Dwelling of Duels: Forest vs. Jungle Month (May 2025)

The soundscape on this track is pretty incredible. Up until we get to the post rock section it’s about perfect to me!! The post rock section it’s — idk it’s a little too open to me? There’s something in the soundscape that doesn’t feel anchored – I think maybe it needs a little more subbass to just really make it open up even wider. Just seems a little crowded in the mids but I think more low end would compensate. That’s my nitpick for this overall great track.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

I decided to search “breath of fire forest” and am agog — how did Capcom get away with that one??? I don’t have too much feedback on this as I am very unfamiliar with solo piano arrangements. I will say the chord choices are very nice! Did this get recorded in one take as a free-form improv or did you actually arrange with some sheet music etc? Anyway nice job – this is going on my chill out playlist.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Are these drums live? It really sounds like y’all rehearsed and just recorded this in a room with some overdubs bruh.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

I said it during the LP – but I love me a track that sounds like I could hear it wandering through the streets of … Idk this one kind of would fit in new orleans if you guys had a clarinet!! Well played y’all! The mixing no the acoustic (resonator?) guitar lead is BLINDINGLY loud to me – it just really sticks out over everything else to my ears. It doesn’t sound bad it’s just a bit loud so ez fix LOL

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

This arrangement is very cute and sweet. I think I mentioned this during the LP chat but I honestly think that the guitars coming in takes the vibe away that I was enjoying so much. Not that they sound bad just a thought. Maybe instead of guitars and drums it could do the Apocalyptica thing? I’d love to hear a version like that – as is it’s very nice!! Small bit of feedback would be to have the guitars be a little quieter when they join in and turn down the first cello solo a smidgle 🙂

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

This track is incredible. I’m cranking it a bit instead of at the listening party and I think the issue you’re having with the drums is that the kick is way too sub heavy so you probably have it turned down so it doesn’t destroy the mix. Gotta make that kick just be a transient attack sound !!!! The high end on the lead synths is a little too harsh even for the style – I don’t mind aggressive stuff but it started getting tiresome to listen to at 3:00.

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

This track is insane – it’s such a tight Oompah arrangement of Jungle Japes with some neat little theremin sounds too. I don’t really have much “feedback” to give other than the organ is a little too much on the upper harmonics and it gets a little much to me in those sections.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Y’all – this sax playing is so smooth. Very “Cool Jazz” Everyone is killing it on this! Would love to know if anyone of this was recorded simultaneously. Perfect amount of reverb too and the added layer of that synth string sound was well chosen.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Listening again for this review and — hey I heard “menage” in there – so… yey that HOUSE is mentioned. Neat little track – nothing in particularly I can say beyond the fact that the synth toward the end is maybe a little busy during the rap so my ears are a little overburdened but that aside I like it at lot!

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

To be quite frank – it’s annoying how clean and delicious the lead guitar in the first minute or so is. It’s pretty up front in the mix but it still blends so well with the rest of the band. Nitpicks: Lead guitar maybe could be quieter in some parts. Drums kind of felt like they were recorded in a separate room with a really trashy snare which slightly took me out of the vibe of the rest of it. Particularly at 2:55. Drums are hard though so whatever – the arrangement is so good.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

This arrangement is really cool. The playing on the violin is solid as is the guitar playing. The transition to the Veldt is so intentional and smooth. Getting the acoustic guitar to fit in with the electronic elements is crazy. The liquid DnB feel was so welcome – and the guitars are recorded so well. The bass at first felt a little to mechanical but once it got to the DnB section it was welcome.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

This is such a cool almost like Songs from The Wood but really sedate. The wind portions of the arrangement are so intelligent and strongly played it’s really awesome. This really feels like it was at a random jam sesh but the arrangement is so intelligent it’s unreal. – Recorded very cleanly 🙂

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Enya? Zat you? Well if enya ditched the vocals in favor of some really tenderly played string instruments. Honestly I kind of wish this had some enya vocals it would really button it up. Perhaps some more reverb or idk distance on the string instruments for vibes later on. Well played!

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

The flute is played so well but it’s so loud it sounds like the rest of the band is maybe 10 feet away while you play this flute directly in front of me like Ron Burgundy playing jazz flute in front of a bar patron from the seminal Will Ferrel film Anchor Man. The vocals are similarly very dry but sang very well and I appreciate them immensely. I love the arrangement a lot – it just has some space confusion. I would recommend checking out the vibes on a song like Woman in Chains by Tears for Fears for how to fill a space and reverbeberate lead instruments so that it’s not so distracting

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

Tl;Dr it took me longer to read the title than the track!! This is so well performed folks – and the mix is clean – i kind if wish it sounded more like it was recorded in some room in a hotel somewhere but that’s such a stupid nitpick. I love this arrangement too.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

I love the overall mix on this – the playing is so tight an on point. MY ONLY critique is that the 6khz+ on those synths (both the arps and some of the less rounded leads) make them stick out weirdly. Other than that I really dug this — gonna go bury my head in an marmoset hole now.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

Really to me all this is missing is some vocals talking about how you don’t have a woman so won’t cry or … something. The playing and the vibe are immaculate – and I LOVE that stereo bass sound.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

This is such a solid performance, arrangement and mix that — I have to comment on the fact that the bass really needs a little more definition. more 300hz and less 120-200 plz The tone isn’t terrible but I’m losing notes. Also it’s maybe a smidge smooshed on the master.

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

SO!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is played well and I like the tone – but – this is a case where you gotta be careful of reverb – the vibe is so good with how you have the reverb in my studio space, but in my car everything kind of sounded mushed. The vocal part was unexpected and honestly amazing. I do love Shia LaBoeuf — and the singing is so good.

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

the vocal backing was really well arranged for this. I didn’t see it coming but it adds a lot of character. The arrangement itself is very straightforward and fun – the guitar solo had a few little hiccups but overall I loved how it sounded and the way things were set in the mix along with the arrangement.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

This is so authentic – to a mariachi situation. A little drier sometimes but I’m not here to legislate the diageticness of our mixes as long as it sounds convincing. god whoever did the percussion of this group is incredible (I assume group)

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

This is honestly the arrangement that should go into a like— cinematic version or digest of Metroid Prime 4’s plot. I love the use of those theremin synths early on. The arrangement continues to evolve in logical and intriguing ways with perfect amounts of electronic / industrial effects and percussion to highlight the incredible orchestral arranging. I know feedback should have some other thing but this was a journey anon… good lord.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

Maybe this could be mastered a little hotter… idk this has a good sound for the style and everything seems to fit where it needs to so honestly amazing idea and arrangement. My only complaint is that it’s too short. EDIT Was listening again while reminding myself how the sounds were while voting… I actually think the rhythm guitars could use a little more midrange area — personally.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

This track made me feel incredible throughout the listen. Those vocals are so tightly recorded. My only feedback here is I think the vocals being so upfront the whole time takes away from the dynamics of the track. They definitely could be quieter when the drums aren’t there – I think they’re still a little hot (for me but I recognize I tend to mix vocals less upfront than I should at times) but they definitely match the dynamics of the piece better at 3:00 than they do earlier in the tune. Amazing job though seriously.

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

I love the vibe that this has in terms of playing and arrangment !! The mix is a little bit on the dry side! Definitely could use some more reverb particularly on the saxes.

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

The vibes are so good on this!!!!! I love the vocal it just adds a lot where it is. The playing is really on point. The piano arps are maybe a little dry when they’re doing their thing and the synth at the end is maybe a little bit more on the highs than I’d prefer with the sounds present everywhere else. Agreed with slowly crushed above about the guitar.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

I like this a lot! really fun arrangement and the leads are played really well. I do have to say about the drum loop — the right ear has a cymbal that sounds like it’s not liking whatever eq or saturation you have and it’s really crunching and distracting me from the rest of the song. I’m honestly not sure why that is bothering me today – and I didn’t notice during the LP but I am now.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

THIS WAS SO CUTE AND FUN !!!!!!!!!!! the synth choice was great. I would suggest that you give a cute lil synth some more body so that way it can keep up with the vocals because when those sick vocals weren’t there everything sounded really empty. I loved this arrangement so much though – smile the whole time.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

I love this arrangement!!! Very smart choices with what is playing what and the layering. The fiddle playing is good – everything else is pretty loose is my only thing. I don’t know if you just tossed together though and with something like this practicing with a band over and over and over would really make it come together which is probably not feasible.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

That guitar tone in the intro reminds me High Communications by Glay. The arrangement is standout on this as is the playing – as everyone else mentioned though the leads are a little on the low side. For me the bass needs a little bit more mid-range (200-300hz). It’s doing it’s thing but there’s space for it to be more articulate

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

I really appreciate the way this arrangement is not hiding behind anything fancy. The vocals are a little on the pitchy side- there’s time when it’s really on but then several points where you don’t quite hit the pitch. Your resonance is very consistent so that’s good!! I think some vibrato would sell this particular style a little bit better honestly. I don’t know your background but get into some musical theatre if you’re not already and really study how they get emotion into their performances. I love the idea behind this it just wasn’t quite selling it just yet. Vocals are tough especially when they’re this exposed.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

I cannot believe you got this much out of like 30 seconds of source tune and kept my interest for 5 minutes. Good lord dude. no other commentary on this one sorry if you were looking for any critique.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

This arrangement is so neat. I really like it! Vocal sample needs less gain – drum kit needs to be turned up!!!

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

This arrangement is really cool – but the guitar and vocoder lead are SO much louder than the backing track!! Or at least the guitar doesn’t fit in because either the tone or amount of verb 🙂 I want to be clear it sounded cool. EDIT: I wrote this today the above was during the LP – so I’m glad I agree with myself: I’m not a fan of vocoders — full disclosure. That aside – the guitar performance is very solid and good. Adding some more feedback: the guitar lead is a little too low-mid heavy and maybe a little too loud.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

The clean tone is so glorious and solid. I’d suggest letting the drums actually live a bit – they’re super buried by the honestly incredible guitars.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

I was too agog to leave a review during the LP like I did for many others. There’s a LOT going on with this track but to me everything comes through very well. The acoustic guitar break I wish was a little quieter than the rest of it – there wasn’t quite enough of a drop in dynamic to my ears compared to the rest – like the section after it crescendos had more of a difference but I really feel like if it cuts down to just acoustic guitar it should come down quite a bit I had to listen to this a few times to process it which is maybe a good thing – suppose ear candy can never hurt. The 3:16 climax is godly with the woodwind and vocals all coming together. The female and male vocals just … chefs kiss!!!!!!!!!!!!

deluxdolemite

48 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Very nice pan flutes and clapping to start this off, makes you feel like you may be partaking on a journey at a campfire. Acoustic comes in with good tone, but feels a little swallowed by the clapping. Drums/stomping feel a bit heavy given the vibe though. Snare cuts through nice and cleanly when it comes in, along with what sounds like spoons? Electric guitar tone is really nice, and cymbals are well balanced between everything Really enjoy the nice ambiance with this tune – not too hectic and very woodsy/mysterious. Nice solid drum groove around 3:10 to help to start drive this a little more – but again the bass feels a bit heavy. Transition back out of the heavier section to the initial instrumentation was smooth – and the bird sounds add that feeling of the previous section being a storm coming through then clearing out. Very nice anon

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

Nice piano arpeggios in the right hand, though it feels like the left hand might be just slightly out of sync at points against the arpeggios – unless there is some intentional rubato in there. Sound quality is excellent, and all parts of the piano come through cleanly. Reverb is also very well handled by this setup. Very nice and expressive performance anon.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Very clean guitar to start this one out, nice solo line to kick this off. Then bass and drums come through to help give this a kick. Everything feels really well balanced. Solo guitar comes right in and soars above everything, accentuated by the soundscapes. Feels very clean and tight here. The buildup into the section feels a touch discombobulated, but then comes right back together. Love the heavy guitars and open hats together, gives such a powerful hit. Solo piano and bass helps give a nice bridge into the next section – and that is one doozy of a modulation that occurs – throwing us right into some proggy goodness. Distortion on the rhythm guitars here helps to give a good punch, and that guitar starts to really shred and just help propel this a bit. Nice slow down, but drums feel just a touch off. And then dang, really enjoying this shuffle/half beat feel with the drums and the arpegiated guitars. Also love how the drums switch to bell hits with the organ coming in, and just keep grooving through the fadeout. This was one fun ride anon!

Soul of the Forest

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Very nice slow funk to start this off, really digging that vibe. Love how kind of lo-fi-ish is with just the drums, bass and piano. Really wonderfully balanced. Piano really helps to drive that melody line through, and bass and drums are just helping to support it. Nice changeup to have the synths take over the melody and piano take over the arpeggios about halfway through. Very nice aux percussion too. Love the vibe change in the second half, with kind of the shuffle feel, and trading solos. Then going to the really slow jam helps to drive this home.

Interview with a Dweller: The most fun at VGM Con (ESP)

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

The same as before, but in Spanish

Interview with a Dweller: The most fun at VGM Con (ENG)

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Man, really wish I had been able to make VGMCon, it sounded like such a blast this year. Didn’t realize the OneUps had such a stacked lineup for VGMCon. Wish I could have been able to see it!

オタマトーン様が樹海の神秘と言ったら、シャワーになるつもりだ

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Secret of the Forest, but Otamatoned!

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Nice stomp feel to open this, gives it that more old time swing feeling. Sound fidelity feels off, but also helps to give more of a 1920’s style swing/jazz band. Very interesting instrumentation for this, is it harmonica and banjo? Drum brush beat is very well balanced. Guitar comes in with a very nice clean tone, and a very technical solo. Only quibble I have with this is I could have used a touch more bass to help drive the low end – but otherwise well done anon!

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

Nice synthy start here to really drive this one off. Synth flute (maybe real flute too?) coming in with the melody, before getting complimented by the cello I think? Then with the feel change, nice entry from the guitar and the drums – flute I feel could come out a bit more here though against the louder instruments – its a touched drowned in, though cello cuts through fine. All in all a very fun arrangement anon – but would love the solo instruments balanced a bit more against the backing instruments

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Very ethereal sounds to start, gives a nice ominous atmosphere as the electronics come in. Build is handled very cleanly, just adding bits and pieces to build up the intensity, before the lead synthwave part comes in. Electronics and sounds are handled very well, though as the guitars and drums come in one of the electronics feels like its too shrieky and just constantly rattles through. Drums and guitars are balanced well though, and there is a nice level of distortion on the guitar. Very smooth with dropping out everything back to the base electronics then building back into the slower rhythm hits. All in all very well thought out arrangement, just a few of the electronic voices felt too overpowering and distracted me a bit away from the piece overall

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Very dark opening, with the suspending bass and the robotic vocals, before getting punctuated by the brass and organ to continue building. I am loving this mashup idea – hearing both the DK Island Swing with that Danny Elfman like Beetlejuice soundtrack. Very interesting taking the base swing feel and giving it that evil carnival feel. Very original and well appreciated anon!

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Oooh, and now some more lounge style jazz. Good balance with all the instruments, but it does feels like the drummer loses a slight bit of time in that first fill. Really loving the interplay between the piano and the saxophone – and drum does a good job helping to fill in the rhythm. Could use a little more bass here too – I can tell its there but it doesn’t really show up to help fill out the rhythm section as much. Drummer does a really good job making sure the brushes are clearly audible which is never easy. The drums changing intensity for the ending really helps to drive it home – and letting the piano and bass fade it out with the soundscape is very well done.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Oooh very interesting! Starts out with that nice bubbly synth-pop, and then we get to the vocals! Nice mix of hip-hop and rap style vocals – even though I can admit I don’t know any french. Really enjoy how the vocals are balanced against everything, and the vocalist has good vocal strength and able to carry the flow. Backing melodies help provide interesting musical ideas to tie onto without overpowering the vocalist. Only nit is I feel it ends a bit abruptly.

Forest Interlude

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Saxophone City! Mic balancing feels a bit off, but not sure if thats intentional. It would have been fun to get this expanded out to a full main with a sax quartet. Hear some stomping, not sure if that was intentional or not. Curious to see if you do that for any future competitions anon!

Donkey’s cozy weed sleep

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

This is a very fun take, love the acoustic guitars and the aux percussion. Very well balanced. Would have loved to see this expanded to a main as well.

As I Feel, You Feel

Game(s): Final Fantasy 5

Hmm, what is this, harp? Or some kind of other stringed instrument? Whatever the instruments are, they are balanced well, and give a kind of old-time/ethereal feel to this.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Very nice instrumentation to start this off, gives a nicer slow orchestral ballad feeling. Solo guitar is very clean, and cuts through nicely against the backing instruments. Love that nice little bass solo before the piece picks back up. Drums are extremely well balanced – clear but not overpowering. The woodwind voices feel maybe a touch too pointed, could be smoothed out a bit. Transition to the triplet feel is very very smooth, though the drums overpower the strings a touch. Very nice entrance from the rhythm guitars to lead into the next lead solo. Very smooth transition back into just the acoustic guitar to wrap this up. Very smooth anon

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Well given the name, the train vibes are really present here. Love the more acoustic feeling to start with the guitar and the strings, before the electronics come in to start speeding this up a bit. Violin feels a little more drowned out against the electronics – electronics could stand to come down a touch when its just them and the violin. Balance is better when it comes to the louder section, electronics/drums maybe still just a touch too high but overall more balanced. Love the punch through of the Veldt theme at the end, nice contrast to some of the other things that have been happening, before the slowdown and removal of all electronics coming into the end. Love all the performances of the solo instruments on this one, just a few tweaks in balanced to really make this one shine

Dwelling On It: Pitch a Tent

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Very clean acoustic guitar playing to start, then shifting over to the synths. Oh, turns out its another interview! Then shifts to something funky under it, really loving that sax and drum combo. Fun to hear the thought process behind the original track, and getting the context behind it.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Nice acoustic shift to calm it down a bit. Very nice feel of the flute and clarinet against the acoustic guitar and the pizz strings. All the colors continue to blend together nicely even as the strings move to arco from pizz. Bass clarinet may be a touch too overpowering, especially given the low register. Overall, the balance and tradeoffs between the different instruments is beautifully handled

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Nice piano solo to open this – though the piano feels a little too reverby especially on the lower register. Very nicely balanced with the strings coming in, though that balance makes me feel the piano overall may be a touch too loud given the feel of this arrangement. Overall though, the lyrical melodies between strings and piano complements itself well until the piano fades out in the end.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Nice clean guitars to open up before getting the splash from the drums. Yet more flute here, and it comes in well (almost maybe a bit too loud) against the backing instruments – enough that I initially missed the backing vocals. Can definitely hear some nice touches of auxiliary percussion in the back. Then nice shift to having the vocal soloist come in, very good range and tone from her. Backing vocals could still come up a touch here too, but they are more prominent than compared to against the flute. Drums are well balanced here, and the counter melody from the lead guitar also cuts through – but the rhythm guitars and bass could come up a bit as well. Very nice resolution of the chord to end – great job anon!

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

I get some Kill Bill vibes one this one for sure – very nice trumpet tone against the rhythm guitars, some mallet instrument and the shaker. The clave beat feels a bit loud though, pulls away from the trumpet instrument. Very well done mallet solo part too, rolls feel a bit dead but that could just be the micing (or the midi can’t tell if live or not). Very enjoyable, and very good brass playing!

Paradox

Game(s): Gimmick!

Very nice heavy guitars, whatever is doing the rhythm sounds is an interesting tone – sounds like very fast clicking. Lead guitar is nice and clean and balances well above the rhythm. Not sure if there is any bass though, that may help push this a bit. Curious to know where this concept would have gone.

Komila Forest

Game(s): Golden Sun

More saxophone time! This one feels a touch better balanced than the other one. Bari does seem a bit louder than the alto and the tenors but its not super unbalanced. Really would love to get a full sax quartet main going at some point anon!

Main Theme

Game(s): Hoa

Ok, now we have a why isn’t this a main! Very nice string synths to help back against the piano. Woodwind solo comes in very nice and hauntingly (flute of some kind)? Before the clarinet comes in and helps to support. Almost get some Titanic vibes with how the woodwinds and strings are orchestrated. Vocals help to come in and accentuate the background as well. String solos are very clean and pop out well. Ending is nice and clean, and just fades away. This is another well orchestrated cinematic arrangement.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

Now back to some more synth pop feeling! Like the drums grooving for the first part, would have preferred the drums vs the electronic drums for those first few measures. Keys and guitars are all balanced well, and playing very cleanly. All the instruments are very well balanced, nothing overpowering one enough and everything able to be heard well. Good interchange between the guitar and synth during the second round of solos. Later solos are very technically impressive, and love the build up before the drop down to just the sound scape and the piano. Drum groove for the last section is very very well done. This is very well done – all in all great job anon!

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

This is one interesting take! Love the guiro and some of the aux percussion going on here. Very spare rhythm actually helps to keep this one interesting. Very interesting tones for the synth, kind of helps to keep it fresh. Really enjoying the fact we’re getting more an aux percussion driven rhythm than just full drumset. Main synth solo really gets off, very nice that its driving the rhythm so hard and not fully depending on a groove to keep it going. Though the drop off to just the synth at the end is just touch abrupt – overall this was a fun, quirky piece.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Oooh rocking out of the gate. This kind of feels like a fun mashup between Wind Waker and Doom. Rhythm section is locked in clutch with this one. Generally good balance, but some of the synth lines could be turned up a bit. Extremely strong and technical guitar work on this one, and everyone is managing to hang in unison well. Very interesting tone shift about halfway through – and man does the bassist get to go off here. Very extremely well done technical bass part – it shreds without being too overpowering. Drum groove helps to balance the interplay between the bass and the guitars, and even gets a small chance to shine as everything simplifies down a bit, before the last burst of sound. Actually got faked out with what I thought was the last chord, though the actual final ending felt just a touch abrubt. This one was a really fun journey anon!

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

Very smooth opening, just the soundscapes with the bass giving a bit of an ominous tone to start this off. Then the guitar just starts creeping in and building up – very nicely done. Drums come in well too, though the snare feels slightly dead. This one is a nice slow build, just continually increasing in intensity, until the vocals surprisingly come in. Very nice tradeoffs between the male and female vocalist. Loving the meta lyrics during the second half – definitely the life of a DoD contestant.

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Piano and mallets opening for the win, very nice and mysterious – soundscapes help accentuate that well. Then the bass hits and that plus the other piano help to really start driving this forward. Background vocals help to also add to the air of mystery in this. Flute adds some nice color on top of this too. Drums help give an extra kick to this, but the toms and snare just feel either a touch echoey or too dead – but the overall feel matches in well with it all. Guitar then coming in also helps give some nice energy, though any flute thats still around here gets drowned out a bit. Love the gradual reduction with just the mallets, piano, and vocals, reducing down to just the mallets at the end. Very fun arrangement anon!

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

Woooo bongos! Loving another aux heavy piece – bongos and shakers really get to drive this. Acoustic guitar is also top notch playing, very clean and well in line with the aux percussion. Whistles and shouts add a little bit of extra coming into the end. Not much to say, its a very sparse but very fun and well balanced arrangement – great job anon!

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Very nice cinematic soundscapes to start – with the ethereal sounds and the flutes starting off, getting amplified by the drums and the ethereal vocals. Strings help to start driving to the next section, which feels like a nice cinematic rock – with the ethereal synth on top of it with the vocals. Love the intensity building as the piano and then the strings get louder, before it cools off again with the synths and flute driving the melody again for a bit. This feels like a nice cinematic game score, really love the originality of this one anon!

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

A bit 80s synth lead to help drive us here, keeps pushing everything through until the drums and then the guitar comes in. Everything is very cleanly stacking on top of each other as they come in. Balance is really good here, and all the instruments complement each other pretty well. Some of the synth tones sound a little reedy, but overall doesnt distract too much. A nice fun little ride

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

Piano, mallets and flute to start off here. Man a lot of flute this month, my wife would be happy. This one feels nice and atmospheric, with the flute helping to pop in bits of melody here and there. Then the vocals come in with a bang – very well balanced against each other and the other instruments (though some of the effects make it feel a touch robotic – but I guess appropriate given the source material). Drums help to build the intensity without being too overpowering, and the guitar is very clean. Love some of the lower intensity rim click patterns as things fade into the end. Well done!

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

Very interesting vibe here, kind of an old time vibe thats a bit sparse. Saxophone takes a nice lead as the solo, and drums and aux percussion are balanced well considering the lower volume instruments and the brushes being used. Bass and guitar are also very clean. The second sax solo gives a nice little pop of extra energy, very well done. This arrangement shows that not everything needs to be super heavy to be good, a nice sparse arrangement can also be very enjoyable

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

This one is very fun, and very funky. So many different instruments trading off the theme and the melody as it continues to build. Very nice modulation about half way through, as we start focusing more on the guitar and the synth. Another modulation at the end leads to the voices and the synth getting some more focus, before another guitar solo. This one was a very nice and frantic ride, very fun idea here!

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

Some ethereal synths to kick this one off, before we build into the rocking theme. Drums feel a little overpowering, and a touch dead maybe on the snare. Voices and bass feel a bit buried behind the drum, the synth is able to pop out as it comes in and out. Overall there was a lot of ambience and groove in this one, but without a melody to really latch to I wasn’t as drawn in to this one – but still good production anon!

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Another very synth and vocals opening – must be related to something with the trees I guess. Then a nice little vocal monologue to get this kicked off. Synths and electronic drums then get to drive this a bit. Very nice with the bass riff playing against the vocals. Very good singing technique from the vocalist. Then nice way to tie all the different parts together as it comes into the ending.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

Is this accordion to start? This feels like a fun group of instruments, accordion, some kind of fiddle and maybe a banjo (or guitar of some kind) – with a bass to help drive things through. And even more flute to help the melody here, though the flute does feel a bit drowned out against all the rhythm instruments. Guitar solo is nice and twangy – some good thick strings help match the vibe here. Fiddle solo very fun as well – a nice change of pace here anon!

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

This has some of that Sonic speed stereotypical feel – constant 16ths somewhere to help drive this, and keep the intensity up. Starts getting more interesting with the melody coming in around 0:52, to help build the intensity more by giving something to latch on it. Piano solo is a bit quiet given that its more a solo – that should be pumped up more over all the backing instruments. This was a fun burst of energy

Planet 2 Jungle

Game(s): Street Fighter 2010

Very guitar, much wow. It does feel a touch unbalanced and sloppy for the first little bit, hard to distinguish the lead and the rhythm, but that clears up after 10 seconds. The more active parts are just kind of melding together, but when the rhythm and bass are more distinct it helps to drive this a bit. Drums would have been nice to have in this – but all in all a fun guitar only piece.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

Harp and vocals is a fun combo! Both are balanced well to each other, and the harp helps drive the rhythms through with the strings backing adding extra color. Second section gives the vocalist even more time to shine as the rhythms become much sparser, giving them the time to drive the piece. Very impressive vocals anon!

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

Love the choice of the music box opening, gives a very haunted forest vibe. The drums don’t feel super in sync – while its intentional it just distracts a bit for me. The soundscapes though are nice, continuing to give that haunted woods vibe. Guitar and violin coming in give a nice change of feel. The drums start to settle in as it gets more complex, but probably also helps the music box fading away helps provide a bit of time consistency. I don’t know what instrument or sound that is around 2:30 but it sure is something very interesting. Then the drop into the transition at 3:06 is pretty powerful, moving more to an electronic vibe. This feels a lot tighter in the second half, really digging how it grooves. This did feel like a few ideas slammed together, but generally it was cohesive.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

Nice piano playing to start this one off. Very nice drum groove, loving how those hi-hats are sizzling. Synth tones are fun and playful. Very nice tradeoffs between the different synth lines. Nice little section too for the bass and drums to shine. Overall, a fun, joyful, boppy ride!

