The SuperPhillip Central Best of 2010 Awards - Day Two

My tuxedo has been dry-cleaned! You know why? That's because it's time for Day Two of the wondrous SuperPhillip Central Best of 2010 Awards! This day we'll be taking a peek at the Best New Franchise, Biggest Unexpected Surprise, and Most Disappointing. Ooh. We're ending on a downer. I hope I can take it! Let's do this, dawgs!

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[Best New Franchise]

So many times a new franchise is just the same genre painted in new colors. That's what gets me down about so-called new IPs. Regardless, this list features my favorite new franchises of 2010. Here are our so-called nominees...

ModNation Racers (PS3)


Let's race! ModNation Racers puts you in control. Want to play the single player campaign? It's awesome. Want to design your own tracks and detail your own vehicles and Mods? That's awesome, too. It really is your race to win, design, control, whatever. Playing the game with friends or complete strangers is a blast as well! ModNation Racers might not outdo Mario Kart, but it is a very competent kart racer nonetheless.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)


Let's race even more! It's time to the pedal to the metal, and race with Sonic and his SEGA cohorts! There's Ulala, Aiai, Beat, those two zombies from House of the Dead EX, and so many more! It's a SEGA orgy in here! I'm surprised orgy is actually not being spell-checked. Regardless, with supreme track design, a great musical score of classic SEGA songs, and cool online lobbies, this title reigns on top when it comes to new IPs! Or does it? Tee-hee!

3D Dot Game Heroes (PS3)


Sure, it's the original Legend of Zelda taken under a fine microscope, dissected, and crafted finely into its own 3D adventure, but it's a brand-new adventure old-school Zelda-style! With sword upgrades, intense dungeons, monster and boss encounters, and a clever art style featuring 3D blocks making up everything from the characters to the scenery, 3D Dot Game Heroes may borrow heavily from Zelda, but it's a fun journey nonetheless.

MAG (PS3)


MAG. Massive Action Game. They weren't kidding either. Hundreds of players shooting each other in team warfare is a blast! What makes MAG unique is that is an exclusively multiplayer experience. So don't buy this game if you don't have online capabilities! You'll be sucked... er... pissed! The leveling up system makes a lot of sense with players earning new abilities for reaching new XP levels. MAG is the shit, dawg.

And the winner is...








ModNation Racers (PS3)

Hitting the finish line first is ModNation Racers, a truly impressive title! Who doesn't love racing on the excellent premade tracks, your own custom-made tracks, or zooming around the ModSpot for fun? No one, that's who! The controls are easy to master, the game is a joy to play, and you'll just desire to earn more XP as fast as you can accumulate it. Congrats to ModNation Racers, Best New Franchise of 2010!

Runner-Up: Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)

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[Most Unexpected Surprise]

This isn't like suddenly becoming pregnant after a rough night of passionate sex. No, no. Did I mention this site was for teens and up? Anywho... No, this is like those games that you played and were expecting them to not be all that good, but lo and behold they were awesome! That's exactly what papa is talking about! Let's get to it, daddios and mommios!

Red Steel 2 (Wii)


The first Red Steel was not a good game. It wasn't even a mediocre one-- it was just bad all around. However, Ubisoft redeemed themselves with the MotionPlus-exclusive sequel featuring gun-toting, sword-slashing gameplay. There was no multiplayer component unfortunately, but what there was of the single-player was one heck of a workout! A fun, enjoyable game, Red Steel 2 made March a great month for Wii owners.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)


SEGA has been sucking it up a lot lately. So don't develop the game internally, outsource it to the excellent Sumo Digital. That is exactly what SEGA did. The end result? One of my favorite kart racers of all time with excellent tracks, radical characters, and memorable music from days long past. Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing surprised me as it was even better than Mario Kart Wii! ...But not by TOO much!

ModNation Racers (PS3)


Using LittleBigPlanet's design philosophy of create, play, and share, ModNation Racers brought with it an impressive trick system, XP system, track-creation program, and awesomely designed premade courses to trick out on. Playing with friends is always a blast, or heck, even with strangers! If you like fast kart racing action, and you own a PlayStation 3, then I reckon it's time to bust out a copy of ModNation Racers!

MAG (PS3)


We've talked so much about this game in the various categories it has been in that I'm really running out of ways to describe this game and make it sound interesting! Who knew a game that was multiplayer-only could function with a thriving community? I mean, it's still your typical FPS, but it's a fun one at the very least. Okay. I'm officially out of words now!

Sonic Colors (Wii)


When the wisps were introduced, it seemed the Sonic Cycle was in full swing all over again. However, as hands-on coverage of the game was given out to the media, it seemed this game, Sonic Colors, might actually be good! No way, Jose! Yes way! With incredible level design, rocking music, and a carefully-constructed 2D and 3D levels, Sonic Colors is not just a great Sonic game, it's just a great game all around.

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)


I had faith in Retro Studios to produce an excellent return to the Donkey Kong Country franchise, but I was not expecting what I received. It was a full-out awesome adventure with hidden goodies all over the place, multiple shortcuts, barrels to blast between, and Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong-- just how it should be! The game simply outclasses Rare's efforts save for DKC2, and that is no small feat.

And the winner is...








Sonic Colors (Wii)

A true gem in a 3D franchise that just couldn't catch a break from their developers, Sonic Colors is the ultimate 3D Sonic game. It's not just a good 3D Sonic game, it's a good 3D game, Sonic or not. The levels are masterfully-crafted, the game looks great, and the soundtrack is just beautiful when it's not rocking your butt off! Well done, Sonic, you've finally reached the big time!

Runner-Up: Red Steel 2 (Wii)

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[Most Disappointing]

Kinect (360)


I hate Kinect. I played it, and it was not fun. I don't like jumping around like a moron while a camera records me. How do you like my third leg, Kinect? It's my penis. With a pathetic lineup of release date software featuring a paltry amount of Wii clones Kinect-ized, Kinect may sell well, but those of us in the know and with some taste know what kind of garbage desperate Microsoft is cooking.

Metroid: Other M (Wii)


A lot of people had a problem with the story bits of this title. I didn't really mind those nor did I mind the somewhat linear gameplay. Regardless, the game opens up immensely around halfway to the end, so there's lots of traditional exploration to do. Nonetheless, many folks were unhappy with Samus' newest adventure, love that the game didn't sell to Nintendo's standards (that's lame gamers for you), and want the series to go into hibernation. Which is more disappointing-- the game or the gamers?

Dante's Inferno (PS3, 360)


Hyped up to be a God of War killer but was anything but, Dante's Inferno sold like bullocks even with multiple Super Bowl ads. I loved the ad with David Letterman, Oprah, and Jay Leno. You know the one I'm talking about, right? Oh, back to the description! The game wasn't very well designed nor did it have any kind of fun factor to make it even resemble God of War. Add to the fact that it was the most pirated 360 game of 2010, and you have a mess of something.

Sonic Colors (DS)


A DS game reaches Most Disappointing status when it resembles a gerbil running through a maze of poorly constructed levels. Speed is key here, but where's the fun in that when you always fall down a bottomless pit without any warning? At least in the damn Wii version they tell you when there's a bottomless pit ahead! Regardless, Sonic Colors for the DS is a disappointing title that could have been so much better had the team spent more time on the level design.

And the loser is...









Kinect (360)

Screw you, Kinect. You raped my sister and dragged my family's name through the mud. Okay, so my distaste for Kinect isn't steeped in that much back-story, but still it's a horrible add-on from a desperate company in greedy Microsoft. The games suck for the most part (when they even work properly), the tech is too expensive, and the selection of games is, again, paltry. I'm going to get a hemorrhage from this. I almost put hemorrhoid! Now THAT would have been embarrassing!

Runner-Up: Dante's Inferno (PS3, 360)

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Hey, dudes! That's all for day two of the SPC Best of 2010 Awards! I hope you had fun tonight reading my picks for best and worst of 2010! Does anyone know how to get grape jam out of a tuxedo? I think I'm screwed. Oh, well. See you tomorrow night, friends!

The SuperPhillip Central Best of 2010 Awards - Opening Night

SUPERPHILLIP'S NOTE: I apologize that this is late. I was hospitalized for a little bit. No worries-- I'm doing well!

It's that time again! Time for the third annual SPC Best of Awards! The awesome year known as 2010 is finally nearing its end. Like many other sites and publications, I'm taking note of my favorite games in a variety of humbling categories. Which game will win the coveted SPC Game of 2010? You'll have to wait till Friday for that answer! For the time being, check out last year's award show here:

Best of 2009 Awards - Day One
Best of 2009 Awards - Day Two
Best of 2009 Awards - Day Three
Best of 2009 Awards - Day Four
Best of 2009 Awards - Day Five

With the pleasantries out of the way, it's time to kick off this award show! I promise it will be less retarded than Spike TV's VGAs!

[Best Original Soundtrack]

Music is fun. I love conducting to various music tracks as a way of meditation. That's enough about me though! This year had so much great music to listen to, it's a challenge to pick the best, isn't it? Well, I did so anyway and persevered! Here's the nominees...

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)


Nobuo Uematsu is nowhere to be found this time around, but that doesn't deter the new batch of composers from coming up with one of the more memorable soundtracks in recent years! Everything from the radical battle theme to impressive boss theme demands the listener's attention. Not bad for a bunch of unknown composers, huh?

Blinded by Light
Lightning's Theme
Snow's Theme

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)


The Mario series of historic and important video games have always had impressive music in them. Recreate the Mario sound with an orchestra and choir, and you have an even more impressive sound. Mahito Yokota whose previous work was the original Galaxy and composing veteran, Koji Kondo, bring us this excellent and lively soundtrack. And hey! It's actually memorable unlike so many Western soundtracks! Oooh.... diss!

Bowser's Lava Lair
Throwback Galaxy
Melty Monster Galaxy

Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)


Kirby games also have a wonderful history of having great, cute, lively soundtracks as well which is why I simply HAD to nominate Kirby's Epic Yarn. This game has such a good soundtrack that I would call it Kirby's best. Oh, yes. I went there, peeps. From the same composer that took it to the fridge with Wario Land: Shake It!, Kirby's Epic Yarn is an incredible game with a great soundtrack to go along with it.

Fountain Gardens
Rainbow Falls
Butter Building

Sonic Colors (Wii)


Sonic speeds into the SPC Best of 2010 Awards in style with a fantastic soundtrack to match! Composed by a plethora of SEGA's most talented composers, the Sonic Colors soundtrack features styles of music such as trance, rock, and classical for your ears to dance to as you race through loop de loop after loop de loop. So the main theme might seem a bit "hinky". That doesn't stop Sonic Colors from having one of the best soundtracks come this year.

Reach for the Stars
Planet Wisp - Act 1
Asteroid Coaster - Act 1

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)


This game came out at the end of 2009, but it was around the same time of the 2009 Best of Awards that I felt it needed some spotlight. And so it is. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers has some excellently composed music. There are some familiar themes to listen to and enjoy, but most of it is all-new and a delight to the ears.

Lett Highlands
Selkie Guild
Catch and Throw

God of War III (PS3)


Kratos, the former God of War, has returned, and this time, he's pissed! Well, truthfully, when isn't he pissed? I mean, seriously! Regardless, this epic soundtrack to go along with this epic game is one for the masses indeed! With choir chanting, intense strings, and banging drums, the God of War III soundtrack is as epic (third time I've used that word in this description already) as the game it represents!

Brothers of Blood
Overture - Main Theme
Poseidon's Wrath

And the winner is...








Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo, the dream team, have done it again. Super Mario Galaxy 2 isn't just hummable, but it's intense, carefree, lovable, and lovely all at the same time! Some may call this soundtrack inferior to the original Galaxy, but I love this one just the same. Both soundtracks have their ups and downs, but that doesn't stop Super Mario Galaxy 2 from having the soundtrack of the year!

Runner-Up: Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

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[Best Multiplayer]

Playing by yourself is fun. I mean, any man knows that if you know what I mean, but playing with others is just more social. And you don't want to be anti-social, do you? No, of course, you don't. Regardless, these are the nominees for best multiplayer game of 2010. Strap on your jock straps, and get ready to roll.

Call of Duty: Black Ops (PS3, 360, Wii, PC)


I'm not going to say "ooh-rah". Not yet anyway! I'll save that for the next category this game is nominated in! Regardless, Call of Duty: Black Ops' multiplayer isn't severely that different from past games. You kill people, you win games, you earn experience and prestige that levels you up to unlock new weapons and abilities. The maps are varied and fun to play on, and the system of leveling up lets even the n00biest of n00bs proceed and level up.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)


Sonic and SEGA's best and brightest line up on the starting line to race against one another. You can, too, y'know! The multiplayer is set up in a fashion where a host sets up a room for up to seven other players worldwide or nationally. He (or she) selects the course to race upon, and then you earn SEGA Miles which is the currency the game uses to buy new tracks, music, and characters. For a fun online racing experience, none come close to Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing.

GoldenEye 007 (Wii)


I'm humming the James Bond theme while typing this. I politely ask that you hum it, too, while you read this nomination description. Or you sing the Goldeneye theme song like Tina Turner. I don't really have a preference. Using Call of Duty's leveling up system is a cool trick, but it also unlocks new guns, modes, and abilities for your little secret or double agent! Not only some great online for Wii owners, it's simply an awesome multiplayer title in general.

ModNation Racers (PS3)


I loved building my own tracks and having my PSN friends race on them. Or you can simply race on the greatly-designed premade courses that are also buckets of fun. Either way, you're in for a tubular time. The lobbies are made so that you wait a minimal amount of time to race as you earn precious XP to climb the ranks in the ModSpot. Mario Kart, move over, as you have some new competition on the online front!

MAG (PS3)


When your name stands for Massive Action Game, you better have the tools to bring it. MAG did such a thing. This PlayStation 3 exclusive proved it could be a multiplayer-only game, and get away with it! Working as a massive team in this massive game on massive maps is massive fun. Enough with the massive already, Super! Nonetheless, the intense firefights against hundreds of players is just an awesome feeling giving this title an edge in this award show!

And the winner is...








MAG (PS3)

I was just impressed massively (there he goes again) with MAG. How so many players duking it out on one map could be so much fun escaped me until I played the game. Working with a large (synonym of massive) team is such a cool feeling as I stated before in the nomination description. MAG has the guns, it has the goods, and it's an immensely wild experience.

Runner-Up: Call of Duty: Black Ops (PS3, 360, Wii, PC)

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[Best Presentation]

Looks aren't everything, but I'll be damned if they don't look pretty! These games are the best-looking of the best-looking. The creme de le creme, if you'll excuse my French. What game looks the best though? Let's find out with our nominees...

Call of Duty: Black Ops (PS3, 360, Wii, PC)


Ooh-rah! Do armed forces really say that? I don't know. Do Black Ops say "ooh-rah" as well? I don't know the answer to that either. What I do know, however, is that Call of Duty: Black Ops takes the AAA blockbuster to a whole 'nother level with its intense cinematography, brutal, visceral graphics, and grade A voice acting and score. Even on the weak Wii, the action is not compromised to an extent that it ruins the experience. Now that's class!

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)


What a wonderful universe Mario shares his platforming adventures in! The visuals don't have the moniker of being good "just for the Wii". They, in fact, look good next to the big boys in my opinion. Perhaps all my medicine is souring my mind, but I love the colorful galaxies, triumphant orchestral score, and intricate camera angles that Mario Galaxy 2 possesses. Mario, you're a star!

Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)


Yep, I'm joining GameTrailers in nominating Kirby's Epic Yarn for best presentation. Y'wanna fight about it? No, let's make love, not war. Regardless, Kirby's Epic Yarn supports several unique art styles with a world consisting of yarn and fabrics of various varieties. The groovy soundtrack accompanying this gorgeous game is wonderful as well. This presentation package is as interesting as it is a joy to gaze upon!

God of War III (PS3)


With some of the most impressive HD graphics, period, God of War III stands tall with its jaw-dropping visuals, awesome orchestral score, and HD oh-my-goodness-I-think-I-just-orgasmed presentation. It looks even better on an HDTV, but do not worry, SD only owners, the game looks just dandy in standard definition. No worries on being left out on the fun!

And the winner is...









God of War III (PS3)

What else could it be besides God of War III? Hey, kids, that rhymed! I also noticed I ended every description in this nomination category with an exclamation point. My apologies if that was annoying. Nonetheless, God of War III outclasses every other game in this category severely with its eye candy, awesome artistic visuals, and impressive settings and backdrops. The wonderful music and voice acting only further complements this radical title. There's no wonder why God of War III outshines, outclasses, and outdoes every single title released this year.

Runner-Up: Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

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I hoped you enjoyed night one of the SPC Best of 2010 Awards. This is always my favorite time of the year. I love looking back on the most awesome games of a given year and awarding them. Stay tuned tomorrow night for three more categories of nominations!

Apologies for Non-Symmetry

I would like to apologize for the lack of updates this month. I am currently undergoing treatment at a treatment center. I do not wish to say what the treatment is for-for privacy reasons. However, I will say that I will be back soon with new reviews as well as 2010's SuperPhillip Central Game of the Year Awards. I hope you will look forward to that and my return.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - I'm Dreaming of A White Eddie Murphy Edition

I'm on the juice tonight, so pardon the edition name. I don't get it either. What I do get is that it is a wonderful Monday night. Pitch dark and cold outside, warm and bright inside. What I have for you today are five more awesomely radical VGMs to share with my readers. That means you! Yes, you! This week we have music from great games such as Uncharted 2, Disaster: Day of Crisis, and Kirby's Epic Yarn! Let's get to it!

v616. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - Nate's Theme 2.0

Last year, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves scored an impressive victory in the best PS3 game of 2009 category during the SuperPhillip Best of 2009 Awards. Nate's Theme 2.0 sounds very similar to the original Nate's Theme only with a more majestic-sounding orchestra accompanying the melody. Uncharted 2 added a fun multi-player mode for players in addition to the already meaty single-player experience. It just couldn't beat out New Super Mario Bros. Wii as best game of 2009.



