It says a lot about my web viewing habits that I first heard about Michael Jackson's death through a game site. As I've processed his passing throughout the day (and done my share to aid last.fm's spike of song plays) I've tried to think of his impact on my game playing. Like any self-respecting gaming child of the 80's I played the ever-loving snot out of Moonwalker for the Genesis and pumped several dollars worth of quarters into its isometric arcade counterpart. It's Robo-Michael. Who can resist that?
Still MJ has been somewhat absent from modern gaming, with the exception of the to-be-expected rhythm game appearances (themselves far too few - although trying to actually sing decently like Michael is its own genre of comedic buffoonery). Fortunately we live in the era of the custom playlist so I submit for your approval my suggestions for songs to include in your custom soundtracks for games that allow it if you need a little more MJ in your life:
Burnout Paradise - Beat It
Several different racers offer custom soundtracks and by and large any song with a nice driving beat would work, but Beat It is especially appropriate given the more urban feel of Paradise. Besides, doesn't being the marked man whilst cranking this one sound immaculate?
Flock - Leave Me Alone
The
video for this one's got quite the trippy, psychedelic carny vibe that melds well with a trippy, psychedelic alien abduction vibe. Can't think of any other tune for herding defenseless sheep. (Bonus: the dancing elephant man scene haunted my childhood!)
High Velocity Bowling - Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
70's bowling league vibe meets disco. A spare made in heaven.
Little Big Planet - Speed Demon
You might think this song better suited to a racing game (SARBC perhaps?), but you can make racing games in LBP too! The claymation goodness of the
video screams LBP and the beat reminds me of some of the tunes in the Savannah levels.
Magic Ball - Remember the Time
Yes, I actually bought this game off the PSN. No, it's not worth the money. But I've got it now and if I want to chill a little bit to some rather laid back
Arkanoid-style action this ain't a bad pick. Period costumes ftw!
Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe - Bad
Much like the pairing of MJ and inner-city West Side Story-like cool this clash of titanic IPs was probably best left to fanfic - but we love it nonetheless.
Noby Noby Boy - In the Closet
Um, not gonna touch this one ;)
Pain - The Way You Make Me Feel
There ain't much in the way of punk/ska/oy!oy! music to go along with
Pain in MJ's back catalog (unless he went through a neo-punk phase I'm not aware of). Thus we'll have to stick to the lyrically appropriate. You knock me off of my feet!
PixelJunk Eden - Baby Be Mine
Not the most well known of MJ's songs, but the laid back synth beat is perfect for swinging around on the end of a thread and getting your grow on.
PixelJunk Monsters - Smooth Criminal
Just imagining those little monsters marching along to this one makes me squeal with glee. Those crafty criminals, they'll get their due!
Street Fighter IV - Wanna Be Startin' Something
My guilty pleasure. I'd give anything to be able to use custom soundtracks in online games. Mamma say mamma saw my moccasin - to your dome! (Oh yea, and you're a vegetable!)
Super Stardust HD - Heal the World
Perhaps I'm bordering on ironic-douchebag territory here, but come on, you
are trying to save the world here (of course 99% of games have that general idea). This song really belongs in
Flower - if only it had custom soundtracks.
Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars - Off the Wall
Lyrically appropriate. Think of a lovely roller disco ballet - of the supersonic acrobatic rocket powered variety.
Wipeout - Another Part of Me
Nice driving synth beat in this one, very reminiscent of the early techno that characterizes the franchise. Best reserved for endless mode on the easier tracks where you can just go on autopilot and live in a trance.
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