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Arena Showdown
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"Arena Showdown"[1] (also simply referred to as"The Arena"[2][3]) is a musical piece which first appeared inKirby Super Star, playing in multiple battles ofThe Arena.
Composition[edit]
"Arena Showdown" is a resolute theme in A Phrygian dominant and 4/4. It is characterized by a sharp rhythm with staccato and classical instrumentation similar to the "Mars" movement ofGustav Holst'sThe Planets suite, which is often associated with war, due to the Roman god of war bearing the same name. This rhythm appears prominently starting from the intro, which revolves around the tonic. The first section's melody is presented with a trumpet opening, starting with a rising fourth, followed by a slow ascent followed by a fall back to the original pitch; this phrase highlights the traits of its key. As the accompaniment remains unchanged for the second phrase, the melody comes in shorter sections and played by strings, as a new motif appears during the breaks. Consisting of rising major triads with a specific dotted rhythm, this motif bears resemblance with the analogous rising triad of "Green Greens". The two motifs continue to respond to each other before leading to a bright and climactic dominant conclusion in the form of a second section, with a change of instrumentation in the bassline and added harp arpeggios.
As the melody changes its direction and moves up, the accompaniment's pace is briefly slowed down to make room for the following pattern. The third section features a primarily descending harmonic A major variation of the initial motif played by a more quiet synth, while the rhythm of the accompaniment becomes largely syncopated. This rhythm, as well as the descending motion and use of intricate ornaments, brings the music close toflamenco, which can be associated withtoreros, Spanish bullfighters who also perform on specialized arenas. The melody of the third section resolves in the peaceful melodic D major. The warlike character returns with the first section as the track loops.
Game appearances[edit]
Kirby Super Star[edit]
"Arena Showdown" is the main battle theme inThe Arena, and plays in everymid-boss andBoss battle that does not have a unique battle theme. In theSound Test, the theme appears as track 64.
Kirby Air Ride[edit]
The original version of the theme can be unlocked inKirby Air Ride as an alternate theme inSky Sands. In theSound Test, it appears as track 14, and is called"The Arena".
Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
"Arena Showdown" plays the same role as the original game. In theSound Test, the theme appears as track 83.
Additionally, inHelper to Hero, a different version of this theme plays, making use of a heavy electric guitar-like sample similar to the one used in "True Arena Showdown". It can be heard in the Sound Test as track 92.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]
A remix of the theme is present inKirby: Triple Deluxe, and, like its original appearance, is the main battle theme inThe Arena, playing in every battle that does not have a unique battle theme, and also appearing in theJukebox as track 115.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
TheKirby: Triple Deluxe arrangement of this track plays when viewing the "Super Ultra Battle!"Celebration Picture, and can be heard in theJukebox as track 144.
Kirby Air Riders[edit]
InKirby Air Riders, the original theme reprises its role fromKirby Air Ride.
Names in other languages[edit]
Arena Showdown[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | コロシアムの戦い[4][1][5] Koroshiamu no tatakai | Colosseum Battle |
| English | Arena Showdown[1] | - |
The Arena[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 格闘王への道[2][3] Kakutō-ō e no Michi | The Road to Become a Fighting King The Japanese name of The Arena. Later, this name would be given tothe title screen theme of The Arena. |
| English | The Arena[2][3] | - |
| Chinese | The Arena[3] | - |
| Dutch | The Arena[3] | - |
| European French | Arène[2] | Arena |
| German | The Arena[2] | - |
| Italian | The Arena[2] | - |
| Korean | 격투왕의 길[3] gyeogtuwang-ui gil | The Road of the Fighting King |
| Portuguese | The Arena[3] | - |
| European Spanish | The Arena[2] | - |
References
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- Pages using Tabber parser tag
- Articles which list Japanese names
- Articles which list Chinese names
- Articles which list Dutch names
- Articles which list French names
- Articles which list German names
- Articles which list Italian names
- Articles which list Korean names
- Articles which list Portuguese names
- Articles which list Spanish names
