Video Game Harmony

Mario Kart 8
Released: May 29, 2014
Developer: Nintendo
Composer: Shiho Fujii, Atsuko Asahi, Ryo Nagamatsu, Yasuaki Iwata, Kenta Nagata

After recently talking about Donkey Kong Country, I wanted to talk about another Nintendo game soundtrack today. I picked Mario Kart 8 because it’s the best entry in the series (somewhat biased). This is a DENSE soundtrack with over 120 tracks, and therefore I will just cover some of the highlights (in my opinion).

The main menu theme is a good example, with it’s wicked base at the beginning to the shredding guitar to the funky beat at around a minute in. This gets me so hyped for some racing. I can’t think of a better way to start the game right after hearing Mario say “Mario Kart…EIGHT!!!”.

You know what I also love? Some nice jazz, and that’s what takes over Dolphin Shoals as heard here:

Let me tell ya, that is some epic saxophone there. I want to ride out on a yacht and start dancing to this.

Speaking of dancing, I have the desire to do an Irish jig to the Moo Moo Meadows music. I remember this from mario Kart Wii, and it’s still great here. Just watch out for those cows while racing.

Also, while this is a DLC course on Mario Kart 8, I thought I should mention Mushroom Gorge, which also sounds very Irish. What it sounds like it’s calling back to is “El Condor Pasa”, made famous by Simon & Garfunkel.

I just love Rainbow Road in general.

Therefore, I’m partial to any of it’s soundtracks. Take for example this, with it’s electric guitar and techno sounds. It’s the perfect mix for this crazy level.

It’s simply legendary, there’s no better way to put it. Mario Kart is a legendary game with a legendary score. The composers didn’t have to go this hard, but they did for us. They deserve to be honored with an award. I can’t give them that, but I can give them 5 out of 5 mushrooms.