One & Done: Games Without Sequels - Part Four

Welcome to the return of One & Done, an article series on SPC that talks about games that never became franchises. They were literally one and done! Now, the purpose of these articles isn't to beg for sequels, as some of these games don't need them and not every game needs to become a franchise. Instead, we're just exploring and fondly remembering these terrific titles from generations' past and giving them some more time in the old spotlight.

Speaking of the old spotlight, check out the games featured in the spotlight on past editions of One & Done with these links:

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

The Last Story (Wii)

From the creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, comes a game with a title that really WAS the final, last, and only game in the IP--unlike Final Fantasy. It's none other than The Last Story. It's a shame that Nintendo of America did not decide to localize the title during the Wii era, as not only could the game been a strong release when the system was winding down in popularity, but it's just an excellent game outright. Xseed Games ended up localizing and releasing The Last Story in North America, and it's a great thing that the publisher did, as Wii owners would have missed out on this ode to classic RPGs with modern window dressing. Between the highly capable and deep combat system with an action-RPG feel, and its abundance of quests to highlight the cast of characters, The Last Story remains a solid RPG, not just for the Wii, but in today's market as well.

Opoona (Wii)

We go from a classic-style RPG on the Wii to one that's quite the refreshing and utterly adorable type with the Koei-published Opoona. The big thing that distinguished Opoona from its contemporaries--other than the obvious whimsical characters with floating orbs over their heads--was the ability to play the game solely with the Wii Nunchuk, if one desired, harkening back to days and nights of playing PS1 RPGs with that one-handed controller, if you remember that. The Nunchuk wasn't just for ease of playing with one hand, one used it to flick forward to attack enemies with projectiles, whose firing angles could be altered based on the combat situation. No worries, though, if motion controls aren't for you, as Opoona does allow the Classic Controller to be used. Though Opoona never received a sequel, the character has appeared in another game: Warriors All-Stars aka Musou Stars in Japan.

Puppeteer (PS3)

Most likely mentioned in one of SPC's Most Overlooked games articles, Puppeteer had the ill fortune of releasing on the PlayStation 3 after the launch of the system's successor, the PlayStation 4. While many PlayStation gamers had moved on to the new hotness that was the PS4, Puppeteer was left to languish on store shelves and out of the spotlight completely. It's a shame because Puppeteer was yet another insanely creative and crafty platformer from PlayStation's excellent first-party studios, this time around Japan Studio. Protagonist Kutaro wielded a mighty pair of shears to slash and slice through the game's myriad levels and fascinating worlds. Speaking of which, the whole world was a stage essentially, as Puppeteer was presented with a clever play-like atmosphere, complete with curtains and the occasional audience. Sony hasn't forgotten Kutaro or Puppeteer, thankfully, as one familiar with the game can see a callback to the game--among many, many other PlayStation games--inside the PlayStation 5 pack-in title Astro's Playroom.

Jeanne d'Arc (PSP)

Jeanne d'Arc has all the makings of an awesome game--tactical RPG, based on the story of Joan of Arc (albeit decidedly incredibly loose in its interpretation), beautiful visuals, and Level-5 as the developer back when it had better success stories. Fortunately, with all of these makings of an awesome game came... an awesome game! There are influences from lots of games within Jeanne d'Arc's genre, such as Fire Emblem most notably with its rock, paper, scissors-like affinity system, and it made for strategic and quite frankly, satisfyingly challenging battles! All of this was balanced wonderfully with battles that weren't slow and plodding but instead fast and fluid in their pace. Really, Jeanne d'Arc stands with the greatest tactical titles in the PSP's impressive arsenal, including the greatest of them all (in this writer's opinion, at least) Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions.

