Double-Dipped 2: More Games I've Purchased More Than Once Over the Years

Care for seconds? Exactly two months ago, I debuted a new article series right here on SuperPhillip Central: Double-Dipped! Here, I go into some detail about video games I've bought at least twice and tell you a little about my history with the games. With a second edition happening this morning, you could say that I'm double-dipping on the Double-Dipped series of articles! How meta!

I have six more games that I've done the (dis)honorable duty of buying more than once, but if you need to catch up on the first entry of Double-Dipped, look no further than this link. Now, with that out of the way, let's get to episode two!

Resident Evil 4 (GCN, PS2, Wii, PS4)

Let's start with a game that is my most bought game of all time! It's none other than one of my favorites I've ever played, despite its dark subject matter (I prefer more sunshine and rainbow fare, personally). Regardless, it's Resident Evil 4, and being one of my top ten games of all time, I'd be amiss if I didn't mention this bad boy on this article series. It's not just the fourth mainline installment in the Resident Evil series, but it's also a game I've purchased FOUR times!

You may ask, "Phil, what is your malfunction? Why buy the same game four times, even if it's one of your favorites ever?" The answer is this: each release I bought introduced something worthwhile to pick up a new version. The first time I bought the game was in 2005 and that was because, duh, the game was brand-new. The PlayStation 2 port that later released added new content in the form of a Ada's Assignment (thankfully Shinji Mikami's head is still intact with the rest of his body). Then, the Wii version--my favorite of the bunch--added motion control aiming and various gesture-based movement for quick-time events. Finally, the PlayStation 4 entry brought my favorite survival-horror game into HD with trophy support. Although Resident Evil 4 isn't the scariest of entries, seeing how many times I've purchased and played the game across all platforms is truly terrifying--even to me!

DOOM (PS4, NSW)

We go from repeated trips to the unfriendly Spanish countryside to a hellish version of Mars with DOOM's 2016 outing. The first time I played DOOM was on the PlayStation 4, and I absolutely had a blast with the game--ripping and tearing with both delight and glee, as well as uncovering each level's myriad secrets. The multiplayer, too, was a joy to play, focusing on deathmatches either solo or with teams. Then, DOOM surprisingly got announced for the Switch, and all my ripping and tearing could be brought along with me on the go. Sure, the visuals were caked with a Vaseline-like sheen, but it was otherwise DOOM in all its glorious, gore-filled splendor.

As much as I adored DOOM 2016 and bought the game twice, I doubt I'll do the same with the Nintendo Switch port of DOOM Eternal, for the simple fact that I am not in love with the multiplayer of Eternal as much as I was with the original DOOM. While I appreciate the new approach with two demons against one Doomslayer in Eternal, I'm just not thrilled with playing through that again. Plus, I just prefer the original campaign of DOOM to its sequel--though both game campaigns are great.

Saints Row: The Third (PS3, NSW, PS4)

Resident Evil 4 was a quadruple dip, but here's a game that is close to rivaling it--and it's not even a particularly favorite game of mine. It's just one that I enjoy playing through now and again, and like RE4, each version I buy introduces enough newness that it's overall worth it. I'm referring to Saints Row: The Third. Whether it's the original game, in which I earned every trophy in the PlayStation 3 version, or enjoying the game either docked or in the manner that sold me on the Nintendo Switch version: portable play, I saw myself returning to the gang-riddled streets of Steelport more times than I expected! The latest version of the game is a remastered one, and on the PlayStation 4 it's rather well done. In some aspects, it's more of a remake than a remaster, with its amazingly detailed environments and characters when compared to the original.

Super Bomberman R (NSW, PS4)

Bombs away! A launch title for the Nintendo Switch, Super Bomberman R was an enjoyable but overall disappointing return of Bomberman. The gameplay was smooth enough, but issues with the camera and a lack of content made for some buyer's remorse from this reviewer / blogger. However, the game would receive a steady flow of free DLC and an abundance of patches that would properly upgrade the game to tiptop shape. The camera was fixed, the AI in battle mode was made less frustrating and cheap, and the amount of content in both single player and multiplayer was boosted considerably. After having sold off Super Bomberman R's Switch version, I was now having seller's remorse! Thus, I picked up the game on the PlayStation 4, and further thus, my history of being a double-dipper continued with yet another game. What a blast!

