SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "The Calm Before the E3 2017 Storm" Edition

While the press conferences may have already begun, the show floor doesn't truly open until tomorrow. That's when the true storm of gaming excitement kicks off! In the meantime of that and the PlayStation E3 2017 press conference in two hours' time, let's bring out SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs to rock out and enjoy some tremendous tunes!

We begin with a Nintendo Switch game that launches this Friday, ARMS. From there, we move on to Puyo Puyo Tetris for multiple systems, including the aforementioned Nintendo Switch. We turn to some winter-styled themes to combat the hot temps here at SPC HQ with music from Sonic Lost World and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Finally, the heroes in a half shell conclude this edition with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up. 

Remember that all you have to do to hear the VGMs is to click on the giant links below above each game picture. Also, check out the VGM Database for all past VGM volumes from this ongoing weekly series! Now, let's get on to the music!

v1416. ARMS (NS) - Main Theme

Generally I leave games that have yet to be released away from SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, but ARMS' main theme is simply a delight and kicks serious butt. Plus, what better way to get hyped for its Friday release -- other than Nintendo showing off the game during the ARMS Invitational at E3, of course! Filled with catchy brass, a whistle accompaniment, and killer vocals, the main theme of ARMS certainly has legs.

v1417. Puyo Puyo Tetris (Multi) - Swap Mode - Puyo

A bright and bouncy theme for Puyo Puyo Tetris' Swap Mode featuring those bubbly Puyo, there's few things in puzzle games more rewarding than nailing a chain of Puyo to make them all disappear, racking up a big point score in the process. I am planning on having a review for Puyo Puyo Tetris by the end of the month, so please look forward to that!

v1418. Sonic Lost World (Wii U, PC) - Frozen Factory Act 1

With both Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania due out this year (and both will be at E3 this week), I figured it be a perfect occasion to bring up a lesser appreciated Sonic game, Sonic Lost World. Though it has plenty of problems, especially in the late half, one of its crowning achievements is its stupendous soundtrack. Here is just one of many songs that are terrific to listen to, even when its particular level can annoy.

v1419. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U) - Biddybud Snow Stroll

Since it's so hot here in Central City today and all this week, why not double up on winter-themed levels for this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs! Using Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's main theme and remixing it to sound wintry, we have Biddybud Snow Stroll where navigating two floors of a temple-like structure is the aim of this level.

v1420. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up (Wii, PS2) - Dojo

Developed by some of the same team members behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed party fighter for the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2 featured an assortment of TMNT characters to battle as across numerous modes and arenas. The Dojo arena is a simple one, taking place in the Turtles' fighting quarters. One specific aspect of note with Smash-Up is the really good music that was composed for the game. Such tracks made an adequate brawler even better.

2013: The Return of the Year of the Platformer?

We don't follow the Chinese New Year at all, so we're not certain of what year it is for that country. Year of the Snake? Year of the Dragon? Year of the Dolphin? Who knows. What we do know is that for the gaming industry, we're seeing a large number of platforming titles, both 2D and 3D, that make us extremely happy. Platformers are what we grew up on as 8-bit and then 16-bit era kids. It's our fondest genre to play. Perhaps we could call 2013 the Year of the Platformer instead of whatever animal China has. Here are nine of the biggest retail platformers that are coming out from now until the end of the year!

Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

We are of the mind that Super Mario 3D World is the type of game that players won't know they wanted until they get to experience the final version. No doubt many have already made up their minds about the game because it's not Super Mario Galaxy 3, or a reasonable substitute. Instead, the game is akin to one of the greatest Nintendo 3DS games, Super Mario 3D Land. That excites us already, as that game was a perfect mix of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay. The addition of true multiplayer, a first for the 3D line of Mario games, is something we know will make us play through Super Mario 3D World a plethora of times. Knowing that each of the four playable characters control differently is exciting as well. We were hesitant at first to hype Super Mario 3D World, but then we remembered that one of the greatest and most heralded studios in Nintendo EAD is working on the game. Based on their output, we can feel at ease in giving them the benefit of the doubt.

