ReMix:Shining Force "Armageddon" 3:56

Mixes like this used to be my thing back when I was a new to the site. I ate this stuff up and ignored pretty much everything else that wasn't orchestrated (and well-orchestrated, at that). And while I'm happy that my taste and appreciation has broadened a great deal, it's easy to see why I gravitated to mixes like this one.

It marries complexity with an almost visceral satisfaction, and even at a naive age I could understand that. You've really got to love the layered approach to the production and the great use of vocals, strings and brass. Fantastically cinematic, and restrained at the same time. The nice break from the escalating violins in the bridge is really cool and one of my favourite moments. This is full of remarkable little touches and comes out incredibly refined because of it.

It's mixes like this one that made me such a mega-fanboy for this site and the music on it. Truly impeccable work. Now where the eff is GrayLightning? I feel like I'm praising to a brick wall here.

It works to be epic. The choral work was good. Not quite my cup of tea, but it's well done.

A little on the liberal side, but it still carries a lot of excitement. I loved the percussion and the strings. I think a few additional dynamic elements would have improved it, but overall it's a pretty good track.

When I first heard this a couple of years ago, I had a lot of trouble hearing Shining Force in it. I didn't enjoy the piece back then, and this style doesn't appeal to me that much, but right now I appreciate it better. There are some good intensity and feel changes. I also like the synth elements thrown in with the orchestra. Overall it stays a bit samey despite different parts and variations, I feel that the part that begins at 2:00 is too close to the beginning. Nevertheless, a good listen.

--Eino

...I've come to the conclusion I was bit wrong about my first review.

I'll say yes, it is a good song -- but as a remix I'm still a bit disappointed. The overall handling of the source material is less-than-superior -- the original melodies get drowned out in the massive arrangements.

That is not to say that is not good. It is, in fact, excellent, to the point of being a mini-masterpiece.

But ONLY as a stand-alone tune. It does not go well with the original song. Which, in this small case, is actually alright.

My arrangements tend to be liberal and can divide opinions. In this case, I wanted to explore some of the other elements. Cheers for giving it another chance though and reposting a follow up. It's cool and interesting to hear you found some enjoyment though for other reasons.

Thanks.

...I've come to the conclusion I was bit wrong about my first review.

I'll say yes, it is a good song -- but as a remix I'm still a bit disappointed. The overall handling of the source material is less-than-superior -- the original melodies get drowned out in the massive arrangements.

That is not to say that is not good. It is, in fact, excellent, to the point of being a mini-masterpiece.

But ONLY as a stand-alone tune. It does not go well with the original song. Which, in this small case, is actually alright.

WOOW THIS IS STRIGHT TO MY IPOD. IT RAWKS LIKE LORD OF THE RINGS. PARFECT.

Graylightning you have anything new soon?

WOW! This is amazing! I can't believe how well, and how seemlessly he took the theme and melded it into this remix! This is simply amazing! 9/10!

Shining Force was great and i wish i could still play it. The song is great couldnt have been done better.

This is one serious remix. The vocals are well done, which you don't see very often. Very dark and militaristic, something to play war games to. Definately an addition to my UT2004 playlist.

I love this remix, its just so hot.

The vocals are well timed, I really get off on the fast moving violens while the background fades away. The drums come in perfectly. Its just an amazing piece of work.

This is an amazing remix of an amazing game. Shining Force is an old favorite of mine, and I must commend Graylightning for the work he has done with the music. 'Tis a shame there aren't more Shining Force remixes out there...

I don't think I've played the original SF yet. That gives me a project today outside of downloading gobs of ubercool remixes! And this is definitly one of them. I've only heard the midi of the original tune but as a mix of it and even as a stand-alone piece, it's wonderful. Very FFTish which gives it kudos right there from me. Very professional. Clean. *melts* Must go play th'game now...

If to compare with the original version we will see that this remix is perpetual on to an incredible orchestra of the original version.

The work was incredible, arrived at an important conclusion, this remix could be introduced in a more recent game version.

I believe In This.

Good work, GrayLightning!

As member of the Shining Force Central community and a longtime SF fan, I can honestly say I'm truly disappointed in this song. It has forthrightly ruined one of the best tracks on the original SF soundtrack. I do not like it at all.