ReMix: Pilotwings '9-bit Skies'

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Game: Pilotwings (Nintendo, 1990, SNES)
ReMixer(s): halc
Composer(s): Koji Kondo, Soyo Oka
Song(s): 'Rocket Belt'
Posted: 2012-04-25, evaluated by djpretzel
Album: Featured on Pilotwings: Take Flight

The one that started it all... well, by "it all" I suppose I'm only referring to a handful of games, but still, the original Pilotwings was a launch title done RIGHT, offering something completely new and making excellent use of the SNES' technical capabilities at the same time. In the tech-jargon of today, it was a differentiator, you might say. I know I for one had a blast playing it, which obviously included some solid minutes of intentionally NOT opening my chute & crashing straight into the ground, for the death-lolz. Speaking of having a blast, hopefully you're enjoying halc's album already, or will be soon, and I also think it's clear from the music itself that he had a good time making it. Of this 'Rocket Belt' arrangement, he writes:

"I decided to treat this one a bit more conservatively and focus more on the syncopation and rhythmic variation of the percussion and the interplay between various instruments. I think this came out to be one of my catchiest, most bouncy mixes yet. :)"

Definitely chipper, upbeat stuff; whereas the P64 mix emphasized the bassline, this is more about percolating sizzle & tricked out percussive exploits. I remember flying around to this theme, thinking to myself that it was both awesome AND strangely mellow accompaniment for having a rocket strapped to your back. One conjures something more Rocketeer-ish, i.e. adventurous, but since Pilotwings is more about the journey than the destination, and your only real enemy is yourself, I think the lounge/jazz vibe was the right choice. Obviously so did Nintendo, since they stuck with it for the sequels. halc's given the source a 9-bit facelift that adds some crunch & texture to the already catchy, smoov melody.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 7 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Now here's a nice laid back chip dominated song from Drew. I can kinda imagine this take being in a older game, it really has a cool slow pressure-less sound to it that lets you sit back and take a little time to think about things.

- Bahamut on July 4, 2012

This makes for such productive back-ground work music, and I mean that in the best possible way. It just makes everything...flow better.

- WesternZypher on May 1, 2012

This is strange. From the cover you might expect orchestral stuff or something, but this is a nice surprise. Great sound for when you feel like a dirty hipster. I always loved that quirky muted trumpet sounding part in the game and it's a nice twist here.

- soulflay on April 28, 2012

It needs that singing raving rabbid for the chorus, but still, this is easily the best halc song ever written by halc in his entire life!

- Brandon Strader on April 26, 2012

Joshua Morse;857222 wrote: After listening to the album multiple times and looping this particular arrangement for about an hour straight, I think it's safe to say this is my favorite out of them all.
Loving the use of the Chrono Trigger string samples, too. :)

yeah this is easily my favorite too.
and it's not just because i love the rocketbelt.

- Mirby on April 26, 2012

After listening to the album multiple times and looping this particular arrangement for about an hour straight, I think it's safe to say this is my favorite out of them all.
Loving the use of the Chrono Trigger string samples, too. :)

- Joshua Morse on April 25, 2012

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

- djpretzel on April 25, 2012