Dungeon Theme 2 from Pokemon Conquest (Mario Paint)
52Eighty-fourth video. This is one of my favorite background music tracks in Pokemon Conquest reimagined in Super Mario Paint. The precise name is a bit unclear; my soundtrack has it listed as Dungeon Theme 2, but I've also seen it called Snowy Mountain and even Sky Garden Battle. It is one of a few themes that plays in many situations -- wild pokemon battles and non-invasion warlord battles.
As the only tactical pokemon RPG and a crossover with a series called Nobunaga's Ambition, Pokemon Conquest is certainly a unique addition to the franchise. The goal is, in effect, to conquer the world by uniting all 17 kingdoms (each kingdom corresponds to a different pokemon type). In addition to catching pokemon, you recruit warlords to join your cause. These warlords have innate abilities that are used in combat as well as pokemon abilities, attacks, and items. When attacking, it is important to consider not only type advantages and power but also the pokemon's positioning on the map -- each attack will connect opponents from a certain range, and sneakily attacking pokemon from behind yields more damage than attacking an opponent facing towards you. Each terrain has hazards that benefit certain types of pokemon over others. Overall, Pokemon Conquest is an excellent spin-off and certainly worth checking out for anyone who wants a break from the traditional main-series games.
The music in Conquest is spectacular; Shinichiro Nakamura uses a very interesting mixture of classical and modern elements (instrument tones, harmonies) that make the game feel as if it is part of a large, ancient drama about to unfold. However, this particular track, Dungeon 2, is perhaps the most light-hearted and whimsical. I love the melody that emerges in text file 13 and tried to mimic the trills and glisses of the pan flute-like instrument in the original. The harmonies in this spot are likewise gorgeous.
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