Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection Coming May 2018!

Street Fighter, Street Fighter II, Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Super Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II: Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Street Fighter III, Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact & Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike are coming to Switch, PC, PS4 & XBox One May of 2018 making the 30th Anniversary Collection the best Street Fighter collection release ever. If you love Street Fighter and want to jump in to playing these classic games I can't think of a better way to do it unless you have them all in your collection already.

One awesome bonus of the new collection... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 12/13/2017 at 03:30am

Holy cow, that's a lot of games. The lack of SF4 is very slightly surprising since that game has a bit of age on it and the player base has probably mostly moved on. It could get some new and old players revisiting it.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/13/2017 at 04:43am

Yeah but SFIV is still new-ish and if it was included would give people nearly zero reason to get a new version.

Travis Admin wrote on 12/13/2017 at 03:46pm

Yeah that’s why I said “slightly” surprising. I don’t personally think it would slow sales of SFV but Capcom might think so. SFIV is nearly ten years old now and SFV is where all the action is these days. I doubt many who were going to buy SFV would have their mind changed by getting SFIV in a pack of games.

But something I hadn’t thought of— you can already get SFIV on all those platforms. You can’t get the older ones yet. That may be the main consideration. If people want to get it after they play 1-3 and all their various forms, it’s there waiting for them.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/13/2017 at 05:04pm

Yeah that's a good point and hardcore SF fans will always get the new version. But I mean more casual Street Fighter fans if the 30th anniversary came with SF IV like i'd never buy another version again and I might not even with this one!

Travis Admin wrote on 12/13/2017 at 07:35pm

I played a lot of SFIV and it was fun but I just greatly prefer the old ones. I’m excited for this just because of getting them all in one go.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/14/2017 at 03:57am

Me too. Like the NES and SNES classic this is a great way to get all the older games fairly inexpensively compared to buying them all individually.

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Episode 11: Stranger Things 2 Special

The power of Netflix shows keeps rolling and Stranger Things 2 is a fun testament to how great steaming shows can be. We talk about the new season, compare it to the first one and talk about where we’d like the show to go next.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/15/2017 at 08:27pm

No talk of Billy? What did you all think of him?

For me stranger things 2 is stranger things' aliens. You got more monsters, seemed more heavy on the action, plus Paul Reiser.

ST2 was on par with the 1st season for me. I definitely like the demogorgon better than smoke monster, but ST2 had some better character dynamics. I really liked Dustin & Steve in season 2, they were my favorite.

I also liked that they are expanding the show outside of Hawkins. 11 having her yoda like moment with 8 was a lot of fun. I can't wait to see if they introduce other numbered kids with powers. What powers should they have, if they do?

Speaking of numbered kids, was 11's mom, the first one with powers? Did she get them naturally, or were they from some sort of experiment?

If you all haven't watched Beyond Stranger Things, I would suggest you do so. There is a lot of good talk about the show in that show.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 12/16/2017 at 06:55am

Minor spoilers in this comment...

I didn't think much at all about Billy. I had to look him up to remember that there was even a character named Billy :D

With the exception of one or two scenes he was just character development for Max, which is fine. He clearly has issues that they may tackle in season 3. In fact I hope they do. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Max smack him down toward the end though.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/16/2017 at 05:22pm

I thought Billy was kind of one note until the end. He could have used a little bit more character development.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 12/18/2017 at 10:02pm

Billy was basically "what if Steve was a maniac." I liked him as a character. He definitely upped the ante as a wildcard human threat, especially the way he specifically targetted certain members of the party. I appreciate that they showed some of his motivation, why he was so aggressive, giving us moments to sympathize with him. I'm glad they didn't overuse him.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 12/20/2017 at 04:43am

Billy was just ok. Although his scene with Karen was gold.

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Hearthstone Kobolds & Catacombs Expansion Is Out + Dungeon Run Mode!

