10.24.05 - 1:01 AM
Five of today's seven soundtracks were written by me. I had some free time, and I was really into some good VGM albums, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with the world.
First of all, I tackled three soundtracks from Falcom. First is the Gurumin OST. This music is guaranteed to wow you, though it doesn't have a lasting appeal. Then I also reviewed the OST and SAV (Super Arrange Version) for Gensosangokushi, a game that was only published by Falcom and developed outside of Japan. As the title suggests, the game takes place around the dynastic era that Koei's been obsessed with for years. But this is no Koei game, nor does the soundtrack sound anything like a Koei soundtrack. Check those two reviews out.
I also delved back into my love for music from the company Glodia, and reviewed the Vain Dream II + Die Bahnwelt Full Arrange Version. Composed by Ikki "Abreath" Nakamura, the music for both of these games are something of a unique treat, especially for fans of older VGM.
Also, to round out last week's update, I reviewed the Arc the Lad Soundtrack Complete, which covers music from the first two games. This double-disc set is easier to find than some of the out-of-print albums in this series, so it's worth considering. Feel free to read my full review for further consideration.
Now to the real treats: reviews from our wonderful staff members.
Mike Wilson, a regular with the soundtracks (and with nearly all forms of content on this site: I call him the workhorse), submits a review of the hard-to-obtain Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst Episode IV Sound Track. The only way to get this soundtrack originally was by purchasing the packaged/boxed version of the PC game in Japan. The majority of gamers simply downloaded the expansion pack for a cheaper price, and as a result missed out on this fine soundtrack. Nearly an hour of music spanning ten tracks: you can't go wrong with this one.
Finally, Neal Chandran reviews one of two different prints of the OST of Megami Ibunroku Persona. Yeah, that's right: that lovely PS1 game Persona with that awesome dance-pop-techno music. This print is the first, and smaller, of the two versions. Neal has told me that he will be reviewing the second one also, but for now, enjoy the 1997 release from First Smile Entertainment.
Before the week is out, expect even more reviews of both relevant and irrelevant soundtracks to RPGs you have either loved, hated, or ignored over the years. And feel free to join the fun by submitting a review of your own! Know that we accept multiple reviews of the same soundtrack.
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| Patrick Gann |