VGMpire

VGMpire 155 – Street Fighter Saga Vol 5

September 20, 2019 15:00 - 198 Bytes

The SFV soundtrack is bursting with variety, from incredible remixes to all-new standout tunes that expertly blend musical genres. A new podcast is coming your way SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Opening Theme (SFV Arcade Edition)0:16:58 – Theme of Laura (SFV)0:20:33 – Theme of Karin (SFV)0:23:50 – Theme of Rashid (SFV)0:32:24 – Temple of Ascension Alternative -Japan [...]

VGMpire 154 – Street Fighter Saga Vol 4

September 19, 2019 15:00 - 198 Bytes

We examine seven years’ worth of incredible SFIV tunes, from the 2009 original and to its Ultra conclusion. Download now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Volcanic Rim Stage (SFIV)0:17:07 – Theme of Guile (SFIV)0:20:19 – Theme of Sakura (SFIV)0:23:28 – Theme of Zangief (SFIV)0:29:30 – Overpass Stage – Tokyo (SFIV)0:32:48 – Morning Mist Bay Stage – Vietnam [...]

VGMpire 153 – Street Fighter Saga Vol 3

September 18, 2019 15:00 - 198 Bytes

A new generation of fighters appears, and with them comes an amazing assortment of jazz, dance, hip hop & industrial tunes. Get caught up with the entire Street Fighter III series! Let’s get it on now 54321 SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Third Strike (Infinite, 3rd Strike)0:17:42 – Player Select (New Generation)0:18:14 – Jazzy NYC Underground Edit [...]

VGMpire 152 – Street Fighter Saga Vol 2

September 17, 2019 15:00 - 194 Bytes

Street Fighter moves forward by stepping backwards… in time! Get ready for anime-infused tunes from Alpha 1 and 2, then the insane breakbeats of Alpha 3. Go for broke! SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Opening Theme (SF Alpha 2)0:18:41 – Character Select (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:19:40 – Nash Stage (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:21:39 – Adon Stage (Alpha, Alpha 2)0:23:51 [...]

VGMpire 151 – Street Fighter Saga Vol 1

September 16, 2019 14:00 - 198 Bytes

Here comes a new podcast, and it’s Rocktober in September – Rocktember, baby! Brace yourself for a series of street fightin’ tunes, starting with the arcade original and its world-famous sequel. Surprise! SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title Theme (SFII: The World Warrior)0:07:26 – Birdie’s Theme (SF)0:09:10 – Bonus Stage 2 – Breaking Boards (SF)0:27:19 – [...]

VGMpire 150 – Chrono Conclusion

September 15, 2019 19:59 - 198 Bytes

Before we bow out for an indefinite hiatus, journey from 65 million BC to parallel dimensions in this Lavos-sized 150th episode. To far away times SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Presentiment / Chrono Trigger0:25:48 – Guardia Millennial Fair (CT)0:29:02 – Memories of Green (CT)0:32:54 – Wind Scene (CT)0:36:16 – Secret of the Forest (CT)0:48:58 – Battle [...]

VGMpire 149 – Contra Convo Continued

August 07, 2019 07:02 - 205 Bytes

A gritty trip to the year 4444 and a gorgeous retro revival are just two of the amazing OSTs we discuss in this second Contra conversation. Download now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – Venus (Shattered Soldier)0:17:39 – Fortress (Shattered Soldier)0:21:18 – Battle Train (Shattered Soldier)0:29:31 – Maximum Speed (Shattered Soldier)0:42:56 – Neo Contra (Neo Contra)0:46:49 – Safety [...]

VGMpire 148 – Contra Convo

July 17, 2019 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Grab your Spread Guns and hoof it through an audio overload of amazing Contra tunes, from its arcade origins to the 16-bit technological marvels. Download Now 0:00:00 – Jungle Battle (Contra)0:17:56 – Maze Fortress 1 (Contra)0:19:34 – Maze Fortress 3D Boss (Contra)0:21:00 – Waterfall of Bloodshed (Contra)0:22:39 – Shivery Beat (Contra)0:34:52 – Thunder Landing (Super [...]

VGMpire 147 – Mortal Kombat Kolloquy

May 08, 2019 08:35 - 205 Bytes

It’s Kombat Time! Let’s look back on the first four games in this klassic fighting game franchise, from the gruesome arcade original to the polygonal MK4. Download Now SHOW NOTES0:00:00 – In The Beginning (MK1)0:22:44 – Hall (MK1)0:24:23 – Courtyard (MK1)0:27:10 – Warrior’s Shrine (MK1)0:30:19 – The Pit (MK1)0:46:00 – Prologue: The Battlefield (MKII)0:47:29 – [...]

