Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Cheerful Ghost Radio Is Now Available On iTunes & Google Play!

I am very excited to let you know that Cheerful Ghost Radio is now available for you to subscribe to on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher & Soundcloud, and more to come soon! We wanted to wait to publish the show more broadly until we had a good amount of episodes "in the can" and with the release of "Episode 5 - Epistle 3 Story Time" we felt it was time to push the button.

If you have access to iTunes, the Apple Podcast App, Google Play or Stitcher I ask that you head over, subscribe and rate the show and leave a comment. Those comments and ratings really help us reach a wider audience and that's something we'd love to see the show get more of. We think the show is... Read All

Samus Returns Will Be One Of The Games At The Nintendo World Championships!

This years Nintendo World Championship 16 qualifiers have been chosen and are heading to NYC to battle for determining who is the best Nintendo player in the land on October 7th! One interesting bit of news that came today was the Nintendo is selected Samus Returns on 3DS to be one of the games played at this years World Championship. To get the players ready for the challenge Nintendo is sending them a new 2DS and the game which is a nice way to get everyone up to speed on the game.

I'm adding a Championship event to the Cheerful Ghost calendar so if you are interested in watching this live with me and head over to the events page click join and then click to add the... Read All

Emulators Are Our Friends - Atlus Files DMCA Takedown Of RPCS3 PS3 Emulator

As a lifelong gamer and someone that wants to preserve digital culture I support emulators. I also want people to buy the games they play because it's not only required by law but it's also ethical and moral to financially compensate people that create things you love. So when I recently bought Snake Rattle & Roll on the NES I didn't have a problem playing a ROM of it too. Partly because, in many cases the ROM is the best option for the platform but also because I hail from the 90's and cassette and VHS taping was part of how I grew up. It was pretty common to buy a CD dub it on tape to listen to in your car and later on rip that CD to listen to it on your MP3... Read All As a lifelong gamer and someone that wants to preserve digital culture I support emulators. I also want people to buy the games they play because it's not only required by law but it's also ethical and moral to financially compensate people that create things you love. So when I recently bought Snake Rattle & Roll on the NES I didn't have a problem playing a ROM of it too. Partly because, in many cases the ROM is the best option for the platform but also because I hail from the 90's and cassette and VHS taping was part of how I grew up. It was pretty common to buy a CD dub it on tape to listen to in your car and later on rip that CD to listen to it on your MP3 player.

Recently Atlus, the developers of Persona, issued a DMCA copyright notice to RPCS3 the developers of the PS3 Emulator. I'll copy Atlus's post below.

"You might have heard earlier today that we issued a DMCA takedown notice involving emulation developer group RPCS3 and their Patreon page. Yes, it’s true. We settled upon this action for two reasons:

1. We believe that our fans best experience our titles (like Persona 5) on the actual platforms for which they are developed. We don’t want their first experiences to be framerate drops, or crashes, or other issues that can crop up in emulation that we have not personally overseen. We understand that many Persona fans would love to see a PC version. And while we don’t have anything to announce today, we are listening! For now, the best way to experience Persona 5 is on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.

2. We appreciate the awareness generated by the emulation community for Persona 5 and know that it is a fantastic example of how much people are loving our game. We want to keep bringing you titles like Persona 5. Unfortunately, when our content is illegally circumvented and potentially made available for free, in a format we do not think delivers the experience and quality we intend, it undermines our ability to do so by diverting potential support from new audiences."

I'm not a lawyer so i'm not going to say anything about if what Atlus did was legal or not. With that, emulators aren't just things that enable piracy they also allow people to play games on modern systems while not needing to repurchase them yet again. I can see why Atlus might want people to repurchase their games on PC if they were to port them but why is it bad that you can play your old PS3 games on a modern PC? They said it's because of a bad framerates and such but that seems like a really contrived reason.

I also love it when companies release older games with the "HD re-release" treatment giving me yet another reason to open my wallet to buy it. Or even just re-releasing the game on PC is more than enough to get people to buy it again, which some people love to do.

As someone that had their PS3 die and be left with an orphaned library of PS3 games I can say that a good PS3 emulator would have saved me some heartache. In the end I got a friends old system and that works out great but sometimes just playing your old games on a PC is a better option.

http://atlus.com/atlus-and-emulation/

Cheerful Ghost Radio Episode 5 - Epistle 3 Story Time

On this episode of Cheerful Ghost Radio, we talk about the Switch getting better third party support, and ponder whether the Switch is the Nintendo console of our dreams. Then, we discuss Epistle 3, the plot summary Mark Laidlaw released of what Half Life 2: Episode 3 might have been.

