My Top 10 Favorite Video-Game Intros

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :) 

- Blog #12: Like my picture art? It's soon going to be 2011 and I thought it would be cool to start a final blog that would be talking about starting something else. This blog topic will be covering my favorite video-game intros and title screens. Basically, I was looking for intros that gave you a good feel on what the game was going to be like. It also had to give the player some sort of idea of what the storyline was. Again, I'm going to try and keep this list as one game per franchise. Here we go...(go ahead and "Press Start", why don't you?)

1. Metroid Fusion - Here's a classic intro that leaves you with the question, "Hey...what the hell is happening here?" That question, alone, describes the very nature of this game's plot. Being the first Metroid game I ever played, I really didn't know what to expect. What's great about this particular intro is that it makes the player WANT to know why the hero crashed their ship into an asteroid field. Unexpectedly, the game goes right into explaining that scenario and gives the briefing on what the mission is. In short, Samus Aran has been sent to the Biological Space Laboratories (B.S.L.) craft to investigate and eliminate a parasitic plague of X-Parasites, given along with the task of destroying the SA-X (an X-infected clone of Samus). With strange creatures popping out of nowhere, this game is marked as one of the more thrilling Metroid games. Personally, I think this Metroid game should also be recognized for the best soundtrack in the Metroid series.

2. Shadow the Hedgehog - I wasn't anticipating this game to be so...dark. Then I see the intro and I'm like, "Whoa...Shadow had a gun." I mean there were a lot of other cool things about this intro. However, the rock music mixed with the intensity of Shadow and all that gun action...I don't know. Honestly, this game was very fun. It's unlike my personality, but this game's dramatic outlook on Shadow's history really drew me in. This is not a game for those faint-of-heart Sonic the Hedgehog fans. If you're planning on buying this one (if it's even still out there), don't expect any sweet-talk from any of Sonic's friends. You're playing with fire, in a matter of speaking. Using some strong language and some very intense moments, it's no wonder that this game got a "'E-10' for ages ten and up" rating. There was even some slight drama over how this game is so "emo." I hate when people have to make things racial and stereotypical. In fact, it's a matter that shouldn't even be discussed. Just play the game to play the game! For God's sake! If you let Shadow hear that kind of drama, he'll freaking eat you alive!

3. Star Fox 64 - I know I've already talked a lot about this one in my previous blogs. Let's keep this entrant simple. The reason I like this intro is because it's unique and it's made for the sole purpose of introducing the game. I'm sure there are going to be some arguments over things like, "Star Fox: Adventure or Star Fox: Assault have more epic intros." Well, yeah sure. They might be more epic, but most of their intros feature gameplay-footage or cinematic clips from the game. I don't call those "intros." I call it a montage of what you're about to see from this game. Those are two completely different things. The intro of Star Fox: 64 tells you what you're going to be doing for this game. It's introduced in an epic fashion of having your team members run to their planes for some high-flying action. This intro developed Star Fox into the franchise that it is today. MAKE ANOTHER GAME, NINTENDO! I know that there were other Star Fox games made before this one, but none made Star Fox more known than Star Fox: 64.

4. ALL Super Smash Bros. Games - So, you've heard the point I made about cut-scenes and gameplay-footage intros for #3 on this list, right? Well, for these games, forget about it. I know I'm once again breaking my rules for having more than one game per franchise. To be fair though, that rule only applied for individual entries...and it's my list (I can do what I want!). Besides, for all these games that mainly revolve around the matter of beating the crap out of everybody, I'll gladly make room. The intros are perfect for these types of games. They give you an ideal picture of who's going to be featured in the melee and it displays the awesome aspects of the game. You have to watch the intros and play the games to understand the full concept of this.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - There was a lot of going back-and-forth on whether I should put this intro on the list or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess intro on here. Ultimately, I chose this one. For one reason or another, I can't think of a Zelda prologue more dynamic than this one. It was a really tough call. In fact, the main deciding factor was that I thought the music was much better in the Ocarina of Time's version. Even for the era it was created, the Ocarina of Time's graphics were fantastic. Moon falls, beautiful piano music starts up, Link rides along on his horse. All the while, everyone is playing the game to watch in awe. It's like watching a heroic intro to an old-animated movie or something in the "Robin Hood" genre, whereas the Twilight Princess' version doesn't seem to hold the same amount of pleasure from the title. Both were great, but I personally think that Ocarina of Time wins.

6. Megaman 8 - Here's a classic standard that isn't so classic. Megaman 1-6 had the original 8-bit graphics, while 7 and 8 moved to something more different. This only led things to return to 8-bit for Megaman 9 and 10. Megaman 8 had something that all of the other games lacked. Megaman 8 had an awesome animated intro. It reflects Megaman's character and it reflects on Megaman's past enemies. While it doesn't exactly show you what's going to happen in the game...who cares? It's a Megaman game! You blast stuff, you beat robot masters, and you defeat Dr. Wily (for the 8th time...). Another main difference with Megaman 8 is the animated cutscenes in between certain checkpoints in the game.

7. Mario Power Tennis - Mario sports games have become all the rage. There are games that involve golf, soccer, baseball, and even tennis! One of the greatest things I noticed about all of these games is the fact that all of them have some awesome (and funny) graphical intros. Since there aren't many Mario games with decent or memorable intros, I've decided to look further into which sports intro I loved the best. All of their graphics were amazing, but only one of them stood out. That was the Mario Power Tennis intro. It was longer than almost all of the other sports games combined. It showed me that the creators put a lot of time and dedication into it. It may be long, but it was fun. It introduced the ideas of tennis and all of the other Super Mario wackiness embedded in it.

8. Pokémon Red - The most nostalgic intro that started it all. Pokémon Red came out at the same time as Pokémon Blue. If you could believe it, I chose Red over Blue because of the two Pokémon used in the intro. In Red, they used Gengar and Nidorino. In Blue, they used Gengar and...Jigglypuff. Why they set up the intros so differently and why they even chose Jigglypuff for Blue, I'll probably never know. I guess, if I had a choice between Nidorino or Jigglypuff, I'd go the Nidorino route. So, what was the main reason that made me chose Red over Blue? Watch the video under the first one to find out why.

