There isn’t a lack of systems for super hero gaming these days, nor is there a lack of music. Searching for great tunes for this Soundcrime felt like falling into a cave full of bats under Wayne Manor. It took a while to climb out and when I did I was a changed man.
I had become an avenger of justice.
Okay, so maybe I’m not going to stop a bank robbery anytime soon, but I did have to change how this column works. Instead of one straight mix like “Reboot Your Mind,” this genre forced me to split it into two playlists. This week’s songs are going to highlight the hope and optimism of superhero sounds. It’s a four-color Saturday morning musical mash-up.
Fans of the Super Friends and The Incredibles should find a lot to like here, but those of you skulking in the shadows will need to wait until next time.
Henry Jackman – “First Class”
The Dawn
I was tempted to open the playlist with John Williams’ iconic march for Superman, but I like to start with subtle songs. The score for X-Men: First Class isn’t so recognizable, but it is fantastic. This opening track perfectly embodies a new age of heroes and hope. This is the song to play when you gather your players with a purpose.
John Powell – “Unbelievable TV”
Saving the Cat
John Powell’s scores are always wonderful, and the Bolt soundtrack works great for capes. Every super hero movie has the scene where the heroes explore their new powers and save someone’s cat from a tree. This song is great for that effect. As the title suggests, the heroes are caught on camera for the first time, and the world is awed at their might.
Danny Elfman – “Headquarters”
Assembled
After cleaning up the streets, our titanic avengers of justice decide they need to form their own guild of guardians. This song from Men in Black has just the right feel of a military march combined with wonder that our heroes need when they step into their fortress of solitude for the first time.
Michael Giacchino – “The Fight for Helium”
The Confrontation
This playlist is flooded with Michael Giacchino. I’ll warn you right now — He’s my favorite composer, and I’m going to find as many excuses to shove him into Soundcrime as I can find. The John Carter score is beautifully bombastic, but let’s not forget the amazing songs off of The Incredibles and Cars 2 either. “The Fight for Helium” was grand in the film, so shall it be when your team squares off against their arch-nemeses.
John Williams – “Summon the Heroes”
The Day is Saved
The world is safe for now, and this song John Williams composed for the 1996 Summer Olympics is the perfect accompaniment while the super team accepts the key to the city. Of course, your session needs a well deserved cliffhanger when a villain crashes the party, right?
Champions of Light – A Supers Gaming Soundtrack
Recommended Games: Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, DC Adventures, Champions, Icons.
1. Henry Jackman – “First Class”
2. Henry Jackman – “X-Training”
3. Michael Giacchino – “The Glory Days”
4. Michael Giacchino – “100 Mile Dash”
5. Michael Giacchino – “A Whole Family of Supers”
6. John Williams – “Flight to Neverland from Hook – Instrumental”
7. John Powell – “Milo Escapes”
8. John Powell – “A Fast Train – Score”
9. John Powell – “Unbelievable TV – Score”
10. John Powell – “Scooter Chase – Score”
11. Michael McCuistion – “Justice League Unlimited Theme (2004)”
12. Jay Gruska – “Lois and Clark/The New Adventures of Superman (1993)”
13. John Ottman – “Memories”
14. John Ottman – “Saving The World”
15. Henry Jackman – “That Fateful Night”
16. Danny Elfman – “Spidey Suite”
17. Guy Michelmore – “Doctor Strange Main Title”
18. Guy Michelmore – “Hulk Vs Thor Main Title”
19. Guy Michelmore – “Tony Stark on Everest”
20. Guy Michelmore – “Avengers Into Battle”
21. Nobuo Uematsu – “The Man With the Machine Gun (FINAL Fantasy Vii)
22. Nobuo Uematsu – “The Earch Shark Is Coming!”
23. John Williams – “Escape from the Karaboudjan”
24. John Williams – “The Flight to Bagghar”
25. Danny Elfman – “The Suit”
26. Danny Elfman – “Headquarters”
27. Andy Sturmer – “Batman: The Brave and the Bold Theme (2008)”
28. Bear McCreary – “Theme from Dark Void”
29. Bear McCreary – “The Dweller”
30. Michael Giacchino – “The Fight for Helium”
31. Michael Giacchino – “The Second Biggest Apes I’ve Seen This Month”
32. Michael Giacchino – “The Right of Challenge”
33. Danny Elfman – “Doris Has Her Day”
34. Danny Elfman – “The Evil Plan”
35. John Williams; The Boston Pops Orchestra – “Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Instrumental”
36. Robert J. Kral – “Main Title”
37. Christopher Drake – “Heroes in Disguise”
38. James L. Venable – “Teleport”
39. Christopher Drake – “Wonder Woman The Animated Movie End Title (2009)”
40. Michael Giacchino – “Blunder and Lightning”
41. Louis Febre – “Booster Gold”
42. Louis Febre – “Trials”
43. John Williams – “Summon the Heroes (for Tim Morrison)”