The Physics of Video Games column is now onto soundtrack reviews. Why? Sound is physics. Also, the lovely Jeremy (the Gaming Futurist) told me to. We’ll review the horrendous, the masterpieces, and everything in between. If you have any suggestions, let me know. Obscure, popular, appalling, it doesn’t matter.
Startropics is one hell of a game that has a style that I have yet to experience in another game to this day. It has a strange combination of game styles I find so charming. You have Zelda-style adventuring, what with the overworld and dungeon crawling. There’s grid-based platforming, almost as if they wanted to rotate and flatten Q*bert’s world. There is a mix of serious and lighthearted storytelling, much like in a Mother game; the yo-yo weapon further plays into that. The graphics are rather interesting too. The overworld reminds me of Dragon Warrior, whereas the dungeons have much larger and more detailed sprites. Note that these are observations and comparisons, by no means am I suggesting that these were intended inspirations. I was never part of the development of this game, no do I know anyone that was. These are my observations.
Of all the things that I love about this game, I think the extensive soundtrack is my favourite component. There is something about its diversity and ability to convey powerful emotions that are so fitting to this game, that make is such a stellar component. Long after playing it last, I still find myself humming some of the songs. It truly is glorious. But why take my word for it, when you can listen for yourself? I suggest listening to the whole linked soundtrack rather than the few songs I am going to highlight.
Let’s look at my three favourite tracks, which are fortunately the most frequently heard in the game.
Click the picture for a link to the soundtrack.
This overworld theme. I love it. It has such a cheerful tone that is so welcoming. The upbeat tempo and the complex layering of the tracks provide a lot of depth to the song. Here is a video that demonstrates how complex these tracks are. It makes Dragon Warrior-esque exploration all the more rewarding and fun. There is nothing to do on the overworld other than find the next location, so this track makes the experience such a wonderful contrast to the tough as nails dungeon exploration. Speaking of dungeons, let’s have a listen to that theme.
I love how this track compares to traditional dungeon theme. Rather than having a track that promotes a sense of isolation, and is haunting and overbearing, we have a track that is remarkably upbeat. And while listening to the track out of context it doesn’t invoke an image of cave exploration, it matches the graphical style and gameplay perfectly. It acts as wonderful contrast to the difficulty. This game is an example of NES hard in my opinion. It isn’t impossible, but it certainly is no pushover. Having a more cheerful death is rather fun and helps push me further. If you push hard enough, you will have the pleasure of hearing the incredible boss music.
The boss music shows how effective the game designers are with respect to demonstrating intensity at the drop of a hat. Right when the music starts, you know you are in for a good fight. With that bass and short notes, listeners are treated to a short, but intense loop of music that will put them on the edge of their seat while playing. There isn’t too much else to say about this track, but that it is really effective at what it tries to convey.
If Startropics was a food, it would have to be a hearty tropical dish. The flavours are very vibrant, rich and satisfying. At a glance, the dish seems simple, yet beautiful. But as you dive in, you realize how complex it can be, and that the chef has a precise approach as to how much of each element should be in that dish. You were a little bit confused at first, but understood once you took those first couple of magical bites. Now go. Dig into some Startropics.
Dan
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