BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast

April Fools

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
Everything Is Going to Be Ok from Dark Cloud 2 [Tomohito Nishiura, 2003]
Plantation from Django Unchained: Antebellum Edition [Leo Foxx, 2017]
Glacial Peak from Frosty No Dai Bōken [Naoki Kodaka, 1996]
Fighting of the Spirits from Phantasmonauts [Hiroya Hatsushiba, 2003]
A World Divided from Madden NFL 99 [Michael Pendowski feat. John Madden, 1998]
Mohg, Lord of Blood from Animal Crossing: New Horizons [Kazumi Totaka, 2020]
Color Your Night from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time [Koji Kondo feat. Eiji Aonuma & Shigeru Miyamoto, 1998]
Ultra Necrozma from Alien Zombie Death [Chad Warden, 2014]
Storm Eagle from Thunder Spirits [Toshiharu Yamanishi & Tomomi Ootani, 1992]
Yummy from Big Delicious Saucier Mommies [Lady Domina, 2011]
Mist of Rage from World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King [Russell Brower, 2008]
KUNA! Itzaland! from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Kenta Nagata feat. Atsuko Asahi, 2017]
Type-03 -Fulgore's Theme- from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
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
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Spotlight: World of Warcraft: Midnight

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
Intercession from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, Adam Burgess & Leo Kaliski, 2026]
The Light from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Leo Kaliski, 2026]
Silvermoon City from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Joshua Ra Goodman, Adam Burgess & Russell Brower, 2026]
Forests of Eversong from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Jake Lefkowitz, David Arkenstone & Russell Brower, 2026]
Three Sisters from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, Derek Duke & Russell Brower, 2026]
Empire of Zul from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Glenn Stafford, Jake Lefkowitz & Leo Kaliski, 2026]
Amani di Chuka from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Neal Acree, 2026]
The World Trees from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Leo Kaliski, Jake Lefkowitz & David Arkenstone, 2026]
Aln'hara from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess, 2026]
Safe Harbor from World of Warcraft: Midnight [David Arkenstone, 2026]
Immolation from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess feat. NYX, 2026]
The Lady of Shadow from World of Warcraft: Midnight [Adam Burgess & Neal Acree, 2026]
Hero's Haven from World of Warcraft: Midnight [David Arkenstone, 2026]
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
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Radio Hour, Volume 85

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
VS. Ice Chomp from Mario Tennis Fever [Motoi Sakuraba, 2026]
A Bitter Decision from Soul Calibur VI [Junichi Nakatsuru, 2018]
Can You Feel the Sunshine? from Sonic R [Richard Jacques feat. T.J. Davis, 1997]
Valestein Castle from Ys III: Wanderers from Ys [Mieko Ishikawa/Ryo Yonemitsu, 1991]
Bonding Winds -Main Theme- from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Yuko Miyata, Akihiko Narita & Kodai Ikeda, 2026]
Echoing Wings from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Kota Yokoseki feat. SARI, 2026]
VS. Narwa & Ibushi from Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection [Yuko Miyata, Akihiko Narita & Kodai Ikeda, 2026]
Bon Voyage, Amigo from Mother 3 [Shogo Sakai, 2006]
Redemption from Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII [GACKT, 2006]
Positive Force from VVVVVV [Magnus "SoulEye" Pålsson, 2010]
Mr. Sleepy Man Theme & Lost In Dreams from Mr. Sleepy Man [Devin Santi, 2026]
Chō from Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake [Tsuki Amano, 2026]
Departure from Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf [Takeshi Furukawa, 2026]
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
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides: Tiny Thor

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
Tiny Thor Main Theme from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
Welcome to the Village from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
Grotto Grove from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
Old Outooks from Tiny Thor [Chris Hülsbeck, 2023]
Slip'n'Slide from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
Steep Steps from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
Twilight Temple from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
Loki the Trickster from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
Yggdrasil from Tiny Thor [Fabian Del Priore, 2023]
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
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Green Hill Zone Forever

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
Green Hill Zone from Sonic The Hedgehog [Masato Nakamura, 1991]
Green Hill Zone -8-bit- from Sonic The Hedgehog [Masato Nakamura/Yuzo Koshiro, 1991]
Main BGM from Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car [Masato Nakamura, 1991]
Green Hill Zone from Sonic Adventure 2 [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2001]
Green Hill from Sonic Battle [Masato Nakamura/Kenichi Tokoi, 2003]
Sunset Hill Act 1 from Sonic Advance 3 [Masato Nakamura/Kenichi Tokoi, 2004]
Green Hill -Modern- from Sonic Generations [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2011]
Beyond The Speed Of from Sonic Runners [Tomoya Ohtani, 2015]
Green Hill Zone from LEGO Dimensions [Masato Nakamura/Rob Westwood & Ian Livingstone, 2015]
Green Hill Zone Act 2 from Sonic Mania [Masato Nakamura/Tee Lopes, 2017]
Green Hill from Sonic Forces: Speed Battle [Unknown, 2017]
Green Hill Zone from Sonic Origins [Masato Nakamura/Jun Senoue, 2022]
Cyberspace 1-1 -Database- from Sonic Frontiers [Tomoya Ohtani feat. YURI, 2022]
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
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Musical Review: Scott Pilgrim EX

Bonus Episode #65 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan reviews Scott Pilgrim EX, the brand-new beat 'em up from Tribute Games that dropped on March 3, 2026 across PC and consoles. An unofficial sequel positioned after the events of the Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the game features an original story co-written by franchise creator Bryan Lee O'Malley and sends Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, and a roster of reformed former rivals through a fractured, gang-overrun Toronto to rescue the kidnapped members of Sex Bob-Omb.
This Musical Review covers the full experience, from the open-world Toronto structure and quest-based progression, to the seven-character roster, badge and accessory system, and boss encounters that range from creative to punishing. We also weigh in on the pixel art presentation, the game's story ambitions, and where the open-world design helps and where it gets in its own way. And of course, we dedicate a full segment to Anamanaguchi's sprawling 71-track original soundtrack, a chiptune-infused, garage rock-tinged return to one of gaming's most beloved musical universes.
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
One More Summer from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Shopping District from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Downtown T.O. from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Ice Age from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
King of the Rails from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
VPD HQ from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Casa Vania from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Demon Boss from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
The Wasteland from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
United by Fate from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Phantom Twin from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
The Train from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Baby G from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
Epilogue 20XX from Scott Pilgrim EX [Anamanaguchi, 2026]
LINKS
Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Spotlight: Resident Evil Requiem

Episode #414 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and returning special guest Kyle step into the Care Center to have an in-depth discussion and review analysis on the recently released Resident Evil Requiem. The latest game in this crazy successful series from Capcom, Requiem explores the story of newcomer Grace Ashcroft and the returning Leon Kennedy as they become entangled in a new investigation connected to mysterious deaths among survivors of the Raccoon City incident years prior.
During the episode, the guys break down the game in full and offer up their thoughts and opinions on the setting, narrative, characters, soundtrack, and so much more. At the end, they attempt to rank the game up against the previous entries as best as possible, while also providing an official review score. Join us for a spooky and tense fun time, and in the words of longtime non-listener and Discord veteran Sev.. you too can play this game!
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
Foreboding from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato, 2026]
Night Haze from Resident Evil Requiem [Masahiro Ohki, 2026]
Recurring Nightmare from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato, 2026]
Deadly Encounter from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato & Masahiro Ohki, 2026]
Burst Their Heads from Resident Evil Requiem [Masahiro Ohki, 2026]
Baptism by Blood from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato, 2026]
Tangled Web from Resident Evil Requiem [Snakes of Russia, 2026]
Indomitable from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato & Masahiro Ohki, 2026]
Over Capacity from Resident Evil Requiem [Masahiro Ohki, 2026]
Memories from Resident Evil Requiem [Masami Ueda, 2026]
Night Terrors from Resident Evil Requiem [Shigeyuki Kameda, 2026]
Contact from Resident Evil Requiem [Snakes of Russia, 2026]
Ambition from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato, 2026]
Through the Darkness from Resident Evil Requiem [Nao Sato feat. Colin & Caroline, 2026]
LINKS
Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides: Embers of Mana

