Shin Nihon Kikaku/Awesome Music: Difference between revisions
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** And, [[Leitmotif|just like Geese]], "Ketchaku R&" has been subject to a few remixes over the years: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR78hDcp7aE XXX] in ''KOF '98'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nBBBs3FyOM Unlimited R] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. |
** And, [[Leitmotif|just like Geese]], "Ketchaku R&" has been subject to a few remixes over the years: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR78hDcp7aE XXX] in ''KOF '98'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nBBBs3FyOM Unlimited R] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. |
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** Now with a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Wwx1DTpFY NES version.] |
** Now with a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Wwx1DTpFY NES version.] |
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*** His ''other'' themes, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdTL7v522u8 Guitar, Omega, and Rugal] in '''95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYb5evnF51s The RR] in '''98'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0cYnmIqlac Last Dance] in ''2002'', have their fair share of fans too. Although "Last Dance", to be honest, has the smallest circle of fans compared to the other themes. Thank you, Eolith. |
*** His ''other'' themes, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdTL7v522u8 Guitar, Omega, and Rugal] in ''{{'}}95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYb5evnF51s The RR] in ''{{'}}98'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0cYnmIqlac Last Dance] in ''2002'', have their fair share of fans too. Although "Last Dance", to be honest, has the smallest circle of fans compared to the other themes. Thank you, Eolith. |
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** And there's the theme of Rugal's son Adel: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhDXK7yJ3ZM Revolutionary Etude~R2.] It starts out as a Chopin piece, and then goes into full-blown techno. His ''XI'' theme, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFy7cHbnTnk King] is ''even better''. |
** And there's the theme of Rugal's son Adel: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhDXK7yJ3ZM Revolutionary Etude~R2.] It starts out as a Chopin piece, and then goes into full-blown techno. His ''XI'' theme, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFy7cHbnTnk King] is ''even better''. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NIzkEdS7Lg Trash Head, Goenitz's theme.] Militaristic, imposing, and fits the "wind" theme behind the boss. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NIzkEdS7Lg Trash Head, Goenitz's theme.] Militaristic, imposing, and fits the "wind" theme behind the boss. |
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** Then came [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBQr2bye-a8 Trash Head ~Spring Storm~] for ''The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match''... |
** Then came [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBQr2bye-a8 Trash Head ~Spring Storm~] for ''The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match''... |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKN9iN_JnzI Control Crisis], the Orochi Iori/Orochi Leona sub-boss theme for '''97'', sounds more like a ''[[Guilty Gear]]'' track than something SNK would do. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKN9iN_JnzI Control Crisis], the Orochi Iori/Orochi Leona sub-boss theme for ''{{'}}97'', sounds more like a ''[[Guilty Gear]]'' track than something SNK would do. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQD5jpKg1fI Rhythmic Hallucination, the '97 Orochi team theme.] Ominous and imposing. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQD5jpKg1fI Rhythmic Hallucination, the '97 Orochi team theme.] Ominous and imposing. |
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** In '''98'', this got expanded even further, with "Rhythmic Hallucination" being given to Orochi Yashiro alone. In its place, Orochi Shermie gets the subdued yet fitting [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HuDW_Ol788 Fanatic Waltz], and Orochi Chris gets the downright sinister [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOJ0qMP7_w Mad Fantasy.] |
** In ''{{'}}98'', this got expanded even further, with "Rhythmic Hallucination" being given to Orochi Yashiro alone. In its place, Orochi Shermie gets the subdued yet fitting [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HuDW_Ol788 Fanatic Waltz], and Orochi Chris gets the downright sinister [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOJ0qMP7_w Mad Fantasy.] |
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*** And eventually culminated into [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WFF-mw3wLU this] for ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. Fun. |
*** And eventually culminated into [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WFF-mw3wLU this] for ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. Fun. |
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** The New Faces Team's ''non''-Orochi forms also had pretty killer music (no pun intended) in the form of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGlcVIpL6nw Bloody]. Naturally, this too was remolded when ''Unlimited Match'' came along. The end result? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WnNopFQ3MA Re:Bloody.] |
** The New Faces Team's ''non''-Orochi forms also had pretty killer music (no pun intended) in the form of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGlcVIpL6nw Bloody]. Naturally, this too was remolded when ''Unlimited Match'' came along. The end result? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WnNopFQ3MA Re:Bloody.] |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmL6Fj2fWco The Origin of Mind], for Orochi himself. Trippy, ominous, oddly serene, and hard to identify. It fits Orochi completely. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmL6Fj2fWco The Origin of Mind], for Orochi himself. Trippy, ominous, oddly serene, and hard to identify. It fits Orochi completely. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BSCSmji7OE Tears] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gw6hEU4r8 Sadistic Eyes] are among two of the best boss themes in '''99'', used for the {{spoiler|two "hidden" final bosses, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami}}. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BSCSmji7OE Tears] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gw6hEU4r8 Sadistic Eyes] are among two of the best boss themes in ''{{'}}99'', used for the {{spoiler|two "hidden" final bosses, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami}}. |
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** Interestingly, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbUIXxtb4-U&fmt=18 when superimposed,] their respective tones fit each other perfectly, and seem to assimilate and even ''complete'' each other into something even more epic (if '''[[Loudness War|loud]]'''). [[Yaoi Fangirl|Ladies]], [[Wild Mass Guessing|make of that]] [[Ho Yay|what you will.]] |
** Interestingly, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbUIXxtb4-U&fmt=18 when superimposed,] their respective tones fit each other perfectly, and seem to assimilate and even ''complete'' each other into something even more epic (if '''[[Loudness War|loud]]'''). [[Yaoi Fangirl|Ladies]], [[Wild Mass Guessing|make of that]] [[Ho Yay|what you will.]] |
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* Krizalid and his theme [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYUud4rCd_Q Dear Falling Angel] from '''99''. Good use of techno and machine noises. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwKXteo2SgE This] is the arranged version. |
* Krizalid and his theme [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYUud4rCd_Q Dear Falling Angel] from ''{{'}}99''. Good use of techno and machine noises. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwKXteo2SgE This] is the arranged version. |
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** Also worth mentioning in '''99'' is the K' Team's Theme [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgjJtFdcpng KD-0079.] What a way to open up with a new hero for the saga. |
** Also worth mentioning in ''{{'}}99'' is the K' Team's Theme [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgjJtFdcpng KD-0079.] What a way to open up with a new hero for the saga. |
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** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mBodC0Q9HY This] is the arranged version and ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErKEQBt5m0 this]'' is supposedly the ''original'' arranged version of KD-0079. Holy... |
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mBodC0Q9HY This] is the arranged version and ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErKEQBt5m0 this]'' is supposedly the ''original'' arranged version of KD-0079. Holy... |
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*** Both were cranked [[Up to Eleven]] with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfrv4fVP28E Cutting Edge] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DNvjWdrtZk KD-0079+] in ''Unlimited Match''. |
