Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Crescent Loom: Kickstarter campaign is a go go go!

Heya! So, I just launched the Kickstarter for my neuroscience Kerbal Space Program-meets-Spore underwater creature creator Crescent Loom!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wickworks/crescent-loom-stitch-muscles-weave-neurons-create

And here's a pre-mortem I wrote last night where I talk a bit about the prep work I did in getting the campaign ready: http://wick.works/the-storm-before-the-storm/

I'm excited! I'm nervous! aaaaaaaaaI'd love to hear what you think!

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/01/2017 at 04:32am

One part about this I like is that it's a direct sequel to Starship Rubicon.

"After the events in Starship Rubicon, the planets of both humanity and the bio-engineering Alien Nemesis lay in ruins. Most surviving humans now sleep in cryopods collected by the Pilot on her warpath towards the Nemesis homeworld.

The Pilot now returns to one of the planets that she burnt from orbit and begins using a piece of Nemesis technology called a "Crescent Loom" in order to begin healing the planet and build a new home for humanity and the Alien Nemesis to live in peace. Despite your good intentions, many creatures of this world remember you -- and not fondly.

Unable to communicate directly, you must learn an unfamiliar piece of technology and let your creations speak for you through their actions and movements."

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 02/01/2017 at 03:50pm

I can't wait for this game to get fully backed! Playing the Alpha demo is a lot of fun, I recommend it!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 03/03/2017 at 11:12pm

This is only $237 from being fully funded on Kickstarter and was Greenlit on Steam in just 19 days! (It took Starship Rubicon 193 days to be Greenlit)

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Bethesda Rolling Out Fallout 4 HD Texture Pack Next Week on PC!

https://images.contentful.com/rporu91m20dc/5qj2pLlI9GiscMYy8ucIO6/0a0eb18997ad629cef648e983a30e15a/FO4_PS4Pro_FULL.png

Bethesda is shipping a couple updates to Fallout 4 next week. PC users are getting a 58 gig download option in the form of a HD high resolution texture pack. If this is anything like the Skyrim update, this should offer up an incredible visual upgrade to Fallout 4! Bethesda has released the recommended specs on the HD pack and i'm not sure I know someone that meets the minimum spec GPU wise.

Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit OS required)
Intel Core i7-5820K or better

GTX 1080 8GB

8GB+ Ram

Love to hear how well this texture pack works for you on your current rig so make sure to come back and let us know your specs and how it runs. Bethesda is also dropping an update to Fallout... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 01/31/2017 at 08:34pm

Hahaha, 58gb and the best computer possible. I'll get right on that! :D

Seriously that's awesome of them for doing this but like you said, this is applicable to only the most elite, at least for now.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/01/2017 at 04:48am

I installed the Skyrim HD texture pack and had to scale down the resolution to run and it seemed... mostly OK even if my specs were way under the line. Hoping we can do that here...

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/07/2017 at 03:35am

And it's out: http://store.steampowered.com/app/540810/

Travis Admin wrote on 02/07/2017 at 04:02am

If I have 60 gigs free at the end of my billing cycle I'll give it a shot.

Travis Admin wrote on 02/09/2017 at 04:17am

So today's the last day of my billing cycle and I had like 200 gigs free somehow.

Amazingly, my computer handles this just fine. The Steam page lists the bullet points you listed up top as the *minimum* requirements, but I don't come near the CPU or GPU listed. It's an AMD of some kind that wasn't killer when I got it 6ish years ago, and a GTX 960 with 2gigs of video memory. Even downtown Boston (I went there first).

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As Frank Ascends To Second Banana Heaven - MST3K Samson VS. The Vampire Women

As the wait for the new season of Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Netflix continues(i've heard rumors of a March release) I am continuing my journey of watching each original episode in order. I just finished season 6, which to date is my least favorite season. All that said it does contains some great episodes like Code Name: Diamond Head, Kitten with a Whip and High School Big Shot. The season 6 finale is Samson VS The Vampire Women and is the last episode to feature Dr Forresters assistant TV's Frank. Samson VS The Vampire Women is a crazy movie and Frank leaving the show adds a more somber tone to the episode. In the MST3K timeline MST3K The Movie came after... Read All

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/29/2017 at 06:26pm

Where are you watching all the seasons?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/31/2017 at 05:34am

Good question. SO as a long time MSTIE I bought the huge digital DRM free video pack on Vimeo that launched in 2014.

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mst3k

Basically you can buy 83+ episodes for $300 to stream and/or download which comes out to about $3.60 per episode. So I did that, downloaded them all and supplemented the rest through YouTube on their official channel or other channels.

There are 26 full episodes on the official YouTube channel which is an incredible collection of great episodes. If you want a zero dollar legit option to dive in, that's your best option. If you want to own a DVD Shoutfactory has great collections available but I haven't gone that route.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYy4ZargUluf-iyr4vFpe-xaJ46GEDpBI

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/31/2017 at 04:38pm

I have some of the DVDs, not many. I am checking out this site: http://www.club-mst3k.com... Looks like they have links to streams, but I don't know how many of the link exist/work. But it is good start.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/31/2017 at 06:35pm

You can search for the episode on YouTube that works for me.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/31/2017 at 06:36pm

Oh, which collections do you have?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/31/2017 at 06:58pm

Volumes 1, 2 & 6...

