Pixelated Audio

Journey to Silius – PA64

In this episode we (once again) have composer Naoki Kodaka in all his Sunsoft glory with Journey to Silius (aka [rʌf] World) for the NES/Famicom. This game has all the signs of what makes an NES title remembered as “classic.” And it’s dark visuals, gritty sound, and revenge-focused story draw their own highlights in the ocean of titles on the platform.

Join us as we take an in-depth look at the game, the composition, and it’s unbelievably heavy DPCM low-end pumping through the NES APU.

Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (133.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Illusion Blaze with Seung-Hwan Ro – PA63

Retro gaming and game audio tends to get associated with US, Japan, and Europe because of the shear volume of games and media. So, we thought to ourselves, why not look at some other countries take on game music.

Illusion Blaze (일루젼 블레이즈) was released in 1994 for Korea on the PC and was developed by Family Production. Their games were mostly composed by a duo known as D.A.C. that was producing a mix of rock and electronic music into a unique balance of “destructive harmony.” So, join in as we dip into Korean gaming history, Family Production, and chat with Seung-Hwan Ro of D.A.C. Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (170.8MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Expansion Pack XV: Namco C352 with ctr – PA62

Namco was known for their extravagant arcade systems and over-the-top designs, however, they also had one of the most impressive sound chips in the early 90s. The 32-voice C352 and it’s driver “Quattro” were both innovative and polished but more importantly, they were utilized by an amazing roster of composers.

Guest-hosting the show, ctr (from our affiliate site vgmrips.net) joins in to discuss his latest playback and logging tool QuattroPlay which has been released today alongside the show!

Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:06:36 — 179.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Astaroth: The Angel of Death – PA61

Imagine, if you will, a game that’s from an Amiga developer heavily influenced by the English rock band Sisters of Mercy. Add in some truly insane music coupled with artwork that’s both sexy and demonic in the style of an 80’s heavy metal album cover (sporting a naked demon right on the title screen). The game you would get is Astaroth: The Angel of Death developed by Eldritch the Cat with music by none other than Jochen Hippel.

Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:40:53 — 154.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Herzog Zwei with Nathan and Tomomi Otani – PA60

Herzog Zwei is a real-time strategy game that was developed by Tecnosoft and released for the Mega Drive in 1989 for Japan and for the Sega Genesis in 1990 for North America. With excellent music, you’re in for a good time. Join us with guest-host Nathan Daniels and a special appearance from composer Tomomi Otani.
Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (166.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Buffers Evolution – PA59

It’s safe to assume you’ve heard of Bandai, but did you know they developed a handheld console called the WonderSwan? If not, don’t worry, its obscurity comes from the fact that it was never released in North America and had the misfortune to be in direct competition with the Game Boy… ouch! This doesn’t mean it was bad, in fact it was quite amazing… just unlucky (and maybe marketed poorly). Buffers Evolution is a handheld VGM masterpiece and a great example of what this system could do both in sound and graphics. Enjoy!

Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (134.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS