Live from Central City, USA, it's Late Night with David VGMan! Tonight: Dave welcomes X and Zero from Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Link starring in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, dragon lady Lilac from Freedom Planet, the limbless wonder Rayman in Rayman 2: The Great Escape, and last but not least, one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture today, Spider-Man!
Musical guest: Counting Crows. Also, Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band!
And now... after you've perused SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs' VGM Database for all past video game songs featured on this weekly recurring series, let's get on to the music!
v1541, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (PS4, XB1, PC) - X vs. Zero
While a constricted budget and a limited roster took a lot of the pizzazz out of Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, the fighting system stood strongly and more than held up its end of the game. I can't really say the same about the soundtrack, other than a couple notable remixes, such as this one from Mega Man X5. It's played in the source material in one of the final stages of the game where, as the title would suggest, X faces off against Zero. Within the game, it serves as a theme for both Mega Man X and Zero, the first of which finally got on a Marvel vs. Capcom roster after all this time!
v1542. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS) - Final Battle
I won't spoil the actual final boss battle myself, but if you're at all familiar with the two main melodies heard during the theme that plays during the fight, one of them will give away who you're facing. It's a climactic final battle against the scourge of both Hyrule and Lorule, and only Link can raise his sword and vanquish evil once more. The reprise of Zelda's Theme in this song, played through once with angelic synth and then blasted out by bold, brass instruments, makes for an uplifting and motivating part of the piece. A wonderful addition to a glorious Nintendo 3DS soundtrack.
v1543. Freedom Planet (Multi) - Dragon Valley 2
Before there was Sonic Mania, a different game by a team of Sonic fans worked together to create a fan game. That turned into a wholly original project known as Freedom Planet. Though the levels occasionally overstay their welcome, everything from the fast and flowing gameplay, to the presentation nail the overall feel and aesthetic of the 2D Sonic games of Sega Genesis past. Freedom Planet is just a rewarding game in general, worthy of a purchase even if you don't have a nostalgic or grand affinity for the Sonic the Hedgehog games of yore.
v1544. Rayman 2: The Great Escape (Multi) - The Iron Mountain
From one 2D platformer to a 3D platformer in a series that started off as a 2D platformer (I make things confusing, don't I?), it's Rayman 2: The Great Escape, the often ported game that some say rival the 3D platforming genre's best. I'm not of that opinion myself, but Rayman 2 has a lot going for it, with its humor, wacky characters, superb level designs, tight controls, and smooth gameplay. The music is also a worthwhile aspect to note, with many of its tunes being great for listening to either inside or outside of the game.
v1545. Spider-Man (2002) (PS2, GCN, XBX, PC) - A Hero's Origin
Our final guest this late night edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is none other than your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Specifically, it's his 2002 video game based off of the movie of the same name. It follows the story of the movie while also adding in some other thrills like villains such as the Shocker and Vulture to beef up to playtime and enjoyment of the game. The orchestrated soundtrack is mesmerizing, particularly this first track, heard as Spidey starts off with but a ski mask and a hoodie in the first mission of the game. A Hero's Origin delivers a theme that exudes the feeling of freedom presented to players as they swing from rooftop to rooftop in the then-incredible playing area as a beginning Spider-Man.
Showing posts with label freedom planet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom planet. Show all posts
Monday, January 15, 2018
Friday, April 22, 2016
Why Wii U is More Than Still Worth It - Part 2: 25 Fantastic Downloads
Last week I shared 25 retail titles that proved without a shadow of a doubt why the Wii U, despite its weak sales, very much deserves to be owned by any self-respecting gamer. This follow-up piece details 25 downloadable pieces of software off the Wii U eShop that further illustrates why Wii U owners certainly have a lot to play on their systems. From action-platformers to Metroidvanias, puzzle games to shooters, this list of 25 (and many more honorable mentions that couldn't fit in this article) has some very good titles.
Again, since this is article is image-intensive, please check it out after the break.
Again, since this is article is image-intensive, please check it out after the break.
Friday, January 1, 2016
SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards - Top Ten Games of 2015
Here we are, ladies and gentlemen! Every list so far of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards has lead up to this moment. It's time to announce my top ten favorite games of 2015. To be on this list, I had to have played these games somewhat in-depth, so keep that in mind if some egregious omissions stick out at you. With that out of the way, let's get to my list of 2015's most awesome.
10) Trine: Enchanted Edition (Wii U eShop)
Starting off my list of favorite games from 2015 is a holdover from last year, but it first arrived on the Wii U eShop early this year. It's Trine: Enchanted Edition, a gorgeous 2D puzzle-platformer with an exquisite visual style to it, plenty of secrets to be found in its well crafted levels, and with the ease of use of the Wii U GamePad touch screen, magic casting and precision was all the easier. Trine: Enchanted Edition played great with both friends online and off, and it was a treasure of a title.
9) FAST Racing Neo (Wii U eShop)
The future is indeed fast with this next title. Shin'en's FAST Racing Neo came out in the middle of December, so it's the most recent game on this list. The game is a nice supplement to the lack of an F-Zero or even a Wipeout on gaming systems, though FAST is its own beast altogether. Through a clever shifting between phases, players can utilize boost pads with their vehicle, pending they're shifted to the right phase, either orange or blue. With sixteen fantastic courses, blistering fast speeds, and a hefty challenge, FAST Racing Neo delivered plenty of thrills and chills this past December.
8) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
I'm a sucker for a good platformer, as you'll see with this list if you don't already know me by now. Indie delight Adventures of Pip was one of these releases that had me enthralled with it from beginning to end. Through its charming cast of characters and humorous dialogue, terrific level design that had plenty of secrets to be found, and a unique gameplay hook, the ability to shift between bit forms, Adventures of Pip brought me hours upon hours of fun. It was a blast to play on the Wii U, but it's also available on other console marketplaces like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
7) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
It's quite great that indie developers brought their A game in 2015. This list has four indie titles on it, which is a wonderful turnout. It shows that these smaller developers can easily rival those of bigger developers in fun games, and that a good game is a good game, regardless of who developed it. GalaxyTrail's Freedom Planet is a great example of this, a title that won SuperPhillip Central's Best Downloadable Game for 2015. The game was a derivative work, a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game, before the developer wanted to create something unique. The gameplay remains similar in some regards, but quite different in others. It all amounts to a game with fast platforming sections, slower action-focused areas, a lovely soundtrack and art style, and beautifully chaotic boss battles.
6) LBX: Little Battlers eXperience (3DS)
After waiting several years for the LBX game series to find its way to the West, LBX: Little Battlers eXperience for the Nintendo 3DS gave us Westerners a taste of what we had been missing out on that our Japanese friends have been enjoying for quite a while now. LBX on the 3DS had an engaging story and entertaining cast of characters, but the biggest luxury of the game were the robot battles taking place in a myriad of arena types. The customization options and different parts you could use for your LBX were overwhelming yet enjoyable. It'd take eons to use all part combinations. The fact, though, is that LBX was so much fun for me that I probably wouldn't mind taking the time to use all part combinations... Okay, I'm lying, but LBX was really good regardless!
5) Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (3DS)
Hunters unite! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was a long awaited game to get localized for the West, but to use a cliche, the wait was worth it. At the beginning of the game you're picking up mushrooms, while as you progress, the challenge increases ever steadily, presenting gigantic beasts to bring down. This isn't a game for the timid, as timing and patience are required to overcome the odds. Still, if hunting alone isn't your thing, you can always bring along some friends or total strangers for some local or online hunting action. Whether it's thinking up new strategies to take down a seemingly impossible behemoth or being addicted to crafting new weapons and armor, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has got the goods.
4) Splatoon (Wii U)
Many had clamored for Nintendo to release a competitive third-person shooter of some type, and what these folks received was a competitive third-person shooter with Nintendo's trademark spin to it, one that was accessible for beginners yet deep enough to keep players playing. The main goal of traditional matches in Splatoon was to coat the grounds with paint. While shooting goop out on walls didn't count for points, it did allow players to travel in squid form up walls, and anywhere else where paint was. Traveling around as both a squid and a kid were enjoyable, and the online play keeps getting better with more maps, gear, and weapons-- all free DLC. Add in a superb single player campaign, and you have the number four game on my countdown, Splatoon.
3) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS)
When it originally released in 2000, I only played The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask a couple of times. I kept putting off revisiting the game due to the stress the game caused me to get certain events done in time before the three day cycle was complete. With the Nintendo 3DS remake of Majora's Mask, what I got was a more accessible game that ran great, had a much better and more consistent frame-rate, was decorated with bright, vivid colors, and a game that didn't stress me out anywhere near as much as the Nintendo 64 original. While it's still not a top five Legend of Zelda game for me, Majora's Mask 3D shines as one of my favorite games of 2015, and my favorite Nintendo 3DS game of the past year.
2) Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
A game that has rivaled a Super Nintendo classic for me, after having several predecessors that fell quite short in comparison, Yoshi's Woolly World brought forth the child in me, and made me enjoy its brilliantly designed worlds, full of hidden trinkets, secrets, and collectibles. Everything from the yarn and fabric presentation (such as the lava flow of background volcanoes being made up of rolling scarfs), infectious music, pinpoint precision platforming, jolly and adorable vibe of the game, and the great unlockables all add up to a 2D platformer that is as awesome to play as it is to look at. After less than perfect offerings like Yoshi's Story, Yoshi's Island DS, and Yoshi's New Island, it was a fantastic feeling to be playing a game that pretty much surpassed the Super Nintendo Yoshi's Island, something I never thought I'd utter.
1) Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
Probably the game I spent the most time with in 2015 was also the one that I enjoyed playing the most. It's Super Mario Maker, and I can't help but keep coming back to this delightful game. It's more than a game, though. It's a level creator to make Mario levels in. While that concept is by no means new, Nintendo somehow managed to make the arduous process of creating games and make it fun, accessible, and easy for anyone to do. Whether you're wanting to create articulated masterpieces of levels or just want to mess about with the level creator, fun is a few seconds away as soon as you pop in that Super Mario Maker disc into your Wii U. Even after several months of playing the game, I still see myself coming back to Super Mario Maker, playing others' levels, getting ideas for my own works, and creating some courses of my own. These reasons and more are why Super Mario Maker is SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year 2015.
So, there you have it! Super Mario Maker is SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year! What games were your favorites in 2015? Let me know in the comments below!
10) Trine: Enchanted Edition (Wii U eShop)
Starting off my list of favorite games from 2015 is a holdover from last year, but it first arrived on the Wii U eShop early this year. It's Trine: Enchanted Edition, a gorgeous 2D puzzle-platformer with an exquisite visual style to it, plenty of secrets to be found in its well crafted levels, and with the ease of use of the Wii U GamePad touch screen, magic casting and precision was all the easier. Trine: Enchanted Edition played great with both friends online and off, and it was a treasure of a title.
