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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... Read All

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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The Elder Scrolls: Legends Review

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

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

Azurephile gives this a "Rad" on the Ghost Scale

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

Review

Recommended

Single player mode

I played Legends via the Bethesda Launcher, when it was first released (before it was on Steam). I'm not sure why I stopped, but I later decided to get it on Steam. I recently thought about playing it again, so I spent some time with it last night. I really enjoyed it, even more than Hearthstone, because it has a deeper single player mode to it. In fact, there's single player story mode and the solo arena.

I was surprised, when I opened it up with Steam, that I was continuing from the progress I made from first playing it via the Bethesda Launcher. So, I didn't have to restart at the beginning. I learned a bit more about the game.... Read All

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!

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

Cheerful Ghost Radio Episode 8 - DRM: DoesitReallyMatter?

On this episode of Cheerful Ghost Radio, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Valve's Orange Box by talking about what the games mean to us, then we discuss how our feelings about DRM have changed over the years. Are we in a DRMPocalypse, or DoesitReallyMatter?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/30/2017 at 07:03pm

No mention of Peggle in the Orange Box? I played that a lot, along with Portal and Half Life 2 Episode 2.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 10/31/2017 at 02:22am

Will, I didn't believe you until I searched it myself. I do remember wondering how I got Peggle at one point. I bet that was it!

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/31/2017 at 03:04am

Was Peggle just a demo or the whole game?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/31/2017 at 06:07am

I was a 10 level special demo. You can get it for free now: http://store.steampowered.com/app/3483/Peggle_Extreme/

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/31/2017 at 06:13am

Looks like Peggle Extreme was a demo of Peggle Deluxe, included only with the Steam version of The Orange Box. Interesting. I don’t know that I’d consider it part of the official package, but rather a bonus marketing tie-in. Cool bit of trivia, nonetheless!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/31/2017 at 04:06pm

Now I want to play some peggle. So much fun.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/31/2017 at 09:13pm

> but rather a bonus marketing tie-in. Cool bit of trivia, nonetheless!

Yeah. Kind of like the Super 8 level in Portal 2. I believe that was on the PC version only and it wasn't very long but kind of neat if you like Super 8.

Speaking of, didn't Gabe and JJ get on a stage and say they were going to work together making movies and games? I wonder what happened from that?

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/31/2017 at 11:57pm

J.J. Abrams directing Half Life 3 movie, confirmed.

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/01/2017 at 02:16am

I wonder if that's how Valve plans on continuing the story and they are just waiting to drop the first trailer?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 11/01/2017 at 02:33am

Oh wow, I remember all that speculation. We all were thinking... OK, so maybe it won't be a game BUT OMG HALF LIFE IS GOING TO BE A MOVIE ANDJJABRAMSISDOINGITOMG

Ok, maybe not "We all," but we ... me. Maybe just me.

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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... Read All

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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Harmon Quest! D&D Played By Dan Harmon and Guest Comedians

https://i1.wp.com/www.bubbleblabber.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/harmonquest.jpg

As a big fan of Rick and Morty, and a casual fan of Community, I find myself gravitating towards anything Dan Harmon is involved in. Harmon Quest popped up in a YouTube ad and I had to check it out. So far I've only watched 1 episode, but I love the style of it.

Dan plays as Fondue Zubag, a half-orc ranger, and he has a regular cast that plays with him, in front of a live audience, with a guest comedian. The episodes are then animated and cut between the animation of the game and the players around a table.

Paul F. Tompkins was the guest in episode 1 (who played as Teflonto, Earthscar's village champion and captain of the town's militia. Also a friend, mentor, and role... Read All