Pixel Beat

About: That initial start screen for many games is a defining moment in its lasting remembrance. These songs are all representative of more solitary, solemn or softer openings that are found in a number of great games, both new and old.  Artwork : Kingdom Hearts II  00:00 - Somnus (Instrumental) [Final Fantasy XV]  by Yoko Shimomura >  02:27 - Angel’s Fear [Secret of Mana]  by Hiroki Kikuta &gt...

About: As we have just entered Spring here in the Southern Hemisphere, we are delivering yet another seasonal episode featuring some of our favourite Spring-themed tracks. From blooming flowers, to the light touches of warmth, these songs will invoke a sense of new life and natural joy.  Artwork: Kirby’s Epic Yarn  00:00 - Morning Sunlight [Chrono Trigger]  by Yasunori Mitsuda >  00:53 - Spring...

About: This episode features another collection of Turn-Based Tactical RPG themes. The bulk of these come from games that tend to take a more light-hearted approach to war, with some highly melodic songs and some deep, heavy action themes.  Artwork: Fire Emblem Awakening  00:00 - Phantom Fang [Ragnarok Tactics PSP]  by Hideki Sakamoto, Takashi Okamoto >  02:26 - Steadfast Determination! [Suikod...

About: The idea of a ‘Home’ has many interpretations but they often denote the feeling of comfort, safety and familiarity. In games, a Home can refer to the starting area of many story-driven adventures, or a location you return to often. In this episode, we listen to some themes from these areas, along with some tracks that just simply have the word ‘Home’ in their titles.  Artwork: FEZ  00:00 -...

About: You’ve heard the atmospheric and dangerous underwater music in Episode 6, and as well, the more calming and relaxed underwater music in Episode 17. To round out the trio, this time we are showcasing the more upbeat variations of underwater music that are certain to make you groove.  Artwork: Mega Man 2  00:00 - Underwater [Spanky's Quest SNES]  by Kiyohiro Sada >  02:11 - Hydrocity...

About: Our second composer spotlight episode features just a few of the many infectious themes from talented composer Noriyuki Iwadare. Known for his work on the Grandia, Lunar, Langrisser & Phoenix Wright series’ just to name a few, his collection of work contains some of the most immediately catchy hooks, with often a rock, pop or light-jazz style.  00:00 - Fight! Ver. 1 [Grandia II]  by Nor...

About: The Wii/Wii U and 3DS Nintendo consoles featured a plethora of amazing background system music that helped in defining the sound of that era of Nintendo. This episode is all about Nintendo System music from those consoles, along with a couple other surprise tracks too.  Artwork: Wii eShop  00:00 - Boot Up Sound [Nintendo GameCube]  by Toru Minegishi >  00:05 - Theme Shop [Nintendo 3DS] ...

About: We recently entered Winter down here in Australia where this show is produced, and thus we’re going to feature a few of our favourite Winter-themed tracks. Whether you’re in the same season as us, feeling the chill, or looking for a Summertime cool down, we’ve got you covered!  Artwork: I Am Setsuna  00:00 - Winter [Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon]  by Tomoko Morita >  02:07 - Anoth...

About: We’ve already done a few Forest theme episodes, often centred around a more mysterious atmosphere, but this time we lean on the more fun and lighthearted side of these locations. These are a collection of more upbeat and quirky forest or nature themes.  Artwork: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild  00:00 - Wood [Brandish 2]  by Mieko Ishikawa, Atsushi Shirakawa, Hirofumi Matsuoka, Masar...

About: Games have told powerful stories for years and these narratives are often uplifted by emotional and poignant theme tracks. Even if you have never heard the songs in this episode during their respective moments, they are sure to make you feel something solely from their music alone.  Artwork: Sniper Wolf Death from MGS by Lap Pun Cheung  00:00 - The Great Warrior [Final Fantasy VII]  by Nobu...

About: While many dangers lurk in the various Dungeons, Temples and Palaces during your gaming journeys, there are often incredible background themes to help you slay, search and survive. We take a listen to some of the varied styles found in these tracks.  Artwork: Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals  00:00 - Floor 1 & 2 [The Dark Spire]  by Kenichi Arakawa >  03:18 - Chasing Shirley [Tales o...

About: There are countless great video game intros and openings. These tracks are specifically from introductory cutscenes or moments that occur immediately before the Title Menu, or after. These aren’t just simply Title Screen tracks, as there is usually a cutscene or story to accompany these themes.  Artwork: Ninja Gaiden  00:00 - The Legendary Hero [The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]  by Koji...

About: The coastal beaches await in this episode! We’re talking beach themes, coastal towns and sand-filled getaways. Pull up a beach chair, grab a drink and chill with us awhile.  Artwork: Dark Chronicle  00:00 - Undella Town (Spring, Autumn & Winter) [Pokémon Black & White]  by Shota Kageyama, Go Ichinose, Hitomi Sato, Junichi Masuda, Minako Adachi >  01:02 - Veniccio [Dark Chronicle]...

