Game music of the day: Street Fighter Alpha 2 - Sakura's theme

GR's ongoing tribute to the beloved world of videogame music

Words: GamesRadarCarolynGudmundson on April 29, 2010

Welcome to GamesRadar's daily blast of all things pertaining to the ever-growing field of game music. Each post will introduce new sounds, games, composers and fan-made remixes of gaming's greatest aural achievements.

April 29, 2010

Game: Street Fighter Alpha 2, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo

Song: Theme of Sakura

Composer: Setsuo Yamamoto and Shun Nishigaki

Above: Sakura's theme from her debut in Street Fighter Alpha 2

While anyone can enjoy the universal appeal of Sakura's lively melody, it can be most truly be appreciated by those who love the character herself, because it fits so perfectly with Sakura's personality. Just like Sakura, her theme is energetic and sincere. It gives it 100%, without any gimmick or pretense. True fans know that what makes Sakura special is that there isn't anything special about her - she's just an average girl who fought her way to the top through pure hard work and determination.

Since Alpha 2, Sakura's theme has appeared in almost every game she's been in, from Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix to Street Fighter IV. The strong melody is what makes Sakura's theme stand out, so it's difficult to pick which particular arrangement is the best, but I fell in love with this song when I unlocked the vocal version from Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo.

Above: Vocal track from Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, "I Want You to Know" (lyrics and translation here)

Above: Sakura is a kind person, but she shows no mercy in battle. Also, Chun-Li is a crybaby

Game music of the day: Loaded
Track 5, highly catchy electronic music

Game music of the day: Mean Bean Machine
Versus mode by Nagao, Tsukamoto and Hikichi

Game music of the day: Street Fighter II
Credits music by Shimomura, Abe and Lyla

Platforms:

PS3, PS2, PC, PSP

12 comments

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lymanzaar - October 3, 2010 4:02 p.m.

All i remember of this song is playing Puzzle Fighter and almost winning when Sakura busted out a super combo on me. not fair.
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darkdispatch523 - May 1, 2010 11:07 a.m.

For the TRUTH go to:: http://www.sovereigntimes.com/
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philipshaw - April 30, 2010 11:41 a.m.

This is one of my favorite SF theme
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AgentHonor - April 30, 2010 7:16 a.m.

I actually like the Namco X Capcom version of her theme. the SSF4/SSf4 version is good too, sure wish Capcom used character themes on SSf4 like the old games.
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lovinmyps3 - April 30, 2010 1:42 a.m.

And I actually prefer the SFIV version myself. The vocal track is still awesome though! =D
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lovinmyps3 - April 30, 2010 1:35 a.m.

Sakura is my best character. She plays like Ryu yet slightly different, and with better Super/Ultra combos.
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ventanger - April 30, 2010 1:05 a.m.

Sakura is my main in SF4, not sure if she'll still be in Super...
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TrIp13G - April 30, 2010 12:33 a.m.

I prefer her stage music from Alpha 3, personally. Though this song is good, as well.
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GamesRadarTylerNagata - April 30, 2010 12:32 a.m.

I love this song.
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EnragedTortoise1 - April 30, 2010 12:30 a.m.

Sakura is kickass- she's the only person I can reliably use in Alpha 2 (ironically, it's the only SF I own :P)
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KickmanX - April 30, 2010 12:19 a.m.

The original kicks all manner of ass, and it was easily my favorite song from that game. The remake with the vocals? Not so much.
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rafa_slash - April 29, 2010 11:04 p.m.

I love this song but the one with lyrics is incredibly cringe inducing
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