Tag: game music

Game Music Face Off!!! Contra vs. Gears of War

Two games that focus on shooting alien scum. Two great pieces of music. What more could you ask for?

Contra, a game I have played numerous times, is a classic run-and-gun shooter that is only for the hardest of the hardcore. Precision and memorization are key in this game and this song kicks the game with an intensity that few games can match.

Gears of War is a 3rd-person, cover-based shooter that draws you in with firefights that never exactly play out the same way and a brutality that can make an unwary onlooker gag. Not sure where this song plays during the game, but it is memorable, that
s for certain.

So which you do you prefer?

Contra – Stage 1



Gears of War – Locust Infestation

Which song do you prefer?

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Great Moments In Video Game Music: Dragon Quest VIII – Strange World

Yeah, yeah, two Square Enix RPGs in a row, something I have tried not to do. But you have to cut me some slack because Dragon Quest IX comes out on July 11th for the Nintendo DS and I am pumped. By the time most of you hear this one, I will be knee deep in slimes and drakys. So to honor this momentous occasion, here is the main theme of the previous entry in the most popular RPG franchise in Japan (Yes, much more so than even Final Fantasy), Dragon Quest VIII, which was one of the best RPGs for the Playstation 2. Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5coKpnqqAbI&feature=related[/youtube]

Great Moments In Video Game Music: Final Fantasy X – Zanarkand

We return to the usual epic JRPG music that I have been avoiding for the last few weeks with a gorgeous composition from Final Fantasy X. This song plays on the title screen when you just let the game do its intro scene and it is one I never really tire of. For anyone who says games aren’t art, listen to this and tell me how something associated with it is not art.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08RYp-uDpPo[/youtube]

Great Moments In Video Game Music: Kid Icarus – Underworld Theme

Well, in honor of the awesome news we received at E3 about Kid Icarus returning after a 20 year break, I downloaded the original NES game on Virtual Console. After receiving a few ass-whippings, which I attribute to 20 years or so of rust, I realize another reason I always loved this game: the music.

Specifically, the music of the first level, of which I am becoming way too familiar with as I try to remember how the hell to play this game. So here’s a taste, hope you enjoy. I personally can’t wait to hear a modern version of this when it releases on the 3DS!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUBsXUt5RQE[/youtube]

Great Moments In Video Game Music: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – Time Only Knows

In honor of the “meh-ish” Prince of Persia movie currently exiting theaters right now, I thought I would do what I could to salvage this once proud franchise by looking back at the premier game in the series and the song that blew me away upon first listen.

This song plays during the end credits and as I sat there listening to it, I was really moved. The lyrics and music fit in very well with the story and setting of the game and I listen to this on my iPod on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy it as well, especially this fan-made music video version.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGeCivJ7zCc&feature=related[/youtube]

Great Moments In Video Game Music: Metal Gear Solid 3 – Snake Eater

This one goes out to my loyal listeners Mitch and Eddy, who submitted this idea to me and after a few listens, I fell in love with it. This song plays during the opening credits of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and is very James Bond-ish, which I think works in its favor. The images that play during the movie are very cool, but I think the song works just by itself, which is the point of these posts: game music you can enjoy without having played the game. Enjoy and may the mullet be with you!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CbFAZ2ztlE[/youtube]

Great Moments in Video Game Music: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night – Dracula’s Castle

Not every song has to be an epic piece of music in order to qualify as great music. Sometimes just kick-ass background music that plays while you explore the depths of an evil vampire lord’s lair is enough. If you have ever played Symphony of the Night (and any so-called hardcore gamer had better), then this tune is ingrained in your mind forever.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qh_uhV0ta0[/youtube]

Great Moments In Video Game Music: Chrono Trigger – Tyran Castle

Okay, I couldn’t resist this one any longer. When you first hear it, you might think of Golbez from Final Fantasy IV, but stick around to about 45 seconds in and the crunchy guitars kick in and you are suddenly nodding your head to a bad ass riff. If you think JRPG music can’t kick a little ass, listen to this.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gVkEUmwstA[/youtube]

Great Moments in Video Game Music: Mass Effect 2 – Suicide Mission

Mitch recommended this one to me and with a careful listen, it only took about halfway through before I decided I loved it. I’m going to go ahead and assume that this song plays during some sort of mission that might be a tad bit dangerous. The quiet opening leads to a bombastic theme that kind of reminds me of the Saw theme, but in a good, sci-fi sort of way. Thanks for the advice, Mitch and enjoy this one, everybody.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r2txD68qnw&feature=related[/youtube]

Great Moments in Video Game Music: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Casino Nights

Nick reminded me of this little swinging ditty during our podcast and after listening to it for about 3 seconds, it all came flooding back to me, much like Celine Dion once sang. The Genesis was not known for its sound chip, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to this. The song holds up well even after all these years and I love the little breaks before the music picks back up again. Enjoy this trip down memory lane.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl6kjAkVw_s[/youtube]

Great Moments in Video Game Music: Final Fantasy XIII – Blinded by the Light (Battle Theme)

Like I mentioned in the podcast, I am trying not to go crazy with Square Enix music, but give me a pass for this week. I was in love with this music before the game even came out and I have to say, 30 hours into this game, I never get tired of hearing this song. That’s pretty damn impressive, if you ask me. Enjoy:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk6e8al-mHQ[/youtube]