The Worst Things About SuperPhillip Central's Favorite Games II

The easiest thing to do when reviewing bad games is ripping them to shreds, taking all of their faults and going through each, one by one, eviscerating them. However, it's much harder to look at games that you have a great love for, perhaps irrationally so due to them being an important part of one's childhood, and picking out the things that just don't work so well in them. That's what this series of articles from SuperPhillip Central is all about: figuring out what didn't work-- no matter how small-- in the games that I love so much.

If you'd like to see five of my favorites from the first installment of this article series, click this link.

Final Fantasy VII (PS1)

We begin with a game that has the gaming world excited for its upcoming remake, though with Square Enix's history, we might be sitting here five years from now still waiting for it (okay, okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration). Of course, I'm talking about Final Fantasy VII, one of the most popular entries in the storied Final Fantasy series and many players' first foray into the franchise.

The game has a lot of variety to it, an excellent story, and one of the best casts of characters in the entire series. Everything from the memorable locales, then-impressive visuals in both gameplay and CG cinematic form, the stellar Nobuo Uematsu-composed soundtrack, and rewarding Materia system makes for a wonderful and lengthy RPG that seldom outwears its welcome.

Certainly, it was an arduous proposition to come up with something truly bad about Final Fantasy VII, but then I remembered something that stops me from regularly replaying the game. After the intense and excellent introduction of VII inside Midgar, many players found themselves bewildered by the fact that Midgar was just the tip of Final Fantasy VII's iceberg. They were thrust into a world map that meant that Midgar was but a small part of a much grander and ambitious game.

However, soon after arriving on the world map, the part of Final Fantasy VII that brings me pause upon starting up a new play-through so easily rears its head into the picture. I'm talking about the approximately 40-minute flashback sequence that occurs upon arriving in Kalm. There are good things about this moment in the game, such as showing off Sephiroth's amazing power in battle by killing a giant dragon with one attack while the soldiers joining him can hardly put a dent into its HP, as well as establishing character relationships and some back story (as well as making a later revelation in the game have a much larger impact).

However, upon repeated play-throughs, it's a section of the game I wish I could skip sometimes. Even then, that's big praise that a quick fraction of a gigantic game is the thing that bothers me the most about Final Fantasy VII.

Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1, PSP, iOS, Android)

While Final Fantasy VII's Kalm flashback sequence can stop me from doing a run of the game, Final Fantasy Tactics has something that can stop beginning players from successfully continuing their first run of the game.

Final Fantasy Tactics' various missions generally take place isolated from one another. However, occasionally within the game, there are missions occur one after the other without the option to return to the world map. That isn't a problem so far. The problem here is that you're given the option to save in between these missions. What's wrong with that? You can find protagonist Ramza's party too underleveled or not strong enough to tackle a mission in these successive battles. With no option to return to the world map upon losing (you get a game over instead), you can find yourself stuck with no possible means to progress in the campaign.

The first set of battles that this can become a problem is Riovannes Castle, a setting housing three successive fights. The second, against a transformed Wiegraf, is quite possibly one of the toughest encounters in the game, much more a massive jump in difficulty early in the game. Without proper knowledge of this, beginning players can find themselves having to start a new save data from the very beginning of the game if they weren't aware to make a second save ahead of time. I know my early struggle with this problem caused me to drop Final Fantasy Tactics for months. Thankfully, I went back to it and found myself thinking Tactics is one of the greater games in the franchise, mainline, spin-off, or whatever.

Metroid Prime (GCN)

Retro Studios and Nintendo seemingly did the impossible-- not only take the then-previously all 2D Metroid franchise into 3D with fantastically epic results, but it was done with a team that was inexperienced at best. Really, Metroid Prime is one of my favorite games of all time, but it's not without an issue that many players might find frustrating.

This particular segment of Metroid Prime occurs late in the game. Samus Aran is tasked to venturing to the Impact Crater of Tallon IV after exploring all other areas within the game. There she finds a series of nine pillars that require you as the player to venture (see: backtrack) through the areas of Tallon IV to find the Chozo Artifact designated to each pillar. You get a clue for each artifact's location from each pillar.

