VIDYA GAEM MUSAK

So 2ch did this thing where they posted all of their favorite music from videogames. Being the anonymous Japanese imageboard that it is, it tended to have a bunch of music from...*ahem*..."visual novels" (ie porn games), but that's not to say the music isn't any good.

However, realizing how super classy us Westerners are, Mr. Kurt Kalata (Discoalucard) of Hardcore Gaming 101 decided that the members of the HG101 forum should post their favorite videogame music, with their highly refined, Western tastes.

So basically, instead of "random porn game song number 2" and "random sugary song from a dime-a-dozen shooter" and "awesome strategy rpg from the 90s not localized anywhere but japan song that is totally great"and "Final Fantasy," we'll have "random western PC rpg song number 3" and "random action music from 1993 shooter" and "text heavy point and click adventure game that was inconceivably translated into every language known to man for who knows what reason title theme song," and "Final Fantasy."

Also Megaman.

Anyways, being the amazingly high profile member that I am on the forum (don't be jealous, I've been there since the first day the forum opened on March 19 of 2006. It takes a strong online personality like myself to be so dedicated as to make 56 posts over the course of 5 and a half years), I have posted my top 100 songs in an attempt to expose the best music of the medium.

Actually I just posted the most obscure stuff that I could think of that still manages to be really good, but that also resonates with me personally, virtually guaranteeing that no more than 10 songs from my list of 100 will be on the overall list.

So I thought I'd just copypaste my stuff over from the site, just to post what stuff that inevitably won't make the cut for posterity's sake. Enjoy it people.

-START HG101 POST-

Notes

Let it be known that I could have made a list with 1000+ songs fairly easily, since my 60GB iPod has about 45GB worth of videogame music. It was pretty difficult making a list of only 100 songs.

I have tried my best to include songs from some of my favorite, more obscure games. On the flipside, I've tried to include some obscure songs from mainstream games...although that's tough in some games since their entire soundtrack is so memorable (Mario, Sonic, etc.). I've also posted some songs that are special to me, even though I know they're not particularly good (like Sonic 2's Hidden Palace music, which was magical the first time I played it in the Sonic 2 beta rom). I realize that most of the more obscure songs I posted probably won't make the list, since I'm the only one posting them...but it's the thought that counts.

I felt compelled to include my favorite music from every Halo game since I feel it (Halo in general) gets a bad rap in hardcore gaming circles. I assume that a good amount of Halo naysayers have never given Halo's music any time at all past its main theme.

I wanted to include Kazumi Totaka's song that he's hidden in so many Nintendo games, but realized that that's difficult since...you know...it's hidden, and isn't actually exclusive to one game or series. I decided to go ahead and post the only game in which it appears 'officially,' Animal crossing, even though it's still technically secret in that the player HAS to request it, and it is never sung randomly.

I kind of cheated with Banjo Kazooie. It has such amazing music throughout, it's hard to pick just one piece...however, BKN&B has a level that's a mishmash of references to Banjo 1 and 2, with an amazing orchestrated medley of past tunes.

There aren't any Youtube videos of music from Cosmic Spacehead or Gadget Twins...there are gameplay videos though, so I posted relevant links to the levels in which my favorite music appears. Ignore the sound effects.

There's a few flash games on the list. In some cases, there's audio available on youtube, in other cases, there's audio on newgrounds, and in others, you just have to play the game (although my favorites tend to be the first level's music, so it's not that big a deal if you want to preview it).

The Dead Island Trailer music is a strange beast in that the music wasn't in the game, but the music for the trailer was written specifically for Dead Island['s trailer]. For me, that still makes it videogame music, since it wouldn't exist without videogames.

I realize Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is a carbon copy of Puyo Puyo, but I really REALLY like its awesome remixes (so much more bass heavy).

And yes, I know Sonic R has hokey music...but I like it, ok?

