Lurker > tazzyboyishere

35. The 3 Karma ~ Decisive Battle
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95vJdI-XNE4
@Haste_2 (1/5)

Few franchises manage to nail every single final boss theme, but Shadow Hearts does just that. While 3 Karma is the weakest of the three, its still a banger. Takes some hints from Imbroglio with its creative use of bells mixed with some powerful industrial drumming and melancholic strings. I will say the first 1:30 are peak, and the track never gets back to that level of energy again. Unfortunate, because this could have been even more special than it already is. I guess we just have to settle for a really good theme instead.

34. Fortune Favours the Bold
Dicey Dungeons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xs4CnLqBs
@Disillusion (2/5)

Oh dang, this isnt what I was expecting when I saw Chipzels name on the video. I only know them from Hexagon, but this is quite the departure from that. Extremely funky with an understated sinister vibe. I dont like the crowd noise, but other than that, this is extremely catchy and just gets better as it continues moving forward. The last minute and a half is peak.

33. Final Battle -Demon Vesper-
Zwei: The Arges Adventure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTqwGW5ZKYc
@hbthebattle (1/5)

All-time Falcom classic right here. Its not got the type of energy youd expect from a traditional boss theme, but makes up for it with a genuinely addicting driving melody. This goes HARD on the Celtic instrumentation, and its fucking wonderful. Feels like such an inspirational song. I bet Zwei is a pretty cool game.

32. The Sun Rises
Okami
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya3yxTbkh5s
@waveshine_2001 (1/1)

Classic jam right here. The Okami soundtrack is filled with them, but this truly is one of the greatest. The inspiring melody mixed with all the traditional Japanese instrumentation and the occasional wolf howling all comes together beautifully to create something truly special.

31. C-R-O-W-N-E-D
Kirbys Return to Dream Land
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0BC050QG-Y
@Disillusion (1/5)

Yet another Kirby final boss that sounds like its the end of the world if the world was made of candy. Seriously, the aesthetics in these songs fucking rule. The strings sound great and they match the brass quite well. The innocent whimsy driving it forward is what seals the deal, though. Fantastic track.

You are voting for the character as a whole, not just their 80s appearances!!

BRACKET: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tlist.cfm?tid=477688

Previous Results:

(6) Toad - 13
(3) Link - 17

(7) Death - 14
(2) Donkey Kong - 14

Today's Matches:

(1) Mega Man
First Appearance: Mega Man (1987)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/a/a23dfb01.png
vs.
(5) Ridley
First Appearance: Metroid (1986)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/0/0ea236f5.jpg

(7) Death
First Appearance: Castlevania (1986)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/5/57a07f41.jpg
vs.
(2) Donkey Kong
First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/a/ac1de6db.jpg

Easy Vote:
Mega / Ridley
Death / Kong

39. Lavide
REFLEC BEAT colette -Spring-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haoGCu55cuU
@NFUN (1/5)

Was planning this to say this sucks with that intro, but the instruments kick in and now I have egg on my face, damn. This is some good shit aside from the vocalist who Im not a fan of. That backing guitar is fucking brilliant, and the way it harmonizes with everything else is catchy as hell. Then some Nekomata Master flutes kick in and those are the best. Is this Nekomata Master? Im on a flight and will look it up later but this is more a first impressions ranking than something to take seriously, so I guess Ill google it when I have WiFi then never update this writeup (I lied and am editing, it's not). Anyway, this is a little higher as an instrumental, so thats a shame, but being fantastic instead of a masterpiece is barely a problem.

38. Brainiac Maniac
Plants vs. Zombies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVjxtiAZsBQ
@Disillusion (3/5)

PvZ has some nice vibe music. That lo-fi guitar is magical. It really is an underappreciated soundtrack, at least on this board. Shigihara does so much with so little and its wonderful. Even as a final boss theme, it feels quite warm and charming, even a bit innocent. Good stuff.

37. Last Battle
Tenshi no Uta II: Datenshi no Sentaku
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fGLN418axY
@banshiryuu (3/5)

Oh hey its Michiko Naruke! Yknow, despite the first Wild Arms being among my favorite soundtracks, I havent really explored her other works. I definitely need to, as this is quite a good one. Sounds like if you ran an 90s anime OP through a PC Engine and it slaps. Never a dull moment here. No notes, this is rock solid anime music.

36. Final Duel
The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_szPvIB3Y4A
@tgs2 (2/5)

A genuinely unhinged song in all the best ways. Mashes a bunch of concepts into itself which should never work together, but prevails in spite of this. Shrill violin + absurd guitars + screaming lady + synth drums is not a combo I would typically look for in a song but dammit, it sounds so good. Anyway, I feel like I have been occasionally hearing this song shared across the board fo well over a decade, so its incredibly nostalgic despite me never having even touched this game. Think this is an Ed Bellis find, may his soul rest in peace. Needs to be put into a new VGMC so I can watch it lose to RPG map music.

Oops, Yo-Kai Watch link:
https://youtu.be/G_jz6jTeU9A?si=KOuBIUPqZ1vUuXqM

Idk who they are, but that doesn't really matter. I'm responding to this one topic, not evaluating how these actions line up to others.

Just going to get this out of the way since it's the last tier 4 song and also it's kinda funny...

40. Moonstruck Blossom
Kirby Triple Deluxe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSG9Z9NopVg
@DireKrow (2/5)

Does any franchise feature consistently great final boss themes as well as Kirby does? I honestly dont know. It wasnt even on my radar when I thought of this topic ranking, but damn, there arent many misses there. Even weaker ones like Marx are still pretty solid. Anyway, this is another win for the series with a great bop that hovers right around the top 5 of Kirby battle themes. Ill put this basically right on par with Roche Limit, if only because its a much more digestible listening track. Roche Limit may have been host to a more memorable fight, but it can be exhausting to listen to casually.

Spreadsheet again: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1azDQFmeWu5xTKGaibGraRoHnTZPPQkbFSLXuh7dM2CY/edit?usp=sharing

Btw having to do math on the fly is a skill you have to learn. Lots of people struggle with basic addition or subtraction due to a variety of factors (lack of education, dyscalculia, etc.). It's not really funny or surprising that someone isn't able to do a basic logic puzzle. And people are likely less inclined to engage that while working a minimum wage gas station job. It's just weird and kind of annoying to brag about this/make fun of this random person on an internet message board.

