Welcome to Part 2 of SuperPhillip Central's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. This is our third year in a row doing this special duo of articles, and we hope at least some of you out there find it useful. The final part of our gift guide focuses on multiplatform titles. From Grand Theft Auto to Call of Duty, there's plenty to stuff a loved one's stocking with. As always, if you feel we've neglected to mention a game that you think would make for a great holiday present, let us know in the comments.
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
2013 Holiday Gift Guide Part 1
It's time for the third annual holiday gift guide from your friends at SuperPhillip Central. This year is something very special, as we have two brand-new consoles that launched not even a month ago. Don't worry, however, as we did not forget about the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PlayStation Vita!
This is but the first part of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. Today we focus on exclusives for each platform (the PS3 will have its own article later this week). The purpose of this article is to showcase the best and brightest of each platform's lineup, perhaps swaying you on purchases for yourself or for your loved ones. Now, start your making your lists, and if need be, check them twice-- it's time for SuperPhillip Central's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide - Part 1!
This is but the first part of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. Today we focus on exclusives for each platform (the PS3 will have its own article later this week). The purpose of this article is to showcase the best and brightest of each platform's lineup, perhaps swaying you on purchases for yourself or for your loved ones. Now, start your making your lists, and if need be, check them twice-- it's time for SuperPhillip Central's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide - Part 1!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
2013: The Return of the Year of the Platformer?
We don't follow the Chinese New Year at all, so we're not certain of what year it is for that country. Year of the Snake? Year of the Dragon? Year of the Dolphin? Who knows. What we do know is that for the gaming industry, we're seeing a large number of platforming titles, both 2D and 3D, that make us extremely happy. Platformers are what we grew up on as 8-bit and then 16-bit era kids. It's our fondest genre to play. Perhaps we could call 2013 the Year of the Platformer instead of whatever animal China has. Here are nine of the biggest retail platformers that are coming out from now until the end of the year!
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
We are of the mind that Super Mario 3D World is the type of game that players won't know they wanted until they get to experience the final version. No doubt many have already made up their minds about the game because it's not Super Mario Galaxy 3, or a reasonable substitute. Instead, the game is akin to one of the greatest Nintendo 3DS games, Super Mario 3D Land. That excites us already, as that game was a perfect mix of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay. The addition of true multiplayer, a first for the 3D line of Mario games, is something we know will make us play through Super Mario 3D World a plethora of times. Knowing that each of the four playable characters control differently is exciting as well. We were hesitant at first to hype Super Mario 3D World, but then we remembered that one of the greatest and most heralded studios in Nintendo EAD is working on the game. Based on their output, we can feel at ease in giving them the benefit of the doubt.
New Super Luigi U (Wii U)
Speaking of years, it's the Year of Luigi, as well. This game has already been available via downloadable content to New Super Mario Bros. U. However, a separate (and $10 more expensive) retail release is coming to North America this Sunday. New Super Luigi U consists of drastically shorter and much more challenging levels than what players experienced in New Super Mario Bros. U. Even the first world consists of difficulty that wasn't present in Mario's adventure until much later in the game. The ability to play as the untouchable Nabbit will allow even beginning players to enjoy Luigi's platforming journey. We wanted more challenge from New Super Mario Bros. U, and now with New Super Luigi U, we've got it!
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
When Retro Studios was asked which project they wanted to do next, they jumped on the chance to create a new entry in the Donkey Kong Country series. After seeing how well Donkey Kong Country Returns turned out, we're feverishly anticipating Tropical Freeze, set to release some time in November. Levels are much more dynamic this time around, with barrels that blast players around giant trees with a camera that follows. Dixie Kong has returned from her long hiatus from the series, and speaking of hiatuses, Dave Wise, the original composer of the SNES trilogy is on board to create the music for this Wii U exclusive. Did we mention that swimming has returned as well? Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is shaping up to eclipse Retro's initial DKC offering, and that will be one amazing achievement.
Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)
People often bring up the "Sonic Cycle" for new Sonic the Hedgehog games, but if Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations are anything to go by, that so-called cycle has been broken for a while now. Sonic Lost World hopes to continue that streak, and thus far the circular worlds of the game and parkour-like platforming make us cautiously optimistic. Controlling Sonic is much easier, utilizing the shoulder buttons to set Sonic's speed. This is contrary to past games, where you didn't have as much control over how fast Sonic ran. Without a shoulder button held, Sonic simply saunters. It's only when a shoulder button is pressed down does he speed through levels. Sonic Lost World came as a surprise, and we hope that it succeeds in giving Nintendo another excellent platformer and game on their system.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
The past two Ratchet & Clank games were respectable in the regard that they tried something new with the series. That said, they were lesser experiences compared to past installments. All 4 One tried four player co-op both online and off, and Full Frontal Assault attempted an action-based tower defense game. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus is a budget title ($29.99 MSRP) that returns the lovable lombax and robot pair to the origins of the series: action platforming with a focus on leveling up weapons through repeated use and using gadgets to explore the colorful worlds of the game. Ratchet & Clank is one of our favorite PlayStation franchises, and we cannot express how happy we are to see the series return to what made it so popular in the first place.
Puppeteer (PS3)
Sony's Japan Studio has not been very pronounced this past generation. They seem to be coming back with a vengeance, however, with the upcoming early September release, Puppeteer. The game is a 2D side-scroller which has players controlling Kutaro, a boy who has been transformed into a puppet and has had his head stolen. Using a magical pair of scissors, Kutaro goes on a platforming journey to retrieve his pilfered head and return to his own world. Sony has no doubt impressed us with the amazing amount of new franchises they have created in the PlayStation 3 era. Not only are they new franchises, but they're new experiences. So many times new IPs are made that simply feel like games we've already played. Puppeteer is thankfully not one of those, and that's why we're so hyped for it, regardless of how well (or bad) it will do commercially.
Rayman Legends (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC, Vita)
Let's get this out of the way. We've tried the PlayStation 3 demo of Rayman Legends, and the Murray parts just don't work as well as the Wii U version. That shouldn't be any surprise, as the Wii U was the system Rayman Legends was built for. Nonetheless, we're bound to have a good time regardless of the platform we get the game on. Ubisoft's delay of Rayman Legends has given the game a multitude of new levels, boss battles, and even Rayman Origins levels made using Legends's sophisticated graphics engine. We cannot wait to finally be able to insert the Rayman Legends disc into our hungry Wii Us. Multiplayer is going to be an absolute blast, if Rayman Origins is anything to go by. We'll most likely be the first ones at our local game store to pick up Legends when it releases early next month. Lucky European gamers can grab the game next week.
Skylanders: Swap Force (PS4, XONE, Wii U, PS3, 360, Wii, 3DS)
Disney Infinity released this past week and has given this next game series some stiff competition. The third game in the Skylanders series is set to release in North America first (unlike past games that Australia received first) this November. It's called Skylanders: Swap Force, and the swapping in the title refers to how each figure has a top half and a bottom half. These can be swapped with other figures to create entirely different creatures. While past console installments have been brawlers with some exploration, Swap Force allows each character to jump, expanding the level design possibilities greatly. Seeing as Skylanders: Swap Force is releasing on practically every platform under the sun, it will be hard to miss when it releases in a few months.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Wii U, PS3, 360, 3DS)
Okay, we might be stretching it with this one, as Pac-Man as of late hasn't had the greatest success game-wise. Furthermore, a game based off a television show isn't the most promising proposition either. Regardless, we're listing Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures here anyway. If Namco Bandai can fix some of the issues of the Pac-Man World games, such as the camera, for one, Ghostly Adventures will be a much better game for it. While the console versions are 3D platformers, the 3DS version has us most interested, as it is entirely 2 1/2-D. We'll see if our skepticism of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures is justified when the game releases towards the end of November.