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U, NSW)

Much like Captain Toad and his confidante Toadette, I was certainly ready for adventure. But no, not just once--twice, in fact! The Wii U original Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker brought the diorama-style bonus stage concept from Super Mario 3D World and turned it into a full fledged game, perfect for sessions both lengthy and bite-sized! Of course, Treasure Tracker was much more fleshed out, featuring copious amounts of tricks, twists, obstacles, enemies, and puzzles to solve in its miniature diorama levels. The main goal of collecting each level's Power Star was as clear as one of these prized trinkets shining in the night sky, but side goals and optional collectibles made for some fun replay value as well. The Nintendo Switch version brought with it a trio of new levels--and since launch, even more via paid DLC--but my main reason for picking up the game again was for the same reason I got a lot of Wii U games turned Switch ports: because I prefer to play on the Nintendo Switch hardware!

Hot Shots Tennis (PS2, PS4)

Wow! We're already at the final game on this second installment of Double-Dipped! Let's make it count, shall we! Hot Shots Tennis originally launched on the PlayStation 2 back in the day, and on the PlayStation 4, it launched as a digital title through emulation. Unfortunately, Sony opted not to continue this practice and cut it off really early in the PS4's life--closing the door for other titles to potentially be ported and emulated. Still, it was Hot Shots Tennis in a higher resolution and with trophy support, and the game had its original's tried and true gameplay. It was ultimately a winner in my book, and one that I routinely return to in order to get a match in here and there. It's also mighty challenging against the AI, as one failed serve or backhand could result in the game giving YOU the backhand--right across your unsuspecting face! Hot Shots Tennis is one of the rare games in which the second time around I had to get it digitally as opposed to my preferred method as both a collector and lover of all things retail, physically.

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That wraps up this second edition of Double-Dipped! Which games have you bought more than once, whether on the same platform or not? Let me know in the comments section below!

Review Round-Up - August 2018

While SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Month was a return
 of Captain Toad and Toadette tracking treasure...

With my new gig writing for TouchArcade, I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to dedicate to reviews on SuperPhillip Central--hence there just being four reviews for August. That said, the lineup of reviews was rather good. I started off with a stay-cation to Kawawii Island in Go Vacation (B). Then, the Game of the Month, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker for the Switch tracked some treasure for a B+ grade. The Nicalis-branded fighter (with some indie guest stars like Shovel Knight and Gunvolt of Azure Striker Gunvolt fame) Blade Strangers fought its way to a B grade, as did Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1. I hope to have the second collection reviewed for September.

Check out every review ever posted on SuperPhillip Central with the SPC Review Archive!

Go Vacation (NSW) - B
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (NSW) - B+
Blade Strangers (NSW, PS4, PC) - B
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 (PS4, NSW, XB1, PC) - B

...Another game reviewed this month took us to the activity-filled Kawawii Island with Go Vacation.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (NSW) Review

We go from a game that debuted on the Wii and received a port on the Switch, to a game that originated on the Wii U and got ported to the Switch as well. It's Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and as I didn't want to shell out money for both the Switch and 3DS versions of the game, I'm reviewing the Nintendo Switch build exclusively.

Oh, Captain, My Captain!

Once again, dear friends, we've come to a Nintendo Switch game that already saw its debut on the Wii U, Nintendo's ill-fated console. While it's no wonder why Nintendo wishes to get its Wii U software out to more players by putting it on the Switch, in many cases, the additions (or lack thereof) don't really justify double-dipping. (Unless you're a sucker for playing games on the Switch like me, of course.) Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is the latest Wii U game to get a Switch port, and with it comes a new co-op mode and a quartet of levels based off of Super Mario Odyssey. For those who have already played the Wii U original, do these new additions make the case for double-dipping on the Captain's adventure?

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker plays out in a miniature diorama-like levels, which can be completed in less than five minutes each. In these levels, the objective is to reach the Power Star located in every level, usually involving interaction with the environment, avoiding enemies, and figuring out how to maneuver through the stage to progress. For instance, you'll spin wheels to turn platforms to make a way for Captain Toad to get across, and you'll touch special platforms to slide them around.

