Lurker > azuarc

Getting started on day 2 now...

#89. (T-81) Neon White - The World to Come
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TPfE73W5LE
Nominated by: Bitto

Scores: 2 + 3 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 25

Comments:
tazzy: C
hb: heaven is a trip? wrong! gas leak. I've never been a super big fan of Neon White's OST, but I do respect what it's doing.
KCF: Excellent game. Excellent song. Good choice!
tgs2: [A] Heaven is indeed a trip, and a wild one at that. But with that drop, it begs the question on if the trip is actually to Hell.
Fluttershy: First Listen: I'm not sure how I feel about the song, but I do seem to be getting a bit more into it as it progresses. My initial thoughts were quite negative, but the distorted "Heaven is a trip" line was nice and the brief section right after it is a really solid 13 or 14 seconds of music. I'm still not getting any specific feelings from it and I don't think I'm fan of whatever this genre is, but there are enough high points to the song that I may be coming around on it. [Second Listen: I don't like the chopped, stuttering vocalization (which I assume is saying "what") or the music that plays during that section, but the rest of the song isn't bad. It's not for me, but I'd say I feel generally more positive towards the song than negative. And I do quite like the one complete sentence & the part that immediately follows it.] (55.16/100)
uf8: Some pretty damn cool sections here, and in general this is the kind of genre where my reaction is simply "that's pretty cool"... Which isn't really the kind of thing i rate relatively high sadly, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. 6.65/10
rwlh: [8] I really need to get around to listening to this soundtrack. heaven is a trip!
dowolf: This is just not interesting to me. The techno loops never are.
Chaeix: This sounds like something Mycro would have enjoyed, and the venn diagram of his and my musical tastes was generally two separates circles on opposite ends of the continent. I can see why people might like it but it's not my jam.

She looks like she's doing some sort of weird crying-but-not-crying thing.

6 (GEN)

Ever slightly above average.

Fiop posted...

It specifically tells you when you're one away from a correct guess. If you knew that, then after concluding that the guess was not correct and not one away, you'd know that the Mario category was not correct.

I've done Connections before, and I know this, but after seeing people buzzing in this thread, I figured the Mario thing had to be correct and forced it anyway.

Seems like a pretty random inclusion, but okay?

I tried this because of the topic, and kept trying to force the Mario angle.

I used all four guesses and lost.

Nanis23 posted...

Shit

It's amazing how fitting this word is to every one of those

Thard_Verad posted...

If the pattern continues, it will fit tomorrow's prompt too.

TBH, it fits most prompts if you want to stretch a little.

That may have been the least-popular thread we'd ever had. (Outside of the legitimately bad ones.)

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/b/b4435461.png
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/8/84d9c96b.png

Recent top results:
Day 596: Feels Like The First Time (23%)
Day 595: Looks like rain (29%)
Day 594: Sounds like a plan (19%)
Day 593: Virtual Boy (29%)
Day 592: Dragon Warrior (33%)
Day 591: Hammer Bro (14%)
Day 590: Pinball Wizard (30%)
Day 589: The Killing Joke (24%)
Day 588: Against All Odds (38%)
Day 587: How are you? (64%)
Day 586: That's the Spirit! (19%)
Day 585: Lunar Silver Star Story (33%)

Past results:
https://board8.fandom.com/wiki/Fill_in_the_Blank_(Series%29

My response: chicken

Sword...hilts? There's a character in Genshin who pulls a sword out of her chest, which is completely ridiculous, but at least there's an in-universe justification for it (kinda).

We talked too much about male gaze and made rwlh fear not having enough posts left by the time of the next write-up.

Chaeix posted...

it has been discussed that rwlh does not like suave dudes

What's the over/under on Sissel then?

MacArrowny posted...

Characters designed to appeal to men.

So a transformer that turns into a pick-up truck would be male gaze. Got it.

MacArrowny posted...

Funny how people describe the sexy characters as male gazey, but not the cute/moe ones. Touhou characters fit that category more than 2B, imo.

...what exactly do you think male gaze is?

Step 1: Go to Google.
Step 2: Type "feels like my "
Step 3: Systematically type each letter of the alphabet.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/d/d3aa71f2.png
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/6/64160df8.png

Recent top results:
Day 595: Looks like rain (29%)
Day 594: Sounds like a plan (19%)
Day 593: Virtual Boy (29%)
Day 592: Dragon Warrior (33%)
Day 591: Hammer Bro (14%)
Day 590: Pinball Wizard (30%)
Day 589: The Killing Joke (24%)
Day 588: Against All Odds (38%)
Day 587: How are you? (64%)
Day 586: That's the Spirit! (19%)
Day 585: Lunar Silver Star Story (33%)

Past results:
https://board8.fandom.com/wiki/Fill_in_the_Blank_(Series%29

My response: rain

That's all for tonight! See you on Friday!

List so far: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9O9mntH1RFxiq4V-ckgoYj_kgMOcXZW

#90. Muppets Studios Presents: You're the Director - We're Gonna Go Broke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xtk6fCGuJg&t=135s (timestamp included)
Nominated by: Fluttershy_Pony

Scores: 1 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 1 = 24

Comments:
PaulG235: Pretty standard Muppet song and far from the franchise's best work and is completely out of its depth compared to the rest of the block.
pyresword: Fun group vocal song that is both unremarkable and unoffensive for me. Of course, the lyrics as well as the ending are funny, but I don't know that the song is musically interesting enough to me.
jcgamer: This I guess maybe just barely qualifies as VGM, if you stretch the definition to its absolute limits. That said, of course it's good, it's an upbeat Muppets number. Cool to see Rick Lyon in the credits, who later went on to star in Avenue Q.
tgs2: [C] Despite this being a 1, I still find that this is a pretty charmimg musical performance.
WW (cleanup): 9.5/10. This was wonderful, doubly so after watching the full video and comparing to the good ending song
uf8: lmao what
rwlh: [6.5] catchy enough to stay in my head for at least five minutes; my favorite part of this was at the end when Gonzo says "we really must've gone broke, we're out of video!" congrats to this song for winning a block that some of my 1-pointers could take lol
dowolf: "an interactive VHS"? Okay sure. It's not bad? I feel like I like this more because of Muppet nostalgia / love than because the song itself is really good. It's hard to really be sure.
azuarc: Non-VGM jump scare! Cute, but not particularly memorable without the visuals.

#91. (T-90) Bugsnax - It's Bugsnax!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQTk4eK2fP4
Nominated by: Johnbobb

Scores: 2 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 24

Comments:
PaulG235: Nice light-hearted vocal song even if I don't particularly care for the lyrics themselves. Is only ranked low due to the three songs above it in the block having more replayability.
hb: it sure is
haste: Didn't like it initially, but those chord changes have grown on me....!
lem: [B] I've known about Kero Kero Bonito for a while, but I've never actually listened to much of their songs! I've definitely listened to Flamingo before, but I can't think of any other songs of theirs. Anyway, I actually remember this song being nominated for VGMC one year. I'm not sure if this would be the chorus or pre-chorus, but I like 0:54-1:10 the most. Fun song for sure!
Fluttershy: First Listen: A song that I'm very acquainted with. For some reason, Spotify's AI DJ X became convinced that I should listen to this song every day for a few weeks. Likely because I always agreed to let the song play. It's incredibly catchy and just darkly twisted in ways that aren't immediately apparent. Masterfully done. [Second Listen: Catchy and brilliant.] (94/100)
uf8: Everything about this makes me subtly uncomfortable. Which definitely means it achieves its purpose well, but... 5.05/10
rwlh: [6] TALKIN BOUT BUGSNAX
dowolf: It's cute, but i guess I'd want a song like this to make me laugh from the absurdity of it all. It never managed that. The new synth layer in the final 30 seconds is really good though!
Chaeix: If this had no vocals it would be a good song. It sounds like the theme song to a TV show for 4 year olds in a bad way.

