The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has an iconic soundtrack, but the game also has a second official soundtrack that was only released in Japan. It's really good.
Tagged With koji kondo
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is perhaps the most compelling argument yet for "video-game-as-concert-piece". As a game, it is a smartly designed interlocking series of puzzles, an ever-more-complex world filled with hidden secrets and challenging combat that unfolds with a uniquely Zelda-y sense of joyous excavation. But as a concert piece... oh, boy.
Koji Kondo created an earworm of epic proportions when he wrote the theme music for Super Mario Brothers more than 20 years ago. The tune's become one of the most recognisable pop culture jingles of the last 40 years, to the point where tropical birds feel the need to sing it out loud. The feathered soloist could use a little practice but this rendition should still conjure up images of mystery blocks and warp pipes in listeners' heads.
Play For Japan initiative has done a lot to help raise funds for those affected by last month's earthquake and tsunami, but Play For Japan: The Album will be giving a lot back to you in return.
From the Republic of Turkey comes this wonderful impromptu rendition of the Super Mario Bros. theme song, a familiar tune in an unfamiliar place.
Today in Japan, the 3DS got its first update. Much of the update is typical firmware stuff, fixing bugs and improving the network connection. But there was also a special treat included.
Once upon a time, Nintendo made its home consoles in Japan, and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto was not a millionaire. Here is a look back on that time.
Video games aren't just about the games, the story or the graphics. Oh, no. Music is so incredibly important. And often, long after you have finished playing, it sticks around, lingers in the back of your brain.
"Kimigayo," Japan's national anthem, has its supporters and haters. Adopted in 1868, the song is really a 10th century poem that contains this controversial line: "May the Emperor's reign last forever." Well, since the Emperor is now a figurehead, some Japanese question whether "Kimigayo" should be the national anthem. Other don't really give a hoot! While discussing Nintendo's super composer Koji Kondo, colleague Nobuo Uematsu jokingly hit upon this solution:
I think there are a lot of talented composers these days compared to when we started back in the day. But if I were to name just one person then it would be So when someone wins a gold medal at the Olympics, a Japanese athlete, the flag should go up with the theme song. Shoop! ...The world would have a different image of Japan if we use that.
Before you pepper the comments with "lol" or "hahaha", just keep in mind having to stand and take off your hat every time someone fired up a Mario game. 'Kay? Now proceed with the hahaha-ing and lol-ing. A Day in the Life
