Metal Gear Solid – Cavern
Earthworm Jim. Final Fantasy V was sub-par for Uematsu, though a decent work. After waiting through ten minutes of the video and NOT hearing the Gilgamesh battle music though, sorry, I can't vote for it.

Metal Gear Solid � Cavern
Earthworm Jim.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots � Everything Begins

Final Fantasy V

Metal Gear Solid 4 made the most of its last chance, with Everything Begins winning (5-2). We�ll also see Final Fantasy V again after a close fight (4-3). Now for the last fight of Metal Gear�s first round�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 1, Fight 16

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater � Operation Snake Eater (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-UZg1SVQlM)
by Harry Gregson-Williams, Norihiko Hibino, Shuichi Kobori, Nobuko Toda, Rika Muranaka, and Star Sailor (2004)

vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Gene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cads0ReDjiQ)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 16

Zombies Ate My Neighbors (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeAJ3Aoqdrk)
by Joe McDermott and George Alistair Sanger (1993)

vs.

SimCity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QpFy8vVdPI)
by Soyo Oka (1991)


My votes are for Gene and SimCity (torn about this one, but I�ve been on a Soyo Oka kick recently).

Edit: That'll teach me to not refresh the page before I vote. Shame, too... I could've pulled Earthworm Jim through.

So now, I'll go with MGS3: Operation Snake Eater and SimCity

Ok seriously I need to get Portable Ops, if only because of the soundtrack
Gene

Zombies Ate my Neighbors

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – Operation Snake Eater

Zombies Ate My Neighbors

Edit: That'll teach me to not refresh the page before I vote. Shame, too... I could've pulled Earthworm Jim through.

Oh, did I cut you off?? Hmm...In the future, if the vote is close, I'll check to see if anyone who hasn't voted is on the site as I'm about to post the next fights. Sorry! :(

I'm going to let this run for another day.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene
Sim City

Sim City has a surprisingly pretty soundtrack.

Sim City has a surprisingly pretty soundtrack. You said it. It's peaceful, too. It really makes the game a lot more enjoyable.

Well, Gene (4-2) and SimCity (4-2) were our winners last round. Now we�re headed for some really tough fights, so keep checking in. Thanks to everyone for voting!

Also, before we start the second round of the MGS rumble I need to give a big THANK YOU to ravenous19! He dug up music faqs for the Metal Gear games so I could look up when each song was used. That was a big help. I�m ashamed to admit I haven�t played any of the games beyond the original NES one. Hopefully, I don�t give away any spoilers...


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 1

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots � Everything Begins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTbKt_hmPew)
by Nobuko Toda, Shuichi Kobori, Kazuma Jinnouchi, and Harry Gregson-Williams (2008)
Listen for it: during the Helicopter Ride after the final fight

vs.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIa3FPCBwsQ)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: during the Opening Movie


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 17

Disney�s The Lion King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxrlDPBxyfs&feature=PlayList&p=6CC92AA4E11792A3)
by Frank Klepacki, Dwight Okahara, and Patrick J. Collins (1994)

vs.

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH1qAQcugAY)
by Yasunori Shiono (1995)


*The Lion King songs are in a playlist. It may be hard to tell you're listening to a playlist, though, because YouTube revamped their layout. :-\ Be sure to check them all out.

My votes are for Everything Begins (Miki Higashino (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65K7SzPx9pk) meets Danny Elfman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04q2Ozr-WYA)?) and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Main Theme

Disney's The Lion King

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Main Theme & Lufia II...

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Main Theme
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals

Sons of Liberty-Main Theme

Disney's Lion King

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Main Theme

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals

Everything Begins

Lufia II

MGS 2: Main Theme
Lufia II


Oh, did I cut you off?? Sorry! :(

No worries! I've been lax about posting, as work has been busy lately. I had this thread up for a couple hours, and when I finally got a chance to post, I didn't refresh. This one's on me.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Main Theme

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals

Easy wins for Main Theme (7-3) and Lufia II (7-3). We�ll see them next round. Next up the other Main Theme has a chance at Round 3�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 2

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqqq8uqSDnk)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Opening Scene

vs.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Fortune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnnFFNg_Pvg)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: when Seal Team 10 attacks Fortune


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 18

Breath of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4CmTMOkFw)
by Yasuaki Fujita, Mari Yamaguchi, Minae Fuji, and Yoko Shimomura (1993)

vs.

Tetris Attack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilv6WLYtgqM)
by Masaya Kuzume and Yuka Tsujiyoko (1996)


Hmm�Garudoh�s videos for the two SNES soundtracks are missing a couple of notable tracks from each game. If you�re interested in extra listening, check out Bank/Pub (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65m9nttNnaw), In a Cave (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y623d0F8XZU), and Romero Cave (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiVQD-ZIefY) from Breath of Fire and Water Stage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjAjmded1m0), Demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl0G1SOJey8), and Sea Stage Critical (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOA8vF6gs4U) from Tetris Attack, too. :)

My votes are for Main Theme and Tetris Attack.

Metal Gear Solid – Main Theme

Breath of Fire

Metal Gear Solid – Main Theme

Tetris Attack

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme

Breath of Fire

Ah, the one's tough. I gotta give some props to MGS2: Fortune, since it seems like they might be the only ones it gets this round.

Tetris Attack, however, wins easily.

Main Theme

Breath Of Fire

Is there anywhere I can get the Harry Potter VGM???

You're in the wrong place buddy :|

Metal Gear Solid 2: Fortune

Breath of Fire

MGS 2 and Breath of Fire.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Fortune
Tetris Attack

I've always been a fan of the Tetris Attack soundtrack, and the game in general. We used to have these big Tetris Attack tournaments when I was a kid. Lasted until Goldeneye and Mario Kart 64 came out. >_>

Close fights! Both Main Themes have made it now (5-4 this time), along with Breath of Fire (also 5-4). Next up�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 3

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater � Old Metal Gear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIoKN0zsTtE)
by Harry Gregson-Williams, Norihiko Hibino, Shuichi Kobori, Nobuko Toda, Rika Muranaka, and Star Sailor (2004)
Listen for it: when Snake goes into Granin�s office

vs.

Metal Gear Solid � The Best Is Yet to Come (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6miaTf1gF4g)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 19

Seiken Densetsu 3 ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_p89HP8vWo)
by Hiroki Kikuta (1995)

vs.

7th Saga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3n_Qt6cgbs)
by Norihiko Yamanuki (1993)


My votes are for The Best Is Yet to Come and Seiken Densetsu 3 (just by a little bit).

The Best Is Yet to Come

Seiken Densetsu 3

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come
Seiken Densetsu 3

The Best Is Yet To Come

Seiken Densetsu 3 - By a bit too, they're both pretty great

MGS and Seiken Densetsu 3.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – Old Metal Gear

Seiken Densetsu 3

This was just one vote away from being a blow-out. The Best Is Yet to Come (6-1) and Seiken Densetsu 3 (7-0) will have some momentum going into the next round. Next up�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 4

Metal Gear Solid � Encounter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQRWJ7bIhs)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: when you switch to the Alert Mode

vs.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater � Snake Eater (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pqgYgLGELU)
by Harry Gregson-Williams, Norihiko Hibino, Shuichi Kobori, Nobuko Toda, Rika Muranaka, and Star Sailor (2004)
Listen for it: during the Opening Movie


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 20

Super Turrican (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwaTdxHU4l8)
by Chris H�lsbeck (1993)

vs.

Contra III: The Alien Wars (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0auHwznTJ9g)
by Miki Higashino, Masanori Adachi, and Tappi Iwase (1992)


My votes are for Snake Eater (by a country mile) and Contra III.

Very close in both...

Metal Gear Solid – Encounter

Super Turrican

Metal Gear Solid - Encounter

Super Turrican

metal gear solid iii snaek eater – snaek eater
super toorican

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – Snake Eater

Super Turrican

Metal Gear Solid – Encounter
Contra III: The Alien Wars

In Contra III, the song that starts at 1:25 is a total ripoff of the music for Super Shredder in Turtles in Time. ...I think. Been a decade or so since I've heard it. >_>

Edit: Just listened to the TMNT track and well, ok, maybe not......

Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater - Snake Eater

Super Turrican

Not an easy choice on either end...

Metal Gear Solid - Encounter

Super Turrican

We've got a 4-4 tie between Encounter and Snake Eater. If we don't get a tiebreaker before the 48-hour period ends, I'll PM one of our regulars.

No need. I'll take Encounter for the win, thank you.

Thanks to nibbish for the tie-breaker! That means Encounter (5-4) and Super Turrican (6-2) will be moving on. Next up...


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 5

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Calling to the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpPH7deyMRI)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits

vs.

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake � Red Sun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsxtI3b2z48)
by Masahiro Ikariko, Mutsuhiko Izumi, Kazuhiko Uehara, Tomoya Tomita, Yuko Kurahashi, Yuji Takenouchi, and Tsuyoshi Sekito (1990)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 21

Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSo2IzFlxPs)
by More Yamasan, B. Hasake, Miyazaki, Shitamachi Kajiya, Mayu, Miya, K. Nakabai, and L. Shigeno (1995)

vs.

Lufia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhE7rAG6rvY)
by Yasunori Shiono (1993)


My votes are for Calling to the Night (I�d be sad to see Red Sun go, though) and Ninja Gaiden Trilogy.

Calling to the Night

Ninja Gaiden Trilogy

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Calling to the Night

Lufia

Lufia (Estopolis)... Lufia II (Estopolis II) had better music imo, the re-release Estopolis for the DS is alright...

I'm going to let this run until tonight to see if we can't scare up more votes.

Ninja Gaiden Trilogy

Metal Gear 2 and Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, because I'm still mad Ninja Gaiden III got eliminated in the first round of the NES Rumble.

Well, the extended time (even with the forums going down) gave us a bunch more votes and two winners: Calling to the Night (3-2) and Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (4-3). Close matches! Next up we've got...


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 6

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Gene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cads0ReDjiQ)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: during the fight with Gene

vs.

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake � Theme of Solid Snake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-fz7KHQtrE)
by Masahiro Ikariko, Mutsuhiko Izumi, Kazuhiko Uehara, Tomoya Tomita, Yuko Kurahashi, Yuji Takenouchi, and Tsuyoshi Sekito (1990)
Listen for it: during the Opening Credits


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 22

Star Fox (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg2Uxm491lA)
by Hajime Hirasawa (1993)

vs.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi�s Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SxyWaIajak)
by Koji Kondo (1995)


My votes are for Gene and Super Mario World 2.

*never participated before*........ o_o


I wanna vote for -

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake – Theme of Solid Snake

Star Fox


But man do I like Yoshi's Island :(

Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops - Gene

Star Fox

MGS2: Theme of Solid Snake
Super Mario World 2

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Yoshi's Island and Star Fox both had great soundtracks, but Yoshi's Island wins for me in the end. I can't vote against the game that brought us "Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy".

