tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51359036652573927332024-03-18T15:13:23.030-05:00SuperPhillip CentralSuperPhillip Central is your destination for Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and all things gaming! It's video games with a heroic touch!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673098281614419919noreply@blogger.comBlogger4321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-39413833444641765202024-03-13T22:33:00.000-05:002024-03-13T22:33:06.625-05:00[TOP TEN] The Best of the Original 48 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tracks<div>Greetings, everyone! While my writing has certainly slowed down (as heavily evidenced by the lack of regular posts to SuperPhillip Central), one aspect of my creative content-producing hobby that's grown is that of video content. </div><div><br /></div><div>For those unaware, I have streamed regularly[ish] for almost three years now on Twitch, and recently started creating Let's Play videos on my YouTube channel.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the latter, it's my great pleasure and privilege to be able to share this special video with you from my channel. It goes categorically more in line with what you'd see on SuperPhillip Central (maybe some of the script even came from this site--wink-wink!). It's none other than my top ten favorite Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks of the original base 48 count. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy watching this video as much as I enjoyed creating it! That is to say, I hope you love it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://youtube.com/embed/PpAftRRfV70?si=c44XQgxcsT3HsT9J" width="480"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-10047084465101219142024-01-04T01:30:00.004-06:002024-01-04T01:30:36.360-06:00SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2023 - The Ten Best Game Soundtracks of 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix5nNliqCZGDZkKDXEzJXoaTgZpIs9_MilvrKEbyBjwXc84g7HGkx7gUSKxBEu91KBn5Ilxxei8N7RbnVHU1AkxeR1FEP4cT8rKJIk82bvphrom6mIkDLvzmi1DvaF6UJPGTPjjtXD3QBzYNCXvKsGFL4JApMg-4gJ8gjjv2LlWIje13irdUvf6Qwg_A/s1845/Best-Gaming-Soundtracks-2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1845" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix5nNliqCZGDZkKDXEzJXoaTgZpIs9_MilvrKEbyBjwXc84g7HGkx7gUSKxBEu91KBn5Ilxxei8N7RbnVHU1AkxeR1FEP4cT8rKJIk82bvphrom6mIkDLvzmi1DvaF6UJPGTPjjtXD3QBzYNCXvKsGFL4JApMg-4gJ8gjjv2LlWIje13irdUvf6Qwg_A/w640-h368/Best-Gaming-Soundtracks-2023.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Oh, hey there! Been awhile, huh? You think I'd be better about providing for you, the reader, better on this blog of mine! After all, what kind of writer throws some scraps in the way of <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2023/09/top-five-mall-levels-in-video-games.html" target="_blank">a mall level list</a></b>, and then goes AWOL for another three months!? Well, that certainly sounds like your pal Phil here... Ahem.</p><p>Regardless, it's 2024! First and foremost, sending everyone positive wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Here's hoping your 2024 is a fantastic one for you all. With a new year comes new opportunities--as well as resolutions. For instance, "how about posting more on SuperPhillip Central, Phil?" While I can't promise the world here, it's a goal of mine I'd like to accomplish, in all truthfulness. </p><p>Let's begin with a subject that is near and dear to my heart: that of game soundtracks. 2023 was an incredible year for games. Note: I'm talking about video games released, not so much the industry itself, which continues to see disappointing and depressing layoffs for its employees who put forth incredible work, time, and effort to make the games we enjoy. (Not to sour or spoil the mood here, of course.)</p><p>At any rate, it feels like a good time to dust off "SuperPhillip Central's Best of" end-of-year series of articles that I used to enjoy doing, and retool them for the year that was 2023. Rather than doing several top fives for various categories and a final top ten list, I'm doing something different this year--Not just for my workload's sake, but also to mix things up. (I love keeping readers on their figurative toes, after all!)</p><p>This year we're going to start SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2023 with a look (and listen) to my ten favorite game soundtracks of the past year. These are listed in alphabetical order with the name of the game (that's obvious enough), the composer or composing team behind the soundtrack, as well as three sample tracks picked directly off of YouTube for your listening pleasure and perusal. I hope you'll enjoy this musical journey through the year that was 2023 that we're about to go on together. </p><p>Of course, I'd love to hear your picks for favorite game soundtracks from the past year as well, so please feel free to share your selections (and even soundtrack samples) in the comments.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disney Illusion Island (NSW)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer:</b> David Housden</p><p><b>Sample Tracks: </b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-30tksMgOQg" target="_blank">Illusion Island</a> </b></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/KWxNmnH-eJY?si=CAxqZWPkRZQK5QU4" target="_blank"><b>Downtown Gizmopolis </b></a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/WHhJzCWOvXs?si=bjMobYzf-qYn2otu" target="_blank"><b>The PostOfficer</b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSjdnFAYj43tZdWkZg0D3fyLLAp70vW6AjCpljZlvqGI1Runo9mXFhzoxZq5eZw_I_8nf20pyMTJoYhw96SMpfcjFDBnGekdVn-RARVRBI8WXqJ2ZrnLN6a_Tr2FKdEY9fNC3Rf0d6SkgvavXeLndSWEytBcoHZ0x60QuHihdGRPkuESKqyyJqiBSJk0/s1920/disney-illusion-island-soundtrack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSjdnFAYj43tZdWkZg0D3fyLLAp70vW6AjCpljZlvqGI1Runo9mXFhzoxZq5eZw_I_8nf20pyMTJoYhw96SMpfcjFDBnGekdVn-RARVRBI8WXqJ2ZrnLN6a_Tr2FKdEY9fNC3Rf0d6SkgvavXeLndSWEytBcoHZ0x60QuHihdGRPkuESKqyyJqiBSJk0/w640-h360/disney-illusion-island-soundtrack.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Let's begin our tour of some fantastic favorite 2023 game soundtracks of mine with an often overlooked game both generally and musically, too. Released over the summer of 2023 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, Disney Illusion Island essentially presented itself as a beginner's Metroidvania, readily accessible and suitable for all ages. Fun? Yes. Musically captivating? Yes, as well. Composer David Housden delivered a superbly composed soundtrack full of perky, happy, and peppy orchestral arrangements. The main theme, Illusion Island, presents players and listeners with an introduction to just the kind of spirited adventure they can expect with the game proper.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)</span></b></p><p><b>Composers:</b> Masayoshi Soken, Takafumi Imamura, Daiki Ishikawa, Saya Yasaki, Justin Frieden</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/6-QByuHv-JY?si=800wWtr70tDvq4KA" target="_blank">Title Screen</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/58lNeY2Gpqk?si=kukQ19jiD8aYE8S1" target="_blank">The Grand Duchy of Rosaria</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/_ZoEeTBstNw?si=B2C3jPG3J6BXKIzw" target="_blank">No Risk, No Reward</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdslF4hiuSgf26tC6P2hLzElE6y72YXmrea4d77UObV5Drue66XNNlvc-xealuzxJpnsq-xO-rvXV4z1mAsr7iRPb3nragDQyQFFAFLN6sOjoczDXG95b-pZiLPeBdMZs7z723EQbvWA65ZoEgQwLRIAAaJ9gOeGIxzIuaxTRHH1TUvNTVktNDlcL9zA/s1920/Final-Fantasy-XVI-soundtrack.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdslF4hiuSgf26tC6P2hLzElE6y72YXmrea4d77UObV5Drue66XNNlvc-xealuzxJpnsq-xO-rvXV4z1mAsr7iRPb3nragDQyQFFAFLN6sOjoczDXG95b-pZiLPeBdMZs7z723EQbvWA65ZoEgQwLRIAAaJ9gOeGIxzIuaxTRHH1TUvNTVktNDlcL9zA/w640-h360/Final-Fantasy-XVI-soundtrack.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Say what one will about Final Fantasy XVI itself--whether that is its disregard for traditional RPG gameplay for a more action game-oriented feel, a dramatically dark and rather generic medieval world, or its lack of compelling side quests (I'm cutting into the game too much here, and I apologize)--but there can be no mistake that XVI's soundtrack in every facet is masterfully written. Helmed by Masayoshi Soken with support by Takafumi Imamura, Daiki Ishikawa, Saya Yasaki, et. al, Final Fantasy XVI's music harks back to compositions by the great Nobuo Uematsu himself. That's certainly some of the highest praise I can give, and it's wholeheartedly given, too. The latest mainline Final Fantasy delivers music for all moods, and it accentuates the action, melodramatic moments, emotional happenings, and more quite fantastically. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fire Emblem Engage (NSW)</span></b></p><p><b>Composers: </b>Yasuhisa Baba, Kazuki Komai, Hiroki Morishita, Takeru Kanazaki, Fumihiro Isobe, Takafumi Wada</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/MNJqgyNgCYA?si=XulNhsPNdCrrMLv7" target="_blank">Engage (Main Theme)</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/PLWCbMQ-VqQ?si=BsWh_q8MUdGqJUsK" target="_blank">Your Journey</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/LM5T8v2tAVY?si=TjHop9liKUSL_-qU" target="_blank">Faraway Holy Land (Flare)</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeK-xES0K50DZSQAe3aTzMgSO3Joam4E6VmC8BmAn9cGj6xvyJWrVPkkLItB4ZjN-3znm6x8hwWPx22SR0jU8E9QyZIoZdFpehXh9iZap2V4Ncb5OJQQWQP-3XiFcV2M-PmKUlpbBeN4KMfajoNy2n1wSUygjTWsf3bFG23WON1i5JP5Oudgn127P27I/s1920/Fire-Emblem-Engage-Screen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeK-xES0K50DZSQAe3aTzMgSO3Joam4E6VmC8BmAn9cGj6xvyJWrVPkkLItB4ZjN-3znm6x8hwWPx22SR0jU8E9QyZIoZdFpehXh9iZap2V4Ncb5OJQQWQP-3XiFcV2M-PmKUlpbBeN4KMfajoNy2n1wSUygjTWsf3bFG23WON1i5JP5Oudgn127P27I/w640-h360/Fire-Emblem-Engage-Screen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another RPG--though of a different type, of course--that received quite a divisive opinion from both fans and critics alike, Fire Emblem Engage may have delighted and disappointed many, but the soundtrack of this series continues to impress and, well, engage listeners (I HAD to say it). It's no different with Fire Emblem Engage, offering sublime songs, action-packed, rocking melodies, subtle and somber tunes, and a magnificent mix of music for all moods. The main theme is used as a leitmotif throughout a number of pieces in the game's soundtrack, much like Three Houses utilized the same trick before it. It's a good trick, too, as it only heightens the pieces that it's reused and refurbished in, while also providing plenty of original songs to suit any vibe you're looking--or in this case, listening--for.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hi-Fi Rush (XBS, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composers: </b>Shuichi Kobori, Reo Uratani, Masatoshi Yanagi</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/vfmDIm2ybmY?si=Pg4fdHfHAoxThet4" target="_blank">Production Destruction</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/mTwvBHBR-Lk?si=Oq0IKG9_PhHm0IKp" target="_blank">Through the Halls of History</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/LBuKetlaVBs?si=BbydCwrsShJGvR2V" target="_blank">Surfacing</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW6NmnBZvzubOtzDgm3qVMiyxt0sPUQPBi30BANqyPY9Jr4aD750VEEuqdkcRdeuCLC_CPbU4PZbRf6wMnweJkg4MhugiNxKc7kZxdeQM5AcWcj278vQ942_d7HYbT5XK9AQk_oPBgTk_W_U-glbfgtoyMmHVHYB-83D1I_IzJdeXU1ZRlFGHlXyenuw/s1920/Hi-Fi%20RUSH%202023-05-23%2015-54-57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW6NmnBZvzubOtzDgm3qVMiyxt0sPUQPBi30BANqyPY9Jr4aD750VEEuqdkcRdeuCLC_CPbU4PZbRf6wMnweJkg4MhugiNxKc7kZxdeQM5AcWcj278vQ942_d7HYbT5XK9AQk_oPBgTk_W_U-glbfgtoyMmHVHYB-83D1I_IzJdeXU1ZRlFGHlXyenuw/w640-h360/Hi-Fi%20RUSH%202023-05-23%2015-54-57.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>While Hi-Fi Rush certainly has myriad licensed songs used to brilliant effect, with my pick for the game here, we're focused solely on the original songs composed and performed for this superb, shadow-dropped game of early 2023. Those within the Xbox ecosystem certainly got a glorious gift in gameplay, presentation, and--as it's relevant for us right now--musically as well. Hi-Fi Rush absolutely rocks with high-adrenaline, groove-driven music, perfect for taking out enemies and baddies in beat with the rhythm. Full of awesome anthems, rocking instrumental songs, vocal delights, and supremely catchy ditties as well, there's no limit to how well the crew behind Hi-Fi Rush blended the music with the action on screen so mightily. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails (NSW, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composers:</b> Hayato Sonoda, Takahiro Unisuga, Saki Momiyama</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/TfLZ7E2tJgY?si=v3Eg_l5Tu0IMkb7i" target="_blank">To the Undiscovered World</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/rWRwSL_aNL0?si=3tFDU3vmP2cjsvAQ" target="_blank">Temple of the Continent</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/Yw5bVQEd-Xo?si=8n4HgdBKwBuGH6EP" target="_blank">Illusions on Ice</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdW17mRrivdnOZ5IDKB7DbifmQdb1LdSUXojvZB1nJKYLl69nSQsS5fQrr6ueTwz6ZdZu-rVGkwlsOHsOTOwzx5kAQF8AgKlFCvksfA2c-v41CVb5HvKQHiFlG7JFTi6RmQXX1dLTeYEG2pxe3yI35TJmURibsc2Ti6NLJheRJwssqMkVlypZQJa2ULQ/s1920/the-legend-of-nayuta-screen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdW17mRrivdnOZ5IDKB7DbifmQdb1LdSUXojvZB1nJKYLl69nSQsS5fQrr6ueTwz6ZdZu-rVGkwlsOHsOTOwzx5kAQF8AgKlFCvksfA2c-v41CVb5HvKQHiFlG7JFTi6RmQXX1dLTeYEG2pxe3yI35TJmURibsc2Ti6NLJheRJwssqMkVlypZQJa2ULQ/w640-h360/the-legend-of-nayuta-screen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails previously released on the PlayStation Portable back in the early 2010s, it never saw our shores or sides of the world. In fact, the recent fall port on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC gave Western gamers our first officially localized version of the game. And, thankfully, the wait was most certainly worth it. Not just for the addicting action and stage-based RPG goodness, but for the subject at hand of this article, a stellar soundtrack worthy of the Falcom Sound Team name. With The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails, you get everything from casual, chill themes, pulse-pounding action tunes, and also catchy songs to accompany you during dungeons and stages. The Falcom Sound Team continues to make some of the most stunning, impressive game music out there, and have done so for decades. This tradition definitely continues with The Legend of Nayuta.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Octopath Traveler II (NSW, PS5, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer:</b> Yasunori Nishiki</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/a08239Plezw?si=0KX2TEQTvbU4xeUX" target="_blank">Main Theme (Day)</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/j2QWWfXBSOQ?si=1_AC4kBcPk7i6a3H" target="_blank">Ochette, the Hunter</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/23F7lA8jbTE?si=tasrWI_nEKRAUzqZ" target="_blank">Partitio, the Merchant</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhansGu6GrOgK-I89NPPFrSoGp8pFHrHmTZjlezzND4ga4Q0uXJ6rNID_ABIkxOCo3eSoX9QyLTLnoo1oev-LynxLsdezzPLc3xwSk41Pz1xN1Pz8NoaVmskKxk8jBdb-abw0QEO7Rnk-CkRzZopOHl430NbbHtJY_Y8ytG-1vyVwB1OwK9Wz2Vly8iAsk/s1280/octopath-traveler-2-soundtrack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhansGu6GrOgK-I89NPPFrSoGp8pFHrHmTZjlezzND4ga4Q0uXJ6rNID_ABIkxOCo3eSoX9QyLTLnoo1oev-LynxLsdezzPLc3xwSk41Pz1xN1Pz8NoaVmskKxk8jBdb-abw0QEO7Rnk-CkRzZopOHl430NbbHtJY_Y8ytG-1vyVwB1OwK9Wz2Vly8iAsk/w640-h360/octopath-traveler-2-soundtrack.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The original Octopath Traveler is a game that I've not played, but I loved its soundtrack to bits. It invoked so many positive feelings, so much admiration, and left a strong impression on me, even without fully knowing the context behind many of the tracks and themes I listened to. That's no easy feat for a game soundtrack to perform for this tough critic, but Yasunori Nishiki was up to that challenge. (Although, to be fair, Nishiki-san probably didn't know he was taking on that challenge to begin with!) Regardless, Octopath Traveler II continues where the original game's soundtrack left off, creating more marvelous and magnificent music that tugs on the heartstrings, gives goosebumps, and takes an emotional toll on its listeners, in and out of the game. Maybe I'm speaking for myself here, but that's most definitely what it did for me. Again, no easy feat! As expected, each track takes its listener on an adventure, much like the adventure our eight heroes go on throughout the game. Although this is an adventure of the musical variety, it's one that has the same emotional highs and lows that makes a stellar soundtrack.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Star Ocean: The Second Story R (NSW, PS5, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer:</b> Motoi Sakuraba</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8d1R5cx2EE" target="_blank">The venerable forest</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/_wFpvljFoVI?si=rGJrt0aJNcE8sFy9" target="_blank">Field of Exper</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/bqVHF_Z7Qds?si=A9fnUq-EkRUr6UnM" target="_blank">Shower of blossoms</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHU7rS7p_h1tyDNcrW4iDMjzJxhXMQlkRz4nJjxjdE9VIbXbgYRvIAm4L0oBEXm-XlK7K_cl98PTeK25B1YnoGik8pdA2uHtlumoSG3TMxHt9Zm8Tig8r866QyhobPb9Brtsh3HEFokuv4l2-yduehopE_MVYX9qeT-SuedZiLCLrnenGnUnejjWJ3_I/s2560/star-ocean-the-second-story-r-soundtrack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHU7rS7p_h1tyDNcrW4iDMjzJxhXMQlkRz4nJjxjdE9VIbXbgYRvIAm4L0oBEXm-XlK7K_cl98PTeK25B1YnoGik8pdA2uHtlumoSG3TMxHt9Zm8Tig8r866QyhobPb9Brtsh3HEFokuv4l2-yduehopE_MVYX9qeT-SuedZiLCLrnenGnUnejjWJ3_I/w640-h360/star-ocean-the-second-story-r-soundtrack.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The following two soundtracks are not only returning favorites of mine redone and remade for a new generation, but they also come from two veterans in the game music biz. Our first stop is to the great sea of stars. No, no. Not THAT one. I'm talking about Star Ocean: The Second Story, namely its remake released this past November, Star Ocean: The Second Story R. Everything received a facelift and improvement in this remake--from the graphics, to the lighting, to the camera angles, to the battle system, and of course, our focus currently, the soundtrack. I was skeptical about how much I'd enjoy this remake's remade renditions of a soundtrack I already thought was next to perfect with its warm synths giving me such nostalgic feelings. However, Motoi Sakuraba took his famed compositions from the original Second Story and made them even more impressive. Field of Exper, the world map theme of the game, gave me chills upon hearing it for the first time with its goosebump-inducing choir. Each song is lovingly remade to make for a whole new listening experience, and one I absolutely adore.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Super Mario RPG (NSW)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer:</b> Yoko Shimomura</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/_t_sYWRixtU?si=ZJVvMzmKhhPHbvP4" target="_blank">Still, the Road is Full of Dangers</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/3TeQ7jFDwF0?si=0CBd8kWuzW74SivM" target="_blank">Forest Maze</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/NBSoyO3ansQ?si=zEnh5lVMAap4dyOi" target="_blank">Nimbus Land (Let's Do the Fooka Fooka!)</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGdAwaY60UnFscSmNpST5qkMrUMa90VBxk41iJ8ByKxE6zU0CmwHpgXl-E9u6EYa9WXGEyoKLMVSihyphenhyphenPX5w39t9CpL_ohhsGU4Ot2YpL3u10C2gm_Yw-FOUNC2rwE9eplTpsRQtzhuB2384zQVLDQ-0LPau6USh7er9OayBeMWM7sYbKdsWnbt8dwUr4/s800/super-mario-rpg-remake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGdAwaY60UnFscSmNpST5qkMrUMa90VBxk41iJ8ByKxE6zU0CmwHpgXl-E9u6EYa9WXGEyoKLMVSihyphenhyphenPX5w39t9CpL_ohhsGU4Ot2YpL3u10C2gm_Yw-FOUNC2rwE9eplTpsRQtzhuB2384zQVLDQ-0LPau6USh7er9OayBeMWM7sYbKdsWnbt8dwUr4/w640-h360/super-mario-rpg-remake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Speaking of veteran composers and classic games remade, we have Super Mario RPG, which was like a dream come true. It was a game that most figured would never, ever get a remake, and lo and behold, the magical deed was done to most everyone's delight. Super Mario RPG brought a beautiful new coat of paint to the Super Nintendo classic in terms of graphics, and in terms of audio, it brought the wonderful works of Yoko Shimomura and turned them into musical near-perfection. Heck, maybe we can strike out the word "near" and just call it perfection! Is that too much? Either way, hearing familiar tunes that I loved during my childhood get remade with gorgeous instrumentation in glorious new arrangements made the kid in me beam from ear to ear upon hearing each theme reimagined. Yoko Shimomura is one of gaming's greatest gifts to music, and Super Mario RPG's remake is strong evidence of that.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tchia (PS5, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer:</b> John Robert Matz</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/Byg-WKrZa1g?si=d16FZUa9rt_BWO_Z" target="_blank">Main Theme</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/XB665DxLJi0?si=qZdekgyIphz_zAZC" target="_blank">The Sea Race</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/dZfNczg8B5w?si=sZuUGRYPx0ve6vh5" target="_blank">The World</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC6LOcnIJAKH42FOhpt6ZTVndUl6WkkcP6mQ4pWWqfwwOFYBAxExHkRX5Ooe31OnwyV-sojxnwl9s2pXbOcrxqtXcbjp4t8gHbDzlP9j_xpsRcsHKwWPnpLFSBQgyf8CowayeafRduL80W5ekSfs46f8MSVjJJn2nPklvuaNY8ae0TXHJcb1_Vyj1WOY/s1280/tchia-game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC6LOcnIJAKH42FOhpt6ZTVndUl6WkkcP6mQ4pWWqfwwOFYBAxExHkRX5Ooe31OnwyV-sojxnwl9s2pXbOcrxqtXcbjp4t8gHbDzlP9j_xpsRcsHKwWPnpLFSBQgyf8CowayeafRduL80W5ekSfs46f8MSVjJJn2nPklvuaNY8ae0TXHJcb1_Vyj1WOY/w640-h360/tchia-game.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another soundtrack that came out of nowhere for me, Tchia was an early 2023 release (a PlayStation Plus title, if memory serves correctly) that I dabbled with playing as the premise looked fun and the art style seemed charming enough. What I got was not only a thrilling and cozy adventure, but it was accented by an absolutely astounding soundtrack. Whether it's the folksy island vocal themes, the catchy tropical beats and melodies, or the main theme that serves as a leitmotif throughout many of the game's tunes, Tchia offers a breathtaking world and an equally breathtaking musical package. Most of it will easily put a smile on your face listening to its lovely vibes, and for me, that's after multiple repeated (and I DO mean <i>repeated</i>) listens.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trinity Trigger (NSW, PS5, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><p><b>Composer: </b>Hiroki Kikuta</p><p><b>Sample Tracks:</b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/quk9rSTiMhE?si=WUTWvRXwkikzp7px" target="_blank">Nome della Rosa</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/gQtJI3ZRKKM?si=JYAYX7HHfjqlGvb7" target="_blank">Cathedral</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://youtu.be/_pD7mccVMUc?si=ufWmtSycmC5KW4Vw" target="_blank">Unsteady Love</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr8aP68DZuB9fCTf0GIaQRQxBfFy474ZeZTYW6Ul7nJj6T3-UsuJ0FOijnN0YknBxNtzZ57xdnBK0KLS_hyV-vV31sfltxOxOdSN5glNlml-GlkPoUabIZb15xPV-3CUrqaehoCOau2D8PuB0ZiBIYsJXX1uS_dETMPxcBeoTvXCdll5RXHrVhNTqlYw/s1920/trinity-trigger-soundtrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr8aP68DZuB9fCTf0GIaQRQxBfFy474ZeZTYW6Ul7nJj6T3-UsuJ0FOijnN0YknBxNtzZ57xdnBK0KLS_hyV-vV31sfltxOxOdSN5glNlml-GlkPoUabIZb15xPV-3CUrqaehoCOau2D8PuB0ZiBIYsJXX1uS_dETMPxcBeoTvXCdll5RXHrVhNTqlYw/w640-h360/trinity-trigger-soundtrack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although Trinity Trigger received a staggered release (it originally launched in Japan in 2022), North American and Europe only got the game just last year in 2023. Thus, I'm counting it as a 2023 release. (But really, it's 2024 now, can we stop with the staggered releases if at all possible, please?) At any rate, Hiroki Kikuta composed Trinity Trigger's soundtrack, and if that name is at all familiar, he was the composer behind various games in the Mana series, particularly Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana. His same signature style and touch is present and accounted for in Trinity Trigger's soundtrack. Now, don't get me wrong--that doesn't mean you won't be surprised or impressed by the music in this game. Far from that! While you may get some familiar vibes from Trinity Trigger, the music itself offers a blend of cozy town themes, mystical dungeon tracks, and adrenaline-inducing battle themes worthy of cementing Trinity Trigger as a top ten game soundtrack of mine for 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;">===</p><p>I hope this was an enjoyable read through some of my favorite game soundtracks of the past year. If you have any soundtracks from 2023 that you'd love to share, please post them in the comments for me and others to admire and enjoy! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-75964519451894486432023-09-10T20:49:00.000-05:002023-09-10T20:49:01.364-05:00Top Five Mall Levels in Video GamesNo, don't be confused about your whereabouts. You are HERE. That is to say you've arrived at a brand-new article on SuperPhillip Central in 2023--the first of 2023, at that! You might expect some colossal comeback of an article with a huge game review or super special editorial, right? Well, instead with the closing out of summer comes a place that's somewhat of a relic nowadays, but one that stood as a great place to waste time and beat the heat simultaneously. Though still present in many places in the world, the mall is nowhere near as popular or prevalent in today's culture.<p>Still, I have a soft spot for malls, as I was alive and active at the highest of their cultural zeitgeist. My dad used to take me to a mall in our city that was home to one of the coolest arcades around, and many quarters were wasted playing games like The Simpsons Arcade Game, Mortal Kombat, and--well, let's just use this as a segue into the first game featuring a fun mall level within the gaming sphere!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Mall Meltdown - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCY0AhbKQqCgFUIPvVsyJ-rK2tT7pVLMXgY8mrJKCCNWsBVnRdVlgFMjdlNF9eIdkgW-gdWDzjPpxBA3OR1C5rxPbE_NAYp89D7OMW0Fe-B6R7pGL8PAZ1ysfzdRqT1-66oDpg-perPx0g52-cBb1LYu4HKjpPP0LdMvhrLIw4ah9F-by3my1FPMgxjI/s1920/mall-meltdown-tmnt-shredder's-revenge-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCY0AhbKQqCgFUIPvVsyJ-rK2tT7pVLMXgY8mrJKCCNWsBVnRdVlgFMjdlNF9eIdkgW-gdWDzjPpxBA3OR1C5rxPbE_NAYp89D7OMW0Fe-B6R7pGL8PAZ1ysfzdRqT1-66oDpg-perPx0g52-cBb1LYu4HKjpPP0LdMvhrLIw4ah9F-by3my1FPMgxjI/w640-h360/mall-meltdown-tmnt-shredder's-revenge-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Yes, to me, arcades in the 80s and early 90s were simply synonymous with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as that was THE main reason I wanted to go to the mall in the first place. Having a group of four rowdy kids and/or teens huddled around the '89 arcade game or better yet, Turtles in Time, was quite the common occurrence at least at American arcades. </p><p>At any rate, our first level of this top five list celebrating mall levels in video games cycles us back to the heroes in a half shell. We've come full circle. Mall Meltdown is the sixth stage of the TMNT's latest arcade romp (and let it be known, now my absolute favorite beat-em-up) Shredder's Revenge. It begins outside of the mall in a back alley, as the turtles bash and beat their way through a side entrance, into the food court where Foot Soldiers humorously work behind the counter, and up into the second and third floors via escalators. </p><p>The second floor is home to numerous shops, enemies to battle, Foot Soldiers and robots to stomp out, and plenty of clothes racks to knock over and vandalize. Take THAT, consumerism!! Regardless, it's the third floor where the real action happens, featuring the arcade itself. (Hence my "we've come full circle" comment earlier.) Inside are various games, but the granddaddy of them all--or should I say, grandmommy, is that of Tempestra's. Not only does her machine summon her virtual spirit as the primary boss of the stage (as well as digital copies of Tokka and Rahzar who debuted in the TMNT II: Secret of the Ooze movie) but also houses a part of Krang for the Foot to reassemble. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWjC0NpWNd66oVWa02F5lXO0CsSAQyd69fwEHhQr2x-QuCv7ZLlWEzfjc9R90IJkGW9PpUuVdHDWLZg8Qop7PCRfuii-XCnTI6rxVriEZgLl7GBJ_0MH9o-IC17Q-Aq1Gp39JeuUZkmL-CPOpOE_IQ5AE3NKdRmRuoa6xE9662bSFXlfoe4urb7t5ZUg/w640-h360/mall-meltdown-tmnt-shredder's-revenge-1.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><p></p><p>All told, Mall Meltdown is a cartoony, colorful, and delightful take on a mall. It really encapsulates 90s vibes, which is perfect considering the time frame that the developers of Shredder's Revenge were most likely aiming for.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Mall - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmbQmk7SfEKT8YriwKB447uCTjSYpqvlNUEmqv-gtQ2a8Z28xinft9-MHZ0cK-S_XQOSSdHnJ8jHEK_7Sxu80GUXkoI0kkyEeXtvsYLEUHpIedXAi2f7Ioi5FVH2jTBxHfxNOGKBaPq99qyYIEh4H3MsJPIgsVp2K72S4VDcNxjpkKaxrO-R1eyTUo1M/s1200/mall-thps-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1200" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmbQmk7SfEKT8YriwKB447uCTjSYpqvlNUEmqv-gtQ2a8Z28xinft9-MHZ0cK-S_XQOSSdHnJ8jHEK_7Sxu80GUXkoI0kkyEeXtvsYLEUHpIedXAi2f7Ioi5FVH2jTBxHfxNOGKBaPq99qyYIEh4H3MsJPIgsVp2K72S4VDcNxjpkKaxrO-R1eyTUo1M/w640-h362/mall-thps-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Unlike the standard open sandbox-style--for lack of a better term--take on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater level formula, THPS 1's Mall marks the first appearance of a Downhill Jam-style level. That's to say, it's a point-to-point level where you start at the top and work your skater's way to the bottom where the goal is, all the while ollieing, tricking, grinding, and vaulting your path through the abandoned mall. </p><p>There are some insane lines that are possible in this mall, including the albeit immensely unlikely capability to start a trick at the start of the level, the parking garage, and carry it to the very bottom of the level, the mall's exit. Between those destinations are ample trick opportunities, goals to complete (such as smashing mall directories and finding the secret tape hanging over a courtyard), and hidden areas to venture. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAGfzoS1xRt6DcsMcYjdeJH9ZnhQDHB-L1Q9CMDcLt0VUBNe249tdRIXmztnjdAN_9K-HoCfVFRelUW1eV7CTfV_9WSFZInJCpXUzGOp9H5-FgB3XGj-AI9XqXmDGBwstaRq4DU3ifL3jjriK_Gf0PtAiPOgmXangnMXglKKNi1CpDf0KlBK2XwPfo-4/s1280/mall-thps-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAGfzoS1xRt6DcsMcYjdeJH9ZnhQDHB-L1Q9CMDcLt0VUBNe249tdRIXmztnjdAN_9K-HoCfVFRelUW1eV7CTfV_9WSFZInJCpXUzGOp9H5-FgB3XGj-AI9XqXmDGBwstaRq4DU3ifL3jjriK_Gf0PtAiPOgmXangnMXglKKNi1CpDf0KlBK2XwPfo-4/w640-h360/mall-thps-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This mall may be abandoned of people, but it's certainly not vacant of places to skate the snot out of and have a totally terrific time doing in the process. The remake of the mall in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is even more impressive, and this time around, you don't end your run upon exiting the mall. Instead, you're warped back to the start of the level to continue your skateboarding shenanigans. </p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Alivel Mall - Kirby and the Forgotten Land (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqQvx7tskmTPmkT7aUl0tuL0rMAsoICQJIKTbEtBgm63bpKGUZQ6LKxk1agCSxo-tkrWTLXxJpJ2jb6cpMj_N1dWV4CiOMUywDRB7iTXz3xG4OHhHBOETfxada3bMr8T-ZVXgr3OyojBsxxqpoy6Ma6C7k6QL3zio2jaQW6Ze15YFQXpeDVClt_GNJA4/s1200/alivel-mall-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqQvx7tskmTPmkT7aUl0tuL0rMAsoICQJIKTbEtBgm63bpKGUZQ6LKxk1agCSxo-tkrWTLXxJpJ2jb6cpMj_N1dWV4CiOMUywDRB7iTXz3xG4OHhHBOETfxada3bMr8T-ZVXgr3OyojBsxxqpoy6Ma6C7k6QL3zio2jaQW6Ze15YFQXpeDVClt_GNJA4/w640-h426/alivel-mall-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk7UZ8JpR9ThvgU_PR4ZQkm4YJwfXVLDGhWRgE2EIIMnsk6D1tci1v5w-Hi479M7_XbRzZP4shyEXz069qsJ0RPpFhCCEgvGYzQ04vjHtoAbS2FCa8JEAlCaq1pPoUYwjfQJnzD7UfXFsqbHc9hvW3Gvyj_2lPW9M0OycjAx4Zou6056X59QYof77Z6A/s1000/alivel-mall-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk7UZ8JpR9ThvgU_PR4ZQkm4YJwfXVLDGhWRgE2EIIMnsk6D1tci1v5w-Hi479M7_XbRzZP4shyEXz069qsJ0RPpFhCCEgvGYzQ04vjHtoAbS2FCa8JEAlCaq1pPoUYwjfQJnzD7UfXFsqbHc9hvW3Gvyj_2lPW9M0OycjAx4Zou6056X59QYof77Z6A/w640-h360/alivel-mall-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Kirby and the Forgotten Land was one of my favorite games released last year, and a part of that is the creative and incredible levels that HAL's developers and designers crafted. Like Pikmin 4 released this year, Kirby and the Forgotten Land delved into a world largely (see: completely) left behind my humanity. Only their now-decrepit creations live on, including an early building within Kirby's first fully 3D adventure, that of Alivel Mall.</p><p>Alivel Mall greets you with an absolute banger of a tune, first of all, before throwing you and our pink puffball protagonist through the wringer of obstacles and hazards to push and persevere through. Of course, like any mall, there are plenty of sights to see, such as stores, hidden rooms, a food court containing a puzzle that only the most observant will solve correctly. Meanwhile, Kirby can find and secure (read: gobble down) a quintet of delicious doughnuts, battle baddies of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and pass through Alivel Mall with his pink puffiness intact. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Coconut Mall - Mario Kart Series (Wii, 3DS, NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV8hR9Db0T85cy26FWGJQ9ji06DoEkxnEk8x4KbYRnn1gEyE2RxxABhliwYj9A-KbZC9IOUC-UMyWe58Dz2MBMSbAsrurO_Kr8lrrF9aIzBQQgk2aCDIoFRXLGV28BQ_vFmqZoFQiHBYQhwRM_5jrnZQFV1npMIAbpgVCROAxDnSRM9MonBdzRTkBCUo/s1067/coconut-mall-mario-kart-8-deluxe-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1067" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV8hR9Db0T85cy26FWGJQ9ji06DoEkxnEk8x4KbYRnn1gEyE2RxxABhliwYj9A-KbZC9IOUC-UMyWe58Dz2MBMSbAsrurO_Kr8lrrF9aIzBQQgk2aCDIoFRXLGV28BQ_vFmqZoFQiHBYQhwRM_5jrnZQFV1npMIAbpgVCROAxDnSRM9MonBdzRTkBCUo/w640-h360/coconut-mall-mario-kart-8-deluxe-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Coconut Mall originally debuted as a new track within Mario Kart Wii. It has since become quite the popular track, appearing in both Mario Kart 7 as a retro cup track and a second return appearance in the first wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass. The mall itself is for Piantas and persons of all persuasions with its bright, cheery exterior, full of shopping sprees both big and small to engage in. For karts and bikes, within the hollowed halls and colorful corridors of the mall lie in wait plenty of rowdy racing opportunities. </p><p>Revving your engines through the interior of the mall is such a blast, whether going up and down escalators and ramps, through storefronts for fun shortcut possibilities, tricking off of fountains and curbs, boosting through the food court, or launching into the parking lot where Shy Guys (or Miis, depending on the game) attempt (and fail) to back up safely, requiring racers to avoid them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGzd6TAgQ4jr7a2lXJ1u1onhei_eQuUG_rL65Fm1fg6qT83to5SLMIhtSbX6AIT7SPA7IfWUGROLbhbBwt1ZGddeCQewKVG_JqsUitOy3qU6ZLjWL0q_-BuZX48k67XVcy6n_zFqdTHrx6m1MLQ8OcjTmpegE1ZeDTUwswxzy59TgVS2RbH_is4XK_rY/s1200/coconut-mall-mario-kart-8-deluxe-screen-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGzd6TAgQ4jr7a2lXJ1u1onhei_eQuUG_rL65Fm1fg6qT83to5SLMIhtSbX6AIT7SPA7IfWUGROLbhbBwt1ZGddeCQewKVG_JqsUitOy3qU6ZLjWL0q_-BuZX48k67XVcy6n_zFqdTHrx6m1MLQ8OcjTmpegE1ZeDTUwswxzy59TgVS2RbH_is4XK_rY/w640-h334/coconut-mall-mario-kart-8-deluxe-screen-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's no wonder that Coconut Mall remains such a popular pick online in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart 7 as it's a super stellar track that's both fun to race on as it is to look at. It's packed with enjoyable and challenging racing lines, spots to trick off of, and means to get ahead of your opponents. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Willamette Memorial Mall - Dead Rising (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfC-XHyRXqkSR8lR5HLKCNH_sxxdOx9tj0F0hjoxfyTw701i-RYXQfmsS5feI3ZT40g6wvFF0YBoblPP9I-qced61bLBWv6DGGVxAOCwMLeGl_fZuqp9earZ_8RpDmX9mYgWUKpqDxkuU3fmbDcG3yiLlP_orZSsyhlHH7RYab-s4kOWalttvLZosS3Y/s640/willamette-memorial-mall-dead-rising-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfC-XHyRXqkSR8lR5HLKCNH_sxxdOx9tj0F0hjoxfyTw701i-RYXQfmsS5feI3ZT40g6wvFF0YBoblPP9I-qced61bLBWv6DGGVxAOCwMLeGl_fZuqp9earZ_8RpDmX9mYgWUKpqDxkuU3fmbDcG3yiLlP_orZSsyhlHH7RYab-s4kOWalttvLZosS3Y/w640-h400/willamette-memorial-mall-dead-rising-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>When malls were at their most popular, shopping--especially around Christmas--could be quite brutal. In Dead Rising's Willamette Memorial Mall, that statement could be taken quite literally, though that's thanks to the hordes of the undead taking up residence inside. The sales are no longer the only thing that are killer within the shops and plazas of Willamette Mall.</p><p>And really, how could I NOT pick Dead Rising's main attraction as my favorite mall in a video game? Well, let's not be literal with that rhetorical question, but the fact of the matter is that Dead Rising entirely takes place within Willamette Mall, and it's just as much a star of the show as our unlikely and reluctant hero Frank West is. Quite frankly (no pun intended), the mall might deserve more of the credit than Frank's heroics for putting Dead Rising on the map.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje05pjATSiGQPPXrP7_3mjvAirsEsN0LmtZmlIfqnCHOEw5Chv9SAdB764rRF3H3CviGmqkPOUgBo3hQANR6arInGqMpFhyYwJ-uwHi-MMLEqJmbr6_yhmjr6aQTxTXSAFGhDp8OarhBvCylTdPWFWcEYqnXcfP1WSKqopJSAugFMVRdFDOjPc9NUH-w8/s1763/willamette-memorial-mall-dead-rising-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1763" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje05pjATSiGQPPXrP7_3mjvAirsEsN0LmtZmlIfqnCHOEw5Chv9SAdB764rRF3H3CviGmqkPOUgBo3hQANR6arInGqMpFhyYwJ-uwHi-MMLEqJmbr6_yhmjr6aQTxTXSAFGhDp8OarhBvCylTdPWFWcEYqnXcfP1WSKqopJSAugFMVRdFDOjPc9NUH-w8/w640-h392/willamette-memorial-mall-dead-rising-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Everywhere within the zombie infested corridors and shops of Willamette has something provocative and interesting inside. Stores are home to plenty of tools and weapons to assault the undead with, costumes and articles of clothing for Frank to play "dress-up" in, food to help restore Frank's health, and sections of the mall--from the amusement park-esque hall to the main courtyard--that makes Willamette feel like a living, breathing place. The way areas connect, the paths that players must take to rescue survivors, tackle the terrifying time limit (more so terrifying than the damn undead!), and beat down psychopaths standing in his way--it all requires planning, knowing the lay of the land, and strategy to accomplish. </p><p>A poorly designed world would make the repeated requirement of starting over upon death in game a serious pain in the butt, but Willamette Mall keeps players coming back for more due to its great design, entertaining attractions, and wonderful sense of space. You know what--after thinking about this further, forget Frank West. Willamette Mall, you truly ARE the star of Dead Rising. It's why you're my pick for the best mall level, stage, area, place, etc. in a video game.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-53232197073907821212022-06-16T17:34:00.003-05:002022-06-16T17:34:37.944-05:00Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) First Look Trailer<div>It seemed like a prime opportunity to let loose a first look of the second part of Final Fantasy VII's remake project, and lo and behold that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, part two in the remake project, was indeed shown at the end of today's Final Fantasy VII 25 Anniversary stream. It was officially revealed as well that this game will be launching next winter, exclusively on PlayStation 5, and will be the second of three parts to the Final Fantasy VII remake project. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/H_4CkyOmuuU" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-11027145943553068882022-06-16T17:31:00.000-05:002022-06-16T17:31:07.364-05:00Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII– Reunion (Multi) Announcement Trailer<div>Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is making the leap from the PlayStation Portable to all modern platforms with a brand-new, heavily overhauled remake known as Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII– Reunion. Promised to be more than a simple HD remaster, Crisis Core's remake releases this winter.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/RjXBCaZexK4" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RjXBCaZexK4/hqdefault.jpg);" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-79929435640069739262022-06-16T13:11:00.002-05:002022-06-16T13:11:25.300-05:00Sonic Origins (Multi) "Game Modes" Trailer<div>Gotta go fast with some Speed Strats of the upcoming 30th anniversary compilation title Sonic Origins courtesy of the Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel. Sonic Origins features Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, CD, and 3 & Knuckles in one stellar-looking collection. Play through the games individually or one after the other in a special story mode. Play the original mode or the special anniversary mode. Collect currency known as Coins to unlock new content within the museum and more. That's just the tip of the Ice Cap Zone iceberg as well, so check out the full video for all the details below! Sonic Origins speeds onto all major platforms on June 23rd.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/G75NDuOuRN8" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-48519065781452108692022-06-16T13:07:00.000-05:002022-06-16T13:07:06.896-05:00Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (Multi) Release Trailer<div>Are you ready for some heroes-in-a-half-shell hijinks? Hopefully so, because Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge releases today on all major platforms, in addition to being on Xbox Game Pass. Play through story mode, arcade mode, and more with up to six players locally or online. Expect a full review of Shredder's Revenge sometime within the next week here on SuperPhillip Central.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ozKsDzumb0c" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ozKsDzumb0c/hqdefault.jpg);" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-57520677031329389702022-06-14T21:00:00.000-05:002022-06-14T21:00:04.067-05:00Chocobo GP (NSW) Review<p>Let's start this week of SuperPhillip Central content off on the right foot, or talon in Chocobo's case! Chocobo GP launched last March with much, well deserved criticism towards its package, particularly its scummy desire to nickel and dime players. This has since been removed for the most part, making a game that I would have originally graded as at most a C- to something much better, as you'll find out with my review of Chocobo GP as of its second season.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Making a good reason to play during its second season</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplA8PAcCuN4cuQ7trcc6WloGN5qtnyiLZhI0ajCUgLmiNJZHb_nf7OgGZWWg1_SVflRX1CcYp-Q_BYbD2y5qPZKim56lbVkGQKpf0V6fHX6oHSDKl6yjYvjDbxL1YFf4FaFgQBjwc5R5e5dx6nzupoG5NOWxIsTzt9TR2BWdpx6UXsupgn3zj9h3A/s1600/H2x1_NSwitch_ChocoboGP_image1600w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplA8PAcCuN4cuQ7trcc6WloGN5qtnyiLZhI0ajCUgLmiNJZHb_nf7OgGZWWg1_SVflRX1CcYp-Q_BYbD2y5qPZKim56lbVkGQKpf0V6fHX6oHSDKl6yjYvjDbxL1YFf4FaFgQBjwc5R5e5dx6nzupoG5NOWxIsTzt9TR2BWdpx6UXsupgn3zj9h3A/w640-h320/H2x1_NSwitch_ChocoboGP_image1600w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I don't think I'm telling tales out of school here when I say that Chocobo GP launched in an abysmal state. Fortunately, this wasn't from a foundational or gameplay perspective. In fact, the actual racing was quite well done and dare I say fun! Where Chocobo GP severely floundered was its frankly disgusting microtransactions and needlessly grindy Season Pass. No doubt the feedback and negative reception from both critics and players of the game (and probably the lack of sales from this) caused Square Enix and the developers of Chocobo GP to thankfully reverse course. Now, Chocobo GP is in its second season, and while the game still has some bumps in its figurative road, the overall package is well worth the price of admission.</p><p></p><p>Chocobo GP is character-driven racing game taking a cavalcade of familiar Final Fantasy and Chocobo series characters and placing them behind the wheel (or in some cases, ON wheels) of various vehicles to compete in three-lap races full of magic and mayhem. If you're at all accustomed to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or any game in that series, you might get a twinge of familiarity with Chocobo GP. There is your tricking off ramps, your starting boost at the beginning of a race, your drifting where a longer drift creates a bigger boost, and of course, items. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY5XZp0oVjtyVeufUjCJZjdTkw1kE7N1-YiHoo3HGUppBILCANNWGl9ZaqgvFvRRXUWrA2om5RvSkPUuZYGcc8Yavdg4KCYdOq97vYWyLxqlm7joip5WFJwVPW8fiFnDu0bcIJjzfChU_psGJ1o-BXfnRY_KWgYlFJFR7sweTmKdMCGmgJJdossCk/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY5XZp0oVjtyVeufUjCJZjdTkw1kE7N1-YiHoo3HGUppBILCANNWGl9ZaqgvFvRRXUWrA2om5RvSkPUuZYGcc8Yavdg4KCYdOq97vYWyLxqlm7joip5WFJwVPW8fiFnDu0bcIJjzfChU_psGJ1o-BXfnRY_KWgYlFJFR7sweTmKdMCGmgJJdossCk/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocobo GP is no "wark" in the park! Er, I mean, a <i>walk</i> in the park.<br />It's quite the technical, strategic racer!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>However, items in Chocobo GP aren't taken from question mark blocks, nor are they actual items. Instead, Chocobo GP uses a Magicite system, where players can accumulate magic and use them either offensively on foes or defensively to protect themselves when needed. There are three tiers of magic in Chocobo GP, much like the Final Fantasy series it's spun off from. There are also three tiers of Magicite orbs racers can collect as well. Each character has three magic slots. This can either give them three of a different spell, two of a different spell with one being a stronger version of a spell, or one powerful spell such as Firaga, Blizzaga, Thundaga, etc. The order in which a racer collects the differently colored Magicite orbs determines what kind of spell they get.</p><p></p><p>For instance, if your magic gauge is completely empty and you collect a Silver Magicite orb, you'll automatically get a level 2 version of a spell. Likewise, if you have a level 1 spell by collecting a Bronze Magicite orb, you can then collect a Blue orb to level that spell up to its level 2 incarnation. Leveled up spells are of course more powerful and can really turn the tide in races. Where Fire magic launches a fireball forward, its level 2 form, Fira, blasts a homing fireball at the closest opponent ahead of you. Meanwhile, Firaga at level 3 launches a meteor that targets first place, causing an eruption that stops in their tracks anyone caught in the blast.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqCk-LXxLTfznlcz-2hxM1Uk76wYmlHmQ7oigLAcSDsY4lQsbQwrhVVms6V00P12cXNAKUIvh2G8Nx0NPYXhy9H8CmJKv-0twc9WOL8-xGTye0NgWL5cw5nTvsNE4HVyteNnK4sEKvJEhg43zwJzVKVlaa1YtIqVl8pBWcJS3-BxM_VrFFQdwuM5K/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqCk-LXxLTfznlcz-2hxM1Uk76wYmlHmQ7oigLAcSDsY4lQsbQwrhVVms6V00P12cXNAKUIvh2G8Nx0NPYXhy9H8CmJKv-0twc9WOL8-xGTye0NgWL5cw5nTvsNE4HVyteNnK4sEKvJEhg43zwJzVKVlaa1YtIqVl8pBWcJS3-BxM_VrFFQdwuM5K/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Magicite orbs like these are the "item boxes" of Chocobo GP.<br />Depending on the color or color combo collected, your character will get a spell of varying power.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Aside from elemental-themed spells from Magicite, there are also quite vexing at times warp magic, that creates portals that go both ways. That is, a blue portal will move a player ahead, while the red portal that a player exits from can also be entered, resulting in a costly transportation backwards on the track! Then, there's Bahamut, which is essentially Chocobo GP's answer to Mario Kart's Bullet Bill, having a player transform into the famous summon and speeding in forward flight for a temporary amount of time. Like the elemental magic, these spells can also be upgraded from collecting the correct color of Magicite to make them more potent.</p><p></p><p>Each racer in Chocobo GP also comes equipped with their own special ability. Through collecting crystals sprinkled across the game's tracks, a crystal gauge fills. When it's completely full, players can unleash their special. Not only does this leave them invincible during, but it also creates a different effect depending on the racer's ability. For instance, Shiva puts the freeze on every racer, slowing them down considerably for a few seconds, whereas Chocobo speeds forward, leaving a trail of rings that other races can follow and gain speed boosts from. The more powerful and useful the special ability's effect, the more crystals are required to collect to unleash the ability. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Q-HZ23U1IBsb9JFpnVnlLAf3poQnH-1yTquh-mgRYJoiBrIqnxJ284OIlFI1f6ottyJByXQuIi7pdOc0lN5TW08iE_aS_G1nbCYiWPXoIsswkRdFXAnwUwyyo1pjFEKpiGPKnXAcZ0jun3YCJB3e3me1m7_Xd566LqUV4tBOJrklBLmacQVu1z7/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Q-HZ23U1IBsb9JFpnVnlLAf3poQnH-1yTquh-mgRYJoiBrIqnxJ284OIlFI1f6ottyJByXQuIi7pdOc0lN5TW08iE_aS_G1nbCYiWPXoIsswkRdFXAnwUwyyo1pjFEKpiGPKnXAcZ0jun3YCJB3e3me1m7_Xd566LqUV4tBOJrklBLmacQVu1z7/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ben the Behemoth says "forget the traffic" and decides to just storm<br /> through the competition on foot with his special ability.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>When being targeted with a Magicite, a yellow alert will flash on the bottom of the screen. Generally, this can be interrupted with another Magicite shot backwards or even a shield spell. However, red alerts mean a special ability is being used and potentially being used on the player. This cannot be blocked, only avoided by some skillful driving or invincibility during your character's own special. </p><p></p><p>Thus, you can imagine that there is a lot of strategy--surprisingly so--on when to use Magicite, what color to collect of orbs, and when to keep or use special abilities. Using a spell or special ability at the wrong time or moment can make all the difference between coming in first place and being cast to the back of the pack.</p><p>Chocobo GP sports plenty of offline modes to engage players with, such as traditional Grand Prix events, time trials, and even a story mode with two difficulties. The latter is how you unlock most of the characters within the game, and there is a sizable amount of them too! Everyone from standbys from the Chocobo series, to summons like Ifrit, Ramuh, and Golem, to Final Fantasy series party members like Terra from Final Fantasy VI, as well as Vivi and Steiner from Final Fantasy IX. Each have unlockable vehicles (one with standard stats, one tuned more to drifting, and one tuned more to speed), color combinations, and more to customize them and their rides.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IrETq1MRAwMIud7ZdKYzej41WCmRaozUpPUEG1pzu0MR4CET1VhKFPMaHp3FqOiYtYObZnwwcosHRxJ0HcIuJhFKcHGkwFKnBHMH3YSTUa6u12eYgADHWNEIORA71djqCPnb-nYxdJ8J9nkQrSu3-zllTFbDs08wchUsctAaOnDCAeGgihdyUHaj/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IrETq1MRAwMIud7ZdKYzej41WCmRaozUpPUEG1pzu0MR4CET1VhKFPMaHp3FqOiYtYObZnwwcosHRxJ0HcIuJhFKcHGkwFKnBHMH3YSTUa6u12eYgADHWNEIORA71djqCPnb-nYxdJ8J9nkQrSu3-zllTFbDs08wchUsctAaOnDCAeGgihdyUHaj/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Races are often won not just through sheer driving skills,<br />but also through proficient Magicite and special ability use!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>However, the main event and attraction in Chocobo GP is of course the eponymous mode of the game. The Chocobo GP pits a field of 64 players against each other in a series of four elimination-style races. Each round sees the racers ranking fifth place and below become eliminated while fourth place and up advance to the next round. Ultimately, the last series of eight racers remaining compete in the final, with the winner becoming Grand Champion of the Chocobo GP, earning both bragging rights and lots of season experience in the process.</p><p></p><p>Players earn experience throughout each Chocobo GP season--lasting three months generally--that they collect and level up. With each level earned, a prize is unlocked. Sometimes it's one of the game's currencies like Gil or Mythril, while other times it's special season-exclusive content like characters, vehicles, cosmetics, and more. </p><p>A major issue with the first season of Chocobo GP was that the season itself was a major grind. To unlock Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, one had to either pay to level up to level 60 immediately (which cost real world money to do) or grind the Season Pass to unlock him sloooooowly. Furthermore, the prizes handed out were so paltry compared to the prices of items in the game's store. It was like squeezing water out of a rock with how stingy the game truly was with handing out and awarding Gil and Mythril. Mythril is the major primary currency of Chocobo GP, and while the developers handed out enough for the cost of the Premium Season Pass, the effort to level up was hardly worth it with how slow progress was.</p><p>With Season 2, not only is the amount of experience required to level up much smaller, but to unlock every major new thing in the season, players only have to get up to level 20. This takes but 5-6 hours to do, which in the span of three months is hardly a major effort. Furthermore, the game is much less stingy about rewarding Gil or Mythril. I have both coming out of my ears now through regular play, while in the past season, both were incredibly hard to accumulate. </p><p>While Chocobo GP is a much better game than it was in its first season, there is one thing holding it back currently, which will hopefully continue being remedied with time. That is the track selection, or rather the amount of tracks available. There's a modest amount of locales in the game, and while most of these sport different track configurations, you'll quickly see all of them in no time. While you probably won't get bored of them (save for the obnoxious Rift tracks quite possibly), the number is a bit disappointing, especially compared to other competitors in the genre. Still, what tracks that are here are quite enjoyable and thrilling to race on, especially sites like Final Fantasy IX's Alexandria and a newcomer set of tracks for this season: Final Fantasy VIII's Balamb Garden. I'm eager to see what locales are added in future seasons, assuming that future seasons actually happen!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9wSOavtcmttW007ByzBrRxX2BtZeCWwPC7RTmAn5sdssoFE8xN6Bf_k_sb2k_3PYm6f6a5jv5-AAr-yqNTv2q8jNXzGlJBjEbxig-mMZ5oNrKlVJoWxxM8dDaaC4wrJkRqpXAIpaWGvRMYgeOhtYSyO0HCnIKrgms-mFQ5Wvc392oX4fCoAidF4/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9wSOavtcmttW007ByzBrRxX2BtZeCWwPC7RTmAn5sdssoFE8xN6Bf_k_sb2k_3PYm6f6a5jv5-AAr-yqNTv2q8jNXzGlJBjEbxig-mMZ5oNrKlVJoWxxM8dDaaC4wrJkRqpXAIpaWGvRMYgeOhtYSyO0HCnIKrgms-mFQ5Wvc392oX4fCoAidF4/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New and familiar locales abound in Chocobo GP.