The Legacy Music Hour Video Game Music Podcast

It's The Legacy Music Hour's big 300th episode!  Recorded live in Los Angeles with a supportive group of users in attendance, Brent, Rob, and Gabe brought some great music to share.  There's also some laughs and some bathroom breaks for Brent, who was sick but pulls through, and some chiming in from some of the audience members.  Even a few people end up in the hot seat.  Plus

It's an early Halloween mixtape this year and we're about to dive into the world of scary, spooky, and creepy music!  Even within the topic of scary music, there's a lot of variety, ranging from the chilled out tone of "Ruined Mine" from Gunple: Gunman’s Proof to the hard hitting crunchy bass of "Underground Sewers" from Fester's Quest.  There's a lot here to investigate, so put on a

Halloween comes early this year for the Legacy Music Hour, though considering how Halloween decorations at some stores are already up, this episode is right on time.  Scary, spooky, and creepy music is the theme of Episode 299.  The boizz haven't done a focus like this in FIFTEEN YEARS.  Isn't that eerie?  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track

There are so many great racing game tracks out there that it necessitated a fifth focus on the genre.  There's no denying the feeling that a racing game soundtrack can inspire.  One moment can have you on the edge of your seat, sweating out a tough competition, struggling to take first place.  Then, you can suddenly feel like you're cruising down the city streets at night with the

Sixteen years ago, Brent and Rob did their first racing games focus, and they talk about that a bit on this latest episode and even try to recreate the episode photo from Episode 2 in the photo below.  Brent also talks about some car trouble he's had recently, which is fitting.  Some really great tracks on this installment, so buckle up!  Full track listing below.Download and

This is a very momentous and significant mixtape release because it marks the mixtapes finally catching up to the release of the main episodes after twelve years from when the mixtape project began!With so many great tracks in this episode, it's hard to know where to start.  "Town of Toronto" from returning title Brain Lord has a smooth and dreamy, almost date-night sound to it.  Don't

The unofficial theme of this free play episode was "Demented Love Story," but there's nothing demented about loving these tracks.  "Original Sin (Dracula's Castle 1)" from Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge is a classic Castlevania banger.  "Casino" from Return of Double Dragon has some really catchy bass guitar.  "Brinstar (Heavy Foliage Area)" from Super Metroid is a haunting and

Who's the most famous video game character?  Who's the best negotiator?  The boizz try to answer these questions on this edition of the Legacy Music Hour.  And play some cool game music tracks of course.  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track - Company - Console - Year (North American release unless otherwise indicated)Kirby's Adventure -

The focus for this episode was Famicom games, which therefore also means it's almost entirely Japanese-exclusive games and certainly entirely music that only appeared in Japanese-exclusive releases.  "Doll Masquerade" from Toukon Club has that classic sports game music with also the quality you know you can expect from Natsume.  After that, we get a spooky sounding track reminiscent of

Another free play filled with great music, just as you would expect.  We've got some returning titles such as Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Douchuu: Boku ga Dancer ni Natta Wake with a smooth, jazzy jam "Planet Impact Town."  There's also new titles to the show such as JB: The Super Bass with a phenomenal track "JB Pro Shop."  Additionally, "Wind Mountain/Earth Caves" from the classic

It had been over a decade since the boizz did a focus on Asiatic sounding music, so it was finally time to return to this topic for Asiatic Music 3!  There's a lot of great stuff here including tenner quality tracks like "Water Fortress Revisited" from Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Douchuu: Boku ga Dancer ni Natta Wake.  Of course there's the expected titles like Shinobi, but also some lesser

Rob has some major tech issues, but through the power of editing, you probably won't notice it too much (but you still will hear some weird moments because of it).  Brent plays music supervisor on an imagined independent romantic comedy-drama film.  And Gabe reveals the Legacy Music Player, a video game music player application which is available for Macintosh at

Surprisingly, until this point, The Legacy Music Hour had never done an episode focused on orchestral music.  They'd done some RPG episodes, and that could almost count, but not really.  Whether quiet and peaceful or loud and bombastic, orchestral music can really help set the tone for an emotional scene or an all out brawl.  We've got woodwind, string, brass and percussion

It's time again for another Beyond 16-Bit episode, where the boizz get to play some video game music that normally wouldn't be LMH legal.  This covers a wide range of generations, including a track from a game (Mina the Hollower) that at the time of this mixtape's release has yet to even be released!  Two tracks were played from the arcade game Bunny Bomber Blast! which are sure to get

The last metroid is in captivity, the galaxy is at peace.  And that was the unofficial theme of Episode 290: peace.  So let's put an end to these console wars!  Speaking of peaceful, check out the relaxing "Waiting For A Bite/Setting Fish Free (Bassa Mode)" from Super Black Bass 3.  Don't worry though, we've got some energetic jams as well, such as "The Theme of "THE COBRAS" (

As the boizz close the books on another podcast year, they count down their top ten tracks while Gabe counts down his top five.  It's tenner time on this episode!Download and listen NOWPartial track listing and original episode:https://www.legacymusichour.com/2025/10/episode-289-best-of-year-in-review-14.html

This episode is a console focus, namely on the Famicom.  And with that, it's all Japanese-exclusive game releases.  Let's see what variety of music the Famicom can produce -and you can bet that variety becomes more pronounced when certain games have special sound chips involved.  Aside from the tunes, Brent helps Rob practice acting like an alien for an upcoming audition. 

Castles are a common setting in video games and this was the second time the Legacy Music Hour took on this topic, including all of the variety that comes with it.  A certain style may come to mind when you think of "castle" music, and there is certainly some of that in this mixtape, but castle themes can range from grand and regal to creepy or gloomy and even directions you might not expect

Episode 287 was a free play featuring a great assortment of third and fourth generation video game music.  "State of Mind" from Hany on the Road is a really fun PC Engine track that sounds very motivational.  "Title" from Mega Anser is a short but mysterious and intriguing track that will leave you wanting to hear more.  "Hustle Maruyama" from Dynamite Headdy has an absolutely

This episodes's topic was an interesting one.  While open to interpretation, the general idea is simply tracks that are... well, interesting, whatever that means.  Maybe it means music for a more open-minded ear or maybe it just means pieces that do something cool or unusual and that stand out in a weird way.  "Paper Route" from Paperboy 2 lays down some distinctly Seinfeld-esque

Lots of trailing pieces from last month (that is, familiar game titles) in this installment of the Legacy Music Hour, even though it is a free play.  For starters, Rob, Brent, and Gabe debate whether or not a track is Asiatic sounding (again, that's not the topic this episode).  They talk about meter and melody and the like.  And anyway, they also talk about other stuff and play

Much like a SNES logo in the Sega font, the tracks for this episode were 50% Sega, 50% Nintendo, and 100% bonk.  Starting off with a killer track from Totally Rad, from the good folks at Jaleco (haa-lee-co)!  "Industen" is a fully orchestrated and epic piece from Actraiser 2 by none other than the famous Yuzo Koshiro.  "Mexico" from Saturday Night Slam Masters has a classic old

Sometimes the best thing to help you get through the day is a nice distraction, and an LMH mixtape can be just the thing.  Allow yourself to be distracted by the wonderful arpeggios and multiple layers of the truly grand track "Ending" from Magical Chase.  "Name Entry" from Suzuka 8 Hours is a smooth track with a great melody, and "Red Owl" from Last Bible III is a totally bonk jam.&

Happy Beginnings means (among other things) that this mixtape begins with an absolute banger.  Divine Bloodlines (Stage 1 BGM) from Dracula X on the SNES is a very faithful rendition of the original CD version, with sampled electric guitar and some killer bass guitar.  Castle Theme from Valkyrie no Densetsu has a very regal sound, with some great sampled choir voices.This mixtape isn't

Not since 2013 has the Legacy Music Hour done a focus on music with an Asiatic influence, but as they've been doing more themed episodes lately, here it is once again.  Some pretty standard picks here from games like Shinobi and Legend of the Mystical Ninja, but maybe a couple lesser known titles as well, all employing some kind of Far East element, even if sometimes subtly.  Brent and

Japanese exclusive Super Famicom games was the focus here.  Much of the best VGM from the third and fourth generation never made it out of Japan.  Luckily for you though, the LMH boizz are here to share some of these incredibly smooth, jazzy, and just plain bonk tracks with you.  Energetic and memorable tracks like "Ending" from Drift King Shutokou Battle '94: Tsuchiya Keiichi &amp

The subject of artificial intelligence was a loose theme in Episode 281.  But don't worry, no A.I. was used to create this mixtape.  Just some great taste and a lot of great music.  Things start off with "Boat Fishing at Kenzaki" from Fishing Koushien.  You can always count on fishing games to bring the jams.  "Military" from Rise of the Robots features some distinctive

The unofficial theme of this episode was "making connections."  For one, Rob had a running theme through his choices.  Did you catch the theme?  There were also a lot of connections made between tracks and other media of which those tracks were reminiscent.  For example, "Burning Fighter (Stage 3)" from Surprise Attack had parts that reminded the boizz of music from the movie

The focus here is orchestral music in games from the third and fourth generation.  What does "orchestral" even mean?  How many instruments are needed to form an orchestra?  The boizz have some trouble answering these questions, so maybe you can figure it out for yourself while listening to their selections.  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer -

This was a unique episode that went beyond even the "beyond" episodes.  While there were still some limits to this "anything goes" episode (the music had to be from a game), it allowed not just beyond third and fourth generation, but beyond consoles as well.  Meaning computer games, video games, and even slot machines were all allowed in this one time special offer.  And what

Another LMH year (plus one extra month) in the books.  Brent and Rob count down their top ten (third and fourth generation) tracks that they discovered within the year, and Gabe counts down his top three.  This mixtape is loaded with great music.Download and listen NOWPartial track listing and original episode:https://www.legacymusichour.com/2024/10/episode-277-far-out.html

Get ready for some far out music, ya dig?  It's a free play, so we've got a nice variety of music on which to groove.  That includes classic NES games like Ninja Gaiden as well as lesser known Japanese exclusives like Sangokushi Seishi: Tenbu Spirits on the Super Famicom, and everything in between.  There's no knowing where this trip will take you, or how it might expand your

This episode's theme is repetition.That means tracks that use repetition as an element of the music.For example, this helps add an element of suspense and fear for tracks such as "Stage One" from Alien 3 or "Delusion (Round 3-2)" from Zombie Nation.  It can also be a steady driving force for tracks like "Character Presentation" from Mini-Yonku Let's & Go!! Power WGP 2 or "Placings" from

It's time once again for the Legacy Music Hour to take a departure from the usual third and fourth generation video game music and look at more recent material.  That is, recent as in music from games that came out for the Game Boy Color, all the way to games that come out in 2026 (well, just one game).  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track -

For those users about to rock, we salute you!  This was the third time the boizz focused on rock music.  That means tracks that feature elements like punchy drums, electric guitars, and driving bass lines.  "Final Boss" from Jackal features those nice punchy NES drums, for example.  "Hercules" from Mahjong Taikai II has classic "crunchy" electric guitars.  And you get the

The boizz returned from the beyond, with a new classic free play of third and fourth generation tracks.  Diving right in, we're starting out with a golf game, so you already know you're in for some good music.  "Hole Overview" from New 3D Golf Simulation: Waialae no Kiseki is a really uplifting and energetic track, making it different from the usual smooth jazz sound you probably expect

The boizz went beyond once again, for the tenth Beyond 16-Bit episode.  Of course there are still tracks that sound like they could have come from the third and fourth generation.  Jake Kaufman's distinct retro style shines in "Credits" from Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby in 8-Bit Land.  Enrique Martin (Pentadrangle) also kills it with a modern take on the classic approach in "

Rob brings a message of peace to this episode of the Legacy Music Hour.  Enjoy the music!  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track - Company - Console - Year (North American release unless otherwise indicated)Ramos Ruy no World Wide Soccer - Bob Dayley, Eric Nunamaker, Kingsley Thurber - Match BGM - Sculptured Software/Pack-In-Video - Super Famicom -