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/01/2017 at 04:47am

Cool. I'd like a few DVD cases for my shelf. Or find some VHS tapes somewhere. That would be fine too

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 02/01/2017 at 11:38pm

I had some VHS copies back in the day.

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In Space No One Can Hear You Testing - Prey Launches May 5th!

The Prey reboot has received a new trailer that showcases a bit of the story as well as the new release date. Apparently you are in a science space station where they are experimenting on aliens and are also a testing subject/scientist. The tone of the game seems very Bioshock, Portal and Alien-esque with a very clean and polished look that is fairly impressive. I'm intrigued by this game but am still not certain i'll be picking this up at launch. To help entice people to pre-order Arkane Studios is offering special DLC bonuses and if you like cosmetic shotguns(oh my!) then you're going to be very happy. I mean, unless you don't like that sort of thing, then it's not... Read All

The Cheerful Ghost Roundtable is Dead. LONG LIVE CHEERFUL GHOST RADIO

We’re going through changes. The Cheerful Ghost Roundtable is entering its chrysalis, and when it emerges it will be Cheerful Ghost Radio, the new podcast by members of the Cheerful Ghost community.

What does this mean for you?

Better quality audio. Taking video out of the equation should improve the audio quality since it won’t be compressed like in Google Hangouts.

Better visuals. You no longer have to look at our ugly mugs.

More options. You are no longer tied to Youtube so you can listen whenever you want, wherever you want.

What does this mean for us?

We no longer have to put on clothes to record an episode!

We’d like to hear what you want from Cheerful Ghost... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/26/2017 at 04:36am

Personally the clothing thing was really hampering my creativity.

/rimshot

CapnCurry Supporter wrote on 01/26/2017 at 04:50am

Wait, we were *required* to have clothes? Huh. I just always happened to be dressed when we started filming. Good thing you mentioned it; that could've made the last episode awkward.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/26/2017 at 04:53am

So, just removing the video aspect of the Roundtable and publishing the audio discussion?

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/26/2017 at 03:26pm

Radio? Who needs a radio?

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/26/2017 at 03:27pm

But seriously, I love the new name. Looking forward to listening!

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/26/2017 at 05:46pm

> So, just removing the video aspect of the Roundtable and publishing the audio discussion?

Simply, yeah we are. More specifically we think that making a podcast will be a bit better for the kind of show it is and how people consume this kind of thing. For instance, it's hard for many to sit down and watch and hour+ show but it's not too hard to play a podcast while your driving, working or whatever.

When the show launched 5 years ago(it's really been that long) video streaming was a new thing. So new that I thought doing a game show that way would get us more attention and sort of ride the tech train to viewers. That... didn't happen so we are going Podcast because it's a better way to do what we do. PLUS we can publish to iTunes and the wide word of Podcasting sites to get, possibly, more attention. I also thought putting the videos on YouTube would get us some cross views, but YouTube has made it's search algorithms such that people simply never find our show.

Well that or it sucks and no one cares but it's my semi-solid belief it's a fine show that can find a bigger audience.

So in that spirit and trying to improve things, we are doing a Podcast.

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/26/2017 at 05:48pm

> Radio? Who needs a radio?

Mock. Yeah. Ing. Yeah...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5f_gbzo4Q0

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/26/2017 at 06:43pm

Will they happen more often now that you guys don't have to be camera ready?

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/26/2017 at 06:54pm

At this point the plan is to keep doing them monthly. I'll admit this is might be more to my schedule than everyone else's.

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/26/2017 at 09:13pm

Does anyone think we should do more than monthly?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 01/26/2017 at 11:22pm

The reason we ended up going from twice-per-month to monthly was because we were trying to find content. Monthly, there's always content for us to discuss.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/27/2017 at 02:20pm

Maybe that's a good question, too. What would you guys like to hear in a CG podcast?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/27/2017 at 10:27pm

I think what you guys already talk about is great. I didn't realize it was on a monthly basis. It would be cool if you guys could get some interviews during the podcast!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/27/2017 at 10:31pm

I agree, I'm pretty happy in general with the current content. I already use it as a podcast when I'm working, so no changes would be perfect for me :)

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/27/2017 at 11:19pm

Will: I've thought about doing interviews and I think it will be easier in the podcast format. Thanks for bringing it up, i'll think more about doing them that way.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/28/2017 at 12:24am

Awesome Jon!

