Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

Plants VS Zombies Adventures

Popcap will launch the special Facebook only Plants VS Zombies Adventures on May 20th. I hope they do the game right even if it is a Facebook game.

https://www.facebook.com/pvzadventures

Plants VZ Zombies 2 will be launching in June separate from the Plants VZ Zombies Adventures coming out on Facebook May 20th.

All the Legend of Zelda Items 3D Printed

Some mad entrepreneur decided to model all the items from the original Legend of Zelda and 3D print them and offer them for sale. Its cool though, the entire set will only set you back a minor $300 because, you know, plastic. These are cool as hell and I would have snatched them up in a second but dat price is a bit to strong.

Checkout the site Hyrule Foundry if you want to read a bit about how they were made.

http://hyrulefoundry.wordpress.com/
http://youtu.be/ex9qoaYqLZ0 (video showcasing the set in its entirety)

The Firehose: Planetary Annihilation, NES & PS2

Uber recently posted a livestream about the upcoming Planetary Annihilation. They talk about the game and show it off if you were interested in how it was shaping up!

http://uberent.com

To celebrate 25 years of Mega Man, Platinumfungi built a special tricked out backlit NES with the Blue Bombers theme.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.517465208290043.1073741828.305139316189301&type=1

Gamestop won't take any more PS2 trade-ins after June 1st. My only question is why they take them now, surely the used market on the PS2 is lessened or is it now a retro system?

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/gamestop-will-stop-taking-ps2-trade-ins-as-of-june-1/

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/12/2013 at 05:54pm

Planetary Annihilation has been on my radar since the Kickstarter campaign. It just looks like so much fun, and I love that stylized art. Can't wait!

That NES looks pretty sick, too. I've been jonesing for classic Nintendo games lately, but only have access on the Wii, at the moment. Just isn't the same without that old controller in your hands, after blowing on the cartridge to get the game to load.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/12/2013 at 08:08pm

NES cart blowing, good thing digital gets around that :D

I tossed in a about $10 for a nice USB gamepad a while ago from Gamestop. I am just kind of allergic to rebuying games on the latest platform. I keep my old carts though, never get rid of that stuff. Always want the gold Zelda cart in my collection as well as the Power Glove.

The Power Glove, is so bad...

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/12/2013 at 08:08pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya0F83Bmbl4

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/12/2013 at 08:27pm

I never had a Power Glove, but always thought it was pretty cool. I think the coolest thing I had, controller-wise, was the NES Advantage, but it's long gone now, along with all of that collected gaming history.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/12/2013 at 08:30pm

NES Advantage wasn't too bad. Joytick style controller that worked pretty well. I think I played it a few times as a kid, but always loved it in Ghostbusters 2 :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6NhfRFSaFo

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StarCrafts Season 2 Episode 3 Reaping the Benefits

I don't play with Reaper's much but after watching this I totally want to. This one is pretty funny. I like the end with him jumping up and then the Protoss shield, heh.

An experiment: Best game of all time?

I'm going through a bit of a gaming funk. I honestly think I blame Bioshock Infinite for that a little bit for setting the bar too high. I just can't seem to get into any game I try to play these days.

So I ask you. What is your favorite game of all time? And please elaborate on why it's your favorite. I'll then start going down the list, playing each of your favorites that I can get access to. Even if I've just played it recently I'll replay it. I'll try to get the original version of anything that's been remade, and avoid emulators when possible to recreate the original experience. I also invite you all to join in the fun and play these with me, then we can have a... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/11/2013 at 04:52pm

E.T. heh. I had that on Atari, it was kind of fun except it only held my interest for minutes. Still, kind of a crappy charm to it.

I have thought much about the best game of all time, for me. I think the best game of all time has to be Tetris but I don't love Tetris, its only very good.

I guess it would have to be a game I come back to with regularity. Something that hit me and left and impression I can't shake. I guess... it would have to be.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Its like a good blend of short and good. Had some awesome bugs that let you warp around, the whole Thief/stealing items business was cool.

Second place is Final Fantasy IV. Same ish reasons for the most part.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/12/2013 at 07:57pm

This question (all time favorite game/music/book/movie...) always gives me a case of mild anxiety, in as much as I can never really decide, because of taste changes and my desire to focus on the present rather than the past. Then I think, "A favorite all-time game should be able to transcend change in taste/time," but I don't know if that's something I can cope with :). It's much easier for me to try to isolate games of a specific genre that stand out as favorites, but even then, the list would be too long for this project.

Uuuuuaaaaagh...! I'm going to have to go with Journey, as a singular all-time favorite. It embodies everything that I love about what video games can give. It gives you a sense of spacial freedom and discovery, and it wraps it all up in an eternal, unspoken story of time and community. Journey also has this great impression of classic games that I grew up with, while offering an absolutely beautiful, high-definition landscape. That, tied with Austin Wintory's musical scores, make this game very much a living, breathing thing.

Some of the games that I was weighing against, for the sake of perspective, in no particular order:

Fable 2
X-Wing
Bionic Commando (original NES, not the crappy remakes)
Ico
Beyond Good & Evil
Portal
World of Warcraft
Civilization (I or V)
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine (seriously, I love this game)
Halo 3: ODST & Halo 4 (for multiplayer)
Skyrim

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/12/2013 at 08:13pm

I forgot MYST!! Dammit! I had intentionally left off Bioshock Infinite, but that should be in there, too. And EVE online...

Thanks, Travis!!