VGMpire 146 – 2018 Year in Review

April 17, 2019 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Over TWO HOURS of unforgettable music and moments from 2018, including jams from Monster Hunter: World, Octopath Traveler, Tetris Effect, Gris, Celeste, Deltarune and much more! Download Now 0:00:00 – Tite Mites (Astro Bot Rescue Mission) 0:13:20 – First Steps (Celeste) 0:17:00 – Scattered and Lost (Celeste) 0:22:51 – Confronting Myself (Celeste) 0:33:24 – Savage [...]

VGMpire AOTY 2018 – Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

December 29, 2018 20:27 - 203 Bytes

One of our favorite games of the year also happens to sport our favorite soundtrack of 2018! We sample a handful of tunes from this 8-bit homage while discussing the game’s themes, design and excellent use of new-game-plussery. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Opening 14:23 – Moonlight Temptation 17:43 – Frigid Hell 21:15 – [...]

VGMpire 145 – Fallout Focus

November 14, 2018 08:02 - 205 Bytes

Oppressive ambiance abounds in this look at the early days of the Fallout series. Download Now 0:00:00 – “Maybe” (Fallout) 0:15:05 – Moribund World (Fallout) 0:18:11 – A Trader’s Life (Fallout) 0:22:11 – Second Chance (Fallout) 0:39:48 – Khans of the New California (Fallout) 0:43:10 – Metallic Monks (Fallout) 0:46:38 – Radiation Storm (Fallout) 0:50:32 [...]

VGMpire 144 – Sega Synthesis Vol 5

October 31, 2018 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Rock out to the monstrous melodies of Devilish and Alien 3 – two horror-themed Genesis titles that sport inhumanly good tunes! Download Now 00:00 – Clock Tower (Devilish) 09:41 – Graveyard (Devilish) 10:53 – Waterfalls (Devilish) 17:06 – Prairie (Devilish) 19:55 – Final Boss (Devilish) 29:50 – Main Theme (Alien 3) 32:48 – Stage 2 [...]

VGMpire 143 – Sega Synthesis Vol 4

October 24, 2018 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Rarely seen or heard outside Japan, Gleylancer and Star Cruiser boast some of the best space-faring tunes the Mega Drive had to offer. From ’80s-style montages to heartfelt ballads to synthy noir, both titles are a treat to behold. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Story Start (Gleylancer) 0:11:56 – Asteroid Field (Gleylancer) 0:14:34 – [...]

VGMpire 142 – Sega Synthesis Vol 3

October 17, 2018 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Battle Lovecraftian horrors and hurl lightning from your fingertips in this adventurous episode celebrating El Viento and Alisia Dragoon! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Opening Theme (El Viento) 0:12:50 – Main Theme (El Viento) 0:14:16 – Stage 1 NYC (El Viento) 0:15:57 – Intermission (El Viento) 0:23:53 – Stage 2 Park (El Viento) 0:26:27 [...]

VGMpire 141 – Sega Synthesis Vol 2

October 10, 2018 15:26 - 205 Bytes

A pair of anime gunslingers scream across the screen in this extra loud, extra rockin’ episode! We’re examining the upbeat energy of the Battle Mania series, which includes Trouble Shooter and its only-in-Japan sequel. Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Burning Heart (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 12:43 – Twilight Express (Battle Mania Daiginjou) 14:06 – Blue Sky [...]

VGMpire 140 – Sega Synthesis Vol 1

October 03, 2018 15:05 - 205 Bytes

We’re kicking off a whole month of episodes devoted to the joy of FM Synthesis done right. This first foray into semi-obscure tunes includes Elemental Master and Panorama Cotton, two shmups that feature humanoid heroes and unbelievably good soundtracks! Download Now 00:00 – Dance of Flame (Elemental Master) 13:24 – Like the Wind (Elemental Master) [...]

VGMpire 139 – Mystic Quest Memories

April 04, 2018 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Though it’s frequently called the worst Final Fantasy game of all time, or at least one of the weakest, we’re here to say THAT AIN’T SO! Not only is the game itself perfectly decent, the soundtrack is every bit as incredible as the proper numbered entries. Get ready for some heavy shreddin’ guitar! Download Now [...]

