Introducing the Start of a Brand-New "Experimental" Video Series: Mario Superstar Baseball (GC)!

Thank you, everyone, for your patience with new video content and updates on my YouTube channel! Your wait will hopefully be deemed as worthwhile with a brand-new video series! It's Mario Superstar Baseball as part of the SuperPhillip Sports Network! Enjoy this experimental new series, having myself do impromptu commentary over my playthrough of the Mario Sunshines/Fireballs in the game's Challenge Mode! 

I learned two major things while making this video: 1) How to splice two videos together to seamlessly look like I'm commentating live as opposed to over recorded footage, and 2) I suck at baseball terminology! 

Regardless, I hope you'll like what you see and listen to! I'm always desiring constructive feedback, so feel free to hit me up in the comments with what you think! Thanks, all!

Let the Good Names Roll: Great Credits Sequences in Gaming - Part Five

The staff roll, otherwise known as the credits of video games. This is where not only do we see all the names of the folks who worked on the game you just beat, but perhaps something special to go along with it, whether it's an overview of your adventure, the cast of enemies in the game, or something else. This article delves into some of the very best and most memorable staff rolls/credits sequences in video game history. From old school classics to modern marvels, part five of this expanding list continues to bring the excellent staff rolls. Click on the game title to see the credits sequence described. Check out all past editions of these periodic looks at great staff rolls with these links:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Doom (PS4, XB1, PC)

We begin with the explosive 2016 entry in the Doom series, simply titled Doom. Its campaign is a nonstop thrill ride that takes players from the red surface of the planet Mars to the red underworld of Hell while blasting enemies and searching for secrets. Doom's finale brings an awesome credits sequence that showcases fantastic imagery of characters in action poses as the names and roles of the Doom staff enter into the scenes. It's absolutely impressive and just as exhilarating as the campaign itself. ...Okay, maybe not JUST as exhilarating, but exhilarating to watch all the same!

Titanfall 2 (PS4, XB1, PC)

Speaking of excellent FPS campaigns, Titanfall 2 has a masterful single-player campaign that moves from the agile and mobile running, gunning, and jumping as Rifleman Jack Cooper to the high octane Titan battles in the cockpit of BT. When the final mission has been completed, Jack Cooper takes off his helmet and receives a hero's welcome from his fellow soldiers and comrades. Following this is a run-through of the cast doing various poses, showing off each character and who voiced them. Running at nearly ten minutes in duration, lengthy credits sequences usually bore me, but since Titanfall 2's has such interesting visuals throughout it, the minutes almost fly by. Oh, and who doesn't like that tease at the end?

Killzone 2 (PS3)

Though the majority of this game's credits are displayed against the same kind of visuals, various cubes and squares, it's the first minute or so of Killzone 2's credits that amaze. Showcasing some incredible editing and visuals in the form of overlays, overviews of maps, environments, characters, and guns, Killzone 2's credits are a stunning display of technological wizardry. The way everything materializes is damn impressive, and the subdued black, red, and grey color scheme is phenomenal in action. Sure, the rest of Killzone 2's staff roll is not much to talk about, but it surely says something when the credits of the game give such a great first impression that it makes the whole credits package ultimately worthwhile.

flower (PS3)

flower is an artistic delight and an adventure that speaks to its players in numerous ways. The credits are just as mesmerizing as the game itself. It follows the player's colorful flower petals as they waft through the wind, breezing through each staff name. The grassy hills under the moonlit sky offer a soothing, calming, and relaxing display that is almost therapeutic as the flower petals fly through the air, as if they were dancing. The end of the credits raise from the background behind numerous points of light. The whole sequence is a bit surreal but oh so satisfying to sit and play through.

Sonic Generations (PS3, 360, PC)

Sonic Generations was the 20th anniversary game that SEGA's blue mascot deserved. After a string of less of than stellar 3D entries (aside from a select handful), Sonic Generations paid brilliant homage to the blue blur, and so did the game's credits sequence. The staff roll features a visual and audio history of Sonic the Hedgehog, namely the entries and levels portrayed in the adventure. From the original Sonic the Hedgehog's Green Hill to Sonic Colors' Planet Wisp, the full array of levels from the game show themselves off in their original forms from their original games. The medley that seamlessly transitions between each theme is also well done. What you have at the end when all is said is done is a truly notable way to cap off a truly great game.

Mario Superstar Baseball (GCN)

After Mario's windup and pitch in a Field of Dreams-like baseball diamond, we get this rockin' staff roll. And what better time to showcase Mario Superstar Baseball with Major League Baseball back in season! Colorful animated silhouettes perform various actions, such as Yoshi catching a falling baseball with his tongue and Wario diving for a ball too early (and suffering for it with the baseball smacking right into his head), while a cheesy but awesome theme shouting the proclamation of "Let's play baseball!" It's so delightfully cheesy that you-- unless you're extremely self-conscious-- can't help but smile along with and tap your toes to. Let's play baseball indeed.

First Things First: Best Openings in Gaming - Part Two

It's the first day of autumn here in Central City. Soon, the temperatures will drop, as will the leaves from the trees. Speaking of firsts, how about a return at looking at some of the best scenes that are the first thing you see when you either boot up a game or start a new save data? That's exactly the point of First Things First: Best Openings in Gaming. Toward the end of last year saw the very first installment, and now, nearly a year later, we're revisiting this segment. New openings from games like Sonic CD, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and even some Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD are included in this second edition!

Sonic CD (SCD)

I must admit that I am a huge fan of the US soundtrack for the Sega CD's Sonic CD, and part of that is the way '90s theme song for that version, Sonic Boom. Spinning in a world of motion, this anime-inspired opening sees a well animated Sonic the Hedgehog speed through the land, spinning around and vaulting off of rocks in an impressively acrobatic display. It all concludes with Sonic knowing that Robotnik is up to no good (but this ain't his neighborhood) when he sees the colossal Death Egg high in the sky. Hooked to a rock by a massive chain, Sonic dashes across it to start his CD-based adventure. The stare-down with the Death Egg is such an epic moment, and Sonic Boom punctuates the action far better than You Can Do Anything, at least in this writer's opinion.

Mega Man 8 (PS1, SAT)

One of my favorite series character design-wise is the Mega Man series. Whether it's Classic, X, Zero, Battle Network, Legends, or anything else, the series has consistently great designs for its characters. Seeing numerous old haunts of Mega Man throughout the opening CG for Mega Man 8 is an absolutely delight for a Mega Man fan such as myself. The first Mega Man game on the PlayStation used the disc technology well, showing off a sophisticated anime opening with tons of action, familiar foes like Robot Masters such as Guts Man, Snake Man, and Shade Man, as well as giant bosses like Yellow Devil and Mecha Dragon. It's an awesome way for Mega Man to enter the 32-bit era on the original PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX - Final Mix (PS3)

Kingdom Hearts is a series that combines the worlds of Disney and Final Fantasy. While the focus on the latter over the series has decreased, the feel of Final Fantasy still surrounds Kingdom Hearts. This opening cinematic for Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX, the Final Mix portion of that remastering, briefly goes through as small sample of the events of Kingdom Hearts, leading up to Kingdom Hearts II. Utadu Hikaru's Sanctuary plays, perfectly syncing up with the action and various scenes. It's a really well put together opening that should have Kingdom Hearts fans in high spirits.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

The all-star brawl might not have been to every Smash fans' liking, but it's hard to deny that Super Smash Bros. Brawl's opening is not mighty impressive. When you have one of the greatest lineup of characters in video games in various settings backed by an orchestral and choral piece by one of the greatest composers of video game music, Nobuo Uematsu, the sheer epic nature of this opening can hardly be contained. Okay, okay. I might be overdoing it there and being a bit too overzealous. Regardless, it's an exciting opening that gets you ready for a brawl like nothing else at all. (Oh, and don't worry, Melee fans. We'll be seeing Super Smash Bros. Melee on a future installment of Best Openings in Gaming!)

Mario Superstar Baseball (GCN)

Let's wrap up this second part of Best Openings in Gaming with a theme. Major League Baseball is closing in on the playoffs, and what a perfect opportunity to end this segment for now on a baseball note! In this opening for the Namco-developed Mario Superstar Baseball, Mario and friends get challenged by Bowser to an epic baseball showdown. Four teams, each led by a character (Mario, Wario, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong), face off to see who will face the King of the Koopas on the diamond. Through multiple humorous bits like Wario doing his best to get a bunted ball called foul by blowing on it for all he's worth and Donkey Kong getting up-close and personal with a Chain Chomp, Mario Superstar Baseball's opening is chock full of amusement. Batter up!

Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)

A double dose of Mario baseball game openings! Much healthier than a double dose of the tobaccy! Better for your teeth and gums, too! This opening for the Wii sequel to Mario Superstar Baseball introduced Mario and friends to an isle of baseball goodness. Like the GameCube game's opening, Mario Super Sluggers sports humor, and this time some explosive action-- literally! It all culminates with a heroic moment by Luigi of all characters, being charged into by the powerful Donkey Kong, yet still holding on to the baseball! That'll teach anyone to call you a second banana, Luigi! Colorful, cute, and exciting, Mario Super Sluggers has an incredibly entertaining opening, a nice way to round out this edition of Best Openings in Gaming - Part Two!

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What video game openings do you remember fondly? Let the SuperPhillip Central community know in the comments section! I always try to reply to every comment!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Take Me Out to the Ballgame Edition

Here in the States, Major League Baseball is celebrating its all-star break. I'll go into more detail for the rest of the world on this in one of the VGM volume descriptions. For now, though, as usual with SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, I have five favorite themes from video games to share with you, albeit on a Tuesday instead of a Monday.

We begin with Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, a lesser entry in the series, before taking it to the court in Hot Shots Tennis. We rock out with a final boss theme from EarthBound which takes us to a completely opposite in tone theme from Alundra. Finally, Mario and crew take it to the diamond with Mario Superstar Baseball, a timely VGM volume if there ever was one!

Take a glimpse and listen to past VGM volumes featured on this weekly segment with the VGM Database. Now, let's get onto the music!

v1181. Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (PS3) - Main Theme

Kicking off this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs comes the main theme from when the Ratchet & Clank series saw a lull in the quality of its releases. While it's always nice to try to change things up, the multiplayer-focused Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One didn't satisfy most Ratchet & Clank fans. However, its main theme most certainly does, featuring a heroic brass theme.

v1182. Hot Shots Tennis (PS2) - Queen's Tennis Garden

While the Hot Shots crew are more well known for their myriad golf outings, don't rest on their tennis entries, which the series has seen two. The one we'll be talking about in this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is the original Hot Shots Tennis for the PlayStation 2. The music is as peppy and perky as ever, great for playing sets and intense matches with.

v1183. EarthBound (SNES) - Porky Means Business

The final boss theme of EarthBound, a cult classic for the Super Nintendo, starts off with an 8-bit flair and fever to it. Then, about a minute or so into the theme, it goes full metal. It's a nice transition that lets you know that you're in a serious battle for sure. Just another memorable moment in not just another memorable Nintendo game.

v1184. Alundra (PS1) - The Village of Iona

Alundra is an action-adventure game on the original PlayStation that incorporated a lot of puzzles into it. One could easily say that Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series was a big inspiration of this excellent game. The Village of Iona is a subdued and relaxing piece, played during the opening village that Alundra finds himself in.

v1185. Mario Superstar Baseball (GCN) - Mario Stadium

In the States, Major League Baseball is in the middle of an all-star break, where two major events happen: the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game itself, pitting stars form the National League and the American League against one another. That's just a quick background to introduce this last VGM volume for this edition, a chipper theme for Mario Stadium in the Mushroom Kingdom's version of baseball, Mario Superstar Baseball!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Mishmash Edition

A mishmash is defined as "a confused mess, hodgepodge, jumble." While "a confused mess" could describe yours truly, it doesn't really fit in with this week's SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs theme. Instead, "hodgepodge" and "jumble" do. I mean, what else can you say about an edition that starts with the grim world of Gears of War and ends on the sunshine and rainbows of Mario Superstar Baseball? Technically, one could call every edition of this site's VGM faves as a mishmash, but it works no better than it does this week. ...At least that's the story I'm sticking with.

If you're interested in seeing what other songs and games I've featured in past editions of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, check out my VGM Database. It has all 700+ songs available for you to listen to, pending the videos haven't been taken down.

v711. Gears of War (360, PC) - Main Theme

It's very common to see soundtracks from Eastern games on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs. I follow the notion that most Western games try too hard to appeal to a Hollywood mindset. They're scored like movies, with more atmospheric and less melodic material than their Eastern counterparts. Gears of War is just like that, as is VGM Volume 712. That said, that doesn't mean such material can't be presented on this list!

v712. Batman: Arkham Origins (Multi) - Arkham Origins Main Titles

I really enjoyed my time with Batman: Arkham Origins. A part of that was the soundtrack. Well, a very small part, but a part nonetheless. The upcoming June 2015 release of Arkham Knight is one of the few games that make we want to make the full transition to the PS4 or Xbox One. Nonetheless, it really is a slow and underwhelming new generation, is it not? Maybe I'm alone on that thought...

v713. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (PS2) - Boldan - Silver City

My favorite Ratchet & Clank game, Going Commando, is also one of my favorite games of all time. It does everything well, and even it's music, although forgettable a lot of the time, has some charm to it. David Bergeaud did an absurdly admirable job with his compositions and musical direction with this second entry in the Ratchet & Clank franchise.

v714. Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil (PS2) - Joliant (Great Amusement Park Joliant)

Welcome to Joliant! As you can imagine with the part of the song title in the parentheses, Joliant is a fabulous and expansive amusement park full of frights and delights for players. Klonoa's second platforming title was his first and only PlayStation 2 adventure. It really hurts that the Wii remake of the first game did not sell well.... AT ALL. If I allowed myself to post emoticons on articles, this would be where a sad emoticon would be placed. ...Aw, what the hell. :(

v715. Mario Superstar Baseball (GCN) - Toy Field

It's postseason time in Major League Baseball. For those not in the States, this is nothing special, but to Americans like me who bleed red, white, blue and do lots of super-patriotic crap that is annoying to most other countries, it's the national pastime's most intense time of year! Why not spread the love of baseball with Mario Superstar Baseball, a game that opens up baseball to a wider audience, lest we forget how popular the sport is in the developer's home country?