SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "One wE3k Away!" Edition

Ta-da! As one of my special surprises for this week celebrating SuperPhillip Central's ten-year anniversary, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs return to their previous glory, and we're continuing right where we left off back in January with VGM volume 1551! As is customary, we're kicking off the work week right with five new VGM themes, and many of these come from recent releases.

Starting off, the fight is on with Dissidia Final Fantasy NT. Then, we take to the battlefield and rack up an impressive K.O. count with Hyrule Warriors. A duo of Nintendo Switch platformers follows, one Wii U port and one brand-spanking-new with Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Kirby: Star Allies. To wrap this grand return of the Favorite VGMs up, we go back in time a little bit to the world of Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen.

No doubt you need a recap of all previous video game themes ever posted on this once again weekly-recurring segment, so check out the VGM Database to get your fill of all the spotlighted video games and music ever featured! Finally, it makes me happy to be able to reiterate these words after several months off, "Now, let's get on to the music!"

v1551. Dissidia Final Fantasy NT (PS4) - Battle with Alexander

Returning strong with an original piece of music from Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is officially back in action! This theme mixes synth with rock to produce a stirring sound for the battle against a longtime summon within the Final Fantasy series, Alexander. While Dissidia Final Fantasy NT didn't shape up to a truly worthy successor to the popular PlayStation Portable games, it did shape up to an energizing fighter all the same.

v1552. Hyrule Warriors (NSW, 3DS) - Title & Dragon: Wind Waker

As of this past Thursday, Hyrule Warriors has been reviewed on SuperPhillip Central three unique times for each of its three ports. First, it was the Wii U original, then the 3DS port with new content, and finally and most recently, the Nintendo Switch version as seen here. The Wind Waker scenario in Hyrule Warriors does not appear in the Wii U original, debuting in Hyrule Warriors Legends and being fully realized in HD in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. One of the themes that plays during the scenario is this rousing rendition of both The Wind Waker title theme and the theme of Dragon Roost Island. It's a rocking combination perfect for eliminating enemies on the battlefield!

v1553. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (NSW, Wii U) - Busted Bayou

Speaking of recently reviewed games, SuperPhillip Central took a look at the Nintendo Switch release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze with my review. The Switch version retained the same excellent gameplay and masterful level design of the Wii U original while throwing in a brand-new mode featuring Funky Kong for lesser skilled players. What was also retained was the stellar David Wise-composed soundtrack. I've previously featured four songs from the soundtrack on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs in the past, and now I have a fifth to share: Busted Bayou! This theme plays during the titular level, the first players can experience that has DK and environment in glorious and visually stunning silhouette mode.

v1554. Kirby: Star Allies (NSW) - Forest Area

We keep on keeping on with recent releases here on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs! This time we're taking a look--er, rather a listen--to Kirby: Star Allies, one of the few really big original releases for the Nintendo Switch's first half of 2018. This remix of the Kirby: Return to Dream Land's Forest Area has never sounded better. Kirby himself may not have played better with Star Allies, but the adventure was an enjoyable and engaging one regardless, especially with some friends.

v1555. Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (Multi) - Town

The remake of Dragon Quest IV originally appeared on the Nintendo DS, but has since made its way to mobile platforms. With updated graphics and sound, as well as some other neat gameplay improvements, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a remarkable remake, for sure. The famous town theme from the game has been remixed in several Dragon Quest spin-offs. Most recently, it's been remixed in Dragon Quest Builders, as it appeared on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and now the Nintendo Switch.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "Twas the Week Before Christmas" Edition

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through SuperPhillip Central's site
Phil was preparing game reviews to end the month for your delight

That... That's all I have for my Christmas poem so far. Instead, I bring you a special pre-Christmas edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs! Next week, presents will be opened, gifts will be given, and the fireplace will be lit up to make everyone warm and toasty. (Unless you're like me and don't have a fireplace in your household.)

This week's lineup of games features music from Star Wars Battlefront II, the recently released version, that is. Then, SoulCalibur V delivers an impressive orchestra and choir piece to bring even more emotion to this edition. Following that, we go a bit chill with music from Sonic Free Riders and Super Princess Peach. Things wrap up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project.

