The world of Pokémon is full of mystery and magic.. oh, Pokémon are there too! One thing that I found Pokémon to always do well is music. The sound editing in any of these games is always on point. As someone you delves a lot into the soundtrack of movies, television and video games; these tracks happen to always be a great listen. So, (in no particular order) here are the soundtracks I hold most dear from Pokémon games. PS You can also click on the text to hear the tracks.
Title Screen (R/B/Y),
Remake: Fire Red/Leaf Green Version.
The first sound you've probably heard playing a Pokémon game. The opening title screen music is a piece of 8 bit joy. It's a warm and welcoming tune to the world of Pokémon.
Lavender Town (R/B/Y),
Remake: Fire Red/Leaf Green Version
This is most likely the only music from a town in a Pokémon game you will remember and will instantly recognize. The Lavender Town Theme is creepy and eerie; fitting for the only place with Pokémon graves. That's right. Pokémon graves. So far, you know that your Pokémon faint when they take too much damage and you heal them at a Pokémon Center to put them back in fighting shape. You didn't know Pokémon died until now… That'll always be memorable and so will Lavender Town.
Final Battle! (Rival) (R/B/Y),
Remake: Fire Red/Leaf Green Version
You've been training for hours on end; honing your team and beating the best. You've beaten all 8 Gym Leaders and have finally taken down the last of the Pokémon League's Elite Four. Dragon-Type Trainer Lance tells you that you're about to become Champion… if your Rival hadn't done the same thing not too long ago. He's the Champion and now you'll have to take him down too to beat the game. All the mockery, all the insults he's thrown even after losing to you, all boil down to this one true moment. The music reminds you that this is the battle to end them all and you'd better take the chance.
Battle! (Champion/Red) (G/S/C),
Remake: Heart Gold/Soul Silver Version
With your Rival taking the position of Champion in the previous game, your final showdown was against him. Not in the sequel of Gold, Silver and Crystal. Your comrade Lance has advanced in rank to the Champion of Indigo Plateau and his dragons keep him at the top. It's now up to you to topple these mythical beasts with all your strength. This also plays when you fight Trainer Red atop Mt. Silver, making this the theme the boss music to the end of the main game and the post game.
Battle! (Gym Leader) (R/S/E),
Remake: Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Gym Leaders are the bosses of the Pokémon world. With the previous entries on Game Boy and Game Boy Color, the chip tune sound was iconic. But the anté was upped with the 3rd Generation Games on Game Boy Advance, and they did not disappoint. Hoenn was famous for utilizing trumpets into their soundtrack and they ARE present in the Gym Leader battles. They make these fights FEEL like the boss battles they are.
Battle! (Brendan/May) (R/S/E),
Remake: Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
In Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald; you're rival isn't mean or scary. It's your new next door neighbor! In Red/Blue, Professor Oak's cocky grandson is your rival and an angst-filled stranger (later revealed to be Team Rocket Boss Giovanni's son) in Gold/Silver. But in the 3rd Gen game, Professor Birch's child was your rival and became the first rival that wasn't out to get you and the soundtrack along with their battles is iconic. It switches from a friendly and upbeat tune to a dark and tense beat. It reminds you that although you're on good terms, this is a battle to the end.
Battle! (Team Aqua/Team Magma) (R/S/E)
Remake: Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Team Magma and Team Aqua are memorable for many reasons. They are the first criminal organization besides Team Rocket to appear in a game and they are the only crime group so far to be version exclusive. Team Magma are the antagonists in Ruby Version and Aqua are in Sapphire. It makes for a hodgepodge of a mess when it comes to Emerald, as the plots intertwine and it gets hard to decipher who the villain truly is in that version. Nevertheless, the soundtrack fighting against a Team Magma/Aqua member is too catchy not to love.
Battle! (Team Aqua/Team Magma Leaders) (R/S/E)
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Just like how fighting Grunts is awesome. Fighting against the Leaders is even more of an adrenaline rush. You only fight them 3 times in one play through, so its very rare and sooooo satisfying. It's an experience you won't forget...
