September and October's Central City Census covers Let's Play videos. Are you a fan of them? Do you even know what they are? That's what this next poll is all about.
Showing posts with label october. Show all posts
Showing posts with label october. Show all posts
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Central City Census - September - October 2014
This edition of SuperPhillip Central's Central City Census is way overdue, so I'm going to run it from the rest of this month until the end of October. Before I get into September and October's census subject, here are the results of August's poll!
September and October's Central City Census covers Let's Play videos. Are you a fan of them? Do you even know what they are? That's what this next poll is all about.
September and October's Central City Census covers Let's Play videos. Are you a fan of them? Do you even know what they are? That's what this next poll is all about.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U) October Trailer
When Super Mario 3D World was revealed at the top of Nintendo's E3 Direct video, many were like, "meh." When the second trailer came out, many were like, "holy crap. Why didn't you show THIS at E3?!" Now that this new trailer is out, many are like, "humina, humina, humina. Insert this into my veins." We agree with this overwhelmingly positive attitude towards Super Mario 3D World, and this trailer shows off a huge amount of content within the game.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Review Round-Up - October-November 2012
 |
| The obtuse nature of many of the puzzles gave Sticker Star an 8.0 out of 10. |
Kart Krashers (DSiWare) - 7.25
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DSWare) - 8.5
Family Tennis 3D (3DSWare) - 7.0
Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone (3DS) - 8.5
Spot It! Mean Machines (DSiWare) - 7.0
Johnny Hotshot (3DSWare) - 5.5
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (3DS) - 9.0
Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS) - 8.0
 |
| The biggest mystery was how the Professor Layton series continues to amaze. |
Thursday, October 25, 2012
SPC Soapbox - 10/25/12 Wii U Demo Impressions, Change, and Graphics Over Gameplay!?
The last time I stood on the SPC Soapbox was back in August. It was also the first time as well. If you recall, the long-running SPC Mailbag turned into the SPC Soapbox. Regardless, today I have three more topics I'd like to briefly discuss that ordinarily would not be long enough to make for an appealing article by their lonesome. Today's topics include my first play session with the Wii U, why gamers need to make up their minds about change, and a disturbing debate I heard in my game theory class.
Wii U demo impressions
After an appointment this past Tuesday I drove home a different way just so I could stop by my local Best Buy. I was interested to see if Style Savvy: Trendsetters was in stock, but I had an ulterior motive in my trip. I wanted to see if the Wii U demo station at the store was up. Although it was facing the back of the gaming department, an employee there told me that the station was a popular attraction. Note that Nintendo hasn't really advertised their new console to the general public as of yet. Thankfully, because I was there on an afternoon on a school day, the demo station was wide open for me to try out the system without any sort of wait.
I grabbed the Wii U GamePad and immediately I was surprised at what I held. The GamePad was incredibly lightweight. I had read impressions that the controller was such, but I did not think it would have such little heft to it. The controller fit my hands perfectly, and it was comfortable to use for the duration I spent with the unit. I slid my finger across the various game boxes on the screen and came across Rayman Legends. Conveniently enough the game was the only one with a demo on the Wii U demo station. Odd as the game does not come out until next year, but I wasn't complaining.
I entered the timed demo and selected a castle stage, one that was shown on the E3 2012 stage. I started off as the new character Barbara, and if you have played Rayman Origins, you will feel right at home with the controls. Everything is as tight and as smooth control-wise as that game. However, Legends is all the more gorgeous, much more so than its predecessor. It was just awe-inspiring and something I had to sit back and marvel at for a few moments. No hyperbole here, folks. It's just a darned beautiful game.
I eventually reached an area where Rayman was, and I was forced to switch to Murphy, a character controlled with the Wii U GamePad. While the CPU controlled Rayman, I helped out by slicing ropes with my finger, rubbing enemies to make them ticklish and vulnerable to Rayman's attacks, sliding platforms around, and spinning objects with the GamePad.
Speaking of spinning objects, there was only one problem spot I had and that regarded a bonus area. You have to tilt the GamePad to spin a circular maze around while your AI-controlled Rayman has to get through it. I kept reaching the middle of the maze, but Rayman would just dangle from the chain, not really going anywhere. He kept falling off the chain, leading to his demise, before I could situate the maze correctly. That could have been an error on my part, not knowing what to do, but it was frustrating enough that I just said "forget it" and moved on with the demo.
I finished the first level of the demo, but I did not have the time to try out the second level. It was the running level set to heavy metal music shown in this E3 2012 presentation. Overall, I enjoyed my time with Wii U and Rayman Legends, and I think the game sold me on the system. I'm sort of glad that the game was delayed, solely for the reason that it doesn't have to compete directly with New Super Mario Bros. U this holiday season. I just hope Ubisoft gives the game the same amount of love around release as it is giving the game now.
The hypocrisy of change
Gamers are creatures that just confuse me on a daily basis. I've made fun of them enough and gave my piece on how they can really disgust me (Bayonetta 2, "I'm not a gamer" ads, message board communities like NeoGAF, entitlement issues, etc.), so there's no use going into that.
However, there is this concept of change and innovation that some gamers get hypocritical about. Some gamers say they want change in franchises so they don't get stagnant. Nintendo fans are notorious for this. Don't change much and it's a rehash; change a lot and it sucks now. So it seems like gamers want change, but at the same time they want to play the same games they grew up enjoying. How does a developer satisfy such an insatiable group? Perhaps I'm building strawmen here, so if I seem like I'm blatantly doing so, I apologize. It's just... freaking gamers, man.
