Review Round-Up - March 2014

Sales don't lie.
Battlefield 4 is great.

March was an astounding month for reviews here at SuperPhillip Central. We may have only touched upon seven games in these past 31 days, but the ones we did get to talk about are rather special and rather large titles! We started the month off with the conclusion of Final Fantasy Lightning's trilogy with Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, which we gave a 7.0. We then turned our attention to Kojima Productions's latest with Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Heroes. Some may call it a glorified demo, but we stand by our 8.0 score. A game that positively surprised us was Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut, specifically the Wii U version. That game nabbed an impressive 9.0. 

Next up was Dark Souls II, which as our review stated, "a frustrating game of artificial difficulty under the guise of a "mature" game." The game received a disappointing 2.0, which also had the game-breaking glitches to note. Following that was a game that was quite the opposite-- glitch-free-- Battlefield 4. Don't listen to the whiny gamers that plague our industry; the press got this one right, and we agreed with the quality of the game being terrific. We scored the game an 8.5. After all, we've yet to be unable to find a match or get kicked out of a match. We've never played this game either.

From there we reviewed Serran Kagura Blast, a game that we called "a fantasy for otaku nerds who can't get real breasts to look at, so this is the next "best" thing." Suffice to say, we didn't care for the game, "awarding" it with a super low 1.0. Finally, we were on our way to review Capcom's Mega Man Legends 2, but we cancelled the review a somewhat far along in the process of writing. We blame the fans for this. So as you can see, SuperPhillip Central kicked some serious butt this past month.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - 7.0

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Heroes (PS4, X1, PS3, 360) - 8.0

Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut (Wii U) - 9.0

Dark Souls II (PS3, 360) - 2.0

Battlefield 4 (PS4, X1, PS3, 360, PC) - 8.5

Serran Kagura Burst (3DS) - 1.0

Mega Man Legends 2 - n/a

Dark Souls II is great if you
are a glutton for its punishment.

14 in '14: Most Wanted Games

It's the start of a new year, and while all of us have already failed at our new year's resolutions, we're taking the beginning of 2014 in stride anyway. Why? Because our first feature for the year is a look at our most anticipated games from now until December 31st. From Xbox One to PlayStation 4, Wii U to Nintendo 3DS, this list of 14 games for 2014 has it all. After we've made our handpicked games known, feel free to share what your top desired titles are!

Titanfall (X1, 360, PC )

Recently, Titanfall made some waves, but not in a positive sense. The reveal that the multiplayer would only support 12 players soured some gamers out there. However, the saying "quality instead of quantity" seems apt here. Titanfall will no doubt make waves in stellar ways; no doubt being a system seller for the Xbox One, especially those looking for an online multiplayer title (Titanfall is online only) that stretches the idea of what a first-person shooter can be. Plus, who can resist piloting kick-ass mechs?

Destiny (PS4, X1, PS3, 360)

The first game of Activision and Bungie's ten-year publishing contract, Destiny is a game that blurs the line between a first-person shooter with always-online functionality and an MMO. The developers at Bungie have been quick to strike down the idea that Destiny is an MMO. This is for good reason. Despite sharing some features with an MMO, Destiny will have a "shared world" where players are matched up with others to play together as opposed to being put in an online world with everyone. We're hoping it's in our destiny (har-har) to get in on the beta coming this summer. The final product releases September 4.

Infamous: Second Son (PS4)

Sucker Punch's Infamous series makes the leap from the PlayStation 3 to the PlayStation 4 in style. Infamous: Second Son takes place in Seattle, Washington and features an abundance of powers for protagonist Delsin Rowe to utilize. Not only that, but using these powers is much easier, allowing the player to simply use a targeting reticle to fire them off without needing to enter an aiming mode. You may not be playing as Cole MacGrath, but there's still a wide amount of parkour action to enjoy, as well. All in all, Infamous: Second Son is shaping up to be the first must-have PlayStation 4 exclusive.

Sunset Overdrive (X1)

Given a nebulous 2014 release date, Sunset Overdrive is the first Insomniac Games (Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, Resistance) title to hit a Microsoft platform. Sunset Overdrive is set in an open world infested with mutants.. Thankfully, according to the trailer shown at E3 2013, the player will have some tricks in their arsenal to combat the mutant menace, including a repertoire of quick skills, acrobatics, and the ability to run along walls. Insomniac Games may not have been batting .500 lately, but Sunset Overdrive excites us from morning to way past when the sun falls.

Dark Souls II (PS3, 360, PC)

We are ready to have our backsides handed to us over and over again once more. The original Demon's Souls and its spiritual sequel, Dark Souls, kicked our butts more times than we'd like to admit. Then again, that was how pretty much everyone's experience with the series turns out. The Souls series isn't for the faint of heart, so beginning gamers need not apply! You'll probably just end up severely frustrated, as Dark Souls II is not lowering the bar for entry and survival by any means. That's all right, though. We accept your challenge, Namco Bandai!

