Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Awesomenauts Going Free to Play May 24th!

2D sidescrolling MOBA Awesomenauts has had a very long life and looks like it's getting a shot in the arm as it's going entirely free to play this coming May 24th! If you have the base game and all expansions you will get the new "unlock all nauts" pack which gives you access to all current and future Awesomenauts. They are also adding a new currency Awesomepoints you get by gaining experience you can use to unlock new Nauts, customized droppods or portraits.

Nearly every MOBA is free to play and this update makes sense with the kind of game Awesomenauts is and I hope the community is open to the change.

https://www.awesomenauts.com/upcoming-content/

In 2013 we... Read All

Heroes of the Storm 2.0 Is Out So Head Over And Get The Free Heroes Mega Bundle!

The huge revamp to Heroes of the Storm is out and Blizzard is handing out 20 free heroes to everyone for logging in and selecting the pack you want. I went with the brawlers pack as I've enjoyed playing with Stitches and have wanted to try Muradin Bronzebeard for a bit now. Heroes of the Storm 2.0 added loot chests that unlock for you when you level your character so when you log in if you have any levels unlocked you will get some loot chests! Ultimately the Heroes 2.0 update makes unlocking skins, taunts and mounts a bit more accessible to free to play players and adopts an Overwatch and Hearthstone like loot system.

Heroes of the Storm is a free to play Blizzard... Read All

You Can Now Download The Original Refreshed StarCraft For Free!

As part of the upcoming StarCraft remastered release Blizzard dropped an updated version of Classic StarCraft with revamped Battle.net classic support, LAN play and a modern build that works on newer systems. Recently I downloaded StarCraft on my PC and Mac and tried it out and put simply, Blizzard did an amazing job porting this classic game to modern systems.

If you are looking for a version of StarCraft with updated visuals you might want to wait for StarCraft Remastered that is coming this summer. If you are looking for a modern build of the classic game with a streamlined interface that works incredibly well on modern systems for free you should check this out.... Read All As part of the upcoming StarCraft remastered release Blizzard dropped an updated version of Classic StarCraft with revamped Battle.net classic support, LAN play and a modern build that works on newer systems. Recently I downloaded StarCraft on my PC and Mac and tried it out and put simply, Blizzard did an amazing job porting this classic game to modern systems.

If you are looking for a version of StarCraft with updated visuals you might want to wait for StarCraft Remastered that is coming this summer. If you are looking for a modern build of the classic game with a streamlined interface that works incredibly well on modern systems for free you should check this out. Many of the old problems with classic StarCraft have been fixed, like needing to tunnel ports to enable classic Battle.net play and Blizzard also removed some strange networking options for multiplayer no one uses (like serial connections). The game is presented in 4x3 and the games original low res art(by modern standards) is kept but doesn't seem to mess up your desktop by putting your computer in 640x480 resolution. It's a nice touch and makes the whole new game build experience really solid and fresh. Blizzard also wrapped the whole new StarCraft install process in a fancy new theme that looks a lot like their modern Battle.net client. It's sad that StarCraft doesn't show up in the modern Battle.net client but one reason why this might not happen is that classic Battle.net games aren't compatible with newer Battle.net and don't have features like cross game chat and the like. That or Blizzard is saving a spot in the new Battle.net client for StarCraft remastered. Not sure which but at some point it might be nice to get all classic Blizzard games in the modern client.

The classic StarCraft game we all love is present and both StarCraft and Brood War campaigns are there for you to play... for free. I really like that Blizzard is giving out the original StarCraft for free and if you want the updated Remastered edition you can get that and both versions will be compatible with each other in terms of multiplayer. I appreciate companies giving these classic games a fresh coat of paint and when they release them for free it's like an early Christmas present.

You can download StarCraft on Windows using the link below:

https://www.battle.net/download/getInstallerForGame?os=win&locale=enUS&version=LIVE&gameProgram=STARCRAFT&id=27575673.1487036775

You can download StarCraft for Mac using the link below:

https://www.battle.net/download/getInstallerForGame?os=mac&locale=enUS&version=LIVE&gameProgram=STARCRAFT&id=27575673.1487036775

If you want to delve a bit deeper into the history of StarCraft development, Blizzard has a very interesting retrospective article you can read below.

https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20719767

Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows (Nintendo Switch) Review

http://yachtclubgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/plague_of_shadows_title_black_bg.png

Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows is an add-on campaign to Shovel Knight. You play the role of Plague Knight as he goes through the Shovel Knight world collecting ingredients for a potion that will make him powerful. It takes place at the same time as the original Shovel Knight.

