Top Ten Handheld Games of 2014

It's not often we see two top ten lists in one week on SuperPhillip Central, but that is exactly what I have done this week. If you missed the on regarding the top ten third party Wii U games, check out this link.

Today's top ten has to do with the greatest handheld games I played that were released last year. While the Nintendo 3DS had a stellar year software-wise, let us not forget the fun experiences the PlayStation Vita offered. By no means is this list an exhaustive one, so please give me your recommended games that I should add to my backlog after you've scoped the games and explanations on my list!

10) Ragnarok Odyssey ACE (Vita)

Although also available on the PlayStation 3, I preferred the handheld Vita release due to its portability and Sleep Mode ability. Since there was no Monster Hunter on the Vita, many developers aimed to fill the hole left by Capcom's series by putting in similar style games of their own. Ragnarok Odyssey ACE, an upgraded version of the original Ragnarok Odyssey which was also released on the Vita, was such a game, drawing on Norse mythology for its enemy design. I spent far too many late nights completing quests for materials, money, and just for the fun of slicing and slashing monsters and creatures of all shapes and sizes. While it didn't quite fill the gap that Monster Hunter left, Ragnarok Odyssey ACE was a great time-waster all the same..

9) Freedom Wars (Vita)

While the western branches of Sony Computer Entertainment are fine with letting the PlayStation Vita dangle from a proverbial string, I'm very happy that SCEJ is still producing some software for the system. Freedom Wars from last year was one of these games. Players served as criminals (whether fair or not) with the goal of fighting huge monsters to lower their characters' sentences. The game was modeled somewhat after Monster Hunter in the big monster-bashing way, but there was so much more to Freedom Wars. Whether online or off, Freedom Wars was a phenomenal retail title for the PlayStation Vita, and one that had so much content that system owners can't help but continue playing to this day.

8) Yoshi's New Island (3DS)

Many found this next game on the list quite disappointing, and while the challenge level was low (save for the super-hard unlockable levels), the music utilized the same melody for nearly every stage save for this audio abortion, and the quality of the game did not enter the same league as the original Yoshi's Island on SNES (but then again, what does?), Yoshi's New Island was a solid platforming romp with some good ideas, solid level design, and interesting new mechanics. The benefit of not forcing players to 100% the levels in one go was a nice touch, making for far less frustration. I'm looking at you, Yoshi's Island DS!

7) Tomodachi Life (3DS)

Starting off with controversy in the west due to the disappointing lack of same-sex marriage in the game, Tomodachi Life went on to make mad bank for Nintendo. The game put players in the role of a voyeur overlooking the everyday activities of an apartment complex full of the player's own collection of Miis. Miis could interact with one another, have you play mini-games with them, and even get married to one another, eventually having children. While Tomodachi Life didn't have anywhere near as much of a long-lasting appeal as Animal Crossing: New Leaf, it definitely offered plenty of playtime for those into a wacky and weird gaming experience.

6) Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)

The last of the prequel trilogy of the Professor Layton series saw the titular character of superior deductive skills and intellect, his ever-faithful apprentice Luke and his highly capable assistant Emmy on a journey around the world, solving the mystery of the ancient Azran people. Along the way, heartstrings were pulled with the very excellent story and dialogue, brain-bending puzzles were solved, and mini-games were played to further add to the longevity of this solid adventure. One couldn't help but have a tear in their eye as the final credits rolled. So long, Professor Layton. May we see you again real soon.

5) Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS)

Kirby received a Return to Dream Land-style adventure in portable form. However, unlike that Wii game, it was just Kirby to himself to save the day! The intricately designed level featured a massive amount of obstacles and enemies to watch out for, clever implementation of moving objects from the background into the foreground to capitalize well on the 3D effect of the Nintendo 3DS, and a load of secrets to keep players playing far after the final boss was felled. The collectible aspect of acquiring key chains displaying characters, sprites, and essentially the history of the Kirby franchise made doing so insanely addicting.

