Nintendo

Game Music

E3 2010: Live Orchestra For Zelda Skyward Sword Confirmed?

June 15, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

While there was no mention of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’s soundtrack at this morning’s press conference, Nintendo held an evening panel featuring Shigeru Miyamoto, Eiji Aonuma, and 3DS team lead Hideki Kondo to cover some of this morning’s titles in more depth and to offer up a brief Q&A session.

The biggest thing to come out of this panel for us here was news about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’s soundtrack, and it wasn’t even a question from OSV! Find out what Miyamoto had to say about the game’s soundtrack that makes it appear likely that the game will feature at least some live orchestra.

Hit the jump for more. (more…)
Game Music

E3 2010: Nintendo’s Hardcore Press Conference

June 15, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

Nintendo’s press conference has come to a close, and it’s looking like 2010 and even 2011 are going to be big years for Nintendo fans. While half of the conference was dominated by the 3DS (which also had some amazing game announcements), the Wii and DS are getting a lot of love this year.

Nearly every classic Nintendo franchise was covered, from the upcoming Metroid: Other M that we’ve been excited about for months to newly announced Zelda, Kirby, Kid Icarus, Donkey Kong Country, and even Goldeneye titles. While everyone is focusing on how these games look and feel (the 3DS is absolutely stunning), we were paying attention to how they sounded, and I have to say that I liked what I heard.

Hit the jump for our impressions of Nintendo’s newly announced titles directly from the press conference. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

Super Mario Galaxy 2: An Interactive Aural Experience (Game Review)

June 13, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Super Mario Galaxy 2: An Interactive Aural Experience (Game Review) Share this

I can’t believe the release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 has already come and gone. I’ve been looking forward to it for such a long time, as the first game was my favorite game on the Wii, and I had high hopes for what composers Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo would cook up for this round.

I’m one of those people who avoids all trailers, videos, screenshots, and general information when it comes to games I’m really excited about, so I had no idea what to expect from SMG2 aside from Yoshi making an appearance. I’ll say that I was pleasantly surprised by the game, the music, and the use of audio even though, for the most part, it was more of the same that Nintendo established with the first game.

So, is Super Mario Galaxy 2 just a simple upgrade, or does it offer something entirely new that’s worth your attention? Find out in our review after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

Metroid: Other M Pays Homage to The Original Metroid

June 7, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 3 Comments Share this

Yes, while Audun spotted the Metroid: Other M teaser website some months ago with a nice piano ballad accompanying it, Nintendo has launched an official website for the game, featuring a remix of the title BGM from the original Famicom Metroid. While Kenji Yamamoto often included references to past Metroid titles in the Metroid Prime series, Other M composer Kuniaki Haishima pays tribute to the very origins of the series with this chilling orchestral arrangement.

While I am a bit disappointed that Kenji Yamamoto isn’t handling the game’s music (I wonder what he’s up to?), I have enjoyed everything that I’ve heard from the game thus far. At least it seems as though Nintendo is ditching the terrible MIDI-based score that plagued some of the most important moments in the Prime series. Now we just have to wait for a soundtrack release. Cross those fingers!

What do you think of Haishima’s arrangement? Are you looking forward to the game and its soundtrack?

[via Nobuooo]
Game Music

Contest: Race to Win The Super Mario Kart Album From The OneUps

June 2, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 13 Comments Share this

Here we are yet again with another contest. This time it’s for the latest album from The OneUps: Super Mario Kart Album. While this was meant to be a digital-only release, Mustin caved in to the fans and printed a limited run of 1,000 copies, and we have one here for one lucky reader. I highly recommend checking out Audun’s review as well as the “Mario Circuit” music video and the band’s Bandcamp page for streaming samples.

So, what do you have to do to win a copy? Simple! Reply to this post with a brief description of your most memorable Super Mario Kart moment. Mine is using a feather to jump into the enclosed pools of water on Battle Mode Stage 2 and insisting my friend discard his red shell before I come out. I literally sat in there for 5-10 minutes before my friend gave in. Anyway, you have until Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST to enter, at which point we’ll select a winner at random. Good luck!

What do you think of The OneUps’ latest album? Tell us your stories!
Game Music

Meet Hyadain Part 3: Western Show on Super Mario World

June 1, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Meet Hyadain Part 3: Western Show on Super Mario World Share this

Well, it was 6 months between part 1 and part 2 of our “Meet Hyadain” series, but there’s been some big news recently, so we thought we’d get this next installment out to you rather fast-like. While Hyadain’s identity was always kept a secret, he recently revealed himself to be composer Kenichi Maeyamada (personal website here), a well-established composer of anime, videogames, and J-pop. He’s been at this for awhile (which makes sense given how amazing his arrangements are), but I found it interesting that he worked on One Piece as well as the arrangement of “525600min ~ Seasons of Love” from K’s Traveling Song album that we reviewed some time ago.

Although we now know his true identity, that shouldn’t stop us from highlighting his awesome YouTube arrangements of classic videogame music. This time we’re taking a look at the first Hyadain video I ever saw, which I was first shown at Dale North’s house a few years back, as is apparently his favorite Hyadain arrangement. I can’t say it’s my personal favorite, but the arrangement are lyrics are great as usual. Watch for more updates in the near future!

Are you surprised by Hyadain’s true identity? What do you think of the “Western Show” arrangement above?

[via Destructoid]
Game Music

Mario Galaxy Orchestra Returns to CD Via Club Nintendo Japan

May 27, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

Yes, it’s going to happen, but was there ever really any doubt? We’ve spotted a listing for the Super Mario Galaxy 2 Original Soundtrack on VGMdb, which is supported by the recent addition of the soundtrack to the Club Nintendo Japan website. Whereas the first game’s soundtrack was only available to Platinum Members in Japan, however, the Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack will be available to all Club Nintendo members for 500 points, or 300 points for those who’ve purchased Super Mario Galaxy 2. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

I’ve been playing through the game this week, and am liking what I’ve been hearing. I’ve yet to hear the arrangement of “Wind Garden” that I’m so much looking forward to, but I know it’s coming. Just as we suspected, there is a blend of orchestral and synth elements, just as with the first game. As to whether or not the two discs will be separated by orchestral and synth material is unknown, but it’s likely we’ll know soon as it’s available as of today in Japan.

Are you surprised by the announcement of this album? Will you be importing it from Japan?

[via VGMdb, translation by Chris Ling]