Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Borderlands 2 now on Linux

In addition to officially announcing Linux support for the Pre-Sequel, today Borderlands 2 can be played on Linux.

Some DLC is still showing Windows/Mac only, but an Aspyr rep on Reddit says that it's taking some time to flag everything properly.

In addition, there's a massive sale on the game and all the DLC so if you don't have it yet, now's your chance to get it cheap!

http://store.steampowered.com//sale/borderlands2_steamos

Terraria 1.3 teasers surface

http://giant.gfycat.com/ColorlessMarriedHarrierhawk.gif

Do you see that? That's a drill mount. This is the coolest thing I've seen so far coming up in 1.3

Recently the developers at Relogic have been dropping some hints at what we can expect from 1.3. Check out the full post here

http://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/a-lively-world-terraria-1-3-spoilers-tcf-launch-event.342/

Cheerful Ghost Reviews: A New Steam Curation Page!

I setup a new Steam Curation page with a few games I recommend people check out. In the future I plan on migrating awesome Steam game reviews to the page. So if you have been itching to review a cool Steam game, post it to the site and let me know about it and it may be featured on our Steam Curation page.

http://store.steampowered.com/curator/6874475/

Steam Music Drops, Valve Gives Away Free Music For Everyone

http://media.steampowered.com/img/music/musicnewspost.png

"Now it’s easy to listen to your music collection while you play games on Steam.

Point Steam to the MP3s on your computer, then browse your collection of albums and artists. You’ll also find your Steam Soundtracks DLC in your Steam Music library when the associated base game is installed. Listen to albums, queue up mixes, and create playlists you love, right in your Steam library. Best of all, it’s all available right within the Steam Overlay, so you can control playback without leaving your game. The Steam Music library and player consist of all the basics you need to enjoy your music without switching tasks."

Steam Music has finally shipped and it's available to... Read All "Now it’s easy to listen to your music collection while you play games on Steam.

Point Steam to the MP3s on your computer, then browse your collection of albums and artists. You’ll also find your Steam Soundtracks DLC in your Steam Music library when the associated base game is installed. Listen to albums, queue up mixes, and create playlists you love, right in your Steam library. Best of all, it’s all available right within the Steam Overlay, so you can control playback without leaving your game. The Steam Music library and player consist of all the basics you need to enjoy your music without switching tasks."

Steam Music has finally shipped and it's available to anyone that recently updated the Steam client. Steam Music offers a pretty spartan UI right now in allowing you to search through all your music and filter by artist or album. After Steam scans your library accessing and playing your music is pretty quick but I miss a some features like being able to shuffle through all your music. At some point I hope they offer a cover art style way to mouse through your library, I really like this as I have a ton of music and it's nice to visually locate and album as I scroll through hundreds of albums(I have a ton of music).

That said, I love that music support came to Steam and am looking forward to further releases that support more audio formats like AAC & FLAC.

To celebrate the launch of Steam Music Valve is giving away the soundtracks to some of it's most iconic games. So grab them now while you can.

Half-Life | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323130/

Half-Life Two | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323140/

Half-Life Two: Episode One | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323150/

Half-Life Two: Episode Two | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323160/

Portal | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323170/

Portal 2 | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323180/

Free to Play | Free Soundtrack DLC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323120/

http://store.steampowered.com/news/14358

Blizzard Needs To Make Warcraft 4

Hopefully it's not a secret to most of you that back in the day, I had a thing for Warcraft 3. I loved the strategic elements, the heroes and it's non-starcraft pacing. At University I played it a lot with friends and when DoTA hit, played that as well. I generally played as the Undead or Orcs and had a pretty good build that could stand up well in a fight.

After World of Warcraft released and quickly became one of the most popular games ever, I figured that it wouldn't be too long until Warcraft 4 was released. After Starcraft 2 was announced I lost hope in a Warcraft 4 release as it didn't make sense for Blizzard to push two strategy games at once.

That said, I... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 09/23/2014 at 02:15am

I believe this is the first I've heard of Warcraft 3. I obviously live under a rock in the middle of no where. I might have to look into it. I played the first two games, but have never played WoW. As for SC2: LotV, it seems to still be in production according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarCraft_II:_Legacy_of_the_Void), although it's been about 10 months since it's been updated, so hopefully it shall be completed soon.

Travis Admin wrote on 09/23/2014 at 03:10am

I think Starcraft 2 was more important to get out, and I'm glad they went that route before going back to Warcraft. Starcraft 1 is a bit of a chore to play these days, while Warcraft III is still as good as ever.

But yeah, I think it's time for a new one. I'd be surprised if there weren't some design documents somewhere already. I don't know how many teams they have but hopefully once a couple of years have passed after Legacy of the Void comes out, we get a new Warcraft.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 09/23/2014 at 04:09pm

Greg: Warcraft III was released in 2002, so if you weren't doing a lot of PC gaming back then, you might not have heard of it. At the time I was at University and all I had was a laptop for school work and no money for a console. So I mostly played PC games.

Travis: I agree as I am really excited about Legacy of the Void. Hopefully it's not as long in the making as you say, but what you say sounds right.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 09/23/2014 at 07:30pm

Yeah, i was at "University" at that time, too. I didn't do a lot of PC gaming, mostly console gaming as I had all three current-gen consoles at the time.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 09/23/2014 at 07:38pm

It'll be interesting to see how/if Warcraft 4 shapes up. I wonder if the current emerging esports scene will influence the game. Especially considering one of the major esports games is an outgrowth of Warcraft 3 (Dota2).

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Doom Reborn: New Mod Recreating Doom Using the Doom 3 Engine

"The basic goal is to recreate the original Doom and Doom 2 in the idTech4 engine with all the engine eye candy ID Software has provided us with so we can recreate the game for a classic Doom player to remember and enjoy the memories of the classics in a modernized way, but keeping the old Doom spirit well in the game."

The Doom Reborn project has just released a pre-beta version for testing so if you are interested in heading back to the original game with an updated skin, check it out.

http://doomreborngame.com/index.php?page=news

I'll be watching this pretty closely as loved other fan recreation projects of old games like Black Mesa and Diablo Mortal Shroud.

Watch Facebook Watch You Watch Facebook

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2014/09/22/business/jp-virtual-2/jp-virtual-2-blog480.jpg

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/oculus-brings-the-virtual-closer-to-reality/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

It looks like the Oculus is getting closer and closer to being released. There's a lot in this article, so I won't copy and paste much of it.

I'm not sure if I'm thrilled with the thought of buying a VR headset from a company like FB, but really all corporations are going to be the same. Watching your habits and trying to make money off you.

That said, it would be awesome to have a Cheerful Ghost Virtual Hangout!

Cannon Brawl Reaches 1.0

Two years ago I played Cannon Brawl at PAX Prime. I liked what I played so much I bought it and have since been waiting for it to hit 1.0. Since when I originally bought it till now Turtle Sandbox Games(the creators of Cannon Brawl) have ported it to Mac and Linux and added a lot of new features to it. If you are looking for a fun couch/internet co-op strategy game you can pick up and play with a friend you should checkout Cannon Brawl. Cannon Brawl also features a interesting story mode that is worth checking out too.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230860/

Mr Torgue and Sir Hammerlock introduce you to the Pre-Sequel

I wasn't all that excited about Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel until this video, honestly. It seemed like a filler game between last gen and current gen, for the most part. But Mr. Torgue is the cure for what ails you. Not just Torgue, but the info in this video makes me far more excited than I was. The news that this is coming to Linux in addition to all the other common platforms is certainly another point in its favor. But rather than just a cash-grab while working on their current-gen titles, this seems to add quite a bit to the Borderlands formula. What do you think?

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/19/2014 at 03:58am

I might be wrong, but to me, it kind of looks like a cash grab with some heart. If you love Borderlands, this looks like some "sweet juice" to keep you interested. That said, there isn't much in the way wrong with delivering more awesome to people using the same core engine and gameplay everyone loves. In fact, it's a great idea. With that, it seems like a kind of cash grab... like I say, with heart.

All that said, this does look like a pretty solid game and I am interested to hear what people think of it. Are you picking this up at launch Travis? I won't be, I already need to complete Borderlands 2.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 09/19/2014 at 01:17pm

I'll most likely pick it up at launch, yeah. The only way that I can still see it as a cash-grab is that it's using the same engine as BL2 and being farmed out to a different dev studio. But that dev studio obviously loves the series and seems to be doing it right. Totally different kinds of weapons, totally retooled skills (in the case of Claptrap), doing some really inventive things with each vault hunter's core abilities, new mechanics introduced due to low oxygen and gravity. It seems like that core Borderlands formula without just being a rehash.