Unlike Mario, Captain Toad does not have any "super" jumping ability to him. Instead, he needs to climb hills, ladders, ride in pipes, and scale other height-bestowing objects in order to reach higher locations in levels. He can then drop down to new parts of levels, which is a mechanic that is used generously in Treasure Tracker.

Captain Toad also doesn't have much bark to his bite. In fact, he doesn't really have either! I mean, look at that cute face, how could he possibly have any anger behind that!? Regardless, what I'm referring to here is that Captain Toad cannot directly attack enemies. His method of dispatching foes is plucking and picking up turnips and proceeding to chuck them at enemies in his way. Sometimes pluck-able spots will house coins, Mushrooms, or other items inside them as a bonus instead of a turnip. The Mushroom is used in traditional Super Mario fashion, having Captain Toad restore himself to full health if he has taken damage.

Let this be a lesson to Captain Toad: Never trespass on Shy Guy territory.

There are over 70 stages within Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, 65 of which are in the main story, which actually brings one other playable character into the mix outside of Captain Toad. These stages run the gamut from flower gardens, raging locomotives, mine cart rides down mountains, desert ruins, fiery volcanoes, beach-side excursions, snazzy pachinko boards, Wild West towns, and even some boss stages to enjoy. The levels after the main game consist of retreads through past stages where you must gather and carefully transport the Toad Brigade to a Power Star, as well as other stages where you must avoid a shadowy, dangerous doppelganger who follows your every movement.

Not the most inviting forest around, but the treasure's ready for the taking all the same!

Each stage has three diamonds to collect, and these are at many times hidden well. It wasn't uncommon for me to have to return to a previous stage just to track down a diamond that I was so unobservant that I missed on my first run. The diamonds in Treasure Tracker don't necessarily require you to nab them all, but you can find your progress gated by levels that require a specific amount of diamonds to unlock. However, they're so much to collect, offering rewarding exploration from doing so, that would be a shame to miss out on them.

Ah, coins, diamonds, and Power Stars... a treasure tracker's delight!

In addition to diamonds, each level has its own secondary objective apart from collecting the Power Star to achieve. Unlike many of the diamonds in Treasure Tracker, these objectives are completely optional, simply bringing more replay value to players who wish to complete them. These can range from finding and collecting 150 coins in a level, to discovering the location of a Golden or 1-Up Mushroom, to beating a level without being detected by a Shy Guy, and to defeating all enemies within a given stage. I found myself loving going after these objectives, as many times they made me play levels in far different ways than I initially approached them. On a lot of occasions, these secondary objectives highlighted the spectacular level design displayed in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

This particular stage's secondary objective is to hit as few P-buttons as possible.

Originally in the Wii U version, free DLC made it so you could use a Toad amiibo on the Wii U GamePad and play a hide-and-seek game with Pixel Toad in each and every level. Instead of requiring a costly amiibo this time around, the Nintendo Switch version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker already includes these Pixel Toad hunts immediately. All you have to do is beat a stage once to unlock the Pixel Toad hunt in that level. These hunts have you navigating the levels like you'd ordinarily do, but instead of reaching a Power Star, your goal is to find and "click" on the Pixel Toad hiding somewhere in the level, usually on an out-of-the-way wall or floor somewhere that takes some work getting to.

Speaking of clicking, touching, and interacting with aspects of the environment, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on the Switch features some curious control additions. For one, when playing in docked mode, a cursor is always planted firmly on the screen. You use it to click on items in the environment that can be interacted with. Meanwhile, when in handheld mode, you can use the touch screen as always to move platforms and the like, but it's also how you spin wheels, too. The problem here is that when running across a wheel that you can spin, the transparent graphic for spinning the wheel pops up right in the center of the screen, taking up lots of screen space. It also stops Captain Toad right in his tracks. This can result in running from an enemy only to stop to a dead halt when you cross the wheel spinner, thus taking damage. I question why the option to confirm you want to use a contraption wasn't included instead of it just occurring automatically. It's quite a vexing oversight.

What are YOU looking at, fire-breath!?

