The first level music can make or break a game in some cases. If the soundtrack doesn’t fit or if the music production is poor then it could mean all the difference between a bad game and a great game. Then, sometimes a game is almost completely defined by the first level music and it could be considered a staple in the video game world for years to come. Go!GamingGiant takes a look at some of the best “level 1″ themes from some of the most memorable games of all time.
To leave home on a great adventure, to save the world. This was the perfect theme to that first step.
Onett theme- Earthbound
When the sun rises over Onette and the theme music starts up, gamers know they’re in a familiar world since Onette feels like your hometown. The music is uplifting and hopeful, but at the same time it has a hint of adventure to it. It’s a relaxing theme and it builds up the feeling that this is but one stop into a massive world. For a game like Earthbound, the Onett theme was a perfect set up to the game since it had an epic feel while also being memorable.
For psychic powers and endless summers, listen here!
A fun tune and probably the most well known one on the list.
World 1 theme- Super Mario Bros.
The now classic Super Mario Bros. theme was a clear choice for this list simply because it was so infectious. In fact the theme is one of the most recognized video game themes in the world and it shows that video games have a unique staying power and the ability to influence society. That being said, the theme was a perfect fit for the start of Mario (or Luigi’s) adventure because it created an atmosphere of whimsical proportions. This was the world where hitting blocks gave you coins and jumping on turtles was perfectly fine and the music was just as carefree. Nostalgia at its best.
Travel back to those princess saving days here!
Fast paced and frantic, the Sonic Green Hill Zone is legendary.
Green Hill Zone theme- Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic was the anti Mario during the 90′s and he represented everything that Mario was not: speed, attitude and some more speed. So when Green Hill Zone act 1 first started up, gamers noticed that the vibrant world of Sonic was a world of speed. So the Green Hill Zone theme was considerably fast or at least it had a level of urgency that I had not felt in previous games.
Check out the fast paced tunes here!
Let’s take on Dracula and some monsters to some killer tunes.
Stage 1 theme- Castlevania
From the moment that Simon Belmont enters Dracula’s castle grounds, the music was daunting and that had an amazing effect on the game itself. In a time when horror video games couldn’t rely on realistically grotesque monsters, Castlevania made tension in the game through the music. The score was adventurous to a point but it also had gothic and sinister tones that really put you into the environment of the game.
Walk into the shadows, bring your holy water and listen here!
You can always go home and feel the somber, safe music of childhood.
Pallet Town theme- Pokemon Red/Blue
I remember listening to the Pallet Town theme and not thinking about it very much during my original play through of Pokemon, especially since the theme over so quickly since most gamers ran straight into Viridian forest once they got their starter Pokémon. However, once I finished the game and was sent back to my house in Pallet Town I realized something that I hadn’t felt in a game: I felt calm. After all of that adventure, all of the trainer gyms, Team Rocket, the caves, the Elite Four and beating my rival: the Pallet Town theme calmed me to the point that it really felt like home.
For quiet days and for Pokemon masters, listen here!