Battle! (Super-Ancient Pokémon) (R/S/E)
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Taking down the boss of Team Aqua or Magma isn't always the piece de resistance, it's fighting against the Legendary Pokémon of that game. When Groudon or Kyogre escape captivity and cause a massive scenery change in Hoenn, you know thing's have gotten downhill. It's now up to you to calm the Ancient Beast and the music reminds you with every note.
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Taking down the boss of Team Aqua or Magma isn't always the piece de resistance, it's fighting against the Legendary Pokémon of that game. When Groudon or Kyogre escape captivity and cause a massive scenery change in Hoenn, you know thing's have gotten downhill. It's now up to you to calm the Ancient Beast and the music reminds you with every note.
Battle! (Steven) (R/S/E)
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Seeing Steven as the Champion of the Elite Four isn't a huge surprise in Ruby and Sapphire, as you've seen him take on Team Magma and Aqua before. He's still a Champion and is still a tough fight nonetheless. Most of his Pokémon are Rock or Steel, making him the first Champion to favor defense over offense. It's also a nice treat to find Steven tucked away in a cave in Emerald after Wallace becomes Champion. Either version of Steven is difficult to defeat and the music reminds you that you're in for a rude awakening.
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Seeing Steven as the Champion of the Elite Four isn't a huge surprise in Ruby and Sapphire, as you've seen him take on Team Magma and Aqua before. He's still a Champion and is still a tough fight nonetheless. Most of his Pokémon are Rock or Steel, making him the first Champion to favor defense over offense. It's also a nice treat to find Steven tucked away in a cave in Emerald after Wallace becomes Champion. Either version of Steven is difficult to defeat and the music reminds you that you're in for a rude awakening.
The Trick House (R/S/E)
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Possibly my favorite Pokémon soundtrack to date, I spent a lot of time in The Trick House in Ruby. I would constantly go back after every new town to see if there was a new puzzle to solve. Needless to say, I was disappointed many times but the music kept my spirit afloat at all times.
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version
Possibly my favorite Pokémon soundtrack to date, I spent a lot of time in The Trick House in Ruby. I would constantly go back after every new town to see if there was a new puzzle to solve. Needless to say, I was disappointed many times but the music kept my spirit afloat at all times.
Battle! (Rival) (D/P/Pt)
The Rival Theme in Diamond, Pearl and Platinum holds a special place in my heart. Just how Brendan/May is your first friendly rival thus far, Barry steals the rug out from under their feet. Barry is your hyperactive neighbor and best friend. The music that plays during your fights with him is totally upbeat and cheery to remind you of this friendly competition.
The Rival Theme in Diamond, Pearl and Platinum holds a special place in my heart. Just how Brendan/May is your first friendly rival thus far, Barry steals the rug out from under their feet. Barry is your hyperactive neighbor and best friend. The music that plays during your fights with him is totally upbeat and cheery to remind you of this friendly competition.
Battle! (Champion) (D/P/Pt)
Cynthia is by far my most fearsome competitor yet. As a Champion, type coverage is a must and Cynthia carries it in spades. She has the broadest type coverage I've seen and she also starts with the fearsome Spiritomb, a Pokémon that didn't have any weaknesses until Fairy types! Her music reminds you that it's going to take your very best to take down her team.
Cynthia is by far my most fearsome competitor yet. As a Champion, type coverage is a must and Cynthia carries it in spades. She has the broadest type coverage I've seen and she also starts with the fearsome Spiritomb, a Pokémon that didn't have any weaknesses until Fairy types! Her music reminds you that it's going to take your very best to take down her team.
Battle! (Team Plasma) (B/W)
The Team Plasma theme is one of the few good things of Generation 5. I was very disappointed in Gen 5, but still enjoyed it nonetheless. One thing I enjoyed was Team Plasma. The Grunts in Black and White make me laugh with their outfits, add on the fact they are seriously telling me to release all of Pokémon for the betterment of man. No thanks… I liked the more ruthless and normally nasty Team Plasma in Black and White 2.
The Team Plasma theme is one of the few good things of Generation 5. I was very disappointed in Gen 5, but still enjoyed it nonetheless. One thing I enjoyed was Team Plasma. The Grunts in Black and White make me laugh with their outfits, add on the fact they are seriously telling me to release all of Pokémon for the betterment of man. No thanks… I liked the more ruthless and normally nasty Team Plasma in Black and White 2.
Battle! Elite Four (R/S/E) (D/P/Pt) (B/W)
If Gym Leaders are the bosses of Pokémon world, then fighting against the Elite Four is like a final boss rush. You have to fight four trainers of increasing difficulty one after the other before facing the final challenge in the League Champion. The Elite Four can be very intimidating because even though you have a break in between each battle, you have to make sure you've brought the enough healing items and strong enough Pokémon to tackle the gauntlet. The Elite Four themes I find the best are from Ruby/Sapphire, Diamond/Pearl and Black/White. The R/S Theme is a nostalgic one that is severe yet full of energy. The D/P one is very serious in tone just like their Champion's mix. Finally, the B/W mix is a mix of both previous versions. It's serious and moody with a uppity beat along with it all the way.
If Gym Leaders are the bosses of Pokémon world, then fighting against the Elite Four is like a final boss rush. You have to fight four trainers of increasing difficulty one after the other before facing the final challenge in the League Champion. The Elite Four can be very intimidating because even though you have a break in between each battle, you have to make sure you've brought the enough healing items and strong enough Pokémon to tackle the gauntlet. The Elite Four themes I find the best are from Ruby/Sapphire, Diamond/Pearl and Black/White. The R/S Theme is a nostalgic one that is severe yet full of energy. The D/P one is very serious in tone just like their Champion's mix. Finally, the B/W mix is a mix of both previous versions. It's serious and moody with a uppity beat along with it all the way.
Decisive Battle! (N)
This soundtrack is a doozy. It's essentially the Champion theme for Black and White without being the actual theme. In B/W, you don't actually fight the Unova Champion Alder until you retry taking down the Elite Four a second time around. The first time around, the mysterious N of Team Plasma confronts Alder and defeats him before you can show up. He uses one of the Legendary Dragons of Unova, but before you fight him the other Legendary will appear before you. After defeating or capturing it, you'll fight against N in a final bout. The tune is extremely hype as it is nothing but pulse pounding food for your soul.
This soundtrack is a doozy. It's essentially the Champion theme for Black and White without being the actual theme. In B/W, you don't actually fight the Unova Champion Alder until you retry taking down the Elite Four a second time around. The first time around, the mysterious N of Team Plasma confronts Alder and defeats him before you can show up. He uses one of the Legendary Dragons of Unova, but before you fight him the other Legendary will appear before you. After defeating or capturing it, you'll fight against N in a final bout. The tune is extremely hype as it is nothing but pulse pounding food for your soul.
Battle! (Champion Iris) (B2/W2)
Champion tunes always have the promise of being the final boss fight and the only track from Black/White 2 has to be the Iris's Champion theme. As intimidating as it is to face her, her theme is upbeat and catchy. Like many past soundtracks, it reminds you that this is the match to end them all and you need to be focused on achieve victory.
Champion tunes always have the promise of being the final boss fight and the only track from Black/White 2 has to be the Iris's Champion theme. As intimidating as it is to face her, her theme is upbeat and catchy. Like many past soundtracks, it reminds you that this is the match to end them all and you need to be focused on achieve victory.
Battle! (Gym Leader) (X/Y)
As the bosses of the Pokémon games, Gym Leaders have some of the best music to listen to whilst fighting them. I really like the theme in X and Y. For some reason, it reminds me of a game show theme where you have to risk it all to win it all. In a Gym Battle, that's one of the best feels you can have.
As the bosses of the Pokémon games, Gym Leaders have some of the best music to listen to whilst fighting them. I really like the theme in X and Y. For some reason, it reminds me of a game show theme where you have to risk it all to win it all. In a Gym Battle, that's one of the best feels you can have.
Battle! (Xerneas/Yveltal) (X/Y)
There have been some insane Legendary Pokémon in the past and X and Y are no exception. Although their inclusion in the games is somewhat short and useless, they still give off the same glorious feeling that Title Pokémon should. Whether it be the struggle to capture them for yourself or the awesome music. This theme for Xerneas and Yveltal is very menacing and heavy, just a reminder of the weight on your shoulders while you're basically trying to battle the Pokémon of Life or Destruction... No biggie
There have been some insane Legendary Pokémon in the past and X and Y are no exception. Although their inclusion in the games is somewhat short and useless, they still give off the same glorious feeling that Title Pokémon should. Whether it be the struggle to capture them for yourself or the awesome music. This theme for Xerneas and Yveltal is very menacing and heavy, just a reminder of the weight on your shoulders while you're basically trying to battle the Pokémon of Life or Destruction... No biggie
Battle! (Champion) (X/Y)
One of the greatest sounds to ever come from a Pokémon game is this one. Probably on of my Top 5 favorites; the theme to Kalo's Champion, Diantha, is pulse pounding. It's that upbeat thrilling, rock and sock 'em feel. It drives you to keep up the challenge, no matter how bleak things might look. Seriously, it's just awesome.
One of the greatest sounds to ever come from a Pokémon game is this one. Probably on of my Top 5 favorites; the theme to Kalo's Champion, Diantha, is pulse pounding. It's that upbeat thrilling, rock and sock 'em feel. It drives you to keep up the challenge, no matter how bleak things might look. Seriously, it's just awesome.
This song was the one I needed to hear when the game launched. I had to analyze every piece of info and trailer for our blog that covered all pre-release information. This song was in every trailer and I fell in love before the game even came out. Alola's theme fits the motif of the region to a tee: a place to enjoy life and be free.
Hau is your Sun and Moon rival and boy is this lad raring to go! Much like Barry from Generation IV, Hau seems to be a ball of unstoppable energy. He's always bright and cheerful and the moments he is fearful or struck with grief really hit home. Hau's theme is pretty similar. It is cheery and even goofy at certain points that really emphasize his personality, even if he is a tad slower than you.
In Sun and Moon we saw the disappearance of Hidden Machines for traversal and got the handy Ride Pager to summon Ride Pokémon to assist us in traveling. The Land music is one that speaks to me. Whenever you use Tauros Charge, Stoutland Search, Mudsdale Gallop, or Machamp Shove it makes everything better. The way your character model moves (roughly) to the notes of the song makes me appreciate the effort that went into it.
Team Skull is by far the funniest villain team in a Pokémon game thus far. Their nonsensical code of conduct and relentless passion make them more of a laughing stock than a threat. Even the NPCs think so! Unlike the other villains where you can see their plans effect the world, Team Skull does little outside of challenging you every step of the way.
As much as the Totem Pokémon are the new bosses as of Generation VII, the Island Kahuna theme is the real deal. You face 4 kahunas in total, one for each island, and they remind us Gym Leaders prior. Like the Totem Pokémon, they have strategies so it's best to have a plan of action going in. The kahuna theme starts out dark and menacing like you're about to face a monster. The beat then picks up from there and doesn't stop for anyone! It might turn lighter and upbeat, but the pacing is reminiscent of a time trial more than a Grand Trial. It's fast, fun and frantic at the same time.
I'm a sucker for champion themes and Sun/Moon's is no exception (well a little). In this title, the Pokémon League has just formed so there isn't even a Champion yet. That's where you come in. Since every Title Match takes place on the summit of Mount Lanakila, the music feels appropriate and especially as the finale to the main game. It hits every beat of intimidating and joyful, it puts that twitchy and excited hand you have alongside the lump in your throat into a song.
