Be wary of spoilers if you don't wish to view the new content Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D will have. This 3DS port of the Wii classic features an easier difficulty, new levels, and the ability to roll and perform actions via buttons as opposed to shaking a Wii remote like in the original Donkey Kong Country Returns. This is looking like a great game to double dip to. You can expect a full review of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D soon after its release date later this month.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Top Five Star Wars Game Series
It was announced yesterday that Electronic Arts has a multiyear deal giving them the ability to exclusively develop and publish Star Wars games. While some think this is a really bad thing (those who don't like yearly releases, microtransactions, those who only own a Wii U, etc.), there is some good that can come from it.
Fresh off yesterday's announcement, it seems like a perfect time to take note of the greatest Star Wars game series that the franchise has seen. There were A LOT to sift through, but we at SuperPhillip Central have come up with the top five Star Wars game franchises that made us become in love with George Lucas's galaxy far, far away even more than we were already.
5) Super Star Wars
This Super Nintendo-exclusive trilogy consisted of 2D platforming, running and gunning gameplay, and the occasional 3D section, where Luke Skywalker or another playable character piloted a landspeeder or even an X-Wing to mix things up. For instance, the final level of Super Star Wars featured young Skywalker speeding through the Death Star's trench to blow that baby to kingdom come. The actual trilogy (Super Star Wars, Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) followed the plots of each of the original movie trilogy rather well. The games got a second life when they were released on Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii. If you have the money, you should definitely check these excellent games out.
4) Jedi Knight
A first-person shooter Star Wars series, Jedi Knight is one of those Star Wars franchises that has been consistently terrific. It originated in 1995, and featured characters from the expanded Star Wars universe of characters and settings. Levels are primarily made up of multiple missions and objectives that need to be completed before the player can head to the next. Dark Forces II incorporated an optional third-person shooter camera view to spice things up. If you ask us, though, Jedi Knight didn't need any spicing up, because the games always kicked serious Sith ass. The addition of being able to use a lightsaber in combat only made the games even more fantastic than they already were. Case in point, we at SuperPhillip Central would absolutely love to see the franchise's return into relevance once more.
3) Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, or as it's more fondly known as KotOR, is a role-playing video game that was developed by BioWare, the same studio that is now owned by Electronic Arts. Small world, no? Taking the Star Wars universe and basing a game of off Wizards of the Coast's own Star Wars Roleplaying Game (which itself is based off of Dungeons & Dragons), Knights of the Old Republic started off with giving players three simple classes of characters to choose from. These classes could later in the game be upgraded to one of three Jedi classes. The game offered round-based combat where levels could be gained to expand the player character's attributes and ability range. The tale BioWare told is one of the best in a Star Wars video game. Amazing how BioWare could go from Knights of the Old Republic's fantastic story to Mass Effect 3's ending. Bah. We're just beating a dead horse here.
2) Rogue Squadron
A third-person flight-based Star Wars series, Rogue Squadron first debuted on the PC before making its own home console debut on the Nintendo 64. The original Rogue Squadron took place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, sending players right into the cockpit of an X-Wing. The subsequent sequels were released exclusively on the Nintendo GameCube, one of which being a launch title for the system. Not only were the games technological marvels (like the original Rogue Squadron was), but they allow players to relive and participate in their favorite moments of the original Star Wars trilogy. Not only that, but there were completely original missions to take on in the games as well. It is a darn shame that Factor 5 is no longer with us, as they could not only provide awesome graphical feats, but generally their games were of the utmost quality.
1) Battlefront
The Star Wars series that SuperPhillip Central selects as our favorite franchise of the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Battlefront puts players right into some incredibly epic confrontations. Players are placed within action-packed battlefields set in familiar locations such as Endor, Hoth, Naboo, and Coruscant. One can man vehicles and sentry guns, or opt to take the battle on foot to lead their side to victory. Star Wars: Battlefront II introduced the option to play as Jedi characters, participate in space combat, and contained Revenge of the Sith content. What followed the console and PC releases of Battlefront II was one PSP-exclusive entry in the series and one for both the PSP and Nintendo DS, marking the first and only time the series hit a Nintendo platform. Sadly, Battlefront III was canned mid-development, disappointing aspiring Jedi and Sith across the globe. Who knows, perhaps EA could bring this favorite Star Wars franchise of ours back from the grave. They certainly have the power and money to.
Did we overlook your favorite Star Wars franchise? We probably did, young Padawan, but no worries. You can make the case for your favorite franchises in the comments section below (perhaps by using a Jedi mind trick). Just remember to use the force, of course.
