Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Super World Karts - Indie Kart AllStars Races To Kickstarter

"Super World Karts is a retro mode-7 style 16-bit kart racer, being created by solo indie developer Paul Hamilton (One Legged Seagull) in Australia. It looks and plays like a classic '90s karts game, but also adds some modern game elements like:

16:9 - 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps, (where available)

achievements & collection goals,

drift-boosts & analogue steering,

character & track unlocks,

original fun split-screen Battle modes,

and 3 star rankings for each race.

Creating a great PC based Kart game has been something I have been waiting for for a long time. Super World Karts seems like it delivers on that SNES Mario Kart styled game and is coming to... Read All

Confirmed: Microsoft is buying Mojang for $2.5 billion

I haven't wanted to really post anything about all the news that Microsoft may buy Minecraft developer Mojang, even if there was every reason to believe it, until we got confirmation. Well, today we have it. The official Mojang blog has a statement about it this morning.

https://mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft/

Currently, details are sparse, there's a lot of "We don't know" in this statement, and that's fine. It's still early days.

In short, Notch wanted to focus less on running a massive company and decided to sell. Mojang and Microsoft have a good relationship, and it seemed like a good fit for continuing Minecraft's development.

I'll say it seems... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/15/2014 at 02:34pm

Notch wrote his thoughts on leaving Mojang. http://pastebin.com/n1qTeikM

I totally understand his reasons, if the news isn't a bit sad.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/15/2014 at 08:16pm

An interesting information nugget. Disney bought LucasFilm+everything for 4 billion.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 09/15/2014 at 11:36pm

This news makes me kind of sad. I remember watching the Minecraft documentary and seeing how overwhelmed and humbled Notch was upon the explosion of the game. It got way bigger than he ever dreamed. I some how feel that I can understand his point of view. He is just a programmer having fun, not a CEO or someone who wants to lead a large company. I don't hate Microsoft and I feel that this news only reflects the huge success that Minecraft has been. Still, I wonder about the game's future. I hope it continues to evolve as it has been.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 09/16/2014 at 02:26am

They've said that they won't mess with the platforms that it's on, so we don't have to worry about them taking away the Linux and Mac versions, so that's good news. I can't imagine Microsoft would make the major mistake of messing up Minecraft. What I hope is that they'll take what they have and continue down the same path.

Now, Minecraft 2, if such a thing comes to exist, I do wonder about. But I hope they'll realize how amazing an open-to-all game like Minecraft was and continue down the same path. They have to know they'd have egg on their faces for years if they try to interfere with what's been working for years.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 09/16/2014 at 02:39am

I agree with you, I can't quite imagine them messing it up either. It would be interesting to know what Microsoft has in store for Minecraft. I'd like to see development continue. I think there are still very many things that could be added to the game. For instance, there no birds. I swear in one of the videos Vinny was watching there were birds in the game. Maybe it was just a mod. I think bugs would be a cool addition, too, and if they could be used as bait like in Terraria. Currently fishing doesn't require any kind of bait. There are lots of other animals I thought it would be cool to see in the game.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/16/2014 at 02:55am

I agree with you Travis, but I would find it hard to believe Microsoft wouldn't do something special for XBox One or make it an exclusive for some time. That said, it's all speculation and I do hope for the best with Minecraft.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 09/16/2014 at 02:28pm

If they did that, exclusives for XBox One, etc, that would just piss off too many people, and I think they know that. I hope it works like Skype-- they bought Skype, and with the exception of being able to log in with your Microsoft account, nothing has really changed.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 09/17/2014 at 05:45pm

I wonder who else was in the market to buy Mojang? Microsoft has the money, but I question whether or not they have the passion for such an investment, beyond their own corporate needs (i.e. making more money). They likely won't mess with the current iteration of Minecraft, but future releases are now inevitable, and it's what they could do that bothers me. Microsoft is better at making deals than making things. If they are smart, they'll leave it alone and just throw money at the people that stay on at Mojang, and let them do what they do best. It seems, though, that any time this much money is involved in a deal, the buyers input also becomes part of the deal. I wonder what Microsoft's input will be.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/17/2014 at 08:12pm

Thinking Minecraft 2 might be some kind of MMO or online game where you get/rent worlds or something. That said, in such a case I could see a fair amount of exclusivity.

Will they change current Minecraft? That seems less likely. That said, Notch originally said he wanted to release Minecraft as Free Software, kind of think there is little chance for that happening now.

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Contra Memories

Ah Contra... Just about every time I played Contra it was with friends and we always used the Konami Code. I loved the sci-fi Alien Marine feel and loved blasting everything on screen.

Free Software, Free Society: Richard Stallman At TEDxGeneva

I respect and enjoy listening to Richard Stallman talk about technology and found his recent TED talk in Geneva worth sharing. This talk slips a bit outside the realm of gaming, but with Steam coming to Linux I think these kinds of discussions are important.

