ReMix: BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger 'Tao Is Taokaka'

main

download

Download MP3
3,785,624 bytes, 2:35, 192kbps

Play Preview
Streaming preview on YouTube

Game: BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works, 2008, ARC)
ReMixer(s): 3R2
Composer(s): Daisuke Ishiwatari
Song(s): 'Catus Carnival - Taokaka's Theme Song'
Posted: 2011-02-01, evaluated by the judges

Daisuke Ishiwatari is one of the more-or-less "modern" Japanese game composers who's been making some distinct, awesome game music for awhile now; of course, calling him a game composer is only part of the picture, since he's also the creator of the Guilty Gear series, designed the characters for it and BlazBlue, and even voiced Sol Badguy. So, basically, he kicks your ass. If you feel discomfort and look behind you, he may in fact be kicking your ass RIGHT NOW. It's also misleading to suggest that he ONLY does metal - while he certainly favors the genre and excels at it, the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue soundtracks have enough stylistic variety to keep them quite interesting. In the world of 2D fighters, Capcom and SNK reigned for so long and each established their own aesthetics such that anyone trying to do their own thing really needed to have a unique approach, or end up being categorized as a clone. I think Arc did that with the Guilty Gear series, and Mr. Ishiwatari deserves a lion's share of the credit. So kudos to the many game composers out there who also wear other game development hats, be they programmers, voice actors, illustrators, or all three, or more...

And with that little introduction, I'm happy to be posting our first BlazBlue ReMix, from newcomer 3R2, aka Kevin Shih. I'm awful at BlazBlue and have only played it a dozen or so times, but Taokaka was the character I gravitated to, for one reason or another, so I'm happy our first BB mix is of her theme. Kevin's taken it and made it a pretty straightforward, upbeat electronica joint, not completely inappropriate for DDR style gesticulations. The source melody is catchy, j-poppish anime fare, and works really intuitively with this treatment; it's almost more like this is the original, and the in-game version is the arrangement. At 2'40", it's pretty brief, but 3R2 works in some breakdowns and changeups, and at this duration it doesn't outstay its welcome and instead functions as a sweet melodic treat. All of the judges wished for a little more expansion/development after the first iteration of the chorus; quoth OA:

"The arrangement is pretty effective, and the production seems pretty solid, but beyond the genre adaption, and the keychange, there really isn't a ton of expansion to this. Near there end, there seems to be a bit, which is cool, but overall things are played pretty straight. It's a fun track, and though very borderline on arrangement, there is interpretation and it's pretty solidly handled."

Shariq was the most positive:

"Man I love BlazBlue music. Wow this sounds like something out of a Sonic Adventure game, like Twinkle Park or something. Piano is kind of mechanical, but it's not so bad that it kills the mix. Pretty straightforward genre-adaptation, but it's got a good sound and decent development. Nice key change. xD"

Good call on the SA comparison. Not every mix needs to be a magnum opus, filled to the brim with expansive arrangement - sometimes just a good genre shift and competent execution can seal the deal. I think Kevin could have done a bit more work on permutations/alterations to the melody on second and third repetition, and it would have been more interesting, but at 2'40", for a debut mix, it's a fun take on a catchy theme that's easy to like and should satisfy the melodic sweet-tooths out there, of which I proudly count myself a member. Looking forward to more from 3R2, and hopefully more mixes from BlazBlue!

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

You know, it does have a bit of a carnival sound to it at various parts due to the melody, and that piano sounds pretty good, again for the melody. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is one of those ReMixes where several things that may turn people off can come together to create a whole lot of right. This reminds me of something that could go to a Sonic GBA game for a lighter, happier zone or something. Not bad at all.

- Crulex on September 26, 2012

I really like the piano, and though the rest of the song sounds kazooie (for lack of a better word)... you know, did I mention I really like that piano?

- EtherEel on September 12, 2011

Making love to sound isn't illegal. Which is good because I have just done this.

- synesthetic on August 27, 2011

SubNormal J3;750407 wrote: old school ocr :D

Heh, I agree.
Also, speed it up a few bpm, and you'd have some awesome Happy Hardcore.
Also also, love the piano, mechanical or not.

- Martin Penwald on March 26, 2011

I have never heard of this game before and have never heard the source before, but I couldn't resist downloading this one. It is so much fun to listen to.
:D

- Skinner3D on March 1, 2011

The piano reminded me of the JPop genre which I thought worked very well. Very cool song and nice arrangement.

- Capt. Stupidity on February 11, 2011

It's like if Platinum the Trinity had Tao's theme instead. Awesome stuff.
Blazblue FTW.

- WindStrike on February 4, 2011

Well, well, this puts me in a cheery mood! :smile: I agree with WillRock that the piano sounds mechanical, but in this genre it's forgivable. Good work!

- docnano on February 2, 2011

Yes! A BlazBlue mix!
This has officially made my day.
Thank you.

- IrateResearchers on February 2, 2011

it's like sugar
IN MY EARS

- DarkeSword on February 2, 2011

feels very Bayonetta-esque. that and, as has been stated already, OMFG BLAZBLUE MIX

- relyanCe on February 2, 2011

A BlazBlue mix! ...Although this is a bit short for my liking - I wish it were longer, but definitely a fun foundation.

- Bahamut on February 1, 2011

heh I gotta say that while this isn't the most ultra polished and smoothest sounding mix on ocr (mechanical piano comes to mind) the style is infectious as hell, is alot of fun, and its well mixed and mastered, if not slightly hot on the mastering.
Its good to see music like this on ocr, oldschool def comes to mind :D One of the best mixes posted on the site in the last couple of weeks imo, recommended.

- WillRock on February 1, 2011

I really enjoy it when pieces are put into other genres -- doing it well takes a lot more work than most people realize, and you succeed here. I share the judges opinion that the mix could still stand to be a little differentiated from the source material, perhaps via a solo section above the melody, but the piece works well as it currently stands.
Much like Shariq, I love the BB soundtrack and am also glad to see it get some coverage. I wish that there were more people who played it regularly in the community as the game has a really interesting, unique style....but I digress.
Nice work on the mix!