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 - Yearly Nintendo 3DS Edition

Welcome to a Nintendo 3DS-centric edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs! We have music from games new and old to share with our readers this fine Monday afternoon. On the docket this week includes Bravely Default, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure. If you can take your eyes off of your 3DS and quit StreetPassing, you can take a listen to our picks this week!

v561. Bravely Default (3DS) - Bell of Battle

Our friends across both ponds have enjoyed Bravely Default already, but this past Friday, North American Nintendo 3DS owners received their chance to pick up the game. One sign of a great battle theme is that even upon hundreds of times you hear it, it seldom gets old. Revo's Bell of Battle is one of such songs.

v562. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS) - Dream Drop Distance ~ The Next Awakening

Played during the credits of the latest brand-new Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, the song of the same name presents listeners with a sprawling series of themes from the game. Yoko Shimomura once again delivers an exceptional piece of music that wraps up this Nintendo 3DS installment wonderfully.

v563. Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS) - "Don't speak her name!"

This is such a pretty song for a significant event in Fire Emblem: Awakening. From the sweeping orchestra to the melodic piano, "Don't speak her name!" is an adventure for the ears that takes one on a journey through sorrow and regret. Did we bum you out? We hope not!

v564. Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS, PC) - Capital City

One of the more underrated soundtracks comes from 5th Cell's Scribblenauts Unlimited. Capital City is a theme that starts off innocently enough with a catchy acoustic guitar riff, but then the song gets layers upon layers added to it until it becomes very moving.

v565. Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure (3DS) - Moon Princess

A gorgeous piece led by the violin, Moon Princess is played in one of the earlier rhythm games within Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure. The rhythm game itself requires players to slide the stylus back and forth as if holding a bow to a violin's set of strings. It all ends with a glorious conclusion, fitting for this excellently composed theme.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Countdown to Five Years Edition

You might be wondering what in the world this week's edition's title is referring to. If so, then you must have missed our announcement that SuperPhillip Central is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, June 5. We're kicking off the festivities with five tracks from video game past and present. Such games featured this week include Yoshi's Island DS, Animal Crossing: Wild World, and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. After you've heard these great songs, check out our VGM Database for all past themes documented.

v386. Yoshi's Island DS (DS) - Windblown Wilderness

Quite possibly the only good song in Yoshi's Island DS (which is a huge disappointment after the original Yoshi's Island's excellent and memorable soundtrack), Windblown Wilderness is a little bit country and a little bit awesome. The song would be remixed in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

v387. The Munchables (Wii) - Panic Restaurant

The Munchables is a severely underrated and overlooked Nintendo Wii game that needs more attention. It's charming, it has qualities of both Pac-Man and Katamari Damacy, and it's just a load of fun. Panic Restaurant is theme that plays as your Munchable takes on one of the game's many bosses, such as a broccoli monster, a creature made up of grapes, and several blocks of chocolate.

v388. Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS) - Main Theme

We have fond memories of playing Animal Crossing: Wild World with old internet friends, as well as playing it on our own or locally with one another and/or friends. This folksy main theme is a gentle one that puts players right into the mood to visit their home away from home, chat with the locals, catch bugs and fish, and collect as much for their homes as possible.

v389. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Wii U, 3DS) - Success!!!

Sure, you've been hunting that Rathalos dozens of times and still haven't acquired that rare drop yet. Don't despair, because at least when you bring down the fiery dragon you can listen to this rousing victory theme, boosted by brass and soothing strings. Just a side-note that this song was also in Monster Hunter Tri on Wii, but we figured we'd classify the song under the expansion game for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

v390. Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS, PC) - Edwin's Farm

Volume 390 has the Scribblenauts series making its first appearance on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with Scribblenauts Unlimited. The team at 5th Cell did a grand undertaking when they developed this game, and the final product is one they can be proud of. What they can also be proud of is the excellent music that accompanies each level. Edwin's Farm is the first level in the game, and it comes with a catchy and relaxing theme.

Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS, PC) Review

We're halfway through this review-filled week. For the third review we have Scribblenauts Unlimited. The copy I reviewed was the Wii U version.

To Play or Naut to Play

The Scribblenauts series debuted on the Nintendo DS and brought with it highly innovative emergent gameplay and a lot of promise. While the original Scribblenauts did not live up to its potential, its sequel Super Scribblenauts made everyone remember why they were hyped for its predecessor in the first place. Now it is the launch of the Wii U and with it comes the first home console version of the Scribblenauts series, Scribblenauts Unlimited, also on Nintendo 3DS and PC. Does the game offer unlimited potential or limited enjoyment?

