Oh yeah. It's really powerful with the music video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho). I took a class in grad school that applied literary theory to pop culture, and we spent two weeks just on Johnny Cash, ending with that video.

I agree with aces4839, too, that Trent's still making great music. His new outfit with his new wife, How to Destroy Angels, needs time to evolve. But he has a long enough line of credit in my book for me to wait for that.

Chrono Trigger, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

And now for the final! It seems to me that any conversation about the best SNES soundtrack has to include these two. Still, off the top of my head I don�t know which I�d give the edge. Both soundtracks made good games better by creating complex, discernibly different environments. Both soundtracks had a number of (I�d argue) solid battle tunes (although topopoz will disagree with me on that one :)). Both soundtracks also had a sense of fun, yet delivered strong pieces that legitimized the emotions of the characters at key points in the story.

In fact, I�d argue that both soundtracks prove that video game music is art because of that ability. As an emerging medium, still encumbered by super-deformed visuals and weak writing, video games needed the music to overcome those limitations and allow the players to make strong emotional connections to the story and characters. Gameplay is important, but a game that�s fun to play without ever demanding our emotional investment won�t stand the test of time. These games were early examples that we were onto something, despite what the popular perception of games was (and to some degree still is).

It�ll take looking at the main themes and the strength of their variations, the character themes, the battle themes, the location themes, the incidental music, and everything else the composers brought to bear to decide this one. Six months went by before we got to this final. Who�s gonna win???


The SNES Soundtracks Rumble

Final Round

Chrono Trigger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhM8qHAowgM&feature=PlayList&p=F4A962609426A93B&index=0&playnext=1)
by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, and Noriko Matsueda (1995)

vs.

Final Fantasy VI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDH4pLa7TI0&feature=PlayList&p=06AB6E3F68E2F48D&index=0&playnext=1)
by Nobuo Uematsu (1994)


The above links go to the full soundtracks. I've got a lot of debating to do, so I'll withhold my vote for now.

Chrono Trigger!! Both are brilliant, no doubt about it, but Chrono Trigger is one of those strokes of genius so beautiful that Mitsuda and Uematsu themselves must have been left wondering how on earth they created it.

Final Fantasy VI

It's the absolute best combination of style, excitement, emotion and brilliance and is also easily one of the greatest accomplishments in video game music history. And I'll be damned if I call anything else Uematsu's best.

Chrono Trigger is also great. But I can't give it the crown. Not against an opponent like this.

Edit: Hey Arthur, are you finished with whatever it was that kept you busy all this time, or are you simply waiting so that everyone can vote?

Chrono Trigger easily.

There's nothing wrong with the battle tracks of this game Arthur. I just think that Mitsuda isn't good enough to bring excitement that battle tracks requires. But he only composed a small number of battle tracks on this game so it goes unnoticed.

There are certain number tracks in VI that I don't like at all.

I've wished that VI & IV had an encounter... really.

This is a tough decision. Since all of my favorites have already been eliminated, I will have to settle for Final Fantasy VI.

Final Fantasy VI all the way.

I would have preferred Zelda obviously, but surprisingly, I go Final Fantasy.

Never thought I would hear myself vote for FF.

Final Fantasy VI

Chrono Trigger!! Both are brilliant, no doubt about it, but Chrono Trigger is one of those strokes of genius so beautiful that Mitsuda and Uematsu themselves must have been left wondering how on earth they created it.

Final Fantasy VI - My favorite VG soundtrack. It gets flak for being sort of a "populist" choice (or, at least, as close to one as there is in the VG community), but all the compositions are very solid.

Plus there's about 900 points for nostalgia. As I've shared in the past, one of my fondest memories as a kid was recording my favorite themes onto a cassette tape, so that I'd be able to hear them whenever I wanted. The recordings were AWFUL, but I loved them.

As I've shared in the past, one of my fondest memories as a kid was recording my favorite themes onto a cassette tape, so that I'd be able to hear them whenever I wanted. The recordings were AWFUL, but I loved them.
Haha I so made cassette tapes of every single Squaresoft and Enix game as a kid.

Plus I think the first cd I ever bought was Kefka's Domain (http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff3kefka/index.html).

I used to make tape recording of my VGM too, the first one that I did was Castlevania Symphony of The Night, if you finish the game you can access to the song library, that's why is the first one that I made. Then I make Megaman X6 & after that some FFVII. XD

I did Descent, because that was my favorite game when I was 13 (still is, actually). I did a couple of Lemmings tracks for my brother, who immediately made me regret that decision by playing them all CONSTANTLY.

Edit: Hey Arthur, are you finished with whatever it was that kept you busy all this time, or are you simply waiting so that everyone can vote?

My five-year-old computer keeps trying to die. I've been on the site a couple times since posting only to get the blue screen of death. Same thing happened when I kept trying to listen to the two soundtracks. So I wanted to at least wait until I got my vote in, plus a day. I think we'll give it another 24 hours and see if that seems fair.


I did Descent, because that was my favorite game when I was 13 (still is, actually). I did a couple of Lemmings tracks for my brother, who immediately made me regret that decision by playing them all CONSTANTLY.

Haha. Descent is awesome. But I'm with Shad. Final Fantasy VI was my first VG CD. Didn't get to Symphony of the Night until I was in my twenties.

Welp. Here's where I stand with my vote...

In my mind, Final Fantasy VI has quantifiably more classic, great songs.
But I listen to my favorites from Chrono Trigger much more regularly.
But I have more favorites from Final Fantasy VI.
But Chrono Trigger is a more organic and unified listening experience.
But Final Fantasy VI goes for more (regarding numbers of themes and their variations, arrangements, and range of moods).
But Final Fantasy VI has more throwaway tracks.
But Final Fantasy VI is more technically impressive.

:-\

In the same breath, both have emotional weight.
Both have very strong main themes that get wonderful variations throughout the game.
Both are the best of the best in vgm.
Both make me sentimental.

I guess it comes down to which I'd take on a deserted island. And that'd be Chrono Trigger.

After Final Fantasy VI, Uematsu said he didn't like writing a lot of character themes because he thought those efforts were wasted. If the story didn't call for a character to be a strong presence, why should that person have a very strong theme? And while I wouldn't ever say Uematsu's efforts on this soundtrack were wasted, on the whole the extensiveness of the soundtrack does make it an effort to listen to. I'm likely to stop listening to this soundtrack, come back later, be impressed, get tired, do something else, and come back again, whereas with Chrono Trigger I always sorta feel like I can pick up the game or the soundtrack and do it in one go. For me, there's more of a fun factor with Chrono Trigger. It doesn't require as much of an emotional investment as Final Fantasy VI (although CT does reward an emotional investment), which gives it the added bonus of being a great first soundtrack for a new listener to SNES music. In fact, I showed "Corridors of Time" to a friend the other day, and he loved it, even though he's 30 years old and has listened to practically nothing except hardcore punk since he was a kid. So if I look at it from the angle of, "What could I show a newbie to VGM in one go that could summarize the power of the SNES's music?" it'd be Chrono Trigger (although I'd then show that person Final Fantasy VI; then I think we'd have 'em hooked).

In before the end :) Chrono Trigger

My five-year-old computer keeps trying to die. I've been on the site a couple times since posting only to get the blue screen of death. Same thing happened when I kept trying to listen to the two soundtracks. So I wanted to at least wait until I got my vote in, plus a day. I think we'll give it another 24 hours and see if that seems fair.


That computer screams FORMAT C:\

Funny thing is I've just formatted my PC today & installed XP again. Because of the same thing.

Sorry for going a bit off topic again, but I feel this is exactly what everybody here needs to see: The Escapist : Video Galleries : Extra Credits : Videogame Music (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/extra-credits/2019-Videogame-Music)



It talks about music in video games in general. I agree 100%. Also it's gonna be a trip to memory lane for a lot of you, believe me :D. It's a really good video, check it out.

The final round is always so close. Here's hoping someone pops in at the last minute to tie things up. And I don't mean end it. :)

And the winner of the SNES Soundtracks battle is…



Final Fantasy VI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDH4pLa7TI0&feature=PlayList&p=06AB6E3F68E2F48D&index=0&playnext=1)!
by Nobuo Uematsu () (1994)

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This soundtrack is a masterpiece. The unusually high number of character themes and clever deployment of leitmotifs throughout the soundtrack are just the first admirable facets of this work. There is a level of attention to detail throughout the soundtrack that is remarkable given the mishmash variety of occupations, backgrounds, cultures, and events in the game, and if the soundtrack suffers any from its broad scope, it at least makes a compelling attempt to resolve those tensions in the staggering finale, in which most of the game’s themes are interwoven seamlessly into one piece.

Fun Fact: The English translation of the game was done by one man, Ted Woolsey, in just 30 days despite the necessity of many script changes to remove cursing, violence, religious references, and sexuality. On top of that, he had to make name changes and story revisions to squeeze all the text into the cartridge’s limited storage space. The speed at which he completed this mammoth task resulted in some questionable choices, including Woolsey’s infamous translation of “Son of a bitch!” in the original Japanese to “Son of a submariner!” in the American version.

Fun Fact 2: This is the only soundtrack to win TWO rumbles!

Record: 7-1, 7-0, 7-1, 9-1, 7-2, 6-5

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

We’ll continue with Genesis 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 we’ve already worked on at our VGM Rumble Group, found here (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20).

Bonus pictures:

Well we should definitely continue the Genesis rumble. I say, we wait till we finish that and then start a PS1 and PS2 rumble.

When's the Legend of Zelda Rumble?

I think the next one definitely shouldn't be a system rumble since we did SNES and Genesis back to back.
(Suikoden rumble go go go!)

Let's finish the Genesis. Then we decide. ;)

Aren't we getting a bit ahead of ourselves? We haven't even started to make a list for either the PS1 or Zelda series. Looking at what we have set up, I would vote that we do the Suikoden and Yasunori Mitsuda rumbles. After we finish the Genesis one, of course.

Man I kept seeing this thread pop up and thought there was a new genesis round..."let's finish the genesis round first" is my vote!

I for one always liked having two different competitions running at once. That way when something I'm not particularly interested in (say, Metal Gear <_<) comes up I still have incentive to keep checking in.

I for one always liked having two different competitions running at once. That way when something I'm not particularly interested in (say, Suikoden <_<) comes up I still have incentive to keep checking in.

I agree.

Suikoden all the way. As wolfmaster said, it is too early for Zelda or PSX yet.

Let's go ahead and do a vote with all of the options in front of us.


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 29

Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EC78EAE4FF201C64)
by Tadashi Joukagi and Setsuo Yamamoto (1992)

vs.

Rocket Knight Adventures (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaD5_qhWTLw)
by Masanori Oouchi, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Masanori Adachi, Aki Hata, and Michiru Yamane (1993)


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


Deciding the Next Rumble Rumble

For the below vote, it’s better to put several down so that I know which theme would appeal to the largest number of people. As always, majority rules.

Last time we took a vote, Genesis got 5 votes, Suikoden got 4, Mitsuda got 4, finishing the SNES rumble by itself got 3, and Mega Man got 1. Out of a sense of fairness, I think we should go with one of the two second-place rumbles from last time since people have been waiting for those for a long time, OR we could finish the Genesis by itself (although doing two rumbles has the advantages that Shad mentioned).

Doing Mitsuda, Suikoden, or Genesis solo would also give me time to throw in my two cents for the PS2 rumble and finish working on the other rumble requests (some of them now ancient): Sakuraba, Megami Tensei, Non-Koji/Non-Uematsu Composers, Best of the PS1, Sakimoto, Follin, Battle Themes, and Zelda—all of which (except for Zelda and MegaTen) are just about ready to be posted on the group page.

As usual, more details about each rumble can be found here ( http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20). Choose one or more…

1) The Best of Mega Man – 32 songs

2) The Best of Suikoden – 32 songs

3) The Best of Yasunori Mitsuda – 16 soundtracks

4) The Best of the PS2 – 64 soundtracks

5) None (we'd focus on the Genesis 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 a Genesis soundtrack: Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition.

Best of Mitsuda, it's short.

None.

Street Fighter 2: Special Champion Edition

Also, None. We should go hardcore on the Genesis for now.

Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition

Best of Suikoden is definitely my biggest interest. Any best of would be fine. The only thing I'm decidedly against is the None option.

Yeah I agree with Smarty. Two fights of Genesis at the same time for now.

The Best of Mega Man...

Aaaaaaaaand...

Street Fighter 2, even though it's an UNFAIR match up because the Special Edition soundtrack was not original while the Rocket Knight one was. :P

Rocket Knight Adventures

Best of Mega Man (I don't know why everyone's in such a hurry to get done with the Genesis rumble... the rumble is what's enjoyable, the crowning is just a formality).

Rocket Knight Adventures

I would vote for Yasunori Mitsuda since it is pretty short. That way it could finish up around the same time as the Genesis.

I'll change my vote to a Mitsuda rumble.

Rocket Knight Adventures. 1 and 5 would be my options for the next rumble.

Rocket Knight Adventures

Suikoden is what i would love the most, but Mitsuda can be a prelude to it:)

i would also like a Suikoden rumble. i havent played the first 2 suikodens cause i wasnt interested in the series till the ps2 suikodens.

We have a tie between Street Fighter and Rocket Knight Adventures
and
we have a tie between the Mitsuda rumble and sticking with the Genesis.

I'll flip a coin if we don't get any more votes in the next 24 hours.

Changing my vote from Suikoden to Mitsuda, BAM.

Edit: Oh bother, I think I was already counted towards Mitsuda and I can't delete this post.

Yeah, you were already in the mix for Mitsuda. One more?? Anyone? :D

EDIT: Apropos of nothing: The opening (http://www.bestweekever.tv/2010-09-30/svu-shows-off-mom-like-knowledge-of-videogames-and-gamers/) to Law and Order: SVU's recent episode on gamers. “This is Level 20, the Kingdom of Galigar!”

Stereotypes, much? I hate this sort of thing.

Damn, that was the episode I missed. I love Law and Order: SVU, and that episode definitely seems like it would have been interesting. I guess I will just have to sit on my butt playing video games and neglect the real world until the re-run comes on. :)

"Whoa. Where the hell'd you come from?"
"The real world. Join us."
"Hell no! Plug us back in!"

I like the sleeve-less shirt. I should try that. Greater range of motion and all.

Anyway, coin flip coming tomorrow. :D Need to get some sleep.

Sorry to be away! My computer crashed again today, and wouldn't turn on yesterday. I also woke up to find my car had two flat tires, just coincidentally after I let my brother-in-law borrow my car the previous evening. Hmm... Hmm... He said he has no idea how it happened. Yet I had to get two new tires because they were gashed on the sides instead of on the tread, as if the car had bumped against a curb or dragged against some other surface.

Anyway, the consequence of all that is that my time is being split between backing up my files, working, sitting at the car dealership, and doing the things that I actually enjoy--like the rumble. :D

As for that last item, the coin flip made Rocket Knight Adventures the winner of the Genesis rumble and also determined that we'll do the Mitsuda rumble side by side with the Genesis rumble. I hope that's not a huge inconvenience for those who wanted to stick with the Genesis for now. I know the postings have been dragged out these last two months, but as soon as I can we'll be back on a normal every other day schedule. On that note, I will post the next update asap.

Hope everyone is doing well!

EDIT: In the meantime, 9 Video Game Easter Eggs That Took Years to Find (http://www.cracked.com/article_18801_9-video-game-easter-eggs-that-took-years-to-find.html)



---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:22 AM ----------



Told you it’d be as soon as possible. :) Looks like I’ll need a day or two to get organized and update links, so I'm doubling up on the Genesis rumble this time around. In two days, we'll do a final check on the soundtrack selection for the Mitsuda rumble. Then we'll get started.


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 30

Contra: Hard Corps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HslRqaGWep4)
by Michiru Yamane, Aki Hata, and Hiroshi Kobayashi (1994)

vs.

Shining Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo9bgGbK_lA)
by Masahiko Yoshimura (1992)


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


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 31

Sonic 3 & Knuckles (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B25B0844FEC5AF97&feature=bf)
by Brad Buxer, Howard Drossin, Jun Senoue, Tokuhiko Uwabo, Tomonori Sawada, Naofumi Hataya, and Michael Jackson (1994)

vs.

Sub-Terrania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBh8AG5GCss)
by Jesper Kyd (1994)


My votes are for Shining Force and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (although both competitors rock).

Contra: Hard Cops

Sub-Terrania Jesper Kyd fanboy here. Besides I honestly felt Sonic 3 was inferior to 1 and 2.

Contra: Hard Corps is one of those games I'm just ridiculously nostalgic for, even though I never even sniffed the final couple of screens on it.

Sub-Terrania - I'll echo Smarty's sentiments to the letter.

Shining Force & Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Shining Force

Sub-Terrania

Some rather hard choices here...

Contra: Hard Corps

Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Shining Force and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (although both competitors rock).

I very nearly voted for Contra: Hard Corps. It reminds me of both streets of rage and the sonic series at once. Also, castlevania song? That was odd, but no points off there (because it was cool!) Very very catchy rhythms, and good melodies as well!

Sub-Terrania was huge in its "foot-tapping-ness" (catchy as hell!) but I just like Sonic 3 too much. It's interesting that you actually credit Michael Jackson on Sonic 3, I thought that wasn't confirmed.

It's interesting that you actually credit Michael Jackson on Sonic 3, I thought that wasn't confirmed.

"Confirmed" is hard to establish with this one, as you probably know. Normally, if a developer says, "Yes. That person worked on our project but didn't finish it out," then you'd tend to believe him. But with Sonic 3 & Knuckles, you have some people saying yes, some people saying no, and some people saying maybe�all of them legit members of the development process. Because there were split teams, and everything was in development for a while, and the tracks bear resemblances to Jackson's work, it seems believable that he was involved. In the same breath, much of the evidence presented to "prove" that he was one of the composers has been debunked. What's true, and what motivation some people might have for lying, is still unclear. Because of that I don't know definitively whether he did or didn't, but it's common practice everywhere I looked to list Jackson as a composer despite the ongoing debate.

Well, this one was close. I agree with everyone's sentiments that all four soundtracks were deserving. But the winners were Shining Force (4-3) and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (4-3). Next up is the final fight of Round 1 and the final check on the Mitsuda soundtrack list before we get started. For the latter, please take a look to see if there are any glaring omissions. Starting soon!


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 1, Fight 32

Adventures of Batman and Robin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7mbxJRed38)
by Jesper Kyd (1994)

vs.

Super Fantasy Zone ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2D592A81272F4444)
by Naoki Kodaka and Hiroshi Kawaguchi (1992)


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


Here's the list for the Mitsuda rumble. All links should now work.

1. Arc Rise Fantasia (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=333103F1B4791419) � Imperial Northernlands Topazion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StQTLjIi_mk), Snow Falling on Opalus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFENa26JIM), A Grand Existence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNvLDZ5VHzY), Meridian Hikoutei Squad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKisFvNFGT8), Diamant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQJzxRLqTPY) (w/ Shunsuke Tsuchiya and Yuki Harada)

2. Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6BB71F30B6236F43) � Warship Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd79fQdyxkI), Aquanet I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2jc_Si6liM), Stage Select (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFzDqkA3hg), Rukifellth's Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSBqdbyt-ow), Miheale Theme II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyStjIeKCLg) (w/ Yoshitaka Hirota)

3. Chrono Cross (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D60FDA0E024BE41F) � Time's Scar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J46RY4PU8a8), Star-Stealing Girl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoEMaWrQBQM), Ghost's Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLmvWxotH1I), Gale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLc1xnZPlvY), Garden of the Gods (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBzrdbzKRFg)

4. Chrono Trigger (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CBDBB48ABBDB7BF9) � Schala's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCSIH7vsmTY), Undersea Palace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfERAdq5GnI), Millennial Fair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klmOoxY_Cjc), Battle with Magus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbLN_GRSNI), Corridors of Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg513kMhnNs) (w/ Nobuo Uematsu and Noriko Matsueda)

5. Deep Labyrinth (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=AE74C0AEAC316F49) � Shou and Alf's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXxlwoLYnHg), Maiden of the Crystal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPRfA7oML2k), To the Labyrinth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VuMyQZevT0), Sword of a Lost Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InSsOG1WfsM), Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78qyZfIAmZo)

6. Front Mission: Gun Hazard (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B49073FE113587C4) � Last Words (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fDdwv6pZn4), Impatience Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx0THGCgNt0), Pull Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmZuN0mk9QQ), Footsteps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMi3H6T5pP8), Royce Felder (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsxD0xtC_es) (w/ Nobuo Uematsu, Junya Nakano, and Masashi Hamauzu)

7. Graffiti Kingdom (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EB97F3A6C712348F) � Forest of Illusion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJLFNMdGhQ), Testing My Ability (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE9b7rYdF4w), Thoroughly Prepared (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtcTGg2_yMY), Wagon Tracks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHaHldnCtY4), A Lonely Heart and Inner Ambitions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLapyZ4nT44)

8. Legaia 2: Duel Saga (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B67D0FB1FE585B9A) � Wasteland Of Far Away Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVtUHDGpeDY), Fight Then Riot! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsK4EOMFB-Q), Fragments of Soul (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDcENVXis8), God's Fist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Llfzu7cJg), Advancing To Far Away Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61RtpMC-Cp8) (w/ Hitoshi Sakimoto and Michiru Oshima)

9. Mario Party (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9A9491796185C67B) � Tropical Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YayGG57EDQw), Jungle Adventure (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB-Eas9Ms_E), Mushroom Shop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwfyLCIwH-U), Rainbow Castle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbgBiNZ_RE), Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3maL64vE8CQ)

10. Sands of Destruction (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EC591E253271EB08) � Sands of Destruction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhWWu18Ilaw), The Creator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3CvKqOKN0Y), Fallenmine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Z6Wq1CKr4), Sand Rider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdHhNRcrskc), Plateau (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4llSCsYDA3Q) (w/ Shunsuke Tsuchiya and Kazumi Mitome)

11. Shadow Hearts (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2996BD6AEDC54EDF) � Steel Soul-tanjou (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaqXh_UZExc), China Ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qAGDOE5es), Coffin Fetish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS5UlXyREyM), Highnoon Fish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHeIrWdLbnw), Bacon's Juice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIr3ZKky1dc)

12. Shadow Hearts: Covenant (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F3426A4974FFD1B5) � Map of Europe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnd93cGX5cc), European Town (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OOthRuvRpM), Astaroth ~ Fallen Angel Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D0zAvQJ5NM), Personal History (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uexv2uSPyw), Inugami Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmn68-_Q38) (w/ Yoshitaka Hirota, Kenji Ito, and Tomoko Kobayashi)

13. Soma Bringer (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D21BE97E9975A5CC) � The Bonds that Return to the Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTTqcdKLKs), Signal of Emergency (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzA3q8O-rs), Temple of the Sand Coffin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_itlxszK0), Junel Forest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUWxOoCKZc), Alertia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxiBPXbjufI)

14. Tsugunai: Atonement (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=327E48268A51CEA5) � Spirit Tower (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0LGlzbc234), Evening in the Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQH85OVetOc), Battle - Level 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVZ0M41le4I), Nabi Fairy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejEsBHErE0), Whilst I Sleep (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCSv6eWSPMc)

15. Xenogears (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DCBCA0F06AA2551A) � Wings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHlF6TV1im0), Shebat the Wind Is Calling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMHsFOEZmo), Knight of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vtYBIod9ak), June Mermaid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCmED_YDqs), Stage of Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzW06O5kk4)

16. Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=75103D71E579CE86) � Relief (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ9_xZA1pfA), Beach of Nothingness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_2pKh5KiCk), Life or Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdSSxxnIjzE), U.M.N. Mode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rsj8Q_WB_8), U-TIC System (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlSertOUaZ4)

Leftovers
- Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B9ECCF2384716385) and Mario Party 2 (http://www.youtube.com/user/ParanormalExpert#g/c/71E71C527AC02023) (only composed a few songs and I can't find which those were)
- Radical Dreamers (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=771CE144D4D95744) (only has 16 songs total, several of which were redone for Chrono Cross)
- Tobal No. 1 � Tobal No. 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMTMVzcaV_o), Vice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkwYQSmpc8Q), Your Name Is... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QuZ9_2JYlk), Electrical Indian (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ejZ1xdWvM), Stage Clear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MynofQreVs), What (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSHF2xOV8Pw) (only wrote 6 songs)
- Luminous Arc (one wrote one song)
- Tsukiyo ni Saraba, Inazuma Eleven, etc. (couldn't find)


As for the Genesis soundtracks, my vote is for Adventures of Batman & Robin (although this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p0kQ79VTws) kicks ass).

Adventures of Batman and Robin on the Genesis was highly inferior to the SNES version's music imo, but still overall quite solid. It gets my vote.

Whoops, looks like I missed a round.
Adventures of Batman and Robin

Super Fantasy Zone

Also, the Mitsuda list looks fine to me.

Any more votes?

Adventures of Batman and Robin

For teh lulz

Here’s a brief bio for those who aren’t familiar with Mitsuda’s music. This is a (heavily edited) amalgamation of two articles from Square Haven and Wikipedia…

Yasunori Mitsuda was born in Tokuyama in the Yamaguchi Prefecture and raised in Kumage. As a child, he studied the piano and developed an interest in computers, teaching himself to program simple songs and games on his PC. That interest led him to enroll in Tokyo's Junior College of Music, where he continued his studies and made contacts.

One of those, Nobuo Uematsu, later set Mitsuda on his career path by showing him an advertisement for an opening in the music department at Squaresoft. Mitsuda sent in a demo reel, which won him an interview at the game studio, and despite a "disastrous" (as he describes it) experience, he was offered a position in April, 1992. Joining him was college friend and fellow musician Yoshitaka Hirota.

Chrono Trigger, Mitsuda's first soundtrack as a composer (and first collaboration with Uematsu), proved instantly popular with fans. The following year, he joined Uematsu again for the sidescrolling action game Front Mission: Gun Hazard, working with new Squaresoft recruits Junya Nakano and Masashi Hamauzu. Having thus developed a working relationship with a variety of Square’s composers and sound designers, Mitsuda tapped them for Tobal No. 1's soundtrack, a Playstation game he produced. His last contribution to Square was the solo soundtrack for 1998's Xenogears.

Mitsuda then went freelance, though he continued to work closely with Squaresoft on projects like Chrono Cross. He was also the central contributor to the Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht soundtrack and has since released non-mainstream-game music, such as his CD Sailing to the World and his works with Masato Kato under the name “kiЯitɘ.”

Mitsuda’s compositional style is first and foremost pervaded by Celtic influences. This stylistic element is particularly evident in his Chrono Cross soundtrack and first solidified in the Xenogears arranged album CREID. Apart from his professed love of the Celtic style, Mitsuda's musical classification is multifaceted. For example, the Chrono Cross track "Chronomantic" has elements of Caribbean music, while the song "The Great Sneff's Troupe" from that same soundtrack has an East Asian flavor. A number of his compositions also resemble traditional Indian music, such as the Chrono Trigger tracks "Corridor of Time" and "Schala's Theme." His music is also frequently minimalistic. His final battle themes for Chrono Trigger and Xenogears are based on only a few chords each, with the latter containing only two. He has cited Maurice Ravel, J.S. Bach, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Claude Debussy, Robert Schumann, Anton�n Dvoř�k, and Gustav Holst as influences.

Mitsuda claims to compose by "just fool[ing] around on [his] keyboard" and letting the melodies come to him. He also sometimes comes up with songs while asleep, including the ending theme to Chrono Trigger and "Bonds of Sea and Fire" from Xenogears, though his sources of inspiration more often come from visuals like paintings. When he starts to compose a soundtrack, he first takes one month to gather information and artwork about the game world and scenario, so that his music will fit.

Mitsuda names his favorite works as the soundtracks to the Chrono series, Xenogears, Xenosaga Episode I, and the original album Kirite, though he also says that all of his soundtracks are "representational works," meaning they represent who he was as a composer when he made them. His favorite pieces overall are "The Girl Who Closed Her Heart" and "Pain" from Xenosaga Episode I.



---------- Post added at 01:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:55 AM ----------



Obviously, the bio gives a lot of attention to the Chrono and Xeno games. Appropriate, given our first fight below. But, as you’ll see, Mitsuda’s got a lot good stuff for us on the other soundtracks.

As for the previous fights, it was an easy win for Adventures of Batman and Robin (5-1). And with that, we are ready to begin!


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 1

Landstalker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MvZ8b1fOAI)
by Motoaki Takenouchi (1992)

vs.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B25B0844FEC5AF97&feature=bf)
by Brad Buxer, Howard Drossin, Jun Senoue, Tokuhiko Uwabo, Tomonori Sawada, Naofumi Hataya, and Michael Jackson (1994)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 1

Chrono Cross
- Time's Scar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J46RY4PU8a8)
- Star-Stealing Girl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoEMaWrQBQM)
- Ghost's Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLmvWxotH1I)
- Gale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLc1xnZPlvY)
- Garden of the Gods (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBzrdbzKRFg)

vs.

Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht
- Relief (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ9_xZA1pfA)
- Beach of Nothingness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_2pKh5KiCk)
- Life or Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdSSxxnIjzE)
- U.M.N. Mode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rsj8Q_WB_8)
- U-TIC System (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlSertOUaZ4)


My votes are for Landstalker and Chrono Cross. I have mixed opinions about Chrono Cross as a game, but the soundtrack definitely ranks among Mitsuda's best for me. It was hard to simplify it to five representative songs, considering all of the area themes, leitmotifs, and variations on the main theme. Likewise, Xenosaga is excellent, multifaceted, and arguably a more complex soundtrack. The gorgeous recordings are even better on headphones. What it lacks in my mind, though, is a "Time's Scar." But don't hold me to that. In fact, on another day I might have given it my vote. The more I think about it, the more unsure I am. This should be close...

Chrono Cross It's Mitsuda's classic style pefectly polished.

Landstalker

Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht

Edit: Just realised it was Chrono Cross. I'll have to listen to them both before I decide.
Edit2: OK, Xenosaga is slightly better than Cross.

Landstalker

Actually it's Chrono Cross Smarty xD

Sonic 3, Xenosaga.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles & Chrono Cross

Landstalker

And even though Xenosaga is nice, I can't turn down a vote for one my favorite soundtracks of all time Chrono Cross gets my vote. Time's Scar is perhaps my most favorite piece of music ever written. It's just one of those pieces that gives me a tingly sensation down my spine and makes my skin all goose-bumpy every time I hear it :) That, and I absolutely love the remix-ability of the entire soundtrack. ^__^

Landstalker

And even though Xenosaga is nice, I can't turn down a vote for one my favorite soundtracks of all time Chrono Cross gets my vote. Time's Scar is perhaps my most favorite piece of music ever written. It's just one of those pieces that gives me a tingly sensation down my spine and makes my skin all goose-bumpy every time I hear it :)
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/EarlyMemphis/Smileys/BeerCheersSmiley.gif

Landstalker

Based on those samples I definitely have to give my vote to Xenosaga, but I'm going to try to download the whole soundtrack and give it a more critical listen in the next day. I know the Chrono Cross soundtrack by heart and this is my first time hearing Xenosaga.

Also, a Chrono Cross compilation can't be complete without Fossil Valley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCkNgKlrwLw). :)

Thanks to everyone who voted! Landstalker (6-2) and Chrono Cross (5-4) are the first winners of the new round. Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 2

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (http://www.mediafire.com/file/ngtoylnikmm/Uncharted%20Waters%20II-%20New%20Horizons%20OST.zip)
by Yoko Kanno (1994)

vs.

Gunstar Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8_h_MnMk0k)
by Kazuo Hanzawa (1993)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 2

Deep Labyrinth
- Shou and Alf's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXxlwoLYnHg)
- Maiden of the Crystal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPRfA7oML2k)
- To the Labyrinth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VuMyQZevT0)
- Sword of a Lost Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InSsOG1WfsM)
- Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78qyZfIAmZo)

vs.

Shadow Hearts
- Steel Soul-tanjou (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaqXh_UZExc)
- China Ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qAGDOE5es)
- Coffin Fetish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS5UlXyREyM)
- Highnoon Fish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHeIrWdLbnw)
- Bacon's Juice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIr3ZKky1dc)


Once again, thank you to jakob.nelson for making the Uncharted Waters download available to us. :) I�m going with that one for the Genesis rumble, and Shadow Hearts for Mitsuda. Some of it reminds me of X-COM: UFO Defense and even a little of Symphony of the Night. Other times it sounds like Shenmue. Deep Labyrinth is probably more unified, but I like the variety of this one.

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons

Shadow Hearts

Gunstar Heroes

Shadow Hearts

Gunstar Heroes, Shadow Hearts.

Good lord, I'd never heard Gunstar Heroes before, and it's great! However, I just love the wistful melodies in Uncharted Waters 2: New Horizons too much.

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons

I'll give my Mitsuda pick in a bit.

Edit: Definitely Shadow Hearts

Gunstar Heroes

Shadow Hearts

Uncharted Waters

Deep Labyrinth Took me by surprise. It's the 1st time I hear about this game and like it. "Mitsudish" to the core, but for me it's not a bad thing:D

Gunstar Heroes

................
............................
.............................................

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've never heard Deep Labyrinth before, and I really like Shadow Hearts music.... I had to play twice to figure out if I liked the game :p.......... but now that I've heard some DL tracks....... I just can't chose between them T__T They're both really good.

Close one for the Genesis, but Uncharted Waters came out on top (5-4). Shadow Hearts will also be moving on (6-1). Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 3

Elemental Master (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLSo2HXObDg)
by Toshiharu Yamanishi (1990)

vs.

Jewel Master (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B7D95C8BF87ABC4E)
by Motoaki Takenouchi (1991)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 3

Bomberman 64: The Second Attack
- Warship Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd79fQdyxkI)
- Aquanet I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2jc_Si6liM)
- Stage Select (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFzDqkA3hg)
- Rukifellth's Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSBqdbyt-ow)
- Miheale Theme II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyStjIeKCLg)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Yoshitaka Hirota.

vs.

Sands of Destruction
- Sands of Destruction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhWWu18Ilaw)
- The Creator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3CvKqOKN0Y)
- Fallenmine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Z6Wq1CKr4)
- Sand Rider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdHhNRcrskc)
- Plateau (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4llSCsYDA3Q)

- Mitsuda composed the entire soundtrack for the Japanese version of this game; however, Shunsuke Tsuchiya and Kazumi Mitome were brought in to add tracks for the American localization.


My votes are for Elemental Master and Bomberman 64: The Second Attack.

Really tough call on the Genesis round, think I'm going to have to go with Jewel Master.

As usual I'll vote for the Mitsuda round later.

Tough choice on Genesis, but I think I'm confident with Elemental Master

Edit: Oh definitely, Bomberman 64: The Second Attack

Jewel Master

Sands of Destruction

Elemental Master, Sands of Destruction.

Elemental Master


Bomberman 64: The Second Attack

Close on both accounts, but Elemental Master (4-2) and Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (3-2) come up with the wins. Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 4

Gley Lancer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cscApMyRdJ8)
by Masanori Hikichi, Noriyuki Iwadare, Yoshiaki Kubotera, and Isao Mizoguchi (1992)

vs.

Pulseman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9LZTkHSJ0)
by Junichi Masuda (1994)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 4

Arc Rise Fantasia
- Imperial Northernlands Topazion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StQTLjIi_mk)
- Snow Falling on Opalus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFENa26JIM)
- A Grand Existence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNvLDZ5VHzY)
- Meridian 2nd Hikoutei Squad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKisFvNFGT8)
- The Imperial City of Diamant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQJzxRLqTPY)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Shunsuke Tsuchiya and Yuki Harada.

vs.

Chrono Trigger
- Schala's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCSIH7vsmTY)
- Undersea Palace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfERAdq5GnI)
- Millennial Fair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klmOoxY_Cjc)
- Battle with Magus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbLN_GRSNI)
- Corridors of Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg513kMhnNs)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Nobuo Uematsu and Noriko Matsueda.


My votes are for Pulseman and Chrono Trigger. This is a sucky match-up for Arc Rise Fantasia, which has some really excellent tracks. Be sure to check it out!

Oh shit, and I thought it looked like Jewel Master was winning so I didn't vote. Damn.

I'm still amazed by how good Gley Lancer is.

Yeah, Chrono Trigger. It's considered one of the greatest VG soundtracks of all-time for a good reason. ARF was kinda nice I guess (I would've picked Xenosaga over it, but that's just me)

Chrono Trigger

edit:

Gley Lancer

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger

no vote for the genesis one this time.

Pulseman and Chrono Trigger

Hrmmm..... another tough decision for me but Pulseman

Chrono Trigger

Pulseman

Arc Rise Fantasia

Too bad ARF had to be up against Chrono Trigger.

Gley Lancer, Chrono Trigger.

Thanks to everyone for voting! Pulseman (4-3) ekes one out and Chrono Trigger (8-1) wins big�not surprisingly. Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 5

Adventures of Batman and Robin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7mbxJRed38)
by Jesper Kyd (1994)

vs.

Devilish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrxRUDAoUVI)
by Hitoshi Sakimoto (1992)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 5

Tsugunai: Atonement
- Spirit Tower (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0LGlzbc234)
- Evening in the Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQH85OVetOc)
- Battle - Level 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVZ0M41le4I)
- Nabi Fairy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejEsBHErE0)
- Whilst I Sleep (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCSv6eWSPMc)

vs.

Mario Party
- Tropical Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YayGG57EDQw)
- Jungle Adventure (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB-Eas9Ms_E)
- Mushroom Shop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwfyLCIwH-U)
- Rainbow Castle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbgBiNZ_RE)
- Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3maL64vE8CQ)


My votes are for Devilish by a long way and Tsugunai: Atonement.

Adventures of Batman and Robin

Tsugunai: Atonement

Tsugunai:Atonement

Devilish

Tsugunai: Atonement

Devilish

Tsugunai: Atonement

Adventures of Batman and Robin, Tsugunai: Atonement

Devilish & Tsugunai: Atonement

Got two big wins this time with Devilish (5-2) and Tsugunai: Atonement (8-0). Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 6

Earthworm Jim 2 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=25B561B8588E6078)
by Tommy Tallarico (1995)

vs.

Streets of Rage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m8mnn_Ni5s)
by Yuzo Koshiro (1991)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 6

Xenogears
- Wings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHlF6TV1im0)
- Shebat the Wind Is Calling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMHsFOEZmo)
- Knight of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vtYBIod9ak)
- June Mermaid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCmED_YDqs)
- Stage of Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzW06O5kk4)

vs

Front Mission: Gun Hazard
- Last Words (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fDdwv6pZn4)
- Impatience Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx0THGCgNt0)
- Pull Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmZuN0mk9QQ)
- Footsteps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMi3H6T5pP8)
- Royce Felder (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsxD0xtC_es)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Nobuo Uematsu, Junya Nakano, and Masashi Hamauzu.


My votes are for Streets of Rage and Xenogears.

Xenogears

Man those two Genesis tracks are awful. I guess I have to vote for something so Streets of Rage and Xenogears.

Eh, Streets of Rage, I guess... how did either of the Genesis soundtracks make it to the second round?

Xenogears in a walk.

