We all like talking about games, otherwise we wouldn't be here, but not everyone actively pays attention to and discusses video game music. We're often aware of it when it's so fantastic that it's impossible to ignore, but it can often be overlooked just how important audio is to any gaming experience.
For some retro gamers, meanwhile, you can't beat a bit of chiptune music, soundtracks from the days when talented composers and coders worked within stingy limitations and crude sound chips to produce some of the most memorable music in popular culture. We like a bit of big band or orchestral music here at Nintendo Life, which the big N has utilised with some style in recent years, but the simple thrill of NES and SNES music is still ever-present.
Thankfully, it seems ears of various ages appreciate great music, regardless of the technology it comes from. That's the impression we get from the latest React video in which the channel's cast of teens try and identify classic video game music, in any case. Nintendo games feature, of course, and it's rather reassuring that some of these tracks - perhaps thanks to modern day remixes - are still familiar to younger gamers. It turns out music that was awesome in the mid '80s to '90s is still, well, awesome.
Also, as a warning there are a few swear words in this video - they are teenagers, after all.
Comments (21)
I knew every single one. EASY! Give me something harder.
I only knew about half of them
Zelda: Already knew that one
Sonic: Already knew that one
DK: Already knew that one
TMNT: I wasn't entirely sure which one that was, but TMNT was one of the thoughts I had
MK: Didn't know
NBA Jam: Didn't know
Mario: This is a joke, right?
Got most of them. MK and NBA Jam I couldn't figure out for the life of me.
I'm a bit upset I didn't manage to figure out the Mortal Kombat one. I mean, I must have been 5 or 6 when I played that game, but the tune was ingrained in my brain nonetheless.
Never played NBA Jam nor MK so I'm not too disappointed from not getting them right
I got 4 which is pretty average I guess. Couldn't for the life of me work out TMNT, MK or NBA Jam. If they had more SNES and Gameboy games I would have done better.
Honestly thought TMNT was some racing game that I should have known. When that kid said F-Zero I thought "no, but"... because it clearly wasn't F-Zero. Gave me kind of Chase HQ vibes.
Zelda, Sonic, TMNT and Mario were instantly recognizable for me. Once the DK song hit that jumple vibe I instantly knew it. MK and NBA JAM couldn't recognize them.
But seriously NBA JAM? Really? How can you expect people to remember music from a Generic basketball game, there has been multiple newly basketball games on a yearly basis since 1986.... Most people would not know that song, especially kids born in the PS/N64 era....
"Is this a Mario game?"
I almost lost it there
@TsukiDeity
I recognized it. Maybe NBA JAM was one of the game that everyone bought for their Genesis from the get go. I certainly had that game.. or still have.
Maybe they should have taken ToeJam & Earl instead. I loved that game. Didn't understand a thing, but I really liked the changing colourful background in the lift. ;P
Only one I didn't recognise, because I haven't played it, was TMNT. Thought it might have been battletoads.
@shaneoh Well that makes two of us, Rareware for life.
@TsukiDeity To be fair NBA Jam probably is the most unique and recognizable basketball game in the era but yeah this is not a theme that people talk about being on of the best. I mean I played this game and it did not sound familiar at all.
Knew them all but Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam.
I can let that slide because A) Mortal Kombat sucks, and B) I don't play sports games.
Instead of the 3 I didn't get (and barely any of the teens got) they should have gone for some more iconic/memorable themes. I was expecting to hear Mega Man or Metroid. Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy would have also been good ones. Too much Nintendo? Why not throw Doom in there?
I didn't know MK or NBA Jam but I never played those games, and I knew TMNT but for the life of me I couldn't place it! So I guess I got 4.5 out of 7.
I commented on the Youtube video when I saw it that it's nice that the two that were recognized the best (Mario and Zelda) were Nintendo games, as it really says a lot about Nintendo. They may not be doing that great right now, but they've still captured our hearts, and we're all in it together for the long haul.
Also interesting that Mario music got a 10/10 and Sonic only got a 2/10. Mario's music is of course literally the definition of video game music, but pitting the two rivals head to head a quarter of a century later really tells you who was the worthier mascot (not that I don't still love you, Sonic).
Got them all except NBA Jam but in fairness only played it once and I hated it anyway. Is that a bad thing?
hope
Knew them all except for NBA Jam. I've played that game but it's theme is so unmemorable it must not have stuck to my brain wrinkles.
That was hard. I only got 4.
Want a hard one try Zero Wing.
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