Fresh off yesterday's announcement, it seems like a perfect time to take note of the greatest Star Wars game series that the franchise has seen. There were A LOT to sift through, but we at SuperPhillip Central have come up with the top five Star Wars game franchises that made us become in love with George Lucas's galaxy far, far away even more than we were already.
5) Super Star Wars
This Super Nintendo-exclusive trilogy consisted of 2D platforming, running and gunning gameplay, and the occasional 3D section, where Luke Skywalker or another playable character piloted a landspeeder or even an X-Wing to mix things up. For instance, the final level of Super Star Wars featured young Skywalker speeding through the Death Star's trench to blow that baby to kingdom come. The actual trilogy (Super Star Wars, Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) followed the plots of each of the original movie trilogy rather well. The games got a second life when they were released on Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii. If you have the money, you should definitely check these excellent games out.
4) Jedi Knight
A first-person shooter Star Wars series, Jedi Knight is one of those Star Wars franchises that has been consistently terrific. It originated in 1995, and featured characters from the expanded Star Wars universe of characters and settings. Levels are primarily made up of multiple missions and objectives that need to be completed before the player can head to the next. Dark Forces II incorporated an optional third-person shooter camera view to spice things up. If you ask us, though, Jedi Knight didn't need any spicing up, because the games always kicked serious Sith ass. The addition of being able to use a lightsaber in combat only made the games even more fantastic than they already were. Case in point, we at SuperPhillip Central would absolutely love to see the franchise's return into relevance once more.
3) Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, or as it's more fondly known as KotOR, is a role-playing video game that was developed by BioWare, the same studio that is now owned by Electronic Arts. Small world, no? Taking the Star Wars universe and basing a game of off Wizards of the Coast's own Star Wars Roleplaying Game (which itself is based off of Dungeons & Dragons), Knights of the Old Republic started off with giving players three simple classes of characters to choose from. These classes could later in the game be upgraded to one of three Jedi classes. The game offered round-based combat where levels could be gained to expand the player character's attributes and ability range. The tale BioWare told is one of the best in a Star Wars video game. Amazing how BioWare could go from Knights of the Old Republic's fantastic story to Mass Effect 3's ending. Bah. We're just beating a dead horse here.
2) Rogue Squadron
A third-person flight-based Star Wars series, Rogue Squadron first debuted on the PC before making its own home console debut on the Nintendo 64. The original Rogue Squadron took place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, sending players right into the cockpit of an X-Wing. The subsequent sequels were released exclusively on the Nintendo GameCube, one of which being a launch title for the system. Not only were the games technological marvels (like the original Rogue Squadron was), but they allow players to relive and participate in their favorite moments of the original Star Wars trilogy. Not only that, but there were completely original missions to take on in the games as well. It is a darn shame that Factor 5 is no longer with us, as they could not only provide awesome graphical feats, but generally their games were of the utmost quality.
1) Battlefront
The Star Wars series that SuperPhillip Central selects as our favorite franchise of the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Battlefront puts players right into some incredibly epic confrontations. Players are placed within action-packed battlefields set in familiar locations such as Endor, Hoth, Naboo, and Coruscant. One can man vehicles and sentry guns, or opt to take the battle on foot to lead their side to victory. Star Wars: Battlefront II introduced the option to play as Jedi characters, participate in space combat, and contained Revenge of the Sith content. What followed the console and PC releases of Battlefront II was one PSP-exclusive entry in the series and one for both the PSP and Nintendo DS, marking the first and only time the series hit a Nintendo platform. Sadly, Battlefront III was canned mid-development, disappointing aspiring Jedi and Sith across the globe. Who knows, perhaps EA could bring this favorite Star Wars franchise of ours back from the grave. They certainly have the power and money to.
===
Did we overlook your favorite Star Wars franchise? We probably did, young Padawan, but no worries. You can make the case for your favorite franchises in the comments section below (perhaps by using a Jedi mind trick). Just remember to use the force, of course.
Resident Evil: Revelations (Multi) Wii U Trailer
Resident Evil: Revelations released on the Nintendo 3DS back in February of 2012. Now, the game is getting a boost in definition with a console release on Wii U, PS3, and Xbox 360. This trailer is specific to the features that can be found in the Wii U version, such as off-TV play, Miiverse, and two screen action. Resident Evil: Revelations releases on Wii U and other systems May 21 in North America.
Monday, May 6, 2013
SPC's Favorite VGMs - Cinco de Mayo + 1 Edition
The start of the workweek can only mean one thing-- Moonshine Monday! Wait. No. It's actually time for SPC's Favorite VGMs, your go-to source for... SuperPhillip Central's... favorite VGMs. Ahem. On this week's installment we've got music from Batman: Arkham City, Final Fantasy VIII, and Ys I & II Chronicles.
v366. Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360) - Main Theme
I recently sat down and replayed through Batman: Arkham City. The first time was on the PlayStation 3. This second foray into Arkham City was via the Wii U's Armored Edition, a truly definitive version of the game. Anyway, this main theme says all you need to know about the Dark Knight. It's epic, it's heroic, and it's incredibly tense-- just like Batman himself.
v367. de Blob (Wii) - Raydian Day (Unstoppable)
John Cuscott and his band jam with de Blob's Raydian Day (Unstoppable). de Blob was one of those child-friendly games that added to the immense library of the Nintendo Wii. You played as the titular hero, coloring up buildings and defeating the sinister INKT baddies. It's a total shame that Blue Tongue was dissolved, even if they would have just been sold off to the highest bidder after THQ's collapse.
v368. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1) - The Landing
This theme was the first thing heard on the original PlayStation demo of Final Fantasy VIII. Actually, it really wasn't. An alternate theme was played. The story goes that it sounded too familiar to something from The Rock motion picture (that's the rumor anyway). Someone verify that for me, okay? Regardless, this version is the one that made it into the final game, The Landing.
v369. Ys I & II Chronicles (PSP) - Ice Ridge of Noltia
What starts with a lovely strings theme backed by a rhythm track turns into an affair for piano and then guitar. Ys I & II Chronicles is a collection of titles that I did not get to try out. After enjoying The Oath in Felghana, my interest in the Ys series grew heavily. It's about time I track down a copy of this collection!
v370. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii) - Football
There's nothing like an energetic song to kick around a black and white ball to. That is exactly what you get with our last VGM of this edition of SPC's Favorite VGMs. This track plays during the football event of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for the Nintendo Wii. The game had its drawbacks, but overall it was a competent mini-game collection with a terrific soundtrack.
v366. Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360) - Main Theme
I recently sat down and replayed through Batman: Arkham City. The first time was on the PlayStation 3. This second foray into Arkham City was via the Wii U's Armored Edition, a truly definitive version of the game. Anyway, this main theme says all you need to know about the Dark Knight. It's epic, it's heroic, and it's incredibly tense-- just like Batman himself.
v367. de Blob (Wii) - Raydian Day (Unstoppable)
John Cuscott and his band jam with de Blob's Raydian Day (Unstoppable). de Blob was one of those child-friendly games that added to the immense library of the Nintendo Wii. You played as the titular hero, coloring up buildings and defeating the sinister INKT baddies. It's a total shame that Blue Tongue was dissolved, even if they would have just been sold off to the highest bidder after THQ's collapse.
v368. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1) - The Landing
This theme was the first thing heard on the original PlayStation demo of Final Fantasy VIII. Actually, it really wasn't. An alternate theme was played. The story goes that it sounded too familiar to something from The Rock motion picture (that's the rumor anyway). Someone verify that for me, okay? Regardless, this version is the one that made it into the final game, The Landing.
v369. Ys I & II Chronicles (PSP) - Ice Ridge of Noltia
What starts with a lovely strings theme backed by a rhythm track turns into an affair for piano and then guitar. Ys I & II Chronicles is a collection of titles that I did not get to try out. After enjoying The Oath in Felghana, my interest in the Ys series grew heavily. It's about time I track down a copy of this collection!
v370. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii) - Football
There's nothing like an energetic song to kick around a black and white ball to. That is exactly what you get with our last VGM of this edition of SPC's Favorite VGMs. This track plays during the football event of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for the Nintendo Wii. The game had its drawbacks, but overall it was a competent mini-game collection with a terrific soundtrack.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Coming Up Next: 6 Wii U Highlights That Could Change Nintendo’s Fortunes
The following is a promotional post from the New York Film Academy. We don't usually allow guest posts of this nature, but we decided for it for two reasons: 1) It goes along with the content seen on SuperPhillip Central, and 2) As the founder of this site is also a student, learning game design in school, he understands how important these kinds of university programs are. He wanted to help out by allowing this promotional post. It's important to note that SuperPhillip Central will not be a source of constant promotional material, nor do the views of this article necessary agree with our own.
Oh, Nintendo. The Wii U hasn’t really panned out too well, has it?
It seems the muddled launch of the console was a precursor for things to come, with sales so low that Nintendo have dropped their projections for the year by 17%. It’s hardly surprising, really, given the confusion over what features the Wii successor offers (or in many cases, what it even is in the first place).
