Comparing the Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 versions of Koji Kondo’s “Underground Theme,” focusing on how each uses the NES/Famicom soundchip.
Both themes use the NES’s five‑channel audio architecture, but the Super Mario Bros. 3 version introduces several major changes. Most obviously, SMB3 adds a new drum groove using lo‑fi DPCM samples and noise‑channel hi‑hats, but, also significantly, we look at how the two games use the pulse channels differently, shaping the timbre and overall character of each version of the theme.
These choices highlight not only Koji Kondo’s evolving creativity, but also composers were able to leverage the NES soundchip differently over the life of the system.
Whether you’re interested in game music, NES chiptune sound design, or how classic game composers created so much with so little, I hope this provides some background into how the “Underground Theme” remains one of the most iconic tracks in video game history.
More on the NES and Famicom sound here:
More “on video game sound here”Listening to Videogames” here: