Victory theme
| A victory theme, sometimes referred to as a flourish, or a fanfare, is a short, recognizable melody that plays at the Results screen after a character wins a Vs. match or other similar events such as a Tourney. For instance, in the Results screen after Mario wins a match, an orchestral cover of the fanfare played at the end of each level in Super Mario Bros. plays. Characters from the same universe usually share victory themes, but starting with Meta Knight in Brawl, several universes have received multiple unique victory fanfares in a single Smash entry. These include Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Kirby, Fire Emblem, Kid Icarus, Xenoblade Chronicles, Final Fantasy, and Persona, with the latter's three unique themes all being tied to a single character, Joker, in Ultimate. In addition, Kazuya from the Tekken universe has no victory theme at all. In Ultimate, several returning victory themes were shortened to be more consistent in length, either by increasing the tempo or abridging the melody. Contents
Mario Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Mario's Victory. Origin[edit]This flourish is a cover of the small sound clip that would play whenever Mario or Luigi grabbed a Flagpole in Super Mario Bros., a track that went on to become a recurring theme. In Ultimate, the entire fanfare is sped up slightly, and the ending is abridged. Gallery[edit]
Mario Villains Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A music piece based on the same melody as the Mario victory theme, but instead of a standard orchestral arrangement, the piece is played with slightly distorted electric guitars. It also resembles the level clear theme of Bowser's sidequests in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This flourish also makes Bowser the only character to change victory themes from Brawl to Smash 4. Gallery[edit]
Rosalina & Luma Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is a remix of the title screen track for Super Mario Galaxy, as well as the theme played when Mario or Luigi obtains a Power Star in that game. Gallery[edit]
Donkey Kong Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled DK's Victory. Origin[edit]This flourish is a cover of the short track that plays in Donkey Kong Country whenever a playable Kong defeated a boss or completed a bonus game. Gallery[edit]
King K. Rool Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is a small excerpt of Gangplank Galleon from Donkey Kong Country. Gallery[edit]
The Legend of Zelda Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Zelda Team Victory. SSB, Melee Origin[edit]The flourish for The Legend of Zelda series in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee was an excerpt of the overworld theme in The Legend of Zelda, a track which went on to become the main theme of the series. The excerpt is also followed by the theme that plays when Link obtains certain items. Brawl, SSB4, Ultimate Origin[edit]In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Zelda series got a new flourish, now a cover of the music that would play when Link obtained a Triforce Piece in The Legend of Zelda for the NES. This song is also the basis for the Ultimate flourish; however, the theme is rearranged to be significantly shorter. Gallery[edit]
Metroid Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Samus's Victory. Origin[edit]In Metroid for the NES, this flourish would originally play when Samus Aran obtained a new power-up or addition to her Power Suit, as well as when Samus defeated Ridley or Kraid. In nearly every Metroid game since, a variation of this fanfare is used for acquiring major item upgrades. Gallery[edit]
Metroid Villains Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]Ridley and Dark Samus's victory theme is an intense and sinister variation of the Metroid victory theme. The version in the E3 2018 demo was instead based upon the "Unknown Item" fanfare from Metroid: Zero Mission. Gallery[edit]
Yoshi Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Yoshi's Victory. Origin[edit]This flourish is a combination of two small music excerpts from Yoshi's Story. The first is a sped-up, orchestrated cover of the title music of Yoshi's Story, while the other is the short flourish that plays when Yoshi collects all thirty necessary fruits and completes a level. In Ultimate, it plays at a slightly faster tempo, and the second half of the jingle is abridged. Gallery[edit]
Kirby Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Kirby's Victory. Origin[edit]Kirby and King Dedede's victory theme is a cover of the short recurring theme that plays when Kirby completes a stage or defeats a boss, debuting in Kirby's Dream Land (though the shortened version that this track is based on debuted in Kirby's Adventure). The Melee version of this flourish is considerably slower in pace in relation to the original track, though its other versions more closely match its original tempo. Gallery[edit]
Meta Knight Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The Meta Knight Victory Theme is based on the same melody as the Kirby Victory Theme, but is performed with electric guitars in quadruple meter, as opposed to the more symphonic instrumentation and triple meter of the Kirby Victory Theme. Gallery[edit]
Star Fox Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Fox's Victory. Origin[edit]This victory theme is based upon the main theme of Star Fox 64, most specifically the title screen theme. It also shares similarities with the music that would play in that game when Fox completed a level, as that track was also based on the main theme. Gallery[edit]
Pokémon Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Pokémon Victory. Origin[edit]This victory theme is a small excerpt of the title theme for the first generation of Pokémon, a track which would go on to become the Pokémon main theme for the entire series. In Ultimate, the theme is abridged. Gallery[edit]
EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Ness's Victory. SSB, Melee Origin[edit]In EarthBound, a major objective is for Ness to collect the Eight Melodies. This victory theme comes from the final four melodies of the eight. Brawl, SSB4 Origin[edit]This victory theme is a highly sped-up remix of Mother Earth, the title theme of the original NES Mother / EarthBound Beginnings. Ultimate Origin[edit]This victory theme flourish is a combination of the final two out of the Eight Melodies in Mother / EarthBound Beginnings. Gallery[edit]
F-Zero Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Capt. Falcon's Victory. SSB, Melee Origin[edit]This victory theme is an electric guitar-based cover of the short track that would play when a character finished a race in F-Zero X. Brawl, SSB4 and Ultimate Origin[edit]This victory theme is an electric guitar-based cover of the short track that would play when a character finished a race in F-Zero GX. Gallery[edit]
Ice Climber Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Ice Climbers' Victory. Origin[edit]In Ice Climber, when Popo or Nana grabbed the feet of the Condor at the end of a bonus stage, this track would play. The Ultimate version cuts out the first half of the theme. Gallery[edit]
Fire Emblem Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Fire Emblem Team Victory. Origin[edit]This victory theme is an orchestral cover of several bars of the Fire Emblem Theme, the title theme for the original Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, which has since become the main theme of the series and appeared in every game. The ending of the fanfare resembles the leveling up jingle from Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. The Ultimate version is slightly sped up and slightly abridged at the end. Gallery[edit]
Awakening Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This victory theme is a short orchestral cover of "Id (Purpose)" from Fire Emblem Awakening. Gallery[edit]
Corrin Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is a small, sped-up excerpt of Lost in Thoughts All Alone from Fire Emblem Fates, presumably the SSB4 remix of said theme. Gallery[edit]
Byleth Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]An excerpt of the main theme from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Gallery[edit]
Game & Watch Victory Theme[edit]
In the Melee Sound Test, this theme is titled Mr. Game & Watch's Victory. Origin[edit]The Game & Watch flourish in Melee is an original melody in a minor key, based upon the typical bleeping noises that characters or other objects in a Game & Watch would make. It also shares some similarities with the Flat Zone theme. The flourish introduced in Brawl features a different melody that follows a more energetic tempo, though it still draws from an identical origin. Gallery[edit]
Kid Icarus Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This victory theme is a small excerpt of the title screen theme of Kid Icarus, with an original ending. After the release of Brawl, the track was remade for Kid Icarus: Uprising, used whenever a match in Together Mode is completed. Gallery[edit]
Dark Pit Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This victory theme is a small excerpt of Dark Pit's theme from Kid Icarus: Uprising. Gallery[edit]
Wario Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is an original tune created for Brawl which was also used in the Waluigi Pinball remix. However, it later became the basis for the Stonecarving City theme in Wario Land: Shake It!, which was released after Brawl.[1] The Ultimate version is slightly sped up. Gallery[edit]
Pikmin Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is a small, sped-up excerpt of the title theme of Pikmin. Gallery[edit]
R.O.B. Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]In the NES game Stack-Up, the first game that the R.O.B. accessory was compatible with, this track would play before starting memory mode. In this remix, a short intro is added, and the first part is played twice. Gallery[edit]
Animal Crossing Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the title theme for Animal Crossing on the Nintendo 64 and GameCube. The Ultimate version is slightly sped up. Gallery[edit]
Wii Fit Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This victory theme is a remix of the main theme of Wii Fit, specifically resembling the tune that plays after a save file is selected. Gallery[edit]
Punch-Out!! Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]An orchestral remix of the theme that plays when the player defeats an opponent in the NES and Wii Punch-Out!! games. Gallery[edit]
Shulk Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The second half of the riff of You Will Know Our Names, the battle theme used in Xenoblade Chronicles when fighting a unique monster. The Ultimate version is slightly sped up. Gallery[edit]
Pyra/Mythra Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A short excerpt of Battle!! from Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Gallery[edit]
Duck Hunt Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The jingle that plays before a new game starts in Duck Hunt. It begins with the original 8-bit rendition, then transitions to a remixed version for the rest of the theme. The Ultimate version is significantly sped up. Gallery[edit]
Splatoon Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the Online victory jingle introduced in Splatoon. Gallery[edit]
ARMS Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A short flourish from the ARMS Grand Prix Official Theme Song, combined with the vocals from Ribbon Girl's stage Ribbon Ring. Gallery[edit]
Metal Gear Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A small excerpt of the main theme of Metal Gear Solid. In the game, this excerpt is used twice: when Solid Snake is caught and the player receives a Game Over, and when VR Training is completed. Gallery[edit]
