Music is an integral part of the video game experience. While a game's graphics or gameplay might be big draws for an audience, a quality soundtrack can provide an additional emotional layer to connect with fans. The music of Super Mario Galaxy resonates to this day thanks to tracks like Gusty Garden Galaxy. While the original tunes hold their own well, some musicians like to take game music and re-imagine it, like Alex Moukala who mashed together Mario and Bloodborne styles to great effect.
Bloodborne has a specific style to its music. Strings, some choral singing, and grandiose themes define From Software's musical taste. While not specifically unique to the game, the elements that make up Bloodborne's music are easily identifiable to fans. This is one of the reasons fans love the game, and are no doubt excited to hear rumors about a Bloodborne remaster possibly coming to PS5.
Moukala is a self-proclaimed video game nerd, and often creates detailed videos breaking down iconic tracks throughout video game history. He also produces remixes, and his most recent video takes a couple of Mario tracks and reimagines them in Bloodborne's style. By taking a track like Dire Dire Docks, switching it to a minor key, and throwing some new elements like strings and a chorus on top, the song completely transforms.
Whether it is imagining Lovecraftian monsters as Bloodborne bosses or taking Mario music and making it work in the Bloodborne style, fans have been enamored with the world From Software created for years. Moukala gets into the groove while putting together his track, throwing in elements of the classic Underground theme that fit perfectly in the mix. The finished product is a sample of just what can be done with a few adjustments, and a background in music theory by taking lighthearted Mario tracks and turning them into a gothic symphony.
Mario music can seemingly be used in almost any situation. Remixed into Bloodborne, it feels completely different than the original tracks. On TikTok, Mario Kart music is helping folks study. There is something about the catchy tunes of the Mario universe that seem to draw people in.
When it comes to video games, graphics often quickly show their age and gameplay of older titles may feel clunky, but what often remains in fans' hearts is the music. Whether it is an 8-bit classic like the Ducktales Moon Stage theme, or a stirring orchestral piece like the original Halo theme, the music lives on.