The one thing I worry about-- Slag weapons were introduced in BL2 and became essential in the endgame. I worry that freezing weapons will become essential in the endgame for the Pre-Sequel and corner you into one play style.

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Minecraft: The Bountiful Update

New features

New blocks

New animals

Ocean monuments

Improved performance

On 9/2/14, Minecraft was updated to version 1.8. This update is called the "Bountiful Update." It contains many new features and improvements. For a detailed description of the new update, please see the wiki (http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/1.8). In the meantime, there are a few changes that I wish to report.

New blocks: Four of the new blocks that have been added to the game include andesite, diorite, granite, and slime blocks. The first three, in that list, are new rocks which can be crafted into "polished" versions. Andesite and diorite look similar to gravel and cobblestone, while granite... Read All New features

New blocks

New animals

Ocean monuments

Improved performance

On 9/2/14, Minecraft was updated to version 1.8. This update is called the "Bountiful Update." It contains many new features and improvements. For a detailed description of the new update, please see the wiki (http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/1.8). In the meantime, there are a few changes that I wish to report.

New blocks: Four of the new blocks that have been added to the game include andesite, diorite, granite, and slime blocks. The first three, in that list, are new rocks which can be crafted into "polished" versions. Andesite and diorite look similar to gravel and cobblestone, while granite looks almost like dirt. All three are very abundant and easy to find. So far, I have used all three polished versions to create a house in my new world. I have not yet had any experience with slime blocks, but I know that you can bounce on them. One of my favorite YouTubers has a video regarding this new update, which I recommend watching (http://youtu.be/Q9ykTDAFl7E?list=UUP6f9x4iXk3LH8Q1sqJmYPQ).

New animals: Sheep now drop mutton, which can be cooked as another food source. This update also introduces bunnies. They are adorable and come in a variety of colors and designs. They can be bred with a variety of items, but only carrots will make them follow you. They also drop meat, which can also be used as a food source. There is also a slight chance for a "killer bunny" to appear. This bunny has red horizontal eyes, while the tame ones have eyes that are vertical. This "killer bunny" is clearly a nod to Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The end of the following video gives the best strategy for when encountering this new "killer bunny" (http://youtu.be/92gP2J0CUjc). (Hint: Run away!)

Ocean monuments: There are now also ocean monuments which are underwater and apparently filled with water. I have not yet found one, so I can't quite report on it. I know that these monuments contain guardians, which are a new mob. There are also new blocks within these monuments including prismarine and sponges. For more information visit the wiki (http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Ocean_monument).

Improved performance: Finally, I think the most important part of this update is that the game's performance has been greatly improved! When I got my new PC many months ago and played Minecraft, I was impressed by how far I could see, but still disappointed in how long it took chunks to load. Since I've been playing with this new update, I have not had any issue whatsoever with chunks loading. The only chunk loading I noticed was initially when I spawned in my new world, but that's it! Previously, while walking around, I had to wait for chunks to load, I no longer have to wait at all! There is also a new option in the video settings, "use VBO." This feature apparently gives about a 10% increase in performance when set to "on," by reassigning some of the processing from your RAM and CPU to the GPU. For a little more information about this setting please see the following link (http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/177257/what-is-the-use-vbos-setting).

Now seems to be a great time to get back into Minecraft, if you've been away from it for a while. There is still much that I have not covered, so I recommend checking out the wiki for the full release notes.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/19/2014 at 03:59am

I have been preparing my character for the discovery of a water monument. I created some water breathing and night vision potions, as the wiki suggests. I used red stone to increase the duration of both potions and then I went out in search of a water monument. I did finally find one, they are located in deep ocean biomes and are under water. You may see them as you are riding around the ocean on a boat. I went down into the monument I found and came across some of the new guardian mobs. Unfortunately, I did not survive. What's worse is that I did not write down the coordinates to the monument's location, so I'm not sure where it is, but I'm looking again. I agree with the wiki's suggestion of bringing good gear. I don't think my gear, made of iron, was sufficient.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/19/2014 at 04:11am

Interested to hear in what it takes to survive those mobs. Also, if you could snap a image of the water monument I’d be interested in checking it out.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/19/2014 at 05:00am

The wiki doesn't seem to suggest what materials to use for recommended gear, but it does recommend "enchanted armor," water breathing potions, and invisibility potions. This is actually the first time I've ever created potions in the game.

