Firstly, I think some of both of your Sonic assessments are subconsciously including SOA’s marketing image at the time, and not just the game itself. I have to respectfully disagree with you and Henry a little bit about your takes on Sonic versus Mario(here we go again, right?). It was the first time in history where a game’s music could not be adequately captured on a soundtrack album (well, there was Otocky for the Famicom Disk System, but that was actually based on music). This is significant because it’s the point in history where videogame music evolved beyond all other forms of music to become truly interactive. It marks a revolution in game music It’s the first time(to my knowledge) that a track changes intensity depending on your situation or location. The importance of the Dire Dire Docks music can’t be overstated.
And the 1-1 stage music from SMB2 is one of my favorite, most nostalgic tunes ever. It may be the most well-known series out there, but that just means it’s a classic series that deserves an episode……or 3. Some choice drum covers of Mario music that always make me smile, courtesy of Vadrum:īrett, no need to feel apologetic about doing Super Mario. With always look forward to all future VGMpire eps, no matter how sparse they might become! 3 may have been the first videogame to ever make me babble out random nonsense lyrics to the tune of the music. I also feel compelled to add that Super Mario Bros. Makes you forgive the fact that the classic Mario theme was only included as an easter egg in the SPECIAL world.
I was always massively impressed with how well the motif in Super Mario World carried itself throughout all the different level themes. I know it’s a controversial opinion, and I know B-K is one giant collectathon, but that’s just how I feel about it. I will say that I much prefer NES Mario 1 over SNES Mario 1 both musically and gameplay-wise, but SMB2 & 3 have pretty solid remakes with their SNES & GBA counterparts.Īnd while I still love Mario 64 and recognize its importance in videogame history, I stillll think Banjo-Kazooie at this point holds up better in terms of control and overall charm. I was weird and started with Super Mario All-Stars in my childhood years, so it was really fun to later go back and see the NES originals. With that said I giggle at the “toot toot toot” pan flutey part.
That Mario 64 Ending Theme takes me back! I get emotional listening to it, it puts such a wonderful cap on such a revolutionary game.