Time to get jazzed for another quality packed mixtape!  After twelve years, the boizz returned to the topic of Jazz Music.  "Battle" from Gokinjo Boukentai has a full, big-band, swing sound, featuring many cool instrument solos.  "Swing! MQ!" from Party Quiz Mega Q is a straight-up jazz number with a game show vibe.  "Racing" from Mini-Yonku Let's & Go!! Power WGP has a

Not to be confused with "Flying and Shooting," this episode topic includes ANY type of shooting, and with that in mind, we're gonna shoot right out of the gate with an incredibly bonk track.  Or more accurately, a Super Bonk track!  "Shoot the Smiley!" from Super Bonk on the SNES has an infectious and uplifting melody that gets this mixtape started right.  "Team/Settings Select"

All rise, court is in session.  Today we will be presenting evidence that the Legacy Music Hour is guilty of spreading video game music of the "tenner" variety.  Exhibit A: "Title Screen" from Honkaku Mahjong: Tetsuman II.  This track clearly demonstrates a smooth and jazzy tone which builds into a fantastic sax piece at the end.  Exhibit B: "Stage 5" from Shadow of the Ninja

This episode had a fun theme: tracks that end.  Meaning, tracks that don't loop indefinitely.  That's right, you'll find a lot of title themes and ending/credits tracks here, as opposed to stage BGMs which usually loop.  "Opening" from Shadow of the Ninja is a great example of a title piece that can get you pumped to start a game.  And "Opening" from Track & Field on the

You know the drill.  Brent and Rob share their top ten favorite newly discovered tracks that were played on the show over the past year.  Gabe does his top five.  You think there'll be some crossovers?  Partial track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track - Company - Console - Year (North American release unless otherwise indicated)Abadox: The Deadly

It's a secret to everybody.Well... not everybody.  The LMH users know the secret to finding great music, because this week's mixtape is filled with lots of secret hits!  We start off with the cheerful and upbeat "Tea Time" from Panorama Cotton on the Mega Drive.  "Final Race" from Mini-Yonku Let's & Go!! Power WGP 2 on the Super Famicom features some excellent bass, and it's no

Have you've ever listened to a track and liked it, but wished there was more?  That was the theme for this episode.  For example, the short, twenty second long track from Gomola Speed sounds like the beginning of an 80's goth or new wave track.  While still good on its own, it leaves you wishing there was just a bit more.  Of course, these opinions are all subjective.  So

Fresh off the Best Of Year In Review, the boizz hit the new year running with so many new potential top ten tracks and thus, as the title implies, this episode was packed with tenners."Commission (BGM 1)" from Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman has tenner potential written all over it.  Be sure to listen for the cool, bluesy breakdown towards the end of the track.  "Ending" from Panorama Cotton

Not since 2013, has the Legacy Music Hour done a focus on castle music in video games, but here's one now, twelve years later.  So this all music from either castle-themed stages or castle areas (in role-playing games, for example).  Full track listing below.Download and listen NOWGame - Composer - Track - Company - Console - Year (North American release unless otherwise indicated)

Time for another Best Of Year In Review episode.The boizz reached their twelfth annual review.Brent and Rob count down their top ten tracks, and Gabe counts down his top five.Will they have any overlapping tracks this time causing back-to-back repeats?Listen and find out.Download and listen NOWTrack listing and original episode:https://www.legacymusichour.com/2023/10/

You don't need to hack the system to access these great tracks.  They've been compiled into this convenient mixtape, just for you!  There's a lot to explore here, starting with a pumped up piece from the run-and-gun game Ranger X.  Ending 2 (The End) from Don Doko Don 2 is a triumphant and whimsical Famicom tune and Emerald Forest from Socket for the Genesis is fantastic -listen

You would be forgiven for thinking the focus of this episode was ending music, which makes sense considering ballads are often used for ending tracks.  Ballads traditionally tell a story or narrative, and while these tracks are purely instrumental, they still convey a lot through emotion.  Whether it's an ending track to reflect upon your completed adventure, a specific character's