<br />This is gorgeous Alexandria of Final Fantasy IX fame.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Because who knows the future of Chocobo GP. This could be a Super Bomberman R Online situation where the game loses support in a short amount of time and is abandoned due to the figurative fumbling of the ball at the game's launch. Hopefully not, though, as the gameplay is so stellar, the characters and current content on display are wonderful, and the signature Chocobo GP mode and updates to the formerly scummy season pass system are both most welcomed. If you dig enjoyable, character-based racing games, have a soft spot for Final Fantasy, or a combination of the two, you'll find a great deal to like about Chocobo GP. While this bird isn't the final word on kart racers and won't give plumber boy a ride for his money, Chocobo GP will more than serve as a lovely complement to Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">[SPC Says: B]</span></b></p><p><i>Want to try Chocobo GP but are still not sure what to think even after my review? Try the Lite Version of Chocobo GP first, where you can now play online with players of the full version of the game!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-31985479019900785392022-06-08T13:14:00.000-05:002022-06-08T13:14:16.712-05:00Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (NSW) Awakened Rivals Trailer<div>A new trailer for Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is live on Nintendo's YouTube channel. You can catch it below. It shows off more story elements including the enhanced role that Byleth will take on within the game, as well as the various houses players can align with. With multiple houses, each with their own story beats, Three Hopes is one Musou-styled game that promises to deliver loads of content.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, announced and already available as of this morning is a playable demo, allowing players to enjoy the introduction of the game up to Chapter 4, and progress made in the demo can be carried over to the final version of the game. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes draws out its weapons and takes to the battlefield on June 24th.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/f91wvxXAEXw" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f91wvxXAEXw/hqdefault.jpg);" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-78717645367202233402022-06-07T18:25:00.001-05:002022-06-07T18:25:46.353-05:00The Tuesday 10s - Kart Racers<p>We've sure missed a LOT of Tuesdays since being on hiatus here at SuperPhillip Central. Let's make up for it, if just for one post with a brand-new installment of The Tuesday 10s! In case anyone has forgotten what the deal with The Tuesday 10s is, this is where I list ten relatively unordered things (usually games) within a set category.</p><p>This time around, I've got the need--the need for speed! (How topical with Top Gun: Maverick setting the box office ablaze and aglow with its dominance, right?!) On this edition of The Tuesday 10s I'm entering the driver's seat and regaling memories of some of my favorite kart racers of all time, one of my FAVORITE genres in general. From mainstays like Mario Kart to more obscure racing titles, these ten are some of the best to ever take to the track! </p><p>After you've read my picks for top kart racers, let the SPC community know some of your favorites by posting them in the comment section below!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkBvENnLA3wL1giR-oqu-QjFIqlZfQhzlsF8yH-T2J6MO8fff1TvPrvr-TeErI-z3hYBYQjWD8VO3NKc0wgS8RoLk47RKtAJpASZ6OP97RQ3WGnT8g-DTtkPLJ75TpIyk4rF0daBRg1pqti8K1ifWoMntVxmOx9TaweaxHLgaLO7KBK9Qqm1KK5uH/s1280/2017042819035300-16851BE00BC6068871FE49D98876D6C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkBvENnLA3wL1giR-oqu-QjFIqlZfQhzlsF8yH-T2J6MO8fff1TvPrvr-TeErI-z3hYBYQjWD8VO3NKc0wgS8RoLk47RKtAJpASZ6OP97RQ3WGnT8g-DTtkPLJ75TpIyk4rF0daBRg1pqti8K1ifWoMntVxmOx9TaweaxHLgaLO7KBK9Qqm1KK5uH/w640-h360/2017042819035300-16851BE00BC6068871FE49D98876D6C5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ipxQCK4ymmFQGkK8H3VFcD9262VD-AVnpaORGIpf-DphBcnHg8y2z_0QQ6XLTEKCe0l4fMMrpRDP0oe_hS83ByfEllxlFLorA5YXMOFvDOs9Ea03pp6a1IL5s1ByvyOZw5zaUNVKsGZe82LMlttVQNKGAo65KFox_lDJX72AeJPXGlgdkmqay8O-/s1280/2017042821460400-16851BE00BC6068871FE49D98876D6C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ipxQCK4ymmFQGkK8H3VFcD9262VD-AVnpaORGIpf-DphBcnHg8y2z_0QQ6XLTEKCe0l4fMMrpRDP0oe_hS83ByfEllxlFLorA5YXMOFvDOs9Ea03pp6a1IL5s1ByvyOZw5zaUNVKsGZe82LMlttVQNKGAo65KFox_lDJX72AeJPXGlgdkmqay8O-/w640-h360/2017042821460400-16851BE00BC6068871FE49D98876D6C5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We begin this list of ten of my favorite kart racers with the granddaddy of them all, the Mario Kart series. What better way to begin than with one of the best--if not the best--entry in the series with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! This entry in the Mario Kart franchise may be a port from the Wii U, but it brought more than enough freshness to the formula to be worthy of its "Deluxe" moniker. First and foremost: all of the DLC tracks from the Wii U game were included in the vanilla game: from Dragon Driftway and Wild Woods, to new takes on familiar tracks like Cheese Land and Ribbon Road. The updated and upgraded Battle Mode brought new arenas to it instead of simply battling on retrofitted tracks from the base game. New accessibility features like steer assist to protect beginning players from easily falling off the track, and auto acceleration meant that anyone could have some fun with this new Mario Kart.</p><p></p><p>No doubt Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a juggernaut in the kart racing genre, as it continues to move copies five years after launch. Nintendo obviously took notice of fans of the game starving for new content, as the Booster Course Pass brings with it 32 new tracks until next year's end. Speaking of, we should be expecting the second wave soon! </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mario Kart 7 (3DS)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqyo6CRFr-LtJxYeEH4ez0NzA_mcl-iiyzZAd9nSc9lRb9fYLO0mWmQ0VeJ_JDc7O_SfPb_zjRN2xXn5lsVDSyTk915fLOUkETZLDqwiYF1WI15bh480ER3IDwBhNhVs3aLF3xwBaGe7HdW50V9VKFgkNlLSi7tjRheNjnBnB0WKmpH9Y3N-xRlYf/s400/WVW69j-jwWQllujTgs.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="400" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqyo6CRFr-LtJxYeEH4ez0NzA_mcl-iiyzZAd9nSc9lRb9fYLO0mWmQ0VeJ_JDc7O_SfPb_zjRN2xXn5lsVDSyTk915fLOUkETZLDqwiYF1WI15bh480ER3IDwBhNhVs3aLF3xwBaGe7HdW50V9VKFgkNlLSi7tjRheNjnBnB0WKmpH9Y3N-xRlYf/w640-h384/WVW69j-jwWQllujTgs.jpe" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvy6ni7TRotPFPxa9ER0EahVSeM0sWp0Or42bDvpfQwa_f46XDYnau1aDENaWgP_UwQQUFnUUjuL_MqY6XtlahT7L7jRJDxdJNQIwTNtFj3zj_J8Zu1Eh-ocz3KqmXF4JnO6fRewD-HDpBjAWOvjedUDt0tGiX-oqJ27M1tPe_XF5x3pM98OzAo0s/s400/WVW69jpveUsEuazWDZ.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="400" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvy6ni7TRotPFPxa9ER0EahVSeM0sWp0Or42bDvpfQwa_f46XDYnau1aDENaWgP_UwQQUFnUUjuL_MqY6XtlahT7L7jRJDxdJNQIwTNtFj3zj_J8Zu1Eh-ocz3KqmXF4JnO6fRewD-HDpBjAWOvjedUDt0tGiX-oqJ27M1tPe_XF5x3pM98OzAo0s/w640-h384/WVW69jpveUsEuazWDZ.jpe" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's difficult to deliver a list of ten of my favorite kart racers without including at least a few from my favorite series in the genre. It's even more difficult to determine which three to actually include! Mario Kart 7 may not be the greatest entry in the series, but it definitely delivered a lot of delightful fun and hijinks for me as a player. The character roster isn't the best, eschewing Waluigi, Bowser Jr., and Diddy Kong as inclusions, but newcomers like Metal Mario, Wiggler, and Lakitu were fun enough additions all the same. Mario Kart 7 has a great variety of tracks both new and retro--the latter including some of my faves in the franchise, such as Dino Dino Jungle, Airship Fortress, and Waluigi Pinball. The addition of kart customization remains a feature in all Mario Kart games after, and the online of the game still wages on with intense races and hard-hitting hijinks in Battle Mode. It might not be the most beloved Mario Kart for many, but it's quite loved by me!<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mario Kart DS (DS)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT7eBrg7-l0aenVKD8IRt4Y-kOsGRSVVJhWlqQvlpFRjZLIHlNIW_zbLYozJTaKDDGO44dPIR5YGRN-l2RnLXXzXt4PBXMZGbzyku0R9BUKTJjrJvqAFKi6XrK8rp9kxxXylTQgLH0igGhcXBBxkLy-r-AZLCkFyToZOAsJJz2s9zVocqEPkagQkZ/s445/mario-kart-ds-screen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT7eBrg7-l0aenVKD8IRt4Y-kOsGRSVVJhWlqQvlpFRjZLIHlNIW_zbLYozJTaKDDGO44dPIR5YGRN-l2RnLXXzXt4PBXMZGbzyku0R9BUKTJjrJvqAFKi6XrK8rp9kxxXylTQgLH0igGhcXBBxkLy-r-AZLCkFyToZOAsJJz2s9zVocqEPkagQkZ/w266-h400/mario-kart-ds-screen-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>As a single-player experience, Mario Kart DS is without question for me the leader of the pack in the long-running (or is it "long-riding"?) franchise. This is due to the addition of Mission Mode, a full-fledged series of challenged-centered missions ranging from coin-collecting to superb boss battles. While Mario Kart DS's follow-up, Mario Kart Wii would incorporate missions into its package, these would be limited-time only affairs. A bit of a bummer. Further, Mario Kart DS brought with it blasts from the past in the form of Retro Cups. Unlike Mario Kart: Super Circuit before it, these weren't limited to just Super Mario Kart. Instead, these 16 retro tracks were picked from all of the previous games in the series. Throw in the franchise's first foray with online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (of course, the online that was present is no longer in service), and you had one wild handheld ride.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwv2Zl66D8xMGZzDfvHe0W5bffjilzQ0LnArHWeU13qJxBTbLHhUzX_3mXtiGLTNZDZ5SDJ_OKAJCL49cRlFu_tnihGM87YkXNqa7sF42ka9hYogHtPbgWYVV3ZRY_NIWwWpROlYJpTRbTCUoKaL1UBeuxTjAd_TfVTfZvGX7-mnpqghWU4T43nRn/s800/sonic_racing_transformed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwv2Zl66D8xMGZzDfvHe0W5bffjilzQ0LnArHWeU13qJxBTbLHhUzX_3mXtiGLTNZDZ5SDJ_OKAJCL49cRlFu_tnihGM87YkXNqa7sF42ka9hYogHtPbgWYVV3ZRY_NIWwWpROlYJpTRbTCUoKaL1UBeuxTjAd_TfVTfZvGX7-mnpqghWU4T43nRn/w640-h360/sonic_racing_transformed-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYqb7qu3W6bOm4ZZ3cgRl6Bi0igFP7oED5hYym8of7CXvI336cxrZC_DTkLuzCwKh5jWehs3gw1zsRjw6BCaqjjnueJH9wt1jYmX6EKJtIjMwTGmOiO-OiAJ41otLbtVcUNb7nXv-wjNg4rn2WzzhmLfNebVahKtjQ7AyCpsIAXGXbECTnFW2H46l/s1280/sonic-and-all-stars-racing-transformed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYqb7qu3W6bOm4ZZ3cgRl6Bi0igFP7oED5hYym8of7CXvI336cxrZC_DTkLuzCwKh5jWehs3gw1zsRjw6BCaqjjnueJH9wt1jYmX6EKJtIjMwTGmOiO-OiAJ41otLbtVcUNb7nXv-wjNg4rn2WzzhmLfNebVahKtjQ7AyCpsIAXGXbECTnFW2H46l/w640-h360/sonic-and-all-stars-racing-transformed-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>SEGA and Sumo Digital turned up the action and intensity dial to 11 with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Launching on virtually every platform under the sun at the time of its release, the game boasted an impressive roster of characters... and for whatever reason Wreck-It-Ralph and Danica Patrick. Regardless, being able to race as oft-forgotten SEGA all-stars like Gillius Thunderhead from Golden Axe and Vyse from Skies of Arcadia was a pure privilege and joy. Those are also the words I'd use to describe the track design, literally transforming between laps to change up the races dynamically in a glorious, action-packed way. That's not all the transformations included in the game: as Sonic and friends would see their vehicles transform as they hit the waves, soared into the sky, and of course, met the pavement. Although the game does suffer more than its fair share of "interesting" bugs and glitches, these don't prevent Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed from zooming across the finish line in style.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DMziKTr95ovzRbqAiLIcimOS_iyM4D0ni8bHrxhAS8rBsLyl3b83gIPzc2dTbFHjF-5jSc54c1GCKbcXFxdt57AbXb0JMvKyj_lVGGb72n7-zQWBq4eg0oUpQKprIFOYeK_FEc70yZjCL70pgvvAloLnq4kIFY3C_msUrsmGGylGc7lReqLsh6J7/s900/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DMziKTr95ovzRbqAiLIcimOS_iyM4D0ni8bHrxhAS8rBsLyl3b83gIPzc2dTbFHjF-5jSc54c1GCKbcXFxdt57AbXb0JMvKyj_lVGGb72n7-zQWBq4eg0oUpQKprIFOYeK_FEc70yZjCL70pgvvAloLnq4kIFY3C_msUrsmGGylGc7lReqLsh6J7/w640-h360/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL4cOvQ781s0JyY9nG9ypzYIY6OIgREM_NLR6Gq0h5T4vnZCrCD-dA4V89saWZSNQtZ7E8jx-iP_NsaywoKBsdCTLD58yjdFp7PNuQn1FmsqZYyB6lufJFrQ5BvTkpDZ7n3_Wwe98fw_ztGQBa_FlcNGtuQluSBfx_ApJMBlJ3xMjdG7_2I3Waq1-/s900/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL4cOvQ781s0JyY9nG9ypzYIY6OIgREM_NLR6Gq0h5T4vnZCrCD-dA4V89saWZSNQtZ7E8jx-iP_NsaywoKBsdCTLD58yjdFp7PNuQn1FmsqZYyB6lufJFrQ5BvTkpDZ7n3_Wwe98fw_ztGQBa_FlcNGtuQluSBfx_ApJMBlJ3xMjdG7_2I3Waq1-/w640-h360/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed wouldn't have been what it was without having a sturdy and stellar foundation to build off of. The original Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing was that foundation, and it remains an excellent kart racer to this day, even with an arguably superior sequel alongside it now. Taking a wide range of SEGA all-stars and putting them in colorful race courses to speed through was a genius idea, and Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is fantastic in that regard. It's also fantastic in its racing controls, handling, and pure sense of speed. While Transformed would indeed raise the dial of insanity and intensity up to 11, the original Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is still worth taking a look at, as it's a really remarkable racer.</div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIikb6k2EYjDa-G6i-ll3pgcfmI40sOofIizc36LyTl-8gvjwlVJJGzkUi6NxNqyTwNvDKx85o2Y1GBr9KbO5ys2NhfRDLmgRJEIg4QO3Bp4gW7C9ttKJT_9ranFtl_-bw-0DaNZyBFPXT74aoNYq-leDsyFKa4CU-3RfXJn7TwANs8dBfJVArAfNw/s3840/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIikb6k2EYjDa-G6i-ll3pgcfmI40sOofIizc36LyTl-8gvjwlVJJGzkUi6NxNqyTwNvDKx85o2Y1GBr9KbO5ys2NhfRDLmgRJEIg4QO3Bp4gW7C9ttKJT_9ranFtl_-bw-0DaNZyBFPXT74aoNYq-leDsyFKa4CU-3RfXJn7TwANs8dBfJVArAfNw/w640-h360/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVA-qMEN804FaNW-omYrVhf_xSdFk2lMIJqbTl8VW_vQWZkCwacYjPvlRRa2ga8b9-09s6ycvsD3wEs7nwm-zZUVVNXVaioUWejjI8xWtPVvK8Zyu8YCD0szoOP9Nto7f5Q4m49Y7W1TVY_OaTN6AG0UDA5cd9QTqkhTfPZVsPvaOXIAufjJYm_A9/s1920/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVA-qMEN804FaNW-omYrVhf_xSdFk2lMIJqbTl8VW_vQWZkCwacYjPvlRRa2ga8b9-09s6ycvsD3wEs7nwm-zZUVVNXVaioUWejjI8xWtPVvK8Zyu8YCD0szoOP9Nto7f5Q4m49Y7W1TVY_OaTN6AG0UDA5cd9QTqkhTfPZVsPvaOXIAufjJYm_A9/w640-h360/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>From one mascot to another, we move on from Sonic to Crash Bandicoot in one of the greatest, most content-rich kart racers around: Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled. Remaking all of the tracks from the original Crash Team Racing as well as Crash Nitro Kart, introducing several "seasons" featuring brand-new tracks that fit right in quality-wise with the originals, and presenting a multitude of characters, karts, cosmetics, and more to unlock, Crash Bandicoot's original kart-racing outing was definitely given as much tender, loving care as possible. Sure, the high skill ceiling may put off some players, especially if they hop online and get decimated by racers who have mastered the "Blue Fire" technique, but the game can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone. <p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Diddy Kong Racing (N64)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3vS9lRBxHMWSuqibv5Ugrba7yD_xhz0m5Z-YC43V__SQWsbcvHAU9ErmSsBCEbcgHQWTR5deR86a9LcbL8r2nyJ8TMVfu6Xd_hV8NMjhTrckvrxfGn_EtS5fIeJwJaIy9uygeAgTYoOrWFyTl0roPYW4SDe4qKflFrctYMqAoy6iDEHMCkrhgZ8n/s800/diddy-kong-racing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3vS9lRBxHMWSuqibv5Ugrba7yD_xhz0m5Z-YC43V__SQWsbcvHAU9ErmSsBCEbcgHQWTR5deR86a9LcbL8r2nyJ8TMVfu6Xd_hV8NMjhTrckvrxfGn_EtS5fIeJwJaIy9uygeAgTYoOrWFyTl0roPYW4SDe4qKflFrctYMqAoy6iDEHMCkrhgZ8n/w640-h360/diddy-kong-racing-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEVMGPu7dpNH4RxIJW55ud3tTNQfIb6pG_vXjgnK2QDuKUGqgiT9u6aF8m6TzaYDKixBQikhTLtgNDShV0rpFBZkelpIKf9PWVOipOm1MY_gl82XGPVugK4VrgvIVi9WNisz3pxr0DUmOj9WlSawUgibhIORRuS0iV_EWSIaQiGw3uFtUrjaNG37d/s640/diddy-kong-racing-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEVMGPu7dpNH4RxIJW55ud3tTNQfIb6pG_vXjgnK2QDuKUGqgiT9u6aF8m6TzaYDKixBQikhTLtgNDShV0rpFBZkelpIKf9PWVOipOm1MY_gl82XGPVugK4VrgvIVi9WNisz3pxr0DUmOj9WlSawUgibhIORRuS0iV_EWSIaQiGw3uFtUrjaNG37d/w640-h480/diddy-kong-racing-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p>Speaking of Crash Team Racing, how about we go back a little further in the past to the game that CTR was no doubt inspired by especially with its Adventure Mode? Diddy Kong Racing brought a collect-a-thon angle to its kart racing goodness, offering Gold Balloons to collect in its Adventure Mode, opening doors to new levels and areas, races to win, bosses to beat, and mini-games to win. Diddy Kong Racing was developed and published when Rare was firing on all cylinders, creating banger after banger on the Nintendo 64, and DKR remains one of my favorite kart racing games, period. Even after two decades and some change, the Adventure Mode as a single-player or co-op experience is unmatched in a kart racer, and I hope to goodness we see Diddy in the future take the wheel of a kart once again without having to share the road with Mario and friends.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kirby Air Ride (GCN)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDeWwWu9wEVz0BG85rkknpEYfX1gZDWzrik7hqbMjw8PDAJMrZIZGWkXdlCP92xG0vJ4qMgKDU3544a0cXCc3e4V5Cj9fdh6W88X2VsT_zf9qWuKCTKA_55lmoFOSq2mkQlIvNv9QZhEXRKo-eYyMG7PVG0fenyOtoGUM1uQpm_EUxiTVJQquURn9/s640/kirby-air-ride-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDeWwWu9wEVz0BG85rkknpEYfX1gZDWzrik7hqbMjw8PDAJMrZIZGWkXdlCP92xG0vJ4qMgKDU3544a0cXCc3e4V5Cj9fdh6W88X2VsT_zf9qWuKCTKA_55lmoFOSq2mkQlIvNv9QZhEXRKo-eYyMG7PVG0fenyOtoGUM1uQpm_EUxiTVJQquURn9/w640-h480/kirby-air-ride-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeJaj55CXQCODQikblEjaVXsfLUeDZfBqOsDWMNV5Y7P9fZ4K_R0hw89VZbnIAXTJ4XM7zKxSTAUtwqIZh490v_yDAURL7HmxateiQ4P0ZC4WUezxgxF9unwOImd4JrNHkhWzgfgv7-5U7W5Daft5X-cVQC6lnVQLYO4TeJACLXolG_YNB-rEzlUI/s640/kirby-air-ride-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeJaj55CXQCODQikblEjaVXsfLUeDZfBqOsDWMNV5Y7P9fZ4K_R0hw89VZbnIAXTJ4XM7zKxSTAUtwqIZh490v_yDAURL7HmxateiQ4P0ZC4WUezxgxF9unwOImd4JrNHkhWzgfgv7-5U7W5Daft5X-cVQC6lnVQLYO4TeJACLXolG_YNB-rEzlUI/w640-h480/kirby-air-ride-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>An untraditional kart racer where you play with an analog stick and one button? Madness! But when the game design guru behind Super Smash Bros. and Kid Icarus: Uprising, Masahiro Sakurai, is at the helm, the team under his leadership somehow made it work and wonderfully so! Featuring three main modes: a standard racer, a top-down racer mode, and the "get ready to lose a good portion of your free time in" City Trial mode, Kirby Air Ride delivered abundant fun to go along with its extensive amounts of charm. The controls may have been simple to learn, but as the cliche goes, they were indeed tough to master. A myriad of unlockables meant that players who were engaged enough with this delightful racer would stick with the game for a long time, and the local multiplayer was absolutely amazing in its entertainment value. Kirby Air Ride is a shining star in the GameCube's lineup.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chocobo GP (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrkASnkmvPadmeOXLfkbRRMvHq851sQKomEZnfKoeRNB3t4B4Q3PPj4nUOTtosfUg4K40pQFX0rhjbIeERaRefB-z31gBukBL424RChn_ISTxINr5TZv0iwD6GQB5Dri96T5BL86A3NCGW01dP9PFQG1lW0tyrgcbQuVmf0xv51-OScjdtxnvC0T9/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrkASnkmvPadmeOXLfkbRRMvHq851sQKomEZnfKoeRNB3t4B4Q3PPj4nUOTtosfUg4K40pQFX0rhjbIeERaRefB-z31gBukBL424RChn_ISTxINr5TZv0iwD6GQB5Dri96T5BL86A3NCGW01dP9PFQG1lW0tyrgcbQuVmf0xv51-OScjdtxnvC0T9/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodUVoRK7fm5v7JY3YrRlOaS_zaoL1MpOqVUJgZkBfVcP-b-_RtaiGiTfrfMP1vVM9E-3yVZiDj0_nCLN_xtHXYirnV5PrDFE0KjKREguD_BQSK6suVSTurCK9FM7uttTxjQaGzdwDGFgfxYKiTh_EMqtZXCwqSm9IsknUWy6tj8uQdAuQDSOhRmyx/s1280/chocobo-gp-screen-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodUVoRK7fm5v7JY3YrRlOaS_zaoL1MpOqVUJgZkBfVcP-b-_RtaiGiTfrfMP1vVM9E-3yVZiDj0_nCLN_xtHXYirnV5PrDFE0KjKREguD_BQSK6suVSTurCK9FM7uttTxjQaGzdwDGFgfxYKiTh_EMqtZXCwqSm9IsknUWy6tj8uQdAuQDSOhRmyx/w640-h360/chocobo-gp-screen-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>The most recent game on this list is from Square Enix, and truthfully, a month ago, I would have been hard-pressed to recommend this game. However, ever since Square dropped the trashy, scummy, and aggressive business practices from Chocobo GP, and have since added multiple improvements to the game as well, I can wholeheartedly recommend this racer. A follow-up to the PlayStation's Chocobo Racing, Chocobo GP might not boast a massive amount of track locales (though most locales feature multiple track arrangements), the game more than makes up for that with its pure unadulterated fun. Its cast of unlockable characters is large, its titular Chocobo GP mode is ingenious, and controlling Chocobo and friends feels wonderful. There is some Mario Kart madness to be found with using the game's version of items (Magicite), but overall, Chocobo GP shows that this bird truly is the word when it comes to complementary racers on Switch to play alongside Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.<p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">ModNation Racers: Road Trip (Vita)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkZxvUYG3jeTlCpMC4AOfA1i0EyGXlMVgKR1VNswEq_cQAvnb4vVw8viDUDVfeBj7TdpvuD8B-RwOsoD8Oyv6QXlIq0ChWWxHXJd_4wxsmbJjyYih6ZZLUFjdkXXNOE6ywxaBn3z-5rg3GyW6Cb3HGMOHYBuDhBPOllb9TYx5fh8TIrBPwHEuYnBM/s640/ModNation%E2%84%A2%20Racers_%20Road%20Trip%20(4).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="640" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkZxvUYG3jeTlCpMC4AOfA1i0EyGXlMVgKR1VNswEq_cQAvnb4vVw8viDUDVfeBj7TdpvuD8B-RwOsoD8Oyv6QXlIq0ChWWxHXJd_4wxsmbJjyYih6ZZLUFjdkXXNOE6ywxaBn3z-5rg3GyW6Cb3HGMOHYBuDhBPOllb9TYx5fh8TIrBPwHEuYnBM/w640-h368/ModNation%E2%84%A2%20Racers_%20Road%20Trip%20(4).png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRfGn-luGCm4PyaAR0rvv9nU5lgXKLaMpH9PsrfrT3xfSgftJ2igNARQCX6zXVK5kVXN9Q6ybj7Z4xXV4wC5RHxBm1UhQ3_uVEnttZtWLeB6L2KcZICyZTAaG82D1Jy204ZFDBT3XAARlyrADB0R_6rLgpu1HtUaVurET_yy0b4Z9ERhM-O0BgFXL/s640/ModNation%E2%84%A2%20Racers_%20Road%20Trip%20(43).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="640" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRfGn-luGCm4PyaAR0rvv9nU5lgXKLaMpH9PsrfrT3xfSgftJ2igNARQCX6zXVK5kVXN9Q6ybj7Z4xXV4wC5RHxBm1UhQ3_uVEnttZtWLeB6L2KcZICyZTAaG82D1Jy204ZFDBT3XAARlyrADB0R_6rLgpu1HtUaVurET_yy0b4Z9ERhM-O0BgFXL/w640-h368/ModNation%E2%84%A2%20Racers_%20Road%20Trip%20(43).png" width="640" /></a></div><p>ModNation Racers is pretty much on the backburner if not completely dead as a PlayStation franchise. That said, the third and final release in the franchise was the PlayStation Vita launch title, ModNation Racers: Road Trip. Part of the thrill of this game was the racing shenanigans and full-fledged single player mode. However, the main event here was Road Trip and ModNation Racers as a series as a whole's ability to create your own drivers (Mods), karts, and yes, courses. All of this was quite intuitive and easy enough to do with a little practice and patience. While LittleBigPlanet Karting would take the course creation to a whole new level entirely (maybe to a too intimidating level), ModNation Racers: Road Trip offered a more simplistic, accessible approach that anyone could pick up, design, and play around with. The base game is enjoyable, the content creation is enviable, it's just too bad that there wasn't any online play to make this ModNation Racers installment even better than it was already.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-46891072081426652862022-06-05T15:50:00.000-05:002022-06-05T15:50:05.503-05:00Kirby and the Forgotten Land (NSW) Review<p>Don't call it a comeback... yet. However, SuperPhillip Central celebrates its 14th anniversary today, and I would have kicked myself if I didn't have a special something planned for it. Considering the site has been in a hiatus for essentially all of 2022, what better "special something" than a new, surprise review after this extended absence and silence!</p><p>While I can't say yet how routinely new articles and reviews will come this year, I can confirm that they definitely will start appearing more frequently than, y'know, every six months. </p><p>That said, let's dive in with a new review, and it's a great way to return to reviewing on SuperPhillip Central, because it's a great game in general (spoiler for if my review will be positive or not, I guess!). It's Kirby and the Forgotten Land, another reason I would have kicked myself if I had not reviewed this delightfully adorable title. Let's check it out with the SPC review.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Kirby Deluxe'd </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2frK2-ltF6fEffhshqxlm0ULPJuqeU4FoMqrJSZf3qkYQZzdGssf2UdZLXq5WS-9VAORNdIb3u2hqnOyXWJF6YsrdwQZ7AEasKvmRwhZ4rkfUywg4ySv3PfswgqCjnKyO4r706_lhXDQzWPQysnR0wS4X6UREtEetG1aJgma9ml--p1JkqDPt3IuV/s1415/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2frK2-ltF6fEffhshqxlm0ULPJuqeU4FoMqrJSZf3qkYQZzdGssf2UdZLXq5WS-9VAORNdIb3u2hqnOyXWJF6YsrdwQZ7AEasKvmRwhZ4rkfUywg4ySv3PfswgqCjnKyO4r706_lhXDQzWPQysnR0wS4X6UREtEetG1aJgma9ml--p1JkqDPt3IuV/w392-h640/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-cover.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><p>Kirby is one of Nintendo's oldest and longest-running franchises. However, even in the franchise's illustrious and storied history, Kirby has never fully leaped into three full dimensions in a traditional mainline platforming setting. That is until NOW. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a brave, new frontier for Kirby, and while it's not a majorly revolutionary moment for the franchise as the jump to 3D was for Mario or Zelda, Kirby's first full foray into 3D platforming is a tour de force that is as fun to play as it is adorable.</p><p></p><p>Kirby's latest adventure begins with our pink puffball hero sauntering about Planet Popstar, when suddenly, a dark vortex appears in the sky, sucking up everything not nailed down, including Kirby and friends. A brave new world is in front of Kirby, who quickly meets a new companion named Elfilin, who tells Kirby that a group of never-do-gooders known as the Beast Pack have kidnapped (or is it Dee-napped?) and captured a significant segment of Waddle Dees. Not only must Kirby rescue the cute and cuddly Waddle Dees, but along the way, he must do battle with the Beast Pack itself, and find a way to return home to Planet Popstar.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpoWS4q0BbyxsIsKqEZuVSzIFJim5wG2kNywSm9F7i2d7hCNClmzIyNXwTLLgrAhseCI7xNnwVhMnN7mNdD8fpdwDGdzkxrd9nFEov3oqsaamF0u8plhADTHUeGEFJVbCyWt6Or30qZeaxBD9g0v-1aSqfmzUH4Z25TxR_NHpl6XMuwBo8tT5s8b9/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpoWS4q0BbyxsIsKqEZuVSzIFJim5wG2kNywSm9F7i2d7hCNClmzIyNXwTLLgrAhseCI7xNnwVhMnN7mNdD8fpdwDGdzkxrd9nFEov3oqsaamF0u8plhADTHUeGEFJVbCyWt6Or30qZeaxBD9g0v-1aSqfmzUH4Z25TxR_NHpl6XMuwBo8tT5s8b9/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kirby enters a brave, new, yet somehow familiar world in his latest adventure.