Topic: Why are Arcade game soundtracks so catchy?

Between the Bemani games, Capcom fighters, Sega arcade games, and other similar games from other developers? What is it about arcade game style music that makes it so catchy. I think its because a lot of them are very upbeat and fast-paced. This style of music is really lacking in games today and its kinda sad too, I feel it gives them alot of energy and excitement.

Two recent arcade styled indie games that have music like that are WayForward's Mighty Switch Force (composed by Jake Kaufman) and Lab Zero's Skullgirls (composed by Michiru Yamane).

Arcade-y games in general are kinda rare these days, but I find that when they're done well, so is the soundtrack. If anything the soundtrack is a part of what makes the games so fun to play.

Because they are.

To get people to put in the quarters and play them? I assume catchy music might grab some attention in an actual arcade...

I like the music from Double Dragon Neon. (Don't think I would like it much without it - Think the leveling system spoils it though in terms of replaying it).

I think I might just like everything about arcade games better. Maybe that's why I always liked Sega consoles so much.

I don't know why arcades have better music/sound effects. They just always have. One of my favorite arcade games is Ghosts n Goblins. Take a listen at level 1's music from the arcade version and then the NES version. The arcade's soundtrack pops with awesomeness whereas the NES, while not bad, is sort of bland, just sort of "close enough for government work." _{don't misunderstand, the NES soundtrack is fantastic for an 8-bit home console, but the arcade is better}

Arcade

NES

I think the NES version sounds a bit more gothic and even mildly unsettling, which works with the Gothic/Halloween-y/horror-ish themes.

Arcade games sound tracks are catchy because Arcade games had to compete against machines that were surrounding them. If they didn't have a catchy soundtrack and fun to watch gameplay then people wouldn't put quarters in them. The tradition has continued throughout the years.

Simple, short, and repeating tunes. It works because it's catchy, and because back when arcades were still popular, technology wouldn't allow for more complicated tunes either.

Even back then, developers were going for an immersive experience. Think about it, the games wouldn't be as entertaining without some music to set the tone/mood of the game. Final Fantasy music to me made it feel like i was truly on an epic journey to save the world. Megaman themes like cutman or centaurman made the gameplay feel like i was the terminator or in some otherworldy environment. Music is a powerful tool regardless of whether it was amazing, catchy, or plain bad.