Top Five Video Game Collections

The collection-- we've seen plenty of HD ones over the past couple of years such as The Sly Collection. God of War Collection, Metal Gear Solid Collection, Devil May Cry Collection, among others. Those don't hold a candle to the compendiums contained on this Friday's top five list of best video game collections. These give players the biggest bang for their buck. Enough out of me, though, let's see which ones are top of the heap.

5) Mega Man Anniversary Collection (PS2)


I'm talking solely about the PlayStation 2 version and not the GameCube or Xbox ones. The reason for this is because the jumping and shooting buttons are switched on the GameCube version, plus the remixed music is not present either. The Xbox iteration has that uncomfortable controller, so the PS2 entry automatically wins. Featuring ten games (Mega Man 1-8, and both Power Fighters arcade games), remixed music, updated UI in-game (both optional), and artwork, get your Mega Man on with this awesome anniversary collection.

4) Super Mario All-Stars (SNES, Wii)


Released a year or so ago on Wii with a bonus CD for $30 and also available on cartridge for the Super Nintendo, one of the greatest consoles of all time, Super Mario All-Stars features four games (Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels) with remastered and touched up graphics. What was once 8-bit is now 16-bit, and boy, does it look glorious! Special copies of the SNES version contained five games (the aforementioned titles along with Super Mario World). Which ever version of the compendium of Mario's earliest titles you decide to go with, you are bound to reignite your love for everything Mario and Mushroom Kingdom.

3) Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)


Three sensational games for the low price of fifty dollars? Did I mention that each game had added motion controls that made these the definitive versions of these titles? Metroid Prime was already an incredible experience, but with pointer functionality added, the game was on a whole 'nother level. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, while not superior to its predecessor, is still worth blasting through Aether for. The new controls truly add a huge amount to the experience, and Wii owners would be amiss if they didn't manage to scrounge up a copy. Unfortunately, Metroid Prime Trilogy is the only compilation on our list that was manufactured in rare and limited quantities, so good luck finding a used copy under seventy dollars!

2) Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection


Possessing over thirty unique and individual Genesis or Mega Drive games, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection had the best games from the SEGA's 16-bit escapades. Included were games like Sonic the Hedgehog (of course), Kid Chameleon, Ristar (one of my personal favorites from the collection), Decap Attack, Flicky, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Alex Kidd, Beyond Oasis, Columns, Comix Zone, Ecco the Dolphin, Vectorman 1 & 2, and much, much more. With trophies and achievements for those that dig those collectibles, awesome artwork, and behind-the-scenes interviews with various developers, and you have one anthology worth picking up. You can do so on the cheap by the by...

1) The Orange Box (PS3, 360)


Five games for fifty dollars, and they are some of the best titles to come from Valve? Where do I sign? The Orange Box is the ultimate in value with Half-Life 2, Episode One, Episode Two, the online zaniness of Team Fortress 2, and the puzzling romp of the original Portal. Rated highly with a Metacritic of 96 by reviewers both trustworthy and not-so-reputable, The Orange Box is the highest-rated collection on this list which is another reason why it is number one here. With countless replay value in both the single-player games and the multiplayer-centric Team Fortress 2, you will be playing this compendium long after you've reached 1000/1000 on your Gamerscore.

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Which gaming collections do you fancy? Let your old friend SuperPhillip and everyone else who reads SPC know in the comments section below!

Most Overlooked PlayStation 3 Games - Part Two

Looking at the myriad of fantastic titles in its library, the PlayStation 3 is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Of course, even with a wonderful machine like Sony's PS3, there are bound to be several great titles that fall between the cracks. This ongoing series creatively called "Most Overlooked" aims to fix that, and inform you, the reader, the viewer, the gamer, such titles that need your undying devotion and attention, too. Let's start things off with something speedy, shall we?

Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

Failure isn't exclusive to the PlayStation 3 version of this awesome kart racer. In fact, all versions failed to light the charts on fire. Filled with cool characters from SEGA past and present including Sonic the Hedgehog (of course), Amy Rose, Dr. Eggman, Ulala (Space Channel 5), B.D. Joe (Crazy Taxi) and much more. The tracks, though lacking in series variety, made up for that with some truly insane and impressive design. Add in some well-balanced items and a unique turbo-boost system, and you have a game that's hard to frown down upon. The most important fact is that it's a game published by SEGA that doesn't entirely suck!


Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection

This gen, the hedgehog just can't seem to catch much of a break. Us critics praised this collection, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, as a competent compendium of Genesis goodies from the original Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy to lesser-known games such as Decap Attack and Ristar. Add to the equation that this game launched at only thirty dollars, has easily obtainable trophies, and runs silky smooth in HD, and this is a hard collection to pass up! Unfortunately, not hard enough to pass up as the sales were abysmal for this collection on both PS3 and 360. If you're in the mood for some classic gaming, stay away from Golden Axe, and pick this game disc up ASAP.


SingStar Volumes 1 & 2

Immensely popular in Sony London's home country but not so much overseas, SingStar's American sales were so poor that future iterations of the series such as SingStar: ABBA and SingStar: Queen are not scheduling their tours to a town near you, unlucky North American singers. While I agree that the song selection for both PS3 volumes is pretty poor, and the cost for downloading new songs is on the high side, SingStar is a bloody good time with friends or even by yourself where no one can hear or see you-- where you can let your inhibitions run wild! You can find either edition of SingStar with mics for under thirty dollars.


Folklore

This treasured to some action-adventure game has all the makings of a fun experience for all. Inspired by Western fairy tales similar to Overlord, Folklore is all about trashing ogres, goblins, and other monstrous creatures on your adventure to uncover a village's mysterious legend. This legend is a gateway that transports the player to various different realms, a virtual border between the real world and a magical dream world. An overlooked gem in the PlayStation 3's vast library, it's one title fans of the genre will definitely enjoy.


White Knight Chronicles: International Edition

We continue with the RPG theme. Released to mixed reviews and modest sales, White Knight Chronicles: International Edition is a hack and slash, free-roaming, turn-based RPG that has you playing the role of the precocious young Leonard on a quest to retrieve a princess who is always in yet another castle it seems. If the story of the single-player doesn't fare you well, you can take your custom-made avatar online and compete in quests with up to three other friends or total strangers! Sure, the quests may seem monotonous, and there's tons of grinding to be had, but wouldn't you love to do it all with friends by your side?


That ends another edition of "Most Overlooked". Have a system or game that you'd like to see featured in "Most Overlooked"? Drop me a comment below.