Favorite Tunes #92: Summer Time

Well, the sun is shinning brightly, which means its getting really hot outside. Time once again for some video game music that evokes the feels that are associated with summer time. Enjoy and stay cool.

Dolphin Shoals - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

The track designs have gotten more outrageously awesome with each entry in the longstanding Mario Kart series. Dolphin Shoals takes players through a massive underwater cavern, complete with a huge eel that can be driven on or under before bringing them back to the surface. The underwater version of this course them definitely has a tropical vibe going on, but I prefer the topside version in all its jazzy glory.

Blitz Off - Final Fantasy X (PS2)

The first Final Fantasy to feature voice acting! And the results were, well, we all know how that went. Final Fantasy X is quite the interesting entry in the series for a number of reasons, and not just due to addition of voices. The battle system was a radical departure from what fans were previously accustomed to. Navigating the world map couldn't be anymore simpler with just selecting your destination and winding up there in the blink of an eye. X was also the first main series game to have music not solely composed by Nobuo Uematsu. The veteran FF music writer was joined by Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano. This is one of Hamauzu's pieces.

Gelato Beach - Super Mario Sunshine (GCN)

It certainly wasn't the best Super Mario games, but Super Mario Sunshine did feature one of my favorite locals of any video game, Delfino Isle. All the island locations made the game more of a summer/aquatic feeling than all the water levels in every other Super Mario game combined. There were an abundance of arrangements of the game's main theme, Delfino Plaza and Gelato Beach features touches of jazz throughout.

Palmtree Panic US - Sonic CD (SCD)

I've always enjoyed the American version of Sonic CD's soundtrack, but for the longest time, I just couldn't get into Palmtree Panic's default theme. It literally took years before this tune clicked with me. Now, I find it to be one of the game's most soothing musical tracks and quite hummable to boot.

Dolphin Park - Wave Race 64 (N64)

I always like it when composers give areas that some players may or may not spend a great deal of time in their own pieces of music. Dolphin Park acts as Wave Race 64's practice arena, which can help new players adjust to the controls and the game's exceptional water physics. This is also the only place in the entire game where you'll hear one of the game's very best tunes.

Aqua Man Stage - Mega Man 8 (PS, SAT)

To anyone that thinks Classic series Mega Man music losses it's charm if it isn't in chiptune formate, I say, screw that noise. This handsome guy has one ultra relaxing theme. To date, Mega Man 8 remains the only game in the entire history of the franchise that Mega Man could actually swim.

Favorite Tunes Database