I rank 300 VGM (2024 edition) [ranking]

Board 8

And here we are at the 7s. Over half of the nominations made it this far, to playlist worthy status. I really do want to thank you all again. Its been such a delight to listen to everything and revisit it for this topic. Lets move forwards, not backwards! Upwards, not forwards!

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164/3690
@NFUN
Phantom Dust - August 31st, 1982
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvI0ozN9oOQ

We open the 7s with a song thats very spooky and evil and discordant. Theres a great drum beat at 0:55, and some Vivaldi ass shit piping up throughout. This is not a song that hurts for ideas, thats for sure. Watching it unfold is a fascinating process , especially right before the loop, where all those dark layers are peeled back to nothingness, just so it can start up again.

163/3681
@NBIceman
Furi - Wisdom of Rage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrm_kb1d-Xc

You were wise to assume this would be your top nomination. It very much appeals to my taste: the deep, crunchy bass; the soaring melody; the powerful drum. All the elements come together cohesively to make something inspiringly intense (intensely inspiring?). Thank you for this one it didnt make the top half but its still a keeper.

162/3668
@handsomeboy2012
Old School Runescape - Monkey Badness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-R04scet6s

This one was a pleasant surprise. I think every time I listen to a song like this I brace myself to be underwhelmed, but Monkey Badness is really cool! Surprisingly epic and intense, the song covers a lot of musical ground; though it stays intense the whole time, it keeps changing and adding new pieces. Also, this is a song where the MIDI format works well; I wouldnt want to hear this with, say, a live orchestra. Something about the soundchip is charming enough on its own.

161/3667
@Tked
Deo Gratias - cpculte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jjiAtwpDiY

In the pre-ranking listening party I made a comment like I hope this is all chanting. I stand by that! The effect is super creepy and immersive; the heartbeat adds to the creepiness, plus that reverb drenched ominous voice. It's a total package. Now, this is not something I'm liable to put on again any time soon. However, unlike other songs Ive said that about, I find this so effective that I have to rate it high. Consistency, am I right?