Well, with Underrated Games With Even More Underrated Soundtracks, I definitely do. This third part features games that many slept on that have glorious music to them. As usual, I shall share six games and provide five sample songs for each soundtrack. Perhaps hearing some of the music from these games will encourage you to try them out!
For a look at past parts of this ever-growing series, check out part one and part two.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (Wii U)
The Mario & Sonic Olympic series isn't quite the crossover that longtime Nintendo and Sega fans were expecting-- far from it, actually. However, despite being focused on mini-games and motion controls, Mario and Sonic's Olympic outings have been mostly enjoyable for me personally. The latest game in the series, taking place at the Rio Olympics, releases in a couple of weeks on the Nintendo 3DS and in June on the Wii U. Whether you enjoy this Olympic crossover or not, what you can't really argue against is that the soundtracks of these games are phenomenal, whether it's the original music or the real tipping point, the myriad remixes of classic Mario and Sonic themes, as heard with these examples from Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
Transformers: Devastation (Multi)
While Mario and Sonic was indeed a dream combination, Platinum Games and Transformers was pretty much another one. Awesome cars that turned into even more awesome robots combined with Platinum Games' stellar character action combat? That's exactly what Transforners: Devastation delivered, and while the main game was short, the ability to play through the campaign as five different characters with differing play styles to them made the game feel much meatier. The soundtrack is pure '80s cheese, making the entire package feel like a lost episode from the original Transformers series in intensely interactive form.
Tearaway: Unfolded (PS4) / Tearaway (Vita)
Poor Tearaway. First you released on the severely underperforming PlayStation Vita where owners are too busy being concerned with games with anime characters, which you had zero. Then you released on the PlayStation 4 with an expanded and enhanced version, but Sony released you with little fanfare. Obviously, a game of this kind wouldn't do well regardless, but I'm still okay at being a bit depressed about it. Still, to better my mood about Tearaway's gravely lackluster sales, I can at least listen to the eclectic soundtrack of the game. Perhaps through listening through these selected themes you'll gain some interest in trying out this massively overlooked Media Molecule game.
Puppeteer (PS3)
Another overlooked game, but this one had a different challenge to it. Sony Japan Studio's Puppeteer released in the same launch period as the PlayStation 4. Thus, this PS3 game had that competition to worry about as many PS3 owners were moving on to Sony's latest hardware. Puppeteer itself is an incredibly charming 2.5D platformer, though if you aren't a fan of cutscenes constantly breaking up your gameplay experience, then you might get a bit annoyed with Puppeteer. Still, I believe it's worth sticking with if only to enjoy the wondrous worlds and levels of the game, and to sample the completely orchestral soundtrack that delights from beginning to end. How could it not with such delightful and wonderful themes throughout its sublime symphonic duration?
Scribblenauts: Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS)
A Wii U launch title and a Nintendo 3DS release, Scribblenauts: Unlimited was the third game in the Scribblenauts series that debuted on the Nintendo DS. The original Scribblenauts was a concept that amazed players, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Future sequels nailed both the concept and the gameplay, but many that were interested had already moved on to other games. That notwithstanding, Scribblenauts: Unlimited allowed the usage of adjectives to add even more zaniness to the objects and characters to assist in solving the game's plentiful puzzles. The soundtrack, featuring remixed versions of classic Scribblenauts themes, as well as fantastic new compositions, was superb and supremely catchy. It made journeying through the colorful worlds of this third Scribblenauts game all the more enjoyable.
Whether it's the original Assault Horizon Legacy or the Plus version with Amiibo support, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy was similar to the console versions of Assault Horizon in name only. The game was a remake of Ace Combat 2, and it played much more closely to that game than the much more drastic take on the formula that Assault Horizon's console entries had. With varying objectives, split mission paths, and a pulse-pounding amount of action, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy was a fantastic dog-fighting feast for fans. The music of the game was heavily cinematic and intense, delivering even more adrenaline to players as they sped through the skies. I feel remiss for only including five samples of such songs from the soundtrack, but I can't play favorites!
