The Most Emotional Video Game Music in the Unlikeliest of Places

30 years after its creation, Donkey Kong Country’s Aquatic Ambience unexpectedly became a cult classic, worshipped by Childish Gambino, Trent Reznor and an adoring generation. So how did an underwater theme in a SNES platformer become so popular? We spoke to the Donkey Kong Composer, David Wise to find out.
Thank you to RMC - The Cave for kindly allowing us to use their footage of the Yamaha CX5M - • Retro Yamaha Music Com...
#IGN #Gaming #DonkeyKong

[@AnonymousUser-re4fz]

IGN needs to do more documentaries like this!

[@LoliconSamalik]

they have

[@bregowine]

Love that they interviewed Wise. He deserves all the praise and more, his work is marvelous. Looking forward to him joining more of Nintendo’s future projects

[@johnrichardson3297]

Minister - Crystal Ambience shares similar resemblance in composition.

[@Odinoian]

200%! I'd love to hear more about the composers own perspective

[@iamgoingtodeckyoutwo5966]

Yeah like about Junko

[@roblewis7789]

My favorite thing about video game music is how beautiful it can be over something so silly. “That’s beautiful. What is that song about?” “It’s about a gorilla in a necktie riding on a swordfish.”

[@skippayless4357]

😂

[@bruperina]

That game is a piece of art.

[@chillbizz74]

It may looks Illy but the difficulty is sometimes unforgiving..

[@BackwardzCap]

At least old video game music. Video games now don’t even have music anymore and they don’t even hire composers

[@Death_by_Inches]

Aquatic Ambience and Stickerbrush Symphony are on a level what most soundtracks are yet to reach.

[@jamesconlin5099]

Animal crossing

[@meric12131415]

​@@jamesconlin5099true

[@lajeandom]

or maybe some composers have amazing musics sleeping in their folders, but never got the chance to work on a game that would become successful...

[@jfreitas3452]

Final Fantasy 7: Hold my beer 😅

[@meric12131415]

@@lajeandom eh maybe

[@mepish]

This man is one of the biggest reasons as to why Donkey Kong is my favorite game franchise of all time.

[@crumpetsack3909]

Agreed

[@Weegeedood]

Nintendo truly needs to make another DK game

[@Osteopolis]

The real ones are still out here waiting for that next game 💪

[@dakintsugi]

David is way too humble, he created some of the most beautiful music ever, let alone videogames. That he also did it with so many technical restrictions speaks volumes of his incredible talent. Thank you David ❤

[@arioca]

He's the opposite of Tommy Tallarico who's constantly bragging about his video game music and not once he made anything near the quality of David Wise's masterpiece.

[@worldoffood123]

@@arioca He also constantly takes credit for other people's work. So even if he has done anything cool, he probably didn't make it

[@arioca]

@@worldoffood123 Oh yeah, you're absolutely right about that. Tallarico is a very shady person.

[@tlst94]

Why does he look like an infant? lol

[@MORRILL_MUSIC]

pure genius

[@RandomYouTubeGuy87]

Let’s not forget Stickerbrush Symphony from Donkey Kong Country 2🔥

[@mrwwwebs]

this is the one. There's a dozen heaters on DKC2 alone but Stickerbush Symphony is the magnum opus

[@RandomYouTubeGuy87]

@@mrwwwebs dkc2 is the goat of the series in every aspect in my opinion

[@mrwwwebs]

@@RandomKZbinGuy87 honestly it may just be my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. Sure, it may be due to nostalgia, but gahht damn!

[@aimeem8156]

That’s the best one

[@isntchrisl]

It's a great song. If you only watched this video though, you might get the impression that Aquatic Ambience is all he's really known for. He scored many, many beloved songs for these games. Getting him back for Tropical Freeze was a huge win.

[@PeacefulPauseProductions]

Yea and he also doesn't get any recognition for what he did in Battletoads. Those tracks were sick!!

[@JoshuaRWorkman]

Anticipation was great.

