Hello everyone, “Akumu” Audun here. I am proud to be the newest team member here at OSV, and hope you will enjoy what I can bring to the table.
In preparation for Takenobu Mitsuyoshi’s new album, From Loud 2 Low Too, let’s look at a classic commercial that was made for his single, Ai Ga Tarinaize. It was the second opening theme for the Virtua Fighter anime series. It will be featured on Loud 2 Low Too.
He is just as smooth today as back then. and look at that Keytar! Man they might be holding onto those 80’s style rock ballads over there, but I’d be damned if i wasn’t shaking my hips like a pregnant woman to it.
I know it’s been awhile, but we did indeed have winners from our Symphonic Shades first print contest, and I wanted to share the results with you. First of all, congrats to our winners, Joe Cam and Pablo. Joe’s entry was just funny, while Pablo’s came complete with a story and post-processing that was most impressive. Regarding the other entries, keep in mind that when we say “entertaining,” that’s code for “don’t bore us,” as some of the entries were simple readings of the name without anything interesting.
Hit the jump to check out both winning entries as well as to read Pablo’s essay that accompanied his recording. (more…)
I guess electronic music doesn’t immediately come to mind when you think about nerdy music, but I’m rather nerdy, and I enjoy electronic music, and I know a lot of nerds who are really into it. While I’ve been a fan of Hybrid for quite some time, their 2008 Sound-System_01 release caught my attention as a 2-disc remix album of film and commercial electronic music.
The first disc pays tribute to film composers such as Harry-Gregson Williams, who you should know from his work on the Metal Gear Solid series, as well as tracks from Babel, 28 Days Later, and Kingdom of Heaven. The second disc is a more traditional electronic experience with remixes of top electronic acts like Sasha, Quivver, and Long Range. Needless to say, it’s an interesting piece of work and definitely something to look into if you’re a fan.
Hit the jump for our review of Hybrid’s Sound-System_01 from Nettwerk. (more…)
Yakuza 3–or Ryū ga Gotoku 3 as it’s called in Japan–may never see the light of day here in America, and that’s a real shame. It’s noticeably absent from the list of games that are to be shown on the E3 floor this year, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up hope. The game looks absolutely stunning, and has reportedly done quite well in Japan, though despite this, SEGA seems apprehensive about bringing the title overseas. This is no doubt due to the lackluster sales of the previous two titles in the series, which, in my honest opinion, is a shame. I happened to enjoy both games, and their soundtracks.
So here I am reviewing the soundtrack from the latest title in the series. It’s got a little bit of dance, rock, jazz, and pop, and every combination in between. If you’d like to hear my thoughts, join me after the jump.
Ryo Kunihiko, aka Yang Bang Ean, is the composer for NCsoft’s newest MMORPG, Aion: The Tower of Eternity. The game is currently running in Korea and China, and will soon be making its debut to North American markets (it’s currently in closed beta for us English-speaking gamers).
This score marks Kunihiko’s first major game soundtrack. For the most part, he has operated as a solo artist, and as a composer for film and anime. Being a Korean who grew up in Japan, he has the advantage of being able to cater to both nations’ markets.
After the jump, check out our exclusive interview with this unique and prolific composer. To our knowledge, this is Mr. Kunihiko’s first English-language interview on the ‘net. (more…)
Yeah, I know, you’re probably not going to be there, but we wanted to let you know that Video Games Live is hitting Singapore this weekend, and they’re bringing our friend and contributor Norihiko Hibino along with them to jam out “Snake Eater” from Metal Gear Solid 3. I imagine it will be a lot better than the rendition we saw in the fan-made video that won our MGS contest last year.
As a bonus, Tommy was kind enough to pass along this busy promotional poster for the show. See Hibino’s portrait tucked way in the corner? Almost looks like the text should say, “A Challenger Approaches!” Anyway, it sounds like a good time.
Wish you could make it out to the show? Would you like to see Hibino at other VGL shows around the world?
Read the official VGL press release after the jump. (more…)
The Mosnter Hunter series has always been known for its rousing orchestral themes, but rather than make the transition over to a classical instrument such as the piano for this solo instrument arrangement album, the Capcom team has decided to go with the orgel instead. While I have no idea what an orgel is, it sounds like a music box with its simple chromatic sound, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
I am a huge fan of orgel music (I’ve been trying to get my hands on the Genso Suikoden Orgel Collection for years), so this one is right down my alley, although I realize that not everyone shared my enthusiasm for the instrument. It’s minimalistic and mechanical, but it also has a pure beauty that’s hard to describe.
Let me try to give it a shot in our review of the album after the jump. (more…)