Amongst its numerous other issues, the low number of major titles in the lackluster lineup has taken its toll… but are things set to improve for the better?
It seems that the releases planned for the rest of 2013 could reverse Nintendo’s fortunes of late and return them to their former glory. This is good news not only for gamers but also for developers alike; with many talented students graduating from the best game design schools this year, we’re hoping that this eighth generation of consoles provides sees the industry grow in ever innovative ways.
Whether the great titles coming through the pipeline are enough to help Nintendo survive the PS4/Xbox 720 onslaught heading their way remains to be seen, but it’s still heartening for Wii U owners who have been waiting for something decent to play since last Christmas. Here are some of the bigger titles which we’re keen to get our hands on, as well as what we know about them so far…
Batman: Arkham Origins
Release Date: October 2013
As you can imagine from the title alone, Batman: Arkham Origins will explore the dark knight’s rise in the events prior to Asylum and City. Given that the two former titles were buffed to a mirror shine (both having achieved over 90 on Metacritic), expectations for Arkham Origins are soaring in the run up to release on all the major consoles.
Some worries have already crept in, however. It’s always a contentious minefield to mess with origin stories, doubly so when it comes to Batman, but an even more puzzling bit of news is that Rocksteady Studios – the developer behind the first two stunning games – will not be involved in the project. That said, the new team are said to be sticking with the Unreal engine in an attempt to keep the aesthetic design consistent, so it doesn't sound like they’re going to try to reinvent the wheel.
But assuming we’ll see consistent quality with the third title, we’ll be treated to a great origin story which predominantly features Penguin and the Black Mask as main villains (although which Black Mask is not yet clear). It’ll also be interesting to see how the GamePad will be integrated on the Wii U port – since the series has thus far included some (surprisingly good) quick time event-based gameplay, it could translate incredibly well.
Wii Fit U
Release Date: Summer 2013
Although its name couldn’t be any more awkward, we’re looking forward to the improvements Wii Fit U are set to deliver over its predecessor.
In addition to a range of new mini games and routines, the Wii Fit U is reported to have a whole new fitness category in the form of ‘Dance’. That’s certainly going to be a hit given the number of dance-related games on the Wii, but even more noteworthy is the fact that you’ll be able to play solely on the GamePad. This is a major plus for anyone who struggled to clear a space directly in front of the TV!
Angry Birds Trilogy
Release Date: “Late 2013”
While the first three Angry Birds games have been out for some time now, we can’t see anyone balking at paying $40-ish for the bundle package given how utterly fun they are.
If you enjoyed playing Angry Birds Seasons on your iPhone, you’ll love it on the big screen in all its 1080p glory (especially with GamePad playability thrown in for good measure).
Rayman Legends
Release Date: September 2013
When Rayman Origins came out in 2011, it heralded an explosive return for the franchise which, although always well received, never gained much of a mainstream foothold. Origins was so highly reviewed that 1UP.com dubbed it ‘the best 2D platformer not called Mario’, and rightly so.
Rayman Legends will follow on from the titular disembodied character’s success in September this year. It was originally slated to be a Wii U exclusive, but it now being released across all platforms. If the prequel is anything to go by, this is definitely one to keep your hopes up for.
Mario Kart (Wii U)
Release Date: ???
Very few, if any, details about the Wii U’s own Mario Kart game exist, but suffice to say this wouldn’t be a list of ‘Most Anticipated Wii U Games’ if we didn’t at least mention it.
For the most part though, don’t expect too many surprises. Since the format ain’t broke, there’s no point fixing it so here’s to more of the same Mario Kart fun we’ve been waiting for.
Ah, Rainbow Road. ‘Til we meet again…
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Release Date: October 2013
The continuity of the Assassin’s Creed franchise is getting as muddled as the series is popular, but that doesn’t stop us from looking forward to the next full follow-up which will take place as a prequel to Assassin’s Creed III. Or a sequel. Or both, technically.
This time we’ll be taking to the high seas in the 18th Century Caribbean as Edward Kenway, who has a vague blood tie with Desmond Miles in the modern day. Aside from the usual two-intertwining timeline plot we’ve grown used to, developers have stated that Assassin’s Creed IV will completely turn the series on its head (both in terms of setting and gameplay). Exactly how they’re doing this remains to be seen, but it’s sure to be a welcome flagship title in the Wii U’s arsenal.
Oh, Nintendo. The Wii U hasn’t really panned out too well, has it?