This is the most boomer topic you could make

I was being facetious, it's like 2nd or 3rd

Link
Kong

45. Second Dark Matter Battle
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4RUegWPdis
@xx521xx (1/5)

I should probably play the Mystery Dungeon games. The music is way better than the mainline games from my experience. This song in particular is sufficiently epic while being pretty interesting with it's instrumentation. I like all the different woodwinds at play through each part of the song. Sounds VERY neat.

44. The Seal Is Broken
Blue Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otT5xlbjpjo
@pyresword (1/2)

Its got nothing on Eternity, but few songs do. The operatic vocals arent my thing in basically any song and that doesnt change here. The backing buttrock is, however, definitely my jam. It sounds really good. Id much prefer this as an instrumental. Lots of crazy energy going on all throughout and its all pretty solid stuff.

43. Last Battle
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyZl16tC1Fw
@Anagram (2/5)

Sorry Koji Kondo, no disrespect, but as much as I adore this game, Ocarina of Time might have the single most overrated soundtrack in gaming. Its sufficiently lacking in themes with any sort of complexity, and the best songs are literally just atmospheric noise vaguely resembling music. The N64 soundfont is dreadful when trying to create anything of traditional-sounding quality, and only works well when used with fairly experimental styles like Rusty Bucket Bay, the greatest video game song ever. Weirdly enough, this is actually probably the best song in the game and I never noticed it before this topic. Thats not a huge achievement for me, but its still one worth noting. I love how understated the brass is, just enveloped in the iconic moaning present in a number of songs from this era of Zelda. The frantic drumming on top of everything is what seals the deal for me. Its reeled in enough not to be overbearing but still driving everything forward. Cool song! Always great to discover something new in a familiar space.

42. The End of the Beginning
Wild Arms 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4vhfCr7sjg
@Lord_Bob_Bree (2/5)

Wild Arms has got quite a few bops. Ive always liked how they try to lean into the Morricone spaghetti western vibe while remaining rooted in a more traditional JRPG sound from the era. The percussion is really snappy and plods along well. The whistling is fantastic, which may or may not be a hot take. I typically dont like whistling in songs, but here its blended in and artificial enough to just sound like a sharply pitched string instrument. Very cool indeed. While this doesnt touch Lord Blazer, this is still a solid song, and one I hadnt heard previously. Thanks!

41. Two Planets Approach the Roche Limit
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paw4n5xmqxQ
@paperwarrior (1/4)

Kirby really has no shortage of phenomenal final boss tunes. That the final boss of a Kirby game is going to have one of the best backing tracks in the game is a known quantity. Forgotten Land, despite being the best game in the series, ran a little weak in the music department. A number of songs just kinda blend together with one another despite every stage having its own little jam. Hell, you can even make Waddle Dees perform the soundtrack for you in the hub. But Two Planets is quite good in spite of such qualms. On top of having the best name for a song ever created, its got this wonderful thumping melody that hits the dopamine hard. Specifically the second half of the song. Id probably like this more if it was just that, but songs dont work that way all the time.

50. Do or Die
Medarot 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-I-SUAHHt8
@FL81 (2/5)

Definitely a lot more complex than most Gameboy songs, which can sometimes be a detriment, but the engineer here seems to have a solid grasp of how to bring out the best of the Gameboys sound capabilities. Its got the crunchy exterior, but its smooth going down. The introduction is a bit longer than it needs to be, but maybe theres some thematic reason. Once we hit the 50-second mark, it gets awesome and stays awesome. In a way, its probably good the buildup is so long, as it makes the payoff feel even more desirable, therefore better when it hits. Good stuff.

49. Final Battle, Are You Ready?
Yo-Kai Watch
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MM_O-RvvFyo
DragonGargoyle (1/5)

Holy crap, I was not ready. This is such a fun, unique song, with some downright unhinged instrumentation. More Songs need to go for that corny spooktune vibe. My dream is a spaghetti western track with such instrumentation but idk how to make music. Anyway, I don't really like how it plods along in the middle, but it's sandwiched between fantastic verses. Huge surprise from a game I could best describe as 'bad'. This song can't save that, unfortunately.

48. Battle with the Devil
Tsugunai: Atonement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FCGR8ctn0s
@MaxGalactica (1/5)

Classic Mitsuda track. Kind of a mix between his work on Chrono Cross and Xenosaga I. It does get a bit too slow leading into its loop, but its a small price to pay for some good celtic jamming.

47. Live and Learn
Sonic Adventure 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1BRZg0GG0A
@hombad46 (3/5)

Imagine your magnum opus being Live and Learn. Seriously, just imagine it! Its a pretty good song. Crush 40 doesnt make a whole lot of those, but its cool they have this one and probably a few others. That its their magnum opus isnt an insult. Not sure where I was going with there. This is a very cool, very catchy song. Feels epic as hell in-game to, which is a pretty solid bonus.

46. Last Battle
Cave Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zW7Dmx9WYQ
@DireKrow (3/5)

Cave Story was one of the first story-heavy games I experienced and its stuck with me ever since (my username on basically every other site, RoboQuote, is actually a reference to this game. MCs name is Quote and he is a robot, GET IT? Anyway the soundtrack slaps, and, as a result, this song slaps. Good stuff.

Bowser
Alucard

55. Second Armageddon
Arcana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zso9azHSzxA
@FLOUR (1/5)

Pretty cool track from some SNES RPG Ive never heard of. Reminds me of Kirby, oddly enough, which Im certain wasnt the intent. Wait, I just looked this up and this came before Super Star. Shit, thats pretty wild. Classless stuff from Ishikawa (I know this isnt how it works, please dont be mean to me. This is my 172nd writeup, let me say incorrect things)(p.p.s, this is literally an Ishikawa track lmao). But yeah, this is quite solid. Really appreciate some of these weirder nominations, even if a lot of them got put in the trash tiers.

54. Decisive Battle! Saruin -Final Battle with Saruin-
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFJu5FgSNQo
@TheArkOfTurus (1/5)

I think this is one of those classic VGMC tracks, so this has a lot of nostalgia for me, despite never having experienced it in-game. I did play Minstrel Song, but it's got a lot of pretty dumb mechanics despite being a fairly interesting game. Anyway, this song rules. It's just a bunch of guitar-wailing and it's awesome. Solid backing melody and synths as well.

53. Egg Reverie
Sonic Mania
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZG5Uf6JTDE
@Disillusion (4/5)

One of the only new standouts from Sonic Mania to me. It sounds like its going for a mix of the Genesis tracks and the Adventure tracks and it sounds great. Fun guitar work, neat synths, and some vocals going BA BA BA which is usually pretty cool. No different here. Great stuff Sonic, I can usually count on you to have memorable music, good or bad.

52. The Extreme
Final Fantasy VIII
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DqPVakFkOw
@trdl23 (3/4)

Already talked about this in the board ranking topic: Man, I used to think this song was a fucking masterpiece when it won its VGMC title. But uh, I've mellowed out a bit on it. It's really kinda cheesy which is every PS1 Final Fantasy song to be honest. Those sound fonts or whatever the appropriate term is just sound really silly despite Uematsus clear skill at creating awesome melodies. Maybe I'm alone in this thought but all of these songs would sound better in a prior or future console generation. Anyway, this song is great for sure, probably the best final boss theme in the franchise (Present tazzy note, it's not), which is some pretty strong competition. I guess you could even say its some extreme competition LMAOROFLXD.

51. Final Boss
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc-lK-psNy4
@dowolf (1/5)

Sonic games really knew how to make the Genesis sing. This song is intense, catchy fun. Simple as that. Perfect song to fight a large robot to. The constant farting noises are awesome, they just sound so good. I do wish this was the Generations version though. That song somehow bangs even harder. Guess it just goes to show how good this melody is that the corny metal cover is actually better.

60. Resurrection
Gitaroo Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CiwoHS725w
@paperwarrior (3/4)

Gitaroo Man is the most butt-rock name for a musical experience, and this song delivers on that mantra. Weve got the random shredding of guitars without regard for what else the song is doing. You have the squawking solos that sound lame as hell. The only thing were missing is a vocalist who peaked in middle school. These songs can be quite fun despite how cheesy I think they are, and this one is no exception. It's a great ride all the way through. Gitaroo Man seems like a fun game. I should play it someday.

59. The Final Battle
Final Fantasy IV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ong5k7NAbQ
@WhiteLens (2/4)

There were a lot of Final Fantasy songs nominated for some reason. I mean, does anyone even have a unique thought anymore in regards to the final battle theme in FF4? Uematsu didnt even give it a real name. But its quite good regardless. Sets the stage for a great fight while being distinct in its own ways until a bunch of other songs released and took the exact structure, turning this into one of the most generic themes ever. Idk, is this considered a hot take? Its still some good shit.

58. The Midnight Carnival
Guilty Gear X2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKJ9AVrpM9s
@paperwarrior (2/4)

I really enjoy the Guilty Gear X2 soundtrack. It goes hard with its melodies, and Im less of a fan of the direction taken by recent games, with the use of vocals that just get a bit too cheesy for my liking. By no means is this not cheesy as hell, but I guess its subtle enough because I used to not think this type of song was cheesy? Rather than psychoanalyze my beliefs, let me just say that this is pretty fucking great. It's got the same appeal as some of the game's most powerful tracks, in that it's constantly moving forward at a breakneck pace. Ishiwatari knows exactly what he wants to elicit from his tunes, and they're basically always perfect expressions of their particular characters. Man, this game rules. I wish it weren't a fighting game, since I suck ass at them.

57. IDOLA The Strange Fruits
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ6ZW5wv13A
@Haste_2 (2/5)

This is pretty solid. I like the gurgling guitar a lot, and I wish more video game songs used such instrumentation without diverging into full-blown rock/metal. It works hella good with the orchestral arrangement. Most of my listening experience from this franchise comes from PSO2 since that's what gets into VGMC, but this blows the socks off anything I've heard from that game. The part that kicks in at 1:29 is just so damn good, I love it.

56. The Strongest Foe
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pzcqZTVfDI
@FLOUR (2/5)

Hell yeah, classic Ys guitar-shredding. Love the hell out of this. I kinda expected it to move away from the guitars once the melody picked up, but it leans into them harder and it rules. It's extremely fun and catchy, and it never lets up on that. Wonderful stuff.

Subterranean Sunrise
The Stygian Study
KSante, The Pride of Nazumah

Mike
Boss

Radix posted...

oh hey i somehow missed this topic for like 2 weeks there. kinda surprised that was my lowest rated pick but hey it just has to be that way sometimess

Holy shit, he said it

Northeast Frost Street
Faded Dream of a Psychomeddler
Two Planets Approach the Roche Limit

65. Tidal Rush
Splatoon 2
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MM_O-RvvFyo
@DragonGargoyle (2/5)

Feel like the silly vocals should be throwing me off of this quite a bit, but they're honestly not bad. The song would still be better without them, but I guess they give it more of an identity. Without them it sounds like it's from Kirby, which is always good, as everyone can probably tell at this point. I like how well it plays with its melodies. Really fun song.

64. Divine Madness
Epic Battle Fantasy III
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYk3jum1Xcg
@tgs2 (3/5)

Those drums rule. Just gimme them drums. Rest of the song is quite solid, if a bit shallow. It churns into some pretty interesting sounding bits, but that interest struggles to develop. But then 3:06 hits and Im all like wow. Overall a bit disjointed at times, but picks itself up regardless. Very neat song.

63. Devil Went Down to Georgia
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9cxt6gEEfw
@Natwaf_akidna (3/5)

Trying to remove nostalgia from this song in order to judge it as its own thing is basically impossible. Beating Lou takes a lot out of a man, and that can lead to some pretty personal feelings about a plastic guitar rhythm game. However, this song slaps half the time and it fucking rules. The string of shredding starting at 3:10 is just outstanding. Obviously, this isnt a song to be taken super seriously. Its a metal cover of a literal meme song some racist dude made in the 70s. Anyway, this song is better than that, and Im sure Ouimette is a better person too. I dunno, Ive never heard anything about the guy. Hes good at guitar though. His singing, however, is quite terrible.

62. Ilias Final Form
Monster Girl Quest 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqkbh4TLumA
@Fluttershy_Pony (1/5)

I quite enjoy the driving melody, and most of the instrumentation is fantastic. I especially like the drums, they sound fire. The screeching synth could be replaced by something pitched significantly lower and this would probably have faired a bit better. As is, it's great, so I guess it ain't that big of a deal.

61. It Has to Be This Way
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N72U-NFu44k
@Radix (3/3)

Back when this made a VGMC run I remember hating this and thinking it was winning so much for meme reasons, but you know what? I was dumb back then and I am definitely still dumb. I guess when it comes to my intelligence, it has to be this way. That was a really strong reach to make a joke work and it wasnt even funny, but you know what they say, sometimes people just arent funny and it has to be this way. But this song is pretty good. It has a strong melody and the singer has just the right amount of energy to avoid being boring or overbearing. I honestly wish there was more to it, since it has the legs to make itself into a much better song, but doesnt take the time to add any further layers. Still, this is quite fun.

70. Garys Theme
Pokemon Puzzle League
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHh8haLa3pA
@xx521xx (2/5)

Pokemon World is a pretty solid jam. I know a lot of people have nostalgia for the first theme song, but Pokemon World is a better song, no cap. Problem with this particular song, however, is its just a less engaging version of Pokemon World, so Id much rather just listen to that. Kinda puts me in a bind on how to rank, since a less engaging version of Pokemon World is still pretty good, but also I am never going to choose to listen to this over Pokemon World. For the sake of this topic, I am choosing to lean into that former feeling a bit harder. The song slaps regardless of those feelings, and its perfect for the game, as it maintains that pretty chill opening bit while your wall is relatively low, then seamlessly breaks into that chorus when the intensity ratchets up. Its also objectively better when you have the clacking sounds of moving blocks playing over it. That may sound like Im joking, but I assure you, Im not funny.

69. Great Pursuit ~ The Resolve of Naruhodou Ryuunosuke
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles 2: Resolve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAtJnMEUkQs
@handsomeboy2012 (1/1)

What is it with Ace Attorney and having these super cathartic gotcha themes? At least, Im assuming thats what this is. It sounds like one, and I bet it rules in-game. I do like the crunchiness of the earlier themes better though. It worked better with how snappy the melodies were. Meanwhile this is a snappy melody with a bit too much production behind it. This would sound better on those GBA samples to be sure. Its still a great song, for sure. I just havent had a chance to talk about Ace Attorney music, and the original trilogy music means a lot to me.

68. Silent Howling
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8cWLnah-jw
@NBIceman (2/5)

The provided video did not use the official name so you have no idea how long I was searching around for info before reading the description (3 minutes). Horrible stuff. Anyway, this is a pretty great song. Castlevania games have some great music and Im a little disappointed in how Bloodstained as a whole captured that vibe. I mean, from the gameplay perspective, I feel like these games are just the original Castlevania games if they were made by real people and not Japanese game designers in the 80s and 90s before video games were good. But the music in these games is solid, just rarely memorable. And I feel this one fits into the same category as all the others. The composers are definitely talented, but the music doesnt feel like it has an identity. Anyway, thats my review of Bloodstained music as a whole so never ask me to talk about another one because this will be the writeup. Good song though, and yes, this will also be in the writeup.

67. Origin
Genetos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTCf62Frf5s
@NFUN (2/5)

This song has a lot of cool parts that come together to make quite a cool song. Each part is pretty entertaining and I fully enjoy listening to this one the whole way through. I like the part around 1 minute in quite a bit, and the bit around 2 minutes in even more. Very good stuff.

66. Champion Battle
Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXgAj5KdAC0
@Anagram (3/5)

I have a very conflicting relationship with Pokemon music as a whole. But the early stuff grounded into nostalgic paste? Hell yeah, I go for that. This is the weaker of the Gameboy champion battles but it still slaps. Ive always enjoyed the almost minimalistic feel it has, though thats more due to the Gameboy itself, since the GBA version of this song kinda sucks the appeal from it. The echoes after every note have always sounded cool, and Ill always remember thinking how awesome a metal remix of this song would sound, because I went through a phase in life where every video game song needed a metal remix to reach its full potential.

Snake
Zelda

75. Rebirth the edge
Sengoku Rance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLW78ZV2RSY
@FL81 (3/5)

Isnt this some porno game? Is the final boss losing your virginity? Makes sense because once that occurs you cant really do anything else interesting. Ive never played Rance. Ive also never had sex, but Ive heard its pretty cool. Speaking of pretty cool, this song sure is. I like how unashamed it is to be itself, which I guess makes sense in a porn game. Its fun to listen to, and it also might be fun to fuck to, who knows?

74. Final Boss
Banjo-Kazooie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eKK3CZPKac
@pjbasis (1/5)

I quite like Banjo-Kazooies soundtrack almost exclusively due to how well its melodies fit the atmosphere of the game. Its a perfect soundtrack I would never change, and it plays a heavy hand in Banjo-Kazooie being one of the greatest games ever made. Now, rip these songs from the game and play them on their own, and much of the charm is lost. This is still a solid enough jam, and Im always into final boss themes which play on melodies weve heard throughout the game. This delves a bit into some over-reliance, but none of the melodies overstay their welcome, and they're all pretty great. This is a solid song to fight a dumb witch to.

73. Mustache Girl EX
A Hat in Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg2utHOMapQ
@GavsEvans123 (2/5)

A Hat in Time is always good for delivering solid tracks. This is no different here, as it goes quite strong from start to finish. It's a bit corny, but, I mean, this is a boss fight against a villain named Mustache Girl, so it checks out. It bangs, and I especially like the parts where the drums get heavy, like always.

72. Battle Hymn of the Soul
Persona 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK8vpWIvA9o
@WhiteLens (3/4)

I used to hate this song, primarily because of the part at 1:43 which I used to think was garbage, but now I understand it to just be pretty bad and almost song-ruining. Fortunately, the rest of the song is fantastic. Great mixing of Meguros styles to create a truly surreal piece of music. But we need to talk about the part at 1:43. It derails the flow of the song completely, killing all of the momentum it has going for it. I get the appeal of putting in a reference to a song the player has heard throughout the game to create thematic motif, but it just isnt working here, Shoji. Burn My Dread does the same thing and I'd have ranked that higher tbh.

71. The Unsung War
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjY6awCr2_c
@hbthebattle (2/5)

I truly do appreciate how hard the Ace Combat franchise goes on its music. I feel its style of music is typically prone to be more bombastic and less, yknow, good. But the composers typically do a solid job of recognizing the need to supplement that bombast with phenomenal instrumentation and engaging melodies. This isnt quite on the level as some of the best epics Ive heard from the franchise, but its pretty damn good. I should play the Ace Combat games at some point. The music kicks ass.

80. Final Boss
Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZVSqgehWfQ
@xx521xx (3/5)

Pretty fun song. I especially enjoy when the horns come in. I dont have much to say here, its a solid jam. It's a bit repetitive, but that repetition is of a great melody, and they switch up the instrumentation enough to keep it feeling fresh.

79. Turbulence of Majesty
Twinkle Crusaders -Passion Star Stream-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew1oJhwFKhw
@banshiryuu (4/5)

The very beginning of this song hitting as that first image fades into view is lowkey one of the greatest things Ive ever seen. Absolutely beautiful editing job. This goes pretty hard for such a horny-looking game, which I guess makes sense now that I say that. The part at 1:30 in particular is quite fun.

78. Vagrant Counting Song of Retrospection
Kirby: Planet Robobot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3kaVLT9rBU
@DragonGargoyle (3/5)

I guess it speaks highly to the quality of this franchises final boss themes that one of the weaker themes, this one in particular, is still quite good. It leans pretty heavily into the robotic theme of the game, and it sounds pretty neat, but I feel it loses a bit of the whimsy present in most of these songs. That being said, this still rules. The way it quickly goes through it's set-up to that super catchy bit 40 seconds in is great, and it never really lets it's foot off the gas at that point.

77. U.B.
Parasite Eve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MURppPJVq5o
@Snake5555555555 (1/5)

Ive heard this song before but idk where. Probably in a different ranking topic 10 years ago. This is significantly better than the other Snake noms, mostly because theres a legitimate song in here. Reminds me of something out of Shadow Hearts, which is the highest honor I can give horror JRPGs I think. Just a lot of solid parts that make this song fun to listen to. I especially like the part at 2:36.

76. Final of Puyo Puyo
Puyo Puyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvJcCEKa2Io
@Xeybozn (1/2)

Oh man, thats some good crunchiness. Genesis music is great, but a lot of people are lame and dont realize it. Probably because most composers didnt get how to draw the sound out of it. This isnt up there with some of the all-timers the Genesis created, but its pretty solid. It's great, intense work, and it uses all of that classic Genesis brutality to deliver something quite exciting.

Thief 2014

85. Unwavering Belief
Lost Judgment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcbR3TKN5Dc
@azuarc (2/5)

Oh cool, I feel like every Yakuza and/or Yakuza-adjacent song Ive heard is a bit corny and not very good, but this one is only the former. The dubstep vocals are cheesy as fuck, but somehow sound really cool here. I dont need to explain myself, so I wont, but more because I cant really describe the exact feeling it gives me, but that feeling is good, unlike this run-on sentence. But yeah, this isnt lighting my world on fire but I have a lot of fun listening to it. I do feel it goes on a bit too long, and the section around 3:15 especially overstays its welcome. Once the song regains its energy at 6:26 Ive kinda checked out. I guess thats the struggle of creating one singular song for a multiphase battle. At least Im assuming thats what this is, I havent played the game. Great song though!

84. Edens Door
One Step From Eden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m46ivfO_zWU
@bebr117 (2/5)

This is a pretty fun song. Has super quick synths with a thumping, catchy melody. The guitars are super fun too. Really fun. Fun. But yeah, this is a good song and one which bangs pretty hard, I just don't have much else to say.

83. vs. Nega-Wisp Armor (Phase 2)
Sonic Colors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vup0FSZH4W8
@hbthebattle (3/5)

I always have felt Reach for the Stars had an excellent melody ruined by abysmal production, so its cool to know they did something like this. It results in a much better song for sure. Im not huge on the instrumentation, and the mixing feels a bit off, but overall its a great song with enough of that inspirational charm these Ohtani epics have a knack for.

82. The key weve lost
Xenoblade Chronicles X
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8pFzQ1lyF8
@MaxGalactica (2/5)

I'm glad I get to speak positively about at least one Xenoblade song. I was worried when I heard them teasing the types of vocals I'm usually not fond of (the guy who's doing that weird muttering, the woman is fine), but it's kept pretty short and in the background, though the song still likely sounds better without them. Regardless this is a fairly solid song that feels very punchy despite having the bombast I usually complain about. A fun melody can work wonders for my pop-loving ass.

81. Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USwjWuD0YBg
@tgs2 (4/5)

Has that classic Falcom sound where its the most inspiring shit you hear even though its not too strayed away from generic JRPG battle music. Not sure how to describe that, Im pretty tired. This is good stuff though, probably the best LoH track I've heard at this point in my life. This is primarily because it sounds like an Ys song. The synthesizer or whatever that is fucking rules, and with the guitar helping it, everything about the song just makes me want to bump into shit.

NFUN posted...

the theremin?

Had no clue this was a thing, gotta love it. fixed

90. Final Boss
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk_xjIFlfZA
@pjbasis (2/5)

Pretty solid jam with a nice throwback to the absolute bop that is the overworld theme. A stripped down version, but a version no less. The biggest problem is it makes me want to listen to the Overworld theme instead, which is NOT GOOD for this songs memorability.

89. The Evil Twins
Crash Twinsanity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIeg07SVUJ0
@DireKrow (4/5)

Ha, this is a pretty cool bop. Reminds me of Smooth McGroove. I remember when he was the shit but idk if hes even doing anything anymore, and I will not be checking. Anyway, its catchy and fun while being incredibly unique.

88. 9th Child
La-Mulana 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_buxVAP7m38
@NBIceman (3/5)

Some great energy on display here. While it gets a bit busy and bloated as you continue through it, the overall drive is a fun one. Reminds me of Castlevania but not as distinct I guess, if that makes any sense? (It doesn't)

87. Fly Octo Fly / Ebb & Flow (Octo)
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an7GOmJE7Ao
@-hotdogturtle-- (1/4)

Splatoon music is pretty fucking lame, but sometimes it hits in the good-lame way, whatever that means. I think this is one of those occasions. Super silly and catchy, and the second part of the song rules. Not enough eurobeat appears in VG music, so this is a pretty cool song in my book.

