SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Olympic Gold Edition

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs is here to cap off your Monday evening right with a collection five fantastic video game tunes. With us being right in the middle of the Olympics, it only makes sense to have at least one VGM volume dedicated to the event. First, however, we kick things off with a battle theme from Fire Emblem Fates. THEN, we dive into the Olympics with Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Super Monkey Ball 2 delivers a chill tune, followed by Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth offering a dungeon theme. Finally, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX concludes this Olympic Gold edition of the Favorite VGMs.

v1206. Fire Emblem Fates (3DS) - Alight (Storm)

Kicking off this week's edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs in high gear is a battlefield theme from Fire Emblem Fates, another great entry in the Fire Emblem series. This earlier-in-the-year release came in three versions. I'm still knee deep in Birthright, but there was also Conquest and Revelation. Regardless of which version you pick, you're bound for an enjoyable game with an absolutely astounding soundtrack.

v1207. Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U, 3DS) - Football (Chorus Mix)

Coming from the latest in Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog's Olympic rivalry, this version of the football theme has the crowd providing vocals during a tense game of the footie. Even if things don't go your way on the field, you can take pride that you did your best with no regrets. Take THAT, Hope Solo!

v1208. Super Monkey Ball 2 (GCN) - Monkey Target 2

Let's go from some action-packed themes to something much more chill and relaxing. It's the mini-game theme of Monkey Target, making its second appearance in a Super Monkey Ball game. The warm electric guitar synth ostinato that covers the entire track forms a stellar harmony with the main melody. It's a perfect song to unwind after cursing out the incredibly stressful main campaign.

v1209. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth (PS4, Vita) - Final Phase

Another release from this year (Fire Emblem Fates and Mario & Sonic being the others), Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth offers over 100 hours of gameplay to those who clamor for it. The RPG action is mighty tempting to do just that. Then, you have the wonderful soundtrack to go along with it, such as this theme for the final dungeon in the game.

v1210. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX (PS3) - Roxas

The somber and melancholy theme of Roxas from Kingdom Hearts II and its up-port on the PlayStation 3 is what rounds out this week's video game music picks. Yoko Shimomura pulls at the heartstrings with her flute and piano composition. A truly marvelous theme.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Groovin' Into the Night Edition

We're about twenty minutes away from midnight where we are in North America. However, a typical Monday CAN'T go by without us delving into our exhaustive list of favorite VGM picks. No, no! That's why we have five new pieces to cap off your Monday. Did you have a nice day? We hope so. If not, may these tunes put you in a better mood! This week's edition features music from Final Fantasy VI, Pandora's Tower and Xenoblade Chronicles.

v486. Final Fantasy VI (SNES) - Kids Run Through the City Corner

One of our favorite RPG town themes ever composed, Nobuo Uematsu gives us this warm, folksy theme that exudes nostalgic memories. We remember venturing through South Figaro, chatting with the locals, before heading out into the dangerous world, taking on enemies of all shapes and sizes.

v487. Pilotwings 64 (N64) - Hang Glider

We enjoyed unwrapping our Nintendo 64's on Christmas 1996, and receiving Super Mario 64 and this game, Pilotwings 64. What's really cool is that in this video's comment section (and you know how rarely we have something positive to say about YouTube comment sections!), the top rated comment is actually from the composer of the N64 launch title. We appreciate your work, too, good sir!

v488. Pandora's Tower (Wii) - Boss Theme

Our PAL friends enjoyed Pandora's Tower much more than our review states. You see, the North American version of the game suffered from a rather breaking glitch that froze the game each time the player tried to go to the penultimate towers. It was a rather sour note on a game that, up until that point, was rather sweet.

v489. Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii) - Satorl, the Shimmering Marsh (Night)

The marshland that this song plays in is absolutely beautiful at night. You feel like you're in a fairy tale. This theme that plays in it, with its soothing piano and warm choir, delivers a pitch perfect ambiance for this relatively taxing area of Xenoblade Chronicles.

v490. 1080 Snowboarding (N64) - Golden Forest

While it's too soon to bust out the snowboards in our neck of the woods, it isn't too early to do so in a virtual fashion. 1080 Snowboarding is one of Nintendo's series that we would love to see return to either of the company's current systems, the 3DS or the Wii U. That, along with Wave Race, of course!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - East Meets West Edition