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

Nice driving groove with the synth power chords to start. Very big 80s vibes here, especially with that synth bass. Guitar tone is slightly muddled, but articulation helps keep it clear. Second guitar comes in with a much cleaner tone. Loving how that synth solo just keeps rising. All instruments feel well balanced too, which helps amplify everyone’s skills. Not sure what talkbox effect is being used, but gives off a big robot vibe.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

This one feels fast and frenetic for the first few measures before the funk really hits. The bass and drums feel nice and tight and balanced, the other voices in this feel a bit distant to start, but starts to balance with the rising pattern. That guitar comes out really cleanly, but almost feels too plucked. I dig the frenetic build up into the ending again, though with how the bass lands feels slightly abrupt

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

DANGIT BOBBY! Ok now that the joke is out of the way, this one bursts out of the gate with some orchestral epicness. Though the balance feels off, the flute and the drums come through pretty well but everything under that feels a little muddled to start. Strings help balance it a bit, but it becomes better when the guitars come in and we transition to the second section – and the style shifts. Really digging the mallet and flute interplay – and then the build as the other voices jump back in. Nice touch with the addition of the vocals about halfway through. This one just continues to build and build, and then the addition of the vocals with lyrics helps punch through to the end.

emeraldarcana

36 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Lots of nice textures and development, especially when the pads come in around two minutes in and things get really lush and full. The tonal shift in the middle really gives this a hugely cinematic feel, as it’s basically telling us a story. The middle part is a great expansion of the story with a lot of drama and excitement.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

Fake out intro that only us VGM afficionados would get. It would pass as either (or both) from either game! Performed very well, with lots of emotion and expression. I feel like I want to hear this performed in real life one day.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

A nice vibe for a classic. It’s dreamy and performed well. The grunge section is an interesting change. The bass is cool against the piano. There are maybe a few more changeups than I would have expected to start – maybe some foreshadowing that this will be a JOURNEY would be great – more changeups and shift earlier on to set the expectation for the listener. Good job, I enjoyed the direction and how well performed each part was.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Harmonica/melodica catches my ear right away. It’s a bop. Nice solos, and really sweet ending.

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

Oops, I posted the wrong review – it should be this. Gallopping beat and uplifting melody, with cool string movement. It’s slightly lofi, which I really enjoy. Really nice rhythm guitar – it really fills things out and makes it all blend together – the guitar was pretty key!

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Dark industrial sound to start this one off. Listening on headphones, I feel it needs a bit more “boom” by having more prominent content around the 300-400Hz mark at the beginning. We get some of this when the distorted synth and guitars come in to fill that out, but it feels a bit too scooped in the intro. However, when it’s all filled out and all instruments come in, the impact is really great. Really strong work especially in the production to separate so many heavy elements and make them all hit hard.

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

There’s a lot of storytelling going on this one. This really matches that circus/haunted vibe and everything’s nailed down. Really great arrangement and performance here. It’s quite epic feeling.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Smooooooth playing, especially that sax. It’s really classy and fits the genre exactly. There’s variation in the drums and everything. Everything’s done so well in this track. Really solid.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

French rap is really cool and I love hearing the diversity. I wish the vocals were a bit more prominent and clear relative to the backing. I think being slightly away from the mic and adding some more reverb presence will help with that. The backing track has a lot of really cool stuff in it too – lots of trills and extra lovely details.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Very nice combination of acoustic and electronic instruments, with good interplay between them in the arrangement. The acoustic guitar sounds really good, the change-up in the middle with all of the bass and percussion is really interesting. I feel the guitar is almost too up-front with how many things are going on in here. Great take on a classic.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

DnB, new percussion, electric bass, and so forth makes this one stand on its own in its own way. The sound design is strong. I hear a little bit of distortion at the top end of some of the hits which resembles but isn’t clipping – not sure if I liked that touch. But overall, the arrangement and the intensity is really there. The transition to the Veldt fit really well considering that these tracks play close to each other in the original source material. The violin playing is good and compliments everything well.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Really nice woodwinds and harp arrangement. Everything is well performed and really well mixed, and it’s really focused as well – I actually really like this one.

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

The initial piano sound is kind of phasey and spacey. The introduction of the strings are really great. There’s a slightly lack of clarity of the piano against the strings – maybe more separation would be good between them. The thick and calming and relaxing vibe, you’ve nailed it here. The shift to the major section is such a good sound. The ending is GREAT.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

The flute playing here is lovely. Ensemble vocals! I really the interplay between the soft and hard instruments – we have flutes and choir that are in front of lead electric guitars.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

The trumpets playing together in this one sound really great. The tone’s so even and strong. A lot of fun to hear this one.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

There’s a lot of fun stuff going on in this one. Good synths, really upbeat performance, cool drumwork. Good synth and guitar work here. Really killer soloing.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

The vibe here is super cool. The track is a little more minimal than other DoD songs, but it’s funky, the solo is cute and quirkly, and overall this one really stands out because of its uniqueness.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Tt’s loud, it’s prog. It’s crazy and cool. Like how do you keep time? It’s noodly and weird and I enjoy it. I think the lead guitar tone at the start could cut back its high-mids a little, but that doesn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the weirdness and steady intensity of this track. (It is a touch loud though)

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

Haaa what a meta song! Really nice vocal work. Content was intense. It ended so abruptly though?

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

I like the mixture here of the vocals (falsetto?) and the really noodly solo head. The highs are mixed really really nicely and everything fits together. Dreamy.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

This guitar playing is fire. The percussion is great. This sounded like a lot of fun to put together.

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

This is a phenomenally cinematic introduction. The instrumentation and arrangement is really creative, and the vox are delivered wonderfully. This is excellent, like superb quality.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

I love the driving synths and bass here. They’re beefy and hit nicely. It’s groovy and well performed. It feels like the arrangement is a little short, feels like it ends a little soon and needs more of a resolution.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

That’s some really cool vocal work – the processing is great and fits the NieR soundtrack vibe really well. The vocals really make this one stand out. I feel like the backing elements are a tad too quiet and that they could be integrated more with the vocals. This could easily fit into the official material!

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

Bossa nova-esque? Everything in this one has a great authentic sound to it. It’s headbop worthy. The guitar seemed like a little too mechanical to me? The minimalism actually adds to it. The sax playing is really solid. I’m almost the target audience for this, except I was a little too old I think to get into the Pokemon series!

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

Funky, lots of runs, great interplay between the different instruments doing call and response. Ooh and ahh vocals and the overall silliness make this one stand out. It’s almost random in places. The goofy guitar is a lot of fun.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

There’s a lot of groove but ambience also in this one. I’m not sure what I think about the amen break sample – I think it didn’t really suit it in this context, but the ambient sound effects and the variety of sounds here are a real mood. The overall lo-fi sound gives this one a kind of crazy and mysterious quality.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Storytelling setup – it’s a good way to set some context and add atmosphere! I feel that the instrumentation needs to be brought up to be closer to the vocals, which are really well delivered. I wouldn’t have thought of mixing this kind of electronic with this style of voice – it kind of works but I think some different timbres in instrumentation might make this blend together a little more. Vocals are definitely a highlight in this one.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

There’s a lot going on on this and there are so many layers and each one is so complicated! Maybe cutting back on the complexity a bit would help balance things out a bit so it’s not as frantic, but then again, maybe the franticness is the point. Accordion, bass, percussion, there’s a lot going on here and kudos for blending it all together and having it all still be clear. The violin solo is great work.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

I like the fast pace of this one, it is quite catchy. The slow introduction of the elements gives me good EDM vibes. The conga loop is like a little not what I’d expect from the genre, but seems to work. Keys solo fits well – even though it’s a little more distant in the mix I think the softness is a good contrast to the punchy elements in the track.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

A really gentle and intimate delivery of a Suikoden song. I think this hits differently because it’s so sparse.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

This has some weirdness to it. It’s glitchy and lo-fi and it fits so well with the material. The strings glue things together. This is super interesting. The extended silence in the middle is GREAT – breaks up the beat a bit but also adds some really unexpectedness. I’m into this.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

This sounds like a really upbeat version of something that could appear directly in this game and I dig it, it captures a Trials of Mana vibe so well!

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

More synthwave. The combination of the driving bass with the 80s drum samples and the vocoder are good. I do wish the guitar tone was a bit more bright. The slides at the end are really an interesting choice and I thought they sounded cool. This really nails that synthwave vibe so well.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

This has some really interesting sounds but it sounds authentic, it’s funky, it has good rhythm. The panning is good, the changeups are super cool, the sudden breaks are on point.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

A maximalist track with heavy guitar work and really great flute. The shift to the guitar is a nice change, and the guitar tone in the next section fits really well with the high wind. Bass is solid. Woodwind sound is cool. Choir pads and tenor voices adding to the epic sound also! But to me the star is really that high woodwind.

jnwake

36 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Nice vibes in the intro, that bottle-ish thing is fun. First minute is kind of a build-up until a melody hits at 0:56. Lovely sounds in general, acoustic guitar sounds really clean. There’s an interesting percussion on this section doing straight beats that’s a cool contrast. After the melody enters there’s like a minute or so where more and more elements enter the soundscape and it sounds great. A second “section” starts around 2:40, there’s another build-up with a tempo increase that ends up in a heavy distorted guitar section. Awesome payoff. Overall, excellent work! Great arrangement and great production. One of the best of the month IMO.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

Is this a mashup or is the original legit this similar to Secret of the Forest lol?. In any case, nice piano playing. The actual piano sound is a little too bright for me sometimes, but it sound great either way. I love how the arrangement features different piano styles, from left hand arpeggios to some more rhytmic chords. There’s also some nice chords and usage of low/high notes. My only nitpick is that it’s a tad long and some sections are repeated a fair amount of times. It’d have been fun to have some key/rhytm changes to surprise the listener on the final repeats. Overall, lovely job! A very well done piano solo.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Anon here was like “I have like 10 different potential covers of Secret of the Forest” and then put them all on the same track. Begins with a clean guitar with a TON of chorus, so much that the bass sounds out of tune when it enters. First section is a very dreamy take on the source, with a calm lead and chill drums with very wet cymbals. Sudden change to metal around 1:35 for the second melody. This part is muddy and buzzy, not a big fan of the sound but I dig the idea. For the third section of the source we have a piano/bass duo, cool concept. Around 2:37 we move to a proggy take on the arpeggios before it lands on a more straight rock take on the source. Final minute is like a beach vibes jazzy take on the melody, fun! Making a track like this with so much variations is risky, I appreciate it! I don’t think every section lands, with the more rock oriented ones sounding a little muddy and unbalanced, but it’s a fun listen. Nice job!

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Title describes what we’re getting into, a fun swing vibe with guitar and accordion. Playing here is very good, I’m not much of an accordion expert but it sounds great and the guitar has some passages that sound tough as hell. As a nitpick I don’t think the recording quality is that good but maybe it’s an intentional effect from the anon for that old music feel? Anyway, this is great, way out of my expertise to comment much but I enjoyed it.

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

Whistles! This track has a fun mood, the original seems like a happy tune and this take embraces that. A chuggy guitar enters around 1 minute in and gives the track a much needed edge. I love the drum/guitar mixing, it’s very punchy. The mix does get muddy when whistles, guitars and violin are playing at the same time, but not too terrible degrees. I kinda wish there was a bit more to the arrangement, it sounds like 2 repeats, only with one having distortion guitar. Still though, nice track!

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Mick Gordon meets Demon’s Crest! Definitely not a concept I had ever considered but it makes sense with demons and all. First minute is a spooky build-up with some dirty ass synths and electronic elements. Then, guitar kicks in and around 1:12 the true Doomfest begins. Drum and guitar production are on point, as are the dirty synths. Only nitpick is that it doesn’t as loud as I’d expect. Overall, great track! You did an awesome job converting the original track to the Doom style!

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Spooky DK theme? I have no idea what to expct… Oh, we move to polka around 0:35, now I know what to expect! This is definitely a very Kirkhope track, I don’t remember the DK64 version of this tune so I dunno how much of the wild harmonies comes from you versus the source but there’s fun stuff in here. Good job!

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Smooth jazz Stickerbrush! There’s some very interesting changes made to the original’s structure to fit the style better, like altering the rhytms of the main melodies. Recording sounds great (the snare in particular) and the performances are awesome. Everyone gushed about the sax on the LP but I think everyone sounds really good. I like when you add that slow string like note (1:18 for example), adds some interesting tension. TBH, I always struggle a bit with arrangements like this since they are very static, luckily this one isn’t that long but I can’t deny I kinda lost interest around 2:30 (although that brief silence+speed-up around 3:45 was great). Still, the LP really liked this track! Great job!

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Lofi chiptune french rap? Damn DoD has some wild stuff sometimes. I love the synth work in here, but I feel the main lead (starts around 0:40) lacks some vibratto/expression, it sounds a little odd notes. I really like the small details on the production, like the arpeggios that appear for a few seconds. Really cool job anon!

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Phantom Forest! Really nice quality recordings here, the guitar, percussion and everything else sounds crisp. Production makes the ensemble jell together perfectly. I love the percussion around 1:50, adds some fun urgency to the arrangement. 2:30 is a great way to introduce a new musical idea and rhytm, sounds great. At 2:55 a distortion guitar joins and we move to a metal part. The track kinda loses me a bit here, I’m not digging the mix on this part too much, it doesn’t sound as powerful as I’d hope. In any case, the metal part is brief and I really loved the rest of the track… Nice job!

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Second take on the same source, this one is much faster paced and includes electronic elements. First minute focuses mostly on acoustic stuff, I have a bit of a hard time properly hearing the strings in the mix there. After the first minute we get some sort of repeat but now with a funny electronic beat behind, it’s a cool contrast. Out of nowhere comes The Veldt! I had forgotten that one was a jungle, nice catch. On this section I started noticing more clearly that the mix isn’t as clean as it could be, bass in particular is loud but it’s a bit muddy in general. There’s cool ideas on this one but honestly I didn’t vibe with it all that much…

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

I love this source! Arrangement here seems very conservative, kind of a remaster to the original. Honestly can’t find much to say, recordings and performances are great. Good job!

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Fitting title. Nice dreamy piano sound. Around 0:45 a melody enters but it’s a bit too soft in volume, gets lost in the mix. I feel the strings/pads are a tad loud and take over the sound. Still, this is an enjoyable relaxing listen. Good job!

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Same source, different approach! More of a soft rock take here. Flute and vocals enter, there seems to be some notes clashing (maybe some of the voices are a little off-key?). Volumes are kinda all over the place as well, flute is loud as hell while the distorted guitar is barely there at all. Around 1:40 there’s a very impressive vocal solo, but I’m still not feeling the backing ones, tunings don’t seem well aligned to my ears. Overall, I see a ton of potential on this one but right now it feels a bit undercooked… Mix is unbalanced and I’m pretty sure some notes sound off.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

Love the title for this one haha. Cool instrumentation here, acoustic guitar with trumpets is a fun combo. I dig the peppy pace of the percussion, makes you want to dance along. Also dig the mallets (whatever instrument they are exactly). Kind of a simple short tune but it’s fun to listen to and sounds great. Nice job!

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

Starts with some chiptune chords and piano arpeggios before a couple synth leads and a break. I like the acoustic guitar, seems well recorded. We move to a faster pace around 0:32, I’ve been wanting something like this during the LP. Fun interplay between guitars and synths here. I feel the leads are generally a little loud, I’d like to hear some more percussion/bass, but I dig the mix otherwise. Fun change-up around 1:33 and I really like the solo that comes after. Transition at 2:21 is kinda abrupt but I dig the effects used there. I dig the small waltz-ish tease at 2:37. Outro is energetic and fun! Overall, an upbeat track with a ton of fun leads and riffs, I like it! One of my favorites so far.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

KIRBY <3. I love the drumkit, the snare is so dirty in a good way. Omg the instrumentation is really trippy, everything feels like it’s slightly detuned or something like that. The bass sample is so good and the writing is jumpy, I dig it. Also really like the synths, they’re soft but stand out. I particularly love the low tuned lead on the solo, so much fun. Incredible vibes on this weird track, one of my favorites for sure.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

K, this one is wild, some jazz/metal thing with very odd time sigs. Begins with a crazy bass/piano combo until the full band enters. Mastering feels like it was pushed hard, everything sounds super squashed. I think this’d sound better if you ease on the limiter. It’s hard to judge the mix properly with how crushed it is but the drums are punchy, maybe I’d lower the guitar volume a little. In any case, the track continues with craziness for a while, my favorite riff is around 1:48, super cool! Around 2:20 we switch to a bass solo, crazy playing here, legit some of the most impressive playing I’ve heard in DoD. There’s a crazy unison after the bass solo and then the track ends after some repeats. Overall, fun track! Wild arrangement for sure.

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

This is uh, a very odd track haha. Begins with some SFX and a bass riff that repeats for a while before it’s accompanied by some guitar. There’s a key change a bit later and we enter some cool riffs that are constantly changing key. Close to the 2 minute mark the track enters into a weird voice over thing over the riffs. On first listen I didn’t get the ending but after I was able to read the lyrics everything made sense. The vocal part around 3 minutes in is dope. Overall, a fun track! Kind of meta and weird so I’m bit confused about how to vote for it haha.

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

A cover of probably the best track on Dream Team! Begins with some piano before we get a cool bass groove. As a nitpick, some of the samples are a bit undefined and hard to properly identify the notes they’re playing. Guitar and percussion enter around a minute in, nice vibe! Drum mix could be a bit punchier, volume is unbalanced between the kit (toms and hats are much louder than kick/snare). Overall, cool track! Lots of vibes.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

SLASH MAN!!! I love this source and this genre is a great pick for it. Percussion is outstanding and the acoustic playing is also excellent. Can’t say much here, a job well done!

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Epic cinematic feels right from the get go. I’ll laugh if somehow this music doesn’t play in a proper jungle/forest when the game releases. Production is off the charts, a ton of small details that are great to hear. There’s an awesome vocal performance as well, probably the “live” instrument of the track. I like that there’s the usual whistly synths associated with Metroid Prime in the arrangement. The first minute and a half or so feels kind of like build-up until we reach some “riffs”. There’s usually a ton going on “sonically” but the mixing makes everything easy to hear. That said, I do feel the arrangement doesn’t have any like “point of focus”, I feel like we’re moving through different melodies and textures but nothing really sticks on my mind. Overall, really impressive track, production is off the charts and the vocal performance is excellent. Easy medal contender.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

People on DoD are experts at finding the weirdest ass games possible. Anyway, begins with some solid beats on synth bass + chuggy guitars and drums. Synth bass patch is simple but I love it. There’s some guitar/synth melodies and then a guitar solo. Overall, this is a simple tune but it’s effective, groovy and fun!

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

In a month full of atmospheric tracks this may somehow be the most atmospheric one? Begins with some plucky arpeggios which are joined by a string melody. Arpeggios continue for a while before the string returns and is joined by vocals. There’s some really cool effects on them to make them sound ethereal, lovely. I really like the chord progression here. Around 1:50 percussion and an acoustic guitar enter and we continue on an atmospheric mood. I haven’t played NieR but I could totally see this track working as a perfect actual VGM song, I can imagine myself going through Xenoblade areas while this plays. Overall, excellent track! Very moody and atmospheric.

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

Title typo is killing me. This one is kind of a cute combo of instruments. I don’t recall the original perfectly but given the title I’m assuming this is like a major version of Viridian Forest? Fun idea! Production is kind of understated though, everything sounds quiet and nothing really stands out. Performances are great though. Overall, well done!

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

Rayman! It’s rare to see covers of this franchise. Begins with an organ and a guitar. Organ is hot on the mix, kind of taking over most of the space on the mix. Some fun quick notes on it. Leads keep changing between a lot of different samples, interesting. I can’t really describe this track with a word different from “fun” really, the backing beat is simple but works well for the synths on top… until the big change around halfway to more of a guitar focus. I can’t really feel much relation between the 2 halves but both are good. Overall, really fun track. I wish there was more cohesiveness between the 2 halves though.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

Another atmospheric track, begins with a ton of SFX until a (loud) bass kicks in around 0:30. Some bright synths join with some cool melodies. Lovely vibes here, although I wish the bass a bit easier on the ears. Amen break! This continues on the atmospheric vibes until a melody hits for a bit around 2:20. Overall, interesting track. It sounds great but it may be too atmospheric for a “competition” setting? It’d work perfectly as a backing song on a video game.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Begins with cute chips and some vocals. Then a letter to Santa? Volume is super quiet. Vocals are the highlight here, some Disney-ish singing in here with a lot of vibratto and chops. I didn’t find the instrumental backing nearly as interesting, it’s mostly chiptune with simple beats. Nice job on the vocals but the instrumental didn’t grab me sadly.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

Volume contrast goddamn… This track is very loud. Main instrument is an accordion? Everything’s so loud I’m having a hard time separating the sounds properly. I can hear strings, guitar, bass and the “accordion”. Performances seem good, very quick pace. This seems like a fun cover overall but the production hampers it a ton. I hope we get a softer version sometime.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

This track is Sonic as fuck, those guitars and electronic-ish drums are the essence of “modern” Sonic sound to me. Production is mostly great here, drums are punchy as hell and you can easily hear almost everything even when there’s a lot going on. I’m not super sold on some of the samples but they do their work. Love the percussion break around 1:20. There seems to be a piano solo around 1:40, but it gets kinda lost on the mix, I wish it cut through the mix better. Interesting idea to have a piano solo on this ensemble though. Arrangement gets a bit repetitive, mainly because the main riff is a short loop that repeats a lot. Overall, a really fun upbeat track. Nicely done!

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

Another vocal track. Background instruments seem to be not particularly high quality samples, but the main focus are clearly the vocals here. I like the passion behind the performance. However, and I don’t want to sound mean about this, the tuning is off at many times. There’s also some pretty big variations in volume that could be ironed out with a compressor. I think you’ve got chops, just gotta work on some of the notes. Good job.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

This track is impressive as hell, taking the like 20 seconds of the original and transforming them into a 5 minute epic electronic track with a ton of moods and changes! Love the spooky moods in the first minute, the percussion in the second one, the sick slightly detuned synths around 2:00 but mostly the insane drop around 3 minutes in. No nitpicks from me here, easily one of the best tracks of the month. Awesome job!

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

Powell! Such a dope source. Tons of synths here, someone going after my heart. This one is like 80% of the way to absolute banger status, the arrangement is fun and there’s a lot of fun sounds and performances. However, I think the volumes are a bit unbalanced, with a lot of the leads being much louder than the backing. There’s also a case of too much reverb in some samples, creating a ton of mood. My final mixing note is that the drums are way too tame, they are low in volume but, mostly, they’re just too safe. Tuck has often told me to make drums dirtier and this track really needs it, stick some stanky saturation in those drums, maybe even a clipper and then compress everything a shitton. I hope the comments above don’t make you think I didn’t like this, because I actually think it’s pretty good!

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

Similarly to a track above, begins with synth bass and percussion before a guitar lead kicks in. The lead sound is a little understated, it needs more confidence! I like the playing though. Track in general is a tad quiet as well, push it on the mastering! There’s some fun guitar/synth solos here and even a vocoder. Overall, an enjoyable track. Good job!

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

Intro guitars reminded me of Ghost House from SMW. This track is pretty unique, the plucky and heavily rhytmic sound is awesome. There’s some inverted reverb effects as well? Really cool effects on the production. Playing is also nutty, super tight. I think the only thing this one (maybe) lacks is more of a hook, but it’s really fun to listen to, may be one of my favorites even. Great job!

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

We close the month with metal! Nice. I’m not that sold on the mixing during the first minute or so, there’s a lot going on and I have a bit of a hard time trying to keep up with all the different parts. Love the bass riff though, great tone. Break around a minute in is appreciated and it switches nicely to a guitar/flute duet. There’s a ton of variation and a lot of different instruments featured, really cool. I love the section around 1:40 that focuses only on flute, percussion and a mallet. Surprise vocals around 2 minutes in! I’m not sure if this is actually possible but the mix has improved as the track progresses. Even more vocals around 3 minutes, awesome! This one does a great job building up and delivering on an epic climax. I wasn’t really convinced on the first minute but it eventually become pretty cool. Overall, awesome job! I think the mix could use some cleaning up in general for extra clarity, but the arrangement is super cool. Potentially a medal contender.

.minusworld

37 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Oh NICE start. This soundscape is immaculate. Claps, birds, bottles? Nitpick, I feel the strummed instrument at 0:36 is a tad harsh on the right side? Anyway. Bass and acoustic sound great together. These pulsing drums give a great feel, but they do feel just a tad robotic. Oh, and now the drumkit is joining! Sounds great. Changeup at 3:10ish, great buildup. OH and now we’re doing post rock? I should’ve known this was a post rock tune! Ah yeah I love the rhythm guitar tone. It sits EXACTLY where it needs to. WAIT A SECOND did you modulate between 6 and 4? 😮 I just noticed. What an incredible start!

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

Solo piano piece, nice. Mix sounds nice. This may be my unfamiliarity with solo piano but I feel like I lose the rhythm in the left hand sometimes. It’s much more “stable” at 2:17 on through the end. Overall I dig it. Nice dynamics, beautiful piece.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

I like that guitar sound. The bass is kinda boomy. Whoa nice run at 1:37. I can’t say I like the part that comes after though. It’s extremely dissonant, almost like some instruments are out of tune with others. The piano around 2:20 is nice. Guitar panning at 3:50ish is interesting – I think I’d prefer it to stay in one place. Interesting ending, it sounds like high pitched kazoos. I think the two biggest things holding this one back are that the mix gets extremely cluttered when lots of instruments are playing and the part around 1:40 is really quite jarring. Very interesting ideas in here though!

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Ooo nice. Is that a melodica? Whatever it is it sounds great! Oh sick acoustic playing. The guitar and melodica? are EQ’d very differently though, and the acoustic guitar feels very “hot” when you’re really digging into the strings. That said, this is a sick arrangement and the mix notes are not keeping me from enjoying this!

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

Nice, synths and flute(?)! Actually I guess it might be some kind of whistle as I listen more. The mix balance is great. Alright so… the guitars sound programmed. Tight, but programmed. Overall, the piece does feel a bit robotic to me due to the programming. Cool tune though – really nice choice of instruments! The whistles are the highlight for sure.

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Oh hey Mick. What’s up? This is actually one of the better DOOM-ish tracks I’ve heard in a while imo, which immediately gets merits from me. You’ll have to tell me how you mixed this!

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Okay, I’m buckling up for wherever this one is going. Ah, hahaha! For that intro I was not expecting spooky dark evil carnival, but I’m here for it! Mix nitpick: bass instruments (piano, tuba?) could come up a tad. I can’t quite tell what’s programmed and what isn’t, which actually is a good thing. I wish it were longer!

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Slooowing down, nice. Nice jazz club vibes. I can’t tell but it sounds like maybe there was an edit at 0:40? Or maybe just a live recording artifact. Anyway, this is a great arrangement. Stellar playing all around. Oh man the piano improv at 2:30ish is just stellar. Calling back to the theme but then taking us on a journey. Ahhh the interplay happening around 3:20 is just perfect. Great job. Oh yeah and great drumming too.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Words! I dig the background. The vocals are feel farther forward compared to everything else. Maybe that’s the style though. The lead synth is hot – it almost sounds like it’s clipping. I’m enjoying the take. Synth flourishes are really fun to listen to.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Ooo, sounding good at the start. Acoustic sounding nice. Strings nice and swell-y. Fun synth sounds at 0:55. Drumkit bringing the groove! However, it feels a little far forward for this mix in my opinion. The kick and snare are like RIGHT in front of me. EG at 2:50ish is also a little bright. So, I’m very picky about lead guitar tones. The one around 3:10 sounds nice but is much darker than the rhythm. I think it needs to stick out a bit more. The tone at 3:23 imo has too much high-mids. Nice run though! That aside! The acoustic playing is just stellar, and the push and pull dynamics of the first 3 minutes are superb. Really nice track.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Huh, I am very curious to see where this one goes with the train theme. Ooo violin. OH that bass sounds SICK. Synth bass? Ah who cares. (Unless you’re the bass player, in which case awesome job!) Okay, and now a sick drum machine groove? Sure! It sounds AWESOME with the bass. Instrumentation and sound design — OH DIP 2:35 EXCUSE ME YOU HAVE INTERRUPTED MY TYPING. Geez this violin playing is super tasty. OK listen. I was too busy listening to make any more comments. EXCELLENT.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Very pretty! Cool instrumentation, flute and oboe(?). And the acoustic. I don’t have much to say about this one. Very solid all around. No mix notes, playing is great.

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Ahh, this is one of my favorite VGM sources, and anon, you are one of the perfect people to cover it. Very soothing. I should legitimately meditate to this lol. String swells are excellent.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Again! Again! No complaints from me. I like the clean guitars, they sound really great. Oh nice, live flute. And some “ooo’s”! Love the harmony on the lead guitar at 1:30ish. OH nice, vocals taking the melody now! So my main critique here is that the levels of the instruments are unbalanced. The flute is very forward, as are the lead vocals. That’s the right choice to make, but the individual tracks need compression to even everything out. I think compression on all the individual tracks would help this mix a ton. The choir at the end also has to be tuned to get the intervals sounding as nice as possible. Melodyne is a great and cheap-ish tool for this, and I’m sure there are free options as well. Overall, cool arrangement that will be really highlighted by balancing.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

Well I didn’t know what to expect from this title, but it definitely wasn’t island marimbas(?) and a Western vibe.! Very very cool. Trumpets sound excellent. Actually everything does really. Drums, acoustic, shaker, bass is very fitting for the track and thumps appropriately. I hear some pops on occasion, I think on the drum track? which is my only nitpick.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

Oh INTERESTING. Loving this bassline. Synths sound excellent. Man I love the acoustic strumming hiding in the background of this. I kinda feel the piano is a bit tame for the rest of this arrangement. Not sure if it’s compressed too much but I feel like it just outlines the chords when letting it have a rhythmic role I think would really elevate this. Other than that, great arrangement, great leads and great trading.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

This is, I don’t know what to call it, a goofy soundscape? But I kinda love it. Oh hey guiro, I hear you. Actually all the percussion is top notch. When the rhythm section drops out briefly: super nice. Synth choices are great: pads, leads, love it. But yeah the star is definitely the percussion. Excellent stuff.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Oh okay, bass riff in 7/16, I’m here for that. DUDE the groove at 0:28 is IMMACULATE this is fantastic. I feel the guitars, particularly the center one is little hot. The interplay of the instruments over the bass groove in this is a real treat. I have to check out the source for this. Oh a bass solo? Whoa this section is sick. Highlight in this song is definitely the bass and drums. Such a neat odd meter groove. Tone back the highs on the guitar and that will really make this track shine.

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

Nice long fade in. Are those live drums? They sound good but it sounds like the kit is straight mono? I’d like some separation. The voice over is a little muddy. And the singing is lacking some mids which makes it hard to comprehend the words. Abrupt ending. Neat idea.

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Very chill. I like when the groove comes in around 1 minute. Wow is everything live? That’s cool. But it also feels like the timing is off in some parts. The mix is also dark, I would like to hear more highs on the drums and guitars in particular. Cool track.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

WoooooOOOOOHHH! Yeah! Nice percussion! Ahaha, just reading the title now! This is good! Whoever is on that hand drum is going absolutely insane, I love it. WHISTLE!!! HEYs!! CLAPS! This is so much fun. I feel the overall mix could use a little brightness to it, maybe not a shelf but a bump somewhere in the 1k-6k range, but other than that everything is audible. I love the guitar slides at 1:53.

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Is this a movie trailer? Actually lol it kinda makes sense if all we have of this is a trailer. Hey what cinema drums are those? Production is phenomenal. The way various instruments weave in and out is a treat. I wonder, what’s live on this? Vocals and some strings I would guess. Maybe the piano too. Anyway great track.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

Ah yeah great synth start. Guitars sound great mixed in underneath. Good lead tone. Nice kick sound. Snare sounding nice and punchy too, but there is something I can’t quite identify on it that I don’t quite like… Almost like there’s too much “air” on it. Anyway that’s a nitpick – if I weren’t reviewing I’d probably never notice… lol. Love the 80’s feel. Nice job.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

Nice choir, love how it sounds. Drumkit sounding nice and percussive. Acoustic sounds beautiful where it’s sitting in the mix. Nice job. Ah yeah, love those sticks on the rim. The lead electric guitars around 2:50 sound nice but are reaaaally far back in the mix. Bring them forward! And maybe mix them darker to fit the rest of the tune since they will inevitably sound harsher when they come forward. Otherwise, great mix.

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

NICE. A major key version of this is unexpectedly pleasant! Nice sax playing! I do kind of wish there were slightly more panning separation between the lead acoustic guitar and sax when together, but that’s a super small nitpick. Very cool! Great idea.

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

OK this is sounding kinda 70’s prog right off the bat. Lots of cool things happening and trading off. Nice vocals too. The mix is a little muddy, but the all the pieces are still audible – this usually happens to me if I try to take a “shortcut” and skip gain staging at the beginning of a mix… Huh, random speedup at 1:23. I wish it felt more justified rather than “ok now it’s faster!” This section is nice though! The little vocals stabs are fun. That guiro is quite bright compared to everything else. Those country licks are fun! The chugs right after, though, feel out of place to me. I think a different tone or EQ’ing to match the leads might help here. This arrangement goes places! Overall really fun.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

Iiiinteresting, I should’ve guessed this would be a jungle track! This sounds like something off a PS1 game, haha, I’m here for it! One comment: It may be intentional, but imo the mix is muddy. I would like to hear some of the mids and low mids cleaned up to really make this vibe.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

I hear vocals. leans forward Oh huh, a voice over, interesting. The bass is quite boomy. Honestly, I find the instrumentation a bit simplistic, the lead synth in particular. I feel like I want it to be more expressive. The vocal performance is definitely the highlight here!

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

Alright I have to start by saying this is uncomfortably loud, and not just because of where it fell in the order. I listened to my own track as a palate cleanser and at the same listening volume, this track is loud by comparison. This can amplify spiky higher frequencies which can be uncomfortable. If you are careful, you can do a master this loud, but you have to make sure it doesn’t sound harsh. OK. Now that I’m listening at a comfortable volume… Love this instrumentation! Accordion?, violin, bass, mandolin?. And now flute? Heck yeah. The playing feels a tad loose in some places, was this recorded entirely live? Impressive if so, though I personally would like some of the looser passages’ timing cleaned up. For example, the bass at 0:48, the violin ascent at 1:00. At 2 minutes in, I’m feeling like this arrangement needs a changeup. Ah, there it is, fiddle solo! Perfect. I think I’d still like some variation in the backing instruments though. Very cool track overall!

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

Flute and electric guitar, okay I’m interested. Nice organ. 😉 The percussion bits happening in the L and R sides are a treat. I do think the drumkit/machine is kind of… tame? Actually I think it’s mainly the kick that feels like it’s missing some character, it’s all thuds and the tail is very long. The bass is also missing some definition. It’s a little boomy and could use a boost in the highs to help it stand out. The piano solo at 2:00ish is super cool, but turn it up! It’s quieter than the lead guitar/organ which comes in right after. Aaaanyway, the rhythm guitar is sick. Piano solo is top notch. Aux percussion is excellent. Overall I do like this, and with some attention to the low end instruments (kick and bass) it will really shine.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

Oh hello vocalist! OK I have some things to say but I am going to finish listening to the whole track first. Very nice chamber-style arrangement. I have two comments: the first is that this track is a vocal feature. As such, the vocals have to be locked in, and they are pitchy in some spots. I have no qualms with using the technology we have to make the music we want to make, so a pitch correction tool like Melodyne would help a lot here. Compression on the vocals will also help even out the little volume differences. The second comment is that the backing arrangement is very nice, but also sounds programmed. If it is, some variation in the velocities or whatever signal alters the expression would help a lot. The harp parts sound pretty dope though. I hope you’ll come back with more!

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

Dreamy intro. Whoa what is that sound at 0:18? Oh are we going lofi? Wow, 1:00 is spooky. Love the beat changeup at 1:20ish. This is SO interesting. At halfway through I wonder where we’re going? And the answer is at 3:00, heck yeah, that drop was SICK. Alright so, I loved every second of this for the dynamics and soundscape. However… even though I loved every second, I also think that at a length of 5:30, I wish for some harmonic and melodic variation since each section is a texture change. Paradox? Maybe… I am a rock/prog guy, though, so… I acknowledge my bias here. :p That said, this is definitely a standout track for me!

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

Vocal sample in the intro is super bright compared to the mix and is jarring. Kick and snare punch appropriately! OK overall I think the mix is lacking some balance. EQ is needed to give instruments separation, and making sure instruments have the right volume relative to each other is also key. For example, The arpeggios on the pitched jungle percussion around 0:42 for instance is louder than everything else going on, even if it’s not brighter. I would lower the volume and use an EQ to raise the spots it needs. The lead synth at 0:55 is nice though, right where I want it to be in the mix. There’s an instrument in the background I’m noticing around 2:00 (xylophone?) that has way too much reverb on it. It just washes in the background taking up mix space. I hope to hear this one again in the future with some touchups! I dig the instrument and synth choices.

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

Back to the 80’s! Synthwavy chords right off the bat. And a nice synthwavy 8th note bass. Drumkit feels a little underpowered. Hello lead guitar! I say this a lot: I am picky about guitar tones and I think this one is too heavy in the low mids. Scoop out somewhere in 150-600 range. Actually the whole mix is quite heavy in this range. The talk box and reverbs all need to be scooped here, and everything would, I think, benefit from being brightened up. Experiment with a high shelf, on the instruments, raising just a few db at a time to make sure it doesn’t get too harsh. Whoa the synth solo at 1:40 is awesome. No shredding required! It fits the track really well.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

What. The. Hell. Help – I’m stuck with a stank face! This is AWESOME. Absolutely disgusting guitar playing. Love the bass for this as well. Nice short kick too that just makes this track, like, punch and duck in a super groovy manner. The way you play with the reverb too is just like… wow. I’ve got nothing to add anon. You have my highest vote for the month. Actually, I do have something on a second listen (because it’s that good) – I can hear the amp buzz at some spots. Not immersion breaking, and sometimes there’s just nothing to be done about it… but wanted to point it out. No points lost lol. This is super inspiring to me.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

That’s such a good idea to use Melodyne instead. Thanks for the tip!

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

This sounds like it’s gonna be a great closer. Did you do this on purpose anon? Oh dang SICK bass playing. And flute!? Awesome. I like the way the orchestra is sounding. I feel the rhythm guitars might be a tad mid-heavy. Oh shoot, is that a FUNKY FLUTE SOLO? Super cool. Oh and now we’re adding some “ahh” vocals too, of course, why not? The vocals sound lovely here. Bass sounds a tad mid-heavy at 2:39. Maybe you could bring out the bass attack more right there. Sometimes you have to automate in a whole new effect just for one part. DUDE. The vocals at 3:01 is an excellent payoff. And that flute melody is really great. THAT is a way to end a month. Thank you anons.

Naop

11 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Thank you for opening the month with an extremely fitting track anon! The atmosphere and sound design really make all the difference. Even the clapping, loved it! But the bass, guitar and performance in general are also great. Loved those soundscapes and buildup as well. What starts a cozy trip up a mountain, gets serious and emotional. I predict a medal!

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

No, anon did not forget to credit a source. It’s actually a cheeky case of near plagiarism on Capcom‘s behalf, since this Breath of Fire 3 source originally sounds like Chrono Trigger‘s “Secret of the Forest”. Anon takes advantage and quotes it directly right at the end. Some really beautiful piano playing, the arrangement is quite uplifting and full of hope.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

I might not be a fan of the raw sound in the guitar distortion in this particular entry, but I absolutely loved the bass in the first segment. However, I feel like the arrangement lets some very cool ideas go to waste by not giving them enough time to breath. Would have preferred less variety, in exchange for more solid and well executed segments. But this is entirely a personal preference. I did slide right, tho.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

I never thought I’d thoroughly enjoy a Crash entry, but here we are! Amazing guitar skills, and excellent taste. Sound effects give this extra points and keep it thematic. I look forward to more entries from this anon.

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

The volume in this one is a bit low, but it was an entry that really made an impression on the Mega Mixtape staff. Everything about the arrangement is amazing, but the mastering (final step, or whatever it is that gives it that extra oomph) could probably be improved. In any case, I wasn’t fully expecting doom metal this month, so good!

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Proper Kirkhope representation! I’m glad that anon was confident enough to submit this. This would be really fitting for a dark carnival, as other pointed out during the listening party. It doesn’t relate to the theme that well, but it was still enjoyable.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Even as an edge case for theme compliance, I’m so glad this was allowed! I don’t think we had enough jazz this month, so I thank anon for delivering this extremely tasteful rendition of Stickerbush. As I said during the listening party, it’s the sleaziest checkpoint on the internet! I would have pushed that slider all the way to the right if this had been submitted in a more fitting month.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

People mentioned references to Expedition 33 in the listening party, but they go right over my head. Still, I love to hear vocals in my Donkey Kong music (and this is not the first one I’ve heard in french). Great pronunciation as far as I can tell! This source is probably my favorite piece of VGM, so I have to confess I am biased. Still, this was an great entry in it’s own right!

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

For a variety of reasons, this month was all about Square Enix music for me. I had completely forgotten about this source, even when it had been so significant for me in the past, and I was quite pleased to see it covered. This one takes the place as my top pick this month, only marginally above the other Phantom Forest entry. The melancholy is palpable from the start, with the acoustic guitar (as it should). The samples used and overall style actually reminded me of Porcupine Tree, a prog band I love. I was fully entranced by the time we get electric guitar, but it was such a welcome addition! Although a bit short lived, I must say. That would be my only nitpick.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

This entry is absolutely bonkers! So much attention to detail with the sound design, and such amazing performers in violin, bass, and whatever other instruments I’m not able to identify. As I mentioned in the other Phantom Forest, this was my second favorite entry of the month. The source means a lot to me, and this group of anons really transformed it into something dynamic and action-packed, without losing the inherent melancholy. The arrangement cheated a bit by incorporating non-forest sources, but it’s all good. I really hope this gets to the top, since production-wise, it all sounds top quality to me. My only nitpick would be that the bell sound effect at the end sounds more like a boxing bell.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Lovely and cozy entry! I think my only complaint is that’s it’s short, but I really like the overall atmosphere and simplicity. All performers did great in this one.

slowlycrushed

36 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

So much panning in this. Creating a very foresty atmosphere with the flutes and birds. Song jumps between mellow and somewhat aggressive with big drum hits. Second half goes darker and more post rock with a big climax. Last part brings it back around to the panned acoustic guitars but with a different vibe.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

Very VERY nice and mellow tone from the piano. Sounds great. Playing is just dynamic enough to be emotive but not so much as to startle. I could fall asleep to this. Wonderful piece, I love it. You may be the person I call when I need piano for a piece.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Love the band feel on this one. Chorus guitars are fantastic. I like how much low end is coming from that snare. The chorused bass is very sexy. Mix gets a little chaotic when the first heavy guitars come in but it’s a vibe. Little piano break is nice. Prog second half is rad. Goes into like…psych rock near the end and I love it. Fade out suits this amazingly.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Straight forward concept that is very well executed. Instrument performances are on point here. Nothing much to say except fantastic job anon. very impressive

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

This one IS MY SHIT. I think the mix could use a bit of work, but this one is so good. Not familiar with the source but I may just have to check it out and outright steal your ideas lol. Nah but seriously this is one of my favorites in my 4 month DoD life. Choice of style + instrumentation has me HAD. I been had HAD by this one. Thanks anon. Make a longer version or I will.

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Powerful. Not really my style but definitely a well-executed idea that has me stankfaced. Mix is great I think. I love all the little auditory details I can hear but not describe. Another really good concept done fantastically. Great job.

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Got my house shaking with those low frequencies in the intro. This one takes you places. Unpleasant ones. I feel like a child in a super sketchy circus town, like in Pinocchio when his friend starts turning into a donkey. What a fun and fantastical piece. Really well mixed, really well arranged. Everything in this one sounds good. It’s getting old but this is ANOTHER very well executed concept. big big stuff here. Good job.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

The way the sax and the piano dance around each other is exquisite. It’s like they’re finishing each other’s sentences. So romantic. Brushy drums are super tasty. No notes.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Cool track. Never been big on rap, but maybe because I don’t know what you’re saying here, I’m enjoying it a bit more haha. Nicely produced backing track. Only minor nitpick with this one is its a bit samey the whole way through. But it’s very very minor haha.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Very crisp acoustic guitar. I was having normal enjoyment of this one until about 57 seconds in where that little woot weet woot synth comes in and pans around. Then I started loving it. Great vibe setting in this one. One note: As an avid enjoyer of the heavy stuff, I think this one could have gone either heavier or less heavy when the distorted guitars come in. I feel like it was left a bit middling in that section. Other than that, wonderful adaptation of the source.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

daaaang this one feels good. love the violins harmonizing. You gave the acoustic guitar a really good character that compliments this genre. Every note in this one feels very intentional. Great mix, great job.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Taking me to a very pleasant place here. Love the pizzicato. Beautiful instrumentation choices. Wish it was a little longer. It’s a very relaxing piece with a very easy to listen to production. Thank you!

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Very dreamlike vibe here. Piano sounds like it’s underwater or under a blanket or something but not in a bad way. It’s nice. String and pads swelling together are delightful. I like the fake out ending. Gives the piece added closure.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Wow very nice track. This one has a ton of potential to be spectacular but the flute and the singer aren’t sitting in the mix as well as I’d like, which is a bummer because they’re the main attraction. That lead guitar near the end could come up a little too. The arrangement and performances are great though. Love the harmonizing flutes. The bass has a great tone to it. Overall great piece, just needs a little bit of mix polish.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

This is real good. Like real real good. Wouldn’t be out of place in a big production tv or film. Only thing is maybe the stick that shows up about 25 seconds in could be a hair quieter. Other than that perfect production. Very very enjoyable to listen to. Put this in a tarantino movie asap.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

This one is so well done it sounds like it was ripped right out of a modern video game OST. I hear everything very clearly in this mix. There is a point at about 2:05 where the synth that goes into a little solo kinda hurts my ears a little. Other than that, it’s humbling to know people can work this fast and pump out such solid pieces. Great job anon.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

This one sounds wet and watery. Splashy and whatnot. Very bompulous sound. Can’t not like it. I love it. A bunch of weird sounding instruments to me, yet another very clear and balanced production. Solid concept and even solider execution. Fantastic.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Really nice overdriven bass just pushing the song along. Love the chaotic energy behind this one. Not sure if the source is a battle theme but definitely gives me zelda boss battle vibes. Love the change up half way through. KILLER bass playing. Love the usage of the ride bell too from the drums. This is fucking killer. I think the guitar parts could have been hard panned for a bit of added chaos. but this is all super sick. Really enjoyed this one. Actually please do a mix with hard panned guitars, I wanna hear it. Great job!

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

really fun track here haha. Love the production nightmare theme. That cutoff is hilarious.

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Drums feel a bit farther than they should for my taste. I like the atmosphere. I like the bass tone. Lead guitar tone is smooth and the vocal aaaaaahs really help set a tone.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

Great use of acoustic instruments and HEYs. Very nice smooth production. A bit too clean and smooth for my taste given the style of music. I think having the production be a little rougher around the edges might help the vibe on this one.

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

What can I say about this one? Fantastic use of what I assume is a very good instrument library. I can’t make things like this sound so organic. The arrangement itself is very impressive. Only nitpick would be that it feels a bit like orchestral adhd, where no idea or theme is given time to develop before it moves on to the next thing. Like there was a pile of random 10-second snippets of music and someone VERY talented stitched them together. But all in all it works. And it sounds good.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

This one has that 80s-90s cool shit vibe. Good tones. Good guitar playing. One specific piece of advice I can offer is be aware that you’re rushing. I rush when I play guitar. I’m always a little ahead of the beat. Sometimes it works for the style but others it doesn’t. I think the palm muted guitars here are like the tiniest bit ahead of the mark and it makes the beat feel a little weaker. I’ll often nudge my ENTIRE guitar recordings in a session a smidge to the right and it makes a world of difference. Other than that, I really enjoyed this.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

This one is my other top track. God those vocals are to die for. I love this one so much. Its dead simple, loads of space in the mix and arrangement. What is this harmonized vocal style called? Something bulgarian? It’s very similar to what is used in Ghost in the Shell. Either way this is probably my gold of the month. yes. CRUSHED GOLD FOR YOU

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

Very cute thing we’ve got with this one. Feels like I’m walking down the street in a really good fucking mood saying hi to all my neighbors. Sound wise, the production is pretty good but performance wise it could be tighter. Each individual element does well, but at times, the different instruments just don’t feel super locked in with each other.

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

yessss this is fun. Got a cool psych rock thing going that I’m definitely into. Super creative. I will admit I enjoyed the slower first half (yea yea I know stfu) more than the sped up latter portion, but it was still super fun. I think the driven guitar could sit a little better in the mix, but that only really stands out at the end once it starts strumming. Love the ooohs and aaaahs in there.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

This one has a nice vibe to it. Kind of a lo fi sound which I’m digging. Good layers, good sounds. Not a whole lot happens in the arrangement here though. Just kinda sets a vibe and keeps it that way all the way through. It’s a solid execution I think. Lo fi and chill music to study to kinda thing. I dig it.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Fun concept, solid vocal performance. Could use maybe some more layers of instrumentation? Or maybe just a mix that fills out the space better? Singer is very good but the mix kind of leaves them out to dry. Either way, what a nice voice.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

Another super fun one. This is another one that has HUGE potential but comes up a bit short in a few ways. The overall mix is very aggressive which I wouldn’t say fits this style of music. Kind of the opposite issue of the megaman 7 track. I think this one needs a bit of taming. Another thing is it doesn’t feel like the performances are super tight with one another. Individually great but, not super locked in to the “band”. I love all the things that are happening at once but maybe when one instrument steps up to shine, the others need to reduce intensity. Bass is solid and bonks the rhythm along fantastically. Good job overall anon, I hope we get a polished version of this one, as it’s really good.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

Love the unrelenting pace of this one. Very on brand for a Sonic cover. Great layering of guitar and organ. That piano in the middle is absolutely buried, I can barely hear it. Bass is a bit scooped for my taste. I’d add a little bit of mids or overdrive to give it some personality. One super minor nitpick is I think that flute does that thing a few too many times in the same way given how much it stands out in the mix. Could have buried it a little and brought it up at key points OR changed up the melody? or maybe played with the panning? idk. just a though. super fun track to listen to though. it’s got the right amount of aggression but is also easy to listen to. Really fun guitar playing.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

Don’t know much about singing so reviewing this one is a bit tough. Voice is pitchy in places, so definitely would benefit from some light pitch correction. Not sure if vocally you’re going for a mild 80s post punk thing but that’s where my head goes when I hear your voice. If that IS where you’re going with your voice, then I think the music needs to be a little busier to help lift that kind of vibrato-less style. Also don’t be afraid to record sentence by sentence. There were parts where you seemed to rush from one word to another. I like what you’re doing stylistically, just need to polish it a bit more.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

looove the creepy forest vibe you’ve set throughout. It sounds very good the entire time. It’s dynamic. It has so many things to listen to in the soundscape. Fantastic ambience. It’s a TAD long considering it’s just the lost in the forest theme the entire time. But this isn’t a genre I listen to, to that’s probably just personal.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

I really like this one, but the mix is detracting from the enjoyment a little. Loads of the instruments need frequencies rolled off or notched out so they can work with the others and they can all fit in the mix. It’s sonically very busy but I don’t hear that many elements at once. The arrangement and instrumentation is on point I think, so with a better mix, this one would improve SO much. Great job anon, good performances and arrangement. I really like it.

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

viiibes on this are on point. love the slide guitar. drums hit just right i think. vocoder does sound a bit harsh though, and the non-slide guitar sits on top of the mix a little. Love the thing as a whole though. I vibe with this style and it’s well done.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

yooo wtf is going on here. YYYYESSSS. UGH. The guitars are offensively clean. In a good way. They’re like “yo fuck your overdrive. fuck your reverb. cowards”. God I like this. Feels like this guitarist pulled out their junk and put it on my coffee table without breaking eye contact. nasty nasty nasty good. Panning is on point too. Outstanding use of reverse delay or reverb. Panning that snare too. wtf anon. let’s go. joining my top two to form a solid top three.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

Whole lot of everything in this one. Mix is a bit busy but not offensively so. Honestly never been a fan of this style of music. It’s a bit much for me. But this is very well done. Flutes sound great. Vocals that come in sound rad. Very very good execution anon

TheManPF

48 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Panning effects in this one go crazy, I also really respect the buildup of effects and instruments, there’s a lot of things slowly being added that create a cool sense of progress, the way everything is aggressively panned also makes it feel very dynamic and atmospheric. I’m not huge on the drum hits in the first quarter or so, they feel super loud and strong for what sounds like it should be a slow buildup? Maybe I’ll warm up to it. Production is mostly clean. Slide guitar halfway through is a great touch for stuff like this. Sudden time signature shift. See, the drum hits fit so much better at this point because it transitions into a loud part. Great loud indie sound in the climax. I wish the loud part lasted a little bit longer but that’s a nitpick. Strong start.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

That piano sound is so soft and so tender and so subtle it almost sounds like a harp, that’s really cool. The playing is very sophisticated, like I can tell the hands are moving in a very delicate way through the keys, it helps that there’s not a strict tempo to it and the hands play this at a very loose and free timing, letting the vibes and feel of the song carry the beat. Very strong performance and, quite honestly, a flex.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

I like the chorusy tone on those clean guitars. I like the layering in this too with the clean guitars and acoustic guitars. Arrangement is super cool for this source, I like how everything combines in the background for the vibes and to support the lead in the front, although the lead gets kinda buried in the mix at times when there’s a lot happening, which is tough to balance I’m sure. I get the idea at 1:40 but it’s a little bit too chaotic in the mix, to the point I have no idea of what I’m hearing, maybe it’s the point? I’m not sure what it’s supposed to convey if it is. Chorused bass fucks. Arrangement wise, I like the part at 2:50 but the mix feels super odd, it feels oddly quiet and unbalanced, like it’s trying to go for a punk rock sound but it’s super shy, I think it needs to be louder than what came before to really hit. Lots of interesting ideas floating around here but I especially liked the first half, it’s the part that felt the most consistent to me, after the halfway point it felt less like a coherent arrangement and more like a display of different ideas without much glue between them.

Soul of the Forest

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

I need Joe to hear this and tell me if it doesn’t sound super similar to It’s About Time or if that I’m just a crazy person.

Interview with a Dweller: The most fun at VGM Con (ESP)

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Esa voz sí la reconozco. ESPANIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL

Interview with a Dweller: The most fun at VGM Con (ENG)

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

I wonder who this person is?????????? Voice doesn’t sound familiar at all. Sounds like a very important person though, maybe even legendary. I’ll always be omega jealous of anyone who can make it into one of these dreamlike vgm community events let alone play on a stage let alone with legendary people.

オタマトーン様が樹海の神秘と言ったら、シャワーになるつもりだ

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Cleanest otamatone playing in the west.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Very cool arrangement of this source, I’d never know how to arrange this, this does it pretty spectacularly for the style it’s going for. Mix is rough, but I guess it’s the point to go for a kinda lofi vibe, hell it even has that quality that makes it sound like it’s coming out of an old CRT TV. Playing is fun and complex both in the melodica and acoustic guitar, if maybe a little too loose on that melodica (I’m personally not a fan of the frequent minor seconds). This gets points for creativity.

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

Cool synthy bouncy vibe right off the bat. It sounds like a woodwind over the synth? That’s an interesting combination. Cello sounds awesome. I’m wondering how much in this part is live and how much is VSTs. Production on that punk rock part is ON POINT. Very crispy mix. The woodwind could go up a bunch. Small gripe with this one, I think the first half teases me a little too much with the (very rhythmic) synth bass, but it takes a good while to arrive to the meat of the song. I quite enjoy the punk rock vibe of the second half, but then it’s over really quickly. I think you could do a lot more with this arrangement.

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Darksynth atmosphere is fucking incredible here, absolutely stellar production, oh man the addition of the distorted guitars is so good, very industrial sound. Every single sound choice in this is made with such precision. I love the sound of those low chugs, what I appreciate is that I can tell you know what you’re doing or, at least, you did your research, the chugs have that cutoff feeling that a lot of this djent songs have where the the guitars are so perfectly cut between gallops it gives a rhythmic pulse, that’s attention to detail. Drums could MAYBE be louder and pump harder, I’m sure it’s possible, but what’s here is not bad by any stretch of the imagination. Absolutely fantastic job.

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

I like the horror atmosphere. Cheesy horror that is. Arrangement is pretty stellar. Playing/sequencing feels a little too robotic at points, which is my main gripe with this, I believe this would go REALLY hard with some more loosey live performances and/or some better VSTs. It’s going for a cartoony vibe which makes sense, but some of these sounds feel a little too like soundfonts. The direction the arrangement takes is super well done, though I think you could definitely squeeze more JUICE out of it.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Very creative jazz arrangement for that background rhythm section, I love that I can tell it’s Stickerbush but it also really feels like its own thing, I think what really does it is the change in time signature, so good call on that. Once you have that rhythmic section locked in everything else comes naturally, have that playing and get a bunch of really talented guys do their thing with their instruments over it and you got yourself a banger. If I had to describe this arrangement with one word, it’ll be “erudite”.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Background vibe sounds LOUD, I’m not complaining though, the synth pad + chips is a great vibe that I love. Rapping is a good touch, conceptually, but I can barely hear it? It’s super super buried under the SUPER AWESOME instrumental, but I wanna hear that voice anon!! Really screaming for some tighter compression on that vocal mix. The little I can hear of the vocals also sound a little underconfident, like you’re not putting your chest out with that performance. The concept and the instrumental of this one are absolutely stellar, and I think the rapping could really elevate this for me, but I think it needs that little extra jump to really get there.

Forest Interlude

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

I really dig this take, though it makes me feel less like I’m in a forest and more like I’m sailing on a ship.

Donkey’s cozy weed sleep

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

This is a fun and energetic jingle, wish you had at least looped it twice over though.

As I Feel, You Feel

Game(s): Final Fantasy 5

Ooo what instrument is that? Sounds sort of like a dulcimer but I’m not instrument conoisseur, please tell me what it is it sounds exotic.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Atomspheric intro, almost movie-like. Acoustic guitar sounds really crisp and the buildup is really well done, it almost sounds mysterious and mystical. Lots of little details happening. Drums are great. Arrangement is pretty sophisticated, it feels almost like a stream of consciousness, with a bunch of different elements coming and going and creating a cool vibe, main gripe with this is the mix, it’s not bad by any means and it doesn’t detract the enjoyment that much, but at points there’s a few too many things going on at once and there’s an overabundance of mud, as well as some instruments maybe sounding a bit too loud to the point they distort (or clip?). Some more mix cleanup could take this to the heavens.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Trains are forests now I guess. Atmospheric intro in a great way, the panned acoustic guitar caught me off guard but I like it, gives it a sense of ambience and surround. Strings are awesome!! Strings are always a surefire way of creating cool contemplative atmospheres, and they’re used well here. Bass playing is sick. Amenbreaky drums caught me off guard, in a way they seem like they don’t fit the slow ambience of the beginning, but once they settle in I actually quite enjoy them, it really makes me feel like I’m playing a fast action game in a forest, gives the arrangement a whole lot of dynamism that keeps me on my toes. Really love how this arrangement slowly develops and goes to different places. Mix is mostly good, but more work could be done to make everything glue together better especially when there’s a lot of things happening, the cymbals and the drums in general in particular feel a little too bright and distracting at parts. Same with the balance between acoustic guitar and strings, when they happen at the same time (along with everything else), I can tell they’re there, but I can’t really follow what they’re doing anymore cuz the mix is so busy. Lotta nitpicks in here, and this is just fine as is, but I’d still encourage to polish it further to really get this to epic levels. Suddenly harp at the last 20 seconds! Anon what the fuck!!

Dwelling On It: Pitch a Tent

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Tents are officially foresty now. Love the sequel. Also love the HUGE HUGE loophole that just opened on the ground.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Crisp acoustic recording. Love the pizzas, they’re always a great touch especially in a soft song like this. The woodwind ensemble is fantastic and subdued in a good way, the panning is maybe a liiittle too severe but it works. Arrangement is a little samey but I chalk it up to source choice.

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

This is calming alright. Very loose playing in a good way. Lotta cumshots. Very atmospheric and slow. I don’t have much to say, the playing is tight and the string arrangements support the piece well. Arrangement feels a bit static but I guess it does what it’s going for.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

That clean guitar tone is superb. Once the rest of the instruments come in, the mix feels very unbalanced, the rhythm guitars are kinda quiet and maybe even too dirty for the style. The woodwinds, while well performed, really stick out in the mix, they’re very loud and not very well compressed, which makes it feel less like a part of the song and more like it’s just sitting on top of it. The arrangement is solid and does interesting things, in particular I really like the instrumentation, but the mix could do a lot more to hold all these things together. Vocal performance is actually kind of incredible. I also really like the sound of the drums. The fact that some instruments sound really good while others don’t glue at all makes the whole thing feel really unbalanced for me.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

Ooooooo IMMEDIATE stankface on that horn!! Hell fucking yes, I love this vibe, mix is stellar and arrangement is fun as fuck. It has a very Mexican sound which I have no idea if it was your intention or not but fuck it this is awesome. FUCKING MALLET SOLO??? Never mind anon I hate this, I can’t believe you just teased me with such an awesome showing only to cut me short at the 2 minute mark.

Paradox

Game(s): Gimmick!

This is a forest made out of edgy shards of metal instead of leaves. Or maybe a jungle made out of glass. Bass tone is FUCKING.

Komila Forest

Game(s): Golden Sun

Really enjoy this, I am once again sailing on a pirate ship.

Main Theme

Game(s): Hoa

Really incredible atmospheric arrangement with TONS of subtlety in both arrangement and mix. This will be elevated beyond the skies with the addition of more live elements. This is honestly a perfect way to end the month with, although I feel like maybe we’re missing a little something…

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

Intro sfx sounds straight out of Along for the Ride. I love the use of sparse arp chips in that intro, wish they stayed for longer. Arrangement and production feels straight out of a videogame soundtrack. I don’t have much to say really, arrangement is well done and dynamic and so are the production and performances.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

That electronic percussion is fucking AWESOME, this is the type of creative electronic shit that I love, the one where you really put that variety to good use, SO many good sounds happening here and they’re distributed well for an onslaught of ear candy, everything is very well balanced in the mix too. There’s so much groove in that lead playing and the drum beat. Love this to bits.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Oh it’s this one. Uuuuuhhhh, I’m not sure I can properly review this, mostly because this is so eccentric and absolutely out there that I couldn’t possibly tell what’s intentional and what could possibly be considered a point of improvement? It sounds to me like you’re doing your thing which is highly respectable. Stuff like this doesn’t immediately grab me but it definitely sparks my curiosity for sure, I’ll probably be coming back to this a bunch out of the sheer curiosity to fathom it.

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

So many outdoors sfx this month, makes sense I suppose! Sudden bass hits is not exactly what I expected out of this atmosphere. Lead guitar tone is great. I’m not sure why, the mix has a bit of a busy sound to it, but it doesn’t sound like there’s that many instruments playing? There’s something about it that makes it sound muddier than it should be, even if the individual tones are good for the most part, maybe some frequencies could be tamed further to avoid mud. It could also be a lack of stereo field. Lead playing is great. The voice clips definitely came out of left field but I like the performance. Mixing on the vocals could be better compressed to better stand out in front of the mix. The melodic vocals at the end are really awesome and I’m really sad that they came in so late. Was the ending an exporting error? Please share the full version later anon, I want to hear more of those vocals ): EDIT: quick check of the lyrics made me notice the cutoff is intentional and part of the joke, which fair enough, but I would have appreciated it more if the vocals were clearer to understand what they were saying

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Good mystical lead synth choice, and the bass tone is fucking, vocals are a great atmospheric touch as well, I wish they were a tad louder, but I appreciate them a lot as a supporting background element. This is doing a lot of cool things in the first half, however whenever there are rhythmic elements in the background (like the bass and some of the keys) and almost NO percussion, I always feel like something is sorely missing. Drums come banging on the second half which is admittedly a little too late for me. Drum playing is definitely live but the timing on it lacks a bit of tightness to really glue with the rest of the instruments, which makes the whole thing sound a little too loose when you’re looking for that tight GROOVE.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

Percussion is insane, the rhythmic guitar playing also sounds like it’s hitting with such force, don’t your hands hurt? These kinds of mixes always blow my mind, every instrument sounds extremely raw yet everything sounds good and powerful, how the fuck do you pull that off? I guess the playing being crazy helps. Such a happy and energetic sounding song.

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Wouldn’t it be really funny if this source isn’t used in the final game or if the game doesn’t come out. Anyway this goes for cinematic and does it really well, it’s one of those tracks that has a million billion little things happening at the same time that create a good atmosphere and provide nice ear candy. The elements are well placed, and the arrangement is smoothly done, I think the mix could definitely be improved, when you have this many elements I think it would be wiser to tone some of it down, it feels like every element wants to be LOUD and BRIGHT and thus create a vibe that, while strong, is lacking a little bit of subtlety, whenever you have so many elements trying to stand out at the same time. Love love love the vocals! Very well utilized for this kind of arrangement. Whoever you are you mastered the arrangement game, it’s kind of cool how many things we have happening in little less than 5 minutes while still sounding cohesive. I do think the mix could be polished more to really push the limits.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

Intro sounds less forest and more like I’m entering an alien mothership. Oooo love these industrial drums, they punch hard in a really good way, and I dig the rhythm tone, real heavy sound. You created a really cool groove with the elements you have, although with this length and this sparse of an arrangement, it leaves me wanting more.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

So glad to see this source here, I love this game and while I love this tune I rarely see it brought up ever. Love how you transported the main motif to piano, very steady playing too. Vocal harmonies are pretty much immaculately performed, I could definitely see you performing in the official Nier orchestra. There’s a few things I’m not quite huge on in this arrangement, I think the drums don’t really fit this, I know the percussion in the original is hard to replicate, but the standard rock groove doesn’t really do it for me in this kind of context, it clashes with the atmospheric vibe the rest of the song tries to go for and it sticks out. The other thing I’m not super sold on is how conservative the arrangement is, it pretty much replicates the original to a T and while it’s pretty well done, it kinda leaves me wanting a more personal touch. With all of that said this is still solidly executed and it’s pleasant to listen to.

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

I really like this source, it has a nice calming chord progression. This is pretty chill and well done, the instruments sound crisp and well performed, and the instrumentation itself is also pretty neat! A fucking upright bass!!! Some of the performances aren’t as rhythmically locked in as I’d like, but it’s nothing major, I do think this would sound a lot better with a little reverb though, right now it sounds a little bit too dry. I think the piano could do more for support as well, it feels like it’s playing either too in the background or doing very little too support (especially the left hand which seems entirely absent?) and makes the arrangement as a whole feel like it’s missing something.

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

Very interesting eccentric chord progression. Percussion is cool as hell, I never get tired of this foresty style of percussion. The guitar playing is doing some cool things and its got some creative tones, I also like how it interplays with the keys. Very good use of vocals. 1:04 on the keys sounds crazy, is that quantized at all? Transition halfway through comes out of nowhere. Really like the country twangy tone. Performances across the board are good and are the main star of this entry, though I’m not a fan of some of the transitions.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

Love me some Risk of Rain. Some cool spacey synths going on. The first minute felt like it was building up to something but it kinda throws that away after that? There’s barely a transition to speak of. The amenbreak sounds awesome and I never get tired of it, but it sounds clashing to everything else happening, it’s the only thing in the song that’s going fast and dynamic while everything else is staying in the same ambient-y place, which is a contrast that makes it hard to groove to OR relax to. The arrangement keeps going for ambient but the amenbreak makes it harder to appreciate the subtleties. I think I’m not quite getting the intention of the arrangement, or maybe it’s just missing something.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Lovely lovely chips, lovely lovely vocals, what a beautiful combination, hell yes. Drums are a little quiet? They also sound a little overcompressed which makes it lose a bit of punch. I really liked the fullness of the track in the intro, but after the 1 minute mark it feels like that falls off a little. Vocals are awesomeeeeeeeee, very on point performance, the vocal mix needs work though, it lacks a ton of compression which is very necessary when you’re mixing vocals, to have it properly glue to the rest of the instrumentation. This has a lot of charm especially with the vocal performances but there’s a ton of little things you can polish in that mix to really bring it home.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

This sounds really loud, sounds emphasized, I checked the audio spectrum and it doesn’t look like it’s mastered that high but for some reason it comes across as uber loud. (EDIT: this is rounding up to -9 LUFS apparently, maybe too much compression?) Arrangement is really good and VERY dynamic, with so many instruments playing really fast a lot of the time, and they’re mostly well locked in rhythmically. I do think however there’s a mixture of things that are making it harder to really sit back and enjoy, namely the dryness of the mix, the loudness level, and how every instrument sounds like its fighting for the same space. The arrangement and the performances are there, and honestly these are pretty easy fixes, just throw some subtle reverb, lower the volume and space those instruments out in a stereo field and you’ll notice a massive difference. Another thing I’d really love in this arrangement is any sort of percussion at all to really accentuate the rhythm, but it’s not completely necessary.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

That rhythm tone is awesome, it sounds plucky and distorted in a unique and neat way. Mix gets a little busy after that and while the drums punch hard, I can’t hear the woodwinds and the guitars that well anymore. Is that an acoustic guitar? This is a really bold combination of instruments, it has that hard hitting electronic sound with some very raw acoustics over it which is a hard balance to tread, you do it mostly really well, but I think the leads get a bit buried in the mix. Really like that fast guitar riff halfway through the track. Really solid arrangement throughout, I think you pretty much nailed the base of the song (drums + bass), the leads just need to be brought the hell up and you got yourself an honest to god banger.

Planet 2 Jungle

Game(s): Street Fighter 2010

OH FUCK YEAH.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

Interesting synth choice, it sounds harpy plucky but also kind of like a pan drum, and also kind of like a chip tune? Appreciate the vocal performance but I’m not really feeling it, it mostly stays in tune which is good and most of the way there, but it’s missing a lot of energy, one thing I’d suggest for vocals is to either sing with your chest or purposefully soften your voice, this feels like it’s sort of in the middle, so it’s neither energetic nor calm, and the intention of the performance is not really felt, and almost feels like a voice tone you’d have when speaking rather than singing if that makes sense, with that said keep going for it anon, there’s nothing more expressive than the human voice.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

Oh man this atmosphere is fantastic, it feels like a forest but an alien planet instead of earth, SO much ear candy, I love that plucky music box sound. Lofi groovy drums fit this well and makes me move my head to the beat. This also sounds kind of intense in a way? Like I’m entering a haunted forest or expecting something bad to happen. Production is honestly off the charts with this one, everything hits hard and everything sounds crystal clear and well balanced, this is something I like to call “masterclass”. Arrangement is fantastic as well, it clearly moves from place to place like its intentionally telling me a story, with different things coming in and out with smooth transitioning. It also sounds really fucking unique!! The drop at 3:05 hit me like a fucking mule. If there’s anything I can nitpick about this one is that I’m not entirely sure which of these instruments is being performed live, but other than that, fuck yeah anon, this is incredible, you really have a knack for unique and crazy sound design.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

I wike the whythmicness of that keyboawd in the intwo. Dwums that come in aftew awe veeeewy quiet, it kinda messes with my vibe. I wike the cewesta thing wead but it feews evew so swightwy off beat, maybe not snapped entiwewy to the gwid? thewe’s good gwoove potentiaw hewe but the mix feews unbawanced, dwums awe quiet, synth pad feews a wittwe bit too woud i think, thewe’s definitewy something hewe making it sound woudew than it shouwd. I weawwy dig the wead pwaying and the synth patches, but those wittwe detaiws awe taking me out of it a wittwe bit. Some smaww bawance tweaks to this is aww it needs fow a gweat gwoove.

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

I see what you did with the title. The synth patches are good, the drum patch is good too but fairly quiet, I know this doesn’t need to be super extra punchy or anything but it’s weak enough that it’s not letting me groove properly. Not feeling the lead tone on this, it feels a little bit too overdriven or with too much gain for the style. Vocoder sounds fucking great!!! It’s a really great touch here and it’s well implemented. The synth solo halfway actually made me open my eyes wide, that was a welcome surprise. There’s a lot of lovely elements playing in this, the slide guitar is a good addition too, really my only gripes is to pump up those drums and some tweaks to the guitar tone, everything else is neato.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

The production and tones in this one make me extremely jealous, both the clean guitars and the bass have an amazing catchy pluck sound to them that are also so cleanly performed, it produces a sound that to my brain is like munching on a tasty snack. I like how simple it is too, just drums bass and clean guitars, yet every part of this small ensemble is performed tight as fuck and have their tones shaped to perfection. Only nitpick is the ending is pretty abrupt.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

Going for epic grand finale for sure. Arrangement definitely doesn’t shy away from this. Mix is honestly pretty busy right from the rip, there’s a lot of bright frequencies clashing between the guitars and drums and even the bass, and the more orchestral elements in the background get very buried and hard to make out as a result. Oooo groove at 0:50 got some stank. Love the acoustic break. The following section is definitely easier to digest but it still feels fairly muddy. Bass playing is top notch. Arrangement and performances in this one are honestly crazy, and a lot of the mudiness of the mix can be easily forgiven in favor of the ambition, but I’d really really love if the mix could be balanced further, it could elevate this so much. Also I don’t really understand the relevance of King of the Hill in that title???? But honestly I haven’t played this game so I wouldn’t know (and neither have I actually watched KOTH)

tremendouz

36 Reviews

Ash

Game(s): A Short Hike

Lots of cool panning going on and the soundcapey nature of the whole thing is extremely up my alley with the arpeggios and the reverb-drenched sounds. Great build-up and later de-build-up.

Secret of the Forest

Game(s): Breath of Fire 3

I know nothing about piano but this feels very tasteful all the way through. The piano sound used is also excellent, the high notes are so beautiful. I tend to like a good, loud climax in a piano piece. This didn’t exactly have one but was rather restrained all the way through in terms of dynamics, but I can’t exactly hold that against it. It’s a great relaxing listen.

The Forest and the Trees

Game(s): Chrono Trigger

Lots of layers here. Chorused clean guitars are always a plus. 1:40-2:06 is a little chaotic and out of control with all the overlapping element but the bass + piano part afterwards is delicious. I feel like the bass tone is a little subdued and mellow and would glue better with the distorted rhythm guitars with a bit more grit. There’s a real sense of a journey here with all the variations going on which is always a huge plus to me. Well done.

N. Tangle Swing

Game(s): Crash Bandicoot

Production feels indeed a bit lo-fi or “vintage” but it kind of works to the point where I’m 50/50 whether it was a stylistic choice of not. Either way, the arrangement is just pure fun and I love those slidey tremolo picking parts with the guitar, as well as the inclusion of the accordion(?).

Butterwood Rainfly Bow

Game(s): Dark Cloud 2

I’m a sucker for arpeggios and the combination of distorted guitars and atmospheric, semi-ambient elements. I feel like the latter gets a little messy here and buried under the other elements at times. There’s a lot going on in the mids with all the layers which is probably why. Woodwinds add a lovely contrast to the synths and guitars. I wish it was longer and developed the elements that are already there a bit more into a longer arrangement.

Demon Chainsaw Gardening Club

Game(s): Demon's Crest

Love the gnarly synths and the sound design-y elements. Absolutely spot on. Production-wise, the drums feel a little subdued. They cut through well but are missing the explosive energy you get in a Mick Gordon track. Saturate the hell out of them, perhaps layer with a dirtier snare sample and make the whole mix pump tastefully to the drums with some mix bus compression and it’d be so good. Still, the overall vibe is very much there and I love it.

Junglejuice

Game(s): Donkey Kong 64

Immaculate creepy vibes in the intro. After that, I feel like I’ve been abducted and forced to watch an evil circus show. It’s quite a fun track but admittedly not my favourite style or vibe which clouds my judgement. The creepy theremin-like synth was a nice touch. I feel the dry and upfront mid and low brass (which I assume are live) feel a little disconnected from the rest of the mix which is wetter and more pushed back. I would have tried to add more reverb to them to match the backing, or perhaps reduce the reverb on the rest unless it’s baked into the sounds you used. With some more live instruments or better fake ones, this could go from good to great.

Blackthorne

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Very stylish! I’m not very familiar with the genre but everything sounds appropriate and well thought-out to my ear andthere’s enough variation that it doesn’t become too meandering thanks to the lovely piano which feels very inspired. Sax is perfectly executed.

Au cœur de la forêt

Game(s): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

I looooove the texture created by the bass, synth pad and the 8-bit synth thing. Absolutely delicious! Rap vocals need more oomph and attitude to me, both performance and mixing-wise. Right now the delivery is a little flat.

Dearly Departing

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

Another one that takes you on a journey, which I love. Love the clean and crisp acoustic lead guitar and the calm section at around 2 mins before it starts building up again adds nice contrast to it. Distorted rhythm guitar tone feels perhaps a bit on the thin side and lacking body to me.

Thou train hath arrived

Game(s): Final Fantasy 6

I love combining elements from different genres and it was done so well done here. The DnB-like bed for the acoustic instruments works great. And that acoustic guitar soloing dropped in? Awesome. If I had to criticize something, I’m not 100% sold on the bass sound choice. I would’ve perhaps either gone with real electric bass, or then gone for a more interesting and gnarly synth bass sound. A minor criticism either way.

Stepping Softly Through The Sycamore

Game(s): Final Fantasy 9

Lovely performances here. Mix feels a little unglued with the winds being a little upfront and “on top” while the arpeggiating backing guitar feels more pushed back so there’s a little disconnect there. The performances are, however, carrying the whole so props for that.

Calming Forest

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

The layered piano sound is wonderful, how’d you do that? The string swells add so much to the vibe, too. Absolutely top not atmosphere here. I wonder if a nice bassy string pad to fill the low end would’ve been a nice touch to the section at 2:05 to break the slight monotony and make that part stand out as the “climax” of the arrangement.

Macadamia Woods

Game(s): Final Fantasy X

Flute is lovely but it’s very loud and dry and at times the backing vocals clash a bit pitch-wise (not sure if with each other or with the flute). For my taste, I would’ve tried to pan the backing vocals more and push them back with a reverb for a nice, wide “bed” for the lead flute and vocals The lead vocals are stunning and the drum sound is very nice and appropriate for the style. Rhythm guitar gets a little lost in the mix.

No Skinning Amoebas: If John Robert Dropped A Beat In A Forest, Would The Teens, The Hippies, The Squares, The Little Old Ladies, The Screen Starlets, The Celebrities, And Those Who Make Them Celebrities Show Up Or Just Stay Home To Watch Lawrence Welk Serve Bubbles?

Game(s): For The King II

Such a good execution of a concept, everything feels intentional and you knew exactly the vibe you were going for. I don’t really have anything to criticize.

Maiden’s Awakening

Game(s): Kamiko

Another one that knows what it wants to be and executes that brilliantly. I adore the synths and the glued together sound you achieved with the mix. Solo at 1:50 is delicious, as is the little section with the 3/4(?) feel at 2:38.

Lumbersome

Game(s): Kirby's Dreamland 3

Very interesting. I love the synth bass and the reggae-like snare fills. Lead synth sound is a little silly but the writing/playing is nice. The delayed background stuff adding a triplet feel to it was a nice touch.

Kalle Demos

Game(s): Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Love the thich, compressed bass sound and the arrangement just goes to places in all the best ways. Bass solo! Overall mix feels a little squashed which makes it very in-your face. I generally like that but here it’s a little bit much.

That Merl Is Poison

Game(s): Magician

I’m digging the raw, organic vibe in the drums. Mix feels a bit busy in the mids. I’m unsure about the vocals, I’ll admit spoken word over music isn’t really my thing but I don’t hate it. The timing change in the end was nice and really groovy and I would’ve gladly listened to more of it and then it just ends haha

Om Nom on Wood (I’m a Termite)

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

More lovely atmospheric synths, I adore the sound choice for that intro arpeggio. Cool bass sound too, although the timing with the drums clashes a little. Love the backing vocal pads.

trying to have a drink in peace but those mariachis appear out of nowhere and wont stop

Game(s): Mega Man 7

Love the percussion a lot here. Bass feels a bit muddy in the low-ish mids (dare I say somewhere around 200-300 Hz without checking in DAW?) while the rhythm guitar gets a little masked by it there (rhythm gtr could also be a tad louder?)

Innerbloom

Game(s): Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

I don’t have any complaints really, it’s grandiose and cinematic and really well done. I say this a lot but it really takes me on a journey.

You Did It!

Game(s): Mick & Mack as the Global Gladiators

Love the synth bass and the kick sound. Just overall a great strong vibe going on. Snare gets a little lost in the mix, could perhaps use a more snappy sample layered on top if sinply increasing the volume wouldn’t help.

夏草や兵共がゆめの跡

Game(s): NieR: Automata

Love the vocal performance and production, and the soundscape they create with the piano and other elements is immaculate. Snare sound could have some more weight and tail to it, right now it’s a little “popcorn”-sounding. Furthermore, with the punchy kick, I feel like the mix is asking for a bass instrument where the drums play to glue the drums to the rest of the mix.

When you visit a place that scared you as a kid , but now your visiting when your 40

Game(s): Pokémon Gold & Silver

Just a nice, chill vibe going on. The bass is definitely a highlight to me. I feel like the sax could use a little pitch correction here and there, it’s off just enough to my ear that I start paying attention to it. I’m not entirely sure if it’s just the sax or if the acoustic guitar contributes to the slight clashing. It’s not major in either case.

First Steps in the Deep Forest

Game(s): Rayman

Very fun and imaginative instrumentation here. Crisp drums and percussion. Tempo change and the lead guitar arrived just in time to add variety. Very nice. The little rhythm guitar part at the end could perhaps use a mid cut to sit better in the mix.

Wandering Vagrant Theme Part II

Game(s): Risk of Rain

Love the mysterious vibes and the way the synth pad sustains over the whole thing when the drums arrive. Those delayed guitar arpeggios are a cherry on top, especially when they come back at the very end. The synth lead at 2:10 creates some slightly annoying midrange build-up, the mix could use some cleaning up there.

Spring Is Coming With A Candy In The Mouth

Game(s): Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana

Great vocals indeed, and I like the playfulness of the glidey lead synth. Drums cut well enough through the mix but snare could be a little punchier. Bass sound is lovely and full but could probably afford to be cleaned up a bit in the low mids and high bass register, or brought down in volume by a couple of decibels.

Run Forest Run

Game(s): Sonic Adventure 2

Some lovely textures and instruments performances here! I love the descending melody thing at 1:02-1:08, it’s the most memorable part of the arrangement to me. Speaking of which, the overall arrangement could use some restraint, right now it feels a little hectic and busy with lots of instruments fighting for the attention at all times, which is not helped by the fact that they’re all quite upfront in the mix. Leaving some more space for a main melody instrument to shine would do it wonders I feel. I would’ve liked some kind of low percussion to support the rhythm, although the bass is already a satisfactory job tying it all together.

Adabat Blitz (Jungle Joyride Day)

Game(s): Sonic Unleashed

I like the energy and the combination of instruments in this one, it has a nice propulsion to it driving it forward. Piano solo could come up a little.

Our Secret Refrain

Game(s): Suikoden

A quite sparse arrangement. The subtle strings were nice and enough to keep it from feeling unfinished but it could use some more elements here and there to fill things up a bit and break up the monotony. I admittedly didn’t warm up to the vocal performance. The pitch wanders a bit, but more importantly, the emotion is not quite coming through to me. I don’t have the vocabulary to describe what’s bothering me about it but it feels a little like choral singing rather than a solo performance.

When You’re Lost in the Forest, the Trees Will Laugh Back at You

Game(s): Super Mario World

This is chock full of nice details and ideas, and the production is tight and interesting with some strange (in a good way) stereo image shenanigans. The intense 2nd half works so well. It leaves me wondering which part is live. I’m assuming a bunch of synths if not everything? Either way, I’m impressed.

Twials of Chawwotte

Game(s): Trials of Mana

The slightly detuned lead sound at 18 seconds is just so full of character, I like it! Drums and bass feel a little overshadowed (both volume and sound choice-wise) by all the cool midrange synth action. Drums especially are lacking punch considering the overall intensity of the arrangement, in my opinion.

w o l f w a v e

Game(s): Wolfchild

Drums and bass offer a nice, tight bed to the guitar and the vocoder and were my favourite part of the mix. I feel like the guitar tone is a bit boxy in the midrange and thus not sitting well in the mix. Overall, the non-drum and bass elements are on the louder side and cluttering the midrange a bit, so some clean-up and volume balancing would do it wonders. The elements to a great track are all there, only the mix is holding it back a little.

A Funky Forest

Game(s): World of Horror

I love love love the crisp and plucky clean guitars and the more atmospheric sounds sprinkled here and there. Some interesting harmonies and textures. Snare sound feels a little timid. A little more energy there would elevate this a lot in my eyes.

That’s my purse! I don’t know you!

Game(s): Xenoblade Chronicles X

A massive, full and powerful sound, just the way I like it. Great mix of heavy and atmospheric. Great clarity too despite a lot going on. Flute feels perhaps a tiny bit overcompressed in the high notes at times. Personally I prefer to level the volume of unruly winds with melodyne and thus have to use a little bit less compression, but that’s a minor gripe in an overall fantastic track. The vocals caught me by surprise in a good way. Chef’s kiss.

Additional Info

Banner Art: MVisual

About Dwelling of Duels:

Dwelling of Duels is a monthly video game music (VGM) cover competition. Competitors anonymously submit redone versions of game music and the entries are voted upon by the community. Entries must comply with the rules, briefly put as following:

The song must follow the current month’s theme
The song must be previously unreleased
The song must not be shorter than 2 minutes
The main instrument must be played live