[@Gabo2oo]

You think he already created his magnum opus then he hits you with Seashore War

[@39zack]

@@PeacefulPauseProductions he made the music for Battletoads? So he made the sickest pause music ever :O

[@PeacefulPauseProductions]

@@39zack definitely

[@OceanWolf808]

Forest Interlude from DKC2 is up there for me as well; just takes me back to carefree days long gone as a 90s kid.

[@DesertRainReads]

Forest Interlude is just beautiful, one of my favorite compositions from DKC2 as well, that game has such a magical soundtrack that still holds up today.

[@PeanskeanENT]

tht and the sticky level

[@omanophil]

DKC2 has one of the best (if not the best) soundtrack from the past century, hands down. There's no weak link, no weak track or whatever issue people may throw at it.

[@tlst94]

Right, back in the Hakuna Matata days.

[@MikeRedead333]

Dave Wise made my childhood, his music in the DK series its pure art.❤

[@Nardz024]

💯

[@richarddavis8863]

I'm so grateful his music was such an important part of my childhood, and major part of the scaffolding my taste grew around

[@Davidian1024]

For many years I've been convinced that the music in games is crucial to their success. All of my favorite games have excellent music.

[@craigg8574]

Sometimes it even makes the game. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 opened the gateway for me, to what would be my eclectic choice of music these days.

[@matthewcaldwell6247]

Beautiful. I'm 34, and the DK Country trilogy are probably my favourite games of all time... along with FromSoftware's games. Thank you, David Wise.

[@thedukeofchutney468]

Imagine if Myazaki did his take on DKC.

[@matthewcaldwell6247]

@thedukeofchutney468 Those games are tough enough as it is! Lol. I'd love it. A FromSoftware 2d sidescroller? Hell yeah!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

DKC 2 is my favorite platformer of all time.

[@TheWtfanime]

So again when are we getting a new Donkey Kong game? David Wise deserves multiple awards for the music he’s created and we need more.

[@tport19]

Yes! Been waiting since 2014 for a new one after Tropical Freeze.

[@jclkaytwo]

worth mentioning that the game awards didn't even _nominate_ tropical freeze for the best music award in 2014...

[@masonmurphy5402]

@@jclkaytwothey mustve not played the game then

[@SuperBenno7]

The new Donkey Kong games doesn't have the same "feel" as the original trilogy.

[@jclkaytwo]

@@SuperBenno7 you're right. they're even better

[@superajsfighting]

For me, it's "Life in the Mines" that is my favorite and makes me tear up. Much love to that song!

[@SuperBenno7]

When they begin the chant ❤

[@DesertRainReads]

DKC2 in general just has a magical soundtrack. Hot-Head Bop, Castle Crush, etc. He just has a knack for getting it right and striking gold.

[@patrickstar8887]

David Wise is a composer that comes once in a century, his Soundtracks speak to your soul and anyone who didn't experience it firsthand missed out on some of the best music has to offer

[@AlexAtuh]

There’s also nobuo uemastu

[@phattjohnson]

@@AlexAtuh Who or what is that? Context plz!

[@AlexAtuh]

He composed the music for final fantasy soundtracks, look him up.

[@moemoe05]

The LoFi version of this song is magical. This is the reason why a lot of musicians appreciate artists who worked in video game music. It’s a craft that takes more than just perfecting what your talents are already doing for you.

[@yogafire646]

Aquatic ambience...IGN all is forgiven.

[@41illusion]

People don't realize how impactful this song was from a technological standpoint upon its original release. It was absolutely unheard of that something this high quality was created with such limited tools at the time.

[@fredhair]

Whoever is in charge of IGN's content recently needs a raise. Also massive respect to Mr Wise; some of his music genuinely brings tears to my eyes, the memories, nostalgia and the beauty of the music is as moving and powerful today as it ever was. Seems like a great guy as well, many thanks David for all the great tunes and happy memories! :)

[@eazystorytelling]

Sick guy, major respect

[@GalaxyGod332]

Dearly Beloved

[@thanksbetotap]

The story of how Wise got the job at Rare is just crazy. Great job making this video, IGN!

