Cheerful Ghost: An Awesome Community For Gamers

A few weeks ago I was able to volunteer at the Portland

A few weeks ago I was able to volunteer at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo and during my time I met the awesome guys that run the podcast "Watch Out for Fireballs!" Watch out for Fireballs! is a cool retro themed podcast that covers topics close to our hearts like Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Bionic Commando, Secret of Mana, Earthbound and the recent episode on Super Mario World.

The most recent episode is interesting in that it features a plethora of stories and opinions on the fantastic Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo. They set up a TV and SNES playing Super Mario World and recorded people's thoughts on the game. I point this all out, not only because it is... Read All

Mecromancer Backstory

As there have been many Borderlands 2 posts recently and I wanted to celebrate the event with one more!

Gearbox dropped the last echo log entry for Gaige completing her entire back story. I really enjoy these recordings and they paint a compelling picture of her character and how she became a vault hunter. Gearbox writing style has stepped up with Borderlands 2 and the Mecromancer back story is a great example of it.

Without further text, here are all of the echo logs for Gaige:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijs-FEk3OIk&list=UUSRO0JNUYTCjsk7VmMdNYKw&index=4&feature=plcp

... Read All

Rock Star just announced Rockstar Games Collection a backlog

Rock Star just announced "Rockstar Games Collection" a backlog release of all its big modern titles to date on PS3 and XBox 360. In the collection are: Read Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, L.A. Noire & Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition.

If you haven't played many of these games getting them all for $59.99 is a steal! They are mysteriously missing some DLC that comes with the Game of the Year editions, but even at this price that omission isn't a problem.

Does this collection interest you? Does this "Rockstar Orange Box" tempt you into getting it or do you already have these titles?

Sad to not see a PC version of this, but some... Read All

So we all got access to the Mechromancer early (yay!) Today

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/10/captainscarlett.jpg

So we all got access to the Mechromancer early (yay!)

Today it was announced that the next DLC installment will release next week (wha..?)

Here's a link to Joystiq's article on the upcoming DLC, titled Captain Scarlett and her Pirate's Booty:
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/borderlands-2s-captain-scarlett-dlc-lands-on-october-16/

While I'm happy for more Borderlands, and I definitely am going to buy this* I don't even have 4 gun slots open on any of my characters yet and we're already getting our second dose of DLC. That... seems kind of quick. What are your thoughts on the new DLC?

*Actually I'm just going to spring for the season pass. I know I'm going to buy all the... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/12/2012 at 12:46am

I barley played any of the original BL DLC because as I completed the game I got a new PC and got into that pretty heavy. That said, I DO plan on going back and completing BL1 DLC. I imagine after I finish BL2 and BL1 DLC ill obtain the BL2 DLC on Steam in a game+all dlc bundle is the plan.

I do think this DLC drop is quick but that is the way of things it seems now. Thank goodness for Game of the Year Editions.

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/12/2012 at 12:47am

On the Pirate's Booty DLC itself... I really like the theme of this. Adding stuff to increase the re-playability of the game is a win as well.

How many hours were the previous DLC packs?

Timogorgon Member Post Author wrote on 10/12/2012 at 08:09pm

I never finished the General Knoxx add-on but I heard it was pretty expansive. The zombie add on was pretty short but fun. I think it took me and my wife about 3-4 hours to finish. The Claptrap Revolution add on was pretty big too, took us somewhere around 8-10 hours to complete.

Keep in mind these times are just estimates, it's been awhile since we went through them, so I could be off. Never-the-less, the zombie one was much shorter than the Claptrap one. :)

jdodson Admin wrote on 10/13/2012 at 07:36am

Ok awesome, thanks!

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That's not a Knife, this is a Knife!

http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/161/a/8/evolution_of_link__s_sword_wallpaper_by_blueamnesiac-d5270gz.png

Found this cool picture on the evolution of Link's Swords throughout the Zelda franchise.

File this under important historical information.

