[SotW] Song of the Week - WEEK 102 Voting/WEEK 103 Nominating

Energy Breaker Soundtrack ~ Game Sound Legend Series - Radiance of the Sky: - A decent track, with a warm style that's reminiscient of Maple Story's "Above the Treetops" (which did quite well, I recall.) Though not quite as uplifting as the MS track, "Radiance" is still enjoyable.

Genso Suikoden III Music Collection ~Rustling of the Wind~ - The Wind and the Earth: It's hard to call this track a standout since it's so purposefully laid-back, but it has definite moments. The somewhat unusual backing helps the jazziness feel more unique.

Magical Chase (Game Rip) - Kouri ja nai no yo! (4th Seal): Orion's comments for the other "Magical" track made me consider this piece: this would probably be excellent as an arranged track also. Right now, it's competent and fun but the melody is one that almost suffers for having been laid out with such chiptunish samples. This is a left-handed compliment though, since only good tracks should be arranged in the first place.

Magical Drop 3 - FINAL BATTLE (Fortune): What is a man? A miserable pile of sec-what? This isn't Castlevania? Fooled me. Which is to say that it's at least written well enough to be convincingly like one of the resident juggernauts of the chiptune era. The intro and the drumbeat are pretty awesome.

Planescape Torment (Game Rip) - Main Title: "Annah's Theme" has become one of my all-time favorites from SotW, so my hopes were high for the Main Title. In a weaker week, this would have a very realistic shot at gold but I do think it's being outshined by some more unconventional and noteworthy nominations. It's still good for what it is and does but that may not be enough.

PUZZLE BOBBLE • GEKIRINDAN etc. ~Welcome to the Karuland~ - WHAT'S INSIDE (BGM 5-A.D.4580): This is really...bizarre. I'm totally down with the spacey sound effects and samples, but there are a few elements that were irritating. The drums weren't very original and there was this repetitive "dripping" noise throughout that didn't add any worthwhile substance. The good plus the bad left me feeling rather neutral towards this one.

Senko no Ronde -Sound Tracks- - assemble: Ooooh, trancy goodness! Thick layering and an impressive feeling of building toward something grand. It's neither depressing nor annoying and has a lot of strong variations. I thought Yack did mostly guitar-oriented pieces. Maybe I'm wrong but if not, it's great to see him switch it up and stay solid. I like this track a lot.

TAIKO Drum Master (Game Rip) - Dragon Spirit: Why does it seem like every nomination with "dragon" somewhere in the title has a substantial amount of rockin'? I don't mind at all but it does seem peculiar. Anyhow, this track is only okay for me. I admit to being a fan of "generic" guitar and it's out in full force here but there's unfortunately some strong competition this week.


Get to the Points, Oblio!

2 Points: Senko no Ronde -Sound Tracks- - assemble
1 Point: Magical Drop 3 - FINAL BATTLE (Fortune)
1 Point: Energy Breaker Soundtrack ~ Game Sound Legend Series - Radiance of the Sky
1 Point: Magical Chase (Game Rip) - Kouri ja nai no yo! (4th Seal)
1 Point: Genso Suikoden III Music Collection ~Rustling of the Wind~ - The Wind and the Earth


This was a really good week. I enjoyed every track in some way and was disappointed by none. There was a wide range of variety too. Great nominations, everyone!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I sure couldn't hum it from memory. And while Contra is a popular series, most romanticized tales of its glory come from the first two games. Contra 3 on the NES was considered by some to be a bit of a klinker.

I'd say it's easily obscure enough.

There's nowhere I can't reach.