Round 1 BGM (Donkey Kong)
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| "Round 1 BGM" | |
|---|---|
| "Round 1 BGM" in the arcade version of Donkey Kong | |
 Image from Nintendo Music | |
| Composed by: Yukio Kaneoka | |
| Key | B-flat major |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong (arcade) (1981) |
| Latest appearance | Donkey Kong Bananza (2025) |
"Round 1 BGM",[1] also known as "25m BGM"[2] or "25m Theme",[3] is a simple, five-note musical theme composed by Yukio Kaneoka for the arcade version of Donkey Kong. The theme is derived from[citation needed] the bassline to "The Ballad of John and Yoko," a 1969 song by English rock band the Beatles, itself similar to the bridge of "Splish Splash." It can only be heard in the 25m level in the original arcade version, but it is sometimes used in other levels in later ports of Donkey Kong.
HistoryEdit
Donkey Kong seriesEdit
Donkey KongEdit
Yukio Kaneoka's original version of the theme first appears in the arcade version of Donkey Kong.
 25m Theme - The original version of the theme from the arcade version of Donkey Kong. | File info |
ColecoVisionEdit
The ColecoVision version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" that uses more elongated individual notes than the original and slightly different chiptune instrumentation. It can be heard on 25m, 75m, and 100m.
Atari 8-bit familyEdit
The Atari 8-bit family version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" very similar to the original that uses slightly different chiptune instrumentation. It can be heard on 25m.
Nintendo Entertainment SystemEdit
In the Nintendo Entertainment System version of Donkey Kong, an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" that is transposed to a higher key plays in 25m. This arrangement is reused for the same purpose in the Family Computer Disk System version of Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong-e, the e-Reader port of the game, and Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong, the Game Boy Advance port of the game.
| Round 1 BGM - The arrangement heard in the NES version of Donkey Kong | File info |
VIC-20Edit
The VIC-20 version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" that plays in a much more uneven rhythm than the original and uses different chiptune instrumentation. It can be heard on 25m, 50m, 75m, and 100m.
Commodore 64 (Atarisoft)Edit
The Atarisoft-developed version of Donkey Kong for the Commodore 64 features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" very similar to the original, but it is slightly slower and the rhythm of the notes is slightly more uneven. It can be heard on 25m.
Coleco AdamEdit
The Coleco Adam version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" very similar to the ColecoVision arrangement, as it uses the same chiptune instrumentation but without the elongated notes. It can be heard on 25m.
Commodore 64 (Ocean Software)Edit
The Ocean Software-developed version of Donkey Kong for the Commodore 64 features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" the uses much different chiptune instrumentation and is slightly faster than the original. It can be heard on 25m.
MSXEdit
The MSX version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" very similar to the original that uses different chiptune instrumentation. It can be heard on 25m.
Amstrad CPCEdit
The Amstrad CPC version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" that uses much harsher chiptune instrumentation than the original. It can be heard on 25m.
Family Computer Disk SystemEdit
The Family Computer Disk System version of Donkey Kong reuses the NES version's arrangement of "Round 1 BGM".
Atari 7800Edit
The Atari 7800 version of Donkey Kong features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" that uses slightly different chiptune instrumentation and is transposed to a higher key. It can be heard on 25m.
Donkey Kong (Game Boy)Edit
In the Game Boy title Donkey Kong, a slightly different chiptune arrangement of "Round 1 BGM", created by Taisuke Araki, plays in 25m and 75m in the Construction Site.
WarioWare seriesEdit
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!Edit
In WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" plays in the Donkey Kong microgame. It uses chiptune instrumentation very similar to the Nintendo Entertainment System version of Donkey Kong, though its final note right before the microgame ends is higher than the previous note rather than lower.
| Donkey Kong - The arrangement heard in WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! | File info |
WarioWare: D.I.Y.Edit
In WarioWare: D.I.Y., one of 9-Volt's Records is a medley arrangement of "Round 1 BGM", "Title BGM" from Donkey Kong, and "Title BGM" from Donkey Kong Jr., simply titled "Donkey Kong."
WarioWare: D.I.Y. ShowcaseEdit
In WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, the Donkey Kong microgame features the arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" heard in the Nintendo Entertainment System version of Donkey Kong, but its tempo has been altered to correspond with the ticking of the bomb.
| Donkey Kong - The arrangement heard in WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase and WarioWare Gold | File info |
WarioWare GoldEdit
The Donkey Kong microgame reappears in WarioWare Gold, featuring the same arrangement of "Round 1 BGM".
Dance Dance Revolution: Mario MixEdit
- Main article: Moustache, Barrel, and Gorilla
In Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix, a medley arrangement of "Round 1 BGM," "Hammer BGM," "Title BGM," and several other themes and sound effects from Donkey Kong, created by U1-ASAMi and titled "Moustache, Barrel, and Gorilla," is a playable track.
Tetris seriesEdit
Tetris DSEdit
Tetris DS features multiple arrangements of "Round 1 BGM."
A full arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" titled "Tetris DK" plays in Standard Lv. 13, the game's Donkey Kong-themed Standard Level.
A medley of "Game Start" and "Round 1 BGM" very similar to the arrangements heard in the NES version of Donkey Kong titled "DK Push" plays during the Push mode, which is based around elements from Donkey Kong.
An arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" plays at the end of the game's credits theme, "CongraTetris," along with arrangements of "Ground BGM" and "Invincibility BGM" from Super Mario Bros.
| Tetris DK - An arrangement heard in Tetris DS | File info |
| DK Push - An arrangement heard in Tetris DS | File info |
Tetris 99Edit
In Tetris 99, a medley arrangement of "Level Start" and "Round 1 BGM", created by Teruo Taniguchi, plays on Theme 11 "Donkey Kong" until 10 players remain. A sped-up version of the arrangement plays when 50 players are remaining.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the MinisEdit
In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" plays on the results screen after the player completes a level. Another arrangement plays in the roof and DK's Hideout's levels, which also incorporates "DK Island Swing." Both arrangements were created by Lawrence Schwedler.
Super Smash Bros. seriesEdit
Several arrangements of "Round 1 BGM" are available in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the former two games, they can play on 75 m, while Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allows them to play on any Super Smash Bros.– and Donkey Kong–series stage.
The original Kaneoka arrangement of the theme appears in all three of the aforementioned games. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it is listed as "25m BGM", while Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate list it as "25m Theme".
Super Smash Bros. Brawl also introduces two arrangements, the first of which is simply titled "Donkey Kong" and also features a brief arrangement of "Game Start" and various sound effects from the arcade version of Donkey Kong. It was arranged by Hirokazu Tanaka. This arrangement would later reappear in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
The second arrangement is included in the arrangement of "Title BGM", titled "Opening (Donkey Kong)." The track also includes the "Level Start" jingle and Hammer BGM. It is primarily based on the NES version of Donkey Kong. It was arranged by Shota Kageyama, who would later go on to compose for games in the Pokémon series. It appears in the same games as the first arrangement. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, this track's name is reformatted as "Opening - Donkey Kong".
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a medley arrangement titled "Donkey Kong / Donkey Kong Jr. Medley" arranged by Yusuke Takahama. It features arrangements of "Round 1 BGM" and several themes from the original Donkey Kong and its sequel Donkey Kong Jr. It uses "Game Start," "Hammer BGM," "Hurry Up!," "Round 1 and 2 Clear," "Round 3 BGM," and "Round 3 Clear" from Donkey Kong and "Game Start," "Round 1 BGM," "Round 4 BGM," "Round 4 Clear (All Clear!)," and "Round Clear Clear" from Donkey Kong Jr. The overall track has a fast-paced, orchestral/electronic hybrid style and extrapolates heavily on the original melodies, with "Round 1 BGM" serving as the basis.
Nintendo LandEdit
In Nintendo Land, a brief arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" plays when the player approaches the gate for Donkey Kong's Crash Course and when selecting the attraction on the main menu.
A much longer mashup arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" and "Title BGM" (specifically the "Cranky's Theme" version from Donkey Kong Country) plays in Course 1 and Course 3 of the attraction. The Course 1 version features "Round 1 BGM" played with chiptune and bongos with "Title BGM" played on the marimba. The Course 3 version adds string and woodwind instrumentation.
Both arrangements were created by Ryo Nagamatsu.
| Donkey Kong's Crash Course Gate - The arrangement heard in Nintendo Land | File info |
| Courses 1 & 3 - The arrangement heard in Nintendo Land | File info |
Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerEdit
In Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, the background music for the level Retro Ramp-Up incorporates "Round 1 BGM" as the backing melody, while the main melody is a chiptune arrangement of "The Toad Brigade."
| Retro Ramp-Up - The arrangement heard in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker | File info |
Super Mario OdysseyEdit
- See also: Jump Up, Super Star!, Break Free (Lead the Way)
Super Mario Odyssey features several arrangements of "Round 1 BGM." In "Jump Up, Super Star!," the "Odyssey, ya see" bridge section uses an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" played on the bass and brass instruments as a backing bassline. The bassist of the band can also be heard playing the arrangement when Mario first finds him.
The version of "Break Free (Lead the Way)" heard during the ending cutscene of Super Mario Odyssey also features an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM." This full version is titled "Honeylune Ridge: Escape" in-game.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom BattleEdit
In the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC for Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, "Round 1 BGM" plays when the player finds a stone structure resembling the 25m stage where a Rabbid is jumping over barrels that another Rabbid is throwing while imitating Donkey Kong's movements.
The Super Mario Bros. MovieEdit
"Round 1 BGM" can be heard in the background when Giuseppe plays an arcade game called Jump Man (which is heavily based on Donkey Kong) at Punch-Out Pizzeria.
Mario Kart WorldEdit
In Mario Kart World, the music tracks that play on DK Spaceport are based around "Round 1 BGM". Since the track is divided into sections, the first five sections of the track all have different themes that incorporate "Round 1 BGM"'s melody in some form. The first section theme (also used for Knockout Tour) incorporates "Round 1 BGM" into its main melody. The theme that plays in the second section starts off by playing just the main melody with a baritone saxophone and the original chiptune sound, with a later addition of synths. The later three sections of the theme keeps the main melody in the background as a bassline played by the baritone saxophone, with the key shifting up a minor third with each section.
An arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" also plays on the intro cutscene for the Mushroom Cup when DK Spaceport is shown, where the baritone saxophone plays the melody with the root note being F, outlining an IV chord relative to the composition's tonic of C.
Donkey Kong BananzaEdit
"Round 1 BGM" is featured several times in Donkey Kong Bananza. A medley arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" and the "Hammer BGM" theme, titled "2D Challenge Course #4" in the Music Player, plays in Arcade Country. It is also incorporated into "Breaking Through (Heart of Gold)" as a countermelody towards the end of Pauline's "Kong Bananza" vocals. During the cutscene at the end of Great Harmoneel's Windpipe, Pauline scats the melody of "Round 1 BGM" as the first inspiration of her new song.
Other arrangementsEdit
Captain N: The Game MasterEdit
In the Captain N: The Game Master episode "The Lost City of Kongoland," an arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" with a unique counter melody composed by Michael Tavera can be heard in the opening scene.
The Game Awards 2017Edit
"Jump Up, Super Star!," including the "Round 1 BGM" bridge section, was performed live during The Game Awards 2017 by the Game Awards Orchestra and Kate Higgins as part of a medley of music from the games nominated for Game of the Year.[4]
GalleryEdit
Icon for the "Donkey Kong" record in WarioWare: D.I.Y.
ReferencesEdit
- ^ Nintendo Music
- ^ Super Smash Bros. Brawl Sound Test
- ^ Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Sound Tests
- ^ The Game Awards (December 7, 2017). The Game Awards 2017 Orchestra and Game of the Year Winner: Zelda (03:11). YouTube (English). Retrieved September 9, 2024.
| Donkey Kong | |
|---|---|
| Characters | Donkey Kong • Mario • Pauline |
| Levels | 25m • 50m • 75m • 100m |
| Items and objects | Bolt • Conveyor Belt • Girder • Hammer • Ladder • Lift • Parasol, Hat & Bag |
| Enemies and obstacles | Barrel • Cement tub • Fire • Fireball • Jack • Oil drum |
| Music | "Game Start" • "Hammer BGM" • "Round 1 BGM" • "Title BGM" |
| Other | Crazy Kong • Crazy Kong Part II • Donkey Kong Original Edition • Gallery • Game Sound Museum: Donkey Kong • Donkey Kong Goes Home • Multimedia • Nintendo Music (soundtrack) • Staff |
| Toy adaptations | 2 Mario Bros. PINBALL GAMES & 2 Donkey Kong PINBALL GAMES • 2 Mario Bros. WATER GAMES & 2 Donkey Kong WATER GAMES • Donkey Kong (A-Maze-Ing Arcade game) • Donkey Kong (board game) • Donkey Kong (electronic water game) • Donkey Kong (jigsaw puzzle) • Donkey Kong Candy Maze • Jenga: Donkey Kong Collector's Edition |