VGMpire 138 – Sunsoft Tech

February 28, 2018 08:02 - 205 Bytes

Rock out to three hard-hitting NES soundtracks powered by Naoki Kodaka and the talented team at Sunsoft. We’re diving into Gremlins 2, Fester’s Quest and Journey to Silius! Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Stage 1 (Gremlins 2) 08:42 – Stage 3 (Gremlins 2) 10:26 – Stage 5 (Gremlins 2) 23:24 – Overworld (Fester’s Quest) [...]

VGMpire 137 – 2017 Year in Review

December 20, 2017 08:02 - 205 Bytes

While familiar faces continued their usual streak of excellence, there were loads of newcomers that provided some of the year’s best VGM. This hefty episode looks at a bit of everything, from recurring brands like Zelda, Sonic, Xenoblade and Ys, to fresh experiences like Horizon, Cuphead and Prey. Light spoilers ahead! Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 [...]

VGMpire 136 – Shadowrun Sessions

July 05, 2017 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Firearms and fantasy collide in this early-90s cyberpunk RPG series. We begin with the SNES original and its Carpenter-meets-Smash-TV soundtrack, then listen to wildly different takes on the Genesis and Mega CD. Three platforms, three completely distinct games! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Seattle 2050 (Shadowrun SNES) 0:12:54 – Morgue (SNES) 0:17:06 – Tenth Street [...]

VGMpire 135 – Taito Two-fer

April 12, 2017 14:49 - 205 Bytes

As the NES began its march into obscurity, Taito released two solid titles that didn’t get their due attention for several years – Little Samson and Panic Restaurant. Both have great soundtracks, but they’re also nifty little games! Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Title Screen (Little Samson) 07:44 – Little Samson Theme (Little Samson) [...]

VGMpire 134 – Donkey Kong 94

March 29, 2017 07:02 - 205 Bytes

One of the absolute greatest games of all time also sports a peppy, anxious soundtrack. Listen as we gush over this 1994 re-imagining of Nintendo’s oldest rivalry. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Title Screen 08:47 – Big City 11:00 – Desert 17:32 – Theme 2 19:08 – Theme 5 19:54 – Theme 6 [...]

VGMpire 133 – Blaster Master Bonanza

March 15, 2017 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Nearly 30 years old, the Blaster Master series peaked on the NES and spent decades trying to recapture the magic. And part of that game’s success was the incredible soundtrack! Let’s listen to some classic jams and then explore the series’ Sega, PlayStation and Switch sequels. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Area 1 (Blaster [...]

VGMpire 132 – Zero Escape Excellence

February 22, 2017 18:08 - 205 Bytes

We discuss the music and mind-bending madness behind 999, Virtue’s Last Reward and Zero Time Dilemma. Get ready for catchy dance tunes, light industrial clanging and trippy talks about time travel and morphic fields! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Digital Root (999) 0:10:04 – Ternary Game (999) 0:15:15 – Extreme Extrication (999) 0:23:27 – [...]

VGMpire 131 – Turok Turns Twenty

February 08, 2017 08:02 - 205 Bytes

The Nintendo 64 didn’t have the third party support of the PlayStation, but Iguana’s Turok series ruled the FPS roost for the platform’s entire life cycle. The 1997 original turns 20 this month, so let’s examine the booming, epic scores of the four N64 hits. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Port of Adia (Seeds [...]

VGMpire 130 – Kirby Classics

January 25, 2017 08:02 - 205 Bytes

Before he was made of yarn or a stylus-guided sphere, Kirby ruled the original Game Boy and starred in several console classics. This week we examine Kirby’s pre-2000 era, which includes bubbly tunes from Adventure, Super Star and all three Dream Land titles. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Green Greens (Dream Land) 0:09:35 – [...]

VGMpire 129 – Soul Blade Celebration

January 11, 2017 08:02 - 205 Bytes

The Soul Calibur series kicked off 20 years ago with Soul Blade, the PS1 home conversion of arcade hit Soul Edge. This episode we look at Edge and Blade, which have no fewer than THREE official soundtracks to explore. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – The Edge of Soul (Soul Blade) 0:13:02 – Epic Calling [...]

VGMpire 128 – 2016 Year in Review

December 21, 2016 08:02 - 205 Bytes

While there was plenty to dislike about 2016, at least we got several top-notch game soundtracks! Let’s listen to numerous examples of modern VGM excellence, from Doom to Furi to Watch Dogs 2. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Rip & Tear (Doom) 0:11:07 – At Doom’s Gate (Doom) 0:12:16 – Flesh & Metal (Doom) 0:18:52 [...]