The new Hearthstone Kobolds & Catacombs expansion is out today and for just logging in you will get 3 K&C card packs. If you kill a Dungeon Run boss you get another card pack and then another if you kill 5 and then another if you kill 10. Kobolds and Catacombs is a normal 150+ card expansion that adds Legendary weapons to each class and as an added bonus you get a free weapon for just logging in. It seems like Blizzard is setting the pace with expansions with a free random set Legendary and about 6 packs of cards.

I've played quite a few dungeon runs tonight and I think it's a really amazing single player expansion mode. You don't need any cards in your... Read All

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 12/08/2017 at 08:17pm

I love this video so much, I'm redownloading the game now!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 12/08/2017 at 09:56pm

Thanks for the head's up. I checked it out, made it to the 4th battle I think. I also noticed other expansions had some single player mode battles I could do for free. I hadn't looked in that area for a while and I wrongly assumed you had to pay to access them. Maybe you have to purchase or spend gold to unlock more of them, that's how the first expansion was, I think.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 12/08/2017 at 10:11pm

Oh and I had 9 unopened packs just now. I haven't modified my decks in a very long time.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/09/2017 at 03:26pm

So you had to buy Adventures with gold or money before but now when a new expansion comes out they put free Adventure-like single player stuff in it. This expansion has the Dungeon run and the last one has the ice crown citadel single player stuff.

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Sid Meier's Civilization VI Fantastic Review

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

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

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

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

Review

Recommended

Turn-based strategy game with free demo and tutorial

Multiple ways to win

Months ago I began to watch one of my friends playing Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution on their Xbox. It looked interesting, so I thought I’d see what’s available for the PC. I noticed that the latest Civilization for PC was VI, so I set my sights on it, I eventually got the Digital Deluxe Edition for half price.

During this time Civ3 became free, so I thought getting a free Civilization game would be a good way to play the game and decide if I wanted to buy it. Civ3 offered no tutorial, so I was lost. However, I realized that Civ6 is the first of the series to offer a... Read All Review

Recommended

Turn-based strategy game with free demo and tutorial

Multiple ways to win

Months ago I began to watch one of my friends playing Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution on their Xbox. It looked interesting, so I thought I’d see what’s available for the PC. I noticed that the latest Civilization for PC was VI, so I set my sights on it, I eventually got the Digital Deluxe Edition for half price.

During this time Civ3 became free, so I thought getting a free Civilization game would be a good way to play the game and decide if I wanted to buy it. Civ3 offered no tutorial, so I was lost. However, I realized that Civ6 is the first of the series to offer a tutorial. Luckily, I found out that the game also has a free demo.

So, I tried out the demo. I started with the tutorial, but ran into a few problems. One of the worst things about the tutorial is that you cannot save your game. So, you either have to keep playing or lose your progress. I also thought I ran into a glitch, but I found my way around it. My next problem was that the amount of turns in the game was running out. This happens at 2050, but the game didn’t end. It continued and I built a massive force and thought I took over my opponent, but the game continued. I may not have completed the final objective (a Domination Victory) in time.

If you’re not familiar with the game series, Civilization is a turn based strategy game. The game focuses on managing a civilization, kind of like Sim City. There are many ways to play and thus many ways to win. You can work towards amassing an army, conquering other nations, and achieving a Domination Victory. You can also work towards science and eventually launch into space achieving a Science Victory. You can also work towards religion, including getting into religious wars, and achieving a Religious Victory. You can also work towards culture, generating tourism, and achieving a Culture Victory. The final way to win is with a Score Victory, when no other victory has been achieved and thus victory depends on who has the highest score.

The game reflects real world civilizations including modern and historic. There are many to play, each with their unique bonuses. I find the real world modern and historical aspects of the game to be extremely appealing.

There are a variety of ways to manage your civilization. The AI provides some suggestions, including an adviser. During turns you can research civics like policies, and science like technologies. You can trigger eureka moments which boost research. This is done by completing certain conditions, for instance killing an enemy with a Slinger boosts the research towards Archer. When that’s complete, you can pay in-game gold to upgrade the unit or build new ones. Units also receive experience and get promotions, which includes offensive and defensive bonus trees.

