Saigon Brings Back 8-Bit Mania With Game Over

Posted On: December 2, 2010
Posted By: odeisel
Comments: 1

By Odeisel

007-373-5963. That’s the code to skip everyone in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! and go straight to Mike Tyson (More often than not to get your ass knocked out). That game was released in 1987 and I still remember the code though I forget where I put keys, phone numbers, glasses etc. The 8 Bit world had that effect on us 70s and 80s babies. Look no further than the B.E.P.’s new record, The Beginning. The game that started that revolution was Super Mario Bros. complete with turtles, koopahs, mushrooms and fireballs. While Lil Flip’s “Game Over” was a novel use of video game based production, Saigon has 1-upped him with his version of “Game Over” which uses Super Mario Bros. with precision.

The beat is built on a hard drum snare foundation that gives Saigon a track to run on while allowing the 8-bit beat to function as the mood and emotion inducer. Fireballs and ambient noises from the original game are well-placed to add character to Saigon’s story including a fireball to the face of one of his adversaries. The ending features the sad you-just-lost-your-third-life-jumping-into-the-fire- pit melody. *Sigh.

Saigon is laser sharp on this track, weaving street imagery, video game elements and characters (Mario & bro Luigi) into a crisp narrative that is absent of anything corny. The way Sai connects the street story with the game narrative is slick. Aside from that, Sai injects great energy and fun into the song with a lively break and a fun hook with his “get busy” anthemic construction. He throws in the Ikari Warriors immortal cheat code for a cherry on top and takes a shot at the bloggers for the hate accumumlation.

It’s been a while for Saigon but this song is a hit. It’s got excellent execution, a fun theme, good energy and the nostalgia factor going for it. Even some novelty. But with Nintendo trying to trademark “On like Donkey Kong” 20 years too late, will they let this track slide without getting their cut? If not, then “Game Over.” Lay off the ‘shrooms they cause heartburn.

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