Here's a special Tuesday edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM. We bet your Monday was especially dismal without your weekly dose of video game music, but we hope this Tuesday edition will make up for it. As for what's in store for you, we have Donkey Kong Country, Tales of Vesperia, and Sonic the Hedgehog to make your day better!

v481. Donkey Kong Country (SNES) - Treetop Rock

We start things off with two Rareware games. The first is the game that brought the developer to many Nintendo fans' attentions. It's none other than the immaculate Donkey Kong Country. Part of what made the game so great was the presentation, and its music is a great part of that.

v482. Jet Force Gemini (N64) Sekhmet

One of the best soundtracks on the Nintendo 64, Jet Force Gemini delivers cinematic scores, perfect for laying waste to armies of Mizar's insect soldiers. Sekhmet is the first mission of Vela, the female of the group. Now that we think of it, Vela's path to Mizar's Palace was definitely the most dangerous of the Jet Force Gemini team...

v483. Grandia III (PS2) - Fight V1

IGN famously stated in their review of this PlayStation 2 RPG classic that the music of Grandia III was highly forgettable. In all honesty, if it wasn't for that line, IGN's own review would be highly forgettable. We believe tracks like Fight V1, among several others, demonstrate that what IGN's review was pure folly.

v484. Tales of Vesperia (360) - A Bet On This Bout

The boss battle theme of Tales of Vesperia, A Bet On This Bet gets quite heated, much like the battles against enemies both big and small in the game. Tales of Vesperia was also released on the PlayStation 3 in Japan, but because we're a North American site, we opted to only list the game as being on Xbox 360. Just so there's no confusion here!

v485. Sonic the Hedgehog (PS3, 360) - Soleanna New City

For as much crap that Sonic the Hedgehog's 2006 outing gets (and deservedly so), one thing that most everyone can agree on is that the soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal. Even the hubs of the game were less main painful thanks to such upbeat themes such as this one.

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Don't forget to check out the VGM Database for all things SPC VGM!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - The World Ends When We Say So Edition

Welcome to the start of the work week here at SuperPhillip Central, and most likely, where you are, too. Today brings another installment of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs right to you. This week's edition contains music from The World Ends With You, Tales of Symphonia, as well as Pokemon Stadium. It's sure to be an enjoyable edition of VGM for everyone. Let's get started!

v476. The World Ends With You (DS) - Hybrid

The World Ends With You marked a time in Square Enix's history where they weren't as afraid to take risks. Present-day Square Enix is in panic mode currently, and things aren't looking too bright for the Japanese publisher. Regardless, we can look back at better times for the company with games like The World Ends With You for Nintendo DS.

v477. Tales of Symphonia (GCN) - Dance in the Sunshine

Nintendo's GameCube did not receive much in the way of RPGs. It's a fallacy to say that Tales of Symphonia is only thought of highly because it was one of the few RPGs on Nintendo's system. No, it's thought of highly because the game has a gorgeous art style, an engaging combat system, an intriguing story, and of course, great music.

v478. Banjo-Kazooie (N64) - Click Clock Wood (Spring)

Banjo-Kazooie was an evolution to the formula and foundation that the revolutionary Super Mario 64 laid down. It was a better game for it, though some might not have enjoyed how Banjo and Kazooie's full move set was not available immediately from the start of the game. Grant Kirkhope lent his composition genius to the soundtrack, creating a score that is still amazing to this day.

v479. Pokemon Stadium (N64) - Gym Leader Battle

Being able to hear the classic 8-bit melodies from Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow on the Nintendo 64 sound chip was a moment that made younger versions of the SuperPhillip Central staff squeal with delight. This particular theme is one of our absolute favorites, and made fighting the likes of Brock and Misty all the more intense.

v480. Breath of Fire II (SNES, GBA) - The Kingdom

The theme of Wyndia, a kingdom that has appeared in the majority of Breath of Fire games, The Kingdom is a majestic and regal theme. It seems like a great time to bring this game and its soundtrack up, as North Americans last month were able to download the game on the Wii U's Virtual Console service. Definitely check Breath of Fire II out if you haven't. Just be weary of the poor (but occasionally hilarious) translation.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - The Waker of Wind Edition HD

Nintendo released a Wii U bundle, which included a digital copy of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. For those of us North American folk who want the retail copy, we have to wait until Friday. Nintendo, as well as many concerned gamers, hope that the new bundle and low price can start the momentum for the struggling Wii U.

