ZD Top 5 – Dungeon Songs
Posted on August 06 2015 by Mark Olson
A number of elements have to be pulled off and blended well to make a dungeon something special; often, however, the most memorable dungeons stick out in player’s minds because of one thing: the atmosphere. In a similar way, the most memorable atmosphere is often caused by some extremely fitting music for players to hum along to in their journey. In this week’s ZD Top, ZeldaDungeon staff members recount five of their favorites. As always, feel free to leave your own list in the comments.
Jon Lett – View Profile
5. Temple Theme (The Adventure of Link)
4. Lanayru Mining Facility – Past (Skyward Sword)
3. Forsaken Fortress (The Wind Waker)
2. Lorule Castle (A Link Between Worlds)
1. Hyrule Castle (Twilight Princess)
The atmosphere of the final trek through Hyrule Castle never gets old. The massive size of the rooms, the dangerous and abandoned outdoor areas, and most of all, the ominous music, all work together to make you feel more and more fearful of what is to come in the castle’s throne room. The way the music slowly evolves between floors – gradually getting to be more like Ganondorf’s theme – is just awesome, and matches the gradual rising difficulty of getting to your final destination.
Jessica Capps – View Profile
5. Color Dungeon (Link’s Awakening)
4. Lanayru Mining Facility (Skyward Sword)
3. Stone Tower Temple (Majora’s Mask)
2. Palace Theme (Zelda II)
1. Forest Temple Theme (Ocarina of Time)
The Forest Temple Theme is by far my all time favourite dungeon theme. It evokes paranoia and it’s just downright unsettling, yet catchy nonetheless. Anytime, anywhere; who can resist humming along to the Zelda II Palace Theme? The Stone Tower Temple is one of the darker dungeon themes that carries an irresistible tune of hope. The Lanayru Mining Facility theme took me by surprise the moment I entered it. It’s hard to explain, but I love how the rhythm of the marimbas reflect the work environment of the ancient robots.
Kevin O’Rourke – View Profile
5. Palace Theme (Adventure of Link)
4. Palace Theme (Link to the Past)
3. Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)
2. Great Bay Temple (Majora’s Mask)
1. Stone Tower Temple (Majora’s Mask)
My favorite themes dungeons are ones that manage to capture the atmosphere of where you are and create tension while still encouraging you to progress through and make your way to the boss room. Stone Tower and Great Bay are great examples of this, and are very catchy and memorable tracks. Forest Temple creates a spooky atmosphere and I find myself humming along with the music as I’m running through and shooting Poe’s with arrows. Rounding out the bottom of the list are the palace themes from Link to the Past and Adventure of Link which are very catchy and enjoyable to listen to.
Alexis Anderson – View Profile
5. Snowpeak Ruins (Twilight Princess)
4. Palace Theme (Zelda II: The Adventure of Link)
3. Tower of the Gods (The Wind Waker)
2. Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)
1. Stone Tower Temple (Majora’s Mask)
Stone Tower Temple is amazing. I listen to that dungeon theme in my spare time, and while I’m reading, doing homework, and studying. It’s the best, by far. The Palace Theme is just Super Smash Bros. Melee nostalgia. And I’ve sung the Forest Temples’ praises before, so again, its theme is just so spot-on for the environment. God bless the music in Zelda.
Brooke Ferdinansen – View Profile
5. Ancient Cistern (Skyward Sword)
4. Tower of the Gods (Wind Waker)
3. Stone Tower Temple (Majora’s Mask)
2. Earth Temple (Skyward Sword)
1. Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)
Dungeon themes are one of the few pieces of music in Zelda that can be dissonant and still be an amazing track. The Stone Tower Temple theme is a classic, illustrating everything a dungeon’s atmosphere should be. My all-time favorite, however, would be the Forest Temple Theme from Ocarina of Time. No other dungeon’s music in the franchise has an ominous, almost displeasing sound, while still giving off a beautiful and ominous vibe.