v617. Disaster: Day of Crisis - Main Theme

We go from a popular Western game to a not-so-popular Eastern game in Disaster: Day of Crisis. North American gamers were left out from this title, but between a choice of this and Excitebots coming over, I would take Excitebots any day of the week. Disaster: Day of Crisis had a variety of play styles from driving to shooting to keep players coming back for more.

v618. Kirby's Epic Yarn - Fountain Gardens

ountain Gardens in Kirby's Epic Yarn is one of the first levels Kirby and Prince Fluff come across in their journey to take down the evil Yin-Yarn. As you might expect, the game is on the easy side as Kirby can't die. Instead when Kirby or Prince Fluff get attacked, they lose a considerable amount of beads. Earn enough beads in a level to score goal medals which open up even more levels for Kirby and his new friend to explore. This track is particularly cute-sounding, light, and catchy. It's Fountain Gardens.



v619. The Munchables - Chocolate Dining

The Munchables is sadly one of the most underrated games in the Wii library. It's a shame since it was budget-priced from the word "go". Just check out that still frame and ask me if you aren't missing out on one of the more innovative action-adventure/platformer games around. This piece of music comes from the first of two levels in the Chocolate Dining stage. Scarf down some chocolate as you listen to get in the mood.



v620. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Splash Hill Zone Act One

While the quality of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is best left to decide to you, the broken physics and Sonic Rush-style gameplay spoiled this title for me. Regardless, if you have a spare fifteen dollars to spend, you could do a lot worse with this game. As for the music, Jun Senoue attempted to bring back a 16-bit feeling soundtrack. He pretty much failed, but the music isn't half bad nonetheless.



Our Monday has come and gone, and we bid my favorite VGMs goodbye for the time being. Before you know it, another week will fly by and my favorite VGMs will be back right here all over again! See you then!

Most Overlooked Wii Games - Part Six

I know what you're thinking-- Phil, just how many Wii games have been overlooked already? Well, first off, we're not on a first-name basis. Secondly, the Wii is loaded with games, and it's easy to see how so many can be overlooked. Plus apparently core games don't sell on Wii. I guess I could see that argument made without question. Regardless, let's take a check at five more forgotten Wii games. Maybe this list will allow you to scope out these games.

Red Steel 2

Strap your Wii MotionPlus in and get some action on, Wild West style. Gunplay and swordplay combine into glorious harmony as you take down rivals. Wii MotionPlus makes sword control a breeze. You can for one second be slicing down an enemy, and then quickly draw out your gun to blast them away to oblivion. A great game marred by the fact that Wii MotionPlus was required to play, leaving a lot of Wii owners in the cold.


Endless Ocean: Blue World

Beautiful ocean-diving as well as freshwater diving is what Endless Ocean: Blue Ocean is all about. Dive in and explore and uncover unique aquatic life as you solve the mystery of a forlorn whale call that brings devastation wherever it's heard. Do this all the while listening to a magnificent soundtrack made up by themes from Celtic Woman. It's a relaxing yet engaging title full of new discoveries in every dive.


MLB Power Pros

The little baseball players that could with a league of their own are out to play some ball. Customize your team with unique players with different talents and abilities and play some good old fashioned baseball. The adorable chibi players are cute to watch, and the gameplay (which does not use motion control) is as addicting as you'd expect from a bunch of big-headed baseball players. Hit home runs, steal bases, and rev up your RBI in this excellent baseball title.


Opoona

This also adorable RPG is very unique from other RPGs as it solely uses the nunchuk controller to play. Walk around cities and spaceports? Use the analog stick. Battle evil monsters and other creatures identities unknown? Use the Z button. This unique control setup is just half the fun with a whimsical story involving a hero with a ball hovering over his head which he uses for a weapon. A niche game indeed explains why this one sold poorly.


MySims Racing

Rev up your engines as it's time to race. MySims franchise fatigue is my bet as to why this creative racer didn't race off store shelves. It's a competent Mario Kart clone with some brand-new ideas with it, and all, of course, with the charm of the MySims series. The fifteen tracks are well-designed with plenty of shortcuts and alternate paths to take. For the thirty bucks or less this racing game costs, it's worth at least a rental to test her out and see how she handles.


What Wii games do you think that are overlooked and haven't been listed? Let me know in the comments section. Wanna catch up on past Most Overlooked? You can do so now:

Wii - Part One
Wii - Part Two
Wii - Part Three
Wii - Part Four
Wii - Part Five

Later, fans and fanboys!