This article originally ran in Back Alley Games Issue 12, February 2025

Few albums can withstand the test of time; but Super Mario 64‘s soundtrack is an exception, truly defining a generation of video game music. Composed by Koji Kondo for the release of Nintendo’s flagship series on their new console, the soundtrack is a spectacle of unique musical motifs and brilliant genre mashups all while staying completely cohesive and refreshing throughout gameplay.

On the surface, its melodic tunes are satisfying to all types of players, setting the tone for their experiences as they explore the castle, discover whimsical worlds, and defeat foes throughout the game. It’s in Kondo’s meticulous attention to detail and his unique approach to musical timing that the album really shines.

From each world’s songs referencing one another melodically to the use of adaptive music to give more emotional impact to the player’s choices, the soundtrack works wonders with its subtle design to make the world feel that much more alive.

Super Mario 64’s soundtrack is a feat of audio engineering genius, allowing for unique interactions between music that few albums ever really have. Its approach to immersing the player into the story feels like one big collection of various movements that individually showcase their own instruments and aesthetics, making for an unforgettable impression on anyone playing the game for the first time.

This article was submitted by a member of the Back Alley Games community and was edited for publication by our staff. Opinions and thoughts expressed within are not those of Back Alley Games.