BGMania B-Sides #43 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bedroth explores Embers of Mana, a newly released ROM hack of Final Fantasy Adventure created by friend of the show and longtime listener OK Impala. Built on the bones of the classic Game Boy action RPG that helped launch the Mana series, Embers of Mana reimagines the experience with fresh ideas, clever design twists, and a renewed appreciation for the world that started it all.
This B-Side also features an interview with OK Impala about his experience with Final Fantasy Adventures and creating Embers of Mana. Go show him and this ROM hack some love at the following locations:
Embers of Mana Release Trailer - https://youtu.be/X5_FO9Yny1c?si=NZkOPt6RT52UEbth
OK Impala's Website - https://okimpala.net/
BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/okimpala.bsky.social
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@okimpala
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
Beautiful Day (based on Peaceful Village from Dual Orb 2) from Embers of Mana [Nobuyuki Hara & Yu Yoshida/OK Impala, 1994/2026]
Into the Waterfall (based on Into the Thick of It from Secret of Mana) from Embers of Mana [Hiroki Kikuta/OK Impala, 1993/2026]
Watch Out! (based on Valestein Castle from Ys III: Wanderers from Ys) from Embers of Mana [Mieko Ishikawa, 1989/2026]
Frozen Statues from Embers of Mana [endlessrepeat, 2026]
Land of the Lost (based on Love So Alike from the movie Tristan & Isolde) from Embers of Mana [Anne Dudley/OK Impala, 2006/2026]
What the Forest Hides from Embers of Mana [endlessrepeat, 2026]
Embers of Mana (based on Fear of the Heavens from Secret of Mana) from Embers of Mana [Hiroki Kikuta/OK Impala, 1993/2026]
City of the Past (based on Alistia - Lapatia Village from Rogue Galaxy) from Embers of Mana [Tomohito Nishiura/OK Impala, 2007/2026]
Eternal Forest (based on Lascarde Skywalk from Arc Rise Fantasia) from Embers of Mana [Yasunori Mitsuda/OK Impala, 2010/2026]
Saving the World (based on Save the World from Final Fantasy Legend II) from Embers of Mana [Nobuo Uematsu/OK Impala, 1991/2026]
LINKS
Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Composer Appreciation: Inon Zur

Episode #413 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth celebrate one of the most quietly essential careers in the history of video game music with a Composer Appreciation spotlight on Inon Zur. Born in Israel and classically trained from an early age, Zur initially built his career in film and television before being persuaded to score his first game... and never looked back. Over the decades that followed, he became the defining voice behind some of the most beloved franchises in gaming, crafting music that consistently prioritizes emotional honesty over spectacle.
We explore the remarkable range Zur brings to every project, from intimate character themes and sweeping fantasy epics to militaristic tension and sci-fi wonder. A three-time award winner, a Recording Academy inductee, and a composer whose main theme for a major 2023 release reportedly went through twenty-nine versions before it was right, Zur is an artist who has never stopped pushing. This episode is a proper tribute to a man whose fingerprints are all over the medium we love.
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
Main Theme from SOCOM II U.S. Navy SEALs [Inon Zur, 2003]
Amkethran from Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition [Inon Zur, 2013]
The Severed Hand from Icewind Dale II [Inon Zur, 2002]
Imperial Guard Theme from Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Winter Assault [Inon Zur, 2005]
The Brotherhood of Cluny from Crusader Kings [Inon Zur, 2003]
Rogue Heart from Dragon Age II [Inon Zur feat. Aubrey Ashburn, 2011]
Jump It Up from Run Like Hell [Inon Zur, 2002]
Into the Starfield from Starfield [Inon Zur, 2023]
The Path of Destiny from Sword Coast Legends [Inon Zur feat. Aeralie Brighton & Mimi Page, 2015]
First Light from Crysis [Inon Zur, 2007]
Vampire's Teeth from Twisted Metal: Head-On [Inon Zur, 2005]
Kate Theme from Syberia 3 [Inon Zur feat. Aeralie Brighton, 2017]
Gorowyn from EverQuest: Ring of Scale [Inon Zur, 2017]
Suburbs of Edo from Rise of the Ronin [Inon Zur, 2024]
LINKS
Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously

Musical Review: God of War: Sons of Sparta

Bonus Episode #64 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan reviews God of War: Sons of Sparta, the surprise same-day release from Sony's February 2026 State of Play, a 2D Metroidvania prequel developed by Mega Cat Studios in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio. Set during Kratos' youth at the Spartan Agoge, the game follows a teenage Kratos and his brother Deimos as they venture beyond Sparta's walls on a mission rooted in duty, brotherhood, and survival.
This Musical Review covers all dimensions of the experience, from the Metroidvania exploration loop, spear-and-shield combat system, and level design, to the story's emotional highs and lows, the pixel art presentation, and the technical rough edges that accumulate over the course of the campaign. We also dedicate time to Bear McCreary's remarkable original score, which blends chiptune sensibility with sweeping orchestral and choral arrangements to create one of the most distinctive soundscapes in the franchise's twenty-year history.
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
Sons of Sparta from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
For the Glory of Sparta from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Sparta from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Mount Taygetos from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Port of Messenia from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Ode to Olympus from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Laconian Woods from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
The Grand Cistern from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
The Sanctuary from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Oenus Vineyard from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
The Veiled Bog from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
The Barren Steppe from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
The Drifting Spire from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary, 2026]
Brotherhood from God of War: Sons of Sparta [Bear McCreary feat. Logic, 2026]
LINKS
Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
X: BGManiaPodcast
Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
Twitch: BGManiaPodcast
PODCAST NETWORK
Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
Listening Religiously