I was inspired by SK's topic of a similiar nature to not only post some of the best VG music from my life, but also beat the hell out of his list. Where he had 60, I have 100 songs!

I decided that each game may only have 1 song (I did this, but cut 2 too many and two games have 2 songs).

In ordering, I started with my top 50 and said to myself "If I wanted to make a top 10, which of these could never be out of the top 10?" and kept going down by 10s until the list was completed.

This list was probably the hardest I've ever had to make in life. So many games have ridiculous amounts of fantastic music that it's almost a disservice to VG music not to include them. Alas, I went with my gut for a lot of this music and picked the ones that appealed to me more at the moment. Some of your favorites will be here, some won't. You may even be surprised at some of the picks.

Don't expect this to be as RPG-heavy as SK's, though. I play action, platformers, etc., as well.

In the next post, I will start the countdown of 100 pieces of music.

#100
Super Adventure Island - Welcome to Super Adventure Island ->

Welcome to the list. First up is the intro stage from Super Adventure Island! I love how the whistles get you hyped up for Master Higgins crackin' some skulls for messing with his chick.

#99
Thunder Force III - Haides ->

In the vein of R-Type and Gradius, this game is a side-scrolling spaceship shooter that is, of course, hard as a brass tack. You will die again and again as you try to make your way a little bit more into the level and remember what’s coming up ahead. Thankfully, you’ll have jammin’ tracks to pass the time. This one occurs on planet Haides. I still haven’t beaten it, but I mess around just to hear the music.

#98
Power Stone - Londo Stage ->

This was the first track I heard in Power Stone, the go-anywhere beat-em-up game by Capcom. Love how the theme just drives the wild on-screen action of launching missiles at your opponents.

#97
Castlevania: Dracula X - Stage 1 - Bloodlines ->

Another intro level stage music (these are just fantastic most of the time) gets your butt in gear to slay the hordes of the undead amidst a burning city.

#96
Aero the Acrobat - Circus Act 3 ->

A game that too few played. This game is pretty damn hard, but it's not impossible. On the other hand, I haven't made it past World 1.... That said, I've loaded this up many a day to listen to the soundtrack, which is awesome and circus-based. The video above has a someone playing the stage this music shows up on.

#95
Super Princess Peach - Giddy Sky 1 ->

This is one I'm sure a lot of the Mag has NOT played (or other gamers for that matter). The game is admittedly very easy, but the playing itself was actually a good deal of fun. And music like this was why.

#94
Ninja Gaiden II (NES) - Act 2-2 ->

I remember getting to this stage and just chillin'. I didn't really invest much effort getting past here and you'll see why. A windy, rainy stage with a badass ninja character. What's not to love?

#93
Batman - Return Of The Joker - Act 1-1 ->

Imagine turning on your Batman game and hearing THIS coming out of the TV. Holy crap! Da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da-da!

#92
Tetris Attack - Forest Stage ->

What a relaxing song. While it doesn't stay that way when you're fighting for your life (from blocks) all the time, while it lasts, this song can almost put you to sleep, in the good way.

#91
Goldeneye - Facility ->

A very cool secret agent song. It really makes you feel like you're doing covert ops. Be careful not to hum it aloud, James.

#90
TMNT III: The Manhattan Project - Move Out (Surfing/Ship Stage) ->

Ahh, surfing and enjoying kicking foot soldier ass while doing it. Are the Turtles cool or what?

#89
Bomberman Hero - Redial ->

This is a game that not many people played that I wish did. This was a very fun game and the first (last?) where Bomberman could jump. Part of the charm came from the music, as noted here. Another was its challenge and race against the clock for bonus points.

#88
Barbie Super Model - Stage 1 ->

Yes, I did play this game when I was younger. Yes, this music is actually awesome. I'm not the only one, either. This guy made a badass remix to this already badass song. Don't let the name Barbie turn you off immediately unless you're some kind of casual asshole.

OCR 00768 - Plastic Goddess



#87
Shining Force II - Wandering Warriors (Overworld Theme) ->

The main theme of one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Under this song, you will fight many battles. Good thing it's so epic, huh?

#86
Legend of Dragoon - Boss Battle 1 ->

It's go time and the enemy is going down. I really like the mood this one put you in, like you gotta bring these guys down now.

#85
Unlimited SaGa - Battle Theme 1 ->

I've never played this game, but upon hearing the violin featured front-and-center in this piece, I felt the desire. You really don't hear the violin in too many games, so it's very nice to see it here leading a cool medley of sounds.

#84
Duke Nukem 3D - Title Screen ->

I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum. And I'm all out of bubblegum.

#83
Doom - Episode 1, Mission 1 ->

If you were alive and near the teens in the 90s, then you knew Doom. And this song is the first one everyone thinks of when they think of the game that exploded the FPS genre.

#82
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Arcade Game - Fire (Stage 1) ->

If you have nostalgia for the mean green machine, then you probably pissed your pants when you first saw this one. I dumped so many quarters into this machine but never had the opportunity to play past 2 or 3 levels. Awesome.

#81
Parasite Eve - Parasite Eyes ->

The slow buildup into a frantic piano sets this one off and sets up the experience for you gamers. Then a calm middle part that sounds chilling builds into the final notes, which send you off with a unsettling fright. The worst foe lies within the self...

#80
Sonic Rush - A New Day ->

This is the first time you'll see Sonic series on this list, but certainly not the last! Sonic Rush's special stage music is pretty damn nice. I was gonna choose "Wrapped in Black" for this, but I think I like listening to this one much better. Hence, it got the nod.

#79
Sonic R - Can You Feel the Sunshine? ->

I remember going into my local Toys 'R Us during the Saturn launch and getting the first glimpse of my pal Sonic's new look. Sonic R? How cool was that? There were other characters, but I didn't really care. It was Cool Blue running in a tropical setting with this song blaring in the background. This is great "good morning" song. I actually listen to this in the morning during the trip to work a bunch.

#78
Perfect Dark - Alien Conflict ->

Deep darkness and stealthy undercover work. That's what this one says to me. It's so damn smooth and relaxing.


#77
Sonic Spinball - Toxic Caves ->

I was/am a huge Sonic fan. The music really cements a lot of these games to my heart. So while Sonic Spinball wasn't really that good, I had a blast with it as a kid. This was back when even the not-so-good Sonics had monster jams. As a pinball game, it was an interesting twist.

#76
Outrun - Magical Sound Shower ->

Sometimes, when I'm going down the interstate, I put this song on and just f*cking go fast. This is a song where you have nothing to do but drive. And it feels good as hell. I hum it to this day.

#75
StarTropics - Test of Island Courage ->

Mike Jones is on the case and beating up everything in his way with a yo-yo. This song, which I consider the main theme of the series, evokes an adventure-y vibe. Love it.

#74
Star Fox 64 - Zoness ->

Flying high above the polluted wasteland of Zoness on a mission, having this song really highlights the theme of level.

#73
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! - Bout Theme ->

While I'm well aware of the negroes stealing bikes, this is the one that drives your gameplay. The beat gets you hyped and into whooping somebody's ass. I would also like to mention Mac's knockdown song, which is awesome.

#72
Metroid - Kraid's Lair ->

Metroid games have always been about feeling lonely on this gigantic planet of creatures trying to kill you before you can kill them. The theme of Kraid's lair manages to get this feeling across more than many of the songs in the entire series.

#71
Mario Paint - BGM 1 ->

The infinite possibilities of the imagination came alive in Mario Paint. The song that loads up with the software makes you feel energized to create something magnificent with it. Many animations and pictures have been made under this song. What a great song. Special props to BGM 2, though.

#70
Mario Kart Wii - Maple Treeway ->

This is a relaxing drive on a tree...way. The colors are alive with autumn, and this song is guiding your way as you try to outmaneuver your opponents.

#69
Super Mario Kart - Koopa Beach ->

Oh yeah! Driving on the beach has never been so fun as it's been here! This song just screams fun! Yahoo!

#68
Super Mario Land - Birabuto Kingdom ->

I wanted a Game Boy so bad so I could play this game. I remember the day my mom bought it for me and asked what game I wanted. Of course, MARIO! And this was the song that heralded the loss of countless hours of time.

#67
Super Mario Brothers 2 - Wart ->

The final boss theme from Mario 2 is so completely epic. You know as soon as you get here that everything is about to pop off and you gotta beat this guy. Throw veggies down his throat until he croaks!

#66
Ecco 2: Tides of Time - Title Theme ->

Absolutely haunting. It's a theme made for the watery world of Ecco the Dolphin.

#65
Earthworm Jim 2 - Villi People ->

This is sort of funny, because it's Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, 1st Movement. But I will tell you that it's the first time I ever heard this song, and I was completely mesmerized by it. And I've attached it firmly with this game.

#64
Earthworm Jim - What the Heck? ->

What do you get when you mix an evil cat with hell and a schizophrenic melody? You get this song! Be sure to listen to the music until the record skip, or you won't get the entire palette.

#63
Brave Fencer Musashi - Topo's Groove Heaven ->

This is my favorite moment of Brave Fencer Musashi, among all of the other great moments. Just something about the dance minigame and the infectious beat get me every time. I always think about this song when I think of this game.

#62
Chip 'N Dale's Rescue Rangers - Stage J (Final Stage) ->

After working your way through streets and kitchens, this one puts you in the mood to topple Fat Cat once and for all (until the money stops rolling in).

#61
Fire Emblem - Together We Ride ->

This amazingly epic piece comes from the Fire Emblem games. I chose the one from Fire Emblem (US, GBA) to highlight, since it's the first time I heard this. This plays when you recruit a member to your party. That's one of the reasons I love collecting them!

#60
Darkwing Duck - Moliarty Stage ->

Darkwing Duck was the sh*t. His game does him justice because it's done by Capcom in the Golden Age. On the NES, Capcom was a musical god and this is another one of their triumphs.

#59
Knuckles Chaotix - Marina Madness Zone (Seascape) ->

People overlooked this because it was on the 32x, and perhaps rightfully so, but this music is the best on the system. Except maybe the theme song for the game Tempo. Still, the vibe on this song is just all-around classic era Sonic.

#58
Super Mario Brothers - Overworld (Stage 1-1) ->

#58?!!!!, you might be shouting right now. Yes, how dare I put this legendary song so low on my list. Well, the fact of the matter is, while I really do love this song, there are songs I listen to a helluva lot more than this and enjoy. I appreciate this song, though. Everyone should know this one....you're humming it in your head right now!

#57
Portal - Still Alive ->

There could be potential spoilers about the game in this song, so if you listen to it, make sure that you don't care about that. Otherwise, this is probably the newest song on my list. The concept of a character in the game singing about the plot of the game at the end is just amazing. Great song from a great game.

#56
Kirby's Dreamland - Green Greens ->

Narrowly beating out King Dedede's theme is Green Greens! How can you not like this song? It's upbeat, peppy and introduces you to the world of Kirby.

#55
Contra - Jungle ->

How many of Red Falcon's minions have I slain under the heart-thumping, driving beat of this song? Tens of thousands, I'm sure. Welcome to Contra.

#54
Super Mario Brothers 3 - Seaside (Water Land) ->

Ahhhh. Relaxing. You don't have a care in the world when you listen to this one. I've played to 1-1 Fortress, got the whistle, went to World 3 and just stayed there on more than a few occasions. Classic.

#53
Kirby's Adventure - vs. Nightmare ->

Oh snap, you know it's on now! I was at odds between this and Grape Garden, but the sheer epicness of the going toe-to-vortex with Nightmare music was too irresistible to ignore.

#52
Um Jammer Lammy - Got to Move! (Lammy's version) ->

Um Jammer Lammy is pretty much the best game in the series. Not only can you rock on a guitar, but Parappa can join in with brand-new takes on every song she does. Lammy's finale song is just too hot. I love this one. If you can grab this, go for it!

#51
Parappa the Rapper - Chop Chop Master Onion's RAP ->

So, I used to subscribe to the Playstation Underground magazine, where they'd send you demos for games 4 times a year. I still have the disk where I first played this game on. I was completely hooked on the crazy song and funky beat of this song. Hilarious stuff.

Good stuff.

Unlimited SaGa's violin really is something else. I love that.
Heh, there's a Barbie song in there. =P

I really like how much more diverse your list is compared to SK's. Though I am a RPG fan at heart, I know that it doesn't limit only RPGs to have the best music. You really picked out some good ones.

Thanks for the posts so far, guys. I'm finally getting to the top 50.

#50
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All - Reminiscence: The Fire Carves Scars ->

By my account, most of the music in Phoenix Wright 2 sucks when compared to 1. However, this one is a gem. The simple melody evokes such a powerful feeling of loss and sadness. The series really can pull at your heartstrings sometimes, which is saying something for text, pngs, and music.

#49
No More Heroes – Pleather for Breakfast ->

This is a game that you either get or you don’t, but that doesn’t mean that the music has to be the same way. The theme of the crazy assassin you’re trying to kill really fits the mood of the game and gets you into the fight.

#48
Street Fighter II – Ken’s Theme ->

Before I started playing Street Fighter IV, Ken used to be my main man. He was a lot more fun than Ryu, personality-wise and playing-wise, and it would seem, even music-wise. What can I say about this track that won’t be said about the upcoming ones? It’s just a tight rhythm that’s too hot to pass up. Shoryuken!

#47
Mega Man 3 – Whistle Concert (Protoman’s Theme) ->

That whistle is immortal. Who can remember first hearing this and seeing the red Megaman trying to stomp your ass? Utterly enchanting.

#46
Mario Kart 64 – Frappe Snowland ->

Bronanza, Deeper, and I spent many weekends playing Mario Kart 64. Among all the rest, I’ve always thought that this music was awesome as all get-out. It IS a snow theme. Can you imagine anything else? Calm and catchy.

#45
Dr. Mario 64 – Title Theme ->

I will always remember Dr. Mario as the greatest gutpunch of my childhood. I was a rabid Mario fan back then, and I wanted everything with Mario in it. Because I thought everything with Mario in the title was like Super Mario 3. So when I got this game for Christmas, I was like “what the hell is this puzzle game stuff?” I was so disappointed. I still don’t really care much for the game to this day because of this, I imagine. However, the title music is still bumpin’. I chose the 64 version’s theme over the NES one (which I still own) because it sounds better.

Here’s one to compare:


#44
Sonic Adventure – Open Your Heart ->

This is the main theme of Sonic Adventure, the first game to feature Sonic in 3D (yes it was, shut up). I viewed the opening cinematic at the local game store and heard this song on it. I was like, wow, this was totally awesome. And while there are other pieces, such as Azure Blue World, which I really like as a level stage, this as the final fight song got it over the top.

#43
Sonic CD – Sonic Boom ->

I remember we rented a Sega CD one time, and got this game. When I viewed this opening cinematic and heard this song, I just about pissed myself. After this, I wanted desperately to see a complete Sonic movie. Of course, the actual thing was some type of visual abortion. This is when Sonic was the king of the world and awesome. I keep looking at this and keep wanting for Sonic to go in this direction.

#42
Final Fantasy 9 – Melodies of Life ->

I think this is the lowest a Final Fantasy game ended up on this list. But it’s not a stab at the song. It’s really fantastic for the type of game FF9 is. It fits the entire game perfectly. I chose the English version of the song because I can actually understand it and the same singer did both versions. What’s not to like?

#41
Super Mario RPG – Seaside Town ->

Listen to that piano go! This song is so fun and fresh to listen to. I used to just jump all around the town while listening to this one. Hell, I’d pay a visit to it after I’d passed it. Good stuff.

#40
Star Ocean: The Second Story - Dynamite ->

I figure I'm a big fan of boss themes. I mean, they are what you fight under during the big showdowns in RPGs. SO2's track is one of the best out there. Driving beat and "this is it" feel get it up here. That'll be about 20 points.

#39
Sonic Rush Adventure – Sky Babylon Zone Act 1 ->

This theme is like a mix of new-school Sonic music and some groovin' classic music. An achievement for the latter-day Sega, I'll tell you that. That whistle-led main section followed by the breakdown is just one reason I play this game.

#38
Final Fantasy X – To Zanarkand ->

What a touching song. I don't even know what it is that makes it so good. It's another piano song, for one. But I remember listening to this when the first PS2 FF game came over. I was blown away.

#37
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island – Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy ->

This is one great riddim. Maracas and a funky melody lead the charge on this one. I dare you to not want to dance on this one.

#36
Final Fantasy VII – On That Day 5 Years Ago ->

Were you expecting One-Winged Angel? While I do like the song, I do not like the original version. I like the remixed ones a lot better. This, however, was just incredible. I remember this playing whenever something heavy was going down. This is one of the few songs that actually made my cold heart twinge a little.

#35
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – Midna's Desperate Hour ->

During the part of the game where this song plays, you have to get Midna help as fast as you can. This was the turning point between Midna being a great character to becoming one of my favorite Zelda characters. This song was so immersing and important-sounding. Just a beautiful song.

#34
Chrono Trigger – Manoria Cathedral ->

Naturally, Chrono Trigger has great music. However, this is the only one that has made me literally put the controller down and listen for extended periods of time (besides Lucca's Theme). I'm sure Lantis is having a fit about CT, the "greatest game ever made", having a song spot so low. What can I say? The song is chilling and relaxing at the same time.

#33
StarTropics II: Zoda's Revenge – Dungeon Theme 2 ->

This is the greatest dungeon theme I've ever heard. Mike Jones is here on his second (and last) appearance on the countdown, and this one is a doozy. Listen and be amazed by the awesome. FYI, it's just the first part before it changes to something else.

#32
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Windmill Hut/Song of Storms ->

The Song of Storms is awesome. Hell, play it on a rainy day. I'd play it even if I didn't want rain. And I'd spend more than the required time in the Windmill Hut with that strange guy just to hear it over and over again. Special props to Gerudo Valley, though.

#31
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time – Sewer Surfin' ->

COWABUNGA!!!! Hang 10 in the sewers, dudes! PIZZA POWER! Greatest song from the greatest SNES beat-em-up.

I was wondering when I'd see some CT. ^_^

#30
Super Mario Galaxy - Wind Garden Galaxy ->

This is probably the newest song on the list. Galaxy really does have some great themes going on in it. The buildup to the best part of the song is an amazing payoff. Experience it.

#29
Resident Evil 2 – Save Room ->

A mix of relief and tension fills you as you hear this song. You're glad to be safe for now, but the chilling (I use that word a lot, don't I?) tone of it reminds you that terror still lurks outside.

#28
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest – Bloody Tears ->

I don't like this game. I played it some, and didn't like it. However, I really liked the song outside of the first town I went to. This song is called Bloody Tears. Very awesome.

And here's a piano rendition that's even more awesome:


#27
Megaman X4 – X's Theme (Opening Stage) ->

READY??? OOooooowhee, this gets you cranked to do some robot-on-robot damage! Love the cowbell in the song. Badass music for a badass X.

#26
Megaman X3 – Ending ->

You've saved the day, Megaman! What's left? Sitting back and enjoying the best ending theme of all the X games that I have played.

#25
Final Fantasy VI – The Phantom Forest ->

The Phantom Forest, how mystical and serene. I didn't really care much for VG music as a kid, but this was the very first song I just sat down and did nothing else but listen for minutes on end. Calm and soothing.

#24
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – Hydrocity Zone Act 2 ->

While you may consider them to be the same song, Hydrocity Act 2 is a different and better song that Act 1 with it's few changes. The main part of the song that takes off after the buildup is probably the best of Sonic 3's music. Yes, even better than the fabled Ice Cap Zone (which I never thought was OMGBESTSONGEVER, but certainly appreciate a lot). It owns.

#23
Streets of Rage 2 – Never Return Alive (Boss Theme) ->

This is just too awesome. Imagine kicking boss ass to this one. Yes, it's as awesome as it sounds.

#22
Final Fantasy VIII – Fisherman's Horizon ->

I'm at peace. It conjures up a small town vibe, taking it easy at the local fishing hole. Why would you ever want to leave?

#21
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – Ilia's Theme ->

A ranch. A girl who cares for a horse. Village life never seemed so appealing.

#20
Megaman X - Spark Mandrill Stage ->

Damn, this song is pimpin'. Right out of the gate, it hits you with a hard and fast beat that blows your face off. Please don't listen to this one unless you want to be awesomed to death. Big props to the Opening Stage (which got beat out by Mandrill), Storm Eagle and Armored Armadillo stages, though.

#19
Sonic and Knuckles – Doomsday Zone ->

From the get-go, it's on. The final battle against Robotnik in space is fought with this in the background. Everything's come to this and Sonic has to beat him once and for all (until the sequel). Greatest final boss music in Sonic history. This was a painful choice, because I really liked Flying Battery (Doomsday took its spot here), Sandopolis, and Lava Reef Act 1.

#18
Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks/Jolly Roger Bay ->

Water. When I thought of Mario 64, this is the first song that jumps into my mind. This is just a swimming, watery, calming song. Imagine relaxing in a bath with this one. This is just absolutely timeless. Props to the main theme and the final boss theme, but this one wasn't even close.

#17
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Chemical Plant Zone ->

Absolutely delicious. This is that true sh*t. Saxophone blaring, guitar rocking, all-around concentrated awesome. Great Sonic song. This was quite trying, because of the level of fantastic music in the game. It beat out Emerald Hill, Aquatic Ruins, Metropolis (I have a huge crush on this one), Mystic Cave, Oil Ocean, and even the Ending song! Now that's impressive!

#16
Lufia & The Fortress of Doom – Boss Battle ->

Can any other series make fighting the boss seem like a life or death battle like the Lufia series? I don't know, but they better give it everything. It really makes you feel like "I have to win at all cost!". Even at the beginning of the game. That's awesome.

#15
M.C. Kids – Zone 3 ->

I dare you not to do some head-bopping motions when you hear this one. I bet a lot of you are surprised to see a game like this so high on the list, but the music this game had was top-notch. And the platforming was no slouch, either. A hard-ass NES game with badass music. Need I say more?

#14
Demon's Crest – A Sunken Aqueduct ->

The song starts at 2:10 in the video and ends at 3:50. Sorry, it's an LP and Youtube had every track in the game BESIDES this one. I really love that the entire game has an organ-based track, which suits its gothic-based nature perfectly. It's another "water" theme. I guess I really like water themes! Very beautiful music. The entire game wins, though.

Listen to this fantastic main theme:


#13
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Cornered! ->

You've put all the clues together and you're pointing out contradictions in the witness' testimoney left and right and they're feeling the burn. Then you present evidence to back up your claims and this starts playing and everyone starts sweating buckets. This is the ultimate "GOTCHA!" music. Nail 'em to the wall!

#12
Lemmings – Tim 2 ->

Lemmings is a puzzle game where you will get destoryed a lot. Isn't it a good thing that they have such awesome music to help you pass the time? On more than one occassion, I've tried a puzzle again, thinking that I could at least hear the music while I try to get these little bastards over the wall without dying.

#11
Donkey Kong Country – Aquatic Ambiance ->

Yet another water theme. But Donkey Kong Country had one of the best soundtracks on the SNES, so this is a great thing. I hate all those damn swimming levels, but it's bittersweet, since this is always on. This beat out the equally awesome Gang-plank Galleon and Oil Drum Alley. A peaceful, relaxing melody and a really great childhood memory.

Finally at the top 10. However, because this is the big list, I'm taking some time to split it up and make it special. I will post #5-1 tomorrow.

#10
Mega Man 9 - Flash in the Dark (Wily 1) ->

Storming Wily's castle has never sounded so good. You got work to do and it ain't gonna be pretty. Prepare yourself, Wily! This beat out my initial favorite Galaxy Man, Tornado Man, Splash Woman, and Final Boss.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#10 2nd-Place
Mega Man 9 - Galaxy Fantasy (Galaxy Man Theme) ->

Simply far-out.

#10 3rd-Place
Mega Man 9 - Wily Machine (Final Boss) ->

As epic of a final boss theme as you can get in the Megaman series!

#9
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals - Boss Theme ->

I can never get enough of this song. I remember actually WANTING to get in boss fights just to hear this song. It's that good. It's dramatic, energetic, and catchy as hell.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#9 2nd-Place
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals - Sinistral Battle ->

Can't afford to hold anything back now!

#9 3rd-Place
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals - To the Future (Ending Theme) ->

I love the ending music.


#8
Earthbound - The Cast and Credits (Ending) ->

If you wanted one song that could carry across the message of Earthbound for fans across the spectrum, I imagine almost all of them would pick this one as the most sentimental. It's happy, it's sad, so bittersweet. It brings back memories of every unique and incredible event in this game. I mean, more than just a great song, this one is a part of me. I can't think of a higher complement than that.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#8 2nd-Place
Earthbound - Final Battle ->

No spoilers. Just listen.

#8 3rd-Place
Earthbound - You've Come Far, Ness (Coffee Music) ->

I wish more games would recap what you've done.


#7
Mega Man 2 - Metal Man Stage ->

My absolute favorite MM2 theme by far. I can't describe why I love it so, but I do.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#7 2nd-Place
Mega Man 2 - Bubble Man ->

I've come to appreciate this theme more in the years since.

#7 3rd-Place
Mega Man 2 - Dr. Wily's Castle (Wily 1) ->

Wily Stage 1's have a good tendancy to be....good.


#6
Final Fantasy VI - Aria de Mezzo Carattere ->

This is the infamous Opera song of Final Fantasy VI. With the power of 16 bits, devs managed to craft more emotional attachment and beauty than today's supercomputers and full orchestras. I'm even gonna post the Opera scene here instead of 2nd places or whatnot.

Final Fantasy VI - Opera Scene ->

You should play this game instead of watching this, but if you don't, then watch.

Final Fantasy 9 – Melodies of Life has to be one of my most favorite video game songs.

I'm lolling at your #th, # place thing. But I understand that limiting yourself to one song per game really limits you and makes this much harder to order, because it really is forcing out some awesome stuff that should be mentioned... but never the less, keep up the good work.

Top 5. You don't know how hard it was to get here. But I'm satisfied enough with my picks.

#5
Donkey Kong Country 2 - Forest Interlude (Web Woods) ->

What? Expecting Stickerbush Symphony? Well, sorry to inform you, but this song is better. But really, DKC2's OST is about picking the best song out of perfect songs. So I ended up picking the one I listened to more than any others. This one is a classic in every sense of the word, with piano, flute, and drums coming together for a really calm and relaxing groove.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#5 2nd-Place
Donkey Kong Country 2 - Stickerbush Symphony (Bramble Blast) ->

Did you used to call this song "Stickerbrush Symphony" like I did? Anyway, the famous Brambles song. It really is fantastic.

#5 3rd-Place
Donkey Kong Country 2 - Boss Bossanova (Boss Theme) ->

I love boss themes, what can I say? But this one does have a really pirate-y feel to it, which makes a lot of sense considering the story.

#4
Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone ->

Magic. That's what this song is. Pure, concentrated magic. I remember getting the SNES for Christmas and Deeper got a Genesis. I had already played Mario World earlier, so when I went over to his house, I got my first taste of Sonic. Holy god, I wanted more. And the music blew my face off. It was better music than Mario World had and extremely catchy. This song is what started my lifelong fandom to Sonic. I even have most of the Archie comics (which are great reads, way better than that sh*tty story they make up for the games). The song is magical. I don't know any other way to describe it.

I will now post the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups below:

#4 2nd-Place
Sonic the Hedgehog - Labyrinth Zone ->

I used to hate this stage and the music for reminding me about this stage, but now I've come to terms and really enjoy this music.

#4 3rd-Place
Sonic the Hedgehog - Star Light Zone ->

This song has such a great sound. It's like it takes place in space or something. It really does sound starry.


#3
Earthbound Zero - Pollyanna (I believe in you) ->

My favorite RPG overworld theme of all time. I truly do love this song. You don't even have to be a fan of the game or of games to appreciate this one. I want this played somewhere important in my life. Maybe a wedding.

Here's the official vocal version:



I will now post the lyrics to this song:

I believe the morning sun
Always gonna shine again and
I believe a pot of gold
Waits at every rainbow's end
I believe in roses kissed with dew
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?

I believe in make-believe
Fairy tales and lucky charms and
I believe in promises
Spoken as you cross your heart
I believe in skies forever blue
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?

You may say I'm a fool
Feelin' the way that I do
You can call me Pollyanna
Say I'm crazy as a loon
I believe in silver linings
And that's why I believe in you

I believe there'll come a day
Maybe it will be tomorrow
When the bluebird flies away
All we have to do is follow
I believe a dream can still come true
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?

You may say I'm a fool
Feelin' the way that I do
I believe in friends and laughter
And the wonders love can do
I believe in songs and magic
And that's why I believe in you

You may say I'm a fool
Feelin' this way about you
There's not much I can do
I'm gonna be this way my life through
'Cause I still believe in miracles
I swear I've seen a few
And the time will surely come
When you can see my point of view
I believe in second chances
And that's why I believe in you


#2
Super Metroid - Brinstar Red Soil Swampy Area ->

Supernaturally good. It's dreadful, it's bold, it's soft, it's beautiful, it's driving, it's calming. The part at 1:25 is just so...amazing. Atmospheric to the til. It really makes you feel like you're a person alone on a harsh planet.

Please listen to these remixes that are completely different from each other, but made by the same guy (The Wingless @ Overclocked Remix):

One Girl in All the World (OCRemix) - Slow and melodic



All the World in One Girl (OCRemix) - Peppy and upbeat



#1
DuckTales - The Moon ->

If I had to pick one song that would represent the spirit of videogames, this is the one I would pick. Funnily enough, I still have not sat down and played an entire game of DuckTales to this day, but I will remember this song for the rest of my life. It's fun, it's bold, it's pumping, it's what my ideal videogame music is. It's not full orchestras blaring pages of notes. It's a simple, charming, catchy melody that reminds me why I'm a gamer in the first place.

OCR, help me out again!

norg, "Harden the Duck Up" OCRemix

Greatest remix of the theme I've ever heard, with a nice surprise at the end.

TomBobBlender on youtube

Love Mario Paint songs and this is no exception.

SupraDarky, "Fun on the Moon"

Upbeat and fun remix of the original.



Well, that's the conclusion of my thread. I hope you enjoyed listening to these great tunes as much as I have in my life. I look forward to viewing anyone else's top VG music, even if it's a top 10 or 20.

With the thread at the end, tell me:

Which picks did you agree with me on?
Which picks didn't you?
What was/were the biggest surprise(s) on the list?
Did I rate one of your faves too low?
Did you get interest in any of the games because of a listing?

That's all.

Thank you for watching!

I agree with how much attention the Sonic series got on your list.
Stickerbrush Symphony was the best DK2 song, so forget you.
The biggest suprise was probably Demon's Crest, that was an awesome game.
And you rated Chrono Trigger way too low.
And I just about played everything you mentioned, minus a select few that I probably won't play anyways. *coughbarbiecough*

Very nice list.

However, I don't think Ducktales "Moon" should be number one. I'd definitely put it in my top 10, though.

There was no MGS theme anywhere on here, so this list automatically fails.