Kow Otani

Game Music

Shadow of the Colossus 2xLP Vinyl Soundtrack Available for Pre-Order

January 26, 2018 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on Shadow of the Colossus 2xLP Vinyl Soundtrack Available for Pre-Order Share this

In anticipation of the release of the remaster of cult classic game Shadow of the Colossus, iam8bit has opened up pre-orders for a 2xLP vinyl release of the original game’s soundtrack, composed by Kow Otani.

The view from atop a colossus is nothing short of majestic. A visual feast, sure – but its composer Kow Otani’s score that fully embodies the emotion felt whilst ascending each epic creature. Sweeping, transcendent and awe-inspiring, the music of Shadow of the Colossus makes it clear that our dear hero, Wander, isn’t slaying these mega-beasts as though they are villains, but instead is unlocking ancient magic for the greater good of our world. At long last, the legendary soundtrack to one of the most adored games in PlayStation history – enhanced with additional orchestral accompaniment AND remastered – is available on vinyl for the FIRST. TIME. EVER!

The vinyl is slated for release in Q2 of 2018, no doubt soon before or after the release of the remastered game itself, which currently has no date. You can currently pre-order the 2xLP vinyl release of the Shadow of the Colossus Original Soundtrack for $40.00 on the iam8bit website.
Events, Game Music

My TOP 10 Anticipated Game Soundtracks Post E3 2015: PART TWO

June 18, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this

Yesterday I presented you with a list of the first five of my top ten anticipated soundtracks now that E3 2015 has come and gone. Today I share my thoughts on what I think are my remaining most anticipated soundtracks. The top five were selected based on my impressions of not what will be the best games, but will give us some of the best new video game music – so keep that in mind.

Come on and read about what future soundtracks made the top of my list!

(more…)
Game Music

E3 2015: Most Anticipated Video Game Soundtracks

June 3, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 4 Comments Share this

There are not that many video game soundtracks that I have been anticipating but today I got a serious soundtrack vibe. As E3 is approaching there have been numerous hopes and speculation about the Japan Studio and Team Ico’s The Last Guardian. Every year for the past few years at the beginning of June I dutifully revisit the two breathtaking trailers for the game. There’s the E3 2009 trailer which runs about 4 minutes, and there’s the Tokyo Game Show 2010 trailer that runs about 2 minutes. In the first trailer there are no mentions of who will be handling the music for the game but, it does mention that the Sound Design is being handled by Tsubasa Ito.

So being the curious type I try to look for hints, and clues about who will be doing the music for the game. As Kow Otani composed the now classic score for Shadow of the Colossus in 2005 my sights are on him. Secrecy in the Japanese game industry is legendary, and it may be nothing but it looks like Tsubasa Ito recently started following Kow Otani on Twitter. I may be grasping at feathers here, but one can dream right?

Are you anticipating any video game soundtracks for games that might be announced at E3 this year?
Game Music, Reviews

Kow Otani Rocks and Rolls Over: Sengoku Basara 3 Soundtrack (Review)

May 11, 2011 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on Kow Otani Rocks and Rolls Over: Sengoku Basara 3 Soundtrack (Review) Share this

Okay, not really. But when it was announced long ago that Kow Otani would be working on Sengoku Basara 3, I think a lot of fans, myself included were excited about the possibilities. As it turns out Kow Otani only provided a portion of the game’s soundtrack, and he composed music in his distinctive orchestral style, letting the other composers on board tackle the rock music.

I’d been a fan of Dynasty Warriors titles in the past, so why not Sengoku Basara? Different developers, yes, but similar styles.

Prepare to rock out in our review after the jump! (more…)
Anime, Game Music, Reviews

So Much Better Late Than Never: A Night In Fantasia 2009 CD (Review)

March 29, 2010 | Wes Chung | 6 Comments Share this

Ever waited for something so long that you were sure it was just never going to arrive? Maybe when you were young and it was barely June and you already knew what you wanted for Christmas? This is pretty much how we felt after the Eminence Symphony Orchestra’s A Night In Fantasia 2009 back in September. As mentioned in our comprehensive report, a live CD recording was always in the works and the pre-orders flooded in. So many, in fact, that the staff of Eminence admitted that the original release date of December 8 would have to be put back. So we waited. And then it was remastering issues. Another delay. And then quite a bungle with the distribution. Teasers popped up around the net, such as the track list and even a snippet of a video from the bonus DVD. Fans were like kids rattling the boxes and speculating on the contents.

Just over six months after the concert, Christmas has finally arrived. In the spirit of giving, we’re going to say it outright: this was worth the wait. Read on to join us in discovering what Eminence has left us under the tree… (more…)
Game Music

Shadow of the Colossus Guitar Arrangement Videos

March 25, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

Man, the Shadow of the Colossus soundtrack is just too good (see Gideon’s soundtrack of the month article from a few months back). YouTube user Paolo apparently agrees, and has posted videos of himself performing various tracks from the game, including “The Farthest Land,” “The Opened Way,” and “Memories.” His arrangements feature 12-string guitar and electric guitar, and are actually pretty awesome.

Paolo also appears to be a fan of the Silent Hill series and Okami. He’s posted his performances of tracks from Silent Hill 2, 3, 4, and Homecoming along with a couple tracks from the Okami soundtrack. I highly recommend hitting up his YouTube channel and checking out some of his videos.

What do you think of Paolo’s guitar arrangements? Are there any other titles that you’d like to see him tackle?

[via OSV Tips, thanks Paolo!]
Anime, Reviews

Shadow of the Colossal Earthquake: Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Original Soundtrack (Review)

December 23, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

If the title isn’t obvious enough, yes, this is the work of Kow Otani. When we first got this CD in at our office, I was listening to it and wondering who the heck could have written it. There were a few cues that sounded similar to Otani’s most popular foray into the videogame world, Shadow of the Colossus, but for the most part, the Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 soundtrack is something completely different.

Based on his involvement alone, it’s no surprise that this score sounds great. There are, of course, numerous live players who appear throughout, and in typical anime fashion, there are incredibly out-of-place J-rock intro and closing themes that cap off either side of the soundtrack. But hey, it’s all good, and I’m not one to complain about getting my hands on more music from Kow Otani!

Read on to find out what he’s done with the Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 soundtrack in our review after the jump. (more…)