New Super Luigi U (Wii U)

Speaking of years, it's the Year of Luigi, as well. This game has already been available via downloadable content to New Super Mario Bros. U. However, a separate (and $10 more expensive) retail release is coming to North America this Sunday. New Super Luigi U consists of drastically shorter and much more challenging levels than what players experienced in New Super Mario Bros. U. Even the first world consists of difficulty that wasn't present in Mario's adventure until much later in the game. The ability to play as the untouchable Nabbit will allow even beginning players to enjoy Luigi's platforming journey. We wanted more challenge from New Super Mario Bros. U, and now with New Super Luigi U, we've got it!

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

When Retro Studios was asked which project they wanted to do next, they jumped on the chance to create a new entry in the Donkey Kong Country series. After seeing how well Donkey Kong Country Returns turned out, we're feverishly anticipating Tropical Freeze, set to release some time in November. Levels are much more dynamic this time around, with barrels that blast players around giant trees with a camera that follows. Dixie Kong has returned from her long hiatus from the series, and speaking of hiatuses, Dave Wise, the original composer of the SNES trilogy is on board to create the music for this Wii U exclusive. Did we mention that swimming has returned as well? Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is shaping up to eclipse Retro's initial DKC offering, and that will be one amazing achievement.

Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)

People often bring up the "Sonic Cycle" for new Sonic the Hedgehog games, but if Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations are anything to go by, that so-called cycle has been broken for a while now. Sonic Lost World hopes to continue that streak, and thus far the circular worlds of the game and parkour-like platforming make us cautiously optimistic. Controlling Sonic is much easier, utilizing the shoulder buttons to set Sonic's speed. This is contrary to past games, where you didn't have as much control over how fast Sonic ran. Without a shoulder button held, Sonic simply saunters. It's only when a shoulder button is pressed down does he speed through levels. Sonic Lost World came as a surprise, and we hope that it succeeds in giving Nintendo another excellent platformer and game on their system.

Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)

The past two Ratchet & Clank games were respectable in the regard that they tried something new with the series. That said, they were lesser experiences compared to past installments. All 4 One tried four player co-op both online and off, and Full Frontal Assault attempted an action-based tower defense game. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus is a budget title ($29.99 MSRP) that returns the lovable lombax and robot pair to the origins of the series: action platforming with a focus on leveling up weapons through repeated use and using gadgets to explore the colorful worlds of the game. Ratchet & Clank is one of our favorite PlayStation franchises, and we cannot express how happy we are to see the series return to what made it so popular in the first place.

Puppeteer (PS3)

Sony's Japan Studio has not been very pronounced this past generation. They seem to be coming back with a vengeance, however, with the upcoming early September release, Puppeteer. The game is a 2D side-scroller which has players controlling Kutaro, a boy who has been transformed into a puppet and has had his head stolen. Using a magical pair of scissors, Kutaro goes on a platforming journey to retrieve his pilfered head and return to his own world. Sony has no doubt impressed us with the amazing amount of new franchises they have created in the PlayStation 3 era. Not only are they new franchises, but they're new experiences. So many times new IPs are made that simply feel like games we've already played. Puppeteer is thankfully not one of those, and that's why we're so hyped for it, regardless of how well (or bad) it will do commercially.

Rayman Legends (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC, Vita)

Let's get this out of the way. We've tried the PlayStation 3 demo of Rayman Legends, and the Murray parts just don't work as well as the Wii U version. That shouldn't be any surprise, as the Wii U was the system Rayman Legends was built for. Nonetheless, we're bound to have a good time regardless of the platform we get the game on. Ubisoft's delay of Rayman Legends has given the game a multitude of new levels, boss battles, and even Rayman Origins levels made using Legends's sophisticated graphics engine. We cannot wait to finally be able to insert the Rayman Legends disc into our hungry Wii Us. Multiplayer is going to be an absolute blast, if Rayman Origins is anything to go by. We'll most likely be the first ones at our local game store to pick up Legends when it releases early next month. Lucky European gamers can grab the game next week.