Sonic Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]This flourish is ripped directly from Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), which itself is an orchestrated remix of the recurring level clear jingle that originated in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It is the first flourish in the series to be directly ported from a non-Smash game. The Ultimate version is very slightly sped up and slightly abridged at the end. Gallery[edit]
Mega Man Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A short remix of the beginning of the title screen music from Mega Man 2. Gallery[edit]
Pac-Man Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the jingle that plays when starting a new game in Pac-Man, as well as completing levels in Pac-Man World 2. Gallery[edit]
Street Fighter Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the victory theme from Street Fighter II. Gallery[edit]
Cloud Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the victory theme heard in Final Fantasy VII, which is itself a variant of the victory themes heard throughout the Final Fantasy series. It continuously plays, replacing the results theme, being the first victory theme to do so. In Smash 4 only, if the player wins in a tournament, a non-looped version of the theme will play. Gallery[edit]
Sephiroth Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The ending of "Advent: One-Winged Angel", taken directly from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Afterwards, a droning note plays; it is unknown if it is from any source in particular, though it references the same droning sound that plays during the fiery cutscene from the Nibelheim Incident. Then, instead of the regular results theme, another droning note plays continuously, although its difficult to pick up on due to the sound of the flames. Additionally, this victory theme is played after completing the Sephiroth Challenge, minus the note and flame sounds. Gallery[edit]
Bayonetta Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The first few notes of "Time For The Climax!", followed by the jingle that plays upon completing a verse in Bayonetta. Both tracks are ported directly from the original game, though the arrangement of them together is unique to Smash. Gallery[edit]
Castlevania Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the "Stage Clear" theme from the original Castlevania, with the original 8-bit audio in the background. The August 18, 2018 Nintendo Direct features an early version of the track that contains an electric guitar not present in the final version. Gallery[edit]
Persona Victory Themes[edit]
Origin[edit]Joker's primary victory theme is directly ported from the after-battle results screen from Persona 5. This theme loops indefinitely and replaces the normal results screen music, similar to Cloud’s. When Joker wins a match in Mementos while music from Persona 3 or Persona 4 is playing, the victory music from the corresponding game is used instead. This is the second instance of victory themes being ported directly from other games, and the first instance of a character having more than one victory theme in the same game. The themes are:
Gallery[edit]
Dragon Quest Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]An arrangement of the ending phrase of "Overture", the main Dragon Quest theme. It is a slightly altered excerpt from the Theatrhythm Dragon Quest version of "Overture X". Gallery[edit]
Banjo-Kazooie Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A remix of the jingle that plays when Banjo & Kazooie collect a Jiggy in Banjo-Kazooie. Gallery[edit]
Fatal Fury Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]A hard rock rendition of "Results Are Everything", the end of fight theme from the original Fatal Fury game. Gallery[edit]
Minecraft Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]The theme that plays when completing a challenge advancement, ripped directly from Minecraft: Java Edition. Gallery[edit]
Tekken announcer[edit]
In a series first, the Tekken series does not have a victory theme. Instead, the announcer from Tekken 7 (voiced by Josh Keller) is featured in Kazuya's victory screens, saying, "Kazuya Mishima wins," replacing the traditional announcer lines by Xander Mobus. This does not apply to Team Battles. Origin[edit]The announcer used in Kazuya's victory screen is the announcer from Tekken 7. Him saying "Kazuya Mishima" is recycled from Tekken 7's character select screen. However, "wins" seems to be either original to Ultimate or recycled from an unused take for Tekken, as only he says "You win!" in Tekken 7. The early Tekken announcers did say it similar to how it is said in Ultimate. Gallery[edit]
Kingdom Hearts Victory Theme[edit]
Origin[edit]An orchestrated rendition of "Hand in Hand", the second battle theme of Traverse Town from the original Kingdom Hearts. It was confirmed in the Battling with Sora presentation that the arrangement for the victory theme was handled by Yoko Shimomura, the song's original composer. Gallery[edit]
Mii Fighter Victory Theme[edit]
SSB4 Origin[edit]A portion of the main theme of Super Smash Bros. 4. Ultimate Origin[edit]A portion of Lifelight, the main theme of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Gallery[edit]
Results Theme[edit]
In every game except for Melee, after the character's victory theme plays, the results theme will play out for the remainder of the time that the player is on the victory screen. Ultimate would notably be the first game to reuse the exact same results theme from its predecessor. The only characters that do not play the standard results theme are Cloud, Joker, and Sephiroth, the former two instead playing their individual looping victory themes, and the latter simply having the sounds of flames. Origin[edit]While Smash 64 and Brawl's results themes are original to those respective games, SSB4 and Ultimate's variation is based on the music used on the character selection screen of Smash 64. Trivia[edit]
References[edit]
See also[edit]
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