Kingdom Hearts. Released 2. Play. Station 2Background There are few intellectual properties better known than those produced by Disney. The world renowned entertainment company has crafted and acquired more successful franchises than anyone ever thought possible in its 9. So when developer Square announced they would be partnering with Disney for a crossover RPG for the Play. Station 2, many feared it would be held back by too much red tape. Though both companies had different visions of what the game should be and who should star, game director Tetsuya Nomura settled on a new hero who would come in contact with well known characters from both the Disney and Final Fantasy universes. By letting players sample different Disney environments and interact with Final Fantasy personalities the Kingdom Hearts team was able to create an action RPG that was both familiar and wholly original. Mario Hoops 3 on 3. Released 2. 00. 6 DSBackground There are few sports that Mario and company havent tackled in the last three decades. When it finally came time for the pudgy plumber to hit the hardwood Nintendo decided to pair him with a rather unlikely crew. Joining Mario, Peach, and Donkey Kong on the court were classic reoccurring characters from the Final Fantasy series. Developer Square had a hand in developing the Nintendo DS title, and felt some of their more kid friendly creations should show off their otherworldly basketball skills. Mages, Ninjas, Moogles and more were added to the roster, each with their own special abilities. Some players found the Final Fantasy characters to be a bit too good when compared to Nintendos roster, but Mario sports fans still found plenty to love. Its all fun and games until some gets dunked on by a Cactuar. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Released 2. PS3, 3. 60Why It Worked Not to be outdone by the Marvel vs. Capcom series, the creators of Mortal Kombat and creative minds at DC comics decided to team up. The result was Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, a fighting game that pitted the worlds most violent combatants against some of histories greatest fictional heroes and villains. Though the game sported a gritty and realistic look, the higher ups at DC refused to let developers Midway Games take things too far in the way of blood and guts. The regular gruesome Mortal Kombat fatalities were scrapped in favor of more creative death sentences, especially when it came to the DC fighters. The game was a nice compromise for both parties and found a decent following post launch. Though there hasnt been a direct sequel, Mortal Kombat returned to its gory roots with the release of Mortal Kombat X, while DC introduced their Injustice fighting series. LEGO Rock Band. Released 2. PS3, 3. 60, WiiBackground The Rock Band franchise was riding high after the launch of their sophomore entry, and fans of undersized plastic instruments everywhere were eager to find out what they would do next. The announcement of a Beatles centric Rock Band title was met with cheers, but the follow up reveal of LEGO Rock Band had some players wondering if developers Harmonix were attempting an elaborate hoax. They werent, and LEGO Rock Band was released in the fall of 2. The game swapped out realistic rockstars for LEGO mini figures, and changed incoming notes to glowing LEGO bricks. Since the title was aimed at a younger audience the track list was curated to feature up beat hits like Ray Parker Jr. Ghostbusters and Carl Douglas Kung Fu Fighting. In the end it was another solid entry in the Rock Band series. Never underestimate the allure of LEGO. Pokmon Conquest. Released 2. DSBackground In the last 2. Pokmon has grown to be one of the most successful and profitable gaming franchises of all time. The monster catching, trading, and battling sim has an unrivaled fanbase who are known to gobble up any new merchandise or game that is released. The following for the Nobunagas Ambition series is quite modest in comparison, but this fact didnt stop Tecmo Koei from teaming up with the Pokmon Company to create a mashup fans never saw coming. Games in the Nobunagas Ambition franchise are tactical role playing adventures set in feudal Japan. Certainly not the average Pokmon environment. But it turns out pairing super powered monsters with ancient Japanese warlords is just as cool as it sounds. Pokmon Conquest known in Japan as Pokmon Nobunagas Ambition was a wonderful twist on both series normal strategic gameplay. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney. Released 2. 01. 2 3. DSBackground Solving mysteries and solving crimes usually go hand and hand. Both involve scrupulous sleuthing, brain power, and most importantly pointing at things with passion. With this in mind developers Level 5 and Capcom joined forces to bring fans of the Professor Layton and Ace Attorney games an unforeseen, but unquestionably smart crossover. Despite their distinctly different art styles, the world of Layton and Wright meshed quite nicely in one grand escapade. During the Adventure segments of the game players controlled the professor as he searched for clues in the medieval town of Labyrinthia, while the Witch Trial segment revolved around Phoenix Wrights bumbling courtroom cross examinations. Diehard fans from both sides were modestly impressed with the alternating gameplay and all inclusive storyline. Tokyo Mirage Sessions FEReleased 2. Wii UBackground Being a teenager in Tokyo is hard. Youve got school to worry about, bustling city crowds, and aggressive beings from an alternate universe who are trying to steal your dream energy. Its all par for the course when it comes to the Shin Megami Tensei series. The super popular RPG franchise has had a number of spin offs included the critically acclaimed Persona games, so merging with Nintendos strategic Fire Emblem series wasnt too much of a gamble. Then again, Fire Emblem titles are exclusively set in a fantasy world of swords and wizardry, while Shin Megami Tensei takes a more contemporary approach to otherworldly conflict.