Favorite Tunes #174: Going Commando

Now that is a subtitle that is sure to raise some eyebrows. No,it isn't what you think but with one of the game's titles in this week's Favorite Tunes, I just couldn't resist.

Darius - Darius Twin (SNES)

My first entry to the Darius series, Darius Twin is certainly not the best Darius experience. Much of the enemies fly on screen and zip right out with not even much of an attempt to attack you. Still, there are worse shooters on the SNES and the music is't too shabby.

The Second Act - Tales of Phantasia (SNES)

The first American release of the Tales series was in the form of Tales of Destiny on the PS in 1998. Tales of Phantasia, the very first Tales game, wouldn't be released outside of Japan until 2006 on the GBA and unfortunately the music took a hit on the GBA hardware. It isn't awful, but the SNES version's music is just infinitely superior. The Second Act is the second overworld theme.

Sky, Ocean, and Earth - Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2)

Originally released on the PS2 in 2005. Dragon Quest VIII was recently re-released on the 3DS with new features, one of the best being the elimination of random battles. If you missed out on the PS2 version, make sure you grab Dragon Quest VIII on the 3DS and enjoy the lengthy quest, memorable characters and wonderful soundtrack Koichi Sugiyama is to Dragon Quest as to Nobuo Uematsu is to Final Fantasy. The music may not sound as grandiose on the 3DS, but it still sounds pretty dang good.

Main Theme - Commando (ARC)

My first time playing Commando was on the Capcom Arcade Classics Collection on the PS2 and I could not get enough of the game's Main Theme, which is very militaristic but fitting given the nature of the game. Run, shoot, duck, toss grenades, and keep moving. It actually isn't as easy at it sounds.

Saxophone Under the Moon (YAGAMI TEAM BGM) - King of Fighters XIV (PS4)

I love me some jazz. I have yet to play King of Fighters XIV but if the game if the music is anything to go by, I think I'll really enjoy it. Besides, it has been years since I threw down with Iori and company and I'm looking forward to getting back in touch with the old gang.

Sirius Theme #1 (Friend or Foe) - Bomberman 64 (N64)

I am SO excited for Bomberman's return with Super Romberman R on the Nintendo Switch. As much as I can't wait to go online with fellow Bomberman players and blow stuff up, I am a bit intrigued as to what the single player mode will be like. Bomberman 64 had one of the most enjoyable (if at times, too overly challenging) single player modes in Bomberman's history while the multiplayer mode was lacking. I'm hoping Super Bomberman R can achieve a good balance.

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Favorite Tunes #134: Serene Weather

I've got more posts of Favorite Tunes than anything else on this blog. Chalk that up to my love for gaming music. Anyway, among today's selections are beats from Bomberman 64: The Second Attack and Tales of Phantasia.

Zvil Race Way - Fast Racing NEO (Wii U)

If you're missing F-ZERO and Wipeout (I know I am) then the Wii U eShop's Fast Racing NEO should hit the spot. It offers futuristic racing at breakneck speeds and is quite the challenge. Fast Racing NEO also sports a bangin' soundtrack. I'm a sucker for some techno, trance and electronica.

Aquanet 2 - Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (N64)

Yasunroi Matsuda is more known for his work on Square's games, but he actually did some work on a few N64 titles such as the first two Mario Party games as well as Bomberman 64: The Second Attack. This game has a masterful soundtrack with many themes often having a second variation.

Force Your Way - Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy (PSP)

Final Fantasy heroes and villains kicking the crap out of each other in real time combat? Yes, please! Say what you will about the game's story but you can't deny how awesome it was to see different heroes and villains from different FF games interacting with one another. The Dissidia 012 arrangements don't get any better than this rocking remix of Force Your Way.

Staff Roll - For the Frog the Bell Tolls (GB)

Before the Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, there was For the Frog the Bell Tolls, which released on the Game Boy one year prior only in Japan. The game's share a lot of similarities and Kazumi Totaka wrote music for both games. Prince Sable does appear as an Assist Trophy in the Wii U and 3DS versions of Super Smash Bros. He's the cute little guy that turns into a frog and a snake and beats the crap out of opponents, cartoon style.

Serene Weather - Tales of Phantasia (SNES)

It never ceases to amazed me just how rich the SNES sound chip is. The thing was made by Sony, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but still. It makes so many genres of music shine. I'm not sure I should listen to the GBA and PS versions of Tales of Phantasia music because the SNES tracks have spoiled me so much. This one one beautiful sounding track.

Recollect Continent (Theme of Rock) - Soul Edge (ARC, PS)

The recent Soul Calibur games may look light years ahead of the original, but I'm not quiet sure they sound better. Not that the last few Soul Calibur games have had terrible music. Its just that Soul Edge music was just that freaking good, I know the opening vocal theme, The Edge of Soul gets a lot of attention, but the character themes are pretty boss in their own right.

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