Aquatic Ambience and Water Temple.

Little Nemo the Dream Master: Night Sea & ... the other two songs, I don't like either of them... I would have to pick Water Temple.

I loved Little Nemo the Dream Master, the hardest stage has to be the f---ing train (stage 3) besides nightmare land (stage 7).

Super Punch Out (SNES) those music are good too

Mighty Final Fight (NES)

Midnight Club 3 DUB edition (PS2)

those are my things, if you guys have them should put it here to share with everyone else

Little Nemo: The Dream Master - Night Sea
and
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time � Water Temple.

Little Nemo: The Dream Master - Night Sea
and
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time � Water Temple.

We've got a tie in Fight 4 between Ocarina of Time - Water Temple and Sonic Adventure 2 – Dive into the Mellow.

The next person to vote will determine the winner and after that voting for this round will be closed.

I've got to tiebreak and go with Water Temple.

Thanks to nibbish for the tie break. In an interesting turn of events, Donkey Kong Country, seemingly a shoe-in for the finals, was knocked out 5-3 by Little Nemo: The Dream Master and Sonic Adventure 2 dropped a 4-0 lead to lose 4-5 to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Next up...


Round 1

Fight 5

Ristar – Splash Down! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdp6rZgidE0)
by Tomoko Sasaki (1995) for the Genesis
Fun fact: Ristar was created out of scrapped ideas from the development of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Ristar had about the same idea for water music as Little Nemo, but used the Genesis’ superior sound capabilities to layer several effects on top of the walking bass-line backbone, such as the memorable opening bells and bubble sound effects. It gets a little more oomph in the second section, but the majority of the song is bouncy and fun.

vs.

Mega Man X5 – Duff McWhalen Stage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdBsmlGT0so)
by Naoto Tanaka, Naoya Kamisaka, Takuya Miyawaki (2000) for the Playstation and PC
Fun fact: Keiji Inafune, character designer for the Mega Man series, supposedly intended X5 to be the last installment in the series, but somebody higher up obviously didn’t like that, because X6 was developed without Inafune’s knowledge, and when he found out what they had done to the story, he had to make changes to his plans for Mega Man Zero to accommodate them.

This song is actually a redo of the Bubble Crab theme from Mega Man X2, and boy does it make the SNES look constricting when you compare the two. That aside, what surprised me is how well the heavily-layered synths and guitar harmonies work with the frenetic opening and abrupt shifts in style. The song opens with a descending bass line that almost makes you think you’re in for a waltz, but on the first repetition the emphasis shifts and then you’re thrown into a church organ-backed riff in 4/4 and then a guitar solo. Somehow it all works.

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Round 1

Fight 6

Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcPSbkS9TQ)
by Koji Kondo (1996) for the N64
Fun fact: Many of the game’s details were inspired by real life. For example, one enemy is based on assistant director Takashi Tezuka’s wife, who, as Miyamoto explained, “is very quiet normally, but one day she exploded, maddened by all the time [Tezuka] spent at work. In the game, there is now a character which shrinks when Mario looks at it, but when Mario turns away, it will grow large and menacing.”

For the second time I’ll crib some old notes from a previous rumble: Here’s one of the most popular tunes from one of the most popular Mario games. “Dire Dire Docks” has Kondo stepping out of the heroic mode without sacrificing any of his strengths in melody or arrangement. Also notable is the surprisingly busy percussion, perking up around the 1:45 mark, which adds momentum to the piece very nicely. This song is relaxing and compelling and warm—a wonderful combination.

vs.

Kirby’s Adventure – Orange Ocean (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv7UobGx9FU)
by Hirokazu Ando and Jun Ishikawa (1992) for the NES
Fun fact: At 6 megabits, it was one of the largest games ever released for the NES.

Kirby’s music has appeared a couple of times now in the rumbles and always seems to lose. I’m guilty of voting against the songs myself. However, the tunes—especially from Kirby’s Adventure—are remarkable for exemplifying the genius of the early composers, creating memorable pieces despite the technical limitations they were faced with. This particular song is one of my favorites, along with Grape Garden.


My votes are for Mega Man X5 – Duff McWhalen Stage and Kirby’s Adventure – Orange Ocean .

Ristar – Splash Down!

Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

Edit: Hehehe, I forgot to bold my choices.

Ristar � Splash Down!

and

Super Mario 64 � Dire Dire Docks

Funnily enough, I've never really been a fan of Dire Dire Docks before today, but I guess I finally heard what I'd been missing before.

Ristar - Splash Down and Kirby - Orange Ocean.

Ristar sounds more 'water-like' to me while (even though I have nice OC remix of it) Dire Dire Docks seems uh... what you say, slow? I try to picture the levels portraying water-like levels (that Link: Water Temple and Sonic: Aquatic Mine) seem like no feel of water though I confused Link portraying more of an ice level with all that shivering because if felt like an icicle is going to fall down or something.

Ristar – Splash Down!

Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

Ristar – Splash Down!
and
Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

Ristar – Splash Down!

and
Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

I've always been a big fan of Ristar music.

Ristar � Splash Down! (i love Ristar music, Sega must bring him back) and Super Mario 64 � Dire Dire Docks

Ristar - Splash Down!

SM64 - Dire Dire Docks

looks like we have the winners right?

Ristar – Splash Down!

There's a great variation of this tune in Break Silence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPvX7zwLu6w). I enjoyed the Megaman X5 track as well - first time I've heard it.

Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

What can you say about this timeless classic? I remember first playing Mario 64 and being in awe of the way the music 'evolved' as you got further into the level. I don't think I'd ever noticed this happening so subtly in a game before. How beautiful, that when you enter the water those floating sting chords appear!

looks like we have the winners right?

Yeah, but my computer won't start up. On my wife's computer and working on it right now. Hopefully, I'll have the next fight up this afternoon.

Thanks to everyone for your votes, patience, and also the interesting comments. My computer troubles have been resolved. As for the rumble, Ristar walloped Mega Man X5 9-1 and Super Mario 64 won 8-2. Next up...


Round 1

Fight 7

Final Fantasy V – Beyond the Deep Blue Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvECfse9yR4)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1992) for the Super Famicom
Fun fact: The game was supposed to be translated into English four separate times before fans took matters into their own hands.

Described in the YouTube comments as a “nice ass song,” this is a peaceful Uematsu tune comprised of a pizzicato string arpeggio, a two-note rhythmic element with a delay effect on it, and a flute-like melody. The short patterns in the music and the choice of string sounds especially fit the other conventions of water music already established in this rumble.

vs.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGPBRaD4VWU)
by Kōji Kondō (2002) for the GameCube
Fun fact: Wind Waker is one of only eleven games to receive a perfect score from Famitsu.

And now for something completely different. Kondō returns to the heroic mode with a huge arrangement of an old favorite driven by cyclopean timpani hits and, of course, the lead trumpets. Lens of Truth said it already when he called it a “sweeping, expansive variation on the original Zelda Overworld theme with undulating ‘cellos’ and ‘horns’” and added “What I wouldn't give to hear this played by a real orchestra!” Well said.

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Round 1

Fight 8

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9vqvfxoRBg)
by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, Morichi Aoki, and Morikazu Aold (2002) for the Game Boy Advance
Fun fact: Prior to the game’s release, Nintendo held a contest where one winner who sang the Pokemon theme song with new, original lyrics would be given this car ( ).

As we move along, it may be surprising how many elements of water themes remain constant. This song starts off with bells that are reminiscent of Ristar’s “Splash Down.” However, “Dive” quickly lays out its own claim to awesomeness with the double-timed bass drum at :21 that leads into a jazzy, winding bass riff, after which the two parts of the song come together nicely, taking on new layers with each repetition.

vs.

Chrono Cross – Jellyfish Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xL3BwRg00)
by Yasunori Mitsuda (1999) for the Playstation
Fun fact: During development, the game was intended to be short with an emphasis on a “befriend anyone” system whereby the player could turn any NPC into an ally in battle. This was supposed to ante up on Chrono Trigger’s previously impressive number of endings. However, as production continued, the length of the game’s main storyline increased, the number of playable characters was reduced to 45, and most of the endings were scrapped.

I’ll take any excuse to listen to some of Mitsuda’s music. Limited to just a bass line, some light piano, a simple string line, and bubbling noises, this song is still extremely effective. I just wish the trip undersea were longer, so we had more of a chance to enjoy this song in-game. Some have commented that the descending motif at :18 starting with A# may be a nod to Final Fantasy’s “Prelude.” It’s certainly possible, since Mitsuda worked with Uematsu on Chrono Trigger and Front Mission: Gun Hazard. But I can’t find a quote that confirms it. Nevertheless, this song seems to do more with less than a lot of the other melody-driven or otherwise more kinetic water songs.


I love all four, but my votes are for Final Fantasy V – Beyond the Deep Blue Seas and Chrono Cross – Jellyfish Sea.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive

Choosing between Pokemon and Chrono Cross was pretty difficult, but I think the upbeat one from Pokemon more suits an aquatic level.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea

Chrono Cross � Jellyfish Sea

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea
and
Chrono Cross – Jellyfish Sea

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive

Final Fantasy V - Beyond the Deep Blue Seas

Pokemon - Dive

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald � Dive

Final Fantasy V - Beyond the Deep Blue Seas
and
Chrono Cross - Jellyfish Sea.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald � Dive

I would have to go with Zelda: Wind Waker: Great Ocean and Chrono Cross: Jellyfish Sea.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald � Dive

Well, that was an excellent fight, friends. Thanks to all who voted, and particularly Jessie for the tie break. Wind Waker won easily 8-3 and Pokemon eked out a victory 6-5. Next up�


Round 1

Fight 9

Treasures of the Deep - Wreck of the Concepcion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ES62nkJP_Y)
by Tommy Tallarico (1997) for the Playstation
Fun fact: One unlockable stage puts you in control of a shark who has to eat as many sea creatures and divers as possible.

Tommy Tallarico makes his first appearance in one of our rumbles with Spanish guitars and steel drums�not exactly what he�s known for. But it works very nicely. Although the song gives us yet another new approach to water music, its peacefulness is certainly in line with what we�ve heard so far in this rumble. The back and forth between piano, acoustic guitar, melodic percussion, and distorted guitar to carry the melody is particularly nice.

vs.

