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 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.