9) FAST Racing Neo (Wii U eShop)
The future is indeed fast with this next title. Shin'en's FAST Racing Neo came out in the middle of December, so it's the most recent game on this list. The game is a nice supplement to the lack of an F-Zero or even a Wipeout on gaming systems, though FAST is its own beast altogether. Through a clever shifting between phases, players can utilize boost pads with their vehicle, pending they're shifted to the right phase, either orange or blue. With sixteen fantastic courses, blistering fast speeds, and a hefty challenge, FAST Racing Neo delivered plenty of thrills and chills this past December.
8) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
I'm a sucker for a good platformer, as you'll see with this list if you don't already know me by now. Indie delight Adventures of Pip was one of these releases that had me enthralled with it from beginning to end. Through its charming cast of characters and humorous dialogue, terrific level design that had plenty of secrets to be found, and a unique gameplay hook, the ability to shift between bit forms, Adventures of Pip brought me hours upon hours of fun. It was a blast to play on the Wii U, but it's also available on other console marketplaces like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
7) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
It's quite great that indie developers brought their A game in 2015. This list has four indie titles on it, which is a wonderful turnout. It shows that these smaller developers can easily rival those of bigger developers in fun games, and that a good game is a good game, regardless of who developed it. GalaxyTrail's Freedom Planet is a great example of this, a title that won SuperPhillip Central's Best Downloadable Game for 2015. The game was a derivative work, a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game, before the developer wanted to create something unique. The gameplay remains similar in some regards, but quite different in others. It all amounts to a game with fast platforming sections, slower action-focused areas, a lovely soundtrack and art style, and beautifully chaotic boss battles.
6) LBX: Little Battlers eXperience (3DS)
After waiting several years for the LBX game series to find its way to the West, LBX: Little Battlers eXperience for the Nintendo 3DS gave us Westerners a taste of what we had been missing out on that our Japanese friends have been enjoying for quite a while now. LBX on the 3DS had an engaging story and entertaining cast of characters, but the biggest luxury of the game were the robot battles taking place in a myriad of arena types. The customization options and different parts you could use for your LBX were overwhelming yet enjoyable. It'd take eons to use all part combinations. The fact, though, is that LBX was so much fun for me that I probably wouldn't mind taking the time to use all part combinations... Okay, I'm lying, but LBX was really good regardless!
5) Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (3DS)
Hunters unite! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was a long awaited game to get localized for the West, but to use a cliche, the wait was worth it. At the beginning of the game you're picking up mushrooms, while as you progress, the challenge increases ever steadily, presenting gigantic beasts to bring down. This isn't a game for the timid, as timing and patience are required to overcome the odds. Still, if hunting alone isn't your thing, you can always bring along some friends or total strangers for some local or online hunting action. Whether it's thinking up new strategies to take down a seemingly impossible behemoth or being addicted to crafting new weapons and armor, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has got the goods.
4) Splatoon (Wii U)
Many had clamored for Nintendo to release a competitive third-person shooter of some type, and what these folks received was a competitive third-person shooter with Nintendo's trademark spin to it, one that was accessible for beginners yet deep enough to keep players playing. The main goal of traditional matches in Splatoon was to coat the grounds with paint. While shooting goop out on walls didn't count for points, it did allow players to travel in squid form up walls, and anywhere else where paint was. Traveling around as both a squid and a kid were enjoyable, and the online play keeps getting better with more maps, gear, and weapons-- all free DLC. Add in a superb single player campaign, and you have the number four game on my countdown, Splatoon.
3) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS)
When it originally released in 2000, I only played The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask a couple of times. I kept putting off revisiting the game due to the stress the game caused me to get certain events done in time before the three day cycle was complete. With the Nintendo 3DS remake of Majora's Mask, what I got was a more accessible game that ran great, had a much better and more consistent frame-rate, was decorated with bright, vivid colors, and a game that didn't stress me out anywhere near as much as the Nintendo 64 original. While it's still not a top five Legend of Zelda game for me, Majora's Mask 3D shines as one of my favorite games of 2015, and my favorite Nintendo 3DS game of the past year.
2) Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
A game that has rivaled a Super Nintendo classic for me, after having several predecessors that fell quite short in comparison, Yoshi's Woolly World brought forth the child in me, and made me enjoy its brilliantly designed worlds, full of hidden trinkets, secrets, and collectibles. Everything from the yarn and fabric presentation (such as the lava flow of background volcanoes being made up of rolling scarfs), infectious music, pinpoint precision platforming, jolly and adorable vibe of the game, and the great unlockables all add up to a 2D platformer that is as awesome to play as it is to look at. After less than perfect offerings like Yoshi's Story, Yoshi's Island DS, and Yoshi's New Island, it was a fantastic feeling to be playing a game that pretty much surpassed the Super Nintendo Yoshi's Island, something I never thought I'd utter.
1) Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
Probably the game I spent the most time with in 2015 was also the one that I enjoyed playing the most. It's Super Mario Maker, and I can't help but keep coming back to this delightful game. It's more than a game, though. It's a level creator to make Mario levels in. While that concept is by no means new, Nintendo somehow managed to make the arduous process of creating games and make it fun, accessible, and easy for anyone to do. Whether you're wanting to create articulated masterpieces of levels or just want to mess about with the level creator, fun is a few seconds away as soon as you pop in that Super Mario Maker disc into your Wii U. Even after several months of playing the game, I still see myself coming back to Super Mario Maker, playing others' levels, getting ideas for my own works, and creating some courses of my own. These reasons and more are why Super Mario Maker is SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year 2015.
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So, there you have it! Super Mario Maker is SuperPhillip Central's Game of the Year! What games were your favorites in 2015? Let me know in the comments below!
SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards - Top Five Downloadable Games
Happy new year from SuperPhillip Central! I have but two more lists to share for the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards. The second one is the special top ten games of 2015. However, let's dial things back a bit before I get ahead of myself. In an industry that is heading more and more into the digital landscape, and in one where mid-budget games are all but forgotten by big publishers, indie developers are propping these smaller sized games into the spotlight, and I couldn't love them more for it. 2015 was a big year for downloadable gems, and these five that I enjoyed most shined the brightest.
5) Elliot Quest (Wii U eShop, PC)
Taking elements from games like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Kid Icarus, Elliot Quest was a Zelda-style platformer that didn't hold the hand of the player at all. The world of Urele Island was yours to explore, gaining new information, weapons, and abilities, as you made progress through the towns, fields, caverns, and dungeons of the game. It's a much more beginner-friendly feel than Zelda II, but don't be fooled-- Elliot Quest could easily serve the player their butt on a silver platter if they weren't expecting it.
4) Rocket League (PS4, PC)
Rocket-powered cars and soccer? Sign me up! And so did countless other PlayStation 4 and PC players, jumping in to play this extremely exciting and riveting sports game sequel to 2008's Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Combining elements of soccer and demolition derbies, Rocket League is a fast-paced action-sports title that makes the case for great gameplay triumphing over all else.
3) FAST Racing Neo (Wii U eShop)
It was a bit of a wait, but Shin'en finally came through with FAST Racing Neo, a lightning fast Wii U eShop exclusive that amazes with its gorgeous visuals, exquisite frame-rate, and of course, stellar and challenging gameplay. Through sixteen well crafted courses, three difficulties of increasing speed, multiple unlockable vehicles, online and local multiplayer, and a challenge for every skill level, FAST Racing Neo delighted me immensely... while kicking my butt to the curb with its difficulty. Despite this, I had a smile on my face the entire time.
2) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
Evolve and devolve between different bit forms with this tremendous 2D platformer from Tic Toc Games. As you change bit forms, different areas of levels open up to you, allowing you to progress in the game as well as find hidden townspeople to rescue. Each form that Pip can take possesses its own positives and negatives, making venturing through levels as much of a puzzle as possible. With excellent level design, tight controls, and lots of originality, Adventures of Pip is my second favorite downloadable game of 2015.
1) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
Starring a cast of anthropomorphic animals, Freedom Planet is parts fast-paced platformer with slower paced action sequences. The game started as a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game before being transformed into a completely original work. Full of enjoyable platforming, creatively devised levels, and adrenaline-pumping boss battles, Freedom Planet was an entertaining romp from beginning to end. With free downloadable content coming in the future, this game continues to shine for Wii U owners.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards - Top Five Platformers
The platformer is my favorite genre in gaming, whether it is the classic 2D or more modern 3D variety. It only makes sense then that I devote an entire top five list to the best platformers of the past year. Thankfully, like last year, there were more than enough platformers to consider for this year's list. Read on, and see which five platformers released in 2015 satisfied my need to run and jump the best.
5) Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash (3DS)
I ended up liking Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash a lot more than I thought I would. Annoyances like the level roulette and some vehicle stages hampered some of my enjoyment, but the gameplay and level design otherwise were so top notch that the overall product was more than entertaining for me. Using Chibi-Robo's plug to whip enemies, pull himself to faraway platforms, and interact with the environment were nice touches and great innovations to this 2D platformer. The levels were as creative as the challenging boss battles, especially if you wanted to find everything in the game, which isn't an easy task. It all makes for a 2D platformer on the 3DS that was way more likable than I was expecting it to be.
4) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
Like Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash, this next game appeared on my Top Five Biggest Surprises list. Adventures of Pip by Tic Toc Games was an atypical platformer featuring a really cool gimmick where the main character Pip would transform into different resolution forms, like 8-bit and 16-bit. Each form had its own benefits and drawbacks, and while transforming wasn't manually done (you had to hit a specific object to change forms), this allowed the developers to design levels that had you turning into the right form for the right task at hand. With multiple paths in levels, hidden townspeople to save, and incredible design, Adventures of Pip is my fourth favorite platformer from 2015.
3) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
Did anyone call for a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game turned amazing unique platformer? Well, I actually didn't, and I ended up amazed by the end result that was GalaxyTrail's Freedom Planet anyway. With sizable levels with plenty of loops, curves, ramps, obstacles, enemies, and secrets, Freedom Planet satiated my hunger for a fast-paced, action-based platformer that got rid of a lot of the gripes I had with 2D Sonic, such as the more recent inclusion of various bottomless pits. Freedom Planet lacked those for the most part, offering challenge through tough boss battles, other platforming peril, and dangerous obstacles. Freedom Planet wowed me immensely, and it makes me excited to see how the recently announced sequel will shape up.
2) Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
I argue that this next game is almost as good if not better than its predecessor, Yoshi's Island. That might be blasphemy to some fans of the Yoshi series, but Yoshi's Woolly World is an astonishingly great game that rivals the fun, quality levels, and feel of the Super Nintendo classic. The levels are designed superbly, making those who seek out their secrets enjoy the game even more than they would already. The level of creativity developer Good Feel showed with this game is off the charts, and it's a sizable reason why Yoshi's Woolly World is one of the best platformers of 2015.
1) Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
While the game is more of a creator than a platforming game, Mario's platforming prowess in Super Mario Maker is still as fantastic as ever. The tightness and responsiveness of the controls is pretty much unmatched across all four game types available in the package. The added ability to create and play shared levels is an amazing bonus that has resulted in countless hours of playing and enjoying all the running, jumping, Goomba-smashing, Koopa Troopa-bashing goodness that is almost always found in the Super Mario series.
5) Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash (3DS)
I ended up liking Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash a lot more than I thought I would. Annoyances like the level roulette and some vehicle stages hampered some of my enjoyment, but the gameplay and level design otherwise were so top notch that the overall product was more than entertaining for me. Using Chibi-Robo's plug to whip enemies, pull himself to faraway platforms, and interact with the environment were nice touches and great innovations to this 2D platformer. The levels were as creative as the challenging boss battles, especially if you wanted to find everything in the game, which isn't an easy task. It all makes for a 2D platformer on the 3DS that was way more likable than I was expecting it to be.
4) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
Like Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash, this next game appeared on my Top Five Biggest Surprises list. Adventures of Pip by Tic Toc Games was an atypical platformer featuring a really cool gimmick where the main character Pip would transform into different resolution forms, like 8-bit and 16-bit. Each form had its own benefits and drawbacks, and while transforming wasn't manually done (you had to hit a specific object to change forms), this allowed the developers to design levels that had you turning into the right form for the right task at hand. With multiple paths in levels, hidden townspeople to save, and incredible design, Adventures of Pip is my fourth favorite platformer from 2015.
3) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
Did anyone call for a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game turned amazing unique platformer? Well, I actually didn't, and I ended up amazed by the end result that was GalaxyTrail's Freedom Planet anyway. With sizable levels with plenty of loops, curves, ramps, obstacles, enemies, and secrets, Freedom Planet satiated my hunger for a fast-paced, action-based platformer that got rid of a lot of the gripes I had with 2D Sonic, such as the more recent inclusion of various bottomless pits. Freedom Planet lacked those for the most part, offering challenge through tough boss battles, other platforming peril, and dangerous obstacles. Freedom Planet wowed me immensely, and it makes me excited to see how the recently announced sequel will shape up.
2) Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
I argue that this next game is almost as good if not better than its predecessor, Yoshi's Island. That might be blasphemy to some fans of the Yoshi series, but Yoshi's Woolly World is an astonishingly great game that rivals the fun, quality levels, and feel of the Super Nintendo classic. The levels are designed superbly, making those who seek out their secrets enjoy the game even more than they would already. The level of creativity developer Good Feel showed with this game is off the charts, and it's a sizable reason why Yoshi's Woolly World is one of the best platformers of 2015.
1) Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
While the game is more of a creator than a platforming game, Mario's platforming prowess in Super Mario Maker is still as fantastic as ever. The tightness and responsiveness of the controls is pretty much unmatched across all four game types available in the package. The added ability to create and play shared levels is an amazing bonus that has resulted in countless hours of playing and enjoying all the running, jumping, Goomba-smashing, Koopa Troopa-bashing goodness that is almost always found in the Super Mario series.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards - Top Five Biggest Surprises
The second of two lists being posted today as part of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2015 Awards is here! Some games come out of nowhere and floor you with their quality. You go in not expecting anything or expect something negative, and you're blown away by how good the game is. That is the modus operandi of these next five games, the biggest surprises in 2015.
5) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
We start this list of five games with Adventures of Pip, a downloadable delight for a myriad of home consoles as well as PC. The game is a standard 2D platformer, but the real fun comes from interacting with different objects that turn the titular character into different pixel forms, such as 8-bit and 16-bit. The latter is great for breaking big blocks, though it lacks the maneuverability and is quite heavy. Many rooms of the game's levels require switching between multiple forms at once to solve environmental and platforming puzzles. I didn't doubt that Adventures of Pip might be good. I did doubt that it'd be one of my favorite releases this year.
4) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
Another digital game, Freedom Planet started out as a fan project before turning into a serious indie game, somewhat similar in gameplay to the Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog games in some regards. I knew I would probably enjoy the game because of its influences, but I never would have dared to hazard the guess that I would like the game as much as I did. Yes, the levels drag on a bit too long, and they should have been split up into more bite-sized chunks. Other than that, I have no real complaints about this terrific and charming 2D platformer.
3) Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash (3DS)
After hearing and reading complaint after complaint about Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash's level select system, I didn't think I would find myself so attracted to the game. I was wrong with my thought process, as not only can the level roulette be cheesed with coins or proper timing, but the actual gameplay is quite remarkable. Using Chibi-Robo's plug to whip enemies into shape, grab onto ledges, and pull himself across chasms was innovative for this storied genre of gaming, and while the vehicle stages left something to be desired overall, ultimately I found much joy playing Zip Lash. Don't think of it merely as a game to sell an amiibo. It's a rather good 2D platformer.
2) Until Dawn (PS4)
A choose-your-own-adventure-type game for fans of horror movies, filled with the typical tropes one would expect, along with some curve balls that many would not, Until Dawn was one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year. It proved to be an excellent title to add to the exclusives of the PlayStation 4, and became a popular game to stream for many players. Every choice, no matter how simple, leads to the conclusion and affects the eight characters placed together in the game.