Xenogears My most beloved soundtrack by Mitsuda:)

Xenogears

Streets of Rage I like this a lot :(

Streets of Rage. It sounds pretty decent to me :) But that Earthworm Jim music is just...... ugggh. It cements more disdain for Tommy Tallarico :( I've been to two VGLs and I appreciate the work he's put into them, but dear goodness he just needs to stay off the stage :( I just don't understand why he feels the need to act like a rock star half the time lol.

Xenogears............. I need to play this game already....... Next time I see a copy, I'm gonna pick it up.

I just don't understand why he feels the need to act like a rock star half the time.

Because he is.




:laugh::laugh::laugh:

^ I just looked up his wiki page.......


Personal

Tallarico is the cousin of Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith.

ROFL, close enough I guess :p

A little bonus for ya: ScrewAttack just did a review of Columns (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/video-game-screwattack/706589), which lost in the first round of the Genesis rumble, and took a swipe at its music.

Two blow-outs this time around (just one vote away from an automatic end). Streets of Rage (5-0) and Xenogears (7-0) win easily. Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 7

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl4vA4Wd07Q)
by Masato Nakamura (1992)

vs

Quackshot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJ4YToJ8MM)
by Kamiya Studio (1991)


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


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 7

Graffiti Kingdom
- Forest of Illusion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJLFNMdGhQ)
- Testing My Ability (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE9b7rYdF4w)
- Thoroughly Prepared (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtcTGg2_yMY)
- Wagon Tracks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHaHldnCtY4)
- A Lonely Heart and Inner Ambitions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLapyZ4nT44)

vs

Shadow Hearts: Covenant
- Map of Europe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnd93cGX5cc)
- European Town (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OOthRuvRpM)
- Astaroth ~ Fallen Angel Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D0zAvQJ5NM)
- Personal History (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uexv2uSPyw)
- Inugami Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmn68-_Q38)

- Mitusda co-composed this soundtrack with Yoshitaka Hirota, Kenji Ito, and Tomoko Kobayashi.


My votes are for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Graffiti Kingdom.


*On a side-note, Smarty�s got a really interesting discussion going on here (Thread 82009).

Shadow Hearts Covenant

I will take a look to that discussion.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

I can't decide for the other :(

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Love Quackshot, but Sonic 2 is just a classic.

Shadow Heart:Covenant

Sonic 2.

The other one is just so tough; I really like them both. Shadow Heart sounds slightly more familiar, so I'm going to go with Graffiti Kingdom.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

I can't decide for the other :(

Quackshot

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Too bad we’ll lose Graffiti Kingdom, since it’s one of my favorites. But having too many good soundtracks is a good thing. :D It’ll be Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (6-1) and Shadow Hearts: Covenant (4-2) moving on. Next up, the final fight of Round 1 for Mitsuda…


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 8

Vectorman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2cHzxf_1V8)
by Jon Holland (1995)

vs

The Ooze (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAVwFk8tD4I)
by Howard Drossin (1995)


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 1, Fight 8

Legaia 2: Duel Saga
- Wasteland Of Far Away Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVtUHDGpeDY)
- Fight Then Riot! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsK4EOMFB-Q)
- Fragments of Soul (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDcENVXis8)
- God's Fist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Llfzu7cJg)
- Advancing To Far Away Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61RtpMC-Cp8)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Hitoshi Sakimoto and Michiru Oshima.

vs

Soma Bringer
- The Bonds that Return to the Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTTqcdKLKs)
- Signal of Emergency (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzA3q8O-rs)
- Temple of the Sand Coffin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_itlxszK0)
- Junel Forest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUWxOoCKZc)
- Alertia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxiBPXbjufI)


My votes are for The Ooze and Soma Bringer (which is, in my opinion, in Mitsuda's top three).

Vectorman

no vote for the other one.

The Ooze

Soma Bringer

I think I missed Vectorman in Round 1, but now it's time to give it my much deserved love.

Mistuda vote later.

The Ooze

Legaia 2: Duel Saga

Soma Bringer

Vectorman
No vote on the other (haven't heard Duel Saga, and don't have strong feelings toward Soma Bringer).

We've got a tie between Vectorman and The Ooze. Anyone want to break it?

I went to a coin toss for the tie-break and The Ooze came out the winner, along with Soma Bringer (3-1). That means it's time for Round 2!


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 9

Ristar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT-_5lgJYx4)
by Tomoko Sasaki (1995)

vs

Zero Wing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwAidPlp9bk)
by Tatsuya Uemura, Toshiaki Tomizawa, and Masahiro Yuge (1991)


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 2, Fight 1

Xenogears
- Wings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHlF6TV1im0)
- Shebat the Wind Is Calling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMHsFOEZmo)
- Knight of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vtYBIod9ak)
- June Mermaid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCmED_YDqs)
- Stage of Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzW06O5kk4)

vs

Shadow Hearts: Covenant
- Map of Europe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnd93cGX5cc)
- European Town (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OOthRuvRpM)
- Astaroth ~ Fallen Angel Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D0zAvQJ5NM)
- Personal History (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uexv2uSPyw)
- Inugami Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmn68-_Q38)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Yoshitaka Hirota, Kenji Ito, and Tomoko Kobayashi.


My votes are for Ristar and Xenogears.

Zero Wing

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Xenogears

That soundtrack showed an evolution on the style of Mitsuda.

Ristar

Xenogears

Zero Wing

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

For great justice, of course. :)

Ristar

again, no vote for the other one.

Ristar & Xenogears

Tough call on the second one as I haven't played either game. Listening to the tracks, I give the nod to Shadow Hearts: Covenant.

In the other one, Zero Wing FOR GREAT JUSTICE.

Close fights on both sides! Both Ristar (4-3) and Xenogears (4-3) barely snuck by with a win. Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 10

Castlevania: Bloodlines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvtg-DNpXs)
by Michiru Yamane (1994)

vs

Phantasy Star IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsa90yssfBs)
by Izuho Takeuchi and Yoshimi Nakagaki (1993)


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 2, Fight 2

Soma Bringer
- The Bonds that Return to the Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTTqcdKLKs)
- Signal of Emergency (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzA3q8O-rs)
- Temple of the Sand Coffin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_itlxszK0)
- Junel Forest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUWxOoCKZc)
- Alertia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxiBPXbjufI)

vs

Chrono Cross
- Time's Scar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J46RY4PU8a8)
- Star-Stealing Girl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoEMaWrQBQM)
- Ghost's Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLmvWxotH1I)
- Gale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLc1xnZPlvY)
- Garden of the Gods (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBzrdbzKRFg)


My votes are for Castlevania: Bloodlines and [will vote on the Mitsuda one later].

Chrono Cross

Phantasy Star IV

Soma Bringer

Castlevania: Bloodlines

Chrono Cross

Phantasy Star IV & Chrono Cross

I have to say, I was expecting to go with Castlevania on the Genesis rumble, but Phantasy Star IV hooked me. I'll go with that.

No vote for the other, as I sort of enjoy them both, and don't care for one more than the other.

Phantasy Star IV

Chrono Cross

Phantasy Star IV, Chrono Cross.

For the Mitsuda rumble, I had to listen to both soundtracks again to make a decision, although it looks like Chrono Cross already had the win in hand by that point (6-1 with my vote). Surprisingly, Phantasy Star IV didn�t have too much competition either (5-2). Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 11

Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B206F2DB8C977E0B)
by Mieko Ishikawa and J.D.K. Sound Team (1991)

vs

Golden Axe III (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DDE6226DCE06A866)
by Naofumi Hataya and Tatsuyuki Maeda (1993)


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 2, Fight 3

Chrono Trigger
- Schala's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCSIH7vsmTY)
- Undersea Palace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfERAdq5GnI)
- Millennial Fair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klmOoxY_Cjc)
- Battle with Magus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbLN_GRSNI)
- Corridors of Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg513kMhnNs)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Nobuo Uematsu and Noriko Matsueda.

vs

Tsugunai: Atonement
- Spirit Tower (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0LGlzbc234)
- Evening in the Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQH85OVetOc)
- Battle - Level 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVZ0M41le4I)
- Nabi Fairy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejEsBHErE0)
- Whilst I Sleep (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCSv6eWSPMc)


My votes are for Ys III and Chrono Trigger.

Ys III: Wanderers from Ys

Tsugunai: Atonement

Ys III: Wanderers from Ys

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger

The battle tracks of Tsugunai are not good IMO.

Golden Axe III

Chrono Trigger

Golden Axe III for sure.

I was not impressed by either selection in the other one; I guess I go with Tsugunai by a thread.

Interesting. This might be a sign to come for Chrono Trigger. We�ve got both Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (3-2) and CT (4-2) winning by slim margins. That brings us to the last fight of Round 2 for the Mitsuda soundtracks, which also means that the semifinals will start next fight. As usual, we�ll focus on Mitsuda from there on out until that rumble is done. Thanks to everyone for voting! Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 12

Ecco: The Tides of Time (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3FE1C568076AF5B5)
by Andr�s Magyari, Attila Dobos, David Javelosa, and Andy Armer (1994)

vs

Rocket Knight Adventures (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaD5_qhWTLw)
by Masanori Oouchi, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Masanori Adachi, Aki Hata, and Michiru Yamane (1993)


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Round 2, Fight 4

Bomberman 64: The Second Attack
- Warship Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd79fQdyxkI)
- Aquanet I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2jc_Si6liM)
- Stage Select (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFzDqkA3hg)
- Rukifellth's Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSBqdbyt-ow)
- Miheale Theme II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyStjIeKCLg)

- Mitsuda co-composed this soundtrack with Yoshitaka Hirota.

vs

Shadow Hearts
- Steel Soul-tanjou (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaqXh_UZExc)
- China Ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qAGDOE5es)
- Coffin Fetish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS5UlXyREyM)
- Highnoon Fish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHeIrWdLbnw)
- Bacon's Juice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIr3ZKky1dc)


My votes are for Ecco: The Tides of Time and Bomberman 64: The Second Attack.

Rocket Knight Adventures and Shadow Hearts

Rocket Knight Adventures

Shadow Hearts

Ecco: The Tides of Time

Shadow Hearts

Rocket Knight Adventures and Shadow Hearts

Hey everybody. Welcome back! As we have with forum outages in the past, we'll let this run a few days longer until it seems like everyone's had a chance to check out the soundtracks and vote.

In the meantime, here's a post (http://www.gamingforce.org/forums/general-game-music-discussion/41852-ffshrine.html) Tommy Tallarico wrote about us this afternoon (the soundtrack mentioned is already gone) and a big picture () of video game characters turned into Mega Man bosses.

Bomberman 64

Interesting stuff Tommy got there, the other members said some disturbing stuff...
Apparently there's a silent war?

Interesting stuff Tommy got there, the other members said some disturbing stuff...
Apparently there's a silent war?

...It would appear so.

Also, the Mega Man picture really made my day. I want to see a real Minecraft/Devil May Cry/Portal boss in the next game. Especially the Portal one. I could see that actually working as a feasible power-up.

Apparently there's a silent war?

Has been for as long as I've been here. Don't know why. People around here complain that the moderators at Gaming Force are Nazis. I'm not a member of Gaming Force so I don't know if that's true, or if they say the same about us, but there's obviously a reciprocal animosity. One thing I do know is that Gaming Force's old homepage used a potted plant sprite from Robotrek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfSq3GMjpE), a lesser-known RPG that I love. Part of the sprite still shows up next to their name in tabs.

Absolutely useless knowledge. :smrt:


Also, the Mega Man picture really made my day. I want to see a real Minecraft/Devil May Cry/Portal boss in the next game. Especially the Portal one. I could see that actually working as a feasible power-up.

Are there bosses in Minecraft? I just found out about this game, and it looked just like a town-building sim.

Rocket Knight Adventures, Bomberman 64

Are there bosses in Minecraft? I just found out about this game, and it looked just like a town-building sim.

:) No, there are no "bosses," but there are plenty of enemies that wish to slaughter you.

Wow, it seems people over there hate us. I can see why, though. Lovely Mega Man picture :p Chuck Green looked so cute.

The way I see it, people at just about every forum will hate people from other forums. It's all about the community.

That's probably true in a lot of cases. I never go onto other forums, even when the Shrine is down. I used to, but somewhere along the way this became home base and I just didn't feel like entering another community, figuring out their customs and preferences, and trying to start conversations with "strangers." I suppose it's like any other area of human interaction. You feel insecure when you're around people who are different. And it maybe gets taken to the extreme of hate a little more easily on the internet since you're masked behind a computer screen. Zero repercussions for tearing somebody apart.

Been a while FFShrine.

Ecco: The Tides of Time
Bomberman 64: The Second Attack

Good to see ya, Shad! We'll need one more vote from someone to break the tie between Bomberman 64 and Shadow Hearts, and then we'll start the semifinals. Any takers?

Bomberman 64

I was so sure that Shadow Hearts was going to win that I had already written its description for the semifinals two days ago. Big comeback by Bomberman 64 (5-4), joined in the winners’ circle by Rocket Knight Adventures (4-3). And now, with the full soundtracks linked…


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Semifinals, Fight 1

Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6BB71F30B6236F43)
for the Nintendo 64 (1999)
- Previously beat: Sands of Destruction, Shadow Hearts
- Recommended: Warship Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd79fQdyxkI), Aquanet I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2jc_Si6liM), Stage Select (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFzDqkA3hg), Rukifellth's Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSBqdbyt-ow), Miheale Theme II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyStjIeKCLg)


By no means is this Mitsuda’s first collaboration, but it’s interesting that he was the wily veteran this time, drafting a rookie composer (and childhood friend) so similar to himself circa Chrono Trigger. Previously, Yoshitaka Hirota had done sound design work for Squaresoft, just like Mitsuda, primarily on RPGs, just like Mitusda, and was waiting around for someone to give him a vote of confidence, just like Mitsuda. When he got that chance, he also shined just like Mitsuda. What he most prominently brings to the table is the bass. You’ll notice a lot of songs have a buzzy low-pitch bass-line reminiscent of Mitsuda’s Gun Hazard work. A sort of snarling, snaky skeleton to the songs. That’s mostly Hirota, although Mitsuda does his job, too. There’s another track that seems like a rough draft of “Jellyfish Sea” from Chrono Cross, and the boss songs show some of the most typical Mitsuda gestures—both in the way he constructs melodies, the sounds he uses, and the experimentation with time signatures. That spirit of experimentation carries over into the stage tracks, too, which each have two versions (mostly to try out different patches). All that aside, though, this soundtrack’s real importance is that its successes made later successes possible. Hirota himself said that he studied music technology production during this project (specifically recording and compression techniques) that later enabled him to co-compose Shadow Hearts with our guy.

vs

Chrono Cross ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D60FDA0E024BE41F)
for the PlayStation (1999)
- Previously beat: Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht, Soma Bringer
- Recommended: Time's Scar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J46RY4PU8a8), Star-Stealing Girl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoEMaWrQBQM), Ghost's Island (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLmvWxotH1I), Gale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLc1xnZPlvY), Garden of the Gods (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBzrdbzKRFg)


Speaking of Tommy Tallarico just a few days ago, here’s a soundtrack he was forced to represent on Video Games Live because of fan demands. Both “Time’s Scar” and “Jellyfish Sea” have appeared and had success in previous rumbles, and this soundtrack has already continued that tradition. Why? Though not technically Mitsuda’s follow-up to Chrono Trigger (Radical Dreamers came first, but only in limited release), this was the sound of the Chrono series’ triumphant return as far as most of the world was concerned. Alongside “Liberi Fatali,” "Time's Scar" is also one of the songs most often cited as a representation of what was possible with the Playstation’s sound hardware. The doubled flute and violin motif erupts from the gentle opening and, as is the case with fewer and fewer video game songs these days, adds intensity by sheer force of melody rather than volume or superfluous brass. Mitsuda’s frequently Celtic instrumentation and powers of arrangement here and since have proven him to be one of the greatest living video game composers. And that’s just a statement you can make in reference to the first song! I can go on and on, but it’s better if you listen yourself. It may be enough to say that this is one of Mitsuda’s favorites, too.


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The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Semifinals, Fight 2

Chrono Trigger ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CBDBB48ABBDB7BF9)
for the Super Nintendo (1995)
- Previously beat: Arc Rise Fantasia, Tsugunai: Atonement
- Recommended: Schala's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCSIH7vsmTY), Undersea Palace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfERAdq5GnI), Millennial Fair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klmOoxY_Cjc), Battle with Magus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbLN_GRSNI), Corridors of Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg513kMhnNs)


For a game that’s considered one of the best of all time, this certainly went through a lot of revision. In fact, the finished product germinated from scrapped ideas for the very early versions of Final Fantasy VII. The game was originally set in New York in 1999 with your character on a mission to blow up the city of Midgar while being followed by a hot-blooded detective named Joe. A sorceress named Edea was also somehow involved. Of course, those ideas got shelved or saved for other games (except for the year 1999). Other influences included the movie Alien and Secret of Mana. What’s remarkable is that this game endured so many changes, incorporated the aesthetics of wildly different artists and programmers, and yet achieved such a unity and playability that it has influenced more games than those that influenced it. Likewise, the music (scored primarily by a vgm rookie) has justified the perception of video game music as a legitimate art form as much as any other soundtrack. Not only has every vgm fan probably heard this soundtrack, every vgm fan also probably has their own favorites off it. With every year, the mythos grows, as do the stories surrounding the soundtrack’s creation. If Mitsuda dreamed some of the songs before writing them, if he really lost half the soundtrack to a hard drive crash and had to recreate them all, if the stress of the job gave him stomach ulcers, if the entire staff cried while watching the final scene of the game together—it all hardly seems to matter. These stories only deepen the relentless currency and emotional depth of the game’s sixty-four tracks.

vs

Xenogears (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DCBCA0F06AA2551A)
for the PlayStation (1998)
- Previously beat: Front Mission: Gun Hazard, Shadow Hearts: Covenant
- Recommended: Wings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHlF6TV1im0), Shebat the Wind Is Calling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMHsFOEZmo), Knight of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vtYBIod9ak), June Mermaid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCmED_YDqs), Stage of Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzW06O5kk4)


Xenogears is one of those games that people talk about in hushed whispers. The scope of it—and I mean the scope of the world, the scope of the themes, the scope of the machines you control, the scope of the soundtrack, everything—is supersized, especially considering this was a Playstation 1 title, a 1998 game released in the aftermath of the market expansion post-Final-Fantasy-VII. Yet it had the audacity to talk to this new audience about Nietzsche and Lacan, to move molasses-slow through multi-tiered 3D environments, sometimes without making it clear what your goals were—all of which is to say there was a lot of time to enjoy Mitsuda’s gorgeous 44-song soundtrack, including two pieces sung by Joanne Hogg. Like Bomberman 64: The Second Attack, this soundtrack led to other projects for Mitsuda (namely, the spiritual prequel Xenosaga: Episode 1), but unlike Bomberman 64, this soundtrack sticks closely to Mitsuda’s Celtic roots. It also has major significance as Mitsuda’s first solo work that had an album release, lending credence to the idea that his work could be enjoyed and marketed on its own merits. Here, too, the mythos grows with stories about Mitsuda dreaming the melodies, collapsing from exhaustion and being hospitalized, and trying to outrace Titanic to a release date because of similarities in the music that made him fear he’d be called a plagiarist. Whatever the truth, like with Chrono Trigger, the music is worth the effort. This is yet another masterpiece that’ll make voting incredibly difficult.


My votes for are Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger.

Chrono Cross

Xenogears

Chrono Cross

Xenogears

Chrono Cross

Xenogears

Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger

Chrono Cross

Xenogears.

Chrono Cross & Trigger

Chrono Cross

Chrono Trigger

Descriptions are up. Because this is so close (a tie, in fact), let's give this another day to see if more votes come in.

Chrono Cross

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Cross

Chrono Trigger

Time for the finals! Both good, both with a lot of votes in previous rounds, and both capable of winning this thing. Let�s get this started.


The Yasunori Mitsuda Rumble

Final Round

Chrono Trigger ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CBDBB48ABBDB7BF9)
for the Super Nintendo (1995)

vs.

Chrono Cross ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D60FDA0E024BE41F)
for the PlayStation (1999)


My vote is for Chrono Trigger. I think it has quantifiably the most songs with engaging melodies in this competition and also made the best use of its technology, given what was available at the time. Look at Mitsuda�s contributions here: Morning Sunlight, Peaceful Days, Memories of Green, Millenial Fair, Secret of the Forest, Guardia Castle, The Cathedral, Wind Scene, Frog's Theme, The Trial, World of Desolation, Lavos�s Theme, The Brink of Time, Rhythm of Earth Wind and Sky, Battle with Magus, Depths of the Night, Corridors of Time, Schala�s Theme, Undersea Palace, A Distant Promise, Wings of Time, World Revolution, Final Battle, Festival of Stars, the Epilogue, and, of course, Chrono Trigger. All of those are classics for the system and for video game music in general. This soundtrack is so good Mitsuda Rick Roll'd us with Robo�s Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ8xce9HtD8) and we didn�t even care. :D Take nothing away from Chrono Cross, though. It�s a masterpiece, too. Both games have active fanbases trying to fill the void of an official release with new games such as Crimson Echoes (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E952926C2A6E7039&feature=bf-title), Chrono Resurrection (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YELRuYNBRDk), and many others (http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Fan_Projects.html), which is the sign of an enduring artistic accomplishment.

Even though Cross has Time's Scar........................


Chrono Trigger


But who cares?! CHRONO ALL THE WAY!

Chrono Cross

This soundtrack kind of grew on me. Trigger is still a marvel, but there's just something about Cross...

Edit: Just took a look at Arthur's post. I can't believe Mitsuda has been Rick Rolling people since 1995...

Hardy hard.... hmmm.... If we are talking about soundtrack by itself I would normally go with Trigger, but since we are talking about the composer itself on it's own here...

Chrono Cross

Mainly because by the time he composed this, he polished the sound. This soundtrack raised the bar on how you compose music for a town in any jRPG & the way the player interacts with the music, this soundtrack also did a lot of that too, to the point that a lot of people consider it the best OST of all time, it's very easy to remember any melody of this soundtrack.

I think trigger is better as a soundtrack, but the thing is that Mistuda wasn't the only one that made it, sure he did the majority, but still I think Cross was better at Codifying & Perfecting the sound & style of the Composer.

Chrono Cross

I have to say that Trigger was definitely the better game for me, but we are voting on the soundtrack, so I have to hand it to Cross. The music started to really grow on me. In fact, I might just pick the game up and play all the way through just to hear the music.

Chrono Cross.

so you have to vote a song and than you type the song that wins?

well thats boring.

I think I've expressed my opinion on Chrono Trigger thoroughly enough throughout this thread. :)

Chrono Cross

so you have to vote a song and than you type the song that wins?

well thats boring.

Thanks for calling our favorite thread boring. We all appreciate your genuine concern.

And the winner of the Yasunori Mitsuda battle is�



Chrono Cross ( http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D60FDA0E024BE41F)!
(1999)

Both �Time�s Scar� and �Jellyfish Sea� have appeared and had success in previous rumbles, and this soundtrack continued that tradition in a big way. Why? Though not technically Mitsuda�s follow-up to Chrono Trigger (Radical Dreamers came first, but only in limited release), this was the sound of the Chrono series� triumphant return as far as most of the world was concerned. Alongside �Liberi Fatali,� "Time's Scar" is also one of the songs most often cited as a representation of what was possible with the Playstation�s sound hardware. The doubled flute and violin motif erupts from the gentle opening and, as is the case with fewer and fewer video game songs these days, adds intensity by sheer force of melody rather than volume or superfluous brass. Limited to just a bass line, some light piano, a simple string line, and bubbling noises, �Jellyfish Sea� has its power, too, doing more with less than a lot of other melody-driven or otherwise more kinetic water songs. Mitsuda�s frequently Celtic instrumentation and powers of arrangement here and since have proven him to be one of the greatest living video game composers.

Fun fact: During development, the game was intended to be short with an emphasis on a �befriend anyone� system whereby the player could turn any NPC into an ally in battle. This was supposed to ante up on Chrono Trigger�s impressive number of endings. However, as production continued, the length of the game�s main storyline increased, the number of playable characters was reduced to 45, and most of the endings were scrapped.

Record: 5-4, 6-1, 10-0, 5-3

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

We�ll continue with Genesis 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 we�ve already worked on at our VGM Rumble Group, found here (http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20).

Bonus pictures:

Nice, what should we do next?

I'm hoping we can get started on the PSX and PS2 rumbles as soon as possible. Nice to see Chrono Cross win :D

Yeah! I want PSX too!

BTW I loved the all characters wallpaper!

I already have a list going for PS1 soundtracks. I'll post that on the group page later this afternoon.

Definitely Mega Man; it is already queued up and ready to go; we've been sitting on it for a while.

As for the next rumble to get started forming, definitely Zelda!

Let's get the ball rolling here. I put in a couple hours of work today and updated the Mega Man, Suikoden, PS1, and PS2 group pages (!). Definitely check those out and add to the discussion if possible. :D The PS1 and PS2 lists in particular need some more collaboration. While that's going on, let's move forward, too...


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 13

Dynamite Headdy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ls6rSfKwE)
by Kazuo Hanzawa, Jun Irie, and Hideki Matsutake (1994)

vs.

Sonic the Hedgehog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrDtB6b7R4)
by Masato Nakamura (1991)


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Deciding the Next Rumble Rumble

For the below vote, it’s better to put several down so that I know which theme would appeal to the largest number of people. As always, majority rules.

Last time we took a vote, doing the Genesis by itself got 5 votes, Mitsuda got 5, Mega Man got 4, and Suikoden got 4.

If I can echo Link, out of a sense of fairness I think we should go with Mega Man or Suikoden alongside Genesis since people have been waiting for those for a long time (Mega Man was started a whole year ago!). Plus, I think we need more time on the 64-soundtrack rumbles anyway. But that's the group's decision.

As usual, more details about each rumble can be found here ( http://forums.ffshrine.org/group.php?groupid=20). Choose one or more…

1) The Best of Mega Man – 32 songs

2) The Best of Suikoden – 32 songs

3) The Best of the PS2 – 64 soundtracks

4) Best of the PS1 – 64 soundtracks

5) None (we'd focus on the Genesis 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 a Genesis soundtrack: Sonic the Hedgehog.

P.S. Look for a few more rumbles, plus a list of all the rumble themes that have been nominated, to pop up on the group page in the next two weeks or so.

Yeah, Megaman, let's be fair. xD

OK, sure, PS1 and PS2 can wait a little bit more. In that case, Mega Man.

Also, Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog

I agree that we can wait for the PS1/2 (even though I really want to do them), so my vote for the next rumble will be for Suikoden.

Sonic the Hedgehog.

For the next rumble, I vote Mega Man, with my second option to be focusing on Genesis.

Sonic the Hedgehog


I'm good with whatever :)

Dynamite Headdy

My vote goes for Suikoden/anything but option 5. (I'm a big fan of sticking to two simultaneous rumbles whenever possible.)

As for a few more rumbles, the idea crossed my mind yesterday while listening to Wrath of the Lich King to have an MMO soundtrack rumble. I think we'd end up with a lot of long orchestral pieces to consider.
Take Russell Brower's title track to the game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1XKOJN_Rp8) for example.

As for a few more rumbles, the idea crossed my mind yesterday while listening to Wrath of the Lich King to have an MMO soundtrack rumble. I think we'd end up with a lot of long orchestral pieces to consider.

Interesting idea. :D I don't think we've got any rumbles themed by the game's genre yet.

Man, almost went with dynamite headdy, but I have to go with Sonic the Hedgehog

Interesting idea. :D I don't think we've got any rumbles themed by the game's genre yet.

I think that could be very interesting; it wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

Cool! :D It�ll be nice to clear Mega Man from the group page. Like in the past, I�m going to run two Genesis fights while I check all of the links and get everything else set up. In the meantime, we�ll see if any of these four soundtracks can match Sonic�s 7-1 win�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 14

Shining Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo9bgGbK_lA)
by Masahiko Yoshimura (1992)

vs.

High Seas Havoc (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CAF844A8507CF876&feature=bf-title)
by Emi Shimizu (1993)


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The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 15

Ecco the Dolphin (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F6E0DF3851FA132C)
by Andr�s Magyari, Brian Coburn, and Spencer Nilsen (1992)

vs.

Eternal Champions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duPki1g4Djo)
by Joe Delia (1993)


My votes are for Shining Force and Ecco the Dolphin.

Shining Force

Eternal Champions

Shining Force, Ecco the Dolphin.

Shining Force

Shining Force

Ecco the Dolphin

High Seas Havoc

Eternal Champions

Shining Force

High Seas Havoc

Ecco the Dolphin

While Shining Force walloped High Seas Havoc (6-2), Ecco the Dolphin�s win was a little more meager (4-2). Regardless, a win�s a win. And now it�s time to end Round 2 of the Genesis rumble and finalize the Mega Man song list!


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 2, Fight 16

Shining Force II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieuy5z2r43E)
by Motoaki Takenouchi (1993)

vs.

Streets of Rage 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-64UQoUURA)
by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima (1992)


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Here's the list for the Mega Man rumble. Let me know if you see any changes that should be made. All links should now work.

Best of Mega Man

(#1-12)

Mega Man � Bomb Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v59gzIZdfNQ), Fire Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIHh0no7pVs)
Mega Man 2 � Air Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bRMItAZPTs), Bubble Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljSAvJj61aw), Flash Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fMHqEGL-q8), Metal Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AREhaZ6O2Yo), Wood Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1nhkCByv-E), Wily Stage 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFRCUQLqKk#t=00m09s)
Mega Man 3 � Title (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiQgYfyUdDs), Top Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc-12guILlE), Shadow Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuYG5qOsDGU), Wily Stage 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqhbi21aJ-s#t=00m19s)

(#13-19)

Mega Man 4 � Dive Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw05pmSIz5I)
Mega Man 5 � Proto Man Fortress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juyogUMglZg), Wily Fortress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5YIJ_-WlNM), Wily Fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kozTMLFSgIU)
Mega Man 6 � Knight Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OTi1k4v8Yg), Flame Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdWeTin2mho), Mr. X Stages (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhJ7Ss-puVY)

(#20-32)

Mega Man 9 � Concrete Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwQ9iCqtpUk), Galaxy Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdDbbzuq1vY), Hornet Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMF8Yknu3w), We�re the Robots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K9-SwNBMSY)
Mega Man X � Stage Select (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3qXM8CN47c), Password Screen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4r0OirYfU), Armored Armadillo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja5QUTlgZ3Y), Spark Mandrill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYdSLaVu9p4)
Mega Man X2 � Bubble Crab (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg2Lc3v7_D0)
Mega Man X5 � Grizzly Slash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwPuibHZNeE), X vs. Zero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eFI0UFfAJE)
Mega Man X6 � Blaze Heatnix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0yZtgyqHXM), Commander Yammark (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYeWo_9v38g)


For the Genesis rumble, no doubt Shining Force II is one of the best soundtracks for the system. But my vote is for Streets of Rage 2.

Shining Force 2 for sure!

Streets of Rage 2

Shining Force II!!!

Streets of Rage 2.

Shining Force II

Streets of Rage 2

Since this is so close and the Shrine was down yesterday, I'm going to let it run a little longer.

I'll go ahead and make it not close.
Streets of Rage 2

Sorry I've been awol. It's the end of the semester for me--like I know it is for others--meaning I have to grade 300 papers in the next few days. Will post the new rumble asap. In the meantime, here's the free internet game Toxers (http://www.onemorelevel.com/game/toxers). I swear I've heard the title screen music before. Maybe a Star Wars game? Or another Mochi game?

Time for Mega Man.

Considering how closely the Mega Man series is associated with its music, particularly the title screen songs, it�s hard to believe the first game began with silence�a black background and red-tipped metallic letters cascading backwards Star-Wars-style. The year was 1987, and Capcom to that point had only experienced mild success in the home console market, largely off ports of their popular arcade games like 1942, SonSon, and Ghosts and Goblins. Though they leaned more towards action/platformers, they didn�t yet have a company identity for the home console market because of this. Three months before Mega Man, they released a mahjong game. They also obviously hadn�t funneled a lot of money into Mega Man, judging by the historically bad box art ().

So it�s sort of surprising these days to look at the understated opening screen (http://www.freewebs.com/megamancodes/MegaMan%201%20Title%20Screen.gif) and infuse it with our own anticipation for what came next. No frills, no movement, no sound when you click �start,� and only an ugly sky blue selection screen with a four-second loop of music after that point. Of course, things got better from there.

In the first game, the level themes introduced a lot of characteristics that would become hallmarks of the series later on, including a wide variety of styles to match the personalities of the bosses. The �Bomb Man� theme, for example, is relaxed and upbeat, matching a slow and bouncy character, with a drum beat that reminds me (and maybe I�m the only one here) of the rhythm from �Le Freak.� Appropriate for a guy who wears a wrestling uniform to a gun fight? Maybe. Sorta reminds me of Donna Summer�s �Bad Girls,� too, but, well, hmm...

Likewise, the theme for �Fire Man� has a big, burly, anthemic quality with percussion that skitters across the ground the way his fire shot does. Other tracks like �Cut Man� and �Elec Man� were interesting enough to keep gamers playing the levels over and over again after each death, and Capcom got a sense of the formula they�d created. A sequel was greenlit despite the first game�s poor sales, and that�s when the franchise became what it is today.

Everything that could go right for Mega Man 2 did. This is not to say the development process was easy; in fact, Capcom only allowed the game to be made if the developers worked on other games concurrently (most notably, the similiarly biomechanical-themed shmup Legendary Wings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8gCR1YAGPk&feature=related)). But because of the willpower of those involved, the 20-hour days, the �rogue effort� as series producer and Mega Man character designer Keiji Inafune put it, we got one of the greatest video games ever created. So much of the music from Mega Man 2 has become synonymous with the series that we�ll let the songs speak for themselves during the rumble. Suffice it to say, out of the 32 slots available to represent the best music in the entire 50+ games series, we gave 6 to MM 2.

Lucky for us, Inafune�s commitment to excellence continued through Mega Man 3 and 4. And�while most people agree the series� formula became stale, the bosses and music less inspired after that point, thus leading to the creation of the parallel series Mega Man X where new storylines and musical approaches could be introduced�the legacy of personality-inflected, melodic, rock-based music from the early games continued, evolved, and most recently was harkened back to in the anachronistically 8-bit homages Mega Man 9 and Mega Man 10.

We�ve come a long way since the initial idea�ripping off Astro Boy for a rock-paper-scissors-inspired platformer.

Get ready for some of the best music of the 8-bit and 16-bit era and beyond.

If you�re interested in learning more about the release of Mega Man 1, check out Chrontendo Vol. 26 (http://www.archive.org/details/ChrontendoVolume26).

For more info about the development of Mega Man 2, click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man_2#Development).

First fight coming soon.

Streets of Rage 2 finally overpowered Shining Force II (5-3). It was a tough choice, but things will only get more competitive from here on out. Next up…


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 3, Fight 1

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (http://www.mediafire.com/?ximd0u2bm5ggs4b)
by Yoko Kanno (1994)

vs.

Pulseman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9LZTkHSJ0)
by Junichi Masuda (1994)


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The Mega Man Songs Rumble

Round 1, Fight 1

Mega Man 2 – Metal Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AREhaZ6O2Yo)
by Takashi Tateishi, Manami Matsumae, and Yoshihiro Sakaguchi (1988)

vs.

Mega Man 9 – We’re the Robots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K9-SwNBMSY)
by Ippo Yamada, Yu Shimoda, Ryo Kawakami, and Hiroki Isogai (2008)


Thanks again to jakob for the Uncharted Waters link!

My votes are for Pulseman and Metal Man.

Also, Smarty's got some interesting ideas on the PS2 group page (http://forums.ffshrine.org/groups/vgm-rumble-group-procrastination-station/best-ps2-77/) that I'm thinking through, and you should check it out, too. :D

Pulseman, Mega Man 2.

Pulseman

Metal Man - Mega Man 2

Speaking of new rumble ideas how about we do composer vs composer? That could turn out interesting.

Speaking of new rumble ideas how about we do composer vs composer? That could turn out interesting.

Yep. Been working on that for a while. :D Once I finish grading papers this weekend, I'll get some new stuff going on the group page.

Sorry about that, although it's looking to be quite the upset already! Here is New Horizons (yes that's a vote!) --The genesis version of this soundtrack isn't terrible plentiful, but I think it's the best one.

Uncharted Waters II- New Horizons OST.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/?ximd0u2bm5ggs4b)

My favorite tracks from this one are Catalina, The Chase, Caprice for Lute, and Empty Eyes. This soundtrack is full of lovely themes that just won't get out of my head!! Cheers!


Also, a composer rumble sounds fun!

edit: Metal Man

Metal Man

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons

Mega Man 2 – Metal Man

Definitely my hardest Genesis decision so far, but I'm going to have to go with Pulseman.

Mega Man 2 – Metal Man was a good deal easier.

Our first Mega Man fight became our first blow-out in a while, with Metal Man winning (7-0). Pulseman, on the other hand, was neck and neck almost the whole way (4-2). Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 3, Fight 2

Streets of Rage 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-64UQoUURA)
by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima (1992)

vs.

Shining Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo9bgGbK_lA)
by Masahiko Yoshimura (1992)


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The Mega Man Songs Rumble

Round 1, Fight 2

Mega Man 3 � Wily Stage 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqhbi21aJ-s#t=00m19s)
by Yasuaki Fujita (1990)

vs.

Mega Man 2 � Flash Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fMHqEGL-q8)
by Takashi Tateishi, Manami Matsumae, and Yoshihiro Sakaguchi (1988)


Revenge match for the Genesis soundtracks? It was just a few days ago that Streets of Rage 2 knocked off Shining Force II. We'll see if the first game can do any better. These are definitely both tough calls for me (just listen to the Mega Man bass lines :D). But I'm going with Streets of Rage 2 and Flash Man.

Willy Stage 1

Streets of Rage 2

Mega Man 2 - Flash Man

Streets of Rage 2

Mega Man 2 - Flash Man

While I think it's a tragedy that Shining Force II was defeated because I think it's unequivocally better than Streets of Rage 2, I feel that SOR2 can beat Shining Force 1. So...Streets of Rage 2 and Flash Man

Shining Force

Mega Man 2 – Flash Man

Streets of Rage 2
Mega Man 3 – Wily Stage 1

Streets of Rage and Flash Man.

Easy wins for Streets of Rage 2 (6-1) and Flash Man (6-2). Next up�


The Genesis Soundtracks Rumble

Round 3, Fight 3

Elemental Master (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLSo2HXObDg)
by Toshiharu Yamanishi (1990)

vs.

Phantasy Star IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsa90yssfBs)
by Izuho Takeuchi and Yoshimi Nakagaki (1993)


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The Mega Man Songs Rumble

Round 1, Fight 3

Mega Man � Bomb Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v59gzIZdfNQ)
by Manami Matsumae and Yoshihiro Sakaguchi (1987)

vs.

Mega Man 9 � Concrete Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwQ9iCqtpUk)
by Ippo Yamada, Yu Shimoda, Ryo Kawakami, and Hiroki Isogai (2008)


My votes are for Elemental Master and Bomb Man.

Elemental Master

Concrete Man

Concrete Man

Phantasy Star IV

Mega Man – Bomb Man

Elemental Master
Mega Man 9 – Concrete Man

Elemental Master
Mega Man 9 – Concrete Man