Deep Cuts - GameGrooves
As we all know, certain game soundtracks tend to hog the spotlight, so this series is dedicated to finding those hidden gems that often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Here are three video game soundtracks that are diamonds in the rough—Bomberman 64, Incoming, and Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue.
Note: Unfortunately, none of these soundtracks were ever released commercially, so I’m forced to use YouTube links.
Bomberman 64
Release Date: 1997
Platform: Nintendo 64
Composer: Akifumi Tada
As Meghan Trainor once said, “It’s all about that bass” and Bomberman 64 provides plenty of great basslines. Most noteably, “Green Garden” and “Blue Resort” overcome the limitations of the Nintendo 64 hardware and are some of my favorite VGM tracks of all time. Expect a quirky, upbeat soundtrack that relies heavily on synths and simple, but catchy melodies.
Recommended tracks: “Green Garden”, “Blue Resort”
Incoming
Release Date: 1998
Platforms: Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Arcade
Composer: Stephen Lord
I still remember the joy that I felt upon discovering the game disc for Incoming was also a music CD. In the following months, I played this soundtrack on my Walkman often (God, I’m old), and I can tap out the opening beat to this day. Expect an eerie, ambient soundtrack that’s perfect for an alien invasion.
Recommended tracks: “Track 02”, “Track 03”
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue
Release Date: 1999
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh
Composers: Andy Blythe and Marten Joustra
Surprisingly, this game OST doesn’t feature any of the music from the feature film, but it still provides plenty of solid tunes. While I’ve only played the Nintendo 64 version of the game, I would highly recommend the Playstation version as the samples and synths are far superior. Expect a soundtrack that sounds shockingly similar to Mario Kart: Double Dash at times.
Recommended Tracks: “Al’s Toy Barn”, “Andy’s Neighborhood”
Feel free to share your thoughts on these soundtracks , and remember, the deeper the cut, the sweeter the soundtrack.