Favorite Tunes #105: Column Dive

Welcome to the long awaited return of Favorite Tunes. OK, it has been that long, but this feature has been MIA for about a month now. We've got a selection of music from older as well as modern games. Maybe you'll hear an old favorite or get introduced to a new one.

Sky - Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (3DS, Wii U)

Wayforward is quickly becoming one of my favorite companies in the gaming industry. They have a knack for designing old-school games with a modern flair and when Jake "Virt" Kaufman  is on board for musical compositions, that only makes things so much sweeter. This jam makes me wanna lay on the beach during sunset without a care in the world.

Crimson Blitz - Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)

There was once a time where Final Fantasy sequels were only related by their roman numerals in the title. This was all changed with the release of Final Fantasy X-2. The Final Fantasy VII series managed to push this a step further with the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII line of games. Lightning Returns is the third game in the Final Fantasy XIII series, a trilogy most are less than fond of. But at least we got a brilliant musical score for all three games. Blinded by Light was my favorite track from the original Final Fantasy XIII and while this remix doesn't outdo the original, it's still a fine tune in its own right.

Law and Disorder - Final Fight 3 (SNES)

Final Fight may have began in arcades but it's first two sequels were SNES exclusives. The third game, called Final Fight Tough in Japan was released in 1995, the same year as Mega Man X3 and Mega Man 7 and just the those games, finding a physical copy will cost you. A digital version will run you $7.99 on the Wii U eShop. Final Fight 3 gave players a bit more freedom with the controls with the ability to dash and perform special moves once the meter is full. I'm still in the mind that Final Fight 2 has the better soundtrack, but I'd be a fool if I didn't praise Final Fight 3's spectacular effort.

Id (Purpose) - Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)

Ever thought about jumping into the Fire Emblem series but aren't sure where to start? I recommend the latest entry, Fire Emblem: Awakening. The option to turn off permanent death makes it a far more accessible game than the previous entries. For those not in the know, in most Fire Emblem games, if any of your troops should fall in battle, they stay dead. Awakening gives you the option to to worry about that. One less care on your mind as you listen to this game's glorious soundtrack.

Column Dive - Columns III (GEN)

Do you remember Columns? It was SEGA's puzzle series on the Genesis and Game Gear back in 1990s. I have more memories of the Game Gear version of Columns III but the Genesis version did have some pretty sweet beats. If you've played the ROM hack of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Megamix, you may recognize Column Dive as it was one of the tracks used in that mod, albeit with a slightly different drums.

Volver a Comenzar - LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

LittleBigPlanet is one of the best Sony IPs. The series is all about character customization and level creation. Some of the best levels, however, can be found in the game's story mode. One of my favorite stages is the Wedding Reception, which has you platforming on skulls and swinging across the ceiling among other things to find the bride's missing groom. This is all done to a fantastic Spanish track called Volver a Comenzar, performed by Cafe Tacvba. I'd never heard of he band or this song before playing the first LittleBigPlanet, but this song has quite the fan following. The things even been performed live.

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