OverClocked ReMix...

DarkCecil13 · #1 12-06-2002, 03:37 AM

Ninja Gaiden 'Death of a Legend'

I have to admit, I don't remember this song from Ninja Gaiden. It's been so long, though. Nevertheless, this is one hell of an orchestral piece. It starts off beautifully with a windy instrument and some well done harps. Soon after, horns and strings are introduced. At about 1:02, beautiful chromatic bells (or something) are introduced. Soon after at about 1:32, you will be surprised. That's all to say. It threw me off, but it really made me feel like that a conflict of some sort was brought upon. It has that mood of conflict. This is proved at 1:57. I really love how this mix builds. At 2:26, everything drops out to low strings and bells. Soon after, the harp and flute take place again as in the introductory parts.

Overall, a stunning mix. Russell Cox did an excellent arranging a piece from Ninja Gaiden into an orchestral style. Nothing I'd ever expect. Regardless, it's well worth it. :)

brainflo · #2 12-06-2002, 04:44 AM

I would describe most of this song as being emotionally powerful. Anybody who has experienced the song originally during the game may feel similarly. Without the listener's mental/emotional attachment to the game the song could loose much of its strength.

Russel Cox has created a wonderful orchestral composition considering the given material (the original song, Requiem) is a mere 22 seconds repeated to make 44 seconds, total.

This is the second remix I have heard to correctly resurrect the essence of Ninja Gaiden. Job well done, but there is always room for improvement--I can only hope to hear it in your future Gaiden remixes.

Tappy · #3 12-06-2002, 06:45 AM

I liked the song, but that's not why I'm posting -- I'm here to say that the reason nobody recognizes this song is because it's from the end of the game. And considering the fact that Ninja Gaiden was probably one of the hardest games in the history of mankind, probably the only people who are going to recognize this song are people like me who cheated to beat the game.

Anyway, I've heard an alternate (presumably earlier) version of this track from VGMix, and although I know it's unfair to compare a finished song with a work in progress, I actually like the other version a little better. There's a sort of march-like section of the other version that I wish Russell Cox had left in. It was my favorite part of the song. But this version is still very good. I'll be keeping both versions, no doubt. But I agree with djp, the gratuitous key changes are a little grating.

dilbert627 · #4 12-06-2002, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tappy

Anyway, I've heard an alternate (presumably earlier) version of this track from VGMix, and although I know it's unfair to compare a finished song with a work in progress, I actually like the other version a little better. There's a sort of march-like section of the other version that I wish Russell Cox had left in. It was my favorite part of the song. But this version is still very good. I'll be keeping both versions, no doubt. But I agree with djp, the gratuitous key changes are a little grating.

Yeah, I had the VGMix version as well, and I agree that it's a better mix, mainly because it's without those very odd key changes. Still, otherwise good stuff as usual from Russell, who has mad orchestral skills.

VGMLuva · #5 12-06-2002, 07:22 AM

***** / 5!
Great title selection - It fits perfectly like a lock and key.

Do any of you notice that this song sounds like the theme song from Romeo+Juliet? Anyways, i've been waiting for a mix like this from Ninja Gaiden for a long time and now that it has been remixed...I love it alot.Keep up the good work everyone and you too Cox!:)

I haven't heard the VGMix of this version before...can anyone direct link it to me? I'd like to listen to it.

Lastly, Ninja Gaiden is just too damn good!

Gman · #6 12-06-2002, 10:47 PM

Very nice quality, nice stuff going on in here. Almost a perfect peice...sept for some of those BAD transition. The key change wasn't that bad for me..changed the mood. But, this isn't your best work. Still good though.

Good Job!

Gman

Senescence · #7 12-06-2002, 11:06 PM

I vaguely remember having the VGMix version of this and I really didn't care for it. I also hardly remember the end of Ninja Gaiden 1. I beat it last year (cheating I think), and this song wasn't one of the games most memorable tones if you ask me. I'm not sure why not, but I'm not exactly catching these 'off' key changes either, it all seems to flow reasonably well to me. This mix is a little better than the one that I remember from VGMix. I don't really care too much for this mix though, I think another more memorable selection from Ninja Gaiden would have been a better idea. I'm not bashing this mix by any means, I'm just saying that your skills would have been better used on a different track. This remix is decent, but not what I was expecting when I clicked on the link.

EvilHorde · #8 12-07-2002, 12:45 AM

I´ve never been good with orchestral elements. Russel seems to have that area covered pretty damn well. This remix has great sounds and athmosphere. Just beautiful. It sounds like a real orchestra and would go great with an athmospheric title screen from some movie. Just great. Too bad I haven´t heard the original.

tetsusan · #9 12-07-2002, 03:41 PM

I didn't love those key changes, but I don't think they aren't that bad either. If there is something to be improved, it is the transition from one idea to the other - the links between two sections.

Anyway, I think everybody will agree that the orchestration is astonishing. It sounds like a real movie soundtrack (I actually remembered "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" and "The Last of Mohicans" when listening to this track for the first time).

As many excelent tracks in OverClocked (the recent "Super Mario Bros. 3 aquacadence OC ReMix" comes imediatly to mind), it is not a true remix - it's an arrangement. I don't mean it should be removed - I would KILL anybody who dared to suggest it!

So, as I have said above, it is impressive and very well-done, but the links are a bit weak. But I'm sure I'm going to listen to it many and many times!

Gustavo

X-77x · #10 12-07-2002, 07:27 PM

Ohhhhh man! Am i a sucker for Orchestrated music... This song is great! i really liked the song you picked from the game, even though i havent played it. I think that this song shows that there doesnt need to be a lead in for a key change. I think its perfect the way it is. Composed really good, good soundfonts/samples. I recommend it to anyone who likes Orchestrated music. Like Tetsusan said, it isnt really a REMIX, its an arangement. But even DJP said that it should be called Overclocked Arrangement and not Overclocked Remix, but thats for a later date to be discussed... Great Work, ill expect more high quality arangements like this at a later date.