Akira Yamaoka

Featured, Game Music

GDC 2010: Akira Yamaoka Talks Grasshopper Manufacture

March 12, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 10 Comments Share this

Okay, so it took us longer than we expected to get our interview with Akira Yamaoka, but it’s finally here. We had to track him down in person to get it done, but at least we’ve discovered a number of interesting things about his decision to leave Konami and what his role will be at Grasshopper Manufacture moving forward.

Will he contribute to the Silent Hill series in the future? Was he involved with the No More Heroes 2 soundtrack? Will he be working on a follow-up to his solo album, iFUTURELIST? And what will his first major project be at Grasshopper Manufacture?

Find out in our interview after the jump! (more…)
Game Music

Akira Yamaoka to Speak at GDC With Grasshopper Manufacture

February 9, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

Yes, we’ve all been hearing over the past few days that Akira Yamaoka has left Konami for Grasshopper Manufacture (we’re still working on that interview, so hang tight!). With GDC 2010 right around the corner, it was starting to look like it was going to be a relatively quiet year for the audio track, but in the latest update, a panel was announced featuring none other than Yamaoka himself.

Titled “As Long as the Audio is Fun, the Game Will Be Too,” the lecture will delve into Yamaoka’s past 20 years in game design and game audio, exploring the parallels between the two areas. Most interesting of all? He’s listed as Akira Yamaoka of Grasshopper Manufacture Studio. Doesn’t get more official than that. His lecture will be on Friday for those who are attending, and you can count on us being there to tell you what he has to say.

Be sure to check up on the GDC website from time to time to see new panels that are being announced daily. Are you surprised to see him out on the lecture circuit so soon after his big move?
Game Music, Reviews

Yamaoka’s Final Work With Konami? Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Soundtrack (Review)

December 14, 2009 | Patrick Gann | 2 Comments Share this

OSV was quick to confirm the recent rumors that Akira Yamaoka was leaving Konami. Akira Yamaoka isn’t just the composer for the Silent Hill series, he’s also a producer and creative lead. With Yamaoka gone, will Konami choose to keep making Silent Hill titles, or is this the end?

And, whether they choose to proceed with Silent Hill or not, is Yamaoka done writing for Konami? Or will he “pull an Uematsu” and do contracted work with his ex-employer?

We’ll leave the speculation to you (and we’re happy to hear it!). But in the case that this is a clean and final break between Yamaoka and Konami, we’d like to present to you our thoughts on Yamaoka’s final work on the Silent Hill series (a remake of the original title).

After the jump, check out our review of the Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Soundtrack. (more…)
Game Music

Contest: Reflect on Silent Hill, Win The Shattered Memories Soundtrack

December 7, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 17 Comments Share this

We’ve confirmed that Akira Yamaoka is gone, and while we’re all still wondering what will become of the Silent Hill series in his absence, Konami has generously sent us extra copies of the Silent Hill: Shattered Memories soundtrack to give away to you guys. As this will be the final Silent Hill soundtrack he writes as an employee of Konami, we thought it’d be a good time to reflect upon the Silent Hill franchise and what’s next in terms of the series in general and, more specifically, the direction of the game’s audio in the future.

We’re going to make this one easy and simply require that you comment on this post with your thoughts and predictions to enter. Just make it something thoughtful and more substantial than a few sentences. We’ll continue taking entries until December 21, 2009 at 11:59 PM PST, at which point we’ll pick two winners to receive a copy of the snazzy pre-order bonus. We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Game Music

Confirmed: Akira Yamaoka Resigns from Konami

December 1, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 33 Comments Share this

While rumors have been going around all day regarding Silent Hill series composer and producer Akira Yamaoka leaving Konami, OSV has received official confirmation from Yamaoka himself. This is huge news for the gaming industry, as Yamaoka has been one of the biggest critics of the Japanese gaming industry. It will be interesting to see what he does if he decides to work freelance in the gaming industry.

Watch in the coming days for an extensive interview with Yamaoka on this move and his future plans. Will he continue working on Silent Hill? Will he be working on a solo album? Will be focus on music or game production? We’re just as anxious as you are to know more!

Are you surprised by this announcement? Do you think Yamaoka is going to focus on music or production moving forward?
Game Music

Bone Chilling Bonus: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Pre-Order Soundtrack

September 14, 2009 | Audun Sorlie | 3 Comments Share this

Silent Hill, a series with a massive fan following, has always been noted for it’s excellent use of audio, from the creepy sound effects, to the vocal themes tied to the game. With the re-imagining of first title, titled Silent Hill: Shattered Memories being right around the corner, there’s alot to be excited about for the common Silent Hill fan. Especially with the confirmation that Akira Yamaoka is back to compose the game as noted in the interview we had with SHSM producer Tomm Huelett at E3 2009.

So how can you sweeten the deal further? Well, turns out if you pre-order the game today, you will receive the Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Soundtrack! The CD is expected to contain new composed music along with some arrangements of older material. Make sure to put a pre-order in now as the game is set to launch November 3, 2009.

What’s your thoughts on the direction they are going for with the game, and do you think Yamaoka’s work will be as good as the earlier titles? Let us know!
Game Music

E3 2009: Konami Press Conference Sights and Sounds

June 5, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

Konami is usually pretty on top of their stuff when it comes to audio in their games. There was a lot to see and hear at their press conference a couple days ago, so I thought it’d be fun to tell you about our first impressions of the audio in some of their newly-announced projects.

With three new Metal Gear Solid titles in the works, a new Castlevania, some DDR news, and our first look at Akira Yamaoka’s “Always on my Mind” arrangement for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, the only thing missing was a new Suikoden title! Maybe we’ll have to wait until Tokyo Game Show for more about my favorite series ever, but I’d saying the spread of titles shown in the press conference are far from disappointing.

Read our first impressions after the jump. (more…)