Here’s a Zelda fact for you: everyone loves the Twinrova boss and the two witches Koume and Kotake, and I assume the same applies to their catchy theme. It’s mischievous, bewitching, and fierce. Koji Kondo really struck gold with this brilliant composition in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, which is now in dozens of covers and remixes across the internet.
One great remix in particular that has caught my ear is Qumu’s recreation. It’s got me thinking once again about how great the duo is, both as NPCs and a boss, and hoping that they return to the franchise soon. Maybe in a game where classic bosses and brilliant remixes of their themes return? Maybe in a game that utilizes music as a game mechanic to maximize Zelda’s timeless tunes? Anyone see where I’m going with this yet? #cadenceofhyrule
As with all iterations of the “Koume and Kotake Theme”, Qumu’s version immediately reminds us of the two quirky witches bickering and teasing Link in Ocarina of Time, and in Majora’s Mask being sassy entrepreneurs in the Southern Swamp. But more specifically, it reminds us of a boss that is not just a brainless monster, but clever-witted and comical. Qumu’s albeit short but extremely tight and impactful remix immediately sent me back in time to the Spirit Temple, where Link confronts the two for what is in my opinion the most creative boss in the game.
With this in mind, I would love to see them return in Cadence of Hyrule, where bosses from throughout the Zelda series have reprised their roles and received incredible remixes for the rhythm-based gameplay. It wasn’t until I heard Qumu’s remix though that I realized how badly I want this and how well it would actually work, as it would fit in the game perfectly. It has that consistent, catchy beat that gets you bobbing your head and tapping the nearest table along to it. All you gotta do is tap the movement buttons on your Switch instead.
What’s also interesting about the remix, and what would make it work well for a perfect reiteration of Koume and Kotake as a boss, is its duality. It has slightly slower tempo parts and then the more powerful, upbeat sections that turn the fire and ice up to eleven. The slower parts to me sound perfect for the less intense phase with Koume and Kotake, where they would float around the room as they do in Ocarina of Time, and then as soon as the high energy part kicks in, that’s Twinrova time.
Maybe my brain is too filled with Cadence of Hyrule right now following the recent DLC announcement for it, but you can’t blame a girl for getting hyped and imagining all the possibilities with unbeatable Zelda music.
