VGM Single Track Reviews.

[Secret Squirrel]

This thread started out as a way to list what VGM you were currently listening to, but it eventually evolved into a mini-review depository for singular tracks.

KOEI BGM Collection Vol. 07 - Sangokushi III & Gemfire - Track 31


This is a great old-school track from the Gemfire (Royal Blood) game. I love the crystaline sound that is kept throughout this track (and a few others). Like many older game music sequences, the melody is strongly accentuated without being overplayed.

This track will be played on Klondike's radio show tonight.

[Galatea]

As I was driving today, I listened to the Baldur's Gate II soundtrack. I really enjoyed the Main Title music because it is a powerful instrumental that makes me feel like going out and fighting some monsters. It empowers me and brings me into a "Lord of the Rings" type mood :D I must install and play this game now.

[Secret Squirrel]

Diablo 2 Soundtrack -- 02 - Rogue


The diablo 2 soundtrack has such a wonderful cohesive sound. This particular track is one of my favorites, and it contains a lot of acoustic guitar and some flute. The way that electronic sounds are blended with the real instruments reminds me of the music from a couple of 70s sci-fi shows or movies. If you listen carefully near the end, you can hear waves crashing against a shore.

[Makura Wing]

Pikmin Worlds - Pikmin

Wonderfully quirky. A light-hearted, bouncy, imaginative piece from Kondo-san. There are a plethora of great sounds fused together so beautifully in this piece - crickets, bird-chirps and many other animal sounds that reflect the nature of the game so effectively. I've yet to play Pikmin, but upon listening to the first few tracks of Pikmin Worlds, I'm all the more eager for it.

[Zeratul]

Front Mission 3 - 1 - 19 - Escape

This is one of my favorite songs on the OST due to its fast paced composition. The combination of the tense synth melody and the frantic percussion rhythms from many other instruments make this one of the best examples of tension creating music in VGM, especially at its powerful climax.

[Musharraf]

Orchestral Game Concert 2 - Track 03 - Village (Sim City)

Ladies and gentleman, that's the bomb. This track is COMPLETELY surprising, and win the "Musharraf had no idea orchestras could do this to crappy VGM" award of the year: SIM CITY ORCHESTRATED! This is actually my favorite track on OGC2, without any reservation. It's melodic, it's beautiful, it's great.
Reminds me of Star Wars music sometimes. Don't miss that baby!!!!!

[Rince]

Just listen to "Fear of the Angels" on OGC 3 (I think) or the orchestrated Version of "Maria, Draku and the Dream Oath" on OGC 4 - I was breatheless the first time I heard those two.

[Musharraf]

Originally posted by Rince
Just listen to "Fear of the Angels" on OGC 3 (I think) or the orchestrated Version of "Maria, Draku and the Dream Oath" on OGC 4 - I was breatheless the first time I heard those two.

Yep, that's right. I love Secret Of Mana music in general, but this track is very amazing, too.
Dream Oath? Isn't it that 24 minutes long thing? First, I was shocked when I saw the time, but hands down, this track is astounding. Whenever I listen to it, I feel like at an opera ;)

[Rince]

Actually it was performed like an opera, or so I heard. Figures, given the two singers.

Although it's NOT orchestral, but rather orchestrated by synthesizer, Dracula New Classic still stays my all time favorite in sense of execution, though. Only some tracks on OGC can beat it.

[Strohmie]

Dracula Bloodlines - Calling from Heaven

I don't care what anyone says about the arranged version - I prefer the original. Not that the arranged version's bad or anything, it's actually one of my favorites on the first Dracula Battle CD. The original is simply one of my favorite Dracula pieces of all time. There's just something about the melody that's completely addictive, along with the scales in the background, and that chord progression...damn good stuff.

Strohmaier

[Makura Wing]

Shinto Shrine - Tobal No. 1 OST

Sometimes I download media without even realising it. Almost as if I am in a trance-like state when I'm leeching off the FTPs.

This happens to be the case when I downloaded this pearler of a song. For a moment I had confused Masashi Hamauzu with the likes of Ken Ishii. Shinto Shrine is a wonderfully groovy piece of VGM electronica/big beat, featuring great pads, and a funky bassline. Hamauzu has expertly incorporated traditional oriental elements into this wonderful piece of electronica.

I'm hooked.

[Zeratul]

Icewind Dale - 05 - Temple of Tempus

With its haunting gregorian chanting, resonaating wind, and ethereal percussion rhythm that is complemented by a mysterious horn melody this song demonstrates just how epic songs can be in as little as a minute and forty-eight seconds. This is a very cool piece that elevates ambient VGM to an entirely new level.

[Zeratul]

Breath of Fire 4 - 1 - 14 - A Warring God

This is one of my favorite boss themes by Yoshino Aoki. It has a distinct oriental feel with a strong sitar melody and tabla rhythm. The singing in it adds a lot to its intensity with the support from the flute and other voicing effects. It's very cool and one of the most unique boss themes ever made.

[Secret Squirrel]

Magna Carta - The Phantom of Avalanche Original Soundtrack -- 13 - Mysterious Woods

This track contains a special blend of the melody, carried by electronic instruments, accompanied by guitar and a subdued percussion. The result is haunting and mysterious. This particular track is one of my favorites from this Korean online game.

[Zeratul]

Breath of Fire 4 - 2 - 25 - Dragon's Blood

Though not as interesting as "A Raging Emperor's Banquet" before it, "Dragon's Blood" manages to be a very intense final boss theme with its tension creating strings and almost klaxon like brass melody. The anxious percussion only serves to make this song more powerful and fitting for Fou-Lu in his Astral Dragon form. It's one of Yoshino Aoki's bests.

[NYRSkate]

Kingdom Hearts OST - Disc 1, Track 32 - Hand In Hand

I got this game a few days ago, and the music is simply amazing. I've had the OST for months, but I put it off until after I'd played through the game as not to spoil it for me.

This is one of the many battle themes present in the game, and it's certainly one of the better ones. If you don't know already, the music makes a transition from the world theme to the battle theme without any interruption, and this song just melds perfectly with its accompanying world theme. Full of drama and motivation, it'll keep you hacking away at the Heartless until they're annihilated. [/corny]

The only negative is that after you've progressed far enough into the game, it's impossible to hear the music for more than 10-15 seconds at a time since you're powerful enough to wipe out a slew of enemies with just a couple of sword strikes. Thank god for the OST.

[Zeratul]

Front Mission 3 - 1 - 25 - Advacing Attack

This is another great battle theme from Front Mission 3, and its composition sounds like an interesting combination between techno and jazz. It has an exciting drum rhythm between the techno percussion and other drum. Then the matallic piano makes for a great exciting melody that when joined with the light airy flute and technoish bubble-like sounds. Very cool combination of techno and orchestral with many jazzy elements. The wind sounds in the background elevate this to a level of perfection.

[Zeratul]

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - 11 - Battle 2

This battle theme is typical of the SNES era with driving synth melody that and heroic drum rhythms. It's a very cool, but short song by Ryuji Sasai.

[Musharraf]

Secret Of Evermore OST - 02 - Variations Of Castle Theme

Wanna hear an extraordinary good piano piece from a rather unknown game? Take this one and enjoy. This is just wonderful. Be sure to grab your MP3 with a good bitrate (192 recommenced). In the middle of this 3-minute track, the piano suddenly starts to get faster and faster and the piano player seems to be VERY capable! This track, in my opinion, is the only diamond of the entire soundtrack, and if I had to buy the CD, I would buy it just because of this one amazing track. Amen.

[Zeratul]

Front Mission 3 - 2 - 18 - Swift Attack

With its funky beat and upbat combination of jazz and techno this song demonstrates just how innovative and exciting music in this game can get. The heroic synth melody driven by the intricate drum rhythms create a great feeling of optimism in an otherwise very intense battle. The piano interlude at the climax solidifies this feeling at the end of the song with great flair.

[Rince]

Panzer Dragoon Zwei! - Alternative Elements
07 - Ruins

This whole Album (the whole game, actually) is great. The music in "Ruins" is a happy, upbeat tune with some nice instrumentation to it, where Violin is one of the key instruments, but mostly electronical instrumentations dominate, nicely laid-in bells underline the melody.

The style is best described as "Ambient Dance" I think. If you have the chance to, listen to this album.

[Zeratul]

R-Type Delta - 09 - Stage Four

This song is one of the highlights of the soundtrack for me with its techno/rock combination that has a distinct space feel to it. The powerful string melody combined with the brass forms a very interesting combination with the intense guitar riffs, methodical percussion, and strange techno sounds. As the song progresses the heroic melody becomes more and more intense - due to it being synced with the level - and after a very fast, powerful string interlude, enters an almost chaotic phase to convey the hightened level of intensity and action. The techno sounds and rhythms become more high-pitched and prevalent, with the drum beat adding the perfect level of tension. As the song clears this climax it ends with a less intense drum beat and piano melody. All in all, this song is perfection.

[Zeratul]

Genso Suikoden - 1 - 07 - Main Theme Arrange ~Guitar Version~

This is a very peaceful theme with a very nice guitar melody to carry the serene, calming melody that is nice for contemplation.

[Pez]

Mirthless (King of Fighters 97 AST)

In a Jazz/Blues style as opposed to the classical variation usually employed on piano collections, this lyrical piano piece clocks in at 6 minutes and is simply an auditory feast for the ears.

[Zeratul]

R-Type Delta - Stage One

Since this is the theme of the opening stage in R-Type Delta, it's much more lighthearted and heroic in its tone compared to the others. Through its excellent combination of progressive rock and techno it manages to have a very engaging melody that fits the mood for blasting Bydos perfectly in all of its great dynamics (thanks to the level syncing.) Incredible guitar riffs and percussion with the help of some almost alien techno sections make this a fine example of innovative progressive rock.

[Secret Squirrel]

Nobunaga's Ambition - Zenkokuban Sangokushi - 02 World Dream

This vocal track is quite catchy, and I don't recall that many that I've enjoyed on the Koei albums. A nice selection of acoustic instruments are used. The main singer is female, but there are a few male voices in background harmonizing roles.

[Zeratul]

Legaia Duel Saga - 2 - 01 - Lost Forest

With its peaceful harp rhythms and paino melody that is joined by a nostalgic flute and flute, this song stands as one of the best Hitoshi Sakimoto songs ever. The light, wistful melody progresses from the soft rhythm of the harps and rises in intensity until it becomes one of the most emotional VGM songs I've heard, even without playing the game. The haunting voices in the background only add to the overwhelming feeling of peace and nostalgia this song expertly conveys.

[Zeratul]

Dracula Battle 1 Perfect Selections - 06 - Op. 13

The instant I heard this song I knew it would become one of the most addictive Castlevanai songs I've heard. The aggressive guiatr riffs joined with the incredible synth organ and harpsichord melodies reach a level of incredible intensity that is almost overwhelming. With the amazing composition this song is a great example of how great hard rock VGM can be. Incredible.

[Secret Squirrel]

Nobunaga's Ambition Ultimate Collection -- 2-18 The Worthy Tiger Vol.2

Ah, a wonderful brass piece, which starts in the tempo of a march. I just love the chord progressions, some of which are decidedly modern. Brass music sounds so much better in higher bitrates, luckily this copy is in 192 (unlike the one on Nobunaga 2.)

[Zeratul]

Emperor: Battle for Dune (Game Rip) - Harkonnen - Defenders of Arrakis

Wow. If ponly this could have been on the promotional CD. It has a very intense mood with its fast drum and guitar rhythms. The brass melody adds a lot to create the perfect tone for a war, while the technoish sounds amidst everything else convey the robotic army of Harkonnen incredibly well. This may even be better than Harkonnen Force.

[Secret Squirrel]

Gradius Gaiden Original Game Soundtrack -- 11 Green Inferno

This is quite a thought provoking track with a Sci-FI sound and a touch of 80's synth. I love the sliding electronic 'instrument' that is used for the main melody. The constant background of bird songs (also most likely synthesized) is also a wonderful touch. This is the perfect song for this morning, while I'm not completely awake.

[Zeratul]

Street Fighter II With Alpha Lyra - 03 Fei Long ~On Your Mark~

This is an interesting song with an upbeat jazzy rhythm and an interesting oriental flair with its sitar melody. The combination with the electric guitar and funky bass makes this song very interesting and just may convince me to check out more Street Fighter music.

[Zeratul]

Salamander Pro Fusion - 03 Crystal Forever

Quiet and calming, the light, slow piano melody is simply beautiful. As it progresses the piano melody builds in intensity until it becomes louder and much more powerful. It happens to do this without ever becoming oppressive and makes great lounge music. The acoustic guitar and synth voicing enhance its calm mood even more. Yay! More jazz VGM makes Zeratul happy!

[Blackjack]

King of Fighters '99 Arranged -176th Street- Track 3

Absolutely beautiful jazz rendition of a techno song. The soulful wail of the trumpets makes it feel like you are walking down a rainy street, rejoicing in your last victory but watching for the next challenger. Amazing.

[Zeratul]

F-Zero X OST - 07 - Crazy Call at Cry

This is a very nice, fast paced song by the N64 Sound Team. The electric guitar riffs that drive the songs melody create a very cool feeling of speed and adrenaline that is enhanced by the furious drum rhythms. The dynamic melody helps to keep this song very fun and engaging even after multiple listens.

[Secret Squirrel]

Well, it's been almost a year, so let's bring this back and see what happens ...

Heroine Anthem 2 - Limited Edition Soundtrack CD -- 03 - Track03


This is a soundtrack from one of many Asian, but non-Japanese RPGs to gain popularity in the past year. This one is Chinese, as best as I can tell. This particular track makes wonderful use of acoustic guitar, an additional stringed instrument, and a recorder, and combines them to convey what must be a village in sadness. The Chinese and Korean soundtracks are very refreshing in a climate where Japanese RPG music has come to dominate.

[Eight Rooks]

And why not?

I posted a whole review for LH, but here's just one track:

iRO (International Ragnarok Online) P2P OST game rip

29: Be Nice'N'Easy

More of the light, almost jazzy, rapidly dancing breaks, little stabby synth bassline with some soft, almost hidden guitar picking running along with it and bits of soft wind chimes and such. Then the main riff comes in on what sounds almost like a steel band, then it breaks down, a lot darker, rolling, more discordant drum fills, reedy wailing and different synth tapping. Finally another rippling, tumbling synth joins in for the last quarter. More of the active, busy ambient; fast and hurried yet wonderfully emotive and melancholy. Top marks - a standout track.

[Grass-eatin'me]

Zan: Kagerou no Toki - Ransei.ogg

This is one of the premier Motoi Sakuraba melodies. It exist in Zan: Era of the Rising Sun (Kagerou no Toki) for X68000, Zan Gear for Game Gear, and Zan II Spirits (port of Kagerou) for Super Famicom. It is one of the few Sakuraba melodies which actually contains an acoustic quitar solo (partly)! It's only 1:36 long though. It was originally a super-pitched trumpet song, but the conversion to guitar was fabulous, and made this song into something special. As I said, Zan Gear for Game Gear exists, and I've made some good old VGM logs of them, check them out at the http://www.slightlydark.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1953 thread. Motoi Sakuraba is the god. Thank you.

*swirls away*

[Eight Rooks]

Rage Of The Dragons (game rip)

[theme for the ruined factory stage]

Yeesh.:omg: So all NeoGeo original OSTs aren't throwaway, atonal fuzzed up chip-music nonsense? :D Apologies to the KoF OST fans, sorta - but if Eolith can do this, no-one else has ever had any excuse.

This particular track sounds like a severely pissed-off Zuntata, perhaps; thundering heavy geetar (either a few long samples on the riffs or some really well-manipulated short chops), nice and tight drum programming (not a bad set, too - way above GGX's terrible samples) and some lovely crisp proggy keyboards, a bright pad swirling around in back, a parpy noise on the lead and climbing, sparkling chimes on the breakdown. Simple stabby analog basslines back it up and some wonderfully clear vaguely Bulgarian-singer style vocal wails round off the loop. A highlight in a fantastic OST, far and away the best Neo soundtrack ever produced - what their secret is I don't know.

[Zeratul]

Metroid Prime - 2 - 14- Samus Vs. Metroid Prime

With its heavy percussion and erratic melody this song quickly becomes one of my all time favorite final boss themes to an action game. The drum reverb and alien noises elevate this song to a whole new level of ambience. This is one of Kenji Yamamato's best.

[Eight Rooks]

Shikigami No Shiro (Castle Of Shikigami)
01 - July 23rd: 18 Hours, 35 Minutes [remix]

I've never played the game, so I have no idea if this track only appears on the OST, but it's the one great track in an otherwise pretty bland and forgettable parade of lightweight prog noodling and bad samples. This remix is one of the best collisions I've ever heard of old-skool mid to late 90s VGM noises, those sliding synths and cheapie bell noises and the like, with more up-to-date jittery house arpeggios and vaguely down-tempo fast drum programming and sub bass hits. Cute little intro and outro with the sound of the game itself being played in fuzzy 8-bit audio, some great semi-Zuntata melodies, vocoder voices, tacky rave synths... disappointing the breakbeats are more of the same two or three stock samples I've heard a million times before, but other than that, this is great. One of my favourite tracks going. If only there were anything else on the OST for either SNS I or II to even come close to it. Ah, missed opportunities...

[DAIMOS]

Perfect Selection Dracula - 02 Mad Forest

The only arranged version of mad forest that i know is an incredible synth arrangement that makes me feel so good!

And don't forget the Time Crisis OST which have a couple of great tunes, action movies style ;)

Anyway, the Super Famicom sound chip is the most important thing 2 me in the VGMs.

[Zeratul]

Legend of Mana - 1 - 23 - The Darkness Nova

This is an incredible hard rock song with an amazingly dynamic composition. The synth harmony joins the electric guitar melody for one exhilarating experience. The dynamics in the song all come together to make this one of the fastest paced songs on the soundtrack. All in all, this is one of Yoko Shimomura's best.

[XISMZERO]

Perfect Selection Dracula - 08 - Vampire Killer [From Demon Castle Dracula].mp3

There's a beefy percentage of people who abhor this entire album because of three specific cheesy lyrical rap tracks. I have to choose just one song from it that really just cheers me up, gets me dancin' and paints an absolute smile on my face with it's hilariously goofy early-90's rap lyrics - this one takes the cake. "NIGHTSTALKERS! YOU BETTER BEWARE!" Hahahaha!

*falls over in chair*

[XISMZERO]

Dracula Perfect Selection - New Classic - 08 - Theme From ''The Legend of Dracula'' ...Legend of Dracula (GB).mp3

Felt I might choose yet another Dracula album selection, this one from what's considered the best Dracula album of them all, Dracula ~NEW CLASSIC~. This track isn't too publicized amongst those who love this album. They either speak of "Ever Green" or "Beginning", but this track epitomizes the "New Classic" style with some outstanding and very emotionally moving synth against a masterful orchestration from the Game Boy Dracula. The moment I heard this song, I couldn't get over this particular track, it envokes that same rich melancholy feeling each time I listen. Simply marvelous!

[Zeratul]

Skies of Arcadia - Armada Battle

This is easily one of the most intense and dynamic songs on the soundtrack. Though short, it is well worth listening to over and over again because of its amazing melody. The songs intense percussion adds to the power of the song while the strings weave an intricate melody that is sure to please anyone who loves battle themes.

[Eight Rooks]

Tenerezza - unknown track (#15 on the CD)

Beautiful theme from this Japanese only PC/XBox action RPG. It soundtracks the typical "winter wonderland" level that so many of these games seem to have. ;) Simple, slightly cheesy but nonetheless very catchy light downtempo dance stuff. Bit of Jrock, bit of Kpop; a shuffling backbeat, a mute guitar riff and these sliding, oldskool VGM synths along with bell-like soft analogue synth picking. It repeats a lot, but just at the end it breaks into this gorgeous, gorgeous acoustic guitar passage that is just so blissfully chillout it instantly evokes images of a burning red sun setting over an icy blue landscape. Lovely tune. My favourite on the soundtrack; Tenerezza is a Leaf/Aquaplus game, so it proves their musicians are good for something other than endlessly recycling the To Heart melodies for umpteen cheesy piano collections. :p

[Zeratul]

FFVIII - 3 - 20 - Eyes on Me

This is possibly my favorite VGM vocal song ever. The lyrics are beautiful and full of meaning while the orchestration is top notch. The emotions in this song move you unlike any other as they convey the love between Squall and Rinoa.

[XISMZERO]

Sim City 4 - 21 - Zone System.mp3 (From the PC Game Disc)

Don't be turned off by American game music, as Sim City games by Maxis have proven, the music is at times extremely well done. This track in particular sort of sticks out from the crowd of Sim City 4's very relaxing, ambient, atmospheric, jazz-styled soundtrack but this track just plain creeps me out - in a very good way. The repeating of guitar strings for four minutes accompanied by weird sound effects gives off a unsettling vibe that's extrodinary! Yet another superb track from Sim City 4.

[XISMZERO]

The King of Fighters '97 - Arrange Sound Trax - 11 - Kaze no Allegory.mp3

I've recently been exploring the vast history of SNK music, since I've always been very devoid of it up until now. While I could pick some better tracks on the album, I decided to give this one a go. First off, it's male vocalized, I often prefer male vocals if the lyrics are in Japanese (female vocalists really all sound the same to me, nauseatingly so...) It's a truly decent track and how can't it be featuring a very macho burlesque singer!? I find this track to be amusing at best, but also, the acoustic guitar accompany in the track is what makes this one a definite winner and seriously good.

~"Don't Break My Soul!!"~

[Zeratul]

Capcom Vs. SNK Millenium Fight 2000 - 14 - Stage of Geese: Vigor Force

This is one of my all time favorites on the soundtrack. The melody is decidedly sinister for a techno song and the instrumentation is superb. The voices in the song saying "you are being invaded by other powers of the resistance" help add to the sinister feeling of the song. This song ranks up there with B.B and Osaka on the rest of the soundtrack and is well worth a listen.

[XISMZERO]

The melody is decidedly sinister for an acid jazz song and the instrumentation is superb.

Acid jazz you say? Almost that entire soundtrack, including Vigor Force, is some straight up wild 'n crazy techno!

[Zeratul]

Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body - 04 - Spook & Spell (fast version)

This song is an excellent example of the revolutionary techno found on the album. The song starts with a furiousoy paced strong baseline that is joined by the sound of wind blowing through a tunnel that helps the ambient experience. After about a minute some more percussion is added with a clapping sound that helpsto unify the percussion. Soon afterwards, the main synth melody starts in tandem with the percussion and its course is simply amazing as it rises in intensity and power throughout the song. Overall, this is one of the best songs on the soundtrack.

[XISMZERO]

Street Fighter EX3 Original Soundtrack - 07 - Ancient Zone [Stage 4].mp3

Here's a notable track from the heavily underapprechiated Street Fighter EX3 OST from a bunch of truly golden artists (namely Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, Takayuki Aihara, and Yasuhisa Watanabe) of ARIKA, most of which who've been on Namco's ticket in the past (mainly for techno/sampling).

While there are many tracks to choose on this album, this track really has an outstanding oriental vibe, even those who are not frequent VGM listeners apprechiate this track. I can't quite explain the overall sound, it's a bunch of many genres, but it's very soothing like a hybrid of new-age and fusion - which pretty much describes the first bunch of tracks on this album. The part with the strings instrument may really baffle you that this is a fighting game OST - it's wonderful!

[XISMZERO]

Street Fighter EX3 Original Soundtrack - 17 - Coolman Russo [V.Rosso]

I simply can't review just one of these tracks! I've had this album for a few years now, and it's one of my most prized in my collection because it's clinged onto me since I purchased way back when. This is probably one of the best fighting game original soundtracks ever in my opinion...

This is my favorite track on the album *hands down*, and when you hear it you'll know why. It's sort of a classy, uptown jazz-fusion track lead with a light guitar and drums ensamble... very snappy, and definitely suited for a coolman (set perfectly for the somewhat pompous V.Rosso). Strangely enough, this song and it's suave always reminds me of Pierce Brosnan's character from the Thomas Crown Affair.

[Grass-eatin'me]

Currently listening to this mp3: RayCrisis: Rayons de l'Air - Vit Symty by Tamayo Kawamoto on my WinAmp v5.01

I like this album, it's among the softer Zuntata albums. Makes for a pleasant listening. If you've heard a Ray**** album, you can expect music of the same quality - but not necessarily the same genre =P

Most people doesn't associate Zuntata with this kind of music I think. This track has Celtic influences, it uses a strange female / male voice (hard to make out), a piano and in some parts, a secondary voice of either one or two woman.

Not the best track, but quite catchy. The mix of blues and celtic turns out very well.

I'm starting to be a fan of Tamayo Kawamoto =P

[dma]

I'm starting to be a fan of Tamayo Kawamoto =P
Maybe you should realize that having preferences in VGM composers world is useless instead of switching your fanatism every month. :rolleyes: ;)

[Grass-eatin'me]

Wyadda mean? Do you think that I should just lay down my fanatism and just get everything and don't care about the composers 'cause I like everything anyway?

You have a point... But I've always cared very much about composers...

But I'm not switching fanatism every month! I still like Sakuraba, S.S.T. and all that, Glodia is the only new thing...! =P

[Zeratul]

Romancing Saga La Romance - 06 - Perdu Dans La Foret

This melancholy piano song is the highlight of the album. With the introduction of some sad voices the mood is elevated even higher. The oboe (I think) helps to harmonize with the piano and the voices and make this a very memorable song.

[XISMZERO]

Street Fighter ZERO Arcade Gametrack - 19 - KEN Stage

I chose the track from the arcade soundtrack to Street Fighter ZERO, but this version of Ken's theme is more or less the same in all versions of SF ZERO/Alpha. Ever since 1995, when I first played Street Fighter Alpha on the PlayStation (I reckon it was February '95... waaay back then), I heard this terrific version that played whenever I fought Ken. I've come to realize that this is the best version of Ken's theme in any Street Fighter game to date.

Originating from the original SFII Ken's theme, Alph-Lyra remixed the song when making the soundtrack to Street Fighter ZERO/Alpha in a very laid-back lounge-jazz style on the CPS-II soundboard, and it's quite remarkable. As many of the tracks from Street Fighter ZERO/Alpha soundtrack, most of the songs [from familiar characters] are simply remixes from Street Fighter II, but done in a sort of fusion remix sound, on the CPS-II soundboard of course, but I think this one really stands out as the true winner.

[XISMZERO]

Star Fox 64 Original Soundtrack- 18 - Area 6

Now I consider myself as big a Nintendo fan... and no one I've ever encountered in my life compares with my zealot-ness when it comes to Nintendo-dom. But when it comes to looking back on the Star Fox 64 soundtrack, I always say something along the lines of "what a shame"...

Take this track for instance, Area 6, an incredibly fueled, and ambitious track... sounds very epic and roaring with bombast as you're about to break Venom airspace... and then imaging how incredible this track would have sounded as preformed by a symphony orchestra... or perhaps bolder synthesizers the N64 certainly couldn't pull off a la CD (PSX or Saturn)-esque.

It's too bad, but this track really rose above the rest of the tracks on the somewhat disappointing Star Fox 64 (sounding) soundtrack. The compositions are of course superb, even if most are remixes from the original Star Fox.

[XISMZERO]

Wave Race 64 Original Soundtrack - 09 - Milky Lake

Ah what the hay... let's do another! Here's a track that happens to be one of my favorites from the very aquatic, and somewhat "N64-synth" defining soundtracks of the early N64 days.

Milky Lake (better known as "Drake Lake" in the U.S. version) was one of the set apart tracks on the soundtrack in Wave Race 64. This song is very mellow, and obviously inspired by the likes of fusion-jazz (I detect Pat Metheny inspiration here) sounds. Better yet, it pulls off this very well done "ocarina" or flute (enter any wind instrument of choice, your guess is as good/bad as mine) sound that carries the tune along against the train-sounding *chooga-chooga*-style background.

Songs like these really made me ache for arrangement versions that never were!

[dma]

Hey it's not the Xismismzero reviews thread, is it? :tonge:
(ok i should perhaps post one myself then ;) )

[Zeratul]

Sonic Boom - 07 - Quartz Quadrant

This upbeat electric guitar song progresses from a jazzy opening melody to a lighthearted synth song. The vocals help add to the jazziness of the song with their merging with the instrumentals. The electric guitar melody is decidedly fast and upbeat so that this creates a song that can easily uplift one's mood.

[dma]

Namco Game sound Express Vol.25: Alpine Racer - 04 - Endless Season

Joyfull and fresh racing tune: fast beat, piano styled chords, fine melody, nice solos, quite a simple tune but it works (and it's certainly perfect for the game too), i love it. :D
In fact it's quite the whole soundtrack which is styled like that and i don't really have a preferred track... :)

There's also a nice vocal version of this tune on the album, even really nice in fact. :wink:

[Zeratul]

Emperor: Battle for Dune - Harkonnen (Game Rip) - 07- Dark Alliance

This is one of my favorite sinister hard rock songs of all time. The electric guitar melody is decidly complex to convey the mood of an alliance between the Harkonnen and some other evil force. The french horn interludes help to round out the song and give it a duality of mood, making this a must listen for any hard rock fan.

[XISMZERO]

Perfect Selection Sound Racing History - 07 - Is It "Domingo" Today? (From F-1 Spirit 3D Special)

I'm rallying to get this album posted up here as an update, because I am a slave to Nazo 2 (squared) Project's music. This was supposedly the last album they arranged for Konami, then like most VGM bands... they disappeared... It's probably one of their best too...