After watching Indie Game: The Movie I decided to try Super

After watching Indie Game: The Movie I decided to try Super Meat Boy. From what I saw in the movie, it looked awesome. I know I am behind on giving this game a shot, but I am glad I tried it out as it is a really unique modern experience.

First off the game really feels like Super Mario Brothers. Well, that's not entirely true, it feels like a more... stripped down Mario Brothers. Something more... focused perhaps. Think Mario, with just platforming. It is also quite challenging but that didn't hit me in the feels, I like how hard it is.

The premise is you are Meat Boy and Dr. Fetus keeps capturing your girlfriend Bandage Girl. In every level you make it to her and that... Read All

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 10/11/2012 at 01:21am

Wow man, that game looks super hard!

Tungsten wrote on 10/11/2012 at 01:33am

I need a controller. It is impossible with the keyboard.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/11/2012 at 03:39am

I have a few USB controllers and they are really nice for some games. In fact, Amazon has some very cheap old school NES or SNES controllers as well:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=usb+controller

I played a few games with controller recently, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story & Sleeping Dogs.

Talky wrote on 10/17/2012 at 04:42am

I can't help but wonder where people come up with these names.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/17/2012 at 04:44am

Super Meat Boy because he is made of meat and... Super. Sleeping Dogs I think... Someone help me if I eat this wrong, but I think it's a take on the old "let sleeping dogs lye" adage.

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So last night @jdodson, my brother-in-law and I took the new

So last night @jdodson, my brother-in-law and I took the new Mecromancer class for a spin. And wow, is she awesome.

DeathTrap is quite possibly the most helpful special ability in the early levels. At level 9 I ran into a pair of Badasses (one Psycho, one Nomad with a shield) and DT tanked them both without any trouble! His damage so far is pretty impressive too.

As far as the Mechromancer's skills go, I haven't gotten very far into the Little Big Trouble skill tree to comment too much on it. For one, the skills I've gotten so far buff my chance to cause elemental effects, but I've only found a handful of fire weapons. That said, it did seem like the fire SMG I picked up... Read All

Heard about a game coming to Steam via Greenlight called DLC

Heard about a game coming to Steam via Greenlight called DLC Quest. DLC Quest is a satiric game that sends up the recently trend to making more game content available as DLC. From the Steam Greenlight page:

"What happens when DLC practices go too far? An indie developer makes a game that mocks the industry and its foibles, that's what! Defeat the bad guy, save the world and get the girl! But first you'll need to find coins to buy DLC to enable animation, sound and even pausing. Thankfully this is just satire and all the DLC is purchased with in-game coins. But consider it a cautionary tale for the future..."

Pausing as DLC is very funny. That said, I sort of wonder if we... Read All

BR Supporter wrote on 10/10/2012 at 02:19am

I remember watching someone play this game on youtube. It was really funny because you literally have to buy EVERYTHING in the game. The game has a few jokes about certain game's dlc like the horse armor for oblivion. It has a good humor to it which I liked. I will definitely vote for this to be greenlit

Sparklepop wrote on 03/25/2013 at 12:40am

I am super glad this came to Steam. I can't recommend this game enough, as it isn't afraid the poke fun at EVERYTHING (The dark world?! Too funny!)

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 03/25/2013 at 02:54am

Yeah, it's also super cheap on Steam right now too!

Sparklepop wrote on 03/25/2013 at 04:30am

And cheap is good!

CapnCurry Supporter wrote on 03/26/2013 at 07:37am

Not bad as far as it goes, but it's less of a game than it is a joke delivered in game format. There's a free game on Kongregate called "Upgrade Complete" that covers a lot of the same ground. I don't regret spending $2.50 on it, but if I'd spent $6 I think I'd honestly be a little miffed.

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Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer

Gearbox just dropped the skill tree for the new Mecromancer class here:

http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/mechromancer.html

Based on information in the skill tree the Mech you summon is called Deathtrap. Not all the Mecromancer skills effect the Mech, that said some do and they look really cool(these are not all of Deathtrap's abilities):

Buckup: Deathtrap restores the sheilds of one ally.

Upshot Robot: While Deathtrap is active, if you or Deathtrap kill an enemy it increases Deathtrap’s Duration and grants both of you a stackable Melee Damage bonus. Bonuses are lost when Deathtrap goes away.

Explosive Clap: Deathtrap causes an explosion in front of him,... Read All

Timogorgon Member wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:18am

The little big trouble tree looks like fun. I usually I don't go for the electric weapons because their damage takes a dive once your target's shield is down. But I like the idea of your electric weapons also setting stuff on FIRE! Mwa ha ha ha!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 01:42pm

Yep, that extra ability seems fun. The Mecromancers skill tree is pretty creative, too bad she didn't ship with the normal game.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:06pm

I need to get Maya to max level fast so I can be done with her when Gaige comes out. This is quickly becoming the most interesting class.

Multiplayer should be fun on day 1. Hundreds of 4-mech parties.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:09pm

While we're on the topic of classes, does anyone else have zero interest in the commando?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 02:51pm

Axton is pretty good. I use him when I play with my friends. The turret is pretty good and this time around its a bit better.

Looks like the Mecromancer is made to be a sort of support class though now, which is pretty cool.

BR Supporter wrote on 10/09/2012 at 03:48pm

I love playing as axton. His turret is much better than the one in the first borderlands as Jon said. Currently he is my favorite character, that is, until Gaige comes out. I'm really looking forward to trying out her skills.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 04:02pm

Hey yall, looks like Gaige will drop later today, or a full day early.

https://twitter.com/DuvalMagic/status/255540164959559682

Woot.

vdogmr25 wrote on 10/09/2012 at 05:09pm

Going through the skill names I'm amazed at the My Little Pony references. 20% Cooler, Evil Enchantress, The Stare, Discord, and Potent as a Pony (sort of) all reference MLP. Kinda cool.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:09pm

It seems everyone who isn't me is obsessed with MLP ;)

But awesome that she's dropping today! Can't wait.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:18pm

/me not obsessed with MLP. I liked it when I was a young lad i'll admit. Happily not a Brony. That said, I have no aversion to Bronies.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 10/09/2012 at 06:30pm

I play Axton as my solo character. The Turret is fun and really helpful while playing solo. Plus, when 5 points are put into it, one of Axton's first tier abilities gives you a +20% gun damage. That's an awesome tier 1 ability!

And WHAT!? Mecromancer drops today!? That's awesome!

BR Supporter wrote on 10/09/2012 at 10:27pm

I can't believe they released it early! I am so excited to try her out. I won't be able to till tomorrow though, but still, I'm just extremely happy they released her early.

Travis Admin wrote on 10/10/2012 at 03:07am

OK, can I just say... The mechromancer is awesome. That is all.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/10/2012 at 06:02am

Yeah she really is. Played her tonight in 3 person game to level 9 and she was awesome. Deathtrap is real fun! He is like a much better version of the turret with melee and ranged attacks. Plus he stays on the battle field pretty long compared to other abilities!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/13/2012 at 05:54pm

Just tried Maya with 3 people and lockdown is DOPE FLY!

The abilities I had were if you kill something in lockdown you get health regen orbs. Really useful in co-op. I also tinkered with the shoot to heal ability, that was fun but at a low level kind of a bullet waste.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 10/13/2012 at 05:55pm

Didn't think the new Siren would be good at all, I really like her quite a bit now.

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Looks like our dreams have been answered. Yes Virginia,

Looks like our dreams have been answered. Yes Virginia, there is a Skyrim Super Mario Brothers mod and it hit 1.0!

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24709

Downloading this now, report back in the comments or a post what you think of this! Ok Internet, you know I love you right? How bout a Zelda mod?

*poof*

Wha?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ck0PC8fguY
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3216

NEVER ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY!