30 Days of Video Game Music: Day 22 -- Town/Village Music

Check out the Day 1 post for the full challenge list.

“Monster-Town” - Shinichi Sakamoto

Game: Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2017, Multiplatform; remake of the 1989 SEGA Master System game)
2017 version: arr. Michael Geyre (YouTube, many additional versions on Bandcamp)
1989 version: YouTube
Yamaha YM2413 FM “FM Sound” version: YouTube
Cover: KeyboardKrazy49 (YouTube)

Lizarcube’s beautiful Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is how I was first introduced to the excellent Wonder Boy III, so that’s why I don’t really call either the “original” here even though the 1989 game obviously is. The version with full instrumentation is the one I was first exposed to, so it’s the original to me in a certain sense. In any case both are good, just a little bit of clarification there.

The source music itself is lovely, and Michael Geyre did a fantastic job of bringing it to life with his instrumental arrangements. Lizardcube has quickly become one of my favorite devs with their outstanding recreation of this game and their sublime Streets of Rage 4. Both are clear labors of love in every regard, and as today’s highlighted piece demonstrates, the music is no exception. Definitely give the full OST a listen if you’re looking for some background music. I’m a big fan of “The Last Dungeon” and “The Monster’s Lair - Pyramid”, but they’re all good!