My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes - Part 16: The 4th Quarter

50.

Ballad of Hyllis

from Beyond Good and Evil

Composer: Christophe Héral

Ubisoft; 2003

This beautiful Celtic theme bookends a stunning adventure.  Beyond Good and Evil has shown up on my list before and this is not the last time, either.  I love this song.  It is short but sweet, featuring a foot-tappingly-good rhythm and a warm melody.  This is a song that really sets the tone of the game well, and while it isn’t my favorite from the game, it is probably the most effective.

49.

Fisherman’s Horizon

from Final Fantasy VIII

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1999

A fan-favorite in the annals of Final Fantasy music, and considered by many gamers to be the best “town theme” in RPG history, Fisherman’s Horizon’s theme is a breathtakingly beautiful achievement in composition.  It’s astoundingly-good melody is not just good for video game music, rather, it is good for music as a medium.  Period.  Fisherman’s Horizon is a classic-style orchestral tune that proves video game music belongs at the symphony as well as the screen.  I chose the version of the song from the Final Fantasy concert Voices to share, as it is my favorite rendition.  If you have not seen this show, I suggest watching it in its entirety, it is excellent.

48.

Search Man

from Mega Man 8

Composer: Shusaku Uchiyama

Capcom; 1998

Mega Man 8’s electro-jazz soundtrack is a highlight for me and Search Man nails this style probably better than any other song in the game.  It is slightly off-kilter, which adds to the charm.  It has a whimsical style while still being an accomplished track.  The incredibly complex synth lead during the song proper is a challenge for any skilled keyboardist as well.  It has the beat of a country music song with the heart of a jazz and the soul of funk.  It is quite the amalgamation of sounds and musical ideas.

47.

Kraid’s Chamber

from Metroid

Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Nintendo; 1986

Kraid’s Chamber is a Nintendo Classic and ranks among the oldest tracks on my list.  Metroid was released early in the lifecycle of the NES and while the auditory potential of the console was not yet fully realized by this point, Kraid’s Chamber still stands out as an awesome track.  It is an especially nostalgic tune for me, as Metroid was a personal favorite game growing up.  I’m always happy to hear this tune.

46.

Baba Yetu - Opening Theme Song

from Civilization IV

Composer: Christopher Tin

Firaxis Games; 2005

Baba Yetu is one of the most sophisticated tracks in video game history.  It is so far beyond traditional video game music, even for the 21st Century.  It was a sign of a maturing medium and perfect way to open one of the greatest video games of all time.  The scene of an evolving series of civilizations through the ages growing and waging war spans centuries of history in only a few minutes as this theme plays in the background.  “Baba Yetu” is Swahili for “Our Father”, and sets a surprisingly emotional tone for a game that can occasionally leave the player in a state of emotional disconnection.

45.

One Final Effort

from Halo 3

Composers: Martin O'Donnel, Michael Salvatori

Bungie; 2007

The Halo theme has become one of the most iconic video game melodies of the 21st century, ranking among some of the best music out there.  The series as a whole has amazing music, and One Final Effort is hands down my favorite Halo theme.  That’s right.  This is the last time you will see Halo on my list.  A condensed version of this song plays during the official announcement trailer for the game and the brief piano interlude leading into a belting choir creates one of the most powerful musical moments in game music history.

44.

The Landing

from Final Fantasy VIII

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1999

The Landing builds tension in just the right way.  It is the first real life or death mission for a small group of mercenaries and while they may be inexperienced, their resolve is clear.  Approaching a battle site by sea, the heroes prepare to storm the beach.  This song is one of the most tense themes out there, and fits the scene astonishingly well.  Also, this is the final appearance of FFVIII on my list.

43.

Another Termina

from Chrono Cross

Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda

Squaresoft; 1999

I cannot express enough how much I love this song.  This is yet another theme I would just sit and listen to back in the day, and years later it still holds up.  The old world sound is cheerful and fits Termina well.  It is hands down one of my favorite town themes.  The violins, the rhythm, everything… It’s all perfect.

42.

Tengu Man (Playstation Version)

from Mega Man 8

Composer: Shusaku Uchiyama

Capcom; 1998

The Playstation release of Mega Man 8 had a few musical differences from the Saturn version.  One of the big ones for me was the theme for Tengu Man’s stage.  This theme is far better, in my opinion, with its fast piano riff and cheery guitar melody, this is one of the better Mega Man tracks out there.  This is also the final appearance of Mega Man 8 on my list, making Tengu Man’s stage my favorite theme from its amazing soundtrack.