Before I conclude my weekly introduction to SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, remember to check out the VGM Database for all past games and songs ever featured on this long-running segment. Now, let's get onto the music!

v1526. Star Wars Battlefront II (PS4, XB1, PC) - Falcon Flight

Beginning with a bang, Star Wars: The Last Jedi released in theaters this past Friday, so what better excuse to post a theme from a Star Wars game? While EA's Star Wars Battlefront II has been raked over the coals with its microtransactions, so much so that the company is temporarily removing them until it gets a better idea on how it wants to implement them, the presentation is absolutely breathtaking in both gorgeous visuals and magnificent sound. The latter part of the presentation is our focus with this theme that plays during the Millennium Falcon's flight.



v1527. SoulCalibur V (PS3, 360) - Daybreaker

Announced at The Game Awards 2017, SoulCalibur VI is set to launch on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One sometime next year. Thus, let's take a look -- or in this case, listen -- back to the game that proceeded it, SoulCalibur V on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Much like Star Wars Battlefront II's score, we're greeted with an epic symphonic performance, but this time we have the powerful force of a backing chorus joining in.



v1528. Sonic Free Riders (360) - Metropolis Speedway

"Hey, hey, hey!" Groove with this track from the otherwise reprehensible attempt at bringing the Sonic Riders series to the Xbox 360's Kinect. It was a recipe for disaster, as well as a move that has pretty much killed the otherwise enjoyable Sonic Riders series. Thanks, Kinect! Having gotten my bitterness out, we can turn towards this infectious theme for the Metropolis Speedway circuit in Sonic Free Riders, one of the high points of the soundtrack as a whole.



v1529. Super Princess Peach (DS) - Tag the Flowers!

While those of us deep in the Midwest of the United States don't have much in the way of flowers to actually tag, much less pick, there's nothing saying we can't enjoy this delightful loop from the Nintendo DS' Super Princess Peach, the very first platformer where she's the star and not kidnapped. Instead, the roles are completely reversed with Mario being the one who is kidnapped by the ghastly Bowser. The Super Princess Peach soundtrack has a lot of cute and bouncy themes throughout its lineup of tunes, such as this one that only appears in a specific series of puzzle rooms in the first world of the game.



v1530. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES) - Ending Part 3



I would consider Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project the most overlooked of Konami's early era TMNT games. The first TMNT is well known for being ridiculously hard, TMNT II is a home port of the famous arcade game, and Turtles in Time (TMNT IV) saw the series leap to the Super Nintendo. Meanwhile, The Manhattan Project released after the launch of the SNES and didn't get too much hype otherwise. It's still a rather fun game, especially if you like beat-em-ups and/or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "These Could Be Contenders" Edition

SuperPhillip Central returns for a brand-new week of content, and as the site tends to, the week begins with SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, a weekly recurring onslaught to your ears of tremendous video game music!

Two potential Game of the Year contenders in the form of Horizon: Zero Dawn and NieR: Automata lead things off with a duo of exciting compositions. Then, we move on from those epic tales to something more calming, say, a round of golf with the infectious main theme of Everybody's Golf. While he can't usually beat his once-rival much at anything anymore, Sonic got the jump over Mario this time around by having a worldwide odyssey not only first, but years ago with his exploits in Sonic Unleashed. Last but not least, we round this edition out with a gorgeous orchestrated theme from EarthBound.

Also, be sure to check out the VGM Database for all past VGM volumes featured here every Monday. Let's get on to the music!

v1491. Horizon: Zero Dawn (PS4) - A Boon

This edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs begins with two games that many outlets and gamers alike have already deemed worthy of "Game of the Year" nominees. Our first game is the terrific Horizon: Zero Dawn, which will be receiving new story-related single player content early next month. The soundtrack itself matches the wild and dangerous expanses of protagonist Aloy's world.

v1492. NieR: Automata (PS4, PC) - Wretched Weaponry (Dynamic - Vocals)

The second "Game of the Year" worthy title on this edition is NieR: Automata, a brilliant action game directed by Yoko Taro and developed by Platinum Games. Automata would become a major sales success for Square Enix and a critical darling by the media, both relatively unexpected outcomes. One of my favorite parts of the original NieR was its glorious soundtrack, and this crossed over into the game's sequel in a most beautiful way.

v1493. Everybody's Golf (PS4) - Main Theme (Clap Your Hands)

This bright, bouncy, and super catchy vocal theme from Owl City serves as the main theme for the latest entry in the Everybody's Golf franchise, formerly known in North America as Hot Shots Golf. The song is all about bright sunny days of putting, driving, and spending all your free time outside on the links in the idealistic world of Everybody's Golf. This song was featured in most if not all trailers for the game, giving listeners a yearning for the full song, now available to enjoy as the game's finally out.

v1494. Sonic Unleashed (Multi) - Apotos - Windmill Isle (Day)

