Did we really need another re-release of Final Fantasy IV? That’s debatable, but when the package is this good, why not? Final Fantasy IV The Complete Collection is (for now at least) the definitive re-release of the Super Nintendo classic. Not only does it contain a graphically updated version of the base game (with the ability to switch between the original and remixed soundtracks), it also contains all the episodes of Final Fantasy – The After Years, the downloadable sequel to FF IV, and an intermission chapter. So if you’re one of the 15 people who never played the game before in your life, or if you weren’t sold on the original WiiWare release of The After Years, this is your chance to grab the most complete version of the 16 bit classic. At least it will be until next time Square-Enix decides to re-release it.

Once upon a time, there was a video game called Jagged Alliance. You hired a team of mercenaries to liberate an island from a ruthless dictator and assist a scientist and his daughter in the research of a rare plant sap with medical properties. Each of your mercs could develop their abilities RPG-style, and combat was done in a turn-based style. It was basically Tactics Ogre with guns and on steroids. It was awesome. It spawned a sequel which had 2 expansions, which were even more awesome. The series then went off the grid until a JA1 was re-released on the Nintendo DS in 2009 while JA2 was remade this past year. Jury is still out on both of those. However, in the years between JA2 and the remake, several games popped up that were ‘inspired’ by Jagged Alliance. Most of them sucked. Brigade E5 is one of the worst offenders. In case you don’t believe that it’s a rip off of JA, just take one look at its cover. Still don’t believe me? Here’s its European cover.

But which designer? The Interior Designer? The Toilet designer? It sure as hell wasn't the Lead Designer.

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Tower Defense games are a dime a dozen. How many Tower OFFENSE games have you played? That’s right, instead of putting up the cannons that blast the enemies, you direct them as they make their way to the end point. 11Bit Studio’s Anomaly – Warzone Earth is unique among its kind. In Anomaly, you take control of a commander as you thwart an alien invasion by leading your convoy towards huge domes that have appeared throughout Baghdad and Tokyo. You’ll direct their route, changing it on the fly when needed. Your battle suit gives you a selection of powers, such as the ability to put up a smoke screen or repair your vehicles. While the controls are shaky and take time getting used to, the gameplay manages to stand out and add an interesting twist to the tower defense formula.

With Batman hitting movie theaters this week, this week’s Lost Classic takes a look at one of the gaming adaptations of another DC icon, Superman. The Death and Return of Superman is a beat em up based upon the controversial storyline of the same name. While it probably isn’t saying much, this is arguably the best game starring the Man of Steel. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment (who would later go on to make some little known game called Diablo) and published by Sunsoft, TDATOS is a solid, if generic, adaptation of the comics. Taking control of Superman, you battle your way through Metroplois until you are taken down by Doomsday. From then on, each level will have you in control of one of the four substitutes, each having their own playstyle. Eventually, SUpes will be reborn, and you’ll be back in control of him. Many of the scenes from the comic are reenacted in game form, particularly the destruction of Coast City. While there isn’t much setting it apart from other brawlers, it’s a solid title featuring Superman. How many other games featuring the Man of Steel can you say the same thing about?

Out of all the 3DS launch games, Samurai Warriors was, in my opinion, one of the best. Sure, it has more of the series’ signature hack and slash gameplay, but the game introduces several new features that aren’t seen in the console editions of the franchise. Instead of playing as one of the game’s many generals, you play as a male or female character whose skills you can customize. You’ll take him or her through a tale that spans the entire warring states saga. Each map will have several sub missions to complete, although most usually revolve around getting to a place and beating up someone. This time however, you can switch between different warriors that are on the battle field, and most battles will require you to do this in order to get the best result. After a stage is completed, it becomes unlocked in free mode, in which you can use any unlocked character. The game also includes freely downloadable mission and weapons. While it is one of the 3DS’ better launch titles, SWC will not will over anyone who isn’t already a fan. They’ll see the game’s hack and slash as being as repetitive as ever.

It’s not often that Mario’s brother gets the spotlight. The most notable times he was the primary playable character was Luigi’s Mansion, and it’s upcoming sequel. However, the Gamecube cult classic wasn’t the first time Luigi was the star of the show. Nope, that honor belongs to this clunkfest, although many would rather forget about it. Yeah, it has an educational value, but it’s repetitive action and boring gameplay will put kids to sleep.
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Welcome to the Powet Top 5, where we explore the top (and bottom) 5 items we think are relevant to any of a variety of topics that span the imagination. Sit back, read, and respond.

Snotboogie, as seen in the opening seconds of the show's first episode. R.I.P Snotboogie

Baltimore is a dangerous place, even moreso if you’re involved in its drug game. Of course if you watch HBO’s groundbreaking series The Wire, you already know this. No one is guarenteed a happy ending. In fact, several people, including main characters have gotten killed in some of the worst ways imaginable. The five people below in particular, have deaths that were particularly memorable and gut wrenching. Coincidently, this list is organized by season as well. Obviously, massive spoilers are coming, so if you haven’t seen this series, check out the links below before reading.

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This $20GOTW comes to us courtesy of Jeff Vogel’s Spiderweb Software. Founded in 1994, the company specializes in RPGs in which gameplay and story take precedence over graphics and sound. The company is also notable for prioritizing Mac development over Windows. Often times, the company develops its games for Macintosh before porting them to Windows. The company’s games are geared towards hardcore RPG fans, and while they lack the bells of whistles of games like Skryim and Dragon Age, their stories and gameplay give mainstream RPG franchises a run for their money. Case in point, Geneforge. While the first Geneforge game was released in 2001, you’d think the game came out in 1987. However, it’s unique gameplay, specifically the ability to summon creatures and create an army of your own, were ahead of its time.
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