41.

Stickerbrush Symphony

from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Composer: David Wise

Rare; 1995

It’s David Wise again.  Stickerbrush Symphony is another moody theme from a series with a stunning soundtrack.  The song builds with a catchy synth bass line and by the time the drums kick in, this song has already grabbed me.  It never fails.  I cannot gush over Wise’s work enough, and this is among his best.

My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes - Part 12: Meanwhile, In This Millennium:

90.

Leave the Past Behind

from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Composers: Anamanaguchi

Ubisoft Montreal; 2010

This is yet another tune from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.  Anamanaguchi keeps to the game’s tone and sound with this song and it features all of the characteristic elements of the game and the band’s obvious 8-bit-era-influence.  If you listen closely, you can hear some Mega Man and Double Dragon in there.  The song is incredibly catchy, using a fun and energetic melody that is both exciting and joyous.  I do love this game’s soundtrack in its entirety and this is not the last time it will show up on my list.

89.

Burst Man

from Mega Man 7

Composers: Toshifumi Ōnishi, Kazunori Tazaki, Tatsuya Yoshikawa

Capcom; 1995

This song starts off with the quintessential “Mega Man sound” and then changes into something else entirely.  Mega Man 7 was released pretty late into the SNES cycle yet this song does not reflect the quality or the evolution of its late 16-bit counterparts.  Instead, it has an early-90’s feel to it, which I like.  It keeps things simple, focusing on a good melody rather than showing off the capabilities of the console.  It is a great song, and features a bright and cheerful tone that just makes me smile whenever I hear it, no matter how I am feeling at the time.

88.

Nighttime Excursion

from Flower

Composer: Vincent Diamante

ThatGameCompany; 2009

Flower is back with another breathtakingly-beautiful theme.  I stand by my assertion that this title, along with Halo 3, Bastion and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, comprise the shortlist of standout soundtracks of the last gaming “era”.  Things are really starting to change as the medium matures.  We have titles with thought-provoking, intelligent themes like Gone Home and the Stanley Parable making industry and consumer-wide waves and as the mood and ideas of gaming evolves, so is the music.  Flower is a breathtaking artistic achievement and it hosts a beautifully-woven and smart form of storytelling.  Feeling like a wonderful picture book in motion the scenery flows past as the flower petals ride the wind carefully held sway by the player.  You have power over one of the mightiest forces of nature in its most gentle form.  The soundtrack is a relaxing peaceful series of evolving but connected melodies, adding to the atmosphere and the player’s own emotions play into the controls, as the softness of the game’s mood steadies the hands holding the controller.  It is just a perfect experiment in gaming psychology and a stunning example of video games as art.  If anyone ever states that games are just about killing aliens, this title will certainly, and deservedly, put them in their place.

NOTE: The video formatting is off because I could not locate the song in Blogger's native YouTube embedding tool.

87.

Corneria

from Starfox

Composer: Hajime Hirasawa

Nintendo; 1993

This classic tune is a favorite among 16-bit era fanboys and is certainly a beloved classic.  It shocked everyone, too, as Nintendo fans were used to bright, whimsical melodies in their first-party titles, but this…  This was shockingly different!  At the time, there were tons of soundtracks that were dark, or simply in a minor key, but Starfox was a milestone in composition quality.  It featured a long loop, and matched the pace and mood of the game.  Also, this game was released following a turning point in musical ideas as well.  Where the fluff and beeps of mainstream 80’s music had since faded and a darker, minor key tone was setting in.  The Corneria theme reflects both the ideas of music in its time, and also the evolution of game music as a whole.

86.

Hallow Bastion

from Kingdom Hearts

Composesr: Yoko Shimomura, Kaoru Wada

Squaresoft; 2002

It is undeniable that this game could have been crap.  Seriously.  It would not have taken much to screw this up.  Disney and Final Fantasy joining forces?  It worked out well as a game, though.  Despite a few clunky moments and some behind-the-times level design (for the most part, anyway), Kingdom Hearts was a great game.  The soundtrack was also quite good, mixing Square’s distinct, orchestral stylings with classic Disney cheer.  Hollow Bastion is probably the most highly-regarded original entry on the soundtrack, with a haunting gothic vibe and a stirring woodwind bridge, it is a memorable and essential video game theme.

85.

Guile’s Theme

from Super Street Fighter IV

Composer: Hideyuki Fukasawa

Capcom; 2010

Guile’s Theme is one of the more overplayed video game themes out there.  An entry in countless spoof videos on YouTube, representing a fight or showdown of any degree.  It works, too, having the sound of an 80’s training montague, it is a fun and badass tune.  It is the “Eye of the Tiger” of video game music, if you will.  Obviously drawing inspiration from early 80’s rock, this theme has captures the hearts of gamers across the world, and for a good reason: it’s awesome!

84.

Mt. Gagazet

from Final Fantasy X-2

Composers: Noriko Matsueda, Takahito Eguchi

SquareEnix; 2003

Back in entry 175, Zanarkand, I stated that Final Fantasy X-2 featured an underrated soundtrack.  I meant it because there is good music to be found on this soundtrack.  The looming mountain of Gagazet was one of the final destinations in Final Fantasy X and featured a great tune.  In X-2, the mood is a lot less mournful, therefore the song is more energetic and gritty.  Featuring a mix of worldly flutes and chanting with a touch of electric drums, this tune exemplifies a modern idea of game music for me.  It is not the best of its time, but it is an example of how game music can bridge the gap between this niche music community and more mainstream music fanatics.

83.

I Want You Gone

from Portal 2

Composer: Jonathan Coulton

Valve; 2011

In 2007, Valve introduced the now fan-favorite Portal series in their Orange Box collection.  The antagonist of the game, a sardonic and megalomaniacal cybernetic intelligence named GLaDOS, became a video game icon due to the game’s clever writing and funny one-liners.

Portal ended with a song that gamers universally loved, so, naturally, its sequel would have one too.  I Want You Gone is along the same lines, theme-wise.  It does do some things differently, however.  It has a more electronic sound and stronger vocals, and thanks to the legacy of the first song, manages to be recognized as a classic in its own right.  It is a well-written and catchy song and is worth watching over the credits for the lyrics and a pretty funny sight gag.

82.

The Faith of Jevel

from Bastion

Composer; Darren Korb

Supergiant Games; 2011

Yet another Bastion song makes my list.  The Faith of Jevel features haunting guitar and piano melodies and a smooth, electronic beat.  The song never overdoes it, staying simple and focusing on mood rather than power or energy.  It is a great song for atmosphere, featuring the game’s distinct Western sound with a well-structured and layered accompaniment.

81.

Cerobi Steppe

from Final Fantasy XII

Composers: Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto

SquareEnix; 2006

Uematsu and Sakimoto’s work on Final Fantasy XII is beautiful and bright.  It plays over a distinctly-dangerous part of the game, too, which makes the mood somewhat off-kilter, in a good way.  The song is incredibly soft, never breaking into mighty drums or heavy accompaniment, instead it to its breezy melodies are the showcase.  It is a soothing entry in a strong soundtrack entry in the storied franchise.

My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes - Part 11: Over the Hill

100.

Sim Broadway

from Sim City 3000

Composer: Jerry Martin

Maxis; 1999

Sim City 3000 makes its first appearance on my list with the theme Sim Broadway.  Playing occasionally during gameplay, this tune chimes in to add a little energy to the proceedings.  It is a classic, early 20th-Century-style jazz ensemble piece highlighted by superb composition.  The steady build of the song, the whimsical trade off between instruments and the way it all comes full circle in the end make this an excellent tune.  I love Jerry Martin’s work on this game and this is one of his best.

99.

Freeway

from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)

Composers: Mutsuhiko Izumi, Miki Higashino

Konami; 1989

A few entries back I featured the stage 1 theme from this arcade classic.  I have always loved scrolling beat-em-ups and TMNT is one the all-time best.  It is a fun, fast-paced game with a ton of great tunes to back it up.  The Freeway theme is one of those songs that I have heard for a large portion of my life and I smile every time it plays.  I just brings back so many memories.  It is  high-energy theme with a great hook, fitting the pace and theme of the level perfectly.

98.

Act 4-2

from Ninja Gaiden

Composers: Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Nitta

Tecmo; 1988

Like the rest of the Ninja Gaiden soundtrack, this is a layered, energetic theme that features some of the most complex riffs on the NES.  It still has the old-school feel but it is so well-constructed as a theme that it feels ahead of its time.  It is bouncy and high-impact, which adds a sense of urgency to the level.  It is a fittingly-powerful theme for such an unforgiving game.

97.

