GameXplain Themes

In 2020, GameXplain welcomed Joey Ferris, Chris Carpenter, and Tris Valbuena to the team.  Inspired to chat about different entertainment topics together, the latter two new members collaborated to create The Chris & Tris Show.  In total, the series reached ten episodes before it silently ended.  Chris left the team to pursue his career in acting, so this release is a salute to him and a tribute to the show overall.

This short theme was written to be like a Wii channel jingle, particularly inspired by New Super Mario Bros. Wii.  Originally, it was to match the planned introduction animation depicting the Wii Menu and The Chris & Tris Show as one of the channels.  Two versions of the tune were created with a subtle difference between them.  The first has a pure piano lead, while the second has an added bell saw lead layered atop.  Enjoy!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

GameXplain - The Chris & Tris Show (Unused Track)

Those wacky bunnies are at it again!  With the release of Sparks of Hope and three upcoming DLC packs, inspiration hit to create an Mario + Rabbids version of the iconic GameXplain Discussion Theme to be used in all team discussions relating to the series.

The entire composition is heavily influenced by the works of Grant Kirkhope.  The first half resembles the mischief of Kingdom Battle, embracing the playful marimba and 2/4 country rhythm and the second half is a nod to Sparks of Hope with dreamy and quasi-grandoise presence, marrying the ideas towards the end.  Please enjoy this playful arrangement! 

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Mario + Rabbids animation was created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

GameXplain - Mario + Rabbids Discussion Theme

Many GameXplain videos in the last few years have featured custom intros covering certain game series, all created by Jan Neves, known for 3D animation.  Most of these intros had royalty-free or public domain jingles.  Starting last year, I began composing original jingles for some of these intros in various game styles: Mario Kart, Pokémon, and Zelda—specifically Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.  It's highly recommended to check the full context on YouTube in the link below.

Used in many of the Booster Course Pass analyses for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Mario Kart jingle captures the elements of classic and modern course fanfares and race finish tunes.  The Pokémon jingle takes inspiration from the Evolution/Trade theme in the franchise.  The Zelda (Sheikah Slate) jingle embraces the atmospheric piano and orchestral instruments associated with the soundtracks of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.  Please enjoy the intro jingles from the set.  There may be more of these to come!

Intro Jingles on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOqLC2UHm3U

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Intro animations were created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)

GameXplain - Intro Jingles (Set 1): Mario Kart, Pokémon, and Zelda (Sheikah Slate)

At long last, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has arrived.  This discussion theme for all GameXplain videos relating to the main Zelda series and official spinoffs has been in the works on and off over the past two years.  It's finally done in time for the release of the long-awaited sequel of Breath of the Wild!

Starting with inspiration from the Sun's Song, this piece has original content representing the mainline entries of The Legend of Zelda as a whole, including Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.  But this is followed by orchestral rock and dance sections to cameo the styles of Hyrule Warriors and Cadence of Hyrule respectively.  It concludes with more familiar Zelda phrasing and the classic GameXplain tune played on ocarina.  Please enjoy this adventurous arrangement!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Zelda's Hylian Shield GameXplain Logo was created by Tom Arnold (https://twitter.com/RaginTombo)
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

GameXplain - Zelda Discussion Theme

At the start of 2024, GameXplain debuted a video game news show hosted by Jake Steinberg with recent gaming topics, discussions, interviews, and sometimes exclusive game reveals.  A few episodes released with public domain or royalty-free music before a recording of the official Pipeline theme was implemented in episode 4.  It's highly recommended to check the full context on YouTube in the link below.

Reflecting the name of the show and the network of multicoloured pipes seen in the animated intro, the theme is a high-energy sting reminiscent of that from a television media segment.  But more importantly, it borrows key parts of the melodies of both Pipe Maze from Super Mario Bros. 3 and the Underground theme of the series in the arranged melody and countermelody respectively.  Enjoy!

Pipeline (Remix Style) on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAqIEgXFBQ0

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Intro animations were created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)

GameXplain - Pipeline (Remix Style)

Many GameXplain videos in the last few years have featured custom intros covering certain game series, all created by Jan Neves, known for 3D animation.  Most of these intros had royalty-free or public domain jingles.  Starting in 2022, I began composing original jingles for some of these intros in various game styles.  This second set features short compositions inspired by Paper Mario, Metroid, and Sonic.  Each jingle here is presented with music only first, and then repeating with sound effects for full context.

First used for content relating to the remake of The Thousand-Year Door, the Paper Mario jingle takes style cues from early Paper Mario titles.  The Metroid jingle is reminiscent of the themes from Metroid's Brinstar and the theme of Super Metroid, with some instrumentation from Metroid Prime series, made in advance for upcoming Metroid Prime 4 videos.  The Sonic jingle is a love letter to the classic Sonic the Hedgehog series with its new jack swing style—complete with FM synthesis samples—in combination with rock guitar akin to that in modern Sonic games.  Please enjoy the intro jingles from this set.  There may be even more of these to come!

Intro Jingles on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLiKOedLmxA

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Intro animations were created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)

GameXplain - Intro Jingles (Set 2): Paper Mario, Metroid, and Sonic

In October of 2016, GameXplain had planned their annual Hallowstream event for Hallowe'en day.  I had just finished the successful Real Talk theme earlier that year, and I was seeking other opportunities for the gaming media channel.  At the time, such livestreams were simple and were not commonly using opening sequences.  But I was inspired to create a short, spooky jingle for the occasion on my own time.  While I knew that it might not have a chance of being used, it was just a silly little thing I wanted to do.

What made sense to me is using two of the most common instruments to suit the mood: pipe organ and theremin.  The source melody was arranged in a minor key as opposed to major.  To further add to the atmosphere, I found some free sound effects for thunder and creepy laughing to complete the jingle.  Since each layer was a direct performance with no precise notes, it's a little loose in sound, but the theme seems to have turned out pretty well as-is.  So now I present it to you as one of the unused ideas.  Happy Hallowe'en!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.

GameXplain - Hallowstream Theme (Unused Track)

Cool Bits, GameXplain's video game trivia series, is back after its five-year hiatus!  And with its return is the debut of a new theme that was in the works for the past decade.  This one has quite the story behind it.  In December 2014, I pitched the idea of creating an original theme for Cool Bits to replace the Groovy Mandolin royalty-free theme, accompanied by an uninitialised substitution for the sound effect used at the time.  A couple of melody ideas were developed during this process.  Sadly, nothing really nailed the appropriate flavour, so I had to shelf the theme for a while.  But over the next few years, I dabbled with revamping it by transcribing it over to WarioWare D.I.Y.'s Record MakerMatic to establish a chiptune base.  The theme improved a lot from there, and I much more recently brought it back over to Cakewalk.  After significant refinement and expansion, it developed into what it is now.

The piece starts with an arrangement of Groovy Mandolin for its intro, but it soon transitions into an original melody.  Interestingly enough, this chosen melody was used in GameXplain's discontinued podcast, Real Talk, after being imagined for Cool Bits first, but this association now ties the motifs for GameXplain practically into musical lore.   Ever since being transferred from chiptune form, the composition stayed almost purely synth, with an accoustic piano as the exception.  It also retained the swung note flow.  Together, the catchy sound is the 'Cool' and the digital elements are the 'Bits'.  Imagine that!  If this is well-received, I may upload the WarioWare D.I.Y. version also upon request.  Please enjoy this theme that was ten years in the making!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Cool Bits logo was created by Tom Arnold.  (https://x.com/RaginTombo)

GameXplain - Cool Bits

This is a special record release from WarioWare D.I.Y. on the Nintendo DS.  The Record Maker interface is limited, so not all music data can be accurate. Please keep this in mind when making a judgment on it.  Since the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has been discontinued, this record officially cannot be provided in WarioWare form anymore.  Only a downloadable MP3 may be provided on SoundCloud.  I apologise for the inconvenience!

Cool Bits, GameXplain's video game trivia series, came back late last year after its five-year hiatus!  And with its return was the debut of a new theme that had been in the works for a decade.  Its development has quite the story behind it, so I recommend reading about it in the source video below.  This chiptune version was part of the process in creating the theme, and I liked it enough to polish and release it as a bonus record.  It may even feature in a future Cool Bits episode!  Please enjoy!

Disclaimer:
Original Cool Bits theme is copyright of GameXplain.

Listen to the original Cool Bits theme, also written by yours truly!
https://soundcloud.com/peachtoadstool/gamexplain-cool-bits

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

WarioWare D.I.Y. Records: "Cool Bits (8-Bit)" from GameXplain

This is a special record release from WarioWare D.I.Y. on the Nintendo DS.  The Record Maker interface is limited, so not all music data can be accurate. Please keep this in mind when making a judgment on it.  Since the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has been discontinued, this record officially cannot be provided in WarioWare form anymore.  Only a downloadable MP3 may be provided on SoundCloud.  I apologise for the inconvenience!

After GameXplain's Real Talk podcast ended in 2020, a rebranding was in the works.  Unfortunately, this new podcast series never came into fruition, but it could in the future.  Reflecting a more relaxing vibe, a new image with a sofa, Mario plush, and arcade cabinet in the background was made.  For the theme, I explored a few ideas with The Easy Allies Podcast theme by FantomenK as a very loose inspirational reference.  The results in early 2021 were three pretty different approaches, all using the official GameXplain Discussion Theme leitmotif.

In response to the positive feedback given from the 8-bit arrangement of Cool Bits while it was in development, I decided to try an alternate theme in chiptune form for the podcast.  Rather than copying the approach of the official jingle, I wanted to give my first blues idea that I had for some time a new spin.  This alternate theme is arguably a bit more like the reference material given.  Please enjoy!


Disclaimer:

Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. on SoundCloud.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

WarioWare D.I.Y. Records: "Lounge Podcast (Alt)" from GameXplain

After GameXplain's Real Talk podcast ended in 2020, a rebranding was in the works.  Unfortunately, this new podcast series never came into fruition, but it could in the future.  Reflecting a more relaxing vibe, a new image with a sofa, Mario plush, and arcade cabinet in the background was made.  For the theme, I explored a few ideas with The Easy Allies Podcast theme by FantomenK as a very loose inspirational reference.  The results in early 2021 were three pretty different approaches, all using the official GameXplain Discussion Theme leitmotif.

I wanted to implement this idea I had for a while for a blues remix of the theme, and I figured this was a good opportunity to explore it.  The first recordings of it sounded good, but they didn't quite hit the desired sound.  And so, the pitch was abandoned.   Since it wasn't going to be used for a podcast theme anyway, I realised that I could go all out with the bluesy idea and transform it into blues rock.  This is the resulting expansion, complete with a new intro, B section, ending, and more layers in both the B and C sections from what I had before.  Please enjoy!


Disclaimer:

Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. on SoundCloud.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

GameXplain Lounge Podcast Theme Blues (DITCHED PITCH!)

Know Your Enemy was a introspective series on GameXplain focusing individual baddies in various video games.  Only five episodes released, with the last concluding in 2015.  Before the series clearly slipped into indefinite hiatus, I started writing a theme in 2016 with hopes that it would be used in future episodes.  It was first shown to the team at E3 2016, where I autistically blasted it from my handheld speaker while hanging out with them in the west lobby.

From the very start, it was a playful jazz noir, reflecting the idea of a detective gathering information for a file on a suspect.  This naturally was inspired by the imagery of the record on the enemy of focus.  The composition started with the whole Pink Panther vibe with the acoustic bass and triangle, which evolved as a separate loop into a richer groove with moody saxophone, arpeggiated square waves, piano, acoustic bass, and brush kit.  Square lead and vibraphone layers was tested soon after, and they since have been applied officially.  Nine years later, I decided to complete this unfinished piece, even though the series is unlikely to return.  In the finished piece, I included mute trumpet, a transition from the minimalist approach to the more complex concept, concluding it with new content that ends on a minor major ninth chord, a variation of the Hitchcock chord or James Bond chord.  While this may forever remain unused, I hope you enjoy the piece that is a look into GameXplain's past and my own.

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Know Your Enemy art assets were created by Tom Arnold.  (https://x.com/RaginTombo)

GameXplain - Know Your Enemy (Unused Track)

This chill piece is the theme for GameXplain's new weekly podcast series, Real Talk!  Compared to the team's YouTube discussions regarding gaming news, Real Talk provides a more casual dialogue covering three different topics every session.  We determined it would be best to create a laid back song that incorporates both remixed elements of the GameXplain discussion theme and original melodies.

