VG Soundtrack of the Day 078: Mighty Switch Force!

The third game in WayForward's Mighty series, this puzzle plaformer has you flipping switches to defeat the baddies progress through the level and trying your best not to be in the place of a flipped switch. Music is handled by the very wonderful Jake Kaufman, who has yet to turn in a soundtrack I didn't like. Do you enjoy upbeat music? Disco? Funky beats? This is the soundtrack for you! Not into that stuff? This soundtrack is still for you!

Mighty Switch Force OST (YouTube)

Mighty Switch Force OST (Bandcamp)

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Favorite Tunes #212: Space Cuba, Here We Come!

I hope you're ready to rock because this week we've got a health does of that genre. I've also thrown in some chiptunes for good measure.

Dancing Mad -arrange- - Dissidia Final Fantasy Arcade (ARC)

What is there to say about Kefka that hasn't already been said? He's arguably the greatest villain in the history of the Final Fantasy franchise. His final battle them, Dancing Mad is a four movement piece. While having all of it arranged for the arcade version of Dissidia Final Fantasy would have been nice, if they were going to take one movement and turn it into a metal track, I can't argue with them using the fourth movement. It is so head bangingly awesome.

Stage 2- Metal Storm (NES)

Reverse gravity mechanics. One minute you're on the floor, the next, you're on the ceiling. Lots of games uses this for a level or two, then never go back to it. If you're looking for a retro game that further explores this, Metal Storm has you covered. The entirety of the game revolves around shifting gravity. Metal Storm was also one of those very rare cases of having North American box art that was just as rad as the Japanese version.

Password - Bionic Commando (GB)

Capcom's Bionic Commando series is more known for on the NES release and later HD incarnations a la Rearmed, but there were two entries on the old GB. Despite sharing the same name as the NES version, Bionic Commando is not the same title. Man, this sure is some cheery password music. Along with themes created just for this version of Bionic Commando, you'll also hear GB arrangements of NES pieces.

Steam Gardens (Wood Kingdom) - Super Mario Odyssey (NS) 

I know I've placed music from Super Mario Odyssey in Favorite Tunes a lot but that's because in spite of the game's faults (I'll be touching on that in an upcoming editorial) I really do love this game and its soundtrack. I have always been a fan of Koji Kondo's compositions. He doesn't compose music for games nearly as much as he used to but every once in a while, he'll write a few songs for a Mario game. This fan favorite just happens to be one of the few tracks he wrote for Odyssey

Whoa I'm in Space Cuba - Mighty Switch Force! (3DS, Wii U)

Mighty Switch Force! allows you to control when blocks are transparent or solid, creating platforms, pathways over otherwise impossible walkways, and of course, splatting enemies like a bug on windshield. Just look at the title of this track. You haven't even clicked on it yet and you know it is gonna be awesome.

Conquest (Flames) - Fire Emblem Warriors (NS, 3DS)

I'm still playing catch up when it comes to buying games for the Switch. As such, I've yet to get Fire Emblem Warriors. You could probably argue that the crew from this franchise is a better fit for the Dynasty Warriors treatment that Link and company. I just started listening to this game's soundtrack. I had a strong feeling it was gonna be good, I just didn't know how good. I don't know who had the brilliant idea it was to give Conquest a rock arrange, but whatever they are being payed, it is not enough.

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Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 5

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

Challenger 1985 - Gradius (ARC ver.)

Almost every Gradius game after this one starts out with a track that uses a quicker pace. The original Gradius starts things out a bit slower and I'm perfectly fine with that. Challenger 1985 is one of the more cheerful Gradius themes and will have you humming along as you blast enemies and power up the Vic Viper. I love the old synth the first Gradius game uses.

Lakeside - Sparkster (SNES)

Sparkster is a follow up to the Genesis Rocket Knight Adventures game, which was a Genesis exclusive. Sparkster, however, is on the SNES and Genesis, But while the share the same title and music, they are both two completely different games. The SNES version of Sparkster opens with this beautifully triumphant, heroic theme. If Sparkster was given a designated tune, I think this should definitely be it.

Got2BAStar - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DS, Wii U)

The good news is that the Hooligan Sisters have reformed. The bad news is that they are still getting into trouble. You've got a whole planet on fire and like a bunch of dumb blondes, all of them are smack dab in the middle of the inferno. Everything is burning to a crisp and the game starts off with this oh-so-lively beat. Well the original Mighty Switch Force was known for it's upbeat music, so, no surprise that this one keeps that same quality.

Corneria - Star Fox (SNES)

Do a barrel roll! Oh wait, that phrase came about one game later. Regardless, barrel rolls, could still be done in the original Star Fox. I can still hear those garbled out voices just listening to the game's opening theme. You can pick from one of three routes, with each path serving up different stages, you'll always begin on some version of Corneria.

Splash Hill Zone Act 1 - Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I (Multi)

Sonic 4's music may not have been Jun Senoue's best work, but it was hardly terrible. It has a distinct
Genesis flair but with a modern touch. The opening act of Splash Hill Zone is like a homecoming to the blue blur and no whinny fans complaints about the physics not being like the Genesis games is ever going to ruin that for me.

Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 3

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

Opening Stage (X) - Mega Man X4 (PS, SAT)

Mega Man X3 allowed players to play s Zero for the first time but the experience was extremely limited. Mega Man X4, the series first 32-bit outing truly let you step into the shoes of the Red Ripper. X and Zero play vastly different from each other. X is a long range fighter with his X-Buster while Zero prefers to get up close and personal with his Z-Saber. The duo also have their own distinct opening stage themes for X4. Zero's theme is fine and all but nothing gets me ready to take down robots like X's action filled theme.

Ground Theme - Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES)

One of my personal favorite Super Mario games plays vastly differently from the other games in cloth. This is of course, due to the fact that Super Mario Bros. 2 was cut from a different piece of fabric. Even so, much from Super Mario Bros. 2 ended up becoming series staples and the franchise is all the better for it. The early Super Mario entries often reuse the same music for stages but when you've got Koji Kondo writing the score, repeat material isn't a bad thing. Super Mario Bros. 2's Ground Theme is super catchy and upbeat and I can't imagine throwing veggies at Shy Guys on outside levels without it.

Tropical Resort Act 1 - Sonic Colors (Wii)

What's this? No opening story cut scene before playing the first stage? Nope. Sonic Color throws you into the action right off the bat. Contrary to popular belief, good Sonic titles have come out since 2006's abomination known as Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Colors is one such game. A mix of 2D and 3D gameplay, Colors is widely regarded in the Sonic fandom as one of the blue blur's crowning achievements. Sonic games have always had outstanding musical scores and Colors is no exception, bringing back remixed versions of each zone's opening act. And on the note of opening act, Colors has a pumping one with Tropical Resort Act 1. It truly captures the feeling of a lively theme park.


Paternal Horn - NiGHTS into dreams... (SAT)

Back when SEGA was willing to be more innovative and take risks, we got games such as NiGHTS. Despite being an on-rails style of game, NiGHTS features some of the best use of flight in video games. Elliot and Claris each have their own levels, complete with their own music themes for those levels. Paternal Horn plays in Spring Valley, which is Claris' first stage and is a wonderful opener for the great NiGHTS music to come. If you missed NiGHTS on the Saturn, the HD remake is up for grabs on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Caught Red Handed - Mighty Switch Force! (3DS, Wii U)

There's been a prison break and the only one capable of catching the blonde Hooligan sisters is none other than brunette Patrica Wagon. I always get goose bumps whenever I find out Jake Kaufman is attached to a game. The man has a phenomenal gift for composing soundtracks from chiptunes to modern melodies. The first Mighty Switch Force! is home to some pretty jovial, dance-inspired music and its all kicked off with the very first level, or incident, as the game likes to call them.

Favorite Tunes #79: Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Well, here it is, the end of of 2013. It's a time of reflection, but mostly celebrations and of course, good music! Don't overdo it on the booze, be safe and happy new year!

Stardust Speedway "B" Mix JP - Sonic CD (SCD) 

By GagaMan

When you first saw Metal Sonic, he kidnapped Amy Rose, or in this case Rosey the Rascal since we're talking about the Japanese version of Sonic CD. When you encounter him a second time, you battle it out to see who is truly the fastest thing alive. It's race of flesh against metal. Annnnnd they roll out this dance beat. Turn it up, get down!

Soft Collision - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DSW, Wii U)

The first Mighty Switch Force! was a splendid puzzle/platform game with a distinctively retro inspired soundtrack. The sequel is has you shooting water instead of ammo and the puzzle mechanics are slightly different but it's still more of the same goodness we fell in love with before. Like the original game, the soundtrack is also very dance-centric.

Growing Wings - NiGHTS Journey of Dreams (Wii)

After years of waiting and please from fans, Sonic Team delivered on sequel to the cult classic Saturn game NiGHTS into dreams with NiGHTS Journey of dreams. And there was much whining and complaining. Some said it was too long, other said there was too much dialogue and the voice acting wasn't needed. The game wasn't perfect but it's far from being the terrible game some fans make it out to be. The soundtrack had plenty of arrangements of familiar themes from the original as well as fresh music.

Zero Stage 2 - Mega Man X5 (PS)

What was originally intended to be the final game of the Mega Man X series. Rather than have a dark and ominous theme for the final level, the game assaults your ears with this kicking rave theme that is begging to be played at parties. It's an unexpected theme to be sure, but it's certainly a welcomed one.

Bitter Dance - Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2)

What would you think if I told you this was actually a battle theme? Done picking your jaw up off the floor yet? This is one video game tune that probably isn't gonna win any sort of serious awards. It really feels out of place, but you know what? I love the left field nature of this tune. I guess this is one of my guilty pleasure songs.

Replay 2 - Rage Racer (PS)

The first game to truly shake up the Ridge Racer series, Rage Racer featured even more exotic cars than the previous games and a much longer grand prix mode where you earned cash and could upgrade your cars. Some fans may have bemoaned this new approach that meant far more time was needed in order to see everything the game had to offer, but I personally feel the gamble payed off and we were given one of the more standout entries in the series.

Buggie Running Beeps 01 - Rez (DC, PS2)

I don't mean to sound like "one of those types" but remember when SEGA was constantly innovating and putting out new IPs left and right? These days it seems as if Sonic is all that's left of the company since he's the only character that gets his own full fledged games. Anyway, Rez was first released on the Dreamcast and later ported to the PS2. The DC version was exclusive to Japan with the PS2 version seeing an American and European release. Rez also saw a digital release in the form of Rez HD for the Xbox Live Arcade. Rez is a very unique rail shooter with an incredible electronic soundtrack.

Degeneracy (Stage 4 - Plant) - Battle Garegga (SAT, Arranged Ver.)

A hard as nails old-school shooter that was released for arcades in the late 1990s, Battle Battle Garegga received a Saturn port in Japan and one of the most distinct features from the arcade version was the option to switch to an arranged soundtrack. Definitely worth adding to your collection of Saturn import titles if you can find a copy.

Expander - Streets of Rage 2 (GEN)

Yuzo Koshiro wowed Genesis owners with his brilliant work on the original Streets of Rage. His Streets of Rage 2 compositions are arguably his best work on the Genesis trilogy, pushing the Genesis sound chip to levels that were unheard of at the time. Expander in particular still amazes me to this day.

End Credits - Mighty Switch Force! (3DSW, Wii U)

When the Mighty series began, composer Jake Kaufman created a catchy reoccurring tune that I've dubbed "The Mighty Theme" it has since been used in every Mighty game, including both Mighty Switch Force! titles. I suppose it was arranged twice in the first game since you can hear it in Caught Red Handed and the End Credits theme, which is easily a contender for one of the best staff roll themes of all-time. It's perfect for parties that are winding down, relaxing after work or just plain chilling.

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Favorite Tunes #72: Got to Be a Star

Welcome to ta star themed edition of Favorite Tunes. Characters in the shapes of stars, songs with "star" in the title and power-ups that are stars. Oh, I don't even know where I'm trying to go with this.

Toki Meki Saxophone - Guardian Heroes (SAT)

One of the hardest Saturn games to obtain a physical copy of, Guardian Heroes become all the more easier to play thanks to digital distribution. The Xbox Live Arcade version of Guardian Heroes comes with an HD coat of paint online mutlipler modes and other new features. Despite the mid evil setting, most of Guardian Heroes music is anything but. Toki Meki Saxophone, is a mean piece of jazz with some rock thrown in for good measure.

Got2BAStar - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DSW)

The 3DS eShop would be a much lesser place without WayForward and Jake Kaufman's wonderful music contributions. What has quickly become one of the company's most recognized series, Mighty Switch Force! 2 was released a year and half after the original. Patricia traded in her police gear for a fire hose but much of the switch based gameplay is still in tact. Also present and accounted for is another retro-style soundtrack. Got2BAStar is the ultra catchy first level them, which is based off of the game's main theme.

Darkness of Fate - Soul Edge (PS)

Namco always does such a good job bringing the arcade experience to home consoles. Well at least they did back in the day. I'm not too sure what Namco Bandai is doing with fighters these days. New characters and an arranged soundtrack that was usually better than the arcade tunes (which were still good) were wonderful bonuses for gamers on the sofa. This rousing theme belongs to Siegfreid

Powerful Infant - Yoshi's Island (SNES, GBA)

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. Now that is one mouthful of a title. Most of us just refer to this one by it's subtitle, Yoshi's Island, which is appropriate for two reasons. One, most of the game takes place on Yoshi's Island and two, you play most of the game as Yoshi. The only time Baby Mario is playable is when you crab a Starman. Baby Mario dawns a familiar cape and becomes impervious to all enemies. This was the first time Koji Kondo added another melody to the Starman theme. At the seven second mark, you hear the accompanying melody with the rest of the theme. Personally, I feel this is the best Starman music.

7PM - Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)

The Animal Crossing games have always had some delightful tunes, but I'm especially fond of the themes that play later in the day in New Leaf. It's so relaxing to get a cup of coffee from Brewters and sit on a bench as this song plays.

A Searing Struggle - Ys: The Oath in Felghana (PSP)

A remake of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, The Oath in Felghana gave gamers a chance to play one of the best entries in the Ys series in style. It featured updated graphics and an arranged soundtrack that is out of this world even by Falcom standards.

Star Man Stage - Mega Man 5 (NES)

I believe this is the first time I've mentioned Mega Man 5 in Favorite Tunes. I know for a lot of fans, this game represents one of the low points in the series, but it really isn't a bad game and it has some very good music.

Pop Star - Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (N64)

Another Kirby game that was developed without Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby 64 turned out to be a solid 2.5D adventure with 3D visuals. Combining different Copy Abilities made for some pretty powerful and hilarious results. No other Kirby game allows Kirby to turn himself into a refrigerator, at least not that I know of. If you don't have a smile on your face after hearing Pop Star, you've got problems.

Whirlwind - Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (GEN)

Known as The Super Shinobi II in Japan , Shinobi III is praised as being the pinnacle of the Genesis Shinobi games and SEGA's Shinobi series in general. The Genesis may have been showing it's age in 1993, but games like this one proved that the system could still deliver the goods.

Shooting Star - Ristar (GEN)

By darkburraki

During the lengthy process of creating SEGA's mascot, many concepts were tossed around, including one of a rabbit with stretchy arms. While they ultimately went with a speedy blue hedgehog, the rabbit with expandable arms would get picked up a few years later, minus the rabbit. Ristar never gained the fame and adoration that Sonic did but he one Genesis outing was one of the most unique on the Genesis with drop dead gorgeous visuals and some excellent music.

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Downloads #25

Mega Man Unlimited (PC)

I had planned to download this game before going to work on Sunday when it was released but the download speed was taking forever. This was probably due to so many gamers trying to download it. So I waited until I was finished with work and was able to download it in seconds. I've only tried two levels, Tank Man and Nail Man and can say that the game is very much Nintendo Hard.

Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DS)

I've been listening to this game's soundtrack since I downloaded it a while back. It only felt right to get the game as well. I'd hoped to be playing this one already but I still haven't beat the original Mighty Switch Force! That last level is no joke.

Kokuga (3DS)

This game got a physical release in Japan but only a digital version for it's American release. I'm OK with that. It was one of the more pricey 3DS downloads at $14.99, but I'd say it's worth it. Kokuga is a tank-style shooter that scrolls far more slowly than other games in the SHMUP genre. I'd like to review this game when I get the time but if you're looking for more incentive to check Kokuga out, the game is the brainchild of Hiroshi Iuchi, the same mind behind Ikaruga.

Mario Bros. (NES)

With this year being the Year of Luigi, I thought I'd download the first game he ever stared in. Or the best home version, anyway. It may not be as polished or deep as other Mario titles, but I confess to getting a lot of enjoyment out of Mario Bros. even if the later phase slay me.

F-Zero X (N64)

I was jonesing for some F-Zero and it's been years since I played F-Zero X, one of my favorite N64 titles. Since my N64 got lost in the move, I opted for a digital version, although I still would have gotten this off the Virtual Console regardless.

The Last Blade (NG)

This marks my first Neo Geo game download. I've experienced a lot of SNK/Playmore games through anthology releases but I've never played either of the Last Blade games, and I've heard a  wealth of good things about both.

Favorite Tunes #64: Random Waltz

Much as I love music, especially of the video game variety, I know very little about dancing, nor do I know even know how to actually dance. But thanks to the internet, even a scrub like me can do a quick search to find out that a waltz is something of a ballroom dance. Anyone that really knows their video game music can probably guess which game the title for this Favorite Tunes comes from before scrolling down.

8 AM - Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)

Did you kick the Animal Crossing habit when you cast aside the City Folk for the Wii? Well Nintendo's got gamers across the world hooked once again with the latest edition to the hit life sim series. New Leaf treads familiar territory but brings new features to the table like being the mayor and more customization options than ever before, making it the best Animal Crossing game yet. Like past installments, a different tune plays every hour. It's rare that I'm playing the game at 8 AM but when I first started playing, I happened to be up at that hour so it was nice to be able to hear this song during gameplay.

Random Waltz - Final Fantasy Tactics (PS, PSP)

Have I mentioned how much I adore this game's soundtrack? It truly is a masterpiece and represents some of Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata's best compositions. Since you spend so much time fighting in RPGs, it was a very wise choice to toss in a plethora of battle themes and yes, Random Waltz is battle music. It may not be what comes to mind when you picture strategic combat, but I find it refreshing when battle themes stray from the norm.

Say Hello to Bogey - Custom Robo (GCN)

The number of Custom Robo titles released in the West can be counted on one hand. There's Custom Robo Arena on the DS and then there's Custom Robo for the GameCube, which marked the first time the series ever saw a release outside of Japan. True to the name, in Custom Robo, you customize your robot and then duke it out with other machines. It may sound simplistic, but it's actually quite fun. If you missed out on this one when it was originally released, I definitely recommend tracking down a copy.

Exothermic - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DSW)

The original Mighty Switch Force, released in December of 2011 was hailed as one of the best original eShop games. It combined solid action platforming with puzzle solving for a terrific old-school gaming experience. The soundtrack was also the bees knee. A year and half later, WayForward brought Patricia Wagon back into action but swapped out her police pistol for a fire hose. Mighty Switch Force! 2 plays very much like it's predecessor and while some may view that as a negative, in this case, more of the same is certainly not a bad thing. The game's music is pure, unbridled awesomesauce.

Burn My Dread - Shin Megami Tensai: Persona 3 (PS2, PSP)

The Persona titles have gained a reputation of being Atlus' best series. The PS2 had a ton of different RPGs, but if you were fortune enough to pick up Persona 3, you were treated to an experience unlike anything else in the genre. Speaking of unusual, Burn My Dread, the final boss battle theme is just that, but it's an excellent kind of unusual.

Slow on the Uptake - Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)

The licensed music is all fine and dandy and I certainly don't have any problem with hearing stuff from underground bands. But some of greatest sounds in the Gran Turismo games will always be the original music. I'm pretty sure I mentioned how much I enjoy some good jazz in video games and this song is about as good as it gets.

Innocent Girl - Snatcher (NEC PC-88)

Hey, Konami. I have an idea. Much as I enjoy the series, how about you lay off the Metal Gear collections for a while and give us Snatcher, SD Snatcher and Policenauts in one nice little package with some bonus content? Even in it's original sound format, Snatcher's music is a phenomenal score. The music has been arranged for music albums and on the Sega CD version, but the original version of Innocent Girl cannot be beat.

Desperate Fight - Knights of the Round (SNES)

I usually champion Final Fight as my favorite Capcom beat 'em up but the company has made a dozen of them and some of the other greats actually slip my mind some times. Knights of the Round was a three player arcade game originally released in 1991. When it was ported over to the SNES, three player mode was scaled back to two players. Like many ports, the music also rings different from the arcade version, but given the SNES' amazing audio capabilities, that isn't a strike against the game.

Feldschlacht III - SaGa Frontier 2 (PS)

He may be well known today in the video game music circles thanks to Final Fantasy XIII, but even in the late 1990s, Masahi Hamauzu was still making waves. SaGa Frontier 2 has a copious amount of battle themes, all of which are extraordinary. As I mentioned with Final Fantasy Tactics above, a great deal of your time in RPGS is spent in battle. To keep things from growing stale, SaGa 2 has numerous battle tracks and not just various boss themes. The normal battle music changes over time with a total of four different battle themes, each containing an arrangement of SaGa 2's main theme. The above track name is Field Battle III for those that don't speak German.

The Boy's Got Wings - Ys III: Wanders from Ys (PCE)

Falcom makes some of the very best music in video games. I honestly cannot believe I've gone this long without mentioning a single Falcom game here in Favorite Tunes because even their early games have unfathomably high production values. The PC Engine version of Ys III brought with it CD quality sound, making what was already some of Falcom's greatest works even better.

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