Best Levels in Gaming History - Volume Four

We've already reached the fourth installment of Best Levels in Gaming History where we examine a series of five stages that I consider to be some of the best that the world of gaming has to offer. We're going for a more of a Mario approach with three of the levels coming today from Mario titles. If you missed out on past volumes, you can always click on one of the following links to be instantly transported to your intended destination:

Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three

World 1-1 - Super Mario Bros. (NES)


The game that may have single-handily revitalized an industry started out modestly. Getting acquainted with the simple physics of the game was easy. Mario could jump and change direction mid-air, something that game designers and programmers of that era had a tough time grasping the concept of. At the start of World 1-1, a lone goomba stood in the way between Mario and a series of item blocks, one of which containing a mushroom power-up. Following that were a series of pipes, one of which took Mario into a hidden area full of cool and crisp coinage. With this shortcut Mario could bypass a could chunk of the level. If Mario opted not to skip out on the fun, he could uncover a hidden 1-up concealed in an invisible item box located between the end of the pipe section and just before the first bottomless pit. A run up a staircase of blocks and a leap of faith made Mario cling against the level's ending, a flagpole. Entering the castle his work was done for the time being. Until World 1-2, that is.

Green Hill Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog (GEN)


As soon as players booted up their copy of Sonic the Hedgehog and passed by the title screen, they were propelled into the Green Hill Zone, filled with art deco loop-de-loops, badniks like ladybugs and mechanized monkeys throwing coconuts, and palm trees. This was all set across a background filled with a majestic and sparkling lake, mountains, and a bright blue sky. If only all of Sonic the Hedgehog's zones were so inviting! The three acts in the zone could be sped through within minutes if the player was really cooking, and the final challenge was Dr. Robotnik. The boss flew from side-to-side in the arena with a ball and chain that moved back and forth, ready to slam into the blue blur. With the aid of two side platforms, Sonic had enough height to strike into the nefarious scientist's first machine, and with enough hits it would be destroyed. The next zone would slow down the pace of the game considerably yet still be enjoyable.

World 8-7 - New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)


This level is an intense and wild ride as you cross a deadly sea of lava, boarding bone snake platforms as they slither their way along a track. They dip in and out of the lava, so timing your jumps is key unless you want to lose a life. Soon the bone snakes leap off the track directly into the path of lava geysers. It's Mario and the gang's job to leap over these. The final stretch has three bone snake platforms alternating tracks all the way to the goal. This is an exhilarating level that puts the player's reflexes to the test. A secret level, it's definitely one of the more challenging ones in the game.

Tubular - Super Mario World (SNES)


After accessing Star Road and finding your way into the Special World, the second stage, Tubular, awaits Mario and/or Luigi. It's a relatively short level, but pending how you go about it, it could either be really easy or really hard to complete. The beginning of the level starts with the player jumping on yellow pipes while defeating Charging Chucks. Then the real fun begins. The real way to play through this level is to hit the item block, revealing a P-balloon. Hitting this item will fill Mario with air for a limited time, allowing him to float carefully between enemies and over a dangerous and bottomless pit. Getting nicked by the smallest enemy will cause Mario to fall into the pit. Mario must hit item block after item block, getting more and more P-balloons to have enough steam to reach the goal before deflating to normal. The easy way to complete this stage is to have a blue Yoshi, gobble up a koopa troopa, and fly your way over the level. The flying ability of Yoshi will run out just as the player reaches the goal.

Planet Metropolis - Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (PS2)


The bustling commuter planet where Clank spends his days, Planet Metropolis is where Ratchet obtains the Grind Boots as well as other pertinent items of great use. There's no time for sightseeing, however, as there's a factory to infiltrate with block puzzles to boot. Activating the crane will allow Ratchet to move explosive crates nearby doors to destroy them, allowing the pair to move forward in the level. The other path features heavily-armed robotic drones who will spin around with deadly red lasers and Ratchet and Clank in their sights. One skill point includes destroying everything in the level. With the special move that allows Ratchet to smash his wrench into the ground, obliterating all nearby perishables, this task isn't so tough. A busy level and one of the early ones in Going Commando, Planet Metropolis goes heads and shoulders above the rest in the game.

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Once again we've come to the conclusion of another article here at SuperPhillip Central. If your favorite level hasn't yet been represented, speak up! Let everyone know your favorites in the comments section. Until then, stay tuned for Volume Five of Best Levels in Gaming History!

SPC Mailbag - August 9th, 2011

It's been a while since I've brought out the old trusty SPC Mailbag. Well, I intend to rectify this by bringing it out today. With three new questions and three new answers, get ready to have your minds blown! Without further ado let's get to answering your hard-thought queries on the gaming world.

