Thanks to the ever vigilant folks over at Nobuooo I recently learned of both an awesome soundtrack and game by the name of Legend of Princess. What we have here is a simple, but fun Zelda inspired side scrolling platformer created by Joakim Sandberg AKA Konjak. Both the game and soundtrack are available via the appropriate page on his website. What sets this PC title apart from other 2D platformers is the interesting use of weapons and how they shape the difficulty and layout of the stage, so even though the game is quite short, the replay value is huge.
As you start the game, you will be asked to choose two secondary weapons of varying difficulty. You can see the Zelda influences in the items as well, such as bombs, arrows, and a feather for jumping. Each item even has it's own difficulty rating, from the beginners boomerang to the noble chicken. Now if you are anything like me, you will gladly be taking different weapon combinations into the game to see what changes and what stays the same throughout the level.
Then there is the graphics, which I definitely found myself enjoying as I explored. The art of the game is a clear homage to SNES era graphics, and specifically Link to the Past, but adds it's own artistic flair through it's more stylized sprites and movements. I could go on about this game at some length, but you can simply experience it yourself, as the game is free to download. Today we are focusing on the (also free to download) soundtrack for the game.
The Legend of Princess soundtrack kicks off with a pompous introduction, which leads to a somber piano track to set the mood for the game. As the Title fades out, we get a catchy refrain for the Menu which really hints at the Zelda influence in the opening notes. The Stage theme has some more enchanting call backs to classic Zelda compositions, but still maintains a wholly original air about it as you fight and jump your way through the level.
A funky battle cry is heard as we reach the Miniboss, a catchy eastern piece that gets the heart racing and ready for combat. Though I may be mistaken, I believe we hear some more SNES inspired influences as well in the desolate and extravagant Battle Themes 1 & 2 respectively.
The album comes to a close, portraying the result of the only two outcomes of any game. We hear the Death jingle first, a short reprise of piano for a fallen hero. Afterwards we hear the lively grooves of the Saved music. This track ends the soundtrack with a catchy theme like movement that definitely remains in your head well after the notes have ended.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this game recently, and have been enjoying both the game and soundtrack since. If you haven't yet, head over to Konjak.org and grab both right now! I do expect to hear more from this fellow in the future too, as it looks like his game Noitu Love 2: Devolution was just recently picked up by Golgoth Studios to be released on WiiWare. I hope to be writing about that game soon as well, since, if the trailer is to be believed, it is going to be something amazing.