SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Labor of Love Edition

It's Labor Day for the United States, but we're not really having five new video game themes to showcase because of that. No, we're showcasing five new video game themes because that's just what we do every Monday. On today's edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM, we have music from classic games, like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, EarthBound, and Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow.

v451. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) - The Dark World

Koji Kondo may not compose a lot of original music nowadays, but his reputation will forever be of a person who wrote some of the most memorable gaming music of all time. His The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past soundtrack is but one of those.

v452. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising (GBA) - Sensei's Theme

Sensei is the oldest character in Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, a tremendous sequel that appeared on the Game Boy Advance and introduced a new foe in the Black Hole army. Sensei's theme is an absolute treat for the ears, somewhat goofy, somewhat militaristic, but 100% good.

v453. Mario Party 3 (N64) - Let's Get a Move On

One of the mini-game themes in Mario Party 3, the final of the Mario Party games on the Nintendo 64, Let's Get a Move On has a whole lot of whimsy and charm. Mario Party 3 is a fun entry in the series, but it happens to be our least favorite of the Nintendo 64 games.

v454. EarthBound (SNES) - Onett

After years of passionate fans wanting EarthBound on Nintendo's Virtual Console service, the game was unceremoniously released one day to the great surprise of many. The ten dollar price tag certainly beats paying a hundred for an original cartridge, now doesn't it?

v455. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow (GB) - Battle vs. Gym Leader

The composers at Game Freak certainly tested the abilities of the Game Boy sound card with their magnificent compositions for Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, the games that started the phenomenon known as Pokemon. It's a particularly tense theme when you're down to your last Pokemon and Blue summons a Blastoise to counter your Charizard!

Sensational September: Twelve Games to Look Out for This Month

The first of the month means it's time to check in and see what releases for the month ahead are in store for North American gamers. We are starting to see a massive amount of must-play titles as we approach the holiday season. SuperPhillip Central has taken the liberty of selecting twelve titles that we deem the most interesting this month. Remember that release dates are subject to change and that these games are retail only. Which games, if any, are you looking forward to for September 2013?

Rayman Legends (Multi)
Release Date: 9/3

We learned the hard way that release dates are subject to change with the February delay of Rayman Legends. It went from its late February release date to early September. It seems to be for the better content-wise, but sales-wise it seems to be an entirely different story, with the game coming out around the time of so many big games. Regardless, Rayman Legends is set to release on multiple platforms this Tuesday, including the original system it was made for, the Wii U, and systems like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Vita, though some content is not available on this version. Expect a full in-depth review of Rayman Legends mid-month.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate (PS3, 360)
Release Date: 9/3

Team Ninja teams up with arcade masters Sega AM2 for Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, an expansion to 2012's Dead or Alive 5 vanilla version. This ultimate iteration is taking content from the Vita's Dead or Alive 5 Plus, as well as five all-new combatants, two of which are plucked straight from the Ninja Gaiden franchise. Introduced in this version of the game are two-on-two tag team battles, in addition to several gameplay tweaks and better balancing. Fighter fans are being treated well this year, for sure.

Diablo III (PS3, 360)
Release Date: 9/3

It's been over a year since Diablo III made its way into the hands of PC owners. This loot-based action-RPG became the fastest-selling PC game of all time. Now, Daiblo III is coming to consoles with controls that are specifically built for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems. Play alone or team up with three other players as you explore randomized dungeons, exploring, searching for loot, and slaying creatures of all shapes and sizes. The wait for console owners is almost over, as Diablo III is hitting consoles this Tuesday.

Killzone: Mercenary (Vita)
Release Date: 9/10

Using a modified version of Killzone 3's impressive graphical engine, the forthcoming Killzone: Mercenary, a PlayStation Vita exclusive, is shaping up to be one of the most amazing first-person shooter experiences on any handheld device. Being able to choose which side you wish to join-- ISA or the Helghast-- is something that will no doubt offer multiple perspectives on the same story. Missions offer multiple means to complete them, and successfully completing missions rewards players with new weapons and other delights. With the recent PlayStation Vita price cut and Killzone: Mercenary, it seems like there's no better time to become an owner of Sony's handheld than right now.