"... do a barrel roll, fox... " *boom!*

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Gene

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi�s Island

The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake – Theme of Solid Snake
A very very very very slow build up, but hits the right places when it reaches its funky melody.

---

The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Star Fox
Edges out for me on being a bit more diverse and interesting. Don't get me wrong there are some VERY strong tracks on Yoshi's Island... However, Yoshi's Island has too much of an influence from the Mario World ragtime music, which is too rich to be timeless... When it breaks apart from that style it really transcends, but Star Fox has edged it out this time.

The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake � Theme of Solid Snake
A very very very very slow build up, but hits the right places when it reaches its funky melody.

---

The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Star Fox
Edges out for me on being a bit more diverse and interesting. Don't get me wrong there are some VERY strong tracks on Yoshi's Island... However, Yoshi's Island has too much of an influence from the Mario World ragtime music, which is too rich to be timeless... When it breaks apart from that style it really transcends, but Star Fox has edged it out this time.

Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops - Gene

Star Fox

Welcome to Chocolate_Misu and thejobloshow! Two close fights, but Gene (6-4) and Star Fox (6-5) are the ones moving on. Next up, the second-to-last fight of Round 2�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 7

Metal Gear Solid � Mantis' Hymn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMasLUmBzkc)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: when you face Psycho Mantis

vs.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Electronica Emma (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSzUc8uMHcI)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: when Otacon gives a monologue about his past (this is a remix of the song that plays at that time)


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 23

Secret of Mana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiA7VtYk3n0)
by Hiroki Kikuta (1993)

vs.

Donkey Kong Country 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VYjFLfNsFk)
by David Wise (1995)


My votes are for Electronica Emma and Secret of Mana.

P.S. Sorry for the delay. I had to do six hours of driving today.

Electronica Emma

Secret of Mana.

Mantis Hymn

Secret Of Mana

The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Electronica Emma
Not much to say, it's pretty damn epic.

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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Donkey Kong Country 2
This ended up being a much more easier choice than I had imagined. DKC2's soundtrack is just so badass and sophisticated for a 16bit side scroller about collecting bananas... I expect to hear this music get sampled into some trip hop hit in the near future... Love it.

Mantis' Hymn - even though Electronica Emma is certainly the better song, I love the atmospherics to the Hymn.
Donkey Kong Country 2

Secret of Mana is my second favorite game soundtrack on any system after Chrono Trigger. I even have all my cellphone ring tones set to it.
also, Metal Gear Solid – Mantis' Hymn

Edit: Some of my favorite Secret of Mana tracks didn't actually make the cut. Here are a few worth checking out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEilQOiuE_g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLK8IrYrZxA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-2L2VNmuQg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCfedAxfet0

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Electronica Emma

Secret of Mana

Mantis Hymn

Secret Of Mana

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Electronica Emma - extremely hard decision

Secret Of Mana - a bit easier one here:)

DKC2's soundtrack is just so badass and sophisticated for a 16bit side scroller about collecting bananas.

Haha. Reconfigure that a little and you�ve got a statement about most video game music. Reminds me of this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G83jWTYDMMs) when they talk about the soundtrack for Pictionary. :)

Well, our two winners this time are Electronica Emma (5-4) and Secret of Mana (7-2). And that means we are at the last fight of Round 2 for Metal Gear�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 8

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Can�t Say Goodbye to Yesterday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m562vV7VH58)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits

vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Sad Man�s Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b4_TTZId84)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: while talking to Python


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 24

Gradius III (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NUPyMFIPfI)
by Kazuki Muraoka, Kazuhiko Uehara, Harumi Ueko, and Yukie Morimoto (1990)

vs.

Street Fighter II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1C0uj27xU)
by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, Yoko Shimomura, Isao Abe, and Tetsuya Nishimura (1992)


My votes are for Sad Man�s Theme and Street Fighter II.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Can’t Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Street Fighter II

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Can’t Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Street Fighter II

The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Round 2, Fight 8

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Sad Man�s Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b4_TTZId84)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: while talking to Python

I choose this because the woman in the other song can not sing... Sorry.

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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 24

Street Fighter II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1C0uj27xU)
by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, Yoko Shimomura, Isao Abe, and Tetsuya Nishimura (1992)

Both are pretty weak sauce for me, but there was I time where I loved this soundtrack.

Gradius III

Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday

Sad Man's Theme

Gradius III

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Sad Man’s Theme
Street Fighter II

Hmm... Gradius III or Street Fighter II
- can't we already say Street Fighter II is a given as one of the legendary OSTs, if you play Ken's or Ryu's theme, most people are definitely going to know what it is

But, I would go with Gradius III (the SNES version of Gradius III is SOOO MUCH easier than the PSP version, I'm playing it on easy and I'm getting my ass handed to me with these jumping sand gryphons shooting contra diamond spreads and like 4 on the screen at the same time)
Recommendation: Fire Scramble (Fire Planet), Cosmo Planet (Stage Start), Bosses on Parade... etc

Note: I kinda loved how Parodius made a parody of Gradius III, especially the part where "William's Tell Overture" with the music playing with the speed zone.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Can�t Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Street Fighter II

Sad Man’s Theme

Street Fighter II

Sad Man�s Theme

Street Fighter II

Thanks to everyone for voting! Sad Man�s Theme (6-4) and Street Fighter II (8-3) won this round, and I have to say I�m pretty surprised about the first one. With that, it�s time for the quarterfinals. :D


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Quarterfinals, Fight 1

Metal Gear Solid � The Best Is Yet to Come (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6miaTf1gF4g)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits
Previously beat: MGS 4 � Love Theme, MGS 3 � Old Metal Gear

vs.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty � Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIa3FPCBwsQ)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: during the Opening Movie
Previously beat: MGS 3 � The Fury, MGS 4 � Everything Begins


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 25

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCLt8NcDWaA)
by Mutsuhiko Izumi (1992)

vs.

Tactics Ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWRQ5Hd9WE&feature=PlayList&p=C4756B3B6D7AE731&index=0)
by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata (1995)


My votes are for Main Theme and Tactics Ogre.

Metal Gear Solid - The Best is Yet to Come

Tactics Ogre

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Main Theme

Tactics Ogre

I will say that I am surprised that Sad Man's Theme won the last Metal Gear round. I was betting on Can’t Say Goodbye to Yesterday making it to the end. It's one of my favorites hands-down.

Me, too. But I'm not disappointed. I think the final 8 are solid. :D

Sidenote: I fully planned on having detailed information on each song this round, but ran out of time. I just sold my house, which is a miracle in this dismal market, and now all my time has shifted from promoting it to moving out before the closing date. I promise a bit more fireworks and bells and whistles in the semifinals. Apologies for the bare bones presentation at the moment.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Tactics Ogre

An easy vote to me. =D

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come by far.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time - This album is everything that kicked ass about the early 90s.

MGS II: Main Theme - Great theme. Maybe my favorite

How can you deny the awesomeness that is Turtles in Time? You all must be daft.

Congrats on the house selling, btw. My wife and I have been looking into what it's going to take to sell ours, and you're right - you're on the receiving end of a miracle.

Metal Gear Solid � The Best Is Yet to Come


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Quarterfinals, Fight 1

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIa3FPCBwsQ)
Can't ignore this. A classic.

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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 25

Tactics Ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWRQ5Hd9WE&feature=PlayList&p=C4756B3B6D7AE731&index=0)
Oh look, it's a real soundtrack. :P


My votes are for Main Theme and Tactics Ogre.

EDIT:
Haha. Reconfigure that a little and you’ve got a statement about most video game music. Reminds me of this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G83jWTYDMMs) when they talk about the soundtrack for Pictionary.

80 That is one epic video! I'm currently at Zophar... lol

The Best Is Yet To Come

Tactics Ogre

An easy vote to me. =D

The Metal Gear fight was close, but The Best Is Yet to Come won out (5-4). We�ll also see Tactics Ogre (6-3) in the future. Next up�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Quarterfinals, Fight 2

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqqq8uqSDnk)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Opening Scene
Previously beat: MGS 4 � Old Snake, MGS 2 � Fortune

vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Sad Man�s Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b4_TTZId84)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: while talking to Python
Previously beat: MGS 2 � Twilight Sniping, MGS 2 � Can�t Say Goodbye to Yesterday


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 26

E.V.O.: Search for Eden (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m4EfmTIQak)
by Koichi Sugiyama (1992)

vs.

Super Castlevania IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjuSIUKdnjA)
by Souji Taro and Masanori Adachi (1991)


My votes are for Main Theme and Super Castlevania IV.

Metal Gear Solid – Main Theme

E.V.O.: Search for Eden

Also, congratulations on selling your house, arthurgolden. Now, if only I could get that lucky and find a job in this economy.

Sad Man's Theme

Super Castlevania IV

Metal Gear Solid - Main Theme

Super Castlevania IV

OMFGSORS WAASHDFIUAHSFIUASHB FIUASHDAUSIFHSA UIFHS OFIUASHF OIUASHF IAUSH FAS


Yeah... I love them both THAT MUCH...

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme

Super Castlevania IV

Easy round... no explanation needed I think. Castlevania IV is a great game though.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and Super Castlevania IV.

MGS- Main Theme

Both the SNES soundtracks high quality, so I'll rep the underdog. E.V.O.

E.V.O. - All I have to say about this game... evolution by grinding. Never was able to become the mermaid. :/ I can't remember what was my most hated stage though. I think I had problem with the dinosaurs (long neck vs short neck).

[b]I can't remember what was my most hated stage though. I think I had problem with the dinosaurs (long neck vs short neck).

The Age of Dinosaurs is where I thought the grinding was the most tedious. But the Ice Age was my least favorite. I got stuck there for a long time and put the game down for years. :-\ I never got the mermaid either, although I did eventually beat the game.

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme

Super Castlevania IV

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Sad Man�s Theme
Super Castlevania IV

The Age of Dinosaurs is where I thought the grinding was the most tedious. But the Ice Age was my least favorite. I got stuck there for a long time and put the game down for years. :-\ I never got the mermaid either, although I did eventually beat the game.

Oh, now I'm remembering the Ice Age... yeah that really, REALLY sucked.

Thanks to everyone for voting! Main Theme (7-3) and Super Castlevania IV (8-3) both got easy wins, and that means we are on the second-to-last fight in the Metal Gear quarterfinals�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Quarterfinals, Fight 3

Metal Gear Solid � Encounter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQRWJ7bIhs)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: when you switch to the Alert Mode
Previously beat: MG 2 � Night Fall, MGS 3 � Snake Eater

vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops � Calling to the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpPH7deyMRI)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits
Previously beat: MGS 4 � Guns of the Patriots, MG 2 � Red Sun


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The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 27

Lost Vikings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAd9x5fTSVo&feature=PlayList&p=1BA2D6DFC845951F)
by Charles Deenen (1992)

vs.

Super Mario World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLOEvhsgOg)
by Koji Kondo (1990)


My votes are for Calling to the Night and Super Mario World. This second one is an interesting fight because, while Lost Vikings is limited in its total number of tracks, Super Mario World is comprised almost entirely of variations of one melody. It'll be interesting to see which one impresses more despite its limitations.

Metal Gear Solid – Encounter, voting early because I want to see this one go all the way. I'll edit in my SNES choice when I can listen to them without waking up my wife/jeopardizing my life.

I'm worried about how few selections remain. I would hate to see Earthbound go up against a Final Fantasy. My precious Mystic Quest and Super Mario RPG soundtracks lost like that. :\

Edit: I've gotta pick Super Mario World. It might not be a soundtrack I would willingly put on for background music, but it's incredibly creative.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Calling to the Night

Lost Vikings

The first choice was easy, Calling to the Night is very, very awesome for lack of a better word. The second one, Lost Vikings, took a bit more deliberation. I had almost forgotten how good that music was. I really need to find a copy of the game somewhere so I can play it again.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Calling to the Night

Lost Vikings

Valhalla, deliver us!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ_VFJn2kJM) - this song should be part of the game;)

Been playing Valkyrie Profile currently, so bit in a mood:3

Metal Gear Solid - Encounter

Super Mario World

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Calling to the Night

Lost Vikings

MGS: Encounter

Super Mario World

Super Mario World... it's a blast from the past, Super Mario World... you've got to move fast... Mario and Luigi are doing what they can, Yoshi and the Princess are giving them a hand!

it's a blast from the past, Super Mario World... you've got to move fast... Mario and Luigi are doing what they can, Yoshi and the Princess are giving them a hand! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctvW3eBcSqg)

I haven't heard that since I was a kid!

Also, is that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctvW3eBcSqg#t=00m31s) the same cheer used in the Suikoden II cooking competitions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KmVtU--qr8#t=01m34s)?

Maybe I've just got Suikoden on the brain. :)

Maybe I've just got Suikoden on the brain. :)

So my Suikorumble hypnosis is still working. Very good]:>

Too well.

Metal Gear Solid – Encounter

Super Mario World

Maybe I've just got Suikoden on the brain. :)

I can't hear a similarity somewhat x.x If you're old you'll remember this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_o6fEvJRUE&feature=related)

Oh, I remember. That's from the same era as this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wBZT5Y4DsU). I had to do a lot of needling to get my parents to buy that crap. :)

Metal Gear Solid and Super Mario World

I'll edit in my SNES choice when I can listen to them without waking up my wife/jeopardizing my life.

I can relate! That's why I'm wearing headphones right now...

Now for the results. Super Mario World (7-3) defeated a Valhalla-less Lost Vikings easily, but it took a late rally for Encounter (5-4) to come from behind. That means that three of the final four songs in this rumble will be from the first Metal Gear Solid. :shock: Next up we’ll finish the quarterfinals and, as usual, we’ll then pause the SNES rumble to give Metal Gear's semifinals and finals the spotlight.


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Quarterfinals, Fight 4

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Electronica Emma (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSzUc8uMHcI)
by Norihiko Hibino, Rika Muranaka, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky (2001)
Listen for it: when Otacon gives a monologue about his past (this is a remix of the song that plays at that time)
Previously beat: MGS: PO – Cunningham, MGS – Mantis' Hymn

vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cads0ReDjiQ)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: during the fight with Gene
Previously beat: MGS 3 – Operation Snake Eater, MG 2 – Theme of Solid Snake


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 28

Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq4LGNGd5ik)
by Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masaharu Iwata, and Hayato Matsuo (1993)

vs.

Final Fantasy IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8gOOTAWKY8)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1991)


My votes are for Gene and Ogre Battle. I'm completely torn about the SNES fight. But I figure I have to give Ogre Battle my vote since I just finished writing about it for something else. I wouldn't mind seeing either win, though.

Gene

Final Fantasy IV

Electronica Emma This was rather hard, I'm fond of both of these.

Final Fantasy IV This was still the obvious choice, but Ogre Battle was surprisingly good as well. I guess I should have seen it coming with Sakimoto and Iwata as the composers :p

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene

Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene
Final Fantasy IV

Electronica Emma

Final Fantasy IV

No easy choices here (._.)

btw

Those who've voted for Lost Vikings here, will go to Valhalla even without a noble death! A bonus from Odin :3

Electronica Emma

Final Fantasy IV

Gene - This was easy...

Final Fantasy IV - FFIV is simply one of the best FF soundtracks IMO. The little number of tracks & the shortness yet the beautiful quality of the compositions, nailing your heart with every second, there's no track that it's a filler, well that's what I think xD!
Ogre Battle it is an amazing OST too, but it's not as representative as FFIV music.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Electronica Emma

Final Fantasy IV

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Orge Battle: March of the Black Queen

All right. The last to make it through is Gene (6-4) with a big win over Electronica Emma, seemingly a favorite based on earlier rounds. And it’s joined by Final Fantasy IV (7-3), the Uematsu classic. From this point forward, we’ll be spotlighting the final rounds of Metal Gear and letting the SNES rumble take a brief break. But for anyone who’s not interested in the finals, there’s always plenty to discuss on the group page (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20). :) Here we go…


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Semifinals, Fight 1

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6miaTf1gF4g)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Ending Credits
Previously beat: MGS 4 – Love Theme, MGS 3 – Old Metal Gear, MGS 2 – Main Theme
Bonus: Full song credits and lyrics (http://metalgear.wikia.com/wiki/The_Best_is_Yet_to_Come)
Bonus: Another example of the low whistle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzlyHma7LyI)


The convention of using a vocal song over the ending credits to video games became common during the Playstation era and, for whatever reason, often resulted in pieces that diverged significantly from the musical direction of the rest of the soundtrack. So it’s not completely surprising that Metal Gear Solid—a game with predominantly ambient electronic music—ends with something completely different. What is surprising is that a) the song is a Celtic number instead of J-pop and b) unlike so many other ending credits songs, which connect to the game only in the sense that they’re celebratory, this song reflects the character and thematic content of the story in a profound way. Singer Aoife N� Fhearraigh starts us off with some gorgeous vocals, accompanied by a ten-person chorus that addresses a character who is tormented by a lost love. So far, pretty typical stuff. But the piece then reveals its depth at 1:18 when the low whistle comes in over the sound of fluttering leaves and wind. The sound of wind harkens back to Westerns, showdowns in town centers, and by extension the loner gunman who exists outside society and lives by his own code of ethics—all appropriate to the character of Solid Snake. But the low whistle also complicates these associations with its brief, echoing solo. I won’t get into the full history of the instrument, but what seems relevant here is that the low whistle is a product of the Cold War that is criticized for its inferiority when compared to other wind instruments and for its association with the Riverdance craze in the mid-90s. Because other instruments can do the same job, arguably better, it’s thought of as a trainer instrument. This doesn’t seem like an arbitrary choice, then, to represent a character who is the result of Cold War tensions, who is not so indestructible when compared to genetically-modified super soldiers, and who came to notoriety in the original Metal Gear mission set in 1995. The sound of the instrument is also uniquely appropriate, given its haunting quality and the snake-charmer-esque melodic figure it plays. As the song progresses, it's joined by bouzouki and fiddle accompaniment, building with the vocals and transforming into something hopeful, although not simplistically so. The singers ask, “Life is wonderful. Can you believe it?” and with a final crescendo, plead, “Believe me.” The power of this song is in those details specific to the character and the complexities of the message. It’s not triumphant, nor is it depressed. It’s hopeful and dark and full of yearning, and that makes it all the more resonant with Snake's mindset at the end of the game.


vs.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Gene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cads0ReDjiQ)
by Akihiro Honda, Norihiko Hibino, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Nobuko Toda, Yoshitaka Suzuki, and Takahiro Izutani (2006)
Listen for it: during the fight with Gene
Previously beat: MGS 3 – Operation Snake Eater, MG 2 – Theme of Solid Snake, MGS2 – Electronica Emma
Bonus: Gene’s Theme in 8-bit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFt4taRVv9c)
Fun fact: Gene’s “Zero Shift” ability is a reference to Zone of the Enders (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_the_Enders), another game directed by Hideo Kojima.


Gene, also known as Viper, is the former commander of the special forces unit FOX who underwent experimentation during the Successor Project to gain superhuman abilities—one of which was a hypnotic voice with mind-altering powers. This is an important part of his character because it allows him to be charismatic despite his misanthropy, and it’s represented hauntingly in this song. The piece opens with a warbling female voice doubling the piano line, which is then joined by a male chorus doing a simple descending figure. This wouldn’t be a Metal Gear soundtrack without a combination of orchestral and electronic elements, though, and soon enough the choral parts join magnificently with industrial percussion and tense, militaristic horns. Before the end, the trumpets rise out of the fray and let loose, soaring over the vocals and strings until they all collapse back into a trash-can-lid style percussion. The overall effect is (appropriately) transfixing and tense, but also sad. This piece has requiem-like qualities that you wouldn’t normally hear in a battle theme. Maybe they match the either/or choices presented by Gene as he taunts Big Boss during the fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc1X-LVVrak): "What's it going to be? Loyalty to your country, or loyalty to yourself? Your country, or your old mentor? The mission, or your beliefs? Your duty to your unit, or your personal feelings? Look at how much you've lost already! What kind of country deserves this much loyalty, Snake?" Without giving anything away, the conclusion does seem to mark the end of something important—maybe even as a statement about all of humankind. Regardless, this is a complicated piece for its meager 2:18 running time, and it shows off just how good the Portable Ops soundtrack is despite getting less recognition than the soundtracks from the other games. It's also a fitting theme for a character voiced by Steven Blum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Blum) whose venomous, yet strangely moving delivery matches the dramatic push made by the horns at the end of the song.


No doubt this is a tough one. But my vote is for The Best Is Yet to Come.

The Best Is Yet to Come

Amazing theme.

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come

In a number of cases I voted for generally boring songs because they were up against tracks I flat out disliked (Electronic Emma, for example.) I wouldn't be surprised to see a blow-out or two now that the love it or hate it tracks are weeded out.

The Best Is Yet To Come

The Best Is Yet to Come

Okay, so The Best is Yet to Come is better than I remember it. Not my favorite MGS track, but certainly good enough to win this match.

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come

Glad I got this in before you called it due to a blowout.

Well, Shad called it. Folks, we have a blow-out. The Best Is Yet to Come walks away with a (8-0) win and a hell of a lot of momentum going into the final round. Now to decide what it�ll be competing against�


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Semifinals, Fight 2

Metal Gear Solid � Encounter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQRWJ7bIhs)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: when you switch to the Alert Mode
Previously beat: MG 2 � Night Fall, MGS 3 � Snake Eater, MGS: PO � Calling to the Night
Bonus: Encounter in 8-bit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0C-4R7i78)
Bonus: A Metal Gear Solid medley from Video Games Live (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_6LG8dyE0U)


As far as I know, this is the first theme-and-variations fight we�ve ever had in a rumble�at least the first time it�s happened in the semifinals. It�s a good one, too, because here we get perhaps the two most recognizable pieces from the series going head to head. As far as this track goes, what�s retained from the Main Theme, of course, is the iconic opening chord progression on strings. The melody, however, is different. Instead of going into heroic mode, we get a hanging note that slides down, deflating as it produces a short melody interrupted by the aggressive popping percussion. Snake�s battles are exciting, but the weight of all of the years of fighting are suggested here, in a subtle way, that�s interesting. It�s tense, too, with that insistent A that keeps knifing into the foreground, creating a memorable combination of romantic and suspenseful elements that shine in a type of song that�s often an afterthought on video game soundtracks. Is it good enough to make it to the finals, though?


vs.

Metal Gear Solid � Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqqq8uqSDnk)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)
Listen for it: during the Opening Scene
Previously beat: MGS 4 � Old Snake, MGS 2 � Fortune, MGS: PO � Sad Man�s Theme
Bonus: The skate-punk remix from MGS 2: Substance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf-s0elIPRc)
Bonus: the Metal Gear Solid novelization (http://books.google.com/books?id=8FXOveU4iYwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=metal+gear+solid&source=bl&ots=9IAjo9Bw8W&sig=YW0pImWPch-IgHW9kRdhqHWdCLo&hl=en&ei=ipH3S9e6CYSClAfsxrDECg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CEgQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q&f=false)
Trivia: On the third play-through of MGS, the player will hear the Main Theme instead of The Best Is Yet to Come over the ending credits.


This one doesn�t need any introduction. It�s not only the iconic theme for the series, but also Tappi Iwase�s best-known piece (but more on that in a second). The song is a great introduction to the orchestral/electronic hybrid style that runs throughout the whole series. The chord progression comes in on strings, followed by a trumpet playing the melody over an electronic beat. In the second part, the strings join in the melody, leading into a timpani drum break. Synths recap the opening chords with a guitar soloing on top, the horns jump back in with a short repeating figure, and the piece comes to a close with a full-orchestra flourish. It�s big, romantic, heroic stuff that perfectly suits the futuristic mechanized game world while also positioning Solid Snake's theme among those of cinema�s great heroes�an effect that was no doubt Kojima�s intention, given all of the movie references throughout the games. There�s only one problem: is it plagiarized? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XblPR_O9lxU) We�ll all probably have to come up with our own answers to that question when it comes time to vote for the final winner. See Kojima�s own reaction to the evidence here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTcNUoxCmHI).


My vote is for Main Theme.

Metal Gear Solid – Main Theme

Pretty tough decision, though.

I gotta go with Encounter. I listened to both about 5 times a piece, and I just like the way Encounter progresses better. It's probably my favorite Metal Gear piece of music, which is sad.... since I don't see how it'll beat the Main Theme this round.

Metal Gear Solid -Main Theme

I go with Encounter, It's one of my fauvorite songs on the MG music & It awakes the thrill of pursue that I always feel when I played the game. It's simply amazing.

I would have loved if Duel was on the Rumble, I like it more than Encounter.


Is it good enough to make it to the finals, though?


IT IS GREAT SONG to be in finals
at least to an addicted MGS player like me. =D

Encounter

Yaaa... It's just so good in so many ways... and so many good remixes too...

Encounter

I'll go with Encounter - I just plain like it! :P

Like both, but I choose Main Theme.

Interesting, Encounter seems to be winning.

We have our final two! Both good, both with a lot of votes in previous rounds, and both capable of winning this thing. So let’s get this started.


The Metal Gear Songs Rumble

Final Round

Metal Gear Solid – Encounter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQRWJ7bIhs)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)

vs.

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6miaTf1gF4g)
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)


My vote is for Encounter because I like both just about equally, and I think it's the prototypical Metal Gear song.

Encounter

The Best Is Yet to Come :3

The Best is yet to come - Beautiful piece, and really makes you ponder as the credits roll and Solid Snake's mission comes to a close!

Normaly I would say Encounter. But I'll say The Best Is Yet To Come & for many reasons I think this song deserves to be the winner.

This song is not only the credits roll, It's everything about MGS1, the melodies from this song are used to make ambience for most of the cutscenes.
Not only this song is truly amazing on evoking the snow, scenery, landscapes & the setting, it evokes everything about MGS 1 was about (philosophy, genetic theories, character introspection).
All the melodies of this song, remind me about what MGS is about. In my opinion THIS IS THE METAL GEAR SOLID MAIN THEME.
If this song wins the rumble, I openly say that it deserves all the praise that already has & even more.

Metal Gear Solid – The Best Is Yet to Come

Kinda fitting, no?

Metal Gear Solid: The Best is Yet to Come

Fitting indeed.

Eh... Encounter. Easiest decision of the rumble. Shame it's going to lose.

Started May 27, 2009

Today is the rumble's first anniversary, and I’d like to take a second to thank everyone! When I first came up with the idea for the rumble, several people told me there’d be little interest (which I feared, too) because the voters wouldn’t all have the same background in vgm. But the opposite has been true: there’s actually been more interest because of the opportunity to hear something new.

I feel very privileged to be able to listen to and discuss music with you all. It was my hope from the beginning that the rumble would be a long-term project. Thanks to you all, that has happened. I truly appreciate all of your help—from voting to creating themes to revising song selections—and I want to acknowledge, first of all, everyone who has participated:


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--- Lackadaisical --- Lens of Truth --- Link006 --- Marceline --- Master Megatron ---
<br>

http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar315862_1.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=315862) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar2675_23.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=2675) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar313587_2.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=313587) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar308797_3.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=308797) http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/saint-seiya.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=249312)
---- nibbish ---- Purrr ---- Q-Tip Trepe ---- ravenous19 ---- saint seiya2004 ----
<br>

http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar4_39.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=4) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar26248_1.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=26248) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar85532_16.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=85532) http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/silent_ed.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=208537) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar389721_8.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=389721)
---- Sarah ---- Shad ---- Shadow mage ---- Silent Ed ---- Smarty ----
<br>

http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar293229_3.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=293229) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar95321_9.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=95321) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar149284_2.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=149284) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar425291_2.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=425291) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar42079_1.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=42079)
---- solidsnake999 ---- Szczepan ---- tebian ---- Terrordar ---- The Anti-Existence ----
<br>

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/shigeru_miyamoto.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=386043) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar372262_3.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=372262) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar173191_1.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=173191) http://forums.ffshrine.org/customavatars/avatar198139_4.gif (http://forums.ffshrine.org/member.php?u=198139)
---- thejobloshow ---- topopoz ---- Withope ---- wolfmaster913 ----
Second of all, I want to say that I'm dedicated to keeping the rumble going, so long as you all are interested and I am capable of it. :D Here’s some proof that we’ve already done a lot. The winners of the past 6 rumbles in order are...

(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=Sonic1_box_usa.jpg)
Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFHvxuuOymo)
by Masato Nakamura (1991)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=ocarina-of-time.jpg)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2ADD120C9A05282C)
by Koji Kondo (1998)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=MetroidPrime.jpg)
Metroid Prime – Underwater Frigate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJTk3WZ-GM)
by Kenji Yamamoto and Kouichi Kyuma (2002)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=castlevania3boxart1.jpg)
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse — Beginning (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGq9VjJXVh8)
by Yoshinori Sasaki, Jun Funahashi, and Yukie Morimoto (1989)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=final-fantasy-vi.jpg)
Final Fantasy VI (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B89C65A475B8B0CA)
By Nobuo Uematsu (1994)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=mega-man-2-title-screen.jpg)
Mega Man 2 ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B96D4BF7F67C170B)
by Takashi Tateishi, Manami Matsumae, and Yoshihiro Sakaguchi (1988)
<br>
(http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/arthurgolden/?action=view&current=IntegralWall.jpg)
Metal Gear Solid – TBD
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka, Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)

Here's to many more!

^ Congratulations! That's a long time time and a lot of work you put in ^__^ I hope it lasts for another year. :)

http://thorgolucky.com/forum/images/smiles/smiley_beer_toast.gif
I'm here from quite a long time and this rumble has been always a lot of fun. A toast for Arthur, for a job well done (and for him having a McDohl avatar)!!! ^o^ Cheers!http://thorgolucky.com/forum/images/smiles/smiley_beer_toast.gif

Cheers mate.
My vote goes to Encounter

CHEEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARTHUR! you're like the wiseguy of VGM, Thanks for this amazing game & for sharing your knowledge on VGM with us!

It's already been a full year? Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. Well, here's to another year of testing awesome music.

Hey, while being new here, I can completely agree to the sentiment here...good stuff! :D

Here's to another great year!

And the winner of the Metal Gear battle is�



Metal Gear Solid � The Best Is Yet to Come (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6miaTf1gF4g)!
by Takanari Ishiyama, Gigi Meroni, Kazuki Muraoka,
Lee Jeon Myung, Hiroyuki Togo, Maki Kirioka, Rika Muranaka, and Tappi Iwase (1998)

The convention of using a vocal song over the ending credits to video games became common during the Playstation era and, for whatever reason, often resulted in pieces that diverged significantly from the musical direction of the rest of the soundtrack. So it�s not surprising that Metal Gear Solid�a game with predominantly ambient electronic music�ends with something completely different. What is surprising is that a) the song is a Celtic number instead of J-pop and b) unlike so many other ending credits songs, which connect to the game only in the sense that they�re celebratory, this song reflects the character and thematic content of the story in a profound way. Singer Aoife N� Fhearraigh starts us off with some gorgeous vocals, accompanied by a ten-person chorus that addresses a character who is tormented by a lost love. So far, pretty typical stuff. But the piece then reveals its depth at 1:18 when the low whistle comes in over the sound of fluttering leaves and wind. The sound of wind harkens back to Westerns, showdowns in town centers, and by extension the loner gunman who exists outside society and lives by his own code of ethics�all appropriate to the character of Solid Snake. But the low whistle also complicates these associations with its brief, echoing solo. I won�t get into the full history of the instrument, but what seems relevant here is that the low whistle is a product of the Cold War that is criticized for its inferiority when compared to other wind instruments and for its association with the Riverdance craze in the mid-90s. Because other instruments can do the same job, arguably better, it�s thought of as a transition instrument. This doesn�t seem like an arbitrary choice, then, to represent a character who is the result of Cold War tensions, who is not so indestructible when compared to genetically-modified super soldiers, and who came to notoriety in the original Metal Gear mission set in 1995. The sound of the instrument is also uniquely appropriate, given its haunting quality and the snake-charmer-esque melodic figure it plays. As the song progresses, it's joined by bouzouki and fiddle accompaniment, building with the vocals and transforming into something hopeful, although not simplistically so. The singers ask, �Life is wonderful. Can you believe it?� and with a final crescendo, plead, �Believe me.� The power of this song is in those details specific to the character and the complexities of the message. It�s not triumphant, nor is it depressed. It�s hopeful and dark and full of yearning, and that makes it all the more resonant with Snake's mindset at the end of the game.