The baffling mindset of some Western gamers and studios
If you haven't been a frequenter of SuperPhillip Central, then you don't realize that my site only gets half of my time. The other is devoted to college as I am a university student. One of my classes this semester involves game theory and design. One evening our class had a debate on something DmC Devil May Cry director Hideaki Itsuno said in an interview about how Western developers focus on visuals first and then gameplay. Somehow it got turned into a debate on whether or not graphics are more important than gameplay.
Something inside me was enraged after hearing some of the opinions, and not just opinions -- popular opinions within the class. It had little to do with people agreeing with the opinion that graphics should be the most important part to a game.
Which is a reason why I found someone bringing up Battlefield 3 to be so funny. This is besides the ignorance that is popular with a certain group of gamer that somehow Nintendo is the one that makes the same games over and over again yet many carbon copy FPS games are given a free pass for being basically the same games with a new coat of paint and IP attached to it. (Just how Super Mario Galaxy, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and Super Mario 3D Land are the same is beyond me when one deals with gravity-based platforming, one is 2D, and the other is a mix of 3D and 2D gameplay. Perhaps we're thinking too shallow and only talking about story?) Regardless, when it concerns Battlefield 3, the argument made was that graphics were more important because all of the aircraft and tanks resemble what they look like in real life, and thank goodness for that! Thank goodness each airplane and aircraft is 100% faithful to the real things, and thank goodness each marine moves just like real-life marines do. Who cares if the gameplay feels to me like the same old derivative first-person shooter stuff we've seen hundreds of times already? Just as long as the visuals create an experience, the gameplay can be an afterthought! That is what I took from the debate. I don't know if this person really believed what he was saying (i.e. graphics are more important than gameplay, mechanics, a game concept. etc.) because he was forced to argue a particular viewpoint, or if that is what he truly believes.
But that wasn't what even angered me. I couldn't care less what some random person has to say. What angered me was the realization that this type of thinking that graphics should be front and center and everything else should come after is shared not only by many Western gamers (and wrongly so), but it is the mindset of so many Western developers. No wonder some of the West's games generally bore me because they are more enthused with creating a pretty package that runs in 1080p and 60 FPS instead of making something fun. How I yawned playing Killzone, Halo, Gears of Bros -- I mean Gears of War -- and other Western games. Don't get me wrong -- the West also does awesome stuff like Batman: Arkham City, LittleBigPlanet, Rayman Origins, Uncharted, and Mirror's Edge, for starters, but sometimes it can be perceived as too few and far in between.
Furthermore, when did some "gamers" make it that having an experience in a game is exclusive to being immersed in it by visuals? Am I messed up because I get immersed in a game by compelling gameplay? That was a rhetorical question if you're playing at home. That isn't to say that only gameplay or graphics can immerse a player or give them an experience. No, both do whether a person realizes it or not.
It's this increasing mindset by the West that video games should be built to be visual powerhouses or artistic delights first and vessels to show off compelling gameplay and design AFTER is what is so maddening to me.
Wii U demo impressions
After an appointment this past Tuesday I drove home a different way just so I could stop by my local Best Buy. I was interested to see if Style Savvy: Trendsetters was in stock, but I had an ulterior motive in my trip. I wanted to see if the Wii U demo station at the store was up. Although it was facing the back of the gaming department, an employee there told me that the station was a popular attraction. Note that Nintendo hasn't really advertised their new console to the general public as of yet. Thankfully, because I was there on an afternoon on a school day, the demo station was wide open for me to try out the system without any sort of wait.I grabbed the Wii U GamePad and immediately I was surprised at what I held. The GamePad was incredibly lightweight. I had read impressions that the controller was such, but I did not think it would have such little heft to it. The controller fit my hands perfectly, and it was comfortable to use for the duration I spent with the unit. I slid my finger across the various game boxes on the screen and came across Rayman Legends. Conveniently enough the game was the only one with a demo on the Wii U demo station. Odd as the game does not come out until next year, but I wasn't complaining.
I entered the timed demo and selected a castle stage, one that was shown on the E3 2012 stage. I started off as the new character Barbara, and if you have played Rayman Origins, you will feel right at home with the controls. Everything is as tight and as smooth control-wise as that game. However, Legends is all the more gorgeous, much more so than its predecessor. It was just awe-inspiring and something I had to sit back and marvel at for a few moments. No hyperbole here, folks. It's just a darned beautiful game.
I eventually reached an area where Rayman was, and I was forced to switch to Murphy, a character controlled with the Wii U GamePad. While the CPU controlled Rayman, I helped out by slicing ropes with my finger, rubbing enemies to make them ticklish and vulnerable to Rayman's attacks, sliding platforms around, and spinning objects with the GamePad.
Speaking of spinning objects, there was only one problem spot I had and that regarded a bonus area. You have to tilt the GamePad to spin a circular maze around while your AI-controlled Rayman has to get through it. I kept reaching the middle of the maze, but Rayman would just dangle from the chain, not really going anywhere. He kept falling off the chain, leading to his demise, before I could situate the maze correctly. That could have been an error on my part, not knowing what to do, but it was frustrating enough that I just said "forget it" and moved on with the demo.
I finished the first level of the demo, but I did not have the time to try out the second level. It was the running level set to heavy metal music shown in this E3 2012 presentation. Overall, I enjoyed my time with Wii U and Rayman Legends, and I think the game sold me on the system. I'm sort of glad that the game was delayed, solely for the reason that it doesn't have to compete directly with New Super Mario Bros. U this holiday season. I just hope Ubisoft gives the game the same amount of love around release as it is giving the game now.