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
We are of the mind that Super Mario 3D World is the type of game that players won't know they wanted until they get to experience the final version. No doubt many have already made up their minds about the game because it's not Super Mario Galaxy 3, or a reasonable substitute. Instead, the game is akin to one of the greatest Nintendo 3DS games, Super Mario 3D Land. That excites us already, as that game was a perfect mix of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay. The addition of true multiplayer, a first for the 3D line of Mario games, is something we know will make us play through Super Mario 3D World a plethora of times. Knowing that each of the four playable characters control differently is exciting as well. We were hesitant at first to hype Super Mario 3D World, but then we remembered that one of the greatest and most heralded studios in Nintendo EAD is working on the game. Based on their output, we can feel at ease in giving them the benefit of the doubt.
New Super Luigi U (Wii U)
Speaking of years, it's the Year of Luigi, as well. This game has already been available via downloadable content to New Super Mario Bros. U. However, a separate (and $10 more expensive) retail release is coming to North America this Sunday. New Super Luigi U consists of drastically shorter and much more challenging levels than what players experienced in New Super Mario Bros. U. Even the first world consists of difficulty that wasn't present in Mario's adventure until much later in the game. The ability to play as the untouchable Nabbit will allow even beginning players to enjoy Luigi's platforming journey. We wanted more challenge from New Super Mario Bros. U, and now with New Super Luigi U, we've got it!
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
When Retro Studios was asked which project they wanted to do next, they jumped on the chance to create a new entry in the Donkey Kong Country series. After seeing how well Donkey Kong Country Returns turned out, we're feverishly anticipating Tropical Freeze, set to release some time in November. Levels are much more dynamic this time around, with barrels that blast players around giant trees with a camera that follows. Dixie Kong has returned from her long hiatus from the series, and speaking of hiatuses, Dave Wise, the original composer of the SNES trilogy is on board to create the music for this Wii U exclusive. Did we mention that swimming has returned as well? Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is shaping up to eclipse Retro's initial DKC offering, and that will be one amazing achievement.
Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)
People often bring up the "Sonic Cycle" for new Sonic the Hedgehog games, but if Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations are anything to go by, that so-called cycle has been broken for a while now. Sonic Lost World hopes to continue that streak, and thus far the circular worlds of the game and parkour-like platforming make us cautiously optimistic. Controlling Sonic is much easier, utilizing the shoulder buttons to set Sonic's speed. This is contrary to past games, where you didn't have as much control over how fast Sonic ran. Without a shoulder button held, Sonic simply saunters. It's only when a shoulder button is pressed down does he speed through levels. Sonic Lost World came as a surprise, and we hope that it succeeds in giving Nintendo another excellent platformer and game on their system.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
The past two Ratchet & Clank games were respectable in the regard that they tried something new with the series. That said, they were lesser experiences compared to past installments. All 4 One tried four player co-op both online and off, and Full Frontal Assault attempted an action-based tower defense game. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus is a budget title ($29.99 MSRP) that returns the lovable lombax and robot pair to the origins of the series: action platforming with a focus on leveling up weapons through repeated use and using gadgets to explore the colorful worlds of the game. Ratchet & Clank is one of our favorite PlayStation franchises, and we cannot express how happy we are to see the series return to what made it so popular in the first place.
Puppeteer (PS3)
Sony's Japan Studio has not been very pronounced this past generation. They seem to be coming back with a vengeance, however, with the upcoming early September release, Puppeteer. The game is a 2D side-scroller which has players controlling Kutaro, a boy who has been transformed into a puppet and has had his head stolen. Using a magical pair of scissors, Kutaro goes on a platforming journey to retrieve his pilfered head and return to his own world. Sony has no doubt impressed us with the amazing amount of new franchises they have created in the PlayStation 3 era. Not only are they new franchises, but they're new experiences. So many times new IPs are made that simply feel like games we've already played. Puppeteer is thankfully not one of those, and that's why we're so hyped for it, regardless of how well (or bad) it will do commercially.
Rayman Legends (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC, Vita)
Let's get this out of the way. We've tried the PlayStation 3 demo of Rayman Legends, and the Murray parts just don't work as well as the Wii U version. That shouldn't be any surprise, as the Wii U was the system Rayman Legends was built for. Nonetheless, we're bound to have a good time regardless of the platform we get the game on. Ubisoft's delay of Rayman Legends has given the game a multitude of new levels, boss battles, and even Rayman Origins levels made using Legends's sophisticated graphics engine. We cannot wait to finally be able to insert the Rayman Legends disc into our hungry Wii Us. Multiplayer is going to be an absolute blast, if Rayman Origins is anything to go by. We'll most likely be the first ones at our local game store to pick up Legends when it releases early next month. Lucky European gamers can grab the game next week.
