Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Cheerful Ghost Crew is now Recruiting GTA Online players!

I've been playing a lot of GTA lately, so I decided it was time to set up an official Cheerful Ghost crew! All players of all skill levels are welcome. So come join our crew and let's run some missions, races, and all other sorts of mayhem all across San Andreas!

Our crew page on the Rock Star Social club site: http://socialclub.rockstargames.com/crew/cheerful_ghosts

Here's how to join:
If you're already signed up for the Rock Star Social club*, you can message me your email address and I can invite you through the site.
You can also send me a friend request through PSN (my PSN handle is Taion333) and I'll invite you to the crew. Just mention Cheerful Ghost somewhere in... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/25/2014 at 06:50pm

That image is a showcase of some mad photoshop skillZ.

So awesome, I love it :D

Timogorgon Member Post Author wrote on 01/25/2014 at 07:19pm

Ha ha ha ha. I wanted to post a picture of my character next to his car with a big Cheerful Ghost emblem, but it turns out that it's actually really expensive to put the emblem on your car in the game. So I decided to do this instead, lol.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/25/2014 at 09:13pm

Oh man, that image. I'm really glad you didn't get a pic of the emblem on your car.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/25/2014 at 09:51pm

OK, here's a dumb question, but does GTA have different servers based on what system you're on? If I have it on Steam, would I be able to join, or is it PSN only?

dynamicInception wrote on 01/25/2014 at 11:32pm

@Adym - There are no dumb questions! GTA Online is only for GTAV at the moment, which is scheduled to come out on PC in March. However, I'm guessing that even after the PC release that the servers will still be different for each system.

dynamicInception wrote on 01/25/2014 at 11:33pm

Invite requested! I have only barely played online so far, but this sounds like an awesome way to get started.

Timogorgon Member Post Author wrote on 01/26/2014 at 12:44am

@dynamicInception: And invite accepted! It looks like it takes a little while for the site to acknowledge that I approved your request, but once you show up on the roster I'll promote you to representative. Welcome to the crew!

@Adym: Unfortunately the PSN and Xbox servers are separate. I could be wrong, but I think the crews are kind of cross platform though. I think I can invite Xbox people to the crew, they just won't be able to play with their PSN counter parts. Any GTA Xbox players out there want to help me out by letting me try to recruit them?

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Starcraft 2.1: Free Arcade Mode, Extension Mods and More.

Starcraft 2 will soon launch the 2.1 patch globally and like I mentioned in the Cheerful Ghost Roundtable s2 e1, much of the game is now going free to play. What else is included in this patch? Free arcade, Clans and Groups with scheduled meet ups, Extension Mods(similar to UT mods), League Boundaries, Increased the level cap with new rewards & a remastered score. That's right, they remastered the original Starcraft and Starcraft 2 scores and made them all available while you play the game.

2.1 Information:

http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/12346797/starcraft-ii-patch-21-round-up-1-21-2014

How to configure the new Starcraft music:

... Read All

Cheerful Ghost Roundtable Season 2 E1: Newest Season Ever!

The Cheerful Ghost Roundtable Season 2 Episode 1 is upon us and as always we bring the video game talk.

Show notes & time-codes so you can skip to what you want to hear.

What we have been playing

1.49m : Grand Theft Auto 5 / Online

4.50m : Assassin's Creed IV / Liberation

5.30m : Elder Scrolls Oblivion

5.50m : GTA Online Cheerful Ghost Online Crew

9.15m : Bioshock Infinite

9.55m : NW Expo Game Event / Gameboy Games / Pokemon

11.50m : Shovel Knight Releases March 31st

13.05m : Starcraft 2 releases more as Free to Play

Valve Showcases New Steam Machines at CES

16:25m : Gabes CES Steam Machine Unveiling

22.25m : Are Steam Machines Going to Flop?

28.46m : Are Walled... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/23/2014 at 05:17pm

First impression: GTAV Online?! Wow! I played it a little, but not very much. I don't think there were enough people around to do most of the online missions. I do like the character I created, I think he kind of looks like me and Squall. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say about that and Oblivion! I played GTA V and Oblivion at about the same time. Well, I played GTA V at night so as to carefully not expose my son to it. Hehe. I should shut up and watch this video. =)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/23/2014 at 05:20pm

Tim! It's good to know you're WhiteboySlim! *fist bump* For what you said about GTA V and playing while kids are sleeping. Also for the Pokemon mention. Gaming Dads unite!! LOL

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/23/2014 at 05:30pm

Hehehe, I didn't have much trouble creating my GTA Online character and am actually pleased with what I have. My PSN name is GregoPeck, feel free to send me an invite.

Travis, the only issue I had with Oblivion is that one spot there in the south where the terrain narrows and it says, "you cannot go that way." I didn't like having to repair my gear, but once I mastered that skill, it wasn't that much of a pain. I think I agree with a friend who said that Oblivion was harder than Skyrim. I remember how often I died in Oblivion, but then again, once I got to a certain point, things were ok.

Oh, Jon! Thanks for mentioning me! I just heard that while you guys were talking about Pokemon.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 01/23/2014 at 07:34pm

Couple notes on the episode:
1. We forgot to discuss pricing on Steam machines! One complaint about the Steam Machines is that some of them are priced in the thousands. But there are different machines for different budgets (One as low as $499 if memory serves me correct). So I don't think that'll be a huge problem.
2. Alienware is saying that you actually CAN mod their steam machine, it just wont' be easy. Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-23-alienware-wont-prevent-users-from-modding-steam-machine

@GregoPeck I'll probably be on GTA online tonight after the kids to to bed (around 8pm pst). I'll send you a friend request when I get home and invite you to the Cheerful Ghost crew.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/23/2014 at 07:46pm

As long as I can get to the RAM and the harddisk, I don't think this is a huge problem. Like they mention, if I want a fully upgradable system I can buy a bigger one, which makes sense.

I kind of want a system I can upgrade the RAM and disk on if I want, when it comes time to start swapping out components, i'll just get a new one. That said, I hope it comes with some beefy insides because id rather not upgrade every 2 years.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/23/2014 at 08:36pm

Awesome, Tim! My son's bed time is also 8pm, but he hasn't had school all week due to the weather. I did, however, play the game a little bit while he was around, but I've denied his request to play it. He's 9.

I'm back to continuing to watch the video (I had to run out for an appointment and some grocery shopping).

RedChocobo wrote on 01/23/2014 at 10:55pm

You guys mentioned so many mainstream games this time!
You gotta try Kerbal Space Program and Project Zomboid.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/23/2014 at 11:56pm

I am going to get Kerbal SP at some point for sure, i've heard great things about it and I love the idea.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/24/2014 at 12:10am

Hey, RedChocobo! Awesome name, although I prefer the blue ones. Hehehe. I've heard of Project Zomboid, but only because in one of the random comments Minecraft says when starting up I've seen, "Try Project Zomboid." I've also seen it say, "Try Terraria."

Tim, I noticed that you're on the West coast (lucky!), and I'm on the East. In fact, I believe Jon is, too. Travis and I are here on the East Coast. So, I'll have to take your time into consideration (4 hour difference).

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/24/2014 at 12:38am

Yep, I live in Portland.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/24/2014 at 01:10am

I'm envious of you two Westerners! But that's cool, Cheerful Ghost, from coast to coast!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/24/2014 at 02:19am

Totally. We have users from all over.

RedChocobo wrote on 01/24/2014 at 04:21pm

There's a pretty hardcore learning curve for Kerbal Space Program if you don't have a pretty good grip on orbital dynamics. But you can mod it up and it makes things a lot easier if you need it to be.

But that first time you land a ship on the moon it is such a rush.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 01/24/2014 at 06:09pm

@RedChocobo: I've looked into Kerbal space program and it looks really cool, but maybe a little more complicated than I want in a video game. If it's ever part of a bundle or massively discount I might pick it up though. Project Zomboid, however, looks awesome. I will get that one once it's a little further in development, possibly after they add multiplayer. And yeah, we did end up mentioning a lot of main stream games this time. That's because my new years resolution was to sell out. :P j/k

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Shovel Knight Drops March 31st!

Yacht Club Games just passed along the good news, Shovel Knight will release March 31st! Really looking forward to some shovel swinging action in this chunky looking retro 2d platformer.

"Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic created by Yacht Club Games. You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this valley with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and save his lost beloved. He wields a ShovelBlade; a multipurpose weapon whose techniques have now been lost to the ages. Always honest and helpful, Shovel Knight is a... Read All

Don't Starve Will Get a "Giant" DLC Update

Don't Starve is a great Indie survival game with a very neat hand drawn cartoon feel. The tone of the game is very dark and I really enjoy how it weaves in with the game mechanics. Klei Entertainment, the developers of Don't Starve have released a new teaser trailer for "Reign of Giants" DLC. After watching this trailer I can't help but think of the Age of Mythology Titans expansion, which added the massive Titans to Age of Mythology.

So far all updates to Don't Starve have been free, so it's interesting seeing this new content come to the game.

Hearthstone Enters Open Beta And You Need To Check it Out!

"The wait is over: The Hearthstone Open Beta Test is now live in North America! If you haven’t joined in on all of the crazy card-slinging action yet, now is your chance! Pull up a chair and prepare to start casting powerful spells, summoning mighty minions, and dueling your friends in a fast-paced strategy card game for everyone."

Hearthstone is one of the best unsung new games of 2013. Blizzard took the collectable card format popularized by games like Magic: The Gathering and tossed in some love to make a very accessible, fun and rich game. Oh righ and did I mention that the game costs you nothing?

Hearthstone is one of those great pickup and play games where you... Read All

Am I at the End of Terraria?

https://gamepedia.cursecdn.com/terraria_gamepedia/c/c4/Terraria.png?version=795e0eff272d62ee8fa5e51f2901f9d3

I feel like I've reached the end of what I can do in Terraria, which does make me feel a little sad at the least. I've reached another difficult part of the game, one in which I need something new and better to continue. I did both the Pumpkin and Frost Moon events, which were difficult once the bigger mini-bosses came out. The Paladin in the Dungeon is also a difficult foe. I haven't searched thoroughly enough, but I'm pretty sure I can't get stronger armor or a stronger melee weapon. My best bet against these more difficult foes is probably magic and ranged weapons.

I really haven't even touched magic in the game. Sure, I tried out the Scythe drop from Demons in the... Read All I feel like I've reached the end of what I can do in Terraria, which does make me feel a little sad at the least. I've reached another difficult part of the game, one in which I need something new and better to continue. I did both the Pumpkin and Frost Moon events, which were difficult once the bigger mini-bosses came out. The Paladin in the Dungeon is also a difficult foe. I haven't searched thoroughly enough, but I'm pretty sure I can't get stronger armor or a stronger melee weapon. My best bet against these more difficult foes is probably magic and ranged weapons.

I really haven't even touched magic in the game. Sure, I tried out the Scythe drop from Demons in the Underworld, but otherwise haven't used any other magic and didn't even use that one very long at all. As for ranged weapons, I've used my Star Cannon a few times, but I don't think it really helped me out as much as I needed. I did, however, use a nice Zealous Enchanted Boomerang near the very beginning, which was my weapon of choice for a while. I've also used the ranged ability that comes with having a Terra Blade. In fact, I've found it most helpful against bosses (the Twins and Skeletron Prime) that don't always get close enough to hit. I've also enjoyed hitting close enemies with the blade, while aiming at further enemies, defeating them before they could reach me, all at the same time.

I remember reaching this point a few times during the game, usually when I was up against a difficult boss, and I was able to pass it with upgrades to my weapons and armor. But, as I said, this is one time where I can't really upgrade my armor and I believe I also have the best melee weapon. I could be totally wrong, but I'm quite sure about the armor. Perhaps magic and ranged weapons are the key to surviving these new difficult threats. Maybe I should look further into both. I have been saving my Chlorophyte ore so that I can make Chlorophyte bullets.

Still, I've spent 159 hours in the game and I love it and want more! It is similar to Minecraft, even with it's own differences. I think both games are a bit new, at least new to me, and they seem to stand out among all else that I've seen or heard about. I want another game like these two games. Starbound seems similar, but after watching a trailer for it on Steam, I was wishing it looked more like Terraria. Both games are obviously not graphically intense, but Starbound just didn't look as nice and appealing as Terraria. I'm not sure if I'll give it a try.

What do you think? Are there other similar games out there that you'd recommend? Or what do you recommend for this point I've reached in Terraria? I'm still playing Pokemon X, I just captured the legendary Pokemon and have one badge left to get. After that I'm planning to play The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. I feel quite oblivious to the gaming world and don't know of much of what's out there and what's good and great. I just know that just about everyone's playing a bunch of FPSs, that I'm really not interested in. I enjoyed the Dooms and Quakes way back in the day, but also RTS games as well. But then, when I went to college, I fell in love with RPGs. Now I'm loving the mine and build kind of games, although I'm only familiar with 2 of them. So, what are your recommendations? Or, what are you playing? What have you played that you've really enjoyed? Also, what are you expecting to play soon or in the future?

Right now, I have no interest in a next-gen console, although I may get a Wii U if or when that new Zelda game comes out.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/21/2014 at 03:49am

It seems like there's an imbalance in the game, or I'm missing something. With the spectre armor and a good magic weapon, you can dominate the pumpkin/frost moon events. Melee is basically a lost cause for those. So yeah, you have some chlorophyte on hand, go harvest some ectoplasm and make the spectre armor and snag a bat scepter (which you can get in the early waves of the pumpkin moon) and the golden shower and you're a powerhouse. I'd also google some gear loadouts for your accessories. There are some configurations that work better than others for the endgame events.

I will tell you a couple of things about Starbound though.

First-- it's amazing. It isn't done yet and it's already amazing.
Second-- don't play it yet. It isn't done yet so you're likely to get burnt out on it before you even get the full game.
Third-- and don't make this a habit, Greg, but as it so happens I have an extra copy of Starbound if you're interested. I'm not going to keep giving you every game you show interest in :D

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 01/21/2014 at 05:20am

Hahahahaha! You made me LOL with your last statement! Fortunately enough for me, since last month affordability for games is not an issue. In fact, I was astounded to see the balance of my bank account today (for I had another large deposit). One of my friends says I need to upgrade my PC, which is a bit aged now. I have an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5200+ processor, 4 gigs of RAM, and a Geforce 8800GTS. I'm willing to bet you're more familiar with recent hardware than I am and you could probably get a good idea of the age of my PC's components. But, I'm not sure I'm ready to upgrade. I haven't even bought new fans for it since 2 of 3 of them died on me in recent months.

When is Starbound supposed to be done? I hate to say that I found the video for it to be visually unattractive. I'm not saying that Terraria looks bad at all, but Starbound looks much less visually appealing. That is, just speaking from what I saw in the video. Now we could also argue that graphics don't necessarily make a game and I'm not one that has to have this beautifully rendered HD game either. In fact, I think many of today's gamers would be turned off of even Terraria's graphics, but I think that game looks nice. I admit, at first, I wasn't sure about the 2D thing, but I came to really enjoy it. That could perhaps happen with Starbound and it could be that the graphics are actually better looking than they were in the video. Maybe it's something I'd appreciate more if I played it.

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/21/2014 at 11:15pm

I've had lots of fun with Prison Architecht and even made a video and posted it on the site.

I'd recommend a few other games like Fez and FTL too. Like Travis said Starbound is great and like you I didn't love the art style at first, but it grows on you or at least did for me.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 01/22/2014 at 12:34am

Awesome, thanks Jon! I trust Travis, when he says the game is amazing. I'll look into those other games.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 01/22/2014 at 12:45am

I should say this, too, it's still amazing that Travis still has an influence on the games I love and play. It's thanks to him that I fell in love with Final Fantasy VIII and therefore the series in general. =) Thanks, Travis!

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/22/2014 at 01:46am

Yeah, Travis is pretty awesome.

Oh and he was fucking right on with BioShock Infinite too. If you see that game on sale, pick it up and play it!

Travis Admin wrote on 01/22/2014 at 02:22am

Aw, shucks guys. *blush*

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 01/22/2014 at 03:05am

Ok, I "Googled" the specs for BI. My computer *might* be able to handle it, but it doesn't meet the recommended specs.

jdodson Admin wrote on 01/22/2014 at 05:08am

Right. Worth considering that BioShock Infinite runs on the PS3 and XBox 360 so if you computer is a few years old, it should be ok. What are your system specs?

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 01/22/2014 at 08:02am

From and earlier comment to Travis, "I have an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5200+ processor, 4 gigs of RAM, and a Geforce 8800GTS."

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Stardew Valley Update: Relationships, Arcades and More!

Stardew Valley is one of the games I am very excited about launching this year. ConcernedApe pushed the release from 2013 to 2014 and considering how big the game has become, it makes sense that happened. I appreciate that Stardew Valley isn't a game that focuses on a cosmic struggle of good and evil that spans the universe and instead is a more simple country life game focusing on growing crops and hanging out with your neighbors. I also appreciate the attention ConcernedApe is paying to the relationship "quest lines" and story. Many games tack on relationships but they are so ham-fisted and trite they aren't that compelling as great game elements.

"There are 10 “... Read All Stardew Valley is one of the games I am very excited about launching this year. ConcernedApe pushed the release from 2013 to 2014 and considering how big the game has become, it makes sense that happened. I appreciate that Stardew Valley isn't a game that focuses on a cosmic struggle of good and evil that spans the universe and instead is a more simple country life game focusing on growing crops and hanging out with your neighbors. I also appreciate the attention ConcernedApe is paying to the relationship "quest lines" and story. Many games tack on relationships but they are so ham-fisted and trite they aren't that compelling as great game elements.

"There are 10 “eligible” characters in the game, 5 females and 5 males (Yes, same-sex marriage/relationships are allowed!). Each one has at least 5 “events” which you’ll encounter as your relationship with the character progresses. Most of the events include conversations in which you can choose between different dialogue options. Sometimes the option you choose will affect how the rest of the event plays out. In addition to conversation options, you’ll sometimes be given a choice between multiple courses of action, which always has an effect on how the event plays out. Sometimes, choices you make in events will affect what characters end up doing in the future. Characters that you can’t marry also have these event cutscenes, but typically not as many.

I’ve been carefully going through every one of these events, adding or rewriting dialogue, new animations, props, cameo characters, settings, storylines, graphical cutscenes, sounds, music, and more! I also added a lot more cases where your choices affect how the rest of the event plays out. Additionally… while working on these events, if I encounter anything else in the game I am unhappy with I typically take a small detour and fix that as well."

Stardew Valley is a game that will primarily launch on Windows but there is some good news for Mac and Linux users as ConcernedApe has mentioned a possible Linux and Mac port of the game.

http://stardewvalley.net/dev-update-14

Why Data Caps Are Problematic for Our Digital Lifestyles

The video showcased above it titled "Why Comcast's 300GB Data Cap is Bad for Gaming" and the subtext is "An explanation of how Comcast's 300GB data cap is bad for me, you, and pretty much everyone else in the whole wide world."

A few things before I talk about data caps. First off, the video creator notes that Comcast(the ISP in question) mentions that the majority of it's user base doesn't go over 20G of monthly data. So the assertion that a data cap is bad for everyone seems a bit off. That said, the overall concept of the video is correct, data caps are not a good thing and I do want them to go away.

I haven't paid for cable TV ever and don't plan to so having a... Read All

Continuing Adventures in Hardmode in Terraria

https://gamepedia.cursecdn.com/terraria_gamepedia/2/2f/Terra_Blade_%28demo%29.gif?version=b83a9769f61dda6e0e231dc288af3198

So, I was able to upgrade to a Terra Blade. It's an interesting sword, in that it's a bit of a ranged weapon as well as melee. I can't at the moment recall what bonuses are on it or what the damage stat is, but it's better than the Corsair I've been using all throughout Hardmode. In fact, that Corsair was better than a True NIght's Edge and a True Excalibur. I was surprised!

I was finally able to defeat Plantera, The Twins, Skeletron Prime, and the Golem. I know the Terra Blade was very helpful, especially helping me defeat those pesky bosses who wouldn't allow me within range to hit them with my sword before. They couldn't escape the power of the Terra Blade.... Read All So, I was able to upgrade to a Terra Blade. It's an interesting sword, in that it's a bit of a ranged weapon as well as melee. I can't at the moment recall what bonuses are on it or what the damage stat is, but it's better than the Corsair I've been using all throughout Hardmode. In fact, that Corsair was better than a True NIght's Edge and a True Excalibur. I was surprised!

I was finally able to defeat Plantera, The Twins, Skeletron Prime, and the Golem. I know the Terra Blade was very helpful, especially helping me defeat those pesky bosses who wouldn't allow me within range to hit them with my sword before. They couldn't escape the power of the Terra Blade. Mwahahaha. I defeated Plantera a few times more to get more Temple Keys. I had a Hallowed and a Frozen Key Mold, then I got a Jungle Key Mold, and now I'm trying to get a Crimson Key Mold. I did go back into the Dungeon to open some chests and it was like, "who turned on the Hardmode in the Dungeon?"

Seriously, the Dungeon (after defeating Plantera) is no joke! I beat the Paladin once, I think it killed me a few times, but it didn't drop anything I wanted from it, so I'm looking for it again. Some of the enemies in the Dungeon (the Skeleton Mages) are pretty annoying/frustrating.

I changed from Fairy Wings to a Jet Pack after I misread the wiki, I thought the Jet Pack was better, but I didn't read the chart correctly. I'm glad the Fairy Wings are better because the Jet Pack's sound is kind of annoying. I'd still like to upgrade my Wings, but I'm going to need some ingredients (drops) from enemies that spawn during the Pumpkin Moon. I'll work on that some time soon.

I haven't messed with magic yet, but I'm already impressed by the staves I have collected. I haven't even tried them out, but some of them look like they have awesome stats!

One last thought....sometimes I think there has to be some kind of formula for calculating drop rates for items wanted. The formula has to take into account how bad you want the drop, perhaps, because the listed drop rates seem to be way off when you're looking for something in particular. Haha. Yet, at the same time, sometimes I think the game knows what I want and lets me feel lucky (such as giving me the two Broken Hero Swords I needed to finish the rest of the ingredients needed for the Terra Blade). Still, it keeps me playing, which is good because in a way I don't want to "be done" with this game. I don't know what I'd move onto next, even though I'm still playing Pokemon X and planning to play The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds after that. Minecraft is still tempting, but I feel like I've reached a point where I'm not sure what I want to do with it next, probably go explore another area because I can't seem to have enough diamonds.