...And he just tried to snap my neck for no reason at all!! I'm sorry, George Lazenby, that you were only in one Bond film, but that doesn't mean you can attempt to kill me because of it! Anyway, 007: Quantum of Solace hits North American theaters this Friday (let's not talk about the video game, okay?) To celebrate, I have a special entry for today. As those who've been following SuperPhillip Central for awhile now, you know that music is a great passion of mine as my favorite VGMs and such show. For today, I'd like to count down my top five Bond themes of all time-- y'know, opening themes like Live and Let Die and the like. Perhaps you and I share some favorites.
5. Goldfinger
Shirley Bassey delivers her first of three fantastic vocal performances with Goldfinger, filled with powerful brass flares, perfect for the film's namesake villain.
4. A View to A Kill
Duran Duran performs this very 80s theme. I mean, what other time would proudly use synth so prominently? Regardless, it's an awesome credit sequence both in visuals and sound. When the chorus kicks in, you know you're listening to a great song.
3. Tomorrow Never Dies
Sheryl Crow displays her very impressive vocal skills with steamy lyrics, a sultry voice, dynamic range, and a commanding chorus. Couple her brilliant voice with a wonderful guitar and orchestra, and you have one formidable song.
2. You Know My Name
Chris Cornell kicks this song into high gear with his rough and stylistic vocals. When the opening guitar starts up, it becomes apparent that this isn't your ordinary Bond theme for your ordinary Bond. No, it's a brand new style for a brand new Bond. Did I mention the visuals that accompany the song kick ass?
1. The Man With the Golden Gun
This theme and You Know My Name were neck-and-neck until the very end. I think both 1 and 2 on this list are interchangeable. I like them both pretty much the same for different reasons. Lulu from To Sir With Love fame sings this theme, a very catchy, efficacious, villainous-sounding piece.
Honorable mentions include: Live and Let Die, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and The World is Not Enough.
Dishonorable mentions include: Die Another Day (which I can happily tolerate now... and almost like) and the Quantum of Solace theme. Horrible singing... Just horrible... Everything else is nice though in the song.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Turnabout Text Trouble: B-K: Nuts & Bolts
Remember this past week when I posted a story regarding how the small text in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts would not be addressed as it'd be "too costly"? Well, it appears that this issue will in fact be resolved for us SDTV owners. Here's the official blog post from the Banjo blog via Microsoft PR:
“It has come to our attention that people are experiencing subtitle [dialogue text] readability issues with Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts on Standard Definition TVs. We would like to assure you that contrary to earlier reports, we are aware of the issue and currently working on a title update to be released within the next 30 days that will fix it for those with Standard Definition TVs. We’re committed to ensuring all fans of the franchise are able to have the best experience possible with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.”Ah, you know they're serious when Microsoft PR steps in. Good news for the majority of the gaming world!
Sonic Unleashed (PS3, 360, Wii, PS2): New Trailers
Apparently, Sega Japan has delayed the release of the 360 and PS3 versions of Sonic Unleashed to spring of next year. The reason? To polish the quality of the game. The Wii version is still planned to come out this month in Japan. Now one can take this of two ways: 1) the Wii version is polished well enough since it was made by a different developer, or 2) the HD versions matter more than the Wii version, so who cares how polished the unimportant Wii version is? We'll find out which assumption is correct later on, I imagine. There's no word if the Japanese delay will affect the West, and by that, I mean whether or not the Western release dates will be affected and not whether or not the American economy will be worsened further by this important news.
PS3, 360 - "Holoska" Trailer
This trailer shows off yet another new level, the icy tundra of Holoska. In Soviet Holoska, overused jokes like this one are still funny!
PS3, 360 - "Holoska" Trailer
This trailer shows off yet another new level, the icy tundra of Holoska. In Soviet Holoska, overused jokes like this one are still funny!
In Soviet Holoska, direct link clicks YOU! Dammit! I did one anyway!
Wii, PS2 - "Adabat" Trailer
Am I becoming complacent? I honestly think that the graphics in this version are pleasing. They're not orgasmic like the HD versions, but that's to be expected. Of course, a game that would be created from the ground up for the Wii like Black Knight (the Sonic game, not the Martin Lawrence "comedy") and Secret Rings would look much better than one ported from the PS2.
Am I becoming complacent? I honestly think that the graphics in this version are pleasing. They're not orgasmic like the HD versions, but that's to be expected. Of course, a game that would be created from the ground up for the Wii like Black Knight (the Sonic game, not the Martin Lawrence "comedy") and Secret Rings would look much better than one ported from the PS2.
Direct Like Here For Us Complacent Ilk
Nonetheless, I'm certainly hyped for Sonic Unleashed for both versions, HD and SD. I've only been absolutely burned by one 3D Sonic, the 2006 travesty. I enjoyed Sonic Heroes, and I liked Shadow the Hedgehog's game, too. Will Sonic Unleashed get the tough-luck (critic-wise) hedgehog his groove back, or is this yet another chapter in the fabled Sonic Cycle?
Friday, November 7, 2008
10 LittleBigPlanet Levels You Have To Play
This is not my list as I've yet to sink my sack(boy) into the world of online levels, so this comes from GamesRadar. I'm just going to post some of the most intriguing and creative picks from the list, but be sure to check the rest out as they're all works of genius. I hope my levels become that entertaining when I put my level design hat atop my head later on!
For those who don't own LittleBigPlanet, at least you can see what you're missing out on. ...Hm? That doesn't make you feel better? Oh. Well... have you seen my Wii Music review yet? There you go. All better, right?
For those who don't own LittleBigPlanet, at least you can see what you're missing out on. ...Hm? That doesn't make you feel better? Oh. Well... have you seen my Wii Music review yet? There you go. All better, right?
Arc Rise Fantasia (Wii) Screens
For those first seeing this title, this is an upcoming Wii RPG courtesy of Marvelous Interactive. Arc Rise Fantasia is due out some time next year in Japan.
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