Crystal Snail

from Mega Man X2

Composer: Yuki Iwai

Capcom; 1994

Crystal Snail is one of the more sophisticated tracks of any of the Mega Man titles predating Mega Man 8.  The mood and pace of the song has a nice feel to it, matching the imagery of the level, and the time signature is definitely captivating.  MMX2 was released in a time when games were starting to become less about quick-fix entertainment and more about unique and interesting artistic ideas.  With the PC gaming market growing more rapidly than ever before, the mid-90’s saw a sea change in gaming tropes and ideas and console franchises like Mega Man and Final Fantasy were forced to evolve with them.  I think this is a theme that reflects the ideas of its time as the series soundtrack went from being about heavy guitar rock to being about smooth, captivating themes.

96.

Mad Forest

from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

Composers: Hidenori Maezawa, Jun Funahashi, Yukie Morimoto, Yoshinori Sasaki

Konami; 1989

Castlevania III has already appeared on my list a few times and Mad Forest is just another example of how great this 8-bit classic really is.  It has that well-known Castlevania feel, conveying a classic Konami sound, full of strong melodies, upbeat rhythms and a rock-inspired minor key.

95.

Intro/Title

from Mega Man VI

Composer: Yuko Takehara

Capcom; 1993

I like the main portion of this theme because of just how much energy it brings.  It is a lively piece and paves the way for a solid entry in this storied franchise.  Mega Man VI’s intro brings back a lot of memories for me, too.  This was the last game I ever got NEW for my NES.  Then ten or eleven years of age, I had already jumped onto the Super Nintendo bandwagon at this point and, being a dedicated Mega Man fanboy at the time, I saw this game sitting carelessly in a bargain bin at a local Mall toy store.  The box was slightly beat up and the sticker had the price scribbled out.  I begged for this game and I got it.  I took it home and was completely happy.  It was so good to experience a new installment in what was, at that time, my favorite game franchise.  Period.  

NOTE: I chose to share this16-bit Mega Man 7 version of the theme as I was unable to locate a suitable version of the original in its entirety at the time of this post.

94.

Sky Garden

from Illusion of Gaia

Composer: Yasuhiro Kawasaki

Enix; 1993

Illusion of Gaia appeared once on my list already and, at the time, I did not mention one important detail about this game:  Illusion of Gaia is my favorite RPG of all time.  It is an odd choice, for sure, but I love the game’s fun design, fast pace, interactive story, and use of real-world locations like the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza.  it is a game that does a lot right in my opinion, and features a great deal of clever ideas done so well, they are unforgettable.  The soundtrack is a mixed bag, however.  Unlike other RPG soundtracks, Illusion of Gaia is not packed full of original themes that play at very specific points.  It has about twenty or so tracks that often repeat as the game progresses.  The Sky Garden, like the other “dungeons” in the game, does feature its own theme, however.  It is a good one too.  It is adventurous and eerie, a perfect dichotomy for a level with a very literal dark underbelly.

93.

Tifa’s Theme

from Final Fantasy VII

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Sqauresoft; 1997

I am sorry.  I really am.  As I sorted this list I KNEW there would be some people shocked by how low this beloved Final Fantasy classic is.  In some gamers’ eyes, this is one of the best songs ever, and while I agree it is good, I defer to one of my previous entries' statements where I described some songs as “sleepy”.  I do like the melody and mood of the song, hence its placement in my top 100, but I do think it is a little too soft for me to feature it so high on my list as some would say it belongs.

92.

Intro Stage

from Mega Man 8

Composer: Shusaku Uchiyama

Capcom; 1997

Now this is an energetic song.  This is the first song you hear shortly after launching Mega Man 8.  The intro stage is a short introduction to the core mechanics of the game.  It does not take any time at all to get through but the song is so much fun.  It is a great precursor to the rest of the game’s epic soundtrack as well.

91.

Battle Theme

from Final Fantasy VI

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1994

The battle theme from FFVI is one of the best battle themes in the franchise and I do not think many fans would disagree with that sentiment.  It has a tone that really gets you psyched to get into the spirit of combat, and Final Fantasy VI’s impressive loadout of characters with countless combat possibilities makes for a fun romp to go along with this high-energy theme.  It is also a classic in the sense that it is probably the most heard song in one of the most beloved games of all time.  Final Fantasy VI was a game that helped propel video games into a new era of storytelling and visuals and, to this day, ranks among the undisputed best games of all time (Unless you ask G4... Idiots.).