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy (Multi)

Alternating between two different playable characters, Sphinx and--if it wasn't obvious from the title--a mummy who was originally a prince who received a curse from the game's main villain. While Sphinx's sections play out like a traditional Zelda-like with action-focused combat, exploration, and dungeon-crawling--and who can't have enough of those!--the mummy's sections were dungeon-based but focused heavily on puzzles, particularly involving the mummy being crushed, shocked, set ablaze, and all other manners of non-painful torture to make progress. Although Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy originally released back in the PlayStation 2 era, the game recently received a remastered version on the Nintendo Switch, which by the by, the above screenshots come from. Is it possible we'll see more from Sphinx in the future?

Geist (GCN)

The final game of this edition of One & Done is a first-person shooter with a fresh possession mechanic, though one that wasn't executed to its full potential. It's the GameCube's Geist. The game's story was one of conspiracies and a protagonist whose specter was separated from its body, allowing them to freely enter all sorts of objects and living creatures. The latter, however, had to be spooked first in order to be possessed. So, in essence, part of Geist wasn't just focused on high-octane action with run and gun blasting at baddies, but also puzzle aspects in how to approach possessing specific targets. Geist is an idea that again, wasn't executed perfectly, as the game was quite linear. I would have loved to see more freedom in tackling challenges rather than the game having just one way to go about accomplishing things, but overall, it was an enjoyable shooter published by Nintendo in an era of interesting titles published by the world's biggest game creator.

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What games without sequels are your favorites? Do you want to see sequels to them? Let the SPC community know your thoughts in the comments section below.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "One Last Leap in July" Edition

On this final day of July, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs greets us with a new installment, a platformer-filled edition! Be it games that are purely platformers or one that feature characters famous for their platforming antics. Okay, that's enough of the word "platform" or any variation of it because I've already use the word too much in this opening paragraph!

We begin with a game that will soon reach the Nintendo Switch with Rayman Legends. Moving on from that limbless wonder we turn a pink gluttonous blob with Kirby: Triple Deluxe. Mario is featured next, but not in a traditional platforming (dammit, I can't stop using the word!) role. Instead, we see him in his first RPG ever with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Finally, two PlayStation platformers, one modern with Puppeteer and one classic with Jumping Flash! rounds out this edition.

Click on the VGM volume name to hear that song. Click on the VGM Database to see and hear any past VGM volume featured on this weekly SuperPhillip Central segment. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1436. Rayman Legends (Multi) - Enchanted Forest

As I stated in the opening, Rayman Legends is coming to yet another platform! This time around it's the Nintendo Switch which is being deemed by Ubisoft as the Definitive Edition. Almost everything about Rayman Legends is satisfying and stupendous, like the level design, tight platforming, amount of content, and of course, the music! So good! But I did say almost everything. What wasn't so terrific about Rayman Legends? Well, to some, the Murfy levels, but for me, that really awful special series of levels at the end of the game.

v1437. Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS) - Hypernova All-Stars

Yes, Kirby is our gluttonous hero, but no matter his craving and insatiable appetite, we'll always have a fondness for him, now won't we, ladies and gentlemen! In his first Nintendo 3DS outing, Kirby could transform into an ultra powerful version with tremendous suction power, able to open his massive mouth up wide and inhale enemies both small and large as if they were nothing. He could even move gigantic objects to solve environmental puzzles. This was the theme that played during these action-packed gameplay segments in a Nintendo 3DS adventure that many Kirby fans adored.

v1438. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES) - Let's Do the Fooka-Fooka!

Moving from one Nintendo platforming all-star to another, though admittedly a much more popular one by far, we have Mario's first RPG adventure with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. It would be the last project then-Squaresoft would make for a Nintendo system until the GameCube's Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and the Game Boy Advance's Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Let's Do the Fooka-Fooka! plays in Nimbus Land, the home of Mallow, who--SPOILER ALERT!--isn't actually a tadpole. He's a cloud, and the prince of Nimbus Land at that!

v1439. Puppeteer (PS3) - Kutaro

The severely underrated Puppeteer for the PlayStation 3 released late in the console's life. This was the same season the PlayStation 4 launched, taking a lot of attention away from the PS3 lineup that year. Puppeteer sports and insanely whimsical and jaunty orchestral soundtrack that really makes you feel you're in a part of a seriously wonderful adventure. And you ARE! Puppeteer's play-like presentation is only boosted by Patrick Doyle's impressive score.

v1440. Jumping Flash! (PS1) - World 1-1

Jumping Flash! might not be a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but not only was it an early example of 3D platformer, but it was an early example of a 3D platformer done right. As the main character you launched into the air, leaping with high velocity to progress through environments. Beyond the sublime gameplay, Jumping Flash! sported a cheery and jovial soundtrack as well. Sadly, the composer behind the game's music, Takeo Miratsu, passed away in 2006 due to liver cancer. His spirit most definitely lives on in his music, whether in Jumping Flash! and its sequel, in Legend of Dragoon, or in the Beatmania IIDX series of games which he contributed regularly to.

Top Ten Underrated 2D Platformers of the Past 20 Years

The 2D platformer is one of my favorite genres, and there are so many that are well known and loved. But what about those ones that have slipped through the cracks, or just haven't got their fair share of spotlight and fanfare from the gaming public? That's exactly the point of this top ten list, to talk about those 2D (sometimes 2.5D) platformers that while fun to play, didn't exactly get the best sales or the most attention. Even big stars like Mega Man and Donkey Kong make an appearance on this underrated 2D platformer top ten. After you've scoped out my picks, feel free to offer your own in the comment section.

10) Mega Man ZX Advent (DS) - 2007

The original Mega Man ZX started a new Mega Man sub-series, and it attempted to go the so-called Metroidvania route. While the overall game was enjoyable, the execution left something to be desired. With Mega Man ZX Advent, the end result is much better, offering an easier-to-understand map, more Mega Man forms to transform into, bigger boss battles, and two protagonists. You still have the classic, action-packed, high throttle gameplay of the Mega Man X and Zero sub-series while offering a new twist on the then-much worn formula the Mega Man series had already established. Overall, what you get with Mega Man ZX Advent is tremendous action platformer deserving of more attention.

9) Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash (3DS) - 2015

Often maligned for not sticking with the genre the series was known for, Chibi-Robo tried its hand in the platforming genre, and before it was even released it wasn't popular. Of course this was because Nintendo said that if Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash sold poorly, that'd probably be the last fans would see of the helpful miniature robot. Still, the actual game is a terrific 2D platformer, sporting the use of Chibi-Robo using his plug to whip enemies, grab onto faraway ledges to pull itself across chasms, and ricochet off walls. While the level roulette system is questionable in its delivery, it can easily be cheesed (which is the exact reason it's questionable in its delivery). Regardless, if you're looking for a platformer that really has creativity in it from its levels to its boss battles, then Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash is definitely worth looking at.

8) Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? (PSP) - 2009

The wonderfully titled Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? takes the dood-speaking Disgaea series penguin and puts him inside a brutal 2D platformer for the PSP. The game makes no attempts to hide its difficulty, giving the player 1000 lives to tool around with. Each mission has an in-game clock that, as the time of day moves between day and night, the challenges, such as bosses and enemies, and designs of levels change. If you can stomach the challenge, then you'll find yourself enjoying and being put to the test to a highly creative platformer that saw a sequel two years later in Japan and PAL territories and three years later in North America.

7) Puppeteer (PS3) - 2013

Doomed to fall through the cracks in the PlayStation 3 library due to releasing around the time of the PS4's big, long-awaited launch and being a 2D (technically 2.5D, close enough) platformer on a system that didn't cater to that genre much, Puppeteer is a masterful platforming adventure. Once a boy turned to a headless puppet, Kutaro runs and jumps around levels, collecting different heads that possess different powers. Between the brilliant presentation (though some might feel the constant interruptions to gameplay by the story elements are too frequent) and exquisite charm and ideas brought forth by the game, Puppeteer may not have got much sales success, but it's loved by a select few who actually played it.

6) LocoRoco (PSP) - 2006

LocoRoco is a PSP franchise that plays unlike any other platformer out there. In the game, you're not directly controlling the group or accumulative blob of LocoRoco. Instead, you're tilting the playing field, guiding the LocoRoco through hazard-filled levels. The goal is to amass as many LocoRoco as possible, surviving each of the challenging levels, and finding hidden collectibles in secret alcoves and tough-to-find areas. The intuitive controls and innovative gameplay are accentuated by a lovely art style and gloriously zany music. Two sequels would be released for the series, one a direct sequel, and one a more action-packed affair. Regardless of where you start with the franchise, you'll find something wonderful.

5) Mischief Makers (N64) - 1997

One of the few 2D games on the Nintendo 64, Mischief Makers released to many calling the game a short romp, hard to learn, short, and too easy. Now, gamers and even critics look back on the game with a more positive light. Mischief Makers uses pre-rendered sprites similar to the ones found in the Donkey Kong Country series on the Super Nintendo. The game has a trifecta of awesomeness: pure-blooded platforming, intense action sequences, and clever puzzles to solve. Our hero Marina runs, jumps, boosts through the air via her jet pack, and grabs and shakes enemies into submission. Mischief Makers is much desired to see a re-release for a reason, and that would give so many more gamers the chance to find out what they've been missing with Treasure's... well, treasure!

4) Drill Dozer (GBA) - 2006

Made by the same folks known for their work on Pokemon and to a much lesser extent Tempo the Badass Elephant, Drill Dozer has you piloting the eponymous machine as Jill, a treasure hunter seeking a prized family jewel that was stolen by a pack of mean-spirited bandits. Using the Drill Dozer, you can power through blocks, use various machinery to progress through levels such as lifts that rise Jill up once she hooks her Drill Dozer up to them, and defeat savage foes both small and large. Each level starts off with you only being able to drill through weaker objects. When you find new upgrades, you can drill longer and through harder objects, up to level three. This is an atypical platforming adventure, but Drill Dozer shines in all of its creative ideas. Certainly releasing near the end of the Game Boy Advance's life didn't help, but if you can track down a copy (it has a built in rumble feature directly in the cartridge), then you'll find a game that is absolutely brilliant.

3) Klonoa (Wii) - 2009

Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them a bow? For most of us, the answer is no, but for Namco's Klonoa, that answer is very much yes. This cheerful rabbit's first adventure originally released on the PS1 as Klonoa: Door to Phantomile in 1998. This version, simply titled Klonoa in the West, is a remake on the Wii with glorious new visuals and added challenges. The gameplay has Klonoa grabbing enemies and using them to propel himself higher, essentially using them as a double jump opportunity. Klonoa is full of charm, creatively designed levels that wrap around themselves, and fun. It's quite a shame that even on a platform that was very kind to the platforming genre that Klonoa didn't sell hardly at all, effectively killing any hopes of future entries. Sad, but at least Klonoa ended on a very good note quality-wise.

2) Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (GCN) - 2005

The most non-traditional 2D platformer on this list, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat used the GameCube's bongo drum peripheral to control Donkey Kong. Through pounding the left and right bongos, sometimes together, sometimes not, players moved the sensational simian through colorful levels, defeating enemies, gathering bananas, and scoring killer combos, sometimes one giant combo from the start of one level to its finish. The battles against other apes in Punch-Out-styled Kong-frontations (hee-hee) played out marvelously with the bongos, really letting you pound on your foes while pounding on the drums. A highly innovative and most of all incredibly fun platformer, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat is a greatly underrated title for the GameCube. It received a New Play Control version on Wii, eliminating the bongos and adding the shaking of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to replicate the controls. Which ever version you go for, you'll get an amazing game.

1) Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U) - 2015

Currently at an astonishingly low (for its actual level of quality) 78 on Metacritic, Yoshi's Woolly World was criticized for being more of the same and yet another Wii U 2D platformer. However, calling it just that is an amazing disservice to the game. Woolly World is finally the Yoshi's Island game fans have been clamoring for, with the highest amount of quality and polish to it, sometimes even outdoing the critically acclaimed SNES original in multiple aspects. From the endearing yarn and fabric visuals to the fantastic level design, to the massive amount of optional collectibles that just further enhance how good said level design is, it's a crime that Yoshi's Woolly World was given so much ho-hum feedback from critics. For me, Yoshi's Woolly World isn't just worthy to be in the same level as the SNES's Yoshi's Island, it is a better game overall.

Underrated Games With Even More Underrated Soundtracks - Part Three

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is usually an every-Monday occurrence where I share five of my favorite songs from various video games, whether they be retro or modern. I often feature songs from games that don't get as much attention from gamers as they should, but I don't make it a habit to make note of that.

Well, with Underrated Games With Even More Underrated Soundtracks, I definitely do. This third part features games that many slept on that have glorious music to them. As usual, I shall share six games and provide five sample songs for each soundtrack. Perhaps hearing some of the music from these games will encourage you to try them out!

For a look at past parts of this ever-growing series, check out part one and part two.

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (Wii U)

The Mario & Sonic Olympic series isn't quite the crossover that longtime Nintendo and Sega fans were expecting-- far from it, actually. However, despite being focused on mini-games and motion controls, Mario and Sonic's Olympic outings have been mostly enjoyable for me personally. The latest game in the series, taking place at the Rio Olympics, releases in a couple of weeks on the Nintendo 3DS and in June on the Wii U. Whether you enjoy this Olympic crossover or not, what you can't really argue against is that the soundtracks of these games are phenomenal, whether it's the original music or the real tipping point, the myriad remixes of classic Mario and Sonic themes, as heard with these examples from Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Staff Credits (Super Mario 64)

Diamond Dust Zone (Sonic 3D Blast)

Blizzard Peaks (Sonic Rush Adventure)

Bowser's Galaxy Generator (Super Mario Galaxy 2)

Super Mario Land Medley

Transformers: Devastation (Multi)

While Mario and Sonic was indeed a dream combination, Platinum Games and Transformers was pretty much another one. Awesome cars that turned into even more awesome robots combined with Platinum Games' stellar character action combat? That's exactly what Transforners: Devastation delivered, and while the main game was short, the ability to play through the campaign as five different characters with differing play styles to them made the game feel much meatier. The soundtrack is pure '80s cheese, making the entire package feel like a lost episode from the original Transformers series in intensely interactive form.

Face the Devastation

Main Menu

Devastator

Soundwave

Megatron (Final Boss Ver,)

Tearaway: Unfolded (PS4) / Tearaway (Vita)

Poor Tearaway. First you released on the severely underperforming PlayStation Vita where owners are too busy being concerned with games with anime characters, which you had zero. Then you released on the PlayStation 4 with an expanded and enhanced version, but Sony released you with little fanfare. Obviously, a game of this kind wouldn't do well regardless, but I'm still okay at being a bit depressed about it. Still, to better my mood about Tearaway's gravely lackluster sales, I can at least listen to the eclectic soundtrack of the game. Perhaps through listening through these selected themes you'll gain some interest in trying out this massively overlooked Media Molecule game.

Green Man Groove

The Orchards

Enter the Barn

Pilgrimage

Wendigo Fissure

Puppeteer (PS3)

Another overlooked game, but this one had a different challenge to it. Sony Japan Studio's Puppeteer released in the same launch period as the PlayStation 4. Thus, this PS3 game had that competition to worry about as many PS3 owners were moving on to Sony's latest hardware. Puppeteer itself is an incredibly charming 2.5D platformer, though if you aren't a fan of cutscenes constantly breaking up your gameplay experience, then you might get a bit annoyed with Puppeteer. Still, I believe it's worth sticking with if only to enjoy the wondrous worlds and levels of the game, and to sample the completely orchestral soundtrack that delights from beginning to end. How could it not with such delightful and wonderful themes throughout its sublime symphonic duration?

Kutaro

Onward and Upward

Fire the Long Toms!

Danger

Across the Plains

Scribblenauts: Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS)

A Wii U launch title and a Nintendo 3DS release, Scribblenauts: Unlimited was the third game in the Scribblenauts series that debuted on the Nintendo DS. The original Scribblenauts was a concept that amazed players, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Future sequels nailed both the concept and the gameplay, but many that were interested had already moved on to other games. That notwithstanding, Scribblenauts: Unlimited allowed the usage of adjectives to add even more zaniness to the objects and characters to assist in solving the game's plentiful puzzles. The soundtrack, featuring remixed versions of classic Scribblenauts themes, as well as fantastic new compositions, was superb and supremely catchy. It made journeying through the colorful worlds of this third Scribblenauts game all the more enjoyable.

Edwin's Farm

World Select

Capital City

Hyphen Heights

Metaforest

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy + (3DS)

Whether it's the original Assault Horizon Legacy or the Plus version with Amiibo support, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy was similar to the console versions of Assault Horizon in name only. The game was a remake of Ace Combat 2, and it played much more closely to that game than the much more drastic take on the formula that Assault Horizon's console entries had. With varying objectives, split mission paths, and a pulse-pounding amount of action, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy was a fantastic dog-fighting feast for fans. The music of the game was heavily cinematic and intense, delivering even more adrenaline to players as they sped through the skies. I feel remiss for only including five samples of such songs from the soundtrack, but I can't play favorites!

Fighter's Honor (Flying Remix)

Pulse in the Dark

The Confusion

Westerly

Coming Home

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Bookended by Final Fantasy Edition

Hello everyone! It's your blogger friend Phil here with five more themes from the world of video games! It's of course time for SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, dishing out even more superb sounds for all to enjoy.

This week I have selected tracks from five more games. We will start off with an awesomely orchestrated classic theme from Final Fantasy VIII, and then we'll move on to some Spanish flavor with music from the indie hit Guacamelee! Moving on from there, we dive into two unique platformers, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg and Puppeteer. Finally, we wrap up this edition of the old VGMs like we started, with a track from a Final Fantasy game, this time Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles!

If you're just joining the site or want to listen to past songs selected by yours truly, check out the SuperPhillip Central Favorite VGM Database for all the great video game tracks I love and cherish!

v856. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1) - The Man With the Machine Gun (Orchestrated)

We start this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with one of my favorite orchestrated pieces in Final Fantasy history, The Man With the Machine Gun. This peppy and empowered piece goes from techno and electronic to bold and daring with its big brass and sensational strings. It makes for a cherished orchestral version of a classic Final Fantasy VIII tune.

v857. Guacamelee! (Multi) - Temple of War ~ Rain

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania game, and that genre of 2D platformer is no stranger to the indie scene. However, this game is one of my favorites in the genre with its great level design, awesome use of moves in not just to reach new areas but also to defeat foes in combat, and luchador styling. Temple of War ~ Rain gives listeners a Spanish flavor with its guitar while also delivering a nice mix of electronica into the fold as well.

v858. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg (GCN) - Volcanic Orchestra

Tomoya Ohtani was the main composer behind Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, and his name should be quite familiar to those who have listened to more modern Sonic the Hedgehog games, such as Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic: Lost World. Ohtani and his merry band of composers including Mariko Namba did a great job creating a colorful soundtrack to accompany the colorful world of Billy Hatcher.

v859. Puppeteer (PS3) - Danger

Patrick Doyle composed the music for Sony's Puppeteer, a cute and quaint 2.5D platformer that stunned in its presentation and did rather well in its gameplay as well. Perhaps my greatest complaint with the game is its constant interruption of the gameplay with its presentation and storytelling. A little story goes a long way in a platformer, kids!

v860. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles (GCN) - When the Northern Sky Is Clear

The theme of Rebena Te Ra, one of the final areas in Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles on the Nintendo GameCube, When the Northern Sky Is Clear is accentuated by backing vocals and a xylophone ostinato. The level itself is a confusing maze filled with powerful monsters that only the brave and bold can conquer.