The Most Improved Video Game Sequels - Part One

A new SuperPhillip Central segment approaches! We've looked at the best levels in gaming, we've looked at the best bosses in gaming, and now SuperPhillip Central looks at the most improved video game sequels. These sequels greatly surpassed their predecessors, added features that are now mainstays for their respective franchises, or even made the originals look like student projects by comparison.

Once you've checked out the inaugural class of six entries to Most Improved Video Game Sequels, what games do you think should be on future installments?

Super Smash Bros. Melee (GCN)

The original Super Smash Bros. was such a creative premise and dream scenario for Nintendo fans--pitting their favorite characters against one another to determine who would win in a fight. The Nintendo 64 game laid a successful foundation for the Super Smash Bros. franchise, but it wasn't until the GameCube's Super Smash Bros. Melee that the series really kicked into high gear. Adding more characters (such as Bowser, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Marth, Roy, Mewtwo, and more), more stages, more items, and just an abundance of content and improved combat, Super Smash Bros. Melee for some is still uncontested as the best game in the series. The additions of Adventure Mode, All-Star Mode, character and series-specific trophies, and other goodies took an already fantastic foundation from the N64 original and made a truly special game that wouldn't be dethroned for  almost two decades.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)

Regardless of whether or not you consider the tough-as-nails Lost Levels or the Doki Doki Panic retooled Super Mario Bros. 2 to the be sequel to the nowadays rather basic Super Mario Bros., there's no denying that Super Mario Bros. 3 took the Mario to extremely high new heights. Taking Mario and Luigi on a lengthy adventure though eight themed worlds complete with world maps, bestowing them with new suits such as the Tanooki and Hammer Suits, giving them the power of flight with the Super Leaf power-up, having an onslaught of new enemy types, inspired and creative levels, and the first appearance of the Koopalings, Super Mario Bros. 3 did arguably more for the Super Mario series than any other 2D platformer bar the original. 

Super Metroid (SNES)

The third installment of the Metroid series and the last Metroid game to be released until the one-two punch of Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion (on the GameCube and the Game Boy Advance respectively), Super Metroid brought so much to the franchise and games of this platformer style in general. For Metroid as a series, Super Metroid brought a godsend to players who found themselves lost and stumbling through the similar corridors and chambers of the original Metroid and its Game Boy sequel. That godsend was a helpful map. Super Metroid also introduced many items and power-ups that are now common for the series, such as the Charge Beam, Grappling Beam, Gravity Suit, Power Bombs, and Super Missiles, to name a handful. There's a reason that Super Metroid is held as the standard that all current Metroidvania games strive to be and are measured against. It's just that darn good.

Street Fighter II (ARC)

Perhaps the most substantial marked improvement from an original game to its sequel, the original Street Fighter was less than a stellar fighting game--to put it charitably. The stiff and unresponsive controls, the frustrating AI opponents, and the general quality were not up to snuff. Street Fighter II, on the other hand, introduced and established so many new features to the fighting game franchise formula that it's no wonder that so many fell in love with Capcom's fantastic fighter. From the addition of new playable characters, varying and distinguishable characteristics for each, combo-based gameplay, and controller commands that were easily more accessible to players. Street Fighter II managed to not only improve on its predecessor, but it managed to influence (and continues to influence) essentially all future fighting games worth their muster in quarters.

Mega Man 2 (NES)

"If at first you don't succeed" started the story of both Capcom's retro gambles. We've seen it already with Street Fighter, and now Mega Man is the second instance of this. The original Mega Man, for the most part, did not reach sales success. It was a pure risk to give the Blue Bomber a second chance, but the development team of Mega Man 2 did just that. The game was a tale of having both quality and quantity, with its addition of eight new Robot Masters instead of the original Mega Man's six. Though the inclusion of now series standbys like a save system (via password in this case) and health and weapon energy-restoring items like E-Tanks and W-Tanks, Mega Man 2 was still quite the challenging game even with these improvements to the formula. Despite dozens upon dozens of Mega Man games release since, to this day, fans of the Blue Bomber find Mega Man 2 to be the pinnacle of the long-running series.

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (PS2)

The original Ratchet & Clank brought an unlikely lombax and robot pair together in one intergalactic adventure. The sequel, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, upped the ante and the arsenal quite a bit, including introducing several mainstays to the series that would appear in most of the games in the franchise. For one, the ability to strafe more easily was extremely helpful, and the addition of being able to level up weapons through dealing damage with them made it so Ratchet's collection of firepower could become one devastating repertoire of destruction. Added gameplay types like racing and gladiator battles rounded out this excellent package, making Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando one of the best entries in the series and one of the PlayStation 2's best games in general.

Title Screens That Say A Thousand Words: Gaming's Best - Part Two

A good title screen puts the player in the mood to enjoy the game. It's memorable, it's iconic, and just looking at it even without the actual game name on it can remind of you that game. With SuperPhillip Central's relatively new series on the best title screens in gaming, these titles bring out great memories of even greater games. To check out the first entries in this series, look no further than this link. After checking out SPC's picks, which title screens from gaming's past and present do you consider the best and most memorable?

Mass Effect 3 (Multi)

We begin our journey through great title screens with one from Mass Effect 3 that really sets the stage for the game. While the ending might have had much ire from fans, the title screen of the game is one that is hard to dislike. With pieces of debris and countless asteroids falling to the planet's surface, this Mass Effect 3 title screen is so easy to get lost in, gazing at each falling piece of debris as it smashes into the planet's surface.

Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)

Xenoblade Chronicles X's title screen shares a common theme with Mass Effect 3's in that it's quite easy to get lost in. The world of the game is full of behemoth beasts both docile and threatening, and this title screen shows multiple flying beasts as our cast of heroes stands tall on a mountaintop gazing over them. The giant, hulking Skell standing next to them impresses as well, and the idea that players will be able to eventually hop inside one to take on these imposing beasts makes for one engaging title screen.

Kingdom Hearts (PS2)

Unlike Mass Effect 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X's title screens, what Kingdom Hearts offers is a more relaxing and subdued title screen. Beautifully done artwork of series protagonist Sora rests on the right side of the screen as the logo takes up the majority of the screen's real estate. All of it is cast against a gentle white background, but the piece de resistance that blends it all together so splendidly is Yoko Shimomura's Dearly Beloved theme that plays over it. Soothing and pleasant to the eyes, this is the Kingdom Hearts title screen.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)

Going from subdued to more energetic, New Super Mario Bros. Wii's title screen shows off our heroes of the game, Mario, Luigi, Yellow Toad, and Blue Toad sauntering through a idyllic landscape full of small mountains and gigantic polka-dotted hills. This is all the while this peppy and upbeat tune plays. The title screen shows the first taste of the New Super Mario Bros. series on a console as well as the main draw to the game other than the terrific level design, the crazy, zany, and ultimately fun local multiplayer for up to four friends to enjoy.

Sonic & Knuckles (GEN)

This title screen begins with Sonic falling downward with Dr. Robotnik's Death Egg smashing into a mountain in the background. As Sonic's feet meet the ground, planting firmly next to Knuckles' location, the Sonic & Knuckles logo pops up from the bottom of the screen. Now, both a 3D-looking model of Sonic as well as Knuckles perform their own modest idle animations as players choose between taking on the game as either the Blue Blur or the echidna that unlike Sonic, doesn't chuckle. It's an energetic and for its time, impressive title screen that really hits home that Sega Genesis owners were in for one exciting platforming adventure.

Streets of Rage (GEN)

Streets of Rage's classic title screen brings players with a nighttime view of a '90s era city, full of criminals and thugs to beat down and brawl. The three protagonists, Axel, Blaze, and Adam, all ex-cops, position themselves on the title screen, taking up top billing as the Streets of Rage logo manifests on the screen as well. Between the gorgeous city background, the impressive and large ixel and sprite models of our three heroes, and the Yuzo Koshiro soundtrack that backs it, this title screen for Streets of Rage is absolutely old school cool.

Super Metroid (SNES)

Going from old school cool to cool in general, Super Metroid's title screen is chilling in every sense of the word. Showing fallen bodies on both sides of the baby Metroid from Metroid II: Return of Samus that is held in captivity, the cold choices of color, the flashing of the computer monitors on both sides of the Metroid, and tense, mysterious music that plays while players look on all add up to one ambient title screen that is as memorable as it is alarming.

Mega Man 2 (NES)

Wrapping up this installment of the best title screens of gaming's long history, we go very retro with this one. After the opening scrolls up the side of a building, we see Mega Man without helmet standing at the top with his hair blowing wildly in the wind. The iconic Mega Man 2 logo presents itself, and players realize that they're in the cusp of greatness. Mega Man 2 is not only one of the greatest games on the classic NES, but it also possesses one of the most memorable title screens that the system has ever seen-- And as we've seen, one of the most memorable title screens in gaming history,

Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History - Part Seven

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING GAMES AHEAD!

• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
• Hyrule Warriors (Wii U, 3DS)
• Bloodborne (PS4)
• Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1, PSP)
• Mega Man 2 (NES)

Thanksgiving was celebrated for a lot of folks in the States, and while you may have had your fill on turkey, dressing, and all the fixings, I would like to talk about a different kind of turkey. No, it has nothing to do with the feathered creature at all. I'm talking about boss battles that are turkeys-- fights that are annoying, badly designed, or just plain "ICK!" Check out past parts of Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History with these links:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

The Imprisoned - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a pretty polarizing entry in the franchise. That's the case either because of the motion controls or the game's need to hand-hold for a significant duration of the adventure. I'm on the side that really enjoyed the game, finding the motion controls to be an extension of my own movements, really feeling like Link doing away with enemies and solving puzzles either in the overworld or in dungeons.

By and large, Skyward Sword features some of the most entertaining boss battles in the series. That's why it's so disappointing that one of the worst bosses in Zelda's history doesn't just show up in the game once but three times!

This boss is the Imprisoned, a big black beast that either marches slowly or slides and slithers around on its belly. While each encounter with the Imprisoned has some variations, the fact that you have to face it three times turns a game I can go back to easily into one that makes me think twice about doing so. Everything from how annoying it is to deal damage to the time constraints you have to beat the boss in time creates one Zelda boss that I hope I never have to fight again.

The Imprisoned - Hyrule Warriors (Wii U, 3DS)

...DAMMIT! Here's a first for Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History-- the same boss appearing two times in one volume! While the Imprisoned was indeed a tedious pain in Skyward Sword, it managed to be just as obnoxious and maybe even more so with its various appearances in Hyrule Warriors for the Wii U and Hyrule Warriors: Legends for the Nintendo 3DS.

In Hyrule Warriors, whenever the Imprisoned appears on the map, you know you're in for a fight. It's a battle of attrition as you slash, slice, or slam away at the standing beast's toes. Once those have been eliminated, the Imprisoned falls onto its chest. It's here where the boss's health gauge is vulnerable. The fact that even with a relatively strong character you're still slowly chipping away at this foe's health is one to be aware of and dread. Then, when it rises back up to its two feet, it starts sending out utterly painful shockwaves with each step, making getting in to take out its respawning toes all the more annoying. The Imprisoned is a creature that had a lot of promise in Skyward Sword, whiffed at that (thrice), and then whiffed at it again with its appearance in Hyrule Warriors.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare - Bloodborne (PS4)

Generally the bosses in FROM Software's highly acclaimed series of Souls games feature fun, frenetic action with a challenging-but-never-unfair difficulty. I say "generally" because one of the bosses in the much beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive Bloodborne does not meet these qualifications.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare-- I'll just call him Micolash for short, as he isn't really deserving of such an extravagant moniker-- is a boss that has you slowly pushing through enemy after enemy while trying to navigate a labyrinth. The enemies are annoying to contend with, and the maze itself is a confusing mess.

Upon catching up to Micolash, the "fun" continues, except this time it's in the form of an attack that can kill with one strike. May I also add that this boss absolutely loves to use this one-hit kill move over and over and over again? Micolash from Bloodborne is a rare miss from the developers as an entertaining boss battle, as he is anything but.

Wiegraf / Velius - Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1, PSP)

Final Fantasy Tactics is an often loved spin-off in the famed RPG franchise. Its ability to craft an engaging narrative while giving players a robust turn-based tactical RPG is something that many developers still try hard to beat, and often fail at doing. While the majority of the game makes it my favorite tactical RPG around, there is one sticking point for many a-beginner that if you don't have prior information to, you're probably going to find yourself cussing like a sailor.

Riovanes Castle is a three-part area in Final Fantasy Tactics. The second part is the most challenging, having Ramza face off against villain Wiegraf in a one-on-one confrontation before moving back to his starting spot. Then, he pulls out the Aries stone and transforms into the hell demon Velius. While it may be comforting that Ramza's party enters into the fray, it's short-lived, as Velius summons three Lesser Demons to settle the score.

Velius and the Lesser Demons are extraordinarily tough customers, but that would be fine and would make for a challenging boss battle. What makes this battle bad is how Final Fantasy Tactics' save system works. You are able to save your data between each of the three parts of Riovanes Castle. The problem is that you can become stuck in an unwinnable fight by being under-leveled with no way to return to the world map, because when you lose the fight, you get a game over, forcing you to reload your save. If you saved in between the first part and the second part of Riovanes Castle, you're stuck doing the second fight. Many promising save files were put to an abrupt end by not only not having a second save before entering Riovanes Castle, but also the largest jump in difficulty seen in the game yet. Some really weird oversight must have slipped by the developers, because for many, the many hours it takes to get to this point of the game meant that some just gave up and didn't get to enjoy the rest of this otherwise fantastic game.

Boobeam Trap - Mega Man 2 (NES)

Ending on a game that is a part of the recently released NES Classic Mini from Nintendo, Mega Man 2 is one of the greatest adventures the Blue Bomber has ever had. (Though I do prefer 3, but that's an article for another day.) However, there is one boss in the game that makes the game less than perfect: the Boobeam Trap, found at the conclusion of Dr. Wily Stage 4.

The boss is like a puzzle. Sounds cool so far, right? There are several Boobeams that are positioned out in the open and behind walls. These enemies require Mega Man to use Crash Bombs to destroy them, all the while they occasionally launch projectiles at our hero. The problem comes from the limited amount of weapon energy for the Crash Bomb that Mega Man has. He can only shoot seven bombs before his weapon energy is empty. The puzzle comes from being required to destroy all Boobeam targets before Mega's weapon and life energy runs out.

The problem here is that many Boobeams are placed beyond walls that also require the Crash Bomb to destroy them. So, in essence, you have to use all seven of Mega Man's Crash Bombs smartly and perfectly to solve the puzzle, or else you'll not only be unable to beat the boss, but when you are put back outside the boss room, you'll have to tediously round up enough weapon energy capsules from fallen foes to have a full supply of Crash Bombs to try the boss fight again. Sorry, but puzzles like these not only have no place in a Mega Man boss fight, but it makes for a really sizable sore spot in an otherwise excellent game.

Top Ten Best Second Entries

It's January 2nd still in most places in the world, so why not do a special list commemorating the day? SuperPhillip Central is once again entering the numbered spirit with a look at the best second entries in gaming history, much like I did with fourth games last August. These are my personal picks for the best games with the number "2" in the title. After you've perused my selections, go ahead and list yours in the comments below!

10) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PS1, N64, DC)

The original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was a revolution and brought back the excitement for extreme sports games, leading the way for titles involving snowboarding, biking, and much more. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 took everything great about the original and made it even better. This game introduced new gameplay and skateboarding mechanics to further chain combos more easily like the manual. With new additions to the series like a Create-A-Skater and a park editor to create your own skateboarding havens, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is still one of the higher regarded games in the series and a favorite of many fans.

9) God of War II (PS2)

Everything about God of War II was bigger and better. The same types of combo-focused combat was a part of Kratos's journey to seek revenge out of the betraying Zeus, the quick time events were there and accounted for, adding to the much more intense set pieces and amazing action, and the boss battles were much more plentiful than what was seen in the original God of War. Missing most of the flaws of the same game, God of War II capitalized on a great thing, making for one of the most satisfying action games of the PlayStation 2's colossal lineup, an it remains a fantastic game to play through, offering a steady level of challenge, interesting areas, and impressive set pieces.

8) Resident Evil 2 (Multi)

The Resident Evil series has seen many metamorphoses in it, much like the humans turned into zombies and other macabre monsters seen in the series. Resident Evil 2 brought the Resident Evil series to new heights, presenting players with two playable characters, rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they encounter creatures while they explore the hellish Raccoon City. Outside of the characters, the setting of Raccoon City itself was a star of the show, presenting an amazingly creepy atmosphere and several frightful moments. While the controls and some puzzles were the center of some criticism, there is no denying that Resident Evil 2 was a success and helped shape the series's future.

7) Halo 2 (XBX)

After the sleeper hit that was the original Halo: Combat Evolved, the second installment in the series was given huge expectations by fans. Thankfully, most of the expectations were met outside of the game's cliffhanger ending that was brought about by time constraints. Regardless, the campaign otherwise heralded plenty of positive feedback, allowing players to control both Master Chief and Arbiter within the duration of it. However, the big selling point was the online multiplayer, something that the original lacked, only allowing for local couch multiplayer. Halo 2 became the most played Xbox Live title for over two years before Gears of War on the 360 took its crown. A massive achievement, and quite deserved for this fantastic first-person shooter.

6) Street Fighter II (Multi)

An important game to the fighting genre if there ever was one, Street Fighter II was a revolution for the genre. Surpassing the original in more ways than one with many basic moves like throws and grabs being available in any stance, more characters, and more options, Street Fighter II and its multitude of ports on everything from the Super Nintendo to the PlayStation Portable remain popular to this day. It's for good reason, as the game balance is so well done, delivering action-packed 2D fighting with multiple moves, light, medium, heavy, and special attacks, and combos-- the latter being a first for the series. As you can see, Street Fighter II evolved the fighting game genre immensely.

5) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (Multi)

Whether you consider it a great example of storytelling and postmodernism in the gaming industry, or just a damn good game, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was a benchmark for complex narratives in gaming and great stealth-based gameplay. Offering a complicated story to invest yourself in, a new and super helpful first-person perspective for sniping and taking out enemies, a colorful cast of characters with shifting loyalties and attitudes, enemies that work in squads, a more impressive cover mechanic, and so much more, Metal Gear Solid 2 was an improved sequel in every sense of the word. Perhaps the biggest criticism came from taking control of Raiden, a character not as beloved as Solid Snake, to put it in friendly terms. Still, there are several reasons why Metal Gear Solid 2 remains a compelling and engrossing game despite this much contested flaw.

4) Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)

Many games on this list do things bigger and better than their originals. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest made the original Donkey Kong Country pale in comparison to it. With its much more articulated and complicated levels, offering an abundance of secret bonus rooms and DK Coins, Diddy's Kong Quest offered several improvements and advantages over its predecessor. Whether it's the near perfect level design, the sensational soundtrack (one of my faves of all time), the unparalleled atmosphere, beautiful visuals, the enjoyable level gimmicks, the improved boss battles, the secret Lost World area, or many more terrific things about the game, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest remains one of my favorite Super Nintendo games on the system, and a superb platformer in its own right.

3) Mega Man 2 (NES)

Like Donkey Kong Country 2, Mega Man's second outing on the NES was a much improved title over its predecessor. Mega Man 2 is still regarded as one of the best Mega Man games in the Blue Bomber's storied existence. This is after dozens upon dozens of games released after the fact. The reason why? Sublime level design, creative Robot Masters (now eight instead of Mega Man's six, a tradition that would continue throughout the series and into the X sub-series), and an astonishing soundtrack are just a few of the reasons. Though not without its issues (one of the Dr. Wily stage bosses requires the use of the Crash Bomb, and if you run out of ammo before the boss has fallen, you have to kill yourself and resupply), Mega Man 2 continues being loved by fans of the Blue Bomber and gamers in general for obvious reasons.

2) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

While the original Uncharted had many niggling issues that kept it from universal praise, it's hard to make a dent in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves' deserved reputation of being a well loved game. Whether it was the mega memorable and elaborate set pieces like the train, for instance, the amazing character design and personalities attributed to them, the fly-by-the-seat-of-its-pants story that kept players moving from jaw-dropping area to area, and the satisfying gunplay, Uncharted 2 delivered lots of excitement from its entire package. I hadn't enjoyed a Naughty Dog game as much as Uncharted 2 since the original Jak and Daxter and earlier than that, Crash Team Racing. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a beast of an adventure, and well worthy of its playful comparisons to the Indiana Jones series.

1) Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

How could I not list one of my favorite games of all time as the number one best second entry? The sequel to the already tremendous Super Mario Galaxy brought forth several ideas and concepts that didn't make it into the original. Essentially, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was a compilation of all the ideas held over from Super Mario Galaxy. New power-ups like Cloud Mario, Rock Mario, and more, amazingly crafted levels and galaxies, tight, responsive controls, and a myriad of other gameplay goodies provided me and millions of other players hours upon hours of enjoyment. There aren't too many games that I can say have put a smile on my face each and every time I've popped the game into a system, but Super Mario Galaxy 2 is indeed one of them. Without a doubt, in this writer's opinion, one of the best games to have ever been created.

First Things First: Best Openings in Gaming - Part One

Earlier in the week we took a look at some great credits sequences in games. To wrap up the work week here at SuperPhillip Central, there is a completely new series of articles that makes the rounds. The best games have a terrific opening to hook players into playing them. This new series of articles delves into the absolute best openings ever seen in gaming history. These can be completely cutscenes or they can be interactive. For part one of this list, we'll be dealing with the former. Click on the game name to watch the opening mentioned.

Final Fantasy VIII (PS1)

One of the most intense openings on this first part of this list, Final Fantasy VIII's opening is an epic menagerie of pulse-pounding scenes and imagery. From the beginning with the words protagonists and love interests Squall and Rinoa say to one another later in the game to the sensational battle of blades between Squall and Seifer which leads to both men receiving permanent scars on their faces, the opening of Final Fantasy VIII ups the pageantry and drama immensely. This is all while the excellent Nobuo Uematsu composed vocal theme Liberi Fatali plays. It all adds up to an unforgettable opening in an otherwise flawed, but still enjoyable, Final Fantasy game.

Chrono Cross (PS1)

"What was the start of this? When did the cogs of fate begin to turn? Perhaps it is impossible to grasp that answer now, From deep within the flow of time..." And with those words do the slow and steady start of Chrono Cross' opening begins. After the poetic words wrap up, the instruments and rhythm kick in, as do the gorgeous visuals. Through a series of brief glimpses at events that happen throughout the game, the icing on this enticing cake is Yasunori Mitsuda's brilliant composition, Time's Scar, also known as Scars of Time in some parts of the net. Chrono Cross isn't a perfect game, but if the quality of the title was as good as the opening throughout, it certainly would have been.

Wild ARMs (PS1)

Wrapping up our look at original PlayStation game openings, we have Mediavision's Wild ARMs opening to enjoy. This opening is unlike the prior two as it is devised up of sleek and stylish anime visuals instead of computer-generated graphics. The animation is top-notch, and the theme song heard invokes memories of the Old West, fitting for Wild ARMs' Western world mixed with sci-fi. The opening shows interactions between all three main characters of the game, Rudy, our silent protagonist; Jack, our treasure hunter; and Cecilia, our magic user. The combination of glorious anime visuals, awesome imagery, and sublime music makes for a memorable opening.

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (GCN)

We move away from serious openings to something more comical with this upcoming pair of Mario sports title openings for the GameCube. The first of which is Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, colorful and great playing arcade golf game featuring the lovable Mushroom Kingdom cast. This opening shows Wario and Waluigi up to know good in very hilarious ways. Whether they're putting opponents to sleep in how long they take to sink a putt to being chased by Bowser due to hitting him with a stray drive, this dastardly duo definitely gets their just desserts in this incredibly humorous opening. Certainly makes the effort (or lack thereof) that went into Camelot's latest sports title, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash look all the more disappointing.

Mario Power Tennis (GCN)

Wario and Waluigi just don't know when to quit, do they? After earning their comeuppance in Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour's opening, the two are at it again in the opening of Mario Power Tennis. Angry over their initial loss to the team of Mario and Luigi, Wario and Waluigi add some graffiti to the Mario Bros' tournament picture, resulting in getting some undesired attention by some police robots. The robots humorously chase Wario and Waluigi all around the Peach Dome before the two escape by entering a door. This door leads them to Bowser's secret training room where the King of the Koopas put the pair through the wringer. Through the torturous training, Wario and Waluigi feel strong enough to take on Mario and Luigi. However, instead of a traditional tennis match, the pair launch Bob-Ombs from a tennis ball shooter at the Mario Bros. All heck breaks loose with explosions everywhere, including one that destroys Bowser's flying blimp and Wario and Waluigi in the process. The comedy is rich in Mario Power Tennis, and the game itself is one of the better ones of the series.

Mega Man 2 (NES)

Sometimes all you need is some simplicity to have a memorable and awesome opening. That's at least the case with Mega Man 2's opening. It tells the tale of how Dr. Wily was defeated in the first game, and how he plans his revenge through creating eight of his own Robot Masters. What follows is the screen rising upward along the side of a tall building. At the very top stands Mega Man against the night sky, hair blowing in the wind. The riveting title music plays, energizing players to go on a new adventure with the Blue Bomber.