Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Plants vs. Zombies Heroes Is Another Digital Card Game

When Plants VS Zombies came out in 2009 I was hooked. It's fun take on the tower defense genre but if I had one gripe it would be the game was pretty easy and as such you could use the same strategy over and over to win. Plants VS Zombies 2 was launched as a free to play game and it was a fun game to start but it didn't quite live up to the original.

Recently it seems like each company is releasing their own digital collectable card game to get a piece of the huge Hearthstone and Magic online money making machine. EA recently dropped Plants VS Zombies Heroes on smartphones and since I enjoy the franchise well enough I decided to download it. If you have spent any time... Read All

NX is Nintendo Switch!

Well, #$&@ me! If it has the power, I'm all in.

What do you guys think?!

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:21pm

I pretty much with you. This looks like all the rumors were true. My only question at this point is if the system will take some kind of game cart or is it digital only.

But yeah, this looks really neat. I think... did I see Skyrim in the trailer?

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:25pm

At about the 54 second mark, you see the player loading what looks like a DS sized cartridge into the device. I assume that's a game cart. And, yeah, that looks like Skyrim! That's a really good sign, showcasing GPU power on the go.

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:34pm

One thing I'm initially worried about is scratching that screen from frequent loading/unloading from the base.

I'll admit, I wasn't sold on the premise of a hybrid system, but seeing it in action is impressive.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:41pm

Yep. Hopefully the screen has some kind of orotect Be coating.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:58pm

Shut up and take my money!

It looks like this system will make me popular!!!

And I am not sure about the name.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:27pm

Bethesda games confirmed https://mobile.twitter.com/bethesda/status/789125712196341760

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:29pm

Looks cool! Wow Skyrim! Since I saw Mario Kart and Splatoon, I wonder if it will some how be backwards compatible with the Wii U or if it's getting its own version of the games. I'll have to check later for more details.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:32pm

I watched it a second time. The detachable controllers seem a little small to me. They also show a controller where you can attach the detachable controllers and another controller. That final controller seems to be the way to go.

From a game standpoint, I saw what I believe is a new mario, and then some Wii U games (Mario Kart and Splatoon). If these are true Wii U re-releases, I hope there is some upgrade pricing for people that already own the Wii U games. I doubt there will be though, but one can dream.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:44pm

Some more details and images on engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/20/switch-is-nintendos-next-game-console/

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:20pm

You're right, Will_Ball, the detachable controllers do look small. Like Wii remote usability, but so tiny. I do like that they each have analog sticks. The Voltron controller, which I'm assuming is the core option, looks...odd. Maybe even uncomfortable to hold? I hope it comes with the "pro" controller, though that's not likely.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:28pm

Wow! I can't wait to demo one. I don't know if I *need* one right now, but it looks pretty rad.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:59pm

You need one right now Adam!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 05:27pm

https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/10/20/nintendo-switch/

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 07:26pm

PS4 and Xbox One use AMD GPUs. I wonder if there will be hurdles in developing cross-platform with Switch's custom Nvidia GPU. Or is that a benefit? I imagine 1st party and exclusives will be impressive. Nintendo has historically struggled with 3rd party, though. Will it be different this time?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:15pm

It looks to have decent support, but time will tell: http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/20/13345640/nintendo-switch-third-party-support-bethesda-ea-activision

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:15pm

Bethesda is in on the Switch. Either Nintendo paid them a lot or it's a system they can work on easily. Hopefully it's the latter.

Also, NVidia is huge on PC and most companies don't have issues working with those cards. So I think it should be OK.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:16pm

505 Games? Terraria on the Switch confirmed!

hardeyez wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:51pm

Interesting concept, i.e. Nintendo tablet with a dock... I'm not sure if I'll get it though. My Wii U ended up just being a Pikmin 3 and Mario Kart machine... which is pricey for really only two games...

Travis Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 10:09pm

I really want one. It's nice being excited about a Nintendo console. The titles will make or break it, but if it's getting some of the biggies like Bethesda, who knows?

The multiple controller configurations are great. This is Nintendo's forte and they're really shining here.

Want. Very want.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 10:26pm

Nvidia for the win! Terraria confirmed! More win! The new Zelda looks awesome. Skyrim on the Switch, for the win! It all looks win, win to me. I might get one, we'll see.

As for the small controllers, I think it makes sense. Technology seems to shrink over time as parts get smaller. They may be a bit small, but it does fit the system and seems to make it easier to carry around allowing multiple players.

The Switch seems to be the next step from the Wii U. One thing I thought was cool about the Wii U was that you could play it without the TV on.

Marketing!!! "Make the Switch with Nintendo!" :)

Travis Admin wrote on 10/21/2016 at 02:42am

Yeah Terraria for the Switch is a great move just because it runs on literally everything at this point it seems, but I'll still stick to PC. But Terraria needs to be experienced by everyone who can experience it.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 03:26am

> Yeah Terraria for the Switch is a great move just because it runs on literally everything at this point it seems, but I'll still stick to PC. But Terraria needs to be experienced by everyone who can experience it.

I completely agree! I have a very strong preference for the PC version of Terraria. I just feel like it's more of a mouse and keyboard kind of game. I wish it could get the console-specific items and especially the extra holiday events. I did play a bit of it on the Kindle and very little on the PS3. Although I bought the Wii U and DS versions for Vinny, I haven't really given them much of a try.

Switching back (see what I did there?), it looks like some of the Wii U Mario games were included in the video. I'm assuming that was Mario Kart 8 we saw and one of the other regular Mario platform games (I can't recall the title at the moment). So, I'm wondering if the Switch will somehow be backwards compatible. I didn't notice a disc drive, so my only guess is that if you want to play older games on it, you'll have to purchase the game via the Nintendo Store and download them. I guess we'll see specifics with more information.

As for Skyrim, I'm going to guess that it's the Special Edition, at least that's my assumption. It might be a safe assumption that it has the hardware for it. I'm not sure that it would make sense having the current edition of it, since the other newer consoles will have the Special Edition. Again, we'll see in time with more info.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 11:11am

This article is titled "Everything You Need to Know" yet doesn't include everything I want to know, however there are some additional details, for instance that Skyrim may not be on it even though it appears in the video.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-everything-you-need-to-know/1100-6444673/

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/21/2016 at 02:53pm

http://i.imgur.com/5CFOMEr.gifv

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 04:04pm

LOL Even if some people have negative opinions about Nintendo's last few consoles, I think they deserve some credit for being the most innovative. The other consoles have hardly changed, they've pretty much only received hardware upgrades (more memory, disc space, faster CPUs, etc.). Playstation only added motion controls after the Wii came out.

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/21/2016 at 06:36pm

The best thing about the innovation that the Switch offers, is that this seems to be something that a lot of people have wanted for a long time: seamless integration between mobile and console gaming. Motion controls with the Wii were neat, but it wasn't on the top of anyone's "want" list (and, actually, Sony played with motion controls on the PS2 with the EyeToy). It almost seems obvious that the Wii U was a prototype for the Switch, but the Switch seems much more thought-out and functional from a practical standpoint. I wouldn't be surprised if they made the entire Wii U catalog available for the Switch. There doesn't appear to be any disc drive, so they'll likely be re-released, or made available through a digital storefront.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 09:16pm

I don't know what people have been wanting. I agree about the Wii's motion controls, but I thought it was a cool addition. I must have forgotten about the EyeToy on the PS2, I never messed with it. I was thinking of it out for the PS3. I agree, and that's pretty much what I was saying, regarding the Wii U being a bit of a prototype for the Switch. It's like the Switch is really an upgrade and seems to do it well (or so I hope). I wouldn't be surprised either to see Wii and Wii U games available for download for the Switch, but I don't really want to have to re-buy games. So, if I get the Switch, I'll keep my Wii U. I didn't get rid of my Wii either.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 10:44pm

I learned a long time ago to not get rid of consoles.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/22/2016 at 04:17am

I still have my Wii hooked up to the TV. Sad when my PS3 died, but I don't really talk about that anymore.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/22/2016 at 05:32am

I don't understand trading/selling consoles but that might just be me. Just because a new generation comes out doesn't mean I won't want to play a last gen game.