*** Both were cranked [[Up to Eleven]] with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfrv4fVP28E Cutting Edge] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DNvjWdrtZk KD-0079+] in ''Unlimited Match''. |
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** It also gives [[An Ice Person|Kula Diamond]] a long due deserved song that is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnxJtCq96dE actually kickass]. |
** It also gives [[An Ice Person|Kula Diamond]] a long due deserved song that is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnxJtCq96dE actually kickass]. |
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* ''The King of Fighters 2000'', essentially the old SNK's swan song, has an appropriately awesome soundtrack. Nowhere is this exemplified more than in Kyo's theme, the appropriately titled [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8T-23D2Zs&fmt=18 Goodbye Esaka]. You can pretty much feel all the emotions of SNK's (brief) demise. |
* ''The King of Fighters 2000'', essentially the old SNK's swan song, has an appropriately awesome soundtrack. Nowhere is this exemplified more than in Kyo's theme, the appropriately titled [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8T-23D2Zs&fmt=18 Goodbye Esaka]. You can pretty much feel all the emotions of SNK's (brief) demise. |
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** The rest of the Esaka series is no slouch in terms of amazing muscial direction either. First up was [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T3el2F_E8g Esaka] in ''The King of Fighters '94''. While [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEtoPE0XpiY Funky Esaka] is usually passed over due to [[Soundtrack Dissonance]], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifG376LtUiM Esaka?] in '''96'' is noted for being one of the most notable (if not ''the'' most notable) tracks in the series. In fact, it's so popular that it was reused several times over the course of the series: first in '''99'' for his clones Kyo-1 and Kyo-2 as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeS7VCK8Cmw Esaka ~Acid Mix~], as a part of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNh0PV5U10s real Kyo's theme in the same game], again for his clone/evil magical doppelganger Kusanagi's theme in ''2002'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXQzHmrJMdw Esaka '02]) and ''2003'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tpg0DAlvQ Esaka '03]), as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6jLtMRefQo two] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4ooDSZU0U remixes] for EX Kyo in ''XI'', and most recently as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY7NHkLmoW8 Esaka!!] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. Finally, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aL8KiPsrvU Esaka Forever] in '''97'' memorably brought the [[Orochi]] Saga (and Kyo's stint as [[The Protagonist|protagonist]]) to its fated conclusion. |
** The rest of the Esaka series is no slouch in terms of amazing muscial direction either. First up was [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T3el2F_E8g Esaka] in ''The King of Fighters '94''. While [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEtoPE0XpiY Funky Esaka] is usually passed over due to [[Soundtrack Dissonance]], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifG376LtUiM Esaka?] in ''{{'}}96'' is noted for being one of the most notable (if not ''the'' most notable) tracks in the series. In fact, it's so popular that it was reused several times over the course of the series: first in ''{{'}}99'' for his clones Kyo-1 and Kyo-2 as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeS7VCK8Cmw Esaka ~Acid Mix~], as a part of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNh0PV5U10s real Kyo's theme in the same game], again for his clone/evil magical doppelganger Kusanagi's theme in ''2002'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXQzHmrJMdw Esaka '02]) and ''2003'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tpg0DAlvQ Esaka '03]), as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6jLtMRefQo two] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4ooDSZU0U remixes] for EX Kyo in ''XI'', and most recently as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY7NHkLmoW8 Esaka!!] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. Finally, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aL8KiPsrvU Esaka Forever] in ''{{'}}97'' memorably brought the [[Orochi]] Saga (and Kyo's stint as [[The Protagonist|protagonist]]) to its fated conclusion. |
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** ''XII'' has its [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-HV96FprKY own version] as a bonus soundtrack. |
** ''XII'' has its [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-HV96FprKY own version] as a bonus soundtrack. |
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* At the other end of the spectrum are [[The Rival|Iori Yagami]]'s jazz-heavy themes with screaming saxophones, the Arashi no Saxophone (that's "Stormy Saxophone" for those who don't know Japanese) series: It started in ''The King of Fighters '95'' with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aht_nDKMf70 Arashi no Saxophone] (which was popular enough to be rearranged in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE7yX4VEqug KOF '98]'' and again in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuXguzbYPaE XI]''), then continued with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hi6_jguKwU Arashi no Saxophone 2] in '''96'' (ditto in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yNMVkoHl9Q 2002]''), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjPAqfIzoI Cool Jam (Arashi no Saxophone 3)] in '''97'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llh7aRRAu8U Stormy Scream (Arashi no Saxophone 4)] in ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qiMkFCEL18 Cool Jam 2] in ''2003''. |
* At the other end of the spectrum are [[The Rival|Iori Yagami]]'s jazz-heavy themes with screaming saxophones, the Arashi no Saxophone (that's "Stormy Saxophone" for those who don't know Japanese) series: It started in ''The King of Fighters '95'' with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aht_nDKMf70 Arashi no Saxophone] (which was popular enough to be rearranged in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE7yX4VEqug KOF '98]'' and again in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuXguzbYPaE XI]''), then continued with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hi6_jguKwU Arashi no Saxophone 2] in ''{{'}}96'' (ditto in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yNMVkoHl9Q 2002]''), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjPAqfIzoI Cool Jam (Arashi no Saxophone 3)] in ''{{'}}97'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llh7aRRAu8U Stormy Scream (Arashi no Saxophone 4)] in ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qiMkFCEL18 Cool Jam 2] in ''2003''. |
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* Whenever Benimaru and/or [[Ascended Fanboy|Shingo]] end up on a team without Kyo, their themes tend to rival (or even ''surpass'') his themes in the same game. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meBWcPoTrpw Still Green] in ''KOF '97'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TknOsDVDuKU Inner Shade] in ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyLdMiExZ-s Joyrider] in ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Xy-RTdYrs Asia Sangokudomei (Triple Alliance of Asia)] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. |
* Whenever Benimaru and/or [[Ascended Fanboy|Shingo]] end up on a team without Kyo, their themes tend to rival (or even ''surpass'') his themes in the same game. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meBWcPoTrpw Still Green] in ''KOF '97'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TknOsDVDuKU Inner Shade] in ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyLdMiExZ-s Joyrider] in ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Xy-RTdYrs Asia Sangokudomei (Triple Alliance of Asia)] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. |
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** On the subject of "Still Green", [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcNJRaRRXaU SNK did a ska version of the song]. A ''ska'' version. And it ''still'' sounds amazing. |
** On the subject of "Still Green", [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcNJRaRRXaU SNK did a ska version of the song]. A ''ska'' version. And it ''still'' sounds amazing. |
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** ''XI'' has a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwgagzSlIvE pretty good rendition of the song] as well. |
** ''XI'' has a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwgagzSlIvE pretty good rendition of the song] as well. |
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* If any of Kim's themes have the word "Seoul" in them, that song is usually ''guaranteed'' to be awesome. It began with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6gb0XQ4UdM Seoul ni Ikou! (Let's Go to Seoul!)] in ''[[Fatal Fury]] 2''/''Fatal Fury Special''. Then came [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbhn7D4i6n0 Seoul Town] in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury''/''KOF '98'' (the '''98'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofLJSu2fxwI version] was [[Your Mileage May Vary|bashed]] to the point that the music team [[Up to Eleven|one-upped]] the song into [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNw3QDVvKw Seoul Town ~Ver. Justice] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''). Next was [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKtPWoMJJyo Seoul Road] in ''KOF '96''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj9dIETvNMo Seoul'ssu] followed in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''. Finally, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW2yVE5AazY Seoul Love] in ''KOF 2003'' rounds out the series. |
* If any of Kim's themes have the word "Seoul" in them, that song is usually ''guaranteed'' to be awesome. It began with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6gb0XQ4UdM Seoul ni Ikou! (Let's Go to Seoul!)] in ''[[Fatal Fury]] 2''/''Fatal Fury Special''. Then came [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbhn7D4i6n0 Seoul Town] in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury''/''KOF '98'' (the ''{{'}}98'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofLJSu2fxwI version] was [[Your Mileage May Vary|bashed]] to the point that the music team [[Up to Eleven|one-upped]] the song into [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNw3QDVvKw Seoul Town ~Ver. Justice] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''). Next was [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKtPWoMJJyo Seoul Road] in ''KOF '96''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj9dIETvNMo Seoul'ssu] followed in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''. Finally, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW2yVE5AazY Seoul Love] in ''KOF 2003'' rounds out the series. |
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** While not "Seoul" per se, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3vhjt7WnaA Attack Me!] from ''Fatal Fury Wild Ambition'' stands out in a game where the music was probably the ''[[Your Mileage May Vary|only remarkable feature]]''. |
** While not "Seoul" per se, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3vhjt7WnaA Attack Me!] from ''Fatal Fury Wild Ambition'' stands out in a game where the music was probably the ''[[Your Mileage May Vary|only remarkable feature]]''. |
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** And don't forget about [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scUEVFH9RzE The Way to Rebirth] from '''99'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lrlut8oXZ0 Wild Party] from ''2000''. Ever since "Seoul Road" in '''96'', Kim and his Korean cohorts have received a fair share of awesome. |
** And don't forget about [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scUEVFH9RzE The Way to Rebirth] from ''{{'}}99'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lrlut8oXZ0 Wild Party] from ''2000''. Ever since "Seoul Road" in ''{{'}}96'', Kim and his Korean cohorts have received a fair share of awesome. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGz7YWjuU8 Fairy, Chizuru's theme] from ''KOF '96'', as well as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIDeD1CaZ8c Sacredness ~ Fairy] from ''KOF 2003''. Rock and gospel have never sounded so great together. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGz7YWjuU8 Fairy, Chizuru's theme] from ''KOF '96'', as well as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIDeD1CaZ8c Sacredness ~ Fairy] from ''KOF 2003''. Rock and gospel have never sounded so great together. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5gHDBRBIow London March], Billy's theme from ''KOF '97'' (and a majority of Billy's other appearances) also sounds like it'd go hand-in-hand with ''[[Guilty Gear]]''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJtrwRmJZ-Y N.D.R.], his theme from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury'', is also rocking. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5gHDBRBIow London March], Billy's theme from ''KOF '97'' (and a majority of Billy's other appearances) also sounds like it'd go hand-in-hand with ''[[Guilty Gear]]''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJtrwRmJZ-Y N.D.R.], his theme from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury'', is also rocking. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsTZhxJdeu8 Psycho Soldier K.O.F Remix] from ''KOF '94''. It's a catchy and memorable J-Pop/J-Rock song. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsTZhxJdeu8 Psycho Soldier K.O.F Remix] from ''KOF '94''. It's a catchy and memorable J-Pop/J-Rock song. |
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** Its remixes in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7d8OUpakc '96]'', ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkxang37tFk '97]'', ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7YuOBRDcGc 2002]'', and ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoTnDDk10ZY 2002: Unlimited Match]'' aren't bad either. |
** Its remixes in ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7d8OUpakc '96]'', ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkxang37tFk '97]'', ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7YuOBRDcGc 2002]'', and ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoTnDDk10ZY 2002: Unlimited Match]'' aren't bad either. |
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** From '''95'', there's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBbUD2SMQmk Senritsu no Dora (The Shuddering Gong)], apparently carried over from ''[[Psycho Soldier]]'' as well. Pretty funky. Its [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZSo6z-udJY Best Arrange Collection version] has a more commanding and triumphant feel. |
** From ''{{'}}95'', there's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBbUD2SMQmk Senritsu no Dora (The Shuddering Gong)], apparently carried over from ''[[Psycho Soldier]]'' as well. Pretty funky. Its [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZSo6z-udJY Best Arrange Collection version] has a more commanding and triumphant feel. |
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** The arranged version of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXcq5O0rQhE You Feel For Me], the theme of the [[Joshikousei|High School Girls Team]], gives off this happy-go-lucky, club mix vibe. Also, there's the light-hearted and relaxing [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmVQVIrPTk0 Pure ~ At Good Old Days] for the Neo Psycho Soldier Team in ''XI''. |
** The arranged version of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXcq5O0rQhE You Feel For Me], the theme of the [[Joshikousei|High School Girls Team]], gives off this happy-go-lucky, club mix vibe. Also, there's the light-hearted and relaxing [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmVQVIrPTk0 Pure ~ At Good Old Days] for the Neo Psycho Soldier Team in ''XI''. |
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* In a series filled to the brim with rock, jazz, and pop, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03xftbph53g Slam No. 5] (or is it [[Spell My Name with an "S"|Slum No. 5?]]) from ''KOF '94'' stands out as a cool hip-hop track. Also, make sure to catch the '''98'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSX88W4V92c version]. |
* In a series filled to the brim with rock, jazz, and pop, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03xftbph53g Slam No. 5] (or is it [[Spell My Name with an "S"|Slum No. 5?]]) from ''KOF '94'' stands out as a cool hip-hop track. Also, make sure to catch the ''{{'}}98'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSX88W4V92c version]. |
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* K' seems to have his own string of pure, unadulterated awesome. Aside from the aforementioned "KD-0079", there's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSVIUelRhBY KD-0084] in ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmBRIU3xNdM KD] in ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBGRjHOdweg KDD-0075] in ''XI''. |
* K' seems to have his own string of pure, unadulterated awesome. Aside from the aforementioned "KD-0079", there's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSVIUelRhBY KD-0084] in ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmBRIU3xNdM KD] in ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBGRjHOdweg KDD-0075] in ''XI''. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2NFTAk_ER0 New Order], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgjphKdKQpk Rinrin], and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yHeYARt0Rk Secret Circumstances], all from ''XI''. The first is a essentially a fusion of "Esaka" and "Arashi no Saxophone" (see above); the second is jazzy; the last one sounds like the score for the next ''[[James Bond]]''. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2NFTAk_ER0 New Order], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgjphKdKQpk Rinrin], and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yHeYARt0Rk Secret Circumstances], all from ''XI''. The first is a essentially a fusion of "Esaka" and "Arashi no Saxophone" (see above); the second is jazzy; the last one sounds like the score for the next ''[[James Bond]]''. |