(If you still don't get it...shame. -_-)


9. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - This one's almost better than a James Bond intro. What's great about Metal Gear Solid intros is that the intros have the decency to include the creators in a credit-like sequence. What made the 3rd Metal Gear Solid intro better than the others was the music. Mixed with the graphics of newspaper articles on events that took place during the Cold War-Soviet Union era, the music gave you the feeling that you're about to play something of the "007" nature. The hero, Snake, has been sent alone to a jungle to rescue a weapons designer and end the ploy of a super-weapon threat. So, the intro matches perfectly with the environment in which you're going to be playing in for most of the game. Metal Gear Solid games are like watching and playing a movie. Interactive movies!

10. Donkey Kong 64 - I don't even think I need to explain why I like this one. At one point in this song, I'm surprised the game wasn't slapped with an "E-10" or "'T' for Teen" rating. Ah...this was way back when people didn't make such a big deal over little words or stereotypical rap music.

- Done. As a side note, I'd like to wish all the blog readers a Happy New Year! By 2011, I hope to write new blogs on topics that you want me to write about, or blogs that I had planned out for next year. Wishing you the best! (Don't drink too much egg-nog!) 

My Top 10 Best Christmas Songs

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #11: Due to excruciating times and struggles of college and school curricular, I've been very negligent in avoiding this site for a bit. However, the near-glacial temperature has given me the necessary motivation in finding a new topic to discuss. Christmas time is a very special time of year. For some, this holiday is the beginning of the end for the previous year. For others, it is a time to reflect on some of the greatest holiday traditions ever. When I think of Christmas, one thing comes to mind right away. That very thing is the holiday music that summons itself out of nowhere. It's the end of Thanksgiving and "Ka-POW!" Christmas music is playing on the radio at 12:00 am, which is the day after. This blog was made to specially commemorate some of the best Christmas songs that I've ever heard. 

1. 12 Days of Christmas (The Muppets Version) - I love the "12 Days of Christmas" song anyway, but I immediately think of this rendition when the song is brought up into discussion. I remembered the good old days where I would sit in the comforts of my living room and put on a cassette (yes...they were still used) with some of the best Christmas music ever. This was back when the Muppets ruled the world. One of the songs was the Muppets version of "12 Days of Christmas" and, the first time I heard it, I said in my mind: "Oh my God....MUPPETS!" This song is great because you think you're going to hear a regular man sing it (which would have worked, since John Denver had a great voice), but nope. Suddenly, Fozzy the Bear comes in! Whoo-Hoo! Then, you got an entourage of Muppet voices and you relive the funny moments of creativity at its best.

2. Feliz Navidad - "Who would-a thunk it?" Spanish lyrics in a Christian holiday song. If I recall, this song was also featured on the very same cassette I mentioned in #1. Sure, it's repetitive and there's really only one set of lines/lyrics to the entire song. However, was anybody else attracted to José Feliciano's voice when this song was played? I was. I'm not going to lie. It's not even about what the song was saying. It's Feliciano's voice and the feeling of joy that you got when you heard this music. I swear it gets better every year.

3. Sleigh Ride - I really enjoy this piece of music. Listening to this song really does give you the sensation that you're riding on a sleigh. All in a beautiful Christmas-like climate. There's another reason that I have this song on my list, though. I've listened to a lot of Christmas songs and, as a musician, I can say that this one is one of the hardest ones to play. I'm sure there are "hardcore" musicians reading this and thinking, "Oh that song's not hard. It's easy!"  Maybe it's easy for THEM to play, but they can't deny this song to be a challenge. Believe me...it's harder than what many people make it out to be. I have a high respect for people who can perfectly play this Christmas beast.

4. Carol of the Bells - Here's another song that gives personification a workout. "Carol of the Bells" can give you the instant vision of bells that are ringing in a harmony of melodic rounds. It doesn't really matter how this song is composed. I've appreciated every composition made from this piece, even Family Guy's Burger King version. Ding...dong...ding...dong......(Ding! Fries are done! Ding! Fries are done!)

5. A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives has a very unique voice that many people will not be able to top, even in the many years to come. Many people see Ives as the snowman who sings this song on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. To be honest, so do I. I remember Ives the Snowman singing and narrating the show and I believe that every child should grow up watching Rudolph and Ives on Christmas. It's a classic song. The song is telling you to have a merry holiday and do what any courteous person would do and say hello to friends you know...and everyone you meet (I wasn't trying to be cute there).

6. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - This is a song that I'm sure not many people have thought of along the thoughts of Christmas. Indeed. This is a Christian song written by Amy Grant and it was made for the purpose of the popular Christian holiday. It's just a sweet, soothing tune that can warm anyone's heart. I first heard of this song through one of Boney James' Christmas albums, which is where I listened to his saxophone version of "Breath of Heaven." One of Amy Grant's best songs. This piece is a beautiful addition to my list.

7. Silent Night - Unlike "Breath of Heaven", "Silent Night" seems to get all the attention when you get right down to it. It's another Christian song celebrating Christ, our savior. Why this gets more attention than "Breath of Heaven" is beyond my line of logic, but I know that this song has caught many people's ears. It really does give you this inner feeling of peace in your soul. If ever I am asked to sing this for a special Christmas event, I would gladly partake.

8. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Here's a great song. Think about it like this. You have a family member or a very close friend who's away from you...for a long period of time. You're nearing the holiday season and you're thinking about if your loved one will make it home for Christmas. This song could very well be a tribute to those who leave their families to apply their craft, in their trade, elsewhere. War, out-of-state jobs, out-of-country jobs, and even excursions can be the hair's split end. In the end, those people want to return home. Our hopes go out with this song and those who work very hard for what they want to accomplish.

9. O Christmas Tree - Music is sometimes considered poetry in a melodic movement. This song is a poem within music. It tributes the traditional addition to the holiday shin-digs. There are many versions of this song out there, but all revolve around the same point. The Christmas tree remains tall and proud, while all the presents are laid around (my inner-poet). I guess the idea of praising a mascot for nature is a respectable reason for this song to be featured here.

10. Christmas Time is Here - A song that literally tells you that Christmas time is here! I give you my holiday song of choice. This song's most famous role was being the intro music to the first ever Peanuts show made (made possible by the great Vince Guaraldi). Whenever Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown came on the air, you knew that you were nearing the holiday. This song is just wonderful to sing to, listen to, and play a musical instrumentation to. Just now, I'm visioning Charlie Brown and his friends skating on the ice. Remembering the good old days makes me weep in my heart. Shows and music just aren't made the same anymore...you just can't stop progress. I usually don't like picking favorites to anything, but this song really leaves my mind on the fence. If not THE best song, "Christmas Time is Here" is one of the most memorable Christmas songs ever!

- Done. (Happy Holidays from Steven Chung!)

My Top 10 Favorite Saxophonists

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #10: A suggestion from a friend led me to creating this list. This is one of those lists where you can't really explain why you like these certain things. The proof is in the pudding. Yes. Honest-to-goodness pudding. Here's a simple list of my top 10 favorite saxophonists ever, along with a link to one of their greatest songs ever played. So, could I call this blog my "10th Anniversary Special Edition" blog? I could, but...it really does sound quite stupid, doesn't it? Is this going to get all positive reviews? Probably not, since every musician has a different taste in music. For those out there who enjoy any kind of saxophone music, enjoy the saxophone therapy!

1. Paul Desmond - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnygv7J6VNg )
2. John Coltrane - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r594pxUjcz4 )
3. Wayne Shorter - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0q8mGUHJVQ )
4. Dexter Gordon - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sr7BXinJMw )
5. Charlie "Bird" Parker - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNE92_VW8qQ )
6. Boney James - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y40muSBbQ48 )
7. Kenny Gorelik - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJgF2xHX_VA&feature=related )
8. Oliver Nelson - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I777BcgQL9o )
9. David Sanborn - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv6vwgx6_WE )
10. Joe Henderson - ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAUbqn4cuOg ) 

- Done.

My Top 10 Websites

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #9: It's been a tough going for me to spare time for my blog site, seeing how we're nearing the Thanksgiving holiday and other festivities. So, I won't be going as in depth as I did in past blogs. Today's topic? I'll be briefly talking about websites that I find myself going back to. There are millions of websites out there. So, of course, I will not have the same set list as you (although, I don't know many people who make a list, regarding this topic). These sites can be resourceful or addicting. It's time to start typing away!

1. Facebook - Basically, everyone has an account now. It's social-networking to a new extreme. I have one and I'll admit that I'm on it practically everyday. I don't really know what's so special about this website...actually, I can think of a few things. Facebook is there to annoy people, attract people, help people or find some reason to bring others to this internet fad. Although, the best reason to explain why people come to this site is to creep on other users. It's a fact. I've said it in my first ever blog on the topics of discussion. The excitement one gets when they see a red thing on the corner of the screen is unquenchable. Someone wrote on your wall, someone tagged a photo of you, someone liked your status, someone wrote on your status, multiple people wished you a happy birthday...for the love of all that's holy! How can one social site attract so many people? How did Mark Zuckerberg pull something like this off?

2. YouTube - This and Facebook are probably my top sites that I've visited. Having some relation with Facebook, YouTube has some of the same qualities that Facebook and other social networking sites have. However, while you can write on people's stuff and keep the ability to stalk random internet people, this website mainly focuses on the ideas of uploading videos. I must admit that I am impressed with how people are able to find videos, shows or movies played from years ago and upload them, without the consent of those who produced them. Anything that's anything is posted here, even when it's considered controversial. What isn't controversial, these days? You can find almost any sort of footage if you just type it in the "Search" box. I fully appreciate the free access to some music track videos that I can't either afford or find anywhere else.  

3. Myspace - There's a few reasons why I come back to this site now and then. I actually had a Myspace (now called My "[_____]") account before I owned a Facebook account. Was I ever glad I switched? Indeed. Myspace was confusing, as all hell, and the design of it is flimsy compared to its more powerful rival. The only reasons I come back is to see who I know is left on there, see some friend's profile and mock how people never seem to go on the site anymore. Ever since Facebook was made, Myspace has really been put down in the gutter. I think the best way to describe the relationship between these sites were from the words of a Facebook "Like Group": "Tom must be pissed"

4. Nintendo.com - Alright. The reason I like this site should be self-explanatory. Right when you enter, you see the latest updates on the newest games out there for whatever Nintendo system you own. Plus, you can look up every single game ever made for that certain system (from Nintendo, that is). You can see previews of future games and even read/hear interviews from the developers. I'm a geek-a-zoid. That's why (Nintendo) wins this spot.

5. eBay - It's simple to purchase something off this website. Sure, there have been some problems with other people, but I have never had a single issue. Video-games, books, movies, people's houses, CD's, household necessities, appliances. You can find and purchase just about anything, if you're willing to pay the price. In my experience, the shipping process has been very prompt and I've received what I purchased, right on time or even earlier. If anything, there may be just a one or two day delay, but that's all. Just be sure to read the description of the item you want, before you buy it.

6. Wikipedia - Whoever made the remark that Wikipedia is iffy on the details is highly judgemental. Really. I can easily say, with my peace of mind, that I've never found a false detail on anything I've looked up. There might be some punctuation mistakes, but a good percentage of us go on this site just to find out what something means or is, correct? I don't consider looking up information on a resource site to be cheating, despite what some educators believe. If anything, this site contains some missing details, not false ones.

7. Picnik - I mostly use this site when I go onto Facebook, but I really enjoy the editing features used here. It's not truly professional or anything like that, although one can only judge on what he or she likes. This is mainly a photo editing site and a very appreciated one at that. Any photo you upload can be edited at a cost of waiting for the loading screen, which says things like: Loading....laying a blanket....fluffing pillows....trimming the tree....carving jack-o'-lantern....fun. For the most part, I have been satisfied with every photo I have masterfully created. Thank you Picnik.   

8. Google - The most well-known, search-engine based website is Google. Type anything in the "Search" box. You are guaranteed to find something (maybe, just MAYBE, excluding made up words). True, you may not find exactly what you're looking for. However, you may discover something better. You have to appreciate looking at all the new designs that Google makes on special occasions. Even better. You have to appreciate the creativity of the artwork that people use to make a Google logo. This just may be the best search engine ever. Yahoo just doesn't compare, in my view. Plus, you can't say, "I'm gonna Yahoo it." It just doesn't fit.

9. Gmail  - And since we're on the topic of Google, I may as well mention that I am a proud owner of a Gmail account. It gains me access to Facebook, this blog site, and other address-required sites. Powered by Google, Gmail has been a prominent success and it's been very helpful in sending and receiving emails. Just like Google, you can change the backdrop of your account homepage. There are some really cool, default designs on there. I think Gmail will continue to be of usefulness to me.