I’ve only barely scratched the surface of things here, this game is deep. There is a bit of a learning curve for new players, but it's fun. While it doesn’t cover everything, it helps you get started. You will learn a lot as you play and the game includes Civilopedia, basically the game’s detailed manual. However, I’ve found an excellent “Tutorial for Complete Beginners” on YouTube (https://youtu.be/pczrASkYGSo).

scrypt Supporter wrote on 12/07/2017 at 10:49pm

Love those Civ games :D! Cool that your digging into 6. I have 5, and love it, but I've heard good things about its successor. The Eureka objectives sounds really interesting. I'm assuming they still have per-unit advancements, but also having research benefits stem from that is a cool idea.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 12/08/2017 at 12:51am

Yeah, still have per-unit upgrades you can purchase. I'm glad you like 5, from what I've heard they've changed a lot since then. They also recently announced a DLC for release in Feb., which I'll most likely get.

I'm still learning the game. After I watched the tutorial I embedded, I played America and actually got a Science Victory. I'm trying to play as different or random civs to get a feel for them and the game.

This game has made me much more patient for the release of Ark: Aberration lol.

BTW, I saw you play Subnautica as do I. It just updated. I'm interested in what you think of it.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 12/08/2017 at 11:02pm

I can't remember my play-style changing too much with the different civilizations, though I tend to favor the monarchs: Elizabeth, Dido, Isabella, etc. I'm sure I'm not playing them to their full potential ;).

Subnautica is amazing, and far better than I expected! I'm working on an article for the site now, so you can read the full take in a couple days.

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Improve Your Life At The Enrichment Center of Bridge Constructor Portal

I honestly didn't think we'd get more games in the Portal universe but it looks like December 20th Bridge Constructor Portal is going to see me happily wrong. The developers of Bridge Constructor look to have licensed the Portal franchise from Valve and if the trailer is an indication the games looks like it fits well into that universe. But what's the game?

"Enter the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and experience Bridge Constructor Portal – the unique merging of the classic Portal and Bridge Constructor games. As a new employee in the Aperture Science test lab, it's your job to build bridges, ramps, slides, and other constructions in 60 test chambers and get the... Read All

Chipping Away At My Backlog With The Adventures of Link

jdodson gives this a solid "Rad" on the Ghost Scale

This is fun, with very few issues, and is well worth your time.

jdodson gives this a "Rad" on the Ghost Scale

This is fun, with very few issues, and is well worth your time.

For the most part i've decided to stop buying a lot of new games and focus on playing through my backlog for the next year. It's still something i'm working out the final details on (how many games to limit myself to purchase next year, if any at all) and what games i'll play in some kind of order. Now that I have a son my time is limited and i'd like to spend it the best I can and since I have games i've never played now seems like a good time to do that. One such game is Zelda II: The Adventure of Link a game that before I picked got it with the NES Classic I've never owned before. I've played it a handful of times and always thought it was an interesting game in... Read All

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/06/2017 at 05:09pm

Ganon is so mean. I agree with you that Zelda 2 is probably the hardest of the bunch.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/06/2017 at 09:13pm

> I agree with you that Zelda 2 is probably the hardest of the bunch.

Harder than Breath of the Wild? I haven't played that one so I can't say on that point for sure but you have.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/07/2017 at 04:37am

Breath of the Wild has breadth, but not as hard as Zelda 2.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 12/07/2017 at 05:24pm

I'm going to agree with Will here. Breath is hardish, but Zelda 2 is HARD. Still a really fun change from the normal style Zelda games.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/08/2017 at 02:04am

Wow that's good to know. I've heard so many say Breath of the Wild is hard I figured I'd have a tough time with it but Zelda II is something I can do just fine so now i'm less concerned.

Travis Admin wrote on 12/08/2017 at 04:45am

And BotW even got a hard mode as part of an expansion. If the base difficulty is hard already, that's nigh masochistic.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/08/2017 at 05:33pm

Jon, you need BotW and a switch. It should be your gaming purchase of 2018!

