Thought of the Day - YouTube ads ruin a perfectly good playlist of retro Nintendo music

There is a distinct charm to retro video game music. I'm talking 8- and 16-bit generation music. There's nothing quite like submersing yourself in chiptunes from NES and SNES games for a while. I would describe the sensation as almost surreal, in fact. Which is why I started to compile a playlist on YouTube with only the best NES and SNES music I can think of on it.

So far I've only got eight tracks on there, but that is certainly enough to get started, and all 8 of them can only be described as the best of the best.

The effect of listening to a bunch of retro music, one song after another, is rather spoiled by YouTube ads that might play before the actual videos. It's a delicate effect, after all. As much as I wish it were not so, ads have so pervaded our media, they simply cannot be avoided anymore. Which brings me to why Nintendo should release its soundtracks on iTunes and Amazon here in the West...

But that's a thought for another day.

Kickstarter project 'NES' seeks to jazz up classic Nintendo tunes

Kickstarter, a site where just about any type of project can seek to be "crowd funded," seemed to come out of nowhere, for me anyway. It has, however, become an integral part of gaming culture, as many indie developers have successfully funded their games through the service. Through all of this, I haven't actively participated on Kickstarter...until now, that is.

I have now backed a whopping two projects on Kickstarter! The second, and most recent, is 'NES' by Richie Palys, an ambitious and promising musical tribute to NES games. According to the project's Kickstarter page, "The album is going to be in the genre of jazz with a heavy emphasis on synth and production." Palys promises it'll be an enticing mix of jazz and the retro 8-bit sounds we all recognize and love.

It'll be a real loss to the Nintendo fanbase if this project fails to come to fruition, so click on over and pledge your support now!

Most epic music ever?

 

I think this music speaks for itself. 

More Nintendo piano action for you

I've been spending the last few weeks learning this song, the Hyrule Castle theme from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. And just so you know, this is probably the hardest piano song I've ever learned, and I have learned a lot over the years. Enjoy the music!

Nintendo Music: Dog's Theme

This has got to be my favorite track from the Kid Icarus: Uprising soundtrack, and that's saying something because all of the music is truly superb. Dog's Theme has an impressive depth to it, with all of the layers of music working together to form one awesome song. The percussion, bass, and guitar start out, with the violin melody soon joining in. From there it only gets better. It's like an intricate and well-choreographed dance among a lot of great sounds. Give it a listen!

Family Music Video...to a Nintendo song!

I finally made another little video for all of you! All of the clips contained within are of my family (and dogs, heheh!) but perhaps you, as Nintendo fans, will recognize the music. Thanks for watching!

Nintendo Music: Sea of Serendipity

I was playing Rayman Origins with Mary and my younger sister when we got to this level. As you can imagine, it's water-based. When the three of us stopped to listen to the music we had to suppress more than a few little giggles. This song has got to be the most memorable in this game, standing out amongst tracks that together form a soundtrack that's already fantastic to begin with. If you haven't given Rayman Origins a thought, I suggest you do so right now. And may that thought lead you to buy the game as well! 

Happy Birthday to the blog!

Don't worry: I'm not planning on this big of a celebration every year. But the first birthday is a very special thing! Happy birthday to you, blog! I'm proud to have made it this far and hope to see many more years, with many more improvements made! Speaking of improvements, I did say that I had something special planned for today, didn't I? Well, along with pulling back the curtain on my favorite Wii game, I have begun what I hope will be a regular thing on the blog: videos! These videos won't necessarily have a consistency to them: I'll publish them on whatever I can that's Nintendo-related, whenever I can. The first is of me playing a song that I hope you'll recognize on the piano. You can view it right here:

It's kinda rough, but, hey, the whole video thing is a work in progress for me, so I hope to make some better ones in the future. Have a great rest of the day, and thanks for your support!

Favorite Wii games countdown #8: Rhythm Heaven Fever

I know music. I know rhythm. And I know that Rhythm Heaven Fever is a superb rhythm game. It's simple: A and B are the only buttons used. The rhythm is precise, varied, and intelligent. And the pure charm that Fever exudes rounds out an excellent experience.

I didn't mention this in my review of Rhythm Heaven Fever, but when I started the game up, I initially disliked it. The practice before the first mini-game seemed a little unfair to me. Once I got the flow, however, the game was just non-stop charm. I adore this game!

Honorable Mention: NBA Jam
What happened between us, NBA Jam? You were fun to me for, what, a day? Ya know, I suppose it was my siblings who tore us apart: I couldn't stand that they loved you so much more than other excellent multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Ah, well...you're still a great little multiplayer game.

A Game I Should Have Played: Wii Music
I'm adding this game to my list not because it got great reviews, but because I wish I could have played it by now. As I've already stated, I love music. Someday I'll give Wii Music a shot.

Nintendo Music: Peach's Castle

Ladies and gentlemen, I present my new favorite arrangement of the classic Super Mario Bros. theme! Nothing beats the charm of the original, of course, but this arrangement has a charm of its own. It played on the Peach's Castle stage in the original Super Smash Bros. Yes, I played this game, I loved this game...all before I could really appreciate the music, however. I've never heard anything so deliberately bouncy as this song! Hope you enjoy it!

Pure awesomeness

This song has to be my favorite! It just hypes me up to the point where I'm just messing around so I can listen to it longer! When I first went into Gerudo Valley I wanted to do everything I could to stay there longer. This score made me feel like a secret agent while sneaking around their camp. It was so much fun to get caught and then do everything all over - just because of this music! Do you have a favorite Zelda song? I do!

Nintendo Music: Main Theme Medley

I cheated. I listened to a majority of the tracks that will be on the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony CD, which will be included free with the first production line of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Nintendo Video application for Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Channel for Wii have both seen special sneak peaks of today's musical selection: The Legend of Zelda Main Theme Medley.

This arrangement features great variety! It starts with mystery that blends effortlessly into epic grandness, which then gives way to a soft, reflective moment. The song finishes with a majesty that surpasses almost anything you'll ever hear.

Enjoy it!

Nintendo Music: Underwater Theme

I had to bring this song up at some point. I've been playing the original Super Mario Bros., from which the original rendition of this song came. This, of course, is an arrangement of the original. You'll notice the three distinct styles of the song as it progresses, beginning with the original "bleepy" version, moving into an orchestral version, and finishing with a, ah, "barn-raisin'" version.

Thinking about it, perhaps there was more reason behind this set-up than meets the ear. If you've ever played level 2-2 of the original Super Mario Bros., you may remember that the song didn't, well, flow back into itself very smoothly. Once the cycle was done, there was what I like to call a jolting rest before it started again abruptly. The style shifts in this arrangement can be called nothing but unexpected and even jolting.

Think about that! And have a great gaming weekend!

What makes a video game great?: Sound

In case you haven't noticed, I really like music. I find that music in video games tends to be more exciting or more emotional (either way) than your typical pop song. Music is a vital element in video games. It adds an absurd amount of immersion to the overall atmosphere. Take the Nintendo 64 game Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The wide open spaces of Hyrule Field are accompanied by a robust, adventurous tune, while dank dungeons echo soft, sometimes creepy, songs with atmospheric noises.

There isn't a genre that benefits more from a solid soundtrack than the rhythm genre. Duh! When deciding which of the many Guitar Hero games to get, the track list is the first thing to look at. When deciding whether to get Just Dance 2 or Just Dance 3, the track list was of utmost importance to me. Choosing to get the Wii game Samba de Amigo was largely helped by the promise of a robust soundtrack.

When considering "sound", however, music is not the only element. Sound effects also play a large part in video games, even if that part is easy to overlook. Can you imagine playing a Zelda game without the sound of Link's footsteps, or without the chink-chink, click-click, clank-clank, or BOOM! of his weapons? Yeah! That's what I thought!

Got any other examples of superior sound in video games? Mention it in a comment!

Nintendo Music: Wind Scene

I love music because, like many other forms of art, it has the ability to produce feelings in the human being. Oftentimes, these feelings cannot be described in words, so music is its own beautiful kind of language.

Today's music selection comes from the SNES game Chrono Trigger. It is a great example of a piece of music that creates a feeling that is hard to nail down. Not to mention it augments the feeling that the actual game is portraying at the time it's played.

By the way, in addition to having awesome music, this game is just an overall amazing experience. Enjoy the tune!

Nintendo Music: Spirit Tracks Opening Theme

Give this song a good listen, it's only a minute long...don't you just want to go on an adventure after hearing this! Oh, wait! You can go on an adventure after hearing this! It's easy: just go pick up The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks for Nintendo DS!

About the song, though...how can you go wrong by starting a song with that iconic Zelda theme music, anyway? It's almost as if it's saying, "Hey. This game is gonna be great...you're in for a real treat." But not every Zelda game can depend on the original theme song for its music, and the Spirit Tracks opening theme sets itself apart quickly and in amazing fashion. Oh, and wait until you get the actual game: chugga-chugga sounds from Link's in-game steam engine add a lot to the tune. I suppose you could check that out right here on this YouTube video if you don't plan on getting the game (shame on you, if that's the case!).

Mario Kart Double Dash - Rainbow Road

If you're playing the hardest level on Mario Kart there has to be good music. This is the level that you will practice the most. The one level that you have to win to get a gold trophy! So the music has to be un-annoying and has to have the power to make you keep playing. This totally does it! You want to play this board just because of the music! Now now don't lie to yourself. We all know the only reason anyone plays video games is for the music!

Nintendo Music: Melty Monster Galaxy

Does music get any more epic than this?! Booming brass, smashing percussion, and energetic strings combine to give Super Mario Galaxy 2's Melty Monster Galaxy an atmosphere of immersive adventure and fun.The music is great, the level is great, the game is great. I suggest you go pick it up right now.

Note: if things have gone according to plan, I should currently be looking forward to Monday, when I can finally pick up video games again. Join us on that day for a special anti-video game post! I kid, of course. It'll be a must-read, though! Don't miss out!

Nintendo Music: Freezeflame Galaxy Fire

...Just enjoy it! Oh, and get the game while you're at it! And don't forget about Galaxy 2! That is all.

The music of Ocarina of Time

Quick personal note: Aaaaah! I feel terrible! I've been shunting Nintendo and my blog to the side because...I'm a huge Harry Potter fan! This is kind of a turning point in my life!

Aren't you so glad you know why I haven't been giving Ocarina of Time 3D the attention it deserves? Okay...ahem, moving on! Music! Starting with Nintendo's presentation at this year's E3, it's been a roller coaster ride to the obtaining of the official Ocarina of Time 3D soundtrack for me. Club Nintendo didn't make it clear how many soundtracks were available or how long they might last. Just to be on the safe side, I changed my shipping speed, paying an extra three bucks.

Ocarina of Time 3D is out for one day, and a message appears: the demand is too great. Those who register the game by tomorrow will definitely receive a soundtrack. NO!!!!!! I've missed it! The deadline passes. A second message appears: We will still be sending out soundtracks to those who register the game, on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last. YES!!!!!!! I still have a chance! An agonizing two days pass. The game finally comes! I register it and take the survey as fast as humanly possible. Nothing. That's what I get for about a day. Then the blessed e-mail arrives! My reward order has been processed! I will receive another e-mail when it ships! Soon after that, I see a final message on Club Nintendo: the offer has ended.

So there goes 90% of my blog post on telling you how I got an official Ocarina of Time 3D soundtrack. Suffice it to say that the music in Ocarina of Time is and always has been amazing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go finish making all of those ocarina melodies into ringtones. Have a great week!