The hypocrisy of change
Gamers are creatures that just confuse me on a daily basis. I've made fun of them enough and gave my piece on how they can really disgust me (Bayonetta 2, "I'm not a gamer" ads, message board communities like NeoGAF, entitlement issues, etc.), so there's no use going into that.
However, there is this concept of change and innovation that some gamers get hypocritical about. Some gamers say they want change in franchises so they don't get stagnant. Nintendo fans are notorious for this. Don't change much and it's a rehash; change a lot and it sucks now. So it seems like gamers want change, but at the same time they want to play the same games they grew up enjoying. How does a developer satisfy such an insatiable group? Perhaps I'm building strawmen here, so if I seem like I'm blatantly doing so, I apologize. It's just... freaking gamers, man.
The baffling mindset of some Western gamers and studios
If you haven't been a frequenter of SuperPhillip Central, then you don't realize that my site only gets half of my time. The other is devoted to college as I am a university student. One of my classes this semester involves game theory and design. One evening our class had a debate on something DmC Devil May Cry director Hideaki Itsuno said in an interview about how Western developers focus on visuals first and then gameplay. Somehow it got turned into a debate on whether or not graphics are more important than gameplay.
Something inside me was enraged after hearing some of the opinions, and not just opinions -- popular opinions within the class. It had little to do with people agreeing with the opinion that graphics should be the most important part to a game.
Which is a reason why I found someone bringing up Battlefield 3 to be so funny. This is besides the ignorance that is popular with a certain group of gamer that somehow Nintendo is the one that makes the same games over and over again yet many carbon copy FPS games are given a free pass for being basically the same games with a new coat of paint and IP attached to it. (Just how Super Mario Galaxy, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and Super Mario 3D Land are the same is beyond me when one deals with gravity-based platforming, one is 2D, and the other is a mix of 3D and 2D gameplay. Perhaps we're thinking too shallow and only talking about story?) Regardless, when it concerns Battlefield 3, the argument made was that graphics were more important because all of the aircraft and tanks resemble what they look like in real life, and thank goodness for that! Thank goodness each airplane and aircraft is 100% faithful to the real things, and thank goodness each marine moves just like real-life marines do. Who cares if the gameplay feels to me like the same old derivative first-person shooter stuff we've seen hundreds of times already? Just as long as the visuals create an experience, the gameplay can be an afterthought! That is what I took from the debate. I don't know if this person really believed what he was saying (i.e. graphics are more important than gameplay, mechanics, a game concept. etc.) because he was forced to argue a particular viewpoint, or if that is what he truly believes.
But that wasn't what even angered me. I couldn't care less what some random person has to say. What angered me was the realization that this type of thinking that graphics should be front and center and everything else should come after is shared not only by many Western gamers (and wrongly so), but it is the mindset of so many Western developers. No wonder some of the West's games generally bore me because they are more enthused with creating a pretty package that runs in 1080p and 60 FPS instead of making something fun. How I yawned playing Killzone, Halo, Gears of Bros -- I mean Gears of War -- and other Western games. Don't get me wrong -- the West also does awesome stuff like Batman: Arkham City, LittleBigPlanet, Rayman Origins, Uncharted, and Mirror's Edge, for starters, but sometimes it can be perceived as too few and far in between.
Furthermore, when did some "gamers" make it that having an experience in a game is exclusive to being immersed in it by visuals? Am I messed up because I get immersed in a game by compelling gameplay? That was a rhetorical question if you're playing at home. That isn't to say that only gameplay or graphics can immerse a player or give them an experience. No, both do whether a person realizes it or not.
It's this increasing mindset by the West that video games should be built to be visual powerhouses or artistic delights first and vessels to show off compelling gameplay and design AFTER is what is so maddening to me.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Central City Census - October 2012
The month of September is over, bringing with it the monumental collapse of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and the end of summer in North America. Oh, and I guess the closing of September's Central City Census is important, too, for the purpose of this story. Let's see what the results of 111 votes look like.
This generation alone, how many consoles have broken or died on you?
Votes so far: 111
Ah, census results where the votes go from low to high, an ascending order! It doesn't take much to excite me, does it? Anyway, September 2012's Central City Census talked about a subject that I know all too well, consoles breaking, dying, and becoming fantastic (and expensive) paperweights and doorstops. My Wii just didn't turn on completely -- the first time a Nintendo platform has ever stopped functioning on me. My Xbox 360 died just a month or so out of warranty, and I certainly wasn't going to pay for repairs (and hope the repaired unit worked) or pay for a new one and reward Microsoft for making the shoddiest console in history. Oh, well. "Y'know, things break," after all. 38% of you are quite lucky. But over half of you have had a dead or broken console. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a reliable console than one that pushes one million polygons per character but overheats easily. How about both, hardware manufacturers? With my miniature rant out of the way, let's scope out what October's census asks.
This next generation is going to begin on November 18th, 2012 when the Wii U arrives onto North American shores. It comes in two varieties: a Basic/White and a Deluxe/Black package. After September's Wii U preview event, we saw a lot of new information that was once shrouded in secrecy, such as the launch lineup and pricing, but we still don't know everything. That said, October's Central City Census asks if you are going to purchase a Wii U. Poll closes after Halloween.
This generation alone, how many consoles have broken or died on you?
Four or more. It's unbelievable.
|
5
(4%)
|
Three. A concerning amount.
|
12
(10%)
|
Two. It's very vexing.
|
15
(13%)
|
Just one, thankfully.
|
36
(32%)
|
None at all. I'm fortunate.
|
43
(38%)
|
Votes so far: 111
Ah, census results where the votes go from low to high, an ascending order! It doesn't take much to excite me, does it? Anyway, September 2012's Central City Census talked about a subject that I know all too well, consoles breaking, dying, and becoming fantastic (and expensive) paperweights and doorstops. My Wii just didn't turn on completely -- the first time a Nintendo platform has ever stopped functioning on me. My Xbox 360 died just a month or so out of warranty, and I certainly wasn't going to pay for repairs (and hope the repaired unit worked) or pay for a new one and reward Microsoft for making the shoddiest console in history. Oh, well. "Y'know, things break," after all. 38% of you are quite lucky. But over half of you have had a dead or broken console. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a reliable console than one that pushes one million polygons per character but overheats easily. How about both, hardware manufacturers? With my miniature rant out of the way, let's scope out what October's census asks.
This next generation is going to begin on November 18th, 2012 when the Wii U arrives onto North American shores. It comes in two varieties: a Basic/White and a Deluxe/Black package. After September's Wii U preview event, we saw a lot of new information that was once shrouded in secrecy, such as the launch lineup and pricing, but we still don't know everything. That said, October's Central City Census asks if you are going to purchase a Wii U. Poll closes after Halloween.
Friday, November 11, 2011
October 2011 NPD Results
It's time once again for the results of North American sales. This time around we're focusing on the four week period of October 2011. What games sold the most during this time period? Let's find out! All info comes from NeoGAF.
NPD Coverage: October 2-29 (4 weeks)
Overall:
Retail sales were up 1% year over year.
Software:
1. Battlefield 3 (360, PS3, PC)** Electronic Arts - almost 2 million
2. Batman: Arkham City (360, PS3)** Warner Bros. Interactive - 1.5 million
3. NBA 2K12 (360, PS3, PSP, Wii, PS2, PC) Take Two Interactive
4. Rage (360, PS3, PC) Bethesda Softworks - 550k
5. Just Dance 3 (Wii, 360) Ubisoft
6. Dark Souls (PS3, 360)** Namco Bandai Games
7. Madden NFL 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP)** Electronic Arts
8. Forza Motorsport 4 (360)** Microsoft
9. Gears of War 3 (360)** Microsoft
10. FIFA Soccer 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2, 3DS) Electronic Arts
11. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (not in order 3DS, Wii, 360, PS3, PC) Activision
**(includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)
Hardware
360 - 393k (+14.9%)
3DS - >250k
WII - <250k (< +7.75%)
PS3 - 240k~250k (estimated from Microsoft, Nintendo and NPD PR) (-4.0% - 0.0%)
NDS - <180k (>-47.4%)
The modern military blockbuster Battlefield 3 took top billing this month with over two million units sold across three platforms. Batman: Arkham City impressed with 1.5 million units sold-- far greater than Arkham Asylum's August 2009 debut. NBA 2K12 dominated the sports scene despite an NBA lockout, Rage took fourth place in sales, Just Dance 3 boogied on Wii and Kinect, and Dark Souls managed to defy all odds and chart at sixth place nonetheless.
On the console side of the spectrum, the price drop lit a fire under the 3DS, giving it approximately 250,000 in sales, close to the Wii's amount. Despite a fifty dollar price cut, the PlayStation 3 failed to beat the 360 or sell impressively. Meanwhile, speaking of the 360, Microsoft's console once again is on top this month, selling close to 400k.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Review Round-Up - October
Beware the bat. His game ranks at the top of the
heap in the haunted month of October.
heap in the haunted month of October.
The month of Halloween is complete. A whole slew of reviews were written and posted last month-- twelve in all. We started strong with Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (8.5), moved onward with our momentum with The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (8.25), went retro with Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins which earned a 7.5, had our first hardware review with the Wii (8.0), murdered Ganado, Majini, and other psychopaths in Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D which also got an 8.0, hyped up Sonic Generations with two Sonic the Hedgehog games (Sonic 4 - 6.75, Sonic Rush - 8.0), partied hardy with Mario in Mario Party 3 which received a gift of 7.25, Final Fantasy Tactics A2 scored well with a 9.0, our game of the month in Batman: Arkham City flew into my heart and retrieved a 9.5, Tetris: Axis stacked up an 8.0, and finally, the latest Professor Layton game netted a 9.0. Overall, a busy month at SuperPhillip Central.
Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (DS) - 8.5
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition - 8.25
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB, 3DS VC) - 7.5
Wii Hardware - 8.0
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (3DS) - 8.0
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (PSN, XBLA, WiiWare) - 6.75
Sonic Rush - 8.0
Mario Party 3 (N64) - 7.25
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (DS) - 9.0
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360) - 9.5
Tetris: Axis (3DS) - 8.0
Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS) - 9.0
Nothing like a specter to throw a wrench into things.Thursday, October 27, 2011
October Nintendo 3DS Playtime Results
Let's begin something new here at SuperPhillip Central. I've owned a Nintendo 3DS since mid-August, and it's been a wild ride with the portable. The 3DS is stacked with features both useful and useless. I still haven't had a StreetPass hit, and my friends list is completely bare. One cool feature that is borrowed from the Wii's Nintendo Channel is the Activity Log which details how long one has played all games, how many times, the average playtime, and first/last time played. Here's a countdown to display what games your old bud in SuperPhillip has put the most time into. To the ranking!