[@GabePlaysYT]

Aquatic Ambiance, Stickerbrush Symphony, and Forest Interlude are some of the most magical pieces of videogame music I've ever heard

[@mariavitoriacamargo9771]

The soundtrack of my childhood. Thank you, David! ❤

[@maiwei]

Truly one of the best times to be alive, the start of an industry. So much opportunity for growth and learning that doesn't require millions of degrees and years of experience to get in. Just hard work and creativity. Love it.

[@qbxtm]

Music is storytelling. We see this in DKC, Ocarina of Time, Mario, Sonic, Final Fantasy, etc. Bring back quality music in videogames!

[@fernandofaria2872]

Have you played Nier Automata?

[@phazonruler3000]

Bring it back? When did it leave?

[@chrisandersen9713]

Kingdom Hearts Nier Tales of Arise Just to name a few!

[@purplemist7]

I'm personally not a big fan of the music in the modern Sonic games, but Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 had some pretty great tunes.

[@howtoby27]

You seriously have to listen to Diddy Kong Racing's soundtrack if you haven't yet. The complete thing is a masterpiece from David Wise.

[@PeacefulPauseProductions]

I'll check it out if you check out what he did in Battletoads and Double Dragon along with the Battletoads Arcade ost.

[@MrAquilina420]

He drew a lot of inspiration from other theme songs for that game. Almost to the point of mimicry. But he honed it so well!

[@EcneBanjo]

Diddy Kong Racing’s OST is a MASTERPIECE. Right up there with DKC2.

[@svenjansen2134]

Did he also do the Battletoads pause track? That's a banger!

[@Umbrella2]

Agreed, this soundtrack is incredible!

[@johnmcintyre2123]

Timeless and iconic. Everybody remembers what it felt like when they heard it for the first time.

[@Windex314]

Bro IGN is killing it with these mini documentaries. Moar please

[@luislooey9727]

David wise....thank you for donkey kong ost music. Thank you..."from a little kid at heart "

[@michelveraliot]

It's beautiful because it's not only a video game music it's the childhood anthem of many people from the 90's to the mid 2000's, in fact it's the anthem of the 90's

[@JONATHANP1619]

Donkey Kong Country 2 is easily in the race for best soundtrack of all time

[@hollisterman06]

This song and Dire Dire Docks on Mario 64 both had no reasons to be the absolute bangers they were. Love them!

[@tport19]

Everything David Wise touches turns to gold. Actually, it turns gold to platinum. That man is a wizard and a genius. Still humble to this day, too.

[@Reyn_the_Insane]

One of the greatest composers of all time, not just exclusive to video games. David Wise deserves to go down in history with the greats like Beethoven, Bach, John Williams, etc.

[@CroxBox]

🤜🤛

[@TheLegendofLisboa]

Corridors time - chrono trigger

[@1chrisanderson]

These kinds of enigmatic, dreamy chord progressions have always resonated with me which led me eventually to jazz fusion, progressive metal, and ultimately deep/soulful house and techno.

[@meric12131415]

It's amazing how music can sound just absolutely perfect for ambience once you get out of the 8 bit stuff it has more depth and hits so much harder

[@MarioOnShrooms]

David is indeed, very Wise

[@Trisma]

David Wise is a true musical genius. DKC2 is my favourite game soundtrack ever.

[@topazrazzy]

How do you forget Astral Observatory, Song of Healing or even Oath to Order from Majora's Mask? Like, every time Last 6 Hours begins to play I'm bawling my eyes out 'cuz you know you're experiencing a slow death as you realize there's nothing left you can do for anyone and everyone around you just accepts the end is only minutes away.

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Aquatic Ambiance and Forest Interlude are among my favorite VG songs.

[@krognak]

What David probably didn't realise, is that when he made the music for these games he was unknowingly influencing an entire generation behind closed doors. Kids and teens huddled up with their SNES and old CRT TV glowing through the dark - getting lost in this otherworldly experience without a care in the world. Then eventually, they grew up, got involved and learnt instruments and suddenly this music he'd long since put behind him reappeared to immediate legendary status among the now-adults. Nothing hits harder than nostalgia, and nostalgia rarely hits harder for people like me than the DKC soundtracks. Those games WERE my childhood.

[@Rhomega]

My brother loves this song, but my all-time favorite VGM is Forest Interlude from DKC2.

[@tomio8072]

Hell yeah! So groovy

[@mrwwwebs]

Jig Jig is a BOP as well

[@jf683]

Starlight Zone from Sonic makes me feel very emotional for some reason

[@Pistolero007]

Im so happy hes finally getting the recognition he deserves. It used to be only appreciated by the 90's kids who played DKC

[@roundearthshill248]

The music during the ending credits in DCC is probably one of my most favorite video game music pieces ever.

[@Gamesta100]

It's one of those pieces of music that makes me happy and sad. It's just so nostalgic it always makes me think of my childhood during the SNES days and how amazing those days were and it's sad that they're over and that I'm "old" now lol

[@durtysouth85]

love this and...strickerbush symphony from DK2...damnn

[@Hammi4Real]

It was magic to my kid ears, and still is. Thanks, David.

[@TheWashout13]

Secret of Mana's theme song makes me sad.

[@dwasp27moto41]

interview/documentary format videos. this we can enjoy for hours

[@cloud244]

This song and Life in the mines, bring me back so much nostalgia

[@paperluigi6132]

They made such a smart decision bringing him on for Tropical Freeze.

[@levithewizard]

The Dkc really was one of the first games that used the music as a major aspect of the games story telling. The instrument choices, repeated melodic/harmonic phrases across the songs and especially with dkc2 every track having a somewhat "pirate sound" really makes the whole sountrack feel like a complete body of work that was vital to the games story and feel

[@bryguy9233]

Donkey Kong country is one of my favorite games of all time. My favorite platformer for sure and the music is a big reason why. What an incredible soundtrack ❤

[@jessepolowin2339]

David's compositions combine such a wide range of emotion with simple, satisfying sounds. These games simply wouldn't be what they are without his music. And he did it all in a pre-DAW landscape. Simply incredible

[@DGFTardin]

It's only "unlikely" for those who didn't have the privilege of playing this amazing game

[@nottsvge]

David Wise, is a true gent it was great to have him as a guest at our first expo speaking about his gaming music history

[@eye-saacthegalaxyeye4567]

Of course DK Donkey Kong!

[@VitaEx]

If anyone deserves a Tribute it’s David wide in my lifetime video game music went from commercial sounding bleeps and bloops to rivaling cinematic orchestral masterpieces David was absolute instrumental in that

[@hansell1001]

All the DK country music. In the sky with the spiny plants. That was awesome too.

[@LouveAsterion]

little sad they didn't touch upon stickerbush symphony even once, that track is life changing

[@richreed9927]

Steady, driving bass line and a melody you can whistle - perfection!

[@patrickhiller7072]

David Wise is just a Genius. A living Legend. Still listen to his Sound even 30 Yrs later. Use it to relax or to sleep better. Thank You for the Video Game Music Mr. Wise!

[@adventuremachineVGM]

This documentary style is really, really cool! David Wise is such a genius, and it's absolutely fascinating to hear him talking about this. He's absurdly humble for someone that has inspired SO many of us to pick up an instrument and play these songs, and the millions of us sitting in front of our TV, feeling legitimate feelings over songs that shouldn't have even been possible with the hardware at the time!

[@michaelkrogh624]

Kingdom hearts and final fantasy are always on top in terms of ost

[@cfb1199]

Dkc 1and2 have the Best ost of all time.

[@90sDude.]

Dave Wise is a legend

[@marconylara1272]

Thank you very much for this video, I'm glad to see that David is aware of the masterpiece he has created and the people he has touched

[@nintendians]

video game music is art. the nintendo and rare ltd. era had great video game soundtracks from snes to the end n64.

