ReMix: Mega Man Zero 2 'Stranger in the Desert'

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Mega Man Zero 2

Shariq gives us our first mix from the Mega Man Zero series; I'm eventually gonna get either a GBA or DS so I can play some of these older GBA titles on the go, as they seem pretty damn cool. The melody here has intervals that remind me of the main MGS2 theme, but the tone is less militant and more ambient/explorative. There's a rising cross-panned piano arpeggio that conjures Aquatic Ambience, and the progression at 2'23" is fairly James Bondish, but the piano melody on top, the dramatic choral textures, and the myriad electronic textures that bubble underneath all give this a sound uniquely its own. If you just listened to pieces of this mix, you'd swear it was an ambient track, but DarkeSword's mixed in mixed-volume industrial percussion and even some subtle jazz elements, so it comes off as more a "soundtrack" sort of piece - difficult to pin down, mutating, with a common feel but many variations/permutations of expressing that feel. The wind/synth hybrid lead that carries the whole mix is perhaps a tad loud but pitch bends quite a bit; I think more varied dynamics on this particular patch would have worked hand in hand with the pitch bends and made it even more expressive, but I like it how trades space with the piano for melodic dominance. I'd never have guessed this was a Mega Man mix if I heard it without any additional information; sounds more like something from Perfect Dark or the more ambient depths of DKC. Either way, it's a subtler, less structured direction for Shariq, but one that works and works well. Equal parts suspense and relaxation, interesting and textured stuff from Mr. Ansari.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
I finally figured out what the quicker part in the middle (around 2:50-3:14) reminds me of: some of the soundtrack by Kawai Kenji to the anime Fate/stay Night.
The melody is rather similar sounding, though it's been so long since I've played megaman--I don't remember most of the themes; so, it could just be that the composers wrote similar material.
Either way, it is just so catchy (especially those 32nd notes on the piano) and is definitely one of my favorites.

- Inserio on March 11, 2009
Everything about this piece is so good I don't know what to say. I got MMZ2 when it first came out and these two themes were clearly the best of the game (only a couple others are memorable...) and just love the entire feel and execution of the games intro. This takes it to an entire new level and although there are only 2 MMZ remixes, a song like this completely makes up for the lack of others. In a way, it fully encompasses what the Zero series is about, to me.

- Duo on May 3, 2007
This piece gives me shivers every time I listen to it.
Maybe I like it so much just because I've played the game and feel the emotional impact of the song, I don't know :roll:

- zilver on September 30, 2006
My first thought was that it sounded like the underwater theme in DKC. But then again, it was only a slight piano prelude, but it didn't make me think of a desert anyway.
But let's get back to the subject, I'm a complete loser for piano remixes, this one must be one of the most beautiful I've ever heard. It isn't two-handed, but those bright tunes just make me melt, like a scorching desert. HEY, I can make the connection now! Then there's also a lovely flute (which I happen to also to be a loser for, but not completely), and it puts that lonely mark on this remix. This is about a stranger, nowhere to go with only his cape and a bottle of water as company. The flute puts the dot above the i, making this a definite download for all those who has a keen ear for piano and flute arrangements. What can I say? DarkeSword has done it once again.

- Bummerdude on January 7, 2006
Very nice, especially for the first remix of the MM Zero series. Emotional yet relaxing, and I love the brief energetic part around 2:50. What frustrated me was that this is one of those tunes that you [i]should[/i] be able to completely lose yourself in if you close your eyes, but it seems like most of the times the tune really seems to be building to something, it suddenly goes all quiet again.
Still, while it could have used some improvements here and there, it was quite enjoyable in the end. Thumbs up.

- MonkeyHead79 on March 28, 2005
It's got a nice Michiru Yamane feel...

- meccaneer on March 6, 2005
DarkeSword wrote:
Zerokiller02 wrote: i tried in lime wire and kazaa lite ,torrent storm and many more but most of the are urs?Although i like urs a lot,but i would like to listen to the original one.Plz and tq.

This isn't really a request board. Also, don't search for Stranger in the Desert; search for Departure from Rockman Zero 2.
That's enough posting about where you can get the original, okay? Thank you.
GSF Central - Megaman Zero 2 soundtrack
I originally thought the track you were covering was Awakening World, but you're more or less right, it is Departure (Intro Stage), either works.
As for the mix itself, one of the best mixes in recent memory for me, and my favourite Darkesword mix.

- TCK on March 4, 2005
Darke, I'm a big fan. I have to say this one of my favorites from you. I hear a lot of different pieces in here, including, as Pretz pointed out, Metal Gear Solid and Aquatic Ambience. But the piano is all you, and it's beatiful. THANK YOU SO MUCH for staying low on the drums, I was afraid that they might come in heavy at some point and disrupt the flow.
Not much in terms of suggestion. There are two ways that I know once I've listened to something that it has reached perfection in my ears (cause does it ever reach perfection in the artist's ears?). One is that I will need at once to go play the piano and do an improvised remix. Another is that I suddenly feel I have to go play the game again. Your piece did both. Listening to it as I write this, and still loving it.
Zipp

- Zipp on March 4, 2005
Zerokiller02 wrote: i tried in lime wire and kazaa lite ,torrent storm and many more but most of the are urs?Although i like urs a lot,but i would like to listen to the original one.Plz and tq.

This isn't really a request board. Also, don't search for Stranger in the Desert; search for Departure from Rockman Zero 2.
That's enough posting about where you can get the original, okay? Thank you.

- DarkeSword on March 4, 2005
i tried in lime wire and kazaa lite ,torrent storm and many more but most of the are urs?Although i like urs a lot,but i would like to listen to the original one.Plz and tq.

- Zerokiller02 on March 4, 2005
Zerokiller02 wrote: is there the orginal ''stranger in the desert'' song from Megaman Zero 2?i would compare urs and the original.if u have plz reply to me.

The original song in Megaman Zero 2 is the opening stage music.

- DarkeSword on March 3, 2005
is there the orginal ''stranger in the desert'' song from Megaman Zero 2?i would compare urs and the original.if u have plz reply to me.

- Zerokiller02 on March 3, 2005
Very emotive, your best yet in my opinion Darkesword :)
It sounds like something I would hear at the climax of a good anime, movie, or game that would make me completely forget about anything but the song.

- Nobbynob Littlun on March 2, 2005
You got me man. I love piano anything like this (I kinda have an appreciation for it BC I play it.) I have added it to a CD along with ZeroSky and StringMachine. Keep up the good work.

- Bladewind on February 28, 2005
Actually it's "For Endless Fight II."

My Mistake. You know, This Mix Makes for a Great Ending credits. Like for the up and comming Zero 4? Probably too late for that though. Oh well.
The Timeings for the Transitions (Especialy How the Tempo gets a Juiceing in 2:52) are spot on.

- I3lack Templar on February 28, 2005

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