Japan Pro Golf Tour 64 is a golf simulator developed and released by SETA and Media Factory in May of 2000 for the failed Japanese only N64 add on, the 64DD. Featuring Japanese pro golfers and official golf courses, it's a fairly conventional golf sim with the the unique distinction of being the only 64DD game playable online through the Randnet service. The music was composed by Ken'ichiro Shinzawa (website in Japanese) a multi-talented pianist whose game scores are few, but with credits spanni...
Feb 21, 2019•1 hr 15 min
Dangerous Seed is a vertical shooter released by Namco in arcades in 1989 and adapted by TOSE in 1990 for the Mega Drive, both released only in Japan. While not a groundbreaking shooter, it does feature an inventive tri-ship mechanic, allowing players to switch up their shot mid-game and introduces a bit of strategy in managing the three ships' health bars. The music was originally composed by Yoshinori Nagumo and arranged by Yoshiki Nishimura, Akihito Hayashi, Yoko Shimokawa, and the mysterious...
Feb 07, 2019•54 min
GRIS was developed by Nomada Studio and published by the hitmaker Devolver Digital in December of 2018 for Nintendo Switch/Mac/Windows. Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. As the story unfolds, Gris will grow emotionally and see her world in a different way, revealing new paths to explore using her new abilities. Pairing with the gorgeous art by Conrad Roset is the equally beautiful and emotional soundtrack composed by Berlinist. We ...
Jan 21, 2019•1 hr 44 min
Seasons greetings! We've got a new Expansion Pack with music, both new and old, fitting of the holiday season. With bright synths, bells and occasionally familiar melodies join us as we get ready to ring in the new year. Track List: 0:00:00 Icicle Mines - Stardew Valley (Switch/PS4/XB1 and others) Eric Barone 0:12:18 Winter - Story of Seasons (3DS) Riyou Kinugasa, Noriko Ishida 0:19:17 "π" (pi) - Guilty Crown - Lost Christmas (PC) Hiroyuki Sawano 0:28:52 Toy Day (Christmas Eve) - Animal Crossing...
Dec 22, 2018•1 hr 5 min
Illusion City is a cyberpunk JRPG from Microcabin, originally released for the MSX Turbo R in 1991, only in Japan. It was later ported to a number of other systems including the PC98, X68000 and Mega CD over the next few years. The game mechanics are fairly traditional RPG fare of the era, but the graphics, animations and music are top notch and really stand out for the hardware. The soundtrack was composed by three Microcabin veterans: Tadahiro Nitta, Yukiharu Urita, and Yasufumi Fukuda all of ...
Dec 12, 2018•2 hr
Micro Maniacs is an isometric racing game (based on the Micro Machines franchise) for the Game Boy Color, released only in the UK and Australia in 2001. This offshoot originally began on the PlayStation, by Codemasters, but given the popularity of Nintendo's handhelds, it ended up making a transition to the portable market shortly after. For the Game Boy Color adaptation, Codemasters had less of their hand in its development. This time it was published by THQ and development was subcontracted ou...
Nov 14, 2018•47 min
Developed by Tendershoot and A Jolly Corpse and published by Devolver Digital in 2015, Dropsy: A Point and Click Hugventure is the story of one clown's journey to make the world a better place. Take a mellow journey through various locales with your animal buddies and a fittingly chilled out soundtrack. We're thrilled to have both the creator Jay Tholen and lead composer Chris Schlarb join us for a lively discussion about this surprisingly genuine story and talk about our shared love of 90s adve...
Oct 01, 2018•2 hr 3 min
Another year, another MAGWest, the West Coast Music and Gaming Festival (MAGFest) in Santa Clara, California (August 10-12, 2018). MAGWest brings it - with the bands, games and an awesome community of VGM fans! This time we're joined by a whole slew of performers from this year and last year as they talk about their childhood gaming experiences and some of the ways that gaming and VGM shaped their lives as performers. The audio quality isn't perfect (far from it - especially in the beginning. So...
Sep 19, 2018•1 hr 25 min
We begin a new chapter of Pixelated Audio with our first solo show, and our first full-length tribute episode, this time honoring Manabu Saito. Saito was a prolific composer for System Sacom from 1987 to 1991, composing and arranging the music for over 15 games. You may have heard his music in Yuurei-kun on Episode 91, but this time we take a deeper dive over his entire career. Listen to Saito's growth as a composer over four years and 25 songs in a wide range of styles. "Yuurei-kun" key product...
Aug 30, 2018•1 hr 27 min
The original Crash Bandicoot games were developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Crash answers the question of "What would Donkey Kong Country be like in 3D?" The first Crash title debuted in September of 1996 on the Sony PlayStation and became an almost instant success, spawning numerous sequels and additions over the years. Although it was never official, Crash was the PlayStation's first mascot, and helped build Sony's console brand to become a household name the...
Jul 26, 2018•2 hr 46 min
The Adventures of Little Ralph, developed by NEW Corporation is a 2D platformer released only in Japan for the Sony Playstation on June of 1999. Like Ralph, there's a big game in this unassuming package. With its tight controls, engaging scoring mechanics, and a polished 1v1 fighting mini-game engine, this is one you're bound to keep coming back to. Composed by Hiroshi Kuronuma, Naoki Tsuchiya and Hideki Satou, The Adventures of Little Ralph features two complete versions of the soundtrack acces...
Jun 04, 2018•2 hr 8 min
Neural Gear, developed by Fill in Cafe and published by Cross Media Soft, is a 3rd person rail shooter (riding in the light of Space Harrier) released strictly for the Sharp X68000 on November of 1990. While the game doesn't win any awards in the visual department it makes up for it in audio. Composed by Keishi Yonao, Neural Gear features both a soundtrack designed for the OPM/OKI (FM/PCM) sound source and the MT-32 (MIDI) sound source. Keishi Yonao, best known for Asuka 120% Burning Fest series...
May 04, 2018•1 hr 43 min
SNK produced some of the best titles to grace the arcades but also covered the spectrum in genre and variety. Only twice in the company's history did they attempt to produce a wrestling game and Big Bang Pro Wrestling released in 2000 for the Neo Geo Pocket Color was out of this world. Taking lots of inspiration from the Fire Pro Wrestling series, the handheld quasi-adaptation delivers everything you'd expect and more. Big roster of characters, multiple modes, customizations, and of course, a ro...
Apr 02, 2018•1 hr 17 min
After a short break, we're back! Starting off 2018 with a new episode featuring the music of Tetris DS on the Nintendo DS. In 2006, Nintendo did classic puzzle enthusiasts a solid by not only chalking the game full their 8bit all-stars, but also producing a phenomenal Tetris title with loads of new content. Join in as we take a listen to some new arrangements of some well-loved tunes. Tetris DS, 2006 Nintendo DS composed by Minako Hamano, Akira Fujiwara Track List: 0:00:00 Mario, Link, and Yoshi...
Mar 01, 2018•1 hr 21 min
WonderBoy III: The Dragon’s Trap is a special game for a lot of people in a lot of ways. Today we will explore all the different paths to find its hidden gameplay and musical treasures. Much like the game, with its colorful cast of playable characters, we will not be alone on this journey of discovery. We are joined by the original composer Shinichi Sakamoto as well as Michael Geyre, Omar 'Bock' Cornut and Romain Gauthier from the amazing team that brought this game back to life in 2017 for the ...
Dec 15, 2017•2 hr 13 min
Today's Expansion Pack tends to lean heavy on the Sharp X68000 (not planned) but that's not a bad thing. Some amazing tracks selected from the Pixelated Audio team for your listening pleasure. Be sure to let us know your thoughts about the music as well! Track List: 00:00:00 Victory is Imminent - Lord Monarch (FM Towns) Mieko Ishikawa, Atsushi Shirakawa, Masaaki Kawai 00:10:15 Premonition - Lagoon (X68000) Hideki Suzuki 00:18:35 Valley - Lagoon (X68000) Hideki Suzuki 00:25:32 Launching (Title) -...
Dec 02, 2017•1 hr 5 min
Pixelated Audio Music Disk Vol. 3 features the 7th and final music disk from GC-clusterz. Released in December of 1991, this compilation includes both arrangements of video game music AND original tunes made for the PC-8801 series of computers by NEC. Led by GEPPEL, this doujin group only lasted a year (as GC-clusterz) but produced a ton of music in that short span of time. Join in as we take a listen to some of our favorite tracks from this awesome indie music disk. GC-clusterz Music Disk vol. ...
Nov 15, 2017•1 hr 2 min
Cuphead is the first game by the indie studio called StudioMDHR based in Canada, which was created by brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. In development since 2010, Cuphead graced the gaming world only last month but is the first of its kind. Now, we've seen many action platformers and many boss-battle systems pop up before (no short supply here) but a beautiful art style that is reminiscent of cartoons from the 1930s combined with a killer sound that marks an era, Cuphead is something of its o...
Oct 31, 2017•2 hr 6 min
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 ...
Oct 16, 2017•54 min
In this installment we're exploring the soundtrack of an overlooked SNES Action-RPG released in 1994, titled: Brain Lord. It was developed by Produce! in conjunction with a sound group called Opus, and published by Enix for the Super Nintendo (or Super Famicom). Composed by Masanao Akahori, the game has a totally catchy soundtrack and some truly wonderful moments that were clearly inspired by 80's Pop and Rock. Join in as we take a step into the town of Arcs with Remeer and friends. Track List: ...
Oct 02, 2017•1 hr 27 min
Riding on the heels of our last episode (MAGWest Panel), Gene co-hosts with us once again for a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive themed Expansion Pack. We've got a lot of great music and hopefully some new stuff that you might have missed! Track List: 0:00:00 “Lively Town” (Shining Force II) Motoaki Takenouchi 0:08:25 “Thought of the Holy” (Warsong) Hiroshi Fujioka, Noriyuki Iwadare, Isao Mizoguchi 0:15:08 “Climbing the Temple” (X-Men 2: Clone Wars) Kurt Harland 0:23:08 “Let’s Plow” (Skitchin’) Jeff van ...
Sep 15, 2017•1 hr 39 min
MAGWest was the first West Coast MAGFest event in Santa Clara, California (August 25th-27th) and we were stoked to be invited to do a panel this year. The topic we landed on was the sound system of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and how the two sound chips (Sega PSG/YM2612) complemented each other for a rich audio experience. This year we had two guests join in on the talk. Well-known chiptune artist and game audio advocate Inverse Phase and the master of the OPL2, Extent of the Jam. Sound chips, t...
Sep 01, 2017•1 hr 20 min
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...
Aug 15, 2017•1 hr 35 min
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 ...
Aug 01, 2017•1 hr 3 min
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
Jul 16, 2017•48 min
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...
Jul 01, 2017
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. BlaZeon (Atlus, 1992) Arcade, YM2151 Composed by Tsukasa Masuko Track List: 0:00:07 Next Step (Stage Clear) 0:04:54 Optimistic Departure (Title Demo ...
Jun 15, 2017•1 hr 13 min
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 ...
Jun 01, 2017•2 hr 48 min
The 90s were a particularly strong era for game audio on all fronts. The console market was thriving by creating a simpler way to play a game on the cheap, but the PC gaming scene continued to deliver unique experiences with many different hardware configurations. Guest, Gene Dreyband, joins us for a look at some 90s PC/AT music that rocked our world in this expansion pack. Track List: 0:00:00 The Secret of Monkey Island Theme (IBM-PC Speaker) - Michael Land 0:06:32 Lagoon (Classic) - Fury of th...
May 15, 2017•1 hr 3 min
We are back with another Music Disk volume to satisfy the craving for more FM synth! Today we're featuring some select tunes from a disk title "Firecracker Music Collection vol.A: Comiket 42 Special" composed, arranged, and programmed entirely by CHEMOOL (Takahiro Yonemura). This disk was release for the PC-8801 on August 16th, 1992 and uses PMD v3.3 (by KAJA). Join us for some good ol' fashion doujin originals and arrangements. Track list: 0:00:06 Tetrafreaks (Tetraforce) 0:04:05 Vapor Trail (V...
May 01, 2017•41 min
