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Hey, everyone! J.R. from West Virginia Common Place here, and today, we're diving into my number one pick for the greatest video game of all time - Super Mario Bros. 3.
The Surprise Number One: Super Mario Bros. 3
J.R. acknowledges the surprise factor of choosing Super Mario Bros. 3 as his top game despite being a devoted fan of various other iconic franchises like Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Castlevania.
Why Super Mario Bros. 3?
Reflecting on the Mario series, J.R. explains how the first game laid the foundation while the second title, often regarded as an anomaly, didn't capture the true essence. However, Super Mario Bros. 3 stood out for its secrets, game mechanics, and innovation.
Early Gaming Memories:
Bringing back childhood memories, J.R. recalls the game's release, receiving it along with a Game Boy, and the competitive atmosphere among siblings. Learning tips and tricks from magazines and cousins formed the early gaming community, akin to today's Twitch or YouTube gaming culture.
The Twitch Game of Its Time:
J.R. reminisces how Super Mario Bros. 3 became his Twitch game - watching others play, mastering it, and speeding through levels, strategically using whistles to navigate the game quickly.
Non-Linear Gameplay & Power-Ups:
Highlighting the game's non-linear approach, J.R. appreciates the freedom to skip certain levels while relishing the variety of power-ups like the frog suit and tail, which influenced future Mario games.
The Influence and Commercialization:
Noting the game's wide-reaching influence, J.R. emphasizes how Super Mario Bros. 3 was commercially marketed, spawning cartoons, toys, and memorable Happy Meal promotions at McDonald's.
Personal Connection and Enduring Appeal:
Expressing his deep connection to the game, J.R. reveals his extensive collection, including Super Mario Bros. 3 merchandise, books, and even customizing a classic console for easy access to the game anytime, anywhere.
Closing & Call-to-Action:
J.R. invites listeners to share their top ten games or thoughts via email, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform. Expressing gratitude for the journey through video game history, he signs off as J.R. from West Virginia Common Place.

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Welcome to West Virginia Common Place! Today, J.R. delves into the timeless classic and groundbreaking game, Super Mario 64, placing it at number three in his top ten video games of all time.
Game Overview:
Super Mario 64, released in 1996, stands as a monumental milestone in gaming history, being the first-ever Super Mario title featuring revolutionary 3D gameplay. J.R. highlights its impact on the gaming landscape, setting new standards for open-world sandbox-style gameplay.
Personal Gaming Experience:
Reflecting on the game's influence on his gaming skills, J.R. reminisces about his journey collecting all 120 power stars, the main goal being to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Super Mario 64 held the honor of being the first game J.R. completed 100%, despite not revisiting it frequently due to the lasting impression it left.
Revolutionizing 3D Gaming:
Acknowledging the game's revolutionary elements, J.R. underscores its innovative mechanics, from Mario's diverse movements to camera controls. The game's fluidity and the freedom it provided in a 3D environment set the stage for future 3D games.
Chasing the Super Mario 64 High:
Expressing a sentiment shared by many, J.R. discusses how Super Mario 64 set an impossibly high standard for subsequent Mario games. Despite the series' continued success with games like Odyssey or Sunshine, none managed to capture the unique feeling and excitement that Super Mario 64 evoked.
Nostalgic Returns:
J.R. briefly touches on the DS version in 2004, which added extra characters, providing a fresh take on the classic. He suggests considering Super Mario 64 DS for a different gameplay experience.
Closing Thoughts:
Encouraging listeners to explore or revisit the game, J.R. emphasizes the game's reputation as one of the greatest ever made. He expresses gratitude for the continued support and invites engagement from followers on his top ten video games series.
Join the Conversation:
Share your experiences or thoughts on Super Mario 64 using #SuperMario64 and #GreatestGameOfAllTime on social media.
Conclusion:
Thank you for tuning in to West Virginia Common Place! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join us next time as we explore more iconic games. This is J.R. signing off!

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Tina Davidson, a renowned classical composer with over four decades of experience, embarked on a journey into memoir writing with her deeply moving title, "Let Your Heart Be Broken." Raised in a foster home in Sweden before being adopted by an American mother, Tina's personal odyssey greatly influenced her musical compositions. Her perspective on her memoir is centered around the concept of heartbreak being a transformative experience. Through her own trials with loss, trauma, and major life changes, she urges readers to face their heartbreak head-on. As Davidson sees it, pain can be a catalyst for growth, rebirth, and healing. By sharing her own experiences with composing music and authoring her memoir, she seeks to inspire others to delve into their emotions, connect with their inner selves, and find purpose in their experiences. Ultimately, Davidson's perspective underscores the importance of vulnerability, introspection, and resilience in overcoming adversity.


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Mega Man Legends[a] is an action-adventure shooter game released by Capcom. It is the first game in the Mega Man Legends sub-series of Mega Man games from Capcom, and the second major 3D polygonal Mega Man title released in the franchise, following Mega Man: Battle & Chase.[1] It was released for PlayStation in 1997 in Japan, and in 1998 in North America. A Nintendo 64 port was released in 2000 with the same title, but it was renamed Mega Man 64 for the English release in 2001. It was also ported to Windows in 2001, and PlayStation Portable in 2005, the latter only in Japan. It was last released as a PS one Classicthrough North American PlayStation Network in 2015.
Legends stars a different spiritual incarnation of Mega Man named Mega Man Volnutt, the game's player character. Mega Man Volnutt is a "Digger," a person in charge of investigating ruins from a flooded Earth. During his journey with his friends, their ship crashes on Kattelox Island, where Mega Man confronts pirates attacking it to obtain its hidden treasure. As an action-adventure game, Mega Man Legends's gameplay is vastly different from that of the original series, despite sharing a few elements.
Mega Man Legends received a positive critical response due to the series' jump from 2D graphics to 3D. Ports for Nintendo 64 and Windows received negative comments for lacking updates from the PlayStation version, whose graphics were considered outdated by the time the ports were released. Mega Man Legends was followed by the prequel The Misadventures of Tron Bonne and a sequel titled Mega Man Legends 2

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Welcome back to West Virginia Common Place! Today, J.R. is delving into the enthralling world of classic video games, spotlighting the unforgettable WCW vs. NWA World Tour, ranking it as his number four game of all time.
Game Overview:
WCW vs. NWA World Tour, released in 1997, holds a special place in J.R.'s gaming journey. With a heartfelt story behind its acquisition, this game marked the beginning of an era, captivating the essence of classic wrestling games.
Nostalgic Memories:
J.R. reminisces about the excitement of bringing WCW vs. NWA World Tour home before its official release, becoming the envy of the neighborhood. Fond memories are shared of after-school gaming sessions, with four-player co-op rumble matches setting the stage for incredible wrestling showdowns.
Gameplay Experience:
Exploring the game's mechanics and character selection, J.R. highlights the fluidity of moves, including exciting maneuvers outside the ring, and shares personal favorites among the character roster, featuring Ultimo Dragon and a custom character, the Black Ninja.
Influence & Legacy:
This classic game paved the way for professional wrestling games, serving as the precursor to the later wrestling titles. Its influence on subsequent wrestling games, especially on the Nintendo 64, cannot be overstated, setting a high standard for the genre.
Impact on Wrestling Games:
Reflecting on the impact of WCW vs. NWA World Tour, J.R. discusses how it laid the foundation for future wrestling titles, serving as a cornerstone for games that followed. The game's storyline involving WCW vs. NWA added a unique touch to the gaming experience.
Closing Thoughts:
J.R. concludes by recommending this game as a must-play for wrestling game enthusiasts. Whether experienced on original hardware or through emulation, WCW vs. NWA World Tour retains its significance and charm, making it a timeless classic in the realm of gaming.
Join the Conversation:
Share your favorite memories of WCW vs. NWA World Tour or your top wrestling game picks with J.R. on social media using #WCWvsNWAWorldTour and #ClassicGaming.
Conclusion:
Thanks for tuning in to West Virginia Common Place! Stay tuned for more exciting insights into J.R.'s top ten video games. Until next time, this is J.R. signing off!


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Phyllis Leavitt, a distinguished psychotherapist and author, has a profound personal connection to the topic of mental health crisis and therapy. Her journey commenced with childhood trauma, which she bravely confronted through therapy, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a career in psychotherapy. Through her own healing process and rediscovery of her intrinsic goodness, Phyllis developed a passion for assisting others in navigating similar challenges. Her book, "American Therapy," not only reflects her personal experiences but also delves into broader societal issues, shedding light on the impact of family systems on individuals. With a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of personal and societal dynamics, Phyllis Leavitt remains a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and holistic healing practices in her professional endeavors.

(00:02:16) "After recovering the memories of what had happened to me and starting to recover my connection to my own essential goodness, I decided to become a psychotherapist." - Phyllis Leavitt" - Phyllis Leavitt



(00:07:37) "To the extent that I was able to heal myself and sort of recover from the worst impact of what had happened to me, the less the people that I was hurt by mattered in a way." - Phyllis Leavitt" - Phyllis Leavitt



(00:15:45) "Psychology is all about reconnecting with ourselves and peacefully and lovingly and safely connecting with the people in our world to the extent that we can do that. It's all about repair of relationship. It's not about somebody beating somebody else at the game." - Phyllis Leavitt" - Phyllis Leavitt



(00:23:43) "Because, and one of the things that my, my original coach had said to me, whenever you feel lost, you come back to your, why? Why are you doing this? And I know in my heart that why I do what I do is because I love people and I love this planet. I love the earth, and I have children and I have grandchildren, and I want them to inherit a safe, peaceful, loving world that welcomes them and everyone. And that's why I do what I do. And that's the only reason I do what I do." - Phyllis Leavitt" - Phyllis Leavitt



(00:35:47) "You have a power that no one else has, and that is to form mental stability, to make mental stability." - Jr Sparrow


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