Classics I Can Return To - Part Ten

It's time once again to take a look at those video games that--despite my immense backlog, despite the seemingly never-ending amount of new games being released, and despite a seemingly ever-decreasing amount of free time--are the games that I keep coming back to for replay after replay. Maybe it's just to return to familiar gaming territory, have a deep dish of comfort gaming, or play something that tickles my nostalgia bone, but I can't help but return to these games as if they were old friends of mine.

Speaking of returning to things, it's been over two years since I posted Part Nine of Classics I Can Return To on SuperPhillip Central, so it's about time to make up for it, wouldn't you say! Before we do that, however, check out all nine past parts of this ongoing series of articles with these conveniently placed links:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Marvel's Spider-Man (PS4)

With Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales web-slinging onto the PlayStation 5 this holiday season, there's no better time to bring up the original game from developer Insomniac Games and ensnare the game once more into SPC's collective web. This open world action game gave me the feeling of controlling Spider-Man unlike any game previous, which is no small feat. Traveling around the island of Manhattan posed a slight learning curve, but once one rose to the occasion, they could jet around New York City with style and grace. In essence, one wasn't just controlling Spider-Man; Insomniac Games made it feel like you WERE Spider-Man, as hokey as that may sound. Even with earning the Platinum trophy for the game (humble brag there, possibly), I keep coming back to Spider-Man's amazing, spectacular PlayStation 4 outing. With the PS5 follow-up planned for release this year, I think I'll don the mask of the webhead once again--pending there's enough space on that blasted hard drive of mine.

Super Mario Maker 2 (NSW)

It says something about a game that I pretty much played it nonstop for the three month post-launch period, whether it was playing through Nintendo's collection of Story Mode levels, playing other creators' levels, or making my own levels. My currently Switch playtime for Super Mario Maker 2 is well over 200 hours, and that World Maker update that Nintendo bestowed onto creators as the last major update for the game, only caused my total playtime to soar even further. I'm the type of maker and player who prefers traditionally designed Mario levels, so that's what I like to create and also what I like to play. While Kaizo-style levels with cheap deaths aplenty may entertain (and pardon me as I put on my "snob monocle" for this), they do little for me as a Super Mario Maker 2 designer or player. However, that's the beauty of Super Mario Maker 2: You can make whatever you want, and there's probably an audience for it--pending it has some semblance of quality. It's what keeps me coming back for more now a year after the game's original release.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (NSW)

Speaking of games that I have played almost nonstop since launch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more of a routine for me now than a game. Don't let me be misunderstood: there's still plenty of fun to be found in my daily or bi-daily routine with the game. I enjoy visiting with the locals, showering them with daily gifts in hopes of receiving a prized pic of them (okay, I may have made that sound unintentionally disturbing), and doing daily Nook Miles goals. Nintendo continues to give players such as myself reasons to return to New Horizons as well, such as special seasonal events that are patched into the game via routine updates. It's been four months since Animal Crossing: New Horizons released on the Nintendo Switch, and while my play schedule has slowed down considerably, I do discover new things to appreciate with the game to this day, as my 210 hours of playtime would happily suggest.

Yoshi's Crafted World (NSW)

Let's continue with the theme of cute and adorable games with Yoshi's Crafted World. Though the game has some quirks that make it a lesser experience than its Wii U (and then ported to the 3DS) predecessor Woolly World, I do find a plethora of reasons to return to Yoshi's Crafted World. It's a mostly chill and relaxing game, save for the more difficult post-game contents like damage-free boss runs. Otherwise, the act of merrily and breezily marching through levels, discovering secrets, and aiming for 100% completion in each level and world are things that keep me fascinated with this innovative and consistently creative 2D platformer. The worlds made out of everyday household objects, like paper plates as rolling green hills, is abundantly clever, and the level design houses superbly hidden secrets as well. Yoshi's Crafted World may be a different kind of platformer by design when compared to the Yoshi's Island games, but it remains one that I can't help but adore.

