Salvador's Top 7: Video Game Music Tracks

If you like game music, look these guys up

Welcome to Friday's Top 7! Every week I'll try to put together a top seven list of something gaming related. It could be the top NES games, the top video game villains, or the top funniest things I've heard on Xbox Live. It pretty much can be whatever I feel like as long as it is gaming related.

For this week inaugural Top 7, I've decided to go with something that is often overlooked but can be just as important as gameplay and graphics: music.

As a former band geek (even marching band), I love it when a game has a soundtrack that complements what is going on the screen. Whether it is original compositions like Infamous 2 or games that have licensed tracks like Burnout Paradise, if it is good, I will go out and find it.

So sit back and check out some of the best music I've heard through my years of gaming.

Gaming Quickies

Welcome to Gaming Quickies, were we round up some of the news that almost slipped by and make it a tad bit more digestible.

First off, if you happened to miss it, Nintendo announced a major price drop to the 3DS. They also announced some freebies for those of you that pay the full $250 before the price drop. Check out the full details here.

As for other news, we got a little bit of everything today ranging from the PSP, Madden, and even a little bit of Red Dead Redemption, so check the info after the jump.

Super Mario and Mario Kart for 3DS Get a Launch Window

As if the recent announcement of the 3DS's price drop wasn't enough, Nintendo is making sure to let everyone know that some of it's biggest games are coming out soon.

Nintendo to Drop 3DS Price. Outlines Plan For Early Adopters

In a move that is as worrying as it is surprising, Nintendo has announced a 32% price drop on the Nintendo 3DS starting August 12th.

Also in the recent price drop announcement, Nintendo has outlined plans to thank it's early adopters and entice consumers to possibly purchase one before the price drop.

All the details after the jump.

Rock Band Catalog 3,000 Tracks Strong. Harmonix Giving Away 3,000 Songs to Celebrate.

For those saying that the music rhythm genre is dead, the fine folks at Harmonix would like to have a word with you. 

With the release of this week's Yes Pack 01 for Rock Band 3, the Rock Band library has hit a whooping 3,000 songs! 

And what has Harmonix done to celebrate? Click on to find out.

Playstation Home is Being Invaded by Street Fighters and Zombies!!!

I hardly use the Playstation Home service, but here in the next few weeks I might spend more time using Home than playing games or watching movies on my PS3.

Through the power of Playstation, I will be watching the Evo Fighting-Game Championships all weekend and then a few weeks later, surviving the zombie infestation at the Central Plaza courtesy of Dead Island.

If you want to know what these events are all about, hit the jump for the details.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Gameplay

Let me tell you somethings kids, I LOVE Halo. Ironically enough though, I didn't start the franchise off with Halo: Combat Evolved but rather with Halo 2. 

Although I started off with Halo 2, I did eventually go back and play the campaign of the first and I can firmly say that the first Halo game has the best story of ALL the Halo games. Only Halo Reach had a story that began to hold a candle to the original. 

So I am more than thrilled to see that the original Halo is getting the love and attention it deserves with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Even with Bungie formally bidding their goodbye to the franchise I know that 343 Industries won't let Halo fall to the wayside anytime soon.

If you don't believe me, check out the gameplay video after the jump and see how good the original Halo looks now.