Tales of Symphonia Chronicles (PS3)

We have great memories of sitting down during the hot months of our summer vacation and becoming immersed in the worlds of Tales of Symphonia. Now, we get to experience this all over again, but this time in high definition and with some new bells and whistles. Also included is the not-as-great Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, the Wii sequel. Still, for the price point, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles looks like a smart purchase for any RPG fan.

Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

The Wii U isn't selling well. Guess what? That's too bad. While people play "Nintendo should have done this" and "Nintendo should do that", we'll be too busy playing the upcoming crop of what seems to be quality titles for Nintendo's struggling system to care. Mario Kart 8 is one of the games, due out this spring. With anti-gravity (rubbing salt in that old F-Zero wound), HD visuals, online play, video records to share with friends and on Miiverse, bikes, sixteen awesome-looking new tracks (of those revealed) alongside sixteen returning ones, kart customization, underwater and air sections, and more, Mario Kart 8 makes us wish we could take our victory lap in spring early.

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

It's important to note that these are two different games, featuring completely different stages, unlockable trophies, and art styles. However, the character roster will be the same among the two games. That said, we wanted to combine the two into one entry because the games strike us as somewhat similar. Despite there being no cross-play between the two games (obviously because of the aforementioned unique set of stages for each game), characters can be transferred from one game to another. Just what this accomplishes remains to be seen. Regardless, as fans of Nintendo, we're excited to view what's in store for this fourth and fifth installment of Smash Bros.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

Although it was a bit disappointing for us to see Retro Studios' much-hyped Wii U title be revealed as a sequel to the 2010 Wii return to the Donkey Kong Country franchise, we have since grown to very much hype this Wii U sequel. With more detailed and dynamic levels, HD visuals, swimming sections, a wholly Dave Wise-composed soundtrack, and three playable partners for Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze comes across as a game we didn't know we wanted until we saw more of it.

Hyrule Warriors (Tentative Title) (Wii U)

It seems all that Nintendo can do regarding third-parties is to collaborate with them-- giving them license to its properties. We've seen this to great results in the past, and we've even seen collaborations of different franchises that you wouldn't expect. The latest is what is currently known, but most certainly subject to change, as Hyrule Warriors, a Dynasty Warriors take on The Legend of Zelda franchise. ...Or is it the other way around? Anyway, this title came out of nowhere during the latest Nintendo Direct from early last December. We're quite skeptical of the quality and end result of the project, but we can't deny we're extraordinarily curious, too!

Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

Platinum Games' second Wii U project, Bayonetta 2 takes the femme fatale and gives her a bit of a makeover in the form of a shorter 'do. No doubt the character-driven action of the game and taking down colossal creatures and demons in ever-escalating set pieces will make fans of the genre salivate and take down foes with glee. One has to wonder if Nintendo will ask SEGA about porting the original Bayonetta to the Wii U for those who did not have the chance to play it to catch up and see what all the commotion is about.

X (Tentative Title) (Wii U)

We have seen little of this next game apart from the initial unveiling shown a year ago and some clips here and there. Despite this, Monolith Soft's first Wii U project is looking as ambitious as their work on Xenoblade Chronicles, one of the best RPG's of the last generation (and SuperPhillip Central's Best Game of 2012, cough, cough). We do know that the so-called "X" is absolutely stunning, and has gameplay that allows you to enter and exit giant mechs seamlessly. Whether X gets a 2014 release is up in the air, but that's currently what Nintendo's release schedule is saying...

Bravely Default (3DS)

Our Japanese, European, and Oceania pals already have sunk their myriad teeth in one of the most original and intriguing titles to come out of Square Enix in years. While the company heads towards a more mobile-centric approach, Bravely Default on Nintendo 3DS is getting wide acclaim across the pond. While we North Americans must wait a little while longer (less than a month to go!), the wait is a little less annoying, as we have a demo to enjoy, one that is wholly separate from the main game.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS)

Borrowing some ideas from Wario Land on the Virtual Boy (most notably the shifts between the player being in the foreground and in the background), Kirby: Triple Deluxe is the latest in the long-running series starring that cuddly pink puffball. 3D is used to great effect here, having hazards that come in from the background towards the screen and used when changing from the foreground further back into the level. Collectible key rings showcasing the history of the series show up to give players fun collectibles to acquire. Kirby: Triple Deluxe hits Japan this week, but us Westerners will have to patiently wait for a release date.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Games of E3 2013

E3 2013 is but a handful of days away, and as is customary on SuperPhillip Central, we're going to list our ten most anticipated games for the show. From first-party offerings to third-party offerings, these are the games that get our mouths wet and our adrenaline running.

10) Rare's new game (XONE)

We start off with a game that isn't even known yet. What a great way to start a most anticipated E3 games list than with something without a known name. We do know, however, that Microsoft is going to be showing off Rare's Xbox One title next week. What will it be? Could it be a return of Killer Instinct? Banjo-Kazooie? Battletoads? We realize Rare is merely a shadow of its former self, as most of the original talent left long ago. However, there's an abundant charm and quality with Rare's game even in their post-Nintendo age.

9) Batman: Arkham Origins (Multi)

A Batman Arkham game without Rocksteady as the lead developer? Holy changing of the guard, Batman! The same team that worked on the Wii U's Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition (not the same game, not the same content) are working hard to make sure the third entry in the Arkham series is of the same, if not better, quality than Rocksteady's efforts. We're really looking forward to seeing where the Dark Knight and his gallery of rogues will take us with Batmam: Arkham Origins.

8) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Multi)

Yesterday it was officially confirmed that Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland would be voicing Big Boss in the upcoming fifth mainline installment of the Metal Gear Solid saga. We think it works perfectly, as we've always likened Hideo Kojima to a failed Hollywood movie director, so this is great! Regardless, even though MGS V will no doubt follow the previous games' formula of 9,000 hours of cutscenes split up between five minutes of gameplay (we might be exaggerating a little), we're excited to see which direction the Metal Gear Solid franchise takes us and gamers around the world.

7) Rayman Legends (Multi)

February 26. That was supposed to be the release date for the former Wii U exclusive, Rayman Legends. Now, more people get to play the game, as it is being released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita. Nonetheless, the Wii U Challenge App has only whet our appetites for the full game, releasing this September in North America. We deem Rayman Origins as one of the best 2D platformers ever concocted, and Rayman Legends is looking to blow that game away. We just want to see more Rayman Legends in action to tide us over until the game finally launches.

6) Knack (PS4)

Mark Cerny's potential masterpiece, Knack, is an upcoming platformer for PlayStation 3 that we, as huge platformer fans, are anxiously awaiting more information on. The titular main character has the ability to absorb metal, ice, and a smorgasbord of other substances into his body to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. This collaboration between Mr. Cerny and Sony's Japan Studio is our most anticipated PlayStation 4 title, and learning more about the game is making us quiver with excitement.

5) Mario Kart U (Wii U)

Mario Kart 7 was a wonderful entry in the long-running franchise. Mario Kart U will hopefully continue the series' success, great gameplay, and splendid track design. Sure, many state that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed took the kart racing crown from Mario Kart, but we're still in the Mario Kart camp, regardless. We wonder how the game will be played, if the Wii U GamePad will have any novel uses (using it as a wheel to steer perhaps?), and what crazy tracks we will see this time from the masterful minds at Nintendo.

4) Dark Souls II (Multi)

A game which stands on many of the more hardcore gamers' top games of the generation lists, Dark Souls was a brutally difficult game where the risks were sometimes greater than the actual rewards. Don't get us wrong-- the gameplay of the title and its predecessor, Demon's Souls, was rewarding as it is. Dark Souls II was originally announced at the Spike Video Game Awards last December. Fans across the globe anxiously await some light to finally shine on the particulars of this title.

3) Unnamed The Legend of Zelda project (3DS)

What many fans are affectionately calling "A Link to the Past II", the newest handheld entry in The Legend of Zelda franchise returns to the world of the Super Nintendo classic, but introduces many new gameplay concepts and dungeons. For instance, Link can become a drawing, slipping through narrow passages and moving around the walls to access new areas. If you have a 3DS and you have not yet watched the 3D trailer of the game, you definitely need to. This is one of those must-have-the-3D-slider-turned-up-all-the-way games that will make you appreciate the 3DS's main selling point. All this and 60 FPS with or without 3D on, and you have a game we, as Zelda whores, can't wait to see more of.

2) 3D Super Mario U (Wii U)

Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel are two of the best games of the generation, and of all time. Just where Nintendo EAD can take the portly plumber after going into space of all places makes us absolutely giddy. He's been in the Mushroom Kingdom, a tropical island, and outer space now. Where can he possibly go next? We'll find out when Nintendo unveils the newest 3D Mario game for Wii U. It's always an event when a 3D Mario comes out, and it will be an event when it is finally unveiled.

1) Super Smash Bros. (Wii U, 3DS)

We were just anticipating seeing the first screenshots of the new Super Smash Bros. game. However, Masahiro Sakurai has a different plan. He revealed this week that at the Nintendo Direct the debut trailer for the game will be shown to all. Pardon us, we have some drool oozing out of the corner of our mouths. We love the Super Smash Bros. series, its waves to Nintendo's past, its addicting gameplay, its roster of legendary characters, its fun and creative battle arenas, and its epic amalgamation of all things Nintendo. The new Super Smash Bros. is our most anticipated game of E3 for these reasons. Nothing else comes close.

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Three days in a row that were lists? We're crazy! While we still have your attention, what are YOUR most anticipated games for this year's E3? There's so many intriguing games to choose from, that it's hard to keep a list trimmed to just ten. Feel free to list as many or as few as you like in the comments section!