#92. (T-90) Far Cry 5 - The Ballad of Clutch Nixon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2kf_BtyLW8
Nominated by: Johnbobb

Scores: 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 = 24

Comments:
Snake: We have the Old Gods of Asgard at home. Just kidding, it's obviously a quite tongue-in-cheek hard rock / metal track about the in-universe daredevil. Best part here is definitely the solo but the vocals are a bit too sloppy and weak for me.
pyresword: Mostly average rock song for me personally. I like the aggressive guitar and especially the solo as well as one specific melody like the part at 0:40.
KCF: I was very excited to hear this after seeing it was a FC5 song that I wasn't familiar with on a name basis. Eh.
lem: [C+] I feel like I lose interest in the song as it goes on, but in the beginning at least, it's a fun song to listen to! I don't really listen to a lot of glam metal in particular, but I definitely like the genre.
Fluttershy: First Listen: I love cheesy rock songs and motorcycles, but this may be a bit too cheesy even for me. At least "Psycho in Heaven, angel in Hell" is a fun lyric. [Second Listen: This should be a big hit for me, but it isn't novel enough to make me laugh or something I enjoy listening to unironically, so it's a bit of a misfire. Also, I'm not fond of the extended instrumental, which drags the song down just a bit further. Sorry.] (42/100)
uf8: I'm pretty receptive to this kind of rock since I've lived in households where blasting this kind of stuff is super common. There's some cheesy parts, but I like them too. It may come as a surprise, but I legit enjoyed this! 7.85/10
rwlh: [6.5] I'm shocked I liked this as much as I did lol
dowolf: my god he's more beard than man! Anyways this sounds like something that would be a legendary difficult song in Guitar Hero in this alternate universe. It's not for me, but I can appreciate it.
DanKirby: Eh, I don't know. These kinds of songs tend to be a miss for me in a VGM setting.

#93. (T-90) Bioshock - The Ocean on His Shoulders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6QpMWaKpE
Nominated by: Johnbobb

Scores: 5 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 24

Comments:
Chaos-Zero: A song of two sides. I like how the dissonance and tension sandwiches a very morose and raw lead violin. There certainly a lot of melancholy illicited amongst the dread of Rapture.
FL81: Very atmospheric, perhaps too much for my tastes, but I'm enjoying the somber strings.
maple_violet: the ocean is sure on his shoulders (my feelings about this song match my feelings about bioshock in that it is overly self-serious)
lem: [C] Definitely a spooky, unsettling song in the beginning. The violin part is much nicer, but it doesn't really do anything that I particularly enjoy.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Incredibly pleasing for some reason. It's very tragic and wistful & I love those adjectives. The ending is perhaps a bit too abrupt though; it suddenly goes for a very harsh ending, like being slammed into prison on a life sentence. Which is certainly tragic! I'm not quite saying that the end doesn't fit. it's just a sudden, brutal, crushing twist ending that reframes the vibes I was getting from the rest of the song. [Second Listen: Beautifully tragic, though the ending does pull me out of it a bit. I also wish it were longer. Like, this would be perfect music to gaze out a window and brood with, but it's so short & the ending so brutal that it's oddly ill-suited for what I want from it. I still really like it though.] (77.6/100)
Gavs: In a block of anime songs, this stands out by having a completely different sound to it. Starting with sinister strings, we move into a sadder violin then lean back to threatening at the end, especially with the final bang sound. This short piece does an excellent job of conveying both the majesty and ambition of Rapture, and the horror of what it became.
rwlh: [6.5] fine but not really something I'd ever go out of my way to listen to
dowolf: A very sad opening violin. That said, the song feels very light to me. I wish it were heavier, that you could feel the weight of it. You get a bit of that at the very end, but yeah -- I want more.
failgirlema: horror movie background music (not a compliment, sadly), doesn't rlly do anything. at all. imo stuff like this doesn't rlly work for me in any real capacity as something to listen to because it doesn't really feel like its made to be listened to. this is like the cruelest i've been to a song sorry :(

#94. (T-90) Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - Holehills
https://youtu.be/1ZNZVQ-Hmv8
Nominated by: hbthebattle

Scores: 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 3 = 24

Comments:
Chaos-Zero: Could be kirby if I closed my eyes. It's a nice song, but not setting the world on fire. It's got an air of triumph thanks to the timpani. Good BGM.
Bitto: The beginning of the song prepares me for a RSE-style song, but it doesn't go too far in that direction. Generally pleasant but feels like it's meandering.
KCF: This is defintitely much more memorable than the vast majority of the PMD songs that I have heard before
tgs2: [B] Literally the same thing going on here as Rhymes of Vales, but there is more life to the song.
Fluttershy: First Listen: The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon soundtracks are also something I've never been able to quite get into. There are a few exceptions that I really enjoy (though I don't recall their names or what they sounded like), but my general reaction is that the music is fine. And this is song is... very fine, yes. It does feel like adventuring music, which I should be able to appreciate, but it never registers in my mind as much of anything. [Second Listen: I should be into this, there's a fine sense of progression here: It starts off as a little jaunt; progresses to a very windy, starting to climb a large hill or something (fun and breezy, but requiring a bit more exertion); and then becomes dramatic as you climb a mountain or something. It's like a montage of a character going on progressively grander adventures. It's cute, it conveys a full story in a very short runtime, and I... still come away feeling like the song is just fine.] (52.48/100)
uf8: Gates seeing a turnaround in reception compared to when it came out and especially compared to after super came out is certainly nice to see. Though also, I do think we could afford to give other mystery dungeons a chance. Holehills is okay, but not the kind of song i think should really get the nod over much of the rest of the franchise's songs. 6.75/10
rwlh: [7.5] lovely flute; doesn't hold my interest all the way through but it's still a nice song
Chaeix: Does anyone else listen to a song and in their head the melody is going to go one way and then the song goes the other way and you're like 'gah this was so close to being awesome'. That's this song for me. I love it conceptually - the instrumentation is great, I love the pan flute, the strings, the marimba(?), but something is just missing melodically. It's definitely still a good song but it feels like it had the potential to be amazing and didn't get there.
azuarc: Fun song trapped in a pretty tough block.

#95. (T-90) Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Confront the Enemy
https://youtu.be/GPm8-zgk9fY
Nominated by: Haste_2

Scores: 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 5 = 24

Comments:
Snake: Pretty standard battle sounding theme, meandering electronic built for focusing. Not bad but not memorable.
Plasman: I was worried this was going to just be more intense noise but for longer, but then an actual melody came in. And it was thematically cool, but I didn't find myself actually enjoying the melody itself too much. And then it got kinda weird with the bridges. At least "Electro-house" was memorable, because this is definitely not that lmao.
maple_violet: oppressive
lem: [C] Decent start, but the rest of the song kind of loses my interest.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Battle themes are always a hard thing to sell me on and this song, regrettably, is no exception. I suppose there's a sense of dread, of facing an opponent much stronger than you, and it's nice that the song accomplishes its goals and makes me feel what it wants me to feel. And I guess it's.... *interesting* that the genre shifts completely at 3:10, but I think I actually enjoy the main part of the song over that repetitive droning voice that won't shut up, so this is a misfire. Far from being the worst example of a battle theme, but definitely a low point. [Second Listen: I love Cyber Sleuth and Hacker's Memory, but no aspect of this battle theme does anything to excite me.] (32/100)
Gavs: Here weve got what feels like several different songs in one because it keeps switching styles. It manages to hit a few boss theme vibes, including the feel of an intense battle coming up, the despair of being outmatched by an opponent out of your league, and the part around 2:40 where it starts to feel a bit more hopeful, like youre starting to gain the upper hand. It even throws in a few vocal samples that sound at home in Tekken Tag or 4!
rwlh: [7] [some nice drums in this; very atmospheric
Chaeix: Why are the drums so much louder than the other instruments? The audio balancing is really weird here. Anyways it's meh. It is in fact technically music. There are a few bursts of 10 seconds or so that I actually enjoyed but the rest was just noise. And oh god the weird not-quite-microsoft-sam voice at the end is not great.
ArkOfTurus: I enjoyed this quite a bit. Did a great job creating atmosphere, with some nice flourishes. The electro house section took me out of it a bit, though. 9/10

#96. (T-90) Tokyo Wakusei Planetokio - TOKYO PLANET / VIDEO GAME MIX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIiK3ZRnJs0
Nominated by: failgirlema

Scores: 5 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 24

Comments:
tazzy: C
"pyresword: The synth part at 0:36 is cool, but for the most part this just isn't my style.
"
KCF: This feels too tame on the "weird spectrum" for it to have any lasting impression
WW: 4/10.
Fluttershy: First Listen: A more normal song than the title and intro made me think it was going to be. Well, maybe not "normal", but more melodic at the least. I kinda like it, but I was hoping for something more chaotic and out there. [Second Listen: I swear those chopped, stuttering voices that open the song promise that we're in for something really crazy... and then the song just... doesn't go that way at all? It isn't anything that I dislike and there's nothing wrong with the direction the song takes, it's just not anything like I was expecting and I wish it had gone in an even wilder direction.] (54.28/100)
uf8: I don't feel like I'm ever qualified to evaluate really anything Osamu Sato makes. I don't think that there's really any way around saying this, so I'll just get it out of the way that his songs are pretty much just abstract art in vgm form lol. Is it my favourite artpiece he's made? Probably not, at least not for now, but it's still definitely what I'd have to say is art in video game form. And that is always going to be high praise in and of itself coming from me.... Anyway, I can't wait for all the other rotations to either say much of the same or, you know, probably having something more meaningful to say than me lol. ???/10
rwlh: [7.5] Sato doing Sato things
dowolf: I thought an ad popped up at first lol. I have no idea what to think of this. It's absolutely an impossible track to truly judge on a single listen. There's just so much going on. Love the theramin(?) in the background. I'm less fond of the pulsing sound around 2:20. I kinda want to get away from it. But yeah, thanks for sharing... whatever this is.
azuarc: Second weird track of the block, but it's kinda neat? I dunno, brings back memories of early DOS soundblaster games for no particular reason.

#97. (T-90) Honkai: Star Rail - Hope Is the Thing With Feathers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPmlcCtiWrs
Nominated by: Chaeix

Scores: 1 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 5 = 24

Comments:
Isquen: And to immediately come to THIS from CryMachina. I do not care for the vocalist. I do not care for how the song sounds like pop, which clashes with the melody going on. I do not care for the instrumentation, of which the only thing interesting going on during the chorus for me is the... "galloping" piano, I guess. But even then, after the chorus... well, maybe I'm just biased here. It's not the WORST thing I listened to in my total ranking, but it gets a big ol' meh from me.
hb: yeah it's good. not much else to say about it other than that
KCF: Weeb or Weeb-adjacent song, thankfully with no shrilly vocals
tgs2: [F] This may sound nice, but I don't believe a single cheery thing this song is trying to sell me whatsoever. I just can't take this seriously.
WW: 7.8/10. Very close match between Lonely and this
uf8: It's probably no surprise at this point, considering my votes in the last two BOSTs, but I just don't like this song. 6/10
rwlh: [6] this is getting my highest 6 - I like a lot of it but that singer makes my ears curl up
dowolf: Despite the minor betrayal of our lord and savior Emily Dickinson, I may or may not have had this song playing in the train for like six months. So, suffice to say I like it. It's just a fun and happy song. I kinda think it isn't the right thing to cap off the Penacony arc, but that plot kinda went off the rails in a bad way somewhere along the way. I love how the piano dances in the background.
azuarc: Easy 5 in a very weak block

#98. (T-90) Genshin Impact - Rhymes of Vales
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXaKoH2zZSQ
Nominated by: azuarc

Scores: 3 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 5 = 24

Comments:
Disillusion: Ooh, heavy on the Middle Eastern vibes with this song. It hits all the usual notes I would expect from a song like this, yet it adds a little playful energy in this offering. Nice pick, I could see myself returning on this one.
hb: pretty cool, but MAN there has been a gacha overload in vgm scenes lately - this block has three different ones!
maple_violet: not the strongest genshin song I've heard, feels like it changes a lot but never into something I find particularly interesting
tgs2: [C+] Love the drums and flute in here though the song feels a bit muted to me?
Fluttershy: First Listen: Light, jungle music. It doesn't do anything wrong, but I'm having a hard time focusing on it... feels like it just fades into the background with me for some reason. [Second Listen: I do not know why this is a genre of music that I dislike, but I'm seriously bouncing hard off of this track.] {I still don't know why I'm so against this song which sounds fine from an objective standpoint... I'm revising my opinion of this song to state that I don't hate it, but I'm afraid that I'm still really not able to enjoy this.} (20/100)
uf8: Okay, somebody definitely looked at the list of genshin songs I've personally talked about wanting to see in a contest. Why'd you have to put this in the same block for me as layton x wright, man???
rwlh: [7] those drums are lovely
dowolf: A Genshin battle theme that, like so many of them, fails as a battle theme. Encounters do not last long enough (and I do not want them to last long enough!) for a song with a 4 minute loop time. But even ignoring what I want, I strongly believe that a battle theme must have energy, and this? Doesn't. There's just a violin chilling. Nothing stirring me to battle, nothing opposing me, nothing that doesn't feel more like a coffee shop than a bar. We finally get some real movement in the closing seconds, but it's far too late.
waveshine2001: The mix between the strings, percussion and flute, especially from 1:49 to 2:16 and from 3:10 to 3:40 is pure ecstasy. Hoyo did it yet again with just another absolutely peak battle theme. 9.5/10

#99. (T-90) Grand Theft Auto V - Chop the Dog
https://youtu.be/g3cCK-_7VnI?si=Ajl0Y4tVzkcf7UEu
Nominated by: -Chaos-Zero-

Scores: 3 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 3 = 24

Comments:
Isquen: This one couldn't decide on a genre. It was interesting, I'll give it that, but there's some moments of farty trumpet that I don't enjoy. ...That's the smallest criticism I have, it was solid, though not my favorite from this block.
Plasman: This song can't tell if it wants to be weird Super Meat Boy or weird LEGO City Undercover. I realize this is a weird thing to say about a bigger game than both of them, but look. On it's own it's cool but sorta boring, but there's a lot of fun odd synth and sax things to distract me. I think it's still a bit long for what it has to offer, though. I miss blocks with really obvious placements.
KCF: I totally forgot that Tangerine Dream did some of the soundtrack for this. I think that they had better songs on there, but this is also enjoyable
lem: [C] I know a guy who really likes Tangerine Dream, but this is my first time listening to a song of theirs. Unfortunately, this song isn't really my thing. Just melodically, it's a tad bit grating to me and I'm not the biggest fan of that one synth lead instrument either. Don't let that stop you from nominating this though!
Fluttershy: First Listen: This is... not bad, exactly, but there are too many instruments I actively dislike --the scratching sounding one is particularly unpleasant and the only thing I can focus on for the vast majority of the song as a result--and I don't feel like the song really goes anywhere. It starts off on the low side of "fine" and just hangs out there until it eventually stops several minutes later. [Second Listen: It starts off grimy, like a scene set in a warehouse in a 70s crime drama. ...Then that blasted scratching instrument comes in and I can't focus on anything else because I do not like people making scratching noises right at my ear. And what's with that whiny synth around 1:20? I don't like that synth and, when joined by the scratching, there's a strong feeling that I really want the song to go away. I know the synth is only in a very short section and becoming obsessed with one instrument that isn't even in *all* of the song is very much a "me" problem, but I quite actively dislike this one even with its high points. At least the fact that it's bothering me in new ways makes it something of a novel experience and saves it from being truly bottom of the barrel.] (32.96/100)
uf8: I don't even like dogs and this still has to get the award for the most discomforting song title in the ranking by far. Anyway... I mean, the song is neat, I don't really care for it though. 6.55/10
Johnbobb: sneaky synths, a sick drum line, just pretty solid all the way through
dowolf: WHO THE FUCK WOULD CHOP A DOG ffs. Did someone hear the expression "kicking the dog" and decide they could do better? Err, that is, worser? The song is not nearly as violent as its name led me to believe. It reminds me a little of Dangan Ronpers, but doesn't work quite as well for me as that game does.
azuarc: Spooky saxophone that goes off in a direction I wasn't expecting. I'm now picturing a beat 'em up going through an alien-infested Chinatown for some strange reason.

#100. Quest 64 - Highland
https://youtube.com/watch?v=gC6fc3bAM0Q
Nominated by: tgs2

Scores: 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 23

Comments:
PaulG235: Some interesting choices in midi instrumentation but otherwise somewhat generic and forgettable. I do think that this track could've been good if finetuned a bit.
pyresword: Sometimes this old MIDI style works for me, but this one doesn't seem to do a lot. Good melody but the part lacks texture, and I don't care much for the backing parts.
jcgamer: I just don't like the soundfont here, it sounds bad even for N64. The melody itself is OK at best, pretty forgettable.
lem: [C] The pan flute and pizzicato strings in the first 30 seconds or so of the loop aren't bad, but that other instrument that comes in has this blaring sound to it that I don't like. The rest of the song is kind of meh to me, to be honest.
Fluttershy: First Listen: This is another of those songs where I like it, but I can't quite articulate why. None of the adjectives I know feel right when describing this song, it just appeals to me in some type of new way that I'm not prepared for. [Second Listen: I'll say that I really like this and leave things there. I suppose the drums feel militaristic, very "evil empire marching"-esque, but the rest of the song leaves me at a loss for words & I quite enjoy how baffled it leaves me feeling.] (75.19/100)
uf8: I feel like meta commentary on the randomised sections is a bit crappy to do for writeups when the block context is going to be lost when we get to the ranking topic, but I just want to say I was amused this came up right after the brightlands in my section. Anyway, I really enjoy this exact kind of rpg (or really just fantasy game) music that evokes a certain sense of wonder and nostalgia. And the midi soundfonts here are charming in their own way too. 7.85/10
rwlh: [8] I know basically nothing about this game except that it has a negative reputation, so color me pleasantly surprised that this song is so good! just a lovely piece
dowolf: WEIRD DOWOLF MOMENT: so the arpeggio in the right ear I visualize as going diagonally up to the right away from me with every note, and then the resolution of the chord flops to my left ear. This makes the whole thing feel incredibly wrong, like it's just teleported across the length of the room. If I ignore the panning this is a solid if unremarkable piece, but the panning interacting with my brain is so brilliantly discomforting. WAIT ON THE LOOP THE RESOLUTION TO THE ARPEGGIO IS IN MY RIGHT EAR WHAT IS HAPPENING. Come, Watson -- a mystery is afoot! Also friends don't let friends loop songs more than once.
NFUN: Works well given its limited instrument set. A pretty enjoyable song to hear in-game, I'm sure, but one when you search out later you end up being disappointed in

