SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Halloween Havoc Edition

SuperPhillip Central ends October with SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs' Halloween edition. Five songs from  a handful horror-centric games. Heck, even a game that doesn't follow that theme is featured this week.

Resident Evil 6 delivers a chilling main theme as its offering to this week's featured VGMs. Then, TimeSplitters 2 gets into the spirit of Halloween with a haunting Gothic theme. Castlevania: Curse of Darkness might not have exquisite gameplay, but its soundtrack is more than worthy enough to have it featured on this week's edition. We go retro with Decap Attack to get a cartoon-y take on the holiday, and finally, Silent Hill 2 offers a soft and subtle track to chill to.

As always, dear fiends, just click on the VGM volume name to listen to it, and check out the VGM Database, boys and ghouls, for every VGM ever featured on the SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. Now, let's get on to the music!

v1256. Resident Evil 6 (Multi) - Main Theme (Chris & Piers)

A tense and mysterious theme, Resident Evil 6 may not have had critical acclaim with either reviewers or fans, but there is no denying two things: 1) It sold really well, and 2) Its soundtrack continues the series's tradition of fantastic music. This main theme of the game really sets the tone and mood for what follows.

v1257. TimeSplitters 2 (PS2, GCN, XBX) - Notre Dame

Here, we have a game that is primarily a fast-paced first-person shooter, one devised up of objective-based missions, my personal favorite kind of FPS campaign. One of the levels in TimeSplitters 2 takes place in the zombie and creeper-infested catacombs of the Notre Dame cathedral, as well as in the actual cathedral itself, where a rather massive boss needs to be taken down. The haunting organ and choir really sends chills down one's spine as they travel through the Gothic environments of this rather enjoyable, if not unsettling, level.

v1258. Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (PS2) - Abandoned Castle ~ The Curse of Darkness

We've gone rather slow-paced for SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs so far, but I'd be remiss if I didn't include a theme from Castlevania. After all, what is Halloween without some Castlevania? This uptempo tune comes from one of the 3D entries of the series, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness. While the quality of the gameplay didn't make a pleasant transition from the 2D games, what remains great quality is the soundtrack.

v1259. Decap Attack (GEN) - Stage 3

And what would a Halloween edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs be if we didn't take a trip back in time for some retro goodness? It would be incomplete, that's what it'd be! This is why Decap Attack, a rather macabre 2D platformer where you sling your character's head into enemies to beat them into submission, is being represented this Halloween on the Favorite VGMs. Containing that Sega Genesis sound chip charm, Stage 3 from Decap Attack continues the catchy feeling of the soundtrack-- make no bones about that.

v1260. Silent Hill 2 (PS2) - Forest

We conclude on a somber and soft note with Forest from Silent Hill 2. It's a much more relaxed and soothing song than anything else featured on this special Halloween edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, but it's from Silent Hill 2, one of the greatest psychological thrillers in the video game medium. Thus, it deserves a place in this edition.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

For many Americans out there, they're battling the crowded zoos known as retail stores, searching feverishly for the best deals as they punch and kick anyone that gets in their way. Perhaps you have no idea what to get the multi-console owner in your life. This is where Part 2 of my Holiday Gift Guide comes in.

Yesterday we took a look at console exclusives for each major platform. Today we are dealing with multi-platform titles-- ten to be exact. I cannot name every game under the sun, so if you feel I left one or a handful out, let me know. Get your pens/pencils and lists out as we are about to begin.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)

Some criticize the yearly renditions of the Call of Duty series, and I am one of them. However, developer Treyarch managed to breathe some new life and freshness into the franchise with Black Ops II. For one, the future warfare adds a new dynamic totally, and the branching paths in the storyline makes playing through the campaign multiple times mandatory to see everything the game has to offer. Throw in the ever-popular multiplayer mayhem the series is known for, and you have a gift that will keep on giving long past the holiday season.

Borderlands 2 (PS3, 360, PC)

Doing what the original Borderlands made so popular, Borderlands 2 continues the trend of being a first-person shooter with RPG elements. There's countless quests and side missions to take part in, as well as randomized loot. If working the campaign alone seems like it will make a person lonely, they can hop online and take to it with up to three other players. Just be forewarned that despite the color (a Western FPS with color!? What is this wizardry!?), Borderlands 2 is definitely for the older crowd, so parents, don't line up to buy little Jimmy his own copy of the game.

Assassin's Creed III (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)

Venture back into American history-- the American Revolution, to be exact-- with your assassin Connor as he explores an open world full of dangers. Assassin's Creed III offers much more modified gameplay, allowing players to do even more than in previous entries of the series. Players can move more freely, as if they were Cole MacGrath from the inFamous franchise. Aside from the single player experience, there are a dozen multiplayer modes that can be accessed online. The Wii U version of the game offers the ability to switch between weapons effortlessly via the GamePad's touch screen. Moreover, Wii U owners can play the entire game on the GamePad itself, a feature that one needs to see to believe.

Dishonored (PS3, 360, PC)

A new IP from Bethesda, the minds behind The Elder Scrolls series, Dishonored actually works on all systems it was released on, so no worries about getting someone an inferior port. The game takes players in a first-person perspective as they have a lot of freedom to carry out missions and objectives the way they see fit. Improvisation isn't just for comedy troupes; it is key for completing missions. What I consider to be a fantastic feature of Dishonored is that a player can go through the whole game without killing a soul. The choices are totally up to the player, and that is what makes Dishonored such a special title. If you have a gamer of the grown-up persuasion, honor them by getting them Dishonored for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just because.

Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360, PC) 

Resident Evil 6 takes the survival horror aspect of the series and places it mostly in the backseat of the multiple story ride. There are three scenarios to play through, each lead by a different character, and each feeling different from one another. Some say that Resident Evil 6 is a jack of all trades and master of none. Others state that for every bad moment the game presents players, there are several that delight and frighten. Whatever the case, Resident Evil 6 is a game that has its moments and may just make for an engaging present.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) (PS3, 360, PC, PSV)

For the speed freak on your holiday shopping list, get them the gift of taking it to the streets, evading arrest from police, and speeding through an urban metropolis. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) has the main goal of outracing competitors to destinations by any means necessary-- cutting off traffic, driving through billboards and buildings, and yes, being placed on the most wanted list. To give a rush of adrenaline to that arcade racing fan on your list, Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) burns rad rubber.

Hitman: Absolution (PS3, 360, PC)

It has been six years since Hitman: Blood Money entered the gaming world. Now it is Hitman: Absolution's time to shine. Take missions stealthily or simply blow your cover and blow everyone away. Detect enemy movement, where they'll go, among other useful information with Agent 47's various vision detection. Hitman: Absolution is absolutely a worthwhile present for the mature gamer on your shopping list.

Darksiders II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)

One of the launch titles for the North American launch of the Wii U, Darksiders II is as close to The Legend of Zelda as Wii U owners are going to get for awhile. I can't think of any better substitute, though. The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions released in August, and many owners of those systems became death incarnate. Slashing foes with Death's dual scythes, solving puzzles, riding on the Horseman's trusty steed, exploring dungeons, and battling brutal bosses are all tasks that await players in Darksiders II. If you have a 17+ year-old who yearns for a Zelda/God of War-like experience but without the actual Zelda and God of War, Darksiders II is an appropriate gift.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Multi)

Two years after SUMO Digital's first foray into the kart racing genre with Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the team returns with sixteen brand-new tracks and loads of Sega fan service. Not only do the vehicles transform into karts, boats, and planes mid-race, but the tracks transform too, making many races having each lap being different from the last. With an all-star cast of Sega characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Amigo, Ulala, Aiai, Vyse, and NiGHTs, alongside racers like Disney's Wreck-It Ralph and NASCAR's Danica Patrick, there's a lot of cartoon-style racing to be had. Don't be fooled by the game's appearance, however. It can be as a easy or as tough as the receiver of this game wants.

Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS)

The first Scribblenauts game to reach a home console, Scribblenauts Unlimited is the most expansive entry of the franchise yet. Explore a vast world where characters challenge you to complete quests and solve puzzles in exchange for Starite shards, the necessary items required to save the protagonist's sister from a permanent stone prison. Create objects by inputting words, and couple them with adjectives to make them really come to life. These objects are used to solve the aforementioned puzzles and to interact with the world. Scribblenauts Unlimited has nearly unlimited potential for the player to expand his or her imagination. It's a terrific gift for any gamer not put off by the whimsical exterior. Note: The PC version isn't coming until 2013, so that is why it is not mentioned.

