Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 3

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

Opening Stage (X) - Mega Man X4 (PS, SAT)

Mega Man X3 allowed players to play s Zero for the first time but the experience was extremely limited. Mega Man X4, the series first 32-bit outing truly let you step into the shoes of the Red Ripper. X and Zero play vastly different from each other. X is a long range fighter with his X-Buster while Zero prefers to get up close and personal with his Z-Saber. The duo also have their own distinct opening stage themes for X4. Zero's theme is fine and all but nothing gets me ready to take down robots like X's action filled theme.

Ground Theme - Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES)

One of my personal favorite Super Mario games plays vastly differently from the other games in cloth. This is of course, due to the fact that Super Mario Bros. 2 was cut from a different piece of fabric. Even so, much from Super Mario Bros. 2 ended up becoming series staples and the franchise is all the better for it. The early Super Mario entries often reuse the same music for stages but when you've got Koji Kondo writing the score, repeat material isn't a bad thing. Super Mario Bros. 2's Ground Theme is super catchy and upbeat and I can't imagine throwing veggies at Shy Guys on outside levels without it.

Tropical Resort Act 1 - Sonic Colors (Wii)

What's this? No opening story cut scene before playing the first stage? Nope. Sonic Color throws you into the action right off the bat. Contrary to popular belief, good Sonic titles have come out since 2006's abomination known as Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Colors is one such game. A mix of 2D and 3D gameplay, Colors is widely regarded in the Sonic fandom as one of the blue blur's crowning achievements. Sonic games have always had outstanding musical scores and Colors is no exception, bringing back remixed versions of each zone's opening act. And on the note of opening act, Colors has a pumping one with Tropical Resort Act 1. It truly captures the feeling of a lively theme park.


Paternal Horn - NiGHTS into dreams... (SAT)

Back when SEGA was willing to be more innovative and take risks, we got games such as NiGHTS. Despite being an on-rails style of game, NiGHTS features some of the best use of flight in video games. Elliot and Claris each have their own levels, complete with their own music themes for those levels. Paternal Horn plays in Spring Valley, which is Claris' first stage and is a wonderful opener for the great NiGHTS music to come. If you missed NiGHTS on the Saturn, the HD remake is up for grabs on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Caught Red Handed - Mighty Switch Force! (3DS, Wii U)

There's been a prison break and the only one capable of catching the blonde Hooligan sisters is none other than brunette Patrica Wagon. I always get goose bumps whenever I find out Jake Kaufman is attached to a game. The man has a phenomenal gift for composing soundtracks from chiptunes to modern melodies. The first Mighty Switch Force! is home to some pretty jovial, dance-inspired music and its all kicked off with the very first level, or incident, as the game likes to call them.

Favorite Tunes #103: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Did you do your Christmas shopping? No? Well stop slacking and hop to it. The stores are a madhouse on Christmas eve. I waited a little longer than I should have, but mine is all taken care of. All that's left to do now is enjoy some Christmas tunes.

EV03-2: Shopping A - Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

Pleasant surprises. These are much more preferable to the nasty kinda surprises, but that should go without saying. Anyhoo, I was not expecting the first shopping theme in Bayonetta 2 to sound so jolly and Christmas-like. This is the kinda music that makes me linger a little longer so I can hear it loop a few more times.

Snowball Waltz - Sonic Lost World (Wii U)

Sonic Lost World is either a solid entry in Sonic's 3D exploits or another blight upon the franchise depending on whom you ask. The game is currently $30 at Target so one of these days I'm going to pick it up and decide for myself. Having heard select songs from the game, I can say for certain that there are some real winners in the music department. The second act of Frozen Factory has you collecting rings via snowballs all the while some splendid wintry jam plays.

Snowman - Mother (Famicom)

The first game in the Mother series, Mother, also known as EarthBound Zero, was never offically released outside of Japan. This hasn't kept fans from experiencing the series' origins, however, as a fan translated version of it can easily be found via web search. The first Mother game introduced many series stables like off the wall humor and many familiar musical themes like Pollyanna, Bein' Friends and of course, Snowman.

Welcome to Christmas NiGHTS - Christmas NiGHTS into dreams... (SAT)

The holidays are here, so I once again find myself listening to the music from Christmas NiGHTS. The title theme for this game is w NiGHTS style edition of the Christmas favorite, Joy to the World. If you want to check out Christmas NiGHTS but are unable to find a physical copy, the PlayStaion Network and Xbox Live Arcade services have the HD edition of NiGHTS, which comes with Christmas NiGHTS as an unlockable bonus, albeit with some of the content cut out.

Rosalina's Ice World - Mario Kart 7 (3DS)

Rosalina, intergalactic traveler, quite possibly the god in the Super Mario Galaxy series games. And they give her an ice themed track? Well since they already had Rainbow Road take place in Space for Mario Kart 7, they had to give the winter environment to someone. The track itself isn't a favorite of mine, but at least it has another good winter audio piece.

Favorite Tunes Database

Downloads #27

It's the long awaited return of Downloads. OK, maybe it wasn't long awaited, but after being absent for so many months, I'm happy to have a downloads post once again. Since I just signed up for PlayStation Network, all of my new year's downloads come straight from Sony's digital service.

NiGHTS into dreams...

For the record, I do own a physical copy of NiGHTS into dreams... as well as Christmas NiGHTS and thanks to my Action Replay expansion cart, I can save games on my SEGA Saturn. Having said that, I was thrilled when I heard SEGA was giving the enhanced PS2 version of NiGHTS a digital release on the PSN and Xbox Live Arcade services. I had completely forgotten the game was up for grabs on the PSN until I saw it as I was browsing games to purchase. So in addition to a physical copy of NiGHTs, I now have a digital version with some bonus goods. Huzzah!

Sonic CD 

For years the only way for me to play Sonic CD on a console was to fire up the Sonic Gems Collection on my GameCube. The save feature started acting up, deleting my saved data and this discouraged me from playing the game to go for the good ending. So here I am with a digital version of Sonic CD and after spending some time with it, I firmly believe this is the definitive version of the game. The extras like trophies, Sonic 2 Spindash physics, and being able to play with both the Japanese and American soundtracks. Wacky Workbench, however, is still a highly frustrating zone.

Vagrant Story

Years ago when I worked at Toys 'R Us, I had a chance to pick up Vagrant Story for $20 and looking back, I wish I had. The store only had three copies left but I think I was preoccupied with other purchases. I've yet to see a complete physical copy of this game. I'd be a fool to pass this one up again, especially for $5.99.

Zanac X Zanac

I purchased the NES version of Zanac back in 2005 for a mere $2.99. It was a truly different breed of shooter that had a difficulty that adjusted to the player's rate of fire, skill level and weapon type. Some may call Zanac an acquired taste, but I quite like it.  I downloaded the NES version off the Virtual Console some time ago and I find myself getting into Zanac once more with Zanac X Zanac, a compilation release of the 2001 PlaySataion release. Zanac X Zanac contains two games, the three different version of the NES version of Zanac as well as Zanac Neo, which is an updated version of Zanac. I'd heard of this games years back but I was not expecting to see Zanac X Zanac on the PSN and at low price of $5.99 to boot.

Breath of Fire IV

What is it with me and passing on games? It seems to always come back to bite me later. This is another one of those games I didn't pick up when I had the chance and now it's mighty difficult to come across a complete copy. Capcom has a fair amount of fighting game content on the PSN, so it was really surprising to see the fourth entry in the Breath of Fire series up for digital grabs and at the steal price of $5.99.

Alundra

Now this is a game that will set you back some change if you can find a complete copy. I can remember years back in Best Buy I would see this game selling for next to nothing at Best Buy. Now? Expect to pay over $100 for this sucker. I'll gladly take a digital version for $5.99, thanks.

Favorite Tunes #79: Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Well, here it is, the end of of 2013. It's a time of reflection, but mostly celebrations and of course, good music! Don't overdo it on the booze, be safe and happy new year!

Stardust Speedway "B" Mix JP - Sonic CD (SCD) 

By GagaMan

When you first saw Metal Sonic, he kidnapped Amy Rose, or in this case Rosey the Rascal since we're talking about the Japanese version of Sonic CD. When you encounter him a second time, you battle it out to see who is truly the fastest thing alive. It's race of flesh against metal. Annnnnd they roll out this dance beat. Turn it up, get down!

Soft Collision - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DSW, Wii U)

The first Mighty Switch Force! was a splendid puzzle/platform game with a distinctively retro inspired soundtrack. The sequel is has you shooting water instead of ammo and the puzzle mechanics are slightly different but it's still more of the same goodness we fell in love with before. Like the original game, the soundtrack is also very dance-centric.

Growing Wings - NiGHTS Journey of Dreams (Wii)

After years of waiting and please from fans, Sonic Team delivered on sequel to the cult classic Saturn game NiGHTS into dreams with NiGHTS Journey of dreams. And there was much whining and complaining. Some said it was too long, other said there was too much dialogue and the voice acting wasn't needed. The game wasn't perfect but it's far from being the terrible game some fans make it out to be. The soundtrack had plenty of arrangements of familiar themes from the original as well as fresh music.

Zero Stage 2 - Mega Man X5 (PS)

What was originally intended to be the final game of the Mega Man X series. Rather than have a dark and ominous theme for the final level, the game assaults your ears with this kicking rave theme that is begging to be played at parties. It's an unexpected theme to be sure, but it's certainly a welcomed one.

Bitter Dance - Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2)

What would you think if I told you this was actually a battle theme? Done picking your jaw up off the floor yet? This is one video game tune that probably isn't gonna win any sort of serious awards. It really feels out of place, but you know what? I love the left field nature of this tune. I guess this is one of my guilty pleasure songs.

Replay 2 - Rage Racer (PS)

The first game to truly shake up the Ridge Racer series, Rage Racer featured even more exotic cars than the previous games and a much longer grand prix mode where you earned cash and could upgrade your cars. Some fans may have bemoaned this new approach that meant far more time was needed in order to see everything the game had to offer, but I personally feel the gamble payed off and we were given one of the more standout entries in the series.

Buggie Running Beeps 01 - Rez (DC, PS2)

I don't mean to sound like "one of those types" but remember when SEGA was constantly innovating and putting out new IPs left and right? These days it seems as if Sonic is all that's left of the company since he's the only character that gets his own full fledged games. Anyway, Rez was first released on the Dreamcast and later ported to the PS2. The DC version was exclusive to Japan with the PS2 version seeing an American and European release. Rez also saw a digital release in the form of Rez HD for the Xbox Live Arcade. Rez is a very unique rail shooter with an incredible electronic soundtrack.

Degeneracy (Stage 4 - Plant) - Battle Garegga (SAT, Arranged Ver.)

A hard as nails old-school shooter that was released for arcades in the late 1990s, Battle Battle Garegga received a Saturn port in Japan and one of the most distinct features from the arcade version was the option to switch to an arranged soundtrack. Definitely worth adding to your collection of Saturn import titles if you can find a copy.

Expander - Streets of Rage 2 (GEN)

Yuzo Koshiro wowed Genesis owners with his brilliant work on the original Streets of Rage. His Streets of Rage 2 compositions are arguably his best work on the Genesis trilogy, pushing the Genesis sound chip to levels that were unheard of at the time. Expander in particular still amazes me to this day.

End Credits - Mighty Switch Force! (3DSW, Wii U)

When the Mighty series began, composer Jake Kaufman created a catchy reoccurring tune that I've dubbed "The Mighty Theme" it has since been used in every Mighty game, including both Mighty Switch Force! titles. I suppose it was arranged twice in the first game since you can hear it in Caught Red Handed and the End Credits theme, which is easily a contender for one of the best staff roll themes of all-time. It's perfect for parties that are winding down, relaxing after work or just plain chilling.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #78: A Wonderful Christmas Time

Ah, Christmas time. A time of family, giving gifts, eggnog and cold. Lots and lots of cold. I'm not a huge fan of frosty climates in real life or video games, but in the case of the later, they usually serve up some extremely good tunes. With it being the holiday season, enjoy a round of Christmas themed video game music.

Frozen Factory Zone 1 - Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)

Sonic games have a ridulously good track record of having great winter themed music to go along with the stages. Ice Cape Zone in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Robotnik Winter in Sonic Triple Trouble, Holoska in Sonic Unleashed and now Frozen Factory in Sonic Lost World. Opinions may be split on this particular entry in the Sonic series, but I think everyone will agree that the music still kicks in all the right places.

Frappe Snowland - Mario Kart 64 (N64)

The first Mario Kart to take the series into three dimensions, Mario Kart 64 has two winter themed race courses, one I adore and the other I despise. The track I love, Sherbert Island is home to some big penguins and has you driving across a huge sheet of ice through caves and across a fairly large sized lake. The track I hate, Frappe Snowland is a track that is (obviously) covered with the white stuff. What makes this track annoying is the plethora of snowman populated in a section of the track that bring your cart to a screetching halt if you collide into them. Both courses share the same musical theme, which is ironically named after lesser of the two tracks.

Christmas Eve - Animal Crossing (GCN) 

The original Animal Crossing consumed a huge chunk of my life and New Leaf on the 3DS is doing it all over again. But I can still remember sitting in my room in my early 20s on Christmas Eve, walking through  my snow-covered town, the trees decorated with Christmas lights, the town buzzing with Christmas cheer. I can't remember many holidays of the first game, but Christmas in Animal Crossing hit me so hard in the feel goods and this music had a lot to do with it. Since Christmas is all about giving, enjoy an extended version of this theme.

Jack Frost's Chime - Christmas NiGHTS into dreams... (SAT)

Released with select games in magazines in December of 1996, Christmas NiGHTS into dreams is a two stage Christmas theme version of NiGHTS. The Nightopeans are all decked out in their Christmas gear and the levels have a very holiday look to theme. The music is also fit for the occasion. Finding a physical copy of this game is not easy (I found one a few years back for chump change) but it's a wonderful unlockable bonus in the HD remake of NiGHTS into dreams when you complete the game once.

Diamond Dust Act 1 - Sonic 3D Blast (SAT)

The Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast not only looked cleaner than the Genesis version, but it arguably sounded better depending on whom you ask. I think both versions got solid soundtracks, but the Saturn version of Diamond Dust Act 1 just overwhelms me with Christmas cheer.

Ice Cave Chant - Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

By Michi

After the nightmarish level that was Snowbarrel Blast, you get to take a breather. OK, so the ice cave wasn't a complete cakewalk but compare to what came before, passing this one was a breeze. Even today, the sparkling effects of the crystal ice levels continue to amaze me, just as the audio track does.

Snowy Fields - Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

There sure are a lot of Nintendo and SEGA games dominating this thing. Eh, what can I say, both companies pimp out superb music. As I said in the opening above, snow levels are generally on the frustrating side, but the ice world of Kirby's Epic Yarn has got to be one of my favorite snow themed levels I've ever been to in a video game. I suppose it helps that said ice world comes from what is arguably the cutest game ever.

Cozy Cabin - Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

What's this? Kirby and Prince Fluff? Again? The two are just that good. Cozy Cabin takes you through a quaint little cabin and by "little" I mean huge and by "quaint" I mean the ceiling tries to crush you as you move through the level. Even an advancing ceiling couldn't pull my thoughts away from Christmas, which was heavily on my mind since I was originally playing Kirby's Epic Yarn as the holiday was approaching back in 2011.

Dream Bells - Christmas NiGHTS into dreams... (SAT)

A few years ago, I started a tradition of listening to the music from Christmas NiGHTS during the holiday season and it has since been some of my favorite Christmas music to listen to. I don't know of anyone that will object to hearing hearing Jingle Bells and this version is as good as any other, even without lyrics.

Snowman - Mother 3 (GBA)

This piece of music is as much of a staple for the Mother/EarthBound series as Pollyanna, having been present since the original Mother game and appearing in each sequel as well as receiving an excellent Super Smash Bros. Brawl remix. So as you might imagine, it was quite difficult choosing which version to select for this Favorite Tunes. After much agonizing (because I'm dramatic that way) I decided to go with the GBA version from Mother 3.

Favorite Tunes Database

Game Art #63: NiGHTS Gallery

One of SEGA's most truly unique franchises, it kills me to see NiGHTS go so unused the way it has. Anyone that missed their chance to play the original could experience the enhanced port on the PlayStation network and Xbox Live arcade but there hasn't been a new NiGHTS title since Journey of Dreams on Wii in 2008. This series is long overdue for some appreciation so enjoy some NiGHTS fan art.

By That child

Source

Unknown Artist

Unknown Artist

By kiaraneko

By YAKUMOFUJII

By MidnightCambion

By tsurupokiporutsu

My Favorite Video Game Box Art Part 2

I didn't mean to let so much time pass before making a part two to this series, but I got sidetracked and here we are, four months after the first installment. I'll try not to let so much time get away from me before part 3 arrives. Anyway, here's part 2.

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japanese ver.)

I just love the complicated history behind this game. First we thought it was a Mario game, although a vastly different one compared to the original Super Mario Bros. Years later, we found out it was a different game, Doki Doki Panic with Mario characters in the place of the original cast. It was thought that because of the character switch that our version of Super Mario Bros. 2 wasn't a true Mario game. Then we found out that our version of Super Mario Bros. 2 began as a prototype sequel. In other words, it was a Mario game from the very beginning. Basically, the game went from being a Mario game, not a Mario game, then back to a Mario game again. Confusing, no?

Anyway, I've always liked the art of the Japanese version over our American cover, which is actually some art from the Japanese version of the original Super Mario Bros. You've got Mario getting ready to lob some veggies at Wart, Luigi. picking up a Shyguy, Peach standing there, appearing to be useless, when in actuality, she's one of the most useful characters in the game and finally, you got Toad, climbing a vine, having the time of this life. I really think the outer pink box compliments the art extremely well.

The Revenge of Shinobi (Japanese ver.)

I happen to favor a lot of Mega Drive box art as some of my favorite gaming box art cover, so you'll have to forgive my mentioning of so many Mega Drive covers during this extensive multi-part feature. Going by the title of The Super Shinobi in Japan, The Revenge of Shinobi was one of the Genesis' earliest games, but from the looks and sounds of it, you'd think it was a later entry. Even today, The Revenge of Shinobi has outstanding visuals and an amazing soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro. On the Japanese cover, we have Joe Musashi, looking on with what appears to be killing intent with his blade drawn. Some of the simplest of visuals with the right choice of colors can be very effective.

Castlevania

Who says all American NES era games had bad box art? OK, so the original Mega Man has laughably horrendous box art but Casltevania? We're talking one of the greatest images to ever grace an NES box easily. I mean, just look at this cover. Simon, Vampire Killer in hand, preparing to storm Dracula's castle, and the big bad himself looming over the castle, looking all menacing. He's even got blood dripping from his fang's which suggest that he's been doing some feeding. At a time where Nintendo of America was heavy on censorship, it's quite the surprise that the blood on Drac's fangs wasn't edited out. In fact this box art is one of those instances where it remained the same as the Japanese version. The only real difference between the American and Japanese box art is that the Famicom Disk version doesn't use the gray borders, allowing for a bit more of the original image to be seen. Even so, I love both versions of this box art.

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest 

Undoubtedly the weakest link in the NES Castlevania Trilogy, Simon's Quest threw many players off with it's no liner setting and plenty of Guide Dang It gameplay scenarios. That said, it nailed it on the soundtrack as well as the box art. Konami's American branch had a thing for placing gray borders on it's boxes, similar to Capcom USA's purple boxes and I had no problem with either.

Chrono Trigger (Japanese Ver.)

I've been a fan of Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball series for more than ten years now and I've been a fan of Chrono Trigger far longer than that. At the time, I had no idea that Toriyama was the designer for the characters in one of my all-time favorite video games. These days, his art style is instantly recognizable to me. The Japanese version of Chrono Trigger's box art show's all of the game's playable characters (except Magus) against a white backdrop. Toriyama drew a brand new cover for the North American release, which I like, but not as much as this one.

Einhänder (Japanese ver.)

Have I mentioned that blue is my favorite color? Well, it is. The dark blue background color with a skeletal hand reaching down is another use of simple but oh-so effective imagery. I'm always bowled over at how powerful this picture looks. I'm guessing the developers were quite fond of it because it's the exact same image used for the title screen and it's even the cover for the game's soundtrack album. From the outside looking in, the use of a lone hand may seem like a strange image to use for a shooter, but let's take into account the game's title, Einhänder. That's German, which means single handed, which is how most of your ship's weapons operate.

Super Mario 64 (Japanese ver.)

I mentioned how much I like the American version of Super Mario 64's box art in part 1 but I'm also very fond of the Japanese version. In the early days of the N64, Nintendo was very fond of the white boxes for their games. Nintendo could have shown Mario using the other two Cap power-ups, but I think the use of the Wing Cap was a wise choice. Sure, Mario has flown before in previous games, but never quite like this.

NiGHTS into dreams... (American ver.)

The American covers can't always lose out to their Japanese counterparts and this is one of those times where American beats Japan. The flying in NiGHTS isn't quite as open ended as that of Super Mario 64. It's actually far more restricted, but even so, flying in NiGHTS is quite exhilarating and since it's an important part of the gameplay, why not advertise it on the cover? It's certainly much better than the overseas version, which actually isn't bad, but I gotta give SEGA of America credit for making the call to change it.

Part 1