Favorite Tunes #132: 'Sup, 2016?

How was your New Year's Eve? Mine? Well, it had its good points but on the whole, eh, I'd rather not talk about. New Year's Day was so much better. Started a new game of Super Mario World, enjoyed my day off work, good times. So 2016 is here and here's the very first edition of 2016 Favorite Tunes.

Alien class.A "SZZU & CKRY / LLWO" - Black Rock Shooter: The Game (PSP)

Based on the manga and anime of the same name, Black Rock Shooter was released on the PSP in Japan in 2011. A Digital release followed in 2013 on the PlayStation store in America and Europe. The game's title may lead those that aren't aware of the anime and manga to believe that its a SHMUP, Black Rock Shooter is actually an RPG of the action variety. The game's electrifying score was done by none other than Manabu Namiki.

Moon River (Climax Mix) - Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

When Microsoft and Sony turned down Bayonetta 2, Nintendo stepped in. This didn't stop a plethora of Nintendo haters from suffering from a nasty case of butt hurt, if it weren't for the Big N, we wouldn't have Bayonetta 2. What's even sweeter is that picking up a physical copy of the game nets you the original Bayonetta. Two games for the price of one. Like the original Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2 has some sweet remixes of old classics. Moon River has been covered dozens of times but the Climax Mix in Bayonetta 2 is among my favorite because its so dang lively.

Gonna Be Here - Trauma Team (Wii)

Two vocal numbers in a row? Truly, this is a special occasion. You might thing hospital work wouldn't make for a compelling gameplay experience. But you could always ask Trauma Center fans how wrong you are. Trauma Team is full of wonderful tracks but the crown jewel of the lot is Gonna Be Here, the game's closing number. In Japan, the game is known as Hospital: 6 Doctors.

Feldschlacht III - SaGa Frontier 2 (PS)

The sequel to 1998's SaGa Frontier. This is the first game in the SaGa series to not have any involvement of Kenji Ito, a man who had always been heavily associated with the SaGa titles. In his stead was Masashi Hamauzu, more recognized for his excellent work on the Final Fantasy XIII soundtracks. He gave SaGa Frontier 2 numerous battle themes, with the Field Battle music being variations of the game's main theme.

Fort Course - Yoshi's Wooly World (Wii U)

Yoshi's Wooly World could very well be the Yoshi game to surpass the SNES classic Yoshi's Island. The game features beautiful HD yarn cosmetics, inventive level design and tons of hidden trinkets to find. The game's soundtrack hits a lot of genres from rock to country and even a little funk. Chill, thy  name is Fort Course.

Title - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Even before I jumped online and before the DLC, Mario Kart 8 wowed me. The slick controls, superb track designs, wealth of characters and item balancing make for one of the most memorable Mario Kart experiences. The music is also on point. If you've played the original Mario Kart, you're sure to recognize the theme that starts playing at 1:04.

Favorite Tunes Database