1) Splatoon (Wii U)
Between being a new IP, being on a struggling system, and having countless folks saying that the game would bomb, Splatoon managed to be a success. Not just that, but it also managed to be way more fun than it had any right to be. While the launch offered a handful of maps, the post-release content-- all free, by the way-- has added a seemingly endless amount of gear and weapons options, as well as a total of 15 maps thus far. Splatoon is as addicting and original a third-person shooter can get, and it's a total blast to dive into the mechanics and the hidden depth. No doubt the success of Splatoon has surprised many, including Nintendo itself.
5) Adventures of Pip (Multi)
We start this list of five games with Adventures of Pip, a downloadable delight for a myriad of home consoles as well as PC. The game is a standard 2D platformer, but the real fun comes from interacting with different objects that turn the titular character into different pixel forms, such as 8-bit and 16-bit. The latter is great for breaking big blocks, though it lacks the maneuverability and is quite heavy. Many rooms of the game's levels require switching between multiple forms at once to solve environmental and platforming puzzles. I didn't doubt that Adventures of Pip might be good. I did doubt that it'd be one of my favorite releases this year.
4) Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop)
Another digital game, Freedom Planet started out as a fan project before turning into a serious indie game, somewhat similar in gameplay to the Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog games in some regards. I knew I would probably enjoy the game because of its influences, but I never would have dared to hazard the guess that I would like the game as much as I did. Yes, the levels drag on a bit too long, and they should have been split up into more bite-sized chunks. Other than that, I have no real complaints about this terrific and charming 2D platformer.
3) Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash (3DS)
After hearing and reading complaint after complaint about Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash's level select system, I didn't think I would find myself so attracted to the game. I was wrong with my thought process, as not only can the level roulette be cheesed with coins or proper timing, but the actual gameplay is quite remarkable. Using Chibi-Robo's plug to whip enemies into shape, grab onto ledges, and pull himself across chasms was innovative for this storied genre of gaming, and while the vehicle stages left something to be desired overall, ultimately I found much joy playing Zip Lash. Don't think of it merely as a game to sell an amiibo. It's a rather good 2D platformer.
2) Until Dawn (PS4)
A choose-your-own-adventure-type game for fans of horror movies, filled with the typical tropes one would expect, along with some curve balls that many would not, Until Dawn was one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year. It proved to be an excellent title to add to the exclusives of the PlayStation 4, and became a popular game to stream for many players. Every choice, no matter how simple, leads to the conclusion and affects the eight characters placed together in the game.
1) Splatoon (Wii U)
Between being a new IP, being on a struggling system, and having countless folks saying that the game would bomb, Splatoon managed to be a success. Not just that, but it also managed to be way more fun than it had any right to be. While the launch offered a handful of maps, the post-release content-- all free, by the way-- has added a seemingly endless amount of gear and weapons options, as well as a total of 15 maps thus far. Splatoon is as addicting and original a third-person shooter can get, and it's a total blast to dive into the mechanics and the hidden depth. No doubt the success of Splatoon has surprised many, including Nintendo itself.
Monday, October 12, 2015
SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Indie-genous People's Day Edition
It's Columbus Day in the United States, but rather than celebrate a total scumbag of a human being that the U.S. celebrates for no other reason than tradition, we'll be celebrating Indigenous People's Day here at SuperPhillip Central. In fact, we'll be celebrating indies this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs.
Such indie games being celebrated this week include the great Shovel Knight, the co-op fun of Castle Crashers, the Sega-like Freedom Planet, the first-person fun of Lovely Planet, and finally, the Metroid-like Guacamelee! If you want to check out past VGM volumes, look no further than the VGM Database. That said, let's get on to the music from games from indie/independent developers!
v981. Shovel Knight (Multi) - In the Halls of the Usurper (Pridemoor Keep)
The theme for King Knight's stage, one of the first players encounter within the critically acclaimed (including by SuperPhillip Central) Shovel Knight, this catchy theme by Jake "Virt" Kaufman and Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae gets you in the mood to run and dig through a golden castle.
v982. Castle Crashers (Multi) - Forest Entrance
Speaking of catchy music, there are none more catchier than Castle Crashers' Forest Entrance theme. Do battle with up to three other friends as you beat foes into oblivion. Castle Crashers is available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Hopefully one day Nintendo systems will get this game, but maybe that's wishful thinking.
v983. Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - Relic Maze 2
Freedom Planet is one of Bean and my favorite digital games of the year. It released this month on the Wii U eShop after many months (maybe years?) of waiting. Relic Maze 2 is another memorable ditty from the soundtrack, and it hearkens back to old school platformers, the kind that Freedom Planet is happily and merrily based on.
v984. Lovely Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - World 1 (Lovely City)
From one planet to another, Lovely Planet is an upcoming Wii U eShop game that has you in first-person mode shooting and dodging targets. The soundtrack is all composed by Calum Bowen, and you can download the soundtrack from his Bandcamp profile. Support the composer!
v985. Guacamelee! (Multi) - Boss Theme
Clap your hands! Wait, you don't have the time to do that when your hands should be pressed against a controller, taking on a big bad boss! Well, at least you can bob your head in time to the music, right? Guacamelee! is a Metroid-styled 2D platformer that has great combat that incorporates the abilities you learn into battle.