It's unlikely that you'll be able to get every Wii U game on the Switch, but even if that isn't a factor (like the PS2 having total backwards compatibility with the PSX) I still keep them for sentimental reasons I guess.

This is coming from a guy with three NES consoles just in case they die, I'll have backups, so take it with a grain of salt :D

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/20/2016 at 04:22am

It looks like the Switch is going to cost $250 according to a source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K02RK01DACw

The new Zelda game has been delayed again and may not be available until this time next year. However, it's expected that a new Mario title will launch with the Switch. In this video, it looks like that will be Mario Galaxy 3 and Mario Sunshine HD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-g6ZcrwT6Q

Also, it looks like Pokemon Sun and Moon is coming to the Switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOGaNZh42Cw

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/20/2016 at 06:15am

$250? That's seems crazy cheap. I can understand a Zelda delay but this time next year? Wowee they must have really missed the target on that one. If it's great then that's fine but that's unfortunate if true.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/20/2016 at 06:39am

Considering a New 3DS XL is $200 and the PS4 Pro is double that, yeah! I think it's supposed to be powerful. A special edition of the Wii U was about $250. I got used to console prices of about $200 and Nintendo seems to be the only one keeping up with that.

Zelda got delayed because of localization (from an article I read) and that it'll go through about 6 months of testing once that's completed. I think the article I read and the video I included mentioned 4-6 months of testing, which would put it's release date to September, but the video says December.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 03:47am

When you consider that consoles in the 80s were $200 and inflation has lowered the value of the dollar, it's kinda nuts that anyone can still do that.

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 04:07am

I agree. That said, this isn't quite as powerful as a PS4 or XBone and that might mean they are pulling more profit in on it.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/21/2016 at 05:01am

Yeah, look at this chart titled "36 Years Of Console Prices, Adjusted For Inflation": http://kotaku.com/36-years-of-console-prices-adjusted-for-inflation-1485353267

The $200 console was still alive in 2001 with the GameCube, however it's inflation adjusted price puts it at about $260. I don't expect the Switch will be as powerful as the PS4 or XB1, but I do expect or hope it to be at least as powerful as the Wii U and more powerful than the 3DS. I read (or saw in a video) that the Wii U sold at a loss and Nintendo didn't want to do that with the Switch. I also saw somewhere that Nvidia called the Switch "ground-breaking."

Is anyone planning to get one at launch? I thought I might for the Zelda game, but since that's getting delayed, I probably won't get one until (at the earliest) when that game is released. I still may wait to find out how it performs on the Switch compared to the Wii U, because it'd be cheaper for me to just buy the Wii U version, although I think I'd prefer the one that performs better.

Still, a Pokemon Sun/Moon game (perhaps called Stars according to the video I shared) is definitely another Switch temptation.

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 05:36pm

Interesting article, thanks Greg.

> The $200 console was still alive in 2001 with the GameCube, however it's inflation adjusted price puts it at about $260.

Looks like Nintendo always wins on cost at least recently. Which makes sense, they aren't the most powerful but they do sell at a value which I think is a pretty good strategy.

> but I do expect or hope it to be at least as powerful as the Wii U and more powerful than the 3DS.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS

The 3DS is fairly underpowered by modern specs which is why the games don't look terribly amazing. It has a ton of fun games though. If the NX has specs on par with the Wii U or better it should be great. The Wii U is like a PS3 and i'd say that graphical level is still quite good and moreso for a handheld system.

> Is anyone planning to get one at launch?

If the Zelda game is held back I might wait now. But we'll see maybe they will drop something at launch that makes it more appealing.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/21/2016 at 06:16pm

I will get it on launch. I'm saving up Amazon gift cards for it!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/21/2016 at 06:34pm

I am definitely adopting a wait and see approach. I'll buy Zelda on the Wii U whenever it comes out, but I don't know if I *need* the Switch.

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/22/2016 at 05:44am

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/skyrim-director-praises-nintendo-switch-says-elder/1100-6445634/

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/22/2016 at 10:29am

LOL I was just about to post that link Jon.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/23/2016 at 05:41am

The Switch gets more praise: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-could-be-a-game-changer-that-expan/1100-6445671/

"GameStop Suggests Zelda: Breath of the Wild Could Come Out Before April," which defies recent rumors about a delay: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-suggests-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-could-c/1100-6445669/

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

Listen To The New Ben Prunty Halloween Themed EP ElectroCrypt!

