I'm guessing you're joking about Pause? If not then each to their own haha, Donkey Kong Country 2 and Sonic Generations for me.

Results from the previous round: Donkey Kong Country 2 (4-1) and Lava Reef Zone Act 2 (3-2) advance!

Sidenote: I don't want to be contrarian, but Total Distortion's "You Are Dead" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pPQnhhUqtU) music is the greatest piece of vgm ever created.

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Round 2, Fight 4 // The David Wise Rumble

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Wizards & Warriors III (1992 for NES)

Sample tracks: Title (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lHc6tA5TBA), Knight's Guild (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAUlELzWNk), Wizard's Guild (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23QPwdx75QE), Boss Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMzmPQm-4tg), Thieves' Guild (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ntC51dSr8)

vs.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014 for Wii U)

Sample tracks: Windmill Hills (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFGl5PzEzBQ), Funky Waters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2WjP6sgrc), Grassland Groove (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQuJZsBCuGA), Seashore War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEam4GBeflo), Juicy Groove (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8afrqV72GI)

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Round 1, Fight 12 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic Colors - Aquarium Park Act 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEGro4NpgCg) by Various (2010 for Wii and DS)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtSmFc-hHrw) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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My Picks:
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day)

Sidenote: I don't want to be contrarian, but Total Distortion's "You Are Dead" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pPQnhhUqtU) music is the greatest piece of vgm ever created.

Lol I remember that one from a previous rumble! I love that one and can't disagree with you!

Donkey Kong Country

Sonic Colors

Wizards & Warriors III

Kansas a la punk rock

---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 PM ----------

erm, Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day)

---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 PM ----------

Looks like a lot of new faces joined in while I was gone. If you stick around another three months, I'll be running the annual Final Fantasy music rumble again this year. :)

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) - I was anxiously anticipating for the lyrics to kick in at some point, but thankfully that didn't happen


Sidenote: I don't want to be contrarian, but Total Distortion's "You Are Dead" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pPQnhhUqtU) music is the greatest piece of vgm ever created.

I think most scholars would agree that Time Trapped Isle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoXziVizjPQ) is the best piece of game music

Haha that gameover music is fantastic!

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Sonic Unleashed

Results from the previous round: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (4-1) and Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) (4-1) advance!

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Round 3, Fight 1 // The David Wise Rumble

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Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995 for SNES)

Sample tracks: Bramble Blast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73n7HTcmb5g), Mining Melancholy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qp0_NE8M1c), Forest Interlude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKNBP7VEvI), Bayou Boogie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HzaD9Viafc), Hornet Hole (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v2WJi6RHj4)

vs.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014 for Wii U)

Sample tracks: Windmill Hills (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFGl5PzEzBQ), Funky Waters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2WjP6sgrc), Grassland Groove (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQuJZsBCuGA), Seashore War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEam4GBeflo), Juicy Groove (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8afrqV72GI)

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Round 1, Fight 13 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic Unleashed - Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRr8uMDpLc) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Holoska Cool Edge (Night) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFIn8fjnfd0) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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My Picks:
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Temple

Oh, no! Two of my favorite David Wise scores up against each other. :erm:

This'll be a toughie.

Donkey Kong Country 2

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Donkey Kong Country 2 - taken as a whole I think this is the stronger work; Tropical Freeze loses its luster in world 5. Picks up a bit in world 6 though.

&

Temple

Donkey Kong Country 2
Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Donkey Kong Country 2

Holoska Cool Edge (Night)

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Results from the previous round: Donkey Kong Country 2 (5-1) and Temple (5-1) advance!

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Round 3, Fight 2 // The David Wise Rumble

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Donkey Kong Country (1994 for SNES)

Sample tracks: Life in the Mines (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcklfVCEAcg), Gang-Plank Galleon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS7_tcwsj4E), Aquatic Ambience (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAPpVplHiDE), Cranky�s Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urk0nWomxU), Bonus Room Blitz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQFKCSfC250)

vs.

Tengami (2014 for Wii U)

Sample tracks: Into the Light (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JL8L2CfWMw), Crimson Leaves (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxWtA_Uib1o), Reflections (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCF7sM82Z44), Frozen in Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k45OUjZ5Uk), Ocean Breeze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiYWLXmchgw)

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Round 1, Fight 14 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXukwNQG0uA) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic 3D Blast - Volcano Valley Zone Act 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MrP51YTWak) by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, and Richard Jacques (1996 for Genesis and Saturn)

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My Picks:
Donkey Kong Country
Marble Zone � Tough choices in both of these fights

Donkey Kong Country

Marble Zone

Donkey Kong Country

Marble Zone

Tengami

Marble Zone

Donkey Kong Country

Sonic 3D Blast

Donkey Kong Country
Sonic 3D Blast - Volcano Valley Zone Act 2

Donkey Kong Country

Sonic 3D Blast - Volcano Valley Zone Act 2

Results from the previous round: Donkey Kong Country (6-1) and Marble Zone (4-3) advance!

Final round for the David Wise Rumble!

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Final Round // The David Wise Rumble

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Donkey Kong Country (1994 for SNES)

Sample tracks: Life in the Mines (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcklfVCEAcg), Gang-Plank Galleon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS7_tcwsj4E), Aquatic Ambience (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAPpVplHiDE), Cranky�s Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urk0nWomxU), Bonus Room Blitz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQFKCSfC250)

vs.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995 for SNES)

Sample tracks: Bramble Blast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73n7HTcmb5g), Mining Melancholy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qp0_NE8M1c), Forest Interlude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKNBP7VEvI), Bayou Boogie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HzaD9Viafc), Hornet Hole (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v2WJi6RHj4)

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Round 1, Fight 15 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Spring Yard Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDd_GlynA6A) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic 3D Blast - Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2YxjPxnuk) by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, and Richard Jacques (1996 for Genesis and Saturn)

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My Picks:

Donkey Kong Country � I�ve always ranked Life in the Mines, Gang-Plank Galleon, and Aquatic Ambience just a little higher than Bramble Blast for songs from the DKC series, which is why I�m voting this way. But I know I�m in a tiny minority for feeling that way.

Spring Yard Zone

Donkey Kong Country

Sonic 3D Blast - Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2

Donkey Kong Country 2 - While I enjoy Bramble Blast, I can't say that I would rank it better than those others from DKC. But, I actually prefer DKC2 mining theme and aquatic (bayou) theme better than the original. Either way, they're both enjoyable and won't really be disappointed by which ever wins.

Spring Yard Zone

Donkey Kong Country 2
Sonic the Hedgehog - Spring Yard Zone

Donkey Kong Country 2 - very hard choice! I think I prefer this one though for its decidedly bouncy and bouyant tone, a opposed to the drier and more atmospheric DKC 1. Both are wonderful soundtracks though.

Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2

Donkey Kong Country - a hard pick I agree, really grateful to have finally been encouraged to listen to these two as they're both amazing soundtracks.

Sonic 3D Blast

3-3 ties in both fights. We need tie-breakers from someone who hasn't voted yet!

Hello!

Even though sonic was obviously a major hit back in the day, I can only remember actually playing it once on the actual console, but it was a hire from a video store. So sonic doesn't have the kind of memories for me that most who have played it would have. You see, I didn't get my first video game console until i was 9, and that was a sega master system with alex the kidd built in, which was actually just included when we bought a new tv at the time.

All that to say, i guess it puts me in an objective view to rate the sonic tracks!

I like the sonic 2 track. particularly like that it has the same sound in it that is used for the ring collection.

Sonic 3d is definitely nice sounding techno track. I like that I can listen to it peacefully. the 3 minutes went really quickly cause it was nice to the ears.

To be honest both are good tracks but I'm going for the Sonic 3d.

I haven't played the donkey kong games either.

I have to say that the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack really pushed it over at the beginning ("Theme")

I like the Donkey Kong Country better than 2.

Results from the previous round: Donkey Kong Country (4-3) and Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2 (4-3) advance!

Thanks to PforPianist for the tie-breakers! With that, Donkey Kong Country wins the David Wise rumble! And now we need to vote on the next rumble. I've included some options below. None are finished, so it may take some time and/or a collective effort to get them ready to go. Please vote for as many rumble ideas as you'd be interested in.

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Deciding the Next Rumble Rumble

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Failure Themes
90s End Credits Themes
Final Fantasy XIII
Best of 2016
Best of Jeremy Soule

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Round 1, Fight 16 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Chemical Plant Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-OGGxJPlU0) by Masato Nakamura (1992 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_VHsD2aa7s) by Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata (1993 for Sega CD)

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My Pick:
Chemical Plant Zone

Chemical Plant Zone

90's End Credits Themes and Jeremy Soule both sound pretty good to me.

Stardust Speedway

I think I'd enjoy a Soule rumble.

Chemical Plant Zone

My vote goes for either the Failure or Credits rumble. I would also be willing to add a few tracks to either of these two themes - the current selection has a pretty strong console bias :)

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP)

I would personally be interested in a Jeremy Soule rumble, as I'm not familiar with his work whatsoever except for Knights of the Old Republic.

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP)

Okay, I'm going to ask for Jeremy Soule, cause i've never heard any of his music before.

Stardust Speedway

Weird, it wasn't displaying new posts for me so I never knew the round had been updated.

Oh well, would have probably voted the original DKC anyway.

Stardust Speedway

Yay I'm really happy to see the Jeremy Soule suggestion get a few votes, that's something I'd really look forward to. I listen to a lot of his music and I've actually played a lot of the games his music features in which is nice. It'd be great to explore his earlier music too as I'm less familiar with that.

Stardust Speedway

Just thought I'd mention that I've added a couple of tracks from the Super Battletoads soundtrack to my playlist recently, it's really grown on me, "Stage 4" especially!

Hi friends. This has been the longest break in the rumble's 8-year history. I apologize. A combination of family, health, and work factors all came up at the same time. But we're back.

The Jeremy Soule rumble got the most votes, so I've begun working on that here (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?gmid=6510&do=discuss#gmessage6510). I humbly ask for your help in making decisions toward the final list. Even if you have only heard one Jeremy Soule song in your life, but you liked it and you want to make sure it ends up in the rumble, that would be a help.

Now, without further ado, the results from the previous round: Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP) (6-3) advances!

And a little bonus for your patience: A fascinating story about a game I've never heard of: SEGAGAGA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ejH8c-ZEuA)

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Round 2, Fight 1 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Lava Reef Zone Act 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zfRD3JyW90) by Various (1994 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtSmFc-hHrw) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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Round 2, Fight 2 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic 3D Blast - Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2YxjPxnuk) by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, and Richard Jacques (1996 for Genesis and Saturn)

vs.

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_VHsD2aa7s) by Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata (1993 for Sega CD)

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My Picks:
Lava Reef Zone Act 2
Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP) - Both of these were tough choices for me

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day)

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP) - this was particularly an incredibly difficult choice to make.

No worries about the delay, I know how difficult finding the time to put this together must be.

Lava Reef Zone Act 2
Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2

---------- Post added at 11:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------

Soule has some stand-out tunes from the Harry Potter games; my favorites:
- Library theme (Chamber of Secrets) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GCS4980Krw)
- Diagon Alley (Chamber of Secrets) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkrrWV-q1zo)
- Storybook (Philosopher's Stone) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5hY6JFrqbo)
- Follow Rain (Prisoner of Azkaban) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViTq_CbXQqY)

Woot Woot we're back! I hope everything's going alright now Arthur.

Sonic Unleashed - I can't say I really liked either one if these, I only disliked this one less.

Sonic 3D Blast - On the other hand I really enjoyed this one.

Yay I'm glad you're back! :) Sega Sega...

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day)
Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Good Future (JP)

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day)

Sonic 3D Blast - Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2

Sonic Unleashed I like the electric guitar part. Was great to dance along to <(o<.)(o>.)>
Sonic 3D I like the choir part to this :)

Also, yay, we're back!

Lava Reef Zone Act 2

Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2

Results from the previous round: Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) (5-3) and Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2 (5-3) advance!

Bonus: A long, but sharp talk about the inspirations behind some early video game music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHp5WPjGGQI)

Also, we've already had some great suggestions on the group page for the Soule rumble (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?discussionid=1135&do=discuss). Join in if you have any preferences.

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Round 2, Fight 3 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Solaris Phase 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAx3hTZeyBw) by Hideaki Kobayashi, Tomoya Ohtani, Mariko Nanba, Taihei Sato, and Takahito Eguchi (2006 for PS3 and Xbox 360)

vs.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Icecap Zone 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKL0BtScEd8) by Various (1994 for Genesis)

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Round 1, Fight 4 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Star Light Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mqmN6mw4R8) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRr8uMDpLc) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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My Picks:
Solaris Phase 2 - This feels a little heretical
Star Light Zone - Both great. Going with the classic.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Icecap Zone 1

Sonic the Hedgehog - Star Light Zone

Solaris Phase 2

Temple

*poke*

Johnny fired up this year's character game (Thread 216564) in General FF.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Icecap Zone 1
Sonic the Hedgehog - Star Light Zone

*poke*

Johnny fired up this year's character game (Thread 216564) in General FF.

Thanks, I totally would've missed it!

Alright, give me a warm body or two to finalize FF15's appearance and I'll get the FF Rumble up and running. :)

FF15 qualifiers here (Thread 207272)

We need a tiebreaker from someone who hasn't voted yet to break the 2-2 stalemate between Solaris Phase 2 and Icecap Zone.

Whoops I thought I'd already voted sorry! Solaris Phase 2 was exactly what I had in mind when I saw there was a Sonic rumble having not really listened to any of the series' soundtracks before.

Solaris Phase 2
Temple

Sonic the Hedgehog - Solaris Phase 2

Sonic Unleashed - Temple - This was difficult.

Ice Cap Zone 1
Temple

We need a tiebreaker from someone who hasn't voted yet to break the 3-3 stalemate between Star Light Zone and Temple. That vote will end the current fight. If no one else votes, I'll flip a coin.

I think it's 4-3 to Temple unless someone did a sneaky edit when you made that post lol.

I think it's 4-3 to Temple unless someone did a sneaky edit when you made that post lol.

Weird! PforPianist's vote wasn't showing when I posted. I wonder if I opened the thread before he voted, left it open for a while, and wrote my post without refreshing the page. Sorry team. Next fight up in a few.

Results from the previous round: Solaris Phase 2 (4-3) and Temple (4-3) advance!

Lots of progress on the Soule rumble. I'm hoping to start it with the next round of the Sonic rumble.

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Round 2, Fight 5 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic CD - Tidal Tempest Present (JP) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nW3W-IqYuQ) by Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata (1993 for Sega CD)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF3XUXWCxBs) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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Round 1, Fight 6 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Angel Island Zone 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbPPWKEfw6I) by Various (1994 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXukwNQG0uA) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

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My Picks:
Jungle Joyride (Night)
Marble Zone

I'll vote in the morning. Wanted to announce that the 4th annual Final Fantasy music rumble (Thread 216709) is now live. :)

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night)

Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Angel Island Zone 1

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night)
Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone

Jungle Joyride

Marble Zone

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night)

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone

Two easy picks!

Results from the previous round: Jungle Joyride (Night) (5-0) and Marble Zone (4-1) advance!

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Round 2, Fight 7 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF9ZLNxHaBY) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Chrome Gadget (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCx1n6BcRls) by Various (1994 for Genesis)

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Round 1, Fight 8 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPpnoKiZ5c4) by Masato Nakamura (1992 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic 3D Blast - Panic Puppet Zone Act 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWHluhvS3D4) by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, and Richard Jacques (1996 for Genesis and Saturn)

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My Picks:
Green Hill Zone
Emerald Hill Zone

Green Hill Zone
Emerald Hill Zone

Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone

Green Hill Zone

Panic Puppet Zone Act 1

Green Hill Zone
Emerald Hill Zone.
Definitely.

Green Hill Zone

Panic Puppet Zone Act 1

Green Hill Zone

Panic Puppet Zone Act 1 Pretty hard. Had to listen to them a couple of times.

Results from the previous round: Green Hill Zone (7-0) and Emerald Hill Zone (4-3) advance!

Note 1: For the Soule rumble, we need 16 soundtracks. We have 14 that are generally agreed upon. We have 8 others vying for the last 2 spots. So we're going to do a qualifying rumble to determine those last 2.

Note 2: The links for Azurik are designed to jump to specific spots in the YouTube video. If you're using a mobile device this may not work, in which case you should use the links in the video's description to jump to the appropriate places.

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Round 3, Fight 1 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF3XUXWCxBs) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF9ZLNxHaBY) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

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Round 1, Fight 1 // The Soule Pre-Rumble

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Azurik: Rise of Perathia (2001)

Sample tracks: Main Menu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc), Day of Peace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=09m04s), Intricate Possibility (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=15m59s), Battling the Corruption (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=20m37s), Forever and Ever (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=38m09s)

vs.

Dungeon Siege (2002)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7aYfjE8h48), Path to the Crypts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHLqzhhIJos), The Besieged Town of Stonebridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOxCr0Z8rRk), Glacern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owa6LDEIQtU), The Dark Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxcRKPnkaUI)

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My Picks:
Green Hill Zone - Green Hill Zone won our first ever rumble (Thread 66118) and carried Sonic to victory in the Genesis soundtracks rumble (Thread 66118). Jungle Joyride (Night) is great, but it's going against an era-defining track.
Azurik: Rise of Perathia - One of my favorites from researching the Soule rumble. Shades of the Secret of NIMH and Return to Oz scores.

Jungle Joyride Night

Azurik

Green Hill Zone to my surprise not an easy choice

Azurik

Doing a qualifying round is a great idea, nice one. I'll have to listen to Azurik in full as I really enjoyed the track selection you put together, that gets my vote.

Jungle Joyride Night

Azurik

The only thing i hear when I listen to Green Hill Zone is Smooth Mcgroove. to hard not to resist!

Green Hill Zone
Dungeon Seige

could have sworn I voted in the last round........

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night)

Dungeon Siege

Green Hill Zone
&
Dungeon Siege

Sonic Unleashed - Jungle Joyride (Night)
Dungeon Siege

Double tie! We need a tiebreaker from someone who hasn't voted yet. Next vote ends the round.

Green Hill Zone
Azurik: Rise of Perathia

Results from the previous round: Green Hill Zone (5-4) and Azurik: Rise of Perathia (5-4) advance!

Thanks to mariofan12ify for the tie-breakers!

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Round 3, Fight 2 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXukwNQG0uA) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Solaris Phase 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAx3hTZeyBw) by Hideaki Kobayashi, Tomoya Ohtani, Mariko Nanba, Taihei Sato, and Takahito Eguchi (2006 for PS3 and Xbox 360)

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Round 1, Fight 2 // The Soule Pre-Rumble

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Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War (2004)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFAKECUeew0), Space Marines (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG42F-5AVOE), Imperial Guard (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhqWHIq-aZw), Orks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5uwihWGu-I), Necrons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q2e8lnqwwk)

vs.

Landmark (2016)

Sample tracks: Alpha 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7kAMjlj_zY), Alpha 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdzPkwbNtE), Alpha 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAhc5UIVCDA), Alpha 6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQidQundek), Alpha 7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG29_sDUN7k)

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My Picks:
Marble Zone
Landmark

Sonic the Hedgehog - Solaris Phase 2

Landmark

---------- Post added at 11:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 PM ----------

Apparently EverQuest is still operational. Its most recent expansion just came out in November. o_O

Marble Zone

Landmark

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone
Landmark

I have a feeling that Jeremy Soule rumble will be a really long one for me...

Marble Zone

Landmark

Results from the previous round: Marble Zone (4-1) and Landmark (6-0) advance!

@Shad: Almost just as crazy, Runescape is still out there. I have a friend who plays almost every day using the same character he created in 2001.

@nx666: I hope not! We're in the qualifying round, so these are not his most lauded soundtracks. But each of them had something that I thought was worth highlighting.

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Round 3, Fight 3 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic Unleashed - Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRr8uMDpLc) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Spagonia Rooftop Run (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtSmFc-hHrw) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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Round 1, Fight 3 // The Soule Pre-Rumble

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Icewind Dale (2000)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdSPSpYejuw), Kuldahar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdfTWNgySq0), Easthaven in Peace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP-PfRlUBxc), Temple of Tempus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4PPoCOf-j4), Hrothgar's Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFuxttjk7CA)

vs.

Neverwinter Nights (2002)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb133m_AEnY), Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKKA_SzqhSc), City Docks (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cOJlXygQJQ), Forest (Day 1) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcG-pEqGBwo), Aribeth de Tylmarande (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1efEVmHMpDE)

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My Picks:
Temple
Icewind Dale

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

In general Soule soundtracks tend to stick with you as a consequence of hearing them playing as the ambient background for hours on end. On first listen they're really hard to distinguish sometimes. I don't have much of an opinion on these two the first time through. Might give them another go later. For now Neverwinter Nights because City Docks stood out to me the most of the 10 tracks.

Temple

Icewind Dale

Sonic Unleashed - Temple
Neverwinter Nights

@arthurgolden: I wasn't referring to the quality of his music, he is pretty clearly a very talented composer. It's just that most of his soundtracks are so similar that it's extremely difficult for me to pick favorites in this rumble. I've played both of the games above for probably more than 100 hours and I still have a hard time remembering where exactly those tracks were played in the game. It's all very well-crafted stuff, but it also feels pretty interchangeable at times.

Temple

Icewind Dale

When I suggested doing this rumble I did consider at the time how similar a lot of his music is... but I'm still really happy that this was chosen as it's already helped introduce me to some of his other stuff and it's been quite cool to hear his earlier music and recognise parts of it. For Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights they both sound very familiar, although I think he improved on them with the Elder Scrolls and Guild Wars soundtracks.

We've got a clear winner with Temple but need a tiebreaker for Icewind Dale vs. Neverwinter Nights. The next vote from someone who hasn't yet voted will end the fight. If we can't get a vote by tomorrow, I'll flip a coin.

Results from the previous round: Temple (6-0) and Neverwinter Nights (4-3 by coin flip) advance!

Note 1: The Company of Heroes tracks are rips with unofficial titles.

Note 2: I hear what you all are saying about the interchangeability of Soule's tracks, and I do agree it's true in many cases. Hopefully, we can unearth examples that break away from or evolve his tendencies--and I think we will.

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Round 3, Fight 4 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPpnoKiZ5c4) by Masato Nakamura (1992 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic 3D Blast - Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2YxjPxnuk) by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, and Richard Jacques (1996 for Genesis and Saturn)

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Round 1, Fight 4 // The Soule Pre-Rumble

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Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (2001)

Sample tracks: Raining In Baldur's Gate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJRnCBeAuo), Last Battle of Eldrith (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5wERlGWXKw), Elfsong Tavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt-z8PiENl4), Tavern Cellar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbbZxODRAvg), Orb of the Undead (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXr_G-kxjfw)

vs.

Company of Heroes (2006)

Sample tracks: For King & Country (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nN7PzlqsSg), England's Knocking (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL8xL0ZIrhw), Sunrise on the Battlefield (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X-nsjKzZmA), Dusk of the Fatherland (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPi65mGHLe8), The Elite (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nIogXo3sS8)

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My Picks:
Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2
Company of Heroes

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone

Company of Heroes

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Rusty Ruin Zone Act 2

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

I thought both matchups were tough to decide.


Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Results from the previous round: Emerald Hill Zone (5-3) and Baldur�s Gate: Dark Alliance (5-3) advance!

Note 1: To finalize the Soule rumble, we need to choose 2 of the 4 remaining soundtracks.

Note 2: The Azurik links won�t work on a mobile device; you�ll have to use the links in the video's description.

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Final Round // The Soule Pre-Rumble

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Azurik: Rise of Perathia (2001)

Sample tracks: Main Menu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc), Day of Peace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=09m04s), Intricate Possibility (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=15m59s), Battling the Corruption (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=20m37s), Forever and Ever (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigXx2Q1xnc#t=38m09s)

vs.

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (2001)

Sample tracks: Raining In Baldur's Gate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJRnCBeAuo), Last Battle of Eldrith (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5wERlGWXKw), Elfsong Tavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt-z8PiENl4), Tavern Cellar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbbZxODRAvg), Orb of the Undead (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXr_G-kxjfw)

vs.

Landmark (2016)

Sample tracks: Alpha 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7kAMjlj_zY), Alpha 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdzPkwbNtE), Alpha 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAhc5UIVCDA), Alpha 6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQidQundek), Alpha 7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG29_sDUN7k)

vs.

Neverwinter Nights (2002)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb133m_AEnY), Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKKA_SzqhSc), City Docks (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cOJlXygQJQ), Forest (Day 1) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcG-pEqGBwo), Aribeth de Tylmarande (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1efEVmHMpDE)

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My Picks (vote for any 2 of the above 4):
Azurik: Rise of Perathia
Landmark

Azurik: Rise of Perathia

Landmark

Landmark

Neverwinter Nights

Azurik: Rise of Perathia

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Baldur's Gate
Neverwinter

Landmark

Neverwinter Nights

We're back! I hope everyone's doing well. Right now, we have 4 votes for Landmark, 3 for both Azurik and Neverwinter Nights, and 2 for Baldur's Gate. That means Landmark is in, and Baldur's Gate is out. As for the other two, I'm going to post the next fights below and leave the tiebreaker between Azurik and Neverwinter Nights open for anyone who hasn't yet voted. If we get through the Sonic voting and still haven't found an extra vote, I'll do a coin flip.

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Round 4, Fight 1 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF9ZLNxHaBY) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXukwNQG0uA) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

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Round 4, Fight 2 // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Emerald Hill Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPpnoKiZ5c4) by Masato Nakamura (1992 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRr8uMDpLc) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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My Picks:
Green Hill Zone
Temple

Good to be back. Do you guys still have a Facebook group for when FFShrine goes down?

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Yep. I'll PM you the link.

Marble Zone and Emerald Hill Zone.

for the final round of the Soule rumble, I pick Landmark and Neverwinter Nights.

I finally grabbed the full Landmark gamerip. it's amazing, I think it may be his best work to date.

Thanks! With that, voting for Soule is now closed. Voting for Sonic remains open.

Marble Zone

Temple

It's good to be back!

Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone
Sonic Unleashed

Yay glad to see the website is back online!

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Results from the previous round: Marble Zone (5-3) and Temple (7-1) advance!

Note: As we start the Soule rumble, there are a couple questions I'm intrigued to see the answers to. In the pre-rumble, several wondered if Soule's individual tracks were distinct enough to judge against one another. The volume of his output is eye-opening. For instance, in 2002, Soule composed soundtracks for 8 separate games. He did the same in 2006. That's 6 weeks per soundtrack. Averaging about 30 tracks per soundtrack in 2002, he wrote a new song about every 1.5 days. Do we simply like Soule's musical style, or are there specific tracks that stand out? Also of note, this rumble will take us back to the question of how we feel about arrangements, which we've tackled before. John Williams is a ghostly presence in some of these match-ups. Do we view arrangements as less impressive--and therefore less worthy of a vote--than an original composition?

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Final Round // The Sonic Rumble

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Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXukwNQG0uA) by Masato Nakamura (1991 for Genesis)

vs.

Sonic Unleashed - Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRr8uMDpLc) by Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Kenichi Tokoi, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Takahito Eguchi (2008 for PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3)

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Round 1, Fight 1 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)

Sample tracks: Javyar's Cantina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M212A0NTrEc), Bastila Shan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoGAKXsMjE), Old Republic Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKvMyruPTA), Manaan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD4YUEd18R0), Darth Malak Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxNKOLgbbhs)

vs.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXx0naXOCdE), Diagon Alley (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwaLGCV58w0), Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAPk5UT6Yrg), Library (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GCS4980Krw), DADA Action (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5RLnESO2D8)

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My Picks:
Temple
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

I think you make a good point about the amount of projects he worked on in such a short amount of time, the fact that a lot of them are all quite similar games too probably doesn't help! That track creation stat is just crazy.

For me it's less about individual tracks, more how easy his music is to listen to, like I'd have a hard time placing which music fits certain areas in games or I guess even which music fits certain games. That said there are still plenty of standout tracks, just perhaps a bit harder to pick out. It's been a shame to see he hasn't composed as much recently.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Marble Zone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Marble Zone
Knights of the Old Republic

Marble Zone

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Temple

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

I never realized how prolific Soule is. I can't can't imagine producing the much music in such a short time frame. I suppose that's why his music is so similar sounding, which I never realized quite how similar until this rumble. It is difficult for me to choose between his soundtracks sometimes because of the similarities, sometimes I choose which one is more unique, sometimes which one I enjoy listening to more.

We need one more vote to break the tie in the Soule rumble. The next vote from someone who hasn't voted yet will end the round.

Marble Zone

and it's tough since i think they're both weak, but

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

KOTOR was a real opportunity to go all out on thematic development - i mean, its star wars - but this seems to be the period of time as pointed out by arthurgolden when soule started to phone it in, either due to quantity of output or leaning more on his brother's contributions, or both. he's certainly capable of writing distinct material when he invests himself, though. i think all his output up to morrowind sounds like it got 110% and is really distinct, and most things from Guild Wars: Eye of the North after as well. icewind dale has 10 fully developed themes and motifs running throughout for example, and Dragon Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcWGIkIHLFg) from Heart of Winter is one of my favorite action pieces from him. it really does vary from project to project for him. skyrim has an undeniable identity of its own, but guild wars is really more defined by just being an orchestral pastiche without any real distinct orchestration or thematic development.

i wonder how much of his phoned-in material during this time (like the laughable unreal 2 contributions) were delegated to his brother, ala the DOTA 2 The International 2015 music pack credited to "Jeremy & Julian Soule" that jeremy let slip on twitter he didn't write any music for.

Sonic Unleashed - Temple

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

That's interesting, ilistened to them but didn't post.

Marble Zone
KOTOR

Results from the previous round: Marble Zone (6-3) and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (6-3) advance!

Note 1: Marble Zone becomes our newest winner! And with that, Sonic the Hedgehog 1 continues its streak of winning every rumble it has ever been a part of: the first un-themed rumble, the Genesis soundtracks rumble, and now Sonic songs.

Note 2: I've included options for the next rumble below. As has been the case for the last few decisions, none of these options are finished, so it may take some time and/or a collective effort to get them ready to go. Best of 1997, Fire Levels, Ys series, and Underappreciated soundtracks have not been started yet, though I think I could put them together quickly. Please vote for as many rumble ideas as you'd be interested in.

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Round 1, Fight 2 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)

Sample tracks: Reign of the Septims (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCxjP0SON2I), Harvest Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v9K98RzbHI), King & Country (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8m78N9Z-vw), Wings of Kynareth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d8yCWF4cBY), Auriel's Ascension (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7NqyQCSz-Y)

vs.

Guild Wars Prophecies (2005)

Sample tracks: Autumn in Ascalon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w80HNEwwv4), Crystal Oasis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmmpXuKx3yo), Guilds at War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MMoVC979Jw), Temple of Tolerance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T57oPSXrV5E), First Light (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g9_aWUPj6w)

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Determining the Next Rumble

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Failure Themes
90s End Credits Themes
Final Fantasy XIII
Best of 2016
Best of 1997
Fire Levels
Ys series
Underappreciated soundtracks

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My Picks:
Guild Wars Prophecies

Guild Wars: Prophecies.

90s end credits themes is interesting. underappreciated soundtracks I have a feeling would just be endless lists of Japanese titles.

Hey arthur, thanks.

Guild Wars Prophecies.

Undecided about soundtrack ideas currently.

Great to see a few votes already for Guild Wars over Oblivion. This was a difficult pick.

I'm not sure about picking the next one having suggested the Soule one, I really enjoy discovering new music from these so I don't have a preference.

Guild Wars Prophecies

Oblivion

As for the next rumble: I would be up for anything, maybe with the exception of Ys (small chance to discover anything new) and FF13 (not a huge fan). Some of the others sound interesting (Underappreciated OSTs, Best of '97) and I could contribute a few soundtracks for those if necessary.


90s end credits themes is interesting. underappreciated soundtracks I have a feeling would just be endless lists of Japanese titles.

Well, there are very easy ways to prevent this from happening :)

Oblivion

As for the next rumble: I would be up for anything, maybe with the exception of Ys (small chance to discover anything new) and FF13 (not a huge fan). Some of the others sound interesting (Underappreciated OSTs, Best of '97) and I could contribute a few soundtracks for those if necessary.



Well, there are very easy ways to prevent this from happening :)

hahah too right.

i'm liking best of 97 since its a period i'm not super familiar with, credits music, underappreciated soundtracks. i think failure themes is interesting but kind of narrow. zero interest in FF13 or Ys.

Oblivion

As for next rumble, I would love to see the Ys series. Seeing as it's an unpopular one, my second puck would be 90's End Credits.

best of 1997 has some sentimental value. started playing games from that year, biggest game of my teens being ff7 :) To be honest, didn't really play anything else, except the ones that got the air time (abe's odyssey... myst, pandemonium, gran turismo)

sorry: myst.