This edition of Scribblenauts tells the tale of how Maxwell got his magical notebook and became the helpful hero fans know him as. This is how Scribblenauts Unlimited's story goes: Maxwell acquires the notebook and pulls a mean trick on an old man. Turns out the man is a magician who casts a spell that slowly turns Maxwell's sister to stone. It is up to Maxwell to gather special trinkets called Starites to nullify the effects of the old man's spell. The plot is just a means to an end to give an excuse for players to unleash their creativity on the various missions, but it is a nice and simple one nonetheless. Scribblenauts's home console debut has still-frame cutscenes that bookend the game, narrated by Maxwell's sister.

The humble farm where our adventure begins...

So Maxwell has his mission, but how does he collect Starites? Well, there are a multitude of levels to enter, each with their own set of characters, objects, and whatnot that need the type of help that only Maxwell and his magic notebook can provide.

The notebook is the most important piece to Scribblenauts Unlimited. You can input a noun and it will mystically pop up in the game world. There are limits to what you can place, but for the most part, there is a wide range of words that the game recognizes. In addition to nouns, you can add adjectives to objects and characters to make them even more unique. For example, you can write "giant" and a huge male character will be summoned. Then you can add a "green" adjective to him and he will change color.

If things get too hot, why not write in some rain?

What does this have to do with the actual people needing help? By summoning the right object or using the right adjective, you assist the various cries for help and are awarded Starite shards. Such an instance could be a zombie who is hungry. Type in "brain" and you will satisfy the zombie's hunger and be awarded with a shard.

Wizards of Scribblenauts Place

The fun of Scribblenauts Unlimited is knowing that you can complete missions in a vast array of ways. There is no "one" solution in most cases. If you have gorilla sitting on top of a building with the clue of "King me", you can opt to give the gorilla a crown for the simplest solution, or you can opt to input "chessboard" and voila, the gorilla is satisfied that way as well! It is absolutely fun to concoct different solutions each time you play. Though, occasionally something that you would think would work doesn't, and that just creates a little frustration.

Even a crew of vikings needs a little bit of "me time."

Nonetheless, even if you mess up entirely and somehow kill an important character you can always reset a given level. The Starites and Starite shards you earned will stay collected, but everyone and everything in the level will return to how it was originally when Maxwell first stepped into it.

In addition to the individual characters and objects needing help, there are special missions.. These require multiple steps to solve them, but the reward is much greater, a full Starite. Such examples include helping a boy scout earn his badges, breaking out of a booby trap-filled prison, or assisting a chef in cooking something fabulous. As you gain more complete Starites, the areas of the world map that you can explore increases, but Maxwell's sister becomes more petrified in the process.

Riding a raptor? Why the heck not?

Something not in the Nintendo 3DS version of Scribblenauts Unlimited is the object editor. Here you can tinker with preexisting objects or build your own. These objects can be shared with other users online via a marketplace-like setting. Already there are brilliant designs manufactured, a lot of them video game-related objects such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Metroid's Samus Aran, for instance. And don't worry about not having enough space as you can hold upwards of 500 saved objects.

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam,

and the deer and the c-antelope play.

Scribblenauts Unlimited looks fantastic on the Wii U. The higher definition than what was possible on the Nintendo DS offers crisper and cleaner characters and absolutely vivid levels. Since the game is on more powerful hardware, the limit of how many objects you can create on screen at the same time has greatly been improved. Obviously this isn't the case with the Nintendo 3DS version, which can easily be considered the weakest of the three (Wii U, 3DS, and PC). The ability to play Scribblenauts Unlimited on the Wii U GamePad exclusively is also a wonderful feature of that version. Meanwhile, the music is quite catchy and even got me bopping my head while I was playing. Overall, Scribblenauts Unlimited is a success when it concerns presentation.

The home console debut of Scribblenauts is very much a noteworthy one. While there are the occasional glitches like failing a mission because Maxwell died mysteriously or objects falling through the ground, the good far outweighs the bad in Scribblenauts Unlimited. The possibilities for solving puzzles and helping people are very high. The only limitation is your imagination... and the game sometimes not being as open-minded with solutions as it is advertised as.

[SuperPhillip Says: 8.0/10]

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.