Music is relative. It effects us in such a personal way that we can't possibly hope to describe the extent of that effect to anyone. It's why we are so protective (and sometimes even snobby) about it. Your personal taste in music will always be better to you than anyone else. So it's best to probably just accept that.
Here I will weekly (heh...) choose a piece of game music that I love and share it! Then talk about it. Not too complex, but I hope it's something you'll enjoy!
Sound Test: Super Mario 64- Dire Dire Docks
(Sorry, a little bit late with this one. Maybe I'll make it up with a second post tomorrow.)
I was 10 years old. My parents had just gotten divorced and I was now living with my mother. In the process, I had been forced to switch schools and had also been held back a grade. My mother worked long hours and was also putting herself through college. I was completely and utterly alone. It was one of the worst times of my life and this song constantly reminds me of the escape that I discovered in video games.
I never played video games before then and I never stopped afterward. I started out on my neighbor's NES, but he received an N64 one Christmas and along with it came this game. The main thing that I remember about playing it with him is this level, Dire Dire Docks. From those stupid, chomping clams, to the treasure chests that electrocuted you, I barely remember playing any other level until I bought the game myself. Also, what about that huge freaking eel!? I remember wondering what it was, swimming in to get a better look, and then having it lunge out to attack me! I was terrified of that freaking thing.
Anyway, like I said, this song always reminds me of a very hard and lonely time in my life. It seems sad now that I look back on it, the fact that I felt so scarred and alone as a child that I sought out an escape. However, those times are over and now and I can look back on those bittersweet memories with a unique type of fondness.
The song itself brings so many descriptive adjectives to mind that it's hard to put it all into words. It's dark, yet relaxing, haunting, yet simple, sad, yet inspiring. If you pay very close attention, there is actually a lot of expansion as well. As it plays, more and more instruments join into it's simple theme until it becomes a beautiful, resounding chorus. This song is one of my favorite video game themes of all time. If I was to compile an actual list, it would surely be in the top 10. Please enjoy this song and feel free to think back on the place in your life that you were at when you first heard it.
I tried to start a game music feature a little while ago. But nobody read it, and I made it a bit tricky for myself. I'm thinking perhaps I should change to a 1 piece per blog scheme, like this one. This was a good read.
It's the same game with the addition of multiple characters and a few extra stars. Nothing too major, but you do start out as Yoshi and you have to save Mario to play as him. I always play as Mario whenever I can though.
This is an excellent choice Jackal. I used to hate playing Dire Dire Docks because of this song, something about it bothered me. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the happy songs.
I forgot to add that you're going to want to use the DPAD over the touch screen, as it's a bit easier to control it controls suprisingly well, but don't go in expecting analog precision.
@Seigfreid- I second what Krow said. It's a great port and it adds some awesome features like the 3 extra characters. Plus it has something like 100 (maybe less) minigames that you can play, it has multiplayer modes, and it also has vastly improved graphics and textures. Damn... Now I want to buy it again, haha. I lent it to a girl and she never gave it back. Oh and while the controls may not be as precision perfect as an analog stick, they still work very well.
I loved this song most of all the music in SM64. I particularly like it when you go into the undersea cave and the percussion starts to kick in, and how it dies down and fades out when you head back out into the deep water. It's masterful.
I've got to say, I finally obtained a Super Mario 64 cart (had the DS version shortly after launch) and some of the level design does not hold up at all. Granted, it basically created 3-D platforming so some experiments weren't going to work, but for example I'm not a big fan of Snowman's Land (though that might have to do with it being the second ice world.) The first few worlds are really excellent, though.
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about me
I'm mostly a retro gamer. I don't hate everything after the 90's, but I tend to prefer retro game design. I enjoy alot of indie and portable games, not to mention a blockbuster title every now and then. However, like I said, the majority of my gaming takes place on older consoles.
Game Run!- Check out the exciting life of a poor retro gamer!
11/19/08- Batman(NES) and Power Blade
10/11/08- Mystical Ninja and Clash at Demonhead
10/10/08- MASSIVE update! NES and loads of games.
8/12/2008- Killer Instinct, TMNT:TF, Super Tennis
7/20/2008- Inindo, Wonderboy, Crusader of Centy
7/9/2008- NBA Jam, Out of This World
My Favorites:
Keep in mind that these change SO much... I'm terrible at lists...
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
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Wow, I really like that song, it has a really nice feel to it. Its really peaceful and serene.
@Siegfreid- Totally. Had you never heard it before??
Actually no, I never played super Mario 64 :( I really wish I had though
@Seigfreid- It's not too late! You can buy it for the DS or just emulate it!
One of my favorite tracks from Super Mario 64, right up there with Aquatic Ambiance from Donkey Kong Country. Great choice man.
I tried to start a game music feature a little while ago. But nobody read it, and I made it a bit tricky for myself. I'm thinking perhaps I should change to a 1 piece per blog scheme, like this one. This was a good read.
I love this song. Great choice!
Wow, this song gives me chills. Whenever I hear it from now on. I shall think of you and your struggle Jackle. :)
Best soundtrack for a Mario game ever. That's right, I said it.
Well maybe Yoshi's Island, but that only sorta counts.
Is it the same game on the DS, or is it a different game all-together? I know someone that would lend me a copy.
This was such a great song that fit the whole feeling of swimming in that huge level. So good!
@Seigfreid
It's the same game with the addition of multiple characters and a few extra stars. Nothing too major, but you do start out as Yoshi and you have to save Mario to play as him. I always play as Mario whenever I can though.
This is an excellent choice Jackal. I used to hate playing Dire Dire Docks because of this song, something about it bothered me. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the happy songs.
Ok, then I think I'll be picking this up for my DS once I finally finish Chrono Trigger
@Seigfreid
I forgot to add that you're going to want to use the DPAD over the touch screen, as it's a bit easier to control it controls suprisingly well, but don't go in expecting analog precision.
Thanks for the kind words and comments everyone!
@Seigfreid- I second what Krow said. It's a great port and it adds some awesome features like the 3 extra characters. Plus it has something like 100 (maybe less) minigames that you can play, it has multiplayer modes, and it also has vastly improved graphics and textures. Damn... Now I want to buy it again, haha. I lent it to a girl and she never gave it back. Oh and while the controls may not be as precision perfect as an analog stick, they still work very well.
Ok I'm sold.
I love this song so much. I'll definitely be following this series.
@Seigfried
Enjoy, it's the first game of its kind and still one of the best.
I loved this song most of all the music in SM64. I particularly like it when you go into the undersea cave and the percussion starts to kick in, and how it dies down and fades out when you head back out into the deep water. It's masterful.
I've got to say, I finally obtained a Super Mario 64 cart (had the DS version shortly after launch) and some of the level design does not hold up at all. Granted, it basically created 3-D platforming so some experiments weren't going to work, but for example I'm not a big fan of Snowman's Land (though that might have to do with it being the second ice world.) The first few worlds are really excellent, though.
And of course the music holds up very well.
Sorry bout posting on this old one...
But I remember this song! It always made be feel all lonely for some reason.. Very sad sounding. But yeah, that game had some of the best music.