Super Mario Bros. � Underwater (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntlQpNRfst4)
by Kōji Kondō (1985) for the NES
Fun fact: The Minus World in the Famicom version is actually different from the Minus World in the NES version. In the Famicom version you go to a glitched World 1-3 that is underwater and contains Bowser, Hammer Bros., and multiple Princess Toadstools.

We all already know Kondo�s waltz and sliding melody, so I�ll keep my description short by just pointing out the similarity between the circular bass line in this song and so many of the other water themes.

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Round 1

Fight 10

Waterworld � Diving (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H5YoFv09uQ)
by Jonathan Dunn (1995) for the Virtual Boy, PC, and SNES
Fun fact: This game is widely considered one of the worst ever. Having beaten it, I can attest to that. But the music is great.

For those that haven�t heard this song before, I�d encourage you to listen to the whole thing. Across the five-and-a-half minutes there is no loop. Each successive section brings something new to the table and pushes the SNES�s audio capabilities into impressive territory. Also, it works as an introduction to the other songs on the small but good soundtrack for this game, which is full of a strange mix of electronic music and heroic melodies that at times are reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country. Too bad the game is no more than three poorly executed mini-games in one.

vs.

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJTk3WZ-GM)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Kouichi Kyuma (2002) for the GameCube
Fun fact: Retro Studios tried to make the boss battles the only difficult part of the game, so that players would not be afraid to explore.

This is an atypically melodic piece (albeit that does fantastic work at establishing mood) on a heavily atmospheric soundtrack. Something mysterious, beautiful, technological, and calming is suggested by all of those slowly decaying glissandos and the lazy piano bass line. A lot of the YouTube comments are about how this song was the only reason they continued through this frustrating level, and maybe that�s the best indication of its quality.


My votes are for Treasures of the Deep - Wreck of the Concepcion and Waterworld � Diving.

Treasures of the Deep: Wreck of Conception totally blown by how this sounds, I felt like I was back in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico sitting by the beach with coke soda bottle (was like 12 when I went with my parents), I want a rip of this CD ;_;, as for Super Mario Brothers, all I have to say f--- cheep cheeps and bloopers and what the hell is this fire swirl thingie doing in the water?! (oh, I never encountered the 1-3 glitch, I thought you don't encounter the water world until world 2, though I could be DEAD wrong, was it in the lost levels? God, that's a hard game.)

Waterworld - Diving was particurally thrilled with the movie though it was an interesting concept, so when the movie doesn't click with me, I usually have no interest in the game, but then that makes me miss out on a few good tunes

Treasures of the Deep - Wreck of the Concepcion: Love Tommy Tallarico, haven't heard this before and really liked it.

Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate

Super Mario Bros. – Underwater
I've never warmed to Tallarico's music, so it's Mario for me. Daydreamy waltzes seem to be something of a Kondo speciality - see also Rosetta's Observatory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u6FRwvF0l0), Music Box House (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH1eO3on_Yk), Piranha Plant's Lullaby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsOR_nOps1o) - and I believe this was the first.

Waterworld – Diving
A new discovery for me here, and I love it! Probably won't mean much to non-British shriners, but it reminds me of the chilled, rhapsodic synth that used to accompany the ITV Schools logo.. Well, a little anyway :)

Thanks again Arthur for some great choices!

Treasures of the Deep - Wreck of the Concepcion
Underwater makes me feel nostalgic, as SMB was one of the 1st games i experienced, but it's still not even close enough to make me vote against this shiny jewel;)

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate
This choice was a bit harder.

EDIT:
Eshvoide, here (http://www.mediafire.com/file/nl1mtwtbmom/Treasures%20of%20the%20Deep%20OST.zip)

Super Mario Bros. – Underwater

Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate

Super Mario Bros. � Underwater

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate

Szczepan: Thank you so much.

Super Mario Bros. - Underwater
That said, the only 3 or so opinions I'd previously heard on Tallarico's music - all negative - are out the window. Tough choice in the end.

Metroid Prime - Underwater Frigate
Ah, another really tough choice. Why do you do this to us? :)

Super Mario Bros. - Underwater

Waterworld - Diving (huh... had never heard this... it's actually pretty good)

(oh, I never encountered the 1-3 glitch, I thought you don't encounter the water world until world 2, though I could be DEAD wrong, was it in the lost levels?)

Yeah, 1-3 isn't a water level normally. But the glitch makes Mario behave as if it is. Check it out here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB2i-QOsBpw).


Probably won't mean much to non-British shriners, but it reminds me of the chilled, rhapsodic synth that used to accompany the ITV Schools logo.. Well, a little anyway :)

Out of curiosity, is this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbPpxZc6L_8) it?


EDIT:
Eshvoide, here (http://www.mediafire.com/file/nl1mtwtbmom/Treasures%20of%20the%20Deep%20OST.zip)

Thanks from me, too!


Why do you do this to us? :)

:)

Out of curiosity, is this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbPpxZc6L_8) it?

Yes! But in that video you only get a few seconds of the piece I was thinking of. It's called 'The Journey' (by James Aldenham apparently). Better version here, followed again by that perky countdown tune, 'Just a minute': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDdiy5ms5NQ&feature=related

They're not alike in theme, but it was the continuous development over 5 mins or more, and the otherworldly, floaty synth that made me think of it. I remember hearing the ITV schools piece as a kid and marveling at the way the melody never seems to end. I used to wish game music had this effect - it always loops too early! I used to spend half my time on Chemical Plant Zone on Sonic 2 trying to imagine how it would be if it went on into variations :) Ahhhhhhh.

Sorry for the digression!

Haha. I wish the same thing for NES songs sometimes, Lens of Truth. :)

Close matches! Both Treasures of the Deep and Waterworld had comfortable leads early on but were overtaken by Super Mario Bros. and Metroid Prime, respectively, in the second half of voting. 5-4 wins for both songs. Next up�


Round 1

Fight 11

Pikmin 2 � Perplexing Pool (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIQzfS1qmh4)
by Hajime Wakai (2004) for the GameCube
Fun fact: Nintendo Power rated Pikmin 2 the 47th best game made on a Nintendo system.

The first shock of this song is how dry and upfront the piano is. While the broken-chord �guitar� sound establishes a water-like atmosphere, the piano disrupts that in interesting ways, laying out the melody forcefully, with a response section from a synthy melodic percussion sound. (Interesting side note: near the :30 mark there�s a sound that�s very similar to one used throughout the EVO soundtrack, another game with a lot of water levels.) Pressure begins building around 1:00 and then rather than bringing the disparate elements together, a cymbal hit sound and a repeated dissonant figure cut through the piece. It�s very odd in comparison to some of other pieces in this rumble�adhering more to the conventions of a prehistoric or earth levels than water�but its play on the conventions we�ve already seen is funny and interesting.

vs.

Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1OSWOvIDME)
by Ichiro Shimakura and Koji Kondo (2000) for the N64
Fun fact: Mario Party 3 won the Console Family Award in 2002.

The fat bass line in this one comes rolling right out and starts a progression that you could imagine for a line dance. The Theremin-like sound that provides the melody is great, too, although if that�s not your cup of tea, the second section returns us to more traditional Mario territory. This has a lot less in play than the Pikmin 2 song, but it also might be more successful at suggesting water because of it.

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Round 1

Fight 12

Banjo-Kazooie � Treasure Trove Cove (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DQfnj33-QU)
by Grant Kirkhope (1998) for the N64
Fun fact: Banjo-Kazooie was originally an SNES project called Dream that starred a boy named Edison who had a bear as a friend.

Steel drums make their second appearance in the rumble to provide this extremely catchy melody. Flutes help out, too, leading us into the moment the drums come in at :25. Throughout the rest of the song, the melody is lateraled from one instrument to another to keep things interesting.

vs.

Sonic CD � Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oi8R4Bnjsw)
by Yukifumi Makino, Naofumi Hataya, Masafumi Ogata, Spencer Nilsen, and David Young (1993) for the Sega CD
Fun fact: The differing Japanese and North American soundtracks gave way to a lot of controversy, including Dave Halverson�s comment that the American soundtrack was an �atrocity� and �elevator music.�

Rim shots drive this 80s-sounding synth-heavy track. While it has some similarities to the other songs in the rumble, using a keyboard to create the circular backbone usually given to the bass, it also breaks convention by using breathing sounds to create a scary atmosphere. �Scary� might not even be a strong enough word, if you read the YouTube comments. One person went as far as feeling guilt, saying, �This is a courage-crushing track. It makes you feel like you really, really screwed up.� :)


My votes are for Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea and Banjo-Kazooie � Treasure Trove Cove.

Mario Party 3 – Deep Bloober Sea

Banjo-Kazooie – Treasure Trove Cove

Deep Blooper Sea & Tidal Tempest

Mario Party 3 – Deep Bloober Sea

&

Sonic CD – Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US)

Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea

&

Sonic CD � Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US)

Mario Party 3 – Deep Bloober Sea
and
Sonic CD – Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US)

Pikmin 2 – Perplexing Pool
I wasn't sure which to go for out of these two. They're both good, but I'm not particularly passionate about either. In the end, the surprising textures of Wakai have to get the credit. His Pikmin scores are seriously some of the most 'modernistic' and inventive in gaming.

Banjo-Kazooie – Treasure Trove Cove
Love this track. Grant Kirkhope is amazing. His music for the Banjo games really draws on that characteristically British, almost cockney 'knees-up' kind of oom-pah bass. This catchy theme actually has same tonic / augmented fifth harmonic structure as the well known Title Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzIZ4zezRTQ&feature=PlayList&p=E54CC18179554B82&index=0).

A further example of how ingeniously unified this music is - the short 'bridge' section beginning at about 0:18 in TreasureTrove becomes the manic main idea in the similarly nautically themed Jolly Roger's Lagoon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPncRJWcJc&feature=PlayList&p=92A880C374B0C6A2&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35) :)

Pikmin 2 - Perplexing Pool
I didn't mind Deep Bloober Sea, but Perplexing Pool was one of the tracks which stuck with me most when playing Pikmin 2 so I've got to give it my vote. (Even as it floats dead in the water)

Banjo-Kazooie - Treasure Trove Cove
BK has always been a favourite soundtrack of mine for good reason; it's amazing.