Also, snapping an image is a great idea! At first I thought, "oh just check the wiki," but the wiki doesn't show what it looks like from your perspective in a boat. I'll see what I can do. =)

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/19/2014 at 06:34pm

Found it again (I believe it's the same one I found before). Check out some of the screenshots I took (http://gregopeck.imgur.com/). I created an album for them. Keep in mind, you can only see the very top of the monument in these pictures. I also found something posted in the Minecraft forums (http://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/minecraft-discussion/recent-updates-and-snapshots/2109912-giant-ocean-monument-info-thread). One of the things I found out from this post is that there is a new enchantment, "Dept Strider," for boots, which helps swim through the monument.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/19/2014 at 11:49pm

Nice. Is that a kind of one-eyed fish?

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/20/2014 at 12:28am

Some what, it's one of the new mobs, guardians. I believe it can drop fish when defeated, but I haven't killed any yet. I'm currently looking for more diamonds so I can craft a full set of diamond gear before I return to the monument.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/20/2014 at 02:14am

Still looking for diamonds....check out this awesome video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxH0r2Z8ce4

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/20/2014 at 08:22pm

I liked the part where the Creeper started singing.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/21/2014 at 03:40am

The guardians in the ocean monument are tough and can seriously take a beating. After collecting enough diamonds, I created diamond gear (armor and sword) and enchanted each piece. I used the new Depth Strider enchantment on my boots, which helped me get around in the underwater ocean monument. I also brought along water breathing potions, which had an extended duration thanks to using some red stone. I was able to defeat two out of the three elder guardians, I was not fortunate enough to find the third. I made multiple trips to the monument as I was killed quite a few times. Sadly, I was hurt enough that some of my armor broke and now I need to find more diamonds. Luckily, I found some melons in a jungle, so now I can make regeneration potions. While the wiki recommends night vision potions, I found this suggestion unnecessary as my brightness setting is set to "Bright." If anyone is interested, I can give you the number for the seed of my world and also the coordinates of where the monument is located. Previously, with a Google search, I found out that there is an app that can tell you where these monuments are found, but I didn't use it.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/21/2014 at 03:44am

Opps, slight correction, I need Ghast tears to make regeneration potions, melon seeds help make healing potions, not the same thing.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/21/2014 at 08:17am

I beat the final Elder Guardian, but forgot to get my loot! I didn't know that there were 8 blocks of gold hidden in one of the rooms. Check out this video about Ocean Monuments: http://youtu.be/sCmV4v1bvqI.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 09/21/2014 at 07:19pm

Last night I found a great video that shows off all of the new changes in 1.8, check it out: http://youtu.be/R8WX3_WGzto

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 10/03/2014 at 06:41pm

Yesterday, I decided to test out the new world creation customized presets. Some of them seemed very similar, some were interesting, and some looked liked death traps. In "Water World", I barely found any land at all, certainly no caves, just a group of very small islands. I also spawned deep under water, luckily I was in Creative mode. In "Good Luck," I found that oceans were no longer filled with water, but lava instead. Finally, I found one that I quite liked called "Drought." This one removed almost all of the water that's usually located in the oceans. I thought this was interesting because I could now see the sea bed, which led to a few discoveries. Not only did I find a series of abandoned mine shafts, or two, but I also found an Ocean Monument. This made the monument very easy to find. I've uploaded a new screenshot (http://imgur.com/xDvRuOd), so take a look!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 10/03/2014 at 06:42pm

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/05/2014 at 09:06pm

That's a interesting picture. Looks like the water is in a bowl.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 10/05/2014 at 09:57pm

Yeah, I didn't think it would spawn in the Drought preset because I assumed ocean sizes were very small, almost non-existent. However, it seems that ocean biomes exist, they just don't contain as much water. I did find out that the ocean monuments spawn with their own water around them, which is apparent in the screen shot I shared. =)

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