Episode #419 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth take a deep dive into their High School years to celebrate the year that was in 2001.

For our annual retrospective into a prior year before this show existed, the guys explore what was honestly a very pivotal year for our industry. Not only did we see the Nintendo Gamecube, Game Boy Advance, and original Xbox release, but we had the beginning of a game and franchise that really defined an entire generation of gamers... Halo: Combat Evolved. Not to mention the plethora of other heavy hitters that released in 2001.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Prologue from Golden Sun [Motoi Sakuraba, 2001]
2. Halo from Halo: Combat Evolved [Martin O'Donnell & Michael Salvatori, 2001]
3. Kiss Me Sunlights from Zone Of The Enders [Masumi Ito feat. Heart of Air, 2001]
4. The Shoku Gi Battle from Kessen II [Reijiro Koroku, 2001]
5. Que Que from Dr. Mario 64 [Seiichi Tokunaga, 2001]
6. Don Weazo from Conker's Bad Fur Day [Robin Beanland, 2001]
7. The Steel Samurai from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney [Masakazu Sugimori, 2001]
8. Yuna's Theme from Final Fantasy X [Nobuo Uematsu, 2001]
9. Live and Learn from Sonic Adventure 2 [Jun Senoue feat. Crush 40, 2001]
10. Asteroids -Arranged Version- from Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader [John Williams/Chris Hülsbeck, 1980/2001]
11. Data Jack -Time Attack- from Bejeweled Deluxe [Peter Hajba, 2001]
12. X vs Zero from Mega Man X5 [Naoto Tanaka, 2001]
13. Final Destination from Super Smash Bros. Melee [Hirokazu Ando, 2001]
14. Shadow Hearts from Shadow Hearts [Yoshitaka Hirota feat. Hiroko Kasahara, 2001]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #418 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Kyle have a deep dive discussion on Pokémon Pokopia, the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 life-sim that's been turning heads across the gaming world since its March launch.

Just two people who love games pulling the curtain back on one of the most talked-about Pokémon releases in years. We'll cover everything from the game's post-apocalyptic premise and its surprisingly emotional core, the Animal Crossing-inspired soundtrack, to how a collaboration between Game Freak and the team behind Dragon Quest Builders 2 produced something the franchise has never quite attempted before. Expect honest impressions, plenty of weird tangents, and more than a few thoughts on what this game means for Pokémon going forward.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Title Screen from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
2. Withered Wasteland -Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
3. Fuchsia City -Rainy Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
4. Bleak Beach -Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
5. Vermilion City -Night- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
6. Rocky Ridges -Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
7. Pewter City -Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
8. Party Theme from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
9. Sparkling Skylands -Night- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
10. Saffron City -Rainy Night- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
11. Pokémon Center -Day- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
12. Dream Island -Dragonite Doll- from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
13. Final Song from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]
14. Ending Credits from Pokémon Pokopia [Hiromu Akaba & Jieun Kim, 2026]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides #45 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bedroth dives into Lagoon, the early action RPG that made its way from the X68000 to the SNES, bringing with it a distinctly moody, almost off-kilter take on fantasy adventure. It’s a game remembered as much for its quirks as its ambition, with a slower, more deliberate pace that gives the world a slightly distant, dreamlike feel.

Lagoon’s music leans into that atmosphere, built on gentle synth layers and melodies that feel patient rather than urgent. Themes unfold gradually, giving each track room to breathe while still carrying a quiet sense of forward motion.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Premonition from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
2. Atland from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
3. Valley from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
4. Castle Siegfried from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
5. Battles of Fate from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
6. Reach for the Sky from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
7. When Death Call from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
8. Prince of Darkness from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
9. Tales from the Peaceful World from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]
10. Moonchild from Lagoon [Hideki Suzuki, 1990]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #417 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth are celebrating absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Just a completely standard episode featuring music from a handful of well-known games, exactly as you remember them.

From sweeping orchestral moments to high-energy electronic tracks and everything in between, this episode moves across a wide range of styles while staying firmly grounded in the worlds they came from. No surprises here... just familiar music, familiar games, and the kind of connections that longtime fans will recognize immediately. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly normal journey through video game music. Nothing unusual, nothing questionable, and definitely nothing that would make you stop and go, “Wait… is that right?”