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 01/28/2017 at 03:26am

Yes, that's a great idea Will!

rettisawesome wrote on 02/02/2017 at 07:13pm

@jon I've thought for a long time you guys should have done the show while also recording an audio track. then you have the live version which is great, you can stream it on youtube and twitch, then take the audio and publish it as a podcast. This coming from a podcast guy though... not a video guy. Either way, exciting to see new things!

rettisawesome wrote on 02/02/2017 at 07:16pm

and further Jon, as far as timeline. The schedule depends on what you want. Weekly podcasts seem to garner more followers. Having a lot of interaction with people (weekly) helps grow that. And when new people come on, they listen to a current episode, then start in on your back catalog. The more there is, the more they'll listen (i know, obvious). If it doesn't work with your schedule. You might try longer recording sessions once a month, and divide them into multiple episodes monthly. If you have a base that knows what you are doing, once a month is fine. But if a new listener joins the ranks, they may forget you in a month.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/03/2017 at 04:01am

I like the idea of recording multiple things during a session. I'll think about how to do that.

> But if a new listener joins the ranks, they may forget you in a month.

How I listen to Podcasts is buy subscribing on iTunes podcast thingy and if I don't love, I unsub. People will also hear it embedded on our site. Maybe they will forget but it will be in their Podcast app, but I hear you that more regular content is better.

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More Incredible Speedruns From AGDQ 2016

As I continue watching the many speedruns from Awesome Games Done Quick I have a couple I wanted to share y'all could watch. The first one above is the Fallout New Vegas run by progamingwithed that took 24 minutes! It uses a strat I haven't seen before in that you can exploit a reload animation to travel very fast and jump incredibly high. If you like pacifist runs this is very close to that as progamingwithed needs to only kill a couple people making this one of the most peaceful Fallout runs i've even seen.

Contra Race

This years AGDQ featured a lot of great races and this one is a must watch. Themexicanrunner and toad22484 complete Contra in 10:40 and I don't want... Read All

Cheerful Ghost Roundtable S5 E1: Switching Up The New Year & Bonus Arrival Discussion

It's now 2017 and the Cheerful Ghost Roundtable is here to ring in the new year! We always start things off talking about what we're playing which is a fun mash of the new Nintendo Classic, Ocarina of Time 3D & Let it Die. Moving quickly into the fresh news of the day being the reveal of the full title of "Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi." What does this new title mean, why is the title red and will Jar-Jar be finally revealed as a Sith? Finally we end things off with our discussion of the Nintendo Switch dropping our thoughts on the new system and if we will be picking it up.

This is a special episode in that Scrypt and I stayed on longer at the end to have... Read All

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/24/2017 at 04:38am

WTF is that screencap, lol

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/24/2017 at 04:39am

Of all of the choices Google gave me, that one was the best. If you can imagine and i'm not trolling you on purpose.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/24/2017 at 05:18am

It's totally fine. I just think it's funny, some of the scenes it decides to capture. ;)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/24/2017 at 05:53am

Agreed.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/24/2017 at 10:24pm

I'm not a fan of "The Last Jedi," but I'm still looking forward to the movie.

Considering we're still discussing what "The Force Awakens" means, I don't think we have to take The Last Jedi literally (at least I hope it's not literal. I'd rather not have the main plot line spelled out clearly in the title)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/24/2017 at 10:32pm

I don't think they "Ferngullied" Star Wars either.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FernGully:_The_Last_Rainforest

/hopes

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/24/2017 at 10:36pm

We now know that episode 8 will have a crawl and start in space: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPqBSPZBRoo/

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Breath of the Wild Compared To Previous Zelda's And Skyrim

When Ocarina of Time came out in 1998 it was one of the biggest game worlds i'd ever experienced. As games like Fallout and Skyrim came out Ocarina now seems quaint but Nintendo seems ready to take on the the challenge of building a much larger Zelda game this time around. As you can see in the image above, Breath of the Wild dwarfs previous Zelda games as well as Skyrim. I'm not sure creating a larger game world makes a game better on it's own but having more space to play in will make the game much more immersive.

Massive Steam Update Brings Generic Controller Configuration Support & More

One cool thing about owning a Steam Controller is the ability to customize it for each game in your Steam library. Say you don't like the standard controller mapping for Terraria? You can change them it your liking or use a popular community control scheme to suit your needs. The native Steam Controller configurator has been a really cool part of Steam and in a recent Steam update Valve finally opened it up to other controllers.

"Added XBox 360, Xbox One, and Generic X-Input controller configurator support. This allows all recognized controller types to use the advanced mapping features of the Steam Controller Configurator. Note that because X-Input currently lacks... Read All

Punch Club Brawls It's Way To The 3DS

Punch Club dropped on 3DS recently and publisher Tiny Build was nice enough to gift me a copy so I could try it out. If you haven't played Punch Club or are unfamiliar with the game it's a fighting tycoon game where you train your character and manage his stats such that you improve over time to rise in the ranks of the local boxing and underground fighting scene. Like all tycoon games that focus on core stats you have to science the right numbers to progress through the ranks to level up your abilities to fight increasingly tougher and tougher foes. The story included in the game wraps the whole game up well and gives you a nice incentive to progress. Ultimately if... Read All