While it’s undeniable that modern games have soundtracks that are arguably more extravagant than most movies these days – the foundation for memorable tunes was set long ago, when game developers were composers – and making a soundtrack had more to do with programming, than it did musical aptitude.
Back in the day, before technology allowed the soothing sounds of 100+ piece orchestral scores to reach our ears, most game developers only had 8-bit soundbytes to work with; but that never stopped them from laying down some of the most unforgettable themes in gaming.
Let’s take a look at 5 of the greatest game themes from a time long ago, and see how hard nostalgia hits you.
Super Mario
Probably the most obvious and most famous tune from back in the day – the Mario theme has been around for ages, and has become so well-known that it has spawned many parodies and modern re-imaginings.
But nothing will ever quite live up to the original.
Pokemon Battle
Stay out of the tall grass!
Well that’s what you’re warned against in Pokemon – but we all know it’s pretty inevitable – and this battle music is what greets you when you fall victim to the lurking Pokemons.
For some strange reason, even after the gazillionth time you hear it, while battling yet another Zubat in a cave somewhere, it never gets old. Or is that just me?
Sonic the Hedgehog
Yet another theme that needs no explanation – Sonic’s theme first popped up on the Sega Mega-drive, and was enough to get anyone pumped up to do a spin in the Green Hill zone.
Sonic was so popular here in South Africa, K-TV and Wimpy even teamed up to do a special show which featured the game (forward, forward, GRAB! GRAB! Remember that?) – which pretty much rooted it in the memory of kids of that era.
Leisure Suit Larry
Larry Laffer’s theme is just as goofy as the unlucky-in-love bachelor himself – with a fittingly light tune to match his hilarious exploits on the road to getting laid (and not catching some dodgy disease).
The tune that heralded a franchise that would span many years had it’s humble beginnings, but is instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up around games during the 80s and 90s.
Final Fantasy Prelude
Do do do do do do do DO DO DO do do do do do do do (it doesn’t quite work in text form) – the floaty harp crystal theme which first showed up in the original Final Fantasy has since found its way – in various forms, tempos and styles – into every Final Fantasy since, usually serving as a prelude to the game, playing over the title.
Final Fantasy XIII is the exception of course – but then again, it broke many traditions, so I’m not really surprised.