Recently IGN wrote an article saying that Mario and Donkey Kong have not evolved in 25 years. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Leave it to a crappy site like IGN to fish for hits with a flame-baiting article such as that one. I will not link to it because I will not give them the hits they so desperately desire. To say that Mario and Donkey Kong haven't evolved at all in twenty-five years is laughable. Mario went into three-dimensions multiple times. His first was in Super Mario 64 where he showed that 3D gameplay could and did work. Then after a bit of a fumble (to some people) with Super Mario Sunshine that introduced F.L.U.D.D. as his companion for some tight and fun platforming action, he went into space for some anti-gravity gameplay on miniature planets in Super Mario Galaxy. Oh, but that must be revolution and not evolution, right? Wrong.

But IGN's article was mainly focusing on the 2D adventures of Mario, so we have to play by their rules. Well, Mario's latest 2D platforming extravaganza, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, introduced four-player multiplayer gameplay, but somehow that isn't evolutionary enough for the hacks at IGN. Apparently the strategy involved when more than one player is on screen at the same time means nothing to them.


With Donkey Kong he went from throwing barrels down ramps for a living to saving the day from krooked kremlings. His journey with the Kong family spanned multiple titles including Donkey Kong Country 1-3, Donkey Kong 64, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat where the bongo controller was the device used to move DK, no, not evolved at all (sarcasm), DK: King of Swing where DK and Diddy climbed pegs vertically to crush the plans of King K. Rool, and more recently Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii. I guess that popular saying is true: "You can't spell ignorant without IGN".


The Nintendo 3DS recently dropped in price from around $250 to $170. Did you get one like you were saying you probably would?

Actually, I did. Well, to correct myself, my brother did for me as a combined late/early Christmas/birthday present. I immediately made my Mii which looks something similar to me using the facial recognition software, turned SpotPass and StreetPass on, installed the system update giving me access to the eShop where my Ambassadors message was awaiting me, and downloaded the Pokedex 3D application. Now I'm looking into purchasing some downloadable games as well as a couple of retail releases to fully enjoy my new portable pleasure. Thanks for asking.

While I received a Cosmo Black version,
the Aqua colored 3DS is quite nice, too.

I noticed in your Best Boss Battles in Gaming History Part Two feature that you mentioned that Adult Link could use Deku Nuts to damage Ganon's tail. However, Adult Link cannot hold Deku Nuts. Bad, SuperPhillip! Bad!

Thanks for keeping me honest. I hadn't played Ocarina of Time in quite the while, so my memory was foggy on the final boss encounter. When I had to do the writeup for the confrontation, I used a Youtube video as a refresher into the battle, watching how the encounter unfolded. Unfortunately, the player must have used a glitch to enable him to use Deku Nuts in the battle, and I just plain dumb forgot that Adult Link couldn't possibly use this otherwise seemingly useless item. That's my excuse anyway.

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Time to seal up the SPC Mailbag for this go around. If you have a question or comment that you can't wait to get off your chest, then send me a comment or e-mail. Perhaps your words will be read by yours truly in an upcoming edition of the SPC Mailbag!

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - August Heat Edition

You can cook hot dogs and eggs on the city streets of Central City today. It must be August. That's alright though as you can hang out inside, pop open a cool soda, and listen to some great video game music. This week we have music from Final Fantasy XIII, Super Mario World, and Mega Man 7, for starters.

v761. Final Fantasy XIII - Saber's Edge

We just cannot seem to get away from the Final Fantasy series, but we do go from a great one to one that many fans feel failed in its promise to deliver a captivating experience. With no towns, a far too linear gameplay proposition, and annoying characters, Final Fantasy XIII was a disappointment to the series. The seemingly incomplete MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is a total disaster, both gameplay and sales-wise. Regardless, Saber's Edge is the boss theme of Lightning's adventure.



v762. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Boss: Stallord

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess debuted first on the Nintendo Wii. For this to work, the game was mirrored so Link was right-handed. The Gamecube version with camera control came out the following December. Which version is superior is a subjective answer, but I prefer the Wii version personally. Stallord, the Twilit Fossil, was summoned in the Arbiter's Grounds to take down Link. However, with his new item, the Spinner, Stallord was the one put back down to extinction once again.



v763. Super Mario World - Morning of Yoster Island

Morning of Yoster Island is a mellow jazz piece coming from the Super Mario World Live album. The soundtrack featured about ten themes from both Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3. Between the two I cannot help but love Super Mario World the best. From the colorful worlds to the longevity to the secret paths and levels, Super Mario World is 2D platforming at its finest.



v764. Star Ocean: The Second Story/Second Evolution - Breezy Afternoon

If you frequent SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs, then you know my love of Motoi Sakuraba's Star Ocean: The Second Story soundtrack. I love its combination of warm synth and smooth melodies. Breezy Afternoon is but one of these. This theme is played as you ride on the transportation of the game. Star Ocean: The Second Story would later be ported to Sony's PSP in the form of Star Ocean: Second Evolution. Which ever version you pick up, you're sure to have an enjoyable action-RPG experience.



v765. Mega Man 7 - Wily Machine 7 Battle

Mega Man 7 was the only classic Mega Man game released in the 16-bit era, Mega Man & Bass spinoff not included. The second to last boss of Mega Man 7 was a skull with legs and spikes on the bottom. The boss would come marching toward Mega Man who would then have to dash underneath its legs, timing it just right as to not get nicked by the spikes. The open left eye of the robot was its weak point where Mega Man could launch a charged shot or two before going into defensive mode. The second phase of battle is to this day considered one of the most difficult bosses in Mega Man series history.



That about wraps it up for this week's installment of my favorite VGMs. Stay cool, my friends.

Kirby Mass Attack - Level One Footage

Kirby Mass Attack, along with games like Dragon Quest Monsters 2 and Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute, appear to be the swan songs of the Nintendo DS, and what a great platform the DS was! Without a doubt it had the best games for a handheld. Scope out this professional player going through the first level of Kirby Mass Attack which is set for a mid-September release.

Direct Link Here

Best Boss Battles in Gaming History - Part Two

This article features spoilers, so please tread carefully. Warning given.

It was just one week ago that I introduced a new segment to the lineup here at SuperPhillip Central, and it turned out that it was pretty popular. It's time to give the people what they want and give them more Best Boss Battles in Gaming History! If you missed out on Part One, just click the appropriate link to magically be transported to your destination. Without any further ado, it's time for more close encounters of the epic kind!

Gruntilda - Banjo-Kazooie (N64)


After besting her at her own game show, The Furnace of Doom, Gruntilda retreats to the top of her castle. Banjo with Kazooie in tow closely follow, and soon the final battle begins. Starting off the fight, Gruntilda jets on her broomstick and aims to ram into bear and bird. When her broomstick stalls, the player should leap onto the ledge of the tower and chuck a plethora of eggs at old ugly's rear to damage her. After doing this enough, a new phase of battle with begin. Grunty will launch a homing attack that can only be avoided by Kazooie shielding Banjo with the help of the golden feather ability. Throwing firecrackers at Banjo, Gruntilda moves around the arena, and the heroic bear must time his egg shots carefully unless he desires to get burned. Once enough damage has been taken, Grunty will retreat to the skies.

Utilizing some air combat (aka ramming into Gruntilda while avoiding her aerial firecrackers), will take the nefarious witch back down to earth for the time being. A shield will then appear around Gruntilda and Jinjo statues will arise all around the arena, ready for Banjo to launch a few eggs into to activate them. Activating these statues will free the almighty Jinjo from its statue prison and strike the shield of Gruntilda. After all of the Jinjos have been freed and have attacked Grunty, the mighty Jinjonator statue will rise up from the center of the arena. Shooting eggs into all four sides of the statue while avoiding Grunty's fast and furious firecrackers and homing attacks will activate a final blast of Jinjo power that will knock Gruntilda over the edge of her tower and with a long fall to Spiral Mountain below, her evil reign will be vanquished.

Kaptain K. Rool - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)


From pirate ships to castle keeps, Diddy and Dixie Kong (no relation) have had a long journey in their mutual quest to rescue their pal, Donkey Kong. One final encounter stands in their way, and it's a tough one against the sinister Kaptain K. Rool. This Kremling just won't give up! The battle begins with K. Rool launching a cannonball from his launcher. He then propels himself to the other side of the arena. His launcher has the ability to suction anything near him, including the Kongs. Unfortunately for him that ability can also be used against him. By chucking said cannonball into the launcher, the launcher will backfire, damaging K. Rool. The next go-round, K. Rool shoots out a spiked ball in the center of the arena. The Kongs must avoid this while dodging the propelled K. Rool who zooms across the battlefield. After the bad ol' Kap'n halts to a stop, he resumes vacuuming, and the spiked ball retracts its sharp barbs, allowing Diddy or Dixie to pick up and chuck into K. Rool's launcher, once again doing damage to him. This pattern continues once more, but this time two spiked balls are shot out. Once K. Rool is damaged, he falls to the ground, and victory is retrieved as Donkey Kong falls from the sky. However, the encounter isn't over. Kaptain K. Rool rises up, and the battle continues.

Donkey Kong gets hoisted back up, and K. Rool shoots out multiple spiked cannonballs at varying heights that the Kongs must duck and jump over. A final shot reveals a barrel that one of the Kongs must leap on to unveil a cannonball to chuck into K. Rool's launcher. The next barrage of balls bounce up and down at different heights, then after that, the spiked balls circle around as they scroll across the screen. Bouncing on the barrel and chucking the exposed cannonball into K. Rool's mouth of the weapon will once again make the krooked Kremling fall to the ground in defeat.

