Yamaha YM2612: Glorious Genesis Sounds Part 2

To my fellow gamers living in Japan and Europe, it was known under the super cool handle of the SEGA Mega Drive. In America, we call it the the not-quite-but-still-cool SEGA Genesis and many would argue that it was the best console to come out of SEGA. The console had a robust library of games. Unfortunately, the Genesis has gotten an undeserved rep for having poor sound quality. During the 16-bit console generation lots of Genesis games were also on the SNES and while it is true that some games did sound vastly inferior to the SNES version (looking at you Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers) others were much better. There are a plethroa of games that were exclusive to the Genesis that had outstanding soundtracks showing that in capable hands, the Yamaha YM2612 could work wonders. Get ready to get for a dose of audio nostalgia as we run through some of your and my old favorites Genesis soundtracks. Perhaps you come across a few new favorites as well.

07. ToeJam & Earl

Composer: John Baker

In part 1 of this feature, I mentioned that The Hybrid Front had some pretty stellar funky beats. However, since that game was never released outside of Japan, most gamers are far more familiar with the funky fresh beats of ToeJam & Earl. And for very good reason.

Plenty of Japanese composers come to mind when thinking of outstanding Genesis soundtracks. John Baker's work on the Mega Drive is worthy enough to rank him up there with the likes of Yuzo Koshiro, Masato Nakamura and plenty of other Japanese greats. If ToeJam & Earl was your introduction to funk music, then you had an excellent starting line. At 7 songs, ToeJam & Earl's soundtrack is quite short but it more thank makes up for the lack of quantity with strong, overwhelming quality. ToeJam & Earl's soundtrack is filled with killer bass lines, light and heavy percussion at just the right moments and one of my favorite sounds of the Genesis hardware that I've been calling the signature Genesis claps. Those record scratches also sound quite good.

ToeJam Jammin'
Big Earl Bump
Rapmaster Rocket Racket
Alien Break Down

08. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Composer: Masato Nakamura

With the original game being a huge hit for SEGA, it was only natural for them to follow up with a sequel only a little over a year year later. Sonic 2 is widely considered to be a better game than the first. Not only is it a longer game, it has much larger zones, a greater emphasis on multiple pathways and it introduced the Spin Dash. Unfortunately, the game's speedy (no pun intended) development to get it out before Christmas led to some lousy design choices that hold it back from being the greatest Sonic game that so many claim it is. Still, even with some awful enemy placement, easily trigger glitches and in numerous cases, bad level design, Sonic 2 is still worth playing.

Masato Nakamura was brought back for another round and with even more stages, that meant an expanded soundtrack. Much as I enjoy Sonic 1's music, I think Sonic 2 aces it in this area. Emerald Hill is a vibrant, peppy tune and for my money, one of the greatest first level jams in a video game. Chemical Plant takes you away from the greenery and into the city with twisting tubes, lots of steep inclines and one of the sickest beats in a Sonic game. Even after hearing Tee Lopes excellent arrangements of Chemical Plant Zone in Sonic Mania, Nakamura's original version is still as strong as ever. Everyone pretty much agrees that Metropolis Zone sucks but that theme is baller. Your reward for dealing with three acts of BS in the aforementioned level is Sky Chase Zone, a breather level in every sense of the word. Even the music is super calming. Oh and the Casino Night 2 Player is infinitely superior to the regular version. Fight me.

Emerald Hill Zone
Chemical Plant Zone
Metropolis Zone
Sky Chase Zone
Wing Fortress Zone
Casino Night Zone 2 Player

09. Streets of Rage

Composer: Yuzo Koshiro

Not many video game music writers have their name on the title screen. But then, everyone can't be Yuzo Koshiro. The man's talents are, in a word, legendary. Like Hirohiko Araki, Koshiro is a huge, huge fan of western music and if you weren't aware of that fact before hand, it quickly becomes apparent when listening to the music he composed for titles such as Super Adventure Island and the Streets of Rage games.

The music for Streets of Rage oozes late 1980s to early 1990s western music. In terms of non-gaming music, that stuff is among some of my favorite to listen to. However, long before I heard songs like Pump Up the Jam, I heard the music from Streets of Rage, so I believe I have this game to thank for sparking my interest in music from the aforementioned eras. Every time I hear Fighting in the Street, I wanna get up and dance. There are a number of character select themes that really stand out and those include the one from Super Mario Bros. 2, Street Fighter II and the Player Select theme in Streets of Rage, which Koshiro brought back and touched up a bit for the sequel. My favorite among favorites tracks has got to be Violent Breathing. The theme is just so dang relaxing.