It seems the muddled launch of the console was a precursor for things to come, with sales so low that Nintendo have dropped their projections for the year by 17%. It’s hardly surprising, really, given the confusion over what features the Wii successor offers (or in many cases, what it even is in the first place).
Amongst its numerous other issues, the low number of major titles in the lackluster lineup has taken its toll… but are things set to improve for the better?
It seems that the releases planned for the rest of 2013 could reverse Nintendo’s fortunes of late and return them to their former glory. This is good news not only for gamers but also for developers alike; with many talented students graduating from the best game design schools this year, we’re hoping that this eighth generation of consoles provides sees the industry grow in ever innovative ways.
Whether the great titles coming through the pipeline are enough to help Nintendo survive the PS4/Xbox 720 onslaught heading their way remains to be seen, but it’s still heartening for Wii U owners who have been waiting for something decent to play since last Christmas. Here are some of the bigger titles which we’re keen to get our hands on, as well as what we know about them so far…
Batman: Arkham Origins
Release Date: October 2013
As you can imagine from the title alone, Batman: Arkham Origins will explore the dark knight’s rise in the events prior to Asylum and City. Given that the two former titles were buffed to a mirror shine (both having achieved over 90 on Metacritic), expectations for Arkham Origins are soaring in the run up to release on all the major consoles.
Some worries have already crept in, however. It’s always a contentious minefield to mess with origin stories, doubly so when it comes to Batman, but an even more puzzling bit of news is that Rocksteady Studios – the developer behind the first two stunning games – will not be involved in the project. That said, the new team are said to be sticking with the Unreal engine in an attempt to keep the aesthetic design consistent, so it doesn't sound like they’re going to try to reinvent the wheel.
But assuming we’ll see consistent quality with the third title, we’ll be treated to a great origin story which predominantly features Penguin and the Black Mask as main villains (although which Black Mask is not yet clear). It’ll also be interesting to see how the GamePad will be integrated on the Wii U port – since the series has thus far included some (surprisingly good) quick time event-based gameplay, it could translate incredibly well.
Wii Fit U
Release Date: Summer 2013
Although its name couldn’t be any more awkward, we’re looking forward to the improvements Wii Fit U are set to deliver over its predecessor.
In addition to a range of new mini games and routines, the Wii Fit U is reported to have a whole new fitness category in the form of ‘Dance’. That’s certainly going to be a hit given the number of dance-related games on the Wii, but even more noteworthy is the fact that you’ll be able to play solely on the GamePad. This is a major plus for anyone who struggled to clear a space directly in front of the TV!
Angry Birds Trilogy
Release Date: “Late 2013”
While the first three Angry Birds games have been out for some time now, we can’t see anyone balking at paying $40-ish for the bundle package given how utterly fun they are.
If you enjoyed playing Angry Birds Seasons on your iPhone, you’ll love it on the big screen in all its 1080p glory (especially with GamePad playability thrown in for good measure).
Rayman Legends
Release Date: September 2013
When Rayman Origins came out in 2011, it heralded an explosive return for the franchise which, although always well received, never gained much of a mainstream foothold. Origins was so highly reviewed that 1UP.com dubbed it ‘the best 2D platformer not called Mario’, and rightly so.
Rayman Legends will follow on from the titular disembodied character’s success in September this year. It was originally slated to be a Wii U exclusive, but it now being released across all platforms. If the prequel is anything to go by, this is definitely one to keep your hopes up for.
Mario Kart (Wii U)
Release Date: ???
Very few, if any, details about the Wii U’s own Mario Kart game exist, but suffice to say this wouldn’t be a list of ‘Most Anticipated Wii U Games’ if we didn’t at least mention it.
For the most part though, don’t expect too many surprises. Since the format ain’t broke, there’s no point fixing it so here’s to more of the same Mario Kart fun we’ve been waiting for.
Ah, Rainbow Road. ‘Til we meet again…
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Release Date: October 2013
The continuity of the Assassin’s Creed franchise is getting as muddled as the series is popular, but that doesn’t stop us from looking forward to the next full follow-up which will take place as a prequel to Assassin’s Creed III. Or a sequel. Or both, technically.
This time we’ll be taking to the high seas in the 18th Century Caribbean as Edward Kenway, who has a vague blood tie with Desmond Miles in the modern day. Aside from the usual two-intertwining timeline plot we’ve grown used to, developers have stated that Assassin’s Creed IV will completely turn the series on its head (both in terms of setting and gameplay). Exactly how they’re doing this remains to be seen, but it’s sure to be a welcome flagship title in the Wii U’s arsenal.
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