Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (SNES, 1995) - ‘Flower Garden’
Not sure why, but I started whistling this tune today out of the blue. This happens randomly every month or so. I think that merits posting and sharing it. And of course it’s just a good video game tune and is composed/arranged by the legendary Nintendo maestro Koji Kondo.
Heroic Intro
I suppose in more simpler gaming times, this kind of thing was more common. The heroic intro, as I’m calling the phenomenon, was an up-beat tune with a memorable, clear melody that played when control of the game was first passed on to the player. It wasn’t about setting the mood for the story or anything. It was all about giving the player energy and inspiring confidence as they began the (often arduous) task of seeing it all through to the end. Here are two classic examples, one more measured and one more exuberant:
Super Castlevania IV (SNES, 1991) - Dance of the Holy Man
This plays as Simon Belmont enters the evil grounds of Dracula’s castle. Characteristic of a lot of game music from the 16-bit era, the bass is involved and pronounced. Being basically a remake of the original, this game features a lot of tunes—enhanced—from its spiritual predecessor. If you’re interested, check out this video that has all the different versions of this theme in succession.
Mega Man X2 (SNES, 1995) - Opening Stage (Reploid Factory)
Mega Man X2 drops you in the middle of the action with this track, as he is assaulting a Reploid factory and getting shot at on some sort of hoverbike. This is the kind of song you could easily write epic lyrics to. THIS is how you start a Mega Man game off on the right foot.
