Animal Crossing Journal - Cafe de Central Edition

Phil is back with a Monday edition of the Animal Crossing Journal. On today's edition we take a look at Central's new cafe. After donating a good share of fossils, fish, insects and art, Blathers finally requested a cafe for his old friend Brewster to be built. The citizens of Central pulled together and chipped in to build the town's newest watering hole.

Yee-haw!

A free round-- on me!

The mayor gets the ceremonial first sip.

Well what's stopping you?

Delicious!

Izo's birthday was this month.

For Izo? How sweet...

Some friends Izo has!

Ah... Izo's birthday wish.

Oh? How cordial!

Introducing the new Katie!

A happy song (?) to celebrate finishing off my debt!

A beautiful day after a rain storm...

I think Gigi understands loud and clear.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Presidents' Day 2013 Edition

Happy Presidents' Day to every USA reader. As for everyone else, it is just an ordinary day. Actually, for many USA readers it is still an ordinary day. This edition of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs will make today special with five tracks from five video games. We have music from Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Let's Tap, and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Let's "hurry up" and get to the first song.

v316. Wario Land 4 (GBA) - Hurry Up!

While this song takes a little while to get going, Wario should be on the move the entire time, as he runs and tumbles his way towards the goal. Hurrying up is the aim of each level's conclusion, and the faster the player performs this action, the less time they'll have to hear the horrifying end to this song!

v317. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB) - Athletic

Sitting near the top of the best Game Boy themes, Super Mario Land 2's Athletic theme is a super catchy theme. Not only that, but alternate takes of the theme are played throughout the game. The composer, Kazumi Totaka, is a well known name in Nintendo circles. He has composed the music for many memorable games, including Animal Crossing, Wii Sports, and Luigi's Mansion, to name a few.

v318. DK: King of Swing (GBA) - Contraption Cave

DK: King of Swing is one of my more liked Game Boy Advance (notice how it is Advance and not Advanced) games. It was a unique take on the Donkey Kong Country formula, having levels with bonus barrels and hidden secrets, but combining all that with a Clu Clu Land feeling. I urge you to pick up either this game or DK: Jungle Climber, the Nintendo DS sequel.

v319. Let's Tap (Wii) - Tap de Papapaya

Let's Tap was a severely overlooked game by Prope, a studio founded by Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka. The Wii title had players placing their Wii remotes onto a cardboard slab that came with the game and had them tapping the slab to interact with the various mini-games. It was a novel, but quite eccentric, idea that didn't do too well financially. At least the game had this insanely catchy main theme attached to it.

v320. Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (PSP) - The Encounter

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep was the sole entry in the Kingdom Hearts franchise on the PSP. After 358/2, Re:Coded, Chain of Memories, and this game, it was fair to say that even the most addicted fans were getting a bit tired of all of the spin-offs. That showed with the sales of Kingdom Hearts 3D.

===

With that, another edition of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs has concluded. Next week we'll have five more songs from five more games. If you missed a previous installment of this SPC segment, then check out the VGM Database where every song featured is listed.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Mr. 300 Edition

We started SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs just over a year ago, and now we have 300 different video game songs represented. We're celebrating 300 VGMs with today's edition (if the edition name didn't make that obvious enough). We'll have music from Valkyria Chronicles, We Love Katamari, and Metroid: Other M. If you're ready, then let's begin.

v296. Kameo: Elements of Power (360) - Hero's Theme

Here is a chorus-filled orchestral bombshell of a theme. While it's not my favorite launch title for the Xbox 360, or even my favorite Rare-developed launch title for the Xbox 360, Kameo: Elements of Power possessed plenty of fun in a genre that hasn't been represented much on the system.

v297. Valkyria Chronicles (PS3) - A Love Passed On

A fresh tactical RPG on the PlayStation 3, Valkyria Chronicles was published by Sega and has a stellar soundtrack. Why wouldn't it be stellar when you have Hitoshi Sakimoto of Final Fantasy Tactics fame on board for the music? A Love Passed On plays during a pivotal and forlorn moment in Valkyria Chronicles. Read the comments of the YouTube video at your own risk.