Trials of Mana (NSW, PS4, PC)

Time to rev up the action with these final two games on this list of latest titles to reach "Classics I Can Return To" status! Let's continue with Trials of Mana, the remake of the once un-localized Super Famicom game Seiken Densetsu 3. (The SFC game would recently as of a couple years ago be released in localized form as part of the Nintendo Switch's Collection of Mana.) This game begs to be played multiple times, as depending on the trio of protagonists you select, you visit different sections of the world, fight different villains, and have the story play out with sharp contrasts. The battle system is simple, dare I say a bit basic, but it is engaging enough that I enjoyed carefully attacking foes while being on the lookout for their windup of their own attacks and special spells and moves. Trials of Mana is truly a wonderfully done remake, and to me, my enjoyment of it rivals another RPG remake that Square Enix released earlier this year. ...Well, at least part of a remake that Square Enix released earlier this year. (No more hints!)

Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (PS4, NSW, XB1)

Now, let's literally rev up the action with another remake with Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled! What can I say about this stellar, content-rich kart racer that I haven't already said? Wait. That was rhetorical, but still, if I repeat myself, just let me know in the comments. Between the copious amount of characters, tracks, modes, and online options via the Grand Prix and daily challenges to engage in, Crash Team Racing was reborn with the utmost of tender loving care put into it. Whether you're a fan of the Diddy Kong Racing-inspired Adventure mode, tackling N. Tropy and then N. Oxide's deviously difficult time trials, earning Wumpa Coins through completing daily challenges, or hopping online to put the pedal to the metal and test your racing mettle against the world, Nitro-Fueled has it all. Believe me when I say I greatly enjoyed what the fine folks behind the game delivered with this remake... and I continue to do so to this day!

The Tuesday 10s: My Favorite Multiplayer Games

It's approaching the end of Tuesday here in Central City, but that means there's still time for The Tuesday 10s to make its reappearance once more! The Tuesday 10s is a relatively unordered list of ten game-related items of a specific category. This time around, I'll be sharing ten of my favorite multiplayer games, whether they're enjoyed online, offline, or a mix of both!

After you've checked out my ten choices, feel free to let me know which multiplayer games are your favorites to bust out every now and then!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (NSW)

We start off this list of ten multiplayer games I love the most with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. I'm hardly what you'd call a "competitive Smash player", as I don't even have one character I stick to predominantly. Well, I do prefer to use Link in Spirit Battles, but when it comes to online and off, I change up which character I play as constantly. I prefer to play Ultimate in a local multiplayer setting, so while I don't have the option to play with friends at the moment this way because of a certain pandemic (you may have heard or read about it), I do have the option to play with family. Unlike so many fighting games I've played where I struggle to learn and memorize move inputs and combos, with Smash Bros., it's as simple as hitting an attack button and holding a direction on the analog stick. It makes it easy to jump in, play, and have some fun. With all of the characters, modes, and arenas to engage in both online and off, the "Ultimate" moniker of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate definitely isn't just for show.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (NSW)

For the next three entries here on this Tuesday 10s, I have the need--the need for speed! Beginning with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Tuesday 10s feature a trio of cartoon kart racers. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe  offers an approach that works for both seasoned racers and more casual types, giving the latter a completely optional steer assist to keep them on the track. The multiplayer is generally fun for all skill levels because of this, as well as the generally satisfactory item balance--a concept that previous Mario Kart games didn't do a great job at doing. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racer I routinely return to because it's great for hopping online for a few tracks, or--if my brother and I are feeling a bit crazy and possessing a couple of hours--great for doing a series of 48 tracks all in a row. Now if that doesn't show some love and dedication to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, then I don't know what does!

Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (PS4, NSW, XB1)

Moving on from Mario to Crash Bandicoot, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled has an abundance of content attached to it--far more than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, truth be told. Between the immense amount of tracks--whether from the original CTR, from Crash Nitro Kart, or brand new races entirely--characters that can be unlocked, a meaty adventure mode to complete, time trials to beat, and daily tasks to tackle, Nitro-Fueled has a lot going for it. I actually prefer playing this one online, as the skill ceiling is mighty high. For new players and heck, even average players, it's far too easy to grow disenchanted by the difficulty of both the Medium-level AI and well versed online players of CTR. You can lose ground easily, and when online, it's not uncommon to get lapped unless you master to art of the Sacred Fire boost and its Ultra form. Confused? Don't be alarmed, as CTR is an insanely complex and deep kart racer, and this is what makes it not the greatest game to break out for the uninitiated at parties. Still, once you get over that initial bump, the multiplayer becomes incredibly enjoyable, especially online.

Diddy Kong Racing (N64)

My final kart racer on this list of multiplayer faves is Diddy Kong Racing, which is probably my favorite kart racer of the bunch. You can play by land, by air, and by sea in one of three vehicles: karts, planes, and hovercrafts--depending on the track. Diddy Kong Racing invented the adventure mode template seen in Crash Team Racing, and dare I say, it hasn't been beat yet. Multiplayer offers up to four players to share the screen and speed through various tracks, but the stand out feature of Diddy Kong Racing's multiplayer, for me, is the ability to play the aforementioned adventure mode with another player. Now, this required a special in-game code to do so, but being able to compete together to help one another win races, complete silver coin challenges, win mini-games, and beat bosses was awesome. Diddy Kong Racing houses some of my favorite multiplayer memories on the Nintendo 64. But that isn't the only N64 classic that managed to do that...!

Perfect Dark (N64, XBLA)

Ah, yes. If there was any game on the Nintendo 64 that I devoted the most playtime to, it was Perfect Dark. This first-person shooter was so ahead of its time, and it still contains myriad features that most FPS games lack today! Multiplayer alone features so much customization with the coup de grace being customizing the personalities and difficulties of the numerous bots that could be in matches. From pugilist simulants that let their fists do the talking, to simulants that prey upon the losing opponent in matches, the personalities are so impressive. I loved customizing the look of my character by head and body model, setting up my own loadouts and scenarios, playing match after match, and leveling up (though not in an RPG sense) based on various stats like kills, steps taken, accuracy, and more. Then, there's the single player campaign, which players could engage with either co-operatively or with one player as Joanna Dark and another as a never-ending supply of enemy grunts. Like I said, Perfect Dark was so ahead of its time, and perhaps that's why I've struggled to find as compelling an FPS game since.

Bomberman 64 (N64)

Let's continue our foray with the Nintendo 64 with a blast from the past. Literally! It's Bomberman 64, and between this game and Bomberman 64: The Second Attack, its hard-to-find and valuable sequel, many sleepovers as a child were had bombing and blasting friends to smithereens (and also blowing myself up with errant placed bombs of my own). The 3D arenas brought a unique spin on the Bomberman franchise, featuring multiple tiers and spots on maps where the action truly heated up. Yes, Bomberman 64 certainly did not play the same as its 2D counterparts, but it did bring my friends and I joy. To this day, Bomberman 64's multiplayer still brings this blogger joy to play.

Mario Party 2 (N64)

There are so many Mario Party games to choose from that picking just one might seem like an impossible task. However, my favorite of the bunch remains Mario Party 2. Had it not been for the original's handful of blister-causing mini-games, the first Mario Party would have been my pick. Still, Mario Party 2 provides plenty of entertainment all the same with its focus on unfiltered fun. A fair portion of the original Mario Party's mini-games make a return in this Power Star-studded sequel, as does a collection of amusing new mini-games alike and new mini-game types. Boards are much more expansive, and the costume party window-dressing of the game is one that I enjoyed, too. I particularly have fond memories of Mario Party 2 not just for the times I played this with friends at sleepovers as a child and later on in college, but also because it was one of the first video games I played with my dad.

Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

Speaking of Mario, how about some more Mario? Super Mario 3D World has been long rumored for a release on the Nintendo Switch, after being one of the last major games stuck on the Wii U. It's a hotly anticipated game, if ever a port could be, because 3D World is such a fantastic game. It took the approach and foundation placed by the Nintendo 3DS' Super Mario 3D Land and expanded upon it beautifully to a bigger and better game. And this time there was multiplayer, which brought all sorts of chaos, both intended and unintended, into the fold. The levels were the stars of the show, and they were made immensely more enjoyable by playing with one, two, or even three other players. Super Mario 3D World shined as one of the best experiences on the Wii U, and here's hoping we finally see it arrive on the Nintendo Switch so others can experience the game for themselves, too!

LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

From one platformer to another, LittleBigPlanet was a jack-of-all-trades in the platforming genre, offering the ability to play, create, and share levels with others in LittleBigPlanet community. This intricate and exceptional system would be the predecessor to what we see now with Media Molecule's massively marvelous Dreams game, which launched earlier this year on the PlayStation 4. Really, I could pick any LittleBigPlanet game from the trilogy as a multiplayer favorite, but it's the first game I handpicked as the representative of the franchise due to how much time I spent with the game. Far more than LittleBigPlanet 2 or 3. Whether playing with my brother through the campaign of curated levels that were created by Media Molecule themselves or hopping online with a group to play through created levels from the community, the memories I have of LittleBigPlanet are some of my most cherished on any PlayStation platform.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES)

Let's conclude this edition of the Tuesday 10s with a game that kicks a lot of shell. It's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time, my absolute favorite beat-em-up. It helps that I adore the heroes-in-a-half-shell to this day, and that the actual game itself is one of the most brilliant beat-em-ups around. Smashing through wave after wave of Foot Soldiers, beating down bosses, and chucking foes into the screen seldom gets boring. Turtles in Time is a game that I can come back to time after time and enjoy myself. It's particularly a pleasure to play through with a friend or family member. Here's hoping COVID-19 clears out sooner rather than later so I can do just that once more!

Paper Mario: The Origami King (NSW) "Learn About the World" Trailer

Paper Mario: The Origami King is but a day away from release, so Nintendo has provided a brand-new trailer providing an overview of some of the colorfully crafted areas from the game. From Whispering Woods to Scorching Sandpaper Desert, there are plenty of sights to be seen within the game. Watch this trailer to get a small glimpse of a sampling of areas within Paper Mario: The Origami King!

Rank Up! - Ranking the Animal Crossing Series (Again)

It's been quite a while since we've last seen this old relic and staple from SuperPhillip Central's past arrive on the site. It's none other than "Rank Up!" where we take a look at my order of a particular game series's various entries, from least favorite to most favorite.

While I've previously covered the Animal Crossing series many moons ago, new entries have been added since, and I'm eager to see how my opinion of Nintendo's adorably charming series has changed compared to back then (or maybe it hasn't!). I'm ranking the Animal Crossing series through eight games--all the mainline releases and some spin-offs as well. So, without further ado, let's start this installment of Rank Up!

8) Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (Wii U)

It was difficult being a Wii U owner--take it from a firsthand account. Whether it was with multiple delays, droughts, and few worthwhile releases, to own a Wii U was to suffer. The holiday season of 2015 was a disappointing one, and perhaps that's sugarcoating things. Between a lackluster and content-deprived installment of the Mario Tennis series and this game, Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival, kicking off this Rank Up! countdown, it was a trying time to be a Nintendo fan.

It seemed that Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival was more about having a game release to coincide with selling amiibo figurines for Nintendo rather than putting out an actually entertaining Animal Crossing game. Amiibo Festival did its best to delight with its board game influences, but beyond its cute and cheery presentation was a game devoid of fun or merriment. It was utterly a bore, better spelled a "bored game" instead. (I'm here all night.)

7) Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (iOS, AND)

Nintendo pursued the mobile gaming audience with a multitude of attempts to enter the market, hoping to have an extra source of income and success. However, few of the attempts actually bore wildly successful fruit. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is Nintendo's take on its series in mobile form, with all of the annoyances and boredom that comes with games of its style. Perhaps it's different now, but I remember at launch that the game took forever to get anything worth value, showcasing itself as a tedious grind. It's definitely not what I want out of the Animal Crossing series, but for those without a Nintendo system to play the more traditional games in the series, perhaps Pocket Camp is a suitable supplement. ..I doubt it, though.

6) Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (3DS)

Another spin-off in the Animal Crossing series, Happy Home Designer focused on the interior and exterior design aspects of Animal Crossing. The game put you in the titular role of a Happy Home Designer, taking on requests from various animal villagers and doing your best to fulfill them by placing appropriate furniture in and outside of their homes. Though one could just do the bare minimum to pass the requirements for each animal client (and the game did a poor job of rewarding you for being more creative than necessary), I did discover the joy of customizing the appearance of each house--both indoors and out--to look as good as my imagination could make it. The ease of placing furniture and objects with the simple-to-use controls would later be implemented into Animal Crossing: New Horizons in a most welcome fashion.

5) Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii)

Let's go the city, shall we? That was Nintendo's modus operandi for Animal Crossing: City Folk for the Wii, but outside of the eponymous city setting that players could visit by bus, City Folk felt more like a console version of Animal Crossing: Wild World. That's not to say that City Folk wasn't enjoyable. It just seemed like a super safe sequel and hardly a major evolution in the Animal Crossing franchise's formula. It also doesn't help that the game required a miserable peripheral in order to chat with friends when visiting them online. That said, Animal Crossing: City Folk gave me plenty of hours (see: hundreds of hours) of enjoyment even if it was essentially Wild World 2.0.

4) Animal Crossing (GCN)

I remember having a choice between two games for a gift in September. They were both GameCube games: one was Super Monkey Ball 2, the sequel to a game I loved, so it was most likely going to be a sequel that I enjoyed. The other was Animal Crossing, which was at the time an unknown quality to me. I read about it intently in the multiple previews that spawned from the pages of Nintendo Power magazine, but other than that, getting it would be based on faith.

My choice between the two games was apparently a good one, as I've loved Animal Crossing as a series ever since. While I did later end up also getting Super Monkey Ball 2, Animal Crossing on the GameCube gave me a new franchise to love, and I remember losing so many hours of my real life to my new virtual life in my charming town of Mabel. Between attempting and being successful at catching every bug and fish in the game, making sure I talked to every villager each day, amassing a hefty collection of furniture and Bells, and being ready for each and every holiday, Animal Crossing was as much of my real life as school was back in the day.

I'd also feel so guilty missing a day in the game, too, and would doubly be upset if a favorite villager suddenly decided to up and move. The struggle, as they say, was real. While many games in the Animal Crossing series have since improved on the formula in many ways, it's a combination of nostalgia and liking the simplicity of the original that I adore the GameCube's Animal Crossing so much.

3) Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS)

The second game in the Animal Crossing series launched on handhelds with the release of Animal Crossing: Wild World on the Nintendo DS. Now, players no longer had the need to be tied to a TV to play Animal Crossing. They could now play it anywhere! Not just that, but with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, now they could play it with anyone, too. (Well, provided they had one another's friend codes, of course!)

Wild World's big deal was obviously online, so players could explore each other's towns, but so much more was added, as well. There was a higher level of character customization, touch screen support for a myriad of uses (such as inventory, inputting messages, creating various clothing and sign designs), and a new camera perspective which was more level with the player, allowing the view to show both the ground and sky. Various games in the series have since run with all of these ideas and many have done them better, but that doesn't stop Wild World from being a solid game still.

2) Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)

The latest two Animal Crossing games focus more on customization and quality of life features to make for better games. It only makes sense then that these latest two entries are the ones I prefer the most. The first of which is Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which had its biggest new feature being that of serving as your town's mayor. As mayor, you could start public works projects to create new buildings, places of interest, and objects in your village, such as cafes, police stations, windmills, lighthouses, streetlamps, wells, bridges, and more. Ordinances could also be started to better suit your playing style, such as opening and closing shops earlier or later--depending on your preference--or asking your fellow villagers to help water plants so they wouldn't perish so easily.

The added freedom that was granted to players in crafting their own town experience in Animal Crossing: New Leaf is one of the major reasons why I adore it so much and can return to it to this day. Even with the newest game out now, New Leaf still has various reasons to keep coming back to its beautiful, auto-stereoscopic world.

1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (NSW)

A game that couldn't have released at a better time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect getaway when most people can't literally "get away" from these chaotic times. And calling these times "chaotic" is a bit of an understatement. Regardless, with the pandemic and need for social distancing, players have found their islands in New Horizons to be a wonderful place of refuge for our weary world.

The amount of freedom that was found in New Leaf was exponentially increased in New Horizons, offering the ability to customize one's island to insane lengths. You can not just only place where you want buildings for island residents and places like shops and the museum to be located, but you can also terraform the heck out of your island, too--creating the paradise you've always dreamed of living in. The only obstacle is your imagination, and perhaps your patience, too, considering how long and lengthy of a process fine-tuning one's island can be!

Between amassing a massive collection of furniture, catching all of the local fauna through the game's four seasons, donating finds to the museum, participating in the Stalk Market, and the immense amount of updates provided by Nintendo, I've yet to grow bored of Animal Crossing: New Horizons through my nearly 200 hours of playtime. It is without question my favorite entry in the Animal Crossing franchise, and one of my favorite games in 2020 thus far.

Double-Dipped 2: More Games I've Purchased More Than Once Over the Years

Care for seconds? Exactly two months ago, I debuted a new article series right here on SuperPhillip Central: Double-Dipped! Here, I go into some detail about video games I've bought at least twice and tell you a little about my history with the games. With a second edition happening this morning, you could say that I'm double-dipping on the Double-Dipped series of articles! How meta!

I have six more games that I've done the (dis)honorable duty of buying more than once, but if you need to catch up on the first entry of Double-Dipped, look no further than this link. Now, with that out of the way, let's get to episode two!

Resident Evil 4 (GCN, PS2, Wii, PS4)

Let's start with a game that is my most bought game of all time! It's none other than one of my favorites I've ever played, despite its dark subject matter (I prefer more sunshine and rainbow fare, personally). Regardless, it's Resident Evil 4, and being one of my top ten games of all time, I'd be amiss if I didn't mention this bad boy on this article series. It's not just the fourth mainline installment in the Resident Evil series, but it's also a game I've purchased FOUR times!

You may ask, "Phil, what is your malfunction? Why buy the same game four times, even if it's one of your favorites ever?" The answer is this: each release I bought introduced something worthwhile to pick up a new version. The first time I bought the game was in 2005 and that was because, duh, the game was brand-new. The PlayStation 2 port that later released added new content in the form of a Ada's Assignment (thankfully Shinji Mikami's head is still intact with the rest of his body). Then, the Wii version--my favorite of the bunch--added motion control aiming and various gesture-based movement for quick-time events. Finally, the PlayStation 4 entry brought my favorite survival-horror game into HD with trophy support. Although Resident Evil 4 isn't the scariest of entries, seeing how many times I've purchased and played the game across all platforms is truly terrifying--even to me!

DOOM (PS4, NSW)

We go from repeated trips to the unfriendly Spanish countryside to a hellish version of Mars with DOOM's 2016 outing. The first time I played DOOM was on the PlayStation 4, and I absolutely had a blast with the game--ripping and tearing with both delight and glee, as well as uncovering each level's myriad secrets. The multiplayer, too, was a joy to play, focusing on deathmatches either solo or with teams. Then, DOOM surprisingly got announced for the Switch, and all my ripping and tearing could be brought along with me on the go. Sure, the visuals were caked with a Vaseline-like sheen, but it was otherwise DOOM in all its glorious, gore-filled splendor.

As much as I adored DOOM 2016 and bought the game twice, I doubt I'll do the same with the Nintendo Switch port of DOOM Eternal, for the simple fact that I am not in love with the multiplayer of Eternal as much as I was with the original DOOM. While I appreciate the new approach with two demons against one Doomslayer in Eternal, I'm just not thrilled with playing through that again. Plus, I just prefer the original campaign of DOOM to its sequel--though both game campaigns are great.

Saints Row: The Third (PS3, NSW, PS4)

Resident Evil 4 was a quadruple dip, but here's a game that is close to rivaling it--and it's not even a particularly favorite game of mine. It's just one that I enjoy playing through now and again, and like RE4, each version I buy introduces enough newness that it's overall worth it. I'm referring to Saints Row: The Third. Whether it's the original game, in which I earned every trophy in the PlayStation 3 version, or enjoying the game either docked or in the manner that sold me on the Nintendo Switch version: portable play, I saw myself returning to the gang-riddled streets of Steelport more times than I expected! The latest version of the game is a remastered one, and on the PlayStation 4 it's rather well done. In some aspects, it's more of a remake than a remaster, with its amazingly detailed environments and characters when compared to the original.

Super Bomberman R (NSW, PS4)

Bombs away! A launch title for the Nintendo Switch, Super Bomberman R was an enjoyable but overall disappointing return of Bomberman. The gameplay was smooth enough, but issues with the camera and a lack of content made for some buyer's remorse from this reviewer / blogger. However, the game would receive a steady flow of free DLC and an abundance of patches that would properly upgrade the game to tiptop shape. The camera was fixed, the AI in battle mode was made less frustrating and cheap, and the amount of content in both single player and multiplayer was boosted considerably. After having sold off Super Bomberman R's Switch version, I was now having seller's remorse! Thus, I picked up the game on the PlayStation 4, and further thus, my history of being a double-dipper continued with yet another game. What a blast!

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U, NSW)

Much like Captain Toad and his confidante Toadette, I was certainly ready for adventure. But no, not just once--twice, in fact! The Wii U original Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker brought the diorama-style bonus stage concept from Super Mario 3D World and turned it into a full fledged game, perfect for sessions both lengthy and bite-sized! Of course, Treasure Tracker was much more fleshed out, featuring copious amounts of tricks, twists, obstacles, enemies, and puzzles to solve in its miniature diorama levels. The main goal of collecting each level's Power Star was as clear as one of these prized trinkets shining in the night sky, but side goals and optional collectibles made for some fun replay value as well. The Nintendo Switch version brought with it a trio of new levels--and since launch, even more via paid DLC--but my main reason for picking up the game again was for the same reason I got a lot of Wii U games turned Switch ports: because I prefer to play on the Nintendo Switch hardware!

Hot Shots Tennis (PS2, PS4)

Wow! We're already at the final game on this second installment of Double-Dipped! Let's make it count, shall we! Hot Shots Tennis originally launched on the PlayStation 2 back in the day, and on the PlayStation 4, it launched as a digital title through emulation. Unfortunately, Sony opted not to continue this practice and cut it off really early in the PS4's life--closing the door for other titles to potentially be ported and emulated. Still, it was Hot Shots Tennis in a higher resolution and with trophy support, and the game had its original's tried and true gameplay. It was ultimately a winner in my book, and one that I routinely return to in order to get a match in here and there. It's also mighty challenging against the AI, as one failed serve or backhand could result in the game giving YOU the backhand--right across your unsuspecting face! Hot Shots Tennis is one of the rare games in which the second time around I had to get it digitally as opposed to my preferred method as both a collector and lover of all things retail, physically.

===

That wraps up this second edition of Double-Dipped! Which games have you bought more than once, whether on the same platform or not? Let me know in the comments section below!