New Game Mode, Levels, and Daisy As a Playable Character Coming to Super Mario Run September 29

A couple weeks back, Super Mario Run dropped off of the App Store, leading to speculation as to why. It came back with an update for "bug fixes" a little while later. In that time, one player claimed to have received an update with a new game mode. Presumably, the update was released earlier, was taken down to prevent more people playing it, and the bug fix update was to get the few people who got it back to the pre-update state.

The big news from that rumor was a new mode. Here's what the source said at the time:
When starting up X 10 Run for the first time, players are told that Princess Daisy is in trouble, and it’s up to the player to rescue her. X 10 Run asks for... Read All A couple weeks back, Super Mario Run dropped off of the App Store, leading to speculation as to why. It came back with an update for "bug fixes" a little while later. In that time, one player claimed to have received an update with a new game mode. Presumably, the update was released earlier, was taken down to prevent more people playing it, and the bug fix update was to get the few people who got it back to the pre-update state.

The big news from that rumor was a new mode. Here's what the source said at the time:
When starting up X 10 Run for the first time, players are told that Princess Daisy is in trouble, and it’s up to the player to rescue her. X 10 Run asks for Toad Rally Tickets to allow you to play, and consists of 10 quick, 10-second levels where the player collects three rainbow coins before reaching the Goal Pole. The more rainbow coins collected, the closer the player gets to a chance to hit a giant Rainbow ? Block that gives bigger items to be used in Kingdom Builder, such as Toad Houses. As far as our source could tell, there was no penalty for not collecting all three coins — you were rewarded just for completing the levels.

Up until now, this was just rumor, and I didn't want to write about it and get people's hopes up. But now, let me proceed to get your hopes up! It appears that the rumors were true. Apple dropped some news today about the new update, coming September 29.

Amongst the new features:

A new game mode (Remix 10) in which you go through quick mini-levels in order to save Daisy.

Daisy as a playable character, once you save her in the aforementioned mode.

A new world with nine more levels to explore.

New items to build in your world.

Other neat stuff.

Since the news is only available on the App Store in iOS 11, someone was kind enough to screencap the full announcement:
https://imgur.com/a/Db6fw

And since that rumor is confirmed, here's the original report about what the one player who has played it experienced. Since this was released earlier than planned, things may be different from what this person experienced, but it should give you a good idea:
https://nintendowire.com/news/2017/09/05/rumor-new-mode-coming-super-mario-run/

Also, if you've been holding off on unlocking the full game, wait until September 29. There's a 50% off sale starting then, and lasting for two weeks!

The Metal Blade Is Overpowered - Getting Good At Mega Man 2

After I picked up the NES Classic and beat Mega Man 2 I figured I'd move on to another game. But I completed Mega Man 2 largely because of the NES Classic state save and load system and it was a kind of earned win but I didn't feel great about it after sitting with it for a couple days. So because of that and the fact that Mega Man 2 is an incredible game I keep coming back to play Mega Man 2 and this time don't use the save state feature. My goal is to be able to complete Mega Man 2 without any state loading and just on the terms of game itself.

So since I completed Mega Man 2 i've been playing more... Mega Man 2. Which has been a lot of fun and part of that is trying... Read All

Project Octopath Traveler Demo Impressions

Square Enix recently released a demo of Project Octopath Traveler on the Nintendo Switch. Traveler is a “2D-HD” turn-based RPG developed by Square Enix and Acquire. It currently does not have any firm release date beyond 2018.

So what is “2D-HD”? 2D-HD takes 2D sprites and surrounds them with 2.5D environments and modern special effects. It is a very unique approach. I feel that the environment and special effects look awesome, but the sprites were somewhat disappointing. The sprites seemed to lack detail and looked very blocky (especially on a big TV). Maybe I am spoiled with more modern sprites, but it feels like they could have spent some more time with the artwork... Read All Square Enix recently released a demo of Project Octopath Traveler on the Nintendo Switch. Traveler is a “2D-HD” turn-based RPG developed by Square Enix and Acquire. It currently does not have any firm release date beyond 2018.

So what is “2D-HD”? 2D-HD takes 2D sprites and surrounds them with 2.5D environments and modern special effects. It is a very unique approach. I feel that the environment and special effects look awesome, but the sprites were somewhat disappointing. The sprites seemed to lack detail and looked very blocky (especially on a big TV). Maybe I am spoiled with more modern sprites, but it feels like they could have spent some more time with the artwork here.

The demo comes with two of the eight classes enabled. They are the warrior and the dancer. I put some time in with the warrior and enjoyed the turn-based battle system. It has the standard fare of abilities, defense and attacks, but it also adds in a way to boost your attack. After each turn, you get another dot on your boost meter, which you can use during your next attack. You can chain up to three boosts in one turn, which makes for some strong attacks. Boosts can be combined with your normal attack and your abilities.