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Everything Is Going to Be Ok from Dark Cloud 2 [Tomohito Nishiura, 2003]
2. Plantation from Django Unchained: Antebellum Edition [Leo Foxx, 2017]
3. Glacial Peak from Frosty No Dai Bōken [Naoki Kodaka, 1996]
4. Fighting of the Spirits from Phantasmonauts [Hiroya Hatsushiba, 2003]
5. A World Divided from Madden NFL 99 [Michael Pendowski feat. John Madden, 1998]
6. Mohg, Lord of Blood from Animal Crossing: New Horizons [Kazumi Totaka, 2020]
7. Color Your Night from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time [Koji Kondo feat. Eiji Aonuma & Shigeru Miyamoto, 1998]
8. Ultra Necrozma from Alien Zombie Death [Chad Warden, 2014]
9. Storm Eagle from Thunder Spirits [Toshiharu Yamanishi & Tomomi Ootani, 1992]
10. Yummy from Big Delicious Saucier Mommies [Lady Domina, 2011]
11. Mist of Rage from World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King [Russell Brower, 2008]
12. KUNA! Itzaland! from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Kenta Nagata feat. Atsuko Asahi, 2017]
13. Type-03 -Fulgore's Theme- from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
14. Magical Voice Shower from Lapone Conspiracy [Avu-chan feat. Smooth McGroove, 2019]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Bonus Episode #66 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Sean step into the void to discuss the latest expansion to hit World of Warcraft, Midnight! Announced back at BlizzCon 2023 when the entire Worldsoul Saga was introduced and then reintroduced officially at Gamescom 2025, Midnight takes us back into the lands of Quel'Thalas to work alongside the Blood Elves and try to put a stop to Xal'atath and her destructive plans.

We're diving deep with this episode, starting with a lore dump and narrative recap of the events leading up to the expansion, as well as discussing the new Allied Race, the Haranir. We'll also touch on the four zones you'll quest through and talk a bit about the new dungeons and raids being introduced. Before wrapping up, Bryan has a theory about where all of this could be leading, and finally, we'll talk about a feature that the community has been asking for since almost the beginning: player housing. World of Warcraft: Midnight is a very promising expansion, and as usual, the soundtrack is absolutely incredible. Stick around and listen to perhaps the best soundtrack Blizzard has done since the Mists of Pandaria expansion. You won't be disappointed!

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff, & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Intercession from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, Adam Burgess & Leo Kaliski, 2026]
2. The Light from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Leo Kaliski, 2026]
3. Silvermoon City from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Joshua Ra Goodman, Adam Burgess & Russell Brower, 2026]
4. Forests of Eversong from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Jake Lefkowitz, David Arkenstone & Russell Brower, 2026]
5. Three Sisters from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, Derek Duke & Russell Brower, 2026]
6. Empire of Zul from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Glenn Stafford, Jake Lefkowitz & Leo Kaliski, 2026]
7. Amani di Chuka from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, 2026]
8. The World Trees from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Leo Kaliski, Jake Lefkowitz & David Arkenstone, 2026]
9. Aln'hara from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess, 2026]
10. Safe Harbor from World of Warcraft: Midnight [David Arkenstone, 2026]
11. Immolation from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess feat. NYX, 2026]
12. The Lady of Shadow from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess & Neal Acree, 2026]
13. Hero's Haven from World of Warcraft: Midnight [David Arkenstone, 2026]
14. Midnight from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Jake Lefkowitz, Adam Burgess, Leo Kaliski, Neal Acree, Joshua Ra Goodman, David Arkenstone, Glenn Stafford & Jason Hayes, 2026]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #416 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan closes out the month of March 2026 with another eclectic mix in Radio Hour, Volume 85!

Is this year flying by? I feel like it is. Once again, we're hitting every corner of the VGM spectrum this month. Plenty of new releases like usual, but we've also got some TurboGrafx-16, SEGA Saturn, and a mini-spotlight on Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection! One listener also randomly found my number and called in during the show. Hopefully this doesn't start happening more frequently...

