30 Day Video Game Music Challenge [2022]
Following this: https://imgur.com/aGSVjXC
No repeated games, though I did repeat a few series.
Might do another one of these restricting myself to solely 8-bit and 16-bit games soon.
No repeated games, though I did repeat a few series.
Might do another one of these restricting myself to solely 8-bit and 16-bit games soon.
30 Games
Day 1: Title Screen Music
"The Concept of Love"
https://youtu.be/HNy_retSME0
Aisle 10 is the better JSRF song, but unfortunately that one isn't the title theme.
"The Concept of Love"
https://youtu.be/HNy_retSME0
Aisle 10 is the better JSRF song, but unfortunately that one isn't the title theme.
Day 2: Opening Level Music
"Modern Girl"
https://youtu.be/PIIzJxOXTb0
Okay TECHNICALLY you can tackle the levels in any order you wish, but this song is from the level obviously intended to be played first.
"Modern Girl"
https://youtu.be/PIIzJxOXTb0
Okay TECHNICALLY you can tackle the levels in any order you wish, but this song is from the level obviously intended to be played first.
Day 3: 8-Bit Music
"Mechanic"
https://youtu.be/0VIXzfdE6Qc
This one also made it into Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, the OTHER good 8-Bit Metal Gear game. This version of the song is way better though.
"Mechanic"
https://youtu.be/0VIXzfdE6Qc
This one also made it into Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, the OTHER good 8-Bit Metal Gear game. This version of the song is way better though.
Day 4: Music From a Console Exclusive Series
"Star Wolf"
https://youtu.be/ZGP7o7pCLq4
Easily the best version of this song and probably the best song in the entire series.
"Star Wolf"
https://youtu.be/ZGP7o7pCLq4
Easily the best version of this song and probably the best song in the entire series.
Day 5: Hub World or Overworld Music
"Map I"
https://youtu.be/5zsg01CVh2M
Specifically the PS1 version of the song. The PSP version kinda butchers it. Persona 1 (PS1 version) and Persona 2's soundtracks don't get talked about enough.
"Map I"
https://youtu.be/5zsg01CVh2M
Specifically the PS1 version of the song. The PSP version kinda butchers it. Persona 1 (PS1 version) and Persona 2's soundtracks don't get talked about enough.
Day 6: Music that Makes You Feel Relaxed
"Any Special Orders?"
https://youtu.be/wT0QU_07B78
Picked up DMC5 early (midnight release started at 10pm for some reason), got a pizza from Domino's, and proceeded to play it all night. This song brings back some fond memories of that
"Any Special Orders?"
https://youtu.be/wT0QU_07B78
Picked up DMC5 early (midnight release started at 10pm for some reason), got a pizza from Domino's, and proceeded to play it all night. This song brings back some fond memories of that
Day 7: Music From an Indie Game
"Every Day is Night"
https://youtu.be/H-AfGh8gmiQ
I really can't think of an indie game with a better fully original soundtrack than VA11 Hall-A. This song might be a relatively basic choice from the game, but it's my favorite one.
"Every Day is Night"
https://youtu.be/H-AfGh8gmiQ
I really can't think of an indie game with a better fully original soundtrack than VA11 Hall-A. This song might be a relatively basic choice from the game, but it's my favorite one.
Day 8: Music From a Shooter
"Sweet Relief"
https://youtu.be/XCNo_0ItL3I
Killer7 probably isn't the first game that comes to most people's minds when they think "shooter" (including Killer7 fans) but whatever, the game is excellent and the soundtrack is too.
"Sweet Relief"
https://youtu.be/XCNo_0ItL3I
Killer7 probably isn't the first game that comes to most people's minds when they think "shooter" (including Killer7 fans) but whatever, the game is excellent and the soundtrack is too.
Day 9: Music From a Licensed Game
"Sewers"
https://youtu.be/DLpDDiyW_xw
This game had without a doubt the most memorable soundtrack of any licensed game I've played.
"Sewers"
https://youtu.be/DLpDDiyW_xw
This game had without a doubt the most memorable soundtrack of any licensed game I've played.
Day 10: RPG Battle Music
"Normal Battle"
https://youtu.be/eJfcthjeqaI
It was hard choosing one single Megami Tensei song for this one, but I think this is my favorite non-boss battle theme from the series.
"Normal Battle"
https://youtu.be/eJfcthjeqaI
It was hard choosing one single Megami Tensei song for this one, but I think this is my favorite non-boss battle theme from the series.
Day 11: Puzzle Game Music
"Final of Puyo Puyo"
https://youtu.be/8oaDWL-1W20
Fun fact, this song is also in Sonic Mania.
"Final of Puyo Puyo"
https://youtu.be/8oaDWL-1W20
Fun fact, this song is also in Sonic Mania.
