SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "X Marks the Spot Twice This Week" Edition

Last week saw an article on SuperPhillip Central showcasing six more underrated games with underrated soundtracks. Two of the games featured on that list are a part of that article, so check it out here.

Nevertheless, as the title of this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs hints, two games with X's at the end of their titles get featured this week. These are Xenoblade Chronicles X and F-Zero X to begin with. (Sorry this time around, Mega Man X fans!) Then we go on a bit of a rampage in Platinum Games' Anarchy Reigns.

And while X does mark the spot twice this week, so do arranged albums. F-Zero X's selected song comes from the Guitar Arrange album for the game while Mega Man Battle Network 3 has an entry from the Rockman.EXE 15th Anniversary Arrange Best Track album. Last but not least, Road Rash is pure, unfiltered chiptune awesomeness in music form.

To remind you, just click on each VGM title to hear the song spotlighted via YouTube video. Meanwhile, the VGM Database has all past 1465 VGM volumes spread out for more than five years of SPC's nine-year history. For now, however, let's get on to the music!

v1466. Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U) - Re:Arr X

Monolith Soft, the developer behind Xenoblade Chronicles X, does not only create games for Nintendo systems exclusively now, but the studio also helps out on the tech and development side for other Nintendo projects. A notable case here is the Nintendo Switch launch title and Wii U game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Hiroyuki Sawano mostly sticks to anime in which he composes scores for, but this time around he lent his talents to the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack with varying degrees of success. This revival of Theme X from the game's soundtrack is one of my favorites in the entire game.

v1467. F-Zero X (N64) - Grand Prix Ending (Guitar Arrange Version)

Alongside 1998's release of F-Zero X in Japan, members of the sound team for the game got together and put out a Guitar Arrange album, a Japan exclusive. It featured most of the major tracks in F-Zero X with real instruments as opposed to synth waves and the like. I've featured a handful of F-Zero X Guitar Arrange since the beginning of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, and for good reason, as there is absolutely no dud on the album.

v1468. Anarchy Reigns (PS3, 360) - Kill 'Em All

Known as Max Anarchy in other parts of the world, I'd like to use the North American name of the game, as I live on the continent. Anyway, Anarchy Reigns was a spiritual successor to the Nintendo Wii's MadWorld, even featuring several characters from that game. Instead of black, white, and red being the only colors of the game as seen in MadWorld, Anarchy Reigns consists of a larger and wider color palette, though you can tell it's a seventh generation game due to how brown and dark the overall visual appearance is. The music in Anarchy Reigns is a mix of hip-hop, rock, and rap, just like MadWorld before it.

v1469. Mega Man Battle Network 3 (GBA) - Final Transmission (15th Anniversary Arrange Best Track Ver.)

I talked about F-Zero X's Guitar Arrange Album, but recently, the Mega Man Battle Network received a special 15th anniversary album of arranged tunes from all games in the series. Rather than all being rock like F-Zero X's arranged album, this Battle Network one is much more varied. It's nice to hear the wonderful tunes of the Mega Man Battle Network series with much better clarity and more importantly, less painful chiptune music than what the Game Boy Advance could only offer at best.

v1470. Road Rash (GEN) - Pacific Coast

I'm just trying to go for a ride on the Pacific Coast, officer. So what if I took this chain and whacked a few dozen competing riders off of their bikes and probably caused immeasurable damage and harm? Road Rash is a series that needs to come back in some form. Heck, I even loved the 3D incarnations. Regardless, there's no question that the original Road Rash is one that most Genesis owners have fond memories of, and that's also due to the appealing music. Gotta love the distinctive sound of Sega Genesis chiptune music!

Underrated Games With Even More Underrated Soundtracks - Part Six

Fresh off the heels of yesterday's SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, we have a new edition of Underrated Games With Even More Underrated Soundtracks -- part six, if you're playing along at home! The title sort of gives away what these articles are about, but for background purposes, I love listening to and sharing music of all kinds, and yes, that includes video game music. I also have a passion for spreading the word on underrated games, as evident by the dozens of Most Overlooked articles posted on SuperPhillip Central over the years.

Join me for part six, which includes games like Yooka-Laylee, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and Anarchy Reigns. To check out past parts of this ongoing article series, here are some convenient links for you!

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

Yooka-Laylee (Multi)

The first game I'm going to talk about on this edition is Yooka-Laylee, which was a dream come true for me, a critic who lists Banjo-Kazooie as one of his favorite games of all time. After all, Yooka-Laylee was crafted by many of the minds behind the aforementioned Rare classic. Yep, a good deal of the staff from Banjo left Rare to create their own studio, Playtonic Games, and they even got the Banjo-Kazooie series' composer, Grant Kirkhope, to accentuate the game world with terrific tunes. On a game standpoint, I didn't have the expectation or even the hope that Yooka and Laylee's first outing would be better than Banjo and Kazooie's freshman adventure like many fans desired, so thankfully, I had kept my expectations in check so the numerous faults in Yooka-Laylee wouldn't sour me on the whole package. Issues included: launch problems like a rough to control camera, bugs, and glitches were only toppings to the game's actual design, such as very annoying segments in the game, horrid mini-games, and some questionable boss battles. BUT quite honestly, there is some terrific platforming challenges here, most of the worlds are enjoyable to explore, and moving Yooka around feels pleasant. I can't be overly disappointed in this foundation that is set by the Playtonic crew.

Main Theme

Hivory Towers

Tribalstack Tropics

Glitterglaze Glacier

Final Beeting

Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)

By virtue of simply being on the Wii U -- a console that didn't inspire a lot of confidence in the market, hence its lackluster sales -- Xenoblade Chronicles X launched the final major year of Wii U software releases. Many had either moved on from the Wii U (well, those 14 million or so who bought one) or already sold the system after feeling intense buyer's remorse. While the original Xenoblade featured a more classical, fantasy-like soundtrack to it, featuring music from Yoko Shimomura and ACE+, Xenoblade Chronicles X went with a much more sci-fi escapade and a soundtrack to back the adventure. Hiroyuki Sawano, known for his impressive catalog of anime soundtracks, composed the music for the game. The camps of players of Xenoblade Chronicles X that loved the soundtrack and hated the soundtrack are both vocal, but as one who enjoyed the game, I say Sawano did a fantastic job, even if some really bad, cheesy tunes were a part of the soundtrack.

Codename Z

Mono X

Re:Arr X

Z5 Mira

By my side

Anarchy Reigns (PS3, 360)

After the failure of MadWorld to ignite the gaming world on fire on the Wii, a spiritual successor featuring many of the characters from the Wii exclusive came to existence, the multiplatform Anarchy Reigns. This was an early work in Platinum Games' enviable library of titles, a time where Platinum Games did excellent on average with fan and critic acclaim, but their games didn't sell anywhere near what they deserved (at least in my belief). Anarchy Reigns suffered from this same issue, though the game didn't have nearly as much gaming world fanfare as Bayonetta, Vanquish, Metal Gear Rising, and so forth. A beat 'em up brawler where things in the environment like stop signs, tires, and even more vicious means to inflict violence could be used as weapons or at least accessories to murder. The soundtrack followed MadWorld's style, going with a hip-hop, rap, and rock styled song selection, fitting for taking it to anyone who stands in your way. Just don't cut yourself on the edge.

Here We Go

Fast Lane

My Town, My City

Days of Old

Kill 'Em All

Jet Force Gemini (N64)

Remnants of Rare already appeared on this list, so how about a game from the actual developer Rare itself? That's why I'm bringing in my absolute favorite Nintendo 64 soundtrack from an incredibly underrated third-person shooter, Jet Force Gemini. The music came with something as close to a sci-fi epic with its bombastic, intense soundtrack than anything else on the Nintendo 64. The team of Robin Beanland, Graeme Norgate, and Alistair Lindsay definitely made the alien worlds of Jet Force Gemini all the more tense, mysterious, foreign, and escalating in stakes with their complementary compositions. Jet Force Gemini launched in September, unfortunately in the shadow of the upcoming Donkey Kong 64. As history has shown, Donkey Kong 64 is a complicated collect-a-thon and Jet Force Gemini needed more attention. YOU BLEW IT, NINTENDO 64 OWNERS!

S.S. Anubis

Battle Cruiser Sekhmet

Rith Essa

Eschebone

Floyd Race

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (3DS)

Many Mario RPG fans routinely show disappointment over the games moving on from a surplus of RPG-originated characters to a far more limited range of just Mario's friends and foes from the Mushroom Kingdom. This became a problem in the Paper Mario series, but early last year it also infected the Mario & Luigi series with Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. The game's a fun adventure with its still fun, still engaging means of exploring maps, context-sensitive turn-based battles, and of course, the main point behind these articles, its music, penned by Yoko Shimomura, who I brought up briefly when talking about Xenoblade Chronicles' soundtrack. The playful nature of the Mushroom Kingdom world reveals itself through the composer's jaunty themes, while also bringing some dread into the air during key moments of the game. Yoko Shimomura's Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam soundtrack made it almost worth it to find all of those darn Toads!

Big Bang!

Cheerful Interlude

Welcome to the Lakitu Info Center!

Where's Toad?

Final Battle

Ittle Dew 2 (Multi)

We finish this edition up with an indie game! We don't see too much of those on this segment due to there being such a vast amount of indie games to play and little time to do so. I have to very much pick and choose what I play due to my own self-imposed deadline of having a certain amount of games reviewed each month. Now, that that boring stuff is out of the way... let's talk Ittle Dew 2! This is a game in the spirit of the overhead 2D Zeldas, but it absolutely does not take itself seriously at any time. Of course, the Zelda series often brings levity and humor in the form of outrageous, bizarre, and memorable side characters, but Ittle Dew 2 is on another level and does this even when you least expect it, such a signpost of all things. The music of Ittle Dew 2 has some really catchy melodies and rhythms to them that stick with you long after you've turned off your PS4, Xbox One, PC, or (soon-to-be) Switch. Many indies fail to have that effect on me, but Ittle Dew 2 definitely pulled through.

Fishbun Adventure (Fluffy Fields)

Garden (Village)

Strut (Sweetwater Coast)

Cowboy (Pepperpain Prairie)

Etheria (Lonely Road)

Most Overlooked PlayStation 3 Games - Part Seven

It's been over a year since we've looked at some of the more overlooked titles in the PlayStation 3's very impressive arsenal of games. As always, SuperPhillip Central desires to showcase some games that didn't get their due time in the sun. These next five games are ones that did not sell to their potential, were not talked about a lot, or were simply dismissed by critics or the gaming public at large. If you're ready to read, then we're ready to spotlight some overlooked games! Read on, dear friends!

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

There were plenty of rumors surrounding Sony having a developer create its own rival to Nintendo's popular Super Smash Bros. series. At the time, Sony neither confirmed nor denied these rumors, simply saying that don't comment on rumor or speculation. The game was finally revealed on an episode of GTTV in April of last year. The final product released that November to sales that were disappointing at best. It's a shame, too, as PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale isn't a mere imitator to Super Smash Bros.; it has its own identity, with characters using special moves called Supers to score points by obliterating opponents with them. Sure, the roster of characters wasn't the best, but the amount of love for Sony fans and faithfuls alike was incredibly apparent.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

The original Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is one of our favorite kart racers of the generation, easily beating out Mario Kart. Its sequel, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, released last year with lots of critical claim. We here at SuperPhillip Central still prefer the original, as that game didn't have as many annoying glitches or problems with knowing where to go on a given track, but there's no denying that the game was a fun, exhilarating ride. The initial sales were sluggish, prompting the game to quickly drop towards budget price. It's unfortunate, as Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is definitely worth full price, as it's a heavily competent kart racer.

LittleBigPlanet Karting

Oriented more towards children and young teens, LittleBigPlanet Karting found a following with the LBP community, having them create some insanely good tracks with the in-game track creator. The creator allowed players to customize their own tracks to almost OCD-levels of great detail. The actual kart racing was something that a lot of players could take or leave, being difficult even on the so-called Easy Mode. Unfortunately, many PlayStation 3 owners did not have a need for speed with Sackboy and the crew, leaving LittleBigPlanet Karting to be discounted quite quickly.

Anarchy Reigns

As Platinum Games's latest project, The Wonderful 101, has released in several territories already, why not look back at one of their projects from earlier this year. Anarchy Reigns was the follow-up to the Nintendo Wii's MadWorld, offering a mayhem-filled multiplayer mode for online fun. The game had two storylines to follow, with each character's tale overlapping with the other until the final conclusion. Sadly, like MadWorld before it, Anarchy Reigns failed to find an audience on the platforms it was released on, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It seems like Jack Cayman and the gang are forever fated to fall through the cracks and languish on retail shelves.

Nier

Released to middling reviews, Nier is actually a rather excellent action-RPG that forgoes the need to have a weird-garbed teenager as the primary protagonist and instead goes with a middle-aged man. His quest was to find a cure for the disease his young daughter was suffering the ill effects of. Along the way he explored a fully traversible world, battled monsters of all shapes and sizes, and participated in an immense number of optional side quests. While selling relatively well in its homeland of Japan, Nier failed to capture the attention of Western audiences, leading the game to be quickly discounted or taken off shelves entirely. Those who do take the plunge with Nier will find a journey that is quite unlike anything they have experienced.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Born a Bit Before the Fourth of July Edition

This Thursday the United States will be celebrating its birthday with the Fourth of July. SuperPhillip Central has fireworks of its own with SPC's Favorite VGMs, a weekly segment showcasing our favorite video game themes. This week we have music from Anarchy Reigns, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Phantasy Star Online. After listening to this week's picks, come stop by our VGM Database.

v406. Anarchy Reigns (PS3, 360) - Fast Lane

Anarchy Reigns, or as it's known in PAL territories as Max Anarchy, has a soundtrack that is quite eclectic, featuring mostly electronica and rap. Fast Lane is part of the former category, and it is without a doubt our favorite song from the game. Rushden & Diamonds are the force behind Fast Lane.

v407. Pac-Man World 2 (PS2, GCN, XBX) - B-Doing Woods

Although not a very good game, Pac-Man World 2 featured a fun soundtrack with lots of happy-go-lucky tunes. B-Doing Woods has a song fitting of its many canopies-- a jungle rhythm, brass, and xylophones go hand in hand to create this marvelous and melodious piece of music.

v408. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) - Palm Tree Groove

Played in the levels where Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are mere silhouettes, Palm Tree Groove starts out eerie, but it soon gets a driving jazzy rhythm to it when the piano leaps in. What is then heard is the Jungle Groove theme from the Super Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country. Throw in a lively interlude, and you have a great track from Donkey Kong Country Returns.

v409. Phantasy Star Online (DC) - You Have Nowhere to Go

There were actually two bosses in the third area of the original Phantasy Star Online. This theme, You Have Nowhere to Go, plays during the latter battle, and is a take of the first boss theme. We absolutely love the orchestral score that Phantasy Star Online comes packing with, and this tense track made our heart race when we originally faced the creature the theme accompanies.

v410. Super Ghosts 'n' Goblins (SNES) - Main Theme

A classic piece of video game music, this is the Ghost 'n' Goblins theme in Super form! The Ghost 'n' Goblins games are known for their brutal difficulty, and many controllers will be tossed down in disgust after failing that one level for the hundredth time. Here's hoping Capcom returns to this much loved series.

Review Round-Up - May 2013

Nintendo's great gorilla stars in SuperPhillip 

Central's featured game of May 2013.

The beauty of being off school for the summer (yes, we have lives outside SuperPhillip Central) is that we can devote more time to providing more original content for our readers. This is exactly what we set out to do and exactly what we have done. Our eleven new reviews speak for themselves, but we're going to talk about them anyway in this month's Review Round-Up.

May was unexpectedly a month of platformers, both 2D and 3D. We started off incredibly strong with one of SuperPhillip Central's favorite games of all time, Super Mario World. The game may be two decades old, but it is still darn strong. We gave it a perfect score. Following that were three 3DSWare titles, two of which being platformers. The first was Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (don't forget to check out our interview with Andy Wafer from Pixel Toys, the studio behind the game), which gathered an 8.5 score. Then came Fluidity: Spin Cycle, which twisted and turned its way to the same score. The third 3DSWare game was Suda 51's Liberation Maiden, whose mission to get a good score was a success (7.0). We then went back in time with Sly Cooper and the gang with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (9.0), spent some quality time with Mario and Donkey Kong with Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (9.0), and slept perchance to dream with Super Mario Bros. 2 (8.0). Next up, our featured game of the month, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, ran away with a terrific score of 9.5. While that was a great game, Pac-Man World 2 did nothing but disappoint (4.0). That said, we quickly got that bad taste out of our mouths with our review of the sensational Super Metroid, which screw attacked its way to a 9.5. Finally, we moved away from the world of platforming and into the world of ultra-violence with our review of Anarchy Reigns (7.0). It was a very productive month here at SuperPhillip Central, and we hope June is just as busy and prosperous for us.

Super Mario World (SNES, Wii U VC) - 10
Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (3DSWare) - 8.5
Fluidity: Spin Cycle (3DSWare) - 8.5
Liberation Maiden (3DSWare) - 7.0
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3, PSV) - 9.0
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (3DSWare) - 9.0
Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, Wii U VC) - 8.0
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS) - 9.5
Pac-Man World 2 (PS2, GCN, XBX) - 4.0
Super Metroid (SNES, Wii U VC) - 9.5
Anarchy Reigns (PS3, 360) - 7.0

This month of platforming couldn't be complete

without Sly Cooper and his merry band of thieves!

Better Late Than Never Reviews: Anarchy Reigns (PS3, 360) Review

One last review to cap off the festivities that was the month of May 2013 at SuperPhillip Central. This time we're looking at a budget title that released at the start of the year. It's Anarchy Reigns.

It's A Mad, Mad World.

Platinum Games is a studio made up of many former (now defunct) Clover Studios employees. While they no doubt create excellent gaming experiences such as Vanquish, Bayonetta, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, the studio has problems getting their games to sell to a wide audience. Platinum Games is at it again, but this time they have released a budget title ($29.99 MSRP, to be exact) in the form of Anarchy Reigns to try their luck at a huge hit. The game is a spiritual sequel of the Nintendo Wii exclusive, MadWorld. Does Anarchy Reigns prove that rules are for fools, or does this reign fall short?

Two fighters from MadWorld continue their 

rivalry in Anarchy Reigns.

There are two halves to Anarchy Reigns' silly and honestly uninteresting story. Jack Cayman on the Black Side of things is a Chaser Guild agent who has been enlisted to help a woman find her father. Meanwhile on the other side, there's Leo Victorion, who seeks to learn more about his mentor. Both characters' paths come across one another multiple times during the course of both storylines, so there is some commonality between the two characters. It's just too bad that the actual plot, full of unskippable dialogue sequences falls totally flat. What made MadWorld so much fun is that the story was completely limited and unobtrusive, allowing players to simply play the game. This isn't the case with Anarchy Reigns, unfortunately. If by some odd chance you actually enjoy the story of the game, then more power to you. I simply didn't.

When in battle, Leo lets his legs do the talking.

Anarchy Reigns throws players into the shoes of Jack or Leo as they follow along their own paths. You're thrust into a fairly large open world area with the objective of earning points through killing enemies (who come off more as annoyances and inconveniences rather than challenges) and completing missions, both free and story-related.

Free missions have such tasks as defeat 50 or 100 enemies within a time limit, racing on a vehicle equipped with a flamethrower as you speed from checkpoint to checkpoint and barbecue foes that stand in your way, and even riding a giant super mutant that can rampage through the map, obliterating everything in its sight. There is a decent variety of activities and tasks that are showcased in the free missions, but it can be annoying needing to replay them just to earn enough points to unlock the next story mission.

You've certainly heard of the TV show Boy Meets World.

Well, this is none other than Mutant Meets Chainsaw.

Speaking of story missions, there are usually three or four in each open world level that need to be completed before you can move onto the next level. Generally these story missions have you taking on a boss character who will either fight you one-on-one, or call in his or her buddies to assist with eliminating you. These boss fights are the coolest part of Anarchy Reigns's campaign. They're fast, they're fluid, they're challenging, and above all else, they're just plain fun.

The artist formerly known as Black Baron just got beat.

That's because the fighting mechanics of Anarchy Reigns are rather well done. Sure, the lock-on could be much better, as shifting between focus on foes can be challenging, and you can often whiff a lot of punches and kicks. You can also be made vulnerable because while you're locked onto one enemy, one (or several) behind you blindside you and do some serious damage.

That said, everything else works well. The controls are responsive, and Jack, Leo, and the rest of the playable characters have a full arsenal of moves to utilize. From 360 degree attacks to using killer moves, the streets will be filled with the blood of your enemies, for sure. There's even a Rampage attack (performed by pressing in both analog sticks when the gauge is full) that lets you use brawn over brains to muscle through the defenses of a foe.

A carpet bombing? Just another everyday

occurrence in the world of Anarchy Reigns.

Outside of the campaign, which will take most players 3-5 hours for each side, and then another hour or so for the final chapter, there is online multiplayer to be found in Anarchy Reigns. The online allows a myriad of options and modes, such as chaotic 16-player deathmatches, Capture the Flag, one-on-one battles, Tag Team, and even a rugby-type competition. The problem here is that finding a game in the mode you want is really difficult to do. It was hard to do when the game came out back in January of this year, so you can just imagine how it is many months after the fact. It's a practical ghost town, which is a pity, because what Anarchy Reigns has to offer is a load of fun.

If you can find anyone to play with online, you'll 

enjoy what Anarchy Reigns has to offer in multiplayer.

Inconsistent is the word that I think best describes the presentation of Anarchy Reigns. Incomplete character animations and punches that don't land yet still give out damage are common problems. The open world levels are a nice touch, but there's so little to do in them, despite them being lookers. Anarchy Reigns sports a soundtrack that is much more full of electronic tracks than what was heard in MadWorld, so that did little to interest me ears compared to the Wii game's songs. On the voice acting front, what's there sounds great, though the lack of proper lip-syncing is easily noticeable.

If Anarchy Reigns were a full price sixty dollar game, all of the faults that the game has would be less forgivable. As it stands, I can much more tolerate the presentation problems, the tricky lock-on controls, the tedious story, and the sparse open world levels. Underneath its brutal, ultra-violent exterior lies an incredibly competent brawler that will both challenge and entertain. It is indeed a mad, mad world, but that is definitely a good thing.

[SPC Says: 7.0/10]

My Five Most Wanted Xbox 360 Games of 2013

Most of you who have read SuperPhillip Central for a year or longer know my position on the Xbox 360. I think it is one of my least favorite home consoles I have ever owned, and I believe the list of exclusives pales in comparison to both the PlayStation 3 and Wii. When only one game on this list of most wanted Xbox 360 titles is an actual exclusive, there's something definitely wrong here. Regardless, scope out my five most wanted 360 games for the year 2013.

Gears of War: Judgment

While Gears of War 2 was a complete and utter disappointment for me, Gears of War 3 made me remember what I enjoyed about the third-person shooter franchise. The upcoming March 2013 release Gears of War: Judgment brings with it new characters (as well as old faves like The Cole Train and Baird) and a new story, predating the original Gears trilogy. If the intense shooting action is as fun as two out of three of the last Gears games, Xbox 360 owners are in for a treat.

DmC: Devil May Cry

There has been a shower of criticism surrounding the upcoming reboot of the Devil May Cry series, DmC: Devil May Cry. The new direction of the series and the updated character design for Dante are the main targets. However, the early reviews that have been pouring in have stated that the Ninja Theory-made reboot is quite stellar. I look forward to returning to slicing and shooting enemies in one perfect combo and taking down demons with ease with DmC: Devil May Cry when it releases next week.

Dead Space 3

The fight against the Necromorphs is happening once again with Dead Space 3. With the addition of rolling and cover elements, Isaac Clarke and Sergeant John Carver have more movement capabilities than ever before. For the first time in franchise history, there will be full-fledged co-op to be had-- the drop-in/drop-out variety. While some lament how the Dead Space series is leaning more towards action than survival horror, I still am excited for the third installment. Dead Space 3 is certainly set to be a dismember to remember.

Anarchy Reigns

Releasing today, Anarchy Reigns is a pseudo-sequel to the Nintendo Wii's MadWorld. It features many of the same characters from that game and several new ones. This time the world is in glorious color instead of the stylistic monochrome that MadWorld possessed. Hero Jack Cayman loves to carve up enemies with the chainsaw at the end of his mechanical arm, and players will most likely love it too. With all-new multiplayer modes and a budget price, Anarchy Reigns is a top title on my Xbox 360 most wanted list.

BioShock Infinite

The BioShock series already explored a city in the deep, so why not explore the idea of a city in the sky? That is exactly what the series is doing with BioShock Infinite. Now, the steampunk air city of Columbia would be enough to interest me in the game already, but there's more. Weapons, gear, combat, powers, and role-playing elements all promise a game that will complex and deep, a savory mix for experienced players like myself. I don't get excited too often about first-person shooters, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis-- no, I mean, I don't get excited too often about first-person shooters, but when I do, that FPS is certainly special. BioShock Infinite appears to be just that.

===

There you have it. Another day and another console's games for 2013 done. Tomorrow I will be sharing my picks for my most wanted PlayStation 3 games. We'll see you then.