Listen for it: during the Ending Credits

Bonus: Full song credits and lyrics (http://metalgear.wikia.com/wiki/The_Best_is_Yet_to_Come)

Record: 9-1, 6-1, 5-4, 8-0, 5-4

Well, that was another great battle. Thanks to all of you who voted! I hope you enjoyed it.

We�ll continue with SNES soundtracks and vote on the next battle very soon.

Just a reminder: if you have an idea for a theme that you�d like to do, shoot me a PM. I�m open to anything. Also, you can see and make suggestions on the themes I�ve already worked on at our VGM Rumble Group, found here (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20).

I�ve got one last bonus. :) In case you haven�t seen it, here�s a link to Metal Gear: Philanthropy (http://www.mgs-philanthropy.net/main/?lang=en), a fanmade film with some serious credentials. Not only did Aoife N� Fhearraigh, the voice of �The Best Is Yet to Come,� perform a new song for the soundtrack, Hideo Kojima himself said, �Of course [I saw it]. It�s awesome. I felt like crying for their love towards Metal Gear. It�s also a well-made movie. I can�t wait to see the next part.� I haven�t seen the entire thing, but I must say the trailer is pretty impressive.

Just wanted to say that this was definitely one of the ones I had picked for being potential winners of the rumble, so no surprise to me. Also, I had heard about the Metal Gear: Philanthropy, but could never remember to watch it. I am correcting that now by downloading the thing to watch tonight.

Thank for the continuation and effort that you have put through for making this music rumble possible.

Damn, I missed it

What's next Arthur?

Ahem... :rolleyes:

Ahem... :rolleyes:


YEAH!!!!!

+10

NOOO! We still have the SNES rumble to finish! And after that I'd like to see a Genesis rumble!!!!

We could probably run the Suikoden (32 songs) and Genesis (64 titles) next to each other after powering through the SNES at two rounds at a time. If I counted right, we should only have 4 more fights in the SNES rumble before we move to the next round.

That sounds great.

Yes, Suikoden and Genesis combo would do me good :] I can wait some more;) But still, SNES rumble is far from ending, so maybe we could do something short right now? Or we can have 2 SNES battles, maybe?


YEAH!!!!!

+10

Good man! :D Kampai! http://thorgolucky.com/forum/images/smiles/smiley_beer_toast.gif

Sorry I disappeared for a couple days! I've been exhausted and falling asleep in the early evening, which has cut into my Shrine time. As for the next rumble, I like all of the ideas put forward. Let�s go ahead and do a vote.


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 29

Kirby Super Star (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ObbxVqKitQ)
by Jun Ishikawa and Dan Miyakawa (1995)

vs.

EarthBound (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRRn10r5vpc)
by Keiichi Suzuki and Hirokazu Tanaka (1994)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Deciding the Next Rumble Rumble

After looking at the list below, please vote for the rumble(s) you�d most like to do in conjunction with SNES soundtracks. It�s better to put several down so that I know which theme would appeal to the largest number of people.

A sidenote: the pattern has been to do a composer rumble after a 32-song rumble. That�d be fine with me, but I�m not against breaking precedent either�maybe focusing on the SNES, as wolfmaster913 and Szczepan suggested. My priority is to keep things interesting for everyone.

More details about each can be found here ( http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20). Choose one or more�

1) The Best of the Genesis � 64 soundtracks

2) The Best of Mega Man � 32 songs

3) The Best of Suikoden � 32 songs

4) The Best of Yasunori Mitsuda � 16 soundtracks

5) None (we'd focus on the SNES rumble and do 2 fights at a time instead of 1)


I�m happy with whatever we do, so I�m only going to vote for an SNES soundtrack. One of my favorites: EarthBound.

EarthBound

and Best of the Genesis

Kirby Super Star

as for what's next,
Mitsuda or Double SNES now
and
Suikoden and Genesis combo later:)

EarthBound
and
The Best of the Genesis

Earthbound


Mitsuda

Earthbound is a masterpiece (though I've always been a fan of Kirby Superstar's soundtrack too.)

Genesis followed by Suikoden. I like the idea of starting out Genesis first since it will last longer and then adding Suikoden when SNES finishes.

I'm making a second post to highlight the importance of this. That Earthbound compilation is missing THE MOST BADASS VIDEOGAME SONG EVER WRITTEN.
*ahem*
Pokey Means Business (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkwzRz4mKes)

Earthbound

I think that we should either do The Best of Yasunori Mitsuda since it is short, or double up on the SNES. Something bigger should probably wait until we finish the large one we are doing now. Although, if we were to start something big, it would most likely end up staggering the rumbles out so that we will start a new one in the middle of another and so on. Then, we would have at least 1 already under way at all times and only have to start a single new one at a time. If we do that, I would love to get started with either the Suikoden or Genesis rumbles. Well, that was my rambling about possibilities.

I'm sorry haven't been around here this week, my dad passed away monday, so I've finally had the time to recover myself from this episode, I will be posting some votes probably later.
I've just wanted to say this, thanks people for being so nice & I think that we should do Suikoden or Mitusda later.

topopoz--

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I know it's the internet and that makes things more impersonal. But if you want to talk or need someone to listen for awhile, I'm happy to be the other person for that. I mean that sincerely. I know how difficult this must be.

Shoot me a PM if you want to talk. Okay? And hang in there, buddy. You've got the rumble if you want a source of distraction.

^ Arthur............ you are so sweet....... Really, you are.


Topo, I left you a line in your comments page. You still have friends that want to help you. :)

Kirby Super Star and Option 5 (with my next vote being for Mega Man).

Hey guys, i have a sort of a semi off-topic question:
What do you think of .psf and .psf2 files? As i understand they're some kind of a rip from Playstation games disks in raw format. I can't get a good idea as to what their actual quality is. Foobar is not giving any info but they sound almost losless, maybe a tad volumed down...
I have about a hundred of VGM in this format, so i'm wondering if i should get .flac albums instead?


edit: Ok, wrong topic i think...
can a mod delete this please? ^^;

Hey guys, i have a sort of a semi off-topic question:
What do you think of .psf and .psf2 files? As i understand they're some kind of a rip from Playstation games disks in raw format. I can't get a good idea as to what their actual quality is. Foobar is not giving any info but they sound almost losless, maybe a tad volumed down...
I have about a hundred of VGM in this format, so i'm wondering if i should get .flac albums instead?


edit: Ok, wrong topic i think...
can a mod delete this please? ^^;

Wrong thread, as you said. I don't know anything except the basics. Either...

a) google ".psf site:forums.ffshrine.org" and see if the information is already out there
b) start a new thread in this sub-forum asking the question
c) contact someone on the Lossless Downloads thread or post there asking the question

This one was really close, which is a good sign that there's significant interest in all of the options. But the big winner is Genesis, which won with the most votes for what to do now�and the most votes total.

I need some time to get organized and to check links, so I'm doubling up on the SNES rumble this time around. In two days, we'll do a final check on the soundtrack selection for the Genesis rumble. Then we'll get started.

Oh, and Earthbound won easily (6-2). Next up�


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 30

Final Fantasy VI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOFlauTcX_s)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1994)

vs.

Blackthorne (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EB88241B6B931895)
by Glenn Stafford (1994)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 31

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KYrEI5JZY)
by Koji Kondo (1991)

vs.

Illusion of Gaia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk8BDJLEHew)
by Yasuhiro Kawasaki (1993)


My votes are for Final Fantasy VI and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

Final Fantasy VI & Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Okay, so that was hella easy. Is the rumble bracket situated so these two will be facing off before too long?

Blackthorne

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

No contest here (though the Blackthorne soundtrack was cool).
Final Fantasy VI
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Final Fantasy VI


Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Final Fantasy VI


Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Seeing another soundtrack from Glenn Stanford was a pleasant surprise, seeing as how he's the one behind my favorite soundtrack of all time, but still I have to give it to Final Fantasy VI.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Is the rumble bracket situated so these two will be facing off before too long?

I actually don't do brackets. I did one for the first rumble, and it made everything feel pre-determined, like I was just watching the rumble play out.

Instead, at the beginning of each round, I alphabetize the list of songs/soundtracks and number them...

1. 7th Saga
2. ActRaiser
3. Axelay
4. Bahamut Lagoon
5. Blackthorne
Etc.

Then I use a random number generator to create the fights. That way, I don't feel like I'm manipulating the rumble in any way. For instance, I know the first fight of the Genesis rumble is going to be 58 vs. 44, but I have no idea what soundtracks those will be, since we still have to finalize the list (tomorrow).

Tangent: how the algorithm for the random number generator works is pretty interesting. The short version is that the numbers reflect the amount of atmospheric noise happening the moment I click "Generate." So you could say the rumbles are determined by the cosmos. 0_0

Anyway, the truth is that that I don't know if Final Fantasy VI and A Link to the Past will face off soon. I'm interested in finding out myself. :)


Seeing another soundtrack from Glenn Stanford was a pleasant surprise, seeing as how he's the one behind my favorite soundtrack of all time.

StarCraft?

Final Fantasy VI

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

No contest here... Though, Blackthorne deserves a few words as it is really nice, but unlucky in this round.

btw
Glad so many people here have some love for Suikoden :D

StarCraft?

Obviously :D

No surprise with that one, although I agree with Szczepan that Blackthorne as well as Illusion of Gaia deserve some appreciation. They just got dealt a bad hand. Final Fantasy VI (7-1) and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (8-0) both won emphatically, and that means we are at our final fight of Round 1. This is also the final check on the soundtrack list for the Genesis rumble. Please take a look and make suggestions for revision. We�ll start soon!


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 32

Plok (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRarpk3WaR0)
by Tim Follin and Geoff Follin (1993)

vs.

Tales of Phantasia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4v916ZDFvo)
by Motoi Sakuraba and Shinji Tamura (1995)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here�s the list for the Genesis rumble. All links should now work.

