They say that 1998 was the greatest year for gaming, and it's hard to argue that point! Julian certainly doesn't try, as he highlights some music from some of the biggest games of that fabled year. Enjoy this episode of Sound in Action, and let us know some of the songs and games you think of from 1998.
THIS WEEK'S MUSIC:
00:00 Resident Evil 2- The First Floor
05:11 Panzer Dragoon Saga- Premonitions of War
11:14 Xenogears-Light From the Netherworld
17:05 Tenchu- Punish the Evil Merchant
22:37 Metal Gear Solid- Warhead Storage
27:15 Half-Life- Drums and Riffs
30:24 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- Title Theme
34:24 Suikoden II- Opening
If we're talking about songs even outside of gaming, the biggest song of '98 (though actually released in '97) has to be Green Day's Good Riddance (Time of Your Life). I'm pretty sure that was played at 80%+ of High School/College graduation parties. It was the perfect mix of gladness/relief and bittersweet memories.
Far as games go, I was big into WWF Attitude and Madden '98. That was right at the end of my 'DudeBro' college years so it was all testosterone. So if I had to pick video game music I was into, it would all be WWF entrance music, particularly the music of the DX members. "Oh you didnt know? Your ass better call somebodyyyyyyyyy!"
Tekken 3, Pokemon and Gran Turismo made it a great gaming year for me and my brother.
Here's one tasteless memory from '98 of both music and gaming. The last Duke Nukem game I played, Time to Kill. What's memorable to me is the opening sequence with the Stabbing Westward song "The Thing I Hate". It's a fine song I still listen to from their album "Darkest Days", out in '98 as well. The game... not so much.
I like the variety you've brought to the episode themes, Julian. This was another good one. Kind of sad to look at that list and realize how few of those games I've actually played (Ocarina of Time and the MGS remake, Twin Snakes...if that counts lol). As for suggestions, I think it'd be neat to do an episode that compared songs from series' first games with songs from more recent entries. Mario and Zelda are easy choices but there are plenty of others. Castlevania, Sonic, Final Fantasy, to name a few. Heck, Metal Gear Solid is 15 years old at this point. Lots of possibilities.
That is a FANTASTIC idea. I'm adding it to the list. I'll be doing sequels to certain episodes, and I can already say that this one would be made for repeat visits. Thanks!
That was awesome. I felt that half life didn't really belong, but damn. Now I feel the need to start playing or replaying these games.
re2, my first game on playstation. that piano. brings back memmories.