Oblivion


90s End Credits Themes and Underappreciated soundtracks sounds fun. Also, I have fond memories of Aquatic Rumble, so curious how Fire Levels would go.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

We need a 4-4 tiebreaker for Jeremy Soule. Next vote from someone who hasn't yet voted will end the fight and determine the winner.

As for the next rumble, the votes break down like this, which means we will be doing 90s End Credits! The group page can be found here (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?discussionid=492&do=discuss). Starting soon.
Failure Themes 1
90s End Credits 4
Final Fantasy XIII 0
Best of 2016 1
Best of 1997 3
Fire Levels 2
Ys series 1
Underappreciated 3

Results from the previous round: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (5-4 by coin flip) advances!

Lots of good stuff happening on the 90s End Credits group page (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?discussionid=492&do=discuss). Hopefully, that'll be ready to go soon. For now, a double bill of Soule.

Also, I looked up the Jeremy/Julian DOTA 2 scandal, since I hadn't heard of that before. I wasn't able to find Jeremy's posts in question, but I did see this follow-up (https://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/3bxn2r/psa_jeremy_soule_did_not_participate_in_the/) on Reddit making the case for Jeremy's participation. Take the info with a grain of salt since no evidence is provided.

Lastly, an interesting video I caught on nonfunctional harmony in Chrono Trigger's soundtrack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zGqN1ZOEJQ&t=598s).

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Round 1, Fight 3 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Secret of Evermore (1995)

Sample tracks: Introduction (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnV7w_tpmpI), Dog Maze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlyIJFh0bxA), Mini Boss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXLKmvF_Ug), Queen Bluegarden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3nOG_0yTA), Greek Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9DuAzh9ejM)

vs.

Guild Wars Factions (2006)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUaxwXSRvso), Age of the Dragon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc5QE5PGGU), Shing Jea Monastery (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K-gRQEpFT4), Luxon Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wluVLm4JURY), Assassin's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J378yMrOo0)

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Round 1, Fight 4 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Sample tracks: Ancient Stones (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZGrvAvPZM), City Gates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAlNeOHI-g), Jerall Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckCkMPJVpw), Secunda (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC9Ri2hZsos), Streets of Whiterun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_34gUVqLkAo)

vs.

Neverwinter Nights (2002)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb133m_AEnY), Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKKA_SzqhSc), City Docks (Day) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cOJlXygQJQ), Forest (Day 1) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcG-pEqGBwo), Aribeth de Tylmarande (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1efEVmHMpDE)

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My Picks:

Secret of Evermore - The older rumblers may remember my ramblings about the story behind this soundtrack (Thread 66118). This is also the soundtrack that brought me to Galbadia Hotel. In 2006, I was living far away from home in the wake of a natural disaster and was pretty deep into a nostalgia coping phase. Many of the soundtracks to my favorite games from childhood and adolescence were easy to find, but Secret of Evermore was out of print and all but nonexistent on the searchable internet. Galbadia Hotel was the only place I could find it, which opened the door to so many other soundtracks hosted there, which led me here. 10 years later, I'm still in the same place banging the drum for my childhood favorites.

Neverwinter Nights

Two predictable picks from me I'm afraid! Secret of Evermore was nice to listen to though.

Guild Wars Factions
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Guild Wars Factions (2006)
Neverwinter Nights (2002)

I'm pretty intrigued by neverwinter nights. some really solid songs there.

Thanks for the info about soule. that's a cool way to get into video game music :)

Secret of Evermore

Skyrim

Secret of Evermore
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Secret of Evermore (1995)

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Secret of Evermore

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - i honestly think this is soule's best work to date. i listened to the soundtrack album for three years before finally playing skyrim in 2014 so i know it stands on its own two feet.
Death or Sovngarde (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhRDxqKltD4) is what i always go to when i think of skyrim. that's what music is all about.

Results from the previous round: Secret of Evermore (6-2) and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (5-3) advance!

Lots of stuff happening on the group page (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20).

Also, thanks to Nucas for the extra Skyrim recommendation!

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Round 1, Fight 5 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Guild Wars 2 (2012)

Sample tracks: Call of the Raven (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trt57TXxXGs), Snaff’s Workshop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWe_nJ7sQ0), Tengu Wall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBIWK7ddLpg), Lornar's Pass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqj1acMv6Zc), Last Great City of Men (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-KkzzmU7zs)

vs.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North (2007)

Sample tracks: Beyond the Northern Wall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTd_ewZY33g), Overture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tQdvpCcQV8), Ballad of Ice & Snow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMr_zqTAdvE), Tome of Rubicon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bucADPEURLU), Iron Footfalls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g84aet0I3Jc)

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Round 1, Fight 6 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Sample tracks: Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ405s9tkYY), Story Book (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5hY6JFrqbo), Hogwarts Neutral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9NLitbYMss), Malfoy Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZeBuGLDxvA&list=PL4040EB25C260C1C9&index=5), Remember All Chase (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyfE-zAxE88&list=PL4040EB25C260C1C9&index=12)

vs.

zOMG! (2009)

Sample tracks: Off to a Great Start (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3a2Q8nGzJQ), A Time to Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-3rZUeMzc), Bill's Ranch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct6nHUdQsAU), Dead Man's Pass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4_BOkzyLH0), Buccaneer Boardwalk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHqRgnVHRdI)

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My Picks:
Guild Wars: Eye of the North – Ballad of Ice and Snow put this over the top for me
zOMG! – Serious underdog here, but I think it’s got tons of charm

Guild Wars: Eye of the North

zOMG!

I'm pretty happy with how they went. To be honest, the novelty of this rumble for me is listening to new soundtracks. (the only game familiar to me is guild wars: nightfall but that hasn't come up yet :))

I don't know why im such a sucker for the eye of the north but hey. wow. from the first song.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North
zOMG!

to be honest, from what i heard the soundtrack to harry potter doesn't sound anything like the movie soundtrack. maybe i'm just not hearing it properly

I actually love the zomg soundtrack.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North

zOMG!

Guild Wars: Eye of the North < Yay well at least one Guild Wars soundtrack will progress lol, it was hard to pick between the two but out of my fondness for the first Guild Wars over the second game I'll go with this one.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone < Tempting to vote for zOMG! but I couldn't leave this with no votes! I'll have to listen to zOMG! in full though as it was a nice surprise.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North
zOMG!

haaa

eye of the north is steam rolling. if it weren't for fowftw we would have a landslide on zomg too :) i dont recall this happening very often.

Btw, i could have gone either way with the guild wars match up. 2 sounds incredible. i just have a fondness for the theme of the eye of the north soundtrack.

@fowftw: I didn't realize until you mentioned it that no Guild Wars soundtracks had won yet. Strange, since they were all strong contenders.

@PforPianist: The crazy thing is that blow-outs used to happen frequently. There's actually still a policy in the OP about moving to the next fights if the posted ones have two uncontested winners. On the one hand, the lack of blow-outs is a good sign that we've had worthy contenders even in the early rounds of each rumble. On the other hand, it seems strange to think it's probably been years since any fight produced total consensus.

Yeah I'm a bit surprised too but they did each receive some votes which makes me happy! And the first one had to be decided with a coin toss against Oblivion, I'm surprised that one was so close. There's still Nightfall left to decide but personally the music from that expansion was the weakest for me overall, though I do really like the tracks I highlighted for it - hopefully it won't be paired with Morrowind :O

Results from the previous round: Guild Wars: Eye of the North (6-0) and zOMG! (5-1) advance!

Also, as we come to the end of Round 1, I want to give a big, big thanks to feralanima, fowftw, and TheSkeletonMan939 for all of their help getting this rumble ready. They were instrumental to the process and allowed me to discover lots of new music.

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Round 1, Fight 7 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Landmark (2016)

Sample tracks: Alpha 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7kAMjlj_zY), Alpha 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdzPkwbNtE), Alpha 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAhc5UIVCDA), Alpha 6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQidQundek), Alpha 7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG29_sDUN7k)

vs.

