Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 10 Jul 2017 - 18:57
Balladeer wrote:
Drunkalilly wrote:
JAY HAS EXPLICITLY SAID RHYTHM GAMES WILL HAVE THEIR OWN WEEK PATRICK.
Then what's he doing responding to Cappa's mention of Parappa? If the host is going to be a hypocrite I don't see why I should be beholden to his rules.
I mean, I don't think I did say rhythm games will have their own week though...
Athrun88 wrote:
Beneath the Mask is one smooth chill number
Yes!
Athrun88 wrote:
When the Moon's Reaching Out Stars (engrish yay!), a nice mellow number to end the Persona 3 showcase.
YES!
Athrun888 wrote:
Lastly, one song I can't omit after raving about it, is Heaven.
I'm a sucker for mellow Persona tracks. Those three are probably in my top 5 Persona tracks in the whole series, now that I think about it.
Beneath The Mask is my favourite out of the three I've highlighted there. Such a cozy track. Also...
P5 Spoilers:
...is a super interesting track if it's indeed written from Akechi's perspective as many fans have theorised.
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 10 Jul 2017 - 19:49
Athrun888 wrote:
And with that y'all have absolutely no excuse skipping the best music in the thread!
Gosh darn it, you're right. No time today, but with that god-tier feedback you bet I'm going to give those all a proper listen. From what I heard of your P5 picks they're good stuff, at least before the vocals kick in. I shall do them justice though, just you see!
The Cappuccino Kid Mani Mani Statue
Posts : 6737 Points : 6899 Join date : 2013-02-25 Age : 105 Location : East of Mombasa
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 10 Jul 2017 - 21:45
The top comment nails it: "so dumb and unfitting, I love it!".
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 10 Jul 2017 - 22:43
I don't want to know the context of that. I think it'd ruin it for me.
masofdas The Next Miyamoto
Posts : 24004 Points : 24404 Join date : 2013-01-18 Age : 34 Location : VITA Island
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Tue 11 Jul 2017 - 10:48
I thought Jay said no licensed tracks which PaRappa isn't (far as I know) and why I asked about covers such as Will the Circle Be Unbroken as it's not like Mad World & Gears of War.
Also Balla you could play Persona 5.
Buskalilly Galactic Nova
Posts : 15057 Points : 15235 Join date : 2013-02-25 Age : 34 Location : Nagano
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Tue 11 Jul 2017 - 13:54
I think he said we'd have a week for licensed tracks, which will include rhythm games, which I misremembered.
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Tue 11 Jul 2017 - 17:36
Aye, so things like Parappa are fine, but things like Guitar Hero are not.
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Wed 12 Jul 2017 - 2:29
Fine isn't the word that comes to my mind about Parappa going by that earlier example.
Also I think High School Love might've just won this thread. Ain't no topping that.
Alsoalso yeah Mas's right, now that I remember they released Persona 5 on the PS3 didn't they? Persona 3 fes and 4 are also available in the PS2 retro section too iirc although I think you have to actively use the search feature to find them (or you do if the ps3 psn store is as terrible over the pond as it is down under).
Alsoalsoalso can't read that spoiler Jay, if it's for anything beyond the second palace it's not for this mortals eyes.
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Wed 12 Jul 2017 - 18:26
Yep, final dungeon spoiler that one, so avoid for now!
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Wed 12 Jul 2017 - 20:32
I dare say I could Mas, but I probably won't. It's logistics more than anything else: I don't have a telly in the week, and I have limited gameplaying time at weekends right now, so handhelds and hybrids have all the fun. It's why I belatedly realised that the Switch, and its hybrid nature, are the Best Thing Ever for me.
Athrunback:
Athrun888 wrote:
Beneath the Mask is one smooth chill number, I don't think I've enjoyed a night map theme this much since Persona 3's. It's one mellow number and easy to chill out to.
This is one of those tunes I like a lot until the lyrics kick in. Ah well, it's still dead smooth. Smoother than Drunka chatting up a lady.
Athrun888 wrote:
Next up to contrast Persona 3's "Burn My Dread" is the full version of the game's opening theme Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There, continuing the smooth classy feel (or should that be starting it given its role!)
I bloody love me some synth strings. But, again, I'd prefer it without the lyrics.
Athrun888 wrote:
Finally I wrap up the Persona 5 showcase with Last Surprise. Bet you never saw that repeat coming! Seriously though I'm in absolute love with this battle theme, might be too early to say it tops Mass Destruction, but I can't see myself getting tired of this one.
Now this one I actually quite like. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance previously? This is good stuff.
Athrun888 wrote:
If you thought I was done with Persona you were oh so wrong.
Sob.
Athrun888 wrote:
Jay already touched on the opening theme for the original so I'm going to take things straight to the street with the best rap in video games, Wiping All Out, let it remove memories of horrid raps like Xenoblade X's Black tar from your mind!
Black Tar is definitely rubbish. This feels like it could have come straight out of TWEWY. That's praise, if you didn't know. I actually don't like the bits so much where the rap stops: go figure.
Athrun888 wrote:
JBut why post one standard battle theme when I can post the best one! Mass Destruction baby! Welcome to the two songs that made me realise rap can actually be good!
This one's the opposite, good only when not rapping. Although the lyrics are even sillier when printed out.
Athrun888 wrote:
Meanwhile this next number is why Beneath The Mask isn't taking best night theme spot, When the Moon's Reaching Out Stars (engrish yay!), a nice mellow number to end the Persona 3 showcase.
Unremarkable. As in, I had it on in the background while typing, and didn't mark it. Nice enough.
Athrun888 wrote:
Signs of Love gets the honour of kicking off this showcase, despite the cheerful nature it's also got a bit of spunk in it.
Another one that's good until they start singing...
Athrun888 wrote:
Speaking of spunk here's the better battle theme Time To Make History, again showing that vocal battle themes can kick ass and, unlike its counterpart, not a theme I got tired of (which is actually kind of funny when you think about it considering I actually probably heard this more than Reach Out To The Truth).
Once she stops rapping, I really like this one!
Athrun888 wrote:
Lastly, one song I can't omit after raving about it, is Heaven. This one is f***ing tragic and perfectly fits with and demonstrates the quality of characters Persona often has.
I think this might be my favourite one you've posted. I really like the harmonies in this one. Good stuff.
masofdas The Next Miyamoto
Posts : 24004 Points : 24404 Join date : 2013-01-18 Age : 34 Location : VITA Island
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Thu 13 Jul 2017 - 16:16
Drunka has said same about the Switch, as I don't travel, most of my gaming is still on a home console that I've not seen that benefit. If you do some how find time or away to play Persona 5, it be worth it as likely be one of the best RPGs, you'll play.
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sun 16 Jul 2017 - 16:43
We've done final areas... let's take it back to the start.
What's the best first area/level theme in video gaming?
This can encompass first towns in RPGs to first levels in platformers. Here's some of my picks:
I like my first towns in RPGs to feel cozy and comforting. Onett's theme from Earthbound fits the bill for me. Goofy like most of Earthbound's OST whilst still keeping that homely feel.
And just to carry on from my last pick, here's Ordon Village from Twilight Princess. MIDI aside, this is a lovely track for a sleepy start to Link's adventure.
...because somebody had to.
IT'S BAAAAACK! Time for more Digimon World and another first town theme. I'm a sucker for those, seemingly!
And finally, because I'm a massive nerd here's the first town theme from Runescape. I much prefer the modern 2013 remaster from the 2004 version. MIDI madness, that.
Over to you!
Jimbob Bargain Hunter
Posts : 4635 Points : 4661 Join date : 2013-01-15 Age : 42 Location : Milton Keynes
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sun 16 Jul 2017 - 22:03
JayMoyles wrote:
I like my first towns in RPGs to feel cozy and comforting. Onett's theme from Earthbound fits the bill for me. Goofy like most of Earthbound's OST whilst still keeping that homely feel.
Yeah! This probably wins already. I know Smooth McGroove isn't to everyone's taste, but I does the game a good justice (what?) here.
JayMoyles wrote:
And just to carry on from my last pick, here's Ordon Village from Twilight Princess. MIDI aside, this is a lovely track for a sleepy start to Link's adventure.
And this is also nice.
JayMoyles wrote:
...because somebody had to.
Well alright - I can't judge this any more because it's just a thing that exists now
JayMoyles wrote:
IT'S BAAAAACK! Time for more Digimon World and another first town theme. I'm a sucker for those, seemingly!
I don't have any nostalgia for this, so I don't know what to say, but it certainly sounds faithful to its source material. By which I mean Pokémon
JayMoyles wrote:
And finally, because I'm a massive nerd here's the first town theme from Runescape. I much prefer the modern 2013 remaster from the 2004 version. MIDI madness, that.
I definitely appreciate the remake. having suffered with the MS General MIDI sounds for many years, there's no way they did the song justice.
Assuming I can't use the technical "first piece of music you hear in game" for this (was on a previous list) then Link to the Past - Hyrule Castle. As the first game in the series that really pushed a story as part of the progress of the game, this music felt like they were chucking you in at the deep end. Whereas Ocarina of time's Kokiri Forest was a lot more gentle with you.
Bit cheaty this as it's a license - Goldeneye - the Dam. This ain't yer daddy's James Bond. Mainly because yer daddy didn't have a videogame James Bond.
David Wise sorts it out in Donkey Kong Country.
Buskalilly Galactic Nova
Posts : 15057 Points : 15235 Join date : 2013-02-25 Age : 34 Location : Nagano
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 17 Jul 2017 - 10:45
JAYBACK:
JayMoyles wrote:
I like my first towns in RPGs to feel cozy and comforting. Onett's theme from Earthbound fits the bill for me. Goofy like most of Earthbound's OST whilst still keeping that homely feel.
I've still not played any of the Mother games, for my sins I like the cute little melody here, but the percussion is driving me to kill.
Quote :
And just to carry on from my last pick, here's Ordon Village from Twilight Princess. MIDI aside, this is a lovely track for a sleepy start to Link's adventure.
Oh christ the nostalgia on this one . . . that Christmas playing Twilight Princess was really something, and I actually had a lot of time for the slow, homey opening.
Quote :
...because somebody had to.
As Jimminy Jim Jim alluded to, it is almost impossible to have an opinion on the Mario theme at this point. That said, here is a video about the musical techniques which make Mario Music fun. Most of it went over my head.
Quote :
IT'S BAAAAACK! Time for more Digimon World and another first town theme. I'm a sucker for those, seemingly!
Okay, I thought the Twilight Princess one was nostalgic, but I'm borderline crying listening to this. The villages in Digimon World really remind me of those in Monster Hunter, particularly the earlier MH games with more of a zoomed out camera and the farms and everything.
Quote :
And finally, because I'm a massive nerd here's the first town theme from Runescape. I much prefer the modern 2013 remaster from the 2004 version. MIDI madness, that.
Jimmenings:
Jimbob wrote:
Assuming I can't use the technical "first piece of music you hear in game" for this (was on a previous list) then Link to the Past - Hyrule Castle. As the first game in the series that really pushed a story as part of the progress of the game, this music felt like they were chucking you in at the deep end. Whereas Ocarina of time's Kokiri Forest was a lot more gentle with you.
All time classics, though I played these two quite late so they don't give me the nostalgia Twilight Princess does.
Quote :
Bit cheaty this as it's a license - Goldeneye - the Dam. This ain't yer daddy's James Bond. Mainly because yer daddy didn't have a videogame James Bond.
Gels the Bond music with sick gamey guitar licks nicely.
Quote :
David Wise sorts it out in Donkey Kong Country.
'Natch.
