Video game fans watching the opening of the Tokyo Olympic Games may have recognized a few familiar songs...
Despite weeks of controversy, the Tokyo Olympic Games has kicked off in earnest with an opening ceremony backed by a medley of iconic music pulled from Japan's most beloved and successful video game franchises. Amongst the roster of music, fans recognized tracks from Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Kingdom Hearts and Monster Hunter.
The music played over the traditional Parade of Nations, which saw competitors from around the world entering the Tokyo Olympic Stadium for the first time. Beyond some of the more widely-recognizable franchises, the Olympics Opening Ceremony used more niche music too, including songs from Ace Combat, Gradius and Nier.
Twitter user @aitaikimochi composed a brief list of all the featured tracks:
- Dragon Quest: “Edrick’s Theme”
- Final Fantasy: “Victory Fanfare”
- Tales of Series: “Sorey’s Theme - The Shepherd”
- Monster Hunter: "Proof of a Hero"
- Kingdom Hearts: "Olympus Coliseum"
- Chrono Trigger: "Frog’s Theme"
- Ace Combat: "First Flight"
- Tales of Series: “Royal Capital Majestic Grandeur”
- Monster Hunter: “Setting Off Breeze”
- 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 (Nemesis): “01 ACT 1-1”
- NieR: “Song of the Ancients”
- Saga Series: “Saga Series Medley 2016”
- Soul Calibur: “The Brave New Stage of History”
Fans have responded to the soundtrack selection positively. Masahiro Sakurai, acclaimed Nintendo songwriter and director of several major games including the Super Smash Bros. series and Kirby's Dream Land tweeted (translated from Japanese), "I am watching the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. How much game music was used...! I was surprised! The height of luxury."
Notably absent from the playlist is Nintendo, arguably the most iconic Japanese video game developer and publisher. Given that its most famous character, Mario, helped announced the Tokyo Olympic Games, the lack of any music from Nintendo's vast catalog of games is strange.
While the Tokyo Olympic Games have only just begun, video game fans may appreciate today's Google Doodle. Titled Doodle Champion Island Games, the interactive browser game functions as a Japanese role-playing game centered around sports. Designed and animated by Studio 4°C, the Doodle celebrates Japan's rich history and culture while also acting as a promotion of the Olympic Games.
Source: Twitter
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