Skylanders: Swap Force (PS4, XONE, Wii U, PS3, 360, Wii, 3DS)

Disney Infinity released this past week and has given this next game series some stiff competition. The third game in the Skylanders series is set to release in North America first (unlike past games that Australia received first) this November. It's called Skylanders: Swap Force, and the swapping in the title refers to how each figure has a top half and a bottom half. These can be swapped with other figures to create entirely different creatures. While past console installments have been brawlers with some exploration, Swap Force allows each character to jump, expanding the level design possibilities greatly. Seeing as Skylanders: Swap Force is releasing on practically every platform under the sun, it will be hard to miss when it releases in a few months.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Wii U, PS3, 360, 3DS)

Okay, we might be stretching it with this one, as Pac-Man as of late hasn't had the greatest success game-wise. Furthermore, a game based off a television show isn't the most promising proposition either. Regardless, we're listing Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures here anyway. If Namco Bandai can fix some of the issues of the Pac-Man World games, such as the camera, for one, Ghostly Adventures will be a much better game for it. While the console versions are 3D platformers, the 3DS version has us most interested, as it is entirely 2 1/2-D. We'll see if our skepticism of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures is justified when the game releases towards the end of November.

Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS) Gamescom Trailer

Following the footsteps of Batman is Sonic the Hedgehog. He has a new trailer for the Gamescom event for Sonic Lost World, a Wii U and Nintendo 3DS exclusive. A new level is revealed, several Wisp powers are shown, trading items through Miiverse is here and the two-player competitive and cooperative modes are present and accounted for. We at SuperPhillip Central are really looking forward to Sonic's latest game.

Top Ten Most Wanted Wii U Games (2013 Edition)

If you have owned a Wii U since launch, then you're probably used to the waiting game. Most Wii U owners have been more than patient enough for a downpour of new software rather than the trickles we've received over the past nine months. Finally the drought is over with the release of Pikmin 3, and finally the release schedule has beefed up. There are a lot of exciting Wii U games coming forth this fall, this holiday season and next year. This list provides our readers with the titles that we want most that are coming to Nintendo's eighth generation system.

For other features, articles, editorials and lists, check out our Feature Catalog! Also, don't forget to vote on this month's Central City Census poll, located at the top of the sidebar!

10) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

A remastering of a game we played a decade or so ago isn't going to interest us much, but when it is a new and improved version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, we can't just thumb our collective noses at it. Using new lighting including enough bloom for outdoor areas to give that tropical sun-drenched shine to islands, clever Miiverse functionality, and an updated take on the once tedious Triforce quest, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is shaping up to be just the taste of the Legend of Zelda series that fans have been desiring ever since they purchased their Wii Us. We know we're in that camp!

9) Rayman Legends

The first of a handful of third-party games on our list, Rayman Legends was originally due out way back in late February. Due to poor sales of Ubisoft's premier Wii U launch title, ZombiU, the publisher decided to delay the game to make it multi-platform. At first we were upset with this news, but seeing all of the added content the developers have included due to the delay make us really happy. We're also really happy that the Wii U version still appears to be the definitive version of the game, thanks to the touch screen and exclusive content, including the just announced Mario and Luigi costumes. (Though we're glad more people get to experience this game.)

8) Sonic Lost World

Back in the Super Nintendo/Genesis playground wars over which system was superior, you would have been called some very naughty names had you said that one day Sonic the Hedgehog would appear on a Nintendo platform. You would have probably been beat up if you said that the developer hopes that this Sonic game will revive Nintendo's system. Those playground squabbles get violent fast, after all. Borrowing a page from Super Mario Galaxy, Sonic Lost World defies gravity for an extra dose of amazing fun and fantastical level design that many players of demos seem to be enjoying. We cannot express how glad we are that Sonic Team has finally come to terms as to how to create a satisfying 3D Sonic. They've done it with Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, so hopefully they can pull off the hat trick with Sonic Lost World, only for Nintendo Wii U.

7) The Wonderful 101

This morning we caught a humorous glimpse at Platinum Games' Hideki Kamiya performing the same mannerisms of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata for the special Nintendo Direct featuring The Wonderful 101. Unite, wonder-eyes and take down the alien robotic menace that threatens the peace-loving people of our world. The Wonderful 101 has players taking command of a superhero squad, using the Wii U GamePad to draw symbols to summon high-powered weaponry like fists, swords, guns and whips to demolish foes with ease. As would be expected of a Platinum Games title, there is a great layer of depth in the gameplay to be had, and you can bet that the colorful stylized world of The Wonderful 101 is one that you'll want to return to over and over again.

6) Bayonetta 2

One of the most embarrassing events of last year for the gaming industry (and there are sadly so many to mention) was the reaction to Bayonetta 2 becoming a Nintendo Wii U exclusive. There were death threats, people who would rather see the game not exist at all rather than be exclusive to Nintendo (these people are known as pathetic console warriors), and other immature behavior that did the industry no favors in making people take our hobby seriously. Regardless, without Nintendo's support, Bayonetta 2 would simply not exist. We're glad that the high-heeled femme fatale has returned, and boy is she looking phenomenal. We're ready to take down demons, monsters and enemies of all shapes and sizes when Bayonetta 2 smashes onto the Wii U next year.

5) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

While most of gamer-dom wanted Retro Studios to be working on a new Metroid, we were absolutely elated to discover that the developer had chosen to work on a sequel to one of the greatest platformers of the past generation (and of all time), Donkey Kong Country Returns. Now, the team is at it again with Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, adding underwater segments, dynamic camera angles, a new enemy threat, and playable Dixie Kong. We're anxiously awaiting seeing more footage of Tropical Freeze and see just how stellar Retro Studios' masterful level design carries over to this new game. It is a grand year to be a platformer fan, and if you own a Wii U and are like us, then you will be in heaven this year.

4) Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D Land on the Nintendo 3DS was an excellent merging of gameplay styles of the Mario series. It had the move set of the 3D games, while bringing the linear obstacle courses of the 2D games. The end result was a combination that rocked our worlds. Speaking of worlds, Super Mario 3D World is set to release this December for the Wii U, and being able to play a 3D Mario with friends and family is a concept that enthuses us to no end. The all-new Cat Suit looks absolutely adorable and opens up the level design exponentially. We are also liking how each playable character controls differently, much like Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA version). Many fun times and sleepless nights will no doubt be had as we mess with one another's jumps, causing "accidental" deaths and the kind of entertainment you can't just get anywhere.

3) X

Still a code name for Monolith Soft's epic RPG project for the Wii U, X is one of the most impressive looking games from a technological standpoint. Then, when you factor in giant colossal mecha robots (which you can enter and exit in an instant), behemoth-sized beasts and lands that stretch out as far as the eye can see, and you can probably realize why so many are hyped for whatever X will eventually turn out to be named. It also doesn't hurt that this team's last game was one of the best RPGs ever devised, Xenoblade Chronicles. We're chomping at the proverbial bit to find out more about Monolith Soft's ambitious title.

2) Mario Kart 8

Another great looking title from a technological standpoint is Mario Kart 8. After the less-than-impressive-looking Mario Kart Wii, it seems the development team has something to prove graphics-wise, and they are certainly proving it with the clean and colorful visuals of Mario Kart 8. Although the game is due out next spring, we do have details that we know of. The most obvious is that anti-gravity a la F-Zero will be a huge part of the gameplay and track design. The Mario Kart series has some of the best track design of any kart racer, so seeing what the development team will do when they're no longer tied down to the laws of gravity is something that is really exciting. Spring 2014 is such a long time to wait for Mario Kart 8, but we're most certainly sure it will be worth it.

1) Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The top three games on this list are the furthest away for Wii U owners, being 2014 releases. That said, we're constantly getting new screenshots on a daily basis straight from the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series himself, Masahiro Sakurai. We are in love with both versions of the game, the Wii U and 3DS versions, but the Wii U game has us most interested. While the current roster is on the light side, we are pleased with the inclusions thus far. Then you have the stage design, which is looking rather excellent and should deliver plenty of fun for players. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is without a doubt our most played game of the past generation, and we're eager to invest more of the days of our lives into this new Smash Bros. game.

Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS) Colors Trailer

Showing off new levels and the return of Wisps into the fray (including several new ones like Eagle and Rhythm), this trailer for the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World is absolutely fantastic and gets us very hyped for the game. October 22 is the release date, so get your speed shoes on and get ready to run!