With eight mainline entries, six side stories, and an entire spin-off series, Yakuza / Like a Dragon has an incredible history behind it. And what’s even more incredible is the stunning quality of music that comes with each new title. Since 2005, Yakuza has been gifting us pulse-pounding boss tracks, jaw-dropping series themes, and some of the best toe-tapping karaoke songs in video game history. On this week’s episode of Rhythm Encounter, our panel will finally be taking a deep dive into the mu...
Mar 06, 2023•2 hr 9 min
The Xeno games do not make up a traditional series, with multiple sub-series and some games connected loosely and some more directly. But whether you favor Xenogears , Xenosaga , or Xenoblade , there's no denying the games' popularity in the RPG crowd. And for us on Rhythm Encounter, we have been enjoying the likes of Yasunori Mitsuda, Yuki Kajiura, Shinji Hosoe, ACE+, and many more talented composers' works in these games for nearly 25 years. So please enjoy today's Xeno -filled episode where w...
Feb 20, 2023•2 hr 10 min
Released in 2015, episode 27 of Rhythm Encounter was all about RPG transportation themes, like chocobos, airships, mechas, and boats. Because of the variety of creative vehicles and travel in our favorite genre — and because it's been nearly eight years — it's high time for another take on this topic. Hop in your spaceship, sentient boat, or tour bus, and join our four-person panel on this journey! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Mario Garcia, Greg Delmage; Edited by Jono Logan Links ...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 35 min
We interrupt your regularly scheduled Rhythm broadcast to bring you some exciting new music that is worth listening to with some urgency! While the transportation episode is making its journey here and the Xeno episode is leveling up to handle its high-level composers effectively, we decided to bring a selection of music that's come out over the past year, with an emphasis on more recent releases in the last few months. We're covering a wide range of game types/series, and more than one series m...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 17 min
Rhythm Encounter launched its first episode in February 2013. Nearly ten years later and after some changes in leadership and a multi-year break, we have hit a milestone with our 100th episode! We decided early last year that we wanted to celebrate this occasion by inviting back our show's founders, Stephen Meyerink and Derek Heemsbergen. Their love of music birthed a (wow, this is getting weird, but...) podcast to celebrate RPG music, and we carry on to this day based on their vision. Since lea...
Jan 09, 2023•2 hr 36 min
It's that time of year! A time of both reflection and celebration of 2022's best RPG music, and we had no shortage of great options this year. From major titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to long-awaited releases like the LIVE A LIVE HD-2D remake , to indie titles like Chained Echoes and Citizen Sleeper , our five panelists today had some tough choices narrowing down their picks. Because Music of the Year is a time to celebrate, we have a bigger-than-usual panel today, and each person got to pi...
Dec 26, 2022•2 hr 38 min
Welcome to a podcast between dreams and reality, mind and matter... Okay, so it's not the Velvet Room, but it's a dedicated episode of Rhythm Encounter to celebrate it and the far-reaching and varied music in the Persona series. Join Gio of the Justice Arcana, Neal of the Death Arcana, Sollosi of the Hierophant/Hermit Arcana, and Hilary of the Strength/Fortune arcana on a journey from the first Persona game to the latest in the series and beyond to the spinoffs. We've had some Persona music on t...
Dec 13, 2022•2 hr 5 min
Commuting comes in several forms, especially over the last few years. Whether you drive to work or school, take a train or bus, or simply walk, many of us have a soundtrack or playlist for our daily journeys. Whether you're pumping yourself up for the day ahead, or winding down on the ride home, what you may listen to on your commute could have as much variety as everyone's songs in today's episode! So buckle up and give it a listen - bonus points if you listen to this very episode during your c...
Nov 28, 2022•1 hr 40 min
It's 2022 and 10-year-old Ash Ketchum has finally won a Pokémon Championship after 25 years. Don't think about the math too much, or you'll end up feeling the need to Go Home and Sleep . Instead, we recommend listening to a lineup of great Pokémon music, and today's panelists have you covered! From way back in the days of Pokémon Gold & Silver all the way to an arrangement just released for the current events in Pokémon Masters EX , we've got you covered. Gather your best team and enjoy a pe...
