Episode #387 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth dive deep into the innovative musical world of Lena Raine, one of gaming's most emotionally resonant and versatile composers. From her breakthrough work on the indie platformer Celeste to her contributions to major franchises like Minecraft and Guild Wars 2, Raine has consistently crafted soundscapes that blend electronic innovation with organic warmth.

Whether she's scoring personal moments of self-reflection or crafting atmospheric pieces for massive explorable environments, Raine brings a distinctive voice that has already influenced a generation of game music creators. This Composer Appreciation celebrates an artist who has proven that video game music can be both technically sophisticated and deeply human, making her one of the most important voices in contemporary gaming audio.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Confronting Myself from Celeste [Lena Raine, 2018]
2. The Shelter from Dead State [Lena Raine, 2014]
3. UPSHIFT from UPSHIFT [Lena Raine, 2016]
4. The Decisive Battle from Panic at Multiverse High! [Lena Raine, 2016]
5. electroheist from hackmud [Lena Raine, 2016]
6. Perception Shift from ESC [Lena Raine, 2018]
7. Supper Woods from Chicory: A Colorful Tale [Lena Raine, 2021]
8. Beyond The Heart (Broken Hearts Mix) from Spin Rhythm XD [Lena Raine, 2019]
9. Traveling from Sackboy: A Big Adventure [Lena Raine, 2020]
10. Ursula's Poetry from Harmony: The Fall of Reverie [Lena Raine, 2023]
11. Everyday Life from Moonglow Bay [Lena Raine, 2021]
12. Creator from Minecraft: Tricky Trials [Lena Raine, 2024]
13. VS. The Raging Blazes from Beastieball [Lena Raine, 2024]
14. Tarir, The Forgotten City from Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns [Lena Raine, 2015]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Bonus Episode #52 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan unleashes his blade on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, the 2025 hand-drawn masterpiece that brings Joe Musashi roaring back to life. Join us for our exclusive BGMania review, exploring the game's fluid combat system, breathtaking artistic presentation, and a phenomenal soundtrack crafted by the legendary duo of Tee Lopes and Yuzo Koshiro. From vengeance-fueled ninja action to Metroidvania exploration, we break down why this Lizardcube revival is a fantastic start to SEGA's reboot projects. Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff, & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. The Silent Oath from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
2. A Tale of Vengeance from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Yuzo Koshiro, 2025]
3. Whispers in the Bamboo from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
4. Deep Voids from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Yuzo Koshiro, 2025]
5. Festival of a Thousand Lights from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
6. Shadow District from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
7. Rogue Tides from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
8. Fortress Zero from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
9. Trial of the Warborn from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
10. Bloodlust Express from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
11. Broken Hourglass from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Yuzo Koshiro, 2025]
12. Dark Experiments from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
13. Inside the Titan from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]
14. Crimson Plains from Shinobi: Art of Vengeance [Tee Lopes, 2025]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #386 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan closes out the month of August 2025 with another eclectic mix in Radio Hour, Volume 78!

We're going on a sonic journey from Persian parkour to cyberpunk cemeteries and everywhere in between! This episode features fresh releases like The Rogue Prince of Persia and Mafia: The Old Country alongside incredible listener submissions from our Discord and Instagram community, including infectious J-pop from Yakuza 5, classic Yuzo Koshiro electronica from Streets of Rage 3, and beautiful indie melancholy from Villnoire. We spotlight Austin Wintory's masterful work on Sword of the Sea with three stunning oceanic tracks, plus Crypt Custodian, gritty underground sounds from Drug Dealer Simulator, and Daniel Pemberton's heroic Concord theme to round out another diverse Radio Hour adventure.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Sunset Smackdown from Leximan [Jake Whittaker, 2024]
2. The Rogue Prince of Persia from The Rogue Prince of Persia [Daniel Asadi feat. Xye, 2025]
3. The Don's Daughter from Mafia: The Old Country [BT feat. the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, 2025]
4. Mountain Rush from Herdling [Joel Schoch, 2025]
5. Be the Star!! from Yakuza 5 [Chihiro Aoki feat. HIROMI, 2012]
6. Inga Rasen from Streets Of Rage 3 [Yuzo Koshiro, 1994]
7. Credits Theme from Villnoire [Clayton Stroup, 2019]
8. One Drop Remained from Sword of the Sea [Austin Wintory, 2025]
9. The Veiled Sea from Sword of the Sea [Austin Wintory, 2025]
10. The Perfect Wave from Sword of the Sea [Austin Wintory, 2025]
11. Neon Crest from Crypt Custodian [Eric Thompson, 2024]
12. CoCo from Drug Dealer Simulator [K. Pietras, 2020]
13. Main Theme from Concord [Daniel Pemberton, 2024]
14. Strange Journey from Dear me, I was... [Satoshi Okubo feat. ITSUKA, 2025]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
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• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides #30 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bedroth explores the vibrant synth-pop soundtrack of Wheel World, the charming cycling adventure from Messhof and Annapurna Interactive.