10. Blogger - Do I really need to explain why? No. Of course I don't. I guess this one's on the list because I wanted to make this moment a special appreciation moment for a friend who introduced this site to me. So, thank you Asha Waterhouse for showing me Blogger! Without Blogger, I'd be stuck reading books for the rest of my life (ha-ha-ha-ha-ha).

 

- Done.

My Top 10 Most Underrated and Overrated Disney Movies (Part 2)

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :) 

- Blog #8: When I said that Disney had a lot of good movies out there, I wasn't kidding. There are a TON. Contrary to popular belief, I happen to think that some Disney movies get more credit than they deserve. I'm not going to go into too much detail about each of these movies. This is because...well...they're overrated for a reason, right? Note that these movies are not necessarily bad movies. They are just too highly praised.  Now, here's Part 2 of my first "Opposites Attract" list of underrated and overrated Disney movies.

Overrated Disney Movies 


1. Aladdin - It should be obvious to everyone reading this note that I really don't care if you hate me for having a certain movie on this list. It's my list! Not yours! Sure, this movie is good. The music soundtrack is quite catchy and the artwork displays the talent of old-school Disney movie-making. So, what's the problem? The story is the problem. It's cliché, it's boring, and there's not much depth to it. This is unlike the movies I had in Part 1 of this list. The movie is based off a real Arabian Nights story. Aladdin is a young man who meets this girl (Jasmine), in the Agrabah marketplace. He ends up getting "captured" by the Grand Vizier, named Jafar, and he is taken to The Cave of Wonders. There, he finds a magic lamp and he is granted 3 wishes from a genie. Joy! So, he wishes to becomes a prince to impress Jasmine (stupid...stupid...stupid). After back-and-forth discussions, Aladdin convinces Jasmine to take a ride on a magic carpet with him. Jasmine sees that Aladdin was not a prince, but only the boy she had met in the marketplace. Aladdin continues to fib and tells Jasmine that he sometimes dresses as a foreign traveler to escape palace life. After Aladdin says goodbye to Jasmine, Jafar appears to attack Aladdin, again, and throws him in the ocean. Aladdin is forced to use his second wish, to be saved. Returning to the palace, Jafar is with the Sultan and he reveals his plot to marry Jasmine and take over Agrabah. A fight broke out and Jafar is able to steal the magic lamp, The genie is then given a new master. Jafar uses two wishes to become the Sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Aladdin returns to the palace and Jafar uses his final wish to become an all-powerful genie (really stupid...stupid...stupid). Jafar is sent to his own magic lamp and is imprisoned. Jasmine then saw Aladdin to be brave. It didn't matter to her anymore that Aladdin had lied and became a prince. Aladdin uses his final wish to set his genie friend free and Aladdin gets to be with Jasmine...(sighs). It's just...boring! Plus, the movie was too comedic and cheesy. Not much of a life lesson was demonstrated in this feature film, except maybe that you shouldn't lie for your own benefit. Not the best storyline, at all.

2. The Incredibles - This one is a shorty. Blah story-lines? How about a short description of the story-line? I think that the only reason this movie was so hyped was because it was made by Pixar. It was that and it was also a superhero movie. Nothing more, nothing less. How basic can I get with this? It's a movie about a superhero family who are hiding their powers from the public. This game of hide-of-seek started, mainly, because of a legal lawsuit that sued all superheroes for using their powers. The father (Mr. Incredible) is experiencing problems when he is met with an "old fan" (Buddy/Syndrome) who has gone bad. Mr. Incredible is sent on a mission to stop Syndrome from killing any more superheroes. There's trouble and the rest of the family finds out about this secret mission. Summarizing this to the best of my ability, the family defeats Syndrome and the new villain shows up to leaves the movie with a cliff-hanger. Wow. There hasn't even been a sequel, yet. I know I'm missing a lot of details, like robot-attacks and secret meetings with superhero officials. Really, though...who cares? This movie had comedy and it definitely had some action-packed fun in it. These factors alone just don't make up for the lack of a touching storyline. The story was just not there. The events in the movie just happened. There's not much emotional reasoning for a lot of it.

3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Again, let me reiterate that most movies that I'm mentioning here aren't necessarily bad. Believe me. I say that there were many more underrated Disney movies than there were overrated Disney movies. This is one of those movies where I think it's a great classic, but certainly not the best Disney film storyline that there is. Not being sexist in any shape or form, but "Disney Princess" films USUALLY don't have much depth into them. Snow White is a young princess who works as a slave-girl for her wicked stepmother. The stepmother's magic mirror tells her that Snow White is "the fairest in the land." Angered by this very thought, the stepmother hires a huntsman to kill Snow White and bring back her heart. The huntsman had a conscious mind that told him that she should not die. He lets her live. The huntsman returns to the stepmother with a pig's heart, instead. Snow White flees for the forest and finds a small cottage with seven chairs, and such. Snow White figured that the place was for orphaned children. Little did she know that seven dwarfs lived there. So, Snow White spent the rest of her time caring for the seven dwarfs. The stepmother discovers Snow White's whereabouts and uses her magic to turn herself into a witch. The "witch" visits the cottage and convinces Snow White to eat a poisoned apple. The dwarfs saw what happened and they attack the evil stepmother. Cornered on a cliff, the stepmother tried to push a boulder onto the dwarfs. However, with one lightning bolt, the boulder backfired and she fell off the cliff. One fell swoop from a thunderbolt. Snow White was seemingly dead. The dwarfs hold a funeral for her. Suddenly, the prince that Snow White had previously met had come and he was overcome by Snow White's beauty. He kissed her and Snow White was freed from the spell and they all lived happily ever after. It was a touching scene, really. I just felt like I wasn't really attentive for the whole movie. I was very attentive in something like The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I think this movie is mostly popular for its music and its vibrant colors. That's just it.

4. The Lion King - I know I'm going to get people mad at me for this one. Is it really "The Circle of Life" that makes this movie so popular? Really? I think that this is a beautifully made movie and this is surely a Hall of Fame induction member. I'm not even going to go into the whole story because...literally...every Disney fan should know this one! There's nothing wrong with the storyline, there's nothing wrong with the voice actors or anything like that, there's nothing wrong with the artwork, and there's nothing wrong with the music. So, why do I think this movie is overrated? It's always talked about for the wrong reasons. Whenever I hear people talk about The Lion King, it's either about the music or how they "LOVEEEEE ITTTTTTT!" There's hardly much mention for the deeper meaning of how Simba's father died or how Scar betrayed his own family for his own goals. I feel like I'm picking on this movie. It's just that, whenever people talk about "Disney", you hear this movie or other ones that have been looked upon too highly. I guess I just don't understand why this movie is so great, when I compare it to others. Maybe it's the use of African culture that very few people bring up into discussion. Maybe it's the first ever movie that truly succeeded in making a film with talking animals. I really don't know...I just think this movie is rated too high. That's all.

5. High School Musical - Oh...my...god...WHAT WAS DISNEY THINKING? I refuse to go into the storyline of this movie because...how should I put it? Oh, I know...IT STINKS! When people think Disney, you should be thinking about "Dreams coming true" or magic making! I'm not just talking about the first movie. I'm talking about ALL of them. I'm surprised Disney pooped out 3 of these poor excuses of "magic." Truthfully, I think these movies were made just for the money. I don't care that the movie gives out a boost of self-confidence or "SPIRIT!!" to kids and teens. It shouldn't be displayed in this manner. This movie seems to give the idea to kids that it's okay to act like a stuck-up prep or a jock that cares about nothing more than to get with the girl or some sports team. There's nothing wrong with sports or dating, but I just think that this movie is bad for Disney. Even the music in this movie is cheesy and awful. The worst part about the music is that I can't get the stupid songs out of my head. I don't want them in my head, but they freaking stay there! It's a new generation and people want to keep up with the times. I'm sure if this movie was released, sometime in the 1980's, it would be a hit (maybe even more so). 3 movies...in less than a year's time! Ridiculous...just ridiculous. Doesn't anyone else notice how less and less popular HSM became, just after the sequel and the trilogy? It's because people are realizing how much bull this movie exposes. The actors are too controversial, the plot is some weak-ass teenage soap opera, and the music...oh god the music. This movie defines the term, "overrated." Open up a dictionary and "BOOM!" Zac Efron's profile is right there.

- Done. 

My Top 10 Most Underrated and Overrated Disney Movies (Part 1)

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #7: It's now November, and I'm ready to write some new lists. Lately I've been watching some old Disney movies on YouTube, and a thought soon came to me. There were a lot of really good Disney movies that were made way back in the day. It's too bad that a lot of modern-day Disney movies have such awful graphics that don't feel right. You have those "3D" and computer designs that just don't feel as real as the actual flip-drawings on canvas. So, for the first time in my series of blogs, I'm making an "Opposites Attract" list that has 5 picks for one side of the story and 5 picks for the other. I'm probably going to be doing more of these in the future for video games or other genres, but for now I'm sticking to making one for Disney movies. Which Disney movies will be on here? Let's find out...

Underrated Disney Movies


1. Alice In Wonderland - No, not the new one that just came out. the animated one. This is one of those movies that doesn't fall into the categories of "Popular Disney Classics", mainly because the main character of this movie goes off in her own direction. Alice starts off the movie being bored of her sister trying to teach her about English history. At that moment, Alice must have been (or was on the verge of) falling asleep. She dreams of "A World Of Nonsense", in which there are no laws of logic or explanation. The story basically goes on to see that Alice finds a white rabbit, falls into a rabbit hole (no logic there, being that Alice was probably trice the size of the hole and was somehow able to go through), becomes large and small to get into a locked door, enters a mysterious world, finds the white rabbit and many other weirdos along the way, reaches a forest where the Cheshire Cat opens a way to the Queen of Heart's maze, gets put on trial for playing a prank on the Queen, the whole dream just goes into mayhem, and Alice wakes up to find out she was DREAMING! (phew) SO, the main reason that this movie is not highly looked upon is because Alice just doesn't seem to have the heart (and mind) that other Disney characters do. It just didn't grab attention to the viewers. It's too bad too, because I honestly thought this movie was like The Yellow Submarine...tripped up, but cool.

2. The Great Mouse Detective - Another great Disney animation film that was not as widely appreciated during its release was this adventure-filled classic. A story that takes place in London, The Great Mouse Detective starts off with a young mouse named Olivia Flaversham. She's celebrating her birthday with her toymaker father. Out of nowhere, a crippled bat breaks into their home and kidnaps Olivia's father. The bat takes the toymaker to his master, Professor Ratigan. Ratigan wants the toymaker to create a robot replica of the Queen of the Mice, all this so that Ratigan can "Rule England!" Naturally, the toymaker refuses. Olivia searches out "Basil of Baker Street", who is a detective that resembles the character of Sherlock Holmes. Basil was very hesitant to help. After he learned the identity of Olivia's kidnapper, Basil sees his chance to stop Ratigan once-and-for-all. Together, along with Basil's "sidekick" Dr. Dawson, the group seeks to save the real Queen from being fed to Ratigan's pet cat and save "Mousedom" (yeah...). The final confrontation is a bell-tower fight, where Ratigan goes insane from being called a "Rat" and ends up falling to his death, with Basil falling as well. However, an invention from earlier in the movie saves Basil's life. Olivia and her father are reunited and England's mouse world is saved from disaster. This movie is great and it surprisingly resembles the adventures of the real Sherlock Holmes. Again, the problem with this movie was that it was released at a time where there were so many other Disney movies that overpowered it.

3. The Fox and the Hound - It seems to be an automatic reception that all Disney movies have to end with a happy ending. I disagree. They can also end with something that can be passed on as a life lesson. The Fox and the Hound is an example of that kind of movie. Disney wasn't always about cute animals, adventures beyond belief, or 100% happy endings. It's rare, nowadays, that Disney films have any sort of useful lessons embedded in their storyline. This movie gave a moment of reflection. It gave people thoughts about how our society acts around us, as well as what the deeper meaning is behind it all. It's really a complex, emotional moral inside a seemingly simple plot. A kind widow, named Tweed, adopts a young fox who was named Tod. Next door, a man named Amos Slade gets a hound dog puppy, named Copper. Copper meets Tod, on account that Tod has a strong odor at the time. Thus, both become playmate friends. However, Slade sees both animals disturbing his other hunting dog (Chief) and he begins to shoot at Tod. He threatens to kill him, if he ever set foot on his property again. Further struggles between Chief, Tod, and Slade leads Copper to believe that Tod was the cause of all the troubles. As a result, Copper and Tod become enemies. Tod was sent away to a forest where hunting was forbidden and a storyline with a female fox (Vixey) begins. Slade and Copper, still hell-bent on catching (in Slade's case...killing) Tod, set up a trap and accidentally provoke a bear-attack. Copper fights the bear, but to no avail. Tod steps in to save his "friend" and both Tod and the bear fall down a waterfall. The bear does not live, but Tod somehow survives. Slade sees the opportunity to kill Tod, but Copper blocks Tod from gun-point. Slade lowers his gun and takes Copper away, only to have Copper smile at Tod, one more time. Just...a beautiful movie. You don't have a soul if you didn't feel heartbroken that Tod and Copper couldn't really be friends.

4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Talk about dark movies. This masterpiece defines the term "Underrated Disney Movie" with its brilliance. Think about it. There were so many references to Hell, Heaven, religion, life, and death. This is as realistic as Disney can get on reality (excluding, of course, non-animated Disney movies). There are even some sexual tensions between certain characters. The story revolves around a gypsy girl, three men who love her, a bell-tower in Paris, and a life of tyranny. Years ago, a group of gypsies fled from the law, while Frollo (Minister of Justice) was on their tail. In pursuit to capture an "unlawful" gypsy woman, Frollo kills her (debatable on whether it was intentional or not) and grabs what the woman was carrying. It was a baby (Quasimodo) or, as Frollo put it, "a monster." Frollo tries to kill the deformed baby, but he is held down by guilt after the Arch Decon arrives. 20 years later, Frollo cares for Quasimodo, who is now the Notre Dame bell-ringer. Quasi dreams of leaving the bell-tower and exploring what's out there in the world. So, he sneaks out to see the "Festival of Fools", where Frollo was forced to attend. Both were unexpectedly greeted by a gypsy dancer named Esmeralda. Quasi gets caught up in the festivities and ends up winning the "King of Fools" contest, while Frollo witnessed everything in deep discontent. Esmeralda tries to save Quasi from torture, but Frollo forbids it. Esmeralda escapes as a fugitive. Frollo's new lackey, Captain Phoebus, searches for the gypsy girl and ends up falling in love with Esmeralda. Phoebus claims sanctuary for Esmeralda, only to have Frollo trap Esmeralda inside the cathedral. Quasi meets Esmeralda, again, and helps her escape. Quasi falls in love, but fears that Esmeralda cares negatively towards his appearance. Frollo's love for Esmeralda is one of sin. It is summed up as, "Be mine...or she will be burn!" Frollo goes to burn down most of Paris in order to find Esmeralda. To be honest...this movie is just something that you have to see to believe. It's just too powerful. I feel like I'm running out of space explaining the story. Doesn't this seem like something that should be looked more highly upon? From DISNEY!?

5. Song of the South - Here's a Disney movie that is both non-animated and animated, but underrated for the most ridiculous reason that I can even imagine. Sure, some say it's legitimate. I find the matter to be absolute tomfoolery. If you've never heard of this movie, or you don't know what I'm talking about, then I've proved my point on how badly this film was publicized. The main reason that this film is (was) bad-mouthed was because of the issue of race. Yup...racial discrimination. This movie doesn't have much back-plot, as it is mostly a movie of make-believe stories. The idea that Disney would even consider this time-period as an idea for a film is mind-boggling. It's absolutely admirable. This movie was not about the ideas of race, but the ideas of how people can find happiness in the most darkest of hours. The American Civil War had just ended. A young boy, named Johnny, believed that he was on vacation visiting his grandmother's plantation. Johnny soon realized that his parents were hiding a secret. They were splitting up for a time and Johnny was greatly saddened by this. Johnny soon runs off into the plantation and befriends an old man (Uncle Rebus). Uncle Rebus appears from time to time, in order to cheer up Johnny and some other children. He tells make-believe stories of "Br'er Rabbit" and his misadventures. Suddenly, we go from real-life to a cartoon world and then back to reality again. These stories were meant to teach simple life-lessons towards young adolescents. Of course, much controversy occurred, due to misunderstandings. However, an accident regarding a bull nearly kills Johnny. The family returns to see Johnny on the verge of life or death. Johnny wants to hear one more story from Uncle Rebus and, miraculously, Johnny survives. It's a very thrilling, but very satisfying movie that leaves you with the thought that the world is not such a bad place. It is a shame that this movie doesn't get the attention it deserves.

 - So, you've read my rant on what I thought were the most underrated Disney movies ever, but what Disney movies that were on my mind when it came down to the matter of ratings being a little too...high? Stay tuned for Part 2, when I discuss what Disney movies are overrated to the public.
     

- Done (for now).

My Top 10 Best Halloween Candies

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

 - Blog #6: It's nearing the end of October and I'm ready to write a new "Top 10" list. On Hallow's Eve, little kids and teenagers dress up for trick-or-treating, carve Jack-O'-Lanterns, or become involved with many other Halloween shenanigans. While wearing a costume or going to a costume party can be fun, and people like to go along with their regular traditions on Halloween, a big part of the holiday is often disregarded from all the excitement over the legacy that Halloween leaves behind. It's about the candy! Kids love it, teens love it, I love it, and you know that (deep down) you do too! So, finishing off this month of blogs, I'm going to show which candies I found to be the most popular and the ones that often get finished off in an instant. Are your favorites on the list? If not, all I can say is....Boo....

1. Nerds - No, I'm not talking about the stereotype. I'm talking about everyone's favorite sugar-coated sugar treats from Willy Wonka. Most people on Halloween give out those small boxes of Nerds, as their treat for their trick. While the rattling of these boxes can be obnoxious, some can consider the rattling to be quite appealing. You never really notice how quickly one can down these boxes, because...they taste fantastic. They're pretty small and you wouldn't really have to worry too much about your teeth...but brush anyway!

 

2. Reese's (Peanut Butter Cups) - If nothing else, I would gladly trade a good portion of my Halloween candy for these. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have been around since the 1920's. Over 80 years of peanut butter-chocolate happiness can really take it's nostalgic turn in one's mind. There's so much freaking peanut butter that you could make a snack or meal out of these. Sure, you have "Reese's Pieces" and miniature cups, but the standard sized cups are the ones that will always taste....yeah I'll say it...ORGASMIC!

3. M&M's - No, not the rapper. The candy! While I have no particular reference as to which flavor I enjoy the most, there's nothing that M&M's can't cheer up on a bad day. Introduced later than Reese's, M&M's were released in the U.S. during the 1940's and are now popular throughout the known world (I believe over 100 countries...but that's actually just a guess). Let's face it...Halloween would not be the same without these. It's not just the taste of them that gets a kid excited, but the scents of the candy through the candy bag. M&M's are just very well known and taste very good! Want proof? Just try some!

4. Candy Corn - These are Halloween classics and a traditional treat, at best. These are even sometimes considered as a Halloween mascot, being that you see the candy corn designs on anything related to the Halloween holiday. Candy corn mainly takes the spot though, just because they've been around the longest and are still going strong today. Try about...130 years! People still love candy corn. Who could blame them, after tasting the sugar and corn syrup goodness? It's not just Halloween that these candies are presented. There are even some cases where the colors change from yellow, orange, and white to other colors for each different holiday. Young or old, people still love Candy corn....I wish I had some right now. 

5. Skittles - The fruit-tasting equivalent to M&M's, Skittles let you "Feel the Rainbow, Taste the Rainbow" and that saying could not be any more accurate. However, unlike M&M's, Skittles candies have many colors, with EACH ONE having a different flavor. Plus, they're labeled with an "S" instead of an "m" mark. The best part is that it doesn't matter which ones you put in your mouth, or how you mix them. Any combination of Skittles taste fantastic. Arguably, Skittles are also known for having some of the best commercials.

6. Tootsie Roll (Pops) - Not much to say about these, except that Tootsie Pops are chocolate perfection. The most well-known case of losing a tooth. Tootsie Rolls are just as tasty as taffy. Giving out the smaller rolls make the treat bowl last longer, but giving out Tootsie Pops will make kids smile from cheek to cheek. I remember getting a Tootsie Pop, unwrapping it, and then looking around the wrapper for that Indian with the arrow shooting a star (and to this day, I still don't know what the point of doing that was...). Both types of Tootsie Rolls can be long-lasting and memorable.

7. Milky Ways - Seriously, what candy in the world is good for dental hygiene? This is one of those candies where you know your mouth is going to be a mess, but you'll eat it anyway because it tastes so good. Chocolate outside, caramel inside. Almost every single house on my street will have some form of Milky Way given out, even if it's vanilla flavored instead. Indubitably, one of the most underrated candies ever. Could it be possible that this candy gets low ratings because it really wasn't named after Earth's galaxies? Hmm...

8. Kit-Kats - A candy that is one of the most common things on the Halloween giveaway list. Kit-Kats will go out...fast! Makers of Kit-Kat produced many different kinds of Kit Kat candies, but none reached out further than the classic 2 to 4-pieced one. I must have a thing for chocolate because almost every candy on here has some form of it. These candies can come in multiple pieces of chocolate-covered, 3 pieced wafers and are fun to eat because you get that awesome "Crunch" sound. How else could people have made this?

9. Nestlé: CRUNCH - Speaking of crunching, CRUNCH is probably my favorite candy on this list. I would die to get some of it during the Halloween season (even though I don't Trick-or-Treat anymore...thank goodness for leftovers). Vaguely similar to Kit-Kats, CRUNCH is a chocolate covered, crispy rice treat that could make even someone like me happy! It's hard to describe, other than the fact that it tastes great. Plus, these guys stand out of the candy bowl, mainly because of the bright blue wrapping that covers them. Kids would immediately dive-bomb for it!

10. Snickers - For reasons unknown, I have never had a Snicker in my life. However, it's a candy that I see EVERY Halloween! I even see billboards will Snicker logos that say something witty, involving peanut butter or chocolate (Peanut-Metropolis...or something like that). Apparently being a candy bar with substance, Snickers can fill a person up in a flash, but who can really guess something like that on Halloween?

- Done. (Happy Halloween!)

My Top 10 Worst Bad Habits

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #5: Here's a plain and simple list of habits that are annoying and have been becoming a continuous trend for people like me and other individuals. No descriptions for this one....just a list.

1. Procrastination
2. Drug Consumption
3. Littering
4. Unnecessary Cursing
5. Texting
6. "facebook"ing
7. Sleeping In...Really Late
8. Becoming Over-Zealous
9. Eating Unhealthy
10. Gossip   


- Done.

My Top 10 Beautifully Composed Video-Game Boss Soundtracks

This list is in no particular order and was NOT stolen from another individual. Copyright Infringement will not be tolerated and all property goes to Steven Chung....AH SCREW IT! I don't care...do what you want. :)  

- Blog #4: Many of my blogs will consist of music-related topics, especially when it breaks down to the passion of video-game music. Whether it's a mix of favorites or a collection of masterpieces...music is just amazing, isn't it? This time, the "Top 10" list will be showing off some of the most beautiful pieces of music, brought on by an EPIC boss battle. There is an erratic amount of sheer epic proportions, when defining what makes a boss battle theme an epic one. Just like the last blog, I'm only allowing one song per video-game franchise. So, here we go.

1. Super Mario 64/DS: Final Bowser Battle - What better way to start off a collage of boss battle themes than with a boss that so many video-game fans will recognize? Bowser is up to no good, once again, and has stolen Princess Peach out of the Mushroom Kingdom's hands. "Here we go!" Mario sets off to save the day, the kingdom, and the princess! Throughout Super Mario 64, Mario will be traveling from world to worlds, all while inside a castle and jumping into paintings. Once you receive enough Star Power, you will have a chance to fight Bowser. Mario will have to fight Bowser three times, before you can win the game. The first two times, you get a rockin' theme that displays Bowser's rampage towards Mario and his heroic antics. Once you've reached the end, and you fight "Bowser in the Sky", you get this. Unexpected, but very appreciated...ORGAN MUSIC!

 
2. Final Fantasy/Kingdom Hearts II: Sephiroth Battle ("One Winged Angel") - How often does anyone hear opera-like music and video-game boss battle music clash? Well, it happens more often than one may think, but I never anticipated games like these having such a quality. Appearing to be a song taken from "The Messiah", "One Winged Angel" belongs to the ever-daunting character of Sephiroth. This individual was born from an experiment and was developed into a divine figure. With his long-sword and his single wing, Sephiroth becomes spiteful toward the human race and wishes to control the planet. Sephiroth also made a special appearance in Kingdom Hearts II, as an obstacle in Sora's path at Hollow Bastion castle. This theme is catchy, cool and gives opera music a good rep.

3. Sonic & Knuckles: Doomsday Fight - Now, I know I titled this blog as "Beautifully Composed...", but there is a reason why I wanted this one on the list. I wanted to be fair to the readers and not have every single song be something organ-like or classical (not that I don't think it's appropriate). Some people may see other kinds of music as "beautiful" and something like techno rock could fit into that category. There was even a rock remix made for the YouTube series, called "Super Mario Bros. Z!" So, Sonic is basically saving his home from the works of Dr. Robotnik/Eggman (again). This time, the final battle battle involves Sonic going "Super Saiyan" and the battle must be waged against a massive robot holding the stolen Master Emerald. The Master Emerald is the source of survival for the planet of Mobius. I included links to both the original song and to the rock remix, just because both themes are so awesome.

4. The Legend of Zelda-Twilight Princess: Final Ganondorf Battle - Here comes a rant...people who have played Twilight Princess and have reached the final battle must have had the same feeling I had. Why was the final battle so disappointingly easy? Most Legend of Zelda bosses have noticeable weak-points, but Ganondorf did not. So, why is this a bad thing? Well, if you know what to do or have played the game long enough to figure it out, this battle was just a 2-3 minute sword-fight. I, honestly, had a harder time beating the final boss of Sonic & Knuckles than I did this game. Anyway, once you've realized that Ganondorf was the one who again shrouded Hyrule in darkness, you must fight him 3 times (somewhat like Bowser's situation, except in a row). First, you battle Ganon in his beast form. It's the one that's dearly noted upon, by classic Zelda games. Once you win, you then fight Ganondorf on horseback, with Princess Zelda alongside shooting Light Arrows at Ganondorf. Then, you knock Ganondorf off the horse and are forced to fight him, one-on-one, in a sword-fight to the finish. This battle was pretty easy, but the conditions of the fight (the thundering fields of Hyrule and the sword-fighting) somewhat made up for the quick victory. However, what REALLY caught my attention...was the battle music in the background. It just fit so perfectly for this epic (but easy) battle.

 
5. Pikmin: Emperor Bulblax - Yes, indeed. Pikmin is on this list. For such a seemingly innocent game, in which Olimar is saving the Pikmin race and finding parts to fix his spaceship, the final battle just threw this gigantic final boss at you. Although not so tough in his returning performance in Pikmin 2, Emperor Bulblax was a beast here. The Bulblax community has taken over the Pikmin ecosystems and eat every last living thing in sight, almost leading the Pikmin to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, large bomb plants were growing around this battlefield. This battle was very hard and it actually took me a few days to beat. The music gave this glutenous-feeling of doom and gave the impression that you would be fighting something huge. It did not disappoint.

6. Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen: Champion Gary Oak Battle - Who needs an epic battle against a champ, when you can have an epic battle with the greatest rival ever? Debuting in the first ever Pokémon games, Gary Oak becomes the first known rival to the hero (an annoying one, at that). What's so great about this rival? He becomes Pokémon Champion of Kanto...before YOU! After humiliating insults from this loud-mouth Gary, it's time to face him and shut him up once and for all. Having, basically, the same 6 Pokémon in the classic series, you receive an essence of nostalgia like never before. The only reason the remix theme topped the original was because it combined the ideals of #2 and #3 on my list.

7. Star Fox Assault: Aparoid Queen Battle 1+2: As stated in the previous blog, this game has an amazing orchestrated soundtrack, produced by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. The storyline behind this game is that the Cornerian army is ending battles with an old foe's remaining forces. After appearing to have a complete victory on the team's belt, a new enemy force emerges. A parasitic group of cyber-bugs called "Aparoids" invade and destroy much of what is the Lylat System (Star Fox's version of our Solar System). The Star Fox team learns of the cause of the infestation. The insects are produced by their leader/breeder, the Aparoid Queen. She controls every single mind slaved to the Aparoids and is able to access memories, abilities, and even machinery with utmost ease. Star Fox's Slippy Toad invents a self-destruct program, which would be launched inside the Queen's hive. It's up to Fox McCloud to defeat the queen and activate the program. I included both themes, seeing how both refer to the same boss and both have the same amount of awesomeness, without too much continuity.

8. Ninja Gaiden-Dragon Sword: Nicchae Battle - Another great game for the Nintendo DS, Ninja Gaiden-Dragon Sword holds true to the powers of a ninja. Ryu Hayabusa, the hero, rebuilds a village after an incident that happened 6 months ago. His apprentice, Momiji, is kidnapped by the Black Spider Clan and Ryu sets off to rescue her. Ryu is forced to travel to different dimensions, in order to find Momiji. After collecting the powers of gems called "Dark Dragonstones", Ryu is sent to the gates of Hell. Two evil spirits of ancient fiends appear to face Ryu. Ryu easily defeats the first one (Ishtaros). Then, when Ryu thinks he has won, Ishtaro's sister summons herself to fight. Nicchae brings a new meaning toward evil, as she planned to "create a new world"...destroying it was the real intention. Unlike Star Fox: Assault, this game's soundtrack was not recorded by an actual orchestra, but it's very convincing.

9. Megaman Network Transmission: Life Virus R Final Battle - The Megaman Battle Network series didn't hit it off with many Megaman fans. They felt that the game-play didn't feel as classic as the original ideas of "Classic Megaman" or "Megaman X", but it still was a hit to other Megaman fans (like myself). While being a game with stereotypical Japanese styled pop/techno music, the music was very appropriate for the actual plot of the game. You really felt as though you were exploring the internet or a digital world. Megaman had just defeated the WWW's Life Virus R, after it threatened to destroy the networks. However, the threat returned and the Life Virus R was being re-build by the powers of the protege of Dr.Wily. Megaman must now stop the attacks of rampaging NetNavis, whom were infected with the Life Virus poison. Then, you reach the Undernet (the supposed Internet's Hell) and are forced to fight every boss you've fought. Then, you fight the Life Virus R, for the final time.

10. Kingdom Hearts-Chain of Memories: Marluxia Battle  - Ok....I'm only partially breaking my rules for this one. Technically, #2's music resided over the Final Fantasy series and only appeared once in the Kingdom Hearts series. Also, this is from KH1 and not KH2. So, this counts as being a pick in my book. I won't go into detail with the storyline of the game, but just imagine fighting someone with a scythe and hearing this in the background. Hearing it, you'll feel the same sense of judgment and battle mixed into one. Isn't that how a boss music should be?

- Done.