June 2019
Bowser’s Castle (MK8)
Bowser’s Castle was much more than just a simple part of the superb Mario Kart 8 soundtrack: it finally gave the ever-present, much-maligned circuit the music it truly deserved.
February 2019
Dog Ending
Silent Hill 2’s secret “Dog Ending” set a bar that no other title has been able to beat, and it was all in the music, says Matt Gardner.
January 2019
Secure Place
The 12 repetitive notes of Secure Place were all that Matt Gardner needed to create a feeling of temporary sanctuary in RE2’s world torn apart by zombies.
November 2018
Beep Block Skyway
Despite ageing incredible well, the legacy of Beep Block Skyway has been tainted by something a lot less wholesome – as Matt Gardner learned to his horror.
October 2018
Tower Theme (Dungeon 2)
Tower Theme, from Phantasy Star, stopped Alan Fowler in his tracks as a young boy, and left him with vivid memories that began a love for RPGs.
October 2018
Naked Glow
For Matt Gardner, Ridge Racer Type 4 provided the emblematic song of the 1999 school holidays: the warm, carefree Naked Glow.
August 2018
Wing Fortress Zone
Wing Fortress Zone’s music combined a steady pace with an unnerving composition to create an unforgettable song that took Sonic 2 to a whole new level, Matt Gardner argues.
July 2018
Words Drowned by Fireworks
FFVII’s Words Drowned by Fireworks had a bigger impact on Matt Gardner than the more universally revered Aerith’s Theme, but it took him a long time to realise it.
May 2018
The Darkness of Eternity
Matt Gardner’s FFIX experience was capped off with a truly special final battle, which gave him his favourite song in the game – but the game didn’t get the finale it deserved.
April 2018
Stones
The world of Ultima was crafted to be an immersive experience, but the need to memorise Stones off by heart struck a chord with Dark Blue Monkey, and it’s stayed with him ever since.
