The Lion King 1 1/2 OST

Composed by? Shin'en Multimedia

Length? 16 minutes and 22 seconds

Released? October 7, 2003

Where to listen? In game or traversing the 7 seas

Rating: 5/5

This OST gives me a lot of nostalgia, I grew up playing this game a lot as a child. It's unique set of instruments really fits with the african setting of The Lion King, as well as the silly nature of Timon and Pumbaa. A big highlight of this OST is its use of "(Action)" themes during the chase levels. They really gave me the sense of urgency of the situations our main duo were in. I love how each (Action) theme is a more urgent and reworked version of their (Puzzle) variants of the same chapter. It adds a level of consistency to the chapters, which I like a lot.

DISC 1

1. "Hakuna Matata (Original)" - 5/5

A really nice rendition of Hakuna Matata and a great song to introduce the game! I really love the instruments used in this track, and they're something that will be present in this entire game's OST.

2. "Chapter 1 (Puzzle)" - 5/5

A nice cute tune that plays in the first level. I think it reflects the chill nature of the area you're in since it acts as a tutorial area. Its also very bright and vibrant, which is what this song conjures images of.

3. "Chapter 1 (Action)" - 5/5

While being an Action theme, it still keeps the chill vibes of the original Puzzle theme. It ramps up the excitement a little but still lets you know you're mostly safe here. It still has those cute sounds to it!

4. "Chapter 2 (Puzzle)" - 5/5

This one is somehow even more chill than the previous chapter's theme. Still though, I quite like it a lot. The xylophone-like instrument that kicks in at 0:20 seconds is a nice touch and is my favorite part of the song.

5. "Chapter 2 (Action)" - 5/5

This definetely ramps up the excitement a lot compared to the original! The scene this plays in is super fun too, I can see Pumbaa charging in my head whenever I hear this. I love the background noise that kicks in at 0:15, it's one of my favorite things the songs in this OST use.

6. "Chapter 3 (Puzzle)" - 5/5

One of my top favorite songs from this game's soundtrack! This track stood out to me a lot. It does a really great job of portraying the dark and gloomy atmosphere of the Elephant Graveyard. It also plays during the canyon portions of this chapter, which are equally as dangerous. Upon hearing it you know this place isn't going to be safe.

7. "Chapter 3 (Action)" - 5/5

Definetely another favorite of mine, I loved the Puzzle theme and the Action theme made it 10x better! This song stood out to me for much the same reasons as the one above. With its more fast paced and urgent sound it really gets your adrenaline going during the levels this plays in. I always think of the hyena sounds that would play as they chase you during this chapter.

8. "Chapter 4 (Puzzle)" - 5/5

Back to really chill vibes! Not much I have to say about this one other than I got to hear this one a lot since I really loved exploring the Jungle area this plays in.

9. "Chapter 4 (Action)" - 5/5

This reminds me of something that would of played earlier in the game due to its more chill and silly sound. I really love the steel drum used in this one.

10. "Chapter 5 (Puzzle)" - 5/5

This track is another top favorite of mine from this OST. Stuff starts to get really serious from this point onward in the story and this track really portrays that. From Timon and Pumbaa getting split and having to traverse dangerous lands alone, to the fight against Scar and his hyenas. The second half of this chapter takes place in a very somber and destroyed Pridelands, which is perfect for this song. Its also what I associate most with this track.

11. "Chapter 5 (Action)" - 5/5

This track is another top favorite, man I love it so much. I used to replay the level where the hyenas would chase you in the Pridelands during this chapter a lot so I got to hear this often. It's way more adrenaline inducing than Chapter 3's was in my opinion. It's a more urgent and reworked version of its Puzzle variant, which makes it sound all the more darker. Much like Chapter 3's Action, I wish this included the hyena sounds you would hear ingame. They really do add to the atmosphere of the track.

12. "Bonus Level" - 5/5

I'm not sure why but this one always sounded quite dire, like something bad was about to happen. The bonus levels tended to be timed though, so maybe they wanted to give the player a sense of urgency? Anyway, this theme is pretty good, I like it a lot!

13. "Game Over" - 5/5

I always really liked the tune they made whenever you get a game over and the animation that plays with it. It's so silly!

14. "Complete" - 5/5

Similar to the "Game Over", I really like the little tune they made for this too! It's so satisfying to hear after a level.