Nov 21, 2022•1 hr 44 min
While our friends at Retro Encounter just wrapped a month of graphic adventures — and by extension, a month of games featuring wolves — we wanted to record a Halloween-appropriate episode. The gothic halls of Dracula's Castle are a popular spot for spooky adventure, and the Castlevania series is known for its excellent music. The Castlevania titles that RPGFan covers began with the legendary Symphony of the Night , and in many of our choices today, are scored by the talented Michiru Yamane. Join...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 32 min
Composer Masafumi Takada is likely not as well known as some VGM composers by name, but it's very likely you have at least heard of the games he has worked on, especially the Danganronpa series. It's been awhile since our last composer-centric episode—we gushed about the wonderful Kumi Tanioka in episode 79 —so we knew it was time to do another. Join us on a journey of strategy, murder, digital monsters, and possibly more murder. Happy Pre-Halloween! Featuring: Mike Salbato, Patrick Gann, Neal C...
Oct 17, 2022•1 hr 35 min
Check out the new RPGFan Shop! As soon as we learned that the creators of the Wild ARMs and Shadow Hearts series were launching a Kickstarter for two new projects, Armed Fantasia and Penny Blood , we knew it was the perfect time to talk about the music of the teams' legacy. Also, how else would we get away with combining the music of Wild ARMs and Shadow Hearts into a single episode? So sit back and take a musical journey with us across the wild west of Filgaia, France, Japan, and more, as we en...
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 20 min
Check out the new RPGFan Shop! Last month, we celebrated the music of the SNES with The Road SNES Traveled (episode 89), and today we turn our ears to Nintendo's then-competition, the SEGA Genesis! While SEGA's 16-bit console didn't have the sheer number of RPGs found on the SNES, there are plenty of gems to be found in the likes of Phantasy Star , Shining Force , and more. Come listen to some great music that Nintendidn't have. Featuring: Mike Salbato, Wes Iliff, Patrick Gann; Edited by Jono Lo...
Sep 12, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Check out the new RPGFan Shop! On Rhythm Encounter, we enjoy discussing games and music we love, but sometimes excellent RPG music comes from unlikely places. Our panelists' challenge this time around was to find games that generally don't make it to any "best of" lists, whether based on our personal preferences or a wider critical or player consensus. But just because a game was — or should be, in some cases — overlooked doesn't mean the music isn't worthwhile! So join us as we talk about RPGs ...
Aug 29, 2022•1 hr 48 min
Check out the new RPGFan Shop! As the summer heat goes on for many of us, what's a better way to chill out than with a cold drink? A cold drink AND an episode of Rhythm Encounter packed full of summer-y tropical music! Today we sail the seas, spend time in port, and visit an oasis, island, and even an archipelago, with music spanning several generations of RPGs. Crack open a coconut and have a listen! Featuring: Mike Salbato, Stephanie Sybydlo, Peter Triezenberg, Greg Delmage; Edited by Mike Sal...
Aug 15, 2022•1 hr 38 min
Check out the new RPGFan Shop! Look out, you podcasters! It’s an extended ROBERT FROST REFERENCE. But at least it describes this episode. Several games in an afternoon, And sorry I could not play them all And be one gamer, long I paused And stared one down, to start it soon Noting its lauded soundtrack’s call; Then took the other, music less represented And having perhaps the better claim Because it’s novel and less frequently mentioned; As for inspiring podcast discourse Both are worthy, one a ...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 45 min
You don't need to couple up for this square dance, since today we talk about strategy RPG music. Strategy RPGs don't always set their battles on a square-based grid, but since there's only so many that use circles, hexagons, and other non-square shapes, we felt the name was apt. Our four panelists brought a diverse range of music from some strategic games, so there's sure to be something for everyone. You may be surprised by some selections, too! So sit back and listen to us discuss strategy RPG...
Jul 18, 2022•2 hr 1 min
If you know your RPGFan history very well, you'll know that when we started in 1997, we started under the name of LunarNET. While we didn't exclusively cover Lunar , the love of this series and Grandia (also from Game Arts) was essential to our founding. Since the SegaCD version of Lunar: The Silver Star just celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 26th, 2022, we decided it was the perfect time to dedicate an episode to Noriyuki Iwadare's timeless work on the series. While Lunar is admittedly a ...
Jul 04, 2022•1 hr 31 min
I am here in the present with a podcast recorded in the not-too-distant past because we all had an urgent need to discuss SONGS FROM THE FUTURE. Not really sure what sort of fate we're trying to promote or avoid by bringing you these tunes, but rest assured this music is an enjoyable listen. We've picked a range of music, from hacking tunes to futuristic towns and gardens, to discuss what makes music and media "futuristic" and maybe get you thinking about the future in a positive way. Get your j...
