Favorite Tunes #228: Cut Short

Ever find a music track playing in a game you really like but the game cuts it off to drop you into some gameplay? My favorite game in the Mega Man series has a track that this happens to (Hint for you new readers: it isn't Mega Man 2). Also in this week's music is a track from Chrono Trigger that is long overdue to be represented here as well as one of the more comical Final Fantasy games. Also, this was meant to be posted on May 26th, but by the time I realized I didn't post it, two days had already passed. I decided to just hold off until June 2nd, which gave me time to get ahead on future FT posts.

Set Up - Axelay (SNES)

Probably not the jam that springs to mind when you think of music from Axelay, but I really dig this one. I've been listening to a lot of SNES soundtracks as of late and I caught myself hitting repeat on this short tune a few times.

Schala's Theme - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

I know I've posted a lot of music from Chrono Trigger in Favorite Tunes over the years. To my surprise, I've never posted Schala's Theme. Well, that is a tragedy I'm making up for right now. This melancholy theme has been sampled by several hip hop artists. While I'm not a fan of a lot of today's hip hop music (I prefer the older stuff), I cannot fault them for using this theme.

Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U, NS)

It has been a while since I've listed a track from my favorite game of 2017. I've heard some complaints that Breath of the Wild's soundtrack is either too quiet or that there aren't enough remixes from past games. I disagree. Not every game needs to have every track set on blast and what few arrangements are here are really good. Much as I enjoy a soundtrack filled with remixes, its nice to let new music breath. The Main Theme of Breath of the Wild is a powerful, moving piece of music. The 1:06 mark of this song gives me chills.

Dr. Wily Stage Map - Mega Man 3 (NES)

This right here. This is the best Wily Map theme. At a run time of 20 seconds, it also happens to be one of the longest and you never get to hear all of it in game. I can see why that is because no one would want to be sitting at the Wily Stage Map for 20 seconds six times in a row. Then again, this short tune is so good, I could see myself doing that.

Schrage Musik - Danmaku Unlimited 3 (PC, NS)

I still haven't managed to beat this game on the easy setting but I am getting better and I managed to get over 12 million points, breaking my previous record of over 11 million. If you can actually stop sweating from all the bullets your evading, the music in Danmaku Unlimited 3 by BLANKFIELD is really enjoyable stuff.

Lenna's Theme - Final Fantasy V Dear Friends

The Main Theme of Final Fantasy V is a splendid piece of music. Like many main themes it was reused numerous times throughout the game. One of my favorite versions comes in the form of Lenna's Theme. Since I already posted her theme some time ago in Favorite Tunes, here's an arrangement from the album Dear Friends, which is named after one of the ending themes of the game.

Favorite Tunes Database

Re-Releases You Should Play Part 4

This sister series of Much Needed Re-Releases is finally back after a break that lasted far too long. With all the great new releases coming in 2018, make sure you don't forget to revisit these old favorites. Or in some people's cases, they just might be playing these games for the first time.

Dangun Feveron (PS4, XBO)

A shooter with disco music? No way something like that can be real. And yet it is. Released way back in 1998, Cave's Dangun Feveron has finally be released outside of Japan via digital distribution. Just as the case was with Battle Garegga Rev. 2016, Dangun Feveron comes loaded with M2 Gadgets and four soundtracks, allowing you to customize your experience. It isn't a long game by any means (most games in this genre are quite short after all) but Dangun Feveron is so engaging that you're more than likely to do several play throughs in a single setting. You can choose from three fighter types and three power shots. For ships, I prefer type-B for the wide shot since there is rarely a moment where something in this game isn't trying to kill you and there is no shortage of bullets on the screen. Lock on is also a good choice for obvious reasons and while bomb and roll are interesting, they take some skill and patience to use. Regardless, I do like the weapon variety and that they can be paired up anyway you see fit. At $34.99 this might be a bit too pricey for some. Personally, I've been having a blast with this game so it was worth every penny.

Also available on: ARC

Danmaku Unlimited 3 (NS)

This was my first entry into the Danmaku Unlimited games and I came away very pleasantly surprised. As much as I love SHMUPs, bullet hell shooters tend to make me a bit uneasy. This one caters to both newbies and vets, with a modes for beginners as well as more experienced players. Even on the easy setting, Danmaku Unlimited 3 throws a lot of bullets at you but evading them isn't nearly as difficult as you might think. With the graze mechanic that gives you extra points for placing yourself in harms way, there's some incentive to go in the direction the bullets are flying. This is the only SHMUP were I constantly try to get as close to enemy fire as I can. There are no power ups to collect so you never have to worry about your ship being in a weakened state. You can mix and match between different two different weapon setups and while you beam is way powerful and great against bosses, it slows down your ship considerably. The Switch is already full of SHMUPs and Danmaku Unlimited 3 stands among the cream of the crop.

Also available on: PC

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (NS)

This outstanding 2D platformer sold like mud cakes on the Wii U. Given the runaway success of the Switch, it is no surprise that the sales for the later version have already surpassed that of the former version. If you've never played Tropical Freeze, prepare yourself for vibrant, imaginative, challenging levels and bosses. Some folks are miffed at the $60 price tag considering you can get this on the Wii U for $20. By all means, snag Tropical Freeze if you didn't have a Wii U or if you want to play this amazing platformer anywhere.

Also available on: Wii U

#Breakforcist Battle (NS)

You can pay a little less to play this on your iOS or Android device, but the Switch version comes with four player multiplayer. #Breakforcist is another Arkanoid Clone but with the blocks you have to break descending upon you faster with each passing wave, there's more pressure to destroy them before the end your run. Certain blocks yield different power ups. Hit a bomb and it will send the blocks back upwards a bit, buying you more time. Get a bacon laser to blast blocks with ease. This a simple, fun game that is tough to master and will make you yearn for the return of a trackball controller. Still, even without one, #Breakcorcist Battle is well worth having in the morning or whatever time you prefer to have breakfast.

Also available on: iOS, AND

Favorite Tunes #224: Industria

April is nearly outta here and crazy video game releases for May are almost upon us. Hopefully the April weather has treated you well because for us here in Virginia, it's been a bit of a mixed bag, hardly ever feeling like spring. For the last of April's Favorite Tunes, we've got music from one of my new favorite SHMUPs, Kirby's latest adventure and some Mega Man, but not the Blue Bomber you're expecting.

Airspace - Danmaku Unlimited 3 (PC, NS)

The Switch is loaded with SHMUPs so if you love that genre like me, you will not be disappointed. A PC release in 2017, Danmaku Unlimited 3 came to the Switch last month and it is well worth your time and money. This bullet hell shooter can be enjoyed by novice and vets alike and the rocking soundtrack by BLANKFIELD is nothing short of awesome.

INDUSTRIA (Remind Remix) - Rage Racer 20th Remix

In 2014, SuperSweep released a Ridge Racer 20th Anniversary Remix album, covering various games in the series, including Rage Racer. Last year, the same publisher rolled out a 20th anniversary album dedicated solely to Rage Racer. Of the many games in the Ridge Racer series, Rage Racer was the last one I expected to get super special treatment, but I love that game and the music from it, so I ain't complaining. The Industria is hands down my favorite track in that game and the this remix sounds pretty close to the original but has some subtle differences.

Digital Strider - Mega Man Battle Network 6: Cybeast Falzar (GBA)

The music of Mega Man Battle Network 6 was recently brought back to my attention thanks to +TEK's wonderful FM Arrangement Project. Central Town and Battle Field were always stand out tracks in my mind, but I'd forgotten just how good the rest of the soundtrack was. It certainly was a huge step up after Battle Network 4's disappointing soundtrack.

Title Screen - #Breakforcist (iOS, AND, NS)

Breakout may have been the father of blocking breaking, but Taito's Arkanoid, which added weapons and power ups to your paddle, really blew the doors off. Original an Android game, #Breakforcist made it's way to the Switch a few weeks ago under the title #Breakforcist Battle, allowing up to four players to battle to save breakfast. It's a pretty dang good Breakout clone with some funky beats.

Honey Hills (Forest Area) - Kirby Star Allies (NS)

I know Star Allies isn't the greatest Kirby game but calling it trash or saying it sucks is quite the stretch. I do think $60 is asking a bit too much, however. $40 would have been a more reasonable price point. Having said all that, even for the lofty standards of a Kirby game, the soundtrack to this one is absolutely amazing. From the new tracks to the arranged material, there is plenty here to leave you in awe.

Fossil Falls (8-bit) - Super Mario Odyssey (NS)

Selling 3 million copies in just a matter of days, Super Mario Odyssey is not only one of the best selling games on the Switch but the fast selling Super Mario game. The game is probably already in the double digits as of this post. I've already completed the game but I still fire it up to hunt for more moons, and hide balloons while I (im)patiently wait for Nintendo to give me my dang Frog Suit. Best 8-bit rendition of Odyssey's music? You betcha!

Favorite Tunes Database