1. Adventures of Batman and Robin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7mbxJRed38)
2. Alien Soldier (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E6D18B95C5BD56CF)
3. Altered Beast (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7AF61D06709B9D9A)
4. Beyond Oasis (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F898F463BBBBC997)
5. Castle of Illusion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRCJv4vbUKE)
6. Castlevania: Bloodlines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvtg-DNpXs)
7. Columns (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1D657E2C04617EC8)
8. Comix Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmfkMETAsL8)
9. Contra: Hard Corps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HslRqaGWep4)
10. Devilish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrxRUDAoUVI)
11. Dynamite Headdy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ls6rSfKwE)
12. Earthworm Jim (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E4D22047D2F5794E)
13. Earthworm Jim 2 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=25B561B8588E6078)
14. Ecco the Dolphin (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F6E0DF3851FA132C)
15. Ecco: The Tides of Time (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3FE1C568076AF5B5)
16. Elemental Master (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLSo2HXObDg)
17. Eternal Champions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duPki1g4Djo)
18. Gley Lancer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cscApMyRdJ8)
19. Golden Axe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1qBnoo4-ds)
20. Golden Axe 2 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=30775271A2DB217B)
21. Golden Axe 3 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DDE6226DCE06A866)
22. Gunstar Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8_h_MnMk0k)
23. Herzog Zwei (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2TUDR3RcVA)
24. High Seas Havoc (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=AA387DF7708F8AB9)
25. Kid Chameleon ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5D12E379CA8B3A80)
26. Landstalker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MvZ8b1fOAI)
27. Master of Monsters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm6lGk6unhk)
28. Mega Man: The Wily Wars (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O00F-MSICOA)
29. Michael Jackson�s Moonwalker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDEiVZGzJJ8)
30. Mortal Kombat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4PyskgK2XU)
31. Mortal Kombat 2 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4ADA393AAF7766E2)
32. Ooze (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAVwFk8tD4I)
33. Out Run ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=84E3E18758C2599A)
34. Phantasy Star IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsa90yssfBs)
35. Pulseman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9LZTkHSJ0)
36. Quackshot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJ4YToJ8MM)
37. Revenge of Shinobi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYM-b8EQyaA)
38. Ristar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT-_5lgJYx4)
39. Rocket Knight Adventures (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaD5_qhWTLw)
40. Shining Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo9bgGbK_lA)
41. Shining Force II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieuy5z2r43E)
42. Shinobi III ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EBFC76C19EA8AD97)
43. Sonic the Hedgehog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrDtB6b7R4)
44. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl4vA4Wd07Q)
45. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-HoLAzM0bw)
46. Sonic & Knuckles (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FB329FF0D73ED617)
47. Sonic 3D Blast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOENkxmO2XU)
48. Splatterhouse 2 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7AA49DA32E4EE825)
49. Streets of Rage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m8mnn_Ni5s)
50. Streets of Rage 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-64UQoUURA)
51. Streets of Rage 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA96hQcGaMw)
52. Strider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HpC9w8rpAg)
53. Sub-Terrania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBh8AG5GCss)
54. Super Fantasy Zone ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2D592A81272F4444)
55. Super Street Fighter II (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EC78EAE4FF201C64)
56. Sword of Vermillion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubbG74MUFW0)
57. Thunder Force II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlpR7saiewg)
58. Thunder Force IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lkgkf0lS3k)
59. Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6CB642FB506352FB)
60. ToeJam & Earl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTIrdlRs--Q)
61. Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (http://rapidshare.com/files/299397163/UW2_NewHorizons_gamerip.rar)
62. Valis III (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F2AD6B179DD1F2B6)
63. Vectorman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2cHzxf_1V8)
64. Zero Wing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwAidPlp9bk)

Leftovers:
Aladdin, Alisia Dragoon, Cannon Fodder, Cool Spot, Duke Nukem 3D, Dune: The Battle for Arrakis, Flashback, Gaiares, Granada, Haunting, Immortal, Jewel Master, Jurassic Park, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Mortal Kombat 3, M.U.S.H.A., Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, Shadow of the Beast, Skitchin', Splatterhouse 3, Streets of Rage 3, Thunder Force III, ToeJam and Earl 2: Panic on Funkotron, Vectorman 2, and Ys III: Wanderers from Ys.

As for the SNES soundtracks, these are two of my favorite underrated soundtracks going head to head. I probably like more songs on Tales of Phantasia, but I love Plok and still listen to it all the time (Tim Follin is one of my favorites). For some extra listening, pit Hydropolis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBEzqu2J8lY), Lake on Ymir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ-Un8D0QGg), and Biting Cold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beTzTQJBXCg) against Beach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ODKKILZiYY), Flea Pit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEqccivm8WU)*, and Boxing Glove (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmleGVilw5U) and see what you think. My vote is for Plok for the crazy genre-mixing, the technical innovation (http://forums.ffshrine.org/showpost.php?p=1321813&postcount=304), and the fun.

*Flea Pit is distorted, but all YouTube videos of it are in one way or another :confused:. This is the best I could find.

Follin Bros? Interesting. Plok it is!

I have to go with Tales of Phantasia.

Too bad about Blackthorne and Illusion...I think they both could have gone far if it hadn't been against FFVI or Zelda. But, it all comes down to the luck of the draw. As for the Genesis rumble, the list looks good to me. I can't wait to see how far Zero Wing gets.

This is one of the toughest match-ups yet. I had to listen to both a couple times, but I think I can confidently side with Tales of Phantasia.

I've listened to both songs and i have to admit i've played neither of the two games but since ToP tune has a more FF-ish feel, i'll give it my vote...
So Tales of Phantasia it is ^^

Tales of Phantasia

A couple suggestions have been made on the group page, so I'm transplanting them here.

1) Add: Jewel Master
I fully support this.

2) Remove: Streets of Rage 3
I'm fine with this, too.

3) Combine: Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles to become "Sonic 3 & Knuckles."
This is where it gets tricky, so I need to know how people feel about this.

Currently, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles are listed separately. Back story: the two games were intended to be one, but because of deadline restrictions were split into two games. The part of the game that was ready to go was released as Sonic 3 in February 1994. The developers continued working on the other stages and released them as Sonic & Knuckles eight months later in October 1994. Obviously, they weren't going to create an entirely new soundtrack for this second release, so some tracks are shared. In total (by my count), the two soundtracks share 6 songs and have ~15 original songs apiece (mostly stage themes). Some people consider this one soundtrack (the two games actually can be physically locked together to be played as one, although they were never released as one game). Some people split the soundtracks up--two games, two soundtracks. For our purposes, the benefit of combining them and treating them as one soundtrack allows us, of course, to put one more soundtrack on our list. But is that fair? What do you think we should do?

a) Leave them as two soundtracks
b) Combine them
c) Cut one

I think that having "Sonic 3 & Knuckles" would be the way to go so we could have another song on the list. How about Cool Spot? 8-bit Wipeout is just great. :) Either that or Ys III: Wanderers from Ys in its spot.

Combining them isn't such a bad idea to be honest. I say do it.

2) Remove: Streets of Rage 3
I'm fine with this, too.



Streets of Rage 3 was already removed before, I thought. I actually rather like it, but it seemed that more people prefer the second game in the series. I'm okay either way. Wolfmaster suggested Ys III, and that sounds like a good idea.

Streets of Rage 3 was removed in October. It got added back a few days ago after I found out that all links for James Pond were dead.

Sounds like I misinterpreted your post on the group page. I thought you realized this and were asking for Jewel Master to be swapped with (the recently re-included) Streets of Rage 3.

Anyway, here's where we're at...
- Jewel Master is in (to replace James Pond).
- I'm combining Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
- That leaves one spot open. So far, it's Cool Spot vs. Streets of Rage 3 for that last soundtrack.

I know this is getting complicated, so let me know if you all have questions. :D

Oh, I didn't know it had been purposefully re-included. I don't really have much of an opinion on the cool spot vs sor3 issue.

edit: It's a pre-rumble rumble!

I actually wanted to vote for Tales of Phantasia, but seeing how unusual Plok is, I changed my mind. Feeling of constant betrayal by Namco-Bandai, for not releasing so many Tales of games in english ( currently Vesperia for PS3 and Graces for WII), maybe had some impact on this, although it shouldn't. I just want to forget about this accursed series and Namco-Bandai... T_T

I actually wanted to vote for Tales of Phantasia, but seeing how unusual Plok is, I changed my mind. Feeling of constant betrayal by Namco-Bandai, for not releasing so many Tales of games in english ( currently Vesperia for PS3 and Graces for WII), maybe had some impact on this, although it shouldn't. I just want to forget about this accursed series and Namco-Bandai... T_T

Haha. Well, you're not the first person to be motivated by vengeance while voting around here. Wasn't it Link006 who said he was still pissed that Ninja Gaiden lost in the early rounds of the NES rumble? :)


Also, a correction: It's Cool Spot vs. Streets of Rage 3 vs. Ys III for the final spot on the Genesis rumble.

Sorry about the oversight! Keeping track of 96 soundtracks is making me...




If no one has a strong opinion, I'll make an executive decision before we start tomorrow.

Ys III

btw
It's not vengeance, it's karma ]:-)


So you could say the rumbles are determined by the cosmos. 0_0

See?:D

:) Yeah, it's gonna be Ys III in that last spot for

a) quality of the compositions
b) expansiveness of the soundtrack
c) the difficult-to-achieve smoothness and crispness of the "voices" used for the instruments

I'm going to write a little something on the SNES sound hardware vs. Genesis hardware later to elaborate on why this is significant.

For now, I'll go ahead and end the above fight, with Tales of Phantasia winning 4-3.

More to come soon.

Genesis music has gotten a bad rap over the years. While many of its soundtracks are held in high regard, it�s considered a matter of fact that the Yamaha YM2612 was technically inferior to the Super Nintendo�s SPC700. The reasons are many, but most often it comes down to two things:


1) Sample quality. While the Super Nintendo produces sounds with actual instrument samples, the Sega Genesis uses FM synthesis�a process that results in heavy compression and low sample resolution (see: the best and worst voice samples (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZlPiehYpVM) in video games for quick evidence). For these reasons, Genesis music is often described as �noisy,� �scratchy,� �grainy,� �tinny,� and �digitized,� as if we�re hearing the song coming out of a tin can. A significant part of this problem is that the Genesis only had one sound channel that could be used for sampling, which leads us to the next criteria�

2) Number of sound channels. The SNES had the 8-bit SPC700, as well as a 16-bit digital signal processor (DSP) that could mix 8 different voices and add reverb. In addition, each of those 8 voices could play its sample with individualized characteristics and effects. The Genesis is similar in that it had its own 8-bit programmable sound generator (PSG), but falls short with only 6 channels on the YM2612. To put it simply, the SNES could have more happening at one time. The more sound channels, the more sounds. The more sounds, the more possibilities for complex, dynamic music.

For a demonstration, here's a comparison (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na4wbYqVBQM) of the characterisitic qualities of Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis music.

However, this doesn�t mean that the Genesis didn't having anything going for it. Its limitations could be worked around in the hands of a clever composer (see what Super Metroid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFMsrHCFXj0) could have sounded like on the Genesis), and we�ll certainly hear many examples of that. Also, and maybe more importantly, the YM2612 could be used in different ways than the Super Nintendo. The YM2612 was capable of replicating an arcade sound much more faithfully than the SPC700 and often used its snarling, buzzy quality to mimic the distortion and heavy percussion heard in techno and rock music�entire genres of music the SNES often avoided because the low-pass filter function in its compression made it difficult to create a believable rock guitar sound (there are counter-examples, of course). For this same reason, SNES music often sounded muted and muffled, especially in the bass and drums, in comparison to the Genesis. Thus, the SNES was more often used for orchestral music because of the clarity and brilliance of its samples and the greater potential for dynamics in the compositions. It didn't hurt that it could generate sound in stereo, too.

In short, the SNES�s SPC700 had more potential.

But, as we�ll see, in the hands of skilled composers both consoles produced great music. The human element is the most important here. We�ve got a whole hell of a lot of good music ahead of us. :) I hope you're looking forward to it.

All right. If the server doesn't go down in the next ten seconds, this will post and we can finally begin. :)


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 1

ActRaiser (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcLD6MF7QLg)
by Yuzo Koshiro (1990)
Description: You can hear Koshiro’s trademark chunky bass in the second song in this video (used extensively on the Ys soundtracks). There are shades of baroque music in some of the other songs, too, but perhaps the most famous piece is the opening theme heard at the beginning of the video. Its triumphant horns and militaristic percussion set the grand tone for the rest of the soundtrack, which even the rock tracks reach for with frequent and dramatic orchestral moments. This is a longtime fan favorite.

vs.

Treasure Hunter G (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87BCF9rTmSw)
by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata (1996)
Description: Sakimoto and Iwata are no strangers to dramatic orchestration either, and much of what was said above could be said about this soundtrack, including the mood set by the opening piece. I don’t tend to think of Koshiro and Sakimoto as similar composers (Koshiro has rock/techno tendencies that Sakimoto doesn’t). But here they go head to head with easily comparable songs. With this one, pay attention not only to the songs, but the vibrancy of the samples. If you have headphones, you’re going to hear a lot of elements underneath the main melody conversing with the flutes, horns, strings, and organs that flesh out the pieces and give the entire soundtrack a lush, beautiful sound. This was the last game Square made for the Super Nintendo, and its soundtrack arguably represents the culmination of everything that company’s team of composers produced on the SPC700.


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The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 1

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6CB642FB506352FB)
by Shinji Tasaka, Hideto Inoue, and Tsuyoshi Sekito (1993)
Description: Our journey through the best of the Genesis starts here with a trio of composers—most notably Tsuyoshi Sekito, who you should recognize from Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake and who later did excellent work on Brave Fencer Musashi, not to mention Dawn of Mana and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. As a Tiny Toon Adventure game, the music is appropriately bouncy and lighthearted. In the second song you can hear the composers giving us something like a strummed acoustic guitar underneath the melody for a bluegrass feel. Another interesting track is “Treasure Found,” which is the spookiest opening-a-treasure-chest music I’ve ever heard. More to the point, “The Forest” is a highlight with its polka bass line and nod to the Tiny Toon Adventures theme song, as is the swaggering, howling “Pirate Ship” and “Inside the Volcano.” Listen for several quotes of classical music, too, including Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCEDfZgDPS8) in “Montana Max” and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z36aWM3jYT8) in “Elmyra.”

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrDtB6b7R4)
by Masato Nakamura (1991)
Description: And now for the most obscure soundtrack in today’s offering. ;) We open with the song that started off the Sonic series and also proved the Genesis’ technical dominance over the NES as the 16-bit era began. When the high-pitched string shows up in the first repetition of the melody, adding a fifth instrument to the mix, a world of possibility opened up with it. In the second and third songs, a darker mood is set with clever manipulations of the synths playing the melodies, although banging melodic percussion in the second sections balances things out. Listen along and you’ll hear both funky and relaxing tunes, too, all of which were expertly edited to minimize buzz. Beyond the clarity of the sounds, though, what is perhaps most surprising is how little else Nakamura did: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is about it. What a legacy, but it’s a shame he didn’t extend his career beyond the early nineties. Think of what he could have done with more sophisticated technology.


My votes are for Treasure Hunter G and Sonic the Hedgehog.

I'm not going to let sound quality that pushes the limits of the system fool me. Nothing in Treasure Hunter G really impressed me. It wasn't bad, but much like Final Fantasy Tactics it lacked any real standout tracks. I was forgetting the songs before they were over. Birth of the People and Filmore have been stuck in my head for twenty years.
Actraiser gets my vote hands down.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Treasure Hunter G

Nothing in Treasure Hunter G really impressed me. It wasn't bad, but much like Final Fantasy Tactics it lacked any real standout tracks.

The slap to tactics almost makes me want to vote for G, but my vote goes to Actraiser and Sonic the Hedgehog .

much like Final Fantasy Tactics it lacked any real standout tracks.

Haha. The Playstation rumble hasn't even been posted on the group page yet, and the smack talk has already started.

much like Final Fantasy Tactics it lacked any real standout tracks.

Ouch that hurt. FFT was great. Anyway:

ActRaiser

Sonic the Hedgehog

much like Final Fantasy Tactics it lacked any real standout tracks. I was forgetting the songs before they were over.


I feel offended, FFT has really AWESOME TRACKS that STAND OUT!

Remnants
Trinsection
Enemy Attack
Character Creation
Bland Logo - Title Back
P.R. Movie - 47 seconds of epicness!
Hero's Theme
Delita's Theme
Battle On The Bridge
Random Waltz
Espionage
Terror 2
Back Fire
Tension 1
Decisive Battle
The Pervert
Ovelia's Worries
Ultima The Nice Body
Antipyretic

I could go on, but you need to understand something Sakimoto's Music has to grow on you, it isn't the type of composer that on the first listen you'll get hooked.
Many of his songs are deep & with a lot atmosphere, so it takes some time to understand them fully.

EDIT: Now I'll listen to FFT OST.

I've gotta go with Actraiser for the first one.

And in the Sega rumble.... yeah... Sonic takes it pretty easily.

heehee, I really managed to stir the pot with that comment. :rolleyes:

ActRaiser

Sonic the Hedgehog

Treasure Hunter G Prefer it slightly more, but very tough choice.

Sonic the Hedgehog I have really great memories with Buster's Hidden Treasure, but... well, Sonic is better.

Neither of them really impressed me but I'll go for Treasure Hunter G. The other one is an easy choice: Sonic the Hedgehog.

And yeah, I'm still upset Ninja Gaiden III was a FIRST ROUND CASUALTY in the NES rumble, much worse than a mere tragedy. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzes12YwaTA)

The first to move on will be...ActRaiser (5-4) and Sonic (7-0)! Thanks to everyone for voting. Next up...


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 2

Secret of Evermore (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YMEu9aO8QA)
by Jeremy Soule () (1995)
Description: The story behind Secret of Evermore�s soundtrack is one of my favorites of the video game industry. Jeremy Soule was a teenager from Keokuk, Iowa�a weird kid who began writing music around the age of five and annoyed his teachers by turning in musical notation instead of his math homework. By the sixth grade, he was taking private lessons from Western Illinois University faculty members, eventually earning the equivalent of a Master�s degree before he graduated high school. He wasn't as devoted to classical music as he was video games, though, a culture he believed would earn legitimacy from better music composition. So he did something that took massive balls�he made a cassette tape of his music and sent it to Square and LucasArts with a letter explaining that this is what he thought video game music should aspire to. Despite being the unlikeliest of scenarios, Square listened to the tape and made Soule an employee within two weeks of mailing the letter, immediately assigning him to score Evermore, their Q4 follow-up to Front Mission, Chrono Trigger, and Seiken Densetsu 3. It was an insanely high-profile project for a teenager who�d never worked on a video game before, and he nailed it, which is perhaps a useful reminder in the power of boldness (http://chrisyeh.blogspot.com/2006/06/quote-of-day-boldness-has-genius.html), especially in artistic endeavors. There�s much to be said about the historical importance of this soundtrack and the new elements it brought to video game music, but we�re here to judge the quality of the compositions primarily, so I�ll try to keep this from getting ridiculously long. Soule himself describes the music as mostly �ambient and low-key�; I�d add that it has a prominent Blade Runner feel, mixed with occasional medieval instrumentation and Latin percussion. It�s a weird combo, but it works to create a very drowsy, mysterious, and violent atmosphere for the game, with enough touches of B-movie sci-fi tropes to match the main character, too.

vs.

EarthBound (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRRn10r5vpc)
by Keiichi Suzuki () and Hirokazu Tanaka () (1994)
Description: It's hard not to be charmed by EarthBound's weirdness. From the unusual weapons (like yo-yos and frying pans) to the insane enemies (strung-out hippies and possessed cars?), the game is trying to give you a solid RPG while also lampooning everything about the genre. The music is no different: a skittering, spastic combination of reggae, ragtime, surf rock, doo-wop, bluegrass, polka, acid jazz, ambient, electropop, and an approximation of found sound, scrambled into tense clusters that every once in a while subside for some of the most pleasant and beautiful melodies written for the Super Nintendo. While Secret of Evermore may have been important for including diegetic sound in the music tracks, Earthbound is important for being the first video game soundtrack to use vibrato. I don't throw around the word "unique" too much because I take its meaning�"like no other"�seriously. But out of all the soundtracks we've listened to in the rumbles, this might qualify. Like every other aspect of the game, it's baffling, hilarious, clever, and fun. If you enjoy the small sample Garudoh provides, be sure to check out the rest of the soundtrack, which is over 120 songs long.


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The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 2

Columns (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1D657E2C04617EC8)
by Tokuhiko Uwabo () (1990)
Description: Columns is a block-stacking game somewhat similar to Tetris with music composed by Tokuhiko Uwabo, an important figure in Sega's early history. Besides this game, he composed the music for many of the Master system's marquee titles like Alex Kidd, Fantasy Zone, Space Harrier, Zillion, Phantasy Star, and Ys�not to mention many Genesis soundtracks we'll hear during the course of this rumble, such as Phantasy Star II, Revenge of Shinobi, Castle of Illusion, Quackshot, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. This particular game has a Greek-themed aesthetic, and much of the music takes the same tack as the songs on the NES's Battle of Olympus. One notable piece is the solo organ "Clotho," which if I'm not mistaken contains a little (maybe unintentional) quote from Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." Later we hear "Lathesis," a series of call and responses traded around different sets of instruments, with some nice reverb on the "steel drums." Near the end, "Atropos" follows nicely with its own sparse, pretty melodies.

vs.

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (http://www.mediafire.com/file/ngtoylnikmm/Uncharted%20Waters%20II-%20New%20Horizons%20OST.zip)
by Yoko Kanno () (1994)
Description: And at last we come to Yoko Kanno. If I'm remembering correctly, this is her first appearance in one of the rumbles, although probably everyone here is intimately familiar with her name and some of her work. It's easy to get derailed talking about other aspects of her career, so let's stick to the music. "Caprice for Lute" starts us off with a good counterpoint to Columns, since it's similarly minimal and pretty, avoiding the Genesis's habit of compounding buzz on top of more buzz by limiting the amount of samples at any particular moment. Then, we get to "Catalina," one of the better known songs from this soundtrack, with its frenetic bass line and quick, surprising swings in the melody. This works as a nice introduction to what's to come with "Empty Eyes," a great sunshine-y piece that completely contradicts its title :confused:, and "Wind Ahead," a wonderful opening theme with a peppy little drumbeat. Be sure to also check out "Mast in the Mist," my favorite. On a soundtrack with a lot of dances peppered by Caribbean instrumentation, this one adds some emotional weight (and later got a gorgeous piano arrangement (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_LfQUu7m6o) that, for no real reason) reminds me of John Adams' "China Gates").

A final note: Thanks to jakob.nelson for providing the New Horizons download link!


My votes are for Secret of Evermore and Uncharted Waters: New Horizons.

Secret of Evermore

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons

"Empty Eyes," a great sunshine-y piece that completely contradicts its title :confused:, and "Wind Ahead," a wonderful opening theme with a peppy little drumbeat. Be sure to also check out "Mast in the Mist," my favorite. On a soundtrack with a lot of dances peppered by Caribbean instrumentation, this one adds some emotional weight (and later got a gorgeous piano arrangement (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_LfQUu7m6o)

Empty Eyes is mainly heard in "western ports" , but it is definitely a brazilian-style song, mimicking those that have more complex chords and tend to have a bittersweet content in their lyrics, such as this one. The title doesn't really conflict with the song, as it's about a longing for a deep feelings from another that don't seem to be returned.

Anyway, I love New Horizons--It's a terrific game with great music. That piano arrangement you linked to comes from the "Uncharted Waters II Special Edition" which is all arrangements, some better than others.



A final note: Thanks to jakob.nelson for providing the New Horizons download link!


You're welcome!




My votes are for Secret of Evermore and Uncharted Waters: New Horizons.

x2

Secret of Evermore

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons

Secret of Evermore

Columns

Why did Earthbound have to face Secret of Evermore? Curse you cosmos... Also, since I was gone and didn't get to say it in the last round: Final Fantasy Tactics is a great soundtrack. :)

I think I would vote for Earthbound over every SNES game except Chrono Trigger. It's just so deliciously weird.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmuYSU0ghKU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHW5ZGAf4vk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFU6zwV47Q4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ciZDohM1b8


Edit again, here's a good mix of most of the battle themes all in one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYgWyWaLf5A

By the way Ness, did you check my billboard? I wrote the message myself. That's my real job, you know... I'm a billboard guy.




Edit again again agianasdf.as:
My second vote goes to Columns easily. Having a full album available for Uncharted Waters was awesome though.

Secret Of Evermore easily

The next to move on are Secret of Evermore (6-1) and Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (4-2). Interesting that EarthBound didn�t get more votes. Regardless, thanks to Shad for linking to more awesome music from it. And thanks to jakob.nelson for the additional info on "Empty Eyes." :) Next up�


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 3

SimCity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QpFy8vVdPI)
by Soyo Oka () (1991)
Description: This round is a serious student vs. teacher battle. Oka studied Kondo�s work formally at the Osaka College of Music and later met him while working on Pilotwings. Because of his influence, her work is sometimes confused for his. But that shouldn�t take anything away from Oka�s accomplishments here. It's sad that she�s often overlooked when people talk about their favorite vgm composers, despite the fact that she was a major figure in the early 90s. No doubt this is partly due to her departure from Nintendo in 1995 to go freelance, which has lightened her workload to just four projects in the last fifteen years. A terrible waste of talent. She has since been saddled with the �light jazz� label, though her work has depth and humor, too. Just listen to some of the 40s �News on the March!� type melodies, or the fat orchestra hits in �Metropolis,� and you�ll hear what I�m talking about.

vs.

Super Mario World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLOEvhsgOg)
by Koji Kondo () (1990)
Description: As Mario graduated onto the next gen of home consoles, Koji Kondo�s sophistication in musical arrangement took the leap with him. Good thing, too, because Kondo wrote surprisingly few tracks for Super Mario World when you come right down to it. In fact, almost all of the stage music is the same theme played in different styles. However, the durability of that theme is proven by the stellar legacy of the game. Across 80+ stages, the music (arguably) does not get stale. Additionally, this soundtrack is important because it�s an early example of music that changes with the in-game action. Adding bongo drums to the stage themes when Mario jumps on Yoshi paved the way for further developments on many other soundtracks, including Banjo Kazooie. Let�s see if this is enough to best Kondo�s star apprentice.


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The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 3

ToeJam & Earl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTIrdlRs--Q)
by John Baker (1991)
Description: My wife, a composer, can hum songs from only four video game soundtracks: Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros, Final Fantasy VI, and ToeJam & Earl. That might not mean as much as I want it to, though, considering I�m known to play TJ & E's theme song on the bass after a few drinks. :) This is, if I�m thinking clearly, the first funk video game soundtrack�which doesn�t necessarily match the story since this is a game about alien rappers. But who cares about thematic continuity in a game about guys wearing gold chains, wraparound sunglasses, and backwards hats who yell out stuff like �Jammin��? This game is awesome, and hilarious, a Lost in Space for the mid-nineties that delivers on all of the kitschiness you�d expect while also being a good game. The first song in the garudoh video is the classic, but check out the whole thing and you�ll hear some hip-hop, too.

vs.

Castlevania: Bloodlines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvtg-DNpXs)
by Michiru Yamane () (1994)
Description: Here�s another classic of the system written by Castlevania regular Michiru Yamane, who also did Rocket Knight Adventures, Symphony of the Night (besides 7 other Castlevania games), and Suikoden III and IV. �Iron-Blue Intention� (3:49) and �Requiem for the Nameless Victims� (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmav-Zjj2_E) are two of my favorites here, but there are many other awesome tracks, plus musical Easter eggs in the game. One contribution to the rest of the series was �The Sinking Old Sanctuary,� the music from the second level, which later reappeared in Circle of the Moon and Legacy of Darkness.


My votes are for SimCity and Castlevania: Bloodlines.

Simcity

Castlevania: Bloodlines

Interesting...

Super Mario World the only game of mario that I like

& my first vote on Genesis

Castlevania: Bloodlines I don't like this castlevania & the soundtrack it's not among my fauvorites either, but it's still a great one.
TomJam & Earl has some great bass lines though.

Super Mario World (I've never heard the SNES sim city music, and I like it much better than the PC stuff in later sim city games)

Toejam and Earl There are some great tunes in bloodlines, but about half of the ones I like are from other games. Toejam and Earl is too classic to go down in its first fight :*

Sim City

ToeJam & Earl - Ok, Bloodlines is beyond a doubt the better soundtrack, but I like this a bunch, and considering most of the Castlevania songs are revisited throughout the series, I can vote against it just this once.

Super Mario World is just too classic to vote against. If it were SimCity 2000... then we might have a battle.

Castlevania Bloodlines has a lot of classic Castlevania tracks and a lot I remember from Circle of the Moon.

Super Mario Brother

ToeJam & Earl - Seriously, this is easily one of the best soundtracks the genesis has to offer. The Bloodlines soundtrack is pretty good, but the pure funky fun of ToeJam & Earl must not be denied!

Super Mario World

Castlevania: Bloodlines

On a side-note: the opening level of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is titled "Bloodlines" in the English versions of the game even though it isn't from the actual game Castlevania: Bloodlines. It is actually the ending level from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, and is named such in the Japanese versions of the game.

Super Mario World

Castlevania: Bloodlines

This time around it�s Super Mario World (6-3) and Castlevania: Bloodlines (6-3) winning. That brings us to�


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 4

Tales of Phantasia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4v916ZDFvo)
by Motoi Sakuraba () and Shinji Tamura () (1995)
Description: When you bring Motoi Sakuraba onto a project, you know what you�re getting: synths, rock, and synthrock. Just look at his picture! But he�s also great at creating moody pieces using piano and melodic percussion�something you�ll hear a lot of here and on the Valkyrie Profile soundtracks. It�s a bit of an understatement to say that he has a taste for the dramatic (again, just look at that shirt :P), and he�s great at what he does (which also includes heavy doses of jazz and progressive rock). The strength of this game�s music has no doubt been a huge contributor to the strength of the ongoing Tales series, now with 9 installments.

vs.

Soul Blazer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP5emCsGjSI)
by Yukihide Takekawa () (1992)
Description: Sakuraba�s competitor is, appropriately, another rock star. As the singer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGzBmnnS8w)/songwriter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sty9fhmKU_Y) of the band Godiego, Yukihide Takekawa is not primarily known as a video game composer. But he certainly brings his aesthetic to the world of vgm, with poppy songs and�maybe the most noticeable thing on display here�some kick ass slap bass. Not only that, the bass is pushed right to the forefront of the mix in many of the songs. This guy wants more bass the way Christopher Walken wants more cowbell. Nothing wrong with that. This is also a good example of how faithful the SNES�s ADPCM compression was, giving us something close to a live recording of that instrument.


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The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 4

Ecco the Dolphin (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F6E0DF3851FA132C)
by Andr�s Magyari, Brian Coburn, and Spencer Nilsen () (1992)
Description: Ecco the Dolphin�s soundtrack is best known for those sustained, phased chords that start off the first few songs, which give the soundtrack a sci-fi vibe. But check out what sounds the composers give the melodies to as well. There are a lot of interesting choices here, in particular a few repeated scratchy, breathy sounds mixed in with the droning that give a feeling of desolation to the album. To balance things out, there are a couple surprises in the way of straightforward poppy tracks, too. This soundtrack is also important because it was the debut of Spencer Nilsen, who later did Sonic CD, Batman Returns, Jurassic Park, Daytona USA, and a Sega CD version of Ecco.

vs.

Golden Axe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1qBnoo4-ds)
by Tohru Nakabayashi (1989)
Description: Here�s an old arcade classic. Right from the start, we get some dramatic drums and a metallic cable hit to introduce us to this world of indiscriminate ass kicking. The second song is maybe the most fondly remembered, though, with an awesome, galloping turn in the second section. The fourth song takes us in a completely new direction with some quick keyboard glisses that lead into a catchy diddy that then switches to a little bass-heavy section reminiscent of the opening. It�s a good example of Nakabayashi�s cleverness not only in composing the soundtrack, but in getting the technology to work with him. In fact, the whole soundtrack is a good example of how to use the Genesis�s buzz to your advantage, even for kitsch value. Did you know the screams from the game are samples from First Blood and Conan the Barbarian? The heavy digitization only makes it funnier and more satisfying.


My votes are for Tales of Phantasia and Ecco the Dolphin.

Anyone knows where I can get the Guilty Gear songs? Since I'm searching all over & can't find them >_< (mostly looking for GG: X2 but is trying to get all the Guily Gear Songs)