Travis Admin wrote on 12/08/2017 at 05:56pm

Will how much time did you put into BotW? I don’t need to ask if it was amazing, I know the answer. But I’ve seen people say there may be hundreds of hours of content there

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 12/08/2017 at 08:49pm

100+ hours. I beat it too. I want to revisit it soon. I see they just released more DLC.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 12/09/2017 at 03:23pm

Yeah they just released the motorcycle DLC. Will I plan on getting one I’m just not sure when. 2018 seems like a good year for one but we’ll see how playing through some other games goes first. I’m making a list of games I want to play in 2018 from my back catalog!

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Now You Can Eat Mario For Breakfast - Super Mario Cereal!

https://media.nintendo.com/nintendo/bin/TbOkYKxoTI8bMOpdVokcsFUycia3Q4_Z/3U9SYJ8Gp80E9bLMkniqSWd1JQjU4KH0.jpg

Back in the 1986 Nintendo released the Nintendo Cereal System that was available for about three years before it was discontinued. It had two bags of cereal such as the separate Mario & Zelda bags. My favorite was the Zelda cereal and I only ate it a couple of time's at my cousin's house as my parents never let us get it. Looks like kids everywhere are getting another chance to eat Mario in cereal form because Nintendo is partnering with Kelloggs to bring us Super Mario Cereal. Not only will kids get to eat Mario but the box comes with a scannable Amiibo that allows you in game bonuses in Super Mario Odyssey such as gold coins and hearts.

Super Mario Cereal will be... Read All

Mega Man 11 Coming In 2018!

Today Capcom announced that Mega Man 11 is in development and will be launched in 2018! The good news is there is a new Mega Man game coming out and my hope for it will that it will live up to the Mega Man series legacy and be challenging. That said, visually it looks pretty much like Mighty No. 9 and that surprised me a bit. Personally i'd have continued the Mega Man numbered sequels with the old school pixel art graphics and then continued the Mega Man X series with the Mighty No 9 art style.

Capcom also noted that both Mega Man Legacy collections are coming to the Switch and that they are working on collections for the Mega Man X series.

... Read All

Humble and Yogscast Celebrate the Holidays With an Advent Calendar of Games

The Yogscast Jingle Jam 2017 released today. For $35 you get Rust, Dungeon of the Endless, Qube Director's Cut, Garry's Mod, and two Team Fortress 2 badges. BUT, every day until Christmas, a new game gets added to the goodies.

The games will total $847 and all proceeds go to charity. While the bundle runs for most of the month, they say supplies are limited so if you know you're interested, it may be a good idea to jump on early.

Check it out here: https://www.humblebundle.com/yogscast-jingle-jam-2017

scrypt Supporter wrote on 12/02/2017 at 07:09am

Sweet deal! Those Humble Bundles, I tell ya...

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 12/02/2017 at 07:21am

No kidding! My backlog needed a boost.

jdodson Admin wrote on 12/02/2017 at 08:22pm

Link for people that want to know more https://www.humblebundle.com/yogscast-jingle-jam-2017

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 12/03/2017 at 06:04am

I added that link a few hours ago before I saw your comment there. Yeah, woops. That might have been important info.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 12/03/2017 at 04:52pm

Holy cow.

https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/7h6u7c/the_yogscast_have_raised_2000000_for_charity_in/?st=JAR071Y7&sh=d0640189

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 12/04/2017 at 08:30pm

Wow that’s an insane amount of money for two days.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 12/10/2017 at 07:32am

By the way, if you jumped on this and you've been considering Guild Wars 2, you now own the full game (not just the free-to-play parts) and you have a discount on the new expansion.

There's lots of MMO stuff in this bundle to get you a good ways in with a few different ones.

jdodson Admin wrote on 12/10/2017 at 09:20pm

Whew that's a crazy amount of games there. And it's not even over yet!

If you want to join this conversation you need to sign in.

Sign Up / Log In

Building A Time Machine For Us Non-Computer People

The Modern Rogue is a great channel on YouTube where two guys, Brian and Jason, learn about cool stuff. From beer and whiskey to fighting with knives and swords to modern tech hacks, these guys cover a wide range of topics. In this video, they build a game emulator from a Raspberry Pi, and keep it understandable for us noobs to computer building.