In the more pleasing department, the Switch version comes with two exclusive features compared to its Wii U original: a cooperative two-player mode and a handful of Super Mario Odyssey-themed levels. The cooperative multiplayer isn't as spectacular as having two Toads explore and meander around levels together, but instead it's meant to be shared with a more casual player of video games. The second player can poke and prod both enemies and the environment, as well as situate the camera for the player controlling Captain Toad. This, of course, requires some excellent teamwork and communication skills in order to keep Toad from meeting an untimely end.

Meanwhile, replacing the Super Mario 3D World bonus levels of the Wii U game (which is a positive thing, as those levels weren't a good fit for the original game due to being directly carried over from 3D World) are brand-new Super Mario Odyssey levels based in Fossil Falls, Tostarena, New Donk City, and Mount Volbone. The middle two levels are full-fledged exploration and puzzle-based affairs, while Fossil Falls is a mine cart level and Mount Volbone is a race sequence. There is pleasant variety, but completing these levels 100% with all diamonds and bonus objectives completed doesn't take very long.

Looks like we have some afternoon congestion with a mad Hammer Bro blocking the intersection.

If you're holding out hope that the Nintendo Switch version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is worth picking up if you've already exhausted the Wii U game, then I have some unfortunate news for you--it's really not. Well, I add a caveat to that, and that is unless you're like me and enjoyed the original so much that you just want an excuse to experience the game all over again on a system that works without needing a giant, unreliable Wii U GamePad. Otherwise, if you don't mind sticking with the Wii U and/or have no desire to buy what amounts to the same game again for full MSRP, then you're better off saving your hard-earned money. That said, for those that have never played the game before, this puzzle-platformer is simply put (and get ready to groan), a "treasure" you need to play.

[SPC Says: B+]

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 - Spring Has Sprung Edition

We're a few days into spring, and the birds are tweeting (but not on Twitter-- that'd be one heck of a trick!), the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the weather is much warmer. We've broken through the wall of winter and have arrived at spring! Looks like a fantastic chance to share five new VGMs with you guys and gals. I have music from Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, ICO, TimeSplitters 2, Sonic Rush Adventure, and The Last of Us. It's quite an eclectic mix if I do say so myself!

If you would like even more VGM goodness, check out my VGM Database that houses all 835 prior VGM volumes for your ears to listen to!

v836. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U) - Razzle-Dazzle Slider

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming budget title for the Wii U that stars both Captain Toad and Toadette. The latter of which is the character that plays this pinball style level, Razzle-Dazzle Slider, full of bright lights and this jazzy theme.

v837. ICO (PS2) - You Were There

A powerful vocal theme from ICO, You Were There is a song that touches upon the soul and elicits a great range of emotions from the listener. Who knew that over a decade later that we'd still be waiting on the team behind ICO's third game? Is The Last Guardian still around? Does it still exist? Is it finally time to ask for a time of death? These are questions with answers as mysterious as the themes of ICO.

v838. TimeSplitters 2 (PS2, GCN, XBX) - Siberia

TimeSplitters 2 and GoldenEye 007 have quite a few parallels between the two games. For one, several key staff members of Free Radical Design worked on both games. Another is that both first missions in both games take place at a Russian dam. Graeme Norgate wrote the music for the TimeSplitters series, and this theme brings a feeling of mystery and wonder with it.

v839. Sonic Rush Adventure (DS) - Blizzard Peaks (Mario and Sonic Version)

This version of Sonic Rush Adventure's Blizzard Peaks comes from Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The original song was already an awesome one, and this remix, like most of the remixes in the Mario and Sonic series of Olympic titles, is even better.

v840. The Last of Us (PS3) - The Path (A New Beginning)

A guitar plays this somber theme from The Last of Us. What's your opinion on the game? I don't have nearly the same love for Naughty Dog as others do. Some of my trepidation towards the developer comes from its desire to make more Hollywood-style experiences rather than actual video games. Still, I think there's room in the industry both types of gameplay experiences, so I can't say I have an ax to grind against Naughty Dog.

Review Round-Up - December 2014

Captain Toad was ready for adventure
and so was I in December.

The final month of 2014 brought with it seven unique reviews. SuperPhillip Central started this month of reviews with the infamous heroes in a half-shell in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze. This game booyakasha'd its way to a competent 6.0. The highest score of December was Killzone: Mercenary, a game that far exceeded my expectations and has become one of my favorite FPS games ever. The score it received was a 9.25. Some mediocre games then followed with my reviews of Mario Pinball Land (4.75) and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (4.5). Then, a great surprise in the form of Super Mega Baseball scored in some runs for an 8.25. Next up was a retro review with Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge (7.25). Lastly, SuperPhillip Central's featured game of the month, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, warmed my heart to earn a 9.0. Its clever design might have also helped, too.

The first month of 2015 will see SuperPhillip Central's 550th review, reviews of games like Fantasy Life and LittleBigPlanet 3, and lots more fun surprises for games you otherwise wouldn't expect.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze (PS3, 360, 3DS) - 6.0
Killzone: Mercenary (Vita) - 9.25
Mario Pinball Land (GBA) - 4.75
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (Wii U) - 4.5
Super Mega Baseball (PS4, PS3) - 8.25
Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge (GBA) - 7.25
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U) - 9.0

"Whee!" That simple exclamation exemplifies
everything about Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards - Top Ten Games of 2014

Welcome to the final list of SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2014 Awards! This is the list where I talk about my favorite games of 2014, so it's an extended top ten list this time around. Game-wise, 2014 was a year that I will look back on fondly, due to its staggering amount of gameplay-centric releases. Without further ado, here's my Top Ten Games of 2014!

10) Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)

Nintendo is great at putting out games that I didn't even know I wanted until they're released and I play them. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is one of these games-- a puzzle adventure game with levels that are more akin to interactive dioramas than anything else I've ever seen. With an abundant array of adorable characters and worlds, clever puzzles, and plenty of replay value, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was a big surprise to cap off a great year of games that was 2014. Each level introduces a new component to the level design that delights, shows off the impressive knowledge of game design that Nintendo EAD possesses, and wows players with its brilliance.

9) Shovel Knight (Wii U)

Indies continue to astound me with their quality. When a studio devised up of a dozen or less can create an experience that rivals what big developers can do, my jaw drops to dangerously low levels. Yacht Club Games' Shovel Knight is a NES-era retro game inspired by action platformers like Mega Man and DuckTales. The end result is a two hour tale that offers immense value, tight platforming, unparalleled action, and terrific level design. The entire package of Shovel Knight is polished so incredibly well that it makes games made by some bigger developers look like student projects in comparison. Since the game is on sale for 33% off at both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops at the time of this top ten list, there's no better time to see what the hubbub around Shovel Knight is all about.

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

The rhythm game genre is one I absolutely adore-- even as someone without much actual rhythm (d'oh!). The original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy made its mark on me greatly, making it my favorite music game of all time. Curtain Call, its sequel, adds so much to the formula-- over 200 songs from both mainline and spin-off Final Fantasy games, a wealth of Final Fantasy characters to choose from, and multiple new modes like Quest and online battling to create a fantastic rhythm game. Throw in the simple yet tough to master gameplay of tapping and touching the screen to make Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call a fantastic musical journey.

7) Fantasy Life (3DS)

Many people throughout my gaming career have told me to get a life. Well, with Fantasy Life I outperformed their meager expectations of me and got twelve different lives! Har-har... In all seriousness, while the campaign of Fantasy Life is short compared to the rest of what the title offers, the real meat of the game happens when you try to take your life (i.e. job type) and become better at it. There are a wide amount of objectives to complete for each job as you make your way from fledgling to master, massive numbers of lands and areas to explore, creatures to defeat, and a wondrous world to journey through, making Fantasy Life one of my favorite original handheld games of 2014.

6) LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS3)

Next to Ratchet & Clank, the LittleBigPlanet series is my favorite that SCEA publishes. Although released with many issues (welcome to next gen, baby!), by the time I picked up the game and played it, these problems were taken care of. LittleBigPlanet 3 is a game that features 16 layers of depth to play and create levels in, allowing for levels that look and play absolutely awesomely. The way tutorials are implemented into actual levels rather than having you sit through the dry humor of Stephen Fry makes LittleBigPlanet 3 a much better game in teaching the player to create than past entries. Throw in different characters in how they look and how they play, a bustling community that is as creative as any I've seen on a console, and you have a fantastic game and tool kit to work with.

5) Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)

The last Musou styled game I played while Dynasty Warriors Gundam, and that wasn't the most varied gaming experience around. However, Nintendo and Tecmo-Koei managed to mix two series that originally seemed like the gaming equivalent of oil and water, The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors series, to create one of my favorite games of 2014. It's certainly one of my most played. Hyrule Warriors is fan service comes to life for Zelda fans like me, and it definitely doesn't hurt that the actual game is a blast to play, teeming with a massive amount of content and modes. Even without DLC, Hyrule Warriors is packed to the gills with content, co-op play, and fan service that oozes out of every orifice of the title. The game is without question a fantastic love letter to both Zelda and Dynasty Warriors fans, doubly so if you're a fan of both!

4) Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS)

I am a definite sucker for a good arcade golfing game. For the longest time, the Nintendo 64's Mario Golf was my personal choice when I wanted to hit the links with Mario and friends. That is until Mario Golf: World Tour for the Nintendo 3DS came out. This game is absolutely packed with cool characters, well designed courses, deep golfing gameplay, a solo mode that while not an exact RPG mode like the GBC and GBA Mario Golf games offers longevity and entertainment, online play, tournaments, and so much unlockable content. The DLC which is essentially the N64 Mario Golf courses and four different characters is the icing on the cake, solidifying Mario Golf: World Tour as my favorite golf game of all time. I just didn't know I'd love it as much as I did and do.

3) Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

I haven't been this enamored with a Mario Kart game in quite some time. Perhaps the long-missing inclusion of being able to play Grand Prix mode with a buddy added to my love of the game. Perhaps also the 32 expertly-designed tracks, terrifically tight controls, and gorgeous graphics makes for a Mario Kart that is as much a treat to look at as it is to play. The all-new anti-gravity sections of tracks makes for a Mario Kart that is heavily reminiscent of F-Zero, and since that series is in hiatus until who knows when, that's definitely not a bad thing! Add in excellent online and offline multiplayer, one of the best soundtracks the series has ever witnessed, and some of the best valued downloadable content around, and you can see why Mario Kart 8 is on a lot of folks' game of the year lists this year.

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

When Retro Studios was revealed to be working on a sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns and not something new like Metroid, gamers collectively turned up their noses. However, when the actual game, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, released to the public, many of these critics quickly aimed their noses back downward and enjoyed what I absolutely consider one of the best 2D platformers ever created. Each level is a new adventure. Each of the four Kongs is a dream to control. The return of David Wise to the series' soundtrack adds a gigantic exclamation mark to what is otherwise an immense treat to experience. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is gaming nirvana, particularly if you're a big fan of the platformer like I am.

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

After the relative disappointment that fans experienced with Super Smash Bros' showing on the Wii with Brawl, many felt that they were owed a better game from the ever-hardworking Masahiro Sakurai and his team. Well, while I wasn't one of these people, I definitely am of the opinion that Sakurai and friends achieved practical perfection with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, a game which not only plays well for both casual and competitive players (and everyone in between), but it is an absolute love letter to any fan of Nintendo history. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is jam-packed with content-- so much so that even after nearly a hundred hours of playing the game I have yet to see all that there is to see. Most importantly, though, this new console version of Smash Bros. is just an amazing pleasure to play. It feels responsive, it plays great, and it looks extraordinary, making it my favorite game of 2014.

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As you can see, Nintendo dominated this year for my SuperPhillip Central end of year awards ceremony. I think it's more to do with the fact that the majority of Western gaming continues to move in a direction that has pretty much alienated me. The only main platforms for big Japanese-style gaming, the style that I really appreciate and meshes with my tastes, are on Nintendo systems. That isn't to say that the PS3 and Vita have let me down. That's not the case at all.

Regardless, I hope your 2015 is a joyous year full of fun games and gaming experiences! I will be here on SuperPhillip Central for another great year. I hope you are with me, too!