Mario have an worldwide odyssey in just under two weeks' time, but Sonic the Hedgehog beat him to the punch several years ago with the Blue Blur's globe trotting journey in Sonic Unleashed. This cross-generation game seems like a masterpiece compared to what Sonic Team is currently trying to stumble out of the door with the abundantly lackluster-looking Sonic Forces. Nevertheless, Unleashed features one of my favorite 3D Sonic soundtracks, each providing stellar rhythms, catchy melodies, and superb instrumentation.

v1495. EarthBound (SNES) - Theme of Eagle Land (Orchestrated)

This version of the Eagle Land theme comes from a series of concerts performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra in the mid 1990s. Alongside Mother 2 (or as the West knows it as EarthBound), other Nintendo and Super Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IV, and Final Fantasy VI were featured.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "Game On, Game Boy" Edition

After last week's themed Mario Kart edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, I wanted to do one more special edition before returning to this weekly, recurring SPC segment of articles' standard format.

This week, it's all about the Game Boy and its successor, the Game Boy Color, which threw a new dimension of visual prowess into games with its addition of color.

Since this is a themed week, every game featured must be on the Game Boy or Game Boy Color. That's exactly what I accomplished with the tailoring of this edition, starting off with The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Donkey Kong Land, and Pokemon Red / Blue. Then, we dive into less well known, less produced games in the form of Dragon Warrior Monsters and Trip World. (Don't feel bad if you're a North American who has never heard of the latter. There's a good reason for that.)

Click on the VGM name to hear a given song in YouTube form, and as always, the VGM Database houses every last, past VGM volume showcased on this weekly fixture of SuperPhillip Central's posts. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1476. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB) - Face Shrine (Level 6)

One of my favorite games in The Legend of Zelda series is Link's Awakening, the first Zelda game to appear on a Nintendo handheld. It blew my mind, along with many other players at the time, that the size of a world compared to the original Zelda and A Link to the Past could fit inside a smaller cartridge and be played on the tiny Game Boy of all things. Every notable feature from past Zelda games was tucked away within Link's Awakening, like the dense overworld, intricate dungeons, and repertoire of items. Link's Awakening is truly a fantastic entry from the past and will continue to be one for future players, too.

v1477. Donkey Kong Land (GB) - Ancient Beaver Bop

Rareware was never a slouch on any hardware the company worked with and designed games around. This is no truer than with the amazing work the studio put into Donkey Kong Land, a take on Donkey Kong Country in visuals but a completely different game otherwise. The visuals are crazy in how Rare managed to create prerendered models on the Game Boy hardware (how ever hard to see compared to the background and oncoming enemies notwithstanding) and the music from Dave Wise is just as sensational now as it was back then.

v1478. Pokemon Red / Blue (GB) - Cerulean City

My middle school self was so enamored with Pokemon back when the games first debuted in North America. From playing the games, watching the anime, collecting the trading card game cards, buying up as many figures I could find, and even drawing my own comic, Pokemon fully enveloped a young SuperPhillip in its charm. Nowadays, Pokemon Red and Blue are way too slow in gameplay and archaic in design compared to future entries, but the games will always be nostalgic for me. It helps when you have simple but catchy tunes like this one, for the second Gym Badge city in Kanto that you encounter, Cerulean City.

v1479. Dragon Warrior Monsters (GBC) - Beautiful Starlit Night

Fresh off the success of Pokemon, which just so happened to be the game featured before this one, a whole ton of monster-raising games followed, whether having already been in development or not before Pokemon. One of these was Dragon Warrior Monsters, a charming and engaging monster-finding, capturing, and battling game for the Game Boy Color. Several sequels would arrive on both the Game Boy Color and later on the Nintendo DS.

v1480. Trip World (GB) - World 1

1992's Trip World from Natsume is our final game featured in this all Game Boy edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. Trip World is an interesting case as the game never officially released in North America. Instead, the game only released in Japan and Europe, even on the Nintendo 3DS' Virtual Console it remained exclusive to those territories. Regardless, if you're looking for peppy music, Trip World has you covered as evident by this happy-go-lucky first world theme.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "One Last Leap in July" Edition

On this final day of July, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs greets us with a new installment, a platformer-filled edition! Be it games that are purely platformers or one that feature characters famous for their platforming antics. Okay, that's enough of the word "platform" or any variation of it because I've already use the word too much in this opening paragraph!

We begin with a game that will soon reach the Nintendo Switch with Rayman Legends. Moving on from that limbless wonder we turn a pink gluttonous blob with Kirby: Triple Deluxe. Mario is featured next, but not in a traditional platforming (dammit, I can't stop using the word!) role. Instead, we see him in his first RPG ever with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Finally, two PlayStation platformers, one modern with Puppeteer and one classic with Jumping Flash! rounds out this edition.

