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The Tokyo Olympics Commence with Retro Video Game Soundtracks
Inextricably linked with Japan’s cultural identity, video games have gained prominence worldwide, attributable in part to companies like Sony and Nintendo. Whether it’s a mere personal bias of a self-proclaimed nerd like myself is up for debate. Regardless, someone within the Olympic committee seems to share a similar sentiment, evident in today’s Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony and Parade of Nations where classic video game music set the mood.
As reported by Japanese news outlet NikkanSports, the ceremony showcased tracks from various iconic games:
- Dragon Quest: ‘Introduction: Lotto Theme’
- Final Fantasy: ‘Victory Fanfare’
- Tales of Series: ‘Sley’s Theme – Guru’
- Monster Hunter: ‘Proof of Hero’
- Kingdom Hearts: ‘Olympus Coliseum’
- Chrono Trigger: ‘Frog Theme’
- Ace Combat: ‘First Flight’
- Tales of Series: ‘Royal Capital-Dignified’
- Monster Hunter: ‘Wind of Departure’
- Chrono Trigger: ‘Robo’s Theme’
- Sonic the Hedgehog: ‘Star Light Zone’
- Winning Eleven: ‘eFootball walk-on theme’
- Final Fantasy: ‘Main theme’
- Phantasy Star Universe: ‘Guardians’
- Kingdom Hearts: ‘Hero’s Fanfare’
- Gradius: ’01 ACT 1-1′
- NieR: ‘Song of the Ancients’
- Saga Series: ‘Makai Ginyu Poetry-Saga Series Medley 2016’
- Soul Calibur: ‘The Brave New Stage of History’
While titles such as Final Fantasy and Sonic the Hedgehog are expected additions, the utilization of Dragon Quest’s renowned overture emphasizes its significance in Japan’s gaming legacy. Surprisingly, lesser-known gems like NieR and Chrono Trigger also made appearances.
Behold the triumphant theme from Final Fantasy pic.twitter.com/v4JtskVcx8
— Stephen Stapczynski (@SStapczynski) July 23, 2021
The decision-makers behind the music selection remain undisclosed, given recent resignations of the event’s creative director due to an ill-advised joke and the composer’s self-imposed departure over past misconduct. Speculation suggests a spontaneous choice, yet considering the outcome, it perhaps wasn’t such a bad impromptu decision after all.
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