Plague of Shadows is an add on that uses all the same levels from the original Shovel Knight, while adding some new areas within those levels. Since it is pretty much the same game, it is Plague Knight's gameplay mechanics and his story that makes it stand apart from the original.

I think you will get the most enjoyment out of the story if you have already finished the original Shovel Knight. It... Read All Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows is an add-on campaign to Shovel Knight. You play the role of Plague Knight as he goes through the Shovel Knight world collecting ingredients for a potion that will make him powerful. It takes place at the same time as the original Shovel Knight.

Plague of Shadows is an add on that uses all the same levels from the original Shovel Knight, while adding some new areas within those levels. Since it is pretty much the same game, it is Plague Knight's gameplay mechanics and his story that makes it stand apart from the original.

I think you will get the most enjoyment out of the story if you have already finished the original Shovel Knight. It is not a requirement, but there a lot of references, both obvious and not so obvious, that add a lot to the story.

As for gameplay, Plague Knight has a whole different set of weapons, special abilities and movement mechanics from Shovel Knight. His main weapon, a bomb, is highly customizable, allowing for different types of gameplay. I found myself focusing on a few combinations that helped me get through the game.

With the change of movement mechanics, the reuse of the old levels from the original Shovel Knight works. It feels like a new game. I also found that the levels were more difficult with Plague Knight than with Shovel Knight.

My main problem with Plague of Shadows is the same as the original Shovel Knight. The bosses are just too easy. Plague Knight makes the majority of bosses much easier than they were in Shovel Knight.

Overall I enjoyed Plague of Shadows as much as the original Shovel Knight, if not more. The story and platforming are so good that they outweigh the easy boss battles.

I recorded a video of the intro, first level and town. This video is from Hard Mode, where you carry over all unlocked abilities. You can view it here:

https://youtu.be/EPxbRGYixZ8

My original Shovel Knight review is here:

http://cheerfulghost.com/Will_Ball/posts/3294/review-shovel-knight-shovel-of-hope-part-of-shovel-knight-treasure-trove-for-the-switch

Yacht Club Games provided Cheerful Ghost with a download key for Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove for the Nintendo Switch. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is also available for the Wii U, 3DS, PS4, Vita, PS3, Xbox One, Mac, Windows, Linux and Fire TV.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/30/2017 at 09:50pm

Fire TV huh? Cool to see it get ported to so many systems!

Plague Knight seems pretty overpowered compared to Shovel Knight in your video. Are all those The abilities Plague Knight starts with?

If this happens alongside the original Shovel Knight story wise is Shovel Knight a boss? Also about how long is the game start to finish?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/30/2017 at 11:09pm

My video is from hard mode, so all power ups were already achieved. Plague Knight progresses much like Shovel Knight.

There are battles with Shovel Knight.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/30/2017 at 11:11pm

Oh, and it took me about 12 hours. 2 more hours than Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope.

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/01/2017 at 02:41am

That makes sense, thanks!

Does Plague Knight start off with the potion bombs you mostly use in your run? Also it looks like he can fly or float. Does that have any kind of cool down or can he do that indefinitely?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 05/01/2017 at 04:02am

Potion bombs are his main weapon. You can configure them as you acquire more items. Double jump is standard. The float is an ability you acquire later.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member Post Author wrote on 05/01/2017 at 04:02am

Oh and no cool down for float or double jump. There is a magic meter for special abilities.

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Mega Ran's new music video is all kinds of geeky goodness.

Rapper extraordinaire Mega Ran released this new video which mixes chip-tunes, hip-hop, and old school Gameboy graphics. If you haven't checked out Mega Ran before I highly recommend you look into his back catalog.

You can find more of his music on Spotify or on his website: http://megaran.com/

Nintendo announces the New Nintendo 2DS XL

The mouthful that is the New Nintendo 2DS XL, will be released on July 28 for $149.99.

If you've been waiting to get into the 3DS/2DS scene, now might be the time!

This is the first new product in the 3DS family since 2014/2015's release of the New Nintento 3DS and the XL version. The NN2DSXL (which is totally not an official initialization, but I'm going to make it a thing) comes on the heels of the Switch launch, the news of the NES Classic being canceled, and rumors of the SNES Classic coming later in the year.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/28/2017 at 08:53pm

Yeah I saw this and think this is a good idea. The catalog of the DS/3DS is huge and this isn't a very powerful system so I imagine it can be made for cheap. I've been happy with my New 3DS and think the 3D is cool but isn't a deal breaker. I like the look of this new system too. The blue buttons are sharp.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 04/29/2017 at 03:24pm

So much for Nintendo merging handheld and console. Also, this is a ridiculous piece of marketing voodoo. The original DS had a hinge, and since this new machine isn't flat (which is what made the 2DS 2D...) why not just call this a DS XL? Nintendo, be more like Apple and less like Microsoft!

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 04/29/2017 at 11:52pm

What made the 2DS 2D was the fact that it lacked 3D capability. But then that also made it sound like a previous version. DS -> 2DS -> 3DS.

So then you have the DS, DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, and 2DS. Plus the NEW 3DS and now the New 2DS. And the XL variants of some but not all of the 3DS generation. I pity parents who know nothing about which ones are newest.

Honestly, Nintendo's whole naming game is weird.

As for Nintendo merging handheld and console, that's still not out of the question. It's not super-common but it's not UNcommon for a final revision of a last-gen system to come out after the release of the next one. I imagine this is the last of the *DS line released for people who want to play the whole shebang of older games without shelling out a full $200 for the New 3DS XL.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 04/29/2017 at 11:54pm

Nintendo really needs to work on their naming conventions.

I think the 2DS was called that because it lacked the 3D feature, not because the unit itself was flat. It could play all the 3DS games just without the 3D effect. This is the 2D version of the New Nintendo 3DS.

Does that help clear things up? :P

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/30/2017 at 01:31am

I think Nintendo is hedging their bets by still not confirming a merge of handhold and console. They did a similar thing when the DS was released. They called it the third pillar, with the other two being the gameboy and the console of the time, but they were quick to kill off the gameboy when the DS did well from a sales standpoint.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 04/30/2017 at 02:58am

The DS was 2D, which came first. The 3DS added 3D, thus the naming distinction. The 2DS is a DS with no hinge, the board itself being "two dimensional", if you will. They should have added a suffix instead, like they did with the DSi, instead of a redundant prefix, especially since they are going back to the old form factor (but not so old that it requires marketing reinvention). As you say, pity the parents. /endpettyrant (sorry!!)

scrypt Supporter wrote on 04/30/2017 at 03:02am

The last half of that rant was meant to reference the new naming of the 2DS XL. Sorry if that wasn't clear. I'm typing on my phone and I only see a few lines and forget to scroll back before posting sometime 😬.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 04/30/2017 at 04:55am

> The 2DS is a DS with no hinge

The 2DS is way more than that. A DS with no hinges would only be able to play DS games. This can play the 3DS series too.

The 3DS is a new handheld platform altogether with much better processor/ram/graphics. The 2DS just removed that 3D capability to make it cheaper. You can't play 3DS game on a DS, but you can on a 2DS.

Compare that to the DSi, for which there are only five games that are DSi exclusive. That was just a minor hardware iteration last gen. The 2DS whether it has a hinge or not is still firmly in this generation. Calling it the DS XL or something else that just adds a suffix to 'DS' would imply that it can't play 3DS/2DS games.

The fact that it has no hinges didn't factor into the naming I don't think. I could be totally wrong but all the marketing I saw was just about it playing 3DS games in 2D. And if the naming *was* in part because of the form factor, that's just kinda weird marketing on their part.

The 2DS was marketed for a younger audience since the 3D tech was apparently bad for kids' eyes. The removal of the hinges was because kids break those.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 04/30/2017 at 05:16am

None of that helps the confusing naming choices though. I think the best choice would have been to call the 3DS something that didn't have "DS" in it.

But at this point people expect a 3DS that only plays in 2D to be called a 2DS and calling it something else would be even worse.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 04/30/2017 at 03:10pm

You're right about the compatibility of the 2DS. I guess I was thinking primarily of the concept (the DS already played 2D games), and the idea of going backwards (or in circles) to go forwards. Nintendo has a good thing with their handheld systems. Adding distracting titles to the naming of them is my biggest issue. I appreciate the consistency of Sony's PlayStation iterations, or Apple's mostly consistent iMac line and OS naming convention. Is it true that Nintendo has two 3DS XL systems on the market? Maybe Nintendo doesn't see the confusion, only the idea of "options." To them it doesn't matter as much, as long as people buy something.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 04/30/2017 at 03:25pm

There's the 3DS XL which is no longer in production, and the New 3DS XL.

Yes really. Adding 'New' to the title of something is not a good way to distinguish them since it's an adjective used to describe anything new.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/30/2017 at 09:08pm

Just look at what happened to New Coke. :)

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Star Wars Episode IX Release Date: May 24, 2019

Disney and Lucasfilm have announced the release date for the conclusion to the sequel trilogy: May 24, 2019.

This means a bit less waiting than if they'd kept the holiday release schedule, but I have to admit, after the past two movies December just feels like Star Wars season to me, and I'll miss that a little.

Not enough to make me wish it was coming out 7 months later, though :D

In addition, the fifth Indiana Jones movie will be coming out July 10, 2020. Here's hoping the new Indy movies get the same treatment as Star Wars.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/25/media/star-wars-episode-ix-release-date/

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/30/2017 at 01:31am

I liked the holiday release dates.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/30/2017 at 04:05pm

I did too but at least we now get new Star Wars faster?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/30/2017 at 11:07pm

Is that a good thing? Will it become oversaturated? As long as the stories are good, it is a good thing.

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/01/2017 at 02:27am

Marvel keeps putting out movies people want to see I think LucasFilm can do similarly but they keep trying to mine past films with the anthology movies.

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/01/2017 at 02:40am

I guess my point with the anthology films like Rogue One and the upcoming Han Solo movie is that those films are based on the original trilogy. The OT is incredible but I wonder how much longer we can keep mining the OT? I guess if the movies are good then it might not be a problem but I hope the new Force Awakens, Last Jedi and SW9 can create a larger universe with characters that go in different directions.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 05/01/2017 at 03:26am

I don't think it's a problem (at least until I see the Han Solo movie) because I'm not sure if I'd call the Han Solo movie "based on" the OT. At least not necessarily. It's a character's origin who originated in the OT, but at the same time the prequels were based on the OT because it was Anakin's and Obi Wan's origin. Everything expands the same universe and it seems like we're getting some decent gaps filled.

Rogue One leads straight into Episode IV, so your point definitely stands on that one, but the Han movie doesn't seem (from what we know now) to tie into it that closely. It seems like it'll help bridge the gap between the two complete trilogies we have so far.

The third one was rumored to be about Boba Fett which would bridge the PT and OT (though I can't see that being interesting enough to warrant that movie-- I'd still watch it and probably love it). The one people are clamoring for is an Obi Wan movie that would bridge the PT and OT. That's what I love about these anthology films-- they're filling in gaps of story.

With the Sequel Trilogy still incomplete I doubt we get anything filling the gaps between Jedi and TFA for a while, but I'm definitely looking forward to getting some when they come.

And what I'm kinda hoping is that we don't get a core series movie for a while after episode IX. Let it stew for at least 7 or 8 years. Because at that point, with three complete trilogies and an overall arch that we don't entirely get yet, there will be some amazing things to branch off from.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 05/01/2017 at 03:51am

To make that clearer-- they're obviously based on the OT, but not based on them in the sense that they would have to be limited by them in any way. Rogue One was *heavily* based on the OT and had an equation it had to solve. Or rather, it had the solution and had to write the equation. There were bits that had to end a certain way. But these other one don't need to. It's a big-ass galaxy!

If there's one thing the abandoned Extended Universe of Star Wars has taught us, it's that there's basically an unlimited amount of content that can tie into the OT. As long as it doesn't feel derivative or stale we'll be solid, and with Kathleen and Pablo I doubt that's a concern.

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What Games Made You Rage Quit?

Metal Jesus has a new video out about games that made him rage quit. A couple games they mention are Trigger Happy Havoc, Destroy All Humans, Grand Theft Auto Flying Levels & Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival. As I was watching the video one game came to mind for me which is the original Binding of Issac. When I saw the game I thought it was just a really unique retelling of Zelda but when I played it was one of the first rogue-likes I played and as such was very hard and unforgiving. I wasn't sure why you couldn't save your progress and that when you died everything you collected went away. Later on I realized that rogue-likes do that and have come to since really... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 04/23/2017 at 05:21am

The GTA flying levels are definitely up there, though GTAV improves on them enough so that I don't despise them anymore.

Most recently my ragequits happen when a bug makes me lose significant progress. Whether it's that I haven't saved in a while and I get a crash (partially my bad for not saving often enough), or worse, when a game has a game-breaking bug that leaves you unable to finish a crucial part and you have to lose hours of progress.

Oh and also Monopoly.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/23/2017 at 05:56am

I agree with the GTA Flying missions, learning to fly, trying to achieve those goals. It was tough and it sucked. I think I've done it twice now and I always tell myself that I never want to go through that again.

Some of my rage quits include Hearthstone and Faeria, because of forced PVP in which I really suck. Mario games can be like that, too, sometimes I get so annoyed with them.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 04/25/2017 at 04:25am

Koudelka on PS1.