Puppeteer (PS3)
Release Date: 9/10

Sony's Japan Studio has not released a lot of games this past generation. They seem to be making up for lost time with both the PS4 launch title Knack and this upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive, Puppeteer. The game is a 2 1/2-D platformer featuring a boy who has been turned into a puppet and has had his head stolen. Venturing through the worlds of the game and coming across other things to replace his head, allowing him new abilities, players can progress through the game thanks to the help of these heads. Along with his magical scissors, Kutaro, our protagonist, has plenty of tools in his arsenal to complete his goal of getting his head returned to him and becoming a human boy once more. An innovative new IP, Puppeteer will mostly fall through the cracks, but those bold enough to try the game out will most likely find a gem of a game.

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX (PS3)
Release Date: 9/10

For the first time, Kingdom Hearts Final Mix will be available in the West as part of this HD collection. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX will also feature a remastered RE: Chain of Memories to play, and cutscenes from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days to watch. These games by themselves would be more than enough, but in addition to this, all of these included titles feature trophy support. We can't think of any better way to anticipate the next generation release of Kingdom Hearts III than enjoying the collection of titles in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX.

NHL 14 (Multi)
Release Date: 9/10

My word, is September 10 a busy day for new releases! NHL 14 is currently looking to be a great complement to watching the real sport. It features improvements to multiple engines used in past games, a never-before-seen deking system, a career mode that values the importance of both on the ice and off the ice, and a salute to NHL '94, which features the full classic game only with current visuals and rosters. It's almost as fun as playing the real thing but without the need of having a dentist on speed dial.

The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)
Release Date: 9/15

Destined to be overlooked due to its vibrant colors and weirdness, despite being what many have been wanting, a new IP from Nintendo, The Wonderful 101 pits one-hundred citizens turned superheroes against a pack of intergalactic invaders. If the demo is anything to go by, this mass hero action game will get the palms of the player sweaty as they dodge attacks, switch through superpowers, and save denizens from impending doom. Platinum Games has yet to make a stinker, and The Wonderful 101 is looking to be one of their most impressive titles yet. It's just too bad it releases so close to our next game!

Grand Theft Auto V (PS3, 360)
Release Date: 9/17

One of the final seventh generation-exclusive games, Grand Theft Auto V is receiving a metric ton of hype, but that's the only reason to be excited for Rockstar North's latest. No, the studio has received a big budget and lots of time to create what will probably be yet another open world to get absolutely lost in. Rockstar promises a multitude of activities to do, and the upcoming Grand Theft Auto Online is set to rock the gaming world as much as the single player experience. Speaking of which, for the first time in the series the player switches between three unique protagonists as they explore the city of Los Santos and its surrounding areas. Put your real life on hold when Grand Theft Auto V finally releases on September 17.

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure (Wii U, 3DS, PC) 
Release Date: 9/24

While Marvel is getting the LEGO treatment, DC Comics has been there and done that, moving onto the world of Scribblenauts. Developer 5th Cell promises an abundance of superheroes and villains from DC Comics' lineup of all-stars, including some of the more obscure characters. You can bet there will be plenty of puzzle-based missions requiring you to spawn the correct item or hero through typing out a word. Yes, this is a game more toward the child market, but DC Comics fans should find a lot to love with Scribblenauts Unmasked as well.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 (Multi)
Release Date: 9/24

Utilizing the Fox Engine, Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is aiming itself to be the most realistic soccer simulation on the planet. Everything in the game is being focused on how the ball itself feels, how high of an arc it flies depending on the player, and so forth. The Motion Animation Stability System (or M.A.S.S.) will determine how individual players on the field react to one another. Available on a wide array of platforms, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows PCs, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PlayStation 2 (the system that never quits!), there are plenty of ways to get some Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 into your soccer-loving life.

FIFA 14 (Multi)
Release Date: 9/24

Releasing on the same day as Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, FIFA 14 is EA Sports' take on the world's favorite sport. A great amount of features have been included in this version, such as an improved career mode, new teams, a new engine for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions, and a 2vs2 online multiplayer season mode. Like PES 2014, FIFA 14 will be releasing on pretty much every imaginable platform save for some notable exclusions. While FIFA is the brand that sells more, we've found its rival usually outperforms it. We'll see if this year's results are the same.

Central City Census - September 2013

We've hit the month of September, and soon fall will be in full swing. Before we totally say goodbye to August, let's take a look at last month's Central City Census results.

The majority of the vote went towards local multiplayer as their favorite multiplayer type. In fact, nearly 69% of you prefer local multiplayer to online while 31% prefer online multiplayer. We wonder if this affects the consoles you choose to purchase. Let's see what this month's Central City Census will ask.

The Wii U kicked off the eighth generation of video game consoles. We want to know this month which generation of video game consoles was your first. The census will be open for voting until the end of the month.

Review Round-Up - August 2013

Even Alph and Brittany enjoyed a day at
the beach for the last full month of summer.

It was hot and heavy month for SuperPhillip Central! We reviewed nine games total, and had two special review-specific segments. Let's run through the reviews, shall we? It's a monthly tradition, after all. We began with a mini-game compilation from Wario's wicked mind, Game & Wario (7.0). We then loaded up our Walther PPKs only to be disappointed by 007 Legends (4.25). Then we moved onto a pair of games that both got a score of 6.0, Project X Zone and Smash Bowling 3D. Just remember that even though they got the same score, they don't hold the same weight. You can't really fairly compare a crossover strategy game with a bowling title! Next up, Mega Man came charging in with the classic Mega Man 2 (9.5). The Year of Luigi continued with New Super Luigi U, which leaped its way into an 8.5. Mega Man wasn't done afterwards, as he returned for our review of Mega Man 3 (9.5). Our GotM, Pikmin 3, earned itself a tremendous 9.5. Earlier this evening we saw Luke fon Fabre and the gang's game, Tales of the Abyss, get a 7.0. Lastly, we had the return of both SPC Quickies and One-Sentence Reviews!

Next month is sure to continue our reviewing momentum, with reviews of games like BioShock Infinite, Rayman Legends, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, and many more!

Game & Wario (Wii U) - 7.0
007 Legends (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC) - 4.25
Project X Zone (3DS) - 6.0
Smash Bowling 3D (3DSWare) - 6.0
Mega Man 2 (NES, Wii U VC, 3DS VC) - 9.5
New Super Luigi U (Wii U) - 8.5
Mega Man 3 (NES, Wii U VC, 3DS VC) - 9.5
Pikmin 3 (Wii U) - 9.5
Tales of the Abyss (3DS) - 7.0

SPC Quickies - Volume Twelve
One-Sentence Reviews - Volume Four

And since the weather was so hot,
Luigi and friends went for a swim.

BLTN Reviews: Tales of the Abyss (3DS) Review

BLTN? What does that stand for? Bulletin? No, it stands for Better Late Than Never, as in reviews of games too recent to be retro reviewed and too old to be all-new reviews. Today's subject is Tales of the Abyss for the Nintendo 3DS.

Not abyss-mal, but not great either.

The Tales franchise has mostly held up residence on PlayStation platforms. The latest in the series, Tales of Xillia, has found nice success overseas and a recent release on this side of the Pacific. Still, Nintendo platform owners haven't been completely starved of Tales content. The Wii saw a sequel to one of the most popular Tales entries, Tales of Symphonia, and even saw an exclusive entry in the series with Tales of Graces, though the Wii original never made it out of Japan, but saw a remake on the PlayStation 3 which did. Last year, Nintendo 3DS owners received a port of Tales of the Abyss, a 2005-2006 PlayStation 2 game. Does this port do the original justice? Is it worth a double dip?

Ever since he was kidnapped seven years ago and subsequently lost all of his memories, protagonist Luke fon Fabre, son of the king and queen of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear, is kept under close surveillance, confined to the castle. This isolation has made him a bit of a snotty brat-- okay, he idles on being a snotty brat. One day a mysterious woman breaks into the castle, starting a series of events that takes Luke into the center of a conflict between two kingdoms and ultimately the fate of the world. The story is a mess of gibberish terms that are repeated over and over again, the cast of characters are some of the most obnoxious I've ever had the displeasure of playing as, and starting out, Luke is insufferable with his selfishness.The writers attempt to use his naivete from being isolated and thrust into the world not knowing anything for humor, but these segments just fall flat and aren't funny. Everything else is your standard series of anime conventions wrapped up in a sheet of cliches, whether they be in the main story or through optional skits.