Pallet Town
This will always be the sound of "home" for me. Just a cute, quaint pleasant little piece that makes me feel comfortable, happy, and ready to turn my baseball cap backwards and set off. It did evolve over time, if you're a major chip-phobic.
Star Festival
While it does start quite mellow, this has a wonderful feeling of prelude. It does sound like a festival, a celebration, preparing you for the absolute masterpiece to come. Playing Super Mario Galaxy might be the happiest I've ever been, and running around listening to this music I already knew I was in for a treat.
One of a Kind
Now for something completely different. Bayonetta doesn't open in a nice quiet village, or with the eponymous Witch at home with her mum. It opens with her battling on the face of a crumbling clock tower, endlessly plummeting through the sky, battling hordes of angellic grotesques, while a dramatic narration frames the story. Exceptional stuff, with a dramatic mixture of choir and organ.
Kokoto Village
Right, if you need to calm back down, here's the village from the very first Monster Hunter. I've also spent a fair bit of time here in Monster Hunter Generations. It has that Pallet Town tranquility to it, but there's also a stringy, frontier town feel of adventurousness. This is a great piece of music to open up a Hunter's journey, building to a choir at the end.
ZeroJones I'M SO LONELY
Posts : 10465 Points : 9425 Join date : 2013-01-15 Age : 44 Location : North Midlands, England
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 17 Jul 2017 - 11:15
If we're going old school... there was something wonderfully stirring about the overworld theme in the original Legend Of Zelda, in my humble, unsubtle and often wrong opinion. Although yer man Jiminy Bobbles has put down my actual top contender so far with that DKC choon.
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 17 Jul 2017 - 21:32
Time for me to do what I do best: correct petty grammar mistakes post about music.
Spoiler:
Unashamed nostalgia time! Birabuto Kingdom Bob-Omb's Battlefield You can take yer Good Egg Galaxies and shove them where the Shines don't shine. You may not like it, but this is what peak first level music sounds like.
Spoiler:
More N64 nostalgia you say? Oh go on then, who am I to disappoint? Peak Kirkhope, that. And a more liberal interpretation of 'first level' gives you Spiral Mountain, which is even better! (pointedly ignores Drunka)
Spoiler:
Paper Mario TTYD may not have the best music, a view espoused by myself and Jimbob a few 'weeks' back, but it starts well. Whether you consider Rogueport or Petal Meadows to be the first level theme, they're both great hummable jaunty tunes.
Spoiler:
Part one of 'I Can't Believe Nobody Got Here Before Me'. Corneria's great. The only thing that could possibly make it better was if it didn't have the SNES soundfont. Heaven.
Spoiler:
Part two of 'I Can't Believe Nobody Got Here Before Me'. Specifically, 'I Can't Believe Jas Didn't Get Here Before Me'. In the case of Plains of Passage, the soundfont is actually part of its charm. I can imagine it sounding great orchestrated, but at the same time, I don't want to spoil the original for myself.
Spoiler:
Is it time for a JRPG or two? You bet it is. Colony 9 from the original Xenoblade, and Primordia from its not-sequel, are both fantastic tracks. I love 'em both!
Spoiler:
Today's left-field pick is Gloomy Manor from Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, i.e. the game's theme tune. It's damn fine, and indeed gets remixed in the other mansions to brilliant effect (apart from Old Clockworks, f*!k Old Clockworks and everything to do with it).
But the best remix is in the very same mansion, with slightly better instrumentation. Luigi is the best instrument. 'Ba ba ba ba bum bum'.
Spoiler:
And finally: y'all have done so many great Zelda opening pieces already. Kokiri Woods, Ordon, the original... and you left out this? Shocker. Go catch dem piggies, Link! Absolutely charming.
Feedback coming soon, natch.
The Cappuccino Kid Mani Mani Statue
Posts : 6737 Points : 6899 Join date : 2013-02-25 Age : 105 Location : East of Mombasa
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Wed 19 Jul 2017 - 21:52
Best first level themes would be these, ladies (no ladies) and gentlemen.
Jimbob Bargain Hunter
Posts : 4635 Points : 4661 Join date : 2013-01-15 Age : 42 Location : Milton Keynes
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sat 22 Jul 2017 - 23:24
Sorry, I'm a bit naughty speed-reading these (I think the timestamp thingy on the forum thinks I've been back more recently than I have, and now I've got Post Panic, but
Balladeer wrote:
Corneria's great.
Plains of Passage
Go catch dem piggies, Link![/spoiler]
these three are brilliant, and I can't believe I forgot them.
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Mon 24 Jul 2017 - 21:26
Quick feedback:
So Jay starts with an absolute banger: I'm not lying when I say the Onett theme was the best part of EB I experienced. Ordon's also great, so calming and lovely. Then the first Digimon World track I think I've liked, although it does sound like a mediocre Pokémon clone (which I suppose is appropriate ). My favourite, though, is the Runescape track! I'm a sucker for harps, and harps-ichords - yes, I even enjoyed the MIDIous version.
Mario - sorry, but for all its classic status it's been done better since.
Then Jimbob launches with an even worse soundfont. Sorry Jimmers, but again, done better since. Meanwhile OoT's MIDI doesn't bother me at all. Ah, memories! (Rose-tinted... earplugs?) David Wise is a chuffing genius, as we all know by now. Dam, on the other hand, just reminds me of being unable to aim, and the MIDI guitars don't help none.
You know what, I think I prefer the original Pallet Town? The upgrades sound like they're trying too hard. Keep it simple chaps. Star Festival's beautiful (all of the violins!), and much better than Good Egg, which is in my mind overrated and I'm glad it hasn't appeared yet. Bayo's standard-issue epic done right, although I prefer enjoying it without all the stress going on on-screen.
Kokoto Village tho! those ethnic instruments. BRB listening to all of this when I've finished. (EDIT: YouTube Y U no have extended version? )
Zero's choice has be(en done better since. We know. - Ed)
When Sonic gets its music right, it gets it very right. And vice versa. Those are very much in the 'right' camp. Happiest piece thus far this 'week'!
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Tue 15 Aug 2017 - 20:46
Sorry, I've really neglected this thread! I want to dedicate a fair chunk of time to giving feedback and putting up the next theme, but I've been terrible at getting onto the forum lately. Expect an update this weekend!
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Wed 16 Aug 2017 - 19:10
In the meantime, here's a recent offering I really like. Much adventure, so choir, wow.
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Thu 17 Aug 2017 - 23:49
It's been copy-write claimed, Balla.
JayMoyles Galactic Nova
Posts : 15889 Points : 15055 Join date : 2013-01-21 Age : 31 Location : The Shibuya River
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sat 19 Aug 2017 - 19:26
Right, another installment!
What are the best invincibility/ultimate power-up themes?
You've just grabbed a special item and your character is now untouchable or ridiculously overpowered. Such a state of power needs a kickass accompanying theme! These sort of jingles are a staple of platformers, but I'm sure the diligent GNamer forum will unearth some hidden gems.
To give you an example of what I'm on about here, I'm going to use the Kirby series!
Kirby Super Star has Kirby munching on an invinciblity lollipop and mowing down anything in his path. Sure, it's a short jingle but it's snappy and fills you with glee as you trample over every Waddle Dee that dares block your way.
Planet Robobot has Kirby clamber into a mech in some stages and the music is pretty damn brilliant when he does so. It's still possible to die in this mode, sure, but the level of power that Kirby has in his mech warrants a place in this week's theme, I reckon.
Over to you!
masofdas The Next Miyamoto
Posts : 24004 Points : 24404 Join date : 2013-01-18 Age : 34 Location : VITA Island
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sun 20 Aug 2017 - 9:24
Only two answers this from Sonic and this from Mario.
Balladeer DIVINE LONELINESS
Posts : 26442 Points : 25277 Join date : 2013-01-16 Age : 35 Location : Admintown
Subject: Re: Music to my Ears (Castle Levels!) Sun 20 Aug 2017 - 14:38