Level-5

Background
Level-5 was a Japanese video game developer that was founded in October 1998 by Akihiro Hino. The company begin enjoying a close relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment, and then took on a relationship with Nintendo to develop games, while beginning to self-publish games in Japan.

1st Logo (December 14, 2000-September 12, 2003)
Logo: On a black background, we pan up to see a tubed "5" with a curve on the top left. As it zooms out, the text "LEVEL-5" flips in below the logo, and then the logo turns to color, with the curve becoming, the top right of "5" became and the bottom part of "5" became. The text "HIGH-QUALITY GAMES" fades below.

Variant: A still version exists on a black background.

Technique: CGI animation. None for still variant.

Music/Sounds: An ascending synth theme, ending in a guitar theme. The still version is silent.

Availability: Seen on Dark Cloud 2 for the PS2. The still variant appears on Dark Cloud for the same console.

2nd Logo (November 27, 2004-November 22, 2006)
Logo: On a black background, we see a water that ripples to form a crystalized "5". On the right is the text "LEVEL 5" in a blocky font.

Technique: CGI animation.

Music/Sounds: A sound of a water rippling.

Availability: Seen on Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King and Rogue Galaxy for the PS2. Also seen on Japanese release of PSP game of Jeanne d'Arc.

3rd Logo (February 15, 2007-)
Logo: On a black or white background, we see a rectangle with a "V" in it flips in. Below it is the text "LEVEL-5" in a futuristic font, which wipes in from the bottom.

Variant: A still version exists.

Technique: CGI animation.

Music/Sounds: Two beeping sounds.

Availability: Seen on many Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 games from the period, like the Professor Layton games and Dragon Quest IX. The normal logo is seen on the American PSP release of Jeanne d'Arc.