Atlus

Game Music, Reviews

Demon’s Souls: As Relentless as it is Innovative (Review)

November 18, 2009 | Gideon Dabi | 2 Comments Share this

Without a doubt, the biggest surprise of this year in the world of video games was Atlus’ action RPG, Demon’s Souls. Released in early October in the US, this game had little to no advertising and is dubbed the spiritual successor to the King’s Field. Quite possibly the most difficult game of this console generation, Demon’s Souls is a punishing yet amazingly innovative experience.

I have logged about ten hours of play and am yet to beat the second level (out of five). Many reviewers were unable to give Demon’s Souls a score as they could not finish the game! Thankfully, the soundtrack doesn’t quite boast the same difficulty. Shunsuke Kida, a relatively unknown composer, took the reins and pumped out a full soundtrack with orchestra and chorus. But, is it as innovative as the game itself? How can one score a game effectively when the player is replaying the same level for hours on end? Click the jump to find out! (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

Persona Soundtrack Gets Remixed and Bundled With Shin Megami Tensei: Persona on PSP (Review)

September 26, 2009 | Michael Schiciano | 2 Comments Share this

The Megami Tensei franchise as a whole is a rather unique one in the realm of Japanese RPGs, and has been ever since it started on the Famicom in 1987, not only in the subject matter that it used, but also in its presentation and soundtrack.

Now, the popularity of the franchise has risen dramatically, which can be attributed to the critical success of Persona 3 and 4, both spin offs from the main Megami Tensei franchise. In the US, however, the two other games in the Persona franchise weren’t as well known or well treated when they were brought to the US originally, with the then titled Revelations: Persona featuring very questionable cultural changes in addition to some rough translation work, and only one of the two games that made up Persona 2 actually being brought over. As a result, after the PSP remake/port of the original Persona was completed, Atlus has decided to not only bring the game over to the US with the promise of a better localization, but also with the added bonus of a 2-disc soundtrack for those who buy a physical copy of the game, featuring the work of Shogi Meguro on this project.

Read our review of this new soundtrack after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

Demon’s Souls Soundtrack Bypasses Japan, Hits The US First

July 29, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

You may have read earlier today that Atlus is rewarding US fans’ patience with not only a limited edition artbook for the game, but also a full soundtrack release. This is significant not only because it’s twice the pre-order bonus, but also because Japan never received a soundtrack release for the game, meaning it will be out in the United States first. Pretty unique for a Japanese game

We had the opportunity to check out the game and some of its music at Anime Expo, and I was impressed. Shunsuke Kida is responsible for the orchestral store, and I can’t wait to hear the album in its entirety. If you want to hear some of the tracks yourself, Atlus has uploaded two music samples to their official website, so go check it out!

Has Atlus convinced you to stop importing the game yet? Are you looking forward to hearing the game’s music in a CD player near you?
Game Music

Anime Expo 2009: Demon’s Souls Game and Music Details

July 7, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 5 Comments Share this

The fantasy RPG Demon’s Souls for the PS3 is yet another title I haven’t been following very closely, but I quickly realized this was a mistake at the Atlus Demon’s Souls panel at Anime Expo this weekend. The game not only looks amazing, but some of the online elements unique and absolutely intriguing. The gameplay and visual style are also right down my alley, and the Gothic fantasy music heard throughout the trailer immediatley caught my attention.

The funniest thing happened right at the beginning of the panel. After watching the trailer, I leaned over to Dale and said, “This kind of looks like a third-person King’s Field.” Little did I know how close I was to the mark with that comment.

Find out more about the game, it’s influences, and who will be handling the fully orchestrated score after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

More Atlus Bonus CDs? Knights in the Nightmare and The Dark Spire!

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

Yeah, Atlus has you covered once again. While I’ll admit I don’t know much about Knights in the Nightmares, I am very much excited about the oldschool dungeon crawler, The Dark Spire. Even more, the music, composed by Kenichi Arakawa, is looking to sound quite amazing. It seriously sounds like a hybrid between Castlevania and Ninja Gaiden.

If you’re unaware, the game will feature both a “modern” and “classic” mode, each with its own distinct visual and audio style. I highly recommend checking out the soundtrack samples that Atlus has provided to hear what you’re missing. This is the Atlus CD not to miss!

For those who are looking to hear even more, Success released a 2-disc soundtrack for the game back in September in Japan. I may consider picking this up… after I pick up The Dark Spire here in the States.

Have you been looking forward to The Dark Spire? Do you think the samples are “classic” enough?
Game Music

Atlus Spoils Strike Again: Legacy of Ys Books I & II Gains A Level

January 29, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Atlus Spoils Strike Again: Legacy of Ys Books I & II Gains A Level Share this

Atlus has a history of treating its fans right with its spoils program. While there was a soundtrack release announced for those who pre-ordered Legacy of Ys: Books I & II, Atlus has instead opted to upgrade the packaging to “premium” status. What does that mean? Instead of having to pre-order the game to get the soundtrack disc, every unit that ships will come with the soundtrack album in the box, similar to what was done for Luminous Arc 2.

The down side? The game is delayed for two weeks. I suppose this may disappoint some fans who were looking forward to the game, but hey, for people like us, it makes buying two classic RPGs on one cartridge all that much more sweeter. I know people haven’t been mentioning names, but most know that Yuzo Koshiro worked on both of these titles.

Are you looking forward to the soundtrack album? Do you think the delay is a big deal?

[via Destructoid]
Game Music

Audio Strategery of Luminous Arc 2: Interview With Yasunori Mitsuda and Akari Kaida

November 20, 2008 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

I’m pretty sure you guys know by now that I am completely in love with Akari Kaida. Her work on Breath of Fire III is some of my favorite game stuff of all time, and she’s back on the Luminous Arc series with this week’s release of Luminous Arc 2 from Atlus on the DS. Also, this game includes a music CD. Did you notice the giant announcement on the box art above?

We were fortunate enough to have Norihiko Hibino catch up with both Yasunori Mitsuda, who acted as the title’s sound director, and elusive composer Akari Kaida to talk up their work on Luminous Arc 2. Oh, and I couldn’t help myself, so I had to ask Akari Kaida a bunch of questions about her past and her work on past titles. As far as I know, this is the first time Kaida has spoken with international media, so I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Hit the jump for our interview with Mitsuda and Kaida. (more…)