v298. We Love Katamari (PS2) - Everlasting Love

The Katamari series is always full of an eclectic mix of music, and the PlayStation 2's We Love Katamari, the direct sequel to the sleeper hit Katamari Damacy, continues that trend. Everlasting Love is a peppy rock tune with female vocals. It's a nice song to roll up innocent cows and civilians to.

v299. Metroid: Other M (Wii) - Ridley Theme

My opinion of Metroid: Other M is that it is an enjoyable game. Whether the reactions of Samus Aran's character being ruined are overreactions is something for another day, though gamers and overreactions seem to be synonymous with one another. Ridley's theme has been in many Metroid games in the past, and it really shines in Other M. Its tense chords and strings make for an intense fight.

v300. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) - Love's Theme

We celebrate 300 VGMs with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. What better time when we have the release date of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance approaching soon? With Love's Theme we have the vocalizations that tear at your heart and the sultry strings producing a Middle Eastern flair.

===

Next week we begin our climb to 400 VGMs. Before that, however, we'll have at least one new review right here on SuperPhillip Central this week. Until then, check out the VGM Database for every VGM ever posted.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Countdown to 300 Edition

Can you believe we're already approaching the 300th VGM? I wonder what it will be. No, seriously. I have no idea what song I want to choose for it. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. Today we have five more VGMs to listen to, including music from Super Mario Galaxy, Chrono Cross, and Final Fantasy VII!

v291. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) - Floater Land

Floater Land is not a theme that is heard a lot in the original Super Mario Galaxy. If memory serves me correctly, it only appears in the Buoy Base Galaxy, which only has two Power Stars to collect. That's a shame, too, because Floater Land is one of my favorite themes from the game with its outer space feel and big brass.

v292. Chrono Cross (PS1) - Another Arni Village

Arni Village is the hometown of the main character of Chrono Cross. However, Another Arni Village is a place in another world. The theme for the town is quite beautiful with piano and guitar sharing time in the spotlight. Yasunori Mitsuda really amazed his work on the Chrono Cross soundtrack, and this theme is just one small testament as to why.

v293. Star Fox Assault (GCN) - Star Wolf

Star Wolf debuted in the tremendous Star Fox 64. They returned in the GameCube's Star Fox Assault, and this time around they had a fully orchestrated version of their theme to blare during their appearances. I cannot get enough of the trumpet in this version of the piece. On the whole, the Star Fox Assault soundtrack is one of the GameCube's absolute best.

v294. LocoRoco 2 (PSP) - muimui

We've previously listened to a track entitled "buibui", so now we listen to a track called "muimui." The piano leads off followed by some Alvin and the Chipmunks-esque singing. The theme is insanely catchy and perfectly fitting for the cute world of LocoRoco.

v295. Final Fantasy VII (PS1) - Descendant of Shinobi

One of the most lovely character themes of Final Fantasy VII comes from a character that is easy to miss, a secret character, if you will. Descendant of Shinobi is the theme of Yuffie. Her song is quite folksy with a peppy beat to it. Although I'll always love Final Fantasy VI's soundtrack the best, you can't argue that Final Fantasy VII's music isn't great.

===

Next week we will be witnessing the 300th VGM. Until that time, why not check out all VGMs prior to that one with my VGM database?

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Ringing in the New Year Edition

Welcome to the first edition of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs of 2013. On this fine edition of the VGMs we have music from SPC's Game of the Year 2012, Xenoblade Chronicles, music from Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!, and lastly, we conclude with a piece from Skylanders: Giants. Oh, don't you worry. There's two other tracks I didn't even mention. What do you say-- let's get to listening to some sweet tunes!

v286. Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii) - Gaur Plain

It only makes sense to start off the new year with the title that won Game of the Year 2012 at SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2012 Awards. Xenoblade Chronicles is certainly one marvelous journey, and it is backed by one of the best soundtracks of 2012. Gaur Plain is a sensational symphonic song that helps out with that strong sense of wonder players have exploring the world of the game.

v287. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) - Boss Battle

How can we go 250+ VGM volumes without taking a look and listen to The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask? Well, I am about to rectify that with this boss theme from the game. One of my favorite memories of Majora's Mask is taking on the bull creature Goht in the second dungeon of the title as a Goron, chasing after the boss and rolling into him. This boss song only helps create even more tension.

