I've never been one to say that music is a large part of his life. I don't frequently buy CDs, and though I certainly have enjoyed the few concerts I've attended, I can't say that I ever truly feel "good" about spending copious amounts of money to see one. However, there is one type of music that, even since youth, has been my fondness for the music in video games.
Back in grade school, I can remember playing Sega Genesis, and getting the themes to Ryu's stage and Ken's stage from Street Fighter II stuck in my head all day. It never occurred to me that this music was actually written and composed; legitimate pieces of music. All I knew was that it was just a ridiculously catchy tune that I loved to hear while playing my favorite game. The next generation came, and with it licensed soundtracks, but recently, the video game soundtrack seems to be experiencing a revival of sorts. With Punch-Out!! and Bionic Commando reviving their classic themes from their NES predecessors, it makes me feel not only nostalgic for the video game soundtrack, but also have renewed appreciation and admiration for original video game themes, so I thought I'd just make a blog noting some of my favorites.
Anything from Megaman X and X2:
Although I certainly enjoy the little of every Megaman series that I've played, I can't say that includes a lot. In fact, when I first played Megaman X, it was back in my pre-teen days, and I couldn't tell you I heard anything special about its soundtrack back in those days. However, with my cousin Alex (Pukit here on GB) replaying the X series on his PC, he started sending me various tracks from the first game. I was honestly blown away at the level of awesome-ness that the SNES put out with this one. The entire
Spark Mandrill
Storm Eagle
Highway Opening
Flame Stag
Street Fighter II Stages:
As stated above, my first and perhaps favorite video game music tracks come from this game. From the exhilerating Main Menu them to each fighters unique theme, the Street Fighter II soundtrack is a gem. My personal favorites are Ryu's, Ken's, and Vega's stage. I felt it was seriously a missed opportunity that Street Fighter IV didn't just BEEF up and modernize the classic themes, but rather techno'd them up (blegh), but at least the classics are still immortalized in the game that practically invented the fighting game genre.
Main Theme
Ryu's Stage
Ken's Stage
Vega's Stage
Castlevania... PERIOD:
There is so much genius music in this entire series, I can't even recount. Whether it's the original, Castlevania III on SNES, or any of the DS games, these games are perfect for each of their respective games. I'm not even gonna keep talking, I'm getting right into the links here.
Vampire Killer
Theme of Simon Belmont
Super Castlevania IV Main Theme
Pitch Black Intrusion
Punch-Out!!:
As utterly fantastic as both Punch-Out's fight theme and training montage songs were back on the 8-bit NES, when the Wii version came out not but a week or so ago, the level at which those classic themes was lifted was amazing. Not only does the main fight theme get several new variations, but both themes sound great with full instrumentation. On top of all the great reasons to pick this re-made classic up, the soundtrack is definitely among them. Doc stealing Mac's bike never sounded or looked so good.
Fight Theme
Training Montage
And here are just a few honorable mentions. If you've stuck with this overly self-indulgent blog post, feel free to give your thoughts and post what game music YOU love. Peace out.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Terminator: Taking to the Air
Bionic Commando Theme
God Of War: Minotaur Boss Battle
Donkey Kong 64: DK Rap
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