Day 12: Music that Makes You Sad
"Kainé/Salvation"
https://youtu.be/FP4duz43t_A
NieR has legitimately the most beautiful soundtrack I've ever heard in a video game. It's a nice contrast from Drakengard's hell music. The 2010 version of the game also has a better soundtrack than NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22, a lot of the remixes feel really unnecessary.
"Kainé/Salvation"
https://youtu.be/FP4duz43t_A
NieR has legitimately the most beautiful soundtrack I've ever heard in a video game. It's a nice contrast from Drakengard's hell music. The 2010 version of the game also has a better soundtrack than NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22, a lot of the remixes feel really unnecessary.
Day 13: Music You Like From a Game You Don't Like
"Simple and Clean"
https://youtu.be/_Hl3W4HB254
I don't like Kingdom Hearts, but Hikaru Utada can make some damn good music. And while this isn't her song, Yoko Shimomura's compositions that fill the series are usually excellent themselves.
"Simple and Clean"
https://youtu.be/_Hl3W4HB254
I don't like Kingdom Hearts, but Hikaru Utada can make some damn good music. And while this isn't her song, Yoko Shimomura's compositions that fill the series are usually excellent themselves.
Day 14: Music Featuring Vocals
"You're My Number One"
https://youtu.be/oKSHPEwvC_4
People always call Sonic R's music "cheesy" as if it's a guilty pleasure or something. Fuck that, I unironically and unashamedly love this soundtrack.
"You're My Number One"
https://youtu.be/oKSHPEwvC_4
People always call Sonic R's music "cheesy" as if it's a guilty pleasure or something. Fuck that, I unironically and unashamedly love this soundtrack.
Day 15: Boss Battle Music
"Pledge of Demon"
https://youtu.be/7FPjMy6crU8
Yakuza might have better boss themes, but this is the first one that comes to mind for 99% of people including myself, and for good reason.
"Pledge of Demon"
https://youtu.be/7FPjMy6crU8
Yakuza might have better boss themes, but this is the first one that comes to mind for 99% of people including myself, and for good reason.
Day 16: 16-Bit Music
"Go Straight"
https://youtu.be/E5g-QHq925o
The single best song of the entire 4th generation of video games. Yuzo Koshiro is ridiculously skilled and I have no idea how they got the Sega Genesis to output music this good.
"Go Straight"
https://youtu.be/E5g-QHq925o
The single best song of the entire 4th generation of video games. Yuzo Koshiro is ridiculously skilled and I have no idea how they got the Sega Genesis to output music this good.
Day 17: Music You Never Get Tired Of
"Lonely Rolling Star"
https://youtu.be/7_QydNXI_ok
This might, just MIGHT just be the best song ever made. Ridiculously fun soundtrack for a ridiculously fun game.
"Lonely Rolling Star"
https://youtu.be/7_QydNXI_ok
This might, just MIGHT just be the best song ever made. Ridiculously fun soundtrack for a ridiculously fun game.
Day 18: Music in a Game Released the Year You Were Born
"Plosive Attack"
https://youtu.be/4ZcwnpF3AIs
I mentioned Yoko Shimomura above with Kingdom Hearts, so here's an actual song by her. Love the intensity this song adds to battles in the game.
"Plosive Attack"
https://youtu.be/4ZcwnpF3AIs
I mentioned Yoko Shimomura above with Kingdom Hearts, so here's an actual song by her. Love the intensity this song adds to battles in the game.
Day 19: Cover of Music by a Different Artist
"Fly Me To The Moon"
https://youtu.be/EV6E13xODyA
Wasn't sure if this prompt meant "in-game cover" or "cover of a video game song" but the former is more interesting so it's what I went with. Bayonetta has the best version of this song, and Bayonetta 2 has the best version of Moon River.
"Fly Me To The Moon"
https://youtu.be/EV6E13xODyA
Wasn't sure if this prompt meant "in-game cover" or "cover of a video game song" but the former is more interesting so it's what I went with. Bayonetta has the best version of this song, and Bayonetta 2 has the best version of Moon River.
Day 20: Music From a Racing Game
"Sky High"
https://youtu.be/hcr02D5D_Iw
It really doesn't get better than 90s Sega music.
"Sky High"
https://youtu.be/hcr02D5D_Iw
It really doesn't get better than 90s Sega music.
Day 21: Music You Associate With Frustration
"Labyrinth"
https://youtu.be/mMXWxPqkzOk
This game can already be frustrating as is, but then they had to add a maze-like level where you can literally beat the level but not have it count as cleared because you didn't hit a hidden switch that does nothing but turn the level into bright eye-straining colors. To make things worse, you're stuck listening to this 20 second loop until you find and hit that switch. The rest of the soundtrack is excellent though, Door Into Summer and Evening Star being two of my favorites.
"Labyrinth"
https://youtu.be/mMXWxPqkzOk
This game can already be frustrating as is, but then they had to add a maze-like level where you can literally beat the level but not have it count as cleared because you didn't hit a hidden switch that does nothing but turn the level into bright eye-straining colors. To make things worse, you're stuck listening to this 20 second loop until you find and hit that switch. The rest of the soundtrack is excellent though, Door Into Summer and Evening Star being two of my favorites.
Day 22: Town/Village Music
"Old Town"
https://youtu.be/3zEeJ2X0uFg
Gravity Rush kinda feels like one of those late 1900s big budget animated movies brought to life. This song really brings out the feeling of wonder of flying through and exploring its dense town.
"Old Town"
https://youtu.be/3zEeJ2X0uFg
Gravity Rush kinda feels like one of those late 1900s big budget animated movies brought to life. This song really brings out the feeling of wonder of flying through and exploring its dense town.
Day 23: Underrated Music
"Saxophone Under the Moon (Team Yagami Theme)"
https://youtu.be/ETT-pej9tAs
I won't deny that Arashi No Saxophone 2 is iconic and a great song, but Saxophone Under the Moon is Iori Yagami's best theme and I never see anyone share that opinion with me.
"Saxophone Under the Moon (Team Yagami Theme)"
https://youtu.be/ETT-pej9tAs
I won't deny that Arashi No Saxophone 2 is iconic and a great song, but Saxophone Under the Moon is Iori Yagami's best theme and I never see anyone share that opinion with me.
Day 24: Music You Constantly Have Stuck in Your Head
"One Night in Neo Kobe City"
https://youtu.be/8O7VTw1E3b4
My favorite song in any Hideo Kojima game I've played. I'm glad this song came along with all the other Snatcher fanservice in MGS4.
"One Night in Neo Kobe City"
https://youtu.be/8O7VTw1E3b4
My favorite song in any Hideo Kojima game I've played. I'm glad this song came along with all the other Snatcher fanservice in MGS4.
Day 25: Music That Gets You Pumped
"Judgement"
https://youtu.be/dHCgop9ofAw
I do actually prefer Metal Slug 3 to Metal Slug X, but no Metal Slug game starts off as exciting as this one does. The first 18 seconds are nothing short of perfect.
"Judgement"
https://youtu.be/dHCgop9ofAw
I do actually prefer Metal Slug 3 to Metal Slug X, but no Metal Slug game starts off as exciting as this one does. The first 18 seconds are nothing short of perfect.
Day 26: Music You Like From a Game You Haven't Played
"Missing You"
https://youtu.be/fw7Ibx_Vv2Y
Been slowly making my way through the Disgaea series, and I'm still a ways away from 6. Watched my partner play a bit of it though, and was blown away by this song being the hub music.
"Missing You"
https://youtu.be/fw7Ibx_Vv2Y
Been slowly making my way through the Disgaea series, and I'm still a ways away from 6. Watched my partner play a bit of it though, and was blown away by this song being the hub music.
Day 27: Music From a Handheld Game
"Rookie and Popple"
https://youtu.be/wzWeXSF1C28
Another Yoko Shimomura song, believe it or not. Also another song butchered in the remake.
"Rookie and Popple"
https://youtu.be/wzWeXSF1C28
Another Yoko Shimomura song, believe it or not. Also another song butchered in the remake.
Day 28: Music That Makes You Nostalgic
"Corner of Memories"
https://youtu.be/WA9siMpKlYs
Didn't wanna put Persona on here twice, but this is the best song for this prompt. P4 was my first Megami Tensei game when I was 15, and while in hindsight I don't have any strong feelings about the game itself, this song sends me straight back to my sophomore year of high school.
"Corner of Memories"
https://youtu.be/WA9siMpKlYs
Didn't wanna put Persona on here twice, but this is the best song for this prompt. P4 was my first Megami Tensei game when I was 15, and while in hindsight I don't have any strong feelings about the game itself, this song sends me straight back to my sophomore year of high school.
Day 29: Final Boss Music
"We Are Finally Cowboys"
https://youtu.be/9DAJ2k7U5_w
I don't think this is necessarily my favorite final boss theme, but it's the first that came to mind. The song is good and accompanies the best fight in the game.
"We Are Finally Cowboys"
https://youtu.be/9DAJ2k7U5_w
I don't think this is necessarily my favorite final boss theme, but it's the first that came to mind. The song is good and accompanies the best fight in the game.
Day 30: Credits Music
"Staff Roll"
https://youtu.be/HVDnpOcVr5Y
This list definitely has too much Megami Tensei, but it was either this or more Sonic. Nocturne's credits music is one of my favorite songs in the whole series.
"Staff Roll"
https://youtu.be/HVDnpOcVr5Y
This list definitely has too much Megami Tensei, but it was either this or more Sonic. Nocturne's credits music is one of my favorite songs in the whole series.