Guild Wars Nightfall (2006)

Sample tracks: Land of the Golden Sun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZjRXm-5dU), Festival of Lyss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKbgWgOR_w), Resplendent Makuun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDI2nLSmyxk), Theme For Varesh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxKwRgpQy6c), Garden of Seborhin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z704Jzqr5DQ)

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Round 1, Fight 8 // The Jeremy Soule Rumble

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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)

Sample tracks: Nerevar Rising (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mUmqH1ZHW8), Peaceful Waters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tWdVydRceU), Road Most Travelled (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSr2Aj3RtaA), Blessing of Vivec (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqiSV4vXUU), Silt Sunrise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ml4aUUdBc)

vs.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey (2009)

Sample tracks: March (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtxeYSt71KI), Great Death Mistress (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhyaAV0faLI), Rain Ghosts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SmLS-VDFI0), Theatre of the Delusionary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnq6kGzw8iw), Code of Honor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brhADk54xw4)

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My Picks:
Guild Wars Nightfall
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Going into this, I thought I would vote Landmark and Morrowind. Being less familiar with the other two, I had forgotten how good some of their tracks are. The Great Death Mistress + shooting down enemy planes...man.

I find jeremy soule does music you can just instantly listen to in the background. so non intrusive

Landmark

Morrowind

Guild Wars Nightfall

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Guild Wars Nightfall (2006)

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)

I agree this was surprisingly difficult although I managed to resist changing my choices! Landmark was a great find and a real highlight from the qualifying round, I need to look into finding the full soundtrack, Alpha 6 is my favourite. But Nightfall just had some really good standout tracks and I guess it has a bit more of a distinctive sound compared to some his other soundtracks. The Great Death Mistress you highlighted was fantastic yet I can't not pick Morrowind, it's a classic!

Guild Wars Nightfall

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Guild Wars Nightfall
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Landmark

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Sturmovik is hellishly good, but... Morrowind is my fav TES. Can't let it lose in the 1st round.

Results from the previous round: Guild Wars Nightfall (5-2) and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (4-3) advance!

That concludes the first round for Jeremy Soule and opens the door for Shad�s 90s Credit Themes to begin! From here, Shad will take over both rumbles. I'm excited. :D

Well, I'm back! It's time to kick of the 64-track 90s credit themes rumble. I'll try to maintain my usual 72 hour cycle, though if votes are slow to come I'll give it more time.

Round 2, Fight 1 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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zOMG! (2009)

Sample tracks: Off to a Great Start (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3a2Q8nGzJQ), A Time to Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-3rZUeMzc), Bill's Ranch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct6nHUdQsAU), Dead Man's Pass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4_BOkzyLH0), Buccaneer Boardwalk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHqRgnVHRdI)

vs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)

Sample tracks: Javyar's Cantina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M212A0NTrEc), Bastila Shan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoGAKXsMjE), Old Republic Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKvMyruPTA), Manaan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD4YUEd18R0), Darth Malak Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxNKOLgbbhs)

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Round 1, Fight 1 // 90s Credits

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Sonic 3D Blast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utakEuufwNY), by Jun Senoue & Tetsuyuki Maeda (SMD, 1996)

vs.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R19eUK0BvS0), by Yuichi Sakakura, Tomoya Tomita, & Kozo Nakamura (NES, 1991)

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zOMG!

Sonic Blast 3D

Thank you Arthur and Shad for doing the rumble and keeping it going!

zOMG!

When I first heard The Manhattan Project, I mostly just thought "wow, you're out of your league", but it's grown on me to the point where I think I'd have voted it over half the other tracks in this rumble.

Not over Sonic 3D Blast though.

zOMG!

Sonic 3D Blast

zOMG!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III

zOMG!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project

hmm... I'll give this one more day. I like an every third day rotation, but we'll ease into it since things have been moving slower lately.

I feel lucky to be able to hear the end of every game this time.

This is tougher than i thought. The turtles one is definitely nice. it reminds me of that commando game back in the 80s.

I'll go for zOMG! definitely

Okay it's sonic 3D

The song is really much like the other soundtracks before it turned into a chaotic mess. It feels like they could milk that style for ages. That's why i want to vote for sonic 3d in this. Unfortunately the other song it's harder for me to vote for having never played any turtles games. I never played sonic 3d, but man sonic puts you into a good mood.

zOMG! (6-0) and Sonic 3D Blast (4-2) advance!

Round 2, Fight 2 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Secret of Evermore (1995)

Sample tracks: Introduction (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnV7w_tpmpI), Dog Maze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlyIJFh0bxA), Mini Boss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXLKmvF_Ug), Queen Bluegarden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3nOG_0yTA), Greek Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9DuAzh9ejM)

vs.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)

Sample tracks: Reign of the Septims (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCxjP0SON2I), Harvest Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v9K98RzbHI), King & Country (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8m78N9Z-vw), Wings of Kynareth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d8yCWF4cBY), Auriel's Ascension (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7NqyQCSz-Y)

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Round 1, Fight 2 // 90s Credits

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Explosive Breaker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiEz3ws5tzI), by Tatsuya Watanabe (Arcade, 1992)

vs.

Lotus Land Story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g-eUQBHkaA), by ZUN (PC98, 1998)

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Whoa. zOMG! swept KOTOR? Pretty crazy.

Secret of Evermore

Lotus Land Story

Secret of Evermore
Explosive Breaker - Now we're talking! Two pretty good tracks. One thing I like about Explosive Breaker is the endearing fact that they put a PSG chip in an arcade machine from 1992. It also sounds a little bit like the attempt to cover a Bach gavotte by a '90s pop act.

Secret of Evermore

Explosive Breaker

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Lotus Land Story

I actually recently bought a cart with secret of evermore on it (not intentional... though it was cool to see it after learning it was done by jeremy soule) having never played it. Awesome. looking forward to play soon. I need the retrode to play it. It's my first cart also :) (unless you call rentals "my first cart")

Though it's obvious he's more accomplished in oblivion, the secret of evermore really has a soundtrack that is exceptionally likeable. Like the kind of music nobuo was able to do for final fantasy at the time.
For that reason i'm going for Secret of Evermore (Yeah i totally did just vote for the 90s tracks haha)

Explosive Breaker

Though it's obvious he's more accomplished in oblivion, the secret of evermore really has a soundtrack that is exceptionally likeable. Like the kind of music nobuo was able to do for final fantasy at the time.

This was my same thoughts. I felt Oblivion was more refined, perhaps due to technology as well as experience, but I found Secret of Evermore to be more enjoyable.

Secret of Evermore and Lotus Land Story for now. I'll listen more attentively and post the next matches tonight.

Secret of Evermore (5-1) advances! The other match-up is tied 3-3 and will remain open for one more iteration. If it is not resolved by then, a coin will be tossed.

Round 2, Fight 3 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Guild Wars Nightfall (2006)

Sample tracks: Land of the Golden Sun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZjRXm-5dU), Festival of Lyss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKbgWgOR_w), Resplendent Makuun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDI2nLSmyxk), Theme For Varesh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxKwRgpQy6c), Garden of Seborhin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z704Jzqr5DQ)

vs.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Sample tracks: Ancient Stones (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZGrvAvPZM), City Gates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAlNeOHI-g), Jerall Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckCkMPJVpw), Secunda (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC9Ri2hZsos), Streets of Whiterun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_34gUVqLkAo)

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Round 1, Fight 3 // 90s Credits

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Totsugeki! Mix (http://picosong.com/WKSd), by Kenichi Arakawa (PC98, 1994)

vs.

Wizardry V (https://youtu.be/8qAPNsiqT9k?t=47), by Kouhei Tanaka (FM Towns, 1990)

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TIE-BREAKER: Round 1, Fight 2 // 90s Credits

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Explosive Breaker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiEz3ws5tzI), by Tatsuya Watanabe (Arcade, 1992)

vs.

Lotus Land Story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g-eUQBHkaA), by ZUN (PC98, 1998)

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Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - I thought both of these were really good. I listened to GW Nightfall first and thought I'd be voting for that one. I was thinking that Skyrim better be pretty damn good for me to vote over GW. I was quite surprised to find that I thought it was. It was lovely.

Wizardry V

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Wizardry V

Skyrim

Totsugeki! Mix

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Wizardry V

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Wizardry V

Skyrim

Totsugeki! Mix

So long totsugeki :( it sounds like something out of dbz. haha it gets my vote!

I need to work off the rust and update this more often.

Tails wins the toss! Explosive Breaker advances 3-3 along with Wizardry V (4-2) and Skyrim (6-0).

Round 2, Fight 4 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Guild Wars: Eye of the North (2007)

Sample tracks: Beyond the Northern Wall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTd_ewZY33g), Overture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tQdvpCcQV8), Ballad of Ice & Snow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMr_zqTAdvE), Tome of Rubicon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bucADPEURLU), Iron Footfalls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g84aet0I3Jc)

vs.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)

Sample tracks: Nerevar Rising (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mUmqH1ZHW8), Peaceful Waters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tWdVydRceU), Road Most Travelled (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSr2Aj3RtaA), Blessing of Vivec (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqiSV4vXUU), Silt Sunrise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ml4aUUdBc)

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Round 1, Fight 4 // 90s Credits

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Super Turrican (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nulxq8HOFw), by Chris H�lsbeck (SNES, 1993)

vs.

Shadow of the Ninja (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBsmCWlRhiE), by Iku Mizutani & Kouichi Yamanishi (NES, 1990)

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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Shadow of the Ninja

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Super Turrican

Guild Wars: Eye of the North

Super Turrican

Sidenote: There’s a relatively new YouTube channel applying music theory to vgm that I highly recommend. Some early highlights: Nonfunctional harmony in Chrono Trigger, The music of Zelda's Overworld, What makes a good melody: Earthbound's Snowman Theme. Found here. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeZLO2VgbZHeDcongKzzfOw/videos)

Eye of the North Overture put me over. :)

Super Turrikan i like what the poster said, it sounds like "you just won the marathon" music but i like it.

Eye of the North! Ahhh so difficult as I love Morrowind, but in terms of individual track quality I feel like Eye of the North has some really nice highlights, I agree that Overture is especially amazing, the last ten seconds of it... yes I think that won me over too.

Shadow of the Ninja

Crap uh

I'm leaving for a week vacation in like 5 hours and won't have my PC where all this is stored

Not sure where I'm voting in Soule yet but I randed the next stage and we can start with the group that its winner is not in.

Next matchups are Secret of Evermore vs zOMG! and Solstice vs Gremlins 2. Arthur can you help me out for a round or two mate? Sorry.

---------- Post added at 12:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 AM ----------

After that is Super Mario RPG vs Outlaws and Skyrim vs the winner of this current group. I can just update these myself on my laptop once I get to the beach tomorrow evening come to think of it.

---------- Post added at 12:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 AM ----------

Yeah I'll post it proper with links and all tomorrow night from my laptop, just needed to write down what the match-ups would be ahead of time.

Sounds good. Let me know if you need me to do anything.

Round 3, Fight 1 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Secret of Evermore (1995)
Sample tracks: Introduction, Dog Maze, Mini Boss, Queen Bluegarden, Greek Temple

vs.

zOMG! (2009)
Sample tracks: Off to a Great Start, A Time to Train, Bill's Ranch, Dead Man's Pass, Buccaneer Boardwalk

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Round 1, Fight 5 // 90s Credits

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Solstice, by Tim Follin (NES, 1990)

vs.

Gremlins 2, by Naoki Kodaka (NES, 1990)

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Shad, don't forget you need to vote on the previous fights!

Secret of Evermore - Yikes. Getting tough to decide.

Gremlins 2

I know, that's why I didn't post the results yet. I might find some time today if it rains like they're calling for.

Otherwise, laptops + sand = bad

massively delayed votes from me for

Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (3-3) and Super Turrican (4-2)

Eye of the North wins the tie-break unless someone wants to dive in and bail out Morrowind in the next few days.

And maybe I'll even vote in the current match-ups before they end this time!

I'll change my vote to Eye of the North to end that one. I liked both soundtracks.

So hard... i was so enjoying both of the soule albums.

Okay...

Tails wins.

Secret of Evermore

Solstice

wow solstice theme is just what i was needing today.

zOMG!

Solstice

zOMG!
Solstice

zOMG!

Solstice

Secret of Evermore

Solstice

I can probably get the next round up when I get home from vacation tonight, if it's not too late.

I uh, accidentally edited the previous match-ups on the last page instead of posting a new one. Blame 8 hours of driving today. Good news is I'm back home and should be able to get back into the regular swing of things. Reposting:

Solstice advances 5-1! In the Soule rumble, we've got yet another 3-3 tie leading into the final.

Round 3, Fight 2 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Sample tracks: Ancient Stones (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZGrvAvPZM), City Gates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAlNeOHI-g), Jerall Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckCkMPJVpw), Secunda (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC9Ri2hZsos), Streets of Whiterun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_34gUVqLkAo)

vs.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North (2007)

Sample tracks: Beyond the Northern Wall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTd_ewZY33g), Overture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tQdvpCcQV8), Ballad of Ice & Snow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMr_zqTAdvE), Tome of Rubicon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bucADPEURLU), Iron Footfalls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g84aet0I3Jc)

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Round 1, Fight 6 // 90s Credits

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Super Mario RPG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv77KCj8tCU), by Yoko Shimomura (SNES, 1996)

vs.

Outlaws (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MS286HqUAg), by Clint Bajakian (Windows, 1997)

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TIE-BREAKER: Round 3, Fight 1 // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Secret of Evermore (1995)

Sample tracks: Introduction (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnV7w_tpmpI), Dog Maze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlyIJFh0bxA), Mini Boss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXLKmvF_Ug), Queen Bluegarden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3nOG_0yTA), Greek Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9DuAzh9ejM)

vs.

zOMG! (2009)

Sample tracks: Off to a Great Start (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3a2Q8nGzJQ), A Time to Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-3rZUeMzc), Bill's Ranch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct6nHUdQsAU), Dead Man's Pass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4_BOkzyLH0), Buccaneer Boardwalk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHqRgnVHRdI)

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Welcome back! Sounds like you need some sleep.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Both great. This felt like a draw.

Super Mario RPG - Both excellent tracks here, too.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Outlaws

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Outlaws

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - tough one but I'm happily surprised to see a Guild Wars soundtrack make it so far, I've got to choose Skyrim here though.

Outlaws

Skyrim and Outlaws for me.

Heads wins the toss! Secret of Evermore (3-3) advances alongside Skyrim (5-0) and Outlaws (4-1).

---------- Post added at 08:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

FINAL ROUND // Jeremy Soule Rumble

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Secret of Evermore (1995)

Sample tracks: Introduction (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnV7w_tpmpI), Dog Maze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlyIJFh0bxA), Mini Boss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXLKmvF_Ug), Queen Bluegarden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3nOG_0yTA), Greek Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9DuAzh9ejM)

vs.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Sample tracks: Ancient Stones (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZGrvAvPZM), City Gates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAlNeOHI-g), Jerall Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckCkMPJVpw), Secunda (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC9Ri2hZsos), Streets of Whiterun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_34gUVqLkAo)

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I'm very happy Secret of Evermore and zOMG! made it as far as they did. I have tons of affection for both, and against all other competition I'd choose the SNES soundtrack that brought me here. But this is going to be a vote for Skyrim. This soundtrack shows off Soule's delicate touch, his talent for creating atmosphere, his signature compositional gestures, and the romanticism of his more recent work--all while giving us something both beautiful and exciting. Ancient Stones and The Jerall Mountains are great examples of this. But even at his sleepiest, when his melodies hang in stasis, Soule has a rare talent for making compelling music. Streets of Whiterun is like an image of laundry drying on the line in a Terrence Malick film. There's something being whispered that seems important. The City Gates, maybe even more so, feels in tune with arthouse films of the '70s, like an experiment in making Aguirre, the Wrath of God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdeIN3sYcfk) more hopeful.

I'm sad to see zOMG! go, I probably would've voted for it in the final round. Seeing as it didn't make it and we have different final round, my vote is going towards Skyrim. Ancient Stones and Streets of Whiterun are my favorites out of the given tracks.

Well

SECRET OF EVERMORE

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Thanks for putting together another great rumble. It was nice reading the thoughts of others about Soule's music along the way and great to listen to a few previously unheard soundtracks. I would have chosen an Elder Scrolls soundtrack in my final and I think Skyrim is my favourite so it's an easy choice for me.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

We have a pretty clear winner.

Skyrim becomes the 33rd champion in a 5-1 blowout over Secret of Evermore!

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Round 1, Fight 7 // 90s Credits

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G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX2DACE7RK4), by Yusuke Takahama (NES, 1992)

vs.

Mystic Square (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7P4EXNihvI), by ZUN (PC98, 1998)

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aaaaaaaaaaaaand what are we doing next?

I'm not really very aware of the state of future series in the making. Rather than digging through each thread in the creation page, does anyone have a list we can vote from?

Ready to go:
Failure Themes (?)
Fire Levels
NARFNra's custom rumble

Need work:
Final Fantasy XIII
Best of 1997
Best of 2016
Touhou

Not started yet:
Ys series
A custom 16 from another rumbler (mine was two years ago, Shad's was over a year ago)

I'm going to veto the failure themes precisely because of the ?: I had a very specific idea in mind for that that I didn't articulate well, and a lot of the tracks that were recommended just don't belong there. I need to clean it up and do more work on it than will happen soon.

NARFNra might be long gone, but his custom 16 is still sitting there and as I recall he had some pretty unique stuff to offer. I'll actually vote for that one next.

Still love Secret of Evermore even though I voted against it. On another note, I've never played Skyrim before. Is it worth picking up so many years after its release?

G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor

EDIT: Good idea. I'd be interested in doing NARFNra's custom rumble, too. He had a pretty interesting list featuring some soundtracks we've never voted on before. I'd also be interested in doing Fire Levels.

I can tell you this: as someone who almost never ventures outside the realm of Blizzard games and hasn't for a good 15 years now, it intrigued me enough to pick it up anyway. I had an absolute blast with it, though playing it while the hype was huge might have added to the experience.

I quit playing really far in because I got stuck in a glitch, so that was a thing. It's probably been patched to perfection by now.

Gi Joe

Mystic Square

Both are interesting, but I think I'm currently in the mood for Fire Levels.

I've never played Skyrim, and I think I'd enjoy it, but I get too much motion sickness from videogames, especially the more modern ones.

Mystic Square

I'm fine with either of these two suggestions as well. If there is any interest, I could try to make a custom 16 rumble with a tbd theme to run alongside the current one.

Mystic Square

I can tell you this: as someone who almost never ventures outside the realm of Blizzard games and hasn't for a good 15 years now, it intrigued me enough to pick it up anyway. I had an absolute blast with it, though playing it while the hype was huge might have added to the experience. I quit playing really far in because I got stuck in a glitch, so that was a thing. It's probably been patched to perfection by now.

Gotcha. That helps because it certainly falls outside my video gaming comfort zone, too. This summer, my friend's cousin left for Japan and entrusted him with a Wii U. Well, my friend's wife said she didn't want yet another video game system in the house, so he brought it to my place for safekeeping. Neither of us play modern games normally, but the hype for Breath of the Wild was off the charts, so we split the cost. I was absolutely blown away. I'd never played an open-world game before. If I like Skyrim, too, I might be hooked.


I've never played Skyrim, and I think I'd enjoy it, but I get too much motion sickness from videogames, especially the more modern ones.

Interesting you say that. I had a huge learning curve controlling the camera in Breath of the Wild. I was flinging it all over the place trying to see stuff and constantly made myself dizzy. It probably took 10 hours of gameplay before my instincts settled and/or my eyes adjusted to playing within a 3D environment.


If there is any interest, I could try to make a custom 16 rumble with a tbd theme to run alongside the current one.

Please do. When Shad first came up with the concept, the hope was that everyone would create their own and post it on the group thread (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?discussionid=486&do=discuss). Even if we do NARFNra's alongside Soule first, it's only a 16-selection rumble. So it'll be done pretty quickly, and we'll be right back to voting for the next one.

Please do. When Shad first came up with the concept, the hope was that everyone would create their own and post it on the group thread (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?discussionid=486&do=discuss). Even if we do NARFNra's alongside Soule first, it's only a 16-selection rumble. So it'll be done pretty quickly, and we'll be right back to voting for the next one.

I just added a custom 16 rumble to the group page.

Mystic Square

I'd also be happy to create a custom 16 rumble too. I'll give some thought to it over the new few days :) I don't really know how to best approach it though, is anything that I particularly enjoy but not been used in a previous rumble fine?

Songs that weren't included in a previous rumble are welcome as well as songs that were in previous rumbles but were eliminated before the quarterfinals.

The selections for all previous rumbles and how far they made it can be found in the OP (Thread 66118).

Looks like NARFNra's 16 and Fire Levels are the two preferred options here. Let's vote between those two for now, and I'll flip a coin if it's inconclusive. In the meantime, should have the next set of credit tracks up tonight.

I'd have a slight preference for Fire Levels because I put that together with nx666's help.

Mystic Square advances 4-2!

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Round 1, Fight 8 // 90s Credits

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Final Fantasy IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFAFP8aoESw), by Nobuo Uematsu (SNES, 1991)

vs.

Princess Maker 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKvGntQo-XU), by Masahiro Kajihara (FM Towns, 1993)

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Next Rumble

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Fire Levels

vs.

NARFNra's Custom 16

Final Fantasy IV - Still awesome

Fire Levels

Final Fantasy 4

I could go for either but the fire levels took my fancy.

Fire Levels

I could never really get into the ending themes of FF4 or FF6. Too much reprise of already familiar tracks without bringing enough variance to the table to feel fresh, for me.

Princess Maker 2

NARFNra's 16

FFIV

Fire Levels

Ah okay, thanks for the help.

Princess Maker 2

Fire Levels

Princess Maker 2
NARFNra's Custom 16


I could never really get into the ending themes of FF4 or FF6. Too much reprise of already familiar tracks without bringing enough variance to the table to feel fresh, for me.

They always reminded me a bit of the ending themes that most of the old Sierra adventures had: long medleys of various themes from the game.

It's another tie! Would be nice to get a 7th voter in here. :)

aaaaaaand

Fire Levels rumble starts now! Enjoy, compliments of Arthur.

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Round 1, Fight 9 // 90s Credits

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Star Fox (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU5q_uXjGr0), by Hajime Hirasawa (SNES, 1993)

vs.

Star Ocean: The Second Story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPUSEjpLiD0), by Motoi Sakuraba (PSX, 1998)

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Round 1, Fight 1 // Fire Levels

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Musha Aleste - Offensive Overdrive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpjpNbfYJhk), by Toshiaki Sakoda (SMD, 1990)

vs.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Melty Monster Galaxy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UYXABAC06s), by Mahito Yokota, Ryo Nagamatsu, & Koji Kondo (Wii, 2010)

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TIE-BREAKER // 90s Credits

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Final Fantasy IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFAFP8aoESw), by Nobuo Uematsu (SNES, 1991)

vs.

Princess Maker 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKvGntQo-XU), by Masahiro Kajihara (FM Towns, 1993)

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Brutal first round pair for the 90s tunes. I'll take

Star Ocean: The Second Story

Musha Aleste

Star Ocean: The Second Story - This is an old favorite of mine. I put this on a mix CD of vgm for a friend back in 2008. Love the section beginning at 2:20. I've also always loved that bendy, synthesized bass sound. Can anybody identify what that is? I hear it everywhere.

Musha Aleste - Right from the get-go, these two selections provide interesting answers as to how composers summon the idea of fire. With Musha Aleste, we get a tantivy to suggest chaos and action. Super Mario Galaxy 2, on the other hand, gives us this predominantly New Romantic dance of tubular bells, trumpets, strings, and timpani (with a synth sound approximating an Egyptian lute) that bursts into a heroic theme about a minute in, suggesting high adventure.

Star Ocean: The Second Story

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Star Ocean: The Second Story
Musha Aleste

Star Ocean: The Second Story

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Princess Maker 2 wins the toss and advances 3-3 along with Star Ocean: The Second Story 5-0 in the 90s Credits rumble. Musha Aleste moves on 3-2 in fire levels! Next match-ups coming in just a moment.

---------- Post added at 10:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------

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Round 1, Fight 10 // 90s Credits

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Elemental Master (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkobFdtzLSA), by Toshiharu Yamanishi (SMD, 1990)

vs.

Castlevania 64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WAX03aRI9w), by Masahiko Kimura, Motoaki Furukawa, & Mariko Egawa (N64, 1999)

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Round 1, Fight 2 // Fire Levels

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Lords of Magic - Theme of Fire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPryTP_htDA), by Keith Zizza (PC, 1997)

vs.

Crash Bandicoot 3 - Stone Age (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKsPDOIEglo), by Josh Mancell (PSX, 1998)

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