PixlBit

This game springs to life with great music

The first two Paper Mario games are beloved by many fans. However, things started to go downhill for the series with Super Paper Mario in 2007. This is not because the game is bad, but because it got away from the RPG formula, instead focusing on platforming. If you can get beyond this, you'll discover an enjoyable game full of great characters, a touching story, and wonderful music. The OST encompasses a wide variety of different themes, having catchy character themes, creepy dungeon themes, and also grand boss battle themes. So let's hunker down and enjoy eight of my favorite themes from this overlooked gem. 

Lineland Road

This is one of the first themes in the game. It plays at the beginning of the adventure, and is simply perfect. It sounds adventurous, but also incorporates Mario themes into the mix (see if you can hear them). It's also very catchy, which makes it even better! 

Francis Battle

This is actually a boss battle theme which plays while you fight a social network chameleon (sounds weird if you haven't played the game, but if you have, you'll remember this guy). The first half of the song is very catchy, while the second half is just a build-up to get back to the main theme. Sounds a little strange for a boss fight, but it works just fine. 

Mansion Patrol

This theme is a little creepy, but also quite catchy and enjoyable. It plays while you're in a large haunted mansion. The whole atmosphere is a little sinister, but in a goofy sort of way. The minor chords and use of certain sounds bring out a feeling of dread. Everything blends together well, and when they don't, it's on purpose. 

Tokens Please

This is some great lounge music. I believe this plays when you're at a place where you can play some bonus games (makes sense). This song is relaxing and soothing, giving off that smooth jazz feel, which can calm you down. It says, "Time to take a break."

Sammer's Kingdom

This might be my favorite theme from the game. It plays when you enter a Samurai's kingdom (his name is Sammer). The asian flare is very obvious, but it's all played up in a goofy style (notice the "boing" sounds in the background). It's vibrant and catchy, yet also serious to a certain degree. The use of instruments and style are both perfect. 

Mr. L, Green Thunder

In this game, Luigi actually becomes a villain! He is brainwashed and becomes "Mr. L." You'll end up facing him a couple different times. This is his theme, which is chill and goofy in that strange no-good villain way. It's great to be able to see Luigi in different light. 

Outer Space

When you first hear this one, you might think, "Wait, is this Metroid?" Indeed, this song sounds very space-like as if it's right from a big space adventure movie (or even in Mario Galaxy). The spacey sounds and the main theme really put you into the scene of space. This simply shows you the broad spectrum of places this game takes you. 

Castle Bleck

And here we have the final dungeon of the game. This theme is awesome! It incorporates 8-bit sounds as well as a variety of instruments and sounds which evoke a sinister feeling. The organ makes it quite ominous while the tick tocks later on speak of the fact that you're running out of time. Count Bleck is a great villain, and I don't want to give away the big plot twist of the game, but it's pretty amazing.