Such indie games being celebrated this week include the great Shovel Knight, the co-op fun of Castle Crashers, the Sega-like Freedom Planet, the first-person fun of Lovely Planet, and finally, the Metroid-like Guacamelee! If you want to check out past VGM volumes, look no further than the VGM Database. That said, let's get on to the music from games from indie/independent developers!
v981. Shovel Knight (Multi) - In the Halls of the Usurper (Pridemoor Keep)
The theme for King Knight's stage, one of the first players encounter within the critically acclaimed (including by SuperPhillip Central) Shovel Knight, this catchy theme by Jake "Virt" Kaufman and Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae gets you in the mood to run and dig through a golden castle.
v982. Castle Crashers (Multi) - Forest Entrance
Speaking of catchy music, there are none more catchier than Castle Crashers' Forest Entrance theme. Do battle with up to three other friends as you beat foes into oblivion. Castle Crashers is available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Hopefully one day Nintendo systems will get this game, but maybe that's wishful thinking.
v983. Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - Relic Maze 2
Freedom Planet is one of Bean and my favorite digital games of the year. It released this month on the Wii U eShop after many months (maybe years?) of waiting. Relic Maze 2 is another memorable ditty from the soundtrack, and it hearkens back to old school platformers, the kind that Freedom Planet is happily and merrily based on.
v984. Lovely Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - World 1 (Lovely City)
From one planet to another, Lovely Planet is an upcoming Wii U eShop game that has you in first-person mode shooting and dodging targets. The soundtrack is all composed by Calum Bowen, and you can download the soundtrack from his Bandcamp profile. Support the composer!
v985. Guacamelee! (Multi) - Boss Theme
Clap your hands! Wait, you don't have the time to do that when your hands should be pressed against a controller, taking on a big bad boss! Well, at least you can bob your head in time to the music, right? Guacamelee! is a Metroid-styled 2D platformer that has great combat that incorporates the abilities you learn into battle.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop) Review
There's one more review to cap off the work week, but it's not the last review of the week in general. This is a game that has been trying to come to the Wii U eShop for a long while, but it's finally here. Bean gives us his take on Freedom Planet!
Indie platformers in recent years have done a fine job of paying homage to classics of yesteryear while carving out their own niche in the process. Shovel Knight was a fun Capcom-inspired title, Guacamelee! pushed the Metroid and Castlevania buttons, and Azure Striker Gunvolt hit the mark with its nods to Mega Man Zero and ZX. That said, there really hadn't been too many games that went and tried to recapture the magic of the Sega Genesis side of things. Leave it to GalaxyTrail to fit the bill with a title that I should've reviewed last year when it was on the PC but didn't. Well, at least we get a second chance with its debut on the Wii U.
Freedom Planet takes place in the anthropomorphic world of Avalice. Three kingdoms on the planet had a few issues with each other to begin with, but when an alien spacecraft crash lands on the planet, takes out the leader of one of the nations and messes with the mind of said kingdom's son, things quickly turn south. Now the menacing mastermind from the stars named Brevon intends on pitting the world at war while he secretly makes off with the Kingdom Stone, a jewel with an immense amount of power that will strengthen his troops to continue on with his army's galactic conquest. Oh, and that jewel heist would kind of ruin Avalice forever as they wouldn't have a power source left. That doesn't sound good, so we're going to need a hero or two to step in and stop this scheme before it's too late. Good thing for the people of this planet that they have Lilac the purple water dragon and Carol the green wildcat on the case... eventually.
The first thing players are going to think of when they see Freedom Planet in action is the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and for good reason. The game itself was originally conceived to be a Sonic fan title until it dropped the IP's baggage and went off in its own direction. Still, there are plenty of nods to the series left in the game as you'll see plenty of spring pads, loops, elemental shields, and of course, renegade robots to dispose of throughout your tour of Avalice. You have the choice of playing through the game in Adventure or Classic mode. If you go with the former, you'll get plenty of plot scenes between stages. Classic forgoes the story and just lets you play through the game's many stages in order. I'll get it out of the way now and say that the plot can be a little cheesy at times as well as suffering from severe mood swings at times, but all in all, I think I found it all right since the voice actors and actresses in the game all delivered in filling their "Saturday morning cartoon with a slight edge" roles quite well.
The gameplay has the aforementioned Sonic features, but you're not tasked to jump onto enemies. Instead, the game employs more of a melee combat system, and that melee combat differs between the two playable characters you start out with. You have three buttons that you can attack with. In Lilac's case, she'll use a quick melee hair whip with Y (that can also be used with Up or Down on the D-Pad), a spinning Cyclone attack that doubles as a double jump with B, and a Sonic Rush-style boost attack with the X button. That boost attack can also be used to bounce off of walls to get to out of reach places fast. On the other hand, Carol goes for a more ground and pound style with her attacks and is allowed to use her Wild Kick special attack more liberally than Lilac's boost. She can also find gas cans lying about the many stages to instantly summon a motorcycle to ride on. That's pretty cool, as is her ability to scale walls either by repeatedly wall jumping up them or just defying gravity by riding her bike up them. There's even a third character that joins the mix after you beat the game's second stage, but that one, Milla the dog that everyone and their mother thinks is a bunny because she resembles Cream the Rabbit, is only available for Classic mode at the present time.
It's a good thing you have a bunch of moves at your disposal because you're going to be needing the diversity because this title will throw a lot of foes at you at times. The clever thing about this is that they can't actually hurt you unless they're attacking themselves or have spiky bodies to work with. So many times in speed-based platformers, it feels like you have to guess what's coming next, too, but Freedom Planet also alleviates this by having some warning signs pop up when the big boys come out to play. You get a pretty decently-sized health bar that can be replenished by collecting petals, but you also have to keep in mind that if you rush in like a fool, you can easily get comboed by the many challenging bosses or well-placed enemies in your path. The hardest battles I found in the game came from the character vs. character battles that you'll be tasked to take down. Many of these enemies move faster than you do, so you need to play defensively to learn their attack pattern before countering appropriately instead of taking the lead. That's not to say there aren't many giant bots that give off Gunstar Heroes vibes either because they're in this, too, and it's once again, the wide range of battles that keep you on your toes all through this fun adventure.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the many areas on the planet of Avalice are just incredible to look at. The backgrounds themselves are beautiful enough, but the characters have so many expressions on their face whether they're attacking, walking, talking, anything. It's really a sight to behold, and when you couple that with the game's stellar soundtrack, you have an indie game that goes above and beyond the price of admission which is pretty darn affordable to begin with. I seriously think players will remember both the sights and songs present in Freedom Planet. While running through Avalice, there are plenty of things that players can find to enhance the experience. For instance, all of the non-final stages in the game have ten cards that unlock songs, art pieces, and voice clips along the way. There's also a training mode to get the hang of using a different character, an achievement system that encourages replaying the game as well as a Time Attack mode that does the same, and even a Mahjong minigame on top of that!
There is one complaint I have with Freedom Planet, and that's that some levels can be quite lengthy, especially those nearing the game's final few stages. It's not uncommon to spend 20-25 minutes in these latter areas if you're exploring around, and even if you're not, it can still take that long just because of the maze-like aspect some of these stages possess. The difficulty also ramps up accordingly, so those twenty-minute affairs can quickly turn into trying experiences if you aren't accustomed to platformers. At least you have the option of switching the game's difficulty on the fly if you're finding it difficult and even get plopped right back down where you fell if you do run out of lives, so there's that. Both of my playthroughs of Freedom Planet were on normal difficulty, and it gave even me a run for my money at times on some of the final levels, so don't feel ashamed if you have to tone it down a bit. It's nice to have the option in case you're struggling, and I've already seen many a player on Miiverse having those issues, but I find it to be a fair and frenetic challenge that will probably take most players three to five hours to clear for the first time. You just have to use your head is all.
In the end, Freedom Planet succeeds at being the Sega Genesis-stylized platformer that it sets out to be. You can feel the passion and quality of care put into making sure that this game recaptured that 90s magic while also carving out its own identity in the process. With the amazing amount of content and supposedly more to come, I have to recommend this one as it's up there with some of the finest indie platformers I've played in recent years. With the quality of those titles, that is some strong company to keep. Whether you go with the Wii U or PC version, the price of Freedom in this case is absolutely worth it. Yep.
[SPC Says: A-]
Review copy provided by GalaxyTrail.
Let Freedom Ring
Indie platformers in recent years have done a fine job of paying homage to classics of yesteryear while carving out their own niche in the process. Shovel Knight was a fun Capcom-inspired title, Guacamelee! pushed the Metroid and Castlevania buttons, and Azure Striker Gunvolt hit the mark with its nods to Mega Man Zero and ZX. That said, there really hadn't been too many games that went and tried to recapture the magic of the Sega Genesis side of things. Leave it to GalaxyTrail to fit the bill with a title that I should've reviewed last year when it was on the PC but didn't. Well, at least we get a second chance with its debut on the Wii U.
 |
| Usually the term "dragon lady" is an insult. To Lilac, it's a perfect description. |
 |
| One of the only similarities between Lilac and Indiana Jones is a need to be chased by rolling boulders. |
The gameplay has the aforementioned Sonic features, but you're not tasked to jump onto enemies. Instead, the game employs more of a melee combat system, and that melee combat differs between the two playable characters you start out with. You have three buttons that you can attack with. In Lilac's case, she'll use a quick melee hair whip with Y (that can also be used with Up or Down on the D-Pad), a spinning Cyclone attack that doubles as a double jump with B, and a Sonic Rush-style boost attack with the X button. That boost attack can also be used to bounce off of walls to get to out of reach places fast. On the other hand, Carol goes for a more ground and pound style with her attacks and is allowed to use her Wild Kick special attack more liberally than Lilac's boost. She can also find gas cans lying about the many stages to instantly summon a motorcycle to ride on. That's pretty cool, as is her ability to scale walls either by repeatedly wall jumping up them or just defying gravity by riding her bike up them. There's even a third character that joins the mix after you beat the game's second stage, but that one, Milla the dog that everyone and their mother thinks is a bunny because she resembles Cream the Rabbit, is only available for Classic mode at the present time.
 |
| Milla is a dog, and a second fact about her is that she is only available for play in Classic mode. |
 |
| Since this game has a Sega feel to it, should we dare say these things are after burners? |
There is one complaint I have with Freedom Planet, and that's that some levels can be quite lengthy, especially those nearing the game's final few stages. It's not uncommon to spend 20-25 minutes in these latter areas if you're exploring around, and even if you're not, it can still take that long just because of the maze-like aspect some of these stages possess. The difficulty also ramps up accordingly, so those twenty-minute affairs can quickly turn into trying experiences if you aren't accustomed to platformers. At least you have the option of switching the game's difficulty on the fly if you're finding it difficult and even get plopped right back down where you fell if you do run out of lives, so there's that. Both of my playthroughs of Freedom Planet were on normal difficulty, and it gave even me a run for my money at times on some of the final levels, so don't feel ashamed if you have to tone it down a bit. It's nice to have the option in case you're struggling, and I've already seen many a player on Miiverse having those issues, but I find it to be a fair and frenetic challenge that will probably take most players three to five hours to clear for the first time. You just have to use your head is all.
 |
| Whoa! You enemies need to take some time and chill out! |
[SPC Says: A-]
Review copy provided by GalaxyTrail.
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