Each class has a unique ability that can be performed outside of battle. In the case of the warrior, he can challenge people to a battle. When you challenge another character, you will see their ranking in a five star based scale. One star is easy whereas five is hard. In the demo, most of the time these battles lead to experience and money, but sometimes it will complete a quest. This is an interesting addition to the turn-based RPG, but I found that I was getting bored with challenging people. Maybe if they put it to better use in the full game, it could be fun, but who knows what their grand plan is.

Outside of challenging people, the majority of battles happen randomly while you wander around the world. It is no different that other turn-based RPGs in this aspect.

I found that the warrior’s story was not very strong and kind of boring. He is a fallen warrior that failed to protect somebody from being killed. He then moves to a town under a different name and tries to lead a quiet life until a group of brigands threaten the town and kidnap a boy. At that point you go save the boy and your identity is revealed. I just did not care for the character all that much and found the dialogue to be bland.

I plan on giving the dancer a try to see if her story is more compelling. I want to love this game, but in the end, I felt that it is not the strongest turn-based RPG. They also need to find a new name for this game, I can never remember it.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 09/23/2017 at 01:49am

Wow, I absolutely love the 2D-HD look! I agree the sprites could be nicer, but I'm not offended by them. I really like the visual style.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/23/2017 at 02:50am

Seems like a mix of Dragon Age Origins(each class had a different intro story) and the the main game picks up and it sort of comes together similarly.

One question about how Demo's work on the Switch. Is it a timed demo or a locked based on an amount of plays? I found many of the demos on the 3DS are locked by a certain amount of plays and that always seemed odd to me as most demos i've ever played were just of the first few levels.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/23/2017 at 03:24am

It is locked based on areas of map and story. So there are areas where it says you can't go there in the demo.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 12:23am

I tried the dancer and couldn't go through with playing her demo story. I just was not interested. We will see if the story improves in the final game.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/24/2017 at 01:53am

Hope so.

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The Super Nintendo Classic Drops Next Week!

The Super Nintendo Classic drops next week and i'm pretty excited about it. Even though i'm going to get my pre-order and immediately put it away to open for Christmas, it's still cool that it's coming. Most people that pre-ordered it won't be waiting until Christmas to play it so i'm really eager to read their reviews of the system... *ahem* Travis.

Nintendo has said stock will be increased so... it's possible you might be able to find them in stores September 29th. If you are planning on going to one opening day let me know, I think I will just to see how many people show up to get one.

Interviews With The Original SNES Game Developers

If you need to fill your face... Read All The Super Nintendo Classic drops next week and i'm pretty excited about it. Even though i'm going to get my pre-order and immediately put it away to open for Christmas, it's still cool that it's coming. Most people that pre-ordered it won't be waiting until Christmas to play it so i'm really eager to read their reviews of the system... *ahem* Travis.

Nintendo has said stock will be increased so... it's possible you might be able to find them in stores September 29th. If you are planning on going to one opening day let me know, I think I will just to see how many people show up to get one.

Interviews With The Original SNES Game Developers

If you need to fill your face with more Super Nintendo themed glory you can head over to the Super Nintendo Classic page to read all the interviews with the SNES Classic game developers. The interviews cover Star Fox, Star Fox 2, F-Zero & Super Metroid and from the looks of it there will be three more to come.

https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic

Prima's Playing With Super Power Guide Got An UnBoxing Video

Prima made the guide for the NES Classic and if you love classic gaming Magazines and have a soft spot in your heart for Nintendo Power you really should check it out. I bought the softcover Playing with Power and it's a really special book that covers the origins of the NES and how the games evolved over time. Playing with Power only covers the Nintendo first party games on the NES Classic but if you didn't memorize the location of every item in Metroid it's pretty nice to have it all laid out in something made of dead trees.

Because the NES Classic book did well Prima is doing another for the SNES Classic and recently they released a unboxing video for it. Surprisingly the video has no audio, which is weird but manageable. The unboxing video is for the hardcover version which actually comes in a Super Nintendo Style box and the book looks like a Super Nintendo Game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcYV11NAo04
https://www.primagames.com/games/nintendo-snes-classics/products/playing-super-power-nintendo-snes-classics-collectors-ediiton

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 09/23/2017 at 12:34am

I may try to get one at Toys R Us. We will see how long the line is if I get there an hour before opening.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 12:02am

Right. I guess if there is are angry villagers outside with pitchforks you could always come back later.

Travis Admin wrote on 09/24/2017 at 02:04am

Wow, this snuck up on me. This month is flying! I can't wait to get my mitts on this thing.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 02:55am

> Wow, this snuck up on me. This month is flying! I can't wait to get my mitts on this thing.

