iPhone

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

BAR OASIS Worldwide Re-Release: More Sexy Times From Korea

May 6, 2011 | Jayson Napolitano | 45 Comments Share this

Remember our coverage of BAR OASIS, the drink-mixing girl-wooing iPhone game from Korea? It was my personal pick for indie game soundtrack of the year last year, with jazzy music composed by Korean composer Nauts.

While there isn’t really anything new in terms of music, the development team behind BAR OASIS has disbanded and the soundtrack is now being offered by a newly formed company, Corners Studio. The soundtrack is once again available internationally, and at a new reduced price of $4.99, while the game is available for $1.99 in North America as well as Japan and Korea, two areas that did not previously get the opportunity to enjoy the game. There’s also a ‘lite’ version of the app to try for free, so check out the game and its music. It’s some seriously good stuff.

Did you happen to check out BAR OASIS last year? What did you think of the last track on the album, “Ultra Sexy (Sexy Ver.)?”
Game Music, Reviews

Infinity Gene: Evolution Through Minimalism (Review)

April 29, 2011 | Carl Larson | 2 Comments Share this

When people talk about getting back to basics in gameplay, Space Invaders is one of those basics that immediately comes to mind. Infinity Gene, the latest title in the Space Invader series, succeeds in breaking things down to reach a new conclusion. Evolution through minimalism.

Taito’s music composer COSIO notes that “the sound ended up being considerably more minimalist than that of any other shooting game out there” as a result of taking a diverging path away from other shooters. Graphic designer Reisuke Ishida also states that “the sound is an inseparable part of the whole Infinity Gene concept. Without COSIO’s music, the game’s world falls apart, incomplete.”

While the iPhone version of Infinity Gene received a soundtrack release (ZTTL-9020) in August 2009, Taito is now releasing an updated soundtrack called -Evolutionary Theory- to include the new songs made for the Xbox 360/PS3 versions of the game. This would be the most complete album to buy if you happened to skip the previous release.

Let’s take it for a spin, shall we? (more…)
Game Music

Hülsbeck Smashing The Undead With ZombieSmash! EP

August 9, 2010 | Audun Sorlie | 1 Comment Share this

Whoa! Seems like Chris Hülsbeck is a busy man these days. Last week he announced he would return to R-Type to make new music for the iPhone port while today, you can purchase his new soundtrack from ZombieSmash!. The game is a castle defense game with flocks of zombies trying to get in your door and it’s up to you to stop them by throwing them and shooting them off screen. Chris scored the game wonderfully with some great songs with obvious horror music cues and driving melodies. The sounds and feel is fittingly nostalgic of some of his earlier works.

While the soundtrack itself is only 4 tracks long, it includes the trailer music and 2 excellent arrangements of the main theme. One is exclusive to the EP and the other is from the Sounds of Games project that Hülsbeck contributed some arrangements for. Make sure to get the game on the App Store and the soundtrack from either iTunes or Amazon.

Visit Chris Huelsbeck Productions for more info and news.
Game Music

Right Type Of Remake: R-Type IPhone With New Music by Hülsbeck

July 29, 2010 | Audun Sorlie | 1 Comment Share this

R-Type has seen many releases over the years on various systems and reached legendary status in the shmups genre. While in the US and Japan it is probably more remembered by its arcade or Super NES sequel, here in Europe we are more familiar with the Commodore 64 and Amiga versions of the game. That’s not only because those systems had a higher market share here mind you, one of the reasons why it was so popular was because it featured music by non other than Chris Hülsbeck. Now EA Mobile and DotEmu will bring back R-Type to the Iphone and with it they are bringing Hülsbeck back to work on the title 20 years later.

A developer at DotEmu, who is in charge of porting the game, remembered Hülsbeck’s excellent work on the classic game and suggested bringing him aboard. Thanks to that suggestion the game will feature a brand new title theme composed specifically for the Iphone port. It’s scheduled for release very soon so keep your eyes on the App store. It’ll be a glorious feeling to travel back to my childhood once again where I was in the basement playing Amiga while my parents thought I was sleeping.

Check out Chris Huelsbeck Productions for more info.
Japanese, Reviews

Prescription For Even More Sleep: Hibino Sound Therapy Lab (Review)

July 26, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

I had talked about the music for this strange, relaxing iPhone App last year. But, at the time, only four songs were available to check out via the app. Let’s face it: that’s not good enough! We need *more* sleep medication! And by “medication,” I mean “soft music from Norihiko Hibino!” No drugs required here.

Though, it should be noted, there is currently a P4S package sold in Malaysia containing this CD along with an “herbal supplement” in tow. Unfortunately, when reviewing this album, I did not get to try any of said herbal supplement. Maybe it’s not FDA-approved or something.

In any case, you should just click the “more” button, because after the jump, we have a full review of the complete 11-track album, entitled “Hibino Sound Therapy Lab.” (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

BAR OASIS: Ultra Sexy Times From Korea (Review)

July 16, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

We mentioned the iPhone/iPod Touch app BAR OASIS a few weeks back. For those who are too lazy to go check that post, it’s basically a touch and tilt story-based adventure about mixing drinks. Aside from it looking great and being an incredible deal at $0.99, it also features some amazing music composed by Mr. Nauts from Korea.

What we have here is more than 35 minutes of original music with some high production values, which is pretty amazing for a downloadable title for mobile devices. There’s everything here from upbeat jazz themes to emotional cues to ultra sexy tracks that are definitely not safe for work!

Did that last one catch your attention? Read more in our review of the BAR OASIS soundtrack after the jump. (more…)