Why is there a spaceship in my living room?: Gradius House Remix (Review)

Have you ever heard of a shmup series called Gradius? Well, I’ve only heard music from Gradius V, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, but recently, a WiiWare game, entitled Gradius ReBirth, featuring music arranged by Manabu Namiki of Basiscape. Although you can only get the Gradius ReBirth Original Soundtrack from the Konamistyle store, I was more interested in this arrange album that was also being released around the same time. Entitled Gradius House Remix, it features, as you’d suspect, arrangements of classic Gradius themes, mostly of the first game. Even though I’m not familiar with the source material, I figured I’d take a chance with the remix album. I might not dance, but I love music that makes it easy for me to at least bob my head!

Get your turntables ready and meet me after the jump for the review!

The most interesting part of this remix album is the fact that it takes you on a journey through the entire original Gradius game through a diverse array of remixes. The first theme, “1.9.8.5. [Gradius I COIN ReMix],” arranged by The Barcelona, takes the coin sound effect of all things and turns it into an upbeat Japanese rap vocal track with some awesome beats. Clearly most of the music is original, but the added coin sound effects are mixed and inserted into the theme to give it a nice nostalgic factor. “1st Stage [Volcano Stage] (Newdeal Remix) [Gradius I 1st Stage ReMix],” arranged by Newdeal, is easily my favorite theme on the entire album. Unlike some of the arrangements, it takes the chiptune version and overlays it atop the most infectious house beat on the album creating a theme that really does make me want to dance, at least in my seat. I also like the opening and ending of the theme as it sounds like the ship is going to malfunction. “LasBo Boss [Gradius I COIN BOSS GAME OVER RANKING BGM ReMix],” by DJ Raymond (the samos), is a nice medley of the coin, boss, game over, and ranking BGMs. It’s also a bit crazy featuring some industrial techno influence, some vocal work, the original sound source, and some interesting choice on synth effects. It’s one that might take a while to grow, but it’s quite enjoyable in the end.

There are also a few more subdued arrangements on this album. For example, “Sky High [Gradius I Aerial Battle ReMix],” arranged by GOKU, is a very beautiful take on the aerial battle theme. It features a very spacey and uplifting melody over some catchy beats. It’s not at all what I expect from a battle theme arrangement, but oh man, does it really get my gears going! The only Gradius II arrangement, by Jazzin’ park, is entitled “Things Are … [Gradius II Farewell ReMix].” Featuring a combination of crystalline synth, piano, and some house beats, it sends off the album with a bang, although a subtle one. It’s an extremely exquisite arrangement with a beautiful melody and easily ranks up there as one of the better arrangements! “grads [Gradius I 6th Stage ReMix],” by mizo, is a house theme with a focus on suspended string synth and some jazzy piano elements. With so many awesome arrangements, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but on certain days, this is definitely up there. I’m just sad it’s as short as it is. I’d definitely like to hear an extended version in a club one day!

I bought this album on a gamble and I think it pays off on the end. While some of the arrangements took a while to grow on me, many of them were instant hits. It offers a nice mixture of industrial and house arrangements with the occasional surprise. Some arrangers are obviously better than others, such as Jazzin’ park or Newdeal, but if you are a fan of house music and Gradius, this should be right up your alley.

Are you a fan of the Gradius series? Given the recently announced Contra WiiWare game, would you want to see a Contra House Remix album? I know I would.