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The main hub of sorts in Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a settlement made thanks in part to the help of Elfilin: Waddle Dee Town. At the beginning of the game, Waddle Dee Town isn't much to look at and it is decidedly not the most happening place in this mysterious land. However, as more and more Waddle Dee are rescued, the town grows, blossoms, and flourishes, new attractions are built. These range from shops where food and temporary stat increase items can be purchased, to fun little mini-game distractions like fishing and a tilt-and-roll-style labyrinth game, and even a major part of recent Kirby games: a Colosseum. </p><p></p><p>Waddle Dee Town is an important place to return to, so much so that after every boss has been beaten at a world's conclusion, Kirby and Elfilin are automatically transported back. It's a good thing, too, as no doubt special blueprints have been discovered, which can be turned into the local abilities shop to upgrade what else but abilities! By collecting and trading in Star Coins and Rare Stones (the latter are earned mainly through ability-themed obstacle courses known as Treasure Roads), the local ability shop owner will upgrade Kirby's abilities to make them even stronger and more useful in levels and skirmishes. </p><p>For example, the ordinary Cutter ability launches a boomerang-like disc that shoots forward to attack a foe before returning to Kirby. With an upgraded version, known as the Chakram Cutter, multiple discs become unleashed on foes, arcing at various angles to dish out much more damage upon enemies. Not only do upgraded abilities present more powerful means to deliver destruction to Kirby's adversaries, but they also give some cute and adorable fashion to Kirby as well! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKXuqkG3EwP7zUZ3395UdB4L9cKgMfih0MPCxePpfweXQVqAubozM3ArRsvtqpSPiJ3KXQhyog_xLcjDjaQr63L-7T_0dvonx3wf7IwHArT1Ch7Cw9zCrxMySU2wvsgqEWs6oaadIAP8lRlYFQT-54MPvj-loQM0PpQCLH_3s21V1KpHecSh5-xEo/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKXuqkG3EwP7zUZ3395UdB4L9cKgMfih0MPCxePpfweXQVqAubozM3ArRsvtqpSPiJ3KXQhyog_xLcjDjaQr63L-7T_0dvonx3wf7IwHArT1Ch7Cw9zCrxMySU2wvsgqEWs6oaadIAP8lRlYFQT-54MPvj-loQM0PpQCLH_3s21V1KpHecSh5-xEo/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The rifle-toting Ranger ability is one of two new copy abilities featured in Forgotten Land.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>While Kirby's move set is quite a bit limited even with new abilities when compared to past games in the series--which might be a downer to franchise veterans--it makes for an easy to pick up and play feel to the controls and a super accessible game overall. It's so much so, that casual platforming fans will find a nice game that eases them into the fun without overwhelming them.</p><p>Kirby's adventure takes him to all sorts of interesting locales: from dilapidated concrete jungles to an abandoned amusement park. One might even consider this "forgotten land" to resemble a certain world we all live in currently, albeit a distant future version of it. (Wink, wink.) </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrNNxWem4N98a5Ax9OQVDNqMkOEJ4h3tiSlbdGwwDvZYg5DGyrnSYIwwRPk6r-hwfxWJuW-HPmcI7DFU4mS2DNtuITWgdJMXNfeJ-zoZ1nw5iB_VOKADnSAcO4C-Cy-bm1ww7RuZdAs4J73b0I6KDsVdv4B86BgDkPDWG2YZ72I0waQgNbdeBC3UZ/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrNNxWem4N98a5Ax9OQVDNqMkOEJ4h3tiSlbdGwwDvZYg5DGyrnSYIwwRPk6r-hwfxWJuW-HPmcI7DFU4mS2DNtuITWgdJMXNfeJ-zoZ1nw5iB_VOKADnSAcO4C-Cy-bm1ww7RuZdAs4J73b0I6KDsVdv4B86BgDkPDWG2YZ72I0waQgNbdeBC3UZ/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Trust me, Kirby--you do NOT want to be taken for a ride here!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Levels are comprised of linear affairs, though there are multiple opportunities to venture off the beaten path, and you'll always find yourself rewarded for it: whether that be with an assortment of Star Coins, something like one of the game's myriad collectibles, or completing one of a level's many achievement-like tasks, which reward you with a rescued Waddle Dee for tackling the task successfully. The latter can be things like discovering an alternate path in a level, defeating a mid-boss with a certain copy ability, finding a hidden Maxim Tomato in a level, and so forth. While you can complete all of the challenges in your first run of a level, you're unlikely to do so as they are all obscured under question marks from players until they beat the level again and again. Each time the level is beaten, one of the challenges reveals themselves.</p><p></p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ILN61N5VGz3ZNMnzhvuhAARRZ09Khrkad52WuO8Aql7dM4ddf7wh48SQJo0coDhbJELOI81nLoSl9laN5gnvxS8MsFBzZutwxEZ1NPmBzAJ7TyOjIxcpV3QbUV2Fq7T9zS7mpe5tw8ehoH__EBWZnI0CaINKWGS8pY9cPePmV5ls8GWWajlyCpV/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ILN61N5VGz3ZNMnzhvuhAARRZ09Khrkad52WuO8Aql7dM4ddf7wh48SQJo0coDhbJELOI81nLoSl9laN5gnvxS8MsFBzZutwxEZ1NPmBzAJ7TyOjIxcpV3QbUV2Fq7T9zS7mpe5tw8ehoH__EBWZnI0CaINKWGS8pY9cPePmV5ls8GWWajlyCpV/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Burrow deep under the soil with the all-new Ground copy ability.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Really, you can simply run through the levels at your leisure with doing the bare minimum of exploration. You can explore as in-depth or as little as you like. The real fun and entertainment, of course, does come from taking the time to scour each level for the various collectibles within, so you can truly appreciate the level design on offer. There are of course captured Waddle Dees, which many of these are hidden in clever locations, some in plain sight, some requiring a simple copy ability-related environmental puzzle to solve. There are also capsules containing one of over 200 game-related toys, available in four volumes. These can also be collected from various unlockable Gotcha capsule machines in Waddle Dee Town. Then, finally, there are the aforementioned blueprints that bestow Kirby with new copy ability upgrade opportunities. Some of these are hidden in insanely clever locations. Much like with captured Waddle Dees in cages, you'll have to keep a keen eye and look for telltale signs in the environment to pick up on their whereabouts.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBybMlRqGhZls6zzjVWNypS5WXvQB0Je-hPDAdu9pDSGI-ybTtgOt_MkyWxVLhgFDgWG1Y6c2-N-fE18CCvRw93qlSy6SpYHs7KN4OU2X5UaRqNP1lxIf72tdSyjgFJm2aqpXUdUj5bx6GOsi1K2uzeqQe8lwSTWcPFq9tWA26J6f6U6YegPBzxQvC/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBybMlRqGhZls6zzjVWNypS5WXvQB0Je-hPDAdu9pDSGI-ybTtgOt_MkyWxVLhgFDgWG1Y6c2-N-fE18CCvRw93qlSy6SpYHs7KN4OU2X5UaRqNP1lxIf72tdSyjgFJm2aqpXUdUj5bx6GOsi1K2uzeqQe8lwSTWcPFq9tWA26J6f6U6YegPBzxQvC/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levels are mostly linear in design, offering a Super Mario 3D World-like approach, in essence.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>When not venturing through levels as Kirby with or without one of his trademark copy abilities, a new mechanic featured within Kirby and the Forgotten Land grants our pink protagonist with the ability to suck up specific large objects and take control of them. From traffic cones that can puncture cracks in pipes and floors to reveal secrets, to cars that can rush through levels with ease, this "Mouthful Mode" offers some added variety to the game. They're also mostly plain fun to use to boot, so I found myself gleefully telling Kirby to "open up and say 'aah'" at many points throughout his platforming journey.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGSoNhiMqTu4tachg5jszUKGcx1MXCKsLHZ5zihEr-jCruPj97KNfdRVn6vEVRpRShRxIY6NPa5207208Rhqzrsa7ck5EClQSlvp_XpAPuo5FKqTNYy-dSh8VRDrsblrQmA7o_qyUnzvgeeDdQa9KylLE487Z6F_vxDJsMORL5vZufwli5lQOwRdS/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGSoNhiMqTu4tachg5jszUKGcx1MXCKsLHZ5zihEr-jCruPj97KNfdRVn6vEVRpRShRxIY6NPa5207208Rhqzrsa7ck5EClQSlvp_XpAPuo5FKqTNYy-dSh8VRDrsblrQmA7o_qyUnzvgeeDdQa9KylLE487Z6F_vxDJsMORL5vZufwli5lQOwRdS/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RdMxo_7Q_uqGl3ykKGApnRmq5dEyhZxaDFEY2PCz1IckRs7oEuDiyf1ZXi39oEScanaL2Itc_sJGpDTELWt_kvWzHsq-MU47RkQtDXnZ4lb47SDvZ6f-pEFTESL04cAgWQPsERuLIC0snemXgeIRBK8oqlmz6TPfjFpLb0RhSHhWhQXRXRfae0y/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RdMxo_7Q_uqGl3ykKGApnRmq5dEyhZxaDFEY2PCz1IckRs7oEuDiyf1ZXi39oEScanaL2Itc_sJGpDTELWt_kvWzHsq-MU47RkQtDXnZ4lb47SDvZ6f-pEFTESL04cAgWQPsERuLIC0snemXgeIRBK8oqlmz6TPfjFpLb0RhSHhWhQXRXRfae0y/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Mouthful Mode" allows Kirby to take on even more forms, such as this traffic cone, for instance.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Outside of completing traditional levels, there are the previously mentioned Treasure Roads. These side attractions of sorts generally feature one copy ability or "Mouthful Mode" modes that Kirby must use to get through these speed-running, obstacle-laden stages. These Treasure Roads are quite challenging, offering a limited amount of time to complete them, but the rewards are well worth it. After all, you can't upgrade Kirby's copy abilities without the Rare Stones these Roads reward you with. If you're truly in tune for a challenge, you can attempt to beat each Treasure Road's target time, usually immensely tight in time. Thankfully, even to 100% Kirby and the Forgotten Land, beating each Road's target time is purely optional and doesn't reward much to the player outside of more Star Coins.</p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH3Xb3Zuy3ZTZooTATTqITyd8049SckvhHyohAf8xG4z3MaWDJEK8_ESlvYT9hgCj0fiMSTtOGf7-RKJJrB5glHNqwsS47qrvo6eRFSwysW8qdijUmrQtRf9L60eYCQ2dLtJlX26LFeyasGpWAwImihu7ClXtgK9pdQ4oV9BqMt8Vu3wYHKyC-Oys/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH3Xb3Zuy3ZTZooTATTqITyd8049SckvhHyohAf8xG4z3MaWDJEK8_ESlvYT9hgCj0fiMSTtOGf7-RKJJrB5glHNqwsS47qrvo6eRFSwysW8qdijUmrQtRf9L60eYCQ2dLtJlX26LFeyasGpWAwImihu7ClXtgK9pdQ4oV9BqMt8Vu3wYHKyC-Oys/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boss battles turn up the action dial to 11, especially certain late and post-game encounters!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a lot of value in its cute and cuddly package. Reaching 100% completion not only requires rescuing all 300 Waddle Dees, but also beating various game modes as well, including the post-game content which is pretty hefty. Therefore, just because you see the credits initially roll, don't be surprised when there's quite a bit left to Kirby's adventure! It also helps that most of the content available is all entertaining and enjoyable. </p><p></p><p>What is also entertaining and enjoyable is simply how astonishing Kirby and the Forgotten Land looks. I was in awe a multitude of times enjoying the environments, sceneries, and vistas on display. The soundtrack? Well, that's a pure privilege and joy to listen to as well. The main theme of the game, a vocal one, permeates throughout a fair portion of the game's soundtrack, but there are plenty of absolute ripper tracks that delight without incorporating the game's main leitmotif. The fact of the matter, at least to this reviewer, is that all of the music is amazing. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0IrdmJiszTntovGvWiTetf07uKK390DgYoaMUc9Jp8SpDn6eyziksmp-CwxCTg3WPccwyU7Fhh-JSNUcuvu056XA_rbDRNnKj2sIBF83AWiQb7qphZtVv-RGDclYb4yP0moTpbtdTyu5CljmaPZTjglI6gkmBuCYQDrw3ErEHb4nWpiVUGJOWmqH/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0IrdmJiszTntovGvWiTetf07uKK390DgYoaMUc9Jp8SpDn6eyziksmp-CwxCTg3WPccwyU7Fhh-JSNUcuvu056XA_rbDRNnKj2sIBF83AWiQb7qphZtVv-RGDclYb4yP0moTpbtdTyu5CljmaPZTjglI6gkmBuCYQDrw3ErEHb4nWpiVUGJOWmqH/w640-h360/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-screen-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kirby's adventure will take him through all sorts of dangerous destinations,<br />but they all look absolutely breathtaking to behold.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>While some may have set their expectations of Kirby and the Forgotten Land to be something it's certainly not: the series' Super Mario 64 or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild moment, the game is exceptional all the same. It may not reinvent the wheel or revolutionize Kirby as we know it, the game really didn't have to. All I craved was the Kirby franchise finally entering the realm of 3D in a main game and knocking it out of the park while doing so. Kirby and the Forgotten Land did just that for me. With familiar yet phenomenal Kirby fun that translates splendidly from the limitations of 2D to full 3D, and plenty of content to keep players engaged for a while, Kirby and the Forgotten Land quite possibly stands as my favorite Kirby entry yet. </p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">[SPC Says: A]</span></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-46124756485280741782022-01-21T20:18:00.001-06:002022-01-21T20:18:34.284-06:00Blackwind (Multi) Review<p>The rest of this month on SuperPhillip Central is most likely going to be a series of new reviews on the site. To kick things off is Blackwind, a hack-and-slash mech game with platforming elements. Will this particular mech game "suit" you? Find out with the SPC review.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Neither an ill wind, nor a soothing breeze</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP_pQZQcFyWovDTKO10YPLhrdoWxV8jWdVySYuQfBjYmtUoO6sMC8SL4VYuEAbIa7RS8yieHj61QaNQxEPc9xc7CN0J4HkLWPXeFA0L-XK19ydXzSNezh-6i5wStDZBJ7aNFIT_ZXh6y-daR4rcGlqizcC1QwuqazWQPEUL5PCYr2DigA7YsqpZfwR=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP_pQZQcFyWovDTKO10YPLhrdoWxV8jWdVySYuQfBjYmtUoO6sMC8SL4VYuEAbIa7RS8yieHj61QaNQxEPc9xc7CN0J4HkLWPXeFA0L-XK19ydXzSNezh-6i5wStDZBJ7aNFIT_ZXh6y-daR4rcGlqizcC1QwuqazWQPEUL5PCYr2DigA7YsqpZfwR=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Blackwind begins with a space vessel becoming under attack from unknown forces. Aboard are Jimmy Hawkins and his father, the creator of a special bio mech suit that comes complete with its own AI, the first of its kind. To protect his son and in his own sacrifice, Hawkins Sr. puts Jimmy into the suit and deploys it down to the planet below. Without his father's voice authorization, Jimmy is stuck in the suit, so it's up to him to hopefully find his father at the vessel's crash site. Of course, no objective goes smoothly, as Jimmy will have to contend with hostile alien forces, as well as unravel a conspiracy in the process. <p></p><p>The team behind Blackwind describe the game as a hack-and-slash sci-fi action game with platforming elements, so let's break down each aspect one by one. In terms of action, Blackwind has a lot of it. Jimmy's suit can bash and battle baddies with the best of them, offering both melee (light and heavy attacks) as well as ranged fire. When an enemy has taken enough damage, they will start to flash red. This indicates a termination opportunity, which serves as an opportunity to execute an enemy at once. This is enjoyable for the first five dozen times, but by the end of the game, I found myself just beating enemies normally without the desire to terminate them through some animation, no matter how brief it was. That and if I never have to hear "Never mess with a Hawkins!" or some other overly, obnoxiously repeated expression again, it'll be too soon.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbOkq-ndUxvthX4uecRrjitI-T0YzoKQSTexZomD8ooBNGFiN_GpXZW3jY61MojtS_sqY4p58qmrJSO_wVRbSdAU81RGA3JBh69N2qeiUkOuXgeM-U0TQhDPngPJJnDJcoyUGT23CAqMshg0M_2P8P79WXPF9Mf6Uxh39qIQcp-_jSJlWFE0mGXfPP=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbOkq-ndUxvthX4uecRrjitI-T0YzoKQSTexZomD8ooBNGFiN_GpXZW3jY61MojtS_sqY4p58qmrJSO_wVRbSdAU81RGA3JBh69N2qeiUkOuXgeM-U0TQhDPngPJJnDJcoyUGT23CAqMshg0M_2P8P79WXPF9Mf6Uxh39qIQcp-_jSJlWFE0mGXfPP=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Get up close and personal with your adversaries!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Also obnoxious occasionally, is the combat, which is pretty basic. It can also become pretty infuriating too at times, unfortunately. This is compounded adversely by a camera that you cannot control whatsoever. You're at the whims of its either overhead placement, angled position, or some other perspective that does not lend well to keep enemies in view. There are also little to no invincibility frames to speak of, which coupled with the suit's inability to stand up quickly upon falling down from taking damage means that you can easily get stuck in a damage loop. The only escape is your own death, which is sometimes an immense frustration due to inconsistent checkpoint placement.</p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaqiVeoz1Umqdsn4LQBXceqJJDOw_MO-FEjAfSnM3yYdF6gHLjXv5gX69ECaENVLpJQTi97MlURKV3iVVjlfsVYhARM2-n2hryFy2jKTeapuWM4MHSpx18oUv_Z2wBLCz15kg64nushIz43q2xbVsYQYT9OBxiLiJunwpESTHa3Xow0-QBPL2DbUp0=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaqiVeoz1Umqdsn4LQBXceqJJDOw_MO-FEjAfSnM3yYdF6gHLjXv5gX69ECaENVLpJQTi97MlURKV3iVVjlfsVYhARM2-n2hryFy2jKTeapuWM4MHSpx18oUv_Z2wBLCz15kg64nushIz43q2xbVsYQYT9OBxiLiJunwpESTHa3Xow0-QBPL2DbUp0=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Or stay back and unload a steady supply of missiles into them.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Enemies drop blue orbs when defeated, and you can also get them from destroyed objects in the environment, of which there are plenty. Orbs can be spent at various stations in numerous skill trees to increase attack power of melee and ranged weaponry, boost how much health and special energy is dropped from defeated foes, and also means to improve and upgrade abilities learned throughout the course of Blackwind's campaign. In a given run through the game, it is next to impossible to upgrade everything available, so I really had to pick and choose what improvements to Jimmy's mech I wanted to add. </p><p></p><p>Speaking of abilities learned and earned throughout Blackwind, Jimmy's mech does gain a lot of interesting moves to utilize in and out of battle. For starters, there's basically a ground pound that emits of fiery shockwave that can incinerate enemies and inflict them with a burn over time once it's properly upgraded. Then, there's the ability to detach the suit's drone from its body, allowing it to freely move around, and even enter air ducts and ventilation shafts, offering some interesting navigational/exploration-based puzzles. This detachment of the drone also opens up puzzles where players will need to split tasks between both the drone and Jimmy's suit to make progress.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpuEYRPrHrOKcWztQ1cB-r1zQiw1Z9Ye_DcESoaIsCgXxsUU4gbIVWjLWD_ZaLp-FVFTeN2UuwGcofcIYze8hW3Th0pten4ImnXniKdLzYeK7G9St63V__hFCLXvyUSllFE7eQH0IvmI7YZ0t70OOQlVtFv5nuF0mw-Y7L-rwXnoKjNJ0JOzxK6vHQ=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpuEYRPrHrOKcWztQ1cB-r1zQiw1Z9Ye_DcESoaIsCgXxsUU4gbIVWjLWD_ZaLp-FVFTeN2UuwGcofcIYze8hW3Th0pten4ImnXniKdLzYeK7G9St63V__hFCLXvyUSllFE7eQH0IvmI7YZ0t70OOQlVtFv5nuF0mw-Y7L-rwXnoKjNJ0JOzxK6vHQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A force field: Every mech's must-have for added defense!</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>When Jimmy isn't engaged in battles with all types of enemies--both alien and even human--Blackwind will task him with performing some platforming feats, puzzles, and challenges. This is an aspect of Blackwind where the game severely falters. Movement already in the game is stiff, and the platforming suffers because of it. The aforementioned poor camera resulted in me not being able to properly identify where I needed to jump--if I could even jump there to begin with--and sometimes it even got stuck on level geometry, forcing me to have to reload my data. </p><p></p><p>Further, there were so many times where I'd jump on a "platform" only to not be able to jump again when I should have easily been able to do so. Blackwind is incredibly strict about when and where you can jump, use as platforms, and move in its world, and it's all insultingly limiting. There's usually just one way to solve puzzles, do platforming sections, and if you don't do them the way the game expects you to, you're going to get easily frustrated. This is especially so when you do everything right, yet the game's physics, controls, collision detection, or camera let you down.</p><p>Level design also suffers in Blackwind, offering a fair amount of exploration for things like new skins for Jimmy's mech and health and energy upgrades, but so much of it relies on places infested with invisible walls and janky platforming sections. When you're not in the out of doors, where invisible walls welcome you with anything but "open" arms, you're in dimly lit, labyrinthine, indoor areas that are sprawling mazes. These have you trudging through rooms, collecting keycards, hitting switches that for some reason open doors halfway across the compound (doesn't seem too efficient in an "if this was a real place" context), and battling enemies. It's nothing too amazing, to put it politely.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-4tEaZTEa7scX4pTxevjXdjVHLFEHmK5PXhYqYEqE7VgF0I3w-j2RWFMMmOg7lI1iUHs5QLIV-yt3sGu6T-5SbaVGkORkBWzkaGPIgoK8lVULr-5FXgQf94eZD1boQN-iiMlIbE-lIrbkZM1BUrj0Hl2UZpJX9-bE_HXkXWacpHHpoxsrYszneA-g=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-4tEaZTEa7scX4pTxevjXdjVHLFEHmK5PXhYqYEqE7VgF0I3w-j2RWFMMmOg7lI1iUHs5QLIV-yt3sGu6T-5SbaVGkORkBWzkaGPIgoK8lVULr-5FXgQf94eZD1boQN-iiMlIbE-lIrbkZM1BUrj0Hl2UZpJX9-bE_HXkXWacpHHpoxsrYszneA-g=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Like (unfortunately) many other things in the game, the camera does not always do Blackwind many favors.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Despite not playing the best or even looking the greatest, Blackwind runs at a steady frame-rate at the very least. Although many of the areas are drab, don't inspire much wonderment from them, and constantly reuse assets, everything in the game runs well and is stable. Blackwind's audio is a mixed bag, offering competent enough voice work (your mileage may vary), and music that simply stands as serviceable. </p><p></p><p>By the time I was through with Blackwind, I found myself seeing a lot of untapped potential, and whether that is because of time-constraints or budget issues, it's just a shame that for every good idea in Blackwind, something just holds the game back and sometimes in an utterly frustrating way. Between the janky platforming, subpar combat, horrid camera, and myriad small issues with the game, it all adds up to Blackwind being one sci-fi hack-and-slash platformer you can safely skip without much regret.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">[SPC Says: C-]</span></b></p><p><i>A code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.</i></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-32093404348652717162022-01-18T14:40:00.000-06:002022-01-18T14:40:26.887-06:00The Tuesday 10s - Most Anticipated Games of 2022<p>It's time for The Tuesday 10s to make their triumphant arrival in a brand-new year. What better way to do that than to celebrate and anticipate some of the most interesting, intriguing, and exciting games due out in 2022? That's exactly what we're doing here at SPC with this alphabetical list of the site's most anticipated games of 2022. From sequels to long-running and historic franchises to all-new IP, this list has a little something for everyone, and doesn't even quite list ALL of the good-looking games currently set release this year. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">God of War: Ragnarok (PS5, PS4)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgong3W_QzEjbrPobcE9mD2E7M80BQbp1XzKVi4L2jq-DuQwF2KtnPjkg6lbFTfZ8K8zzRl2Zl-Gdazwn_LZvj4cMRDrD6mSVRjyLlKbjkPPOioKIGzJ_roOAXWl-lXyKTHO2K9MOwFom5-KEyF2j0asuJgk3UfWTBKyGT_qrBM7UDYixuovTb1d1cU=s3840" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgong3W_QzEjbrPobcE9mD2E7M80BQbp1XzKVi4L2jq-DuQwF2KtnPjkg6lbFTfZ8K8zzRl2Zl-Gdazwn_LZvj4cMRDrD6mSVRjyLlKbjkPPOioKIGzJ_roOAXWl-lXyKTHO2K9MOwFom5-KEyF2j0asuJgk3UfWTBKyGT_qrBM7UDYixuovTb1d1cU=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>After the excellence that was God of War in 2018 (and <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2019/02/superphillip-centrals-top-ten-games-of.html" target="_blank">SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year for the same year</a></b>), there's no question that there is immense excitement stirring from both PlayStation and God of War fans for the upcoming God of War: Ragnarok. Featuring the return of Kratos and a teenaged Atreus, Ragnarok occurs in the Scandinavian region of the world, features Norse folklore and mythology, and is set three years after the events of the 2018 game. Along the way, Kratos and Atreus will have to endure the wrath of both Thor and Feya, as well as face the harsh elements, creatures, and challenges that await them in the world. Set to release on both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 4, God of War: Ragnarok is due out sometime in 2022.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Gran Turismo 7 (PS5, PS4)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh672ntKnTLpPU9fP_-akEpPD6s8NkuybxdeAKQVwZr8mSDBU75PNxQvS0oHH0_jYiHRRFKIYOAY3aIETgLR4YE6qUtzqfd8R87oV-dSGuBam-1k6nqtuIxhNOHQcwYcKxiYjKrfaBkoe2VviPH3HdIx3xJ1aKeSqgmgmp7ly9MBxZmt3iNm0rv6xKt=s1573" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1573" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh672ntKnTLpPU9fP_-akEpPD6s8NkuybxdeAKQVwZr8mSDBU75PNxQvS0oHH0_jYiHRRFKIYOAY3aIETgLR4YE6qUtzqfd8R87oV-dSGuBam-1k6nqtuIxhNOHQcwYcKxiYjKrfaBkoe2VviPH3HdIx3xJ1aKeSqgmgmp7ly9MBxZmt3iNm0rv6xKt=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></div><p>Releasing March 4, 2022, the latest in the long-running and much celebrated (for good reason, too) racing and driving simulation series is, like God of War: Ragnarok, due to release on both PS5 and PS4 at launch, a first for the series. That said, the PS5 version sees many exclusive features thanks to the system's massively more powerful hardware, offering real-time ray tracing effects, 60 FPS, and incredibly short loading times in comparison to the PS4 version. Both versions will see the return of GT Simulation, which features a lengthy solo campaign, many returning circuits, tracks, cars, and modes from past games, such as the Driving School, Used Cars dealership, and GT Sport mode, the latter from none other than Gran Turismo Sport. Essentially a compilation of the best and greatest features and modes from past Gran Turismo games with several all-new bells, whistles, and contents, Gran Turismo 7 looks to have a lot of greatness under its hood.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Horizon Forbidden West (PS5, PS4)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJypOYKzrqCnkYZZ6z-vesHYczJtTpPE_-A0d-VjqSZ74x9kyj-u96BXE_K4t5cIoowGFmR9DfP6OtAHuxXpQbyuz4SHzwpYzWUTFyTM_N4CsjglSZMPjOYQuV55kmAonxmxIuXLRVYm9lo6qcXWmOjalhC6NTI-T5mVORd9iDPaoPV-FXRNhFcQIk=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJypOYKzrqCnkYZZ6z-vesHYczJtTpPE_-A0d-VjqSZ74x9kyj-u96BXE_K4t5cIoowGFmR9DfP6OtAHuxXpQbyuz4SHzwpYzWUTFyTM_N4CsjglSZMPjOYQuV55kmAonxmxIuXLRVYm9lo6qcXWmOjalhC6NTI-T5mVORd9iDPaoPV-FXRNhFcQIk=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Bigger and better are usually words used to describe sequels, and it's really apt for an open-world sequel like Horizon Forbidden West. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, namely the Western United States, and chiefly California, Nevada, and Utah, Forbidden West sees the return of Aloy as she does battle with both man and machine. The map of Forbidden West will be significantly larger than that of 2017's Horizon Zero Dawn, and sports both underground and underwater exploration, the latter being entirely new to the series. Climbing, melee combat, exploration and more have been shown to be much upgraded as well, making for a sequel that is shaping up to be a majorly and massively marked improvement as a sequel. That's saying a lot considering the original Horizon Zero Dawn was number three on <b><a href="http://www.superphillipcentral.com/2018/01/superphillip-central-best-of-2017_29.html" target="_blank">SPC's Games of 2017 list</a></b>. The wait for Horizon Forbidden West won't be long, as the game launches on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 on February 18, 2022.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kirby and the Forgotten Land (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrfVTfeAqTOwTZobD1Jx45N3Mt9WLrJffpwP2pnAbF_yTpVk-qHAaKcz7sp1Ioaa-4GpZFFnK77CKAd9BX9sypqGHhIyQjhbh-DiDZeYecv1m7IAxFO3hr2DBoIWNh4Y2_RSNfBrextG1FLxzV1f5IC94-OluuoVPihiBEjRAwuCh8Vovj7aoM0_RV=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrfVTfeAqTOwTZobD1Jx45N3Mt9WLrJffpwP2pnAbF_yTpVk-qHAaKcz7sp1Ioaa-4GpZFFnK77CKAd9BX9sypqGHhIyQjhbh-DiDZeYecv1m7IAxFO3hr2DBoIWNh4Y2_RSNfBrextG1FLxzV1f5IC94-OluuoVPihiBEjRAwuCh8Vovj7aoM0_RV=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>After 30 years of waiting, Kirby finally makes the leap into a fully three-dimensional adventure with Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Divided up into 3D levels much like Super Mario 3D World in structure, the objective of each level in Kirby's newest adventure will be to rescue the Waddle Dees trapped in cages at the end of each stage. This is all the while using Kirby's abilities, like his all-new Ranger and Drill copy abilities, to progress through levels, solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and nab hidden collectables as well. Kirby and the Forgotten Land seems set to mark the 30th anniversary of the pink puffball in a major, profound, and downright exciting manner, and I'm definitely here for it.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1u7E2Xn9VX0li9y8JLrdbU2Mw4RAN585ceuX0pDZQTeoMYsTUxFlLsrVtMCfbkqLAIB6DWv9hNhYiBR0wJtK62Ia17W8PuMxWjk-4chXhjatWLyR1hIBN-hIsDjSBjOAWUDghlgcmHNHpLLG1gbTg-ErDsDei01wv8ZyXq4xlY_1W2fcMfXxZ-R0z=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1u7E2Xn9VX0li9y8JLrdbU2Mw4RAN585ceuX0pDZQTeoMYsTUxFlLsrVtMCfbkqLAIB6DWv9hNhYiBR0wJtK62Ia17W8PuMxWjk-4chXhjatWLyR1hIBN-hIsDjSBjOAWUDghlgcmHNHpLLG1gbTg-ErDsDei01wv8ZyXq4xlY_1W2fcMfXxZ-R0z=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>We don't know too much about the upcoming sequel to 2017's fantastic The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Heck, we still don't even have a subtitle for the game as of yet. Still, what we do know from the two trailers shown and the subsequent interviews surrounding the game has made this sequel incredibly intriguing. For one, Link now takes to the skies of Hyrule in somewhat of a nod to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Will we explore both the skies above and the lands below as well? With the director of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild returning for this sequel, and the idea that unused concepts from that game's development will be utilized in some way in this sequel, this follow-up to Link's first open-world odyssey looks to be well worth the wait. Here's to the hope that it indeed launches this year like Nintendo has stated.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXyfNhd395tStKQDfd1ENTo1RDvIWmUniFxWx7bdzDJYhsOsLC8Bf-BADRIjU0y4lHqjHP7hHzFCImVyjDZQZGIoSN4WeT-DBCq4wthsCEWlJienuaNgFLkAsP8-Sk9foFy-OJMMs_4jntf30abQmE_oo27IaUpmUZX8CmBpk5gRYC-JBFWLY02s1o=s890" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="890" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXyfNhd395tStKQDfd1ENTo1RDvIWmUniFxWx7bdzDJYhsOsLC8Bf-BADRIjU0y4lHqjHP7hHzFCImVyjDZQZGIoSN4WeT-DBCq4wthsCEWlJienuaNgFLkAsP8-Sk9foFy-OJMMs_4jntf30abQmE_oo27IaUpmUZX8CmBpk5gRYC-JBFWLY02s1o=w640-h358" width="640" /></a></div><p>After the rousing and remarkable success of Ubisoft Milan's first Mario and Rabbids crossover in 2017, it's no doubt that I'm chomping at the bit to find out more and eventually play the upcoming sequel, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The titular sparks refer to the fusion of Super Mario Galaxy's Lumas and the Rabbids themselves. This time around, nine confirmed playable characters are available, including newcomer Rabbid Rosalina. Gone is the grid-based system used in battles from Sparks of Hope's predecessor, instead using real-time aspects to its combat. Also, the world itself is less linear than Kingdom Battle, offering even more exploration than ever before. All of this makes Sparks of Hope something to be--well, hopeful about when it releases sometime later this year.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pokémon Legends: Arceus (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UIcfIq8S9QMq_18D4H9AmKsO_u59fs6a5Pl_K9OD-OI3wtF5zDPHrYeMsfpQaoG-GlZNbdr4Z8GfRAvv-J0R5x4VhOnTezC93knAxbv-WNH2ehv_J_fhvAfHiH6fo-rJruhq6_F_HB-I3sO9FXkL0O5CDRpL5LspwYvg3aJY1YYoOBG6Vg8S6x4X=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UIcfIq8S9QMq_18D4H9AmKsO_u59fs6a5Pl_K9OD-OI3wtF5zDPHrYeMsfpQaoG-GlZNbdr4Z8GfRAvv-J0R5x4VhOnTezC93knAxbv-WNH2ehv_J_fhvAfHiH6fo-rJruhq6_F_HB-I3sO9FXkL0O5CDRpL5LspwYvg3aJY1YYoOBG6Vg8S6x4X=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our next game is a bold new direction for a longtime popular series, and it's also a game that is releasing the soonest from the games on this list. It's Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and it looks like it shakes up the traditional Pokémon formula quite considerably. Starting with a choice of three starter Pokémon selected from three different Pokémon games--a first for the series--your trainer enters into the land of Hisui, a region from a bygone era that will become Sinnoh in the distant future. With multiple areas with unique Pokémon to catch and environments to explore, new ways to do battle and capture Pokémon, and a lengthy adventure ahead of players, this new take on the Pokémon series from Game Freak is shaping up to be most promising. Pokémon Legends: Arceus launches on the Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Saints Row (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4qwpaGN9mVNazY6slCZ6z5wjb6zB8NYgkU7TcrHPadGASGlQgKt4C7nxWTzte1Zb69OFC_61mw_uahqkE5xd37dVCtuGjY_jkadVo2JC3ZPk1vX52J4jUnD2oeTpAWzAFXkNli1uDT2gHYnQyToIxw2A2FA_ruUrGBArWooBIIfLjLafFWkQ1Y_C9=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4qwpaGN9mVNazY6slCZ6z5wjb6zB8NYgkU7TcrHPadGASGlQgKt4C7nxWTzte1Zb69OFC_61mw_uahqkE5xd37dVCtuGjY_jkadVo2JC3ZPk1vX52J4jUnD2oeTpAWzAFXkNli1uDT2gHYnQyToIxw2A2FA_ruUrGBArWooBIIfLjLafFWkQ1Y_C9=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Set in Santo Ileso, based on the southwestern United States, this reboot of the Saints Row series simply titled Saints Row, will see you play as a character known as "The Boss", seeking to develop their own gang from defectors from Santo Ileso's three major gangs. The Boss themselves will be fully customizable, much like past Saints Row games, and the game will also feature drop-in/drop-out co-op for two players to roam around Santo Ileso completing missions and simply painting the town red. Since its debut back on the Xbox 360, Saints Row has been one of my favorite open-world action series, and it has at many times rivaled and occasionally surpassed its clear inspiration, Grand Theft Auto, for me. Saints Row's reboot was originally going to release next month in February, but now it has an August 23, 2022 release date. It's my wish, along many other Saints Row fans out there, that this date sticks.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sonic Frontiers (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_lUESSqxoIS-PrUTWcDFEaNIwp2jskJ-xQWqXu5hXK1EVuiyHl1nFr5c_WSdRkiMhbOELwxwwgXBIx-cCDC8BOF8WkyCDmyVCHLEafbYp6PrOnLSCF5I6GGK7GNUaBW9IZSimsiB-yEjtREruK4yJ4_u4ide0d6TFdrk79ZOGe8q3rZ3dsXEVe0ze=s1428" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1428" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_lUESSqxoIS-PrUTWcDFEaNIwp2jskJ-xQWqXu5hXK1EVuiyHl1nFr5c_WSdRkiMhbOELwxwwgXBIx-cCDC8BOF8WkyCDmyVCHLEafbYp6PrOnLSCF5I6GGK7GNUaBW9IZSimsiB-yEjtREruK4yJ4_u4ide0d6TFdrk79ZOGe8q3rZ3dsXEVe0ze=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's no secret that SEGA's pride and joy and main mascot Sonic the Hedgehog has seen many ups and downs over the years, and I'm not just referring to the undulations of the many zones the Blue Blur speeds through. It's almost disgustingly cliché to mention that. Regardless, SEGA and Sonic Team hope to bring Sonic to a new, successful frontier with Sonic Frontiers, an open-world Sonic game with a story written by famed Sonic comic writer Ian Flynn. The debut trailer premiered at The Game Awards last month, and to say that despite all of Sonic's less than favorable games in the series' history, I'm still very much looking forward to seeing if Sonic Team can stick the landing this time. The delay from 2021 into 2022 was done to give Frontiers some added polish, so here's hoping at the very least!</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Triangle Strategy (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdR2WZ7_TN5NE2BodGOk_JOnf8E_xRMDRpVO7eyCemYHjMdGnNZrs-G9jBpiDFxpWA4sQf2S2ExB2Db9mgFD8qwjeg2und41VggqKw9tfiAJOIWSDvng8OMzqg8Z482ZPuLZoxxXaXkhdk76kBzhWed_aEYXg9Te51G1LhsM7Dih-bThU1-8YoJKj4=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdR2WZ7_TN5NE2BodGOk_JOnf8E_xRMDRpVO7eyCemYHjMdGnNZrs-G9jBpiDFxpWA4sQf2S2ExB2Db9mgFD8qwjeg2und41VggqKw9tfiAJOIWSDvng8OMzqg8Z482ZPuLZoxxXaXkhdk76kBzhWed_aEYXg9Te51G1LhsM7Dih-bThU1-8YoJKj4=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Last but certainly not least is Triangle Strategy, a tactical turn-based RPG similar to that of Final Fantasy Tactics. Using Square Enix's tried and true (and ultimately still gorgeous) HD-2D graphics as seen in the previously released Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy takes the beauty of Square Enix's graphics engine and turns up the dial to 11 when it regards beauty. Of course, all of the tactical decision-making one would expect out of a game like this is present and accounted for, and not just in battle either, where players can interact with the environment to change the terrain. How you engage with the story affects three unique characteristics or values, and this in turn affects how characters will engage with you, the player. Will you value morality, liberty, or utility? The choice is yours and yours alone when Triangle Strategy launches as a current Nintendo Switch exclusive on March 4, 2022. </p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-83999108263821629622022-01-12T09:13:00.001-06:002022-01-12T09:13:22.348-06:00Kirby and the Forgotten Land (NSW) "Copy Abilities and Co-op" Trailer<div>With a newly announced release date and two all-new Copy Abilities (Drill and Ranger), Kirby and the Forgotten Land has a new trailer published by Nintendo this morning on the game maker's YouTube account. This first-ever 3D Kirby positively looks to ooze with charm and delightfully fun gameplay. Thankfully, we won't have to wait too terribly long to dig in, as Kirby and the Forgotten Land launches on Nintendo Switch on March 25th, 2022!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/RiPcRCWzcGo" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RiPcRCWzcGo/hqdefault.jpg);" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-63853068088356261342022-01-10T17:13:00.000-06:002022-01-10T17:13:05.934-06:00Pokémon Legends: Arceus (NSW) "A World of Adventure Awaits in Hisui" Trailer<div>This morning Nintendo published a new minute-long trailer for its upcoming January 28th release Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a bold new entry for the Pokémon franchise. Check out but a small sample of the content and gameplay available to players when they embark to fill the very first Pokedex in the Hisui Region's history. What challenges and surprises await? Find out when Pokémon Legends: Arceus arrives exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on January 28th.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ruORJogFcOY" width="580"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-78509876805747022972022-01-01T19:50:00.000-06:002022-01-01T19:50:03.494-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXOihMjxfzN3DscAL6DlHjz9AmMyMHZkjeDw4nVP7FPc_hvPL_UBM9VKUWQDLqUDTvo_khGtAev7Vl2fPvz4tD5JuSbm4dfGVSGY7bwXLfSqZ99k_uEDKTGBlAn3cHiwPwJRe6zJCe8G8i40RdtvLQXTU84yLxGylKpzV60RKsYKIJ8jcdLDgCXQ7H=s3222" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="3222" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXOihMjxfzN3DscAL6DlHjz9AmMyMHZkjeDw4nVP7FPc_hvPL_UBM9VKUWQDLqUDTvo_khGtAev7Vl2fPvz4tD5JuSbm4dfGVSGY7bwXLfSqZ99k_uEDKTGBlAn3cHiwPwJRe6zJCe8G8i40RdtvLQXTU84yLxGylKpzV60RKsYKIJ8jcdLDgCXQ7H=w640-h216" width="640" /></a></div><p>The year is over and so, too, is another awards ceremony here at SuperPhillip Central. The SPC Best of 2021 Awards was a lot of fun to do, so I hope you had fun and were entertained by the show as well. Now that the dust has settled, here is a comprehensive list of all eight categories--seven top fives and one final top ten--that shows all of the winners in order, for your convenience! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021.html" target="_blank">Top Five Best Original Soundtracks</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Ys IX: Monstrum Nox </p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Monster Hunter Rise</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Death's Door</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Bravely Default II</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_28.html" target="_blank">Top Five Games That Kept On Giving</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Forza Horizon 5</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Knockout City</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Animal Crossing: New Horizons</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Mario Golf: Super Rush</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Fortnite</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_89.html" target="_blank">Top Five Most Overlooked Games</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Dodgeball Academia</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Game Builder Garage</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Kaze and the Wild Masks</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) NEO: The World Ends With You</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_29.html" target="_blank">Top Five Biggest Surprises</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Knockout City</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Cruis'n Blast</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) It Takes Two</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Chicory: A Colorful Tale</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Death's Door</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_30.html" target="_blank">Top Five Remakes & Remasters</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Sonic Colors: Ultimate</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_26.html" target="_blank">Top Five Platformers</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Blue Fire</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Kaze and the Wild Masks</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Psychonauts 2</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Metroid Dread</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_31.html" target="_blank">Top Five Multiplayer Games</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Monster Hunter Rise</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) It Takes Two</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Halo Infinite</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Mario Party Superstars</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_36.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Games of 2021</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">10) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Halo Infinite</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Death's Door</p><p style="text-align: center;">7) It Takes Two</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Psychonauts 2</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Monster Hunter Rise</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Resident Evil Village</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Metroid Dread</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Forza Horizon (GAME OF THE YEAR 2021)</p><p style="text-align: center;">===</p><p>Thank you, everyone, for making the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards a great success, and just for making SPC a wonderful site in general. Your continued love and support is always appreciated, and I hope the site can continue to see success in the new year as we approach our 14th anniversary this June. Have a great 2022, everyone! See you later next week for the first official content on SPC for the new year!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-3780458473510825382021-12-31T20:48:00.000-06:002021-12-31T20:48:41.457-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Ten Games of 2021<p>With 2021 quickly drawing to a close, 2022 arriving in but a few hours here on SuperPhillip Central and seven awards and lists out of the way, we now stand at the main event: it's time to crown 2021's Game of the Year here as part of SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2021 Awards! While the year itself saw the pandemic still raging on and a world in continued crisis (as if this were 2020: The Sequel in some regards), gaming offered a nice respite, an escape from the chaos of the world--how ever brief it may be.</p><p>These ten games are some of the best that were played this year. They offered unparalleled design, fantastic worlds to do some escaping that was previously mentioned, took our imaginations to new heights, made us laugh, made us happy, and made us for a moment forget about our cares. The latter of which was something truly special in these intensely trying times. </p><p>If you need to catch up on past lists from the SPC Best of 2021 Awards, look no further than these links:</p><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021.html" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">Top Five Best Original Soundtracks</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_29.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Biggest Surprises</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_28.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Games That Kept On Giving</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_89.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Most Overlooked Games</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_31.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Multiplayer Games</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_26.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Platformers</a></b></div><div style="background-color: #f2ecec; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_30.html" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Top Five Remakes & Remasters</a></b></div><p>Without further ado, though, let's see which ten games made the list this year and which will be crowned with SPC's Game of 2021! Note: None of the games on this list received a grade less than an A- this year, which for this site is quite special! </p><p>Now, onto the list of the Top Ten Games of 2021!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">10) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFvbI0Ga3_XZzVABODg5gI3B2DaG3YPMQW98zhX54SYQiMAttm85zKaqLOvaSVvxYev9DvRh377U1_N59FoB6Q8n7974QzAALZB9GitOx4TCa1fz6HK-klBM0foWvsesyfUOKPiIC6lKQvbXEQsyDvekzP8sz7XUXG5Hf0WBXohacY0WKEap9cDObY=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFvbI0Ga3_XZzVABODg5gI3B2DaG3YPMQW98zhX54SYQiMAttm85zKaqLOvaSVvxYev9DvRh377U1_N59FoB6Q8n7974QzAALZB9GitOx4TCa1fz6HK-klBM0foWvsesyfUOKPiIC6lKQvbXEQsyDvekzP8sz7XUXG5Hf0WBXohacY0WKEap9cDObY=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKIhUGtJY1fJ-YVBP3vqaBTpmfNE0iRYqcApl43yygIgL462E3sKXWSW3XcAH1GssOb9sSQh3jknD3WON5_GEPCDkn57EoD1YsUX1d-BphqCRSgNWOJ2_LSQjIn9pC7TaPOwhg5AM9xQWvwZDbtTEidUd1zeJezV_xYJHQNaULC2L-R0FyNpoD6JAG=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKIhUGtJY1fJ-YVBP3vqaBTpmfNE0iRYqcApl43yygIgL462E3sKXWSW3XcAH1GssOb9sSQh3jknD3WON5_GEPCDkn57EoD1YsUX1d-BphqCRSgNWOJ2_LSQjIn9pC7TaPOwhg5AM9xQWvwZDbtTEidUd1zeJezV_xYJHQNaULC2L-R0FyNpoD6JAG=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Starting off the countdown of the Games of 2021 we have a blast from SuperPhillip Central's past. The original Skyward Sword was named SPC's Game of the Year in 2011, and now The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD kicks off this countdown ten years later. This HD remaster of the Wii classic brought with it the motion-controlled swordplay, as well as the bomb-rolling, arrow-shooting, Clawshot-launching goodness of the original, but also featured analog controls for those who may not want to or be able to utilize motion controls as easily. Venturing back into the realm of Skyloft and the surrounding areas (and of course the surface below) was a most welcomed return, and with the quality of life upgrades (such as less interruptions from Fi), and you have a much better game than what was already available in 2011. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">9) Halo Infinite (XBS, XB1, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipF7Po5EwFwiKvixoif4u3yl3vu8OD8H6e_SazdA27QshGt-MrggcUvywibM9X74m4gma1mmCXsJPNpfP2It5XE2_a6SsOu8-NQ0Jh5MUv1p9L_-xFt7XSobNxMVcZDbryuhGGeGre5WhfNyYMRbg4EEoWQw268Yu7vOO9j0BR90-WawxXY7bAxNhb=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipF7Po5EwFwiKvixoif4u3yl3vu8OD8H6e_SazdA27QshGt-MrggcUvywibM9X74m4gma1mmCXsJPNpfP2It5XE2_a6SsOu8-NQ0Jh5MUv1p9L_-xFt7XSobNxMVcZDbryuhGGeGre5WhfNyYMRbg4EEoWQw268Yu7vOO9j0BR90-WawxXY7bAxNhb=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkkrSvZieA-PtSAL1AECyxJ0hEuodeGntPI3BIY3ajXstiLNmxXGASJMDLXYoJJpaRfJIskDk08lxzf_Pum7zm6SpeqTKfm-YH3ojKbr5WJv1kYiOFRTVEYhgZlLh9cuNL9pNMTIP5ggV-IxnzcEivvID7j46V0u6R8Iy3Fmoj7cC1Ip0ctiKZEZbJ=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkkrSvZieA-PtSAL1AECyxJ0hEuodeGntPI3BIY3ajXstiLNmxXGASJMDLXYoJJpaRfJIskDk08lxzf_Pum7zm6SpeqTKfm-YH3ojKbr5WJv1kYiOFRTVEYhgZlLh9cuNL9pNMTIP5ggV-IxnzcEivvID7j46V0u6R8Iy3Fmoj7cC1Ip0ctiKZEZbJ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Master Chief returned, and despite all the hubbub and commotion over the much reported issues surrounding the development of the game, Halo Infinite defied all odds and came out a winner in the end. Releasing piecemeal with its multiplayer in November and its single-player campaign this past month (co-op coming in 2022), Halo Infinite delivered exciting firefights on a bold, grand new scale. The game was sort of a Breath of the Wild moment for the Halo series, presenting a robust open-world to explore, which was substantially made more fun due to the all-new Grappleshot accessory. This allowed Master Chief to propel himself across distances both horizontal and vertical with a shot of his grapple, and made his mobility even more impressive and fun. This was featured in the multiplayer component, which somehow improved even more as a multiplayer experience than it was already. By the end of Halo Infinite's campaign, I was yearning for more, and thankfully for me, co-op is again coming soon, and there's plenty to see and discover on the Ring as I wait and players online to slay (or in my case, get slayed by)!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">8) Death's Door (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhLMnNdkAzStTxbqIn288GEgoffBucaNY937kIj0ZMLffm1bgMACrecGX9BqDhz5YAuaakx27kmXP3i27mtPsGad3oCs26_xZJpwLfC35-sbd6ylJWWGEb02Z5134hi-z61rkB9huPry5lMfTRBfg1_0adgPgXvCajkxMA4amBDW4YEOixbynHtibH=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhLMnNdkAzStTxbqIn288GEgoffBucaNY937kIj0ZMLffm1bgMACrecGX9BqDhz5YAuaakx27kmXP3i27mtPsGad3oCs26_xZJpwLfC35-sbd6ylJWWGEb02Z5134hi-z61rkB9huPry5lMfTRBfg1_0adgPgXvCajkxMA4amBDW4YEOixbynHtibH=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1QH5t0w9EDIgvf63jE6pXGVY-IkC5iQ7cu4tDq9UdAdz-FOC7ZfvIDv8euLlsxJ5HEyUfruvPNlDp2u-f1wcItw5AyC-OEytA-AiHasA26BmM08VgQnqvjvd0Rb2cDWl57GPZLqqX72cW7f144Ep_2-46U8wepQBp_vA5Lfz-VoHaZyxSFFgdO56=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1QH5t0w9EDIgvf63jE6pXGVY-IkC5iQ7cu4tDq9UdAdz-FOC7ZfvIDv8euLlsxJ5HEyUfruvPNlDp2u-f1wcItw5AyC-OEytA-AiHasA26BmM08VgQnqvjvd0Rb2cDWl57GPZLqqX72cW7f144Ep_2-46U8wepQBp_vA5Lfz-VoHaZyxSFFgdO56=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>The sole indie game on this list of stellar titles (but don't let yourself think indies didn't have their fair share of excellence this year in gaming), Death's Door delivered a delightful cross between Dark Souls and a traditional Zelda adventure. The action was immense, the exploration was enjoyable to search every nook and cranny of the game's world for secrets, and the world itself was lovingly crafted to make for a brilliant game. Then, there's the sensational soundtrack, which did well for itself in SPC's Best of 2021 Awards Best Original Soundtrack category. Death's Door was a tour de force in game design, offering a magnificent Zelda-like with a melancholy world and set of characters, superb puzzles, challenging fights--whether they be against groups of foes or bosses, and interesting dungeons to dive into. A real winner this year, feel free to knock on Death's Door and give the game a playthrough or two. You won't regret it.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">7) It Takes Two (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3owjU4i-ORkgVVHfRV_fmdzClZS1dqyOt_nF2_UpiIg94WNglICtrWbgJq-JzchrchLU2bBFQrc2s2ZeJ3M1Dfift0upzC4jHFlFFtWhnU9qgOcX7IdyTejhSPRKD1n_WADbWem9Aqr43xYvwhMKBVDNF0NqHrug1M1HSxic5bW-oOAqKhmZx3ufF=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3owjU4i-ORkgVVHfRV_fmdzClZS1dqyOt_nF2_UpiIg94WNglICtrWbgJq-JzchrchLU2bBFQrc2s2ZeJ3M1Dfift0upzC4jHFlFFtWhnU9qgOcX7IdyTejhSPRKD1n_WADbWem9Aqr43xYvwhMKBVDNF0NqHrug1M1HSxic5bW-oOAqKhmZx3ufF=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBUMG3h6GHuzhERyI7L-DVglTNslQSb2n4HK2DAzmyP3rkU_s2eVZLluwYoqEx2Z7bOYq7ad-la7Jt0jjg7ChKIgV-ie1wiVy3Hx39LZAVhzKKEUJKVlvsv6sueqwoHStkBgJcb516J_ydx7KzyPDdPncMbuEehulJza1ttnbZuTcbJ7YoVbwpYidk=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBUMG3h6GHuzhERyI7L-DVglTNslQSb2n4HK2DAzmyP3rkU_s2eVZLluwYoqEx2Z7bOYq7ad-la7Jt0jjg7ChKIgV-ie1wiVy3Hx39LZAVhzKKEUJKVlvsv6sueqwoHStkBgJcb516J_ydx7KzyPDdPncMbuEehulJza1ttnbZuTcbJ7YoVbwpYidk=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>A co-operative game that masterfully weaves multiple polished gameplay set pieces together, each idea that could be formed into their own games, It Takes Two was a masterclass of multiplayer design. With each of the two player characters in the game having asymmetrical roles, players needed to depend on one another to get through the game's platforming levels, action sequences, and of course, boss battles as well--some of the most impressive from 2021. Whether you gelled well with your co-operative partner or not (online or off), you were going to get an equal dose of fun, laughter, and great times. I mentioned this already in previous awards categories, but It Takes Two gave my older brother and I some truly terrific times together. For that, I will always appreciate the game, not just for that, but also just for being a well-polished and wonderful co-operative game in general.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">6) Psychonauts 2 (XBS, XB1, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVux59LnbJ2I4jKgZZU-YbToWEmQGVpy26-73RW0XV7k8A_wWnLGwujHmonvc8-L7aV3mHBWm4s9wHtrrd7EuTu5mf8sYLv4F2BBx--cEupZ5Cufj1kXodynYRmAXav8ofzM2PKP0VS0t2xZADby-_azGm6YC59eol4e6_q0UoQcE74RM60Y_Ey06s=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVux59LnbJ2I4jKgZZU-YbToWEmQGVpy26-73RW0XV7k8A_wWnLGwujHmonvc8-L7aV3mHBWm4s9wHtrrd7EuTu5mf8sYLv4F2BBx--cEupZ5Cufj1kXodynYRmAXav8ofzM2PKP0VS0t2xZADby-_azGm6YC59eol4e6_q0UoQcE74RM60Y_Ey06s=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlApdLnTkym9X9LQQQ_7FnAOCiqN6LWhqOcarxHOrBGHkUG-86hegUNi6rV12eIGtPw9WKXjE-I-5JN4R35rjkDGhuo4vabwZYZAWCa1LH8UQ3E9vb8JggZyuZuyBkplSGcoMHF2ARMjzymcFlDG3HTMPZam7r6oWJOYqqrmm-yJcYSmaayeLNvUGd=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlApdLnTkym9X9LQQQ_7FnAOCiqN6LWhqOcarxHOrBGHkUG-86hegUNi6rV12eIGtPw9WKXjE-I-5JN4R35rjkDGhuo4vabwZYZAWCa1LH8UQ3E9vb8JggZyuZuyBkplSGcoMHF2ARMjzymcFlDG3HTMPZam7r6oWJOYqqrmm-yJcYSmaayeLNvUGd=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>With mind over matter, Double Fine dished out a much anticipated, long awaited sequel to the original Psychonauts, fittingly titled Psychonauts 2, and this sequel upped the ante quite considerably. Bigger worlds, more to see, more to do, and plenty of kooky characters to fall in love with made Psychonauts 2 a pleasure to play and fully complete for this particular player. Speaking of upping the ante, Psychonauts 2's levels regularly did just that. Whether reuniting a band in a trippy musical world or trekking through a mix between a hospital and a casino, just when I figured the development team at Double Fine had run out of ingenious ideas for levels, boom! A new one was introduced that impressed me even more. While combat wasn't the game's strong suit by any stretch of the imagination, Psychonauts 2 excelled in other areas so highly that I can't be too upset that the game dropped the ball when it came to battles. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPsVZc_6b-MhqCoP_reosrahkiiGImUORbvIRDcAQjDdP1Lh1h_xV9Wy5Cyi9GoSnJyLu2kDkFQ_ZGfTVE_FuThAqtwkqUcdfbpfftIvim_fi5CzrmzReRXx6uAMcQr7zIYq4O4hhUU5YtTk6XdheIGJFFKVhRINtfhin9Cy1rtcY-pafsTSSE31J9=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPsVZc_6b-MhqCoP_reosrahkiiGImUORbvIRDcAQjDdP1Lh1h_xV9Wy5Cyi9GoSnJyLu2kDkFQ_ZGfTVE_FuThAqtwkqUcdfbpfftIvim_fi5CzrmzReRXx6uAMcQr7zIYq4O4hhUU5YtTk6XdheIGJFFKVhRINtfhin9Cy1rtcY-pafsTSSE31J9=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicgi5FhFHnUNcX_4BkNBHOTamDvcRzQ4K2-SAw41ZE18z6sEH8ojd5CwZn9H7LGVmPbdN0D_xDZ_heyG9ZnWnq4rCCxAkg7Klo6xcwMwLWNb1Wmt7UexoEO6kmVWrWdYNCSt1H6o9au-ZFVq00kgPeQuIAtIkNDxkDUeSSTiDNcZ0cNMtX4yrrfqaf=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicgi5FhFHnUNcX_4BkNBHOTamDvcRzQ4K2-SAw41ZE18z6sEH8ojd5CwZn9H7LGVmPbdN0D_xDZ_heyG9ZnWnq4rCCxAkg7Klo6xcwMwLWNb1Wmt7UexoEO6kmVWrWdYNCSt1H6o9au-ZFVq00kgPeQuIAtIkNDxkDUeSSTiDNcZ0cNMtX4yrrfqaf=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Continuing with our platforming theme, we have the king of the genre: Mario, and Nintendo brought back one of his greatest 3D adventures while adding a whole new one based off its mechanics with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. The former featured full online play for the first time in a 3D Mario game, while the latter showed us a potential glimpse at what an open world Mario game might look like in the future. Bowser's Fury was a tantalizing tease and prototype for a possible open world Mario, and if this is the foundation, oh my, are we in for something really special! Really, that's what Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury was this past year: something really special. It was a combo of old and new, the comfortably familiar and bold and daring, and it made for one of my favorite platforming games of 2021 and one of my favorite games released this past year period. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Monster Hunter Rise (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfSEb1JFdsEzT4Ht8EkunwLFczspxMJhL0W8J0rMAtDxNr_AkB-q20g7FkbNhEIAdGrjIm9Rqd7MAnVlWSLkvNz03v5Z9uDiY6cnQ24jQb8-SXpHs06yD89fT0GPTjA9iGq1r_EoV7KOloZl2WVqrtE4c5mcNqrSDoCLhbHSY9jkaAnhsyQ2PpIuUx=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfSEb1JFdsEzT4Ht8EkunwLFczspxMJhL0W8J0rMAtDxNr_AkB-q20g7FkbNhEIAdGrjIm9Rqd7MAnVlWSLkvNz03v5Z9uDiY6cnQ24jQb8-SXpHs06yD89fT0GPTjA9iGq1r_EoV7KOloZl2WVqrtE4c5mcNqrSDoCLhbHSY9jkaAnhsyQ2PpIuUx=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFauKfmY1Z3l4PBaCk2z7iLmkOyPb1_f4Rn79e9BC4JSLG7l9q_tWjy0tK6TgY4Qxwzlok3gzqINTUH_5Dn4_r5ILv6kB8bzZUt5WprxmjYDB91bK9JTh9TysviVcrnLvZj8DEutd-HedszyNx6qUCPclFNO9Q8UKME53IMZk86R8iPRT-cotYR416=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFauKfmY1Z3l4PBaCk2z7iLmkOyPb1_f4Rn79e9BC4JSLG7l9q_tWjy0tK6TgY4Qxwzlok3gzqINTUH_5Dn4_r5ILv6kB8bzZUt5WprxmjYDB91bK9JTh9TysviVcrnLvZj8DEutd-HedszyNx6qUCPclFNO9Q8UKME53IMZk86R8iPRT-cotYR416=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>A duo of Capcom-developed and published games sit on the next two spots of this countdown, and we begin with Monster Hunter Rise. I'm not telling tales here when I say that Monster Hunter as a series had never felt more entertaining, more enjoyable, and more satisfying to play with this latest entry. The Wirebug ability brought some much needed (and much fun) mobility to the Monster Hunter series, allowing quick escapes from monsters' clutches as well as new ways to interact with the world and said behemoth beasts. The gameplay loop of hunting down monsters, collecting their drops, and then recycling them for better equipment was here, present, and addicting as always, and the online multiplayer shined as <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_31.html" target="_blank">some of the year's best</a></b>. Monster Hunter Rise was overall one of my favorite entries, if not my favorite entry ever in this long-running franchise. It was THAT good.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Resident Evil: Village (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPdO3oIiW6ENba61R_umAXUYOUEXF3QC2f7oLvGdjgc-VDuxOlxr_UNGw6VCJrrCLHBAEGbANYne0JEvFbbY5fIRF_Ph0g5FU1uYxsY3rGT0qWrhwyS_kWtWKEMo3oK7gHIasKHBzrzVvCjZGF5M2Xc3IsHtEE_w_w4JAlUI4ME1-xUeyGSHpVAToX=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPdO3oIiW6ENba61R_umAXUYOUEXF3QC2f7oLvGdjgc-VDuxOlxr_UNGw6VCJrrCLHBAEGbANYne0JEvFbbY5fIRF_Ph0g5FU1uYxsY3rGT0qWrhwyS_kWtWKEMo3oK7gHIasKHBzrzVvCjZGF5M2Xc3IsHtEE_w_w4JAlUI4ME1-xUeyGSHpVAToX=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirjCLlvcM1OXqyT6BEFmF6zZnbtQ4_ICuObKnGGwSgDIsL21aFsTAswLljZ2cCQnbITj7fHHi4zhJ8g1OzrcDiMD7Ml9FR-1yndXY1qVvCwpXyoKFE9d2MCWr1AmGIV23TZJRsGCt4_cKg54n9xWBXeB9EaglFk8vt44NALZ-61pXyD8o6ryyB-Gbu=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirjCLlvcM1OXqyT6BEFmF6zZnbtQ4_ICuObKnGGwSgDIsL21aFsTAswLljZ2cCQnbITj7fHHi4zhJ8g1OzrcDiMD7Ml9FR-1yndXY1qVvCwpXyoKFE9d2MCWr1AmGIV23TZJRsGCt4_cKg54n9xWBXeB9EaglFk8vt44NALZ-61pXyD8o6ryyB-Gbu=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Poor Ethan Winters had a lot on his hands (and off his hands, too, heh) in Resident Evil: Village. Bad news for him, but it was very much good news for us, as Village stands as one of the most satisfying entries in the series yet. It reminded me of a stellar cross between Resident Evil 4's action and structure mixed with Resident Evil VII's scares and first-person perspective. Village was indeed a horrifying game, scary to boot, but also one with fantastic gunplay, superb set pieces, excellent action, and a world that was most definitely fun to explore and search for its many secrets. Resident Evil Village was a thrill ride from beginning to end for players to sink their teeth into, like a Lycan into Ethan's flesh. It was something I could easily recommend playing again and again, and at the end of the day and at the end of Ethan's adventure, I could not have asked for a better Resident Evil game from Capcom all things considered.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Metroid Dread (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRsNFFMIoczcIRrANLl_C2E0eJ0e_73TYE06860nEENWb6cw-BY6jBfu_KC6UYomVJtQYaienko6KyIArq5D9Xu-yDltS-I_i2OvefJ4lCvzXdiObZWA5xTW4HOBQYgyzwYRiNS_dOEHTetdrC_QYEANFwDC2MjRFMVBEjvqRPsIVhek3AyQATg_eT=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRsNFFMIoczcIRrANLl_C2E0eJ0e_73TYE06860nEENWb6cw-BY6jBfu_KC6UYomVJtQYaienko6KyIArq5D9Xu-yDltS-I_i2OvefJ4lCvzXdiObZWA5xTW4HOBQYgyzwYRiNS_dOEHTetdrC_QYEANFwDC2MjRFMVBEjvqRPsIVhek3AyQATg_eT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi37t_BlieiaJ4M2FWLc2S3R7bk-cbYX51v9v30VqBpFEI-OysPa-r-5hxlh9inp0t8qu71UC96i_CpdZyGCVk3QqAlufxKS2OVb_NvZfunnlmnoGiDiz7ge2Vt_BlO4YJJlNUUeNOrDEbUALmKwZeBoc_vs_VeaJ6ugD9HSWyyMrFx9R_lGbnHwRNW=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi37t_BlieiaJ4M2FWLc2S3R7bk-cbYX51v9v30VqBpFEI-OysPa-r-5hxlh9inp0t8qu71UC96i_CpdZyGCVk3QqAlufxKS2OVb_NvZfunnlmnoGiDiz7ge2Vt_BlO4YJJlNUUeNOrDEbUALmKwZeBoc_vs_VeaJ6ugD9HSWyyMrFx9R_lGbnHwRNW=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>After nearly two decades without any wholly original 2D entries in the Metroid franchise, Samus Aran returned to two-dimensions for a brand-new mission, and man alive was the wait worth it. Metroid Dread delivered a difficult, tough-as-nails, but always fair adventure for players to dive into. Intense boss battles, awesome exploration, clever backtracking and signposting so players seldom got lost, frantic EMMI sequences where one false or careless move could mean an instant game over, and a story that nicely wrapped up Samus' current saga with the Metroids, Metroid Dread was a remarkable return to form for the franchise. If I had to nitpick the game at all, it'd be for these paltry reasons: a less than memorable soundtrack and some annoying shinespark puzzles required for 100% completion, but when a Metroid game is THIS good? Those are but things to shrug one's shoulders at, as Samus Aran's latest mission ended in total success not just for her, but for the players who got the privilege to experience it.</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">And SuperPhillip Central's Game of 2021 award goes to...</span></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">...</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">...</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Forza Horizon 5 (XBS, XB1, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9VzMvfkDWChAGYTByYTnypamXXb-g6Pdm525v0-6uxVhGXsQojSVzn1-BCrtFbOWbk-qZu69ul7pdEtuJkG-ZUZ0W-b-TCpL6I4g2aG8jp21Y1e08Z_r5rHq6xFj8GW50V_C2Gk9rWZxeGEYof4p3vJYyQ2byO9wvtSxP_Uxc3tDUc_4JOPASw1t3=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9VzMvfkDWChAGYTByYTnypamXXb-g6Pdm525v0-6uxVhGXsQojSVzn1-BCrtFbOWbk-qZu69ul7pdEtuJkG-ZUZ0W-b-TCpL6I4g2aG8jp21Y1e08Z_r5rHq6xFj8GW50V_C2Gk9rWZxeGEYof4p3vJYyQ2byO9wvtSxP_Uxc3tDUc_4JOPASw1t3=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXS7I2ZX2aeM3nAXrRBLu8ycdZrGfRh1fOOJvHBVP5JmvUL3NhNxIr0l8sMJIjDhHWSyPYixnHkF40I_GKg3q82LQ-Ap6KMiWvPMoLabDeS3ah3rkvYYPd_qyOO_Pipu9cAnykjTKdRkl6Do44lJe0hia650eVaULZ5Fr0fDYsSHREQhgiryMHeXG=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXS7I2ZX2aeM3nAXrRBLu8ycdZrGfRh1fOOJvHBVP5JmvUL3NhNxIr0l8sMJIjDhHWSyPYixnHkF40I_GKg3q82LQ-Ap6KMiWvPMoLabDeS3ah3rkvYYPd_qyOO_Pipu9cAnykjTKdRkl6Do44lJe0hia650eVaULZ5Fr0fDYsSHREQhgiryMHeXG=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>If you can believe it, this is the first time an Xbox first-party game has received Game of the Year honors on SuperPhillip Central, but things seemed to have come up Xbox with all the work Microsoft has put into building a steady portfolio of development teams under the Xbox umbrella. Forza Horizon 5 was one such games that came racing down the pipeline from this work, and the excellence seen in this superb open-world racing game was something to behold.</p><p>Not only was I not expecting to enjoy Forza Horizon 5 as much as I did, I was surprised by how addicted I became to competing in seasonal events: earning points to unlock new cars and playing multiplayer matches (whether those be traditional races or arcade mode shenanigans). I loved cruising around Mexico searching for new events to participate in, experience boards to smash, PR stunts to perform like speed zones and jumps, as well as just earning experience for doing pretty much anything in the game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikPiJ51_xL8Xt57o-wiWr6UsZS2DCBJ3-nZ-09vif8J_NIcwifK54g1qLYUohESf62dV_Cu3ZC7qmQXR7PiSq1MJfMZ0qM866znECudthhZyDzjcaMJGBj8DmCoJennBRe8agESZdQA7ev9nx56AuINJiwrhYFHnaxJNGoWfchlXngcCyfhMmI7yHR=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikPiJ51_xL8Xt57o-wiWr6UsZS2DCBJ3-nZ-09vif8J_NIcwifK54g1qLYUohESf62dV_Cu3ZC7qmQXR7PiSq1MJfMZ0qM866znECudthhZyDzjcaMJGBj8DmCoJennBRe8agESZdQA7ev9nx56AuINJiwrhYFHnaxJNGoWfchlXngcCyfhMmI7yHR=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>While a game with so many moving parts does have the occasional issue or glitch--Forza Horizon 5 is no exception here--I greatly adored and cherished my time with the game despite any issues, showing just how much I could overlook by virtue of Forza Horizon 5 being masterful in almost every other category. Yes, that's control, all of the numerous accessibility options (such as the super helpful and optional racing lines and rewind functionality), the myriad races and events to participate in, and just having my mind blown constantly by how impressive it all looked. Forza Horizon 5 is a game that I will most definitely be jumping back into the driver's seat to play this upcoming year. It's for all these wonderful reasons why Forza Horizon 5 is SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year. Congrats to the team and Xbox in general for one hell of a 2021!</p><p style="text-align: center;">===</p><p>That concludes another year and another awards ceremony here at SuperPhillip Central. Before we part, I'd like to provide everyone with well wishes for the new year. May it be a better, more prosperous year for all of us. See you in 2022.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-80908189219668023622021-12-31T04:32:00.003-06:002021-12-31T04:32:49.488-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Multiplayer Games<p>Multiplayer games can bring us together, even when we're doing some good-natured trash-talking or ribbing of our friends and family members. This next award on the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards is all about this very subject: multiplayer games. Whether featuring competition or focusing on cooperation, these five games were some of the best multiplayer experiences in 2021.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilyhK5B21MyJCBlBdlGVtjeqlFQQ1NzozZTrUUBKm1l1X0p26aDHesVXf53SUbuv5Hy0kuo9kkJMkucQ11UV72UzH8H_DP-4vd2wYj1Q6ayJwjctKN33D4UJZ3lvcvoJesOooWFAQk5RfNJUUlTcZEWRLShsC9-j4AZQgh-L0lDLoVSL4n3jO5TcDu=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilyhK5B21MyJCBlBdlGVtjeqlFQQ1NzozZTrUUBKm1l1X0p26aDHesVXf53SUbuv5Hy0kuo9kkJMkucQ11UV72UzH8H_DP-4vd2wYj1Q6ayJwjctKN33D4UJZ3lvcvoJesOooWFAQk5RfNJUUlTcZEWRLShsC9-j4AZQgh-L0lDLoVSL4n3jO5TcDu=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>We kick off this countdown of magnificent multiplayer experiences with some Mario, specifically the Super Mario 3D World portion of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Like the Wii U game, when you get more than one person in the game to run and jump around the colorful and hazard-filled courses of the game, you're in for an absolute treat. Now, with the Nintendo Switch port of the game, players don't have to limit themselves to purely an offline multiplayer experience. No, now the multiplayer mayhem can happen online, too, with up to four players. When the connection works well, it's a wonderfully fun and chaotic game, and it created some of my most cherished multiplayer moments this year.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Monster Hunter Rise (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3xP8cnl6nhsqM9Rt8pvWZctpChkg0507tWCXkMfELG7eLKkXwqQ4N5kuM-tBr7UV0OdZxwuyUdsLP0WRxCxSVwPpGrvCHCpuxYkejqiA3o_IhYGk_HNWjH_48oJjvYICP3AB2RoiU8N9akGzdRja-gx5KHIyAgi90JyT5t159Q4I7vM4czF1MmAor=s768" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3xP8cnl6nhsqM9Rt8pvWZctpChkg0507tWCXkMfELG7eLKkXwqQ4N5kuM-tBr7UV0OdZxwuyUdsLP0WRxCxSVwPpGrvCHCpuxYkejqiA3o_IhYGk_HNWjH_48oJjvYICP3AB2RoiU8N9akGzdRja-gx5KHIyAgi90JyT5t159Q4I7vM4czF1MmAor=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />Imagine, if you will, staring down the face of a behemoth Royal Ludroth, or worse an electrifying and all too terrifying Zenogre. A scary prospect when you're all alone, but unite up with three other hunters and it's an absolute blast. That's what Monster Hunter Rise bestowed onto Nintendo Switch owners earlier this year, offering some of the most mechanically sound, enjoyable multiplayer hunts in Monster Hunter series history. Part of that is due to the wirebug attachment that allowed players to shoot through the air, zooming past monster defenses and unleashing heavy damage onto them. Battles could already get heated in Monster Hunter games, but never as hot as it was in Monster Hunter Rise. Whether playing with friends or teaming up with total strangers/randoms, Monster Hunter Rise was always a good time to get a feel for the thrill of the hunt.<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) It Takes Two (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7nmGz7imtYkbmMHIXI-lVyx7CvgfQLOwJLfRKeskQXmjAu1hdtJj0yJKGSy08-2WR5QfDXX1ObP-tgrs09kbKRbY6Q0PnEe0MzF8HPSrKqXEF-axSVm4sN_fAr7Bh0miqc5czVNl-0iGxgVkyHxiB2fAsgkv9XoM9ORUIsz6cIV4g8wrQs8KXjGrG=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7nmGz7imtYkbmMHIXI-lVyx7CvgfQLOwJLfRKeskQXmjAu1hdtJj0yJKGSy08-2WR5QfDXX1ObP-tgrs09kbKRbY6Q0PnEe0MzF8HPSrKqXEF-axSVm4sN_fAr7Bh0miqc5czVNl-0iGxgVkyHxiB2fAsgkv9XoM9ORUIsz6cIV4g8wrQs8KXjGrG=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>The idea of a co-op only game sort of totally falls apart if the multiplayer isn't up to snuff. Thankfully for It Takes Two, the co-op multiplayer featured here, whether done locally or online, was incorporated wonderfully to create one of gaming's most unique and enjoyable multiplayer experiences of 2021--if not ever. Two players teamed up together, supporting one another, working mostly asymmetrically with different tools and equipment to help each other through the game's wondrous worlds. New ideas popped up constantly, and better yet, they were consistently polished well. Playing It Takes Two with my older brother locally made for some of the best times the two of us have had sharing a game together in a looong while, and for that, I will very much appreciate the game. That's on top of what I already appreciated It Takes Two for: simply being an exquisite co-op based adventure.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Halo Infinite (XBS, XB1, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiox9RTqXpXbq9Qi6RxY2p4KE1goV6eS36gtSTUkSyH9vk96zNtsloKagBX4SHRoCpFlbXWOfaWK8zj7lcJrkDuV68ChC4-HcSESsdZrtjFp1rIynEYBX-1IP6dcq6xkoyA2EhWwMI7Gq89eFAbrcL2I9M_oodOUJ4fHq-AwFIWzfLkHWVMh7HiZfpT=s1460" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1460" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiox9RTqXpXbq9Qi6RxY2p4KE1goV6eS36gtSTUkSyH9vk96zNtsloKagBX4SHRoCpFlbXWOfaWK8zj7lcJrkDuV68ChC4-HcSESsdZrtjFp1rIynEYBX-1IP6dcq6xkoyA2EhWwMI7Gq89eFAbrcL2I9M_oodOUJ4fHq-AwFIWzfLkHWVMh7HiZfpT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Halo multiplayer is seldom a bad time, and Halo Infinite brought the series' marvelous multiplayer, its deathmatches, and its team skirmishes to an entirely new level. Whether playing online in custom-made matches or ranked play, players could compete in the ridiculously enjoyable first-person firefights that have made Halo a cornerstone in the FPS genre and as a multiplayer shooter. The ability to zip around the battlefields with the new Grappleshot (as used by Master Chief in the also-excellent campaign) opened up a whole new layer of mobility and strategy to matches. Couple all this with the ability to play offline against bots (THANK YOU, 343 Industries!), and you have one stellar multiplayer showcase for the Xbox brand. But, perhaps that's to be expected from Halo as a series after 20 years.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Mario Party Superstars (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTIxKkA77rVH8hMIhSci-C3d4aDYtqfxfuTRwgWHOJdxbjzoehGQl3gX3j3DZ8kOMIFiGLzQExLbyxKhynMYhVWpq7s3kN_tB7dl-mwwxDEekivE_btlZ9e__I5H3pU1lCIwXSyhoz7OZVek_YpUjiYmTVYkEuHAekb4bhZ2Oq93TH3_0Pix7pVe6B=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTIxKkA77rVH8hMIhSci-C3d4aDYtqfxfuTRwgWHOJdxbjzoehGQl3gX3j3DZ8kOMIFiGLzQExLbyxKhynMYhVWpq7s3kN_tB7dl-mwwxDEekivE_btlZ9e__I5H3pU1lCIwXSyhoz7OZVek_YpUjiYmTVYkEuHAekb4bhZ2Oq93TH3_0Pix7pVe6B=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Nintendo finally did it. It developed and published a Mario Party game that not only returned the series to its roots but managed to surpass past efforts in many ways. First and foremost: online play that actually works and was fully featured! It made the past hassles of poor connections, disconnections, lag, and connection errors seem like a distant memory. The ability to quit a match mid-game and return to it later whilst online was a fantastic and most welcome addition, stickers--how ever spam-able--were cute inclusions, and being able to have the CPU join in when a human player disconnects was also wonderfully added. Throw in the five boards from Mario Party 1-3 and the 100 mini-games from Mario Party 1-10, and you have one positively stellar party package with Mario Party Superstars. The amount of fun I had this year playing with offline and especially online friends (some of whom I met just this year and have grown close with) will be something I will always cherish, putting Superstars at the top of this list of Top Five Multiplayer Games in 2021.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-70873938036580291932021-12-30T21:37:00.001-06:002021-12-30T21:42:44.147-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Platformers<p>Are you ready to jump, jump around? I hope so because it's time for the Top Five Platformers of 2021 as part of night four of SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2021 Awards! You can tell the platformer means a great deal to me as a genre, being my absolute favorite. Why? Because it's the only genre of game that gets a dedicated awards category every year. These five platformers, whether 2D or 3D delighted me with their exceptional control, tremendous gameplay, and creative and imaginative worlds.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Blue Fire (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFI4xYbPwwIvm1t2GtvmsOhJZJfFccL6BhIZHGuQ6_OyTzlYTssTEdnkIFtFcbaxCp3d0UpxILyluA1yEYUhUI1swuyMzPML9LTbrR8k-p1TjzrUcBtPOn60LW2PytBUAQoqLn28jCrteeyLys8kYUXz26tFqe5RO28Qj7rKQOzvGEvEtik-Ew_ZyX=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFI4xYbPwwIvm1t2GtvmsOhJZJfFccL6BhIZHGuQ6_OyTzlYTssTEdnkIFtFcbaxCp3d0UpxILyluA1yEYUhUI1swuyMzPML9LTbrR8k-p1TjzrUcBtPOn60LW2PytBUAQoqLn28jCrteeyLys8kYUXz26tFqe5RO28Qj7rKQOzvGEvEtik-Ew_ZyX=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Taking cues from Hollow Knight and Dark Souls (then again, what game of this nature DOESN'T take cues from the latter nowadays?), our first game to kick off this countdown of the Top Five Platformers of 2021 released early this year on all platforms: Blue Fire. This indie 3D platformer featured intense sword-based combat, challenging platforming, and an interconnected world to explore to make for one stellar action-platformer. Those who opt to aim for 100% will definitely discover some insanely difficult platforming challenges to contend with, as the game's obstacle-laden and death trap-infested rifts demand platforming perfection to complete them. If you can overcome the somewhat high level of challenge from Blue Fire, you'll find one excellent and exceptional 3D platformer.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Kaze and the Wild Masks (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF1Aq-Qn5065rK5EFqxmufAIKAhheCseOvM3H-55NTlNWnEWBTEb07V7lNaK0pSGuYx53iLgoaz6UgZhBbWzcIIa-kUIH1mVcZhhG58PqC1_9914YSNv2tNIXrJUbzycgzgy1PuKVVHnHLt5UI38wLfSHC7MkLFxu98-e4d78tyJy-kXC2O_vIa9kF=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF1Aq-Qn5065rK5EFqxmufAIKAhheCseOvM3H-55NTlNWnEWBTEb07V7lNaK0pSGuYx53iLgoaz6UgZhBbWzcIIa-kUIH1mVcZhhG58PqC1_9914YSNv2tNIXrJUbzycgzgy1PuKVVHnHLt5UI38wLfSHC7MkLFxu98-e4d78tyJy-kXC2O_vIa9kF=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>While Blue Fire took cues from Hollow Knight and Dark Souls, our next game takes inspiration from Rare's Donkey Kong Country trilogy from the Super Nintendo era. Seen previously in the SPC Best of 2021 Awards in the <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2021_89.html" target="_blank">Most Overlooked Games of 2021 category</a></b>, Kaze and the Wild Masks feels similarly to playing Donkey Kong Country 2 or 3 entirely with Dixie Kong. Kaze can twirl her ears to slowly descend on platforms, as well as having the ability to pick up objects with said flappy appendages. The levels in Kaze and the Wild Masks routinely deliver sensationally clever mechanics and platforming gimmicks to keep the 5 hour adventure feeling fresh from beginning to end, and the boss battles offer a high degree of challenge, albeit quite fair challenge. The titular Wild Masks are like DKC's animals, transforming Kaze into various forms to tackle levels with new move sets and mobility. It all ends up being one satisfying platforming adventure.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Psychonauts 2 (XBS, XB1, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKNOS4JLT-xm-eZ38hSpcZtDGLaKawCWWfun3rEZ1lIEZ-G47EB9JVn4VwXuvKXPHcBjTflbbQ04TCG4JBgRKbPslpqHqkIX2tYUXZS5ZOQMW6jP3fgSFm_zP3XKto5kERkKSxwQ4d_65PbxvPm0nYyAi7nU_wqbUdO1FaIyeE5vHhAbC3wTLFGDo=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKNOS4JLT-xm-eZ38hSpcZtDGLaKawCWWfun3rEZ1lIEZ-G47EB9JVn4VwXuvKXPHcBjTflbbQ04TCG4JBgRKbPslpqHqkIX2tYUXZS5ZOQMW6jP3fgSFm_zP3XKto5kERkKSxwQ4d_65PbxvPm0nYyAi7nU_wqbUdO1FaIyeE5vHhAbC3wTLFGDo=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Double Fine's 3D platforming tour de force, Psychonauts 2, is a highly creative and ingenious game. Diving into the minds of its kooky cast of characters, which serves as the main levels of the game, offered a wide variety of atypical platforming settings. From rolling a bowling ball across a pit of mucus and slime in a city setting to bringing back a band in a way trippy world, the levels in Psychonauts 2 definitely delighted from beginning to end. Each new level brought upped the creativity factor immensely. The hub worlds were a joy to explore as well, soaked and sprinkled with secrets to find and side quests to complete. While Psychonauts 2's combat left something to be desired, the rest of the platforming package was certainly something special.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQaUSAYakRReVWN1A2Aqt6wbaenUcdS1U-z93mGWGnpYzcFg0Nq8SQJ8QU0-exNKloKAYI-TUmMlMGwly_6FOHJxIEsJIK3r0P_LtaHBOYSytB0fZVCBf955w-1EJHADfgIhunYaSNcYCmoXgRVCNUoXTO-KPh1vy3Yy3jIeCdSBWfuczhsI1N3wVf=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQaUSAYakRReVWN1A2Aqt6wbaenUcdS1U-z93mGWGnpYzcFg0Nq8SQJ8QU0-exNKloKAYI-TUmMlMGwly_6FOHJxIEsJIK3r0P_LtaHBOYSytB0fZVCBf955w-1EJHADfgIhunYaSNcYCmoXgRVCNUoXTO-KPh1vy3Yy3jIeCdSBWfuczhsI1N3wVf=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>We have a twofer as the number two Platformer of 2021. It's Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. What was old was new again with all five playable characters in Super Mario 3D World being faster than ever before, really giving returning players of the Wii U original game new ways to tackle old levels. And these levels in Super Mario 3D World were just as fun to play again as they were in the Wii U game. The adventure and obstacle course levels were still as sublime as ever. Online co-op meant the fun could be enjoyed with friends and family outside of one's bubble: especially important in these pandemic times. Meanwhile, Bowser's Fury gave us a glimpse at what a possible open-world Mario might look like. Its sandbox style approach to its design offered a playground for Mario to run, swim, and climb around in, making it a highlight of 2021 for sure. As a whole package, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury brought platforming power to the Switch in a big way and was well worth the price of admission.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Metroid Dread (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0s0Xmtn0CPvRaos0Yp2PwLux6qSFez52YUvoJEovI6u6kX5XnhgiOzGvRGuF4H2BiMGcF84kiKMFrksk9UIWWTMChFPkrdpsAks2sD64NG18tMNCdhvbLi43o_jWAtwXURRCOYV8gx58-0t-jdAEBuXdaZ99YpuSWGEESi8ZNdWJXqyCdhaEHpV6e=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0s0Xmtn0CPvRaos0Yp2PwLux6qSFez52YUvoJEovI6u6kX5XnhgiOzGvRGuF4H2BiMGcF84kiKMFrksk9UIWWTMChFPkrdpsAks2sD64NG18tMNCdhvbLi43o_jWAtwXURRCOYV8gx58-0t-jdAEBuXdaZ99YpuSWGEESi8ZNdWJXqyCdhaEHpV6e=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Samus returned for her next mission in the Metroid saga, and it concluded things on a masterful note. Samus has never had more magnificent mobility, awesome powers, incredible agility, and massive firepower than she had in Metroid Dread. The game itself was full of intriguing and interesting interconnected environments, from harsh lava lands to vibrant jungles. The bosses upped their game considerably, demanding near-perfect precision and fast reflexes to overcome their offenses on Samus. Metroid Dread was indeed a difficult game, but there was no better reward than actually persevering and overcoming all that stood in Samus' way in one of her most thrilling adventures yet. We had to wait nearly 20 years for Samus to receive a brand-new 2D entry, and with how awesome Metroid Dread was, here's hoping we won't have to wait that long for a follow-up. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-70156561854382093432021-12-30T15:44:00.001-06:002021-12-30T15:44:31.231-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Remakes & Remasters<p>What's old is new again with this awards category as part of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards. These games brought back classics in a great way with updated visuals, quality improvements, and even some new features to make these remakes and remasters some of 2021's absolute bests. Here's the list of winners.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Sonic Colors: Ultimate (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Czv5OhEBZc3lHtb0E9T98DiKfCEKsbkTLwIMo82D9RUI9sqt9Ad0gGY8UyXsiPbB07AZxHL2vyOo4fHMuX10McgZ3FwPwtW2G_fmHaqtwTDBpb5b-z_LkEsdxkHlLKbBTkhjGScA-QRbgWW5PR1lrQIqSRntbQbIIYwqVJ4Cnq0FjEAHr8ynJl97=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Czv5OhEBZc3lHtb0E9T98DiKfCEKsbkTLwIMo82D9RUI9sqt9Ad0gGY8UyXsiPbB07AZxHL2vyOo4fHMuX10McgZ3FwPwtW2G_fmHaqtwTDBpb5b-z_LkEsdxkHlLKbBTkhjGScA-QRbgWW5PR1lrQIqSRntbQbIIYwqVJ4Cnq0FjEAHr8ynJl97=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although its launch was a bit of a rocky one, perhaps one sabotaged by Dr. Eggman (that dastardly doc!), Sonic Colors: Ultimate shaped up to be a stellar HD remaster of the Wii original Sonic Colors, one of the Blue Blur's best 3D outings bar-none. It's not just a good Sonic game, it's a great game in general. The upgraded visuals look stunning, the remixed music alongside the originals are true bops, and the added features like Metal Sonic races and the ability to customize Sonic made for an HD remaster that rolled around at the speed of awesome.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (PS4, XB1, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGUCjzkwugoI0WiCWlXx-KRZZhy6bP6yhepKxnJPRCl1uKHjqX92uLCUO1IzMXpQAIxnd7n75hbqihbRmOepNYXKX3CODFul3vWxP6CWTzE15cy8wFo6pSVVNkBO--8uJd2xYQ-Bm5dZ7Lzh_L--hrJ2jQKh7KFiT6lWe1HZDgc-YCegQkLo3bJE4_=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGUCjzkwugoI0WiCWlXx-KRZZhy6bP6yhepKxnJPRCl1uKHjqX92uLCUO1IzMXpQAIxnd7n75hbqihbRmOepNYXKX3CODFul3vWxP6CWTzE15cy8wFo6pSVVNkBO--8uJd2xYQ-Bm5dZ7Lzh_L--hrJ2jQKh7KFiT6lWe1HZDgc-YCegQkLo3bJE4_=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>The original Nier was an oft overlooked game, so it was a blessing that Square Enix gave the game a second chance to shine--and boy, did it ever shine! Not only did the sales top over a million copies, blasting past projections, but the improvements and upgrades to this remaster made a great game even better. The most obvious of these upgrades are within the visuals, which delight and captivate with a fresh coat of paint. However, there is also that of the combat improvements, which made Nier a far less frustrating game than the original title. Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is a stellar remaster overall.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhVu7nUuvhC7o4mjE6eBcwz5CykrcifBzYTPwwe38i9QJ9xZSYu1BlBs8RAayO1h1eghrNPcXuoFztVqOQF48qpwnSA2BBisftlC18DF0iBhGVWxfX4DOrH-SD8aF9eMZTpioDHzAcpCEYPqlUlaBdzyXm2UUFiYp3j73D4AlBATWQA1VpaDQnfLb=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhVu7nUuvhC7o4mjE6eBcwz5CykrcifBzYTPwwe38i9QJ9xZSYu1BlBs8RAayO1h1eghrNPcXuoFztVqOQF48qpwnSA2BBisftlC18DF0iBhGVWxfX4DOrH-SD8aF9eMZTpioDHzAcpCEYPqlUlaBdzyXm2UUFiYp3j73D4AlBATWQA1VpaDQnfLb=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Despite not really digging the chibi art style of this duo of Sinnoh region remakes, the visuals eventually grew on me and dare I say I managed to discover somewhat of a fond appreciation for them. Sometimes a remake doesn't really need to really reinvent the wheel, and that's what makes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl such great remakes. This pair of titles doesn't deviate too far from the blueprint laid out by the Nintendo DS originals, which may disappoint some, but new features such as character and Poké Ball customization, The Grand Underground, and Super Contest shows add to the value of these remakes. If you wanted the fun and challenge of the Nintendo DS Pokemon games with some added features and in a fresh coat of paint, you got them with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJBSDJbsbANVNXvXfwugJqWk0VHlbcTeJvQfZvt8oEyPe9roVrthlJIo3MBqL2sQ0wHmWj6_K4MARNDYu1insp9Ad6DTI-wZCZwDQOktYTbySj5Ipg5FXPZZgYj7mimXDeQlbC7qq8KGj6feoOYZ9uckk4CHST_21XlGnZNYCch1D0zlFK31tvaDJG=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJBSDJbsbANVNXvXfwugJqWk0VHlbcTeJvQfZvt8oEyPe9roVrthlJIo3MBqL2sQ0wHmWj6_K4MARNDYu1insp9Ad6DTI-wZCZwDQOktYTbySj5Ipg5FXPZZgYj7mimXDeQlbC7qq8KGj6feoOYZ9uckk4CHST_21XlGnZNYCch1D0zlFK31tvaDJG=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year way back in 2011 shined brightly ten years later with a glorious HD remaster of one of Link's lesser liked 3D adventures. The development team added a slew of new features and quality of life improvements to Skyward Sword to make it a more welcoming, less tedious journey for both players and Link. The most prevalent of these was that of traditional analog controls for sword slashing, using the right stick to maneuver Link's blade. The standard motion controls were also included, offering similar swordplay and gyro-fueled goodness to the Wii game, albeit with more syncing needed. All in all, it was a pleasure to be able to revisit Skyloft, the Sacred Grounds, and all parts of Skyward Sword's world all over again with this HD remaster, and being able to experience the game once more was an absolute privilege to do.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3bAmKNdvN6bjeAnHll29PWCioH76cU_HzLNU3ISHAgQ345ayDNNJw7FT1rRewEDbL7FgapfZ3AI9-wr7NCpE_VOKfK2fthwazS5v6fdoMKPIWD7EOf5bSbutzPZ_O0xrIjfPL3KZ6DPXQ1HBsegoFj6fxT2tSh9qLmu8dzYqTHmX8rl6ZzBQmrZn=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3bAmKNdvN6bjeAnHll29PWCioH76cU_HzLNU3ISHAgQ345ayDNNJw7FT1rRewEDbL7FgapfZ3AI9-wr7NCpE_VOKfK2fthwazS5v6fdoMKPIWD7EOf5bSbutzPZ_O0xrIjfPL3KZ6DPXQ1HBsegoFj6fxT2tSh9qLmu8dzYqTHmX8rl6ZzBQmrZn=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Essentially remaking the levels of Super Monkey Ball 1, 2, and Deluxe, and packaging them together in one forty dollar, content-rich game, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania served as the series' 20th anniversary title. And, goodness gracious, what a way to celebrate 20 years of Monkey Ball madness. Banana Mania was a return to form for the Super Monkey Ball series, offering oodles of delightful and exhilarating gameplay, countless in-game challenges to complete, cosmetics to unlock, levels to overcome, and mini-games to enjoy. While not a 1:1 perfect recreation of the original Super Monkey Ball games' physics (so purists may be disappointed here), what is present is one of, if not the best Super Monkey Ball game to date. The value is extraordinary and the game itself is a banana-fueled blast.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-58077654334415551982021-12-29T21:18:00.000-06:002021-12-29T21:18:18.135-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Biggest Surprises<p>Night three of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards brings with it two more awards categories. The first of these is the Top Five Biggest Surprises of 2021. These positive surprises in game form were either ones that knocked folks out with their unexpected quality--being better than they had any right to be--or just came from who-knows-where to absolutely delight players. Here is the list of winners.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Knockout City (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQr_MmZerBpKD-x3pHYCE3JD2t32yNbHlv34XWu8HM4tALBRSJE5OIinDkGyswppokP6J4eOp2NfFooBKCWfu9RxhNrBGch1iuDS06k2ucdyVmv9Lj6BoSvQ2oTaJbb2UfJdEhLcM6moLqmJKSj3A_R8AuGD6yJoo0aT3sJutNiAzlbtZ3BJxsPqC=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQr_MmZerBpKD-x3pHYCE3JD2t32yNbHlv34XWu8HM4tALBRSJE5OIinDkGyswppokP6J4eOp2NfFooBKCWfu9RxhNrBGch1iuDS06k2ucdyVmv9Lj6BoSvQ2oTaJbb2UfJdEhLcM6moLqmJKSj3A_R8AuGD6yJoo0aT3sJutNiAzlbtZ3BJxsPqC=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our first game on this list of biggest surprises of 2021 features some good old fashioned dodgeball. Well, actually it's more dodge-BRAWL. I was amazed by how much I became addicted to Knockout City, whether it was the game's enjoyable easy-to-learn, hard-to-master matches, sensational style, copious amounts of cosmetics, and just all-around fun. I did not expect to enjoy Knockout City as much as I did, but you won't see me complaining about that fact at all. I'll be too busy to complain, sniping opponents with dodgeballs and rushing around the arenas of the game.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Cruis'n Blast (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82MhfTLqCoG0U20Qphlau1GTwSdWuIWGkfMrwDiEsQ6LiQzQYVdNc7uXAmK2vrfg3R3K6WJt_azPywIjDH22hmmro8QAHNbvaifl6dNRKInu2_V-Eho-3AZALx3dWt9qwSVk4XpU0-t4ZVXA4fGV_dLEoopCEPapHckYbzXT_pFgeEQ-EmN05YYeZ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82MhfTLqCoG0U20Qphlau1GTwSdWuIWGkfMrwDiEsQ6LiQzQYVdNc7uXAmK2vrfg3R3K6WJt_azPywIjDH22hmmro8QAHNbvaifl6dNRKInu2_V-Eho-3AZALx3dWt9qwSVk4XpU0-t4ZVXA4fGV_dLEoopCEPapHckYbzXT_pFgeEQ-EmN05YYeZ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>I knew full well of the existence of Cruis'n Blast in arcades, but never got the opportunity to try it out, especially with the pandemic now. Thank the heavens--or rather, in this case, developer Raw Thrills, for porting this high-octane, insane, point-to-point arcade racer to the Nintendo Switch so I could finally get my hands on the game and have a... *ahem* blast. Racing as a car is fine and all, but when you take control of a triceratops, U.F.O., or even a unicorn, going 100+ miles per hour through dinosaur domains, chaotic cities, and even through a Midwestern twister, you are in for an absolutely wild ride. That's exactly what Cruis'n Blast delivered to me in spades with its September release, and I'm happy to have played it.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) It Takes Two (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9kMlj5Ndbjq7IPxW86dSWzuKJ7y54K7A19bBrQO8r6izkCJLEhHW2aN3Z5djy3jsBjXDOnzBU-VI8dCVwqILz9NmuVImAKK3h8f5Q9rv7H9m3wgzFVm04wc7kExGl8LGmw104KZ5SMEaWvNe11NxzQ2MyY88QfPI4bSDzodylFxjmaCudw7BcaEbE=s1917" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1917" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9kMlj5Ndbjq7IPxW86dSWzuKJ7y54K7A19bBrQO8r6izkCJLEhHW2aN3Z5djy3jsBjXDOnzBU-VI8dCVwqILz9NmuVImAKK3h8f5Q9rv7H9m3wgzFVm04wc7kExGl8LGmw104KZ5SMEaWvNe11NxzQ2MyY88QfPI4bSDzodylFxjmaCudw7BcaEbE=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>I didn't know exactly WHAT to expect with a wholly co-operative adventure with It Takes Two, but the end result ended up being one of my favorite gaming experiences of 2021. Playing multiplayer with my brother was a hilariously good time, having us use teamwork to get through the game, and the amount of variety on display in the gameplay was exhilarating. The fact that essentially every individual moment in the game, varying wildly from the last, worked so well is a testament to the developers. It Takes Two is a polished and pretty awesome co-op game, and it's certainly worthy of all of the Game of the Year nominations it has been bestowed with thus far.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVFj9tjCXgbsMlwRFpb3V8pNflPLkV-ekSvHqAfi6HP7BMMkk7qLxpCYWc6LIZLRaItnwM9FOJVHLGnErt0gqtjiqEiYZKAcEm6dyue6BmhbGV5hY47NKBHnHFqyMXO3BW8_To7mEL4bv1tJYcvMzaJ6U75XbmbWC3vXANFfuNcjpxactr2H75bubt=s1460" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1460" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVFj9tjCXgbsMlwRFpb3V8pNflPLkV-ekSvHqAfi6HP7BMMkk7qLxpCYWc6LIZLRaItnwM9FOJVHLGnErt0gqtjiqEiYZKAcEm6dyue6BmhbGV5hY47NKBHnHFqyMXO3BW8_To7mEL4bv1tJYcvMzaJ6U75XbmbWC3vXANFfuNcjpxactr2H75bubt=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>These last two games came out of nowhere to pleasantly surprise the gaming populace, including myself. Starting off as a console exclusive on PlayStation platforms, Chicory: A Colorful Tale allows you to journey through a whimsical world all the while painting the environments to solve puzzles and just make things pretty and vivid rather than the otherwise drab and dull black and white (though that is still pleasant to look at!). In some ways, Chicory reminds me of a Zelda game in its design, and that is one high compliment to receive! Chicory: A Colorful Tale ended up positively coloring my opinion of the game as one of my favorite experiences this year to partake in.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Death's Door (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgevyq_1np8d87H-G0D8WCB2isKyx5T1vCF0HfBx8n_tZPE9GL6c7-hLRruwKOHEaNOG6gIRIZGpWLPu65kxhVv42eOw7e1RiaPEDMZl-k-DR8KYiUHpYaa7hJMQHGi-bLG5dXvUyFElUC1bbh0G9v_c2U37Vk4ke15MbnnkaDm-2uLJGPLdy_u6ln3=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgevyq_1np8d87H-G0D8WCB2isKyx5T1vCF0HfBx8n_tZPE9GL6c7-hLRruwKOHEaNOG6gIRIZGpWLPu65kxhVv42eOw7e1RiaPEDMZl-k-DR8KYiUHpYaa7hJMQHGi-bLG5dXvUyFElUC1bbh0G9v_c2U37Vk4ke15MbnnkaDm-2uLJGPLdy_u6ln3=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Death's Door delivered a phenomenal Zelda-like adventure with tough-as-nails battles, awesome areas to explore, and a magnificent soundtrack to accentuate the action and more melancholy moments of the game's world. I absolutely adored Death's Door, so much so that I double-dipped on the game, purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch as well as the original Xbox release. That was a surprise to me all on its own, but the positively high quality of the game--the reason for double-dipping to begin with--was the biggest surprise of them all this year. And more surprising is that we're not done focusing on the game this year. Let's just say we haven't seen the last of Death's Door on the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards and leave it at that! After all, why would spoil the surprise? </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-4093866165480194002021-12-28T23:36:00.000-06:002021-12-28T23:36:06.672-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Most Overlooked Games <p>This is always a fun awards category and list to do at the end of the year at each SPC Best of Awards, and it's of course back this year with a new batch of five games! These are those games that didn't get the credit they deserve, that fell through the proverbial cracks, and quickly slipped out of the limelight, if they were ever in it to begin with. Make no mistake: There are so many worthy games to be on this list, so no worries if your favorites aren't featured. Now, onto the list of winners!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Dodgeball Academia (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihmgaifCyUwdNoK8KlVUYQ7_y_Rc6vTxSUpEnNVWIOccEvteuDKv2d3FNUFhwppet5X8pVQclf635WLPKl1aECqEmITGp-EZVISUHtlqjX1vLVCpg3ECxtgPqkDpGqY9z3gu-AlQr60OAZfTBidtoErWw8A1UG4OtIU8UknYVzlyMQ2p_ocRG90Kr4=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihmgaifCyUwdNoK8KlVUYQ7_y_Rc6vTxSUpEnNVWIOccEvteuDKv2d3FNUFhwppet5X8pVQclf635WLPKl1aECqEmITGp-EZVISUHtlqjX1vLVCpg3ECxtgPqkDpGqY9z3gu-AlQr60OAZfTBidtoErWw8A1UG4OtIU8UknYVzlyMQ2p_ocRG90Kr4=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>We aren't any stranger to dodgeball on the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards, at least not so far, but how about an RPG based on the gym class sport of choice? Dodgeball Academia is just the game for you, offering intense real-time dodgeball matches, special abilities, BALL-timate attacks, equipment to wear, items to use, and a fantastically funny and well-written story full of humorous dialogue and eccentric, quirky characters. The art style is drop-dead gorgeous too, bringing with it balls-to-the-wall beauty. If you're looking for an 8-10 indie adventure more than worthy of your time, hit the court with Dodgeball Academia. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Game Builder Garage (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT7c5HaNf558FeeKtjvrjAnrRlGW6plOesdKEhwnvholegw-Bzr2vnyo2qLJl1UQbMJYg2vrZGuOTBdPh3zgnLN6ZfM87m3CVWhI7rMu8pgvNAs0d1U5gCtfg2YTuw9PydJljbeXagcnDDE7VhJrENwwsM7NE3FCr-lRSKip7vae8zOWYsQO5KqCAL=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT7c5HaNf558FeeKtjvrjAnrRlGW6plOesdKEhwnvholegw-Bzr2vnyo2qLJl1UQbMJYg2vrZGuOTBdPh3zgnLN6ZfM87m3CVWhI7rMu8pgvNAs0d1U5gCtfg2YTuw9PydJljbeXagcnDDE7VhJrENwwsM7NE3FCr-lRSKip7vae8zOWYsQO5KqCAL=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>A budget release for the Nintendo Switch, Game Builder Garage is a piece of software that delivers the opportunity to make your own games. This is nowhere near as complex or decidedly convoluted as say, Dreams, but it does offer a lot of ability to push your creativity. The amount of tutorials, each centered on a different genre of game, comes packed with lessons that slowly and steadily teach prospective game builders how to use the lessons learned to design their own would-be masterpieces. Plus, challenges that put what you've learned to the test are sprinkled between games to make sure you can practice what's been preached and successfully do so. It's essentially coding for beginners with the cute and whimsical No-dons that connect to one another to perform functions in each project. All in all, Game Builder Garage didn't light the Switch world on fire, but it did give a lot of wannabe beginning game makers an entry point into the wonderful world of game design.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World (NSW, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_GQ41PFByC2216BRO4-cnIEKzlD0_RuTEhmEHzj2rv1p-ZSaCUekdSHbO8t_Xkn9BqrLLVo2f0PTKJcRxFdIbtpYa-ctzu9LR1C6tnlhYA7iNwX_wScCDFd3Y33riQdJy04afy1lYMfn1dJT-BRQDkCgQzCdHoG8M6Ok4mKYMJBQjG0nIA0MBL9nJ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_GQ41PFByC2216BRO4-cnIEKzlD0_RuTEhmEHzj2rv1p-ZSaCUekdSHbO8t_Xkn9BqrLLVo2f0PTKJcRxFdIbtpYa-ctzu9LR1C6tnlhYA7iNwX_wScCDFd3Y33riQdJy04afy1lYMfn1dJT-BRQDkCgQzCdHoG8M6Ok4mKYMJBQjG0nIA0MBL9nJ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />There has been no shortage of classic games getting remarkably well done remakes and touch-ups these past few years. The Wonder Boy series alone has seen three thus far, with Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World being one of those. While faithful to the original game perhaps to a fault with some obtuse design, super challenging gameplay at times, short length, and miss-able collectables along the way, there's no question that a lot of love was poured into this remake of Monster World IV. The game looks absolutely adorable with brilliant and vivid colors, detailed polygonal graphics, and it's all accentuated by some superb sound design. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World definitely delighted this player of the game, and it's my wish more folks give the game a shot.<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Kaze and the Wild Masks (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR6gdJNBk_4pL8PRsYSav_lRR8t59rOgtklrSYMhKcpfMpBmaeN-yrv-neL9G9yBgOHDPxDlE6_02nB0A3UvlRrQBYJeNv_kttXWOPEhp9Llrz9cUgb3Lm8VwO3rNsRrmaELL2KBVNEO2Xcn7Zt-S2cHBVb_h8WhcV50kiZiZTl6111psyWc7LINKu=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR6gdJNBk_4pL8PRsYSav_lRR8t59rOgtklrSYMhKcpfMpBmaeN-yrv-neL9G9yBgOHDPxDlE6_02nB0A3UvlRrQBYJeNv_kttXWOPEhp9Llrz9cUgb3Lm8VwO3rNsRrmaELL2KBVNEO2Xcn7Zt-S2cHBVb_h8WhcV50kiZiZTl6111psyWc7LINKu=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>For those looking for an outstanding indie game that shows true appreciation to and takes inspiration from Rare's classic Donkey Kong Country trilogy, look no further than Kaze and the Wild Masks. This charming 2D platformer is far from just a clone, it's a highly competent adventure with exceptional level design housing myriad well-hidden secrets, tricky platform placement, and some fun obstacles and gameplay gimmicks inside them. The Wild Masks that Kaze wears at specific parts of the game are essentially DKC's animal transformations, offering unique gameplay hooks to each. Throw in a visually stunning art style and a well done soundtrack, and you have a real winner. Don't sleep on Kaze and the Wild Masks, people!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) NEO: The World Ends With You (NSW, PS4, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKawuu87mgN6yCz96iU2Q8jjT0t5A73YR2H-wgEwAf6tgW6rO6t_AtW67booZjhM2YWnrCDyPEC_rAZVT7i2FCfKAzdyybO2OjFQghBQK7Z0jFfxfXgmEueJJQky-O3BzN8MSMXjKyWzHSqeUQVwN-sLNaXTvzYL8K_YbsToKWhe_w0P_N6-HDQJmz=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKawuu87mgN6yCz96iU2Q8jjT0t5A73YR2H-wgEwAf6tgW6rO6t_AtW67booZjhM2YWnrCDyPEC_rAZVT7i2FCfKAzdyybO2OjFQghBQK7Z0jFfxfXgmEueJJQky-O3BzN8MSMXjKyWzHSqeUQVwN-sLNaXTvzYL8K_YbsToKWhe_w0P_N6-HDQJmz=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>On one hand, it's quite fortunate of an event and we're lucky that a true sequel to The World Ends With You even exists. On the other, it's an absolute tragedy how many gamers and potential players passed on the game. I don't blame the gaming populace for this aforementioned tragedy either, as Square Enix did next to nothing to promote or even push the game, not even featuring it in its E3 2021 conference. All that notwithstanding, NEO: The World Ends With You stands as an excellent modern JRPG with terrific action, a masterful visual style and soundtrack, and a riveting story and cast of characters. It all gels well to make for one of the more engaging titles of 2021, and yes, sadly, also one of the most overlooked games of the year, as well.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-15990043450688860632021-12-28T20:37:00.003-06:002021-12-28T20:37:49.609-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Games That Kept On Giving<p>Our second award to be handed our via countdown as part of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards took a hiatus during last year's ceremony after debuting in 2019. Well, now it's back and in fantastic form in 2021! It's the Games That Kept on Giving. These games, whether released originally in 2021 or not, and whether free or paid DLC, continued to provide players with an abundance of outstanding content. This list presents just a sampling of some of the greatest games that persisted in pushing forth more bang for one's buck and more goodness out of their original game purchase.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Forza Horizon 5 (XBS, XB1, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF_QnqyGfZJwfbvT5XxEWZJlWbE2k8y3FzXyDuwXjyoFwLpY1HxudoRP7zoHnLx2Hj0LquUNCfJN_ESqdpBtr4fAZfZYmhwquooaiptgh8P36XyA2uVOB5lBSax0bGjAWA6Qq--dfA08wu6RIcYGK_zpjiugq6z009hcy6gwGUowX8Hs8ZjXOP-Cdv=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF_QnqyGfZJwfbvT5XxEWZJlWbE2k8y3FzXyDuwXjyoFwLpY1HxudoRP7zoHnLx2Hj0LquUNCfJN_ESqdpBtr4fAZfZYmhwquooaiptgh8P36XyA2uVOB5lBSax0bGjAWA6Qq--dfA08wu6RIcYGK_zpjiugq6z009hcy6gwGUowX8Hs8ZjXOP-Cdv=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />The most recent game released on this list, Forza Horizon 5 is a phenomenal open-world racing game, and one of the ways the game puts the pedal to the metal and its hooks into players is through seasonal events. These weekly events present new racing challenges for players to participate in to earn points that subsequently unlock new vehicles for players' garages. There is a whole slew of events, such as races, Forza Arcade challenges, PR stunts to perform and complete, and so much more. There is certainly a sense of FOMO to be found here, especially as I mentioned, these seasons last four weeks each with each week presenting a new set of challenges to take on. Still, it keeps me jumping right back into the driver's seat for some Forza fun in Mexico.<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Knockout City (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7vyokXJGPQ3Gy_i2rhnMx62uvn-sOxU0D7Sq4z4M4U8MiyepIGJnTejMjjchqT5huN6btwpnof1aHSUUNMJO6wE8XLYmRUZvAQznTTOxJUxnc-o6wbYFbFd27N7vt9Gbfm-N07MdzFoiVRbu-CIEcWqlGz0kmbhWE46HrPTJMBapNlYmgCRRF2yfZ=s1399" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1399" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7vyokXJGPQ3Gy_i2rhnMx62uvn-sOxU0D7Sq4z4M4U8MiyepIGJnTejMjjchqT5huN6btwpnof1aHSUUNMJO6wE8XLYmRUZvAQznTTOxJUxnc-o6wbYFbFd27N7vt9Gbfm-N07MdzFoiVRbu-CIEcWqlGz0kmbhWE46HrPTJMBapNlYmgCRRF2yfZ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />This won't be our last time seeing Knockout City tonight, but for the meantime, we're celebrating the game for going above and beyond with its seasonal events. From the Hollywood movie-focused season to its extraterrestrial escapade, Knockout City not only continued to push forward new ideas for its seasons, but also a robust repertoire of cosmetics to unlock, modes to engage in, and new maps to learn. It's a big reason why I occasionally see myself returning time and time again to the dodgeball brawls of Knockout City long after its spring release this year.<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglTZZ-JbTunnvNki9qXhy9WL6Z4Shf6lgfXu9qi4SLgZo843adJGpzpFtLPqrFEcpxGvikRhQ8AdbKl-aMN5wEODgOXA8ErYkxfZ1722TTuofGiBBV5UB9jwxfY083wkTBKz7QZeYEbx11tl-t7UiUEfADIk7_7vtL34gyv3kv5kqexffaprXRPWt0=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglTZZ-JbTunnvNki9qXhy9WL6Z4Shf6lgfXu9qi4SLgZo843adJGpzpFtLPqrFEcpxGvikRhQ8AdbKl-aMN5wEODgOXA8ErYkxfZ1722TTuofGiBBV5UB9jwxfY083wkTBKz7QZeYEbx11tl-t7UiUEfADIk7_7vtL34gyv3kv5kqexffaprXRPWt0=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Animal Crossing: New Horizons is no stranger to the SPC Best of Awards--in fact, the title won <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2020/12/superphillip-central-best-of-2020_31.html" target="_blank">Game of the Year honors last year</a></b> at the SPC Best of 2020 Awards. As the culmination of all things New Horizons, Nintendo decided to end the game's content with a bang with Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise. This paid DLC offers the ability to design homes--both indoor and outdoor--for a list of clients based on a usually simple theme. That's just one part of the additional content brought to New Horizons by Nintendo. There was also free content in the form of Brewster's Café, a host of new Nook Miles rewards, new furniture, ceiling décor, and so much more. Even if you didn't invest in Happy Home Paradise, what you get with just the base free content more than makes a worthy and welcomed batch of new content for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Mario Golf: Super Rush (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Js8CGs-TylLxTkdfhnhYnShFqbwQ1PnJDqsTmTUtCm8Z_lxNjgJya8dTTvIMUe-kKrmBxVvzQnivtfw4A-vUU8FHuPmMcuQyR1u5_P9r6JIidyKPXRQAOsntouQ2HyHr3OfQaIj0sjtxSQjfk6HFGKqPJgs5dkPH-Muy3ZyaecO9fU9vO5kSn5aZ=s708" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="708" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Js8CGs-TylLxTkdfhnhYnShFqbwQ1PnJDqsTmTUtCm8Z_lxNjgJya8dTTvIMUe-kKrmBxVvzQnivtfw4A-vUU8FHuPmMcuQyR1u5_P9r6JIidyKPXRQAOsntouQ2HyHr3OfQaIj0sjtxSQjfk6HFGKqPJgs5dkPH-Muy3ZyaecO9fU9vO5kSn5aZ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Who doesn't love free? That's exactly what Nintendo and Camelot gave players with Mario Golf: Super Rush, which recently concluded its free series of downloadable content. All in all, Nintendo added five new characters (including Toadette, Wiggler, and never-before-playable Ninji), five new courses (a pair of which possessing two versions each: an Amateur and a Pro version), a multitude of modes like Target Golf and One-On, One-Off, and plenty of additional quality of life improvements to make what was a near-bogey of a golf game into a bona fide albatross of a time on the links. That makes for one outstanding offering with Mario Golf: Super Rush, and while the game may not have been worth its price at launch, it's very much worth picking up now.