Theme of Samus

:This article is about the theme named by Samus Archives Sound Selection. For other uses, see Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior (Disambiguation).
Theme of SamusSamus Archives Sound Selection, alternatively known as Super Metroid: Sound in Action, is a music track that originates from Super Metroid, serving as the official leitmotif of Samus Aran. It was originally composed by Kenji Yamamoto.
==Description==
===Super Metroid===
Kenji Yamamoto composed the original theme when it suddenly came to him while he was driving home from work. He pulled over his motorcycle and sang the melody into his tape recorder, then played it for Yoshio Sakamoto at work the next day. It then became the theme of Super Metroid.
In Super Metroid, the Theme of Samus is first heard in the intro during the game's prologue, as Samus recaps the events of Metroid and Metroid II: Return of Samus. This iconic theme features a dark sci-fi bass line, a mysterious choir, and a heroic brass fanfare, setting the mood for the game. This version is titled by Super Metroid: Sound in Action. It can be heard here: 
Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior is an extended arrangement of the heroic brass fanfare by Minako Hamano, played during the game's credits. Another, short version of the Theme of Samus plays during the scene after the credits, where she either remains suited or undresses herself depending on the player's clear time.
An arranged version of the Theme of Samus appears on the Super Metroid: Sound in Action CD. Arranged by Yoshiyuki Ito and Masumi Ito, this remixes use higher-quality instrument samples than what the SNES was capable of producing. The prologue theme is significantly extended and developed. The arranged can be heard here: 
This theme has also been performed by multiple orchestras in concerts and albums. In 1994, it was included as part of a medley performed by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra as part of the fourth Orchestral Game Music Concerts. The majority of the medley emphasized the Theme of Samus (accounting for nearly half its total length), ending with a rendition based on the Super Metroid credits. In 2010, the WDR Radio Orchestra concluded Suite: Samus Aran - Galactic Warrior in Symphonic Legends with an arrangement of the Theme of Samus, where it sounds very dark and somber. In 2011, PLAY! A Video Game Symphony featured the Theme of Samus as one of the more heroic themes of their Metroid arrangement. It was later performed in 2012 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus as part of Super Metroid: A Symphonic Poem for The Greatest Video Game Music 2. Here, the Theme of Samus sounds proud and adventurous. In 2013, the theme was performed once again by the WDR Radio Orchestra, this time as part of Super Metroid - Into Red, Into Dark in Symphonic Selections. In that medley, the theme is one of the only triumphant parts, since it remains true to the melancholy nature of the original game's soundtrack.
Theme of Samus is also included on Play it Loud! Original Soundtrack Volume 1, a 1996 compilation album from Nintendo Power. This track is taken directly from Super Metroid and was not remixed or arranged.
===Metroid Prime===
In Metroid Prime, Theme of Samus is first heard as the Gunship docks at the Frigate Orpheon. The theme makes its climatic appearance performed by an organ and choir, but does not feature the heroic fanfare, which is not present at all in this game. It is titled Prologue by Metroid Prime & Fusion Original Soundtracks.
Metroid Prime once again features the Theme of Samus at the end of the game, in a track titled Shrine Collapsing~Epilogue. After a reprise of Chozo Shrine, a softer, more somber version of the theme plays as Samus takes off her helmet and surveys the destroyed Artifact Temple.
===Metroid Prime 2: Echoes===
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes remixes the Theme of Samus as Star Ship, the theme heard during the intro cutscene as Samus's Gunship enters the stormy atmosphere of Aether. This version has the bass line performed quietly by strings, with a lot of emphasis on a new choir melody. Unfortunately, this version of Star Ship is not currently available without sound effects, though variations would be heard in later games.
Echoes later features the Theme of Samus, this time including the full theme with the heroic fanfare. This remix plays during the story of doomed G.F.S. Tyr crew; this suggests that the song acts as a theme for the Galactic Federation in this game, rather than Samus herself. Ing Battle takes over as the Federation Marines are overwhelmed by Dark Splinters. Unfortunately, this version is also unable to be heard without sound effects. It can be heard here: 
Echoes uses the Theme of Samus one last time, with an organ rendition nearly identical to the Prologue theme from Metroid Prime. It transitions to a low choir singing The Luminoth. It can be heard here: 
===Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt===
In Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt, the Theme of Samus is played during the intro movie. It begins with a low piano, transitions to organ, and then switches to a fast-paced electronic version. It is accompanied by choir and punctuated by low brass. This only features the bass line and does not play the fanfare. It can be heard here: 
===Metroid Prime Hunters===
In Metroid Prime Hunters, the Theme of Samus is played in the intro cutscene upon starting a new save file, as the Hunter Gunship flies towards the Alimbic Cluster. It is heard again in the ending cutscene as Samus pilots her Hunter Gunship away, having completed the mission. This version is fast-paced and aggressive, sounding similar to the First Hunt remix. Unfortunately, it is not currently available without sound effects and is one of several tracks not included in the Music Test.
===Metroid Prime 3: Corruption===
In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the Theme of Samus was arranged as In the Cockpit. It is primarily based upon the drums and choir of the original theme. It was later remixed for Metroid: Samus Returns, where the connection to the original theme is more apparent. An extended version of In the Cockpit, featuring the theme's iconic triumphant fanfare, can be heard when Samus meets Aurora Unit 242 in person after obtaining the PED Suit, and again when she speaks to Fleet Admiral Castor Dane on the Pirate Homeworld.
A variation of Star Ship from Echoes can also be heard in Corruption as Samus lands on Norion. It is nearly identical to the Echoes version, but it is shorter in length and the strings sound louder and more tense.
