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This article is about the theme originally introduced in Metroid. For other uses, see Escape (Disambiguation).

Escape[1] (脱出?)[2][3][1] is the theme that plays during the countdowns in Metroid, the remake Metroid: Zero Mission, and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. It was originally composed by Hirokazu Tanaka.

Description[]

The original Metroid version differed depending on whether the game was the NES or Famicom Disk System version. In the NES version, there is a simple "whoop whoop" sound, while the Famicom version features a screeching siren. The NES version also features an uplifting part that was removed in later versions, which made it sound closer to the original Japanese theme. The uplifting part is stylistically similar to the theme song from Kid Icarus, which was also composed by Tanaka. The Famicom version (containing several sound effects) is included on the Super Metroid: Sound in Action CD.

Tanaka remixed the theme as part of a medley with Samus Aran's Appearance Fanfare and Brinstar on the single Kid Icarus / Metroid Original Soundtrack Orchestra Version. On this single, the theme is titled During Escape BGM (脱出時のBGM?). This remix actually marks the debut of the uplifting portion from the game on NES; the single was released in February 1987, six months before the release of Metroid in North America. This suggests that Hirokazu Tanaka had this section prepared at least half a year in advance of the North American release.

The Zero Mission version is designated as 17 in the Sound Test. This remix is based on the original FDS version and does not include the uplifting portion, reflecting the fact that the escape from Tourian is no longer the end of the game. It also includes a slight synthesized choir. It is heard again during the escape from the Space Pirate Mother Ship.

In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Escape plays as Samus evacuates the Sky Temple during the collapse of Dark Aether. During this sequence, Samus must battle Dark Samus, with this song essentially serving as the final boss theme as well. As a result, this is the darkest and most aggressive version of the theme. An alarm siren is directly integrated into the music, rather than as a separate sound effect.

A remixed version appears in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, arranged by Akari Kaida of Capcom, as one of the tracks for the Pyrosphere. It begins with the original 8-bit chiptune and gradually adds in orchestral instruments. While it once again leaves out the uplifting NES section, it now features an equally-uplifting portion of the Brinstar theme. It returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it can be played on any Metroid stage, and is used for the Spirit Battle for Mother Brain in World of Light.

The original theme from the NES version can be heard here: [1], the Orchestra Version here: [2], the Famicom version ripped from the Super Metroid: Sound in Action CD here: [3], the Zero Mission theme here: [4] the theme from Echoes here: [5], and the theme from Wii U here: [6].

References[]


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