Click on the VGM volume name to hear that song. Click on the VGM Database to see and hear any past VGM volume featured on this weekly SuperPhillip Central segment. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1436. Rayman Legends (Multi) - Enchanted Forest

As I stated in the opening, Rayman Legends is coming to yet another platform! This time around it's the Nintendo Switch which is being deemed by Ubisoft as the Definitive Edition. Almost everything about Rayman Legends is satisfying and stupendous, like the level design, tight platforming, amount of content, and of course, the music! So good! But I did say almost everything. What wasn't so terrific about Rayman Legends? Well, to some, the Murfy levels, but for me, that really awful special series of levels at the end of the game.

v1437. Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS) - Hypernova All-Stars

Yes, Kirby is our gluttonous hero, but no matter his craving and insatiable appetite, we'll always have a fondness for him, now won't we, ladies and gentlemen! In his first Nintendo 3DS outing, Kirby could transform into an ultra powerful version with tremendous suction power, able to open his massive mouth up wide and inhale enemies both small and large as if they were nothing. He could even move gigantic objects to solve environmental puzzles. This was the theme that played during these action-packed gameplay segments in a Nintendo 3DS adventure that many Kirby fans adored.

v1438. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES) - Let's Do the Fooka-Fooka!

Moving from one Nintendo platforming all-star to another, though admittedly a much more popular one by far, we have Mario's first RPG adventure with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. It would be the last project then-Squaresoft would make for a Nintendo system until the GameCube's Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and the Game Boy Advance's Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Let's Do the Fooka-Fooka! plays in Nimbus Land, the home of Mallow, who--SPOILER ALERT!--isn't actually a tadpole. He's a cloud, and the prince of Nimbus Land at that!

v1439. Puppeteer (PS3) - Kutaro

The severely underrated Puppeteer for the PlayStation 3 released late in the console's life. This was the same season the PlayStation 4 launched, taking a lot of attention away from the PS3 lineup that year. Puppeteer sports and insanely whimsical and jaunty orchestral soundtrack that really makes you feel you're in a part of a seriously wonderful adventure. And you ARE! Puppeteer's play-like presentation is only boosted by Patrick Doyle's impressive score.

v1440. Jumping Flash! (PS1) - World 1-1

Jumping Flash! might not be a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but not only was it an early example of 3D platformer, but it was an early example of a 3D platformer done right. As the main character you launched into the air, leaping with high velocity to progress through environments. Beyond the sublime gameplay, Jumping Flash! sported a cheery and jovial soundtrack as well. Sadly, the composer behind the game's music, Takeo Miratsu, passed away in 2006 due to liver cancer. His spirit most definitely lives on in his music, whether in Jumping Flash! and its sequel, in Legend of Dragoon, or in the Beatmania IIDX series of games which he contributed regularly to.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "The Glorious Return" Edition

It's been several weeks now without a new installment of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, but the worldwide nightmare is over--SPC's Favorite VGMs is back, baby! Sporting five new songs from five different video games, we're marching to the beat of our own drummer here.

This week's return to normalcy kicks off with a battle theme from Persona 4. We then venture to uncharted territory in the land of Ys: Memories of Celceta. Following this is a double dose of summer retreats: one in the tropics with Fortune Street and one to the Canadian north (aka the Northern Kremisphere) with Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble. Last but not least, we wrap this week's edition off with some rockin' Mega Man X5 music.

In case you've forgotten since it's been a few weeks, just click on the VGM volume name to hear the song spotlighted, and check out the VGM Database for every video game and theme ever touched upon on this reoccurring SPC segment! Now, let's get on to the music!

v1431. Persona 4 (PS2, PSP) - Reach Out to the Truth

We're starting off this return to SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs to SuperPhillip Central with an atypical battle theme from an atypical JRPG, Persona 4. No doubt many players weren't expecting to hear a J-Pop tune kick in when an ordinary battle began, and it might be off-putting at first listen. However, as you play through the game, the song becomes more natural to the game, and you eventually start really enjoying it--unless you're like me and liked it from the beginning. As regular readers and listeners of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs know, though, I do have quite the expansive taste!

v1432. Ys: Memories of Celceta (Vita) - Gust of Wind

Explore the vast, uncharted wilderness of Celceta in Ys: Memories of Celceta. As always with Falcom Sound Team, they deliver an exquisite soundtrack that never fails to showcase their talents. With a new Ys heading to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in North America in a couple months, it seemed fitting to cherry pick one of my favorite themes from Memories of Celceta to represent the game and series in general.

