Super Mario Galaxy 2 was and still is one of my most anticipated games of 2010. Now we have a release date of May 23 for North America. Watch this trailer featuring Yoshi, Chain Chomps, Bowser Jr., Piantas, and much more. The second half showcases Yoshi's impressive tongue-- pulling objects, grabbing onto levers, among other things.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
SPC Quickies - Volume Six: SEGA All-Stars
Once again as if the vast posts didn't state it enough, Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing is due out today, and to celebrate I'm doing quickies on five classic SEGA games. Which games will I be playing? There's only one way to find out! Once again, here's how Quickies are scored:
5 - Fantastic
4 - Great
3 - Fair
2 - Poor
1 - Awful
Sonic the Hedgehog
Before the blue blur hit the Genesis around the midpoint of the console's life, a little boy named Alex Kidd was SEGA's main mascot. Ditching the dude for someone with more 'tude, Sonic the Hedgehog rolled into fruition. Speeding up ramps, down hills, over loop the loops, and bashing Robotnik's badniks in more than six zones, each with three acts apiece. Sonic the Hedgehog was what most older fans want from newer Sonics. The Marble Zone and Spring Act Zone were much more about delicate platforming than they were high speed. At the conclusion of each zone, Sonic faces off against one of the many robotic machines Dr. Robotnik has in his possession. Clever players might even collect one of six Chaos Emeralds to see the best ending the game had to offer. For a fantastic platforming adventure that might be a zone or two too short, Sonic the Hedgehog's your game, and speed's his name!
[SuperPhillip Says: 5/5]
DecapAttack
The hero of Decap Attack has a bit of a problem. You see, he's "a head" of himself. *cue Cryptkeeper cackle* DecapAttack is a 2-D platformer where our mummified hero can punch enemies with his heart, throw his head for a long-range attack, and leap through several themed body part worlds such as El Beau Island. There's also helpful items your mummy can collect to boost his strength, jumping ability, and much more as he progresses through each stage, three of them in each world. Jumping is tight, there's plenty of enemy variety, but many of the worlds happen to look the same which is a problem. Overall, DecapAttack is a great, overlooked platformer from SEGA's illustrious past.
[SuperPhillip Says: 4/5]
Columns
Columns is SEGA's answer to Tetris, and it's one that isn't too bad. There's three difficulty modes to select from, and the goal is simple. Three differently colored blocks fall down in column formations. The idea is to line up three colors either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. As you earn more points, the columns begin to fall faster. Once they reach the top of the screen, it's game over. I have great memories playing this game with my dad. We'd spend hours lining up blocks, scoring points, and listening to the game's infectious music. While there isn't a lot to Columns, what there is enjoyable enough for puzzle fans far and wide.
[SuperPhillip Says: 3/5]
Golden Axe
Golden Axe is a side-scrolling beat-em-up where you play one of four characters each with different abilities. The game is as linear as you'd expect from the genre, and the different amounts of enemies isn't too terribly high. What kills this game from being at all fun is that Golden Axe is just so horribly clunky and archaic. Your characters move like molasses, the animations are rough, and the game is essentially devoid of worthwhile gameplay. If the revamp, Golden Axe: Beast Rider has shown anything is that this franchise is not golden at all. Perhaps Mediocre Axe would be catchier and fool many less gamers!
[SuperPhillip Says: 1/5]
Ristar
When the citizens of the world are in trouble, they wish upon a star to save them-- Ristar! Developed by Sonic Team, Ristar is a creative 2D platformer where Ristar's main line of attacking and moving through the levels is grabbing various enemies and objects. When Ristar grabs hold of an enemy, he thrusts his body into them to defeat them. When faced with a climbable object such as monkeybars or trees, Ristar can grab onto them and pull or climb himself to safety! Each planet-- the worlds of Ristar-- have two acts followed by a third which is a boss battle. These are just as clever as the game mechanics of Ristar themselves! With vibrant visuals, much melodious music, and an ease of difficulty, Ristar is one game definitely worth checking out.
[SuperPhillip Says: 5/5]
Have a game you want to see get the SPC Quickies treatment? Let everyone know in the comments section! Also, stay tuned for a review of Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing sometime next month!
