SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Pumped and Primed PlayStation Edition

After an atypical Friday edition, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs probably didn't give you enough time to miss them. Still, they're back on this Monday evening for your listening pleasure. This week's edition is all PlayStation, all the time with five VGM volumes regarding PlayStation exclusive games.

We start out with some realism with Infamous: Second Son and God of War: Ascension. Then we end on a cartoon-y angle with music from Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, LocoRoco 2, and Puppeteer. It's a mix of music from PlayStation platforms that should satisfy any want.

If you want to listen to any VGM volume previously spotlighted on SuperPhillip Central, look no further than the VGM Database.

v1071. Infamous: Second Son (PS4) - Owning the Future

We begin this PlayStation installment of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with a series that hasn't been on the Favorite VGMs... until now. It's Infamous, and the game we're listening to a song from is the PlayStation 4's Second Son. While not the greatest the Infamous series or even Sucker Punch have to offer, the game was beautiful to behold and a blast to play.

v1072. God of War: Ascension (PS3) - Warrior's Truth

What's your opinion on the God of War franchise? Have you seen enough of Kratos and wish that Sony would take a different route with a new protagonist, or do you think Kratos is too iconic of a game character to replace? Whatever the case, you can bet with God of War you'll get a sensational and epic score, and that is no better exemplified than with Warrior's Truth from God of War: Ascension.

v1073. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (PS2) - Veldin - Kyzil Plateau

Ratchet's home planet is the beginning to his adventure in the third Ratchet & Clank installment, Up Your Arsenal. The game had a more action-oriented tone to it, though it still possessed plenty of platforming charm for players to enjoy. David Bergeaud was the composer behind many early Ratchet & Clank soundtracks, and it's my honest opinion that the series' soundtracks didn't reach the same height as the earlier Bergeaud-composed scores.

v1074. LocoRoco 2 (PSP) - Etoule Pucoratte! (2)

Time to get goofy with this eccentric credits theme by the LocoRoco All-Stars. Whether they belong to the orange, green, red, blue, black, or whatever colored LocoRoco family, this song is a perfect wrap-up to the pure platforming goodness of LocoRoco's sequel.

v1075. Puppeteer (PS3) - Fire the Long Toms!

Ahoy there, mateys! This final song for this PlayStation-centric edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs comes from Puppeteer, a game that didn't get its fair shake, as it released around the PlayStation 4's launch. Still, if you can mind the constant interruptions to gameplay via the charming story, you'll most likely dig this 2.5D platformer.

SuperPhillip Central Best of 2014 Awards - Top Five Most Pleasing Visuals

You'll find with my second category, Most Pleasing Visuals, that I find both cartoon-like and realistic visuals appealing, perhaps the former more than the latter. These games on this top five list impress purely with their aesthetics, their performance, and their looks in general.

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

While not even the most visually pleasing Wii U game, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U astonishes with its smooth-as-silk frame-rate, appealing character models, and fast-paced action. Let's not forget the remarkable stages that are brimming with personality and charm. I'm awestruck at how much Masahiro Sakurai and his team managed to make the latest Smash Bros. look.

4) Infamous: Second Son (PS4)

Infamous: Second Son oozes with astounding beauty, what, with its amazing city to tool around in, impressive lighting and special effects, and the fantastic character models that animate splendidly. Second Son is one of the few original titles on a current gen system that absolutely looks phenomenal, and it's with all of the aforementioned reasons that the game impresses visually.

3) Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, XONE)

Open world games amaze me with how they load the world around the player. Grand Theft Auto V on last gen platforms impressed greatly. Now, with Los Santos on the PS4 and Xbox One, the sensational city returns in gorgeous glory, feeling like a living, breathing city more than it had in the past thanks to its brilliant looking visuals, copious amounts of detail, and amazing polish.

2) The Last of Us: Remastered (PS4)

The original game on the PlayStation 3 was already a beaut to look at, so it makes total sense that the remastered version of The Last of Us on the PS4 looks mighty impressive, nay, stunning. The environments during the various seasons that the incredible models of Joel and Ellie push through are fantastic for the eyes, and the rest of the character models show the truly visceral world of The Last of Us: Remastered remarkably well.

1) Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Despite how realistic the last three games on this list look, I'm a sucker for color, and lots of it! This is where Mario Kart 8 comes in with its eye-popping color, beautiful tracks, and well animated characters. This is Nintendo in its HD finest, and it's why I choose Mario Kart 8 as the most pleasing to look at game, at least in my humble opinion.

Another top five list is in the works for today, so stick around!

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 Five Most Exciting PlayStation 4 Games

Last Friday we spent some time talking about the Xbox One titles that excited us the most. This week we're changing focus from Microsoft's next generation offering to Sony's with the PlayStation 4. There are great number of interesting games, and this list was very difficult to make. Once you've read through our list of five games and rationale for why we've placed them here, why not tell us which titles that you deem most exciting and buzz-worthy from what PlayStation 4 is currently offering?

5) Killzone: Shadow Fall

A very much hyped launch title for the PlayStation 4, the Killzone series debuts in next gen with Killzone: Shadow Fall. Guerrilla Games promises an action-packed game that runs at 30 frames per second and in glorious 1080p resolution. For those that aren't very tech savvy, Shadow Fall will play as stunning as it looks. The series might not have been the Halo-killer that so many were wishing for, but Guerrilla Games' Killzone: Shadow Fall looks to be a grand shooter for the PlayStation 4's highly anticipated launch.

4) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is seeing Hideo Kojima's legacy series releasing on both current generation and next generation consoles. The game offers a similar ability that Peace Walker possessed in which players can build their own base, developing their own weapons and items from this location. Story events can be completed in a nonlinear order this go around, through the player choosing missions at their own leisure. Furthermore, Metal Gear Solid V has expanded the setting of the game to be more open world than before. Additionally, there is a day and night cycle that occurs in real time. Just how this will affect missions (or if it will at all) is unclear. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is shaping up to be a must-have game for fans of the series, and even we are excited, the people who thought the fourth entry in the series was a big disappointment.

3) Kingdom Hearts III

After years of rumors, it was finally confirmed that Kingdom Hearts III was truly in development for not one, but two platforms, the PlayStation 4 and, for the series' first time on a Microsoft platform, the Xbox One. Kingdom Hearts III comes fresh off the heels of last year's Dream Drop Distance on Nintendo 3DS. The game will see the return of such familiar faces such as Sora, Riku, Donald, Goofy, King Mickey and many more. Square Enix is promising new Disney worlds to explore. Perhaps we may finally see some Pixar representation in the worlds. We anxiously await more news from Square Enix on Kingdom Hearts III, as it has really been a long time coming for fans like us.

2) Final Fantasy XV

Amid rumors of Final Fantasy Versus XIII being cancelled due to the game not being seen in ages, E3 2013 showed that the game's name had been changed to Final Fantasy XV, a new mainline entry in the cherished RPG series. The game is set to be a dramatic shift from past games, in both gameplay and tone. Firstly, XV will be an action RPG instead of the traditional turn-based systems of past non-MMO entries. It will also feature third-person shooter elements. The world is set to allow for much more exploration than say, Final Fantasy XIII, offering large kingdoms, dungeons and maps to traverse, each with multiple pathways to reach one's destination. All of this sounds almost too good to be true coming after the disappointing saga of Lightning and the Final Fantasy XIII namesake. Still, we have high hopes that Tetsuya Nomura and his team can make Final Fantasy XV work and work wonderfully.

1) inFAMOUS: Second Son

While this game may not be making it to the PS4 launch, we are most excited for Sucker Punch's inFAMOUS: Second Son, due out in early 2014. The title is looking like one of the most impressive eighth generation games when it comes to its visuals. Second Son promises both familiarity and freshness, a combination that will delight players of the PlayStation 3 inFAMOUS games. Delsin Rowe is the protagonist of Second Son, and we know a little bit of his conduit powers. They allow him to use multiple steam-based attacks. However, Sucker Punch has made it clear through not-so-subtle hints that steam is just one of the many types of powers that Delsin will acquire through the game. Fans of the past games will be glad to know that Seattle, the city that Second Son takes place in, will have the same amount of freedom to explore and parkour fun that previous games had in spades. These reasons have us most hyped for inFAMOUS: Second Son than any other release for the PlayStation 4 so far.

inFAMOUS: Second Son (PS4) E3 2013 Trailer

inFAMOUS: Second Son originally debuted at Sony's February PS4 event. Although it debuted there, the game will actually release in early 2014. We're sure the wait will be worth it if this trailer is anything to go by.

Top Ten Most Wanted Games of E3 2013

Just like that, E3 2013 is over. The announcements have been made, the new consoles got their time in the light, and the awkward moments will forever be remembered. We get teased for agonizing months that seem to tick away at a snail's pace, and finally E3 came and it's over faster than the blink of an eye. Regardless, this E3 was one of the best for gamers, as not only were two consoles unveiled almost fully, but we got an enormous amount of new game announcements and new glimpses at already revealed games that we are as giddy as schoolboys.

To cap off our E3 coverage, we have in store for you a list of ten of our most wanted games from the show floor of E3 2013. Many of these games came from left field, while some were previously announced but impressed nonetheless. After we're done broaching about our faves, why not share with us which ten titles excited you most by posting in our comments section?

10) Dead Rising 3 (XONE)

When we saw the gameplay footage of Dead Rising 3, coming from one of our favorite new franchises of this past generation, we had only one thing in mind besides how awesome the footage looked. We were thinking, "please don't let this be exclusive, please don't let this be exclusive, please don't let this be exclusive!" Turns out, yep, Capcom's comedic horror franchise's third installment is an Xbox One exclusive. However, the blow wasn't as powerful as we were thinking. Capcom is saying that Dead Rising 3 is supposed to be more serious than past games, however, a good portion of the fun of the series was through its dark and morbid humor. We'll wait and see before we pass judgment on Dead Rising 3.

9) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4, XONE, PS3, 360)

The first Metal Gear Solid game developed using the all-new Fox Engine, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is set to release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and thankfully PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, for those who don't want to make the jump to next gen immediately. Metal Gear Solid V offers unprecedented freedom in the series, allowing players to select which missions they wish to do in whatever order they desire (while maintaining an understanding of the plot), an open world setting, and the ability to build and customize their own base. A day and night cycle will be implemented as well. Metal Gear Solid 4 was a disappointment to us, so Kojima Productions has a lot to prove to us for MGSV. Right now, it is looking like they may just impress us yet!

8) Destiny (PS4, XONE, PS3, 360)

What a shot to Microsoft's nuts having Bungie at a PlayStation press conference must have been. Regardless, what Bungie and publisher Activision showed at the conference did a lot to excite us. Their game is Destiny, something similar to Borderlands concerning all of the loot and weaponry you can acquire, and it features a ton of action. We get tired of all of the shooters out there, but this one seems less garden variety than the usual fare. Teaming up to take down a colossal mechanical creature looked awesome during the press event, and we eagerly await more information on Bungie's first product under Activision.

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

There was a lot of disappointment regarding Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It was all due to gamers not knowing what Retro Studios' project was. When it was revealed to be their second foray into the world of Donkey Kong Country, hearts were crushed and souls were shattered. However, then we got to see more of the game through live demos and the trailer, and then it all of a sudden didn't seem so bad after all. The game looks solid, challenging, and full of surprises. The addition of Dixie Kong and a secret fourth playable character intrigues us, and having David Wise back as the main composer for the series gives us tingles of nostalgia. We can't wait for the November release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

6) inFamous: Second Son (PS4)

A game set to release after the PlayStation 4's launch, inFamous: Second Son debuted at Sony's February PlayStation event. Protagonist Delsin Rowe specializes not only in smoke-based abilities, but he can also copy the abilities of other conduits. This open world action game is the third in the inFamous series, is set in Seattle (as opposed to a fictitious city like the previous two inFamous games) and is due for an early 2014 release. From the gorgeous graphics we've seen to the action-packed footage that has littered E3 (in a good way), inFamous: Second Son is the PS4 exclusive we're most excited about.

5) Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

Another disappointment at the Nintendo Direct was the unveiling of the new 3D Mario. Many assumed, including us, that the new Mario game would be akin to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. It would be something that really pushed the Wii U hardware. What we got instead was a sequel to Super Mario 3D Land with Super Mario 3D World. Again, the disappointment quickly went away when we saw the game in action. The new cat power-up looks phenomenally fun, having four unique characters is a great treat, and having actual multiplayer in a 3D Mario title is something that we can't wait to try out for ourselves. Super Mario 3D Land is one of the Nintendo 3DS system's best titles, so even though we started off sour on Super Mario 3D World, we welcome a sequel.

4) Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

While Super Mario 3D World certainly doesn't push the Wii U hardware as much as we'd like, a game that does is Mario Kart 8, the latest in this stellar kart racing series. The graphics look absolutely jaw-dropping, showcasing Mario and company with an immense amount of hardware power. Now, karts and bikes can ride along walls and ceilings with the F-Zero style anti-gravity gameplay. Alongside that, the developers are aiming to get the game at a consistent 60 FPS, making for one fast and fluid ride. Mario Kart is always a blast to play, and with all of the features packed into Mario Kart 8, we might be seeing the best version of the series yet!

3) Final Fantasy XV (PS4, XONE)

There was an extraordinary amount of rumors that Final Fantasy Versus XIII would turn into Final Fantasy XV. The countless people who suggested this and theorized were absolutely right. After struggling to recapture the quality of previous games in the series with Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV (the latter of which had to be revamped and re-released), Final Fantasy XV looks to be Square Enix back to its old form. Maybe it's too early to say such a thing, but you can feel free to shove this article in our faces if FFXV turns out to be bad.

2) Kingdom Hearts III (PS4, XONE)

Just one more thing... Tetsuya Nomura followed the Final Fantasy XV announcement trailer with one more new game announcement. That game announcement was none other than the long awaited Kingdom Hearts III. After all of those spin-off titles after Kingdom Hearts II, we finally have a new mainline installment to cheer for. In the trailer, we saw Sora standing at the Destiny Islands with keyblade in hand, and then we saw him scurrying away from a tidal wave of heartless in Twilight Town. This short amount of footage gives a large amount of hype for this game. What's great is that it's multiplatform for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Here's hoping Kingdom Hearts III strikes a nice balance between Disney and Final Fantasy.

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

Wii U version

Nintendo 3DS version

We listed Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and for Nintendo 3DS as our most anticipated titles leading into E3. Now that we have seen the games in action, our anticipation is at a fever pitch. Seeing that both the Wii U and 3DS installments to the Smash series will feature different stages, Nintendo already has us biting at their bait, hook, line and sinker. The addition on the first third-party character in Mega Man was an announcement that made us giggle with glee like the man-children we are. We're just a bit sad that we have to wait until next year at the earliest to get our hands on the final build of both Super Smash Bros. games.