Review when it does?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 02:55am

Will, check this: https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/911785945464061952

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 09/24/2017 at 03:31am

Awesome. Hopefully I will be able the snag one.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 10:49pm

TechCrunch initial impression https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/22/i-have-an-snes-classic-edition-and-it-rules/

Travis Admin wrote on 09/25/2017 at 01:58am

That TechCrunch first impression is such a tease! :D

Still super stoked. And yeah, I'll definitely do a review of it!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 09/25/2017 at 03:58pm

So the controllers have the same connector as the NES classic? If so, I think I will use my extension cord from the nes classic controllers on this (if I get one).

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 09/25/2017 at 06:30pm

Man, it is super hard to pass on this! I want all these games, but I just don't think I'd play it much more than for a couple weeks and then forget about it (that's what happened to my NES Classic at least)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/25/2017 at 09:49pm

The controller connectors are the same and I plan on using my NES Classic extensions on it too!

Here are some numbers to what Best Buy stores are getting supply wise(so far, looks like a good amount):

https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/912396251181678592

Travis Admin wrote on 09/26/2017 at 01:25pm

I guess with the extension cords you could also use the Wii Classic controller too, which is handy. It's nice of them to standardize those connections across their systems.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 09/26/2017 at 06:04pm

I took Friday off from work, so I can hunt for a system. :)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/26/2017 at 06:16pm

Good luck Will!

Travis Admin wrote on 09/26/2017 at 06:22pm

I have Monday off so I’m hoping the Walmart preorders go out early. Doubtful though

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New Guild Wars 2 Expansion Path of Fire Launches September 22nd

Guild Wars 2 is an excellent MMO where the base game is free to play and only requires you purchase the expansions. The base game is very fun and even though I haven't quite completed all of it I can imagine the expansions are just as good and it looks to get even better with Path of Fire.

"Balthazar threatens the Crystal Desert and adjoining kingdom of Elona with his Forged legions. Explore vast new maps filled with magic-drenched desert plains, ancient temples and ruins, and beautiful oases. Uncover the secrets of Tyria's history, and discover the fate of the Elonian people after years of silence."

Path of Fire is getting a revamp to the mount system, elite... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 09/20/2017 at 01:29pm

I haven't played all of the first expansion, but I completed the story of the main game and have done some endgame content. GW2 is the most satisfying MMO I've ever played, and my wife and I still dive back into it occasionally.

I love that they make their server upkeep money with cosmetic microtransactions, so there's no monthly subscription. I feel like I can enjoy it the way I want. With a subscription I feel like I have to play it a certain amount every month to get my money's worth. It's the free-to-play model but you have to buy the game first (their actual free-to-play version is limited) and there aren't any pay-to-win items. A few convenience items, nothing at all gamebreaking. It's the perfect MMO model I think.

But this expansion totally missed my radar, I had no idea it was coming! A rogue god? Mounts!? I'm stoked!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/22/2017 at 10:59pm

> GW2 is the most satisfying MMO I've ever played, and my wife and I still dive back into it occasionally.

It's one of the best i've played too. I had an incredible amount of fun with Lord of the Rings Online when some friends and I played that a couple years back. GW2 is up there, hard to say which I liked more. One thing that keeps me thinking it might be LoTRO is that you could kill bears get the pelts and make armor. Something about that crafting system and the trees in that game really made me happy. Not my wife though, whenever I killed a bear she got pretty upset even though I told her I used the pelts to make armor! No digital eWaste.

> I love that they make their server upkeep money with cosmetic microtransactions, so there's no monthly subscription. I feel like I can enjoy it the way I want.

Me too. I don't mind paying for games but I do mind a monthly sub because it sort of feels like an obligation and if I don't play it "enough" I am really wasting money.

> But this expansion totally missed my radar, I had no idea it was coming! A rogue god? Mounts!? I'm stoked!

I know you've been all over the Diablo III Necro content but do you think you might get this expansion? There is a cart bundle where you can this expansion AND the other one together. That seems like a lot of GW2 to play.

Travis Admin wrote on 09/23/2017 at 02:53am

Yeah Katie and I got it. Don't know when we will get back into it but we will. It's a game that we seem to play for about two months a year and that's great. When it gets old we put it away for a while.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/24/2017 at 04:53pm

That's a good cycle with games. I do the same and the games stay fresh when I come back later to play it.

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Guns 'N' Stories: Bulletproof VR - Early Impressions

Guns 'N' Stories is an early access VR wave shooter set in the old west. It is being developed by MiroWin. The overall story is the tried-and-true scenario of a woman getting kidnapped by a big bad, and you are out to save her.

The first two levels that I played were enjoyable. You start out with one pistol and soon end up with two. You fight wave after wave of bad guys while you are dodging and shooting down bullets. Based on the fact that my pistols turned into high-tech automated weapons during the second level, it looks like MiroWin has a weapon progression plan in the game.

Given that this is a wave shooter, there is not a lot to explore. You pretty much stand in... Read All