10) Dead or Alive Dimensions (5:14)
The fifteenth anniversary of the versatile franchise kicked off with a bang with Dead or Alive Dimension's debut on the dual screened Nintendo 3DS. Kick, punch, combo, juggle, and throw your opponent, and knock them off multi-tier stages such as a cruise liner, arctic wasteland, rope bridge situated by a waterfall, or ninja village to show them who's boss. Download DLC in the form of costumes and take on challenging throwdown assailants to earn rare character figurines. Or opt to take the fight online against the world or with friends! I breezed through the discombobulated story mode showcasing the story of past DoA games, and downloaded a new costume daily for approximately thirty days.
9) The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (5:25)
I didn't get to experience the original Four Swords that came with the Game Boy Advance port of A Link to the Past as I didn't have any friends with a copy of the game, a GBA, and a link cable. Talk about a hassle. That all changed with the Anniversary Edition that enabled players to take two Links solo through the game's four main areas followed by several retro areas accompanied by an even more difficult dungeon. While the last dungeon handed my fanny on a silver platter, I feel I got the most out of the game, and I truly enjoyed this free (until February 2012) download. Hop on the eShop and get this game while you can, 3DS owners!
8) Pilotwings Resort (7:06)
Ah, clear blue skies, azure waters, and a series of islands to explore in Pilotwings Resort... Just how I like it. This launch title was reviewed far after the fact, but I happened to love the content offered unlike some critics. Some said that the game could be beaten quickly. While that is certainly true, it takes some serious time to get perfect scores on all missions, discover every hidden item in the Free Flight modes, and get a grasp on handling all six unique vehicles. Wuhu Island may be familiar to most Wii owners, but it was like returning to an old friend for me. I assume it'll be the same feeling when I rev up and burn rubber on the course in Mario Kart 7 later this year.
7) The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (8:31)
One of Link's greatest handheld adventures, Link's Awakening DX features an all-new photo side quest as well as a color dungeon. The prize for finishing this is either an upgrade to the Hylian's offense or a boost to his defense. The main game is comprised of eight dungeons full of keys to collect, treasures to nab, bosses to battle, and Wind Fish instruments to acquire. To wake up the Wind Fish is Link's goal, but in doing this the island he is on and all the people he met in his journey will disappear. Quite the conundrum, wouldn't you say? For the longest time this game was the highest in average time played. I must have gone through the game in two or three sittings. No life during the summer much?
6) Star Fox 64 3D (9:42)
Fox and friends soar onto the 3DS with impressive 3D effects, improved visuals, and three difficulties to plow through. The choice is yours as to what path of seven planets and areas Team Star Fox pass through, blowing up Andross' facilities, satellites, fighters, and ugly mug. Sure, you always have to save Slippy's rear, listen to Falco's smart ass comments, and take Peppy's advice to heart, but it's all relative anyway, right? I do, however, miss the force feedback especially when the train in Macbeth slams smack dab into the weapons facility. BOOM! KABOOM! BZZZZZZZT! Well, you know... The only thing really missing from this pleasant package was online play which is something I definitely think Nintendo lazily skimped out on.
5) Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (12:17)
Ganado, Majini, and mad maniacs with chainsaws, gatling guns, and hammers-- all in a day's work for the mercenaries. The game is set up as a high score fest. You try to keep a combo going by killing enemies within ten seconds or less of each other. Slaying a foe with a melee attack is good for bonus time as is attacking hourglass statues. Unlockable medals, skills, and characters further adds to the longevity of the game as does the excellent online play with friends or total strangers. Sometimes you get stuck with a fool who runs off and gets killed, but oftentimes you and your partner will play in sync with one another. Resident Evil fans should certainly not pass up on this tremendous arcade-like experience.
4) Kirby Mass Attack (15:27)
A brigade of cute, cuddly Kirbys march onto the field, ready to clobber anyone and everyone that gets in their way. With five worlds (the fifth being open after every rainbow medal is collected) and multiple mini-games ranging from an RPG to a shmup to a memory game to a whack-a-mole game, Kirby Mass Attack is one of Kirby's best handheld outings. There's just so much content jam-packed into a thirty dollar game. Occasionally your army of Kirbys will get lost via the camera not catching up to them, but this is so rare that it's not too vexing of a problem. Even if you lack a 3DS, DS owners without an insecurity complex towards things pink and puffy should look into this second-to-last swan song of the system.
3) Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (16:25)
With multiple job classes, abilities, races, maps, tactics, spells, summons, and strategies to gloss over, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (I swear they keep making these titles longer and longer) is a candidate for one of the best tactical RPGs period. It has everything. The visuals are charming, the soundtrack is splendid, and the story-- while wet behind the ears-- is engaging enough for players to see it through. I didn't have the time to see my own personal journey through the world of Ivalice through myself to the finish, but what time I did have with the game was tremendous and memorable. Luso may dress weird, have bad fashion sense, and carry a grossly huge pizza cutter for a weapon, but his story is one to behold.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (16:38)
One of, if not my favorite game of all time was updated with greater graphics, awesome 3D effects, and bonus content such as a more challenging Master Quest, boss rush mode, and special orchestrated ending theme. Exploring the land of Hyrule once again was a breath of fresh air, riding Epona in the sunset, beating down Bongo Bongo, being scared to death of Redeads, and collecting heart containers, bottles, Poes, and other items were all wonderful experiences. The game surprisingly still holds up well to this day. It's just ingenious game design through and through. If you don't like the series, this game won't change your mind, but if you do, Ocarina of Time will remind you what you love so much about this fabled franchise.
1) Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (25:01)
The third Golden Sun in Dark Dawn is my most played game. I have an average playtime of over three hours making it my highest average playtime by far. The quest to save Weyard from certain destruction with Leonard and friends was not as memorable as past games, but that's a high benchmark to achieve anyway. What I took away from the game was that points of no returns in games should be abolished. That's just sloppy design. I did love gathering Djinn, summons, and rare items. Sure, the game was pretty easy save for the final as well as optional bosses, but it's the journey not the destination, and this journey was surely an entertaining one for sure.
Do you own a Nintendo 3DS? If so, what games have you most played on your blue, black, or red system? Give me a heads up in the comments section.
10) Dead or Alive Dimensions (5:14)
The fifteenth anniversary of the versatile franchise kicked off with a bang with Dead or Alive Dimension's debut on the dual screened Nintendo 3DS. Kick, punch, combo, juggle, and throw your opponent, and knock them off multi-tier stages such as a cruise liner, arctic wasteland, rope bridge situated by a waterfall, or ninja village to show them who's boss. Download DLC in the form of costumes and take on challenging throwdown assailants to earn rare character figurines. Or opt to take the fight online against the world or with friends! I breezed through the discombobulated story mode showcasing the story of past DoA games, and downloaded a new costume daily for approximately thirty days.
9) The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (5:25)
I didn't get to experience the original Four Swords that came with the Game Boy Advance port of A Link to the Past as I didn't have any friends with a copy of the game, a GBA, and a link cable. Talk about a hassle. That all changed with the Anniversary Edition that enabled players to take two Links solo through the game's four main areas followed by several retro areas accompanied by an even more difficult dungeon. While the last dungeon handed my fanny on a silver platter, I feel I got the most out of the game, and I truly enjoyed this free (until February 2012) download. Hop on the eShop and get this game while you can, 3DS owners!
8) Pilotwings Resort (7:06)
Ah, clear blue skies, azure waters, and a series of islands to explore in Pilotwings Resort... Just how I like it. This launch title was reviewed far after the fact, but I happened to love the content offered unlike some critics. Some said that the game could be beaten quickly. While that is certainly true, it takes some serious time to get perfect scores on all missions, discover every hidden item in the Free Flight modes, and get a grasp on handling all six unique vehicles. Wuhu Island may be familiar to most Wii owners, but it was like returning to an old friend for me. I assume it'll be the same feeling when I rev up and burn rubber on the course in Mario Kart 7 later this year.
7) The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (8:31)
One of Link's greatest handheld adventures, Link's Awakening DX features an all-new photo side quest as well as a color dungeon. The prize for finishing this is either an upgrade to the Hylian's offense or a boost to his defense. The main game is comprised of eight dungeons full of keys to collect, treasures to nab, bosses to battle, and Wind Fish instruments to acquire. To wake up the Wind Fish is Link's goal, but in doing this the island he is on and all the people he met in his journey will disappear. Quite the conundrum, wouldn't you say? For the longest time this game was the highest in average time played. I must have gone through the game in two or three sittings. No life during the summer much?
6) Star Fox 64 3D (9:42)
Fox and friends soar onto the 3DS with impressive 3D effects, improved visuals, and three difficulties to plow through. The choice is yours as to what path of seven planets and areas Team Star Fox pass through, blowing up Andross' facilities, satellites, fighters, and ugly mug. Sure, you always have to save Slippy's rear, listen to Falco's smart ass comments, and take Peppy's advice to heart, but it's all relative anyway, right? I do, however, miss the force feedback especially when the train in Macbeth slams smack dab into the weapons facility. BOOM! KABOOM! BZZZZZZZT! Well, you know... The only thing really missing from this pleasant package was online play which is something I definitely think Nintendo lazily skimped out on.
5) Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (12:17)
Ganado, Majini, and mad maniacs with chainsaws, gatling guns, and hammers-- all in a day's work for the mercenaries. The game is set up as a high score fest. You try to keep a combo going by killing enemies within ten seconds or less of each other. Slaying a foe with a melee attack is good for bonus time as is attacking hourglass statues. Unlockable medals, skills, and characters further adds to the longevity of the game as does the excellent online play with friends or total strangers. Sometimes you get stuck with a fool who runs off and gets killed, but oftentimes you and your partner will play in sync with one another. Resident Evil fans should certainly not pass up on this tremendous arcade-like experience.
4) Kirby Mass Attack (15:27)
A brigade of cute, cuddly Kirbys march onto the field, ready to clobber anyone and everyone that gets in their way. With five worlds (the fifth being open after every rainbow medal is collected) and multiple mini-games ranging from an RPG to a shmup to a memory game to a whack-a-mole game, Kirby Mass Attack is one of Kirby's best handheld outings. There's just so much content jam-packed into a thirty dollar game. Occasionally your army of Kirbys will get lost via the camera not catching up to them, but this is so rare that it's not too vexing of a problem. Even if you lack a 3DS, DS owners without an insecurity complex towards things pink and puffy should look into this second-to-last swan song of the system.
3) Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (16:25)
With multiple job classes, abilities, races, maps, tactics, spells, summons, and strategies to gloss over, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (I swear they keep making these titles longer and longer) is a candidate for one of the best tactical RPGs period. It has everything. The visuals are charming, the soundtrack is splendid, and the story-- while wet behind the ears-- is engaging enough for players to see it through. I didn't have the time to see my own personal journey through the world of Ivalice through myself to the finish, but what time I did have with the game was tremendous and memorable. Luso may dress weird, have bad fashion sense, and carry a grossly huge pizza cutter for a weapon, but his story is one to behold.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (16:38)
One of, if not my favorite game of all time was updated with greater graphics, awesome 3D effects, and bonus content such as a more challenging Master Quest, boss rush mode, and special orchestrated ending theme. Exploring the land of Hyrule once again was a breath of fresh air, riding Epona in the sunset, beating down Bongo Bongo, being scared to death of Redeads, and collecting heart containers, bottles, Poes, and other items were all wonderful experiences. The game surprisingly still holds up well to this day. It's just ingenious game design through and through. If you don't like the series, this game won't change your mind, but if you do, Ocarina of Time will remind you what you love so much about this fabled franchise.
1) Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (25:01)
The third Golden Sun in Dark Dawn is my most played game. I have an average playtime of over three hours making it my highest average playtime by far. The quest to save Weyard from certain destruction with Leonard and friends was not as memorable as past games, but that's a high benchmark to achieve anyway. What I took away from the game was that points of no returns in games should be abolished. That's just sloppy design. I did love gathering Djinn, summons, and rare items. Sure, the game was pretty easy save for the final as well as optional bosses, but it's the journey not the destination, and this journey was surely an entertaining one for sure.
===
Do you own a Nintendo 3DS? If so, what games have you most played on your blue, black, or red system? Give me a heads up in the comments section.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Review Round-Up - September
Joseph Capelli not only led the Resistance,but led the games on SPC this month.
After being forced to combine three months into one for a lack of reviews, SPC picked up the pace with no less than six individual reviews and two SPC Quickie segments. Leading things off, we flew the friendly skies in Pilotwings Resort (7.5), putted and drove the ball in Let's Golf 3D (7.0), and mid-month fended off the Chimera invasion of America in Resistance 3 which earned the highest score of the month with an admirable 9.0. Star Fox 64 got an online-less remake which got it docked some points for an 8.5 while a myriad of Kirbys marched happily onto the DS with Kirby Mass Attack (8.75). Wrapping up the month, we had our one and only retro review of the month with Mario Party 2 that garnered a respectable and great 8.0 score out of ten. Throw in two 3DS Ambassador-inspired SPC Quickies segments, and we had a pretty entertaining month review-wise here at SuperPhillip Central! Let's hope October is even stronger for games!
Pilotwings Resort (3DS) - 7.5
Let's Golf 3D (3DS) - 7.0
Resistance 3 (PS3) - 9.0
SPC Quickies Volume Nine
Star Fox 64 3D (3DS) - 8.5
SPC Quickies Volume Ten
Kirby Mass Attack (DS) - 8.75
Mario Party 2 (N64, Wii VC) - 8.0
Kirby and his counterparts marched their
way into our hearts once again.
Central City Census - October
We've reached (at least in North America) the cooler autumn months with October leading the way. Wear a jacket because those fall nights can be brutally chilly! Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's scope out September's CCC results.
Between the Nintendo 3DS and the PSVita, which has the most games that interest you?
Votes so far: 51
The leading answer this month was the Nintendo 3DS, doubling the PlayStation Vita in games desired handily with nearly half of the vote. The PlayStation Vita received 21%, ten readers of SPC (19%) opted that both platforms equally have games that excite them, and only six voters revealed that neither of the handhelds interest them. This was a high number of votes for the month which I'm particularly excited about. Thanks for everyone who voted. May you continue enjoying the content I provide on SuperPhillip Central. Now onto October's Census.
Halloween is coming up, but some people love cosplaying the whole year 'round. Are you one of these people? Have you ever costumed as one of your favorite gaming characters? Let everyone know in October's Central City Census. Poll ends at the conclusion of Halloween.
Between the Nintendo 3DS and the PSVita, which has the most games that interest you?
Nintendo 3DS | 24 (47%) |
PlayStation Vita | 11 (21%) |
Both do. | 10 (19%) |
I'm interested in neither. | 6 (11%) |
Votes so far: 51
The leading answer this month was the Nintendo 3DS, doubling the PlayStation Vita in games desired handily with nearly half of the vote. The PlayStation Vita received 21%, ten readers of SPC (19%) opted that both platforms equally have games that excite them, and only six voters revealed that neither of the handhelds interest them. This was a high number of votes for the month which I'm particularly excited about. Thanks for everyone who voted. May you continue enjoying the content I provide on SuperPhillip Central. Now onto October's Census.
Halloween is coming up, but some people love cosplaying the whole year 'round. Are you one of these people? Have you ever costumed as one of your favorite gaming characters? Let everyone know in October's Central City Census. Poll ends at the conclusion of Halloween.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Review Round-Up - June-October
Samus Aran seldom has a day off from bounty hunting.I was off for several months from SPC, but as we know the old saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, hopefully that's the case with many of you as I am now back to my old hi-jinks. Since we've been gone you've been missing my reviews, yes? Well, miss them no longer as I crafted many between the months of June and October. October was slammed with new reviews to make my absence feel like a distant memory. Who would have guessed that a portable tennis title would outclass Samus Aran, Kirby, and a bunch of Miis gathering for a party? Certainly not I! Yes, it's Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip with the best score this Round-Up with an 8.75. Closing in behind very closely are Kirby's Epic Yarn and Metroid: Other M with a score of 8.5 respectively. Meanwhile, Wii Party received a 7.75 while Planet Mini-Golf (June's only review) got a 7.0. Note: now you can play Planet Mini-Golf with Move controls, so the experience may be different from what it was with analog controls.
Planet Mini-Golf (PSN) - 7.0
Wii Party (Wii) - 7.75
Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) - 8.5
Metroid: Other M (Wii) - 8.5
Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip (PSP) - 8.75
Come to mama!Thursday, November 12, 2009
October 2009 NPD Results
It's time once again for NPD Day. It's the second month of the PS3 price cut and the first full month of the Wii's price cut. Let's see if anything interesting happened this month sales-wise.
Data care of NPD Group
Reporting Period: 10/4 - 10/31/09
PlayStation 2 117.8K
PlayStation 3 320.6K
PSP 174.6K
Xbox 360 249.7K
Wii 506.9K
Nintendo DS 457.6K
UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES (PS3; Oct-09) 537,000
WII FIT PLUS* (WII; Oct-09) 441,000
BORDERLANDS (360; Oct-09) 418,000
WII SPORTS RESORT* (WII; Jul-09) 314,000
NBA 2K10* (360; Oct-09) 311,000
HALO 3: ODST (360; Sep-09) 271,000
NBA 2K10* (PS3; Oct-09) 213,000
FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 (360; Oct-09) 175,000
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS (NDS; Sep-09) 169,000
FIFA SOCCER 10 (360; Oct-09) 156,000
(*includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)
Happy days for the Wii and Uncharted 2! Both move more than a half million units each. It seems the price cut really came into effect this month with the Wii reigning as hardware king once more. Sad days for PSP however, and unfortunately so since there's plenty of superb software coming out in the coming weeks and in the past. Wii Fit Plus debuts in second place, and will most likely be surpassed by Modern Warfare 2 in November.
Meanwhile, the 360 version of Borderlands proves once again that Michael Pachter is an idiot with the game selling close to 500,000 units. At the latter half of the top ten there's soccer, basketball, rally racing, Kingdom Hearts, and Halo which has slipped a bunch from its previous month-- as expected. These titles much like the upcoming Modern Warfare 2 are known to be severely front-loaded. Will Modern Warfare 2 push the 360 and PS3 past the Wii next month? How will New Super Mario Bros. Wii perform? We'll find out in December!
Data care of NPD Group
Reporting Period: 10/4 - 10/31/09
PlayStation 2 117.8K
PlayStation 3 320.6K
PSP 174.6K
Xbox 360 249.7K
Wii 506.9K
Nintendo DS 457.6K
UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES (PS3; Oct-09) 537,000
WII FIT PLUS* (WII; Oct-09) 441,000
BORDERLANDS (360; Oct-09) 418,000
WII SPORTS RESORT* (WII; Jul-09) 314,000
NBA 2K10* (360; Oct-09) 311,000
HALO 3: ODST (360; Sep-09) 271,000
NBA 2K10* (PS3; Oct-09) 213,000
FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 (360; Oct-09) 175,000
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS (NDS; Sep-09) 169,000
FIFA SOCCER 10 (360; Oct-09) 156,000
(*includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)
Happy days for the Wii and Uncharted 2! Both move more than a half million units each. It seems the price cut really came into effect this month with the Wii reigning as hardware king once more. Sad days for PSP however, and unfortunately so since there's plenty of superb software coming out in the coming weeks and in the past. Wii Fit Plus debuts in second place, and will most likely be surpassed by Modern Warfare 2 in November.
Meanwhile, the 360 version of Borderlands proves once again that Michael Pachter is an idiot with the game selling close to 500,000 units. At the latter half of the top ten there's soccer, basketball, rally racing, Kingdom Hearts, and Halo which has slipped a bunch from its previous month-- as expected. These titles much like the upcoming Modern Warfare 2 are known to be severely front-loaded. Will Modern Warfare 2 push the 360 and PS3 past the Wii next month? How will New Super Mario Bros. Wii perform? We'll find out in December!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Review Round-Up - October
Permission to pee pants, sir!All scores are out of 10.
5 = Average
Dead Space Extraction (Wii) - 7.0
Motorstorm: Arctic Edge (PSP) - 9.0
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN) - 9.5
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (DS) - 9.5
Mega Man X Collection (PS2, GCN) - 8.5
Mario Kart DS (DS) - 9.5
Mario Party 8 (Wii) - 6.5
A month of ghosts, goblins, horrors, and standing around waiting for something to finally happen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Central City Census - October
It's the dawn of a new month, so it's time for a brand-new Central City Census. But first let's take a look back at September's results.
It was a very close race between those happy with their current Playstation 3 and those just not interested in the system at all. 14% of the vote are interested in getting one/now own one while 12% of you were on the fence. Are you now off the fence? Let's continue this price drop fever, shall we? P.S. Happy anniversary, Central City Census!
The Wii has officially gone down in price in most markets. In North America, it's gone down by fifty dollars. Do you plan on purchasing the new, cheaper Wii, or do you already own one, have you already owned one and sold it? The October Central City Census asks the not-so-tough question once again.
It was a very close race between those happy with their current Playstation 3 and those just not interested in the system at all. 14% of the vote are interested in getting one/now own one while 12% of you were on the fence. Are you now off the fence? Let's continue this price drop fever, shall we? P.S. Happy anniversary, Central City Census!
The Wii has officially gone down in price in most markets. In North America, it's gone down by fifty dollars. Do you plan on purchasing the new, cheaper Wii, or do you already own one, have you already owned one and sold it? The October Central City Census asks the not-so-tough question once again.
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