VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 No. 002

Normally, I would go with all winter themed music for this time of year and I had very much considered going that route, but as I as compiling tracks for this week's music, it had completely slipped my mind to include all cold type music. So enjoy the very mild selection of winter tracks this week.

Walking the Beat - Cosmic Star Heroine (Multi)

I was recommended this game by a good friend of mine, so I scooped it up on PS4 and never got around to playing it. When it came out for the Switch, I bought it for that system. Neeeeeveeeeer got around to playing it. What I did get around to is listening to the soundtrack or some of it, at least and it is very impressive stuff. I probably should get around to playing the game at some point.

Greenpath (From "Hollow Knight") - Hollow Knight Lofi - Collosia

The indie scene is overrun with Metroidvania games. Hollow Knight manages to stand out from the pack with a huge map, tough bosses and highly memorable areas to explore. Oh and the music is all kinds of awesome, with some of the very best in relaxing musical pieces coming from this game. One of my favorite tribute albums is Collosia's Hollow Knight Lofi. The album is up on Spotify as well as YouTube.

Snowy Mammoth - Ape Escape Origineape Soundtracks

I often think of how Nintendo and SEGA are so neglectful of their IPs but Sony isn't much better. How long has the Ape Escape IP been rotting away in an attic? Those of you that have played the original Ape Escape might be familiar with this track. The first Ape Escape hit the PS in 1999 and would get a PSP port in 2011. The music here is from the PSP port and its been enhanced. While I do prefer the original PS music, the PSP port does a commendable job on one of my favorite tracks.

[GBA] Terminal Velocity (Act 1) - Sonic Colors [Sonic Advance 3 Style] - JX

I was fighting the urge to include a track from Sonic Frontiers this week. You have no idea how much I freaking love that soundtrack. So I made a compromise by including a Sonic track from a different Sonic game with a different sound font. This is the first of many JX arrangements. Who is JX? A super cool composer that does bang up work on retro video game covers. Bet you never knew how much you needed Sonic Colors' Terminal Velocity Act 1 with the Sonic Advance 3 instruments in your life until you heard it.

DANCIN' SWORD - Star Ocean (SFC)

In late October a bunch of the Star Ocean soundtracks officially made their way to Spotify and YouTube. Hooray! More SQUARE ENIX music to listen to without worrying about it being removed. When I found out Star Ocean music was on Spotify, I immediately added this to my SQUARE ENIX battle music play list. The enhanced version from First Depature is really nice and all but I looooove the Super Famicom original.

Next Chapter - Tetris Effect (Multi)

Tetris Effect was one of those coveted games I wished would make it to the Switch. It just seemed like one of those games that was a perfect fit for the system. Once again, the waiting game paid off. In 2021, the game came to the Switch under the name Tetris Effect: Connected. A physical version was released in 2022. Like the cool visuals, the music plays a large part of the game's appeal. Changes in the songs are based on the player's progress. You'll have to clear a certain amount of lines before the claps kick in on this track.

VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database

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 #47: Love Edition

I originally planned to post this on Valentine's Day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I missed the date and well, here we are. Regardless, the theme of this edition Favorite Tunes still stands. It's all about love, not just couples love, but love in general.

Pulifia Flowers - Lufia & The Fortress of Doom (SNES)

This Taito RPG tells the tale of Maxim's descendant and his three companions battle with the Sinistrals, four wicked beings that plagued the world 99 years ago. Among the main protagonist's allies is Lufia, his childhood friend and love interest. When the hero goes off to investigate the return of the Sinistrals, Lufia fears for his safety and decides to go with him. This scene takes place outside of the hero's hometown in a field of flowers while the game's romantic theme, Pulifia Flowers plays.

Theme of Love - Final Fantasy IV (SNES)

The fourth entry in the Final Fantasy series and the first one to be released on Nintendo's 16-bit baby. Romance has always been a huge factor in the long running series, but Final Fantasy IV was the first game to really pour it on. From the get go, the game makes it very clear that Cecil and Rosa are in love with each other. Theme of Love is the theme dedicated to these two love birds and in Japan, the song is actually part of the sixth grade music textbook learning curriculum.

Romance in the Air - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

The game to celebrate the series 25th anniversary and the one to introduce a new method of fighting. Skyward Sword utilizes a gorgeous art style and 1:1 sword fighting controls for precise sword strikes, making combat a whole new ball game.

Love Theme - Mass Effect (360, PS3, PC)

A much hyped series that I've never played so I don't have much to say about it. This theme is here because I was looking for other love themes to make up this list and I liked the way this one sounded. It's good to throw in a series you really don't mention every now and then.

My Mind - Final Fantasy VIII (PS, PC)

As I mentioned when talking about Final Fantasy IV above, love has always been a key in the Final Fantasy games, but in Final Fantasy VIII it was the primary focus of the game. Even the logo showed main character Squall embracing Rinoa. I could have put Final Fantasy VIII's vocal theme, Eyes on Me in this spot, but I wanted to go a different route so I included My Mind, Riona's theme. Besides, you can hear traces of Eyes on Me in My Mind anyway.

Love Theme - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

Taking place five years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 2, Snake's genetic cloning structure sees him physically age to that of a man in his 80s even though he's in his early 40s. That's not the only thing to go downhill. The Patriot's War Economy isn't doing the world any favors and as a result, war is at an all time high. Metal Gear Solid 4 is rife with extended cut scenes, by far the longest the series has ever seen. You'll probably spend more time watching this game than playing it, but even so, Metal Gear Solid 4 still packs the legendary stealth action gameplay that made the Metal Gear name so famous.

Dearly Beloved - Kingdom Hearts (PS2)

Square and Disney were in an elevator one day. The resulting conversation was Kingdom Hearts, a combination of Square and Disney characters in this action RPG series. Dearly Beloved is actually the title theme, a lovely piano piece composed by Yoko Shimomura who wrote most of the music for the Kingdom Hearts games.

Interrupted By Fireworks - Final Fantasy VII (PS, PC)

Depending on the way Cloud treats his fellow party members he can end up on a date with either Tifa, Areith, Yuffie and even Barret. The date takes place at the Golden Saucer and one of the activities Cloud and his date can enjoy is riding the gondola and getting a better look at the attractions. During this scene fireworks light up the sky. The conversions between Cloud and his date varies depending on who you end up with.

Love Theme - Mother 3 (GBA)

I originally thought Mother 3 was going to have so many laugh out loud moments. There are plenty of humorous scenes, sure, but Mother 3 also has an abundance of dark, tear jerking moments and they come as early as the first chapter in the game. Despite it's simplistic looking visuals, Mother 3 has a deep, moving story that will make even the toughest of the tough guys weepy eyed.

Cuddle - Star Ocean The Second story (PS, PSP)

The Star Ocean series began it's life on the SNES but Second Story was the first title to be published outside of Japan. Second Story was originally released on the PlayStation but in 1999, but in 2009 it received a PSP remake. At one point Claude gets separated from Rena and the rest of the party. Rena fears the worst until Claude appears before her unharmed. The moment she she sees him she runs to Claude and throws her arms around him, relieved that he's safe. Annnnd cue this song.

Favorite Tunes #27: Square Enix Edition

Once two separate companies, Square and Enix merged to form Square Enix in 2003. This company is widely known for the Final Fantasy series, but I'm not going to feature any music from that series in this installment of Favorite Tunes (I'll be doing that later). Other RPGs are gonna get their chance to shine.

NOTE: Games before the merger have also been included.

War in China - Live-A-Live (SFC)

Released only in Japan, Live-A-Live let's players choose from seven different characters each with their own story. The game's soundtrack was handled by the very talented Yoko Shimomura. This splendid track that was used for Wood Man's background music in the Mega Man ROM hack Rockman Deus Ex Machina. I've never played Live-A-Live, but if you're interested, there is a fan translated version on the net.

Unknown World - Dragon Quest I & II (SFC)

The first two Dragon Quest games were released on a compilation cartridge on the Super Famicom in Japan during the console's head day. In 2000, these two games were once again bundled together as Dragon Quest I & II for the Game Boy. Unknown World is the World Map theme that plays on your journey. In the very first Dragon Quest game, you are all alone, no party members to assist you. This theme is the perfect representation of a lonely warrior's quest. I quite like the extras melodies that were added to the SFC version of this tune.

Feldschlacht I - SaGa Frontier 2 (PS)

Kenji Ito wrote the music for the first SaGa Frontier, but for SaGa Frontier 2, the composing duties were handed to Masahi Hamauzu, a man that is closely associated with the Final Fantasy series these days. I can't recall too much about SaGa 2, but Hamaizu's work on the score was sensational. Feldschlacht I is the first of numerous battle themes and it gets arranged through numerous tracks. All of the soundtrack titles are in German. Feldschlacht roughly translates to Field Battle.

Pure Night - Secret of Mana (SNES)

This game is actually the sequel to Final Fantasy Adventure on the Game Boy, which is actually called Seiken Densetsu. While that does make Secret of Man Seiken Densetsu 2, most of us that don't live in Japan just call it Secret of Mana. There's a ton of breath taking music in Secret of Mana, but Pure Night is one of the few tracks that leaves you awe-struck. It's so hauntingly beautiful.

Bike Race - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

Most of Chrono Trigger's music was written by Yasunori Matsuda, but when he got sick, famed Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu stepped in to finish up. Matsuda tends to have the stronger tracks in Chrono Trigger, but Uematsu composed a very lively song in the form of Bike Race. This song plays in the year 3000 AD in the race against Johnny C. Bad, but you can hear it much sooner in the year 1000 A.D. by just exploring some houses and talking to people.

Field of Exper - Star Ocean: The Second Story (PS, PSP)

Beginning life on the Super Famicom, the Star Ocean series made it's way to the PlayStation and eventually the PlayStation 2 and then the PS3 and Xbox 360. Unfortunately, it looks like Star Ocean 4 will be the last Star Ocean game. Star Ocean music is generally handled by Motoi Sakuraba and he is to the Star Ocean series what Nobuo Uematsu is to the Final Fantasy series. Field of Exper plays on the world map and does a great job of making the world set before you seem endlessly vast. Second Story was ported over to the PSP under the name Star Ocean: Second Evolution.

Influence of Deep - Parasite Eve (PS)

Nobuo Uematsu gave me a reason to stop dissing opera in Final Fantasy VI and a few years later, Yoko Shimomura gave me even more reasons to stop mocking it. The beginning of the course has a lady belting out a few notes, which might lead you to believe that's all you're in for, but the song quickly shifts gears into a fast paced battle theme while the opera singing continues throughout. The first of many great battle themes in Parasite Eve.

Twin Mountains - Brave Fencer Musashi (PS)

Released in 1998, Brave Fencer Musashi, was one of Square's better attempts at doing something different. This action RPG had day and night cycles and if Musashi went too long without rest, he'd get tired and performer poorly in battle. This game really was a gem and to this day, I kick myself for trading it in.

Night of Fate - Kingdom Hearts (PS2)

Final Fantasy meets Disney could describe Kingdom Hearts in a nutshell. OK, so there's probably much more to it than that, but the only game in this series that I've finished is Chain of Memories of the GBA. This action RPG series takes original characters and has the meet up with Final Fantasy cast members and classic Disney characters. With music by Yoko Shimomura, you know your ears will be pleased.

Attack - Front Mission 3 (PS)

Front Mission 3 was the first Front Mission game to see a release outside of Japan and rather than just call it Front Mission and go the route they went with earlier Final Fantasy titles, Square kept the original numbering. When all was said and done, I invested over 70 hours into this mech turn based RPG and that was only playing one out of the two scenarios. How you answer a simple question at the start of the game will determine the path you follow. It's been more than ten years since I played Front Mission 3. Maybe I'm due for a visit.