VGMpire

One of our favorite games of the year also happens to sport our favorite soundtrack of 2018! We sample a handful of tunes from this 8-bit homage while discussing the game’s themes, design and excellent use of new-game-plussery. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Opening 14:23 – Moonlight Temptation 17:43 – Frigid Hell 21:15 – [...]

Oppressive ambiance abounds in this look at the early days of the Fallout series. Download Now 0:00:00 – “Maybe” (Fallout) 0:15:05 – Moribund World (Fallout) 0:18:11 – A Trader’s Life (Fallout) 0:22:11 – Second Chance (Fallout) 0:39:48 – Khans of the New California (Fallout) 0:43:10 – Metallic Monks (Fallout) 0:46:38 – Radiation Storm (Fallout) 0:50:32 [...]

Rock out to the monstrous melodies of Devilish and Alien 3 – two horror-themed Genesis titles that sport inhumanly good tunes! Download Now 00:00 – Clock Tower (Devilish) 09:41 – Graveyard (Devilish) 10:53 – Waterfalls (Devilish) 17:06 – Prairie (Devilish) 19:55 – Final Boss (Devilish) 29:50 – Main Theme (Alien 3) 32:48 – Stage 2 [...]

Rarely seen or heard outside Japan, Gleylancer and Star Cruiser boast some of the best space-faring tunes the Mega Drive had to offer. From ’80s-style montages to heartfelt ballads to synthy noir, both titles are a treat to behold. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Story Start (Gleylancer) 0:11:56 – Asteroid Field (Gleylancer) 0:14:34 – [...]

Battle Lovecraftian horrors and hurl lightning from your fingertips in this adventurous episode celebrating El Viento and Alisia Dragoon! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Opening Theme (El Viento) 0:12:50 – Main Theme (El Viento) 0:14:16 – Stage 1 NYC (El Viento) 0:15:57 – Intermission (El Viento) 0:23:53 – Stage 2 Park (El Viento) 0:26:27 [...]

A pair of anime gunslingers scream across the screen in this extra loud, extra rockin’ episode! We’re examining the upbeat energy of the Battle Mania series, which includes Trouble Shooter and its only-in-Japan sequel. Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Burning Heart (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 12:43 – Twilight Express (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 14:06 – Blue Sky [...]

We’re kicking off a whole month of episodes devoted to the joy of FM Synthesis done right. This first foray into semi-obscure tunes includes Elemental Master and Panorama Cotton, two shmups that feature humanoid heroes and unbelievably good soundtracks! Download Now 00:00 – Dance of Flame (Elemental Master) 13:24 – Like the Wind (Elemental Master) [...]

Though it’s frequently called the worst Final Fantasy game of all time, or at least one of the weakest, we’re here to say THAT AIN’T SO! Not only is the game itself perfectly decent, the soundtrack is every bit as incredible as the proper numbered entries. Get ready for some heavy shreddin’ guitar! Download Now [...]

Rock out to three hard-hitting NES soundtracks powered by Naoki Kodaka and the talented team at Sunsoft. We’re diving into Gremlins 2, Fester’s Quest and Journey to Silius! Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Stage 1 (Gremlins 2) 08:42 – Stage 3 (Gremlins 2) 10:26 – Stage 5 (Gremlins 2) 23:24 – Overworld (Fester’s Quest) [...]

While familiar faces continued their usual streak of excellence, there were loads of newcomers that provided some of the year’s best VGM. This hefty episode looks at a bit of everything, from recurring brands like Zelda, Sonic, Xenoblade and Ys, to fresh experiences like Horizon, Cuphead and Prey. Light spoilers ahead! Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 [...]