iOS

Game Music, Reviews

The Soul of Wit – S&S LP: BotSB (Review)

June 28, 2012 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on The Soul of Wit – S&S LP: BotSB (Review) Share this

Oscar Wilde said that brevity is the soul of wit. Does that apply for abbreviations as well?

Ah, who cares. Let me just spell it out for you. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP is a cool indie game that you owe it to yourself to play at some point (it’s available for iOS and PC/Mac via Steam). Heck, even the Japanese are playing this indie treat.

The soundtrack for the game, entitled Sword & Sworcery LP – The Ballad of the Space Babies, exists in digital, vinyl, and cassette tape formats. But let’s put format aside and focus on content… after the jump. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

A Light Snack: Saulesco’s “Rememory” Soundtrack (Review)

May 11, 2012 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on A Light Snack: Saulesco’s “Rememory” Soundtrack (Review) Share this

Forget David’s @withaknife name, it’s time to talk about WITHASPOON!

Actually, there isn’t much to say. David Saulesco, the fantastic composer whom we recently interviewed regarding Eternal Daughter 10th Anniversary OST, released this totally random soundtrack as a freebie on his Bandcamp page (link here, embed below). The game was called Rememory, but it’s doubtful you’ve ever played it. Why?

According to David, despite its existence on the iOS App Store, the game crashes at launch on most devices. So, the puzzle game itself, apparently quite charming and endearing, is unplayable. Hence, free soundtrack for you to check out.

With the exception of the bonus track (Trailer music), it’s all 8-bit retro chippy goodness. Of the four main themes, my favorites are Court (game A) and Tower (game C). In both instances, I felt that Saulesco was channeling his inner Koichi Sugiyama. Or, maybe he’s never played Dragon Quest, and he’s just really good at neo-Baroque and neo-Classical composition. In any case, these are short, nifty tracks. Be sure to pick it up and add it to your favorite music-playing device.

<a href="http://withaknife.bandcamp.com/album/rememory-original-soundtrack">Rememory Original Soundtrack by David Saulesco</a>
Game Music, Reviews

I Like NightSky, And Long Walks On The Beach (Review)

May 1, 2012 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on I Like NightSky, And Long Walks On The Beach (Review) Share this

Some of the most impressive music I’ve ever heard is soft. You think it’s easy to record music at a consistently low volume? Well, do it, and make it sound good. Then we’ll talk, kiddo.

One guy in the last year who recorded some amazing soft, acoustic music for a game of similarly soft temperament is Chris Schlarb. And that game is NightSky. I first played through the game (fun and somehow relaxing, even when frustrating), and later I indulged in multiple listens to the soundtrack.

While I got the soundtrack in one of many various software+music “bundles” in the last few months, the soundtrack has been available since January 2011 at Bandcamp for $5. Streaming listens are free, so feel free to listen along while reading my review after the jump. (more…)
Game Music, Indie Music, Reviews

Just Subtract 84! 100 Rogues Soundtrack (Review)

April 18, 2012 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on Just Subtract 84! 100 Rogues Soundtrack (Review) Share this

It was the next step in the evolution of game music. After the hardware-created “chiptunes” of the NES era, the sound banks of FM synth reigned supreme on the SNES. And while we don’t find as much chic or nostalgia for the super lo-fi synth restrictions of the 16-bit days as we do the hardware emulation of chiptunes, it’s great to see today’s composers make use of that strange and wonderful musical palette.

I am talking about the music of Keith Burgun and Blake Reynolds, both of Dinofarm Games, in their first major title, 100 Rogues (available on PC and various mobile platforms). After the jump, our review of the game’s soundtrack. (more…)
Game Music

SQUIDS and Romain Gauthier: Now This Is VGM

February 6, 2012 | Patrick Gann | 3 Comments Share this

I have a hard time trying to explain to non-VGM-enjoying friends what made and makes VGM something that contrasts with other forms of “soundtrack” music (film and television score). The line becomes more and more blurred each day.

But here, at the tail end of 2011, I found a perfect example of what I mean. The soundtrack for SQUIDS, an iOS title from French developer “The Game Bakers,” channels everything unique about looped background music that can make it beautiful and, dare I say, more than just background music.

The album is available (currently $4 USD) via bandcamp, and after the jump, I’ll tell you why half-hour collection of music is worth every penny. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

A Tactical Love Letter: Ravenmark OST (Review)

November 16, 2011 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on A Tactical Love Letter: Ravenmark OST (Review) Share this

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. An up-and-coming composer intends to please fans while flattering two of his favorite composers…

We hadn’t heard from Josh Whelchel in awhile. Yes, he did produce a three-album set for his 2011 “Songs for the Cure” charity series. But as for game soundtracks, I’ve been waiting and waiting for Whelchel’s next big release.

That release came out on 11/11/11, and it’s the soundtrack for an iOS Strategy RPG from Singapore-based Witching Hour Studios called Ravenmark: Scourge of Estellion. The 70 minute soundtrack accompanying the game is available via Bandcamp for only $5.

After the jump, we’ll talk about the composers who influenced Whelchel for this soundtrack and what makes it a perfect, fitting addition to Josh’s growing discography. (more…)