Battle Bards
254 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratingsA musical journey through MMO soundscapes, Battle Bards reviews and discusses the soundtrack of MMORPGs with a trio of engaging hosts. The world's first and only MMO music podcast.
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Episodes
Battle Bards Episode 181: Around the world
November 18, 2020 14:00 - 51 minutes - 57.3 MBStuck at home? Denied a vacation this year? The Battle Bards are here to help! In seven songs, the cross-continental crew travel all around the world with one pick per continent. Can MMORPGs take us on across the globe with their music alone? Indeed they can! Episode 181 show notes Intro (feat. "American Sea" from Uncharted Waters Online, "Mission Mayan 1" from Pirates of the Burning Sea, and "Four Corners" from A Tale in the Desert) Australia: "Untamed Outback" from Elsword Online N...
Battle Bards Episode 180: Moonlight Blade
November 04, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 55.3 MBWhile Moonlight Blade is not yet a known quantity over here in the west, its soundtrack has gone before it and landed right into the laps of Steff, Syl, and Syp -- otherwise known as the Battle Bards! In this contentious episode, the three dance, flow, and fly through this big and distinct score. Episode 180 show notes Intro (feat. "Time," "Thunder," and "Jiuhua Battle Music") "Main Theme" "Character Creation" "Game Anniversary Theme - Day" "Jinghu Day" "Cloud" "Saddle" ...
Battle Bards Episode 179: Arrr pirates!
October 21, 2020 13:00 - 48 minutes - 56.5 MBShiver me timbers -- the Battle Bards are coming aboard and demanding that all capable musicians appear on the poop deck and blast out a few shanties and jigs for their pleasure! In today's episode, this motley crew examines the pirate themes that sail across many-a-MMO. Will they find rich booty -- or only a few pieces o' eight? Find out! Episode 179 show notes Intro (feat. "Salty Sailor" from World of Warcraft, "The Adventure Begins" from Tales of Pirates, "The Redmoon Marauders" from ...
Battle Bards Episode 178: The Division 2
September 30, 2020 13:00 - 46 minutes - 54.1 MBWashington D.C. has fallen to the plague, curiously well-armed agents are everywhere, and intriguing music floats. The Division 2 features a tense and action-packed synth score that distinguishes itself among online games -- and is worth an investigation by the Battle Bards. Suit up, because today we're going to the musical dark zone! Episode 178 show notes Intro (feat. "The Beginning is the End," "Rocket Science," and "Ballroom") "Prologue 2" "Steps" "Saint" "Dock Wrecks" "Keat...
Battle Bards Episode 177: Gone with the wind
September 16, 2020 13:00 - 55 minutes - 64.2 MBAs the weather howls and gusts around us, the Battle Bards stand in the middle of it all with their heads lifted up, listening to the music that rides on the breeze. In this episode, Syl, Steff, and Syp examine wind-themed tracks from MMORPGs. Will they find all of the wind's colors? Probably not, but nobody ever mistook these three for artistic geniuses! Episode 177 show notes Intro (feat. "Calm Breeze" from Elsword Online, "Silken Wind Through a Bamboo Forest" from Age of Conan, and "Th...
Battle Bards Episode 176: Orchestral RuneScape
September 02, 2020 13:00 - 52 minutes - 59.8 MBIn 2018, RuneScape put out an official orchestral album to highlight some of the best of its remastered and re-recorded soundtrack. From delicate tunes to epic themes, the album shows just how far the game has come since its early MIDI days. The Battle Bards dive into this triumphant score and pull out some vindication for RuneScape at last! Episode 176 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Sunrise," "Newbie Melody," and "Waterfall II") "Harmony" "A Hero's Return" "T...
Battle Bards Episode 175: Prehistoric jams
August 19, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 59.9 MBHaving perfected their musical time machine, the Battle Bards leap back to the past to enjoy the soundscapes of dinosaurs and other prehistoric denizens. What does the MMO soundtrack for savage wildlands and dinotopias sound like? Tune into today's episode and find out! Episode 175 show notes Intro (feat. "Zandalari Allied Race" from World of Warcraft, "The Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur" from Star Stable, and "Journey to the Prehistoric" from Club Penguin) "Savage" from Durango Wildland...
Battle Bards Episode 174: Dragon Oath
July 29, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 56.3 MBRunning from 2007 to 2016, ChangYou's Dragon Oath is probably one of those MMORPGs you've never heard of, nevermind actually played. Yet when Syl stumbled upon it on YouTube, she knew it was a soundtrack for the Battle Bards to highlight. Take a journey with the team today as they visit this Bhuddist-inspired MMO and hear the sounds of this Chinese soundtrack. Episode 174 show notes Intro ("Da Li," "Horse Farm," and "Voodoo Sea") "Main Theme" "Wild Plains" "Fire Palace" "Malefics...
Battle Bards Episode 173: Down on the farm
July 15, 2020 13:00 - 49 minutes - 54.5 MBSeeking a simpler and more quaint life? Then come on down to the farm with the Battle Bards, as the video game music crew looks at pastoral themes from MMORPGs! From stereotypical-sounding tracks to enchanting discoveries, this episode is all about tilling the fields, living off the land, and loving the music that floats above it all. Episode 173 show notes Intro ("Pig Ranch" from Blade & Soul, "Farm" from Free Realms, and "Cool Ranch" from Pirate101) "A Farmer's Life" from WildStar ...
Battle Bards Episode 172: Lost Ark
July 01, 2020 13:00 - 52 minutes - 61.4 MBAlthough Lost Ark is still making its slow journey to the west, the music arrived ahead -- on a songbird, of course! It's a flat-out amazing soundtrack by a Hollywood composer, and the Battle Bards want to make sure that you aren't missing out on its musical gifts. So settle back, put on some headphones, and prepare to be blown away. Episode 172 show notes Intro ("Ocean World," "The Ark," and "Sanctuary of Arcadia") "Into the Wider World" "The Town of Leonhardt" "Black Teeth" "Sil...
Battle Bards Episode 171: Forest Tales 2
June 17, 2020 13:00 - 51 minutes - 58.3 MBHitch up your shorts, buckle your boots, and step into another deep forest of MMORPG music with the Battle Bards! As diverse as the woods are in virtual worlds, so too are these tracks that attempt to convey the feeling of a variety of leafy settings. Episode 171 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Mnes Forest" from Echo of Souls, "Forest of Adera" from Eldevin, and "Sleeping Forest" from Allods Online) "Forest of Legends" from Bless "Mystery Forest of Vikings" from ...
Battle Bards Episode 170: Star Stable
June 03, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MBStop your whinnying and take Star Stable's soundtrack out for a gallop today! You might discover, as the Battle Bards did, that this horse-themed MMO has a pretty amazing and lovely soundtrack that's as large in quantity as it is high in quality. So saddle up for a ride through the trails of this lively soundscape! Episode 170 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "To Pandoria," "Hooves on the Run," and "Forest Bells") "A Dimension in Pink" "South Hoof Peninsula" "Epo...
Battle Bards Episode 169: Wild Things
May 20, 2020 13:00 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MBDo you ever walk on the wild side in MMOs? Do you have a penchant for beastly races that aren't merely reskinned humans? Then you might find something to like in today's offerings from the Battle Bards. It's a show full of tracks that pay homage to the animalistic races in MMORPGs, but the most savage thing of them all? Syl's put-downs. Episode 169 show notes Intro (feat. "A Savage Beauty" from TERA, "Scatherran Forest Critter Glen" from RIFT, and "Kloro" from Glitch) "The Charr Triump...
Battle Bards Episode 168: Big bad boss battles of FFXIV
May 06, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 60.9 MBFinal Fantasy XIV know full well how Square Enix loves to dote on its huge and often bizarre boss battles -- and includes the lengthy themes to match! This week, the Battle Bards have formed a light party to tackle several of the more unique and memorable boss themes from this MMO. Will they loot a few favorites in the process? Episode 168 show notes Intro (feat. "Alexander," "Bismark," and "Garlean Leader") "Shinryu" "Omega Sigmascape" "Titania" "Sephirot" "Calcabrina" "Susan...
Battle Bards Episode 167: Childlike wonder
April 22, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 58.9 MBTapping into their inner children, the three Battle Bards get into the spirit of name calling, trading stickers, and goofing off in kiddie MMOs. It's another episode devoted to 100% kid-themed games and their soundtracks and the weird rabbit hole tangents that the hosts find themselves pursuing. Did you know Switzerland has a Not-Fun Zoo? Never, ever go there. Just trust us. Episode 167 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme" from LEGO Minifigures Online, "Shrouded Glade" from Free Realms, a...
Battle Bards Episode 166: LEGO Universe
April 08, 2020 13:00 - 45 minutes - 53.6 MBWho knew that interlocking brick systems would result in so many video games -- and a pretty good soundtrack? The Battle Bards step on many small bricks on their way to reach LEGO Universe, the now-defunct MMO that only ran for a couple of years. Tune in for a high-octane trip through toys, tunes, and alliteration as Syp, Steff, and Syl regress to their childhood! Episode 166 show notes Intro (feat. "Spaceship Entrance" and "Pirate Cove 1") "Our Universe" "Tortoise Terrace" "Darklin...
Retro Reprise Episode 21: Sunsoft’s NES classics
April 01, 2020 18:57 - 30 minutes - 31.6 MBFor those who played the Nintendo Entertainment System, the name “Sunsoft” conjures up memories of intense gameplay, slick design, and — of course — terrific music. On today’s episode of Retro Reprise, Syp and Syl delve into the 8-bit treasure trove of video game music from this studio. Grab these vibes and don’t let go! Retro Reprise Episode 21: Sunsoft’s NES classics Intro “Area 3” from Blaster Master “Stage 1” from Journey to Silius “Stage 1” from Gremlins 2 “Streets of Desolat...
Battle Bards Episode 165: LOTRO Composer Bill Champagne
March 25, 2020 13:00 - 47 minutes - 54.7 MBOn this Very Special Edition of the Battle Bards, Lord of the Rings Online's Bill Champagne sat down for an interview to talk about his tenure in this long-running MMORPG as its lead composer. From his surprising origin story to tales behind the scenes at Standing Stone Games to his favorite soundtracks, Bill gives the flip-side of MMO music production while still sharing the love that we all have for these scores! Special note: Bill picked specific LOTRO tracks for us to feature on today'...
Battle Bards Episode 164: Away with the fairies
March 11, 2020 13:00 - 54 minutes - 61.6 MBIf you ever walked into a forest glade at the light of the first full moon of the year, you may spy an impish fae dancing among the moonbeams and singing to all of the woodland creatures that come out for the annual concert. And if you ever tune in to Battle Bards -- in particular, this episode -- you may hear a rare recording of fairy music along with very serious discussion involving (a) aerial kung-fu, (b) the taste of fairy wings, and (c) didgeridoos. You are so not prepared for any of t...
Retro Reprise Episode 20: Chrono Cross
March 04, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 36.1 MBWhile the game itself was a messy and convoluted sequel to a classic RPG, Chrono Cross has nevertheless persevered over time to become a cult classic that is incredibly beloved for its amazing soundtrack. On the show today, Syl and Syp share a conversation about their favorite tracks and just what made this score so special to hear. Retro Reprise Episode 20: Chrono Cross Intro "Time's Scar" "Reminiscence" "Dreams of the Shore Near Another World" "Forest of Cutting Shadows" "Dea...
Battle Bards Episode 163: EverQuest upgraded
February 26, 2020 14:00 - 49 minutes - 56.6 MBThe Battle Bards return to the verdant fields of EverQuest for a look at the updated and remastered soundtrack that came out last year. If you only know EverQuest's music in its MIDI format, why not venture into the modern era of the game's score? It's a trip down Norrath lane, just slightly belated from the MMO's 20th anniversary! Episode 163 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Boomba's Exchange," and "Faydwer's Dusk") "The Jaunty Bardic Song" "Dawn Over Norrath" "The Gates of...
Battle Bards Episode 162: Mystery abounds
February 12, 2020 14:00 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MBDo you love a good mystery? A hidden secret? A riddle wrapped in an enigma and presented on a platter of puzzle? Then you're in for a treat with today's Battle Bards, as mystery-themed music from MMORPGs is served for dinner! Also, Syl and Syp finally throw down over a long-standing criticism regarding song picks. It's brutal. Episode 162 show notes Intro (feat. "Wintertide" from TERA, "A Lost and Secret Island" from Rappelz, and "Mystery Forest of Vikings" from Minions of Mirth) "Myst...
Battle Bards Episode 161: Dragon Quest X
January 29, 2020 14:00 - 54 minutes - 62.2 MBWhile Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIV is enjoying rousing success here in the west, its other MMO -- Dragon Quest X -- never made it across the Pacific. Today, the Battle Bards assemble to examine the soundtrack to this overlooked fantasy game and see how it holds up by itself and in comparison to the Dragon Quest franchise. Episode 161 show notes Intro (feat. "Bright Horizons," "Soprano of Blue," and "The Race of Water") "Overture" "The Heavens" "Good Night Villagers" "Town Musi...
Battle Bards Episode 160: MMO cover songs vol. 2
January 15, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 58.8 MBFor the first time since Episode 50, the Battle Bards crew returns to the theme of cover songs of MMO tracks. Several extremely musicians tackled their favorite MMORPG tunes to our delight, taking us on a breathless tour of their spin of these classic tunes. Since we want to give all of the artists full credit, you can find links to their full tracks in the show notes -- give them a listen! Episode 160 show notes Intro (feat. "Grizzly Hills Theme" from World of Warcraft, "Main Theme" from...
Battle Bards Episode 159: Black Desert revisited
January 01, 2020 14:00 - 54 minutes - 63.4 MBIt's a return to a soundtrack that, over the past couple of years, experienced a lavish remastry. This week, the Battle Bards explore the wild notes of Black Desert, a soundtrack that relishes its situational and ambient tracks. It might not be the most memorable soundtrack, but enjoyable? Yes, we'd advocate that. Also, Steff finally snaps and tells her co-hosts off. Draaaaamaaaaa! Episode 159 show notes Intro (feat. "Florin," "The Capital City," and "Glish") "Serendia" "Valtarra Moun...
Battle Bards Episode 158: Winter returns
December 11, 2019 14:00 - 56 minutes - 64.5 MBDo you feel a little... frozen this winter season? Winter is something amazing to behold, especially when video game composers attempt to capture its unique magic in their songs. Today, let the Battle Bards warm up your bones and your ears with tunes from the snowy vales and icy wastes of MMORPGs! Episode 158 show notes Intro (feat. "Another World (Winter Journey)" from Aion, "The Long Winter" from Asheron's Call 2, and "Sorceress of Melted Snow" from Allods Online) "Sea of Snow" from ...
Battle Bards Episode 157: Chronicles of Spellborn
November 27, 2019 14:00 - 54 minutes - 60.6 MBAn odd, offbeat, and short-lived MMO, Chronicles of Spellborn hardly registered on most of the gaming community's consciousness. However, this fantasy title has not escaped the attention of the Battle Bards, especially with Assassin Creed's Jesper Kyd composing most of the score. It's a strange score, with plenty of otherworldly tunes, but just perfect for this team to tackle! Episode 157 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Lullaby," and "Palace at Night") ...
Battle Bards Episode 156: Feeling blue
November 13, 2019 14:00 - 53 minutes - 61.3 MBIs blue a color? An emotion? A song? An overused alien skin tone? One thing is for certain: Blue shows up an awful lot in MMORPG soundtrack, which is why the Battle Bards have mined their music libraries for the bluest of blue tunes to share. Will they come to a conclusion as to what "blue" means? And will Steff ever let go of a grudge? Probably never, but it'll be a fun listen even so! Episode 156 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Blue Dots" from Anarchy Online, "Limi...
Battle Bards Episode 155: FFXIV Shadowbringers
October 30, 2019 13:00 - 58 minutes - 65.2 MBWelcome to the "Cursed Episode" of Battle Bards, where you'll be risking bad luck and poor RNG rolls just by hearing it! But it is totally worth it, because this week the trio is tackling the astounding Shadowbringers soundtrack and it's impressive addition to the FFXIV music library. Also, if you listen very, very carefully, a certain "la-HEE" might make a cameo! Episode 155 show notes Intro (feat. "Prologue," "Amaro Mount Theme," and "Figments") "The Source" "Civilizations" "Kholu...
Retro Reprise Episode 19: The music of Halloweens past
October 23, 2019 13:00 - 26 minutes - 30.6 MBDo you remember what Halloween looked like when you were a kid? What about what it sounded like? In today's special edition of Retro Reprise, Syp returns to the Halloweens of the past to listen to some of the best themes from horror video games. It might not all be scary, but don't let your guard down too quickly -- your doom might lurk just around the next note! Retro Reprise Episode 19: The music of Halloweens past Intro "The Attic" from A Nightmare on Elm Street (NES) "Main Theme" ...
Battle Bards Episode 154: Death and decay
October 02, 2019 13:00 - 48 minutes - 54.4 MBGet an early jump on Halloween with the Battle Bards, as they grab the nearest shovel and start unearthing all sorts of morbid and macabre tunes from MMORPGs! In this grim grinning episodes, Syl, Steff, and Syp explore the musical side of the afterlife in online games. Listen to it... at your own peril. Episode 154 show notes Intro (feat. “Paths of the Dead" from Lord of the Rings Online, "Graverobbing" from RuneScape, and "Dead Forest" from Vanguard) "Crypt of Decay" from EverQuest ...
Battle Bards Episode 153: Elder Scrolls Online Summerset
September 18, 2019 13:00 - 49 minutes - 57.3 MBGryphons, Elves, and gobs and gobs of singing people -- that's Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset for ya! The Battle Bards return to Tamriel to rate and review the second expansion soundtrack from ESO. Aside from practically non-stop choral contributions, the Bards quite enjoy this trip to a high fantasy land full of wonder and power. Episode 153 show notes Intro (feat. "Even Paradise Has Shadows," "Here Be Wonders," and "Interlude") "From the Abysses Below and Beyond" "Past Defines Fut...
Battle Bards Episode 152: Main Themes 3
September 04, 2019 13:00 - 54 minutes - 61.6 MBBack for a third round, the Battle Bards examine a slew of main themes from MMORPGs! Considering how essential these themes are in making a strong first impression upon players, Steff, Syl, and Syp run these tracks through their paces to see which hook them on a first listen... and which put them to sleep. Episode 152 show notes Intro (feat. "Knights of the Fallen Empire Main Theme" from SWTOR, "Main Theme" from Lost Ark, and "Refly Main Theme" from Aion) "Main Theme" from Atlas "Main...
Battle Bards Episode 151: Minions of Mirth
August 21, 2019 13:00 - 59 minutes - 67.5 MBIt's an MMORPG you've never heard of. It's an MMO soundtrack you've never heard, period. But as intrepid explorers of the musical unknown, the Battle Bards are here to unearth this tiny indie title and its score. Minions of Mirth may have died an ignoble death in 2017, but its soundtrack lives on -- and now it's immortalized in the 151st episode of this podcast! Episode 151 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Peaceful," and "View Over the Water") "Inexhaustible Ardor" "Villagers of...
Battle Bards Episode 150: The great plains
August 07, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBIt may not be the most sexy or exotic of biomes, but plains tend to pop up in pretty much every MMORPG -- and they always have music to adventure by! In this episode of the Battle Bards, the crew evaluates music from steppes, savannahs, and the great, great plains. Is it all dull atmospheric tunes? Far from it, as you'll soon discover. So join this eclectic team for a grand 150th episode spectacular! Episode 150 show notes Intro (feat. "Plains of Beauty" from Runes of Magic, "Open Plains"...
Battle Bards Episode 149: Istaria / Horizons
July 24, 2019 13:00 - 48 minutes - 54.8 MBIs Istaria more than just "that game where you can play a dragon?" If it is, the answer might lie in its hidden repository of soundtrack tunes! The Battle Bards once again assemble to apply their dragonish wit, tenacity, and fire-scathing critiques to a largely undiscovered score. It's more fun of an experience than you might expect, so come along for the ride! Episode 149 show notes Intro (feat. "Saris," "Kirasanct Tundra," and "Spirit Island") "Main Theme" "Ancient Ruins" "Mahagra...
Battle bards Episode 148: Composer spotlight on Inon Zur
July 10, 2019 13:00 - 56 minutes - 62.7 MBOn a special theme episode of Battle Bards, acclaimed composer Inon Zur is given the spotlight, especially for his contributions to several MMORPG soundtracks such as RIFT, TERA, and EverQuest II. If you've only known Zur as "The Fallout Guy," then prepared to be pleasantly illuminated as to the wider body of his work! Also, the crew takes in an orphaned music track and gives it the name "Steve." We will always love you, Steve. Episode 148 show notes Intro (feat. "Homecoming" from TERA, "...
Battle Bards Episode 147: Continent of the Ninth Seal
June 26, 2019 13:00 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MBBring on the heavy makeup, electric guitars, and MMO groupies, because the Battle Bards are rock and rolling their way into Continent of the Ninth Seal (aka C9). It may not be a game -- or soundtrack -- that most know, but does that mean that there is a musical treasure trove waiting to be discovered? Listen to this episode to find out! Episode 147 show notes Intro (feat. "Innocence RunersVill" and "Brotherhood of the Wolf") "Main Theme" "Cold Mountain" "Black Yard" "Blade of a Kn...
Battle Bards Episode 146: More vocals
June 12, 2019 13:00 - 55 minutes - 60.9 MBIn another theme sequel, the Battle Bards return to the notion of vocal tracks in MMORPGs. Does singing hold a special place in online games, or is it immersion breaking? In some cases, it can be both. Join Syl, Steff, and Syp for a romp through a widely diverse array of sung tunes -- and beware the pigs! Episode 146 show notes Intro (feat. "Singing" from Elder Scrolls Online, "Song from the Woods" from The Secret World, and "Eternal Love" from Lineage II: Oath of Blood) “Dragonsong” f...
Battle Bards Episode 145: Dark Age of Camelot
May 29, 2019 13:00 - 57 minutes - 62.5 MBIt's Bard vs. Bard vs. Bard in this show, as the trio of MMO video game music lovers take sides in the Dark Age of Camelot debate! This tri-realm PvP game is rather unique for having published an "inspired by" album featuring music not in the game at all in addition to the actual soundtrack. So why not review both? Syp, Syl, and Steff are more than up for the task! Episode 145 show notes Intro (feat. "Albion Town 1," "Vinum Bonum," "The Wizard," and "Albion Campacorentin Forest") “Call ...
Battle Bards Episode 144: Colors of the rainbow
May 15, 2019 13:00 - 58 minutes - 65 MBRed, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet: Combined, these forces create the awesome power of Roy G. Biv -- otherwise known as the rainbow! In today's experimental episode of the Battle Bards, Steff, Syl, and Syp attempt to find MMORPG music tracks to go with each of the seven colors that shine over a rainstorm or in a particularly oily puddle. It's a daunting mission, but these three are just crazy enough to finish it! Episode 144 show notes Intro (feat. "Greenwood Camp" from F...
Battle Bards Episode 143: Rappelz
April 24, 2019 13:00 - 51 minutes - 57.5 MBIt may see itself as an "old school fantasy MMO," but Rappelz' soundtrack is a great mixture of old and new, traditional and experimental. In this episode, the daring and ever-courageous Battle Bards plumb the depth of this score and see what can be brought out of obscurity and into the light! Episode 143 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "A New Epic," "Breeze of Old Forest," and "Resonance of the World") "Main Theme" "The Deva" "Crystal Mountain" "The Temple of...
Battle Bards Episode 142: Sunrise, sunset
April 10, 2019 13:00 - 57 minutes - 64.5 MBIn MMORPGs across the world, days are beginning and days are ending -- and with them come the catharsis of the sunrise and sunset. The Battle Bards draw together in this special stillness to discuss some of the in-game tracks devoted to these moments. So from sunrise to sunset, here are the melodic moods that accompany our journeys online. Episode 142 show notes Intro (feat. "The Flag at Dusk" from Blade & Soul, "The Warming Sunrise" from Star Wars Galaxies, and "A Horizon in the Sunset" ...
Retro Reprise Episode 18: Obscure Genesis games
April 03, 2019 16:00 - 34 minutes - 37.4 MBFans of retro video game music have heard all of the same classics over and over again, which is why in today's episode of Retro Reprise, Chaos Constant and Syp dip into the more unknown titles of the Sega Genesis library for tunes that you may have overlooked! From the tense atmosphere of Warsong to the futuristic music of Pulseman, this show might have your new favorite track waiting to be discovered. Retro Reprise Episode 18: Obscure Genesis Games Intro "Kingdom Knight" from Warsong...
Battle Bards Episode 141: Riders of Icarus
March 27, 2019 13:00 - 55 minutes - 62.9 MBThe Battle Bards take to the sky to investigate the somewhat obscure Riders of Icarus and see if the lofty visuals can be matched by the music -- or if this soundtrack has been grounded for good! "Surprisingly rich" and "theatrical" are review terms that the Battle Bards are willing to license out to the studio to put on the soundtrack cover. Episode 141 show notes Intro (feat. "Character Creation" and "Attauis") "Main Theme" "Character Selection" "The Beginning" "First Elite" "...
Battle Bards Episode 140: Piano piano!
March 13, 2019 13:00 - 57 minutes - 63.5 MBIt's one of the most powerful and versatile of musical instruments, and now the piano is getting its own featured show here on Battle Bards! The crew re-assembles, not to avenge, but to uplift beautiful, striking, and moving piano themes from MMORPGs. So tickle the ivories with Syl, Steff, and Syp as they listen to today's signature tracks. Episode 140 show notes Intro (feat. "Breezewind Park" from Blade and Soul, "Main Theme" from The Secret World, and "Piano Works #1 Serendia" from Blac...
Retro Reprise Episode 17: The shareware show!
March 06, 2019 17:00 - 42 minutes - 47.4 MBThey might not have been the AAA-budget titles of the 1990s, but shareware games were perhaps even more well-known due to the proliferation of these demos. Studios such as id, Epic, and Apogee made their mark with these titles -- and the simple but memorable tunes from each got lodged into our brains. Joining Syp today is Chaos Constant from Occasional Hero, who is a self-professed retro game music fan and has plenty to say about the shareware era! Show notes Intro (feat. "Cruising with S...
Battle Bards Episode 139: Return to LOTRO
February 27, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBIt has been a good long while since the Battle Bards walked the road that led them from the Shire to Mordor, but now they're back in Lord of the Rings Online -- and they have a lot of positive things to say about this beloved soundtrack. If the word "quaint" can ever be used as a recommendation for a score, it has to be done so here! Tune in as these three Minstrels share a few favorite tracks you may not have heard before. Episode 139 show notes Intro (feat. "Let Us Sing Together," "Riven...
Battle Bards Episode 138: Wild wild westerns
February 13, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBBoy howdy, is it time for another highfalutin Battle Bards episode? Shucks, looks like! In this week's show, the trio saddle up for a ride through the tumbleweeds and mesas of western MMO tunes. It may be slim pickins, but the pickins are actually pretty good! Episode 138 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Renewal" from Fallen Earth, "Ashe" from Overwatch, and "Crimson Hills" from Aion) "Calm Guitar" from Crossout "Thermock Hold" from WildStar "Way Out West" from L...
Retro Reprise Episode 16: Amazing Amiga
February 06, 2019 14:00 - 25 minutes - 28 MBThe Amiga series of computers is renowned for its amazing sound -- and the terrific scores that video game composers were able to wrangle. In this episode of Retro Reprise, Syl joins Syp for a look and listen back at this machine and the tunes that carry on its legacy! Show notes Intro (feat. "Space Ninja" from Lotus 3) "Theme" from Deflektor "Ending" from Fuzzball "Hymn to Aurora" from Horace Wimp "Theme" from The Humans "Theme" from The Carl Lewis Challenge Outro (feat. "Th...