Personally, I found this little end game scavenger hunt enjoyable, but just imagine other players' perspectives, thinking they were at the end of the game, ready to take on the final bosses, only to be stopped by this late game collect-a-thon. Many found themselves turning to places like GameFAQs and the like to rush through this section of the game to finally get the chance to take down Meta-Ridley for good (at least in the original Metroid Prime "for good") and then go on to face Metroid Prime itself.

The funny (perhaps I should have put that in quotes) part about this late game scavenger hunt is that it would be used in the Metroid Prime games succeeding this one. I found them fun, but then again, I found the Triforce Quest of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker somewhat tolerable, so I have my own issues!

Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Mario Kart 8 is the latest in the long-running and most successful arcade kart racing series on the market. With every iteration, Nintendo delivers fun and fast racing that is accessible to all skill levels while possessing enough depth to remain engaging for gaming veterans.

This is a rather humorous inclusion to this list of my favorite games with problems because the problem I am going to talk about is getting fixed with the Nintendo Switch's Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, coming out at the end of April. That problem is one many players of the Wii U original know all too well-- the omission of Bowser Jr. Okay, no, while that was an issue I had with the Wii U original, the real problem is the Battle Mode.

What made previous entries of Mario Kart so engaging with their Battle Modes were dedicated arenas to pursue, hunt down, and attack opponents on. In Mario Kart 8's Wii U incarnation, the Battle Mode consisted of tracks from the Grand Prix mode of the game with no real alterations that could be traveled on in both forwards and backwards fashion (i.e. no major glider sections that could only be traveled one-way). While the varied geography of the battlefields weren't inherently awful, the size of them meant opponents took much longer to find one another and confrontations weren't as thrilling as they would otherwise be in an arena setting.

Thankfully, a big part of the appeal of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch is the return of the classic arena-style Battle Mode. Sure, for many who owned the Wii U original, it might not be worth a second purchase. However, at the same token, most gamers and consumers didn't own a Wii U, so the package will be an entirely new game to them regardless.

[Poochy &] Yoshi's Woolly World (3DS, Wii U)

I recently reviewed the Nintendo 3DS port of the Wii U's tremendously creative and charming Yoshi's Woolly World. To me, both versions of the game are modern classics that rival even the original Yoshi's Island on the Super Nintendo. One of the major things I like over the SNES classic is that getting 100% in a level doesn't need to be performed by doing every task in one run (getting all five flowers, collecting all 20 red coins, or badges in Woolly World's case, or having full health by the end of a level), making for a much less stressful experience.

However. Yoshi's Woolly World isn't without its faults. Let me focus on the main one that can drive many completionists crazy. A good deal of collectibles within the game are found in hidden cloud bubbles. I'm talking literally hidden in that they're invisible to the eye until Yoshi brushes up against them. This means that in many levels and in order to find everything, you need to obsessively jump in any suspicious space to have the bubbles appear.

Inside the bubbles are usually things that are required to fully complete a level, such as a flower, a collection of colorful beads where one or two of them are badges you need to nab, or a yarn spool. While there are items you can spend beads on to reveal their locations, it feels disappointing that the collectibles almost require you to do that for so many levels. It's like the developers knew how much they overdid hiding secrets in the game and gave themselves a way out. Nonetheless, even with this problem, I find Yoshi's Woolly World on Wii U and its Nintendo 3DS port amazing platformers worthy of any fans of the genre's time and money.

Just in Time For Christmas: The Great Winter Wonderlands in Gaming

Merry Christmas to everyone who passes by SuperPhillip Central, both frequenters and rare passersby! SuperPhillip Central wishes you and yours the very best, and if you don't celebrate Christmas, then a happy holiday season to you!

SPC gives you the gift of a new article for this Christmas night: a look at some of my favorite winter-themed levels in gaming. By no means is this an exhaustive list, so after you've checked out my picks, name some of your favorite winter wonderlands in your favorite games. If you're so bold, also tell the community why you chose that level or levels!

Freezeezy Peak - Banjo-Kazooie (N64, XBLA)

When I think of Christmas and winter in gaming, this level in Banjo-Kazooie is usually the first that comes to mine. Freezeezy Peak is all winter all the time, featuring a wide array of landmarks fitting for the season. Such sights include the massive, and I do mean massive, snowman structure in the middle of the level, where Banjo can climb the length of its scarf, get a Jiggy from its cob pipe, and even reach the top of its hat where a Jinjo stands. Then, there is the Christmas tree where you can save a bunch of lights from being gobbled up, a cave housing a bear-loathing walrus, frozen ponds, angry snowmen that love chucking snowballs at inattentive bears and birds, and an igloo housing a family of four polar bears. Top it all off with this sensational theme, and you have a cold yet cozy world worth exploring.

Snowball Park - Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

There are so many terrific levels and worlds in the Super Mario series to choose from. I was leaning towards Cool, Cool Mountain and Snowman's Land from Super Mario 64, but then I remembered this recent example of a wonderful winter wonderland. While it might not have the same openness of the Super Mario 64 levels I mentioned, Super Mario 3D World's Snowball Park is a great reminder of the season with Mario and crew able to pick up and toss snowballs at enemies and slide around on the ice. Then, you have the second half of the level where our heroes can leap into giant ice skates, zipping across the ice as they maneuver their way to the level's end. Snowball Park is a modern Mario level that just screams winter.

Sherbet Land - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) / Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN)

Debuting as an original track in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for the GameCube and then appearing as a retro track in Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, Sherbet Land is a fun, snow-filled course that sees Shy Guys skating along the ice, enjoying themselves (but you won't if you crash into them!), a cavern of icicles, a frozen-over lake full of Freezies that can make any racer become frozen solid upon bumping into them, and festive flags hanging all around. In Mario Kart 8's version of the track there are two sections where you can dive underwater, taking an aquatic route through the course. Speaking of Mario Kart 8...

Animal Crossing (Winter) - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Nothing in a game gives me as warm a feeling as walking around my town in winter in Animal Crossing, no matter the version of the game. Mario Kart 8's second DLC pack brings that same exact warmness in a race with the winter version of the Animal Crossing track, a track that comes in four varieties, each a different season. Everything in Mario Kart 8's winter theme of Animal Crossing is covered in a generous dusting of snow, illuminated under the starry night sky. Houses have their lights on both indoor and out, providing a soothing glow, while many of the trees have beautiful Christmas lights on them. There is no better track in the Mario Kart series that exudes the feeling of Christmas and winter as well as this version of the Animal Crossing track in Mario Kart 8.

Ice Cap Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (GEN)

When a level starts out with your character zooming down a mountain on a snowboard with an avalanche hot on his trail, you know you're in for something way past cool. In fact, the Ice Cap Zone is way past cold! (I'll see myself out later.) A two-act zone that features both outdoor sections and indoor cavernous sections, the fifth zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the Ice Cap Zone is a one-two punch of awesomeness. From the rocking soundtrack to the breaking through chunks of ice and walls of snow, there is no better zone in my opinion from the Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis trilogy that is as fantastic as Ice Cap. Of course, as a kid I could never reach it because of that stupid barrel in the preceding zone, but now that I'm able to, I appreciate the Ice Cap Zone even more!

Icicle Inn - Final Fantasy VII (PS1)

Located north of the nearby Great Glacier, Icicle Inn is a winter resort town that gives off a warm (there's that word again) and inviting feel. The light that pours out of the windows of the various cabins in the town shine brightly and magnificently, and the sun in the sky glistens on the snowy ground. It's a town so lovely and welcoming that you really want to stay there for as long as you can. Of course, that isn't possible as there is a world to save and a villain to defeat in Sephiroth. Still, you can enjoy a trip down the slopes with an enjoyable snowboarding mini-game, one that became so popular that Square Enix turned it into a mobile game. Nonetheless, between snowboarding sown the slopes and admiring the pure and genuine beauty of Icicle Inn, I'll always choose the latter.

Winter Crash - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Multi)

If you're tired of running and gunning through sand, then maybe you'll appreciate this wintry and Christmas-y take on the OG Crash map in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Instead of sand and an afternoon sky, you get snow and nighttime air. Buildings once derelict and dull are now covered with Christmas lights and decorations, fitting for the season. Those aren't the only major changes to the map, as standing tall and proud next to a downed chopper is a 20-foot Christmas tree with all the trimmings, including a whole slew of Christmas presents at its base for all the good little soldier boys and girls involved in combat.

Shadow Moses - Metal Gear Solid (PS1)

We go from one game with guns to another, although this one has more tact and strategy involved, unless you're not one to go all stealthily. Metal Gear Solid's Shadow Moses is the locale that the entire game takes place in. While most of the game takes place indoors, some of the more memorable moments occur outside with modest visibility and sizable snowfall. From the ambient sounds of Solid Snake's feet crunching the snow below him to the arctic winds enveloping the area, Shadow Moses's outdoor areas ooze with wintry atmosphere. Shadow Moses was such a pivotal place in the Metal Gear Solid series that it would return in Guns of the Patriots with even more fanfare but even less visibility!

Phendrana Drifts - Metroid Prime (GCN)

My first time stepping into Phendrana Drifts, like a lot of players, led to a breathtaking moment of seeing a wide open expanse filled with falling snow, icy and intricate architecture, and a Metroid-style winter wonderland before my very eyes. Between the first open room complete with Chozo ruins on both ends of the map, the underwater expanses, the icicle-covered caverns, and open canyons, Phendrana Drifts is one of the more beloved areas in the Metroid Prime trilogy. Few areas in gaming exhibit as much wonder as Phendrana does. You can feel the cold and chill of the area just by the stunning ambiance and environmental cues. Retro Studios did a phenomenal job with creating Phendrana Drifts, and it still remains one of the most prolific places in Metroid series history.

Snow Barrel Blast - Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

The first level of Gorilla Glacier in Donkey Kong Country gives you a rough feeling of what to expect in the world. With a breathtaking scenery and environment of snow-covered pine trees, you can easily find yourself losing focus and falling into a pit or smacking right into a foe. As you progress through the level, what was once a slight flurry of snowfall turns into a generous gift of snow from the sky. It makes the final section of the level where DK and Diddy must time with perfect precision their being shot out of a series of rotating barrel cannons all the more difficult to complete. But, once you do, the feeling of relief and accomplishment is one you won't forget for quite a while, much like the entire level of wondrous winter spectacle.

Frosty Village - Diddy Kong Racing (N64)

I have fond memories as a middle school student where one Christmas one of my presents was the gift of Diddy Kong Racing, a kart racer that remains my favorite to this day. One of the reasons for this was memories of racing through the wintry and snowy Frosty Village track. From the start of the race, a body of water surrounds the track on each side before leading into an archway that starts a downward slope towards the titular village. A quick right turn leads into an icy tunnel that opens up into a large and expansive section of track surrounded by shining streetlamps and massive trees. Following that is the home stretch, a right turn that if you have a hovercraft, you can pass through a waterfall on the inside, a fun shortcut to take given you've got the vehicle. Besides the well done track design, the environment is full of winter touches that really puts me in a happy and joyous mood no matter what season I race on Frosty Village-- though winter is preferred!

Chilly Castle - Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Multi)

From one kart racer to another, Chilly Castle from Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed represents Billy Hatcher & the Giant Egg, a GameCube-exclusive game from the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, Yuji Naka. The race starts off with a series of turns and a branched path through a cozy winter village. The village roads soon converge as racers ride under a gate leading into a section surrounded by castle walls. After a handful of increasingly tighter turns, the race enters a frozen tunnel where racers' rides transform into aquatic cruisers and boats. After this watery ride is finished, the tunnel launches the racers back to the starting line. The immense amount of detail in Chilly Castle, welcoming starting village, and feeling of winter all present a superb track worthy of the season.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Labor Day 2016 Edition

It's a day off for a lot of workers here in Central City. Yes, it's Labor Day. Some might even be returning to school tomorrow (though most districts here have already started classes weeks ago). Regardless, it's a holiday here in the U.S., but it's no day off for yours truly. Instead, I have five new VGMs to add to the ever-expanding list for this week.

We begin our musical journey with a lovely theme from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Then, we get electronic with the intro theme of Mirror's Edge. Metroid Prime gets a boss theme represented while SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals honors the call of duty for SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. Finally, Dead Rising 2 creeps into the Favorite VGMs as the final game featured.

To check out each VGM theme, just click on the VGM volume name. And if you want even more VGMs from past editions of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, click on this link to be taken to the VGM Database. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1221. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - Reunion

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is still on the minds of many PlayStation 4 owners. Heck, the online multiplayer is still as bustling as can be. Why not take a look back, then, to one of the most popular and critically acclaimed entries in the Uncharted franchise with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves! Reunion is an emotional theme that is one of my favorites on the soundtrack, save for the well known main theme.

v1222. Mirror's Edge (PS3, 360, PC) - Introduction

Many players were looking for an excuse to hang out in the main menu of Mirror's Edge for the sole reason of listening to this chill track by Solar Fields, the stage name of Magnus Birgersson, a Swedish musician who primarily deals in the genre of electronic music. He's come up with over a dozen albums, as well as has scored various game soundtracks, including both Mirror's Edge games.

v1223. Metroid Prime (GCN) - Hive Mecha / Incinerator Drone Boss

It's a shame that this sensational and tense boss theme is only heard twice in Metroid Prime's duration, and that's during the early Hive Mecha and Incinerator Drone boss battles. Thankfully, you need not prolong the battles just to hear this song thanks to the wondrous Internet granting you the ability to hear it as much as you'd like, such as heard on YouTube.

v1224. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals (PS2) - Online Theme

Like Uncharted 2, let's get orchestral with this next VGM volume. This time we're listening to the online multiplayer menu theme of SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals. A stirring symphonic backing was there when players fumbled through the menus to set up online matches. Now? SOCOM is a franchise on indefinite hiatus, sadly. To all those waiting and yearning for a new SOCOM, I salute you!

v1225. Dead Rising 2 (PS3, 360, PC) - Helicopter Battle

Generally, a human against a helicopter isn't a fair fight. Like, at all. But that changes when the human involved is Dead Rising 2's protagonist, Chuck Greene. He's got a daughter to save, thousands of zombies to survive against, and now a dangerous helicopter to take down. This isn't quite an ordinary day for Mr. Greene, now is it?

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

The title screen-- it's been with us for countless decades now. Whenever there is a game, there is a screen that shows what the name of it is. For the first time on SuperPhillip Central, we'll be taking a look at some of the best title screens in gaming history. Since there are so many good ones to choose from, this is but part one of what I plan to be a long-running series. Whether they're animated, offer some interaction, or are just plain cool looking, these title screens are what SuperPhillip Central considers to be the absolute best of a big bunch.

Super Mario 64 (N64)

We start off with a title screen that is an attraction screen as well. Super Mario 64 revolutionized the industry with its masterful use of 3D gameplay that was never as well executed until the game came out. It also has plenty of Easter eggs in it to keep players coming back for more. I remember spending ages tooling around outside of Princess Peach's castle, but I also recall messing about a bunch on the title screen, amazed I could pull Mario's nose, ears, hat, mustache, and more in crazy ways and amalgamations. 

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

Listening to the soft and tranquil piano title theme play as coming and going hoof beats pass the player by, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a wonderful ride through a peaceful Hyrule Field. Adult Link rides his friend Epona through the countryside, stopping at streams, riding across hills and scenes of green, and greeting the dawn with virtuoso horse riding skills.

The Last of Us (PS4, PS3)

A direct contrast to the ugliness that the game presents players, The Last of Us's title screen is a serene one with gorgeous sunbeams shining through a garden-side window. You'd think that this title screen was for a completely different game, and not one where bashing bricks through enemy skulls, being bitten and consumed by infected human beings, and seeing the true horrors that humankind can bring unto the world.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2)

A colorful title screen with Metal Gear Solid's main artist, Yoji Shinkawa, delivers the supreme style that Hideo Kojima's series is known for. The title screen is sleek, stylish, and yes, even a bit sexy, if a title screen could be such a thing. It gets you primed for the excellent tale and spy thriller that awaits you. The title screen offers two versions: one with Solid Snake, as pictured, and one in blue with Raiden.

Metroid Prime (GCN)

An awesome looking title screen from the gang at Retro Studios and Nintendo, Metroid Prime's title screen gives a look inside cells with a microbiological setting. All style AND substance, pressing start presents players with a deeper look at even more cells and science, really wowing viewers in the process.

Xenoblade Chronicles [3D] (Wii, New 3DS)

Whether you're playing the original Wii or the New Nintendo 3DS version, Xenoblade Chronicles's title screen is similar to The Last of Us's in that presents a very tranquil environment. However, Xenoblade's world isn't as hopeless or as macabre at Naughty Dog's entry. Regardless, this scene shows Shulk's foreseeing Monado blade resting inside a grassy field with the wind blowing ever so gently. It's a calming title screen made even more so by the excellent theme that plays during it.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (SNES)

Yoshi's Island's title screen shows off a flyover of the eponymous island, revealing all of the lovely locations that the Yoshis and Baby Mario will traverse. From plains to towers, castles to caves, Yoshi's Island offers many locales to travel through while giving the player a fantastic Koji Kondo composed soundtrack in the process.

Pokemon Red and Blue (GB)

The final title screens of this first edition of the best title screens in gaming goes nostalgic with the very first duo of Pokemon games, Pokemon Red and Blue. You get the Pokemon Championship theme to roll around in your ears, as well as a look at trainer Red and a parade of Pokemon appearing one by one across the screen. It's the perfect way to get into the mood to go about catching 'em all!

Top Five Metroid Games

29 years ago, the original Metroid released on the Famicom in Japan. It seems like there is no better opportunity to celebrate the series than with an in-depth top five list discussing the best the Metroid series has to offer. Despite having a modest selection of entries compared to other franchises of the same time span and age, it was very difficult coming up with the five Metroid games that best represent the glorious bounty hunter Samus Aran's galactic exploits. After you've checked out my order of titles, hit me up with your faves in the comments below.

5) Metroid Fusion (GBA)

A much more linear Metroid compared to most games in the series, Metroid Fusion saw Samus Aran heading to a space station to eliminate the threat of the X Parasites. This was all the while occasionally encountering the mysterious and highly deadly SA-X, taking the form of Samus. Through intense chase sequences, players have to quickly retreat from the persistent SA-X pest or else suffer fast defeat. The gameplay of Metroid Fusion was quite similar to past 2D games, particularly Super Metroid. New abilities came in the form of Core-X from defeated bosses and from various download stations across the space station. A higher emphasis on story was presented as well to the more linear affair that the game presented players. It all ended with a much deserved beat-down of the SA-X, retreating the destructing space station before it exploded, wiping out all of the X Parasites on board from existence.

4) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GCN)

After the grand success of Metroid Prime, developer Retro Studios decided to take the series into a different direction. Now, by no means, was the gameplay greatly affected by this. Instead, Retro went with a heavier emphasis on story with Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, taking place in two different dimensions, Light Aether and Dark Aether, as Samus Aran not only deals with the menacing Ing, but also her own doppelganger in the form of Dark Samus. Many critics argued that Metroid Prime 2 suffered with its higher difficulty, but for me personally, it was just right. Many times Metroid games were easy affairs unless you were speedrunning them, so the increased difficulty suited me just fine. What didn't work so well that would work with the later released Metroid Prime Hunters was the multiplayer component which felt shoehorned in. That said, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is an incredible entry in the series that should not be passed on.

3) Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA)

An enhanced remake of the original Metroid, which was a game that definitely needed some enhancing due to its obtuse level design and lack of helpful map, Metroid: Zero Mission launched on the Game Boy Advance with gameplay very reminiscent of the superb Super Metroid. Not only that, but the visuals were beefed up supremely compared to the original Metroid, and an entire bonus section of the game where Samus Aran is without her Power Suit, forcing her to stealthily move through a Space Pirate ship with a mere stun pistol. While Metroid: Zero Mission is a bit short even with this new content, the game, like many others in the series, demands multiple play-throughs to experience everything the game has to offer. Doing something like getting 100% game completion within a set amount of time is an objective proficient players can shoot for.

2) Super Metroid (SNES)

One of the greatest 2D titles of all time, Super Metroid delivered fantastic level design, near perfect pacing, and killer ambiance with its myriad marvelous environments. The brand-new auto-mapping feature meant even beginners could have a fighting chance at exploring planet Zebes without hitting too many roadblocks. Super Metroid was the first Metroid game to have fully realized environments, meaning that unlike the original Metroid and Metroid II: Return of Samus on the original Game Boy, you could easily tell the difference between rooms, making getting lost much less of a problem. Perhaps my only reason for not sticking Super Metroid as number one on this list of top five Metroid titles is the first visit to Maridia, where movement is sluggish underwater thanks to the lack of the Gravity Suit, which isn't earned until later in the game. Other than that, Super Metroid has withstood the test of time and deserves not just one play-through but several.

1) Metroid Prime (GCN)

Originally a mess of a project before some divine intervention in the form of gaming god Shigeru Miyamoto stepped in to lend the folks at Retro Studios some direction, Metroid Prime went from what was looking like a failed experiment to bring the Metroid franchise into a first-person perspective to becoming not just what I perceive to the best that Metroid as a series has to offer, but one of the best games of all time. With a story that allows players to dive as deeply into it as they want to by scanning the environment for added narrative to impeccably designed areas that felt like you were in a living, breathing world, Metroid Prime took everything that players loved about the 2D games and made it work wonderfully in 3D.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "A VGM in the Hand is Worth Five in An Edition" Edtion

Welcome to a brand-new work week here at SuperPhillip Central! Lots of interesting stuff to cover this week, including multiple reviews, a look at Nintendo's way of doing DLC, and a lot more! But first we have SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs to kick things off with a bang rather than a whimper. Music this edition comes from games such as Metroid Prime, Mario Golf: World Tour, and Tearaway. I then wrap the edition up with music from the original Ratchet & Clank and The Sims 2: Seasons.

v851. Metroid Prime (GCN) - Menu Selection Screen

We kick this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs off with a listen to the theme that plays during the awesome data selection menu. The menu alone excites the eyes with its amazing visuals, but the song that accompanies it is no slouch either. They combine to make an unforgettable menu for Metroid Prime players to behold upon starting up the game.

v852. Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS) - Star Coin Collector

Mario Golf: World Tour is my favorite arcade golf game ever made. It's combination of tight gameplay, great controls, terrific courses, lots of content to unlock, and presentation make for a near-perfect golf game. Motoi Sakuraba brought the goods when he composed the music for this game, especially with Star Coin Collector, a highly catchy theme that those in the Challenge mode will hear A LOT as they try to hit the ball into the coin while staying at par or better.

v853. Tearaway (Vita) - The Orchards

A rustic, worldly soundtrack accompanying a great game, Tearaway is a fantastic example of a PlayStation Vita exclusive that uses the hardware in some very smart, seldom-gimmicky-in-a-negative-way forms. From using the front touch screen to move platforms to tapping the back touch screen to "push" objects in the environment, Tearaway is one of the Vita's best titles, and soon, PlayStation 4 owners will get to see what the critical acclaim for the game was all about, albeit in altered form.

v854. Ratchet & Clank (PS2) - Blackwater City (Planet Rilgar)

Planet Rilgar's Blackwater City in the original Ratchet & Clank is home to the first hoverboard championship, a challenging mini-game for the uninitiated. However, with practice, one can easily shred and tear up the course with delight. The music of the first several games in the Ratchet & Clank series were composed by David Bergeaud, and he remains my favorite gentleman who wrote music for the franchise.

v855. The Sims 2: Seasons (PC) - Neighborhood Theme

A careful blend of piano and guitar make for a homely feel with this Neighborhood Theme from The Sims 2: Seasons expansion pack. It's a shame that the latest Sims game did not meet the financial success that publisher Electronic Arts was desiring. Thus, the series seems to be on indefinite hiatus.