It’s Halloween season and we’re bringing out a soundtrack to one of the most terrifying adorable ghosts around (even makes your ghost emoji look scary). Yuurei-kun (aka Mr. Ghost) is a side-scrolling action game released for the MSX2 and higher compatible machines in 1989 both published and developed by System Sacom. While the soundtrack was written using simple PSG (3 voices), the late Manabu Saito delivered an enjoyable soundtrack that is wonderfully composed and hauntingly catchy.
A bit of a change from our normal episodes, James is sick this week so Gene taps in to fill the void in this late night recording. We hope you enjoy it!
Yuurei-kun (Mr. Ghost) – System Sacom (MSX2)
Composed by Manabu Saito
Track List:
- 0:00:00 Opening
- 0:07:31 Stage 1
- 0:16:35 Stage 2
- 0:21:00 Stage 3
- 0:26:26 Stage 4
- 0:28:57 Stage 5
- 0:37:06 Boss
- 0:39:36 Stage 7
- 0:42:54 Staff Roll
- 0:52:43 Ending
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:39 — 77.6MB)
Hey guys, fun episode! The MSX2 chip, in Japanese hands, sounds like a better version of the Sega PSG. Manabu Saito really knew what he was doing! I’m on my way to downloading his other works, because if it’s anything like Yuurei-kun, I know I’ll love it.
Gene did a great job filling in for James. I really enjoy listening to his insights. However, visiting the page reminded me that there’s no replacing Mr. Brunner; I really missed the awesome banner art! Hope you get well soon, James.
Last two things: Bryan, very impressive getting the episode out on time, given the circumstances! The editing was great, despite the compressed schedule. As a fan and listener, I salute you. Lastly, as far as I can tell, there is no search function on the mobile version of your site, and as far as I can tell, there is no way to switch to the desktop version from a mobile device. It may or may not be possible/worth the amount of work to change that, but I at least wanted to mention it.
Thank Dude! And the artwork is there! Just had a slight delay. :) and btw, you won’t be disappointed with Saitou’s other stuff. Yuurei-kun was a tiny unknown blip on his record.
I think the site has all the functions. Something might have broken since I haven’t touched it in ages. I’ll look into it!
Nice episode for sure! I agree with you guys about how well he used space in creating a sense of fullness with the resources he has on hand, and I’d take it a step further. I think, in the general musical sense he was shaping melodies beautifully while really only hinting at the full idea and implied chord structure. Is it a bridge too far sometimes, as in the heavy modulation in the second theme of the last stage? I think so. But he’s obviously a distinct composer with an interesting style. Good stuff, and I’ve really enjoyed discovering/hearing your show!
Just finished listening to this (yes, I’m late). Great episode for a great composer that really more people should know about. Thanks for the shoutout at the end!
Just found out about pixelatedaudio thanks to this (related) newspost on msx.org
https://www.msx.org/news/en/mr-ghost-translation-to-english
So you can enjoy this game in English from now on. :)
Awesome and thanks for listening! Hope you check out some of our past shows :)
And thank you for posting the link to the patch. It will be a nice way for others to enjoy the game a bit more. I love the MSX community. Great bunch of guys there. :)