v1433. Fortune Street (Wii) - Delfino Plaza

Since we're deep in hot temperatures here in Central City, it's a perfect time to head to the tropical paradise known as Delfino Plaza set on pleasant Isle Delfino. The original locale came, of course, from Super Mario Sunshine, and then it was featured as a location in Fortune Street--Nintendo and Square Enix's combination of the worlds of Super Mario and Dragon Quest. This remixed version of Koji Kondo's timeless piece of music for Delfino Plaza is peppier with heavier instrumentation than its Super Mario Sunshine original version.

v1434. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble (SNES) - Sub-Map Shuffle

If a trip to the tropics isn't what you're looking for, then why don't we take a trip to the Canada-like Northern Kremisphere from Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Packing a wide variety of locales in the form of lakes, forests, frozen peaks, and more, the Northern Kremisphere is a getaway like no other. Previous Donkey Kong Country games had David Wise primarily composing the music, but this time around he only contributed a small amount of specific tunes while Eveline Novakovic did all other compositions. As a note of trivia, Ms. Novakovic also portrayed the main character of my favorite FPS, Joana Dark in the Nintendo 64's Perfect Dark.

v1435. Mega Man X5 (PS1) - Repliforce Base (The Skiver)

Let's take to the skies for this final VGM volume of this July 24th edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. For me, Mega Man X5 started a decline in the series. The localization changed the Maverick names to silly pop culture references, and as someone who likes consistency, going from Mega Man X1 to X4's Maverick names to Mega Man X5 was a bit of a shock to my system. Still, one thing that the Mega Man X series routinely has is a stellar soundtrack, and that was indeed the case again with Mega Man X5.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "64 Reasons to Celebrate" Edition

Here at SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs I like to occasionally spice things up with themed weeks, and that's exactly what we've all found ourselves in this week. It's all Nintendo 64 and all the time. Let's go back to the era of 64 bits and getting 'N or getting out.

We'll do this by first exploring Bob-Omb Battlefield in Super Mario 64 before returning triumphantly from Venom with the ending credits of Star Fox 64. Continuing the theme of credits, we'll hear the staff roll theme of Super Smash Bros.. Finally, two third-party titles appear on the VGMs, Bomberman 64: The Second Attack and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

Click on the giant VGM volume names to hear the song linked, and as always, the VGM Database houses every VGM volume ever featured on this weekly series of articles. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1426. Super Mario 64 (N64) - Bob-Omb Battlefield

With Super Mario Odyssey hyping much of the gaming world like crazy with its return to a sandbox style, open world adventure, let's take a look and more importantly, listen to the original Super Mario 64 that put Mario in that type of game in the first place! Bob-Omb Battlefield is the main theme of Super Mario 64, and it's heard in various worlds and levels outside of the grounds of the Bob-Ombs but Bob-Omb Battlefield is the first time a player hears it in-game.

v1427. Star Fox 64 (N64) - Staff Credits

With news of the Super NES Classic officially releasing with Star Fox 2 on it at the end of September, it's another chance to bring up a related game like I did with Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 64. This time we're listening to the cinematic wonder that is the Star Fox 64 soundtrack. After a job well done (and depending on which path you took, a mission complete or a mission accomplished), Team Star Fox returns to Corneria to accept their congratulations and reward from General Pepper and the Cornerian Army. It's a really well done piece that gets me excited to this day.

v1428. Super Smash Bros. (N64) - Credits

We move from one Nintendo 64 game's credits theme to another with the triumph end credits theme of the very first Super Smash Bros. The Super Smash Bros. series is known for stellar music atop its amazing, addicting gameplay. That was true with its original entry, a game that almost didn't exist and was released in relative obscurity. It obviously wasn't until Super Smash Bros. Melee's release on GameCube that the series really went into hyper drive. And, as they say, the rest is history.

v1429. Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (N64) - Battle Royal

Let's move on to some third-party offerings on the Nintendo 64. One of my favorite unsung games on the system is Bomberman 64: The Second Attack, a game with much greater rarity than its predecessor. It comes complete with a more traditional battle mode, where this song comes from, a greater story mode experience, and awesome customization. It's my favorite Bomberman game by far.

v1430. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (N64, PC) - Rogue Theme: Reprise

Let's conclude with the only non-Nintendo 64 exclusive game on this list, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. What I wouldn't do for a remastered (better yet, remade) trilogy of the Rogue Squadron games. Regardless, the Rogues are indeed the fleet taking it to the Empire in missions both well known in the Star Wars mythos and not so much so.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "E3 Withdrawal" Edition

Still reeling from E3, SuperPhillip Central is having withdrawal symptoms. We gotta have more game announcements, more new trailers, more joy, but alas, that time is now over. Thus, we must move on to a new week, and like any new week, we begin with SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. Here, one piece of music for five different video games apiece (five pieces of music total, if your brain is fried like mine usually is) is showcased with a link, imagine, and brief introduction.

This week we're featuring some big games in the form of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, and we continue with that three-quel trend with Dark Souls III. The Dark Knight follows with a theme from Batman: Arkham Knight just before Kratos storms on to the scene with God of War II. Last but not least, one of many black sheeps in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy VIII wraps up this "E3 Withdrawal" edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs.

Click on the big link above each image to hear the song mentioned. Additionally, the VGM Database houses every game and piece of music ever showcased on this weekly series. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1421. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (PS4, XB1, PC) - Geralt of Rivia

We begin with a series and a game that I don't think has been covered yet on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is The Witcher, so why not fix this glaring omission by including The Witcher III: Wild Hunt as the first VGM volume of this edition! That's exactly what we're going to do with this rousing main theme for the game that is as big of a musical adventure as the game is an enjoyable one! Majestic, bold, brave, and just all-around fantastic, Wild Hunt's main theme is one for the ages.

v1422. Dark Souls III (PS4, XB1, PC) - Main Menu

Dark Souls as a series is not for those with weak wills, low patience, or the feint of heart. Probably why I've only watched someone play several games in the series rather than played them myself. That said, I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to enjoy the series' soundtracks, featuring some really well done music, both melodic and atmospheric. Dark Souls III's main menu might be familiar to those who followed the game leading up to its release, as this theme is the same music played during the game's trailer at Gamescom in 2015.

v1423. Batman: Arkham City (Multi) - You Should Have Listened to My Warning

Nick Arundel's work on Batman: Arkham City remains my favorite video game soundtrack in the Arkham series. Riveting strings, tense, thrilling music, and just a tremendous sense of anticipation builds throughout a wide number of tracks throughout Batman: Arkham City. It doesn't hurt either that out of the Dark Knight's many nighttime outings that Arkham City remains one of my favorites!

v1424. God of War II (PS2) - Colossus of Rhodes

All in a god's work for Kratos as God of War II plunges players directly into an action sequence even better and greater in scale than the Hydra in the original God of War. In the sequel, Kratos is pursued at various points of the introductory area by the Colossus of Rhodes, before finally doing battle with the iron beast. The music in the God of War series is most certainly epic, and the theme for the Colossus of Rhodes supports that line of thinking considerably.

v1425. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1) - Liberi Fatali

Played during the opening cutscene of Final Fantasy VIII, Liberi Fatali is one of main themes from the game, taking much of its motifs from Edea's Theme. The combination of a rousing orchestra with Latin chanting as Squall and Seifer wield dueling blades remains one of my favorite openings in any video game. I believe Final Fantasy IV through IX was Nobuo Uematsu's strongest period in his composing career.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "The Calm Before the E3 2017 Storm" Edition

While the press conferences may have already begun, the show floor doesn't truly open until tomorrow. That's when the true storm of gaming excitement kicks off! In the meantime of that and the PlayStation E3 2017 press conference in two hours' time, let's bring out SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs to rock out and enjoy some tremendous tunes!

We begin with a Nintendo Switch game that launches this Friday, ARMS. From there, we move on to Puyo Puyo Tetris for multiple systems, including the aforementioned Nintendo Switch. We turn to some winter-styled themes to combat the hot temps here at SPC HQ with music from Sonic Lost World and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Finally, the heroes in a half shell conclude this edition with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up. 

Remember that all you have to do to hear the VGMs is to click on the giant links below above each game picture. Also, check out the VGM Database for all past VGM volumes from this ongoing weekly series! Now, let's get on to the music!

v1416. ARMS (NS) - Main Theme

Generally I leave games that have yet to be released away from SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, but ARMS' main theme is simply a delight and kicks serious butt. Plus, what better way to get hyped for its Friday release -- other than Nintendo showing off the game during the ARMS Invitational at E3, of course! Filled with catchy brass, a whistle accompaniment, and killer vocals, the main theme of ARMS certainly has legs.

v1417. Puyo Puyo Tetris (Multi) - Swap Mode - Puyo

A bright and bouncy theme for Puyo Puyo Tetris' Swap Mode featuring those bubbly Puyo, there's few things in puzzle games more rewarding than nailing a chain of Puyo to make them all disappear, racking up a big point score in the process. I am planning on having a review for Puyo Puyo Tetris by the end of the month, so please look forward to that!

