The 80s were a magical time for video games. It was a time when simple 8-bit graphics ruled the day, and game soundtracks were limited to a series of beeps and bloops. Despite these limitations, video game developers managed to create sound effects that became as iconic as the games themselves. In this article, we’re going to take a trip down memory lane and explore the most memorable sound effects of 80s video games.
The Pac-Man Waka-Waka
The Pac-Man franchise is one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time. The game was released in 1980 and became an instant classic. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the waka-waka sound that Pac-Man makes as he chomps his way through the maze. The sound was created by the game’s sound designer, Toshio Kai, by simply popping his mouth open and closed. The sound has become so iconic that it’s still used in modern Pac-Man games.
The Super Mario Bros Jump
Super Mario Bros was released in 1985 and became the best-selling video game of all time at the time of its release. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, is still beloved by gamers to this day. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that Mario makes when he jumps. The sound has become so iconic that it’s recognized by gamers all over the world. Interestingly, the sound was created by Koji Kondo himself, who voiced the sound by jumping and making a vocalization.
The Donkey Kong Barrel
Donkey Kong was released in 1981 and was one of the earliest platformers ever made. The game’s main objective was to rescue Mario’s girlfriend from the clutches of the evil Donkey Kong. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that the barrels make when they’re rolling down the platforms. The sound was created by taking a recording of a wooden barrel being rolled on the ground and then manipulating the sound in post-production.
The Zelda Secret
The Legend of Zelda was released in 1986 and became an instant classic. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, is still beloved by gamers to this day. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that plays when you discover a secret. The sound has become iconic and is still recognizable by gamers today. The sound was created by Koji Kondo himself, who used a xylophone to create the sound.
The Megaman Shoot
Megaman was released in 1987 and quickly became a hit with gamers. The game was notable for its difficult gameplay and catchy soundtrack. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that Megaman’s blaster makes when he shoots. The sound has become so iconic that it’s still used in modern Megaman games. Interestingly, the sound was created by taking a recording of a plucked guitar string and then manipulating the sound in post-production.
The Space Invaders Aliens
Space Invaders was released in 1978 but became a hit in the 80s when it was ported to home consoles. The game is a classic shooter that tasks the player with defending the Earth from invading aliens. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that the aliens make when they’re moving across the screen. The sound has become iconic and is still recognizable by gamers today. The sound was created by taking a recording of a person saying “zap” and then manipulating the sound in post-production.
The Frogger Hop
Frogger was released in 1981 and became an instant classic. The game tasks the player with getting a frog across a busy road and a river without being hit by cars or drowning. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that the frog makes when it hops. The sound has become so iconic that it’s still used in modern Frogger games. Interestingly, the sound was created by taking a recording of a person’s voice and then pitching it up to create a higher-pitched sound.
The Sonic Ring
Sonic the Hedgehog was released in 1991, which technically makes it a 90s game. However, the game was inspired by the 80s and is often associated with the decade. The game was notable for its fast-paced gameplay and catchy soundtrack. One of the most memorable sound effects from the game is the sound that plays when Sonic collects a ring. The sound has become so iconic that it’s still used in modern Sonic games. Interestingly, the sound was created by taking a recording of a bell and then manipulating the sound in post-production.
In Conclusion
The 80s were a magical time for video games, and the sound effects from that era have become just as iconic as the games themselves. From Pac-Man’s waka-waka to Sonic’s ring, these sound effects have become an indelible part of video game history. We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!