5 - Fantastic
4 - Great
3 - Fair
2 - Poor
1 - Awful
===
Sonic the Hedgehog
Before the blue blur hit the Genesis around the midpoint of the console's life, a little boy named Alex Kidd was SEGA's main mascot. Ditching the dude for someone with more 'tude, Sonic the Hedgehog rolled into fruition. Speeding up ramps, down hills, over loop the loops, and bashing Robotnik's badniks in more than six zones, each with three acts apiece. Sonic the Hedgehog was what most older fans want from newer Sonics. The Marble Zone and Spring Act Zone were much more about delicate platforming than they were high speed. At the conclusion of each zone, Sonic faces off against one of the many robotic machines Dr. Robotnik has in his possession. Clever players might even collect one of six Chaos Emeralds to see the best ending the game had to offer. For a fantastic platforming adventure that might be a zone or two too short, Sonic the Hedgehog's your game, and speed's his name!
[SuperPhillip Says: 5/5]
DecapAttack
The hero of Decap Attack has a bit of a problem. You see, he's "a head" of himself. *cue Cryptkeeper cackle* DecapAttack is a 2-D platformer where our mummified hero can punch enemies with his heart, throw his head for a long-range attack, and leap through several themed body part worlds such as El Beau Island. There's also helpful items your mummy can collect to boost his strength, jumping ability, and much more as he progresses through each stage, three of them in each world. Jumping is tight, there's plenty of enemy variety, but many of the worlds happen to look the same which is a problem. Overall, DecapAttack is a great, overlooked platformer from SEGA's illustrious past.
[SuperPhillip Says: 4/5]
Columns
Columns is SEGA's answer to Tetris, and it's one that isn't too bad. There's three difficulty modes to select from, and the goal is simple. Three differently colored blocks fall down in column formations. The idea is to line up three colors either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. As you earn more points, the columns begin to fall faster. Once they reach the top of the screen, it's game over. I have great memories playing this game with my dad. We'd spend hours lining up blocks, scoring points, and listening to the game's infectious music. While there isn't a lot to Columns, what there is enjoyable enough for puzzle fans far and wide.
[SuperPhillip Says: 3/5]
Golden Axe
Golden Axe is a side-scrolling beat-em-up where you play one of four characters each with different abilities. The game is as linear as you'd expect from the genre, and the different amounts of enemies isn't too terribly high. What kills this game from being at all fun is that Golden Axe is just so horribly clunky and archaic. Your characters move like molasses, the animations are rough, and the game is essentially devoid of worthwhile gameplay. If the revamp, Golden Axe: Beast Rider has shown anything is that this franchise is not golden at all. Perhaps Mediocre Axe would be catchier and fool many less gamers!
[SuperPhillip Says: 1/5]
Ristar
When the citizens of the world are in trouble, they wish upon a star to save them-- Ristar! Developed by Sonic Team, Ristar is a creative 2D platformer where Ristar's main line of attacking and moving through the levels is grabbing various enemies and objects. When Ristar grabs hold of an enemy, he thrusts his body into them to defeat them. When faced with a climbable object such as monkeybars or trees, Ristar can grab onto them and pull or climb himself to safety! Each planet-- the worlds of Ristar-- have two acts followed by a third which is a boss battle. These are just as clever as the game mechanics of Ristar themselves! With vibrant visuals, much melodious music, and an ease of difficulty, Ristar is one game definitely worth checking out.
[SuperPhillip Says: 5/5]
Have a game you want to see get the SPC Quickies treatment? Let everyone know in the comments section! Also, stay tuned for a review of Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing sometime next month!
Monday, February 22, 2010
SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - I Would Walk 500 VGMs Edition
Here we are eagerly awaiting what the 500th video will be. Unless, of course, you already know ahead of time! Then I call you a cheater. Regardless, this list began in May of 2008, and it's been going strong ever since. This week I have in store for you some music from Kirby Air Ride, Klonoa, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, and more. Time to reach 500!
v496. Kirby Air Ride - Frozen Hillside
Last time we took a listen to Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. Time for another unorthodox racer with Kirby AIr Ride. Frozen Hillside is an icy track with plenty of tight turns and slick surfaces to ride over. This theme is also a part of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl soundtrack.
v497. Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil - Going to Lunatea
Going to Lunatea plays on the world map, and it has a warm folksy feeling to it. With the bombing of the Wii title of Klonoa, it may seem like Klonoa's going to be put into early retirement! Shame on you, the collective known as Wii owners. And I was just getting into the franchise!
v498. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles - Theme of Alexia 2
The battle with Code Veronica's end boss, Alexia, lasts three stages. The first Alexia still resembles something human-like. The second? Not so much. Her third form is super agile as she transforms into a dragonfly-like creature. This theme plays during the tense battle. I love how haunting the vocals are especially when the vocalist hits those high notes. The catchy accompaniment isn't too shabby either!
v499. Mega Man IV - Dr. Cossack 2 mix
This song comes from the 20th Anniversary Rockman celebratory CD. There was a rock one, and there was a techno one. I greatly prefer the rock themes compared to techno. Regardless, this is the second stage of Dr. Cossack's lair. Of course, Wily was behind the whole thing yet again. I didn't spoil that for anyone, did I?
v500. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Victory Theme Medley
Here it is. The 500th VGM to grace my list. It's been over a year since we've started, and here is my number 500 pick. It's all of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl victory themes rolled into one video. Seems fitting as a victory to 500 videos, no? They said it couldn't be done, but I proved them wrong! Well, actually no one said it couldn't be done, but that doesn't matter. There's also some bonus themes at the tale-end, too. Thanks for supporting my videos to all that have! May we see each other again 500 videos from now!
A new chapter of SuperPhillip's VGMs begins next week with a themed series of videos all based on one popular anime and video game franchise. Do you think you know what it is? We'll find out next week on SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs!
v496. Kirby Air Ride - Frozen Hillside
Last time we took a listen to Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. Time for another unorthodox racer with Kirby AIr Ride. Frozen Hillside is an icy track with plenty of tight turns and slick surfaces to ride over. This theme is also a part of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl soundtrack.
v497. Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil - Going to Lunatea
Going to Lunatea plays on the world map, and it has a warm folksy feeling to it. With the bombing of the Wii title of Klonoa, it may seem like Klonoa's going to be put into early retirement! Shame on you, the collective known as Wii owners. And I was just getting into the franchise!
v498. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles - Theme of Alexia 2
The battle with Code Veronica's end boss, Alexia, lasts three stages. The first Alexia still resembles something human-like. The second? Not so much. Her third form is super agile as she transforms into a dragonfly-like creature. This theme plays during the tense battle. I love how haunting the vocals are especially when the vocalist hits those high notes. The catchy accompaniment isn't too shabby either!
v499. Mega Man IV - Dr. Cossack 2 mix
This song comes from the 20th Anniversary Rockman celebratory CD. There was a rock one, and there was a techno one. I greatly prefer the rock themes compared to techno. Regardless, this is the second stage of Dr. Cossack's lair. Of course, Wily was behind the whole thing yet again. I didn't spoil that for anyone, did I?
v500. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Victory Theme Medley
Here it is. The 500th VGM to grace my list. It's been over a year since we've started, and here is my number 500 pick. It's all of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl victory themes rolled into one video. Seems fitting as a victory to 500 videos, no? They said it couldn't be done, but I proved them wrong! Well, actually no one said it couldn't be done, but that doesn't matter. There's also some bonus themes at the tale-end, too. Thanks for supporting my videos to all that have! May we see each other again 500 videos from now!
A new chapter of SuperPhillip's VGMs begins next week with a themed series of videos all based on one popular anime and video game franchise. Do you think you know what it is? We'll find out next week on SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs!
Reminder: The Sidebar is Your Friend.
May I draw your attention to the sidebar to your right? There is where you have access to a wide assortment of helpful links. Why, there's SPC's post archive listed by week and year, my profile where you can e-mail your SPC Mailbag questions and more, the affiliates section where all of my lovely friend sites hang out, the ability to follow me via RSS or Blogspot, the Central City Census slumbers, and two links of note:
The SPC Feature Catalog contains all of the special articles, editorials, SPC segments (SPC Mailbag, Review Round-Up, Central City Census, etc.), lists, and more. Meanwhile, the SPC Review Archive is where you can scavenge the nearly 200 unique reviews for games from the NES to the Wii. It's a part of SPC history, and the most celebrated part of the site.
