Favorite Tunes #47: Love Edition

I originally planned to post this on Valentine's Day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I missed the date and well, here we are. Regardless, the theme of this edition Favorite Tunes still stands. It's all about love, not just couples love, but love in general.

Pulifia Flowers - Lufia & The Fortress of Doom (SNES)

This Taito RPG tells the tale of Maxim's descendant and his three companions battle with the Sinistrals, four wicked beings that plagued the world 99 years ago. Among the main protagonist's allies is Lufia, his childhood friend and love interest. When the hero goes off to investigate the return of the Sinistrals, Lufia fears for his safety and decides to go with him. This scene takes place outside of the hero's hometown in a field of flowers while the game's romantic theme, Pulifia Flowers plays.

Theme of Love - Final Fantasy IV (SNES)

The fourth entry in the Final Fantasy series and the first one to be released on Nintendo's 16-bit baby. Romance has always been a huge factor in the long running series, but Final Fantasy IV was the first game to really pour it on. From the get go, the game makes it very clear that Cecil and Rosa are in love with each other. Theme of Love is the theme dedicated to these two love birds and in Japan, the song is actually part of the sixth grade music textbook learning curriculum.

Romance in the Air - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

The game to celebrate the series 25th anniversary and the one to introduce a new method of fighting. Skyward Sword utilizes a gorgeous art style and 1:1 sword fighting controls for precise sword strikes, making combat a whole new ball game.

Love Theme - Mass Effect (360, PS3, PC)

A much hyped series that I've never played so I don't have much to say about it. This theme is here because I was looking for other love themes to make up this list and I liked the way this one sounded. It's good to throw in a series you really don't mention every now and then.

My Mind - Final Fantasy VIII (PS, PC)

As I mentioned when talking about Final Fantasy IV above, love has always been a key in the Final Fantasy games, but in Final Fantasy VIII it was the primary focus of the game. Even the logo showed main character Squall embracing Rinoa. I could have put Final Fantasy VIII's vocal theme, Eyes on Me in this spot, but I wanted to go a different route so I included My Mind, Riona's theme. Besides, you can hear traces of Eyes on Me in My Mind anyway.

Love Theme - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

Taking place five years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 2, Snake's genetic cloning structure sees him physically age to that of a man in his 80s even though he's in his early 40s. That's not the only thing to go downhill. The Patriot's War Economy isn't doing the world any favors and as a result, war is at an all time high. Metal Gear Solid 4 is rife with extended cut scenes, by far the longest the series has ever seen. You'll probably spend more time watching this game than playing it, but even so, Metal Gear Solid 4 still packs the legendary stealth action gameplay that made the Metal Gear name so famous.

Dearly Beloved - Kingdom Hearts (PS2)

Square and Disney were in an elevator one day. The resulting conversation was Kingdom Hearts, a combination of Square and Disney characters in this action RPG series. Dearly Beloved is actually the title theme, a lovely piano piece composed by Yoko Shimomura who wrote most of the music for the Kingdom Hearts games.

Interrupted By Fireworks - Final Fantasy VII (PS, PC)

Depending on the way Cloud treats his fellow party members he can end up on a date with either Tifa, Areith, Yuffie and even Barret. The date takes place at the Golden Saucer and one of the activities Cloud and his date can enjoy is riding the gondola and getting a better look at the attractions. During this scene fireworks light up the sky. The conversions between Cloud and his date varies depending on who you end up with.

Love Theme - Mother 3 (GBA)

I originally thought Mother 3 was going to have so many laugh out loud moments. There are plenty of humorous scenes, sure, but Mother 3 also has an abundance of dark, tear jerking moments and they come as early as the first chapter in the game. Despite it's simplistic looking visuals, Mother 3 has a deep, moving story that will make even the toughest of the tough guys weepy eyed.

Cuddle - Star Ocean The Second story (PS, PSP)

The Star Ocean series began it's life on the SNES but Second Story was the first title to be published outside of Japan. Second Story was originally released on the PlayStation but in 1999, but in 2009 it received a PSP remake. At one point Claude gets separated from Rena and the rest of the party. Rena fears the worst until Claude appears before her unharmed. The moment she she sees him she runs to Claude and throws her arms around him, relieved that he's safe. Annnnd cue this song.