VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 007

I went with the Arial font for the titles this week. Nothing against Georgia font, but I thought I could use a bit of a change.

K.K. Cruisin' - Animal Crossing (N64) - Funk Fiction, Tee Lopes

K.K. Slider is one of the best dogs in gaming. Not just for his super chill attitude, but for his wide selection of music. A big favorite of mine ever since the first game has always been K.K. Cruisin'. That is a jam that can be heard in one or sometimes two rooms in my house on New Horizons. Back in 2020, Funk Fiction and Tee Lopes worked together to give us this sweet remix and it just might be my favorite K.K. Cruisin' arrangement. 

Dice-Dance-Days / Dancing Smash Hero - Gunstar Heroes (GEN) - Monte

Since I plan a great deal of these VGM Saturday posts out in advance, I sometimes surprise myself when I look back on the music I choose. Legend of the Gunstar Heroes definitely deserves more listens. Since it has been a while since I heard this one, I'd forgotten how hard the guitar goes on this track.

Cyber Space 1-6: Go Back 2 Your Roots - Sonic Frontiers (Multi)

Well, would you look at that. More Sonic Frontiers music. That's two weeks in a row now. I changed things up a bit by using a Guardian track last week, but once again, we're back in Cyber Space. Yes, I use  a lot of Cyber Space tracks for VGM Saturdays (they are so FREAKING GOOD) but I adore the entirety of Sonic Frontiers' music. I thought the layout of this particular level looked familiar. It turns out it is Green Hill Act 1 from Sonic Generations. 

Lethal Strike - Final Fantasy Legend II (GB)

Back when I first got into the FINAL FANTASY series, I would pick up any game I came across if I could afford it. One such title was Final Fantasy Legend II, which is actually a SaGa game. Kenji Ito wrote this battle theme and I fell in love with this track the first time I heard it. This is high energy chip tune goodness and I am so happy it is available on streaming platforms legally. 

SUPER M.T.B. - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (PSP)

The Danganronpa games intrigue me and I would like to get around to playing them sometime. Trigger Happy Havoc originally released on the PSP in 2010 and it has since been ported to the Vita, PS4 and mobile devices. I did listen to the soundtrack for the game shortly after it was released and this track as well as SUPER FINAL M.T.B. were huge stand out songs for me.

Cyan's Theme - FINAL FANTASY VI (SNES)

SQUARE ENIX may treat FINAL FANTASY VII with vastly more favoritism than the other games (OK, a LOT more favoritism) but VI is a grand game all it's own. It tackles a lot of themes such as acceptance with one's self and how the loss of loved ones can deeply impact someone. Terra is largely seen as the central character in FFVI and she has a great story arc but seeing my man Cyan pick himself up after losing his wife and child hits me in the feels something fierce. 

VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database

Favorite Tunes #206: Trouble Maker

The Switch continues to kill it and EA still sucks. How's that for a topical opener? Anyway, this week, there is music from the Classic Mega Man series, Gunstar Heroes, Tekken 7 as well as SEGA's classic racing game, OutRun.

Tengu Man Stage - Mega Man 8 (PS)

With Mega Man 11 having been announced (squeee!!!) it is only fitting that I post a tune from the Mega Man series this week. While I do prefer Tengu Man's more series Saturn exclusive theme, I still get a kick out of his more cheerful PlayStation track. Tengu Man is such a smug punk that it makes beating him all the more satisfying.

Don't Slip! - Splatoon 2 (NS)

Even taking into account that the first Splatoon released on the Wii U, a console that was a huge bomb, the game did extremely well, becoming Nintendo's most recognized new IP in recent years. So of course they had a sequel in the works for the Switch. Splatoon 2 has gotten some criticism for feeling too samey but if sales are any indication, I don't think too many people mind this. Like the original Splatoon, the music for Splatoon 2 is very much on point.

I'm Here Now 7's Remix - Tekken 7 (PC, PS4, XBO)

I wouldn't call Tekken 7 may favorite soundtrack of the series, but there are some really good tracks in there. I'm Here Now was one the many good songs in Tekken 5. That intro for said game had Kazuya and Heihachi fighting off an army of Jacks. Tekken 7 let's you play out that fight with this bumping remix as your background fight jam.

Dancing Smash Hero - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

Gunstar Heroes on the Genesis just might be the best run 'n gun game ever. It's sprites and backgrounds still look marvelous to this day, it has sweet (if broken) weapon combos and the soundtrack is some of the best music on the Mega Drive and gaming in general. If anyone says Genesis music can't hack it, point them in the direction of Gunstar Heroes soundtrack.

Magical Sound Shower (Arrange Ver.) - OutRun SEGA AGES (SS)

The Saturn version of OutRun is one of the best available. It contains a hidden option to make it run at a smooth 60 fps and has some killer arranged music in addition to the outstanding original beats. Well, at leastthe Japanese version of the game does. For some strange reason, gamers outside of the Land of the Rising sun got the middle finger when it came to these songs.

Trouble Maker - Mischief Makers (N64)

Oh, Treasure. Only you could make a game with an adorable, anime-esque protagonist who's claim to fame consists of "SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!!!" Mischief Makers probably isn't the first game to come to mind when one thinks of games by Treasure. It is overshadowed by Gunstar Heroes and Sin and Punishment but it still has a cult following. This is one of those games that could use a re-release.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #117: Genesis Does

Ah, SEGA's aggressive marketing campaign. Back in 16-bit era and well into the 32-bit gaming era, SEGA was not the least bit shy about slamming the competition in advertisements, be they on TV or in print. I gave the SNES it's day in the sun with a previous Favorite Tunes, so now I'm giving the Genesis, easily SEGA's best console, a day in the limelight.

Buttville ~ The Descent  - Earthworm Jim (GEN ver.)

Whenever you've got a game on the SNES and the Genesis, you're always going to hear fanboys rage over which version of said game did things better. That mentally is more apparent than ever when it comes to Earthworm Jim. I get a serious kick out of both versions soundtracks, but there's no denying that some tracks are just plain better on the Genesis, like one of my favorite jams. This is also known as Use Your Head, since Jim uses noggin like a helicopter to descend.

The Sinking Old Sanctuary - Castlevania: Bloodlines (GEN)

One of the two Castlevania games to ever get release on a SEGA platform, Bloodlines may not stack up with other more traditional vampire slaying adventures, but its still a competent Castlevania title. You can select between two playable characters with their own unique play styles and the visual and audio treatment does not disappoint. Bloodlines is the first Castlevania game Michiru Yamane wrote music for.

Theme of MUSHA Aleste - M.U.S.H.A. (GEN)

Hope on the Wii's Wii Shop channel and download this sucker now if you haven't already. It's a fantastic shooter by the now deceased Compile, a company that makes some of the best games in the genre. Oh and the title music is fifty different kinds of awesome. So good you may not even press that start button.

Military on the Max-Power - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

The ultimate run 'n gun shooter, Treasure's Gunstar Heroes is, for me, still the greatest game they've ever made. The game oozes personality with its varied stages, boss fights and an unforgettable soundtrack brought to us by NON. This pounding theme is sadly cut short about midway through the stage. Would it have been too much trouble to let it play again after we aced that second mini boss?

Stage 5: Ellis - Thunder Force III (GEN)

The Genesis was blessed with not one, not two, but three, count 'em three Thunder Force titles. Most usually rule in favor of Thunder Force IV, released as Lightning Force here in the west, but Thunder Force III is still a top notch contender for best shooter on the Genesis. I feel like I'm not doing the game justice by representing this one song here because the entire soundtrack is gold.

Blue Sky Laundry - Battle Mania Daiginjou (GEN)

For those that had a proper understanding of the Genesis sound chip, it actually handled rock music extremely well. The second Battle Mania game is full of heavy Genesis rock, which fits perectly with all the on-screen shooting action this game provides. Pity this game never made it outside of Japan.

Favorite Tunes Database

The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Vol. 1

Some games are truly near and dear to my heart. These are the games that I go back to and play time and time again or look back on with immeasurable fondness. These are what I consider to be the greatest games in the history of the medium. It should go without saying that this is my own personal list. No doubt some gamers will take issues with some of my choices and that's fine. I've decided not to rank my picks. This feature isn't about where each particular game stands but rather about the games themselves. All of these games are here because I think they deserve to be so I'm not going to be bothered with attaching a number placement to them.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1990)

My first, clear memories of gaming began with Mario so this feature may as well kick off with one of his best efforts. After taking a trip to the strange, yet intriguing world of Subcon in Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario and Luigi returned to the Mushroom World to take on the Koopa Troop once more. This time, Bowser got himself some extra help. Bowser has the Koopalings at his aid and has sent each one off to conquer seven worlds. Super Mario Bros. brought back the familiar power ups from the first Super Mario Bros. while introducing a slew of new ones. The Super Leaf allowed Mario the brief power of flight. The god-like powers of the Hammer Suit made losing it the most painful feeling in the world. The Frog Suit made those torturous underwater levels a breeze. So many power-ups and suits were at your disposal that you could stock them up for later use. But Super Mario Bros. 3 didn't just expand the number of power-ups. The worlds of the game were so much bigger than the ones in Super Mario Bros. 1-2 that they were each comprised on their own world map. This of course meant you could bypass certain levels all together. Super Mario Bros. 3 also hosts some of the shortest levels of the franchise, which made lack of checkpoints on the more difficult levels especially painful. Improved controls made using the new abilities you gained so much more satisfying, making for a platform fan's utopia on the NES. From start to finish, Super Mario Bros. 3 is an unforgettable thrill ride that never gets old no matter how many times I play it.

Also on: SNES, GBA, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, 

Sonic 3 & Knuckles (GEN, 1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released in Feburary of 1994. Come October of that same year, Sonic and Knuckles stormed onto the Genesis. Strap Sonic 3 onto Sonic & Knuckles through the later cart's lock-on technology and you get Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the mammoth sized game Sonic 3 was always intended to be. Taking plenty of cues from Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles has expansive zones to explore and keeps much of the same high speed fun and platforming. The game does, however, spice things up by giving you three characters to play as. While Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are all speedy little devils, each one has something that sets them apart. Sonic controls the same way he always has but Tails can fly and swim for brief periods of time. Knuckles can't jump as high as the previous two but he can glide, climb walls and bust down certain walls to reveal shortcuts. Those new elemental shields really came in handy depending on what area you were in and were a step up from the first game's vanilla shield. Throw in some slickly design zones, some incredible final boss battles and some catchy, mondo cool beats and you've got my all-time favorite Sonic game. Don't bother play these games as stand alone titles. You're doing yourself a great disservice.

Also on: SAT, GCN, PS2, XB, DS, Wii

Final Fantasy VI (SNES, 1994)

Final Fantasy VI features an intriguing plot driven by some of the most colorful cast of characters in an RPG. Through Terra, Lock, Celes, Shadow and the rest, the game deals with some pretty heavy issues like coping with the loss of loved ones, suicide, teenage pregnancy and coming to terms with who you are. The good guys are a wonderful band of protagonists but they really do get upstaged by the game's villain, Kefka. Initially introduced as a gofer, by the time you reach the second half of the game, Kefka is the god of magic, has transformed the world into his own private hell and most of the remaining populace lives in fear because the maniacal clown can pretty much put an end to their existence whenever he feels like it. The different character classes keeps the battles from growing stale and the relics that can be equipped turn some characters into walking tanks. Fine as the battle system is, though, the real attractions of Final Fantasy VI are the story and memorable cast members.

Also on: PS, PS3, Wii, iOS

Gunstar Heroes (GEN, 1993)

Konami's Contra franchise houses some truly magnificent run 'n gun games, with the crown jewel being Contra III. So it's fitting that some of Contra III's staff would go on to form Treasure and their first game as the company was the legendary Gunstar Heroes. Gunstar Heroes does much to make it stand out from most games in the genre. You actually have a health meter that can be increased. The first four levels can be selected in the order of your choosing. You can mix and match weapon combos for devastating, even game breaking results. Even your partner in co-op play can be hurled at the enemies and will receive no damage in turn. The level design is also quite lively. The anti-gravity mine cart level lets you shift gravity at any time and is capped off with a jaw dropping battle against Seven Force, a shape changing mech. There's even a crazy board game stage where you roll dice and get sent off to do a myriad of different trials such as getting through a maze or fighting a pint sized soldier who is far stronger than his size would lead you to believe. All of this and some of the most impressive visuals and audio on the Genesis make Gunstar Heroes a 16-bit masterpiece.

Also on: PS3, Wii, 360, iOS

Final Fight (ARC, 1989)

Mayor Mike Haggar's daughter has been kidnapped! That's terrible! Does Haggar sic the police on those awful Mad Gear thugs? Nope. Being a former pro wrestler, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty so he takes to the streets along with Cody and Guy to clean their filthy clocks. Walk to the right and beat up mook after mook. Some are harder to take down than others but the concept of the game is simple, repetitive, beat 'em up fun and great for when you just want to zone out. Being an arcade game, Final Fight is on the brutal side and if you happen to being playing the arcade version, expect to see up to eight Mad Gears on the screen at one time, even if you have back up. Guy is quick and can wall jump, Cody has a really good stabbing hand whenever a knife is nearby and Haggar moves like a tank and has the muscle of said machine. Choose your brawler and go save that daughter!

Also on: SNES, SCD, GBA, PS2, XB, PSP, Wii, PS3, 360, Wii U, iOS

Mega Man 3 (NES, 1990)

The second Mega Man game I ever played is, in my honest opinion, the greatest Mega Man game of the whole franchise, yes, even eclipsing the highly praised Mega Man 2. Mega Man 3 kept plenty of what had become series staples by this point. Crafty level design, a catchy chiptune soundtrack, and some pretty memorable bosses, even if Top Man is a little bit of an oddball. This game also brought some new things to the table. The mysterious, fan favorite Proto Man would often show up to challenge you and other times, he'd aid you. Mega Man gained his faithful robo canine Rush in this outing as well as some faster maneuverability with the slide move. Along with all the new stuff the game has going for it, Mega Man 3 shows that it isn't afraid to tread some old ground. All of the Robot Masters from Mega Man 2 are back and so is a second incarnation of the dreaded Yellow Devil. Mega Man 3 is a long (at least in terms of classic Mega Man), sometimes frustrating, but very entertaining Mega Man experience that I love returning to.

Also on: PS, GCN, PS2, XB, Wii, Wii U, 3DS

Donkey Kong (GB, 1994)

Everyone remembers the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong. Platform through four levels to rescue Mario's girlfriend Pauline all the while being assaulted by her captor, the big ape himself. At the end of the fourth level, Mario trounces DK and is reunited with Pauline. But then Donkey Kong gets back up, kidnaps Pauline again and initiates one of the lengthiest video game chases ever, going to the city, the jungle, the desert and even the arctic to name a few locals. Huh. That never happened back in 1981. This masterful handheld Donkey Kong game contains all four original arcade levels and 97 brand  new stages. Mario can perform hand stands, back flips, double jumps and more. And you thought Mario's jump game didn't get crazy until Super Mario 64. You'll need Mario's insane acrobatic moves to navigate through this platform/puzzle affair to reach the key and proceed on to the next stage. Mario still has access to his trusty hammer, he can pick up certain enemies and chuck them at other baddies a la Super Mario Bros. 2, and his durability has been improved so he can fall from slightly greater heights and still keep breathing. If you're looking to see Mario and Donkey Kong's rivalry at it's very best, look no further than Donkey Kong on the GB.

Also on: 3DS

Out Run (ARC, 1986)

Yu Suzuki's driving masterpiece is quite simply one of the finest video games that has ever come out of SEGA. The only thing you're outrunning in Out Run is the clock as you drive cross country with your girlfriend at your side through five different stages. When you approach the end of the stage, you'll come across a fork in the road, which lets you choose which destination you'll travel to next. Most arcade racers at the time had you traveling the same path over and over but the non-liner stage progression really keeps Out Run from getting stale. Using "super scaler" technology (also used in games like Super Hang-On, Space Harrier After Burner, and Galaxy Force II) Out Run pumps put some eye widening visuals that remain impressive almost 30 years after the game was released. Ditto for the game's soundtrack. "Magical Sound Shower", "Splash Wave", "Passing Breeze," and "Last Wave" rank right up there with the "Ground Theme" from Super Mario Bros. when it comes to iconic game music. It may seem dull on paper, but passing other cars, handling tight turns and traveling the world on four wheels at high speeds is one of the best experiences the medium of gaming has to offer.

Also on: SMS, GEN, GG, MSX, SAT, PCE, DC, GBA, PS2, XB, 3DS

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, 2001)

The stealth action gameplay had been refined from the original Metal Gear Solid. Being able to aim in first person mode with any gun allowed for greater accuracy and the inclusion of lockers meant you could hide bodies to avoid alerting other enemy soldiers to your presence or unleash your inner bully. Many were butt hurt upon learning that Solid Snake had been replaced by newcomer Raiden , but I honestly didn't mind this because, as much as I like Snake, the gaming world is overrun with characters just like him. MGS2 also catches flak for its cheesy romance between Jack and Rose and absurd story moments. Yeah, let's pretend the other MGS games are perfection and don't have more than their fair share of eye rolling moments.

Aslo on: XB, PS3. 360

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (Wii, 2011)

Good things are worth waiting for and such is the case with Kirby's Return to Dream Land, a game that went through a lengthy development cycle, spanning a little over ten years.  The game plays like a bigger, better Kirby Super Star, which is pretty impressive when you consider that Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai had nothing to do with this game's development. New abilities are introduced, older abilities are enhanced and it has chaotic, but super fun, drop-in-and-out four player multiplayer. Anyone that isn't the first player can play as non-pink Kirbys or select from King Dedede, Meta Knight and Waddle Dee. The game also sports a beefy amount of bonus content like an EX version of the game's main story mode, which gives bosses more attacks, cuts your life bar in half and overall makes the game a lot more challenging. There's also the Challenge mode that has you mastering each Copy Ability to be awarded the highest ranking medal, which, surprise, surprise, isn't gold. The Arena, a boss rush mode also makes a come back as does The True Arena. From Pop Star to Halcandra, to insane duels with Galacta Knight, to fun with acronyms, and cutting a mountain in half with a giant fish, Kirby's Return to Dream Land gets my vote as the best Kirby game ever.

The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Vol. 2
The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Database 

Best Levels Ever Vol. 1

Meet the sister series to Frustrating Levels in Gaming. Where as that feature bemoans the level aspects that make them a chore to go through, Best Levels Ever is all about giving props to awesome, fun, well-thought out level designs. 

World 3-6: Mount Must Dash - Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

Super Mario 3D World is bursting at the seems with brilliant level designs, with just about every stage having its own unique feel to it. World 3-6 incorporates elements from what is arguably the plumber's best spin-off series, Mario Kart. Using the classic Mario Circuit tracks from the original Super Mario Kart as the level layout, Mount Must Dash is all about moving at break neck speed. Boost panels are scattered all throughout the level, discouraging slow movement. This level can be a little tricky when three or more players are involved, especially if everyone isn't on the same page. But when it's just one person or everyone playing is in sync, blasting through Mount Must Dash feels as cool as a summer breeze. Then speedy nature of this level makes it great for time trial purposes.

Magnet Man Stage - Mega Man 3 (NES)

Mega Man games have been lauded for the exceptional stage designs. Egoraptor even pointed out the the Classic Mega Man games have been excellent teaching tools for players without holding their hands. Magnet Man's stage is a shinning example of this. Magnets obviously play a big roll in this stage and you're introduced to several of them early on. These magnets fly through the air as you traverse over bottomless pits while avoiding the magnetic pull. Once you get below the surface, more magnets are introduced but instead of pulling you upward, these are wall mounted, so they pull you left or right. Nothing too threatening, but you can get pulled into a few enemies if you aren't careful. At the level's midway point, those blasted disappearing blocks make an appearance and this is by far the most challenging portion of Magnet Man's stage. The disappearing blocks are divided into mini sections. The first section is easy to pass through but by the second section, those wall mounted magnets make a return to screw up your jumps. By the time you reach the third section, you'll have to deal with those infernal blocks, the magnets and bottomless pits. This last block section is usually the one that has players seeing red. It can be difficult, but the level slowly introduced you to every single one of these hazards one step at a time. You really can't say it's unfair because the game didn't spring it on you. Not only is Magnet Man's stage fun and challenging, but it comes with a super catchy, upbeat musical theme.

Stage 4: Dice Dance Days - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

Treasure's first game is arguably their best. Of the first four levels the game let's you choose in any order, the fourth one is easily my favorite. It begins with your standard run and gun fair, complete with a few mini bossers, but when you reach the halfway point, the stage throws you what has got to be one of wildest curve balls in the history of gaming. On the wall is a giant board, not unlike the fold out ones you see in board games. Each square on the board is it's own mini level and when you go depends on what number comes up when you throw the die. You could be sent to do battle with a Pong-inspired boss, a creepy-looking smiley face, a tiny shoulder with insane strength, a maze, the list goes on and on. Gunstar Hereoes was already a stand out game in the genre with it's combined weapon mechanics and melee moves in addition to the gun play. Dice Dance Days just helped further cement it as one of the most astonishing run 'n game games ever.

Grassland Groove - Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

A savanna in Donkey Kong Country? This may seem out of place, but considering all the jungle and forest locals in the series, it really is surprising that it took them this long to place this kind of environment in the DKC games. When you're not admiring the lovely scenery set against a sunset backdrop, you'll be platforming on dancing trees, climbing across swaying giraffe necks and moving down stone, grass covered snakes. Grassland Groove has oh-so-crystal-clear inspirations from The Lion King. The only thing missing is the Circle of Life playing as background music, but considering what David Wise came up with, it's highly unlikely that you'll miss it.

Stage 3 - Contra ReBirth (Wii Ware)

All out action is par the course for a Contra game but each entry always has a level or two that is just flat out crazy awesome. Such a level from Contra ReBirth comes in the form of the third stage. You start out on a supply truck and are soon assaulted by mooks, a barrage of missiles and a ninja robot that throws so much ammo at you, you'd think you stepped into a Cave shooter. At several points in the stage you'll have to quickly platform across robotic camels while making your way back to another supply truck. One misstep during these segments can end up costing you many a life. The third stage of Contra Rebirth is undoubtedly the most adrenaline filled stage of the whole game and is an excellent contender for the most outrageous level in the history of Contra titles.

Top 10 Stage Clear Jingles

Victory! Your mission has been very success! A winner is you! OK, that's enough Engrish. These short and often sweet tunes are our audio cues that we're winners. These are truly the unsung heroes when it comes to video game music.

10. Course Clear Fanfare - Super Mario Bros. (NES)

I know what many of you are thinking. And yeah, I suppose it does seem criminal to have such an iconic jingle placed last. No matter how many times I hear this them, it always gives me a sense of accomplishment, especially after some of the more frustrating levels later in the game. This jingle is just about as famous as the Ground Theme, also from Super Mario Bros. Course Clear Fanfare is often used whenever ending medleys whenever someone plays Super Mario music at live concerts. As good as this theme is, there are honestly jingles that I'd place above this one.

09. Power Star Get - Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Super Mario Galaxy has a lot of Power Stars that are easy to obtain. But much later in the game, the kid gloves come off and reaching those coveted stars becomes quite the uphill battle. How many of you lost a ton of lives during Melty Molten Galaxy's Daredevil Comet run? But when you finally grab that Power Star, all the anguish you've felt disappears.

08. Act Clear - Sonic 3 & Knuckles (GEN)

At the risk of stepping on a lot of toes, I'm going to go ahead and say that I think the Act Clear theme used for Sonic 3 & Knuckles onward is better than what was used in Sonic 1 & 2. Nothing against that theme, I just prefer what Jun Senoue came up with compared to Masato Nakamura. The original version also happens to be my favorite.

07. Stage Clear - Mega Man X (SNES)

One might think that if I were to include a stage clear jingle from the Mega Man franchise that it would be from the Classic series. I think the Classic series has some nice stage clear themes but I think Mega Man X's rousing stage clear jingle trumps them all. It's even better when you take into account how much stronger X becomes as he progresses through the game.

06. Stage Clear - Super Castlevania IV (SNES)

Super Castlevania did a lot of good for traditional Castlevania games. It gave Simon the long overdue ability to jump off of stairs. He could slightly influence the direction of his jump. His whip, the Vampire Killer was more versatile than ever before. But arguably the most important thing Super Castlevania IV did for the most famous member of the Belmont clan was giving him his very own theme and part of Simon's leitmotif just happens to be incorporated into the stage clear jingle.

05. Contra III - The Alien Wars (SNES)

I firmly believe that the NES Contra has the best six second title theme in the history of video games. Those few notes couple with those explosions are the epitome of video game manliness. How do you top that or even come close? With a rad victory theme, of course! The sound quality of the SNES makes it sound better than ever.

04. Course Clear - Super Mario 64 (N64)

Twirling around, throwing up the victory sign and shouting "Here we goooo!" Mario has the uncanny ability to make anything ten times cooler than it has any right to be. In this case it's twenty times cooler with Koji Kondo's celebratory tune that plays whenever Mario snags a Power Star.

03. Victory Fanfare - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

Like several other themes listed here, the Victory Fanfare is not exclusive to Final Fantasy VI. It's been present since the very first game in the series. In fact, the original jingle almost took the spot of this one on the list, but I really like the way Nobuo Uematsu made the SNES sound chip bring this rendition out. Jumping up and down next to other people while lifting your arms up and down has never been so glorious, even if it does look like they're exercising.

02. Zone Clear JP - Sonic CD (SCD)

"Best Sonic game ever," says  many a Sonic fan. There are reasons I could go into as to why I think this game is good but ultimately overrated, but I'll steer clear of them. Having said that, Sonic CD does have my favorite stage clear jingle of any Sonic game. It's a bit take from Cosmic Eternity - Believe in Yourself, the Japanese ending theme. This thing is just sooooo dance-centric! If not for the upcoming jingle, this baby would be my number one choice.

01. Stage Clear - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

This is it. My all-time, number one favorite stage clear theme of any video game. Listing the other themes was the real challenge. I already knew ahead of time that this one would be number one. Treasure's run 'n gun classic is in my honest opinion the most finely crafted game the company has ever produced. When all the dust is settled and all the bad guy butt has been kicked, each level ends with that most badwesome level clear themed in the history of the gaming medium. This is the only theme that super charges me with unlimited amounts of pure energy. Every time I hear it after finish a level, I feel like such a BAMF. Yeah, Contra III's level clear tune makes me feel like a BAMF, but Gunstar Heroes? One hundred times the BAMF, easily.