The neon soundtrack serves as the perfect backdrop for Kat's cycling adventures, featuring an incredible collection of tracks with dew-droppy bell melodies and electrifying synth propulsion. Created by artists from the Italians Do It Better label, including Johnny Jewel, JOON, and Orion, the music perfectly captures the mechanical and soulful combination at the heart of both cycling and electronic music. Whether you're a fan of retro synthwave, cycling games, or just great video game music, this B-Sides episode offers the perfect soundtrack for your own journey.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Pulsar from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel, 2025]
2. Cruise Control from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel, 2025]
3. Here To Stay from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. JOON, 2025]
4. Never Surrender from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel, 2025]
5. Darklands from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel, 2025]
6. Villan Of Love from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. Orion, 2025]
7. I Want It All from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. JOON, 2025]
8. Cosmic Ghost from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. Orion, 2025]
9. Moon Rider from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. Orion, 2025]
10. Hold On from Wheel World [Johnny Jewel feat. JOON, 2025]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
• TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #385 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth set off on a globe-trotting musical adventure with Vacation Destinations. From grand European-inspired capitals to spooky holiday towns, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Toussaint to the vibrant celebrations of Rio, we’re exploring songs that capture the spirit of travel, culture, and escape.

Each track is more than just music, it’s a ticket to another world. You’ll hear songs that evoke scenic road trips, bustling markets, cozy villages, romantic landscapes, and even a few places where things get just a little eerie. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who loves relaxation, adventure, or the strange and unusual, there’s something here for everyone. No passport required—just a good pair of headphones and a love for video game music.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. The Citadel from Mass Effect [Richard Jacques, 2007]
2. A New Poem Southern Thailand Wants to Tell -Thai Stage- from Fatal Fury 2 [Masahiko Hataya, Toshio Shimizu & Yoshihiko Kitamura, 1992]
3. Mount Volbono -Luncheon Kingdom- from Super Mario Odyssey [Shiho Fujii, 2017]
4. The Metropolis of Fourside from Earthbound [Keiichi Suzuki, 1994]
5. Galdin Quay from Final Fantasy XV [Yoko Shimomura, 2016]
6. Night City from Cyberpunk 2077 [R E L & Artemis Delta, 2020]
7. Silvermoon City from World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade [Russell Brower, 2007]
8. Alaska from Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems [Takane Ōkubo & Katsunari Kitajima, 1996]
9. Paleozoic Era from Dragon Spirit [Shinji Hosoe, 1987]
10. Village of Beastlings -Day- from Octopath Traveler II [Yasunori Nishiki, 2023]
11. Royal Capital of Grancel from The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky [Wataru Ishibashi, 2004]
12. This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge [Danny Elfman feat. the Citizens of Halloween Town, 2004]
13. The Banks of the Sansretour from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood and Wine [Piotr Musiał, 2016]
14. Carnaval do Rio! from Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games [Kenichi Tokoi, Teruhiko Nakagawa, Mitsuharu Fukuyama, Tomoya Ohtani, Naofumi Hataya, Hidekuni Horita, Tadashi Kinukawa, Jun Senoue, Yutaka Minobe & Hiroyuki Anazawa, 2016]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
• TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Bonus Episode #51 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. A tale written in starlight begins. The Starbinder’s Oath is an original high-fantasy radio drama told through narration, sound, and the music of video games. In Part One, The Loom of Stars, we follow Kaelen, a young initiate and the last remaining of the ancient Starbinders, as he steps into a world of fractured constellations, forgotten ruins, and shadowed betrayals.