v1418. Sonic Lost World (Wii U, PC) - Frozen Factory Act 1

With both Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania due out this year (and both will be at E3 this week), I figured it be a perfect occasion to bring up a lesser appreciated Sonic game, Sonic Lost World. Though it has plenty of problems, especially in the late half, one of its crowning achievements is its stupendous soundtrack. Here is just one of many songs that are terrific to listen to, even when its particular level can annoy.

v1419. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U) - Biddybud Snow Stroll

Since it's so hot here in Central City today and all this week, why not double up on winter-themed levels for this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs! Using Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's main theme and remixing it to sound wintry, we have Biddybud Snow Stroll where navigating two floors of a temple-like structure is the aim of this level.

v1420. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up (Wii, PS2) - Dojo

Developed by some of the same team members behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed party fighter for the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2 featured an assortment of TMNT characters to battle as across numerous modes and arenas. The Dojo arena is a simple one, taking place in the Turtles' fighting quarters. One specific aspect of note with Smash-Up is the really good music that was composed for the game. Such tracks made an adequate brawler even better.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Happy Rosh Hashanah Edition

It's the Jewish new year today, and I'm glad I could catch it before the day's end. The Jewish calendar is more than a few thousand years ahead of the standard Roman calendar that we generally use. And it's around more than four thousand digits ahead of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs VGM volume total.

Regardless, as is customary on Mondays, the Favorite VGMs are here to deliver great video game music to all readers of SuperPhillip Central. This week, the critically mixed Star Fox Zero leads off with its version of Corneria. Then, Mario Kart 7 races onto the scene. Star Ocean: The Second Story is one of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time, so this week I'm showing off a world map theme for the game. Next, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars delivers a titillating tune. Finally, Me & My Katamari busts out a ten minute-long funk-a-licious song.

As always, click on the VGM volume name to reach the YouTube video featuring that song. And if you want to listen to past VGM volumes featured on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, look no further than the always-updated VGM Database. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1236. Star Fox Zero (Wii U) - Corneria: Galactic Hub of Peace

The first mission of Star Fox Zero takes players into familiar territory, the home world of the forces to face off against the evil Andross, Corneria! While Star Fox Zero's incarnation of Corneria's theme is wholly original and doesn't have the same memorability as what was heard in Star Fox and Star Fox 64, you do get a wonderful and riveting orchestral piece all the same. Expect to hear more from Star Fox Zero not only this week, but in future editions of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs.

v1237. Mario Kart 7 (3DS) - Toad Circuit

Last week, the final review of September 2016 was posted, a Review Redux of Mario Kart 7. Now, we take a listen to the song of the first circuit in the game, Toad Circuit, a simple track with easy, long curves and a wide track size. It's a perfect introductory course featuring a theme that also plays during the Mario Circuit track.

v1238. Star Ocean: The Second Story (PS1) / Second Evolution (PSP) - Field of Expel

I think the statute of limitations on spoilers for Star Ocean: The Second Story and its PSP port is over. Therefore, I can say that this theme, Field of Expel, plays as the world map theme of the first planet our heroes travel across. Motoi Sakuraba has yet to create a soundtrack that I love as much as his work on the Star Ocean: The Second Story score. The warm synth, memorable melodies, and robust rhythms make for a soundtrack that I do find to be Sakuraba-san's best work.

v1239. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Wii) - Yatterman's Workshop

One of my favorite fighters from last generation just so happened to be a Wii exclusive of all things. It's Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, which is by no means a stranger to SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. The game's music gets you prepped and primed for the engaging 2-on-2 battles between Capcom's best and the Tatsunoko anime company's greatest warriors. Even though online is no longer available, you should still own a copy if you're a fighting game fan and Wii owner.

v1240. Me & My Katamari (PSP) - Katamari on the Funk

Ready to get funky? Well, how about getting funky with a ten minute-long song! That's exactly how SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is ending this edition. This catchy vocal theme never outwears its welcome, bringing the funk to you and the colorful and wacky world of Katamari Damacy.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Labor Day 2016 Edition

It's a day off for a lot of workers here in Central City. Yes, it's Labor Day. Some might even be returning to school tomorrow (though most districts here have already started classes weeks ago). Regardless, it's a holiday here in the U.S., but it's no day off for yours truly. Instead, I have five new VGMs to add to the ever-expanding list for this week.

We begin our musical journey with a lovely theme from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Then, we get electronic with the intro theme of Mirror's Edge. Metroid Prime gets a boss theme represented while SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals honors the call of duty for SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. Finally, Dead Rising 2 creeps into the Favorite VGMs as the final game featured.

