My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes- Part 19: Penultima

20.

Crono’s Theme

from Chrono Trigger

Composers: Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko Matsueda

Squaresoft; 1994

This map theme is really gives the feel of a big epic world, which of course Chrono Trigger has in spades.  The scope and breadth of this game is simply astounding, especially for a 16-bit era title.  It is nearly twenty years old and yet remains longer than most games released to this day.  There is just so much here, and this song has all of the strength of an aged, historical period piece tossed with a grand adventure.  It is an incredibly strong tune, and one of the best RPG themes of all time, in my opinion.

19.

Big Blue

from F-Zero

Composers: Yumiko Kanki, Naoto Ishida

Nintendo; 1990

This fan-favorite is one of the first video game themes to feel like a fully-realized rock song, complete with a guitar solo.  The use of pitch bending gives the illusion of a string bend on a guitar or a slide up or down the fretboard and the fast licks are reminiscent of a classic lead guitar improvisation.  Obviously mixing ideas from classic and 80’s rock, this tune has become one of the most covered video game themes, with fans taking various approaches to it on guitar from a classic rock style to overdrive heavy metal.

18.

Tera’s Theme

from Final Fantasy VI

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1994

Final Fantasy VI is arguably the best in the series.  The characters, the villain, the world as a whole, everything is carefully pieced together like a luxurious article of jewelry.  Fine details, facets and a polish not seen in any title before it.  Its soundtrack has also become somewhat legendary, as it features a few of the most iconic themes in the already renowned series’ repertoire.  Nobuo Uematsu did some of his best work on this entry and one of my personal favorites is Tera’s Theme.  Like Crono’s Theme from Chrono Trigger, Tera’s theme is used as the overworld theme song, and becomes the unofficial theme song for the entire game.  It is masterfully-composed for an early-90’s piece and has a mood and atmosphere that reflects the growing sophistication of video game sound design of the time.

17.

Storm Eagle

from Mega Man X

Composer: Setsuo Yamamoto

Capcom; 1993

Speaking of sophisticated, let us discuss what I would argue is the best game soundtrack of the 16-bit era: Mega Man X.  Already appearing on my list in previous entries, Mega Man X is a stunning turning point in game music.  For me, it was the definite shift in direction for game themes.  While music in games had already begun maturing by this point, it was Mega Man X that proved that layering and complex composition was not only possible, but a necessity.  The soundtrack is revered for its intensity, its hard rock styling and its memorability.  Favored above all by many is most definitely Storm Eagle’s theme.  As the player navigates the most customer-unfriendly airport in history, this rock tune drives the stage with energy and character that few other game themes have been able to recreate or stand against.

16.

Clash on the Big Bridge

from Final Fantasy V

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1992

I did not get a chance to play through Final Fantasy V until years after its release, and by then the famous Gilgamesh had already become one of the series’ most talked-about characters.  A large part of that is his intense, memorable battle theme.  From the opening to the end, this is an incredibly fast, non-stop adrenaline-rush of a song.  It never lets up, it just stays on its high from the time the guitars kick in.  I recommend the Black Mages version of this theme, it is incredible.

15.

Upper Brinstar

from Super Metroid

Composer: Kenji Yamamoto, Minako Hamano

Nintendo; 1994

Super Metroid, my all-time favorite video game, is a flawlessly-designed masterwork of the medium.  There is not one element of the game that I would consider to be truly-flawed.  The soundtrack is a memorable collection of eerie and unsettling tunes and my favorite track in the game is heard early on as the player first enters the overgrown Brinstar.  Upper Brinstar is has this hollow, abandoned feel to it for me, even more so than many other parts of the game (the Wrecked Ship notwithstanding) and the theme is this chanting, rhythmic composition that is structurally-complex and fitting for its level.  It is a favorite of mine because, as a kid, upon entering this place for the first time, I found the fading in of the drums and the chilling choir to be so striking, that, even after beating the game and hearing all of the other classic themes this game has to offer, this was the one that was still playing in my head.

14.

The Dark World Theme

from Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Composer: Koji Kondo

Nintendo; 1991

I am pretty sure A Link to the Past was the first Super Nintendo game I ever achieved 100% completion on.  Around that same time I cleared Super Mario World, but A Link to the Past (my personal-favorite Zelda title), was the SNES game I pushed myself to finish almost the same weekend I started playing, and with the help of Nintendo Power, me and my friend did everything there was to do in the game shortly thereafter.  One of my favorite elements of A Link to the Past was the changing world after Ganon takes over.  The idea was a reimagining of the Second Quest from The Legend of Zelda and has since been implemented many times in the series.  The Dark World theme is a great adventure theme, highlighting some excellent design and contrasting the strangeness of the changed world around you.

13.

One Winged Angel

from Final Fantasy VII

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1997

Sephiroth is one of the most revered and exalted villains in the long history of fictional bad guys.  I do not believe this reverence is restricted to gaming, either.  I think Sephiroth is one of the most recognized and cheered villains in the annals of popular culture.  His power and unforgivable actions throughout the story of Final Fantasy VII has made him a target of gamers’ anger for years, which is the sign of a truly great antagonist.  His theme, One Winged Angel, is a bombastic and menacing piece and certainly reflects the feeling of facing a being far more powerful than one’s self.

12.

Dire Dire Docks

from Super Mario 64

Composer: Koji Kondo

Nintendo; 1996

Super Mario 64 has a number of excellent tracks and a few of them are high on my list for my all time favorite game themes.  Super Mario 64 is one of my favorite games of all time for a number of reasons.  It was groundbreaking for its time, implementing 3D better than just about any game before it.  It has a number of stages that are just brilliant from a design standpoint and, unlike most early 3D platformers, still holds up to this day when compared to titles like Jak and Daxter and the first Sly Cooper.  Dire Dire Docks is an excellent tune, featuring a soft, soothing sound that never goes into the high-pace, fast-tempo energy of typical game music.  This theme instead has a sound that greatly reflects its level.  This theme is played in Jolly Roger Bay and Dire Dire Docks, two water stages that have a flow that is paced significantly slower than other levels in the game, so the lower tempo suits the levels well.  The gentle melody is relaxing and memorable and has been a personal favorite of mine for years.

11.

Another Winter

from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Compsoers: Anamanaguchi

Ubisoft/Montreal; 2010

At number 11, we bid adieu to Anamanaguchi.  Another Winter is their stunning stage 1 theme from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the Game.  I do not really know how much I can say about this soundtrack that I have not already gushed except: Listen to it.  All of it.  Another Winter is some of their best work but what makes it stand out for me to rank so high on my list is how it is presented in the game.  When I first played this excellent beat-em-up I was not entirely sure what to expect, and the first stage of the game tells a story as you move through it that is complemented by this stunning track.  It is cheerful, it is catchy and it fits the pace of the level well.  Many beat-em-ups tend to have their soundtracks feel repetitive because, as they are paced much slower than most other game types, they tend to have levels that are shorter in size, but longer in duration, so a shorter loop could reasonably become annoying.  Anamanaguchi made songs with nice, long loops to compliment the levels’ length, and the result is one of the best game soundtracks of all time.

My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes - Part 15: The Blue Bomber Takes Over

60.

Squid Adler’s Stage

from Mega Man X-5

Composer: Naoto Tanaka

Capcom; 2000

Mega Man X-5 remains one of my favorite game soundtracks of all time.  There is an intensity there that is simply captivating, and every song is highlighted by a single riff somewhere that makes it just stand out amidst the standard anime-themed video game soundtrack full of rock guitar anthems and 80’s-inspired metal.  Squid Adler’s hook is really the first thirteen or fourteen seconds.  The fast piano riff accompanied by stone-crushing rock chords and powerful drums is just mind-blowing.  It creates so much pressure and pure rock power that it is simply unforgettable, at least for me.  I did not even really play X-5 much, yet the soundtrack still resonates with me.

59.

Besaid Island

from Final Fantasy X-2

Composers: Noriko Matsueda, Takahito Eguchi

SquareEnix; 2003

Here’s another track from the much-derided Final Fantasy X-2.  The sequel’s theme for Yuna’s home island pales in comparison to the original’s but remains a beautifully-executed piano theme on its own.  There is an obvious island inspiration here, and the bluesy piano mixed with a shuffling rhythm section makes for a delightful whole.  There is a lot to love about this theme.  No matter how many times I hear it, it never fails to put a smile on my face.

58.

Aqua Man Theme

from Mega Man 8

Composer: Shusaku Uchiyama

Capcom; 1997

Yet another tune from Mega Man 8, Aqua Man’s theme is a smooth-feeling jazzy groove with a slick bass track and a soft island sound.  Like the Besaid Island theme, the theme song for Aqua Man’s stage is sets a mood that is both relaxing and bright.  However, we know that the stage itself is not all that relaxing.  I find the track a funny contrast to its accompanying level.

57.

Gravity Man Theme

from Mega Man V

Composer: Mari Yamaguchi

Capcom; 1992

Gravity Man’s stage theme has a very sci-fi sound.  It sounds like space, which is a fitting theme for the level it plays over.  Gravity flips as the hero passes specific gates, leaving Mega Man running along the ceiling at times, and the theme creates just the right atmosphere for the stage.  The breakdown has a smooth lead that hums a lead melody that just feels right.  This is another brilliant anthem from a stunning game.

56.

Twin Dragons

from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game

Composers: Anamanaguchi

Ubisoft Montreal; 2010

Twin Dragons is one of the more intense themes from Scott Pilgrim and the talented Anamanaguchi lay out a techno-style rock song with an great synth bridge.  This high-impact tune plays just as good on its own as it does with the game.

55.

Still Alive

from Mirror’s Edge

Composer: Lisa Miskovsky

DICE; 2008

EDITORIAL NOTE:  I accidentally wrote this entry as Portal’s Still Alive, which was an error likely made due to sleep deprivation.  My Mistake.  Hopefully this resolves the problem for any future readers.

Mirror’s Edge is a solid game, and despite a few flaws and some occasionally-frustrating mechanics, is one of the more clever and original titles out there.  The theme song is also great.  I love this tune.  It could easily be construed as a slightly unconventional pick, but Lisa Mikovsky’s Still Alive is a damn-powerful power-pop ballad that fits the tone and feel of the game well.

54.

Charge Man

from Mega Man V

Composer: Mari Yamaguchi

Capcom; 1992

It is Mega Man V again.  Charge Man’s theme is a high-tempo, energetic tune that suits the train theme of the stage, having the rhythm of a steam train.  Imagine the faster pace of a train playing in your head while this song runs.  It is exactly that rhythm.  The brilliance of this alone makes it a classic, but aside from that it is an awesome theme as a whole, where the layers all work and the sound of each part fits perfectly.

53.

Giza Plains

from Final Fantasy XII

Composers: Hitoshi Sakimoto, Nobuo Uematsu

SquareEnix; 2006

Early into the story of Final Fantasy XII, the player, as Vaan, is forced to sidetrack from the core adventure to complete a time sink in a labyrinthine drylands called the Giza Plains.  The player has to travel to several stones and interact with them to fill a gauge.  This part of the game is pointless and only serves to drag out an already long campaign.  I do like Final Fantasy XII, but I hate this segment.  That said, the one and only saving grace to this part is Giza Plains’ theme.  It starts off as a bright, adventurous tune that evolves into an intense action march.  The theme builds and builds, foreshadowing a looming threat.  It is stunning and one of the best songs on one of the best soundtracks of the 2000’s.

52.

Wily Castle I

from Mega Man III

Composers: Yasuaki Fujita, Harumi Fujita

Capcom; 1990

I have already expressed, multiple times, this game’s importance to me.  This theme is part of that.  It brings back a lot of childhood memories of me and my friends passing the controller to once again conquer this classic.  It may seem like a simple, insignificant song in the grand scheme to most, but it has a lot of personal meaning.  Everyone has a song that is solely their own.  It may not be popular, it may not be the best ever, but it is important to them for one reason or another, and this is that tune for me.  That said, I can defend the minor key groove and the nice beat this song boasts as justification for its relatively-high placement on my 200 Favorite themes list.

51.

Forest of Monsters

from Super Castlevania IV

Composers: Masanori Adachi, Taro Kudo

Konami; 1991

Here’s a creepy entry… sort of.  Super Castlevania IV has appeared on this list before and will appear again.  One of my favorite SNES soundtracks hosts a haunting Stage 2 theme.  Opening with a slightly detuned organ and then leading into a strong, lively, well-paced tune where that same organ's background chords accentuate a much brighter and deliberate main riff.  By the time the horn and strings kick in, this song has built up to an undeniable climax. It also features the soundtracks trademark jazz influence, with a breakdown at the end that chops the rhythm to emphasize a smooth trumpet solo. The stage has water that pushes Simon forward, matching the faster pace of the theme.  I really love this tune, so much so that years ago I made a cover on the Playstation version of MTV Music Generator.  It’s a fun track with a lot of life to it.

My 200 Favorite Video Game Themes - Part 13: A Return from Absence

I am sorry about the delays. I have not been well and had to motivate myself to keep this blog updated. Thank you for your patience and enjoy!

80.

Armored Armadillo

from Mega Man X

Composer: Setsuo Yamamoto

Capcom; 1993

Armored Armadillo’s theme is a high-energy rock guitar theme with a pretty slick feel to it.  It always gave me a sort of Motorhead vibe and it has a pretty long loop, even for Mega Man X.  The lead breaks into a solo just as it seems as though it was about to loop around to the start again.  It is a catchy tune from an excellent game.

79.

Higan Retour ~ Riverside View

from Touhou: Phantasmagoria of Flower View

Composer: ZUN

2005; Team Shanghai Alice

A piano-heavy Touhou tune?  Nah….. . . . Komachi’s theme song from PoFV is a moody, dramatic and very anime-ish theme and it fits well in its catalogue of fellow fabulous Touhou themes.  It is one of my favorite themes of the series and it just gets better and better each time I listen to it.

