Japanese

Doujin, Experimental, Japanese, Music Production

Rap Rabbit from PaRappa, Gitaroo Man Creators launches on Kickstarter

May 16, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on Rap Rabbit from PaRappa, Gitaroo Man Creators launches on Kickstarter Share this

Two of the most well known forces in rhythm gaming teased a collaborative new title called Project Rap Rabbit late last week. Now they’ve pulled the wraps off of their pitch and launched its kickstarter campaign, shedding more light on the game and those involved.

Fronted by Masaya Matsuura and Keiichi Yano, Rap Rabbit will also include their respective studios: Nana-OnSha of PaRappa the Rapper fame for Matsuura, and iNiS J for Yano, best known for Gitaroo Man and the Ouendan series. The pedigree is obviously there, they just need the funding and support to create what the pair defines as “rhythm-action 2.0”.

As Matsuura explains in the kickstarter video, he got some flack for referring to PaRappa the Rapper as a hip hop or rap game back in the 90’s. Sure, PaRappa had some opportunities to freestyle but the game really only required the precise, “Simon Says” callback of patterns to succeed. What rap fans wanted was a game where they could change the lyrics while playing, and that’s what Rap Rabbit hopes to offer. Drawing inspirations from both RPG dialog wheels and the YouTube series Epic Rap Battles of History, combined with the back-and-forth gameplay of both PaRappa and Gitaroo Man, you can start to picture what the game might play like.

Based on their past works, it’s probably least surprising to hear that the game’s story trades on finding the strength to do what’s right and conquering adversity; only this time it’s set against traditional Japanese art and folklore. Inspiration here comes from 16th Century Japanese picture scrolls all the way up to films like Spirited Away, Tekkonkinkreet and Kung Fu Panda.

That leaves only the music to address which Matsuura himself is heading up as Music Director and core composer. Despite the traditional look of the visuals we’ve seen so far, the music hopes to fuse Japanese and Western styles while incorporating the Epic Rap Battles mix of beats, unexpected encounters, and comedy. Obviously, music is the most important part of a rhythm game and as a fairweather fan of Matsuura’s work in the past, this is the part that really determines where I fall on Rap Rabbit.

As of this writing the project is nearly $100,000 of the way towards a $1.1 million goal with initial releases on PlayStation 4 and Steam. Some lofty stretch goals would see the inclusion of more content and eventually ports to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. No estimated release window has been mentioned so far but it looks like European publisher PQube is already on board to ship the game when it reaches its goal.

Take a look at the campaign video and kickstarter page and let us know in the comments if you’re already on board or patiently waiting for more details to emerge.
Game Music, Japanese

PaRappa the Rapper OST sees Digital Release this Week

April 8, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on PaRappa the Rapper OST sees Digital Release this Week Share this

Despite my pessimistic expectations last week, Sony has seen fit to bring the original PaRappa the Rapper OST out of Japan and direct to the PlayStation Store. Released this week alongside the remastered edition of the game is the same 44-track album that will be reprinted on CD in Japan next month.

In the same vein as recent soundtrack releases the PaRappa OST comes in the form of a music app for PlayStation 4. There’s the standard playback controls, a no-frills slideshow and the ability to export the songs to a USB device in MP3 format. If you’ve been holding onto dubious and scuzzy MP3s from the late 90’s this is a great way to update your collection while showing support for the classic franchise.

Unfortunately, the soundtrack isn’t bundled with the game this time around. The PaRappa the Rapper OST is $11.99 while PaRappa the Rapper Remastered is priced at $14.99 on the U.S. PlayStation Store.
Game Music, Japanese

1996 PaRappa the Rapper OST Getting a Reprint in May

March 30, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on 1996 PaRappa the Rapper OST Getting a Reprint in May Share this

First announced back at PlayStation Experience in December, PaRappa the Rapper Remastered on PlayStation 4 is now nearly upon us. For a change, the HD treatment is kind of a big deal here. Due to the differences between the CRT televisions of the 90’s and our modern digital screens this landmark rhythm game hasn’t been easy to pick up and play in years. Sharper visuals, enhanced audio with new alternate tracks, and display modes to make the game more approachable are all in store when it launches in the U.S. on April 4th.

For the game’s Japanese release Sony is bringing one more part of the original PaRappa experience back to life: the music. The game’s 44-track album, originally released in December of 1996, is being reprinted by TEAM Entertainment in its entirety. To be sold on disc for around $20, the album will go on sale May 24th, about a month after the remastered game’s release in Japan.

I’m not holding out much hope but there is a possibility we may see the album released as one of Sony’s music apps on the PlayStation 4 outside of Japan. Right now the only bonus we’ve got is a pre-order discount for PlayStation Plus members and a boring static theme. There is a demo you can play right now though, so if this post stirred up your PaRappa nostalgia you can get a quick hit for free right here.
Events, Game Music, Japanese

The Video Game Orchestra, Live In Tokyo, To Be Their Biggest Show Yet

February 24, 2017 | Patrick Gann | 2 Comments Share this

The Video Game Orchestra (or simply “The VGO” to the hip kids who follow their work) have taken their show on the road before … but never like this. Fans of the Boston-based orchestra, led by Shota Nakama, can start their drooling now: on March 25th, The VGO will be putting on a concert in Tokyo. The show is being promoted by Pony Canyon — which, if you didn’t know, is “big deal” territory, they are Japan’s equivalent of “Live Nation,” save that Pony Canyon has existed as publisher and promoter of entertainment products for far longer.

The 3/25 show will have music from almost all the major game publishers, including Konami, Namco Bandai, Square Enix, Sega, and more. We don’t know the full list of games yet, but here’s what we have so far:

CASTLEVANIA (series)
CYTUS
D4: DARK DREAMS DON’T DIE
DEEMO
FINAL FANTASY XV
GOD EATER 2: RAGE BURST
METAL GEAR SOLID (series)
SILENT HILL 2
SONIC (series)
TALES OF ZESTIRIA

On a personal/editorial note, I must urge the reader to consider the long-term value of this concert. To have a project with this many Japanese publishers sign on for a third-party entity (The VGO) to perform their work, in Japan, is a big deal. I have always advocated for collaboration among the game music artists and those who represent them, and whenever it happens, I can’t help but celebrate. This concert represents a big reason to celebrate.

Unfortunately, it isn’t something that I can celebrate … not in person. I won’t be able to attend the Tokyo show. But hey, maybe you can! The details for the show are found here: vgo.jp — and, if you want to purchase tickets, the website to do so offers information and instructions for ticket purchase in Japanese, English and Chinese! You’ll find that here!

And if anyone among our reader-base makes plans to attend the show, please let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about your thoughts after the event.
Events, Japanese

Symphonic Odysseys and Uematsu come to London this Summer

February 10, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on Symphonic Odysseys and Uematsu come to London this Summer Share this

Merregnon Studios, the group behind the Square Enix-focused Final Symphony and Symphonic Fantasies concerts have announced that their 2011 sell-out concert, Symphonic Odysseys, is coming to London this Summer. Unlike their previous shows, Symphonic Odysseys is focused solely on the music of Nobuo Uematsu — from Blue Dragon to Lost Odyssey and naturally, Final Fantasy — and was last performed nearly a year ago in Paris.

Those who couldn’t make it to France in 2016 have a chance to see the show again on June 20th, 2017 at the Barbican Centre. Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Eckehard Stier (with the London Symphony Chorus, acclaimed pianist Mischa Cheung and a full kazoo fanfare), the arrangements come from the same team behind Final Symphony, Jonne Valtonen and Roger Wanamo. Uematsu himself will also be at the venue for a special ticketed, pre-concert Q&A session.

“Nobuo Uematsu has been a musical hero of mine for many years and it’s both a delight and a pleasure that we can celebrate his work with such an amazing concert in London,” said Symphonic Odysseys London producer, Thomas Böcker. “It’s always great to be back at the Barbican Centre, but I’m particularly excited that Uematsu-san can join us for what will be our 10th concert with the London Symphony Orchestra. Fans will not want to miss hearing Uematsu’s classic compositions, along with some of his less well known, but equally wonderful works too.”

Tickets go on sale February 10th with prices between £30 ($38) to £65 ($82). Tickets for the pre-concert talk with Nobuo Uematsu will also go on sale at the same time, priced at £10 ($13) each. Those interested can buy their tickets through the Symphonic Odysseys site or directly from the Barbican Centre. Below is the announced set list:

Opening Fanfare

The Final Fantasy Legend / Final Fantasy Legend 2

On Windy Meadows (from Final Fantasy XIV)

Waterside (from Blue Dragon)

Final Fantasy Concerto – For Piano and Orchestra

King’s Knight BGM – Pretty Day Out – (from King’s Knight)

Light of Silence (from Chrono Trigger)

Spreading Your Wings (from The Last Story)

Lost Odyssey Suite

If you can’t make the show or are just looking to relive Merregnon’s past performances check out Ryan’s recent article on the vinyl editions of both Final Symphony and Symphonic Fantasies from Laced Records.
Indie Music, Japanese

Brave Wave brings Original Work from Takahiro Izutani on January 27th

January 23, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on Brave Wave brings Original Work from Takahiro Izutani on January 27th Share this

Brave Wave’s first release in 2017 continues their goal to give the freedom to game music composers to create their dream projects. Lingua Franca is the life’s work of Dugo, the alias of composer Takahiro Izutani who has composed for the Metal Gear Solid and Bayonetta series since 2006.

After a decade in design, Lingua Franca is now available to pre-order for $10 on digital or $16 on CD through Bandcamp and will be released on January 27th. While we wait you can check out two tracks from the album and read a message from Izutani below.

<a href="http://store.bravewave.net/album/lingua-franca">Lingua Franca by Dugo</a>

“First of all, I appreciate the entire audience of Dugo for supporting me. Dugo is my life’s work. I think […] you can indeed find some affinity between my work for Dugo and my compositions for video games. I was always taking experimental approaches during the process of making Dugo’s songs, and then sophisticating, developing, and introducing them into video game work.

Actually, you can explore the headstream of all of the video game music that I have ever made through this album. I think it is fantastic that Brave Wave is contributing to the video game music industry and supporting composers in such a way.”
Game Music, Japanese

Dark Cloud Series Soundtrack available through PlayStation 4

January 16, 2017 | Shawn Sackenheim | Comments Off on Dark Cloud Series Soundtrack available through PlayStation 4 Share this

I suppose I should be more dismayed that it isn’t an everyday occurrence but I’m always happy to see someone release a game soundtrack through the PlayStation Store. The latest one is a combo pack of Dark Cloud and Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle in Japan) soundtracks which was released on January 10th. That’s about a year after the venerable PlayStation 2 action/RPGs made the jump to PlayStation 4. Maybe there was some licensing in the way but it would’ve made for some nice synergy if the games and the music hit in the same week.

Nevertheless, the music is here now for $14.99 in North America and £7.99 in Europe. The soundtracks are only available together in this combo release and share 123 tracks for over 3 hours of music from Tomohito Nishiura. The listing doesn’t give a detailed breakdown but the official Dark Cloud OSTs add up to the same number of tracks and length. Fifteen dollars is a fair bit cheaper than you’re likely to find the CDs online these days, if you spot them at all.

Lastly, as with previous soundtrack releases on the PlayStation Store, the Dark Cloud Series Soundtrack can be exported in MP3 format. If it holds true to The Last Guardian soundtrack app it will all pop out onto your USB drive in 320kbps format, around 850mb in size.

Are you going to pick up this soundtrack compilation? What other PS2-on-PS4 releases would you like to see an accompanying soundtrack for? Let us know in the comments.