphones.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/27/2017 at 04:48am

> When you do get around to playing, I highly recommend using headphones.

Will do.

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I Think I'm Getting The Zelda Encyclopedia Now

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--rBD9VHci--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/bawr5tajxhahtnzbwnti.jpg

Kotaku reported that the upcoming Zelda Encyclopedia is getting a deluxe release that looks strikingly like the original NES cart. This looks like total "collectors bait" and as such I really want one. I might try to add this to my Christmas list but at $80 it's not really in the "stocking stuffer zone."

"Due out in April from Dark Horse, The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is a 320-page tome covering the characters, places and things from the first 30 years of Nintendo’s RPG series. The newly-revealed $80 deluxe edition looks very familiar. It even has an instruction booklet polypropylene sleeve that folds out.

Covered in gold foil paper with embossed, debossed and textured features, the deluxe hardcover edition of The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia looks like it came straight out of a large-ish NES console. Rounding out the illusion is a black polypropylene sleeve lined with velvet flocking and a scale instruction booklet, in case you need to remember how to read a book."

https://kotaku.com/the-deluxe-edition-zelda-encyclopia-looks-like-an-nes-c-1819770990

jdodson1

2759 Posts

The News From BlizzCon 2017: Kobolds & Catacombs, StarCraft II F2P & More

Watch The BlizzCon 2017 Opening Ceremony Now!

Super Nintendo Buying Guide With Metal Jesus & John Hancock

The SNES Classic Book Is Reviewing Well

The Angry Video Game Nerd Discovers And Reviews Polybius!

Happy Halloween!

What Are You Playing Right Now - Crazy Releases All At Once October Edition!

The Marble Madness Troll Wand

The Day Of The Devs Bundle Is Out And It's Well Worth A Look!

I Think I'm Getting The Zelda Encyclopedia Now