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Sega celebrates 35th anniversary of Rent a Hero launch

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Sega celebrates 35th anniversary of Rent a Hero launch
Record label Sega Music is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Rent a Hero. Designed by Keiji Okayasu at AM2, the action role-playing game launched for Sega Mega Drive in Japan on September 20th in 1991.

Rent a Hero is the story of Taro Yamada, an unassuming teenager who accidentally winds up with high-tech superhero armor in place of his pizza delivery. To cover the costs of the battery charges and rental fees, Taro takes on hero-for-hire jobs across Aero City, Japan.

The soundtrack reflects the satirical, lighthearted premise of a far-fetched henshin hero story following the exploits of a costumed crimefighter. Music is by Hiro, credited in the staff roll as Hiroshi Kawaguchi. Like celebrity cameos, the composer's recognizable themes from Outrun, After Burner, Space Harrier, and GP Rider pop up in Aero City’s game center.

The soundtrack includes vocal track “Can You Become Rent-a-Hero for Mankind’s Sake?" from Fighters Megamix, created in collaboration with vocalist Takenobu Mitsuyoshi and lyricist Tombo Arikawa at Sega. (Taro was included as an unlockable hidden fighter in Fighters Megamix, released for Sega Saturn in December of 1996.) Also included is an instrumental karaoke variation.

All 26 tracks are streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited, published online in 2014 by Sega. The comic book cover art is illustrated by Mari Koizumi.

Rent a Hero Original Soundtrack - Apple Music / YouTube Music