A final remix (combined with Ship Down) is included in the Corruption ending cutscene, as Samus's Gunship flies past the G.F.S. Olympus and she transmits a message that her mission is complete. This version is heavy on brass and organ, and while it starts off soft, it builds up to a resolving chord. It can be heard here: 
===WarioWare D.I.Y.===
The Theme of Samus is remixed as 9-volt's S. Metroid record, which is a metal remix including some 8-bit instruments. It can be heard here: 
In the official DLC Metroid microgame created by Yoshio Sakamoto, another remix of Theme of Samus plays while freezing and shooting Metroid larvae.
===Metroid: Other M===
The Theme of Samus was remixed in Metroid: Other M. It is present in the trailers (including the one shown at E3 2010), on Metroid.jp and Metroid.com, and in-game in the Story feature. This version is based entirely on the bass and choir section, never actually building up to the heroic fanfare. It can be heard here: 
Other M does eventually feature the heroic fanfare in Result. This brief orchestral arrangement is based upon the very ending of the credits theme from Super Metroid.
===Metroid: Samus Returns===
A brand new remix of the original Super Metroid intro theme is present in Metroid: Samus Returns for the game's introduction and the Chozo Memories. It is titled Prologue in the Sound Test and internal files. It is also featured in the Nintendo 3DS Theme and on the Samus Archives Sound Selection CD, titled Theme of Samus by the latter. It, along with In the Cockpit, was used in a Nintendo España tweeted video in which fans gave their impressions of the game.Nintendo España (NintendoES). "Descubre qué les ha parecido #Metroid: Samus Returns a los fans. Ya disponible para #3DS.
👉 https://www.nintendo.es/Juegos/Nintendo-3DS/Metroid-Samus-Returns-1234232.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=MetroidSamusReturns%7CGamescomReactionsTrailer%7Cw40 …" 7 Oct 2017 6:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoES/status/916588933156179968 It also played in the Weapons Trailer, and also played through the Samus Returns segment for the September 13, 2017 Nintendo Direct right up to the "glitched" footage that hinted at the game's final boss.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztMGTTAjsAQ The theme can be heard here: 
Samus Returns features another arrangement in the style of Star Ship from Echoes and Corruption, internally named Movie Ship Landing, as Samus lands on SR388. The strings now sound even darker and more aggressive than before, fitting the nature of Samus's mission to exterminate an entire species. This version is preceded by a remix of the landing on Zebes theme from Super Metroid, and followed by the Metroid Prime remix of Samus Aran's Appearance Fanfare.
The Chozo Laboratory theme seems to incorporate some notes from the Theme of Samus, most notably the choir.
As previously mentioned, Samus Returns features its own arrangement of In the Cockpit. An alternate extended version that builds up to the heroic fanfare (similar to the version heard in Result) is played during Samus and the baby's departure from SR388. This track is internally named Movie Ending.
Samus Returns features one final remix of the Theme of Samus during the Staff Credit medley. This version features the bass line performed by low strings, accompanied by a choir rendition of the series's main theme.
===Super Smash Bros. Ultimate===
In addition to the returning Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior remix from Brawl, the new remix of Vs. Ridley briefly quotes the Theme of Samus, most likely to symbolize the rivalry between Samus and Ridley.
===Metroid Dread===
Dread features another remix of the theme, as first revealed in a clip of gameplay uploaded to Twitter.任天堂株式会社 (Nintendo). "銀河最強のバウンティハンター「サムス・アラン」を襲う絶望的な恐怖。 探索型アクションゲーム「#メトロイド」シリーズ19年ぶりの完全新作『#メトロイドドレッド』がNintendo Switchに登場！ #MetroidDread" 2 September 2021 9:23 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1433601386449719296 The full track is heard during the introduction, titled Samusstory.The song's filename in the internal data of Dread is "s_samusstory". It is heard during Encounter Professor in Ferenia when Samus speaks during her conversation with Quiet Robe, where the triumphant melody is cut short just before its final note to emphasize the sudden assassination of Quiet Robe by a Robot Chozo Soldier; this is also reminiscent of Chozo Gallery abruptly cutting off the Theme of Samus in Samus Returns. It plays again very briefly during Power Bomb in Hanubia after Samus uses her Metroid powers to defeat E.M.M.I.-07PB. The full version can be heard here: , the Ferenia version can be heard at the end of Encounter Professor here: , and the Hanubia version can be heard at the end of Power Bomb here: .
This version also appears in Tetris 99 on the limited time Dread-themed board. It plays until 49 players have been eliminated from the game, at which point the main Artaria theme begins playing for the remaining 50 players. The Theme of Samus was used in the February 9, 2022 Nintendo Direct during the segment announcing free updates adding Rookie Mode, Dread Mode and Boss Rush to Dread.
At The Game Awards 2021, where Dread was a nominee for Game of the Year, the Theme of Samus was played as part of the orchestral medley near the show's end. This arrangement can be heard here.
==Trivia==
*The track titles of Super Metroid: Sound in Action indicate that this theme was not originally intended to be Samus Aran's leitmotif. Instead, the album refers to Crateria Surface as . It was not until Super Smash Bros. Brawl that the credits theme received its current title, and this was affirmed by the Samus Archives Sound Selection naming the prologue theme.
==References==
Category:Music
Category:Temple Grounds
Category:Super Metroid: Sound in Action
Category:Samus Archives Sound Selection
Category:Sound Test (Samus Returns)
Category:Ferenia
Category:Hanubia