The SuperPhillip Central Best of 2008 Awards - Opening Night

Welcome, one and all, to the first annual SuperPhillip Central Best Of Awards! Tonight we kick off our look back at the exciting year that was 2008. There were plenty of hits, but loads more misses this past year. What games will we remember for years to come, and what games are better left forgotten? We'll find out throughout these seven days! But enough of your gracious host (does this tuxedo make my butt look fat?), let's roll out the very first award!

Best Game That Probably Would Have Won an Award But SuperPhillip Didn't Play Enough to Fairly Add Them

What a marvelous mouthful! Let's get this one of the way first and foremost. A lot of games came and went through 2008, and unfortunately for me, I didn't have the chance to play all of them. Something to do with games costing money or something like that. These titles most likely would have been in the running to be nominated for at least one award. And the nominees are...

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)


War has changed. Metal Gear Solid 4 is one package to be reckoned with. War has changed. The final chapter of Solid Snake's saga. War has changed. This summer blockbuster definitely looks to be a title I need to play ASAP. War has changed. Then again, I couldn't find it in the Movie section at Blockbuster.

Tales of Vesperia (X360)


The first mainline Tales game this generation landing on the Xbox 360 of all places. Developed by Team Symphonia, this RPG is not just a great looker, but by forum response the title appears to be one fantastic RPG experience, cliche story-- a Tales staple-- notwithstanding.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (X360)


After waiting eight years for a brand new console Banjo-Kazooie title, I was shocked to see how Rare planned to tinker with the well-known and loved formula. For some, adding vehicles completely changed the experience to a turn for the worst. While others who did not enjoy the platforming of the original two Nintendo 64 games, love the game with open arms. Then there's people who enjoyed the originals and love this one. Which camp will I be in?

Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii)


I purchased this game early this month, but I really don't have the urge to play it. It's a commitment to say the least, and the lack of changes from an outsider's view doesn't give me much of an urge either. Who knows though. This could very well be my third addiction to the adorable and charming Animal Crossing franchise.

Left 4 Dead (X360, PC)


Zombies. Shooting. 8 players. Valve. All elements of a very enticing 360 and PC game, Left 4 Dead. I don't doubt Valve's skill at crafting a game, but I do doubt that I'd have time to get into yet another title with the backlog I already have. But don't count this baby out for a review in the near future...

All right. The votes are tallied-- all one of them, and it's time to find out which title SuperPhillip did not play will "earn" the inaugural award of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2008 Awards!

And the winner is...

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)


Oh, Snake! You're supposed to celebrating by cutting into the cake, not someone's throat! Well done, good sir. We'll have to visit you again in 2009 for an actual review, don't you think? Now to get my motivation back for writing new reviews!

Runner-Up: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

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Best Original Soundtrack

Let's leap into our next award, shall we? This time we're taking a look, er, listen, to the best original soundtrack of 2008. Does not matter if they're remixed versions of original music, they just cannot be licensed music like your Frank Sinatra and your Herman's Hermits or whatever you kids listen to these days. With no further ado, here are the nominees...

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (X360)

Grunty Challenge
Spiral Mountain
Jiggoseum (Day)

Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

Moo Moo Meadows
Coconut Mall
Credits Theme Part 2

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)

Encounter
Flowers Blooming in the Slums
Soldier Battle

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

Final Destination
Mike's Song
Ship Deck

Wario Land: Shake It! (Wii)

Whoopsy Desert
Windbreak Bay
Gurgle Gulch

The World Ends With You (DS)

Calling
Hybrid
Emptiness And

The great thing about this category is that I don't necessarily have to play the game to enjoy the soundtrack. I can just hop on Youtube or do other means to listen to any soundtrack I can get my hands on. I'm more a fan of Eastern instrumental and/or orchestral music as there's a much heavier focus on melody instead of solely being about portraying an emotion like Western music.

And the winner is...

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

Direct Link Here

This isn't just about the sheer quantity of the massive soundtrack (easily over 150 tracks), but also the impressive quality. Some of the industry's best Eastern composers arranging remixed versions of familiar and not-so-familiar Nintendo themes. The majority of the soundtrack is fantastic, and there's something for everyone. This is why I have selected Super Smash Bros. Brawl as the best original soundtrack of 2008.

Runner-Up: Wario Land: Shake It!

Until tomorrow, the award festivities will be heading to the pool area for gelatin and cocktails. Do you agree/disagree with my selections? Give me a holler in the comments section!