PS4 orchestral project discussion (on hold for awhile)

[Claado Shou]

Alright, so, initially this thread was created to ask the OCR forum visitors which game they would rather have a CS-style project made out of: Chrono Cross or Phantasy Star IV. Well, we decided that PS4 seems to be the more logical of the two choices, so that's the conclusion we came to. And now, the project is in a prolonged state of...well, doing nothing. It's pretty much just been announced, and the script is planned out/started being written, but nothing else. Ideas are swirling, and I would appreciate any more, so if you have anything to add, please interject.

~.C.S.~

[Foxhull]

Chrono Cross

I love the storyline, it's part of the Chrono Trigger series, and I have never played PS4. Besides, who doesn't love the Chrono Trigger series?

I would also love to try to participate in the project for this game.

EDIT: Look what I just found (http://www.cocoebiz.com/mitsuda/english/index.html), Chrono Cross guitar tablature!

[avaris]

Chrono Cross

I think the main reason Chrono Cross would be better is because of the melodies. You are wanting to use more "motifs." Well if that's the case you obviously want the game with the catchier melodies. On that basis it just seems like a logical choice.

[Kanthos]

I don't know Phantasy Star at all, but Chrono Cross would definitely work well. However, I'm assuming that by motifs, you mean something more along the lines of Wagnerian motifs where there are a set of themes representing various characters and, in some cases, events or objects as well. That might be difficult for Chrono Cross: the score doesn't have much in the way of motifs, unless you count music written for one specific zone as a motif (for example, the Earth Dragon Isle music). The few common themes that do exist are mainly either taken from the Chrono Trigger soundtrack or are still limited in scope and not really tied to any character, event, or object (for example, Arni Village in both worlds share a theme; in Another world, it's a slower, more mellow version than in Home World). So, you might be hard pressed to use motifs in this sense of the word without doing some major reinterpretation. I'm all for good reinterpretation, but you might have a hard time convincing someone like me who knows the soundtrack and game really well that some arbitrarily chosen theme is, say, Serge's theme. I've played enough to have strong associations between tracks in the soundtrack and the event or location in which they are played. This isn't to say that using motifs in this sense will be impossible, but only that it'll have to be done with some caution.

I love the idea of having a live orchestra record it too, and if it works, I'm all for it. The only challenges are the rights to distribute it freely (i.e. will the orchestra mind that their playing is freely downloadable?), the cost of the orchestra (unless your connections allow you to get it for free) and making sure the remixes are actually orchestra-friendly. Many of us could make a good-sounding orchestral-style remix; to actually arrange that for a standard orchestra is a whole other challenge that I bet most remixers on the site have no experience with at all. For that matter, there's enough people who admit that they're good at remixing but can't necessarily read or write music. Again, this isn't a challenge that can't be surmounted, but is something to think about.

All that out of the way, I'm a new remixer and certainly can't start anything right away (I'm finishing my master's thesis at the moment) but would definitely like to be involved in the project, especially if it's Chrono Cross.

[POCKETMAN]

Chrono Cross. :wink:

[Ronyn]

I haven't played PS4 unfortunately, so I'm pretty biased toward Chrono Cross. I think picking that game would increase the success of your project considering there are a lot of people like me who aren't familiar with PS4, but love CC.

I'm pretty busy with school right now, but I may be able to help here and there with transcribing if anyone needs help. I haven't composed anything ultra serious in a while, but I do have years of experience with this sort of stuff. Look me up if interested.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Chrono Cross.

Seriously, did you think it would be any contest?

[TCK]

I'm gonna be different and say neither.

[zircon]

PS4.

[DragonAvenger]

I don't know PS4's music, but Chrono Cross would be awesome to hear done in said orchestral-movie style. To be honest, as many of the characters are um....fluff, I don't think it will be too difficult to weed out most of the extras to stay close to the main people.

Also, if you want, I have lyrics written to "Dream of a Shore on Another World" AND an english adaption to "Radical Dreamers." Just ask if you feel you can use them.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

See? It's unanimous for Chrono Cross.

wait...

PS4.

*stabs zircon*

There, now it's unanimous.

[Z]

Like many people who have responded,I too am more familiar with the music of chrono cross than ps4 and think that a project inspired by this would be more succesfull even though I've actually played neather game. However,because the chrono series has gotten soo much attention already and remixers seem to be too inclined to remix games of the same series all too often(I mean seriously how many kirby remix projects can you make?...How about 4. DOOM 2 anyone? Betcha there'll be another street fighter remix soon.) I think it would be more interresting to break away from this trend.

For that reason I say do Phantasy Star and introduce us to the music potential of something new and exiting if not a little challenging. Also were as people could already imagine a chrono movie,they could not imagine a ps4 movie.This would be a great opportunity,in that case,to imagine something almost completelly new.So yaeh,I vote for phantasy star. Also why does it have to be phantasy star 4 only? Why not a combination of Phantasy Star games?

[pu_freak]

Definently CHORONO CROSS.

Most themes are already in a sort of angelic style and it would be perfect for an orchestral remix project. The game may be a lot less popular than Chrono Trigger, but the soundtrack is great and the sotry - be it slightly confusing - aswell!

[Arek the Absolute]

shite
chrono I guess
schal....i mean kid was always hot

[suzumebachi]

Chrono Cross.

I'd help. If I knew how to do orchestral music.

*Goes back to making rock/electronica*

[Leress]

I've played, beaten, and loved both games. I am going to have to say PS4 because there are more Chrono Cross tunes than PS4.

[CHz]

Never mind the fact that Phantasy Star 4 had superior tunes and storyline (especially taking the first three games' into account).

Or the fact that, based on sound quality, PS4 could use a remake more than CC.

http://www.quiteajolt.com/ocr/ccmixes.png

VS.

http://www.quiteajolt.com/ocr/ps4mixes.png

The numbers alone demand that the PS4 project must be done.

[Z]

I agree. There are way too many chrono chross remixes as is( and chrono trigger is practically a hybrid of that same music)Its time for some new music.Please do ps4

[Claado Shou]

Hmm...interesting. I knew there would be a lot of support for CC...but the PSIV support is pretty intriguing. This may be a tougher decision than I had anticipated.

It may just come down to which game makes for a better movie. Chrono Symphonic already explored the Chrono universe (mostly fantasy-based, with the exception of, like, 2300 A.D.) and CC would be much of the same, whereas the more sci-fi Phantasy Star would certainly make for a great contrast. And there would be more room for interpretation, with less melodies and all, so...I'll just have to plan out the movies, read more of your comments, and make a decision.

Also, James George, I would DEFINITELY like some assistance with transcription. That's the true hinderance to the idea of a live recording, and I can't afford to hire somebody, so any professional advice/assistance would be a major plus. If we can't transcribe it to sheet music...then digital will have to do.

Thanks for the comments, and keep 'em coming.

~.C.S.~

[Audity]

PHANTASY STAR IV!!! (http://escaprism.org/audity/RaunchyPaoPissedMix.mp3)

You must have someone play this live. Or else.

[Rexy]

Yeah, I too would go with some Phantasy Star coverage down here. Basically, OCR is all about praising game music, no matter how popular or obscure it is. That meaning can seem to vary on just about anyone. In my case, games like Tomb Raider can get really popular but have little remix coverage, meanwhile there are games like Chrono Trigger that never got released in my home country, or even obscure yet, titles like Seiken Densetsu 3 which never got released outside Japan, yet those two managed to hold some well received coverage to call their own.

On top of that, Geoff Taucer and The Prophet are both working on a Radical Dreamers project together right now, so I think there should be a little more time to pass before Chrono Cross could even come into consideration.

So yeah, I may be blabbering on in this post but I hope this gets taken into thought.

[Claado Shou]

Yup, yup...I definitely appreciate all the comments, and I think I've determined which game it'll be based on.

PHANTASY STAR IV

There are multiple reasons that PS4 won out. First off, and most importantly, it makes for a better script...not even gonna lie about it. I can easily include all the main characters from PS4 (evil and non), I can mess around with the storyline without having to explain for pages and pages what's happening (CC has that quality about it), and it just leaves so many opportunities for great screen moments.

Secondly, I have a much stronger emotional/nostalgic attachment to PS4, considering it was my first Genesis game, it has a HELL of a lot more humor in it, and the characters are more interesting (as a whole, and individually).

Third, but certainly important, is that PS4 has a lot of great music, and not a lot of remixes, which makes the potential for innovation on the remixing front much greater than CC, which has had a lot of its bases covered already.

Of course, I know a lot of good remixers won't want to be on a PS4 remix project rather than a CC one (along with the other things I'm gonna throw in the mix this time...hehehe), but whatever. I think the product will be much better than a CC one would've been, and it has the opportunity to pave a new series (one often overlooked) into Site Projects history.

So "Phantasy Symphonic: A Cinematic Adaptation", here we come!

~.C.S.~

[avaris]

Although CC has some absolutely kick ass music, it def wouldn't mold well with a script at all. Besides PS4 has some wicked nice music.

In the end if you weigh out all the goods and the bads of both, with the setup of this project PS4 def is the right choice.

It's gonna be sweet to hear all these new remixes from source tunes that haven't been covered before. Hopefully I'll be able to do one.

[Hemophiliac]

i was going to say, chrono cross but i really don't care either way...but i'd definitely like to work on this project though.

[KyleJCrb]

Excellent choice.

[zircon]

I will do at least half of this project.

[OverCoat]

I might try a song once I finish another project :)

PS4 rocks.

[Sleepy Emp]

Wonderful choice.

[zircon]

ps. I am not kidding

[avaris]

ps. I am not kidding

Hey lets make him do it! Just kidding, the more I think about this the more sense it makes to do PS4.

This project is gonna be huge for alotta people. It's goin to introduce OCR to a game and it's music that not everyone is overly familiar with...hack cough squaresoft and nintendo.

I'm def down for doin a track on this, I really like the OST.

[ellywu2]

I'm in if you want me that is. Although my music being transcribed might sound awful i don't know, because i'd be the first to admit its lacking in the musical theory.

[CHz]

I will do at least half of this project.
Don't bite off more than you can chew, bro. Remember, you still have the Ogre Battle project to work on. :lol:

(<3)

[Hemophiliac]

I'm in if you want me that is. Although my music being transcribed might sound awful i don't know, because i'd be the first to admit its lacking in the musical theory.

that's where you get help from others, i can and will help with that. ;)

besides going from sequenced material to real material doesn't change much really. you just have to keep in mind that the instruments have ranges that they can play in.

[Z]

Glad to see you've chosen phantasy star. It'll be nice to hear some music thats not as commonly remixed as other soundtracks. Oh yeah, a movie script for the characters sounds cool too.Sounds like it'll be another great quallity project.Fo sho.

[Claado Shou]

Thanks for the support, y'alls. I plan on writing the script immediately, and getting all of the initial bases covered, as well as generating some interest (which I hope won't be too difficult). And though I appreciate the offer, zircon, half of this particular project - with ALL the crazy stuff I have planned for it - is definitely more than can fit on a dinner table, let alone your one plate. We're gonna need a buffet line to hold this project.

But still, I'd love to have you, if you don't mind doing orchestral. And Sleepy Emp, ellywu2...I'll be contacting you VERY soon. So expect to hear from me, and be ready to have at some sweet PS4 tunezzzz.

BTW, what does everybody think of the title "Phantasy Symphonic: A Cinematic Adaptation"? I think it flows well, but still...opinionationisms would be splendorific.

~.C.S.~

[Kanthos]

I'm interested. I'll need to find MIDIs or something of the Phantasy Star IV soundtrack so I get a sense of it, since I've never played the game.

[Foxhull]

i like the title, i want to help, but im currently in the process of learning how to do orchestral stuff, but when the time comes for auditions, ill send you something

[Rexy]

BTW, what does everybody think of the title "Phantasy Symphonic: A Cinematic Adaptation"? I think it flows well, but still...opinionationisms would be splendorific.

~.C.S.~
It's alright, but to some of us, it'll sound like either an indirect Chrono Symphonic sequel, or something in an entire suite of symphonic suites (which if that is the case you need to press on and do some more :lol:).

I think the only idea that came into mind for me is "Fantasia Star", though odds are people would think of better >.>

[pu_freak]

I don't know about the title... it looks a little too much like CS. The Chrono Cross title was great, but it was like a sequel to CS. Not that I have an alternative however, but still...

[avaris]

Phantasy Philharmonic: A Cinematic Adaptation.

?

alliterations are always great, of course PP doesn't flow nearly as well CS :lol: Lets just stay away from abbreviations for now.

(if i didn't say someone else would)

Phantasy Philharmonic: A Star is Born
(prob way too cheesy and hollywood)

[Z]

If you're looking for ideas for the album title of your project, here are a few titles I came up with.

Chronicals Of Phantasy Star or Phantasy Star Chronicals
Phantasy Star Symphonic Theatre
Visions Of Phantasy Star
Phantasy Star: Symphonic Star

Never played the game so I don't know if the feedback is of any help.Never the less there it is.

[-RK-]

I'm actually pretty interested in this, but, I do have a question.

When we're talking cinematic, are we just talking Film Style music in general, or PURELY symphonic. I'm talking like... would it be ok to write music that is kinda... ES Posthumus-esque? Mostly orchestral plus maybe a slightly electronic beat with a few electronic elements? Film music in general seems to be moving in that direction, so, I figured the question needed to be asked.

Either way I dont care, and will probably drop an audition.

[Claado Shou]

Hmm...good ideas, good ideas. I like the "Philharmonic" touch avaris, though I think the titles you suggested are quite a mouthful. We'll eventually hammer out the right title...it's not really a pressing issue.

As for some electronic elements in the project, -RK-, I was thinking about that myself. Problem is, I want the project to be mostly symphonic, and if any synths are added at all, they would have to be tastefully done and not crowd or control the piece. Plus, there are SO many ways that people go about using electronica, it might just turn into a huge confusing nightmare, and then again every song won't have synths, so songs that do will stand out as being different...

I dunno. I have to consult some people (and myself) a little more before I approve anything like that. But don't worry...for at least one song on the project, an instrument banned from Chrono Symphonic will be permitted/encouraged, so...not all things will be the same. Just, hopefully, a lot of them.

~.C.S.~

[avaris]

I think a good example of a song that has mainly orchestral elements with some very tasteful and well used electronic sounds is the main theme to Lost Odyssey (i know i spelled that wrong) by none other than Mr. Nobou.

I believe Mist Walker's homepage or Nobou's has a link to the long. If not you can always watch the trailer for the game.

[DDRage]

Chrono Cross all the way.

I'm drooling already

[Claado Shou]

Alright...so, there's been a lot of changes in plans for my schedule in the coming months, and it looks like the project isn't going to be going anywhere for quite a while. I'll still work on the script and try to get things in place, but don't expect anything announcement-wise for at least the next, oh, six months or more.

Just letting you guys know. I appreciate all the support and replies, though. And enjoy some PS4 music in the interim.

~.C.S.~