Pixelated Audio

Starfire with guest Takeshi Abo – PA87

Heading back to the YM2608 for a look (and listen) at a game called Starfire for the PC-9801. A system exclusive, 1st person action RPG, released on October 14th of 1994; developed and published by a small company called StarCraft Inc. It’s an interesting game that, even though a Japanese only title, borrows heavily from Western games like “Might and Magic.” More importantly, the music composed by Takeshi Abo, is a mixture of ambient, dance, and focuses on rhythm and pace to carry the mood.

Join in as we discuss the music of Starfire and also chat with Takeshi Abo about his music from over 20 years ago! Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:31 — 155.8MB)

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Dragon Fighter – PA86

The third Natsume NES/Famicom spotlight on the show features music from another strong composer. Dragon Fighter is a side scrolling action platformer, released for the Famicom in Japan in 1990, developed by Natsume and published by Towa Chiki. In 1992 the game was brought to the North American audience by a company called SOFEL Corp. Using the driver by Iku Mizutani, composer Kouichi Yamanishi delivers a similar style that retains everything we love about the Natsume sound. Join us as we listen to the music of Dragon Fighter on Nintendo’s 8 bit powerhouse. Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:30 — 52.2MB)

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Self Reflection: 3 Years of PA – PA85

We’re taking a break… Don’t worry, just this week. :) In this episode, we got together for a bit to listen to how we started (episode 1) that was released just over 3 years ago now. We talk a little about the show, how we’ve changed, the way it’s produced, and the other additions as well. If you were expecting a normal episode, we do apologize but hope that you join in this mini retrospective on Pixelated Audio. – BRYAN & JAMES

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:42 — 82.3MB)

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Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade – PA84

In this installment of Pixelated Audio, we’re heading back to the Game Boy featuring a soundtrack from a Japanese-only title called Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade, developed by Sun L and published by Yutaka in 1992. This game is based off the short lived anime by Tatsunoko Production and Sotsu Agency. The game is a blast and has a great soundtrack composed by Norihiko Togashi, who has contributed to over 100 titles in his career (Battle Dodgeball, Ultraman, and Super Wagyan Land for SFC). Join us as we tear apart the audio from this cool action platformer. Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (115.0MB)

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BlaZeon – PA83

BlaZeon is a horizontal shooter, developed by A.I Co and published by Atlus in 1992 for the arcade. Originally a Japanese only release, Atlus ported the game to the SNES for Japan AND the US shortly after (in the same year, 1992) The music (composed by Tsukasa Masuko) is totally pumpin’ and deserves a listen. Join in as we dive into the soundtrack.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:08 — 125.5MB)

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Lunar: The Silver Star with Noriyuki Iwadare – PA82

Originally, Lunar: The Silver Star was published by Game Arts for the Sega CD (Mega CD) in Japan in 1992, and the US in 1993 by Working Designs -developed Game Arts, Studio Alex.

In 1996, Game Arts completely reworked, and retold the story of Lunar by releasing Lunar: The Silver Star Story for the Sega Saturn exclusively in Japan. Later on, the remake made it’s worldwide release debuting on the Sony PlayStation in 1998, then in the US in 1999, titled Lunar: The Silver Star Story Complete.

Lunar touched many gamer’s hearts as it told the story of a young boy whose dreams of becoming a Dragonmaster begin to unfold. The game has remarkable storytelling (wether you love or hate the translation) mixed with adventure, love, and friendship that’s a must-play for any RPG fan. But the key to any good RPG is the music. Noriyuki Iwadare‘s (岩垂徳行) composition brings out the emotional quality that can emphasize the excitement or tear your heart out with despair. And without him, this would have been a very different game. Join us as we discuss the music of Lunar: The Silver Star and the remakes as well as an interview with composer, Noriyuki Iwadare. Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:48:13 — 294.4MB)

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