VG Soundtrack of the Day 050: Secret of Mana

Known as Seiken Densetsu 2 in Japan, Secret of Mana was originally going to be a game for the scrapped SNES CD add-on. The game would have had CD quality audio but when Secret of Mana was bought back down to SNES levels, naturally CD audio fell through. This wasn't a negative, however. Even without CD sound quality, composer Hiroki Kikuta wrote an extremely compelling musical score and for a lot of fans, the PS4 soundtrack from the 2018 remake doesn't come close to surpassing the original SNES 1993 soundtrack. There are a myriad of outstanding songs to love from Secret of Mana. Pure Night, Dark Star, A Bell is Tolling, Angel's Fear, Now Flightless Wings; there is not a single sub par song on this entire soundtrack. If this is your first time hearing this soundtrack, I am super jelly. I'd love to be able to hear this for he first time again.

Secret of Mana (YouTube)

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Favorite Tunes #244: Time for Spooky

Tirck or treat, smell my feet, you know the rest. It is that spooky time of the year again and in the spirit of the season, here are some ghastly tunes to make you go bump in the night or some other Halloween jargon.

Battle for the Holy - Castlevania the Adventure ReBirth (Wii)

Three of Konami's top franchises were given ReBirth titles exclusively on the Wii via Wii Ware. Nintendo has since closed up the Wii Shop Channel so unless Konami re-releases the three ReBirth titles, they are more victims lost to the digital age. Castlevania the Adventure Rebirth was essentially a remake of Castlevania Adventure for the Game Boy, staring Christopher Belmont. This theme originally played on the game's opening stage but was nowhere to be heard in the ReBirth remake.

Cockatrice - Super Ghouls'n Ghosts (SNES)

The Ghosts'n Goblins games are known for their insane difficulty and Super Ghouls'n Ghosts is no exception. Hard as this game is, though, it is still easier than the two titles that came before it. Super gives you a double jump and you can power up your weapons. The game has the familiar level 1 Ghosts'n Goblins music as well as a slew of new songs that sound magnificent on the SNES hardware, making Super Ghouls'n Ghosts quite possibly my favorite soundtrack of the entire series.

Those Chosen by the Planet - Final Fantasy VII (PS)

A theme heavily associated with the main protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, Sepiroth, this theme is first heard during a flashback when he goes mad after finding out what he (assumes) are his true origins and makes orphans of Cloud and Tifa along with burning the town to the ground. At the time, the scene of Sephy walking away in those flames looked pretty badawesome. Now? Looks pretty dang dated.

Ceremony - Secret of Mana (SNES)

I imagine this track unsettled anyone that played Secret if Mana as  a kid. Heck, I was 15 when I first played the game and this tune still gave me the creeps. If you're looking for some horror inspired game music for something, you can't go wrong with this one.

Haunted House - Super Mario 64 (N64)

Since the introduction of Ghost Houses in Super Mario World, I have never liked the haunted house themes in Super Mario games. The nightmare fuel was cranked up to eleven in Big Boo's Haunt, the sole ghost house level in Super Mario 64. Going after some of the stars here was a pain and the less said about that freaking piano, the better.

Lavos' Theme - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

I sure have shown Square Enix a lot of love in Favorite Tunes this week. Lavos is unlike the big bad if most Square Enix RPGs. He doesn't boast about how powerful he is, nor is he the mirror counterpart to any of the heroes. Not a lot of detail is divulged about him. And yet, hundreds of years into the future he turns the world into a wasteland where what remains of the human population is starving, just barely clinging to life.

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Favorite Tunes #218: Inkwell Isle One

One of my favorite robots in gaming is getting some love in Favorite Tunes this week. No, it is not Mega Man. Or Proto Man. Or even X. There's also a rendition from Secret of Mana, the flying opossum, Sparkster and a lesser known Nintendo racer.

Fear of the Heavens - Secret of Mana (PS4, PSV, PC)

I have not read any reviews for this remake but I'm well aware that is has been getting blasted both by fans and critics. Nevertheless, I bought the game on release day and as a big fan of the original, I've really been enjoying it. The music seems to be a miss with most folks, but you have the option to switching over to the original SNES score. Not every arranged track is a winner but I've liked most of what I've heard.

Stage 3 - Sparkster (GEN)

There's an SNES version of Sparkster that released the same year as this Genesis version did. They are two completely different games, however. Both games do use some of the same themes so it is nice to see how certain tracks come out on their respective hardware. Much like the original Rocket Knight Adventures, Sparkster was largely overlooked.

Inkwell Isle One - Cuphead (PC, XBO)

Beautiful, cartoonish visuals, chaotic run and gun gameplay and a a plethora of bosses. Cuphead has done extremely well on numerous fronts. I picked up some Cuphead merch in the form of adorable plushies of the two main characters, Cuphead and Mugman. Just a few days ago, I snagged the Devil. If a physical release of the Cuphead soundtrack became available en mass, I would cop that with the quickness.

Mission 2 (Cilius Moon Weapon Factory) - Sol-Feace (SCD)

In the monumental Favorite Tunes #200, I posted the Genesis rendition of Mission 2 from Sol-Deace (no idea why the two versions go by different names). Well, here's the arranged SEGA CD (MEGA CD for my Japanese and European readers) version of that very same track. It does not lose a single ounce of bounce on CD quality audio.

Monster Dance - Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally (NES)

Released only in Japan, you'd think this baby would get more exposure on Nintendo's eShop but no such luck. At least not yet. That cool backwards hat and mechanic uniform Mario is sporting in Super Mario Odyssey is taken from this very game. The composer of this super catchy, highly upbeat track is Soyo Oka. You may have heard of her. She wrote the music to a little game called Super Mario Kart.

Planet Brainwave - Super Bomberman R (NS)

Hopefully last year's Super Bomberman R isn't the last we've seen of our favorite little blaster. But this is Konamiw we're talking about. The game may not have set the world on fire but at least Konami managed to not screw it up with microtransactions or charging for additional save slots. Heck, one of the updates included some Konami costumes such as characters from the Mystical Ninja Games and the Vic Viper from Gradius.

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Favorite Tunes #213: Yes, it is a JoJo Reference

There's no speedy hedgehogs or ex-plumbers in this week's music selection but we do have plenty of anime games, pixelated knights and the best pink, cutest blob ever.

West City Stage - DRAGON BALL FighterZ (PC, PS4, XBO)

When this game was revealed in 2017, the 2018 release seemed so far away. Well, 2018 has come and DBFZ does not disappoint. This 3-on-3 fighters from old favorites like Piccolo to new ones like Hit. The music is just as on point as the lightning fast fighting. West City's normal stage tune has a bit of dub-step thrown in but it doesn't go overboard. I like how DBFZ doesn't lock music tracks to any one particular stage but lets you choose what track plays on the stage that you select.

A Curious Happening - Secret of Mana (SNES)

With the Secret of Mana remake coming out this month, now is a good time to get familiar, or re-familiar some of the game's original SNES compositions. I haven't sought out any of the game's remade tracks so I won't know what they sound like until I actually play the game. This track probably really came out of left field for me when I first play Secret of Mana all those years ago.

Mode Select - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven (PS4)

We got ourselves another game based off of a manga/anime property. Years ago JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was known to western audiences due to the games and the memes. Now, the series is widely recognized thanks to anime adaptations of the first three parts (if you didn't know, this is a very long running series) and now far more memes than ever.

Steel Thy Shovel - Shovel Knight (Wii U, PC, 3DS, PS4, XBO, NS)

There have been numerous games that have soured people on Kickstarter projects. Shovel Knight was not one of them. Not only did this crowd funded game turn out to be fantastic, but it was supported with new content long after it's original 2014 release. If for some reason, you haven't played this one yet, you're missing out.

War in the Underpass Pt. II - Alien vs. Predator (ARC)

When I think of Capcom arcade beat 'em ups, four games come to mind: Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (the GOAT), Knights of the Round, Final Fight, and Alien vs. Predator. There have been a slew of AvP games but this is the one I'm most familiar with. It has amazing sprites, animation and sweet soundtrack. If you wanna play this one, MAME is your only option.

Iceberg Map - Kirby's Dream Land 3 (SNES)

Since it is still winter time, this track is still relevant, seasonally speaking, of course.  By the time Kirby's Dream Land hit the SNES, it was late 1997. The N64 was grabbing people's attention (not nearly as much as the PS, but still) and Nintendo have moved on from their 16-bit baby. If you've never played Kirby's Dream Land 3 but have extensively played Return to Dream Land, this jam is sure to sound familiar to you.

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Favorite Tunes #196: Brought to You by the Letter S

Yes, yes, I am fully aware that this Favorite Tunes is up on a Sunday. The reason for this is because I already had a post made out for Saturday and I didn't want to do two posts in one day. So, the weekly selection of music got bumped to Sunday.

Swampy Caverns - Super Metroid (SNES)

Are you ready for Samus to jump back into action next Friday? I can't wait to pick up my copy of Metroid: Samus Returns and see just how much the game improves upon the original. I wouldn't mind seeing a remake of Super Metroid but many would make the argument that the game really doesn't need it. I find this piece of music to be chilling, yet relaxing.

Into the Thick of It - Secret of Mana (SNES)

In case you haven't heard, Secret of Mana is getting a much deserved remake that will release next year. The game was a SNES favorite of mine and it's nice to see it get included on the SNES Classic Edition. Pity that many probably won't be able to get their hands on one, but forget that noise and listen to this exquisite track. There are dozens of other greats in this wonderful game.

Ocean Palace - Sonic Heroes (GCN, PS2, XB, PC)

As I sit down to write out this week's Favorite Tunes, I realize that we've got quite a few games that begin with the letter S. I promise it was not intentional. Depending on whom you ask, Sonic Heroes is either a good entry in Sonic's 3D history or where things started to go off the rails. I really should put the game through it's paces some time. I heard the music a few years ago and wasn't really sold on it but gave it another listen and it has really grown on me.

The Poets I - Streets of Rage 3 (GEN)

The popular opinion is that Streets of Rage and Streets of Rage 2's soundtracks are better than Streets of Rage 3's. While I have to admit that I find the music of the first two games standing out in my mind more (though this is also due to the third game being needlessly tougher outside of Japan), Streets of Rage 3 still has fine music regardless. When I get around to making my Streets of Rage playlist, you'd best believe this track is getting a spot on the list.

Ground Scaravich Stage - Mega Man X6 (PS)

Mega Man X6 is a text book definition of a rushed game. It was released in 2001, the exact same year that Mega Man X5 was released. The translation is horrid, the story sucks and the level design is some of the worst in the entire Mega Man franchise, if not the worst. The one saving grace is the exceptional soundtrack. In spite of the repetitive nature of Ground Scaravich's level theme, I find myself liking this high energy tune a lot.

Mid Boss Mayhem - Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (NS)

When word got out that Mario would be doing a crossover game with the Rabbids, many were skeptical. These worries, however, were unwarranted because Mario + Rabbids turned out to be a very fun, inviting strategy game. Even if games in this genre aren't your bag, you should still check this game out. You're think hard, laugh out loud and really love Grant Kirkhope's music.

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Favorite Tunes 124: Earn Your Ending

You know what I really like about the finale of a game? Well besides closure and knowing that I've finished another adventure, that ending and staff roll theme that you get at the end more often than not gives me a warm sense of accomplishment.

Staff Roll - Mega Man 3 (NES)

By tam6231990

Another Wily castle tumbles just like the mad doctor's ambitions. The road to this game's finale took much blood, sweat and tears when I was a lad, but its far less painful having run through this one countless times. That still hasn't put a dent in my enjoyment out of the third Mega Man entry. This is a good contender for my favorite Mega Man staff roll music. Its top five without question.

Ending - Super Bomberman (SNES)

When you aren't mixing it up in the games fabulous mayhem filled multiplayer mode (be sure to bring multi-tap so two more players can blow stuff up), you'll be blasting away strange baddies in Super Bomberman's normal mode, either alone or with a friend. Jun Chikuma crafted a fine soundtrack for Bomberman's first SNES outing, ending with this jaunty tune,

To Far Away Times - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

You've probably heard a myriad of wonderful things regarding Chrono Trigger. Its one of the finest RPGs of all-time. The battle system that uses combo attacks and ditches random encounters is amazing. The characters and story are highly memorable. And yup, all of it is true. After all of the many great tracks Yasunori Matsuda went on to composer, Chrono Trigger still ranks among his very best work.


Can't Say Goodbye to Yesterday - Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty (PS2)

You know, I used to think MGS2 had the longest cut scenes in the MGS saga. Then MGS4 came out and that was like a 2 hour movie. Say what you will about MGS2 but at least the cinemas were nowhere near as drawn out as MGS4. MGS2 also has the best vocal ending number.

The Second Truth From the Left - Secret of Mana (SNES)

Secret of Mana's ending was, well, a downer to put it bluntly. Sure, the kids save the world and all but the victory did not come cheap. But least we dwell too much on what was lost, let us bask in this glorious celebratory credits theme.

Credits - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (PS2, GCN)

If you like Dragon Ball Z (who doesn't?) then this is sure to fill you with the warm and fuzzy feelings. Cha La Head Cha La is often viewed as one of the most popular opening songs in all anime. Its quite fitting that the first Budokai game's story mode concludes with a rocking instrumental version of said tune.

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Favorite Tunes #108: The End is Nigh

While I was working on my The End of the World as We Know It feature, I had a lot of "the end is coming" music on min mind. That brings me to this particular Favorite Tunes. We've got a selection of mostly moody and foreboding music. Enjoy!

Dark Star - Secret of Mana (SNES)

The vibrant, joy-filled Flight into the Known that plays whenever you fly around on the world map gets replaced when the Mana Fortress, the final dungeon in the game takes flight. Dark Star, is a track that paints a very grim situation for the world as the very nature of the Mana Fortress is that of a super weapon. It starts out with a lovely piano riff before it explodes into the main course, which is filled with perfectly timed bell chimes and cymbal clashes. Dark Star may be a musical piece associated with some pretty bad events but it is still a beautiful song, nonetheless.

Last Day - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64, 3DS)

You've got three days to save the world in Majora's Mask. With the help of the Ocarina of Time, you really do have all the time in the world to do it. But since certain things can only be on on certain days, this means you ultimately have to experience the three day cycle and the pressure is really on when he last day rolls around. For extra added freak out, listen to this track as the Moon is about to come down.

Ruined World - Chrono Trigger (SNES, PS, DS)

The future is bright, right? Well not in Chrono Trigger. The year 1000 AD may not be perfect but it's a utopia compared to 2300 AD. By this time, Lavos has turned the world into a wasteland with the remaining humans using technology to survive but still starving to the lack of food. The hopelessness and despair of this time period is reflected through this dark piece.


Last Duel - Lufia & The Fortress of Doom (SNES)

The end is the beginning. Sound confusing? I certainly was when I first fired up this game years ago. See, when you start out Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, you're actually at the final dungeon of the game, heading into the last battle. Despite the title of this track, this is theme plays during your trip through the Fortress of Doom and not during the battle with the Sinistrals. Pretty interesting way to start the game. Much later in the game you return to the Fortress of Doom with an entirely new party, preparing to smack down the very same Sinistrals that plagued the world 100 years prior, with this very same track playing.

In Search of Light - Final Fantasy V (SFC, PS)

Viewed as more comical compared to other entries, given the series last few releases, I think taking the games less seriously couldn't hurt. The Void serves as the final area of Final Fantasy V. Rather than a bleak, hopeless musical theme, this track is triumphant with pounding drums and cymbals blasting throughout.

Go Forward Under Fire - Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES)

Also known as No Man's Land or the Alien's Lair, this track plays during the first half of the final level of Contra III. This theme really does have  feel of finality to it. It also greatly contrasts, the follow up music that plays during the second half of the area. This piece feels you with an incredible sense of hope while the later music fills you with a sense of dread and considering all the mini bosses you face and the progressive difficulty they bring, that isn't too surprising.

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Favorite Tunes #83: Tear Jerker

Video games can bring about a myriad of emotions. Happiness, rage and yes, even sadness. We're going to talk about some of the more heartache-inducing gaming beats and the moments associated with them in this edition of Favorite Tunes. Spoilers lie ahead so proceed at your own risk.

Confusion - Mother 3 (GBA) 

"Strange. Funny. Heartrending." That is the tagline for Mother 3 and boy, do they ever mean that last one. Mother 3 is filled with all kinds of weird, laugh out loud moments, but it's also one of the darkest, most depressing video games to come from Nintendo. During the game's first chapter, Hinawa, Flint's wife and the mother of Lucas and Claus goes missing. The two boys turn up but poor Hinawa suffered a horrible death at the hands of a beast while defending her sons. Flint does not take this news well and lashes out at the villagers to the point where he as to be knocked unconscious. This is just the first of many Player Punch moments. If you play Mother 3, you better have a few sets of hankies ready, because the tears are going to flow like Niagara Falls. Even with the GBA's limitations, this is quite the piece of piano music. The way the song starts off key lends itself greatly to the moment, as if the pianist was caught off guard, which is how many of us feel when news reaches us that someone we love has died.

Forever Rachel - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

Locke Cole has a habit of going out of his way to protect every girl he meets. At first it seems like he's just being kind to Terra to guard her because she has amnesia, but when he promises Celes he'll always look after her as well, the player begins to think something is up. Later in the game we find out that Locke had a girlfriend, Rachel. During a treasure hunting expedition, Rachel took a nasty fall because she pushed Locke out of the way. When she awoke, she had anmeisa and couldn't even remember Locke. Sometime later, she was slain during an imperial attack but her memories of Locke returned. Locke would later find happiness with Celes and forgave himself for what happened to Rachel. You can actually hear a bit of Forever Racel in Locke's theme.

Reminiscence - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Arrange

The first case introduces us to Phoenix Wright, a bumbling but promising defense attorney. He's mentored by the lovely Mia Fey, who is promptly killed off at the start of the second case, much to the shock of the player and the horror of her little sister, Maya. Maya is the first to the scene of the crime so she's accused of murdering her. Phoenix comes to talk to her in the detention center and it's here where we first hear this melancholy theme. The current circumstances make it all the more saddening to hear. This is actually a remix of the Detention Center theme and it's a lot more heart-wrenching than the original, yet has a beautiful air to it.

I Won't Forget - Secret of Mana (SNES)

Randi removes the Mana Sword from the stone and unleashes a horde of monsters, one of them being a huge monster, that is an immediate threat to his village, Photos. Randi slays the creature, but the villagers are furious at the dangers Randi has brought about. By unanimous decision, Randi is exiled from Photos. Cue one of the most popular musical pieces in the game, that is actually an arrangement of the title theme.

Alone in the World - Wild Arms (PS)

Another RPG with protagonists that have names beginning with an R. Both characters are also exiled from their villages, but for different reasons. Where as Randi was given the boot for unleashing a plague of monsters upon everyone, Rudy is exiled from his town because the villagers fear him. Rudy possess ARMs, an ancient, but incredible power. Like Randi, Rudy also acts heroically, saving his village from a monster, but that's not enough to keep him from getting exiled. Alone in the World is a somber arrangement of Hope.

Debriefing - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2, 3DS)

Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss) endured many a hardship during Operation Snake Eater. But nothing was more difficult for than than fighting and ending the life of The Boss. This woman was more than a friend and more than a mentor to him. After her death, Snake found out the ugly truth: she was never a traitor to her country. It was all a facade by the higher ups to get rid of her simply because they feared her influence. Needless to say, Snake was a very different man from here on out.

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Favorite Tunes #75: FINAL BATTLE

This is it. Everything you've worked for has lead up to this last battle. The final showdown! And wouldn't you know it, the final boss usually has more than one form. Well, that's video games for you. Welcome to this milestone edition of Favorite Tunes. I've selected a small portion of some of my favorite background themes used for final battles.

Dancing Mad - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

Nicknamed "The Psycho Clown" by fans, Kefka is arguably the greatest antagonist in the Final Fantasy series. Initially a court jester that can use low level magic, at the end of the game Kefka rules over the world and is the source of all magic. I cloud list more reasons why Kefka is a such an intriguing villain, but I'll just say that his final battle theme is four movements of 17 plus minutes of awesomeness and leave it at that.

Last Battle - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 3DS)

After making a harrowing escape from Gannondorf's collapsing castle, Link and Zelda are ready for some sighs of relief. But the prince of evil rises from the wrecked and transforms himself into Ganon, knocking the Master Sword out of Link's hands and he doesn't intend to make the sword easy for our hero to get to. Koji Kondo really outdid himself with this final battle theme.

0² Battle - Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (N64)

By collecting all the crystal shards in the game, you're able to face the true final boss, 0² (actually pronounced "Zero Squared") and he's actually a lot easier than Miracle Matter. All of the crystal shards are used to create a crystal gun so Kirby and Ribbon can attack 0² in it's eye, which bleeds upon being shot. 0² is also one of the most disturbing things seen in a Kirby game. I guess HAL just loves their nightmare fuel.

The Final Battle - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

Lavos fell to the Earth in 65 million BC and has laid dormant for centuries. In 1999, he awakens and plunges the world into darkness for years to come. Using time travel, Chrono and his friends can confront the creature before he takes over the world and prevent the awful future that is 2300 AD. Yasunroi Matsuda always creates final battle music that goes far beyond merely being intense. There's a whole lot riding on the outcome of this battle and it really shows in this musical piece.

Assault - Front Mission 3 (PS)

Front Mission 3 was actually the first Front Mission game to be released outside of Japan. Rather than repeat all that Final Fantasy re-numbering nonsense, Square went ahead and kept the original title. This game would pave the way for future Front Mission games to get localization, include the DS port of the original Front Mission. The music in most Front Mission games is generally very militaristic but Assault is that and so much more.

Last Boss - Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES)

The dozens of bosses throughout Super Mario Bros. 2 could be attacked at almost any give time. The same could not be said for Wart, the game's final boss. You get a hefty supply of his weakness (veggies) but he can only be hit when his mouth is open, at which point he will always spew bubbles, which can take out your vegetables if you throw them at the wrong time.

Meridian Festival - Secret of Mana (SNES)

To save Mana from annihilation, Randi and his friends must slay the Mana Beast, a creature with good intentions, but is unfortunately ruled by it's uncontrollable rage. If the Beast destroys the Mana Fortress it will be the end of Mana. This is by far the best battle theme in the game, reserved for a creature that is unfathomably huge.

Father and Son - Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, XB)

The Metal Gear games are famous for having unusual boss battles and MGS2 is no different. There are no guns or giant mechs in the last battle but instead a sword duel. Since Solidus has been a, how shall we say, less than admirable father to Raiden, you can't help but feel good about slicing him up.

Sigma 2nd - Mega Man X5 (PS)

This was originally intended to be the finale of the X series and it would have been a grand send off. X and Zero fighting, Zero more or less confirmed to be the source of the Maverick virus and one jaw dropping final battle with Sigma. This theme truly does scream "THIS IS IT!"

Super Sonic vs. Perfect Dark Gaia - Sonic Unleashed (PS2, PS3, Wii, 360)

It's a pretty well known fact that just about every single Sonic game, regardless of quality has astounding music and Sonic Unleashed was so good that it rivals, maybe even surpasses the compositions of Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 and Sonic Colors. The music really is that amazing. Not only was the final showdown a sight to behold, but the orchestral/rock version of Endless Possibilities could very well be the best piece of final battle music in Sonic history.

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