"An Endless FM Challenge"
CodeVery happy with how pure these FM samples from the YM2612,
the technique used here speaks for the skill of the composer to
keep the SPC700 interpolation at bay.
It has a very 'go-go-go, floating' feel. The contrast in mood is
great.
Rating: 9/10 - based on the recognizably of SPC700 impact on the song. (minimal), and the technical skill in reference to hardware knowledge on the porters's part.
"Credits":
Code
Very vertical-flow groove for scrolling credits. :-) I'm into
the Honky-Tonk and square riffs. I dig it.
Although it does not sound authentically FM as I'd prefer to fit
my taste, its a nice mellow grove that fits a rolling
Staff Credits well.
Rating: 8/10 - for groovy Honky-Tonk. :-)
"Law And Disorder":
Code
Oh, so hot. This track's emotions definitely run raw. Thug life.
It is unfortunately very short and does not loop. This is a
disappointment to me, I would have liked to hear more. I have to
comment on the way the distortion guitar samples where used. Very
cleanly. You get points for that. They often get in the way and
in this track, they do what they are supposed to and compliment
the emotion of the song without being an interference. This is
good.
Rating: 7/10 - Would have liked to give it a higher rating, but the song is short...
"Secret Base":
Code
Sonic Advance, you know, this isn't half bad. I have issues with
the way the organ's 'snap' gets in the way, but it helps you to
hear the mood the song is trying to set. This port unfortunately
sounds very flat. The razzy harmony line leaves something to be
desired, it still leaves the song sounding very flat, and unbalanced...
Otherwise, a decent port. Lacking the meat of the GBA, though.
Rating: 6/10 - Port originality, tinny sounding, no meat. But a decent port nonetheless.
"Spacewalk":
Code
My word, this one almost beat the Endless FM Challenge, up until
1:19. Its so disappointingly empty, this part. Kicks right back
in at 1:32, but otherwise the rest of the song generates the
vision of walking along the outer walls of a space station dodging
incoming robot and space trooper fire, and leaping over
electrified chasms. It feels VERY electric.
Rating 8/10 - I had to knock two points off for the empty, void-like baseline jammed into the middle of the track. It was a mood-breaker for me. Otherwise, the composer has great potential.
"Stone":
Code
WOW. Eat your heart out, RPG fans. This one's on a road to
destiny. Maybe I'm biased here but the urgency of the mood in
this track and the driving beef backing it was enough to tip the
charts for me. Even though it is short it was hard to place a bet
between this track and "An Endless FM Challenge".
I was driven by this track to press the 'Play" button once more.
For that replayability it wins my contest vote. The heoric
struggle against a strong foe I felt from it was too
grand. Bobbing and wavering while this monster with an ungodly
amount of hitpoints goes on the rampage with its
strongest attacks and takes barely a scratch from your attacks.
Stone guardian indeed.
Rating: 10/10 - Re-playable and memorable.
-
Final notes:
Endless FM comes in at a close second for me. VERY close. Wish I could vote for two, today. "Stone" takes my top vote.
~ LupineDream
formarly MallowMan
Quote"A master is adept at the skill of observation. A journey involves getting there, and knowing how to get there."