[@johnny_hollers94]

“Hey David, we’re making a game about an Ape wearing a tie, wanna make some songs for us?” David: *levitates into the air*

[@Aardcore]

it's wild to me that 30 years later, video game music is just as relevant, if not more, than most commercialized, album label recorded music and rivals it because while we can all go to a concert to see our favorite band/musician... those bands and musicians are being inspired by the very games we've ALL played growing up that is such a beautiful sentiment to realize

[@Sl0nk0b0mb]

This and stickerbush symphony are the soundtrack to my life ❤

[@chrishumphries7489]

Stickerbush Symphony, Mining Melancholy, Hot-Head Hop

[@mdsmatheus]

The man created banger after banger. Forest Interlude, In a Snow-bound land, Stickerbush Symphony, Haunted Chase, Disco Train, Flight of the Zinger, Hot-Head Bop, Krook's March, Bayou Boogie. Hard to believe these were even in only one game

[@seankkg]

Aquatic Ambience is undeniable but Stickerbush Symphony might just carry the most emotion.

[@JB-qt3wo]

Thanks David! You made some great memories for me as a child.

[@SlouchingBadger]

David Wise is my idol. He created my favourite ever soundtrack - Star Fox Adventures. Brilliant video and fantastic interview. Would love to see more!

[@crumpetsack3909]

Not only is David Wise my favorite video game composer, but he's one of my favorite artists ever. His work on the Donkey Kong Country series is honestly some of the greatest music ever written in my opinion

[@HI-pi1er]

Ocarina of time title screen ❤️

[@crobinson2624]

Zoras domain Zelda Tears of the kingdom/ocarina of time.

[@KingBrad87]

Thank you David. This song has helped me get through some tough times in my life.

[@Readesu]

Probably my favorite interview of all time, thank you.

[@rodrigohaddad3798]

Composing muisic for anything can be very hard, but composing muisic for a video game is very different, you have to manage the mood of the level and song, plus creating a great muisic that will stick with player and also the SNES limitations, all of DK soundtrack that was composed by you is a masterpiece, Thank you David Wise

[@the-lettere]

Living legend 🫡🫡🫡 thank you David Wise!

[@FalconDoesntKnowWeather]

Truly one of the most beautiful songs in video games.

[@samuelemeryjiujitsu]

It is giving me chills just thinking about the sound track to DKC 1,2&3

[@NinjaJay2001]

David Wise has created some of the best songs ever. The tropical freeze soundtrack is so jazzy

[@bungaldo14]

Aquatic ambience DK Stickerbrush Symphony DK2 secret of the forest, Corridors of time : chrono trigger A bell is tolling : secret of mana Awakening : FF6 Xenogears: Shevat - the wind calls Searching for a hero: Suikoden 3

[@Jorgen87]

If you guys would look.. theres a norwegian artist, called Philter. He remixed and made his own music during early 2010's and among these, were : Aquatic Ambiance.

[@andretorres700]

My boy smooth mc groove made an appearance🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@COIFISHGAMING]

IGN you nailed this one

[@larrymitchell6470]

Little did he know he was making one of the greatest soundtracks of all time

[@Honethite]

This was glorious. MORE please. DKC 1-3 on the SNES are timeless.

[@johnnyrenkiewicz2789]

Aquatic ambience, dire dire docks, streets of rage, the whole wave race 64… Soo many amazing soundtracks

[@joeblankenship377]

Who wouldn't learn how to use a synth for an extra day off a week? Then his music ends up in one of the GOAT video games? Jackpot!

[@VitaEx]

The 90s or even 80s did not have disposable soundtracks iconic unforgettable music has been with video game since the beginning especially in the 90s video game music started to rival cinema scores for pop culture relevance

[@PatL112]

its amazing, the process of David making the song and how it turned into the classic that it is now.

[@Mr.Coffee576]

My favourite is the National Park theme from Pokemon Gold.

[@jglg7238]

donkey kong rockface rumble has a very cool guitar reef

[@MTG69]

David Wise created a timeless OST, that transcended the video game industry, on a Super Nintendo. Let that sink in, a Super Nintendo.

[@BJGvideos]

So many great composers on the SNES and it seems like only Uematsu gets attention. Not that he doesn't deserve it because he absolutely does, but he wasn't the only one creating the Sistine Chapel with crayons, so to speak.