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* The [[Ikari Warriors|Ikari]] Team has some rocking tunes as well. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ovCp9HXn-o Jungle Bouncer] from '''94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-T4K7KwQ4Y Desert Requiem] from '''95'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_4eWWLd_s8 Remixed for 2002 UM]), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3SdXasEj7Y Rumbling on the City] from '''96'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpZFoBwADwg W.W.III] from '''99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00r91g9wc5Y The Trooper] from ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eKL8Erodqg Inside Skinny] from ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrnrA5arBuY Smell of Gunpowder] from ''XI''. |
* The [[Ikari Warriors|Ikari]] Team has some rocking tunes as well. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ovCp9HXn-o Jungle Bouncer] from ''{{'}}94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-T4K7KwQ4Y Desert Requiem] from ''{{'}}95'' ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_4eWWLd_s8 Remixed for 2002 UM]), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3SdXasEj7Y Rumbling on the City] from ''{{'}}96'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpZFoBwADwg W.W.III] from ''{{'}}99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00r91g9wc5Y The Trooper] from ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eKL8Erodqg Inside Skinny] from ''2003'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrnrA5arBuY Smell of Gunpowder] from ''XI''. |
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* While it might not have the staying power or nostalgic value of "Esaka" or "Tears", [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YqPfifOWf8 Blaze], Kyo's ''other'' solo theme from ''KOF 2003'', has its own merits. |
* While it might not have the staying power or nostalgic value of "Esaka" or "Tears", [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YqPfifOWf8 Blaze], Kyo's ''other'' solo theme from ''KOF 2003'', has its own merits. |
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* [[Germans Love David Hasselhoff|Love]] [[Creator's Pet|him]] or [[Replacement Scrappy|hate him]], Ash Crimson's themes are deliciously sinister, a testament to just how far he's strayed from the typical protagonistic mold. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPwtksOiW8 Splendid Evil] in ''KOF 2003'' kicked it off and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-1xYnuKZoY Joker] in ''XI'' eventually becomes something akin to ''[[Guilty Gear]]''-lite (thanks in part to a killer guitar). |
* [[Germans Love David Hasselhoff|Love]] [[Creator's Pet|him]] or [[Replacement Scrappy|hate him]], Ash Crimson's themes are deliciously sinister, a testament to just how far he's strayed from the typical protagonistic mold. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPwtksOiW8 Splendid Evil] in ''KOF 2003'' kicked it off and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-1xYnuKZoY Joker] in ''XI'' eventually becomes something akin to ''[[Guilty Gear]]''-lite (thanks in part to a killer guitar). |
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* How could you forget about the ''[[Art of Fighting]]'' Team? Most songs have an Oriental flair to them, which serves to only amp up the awesome and keep you pumped for the fight. May I direct you to [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2D9HbRQVP0 Ryuuko to Ken (Dragon, Tiger, and Fist)] in ''KOF '95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBd7NQoiNSY Ryu-Ko] in '''99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-7UTEQW6a4 Beauty and the Beast] from ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWEFFsLgv9o Kyoku-gen] in ''2003'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVTZlx_kkKI After a Long Absence] in ''XI'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFr54AJcF1k Art of Fight ~ Ryuko to Tsubame (Art of Fight ~ Dragon, Tiger, and Swallow)] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. |
* How could you forget about the ''[[Art of Fighting]]'' Team? Most songs have an Oriental flair to them, which serves to only amp up the awesome and keep you pumped for the fight. May I direct you to [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2D9HbRQVP0 Ryuuko to Ken (Dragon, Tiger, and Fist)] in ''KOF '95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBd7NQoiNSY Ryu-Ko] in ''{{'}}99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-7UTEQW6a4 Beauty and the Beast] from ''2000'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWEFFsLgv9o Kyoku-gen] in ''2003'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVTZlx_kkKI After a Long Absence] in ''XI'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFr54AJcF1k Art of Fight ~ Ryuko to Tsubame (Art of Fight ~ Dragon, Tiger, and Swallow)] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. |
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** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvC7HQxiZCc Kamikirimushi (Praying Mantis)] from '''96'' wasn't half bad either. |
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvC7HQxiZCc Kamikirimushi (Praying Mantis)] from ''{{'}}96'' wasn't half bad either. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRtheIyKzSI Zhe Prime], the riveting and yet melancholic theme of Nameless. Fitting doesn't even describe it. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRtheIyKzSI Zhe Prime], the riveting and yet melancholic theme of Nameless. Fitting doesn't even describe it. |
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* [[Unfortunate Implications|Shame on forgetting about the women!]] The Women Fighters Team were not without great music either, which usually either fell into the category of catchy (think club-type beats) or soothing. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0uoh1iJs0 Ne!] from ''KOF '94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ4NhM-XoX0 Tsuchi o Hau Bass (Ground Creeping Bass)] from '''95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZpenVlaZYA Sha-La-La] from '''99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7aSDcSgXiw Come up Smiling] from ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdvtIdlA_Ig Destiny] from ''2002: Unlimted Match''. |
* [[Unfortunate Implications|Shame on forgetting about the women!]] The Women Fighters Team were not without great music either, which usually either fell into the category of catchy (think club-type beats) or soothing. See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0uoh1iJs0 Ne!] from ''KOF '94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ4NhM-XoX0 Tsuchi o Hau Bass (Ground Creeping Bass)] from ''{{'}}95'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZpenVlaZYA Sha-La-La] from ''{{'}}99'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7aSDcSgXiw Come up Smiling] from ''2000'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdvtIdlA_Ig Destiny] from ''2002: Unlimted Match''. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpzLiQYJWQ Antinomy ~Mutually Exclusive Dichotomy~], the theme of the [[Cloning Blues|Kyo Clone Team]] from ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. It starts out a contender for ''the'' darkest BGM you'll ever hear in a fighting game (which is fitting considering that [[Evil Twin|evil, magical doppelganger]] Kusanagi is depicted as looking downright [[Ax Crazy]] with a [[Slasher Smile]] that would put [[Psycho for Hire|Yamazaki]] to shame). Then, around the post-1:00 mark, the song picks up and starts to feel... oddly heroic. Of course, you're right to back to square one after that brief moment of uplifting. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpzLiQYJWQ Antinomy ~Mutually Exclusive Dichotomy~], the theme of the [[Cloning Blues|Kyo Clone Team]] from ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''. It starts out a contender for ''the'' darkest BGM you'll ever hear in a fighting game (which is fitting considering that [[Evil Twin|evil, magical doppelganger]] Kusanagi is depicted as looking downright [[Ax Crazy]] with a [[Slasher Smile]] that would put [[Psycho for Hire|Yamazaki]] to shame). Then, around the post-1:00 mark, the song picks up and starts to feel... oddly heroic. Of course, you're right to back to square one after that brief moment of uplifting. |
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** Probably a [[Fridge Brilliance]] moment for me; they're clones of the hero, after all. Then just when you think they did something heroic, it turns sinister once more. |
** Probably a [[Fridge Brilliance]] moment for me; they're clones of the hero, after all. Then just when you think they did something heroic, it turns sinister once more. |
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* One word: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvfknks-3Dg Kurinkinton] (Well, actually, it's four: "Chestnuts and Mashed Potatoes"). Odd name aside, Terry's peppy and upbeat trademark theme is always a great addition to any game. The ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YNzc4UWVmE KOF 2002]'' version deserves special mention, as do [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBkCLysqgE8 Kuri To Itsu Made Mo] ("Chestnuts and Forever") from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury 2''/''KOF '97'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEH71N-5-Xg Kurikinton ~Gomame Guitar Ver.~] from ''KOF '98''. |
