Tag Archives: Video Game Music

Grammy Win Highlights the Legacy of Wizardry and Its Impact on RPGs

Video game music composer Winifred Phillips has won the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for her work on the 2024 remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Originally released in 1981Wizardry is often credited with laying the foundation for Final FantasyDragon Quest, and countless other RPGs.

The 2024 Remaster of Wizardary, Credit: Steam

Phillips, known for her contributions to God of War (2005) and LittleBigPlanet 2, composed an entirely new score for this remake, as the original game lacked a dedicated soundtrack. Her work triumphed over notable nominees, including Bear McCreary (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla)John Paesano (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)Wilbert Roget II (Star Wars Outlaws), and Pinar Toprak (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora).

In her acceptance speech, Phillips thanked Digital Eclipse, the studio behind the remake, and emphasised the unique experience of composing for interactive media—where the music adapts dynamically to the player’s actions.

The 1981 Original

This Grammy win not only celebrates Phillips’ achievements but also highlights Wizardry’s lasting influence on the RPG genre, cementing its place in gaming history over four decades after its debut.

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Nintendo Adds Super Mario World Soundtrack to Its Music App

Nintendo has just enriched its ‘Nintendo Music’ app with the timeless tunes of Super Mario World, the classic Super Nintendo title from the early ’90s. This update introduces 49 tracks, totaling over an hour of nostalgic melodies. Listeners can enjoy iconic pieces like the “Yoshi’s Island”, “Donut Plains”, and the mysterious Forest of Illusion theme. The full tracklist is available on Nintendo Life.  

To access this musical journey, ensure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and the ‘Nintendo Music’ app installed on your mobile device. This addition follows last week’s release of the Pokémon Legends: Arceussoundtrack, further expanding the app’s diverse library. Notably, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is also featured, offering fans a comprehensive Mario musical experience.

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Super Metroid Soundtrack Reimagined: ‘From the Depths of Zebes’ LP Now Available

Super Metroid enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate with the release of “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” LP. This album offers a meticulously recreated version of the iconic 1994 game’s soundtrack, providing a fresh auditory experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Credit: Pixelcrib

The project is the brainchild of Louisiana-based composer and producer Jammin’ Sam Miller. Miller painstakingly reconstructed the original compositions by sourcing the exact instruments and samples used in the game’s development. He translated the MIDI data into a contemporary studio setting, incorporating modern mixing techniques to enhance the sound quality. Miller explains, “This was made possible by locating the original instrument samples from workstation keyboards and drum machines before they were put into the game and rebuilding the soundtrack from the ground up, applying some modern mixing techniques along the way to lift the veil of 16-bit compression and create an updated listening experience.”  

The album is pressed on biovinyl, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vinyl. Biovinyl replaces petroleum-based materials with recycled substances like used cooking oil or industrial waste gases, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during production. Additionally, biovinyl is fully recyclable and reusable, aligning with sustainable production practices.  

Credit: Pixelcrib

The LP features 27 tracks, including memorable pieces such as “Theme of Super Metroid,” “Brinstar Overgrown With Vegetation Area,” and “Mother Brain.” Each track captures the atmospheric essence of the original game, blending ambient soundscapes with dynamic synth arrangements that mirror protagonist Samus Aran’s journey through the alien world of Zebes.

For those interested in adding this unique piece to their collection, “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” is available for purchase through PixelCrib, a retailer specializing in video game music and memorabilia.

In addition to this release, PixelCrib offers other Metroid-inspired albums, such as “Samus & Chill,” which reimagines music from the franchise in a lofi hip hop style.  

Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a Super Metroid fan, or someone who appreciates video game music, this album provides a nostalgic yet refreshed listening experience that pays homage to one of gaming’s most acclaimed soundtracks.

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