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a2344177446_10.jpg

FTL is an spaceship simulation turn based roguelike that features an incredible score by composer Ben Prunty. If you liked the FTL score Ben has just released an all new Halloween themed EP called ElectroCrypt you can checkout by heading over to his Bandcamp page.

I recommend checking out the title track "Welcome to the Crypt," "Welcome to the Gravediggers Hut" and "Ghima's Revenge."

That is... if you can stand the... horror....

"Happy Halloween! This EP is a collection of what I'm calling 'Halloween electro-funk'. Let's make that a genre. The music was inspired by Danny Elfman, the old Super NES game Zombies Ate My Neighbors, and the gleeful indulgence of OCRemix, a... Read All

Nintendo NX Rumors! Details Coming... Soon?

http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Nintendo-NX-Reveal-Detais.jpg

An http://www.inquisitr.com article quotes a Takashi Mochizuki (Wall Street reporter) tweet saying "Speculation is Nintendo would unveil NX details in coming week. I guess all we can do is just wait. No announcement from company yet." and speculation that details will be announced as soon as this week!

http://www.inquisitr.com/3606799/nintendo-nx-release-details-imminent-and-beyond-good-and-evil-dated/

The article also pulls a lot of information from this reddit post, by FlapSnapple:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/56jomc/leak_goodies_from_a_large_retail_partner/

I really hope some real information comes soon! But until then, hearing about some packaging and... Read All

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/18/2016 at 08:35pm

Would be really cool to hear something official. These posts, especially the reddit from FlapSnapple, leave huge holes for skepticism. Highly doubt that the packaging for the new system will be similar to the Wii U, as Nintendo will want to make the distinction very obvious on the store shelves (the reddit post suggests the packaging is also "white and blue," rather than "the Wii U's blue and black." The base model Wii U packaging was white and blue.).

Speculation can be fun, though! I really like the idea of a Beyond Good & Evil reboot being a launch title :D.

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 10/18/2016 at 08:58pm

I totally agree. It's all speculation and should all be taken with a hefty grain of salt :)

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 10/18/2016 at 10:02pm

I already have one.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/19/2016 at 01:22am

Speculation and rumors are why I've pretty much ignored what I've read about the NX. However, I've discovered in recent months that many rumors related to gaming actually turn out to be true, or extremely close. I'd like to know more about the NX as the new Zelda game is tempting me to get one. However, what I want to know most regarding that subject is if the game will be different on both consoles. I expect it'd probably perform better on the NX, but I guess we'll see. I might wait after the game's release when I can find out if there are differences in the two games. I'd be much cheaper for me to just buy the Wii U version, since I already own a Wii U. I also have some kind of high hopes for the NX. I've been loving Nintendo since the NES and I think the company seems to have lost some popularity over the years which I'd like to see make a come back.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/19/2016 at 03:36am

"Highly doubt that the packaging for the new system will be similar to the Wii U, as Nintendo will want to make the distinction very obvious on the store shelves"

I agree, then disagree, then re-agree here. Agree: companies definitely want to differentiate their products. Disagree: Nintendo did a poor job of that-- people thought the Wii U was an addon to the Wii. Re-agree: But Nintendo is smart, so you'd hope they would have learned and would want to really differentiate now. So honestly I wouldn't be surprised either way :D

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/19/2016 at 03:46am

I really want Nintendo to drop some real news about the NX soon. I bet most of what we've heard is accurate, as Greg says, rumors are often more true than not and I imagine it will be a sort of handheld that attaches to a TV. Thew rumored price seems fine and all the other details too but some real information soon would be better.

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 10/19/2016 at 05:18pm

After Scrypt commented about the packaging, I looked back through the boxes of all the Nintendo consoles, and I really hope they swing back to the SNES red and black scheme. Nintendo already has the reputation of being a soft, kids company, and I want it to be rad again. Blue/black, blue/white, neither seem like good options to me #MakeNintendoRadAgain

(I've gone from speculation to just simply want I want now lol)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/19/2016 at 07:06pm

If you know me then you'll know that I must fully disagree. I think they should go with the blue/black color scheme. Red/black is so 90's! It's time to continue to look forward with blue/black. Hahahaha Well, that's just my personal preference. It doesn't really matter to me what color scheme they use. I'm more interested in specifics.

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 10/19/2016 at 07:56pm

Of course you say blue Greg ;)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/19/2016 at 08:49pm

:) Congratulations Adam, you know me. Haha

Travis Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:05am

Soon!

https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/788900063833493504

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:50am

Yep Thursday.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/19/13341218/nintendo-nx-announcement-trailer-date-time

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:14pm

I know someone's about to post an article here about the reveal. I would but I'm on my cell, and more nimble fingers would likely beat me to it. Sooo...post that article! :D

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

Steam Developer Days Day II - A Wrap Up To A Great Conference

Even though i'm more than a couple days late to writing about the second day of Steam Developer Days I wanted to get out my thoughts while they are still nearly fresh in my mind. Spoiler alert, day two was incredible but the drive home from Seattle to Portland that night was precarious as I had to navigate the freak storm that occurred as some remnants of Typhoon Songda hit the west coast. I feel bad for my steering wheel as my clenched fingers strangled it for many tense driving moments but the wheel and I made it home safely.

One of the most interesting parts of the second devs days was Mike Ambinder's talk on The Psychology Of Games. When the talks are released from... Read All Even though i'm more than a couple days late to writing about the second day of Steam Developer Days I wanted to get out my thoughts while they are still nearly fresh in my mind. Spoiler alert, day two was incredible but the drive home from Seattle to Portland that night was precarious as I had to navigate the freak storm that occurred as some remnants of Typhoon Songda hit the west coast. I feel bad for my steering wheel as my clenched fingers strangled it for many tense driving moments but the wheel and I made it home safely.

One of the most interesting parts of the second devs days was Mike Ambinder's talk on The Psychology Of Games. When the talks are released from Steam Developer Days I plan on featuring the talk in a post for people to watch and talk more about it. There were many standout parts to Mike's talk but the thing I thought about was how Developer choice can effect player preference. Mike also talked about cognitive dissonance and how they used that to change toxic behavior in DoTA 2. His talk also featured the hilarious picture of him and Gabe embedded above and I want to thank Mike letting me use the image in this blog post.

Another interesting talk was by Ronimo Games(the creators of Awesomenauts) about games as a service. Traditionally a game was released as a physical product and after the initial wave of sales you were done with it. You'd maybe drop a patch or two and sometimes an expansion but for the most part, after launch, developers and companies were done with the game. Ronimo takes a different approach to this with Awesomenauts as they are always releasing content in the form of game patches, heroes, skins and expansions. They've been utilizing the games as a service model since 2012 and it seems to have served them and the fans of the game well. Fans get more of what they love and Ronimo can keep the studio lights on. I found a few things out in this talk in that when players buy Awesomenauts skins one reason they often do that is to support the developers. Players see it more as a patronage of the company and want to support them as a studio. Ronimo also was straight up honest that they held back some content at launch so they could focus on post release promises and be able to fund fixing bugs. Usually companies are not transparent about this but Ronimo was pretty straight forward about the costs of running a studio and being able to keep post release commitments by having the work done in advance.

If I had one suggestion for next years Steam Developer Days it is that I would focus on more advanced topics. It's good to cover things from a beginner level but I wasn't finding each talk to be as meaty or topical as i'd of liked. The talks I highlighted in my two posts were superb but not every talk was as deep as i'd have wanted. That said, I loved that Steam Developer Days was only two days as i've had a rough time when conferences overstay their welcome. All that said, I really enjoyed this years Steam Developer Days and can't wait to head back when Valve does it again in 2018.

If you want to read up on my thoughts on the first day of the conference hit the link below

http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/3127/steam-developer-days-day-1-vr-is-all-around-you

Skyrim Special Edition Looks Incredible

Skyrim Special Edition comes to Xbox One, PS4 and PC on October 28th and Bethesda has released this trailer showing off just how good the game will look. As a fun bonus if you already have Skyrim on Steam on PC it will be available to you at the ultra low cost of zero dollars. It's nice that Bethesda is making this available to owners of new consoles because if you haven't played it now is a great time. Not does it come with an incredible graphical upgrade but Skyrim will also come with all DLC included.

If you are interested in joining the Skyrim Special Edition launch hype train join the Cheerful Ghost launch event discussion below

... Read All

Red Dead Redemption 2!

*Updated header image, because that announce went rather quickly!

Rockstar Games tweeted this lovely image today (http://i.imgur.com/WDqivMq.jpg), leading many to believe it's an implication of a new, much anticipated, Red Dead Redemption game. Earlier in July, Rockstar brought XBox One compatibility to the original Red Dead Redemption, and since then a lot of fans have been champing at the bit for news of a new title in the series.

While I never finished the Redemption (I spent way too much time just riding around doing side-story missions and hunting), I'd love to see a new Red Dead come around in the very near future. Anyone else excited by that image?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/17/2016 at 12:45am

I remember reading something about "games to look forward to in 2017" and RDR2 was on that list. I'm looking forward to it as I enjoyed RDR, but I'm hoping it comes out for Steam.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/17/2016 at 03:38am

I really hope that means it's coming to PC. I've heard stuff about why that might not happen, but my PS3 died before I could play it.

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/17/2016 at 02:30pm

This new image all but confirms it: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu-LRSTW8AAszBG.jpg:large

It could come to PC, but I would think it unlikely. Rockstar is typically a console-first developer. It could happen, though.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/17/2016 at 03:32pm

GTA V came to PC after a bit. I mean I hope that Red Dead Redemption comes to PC as I have it on PS3 but it died before I could try it.

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/17/2016 at 04:35pm

I see what you're saying. Yeah, it would be cool for Redemption to come to PC, and soon!

Travis Admin wrote on 10/18/2016 at 02:42am

I've seen some speculation that this is leading up to an announcement of RDR Remastered, but I would think that would be too much fanfare for a remaster. More likely that it's a sequel, but maybe it comes with the original remastered. I'd love to play that on PC.

I'm hoping for near-simultaneous release with PC. Because I don't want to buy a new console for a game, but RDR 2 might be the one that makes me do that.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/18/2016 at 05:09am

> I'm hoping for near-simultaneous release with PC. Because I don't want to buy a new console for a game, but RDR 2 might be the one that makes me do that.

If Rockstars latest release is something they will repeat going forward it seems the game gets a one year lead on consoles then a PC launch. That's a really long time to wait if you want to play the game. That said, buying a console for one game? Yikes.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/18/2016 at 07:13am

> I'm hoping for near-simultaneous release with PC. Because I don't want to buy a new console for a game, but RDR 2 might be the one that makes me do that.

I agree with Travis, in part. I have very few reasons to get a new console and honestly, I kind of want to keep it that way, I think, because there are so few console games I'm interested in. For a PS4, my only interest lies in Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts releases. I say that, yet now I will contradict myself. The new Zelda game (one single game) is tempting me to get an NX, but I want to see what that system is like and how and if the game is different between the NX and Wii U versions. I may end up just getting the Wii U version, since I already own a Wii U. Other than that, the PC (Steam mostly) has once again extremely dominated my platform preference. I'm hoping the FF games I'm interested in come to Steam, too. Then that would be even less of an excuse to get a PS4.

Back to RDR, I'm not sure if I'd buy a console for it, although if I decided to get a PS4 (I'm just not even considering the XBox), then that would be a good addition to the games to add to my very short list of ones I'm interested in.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/18/2016 at 04:04pm

Confirmed! Red Dead Redemption 2, no mention of PC.

rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption2

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 10/18/2016 at 04:09pm

And there it is: https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/788363842329903104

PS4 and Xbox One listed as release targets. As you guys are speculating, probably (maybe) a year or more for a PC release, traditionally from Rockstar. Anything earlier than that would be awesome, but uncharacteristically unexpected.

The PS4 isn't so bad ;). There are a number of great games available there. Maybe hold out for the PS4 Pro at this point, if you're going to take the console leap.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/19/2016 at 03:13am

Ah damn. I posted a link without the linkiness. That's what I get for not confirming!

http://www.rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption2/

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/19/2016 at 03:43am

No PC huh? Well it's not a bad launch strategy I suppose. I imagine they will get follow on purchases on PC from PS4 owners.

I mean, it sucks but it's not a bad launch strategy as limiting platforms does make launch simpler.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 11:08am

Trailer! https://youtu.be/gmA6MrX81z4

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:13am

RDR is coming to PS4 and PC next week! http://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-dead-redemption-heads-to-ps4-pc-through-playst/1100-6445850/

Travis Admin wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:27am

WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT

Travis Admin wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:27am

Oh come on.

That's not coming to PC.

That's Playstation Now.

I was super excited.

Travis Admin wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:37am

Sorry Greg that's not on you, that's on the headline at Gamespot. :D

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:46am

Oh, I think I see it now. You have to have a PS4 and you can stream it to your PC via the Playstation Now app. So, it's not coming to PC. Yeah that headline and some of the article is a bit misleading. Or wait...you can get the Playstation Now app for your PC, but you have to pay for it.

Travis Admin wrote on 12/01/2016 at 02:52am

Yeah it will be playable on PC and PS4 but you have to stream it from the net. So it's tied to an internet connection and it's a subscription service in a sense.

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

Double Fine's Psychonauts 2 - Behind the Launch

I have really enjoyed Double Fine's documentary videos. It's something they started with Broken Age that has carried through each game and they are continuing it with the development of the much anticipated Psychonauts 2. The video covers the games reveal at the Video Game Awards as well as successful funding on Fig.

Jin. Whatever I Do I Do It To Protect You. Rogue One Story Trailer.

A brand new Rogue One Trailer dropped bringing us more details about the upcoming Rogue One Star Wars film. Showing more of the story it seems that Jin's father was captured by the empire and forced to build it's ultimate weapon. This trailer features the music of Michael Giacchino who replaced Alexandre Desplat and you can heard Giacchino's style front and center for the trailer. Internet people have been worried about a series of pickups for Rogue One but that's still something I am not really concerned about. Why wouldn't you want to make a movie even better?

The new Rogue One trailer story trailer is out but what do you think? Does the movie still look like... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 10/13/2016 at 10:09pm

Aww yiss. This looks tasty.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 10/13/2016 at 10:53pm

I have a feeling this will surpass Episode VII at the box office, if the trailer is any indication of the tone and atmosphere of this film. I expect to see a distant shot of the Falcon somewhere along the way. Kind of a two-ships-passing-in-the-night thing.

JaBo wrote on 10/13/2016 at 11:21pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/14/2016 at 12:25am

I'm sure I briefly saw Jeremy Irons as one of the Empire starting at 1:16 (https://youtu.be/sC9abcLLQpI?t=1m16s). He says, "the power that we are dealing with here is immeasurable." But, I don't see his name in the credits nor do I see this movie on his IMDB page. I did, however, see James Earl Jones voicing Darth Vader.

I'm not really sure what's going to happen in this movie. Ok, so Jin's father helped build the Death Star and the Rebel forces are fighting the Empire, but weren't both Death Stars destroyed within the first three Star Wars movies? So, it seems that the Rebels won't destroy it in this one, so I'm not really sure what the plot or point will be, unless maybe it's to show how it was built and their failure to destroy it the first time they try.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/14/2016 at 02:26am

Greg: remember the opening crawl to Episode IV?

"It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet.

Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy…."

This is the story of that opening crawl. In the Rogue One trailers we see the crew at the Yavin base. They strike from there against the empire and steal the plans for the Death Star to turn them over to the resistance. They do the thing they do in Rogue One, and then Leia has the plans to plant into R2 before he and C3PO end up on Tattooine.

It's interesting. We don't know the details but we know exactly what the overall outcome will be already. So we can focus on the people, and that's what I hope the director emphasizes. Based on what he did in Monsters, I think he will.

And that guy at 1:16 is Ben Mendelsohn: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0578853/mediaviewer/rm1132534784

Travis Admin wrote on 10/14/2016 at 02:34am

Also with regard to "their failure to destroy it the first time they try." I highly doubt they even try in Rogue One. The dialogue in Episode IV suggests that it's basically untested. People know of it but nobody has made any attempts on it.