* One word: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvfknks-3Dg Kurinkinton] (Well, actually, it's four: "Chestnuts and Mashed Potatoes"). Odd name aside, Terry's peppy and upbeat trademark theme is always a great addition to any game. The ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YNzc4UWVmE KOF 2002]'' version deserves special mention, as do [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBkCLysqgE8 Kuri To Itsu Made Mo] ("Chestnuts and Forever") from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury 2''/''KOF '97'' and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEH71N-5-Xg Kurikinton ~Gomame Guitar Ver.~] from ''KOF '98''. |
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** Most of Terry's other themes are of equal caliber. His list of greats includes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdGN75-6fOs Big Shot!] from ''Fatal Fury 3''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury''/''KOF XI'' (complete with an [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj_pxrNXlwY acoustic version] in ''KOF '96''), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zowfrXOQmC0 11th Street] from ''Fatal Fury Wild Ambition'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNNnzCiSwI0 Sunrise on the Train] from ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCWHHxmb35I 176th Street] from ''KOF '99'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXoEApEtvE Terry 115] from ''KOF 2000''. |
** Most of Terry's other themes are of equal caliber. His list of greats includes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdGN75-6fOs Big Shot!] from ''Fatal Fury 3''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury''/''KOF XI'' (complete with an [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj_pxrNXlwY acoustic version] in ''KOF '96''), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zowfrXOQmC0 11th Street] from ''Fatal Fury Wild Ambition'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNNnzCiSwI0 Sunrise on the Train] from ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCWHHxmb35I 176th Street] from ''KOF '99'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXoEApEtvE Terry 115] from ''KOF 2000''. |
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** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgk7qD2pXfs Napolitan Blues] from '''94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e1g7mfWkTA Club M ~ Flute Under Blue Sky] from '''95'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl07YjsEPFQ Prolongnation] from ''2003'' weren't too shabby either. Honestly, Terry really can't do any wrong and his teammates (who sometimes drew the short end of the stick when it came to music, ''especially'' Joe) benefitted from being grouped with him. |
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgk7qD2pXfs Napolitan Blues] from ''{{'}}94'', [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e1g7mfWkTA Club M ~ Flute Under Blue Sky] from ''{{'}}95'', and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl07YjsEPFQ Prolongnation] from ''2003'' weren't too shabby either. Honestly, Terry really can't do any wrong and his teammates (who sometimes drew the short end of the stick when it came to music, ''especially'' Joe) benefitted from being grouped with him. |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7NkmbvV_E Blue Mary's Blues] from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury 2'' and ''KOF '97''. Not only it is a soothing yet melancholy song, but Harumi Ikoma, Blue Mary's seiyuu, actually provides the vocals. (For those who want to hear the non-vocal version, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZMNFp3o_w here you go].) |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7NkmbvV_E Blue Mary's Blues] from ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''/''Real Bout Fatal Fury 2'' and ''KOF '97''. Not only it is a soothing yet melancholy song, but Harumi Ikoma, Blue Mary's seiyuu, actually provides the vocals. (For those who want to hear the non-vocal version, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZMNFp3o_w here you go].) |
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** Blue Mary also has [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DadZqZ5wGVM Kiss Me] from ''Fatal Fury 3'' and ''Real Bout''. Not as good as "Blue Mary's Blues", but still good. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZcdVObw69k Here's the arranged version.] |
** Blue Mary also has [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DadZqZ5wGVM Kiss Me] from ''Fatal Fury 3'' and ''Real Bout''. Not as good as "Blue Mary's Blues", but still good. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZcdVObw69k Here's the arranged version.] |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIdzihn3XxU Ugly Hero], Astro Guy's theme in the first ''[[King of the Monsters]]''. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIdzihn3XxU Ugly Hero], Astro Guy's theme in the first ''[[King of the Monsters]]''. |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Video Games/Awesome Music]] |
[[Category:Video Games/Awesome Music]] |
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[[Category:SNK]] |
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[[Category:Awesome Music]] |
Latest revision as of 18:06, 27 February 2024
SNK may be best known for their assembly line of cheap, sadistic bastards, but hey, at least the stellar soundtracks made the beatdown something to look forward to. Enjoy! All tropers are encouraged to find the arranged versions of these songs ASAP.
The King of Fighters
- Showdown R&D, Rugal Bernstein's theme. Very energetic, and a song you'll be hearing quite a bit since you'll be losing to Rugal so often. This is the arranged version.
- And, just like Geese, "Ketchaku R&" has been subject to a few remixes over the years: XXX in KOF '98 and Unlimited R in KOF 2002: Unlimited Match.
- Now with a NES version.
- His other themes, Guitar, Omega, and Rugal in '95, The RR in '98, and Last Dance in 2002, have their fair share of fans too. Although "Last Dance", to be honest, has the smallest circle of fans compared to the other themes. Thank you, Eolith.
- And there's the theme of Rugal's son Adel: Revolutionary Etude~R2. It starts out as a Chopin piece, and then goes into full-blown techno. His XI theme, King is even better.
- Trash Head, Goenitz's theme. Militaristic, imposing, and fits the "wind" theme behind the boss.
- Then came Trash Head ~Spring Storm~ for The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match...
- Control Crisis, the Orochi Iori/Orochi Leona sub-boss theme for '97, sounds more like a Guilty Gear track than something SNK would do.
- Rhythmic Hallucination, the '97 Orochi team theme. Ominous and imposing.
- In '98, this got expanded even further, with "Rhythmic Hallucination" being given to Orochi Yashiro alone. In its place, Orochi Shermie gets the subdued yet fitting Fanatic Waltz, and Orochi Chris gets the downright sinister Mad Fantasy.
- And eventually culminated into this for KOF 2002: Unlimited Match. Fun.
- The New Faces Team's non-Orochi forms also had pretty killer music (no pun intended) in the form of Bloody. Naturally, this too was remolded when Unlimited Match came along. The end result? Re:Bloody.
- In '98, this got expanded even further, with "Rhythmic Hallucination" being given to Orochi Yashiro alone. In its place, Orochi Shermie gets the subdued yet fitting Fanatic Waltz, and Orochi Chris gets the downright sinister Mad Fantasy.
- The Origin of Mind, for Orochi himself. Trippy, ominous, oddly serene, and hard to identify. It fits Orochi completely.
- Tears and Sadistic Eyes are among two of the best boss themes in '99, used for the two "hidden" final bosses, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami.
- Interestingly, when superimposed, their respective tones fit each other perfectly, and seem to assimilate and even complete each other into something even more epic (if loud). Ladies, make of that what you will.
- Krizalid and his theme Dear Falling Angel from '99. Good use of techno and machine noises. This is the arranged version.
- Also worth mentioning in '99 is the K' Team's Theme KD-0079. What a way to open up with a new hero for the saga.
- This is the arranged version and this is supposedly the original arranged version of KD-0079. Holy...
- Both were cranked Up to Eleven with Cutting Edge and KD-0079+ in Unlimited Match.
- Slasher Zero, for Clone Zero in 2000. Nearly all percussion and of an impossible-to-identify musical genre, it's one of the darkest themes in the series.
- The arranged version features a very Indian-ish tune near the end of the song.
- On the subject of Zero, both the clone and the original were given pretty slick tunes in 2002: Unlimited Match. Original Zero's theme is Testament of N.E.S.T.S., an imperialistic march that has a hint of undying duty and sadness while Clone Zero was given Dark Gravitation, a song that has split some fans on whether or not it's better than "Slasher Zero" (a song that was heralded as "pure evil in audio form".)
- An Improvised Concerto, for Magaki. As classical piano, it's surprisingly subdued, but no less awesome.
- The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match made up for 2001 and 2002's rather poor soundtracks with a new soundtrack, and oh, what a difference it makes.
- It also gives Kula Diamond a long due deserved song that is actually kickass.
- The King of Fighters 2000, essentially the old SNK's swan song, has an appropriately awesome soundtrack. Nowhere is this exemplified more than in Kyo's theme, the appropriately titled Goodbye Esaka. You can pretty much feel all the emotions of SNK's (brief) demise.
- The rest of the Esaka series is no slouch in terms of amazing muscial direction either. First up was Esaka in The King of Fighters '94. While Funky Esaka is usually passed over due to Soundtrack Dissonance, Esaka? in '96 is noted for being one of the most notable (if not the most notable) tracks in the series. In fact, it's so popular that it was reused several times over the course of the series: first in '99 for his clones Kyo-1 and Kyo-2 as Esaka ~Acid Mix~, as a part of the real Kyo's theme in the same game, again for his clone/evil magical doppelganger Kusanagi's theme in 2002 (Esaka '02) and 2003 (Esaka '03), as two remixes for EX Kyo in XI, and most recently as Esaka!! in 2002: Unlimited Match. Finally, Esaka Forever in '97 memorably brought the Orochi Saga (and Kyo's stint as protagonist) to its fated conclusion.
- XII has its own version as a bonus soundtrack.
- At the other end of the spectrum are Iori Yagami's jazz-heavy themes with screaming saxophones, the Arashi no Saxophone (that's "Stormy Saxophone" for those who don't know Japanese) series: It started in The King of Fighters '95 with Arashi no Saxophone (which was popular enough to be rearranged in KOF '98 and again in XI), then continued with Arashi no Saxophone 2 in '96 (ditto in 2002), Cool Jam (Arashi no Saxophone 3) in '97, Stormy Scream (Arashi no Saxophone 4) in 2000, and Cool Jam 2 in 2003.
- Whenever Benimaru and/or Shingo end up on a team without Kyo, their themes tend to rival (or even surpass) his themes in the same game. See Still Green in KOF '97, Inner Shade in 2000, Joyrider in 2003, and Asia Sangokudomei (Triple Alliance of Asia) in 2002: Unlimited Match.
- On the subject of "Still Green", SNK did a ska version of the song. A ska version. And it still sounds amazing.
- XI has a pretty good rendition of the song as well.
- If any of Kim's themes have the word "Seoul" in them, that song is usually guaranteed to be awesome. It began with Seoul ni Ikou! (Let's Go to Seoul!) in Fatal Fury 2/Fatal Fury Special. Then came Seoul Town in Real Bout Fatal Fury/KOF '98 (the '98 version was bashed to the point that the music team one-upped the song into Seoul Town ~Ver. Justice in KOF 2002: Unlimited Match). Next was Seoul Road in KOF '96. Seoul'ssu followed in Real Bout Fatal Fury Special. Finally, Seoul Love in KOF 2003 rounds out the series.
- While not "Seoul" per se, Attack Me! from Fatal Fury Wild Ambition stands out in a game where the music was probably the only remarkable feature.
- And don't forget about The Way to Rebirth from '99 and Wild Party from 2000. Ever since "Seoul Road" in '96, Kim and his Korean cohorts have received a fair share of awesome.
- Fairy, Chizuru's theme from KOF '96, as well as Sacredness ~ Fairy from KOF 2003. Rock and gospel have never sounded so great together.
- London March, Billy's theme from KOF '97 (and a majority of Billy's other appearances) also sounds like it'd go hand-in-hand with Guilty Gear. N.D.R., his theme from Real Bout Fatal Fury, is also rocking.
- In Spite Of One's Age, the theme of the Oyaji/Master Team from KOF '98. And if you thought that was good, wait until you hear Ver. Immortal from 2002: Unlimited Match.
- Psycho Soldier K.O.F Remix from KOF '94. It's a catchy and memorable J-Pop/J-Rock song.
- Its remixes in '96, '97, 2002, and 2002: Unlimited Match aren't bad either.
- From '95, there's Senritsu no Dora (The Shuddering Gong), apparently carried over from Psycho Soldier as well. Pretty funky. Its Best Arrange Collection version has a more commanding and triumphant feel.
- The arranged version of You Feel For Me, the theme of the High School Girls Team, gives off this happy-go-lucky, club mix vibe. Also, there's the light-hearted and relaxing Pure ~ At Good Old Days for the Neo Psycho Soldier Team in XI.
- In a series filled to the brim with rock, jazz, and pop, Slam No. 5 (or is it Slum No. 5?) from KOF '94 stands out as a cool hip-hop track. Also, make sure to catch the '98 version.
- K' seems to have his own string of pure, unadulterated awesome. Aside from the aforementioned "KD-0079", there's KD-0084 in 2000, KD in 2003, and KDD-0075 in XI.
- New Order, Rinrin, and Secret Circumstances, all from XI. The first is a essentially a fusion of "Esaka" and "Arashi no Saxophone" (see above); the second is jazzy; the last one sounds like the score for the next James Bond.
- The Ikari Team has some rocking tunes as well. See Jungle Bouncer from '94, Desert Requiem from '95 (Remixed for 2002 UM), Rumbling on the City from '96, W.W.III from '99, The Trooper from 2000, and Inside Skinny from 2003, and Smell of Gunpowder from XI.
- While it might not have the staying power or nostalgic value of "Esaka" or "Tears", Blaze, Kyo's other solo theme from KOF 2003, has its own merits.
- Love him or hate him, Ash Crimson's themes are deliciously sinister, a testament to just how far he's strayed from the typical protagonistic mold. Splendid Evil in KOF 2003 kicked it off and Joker in XI eventually becomes something akin to Guilty Gear-lite (thanks in part to a killer guitar).
- How could you forget about the Art of Fighting Team? Most songs have an Oriental flair to them, which serves to only amp up the awesome and keep you pumped for the fight. May I direct you to Ryuuko to Ken (Dragon, Tiger, and Fist) in KOF '95, Ryu-Ko in '99, Beauty and the Beast from 2000, Kyoku-gen in 2003, After a Long Absence in XI, and Art of Fight ~ Ryuko to Tsubame (Art of Fight ~ Dragon, Tiger, and Swallow) in 2002: Unlimited Match.
- Kamikirimushi (Praying Mantis) from '96 wasn't half bad either.
- Zhe Prime, the riveting and yet melancholic theme of Nameless. Fitting doesn't even describe it.
- Shame on forgetting about the women! The Women Fighters Team were not without great music either, which usually either fell into the category of catchy (think club-type beats) or soothing. See Ne! from KOF '94, Tsuchi o Hau Bass (Ground Creeping Bass) from '95, Sha-La-La from '99, Come up Smiling from 2000, and Destiny from 2002: Unlimted Match.
- Antinomy ~Mutually Exclusive Dichotomy~, the theme of the Kyo Clone Team from KOF 2002: Unlimited Match. It starts out a contender for the darkest BGM you'll ever hear in a fighting game (which is fitting considering that evil, magical doppelganger Kusanagi is depicted as looking downright Ax Crazy with a Slasher Smile that would put Yamazaki to shame). Then, around the post-1:00 mark, the song picks up and starts to feel... oddly heroic. Of course, you're right to back to square one after that brief moment of uplifting.