Richard's talk is essentially about the principles of free software and why they are critically important for a free society. I agree with many of his points, but like any philosophy or religion, I don't adhere to every component of it. A few years ago I did, going so far as to run a system that was nearly all free software save a few drivers. Over time, my thoughts changed as I enjoyed running certain non-free... Read All

Shovel Knight out on Mac, Linux soon!

Mac users, you're in luck: If you have the game on Steam, you're ready to go. Humble Store and GOG.com will be ready soon.

If you are a Linux user, there's still no confirmed date, but the game should hit soon for you.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yachtclubgames/shovel-knight/posts/984296

GTAV release dates for PS4, Xbox One, and PC announced

November 18, those who have jumped to the current generation will be able to enjoy the newly polished GTAV. The PC master race must wait until January 27 of next year.

In addition to making the game way shinier, Rockstar is adding a few new things:

- New weapons, vehicles and activities
- Additional wildlife
- Denser traffic
- New foliage system
- Enhanced damage and weather effects, and much more
- Over 100 new songs. Perhaps El Sondito will play less often. That beeping. OMG. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x47NYUbtYb0

For the full story and a look at some very pretty screenshots, see the official announcement: ... Read All

Timogorgon Member wrote on 09/12/2014 at 08:42pm

And yet, still no heists. Sigh....

Would now be a good time to remind everyone we have an official CheerfulGhost GTA V crew? :P http://socialclub.rockstargames.com/crew/cheerful_ghosts

Wow, I don't think I've ever heard El Sondito before. That got annoying REAL fast. Then again, I was fairly unimpressed with the radio stations in GTA this time around, and turned the music volume down all the way pretty early on. I usually play on-line and I'm talking to people on Skype and the music usually just gets in the way.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 09/12/2014 at 09:22pm

Awesome! I remember this time last year waiting ever so impatiently for GTAV to come out. That sucks that it won't be on PC until January, but I guess I can wait.

Thanks for the reminder and link, Tim. I have hopefully successfully accepted the crew invite. I haven't played the game in a long time.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/04/2014 at 02:54am

Ok, I watched a video comparing the PS3 version to the PS4 version and it looks a lot better. I thought the game looked great on the PS3, but the PS4 version looks even better and I'm glad the video pointed out the differences. Sadly, however, I'm unable to find a comparison between the PS3 (or older console versions) and the PC version. Hopefully, in due time one will be released. It'd also be nice to see how the PC version compares to the new console versions.

What do you guys think? Are you going to get the PC or new console versions? If you don't already have a new console (I don't) are you going to get one for GTA V? I'm thinking I might get the PC version. I still see no need (for me) to get a newer console, although this game could be a good reason to get one. What are your thoughts?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 10/04/2014 at 04:20am

The PC version is coming much later, and it is significantly dependent on what kind of hardware you have. I'd say that (without modding) the PS4 version is probably about what the PC version will look like.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/04/2014 at 05:41am

Yeah, it's supposed to be coming out in January, I think Yes, I agree that it would depend on the hardware. I've shared my new specs. and I'm sure it would look great on my new PC. I think I can also agree that the PC version would be similar to the PS4 (or XBox One even).

Are you going to get the new version?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 10/04/2014 at 04:14pm

Yes, but not for a while I imagine. I don't want to play through it again but when I decide to (which I'm sure I will) I'll get the new version.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/04/2014 at 04:45pm

For PC?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 10/05/2014 at 05:29am

For whatever platform I prefer the next time I want to play it :)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/05/2014 at 06:43am

Hahaha. Do you have a PS4 or XBox One or want either? I'm interested in the PS4, but don't want to get one yet. While I'm not aware of many games for it, I don't know of any games I want for it, so I guess I'm waiting for something to come out for it that I'll want (like a new Final Fantasy or Kingdom Hearts). Although getting one for GTA V doesn't seem like a bad idea either. As for the XBox, I'm not at all interested.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/06/2014 at 05:25pm

I'm not interested in either console right now. If I was pressed to buy a next gen console i'd buy a Wii U. That said, I am still holding out for a reasonably powered Steam Machine. The Alienware Alpha looks interesting but I want to wait a bit until SteamOS is released.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 10/06/2014 at 06:18pm

Cool. I bet the Alienware one will be awesome, seeing as how awesome my Alienware PC is. =)

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/06/2014 at 06:38pm

That's the brand of Steam Machine i'd prefer to buy. I might skip the alpha and go to the one with SteamOS on it. Been considering putting together a low cost PC for under the TV too. Not sure which approach is best but i'll doing something next year for a Steam console for sure. So many great options good thing I have time to think about it

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Payday 2 is getting Hotline Miami DLC

Over-the-top violent gameplay with an extra dose of over-the-top violent gameplay? Yes please.

Cheerful Ghost is proud to join the Internet Slowdown

https://www.battleforthenet.com/images/share_images/anigif.gif

Today we--and many other sites and organizations-- stand up against cable company dickery. If cable companies get their way websites across the net (like Cheerful Ghost) could be slowed to a crawl unless they pay the cable companies arbitrary fees to to reach their users. Don’t let Team Cable destroy the internet! Stand with us in support of net neutrality!

Find out how you can help by going to www.battleforthenet.com.

Not sure what net neutrality is? Here are some great videos to help explain things:
For an all around informative break down check out CGP Grey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtt2aSV8wdw
For a hilarious take on the issue see John Oliver: ... Read All

Humble Indie Bundle 12 launches

In this tasty Humble bundle, pay what you want for SteamWorld Dig, Hammerwatch, and Gunpoint. Beat the average for Papers, Please, LUFTRAUSERS, Gone Home, and more to come. Pay $10 or more for Prison Architect!

But this time there's something new. Pay $65 or more to unlock the Humble Indie Bundle 12 Entertainment System.

This power pack gives you the complete bundle experience with a special issue of HIB Informer Magazine, 30-pages of tips and tricks for those radical games you just bought. You will also get a HIB 12 Super Shirt and a set of pins with the Humble Bundle logo and Arstotzka Crest to match. After showing off the new gear at school, kick back at home with... Read All

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

Damn that $60 physical edition package is really tempting. That record looks great. Now if I only had a record player...

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/09/2014 at 09:53pm

Oh and this Bundle, wow, this is great. A solid lineup, i've wanted to play Steam World Dig & the full game of Gunpoint(enjoyed the demo quite a bit). With Prison Architect, Papers Please, LUFTRAUSERS & Gone Home this bundle really kicks out the jams.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 09/12/2014 at 08:55pm

I just picked this one up. Gone Home, Papers, Please, and Prison Architect were all games I have been wanting.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/14/2014 at 07:38pm

Still waffling on the special edition. Travis, are you thinking about picking it up?

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 09/15/2014 at 02:35am

The $65 edition? I doubt it. Considering it just because it's damn cool, but not sure if I can justify it.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/15/2014 at 02:35pm

Yeah, that makes sense.

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Apple Announces the iPhone 6, and could make gaming harder

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus look fantastic, but with them come some issues for mobile games on Apple's platform. This comes from the fact that developers can no longer target a general device form factor. The iPhone has many games that play in portrait mode, including some of my favorites, but those will be harder to play on a larger phone where you can't comfortably reach the whole screen with your thumb when playing with one hand.

Due to the widely varying screen sizes in Android land, this has been the case with Android for a while now. Portrait games are few and far between on the Play store, but they're fairly popular on Apple's App Store.

Ultimately, this is... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/14/2014 at 07:45pm

After watching the video I am pretty stoked about the new set of iPhones and Apple Watch. That said, more than likely, I won't be picking either one up but I am really happy to see the direction Apple is headed.

iPhone 6: It seems most people like bigger phones and Apple is giving people what they want. Personally, I really enjoy the form factor of my iPhone 5S but a bit larger phone wouldn't be a problem. It would be slightly inconvenient in that I will have a larger indentation in my pocket with a bigger phone, but that's not a huge deal. I use my smartphone for a ton of stuff and have up to this point avoided getting a tablet because I just use my phone for everything. That said, a bigger phone would be even less of a reason to buy a tablet.

I am curious if the 5S form factor is now totally gone or if the iPhone 7 will feature 3 different screen sizes?

About people having a hard time making games it seems to me that people can target Android devices and whereas having one size makes things easier, it seems developers are doing fine. There are a zillion different screen resolutions on PC and it seems people have dealt with that even though it does complicate things some. Since I like diversity in devices, I see the new Apple phones adding to that.

Travis, when you upgrade are you going (size wise) 6 or 6 plus? The next time I will have the chance to upgrade will be around the 6S if I keep to my current carrier upgrade path.

Oh and I love the fact that the storage is 16G, 64G and 128G!

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 09/15/2014 at 02:38am

I'll also be upgrading around the 6S timeframe. No way am I going plus, that is just too big. The few portrait games I've tried to play on my Galaxy S4 (work phone) have been pretty bad unless I use two hands, and I use one hand for my shopping list app all the time. I'm a little bummed that the 5/5S form factor is going away. Jobs mandated early on that you should easily be able to touch the whole screen with your thumb on which ever hand you were using, and I wish they'd at least kept that option around.

jdodson Admin wrote on 09/15/2014 at 02:36pm

They may but it seems likely that we will have only the two sizes going forward.

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