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Nintendo Announces Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess OST Release with Pre-order of HD Remaster

November 14, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 2 Comments Share this

On November 12, 2015 Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess HD would be released on March 4, 2016. What caught my eye was that as a pre-order bonus they were offering a copy of the Official Soundtrack to the game. An entry has already been added to the Video Game Music Database for the soundtrack. At this time it is unknown if the soundtrack will be a re-release of the previous 7 track official soundtrack, or something of greater length showcase more of the game’s excellent music by Toru Minegishi, Asuka Ohta, and Koji Kondo.

You can watch the announcement video below thanks to GameXplain which also features a brief clip from the new Legend of Zelda WiiU to be released sometime in 2016.

Is this something you’ll be pre-ordering solely to get your hands on that soundtrack? I’m considering it! Please share your thoughts on this exciting upcoming release.
Game Music, Reviews

Hot and Bothered For Rhythm Heaven Fever (Review)

February 10, 2012 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Hot and Bothered For Rhythm Heaven Fever (Review) Share this

It’s looking like 2012 is going to be a big year for the Wii despite the launch of the Wii U is looming. Titles like Xenoblade and Retro City Rampage will certainly hit this year, and it’s possible that The Last Story and Dragon Quest X could slide in late into 2012. But first up is Rhythm Heaven Fever, Nintendo’s latest installment in the Rhythm Heaven series created specifically for the Wii.

We had a blast with Rhythm Heaven back on the DS and with Rhythm Heaven Fever at E3 last year, so does this latest title live up to the series name, or does it fall flat as another gimmicky motion-control title for the Wii?

Find out in our review. (more…)
Game Music

Rhythm Heaven Fever: Join Nintendo for the game’s Launch Party Next Week

February 2, 2012 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Rhythm Heaven Fever: Join Nintendo for the game’s Launch Party Next Week Share this

Will you be in the Los Angeles area next week? As it turns out, Nintendo will be hosting a launch even for Rhythm Heaven Fever which we loved last year at E3. The game’s due out on February 13, and the event is being held in celebration and is open to the public. Fans will be able to enjoy the game a full three days early as well as partake in food, music, and exclusive swag. It’s all going down on February 10, 2012 from 6-10 PM at the iam8bit Gallery.

Should be a good time. Will you be going?

Hit the jump for Nintendo’s official press release. (more…)
Game Music

E3 2011: Nintendo’s Got Rhythm with Rhythm Heaven and Shield Pose

June 14, 2011 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

I was completely surprised by the appearance of Rhythm Heaven on the Wii at E3 this year. It wasn’t discussed at Nintendo’s press conference, and if somebody hadn’t mentioned the title to me on the last day of the show, I would have never known it was there. I was fortunately able to run over and play through the three songs that were available right before the show floor closed.

I also checked out Nintendo’s Shield Pose technical demo on the Wii U, which is essentially a rhythm game as well. But I’ll get into this one a little more after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

Soundtrack Review: Epic Mickey More “Mischief” Than “Epic”

February 14, 2011 | Patrick Gann | 2 Comments Share this

A few months ago, I heard an interview on NPR with Jim Dooley regarding his work on the Wii action adventure title Epic Mickey. The interview was extremely interesting and informative; I suggest you read and/or listen.

However, hearkening back to the recurring question of game music’s contextualization, how does the intricacy of the music and the sound design impact the listener who isn’t playing the game? Is it still enjoyable? And can it truly be described as “epic?”

To answer these questions, I decided to pick up the digital-only Epic Mickey Original Game Score (available on iTunes or Amazon). You’ll find my impressions after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

E3 2010: Ivy the Kiwi? Impressions and Music Details

June 21, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on E3 2010: Ivy the Kiwi? Impressions and Music Details Share this

We met Yuji Naka a few days ago and asked him about his thoughts on game music, but his main purpose at E3 was to promote his upcoming game, Ivy the Kiwi?, which is due out this summer from XSEED. While we got our first hands-on with the game at E3, we also learned who is responsible for the game’s music and whether or not there will be a soundtrack release in the future.

With the game set to release on the Wii and DS in just a matter of months, it’s time to find out what Sonic creator Yuji Naka has in store for us this time around. Hit the jump for our impressions. (more…)
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]