Across ten immersive scenes, Kaelen encounters mentors, rivals, and mysteries that test his resolve. From the jagged cliffs of the Glimmering Veil to the ancient obelisk where history itself crumbles, his journey leads him into confrontation with the sinister Cindercloaks and their enigmatic champion, Varn. Along the way, the Codex of Stars whispers, bonds are questioned, and the pull of Zyra, the creator of the Loom, grows ever closer.

This is not simply a story... it’s an unfolding saga, blending the power of dramatic narration with carefully chosen pieces of video game music to heighten every moment.

Step into the oath. Bind yourself to the stars. And discover what awaits in The Starbinder’s Oath.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff, & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Nascence from Journey [Austin Wintory, 2012]
2. Up the Spirit Caverns Walls from Ori and the Blind Forest [Gareth Coker, 2015]
3. Amusement Park from NieR: Automata [Keiichi Okabe feat. Emi Evans, 2017]
4. A Proper Story from Bastion [Darren Korb, 2011]
5. To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy X [Nobuo Uematsu, 2001]
6. The Opened Way from Shadow of the Colossus [Kow Otani, 2005]
7. Dirtmouth from Hollow Knight [Christopher Larkin, 2017]
8. Salvation from God of War [Bear McCreary, 2018]
9. Calm After the Storm from Firewatch [Chris Remo, 2016]
10. The Last of Us from The Last of Us [Gustavo Santaolalla, 2013]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
• TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

Episode #384 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, get ready to smash through everything and barrel into adventure as Bryan and Bedroth shine the spotlight on Donkey Kong Bananza, the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that’s already stealing hearts (and bananas) worldwide.

From toe-tapping tropical grooves to emotional vocal performances, this episode captures the full range of Bananza’s musical magic. Along the way, we share insights on the game’s journey, its place in the Donkey Kong legacy, and how its music shapes the player’s experience from start to finish.

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. DK Artist from Donkey Kong Bananza [David Wise/Naoto Kubo, 2025]
2. Lagoon Layer from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
3. Zebra Bananza from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo feat. Jenny Kidd, 2025]
4. Royal Oil Cruise -Feast Layer- from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
5. DK Island Swing -Jungle Hijinx- from Donkey Kong Bananza [David Wise/Naoto Kubo, 2025]
6. Stickerbush Symphony from Donkey Kong Bananza [David Wise/Naoto Kubo, 2025]
7. Banandium Root Tower -Gangplank Galleon- from Donkey Kong Bananza [David Wise/Naoto Kubo, 2025]
8. Second Half -Planet Core- from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
9. Mad Mixer Battle from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
10. Void Kong Battle 1 from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
11. Ostrich Bananza from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo feat. Jenny Kidd, 2025]
12. Disco Hall -Groove Layer- from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
13. K. Rool, King of Rot Battle from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo, 2025]
14. Breaking Through -Heart of Gold- from Donkey Kong Bananza [Naoto Kubo feat. Jenny Kidd, 2025]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
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• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously

BGMania B-Sides #29 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bedroth takes us into the charming, fast-paced world of Chiki’s Chase, a colorful platformer with a soundtrack as lively and adventurous as its gameplay.

From the bouncy opening through the layered variations of the different levels, every track bursts with personality. Whether you’ve played the game or are discovering its soundtrack for the first time, these tunes are sure to put a smile on your face. Kick back, turn up the volume, and let’s race through this delightful B-Side together!

Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Title Intro from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
2. Character Select from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
3. Forest from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
4. Forest -Alt- from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
5. Mountain from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
6. Mountain -Alt- from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
7. Desert from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
8. Desert -Alt- from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
9. Clouds from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]
10. Shop from Chiki’s Chase [Sean Bialo, 2022]

LINKS

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania
• Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/
• Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu
• Facebook: BGManiaPodcast
• X: BGManiaPodcast
• Instagram: BGManiaPodcast
• TikTok: BGManiaPodcast
• YouTube: BGManiaPodcast
• Twitch: BGManiaPodcast

PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously