Top Ten Handheld Games of 2014

It's not often we see two top ten lists in one week on SuperPhillip Central, but that is exactly what I have done this week. If you missed the on regarding the top ten third party Wii U games, check out this link.

Today's top ten has to do with the greatest handheld games I played that were released last year. While the Nintendo 3DS had a stellar year software-wise, let us not forget the fun experiences the PlayStation Vita offered. By no means is this list an exhaustive one, so please give me your recommended games that I should add to my backlog after you've scoped the games and explanations on my list!

10) Ragnarok Odyssey ACE (Vita)

Although also available on the PlayStation 3, I preferred the handheld Vita release due to its portability and Sleep Mode ability. Since there was no Monster Hunter on the Vita, many developers aimed to fill the hole left by Capcom's series by putting in similar style games of their own. Ragnarok Odyssey ACE, an upgraded version of the original Ragnarok Odyssey which was also released on the Vita, was such a game, drawing on Norse mythology for its enemy design. I spent far too many late nights completing quests for materials, money, and just for the fun of slicing and slashing monsters and creatures of all shapes and sizes. While it didn't quite fill the gap that Monster Hunter left, Ragnarok Odyssey ACE was a great time-waster all the same..

9) Freedom Wars (Vita)

While the western branches of Sony Computer Entertainment are fine with letting the PlayStation Vita dangle from a proverbial string, I'm very happy that SCEJ is still producing some software for the system. Freedom Wars from last year was one of these games. Players served as criminals (whether fair or not) with the goal of fighting huge monsters to lower their characters' sentences. The game was modeled somewhat after Monster Hunter in the big monster-bashing way, but there was so much more to Freedom Wars. Whether online or off, Freedom Wars was a phenomenal retail title for the PlayStation Vita, and one that had so much content that system owners can't help but continue playing to this day.

8) Yoshi's New Island (3DS)

Many found this next game on the list quite disappointing, and while the challenge level was low (save for the super-hard unlockable levels), the music utilized the same melody for nearly every stage save for this audio abortion, and the quality of the game did not enter the same league as the original Yoshi's Island on SNES (but then again, what does?), Yoshi's New Island was a solid platforming romp with some good ideas, solid level design, and interesting new mechanics. The benefit of not forcing players to 100% the levels in one go was a nice touch, making for far less frustration. I'm looking at you, Yoshi's Island DS!

7) Tomodachi Life (3DS)

Starting off with controversy in the west due to the disappointing lack of same-sex marriage in the game, Tomodachi Life went on to make mad bank for Nintendo. The game put players in the role of a voyeur overlooking the everyday activities of an apartment complex full of the player's own collection of Miis. Miis could interact with one another, have you play mini-games with them, and even get married to one another, eventually having children. While Tomodachi Life didn't have anywhere near as much of a long-lasting appeal as Animal Crossing: New Leaf, it definitely offered plenty of playtime for those into a wacky and weird gaming experience.

6) Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)

The last of the prequel trilogy of the Professor Layton series saw the titular character of superior deductive skills and intellect, his ever-faithful apprentice Luke and his highly capable assistant Emmy on a journey around the world, solving the mystery of the ancient Azran people. Along the way, heartstrings were pulled with the very excellent story and dialogue, brain-bending puzzles were solved, and mini-games were played to further add to the longevity of this solid adventure. One couldn't help but have a tear in their eye as the final credits rolled. So long, Professor Layton. May we see you again real soon.

5) Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS)

Kirby received a Return to Dream Land-style adventure in portable form. However, unlike that Wii game, it was just Kirby to himself to save the day! The intricately designed level featured a massive amount of obstacles and enemies to watch out for, clever implementation of moving objects from the background into the foreground to capitalize well on the 3D effect of the Nintendo 3DS, and a load of secrets to keep players playing far after the final boss was felled. The collectible aspect of acquiring key chains displaying characters, sprites, and essentially the history of the Kirby franchise made doing so insanely addicting.

4) Super Smash Bros. for 3DS (3DS)

With such technological mastery that a huge game like Super Smash Bros. could be squeezed onto a Nintendo 3DS game card and run on the actual system (albeit with some casualties like no Ice Climbers and no ability for Miiverse while playing the game), Masahiro Sakurai and his highly capable team displayed amazing talent, as would be expected of the director and names under his developing guidance. The 3DS exclusive Smash Run remains my favorite mode of the two versions released. In addition to that, the amount of stages was fantastic and varied, and the novelty of playing Smash Bros. on a handheld device still hasn't become old yet, four months after the game's initial release in North America.

3) Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (3DS)

I am calling it here and now. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is my favorite rhythm/music game of all time. This is with Elite Beat Agents, Samba de Amigo, Space Channel 5, and more that I've experienced in the past. Regardless, even compared to the original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, this Curtain Call expansion featured a myriad more of music, over 200 songs from dozens of Final Fantasy numbered games and spin-offs. Leveling up a wide array of Final Fantasy characters, setting up parties, establishing ability lists, and more were all handled beautifully to make this rhythm game crossed with an RPG play and feel wonderfully. The constant unlocking of content through simply playing songs meant that I always felt like playing more just to see what I'd unlock next. Curtain Call is hopefully not curtains for the Theatrhythm series in the West after its unfortunately low sales on this side of the Pacific.

2) Fantasy Life (3DS)

Posted as the 550th review on SuperPhillip Central, Fantasy Life was a magical little game that sported a vast amount of charm, humorous dialogue, a multitude of quests, and a story mode that was best played in bursts rather than all at once. While the story of Fantasy Life clocked in at just over ten hours, the real game came from choosing one of twelve Lives, leveling up your skills via completing Life-centric objectives, and using those new skills to become even better at your current life. From paladins to woodcutters, miners to blacksmiths, Fantasy Life had a ton of content that one could easily go into the hundreds of hours just to master every Life and see everything this wondrous game had to offer.

1) Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS)

While Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is my favorite rhythm/music game, Mario Golf: World Tour knocked both the Nintendo 64 version of Mario Golf and the PS2's Hot Shots Golf Fore! from their respective seats as kings of the arcade golf game. World Tour offered SO much for the player, and that was even without the DLC, which by the way was VERY much worth getting. (Four new characters and six 18-hole courses? Yes, please!) The amount of regular and Mushroom Kingdom-theme courses was amazing, the mechanics were tight, both Castle Club-- the single player mode where you play as your Mii-- and the Challenges-- where you completed different conditions to win-- were great additions, and the level of unlockables meant you'd be playing this game for quite a while! While the N64 Mario Golf and Hot Shots Golf Fore! are masterful golf games, they scored an albatross while World Tour sunk a hole-in-one. (I had to use a golf analogy!)

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Which handheld games that released last year are your personal favorites? Feel free to offer suggestions for games I should try out that I may not have already in the comments section!

2014 Nintendo 3DS Play Time Results

For some time now I have been sharing my play time for numerous games on the Nintendo 3DS thanks to the awesome Activity Log application of the system. I've been posting on and off again for four years with regard to my play time on various 3DS games and apps. However, I've never posted results for an entire year. Well, this is about to change with a glimpse into the Nintendo 3DS games that saw either myself or Bean spending the most time on for 2014.

10) Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (18:44)

While other games interrupted my time with the latest in the Theatrhythm series, what I did get to experience with Curtain Call was mighty entertaining and engaging. With over 200 songs, half of which I didn't even get to play due to my relatively small play time with the game, I know that when I do eventually come back to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, I'll have a blast and enough to occupy my enjoyment for a long time. Plus, you can't just leave a good portion of the characters locked up from use, right?

9) Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (20:02)

Sometimes I get very antsy when playing games in the Professor Layton series. When I get stuck on a particularly tricky puzzle, I just want to look at the answer and continue the story. However, with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, released early last year, I decided against doing that. I took the game slowly, using what little brainpower I had to solve the game's many brain teasers in fashion that was less about rushing and more about letting each sink in. It made this Layton game a very rewarding experience for me and a mighty enjoyable one, too.

