VGM Saturdays #290: We Made it to 2021

Give yourself a round of applause. You survived 2020! Holy moly, what a brutal year that was. I would like to say the worst is over but, well, the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a real threat. I realize you may be sick of hearing about it, but you need to stay safe. Wash your hands, social distance, wear a mask, all that stuff. I tried to go with some celebration music this week. And since Staff Roll themes represent accomplishment, get ready to listen to a lot of those. 

Main Theme of FINAL FANTASY VII [New Remix] - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (NSW)

When Sepiroth was revealed for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, I thought we were only going to get 2 new songs and not a single remix. I couldn't have been more wrong an I'm happy that I was. Sephy came with nine songs, four of which are brand new remixes. The Main Theme of FFVII has long been a huge favorite of mine. This remix is so celebratory and even contains the key change of the original theme. So, so, soooo good.

Staff Roll - Streets of Rage 4 (PS4, XBO, NSW, PC)

Play as old and new characters as well as the original sprite versions of the caste from the Genesis Streets of Rage trilogy. This super late fourth entry did not disappoint an was certainly a high point in 2020 for me. After multiple playthroughs, I'm still jamming out to then soundtrack. 

Staff Roll - Mega Man 2 (NES)

At first it sounds like Mega Man 2's Staff Roll is merely the Title theme being reused. But at the 43 second mark, you hear something new. And just before closing out, it returns to the Title theme.

Staff Roll - Street Fighter II': Special Champion Edition (SGEN)

The Genesis soundtrack of SFII sounds the closest to the CPS-I hardware, though I'm still quite fond of the SNES music. Yes, it is possible to like two things, despite what fanboys of the 16-bit console wars might tell you.

Guided Tour (Credits) - Sonic Mania (PS4, XBO, NSW, PC)

"Best Sonic game ever!" Not a claim I agree with but Sonic Mania is really, really good. The music, which featrures remixes and new tracks by the very talented Tee Lopes is on par with the soundtracks of previous Sonic games. Of course everyone remembers the Stardust Speedway remixes and Press Garden tracks but this credits tune needs more love.

Ending Theme - FINAL FANTASY V (SFC)

FF VII, VIII an IX are great on Switch but can we get some SNES FF games, please? I see you with those Collection of Mana an SaGa games, Square Enix. So how about some Collection of FINAL FANTASY? FFV has been re-released several times but it sounds the best on the SNES or SFC hardware.

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Favorite Tunes #228: Cut Short

Ever find a music track playing in a game you really like but the game cuts it off to drop you into some gameplay? My favorite game in the Mega Man series has a track that this happens to (Hint for you new readers: it isn't Mega Man 2). Also in this week's music is a track from Chrono Trigger that is long overdue to be represented here as well as one of the more comical Final Fantasy games. Also, this was meant to be posted on May 26th, but by the time I realized I didn't post it, two days had already passed. I decided to just hold off until June 2nd, which gave me time to get ahead on future FT posts.

Set Up - Axelay (SNES)

Probably not the jam that springs to mind when you think of music from Axelay, but I really dig this one. I've been listening to a lot of SNES soundtracks as of late and I caught myself hitting repeat on this short tune a few times.

Schala's Theme - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

I know I've posted a lot of music from Chrono Trigger in Favorite Tunes over the years. To my surprise, I've never posted Schala's Theme. Well, that is a tragedy I'm making up for right now. This melancholy theme has been sampled by several hip hop artists. While I'm not a fan of a lot of today's hip hop music (I prefer the older stuff), I cannot fault them for using this theme.

Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U, NS)

It has been a while since I've listed a track from my favorite game of 2017. I've heard some complaints that Breath of the Wild's soundtrack is either too quiet or that there aren't enough remixes from past games. I disagree. Not every game needs to have every track set on blast and what few arrangements are here are really good. Much as I enjoy a soundtrack filled with remixes, its nice to let new music breath. The Main Theme of Breath of the Wild is a powerful, moving piece of music. The 1:06 mark of this song gives me chills.

Dr. Wily Stage Map - Mega Man 3 (NES)

This right here. This is the best Wily Map theme. At a run time of 20 seconds, it also happens to be one of the longest and you never get to hear all of it in game. I can see why that is because no one would want to be sitting at the Wily Stage Map for 20 seconds six times in a row. Then again, this short tune is so good, I could see myself doing that.

Schrage Musik - Danmaku Unlimited 3 (PC, NS)

I still haven't managed to beat this game on the easy setting but I am getting better and I managed to get over 12 million points, breaking my previous record of over 11 million. If you can actually stop sweating from all the bullets your evading, the music in Danmaku Unlimited 3 by BLANKFIELD is really enjoyable stuff.

Lenna's Theme - Final Fantasy V Dear Friends

The Main Theme of Final Fantasy V is a splendid piece of music. Like many main themes it was reused numerous times throughout the game. One of my favorite versions comes in the form of Lenna's Theme. Since I already posted her theme some time ago in Favorite Tunes, here's an arrangement from the album Dear Friends, which is named after one of the ending themes of the game.

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