http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/blog.php?1527-meu2 Come and discuss the greatest gaming of all time from Atari to Nintendo. en Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/blog.php?1527-meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?309-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-01-Donkey-Kong-Country-(SNES)-Aquatic-Ambience Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:49:40 GMT It is often said that the sound of the ocean is a source of great comfort. The movement of gently lapping waves presumably provides a sense of... It is often said that the sound of the ocean is a source of great comfort. The movement of gently lapping waves presumably provides a sense of serenity for some. It always just sounds like water to me. Perhaps I have spent too long playing video games because for me serenity and water don't go hand in hand. Water based gaming is usually just infuriating. Ecco the dolphin is one notable example that springs to mind.

It is also said that there has to be an exception to prove the rule. If that’s the case then Aquatic Ambience from Donkey Kong Country is that exception. The original DKC drew a lot of attention when it was released thanks to its use of pre-rendered 3D graphics. The game was so successful, in large part due to the graphics, that it enabled Nintendo to extend the 16-bit generation well into 1996. The obsession with DKC's pre-rendered graphics is unfortunate though, as the standout feature of the DKC series is, in my opinion, its music. David Wise truly made the SNES sound chip sing and managed to produce a dizzying array of excellent tracks throughout the short series. Jungle Groove, Stickerbrush Symphony, Hot Head Bop and Mining Melancholy, to name but a few, could have all claimed the top spot on this list. Aquatic Ambience ultimately got the nod due to its ability to make a video game water level feel serene, something I never thought possible.

Constructing a list of your personal favourite music tracks, or any list for that matter, is never easy and is ultimately futile. It was only after I completed this list that I realised that I omitted one of my favourite 8-bit soundtracks entirely, the Master System's magnum opus Wonder Boy 3: The Dragon's Trap. If I was to do this list again in a year's time, or even a year ago, I'm sure I would have produced something entirely different. For a start I'd like to think I wouldn't forget Wonder Boy 3 again. The one thing I don't see changing though is the inclusion of a track from the DKC trilogy at the top of the list. It was actually because of the DKC trilogy that I decided to limit each franchise to one entry; otherwise the list would have been better titled "The Best Tracks from the DKC Trilogy and Friends".


Aquatic Ambience

Finally, here are some Wonder Boy 3 tracks that should have been considered for this list.


Monster Lair

Side Crawler's Dance ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?309-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-01-Donkey-Kong-Country-(SNES)-Aquatic-Ambience http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?229-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-02-Zelda-A-Link-to-the-Past-(SNES)-Dark-World-Theme Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:07:13 GMT The music in the Zelda series is often considered Koji Kondo's masterpiece and it continues to be a series highlight. From the epic Hyrule theme in the original game to the Twilight Princes trailer theme, the music in Zelda is always something to look forward to. A Zelda track was always going to make this list, but which one? Keeping this list pre 32/64-bit made the decision a bit easier; otherwise tracks like the Song of Healing and Dragon Roost Island would have been real contenders. The most obvious choice is the Hyrule theme, but the Zelda series has many other terrific tracks to consider besides the franchises iconic theme. In the end I decided to go with the Dark World theme from A Link to the Past. It’s not only a great track, but also manages to create a sense of foreboding upon entering the Dark World for the first time that beautifully contrasts the happier aural tones of the Light World.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgQaK7TGjX4 ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?229-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-02-Zelda-A-Link-to-the-Past-(SNES)-Dark-World-Theme http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?212-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-03-Sonic-1-(MD)-End-Credits Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:01:42 GMT I'm somewhat cheating with this entry. The End Credits theme from Sonic 1 is effectively a montage of all the key musical elements throughout the game. The tracks are great individually and really suit the level they're associated with, but together they form a terrific musical collage that greatly enhances the satisfaction of completing the game. Of course these days you can just look at it on YouTube, but that’s just not the same...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS6gltoX2Hk ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?212-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-03-Sonic-1-(MD)-End-Credits http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?211-Mini-Game-Reviews-Vol-2-March-of-the-Many-Mario-s Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:13:48 GMT *Super Mario 64 (N64)* There a good games, there are great games and then there’s SM64. Nintendo moved Mario into the third dimension on their first... Super Mario 64 (N64)
There a good games, there are great games and then there’s SM64. Nintendo moved Mario into the third dimension on their first attempt with a deftness that other developers are still struggling with 15 years later (*cough*Sega*cough*). Mario controlled so well in 3D that it felt like the N64 analogue stick was actually designed specifically for him. Oh wait, it was. That’s not to mention the wonderful level design that practically begged further exploration and the astonishing, for the time, 3D graphics. Even today it's still the best 3D Mario game in my opinion. I give it 9.5 out of 10.

Super Mario 64 DS (DS)
The DS port changes things up somewhat. Nintendo added new characters, new power ups, more stars and even some cool touch screen mini games to unlock. Unfortunately the DS' lack of an analogue stick makes it a little difficult to control at times and sucks some of the fun from the title. Bo-bomb Blast alone is practically worth the price of admission though. I give it 8.0 out of 10.

Super Mario Sunshine (GC)
So how do you top a game that defined the genre? With great difficulty it would seem. SMS is definitely the black sheep of the 3D Mario family. It places a strong focus on repetitive cleaning tasks, which isn’t exactly the most exciting premise for a game. The opening couple of hours are particular offenders, as you seem to spend your entire time either cleaning sludge or fighting a damn piranha plant. Even the level designs don't seem up to the normal Mario standard. Perhaps this has something to do with the tropical setting feeling so removed from the familiar trappings of the Mario universe. Yet SMS is still a very polished game that has some truly standout moments, such as the bonus levels where Mario is stripped of FLUDD. It's a decent game that’s biggest drawback is that's its peers are all better. I give it 7.0 out of 10.

Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Nintendo followed up the disappointment that was Super Mario Sunshine by dumping FLUDD and shooting Mario into space. It certainly makes for a more exciting premise, but then again what doesn't? SMG actually deviates from the SM64 template more than you might think, mixing short linear levels with few larger open worlds. This does reduce the adventuring aspect of the game; the levels don't feel as immersive compared to SM64, but does produce some beautifully streamlined platforming challenges. Of course being a Wii title there has to be some motion control and sadly I found these levels to be the least enjoyable in the game. The Manta ray level was particularly annoying thanks to the flaky controls. SMG is a very good game, verging on excellent at times, but probably not up to the perfect plaudits it received when it was released. I give it 8.0 out of 10.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Is Super Mario Galaxy 2 a true sequel or just a content pack? Who cares, it's more of the same only better. Super Mario Galaxy 2 improves upon its predecessor in every way. The graphics are a little tidier, the challenges are more creative and most importantly the levels are more focused. The biggest issue with SMG 1's level design was that it didn't know if it wanted to be an open world adventure or liner platformer. It attempted to straddle these two designs and fell somewhere between. SMG 2 falls squarely into the linear platform category. Sure the challenges tend to follow the well worn 3D Mario templates, such as collect all the coins or complete a level in a certain time, but this is classic Mario at its core. This is probably most evident with the removal of the hub world in favour of a simple map. A small change, but it means you get into the action much quicker now. Even the motion controls aren't that irritating this time round. If you can only play one of the Galaxy titles play this one. I give it 9.0 out of 10. ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?211-Mini-Game-Reviews-Vol-2-March-of-the-Many-Mario-s http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?210-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-04-Tetris-(GB)-Song-A-(Korobeiniki) Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:41:56 GMT I've been lazy of late, but I figure it's about time I finished this list. Retro games often used classic music pieces as a way to keep audio production costs down, while still providing catchy tunes. I tried to keep this list to original video game compositions only, but Korobeiniki from Tetris was just impossible to omit. The music just fits the action incredibly well and makes great use of the Game Boy's limited audio capabilities. Just try playing with the sound turned off; it's a totally different experience.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXeCEzaNLKM ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?210-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-04-Tetris-(GB)-Song-A-(Korobeiniki) http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?181-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-05-Space-Invaders-(Arcade)-Invader-Sounds Wed, 19 May 2010 17:39:28 GMT To be honest I'm not really sure the sounds in Space Invaders can be categorised as music, they're sound effects more than anything else. The relentless march of the invaders in time to the heartbeat like sound is perfect, regardless if it can actually be classed as music. In many ways it's quite similar to the Jaws theme, which also uses a simple beat that increases in tempo to crank up the tension.

I have tried to dig up a youtube link for each track on this list, but that seems a little redundent for Space Invaders. Everyone knows what it sounds like and it's effectiveness comes from hearing it while playing the game. So instead I have decided to go with a clip from the Interactive Space Invaders section of Video Games Live, which does a remarkable job of capturing the tension of space invaders in concert form.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGO0MU6ftsk ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?181-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-05-Space-Invaders-(Arcade)-Invader-Sounds http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?160-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-06-Outrun-(Arcade)-Magical-Sound-Shower Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:40:26 GMT Outrun is all about presentation. The sights, sounds and full size cabinet were all designed to immerse you in a casual driving experience. You’re not trying to win a race or get the fastest time, but instead cruising down the American coast in your Ferrari. Outrun was also one of the first games to make music selection a prominent part of the game (you have to tune in the radio to you preferred track before setting off). All of the tracks in Outrun are great, but Magical Sound Shower is the best in my opinion because it creates the most relaxed driving experience.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdUMIWYqJI0 ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?160-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-06-Outrun-(Arcade)-Magical-Sound-Shower http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?146-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-07-Final-Fantasy-VI-(SNES)-Terra-s-Theme Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:42:56 GMT Video game music is often catchy, cartoony or good at getting your blood pumping (it can often be irritating too depending on the game), but rarely... Video game music is often catchy, cartoony or good at getting your blood pumping (it can often be irritating too depending on the game), but rarely is it beautiful and moving. Terra's Theme from Final Fantasy VI is one of those rare occurrences where a video game music track rivals the emotional range of a traditional music score. The music does a wonderful job of provoking a sense of melancholy over what is happening to the characters and their world, while also providing a sense of knowing comfort that things will work out in the end. It really is nearly impossible to do this sort of music justice with words.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SLx248oxcE ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?146-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-07-Final-Fantasy-VI-(SNES)-Terra-s-Theme http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?145-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-08-Double-Dragon-(Arcade)-Dead-Or-Alive Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:42:12 GMT Double Dragon is a perfect example of a game that isn't as good as you may remember it to be. The game play is quite stiff and unforgiving at times to say the least. Later scrolling beat'em ups, such as Final Fight and Streets of Rage, greatly improved upon the formula laid down in Double Dragon, but none of them contained a music track that made me want to beat up bad guys as much as Dead or Alive did. For that alone I have to give Double Dragon respect. In fact if I heard that in an arcade today I would still have to put money into the machine.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuY5sch7jL0 ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?145-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-08-Double-Dragon-(Arcade)-Dead-Or-Alive http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?144-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-09-Super-Mario-World-(SNES)-Castle-Theme Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:35:42 GMT How do you only choose one track from the Mario series? Koji Kondo and co. have continuously brought the Mario universe to life with excellent music.... How do you only choose one track from the Mario series? Koji Kondo and co. have continuously brought the Mario universe to life with excellent music. By rights I should choose World 1-1 from the original Super Mario Bros., which is probably the most recognised piece of game music ever created. For good reason too as it is an extremely catchy track. I’ll pick something different just to be contrary. I have chosen to go with the Castle Theme from Super Mario World instead, which I feel does a great job evoking a sense of danger during these levels of the game.


http://youtu.be/ExpnJgFA2Yc ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?144-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-09-Super-Mario-World-(SNES)-Castle-Theme http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?143-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-10-Monty-on-The-Run-(C64)-Main-Theme Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:11:08 GMT Holy crap, now this is how you push the SID chip to its limits. Most 8-bit tracks tend to consist of short repeating loops that are lucky to be... Holy crap, now this is how you push the SID chip to its limits. Most 8-bit tracks tend to consist of short repeating loops that are lucky to be longer than thirty seconds in duration. In contrast Monty on the Run is nearly six minutes long and is constantly musically evolving throughout. Out of all the tracks on this list I feel I may have placed this one too low, which is saying a lot given that I placed it above one of my favourite games (Streets of Rage 2). This track truly highlights what the SID chip was capable of in the right hands. Rob Hubbard I salute you.


http://youtu.be/llhCHqBoMVA ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?143-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-10-Monty-on-The-Run-(C64)-Main-Theme http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?142-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-11-Streets-of-Rage-2-(MD)-Go-Straight Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:16:42 GMT At number eleven it’s another Yuzo Koshiro track. You know the music is going to be something special when the musician is the only person to get their name on the start screen. Yuzo Koshiro used a lot of techno and dance beats throughout the Streets of Rage series and this really helped capture the gritty feel of the games. Streets of Rage 2 was by far and away the best game in the series and it also had the best soundtrack. I know many fans prefer the Streets of Rage 2 Ending Theme, but I personally think Go Straight is the better track. One thing I am a little confused by is the name of the track, why is it called Go Straight? In Streets of Rage 2 that’s the only direction you can go. In fact it's the only Streets of Rage game with absolutely no branching paths at all.


http://youtu.be/0QNgmjdH83s ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?142-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-11-Streets-of-Rage-2-(MD)-Go-Straight http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?140-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-12-Castlevania-(NES)-Wicked-Child Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:00:48 GMT Castlevania is another series that has many fan favourite tracks. For a start the first level's theme, Vampire Killer, is an excellent track that easily ranks among the best NES tunes. The third level's theme, Wicked Child, is just that little bit better though.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osXsvLA2d9o ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?140-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-12-Castlevania-(NES)-Wicked-Child http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?139-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-13-Mega-Man-2-(NES)-Bubble-Man-Stage Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:53:42 GMT The Mega Man series has produced many great music tracks throughout the years and determining what the best Mega Man track is produces constant... The Mega Man series has produced many great music tracks throughout the years and determining what the best Mega Man track is produces constant debate among the fans. Indeed, I was torn between the Bubble Man and Dr. Wiley's themes from Mega Man 2 as my own personal favourite. In the end I picked the Bubble Man theme as it sounds more musically varied to me, but you can't go wrong with either track.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnY_1...iPT-gSSRzHJ9iw ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?139-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-13-Mega-Man-2-(NES)-Bubble-Man-Stage http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?138-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-14-Project-X-(Amiga)-Rave-Theme Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:55:33 GMT I'm not a hug fan of rave music and, as I mentioned in entry twenty seven, my experience with the Amiga is pretty limited. So for a rave song on the Amiga to make it into the top fifteen it must be pretty good. It's not really that surprising though, after all Team 17 and the Amiga go together like bread and butter (or perhaps peanut butter and jelly if you’re American).


http://youtu.be/GxlGXr_qWHY ]]> meu2 http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/entry.php?138-Top-30-Classic-Game-Tracks-14-Project-X-(Amiga)-Rave-Theme