VGMpire 127 – Shadow of ICO

December 07, 2016 08:02 - 205 Bytes

The Last Guardian is FINALLY out, and its PS2 predecessors have cast a decade-long shadow over its development. Odds are LG will turn out fine, but as you’ll see from this selection of tunes from ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, it has some big shoes to fill! Download SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Castle in [...]

VGMpire 126 – SMTober Part Four

October 26, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Our final foray into the world of Shin Megami Tensei tackles the Devil Survivor sub series, then whirls through Last Bible, Jack Bros and Demi Kids before concluding the month with Tokyo Mirage Sessions. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Opening (Devil Survivor 2) 0:10:02 – Action (Devil Survivor) 0:12:57 – Battle Beat (Devil Survivor) [...]

VGMpire 125 – SMTober Part Three

October 19, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

With the numbered SMT titles handled, it’s time to examine its Devil Summoner spinoff series, which begins on the Sega Saturn and extends all the way to the PS2. We also briefly discuss Strange Journey, the spinoff that was almost a proper mainline sequel. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Theme (SMT Devil Summoner: Raidou [...]

VGMpire 124 – SMTober Part Two

October 12, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Shin Megami Tensei grows up with two stylish sequels separated by a decade of real world time. We begin with PS2 demon-em-up SMT Nocturne, then jam out to incredibly moody tunes from 2013’s SMT IV. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title 2 (Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne) 0:11:10 – Large Map (SMT Nocturne) 0:13:27 – [...]

VGMpire 123 – SMTober Part One

October 05, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

ROCKTOBER RETURNS with a month of sinisiter Shin Megami Tensei tunes! We begin with a trio of Super Famicom titles that laid the groundwork for an entire series and its numerous spinoffs, yet never really left Japan. That’s SMT I, II and the lesser known If… Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Dream (Shin Megami [...]

VGMpire 122 – Tobal Tunes

September 21, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Eclectic, uplifting tunes from two nearly forgotten PS1 fighting games. The first fizzled despite a cool quest mode and FFVII demo, while the second never made it stateside – so now’s your chance to hear their exceptional soundtracks! Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Intro Cutscene (Tobal No 1) 10:18 – Cloud City (Tobal No [...]

VGMpire 121 – Crash Courses

September 07, 2016 07:02 - 206 Bytes

The Boundin’ Bandicoot turns 20 years old this month, so we’re looking back at his original PlayStation adventures. Thumping drums, twangy rock and tinkly xylophones provide a backdrop for this chart-topping trilogy. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – N Sanity Beach (Crash Bandicoot) 0:12:57 – Hog Wild (Crash Bandicoot) 0:15:11 – Pinstripe (Crash Bandicoot) 0:17:21 [...]

VGMpire 120 – Star Fox Salute

August 10, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

We take a tour through the first three Star Fox soundtracks and discuss the brand’s many unique selling points, from its muppet animal heroes to its gamey-orchestral jams. SNES and N64 tunes incoming! Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Main Theme (Star Fox) 0:18:25 – Emergency Call (Star Fox) 0:18:45 – Corneria (Star Fox) 0:25:21 [...]

VGMpire 119 – Monster Hunter Mania

July 13, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Celebrating over 10 years of incredible orchestral tunes, from the original PS2 title through the latest MH Generations. With guest Yuri Araujo! Download Now 0:00:00 – Main Theme (MH) 0:10:07 – Forest and Hills / Rathalos (MH) 0:11:46 – Yian Garuga (MH) 0:23:30 – Desert (MH Dos / Freedom 2 / Freedom Unite) 0:25:03 – [...]

VGMpire 118 – Mario Madness

June 29, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Look, we had to do a Super Mario episode at some point, and with Mario 64 turning 20 it seemed like a great time to look back on SMB1~64 and discuss its well-known (but still quite good) tunes. Download now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – File Select (Mario 64) 0:19:18 – Ground Theme (SMB2) 0:20:51 – [...]

VGMpire 117 – Sonic CD with Spencer Nilsen

May 25, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

One great game, two great soundtracks. Composer Spencer Nilsen joins us to talk through both US and Japanese Sonic CD tunes, with emphasis on the “present day” tracks that anchor Sonic’s time-traveling adventure. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Sonic Boom (Short Version) 0:12:39 – Palmtree Panic (US) 0:14:28 – Palmtree Panic (JP) 0:20:33 – [...]

VGMpire 116 – Sega CD with Spencer Nilsen

May 11, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

The composer of Batman Returns, Ecco the Dolphin and Spider-Man vs The Kingpin joins us LIVE to discuss the creation of three incredible Sega CD soundtracks. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Act 1 Driving (Batman Returns) 0:16:20 – Platforming Area (Batman Returns) 0:18:50 – Schreck’s Wonderland (Batman Returns) 0:21:42 – Act 2 Driving (Batman [...]

VGMpire 115 – Deus Ex Discourse

April 06, 2016 07:02 - 205 Bytes

Composer Alexander Brandon joins us to talk about the 2000 sneak-em-up Deus Ex and its sequel, Invisible War. Cyberpunk spy tunes await! Download SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Title (Deus Ex) 0:20:39 – UNATCO (Deus Ex) 0:22:46 – NYC Streets (Deus Ex) 0:25:02 – NYC Bar 2 (Deus Ex) 0:37:12 – Enemy Within (Deus Ex) 0:39:00 [...]

VGMini 07 – Return of the Joker GB

March 30, 2016 07:02 - 200 Bytes

Even after a whole episode of Batman tunes, we had to devote a VGMini to this Game Boy title that sports tunes from Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae. Download Now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – The Sewers 09:04 – Boss Battle 10:00 – The Train 15:33 – Limestone Cavern 17:02 – Vs Joker 23:08 – Ending

VGMpire 114 – Batman Beats

March 23, 2016 16:08 - 205 Bytes

Top composers from across Japan graced the Caped Crusader’s NES, SNES, Genesis and even Game Boy titles, cementing a VGM legacy that no other hero can touch. Listen along as we play amazing jams from 1990 and beyond. Download now 00:00 – Stage 1 (Batman NES) 07:07 – Stage 3 (Batman NES) 08:17 – [...]

VGMini 06 – Superman Genesis

March 16, 2016 16:56 - 199 Bytes

We don’t wanna make promises we can’t keep, but this early 90s Superman game has an unexpectedly great OST that channels Streets of Rage and Out Run. A fine example of the console put to good use – a must listen! Download 00:00 – Title Screen 08:12 – Round 1 11:39 – Boss BGM 1 13:32 [...]

VGMpire 113 – Hyrule Hits Vol 3

March 09, 2016 08:02 - 205 Bytes

We complete our Zelda audio triforce by discussing Skyward Sword, Spirit Tracks and Link Between Worlds, plus touch on the newly released Twilight Princess HD. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Hyrule Field (Twilight Princess) 0:20:51 – Exploring the Sky (Skyward Sword) 0:24:10 – Lanaryu Desert (Skyward Sword) 0:27:58 – Ancient Automaton Koloktos Allegro (Skyward [...]

VGMini 05 – Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu

March 02, 2016 08:03 - 203 Bytes

Jackie Chan took the US by storm with 1996’s Rumble in the Bronx, but NES and TurboGrafx players likely already knew him as the star of this cute, delightful platformer. More importantly, both versions of the soundtrack are immensely enjoyable and way better than most celebrity games have any right to be. Download now SHOW [...]

VGMpire 112 – Warcraft before WoW

February 24, 2016 19:08 - 205 Bytes

Ten years before it became an MMO sensation, Warcraft was one of the most revered strategy series on the market. Part of its appeal was its thunderous yet listenable war tunes that mixed orchestral grandeur with videogamey toe-tapping goodness. Download Now SHOW NOTES 0:00:00 – Orc Theme 2 (Tides of Darkness) 0:13:46 – Angelfire (Orcs [...]

VGMini 04 – Lagoon

February 17, 2016 08:02 - 203 Bytes

This early Super NES RPG didn’t stand the test of time, but its soundtrack sure did! Listen along as we rattle off some of the game’s incredible Ys-like tunes. Download now SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Premonition (Lagoon) 07:34 – Master of Water (Lagoon) 09:26 – Prince of Darkness (Lagoon) 14:05 – Armed and Ready (Lagoon) 20:04 – Tales [...]

VGMpire 111 – The Lost Vikings

February 10, 2016 08:02 - 205 Bytes

When you think about vikings, you don’t usually picture early 90s dance music. But composer Charles Deenan sure did, and used a mix of keyboards, guitars and beats to craft one of my favorite SNES soundtracks. Download Now Show Notes: 00:00 – Title Screen (Lost Vikings) 12:56 – Space Area (Lost Vikings) 14:55 – Egyptian [...]

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