Regardless, we're not here this fine Monday night to talk about that. No, tonight we have five songs from The Legend of Zelda series to help celebrate The Wind Waker HD's retail release this Friday. From Zelda II to Majora's Mask, you will certainly get your Zelda fix in by listening to this five terrific tracks.

v471. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN) - Ocean

Set sail for uncharted land with Link in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker! When the game's style was originally shown off, many Zelda purists turned their noses to it. They asked, "Where was the realistic art style from a year ago?" When the game finally came out, all of those cries were hushed. Now, with The Wind Waker HD for Wii U out digitally and the retail version on the way, the style is one of the most cherished of the entire series.

v472. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES) - Palace

Phil has something to admit-- he's never beaten the original Legend of Zelda or its nontraditional sequel Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. That's okay, though, on the latter because he's not alone. Zelda II is a very difficult game. The rest of the gang at SuperPhillip Central didn't beat it until recently!

v473. The Legend of Zelda: Oracles of Ages/Seasons (GBC) - Tarm Ruins/Lost Woods

Capcom's now-defunct Flagship studio worked on a pair of original Zelda games for the Game Boy Color-- The Legend of Zelda: Oracles of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons. There was to be a third game, but time constraints did not permit such an ambitious undertaking. Still, these two Zelda games are wonderful enough by themselves, but together they make one impossibly great duo.

v474. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) - Song of Healing

After The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D's release, many Zelda fans (including us) have been demanding Nintendo remake Majora's Mask on the Nintendo 3DS next. After all, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask share many assets. Hopefully that day comes, as it's been quite a while since we've visited the land of Termina.

v475. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS) - Castle Town

Sitting in front of Hyrule Castle is the town, where the inhabitants barter and trade with one another, as well as live their lives. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was the second of two Nintendo DS-exclusive games. Many do not care for both games, as they were controlled with the stylus almost solely. We were enamored with the controls, and loved the innovation and ease of mobility created by them. Still, we'll take an analog stick and buttons over a stylus any day.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Fall Into Autumn Edition

We're not dead, but SuperPhillip Central has been less busy as of late. Real life takes precedence over the internet any day. However, there is plenty of new content that will be forthcoming, such as new reviews, interviews, and editorials. We thank you for your understanding. Now, as it is mandatory for Mondays, we have five more video game music tracks to share with you. From pinatas to plump plumbers, this edition of the VGM has got you covered.

v466. Viva Pinata (360) - Day 6

Viva Pinata is one of Rare's best post-Nintendo titles. It oozes with the studio's charm, and it is simply a great game. Getting pinatas to visit your garden through various methods of coaxing, defending your prized pinatas from unimaginable horrors, and making sure all of your friends get along with one another were all parts of this magnificently creative game. Here's hoping Microsoft allows Rare some wiggle room to create an Xbox One sequel to diversify the shooter-heavy lineup.

v467. Mega Man: Powered Up (PSP) - Cut Man

If there was any justice in the world, then the next two games being represented on SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM would have sold better. Instead, these remakes failed to sell well, and ended up killing any chance of seeing other alike remakes. We so wanted Mega Man: Powered Up 2 to happen! Still, we're happy we at least got to replay the original Mega Man and Mega Man X with polygonal graphics, updated levels and content, and impressive music.

v468. Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X (PSP) - Sigma Palace Stage 1

Mega Man: Powered Up added a ton of content, but Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X wasn't too shabby in that regard either. Comparing the two it's no contest. Regardless, Maverick Hunter X changed where the location of the dash capsule upgrade was, remixed the later stages of the game, and added a Vile mode. Like Powered Up, the music was also redone to great effect. While it's not as good as the SNES original, Maverick Hunter X's music isn't half bad.

v469. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (3DS) - Hazy Pass

Roguelikes are for the hardest of the hardcore, but the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games give the genre a beginner friendly touch. Gates to Infinity released this past March in North America, and it's a rather meaty game. The soundtrack is particularly lovely, but it's hard for us to remember a Pokemon game-- spin-off or not-- that had bad music for the majority of its music. Hazy Pass' pan flute gives this track a rustic, earthly feeling-- perfect for exploring the rocky innards of the area it plays in.

v470. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (GB) - Overworld

We like 8-bit soundtracks, as they really show how good a composer is at working with bare minimum. Perhaps it's more difficult to create compelling music for an 8-bit system's sound card than for a system nowadays because of all of the technical limitations. It's very easy to create a mess of a composition that sounds absolutely horrid. Wario Land has some nice music, and we've chosen one of the main themes heard in most levels of the game to represent this 8-bit classic.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Is There A Big Game Coming Out Soon Or Something? Edition

Seriously. What's coming out tomorrow? Nothing big, right? We have no clue, but the internet and gaming community are both in uproars. Maybe we aren't that knowledgeable on gaming after all. In all seriousness, if you can tone down your hype for Grand Theft Auto V (if you even have any), we have our weekly lineup of five video game songs to share. There's Mario, Sonic, and even some F-Zero X to have some fun with! Let's get started!

v461. F-Zero X: Expansion Kit (64DD) - Rainbow Road

F-Zero X: Expansion Kit was a release that only occurred in Japan. In fact, the 64DD, an add-on to the Nintendo 64, only released in Japan as well. That's a shame, too, because as kids we remember thumbing through an old Nintendo Power and seeing coverage of this game, totally hyping us up. We had dreams of creating our own tracks, something the Expansion Kit possessed. Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road made an appearance in the vanilla F-Zero X, but this theme only showed up in the Expansion Kit version.

v462. Mario Sports Mix (Wii) - Koopa Troopa Beach

While we approach the official end of summer in North America, we have Koopa Troopa Beach to listen to from Mario Sports Mix. The game was based off the foundation of the Nintendo DS's Mario Hoops 3-on-3, but it was much more improved and offered three other sports.

v463. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS) - Never Let Up!

Yoko Shimomura is some kind of musical goddess. Her work with the majority of Mario RPG games is hard to top. This boss theme from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team starts out very uptempo, but then it gets decidedly darker, shifting to a minor key. It's a terrific song to battle the baddies on Pi'illo Island.

v464. Sonic Rush (DS) - Raisin' Me Up

Dimps did well on the Game Boy Advance with their trio of Sonic Advance titles. Shifting to the Nintendo DS, they had extra real estate to work with in the form of a second screen. They utilized both to create levels that stretched to both screens. The composer from Jet Set Radio used his skills to create the fantastic soundtrack for Sonic Rush. This ending theme is inspirational and just darn catchy.

v465. Project X Zone (3DS) - Wanderer Road

Project X Zone was a game that many thought would not release in the West (us included). To our surprise it did. However, the actual game wasn't the most exciting one ever devised. For every cool character that would join your squad, there was a tedious and repetitive chapter to wade through. Wanderer Road is the theme of the two main characters of the game, characters who were made specifically for the game.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - The Dreamcast Anniversary Edition

Today is the anniversary of the Sega Dreamcast. To celebrate, we have zero themes from Dreamcast games. Yeah... we didn't realize that the Dreamcast was having its birthday until today, so we already had some video game themes planned for today. Still, happy birthday, Sega Dreamcast. The memories you've given us will not soon be forgotten. Neither will these video game tracks chosen for today either!

v456. Pikmin 2 (GCN) - Awakening Wood

The long awaited Pikmin 3 finally released on the Wii U last month, but we're going to focus on the second game in the franchise. Pikmin 2 was everything that one would expect from a true sequel-- it was bigger, it was better, and it got rid of that thirty days to beat the game hassle. The music continued to complement each area well, as evidenced by Awakening Wood.

v457. Mario Kart DS (DS) - Delfino Square

If you've read SuperPhillip Central, you know our love for Mario Kart DS and its Delfino Square. We love city courses, after all. The race through alleyways, by the pier, and around the main fountain will forever be ingrained into our memories. Oh, and the song that plays during it isn't too shabby either!

v458. Mega Man (NES) - Cut Man Stage

All series have to start somewhere, and with the Blue Bomber that game was Mega Man on the NES and Famicom. Cut Man's level is a nice introduction for beginners. It doesn't have much in the way of danger or difficulty like the Guts Man and Ice Man stages possess. With the stage comes this memorable melody and track that has stood the test of time.

v459. The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse (SNES) - Snow Valley

One of our favorite Disney games from the past is The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse. We enjoyed changing costumes in each of the different lands of the game, such as Magician Mickey and Firefighter Mickey. The music is pure classic Capcom, and it fills us with such immense nostalgia. That's not the only reason for us liking this track-- it's just really chill, no?

v460. Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) - Fantasia alla marcia for piano

Kingdom Hearts II culminates with this closing credits theme, fabulously crafted by the terrific Yoko Shimomura. Fantasia alla marcia for piano features piano, a full orchestra, and a tremendous choir. It is the perfect way to cap off Sora and friends' adventure to save the world.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Labor of Love Edition

It's Labor Day for the United States, but we're not really having five new video game themes to showcase because of that. No, we're showcasing five new video game themes because that's just what we do every Monday. On today's edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM, we have music from classic games, like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, EarthBound, and Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow.

v451. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) - The Dark World

Koji Kondo may not compose a lot of original music nowadays, but his reputation will forever be of a person who wrote some of the most memorable gaming music of all time. His The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past soundtrack is but one of those.

v452. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising (GBA) - Sensei's Theme

Sensei is the oldest character in Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, a tremendous sequel that appeared on the Game Boy Advance and introduced a new foe in the Black Hole army. Sensei's theme is an absolute treat for the ears, somewhat goofy, somewhat militaristic, but 100% good.

v453. Mario Party 3 (N64) - Let's Get a Move On

One of the mini-game themes in Mario Party 3, the final of the Mario Party games on the Nintendo 64, Let's Get a Move On has a whole lot of whimsy and charm. Mario Party 3 is a fun entry in the series, but it happens to be our least favorite of the Nintendo 64 games.

v454. EarthBound (SNES) - Onett

After years of passionate fans wanting EarthBound on Nintendo's Virtual Console service, the game was unceremoniously released one day to the great surprise of many. The ten dollar price tag certainly beats paying a hundred for an original cartridge, now doesn't it?

v455. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow (GB) - Battle vs. Gym Leader

The composers at Game Freak certainly tested the abilities of the Game Boy sound card with their magnificent compositions for Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, the games that started the phenomenon known as Pokemon. It's a particularly tense theme when you're down to your last Pokemon and Blue summons a Blastoise to counter your Charizard!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM - Back to School Edition

For many children, teens and young adults, most are back in school. It seems like the gaming industry is taunting them due to releasing the biggest titles of the year while they're busy with school and not when they all this free time during the summer. We digress, however. This week's edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGM has a wonderful array of games represented, including Resident Evil 4, LEGO City Undercover, and Final Fantasy X. Once you're done perusing this week's VGM, take a look at all past VGM in our VGM Database.

v446. Resident Evil 4 (Multi) - Infiltration

While the rest of the themes on this week's edition are melodious, Resident Evil 4's Infiltration is meant to bring a sense of atmosphere. That's the track's main goal, and it does it splendidly.

v447. Ys Seven (PSP) - In the Bustling Square

Phil has been playing through Ys Seven recently and has been really enjoying it. He suggested we add In the Bustling Square, the theme of the Althago City, to the ever-expanding list of VGM. It's a theme perfect for the kingdom where sun shines on the docks, the main plaza, and of course the castle.

v448. Sonic Advance (GBA) - Casino Paradise Act 2

Do you like to swing? Do you have any class? Then you'll most likely love the Act 2 version of the melody of Casino Paradise. The casino level trope is no stranger to Sonic the Hedgehog games, and it made its return in Sonic's first Game Boy Advance adventure. It's a terrific track from an above average game.

v449. LEGO City Undercover (Wii U) - Rex Fury's Secret Base

LEGO City Undercover is one of our favorite Wii U games. Its open world is just a blast to explore, venturing through every nook, cranny and rooftop available. Its soundtrack isn't too shabby, sounding part 70's cop show and part spy movie. The latter is what Rex Fury's Secret Base sounds like.

v450. Final Fantasy X (PS2) - Besaid Island

Coming from Final Fantasy X's impressive soundtrack is the theme from Besaid Island. Starting off softly, the rhythm track comes in, as does the glorious catchy piano melody. Masashi Hamauzu composed this theme, and would go onto write the music for Final Fantasy XIII, one of the only excellent parts of that game, other than the visuals.