Jun 20, 2022•1 hr 44 min
Here at Rhythm Encounter, we have the unique opportunity to bring listeners two interview episodes in a row! No, it's not MAGFest (though we do enjoy going there when we get the opportunity). We had the chance to chat with 8-Bit Music Theory, head of the fascinating and fun YouTube channel about music theory through a video game lens. He was generous enough to share information about his new arrangement album of GameCube songs, walk us through some music theory vocabulary using some of his RPG a...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 46 min
It's spring, and I suppose that means wedding season is beginning soon? In any case, it's the perfect time to debut a new series of episodes here on Rhythm Encounter: VGM for life events. Especially with the increased capacity for intricate instrumental music within soundtracks, RPGs are able to convey a variety of moods, emotions, and tones throughout your adventures. This gives fans a great opportunity to be thoughtful about how to use VGM in their daily lives and for major life events. As tea...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 21 min
Café music? You may be thinking this is more relaxing music, but it isn't — technically. We did do that 29 episodes ago (check out parts 1 and 2 in the links below), but this time, our panelists chose music from some of our favorite video game cafés. Sometimes that's relaxing, and sometimes it brings us music in a very different direction than we may expect. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and come hang out with us at the Emerald Café. Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Audra Bowling, Mario Ga...
Apr 25, 2022•1 hr 31 min
Final Fantasy XIII isn't the only divisive entry in Square Enix's long-running series, but it sure evokes some passionate discussion amongst RPG fans. Love it, hate it, or in between it, the three games that follow Lightning and company's saga all have one thing that few people can refute: absolutely killer soundtracks thanks to people like Masashi Hamauzu, Naoshi Mizuta, Mitsuto Suzuki, and more. Join us as we discuss the music of the Final Fantasy XIII , Final Fantasy XIII-2 , and Lightning Re...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 26 min
Do you miss the days when you and your friends would be sitting around, bored out of your minds on a Friday night, until someone randomly said “Hey! Let’s go to karaoke!” Well, you’re in luck cause the crew at RPGFan is inviting you on an RPG karaoke night you’ll never forget! To celebrate April Fool’s Day, we have eight staff members sharing their talents and singing some of your favorite songs from RPG history! Just remember, it’s karaoke, so singing along is welcome! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hi...
Apr 01, 2022•57 min
Once we heard some of the music in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster titles, we knew they would warrant their own episode. With Final Fantasy VI finally releasing last month, we we able to listen to the updated soundtracks to all six games, and each one is a delight. In today's episode of Rhythm Encounter, our four panelists brought songs to represent all six titles in the series. With only 8 total tracks, it was hard to pick the best ways to represent our favorites, but we did our best! Let us k...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 49 min
Maybe you know Kumi Tanioka as a composer, arranger, or pianist, or maybe you don't know her at all! But considering her immense contributions to Final Fantasy XI and the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series over the years, you may have heard her work, regardless. Today our small panel convenes to discuss some of Tanioka's well-known work and lesser-known contributions to the music scene. Each of these songs feature her as a composer, performer, arranger, or even a combination. Kumi Tanioka i...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 29 min
Ah, Valentine's Day. That day when a little cherub works as hard as Santa Claus, flying around the world and launching volleys of heart-tipped arrows into the buttocks of potential lovers. That's how it works, right? In this episode, our panel brings eight tracks to represent several forms of love across time (seriously, we have games represented from as far back as 1991 with Final Fantasy IV , up to 2019's Hades ), including people from other worlds, dreams, or even the castle next door. So gra...
Feb 14, 2022•2 hr 5 min
Over on Random Encounter & Retro Encounter , we've talked about our favorite games of 2021, and now it's time to discuss our favorite music! Four panelists come together with an extra-large playlist today, covering a wide range of music released throughout the year. Yes, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is here, but so is Ys IX , ENDER LILIES , Impostor Factory , and more! We hope this helps you discover some highlights that you may have missed, because there was no shortage of amazing music rel...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 59 min
Whether or not you play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate , you may know that Nintendo's latest entry in its fighter series features more than a few characters from RPGs: 31 of its 82 characters are from our beloved genre, and that number grows if you want to bend the rules and include Mario characters because of games like Super Mario RPG and Mario & Luigi . For our purposes here on Rhythm Encounter, it's also important that the Smash Bros. games contain an epic amount of music and arrangements of...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 44 min
Once upon a time, an RPGFan editor remarked that Chrono Cross (where’s that remaster ?) smelled like a piña colada. This little side comment sparked an idea with our own Michael Sollosi about what other RPG and drink pairings might sound and taste like. Over a year later, four panelists have chosen some RPG music and drink pairings that are sure to delight. Of course, you don’t have to drink to enjoy this music, and we obviously recommend NOT trying all 8 of these pairings in one (or even three)...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 50 min