4) Super Smash Bros. for 3DS (3DS)

With such technological mastery that a huge game like Super Smash Bros. could be squeezed onto a Nintendo 3DS game card and run on the actual system (albeit with some casualties like no Ice Climbers and no ability for Miiverse while playing the game), Masahiro Sakurai and his highly capable team displayed amazing talent, as would be expected of the director and names under his developing guidance. The 3DS exclusive Smash Run remains my favorite mode of the two versions released. In addition to that, the amount of stages was fantastic and varied, and the novelty of playing Smash Bros. on a handheld device still hasn't become old yet, four months after the game's initial release in North America.

3) Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (3DS)

I am calling it here and now. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is my favorite rhythm/music game of all time. This is with Elite Beat Agents, Samba de Amigo, Space Channel 5, and more that I've experienced in the past. Regardless, even compared to the original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, this Curtain Call expansion featured a myriad more of music, over 200 songs from dozens of Final Fantasy numbered games and spin-offs. Leveling up a wide array of Final Fantasy characters, setting up parties, establishing ability lists, and more were all handled beautifully to make this rhythm game crossed with an RPG play and feel wonderfully. The constant unlocking of content through simply playing songs meant that I always felt like playing more just to see what I'd unlock next. Curtain Call is hopefully not curtains for the Theatrhythm series in the West after its unfortunately low sales on this side of the Pacific.

2) Fantasy Life (3DS)

Posted as the 550th review on SuperPhillip Central, Fantasy Life was a magical little game that sported a vast amount of charm, humorous dialogue, a multitude of quests, and a story mode that was best played in bursts rather than all at once. While the story of Fantasy Life clocked in at just over ten hours, the real game came from choosing one of twelve Lives, leveling up your skills via completing Life-centric objectives, and using those new skills to become even better at your current life. From paladins to woodcutters, miners to blacksmiths, Fantasy Life had a ton of content that one could easily go into the hundreds of hours just to master every Life and see everything this wondrous game had to offer.

1) Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS)

While Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is my favorite rhythm/music game, Mario Golf: World Tour knocked both the Nintendo 64 version of Mario Golf and the PS2's Hot Shots Golf Fore! from their respective seats as kings of the arcade golf game. World Tour offered SO much for the player, and that was even without the DLC, which by the way was VERY much worth getting. (Four new characters and six 18-hole courses? Yes, please!) The amount of regular and Mushroom Kingdom-theme courses was amazing, the mechanics were tight, both Castle Club-- the single player mode where you play as your Mii-- and the Challenges-- where you completed different conditions to win-- were great additions, and the level of unlockables meant you'd be playing this game for quite a while! While the N64 Mario Golf and Hot Shots Golf Fore! are masterful golf games, they scored an albatross while World Tour sunk a hole-in-one. (I had to use a golf analogy!)

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Which handheld games that released last year are your personal favorites? Feel free to offer suggestions for games I should try out that I may not have already in the comments section!

Undead Storm Nightmare (3DS eShop) Review

Some call the popularization of zombies in the media a fad. What do you think about shows, films, and games that spotlight the undead? Well, hopefully you don't mind them, as the next game I have for review is full of them! It's Undead Nightmare Storm, and it is available for the Nintendo 3DS eShop right now.

Undead to Rights

Zombies are a recurring thing in media. From movies to television shows, the undead certain have never been more alive in popular culture. This also pours into video games, what, with Resident Evil, Left 4 Dead, Dead Island, and an amalgamation of other titles. Outside of big AAA-developed games, smaller games are in the zombie business as well, such as a new Nintendo 3DS eShop game, Undead Storm Nightmare. Like an overhead Left 4 Dead in how it plays, is Undead Storm Nightmare a dream to play, or something horrid you'll want to quickly wake up from?

Undead Storm Nightmare has you playing through multiple missions, each with their own set of stages (generally two or three regular levels and then a special boss level). While the arrangements of obstacles and design of the stages differ, you're hanging out within the same three area types: a decrepit city, a cave with patches of darkness, and a switch-heavy army base. This made me wish for other areas just to bring some visual variety to Nightmare.

This protagonist is hardly a damsel in distress.

The game does not go very far in establishing any semblance of a plot. The goal is simple: get through the stages infested with zombies, blasting through them while edging closer and closer to the stage's goal. Along the way you earn survival coins from destroyed boxes and clearing a mission that allow you to purchase new weapons and new missions.

Yes, there is a level of grinding within Undead Nightmare Storm, as unlocking new missions isn't a process performed by completing the previous mission. Instead, you have to earn enough Survival Coins to outright buy the next mission. This is also how you purchase new weapons, anything from melee weapons to long-range weapons, flamethrowers to chainsaws, mines to grenades. It is also how you upgrade their rate of fire, firepower, reload speed, and capacity. It's an amount of grinding that may put off some players and bring a feeling of ennui at the same time. While stages are mindless fun, playing them over and over just to unlock a new weapon or mission can get tiring.

Make the undead feel a bigger burn
by upgrading the Flamethrower. 

The Nightmare part of Undead Storm Nightmare's title refers to a specific enemy that is unlike any other in the game, a female apparition holding up a lantern. If you get in her line of sight, she will call upon the aid of immensely more powerful zombies to quickly take you out. While it's possible to defeat her hellish minions, it is no easy task, especially with your starting equipment. Death comes quick and so does the accompanying Mission Failed screen. Otherwise, there is a great amount of repetition within the gameplay outside of these Nightmare parts. Running and gunning the same batch of four different enemy types through the same three area variants gets tedious through repeated play, which is unfortunate, as the game has other nice qualities to it.

Get caught by the Nightwalker and
enter your worst nightmare.

Undead Storm Nightmare plays like a twin-stick shooter. However, since the Nintendo 3DS lacks a second Circle Pad and the Circle Pad Pro peripheral is not compatible with the game, you use the Circle Pad to move and the L and R shoulder buttons to turn. L turns your character to the left, while R turns her to the right. Pressing both shoulder buttons at once spins your character 180 degrees. It is a control scheme that takes but a couple stages to learn, and then it becomes second nature quite quickly. Meanwhile, the touch screen is used to switch between weapons, while he face buttons serve as means to shoot and attack, reload, use health packs dropped by enemies and found in crates, and to help out your partner, a multiplayer-only ability.

This line for Amiibo ended tragically.

Multiplayer is indeed in Undead Storm Nightmare, allowing up to four players locally to shoot and carve up even more enemies than you'd see in solo play. All players need to have their own 3DS equipped with a copy of the game in order to play together. If this setup is manageable, you'll find yourself and your friends having a blast blowing away hordes upon hordes of the undead.

In the presentation department, Undead Storm Nightmare won't win any awards on appearance, much less get many comments on how it is a good game to look at. The entire game seems to be coated with unclear visuals and more muddy textures than a motocross track. That said, the frame-rate is solid throughout the game, which is fantastic considering how many zombies can fill the screen at any one time. Nightmare does not have 3D effect to speak of, unfortunately, but perhaps that was to keep the frame-rate from becoming a nightmare itself.

One of three bosses concludes each set of stages.

Audio-wise, Undead Storm Nightmare presents to players English voice work aside from the playable character when she completes a mission. The music is serviceable enough, offering relatively short loops but never coming across as overly repetitive or grating.

Undead Storm Nightmare's gameplay, however, is overly repetitive, and the reason for this is the forced grinding involved to get Survival Coins to purchase new missions to progress in the game, weapons, and materials to upgrade said weapons. If you're looking for a highly affordable and mindless overhead action shooter to pass time and don't mind some redundancy in gameplay, then Undead Storm Nightmare may be a suitable download for you.

[SPC Says: C-]

Review copy provided by G-STYLE.

Top Ten Third Party Wii U Games

If you know anything about Nintendo, you know its third party relations regarding its home consoles are... well, I don't want to say "total garbage", so I won't be that cruel. I also won't say "complete bullocks", "absolutely embarrassing", "insanely incompetent", or "beyond selfish" either, so don't think you'll see those phrases on this site. I think the nicest word to use would be "anemic."

Regardless, there are indeed plenty of third party games that are available on the Wii U that are worth playing. Of course, while most of them are available on other platforms, these Wii U versions are special for a number of reasons, as you'll see with this top ten list for tonight. These games are the ones that I deem the best of the Wii U third party bunch. Let's get started, shall we?

10) ZombiU

I kick off this top ten list with a title that I stated had the best use of the Wii U GamePad yet. I still find this true. Just don't come into Ubisoft's Wii U launch title ZombiU with the idea that it's a traditional shooter. Like many foolish professional review sites who will remain nameless but have a spot for games, you will find yourself disappointed by your own untrue expectations. ZombiU is a survival horror with an emphasis on both surviving and horror. You utilize the GamePad as your Bug-Out Bag, where all of your ammo and helpful items are stored. However, using this bag does not pause the game. This means that a zombie can attack you at any point. All it takes is one bite. For a truly scary game that is great to play in the dark (if you like to squeal like a girl when you're scared like I do), there is no better choice on Wii U than ZombiU, one of the freshest ideas in the genre in a long time.

9) Armillo

Something that tends to be overlooked when referring to third parties on the Wii U is the Nintendo eShop. There an abundance of clever yet nowhere near as triumphed games are released on a steady basis, though the storefront does not get as much action as the PlayStation's, truth be told. Fuzzy Wuzzy Games launched Armillo on the Nintendo eShop last summer, and it really does hearken back to the era of Nintendo 64 3D platformers. However, don't think it is a relic of the past and doesn't add its own spin to the genre. You control the titular character through spherical planets with hazardous aplenty to reunite Armillo with someone special to him. The level design alone shows the creativity that sparked in the developers, offering some clever platforming challenges and interesting mechanics to keep Armillo feeling fresh from beginning to end.

8) Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2

Speaking of overlooked games, you might laugh at Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 being on this list. You might say, "Wow. The Wii U really is struggling with third parties if you had to put a game based on a cartoon on it." Nevertheless, Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 is a really well made 3D platformer that has a lot of ingenious ideas in its level design and design in general. The game is a huge step up from what the original Ghostly Adventures offered, and while it doesn't innovate in any special way, this sequel is highly competent, a blast to play, and has really tight platforming action. For overlooked games, definitely check out Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2.

7) Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Released at launch for the Wii U, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed saw Sonic and his Sega cohorts speed onto destructible tracks that dynamically altered themselves throughout each race. The ability to shift between car, boat, and plane at specific points in each race opened up the possibilities of the track design immensely. Nonetheless, the track design being spectacular is just one great bullet point for this arcade racing game featuring familiar Sega mascots. The actual racing feels supremely tight, offering a terrific amount of speed and control. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on Wii U has special features such as off TV play and exclusive mini-games. It is a fantastic racer that gives Mario Kart a run... er, race-- for its money!

6) Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones

Currently a timed exclusive for the Wii U eShop, Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones brings with it 2D puzzle platforming goodness and a level of challenge that makes each completed test chamber a serious accomplishment. With lots of content in the way you can beat the target times on each test chamber, collect special costume pieces for your robot, and build your own levels, sharing them with the Wii U Stealth Inc. 2 community if you deem your level appropriate, this is a downloadable game that will last players a long while.

5) Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition

To get this out of the way, while it's not exactly the same content, it is very much the same game. Sorry, Reggie Fils-Amie! Anyway, I very much enjoyed the original Arkham City on the PlayStation 3, and this updated Wii U version, utilizing the Wii U GamePad in some very clever ways (i.e. gadget management, encrypting The Riddler's locked doors, and more), was a perfect excuse to return to the desolate and crime-ridden city streets. Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition is very much a phenomenal port (albeit late) of the seventh generation original, and if you have never played any version of the game or want another excuse to do so like I did, Armored Edition is a fabulous game to sit down and be the bat with.

4) Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut

Another game that makes stellar use of the Wii U GamePad, Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut uses the GamePad as a radar, a means to loot enemies, accessing the player's inventory, a special window view for sniping, and a lot more. This action/stealth thriller was a splendid addition to the Wii U library, and it definitely needs more love from Wii U owners. Whether you're a casual player or someone more seasoned at shooters and stealth games, there is something for you in Human Revolution.

3) Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition

"Metroidvania" is a term that describes games that are similar in design and formula to the Metroid and later 2D Castlevania games. Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition is such a title, but it uses the many luchadore moves at our hero's disposal to not only fight off enemies in the game's combat rooms, but also to break through special doors, access new areas, and explore throughout the game world. Guacamelee is a game that doesn't take itself overly seriously, and it brings players a wide variety of nods to games both retro and modern. The added fun of co-op only sweetens the deal, offering the ability for two players to suplex and piledrive opponents simultaneously. Simply put, Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition is a must play for any fan of and anyone looking for an atypical type of Metroid.

2) Rayman Legends

If you followed Rayman Legends' rocky release, you know that the game was delayed to make ports for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. What was an exclusive for Wii U owners was held back for these reasons, understandably making many Nintendo fans irked, myself included. Regardless, the game finally released to critical acclaim but low sales unfortunately. Even with the other versions of Rayman Legends, the Wii U edition is what I consider the definitive version. The levels where you perform swipes, taps, holds, and touches to manipulate and maneuver platforms for a human or AI partner felt the greatest and most satisfying on the Wii U version. The other levels were platforming nirvana, too, especially those well done musical levels. While New Super Mario Bros. U is the king of 2D platformers level design wise, creativity-wise Rayman Legends has got the portly plumber's game handily beat.

1) Shovel Knight

Combining the gameplay of such NES classics as Mega Man, DuckTales, and more, Shovel Knight is a modern retro classic. Its design emanates high quality and even higher standards. Levels are intricately designed, offer plenty of well placed obstacles, and the entire game itself feels like such a cohesive and enjoyable package. The team at Yacht Club Games really know their stuff, and it is fully evident in every inch and pixel within this amazing 2D run-and-dig action platformer. I am absolutely thrilled that Sony platform owners will get the chance to try out this excellent game. The more players that get to experience Shovel Knight, the better!

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There are other third party games worth mentioning that didn't make it on this list: Trine 2: Director's Cut, Mighty Switch Force, Toki Tori 2+, Ittle Dew, DuckTales Remastered, Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, and my controversial pick, Sonic: Lost World. The Wii U may indeed be any abyss for third party content, but it isn't a wholly horrible place for publishers other than Nintendo.

Story of Seasons (3DS) New Trailer

Story of Seasons is pretty much a Harvest Moon game not called Harvest Moon. Confused? Don't be. All you need to know is that Japanese players and English importers have been loving this game with some calling it the best farm sim ever. Yes, better than Harvest Moon! Story of Seasons will release next month in North America.

Better Late Than Never Reviews: Jet Set Radio (PS3, 360, Vita) Review

Happy Tuesday morning, everyone! Hope your Monday night went well and that you sleep well, too! I'm already up and at 'em with a new review, a Better Late Than Never Review, to be exact. These are for games that are too new to be retro and too old to be considered new. Don't understand? Don't worry about it. You can blame it on having just wakened up.

We kick off this Tuesday with a review of an HD version of a Dreamcast classic. If you read this post headline, then you probably know what it is. If not... well.. maybe you need some more sleep.

Skating Powered By The "Cel"

Oh, dear Dreamcast, how you met a cruel and quick fate, but your library will forever be heralded for the wild, wacky, and wonderful games you gave the industry and our hobby. Jet Set Radio (known as Jet Grind Radio originally in North America) was one of those games, and it is well known for being an eclectic title, as well as for pioneering the cel-shaded art style. That alone makes it a winner in my book. However, I didn't actually own a Dreamcast, so the downloadable version on the PlayStation Vita (also available on the PS3 and 360) was my first go at it. While the art style certain holds up to modern standards, the actual gameplay is another story.

It's pretty in stills, but it's even better in motion.