About: There are so many incredible forest themes in games, and as such, we’re delivering a follow-up to one of our first few episodes based on mysterious, dark or foggy forest themes.  Artwork: Hiro Isono  00:00 - Forest Kingdom [NieR: Automata]  by Keiichi Okabe, Keigo Hoashi & Kuniyuki Takahashi >  04:10 - Phantom Forest [Final Fantasy VI]  by Nobuo Uematsu >  07:25 - The Mystery Fore...

About: To continue your game, enter your Password to proceed. Listen to these tunes while you input your code. Many of these themes play during Password entry screens, or are just simply tracks titled ‘Password.’  Artwork: Mega Man V  00:00 - Password & Name Entry [Cue Brick]  by N.KAZUO, Masanori Oouchi >  01:35 - Password & Continue [The Guardian Legend]  by Masatomo Miyamoto, Takeshi...

About: When it’s all said and done, you’ll need somewhere peaceful to hunker down. These homely themes showcase the serenity within these carefree towns and villages.  Artwork: Crysta from Terranigma (Voxel Art) by 無礼:Re (Blary)  00:00 - A Person’s Warmth [Wild Arms 3]  by Michiko Naruke >  03:05 - Light of the Town [Legend of Legaia]  by Michiru Oshima >  05:10 - Hometown [Terranigma]  by...

About: Previously, we showcased dangerous and atmospheric music for underwater environments. This time, we’re going the more peaceful route with calming and soothing melodies that you just might doze off to.  Artwork: Concept Art Super Mario Odyssey  00:00 - Dire, Dire Docks [Super Mario 64]  by Koji Kondo >  03:00 - The Aquarium [Endless Ocean: Blue World]  by Ayako Saso, Taihei Sato >  04:...

About: For almost as long as gaming has existed, we’ve had big bad boss enemies to deal with. The tunes that accompany them often increase the intensity to the max with hard-hitting, fast themes. We’ve lined up a Boss Rush of music for you with our sixteenth episode. Best prepare yourself well.  Artwork: ‘The Great Ultros Off Kanagawa” by kingcael  00:00 - The Decisive Battle [Final Fantasy VI]  b...

About: Ain’t nothing like a good space game. This episode features music from games set in space or during moments when you’re surrounded by an endless, dark universe.  Artwork: by Aleks (@aalkz, Twitter)  00:00 - Last Exit [Life Force/Salamander MSX]  by Miki Higashino >  01:13 - Round 2-1 [Eliminate Down]  by Tatsuya Matsumoto >  02:42 - Counterattack ’91 [Super R-Type]  by Yasuhiro Kawaka...

About: For our final episode of 2019 and our first composer spotlight episode, we listen to a selection of themes by the amazing composer Soyo Oka.  00:00 - Nomination [VS. Excitebike]  by Soyo Oka >  01:12 - Monster Dance [Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally]  by Soyo Oka >  04:05 - Choco Island [Super Mario Kart]  by Soyo Oka >  05:31 - Rocket Belt [Pilotwings]  by Soyo Oka >  07:28...

About: This episode features some of the great music from new games released in the past year of 2019. It’s our year-in-review episode!  Artwork: Games of 2019  00:00 - Battle at the Village! (Hulk Ogre Battle) [Little Town Hero]  by Toby Fox, Hitomi Sato >  03:51 - Gears of Fortune [Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night]  by Ryusuke Fujioka >  06:43 - Fancy Fight [River City Girls]  by Megan Mc...

About: Pull up a chair and take a break, you’ve been through enough for today. We feel you. Take a little brief respite with us here and enjoy what you hear. Artwork: Nier: Automata 00:00 - A Brief Respite [Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan]  by Yuzo Koshiro >  01:47 - National Park [Pokémon Gold & Silver]  by Go Ichinose >  04:27 - A Brief Respite [Final Fantasy XIII]  by Masashi...

About: This episode features music from underground caves, mines or dark caverns. The style of these themes can be atmospheric, upbeat or very chilled and relaxing. We blend a whole range of these in this episode. Artwork: by Pokémon Gold & Silver 00:00 - Know the Way (Dark Cave) [The Messenger]  by Rainbowdragoneyes >  01:27 - Cave [Destiny of an Emperor]  by Hiroshige Tonomura, Yoshihiro...

About: Similarly to our first episode, this one features first stage themes, but from SEGA Genesis and Mega-Drive titles. First stage themes are essentially introductions into a games world, and these are some from a collection of SEGA releases. Artwork: The Revenge of Shinobi 00:00 - Stage 1 - Wolfship [Wolfchild]  by Matt Furniss >  01:58 - Stage 1 [El Viento]  by Motoi Sakuraba >  03:38 -...

About: Care to purchase some goods? We have a selection of Shop Themes for sale today so come on in and buy somethin’! will ya! Artwork: Deltarune 00:00 - Lookin’ Fresh [Splatoon]  by Shiho Fujii >  02:12 - Shops [Persona]  by Hidehito Aoki, Misaki Okibe, Kenichi Tsuchiya and Shoji Meguro >  03:36 - Cheap Shop [Scott Pilgrim vs. the World]  by Anamanaguchi >  05:10 - Shopping [Brain Lord]...