Title (theme)


 * This article is about the series's main theme. For other uses, see Title (Disambiguation).

The Title theme is the main musical theme of the entire Metroid series. It was originally composed by Hirokazu Tanaka.

Description
The Title theme consists of a six-note leitmotif, which can be broken down into two three-note phrases. The first phrase consists of an ascending minor sixth interval followed by a descending perfect fourth interval. The second phrase consists of an ascending minor seventh interval followed by a descending major second interval. There may be additional patterns added, such as harmonies or repeated notes, but this pattern will always remain the same.

Since its debut in the original Metroid, the Title theme has been reused in multiple subsequent music tracks, appearing in every game except Metroid II: Return of Samus and Metroid Prime: Federation Force. In most instances, it can be heard in the game's respective Title Screen themes, but is also heard in other tracks, such as Chozo Shrine and Metroid Prime Battle. Therefore, this leitmotif can be considered a main theme for the entire Metroid series.

Versions
The title theme of Metroid set the formula for future Metroid games to follow. It opens with the dark and mysterious Title leitmotif, then transitions to a lighter section. This original version would be later remixed in Kid Icarus / Metroid Original Soundtrack Orchestra Version, Brinstar (Melee), Depth of Brinstar, Metroid: Zero Mission, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

The leitmotif received its first remix in a Metroid game with Opening (Destruction of the Space Colony) of Super Metroid. After a tense opening, a slow and foreboding version of the Title theme is heard. This version is also remixed in A Symphonic Poem and Into Red, Into Dark. However, Opening (Destruction of the Space Colony) was remixed in Zero Mission, it was without the inclusion of the six note Title theme.

The version in Metroid Fusion is slower, more brooding and features beeps, arranged against the scene of Samus Aran's Gunship crashing into an asteroid belt.

Metroid Prime features multiple remixes of the Title theme. The Metroid Prime Theme incorporates the Title leitmotif, played by a high-pitched flute-like synth instrument and distorted with heavy static. Chozo Shrine has a calmer and more serene version of the Title theme. Metroid Prime Battle is the first time that the Title leitmotif was incorporated into a boss theme, with this version sounding aggressive and climatic; this version was later remixed in Metroid Prime Pinball.

In the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Theme, the Title leitmotif is heard, played quietly by a flute and accompanied by an electric guitar rhythm. This version was also remixed in Metroid Prime Pinball.

The Title theme of Metroid Prime Hunters is darker in tone, and the notes are higher-pitched and given reverb. Another version of the Title leitmotif is heard during the opening prologue and end credits, performed with a classic sci-fi synth instrument. Gorea Returns features another boss remix of the Title theme, sounding very similar to Metroid Prime Battle.

While the Title leitmotif is not clearly heard in MP3 Title Music, the title theme of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the extended version heard during the credits opens with a haunting version of the six-note theme sung by a female choir.

The compilation rerelease Metroid Prime Trilogy features a new title theme. This version features the Title leitmotif with very similar instrumentation and static heard in the first Metroid Prime, plus the addition of heavy drumbeats for dramatic emphasis.

The title theme of Metroid: Other M features the Title leitmotif played on plucked strings over dark ambience.

While Return of Samus did not feature this leitmotif at all, it was directly incorporated into the remix of that game's own title theme in Metroid: Samus Returns. This version is also heard in many trailers for the game. Another Title remix is heard during the Staff Credit medley, during which the theme is performed by a choir and played alongside Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior.

The original version can be heard here, the Orchestra Version here, the Fusion version here, the Metroid: Zero Mission version here, the Hunters version here, the Nintendo Land version here and the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U version here.

Trivia

 * Despite the Title theme being the apparent main theme of the Metroid series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl erroneously refers to Brinstar (Metroid) as the Main Theme.