Favourite Video Game Music: Game Boy

I've never owned an NES. My first console gaming experience was with a handheld one and a brick at that. Having like 3x the density of the Nintendo DS meant you had a fat chance of fitting it into your pocket. If you managed to, you'd look conspicuous with that big bulge in your pants :P.

For Nintendo's first attempt at portable gaming, I think they did a remarkable job. I'm sure the battery life is a factor in why a lot of the games are so short, hence they feel like poor men's versions of NES titles. There were good games on there like Mole Mania, Tetris and Link's Awakening, but not enough to turn gaming into a lifelong hobby for me.

One thing I definitely felt is able to stand toe-to-toe with the NES though was the music. Some of the most recognisable melodies such as the Super Mario Bros theme were born from the NES, but I really think the Game Boy had the edge in terms of dark and atmospheric tunes. Maybe with the soundchip offering cleaner and crisper possibilities, composers started caring about the mood of their pieces. It's unfortunate that most of the tunes had a measly 30 sec runtime before it looped, which makes it feel like it's half realised. I can't help but feel there is room for the tracks to become even more fleshed out and substantial than it already is. I suppose TMNT for Michiru Yamane and Spider-Man for David Wise could be considered warm-ups before they were ready to hit the big time.

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