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. VS. Ice Chomp from Mario Tennis Fever [Motoi Sakuraba, 2026]
2. A Bitter Decision from Soul Calibur VI [Junichi Nakatsuru, 2018]
3. Can You Feel the Sunshine? from Sonic R [Richard Jacques feat. T.J. Davis, 1997]
4. Valestein Castle from Ys III: Wanderers from Ys [Mieko Ishikawa/Ryo Yonemitsu, 1991]
5. Bonding Winds -Main Theme- from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Yuko Miyata, Akihiko Narita & Kodai Ikeda, 2026]
6. Echoing Wings from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Kota Yokoseki feat. SARI, 2026]
7. VS. Narwa & Ibushi from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Yuko Miyata, Akihiko Narita & Kodai Ikeda, 2026]
8. Bon Voyage, Amigo from Mother 3 [Shogo Sakai, 2006]
9. Redemption from Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII [GACKT, 2006]
10. Positive Force from VVVVVV [Magnus "SoulEye" Pålsson, 2010]
11. Mr. Sleepy Man Theme & Lost In Dreams from Mr. Sleepy Man [Devin Santi, 2026]
12. Chō from Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake [Tsuki Amano, 2026]
13. Departure from Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf [Takeshi Furukawa, 2026]
14. Devils Never Cry from Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening [Tetsuya Shibata feat. Shawn "Shootie HG" McPherson & David Baker, 2005]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides #44 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bedroth takes us into the pixel-crafted world of Tiny Thor, a retro-inspired platformer that blends classic 16-bit charm with surprisingly modern design sensibilities. What starts as a colorful, almost playful journey quickly reveals itself to be a tightly tuned experience, where precision, momentum, and mastery of Thor’s iconic hammer become the key to pushing forward. It’s a game that feels nostalgic on the surface, but underneath, it’s constantly asking more of you.

That same duality carries straight into the soundtrack. Bright, energetic melodies immediately pull you in, evoking that golden-era platforming feel, but there’s a sharpness to the composition that keeps everything from feeling too safe or predictable. Driving rhythms, punchy synth leads, and clever use of space give each track a sense of motion, like the music itself is ricocheting alongside Thor’s hammer. It’s playful without being lightweight, and technical without losing its sense of fun, creating a score that feels right at home in both the past and the present.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Tiny Thor Main Theme from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
2. Welcome to the Village from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
3. Grotto Grove from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
4. Old Outooks from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
5. Slip'n'Slide from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
6. Steep Steps from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
7. Twilight Temple from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
8. Loki the Trickster from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
9. Yggdrasil from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
10. End Credits from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #415 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth return to one of gaming’s most iconic starting points with Green Hill Zone Forever, celebrating the music of the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog area. Bright skies, checkerboard hills, and that unmistakable sense of speed... Green Hill Zone isn’t just a level, it’s a feeling, and its music has carried that energy across decades of Sonic history.

From the original Masato Nakamura composition to its countless arrangements, reinterpretations, and spiritual successors, this episode dives into how one theme became a cornerstone of video game music. Expect a journey through a familiar melody, some fresh takes, and at least one deep cut that captures the momentum, optimism, and timeless cool that define Sonic at his best.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Green Hill Zone from Sonic The Hedgehog [Masato Nakamura, 1991]
2. Green Hill Zone -8-bit- from Sonic The Hedgehog [Masato Nakamura/Yuzo Koshiro, 1991]
3. Main BGM from Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car [Masato Nakamura, 1991]
4. Green Hill Zone from Sonic Adventure 2 [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2001]
5. Green Hill from Sonic Battle [Masato Nakamura/Kenichi Tokoi, 2003]
6. Sunset Hill Act 1 from Sonic Advance 3 [Masato Nakamura/Kenichi Tokoi, 2004]
7. Green Hill -Modern- from Sonic Generations [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2011]
8. Beyond The Speed Of from Sonic Runners [Tomoya Ohtani, 2015]
9. Green Hill Zone from LEGO Dimensions [Masato Nakamura/Rob Westwood & Ian Livingstone, 2015]
10. Green Hill Zone Act 2 from Sonic Mania [Masato Nakamura/Tee Lopes, 2017]
11. Green Hill from Sonic Forces: Speed Battle [Unknown, 2017]
12. Green Hill Zone from Sonic Origins [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2022]
13. Cyberspace 1-1 -Database- from Sonic Frontiers [Tomoya Ohtani feat. YURI, 2022]
14. Green Hill from Sonic Rumble [Kenichi Tokoi, Satoshi Oike & Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, 2025]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
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• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously