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SNES vs Genesis Sound
- Thread starter Beerman462
- Start date
ChamplooJones
Formerly Momotaro
Dude, get the fuck outta here with this shit.
It only further solidifies Yuzo Koshiro as one of the GOAT composers.
s_mirage
Member
SoR 3's music left quite a strange impression on me. I hated it back when I first played the game, but came to realise that it had stuck in my mind even though I had only occasionally played the game. As time passed I came to appreciate how innovative it was as a console game soundtrack, and now rank it alongside the soundtracks of the other two games
dcx4610
Member
The SNES sound chip was technically superior but the Genesis had a unique sound with its chip.
The SNES was "better" but the Genesis had some great music that wouldn't sound right on the SNES due to the design differences.
I always think of Revenge of Shinobi. The synthesizer sound just didn't exist on the SNES.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWPNxSD9YNY&list=PLC80D8D317B885DF3
The SNES was "better" but the Genesis had some great music that wouldn't sound right on the SNES due to the design differences.
I always think of Revenge of Shinobi. The synthesizer sound just didn't exist on the SNES.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWPNxSD9YNY&list=PLC80D8D317B885DF3
EPSYLON EAGLE
Member
More great Super Nes underrated tunes
Gundam Endless Duel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D61WyANq7MA&index=12&list=PLkhr1edZuU2L-gDdumf8kf_abx2D2UixL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vykaLmOAKow&list=PLkhr1edZuU2L-gDdumf8kf_abx2D2UixL&index=8
Gundam Endless Duel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D61WyANq7MA&index=12&list=PLkhr1edZuU2L-gDdumf8kf_abx2D2UixL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vykaLmOAKow&list=PLkhr1edZuU2L-gDdumf8kf_abx2D2UixL&index=8
Soltype
Member
All of Iwatsuki's SNES stuff was so good.
I don't know if you guys have heard any of raijin's work on the mega drive, but it's awesome.
Musha Aleste - Divine Devise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwwCg8FicKE
Megaman Zero 4 - Falling Down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLzK3SRgHE
Tales of Phantasia - Be Absentminded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb-UYeba5SY
And just in case everyone hasn't already heard these from savaged regime.
Mega Man X Corrupted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-wTUdiG32Y
Breath of Fire 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk1M2MCCCys
Just... insanely good.
Musha Aleste - Divine Devise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwwCg8FicKE
Megaman Zero 4 - Falling Down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLzK3SRgHE
Tales of Phantasia - Be Absentminded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb-UYeba5SY
And just in case everyone hasn't already heard these from savaged regime.
Mega Man X Corrupted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-wTUdiG32Y
Breath of Fire 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk1M2MCCCys
Just... insanely good.
Cow Mengde
Banned
The remixes aren't perfect, but they sound so much more pleasant to listen to. I couldn't make it past the Sonic 3 intro several times because the opening music was so bad.
The Sega Genesis bass always sounded like a fart, and the treble is obnoxiously sharp. There there are times when it sounds like there's sand in the music, or someone turned the volume up too high causing the sound to crack.
Ok, it's fine that you don't like it, but it's not objectively bad. Most people agree that it's some of the best on the system.
Maybe you just have really sensitive hearing or something.
Shadow Hog
Member
I can't make it past a few seconds of any of the videos you linked, they're that bad.
I'm sure a good SNES rendition of Sonic music can be done but holy shit this is not it. Notes are off-key, bass is extremely wimpy, lead in GHZ has an overbearing reverb where reverb wasn't present in the original, and sample choices are questionable in about every regard (like they just pored through Mario samples and decided "yeah that's clearly the best the SNES can do"). That you find this more pleasant is bizarre, as this is more unpleasant by a significant margin.
And seriously, I can't think of a single tune in S3&K where the bass sounds like a fart. Lots of slap basses, fingered basses and synth basses (going off the standard MIDI instrument set's names for them, anyway), but not a single fart. There's a time and a place where that criticism actually applies - X-Men's horrid main theme, for instance. Sonic 3 & Knuckles isn't it.
