ReMix: Flashback: The Quest for Identity 'Nostalgy Dimension'

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Flashback: The Quest for Identity

I loved and hated Flashback. Loved it because it fixed everything that was wrong for me with Out of this World and was a classic adventure with really slick character animation and a very immersive universe. Hated it because there were portions that I must have played fifty times over before getting right. Viva la emulators and the amazing, super-phantasmagorical power of "save state", is all I can say :) Newcomer Shion Tanaka sends us his "Nostalgy Dimension" ReMix, our first from Delphine's classic, and it's a cool bit of late 80's style laid-back synth/rock/jazz. Admittedly, I remember the effects - particularly the birds chirping and ambient "forest sounds" - more than the music for this particular game, but there's definitely substance here. I loaded up the game in GENS just for a refresher, and sure enough, music test #11 was the track in question. Shion's taken the original, spruced it up, added extra notes in just the right places, and also dropped in a considerable amount of original soloing, making the piece his own while at the same time keeping the bassline and other aspects similar. Compared to some of the harsher FM synth sounds the Genesis offered, this is a cooler, more crystalline sound that fits the game better. Judge Malcos succinctly writes: "Very laid back feel here. Does remind me of the soundtracks from the old PC games, so the title is very appropriate. Arrangement is quite good, etc. Not much to say really, I think this mix is effective and achieves its purpose." - pretty much. Good sound quality; in particular I like the way the original contributions meld in with the source material. There are verbatim pieces of the original, but only pieces, and they blend perfectly next to Shion's embellishments and soloing. This is a piece that not only made me nostalgic for a great game, but gave me new respect for its soundtrack as well. Very good first mix, well worth checking out.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Slow but thoroughly enjoyable. I tend to really get into slower mixes, as long as they don't fall into a cycle of repetition and lead nowhere. I think it's needless to point out that this mix does not do that.
I love the soloing work that extends off the theme and adds a crucial amount of variation and contrast over the bassline that would begin to grow stale if action weren't taken.
There's a laid back feel to the instrumentation, which I can't say is always my cup of tea, but it's not exactly the worst lineup either. It does the job.
I will say that this mix does seem longer than it really is, and that should be taken any way you like. Could be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. I think the most important thing is that Shion Tanaka went to some much appreciated lenghts to keep a potentially slim design into something that sounds great and entertains indefinitely. I'm just not as keen about some of the musical hues that are conveyed in it through instrument choice.

- Marmiduke on September 23, 2009
It sounds like Conrad's leisurely strutting through warped-out jungles on the planet Titan, or he's walking through his own memories in greens and golds. The higher key, slower pace, and happier, humming bass make Nostalgy Dimension appropriately daydreamy.
I like how the bell-like lead from the source is maintained (in an upgraded form) at 1:32+. More than that, though, I appreciate how the different leads at 0:52+ and 2:38+ flank it in order to add distance to the places this mix goes. When their labors are done, 3:16 turns its attention inward, toward the bass/percussion. Perhaps thinking it's not varied enough, 3:26 unleashes a finale-ish drumgasm to help it alter its pattern, even if for a little bit.
Holocube-ically transporting.

- Polo on August 2, 2009
I love this mix. It's so...nostalgy ^^!

- WesternZypher on December 16, 2008
Pretty competent work, but i'm somewhat meh on this one. I don't really like the bass sound, though the pattern it plays is nice. I think overall it's just the specific samples chosen, as the arrangement itself is pretty nice. The bells sound is really good, but the pads seem low-fi, as does the bass. Soloing section are catchy and a highlight, and though it's been ages since i've played this game, the arrangement on the theme is pretty recognizable with having a lot added to it.
check it out, maybe you'll feel stronger than I do. :-)

- OA on June 3, 2008
I was digging through my SNES games, and I found this game. I never had it for megadrive, it was all SNES. I haven't touched it in forever, but i remember running from the big black thing at the beginning of the game, and then turning it off. I bought it at a garage sale for 2 dollars.
The track is really soothing, even though it is not familiar to me. Good job. =)

- S.Ave on March 7, 2006
i played flashback when i was 6 on my dads apple mac,which is used no longer,so i downloaded it from homeoftheunderdogs,which contained no sound,but this rocks!

- Psycho? on March 7, 2006
The opening Theme from [b]Flashback[/b] is good. This remix is equally good. Very enjoyable and calm! Has repetitions. But the remix is good. Therefore, the repetitions are accepted for me.

- Txai on January 1, 2005
Wow im so glad someone has done a remix for this game, it was one of my first ever megadrive games and one of my all time favorites that is often overlooked, this remix is nice, sticks close enough to the original for you to remember it instantly but remixed enough to make it sound even better than before. Good work a+

- Vestiges Vargos on April 8, 2004
i dig the instrumentation, the rhythms & beats, the whole vibe.
i never got all that far in flashback...just never understood it...but i was vastly intrigued with it...this remix is aptly named "nostalgy"(sic)
dig man, diiiig

- LuckyXIII on November 23, 2003
Nice. I'd give this around 7/10. It sounds good although towards the end I do admit I was starting to get a wee bit bored. It has a very nice feel to it though. Very well done.

- Omega Xi on November 22, 2003
I just downloaded this, and I felt the need to let everyone know how awesome it is. I definatly recomend this remix to everyone out there. Great beat, great effects, great music. Very relaxing and chill. Do your self a favor and definatly check this one out.

- Coppatop85 on November 19, 2003
just a wish from me to make a remix duel with you :idea:
Because I really like what you're doing, and i think this kind of contest would be a good alternative to basic remix.
For more info, you'll just have to see the topic "compo combo duel" in Works (In-Progress & Completed) : OC ReMixes
I think it would be great !

- n0mad on November 2, 2003
I am very glad for those who enjoy my mix. Thanx for reviews.
I will do more on the future, better, music and sound are fantastic....Gambarimasu !
Shion :D

- Shion on November 2, 2003
That remix was awesome, i usually go for the more upbeat faster remixes, but that was just right for flashback, theres not much music in flashback just some short's, i think that was done really well considering the game. The ambience is sheer euphoric, i could listen to that for eternity.
Flashback it's self was a excellent game, the only way i could complete it was to use the door cheat on the last level considering the boss is just past there, and what a stupidly hard boss he was. Well certainly nostalgic and looking forward to more flashback..
~Luke

- Urza on October 21, 2003
Yes... this brings back memories for sure. Flashback was one of the first games I've ever played, and the only game I've liked and havn't finished. This tune is nostalgia, and one seems to forget all about those places you died a million times at, and start wishing you hadn't put your genesis in your basement.
Thanks for a really nice remix.

- Joppew on October 20, 2003

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