Despite the title, this Favorite Tunes has no particular theme. We've got music from the one of my favorite PS2 launch titles, TimeSplitters, Kirby Triple Deluxe and Final Fantasy IV to list a few.
You remember the Multi-Tap? It was a device for the PS and PS2 that was used for four player controller support because Sony was stuck in the past and didn't think including four controller ports on the console was a smart idea. When I finally scored a PS2, TimeSplitters was one of the main reasons I invested in the addition controller ports. One of my favorite multiplayer stages in the game was the Chinese restaurant. Not only was it a spectacularly designed level but it had this theme playing as you gunned down your friends. Ah, good times.
There's just something truly delightful about Kirby music. No matter whether its on a console or a handheld, its hard not to play a Kirby game and have a huge smile on your face due to the jovial tunes. While I think Kirby's Return to Dream Land has the better soundtrack (and is a better game), Triple Deluxe still delivers plenty of good music for Kirby fans. You gotta love the added dose of chiptune in Toy Rhythm.
For me, Contra III is the peak of the series. This isn't to say I haven't enjoyed Contra titles past this one, but for the best Contra experience, this is definitely where its at. The game has an apocalyptic soundtrack but there are still some more encouraging music pieces. This theme perfectly matches the tone of the stage. From a motorcycle battle with hordes of alien soldiers, a fight on a helicopter with a alien ninja, to a jumping section on flying missiles to the boss, Contra III's 4th level is a none stop thrill ride.
MadWorld has a gritty, over the top comic book feel to it. The black and white visuals really make the blood pop out whenever Jack mercilessly slaughters someone. Even if you're not a huge fan of rap, MadWorld's soundtrack is tough to turn a deaf ear to. It has some solid vocal performances ending with the staff roll theme, Soul.
After three NES Final Fantasy titles, the series made the jump to the 16-bit SNES and as expected, there was a noticeable step up in the quality of music. Nobuo's SNES Final Fantasy music debut is nothing short of extraordinary. Final Fantasy IV has its share of baddies but the four fiends in particular, alongside Golbez, truly stand out. The Dreadful Fight is a themed reserved for smack-downs with Golbez fiercest warriors.
Originally released on the Sharp X68000 computer in Japan in 1993 as Akumajo Dracula, the game made its away to America under the name Castlevania Chronicles, bringing some new additions such as arranged music and adjustable difficulty. The game saw a limited release on the PS in 2001 but it can be purchased digitally on the PSN. Its old-school Castlevania goodness.
1 comment:
I'm assuming the Chinese level is the same one that was included in Timesplitters Future Perfect. If so, I played that a lot in Deathmatch mode and loved blowing the windows of the restaurant out :). Great level and great track. I didn't play a lot of the original Timesplitters as I'd already played TS2 and then TS:FP so to go back to the original was a bit of a contrast.
Had forgotten all about that Madworld track until I just re-listened to it. Great track and fantastic game.
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