First of all, Happy New Year! Secondly, thank you for sticking with SuperPhillip Central and reading the content I provide. I didn't know how well the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards would work out with an entirely new top five-centric format. However, it managed to turn out rather great. It was a lot more fun this time around to work on instead of feeling like a chore.
If you missed an award category, look no further than these links!
Top Five Best Box Arts
Top Five Best Download Only Game
Top Five Best Original Soundtracks
Top Five Best Platformers
Top Five Biggest Surprises
Top Five Local Multiplayer Games
Top Five Most Overlooked Games
Top Five Most Pleasing Visuals
Top Five Worst Disappointments
Top Ten Games of 2014
I hope you'll stick with SuperPhillip Central for the new year. Of course, it helps if you're a fan of Nintendo, as I currently only own one non-Nintendo current gen system, and that is the PlayStation Vita.
Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts
Friday, January 2, 2015
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Last of Us Was Robbed: Or The Problem With Gamers
Let's rewind time just a little bit. It was a few weeks ago that GameSpot named The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds as their game of 2013. This meant Zelda beat out games like BioShock Infinite, Grand Theft Auto V, and yes, The Last of Us, a game created by Naughty Dog, or as many of the studio's most ardent supporters affectionately call them, "Naughty Gods." (Just don't review one of the studio's games an 8.0 like Eurogamer did with Uncharted 3...)Instantly, the YouTube video comment section of GameSpot's video was hammered with negativity and copious amounts of insults towards GameSpot and other gamers who didn't agree with their obviously objective facts that The Last of Us should be the game of the year everywhere, and if you don't agree, you're obviously didn't play through the entire game or something. It definitely had nothing to do with people having different tastes in gaming and what they view as most important in their gaming experiences.
 |
| GameSpot's Game of the Year for 2013 is... The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. |
This incessant whining about what someone or some media outlet calls game of the year is rather ridiculous, and it reveals an underlying theme with many gamers. This theme is that many gamers cannot understand that a lot of people have opinions that differ from their own. It's hard to accept, I know, but once you do, you can finally stop making total asses of yourself and your hobby.
I have seen far too many comments and posts regarding Ken Levine's top ten games of 2013, or David Jaffe's own list. These comments and posts say things like "oh, so-and-so game is good, but it shouldn't be on that list." It's this chutzpah that's basically saying "I know your opinion better than you do. Your choices are objectively wrong." Seriously? Are some gamers this pathetic? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
The idea that a lot of gamers still can't comprehend that not everyone agrees with their thoughts and that their opinion isn't the be-all end-all is frightening to me. We can readily view otherwise rational adults turn into emotionally childish people who will fling insults and other rude, negative words at people who disagree with them. There's seldom legitimate discussion. Instead, there's just pure, unadulterated vitriol.
We as gamers can do better than this. Perhaps one could just say that it's only "internet culture" to be rude, but I've seen this behavior outside of technology's boundaries. It's just as sad, it's just as depressing, and it's just as much of a black eye on the industry and our hobby as everything else.
Hopefully some who have read what I've had to say have been nodding their heads in agreement throughout their whole read. Some might disagree, and that's all right, too. I'm just requesting that we somehow get to a point where we respect others' opinions without needing to deride them-- without needing to think that our opinion is somehow superior over someone else's just because we don't exactly agree with them. I just hope that some of the same people who have been indulging in the negative type of behavior I've spoken of accept the opinions of SuperPhillip Central when we select our choices for games of the year when our sixth annual awards ceremony begins tomorrow night.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Best of... Mega Man
The Best of... series is one that isn't the most featured... feature of SuperPhillip Central. It is saved for the anniversaries and celebrations of video games. This year we have multiple anniversaries, so we've had a lot of Best of... articles.
Today, coming off the Top Ten Mega Man Games, comes Best of... Mega Man. I list my favorite games, the best weapons, the best Robot Masters, and so much more. It's a celebration of all things classic Mega Man, so sit back, pop open an Energy Tank, and start drinking while you read!
Note: This article was a collaboration between myself and my older brother. Enjoy the brotherly read!
[Best Weapon Lineup]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT)
When you think about good weapons in Mega Man titles, 8's arsenal might not be your first choice. Well, it wasn't ours either, but it was a close second when you think about how good the majority of them are for a moment. Tornado Hold can take out flying foes, but it can also propel Mega Man into the air. Thunder Claw's good for its reach, but you can swing across pegs Indiana Jones style. The Mega Ball could be kicked away or used as an instant Rush Coil. Then you have more practical weapons like Flash Bomb that hit foes multiple times, Ice Wave which tears up foes along the ground, Homing Sniper that can be semi-rapid fired and lock on enemies out of reach, or Astro Crush which causes a screen-clearing attack. Sure, Water Balloon and Flame Sword aren't all that great, but seven out of nine ain't bad, especially when the seven mentioned here are really, really good.
Winner: Mega Man 9 (WiiWare, XBLA, PSN)
You mean it isn't Mega Man 2? Of course not. As good as Metal Blades were, how often did you really use Crash Bombs, Atomic Fire, or Time Stopper anyway? That balancing issue is something that Mega Man 9 manages to get just right. Much like our runner-up, some weapons serve multiple purposes, but all of them do have a purpose. Concrete Shot makes platforms, stops magma, and stuns enemies, Tornado Blow extends Mega's jump height while flying foes up off the screen, and Hornet Chaser can grab goodies out of reach and sting sentries from far away. Laser Trident can break through shields, Black Hole Bomb instantly engulfs almost every enemy, Plug Ball serves as your go to ground weapon, Magma Bazooka's range and power is perfect for minibosses, and Jewel Satellite is the best shield in the series for how many attacks it can block. Out of all of Mega Man's classic adventures, this is the only game where you can and probably will use every weapon in some point just to see how many different ways you can show Wily and his bots who's boss.
[Best Robot Master Lineup]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT)
Perhaps it's because the jump to double the bits to the PlayStation and Saturn when compared to the Super Nintendo made for Robot Masters that could be more detailed, but the runner-up for best Robot Master lineup goes to Mega Man 8. You get cool designs like Tengu Man, Sword Man, and Search Man, as well as creatively designed Robot Masters such as Aqua Man, Clown Man, and Grenade Man. The added bonus of hearing Wily's robots yak for the first time gave the characters an extra layer of charm.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
Mega Man's rogues gallery in Mega Man 2 is a veritable treasure trove of memorable Robot Masters. Metal Man alone gives Mega Man one of his most overpowered weapons in series history. Quick Man impresses with his swift speed. Flash Man stops time in an instant. Bubble Man was cool before Burst Man was even a concept in Dr. Wily's mind. Wood Man had a freaking body made out of a huge log. Heat Man and Air Man add to the fun, and Crash Man is one of the more popular Robot Masters when it concerns the Blue Bomber's fan base. There isn't really a stinker in this bunch, and it is for that reason why Mega Man 2's list of Robot Masters is numero uno.
[Best Robot Master]
Runner-Up: Elec Man (Mega Man)
As taken from my Top Ten Mega Man Robot Masters article from 2010:
"Short for and pronounced the same as electric, Elec Man is one of the only stages in the original Mega Man that's completely vertical. He fears Cut Man's Rolling Cutter as it can kill him in just a few hits. Thankfully, he isn't helpless. His Thunder Beam can destroy anyone in seconds with its electrifying power. I picked this up from the Mega Man Wiki, that this bot is actually Keiji Inafune's favorite robot master from the original game. Now we can see why!"
Winner: Tengu Man (Mega Man 8 and Mega Man & Bass)
As taken from my Top Ten Mega Man Robot Masters article from 2010:
"Just a cool-designed robot all around, Tengu Man is the not-so soft-spoken yet ever cocky at the same time robot master with lines such as "Kid, you're almost not worth the effort" and "Are you worthy of my challenge?" He comes from an underrated Mega Man game, Mega Man 8, and his weakness is the Ice Wave, Frost Man's weapon while his own is Tornado Hold. He was so popular that he returned for a rematch in Mega Man & Bass (SNES, GBA) where he had a new level, new attacks, and a new weakness."
[Best Wily Stages]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 7 (SNES)
A problem with many of the NES fortresses is that most of them would only have one stage worth mentioning. Maybe it's the unique look, that every stage finally has its own song, or the fact that Mega gets to finally have a true face-off with his new rival in Bass, but Mega Man 7's fortress proves to be a memorable one.
The opening act sees the lights go out when you step on various platforms here, and it's not long until you're doing this over a bottomless pit or spikes. These track-based platforms occasionally will try to dump you into said perils if you aren't paying attention to where you're going. After that, you get to face Bass for real and then yet another incarnation of Guts Man just after that. Wily 2 gets interesting right when you meet up with Bass and face off with him combined with Treble. Once you make it past him, you have to deal with these containers from Turbo Man's stage that will shoot out fire. It's pretty crazy if you try to go without the buster, but if you use weapons or collected the Super Adapter, you can make it by just easily. The third stage is the most forgettable, but it still has a split path to choose and a rare auto-scrolling boss fight against a giant demon head. Of course, most will remember this game's castle for Wily himself. This fight is one of, if not the hardest final boss fights in the entire series. It takes precision, planning, and sometimes a bit of luck to escape from this one in one piece. It was a pretty great conclusion to a great set of stages.
Winner: Mega Man 10 (WiiWare, XBLA, PSN)
The moment you step foot at the grounds of this fortress, this ominous tune is playing while it's raining heavily. The moment you make it past the opening guards, you're met with a blast from the past when you go up against the Wily Archive. Beating three bosses here lets you advance into the next section where the real theme of the stage begins. This is also where the level splits apart in so many directions, and it's kind of crazy how many ways you can progress through this opening stage. Still, having to battle nine bosses spread out over three encounters makes it a classic.
The second level has conveyor belts in the early going, but it's the crushers in the second half of the stage that will be the main thing you recall about this one... until you make it to the giant enemy crab at the end of the stage anyway. The third stage has a couple of elevator rides with buttons that you'll have to step on to make sure you avoid the floating spikes only to throw at you an underwater section with more spikes and only a couple of platforms for safety. Then you get the unholy combination of a Devil and Pico Pico Master (Mega Man 2's Wily 2 boss) in a crazy struggle. After that, you get to face off with Wily again, but the game does make sure to throw in one last hilarious moment before you reach the credits. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will when you're about to enter the final stage. No, the final final stage. It's a series of stages with very few lulls. It's because of the high quality in the game's cumulative conclusion that Mega Man 10 earns top honors for having the best set of Wily stages around.
[Best Music]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 4 (NES)
While I like the original 8-bit themes of Mega Man 2, I prefer the Complete Works soundtrack of Mega Man 4, and it ranks right up there for me among the great Mega Man soundtracks. Themes like Skull Man, which has several terrific official remixes, Bright Man, which certainly brightens up my day with its slap bass, and Dr. Cossack Stage 1 are quite nice. Toad Man gets my toes tapping too. All around it isn't the greatest soundtrack in 8-bit form, but Complete Works-wise, it more than does its job well.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
From the uptempo title theme that kicks in as the Blue Bomber overlooks the city as he stands atop a building to the ever-popular Wily Stage 1/2 theme, Mega Man 2 sports an unquestionably good soundtrack. You get familiar tunes like Air Man, the wonderful Flash Man, and the ultra-catchy Wood Man theme. These songs aren't just appreciated out of nostalgia-- they are tried and true themes that have withstood the test of time.
[Best Overall Game]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 3 (NES)
Introducing loads of new things into the Mega Man gameplay and canon world such as Mega's trusty dog Rush, Mega's brother Proto Man, and the ability to slide, Mega Man 3 is my second favorite game of the classic series. While it is most certainly true that the development period for the game was especially trying for the team behind Mega Man 3, I feel the end product is a sensational game. I loved the level ideas presented-- a greenhouse, a sewer, a stronghold built to resemble snakes-- it goes all over the place. The game also felt longer than past installments, but not needlessly so. These attributes make Mega Man 3 the runner-up in the best overall game category.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
What else could it be but Mega Man 2? You probably saw this coming miles away too. Well, it helps when yesterday's top ten list names it as the best classic series game. Regardless, Mega Man 2 set the gold standard for the series. All other classic Mega Man games followed the formula Mega Man 2 laid down and perfected. The rest of the classic series was just those games grasping for the golden ring that Mega Man 2 had grabbed. The level design is superb. The music is the series's best (see above). The gameplay is pitch perfect as well. If you are somehow new to the Mega Man franchise and you have yet to pick up and play this game, find a way to [legally] play it. You won't be disappointed, and you will find out why all us old farts keep championing it.
That wraps up this celebration of all things classic Mega Man. What would your picks be if you were awarding honors to each Mega Man game? Let your nominations be read in the comments section!
Today, coming off the Top Ten Mega Man Games, comes Best of... Mega Man. I list my favorite games, the best weapons, the best Robot Masters, and so much more. It's a celebration of all things classic Mega Man, so sit back, pop open an Energy Tank, and start drinking while you read!
Note: This article was a collaboration between myself and my older brother. Enjoy the brotherly read!
[Best Weapon Lineup]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT)
When you think about good weapons in Mega Man titles, 8's arsenal might not be your first choice. Well, it wasn't ours either, but it was a close second when you think about how good the majority of them are for a moment. Tornado Hold can take out flying foes, but it can also propel Mega Man into the air. Thunder Claw's good for its reach, but you can swing across pegs Indiana Jones style. The Mega Ball could be kicked away or used as an instant Rush Coil. Then you have more practical weapons like Flash Bomb that hit foes multiple times, Ice Wave which tears up foes along the ground, Homing Sniper that can be semi-rapid fired and lock on enemies out of reach, or Astro Crush which causes a screen-clearing attack. Sure, Water Balloon and Flame Sword aren't all that great, but seven out of nine ain't bad, especially when the seven mentioned here are really, really good.
Winner: Mega Man 9 (WiiWare, XBLA, PSN)
You mean it isn't Mega Man 2? Of course not. As good as Metal Blades were, how often did you really use Crash Bombs, Atomic Fire, or Time Stopper anyway? That balancing issue is something that Mega Man 9 manages to get just right. Much like our runner-up, some weapons serve multiple purposes, but all of them do have a purpose. Concrete Shot makes platforms, stops magma, and stuns enemies, Tornado Blow extends Mega's jump height while flying foes up off the screen, and Hornet Chaser can grab goodies out of reach and sting sentries from far away. Laser Trident can break through shields, Black Hole Bomb instantly engulfs almost every enemy, Plug Ball serves as your go to ground weapon, Magma Bazooka's range and power is perfect for minibosses, and Jewel Satellite is the best shield in the series for how many attacks it can block. Out of all of Mega Man's classic adventures, this is the only game where you can and probably will use every weapon in some point just to see how many different ways you can show Wily and his bots who's boss.
[Best Robot Master Lineup]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT)
Perhaps it's because the jump to double the bits to the PlayStation and Saturn when compared to the Super Nintendo made for Robot Masters that could be more detailed, but the runner-up for best Robot Master lineup goes to Mega Man 8. You get cool designs like Tengu Man, Sword Man, and Search Man, as well as creatively designed Robot Masters such as Aqua Man, Clown Man, and Grenade Man. The added bonus of hearing Wily's robots yak for the first time gave the characters an extra layer of charm.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
Mega Man's rogues gallery in Mega Man 2 is a veritable treasure trove of memorable Robot Masters. Metal Man alone gives Mega Man one of his most overpowered weapons in series history. Quick Man impresses with his swift speed. Flash Man stops time in an instant. Bubble Man was cool before Burst Man was even a concept in Dr. Wily's mind. Wood Man had a freaking body made out of a huge log. Heat Man and Air Man add to the fun, and Crash Man is one of the more popular Robot Masters when it concerns the Blue Bomber's fan base. There isn't really a stinker in this bunch, and it is for that reason why Mega Man 2's list of Robot Masters is numero uno.
[Best Robot Master]
Runner-Up: Elec Man (Mega Man)
As taken from my Top Ten Mega Man Robot Masters article from 2010:
"Short for and pronounced the same as electric, Elec Man is one of the only stages in the original Mega Man that's completely vertical. He fears Cut Man's Rolling Cutter as it can kill him in just a few hits. Thankfully, he isn't helpless. His Thunder Beam can destroy anyone in seconds with its electrifying power. I picked this up from the Mega Man Wiki, that this bot is actually Keiji Inafune's favorite robot master from the original game. Now we can see why!"
Winner: Tengu Man (Mega Man 8 and Mega Man & Bass)
As taken from my Top Ten Mega Man Robot Masters article from 2010:
"Just a cool-designed robot all around, Tengu Man is the not-so soft-spoken yet ever cocky at the same time robot master with lines such as "Kid, you're almost not worth the effort" and "Are you worthy of my challenge?" He comes from an underrated Mega Man game, Mega Man 8, and his weakness is the Ice Wave, Frost Man's weapon while his own is Tornado Hold. He was so popular that he returned for a rematch in Mega Man & Bass (SNES, GBA) where he had a new level, new attacks, and a new weakness."
[Best Wily Stages]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 7 (SNES)
A problem with many of the NES fortresses is that most of them would only have one stage worth mentioning. Maybe it's the unique look, that every stage finally has its own song, or the fact that Mega gets to finally have a true face-off with his new rival in Bass, but Mega Man 7's fortress proves to be a memorable one.
The opening act sees the lights go out when you step on various platforms here, and it's not long until you're doing this over a bottomless pit or spikes. These track-based platforms occasionally will try to dump you into said perils if you aren't paying attention to where you're going. After that, you get to face Bass for real and then yet another incarnation of Guts Man just after that. Wily 2 gets interesting right when you meet up with Bass and face off with him combined with Treble. Once you make it past him, you have to deal with these containers from Turbo Man's stage that will shoot out fire. It's pretty crazy if you try to go without the buster, but if you use weapons or collected the Super Adapter, you can make it by just easily. The third stage is the most forgettable, but it still has a split path to choose and a rare auto-scrolling boss fight against a giant demon head. Of course, most will remember this game's castle for Wily himself. This fight is one of, if not the hardest final boss fights in the entire series. It takes precision, planning, and sometimes a bit of luck to escape from this one in one piece. It was a pretty great conclusion to a great set of stages.
Winner: Mega Man 10 (WiiWare, XBLA, PSN)
The moment you step foot at the grounds of this fortress, this ominous tune is playing while it's raining heavily. The moment you make it past the opening guards, you're met with a blast from the past when you go up against the Wily Archive. Beating three bosses here lets you advance into the next section where the real theme of the stage begins. This is also where the level splits apart in so many directions, and it's kind of crazy how many ways you can progress through this opening stage. Still, having to battle nine bosses spread out over three encounters makes it a classic.
The second level has conveyor belts in the early going, but it's the crushers in the second half of the stage that will be the main thing you recall about this one... until you make it to the giant enemy crab at the end of the stage anyway. The third stage has a couple of elevator rides with buttons that you'll have to step on to make sure you avoid the floating spikes only to throw at you an underwater section with more spikes and only a couple of platforms for safety. Then you get the unholy combination of a Devil and Pico Pico Master (Mega Man 2's Wily 2 boss) in a crazy struggle. After that, you get to face off with Wily again, but the game does make sure to throw in one last hilarious moment before you reach the credits. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will when you're about to enter the final stage. No, the final final stage. It's a series of stages with very few lulls. It's because of the high quality in the game's cumulative conclusion that Mega Man 10 earns top honors for having the best set of Wily stages around.
[Best Music]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 4 (NES)
While I like the original 8-bit themes of Mega Man 2, I prefer the Complete Works soundtrack of Mega Man 4, and it ranks right up there for me among the great Mega Man soundtracks. Themes like Skull Man, which has several terrific official remixes, Bright Man, which certainly brightens up my day with its slap bass, and Dr. Cossack Stage 1 are quite nice. Toad Man gets my toes tapping too. All around it isn't the greatest soundtrack in 8-bit form, but Complete Works-wise, it more than does its job well.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
From the uptempo title theme that kicks in as the Blue Bomber overlooks the city as he stands atop a building to the ever-popular Wily Stage 1/2 theme, Mega Man 2 sports an unquestionably good soundtrack. You get familiar tunes like Air Man, the wonderful Flash Man, and the ultra-catchy Wood Man theme. These songs aren't just appreciated out of nostalgia-- they are tried and true themes that have withstood the test of time.
[Best Overall Game]
Runner-Up: Mega Man 3 (NES)
Introducing loads of new things into the Mega Man gameplay and canon world such as Mega's trusty dog Rush, Mega's brother Proto Man, and the ability to slide, Mega Man 3 is my second favorite game of the classic series. While it is most certainly true that the development period for the game was especially trying for the team behind Mega Man 3, I feel the end product is a sensational game. I loved the level ideas presented-- a greenhouse, a sewer, a stronghold built to resemble snakes-- it goes all over the place. The game also felt longer than past installments, but not needlessly so. These attributes make Mega Man 3 the runner-up in the best overall game category.
