Favorite Tunes #81: Exploring the Overworld

The world can be a very large place. But you can't be intimidated by the vastness of it all or else you'll never dare to explore and exploration has always been a key part of video games. So we're gonna listen to a few of my favorite overworld video game themes. Enjoy.


Unfinished World - Tales of Destiny (PS)

It's not a perfect game. Random battles occur fare too frequently and plenty of level grinding is definitely required if you want even a fraction of a chance at survival later on. But the translation is not only well done, it's hilarious to boot. That and the music is nothing short of outstanding. If Unfinished World doesn't fill you with a sense of adventure, nothing will.

Main Theme of FFVII - Final Fantasy VII (PS, PC)

The RPG that brought the genre into the mainstream, these days, this game takes a lot of heat, some of it deserved, some of it undeserved. I've stated numerous times that I don't think the soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII is one of Nobou Uematsu's greatest, but I still think it's a good soundtrack with plenty of music that I've come back to listen to again and again. The Main Theme, which is easily the most lengthy world map theme of any Final Fantasy game is a powerful piece of music, taking time to build up to the main course. Unlike other world map themes that would restart whenever you entered a town or finished a random battle, FFVII's main theme picks up right where it left off, ensuring that players can hear the whole thing in it's entirety.

Peach's Castle - Super Mario 64 (N64, 3DS)

Nearly 20 years old and Super Mario 64 is still a shining example of how to create an amazing 3D platformer. Rather than proceed on an overworld map like the 2D Mario games, Peach's royal headquarters served as a hub world for the games levels, many of which were accessed via painting. It's almost impossible for me to think of all the times I spent running through Peach's castle and not have this tune come to mind.

Starting the Journey - Breath of Fire (SNES)

There are certainly better RPGs than this one on the SNES, but that doesn't mean you should pass on Breath of Fire entirely. OK, so the translation can leave a lot to be desired, but there are some cool aspects to the game like fusing characters and of course, the dragon transformations. Then there's the music. Breath of Fire has multiple overworld themes and if it isn't already pathetically obvious by the title, this is the first one you hear.

Overworld - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, GBA)

Anyone that thinks Zelda games are too easy has probably never played Zelda II. Even with infinite continues, Zelda II will test the mental strength of the most patient gamers. It's different, that's for sure, but I think it's the kind of different that works.The Overworld theme of Zelda II starts out like the original from the first game, but it quickly goes off and does it's own thing.

Windy - Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64, XB)

There's plenty to love about Conker's Bad Fur Day. You've got toilet humor, talking wads of cash to collect, and a soundtrack composed by Robin Beanland. True to other Rare games, the overworld music of Conker's BFD alters depending on the area you're in. If you're around bees, you'll hear them singing the music in their unique bee tone.

Favorite Tunes Database