8) Yoshi's New Island (20:53)

This year Nintendo is giving us a brand-new console Yoshi 2D platformer, but last year we saw Yoshi's New Island on the Nintendo 3DS. While the music suffers from either being the same melody with various versions or an obnoxious cacophony of kazoos, the gameplay manages to be quite nice. The story levels are adequate, but the real challenge comes from the unlockable bonus levels, one for each world. Whether you're using Poochy as a moving platform to avoid a spike-filled death or setting off switches in a swift and life-saving fashion, these levels are some of the hardest yet fair levels in a Yoshi platformer.

7) Disney Magical World (24:18)

I received an invitation to the wonderful world of Disney with Disney Magical World, a game that is part inspired by Animal Crossing and part dungeon crawler. The fun was in interacting with the various Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Aladdin, Cinderella, and more, assisting them with their various problems. These problems could be as simple as fetching an item for someone, growing crops, entering one of the game's many dungeons, and more. Disney Magical World managed to hold my attention for a long time, and had it not been for other releases, I'd probably still be playing it.

6) Fantasy Life (26:20)

There is so much to do in Level 5's Fantasy Life. While the main story is bogged down by an immense amount of text and exposition, the real fun comes from choosing from one of twelve Lifes (or job classes essentially), completing objectives to earn points that allow you to eventually master it. You can change your Life at any point, so you're not stuck with your first choice. Many hours were lost after the words "just one more thing", as Fantasy Life can be quite addicting, collecting treasure, defeating massive monsters, and performing duties related to your Life. It's 2015 and I'm knee-deep in the adventure still. Expect a review later this month!

5) Tomodachi Life (30:03)

Speaking of lives, Tomodachi Life is a critical and sales success story of Nintendo. Using Miis as the main characters, you interact with them in various different ways. Sometimes you just need to feed them food. Others you need to play Cupid and meddle with their love lives. The collection aspect of Tomodachi Life was what really drew me into playing the game so much. Whether it was new outfits, new room types, or new prizes, the game kept me engaged despite the occasional menial tasks involved.

4) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (39:59)

My favorite game of all time was played by Bean in both regular and Master Quest modes. This was before he got my hand-me-down original black 3DS to call his own. It had been a long time since Bean played a 3D Zelda game, and while he was somewhat familiar with Ocarina of Time, the new challenges and alterations of the Master Quest proved to shake things up considerably. Now that I think about it, I never tried the Master Quest for myself, despite loving this 3DS incarnation so much.

3) Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (44:52)

With news that this first-ever handheld edition of Super Smash Bros. was causing some 3DS owners problems with their Circle Pads, I had a bit of trepidation going balls-to-the-wall serious with the game. However, with nearly every trophy collected and nearly 45 hours of play time to my and the game's name, I think it's safe to say that I got over my worry of breaking my 3DS's Circle Pad. Oh, and the 44:52 is from my Nintendo 3DS XL. My brother got a lot of Smash Bros. action on his own 3DS, too!

2) Mario Golf: World Tour (51:41)

Hot Shots Golf Fore, the N64 Mario Golf, and We Love Golf! were usurped in the "my favorite arcade golf game" department last year with the release of Mario Golf: World Tour. Offering an abundance of modes, charming characters, interesting courses both realistic and fantasy, and numerous collectibles for one's Mii, World Tour is a game that I spent so much time on. Whether it was the online tournaments which awarded players for simply participating, the offline challenge mode, or the Mii-centric Castle Tour, Mario Golf's latest brought the goods.

1) Animal Crossing: New Leaf (66:12)

The game that was played most in not only 2014 but the year prior as well, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a gift that keeps on giving. While my adventures in Central are over for the time being, Bean enjoyed the game further. Of course, I won't play New Leaf again for fear that my favorite villagers have left and that the town is in utter chaos now, but I realize this is just my OCD talking. Still, I can't help but feel in some silly way that I have let down my various villagers by being absent for over a year now!

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If you're interested in a previous play time post, check out these links!

October 2011

January 2012

April 2012

September 2012 

June 2013

October 2014

SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards - Top Five Best Platformers

The platformer, whether it be 2D, 3D, or a combination of the two, is my favorite genre in gaming, so that is why I am dedicating a top five award list for this genre and this genre only. That, and because there's actually a good number of platformers to choose from this year! That notwithstanding, this year we saw a grand deluge of different platformerss in different perspectives, making deciding which platformers to include and which not to a real challenge. Still, here are my choices for the top five best platformers of 2014!

5) Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 (Wii U, PS3, 360)

3D platformers used to be a dime a dozen in the PS1 and PS2 generations, but now it's hard to find the genre anywhere, really. That's why it was a breath of fresh air to not only play a 3D platformer in retail release form, but one that was a licensed property and actually pretty darned good, for that matter! While not a wholly original platformer, what ideas Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 did present were cleverly designed and well implemented, making for a game that was enjoyable and engaging from beginning to end.

4) Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS)

Kirby's latest platforming adventure took him into new depths-- literally! He could walk, run, and do all his platforming stylings in the foreground and background, as levels were designed to take advantage of the Nintendo 3DS's stereoscopic 3D technology. The level design was smart, goodies were hidden well, and the traditional Kirby goodness oozed out from the surface to create one unforgettable Kirby game. While not better than the Wii's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe is worth giving Nintendo's pink puffball another look!

3) LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4, PS3)

What do you get when you cross an adequate platforming engine with a robust level creator? Why, not only do you get a game that will grant you hundreds of hours of entertainment, but you also get LittleBigPlanet 3. The favorite "it's too floaty" criticism can be rendered extinct by toying with the gravity of individual levels to make the jumping as floaty or as tight as a creator likes. With the immensely well designed levels already in the game, the all-new 16 layers of depth that can be switched in between that changes up the level design significantly, and the awesome level creator all makes for LittleBigPlanet 3 being an amazing piece of software for PlayStation 3 and PS4 owners.

2) Shovel Knight (Wii U, 3DS, PC)

The only non-retail release on this list (but don't confuse that for other downloadable games not being worthwhile platformer-wise!), Shovel Knight was Yacht Club Games' first offering as a new team. This Mega Man-inspired 2D retro platformer brought with it stellar levels, each with their own entertaining tropes and themes to them, tight platforming action, and a great Jake Kaufman-composed soundtrack. It all adds up to a game that is astonishing to play and engaging from beginning to end!

1) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

Retro Studios' first go at Donkey Kong Country was with Returns on the Wii and then later the 3DS. Tropical Freeze takes everything they learned from designing and developing Returns and makes a game that is not just the best platformer of the year, but also one of the best 2D platformers ever made. No hyperbole intended. It's just that good. Everything feels so great control-wise, the level design constantly surprises and amazes, and the level of polish is just so incredible. Retro Studios continues to be a development team that I can't help but envy, and games they create like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze are why.

SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards - Best Download Only Game

This is a first for SuperPhillip Central. I've never had a Best Download Only Game award before, but here it is this year! I've been able to review and experience so many different digital games this year across a fair amount of platforms. I'm of the opinion that indie games and digital games are just as important as full-scale releases, and I hope you do, too! Here's the five download-only games I enjoyed most for 2014!

5) Super Mega Baseball (PS4, PS3)

Baseball isn't football, so I don't care for it that much. However, playing baseball games that aren't entirely simulation-like in structure makes for a very entertaining time. Super Mega Baseball is one game that released late this year that combines a wacky arcade aesthetic with accessible gameplay. However, don't think this is some dumbed down baseball experience, as Super Mega Baseball presented plenty of options and detailed mechanics to make for a game that swung for the fences and hit a home run.

4) Armillo (Wii U)

Reminding me of a mascot-driven N64-era 3D platformer (and I don't say that in a bad way), Armillo featured the titular character rolling around spherical planets in order to clear each level. Perhaps because it reminded me so much of games in my favorite genre that I grew up on that I hold Armillo to such high regard. Still, its creative design, fun levels, and amount of content made for a game that I really enjoyed.

3) Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones (Wii U)

Temporarily a Wii U eShop exclusive, Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones was a 2D puzzle platformer that brought a robotic hero through the testing chambers of an industrial facility. Using different tools to solve chambers full of deathly traps and means for our hero to wind up in a crushed, incinerated, or sawed apart heap, Stealth Inc. 2 crafted ingenious puzzles that wracked my mind in solving them, fun platforming challenges, and a stunning presentation.

2) Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition (Multi)

Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition was released on a multitude of home consoles this past year. It was designed as a Metroid-style adventure that used luchadore moves for combat and allowed for insane combos. However, these moves were also helpful outside of combat, great for finding secret little alcoves on the map and various upgrades. The ability to team up locally with a friend or family member, humorous dialogue, and myriad of game references added to just how fantastic Guacamelee was.

1) Shovel Knight (Wii U, 3DS)

Winner of the Biggest Surprise of 2014, Shovel Knight took the classic Mega Man style of gameplay and made it its own with amazing level design, polish, and new game mechanics. Everything about Shovel Knight was crafted with stunning care, creating a 2D action platformer that delighted every step of the way. With it releasing on PSN next year, PlayStation system owners will get the chance to see what the big deal is when they get to play Shovel Knight, my favorite download-only game.

SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards - Top Five Best Box Arts

In a more digital landscape, box arts are becoming less and less important. However, back in the old days before the Internet existed in great popularity, a box art was sometimes the best you could get for knowing what a game was all about. It was sometimes the only way to gauge the quality and bodaciousness (I'm dating myself with that word) of the game.

While box arts aren't nearly anywhere as important to get a game to sell well, it is the thing that consumers see on a store shelf. Sometimes a magnificent cover art can be the difference between being bought and being passed on. These five box arts out of the countless that have been released this year are my personal favorites. Hence, why I consider them the top five best box arts of 2014.

5) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

I love how this first box arts gels well with the Wii U banner on top. Some game cover art bashes horribly with the blue Wii U banner, so it's nice to see something work really well with it. Of course, that's not the only reason I adores Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze's box art. It just makes the game look like a really fun game, and the character models in the center, boats on either side, energetic logo on the bottom, and icy corners say a lot about this gem of a game.

4) Titanfall (XONE, 360, PC)

One of two box arts from games published by EA, Titanfall's box art features one of the game's massive mechs. Its pilot squats down on the left arm of the massive destructive mech cast against the sun and a dilapidated battleground. Titanfall's box art exudes with coolness and piqued my interest of the game, even knowing that it's not the type of title I'd usually look into.

3) Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (Wii U)

The aptly titled Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, which strangely enough is on the Wii U of all platforms, presents a mishmash of ten Nintendo all-stars positioned proudly around the game's logo makes for a very cool sight. It's as if they're rushing off the cover and zooming towards a skirmish in Smash. It may not be the most original idea around, but it certainly left an impression on my eyes.

2) Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Nintendo's Wii U sales may be in the crapper (that's a nice way of putting it, right?), but throughout this generation thus far, the company has been killing it with great box arts. My favorite of which is this year's Mario Kart 8. Mario takes center stage on the cover, making his most determined look as he drifts during a turn on the Mario Circuit track. It's a box art that shows what the grand feature of Mario Kart 8 is-- anti-gravity sections of track, and its composition is one to behold. 

1) Dragon Age: Inquisition (Multi)

Unlike many of the covers of the games featured on this top five list, Dragon Age: Inquisiton's cover looks the most like art. Now, that's not to say that a game's box art needs to be artistic or anything snobby like that in order to be my favorite. It certainly helps, however, and Inquisition's box art looks like a beautiful painting with gorgeous imagery, including the glorious dragon and knight with sword ablaze in his left hand. If only that nasty EA logo wasn't hogging up any real estate... then I wouldn't feel so cheap to have as my number one box art. *wry smile*

Hold it! There's one more top five list scheduled for today, and it's going to be posted later tonight! What games will be listed for the Top Five Best Multiplayer Games of 2014? The answers may (or may not) surprise you!

Final Fantasy XV (PS4, XONE) Jump Festa 2014 Trailer

At Japan's Jump Festa event, Square Enix unveiled this all-new and incredible (if I might add) trailer for Final Fantasy XV. Will it be a grand return of the franchise after the less than fantastic Final Fantasy XIII trilogy? I hope so!

Central City Census - September - October 2014

This edition of SuperPhillip Central's Central City Census is way overdue, so I'm going to run it from the rest of this month until the end of October. Before I get into September and October's census subject, here are the results of August's poll!

September and October's Central City Census covers Let's Play videos. Are you a fan of them? Do you even know what they are? That's what this next poll is all about. 

Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS) Tokyo Game Show 2014 Trailer

One of the games that has yet to be announced for the West is Final Fantasy Explorers, a game that is somewhat of a mix between Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Monster Hunter. Check out this trailer made specially for this year's Tokyo Game Show. There might even be some cameo costumes in there thrown in for good measure!

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (PS4, XONE) Tokyo Game Show 2014 Trailer

Formerly a Japanese exclusive for the PlayStation Portable, Westerners will get a chance to try out Final Fantasy Type-0 with this much improved high definition version on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Mark your calendars, as March 17, 2015 for North America and March 20, 2015 for Europe are the game's current release dates. Those who purchase Type-0 will find a nice addition to go along with, a playable demo of Final Fantasy XV!

Final Fantasy XV (PS4, XONE) Tokyo Game Show 2014 Trailer

After over a year in hibernation, Final Fantasy XV sees a brand-new trailer just in time for this year's Tokyo Game Show. Witness the phenomenal visuals and seemingly open-world setting of the game with this impressive and captivating trailer.

13 Most Wanted Games for the Rest of 2014

We're approaching the busiest time of the gaming year, so I figured I'd share the top titles that have my attention for the rest of the year. From Super Smash Bros. to Destiny, Sunset Overdrive to Fantasy Life, this list has all sorts of goodies on it! Once you've read my entries, feel free to share your most wanted games for what's left of 2014. You could even heavily criticize my list to the point of driving me to tears! Anyhow, let's get to my list!

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS (Wii U, 3DS)

While leaks for some folks may spoil a bit of the intrigue and hype behind a game, the character leaks from early this week have done nothing but extremely hype me for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. Like most of Masahiro Sakurai-led projects, both new Smash Bros. games are already packed with content, and we're not even through reading and hearing about most of the new content officially. I, like many other Smash fans, will no doubt vegetate and do nothing but play Smash once the 3DS version hits in early October. Then, I'll veg again when the Wii U's holiday release date comes.

Destiny (Multi)

The game with the closest upcoming release date, Destiny is joint venture by Bungie, known for starting the Halo series on the Xbox, and big publisher Activision. Those who have already played the now-closed beta are now foaming at the mouth to play more of this massively multiplayer online shooter, whether it's for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. Thankfully, those beta entrants as well as those who didn't get a chance to play in-depth with the game before Destiny's release won't have to wait much longer to invest as much time into it as they want. Destiny launches in just a couple of short weeks.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection (XONE)

As someone who has really only played one full Halo game in the series and that was Halo 3, an essential compendium of Halo's greatest hits in one neat little package seems like a no-brainer of a pickup. You get the anniversary edition of the original Halo, a version of Halo 2 that is getting the same updated treatment as the original, and updated versions of Halo 3 and Halo 4. In addition to that, if your hunger for Halo is still not satiated (you greedy goose), the entire package comes with an invitation to the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta. If you're like me and have little experience with Halo or even LESS experience with the series, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is an essential purchase if you're into first-person shooters or science fiction.

Sunset Overdrive (XONE)

I always knew those energy drinks were evil, and Sunset Overdrive is going to prove it to the world. The game, made by Insomniac Games of Ratchet & Clank and early Spyro games fame, has you playing as a customized character, wall-running, jumping, and grinding through a colorful city world. This is all the while taking out OD'd human beings, those who have overdone it on FizzCo's newest energy drink. The nimble and agile action of Sunset Overdrive mixed with the comic book-like world are breaths of fresh air on the Xbox One, and it's a title that makes me and a whole lot of other non-Xbox One owners wishing to purchase the system.

LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4, PS3)

One of the most exciting games for me that is coming out this year, as someone who A) loves platformers, and B) has a great amount of interest and fascination with level design, is none other than LittleBigPlanet 3. This sequel is being created by Sumo Digital, a studio with a high range of top-tier titles including Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. All previous downloadable packs from past LittleBigPlanet games can be used in LittleBigPlanet 3, all levels from the past two console games can also be played in. In addition to that, instead of being able to switch between three layers of depth, LittleBigPlanet 3 offers a game-changing 16. Oh, and did I forget to mention that creators are no longer slaves to a thermometer? Instead, creators can make levels as big as they wish, as long as their PS3 or PS4 hard drive has room available on it.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)

While the European release has been delayed to early next year, North American and Japanese Wii U owners will get to enjoy Captain Toad's first solo adventure this holiday season. The game revolves around small but packed areas where Captain Toad must maneuver through obstacle-laden courses to reach a gold Power Star, serving the purpose of each stage's goal. E3 2014's cavalcade of footage proved that this idea originally inspired by Super Mario 3D World's Captain Toad levels can be an excellent concept for a full game. I can't wait to explore levels and take control of Captain Toad later this year.

Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)

My favorite video game series is almost without question The Legend of Zelda. It's awesome to see the series continue to evolve and spread out into uncharted territory. Hyrule Warriors takes the Zelda franchise and mixes it with Dynasty Warriors to create a unique hack 'n slash action game. The amount of fan service is incredible, and while the lack of online is definitely lame (that's the word us professionals use *rolls eyes*), I'm happy that I'll at least be able to play cooperative modes with friends and family with both players having different screens to use. One player uses the GamePad screen while the other utilizes what's on the TV. Repetition may set in, but I love the source material so much that it might not even faze me.

Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

A sizable amount of great games released last console generation (PS3, 360, Wii). It was definitely hard to play them all, much more find any time to do so! One of the games that I missed out on regrettably was Platinum Games's Bayonetta. However, now I can make up for that. The October release of Bayonetta 2 on Wii U will not only have that exclusive game for owners of Nintendo's latest home console, but it will also include the original Bayonetta with some new content thrown in for good measure like Nintendo-themed costumes for Platinum's leading lady. If that wasn't enough, Bayonetta 2 looks to continue Platinum's tradition of ever-escalating action that will get your pulse pounding and heart beating wildly. I'm excited to finally get a formal introduction to Miss Bayonetta.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Multi)

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is one of my favorite LEGO games in the entire line of LEGO software, and if take a look at all the LEGO games that have released, that's A LOT o' LEGO! The upcoming LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham takes Batman and over 150 other DC characters and puts them in a new setting, space. You can be sure that the LEGO series's trademark humor will be a big part of the game, and that LEGO Batman 3 will be as accessible to play for all ages when it launches this November.

Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (3DS)

It's funny that I'm hyped for this new duo of Pokemon games, remakes of the Game Boy Advance's Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, despite not even playing a second of Pokemon X or Y. It's a testament that I'm a not a Pokemaniac like some folks are (nothing wrong if you are one, though), but it just goes to show that there's something special that Nintendo and Game Freak have going. A series that was once labeled a passing fad a decade ago is still going strong during its fifteenth year in existence. I think I'll finally break out Pokemon X and give it a shot now! ...Wait. Wasn't I supposed to talk about Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Now I'm out of room. Oops!

Fantasy Life (3DS)

It's very gratifying when we do a segment on SuperPhillip Central such as "Localizations, Please!" and then we receive the games we wished to get localized! Fantasy Life is one of those titles, and I'm absolutely giddy about it. Sure, it might have taken a little under two years for the game to come out of the land of the rising sun, but Fantasy Life seems like it will be worth the wait with its role-playing game action, customization, and abundance of charm.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (3DS)

The original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is one of my favorite music games ever created. It helps that I have a fondness for the soundtracks the Final Fantasy series possesses, one of the few always incredible constants of the franchise. This edition of Theatrhythm features all of the songs from the original-- that's over 200 songs on the game card. The game also has a myriad of content, modes, characters, RPG-style quirks, and so much more. How can we possibly hold all of this content?!

Tales of Hearts R (Vita)

I've been yearning for more handheld games of the role-playing variety, and Tales of Hearts R is looking to feed that yearning splendidly. The original version of Tales of Hearts released only in Japan on the Nintendo DS. Now, us Westerners get a chance to play the game in most of our native languages with this PlayStation Vita remake. While our only option at least here in the United States will be to purchase the game from GameStop if we go the retail route, it's better than no release at all.