Player Select
Fighting in the Street
Moon Beach
Attack of the Barbarian
Keep the Groovin'
Violent Breathing

10. Phantasy Star II

Composers: Tokuhiko Uwabo

Its hard to think of this series without the online aspect these days but prior to the release of the Drecamcast's Phantasy Star Online, Phantasy Star was an offline, single player JRPG.

If you think $60 for new games is expensive today, imagine coughing up $90 for Phantasy Star II. Gamers that begged mom and dad to get them this game for Christmas back in the day were lucky if they agreed to it even if it was the only gift they got for the holiday.

Phantasy Star II's music may sound a bit more twangy compared to other soundtracks on the hardware, which can be a turn off for some listeners, but it is well composed and full of very memorable tunes that most will probably be able to look past it. The game hooks you from the very beginning with that powerful image of a title screen and pulls you in deeper with the slow starting title music that is Phantasy Sprite.

Phantasy Star II actually has two soundtracks, one of the Mega Drive Japanese version of the game and one for the Genesis American version. The themes are the same but they sound slightly different in each region with the Japanese versions often using a different drum set. The tracks I've listed below contain links to both versions of each region's respective track so you can hear the differences in each one.

Phantasy Sprite(JPN) Phantasy Sprite(USA)
Pleasure Stream (JPN) Pleasure Stream(USA)
Pressure (JPN) Pressure (USA)
Advanced (JPN) Advanced (USA)
Secret Ways (JPN) Secret Ways (USA)
Rise of Fall (JPN) Rise or Fall (USA)


11. OutRun

Composers: Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Masayoshi Ishi

The original 1986 coin-op release of SEGA's smash hit was one of the numerous games to use the company's super scaler technology, an effect used to create ultra smooth, fast scrolling, which lent itself very well to a racing game. So popular was OutRun that it was ported to just about every system imaginable. The Genesis version arrived in 1991 and while it isn't the definitive console version of OutRun to play, it would be a crime to sleep on the soundtrack.

The music of OutRun is as famous as the non-liner gameplay that made this racer such a hit. Magical Sound Shower, Passing Breeze, and Last Wave. Just the mere mention of these tracks is enough to make any OutRun fan swoon. Even better, players were given the option of choosing the music they wished to drive to prior to each run. Magical Sound Shower might be the OutRun track that most roll with as the best/favorite, but I've always been a huge fan of Splash Wave.

OutRun's audio made a very smooth transition over to the Genesis hardware. It probably helped that Hiro, the original composer of OutRun's stellar score, also wrote most of the music for the Genesis version. OutRun on the Genesis also has a tune that is exclusive to this version of the game, Step on Beat, Masayoshi Ishi's sole contribution to OutRun's Genesis soundtrack and it is a magnificent song. Just as with the arcade version of OutRun, OutRun's Genesis song list is short but the jams are so great that it doesn't even matter.

Magical Sound Shower
Passing Breeze
Splash Wave
Step on Beat

12. Contra Hard Corps

Composers: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Akiropito, Kenji Miyaoko, Michiru Yamane, Akira Yamaoka, Hirofumi Taniguchi

Someone at Konami must have taken a look at the past few Contra games and thought "You know what these games need? More playable characters. Oh and mini bosses. Lots and lots of mini bosses." As a result there are four playable characters, including the cute, diminutive robot, Brownie. The abundance of mini bosses in each level makes Contra Hard Corps unbelievably brutal even by Contra standards.

Nintendo Hard difficulty aside, Hard Corps looks and (and most importantly in the spirit of this feature) sounds excellent. Hard Corps' music is very high octane, fitting for all the action and many, many explosions you'll be seeing. GTR Attack!, one of the boss themes, opens up with a killer guitar riff that will get you pumped to take on the boss. That is, until said boss drops you like a sack of smoking potatoes. The Hard Corps plays on the very first stage and sees you literally crashing onto the scene in a vehicle before jumping put to shot anything that moves. It isn't anywhere near as famous as the original Contra's Jungle theme, but to many a Contra fan, it ranks pretty high on their list of fav Contra beats. It still blows my mind that rock like Format X and The Last Springsteen came out of the Genesis hardware. If you want to hear the Genesis sound chip worked to the limit or are in the mood for plenty of fist pumping tunes, you can't go wrong with Hard Corps soundtrack.

