First off, I got my 360 back yesterday morning, which marked two weeks to the day that I sent it out for repairs. Color me impressed. Other than the fact that the system wasn't in its own box, everything points to it being a brand spankin' new console. It looks flawless, the manufacture date is Feb 2008, and it even sounds quieter when running with a disc in the tray. I am pretty happy right now to get back to Geometry Wars 2 and Soul Calibur IV, which I rotated between yesterday.

I still need to put time aside to play more of Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria. I have a little over 16 hours on my file at the moment and I am continually impressed and captivated by this RPG. As long as it holds up to the end, I think this could crack my top 10 for RPG's for sure.

School begins again next week, my final two semesters of college. The good thing is, I have a few days off from my jobs before it begins. I kind of just want this school year to begin already because I'm tired of dreading and worrying about it. This is the year where I really have to sit down and make my resume, go the Career Services office of my school, and basically just see where I can get into an internship or something along those lines with a Bachelor's in Finance. Financial advising seems pretty interesting to me, but my final Finance courses may help narrow it down for me. Haha, hopefully.

Finally, the main point of the blog is to share some of my enthusiasm for some of the horror films seeing a release in the fall. One reason I love the fall is that we always see more horror stuff released because it is approaching Halloween. Some of these films are new, but most are old that either haven't seen a release yet or are out of print, or they're making their way to high definition.

11. Child's Play (1988 )

Now, I'm not a big fan of this series or anything, but the original is a decent flick. It may not hold up scarewise when you get older, but I wouldn't completely dismiss it. I own it on DVD already, but it was only available in full screen, so I'm pretty happy to finally get the film in widescreen and a better transfer no doubt.

10. Pumpkinhead (1988 )

Similar to Child's Play, it was only available in rubbish full screen until now. I love this flick though, so the upgrade is a no brainer.

9. Bloody Moon (1981)

This film sounds like the usual good time from arguably the greatest individual year in horror film history. The one review on Amazon from "Bartok Kinski" sums it well: "Bloody moon is a Spanish slasher flick from 1981. It's like a refreshing version of Friday the 13th with bad dubbing, nonsensical dialogue and bad editing. The film is so hilarious, it's set in a language school where the girls talk endlessly about boys, "Antonio is the best lover on campus...you can have a go of him if you like" the boys say things like "oh baby, I want you to melt in my arms".

The best moment, however is when a girl is picked up in a car by a man in a mask. He takes her to an old mill and ties her to a table connected to a buzzsaw. Only when he switches on the saw does she finally get suspicious.

It's a trash movie addicts delight, but others beware."

I was interested before, but thanks to this guy, he made it sound like can't miss masterpiece.

8. Friday the 13th- The Series: The First Season (1987)

This is pretty much a megaton release. It has nothing to do with the series, but I remember reading that back when this show was around, it even reached second in ratings, only behind Star Trek: The Next Generation. It is supposed to be a good solid horror show though. Its demise came after three seasons,when Paramount finally caved in to religious groups and soccer mom types, who didn't bother to watch the show, thinking it was only another playground for Jason, this time on public television. Which was completely untrue.

7. Black Christmas (1974) Blu-ray

One of my favorite horror films sees a release in glorious high definition. What could make me happier?

6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Blu-ray

Well, this makes me even happier. My second favorite horror film ever, I don't even know how many times I've purchased this film, but it is worth it every time. This is going to be an interesting release.

5. Sweet Sixteen (1983)

A slasher from the 80's that I haven't seen. Good enough reason for me. Want even more? What a cover! I feel like a kid right now, picking movies based off their covers. It could turn out terrible, but who cares? Lastly, Dana Kimmel, the lead heroine from Friday the 13th Part 3 is in it. Need I say more? Horror Goddess.

4. Final Exam (1981)

I'm pretty sure this has seen a release before, but I don't think it was a good one like this should be. Once again, another slasher film from the year of 1981. I can't wait.

3. Pieces (1983)

This is perhaps the most hysterical bad movie ever. For all those who say House of the Dead, go back and check out this infamous gem. I own probably the worst copy available on DVD, you can hardly make out what is on the screen. Because this is being released by Grindhouse Releasing, I'm expecting the best possible transfer and sound quality. Expect a review from me after I view it again on this DVD release at the end of October.

2. Mother of Tears (2007)

The final third of the Three Mothers trilogy by the great Dario Argento. I haven't heard many good things about the film, but I'm an Argento whore so I'm confident I'll enjoy it regardless. Either way, it is good to see this completed and now there won't be fans worried about if the last part of the trilogy will ever come out (the first part, Suspiria, came out in 1977 and the second part, Inferno, came out in 1980).

1. Return to Sleepaway Camp (2004)

Part 4 of the Sleepaway Camp series has been sitting on the shelf for years and it is finally seeing a release. Look up anything about this film and you'll find rumor upon rumor of release dates, theatrical showings, fan anticipation, etc. Unfortunately, since it was officially announced for a DVD release, it has already seen two pushbacks that I'm aware of. It was scheduled for October 14, but now it is on for November 4. It is getting me nervous again. I'm dying to see it because it really appears to be in the spirit of the first film which was released 25 years ago. I say this because I saw a trailer for it on YouTube.

Here are the top 5 Castlevania tracks in my opinion.

5. Marble Gallery Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)

Another of the many SOTN masterpieces that nail the gothic feel the game and this series has.

4. Clock Tower Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA)

I don't know what it is about this track, but I love staying in this area of the game leveling up, just to hear it over and over. I said it before and I'll say it again, Aria of Sorrow has some great music.

3. Simon's Theme Super Castlevania IV (SNES)

What a perfect way to start off a game...with an awesome piece of music. It just feels like you're on a mission or something. Simon is such a badass.

2. The Tragic Prince Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)

I was not expecting this when I heard it in game for the very first time. A kicking guitar solo mixed with orchestration, damn. Over time, it duked it out with Marble Gallery for my favorite track in the game and at this moment in time, it won.

1. Bloody Tears Super Castlevania IV (SNES)

Perhaps a cliche of a pick, but for good reason. Many consider this tune among the very best and the SNES version just sticks with me the most. I mean, just listen to it...it rocks so much. Every time the main part of the song kicks back in, I just want to "cry bloody tears of rememberance" as the YouTube user Belmont Ziimon says in one of the latest comments under that video. What a great line.

So as it stands, Super Castlevania IV and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night stole the show, which was to be expected since I feel they sport the best soundtracks in the series and some of the best in all of gaming. If I had to pick between the two, I think I would lean towards Super Castlevania IV honestly. SOTN has more quality tracks....it would have been all too easy to throw a dozen out there, but SCIV boasts very strong pieces of its own and all 4 of its appearance come in the top 11.

Dawn of Sorrow is no slouch either with 3 choices, and many more contenders. That game turned out to be a pleasant surprise when it was all said and done.

It was a good time doing this list and I have to admit that the horror film list I did last year burned me out pretty good. I love everything about horror, but after while, it began to feel like a job. It was different in this case, since I had something "physical" to share and only had to offer a few opinions.

Which makes me want to do more. I have some more ideas along the same lines kicking around right now. I'm in the mood to do a list like this for the Mario series, to be quite honest. I also want to do my favorite horror film scores. I'm leaning towards the latter first, even though I've already begun gathering tracks for Mario.

First off, make sure you check out LordelX's blog with his own top 20 Castlevania list, which proves as an interesting comparison between the two: LordelX's Castlevania Extravaganza

I'm pretty happy other people like the list so far. One thing I wanted to mention, especially after reading and listening to LordelX's selections is that I do have some remixes in place of originals, as long as they appeared in a game in the series itself. Originality counts for a lot, but sometimes, I can just can't ignore a well done remix. You'll see what I mean by the end of the countdown... Without further ado, here are some more of my favorite Castlevania pieces.

15. Dance of Illusions Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)

This is a great piece that plays at the beginning of Symphony of the Night, when you're reliving the Richter and Dracula fight from Bloodlines. I'm guessing the same track appears in Bloodlines. It is really a well done piece of boss music and though it is not in the song, I always picturing Dracula's laugh accompanying this, along with him spouting something about TRUE POWER! This is the first of many wonderful tracks that make up arguably the greatest soundtrack from a video game to date.

14. Dracula's Castle Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)

Another thing Castlevania does consistently is having outstanding songs right from the beginning of the game to suck you right in. This is another one of those songs that fits the area of the game overly well. When you see the eyeball monsters outside the window and the storm going on as you walk along, it just feels right.

13. Town Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (NES)

This is one of my favorite NES tracks ever. It just fits the eerie feel this game has. I could listen to it all day. Underrated game too, much like many of the direct sequels to the original games on the NES.

12. Castle Corridor Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA)

What do you know? Another great intro theme. This one got my blood pumping and I didn't put the game down until I beat it. While I would rank Aria of Sorrow behind Circle of the Moon for my favorite GBA Castlevania (maybe even favorite GBA game period), this game contains many memorable themes and more original tracks.

11. Forest of Monsters Super Castlevania IV (SNES)

Good god, this track is dope (is that word still popular?). The beginning makes this song and the way it leads into the main part of the song is brilliant. This is a game with many outstanding tracks. If any game can give Symphony of the Night a run for its money, it is this one.

10. Big Battle (Dracula) Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (NES)

Another blood pumper. Great track for a great boss battle. This appears in Circle of the Moon as well, but I chose the original because of the importance of such a battle. Castlevania III was gangsta, plain and simple.

9. Into the Dark Night Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)

I adore this track. It is so fast paced and it takes place during a battle with a pretty cool puppet master boss who makes some weird, yet great sounds. One of the finer boss themes in my opinion.

8. Awake Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (GBA)

*Coughs* Intro track. Definitely my favorite track from this game and as far as I know, it is an original piece, from a game filled with remixes. Every time I listen to this, I am taken back to the summer after my sophomore year in high school when I purchased a regular GBA with this game. God this game was brutal to see on that thing. The SP solved that problem eventually.

7. Pitch Black Intrusion Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)

I was originally skeptical of this game back when it debuted. The anime art didn't seem very Castlevania-like and using the stylus seemed hokey (still does honestly). But when I heard this track, I immediately fell in love with the game. What is it about Castlevania and the intro music? Flawless track.

6. Vampire Killer Super Castlevania IV (SNES)

The main theme of the entire series. It has seen so many different renditions and this one is my favorite, which is the reason why I am choosing it. The original started it all, but I love how this version sounds. Yet another tremendous track from this game.

Final Five will be posted tomorrow night.