Review: Drag-On Dragoon Chips Music

While I never really got into Drakengard, NieR has made me a fan of the universe forever. I actually enjoyed the music from the first two Drakengard titles despite not having played them at length, so when Drag-On Chips Music was announced to commemorate ten years of the franchise, I had to have it.

So, how does the chopped up classical soundtrack to Drag-On Dragoon crossover into the 8-bit universe? And is NieR as beautiful in wave form? Find out below. Continue reading Review: Drag-On Dragoon Chips Music

Review: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Original Game Soundtrack

After Oscar Araujo’s impressive score for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, I was excited to see what he’d do with Lords of Shadow 2 given the modern setting. Producer Dave Cox was quick to talk about the soundtrack, telling fans that there would be an electronic edge, as well as hinting that some classic Castlevania melodies may make an appearance.

So, does the Lords of Shadow 2 soundtrack live up to expectations? Find out below. Continue reading Review: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Original Game Soundtrack

Interview: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze with David Wise

Nintendo of Japan’s Kenji Yamamoto and Retro Studios’s Scott Petersen did a great job with the audio on Donkey Kong Country Returns, but everyone was wondering if we’d ever hear the original voice of Donkey Kong Country, David Wise, again. Well, he’s back in action, working alongside the established duo to bring his own unique flavor to the score for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and we’ve caught some words with him about the project.

Enjoy this trip down memory lane, and get out there and start playing and listening to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze! Continue reading Interview: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze with David Wise

Review: Re:Birth II / Romancing SaGa Battle Arrange -Sen-

Square Enix’s Re:Birth series pays tribute to Kenji Ito’s classic scores, with the first Re:Birth album paying homage to Seiken Densetsu. The second, Re:Birth II, took on the SaGa franchise and went in a different direction, bringing serious synth rock in a fashion not seen since the glory days of the JDK Band, and was very well received.

The album was so well received that it’s getting a follow-up album with ten new arrangements, finally visiting the core SaGa series and SaGa Frontier. But does it live up to the success of the first Re:Birth II CD? Continue reading Review: Re:Birth II / Romancing SaGa Battle Arrange -Sen-

Monarch: Heroes of a New Age Arrangements & Variations (SMRC-1002)

As mentioned, this arrangement album is one not to be missed. Containing alternate versions of many of the tracks from the Original Soundtrack, there are also all-new arrangements created by Goomin Nam including a moving Korean vocal version of “Forgotten Archduchess,” pop ballad covers by Goomin Nam of “Peaceful Macdallena” and by Dale North of “Seaside Village,” a dark take on “Wandering Woods” by Joshua Morse, and a beautiful piano and saxophone improvisation by Norihiko Hibino and AYAKI (GENTLE LOVE).

The album features 15 tracks, including variations, arrangements, and a bonus trailer from the game’s announcement.

A limited-print physical version is available on Bandcamp, while the two albums are being bundled together at a discounted price exclusively on Loudr. You can also pick it up on iTunes and Amazon MP3.

Hear a sample and view the beautiful physical packaging along with album credits below. Continue reading Monarch: Heroes of a New Age Arrangements & Variations (SMRC-1002)

Monarch: Heroes of a New Age Original Soundtrack By Goomin Nam (SMRC-1001)

This epic classical-inspired fantasy MMORPG score by Goomin “Nauts” Nam is finally available. From the powerful main theme to the whimsical towns and ominous dungeons, there’s a lot for RPG fans to love with this soundtrack, and it demonstrates that Goomin Nam–best known for his work on TalesWeaver and Bar Oasis–is a versatile musician.

The album features 22 tracks from the game, with an entire second album also being released that contains additional variations and arrangements.

A limited-print physical version is available on Bandcamp, while the two albums are being bundled together at a discounted price exclusively on Loudr. You can also pick it up on iTunes and Amazon MP3.

Hear a sample and view the beautiful physical packaging along with album credits below. Continue reading Monarch: Heroes of a New Age Original Soundtrack By Goomin Nam (SMRC-1001)

Review: Final Fantasy X-2 Original Soundtrack

With the release of Final Fantasy X HD, Square Enix took the opportunity to re-release the Final Fantasy X-2 soundtrack, which has been out of print for some time.

I admit I never played the game (I was adamant at the time that Final Fantasy games didn’t need sequels), but I did enjoy some of the music in passing. Now I’m getting a more in-depth look at the score, and there’s a lot of great music here. Continue reading Review: Final Fantasy X-2 Original Soundtrack

Review: Transformers: The Movie Original Motion Picture Score

With the Saturday Morning RPG soundtrack released last week, I thought it would be a good time to look into the re-release of Vince DiCola’s classic Transformers: The Movie soundtrack that was re-issued by the good folks at Intrada. This soundtrack has a special place in my heart, as it accompanies one of my favorite cartoons growing up, and introduced me to the work of Vince DiCola.

How does the music hold up, and what does this re-issue offer? Read more below. Continue reading Review: Transformers: The Movie Original Motion Picture Score

Saturday Morning RPG Original Soundtrack By Vince DiCola & Kenny Meriedeth (SMRC-1003)

Scarlet Moon Records is pleased to announce the release of the Saturday Morning RPG Original Soundtrack featuring Vince DiCola and Kenny Meriedeth. Fans of DiCola’s work on Rocky IV and Transformers: The Movie will feel right at home with his signature synth rock sound with orchestral accents.

The album features 27 tracks, including the full Saturday Morning RPG soundtrack, pieces of music that have been submitted for the game and may be featured in future episodes, an unreleased vocal theme titled “No Risk No Glory,” and a rock/chip arrangement by Grant “Stemage” Henry and Dmitry “C-jeff” Zhemkov and an FM synthesis version of the game’s battle theme by Jake “virt” Kaufman.

A limited-print physical edition is available from Bandcamp and Amazon, while the digital version sold on Loudr will include the bonus single, “Christmas Adventure,” released separately for the Christmas holiday. The album is also available via iTunes and Amazon MP3.

See the physical album’s packaging as well as album credits below. Continue reading Saturday Morning RPG Original Soundtrack By Vince DiCola & Kenny Meriedeth (SMRC-1003)

Review: Drag-On Dragoon 3 OST

I think this is easily one of the most anticipated soundtracks of 2014 for soundtrack enthusiasts. After MoNACA’s amazing work on the soundtrack to NieR, we have all been looking forward to their return visit to the Drag-On Dragoon universe. The entire team is back for more, including vocalist Emi Evans, so I certainly had high hopes.

So, will the Drag-On Dragoon 3 soundtrack live up to your expectations? Hit the jump for my review. Continue reading Review: Drag-On Dragoon 3 OST