MrCunningham
Member
I feel the same way. When I first heard SOR3's soundtrack, I hated it. But over time it just grew on me. I guess my ears weren't ready yet at the time.
But stuff like this is insanity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S0UG6auhzs&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=4 (Dub Slash is god damn amazing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmHCsZMMjw&index=2&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDk5v1DV_Lc&index=6&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE (this is a fucked up version of the Peter Gunn main theme)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qRr0KpJRX4&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=8 (love the weird techno groove beat here)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF4g8mvrGGE&index=7&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUAIaltZ7Lo&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=9 (Happy Paradise, just so good)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe4M2YGtTUQ&index=10&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE (one of the worst ear droning tracks in the game, it is kinda glorious and probably the inspiration for Crazy Bus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhqtHw75kA&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=11 (Shinobi Reverse. I just love the title. The track is also messed up)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwHZmINwodo&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=14 (Crazy Train... it has the intensity of a mental breakdown)
For its time, the SOR3 soundtrack broke so many conventions in game music. Listening to it, I can never quite tell if Yuzo was trolling everyone or created a work of genius.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
When I first heard SOR3's soundtrack, I was in shock actually. Definitely unexpected and I didn't know what to think. The music grew on me after awhile for its uniqueness and for how dirty/gritty it sounded.
MrCunningham
Member
the entire SOR3 soundtrack could be implanted into a bullet hell shooter and all of it would still feel appropriate. The entire soundtrack has a high level of energy and never dials itself down to one particular style. It's very chaotic.
And I am listening to Inga Rasen as I type this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF6X373OKmY&index=18&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE This track reminds me of Trent Reznors Quake 1 soundtrack, but only two years earlier and done in an upbeat tempo in FM Synth. But it has that same abstract style.
Also, that flat beat of the Good Ending music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGC2poyBL-g&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=24
BlazeHedgehog
Member
Okay so I don't even really want to justify what you're saying because I don't agree with it, but here's something I did two months ago that's a LOT better than your example
https://soundcloud.com/blazehedgehog/green-hill-zone-snes-style
And in saying that, I think the Genesis sounds fantastic when put in to the right hands (example, example). Some people get too obsessed with the tech and aren't seeing the music's style for what it is.
Synthesizers can be instruments just the same as a physical piano. You gotta break free of the notion that the SNES had "better technology."
Sapiens
Member
Put me in the camp that thinks BK3's soundtrack is amazing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4vTbxu2TIk
I never got the hate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4vTbxu2TIk
I never got the hate.
EPSYLON EAGLE
Member
Battlemania Daijingou Genesis
My Kingdom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm7uqbZDPTQ&list=PLX-L0AGrZh-nAQbPQWzuz3mXqsB2OPt_W&index=1
Dancing Hunter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAASNu_OvZE
Brawling Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra-6-FJvKWU
My Kingdom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm7uqbZDPTQ&list=PLX-L0AGrZh-nAQbPQWzuz3mXqsB2OPt_W&index=1
Dancing Hunter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAASNu_OvZE
Brawling Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra-6-FJvKWU
Not sure if alread posted, but...
SNES music using Genesys soundchip
Part 1: https://youtu.be/VMZJ6oQayAU
Part 2: https://youtu.be/OQCya6yn73o
Bonus: Megaman 2 in part 2
SNES music using Genesys soundchip
Part 1: https://youtu.be/VMZJ6oQayAU
Part 2: https://youtu.be/OQCya6yn73o
Bonus: Megaman 2 in part 2
Vigilant Gambit
Member
EPSYLON EAGLE
Member
Jewel Master - Talk to the Wind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-t0GLh7K1E&list=PLO7faFt0rl9NMbu6Rc5lPQWGSBedR2UvH&index=44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-t0GLh7K1E&list=PLO7faFt0rl9NMbu6Rc5lPQWGSBedR2UvH&index=44
tkscz
Member
I was only using Yuzo as an example. I know there are great composers on the Genesis, but either you were good with sync or your music sound badly.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
Pretty much. I like the fact that they went for an entirely different style and to my knowledge went into uncharted territory for video game music deviating from traditional techno or dance music. Sure, some tracks were insane and plain eccentric, but overall I think it really was a powerful demonstration of what the Genesis sound chip was truly capable of. When even this day, you can still remember literally all of the tracks, maybe they did something right. I play plenty of games today where I do not even remember the soundtrack. Igna Rasen was one of my favorite tracks also.
Dragoon En Regalia
Member
The whole Jewel Master soundtrack still rocks. Takenouchi started his career in game music splendidly, though his theater music seems great too.
Those remixes are awful. Painfully awful.
MrCunningham
Member
Beat Ambiance goes completely off the rails at the 3 minute mark and breaks out the simulated wind chimes and slide whistle.
Good lord this has to be the worst thing Koshiro has ever made. This is purpose-made cacophony. If I bought a game that sounded like this I'd return it immediately.
its not bad, but at the same time, this kind of playback is basically just treating the fm instruments as samples and doesn't really allow for the kind of effects that can be played on a sound over time to really materialise.
fm synth is really difficult to master.
AtomicShroom
Member
Those are some terrible conversions jobs, I'll give you that. Though I'd be curious to see (hear) what a real pro like David Wise would be able to do if he tried.
MrCunningham
Member
Yeah, it is an odd acquired taste.... SOR3 could be one of the best or worst soundtracks depending on a person's point of view. For me, I do find it oddly fascinating. A lot of the "melodies" were created through randomization sequence algorithms which were created by Koshiro. This is the Frankenstein's monster of Yuzo soundtracks.
Dragoon En Regalia
Member
I'm okay with SoR3's music, but Beyond Oasis really disappoints. Not even as sonically advanced as Yuzo's work on a PC-98 game called GAGE, which has similar levels of dissonance/modern classical composition but is still memorable. Some tracks are close to par with Sakimoto's FM-synth arrangement from that period.
Some downright sinister tracks in that game.
Some downright sinister tracks in that game.
PepsimanVsJoe
Member
I always thought it was three parts insane hilarious and awesome that tracks like "Inga Rasen" exist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF6X373OKmY&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=18
This is the longest track in SoR3, and you only hear it during the 2nd to last fight aka the shortest fight in the game. Unless you're doing something very wrong, you'll hear maybe 1 minute of this track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF6X373OKmY&list=PL0D7D875A11C51ECE&index=18
This is the longest track in SoR3, and you only hear it during the 2nd to last fight aka the shortest fight in the game. Unless you're doing something very wrong, you'll hear maybe 1 minute of this track.
Digging up a year old post, but holy hell, I live for this.
The amount of great Genesis covers on this thread that lack download links breaks my heart, though...
Also reading about the process behind the SoR3 soundtrack is enlightening. I recently tried the game for the first time after marathoning the spectacular first two and was pretty confused at the music. Not necessarily bad, but obviously not the same. I guess now I owe it another chance.
I think the soundtrack Stockholm Syndromed you.
Vigilant Gambit
Member
I think the Good Ending theme is pretty easy to appreciate, though. Although it is a bit of a rehash from the older games.
Also, let me be the first to introduce the thread to Walking Bottom, aka a secret Streets of Rage 2 track that was only used in the beta build.
Also, another Yuzo Koshiro-scored game that doesn't come up in a search here is The Stickman is Back. My favorite track from it is Get More Tea, which is a pretty classic 90s Koshiro breakbeat.
By the way, I've been lowkey linking my Youtube chiptunes playlist in almost all of these posts, so enjoy!
Nostalgic Nightmare
Member
IronicSonic
Member
Wow dude. This is fantastic. great job!
ElectricThunder
Member
While SoR 3 is indeed awesome---folks should probably keep in mind that good old Motohiro Kawashima was also on the case~
http://segaretro.org/Motohiro_Kawashima
I'll never quite understand the "difficulties" some folks have with SoR 3 though when it comes to music at the least---a bit different than 2 to be certain, but the driving quality is easily as apparent and was right from the very start back in the day. That there is such a movement of posthumous grappling with it is just so...odd.
The other thing people would do well to keep in mind when it comes to these ill-fated/conceived list wars with the SNES would be both the nature of the library on each respective system as well as the composers and such involved---even just taking the RPG populations alone into account necessitates painting some stark differences of opportunity. Even as few as there were, we still don't even have a full run of fan translations for the Genesis in this regard---them being among the most, if not the most, evocative of vehicles for a soundtrack to carry a game definitely sets a certain table. The people and projects only got a chance to throw down on the one side by and large via business concerns, so while people caw about Final Fantasy IV/V/VI, it largely rings hollow as there was never even likely a trial run to broach just where those now classic themes might also have ventured upon.
For a taste of a taste, scroll down to the last anonymous post on page 1 of this topic to see what an ardent fan has wrangled with their loaded MSX setup, which is a very near neighbor to the Genesis---then follow said fan on twitter for even more random and good covers.
https://www.msx.org/forum/msx-talk/general-discussion/yamaha-opl-chiptunes-thread
While Koshiro and company were magical---I am confident there would've been that much more additionally enchanted folks had the best from the other side also got to try their hand at it with the proper time, resources, and backdrop project motifs to work from.
http://segaretro.org/Motohiro_Kawashima
I'll never quite understand the "difficulties" some folks have with SoR 3 though when it comes to music at the least---a bit different than 2 to be certain, but the driving quality is easily as apparent and was right from the very start back in the day. That there is such a movement of posthumous grappling with it is just so...odd.
The other thing people would do well to keep in mind when it comes to these ill-fated/conceived list wars with the SNES would be both the nature of the library on each respective system as well as the composers and such involved---even just taking the RPG populations alone into account necessitates painting some stark differences of opportunity. Even as few as there were, we still don't even have a full run of fan translations for the Genesis in this regard---them being among the most, if not the most, evocative of vehicles for a soundtrack to carry a game definitely sets a certain table. The people and projects only got a chance to throw down on the one side by and large via business concerns, so while people caw about Final Fantasy IV/V/VI, it largely rings hollow as there was never even likely a trial run to broach just where those now classic themes might also have ventured upon.
For a taste of a taste, scroll down to the last anonymous post on page 1 of this topic to see what an ardent fan has wrangled with their loaded MSX setup, which is a very near neighbor to the Genesis---then follow said fan on twitter for even more random and good covers.
https://www.msx.org/forum/msx-talk/general-discussion/yamaha-opl-chiptunes-thread
While Koshiro and company were magical---I am confident there would've been that much more additionally enchanted folks had the best from the other side also got to try their hand at it with the proper time, resources, and backdrop project motifs to work from.
Oh yeah I always liked that one, but as you say its just another remix of the main theme from the first two games. I also loved The Poets 1 from the start and was disappointed it only plays on the bad ending route through the game. Other tracks took time if I ever got to like them at all.
One track I certainly never got used to and to this day never liked was the one playing over the subway full of ninjas level. Edit: which would be Tunnelway linked in the post earlier.
I will also say that unrelated to this thread Streets of Rage Remake did a great job with its SOR3 remixes to make them more immediately listenable in general.
KojiKnight
Member
The more I come back to this thread... the less I enjoy EITHER music... and it's not just the rabit fanboyism... I notice the flaws of both sound chips so much more as people point to their favorite version of X or Y and I just end up enjoying both less because of it.
Though I'm at least starting to see why some people prefer genesis more... It's not that the genesis sounds superior, but it does sound more stylized. It's kind of like looking at Wind Waker versus the WW2 shooters released at the time... You could easily argue in 1992 that the SNES had superior sound, but holds up less well simply because it mostly sounds like lo-fi versions of my current music.
It's the same reason a lot of people like chiptunes/8-bit audio today.
Though I'm at least starting to see why some people prefer genesis more... It's not that the genesis sounds superior, but it does sound more stylized. It's kind of like looking at Wind Waker versus the WW2 shooters released at the time... You could easily argue in 1992 that the SNES had superior sound, but holds up less well simply because it mostly sounds like lo-fi versions of my current music.
It's the same reason a lot of people like chiptunes/8-bit audio today.
I always loved the soundtrack in that game.
katsubento
Member
I know people are entitled to their opinion. But these sound absolutely horrid to me . If you are a snes fan that's fine, but that was just... No.
Adam_Vania
Banned
I grew up w SNES. Was always more impressed w it at the time.
However I feel like Genesis games, upon revisiting or playing for the first time, are much more impressive sound-wise now.
The drums have a really tight punch to them, very crisp, almost drum machine feel to them. The synths really cut through and can make some really insane noises I never heard on SNES. The overall sound is just less muddy on a Genesis.
Genesis sound makes me think a lot of electro or early techno/hip hop recordings. Very clean sound. Streets of Rage 3 could be played in a club. There are songs on Ecco the Dolphin that sound like studio-made beats.
SNES has some incredible stuff, don't get me wrong. Super Castlevania IV's mutant jazz is really wonderful. Super Mario World is like popcorn with that killer banjo and all the crisp hand percussion samples.
But more often it felt like SNES composers were held back a little by the tech whereas some Genesis songs are virtuoso performances impressive in any musical context.
However I feel like Genesis games, upon revisiting or playing for the first time, are much more impressive sound-wise now.
The drums have a really tight punch to them, very crisp, almost drum machine feel to them. The synths really cut through and can make some really insane noises I never heard on SNES. The overall sound is just less muddy on a Genesis.
Genesis sound makes me think a lot of electro or early techno/hip hop recordings. Very clean sound. Streets of Rage 3 could be played in a club. There are songs on Ecco the Dolphin that sound like studio-made beats.
SNES has some incredible stuff, don't get me wrong. Super Castlevania IV's mutant jazz is really wonderful. Super Mario World is like popcorn with that killer banjo and all the crisp hand percussion samples.
But more often it felt like SNES composers were held back a little by the tech whereas some Genesis songs are virtuoso performances impressive in any musical context.
Adam_Vania
Banned
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyrGIgRC7NE
Ecco the Dolphin - Undercaves (Genesis)
the synth sounds here are so sick
Ecco the Dolphin - Undercaves (Genesis)
the synth sounds here are so sick
Original Famous Ray
Member
Never heard of this! Just listened to all the tracks on youtube. Sounds sweet! Has a Revenge of Shinobi sound to it. My google-fu is failing me as I can't seem to find any info on this unreleased game.
What else did they compose?
You gotta broaden your horizons as far as Genesis music goes then.
EPSYLON EAGLE
Member
The Ooze - End theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcBJz5tNy9c&index=12&list=PLE2747F75458732E9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYhJiWI9dL8&index=2&list=PLE2747F75458732E9
Same Comix Zone engine.
Chakan - Water Dimension
That bass line sounds like the real instrument
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZyxTaVOBOE&list=PLmAjrkj1KHpJ3RhLXNLa_Q0z7DOJfg-xi&index=10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcBJz5tNy9c&index=12&list=PLE2747F75458732E9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYhJiWI9dL8&index=2&list=PLE2747F75458732E9
Same Comix Zone engine.
Chakan - Water Dimension
That bass line sounds like the real instrument
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZyxTaVOBOE&list=PLmAjrkj1KHpJ3RhLXNLa_Q0z7DOJfg-xi&index=10
lol that sounds horrible though