Skylanders: Swap Force (PS4, XONE, Wii U, PS3, 360, Wii, 3DS)
Disney Infinity released this past week and has given this next game series some stiff competition. The third game in the Skylanders series is set to release in North America first (unlike past games that Australia received first) this November. It's called Skylanders: Swap Force, and the swapping in the title refers to how each figure has a top half and a bottom half. These can be swapped with other figures to create entirely different creatures. While past console installments have been brawlers with some exploration, Swap Force allows each character to jump, expanding the level design possibilities greatly. Seeing as Skylanders: Swap Force is releasing on practically every platform under the sun, it will be hard to miss when it releases in a few months.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Wii U, PS3, 360, 3DS)
Okay, we might be stretching it with this one, as Pac-Man as of late hasn't had the greatest success game-wise. Furthermore, a game based off a television show isn't the most promising proposition either. Regardless, we're listing Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures here anyway. If Namco Bandai can fix some of the issues of the Pac-Man World games, such as the camera, for one, Ghostly Adventures will be a much better game for it. While the console versions are 3D platformers, the 3DS version has us most interested, as it is entirely 2 1/2-D. We'll see if our skepticism of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures is justified when the game releases towards the end of November.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Batman: Arkham Origins (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC) Firefly Trailer
A new assassin has been revealed, just in time for Gamescom. It's none other than Firefly. Batman will no doubt have his work cut out for him when Batman: Arkham Origins releases October 25 worldwide.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Most Anticipated Games for the Rest of 2013
We've reached the halfway point of 2013, and already we've been delighted with some fantastic titles. The rest of 2013 is absolutely packed with compelling games all competing for your hard earned dollars. We here at SuperPhillip Central have come up with a list of 18 games that have our gaming thumbs twitching in anticipation just thinking about playing them. After we're finished listing ours, why not mention which games interest you most?
Grand Theft Auto V (Multi)
If you have been following our Top 100 Games of All Time list (and if you haven't, shame on you!), then you know how much we love Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and find it our favorite of Rockstar Games' series. It's almost criminal how much we love it. Seeing as Grand Theft Auto V is releasing in but a couple of months now and that it is taking place in an expanded Los Santos setting, we are beginning to feel the hype. That gameplay video Rockstar Games shared certainly helped with that regard. We hope that GTA V is more like San Andreas when it regards fun than GTA IV.
Watch Dogs (Multi)
We usually get the most new IPs at the start of a generation, and that seems to be holding true with generation eight. That said, Watch Dogs is a cross-gen game, releasing on both seventh generation and eighth generation platforms. Combining stealth, parkour and third-person shooting, Watch Dogs is a new IP from Ubisoft that prominently features hacking objects like civilian phones in its gameplay. What has us most interested, which goes with the hacking component, is the online multiplayer, that has one player trying to hack the other via surveillance cameras. Watch Dogs is hitting consoles of all shapes and sizes this November.
Batman: Arkham Origins (Multi)
He is vengeance... He is the night... He is... BATMAN! In Rocksteady's games, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, we saw a professional and hardened Batman. In this prequel to those titles we get to see a Batman whose skills aren't at the height the current Dark Knight is known for. WB Games Montreal promises to deliver a compelling story where Batman will meet many of the foes who would go onto be part of his rogues gallery as well as how Batman went from early caped crusader to the Dark Knight who strikes fear into the heart of evildoers.
Saints Row IV (Multi)
After being down about Grand Theft Auto IV's neutered amount of pure fun, we graciously opened our arms to the Saints Row series. The series didn't come into its own until Saints Row 2. Then Saints Row: The Third came along and not only gave us plenty of laughs but plenty of exciting manic missions to do. Saints Row IV might not have the same publisher (since THQ is no more), but everything that we love about the franchise seems to be returning just fine. This time the series is going even further into madness with the addition of aliens. Beam us up, Johnny Gat. We're ready to take 'em on.
Rayman Legends (Multi)
Last year we had Rayman Legends on our list of Most Anticipated Games for the Rest of 2012. Then we had it on our Most Wanted Games of 2013 list, thinking the game would release in February. Lastly, we listed it when we showcased the games that would be releasing in February of this year. It seems that finally the game will be releasing this September, and the extra development time seems to have been worth it. Rayman Legends will come with 40 levels from Rayman Origins in the art style of Legends. That's adding to the content already on the disc. What you are left with is one of our most anticipated platformers in quite some time, and now a much broader audience can play it-- even Vita owners!
Killzone: Shadow Fall (PS4)
For the longest time the media had desired to call Killzone Sony's Halo-killer. Basically, any new first-person shooter from a big publisher is their Halo-killer or whatever nonsense to be used as an excuse to get gullible people to give their site traffic. Regardless, even if Killzone did not scratch the itch of Halo players, it more than did its duty for PlayStation fans, which is all that really matters in the grand scheme of things. Sony is set to release two Killzone games this year, one for PS4 and one for the Vita, with the former being on this list, Killzone: Shadow Fall. The game is set thirty years after the third installment, and it is shaping up to be a great showcase of the PlayStation 4's power... oh, and it looks fun, too!
Gran Turismo 6 (PS3)
We skipped on Gran Turismo 5 because we were all raced out with the Forza franchise. Since we aren't too hyped for Forza 5, we've chosen Gran Turismo 6 on the PlayStation 3 (and possibly PS4) to entertain our racing urges this holiday season. There's over 1200 vehicles to select-- more than a player could possibly drive and over 30 different racing locations, most of which have multiple layouts to them. To say that Gran Turismo 6 isn't shaping up to be the ultimate driving simulator of generation seven is something that SuperPhillip Central's staff cannot get behind.
Puppeteer (PS3)
Of all the games that did not make this list (like yearly series we've grown tired of like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed), it's odd to see something as quirky as Sony's Japan Studio's Puppeteer have a place on this list of our most anticipated games. What can you say about a game about a boy whose been turned into a puppet, has lost his head, and needs to come across different objects to be used as his head to progress through the game? We call it innovative, and we just know that Puppeteer will be making the rounds on our Most Overlooked PlayStation 3 Games segment sometime in the near future.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
After failed experiments like All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault, Insomniac is finally returning the Ratchet & Clank series back to its roots with multiple planets, a full story centered on everyone's favorite talking lombax, the combination gunplay and platforming that have made the series so beloved, and the series's knack for making its players laugh. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus was quite a surprise when it was announced, and it being released this holiday season (so quickly) is simply put, awesome.
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
Many would have preferred to see a 3D Mario in the form of a Super Mario Galaxy 3. Instead, what we have is something that we at SuperPhillip Central are excited about regardless, a sequel to our favorite Nintendo 3DS game, Super Mario 3D Land. It's Super Mario 3D World, introducing for the first time in a 3D Mario, full multiplayer for up to four friends or family members. That has us sold, if the cat suit didn't do so already. While Super Mario 3D World is not the most technologically impressive game on the Wii U, the fun that players will almost undoubtedly have more than makes up for it.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
A loud faction of Nintendo fans were severely disappointed that Retro Studios new project was the next in the Donkey Kong Country series, despite Donkey Kong Country Returns being one of the best platformers of the past generation. Tropical Freeze is set to release this November, and it seems that Retro Studios is aiming to seriously trump their last project. The series regains David Wise as its composer, swimming levels return, and so does Dixie Kong. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is set to surpass its predecessor. Oh, did we mention there's no shaking the controller this time around?
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U)
No one on our small little staff has played the GameCube classic, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, since its release. That was a decade ago, so to say we're excited to have another reason to play through it would be an understatement. The glorious toon-shaded art style of The Wind Waker looks absolutely sensational in HD, and we look forward to seeing the improvements, such as more Miiverse integration and Wii U GamePad functionality firsthand. We're anxiously awaiting the day we can once again return to the Great Sea, sail its deadly waters and save the kingdom from Ganondorf once more.
Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)
This might be an anomaly for the ages. We're excited more for a 3D Sonic game than we are for a 3D Mario game. Is this backwards day? Have we ruined the time-space continuum somehow? Hold up. We have to check if hell froze over. In all seriousness, Sonic Lost World looks to continue Sonic's impressive 3D streak, following Sonic Colors (Wii) and Sonic Generations (PS3, 360, PC). The game has been likened to Super Mario Galaxy. All we know is that we're seriously impressed and dying to play the final version of Sonic Lost World when it releases in the second half of October.
Pikmin 3 (Wii U)
Shigeru Miyamoto and his team have made us wait almost a decade for a sequel to Pikmin 2, but now it has released in Japan with open arms. Soon, the West will get to experience what the hubbub is all about when Pikmin 3 releases on this side of the world. Pikmin 3 involves micro-managing three different captains and their collection of Pikmin to solve environmental puzzles and take down hostile creatures in order to obtain enough fruit for their home planet to continue surviving. Not only does that planet need to survive, but so do players as they switch between captains to explore the dangerous world. Containing the traditional story mode, a mission mode, multiplayer and online leaderboards, Pikmin 3 is the start of the gaming goodness this year for Wii U owners.
The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)
In what looks to be the pinnacle of Platinum Games' development career, The Wonderful 101 is all thanks to the combined efforts of Platinum and Nintendo. Using a team of 100 superheroes to take down robotic forces both small and behemoth-sized, The Wonderful 101 features excellent use of the Wii U GamePad, high octane action and a beautiful colored world to explore. We posted the intro video to the game earlier this morning. We encourage you to watch it, and see other gameplay videos after you're done with perusing this list.
Pokemon X and Y (3DS)
The last time we were this excited for a Pokemon generation was back in the Game Boy Color days when Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver were set to release. Obviously that was a long time ago, but finally it seems the series is evolving much like a Pikachu into a Raichu, except without needing a Thunder Stone to do so. Pokemon X and Y are releasing worldwide for the first time on October 12, a day that will live in infamy for Pokemaniacs across the globe. With 3D graphics and battles, two new Pokemon types and a myriad of new Pokemon to collect, Pokemon X and Y will no doubt beef up the Nintendo 3DS's already incredible lineup for 2013.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS)
As part of the Year of Luigi, Luigi gets a starring role within his dreams in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. The game has released in Europe recently, and the feedback for the game has been quite pleasant with one of the only knocks toward the game being lengthy tutorials. As long as the dialogue during them entertains like the series is known to do, we'll be satisfied. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team is a game that no only beefed up its visuals but also its length-- having players chime in with over 30 hours of play time. We'll be surrendering part of our summer to Dream Team when it releases in North America on August 11.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is one of SuperPhillip Central's favorite Zelda games ever. The idea that we are getting a full blown game set within its version of Hyrule makes us giddy like schoolboys. The added gameplay element of Link turning into a wall drawing to access new portions of Hyrule as well as dungeons is something that opens up new exploration possibilities for Link's old stomping grounds. Add this to the impressive use of 3D, and you have a title that we hope will satisfy our hunger for a new top-down Zelda.
Grand Theft Auto V (Multi)
If you have been following our Top 100 Games of All Time list (and if you haven't, shame on you!), then you know how much we love Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and find it our favorite of Rockstar Games' series. It's almost criminal how much we love it. Seeing as Grand Theft Auto V is releasing in but a couple of months now and that it is taking place in an expanded Los Santos setting, we are beginning to feel the hype. That gameplay video Rockstar Games shared certainly helped with that regard. We hope that GTA V is more like San Andreas when it regards fun than GTA IV.
Watch Dogs (Multi)
We usually get the most new IPs at the start of a generation, and that seems to be holding true with generation eight. That said, Watch Dogs is a cross-gen game, releasing on both seventh generation and eighth generation platforms. Combining stealth, parkour and third-person shooting, Watch Dogs is a new IP from Ubisoft that prominently features hacking objects like civilian phones in its gameplay. What has us most interested, which goes with the hacking component, is the online multiplayer, that has one player trying to hack the other via surveillance cameras. Watch Dogs is hitting consoles of all shapes and sizes this November.
