ReMix: Gradius 'Horizontal Armada'
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- Game: Gradius (Konami, 1986, NES)
- ReMixer(s): djpretzel
- Composer(s): Miki Higashino
- Song(s): 'Challenger 1985 (First Stage - Volcano BGM)'
- Posted: 2000-04-11, evaluated by djpretzel
Well, what can I say - after listening to the gradius remixes submitted by others, i just HAD to take my own shot at it . . . this is a kind of symphonic-techno mix, using electronic and orchestral instruments together. I'm especially fond of the French horn sound, which stands as a pretty decent recreation of the real thing, so much so that I gave it a 'solo' . . . hope you enjoy! . . .
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Sweet, the French Horn and disco backing music works really well
here. Kinda heroic while injecting some energy into the ReMix. Not
much else I can say, other than this is one of those old tracks
that aged very nicely.
- Crulex on November 4, 2011
- Crulex on November 4, 2011
0:23 disco sounds are awesome here.
0:43 timpani's really push this forward
1:42 nice thick basslines
- SubNormal J3 on February 19, 2011
0:43 timpani's really push this forward
1:42 nice thick basslines
- SubNormal J3 on February 19, 2011
Wow, one of our oldest remixes. Surprisingly, it stands the test of
time. Not one of the more advanced remixes of course, but as a
classic it stands out.
- MechaFone on December 17, 2010
- MechaFone on December 17, 2010
This is kinda nifty, but the structuring is weird. It builds up and
launches into the melody, and in the middle does some quick
changeup in pace, only to switch back to what it was doing before
that changeup. It is probably my main gripe, as well as the song
screaming for some more expansion to it.
- Bahamut on October 29, 2009
- Bahamut on October 29, 2009
The Star Fox sound is perhaps unsurprising, seeings as this was
released a week after 'Clan McLoud', which shares many of the same
instruments djpretzel was using at the time. That being said, the
theme really is space adventure-ish, so... identity crisis
definately does ensue.
For what this is, I really enjoy it. It's a good melody, done with some style. It's got a nice, powerful rhythm which I dig. There are signs of early-itis around the edges, but at its core, it's pretty solid. Good proof of the quality that exists even in the original batch of mixes.
- Marmiduke on April 22, 2009
For what this is, I really enjoy it. It's a good melody, done with some style. It's got a nice, powerful rhythm which I dig. There are signs of early-itis around the edges, but at its core, it's pretty solid. Good proof of the quality that exists even in the original batch of mixes.
- Marmiduke on April 22, 2009
DragonAvenger;467761 wrote: The first few seconds really makes me think of Star Trek.
Sort of...
They remind me more of Star Fox.
I keep having this bizarre deja vu whenever I hear this and it's driving me nuts. :P
Still this is a great mix, very space worthy.
- 42 on January 21, 2009
The first few seconds really makes me think of Star Trek.
This is a weird concoction. Having the horn in the techno-y feel is very strange to me. Almost too opposite to really mesh. Despite that, the horn sound is pretty decent for the age. The rest of the piece meshes well together, and the mix is pretty energetic throughout. Oh, and the ending is pretty ubrupt.
Overall, I'm not crazy about the mix, and have to unfortunately pass on it, but it seems that the other reviewers enjoyed it, so it's a personal opinion.
- DragonAvenger on October 25, 2008
This is a weird concoction. Having the horn in the techno-y feel is very strange to me. Almost too opposite to really mesh. Despite that, the horn sound is pretty decent for the age. The rest of the piece meshes well together, and the mix is pretty energetic throughout. Oh, and the ending is pretty ubrupt.
Overall, I'm not crazy about the mix, and have to unfortunately pass on it, but it seems that the other reviewers enjoyed it, so it's a personal opinion.
- DragonAvenger on October 25, 2008
Pretty nice sample quality, especially considering the age of the
mix, but I have to admit im not really digging the bass sound.
There is a lot of energy in the percussion without having a huge
drum sound, and overall it meshed pretty well, with the bass
exception.
The interpretation is a little too basic for my tastes, but the song is short enough that it doesn't over-repeat.
- OA on May 8, 2007
The interpretation is a little too basic for my tastes, but the song is short enough that it doesn't over-repeat.
- OA on May 8, 2007
I love the beginning of this remix! I don't know what it is with me
and songs that start quiet then explode into something much
louder... but I love them. Great work. I have never played Gradius
let alone heard the music, but regardless this is some great music.
- Crabsmasher on May 22, 2006
- Crabsmasher on May 22, 2006
MMMmmm this is Gradius goodness (i wonder how i missed this one..?)
stupid lazyness of mine :lol:
Thanks djp , for restoring my faith in the Vic Viper !
..Now if i could only find the Gradius V soundtrack somewhere ,that should be a blast.
- RimFrost the Tourianist on January 9, 2005
Thanks djp , for restoring my faith in the Vic Viper !
..Now if i could only find the Gradius V soundtrack somewhere ,that should be a blast.
- RimFrost the Tourianist on January 9, 2005
Usually I can guess a remix's original track within the first few
seconds of the stream, but I got confused with this one. I was
thinking that this was the First dungeon of Final Fantasy Mystic
Quest.
Strange. : ] I liked this mix, though. : D *downloads it*
- Jean Quad Van Damage on January 1, 2005
Strange. : ] I liked this mix, though. : D *downloads it*
- Jean Quad Van Damage on January 1, 2005
I don't know how to describe this one but I liked it!
The french horn is a weird instrument for this piece but it somehow fits and is cool that way its used...
Well... Like I said, I don't know how to describe this so there's my attempt.
Great piece, djp!
- jordex on November 22, 2004
The french horn is a weird instrument for this piece but it somehow fits and is cool that way its used...
Well... Like I said, I don't know how to describe this so there's my attempt.
Great piece, djp!
- jordex on November 22, 2004
Wow, I love this remix! The horns really add to the "prestegioius
fanfare" type of feeling you get from this mix, and the strings add
yet another solid layer to it. I love it... it's your typical
"heroic" sounding fanfare with some syncopation and an energetic
beat! This is great, I can listen to it repeatedly without it
losing any of its impact. It sounds like it could be the opening
theme for some sci-fi show. Great mix! :)
personal rating: 9/10
- Samus Aran on July 1, 2002
personal rating: 9/10
- Samus Aran on July 1, 2002
Gradius 'Horizontal Armada'
This sounds pretty cool, fake orchestra with drums and other electronic sounds! Not the best Gradius tune in the world, but this one was a good one to remix and give it that DJP touch (it sounds a wee bit similar to his StarFox mix). The french horn sounds pretty good, though I am used to a bit more texture from french horn sounds. A good listen.
- Joe Redifer on May 8, 2002
This sounds pretty cool, fake orchestra with drums and other electronic sounds! Not the best Gradius tune in the world, but this one was a good one to remix and give it that DJP touch (it sounds a wee bit similar to his StarFox mix). The french horn sounds pretty good, though I am used to a bit more texture from french horn sounds. A good listen.
- Joe Redifer on May 8, 2002