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That wraps up this Holiday Gift Guide for 2012. You have a list of over twenty games to look into and perhaps give to your fellow gamer. From shooters to platformers, this two part article ought to give you some ideas on what to purchase.

Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360) E3 Trailer

A new challenger approaches as Neo-Umbrella has risen, and the stakes are even higher than before with terror spreading worldwide. Welcoming returning characters like Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Ada Wong, and all-new mysterious faces, Resident Evil 6 (an October 2, 2012 release) is looking to be one incredible intense ride. Don't believe me? See for yourself with Capcom's E3 2012 trailer for the game.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Games of E3 2012

Christmas for gamers, E3 2012, is but a handful of days away. In an industry ecosystem where military shooters are all the rage, my tastes have evolved, grown up, and matured. Be that as snobby-sounding as that may. I feel that these shooters are the real games that are the immature ones (ironic that they are given an ESRB rating of "M for Mature") and not the ones that have color and are meant for everyone (though not to paint all of those with a broad brush). That said, I have ten items that I am most interested in that have been announced already. Of course, E3 is known for the surprises that first and third parties love to unveil either at the show, prior to the show, or shortly after the show. Which of these ten are you also anticipating?

10) The Last of Us (PS3)

I try to block all memories of the award show abortion that was Geoff Keighly's and Spike TV's Video Game Awards. They were absolutely dreadful and a great reminder of why this industry, its figures, and its gamers are constantly the butts of jokes. That said, one fun revelation from the "award show" was The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic third-person action game developed by the fine folks behind the Uncharted series. Naughty Dog knows how to craft exemplary experiences, and from the small batches of footage and screens I've seen, The Last of Us already looks incredibly promising.

9) Luigi's Mansion 2 (3DS)

Possibly a tentative title, Luigi's Mansion 2 was revealed a couple years or so ago. It is being developed by Next Level Games, who by their lonesome haven't created many compelling games, but with Nintendo they have done well for themselves. No doubt with the big N watching over their collective shoulder, Luigi's Mansion 2 will be a must-have 3DS game. The title is sort of a misnomer as there isn't just one mansion of Luigi to explore. Instead, there are several of varying tropes. Will Luigi's Mansion 2 utilize gyro controls or even the Circle Pad Pro? I guess we will find out at E3!

8) Rayman Legends (Wii U and other platforms)

Leaked out while those anticipating the Wii U were temporarily satiated by some real Wii U news, Rayman Legends passes on the beautiful 2D sprites of Rayman Origins for full 3D models. The trailer that seeped out was one meant for in-house employees and gave a general idea of the possibilities of the Wii U and its controller. One could put figurines on the controller's screen and have that character turn up inside the game, or a player could move platforms by placing their finger on the controller screen and sliding it up or down. No doubt there will be more information, possibly at Nintendo's E3 presser on Tuesday.

7) PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PS3)

Not exactly the most elegant name for a game, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is without any hesitation modeled after Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. franchise. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so no need to be annoyed by Sony's desire to consistently borrow ideas from the competition. Characters already announced include Kratos, Sly Cooper, Sweet Tooth, and Parappa the Rapper. The stages consist of mash-ups between two or more Sony-themed properties. The Jak and Daxter stage has a cameo by the Hot Shots Golf crew, for instance. While I don't think Battle Royale will sell PS3s or set the world on fire as much as Smash Bros. has, it will be a great title for fighting fans and Sony fans alike.

6) Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360)

The crew at Capcom have stated in interviews that they plan on returning the Resident Evil series back towards its horror roots. The game is apparently set in the neon-lit streets of a Chinese city where heroes like Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield are back. The zombies that infest the many corridors and areas of the game aren't the typical slowly lunging, empty-headed foes of the past. These baddies can use strategy and are fast on their feet. It is currently up in the air whether or not Resident Evil 6 will be reminiscent of pre-RE4 titles, but regardless of that, one's pulse is bound to be pounding as they play.

5) New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS)

Most gripes from critics of the New Super Mario Bros. series come from the boring art style. While I wouldn't mind a game that looked and animated as well as Wario Land: Shake It! or Yoshi's Island, aren't fun and level design more important? Those latter two qualities is where the New Super Mario Bros. series truly shines. Only four screens have been shown thus far, but they do reveal the return of Raccoon Mario as well as a new gold-coated Mario power-up. Satoru Iwata recently stated at an investors' meeting that New Super Mario Bros. 2 would be available in both retail and digital formats. What is this-- Nintendo actually being in the current millennium? Astronomical!

4) LittleBigPlanet Karting (PS3)

Take everything you love about the world of LittleBigPlanet and place it within the racing genre and you get LittleBigPlanet Karting. Sure, there are your typical grand prix races against a competitive field of adversaries, but there are also boss fights and kart battles to partake in. You can even create your own tracks and objects which definitely resonates the "Play, Create, and Share" mantra the franchise is well known for. I can't wait to take my SuperPhillip Sackboy onto the race track and speed along cardboard roads, swing across gaps, and discover secret shortcuts in intense and thrilling races.

3) Animal Crossing (3DS) [tentative title]

The Animal Crossing characters that you play as have grown a bit taller, now being able to wear pants and more detailed clothing. That isn't really the biggest draw of the game, however. A new and relatively substantial change to the 3DS version of Animal Crossing is the ability to act and serve as your village's mayor. Old Tortimer must have gone into retirement. The choices you make as mayor will no doubt affect the prosperity of your town. How far can your decision-making go? Well, that is currently undetermined, but here's hoping that the curtain on this game rises to reveal some much needed info come this Tuesday.

2) Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (PS3, 360, 3DS, PSV)

I said in a previous post that Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is my favorite kart racer of this generation, beating out Mario Kart Wii and ModNation Racers, so it makes sense that I am highly anticipating the game's sequel. Transformed shares the idea of Mario Kart 7 of shape-shifting vehicles for when the necessity comes up. Soaring through the air, drifting through corners, and jetting across blue waves are all means of transportation in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. We've already seen locales from Panzer Dragoon and Super Monkey Ball and have gawked at characters like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Eggman, Shadow, and Aiai, and the lineup of tracks and characters is only going to get bigger the closer we get to release.

1) The Wii U Lineup

Seems like an obvious choice for number one. The Wii U is Nintendo's newest console, and it is already getting the patented "doomed" arguments. I personally love it when so-called "gamers" are afraid of a toy like it really affects their livelihoods. Regardless, non-disclosure agreements have put a lid on most leaks except for that poor deluded Traveler's Tales employee who posted that new and improved Wii U controller to his Twitter account. He was fired, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was taken to court over it. Nintendo has a lot to prove this E3. I really couldn't care less if they cater to the whiny, selfish core as long as the company reveals some exciting content, which I'm sure they will. Their future in the console business sort of depends on it.

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There is my list of ten most anticipated titles for E3 2012. Which ten are you most interested in? And if you can't come up with a full ten, come up with as many as you can.

Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360) New Trailer

This trailer which comes from Capcom's Captivate press event has no qualms about spoiling a lot of the story regarding October's (the release date has been moved up) Resident Evil 6, the next mainline installment of the storied survival horror franchise, so be forewarned. Capcom has also announced that RE6 is not coming to Wii U. Better get used to that, Nintendo fans, as I'm sure the situation with third parties and Nintendo is not going to work out as well as you think it will next gen either.

Direct Link

Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360) First Trailer

After rumors of a big reveal, Capcom has pulled up the curtain on Resident Evil 6, the next chapter to their popular survival horror series. Not only is Leon back in action, but so is Chris Redfield. Will these two titans partner up somewhere along the line? The game is set to launch on November 20th this year, and we're bound to see more at E3 this year for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC (I don't cover PC, so it isn't listed in the story heading). Hopefully a Wii U release is also on the way. Goodness knows that platform needs all the third-party support it can get. As it stands, though, scope out this intense trailer full of speedy zombies, bright cities, and debonair special agents delivering axes to foreheads.

Resident trailer