VGMpire

The SFV soundtrack is bursting with variety, from incredible remixes to all-new standout tunes that expertly blend musical genres. A new podcast is coming your way SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Opening Theme (SFV Arcade Edition)0:16:58 – Theme of Laura (SFV)0:20:33 – Theme of Karin (SFV)0:23:50 – Theme of Rashid (SFV)0:32:24 – Temple of Ascension Alternative -Japan [...]

We examine seven years’ worth of incredible SFIV tunes, from the 2009 original and to its Ultra conclusion. Download now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Volcanic Rim Stage (SFIV)0:17:07 – Theme of Guile (SFIV)0:20:19 – Theme of Sakura (SFIV)0:23:28 – Theme of Zangief (SFIV)0:29:30 – Overpass Stage – Tokyo (SFIV)0:32:48 – Morning Mist Bay Stage – Vietnam [...]

A new generation of fighters appears, and with them comes an amazing assortment of jazz, dance, hip hop & industrial tunes. Get caught up with the entire Street Fighter III series! Let’s get it on now 54321 SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Third Strike (Infinite, 3rd Strike)0:17:42 – Player Select (New Generation)0:18:14 – Jazzy NYC Underground Edit [...]

Street Fighter moves forward by stepping backwards… in time! Get ready for anime-infused tunes from Alpha 1 and 2, then the insane breakbeats of Alpha 3. Go for broke! SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Opening Theme (SF Alpha 2)0:18:41 – Character Select (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:19:40 – Nash Stage (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:21:39 – Adon Stage (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:23:51 [...]

Here comes a new podcast, and it’s Rocktober in September – Rocktember, baby! Brace yourself for a series of street fightin’ tunes, starting with the arcade original and its world-famous sequel. Surprise! SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title Theme (SFII: The World Warrior)0:07:26 – Birdie’s Theme (SF)0:09:10 – Bonus Stage 2 – Breaking Boards (SF)0:27:19 – [...]

Before we bow out for an indefinite hiatus, journey from 65 million BC to parallel dimensions in this Lavos-sized 150th episode. To far away times SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Presentiment / Chrono Trigger0:25:48 – Guardia Millennial Fair (CT)0:29:02 – Memories of Green (CT)0:32:54 – Wind Scene (CT)0:36:16 – Secret of the Forest (CT)0:48:58 – Battle [...]

A gritty trip to the year 4444 and a gorgeous retro revival are just two of the amazing OSTs we discuss in this second Contra conversation. Download now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Venus (Shattered Soldier)0:17:39 – Fortress (Shattered Soldier)0:21:18 – Battle Train (Shattered Soldier)0:29:31 – Maximum Speed (Shattered Soldier)0:42:56 – Neo Contra (Neo Contra)0:46:49 – Safety [...]

Grab your Spread Guns and hoof it through an audio overload of amazing Contra tunes, from its arcade origins to the 16-bit technological marvels. Download Now 0:00:00 – Jungle Battle (Contra)0:17:56 – Maze Fortress 1 (Contra)0:19:34 – Maze Fortress 3D Boss (Contra)0:21:00 – Waterfall of Bloodshed (Contra)0:22:39 – Shivery Beat (Contra)0:34:52 – Thunder Landing (Super [...]

It’s Kombat Time! Let’s look back on the first four games in this klassic fighting game franchise, from the gruesome arcade original to the polygonal MK4. Download Now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – In The Beginning (MK1)0:22:44 – Hall (MK1)0:24:23 – Courtyard (MK1)0:27:10 – Warrior’s Shrine (MK1)0:30:19 – The Pit (MK1)0:46:00 – Prologue: The Battlefield (MKII)0:47:29 – [...]

Over TWO HOURS of unforgettable music and moments from 2018, including jams from Monster Hunter: World, Octopath Traveler, Tetris Effect, Gris, Celeste, Deltarune and much more! Download Now 0:00:00 – Tite Mites (Astro Bot Rescue Mission) 0:13:20 – First Steps (Celeste) 0:17:00 – Scattered and Lost (Celeste) 0:22:51 – Confronting Myself (Celeste) 0:33:24 – Savage [...]

One of our favorite games of the year also happens to sport our favorite soundtrack of 2018! We sample a handful of tunes from this 8-bit homage while discussing the game’s themes, design and excellent use of new-game-plussery. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Opening 14:23 – Moonlight Temptation 17:43 – Frigid Hell 21:15 – [...]

Oppressive ambiance abounds in this look at the early days of the Fallout series. Download Now 0:00:00 – “Maybe” (Fallout) 0:15:05 – Moribund World (Fallout) 0:18:11 – A Trader’s Life (Fallout) 0:22:11 – Second Chance (Fallout) 0:39:48 – Khans of the New California (Fallout) 0:43:10 – Metallic Monks (Fallout) 0:46:38 – Radiation Storm (Fallout) 0:50:32 [...]

Rock out to the monstrous melodies of Devilish and Alien 3 – two horror-themed Genesis titles that sport inhumanly good tunes! Download Now 00:00 – Clock Tower (Devilish) 09:41 – Graveyard (Devilish) 10:53 – Waterfalls (Devilish) 17:06 – Prairie (Devilish) 19:55 – Final Boss (Devilish) 29:50 – Main Theme (Alien 3) 32:48 – Stage 2 [...]

Rarely seen or heard outside Japan, Gleylancer and Star Cruiser boast some of the best space-faring tunes the Mega Drive had to offer. From ’80s-style montages to heartfelt ballads to synthy noir, both titles are a treat to behold. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Story Start (Gleylancer) 0:11:56 – Asteroid Field (Gleylancer) 0:14:34 – [...]

Battle Lovecraftian horrors and hurl lightning from your fingertips in this adventurous episode celebrating El Viento and Alisia Dragoon! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Opening Theme (El Viento) 0:12:50 – Main Theme (El Viento) 0:14:16 – Stage 1 NYC (El Viento) 0:15:57 – Intermission (El Viento) 0:23:53 – Stage 2 Park (El Viento) 0:26:27 [...]

A pair of anime gunslingers scream across the screen in this extra loud, extra rockin’ episode! We’re examining the upbeat energy of the Battle Mania series, which includes Trouble Shooter and its only-in-Japan sequel. Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Burning Heart (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 12:43 – Twilight Express (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 14:06 – Blue Sky [...]

We’re kicking off a whole month of episodes devoted to the joy of FM Synthesis done right. This first foray into semi-obscure tunes includes Elemental Master and Panorama Cotton, two shmups that feature humanoid heroes and unbelievably good soundtracks! Download Now 00:00 – Dance of Flame (Elemental Master) 13:24 – Like the Wind (Elemental Master) [...]

Though it’s frequently called the worst Final Fantasy game of all time, or at least one of the weakest, we’re here to say THAT AIN’T SO! Not only is the game itself perfectly decent, the soundtrack is every bit as incredible as the proper numbered entries. Get ready for some heavy shreddin’ guitar! Download Now [...]

Rock out to three hard-hitting NES soundtracks powered by Naoki Kodaka and the talented team at Sunsoft. We’re diving into Gremlins 2, Fester’s Quest and Journey to Silius! Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Stage 1 (Gremlins 2) 08:42 – Stage 3 (Gremlins 2) 10:26 – Stage 5 (Gremlins 2) 23:24 – Overworld (Fester’s Quest) [...]

While familiar faces continued their usual streak of excellence, there were loads of newcomers that provided some of the year’s best VGM. This hefty episode looks at a bit of everything, from recurring brands like Zelda, Sonic, Xenoblade and Ys, to fresh experiences like Horizon, Cuphead and Prey. Light spoilers ahead! Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 [...]

Firearms and fantasy collide in this early-90s cyberpunk RPG series. We begin with the SNES original and its Carpenter-meets-Smash-TV soundtrack, then listen to wildly different takes on the Genesis and Mega CD. Three platforms, three completely distinct games! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Seattle 2050 (Shadowrun SNES) 0:12:54 – Morgue (SNES) 0:17:06 – Tenth Street [...]

As the NES began its march into obscurity, Taito released two solid titles that didn’t get their due attention for several years – Little Samson and Panic Restaurant. Both have great soundtracks, but they’re also nifty little games! Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Title Screen (Little Samson) 07:44 – Little Samson Theme (Little Samson) [...]

One of the absolute greatest games of all time also sports a peppy, anxious soundtrack. Listen as we gush over this 1994 re-imagining of Nintendo’s oldest rivalry. Download Now   SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Title Screen 08:47 – Big City 11:00 – Desert 17:32 – Theme 2 19:08 – Theme 5 19:54 – Theme 6 [...]

Nearly 30 years old, the Blaster Master series peaked on the NES and spent decades trying to recapture the magic. And part of that game’s success was the incredible soundtrack! Let’s listen to some classic jams and then explore the series’ Sega, PlayStation and Switch sequels. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Area 1 (Blaster [...]

We discuss the music and mind-bending madness behind 999, Virtue’s Last Reward and Zero Time Dilemma. Get ready for catchy dance tunes, light industrial clanging and trippy talks about time travel and morphic fields! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Digital Root (999) 0:10:04 – Ternary Game (999) 0:15:15 – Extreme Extrication (999) 0:23:27 – [...]

The Nintendo 64 didn’t have the third party support of the PlayStation, but Iguana’s Turok series ruled the FPS roost for the platform’s entire life cycle. The 1997 original turns 20 this month, so let’s examine the booming, epic scores of the four N64 hits. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Port of Adia (Seeds [...]

Before he was made of yarn or a stylus-guided sphere, Kirby ruled the original Game Boy and starred in several console classics. This week we examine Kirby’s pre-2000 era, which includes bubbly tunes from Adventure, Super Star and all three Dream Land titles. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Green Greens (Dream Land) 0:09:35 – [...]

The Soul Calibur series kicked off 20 years ago with Soul Blade, the PS1 home conversion of arcade hit Soul Edge. This episode we look at Edge and Blade, which have no fewer than THREE official soundtracks to explore. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – The Edge of Soul (Soul Blade) 0:13:02 – Epic Calling [...]

While there was plenty to dislike about 2016, at least we got several top-notch game soundtracks! Let’s listen to numerous examples of modern VGM excellence, from Doom to Furi to Watch Dogs 2. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Rip & Tear (Doom) 0:11:07 – At Doom’s Gate (Doom) 0:12:16 – Flesh & Metal (Doom) 0:18:52 [...]

The Last Guardian is FINALLY out, and its PS2 predecessors have cast a decade-long shadow over its development. Odds are LG will turn out fine, but as you’ll see from this selection of tunes from ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, it has some big shoes to fill! Download SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Castle in [...]

Our final foray into the world of Shin Megami Tensei tackles the Devil Survivor sub series, then whirls through Last Bible, Jack Bros and Demi Kids before concluding the month with Tokyo Mirage Sessions. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Opening (Devil Survivor 2) 0:10:02 – Action (Devil Survivor) 0:12:57 – Battle Beat (Devil Survivor) [...]

With the numbered SMT titles handled, it’s time to examine its Devil Summoner spinoff series, which begins on the Sega Saturn and extends all the way to the PS2. We also briefly discuss Strange Journey, the spinoff that was almost a proper mainline sequel. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Theme (SMT Devil Summoner: Raidou [...]

Shin Megami Tensei grows up with two stylish sequels separated by a decade of real world time. We begin with PS2 demon-em-up SMT Nocturne, then jam out to incredibly moody tunes from 2013’s SMT IV. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title 2 (Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne) 0:11:10 – Large Map (SMT Nocturne) 0:13:27 – [...]

ROCKTOBER RETURNS with a month of sinisiter Shin Megami Tensei tunes! We begin with a trio of Super Famicom titles that laid the groundwork for an entire series and its numerous spinoffs, yet never really left Japan. That’s SMT I, II and the lesser known If… Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Dream (Shin Megami [...]

Eclectic, uplifting tunes from two nearly forgotten PS1 fighting games. The first fizzled despite a cool quest mode and FFVII demo, while the second never made it stateside – so now’s your chance to hear their exceptional soundtracks! Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Intro Cutscene (Tobal No 1) 10:18 – Cloud City (Tobal No [...]

The Boundin’ Bandicoot turns 20 years old this month, so we’re looking back at his original PlayStation adventures. Thumping drums, twangy rock and tinkly xylophones provide a backdrop for this chart-topping trilogy. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – N Sanity Beach (Crash Bandicoot) 0:12:57 – Hog Wild (Crash Bandicoot) 0:15:11 – Pinstripe (Crash Bandicoot) 0:17:21 [...]

We take a tour through the first three Star Fox soundtracks and discuss the brand’s many unique selling points, from its muppet animal heroes to its gamey-orchestral jams. SNES and N64 tunes incoming! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Main Theme (Star Fox) 0:18:25 – Emergency Call (Star Fox) 0:18:45 – Corneria (Star Fox) 0:25:21 [...]

Celebrating over 10 years of incredible orchestral tunes, from the original PS2 title through the latest MH Generations. With guest Yuri Araujo! Download Now 0:00:00 – Main Theme (MH) 0:10:07 – Forest and Hills / Rathalos (MH) 0:11:46 – Yian Garuga (MH) 0:23:30 – Desert (MH Dos / Freedom 2 / Freedom Unite) 0:25:03 – [...]

Look, we had to do a Super Mario episode at some point, and with Mario 64 turning 20 it seemed like a great time to look back on SMB1~64 and discuss its well-known (but still quite good) tunes. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – File Select (Mario 64) 0:19:18 – Ground Theme (SMB2) 0:20:51 – [...]

One great game, two great soundtracks. Composer Spencer Nilsen joins us to talk through both US and Japanese Sonic CD tunes, with emphasis on the “present day” tracks that anchor Sonic’s time-traveling adventure. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Sonic Boom (Short Version) 0:12:39 – Palmtree Panic (US) 0:14:28 – Palmtree Panic (JP) 0:20:33 – [...]

The composer of Batman Returns, Ecco the Dolphin and Spider-Man vs The Kingpin joins us LIVE to discuss the creation of three incredible Sega CD soundtracks. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Act 1 Driving (Batman Returns) 0:16:20 – Platforming Area (Batman Returns) 0:18:50 – Schreck’s Wonderland (Batman Returns) 0:21:42 – Act 2 Driving (Batman [...]

Composer Alexander Brandon joins us to talk about the 2000 sneak-em-up Deus Ex and its sequel, Invisible War. Cyberpunk spy tunes await! Download SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title (Deus Ex) 0:20:39 – UNATCO (Deus Ex) 0:22:46 – NYC Streets (Deus Ex) 0:25:02 – NYC Bar 2 (Deus Ex) 0:37:12 – Enemy Within (Deus Ex) 0:39:00 [...]

Even after a whole episode of Batman tunes, we had to devote a VGMini to this Game Boy title that sports tunes from Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – The Sewers 09:04 – Boss Battle 10:00 – The Train 15:33 – Limestone Cavern 17:02 – Vs Joker 23:08 – Ending

Top composers from across Japan graced the Caped Crusader’s NES, SNES, Genesis and even Game Boy titles, cementing a VGM legacy that no other hero can touch. Listen along as we play amazing jams from 1990 and beyond. Download now 00:00 – Stage 1 (Batman NES) 07:07 – Stage 3 (Batman NES) 08:17 – [...]

We don’t wanna make promises we can’t keep, but this early 90s Superman game has an unexpectedly great OST that channels Streets of Rage and Out Run. A fine example of the console put to good use – a must listen! Download 00:00 – Title Screen 08:12 – Round 1 11:39 – Boss BGM 1 13:32 [...]

We complete our Zelda audio triforce by discussing Skyward Sword, Spirit Tracks and Link Between Worlds, plus touch on the newly released Twilight Princess HD. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Hyrule Field (Twilight Princess) 0:20:51 – Exploring the Sky (Skyward Sword) 0:24:10 – Lanaryu Desert (Skyward Sword) 0:27:58 – Ancient Automaton Koloktos Allegro (Skyward [...]

Jackie Chan took the US by storm with 1996’s Rumble in the Bronx, but NES and TurboGrafx players likely already knew him as the star of this cute, delightful platformer. More importantly, both versions of the soundtrack are immensely enjoyable and way better than most celebrity games have any right to be. Download now SHOW [...]

Ten years before it became an MMO sensation, Warcraft was one of the most revered strategy series on the market. Part of its appeal was its thunderous yet listenable war tunes that mixed orchestral grandeur with videogamey toe-tapping goodness. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Orc Theme 2 (Tides of Darkness) 0:13:46 – Angelfire (Orcs [...]

This early Super NES RPG didn’t stand the test of time, but its soundtrack sure did! Listen along as we rattle off some of the game’s incredible Ys-like tunes. Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Premonition (Lagoon) 07:34 – Master of Water (Lagoon) 09:26 – Prince of Darkness (Lagoon) 14:05 – Armed and Ready (Lagoon) 20:04 – Tales [...]

When you think about vikings, you don’t usually picture early 90s dance music. But composer Charles Deenan sure did, and used a mix of keyboards, guitars and beats to craft one of my favorite SNES soundtracks. Download Now Show Notes: 00:00 – Title Screen (Lost Vikings) 12:56 – Space Area (Lost Vikings) 14:55 – Egyptian [...]