#101. (T-100) Disgaea: Hour of Darkness - Welcome to the Dark Castle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuzZg4e7SNw
Nominated by: pyresword

Scores: 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 5 + 5 + 1 = 23

Comments:
FL81: Must be a very bouncy castle. Disgaea music has always been pretty hit or miss for me, but you always know what you're gonna get. Pretty goofy song.
haste: welcome to the dark carnival that's actually not dark! Oh, wait... "This is Halloween!" is in there. And parts do sound kinda majestic in a non serious way. I actually enjoy the quirky sarcasm here.
lem: [C] Okay, this is definitely the fun block here. That or I need to stop being so repetitive with my vocabulary lol. This is a very whimsical song. Not something I'd seek out, but definitely fun to listen to in the moment.
golden009: first song that i actively recoiled at, which is not necessarily a bad thing but is in this case because it doesn't really advance beyond that initial moment of recoil
uf8: Mood. Also, that rare kind of vgm that you can see the japanese compositional influence for, but would still raise no eyebrows if it was seen in a western game (with fantasy themes). Pretty much the ideal halloween music. 7.15/10
rwlh: [6] wow did this song win the luck of the draw or some shit lmao; I like how...wintry it sounds? sure
dowolf: This definitely showcases Tempei Sato's featuristic creativity, and Disgaea's beautiful mix of silly and haunting, but it is very much a song that leaves me wanting more. How did this win the group? Weird.
NFUN: Amusing, but not enough to carry it and the farce is really all it has going for it

#102. (T-100) Stretch Panic - EX-Rooftop
https://youtu.be/lVneE33MlMg
Nominated by: Haste_2

Scores: 2 + 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 5 + 1 = 23

Comments:
tazzy: C
FL81: Very unique choice of instruments here. Surprised to see this is a PS2 game, this style seems more PS1 or '90s arcade.
maple_violet: interesting instruments, unfortunately I find listening to them mostly disorienting
JONA: Used this on a list before and still love it.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Not bad, though not great either. It feels slightly abnormal, but not in ways that get me excited & while I enjoy the bass towards the end, I don't think I ever feel anything stronger than "this is nice". [Second Listen: The high-pitched notes that open the song are rather off-putting and the song is a bit too reliant on whatever that instrument is for my tastes. The song does transition to... something later, but it's so far removed from conventionality that I'm not getting any specific vibes. And while I do like some highly off-kilter music, this doesn't feel bizarre enough to make my ears perk up. It's just a progression of "well, this is unpleasant", "weird, but not bad", and "that's some fairly nice bass, I suppose".] (53.5/100)
uf8: It's kind of surprising how often I've seen this game come up here in recent times. I still haven't even checked who did the soudtrack, but I suppose it doesn't really matter since I do like it. 7.25/10
Johnbobb: this is that very particular kind of cartoony edgy blend that is both unpleasant to listen to but also makes everything you listen after also sound worse. it's weirdly nostalgic to a very specific era and style
dowolf: I like the slinky echo. I just noticed the name of the game lol. I don't know what I just listened to, but I love it and I think I'm going to slink off and play the game tonight? Just an incredibly cool "factory"-esque tune. UPDATE: holy moly this game is crap.
azuarc: A bit too on the weird side for me.

#103. (T-100) Kirby Air Ride - Frozen Hillside
https://youtu.be/wpftpnZptDU
Nominated by: DanKirby

Scores: 4 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 23

Comments:
pyresword: Pretty instrumentals throughout and a really catchy melody at 0:55, but probably remains a bit too restrained compared to what I'd like.
tgs2: [C] A decent emough winter-y tune with some wistfulness to it.
Fluttershy: First Listen: I feel bad that neither Air Ride song wound up in a block golden009 could rank, as I imagine they'd be more charitable towards the songs. ...Is what I intended to say, but I actually I might like this one? I dig the winter night vibes this is giving off and the instruments don't bother me for once. The song has moments of tranquil beauty and parts that are more action packed, like sledding through an avalanche. It's an odd contrast, but it somehow works? I'll have to make sure that I'm not just overrating this song because my expectations were so low, but this may be a sleeper hit. [Second Listen: Yes, a very pleasingly odd contrast in this song. I like it. Which isn't much praise, but does put it a solid tier above almost everything else in its Block. A fairly easy 4 points for Frozen Hillside.] (64.11/100)
uf8: I remember hearing this one in smash (especially brawl) so much I sometimes forget it isn't a melee arrangement lol. Good song, wish i didn't get too motion sick to play air ride. 7.2
rwlh: [5] if this wasn't in Smash I probably wouldn't remember it
dowolf: The melody sounds super familiar and I am struggling to figure out what it reminds me of. I want to like this more than I do, but I'm not sure if I can.
failgirlema: the fact this isn't a classical music arrange is honestly somewhat shocking. it really sounds like a faithful cover of a classical piece but with a bit more video game-y instrumentation. incredibly nice parts but my aversion to some of the highly typical classical features it uses knocks it down a bit, the very start and end of the loop are my fav parts

#104. (T-100) Astro Bot - Tite Mites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2tj7u8RyfA
Nominated by: Bitto

Scores: 1 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 23

Comments:
Disillusion: Quirky sci-fi pick, some nice synths here. If I *had* to be critical, I guess I'm not into one of the main synths here? But I'm kinda still into this one.
maple_violet: not bad, but not really interesting to me - probably works well in context
WW: 5/10. It's a shame it had to be the one song from Astro Bot's soundtrack I'm conflicted about, the melody is good but the sounds feel very off to me
Fluttershy: First Listen: Like walking into a deep cavern and being welcomed to a dance festival held by mushrooms, moles, and various other critters. Pretty enjoyable little bop. [Second Listen: It's nice and I kinda like it, but apparently this isn't the type of ambiance that I'm inclined to rave about. It's cute and it's fun, but not quite cute or fun enough.] (59.303/100)
Gavs: I wasnt sure about this one at first. The comments section on the video was raving about it, and I didnt quite get why then the beat dropped and I totally got it. It sounds so bouncy and fun.
rwlh: [7.5] catchy and cute
dowolf: Another piece that's simple and clean. Which is a good song, so that's fine. It doesn't really do anything to stand out, but I could chill on the beach to this, sure.
NFUN: Argh why is every song in this game so damn saccharine. Drives me insane

#105. Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! - Prison Planet Thantos
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YWmNyDPtoU0
Nominated by: tgs2

Scores: 2 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 22

Comments:
tazzy: C
Bitto: Nothing really stands out here for me
jcgamer: Like the Castlevania track in this block, this is *OK*, but I've heard much better from this franchise so a bit disappointing. This kind of ambles around and isn't very memorable to me, while I at least found the Castlevania one kinda enjoyable. Some folk seem to think this is basically the dungeon theme from Earthbound.
lem: [C] I like the drums quite a bit! Melodically, though, it's not all that engaging for me. Still, not a bad song!
Fluttershy: First Listen: A far funkier song than I was expecting for something with Prison in the title. Has some "underground" and "exploration" vibes to it, nothing too intense or frightening. I can't really say it's relaxing, but it's kind of... safe feeling? Like I'm exploring a very safe location where nothing bad could happen. It's kinda nice. [Second Listen: Kinda nice, kinda safe, kinda exploratory, and I kinda like it but it never inspires any particularly strong reactions.] (55.276/100)
uf8: why is it Thantos and not Thanatos? Anyway, have to admit something damning here. I've never actually played any of the N64 Bomberman games. I've played a lot of the series, from Bomberman Kart, to Panic Bomber, to Bomberman Blitz, R, 93, 94, 2, Land 2, briefly Wars, Saturn, and even Act Zero... But yeah. Never any of the 64 ones, despite the sheer quality of their soundtracks and to be honest of what I've seen, the games themselves too. Definitely something I should probably fix in the future. Anyway irrelevant ramble over, I like the song. Has a good like, space jungle vibe if that makes any sense. Pretty good, and the score here shouldn't be seen as a slight against it, this block just has a lot of 7/10s. Speaking of... 7.6/10
rwlh: [7.5] I like the marimbas and the tone of desperation
dowolf: I'm not a big fan of the constant warbling. I do enjoy the funk, though. Maybe I'd love this with different instruments? Hard to tell.
failgirlema: really awesome bass and pad - kinda falling in love with it. feels like an easy 5 but sadly oshama scramble is too banger sorry :(

#106. (T-105) Max Payne - Max Payne Theme (Reprise)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD8oDbknxDE
Nominated by: Snake5555555555

Scores: 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 22

Comments:
tazzy: D
hotdogturtle: Non-spectacular and non-memorable.
KCF: Max Payne Theme has always been fire
Fluttershy: First Listen: Well, this was short. It's over before I manage to get any emotional connection at all. Playing it a second time immediately, I'm getting some feelings of revenge, which are appropriate. It's very "gunning someone down in cold blood and watching them die" which is an interesting avenue to explore musically, but there's not enough time to properly experience all the feelings. [Third Listen: A good song that does embody the emotions it wants to, but I really need more from it to be able to say "I like it". That being said, this had the benefit of a weak Block, so it still manages to get to the middle of its pack.] (57.6/100)
Gavs: This short song has a conflicting tone to it. It manages to sound both triumphant and sombre simultaneously, making it a good fit for this grim world where any joy is fleeting at best. Max may have avenged his family, but he cant bring them back.
rwlh: [7] the full theme would rank higher
dowolf: He had a conductor's bat, and I was tied to an orchestra. Reprising his main theme was the smart thing to do. It doesn't really do much and then it just ends. Maybe if this were 3 minutes long it coulda been a contender.
azuarc: I can picture two dancers performing a dangerous tango to this, which might be a weird image, but it's so short that's all I really got.

#107. (T-105) Octopath Traveler II - The Brightlands ~Night~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cs9cj10EmI
Nominated by: pyresword

Scores: 3 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 22

Comments:
Isquen: When all you've got is a quiet vocalist, a good piano, and some bells? Light xylophone? You make it work.
maple_violet: really beautiful, I should play this game
JONA: It's nice but not my thing.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Very tranquil song. It's not quite a lullaby, but it's not exactly far removed from being one. Sweet and relaxing, I like this one. [Second Listen: I really can't find anything else to say about a song this tranquil.] (60/100)
uf8: Feels like some classical music snuck into there at some points, though I can't place what. It's definitely not a song I think should ever be tried for a contest since I could barely even hear it lol. 6.15/10
rwlh: [6] fine I guess
dowolf: fun fact: "brightlands" and "pridelands" are extremely similar in Japanese. There are absolutely zero lions in the brightlands though, by the sound of it. It's peaceful but not warm or cold or any other specific kind of peace, if that makes any sense
Chaeix: This felt like it was about to drop into a heavy electric guitar and string battle theme 25 seconds in and then it did not. It's pleasant I guess? The melody doesn't really do anything for me and it just doesn't go anywhere.

#108. (T-105) Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends - Mentaiko Magnifico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_6nyLjhezs
Nominated by: KCF0107

Scores: 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 22

Comments:
Chaos-Zero: Very airy with a bit of bounce that still feels quite laid back. I like how the piano comes in all laissez-faire , slightly off time but keeping within the bars. Pleasant.
Plasman: What's with the off-measure piano lmao? This is also very low-key, but moreso in a "this is sort of a nothing-burger for me" way. I guess it's pleasant, I'd be fine with listening to this in the background for a while, but certainly not active listening. Wow, what a weak block for me lmfao. I guess the first was too good.
maple_violet: this is a bit hypocritical considering what I submitted but I don't really get the melody here, also there was a portion here that made me think there was construction going on above me
failgirlema: those drums are too trappy for me but its kinda nice
Fluttershy: First Listen: Ooh, what a pleasant walking song this is. It's very "walking down the streets of a very nice neighborhood with lots of trees on a sunny day" which is definitely a nice type of ambiance to create. I really like this song. [Second Listen: I'm actually upgrading my opinion on this song to "kinda love"! There's also a synthetic quality to it that I didn't properly appreciate the first time around, making it feel like strolling around as a non-human. ...Actually, do I want to go really crazy and say that I love this song? .......Yes.] (93.409/100)
uf8: Lofi pop like this is very difficult to nail in a way that it sells me on it. I think this is a good one, though not one that I'd jump at to support. I like it though. 6.9/10
rwlh: [4] I dislike the pitch of these notes a good deal but the song is catchy, I'll give it that
dowolf: That bass is a lot. The record scratches are nice, and I like the pan flute(?) in the background, but... actually this is kinda growing on me. I feel like this isn't something I'd normally appreciate, but here I am appreciating it.
azuarc: Light. Fluffy. Doesn't really do anything for me, but at least it's happy.

#109. (T-105) Bloody Trapland - World 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPo0vvGg5PA
Nominated by: jcgamer107

Scores: 2 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 5 = 22

Comments:
Snake: A dark and urgent track, sitting somewhere between foreboding and focus. It's like a traditional platformer track turned on its head. It's not the most interesting track but it is an enjoyable listen.
FL81: The image used for this YouTube upload leaves me with more questions than answers. Really cool Castlevania-styled whatever this is, better than what I was expecting.
maple_violet: this upload feels like it ends like two seconds too early, and I'm not sure if it's on purpose
tgs2: [C] This thumbnail is art.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Feels like a song for a Castlevania spin-off, like Kid Dracula or something. It's got that retro classical aesthetic, but it's just a smidge more playful than I'd expect from a mainline Castlevania. [Second Listen: "Happy Castlevania music" is an odd choice, but it's still a pretty good song.] (59.67/100)
uf8: Well I guess I know which of the songs in this block is automatically getting the 1 score. Which is a shame, since this is perfectly serviceable, but yeah there's a bit of a gap. 6.7/10
rwlh: [5.5] =^_^=
dowolf: You sure this is "trap"land and not "furry"land? I thought the opening was something of a joke, that we'd explode into a full orchestral performance, but instead it plays it straight. It's... fine? But very simple and straightforward.
Chaeix: I wasn't expecting much when I saw the game art but damn this is actually really good. I'd love to hear an arranged version of it or one made with more modern synth. The harpsichord synth parts are great and for about 5 seconds there it sounds like a zts banger. Pleasant surprise here.

#110. (T-105) Machi: Unmei no Kousaten - Yoake No Uta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_fcyKcwd-Y
Nominated by: handsomeboy2012

Scores: 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 22

Comments:
Isquen: Can we take a moment to talk about the tempura blanket around 2:00? Would buy. Right, anyway. Another thing where I'm not the target audience, being Americocentralized as I am, and I really shouldn'tve looked at the video for the music because MAN, the 90s sucked for everyone, huh? Wouldn't be out of place with any other English blockbuster ballad, so it works, I guess.
FL81: Yep, definitely a '90s soft rock ballad. You sure this isn't the theme to a TV show?
maple_violet: this sounds like something that would play at the end of a bad movie to attempt to convince me I had enjoyed my time, unfortunately it would probably work
WW: 6.5/10
Fluttershy: First Listen: ...Exactly the type of jpop song that is cheating to nominate for me. Even the auto-translated lyrics are right up my alley. "With eyes like a lost child with no destination, I gaze into the dawn sky". This is the next to last song I'm listening to for my part of the rankings & I'm shocked something this fantastic was hiding all the way at the end. [Second Listen: A genre I love, with lyrics that I love, by a very talented singer. Very easy path to an incredibly high score. ...Shame that like so many other songs I love, it had the misfortune of crashing into one of the few other songs I loved more. Know that this song has the full five points in my heart, if not on the spreadsheet.] (95/100)
Gavs: There might have been a mistake. It looks like the opening credits of an 80s Japanese soap opera seems to have snuck onto the list? Alright song though. I GOTTA FIND MY WAY
rwlh: [4] not generally a fan of songs like this but the video seems to imply the song isn't as serious as it appears to be
dowolf: City: the Crosswalk of Destiny / The Song of Dawn. It could just be "intersection" but my brain went to "crosswalk" first and translating it that way makes me smile. A very 90's anime ending theme. I am so confused by the video. Oh this is literally what the game is lol. I don't have much else to say! It is emphatically what it is. It's in a tough group, unfortunately.
"Chaeix: japanese japanese japanese japanese I GOTTA FIND MY WAY more japanese more japanese YES IT'S JUST LIKE LOVE more japanese

You get the idea. the guitar solo towards the end is far and above the best part of this song. I'm glad that the song feels like it has some sense of growth throughout, if it felt any more same-y it would be much less enjoyable."

#111. (T-105) I AM YOUR BEAST - JUICER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5tuDFY6E7g
Nominated by: golden009

Scores: 2 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 2 = 22

Comments:
Isquen: Did *I* pick the wrong block, woof. This is aggressive for the sake of it. I am not the target audience. It's not offensive (bibibibibibi) but it's not great for me.
Plasman: There's definitely some cool and/or fun parts in here, which makes it slightly harder to rate, but definitely a bit too much amelodic noise to make it at all up my alley. Just one of those songs that feel like they're yelling "I AM INTENSE" at you but doesn't answer my question of "But why?".
maple_violet: more music should be actively unpleasant to listen to
lem: [C] Eh, not my kind of song.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Pretty neat! I like oppressive soundscapes and while this song isn't exactly oppressive, it does have far more weight to it than any nominated song I've heard thus far. Pulsing, intense, and with a crushing impact to it this song definitely stands out & is trying to appeal to me in ways that most other nominations never do. I like it, but I think I'd need it to be even more oppressive for it to be a song that I loved. [Second Listen: Ow. I just went directly from "Eliza - Encouragement" to this song and the tonal whiplash was physically painful. Which isn't something I'm holding against the song, quite the opposite as I feel it needs to be more painful, it was just a particularly jarring shift. Either way, I do like this song, but it feels like it'd be one of the lowest entries to the "I like this" tier. It never quite hits the level of oppressive and soul-crushing pain that I need from this style of song and it's too short to really hurt, but it's a fine example of a style of song that I don't get to hear often & definitely offering things I'm not getting from its competition.] (60/100)
uf8: EDM this aggressive is pretty hit or miss for me, and I think unfortunately this is leaning on the side of a miss. 5.2/10
rwlh: [8] delightfully intense and moist; I love the little breath near the end
dowolf: Emphatically not for me, and I would like to leave whatever party this is at now.
failgirlema: fairly nice, feels like if it had a different mindset behind its production it'd be more me-adjacent though, it does cool chopping of cool synths but it doesn't do it in the right way for me imo

#112. (T-105) Lego Marvel Avengers - Lack of Insight (Boss)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfnNzKb2g5g
Nominated by: GavsEvans123

Scores: 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 5 + 4 = 22

Comments:
tazzy: C
FL81: lego rising revengeance (This is much more intense than I was expecting.) Very much "movie trailer music", but it has some strong energy.
KCF: This doesn't stand out to me too much, but I do appreciate the different sound from the Traveller's Tales LEGO games that I've played
Fluttershy: First Listen: Epic boss music. Feels like it's about battling a fallen hero or former friend, very dramatic with a hint of tragedy about what you must do after things have reached this point. I could live without the song going for a faux siren sound at 2:30, reminds me of the Minions (BEE DO, BEE DO, BEE DO, BEE DO), but that part is very short-lived and the dramatic weight behind the music makes this a pretty decent song. I'd say it's too serious for a Lego game, but I'm obviously not holding that against it. [Second Listen: Epic battles are still about as far from being "my jam" as you can get, but this song is definitely good enough that I kinda like it anyway. Outside of the part that reminds me of a Minion imitating a siren anyway.] (55.8/100)
uf8: Now that I think about it, has a Lego game ever even been nommed in vgmc before...? I honestly can't think of any. Interesting song though, there are some sections I actually really like here. Did not expect to be sold on this one. 7.7/10
rwlh: [5.5] good energy but this isn't really a style I connect with all that often
dowolf: This sure is a boss theme all right. It feels like we start off with the villains and then the french horn is the hero we need to save the day. There was a moment around 1:55 where I was convinced we were about to dive head first into an epic guitar solo and I am sad that we didn't. The siren guitar is cool at 2:30, but if it's supposed to signify things are going badly I don't think the rest of the song gives me that same feel. This feels very close but not quite, overall.
Chaeix: I saw this was made by Tess Tyler and it sounds like it's composed by Brian Tyler but apparently they're not related? This hits pretty fkn hard for a Lego song but I guess the Marvel IP demands quality. Really enjoyed this one but it loses points for the brief segment where it's deliberately discordant. It recovers for a great ending though.

#113. (T-105) 3D Qube Jumper - Level Music 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijoVUYh-G3w
Nominated by: failgirlema

Scores: 4 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 22

Comments:
tazzy: B
Bitto: It reminds me of Ellie Goulding's "Lights." Honestly has a lot more variance than I expected for a 1:50 song.
maple_violet: bass threatens to overpower everything else here
tgs2: [D+] It's fine.
Fluttershy: First Listen: It's... incredibly fine, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be getting out of this song. I don't mind it, but it also left no lasting impression at all, being a perfectly average track that inspires no feelings positive or negative. Hopefully a relisten manages to leave an impression? [Second Listen: I suppose the low tones of the bass are somewhat pleasing, but it still doesn't inspire a reaction stronger than "it's fine".] (52.29/100)
Gavs: The opening isnt very interesting, but luckily other instruments are added to the mix to redeem this one.
Johnbobb: it's alright, but I kept waiting for something more
dowolf: is this the music to level 4, or the fourth unique level music? A true conundrum. I can imagine having nostalgia for this track, but without that nostalgia it falls a little flat.
ArkOfTurus: Neat little song. 7.5/10

#114. (T-105) Girls Frontline 2: Exilium - Sojourners of the Glass Island Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjjgrtqOFNM
Nominated by: dowolf

Scores: 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 22

Comments:
tazzy: C
hb: vague metal gear vibes
ArkOfTurus: Really enjoyed the build-up, enough to think this would be a future support. Unfortunately the follow through, while still good, wasn't quite as impressive as I was hoping for. 8.5/10
lem: [C] I'm not too crazy about the orchestral parts, but the softer parts with the piano and guitar are pretty cool!
Fluttershy: First Listen: Vaguely tense song with hints of technology. Feels like I'm about to explore an abandoned lab which has at least one technological monstrosity in it... actually, I suppose this song is too epic for only one monstrosity. Perhaps one killer robot and a few drones or otherwise inferior minions. Not a bad atmosphere. [Second Listen: I kinda like this and I appreciate that the song is telling a story, but I could use a bit more excitement or something from it. It promises that exciting things are soon to come, but this song is dedicated entirely to building up the atmosphere and getting ready for things to happen. I wish this was just the intro part to a 15 minute long song that had time to progress to new emotional states.... not that we could have nominated such a song this time around, but still.] (59.37/100)
uf8: I haven't done rankings for this block yet, but something tells me that this is going to be criminally underscored by me. So here's my rating just so you know that it SHOULDN'T be this low, this block is just evil. 8.05/10
rwlh: [8] nice orchestral bombast
Chaeix: This is really cool. Excellent instrumentation with strings, big brass, and piano interweaving with that bass line behind it all is really cool. My only critique is that the song feels like it's building up to a big payoff and the big payoff isn't quite there. It's like, 10 seconds of what I was hoping would be at least half a minute.
DanKirby: An orchestral track that does a good job of building tension. Really drew the short straw with this particular block, though.

#115. Touhou 3: Phantasmagoria of Dim. Dream - Reincarnation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unvd6VIOd0k
Nominated by: White_Wing

Scores: 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 21

Comments:
Isquen: For once, a Touhou song that sounds like 1980s arcade meets Cave Story instead of ZUNpets I know and turn my nose up at. I'm sorry, but there's a bit in the third section that reminds me a lot of Wonderwall and that's a sin (fortunately, it doesn't stick around long.) So anyway... average markings, which puts it on the low end of a stacked block
Bitto: A good core melody that is hurt by its intrumentation and its length.
ArkOfTurus: I strongly dislike the soundfont used in this one. Aside from that, the song is pretty decent, if unremarkable, but that one issue is enough to hurt my enjoyment of this significantly. 2/10
tgs2: [C] I'm conflicted on this one. Melody is very good, but the sounds are jank.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Not bad. This isn't exactly my favorite soundfont, but the song manages to convey a respectable amount of emotion through it. The tune feels rather sad for most of its runtime, before feeling like making one final stand. Trying to find hope in a hopeless situation and refusing to give up. I like this. [Second Listen: Not a favorite song, but I appreciate how much emotion it manages to convey in such a short loop with this type of sound.] (60/100)
uf8: Considering how well a certain arrangement in Sixtar did last month, could this be the year of Mima????? To be honest, I'm not even sure which mima theme is my favourite, considering Complete Darkness is so damn good as well. But yeah. Still a true classic which absolutely deserves to make it in. 7.9/10
rwlh: [1.5] I don't know if this is a bad link or what, but I've heard this song before and it didn't sound like this; as is, this was painful to listen to and gave me a headache, especially at the louder parts
dowolf: Classic Touhou from before the invention of zunpets. Personally it feels incomplete, like it wants to have another channel or two but the system can't support it.
Chaeix: I prefer this chiptuney style to what would otherwise be a lot of zunpet in this particular song. Some of the transitions between segments of the song are very jarring (like around the 1:30 mark and 4:15) that make me like it less. Overall it doesn't have much that sets it apart from your average touhou song other than it being chiptuney.

#116. (T-115) Stellar Blade - Democrawler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__lpQezvzY
Nominated by: TheArkOfTurus

Scores: 1 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 21

Comments:
pyresword: Opera is hard to do well and I almost uniformly think video game musicians/composers fail at it. This one is decent. The back half does improve things in the instrumentals for sure. I do like this more than the rating would suggest, but it got stuck in by far the strongest block I've ranked so far.
KCF: It's hard to take this seriously after looking at the album artwork in the video
lem: [C] I like the general idea of what this song's going for, but like Lemonade in Hand, this song's just not resonating with me. I think part of it is that I tend not to like operatic vocals. Choirs, yes, but opera, not so much. Maybe a weird distinction, I don't know. The orchestra also just doesn't feel like it's a hit. I will say, however, that the transition at 2:40 is very cool and easily the highlight of the song.
Fluttershy: First Listen: An operatic song is certainly a unique nomination. How I wish I liked operatic music so that I could properly reward it... but once the song hits around the three minute mark, it intensifies to become an operatic battle theme, and combining two styles that I'm not fond of does not do this song any favors. I know that it's a high quality song, I love that it's so different to everything else, and I truly want to see it do well in this contest. I just don't actually like listening to it. [Second Listen: This is just not something I'm capable of appreciating. I seriously do want it to do well because seeing new styles of music find success would bring me joy, but I truly dislike actually listening to the song and there's nothing I can do about that.] (36/100)
uf8: I really need to get around to checking out the Stellar Blade soundtrack. I only just remembered it had MONACA members and Takashiro Miyo on it. And this is from neither, and it's this good too. Kinda wild. Really liked this one. 8.35/10
rwlh: [5.5] I've heard at least one other song from Stellar Blade and they all sound a bit...too polished? I don't really know how else to describe it, it's like a highly processed deli meat
dowolf: oh hey i wonder if the demo for the PC version is out yet... Nope! I like the operatic vocals, but I wish there were more interesting things going on around it. The big chords at around 2:00 are really awesome. Oh. Oh there is a second half. Yeah this is more what I'm looking for! I am very much trapped in the spell now, for better or for worse.
DanKirby: Well-crafted, but it's just... too much.

#117. (T-115) Felvidek - Raubiri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA1ZmK3DC8o
Nominated by: tazzyboyishere

Scores: 1 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 21

Comments:
PaulG235: Super repetitive medley throughout with lots of drums. It's about as enjoyable as the looped gameplay in the video itself looks (not enjoyable at all).
Plasman: How is this what this sounds like?? Actually, wtf is this game?? I kinda wish the backing melody wasn't perpetually what stood out the most to me because then it feels like it drones on more than it really does. But, I mean, it certainly does other cool things. I'm definitely going to need more than one listen to figure out how I feel about this one.
haste: Couldn't tell you what influenced this. It's compositionally not what I like, but it's... interesting, stylstically. Not much melodic variation, so it relies more on supporting rhythm section stuff. I'm pretty much forced to listen to the drums and fancy guitar ornaments, which are actually kind of nice. Granted, I think I'm in a better musical mood than usual right now.
tgs2: [C+] Nice and Funky
Fluttershy: First Listen: Hey, I remember this from BOST! ...It's alright. The song has a fairly nice groove to it, but it's not something I get really drawn into. I like the breakdown during the outro though, that part was fun. [Second Listen: This somehow vaguely reminds me of "Man Or Astro-Man?" (sci-fi surf rock band best known for the Space Ghost: Coast to Coast theme). It's not quite the same genre, but I don't think it would be terribly out of place in their discography.] {Third Listen: Raising this one's personal score a bit since it is quite memorable and closer to being something that I like than I gave it credit for, though I don't think I'm ever going to be really into it.} (54/100)
uf8: Indie rock is fun! It's crazy how even the soundtrack might as well just come from hylics. no shot it wasn't actually an inspiration. 7.4/10
rwlh: [6] fun in a jam band-y sort of way
dowolf: i'm sorry i was distracted by the footage from the game and forgot to write anything. It's extremely trippy in a way that doesn't super appeal to me, but I think it does that well. This doesn't deserve a 1; tough group.
azuarc: A little weird, but also pretty cool. I think I'd get tired of hearing it if it's the main battle theme, but it's great for a first listen.

#118. (T-115) Dusk - Green Skies
https://youtu.be/Dj1v8h4TdbE?si=W0g708x-Qu-qt4RS
Nominated by: Snake5555555555

Scores: 1 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 21

Comments:
pyresword: Ok I definitely came around on this song by the end even if I think the beginning segment lasted longer than it needed to. Cool song overall though. Very strange sort of menacing that I don't think I've really heard before.
KCF: More mellow than I'm used to from Hulshult
JONA: Not my thing
Fluttershy: First Listen: Mysterious ambiance with a slight sci-fi flair to it. Like slowly descending into a crater to investigate an alien object that crashed onto Earth. It's a bit of a novel experience, but I don't feel much happens musically and it's not quite an ambiance that I want to spend a lot of time dwelling on, so it's not *great*.... still, credit for creating a new type of feeling, at least. ...Why is there a faint tapping in the background of this song? Now that's the only thing I can focus on. Tap tap tap, type type type. [Second Listen: Somewhat interesting environmental music, but once that tapping comes in around the 2:35 mark, that becomes the only thing I can hear. I might as well be listening to Irwin R. Schyster's theme from Steel Cage Challenge at that point. (...That is sarcasm, please do not look up that sound effect pretending to be a song or force me to listen to it again, I'll be good.)] (54.3/100)
uf8: This is the kind of stuff I'd be craving in a film soundtrack, and it's rare for me to putting that as a compliment. I definitely appreciate it. 7.6/10
rwlh: [5.5] kind of haunting but doesn't really grab me; the seocnd half gets more interesting with the glitchy elements
dowolf: this song does not sound green. it sounds like night has fallen over us all. Then again, the sky is not supposed to be green. Perhaps the "green" is a poison cloud. This is very much not my thing but it absolutely succeeds as an atmospheric piece.
azuarc: Good vibe for an ambient track. Can definitely feel the tension.

#119. (T-115) Old School Runescape - Upir Likhyi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3nMx0rcYLc
Nominated by: handsomeboy2012

Scores: 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 4 = 21

Comments:
tazzy: C
FL81: I saw "Composer: Ian Taylor" and the release date of this song and was a bit concerned, but apparently this is a remix of a much older song from RS3. MIDI vampire boss music (in a set against Castlevania music nonetheless!) I've played way too much RuneScape over the years, so I have a bit of a soft spot for its music. This one is only okay though. (oh god this is still going this should've ended 2 minutes ago)
tgs2: [D+] This is a song that unfortunately overextended itself for too long to try and portray itself as grand and epic when it didn't need to. That bums me out so much as this song had the sauce to be amazing :(.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Old School Runescape feels like another soundtrack where I'm missing the appeal. I keep seeing songs from this game get nominated and I'm not sure I've been a fan of any of them. Like in this song, the instruments feel so quiet and weak that it kills any emotional impact that it could have been going for and I'm left mostly falling asleep. I suppose the drumming makes me think of a platoon of marching snakes that slither along and make big lunges on the rapid tapping parts, That's... technically a thing to imagine, I guess. [Second Listen: ...Nope, I still don't get the appeal.] (27/100)
uf8: After spending an unhealthy amount of time deciding on a theoretical runescape pick for the SUPER-C lists, only to end up picking an RS3 song instead (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIrvnXvlmkg), I think that probably definitively says how I feel abour OSRS songs. 6.6/10
rwlh: [4.5] I've heard other Runescape songs I liked more; unlike those songs, the samples get in the way for me here
dowolf: Upper Licky(?) is a boss, I assume? It's simple and straightforward, but still manages to feel like more than it is. I'm not usually a fan of organs (or a synth that sounds like one?), but it works here.
DanKirby: Pretty solid track.

#120. (T-115) Kyodai Mahjongg - A world against me 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKNMwYxnsF8
Nominated by: failgirlema

Scores: 5 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21

Comments:
Isquen: Mournful guitar = me gusta. MIDI done right, apart from some popping when the... flute synth? hits. I don't know, I don't have a trained background. This hits me right in the "I'm old" nostalgia appreciation zone, though.
FL81: Man I don't know the first thing about Mahjong but there's so much cool Japanese media out there pertaining to the game. I'm loving the somber tone here. (This could use a re-upload if you're planning to nominate for VGMC, the audio cuts out a good two minutes before the video ends.)
KCF: Not bad, just kind of forgettable
tgs2: [C] There's an inkling of something really good here that could have been expanded upon better than a minute+ of silence. That was probably the uploader, but you never know.
Fluttershy: First Listen: A theme for a lone traveler, wandering in solitude as they whistle a melancholy tune under the stars. The ambiance is A+, so I'd say that I like this song. It's perhaps a bit too subdued to rise to great heights, but it does a good job of conveying some properly sad feelings. Not sure why there's so much silence at the end of the video, but I'm not going to hold that against the actual song. [Second Listen: Enjoyably sad, though not quite sad enough for me to truly love it.] (57.96/100)
Gavs: This suffers from being the second guitar based song in this block, and I liked the other one a fair bit more.
Johnbobb: if someone made a video game based on a soap opera melodrama mystery this is what it would sound like
dowolf: fun fact: "kyodai" means "giant." "kyoudai" means "family." Which one was intended? There's just no way to know (you could literally google the game? [shh brain]). Anyways I like it more when the higher synth comes in, but there's a slight clicking I can hear with most every new note and that artifact really takes me out of it. It's probably the recording, given it must've been midi music, but this recording is all I have to judge it on. Still, if I try to ignore that, I'm left with a strangely melancholy tune. If you told me this game was a post-modern introspective look at how an obsession with mahjong tiles cost the protag everything that really mattered, I'd believe it.
NFUN: Really needed some variety in there. I love the overall feel of the piece--the guitar and general enka mood--but I don't love the song itself

#121. The Tale of Onogoro - Gondola No Uta [Forget Me Not]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH6yTkftltg
Nominated by: UF8

Scores: 3 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 20

Comments:
PaulG235: Very piano until other instruments graually get introduced around the halfway mark. Then it largely goes back to piano towards the end.
hb: not really my thing, but pleasant
maple_violet: :shrug: feels messy to me
WW: 8.9/10. Didn't expect much after the first half minute, so the vocals coming in were a pleasant surprise
golden009: song like this has to absolutely 100% nail the vocals and this doesn't quite get there i think, although me not being able to understand the lyrics doesn't exactly help either. the bit ~3 mins in where the drums come in is very good though
Gavs: For a long while, this is just a basic piano with a singer over it. It didnt do enough to hold my interest, until the other instruments come in around the 3:30 mark for a bit of variety.
Johnbobb: I can appreciate a decent lullaby, assuming that's what they were going for here
Chaeix: I do not like the vocals in this song and the piano is... boring. It improves when the extra instruments kick in but it happens way too late and then it just sounds like average Layton ambience until the vocals kick back in and ruin it. The song is called "Forget Me Not" but I will be forgetting it as soon as it finishes. This song is not good for people with ADHD who normally have the discretion to change songs when they are bored.
ArkOfTurus: Too much of the this was just minimal instrumentation, and a vocalist that didn't stand out to me. The middle was better, not enough to make me think much of the song overall. 4/10

#122. (T-121) Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns - Night Market
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6LxUfNfqRCk
Nominated by: tgs2

Scores: 1 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 20

Comments:
PaulG235: Sounds too generic for my tastes, like if Def Rebel was tasked to come up with fighting game music, this would probably be the result. the Round 3 and the Outro phases were a step up from the rest of the track.
Bitto: This is a type of music that I'm never fond of: heavy guitar with minimal instrumentation, simplistic melodies, and is just loud. I could not tell the differences between each segment of this song.
ArkOfTurus: The first two rounds gave me a very "Mick Gordon at home" sort of feeling. The interludes wored well as transititions, and I liked round 3 a bit more, but I'm still left with a very mixed feeling. 5/10
lem: [C] I like the parts with the heavier electric guitar the most. Not the most seamless transitions between the rounds and interludes, but I'd say they're all around the same level of goodness individually. Round 2 feels like my favorite part though. It could definitely be better, but it's an all around decent song. Not much to complain about.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Not enjoying the way this song opens... I know it's divided into seven (!) different sections, but Intro & Round 1 have turned me almost completely against the song. This is such a boring take on industrial fight music that I can barely stay awake. ...But then 1st Interlude was kinda catchy and Round 2 is turning things around, the song lightens up and becomes a bit more energetic. It feels more like a fun sparring match, perhaps a bit too light for MK, but I'm not holding that against it & it's worlds better than the "incredibly dull factory" that opened the track. ....Unfortunately Round 3 is also not doing much for me. I'm not sure how I'm going to score this, but this is likely to be a bottom ten song in the entire ranking. Maybe even bottom five? Round 2's part is nice enough, but I don't think it's going to be enough to salvage my opinion. [Second Listen: Nope, this is not a song I'm capable of enjoying. Even Round 2 isn't something I really like, it's just easier to tolerate... without Round 2, this would probably be dead last. With Round 2... well, it depends on if anyone nominated something I actually hate or not.] (21.16/100)
uf8: This really feels like it shouldn't be a valid nom, each round is just a different song... (and I'm not really into any of them). Wish this section wasn't so weak for me so I could give it a 1 like I want to. 5.8/10
rwlh: [7.5] grimy techno rock; fits the game aesthetic super well but isn't something I'd enjoy listening to on its own; round 2 ups my appreciation more and is super sick actually? round 3 is cool too! I don't know if I was supposed to stop listening at 2:40 but my favorite parts of this were all in the second half
dowolf: ...Do I pronounce "khaos" like the English or like the Greek? I'm not sure. The opening is fantastic and badass. Compared to that, the rest of the song really feels tame. I dunno. It just doesn't live up to its promise.
failgirlema: actually kinda cool sounding but gives off a bit "i'm an epic fighting game" vibes in a negative way

#123. (T-121) Tetris Blast - Contest Theme
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aHQxXQSgaMA
Nominated by: tgs2

Scores: 4 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 20

Comments:
Isquen: I'm a Game Boy soundtrack apologist but it's overly crunchy even for THAT. The melody is carrying, but the times it got most interesting where when the bass was carrying it. Pretty funky when I get over the slight headache.
hb: tetris blastin my eardr- ok its not that loud lol but this doesn't really do anything for me
haste: groovy, but not what I'm looking for.
Fluttershy: First Listen: Oh snap, someone nominated some Game Boy music?! <3. ...Okay, this is a long way from being my favorite Game Boy song, but props for nominating anything from the system. The static-y, lower tones are quite appealing (I love things that feels like static or are incredibly low) but most of the song is a rather higher pitched celebration music. Feels like the credits theme to a game show to me. Still, pretty decent, I'm always happy to hear GB songs that are new to me. [Second Listen: There are quite a few Blocks where this song's score would give it 4 points, but alas, it got stuck in one of the more heavily stacked Blocks & "really like" isn't quite enough to get more than 1 point here. I'm sorry! I'm really glad I got to hear this, if that means anything! (It does not).] (57.76/100)
uf8: Wasn't expecting a song this funky and fun from a tetris pick. Definitely see why it's here, I can already tell this is quite an earworm. Shame it's a bit too crunchy in parts. Makes me want to pick out some of my own obscure GB favourites some time, that ideally don't have the same issues. 7.7
rwlh: [6.5] I would maybe like this more on a different soundchip, but it is very catchy
dowolf: My first thought is, this sounds more like animorphs than tetris. I want this to sound thicker than it does; there's times where it feels like it wants to have a nice broad chord and there's just one note. I also wish the stacatto and legato were more mixed together, rather than having big segments one of each. The third part does do that, though, and it's my favorite for that reason.
ArkOfTurus: As far as Game Boy music goes, this is good. That qualifier is doing a lot of heavy lifting, though, considering how rarely I like Game Boy music. It's doing what it's going for well, but it isn't my thing. 5.5/10