Game Soundtrack Spotlight - Super Mario 64 (1996)

Super Mario 64 (1998; Nintendo)

by Christopher McElfresh

Nintendo has a storied history for creating anthemic tunes for their trademark titles.  Super Mario Bros. for the NES has one of the most recognizable themes of all time, from any media, and for gamers the Overworld theme from the Legend of Zelda is a classic on par with Hey-freaking-Jude.  Super Mario 64 is no exception to this rule and, in fact, I would argue that it's one of the best video game soundtracks of the 90's.

Composed by Nintendo Maestro Koji Kondo, who was responsible for all of the music referenced above, the soundtrack of Super Mario 64 exemplifies his style.  Each tune is dynamic in tone, bright and exciting, building on itself in a perfect style and creates a mood in a way that game music should.  Kondo, like Miki-chan referenced in our Life Force article, is a pro when it comes creating atmosphere with his music and as we will discuss, Mario 64's soundtrack may be one of his most ranged when it comes to tone.

So, let us get this show on the road, eh?  I will try to cover as much as the soundtrack as possible here, but I do want to keep it sort of trimmed to a point because if too many videos are posted there may be problems with the page loading.  Anyhow, we are going to start things off with the very first song in the game, and also the shortest.

The Soundtrack -
File Select Screen -

The first song you'll hear in Super Mario 64 is the theme from the file select menu.  It is a soft, cheery piece that invokes a sense of welcome.  It's short and sweet, and a memorable tune.









Inside the Castle Walls -

Moving on from the very first song you'll hear to the one you'll probably hear the most.  The castle theme from Super Mario World, like the previous theme, is a simple arrangement with no percussion.  Instead, it gives off a soft, bright air that is both curious and adventurous.







Bob-omb Battlefield -

This is one you'll hear twice I believe as you play through the game, featured in two worlds: its namesake Bob-omb Battlefield and then Whomp's Fortress.  It is really, for me, where the soundtrack starts when playing the game.  It is just the right tempo and mood to generate a desire to experience more of what this strange world has to offer.  It has a warmth to it, all building on a nostalgic brass chorus.




Jolly Roger Bay -

Probably my second favorite song from the game, the theme used in Jolly Roger Bay and Dire, Dire Docks is another example of this soundtrack's range.  This soft, moody little composition has a nice melody and an almost carribean sound with its choice of instruments.  I do not know what it is about music from water levels but it just tends to be the best stuff sometimes.  Odd, huh?





Cool, Cool Mountain -

This is a variation on the Bob-omb Battlefield theme with a carnival twist.  The accordion is an... interesting choice but it works for the level, and good call on those sleigh bells!









Wing Cap Tower -

This theme is a variation on the traditional Star Power theme from earlier games, just a little more arranged and used very sparingly in this title.  It is featured in the cap switch levels as well as when Mario grabs a cap power up in a level.  It is a classic redone with a little more flair.







Bowser in the Dark World -

For me, this song is the reason to feature this soundtrack.  It is not just my favorite song from this game, but it ranks high on my list of favorite video game themes of all time.  The pounding drums, the soft ethereal synth that just builds, the citar, it all just works.  It works so damn well!







I'm actually going to stop there, but this is truly remarkable game soundtrack and it should be listened to often.  Sorry if I left anything out on this list (I know I did) and if there is a song you believe should have been referenced here, please comment and tell me what you think.  Stay tuned because next time we are going to talk a little about the Blue Bomber.

And remember, please feel free to recommend new titles to be featured on this blog.

All music featured in this article is the property of Nintendo (1998) and not my own.  All videos were found on YouTube and are subject to YouTube's policies.