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 05/12/2013 at 11:07pm

So, I may pick a few more out of your list because now I want to replay Portal, but so far Link's Awakening and Journey. I'm looking forward to those.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 05/12/2013 at 11:07pm

I've played Journey before, but I'd certainly welcome replaying it. Such a beautiful game.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/13/2013 at 12:20am

I'll be going back to play it again, too. I also want to tackle Link's Awakening somehow. Don't think I ever actually played that one.

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/13/2013 at 12:24am

scrypt: Do it, Link's Awakening is great. Let me know how it turns out when you do :D

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/13/2013 at 03:09am

Forgot that Link's Awakening was a Gameboy game. Is the 3DS version just as good?

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/13/2013 at 03:12am

I bet its based on Link's Awakening DX, which added a color dungeon and some other special stuff.

Travis Admin Post Author wrote on 05/13/2013 at 04:53pm

Yes, the version on 3DS is a direct port of Link's Awakening DX.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 05/13/2013 at 11:06pm

Cool. I've been thinking of picking up a 3DS anyway!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 05/15/2013 at 11:31pm

I had to think about this for a while, but one of my favorite games that I had forgotten about is Goldeneye 007 (for the 64). Really for the multiplayer though. The game was good enough, but the 4 player deathmatch games were so much fun back in the day!

jdodson Admin wrote on 05/16/2013 at 01:00am

Its a good game Adym!

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And now, your moment of Zen

Finally making it's way to the PC, Zen Pinball FX 2 is on Steam, with a host of the tables that have taken up a good bit of my time on various consoles. As usual, the base of the game is free to download, with tables sold in packs, with trial versions for each table.

I'm assuming most people have at least sunk a few balls in these games, and if you haven't you simply must try it out. It's about as real a pinball experience you'll find outside of dropping quarters at your local Shakey's Pizza.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/226980/

Interview with Pixel Ferrets

http://www.secretsofgrindea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/After1.png

Secrets of Grindea is an upcoming game that aims to put a modern spin on the beloved SNES era action RPG’s. I discovered it while looking through the list of games that had been Greenlit on Steam. Seeing as many of you CheerfulGhosters like retro-styled games like I do, in addition to sharing my find with all of you I decided to reach out to the developers and see if they were willing to do an interview for us. As it turns out they were happy to oblige!

Whiteboyslim: Could you please introduce us to your team and briefly explain your role in developing Secret of Grindea.

PixelFerrets: Our team consists of three members; Teddy the programmer, Vilya the graphic artist and... Read All

Half-Life 2 Linux Beta

After I started Steam on Linux I noticed Half-Life 2 just entered beta, so naturally I downloaded it. It worked like a charm and the shot I took above was the start of the game. GO VALVE GO, PORT EVERYTHING!

I have beta install options for Half-Life 2, HL2 Deatmatch & The Lost Coast. I bought the episodes in the Orange Box but that was a PS3 purchase. I still have yet to get them on my Steam account.

The last time I played Half-Life 2 on Linux it was YEARS ago and I used wine. The experience now is much, much better.

I have 101 Steam games, 39 now playable on Linux and the number keeps going up.

Travis Admin wrote on 05/11/2013 at 03:30am

I think all of Valve's games will end up there this year. Maybe not the first Left 4 Dead since those campaigns are available in 2, albeit changed a bit to include the additions in 2.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/11/2013 at 03:54am

I think you might be right save DoTA 2 as that isn't even on Mac yet. That said, they might bring it to Linux first, that would be kind of neat.

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 05/11/2013 at 05:11am

Hmmm....Contemplating grabbing the Orange Box just to have the option, if that's what it takes. Ever since I saw Team Fortress 2, I've been waiting for the Orange Box. Already have Portal and TF2. Would be nice to round out the set and even if it's not on sale, it still seems worth the purchase cost.

Anyone know if purchasing the Windows version is sufficient for access to the beta?

beansmyname Supporter wrote on 05/11/2013 at 06:09am

@beansmyname If you purchase The Orange Box, the betas for Linux will be available to you.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/11/2013 at 04:56pm

Yeah, I think bean is right :D Because the box copy in a store on PC gets you Steam Keys which translate everywhere.

PS where do you buy the Orange Box on PC, the store? Does Steam sell it as a bundle any more?

Travis Admin wrote on 05/11/2013 at 05:19pm

Yes: http://store.steampowered.com/sub/469/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 05/11/2013 at 05:22pm

Well shit. Ok, apparently I Google no so good in my....

Ok. Thanks Travis :D

/shamed

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Ray's The Dead: Build Your Zombie Army!

Back this on Kickstarter!

"Ray’s the Dead is a game where YOU are the leader of the zombie army. It’s story driven gameplay will challenge you with a satisfying blend of action, tactics, puzzle, stealth, and adventure, all rolled into one fresh gaming experience. Sneak, smash, laugh, and moan your way through the last hurrah of the 1980’s as you take on the role of Ray, the newly risen zombie."

I like the idea of controlling a Zombie army and using it strategically to overcome challenges. Kind of cringed when I saw a Zombie bite a guys face but then again.... it was stylized cuteness :D

Top 25 Sports Games (Ranked by ESPN)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/ea9d308426d373c715f2a2138212aab0/tumblr_mhrm3qq8n91qa8sljo1_r2_500.jpg

http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/9236225/jon-robinson-ranks-best-sports-video-games-all

There are some great games on this list!

I'm a little disappointed Bill Lambeer's Combat Basketball was left off the list though lol.