During the composing process, I had two different Roland FA instrument ideas for the original melody in the third section of the song: one using the synth sequence instrument from the first section and the other using a distortion guitar.  In the end, both ideas were used in the form of opening and ending recordings.  The difference is subtle, but that is part of the charm, yeah?  We hope you enjoy!

Check out Real Talk, GameXplain's new weekly podcast on SoundCloud!
https://soundcloud.com/gamexplain/sets/gamexplain-real-talk-podcast

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. on SoundCloud.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

GameXplain - Real Talk (Opening and Ending)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!  (And a Very Merry GXmas, too!)  This festive, cheerful remix of the GameXplain Discussion Theme was written for their channel to use during the Christmas season.  Many thanks go to YouTube's GameGirl, who thought it would be nice if GameXplain requested such an arrangement.  GameXplain agreed!

The song went from a playful little piano performance to a robust and lively composition with traditional and synthesised instruments in just a couple of weeks.  It features jazz in 6/8 time, followed by a peaceful refrain, more jazz in 5/8 time, and a cute little ending.  We do hope you enjoy it!


Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

GameGirl's Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-o1JvAb099QKC1dXtThKJQ

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. on SoundCloud.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

GameXplain - Christmas Discussion Theme

Shout out to all of you Smash Bros. fans and music lovers alike!  Let's all get pumped for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with this upbeat remix of the GameXplain Discussion Theme!  Featuring in GameXplain discussions relating to the title, this composition is one of the most ambitious songs in GameXplain's official music collection.  Originally pitched by one of our very own GameXplain Patrons on the Discord server, the concept came into fruition after much experimentation.

While the orchestral piece consists of mostly of classical instruments, a daring rock-seasoned section serves as its apex.  This also is the first remix from me to arrange the middle portion of the source material.  Starting in 4/4 time and ending with a coda in 6/8 time, you may relish the dynamics of this theme inspired by the Super Smash Bros. series.  Have a Smashing good time listening to the results!

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. (@acham) on SoundCloud.

GameXplain - Smash Discussion Theme

Who's ready to make and play some new courses in Super Mario Maker 2?  That's right!  In honour of the sequel title on the Nintendo Switch, I wrote an official arrangement of the GameXplain Discussion Theme a month prior to the game's release date on the 28th of June!  As of 28 May 2019, you can find this song featured in discussions relating to all things Super Mario Maker.  Many thanks to Nintendo for the original Super Mario Maker title theme accompaniment, which I sequenced entirely from scratch!

Featuring none of the melody notes of the Nintendo source material, the composition consists instead of elements from the iconic discussion theme, with slightly modified percussion, snippets from Real Talk, and a full original coda ending.  The middle section sends the track on a brief detour to play a short arrangement of in-game music blocks like those heard in the Melody Roads series.  Please enjoy this fun little piece!

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. (@acham) on SoundCloud.

GameXplain - Mario Maker Discussion Theme

Choose your starters!  With Pokémon Sword and Shield releasing on Nintendo Switch this week, it's the ideal time for an official Pokémon remix of the GameXplain Discussion Theme!  I wrote it for not discussions about Sword and Shield, but also past and future Pokémon games.  This time, the composition is arranged like a medley representing the various experiences you have in your Pokémon adventure.  Please enjoy this exciting arrangement!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Pokéball animation was created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C. 
 (@acham)

GameXplain - Pokémon Discussion Theme

Let's get together for an island getaway!  Departure is scheduled for 20 March 2020, so now's a great time for an official Animal Crossing arrangement of the GameXplain Discussion Theme!  This music initially featured in the discussion video that followed the New Horizons Nintendo Direct on 20 February 2020.

The first part of the song captures the folk feeling of the classic installments, which transitions into a tropical vibe.  The latter part has a strong focus on bossa nova—a beloved style referenced throughout the series, including the anime.  It's almost like the composition starts in the forest and then takes you on a trip for a tour of the islands.  Even a special guest makes an appearance!  Please enjoy this relaxing arrangement!

Visit GameXplain's channel on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/GameXplain

Disclaimer:
All graphics and audio represented here are copyright of GameXplain.
Animal Crossing animation was created by Jan Neves.  (https://www.youtube.com/Jan3d)
Original GameXplain Discussion Theme was written by Alexis C.  (https://soundcloud.com/acham)

GameXplain Themes

Peach Toadstool