Lurker > rwlh

I am aware. I just figured it was what everybody would most associate with the song. I know it's what I do.

At long last, here are the rest of the retiree images!

ARGH never mind switch back to abstain

sorry I'll stop now

Paradise (Stay Forever)

3. Timespinner - Pioneer's Horizon (9; #198)
vs.
6. Aurora Memoria - Philosophical Data Session: 2093 - DigiFamily (8.5; #571)

and

4. Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX - Catabolism (9; #199)
vs.
2. Paradise Killer - Paradise (Stay Forever) (9; #162)

wtf what even is today look how close these rankings are today features my top three remaining songs and another song I also love. I love Bracket C!

I dont think I can vote in match 2 right now. I might circle back later after a few relistens.

Votes:
Pioneer's Horizon
???

(yes catabolism looks like that intentionally)

Hey, here are some images for the retirees!

12. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd - Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land (7; #1959)
vs.
7. Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea - Octopunch (7.5; #1338)

and

15. Fire Emblem Awakening - Id (Purpose) (<7)
vs.
13. Eschatos - POINT OF NO RETURN (<7)

Votes:
Octopunch
POINT OF NO RETURN

New rankings, out of 16, with placements on the spreadsheet. The four songs that rate below a 7 will not have ratings or rankings listed.

1. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Soaring Through Azure Sadness (10; #49)

vs.

8. Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star - Class::CIEL_N_PROTECTA; (7.5; #1456)

*throws spreadsheet in the garbage*

Ive said multiple times that Azure Sadness is my favorite song remaining. But I really was not feeling it today. PROTECTA has consistently grown on me all contest. Easy match.

and

9. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Fogbeasts (7.5; #1471)

vs.

10. Cladun: This is an RPG - The Explosion (7; #1775)

Ahh, my poor spreadsheet, going up in flames! I even reranked some of these today! Ah well. I cant adjust this thing every single time my opinion of a song fluctuates. Well, I could, but that would be maddening.

Votes:
Class::CIEL_N_PROTECTA;
The Explosion

Into Free -Dangan-
Genesis Beyond the Beginning

I was trying to make them all serious, but I couldn't resist.

Hey, I didn't forget about this! Here are two more RETIREMENT IMAGES to crown in the year's class!

Speartip of Judgment
Bahram Attack -Nekomata Master Remix-
Pioneer's Horizon

I am so grateful for this tie. I felt not great about voting Chrono Trigger last time - I genuinely preferred it at the time, but I also love Pioneer's Horizon and questioned my vote all day. Today, however, I prefer Pioneer's Horizon, so I'm swapping my vote. Yay ties!

Catabolism
Paradise (Stay Forever)

Chrono Trigger
DigiFamily

I will be more than satisfied with whatever wins the first match! I might even change my mind later, who knows.

Id (Purpose)
La Mer

Congratulation to two new retirees!

Beyond the Bounds
abstain
Genesis Beyond the Beginning

I made some basic images in GIMP to celebrate the new crop of retirees. It's the same template I used in my most recent guessing game, if you played that.





Will most likely do one for all sixteen retirees this year.

One Night in Neo Kobe City
Pressure Cooker

Also! In case anyone is curious, here are the full 64 rankings as of the start of round 3!

1. Soaring Through Azure Sadness
2. One Night in Neo Kobe City
3. Chrono Trigger
4. Pioneer's Horizon
5. In the Doldrums (OST)
6. Catabolism
7. Calling
8. linkage-alter
9. Paradise (Stay Forever)
10. Rhythm-Changer
11. Vrdels
12. The Apex of the World (Rain)
13. DigiFamily
14. Speartip of Judgment
15. La Mer
16. Eleganza (Cthylla Stage)
17. Pressure Cooker
18. Bahram Attack -Nekomata Master Remix- (long)
19. Valestein Castle
20. Tellur Town (Autumn)
21. Danger (ARM version)
22. Fairfrozen: Selicy's Theme
23. Genesis Beyond the Beginning
24. Sight of Silence
25. Octopunch
26. National Park
27. Beyond the Bounds
28. FogBeast Battle
29. The Butterfly's Invitation / The Butterfly's Temptation
30. Vast Poni Canyon
31. The Explosion
32. Stella ~ Part 2
33. Into Free -Dangan-
34. Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land
35. Ryoshima Coast
36. Planet Wisp (Act 1)
37. Rose-Killing Carmilla
38. Cosmic Hero
39. Vast Ice Mountain Peak
40. Breath of Forest
41. Point of No Return
42. Unrest ~ The End of the Raging Waves
43. Liber Ark
44. Unknown Pollution
45. The Battle Was Just "To Continue That Future"
46. Class::CIEL_N_PROTECTA;
47. Central Tower "Axis Pillar"
48. Gallant Gunshot
49. Mahoujin -Summon Delta-
50. Gentle Slope Cave
51. One Last Trial
52. resurrectedreplayer
53. Id ~ Purpose
54. Return to Oblivion
55. 444
56. Heartless Being
57. Ice-Covered Love ~ Kohri
58. IMAGE -MATERIAL- <Version 0>
59. Glessing Way!
60. Immanence
61. Living in the City
62. Fateful Confrontation
63. Sky of Twilight
64. Mikazuchi

Some positions have shifted since then (notably IMAGE MATERIAL went up like a million places). Like I said, I'll probably rerank when we make it to 16 songs.

23. Ys Origin - Genesis Beyond the Beginning
This is the kind of modern Ys song I can get behind. I really like this one its got the right amount of violin and guitar and everything else, at least for my sensitive ear nozzles. Not much to really say its just a solid song, great at getting me pumped up.

vs.

49. Taiko no Tatsujin: Murasaki Ver. - Mahoujin -Summon Delta-
I really like the beginning of this song, those very distinct eight notes that play throughout the opening seconds and pop up again during the songs run. They've found their way into my head a few times throughout the contest. Im not as into the rest of the song though. It reminds me of last years Burning Force Medley in that sense, where I really liked the first part (which corresponded with the first level of the original Burning Force) but struggled with the rest. Those eight notes are pretty great though!

And hey, I did it! 64 writeups of varying lengths and qualities. I hope they spiced up round 3 a little. I might do a rerank for round 5 and onward.

Heres to a good retirement round!

Votes:
Genesis Beyond the Beginning
Soaring Through Azure Sadness
Fairfrozen: Selicy's Theme

33. Dragons Dogma - Into Free -Dangan-
I think this is a song I originally rated low on principle. I didnt think it brought anything to the table that I hadnt heard before. However, my rebuttal to that is: who cares? Into Free is what the kids call a bop (apologies to Kopaz). This is only a 7 and its at the halfway point of the round 3 songs (like I said, round 3 had a lot of songs I liked). The vocals, while a little whiny, work for me, as does the rock backing.

vs.

30. Pokmon Sun and Moon - Vast Poni Canyon
This might be my closest round 3 match. I like the flutey opening and how it persists throughout the track; I also like the acoustic strumming that peeks up at various points, particularly right before the loop point. This is a song thats grown on me since even before the contest and its one Ive come to really enjoy.

Tough match...!

and

38. Nex Machina - Cosmic Hero
Im not always into this sort of dark synthwave type song, but Cosmic Hero does a pretty all right job of holding my interest. Not much to really say about it I especially like the part at 2:00.

vs.

47. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC - Central Tower "Axis Pillar"
Ive mentioned in writueps before that certain songs feel crystally to me. Axis Pillar is probably the epitome of that lots of crystal cluster sounds that constantly make me feel like my ears are expanding. Its a really neat experience to listen to. This is a song that always feels new whenever I listen to it, and Im very grateful for songs like that.

and

61. Sonic R - Living in the City
WHERE IS YOURE MY NUMBER ONE

vs.

16. Chaos Code - Eleganza
Haha the numbers are reversed FUNNY

Is it weird that I never get tired of this song? I think there was a controversy about the loop point, where it barely changes later in the loop and people were upset about that? I honestly dont mind Eleganza brings a lot to the table. Its high energy, I love the whispery, Butterflys Temptation-esque vocals and the spidery percussion. Its a very cool song!

Votes:
Into Free -Dangan-
Cosmic Hero
Eleganza

21. Secret of Mana (PS4) - Danger (ARM version)
Hey, I supported this! (And Prophecy.) I said this about Speartip of Judgment before, but Danger is also a song with no shortage of musical ideas, to the point where its all over the place. But I like that! Its always an engaging listen, always full of surprises. My favorite part which seems to be a very divisive part is the brief section of vocals right before the loop. Its dropped a bit since my initial listen, but its still an 8, so its well in I love this territory.

vs.

