If there is one thing missing from modern video games that continue to be released to the general public, it is a musical number. It is unknown how so many video games are able to pass quality tests with such a dearth of musical integrity, however they do so nonetheless. So, it is only fair to reward those video games brave enough to include musical numbers within themselves, as they are truly the heroes of modern gaming.
But really, just watch the songs on YouTube because in no way is the game worth buying.
Many regard Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two as a disastrous mistake of a game that is somehow worse than the original that released in 2010. This fact can directly be proven by the unfortunate closing of developer Junction Point Studios not too long after the release of the second main installment in the Epic Mickey series. However, the game did succeed in one, and possibly only one category, the musical numbers. No, they are not quite the level of a Disney Renaissance movie, however the musical numbers within Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two are actually pretty good. They do their part in advancing the main plot while also entertaining the player with a short break between areas. There is even a fairly humorous scene where the song, and therefore the plot, does not progress because of Oswald’s hesitation to sing before the Mad Doctor leads him on.
Nobody address it.
Another great example of musical numbers within video games can be found in none other than a little gem called Boo Bunny Plague. Unfortunately though, there seems to be a pattern in near-unplayable games and musical numbers within them as this yet again another game that is not particularly well made. To be fair, Boo Bunny Plague at least gives gamers the dignity of only costing two dollars, and it is possible the get a coupon for the game through crafting badges on Steam, making the purchase that much closer to justifiable. That being said, the musical numbers in that game are extremely entertaining. No, the singing voices do not have perfect pitch, and the lyrics are not terribly innovative, but they do an amazing job of commanding a player’s attention while they are playing.
To those who challenge video games as an art medium, this feast is exclusively for the eyes.
Of course, it would be nothing short of insulting to mention musical numbers within video games and not bring up Conker’s Bad Fur Day which contains what is possibly the most famous musical number within a video game to this day. This is no mere song though, no, it is the theme of The Great Mighty Poo, a boss within the game that consistently sings to the player throughout the fight and can only be defeated by throwing toilet paper into his mouth as he is holding the high note in his own song. What makes the fight so entertaining is not just the premise, but also the lyrics that get more and more hostile as the fight progresses alongside the rising tempo.
While there are a handful of other video games that contain musical numbers, overall, it is a relatively disappointing amount. Though there are some rhythm games that contain original songs, original musical numbers that just so happen to be within full games not centered around rhythm are rare. What is your favorite musical moment in a video game, original or not? Or, what game do you think could be drastically improved with the addition of a musical number or two? Make sure to leave a comment below and let us know!