Winner: Mega Man 2 (NES)
What else could it be but Mega Man 2? You probably saw this coming miles away too. Well, it helps when yesterday's top ten list names it as the best classic series game. Regardless, Mega Man 2 set the gold standard for the series. All other classic Mega Man games followed the formula Mega Man 2 laid down and perfected. The rest of the classic series was just those games grasping for the golden ring that Mega Man 2 had grabbed. The level design is superb. The music is the series's best (see above). The gameplay is pitch perfect as well. If you are somehow new to the Mega Man franchise and you have yet to pick up and play this game, find a way to [legally] play it. You won't be disappointed, and you will find out why all us old farts keep championing it.
===
That wraps up this celebration of all things classic Mega Man. What would your picks be if you were awarding honors to each Mega Man game? Let your nominations be read in the comments section!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Best of... The Legend of Zelda
Two Mondays ago I held an awards ceremony for the Mario Kart franchise. Now, with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, let us take a browse and carouse through The Legend of Zelda series. The best dungeons, the best items, the best overworld, the best bosses, the best art style, the best companion, and much more will be awarded here on SuperPhillip Central. With no further ado, let us begin!
[Best Companion]
Runner-up: The King of Red Lions (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker [GCN])
What can you not say about a talking red ship? Toon Link's traveling companion while traversing the rough waves of the Great Sea, the King of Red Lions is a valuable partner in Link's quest to secure the lost pieces of the triforce. The boat also just so happens to be the vessel upon which the king of Hyrule (a place now submerged underwater) takes residence.
Winner: Ezlo (The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap [GBA])
A Minish elder who was transformed into a hat by the power-hungry Vaati, Ezlo is Link's companion in the lone original Zelda title on the Game Boy Advance, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. Not only does he seldom butt in for inane "I already know that" comments, but when he does have something to say, it is incredibly entertaining and humorous. The moment when Link enters his own room Ezlo states something along the lines of "So this is your room. So does that mean it is now my room, too?" Comedic moments like this make Ezlo hat and shoulders above the competition.
[Best Art Style]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
The watercolor world of Skyward Sword makes great use of the tech inside the less-than-impressive Wii. Enemies look stellar, Link looks almost better than he has ever looked before, and the environments are teeming with personality and charm. From the Faron Woods to Eldin Volcano, there's beauty within every section of land within the realm of Skyloft.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN)
At a Spaceworld event Nintendo showed off a tech demo showing off an adult Link facing off against Ganondorf. Their blades clashed within a dark environment. When years flew by and Nintendo unveiled a new, cartoon-y look for Link, the Internet exploded with stupidity, as it is wont to do. When players got a hold of the actual game, The Wind Waker, all fears were put to rest. The emotions and expressions on Link rival that of Dreamworks films, the cel-shaded world was crisp and colorful, and the special effects such as bombs exploding all added together to create an unforgettable graphical experience.
[Best Dungeons]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
For the first time ever the dungeons of the Zelda franchise were in full 3D. This meant players had to think in three dimensions as well. Switches were hidden on ceilings, blocks needed to be pushed between floors, and puzzles like the series had never seen before had to be solved. From the Forest Temple's Poe hunting to the Fire Temple's Goron saving to the Water Temple's water level changing, each dungeon in Ocarina of Time offered something completely new.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
Without a doubt my favorite Zelda in terms of dungeon design, Twilight Princess blew the proverbial lid off the joint. Helping out monkeys in the Forest Temple, rescuing Gorons in the Goron Mines, altering the flow of water within the Lakebed Temple, spinning across the surface of sand in the Arbiter's Grounds, and my personal favored dungeon, venturing through a wintry mansion in Snowpeak Ruins. The puzzles presented to the player were more challenging than Ocarina of Time even if the combat wasn't.
[Best Items]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
With a massive collection of items in Link's possession by the conclusion of A Link to the Past, this game offers a tremendous variety of weaponry and magic. From the appearance of the Hookshot to the Fire and Ice Rods to the Magic Cape to the mystical canes to the magical medallions used to obliterate every foe presently on the screen to the Boomerang and Flute, A Link to the Past has 20+ items worthy of use.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
Offering an abundant amount of new items and fresh takes on classic ones, Twilight Princess has the best variety of items in a Zelda game. Cruising around using the Spinner to cross over chasms and quicksand as well as riding along specially marked walls, using the Dominion Rod to make otherwise nonliving armored statues come alive and move, chucking the Gale Boomerang to turn the blades of a windmill, and making terrific use of the Double Clawshot to reenact everyone's favorite webhead superhero are all possibilities with Twilight Princess's items.