To check out each VGM theme, just click on the VGM volume name. And if you want even more VGMs from past editions of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, click on this link to be taken to the VGM Database. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1221. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - Reunion

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is still on the minds of many PlayStation 4 owners. Heck, the online multiplayer is still as bustling as can be. Why not take a look back, then, to one of the most popular and critically acclaimed entries in the Uncharted franchise with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves! Reunion is an emotional theme that is one of my favorites on the soundtrack, save for the well known main theme.

v1222. Mirror's Edge (PS3, 360, PC) - Introduction

Many players were looking for an excuse to hang out in the main menu of Mirror's Edge for the sole reason of listening to this chill track by Solar Fields, the stage name of Magnus Birgersson, a Swedish musician who primarily deals in the genre of electronic music. He's come up with over a dozen albums, as well as has scored various game soundtracks, including both Mirror's Edge games.

v1223. Metroid Prime (GCN) - Hive Mecha / Incinerator Drone Boss

It's a shame that this sensational and tense boss theme is only heard twice in Metroid Prime's duration, and that's during the early Hive Mecha and Incinerator Drone boss battles. Thankfully, you need not prolong the battles just to hear this song thanks to the wondrous Internet granting you the ability to hear it as much as you'd like, such as heard on YouTube.

v1224. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals (PS2) - Online Theme

Like Uncharted 2, let's get orchestral with this next VGM volume. This time we're listening to the online multiplayer menu theme of SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals. A stirring symphonic backing was there when players fumbled through the menus to set up online matches. Now? SOCOM is a franchise on indefinite hiatus, sadly. To all those waiting and yearning for a new SOCOM, I salute you!

v1225. Dead Rising 2 (PS3, 360, PC) - Helicopter Battle

Generally, a human against a helicopter isn't a fair fight. Like, at all. But that changes when the human involved is Dead Rising 2's protagonist, Chuck Greene. He's got a daughter to save, thousands of zombies to survive against, and now a dangerous helicopter to take down. This isn't quite an ordinary day for Mr. Greene, now is it?

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Take Me Out to the Ballgame Edition

Here in the States, Major League Baseball is celebrating its all-star break. I'll go into more detail for the rest of the world on this in one of the VGM volume descriptions. For now, though, as usual with SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, I have five favorite themes from video games to share with you, albeit on a Tuesday instead of a Monday.

We begin with Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, a lesser entry in the series, before taking it to the court in Hot Shots Tennis. We rock out with a final boss theme from EarthBound which takes us to a completely opposite in tone theme from Alundra. Finally, Mario and crew take it to the diamond with Mario Superstar Baseball, a timely VGM volume if there ever was one!

Take a glimpse and listen to past VGM volumes featured on this weekly segment with the VGM Database. Now, let's get onto the music!

v1181. Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (PS3) - Main Theme

Kicking off this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs comes the main theme from when the Ratchet & Clank series saw a lull in the quality of its releases. While it's always nice to try to change things up, the multiplayer-focused Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One didn't satisfy most Ratchet & Clank fans. However, its main theme most certainly does, featuring a heroic brass theme.

v1182. Hot Shots Tennis (PS2) - Queen's Tennis Garden

While the Hot Shots crew are more well known for their myriad golf outings, don't rest on their tennis entries, which the series has seen two. The one we'll be talking about in this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is the original Hot Shots Tennis for the PlayStation 2. The music is as peppy and perky as ever, great for playing sets and intense matches with.

v1183. EarthBound (SNES) - Porky Means Business

The final boss theme of EarthBound, a cult classic for the Super Nintendo, starts off with an 8-bit flair and fever to it. Then, about a minute or so into the theme, it goes full metal. It's a nice transition that lets you know that you're in a serious battle for sure. Just another memorable moment in not just another memorable Nintendo game.

v1184. Alundra (PS1) - The Village of Iona

Alundra is an action-adventure game on the original PlayStation that incorporated a lot of puzzles into it. One could easily say that Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series was a big inspiration of this excellent game. The Village of Iona is a subdued and relaxing piece, played during the opening village that Alundra finds himself in.

v1185. Mario Superstar Baseball (GCN) - Mario Stadium

In the States, Major League Baseball is in the middle of an all-star break, where two major events happen: the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game itself, pitting stars form the National League and the American League against one another. That's just a quick background to introduce this last VGM volume for this edition, a chipper theme for Mario Stadium in the Mushroom Kingdom's version of baseball, Mario Superstar Baseball!