History AwesomeMusic / FourthGeneration

** [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FYNW43n34 North Town]], The theme for the first proper level in the game.
** [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xa4Jy-IGYo South Town]] a rag style theme fitting for the chaotic nature of the level.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpOdgRaNuc Danzem Dungeon]]fitting for the LethalLavaLand setting, a shame you don’t hear for long, before you are dragged backstage. %%[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDRer35z7E Tonight’s A Jazzy Night]] are all pretty good.

%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FYNW43n34 North Town]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpOdgRaNuc Danzem Dungeon]],[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xa4Jy-IGYo South Town]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDRer35z7E Tonight’s A Jazzy Night]] are all pretty good.

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** [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FYNW43n34 North Town]], [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpOdgRaNuc Danzem Dungeon]],[[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xa4Jy-IGYo South Town]] , and [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDRer35z7E Tonight’s A Jazzy Night]] are all pretty good.
** [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2f6vdQaU4&t I Love Goldie Hawn]] the theme for the TrueFinalBoss.

* From ''VideoGame/CoolSpot'', obviously the Bonus Stage has the best music, regardless of whether it's from the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLiXUOUv7E Sega Genesis]], the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbpDwaTnGGI SNES]], or even the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e-XY46od84 Amiga]] versions. Interestingly, the Genesis version qualifies for GeniusProgramming. [[https://youtu.be/WEvnZRCW_qc?t=12m43s This video]] shows that Creator/TommyTallarico composed "Rave Dancetune" using Sega of America's GEMS[[note]]Genesis Editor for Music and Sound Effects[[/note]] software for the system's YM2612 sound chip. Through manipulation of instrument prioritization, Tommy was able to give the perception that nine different instruments are being played together, despite the Genesis hardware only being capable of playing ''six'' concurrent sounds. [[https://youtu.be/n7pMcVosV2g A modified version of "Rave DanceTune"]], which uses two of the Genesis' sound chips, demonstrates what this tune would sound like in its full glory.

* ''Eek! The Cat'' for the SNES is a shining example of TheProblemWithLicensedGames, but its soundtrack was a different story, sometimes pushing the limits of the sound chip. Hell, if we listed examples, the whole soundtrack would be here [[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer (no, really)]]. [[http://youtu.be/rWSLmSugrfs So, behold!]]

* The original arcade version of ''VideoGame/WonderBoyIIIMonsterLair'' had ear-bleeding FM synthesized music, but the TurboGrafx16 CD port had a funky awesome Redbook soundtrack. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO-y2NVLcHg Listen to this]].

* The TurboGrafx16 ''VideoGame/{{Valis}}'' games have pretty epic Redbook soundtracks.

* Hudson's ''Super Star Soldier'', and its sequel, ''Soldier Blade'', both on the TurboGrafx16.

* The UsefulNotes/PCEngine CD version of ''{{Raiden}}''. For example, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn32sI7GKsg Gallantry]].

* The PCEngine CD version of ''{{Raiden}}''. For example, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn32sI7GKsg Gallantry]].

* While were on the subject on Creator/{{Midway}}'s games (with Creator/{{Acclaim}}'s porting), the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys8bXY3YEVY Main Theme]] and the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BifEzw-PEg Team Select]] themes from ''VideoGame/NBAJam'' are also pretty cool.

* While were on the subject on Creator/{{Midway}}'s games (with Creator/{{Acclaim}}'s porting), the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys8bXY3YEVY Main Theme]] and the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BifEzw-PEg Team Select]] themes from ''NBAJam'' are also pretty cool.

* ''Syd Mead's Terraforming'' (yes, the same fellow who designed [[Film/ShortCircuit Johnny 5]] and the light cycles from ''Film/{{Tron}}'') lives on a long list of obscure ShootEmUp titles, but [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Jy2cRERO8 the first stage's anthem]] features some pretty sweet guitar riffs.

** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShmM6VKDR4M music of Stage 1-1]] is what every first level theme should strive for, catchy, exciting, and surprisingly orchestral for the FM hardware.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXK32OdNMY Stage 5-1]] is a dreamy, ambient track perfect for exploring with a wide range of texture and atmosphere.

* From ''VideoGame/CoolSpot'', obviously the Bonus Stage has the best music, regardless of whether it's from the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLiXUOUv7E Sega Genesis]], the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbpDwaTnGGI SNES]], or even the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e-XY46od84 Amiga]] versions.
** Interestingly, the Genesis version qualifies for GeniusProgramming. [[https://youtu.be/WEvnZRCW_qc?t=12m43s This video]] shows that Creator/TommyTallarico composed "Rave Dancetune" using Sega of America's GEMS[[note]]Genesis Editor for Music and Sound Effects[[/note]] software for the system's YM2612 sound chip. Through manipulation of instrument prioritization, Tommy was able to give the perception that nine different instruments are being played together, despite the Genesis hardware only being capable of playing ''six'' concurrent sounds. [[https://youtu.be/n7pMcVosV2g A modified version of "Rave DanceTune"]], which uses two of the Genesis' sound chips, demonstrates what this tune would sound like in its full glory.

* From ''VideoGame/CoolSpot'', obviously the Bonus Stage has the best music, regardless of whether it's from the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLiXUOUv7E Sega Genesis]], the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbpDwaTnGGI SNES]], or even the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e-XY46od84 Amiga]] versions. Think the Genesis version sounds good enough already? When you modify it to play on two of the system's soundchips at the same time, [[https://youtu.be/n7pMcVosV2g it sounds even better!]]

* From ''VideoGame/CoolSpot'', obviously the Bonus Stage has the best music, regardless of whether it's from the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLiXUOUv7E Sega Genesis]], the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbpDwaTnGGI SNES]], or even the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e-XY46od84 Amiga]] versions.
** Think the Genesis version sounds good enough already? When you modify it to play on two of the system's soundchips at the same time, [[https://youtu.be/n7pMcVosV2g it sounds even better!]]

* The similarly underrated Sega Genesis beat-em up ''Mystical Fighter'' had some pretty funky music that sounds rather like traditional Japanese music with a jazzy twist. Some good examples are the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs3b9DN5EiE Stage 2 theme]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6x8Tee1vUU Stage 4-2's theme]]. Be warned, this music ''will'' [[EarWorm loop in your head.]]

* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rm0eTagViU title theme]] to ''Chuck Rock''. Pretty cool by itself. MachinaeSupremacy [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPjJrsR__Q takes it]] UpToEleven.

* ''VideoGame/ALisiaDragoon'' is an underrated action game for the ''Genesis'' with an upbeat, atmospheric, and adventurous soundtrack. We could list every track here, there's not a single bad piece of music in this game. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShmM6VKDR4M music of Stage 1-1]] is what every first level theme should strive for, catchy, exciting, and surprisingly orchestral for the FM hardware. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeLz5vYu9tM Stage 2-2]] is a slower, somewhat darker theme with an addictive bassline and is one heck of an EarWorm. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXK32OdNMY Stage 5-1]] is a dreamy, ambient track perfect for exploring with a wide range of texture and atmosphere. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMcRZ0KnuG0 first boss music]] is more intense with a techno feel with the percussion and panning synths. Meanwhile, the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6EcjeaHKsU second boss theme]] is frantic and more fast paced as the [[ContinuingIsPainful game's]] [[CheckpointStarvation difficulty]] is starting to become apparent.

* ''Last Armageddon'' is a game about [[CoolVersusAwesome Demons vs. Aliens]]. While the gameplay may b okay at best, and the monsters nightmare fuel-inducing, the main thing that stands out is the AWESOME [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-IuvOoXB_g battle music]].

* ''Area88'' (known in the West as ''UN Squadron'') gives us [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boPjMRdKYhw the Forest Fortress theme.]]

* A lot of the soundtrack of ''VideoGame/IllusionOfGaia'' should be mentioned here.
** The game hooks the player in immediately with the heroic [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdYh7XTxnZE "Age of Exploration",]] which is every bit as rousing as the title screen for a globetrotting adventure should be.
** The easy-going [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbts6bBaUA map theme]] is so catchy, it's tempting to just sit on the map or "Load saved game" screens on which it plays for a few minutes just to hear it in its entirety.
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9maWskwvkds 'The Guardian']] (normal boss theme) and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOa8ZofphOw 'Clash of Darkness and Light']] (the final boss theme) are certainly awesome.
** The game's town themes are as contrasting as the towns themselves, from the peaceful [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erKDJjWqjvs Itory Village]] to the proud [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyCo3DuZMBY Freya City]] (and its seagull sound effect-laden version heard in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCPK_xS1x6c South Cape]]).
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R3A0GmOfrc In the Earthen Womb]], probably the only track that could truly convey the majesty of outer space.
** The game's six main dungeons are based on real life sites of archaeological significance (with one exception), and are given musical accompaniment to match their grandeur:
*** Larai Cliffs, based on the Incan complex of Machu Picchu, takes the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXEGYjKVFK0 Melody of the Wind]] as the starting point for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX6XtaHz-Po a track that is by turns intense and mysterious]], much like the ruins themselves, the game's first major dungeon.
*** The Sky Garden, triggered by a visit to the Nazca Lines, gets an appropriately [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyyJNqFV3Ww soaring theme]] that gives the exploration of the double-sided garden a real feeling of adventure.
*** The Ocean Palace of Mu, based on the Atlantis myth, is backed by a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TZaETFhjto dramatic theme]] that perfectly complements the higher stakes of the dungeons in the game's middle act.
*** The Great Wall of China has a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Eftur1sfZA mock East Asian theme]] in which both the melody and the accompaniment are doubled up by parallel fourths to create a suitably enigmatic track for one of the real world's most breathtaking historical sites.
*** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_UIdgbzjME Memory Melody]] used in the game's early stages is expertly transformed into the opening hook of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgOFbn9WCqM the pulsating theme]] for the Cambodian temple complex of [[SpellMyNameWithAnS Ankor]] Wat, an ideal accompaniment for exploring the vast maze of the temple itself.
*** Finally, the Great Pyramid gets an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GWB8N4md_w epic theme]] befitting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, conveying a real sense of just how much rests on Will's quest this late in the game.

* ''Last Armageddon'' is a game about [[CoolVersusAwesome Demons vs. Aliens]]. While the gameplay may by okay at best, and the monsters nightmare fuel-inducing, the main thing that stands out is the AWESOME [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-IuvOoXB_g battle music]].

* For SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic on the Megadrive, see ''ThunderForce 4''. Particularly any of the the boss music - you definitely know you're in a fight.

* Obscure though it is, [[Creator/BandaiNamcoEntertainment Namco]]'s 1989 arcade/Megadrive shmup ''Dangerous Seed'' is often lauded for its soundtrack. Some of you may recognize the Megadrive version of the themes for the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M4_g9Jbvcg Strike-Ants]] and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSMDP3Jqte0 Roller-Snail]] battles, considering they were drafted for ''Sonic Megamix''.

** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig8NnSoW1oU Elle's Theme]].

* ''Film/LastActionHero'' is a ''horrible'' video game, and a prime example of TheProblemWithLicensedGames. But its soundtrack (the SNES version, of course) by Shahid Ahmed is pretty rockin' and badass, especially the first level theme.