Favorite Tunes #138: Train On

On November 27, 1996, a little Game Boy game called Pokemon debuted in Japan. 20 years later, the franchise is larger than life. This Favorite Tunes is dedicated to Pokemon and Pokemon trainers all around the world. Train on.

Pallet Town - Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow (GB)

Talk about humble beginnings. The first entry in what is now a juggernaut franchise has some super simple graphics, even by 1996/1998 standards. But beneath all that is a game that is incredibly fun and addicting. I should know because after buying Pokemon Blue off the eShop, I've had a tough time putting it down. Your in game persona's home time is a delightfully pleasant theme that I love best in it's chiptune form.

Battle! Wild Pokemon (Johto) - Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal (GBC)

As great as Pokemon Gen I's music was (some of the best chiptunes imaginable) Gen II's just might one up it. The overall sound quality of Pokemon Gold/Silver seems to be enhanced from the original game resulting arranged themes feeling more fleshed out. The new music is also pretty catchy. If I had to list my favorite of all the Wild Pokemon Battle themes, it would be this one.

Lake - Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)

Sometimes you gotta take a break from all the battling and just unwind, relax, kick your feet up. Much as I love the battle themes of Pokemon (as evidenced by the number of themes that cover battling), I do enjoy me some chill music, too.

Battle! (Elite Four) - Pokemon Black/White (DS)

The Elite Four are a group of Pokemon Trainers in every generation of Pokemon games that do not screw around. In Black/White they are especially formidable. If you have the idiocy to approach them unprepared, they will send you running to the Pokemon Center faster than Taco Bell puts you on the can. You know you're in for a serious fight when you hear this theme.

Lumiose City - Pokemon X/Y (3DS)

Gen VI of the main Pokemon games. Among X/Y's new features are Mega Evolution which only certain Pokemon like Mewtwo, Charizard and Banette can gain access to. Don't let any haters convince you that the music in X/Y is inferior to the previous generations because it has a modern flair to it. Be it the battles, route or town themes, this game has some very memorable music.

Battle! Champion (Kanto) Pokemon Black2/White2 (DS)

We're going back in time with this one. Well, sorta. The final battle in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow is one of the toughest in the game and it has one of the most iconic pieces of music to go with it. While I don't think this one trumps the original, its still a very solid effort.

Favorite Tunes Database