Top 5:

Chuck Rock 2 Genesis, Dippy the Dinosaur, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elJd5AJNwmw
Chuck Rock, Title Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT-3dTZEWAA
Gain Ground, Origin ~Awaken~, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjl0oIeQdDA
Wiz N Liz, Name Entry, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_gTY884Eu0
ilomilo, "red, green and blue doodles", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28mPow0fyKA


The Rest:

Aladdin Genesis, The Desert, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmft4ybgaLA
Animal Crossing, K. K. Song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjwA9j0nQS4
Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, Banjo Land, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLaYWyBAanw
Beyond Good and Evil, Home Sweet Home, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5ZqnBjKR4
Beyond Good and Evil, Hylian Sweet, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKEyiAy0iWU
Bionic Commando Rearmed, Killt's Hidden Treasure, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFSetL7t0Ws
BlazBlue, Cactus Carnival, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nXsyN7HB18
BMX Airmaster, Main Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKmfpDuMjEI
Bomboozle 2, Main Theme, http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/553844
Castlevania, Out of Time, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoRj_VAh2QM
Cave Story, On to Grasstown, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmOhXoKmoQ
Chibi Robo, Night Play, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpl5dYSkhbY
Chu Chu Rocket, Credits, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyqj7r-0LVU
Columns, Clotho, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHldsUriXLc
Command & Conquer, C&C Thang, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_0aeOdFhoY
Comix Zone, Night of the Mutants, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOvGTULHw2Y
Conker's Bad Fur Day, Pooland, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy09M8llQ28
Cool Spot, Wall Tune, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoRQKfuq6cM
Cosmic Spacehead, Dark Forest, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBnnwDuYvS8&t=10m53s
Cubivore, Theme 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_CwvWBZfjc
Dead Island, Trailer Music, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CzcOcBb_ms
Decap Attack, Stage 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=596ajadtPQE
Deus Ex Human Revolution, Icarus, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0ozD7Boq-s
Domino Rally, Step 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCp2Lf_wjxw
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Exercise, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-4lOQ-70Ro
Earthbound, Giygas is Wounded, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvQ7z-CzQE
Earthworm Jim 2, Anything but Tangerines, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7DZ5Utuq58
Escape From Puppy Death Factory, Missile Silo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FskVG7Emtk
Fantastic Dizzy, Treehouse, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djlp5jpHEsE
Fantasy Zone, Opa! Opa!, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vJBoRr4kjY
Fishbane, Early Levels Theme, http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/541803
Gadget Twins, Gadget Bay, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M820zZ-rNbM
Gitaroo Man Lives, Toda Pasiòn, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuOgMl57vCA
Global Gladiators, McRock, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F34hqwQ1eEA
Halo, Lost Song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Cq26ESYz0
Halo 2, Peril, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liDBB2ZKKKM
Halo 3 ODST, Light at the End, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5FX4hU1oAE
Halo 3, Never Forget, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDZscyf8lU
Halo Reach, Overture, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB5h5YF__JA
Halo Wars, All Sloppy No Joe, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhByRtach7Y
Halo Wars, Spirit of Fire, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89adFGjR3g
Ico, Heal, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGwfBvW3YA8
Jet Grind Radio, Sneakman, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdts93IDGyI
Jet Set Radio Future, Funky Dealer, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTJKZ4PtgXI
K.O.L.M., Counting Down the Hours, http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/359609
Knuckles Choatix, Door Into Summer, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGt5jBmjLgA
Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask, Astral Observatory, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNrscobacCg
Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask, Song of Healing, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDX4ZwUeOok
Legend of Zelda Minish Cap, Minish Village, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYoLn9Fmp90
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, Title Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tf7gu6hKkc
Lode Runner XBLA, Volcanic Stages, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVCIOrssNg8
Luigi's Mansion, Luigi's Mansion Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoOPTcUMIus
Marathon, Flippant, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FU3_KgNkCQ
Mass Effect, The Wards, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAIt6KDOcHY
Metal Gear, Theme of Tara, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W6dShYD9LU
Mirror's Edge, Still Alive, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzmUde_EK5Y
Mother, Introduction, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w766L022iCk
Mother 3, 16 Melodies, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZbqrZJ9VA4
Myth, The Siege of Madrigal, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hTgvNsqb9Y
Outrun, Magical Sound Shower, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxcVk6ygHVE
Panzer Dragoon, Flight, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4oTU0srt2I
Perfect Dark, Menu Screen, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxEausPgUdc
Phantasy Star Online, For Eternal Story, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6omI9KY3GkM
Pikmin, Forest of Hope, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoMx0BTPVgE
Popful Mail, Forest Level, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze6vpJTQFnw
Puzzle Bobble 2, World 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAgnSqdDplY
Ristar, Ice Scream, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTjh0mVzbRk
Rocket Knight Adventures, Stage 2-1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjpUi5G_xdw
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Vs Nega Scott, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nD5rMbrQc0
Shadow of the Colossus, Prologue to the Ancient World, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IiUKK67qhY
Socket, High Speed Area, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyeJHcbd51I
Sonic 3D Blast Genesis, Rusty Ruin Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfG09iLCKsM
Sonic Advance, Cosmic Angle Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXBwvNPKyHo
Sonic and Knuckles, Lave Reef Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo_4R17gYSY
Sonic CD PAL/JAP, Collision Chaos Present, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXtzlUDTD4
Sonic CD US, Stardust Speedway Present, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON1_geFiP5s
Sonic R, Super Sonic Racing, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QZJp3KIH2g
Sonic Rush, "Right There, Right On", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyPT7b6ngmg
Sonic the Hedgehog, Labyrinth Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSKgprdDRTY
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Hidden Palace Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcR81-nhKk0
Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Hydrocity Zone, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K1rV9kFs6I
Space Harrier, Main Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Tam9lv1KQ
Sparkster Genesis, Level 1 theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTr-nl9pt2c
Street Fighter 3, Alex's Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp9GIMJU-_Q
Super Bomberman, Level 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4ipq2P6_S4
Super Mario Land 2, Star Maze, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmD9WnLYR5I
Tails Adventure, Poloy Forest, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWYcR59ymAM
The Secret of Monkey Island, Main theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTx1iwf2sGo
ToeJam & Earl, Funkotronic Beat, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwQQP4I9w8Q
Toejam and Earl Panic on Funkotron, Ode to Sharla, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPW8pEyQRg0
Tower of Heaven, Indignant Divinity, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_mFvJ6y_3I
Umjammer Lammy, Fire! Fire!, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsbO_riTJos
Vapor Trail/Kuuga, Stage 1 theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG1c2U4ld2Y
Wiz N Liz, Ending Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGzTlhEvp4E&t=0m55s
Zero Wing, Natols, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAxcSujM1iw

-End of HG101 Post-

So yeah. I realize that to me and some other random superfans of random things like Chuck Rock or Tommy Tallarico and games by vik tokai and indie flash games, these songs are precious and memorable...so much so that we forget that we're actually in a very small minority, even amongst hardcore gamers. So sure, my favorite Sonic music will probably get on the list, and yeah, Astral Observatory already made the list, but this post is to try and justify my entries for Escape From Puppy Death Factory, for Wiz n Liz, for Rocket Knight Adventures, and for many more tragically overlooked games and soundtracks. So please, don't assume that I picked the most obscure stuff I could find (minus Halo and Sonic and whatever) for the sake of being obscure or for being hipster or whatever. I posted them because they're good. They're great. Listen to them. If you like what you hear, do yourself a favor and listen to MORE music from those games. You won't be disappointed.

Unless it's BMX Airmaster. It doesn't really have any more music...just a couple jingles.

-AfroRyan
Sarcasm Mode: ON

OH! And I posted the soundtracks to ilomilo and Lode Runner XBLA myself on Youtube. Check them out!