86. God of the Dead
Hades
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVukkhUI-xM
@Disillusion (5/5)

Not enough VG composers really go for this sludge metal sound, so its cool to see, I just wish it leaned a bit more into it. The synths really detract from how hard the rest of the song is going. They just sound silly, Darren, you silly man. Remove them and this probably goes a bit higher. You really fucked up, Darren, I know youre reading this. But yeah, the rest is great stuff.

That one Bubsy reboot

Samus
CATS
Ridley

MacArrowny posted...

That's the version that retired last VGMC :p

Tbf I wrote that prior to the last VGMC, and also tbf I think I only voted in 3-4 matches this last time around.

Is there a link to that?

95. The Heir
Tunic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f3_aB2-nRA
@Simoun (1/5)

It took a couple listens for me to really peg my thoughts down, and I still dont know what to say. The synths are very warm, and even feel a bit cozy, and it sounds really nice all mixed together. It does have some dull bits, but this is mostly a pretty solid comfort song.

94. Dancing Mad
Final Fantasy VI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6UgxJtHIVY
@RySenkari (1/5)

The moment at 1:22 fucking slaps and will never not slap. I wish the entire song were this way, but this is unfortunately a four-part song which stretches to 17+ minutes. While the context of having this length is pretty cool, it doesnt translate into a song that is easy to listen to. At least, not in full. I enjoy parts 1 and 4 significantly more than parts 2 and 3. Id even argue part 2 kinda blows, to be honest. Uematsus talent cannot be understated regardless of my feelings however. No other SNES song manages to create the type of soundscapes Dancing Mad pulls you into, and thats pretty impressive. The scope of the song alone is an achievement worth celebrating. Its just I wish this werent all the same song. Someone should upload a version without any looping of the phases. Thatd be far better than what everyone has chosen to identify as the official song length.

93. The Biggest Dreamer
Digimon Rumble Arena
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBS70leI4YY
@GavsEvans123 (3/5)

Very cheesy, but fun, song. The synths are loud as fuck and the guitar is wailing for no reason and it sounds annoying as shit but in the good ways. Don't have much else to add, this is a bop through and through.

92. Advent of Primp! Satan-sama!
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpF38PZjPM8
@Fluttershy_Pony (2/5)

Great song title! The song itself is pretty fun as well. Its solid, noisy, prog metal junk and pretty catchy. Feels like I'm just being relentlessly attacked for my bad takes or something. It just doesn't let up when that organ pops in and it's harsh and brutal and VERY coolio.

91. Mist
Persona 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxjpvK8xHIo
@bebr117 (3/5)

Never been too fond of Persona music, Not sure I can give much of a reason, but nothing ever really latches on as being particularly great for me. Not even in the supposed greatest soundtrack ever of Persona 5. But Mist is pretty great. Probably the best song in the original P4, but Shadow World still slaps everything else from the game. It kinda sounds like dad rock, so maybe thats my general vibe from Meguro. Just a dude whos favorite band is like, Journey or some shit. As much as I mean that as an insult, it's not really. This is one of the GOOD Journey songs, like Separate Ways, and NOT Don't Stop Believin'. But yeah, the guitar part 1 minute in rules and would've been even better with some different guitars I think.

100. Crocodile Cacophony
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddys Kong Quest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9c4yIvVq3c
@RySenkari (3/5)

Topping Gangplank Galleon was going to be a hard ask regardless of the effort put in. This honestly sounds like a standard boss theme as opposed to a more sinister or threatening sound I personally expect from my final battle themes. Its a shame, because it still sounds solid, just not inspiring when put up against what the first game offered. DKC2 will forever be one of gamings greatest soundtracks, but it was definitely through the strength of its level themes as opposed to its battle music.

99. BT ultimate
Unlimited SaGa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wA2gT_hEbc
Haste_2 (3/5)

I really enjoy what that trumpet is doing. Like a soft call from a mesh of noise. Very cool indeed. Unfortunately, the song doesnt really take the time to develop as a whole. The melody is really good for how much is there, but I would've liked a bit more. That trumpet tho, god damn.

98. Rose-Killing Carmilla
Koumajou Densetsu II: Strangers Requiem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfGbyEzHlMo
@dowolf (2/5)

I feel like I shit on vocals a lot in these write-ups, but I quite enjoy the performance here. Unfortunately, the song doesnt quite deliver on the whole. The song I think Im getting at the start is far different from the fairly standard anime fare we get. Its solid but not particularly exciting or impressive, but the singer is definitely fantastic! Watch it be the same vocalist from a song I trashed earlier or something

97. Meridian Dance
Secret of Mana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IB_acN0M5M
@RySenkari (2/5)

While I prefer The Oracle, this one is pretty solid too, and more appropriately in line with the theme of the series. Pretty much any Secret of Mana song is going to sound good simply by virtue of how well-made the soundtrack is. Every song in this game is layered so beautifully. That technique is less on display here, but its nevertheless present. Solid jam to wrap the games shitty combat up.

96. Battle Against the Masked Man
Mother 3
https://youtu.be/2L4NjsuQoHM?si=GjPKjYYwW9JjAm_x
@DragonGargoyle (4/5)

That constant bassline haunts me. It's so fucking good. I think at this point I've talked about how the GBA has potential to produce downright masterpieces when it's sound is used appropriately. It just rarely is. I wouldn't call this a masterpiece (though that may change if I ever play Mother 3), but this is the type of song I'm talking about. Its highly experimental industrial rock with no intent to work beyond its limitations. It sounds creepy, it sounds heavy, and it would be impossible to appropriately replicate with cleaner production. I do prefer my songs to have more pop to them, so I don't get much out of it on its own, but I respect the hell out of this. Looks like the composer also did the Nightmare in Dreamland music, which is among the best I've heard from the system, so the dude clearly has an understanding of the tech.

Edited the spreadsheet a bit for legibility purposes and added a franchises tab to compare the different series' with 2+ songs for funsies. Here it is again:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1azDQFmeWu5xTKGaibGraRoHnTZPPQkbFSLXuh7dM2CY/edit?usp=sharing

I'll be adding the bottom 100 in hopefully tonight. For write-ups I'm gonna be doing 10 a day until we finish, baby. New write-ups tonight

andylt posted...

Woo, I made it into the top 100 (barely)!. Pleasantly surprised to see Live & Learn still in, too (and 5 other Sonic songs :O).

I really like this one! Cronus and Dramatic Devil Story are good too.

Sonic music bangs, no lie

Luigi
Pit

The Top 100:
A Hat in Time | Mustache Girl EX
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War | The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero | Zero
Arcana | Second Armageddon
Banjo-Kazooie | Final Boss
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean | Violent Storm
beatmania IIDX 27 HEROIC VERSE | EROICA
Blue Dragon | The Seal Is Broken
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon | Silent Howling
Bravely Default | Serpent Eating the Ground
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling | Transcending, Overpowering, Everlasting
Cave Story | Last Battle
Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams | Final Boss
Crash Twinsanity | The Evil Twins
Deltarune | BIG SHOT
Demon King Chronicle | Finalize (void's romantix mix)
Dicey Dungeons | Fortune Favours the Bold
Digimon Rumble Arena | The Biggest Dreamer
Donkey Kong Country | Gang-Plank Galleon
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Crocodile Cacophony
Epic Battle Fantasy III | Divine Madness
Final Fantasy IV | The Final Battle
Final Fantasy VI | Dancing Mad
Final Fantasy VIII | The Extreme
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker | With Hearts Aligned
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest | Battle with the Dark King
Fire Emblem: Three Houses | The Apex of the World (Rain)
Genetos | Origin
Gitaroo Man | Resurrection
Grandia II | FIGHT!! Ver.4 ~ The Final Battle
Great Ace Attorney Chronicles 2: Resolve | Great Pursuit ~ The Resolve of Naruhodou Ryuunosuke
Guilty Gear X2 | The Midnight Carnival
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock | Devil Went Down to Georgia
Hades | God of the Dead
Kingdom Hearts II | Darkness of the Unknown
Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Two Planets Approach the Roche Limit
Kirby: Planet Robobot | Vagrant Counting Song of Retrospection
Kirby Triple Deluxe | Moonstruck Blossom
Kirby's Return to Dream Land | C-R-O-W-N-E-D
Koumajou Densetsu II: Stranger's Requiem | Rose-Killing Carmilla
La-Mulana 2 | 9th Child
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd | Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Last Battle
Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks | Final Boss
Lenna's Inception | The Usurper
Lost Judgment | Unwavering Belief
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story | In the Final
Medarot 4 | Do or Die
Mega Man Battle Network 5 | Nebula Gray
Mega Man Zero 3 | Cannonball (Omega Zero)
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | It Has to Be This Way
Monster Girl Quest 3 | Ilias Final Form
Mother 3 | Battle Against the Masked Man
NieR | Shadowlord
Okami | The Sun Rises
One Step From Eden | Eden's Door
Parasite Eve | U.B.
Persona 3 | Battle Hymn of the Soul
Persona 4 | Mist
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution | IDOLA' The Strange Fruits
Plants vs. Zombies | Brainiac Maniac
Pokemon Black 2 & White 2 | Battle! (Champion Iris)
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky | Dialga's Fight to the Finish!
Pokemon Puzzle League | Gary's Theme
Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow | Champion Battle
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon | Second Dark Matter Battle
Puyo Puyo | Final of Puyo Puyo
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary | Advent of Primp! Satan-sama!
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song | Decisive Battle! Saruin -Final Battle with Saruin-
SaGa Frontier | T260G's Last Battle
Secret of Mana | Meridian Dance
Sengoku Rance | Rebirth the edge
Shadow Hearts: Covenant | The 3 Karma ~ Decisive Battle
Shadow Hearts: From the New World | Lady Tears II
Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces | Final Duel
Sonic Adventure 2 | Live and Learn
Sonic Colors | vs. Nega-Wisp Armor (Phase 2)
Sonic Mania | Egg Reverie
Sonic Rush | Wrapped in Black
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Final Boss
Sonic Unleashed | Perfect Dark Gaia
Splatoon 2 | Tidal Rush
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion | Fly Octo Fly / Ebb & Flow (Octo)
Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition | Theme of G
Tenshi no Uta II: Datenshi no Sentaku | Last Battle
Touhou 7: Perfect Cherry Blossom | Border of Life
Tsugunai: Atonement | Battle with the Devil
Tunic | The Heir
Twinkle Crusaders -Passion Star Stream- | Turbulence of Majesty
Umineko no Naku Koro ni Chiru | lastendconductor
Undertale | Hopes and Dreams
Undertale | MEGALOVANIA
Unlimited SaGa | BT "ultimate"
Wild Arms 2 | Battle vs. Lord Blazer
Wild Arms 3 | The End of the Beginning
Xenoblade Chronicles X | The key we've lost
Yo-Kai Watch | Final Battle, Are You Ready?
Ys: The Oath in Felghana | The Strongest Foe
Zwei: The Arges Adventure | Final Battle -Demon Vesper-

105. Sayonara -Kami Musubi-
Blue Reflection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiA938h4H8g
@Player_0 (2/5)

Another one of those songs I want to say was snuck past me and isnt actually a final boss theme. I mean, if it is, its probably a bad fight. But this is a nice song. Its very pretty, and I love the constant piano loop. It never really does anything, so it loses it's luster quite quickly.

104. One-Winged Angel
Final Fantasy VII
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzQE_7mn8ts
@Anagram (4/5)

I noted in the VGMC champion rankings (fucking ages ago) that this era of FF music is plagued by the technology available to work with. Those farting MIDI trumpets have not aged well. In fact, they never sounded good, you were just fooled by Uematsu being a pretty good composer (Thats the actual hot take here). Regardless of how corny this song sounds all the time, the segment at 3:20 is glorious. Anyway, this song pretty aptly proves my take since basically any official version of this song using real instruments is actually a banger. I saw an orchestra perform it live recently and it slapped. That doesnt really apply to the original, and thats quite unfortunate.

103. Dramatic Devil Story
Disgaea D2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhbBNq2NduQ
@TheArkOfTurus (2/5)

This has a lot of really good stuff like heaviness of the guitars and quick, punchy melodies, but there is way too much going on at any given moment. Hard to feel engaged with those more pleasurable aspects when Im also hearing roughly 13 instruments playing the exact same melody at the exact same time. Am I being facetious? Yes. Does it change my point? Yes.

102. Cronus
Full Metal Furies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QNGLqy_5vM
@Mihark (1/5)

I like A Shell in the Pits work on Wandersong, but the more epic battle scores dont really seem to be his greatest skill. Its the same here, since he does well with creating catchier atmospheric tracks, but it lacks intensity which one would expect from a battle theme. This is a good song, potentially even great depending on how high I am (Im not high at all at the time of this writing, so this is basically hard mode for songs), but its not going to stick like Im sure other tracks in this game do. Play Wandersong though, its brilliant, in part because of the music.

101. CLAMARE
REFLEC BEAT colette -All Seasons-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pniUY2Cx71c
@banshiryuu (5/5)

Its quite intense, and I was thinking I was liking where it was going, but the last quarter loses me. For such a short song, its hard to do set-up and payoff, and I feel this didnt have a chance at making it work. The first 1:25 is great though. I like how freaky it sounds. I just cant get into what it decides to become.

You are voting for the character as a whole, not just their 80s appearances!!

BRACKET: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tlist.cfm?tid=477688

Previous Results:

(1) Mega Man - 16
(8) Princess Peach - 11

(5) Ridley - 13
(13) Trevor Belmont - 13

Today's Matches:

(6) Pac-Man
First Appearance: Pac-Man (1980)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/8/5/AAPyH_AAE6f5.png
vs.
(3) Luigi
First Appearance: Mario Bros. (1983)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/8/7/AAPyH_AAE6f7.jpg

(7) Pit
First Appearance: Kid Icarus (1986)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/0/0/AAPyH_AAE6vw.jpg
vs.
(2) Ganon
First Appearance: The Legend of Zelda (1986)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/0/2/AAPyH_AAE6vy.jpg

Easy Vote:
Pac / Luigi
Pit / Ganon

I will not lie OR beat around the bush people

110. Last Stand
Senko no Ronde: Carpe Diem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zevFQyQNRA
@NFUN (4/5)

This sounds more like a beach level than a final boss theme. Its alright I suppose. I liked where I thought the intro was taking me more than the end result, but thats just the nature of assuming I suppose. The saxophone kicking in halfway through was super neat and I appreciate that.

109. Hand of God
Neon White
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpkWA2r7TDU
@MacArrowny (2/5)

I never really noticed the music in Neon White. Usually thats not a bad sign, since it means its done the job it needed to do, providing the necessary atmosphere to complete the whole of the game, without getting in the way. This song in particular opts far more for a methodical atmosphere, which is probably the correct choice, given how the boss fight plays out. But listening to it on its own is challenging for me to engage. I typically like breakbeat, but have always struggled to engage the heavier, more sinister hardcore type productions. But yeah, this sounds solid, just aint my thing. If you like hardcore breaks, you should check out Golden Boys I Never Meant for This to Happen. Great album.

108. The Prophet
Enderal: Forgotten Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88DxouIKUyo
@Simoun (2/5)

One of those songs where it feels like Im constantly being teased for something greater, only for it to end before getting to where it should have gone.There are two points in the song where I expected it to go into something much broader. The first time it launched back into subtlety and the second time it was over. Its extra disappointing because I like the swelling melody, it just doesnt pop that boil.

107. The Star Graal
The Legend of Legacy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G3QLuvCFbA
@NFUN (3/5)

Not gonna lie, I was ready to dismiss this as dull, but it gets pretty cool later on. I like how all the pieces begin to crush together, though Im taken out of it by the transition to a more mellow tone. Still, parts of this are quite good, just wish it was consistent with that power.

106. Accelerator
Acceleration of Suguri 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg5uhax3OMs
@Player_0 (3/5)

Not gonna beat around the bush, this vocalist blows. Sounds like shes having an allergic reaction but was also just woken up from an 80-minute nap. Certifying this person as a bad singer because that is definitely my job and what I critique best. Anyway, the AoS songs Ive heard are pretty good for the most part. Deku seems to excel at creating these warm synth melodies that just make me feel happy. I just wish the singer wasnt here, because this is quite good otherwise. Like, at least a tier higher, maybe two. Ow well.

Mega
Ridley

Only 2 users left with 5/5

115. Bowser, King of the Koopas
Paper Mario
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uae554l3pE
@xx521xx (5/5)

The guitar and organ dont really mesh well with the otherwise subdued driving melody. I kinda wish theyd have gone in different directions there, because the sinister drums and that initial, uh, horn thing? are really cool. Its a good song, but weird choices were made that kill my vibing with it.

114. Battle Theme 3
Destiny of an Emperor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGAN5JjQBtA
@FLOUR (3/5)

Not bad. I like the shriller bit that comes in after the first verse. Its not very catchy otherwise, which is unfortunate since I like that part a lot. It does have a pretty unique sound all things considered, but it doesnt do enough for me.

113. Sigma 2nd (Hell Sigma)
Mega Man X6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqQuyqES_RM
@MXCM (3/3)

Unfortunately not a very exciting song. Shame, classic Mega Man games usually have great final boss themes, but I dont know that Id say any MMX game has a memorable one. It's a fun guitar song, which is almost always a good time, and I'd say yeah, this is a good time, but good times can only go so far I think I guess maybe?

112. Final Boss
Sonic Battle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56zT5Tlnh0g
@xx521xx (4/5)

I really like the sound of the GBA, and when music is able to capitalize on the inherent disadvantages, it can create genuinely compelling songs. This is, unfortunately, not a great showcase of that. It has flashes of some really cool ideas, like when the booming guitar and sharper guitar are alternating, but ultimately it is trying to do way too much elsewhere. It doesnt really build on the harshness in clever ways, it merely adds pieces together, which would probably sound good with more advanced tech, but just feel washed out in this particular song. I do think it sounds solid, and, like every GBA game, it probably sounds a lot better through a GBA speaker, but I cant say this feels all too impressive given some of the more clever ideas on display.

111. -{EDGE OF THE FUTURE}
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWuuA0lSTRA
@TheArkOfTurus (3/5)

13 Sentinels didnt stick with me in the same way it seemed to stick with a majority of people. I thought the story was fun but the gameplay kinda sucked, and the strange setup of having them separated from each other hurt my simple brain. So I dont honestly remember what the final boss felt like, much less what it sounded like. I couldve sworn it was -[DEOXYRIBOSE]-, which is one of the GOATs, but apparently no, its this much less interesting track. Its still solid, but doesnt do anything particularly exciting beyond having a similar uniqueness to the better songs in the phenomenal soundtrack. That instrument that sounds like a stuttering, broken computer sounds cool as fuck in every song.