78.

ROX 300

from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the Game

Composers: Anamanaguchi

2010; Ubisoft Montreal

So, Anamanaguchi again…  ROX 300, the boss theme that plays while fighting Roxy, is a bright and energetic tune that mixes some early-80’s sound with a late-90’s bridge.  The change in mood and ideas is a great musical concept that is not exercised very often.  You have Domino by Genesis, Eric Clapton’s Badge and a few other notable ones, but as far as video game themes go, composers tend to keep it simple.  That is why this song is on my list.  It surprised me the first time I heard it because the sound opens kind of jarring for a boss theme.  It has an Asian-style melody leading into a bubblegum power anthem.  It’s a strange blend, for sure, but it works for me.  I guess I would call it a “day-brightener”.

77.

Summoned Beast Battle

from Final Fantasy X

Composers: Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, Junya Nakano

Squaresoft; 2001

The theme that plays over the very last battle in the game is an intense and vivid orchestral and piano theme that features some powerful percussion.  This was a song that I wish got a little more attention.  It is one of a number of great themes from Final Fantasy X that tends to get lost amid the hype over themes like Besaid Island and To Zanarkand.  Yet, this is an excellent entry in the series’ long history of amazing boss themes.

76.

The Wind Never Ceases

from Secret of Mana

Composer: Hiroki Kikuta

Squaresoft; 1993

It has been a very long time since I’ve played all the way through Secret of Mana.  The Lotfy Mountain theme has always stuck with me.  It is atmospheric and peaceful, with a haunting little piano piece over the top.  It was one of the themes from the early 90’s that I think really reflected a medium that was starting to mature in all the right ways.  As an early example of “games as art” Secret of Mana utilized music very well.  In fact, it may have used its soundtrack better than any other game of its time, at the very least until Final Fantasy VI would literally change everything about game music the following year.

75.

Bomb Man

from Mega Man

Composer: Manami Mastumae

Capcom; 1987

Bomb Man, for me, was the single theme in the early Mega Man games that defined the series’ distinct and memorable sound.  It uses the limited resources of the NES exceptionally-well, and while it pales in comparison to the sophistication of titles in the coming years for the sereis’ and its host console, it is a strong trendsetter for a particular type of fun video game music.  On top of that, this theme is just intensely nostalgic for me.  

74.

Still Alive

from Portal

Composer: Jonathan Coulton

Valve; 2007

I featured I Want You Gone in the previous entry, and Still Alive is just ahead because I think that, while an argument could be made for I Want You Gone being a better song as a whole, I did not  have the same reaction to it as I did Still Alive.  Still Alive fit with the mood of Portal well, but it was still a theme that came entirely out of left field for me.  It was very funny the first time I heard it, and while I still believe it is a charming little tune, it is the novel idea of having a theme song like this for a game that makes it so lasting.  It is praiseworthy, and flawlessly executed.

73.

Chemical Plant Zone

from Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Composer: Masato Nakamura

Sega; 1999

Another great Sonic theme makes my list.  This time it is the funk-heavy Chemical Plant Zone theme.  This song features a layered groove that has a tone and flow that fits its level well.  Instead of going for a simple metallic-sounding theme, or one that is upbeat and bright (like most platformers of its day), Nakamura and the Sonic 2 development team gave us a strong piece with a nice beat and a slick melody.

72.

Liberi Fatali

from Final Fantasy VIII

Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Squaresoft; 1999

Playing during the opening of Final Fantasy VIII, this song is the introduction to what is arguably one of the greatest game soundtracks in the history of the medium.  Liberi Fatali is an anthem of sorts that plays as we get glimpses of things to come.  It is also somewhat of a milestone in console gaming.  While games had orchestrated music before this, the technological limitations of consoles made it difficult to convey the songs properly.  They either were heavily digitized midi tunes, tin-can recordings, or converted tracks.  Final Fantasy VIII gave us a fully-orchestrated soundtrack that actually sounded like one, and Liberi Fatali was our introduction to this future of console gaming.  

71.

Neo Kobe Steel Factor

from Contra III: The Alien Wars

Composers: Miki Higashino, Masanori Adachi, Tappi Iwase

Konami; 1992

Here is a good one!  As I have mentioned, Contra III is my favorite in the series and the Stage III theme is one of the best on its soundtrack.  It has an incredibly long loop, taking about half of the stage to complete, and it is very well-composed, going from an imposing opening to a smooth riff that builds until the song proper begins, a fast and excellent horn melody that is both tense and satisfying.  The chords that guide the song’s tone shift from minor to major, creating an atmospheric gradient.  It is a delightful tune and I could easily listen to it all day.