VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 008

Keeping it even this week, we have three songs from games and three arrangements of game tracks that are not in games. 

The Conflict - Romancing SaGa (SFC)

Another week of VGM Saturdays, another track by Kenji Ito. This time we have the standard battle theme from Romancing SaGa. The Romancing SaGa games alone have all kinds of stellar battle themes but even when compared to greats like Beat Them Up!, The Conflict is still a big favorite of mine.

PLAYER SELECT - Art of Fighting 3: Path of the Warrior (ARC)

I haven't touched any of the games in SNK's Art of Fighting series but the soundtracks are not something that is lost on me. Personally, I think Art of Fighting 3 has the best music of the lot. More laid back character select themes, please.

We Ain't Came to Loose - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Multi)

The soundtrack to Shredder's Revenge is GODLIKE. Of course they just had to have one of the most baller vocal tracks play when you fight Shredder. Even if rap isn't your thing, you cannot deny that this song is so hot. 

Stickerbrush Symphony - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES) - Neon X

Donkey Kong Country 2's soundtrack needs no introduction. It is brimming with a plethora of amazing tracks from start to finish. A huge fan favorite is undoubtedly Stickerbrush Symphony, the track that plays during some of the more tense brambled filled levels of the game. I think David Wise would be proud of Neon X's synth fused cover of his classic track.

Sunshine Airport - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) - Neon X

And here we have another remix from the very talented, synth lover, Neon X. I love Sunshine Airport, both the race track and the song that accompanies it. When I saw this pop up in my recommendations, I had to give it a listen. The addition of a boarding call is a nice touch.

Column Drive - Columns III: Revenge of the Columns (GEN) - amphobius

The first time I heard this song was in Sonic Megamix, a ROM hack of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. I never expected to come across a remix of this one, but once again, I have to thank YouTube's recommended side bar. 

VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database

Favorite Tunes #269: Summer Madnesss

I've been away for a while. The blog went on hiatus because I've moved back to my home state. We just got the internet up and running yesterday and I'm happy to resume blogging. Give yourself a cookie if you can guess the band behind this week's subtitle.

Hotel Delfino - Super Mario Sunshine (GCN)

Not my favorite Super Mario game by a long shot. Sunshine suffers from some of the very same problems people love to slam the early 3D Sonic titles for: glitches, lousy voice acting and just plain bad game design in numerous instances. Be that as it may, I still wouldn't label Sunshine a bad game. I love the tropical setting and the soundtrack is just perfect for anyone craving some sounds of summer.

On the Open Seas - Super Adventure Island II (SNES)

Though I've only played the first SNES entry and thus and more familiar with the former's soundtrack, from my understanding, Super Adventure Island II was the better game. Though when it comes to the music, I'd have to give the nod to the first game. Still, the music from the second entry is serviceable.

Green Hill Zone Act 2 - Sonic Mania (PS4, NS, XBO, PC)

Yes, yes, we're all tired of Green Hill Zone. Sonic Team has overexposed the heck out of the very first area in the original Sonic the Hedgehog but band it, that music is still the bee's knee. Tee Lopes did an outstanding job remixing the old Sonic jams and I'm looking forward to hearing his new material in Team Sonic Racing.

Welcome to Crocodile Isle - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)

Often viewed as the pinnacle of the SNES DKC trilogy and to that I say, well, you'll get no argument from me. On top of introducing Dixie, arguably the greatest blonde in all of platformers, DKC2 improved upon the original in every aspect. David Wise was the only composer to return to score the music for this 1995 hit and he freaking nailed it.

To the South - Goof Troop (SNES)

One of my favorite cartoons to watch in the afternoon when I was a lad, I was thrilled when I found out that Goof and Max were coming to the SNES. Capcom rarely turned in a licensed dud in those days and Goof Troop did not disappoint. No doubt even more gamers are more away of this game thanks to the Game Grumps and for that, they have my thanks.

Launch Octopus Stage - Mega Man X (SNES)

If (for some strange reason) you haven't played Mega Man X, grab the Mega Man X Legacy Collection ASAP. The game is a heavy contender for the greatest Mega Man game, yes, even topping 2 and 3. When I was working on this Favorite Tunes, I realized that Launch Octopus' sea/aquatic level fits the summer them perfectly.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #260: Shoot! Shoot! SHOOT!

Favorite Tunes on a Sunday? What gives? Well, since the Tetris 99 editorial went up on Saturday, Favorite Tunes was moved to Sunday. I don't like to post twice in one day. Soooooo, here's some video game music to go with your Sunday.

Black Rain (Stage 6) - Hyper Duel (ARC)

With so many arcade games getting digital re-releases, I'm really hoping that more of Technosoft's catalog get's time to shine again. Just listening to the music from Hyper Duel has me itching to play it. Expect more music from this game in future Favorite Tunes.

Invitation - Gradius III (ARC)

My first exposure to the Gradius series was the SNES port of Gradius III. Even so, I do greatly enjoy the arcade version's score along the the 16-bit version. It's tough for me to pick which version I like the best. When it comes to the game, however, I'll take the SNES version. Sure it has slowdown, but it actually gives me some continues.

Swanky Swing - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)

King K. Rool's presents in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate along with numerous spirits from the Donkey Kong Country games has reminded me of music from the SNES trilogy. Every time I spot Swanky Kong's spirit, I can hear his tune playing in my head. Why, oh why didn't someone arrange it?

Iron Attack (STAGE 1) - Devil Engine (PC, NS, PS4)

SHMUPs have been on a major comeback over the past few years. At $20, Devil Engine costs more than most games in digital shops but I can tell you that this one is well worth the money. It's also really freaking hard. As if the shoot 'em up action weren't great all on it's own, the game boasts incredible visuals and an absolute banger of a soundtrack.

Ancient Zone - Street Fighter EX3 (PS2)

I really like the music in Street Fighter IV as well as Street Fighter V. But can we get the sound crew behind the EX games to make some more amazing Street Fighter jams again? I've always felt the EX games got far more flak than they deserved but no one will dis the music. Listen to that violin! Ugggghhhhhhhhhh, so goooooooood!!!

How to Play - Super Smash Bros. (N64)

Hearing music from the original Super Smash Bros. makes me feel so nostalgic. Hard to believe the series is 20 years old now. A great deal of the first Smash's music is in Ultimate. Sadly, this theme is not. Just hearing it brings memories of Mario beating the crap out of Luigi in the tutorial.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #256: Rising Sun

So a certain lovey dovey holiday is coming up. I'm sure I'm going to spend it slaving away at work but I'll try to have a love themed Favorite Tunes for next Saturday. What's that? You say, the holiday will be over by then? Pish posh. You can celebrate love any day of the week! We now return to your regularly scheduled Favorite Tunes already in progress.

Steel Giant - Xenogears (PS)

Ah, Xenogears, a game that released to great controversey regarding the heavy religious themes. Some review mags such as GamePro even took heat from fans for scoring the game negatively. Despite owning the game via the PS3, I haven't played much of it but I've listened to the musical score several times over and it is some incredible stuff. Listening to the Pixel Mixers arrangement album gave me a reminder of how awesome a track Steel Giant is. This would have made a great track to include on the Midgar stage in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but alas, Square Enix is so stingy.

Crocodile Cacophony - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)

When Diddy is ape-napped by King K. Rool, it's up to Diddy and his girlfriend, Dixie to save the day. David Wise composed most of the score from the first Donkey Kong Country, joined by Robin Beanland and Eveline Novakovic but he was a solo act for the sequel. I was super pleased to find a remix of this song in Smash Ultiamte, so pleased that I realized I needed to list the original tune here.

Tears Of... - Silent Hill (PS)

Like Capcom's mega popular zombie infested franchise, I've never gotten into Silent Hill. Having said that, I just might have to check out more songs from this series. This is one I came across on one of the many relaxing VGM playlists on YouTube.

Warm-A-Live - Live-A-Live (SFC)

Released only in Japan at a time when they were simply known as Square, Live-A-Live is a Super Famicom RPG that has you playing as seven different characters. OK, so the game is a bit deeper than that, but I like to keep things brief in Favorite Tunes, but if you take anything away from this game, let it be the magnificent soundtrack by Yoko Shimomura.

Rising Sun - Final Fantasy Adventure (GB)

Man, I sure am giving Square Enix a lot of audio love this week. This theme serves as title screen music. It may have "Final Fantasy" in the title, but this is actually the start of the Mana or Seiken Densetsu series. Secret of Man on the SNES is actually Seiken Densetsu 2. Anyway, you can thank Kenji Ito for that soothing music that is currently assaulting your ears.

Wii Shop Channel - Wii

I said my farewells to the Wii Shop Channel a few days ago, but it still sucks to see it go. You can still listen to the music via the Wii, just don't expect to get much farther than that. Thankfully, the Wii Shop Channel tune is a selectable music track in Smash Ultimate. Sure, it may not be as high energy as other tracks, but I don't think too many people would argue against it's inclusion.

Favorite Tunes Database