Favorite Tunes #204: The Most Adorable Little Robot

If you came to hear music featuring a sumo wrestler, a diminutive robot, a blue hedgehog and a fox, then you've come to the right place. For this week's Favorite Tunes, we've got kinda a modern and retro vibe going on with songs from the 16-bit era, the sixth console generation and stuff from today.

Chibi-Robo! - Chibi-Robo! (GCN)

Pikmin, Splatoon and now ARMS are often thought to be the only new Nintendo IPs released in the last 16 years. There have actually been more than that, though not all of them have been received anywhere near as well as the aforementioned. One such franchise is the Chibi-Robo series. The first entry hit the GameCube in 2006. Had Zip Lash not been released after started bringing out amiibos, fans probably wouldn't have any sort of merch for tiny robo.

Ghost Town - Sonic Forces (PC, PS4, XBO, NS)

Naofumi Hatauya (Sonic CD, Sonic 2 8-bit) is a veteran Sonic music composer so bringing him in as an additional song writer for Sonic Forces was a smart move. Some of Classic Sonic's music tracks are definitely bad (that Green Hill song is atrocious) but then you've got major winners like Ghost Town. With those distinct Genesis claps, drum rolls and that bassline, Ghost Town is a track I listen to regularly on repeat.

Macbeth - Star Fox 2 (SNES)

For the longest time, Star Fox 2 was an unreleased SNES. Oh sure, you could play the dumped ROM or get a reproduction cart but it wasn't unitl Nintendo release the SNES Classic Edition that Star Fox 2 was finally given an official release. I just bought one of those little SNES marvels so I'll be checking out the game myself sometime. From what little of the music I've heard, I enjoy.

Phantasy - Phantasy Star II (GEN)

We gripe about games costing $60 today but in 1989, Phantasy Star II set consumers back a whopping $90! Collector's Editions weren't a thing back then so that was just for the standard game. Many would argue that it was worth every peny as Phantasy Star II is often viewed as one of the best games on the Genesis, thanks in no small part to the outstanding soundtrack. Fun fact: the music is slightly different between the Japanese and American versions.

E. Honda Stage - Street Fighter II (SNES)

Yoko Shimomura did an amazing job composing much of the music from one of the most revered fighting games ever made. Each fighter has a unique stage theme that reflects them and the part of the world they hail from. As much as I enjoy the CPSI and CPSII versions of Street Fighter II's soundtracks, when it comes to certain character themes, I prefer the console versions over the co-op. For me, E. Honda's theme has never sounded better than it does on the SNES.

Boss - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES)

With the reveal that the four famous turtles are joining the roster of Injustice 2, this is as good a time as any for more Turtles music. This port of the arcade game is widely considered to be superior to it's stand up counter part even when you take into account the max number of players is two instead of four. Man, this game needs to be re-released.

Favorite Tunes Database

Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 6

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

The Hard Corps - Contra: Hard Corps (GEN)

There's been a security breach. Baddies are running rampant. And the whole city is on fire. Enter you, literally crashing onto the scene so fast a set of enemies couldn't react in time. Now that's the way you start out a game. Let's go! Time to put in that work! Annnnnd then the game quickly puts in that work on you. You thought other Contra games were tough? Son, please. This is Contra: Hard Corps and it will firmly imprint it's giant boot on your butt. Oh and that dude up top that loves throwing cars at you? He's but one of the first stage's mini bosses. But hey, at least that music is getting you stoked, right? Right?

Opening Stage - Mega Man X2 (SNES)

Peace is something that never lasts in the Mega Man games. I mean, the most anyone ever gets to enjoy of it is usually six months or so. Within half a year's time, trouble starts brewing for X and once again, he has to show those trouble making Mavericks what's up. On this extremely rare occasion X doesn't start the level by teleporting in, but rather arriving on a hover bike along with the famous Green Biker Duder. After the opposition puts some lasers into his ride, X swiftly returns the favor by crashing it right into them. The intro stage to Mega Man X 2 is much shorter compared to the first game, probably helped due to dashing being a function now built into X's systems. As you make your way through crushers and blast renegade robots, you're treated to an electrifying opening tune that's so good, it comes back for the final level.

Corneria - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

If you live in the universe of Star Fox and Corneria is your home, why have't you moved? The place is always a breeding ground for destruction and the Star Fox crew always has to go in and set things right. The Corneria theme for Star Fox Zero really paints the beautiful city in dire straits. Like, the city, really needs some heroes.

Patched Plains - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Don't you just hate it when you wake up from your nap only to find your planet overtaken by an army of robot invaders? Whelp, looks like Kirby's gotta save the day again. But this time, he gets so freakin' sweet mech armor!  Despite Popstar being overrun by robots, the game still begins with a jovial theme that's sure to have you humming and whistling right along with it.

Unpopular Opinions Vol. 2

Are you in the small group of people that actually likes the Star Wars prequels? Perhaps you even like Micheal Bay's take on the Transformers or you actually enjoyed the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Or maybe, just maybe, you think The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time isn't the greatest game of all time and that better Zelda games do exist that aren't subtitled A Link to the Past. Welcome to Unpopular Opinions, where perspective, mine anyway, greatly differs from the majority.

Star Fox Zero is Not a Bad Game

One cannot discuss Star Fox Zero without bring up what has become the major sticking points for critics, the controls.

Like many, I was stoked to hop back into the Arwing with Fox McCloud and the rest of the Star Fox gang for a brand new outing as it had been 10 years since they'd last took flight. I had already pre-ordered the game, paid it all off and could not wait for the weekend to be over so I'd have some off days to sit down with it. But then, I caught wind of what players were saying from reviewers. The motion controls made Star Fox Zero a horrible game. Hones Game Trailers said the game was the final nail in the coffin for the franchise. Jim Sterling gave the game a 2/10. This had me worried that I wouldn't like Star Fox Zero due to most critics blasting the game.

Since I already forked over my $60, I decided to see for myself if I'd like the latest re-imagining of Star Fox. I failed the first mission because I wasn't used to the setup for all-range mode and I couldn't juggle looking at the GamePad and TV screen. But after a second go, I was looking at the words "Mission Accomplished" with a smile on my mug. Most of my fears of the motion controls were for not as dogfights now feel perfectly natural and all-range mode is a walk in the park for me.

I guess I was one of those people that took to Star Fox Zero's controls rather quickly. But not everyone is going to adjust as fast as I did. For some, it will take time before they get used to it, or "get good" as the kids put it these days. However, it seems quite clear that most critics weren't willing to put that time in and simply wrote Star Fox Zero off as a bad game for not using a standard control scheme. Not every critic had this mindset, but you can tell there are those that already came in with their pitchforks raised. Clearly crying about a new way to control a game and saying it sucks because you aren't used to it is much easier than taking some time to learn.

Mega Man 2 Has Flaws That No One Points Out

Ask any critic or fan what their favorite Mega Man game is. More often than not, the answer will be Mega Man 2. I am fully aware of this game's importance in the Mega Man series and the 8-bit gaming era. It was the first Mega Man game I ever played and I love it. But I will not let that love blind me to it's faults that often go by unnoticed by fans and critics alike.

Critics say the Mega Buster (introduced in Mega Man 4) is a game breaking weapon, that makes the special weapons obtained from defeated Robot Masters useless. It's Mega Man's default weapon so it never runs out of energy so it can be used to your heart's content. So are we just going to pretend the Metal Blade in Mega Man 2 isn't absurdly broken? It absolute mercs most common enemies, is the weakness of several Robot Masters, can be thrown in eight different directions and is spammable. In case you haven't figured it out, the Metal Blade craps on every other weapon in Mega Man 2. Yeah, it uses weapon energy but the odds of you running out are pretty freaking slim since it doesn't use much ammo.

Speaking of special weapons, one is required to take out the final boss. But what if you used up a ton of weapon energy fighting all the Robot Masters again and during that Wily battle in the previous stage? You say you'll just grab some weapon ammo in the final stage? Surprise, sucker, the last level of Mega Man 2 has no weapon energy for you to refill your weapons with. The only way to gain that energy back is to get a game over, which brings me to my next problem.

Mega Man 2 gave us the oh-so-useful Energy Tanks to replenish Mega Man's life energy when on the verge of death. But if you get a game over, kiss your E-Tanks goodbye. This is especially problematic for newer players who may struggle with the game's tougher bosses. This combined with the previously mentioned fault means the game ends up screwing you over on two counts. How? How is it that these flaws are never mentioned? I know love can be blind sometimes but come on!

Much Needed Re-Releases Part 4

Through compilations and the rise of digital gaming, replaying the games of yesteryear has become quite the easy task. Want to play Super Mario Bros but don't own an NES? That game has been ported to nearly every Nintendo platform under the sun. Ditto for the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Sadly, not all games have been so lucky. Welcome to Much Needed Re-Releases, where we'll discuss games that should get an extra shot at life.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor (GBA)

I love Astro Boy. For a long time, he's been one of my favorite robots in any medium. There have been a number of games staring Osamu Tezuka's most popular character, but 2004's Astro Boy: Omega Factor for the GBA is really the only one you should bother caring about. 

Part beat 'em up and part shooter, Omega Factor not only gives you access to Astro's amazing abilities, but you can power them up, too. By increasing the strength of Astro's Omega Factor, you can turn Mighty Atom's dinky finger laser into Ususke Urameshi's Spirit Gun. This is also one of the prettiest games on the GBA and among the handheld's best. That bit of scenery porn when you drop down in Metro City is still breath taking to this very day. If you needed anymore reason to want this game on the Wii U eShop, it was co-developed by Treasure. Also, butt cannons! 

Panel de Pon (SNES)

Since Nintendo no longer holds the license to Tetris, what was originally Tetris Attack (which had nothing to do with Tetris in the slightest) would have to be re-released as Panel de Pon, the name it originally was titled before Lip and her friends were booted out and replaced with Yoshi and company when the title left Japan. 

For me, this is the greatest puzzle game ever. Multi colored blocks rise from below the screen and you arrange them so three or more of the same color matches up either vertically or horizontally, making the blocks disappear. The brilliance of Panel de Pon lies in it's simplicity. Lining up three or more blocks is easy but setting up chains and combos to make your score skyrocket or send a huge garbage block crashing down on your opponent is the stuff that intense games are made of. Panel de Pon has seen re-releases as Puzzle League and Planet Puzzle League but those were on the GBA and DS respectively. It was also released as Pokemon Puzzle League for the N64 and GBC. Never has the SNES version of Panel de Pon been released outside of Japan under its original title. 

Contra (NES)

It really is difficult to think of Konami now a days and reflect upon how great they once were. Before the company was the butt of internet memes and hate news, they once put out some of the finest third party titles and the NES version of Contra is not just a shinning example of a port done right, for many, this is the definitive version of the game to play.

Super C and Contra III: The Alien Wars saw digital releases on the Wii's Virtual Console but mysteriously, the NES version of Contra was never added. Yeah, Contra III is my favorite but it feels a little odd having digital versions of Contra III, Super C but not the NES version of Contra. This is the game that introduced many a kid to the run 'n gun shooter as well as the Konami Code. Alas, given Konami's current fool-hearty mentality of mobile only games and micro transactions, the odds of us seeing NES Contra aren't looking too hot.  

Star Fox (SNES)

The original Star Fox may seem slow and a bit clunky compared to the titles that would succeed it, but this game still holds up pretty dang well. Much of the stuff we experience in Star Fox Zero, Slippy always getting himself in trouble, Falco being a jerk and whatnot, all started in the first Star Fox game. Instead of branching paths that lead to other levels, you get to choose between a beginner, intermediate or advance difficulty of three different routes from the get go. So why hasn't Star Fox hit the Wii U's eShop? Well, from my understanding, Nintendo doesn't own the  Super FX chip that would be required to bring Fox's first mission to the Wii U. So until that gets straightened out, SNES Star Fox is grounded.

Favorite Tunes #144: Robots and Fish

This edition of Favorite Tunes sees the return of music from Undertale, music from Star Fox Zero and Bomberman 64 to list half of the music here. As always, enjoy!

Corneria - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

At long last, Star Fox has returned! And there was much crying about the controls. Would a more conventional control method have been welcomed? Yes. Is SFZ a bad game because it lacks this? Of course not. In any case, it's another Star Fox game, which means another trip to Corneria, which is once again, under attack. For the most part, I did my best to stay away from being exposed to the music of SFZ because I wanted to be surprised. I am SO glade I got to experience this theme during gameplay.

Finale - Undertale (PC)

By Miltonholmes

The PC RPG taking the gaming world by storm, Undertale is not like most games in the genre. Combat is turned based but you can still move about to avoid in coming attacks. Your weapons also handle differently so you can't just sleep your way through fights. You don't even have to defeat the foes you encounter. A cast of wonderfully charming characters and a very catchy soundtrack that spans numerous eras of gaming make Undertale a tale to remember.

Kimera II - G-Darius (ARC)

The Darius franchise has been around for a long time now but I've only played a handful of games in the series, with G-Darius being my favorite. You can convert enemies to your side for extra firepower or sacrifice them by turning them into a huge, powerful blast which you can use to duel the huge bosses with beam struggles. The soundtrack to G-Darius is another reason I adore the game. Its got some opera, some industrial, ambiance and haunting music that works really well to the stage backdrops, which are a marvel in and of themselves.

Blue Resort - Bomberman 64 (N64)

Bomberman 64 had quite the ambitious single player mode with challenging levels, puzzles and tough bosses to boot. It seems most of the effort was focused on solo player as what Bomberman is mainly known for, multiplayer, was quite weak in comparison. Bomerman 64's soundtrack rates among some of the best jams to blow stuff up to.

Metalopod - Splatoon (Wii U)

Splatoon is almost one year old and I'm still playing the game headily to this day, trying out new weapons, maxing out my gear and learning new strategies in Turf War. Not only was Splatoon one of my favorite games of 2015, the game's score ranked pretty high as well. Even when I'm not playing the game, the tunes are stuck in my head.

Wood Man - Mega Man Soccer (SNES)

If only the people at Capcom had folks like Nintendo handling some of Mega Man's spin-off titles. Mega Man Soccer could have been so much better. Instead, its an average soccer game with crap controls that has Mega Man and some Robot Masters in it. Fun fact, Enker, Mega Man Killer #001 was actually in this game. Of all the things Mega Man Soccer did wrong, the music wasn't one of them.

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Favorite Tunes #143: Welcome Back, Star Fox

You know what this Friday is? The Splatfest of Sponge Bob vs. Patrick! No, that's actually on Saturday at midnight. This Friday marks the return of something we've all been waiting for, Star Fox! The day is almost hear and I cannot wait to get back in that Arwing with the Star Fox team! Meantime, enjoy these Star Fox jams!

Main Theme - Star Fox (SNES)

While Star Fox 64 is often regarded as the best in the series, the original Star Fox was a marvel of a shooter that actually still holds up quite well. It may not be as polished but the fact that the SNES was able to even have those polygonal visuals and deliver such an incredible shooting experience is nothing to scoff at. And of course, the music was pretty bangin'. The remix of this theme used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl is amazing but even in original SNES form, this is an outstanding theme.

Star Wolf - Star Fox 64 (N64)

"Can't let you do that, Star Fox." With this line, one of gaming's most memorable rival teams entered our hearts. Star Wolf makes their debut on one of the game's first all arrange mode missions, trying to keep the Star Fox team distracted before a bomb at HQ goes off. If you don't defeat them here, they'll show up during a later mission. Star Wolf is so fondly remember not only because they are the counterpart of the Star Fox team, but also because they got this baller theme.

Space Battleground - Star Fox Assault (GCN)

Fans and critics alike mostly agree that Star Fox works best in an Arwing. Which is likely why Star Fox Assault fared about as well as Star Fox Adventures. Sure, the game had dogfights, but it also had a ton of foot missions. The game wasn't terrible but as Falco puts it "I prefer the air." Assault did give us a breathtaking orchestral musical score with familiar themes sounding more powerful than ever along with new ones to match.

Great Leader, Fox McCloud - Star Fox Command (DS)

For a long time, Star Fox Command would be the last time we saw the Star Fox crew take flight. The game kept Fox in the skies but the formula still wasn't like that of the SNES and N64 game, thus it did not garner the fame the 16-bit and 64-bit games did. And fans and critics wonder why Nintendo plays it safe with it's franchises so often. The music in Star Fox Command has the feel of Star Fox 64, albeit, sounding a bit more enhanced.

Thorntail Hallow Night - Star Fox Advemtures (GCN)

What is often seen as the black sheep of the Star Fox series, Star Fox Adventures originally wasn't a Star Fox game, but had the Star Fox team inserted into it along with fresh faces like Crystal. Assault and Command may not have garnered the acclaim the of Star Fox or Star Fox 64 but at least they didn't get the redheaded stepchild treatment that Adventures often does.

Star Fox's Theme - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

"It's about time you showed up, Fox!" These were the words spoken to General Pepper before beginning the first mission of Star Fox 64. They fit well seeing as how Fox hasn't had a game all his own in nearly 10 years. This a beautiful recreation of the Main Theme from Star Fox 64. So far it is the only piece of music from the game that I've heard. I'll hear the rest of the music when I start playing Star Fox Zero this Friday. Welcome back, old friend. We all missed you.

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Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 5

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

Challenger 1985 - Gradius (ARC ver.)

Almost every Gradius game after this one starts out with a track that uses a quicker pace. The original Gradius starts things out a bit slower and I'm perfectly fine with that. Challenger 1985 is one of the more cheerful Gradius themes and will have you humming along as you blast enemies and power up the Vic Viper. I love the old synth the first Gradius game uses.

Lakeside - Sparkster (SNES)

Sparkster is a follow up to the Genesis Rocket Knight Adventures game, which was a Genesis exclusive. Sparkster, however, is on the SNES and Genesis, But while the share the same title and music, they are both two completely different games. The SNES version of Sparkster opens with this beautifully triumphant, heroic theme. If Sparkster was given a designated tune, I think this should definitely be it.

Got2BAStar - Mighty Switch Force! 2 (3DS, Wii U)

The good news is that the Hooligan Sisters have reformed. The bad news is that they are still getting into trouble. You've got a whole planet on fire and like a bunch of dumb blondes, all of them are smack dab in the middle of the inferno. Everything is burning to a crisp and the game starts off with this oh-so-lively beat. Well the original Mighty Switch Force was known for it's upbeat music, so, no surprise that this one keeps that same quality.

Corneria - Star Fox (SNES)

Do a barrel roll! Oh wait, that phrase came about one game later. Regardless, barrel rolls, could still be done in the original Star Fox. I can still hear those garbled out voices just listening to the game's opening theme. You can pick from one of three routes, with each path serving up different stages, you'll always begin on some version of Corneria.

Splash Hill Zone Act 1 - Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I (Multi)

Sonic 4's music may not have been Jun Senoue's best work, but it was hardly terrible. It has a distinct
Genesis flair but with a modern touch. The opening act of Splash Hill Zone is like a homecoming to the blue blur and no whinny fans complaints about the physics not being like the Genesis games is ever going to ruin that for me.

Favorite Tunes #118: After E3 2015 Edition

So another E3 has come and gone. There's lot of exciting, new games to look forward to this fall and holiday season. But until then, be sure to enjoy what you've already got on your plate. If you're anything like me, you've probably already got a lot and then some.

Opening ~ Bombing Mission - Final Fantasy VII (PS, PC)

Remember those Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX remakes that never materialized on the PS2 or PS3? Well *in Professor Fonsworth voice*  good news, everyone! At the very least, Final Fantasy VII is getting a gorgeous HD remake on the PS4! This remake only took waaaaay too many years to come about. FFVII's introduction theme music and first mission theme has always been one of my favorites and I'm curious to see who it will be arranged for the remake.

Space Armada - Star Fox (SNES)

In what has been an excrusiatingly long wait, at long last, we're getting a new Star Fox game. Star Fox Zero hits the Wii U this holiday season and it will be the first Star Fox game in well over a decade. Developed by Platinum Games under Nintendo's watchful eyes, Star Fox Zero ought to be a space shooter to remember. Will any themes from the original Star Fox get arranged for Star Fox Zero? If they do, I hope Space Armada gets some love. Yeah, there's the excellent Brawl remix, but I'd love to see this theme get more attention.

Shrouding Dark Cloud - Kingdom Hearts (PS2)

After far too many spin off titles, Square Enix is finally putting a "III" after the words "Kingdom Hearts". I've yet to really dive into the first game and I haven't heard a lot of good about the side games, but the music has always been on point. Yoko Shimomura really does know how to string together some engaging music.

Dr. Wily Stage 2 - Mega Man 4 (NES)

After more than a decade, we're finally getting another classic Mega Man collection in the form of Mega Man Legacy Collection. I'm a bit miffed its only focusing on the first six Mega Man games, but its looking like a lot of care went into this one. Mega Man 4's sound font may sound a bit muffled when compared to all the other NES titles, but there are still some really good compositions here. Dr. Wily's second level theme (which plays on stages 3 and 4 respectively) is quite lively when compared to other Wily stage tunes.

Strike the Earth! (Plains of Passage) - Shovel Knight (Wii U, 3DS, PC, PS4, XBO)

I think its safe to assume that most people that owned a Wii U have probably played Shovel Knight when it was released in June 2014. The game was given a broader release when it hit the PS4 and Xbox One this year, thereby exposing it to a wider audience. The chip-tastic soundtrack is brought to you by Jake "virt" Kaufman and Mega Man 1 song writer Manami Matsumae contributing a few tracks.

Ken's Theme - Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (Wii U)

Ryu's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. 4, like Mega Man and Pac-Man is no small thing. I'd thought we'd seen the end of third party characters making guest appearances but this is one of those times where I don't mind being wrong. The world warrior plays just as he does in the Street Fighter games and you can even use classic SF commands to make his moves do more damage. His stage, Suzaku Castle features music ripped right from the 1991 classic fighting game and some brand new arrangements. Ken may not be in the game, but he's here in spirit with this amazing remix.

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Game Over Part 4

I have to admit, as much as I loath getting a game over, I do love the thought and creativity developers put into them. This week's loser screens feature ETs, apes and squirrels with killer hangovers.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)

The first Donkey Kong Country was no jungle stroll but its a lot easier compared to the sequel. Even if you aren't taking on the levels of the Lost World, Diddty's Kong Quest is quite possibly the toughest of the original SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy. When that final balloon is popped Diddy and Dixie are stuffed in what looks to be quite the cramped prison box complete with melancholy looks and a sad harmonica jingle to boot.

Alien 3 (SNES)

A dreadful musical jingle matched with a horrifying image of  saliva dripping extraterrestrial. Then the whole horror filled atmosphere is ruined by three hilarious words: Game over, man! To someone with no prior knowledge to the Alien films this may seem out of place but its arguably the greatest line of dialogue Hudson ever spouted. Including it on Alien 3's game over really does seem like a no brainer.

Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64, XB)

Most big bad's seldom have good intentions involved for the heroes. They are called big bads for a reason. The antagonist of Conker's Bad Fur Day is no exception. But unlike most fiends, Conker isn't really standing in the way of his schemes. No, he just has a table that won't stay properly leveled so his milk doesn't spill. Turns out Conker is just the right height so he wants to use him for a table leg. There are numerous takes on this one and I recommend checking out each and every one.

Star Fox (SNES)

Even on the easiest setting (the middle path) the final confrontation against Andross ranks among one of my favorite boss battles in gaming. But even if you never made it to the maniacal villain, you could still catch a glimpse of his true form by getting a game over, which was something I saw quite frequently when I played Star Fox as a lad.

Fatal Fury (ARC)

Geese Howard, being an SNK boss is one tough customer. It isn't just enough for him to thoroughly thrash you. He isn't too fond of trash stinking up the place, so he quickly disposes of you by kicking you out the window. As to elicit pity from the player, you get to watch as your fighter rapidly plummets to their doom.

Favorite Tunes #104: Happy New Year

I don't make news year's resolutions (haven't done so since 2001) but like everyone else, I love to celebrate the new year and be happy that I made it through another 365 days on this planet. "But Reg, you're about a week late!" Hey, I'm late to everything, but at least I show up. Enjoy the tunes.

Infinity Mijinion Stage -Mega Man X6 (PS)

What happens when you rush a game out the door? Well, at worst, you get Sonic the Hedghog 2006. While Mega Man X6 isn't that bad, it really is one of the worst Mega Man games you could play. Fortunately, the music has fared so much better than the game. Do you find yourself thinking of Europe's Final Countdown song when you hear this theme? Oh, good, I'm not the only one.

Area 6 - Star Fox 64 (N64)

When I think of Star Fox 64, themes that usually pop into my head are Corneria, Boss B, Sector Y and Solar. It wasn't until I was listening to the music in Smash 4 that I'd realized that the Area 6 music originally came from the N64 classic shooter. The numerous arrangements of this jam are pretty boss but  the original still gets me pumped.

Stage Results - Pac-Man World (PS)

Clement's latest LP is none other than the 20th anniversary game, Pac-Man World. I passed on it when it was originally released all those years ago but seeing him play through this game has sparked some interest in me checking the game out. I've been playing as Pac-Man a lot in Super Smash Bros. 4 as of late. I even picked up a Pac-Man candy tin that's in the shape of an arcade cabinet. I guess you could say I've got... Pac-Man fever. Oh come on, you should have seen that one coming. Anyhoo, the this results tune is a laid back version of the famous Pac-Man theme.

Number One - Sonic R (SAT)

Sonic R is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. Yes, I know it's not what many would call a good Sonic game, but the thing is far from being terrible and it should never be lumped in with the likes of Sonic '06. It isn't just the slippery controls that call the game into question, but also the soundtrack. Composed by Richard Jaques with vocals by TJ Davis.

Aim to Win (Character Select) - Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (PS3, 360, Wii U)

What is it with Tekken games and killer character select themes? The original Tekken Tag Tourament has one of the greatest fighter select themes in the genre and more than a decade after that game's release, it's arguably topped with this one. I'm used to feeling like a BAMF when the fighting is going down, not when I'm picking my character, but I'm certainly not griping.

Fire Field - Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

Super Smash Bros. may be all the rage on the Wii U but whether you like it or not (for the record, I never hated Brawl) you're going to be reminded of Brawl since a good chunk of the remixes from the third Smash were brought over to Smash 4. One of the many tracks you can hear on Captain Falcon's stage, Port Town Aero Dive is this super sexy Fire Field arrangement. That masterful guitar work is out of this world.

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