Ok, I’m going to start off by immediately saying that this list does NOT, in fact, represent my top favorite game themes. Neither does it mean to undermine any of the multitudes of iconic first-level game tunes that didn’t make this list. This list is simply made up of those jingles upon first entering a game’s plane of existence that meant the most to me and why. (and yes, most are from older games)

I see you there with the pitchfork and torch. Don’t try to hide it.

So here are my top 5 most iconic 1st Level tunes from video games.

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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.

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.

Disney Channel shows get a bad rap! I get a lot of flack to watching them. While they are at times pretty horrible, there are a few of them that are really good and worth checking out. While everything on this list is admittedly fairly juvenile, and often subject to cliches, these shows are often very funny, and are a kind of proving ground for some pretty good actors.

Disney makes a lot of shows, but this list is just about Disney Channel series. This means nothing from the Disney afternoon or anything that wasn’t made for Disney Channel proper will be included. I also understand that everyone is in love with Phineas and Ferb but I haven’t watched that show so it’s not on my list. If you don’t like my list, let us know what yours is!

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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.

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.

I was not adequately prepared for Transformers: The Ride. I expected to have fun, and to appreciate what I imagined as a fairly straightforward thrill ride with some Transformers window dressing. 

Boy, was I in for treat. 

Transformers is a fantastic ride. It’s the longest ride at Universal at a whopping four minutes, and it’s an incredible, exciting four minutes. Filled with impressive 3D effects, it really feels like you’re cruising through the Transformers universe. And if that was it, I would have been happy. Luckily, the ride experience is far more than just those four minutes. Here are the top 5 reasons (other than the ride itself) why Transformers: The Ride is amazing. 

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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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