XSEED

Game Music

Ragnarok DS To Surely Have One of the Best Soundtracks of 2010

February 4, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 3 Comments Share this

Regular readers of OSV should know by now that I’m obsessed with Ragnarok Online and the game’s soundtrack composed by Korean sound studio soundTeMP (it was our soundtrack of the month at one point). It should come as no surprise then that I’m incredibly excited about Ragnarok DS (they’ve apparently dropped the “online” bit since it was announced) that’s being released by XSEED this month. What we haven’t heard about until now, however, is how the game will sound.

We checked in with XSEED to see if soundTeMP would be providing new music for the DS release, and while we were told that all the game’s music would come from the PC version, at least we know that they’ll be pulling music from one of the best soundtracks of all time. In the new trailer that XSEED recently released, we heard MIDI-fied versions of both “Theme of Juno” and “Streamside.” While I’m a bit disappointed that the sound quality is being reduced to fit the audio onto the DS cartridge, the MIDI versions do have a unique retro charm about them, so we’ll have to wait until next month to see what the final result is.

Are you looking forward to Ragnarok DS? Do you think developer GungHo should have sacrificed some other aspect of the game in order to preserve soundTeMP’s amazing soundtrack?
Game Music

Pre-Order Lunar: Silver Star Harmony, Get Some Free Stuff (Yes, Soundtrack!)

January 13, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

Fans of the Lunar series probably already know there is a remake in the works for the PSP. Actually, “in the works” is probably a poor choice of words, as it’s due out next month, but you get the idea. The fact that it’s out so soon provides even more of an incentive to jump on this sweet deal. Apparently fans who pre-order the limited edition of the game will be getting a soundtrack CD along with 13 collectible bromide cards.

The limited edition will set you back $39.99 as opposed to the standard edition’s $29.99, but the remastered soundtrack with both new and old songs should be well worth it. The game will also feature upgraded graphics and new story elements, so watch for the release date in late February.

Have you been looking forward to Silver Star Harmony? Any thoughts as to how much new music is being created by Iwadare?

[via Destructoid]
Game Music

Little King’s Story Secret Music Sample Site Revealed

August 14, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

Remember when Little King’s Story producer Yoshiro Kimura told us at E3 that he wanted to make the game’s music available to fans? Well, he wasn’t kidding, as Marvelous has just uploaded 6 minute-long clips from the game’s soundtrack.

So, how do you get them? Well, Kimura-san told us in an email that it’s a “rare secret” just for you guys. Basically, go to this Japanese URL, and type the word “king” into the text box on the page. It will take you to another page where you can download the 6 music samples. They sound great, and this is definitely appreciated, but I wish they’d release that promotional CD to the public already!

Have you been enjoying the music in Little King’s Story? Does this “secret” sample site satisfy your LKS music needs, or does it leave you wanting more?
Game Music

Interview with Little King’s Story composer Yutaka Minobe

August 11, 2009 | Audun Sorlie | 4 Comments Share this

Little King’s Story has finally conquered the world, and seen it’s release worldwide. After being released in Europe late April, Japan and the US have been eagerly awaiting this little masterpiece, and with the high praise from European magazines, the wait was almost unbearable for some. One of the definite highlights of the game is the wonderful music, and now that the little king has finally traveled all over the world, we thought it would be a good time to talk to the composer, Yutaka Minobe, about the process of arranging the classic material and how it is to work on the same game as composer Yoko Shimomura

Read the interview after the jump. (more…)
Chip Music, Game Music

Revisiting Your Childhood: Koji Yamada Talks Retro Game Challenge

March 19, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

Into all things retro? If you are, I imagine you’ve already heard of and played Retro Game Challenge, as it received numerous positive reviews from the gaming press. When I played through the game, I was particularly impressed with the 8-bit music, and started wondering if it was truly written using the limitations of the Famicom.

Well, my question has been answered. We’ve been able to speak with Retro Game Challenge composer Koji Yamada about his work on the title. We ask him what it was like writing a soundtrack to a retro game, and find out that yes, he did in fact write the music using the limitations of the Famicom. It’s definitely an interesting discussion about retro games and music, and it’s the first time to my knowledge that Koji Yamada has taken part in an interview in English.

Hit the jump to hear what Koji Yamada has to say about the game music of yore! (more…)
Game Music, Software

KORG DS-10 Contest Winner: Stories With Caves and KAOSS

January 2, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 7 Comments Share this

Well, I’m glad that you guys came through after my angry post a few weeks ago. We got a bunch of great entries, and the fact that we have only one copy to give away made this the hardest contest to judge so far. However, winner Mike C. won us over with his thoroughness and awesome remix recommendation.

How about Cave Story? This game looks amazing (I’ve been anticipating the WiiWare release), and I haven’t spoiled the soundtrack for myself yet by listening to samples or gameplay footage. In terms of DS-10 features, it seems like the KAOSS pad is a popular among fans.

Great job Mike and everyone who entered (it was really tough), and thanks go to XSEED for providing us with this copy to give to you guys!

Read with the winning entry from Mike C. after the jump. (more…)
Software

Contest Reminder: Win A Copy of KORG DS-10 Synthesizer For Your DS!

December 11, 2008 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

I’m disappointed in you guys. I specifically made this one of our easiest contests to enter as a treat to all of you, and we haven’t received nearly enough entries! We give away a $20 CD and we get a ton of entries, but when it comes to a $40 piece of awesomeness for your DS, you’re not interested?

Well, lucky for you, there are two weeks left to enter the contest. All you have to do is tell us (in writing) what features on the DS-10 are most interesting to you and what song you think deserves a DS-10 remix/remake and why. It’s so easy! Just send it to [email protected]. As it stands right now, you have a very good chance of winning if you just send me something. ANYTHING. Do it!

If you want more information, you can check out our original post and our DS-10 videos featuring GEM Impact and The OneUps.