Mieu will test a lot of players' patience.

Speaking of conventions, Tales of the Abyss doesn't stray far from what is expected of a JRPG. You explore towns, dungeons, and the world map as you progress the story. Towns house multiple denizens that will speak their peace, shops are available to load up on gear and items, and inns allow Luke's party to get some much needed R&R. Dungeons possess puzzles to solve, either through normal means or interacting with the environment with the abilities of Mieu, a high-pitched mascot for the game. Enemy encounters in dungeons and the world map do not happen randomly. When a monster comes in contact with Luke, a battle commences. Depending on if Luke's party gets blindsided by having a monster run into Luke on the map from behind, the cast involved in the battle will be shaken up.

Luke at the old fishin' hole.

Every JRPG that is worthwhile possesses an entertaining battle system. After all, if the combat isn't up to par, what is normally the most exciting part of a JRPG, then what is the point of playing it? Thankfully, Tales of the Abyss satisfies with its combat system. Similar to what was seen in Tales of Symphonia, the combat in Tales of the Abyss takes place in real time, with the player taking control of one of the four active party members. One can attack, block, use skills (whether they be offensive or defensive), and utilize a number of commands via calling up a menu. Unlike Symphonia, however, Tales of the Abyss has a free run ability, letting a character run with absolute freedom around the battlefield. Also, Abyss has a much improved camera system that zooms out when party members are apart, showing all of them on screen at the same time.

Guy carves up some enemy fodder.

AD Skills are skills that be equipped and removed at the player's beck and call. These skills are learned as items called Capacity Cores are used. These give Luke and his party statistical upgrades when they gain experience levels. As specific statistics reach high levels, new AD Skills are learned.

In battle, these skills and magic have certain elemental effects that can be used to players' advantage. Using multiple skills and magic of the same element will build power in a circle on the battlefield, known as the Field of Fonons. When charged up, a party member can use a skill that is the exact element of the circle to unleash a powerful attack. Enemies can also use this tactic to their advantage. Powerful attacks don't end there either, as party members and enemies can use Over Limit, nerfing damage and increasing their attack capabilities to surprising and devastating levels. A Mystic Arte, a character's most damaging skill, to turn the tide of battle. Nonetheless, a lot of battles still end up to mindless button-mashing, a common problem for the Tales series that is unresolved with Tales of the Abyss.

Turn the tides of battle with
a well timed attack.

While this game offers many new concepts, a good deal of familiar elements of the Tales series live on in Tales of the Abyss. For instance, after each battle you are given a grade, points that are used during New Game+ to purchase helpful bonuses like double experience and having a party's stats carry over. Characters can also earn titles from engaging in specific events (usually optional) throughout the game. Lastly, players can come across unique recipes through doing some exploring, which allows them to cook food for the party, creating helpful healing items for in and out of battle.

Say "Cheese!"

Tales of the Abyss on the Nintendo 3DS looks about the same as the PlayStation 2 original, and that's not a bad thing at all. Sure, the graphics are a little long in the tooth in some parts, but overall the game looks and runs great. The frame-rate is solid, which couldn't be said of the PS2 game. However, the advertised 3D effect is poorly executed and will can make for some literal headaches. Objects that should be popped out fall to the back, and there's a hefty case of ghosting involved. The voice acting is the same as the PS2 version, which is unfortunate, as the skits (which there are numerous) are still completely lacking voicework. The fact that you can't hit a button to speed them along made me just not engage in them altogether. Meanwhile, the music is actually largely forgettable. Only the battle themes and some of the town themes remain in my memory. It's one of Motoi Sakuraba's weaker, more phoned-in soundtracks.

Some areas are still breathtaking.

As it stands, Tales of the Abyss on the Nintendo 3DS is a tough recommendation to make for those who have already played the PlayStation 2 original. The biggest inclusion and selling point, the stereoscopic 3D, actually makes the game look worse. Still, if you can tolerate the abhorrent cast, anime cliches, and mediocre story, there is a fun RPG with a terrific battle system to be had on a handheld that doesn't have a large number of them yet.

[SPC Says: 7.0/10]