For a game like Pokemon Colosseum, there’s no better way to celebrate an anniversary than with some great music. November 21, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the classic Nintendo GameCube Pokemon spin-off game. In honor of this milestone, the game’s composer, Tsukasa Tawada, uploaded a piano arrangement of the Pyrite Town theme to his YouTube channel.
Pokemon Colosseum boasts a uniquely desolate and dangerous vibe for the Pokemon series. It is set in the arid Orre region with a more mature—by Pokemon standards—protagonist who is initially in league with some of the game’s villains. Enhancing the game’s atmosphere is its fantastic soundtrack, which was composed and arranged by Tawada. Among the game’s many stellar songs is the iconic theme of Pyrite Town, a rusty, dusty mining town set in a canyon. The track is well-loved by fans for its sharp snaps leading into a bluesy melody.
For Pokemon Colosseum’s 20th anniversary, Tawada plays what is typically bass and brass in his original arrangement for Pyrite Town on piano, accompanied by oh-so-many splendid snaps. As if the fantastic song weren’t enough by itself, the video to go along with it is absolutely delightful. Tawada’s joy as he plays and snaps along to his brilliant composition is practically palpable.
Fans have taken the opportunity to thank Tawada for this latest rendition of the beloved track. User @RiposteBK expresses gratitude as well as shock over how time flies with the comment, “Absolutely fantastic work!! Thank you for the memories… crazy to think [it’s] been 20 years.”
Pokemon Colosseum isn’t nearly as famous as its main series counterparts, but it has still garnered a dedicated fan base in the years following its release. Pokemon Colosseum was originally released in Japan on November 21, 2003, but would have its releases in North America, Europe, and Australia spread out across 2004. In 2024, fans will have another 20th anniversary to celebrate this beloved title, one we can only hope is accompanied by more arrangements for its fantastic soundtrack.