55. Ace Combat 7 - 444
Of everything remaining, this is the song I probably have the least to say about. Its left basically no impression on me whatsoever. Im happy other people are finding joy in it though!

and

18. beatmania IIDX 16 EMPRESS - Bahram Attack -Nekomata Master Remix-
Ah, Nekomata Master. Can you do no wrong? Some voters have Basiscape; some have Unisuga; I have Nekomata Master. Im not sure Ive ever found a song of his I disliked. This is kind of low tier Nekomata for me and its still an 8. Its hard (for me at least) to describe his style but its incredibly self-consistent, which is probably why all of his songs land for me. Bahram Attack in particular has terrific percussion and a very mysterious atmosphere in addition to trademark Nekomata world music production quality. Im not surprised to see this one go far.

vs.

43. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC - Liber Ark
Speaking of Unisuga...! (I swear I didnt realize they composed this when I made that comment) Liber Ark has that crystally experience I tend to really like, with piano/keyboard driving the main melody. It feels solemn, like youre exploring some sacred place. I like this one it might go up a bit if I reevaluate the ratings.

and

For the tiebreaker today, I have chosen to listen to both songs simultaneously and see what mysteries unlock. Its actually not as much of a mess as you might think! In fact, I would go so far as to call it enjoyable, but I tend to like combining songs like this and seeing what emerges. However, my vote still stands. Better luck next tiebreaker to Id Purpose, for which I might devise a different method of testing.

(yes I prefer Unknown Pollution normally, just making that clear)

Votes:
Danger (ARM version)
Bahram Attack -Nekomata Master Remix-
Unknown Pollution

9. Paradise Killer - Paradise (Stay Forever)
Theres something almost pure about this song. I dont know how else to describe it. I like music that feels pure, whatever that even means. I would say a lot of my favorites The First Thing and You Were There are prime examples fit that bill. Ill have to dig a bit deeper and process what that means, but it feels internally self-consistent.

vs.

48. Ginga Force - Gallant Gunshot
Not my favorite Yasui to make round three (and Point of No Return was only 41/64). This doesnt do a heck of a lot for me but I do like those synthy keyboard notes that open the song and keep dangling around all throughout.

and

52. Umineko no Naku Koro ni Chiru - resurrectedreplayer
Hot take:
lastendconductor > worldenddominator > goldenslaughterer > the executioner > resurrectedreplayer > dreamenddischarger

I havent rated the other two. Note that there is a very significant drop between goldenslaughterer and executioner. The top three are very high up. resurrectedreplayer is much lower, however. Will we ever rest until all eight are retired???

vs.

5. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - In the Doldrums
I really love this song. I prefer the shorter version, but I love the longer version too. This song, oddly enough, reminds me of the same sort of dystopian future aesthetic as Shin Megami Tensei IVs music, albeit a much different take. This is sort of like...looking out at a ruined cityscape, pondering why you were left alive. Maybe this is the aesthetic the game also goes for, I dont know, but thats the very strong impression I get from listening to this.

and

14. Murasaki Tsurugi - Speartip of Judgment
Two years ago, UF8 nominated this for a VGM ranking topic of mine. It placed 38/174 and got a 7/10. This is what I had to say about it:

time for big edm big time big time edm

There are a number of little things I like in this. I like the subtle volume fluctuations throughout, and I love the big melody emerging at 2:55, and the siren-type call throughout. Its a very fun track; it reminds me of an EDM version of Balrogs Theme from Street Fighter II (there actually is a hard techno arrangement of Balrogs Theme done by Yuzo Koshiro that sounds nothing like this). Overall this sounds like music for a yacht casino.

I also like the little outro. Nice touch.

There are some things in this writeup that make no sense. Little outro? Volume fluctuations? Huh? One thing thats been consistent is I absolutely love the big melody emerging at 2:55, and the siren-type call throughout. 2:55 honestly might be my favorite moment in any song this year, just the way it builds and then keeps building. That alone would be enough to rank the song highly, but this is also a song with no shortage of musical ideas. Its always a delight to listen to.

vs.

63. Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky - Sky of Twilight
Last year when I said I was surprised I disliked this song so much, Tox said he didnt see why its a very un-me song. I sort of agree with him, but I do normally like Kanako Itou and I also often enjoy surprising songs, ones that keep changing all throughout. But Sky of Twilight does not do it for me, like, at all. Apart from the muddy guitar which is maybe the closest insta-dislike I have I dont quite know why. Maybe it feels like a bunch of disjointed musical elements that never combine for me into a cohesive whole I do value cohesion a good deal in music. Every year this song gets in and I get nervous that its going to beat a bunch of things I really like, so Im hoping thats not the case here!

This might be the first round 3 day where I have very clear preferences in all three matches. Heres hoping!

Votes:
Paradise (Stay Forever)
In the Doldrums
Speartip of Judgment

7. The World Ends With You - Calling
Boy, talk about a turnaround. When I first heard this song over ten years ago! - I was really not into it. Over time, however, Ive really come around on it. I think its a solid pop song, and solid pop (as opposed to liquid pop) tends to tickle my fancy bones. I also genuinely enjoy the starry twinkly bits in the background would you believe I never noticed them until Tox pointed them out? This is very gaseous pop and I will be very happy if it wins.

vs.

58. REFLEC BEAT limelight - IMAGE -MATERIAL- <Version 0>
Up next on songs not made for me, we have this guitar-heavy track. Its . . . fine, I guess? I tend not to go for metal songs like this, though there are exceptions, like certain Guilty Gear songs. I also genuinely like it at 1:30 when other, non-guitar bits come in. Honestly this is clicking more with me today than it has in the past, but I cant foresee a timeline where Id take it over Calling.

Okay so I typed that all out while I was still listening. This is like . . . really enjoyable in a way its never been before. Sometimes songs take a few listens for me to warm up to them, and this has certainly moved past warm territory into very, very hot. If I redid the rankings, it would get 16/64. Wow! Sadly, Calling still beats it, but I feel much better about the match overall now. ("Boy, talk about a turnaround...!")

and

ties are fun

Votes:
Calling
Unknown Pollution
DigiFamily

who wants TIRED HALF-WRITEUPS

40. Mad Rat Dead - Breath of Forest
My opinion of Breath of Forest has grown a bit (like a forest LOL), though its still only a 6. Theres some really nice instrumentation all throughout, which gives the song plenty of personality. The melody is very catchy. I dont love the song, but its solid.

vs.

51. CrossCode: A New Home - One Last Trial
The beginning of this is my favorite part, with the ominous GONG and the crystally effect. The rest of it doesnt really hold my interest, though I do enjoy the crystally bits in the background (is there a better word for that? Probably). I also enjoy, as usual, when the piano comes in briefly near the middle of the loop.

and

6. Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX - Catabolism
God I love this song. I love basically all Darius music Ive heard. I hope this wins so I can maybe talk about it on another day when I am less tired.

vs.

11. This is the Police 2 - Vrdels
God I love this song. I love basically all This Is the Police 2 music Ive heard. (just this song shh) Lush is a good descriptor here.

and

64. Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star - Mikazuchi
If you asked a computer to input a bunch of variables and come up with a song that is completely antithetical to virtually every aspect of my musical taste, you might just get this one.

vs.

39. Pokmon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky - Vast Ice Mountain Peak
big VIMPin

Votes:
Breath of Forest
Catabolism
Vast Ice Mountain Peak

Niji was on my support list but apparently I never committed. Too many songs I really liked this year!

4. Timespinner - Pioneer's Horizon
Ugh why is this song so amazing. It just floats around like a damn butterfly in the springtime, all perfectly content to give glimpses of its beautiful wings. Some days I listen to this and Im like, oh okay, this is pretty great, and then other days its like WTF WHY IS THIS THE BEST THING EVER. Any song that can make me feel that way, even a little, is worth keeping. The flute really carries this, but there are also other instruments that just...I dont know. Words fail me. This song is great. Listen to it!

Credit to DireKrow for introducing Pioneer's Horizon to me in my soundtrack ranking topic.

vs.

19. Ys III: Wanderers From Ys (PC Engine CD) - Valestein Castle
Now heres a Ys song I can get behind! Ive always enjoyed the melody of Valestein Castle, though my opinion on the execution varies by rendition (not a fan of the Oath in Felghana version, which shouldnt surprise you if youve been following along with these writeups). But this is rad. Very synthy rock, I especially love that flute that pops in a few times. Maybe thats the recipe for me liking Ys songs: just remove the guitars. You know, the thing that makes them popular. (this is why Im not in charge of anything shh)

and

13. Aurora Memoria - Philosophical Data Session: 2093 - DigiFamily
I think I slightly prefer Classroom to DigiFamily (also I have Prelude Bedroom higher than both of them, and I completely forget what that even sounds like), but DigiFamily is quite a beast on its own. One of my favorite musical tropes (that Im just now realizing I like) is music that sounds like its from the future. On the one end we have Radioheads Kid A (dystopian) or music by Acreil (like it was made by a computer), but on the other end we have DigiFamily, which is so warm and full of life (there I go with that descriptor again) and jubilant and happy despite sounding like it was composed thirty years from now. Given the presence of the year 2093 in the game title, I can only assume thats intentional.

(parentheses)

vs.

45. DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu - The Battle Was Just "To Continue That Future"
I feel like there was a lot of Namiki in this year. Am I making that up? I also feel like I rarely voted for their songs. I like Namiki, dont get me wrong; I guess maybe theyre one of those composers I have trouble distinguishing individual tracks from. Like this is a cool song, but I probably wont remember much of it after it ends. I wish Niji from Dodonpachi Saidaioujou got in; I really like that one. It didnt get in, did it? Its hard keeping track of 256 songs. X_X

Votes:
Pioneer's Horizon
DigiFamily
Unknown Pollution

32. Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea - Stella -Part 2-
This is really a lovely song. I picture it as a people running up and down grassy hills, potentially while dancing and carrying water buckets. Those bursts of mixed meter are very ear-catching. The strings are so full of life thats a good way to describe this song, full of life. Everything feels like its breathing as one collective unit.

7/10. Pretty good.

vs.

41. Eschatos - POINT OF NO RETURN
I dont have much to say about this song. It does a good enough job at what it sets out to do, which is to bulldoze forward with driving percussion and trademark Yasui synths. I guess Im not really into Yasui that much? I really like Massive X and probably a few scattered tracks here and there. POINT OF NO RETURN is fine. Its notable in that, while I just think the song is okay, it still manages to stay with me after it ends.

and

15. Suikoden IV - La Mer
More accordion. We sure love accordion here, dont we? If Stella is a great song for dancing around fields, La Mer is a great song for adventuring. Its sprightly and just as full of life as Stella. Ive been listening to this one for years, and its never grown stale for me.

vs.

54. Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers - Return to Oblivion
Return to Oblivion does some cool things. I like the overall audio production, particularly the way the guitar and the percussion and the big bass work in tandem. I dont love the vocals though, and thats a big selling point of the song. Also I feel like everythings a little muddy, like the vocals get buried behind the other instruments? Regardless, I do think there are some nifty ideas. I love the backing instrument at 2:15, whatever that is.

and

3. Chrono Trigger - Chrono Trigger
Finally, a song in my top ten! This isnt even, like, in my top five from Chrono Trigger, but its so good. Mitsuda really knows how to let the SNES soundchip shine, using lots of brass and airy piano to craft a truly special melody. I especially love when the song finishes looping and turns into a bit of fanfare. Really, really solid song.

vs.

10. Umineko no Naku Koro ni - rhythm-changer
Finally, a song in my top ten!

...hey, wait a minute...!

rhythm-changer is one of those sleeper hit Umineko songs. Its not a big zts trance epic or a soft dai piano lullaby. Its xaki doing incredible things with polymeter, and its just an exhilarating experience to listen from start to finish. I have linkage-alter above this (#8), not sure what Id take in a one-on-one. That would be quite the finals! Im not even voting for rhythm-changer here, but Id be very satisfied if it wins.

Votes:
Stella -Part 2-
La Mer
Chrono Trigger

So you did! I don't look at the topics until after I vote, but I did notice you mention it.

That's good to know, thanks! Makes me feel less alone.

25. Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea - Octopunch
Ive always liked this song. Atelier music in general isnt always my thing, but I really dig Octopunchs fun-spirited take on the accordion. I even like the guitar part that comes in at 1:30. Pretty solid track. Not much to say!

vs.

12. Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Apex of the World (Rain)
Hey, a 9. About time! Apex touches on a specific subset of music I normally like, which is melodic-driven epic songs. The choir and the moody instrumentation call to a deep sense of emotion thats very evident every second of its runtime. The recurrent motif (which I think is the theme of this game) conjures up images of reaching the end of a journey and youre not fully intact. Those types of songs really resonate with me. And god the singing coming in at 3:05 is pure gold. This is a very well-crafted, well-produced song. Im glad I finally get to vote for it last year I abstained in its round 1 match because I couldnt decide between it and Onboro, and then it ran up against Variations on a Ra Melody. oops

and

44. Raiden V - Unknown Pollution
I think I like this more than Apostles Maraud? Its hard to tell, they both strike similar chords with me. What I especially like about Unknown Pollution is those rapid-fire notes all throughout (for example, at 1:45). They lend a sense of urgency to the song and remind me of a different take on the BREAKING NEWS segment of Apostles Maraud. I also really like the piano run. Theres a lot to like here!

vs.

53. Fire Emblem Awakening - Id (Purpose)
This is yet another song with a fluctuating opinion. Sometimes its been as high as 7, sometimes as low as 3. Right now its a 4.5. It does some interesting things; I like the two distinct sections and how they naturally flow into each other, then back into the loop. And I like that accordion in the background (at least I think its an accordion), cranking out the most memorable part of the song to me.

and

62. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC - Fateful Confrontation
vs.
60. War of Brains - Immanence

Boy, this sure is a match.

Immanence is just a song that isnt made for me. Thats fine not every song can be, and I acknowledge that. Fateful Confrontation gives me a headache every time I listen to it and its entirely because of that overbearing drum. It destroys anything positive I would feel about the whole song because it lasts the entire time and is just so loud that I cant focus on anything else. When I describe songs as in balance, this is an example of what I mean by the opposite. Ive never seen anyone else complain about this. Is it just me? Am I totally alone in my drum debacle? Either way, I don't like Fateful Confrontation and I will be very sad when it goes on to win the contest.

Votes:
Apex of the World (Rain)
Unknown Pollution
Immanence

rwlh posted...

One thing thats a little worrisome I have eleven 9s left in the contest (and one 10). Only two of them are in Bracket A (my top two! Gulp). Which makes me worried...are they all in the same division?

Update on this: They're all in Bracket C. Well, almost all of them. Some absurd ratio.

Also my least favorite song in the contest is there, so that'll be fun. Probably not for me. But fun for somebody!

42. Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City - Unrest - The End of the Raging Waves
I've never really been big on this song. The intense FM synth feels oppressive, but not in a good way. I also feel like I get lost in the song (again, not in a good way) - there doesn't seem to be a clear "direction" for me to follow. That said, I do like some parts, especially the little backing melody that permeates the song thats a highlight. However, there are other songs from this game I enjoy way more, particularly Labyrinth III Cavern of Splendor. Honestly if I redid these rankings based solely on today, this would be a lot lower (its currently a 6).

vs.

27. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner - Beyond the Bounds
This is a very solid song. I like the strings, I like the vocals. I really dont have much to say, and maybe thats because Ive listened to this one so many times, for so many years. Its like an old friend. Im glad it got in and Im glad its doing well and Ill be voting for it today!

and

34. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd - Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land
An ominous intro gives way to an intense, guitar-driven song. I said in my writeup for Glessing Way! that I tend to find Falcom songs like this a bit indistinguishable, but maybe Trails is a different beast than Ys, because I really like this one. 1:50 is a real highlight, lots of little evolutions the song takes. The guitar works really well with the other instruments, particularly the organ, and the result is a great intense track I can really sink my teeth into. Definitely a Falcom highlight for me this year.

vs.

20. Pokkn Tournament - Tellur Town (Autumn)
Speaking of unexpected highlights, I didnt expect to like this one at all, with its somewhat high-pitched strings. But I genuinely like it! Its got a nice Celtic vibe, energetic but an average tempo. The strings are the dominant instrument and they show off the melody nicely (or maybe the melody shows off the strings???). I love this match because both of these songs, on paper, go against my typical taste, but the fact that I really like both of them is proof of the VGMC miracle, that going into matches with an open mind can lead to wonders.

and

50. Pokmon Super Mystery Dungeon - Gentle Slope Cave
My favorite part of this song is the intro, with light percussion and some sort of bagpipe-like instrument. It conjures images of exploring a world thats open and exciting but also a little threatening at the same time. I also really like 1:20, where the song briefly changes tones to something a little more forlorn. This isnt my favorite Pokemon song in the contest its not even my favorite Pokemon song today but I respect what it does, and the mood it evokes.

vs.

24. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Sight of Silence
Pretty sure this is the first round 3 song so far that Ive used in a guessing game. Sight of Silence throws the whole kitchen sink into the mix its jazzy, with groovy slap bass, but its also got some marimba (or xylophone?) action, and theres some nifty synths that evoke the best of Lena Raine. Plus piano! Who doesnt love piano? It all comes together nicely for me. Ive been meaning to check out the Gurumin soundtrack; the three songs I know and enjoy from it all sound very different (the two VGMCers and Bomber Girl).

One thing thats a little worrisome I have eleven 9s left in the contest (and one 10). Only two of them are in Bracket A (my top two! Gulp). Which makes me worried...are they all in the same division?

Votes:
Beyond the Bounds
Tellur Town (Autumn)
Sight of Silence

28. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Fogbeasts
Fogbeasts is very well-made, lots of elements blending together effectively - piano, guitar, drums, and strings all working together very well. As is standard for me, I especially like the part at 1:50, where some of the layers cut out; I feel similarly about 2:20. All that being said, it's a 7.5, but it's never really something I'd go out of my way to listen to. Do you have songs like that? Songs that score highly on whatever personal metric you use, but they're not returning favorites? That's Fogbeasts for me. Solid enough track - still a 7.5! - but just shy of being a keeper.

vs.

59. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox - Glessing Way!
One of lifes many cruelties was seeing Animorphs fed to this. Im not super up on differences between Falcom composers; to be honest, a lot of these Ys rock songs feel fairly interchangeable to me. There really isnt much positive I can say about it. I dont normally go for these big guitar-heavy battle-type themes; if you do, hey, more power to you. This one is not my favorite.

and

29. God Eater 2 - The Butterfly's Temptation
I go back and forth on this one a lot. Sometimes I listen to it and its hovering below a 8; sometimes it lands around a 4. (Right now its a 7.5.) Theres a lot going on here, and not all of it always lands. I normally like the bouncy vocals (feels like a weird word to use in a song like this), less so the wubby parts (2:55 can often give me a headache). Im not typically a big fan of stringed instruments in VGM, but Go Shiinas usage is typically fine to me, if not outright enjoyable. The end result of all this is a song with a lot of musical ideas that...mostly come together, I think? I like it...for now at least.

vs.

31. Cladun: This is an RPG - The Explosion
This track opens with piano, which I normally like, then some sort of flute, then it segues into a, well, an explosion of sound. I genuinely like this song I like its flavor and its overall feeling of intensity mixed with wistfulness (see my writeup on Sad Blue Skies for more about my feelings on this combination!). I think it wears out its welcome a bit for me by the end, which is why it isnt higher (still a 7! This year has plenty of songs I like!). I do really like the last third or so.

It seems like a choice between more exciting but less consistent, and the reverse. Hmm.

and

17. VVVVVV - Pressure Cooker
One of my favorites from a soundtrack Ive sort of cooled off on over the years. VVVVVV satisfies my itch for retraux chip in a way few other soundtracks can, and Pressure Cooker is emblematic of that aspect. Plus its just a fun song. When that minimalist percussion opens up into the chippy bits at the start, its a wonderful moment. Stellar melody, excellent presentation what more could you want?

vs.

57. Phantasy Star Online 2 - Ice-covered Love ~ Kohri
This song has a very interesting opening I can never quite tell what meter its in. Ice-covered is a good descriptor for the rest of it, as there are lots of crystally sounds that evoke a sense of moving through a wintry wonderland or any icy cave. I like the part at 1:20 when the song does a u-turn and turns into something very different for a few measures. Kohri keeps me guessing. Its not a song I actually, well, like (hence its low ranking), but I can respect it for being different and offering a lot of variety in its runtime.

Votes:
Fogbeasts
The Butterfly's Temptation
Pressure Cooker

First time participating in this, let me know if I did anything wrong!

1. Cold War
2. Tightrope
3. Faster
4. Suite III Overture
5. Dance Or Die
6. 57821
7. Sir Greendown
8. Make the Bus
9. Say Youll Go
10. Wondaland
11. Neon Valley Street
12. Oh, Maker
13. Locked Inside
14. BaBopBye Ya
15. Come Alive (War of the Roses)
16. Neon Gumbo
17. Suite II Overture
18. Mushrooms & Roses