Batman: Arkham Origins (Multi)
He is vengeance... He is the night... He is... BATMAN! In Rocksteady's games, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, we saw a professional and hardened Batman. In this prequel to those titles we get to see a Batman whose skills aren't at the height the current Dark Knight is known for. WB Games Montreal promises to deliver a compelling story where Batman will meet many of the foes who would go onto be part of his rogues gallery as well as how Batman went from early caped crusader to the Dark Knight who strikes fear into the heart of evildoers.
Saints Row IV (Multi)
After being down about Grand Theft Auto IV's neutered amount of pure fun, we graciously opened our arms to the Saints Row series. The series didn't come into its own until Saints Row 2. Then Saints Row: The Third came along and not only gave us plenty of laughs but plenty of exciting manic missions to do. Saints Row IV might not have the same publisher (since THQ is no more), but everything that we love about the franchise seems to be returning just fine. This time the series is going even further into madness with the addition of aliens. Beam us up, Johnny Gat. We're ready to take 'em on.
Rayman Legends (Multi)
Last year we had Rayman Legends on our list of Most Anticipated Games for the Rest of 2012. Then we had it on our Most Wanted Games of 2013 list, thinking the game would release in February. Lastly, we listed it when we showcased the games that would be releasing in February of this year. It seems that finally the game will be releasing this September, and the extra development time seems to have been worth it. Rayman Legends will come with 40 levels from Rayman Origins in the art style of Legends. That's adding to the content already on the disc. What you are left with is one of our most anticipated platformers in quite some time, and now a much broader audience can play it-- even Vita owners!
Killzone: Shadow Fall (PS4)
For the longest time the media had desired to call Killzone Sony's Halo-killer. Basically, any new first-person shooter from a big publisher is their Halo-killer or whatever nonsense to be used as an excuse to get gullible people to give their site traffic. Regardless, even if Killzone did not scratch the itch of Halo players, it more than did its duty for PlayStation fans, which is all that really matters in the grand scheme of things. Sony is set to release two Killzone games this year, one for PS4 and one for the Vita, with the former being on this list, Killzone: Shadow Fall. The game is set thirty years after the third installment, and it is shaping up to be a great showcase of the PlayStation 4's power... oh, and it looks fun, too!
Gran Turismo 6 (PS3)
We skipped on Gran Turismo 5 because we were all raced out with the Forza franchise. Since we aren't too hyped for Forza 5, we've chosen Gran Turismo 6 on the PlayStation 3 (and possibly PS4) to entertain our racing urges this holiday season. There's over 1200 vehicles to select-- more than a player could possibly drive and over 30 different racing locations, most of which have multiple layouts to them. To say that Gran Turismo 6 isn't shaping up to be the ultimate driving simulator of generation seven is something that SuperPhillip Central's staff cannot get behind.
Puppeteer (PS3)
Of all the games that did not make this list (like yearly series we've grown tired of like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed), it's odd to see something as quirky as Sony's Japan Studio's Puppeteer have a place on this list of our most anticipated games. What can you say about a game about a boy whose been turned into a puppet, has lost his head, and needs to come across different objects to be used as his head to progress through the game? We call it innovative, and we just know that Puppeteer will be making the rounds on our Most Overlooked PlayStation 3 Games segment sometime in the near future.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
After failed experiments like All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault, Insomniac is finally returning the Ratchet & Clank series back to its roots with multiple planets, a full story centered on everyone's favorite talking lombax, the combination gunplay and platforming that have made the series so beloved, and the series's knack for making its players laugh. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus was quite a surprise when it was announced, and it being released this holiday season (so quickly) is simply put, awesome.