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Fortnite (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Krwu-7O9aLarFMy9JdRAWwoJBFRACNDuRkHB58QMps5qP0j7N-bz6VV4_u7bJyY307KpBy4ttaVuRgG9aeqGet2ZZeUNsrbBfD6VP1xU5c1g2lPpBR_Fgpx42eUIhrTWsE2arTRA72q3MkezeShdrjq8XE4htpgGcAle4sTPUzlFwJQ0B2D1BCj8=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Krwu-7O9aLarFMy9JdRAWwoJBFRACNDuRkHB58QMps5qP0j7N-bz6VV4_u7bJyY307KpBy4ttaVuRgG9aeqGet2ZZeUNsrbBfD6VP1xU5c1g2lPpBR_Fgpx42eUIhrTWsE2arTRA72q3MkezeShdrjq8XE4htpgGcAle4sTPUzlFwJQ0B2D1BCj8=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Fortnite is certainly a megahit, and "megahit" might be understating things quite a bit. This free-to-play battle royale game sees 100 players competing against one another, facing off, running and gunning down each other in hopes of being the last player remaining. The recent brand-new chapter and season brought a whole host of changes and alterations to the game, with the most prevalent of which being an entirely new island to explore. Like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's life, the island got flipped and turned upside-down, revealing a wholly fresh battleground. New characters like Spider-Man, Gears of War's Marcus Fenix and Kait Diaz, and even Star Wars' Boba Fett made their debut in the Battle Pass, and an item shop known as The Foundation opened for business. The way that Fortnite continues to innovate on itself despite being around for seemingly ages now, as well as how much substantial new content was added, make Fortnite SuperPhillip Central's choice for the best Game That Kept on Giving in 2021.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-8826596042847949782021-12-27T20:10:00.000-06:002021-12-27T20:10:01.692-06:00SuperPhillip Central Best of 2021 Awards - Top Five Best Original Soundtracks<p>Welcome, one and all, to the annual tradition that concludes each and every year here at SPC: It's the SuperPhillip Central Best of Awards! This time around we're looking back at the gaming year that was 2021. Like we've done in previous years, we'll be providing you, dear readers, with eight unique countdowns in list form, celebrating the best and brightest in gaming this past year. From the year's biggest surprises to the most overlooked games, and of course the crowning of SPC's Game of the Year on New Year's Eve to say goodbye to 2021 in style, there will be a wide assortment of lists to get through together. With that, let us get to the very first list of this year's awards!</p><p>And we're doing so with a bang, and a boom... and some stellar notes, too! Subjectivity is always a thing with video games, but perhaps that is no truer than with this first top five list and awards category: Best Original Soundtracks of 2021. After all, one gamer's great soundtrack is another's passable one. It's all up to the listener! While there has been no shortage of excellent tunes to trance out and vibe to, the truly fantastic soundtracks of the year have left a memorable mark with stirring sounds, magical melodies, and a robust repertoire of tunes. </p><p>Games with soundtrack comprised mostly of licensed songs, such as Forza Horizon 5, how ever much a super sampling of music that is, do not qualify for this list. Hence, the "original" adjective thrown in before "soundtracks", of course! Now, onto the list!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS4, NSW, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOmOPDsZhRQYNNwfjVhFqOLT1X0bSmE6N3iAwJFDCb0cCqwfUOkzYd3QfNFAMcN3js4mWVeSy_NklOd_lNkz3ztRA6ukw8_yKYzzPVFVz3AQ5OfFUpgiFeXpFjye3NVR4HgSxO2nDNhQyKO-qZWzN83djicENma3Jrt1HtF-mkN7vzPjzQ2McWAc7b=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOmOPDsZhRQYNNwfjVhFqOLT1X0bSmE6N3iAwJFDCb0cCqwfUOkzYd3QfNFAMcN3js4mWVeSy_NklOd_lNkz3ztRA6ukw8_yKYzzPVFVz3AQ5OfFUpgiFeXpFjye3NVR4HgSxO2nDNhQyKO-qZWzN83djicENma3Jrt1HtF-mkN7vzPjzQ2McWAc7b=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>To kick off this list in style, we have a game series that will always have a place on one of these types of lists in the year of its release: the Ys series! The ninth numbered installment in the series, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, brought with it a more Gothic sound to it, in addition to the series's traditional hard rock and heavy metal goodness of more modern entries. It's all fitting for the darker and more intense approach that Ys IX delivers, giving the soundtrack an almost Castlevania-like quality to its music. That's a high compliment if I've ever written one, which I just did! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/SuPnbbI_pgw" target="_blank">Decision</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/h9cKsRyvH9w" target="_blank">Dreaming in the Grimwald</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/t9h0whTj5EE" target="_blank">Welcome to Chaos</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/R4HMX_uhvkk" target="_blank">Heart Beat Shaker</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/VllaxapWxmM" target="_blank">Feel Force</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPrSREOWoA-3pOl8x9Go3nsXfRUryZVDDluJTaGw2O8Q3OEjyZMwcTgYTzxax_fBFGzmuqDs1RyI1d3JZvKCZoDMkKvmPmnB9Rn4ZJths9KbRMrdlIed7hAbasTq5qb7JkAmzOPlK1jvUfNAPD3_n-t3fMF7_ZPwnKbdOPXyCK2EvpljQoKq2JOUP=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPrSREOWoA-3pOl8x9Go3nsXfRUryZVDDluJTaGw2O8Q3OEjyZMwcTgYTzxax_fBFGzmuqDs1RyI1d3JZvKCZoDMkKvmPmnB9Rn4ZJths9KbRMrdlIed7hAbasTq5qb7JkAmzOPlK1jvUfNAPD3_n-t3fMF7_ZPwnKbdOPXyCK2EvpljQoKq2JOUP=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bright and bouncy, much like the Monkey Balls that speed through the game's death trap courses, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania's soundtrack is one part original music and one part returning tracks from Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2. It IS a celebration of 20 years of Monkey Ball madness, after all! We'll be focusing on the former set of songs, as it doesn't seem that fair to set our sights merely on previously used music. Regardless, the new songs are absolute bops and amazingly fitting for the Super Monkey Ball series. Many rival or downright obliterate the original themes, if such a thing isn't sacrilegious of me to say as a Super Monkey Ball fan. Either way, these songs do not get grating even after your sixtieth time "falling out" on the same floor!<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/nrtei5iSTLg" target="_blank">When a Person Dreams</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/XCYkj0f2gN0" target="_blank">Skip Forward with Me</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/fne7I9fuD0I" target="_blank">Attack is the Best Form of Defense</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/Voc4ZtHOh08" target="_blank">Star on the Black 2021</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/qmcBiqE8T5Q" target="_blank">Monkey's Highway</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Monster Hunter Rise (NSW, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM1PuFG-lXc43p4XetA_IqWhHIu4q0DxiM33JKq4PQ09YTyzq1nJaToWBgTkqYwYMZBJhabL6xrjvpvyRGfSI09QjzSn8KGxf8nNATqo_teGKolvOH-CueYOX1fRw-AOZG_sHvyb_Gqbdu9VCDdt3mMiT3F3FK_LFgw-aA3GquQNHdL4z-gWYh8GrD=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM1PuFG-lXc43p4XetA_IqWhHIu4q0DxiM33JKq4PQ09YTyzq1nJaToWBgTkqYwYMZBJhabL6xrjvpvyRGfSI09QjzSn8KGxf8nNATqo_teGKolvOH-CueYOX1fRw-AOZG_sHvyb_Gqbdu9VCDdt3mMiT3F3FK_LFgw-aA3GquQNHdL4z-gWYh8GrD=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Monster Hunter music with an especially Japanese flavor, Monster Hunter Rise brings a joyous reverie of sound with its stellar music. From the title screen and main camp's pleasant and pretty vocal tunes, to the riveting and rambunctious battle themes with monsters and beasts alike, listeners of Monster Hunter Rise's soundtrack receive an absolute treat in their ears. There's something for everyone and for every mood with Monster Hunter Rise's music, and the amazing melodies only further enhanced my opinion of this game's soundtrack.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/aKKRgjPfJMI" target="_blank">Kamura's Song of Purification</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/VmNfsf142SQ" target="_blank">Sanctuary Abandoned by the Gods</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/s7HOs7xYiB0" target="_blank">Where Wyverns Go to Die</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/1nq6r1myLOE" target="_blank">Cold Blues and Flaming Reds</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/OWof_VPspRU" target="_blank">Quest Completed</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Death's Door (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBYi3rlEgLkWRx_9dLGluf5EOnw7-byaj6mFeENjOQp7dF1vWBk0W3OPia0Law1YxSzr03zSaypHjjVXhs13yY37pZGbE0bzjwYDw608gzWe3jlCV1foFbvzz9su5Olh7-muqE9ajwsToH_rGaoBB3trHRRihRqi8O3hHfq0t0ZEfFrsNBxBq2mpXZ=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBYi3rlEgLkWRx_9dLGluf5EOnw7-byaj6mFeENjOQp7dF1vWBk0W3OPia0Law1YxSzr03zSaypHjjVXhs13yY37pZGbE0bzjwYDw608gzWe3jlCV1foFbvzz9su5Olh7-muqE9ajwsToH_rGaoBB3trHRRihRqi8O3hHfq0t0ZEfFrsNBxBq2mpXZ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>To say that I was floored by Death's Door would be quite the understatement. David Fenn's work on this excellent action-adventure game accentuates said action when it needs to, and is more subdued but still delightfully melodic, when needed when exploring the depressing yet beautiful world of the game. Battle themes like Avarice and Betty deliver thrills while Ceramic Manor and The Old Watchtowers offer a hauntingly gorgeous sound to them. The soundtrack fires on all cylinders, and it's very much worth a purchase. Check out the full soundtrack on <b><a href="https://davidfennmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">David Fenn's Bandcamp page</a></b>, along with other soundtracks of his.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/w8KrVzQ5qxQ" target="_blank">Death's Door</a></b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/ObdECPTBd-o" target="_blank">Ceramic Manor</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/QOYgn46rvEY" target="_blank">Avarice</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/Bu5ZGrijwAM" target="_blank">The Old Watchtowers</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/mDRfwFPt6dk" target="_blank">Betty</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Bravely Default II (NSW, PC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie8jsADxBpAQ-Dd56J-5NfWrRCRC_OTQztDwwArzQE0OcUdmTMRyA3FHrnFvXSsp3dhK8Wu2T962NZo8KglhhZP9cJUoSI3Uy17tZXZp3wc22_rHGiWsfEseyBGRPk7JIabkoxlK_JomHXsibE5ZF5v6bP4N0LUaAwCeyBhTZxXiGFpv2MB244qlqT=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie8jsADxBpAQ-Dd56J-5NfWrRCRC_OTQztDwwArzQE0OcUdmTMRyA3FHrnFvXSsp3dhK8Wu2T962NZo8KglhhZP9cJUoSI3Uy17tZXZp3wc22_rHGiWsfEseyBGRPk7JIabkoxlK_JomHXsibE5ZF5v6bP4N0LUaAwCeyBhTZxXiGFpv2MB244qlqT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Speaking of being floored by a soundtrack, there's the grand return of prog rock maven Revo to the Bravely Default series with his Bravely Default II masterclass of music composition. Whether you're navigating the world, towns, or dungeons of the game, or facing a climactic confrontation with a boss, you're in for a wild musical ride. There are really no losers when it comes to this soundtrack, whether that be a song or the listener! The brilliance of this soundtrack culminates with the last boss theme, which seems to effortlessly weave leitmotifs throughout the game to create one sensational note (or notes) to go out on. All of these factors make Revo's Bravely Default II the top original soundtrack of 2021 here at SuperPhillip Central.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eElvUXjGi6s" target="_blank">Halcyonia, Home of the Spring Breeze</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44MoFflpek" target="_blank">The Horizon: Endless Plains</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/FmZ1Qhm9Hq8" target="_blank">Wiswald, The Scholars' Haven</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/0Wxn7X2Gek0" target="_blank">Battle Against the Ones We Inevitably Confront</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6_6pStPlSo" target="_blank">Eyes That Gaze into the Nexus ~ The Ones Who Gather Stars in the Night</a></b></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135903665257392733.post-38155319951907652952021-12-21T16:41:00.000-06:002021-12-21T16:41:27.467-06:00The Tuesday 10s - Winter Wonderlands of Gaming<p>Today is a Tuesday, and it is also officially the Winter Solstice as well. Putting two and two together, we're going to have a special Tuesday 10s here on SuperPhillip Central. How so? Why, we're going to dedicate it to ten of the best winter wonderlands within gaming. Some of these even have some holiday window dressing as well, so that ties everything together nicely like a Christmas present to be placed underneath the tree! It's our gift to you this year. With so many wonderful winter levels and areas to select from, there are bound to be some glaring omissions. After you've checked out the picks here, let us know which picks of yours we missed by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Freezeey Peak - Banjo-Kazooie (N64, XBLA)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4n8wXejWDo3bf_HMzYfHj7rapIlzptRYhCJJzCuwYbPMLtGW4qSrJw7k7TDh2yQ81rp3DIbF5k4HFT0EkmfCZlNxVtInlzU6eF2WkPA6VgDwiMXPK-X71boxjnKJ9neVM_6h4NFKdax_OCkGyUjSadwbbFl6oI1OZMQAMMAykXUUEhB8hG8xaSSJ_=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4n8wXejWDo3bf_HMzYfHj7rapIlzptRYhCJJzCuwYbPMLtGW4qSrJw7k7TDh2yQ81rp3DIbF5k4HFT0EkmfCZlNxVtInlzU6eF2WkPA6VgDwiMXPK-X71boxjnKJ9neVM_6h4NFKdax_OCkGyUjSadwbbFl6oI1OZMQAMMAykXUUEhB8hG8xaSSJ_=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Let's begin this winter-themed level-centric edition of The Tuesday 10s with an old favorite from Banjo-Kazooie, still one of the most stellar 3D platformers around (at least in this writer's opinion): it's Freezeey Peak. Between the <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKv9WeS8BOs" target="_blank">jolly music</a> </b>that plays throughout this winter world, to the various points of interest and locales that are strewn about the level, Freezeey Peak isn't just a wonderful winter world in Banjo-Kazooie, but a wonderful level in general. The previously alluded points of interest include the Christmas tree that needs lighting by the bear and bird, the bear-despising Wozza and his cave, a winter village to the east, and finally, of course, this all surrounds a sprawling, gigantic snowman monument resting in the world's center. A fantastic way to get into the winter mood, Freezeey Peak starts off our list.<p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Frosty Village - Diddy Kong Racing (N64, DS)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj51AZ14f-mN6zrxAme0sMt11kZjicrlw9W_AvhbWkypoeFAJgGH_iawGE8yI55JmalqQZRP8VpGQsgFrvrM94mH_4ALYmU16k_-k8RzwtmHV9yVeYRmyj47JLQxMNmlPJ3bgiuzkAWaKAWdkjC-F_WW-YRdf5ZWxXaKhB9a47M6tTTnd3Vi22bajVq=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj51AZ14f-mN6zrxAme0sMt11kZjicrlw9W_AvhbWkypoeFAJgGH_iawGE8yI55JmalqQZRP8VpGQsgFrvrM94mH_4ALYmU16k_-k8RzwtmHV9yVeYRmyj47JLQxMNmlPJ3bgiuzkAWaKAWdkjC-F_WW-YRdf5ZWxXaKhB9a47M6tTTnd3Vi22bajVq=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>Not satisfied with leaving Rare's bounty of Nintendo 64 games behind, we now enter the driver's seat with some Diddy Kong Racing. Snowflake Mountain is the collection of winter-themed tracks within Diddy's racing outing, and the best of the bunch of these races is Frosty Village. The titular village may be within winter's cold clutches, but the whole track delivers a nice, warm and cozy vibe to it regardless. After making the first turn and heading past a rocky overpass, which serves as the village proper's entrance, a downhill drive leads into the village itself, followed by a sharp right into a tunnel. This somewhat lengthy tunnel leads to an outcropping where tall trees sit (in fact, you can can't even see the leaves on these, they're so tall) and lampposts light the way to the final section of track before the finish line. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/LCvYlD-S4DQ" target="_blank">The track's song</a></b>, once again exhibiting the composers of Rare's masterful musical abilities, is an absolute bop as well.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Gingerbread Joyride - Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8wU8pjYwdqJqNbtdcRjLByg19PFT8eLJnUjySmJgifQvHYNNdKi2mvZgxgc4JoY05cEdd21fHmqROeoCUglBKTXciBPkvy58xIrGy8jsZCWnNhDlnf-b3LoKIQ1IjkdqctUNmZrKzJPk0c7wwpMuY_d4vbQAPXyGyFG5SP3XoAhSisBZDh0gFaisv=s1366" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8wU8pjYwdqJqNbtdcRjLByg19PFT8eLJnUjySmJgifQvHYNNdKi2mvZgxgc4JoY05cEdd21fHmqROeoCUglBKTXciBPkvy58xIrGy8jsZCWnNhDlnf-b3LoKIQ1IjkdqctUNmZrKzJPk0c7wwpMuY_d4vbQAPXyGyFG5SP3XoAhSisBZDh0gFaisv=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>First things first: F**k Activision. Secondly, we move from one racetrack to another, this time to the game Diddy Kong Racing inspired--at least with its Adventure Mode. It's Crash Team Racing, and we'll be talking about the remake, Nitro-Fueled. There is a handful of winter tracks to choose from in Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled's roster, but the absolutely incredible and all-new addition to the track roster, Gingerbread Joyride, serves as the greatest and one of the best tracks in the game bar-none. Whether you're racing through the opening town made of gingerbread houses with its tight turns and 90 degree curves, or blasting through the countryside, perhaps taking a shortcut via a well-placed snowbank, Gingerbread Joyride is true to its name--it is a joy of a ride. Just watch out for rogue gumdrops!</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ice Cap Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (GEN)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqkD7TNCvInK8sJVAAlop4wNtYSaEDmr_m9twNuWWr3vfcmEanDb1nANBJGxPZo0xg_AeJpA-gU4iSIQyK4FH4rvmkI_baAd_McLPvY-LNe8YyxUS3sstzv5UQpDmREPdnHvv7cueJTakXf8d7n4RrHA1qFQXcoWeWLut23WrUUGLhRgx5youZR116=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqkD7TNCvInK8sJVAAlop4wNtYSaEDmr_m9twNuWWr3vfcmEanDb1nANBJGxPZo0xg_AeJpA-gU4iSIQyK4FH4rvmkI_baAd_McLPvY-LNe8YyxUS3sstzv5UQpDmREPdnHvv7cueJTakXf8d7n4RrHA1qFQXcoWeWLut23WrUUGLhRgx5youZR116=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><p>From one platforming mascot with a small amount of 'tude to another with the Sonic the Hedgehog and his third numbered outing on the Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The Ice Cap Zone is a delightful zone, and it starts with an awesome, albeit non-interactive snowboard ride down the slopes. Heck, it looks cool, and that's all that matters, right? From there, true to Sonic the Hedgehog, multiple routes through the level are available, offering an outside path on the top and a more subterranean one on the bottom. Act Two completely takes the icy fun underground, offering plenty of obstacles, hazards, and enemies for Sonic to get the best of if he wants to make it out to see sunlight once more. Loop de loops, ice bridges that break upon standing on them, and the awesome music make Ice Cap Zone just like an ice cream sandwich--a way past cool treat!</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Icicle Inn - Final Fantasy VII (PS1)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmoiiROw0qhVmSj4ZH6qj1DIVvZl8wTDW0xjqg0YlreH3IlRseIhiBC8YGRLZyKyZnUDUMZOrlq43F4KnXbAe1QjKC2SodgXG7Rqz1U4Uy0XaYZCrNP7QRpRdQL4dqDOXEL7gSP5-H69BAVvdms90oCjHI1d2xLQDU8IhYswvtCws8W6hj218qn3Kt=s360" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="360" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmoiiROw0qhVmSj4ZH6qj1DIVvZl8wTDW0xjqg0YlreH3IlRseIhiBC8YGRLZyKyZnUDUMZOrlq43F4KnXbAe1QjKC2SodgXG7Rqz1U4Uy0XaYZCrNP7QRpRdQL4dqDOXEL7gSP5-H69BAVvdms90oCjHI1d2xLQDU8IhYswvtCws8W6hj218qn3Kt=w640-h560" width="640" /></a></div><p>Welcome to the quiet and quaint winter resort town known as Icicle Inn from Final Fantasy VII, where snow is an all-year-round affair. The sunlight shines brightly onto the glistening snow, and the warm light produced from each cabin in the town help bring about a lovely and cozy feeling to anyone who makes the trek (whether by foot or in Cloud's case, snowboard) to and/or from the town. Located in the Icicle Area of the Snow Fields, and in close proximity to the North Crater, Icicle Inn is the perfect place to rest up for an arduous adventure ahead.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Mountain - Mario Kart Tour (iOS, AND)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYj1UYjmzdavIvoMhrUgVYrVGarAIcGck8WDMcb5dj-3elVDZosTK0Q8r072aOvYB8hGd7RMwUGoDmRhJtYtdzg4kibQMehMKnuUPZQkgWS2TKTlBHIkvkx3QtJYXaBHDlridZ8pR2Uj2nr30jub-AJ9pLk2f1AP8uQfBcmXO9cMTP4NHBkQmjVvU_=s744" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="744" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYj1UYjmzdavIvoMhrUgVYrVGarAIcGck8WDMcb5dj-3elVDZosTK0Q8r072aOvYB8hGd7RMwUGoDmRhJtYtdzg4kibQMehMKnuUPZQkgWS2TKTlBHIkvkx3QtJYXaBHDlridZ8pR2Uj2nr30jub-AJ9pLk2f1AP8uQfBcmXO9cMTP4NHBkQmjVvU_=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><p>One of the most recent levels/tracks on this list comes from Mario Kart Tour, a game <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2019/12/mario-kart-tour-ios-and-review.html" target="_blank">I originally maligned</a></b>. However, <b><a href="https://www.superphillipcentral.com/2021/05/three-mario-games-that-really-turned.html" target="_blank">multiple improvements</a></b> have made what was once a dud of a racer more of a stud of a racer. Debuting last holiday season in Mario Kart Tour was Merry Mountain, the first completely original track (i.e. not referencing a real world city) in the game. It's a very, merry mountain indeed, with all of the holiday lights, gigantic presents and Christmas tree at the top of the track, and flying sleighs that sprinkle coins onto the track. It's a delightful track that never fails to put other racers and me into the holiday spirit, and just a plain old enjoyable winter-themed track as well.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Phendrana Drifts - Metroid Prime (GCN)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOYnuP2f0HZjrTrnsXUIUxD6lqU-f11Dh2VXd2mMmPVREB-iKA-F5o2mbVgEdnWVS804jrO_2uWSWN5Nrl4M-nnknUrR0AJo8ojaQ33PXuac10GjpRHrFwVakqGpCSl_HfPKH_9-ej1dQdPUF45U1u5gyZvRieA1mKhdDACdyhQEVbAm_k31dTti6o=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOYnuP2f0HZjrTrnsXUIUxD6lqU-f11Dh2VXd2mMmPVREB-iKA-F5o2mbVgEdnWVS804jrO_2uWSWN5Nrl4M-nnknUrR0AJo8ojaQ33PXuac10GjpRHrFwVakqGpCSl_HfPKH_9-ej1dQdPUF45U1u5gyZvRieA1mKhdDACdyhQEVbAm_k31dTti6o=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Few areas in games can scream and properly convey the words "cold and isolated" out loud and visually all at once, but Metroid Prime's Phendrana Drifts does just that, taking players into its cold, frosty, frigid domain. Its beauty is undeniable as an area, whether it's the gorgeous architecture and natural environments, the snowflakes that fall onto and pass by Samus's visor, or <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-jjpax28uE" target="_blank">the music itself</a></b>. Either way, underneath all this beauty is a hazardous fjord both above ground and underwater where something nefarious lurks. When you have highlight after highlight, which Metroid Prime consistently delivers to players, it says a lot about how first stepping into the frozen reaches of Phendrana Drifts is one of the game's top moments in a game full of memorable ones. </p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shiveria - Super Mario Odyssey (NSW)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD3pVugE3EaylpRaNx58CP8uTVCAfWXhUhbR185UxNTlDtSHJFDnxf_DemBhAqSIbBcY0Q0CECmlTgz58om4NNyry12jZgNlQ6MRGl6wCYUHt_l86_CmB2ZPY-zLVuT62fLT7PsrrAl427f1gd4W5UYX0K1y-SYHrwJbUQRcGDAL7vGFkTYFXFsAiY=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD3pVugE3EaylpRaNx58CP8uTVCAfWXhUhbR185UxNTlDtSHJFDnxf_DemBhAqSIbBcY0Q0CECmlTgz58om4NNyry12jZgNlQ6MRGl6wCYUHt_l86_CmB2ZPY-zLVuT62fLT7PsrrAl427f1gd4W5UYX0K1y-SYHrwJbUQRcGDAL7vGFkTYFXFsAiY=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another modern Mario winter wonderland is that of Shiveria, the Snow Kingdom, in Super Mario Odyssey. The kingdom starts out cold to Mario's cold, with blistering winds and incredibly low visibility due to strong winds and the subsequent snowstorm. However, once Bowser's troops have been routed from Shiveria, not only does the sun peek out onto the surface, brightening and calming things down considerably, but the races return to Shiveria's two circuits. Shiveria is a level of three parts: its surface (the most expansive place to explore), Shiveria Town (home to the cute and cuddly Shiverians), and the subterranean caverns and areas below that, housing various platforming challenges for Mario and Cappy to tackle and take on together. Shiveria in the Snow Kingdom is equal parts winter wonderland and dangerously cold area, but no matter where Mario ends up within the kingdom, it seldom fails to put a smile on my face.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Snowpeak - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiebCowKVQcIntXpTdFeU7Ki5K-a58ylfhIW4ncKbFHzCD_vI6ZEBMP5YWlx10cnot7pgEA3uU2BFcuxWz1AeIAQEvBB890tQMgS_lx1rwuvp-bSQ3lWZ5G2WDtV-8Ll5LfCW9jJqJjWxfBVymnl3AF5n9pyuNq9WkofZFhEevLvfcVvKVuqfypDOa=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiebCowKVQcIntXpTdFeU7Ki5K-a58ylfhIW4ncKbFHzCD_vI6ZEBMP5YWlx10cnot7pgEA3uU2BFcuxWz1AeIAQEvBB890tQMgS_lx1rwuvp-bSQ3lWZ5G2WDtV-8Ll5LfCW9jJqJjWxfBVymnl3AF5n9pyuNq9WkofZFhEevLvfcVvKVuqfypDOa=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><p>Snowpeak in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is on the outskirts of Hyrule, and it is a bit of a barren area. What makes it so enjoyable, however, is twofold: 1) There is an extremely cool snowboarding mini-game (I'm noticing a trend here with snowboarding...) that Link can engage in, which is always a good time, and 2) The region features one of the most creatively themed dungeons in a 3D Zelda game. The dungeon, Snowpeak Ruins, takes place within a mansion complete with open, outdoor central courtyard, and plenty of rooms to explore. It feels like a lived-in home, and that's because it actually is being lived in. Or at least WAS, as the boss of the dungeon is the current occupant of the mansion, a Yeti who has succumbed to the dark Twilight. Bad news for Link, good news for us, as it gives us the opportunity to enjoy one of the most entertaining dungeons within Twilight Princess and the Zelda series as a whole.</p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Snowy Mountain - Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (PS2)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHg19-PPVtHKgt-wQf0r5m8TSqfybtLPWI469TovVawEJ2qeokAXIWha6URigZreIUC7SyQV6zc4mer1TS9gygYjsXnQKV2l3PJ_6Va3e133prgbkLyvaGd7R2vet2fjQuKZYjOVgku6XNVhzmLXCb7kPzRhOIfUwtbMQuRRrNqFsucxnyt0xWks2F=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHg19-PPVtHKgt-wQf0r5m8TSqfybtLPWI469TovVawEJ2qeokAXIWha6URigZreIUC7SyQV6zc4mer1TS9gygYjsXnQKV2l3PJ_6Va3e133prgbkLyvaGd7R2vet2fjQuKZYjOVgku6XNVhzmLXCb7kPzRhOIfUwtbMQuRRrNqFsucxnyt0xWks2F=w640-h374" width="640" /></a></div><p>Located high, high above the Volcanic Crater stands Snowy Mountain, a picturesque area blanketed in snow, and unfortunately for Jak and Daxter, infested in some parts with lurkers and worse, home to a bounty of Yeti. These latter creatures seem to pop up one after another, no matter how many are defeated. The mountain itself is home to an abundance of interesting places to explore: from a fortified outpost where enemies call their base, to a dark cavern literally infested with lurkers (where only having some Eco will protect Jak and Daxter from a grisly fate). While not exactly the friendliest place in Jak & Daxter, nor on this list of ten winter wonderlands, it certainly does give off a decidedly delightful winter feel and mood regardless, perfectly fitting for this list.</p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0