Pikimin 2 and Sonic CD please!

Pikmin 2 & Banjo-Kazzoie

We've got a tie in Fight 12 between Banjo Kazooie and Sonic CD.

The next person to vote will determine the winner and after that voting for this round will be closed.

Hi guys. I didn't have any success getting in touch with other voters yesterday, and I don't anticipate having internet access through Monday. So between delaying this three more days or flipping a coin to break the tie, I'm just going to flip a coin. It's not the greatest option, but we've let this one run for a while and I think all the regulars have voted anyway.

And the winner is...Sonic CD, on the coin toss. Our other winner is Mario Party 3 (6-4), but it's worth noting that Pikmin 2 made a big comeback in that fight. Onward and upward to the penultimate fights of this round...


Round 1

Fight 13

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nLaQFcr7XU)
by Tim Follin (2000) for the Dreamcast and Playstation 2
Fun fact: It�s probably the only game starring a dolphin that�s listed in the �survival horror� genre.

Couldn�t have an aquatic music rumble without Ecco. There�s great music on both the Sega CD version of Ecco the Dolphin and on Defender of the Future, too, so it was hard isolating one track. But this one does a number of things well�from the choir at the beginning to the strange cluster of sounds that bores through the song to the strings that take over around the 2:00 mark�creating a sense of sanctity, mystery, warmth, and foreboding. It�s dramatic and varied and fits in with the Okami / Metroid Prime model for water music.

vs.

Endless Ocean � Prayer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsGWieSIxW8)
by Secret Garden and Hayley Westenra
Fun fact: Players can transfer mp3s to an SD card and customize their own soundtrack for the game. This was the second Wii game, after Excite Truck, to have that feature.

Our second piece with vocals (after Sonic Adventure 2), this is the main theme for the equally ridiculed and praised Endless Ocean. It has particular importance because the gameplay is exploratory in nature and intentionally slow-paced, and, consequently, the music has to carry the player along for a lot of the experience. The vocal harmonies and lush arrangement just about do that. You can also hear some similarities with Okami in the instrumentation.

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Round 1

Fight 14

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 � Aquatic Ruin Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHa7ph5GLg)
by Masato Nakamura (1992) for the Genesis
Fun fact: This game and Sonic CD were developed simultaneously and initially were supposed to be the same game for different platforms.

A classic Sonic tune with some aggressive percussion, it�s densely layered underneath the melody. The bass line, in particular, is a lot of fun. This has the sound of a full-on attack and should pick up a lot of votes.

vs.

Plok � Beach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ODKKILZiYY)
by Tim Follin and Geoff Follin (1993) for the SNES
Fun fact: The Follin brothers made several interesting technical decisions for this soundtrack, such as using chords as samples and varying the envelopes continually throughout tracks like �Plok�s House.�

This song is never going to give you what you expect. Wait through those opening chords and the little synth line fluttering through and you�ll encounter a big bass line, making you think, �Okay this is a dramatic boss battle type of song.� But the Follin Bros. haven�t even gotten warmed up. Then the Theremin comes in, playfully cutting off the bass line and re-aligning the song with your typical, bouncy platformer type of music, ala Mario. Then everything is shaken up again with the sliding, early hip-hop-style samples from which a phase effect rises up, leading into a guitar solo. A nod to the 1986 Aerosmith/Run-DMC crossover of �Walk This Way�? Probably not. But the beat, samples, and overdubbed guitar are spiritually similar.


My votes are for Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory and Plok � Beach.

Endless Ocean – Prayer

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future – The Shrine of the Conservatory
but it's trully a misfortune, that those two were fated to meet so early:( They are both wonderful and fit this rumble so well.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone Much easier choice than the 1st one.

Endless Ocean – Prayer
Normally I hate this kind of faux-celtic stuff ;) Let's hope mp3 support isn't phased out of Endless Ocean 2 a la Exitebots!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone
Far from my favourite Sonic track (or even Sonic water track), but its still good stuff. Plenty of counterpoint and swaying melody. Nakamura really makes the humble Megadrive sound chip sing.

Endless Ocean - Prayer (somehow I'm thinking of Enya coming up from somewhere and singing Oricono Flow) & Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Aquatic Ruin Zone (almost like all the stage music except for Oil Ocean Zone)

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future – The Shrine of the Conservatory
and
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone.

You made me pick between Sonic and Plok @_@

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future

&

Plok - Beach

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future – The Shrine of the Conservatory
Very nice music. Plus I got a good laugh from the YouTube title; "Ecco DOTF Music - Shrine Of Controversy".

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Aquatic Ruin Zone
Although Plok was very interesting.

Ecco the Dolphin and Plok please!

Could anyone upload Michael Land's The Dig (Lucasarts) please?

Ecco and Sonic.

Ecco and Sonic get easy 7-3 wins and move on. Now for the final fights of Round 1�


Round 1

Fight 15

Blinx the Time Sweeper � Hourglass Caves (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqD7VqHF6Fk)
by Yukifumi Makino, Tatsuya Kozaki, Keiichi Sugiyama, and Mariko Nanba (2002) for the Xbox
Fun fact: Blinx was supposed to be the Xbox�s mascot since Master Chief was considered too violent. But the game�s unpopularity prevented that.