This particular track is one of my favorites on the disc. It's a nice, laid-back, funky-jazz track that is set against the beautiful sound of the saxophone against a bouncy background and some excellent synth. So ask yourself...
Is it Domingo today?!

[Adaman]

Guess i'll start doing some...I'm really bad at reviews though.

Super Mario World OST - Mario! Stay Alert!

This is one of my favorite VGM tracks of all time, it's so...well put together. I love the electric gituar (at least i think that's what it is), it sounds so awesome playing that theme. This is a perfect example of arranged VGM.

Keep up the reviews guys, and remember they don't have to be reviews of good songs, but i can see why you'd rather spend you're time doing that.

[Zeratul]

Metal Slug 5 OST - 06 - Zoom Down

This heavy hard rock song is perfect in nearly every way. The opening guitar riffs are superb and make a veey clear, distinctive melody that gets the adrenaline rushing. As the song progresses the electric guitar melody continually gets more complex and dynamic, making this song a great listen. Shorty after the song is opened an ice-like synth emerges to help give some aural depth with a very well placed harmony. At about the middle of the song the excellent guitar riffs break for a synth only section that is joined by some ethereal vocals in a slightly acid jazz based style. After this section the song concludes with an even faster guitar melody that pumps one up unlike any song I've heard before. This song is a must download because it even makes Dracula Battle look bad.

[dma]

At about the middle of the song the excellent guitar riffs break for a synth only section that is joined by some ethereal vocals in a slightly acid jazz based style.
You call that acid-jazz? Wow, eheh. ;)

After this section the song concludes with an even faster guitar melody that pumps one up unlike any song I've heard before. This song is a must download because it even makes Dracula Battle look bad.
Eh, there is quite a bunch of sequenced stuff in this tune compared to Dracula Battle, the drums for example and certainly the synth too.
You'd rather compare it to Guilty Gear X Heavy Rock Tracks imo.

[Eight Rooks]

The I Of The Dragon soundtrack - Gerd Hoffman - unknown track (seems to be the 6th of the "battle" themes)

Such a beautiful little piece, this - just a slow, simple 4-part progression on synth orchestra, all mournful and melancholy, brave warrior going out to do battle, that kind of thing. It gets joined about half way through by a synth choir doing harmonies. The percussion rolls and booms away very slowly in the background, perfect for wheeling and banking through storms of magical anti-aircraft fire from way down below... feels like one of the slower, more ambient tracks from the Freedom Fighters OST. Absolute class - listening to it now is making me want to go back and finish the game. ^ ^ ;

[Zeratul]

King of Fighters 2003 OST - 05 - Splendidly Evil

The composers of this soundtrack started this it off with a bang by putting this great song near the beginning. It starts with a light electric guitar intro melody that carries the song and conveys a decidedly sinister mood. Shorty afterward it is joined by an even heavier electric guitar that adds depth to the foreboding sound. After introducing the melody the song quickly goes into some very cool and lengthy guitar solos that are what make the melody so cool. Throughout the middle of the song a light-hearted synth is added with a tripped out harmony to help unify the electric guitars and balance out the song.

[XISMZERO]

Dramatic Concert Ys - 14 - Darm Tower

Here's a superb little Falcom JDK track: Darm Tower. This comes from an arrange album called "Dramatic Concert", which is a very strange mix of [mpstly] new-age, orchestral/symphony, (very little) jazz-rock, and hard-rock. The whole disc is supposedly "live", and it probably is and [better] without any of the nonsense audience participation.

This particular track, Darm Tower, is one of the jazz-rock tracks, and while I don't want to use the word "cool" to describe it (since it's a shallow, uninspired overused, and a beaten adjective) it really is a cool track, as in being sleek, and catchy. Sadly, the sound in this track isn't heard much on this disc (since it's heavily new-age influenced) and it's only a little over two mintues, but definitely bares repeating!

[Zeratul]

Final Fantasy IX OST - Terra

This is one of the most beautiful songs on the soundtrack. It starts off with a somber harp melody that is carried throughout the song. As the song progresses the melody gets more and more complex, conveying the unchanging and sad nature of Terra. The piano and acoustic guitar help flesh out this songs harmony and create a very memorable experience.

[XISMZERO]

Burning Rangers Sound Track- 25 - I Just Smile [English Version]

This one isn't too estranged to anyone who's a fan of SEGA music but surprisingly there are many who don't know what Burning Rangers is. I originally heard this song over a year ago, and I still think it's one of the most beautifully vocalized songs in the history of video game music! The singer of this song I think is Japanese... but sounds fluent in English... impressive.

There's a Japanese vocal version as well, but this English version is heavenly... you be the judge.

[XISMZERO]

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes - 16 - Clock Tower Stage.mp3
From Capcom Lord's Dreamcast gamerip

"I wanna take you for a riiiiiiiiide!"

Perhaps some of most notoriously bad lyrics/music in Capcom's video game history to date belongs to Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and it's completely off-kilter soundtrack. I've got a bit of a story to tell about this game's music. I used to abhor the music in this game: it's typically described as very cheap/corny MIDI lounge-jazz... in a fighting game?

Overtime, the music from the game grew on me and I started really jammin' to the music from the game after years of suggesting that Capcom re-release the game with a option to mute the music. "Clock Tower Stage" is probably one of my favorites, unlike many of the songs in the game there are no vocals in the song (not that it's bad in my opinion). It's really a nice laid-back jazzy track perfect for lounging!

[XISMZERO]

Ninja Ryukenden II - 03 - Midnight Runner (Going Gets Tough)

After hearing the Double Dragon II arranged album by M's Labo/O'Bits Project, I just had to check out their other work with the Ninja Ryukenden (Gaiden) II arranged album. Expecting more of the same killer ('80's style) hard-rock of DDII, I was surprised to hear a more pop-synth sound in many of the tracks taking inspiration from the late '80s/early '90s. This one is amongst the best examples...

I love the sound on this one, it's very fast-paced, pop music that is heavy with that 80's flavor. I was actually very surprised when I heard the original version because this one is much more upbeat with it's synth heavy presentation but still stretches of great riffs.

[Zeratul]

Sansara Naga 2 OST - Battle

This upbeat orchestral battle theme has a very sweeping and epic melody that creates a heroic mood for battle. The violen combined with the horns enhance the heroic tone of this song and make it a great epic battle theme. The introduction of the piano also helps to balance the harmony and add a lot of complexity to this song.

[XISMZERO]

Time Crisis II - PlayStation 2 Version - 03 - Rumbling Of The Earth
Unauthorized Game Rip

This thread was getting a little bit of a one-man show so with someone else to share, I'm going to as well.

If you've played Time Crisis II, you may have paid attention to the music (or not). I pay attention to music closely in all my games and I've always enjoyed the music in this game as some of it has become pretty memorable. The whole soundtrack has a very epic, bombastic, action-movie feel. This track especially has that feel: it's repetitive pounding synth background and it's marching hum oozes with action and danger lurking near!

[Carl]

Well, I'm pretty sure this is my first entry in this particular thread, so here's a real whopper of an orchestral piece.

Today's recommendation is 05 "Connection" from the Last Blade Arrange Soundtrack (PCCB-00301).

Very powerful and moving - with sweeping/epic strings, gorgeous yet pounding piano, and solo flute parts, it's a marvelous track filled with an adventurous mix of rising/falling action to showcase it's duality of strength and serenity.

This is the Zen side of SNK.
-Carl

[_DH_]

Battle II - Gradius III Symphonic Poetry:
Playing random tracks through my playlist and came across this gem I've never heard before. Symphonic pieces aren't exactly my favourite genre of VGM but this one seemed to stand out. The track starts out with horns playing the main melody of the theme. The drums in the background really give this piece a sense of rhythm. At 2:00, we have a bit of a change in tempo with some sound effects mixed in which seem kinda out of place but isn't that bad. We then moves onto a soft piano solo mixed in with violins. The track picks up again with the last minute and a half playing out the main melody.

07 - Gradius Fantasia - Gradius Suite Fantasia:
While I'm at it, I might as well review my favourite symphonic piece which is also from Gradius. This is a real rollercoaster of a piece which starts off with a peaceful and slow tune being played with the clarinet and then picks up with a more energetic tune 3 minutes in. We slow down again with flutes making an apperance at 4:00 but build up slowly to the heart of the piece which begins at 5:00 where the bass guitar kicks in. This part is pure bliss folks. We slow down again at 7:40 with a piano solo gradually being accompanied by the other instruments. At 9:38, the bass guitar and drums enter once again and the horns play out the main melody as the piece ends on a high note.

[Zeratul]

Capcom Vs SNK (Gamerip) - 40 - Stage of Geese - From Garoudensetsu

This is a furiously fast paced hard rock song that evokes the intense mood of battling Geese with its adrenaline-pumping guitar riffs. The synth melody adds an eerie quality to this song that adds some depth to the overall tone of the song.

Trap Gunner (Game Rip) - Lou Riche vs Van Raily

This is an interesting bolrox song that sounds similar to the gouki theme from Capcom Vs. SNK in its intro, but quickly picks up with a psychedelic synth melody and percussive drum rhythm. The poetic bolroxing adds to the action of the song as well. Overall, this song fits the mood of destroying one's opponent in an abandoned warehouse very well for such a strange game.


Metroid Prime & Fusion OST - Prime Side - 28 - Samus Vs. Omega Pirate

The crisis and presentiment of the klaxxon beat and reverb creates a disturbing mood for this song that is backed up by some very unsettling alien soundfont instrumentation. The intensity of the song picks up as the song crescendos to its climax and the melody and rhythms unite to form a foreboding and ethereal combination.

Super Mario RPG OSV - 2 - 18 - Fight Against Smithy

Best Final Boss 1st Fight theme ever by Yoko Shimomura, I think. The bombasticness, heavy-mallet-driven bass, and accordion harmony blends together to explode you to the point of feeling music instantaneously every time. Wow. If only Cocoebiz.com would change the price of the OSV to something attainable . . .