v288. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (PS2) - Planet Oozla

Planet Oozla is a swamp planet, and home to the Megacorp Outlet. It is the first true level of Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, a game that I consider to be the best of the series. Planet Oozla sports an alluring orchestral theme with some sweet beats, which is great for whacking enemies and crossing the dangerous waters of the planet to.

v289. Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! (3DS, DS) - Main Theme

It's a bad sign when you play a demo of a game, and the thing you enjoy most of it is listening to the theme on the title screen. Regardless, that is exactly what happened when I tried the 3DS eShop demo of the long-winded title, Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! It's a catchy rock theme with some humorous lyrics.

v290. Skylanders: Giants (Wii U, Wii, PS3, 360, 3DS) - Aerial Attack - Dread-Yacht Fight/Battle

Lorne Balfe assisted with composing the music for Skylanders: Giants. His prior credentials had him contributing music to such films like The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. The music of Skylanders: Giants is suitably jaunty and makes one feel like they are on an epic adventure.

===

That ends the first installment of my VGMs for 2013. Until next time, take a peek at my VGM Database for all your VGM needs!

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Happy Endings Edition

It is the final day of 2012. While it is a time for reflection for some, for SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs, it's a time for five more video game tracks! This is a special edition of my VGMs. Because it is the end of the year, we're going to listen to five songs that were at the end of their respective games. From Super Mario 64 to Xenogears, the music selection is definitely eclectic.

v281. Super Mario 64 (N64) - Staff Roll

Let's go inside the castle and have some cake. Lord knows that Mario worked out enough running and jumping in his first 3D platforming adventure that the calories from the cake shouldn't really factor into things. This peppy credits theme from Super Mario 64 plays while the game shows off all of the courses Mario trekked through. Koji Kondo really shows why he's a marvelous VGM composer with this doozy of a theme.

v282. Star Fox Adventures (GCN) - Credits

The staff roll theme for Star Fox Adventures begins with a tribal beat followed by the Star Fox 64 main theme. It soon fades out and we enter into a rocking good time with the electric guitar playing. The end of this credits theme has a sultry sax, a fond memory of the relationship between Fox McCloud and his new friend Krystal.

v283. F-Zero X (N64) - Staff Roll (Guitar Arrange Version)

This version of the F-Zero X staff roll theme comes from a guitar arrange album released after the launch of F-Zero X. It's a fusion of metal and jazz, and it is quite brilliant, more so catchy as well. If you have the chance, look into the entire F-Zero X Guitar Arrange album, as it features some incredibly awesome tracks from an incredibly awesome game.

v284. Resident Evil 4 (PS2, GCN) - Sorrow

This credits theme from Resident Evil 4 starts out very dreamlike with the gentle flute playing the main melody. However, the dream turns into a nightmare when the song gets a heavy dose of strings. You didn't really think the credits theme for one of the best [survival horror] games of all time would end on a perky note, did you?

v285. Xenogears (PS1) - Small of Two Pieces ~ Restored Pieces

One of my favorite ending themes from a video game, Xenogears's Small of Two ~ Restored Piece features a moving melody and wonderful vocals, done by Joanne Hogg of Ireland. While the first verse is lovely, the second brings in some percussion to give the song a beat to go along with its beauty. This song is one terrific treat for those who beat Xenogears.

===

We're not quite through with 2012 yet. Not only is there one more brand-new review to see, but we have the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2012 Awards to start tomorrow. Stay tuned to SuperPhillip Central as this week is going to be very busy!

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Christmas Eve 2012 Edition

Much like the yearly SuperPhillip Central Best of Awards, selecting songs for the holiday season is a tradition too-- albeit not a tradition that is as long as my awards ceremony. Today on SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs, I have a special edition to share with you. Think of it as your Christmas bonus from yours truly. It is ten winter-themed video game tracks from games like Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Kirby's Epic Yarn, and even some Final Fantasy IX for you RPG buffs out there.

While you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family this season, join the SuperPhillip Central family as we celebrate the season with some SuperPhillip-approved video game songs. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to you and yours! May your season be merry and bright. With that said, let's get to the music!

v271. Donkey Kong Country (SNES) - Ice Cave Chant

The oldest song on this list of ten VGM volumes is from Donkey Kong Country, and it sounds just as good as many of the themes on this list. Although the theme only plays once during Donkey and Diddy Kong's first platforming adventure, the Slipslide Ride level, its impact is astounding. It's an extremely catchy piece full of winter wonder.

v272. Banjo-Kazooie (N64) - Freezeey Peak

A winter wonderland full of angry snowball-chucking snowmen, a family of polar bears in crisis, a bear-hating walrus, cozy cabins, a bright Christmas tree, and a giant snowman with corn cob pipe and yellow and red scarf resting in the center of the level, Freezeey Peak already has that wintry feel to it. The piece that accompanies the level furthers the feeling. Even though a lot of the level wants to see Banjo and Kazooie dead, you can't help but sit back and enjoy Freezeey Peak.

v273. Final Fantasy IX (PS1) - Ice Cavern

Nobuo Uematsu probably composes music in his sleep. That's how much I feel he has mastered his art. Final Fantasy IX features some of my favorite music from the series, and I admire most of the pieces the game uses, despite never having completed the game. Ice Cavern is one of the early dungeons of Final Fantasy IX, and this xylophone-filled piece is what is played during the duration of it.

v274. Tales of Symphonia (GCN) - A Snow Light

The beautiful city of Flanoir is covered in feet of snow. It is a veritable winter wonderland. I cannot help but feel warm and cozy sitting in my room and traversing through the town. With Motoi Sakuraba's A Snow Light playing, the ambiance of Flanoir is only accentuated further. I especially love the piano that plays its descending melodic phrases.

v275. Diddy Kong Racing (N64) - Frosty Village

David Wise should be a familiar fan to Rare fans. He has composed a plethora of soundtracks for the developer such as the Donkey Kong Country trilogy. Frosty Village is a rockin' Christmas-sounding tune, perfect for the wintry village that Diddy and the gang speed through. I have many great memories of Diddy Kong Racing. It's only my favorite kart racer of all time, after all!

v276. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN) - Sherbet Land

From one kart racer to another, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is one of my most cherished entries in the Mario Kart franchise. Its dual racer mechanic was fresh and innovative, I loved the track design, and the soundtrack is one of the series's best. Kenta Nagata (who did work on Mario Kart 64 and most recently Mario Kart 7) and Shinobu Tanaka teamed up to compose the cheery music for this game. The end result is tracks like Sherbet Land, that make you hum along and then curse the game for that one blue shell at the final stretch on the final lap.

v277. Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) - Snowy Fields

Everything about the Snowy Fields track yells "Christmas." We have sleigh bells, regular bells, and a happy disposition. Kirby's Epic Yarn's soundtrack is a terrific one, and it's one of the Wii's best. If you were a music love this generation, you had plenty of opportunities for fantastic music. Kirby's Epic Yarn was just another example of this statement.

v278. Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT) - Frost Man Stage

The first thing that you generally associate with a level is its aesthetics-- its music, its background, its visuals, and so forth. With Frost Man's level from Mega Man 8, players who go through the level will probably just associate it with one thing, "Jump. Jump. Slide. Slide." The pace of the snowboard sections only quickens, making the computer voice instructing Mega Man on what to do speak even more swiftly.

v279. Paper Mario (N64) - Cold Reception in Shiver City

Two Mario games on the same Favorite VGMs edition? Craziness! Paper Mario was a departure from Squaresoft's Mario RPG, and many consider the game all the better for it. The Paper Mario series is known for its grand humor and timing-based battles. Cold Reception in Shiver City unsurprisingly plays during Shiver City, a frosty town full of talkative penguins.

v280. Viewtiful Joe 2 (PS2, GCN) - Ice Edge (The Polar Movie Land)

If I had but one video game-related wish for this Christmas season, it would be for Capcom to somehow, someway create a new Viewtiful Joe-- a Viewtiful Joe 3. Sure, there was a third game in the series in the form of Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble on the Nintendo DS, but that wasn't of the original's quality. Ice Edge has all the makings of a holiday tune-- sleigh bells and a frosty piano to enjoy.