Koshiro

Game Music, Reviews

An Extra Hyper Affair: Extra -Official Compilation- (Review)

April 19, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 3 Comments Share this

While I never got to see one of the EXTRA events live, I’ve always been intrigued by the so-called “Hyper Game Music Event” in Japan. You may recall Justin Pfeiffer’s lengthy impressions of the EXTRA event in 2008, and our interview with the event’s organizer and 5pb Records producer Masatoshi Nakamura, but 2007 marked the launch of the concert series, and with it came a number of album releases that are worth taking a look at.

The first album that was released after the 2007 concert was the EXTRA -Official Compilation- album, which, while not a live recording, did feature a number of remixes and live performances that were pieced together to represent what the show was all about. A strange approach for sure, but it does work, and a number of the tracks from the DJ side were actually played at the show, so in that sense, it is a piece of the event in your home. The album features arrangements from Rally-X, Dragon Spirit, some of the Basiscape composers’ early works, and Norihiko Hibino, with a taste of both electronic music and live performance.

Join us as we take a look back at the Extra -Official Compilation- album after the jump! (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

Third Time’s A Charm: Sekaiju no MeiQ III (Etrian Odyssey III) Soundtrack (Review)

April 9, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 16 Comments Share this

Well, here we are for another round with Yuzo Koshiro and the retro-inspired Etrian Odyssey RPG series. Unfortunately OSV launched shortly after the release of the second game in the series, so while we don’t have reviews of the first two games, we do have a number of reviews of the arrangement albums that have been put out for the series. Trust me, they’re all excellent a deserve your attention.

Well, on with the star of the evening: Sekaiju no MeiQ III. Yes, it’s as good as the previous two scores, but don’t think you’ll be getting more of the same! The game apparently has a lot to do with water as far as I can tell from the track titles, and the soundscape is certainly more reflective (hah!) and less bouncy than previous outings. You’re still going to find that distinct RPG flavor that you love and have come to expect, and as usual, Koshiro has provided both the Nintendo DS and PC-88 FM versions for maximum retromazingness.

Find out what tricks Koshiro has up his sleeves for round 3 in our review after the jump! (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

This Soundtrack Will Cut You: Legend of Joe Musashi: SHINOBI Music Collection (Review)

October 5, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

So, I’m a bad man. The only Shinobi game I’ve ever played is the original one on the Game Gear. Amazing game. Got all the way to the end and couldn’t figure out the crazy puzzle that was the last level. Anyway, the music was pretty cool, but I’ve always heard that the Genesis titles had the best music, and I sort of just figured I’d never know because it was too late to go back and “catch up.”

SEGA, however, had other plans, and released the super snazzy Legend of Joe Musashi: SHINOBI Music Collection, the latest entry into SEGA’s retromazing series of classic game soundtracks. I’d compare this one to the Fantasy Star box that we reviewed last month, as you’re going to find 4-discs with different versions of some of the same scores here, but yeah, I can’t believe I missed out on this series. To make an excuse, I didn’t own a Genesis until very late in the game, as I was mainly (and still am) a Nintendo guy!

Anyway, prepare to get sliced in our review of the SHINOBI Music Collection after the jump! (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

Live Music by Piano and Strings: 7th Dragon Super Arrange Version (Review)

September 6, 2009 | Michael Schiciano | 1 Comment Share this

At this stage in gaming and game audio, there are many composers that can be considered legendary to some degree. It can be due to for the scale and number of projects they’ve worked on, the memorability of the themes they written, or simply because they’ve been in this industry for so long. One composer who embodies all of these elements is Yuzo Koshiro. For me, any game or soundtrack that has Koshiro in it is going to an easy one to recommend as a purchase, or at the very least present some pleasant listening material for the user. In the case of this particular album, entitled Live Music by Piano and Strings: 7th Dragon Super Arrange Version, calling it an album one needs to immediately purchase will probably depend on your tastes in music.

To put it simply, if you really enjoy Koshiro’s retro-infused, underlying compositions, as well as Norihiko Hibino’s soft and somewhat understated arrangement approach, you shouldn’t be listening to me talk about this album, and instead should be trying to get your hands on it. For the rest of you, however, let me fill you in on some details about what’s going on here.

Check out our review after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

OSV Exclusive: 7th Dragon Arrange Album Preview

June 9, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 3 Comments Share this

Looking forward to the 7th Dragon piano and strings album due out next month? We revealed the tracklist to you a couple weeks ago, and now we’re providing you with an exclusive sneak peak of the music itself. We’ve been fortunate enough to hear the album in its entirety, and if you’ve been wondering what to expect, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed.

While I love the music from both 7th Dragon and Etrian Odyssey, this sophomore effort from the Koshiro/Hibino duo takes things to a whole new level. From the variety of styles presented to amazing performances that will capture your complete attention, this album is an upgrade in every sense of the word, and that’s not saying the Etrian Odyssey arrange album wasn’t also an amazing piece of work!

Read our full preview of the Live Music by Piano and Strings 7th Dragon Super Arrange Version after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

Live Music by Piano and Strings: 7th Dragon Super Arrange Version Track List

May 18, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 3 Comments Share this

Another RPG from Yuzo Koshiro, another arrange album produced by Norihiko Hibino. Last year Koshiro’s work on Etrian Odyssey received numerous arrange albums produced by Norihko Hibino, the last of which was the Live Music by Piano and Strings: Sekaiju no Meiq I+II Super Arrange Version, but this time around it’s Koshiro’s latest project, 7th Dragon that’s receiving the small ensemble treatment.

Due out on June 24 from 5pb. Records, the arrange album will once again see the return of both Koshiro, Hibino, and a number of live performers to recreate some of the most memorable pieces from the score. Recording is already complete, and we’ve been fortunate enough to receive the official track list for the album, so start saving up for that import now!

Were you a fan of the Etrian Odyssey piano and strings album? Are you looking forward to a similar approach with the 7th Dragon arrange album?

Find out which tracks made the cut after the jump. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

PLAY! A Video Game Symphony Live! Is Alive! (Review)

February 13, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 13 Comments Share this

At long last, it’s finally here. I won’t shy away from saying that it’s been a rough ride for those who pre-ordered this album so many months ago, but now that it’s here, hopefully it washes away the memory of those sleepless nights spent in wait. Actually, it’s a mixed bag: there are many much-appreciated exclusive arrangements here, but also many let downs in terms of overall production values.

You’ve likely been wondering about the final track list as well. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like Nintendo was on board, as the Super Mario Galaxy track that was recorded during this performance is not included. Also, some will be disappointed with the lack of Final Fantasy, but hey, I’m personally tired of the same old arrangements out there, so I’m not bothered by this in the least. The exclusive arrangements of “Crono Cross,” Oblivion, and Guild Wars more than make up for any shortcomings in song selection in my mind.

There’s a lot to talk about here, so hit the jump for our full review. (more…)