Last week we celebrated the five-year anniversary of Hyrule Warriors with columns highlighting music, trivia, characters and cosplay from or inspired by the Zelda spin-off. But why stop there? Let’s keep it going for another day! Think of it as Hyrule Warriors Week: Definitive Edition.
Today, we keep rocking with a mettlesome medley of Wind Waker melodies that first appeared in Hyrule Warriors Legends.
I’ve been a fan of Musou games since Dynasty Warriors 2, and one of the aspects of these games that always sticks with me is the epic music underscoring the screams of the hundreds or thousands of unfortunate souls I “K.O.” And of course, Zelda games are known for their masterful soundtracks, so it’s no surprise that blending Zelda and Musou music together resulted in some outstanding remixes. None stand out to me more than the dynamic arrangement of the Wind Waker title theme and “Dragon Roost Island,” two of my favorite tunes from the Zelda series.
The music plays on the Forsaken Fortress stage, first appearing in Hyrule Warriors Legends on the 3DS and returning in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition on the Switch. Though the stage name only references one location, five locations from the Wind Waker are present, including Windfall Island and Dragon Roost Island. It’s only fitting that a Wind Waker medley would be the music for your rampage on this stage, but I was struck by how much the song really amped me up.
Starting at a similar tempo to the original opening theme in Wind Waker, the remix quickly picks of the pace with a driving guitar and drum pattern before bringing the melody back in. Guitar takes over after the flute on the second time through the main line, then things really start to take off when a second guitar comes in to add a harmony. At this point, the song starts to sound like something you might hear from a band in a lively Irish bar on a Saturday night. It certainly makes me want to do a jig!
The fiddle shreds through the B-section of the melody as the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums keep the beat moving. Suddenly, the tune transitions from the title theme, and before you know it, Dragon Roost Island’s theme is hitting you right in the face. The soaring melody on guitars and flute is complemented by echoes on bagpipes and a propulsive beat on the drums. After the buildup reaches the apex, a brief transition leads the tune back into the title theme for another round.
This medley is a great pick-me-up if you need a little boost, whether that’s to take on an army or just to get through the afternoon slump. Take a listen to give your week a jump-start!