It�s hard to believe this song came out in 2002, because it�s in that great tradition of 80s and early 90s movie songs, like �Nothing�s Gonna Stop Us Now.� Extremely catchy and fun with some nicely atmospheric synths near the beginning, it�s too bad this was the soundtrack for a game that didn�t sell. Note the use of Theremin-like sounds again, too.

vs.

Super Metroid � Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwG-BH3DeE)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano (1994) for the SNES
Fun fact: Despite the game�s similarities to the previously successful Metroid, it took half a year for Yoshio Sakamoto to sign off on the idea. When asked why, Sakamoto seemed to imply that they were waiting for SNES sales to slow down so that the announcement of the next Metroid could give the console an extended life. I guess they were confident in this property.

Another song that�s equally good at establishing atmosphere and creating a memorable melody all in one. This will bring back memories of floating around in Maridia, trying to figure out what you�re supposed to do next. It�s also another one of our scary water songs. While Blinx is the catchier song, this has nostalgia on its side. Should be a close fight.

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Round 1

Fight 16

Final Fantasy VII � A Secret Sleeping in the Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_5zD7rhwPo)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1997) for the Playstation
Fun fact: Uematsu completed the 85-track score for Final Fantasy VII in less than one year.

Nobuo gets knocked around for this soundtrack sometimes, but I think this is a fine example of his strengths in selecting patches and writing strong melodies. It�s slow, insistent, dreamy, and calming. He�s written many water songs, one of which already lost in this rumble. But perhaps this will fare better.

vs.

Golden Sun � Set Sail! Through the Karagol Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyIOgjniohA)
by Motoi Sakuraba (2001) for the Game Boy Advance
Fun fact: Golden Sun was originally supposed to be an N64 game, but with the release of the Gamecube looming, the development team switched it to the Game Boy Advance and split the game in two. Thus, we have Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age.

Mood-wise, this is about as far away as you can get from Nobuo�s song. This song starts with a big fanfare and goes headlong into a loud, heroic theme with lots of timpani hits bouncing around underneath. This is high seas exploration, ala Wind Waker, and should make for a good final fight of the round.


My votes are for Blinx the Time Sweeper � Hourglass Caves and Final Fantasy VII � A Secret Sleeping in the Sea.

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)
and
Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea.

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea

Great descriptions as ever AG - you never cease to amaze me. It makes this thread so much more interesting. Have you ever thought of writing some sort of A-Z of game music? I'd buy it! :D

Blinx: the Time Sweeper

and

Final Fantasy VII

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

&

Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea

Super Metroid (I guess, nothing is yelling at me which is the best song) & Golden Sun (the music is just reminding me from "Beyond the Beyond"... that FFVII song isn't one of my favorites)

Heh, I would have voted for both in the bottom pair had the pairings been different.

Super Metroid and Final Fantasy VII.

Great descriptions as ever AG - you never cease to amaze me. It makes this thread so much more interesting. Have you ever thought of writing some sort of A-Z of game music? I'd buy it!

Well, geez. You�re making me blush here. Thank you for your kind words! You know, if what I post can be useful to you all, or interesting, then that�s a great feeling. That�s all I could really hope for, and reading your appreciation means a lot. To answer your question, I actually do have some stuff on the back burner that I intend to expand into a series of articles. Maybe the A-Z guide will be my next project? Or just our next thread? :) Anyway, I�ll stop myself from going on and on and just say Thank You.

So what have we got with the voting? Easy wins for Super Metroid (6-2) and Final Fantasy VII (7-1). Now on to the next round!


Round 2

Fight 1

Sonic CD � Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oi8R4Bnjsw)
by Yukifumi Makino, Naofumi Hataya, Masafumi Ogata, Spencer Nilsen, and David Young (1993) for the Sega CD
- Fun fact: The differing Japanese and North American soundtracks gave way to a lot of controversy, including Dave Halverson�s comment that the American soundtrack was an �atrocity� and �elevator music.�
- Last round beat: Banjo Kazooie - Treasure Trove Cove

vs.

Ristar � Splash Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdp6rZgidE0)
by Tomoko Sasaki (1995) for the Genesis
- Fun fact: Ristar was created out of scrapped ideas from the development of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
- Last round beat: Mega Man X5 � Duff McWhalen Stage

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Round 2

Fight 2

Mega Man 2 � Bubble Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaJvNNWO_OQ)
by Takashi Tateishi, Manami Matsumae, and Yoshihiro Sakaguchi (1988) for the NES
- Fun fact: Mega Man 2 was novelized by Scholastic in 1990, and in the story Mega Man is turned into a human accidentally.
- Last round beat: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Defuse Bombs (Area 2-2)

vs.

Little Nemo: The Dream Master - Night Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LS3rLwtqA0)
by Junko Tamiya (1990) for the NES
- Fun fact: The game is based off an animated film, which was itself based off Winsor McCay�s dark, violent, surreal comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland.
- Last round beat: Donkey Kong Country � Aquatic Ambiance


Vastly different moods competing in these match-ups. I think Ristar � Splash Down and Mega Man 2 � Bubble Man are the more ambitious and more successful pieces, though. What do you all think?

I think Ristar � Splash Down and Mega Man 2 � Bubble Man are the more ambitious and more successful pieces, though.

Agreed

Sonic CD – Tidal Tempest/Bad Future (US)

Mega Man 2 – Bubble Man

Ristar & Megaman 2

I grew up to Megaman 2 music. Even though I had Super Mario Brothers before I bought Megaman 2. I enjoyed the game rather than listening to the music, but Megaman 2 changed that. My love for video game music began at that point. Little Nemo's songs were good, but Night Sea, Topsy Turvy, and Nemo's House are my least favorite songs on the OST. It's really difficult to say which is my favorite of the three: Mushroom Forest, Flower Garden, or Cloud Ruins. The House of Toys stage made it sound like a train, and it fit very well with that atmosphere. x.x

Ristar & Megaman 2

Ristar � Splash Down

Mega Man 2 � Bubble Man

A travesty in the last round that Tidal Tempest beat Treasure Trove Cove - Ristar is the clear winner here for me. And not much can compete with the nostalgic, dystopian melodies of MM2. I could actually see this one going all the way.

I�m going to go ahead and end this a little early because we�ve got a blow-out and a near blow-out. Big wins for Ristar (5-1) and Mega Man 2 (6-0). Next up�


Round 2

Fight 3

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGPBRaD4VWU)
by Kōji Kondō (2002) for the GameCube
- Fun fact: Wind Waker is one of only eleven games to receive a perfect score from Famitsu.
- Last round beat: Final Fantasy V � Beyond the Deep Blue Sea

vs.

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nLaQFcr7XU)
by Tim Follin (2000) for the Dreamcast and Playstation 2
- Fun fact: It�s probably the only game starring a dolphin that�s listed in the �survival horror� genre.
- Last round beat: Endless Ocean � Prayer

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Round 2

Fight 4

Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1OSWOvIDME)
by Ichiro Shimakura and Koji Kondo (2000) for the N64
- Fun fact: Mario Party 3 won the Console Family Award in 2002.
- Last round beat: Pikmin 2 � Perplexing Pool

vs.

Super Mario Bros. � Underwater (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntlQpNRfst4)
by Kōji Kondō (1985) for the NES
- Fun fact: The Minus World in the Famicom version is actually different from the Minus World in the NES version. In the Famicom version you go to a glitched World 1-3 that is underwater and contains Bowser, Hammer Bros., and multiple Princess Toadstools.
- Last round beat: Treasures of the Deep - Wreck of the Concepcion


My votes are for The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea and Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea. In my opinion, Ecco can�t match Wind Waker�s swagger, charm, or sense of adventure. Ecco has beauty, but it feels burdened down by all of those synths, flutes, choral passages, strings, organs, and sound effects. It�s not something I�d want to listen to over and over again. As for Deep Bloober Sea, it�s not as catchy as Underwater, it�s not as important to vgm history, but it�s more interesting to me and more successful at suggesting water. Even ignoring technical limitations, I enjoy it more, so I�ll throw it a vote, even though I suspect it won�t win. :)

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea

Super Mario Bros. – Underwater

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future – The Shrine of the Conservatory

Super Mario Bros. – Underwater

The Wind Waker and Super Mario Bros.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – Great Sea

Super Mario Bros – Underwater

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – The Great Sea

Super Mario Bros. – Underwater

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory

Super Mario Bros. � Underwater

<B>Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory
and
Super Mario Bros. � Underwater

Thanks to everyone for voting. We�ve got victories for The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea (5-3) and Super Mario Bros. � Underwater (7-1). Now for the penultimate fights of Round 2�


Round 2

Fight 5

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 � Aquatic Ruin Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHa7ph5GLg)
by Masato Nakamura (1992) for the Genesis
- Fun fact: This game and Sonic CD were developed simultaneously and initially were supposed to be the same game for different platforms.
- Last round beat: Plok � Beach

vs.

Final Fantasy VII � A Secret Sleeping in the Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_5zD7rhwPo)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1997) for the Playstation
- Fun fact: Uematsu completed the 85-track score for Final Fantasy VII in less than one year.
- Last round beat: Golden Sun � Set Sail! Through the Karagol Sea

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Round 2

Fight 6

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJTk3WZ-GM)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Kouichi Kyuma (2002) for the GameCube
- Fun fact: Retro Studios tried to make the boss battles the only difficult part of the game, so that players would not be afraid to explore.
- Last round beat: Waterworld � Diving

vs.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time � Water Temple (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPPgtw887NY)
by Kōji Kondō (1998) for the N64 ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU)
- Fun fact: Songs from this soundtrack have a habit of winning around here.
- Last round beat: Sonic Adventure 2 � Dive into the Mellow (Aquatic Mine)


My votes are for Final Fantasy VII � A Secret Sleeping in the Sea and Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate. I love Sonic's music, but I think FFVII has the stronger song�from the melody to the backing instruments to the patches used to the appropriateness to our theme. It's tough to vote against Sonic, but I have to here (maybe I�m also avenging Plok :)). The other one's a bit easier. While I think Water Temple is good at establishing atmosphere and tension, Underwater Frigate has such beautiful simplicity that I admire it without even having played the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone

Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate

Making me choose between Sonic 2 and Final Fantasy VII? How cruel. :) Anyway, it's sad that one of these has to leave the rumble so soon.

Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea
and
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Water Temple.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 � Aquatic Ruin Zone

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate

Though I'll be unhappy about not being able to pick Water Temple for a day or two :P

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Water Temple

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone

&

Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate

Only one I can get behind is Underwater Frigate.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 � Aquatic Ruin Zone

&

Metroid Prime � Underwater Frigate

Final Fantasy VII – A Secret Sleeping in the Sea

&

Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate

Apologies for any distress the choices cause. :) Sonic 2 (5-3) and Metroid Prime (7-2) move on. And here we are at the final match-ups for Round 2�


Round 2

Fight 7

Super Metroid � Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwG-BH3DeE)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano (1994) for the SNES
- Fun fact: Despite the game�s similarities to the previously successful Metroid, it took half a year for Yoshio Sakamoto to sign off on the idea. When asked why, Sakamoto seemed to imply that they were waiting for SNES sales to slow down so that the announcement of the next Metroid could give the console an extended life. I guess they were confident in this property.
- Last round beat: Blinx the Time Sweeper � Hourglass Caves

vs.

Super Mario 64 � Dire Dire Docks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcPSbkS9TQ)
by Koji Kondo (1996) for the N64
- Fun fact: Many of the game�s details were inspired by real life. For example, one enemy is based on assistant director Takashi Tezuka�s wife, who, as Miyamoto explained, �is very quiet normally, but one day she exploded, maddened by all the time [Tezuka] spent at work. In the game, there is now a character which shrinks when Mario looks at it, but when Mario turns away, it will grow large and menacing.�
- Last round beat: Kirby�s Adventure � Orange Ocean

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Round 2

Fight 8

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald � Dive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9vqvfxoRBg)
by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, Morichi Aoki, and Morikazu Aold (2002) for the Game Boy Advance
- Fun fact: Prior to the game�s release, Nintendo held a contest where one winner who sang the Pokemon theme song with new, original lyrics would be given this car ( ).
- Last round beat: Chrono Cross � Jellyfish Sea

vs.

Okami � Dragon Palace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BzfgI1VqtI)
by Masami Ueda, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Rei Kondo, and Akari Groves (2006) for the PS2 and Wii
- Fun fact: At the 2008 BAFTA Video Games Awards, Okami won Best Score.
- Last round beat: Tetris Attack � Water World


My votes are for Super Mario 64 � Dire Dire Docks and Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald � Dive. The two I picked are the more kinetic pieces, so maybe that's just a reflection of my mood right now. Certainly, Super Metroid and Okami are both deserving to move on. But bringing in the drums so belatedly into Dire, Dire Docks to transform the piece from calming to driving gives it that extra edge for me. And that second section in Dive, where the ascending line stays the same but the bass line begins that start-stop pattern underneath is fun and interesting and makes me want to keep listening.

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)
and
Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive.

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald – Dive

Super Mario 64 – Dire Dire Docks

Okami – Dragon Palace

Super Mario 64 and Okami.

Super Metroid � Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)
and
Okami - Dragon Palace

And so we�re down to eight. Those were two extremely close fights with Super Metroid and Pokemon both winning by a single vote (4-3). That may be a sign of things to come with so many popular tracks here in the quarterfinals. Really, for the rest of the rumble, I could imagine any match-up going either way. Should be interesting, so let�s get started with�


Quarterfinals

Fight 1

Super Mario Bros. � Underwater (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntlQpNRfst4)
by Kōji Kondō (1985) for the NES
- Previously beat: Treasures of the Deep � Wreck of the Concepcion, Mario Party 3 � Deep Bloober Sea

vs.

Super Metroid � Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwG-BH3DeE)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano (1994) for the SNES
- Last round beat: Blinx the Time Sweeper � Hourglass Caves, Super Mario 64 � Dire, Dire Docks


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Quarterfinals

Fight 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 � Aquatic Ruin Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHa7ph5GLg)
by Masato Nakamura (1992) for the Genesis
- Previously beat: Plok � Beach, Final Fantasy VII � A Secret Sleeping in the Sea

vs.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGPBRaD4VWU)
by Kōji Kondō (2002) for the GameCube
- Previously beat: Final Fantasy V � Beyond the Deep Blue Sea, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future � The Shrine of the Conservatory


My votes are for Super Metroid � Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area) and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea. At this point, it's really just down to personal taste. All of these songs are deserving. One thing to notice in Super Metroid: throughout the song there are subtle ways in which the composers are playing with your expectations. For example, the held bass note during the lull at :50 wavers just slightly, and later at 1:08 the flute playing the melody suddenly drops out and the space is filled with a very similar but lower-volume patch that almost seems like it could be the main flute, but it's not. All of this works to create a sense of uneasiness and unpredictability in the song.

Super Metroid – Maridia (Rocky Underwater Area)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Aquatic Ruin Zone

Super Mario Bros. and The Wind Waker.

Super Mario Bros. - Underwater

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker � The Great Sea