It was a shitty RPG to begin with, but the really rage inducing thing was that all your equipment could (and frequently did) break. There were no item shops in that game, all equipment had to be found or drop off a monster. After I had to fight through a string of battles with no weapons at all I finally got a spear to drop. I equip it, and it broke on the next fight. I turned the game off and traded it in for something else the next day.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/26/2017 at 02:39am

Breath of the Wild had items that break but at least they last more than one hit.

Travis Admin wrote on 04/26/2017 at 05:39pm

Breakable items are OK as long as they aren't prohibitively hard to replace or repair. It adds another sense of depth when done well.

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Want In On The Gwent Beta? I Have Three Beta Codes!

Gwent is one of the latest digital card games by CD Project Red the creators of the Witcher series and GOG.com. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is pulled straight from The Witcher III and is now a stand alone free to play card game available on GOG Galaxy. Recently I got to try Gwent and it's a really interesting take on the digital card game genre. At a high level you need to beat three rounds against your opponent by having more attack power on the board. You can do this in many ways and some rounds you might want to push on so you can win in the later ones making it a very strategic and interesting game.

If you want to try out the Gwent beta hit me up in the comments... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/23/2017 at 02:52am

I loved Gwent in the game, so I was interested in this. I don't know if there's a solo mode, but it seems there's a PVP mode, so I haven't checked it out yet since I'm not interested in full PVP. I signed up for the beta and I believe I have access to it, I just haven't tried it yet,

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/23/2017 at 02:55am

There are ALOT of digital card games out right now and CD Project Red is pretty liberal with beta codes. If somehow you want to try it and you're not in, let me know and i'll get you a code!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/23/2017 at 04:27am

Confirmed, I do have my own code. It's for GOG, are your codes GOG, Steam, or what?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/23/2017 at 04:52am

GOG. Gwent isn't on Steam yet.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/23/2017 at 06:24am

Ok, I played it a little bit, at least the tutorial parts. It is slightly different than the Gwent in The Witcher 3, in that it seems like there are more, or even new, abilities. Other than that, it's essentially the same, although the board doesn't look exactly like it does in the game. There is a single player "Practice" mode and a "Multiplayer" mode. I'm not sure how deep "Practice" is, perhaps I'll check it out sometime, but this still seems to be centered on PVP, which (in reference to your new post) makes me "rage quit." LOL

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 05/22/2017 at 09:24pm

Well, since I was a Gwent beta tester (I signed up for the beta and played once), they're giving me a free copy of the Witcher 2 (which I already have). Now I have a key to get rid of. I think I'll try out our key giveaway system.

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Stop Playing Games With My Heart Nintendo! Rumors Of A SNES Reboot You Won't Be Able Buy.

Rumors are circulating today about Nintendo launching a SNES Classic this Christmas in the same spirit as the NES Classic reboot that was so popular it was later cancelled before I could buy one. It's a great idea and something Nintendo should do but... you know... if we can get one. Hopefully Nintendo will be able to meet demand but if they don't and I don't really hold out hope for that, it should be another strange disappointment ride with a very abrupt end.

Because you know, that's how Nintendo rolls sometimes. The SNES Classic is rumored to launch sometime around Christmas and I am interested in hearing what you think about the prospect?

... Read All

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/19/2017 at 05:42pm

I feel that this one might even be harder to get than the NES Classic, if that is even possible. If everybody is expecting another NES classic, people will be scooping up multiple units of these just to sell them at a high price.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/19/2017 at 05:42pm

OBLIG Backstreet Boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug88HO2mg44

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/19/2017 at 05:43pm

> I feel that this one might even be harder to get than the NES Classic, if that is even possible. If everybody is expecting another NES classic, people will be scooping up multiple units of these just to sell them at a high price.

Yeah, that's my thought too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3IJQXwah0E

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/19/2017 at 05:45pm

I hope Nintendo approaches this with a longer lifespan in mind. I would love to see it be upgradeable with new games. And if they can get a lot of the 3rd parties that supported SNES to release their games, that would be awesome too!

Travis Admin wrote on 04/19/2017 at 09:51pm

Oh god, my emotions can't handle this again.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/20/2017 at 12:17am

I'd like to see this happen, but I'm unhappy that Nintendo's discontinuing the NES Classic, I kind of want one.

Travis Admin wrote on 04/20/2017 at 01:07am

Honestly, what I always wanted more than an NES Classic was an SNES Classic. Please do this one right, Nintendo!

Timogorgon Member wrote on 04/20/2017 at 09:37pm

Just as long as they actually produce enough units this time, I am on board!

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