Additionally, I urge all of my readers to send me comments after each story. It makes me wonder if I have any readers or if they're all spam bots! So keep your helpful comments and questions coming, dear friends! Until later today when SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs will be unleashed, have a great evening!
The SPC Feature Catalog contains all of the special articles, editorials, SPC segments (SPC Mailbag, Review Round-Up, Central City Census, etc.), lists, and more. Meanwhile, the SPC Review Archive is where you can scavenge the nearly 200 unique reviews for games from the NES to the Wii. It's a part of SPC history, and the most celebrated part of the site.
Additionally, I urge all of my readers to send me comments after each story. It makes me wonder if I have any readers or if they're all spam bots! So keep your helpful comments and questions coming, dear friends! Until later today when SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs will be unleashed, have a great evening!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing (PS3) Demo Impressions
As if we weren't covering this game enough at SuperPhillip Central, the PlayStation 3 demo for Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing came out this past Thursday. What comes with it is one track, Billy's Hatcher's Blizzard Castle: Rampart Road which can be played one-player or split-screen with two players. The course is filled with simple twists and turns. The main obstacle of the stage are these chutes that shoot out giant eggs. These cross the track at several sections, plowing through anyone foolish enough to get in their way. The music that plays for the course is Tumbling Xylophone. Don't remember it? Check it out here. Anyway, the announcer describes the course while several different and impressive views of Rampart Road are shown. With the demo only two characters are selectable either Sonic who is all-around good and Eggman who specializes in high speed but is penalized with low acceleration. He's essentially your Bowser of the bunch.
The tracks promise to have tons of SEGA references in them.Starting with the presentation, there's loads to be excited about and go gaga for. There's the announcer who didn't repeat himself too much during gameplay. Hopefully he can be turned off for some players out there. The visuals are very nice, the characters are animated well, the sense of speed is there, and the framerate of the PS3 demo is stable unlike that of the rushed 360 demo. That notwithstanding, we'll have to wait and see how the final product holds up.
Racing works similar to MySims Racing. As you powerslide you gain a boost. The longer you powerslide, the greater your boost. I guess I should use the term drifting as that's what the game calls it. Regardless, drifting feels natural and very tight. To also gain a boost, you can perform a trick in midair. Careful though because if you don't give yourself enough time to perform the trick, you spin out. On Rampart Road there was at least one spot where you could pull off a trick with ease. The 360 demo's track had several more.
Items were an afterthought in SEGA All-Stars Racing. It's true. SEGA asked for Sumo Digital, the developer, to put in items well into development. The items themselves are rather basic and what you would expect from a kart racer. There's homing missiles, regular missiles, shields, an item that turns everything upside down (again similar to MySims Racing), and the most coveted item being the All-Star powerup. This gives your racer a chance to shine with an exclusive ability. For instance, when Sonic uses his All-Star move, he uses the power of the Chaos Emeralds to turn into Super Sonic, jetting through the course, knocking any and everyone out of his way.
The controls were tight and responsive throughout my time with the demo. Either of the left shoulder buttons are used to drift while either of the right shoulder buttons are used to accelerate. Steering can be down with either the analog stick or d-pad. The square button is used to look behind you, and the X button is used to shoot out items. It's a very simple yet effective control setup. I'm sure it'll translate well regardless of what console you decide to play or dare I say purchase this game on.
Check out footage of the demo here!
My first attempt with Sonic netted me second place. It was the second attempt that earned me first place thanks to a third place position All-Star move. Overall, I'm really digging the game, and the wait for Thursday (when I'll get to play the game) is going to be a tough one for sure. There's only a few days left until Sonic and SEGA All-Stars hits all major platforms. Expect 20+ characters, 24 tracks, over 70 different songs, and 8-player online play (4 for the DS version). Catch the long anticipated verdict sometime in early March.
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