I imagine the big battle will be a massive battle with star destroyers. Since the whole point is to get those plans so they know how to fight it, it seems unwise to go after it.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/14/2016 at 02:37am

Oh! So I forgot-- I read a book that covers this whole story and people working on the Death Star are aware of the major battle, but yeah, the first attack on the Death Star is the one in Episode IV.

Lost Stars, such a good book.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/14/2016 at 02:55am

Ok so that makes sense. Thanks for making that make sense for me. Still, it seems kind of odd that the Empire built the first Death Star, which got destroyed, so they built another one, which also got destroyed, then they built the Star Destroyer (is that what it's called in the latest movie), which also got destroyed. It seems like the Empire is really stupid. It seems a bit repetitive, too. They built all those powerful weapons, which were inevitably destroyed. It seems kind of like a weak plot, to keep repeating it. Don't get me wrong, I like Star Wars. I only recently really put some thought into this criticism.

Don't you think that guy sounded like Jeremy Irons? I thought it looked like him, too. Granted it makes sense that that's not him because he's not in the credits nor is the movie listed on his IMDB page. I did see Ben Mendelsohn a few times during the trailer, but that moment when he spoke, I swore it was Jeremy Irons.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/14/2016 at 03:02am

I didn't get a Jeremy Irons feel from him, no, but I see your point!

Starkiller Base was the one in episode VII. That wasn't the empire but a group of fanatics who basically worship the empire, so they tried to emulate them and expand on them. They thought they had fixed the design flaws.

As for the second death star, that was hubris. Basically "Oh you destroyed a death star? No big, we'll just make another. See how little we care?" Trying to show that they were more confident to keep the fear alive, because if people stopped fearing them after the first death star was destroyed, then they would lose it all. That's also why so much more was riding on that second death star, and how they used it as bait to try to destroy the rebellion once and for all.

That's how I interpreted it anyway!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/14/2016 at 04:29am

Yet again "that makes sense." :)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/15/2016 at 10:58pm

> I have a feeling this will surpass Episode VII at the box office, if the trailer is any indication of the tone and atmosphere of this film.

Interesting prediction. I am both seriously excited and curious about this being the first non Skywalker Star Wars film to hit theaters. It's exciting because, well, look at it it's awesome looking. But curious because i'm not sure how well it will do. It's Star Wars so I think it has a huge built in audience but I'm wondering if everyone and more that was VII will see Rogue One?

> Still, it seems kind of odd that the Empire built the first Death Star, which got destroyed, so they built another one, which also got destroyed, then they built the Star Destroyer (is that what it's called in the latest movie), which also got destroyed. It seems like the Empire is really stupid. It seems a bit repetitive, too.

Yep. This.

If you take all the "people/persons fly into big super structure and blow it up from the inside then Phantom Menace, New Hope, Jedi and Force Awakens have VERY similar ending plots. It makes watching them all in order sort of samey and it is repetitive. At least with Rogue One they aren't blowing up the Death Star they are building it. Anyways, I made a joke on Facebook that the only think they have left is to build a "Death Dyson Sphere." Funny but i'm pretty sure they won't do that.

But yeah, I hope Star Wars can kind of drop the Death Star thing. It's fun and such but it's been covered well now. Maybe we can get some super virus that creates Zombie Troopers or something. Might be a terrible idea but at least it hasn't been done in Star Wars before.

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

Steam Developer Days Day 1 - VR Is All Around You

http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JwFF8GLtwvgszkXtr7JUW9-650-80.jpg

In 2014 Cheerful Ghost published it's first game Starship Rubicon, an asteroids-esque rogue lite. Working with Wick to take his game to a wider audience was a really fun experience and along the way we hit some fun milestones like releasing the game on Windows, Mac and Linux on Steam. Because of that Cheerful Ghost was asked to attend this years Steam Developer Days and we happily signed up. I wasn't sure what to expect but I figured we'd learn more about what Valve was up to and maybe play some fun games along the way.

It's All About VR Baby!

It might not be too surprising that Valve is focusing heavily on VR and the Vive. The main social area here at Steam Developer... Read All