- Probably a Fridge Brilliance moment for me; they're clones of the hero, after all. Then just when you think they did something heroic, it turns sinister once more.
- A cruel subversion with The King of Fighters 2001, which is almost unaminously hailed as the series' low point in musical score (justified; this was when SNK was paired with Eolith due to bankruptcy). Even with the extreme repetition found in the songs, fans still have their favorites like Kare Koso Saikyo (He is The Mightest), The Invincible Flame, and The Undying Sun/The Immortal Mirror of the Sun.
- This Troper is honestly fond of Ruler of the Dark, the theme of the NESTS Team in 2001. The arranged version is even better.
- Psychic Guys (Psycho Soldier Team), Nerichagi (Team Korea), and The Queen of Fighters (Women Fighters Team) aren't bad either; they're just painfully short. To be honest, This Troper actually prefers the original versions of The Invincible Flame and The Queen of Fighters to their arranged counterparts.
- The latest game, The King of Fighters XII also had a very well-done soundtrack. Unlike previous games, the music used is based on the stage rather than the team or character. There are two versions each as well with one only slightly differing from the other. However, the real eye (or ear) opener is the supposedly upcoming AST versions of the soundtrack. Pity it's only a preview.
- KOF: Maximum Impact was not without some banging tracks as well. Feast your ears on The Usual C'mon, Can You Listen Until the Guitar Solo, At Toyotsu-Chou Suita City, The Trumpeter Under The Bridge, Dangerous Parking Lot (watch out for the Cluster N-Bomb starting at 1:21), Gaining Strength Under the Waterfall, Flying Tremolo Arm, and Requiem for 50,000 People.
- From 2, we have a new version of The Usual C'mon, There's a Semi-Sale in That Forest, The Japanese Parisian, Gloom of the Cowman, Mozokusu in the Mosque, and Giving a Manicure to the Fingernails of Darkness.
- Regulation A gives us Please Select. Perhaps the catchiest menu select theme ever.
- Add the BGM for Dotonbori, Infernal Gate ver. Ghost Tower, and the credits while you're at it.
- And now that KOF XIII's been released, you can treat your ears to a new batch of great music:
- The character select theme does a very good job getting you pumped for the many battles to come.
- The Second Joker, Ash Crimson's theme.
- The revamped Elisabeth Team joins the fray with the very Castlevania-ish Each Promise.
- The original Japan Team (Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon) return to the ring with Esaka Continues... Yes, it does sound almost exactly like "New Order" from XI.
- Continuing his trend of melancholy jazz, Iori Yagami brings you Arashi no Saxophone 5.
- Why don't you do K' a favor and rock out to KDD-0063 as he wipes the floor with you?
- The Lonely Wolves' newest theme, Wild Street. It's like Street Dancer from XI, only injected with 250% more rock.
- Kyokugen Training! ~ Mountain Seclusion. Ryo & co. must workout to this.
- It's time to go on an Irregular Mission with the Ikari Warriors!
- Purity Soldiers, the lighthearted theme of the Psycho Soldier Team.
- The scrapped version of Purity Soldiers is pretty good too though you'll only hear it on a handful of Japanese match videos during the interlude.
- The Women Fighters Team and their sultry theme, Who is Queen.
- Kim is going to Tame a Bad Boy with JUSTICE!
- Fate, the calamitous theme of Saiki, which seems to incorporate elements of Magaki and Mukai's themes, fittingly enough.
- And how else to bring the latest saga to a close than with Diabolosis, the theme of Dark Ash? It's a very chilling, atmospheric piece, fitting of the final battle's nature.
- Similarly, the menu theme for KoF-i, as heard here.
- While 2002's soundtrack was somewhat lacking due to SNK's financial crisis at the time, Napolitan Trance, the theme of K9999 and the NESTS Team, was quite good, despite the repetitiveness.
- For some people, it may also be the intro and player select themes, even if one's based on the other.
Fatal Fury
- Geese Howard's recurring theme. The minute you hear that, you know that you're gettin' an asskicking.
- Geese's Leitmotif is definitely one of the more iconic (and oft-rearranged) SNK themes. Aside from the aforementioned Fatal Fury 3 theme ("Geese ni Chuushite"/"Give Geese a Kiss"), the "Geese ni" series has seen many a rearrangement: Geese ni Kissu (A Kiss for Geese) from Fatal Fury -> Geese ni Kissu ~Cyber Edit~ from Art of Fighting 2 -> Geese ni Shouyu (Soy Sauce for Geese) in Fatal Fury Special -> Geese ni Kattakoi (Stiff Shoulders for Geese) in KOF '96 -> A rock-oriented version of Geese ni Shouyu from Real Bout Fatal Fury Special -> Geese ni Shoyu ~Ichiban Akumu no Hate~ (Soy Sauce for Geese ~The End of the First Nightmare~) in Fatal Fury Wild Ambition -> another version of Geese ni Kattakoi in KOF XI -> Kiss Geese Once More in KOF Maximum Impact 2. This recently culminated with Geese ni Mustard (Mustard for Geese) in KOF 2002: Unlimited Match.
- Dies Irae, Wolfgang Krauser's theme. Mozart is the perfect tune for a fight with a big German guy.
- It gets quite the imposing remix in the form of Maximum Impact's Requiem.
- What? No love for Lacrimosa? I'll chisel your gravestone!
- All the music in Garou: Mark of the Wolves qualifies. Take a good long listen to Invincible Mask and tell me it doesn't fit the awesomely heroic pro wrestling phenomenon that is Tizoc, the Griffon Mask.
- Rock Howard's theme, Spread The Wings.
- The apple apparently doesn't fall far from the tree, as Kim's sons also get in on the action, especially Jae Hoon. Listen to Too Honest and experience the awesome.
- Slacking off can be awesome, especially with more rocks on Loose Genius, Dong Hwan's theme.
- For something more heartfelt (no pun intended) and relaxing, there's Full Moon: Heartful, Hotaru Futaba's theme.
- Exceed the Limits, Rick Strowd's theme from Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 fits the character well; that is to say it's pure awesome.
- While we are on the subject of the Fatal Fury Series, let us turn to our attention to Alfred Airhawk also from Real Bout 2 (No, not Dominated Mind like everyone else thinks.) Get the Sky ~With Your Dreams~ fits Alfred quite well, actually.
- Pandora's Box n°1, Encounter, theme of Jin Chonshu in Fatal Fury 3 and Real Bout Fatal Fury.
- And Pandora's Box n° 2, Mist theme of his twin brother Jin Chonrei.
- Finally the twin's theme in Real Bout Special and Real Bout 2.
- And Pandora's Box n° 2, Mist theme of his twin brother Jin Chonrei.
- One word: Kurinkinton (Well, actually, it's four: "Chestnuts and Mashed Potatoes"). Odd name aside, Terry's peppy and upbeat trademark theme is always a great addition to any game. The KOF 2002 version deserves special mention, as do Kuri To Itsu Made Mo ("Chestnuts and Forever") from Real Bout Fatal Fury Special/Real Bout Fatal Fury 2/KOF '97 and Kurikinton ~Gomame Guitar Ver.~ from KOF '98.
- Most of Terry's other themes are of equal caliber. His list of greats includes Big Shot! from Fatal Fury 3/Real Bout Fatal Fury/KOF XI (complete with an acoustic version in KOF '96), 11th Street from Fatal Fury Wild Ambition, Sunrise on the Train from Garou: Mark of the Wolves, 176th Street from KOF '99, and Terry 115 from KOF 2000.
- Napolitan Blues from '94, Club M ~ Flute Under Blue Sky from '95, and Prolongnation from 2003 weren't too shabby either. Honestly, Terry really can't do any wrong and his teammates (who sometimes drew the short end of the stick when it came to music, especially Joe) benefitted from being grouped with him.
- Blue Mary's Blues from Real Bout Fatal Fury Special/Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 and KOF '97. Not only it is a soothing yet melancholy song, but Harumi Ikoma, Blue Mary's seiyuu, actually provides the vocals. (For those who want to hear the non-vocal version, here you go.)
- Blue Mary also has Kiss Me from Fatal Fury 3 and Real Bout. Not as good as "Blue Mary's Blues", but still good. Here's the arranged version.
- While we're on the subject of the Ryan family, Kevin Ryan/Rian has Wilderness Policeman. What it sounds like is Exactly What It Says on the Tin. Here's the arranged version.
- Much like the refreshingly good hip-hop provided by the American Sports Team, a similar case can be made for the themes of everyone's favorite Southtown DJ, Duck King. Whether it's Shitamachi no Abarenbou (The Wild Boy from Downtown) from the original Fatal Fury, Duck Dub Dub from Fatal Fury Special/KOF XI, or Duck Duck Duck! from the Real Bout series, the sound team knows how to churn out snazzy tracks. Props to Kong Kuwata (as in the seiyuu of Duck King and Geese) for actually rapping in a few of Duck's themes.
- Ole! Laurence Blood, bullfighter extraordinate from Fatal Fury, has some fiesty themes backed by a magical Spanish guitar. There's Hataraku Tougyuushi (The Hard-Working Bullfighter) from 2/Special and Ushi to Otawamure (Playing Around with Bulls) from Real Bout Special/Real Bout 2.
- Ti!! Ti!! Ti!! Ti!!, the hard rock theme of Hot-Blooded Composite Character Jackie Chan-Bruce Lee Clone Hon Fu from Fatal Fury 3/Real Bout Fatal Fury. WAAAATAAAAA!!!
- Pangyago Houho, the Fatal Fury 2/Special theme of Acrofatic Chinese brawler Cheng Sinzan. It even gets a remix in the form of Hapushu! Fuuu in the Real Bout series.
- Gori-Rock, Franco Bash's theme from Real Bout Fatal Fury Special/2. What do ya know? The guy wasn't lying when he said he was a "DYNAMOOOOOOO!". OH MY GAWWWD!
- Fatal Fury Wild Ambition is a bad game with even worse graphics... and awesome music. The themes for Billy and Raiden for example.
- How about boss Terry's theme? It's not every day you get to fight the main hero as a final boss, especially not with a grand-scale epic remake of one of his classic themes blasting in the background.
- Speaking of Raiden, his original theme is also very kickass
Art of Fighting
- The theme of Ryuhaku Todoh from Art of Fighting, which will return in Art of Fighting 2 as Ryo Sakazaki's theme Uma-to-Boku, and one more time in KOF 98, cementing its status as theme of Art of Fighting series.
- Jack Turner's theme is okay, but it's the PC-Engine arrange that makes it awesome. His theme in the sequel, however, is awesome on its own.
- Lee Pai Long's theme, which was also remixed for the sequel.
- King's theme and Kabocha-To Piero in the sequel.
- Mickey Rodgers's theme in the first game perfectly captures his design as an gritty underground boxer, while his theme in the second game does so again with more Rocky atmosphere.
- John Crawley got some awesome themes.
- Mr. Big's theme, returns as Blue Moon Factory in the sequel. During his appearance in KOF 96 as a part of Boss team, he got Dust Man.
- The first game has an awesome arranged music on PC-Engine.
- Robert Garcia is Swinging the House.
- Yuri Sakazaki is in the middle of the Diet!. Also serves as the Women team theme in 2002, and makes another appearance in XI.
- Eiji Kisaragi makes his debut with Shinobi-no-Michi.
- The music for the third games is stage based and most of them are based on the same tune, but that doesn't stop it from being awesome.
Samurai Shodown
- An ethnomusicologist actually wrote a thesis [dead link] regarding the music of the franchise. The fourth game, in particular, is said to have a unique blend of Western and Japanese scales for a stylistic result that might have literally never been heard before in video games.
- From Samurai Shodown, Tuna, the theme of series' staple McNinja Galford D. Weiler. It even has a live version, and a few awesome remixes.
- Samurai Shodown Warrior's Rage has a brilliant arranged soundtrack. In this editor's personal opinion it is the single greatest music SNK has has ever done. First off, there is Asura's theme which is very dark, yet very tragic sounding. Then we have Haohmaru's appropriately named theme which probably suits him as a character as well as any theme can possibly suit a character. Galford and Nakoruru get probably the best versions of their themes to date, and to say nothing of the boss themes... Gandara has a fittingly ominous track for a giant... THING and Yuga's theme has a dark and terrifying sound that lets you know what kind of being you are up against.
- Speaking of Samurai Shodown, Three Destinies Of Lamentation, the theme of the insane ghost, Basara Kubikiri. Arranged version is even more awesome!
- The dark, gritty tone of the fourth episode is accompanied by a fitting soundtrack made of ominous minimalism.
- The arranged version of Demon's Song -Revised-, notable for being the only other hard rock track in the game next to Tuna, and actually being better than the original version.
- From the fifth game, Yoshitora's theme is best described as "Tuna + Shamisen + Awesome."
Metal Slug
- Windy Day from Metal Slug 5.
- From Metal Slug (finally, a non-fighter example!), we have the Metal Slug 5 version of Final Attack, the Final Boss music used in damn near every game, the recently released version from Metal Slug 7, the unadulterated Hot-Blooded Assault, the completely epic The Beginning is The End, and Furiously, the final stage music of Metal Slug 4. Especially when the piano part starts playing.
- Also, Fierce Battle, the normal Boss Battle BGM in 5.
- Or the Assault Theme from Metal Slug 3.
- And for something guitar heavy: Midnight Wandering from 3 and Heavy African from 5.
- This ending music from the original Metal Slug is cool.
Others
- Every boss theme from Neo Geo Battle Coliseum.
- Just the boss themes? What about The Castle? Antenna? Freakin' SNK Planet Cafe with an even more awesome arranged version? Hell, even the How To Play theme is awesome!
- Another non-fighting example: Neo Turf Masters has possibly the best music of any golf game ever produced. The BGM for the Germany course in particular stands out.
- Despite being a mediocre game, Rage of the Dragons had some swinging tunes. Most memorable by far was the theme to Jimmy and Sonia's stage.
- Yohan/Johann's theme, Statelessness.
- Despite not being the greatest series SNK ever created, World Heroes has surprisingly good music. Here are some examples.
- And here's some from Kizuna Encounter: Slums, Toll-road, Skyscraper Construction, and Docks. Gotta love that guitar.
- This many examples and still no mention of The Last Blade? What is wrong with you people? For starters, See here, here, here, and here.
- Another non-fighter example: The Stage 5 theme of Mutation Nation.
- Ugly Hero, Astro Guy's theme in the first King of the Monsters.
- Back to Shin Nihon Kikaku