The Hard Corps
Zephyr
AC Violence
Format X
GTR Attack!
The Last Springsteen

Leaks Suck

'Nuff said. I'm out.

What? You think I should elaborate? OK, fine.

There are three things I hate more than anything in this world. Taxes, snipers in Splatoon and leaks. I really, really hate freaking leaks.

As we draw closer to this year's E3, I was reminded that I despise leaks when I saw recommended videos on YouTube about Nintendo and Sony's E3 coverage being leaked in the sidebar. Now I haven't clicked on any of those videos nor have I viewed any similar videos that have popped up since. Even though I haven't seen any of those videos, the mere fact that hey exist is enough to make my blood boil.

Let's rewind back to the summer of 2015. Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U was still getting new content and one of the biggest, most recognizable characters in fighting games was set to throw down with Mario, Pac-Man, Mega Man and Sonic. I am of course talking about the Street Fighter poster boy, Ryu. Annnnnnnd we had it all ruined for us because some spoil sports leaked that Ryu was Smash bound before Nintendo could reveal it with one of their Nintendo Directs. This may be the spoiler generation but I don't like having ever single tidbit of information shown to me just because we live in a world where people have itchy leak trigger fingers.

Do you remember the reveal of Cloud and Bayonetta for Smash in late 2015? Holy crap, that was AWESOME! People thought those two would never, ever be in a Smash game and yet, the impossible happened. And the best part? No body leaked it! Many of us found out about Cloud and Bayonetta joining the Smash roster when Nintendo showed them to us. No leaks = HEAVY. EXCITEMENT.

I'm not just talking E3 leaks here. I mean leaks in general. When there were videos and streams of Sonic Mania being posted before the game released, I steered clear of them because I wanted to discover all of the games levels, bosses, music and Easter eggs on my own. As of right now, I don't know anything about E3 2018 and I want to keep it that way.

Favorite Tunes #227: In the Wind

Arcade music, PC, SNES music and some modern console offerings are the order of the week for Favorite Tunes.

Labyrinth (Alternate) - Space Megaforce (SNES)

Known as Super Aleste in Japan. Also known as a super expensive game on the second hand market, which is why I'd love to see this one get a re-re-release via digital. If you've played Space Megaforce and were wondering why you never heard this beat that's because it wasn't in the western release, but was a Japan exclusive.

Dancing Horming (Bonus A) - Metal Black (ARC)

What's this? A song from Metal Black that isn't Dual Moon? Yes, that is my absolute favorite track from Metal Black, but the entire soundtrack to this game is awesome. I recently made a Zuntata playlist and added quite a few songs from this game. And in case you're wondering, no, I did not misspell the title. According to the back of the official 1992 soundtrack, that is exactly what it is called.

Pomp and Circumstance - Sonic After the Sequel (PC)

Before Sonic Mania was "the best Sonic game Sonic Team didn't make" it was Freedom Planet and sometime before that it was Sonic After the Sequel. In all seriousness, you haven't played either of those two aforementioned games, you really should. After the Sequel has music on par with that of Sonic Mania. You'd think this was a level theme but no, its a menu jam.

Start Demo & Main Theme - Bubble Bobble (ARC)

Another game featuring music by the very talented ZUNTATA? I actually posted the Main Theme to Bubble Bobble 2 on the NES some time ago. I'm a bit surprised it has taken me this long to cover such a well known, iconic piece of ZUNTATA music in its original form. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it.

In the Wind - Gradius III (ARC)

The SNES port was my introduction into the Gradius series. Gradius III on the arcade certainly plays better than the home version but the sheer difficulty of the co-op version is enough to turn away even the most hardcore of fans. The SNES version is merciful in that it gives you a few continues once you use up all your lives. Still, the arcade version's music is top notch stuff.

Last Surprise - Persona 5 (PS3, PS4)

I wanted to get around to playing Persona 5 when it came out but I just never did. Even without having played the game, the massively popular Last Surprise was too big to escape my notice. This disco inspired vocal number has quickly become one of the most well known Persona tracks even to those that haven't played Persona 5.

Favorite Tunes Database

Final Fantasy VI: World's Requiem

The Pixel Mixers. I've made it no secret that I am a very, very huge fan of the work these guys put out. Granted, it is only May, but they've already managed to make my ears stand up with The Green (Greens) Album and F-ZERO - Boost Power!, the later of which was the previous contender for the top spot of my favorite albums they've released in 2018. That all changed on May 2nd. This is the day they dropped the mother of all music bombs. They've released several Final Fantasy albums, but they haven't covered my favorite game in the franchise, Final Fantasy VI. Until now. If you don't have time to read the in depth details, I'll lay it out for you as I close out this intro paragraph. Final Fantasy VI: World's Requiem is one of the best Final Fantasy VI arrangements and you should be listening to it right this very second.

When I initially found out about this album, I feared only select tracks from Final Fantasy VI would be covered. The soundtrack of Final Fantasy VI has always spanned three discs with each physical release. I had no doubt I'd love this album even if it only covered specific tracks, but this is the music of Final Fantasy IV we're talking about. If any Final Fantasy soundtrack deserved to have each and every track arranged, it is the score to this game. Thankfully, World's Requiem covers each and every track from Final Fantasy VI. From the chilling Omen all the way to the magnificent Ending Theme, the Pixel Mixers have undertaken the mammoth task of covering every track in Final Fantasy VI's stellar soundtrack.

As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, this album is SO GOOD! If I'm going to choose a jump on point to discuss the arrangements, I suppose I'll start with The Mines of Narshe. The original theme has always been one of my favorite pieces of town music not just in the Final Fantasy series, but for RPGs in general. The Pixel Mixers arrangement of this theme fuses an amazing violin performance with occasional plucks from the banjo and of course, you gotta have that piano work, which is all kinds of awesome here. 

Final Fantasy VI's Battle Theme may not be my favorite standard FF battle jam, but I still like it a lot. The Pixel Mixers rock out with the theme here and it is indeed a head banger of a good time. As the song approaches the two minute mark, you start to hear pieces from past FF battle themes mixed in, including battle themes from Final Fantasy II and Final Fantasy V before resuming Final Fantasy VI's standard battle music. It was a totally unexpected but a very welcome callback.

There's a wonderful assortment of rock in World's Requiem and even some metal. None of the tracks feel samey, though. One track I was not expecting to get the rock/metal treatment, however was Edgar & Sabin. I'm not sure what I was expecting since the original tune is heavy on the horns and brass. The horns have been traded in for some sick guitar riffs and excellent drum beats and I am more than perfectly OK with this. If I had to pick a single track as my favorite from this album, it is without a doubt, the arrangement of Edgar & Sabin. I can't even remember how many times I've listened to it on repeat or had it playing in my head at work. The track was already godlike at the start but at 2:41, there's this outstanding guitar solo that goes on until 3:24. My word, what a freaking track!

If you favor other genres, fret not as World's Requiem is full of variety. The Returns and Shadow, are jazz inspired and I have to say, their version of the former theme just might one up Nobou Uematsu's original. Devil's Lab retains its industrial feel, The Serpent Trench gets a heavy helping of synth as a saxophone chimes in from time to time.

Really, I haven't even scratched the surface of how fantastic this album is. These are some of the best arrangements of Final Fantasy VI music that you will ever hear. I say that as someone that has listened to this album multiple times since downloading it well over a week ago. That's how good this baby is. And the Pixel Mixers just give this stuff away? The kindness of these fellows is too much. Anyway, download this album and listen to it over and over again as you drool with anticipation for whatever the next project is that they bring out.

Final Fantasy VI: World's Requiem 

Favorite Tunes #226: Mango

What does Street Fighter, Final Fantasy, Fantasy Zone and F-ZERO have to do with this week's Favorite Tunes? Yeah, that's a stupid question because I wasn't sure what to write for this week's intro. 

Omen - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

Years ago, I relucantly rented Final Fantasy VI from Blockbuster Video (to give you an idea of how long ago that was) because they didn't have Mega Man 7 in. When I booted the game up and was greeted with this overwhelmingly powerful piece, I knew I was in for something special. This track  combines several themes into including FFVI poster girl, Terra.  

Guile Stage - Street Fighter II' Special Champion Edition (GEN)

I think this is the third or fourth rendition of Guile's theme I've posted in Favorite Tunes. The Genesis sound chip does a good job of making the music sound a bit more like the CPS-I audio that the SFII was based off of, though Guile's theme does sound a key or two higher here. Still, this is a fine version of flat top's jam. 

Opening Theme - F-ZERO (album)

Back in the early 1990s, the original F-ZERO was given a killer arranged album simply titled F-ZERO and like all the cool stuff, it was only released in Japan. While rock is heavily associated with F-ZERO music, this was a full blown jazz album.

Main Menu - DRAGON Ball FighterZ (PS4, XBO, PC)

How's the latest patch for this game treating you all? Maybe that's a question I shouldn't ask. Well, we've finally got a theme from DBFZ that isn't a character theme or a level track. Main Menu themes really don't get enough love. 

Mango! - Super Fantasy Zone (GEN)

This Mega Drive version of Fantasy Zone was unavailable to gamers in the west until it was released on the Wii's Virtual Console. The soundtrack was not done by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, but rather Naoki Kodaka who turned in some really good Fantasy Zone tracks.  

Staff Roll - Street Fighter EX2 Plus (PS)

Since we've reached the end of another Favorite Tunes, let's close it out with a staff roll song. Like the Tekken series, when the EX titles came home, they recieved a few extras not found in the arcade versions such as more modes and of course, remixed music. When it came to the original EX, the PS arranged tunes were vastly superior to the arcade tracks. However, the arcade tunes of EX2 are so good that they rival that of the arranged tracks. 

Favorite Tunes Database

Re-Releases You Should Play Part 4

This sister series of Much Needed Re-Releases is finally back after a break that lasted far too long. With all the great new releases coming in 2018, make sure you don't forget to revisit these old favorites. Or in some people's cases, they just might be playing these games for the first time.

Dangun Feveron (PS4, XBO)

A shooter with disco music? No way something like that can be real. And yet it is. Released way back in 1998, Cave's Dangun Feveron has finally be released outside of Japan via digital distribution. Just as the case was with Battle Garegga Rev. 2016, Dangun Feveron comes loaded with M2 Gadgets and four soundtracks, allowing you to customize your experience. It isn't a long game by any means (most games in this genre are quite short after all) but Dangun Feveron is so engaging that you're more than likely to do several play throughs in a single setting. You can choose from three fighter types and three power shots. For ships, I prefer type-B for the wide shot since there is rarely a moment where something in this game isn't trying to kill you and there is no shortage of bullets on the screen. Lock on is also a good choice for obvious reasons and while bomb and roll are interesting, they take some skill and patience to use. Regardless, I do like the weapon variety and that they can be paired up anyway you see fit. At $34.99 this might be a bit too pricey for some. Personally, I've been having a blast with this game so it was worth every penny.

Also available on: ARC

Danmaku Unlimited 3 (NS)

This was my first entry into the Danmaku Unlimited games and I came away very pleasantly surprised. As much as I love SHMUPs, bullet hell shooters tend to make me a bit uneasy. This one caters to both newbies and vets, with a modes for beginners as well as more experienced players. Even on the easy setting, Danmaku Unlimited 3 throws a lot of bullets at you but evading them isn't nearly as difficult as you might think. With the graze mechanic that gives you extra points for placing yourself in harms way, there's some incentive to go in the direction the bullets are flying. This is the only SHMUP were I constantly try to get as close to enemy fire as I can. There are no power ups to collect so you never have to worry about your ship being in a weakened state. You can mix and match between different two different weapon setups and while you beam is way powerful and great against bosses, it slows down your ship considerably. The Switch is already full of SHMUPs and Danmaku Unlimited 3 stands among the cream of the crop.

Also available on: PC

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (NS)

This outstanding 2D platformer sold like mud cakes on the Wii U. Given the runaway success of the Switch, it is no surprise that the sales for the later version have already surpassed that of the former version. If you've never played Tropical Freeze, prepare yourself for vibrant, imaginative, challenging levels and bosses. Some folks are miffed at the $60 price tag considering you can get this on the Wii U for $20. By all means, snag Tropical Freeze if you didn't have a Wii U or if you want to play this amazing platformer anywhere.

Also available on: Wii U

#Breakforcist Battle (NS)

You can pay a little less to play this on your iOS or Android device, but the Switch version comes with four player multiplayer. #Breakforcist is another Arkanoid Clone but with the blocks you have to break descending upon you faster with each passing wave, there's more pressure to destroy them before the end your run. Certain blocks yield different power ups. Hit a bomb and it will send the blocks back upwards a bit, buying you more time. Get a bacon laser to blast blocks with ease. This a simple, fun game that is tough to master and will make you yearn for the return of a trackball controller. Still, even without one, #Breakcorcist Battle is well worth having in the morning or whatever time you prefer to have breakfast.

Also available on: iOS, AND

Favorite Tunes #225: Some Techno Soft Love

Three of the six games featured in this week's Favorite Tunes come from Techno Soft games. If you've never heard of them, they are famous for the Thunder Force SHMUP series, among other franchises. 

Ray of Hope - Thunder Force II (X68000)

Thunder Force II isn't the game most fans think of when they think of the Thunder Force series due to it being quite different from the rest of the games in the series. Even so, the music is just as good as the other games. The Genesis version of Thunder Force II's soundtrack is really good but when it comes to the song Ray of Hope, I have to give the nod to the X68000 version.

Hello Mr. Cyborg - Dangun Feveron (ARC)

Stage 2 - Gate of Thunder (TG16)

The system did little to put a dent in the sales of The Genesis and SNES, the PC-Engine still enjoyed a host of quality titles and thanks to the Wii's Virtual console service, a few of those games were brought to a wider audience. The soundtrack is sure to have you headbanging in no time at all.

Hello Mr. Cyborg - Dangun Feveron (ARC)

If it weren't for the swarms of bullets on the screen, I'd be cutting a rug to this game's outrageously good tunes. Dangun Feveron is a Cave bullet hell shooter with a disco soundtrack. Several tracks will remind you of famous western disco hits. Under the M2 Shot Triggers line, Dangun Feveron was released for the first time outside of Japan digitally on the PS4 and XBO. 

There is No Time to Lose - Herzog Zwei (GEN)

Now here's a track that sounds like it could be in a Thunder Force game. Not only is Herzog Zwei a Techno Soft title, but it also shares a composer, Tomomi Otani, who is known for his work on the Thunder Force titles.

Acid Hues - Splatoon 2 (NS)

I finally started playing Splatoon 2 and it has taken me some time to adjust. The map on the Game Pad is something I really miss but I love the new gear and the Autobomb is one of my new favorite sub weapons. Since I started playing just in time for a new Splatfest, I got to hear a few of the new Splatfest jams and as much as I love Ink Me Up from the first Splatoon, I can't knock the Splatfest beats in Splatoon 2.

The Stars - Thunder Force IV (GEN)

Also known as Lightening Force over here in America, which is odd since Thunder Force II as well as Thunder Force III were brought over here to the Genesis under their original names. If you missed the chance to play this excellent shooter, it is one of the games that will be releases on the Switch version of the SEGA Ages collection. There are a number of great tracks I could have selected but I chose to go with this one, which is the demo ranking theme. Since I was terrible at Thunder Force IV, I would watch the demo and it was always followed up by this tune. 

Favorite Tunes Database

May Madness

Let us have  moment of silence for the dearly departed. We morn the loss of a friend which made our lives ever so much easier. Yes, we will truly, truly miss our wallet.

If you haven't peeked at the number of releases for games coming out this month, boy let me tell you, it is one serious dozy. Even without taking into account every single game coming out for May, the number of releases that have grabbed my interest is almost too much for my poor wallet to handle. Made worse by the fact that some of these games all drop on the same day.

Dark Souls Remastered (PS4, XBO, PC) - May 25th

While I am still salty at the Switch version of this game getting delayed as it is the version I still plan on getting, Dark Souls Remastered is still slated for release on all other platforms in late May and plenty of folks are still looking forward to it. Even those that have not touched Dark Souls are aware of it thanks to meems and the "Prepare to Die" tagline. Vets will probably be fine but noobs, well, you've heard of the phrase "Live and learn," right? Substitute  "Die" for "Live" and that will probably be you first few days with Dark Souls Remastered as you explore, fight bosses and try in vain to flee for your life from your latest nightmare fuel. Just use some common sense and some of those deaths can be avoided.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (NS) - May 4th

Wii U owners have probably played this one back in 2014, but the Switch install base has already managed to surpass Nintendo's previous home console's life time. Basically, a lot of Switch owners will be getting down with the DK crew's tropical adventure for the first time. Some bemoan all the ports the Switch is getting (which is odd since the PS4 and XBO were loaded with ports when they first arrived years ago) but the portable factor of the Switch makes the ports all the more appealing. And getting one of the finest 2D platformers and quite possibly the greatest DKC game (yes, even eclipsing Diddy's Kong Quest) to play at home or anywhere is a huge deal. Tropical Freeze's levels will awe you, wow you and frustrate you. There is zero shame in going to the game's shop to stock up on lives and items to make your life a little easier because Tropical Freeze will kick you in the junk. Repeatedly. If you're the short tempered type, I'd advise against playing this game in handheld mode. Funky Mode will make things easier for new players, being able to take more damage than the other Kongs.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (NS) - May 18th

Released on the Wii U with a TON of content from the get-go then given a host of DLC. Then the game was released on the 3DS with extra content. As the name suggests, this is the Definitive Edition of Hyrule Warriors as it contains all of the content from the Wii U and 3DS versions of Hyrule Warriors. This was my first time playing a Dynasty Warriors game and I really enjoyed it. They may not be overly complex, but there's some so gratifying about running around a field and laying waste to swarms of enemies. Doing so with the cast from The Legend of Zelda series was a huge draw for me and I'm looking forward to slicing fools up as Toon Link. Also Midna is a beast in this game.

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (PS4, XBO, NS, PC) - May 29th

It's easy to bag on Capcom these days but every so often they do right by gamers. The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is one such right. If you're gonna celebrate the 30th anniversary of the most influential fighting series of all time, then this is how you do it. 12 Street Fighter games all in one. Games include the craptastic original Street Fighter, the infinitely superior Street Fighter II, Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting, my favorite of the Alpha titles, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. Some of the most popular entries such as 3rd Strike, Hyper Fighting, Super Turbo and Alpha 3 feature online play. Whether you're a hardcore or casual fan, this is one Street Fighter anniversary you will not want to miss.

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 + 2 (NS) - May 22nd

*Sigh* Capcom. You had one job. Just put the both Mega Man Legacy Collection titles on a single 32 GB Switch game card. Yet, because Capcom has to be Capcom, they had to make Legacy Collection one a physical game and Legacy Collection 2 a digital download. There are not enough face palm gifs in the world to expression my irritation at Capcom's idiocy. Regardless, I'm still looking forward to the Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 + 2 on the Switch. Having classic Mega Man games on a Nintendo system just feels right. I mean, get to play Mega Man with the Pro Controller? Oh that is just the best.

Owlboy (PS4, NS) - May 29th

Owlboy has been out digitally for some time now. However, us folks that crave physical media are stroked for the hard copy. A game nearly 10 years in the making, Owlboy casts you as the mute hero Otus, flying about and meeting new characters that aid you in combat and puzzle solving. The game won't take you too long to run through but Owlboy gives you plenty of air space to soar and pixel art style is gorgeous, sporting a more SNES-like visual look as opposed to the overused NES-era retro inspired titles. Xbox One owners wanting a physical Owlboy have sadly gotten the short end of the stick.

Steamworld Dig 2 (PS4, NS) - May 22nd

Lovers of physical media and Steamworld Dig 2, your prayers have been answered. Never played  either of the Steamworld titles? Think Dig Dug meets Metroid. Mine the vast underground, uncovering new locals, buy gear and power up your digger. A simple, old-school game at it's core but still plenty of fun. Since I never got around to downloading this when it intentionally released, I'll be grabbing a physical copy.

SEGA Genesis Classics (PS4, XBO) - May 29th

Do we really need yet another Genesis/Mega Drive compilation? Seeing as how AT Games efforts are so poor, yes, yes, an resounding YES! More than 50 games are going to be on the SEGA Genesis Classics anthology including the entire Genesis Shinobi Trilogy, Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 as well as some titles that were not on the previous Genesis collection such as ToeJam & Earl, ToeJam & Earl: Panic on Funcotron, Gunstar Heroes and Alien Storm. Numerous setting let you tinker with screen resolution or recreate those old CRT scan lines that all the cool compilation releases are using these days. You also get a really cool user interface that'd designed as a gamer's room complete with a SEGA posters on the walls and shelf storing all of the games in this collection. For $30, this game is an absolute steal.