Fooling the player into thinking they've won once more, K. Rool shoots out blue and red amoeba blasts. If these touch the Kongs, the player's controls will become inverse, left is now right and right is now left. As K. Rool jets across the room, with each pass he'll become more and more transparent. The Kongs will have to endure three rounds of this varying attack pattern, tossing cannonballs into the mouth of K. Rool's weapon before he is finally defeated. Donkey Kong breaks free from his roped restraints, attacks K. Rool with a powerful uppercut, sending the Kaptain krashing down Crocodile Isle and into the sea below.

Dr. Wily - Mega Man 7 (SNES)


Dr. Albert Wily just never seems to give up. After his eight new Robot Masters have been destroyed once more, Wily aims to take out the blue bomber himself in one of the most difficult battles in series's history. There's two parts to this fight, and the first is relatively and deceivingly easy. Dr. Wily's two-legged skull robot marches into the arena, crossing the screen, dipping and rising as he goes. It's when Dr. Wily rises that Mega Man should slide underneath him to avoid damage. This is all the while attacking the open window of the skull's left eye to do damage to the dastardly robotic menace. Occasionally, Wily will launch two mini-robots to foil Mega Man in his plan to take down the mad scientist. However with enough practice and patience, round one of this fight goes to the blue bomber.

Round two is a bit more challenging as Wily teleports around the room, shooting off four small, elemental spheres that if they touch Mega, will inflict a certain type of damage to him. Blue spheres will temporarily freeze Mega Man, red will burn him to a crisp, and white will shock him. Then Dr. Wily zaps the ground with a bolt of lightning which disperses into four shockwaves. Suffice to say the elemental spheres home in on Mega, and these are very hard to avoid making this battle one that the player should definitely stock up on E-tanks. It's a battle of endurance, and the fate of the 20XX world depends on it, Mega Man!

Doomsday Robotnik - Sonic & Knuckles (GEN)


If Sonic does not collect all of the Chaos Emeralds, then the final boss of Sonic & Knuckles occurs at the Death Egg Zone, but we'll assume the player gathered all seven of them and reached a desperate Dr. Robotnik as he escapes through space with Angel Island's Master Emerald in The Doomsday Zone. With the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds, Sonic transforms like a flash of lightning into the omnipotent Super Sonic!

The Doomsday Zone logo pops up, and the action quickly begins. Super Sonic must make his way to Robotnik's cruiser which holds the Master Emerald. By bobbing and weaving through asteroids and missiles alike, Super Sonic must collect rings as his count slowly trickles down. If it hits zero, the player loses a life and must start the chase anew. Once Super Sonic catches up to Dr. Robotnik, he should circle around the crooked doctor's device, allowing Robotnik's own missiles to slam into the face of his own robot. With enough missiles doing damage to Robotnik, the second phase will begin.

A faster robotic creation will emerge from the mechanical beast with Master Emerald in tow. This time all that is needed is for Super Sonic to dodge the capsules that Robotnik launches from his machine and boost into the head of the robot. After several hits Robotnik will once again have his sinister plans foiled, and the Master Emerald will be back where it belongs at Angel Island.

Ganon - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)


Just like the Hyrulian legend stated, the Hero of Time would go up against an ancient evil. After playing ping-pong with Ganondorf's magic and after his castle falls down around him, the evil pig beast known as Ganon rises from the ashes. It's only with Princess Zelda's help that Link can defeat him and rescue Hyrule from Ganon's grasp.

Ganondorf gathers strength from the Triforce of Power, summons a circle of fire around the arena, transforms into the beast-like Ganon, and smacks away the Master Sword from the Hero of Time. Without his trusty sword, this confrontation is set to be a perilous one. The evil is weakened by rolling between his legs and striking Ganon's tail with whatever weapon the player sees fit. Those seemingly useless Deku Nuts come quite in handy in this battle. Ganon soon falls to the ground in agony, weakening the flame force field that surrounded the battlefield, allowing Link to pick up the Master Sword and damage Ganon.

With enough pain given to the Evil King, Ganon will once again fall to the floor. Princess Zelda will hold him down with her magic, allowing Link to distribute the final blows to evil reincarnate. The Six Sages gather their power and chuck Ganon back into the Evil Realm where he belongs. Hyrule is saved, and a wonderful ending is in store for the player-- a wonderful ending for a truly tremendous title.

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That just about wraps it up for Part Two of Best Boss Battles in Gaming History. What did you think? What are your favorite boss encounters of gaming past? Let everyone know in the comments section. Perhaps your favorites will appear in a future installment!