First, I'd like to just say how fantastic the new high-definition visuals for this digital version of Jet Set Radio really is. The original was a looker and still is today, but this HD remastering is on a whole different level. The colors are bright, vibrant, and pop out splendidly. The characters are modeled with great detail, too. Finally, speaking of details, the levels have seen their geometry upgraded by a sizable amount. Tokyo-to feels even more like an inviting place to skate, grind, and cause trouble for the man in with this HD iteration.

With Tokyo-to's traffic, it's usually
not the best of ideas to skate in the street.

Jet Set Radio has you controlling one of the members of The GGs as you skate, jump, grind, skitch, and spray your way through one of over a dozen individual levels. It's much less like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and more like a 3D platformer, except instead of a pair of running shoes, your characters wear a pair of inline skates.

The goal of most levels is to find and spray over other gangs' graffiti with your own. Once all of these spots have been tagged over by The GGs, you successfully complete the level. The other type of levels have you chasing after three moving targets of rival gang members with the objective to spray each ten times on the back within the time limit. There is no greater diss than marking your territory (in spray paint form, you dirty birdies) on a rival gang member's back.

Tab is about to pop open a can on these gang fools!

Levels start out as small sections of each of the three regions of Tokyo-to, but as you progress through the game, these small section become interconnected, allowing for some very satisfying exploration, especially if you're a fan of hunting for the elusive Graffiti Souls collectibles like I was! That said, levels are also timed and have everyone from policemen and swat dogs to gang members and attack helicopters attacking you if you aren't careful.

The helmets are for these officers' own protection.

In order to spray over gang graffiti and blank walls, you need to collect spray cans which are littered throughout the many levels of Jet Set Radio. While small graffiti spots only require a quick tap of the left shoulder button to spray them, mid-size and larger spray spots require something less passive. When you spray such a spot, and as long as you have enough paint, you enter a mini-game of sorts where you move the analog stick in the required movements (e.g. a 360 clockwise circle, a counterclockwise half-circle) with quick timing. The more you paint in one fell swoop, the higher the amount of points you get.

I call this masterpiece "The Beat Special."

Points are not necessary to worry about when just going through the story for fun. However, if you want to unlock every character, you need to get "Jet" rankings on every level. Not only are successful spray painting sessions mandatory, but performing tricks is encouraged as well. Thankfully, these are limited in Jet Set Radio to nothing complicated. There is just grinding, wall rides, and midair tricks that are automatically performed if you have enough speed... and the game decides it's going to do one for you.

Other skaters will ask to challenge you
in order for you to recruit them to The GGs' side.

Yes, that is one of the few yet major places upon which Jet Set Radio bails and lands on its face. The game is highly inconsistent. This is no further showcased than in the actual platforming and exploration of the game. A lot of times you will have to grind on a rail to reach higher places. However, this is easier said than accomplished, as there is no grind button to speak of. Instead, you aim towards a rail or whatever, and you hope the Jet Set Radio gods deem that you worthy to grind on it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

The controls are simple to learn,
but they don't do their job 100% of the time.

How about when you have a lot of speed going into a grind and then magically have all your momentum disappear? Jumping from a platform to something far away is finicky whether you land the jump or not. It is highly frustrating, especially when a fall causes you to have to restart from an earlier portion of a level.

Then there is the clunky way each member of The GGs feels. The controls never felt like I was actually in control, which as any video game player worth their weight in ollies could tell you, is pretty counterproductive. Each skater feels very slow, and that's even with the boost ability. Delicate platforming is sometimes required, and this is pretty much impossible with how each skater controls. Nothing like making a jump only to have Beat, Gum, Dopey, or Bashful automatically turn around, making you fall off the platform with your face burrowing itself in one of your palms.

Just a bridge and a Beat with his thoughts.

All that said, Jet Set Radio is still indubitably fun even if the actual jumping, skating, and movement mechanics are a bit dated and sometimes archaic. There is a lot of enjoyable exploration of the wonderfully designed levels, great variety of objectives, a killer soundtrack, and undeniable charm emanating from this Dreamcast classic turned digital delight. Jet Set Radio does bail and bail HARD concerning some aspects, but overall, it is a wild and worthwhile ride. Just watch out for the Rokkaku!

[SPC Says: C]