[Best Bosses]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
From a reanimated skeleton to a possessed by Twilit forces yeti, the bosses in Twilight Princess were highly creative. Yes, they did not pose that great of a challenge as the entire game was easy, puzzles aside, but they were still a joy to play through. Using the Spinner to rise up walls and slam into Stallord or using the Iron Boots to get a foothold to grab the chain of the Twilit Igniter, Pyrus, were all memorable moments in a truly memorable game.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
The battles against the big bad bosses of The Legend of Zelda: Sjyward Sword were always intense as unlike past 3D Zeldas you couldn't really be passive in your actions. You had to be sharp and always on guard. Bosses dished out more damage. With the ability to attack them with multiple sword strikes from varying directions and speeds, the battles themselves were puzzles. Facing off against Ghirahim for the first time was an effort in futility without knowing how to defeat him and defend against his myriad of menacing maneuvers. For incredible and challenging boss battles, look no further than Skyward Sword.
[Best Overworld]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB)
Koholint Island may have been merely a dream, but the memories of trekking through the Mysterious Forest, Tal Tal Heights, and Animal Village are tangible. Each destination on the map had something unique to offer whether it was a signpost maze, a murky swamp, a river rapid ride, avoiding falling boulders on the mountain, or pushing aside spiked enemies with Link's shield on the beach. It impressed because the world was all contained on one small Game Boy cartridge.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
Filled to the brim with things to do, the overworlds (yes, overworlds) of A Link to the Past were fairly easy to get around and with plenty of time to spare. From the Eastern Palace on the east to Hyrule Castle in the center to Kakariko Village and the Lost Woods to the west to Death Mountain to the north, Hyrule was one of the most realized worlds in a Zelda game. Double your pleasure and double your fun with the Dark World which was its own overworld to itself. I've never had so much fun exploring a world than I did with A Link to the Past's Light World and Dark World.
That ends yet another awards show. Just remember that the big one starts on December 27th. That is the date where the SPC Best of 2011 Awards begin where I will announce a profusion of categories, winners, and runners-up.
[Best Companion]
Runner-up: The King of Red Lions (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker [GCN])
What can you not say about a talking red ship? Toon Link's traveling companion while traversing the rough waves of the Great Sea, the King of Red Lions is a valuable partner in Link's quest to secure the lost pieces of the triforce. The boat also just so happens to be the vessel upon which the king of Hyrule (a place now submerged underwater) takes residence.
Winner: Ezlo (The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap [GBA])
A Minish elder who was transformed into a hat by the power-hungry Vaati, Ezlo is Link's companion in the lone original Zelda title on the Game Boy Advance, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. Not only does he seldom butt in for inane "I already know that" comments, but when he does have something to say, it is incredibly entertaining and humorous. The moment when Link enters his own room Ezlo states something along the lines of "So this is your room. So does that mean it is now my room, too?" Comedic moments like this make Ezlo hat and shoulders above the competition.
[Best Art Style]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
The watercolor world of Skyward Sword makes great use of the tech inside the less-than-impressive Wii. Enemies look stellar, Link looks almost better than he has ever looked before, and the environments are teeming with personality and charm. From the Faron Woods to Eldin Volcano, there's beauty within every section of land within the realm of Skyloft.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN)
At a Spaceworld event Nintendo showed off a tech demo showing off an adult Link facing off against Ganondorf. Their blades clashed within a dark environment. When years flew by and Nintendo unveiled a new, cartoon-y look for Link, the Internet exploded with stupidity, as it is wont to do. When players got a hold of the actual game, The Wind Waker, all fears were put to rest. The emotions and expressions on Link rival that of Dreamworks films, the cel-shaded world was crisp and colorful, and the special effects such as bombs exploding all added together to create an unforgettable graphical experience.
[Best Dungeons]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
For the first time ever the dungeons of the Zelda franchise were in full 3D. This meant players had to think in three dimensions as well. Switches were hidden on ceilings, blocks needed to be pushed between floors, and puzzles like the series had never seen before had to be solved. From the Forest Temple's Poe hunting to the Fire Temple's Goron saving to the Water Temple's water level changing, each dungeon in Ocarina of Time offered something completely new.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
Without a doubt my favorite Zelda in terms of dungeon design, Twilight Princess blew the proverbial lid off the joint. Helping out monkeys in the Forest Temple, rescuing Gorons in the Goron Mines, altering the flow of water within the Lakebed Temple, spinning across the surface of sand in the Arbiter's Grounds, and my personal favored dungeon, venturing through a wintry mansion in Snowpeak Ruins. The puzzles presented to the player were more challenging than Ocarina of Time even if the combat wasn't.
[Best Items]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
With a massive collection of items in Link's possession by the conclusion of A Link to the Past, this game offers a tremendous variety of weaponry and magic. From the appearance of the Hookshot to the Fire and Ice Rods to the Magic Cape to the mystical canes to the magical medallions used to obliterate every foe presently on the screen to the Boomerang and Flute, A Link to the Past has 20+ items worthy of use.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
Offering an abundant amount of new items and fresh takes on classic ones, Twilight Princess has the best variety of items in a Zelda game. Cruising around using the Spinner to cross over chasms and quicksand as well as riding along specially marked walls, using the Dominion Rod to make otherwise nonliving armored statues come alive and move, chucking the Gale Boomerang to turn the blades of a windmill, and making terrific use of the Double Clawshot to reenact everyone's favorite webhead superhero are all possibilities with Twilight Princess's items.
[Best Bosses]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)
From a reanimated skeleton to a possessed by Twilit forces yeti, the bosses in Twilight Princess were highly creative. Yes, they did not pose that great of a challenge as the entire game was easy, puzzles aside, but they were still a joy to play through. Using the Spinner to rise up walls and slam into Stallord or using the Iron Boots to get a foothold to grab the chain of the Twilit Igniter, Pyrus, were all memorable moments in a truly memorable game.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
The battles against the big bad bosses of The Legend of Zelda: Sjyward Sword were always intense as unlike past 3D Zeldas you couldn't really be passive in your actions. You had to be sharp and always on guard. Bosses dished out more damage. With the ability to attack them with multiple sword strikes from varying directions and speeds, the battles themselves were puzzles. Facing off against Ghirahim for the first time was an effort in futility without knowing how to defeat him and defend against his myriad of menacing maneuvers. For incredible and challenging boss battles, look no further than Skyward Sword.
[Best Overworld]
Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB)
Koholint Island may have been merely a dream, but the memories of trekking through the Mysterious Forest, Tal Tal Heights, and Animal Village are tangible. Each destination on the map had something unique to offer whether it was a signpost maze, a murky swamp, a river rapid ride, avoiding falling boulders on the mountain, or pushing aside spiked enemies with Link's shield on the beach. It impressed because the world was all contained on one small Game Boy cartridge.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
Filled to the brim with things to do, the overworlds (yes, overworlds) of A Link to the Past were fairly easy to get around and with plenty of time to spare. From the Eastern Palace on the east to Hyrule Castle in the center to Kakariko Village and the Lost Woods to the west to Death Mountain to the north, Hyrule was one of the most realized worlds in a Zelda game. Double your pleasure and double your fun with the Dark World which was its own overworld to itself. I've never had so much fun exploring a world than I did with A Link to the Past's Light World and Dark World.
===
That ends yet another awards show. Just remember that the big one starts on December 27th. That is the date where the SPC Best of 2011 Awards begin where I will announce a profusion of categories, winners, and runners-up.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Announcing the SPC Best of 2009 Awards!
Last year, SPC celebrated gaming in 2008 with the first ever Best Of awards. Now they're back for another showing with the Best of 2009 awards! There's more categories this year plus some unexpected winners! This will once again be a five night event starting Sunday night and ending New Year's Eve.
The categories include:
Best Original Soundtrack
Best Multiplayer
Best Presentation
Biggest Unexpected Surprise
Most Disappointing
Best New Franchise
Most Overlooked
Developer of the Year
Multiplatform Game of the Year
Best PSP Game
Best DS Game
Best 360 Game
Best PS3 Game
Best Wii Game
Platform of the Year
Game of the Year
Last year, LittleBigPlanet came out on top as game of the year. Stay tuned to SuperPhillip Central to find out if your favorite games were nominated!
The categories include:
Best Original Soundtrack
Best Multiplayer
Best Presentation
Biggest Unexpected Surprise
Most Disappointing
Best New Franchise
Most Overlooked
Developer of the Year
Multiplatform Game of the Year
Best PSP Game
Best DS Game
Best 360 Game
Best PS3 Game
Best Wii Game
Platform of the Year
Game of the Year
Last year, LittleBigPlanet came out on top as game of the year. Stay tuned to SuperPhillip Central to find out if your favorite games were nominated!
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