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
Many would have preferred to see a 3D Mario in the form of a Super Mario Galaxy 3. Instead, what we have is something that we at SuperPhillip Central are excited about regardless, a sequel to our favorite Nintendo 3DS game, Super Mario 3D Land. It's Super Mario 3D World, introducing for the first time in a 3D Mario, full multiplayer for up to four friends or family members. That has us sold, if the cat suit didn't do so already. While Super Mario 3D World is not the most technologically impressive game on the Wii U, the fun that players will almost undoubtedly have more than makes up for it.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
A loud faction of Nintendo fans were severely disappointed that Retro Studios new project was the next in the Donkey Kong Country series, despite Donkey Kong Country Returns being one of the best platformers of the past generation. Tropical Freeze is set to release this November, and it seems that Retro Studios is aiming to seriously trump their last project. The series regains David Wise as its composer, swimming levels return, and so does Dixie Kong. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is set to surpass its predecessor. Oh, did we mention there's no shaking the controller this time around?
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U)
No one on our small little staff has played the GameCube classic, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, since its release. That was a decade ago, so to say we're excited to have another reason to play through it would be an understatement. The glorious toon-shaded art style of The Wind Waker looks absolutely sensational in HD, and we look forward to seeing the improvements, such as more Miiverse integration and Wii U GamePad functionality firsthand. We're anxiously awaiting the day we can once again return to the Great Sea, sail its deadly waters and save the kingdom from Ganondorf once more.
Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)
This might be an anomaly for the ages. We're excited more for a 3D Sonic game than we are for a 3D Mario game. Is this backwards day? Have we ruined the time-space continuum somehow? Hold up. We have to check if hell froze over. In all seriousness, Sonic Lost World looks to continue Sonic's impressive 3D streak, following Sonic Colors (Wii) and Sonic Generations (PS3, 360, PC). The game has been likened to Super Mario Galaxy. All we know is that we're seriously impressed and dying to play the final version of Sonic Lost World when it releases in the second half of October.
Pikmin 3 (Wii U)
Shigeru Miyamoto and his team have made us wait almost a decade for a sequel to Pikmin 2, but now it has released in Japan with open arms. Soon, the West will get to experience what the hubbub is all about when Pikmin 3 releases on this side of the world. Pikmin 3 involves micro-managing three different captains and their collection of Pikmin to solve environmental puzzles and take down hostile creatures in order to obtain enough fruit for their home planet to continue surviving. Not only does that planet need to survive, but so do players as they switch between captains to explore the dangerous world. Containing the traditional story mode, a mission mode, multiplayer and online leaderboards, Pikmin 3 is the start of the gaming goodness this year for Wii U owners.
The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)
In what looks to be the pinnacle of Platinum Games' development career, The Wonderful 101 is all thanks to the combined efforts of Platinum and Nintendo. Using a team of 100 superheroes to take down robotic forces both small and behemoth-sized, The Wonderful 101 features excellent use of the Wii U GamePad, high octane action and a beautiful colored world to explore. We posted the intro video to the game earlier this morning. We encourage you to watch it, and see other gameplay videos after you're done with perusing this list.
Pokemon X and Y (3DS)
The last time we were this excited for a Pokemon generation was back in the Game Boy Color days when Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver were set to release. Obviously that was a long time ago, but finally it seems the series is evolving much like a Pikachu into a Raichu, except without needing a Thunder Stone to do so. Pokemon X and Y are releasing worldwide for the first time on October 12, a day that will live in infamy for Pokemaniacs across the globe. With 3D graphics and battles, two new Pokemon types and a myriad of new Pokemon to collect, Pokemon X and Y will no doubt beef up the Nintendo 3DS's already incredible lineup for 2013.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS)
As part of the Year of Luigi, Luigi gets a starring role within his dreams in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. The game has released in Europe recently, and the feedback for the game has been quite pleasant with one of the only knocks toward the game being lengthy tutorials. As long as the dialogue during them entertains like the series is known to do, we'll be satisfied. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team is a game that no only beefed up its visuals but also its length-- having players chime in with over 30 hours of play time. We'll be surrendering part of our summer to Dream Team when it releases in North America on August 11.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is one of SuperPhillip Central's favorite Zelda games ever. The idea that we are getting a full blown game set within its version of Hyrule makes us giddy like schoolboys. The added gameplay element of Link turning into a wall drawing to access new portions of Hyrule as well as dungeons is something that opens up new exploration possibilities for Link's old stomping grounds. Add this to the impressive use of 3D, and you have a title that we hope will satisfy our hunger for a new top-down Zelda.
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