One of the most underappreciated aspects of the Super Smash Bros series is its incredible soundtrack. This article will explore how the music in Smash Bros not only enhances the gaming experience but also serves as a celebration of video game music history.

From its inception, Super Smash Bros has featured remixes and arrangements of classic tunes from various Nintendo franchises. As the series has grown, so too has its musical library, expanding to include music from third-party games as well. The result is a vast and diverse soundtrack that spans decades of gaming history.

What makes the Smash Bros soundtrack special is not just the quantity of tracks, but the quality of the arrangements. The development team brings in talented composers and arrangers to reimagine classic tunes in new and exciting ways. For example, the Zelda series’ iconic overworld theme has been remixed numerous times throughout the Smash series, each version bringing something new while retaining the essence of the original.

The music in Smash Bros also serves a practical purpose in gameplay. Each stage in the game is associated with multiple tracks, which players can choose from before the match begins. This allows players to customize their audio experience and adds another layer of fan service to the game.

One of the most exciting aspects of a new Smash Bros release is discovering what new music has been added. When a new character is announced, fans immediately begin speculating about what tracks from their game might make it into Smash. This anticipation adds to the excitement surrounding character reveals and game releases.

The Smash Bros series has also introduced many players to music from games they might not have played otherwise. A player might fall in love with a track from Fire Emblem or Xenoblade Chronicles without ever having played those games, potentially leading them to explore new series.

In Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the developers took the music to a new level by including over 900 tracks. This massive library includes everything from orchestral arrangements to chiptune classics, representing a comprehensive history of video game music. The game even includes a music player mode, allowing players to listen to the soundtrack outside of matches.

The inclusion of third-party characters in Smash Bros has also allowed for the inclusion of music from non-Nintendo franchises. Hearing iconic themes from series like Sonic the Hedgehog, Metal Gear Solid, or Final Fantasy alongside Nintendo classics creates a unique audio experience that celebrates gaming as a whole.

Smash Bros has also featured original compositions, particularly for its menu themes and credits songs. These tracks often blend elements from various game series, creating a unique sound that represents the crossover nature of Smash Bros.

The attention to detail in Smash Bros’ music extends to how it’s implemented in the game. For example, some stages feature dynamic music that changes based on what’s happening in the match. The Pikmin stage in Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS featured a day-night cycle, with the music smoothly transitioning between upbeat daytime themes and more subdued nighttime arrangements.

In conclusion, the music of Super Smash Bros is much more than just a backdrop to the action. It’s a crucial part of the game’s identity, a celebration of gaming history, and a work of art in its own right. The care and attention put into curating and arranging the soundtrack contribute significantly to the feeling of Smash Bros as the ultimate gaming crossover. Whether you’re a longtime fan of video game music or a newcomer to the medium, the Smash Bros soundtrack offers something for everyone, making it an integral part of the series’ enduring appeal.