Month: June 2020

With the release of Melody of Memory somewhere on the horizon 2020, I started to think about the sensational music of the Kingdom Hearts series again. Yoko Shimomura is one of the great video game songwriters of our time, and I would like to honor her work through a list: The 50 Best Songs from Kingdom Hearts. Full disclosure, I am far from a scholar of music, as you will probably be able to tell from the writing that follows. However, I listen to a lot of different styles and I have some idea of ​​when a composition works… I hope. Regardless, here is my list of the best Kingdom Hearts music.

Note: Until the release of the corporate action, titles from Kingdom Hearts III will receive reserved space tickets. I will edit the listing to match the actual track titles when this information becomes available.

50. “Forgotten Challenge” (Chain of memories)

Chain of memories is my pick for the most underrated game in the series, but I concede that overusing music tracks is a bit exhausting. Nonetheless, the great songs in the game really stand out. Look no further than this first entry on my list, the battle theme for the top floor of Castle Oblivion. It’s a John Carpenter vaudeville show, with a rum-tee-tum back beat reminiscent of other endgame themes like “Scherzo Di Notte” and “Fragments of Sorrow”. Add Neoshadows to the mix? I am scared !

49. Toy box jam (Kingdom Hearts III)

I know there is a contingent of fans who are not big fans of global themes on a list like this. After all, they are the biggest earworms and probably the songs that will bore you faster. That being said, I love this fun little addition to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”. My favorite part of the song is when things get sluggish for a few seconds (with a wobbly ringo-esque drum hit), then plunge back into the excitement that the track usually gives off. As you will see in the future, I am a fan of an upbeat fighting theme.

48. “The silent forest” (Birth by sleep)

A dull little song, this one from Enchanted Dominion. There is definitely a feeling of melancholy in the world, as Maleficent is in control and the song fits perfectly. The best themes in the world are the ones that perfectly complement the ambience of the setting, and this one accomplishes just that. Even though the strings go up for a nice end to the loop, things return straight to the painful knot at the heart of “The Silent Forest” when the next wave begins. In a world destined to fall into darkness, there is no reason to be a shredder. Things are not going to get any better.

47. “Roxas” (Kingdom Hearts II)

WHAT? Don’t worry: “The other promise” is on the list. Roxas’ theme is on the list for inspiring the melody for this aforementioned song which will come later in Kingdom Hearts II, and portraying the character he’s meant to play with a perfect blend of sweetness and desperation. These are the themes that haunt Roxas’ story. He misunderstands and is misunderstood. Shimomura knows how to hold the line between two complicated themes and is able to convey intricate details through perfect little tunes. This one is no exception.

46. ​​”Monstrous Monstro” (Kingdom Hearts)

The 1.5 and 2.5 Remix collections have done so many tracks in the main games good. One of the best bursts with the addition of live instruments was this Monstro the Whale belly fight theme. Everyone loves and remembers this ultimate horn crescendo, but the preparation for the musical explosion is filled with anticipation. It might be a better piece of pure music than a themed gem, but it’s undoubtedly a wonderful addition to “A Very Small Wish,” Monstro’s field theme. It is clear that great care has been taken to ensure that there is an organic fusion whenever the Heartless appear.

45. “La Pace” (Chain of memories)

Perhaps the sweetest number ever written for a Kingdom Hearts game, “The Pace” strikes just right given its peaceful title. Even through the filter of 8-bit magic, there is something very natural about simple piano strikes that give the illusion of a live performance. Honestly, this is perhaps the most personal song for me on the whole list. I vividly remember holding my GameBoy to my ear so I could listen to this song properly. It’s simple, the melody has stuck with me ever since. It takes me back to a bygone era, and so I can’t quite separate it from a feeling of nostalgia. Music is subjective, folks.

44. “Scherzo from Neverland” (Birth by sleep)

Consider the buildup present in “Monstrous Monstro” and take it up to eleven. A delicious arrangement of strings and a playful percussion track participate in a musical tussle until they end up working in tandem to deliver overwhelming sound. It sounds like what Neverland feels like. There is a certain fieriness that I think corresponds to a world where this Peter Pan asshole hangs out. There’s also a particularly good callback to the song in the credits of Birth by sleep. I really appreciate it when Shimomura knows she has a great song on her hands and calls it back like she does in this case.

43. “The key” (Birth by sleep)

At first glance, there isn’t much to hear in this one. Atmosphere is key, however, and this one is overflowing with it. It’s easily the scariest theme to go with a boss battle in the entire series, like when Aqua takes on Vanitas / Ventus in the Keyblade Graveyard. “Dearly Beloved,” the title screen theme of the series and the motif most often used in the music of the series, is used in “The Key” to add flavor to the otherwise buzzing tones. Plus, there’s a violin that sounds like it’s out of breath and shivers in the background for the first ten seconds. This thing is in trouble, and it looks fantastic. Suddenly that initial listening seems inadequate.

42. “Vim and Vigor” (Kingdom Hearts II)

While the original game’s boss themes are stellar, it was wise not to reuse them for the sequel. Switching the main tracks from KH1 to KH2 serves games well, as they each have their own distinct sounds. Enter “Vim and Vigor”, a song that plays with some of the Disney bosses in Kingdom Hearts II. A simple chime in the background keeps the song moving, and it really goes a long way. It is a furious listening that does not need to intensify because it slams from the first second. It’s not the music you listen to while doing your homework; it’s driving on the highway in a thunderstorm.

41. “Deep pipe” (Kingdom Hearts II)

And this synth? I love that The World That Never Was has such a mechanical and elegant fight track as the world itself. It is another example of the world and its music in perfect tonal harmony. Like “Vim and Vigor,” “Deep Drive” is a relentless experience, and it makes sense considering the onslaught of Nobodies the Organization throws at you as you make your way through their stronghold. Dealing with wizards and berserkers is a manic exercise in Keyblade strategy that keeps you on your toes. It wouldn’t be fair to have a relaxing piece of music to accompany these battles.

For 40-31: https://www.kh13.com/forums/topic/123516-the-top-50-songs-in-kingdom-hearts-40-31/?tab=comments#comment-2845319

Edited September 25, 2020 by InnerLight13

Ella Henderson’s latest single “Take Care Of You” is a euphoric ode to solidarity and selflessness in difficult times.

Henderson was forthright about her mental health issues and she was looking for a way to convey her journey through song. Acclaimed singer-songwriter and singer Julia Michaels followed, who herself has written and recorded a number of hit songs over the years. These two ladies have a distinctive sound and are confident that they blend together in perfect harmony thanks to this feature. Ella Henderson has one of the most evocative and resounding voices on the contemporary music scene, but Julia Michaels’ songwriting has always been focused on subtle yet powerful notes. She excels at incorporating the soft touches of pain and vulnerabilities; in his world, silences speak much louder than words.

Still, the two are able to find common ground with “Take Care Of You”. From a genre perspective, it’s as contemporary pop as it gets, but the synth adds an electro-dance touch to the debates. Henderson normally opts for compositions with soaring choruses and various melodies, but here she reigns with aplomb. The chorus is light but fiery, and Henderson lets the elaborate string, bass and percussion production work its magic. The piano also continues to sound in the background, but it’s the occasional indentation in the strings that allows this piece to hit an emotional chord. The Composition Bridge has Henderson’s belt over a dramatic and radical melody that delves into both thoughts and achievements. Uplifting, punchy, emotional, there’s just something about this song’s approach that works to find the silver lining without being too sweet or overdone.

The accompanying video was obviously made during the forties, but the retro computer formats displayed will send everyone to their own memory. Speaking about what this song means to her, Henderson said, “This song is for everyone I love, as well as a message of self-care – a personal reminder to take care of myself, both mentally. and physically It was a time when I was pretty depressed, but a great song came out of it.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/Ynu-scMGUh4

Have you ever heard a song that touches you deeply? Every note played on the strings of the guitar and the keys of the piano produces a spellbinding sound that resonates in your mind for days, weeks, and even years to come. The Last of Us Part 2 is that song. A series of notes and chords perfectly together. A poignant narrative, brutal violence, and a grim yet realistic look at humanity all together swirl in a rippling tide that pulls the player down; constantly turning and turning until everything reached a dark, roaring crescendo.

Tuning the strings

The Last of Us Part 2 picks up immediately after the events of the original, as Joel explains how he slaughtered dozens of fireflies and dashed Ellie’s hopes of curing the infection just to save her life. It’s the tale of a very selfish story, and one that will undoubtedly continue to haunt him and Ellie for the rest of their lives.

Fast forward a few years. It has now been five years since Ellie and Joel returned to Jackson and set up a camp in the colony that Joel’s brother Tommy helped create. They both found their place in the community and did their best to forget the events at Saint Mary’s Hospital. Things seem to be going pretty well for our beloved survivors. Joel and Ellie grew closer, despite the secrets between them, and Ellie even managed to make friends along the way.

Sadly, peace doesn’t last forever, and The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t a happy story. Soon Ellie and Joel find themselves plunged beneath the surface of a cruel and choppy sea, a dark and relentless backwash pulling at their feet. It’s a beautifully executed event that helps shape the growth of multiple characters throughout the rest of the game.

I won’t go into too much depth about the story. There have been a ton of rumors and leaks already, and I’m not going to add any more to this pile. What I’ll say about the story is that there are some things you don’t expect. Twists and turns you won’t see coming. There are a lot of things that don’t always make sense the first time you see them, but it all comes together at the end. You might not like everything that happens or the aftermath that unfolds throughout the story, but I assure you it all takes place in one of the most cinematic and haunting experiences we have ever had. seen in a video game. Already.

Find harmony

One of the most striking things about Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic series is the developer’s approach to violence and global brutality. While the original showcased quite a bit of that brutality, the second chapter in Ellie and Joel’s story takes things up a notch, then continues to turn the dial even higher. The stealth assassinations sound and seem realistic, providing a dark and grim look at how our characters approach their issues.

The screams of the infected and the soldiers as the flesh burns from their bodies, the screams of enemies as they watch their friends and allies die beside them, it all comes together in lovely packaging that helps paint a dark look but realistic at the end of the world. The way cities began to revert to nature, dark green leaves paint entire sides of Seattle’s buildings as you explore, the land engulfing the world humanity once thought they had mastered.

It’s a dark, yet gorgeous take on how things could be if something like this happened, and the enhanced visuals that Naughty Dog on display in The Last of Us Part 2 only helps hit this. beauty house. Everything comes together like a different instrument in an orchestra, working cohesively to tell a story through sound. It’s beautiful and yet disturbing to see the way humans destroy each other as Ellie clashes with members of the Washington Liberation Front (often referred to as WLF) and Seraphites.

While the idea of ​​two factions may not be very appealing to some players, each group comes with their own challenges and different take on the world Ellie, Joel, and their friends live in. While the WLF see the world as their oyster, a force they can brutally subdue, the Seraphites work in a more deceptive way, using silent attacks and vegetation to wreak havoc on their enemies. It all works together to show just how violent the world is.

The combat system featured in the original returns, focusing heavily on cover and stealth as the primary means of taking down enemies, although it’s a bit more polished here. Of course, ammo is scarce in most cases, and while you’re more than welcome to shoot, the ability to craft items like arrows and smoke bombs opens up new avenues for taking out bad guys without alerting others in the process. the region. But beware, eliminating an enemy can cause one of his friends to come looking for him.

Arrows shot at you will sometimes stay in your body, causing you to pull them out or bleed slowly. Pump rifle shots tear pieces from the bodies of your enemies, sending blood, bones, and flesh to spit on walls and floors. Bullets from your rifle leave holes in the heads of your enemies. Each blow feels like a hammer smashing down, giving the combat a nice lumpy feel that many other games fail to fully deliver.

Building a living world

Much like the original, The Last of Us Part 2 also has a much bigger story to tell than Ellie and Joel’s. Notes left by survivors and soldiers tell how wars and fighting changed them. Some notes connect to each other, telling a long, cohesive story as you progress through the game. It’s a really great touch that helps make the world even more alive than it is. already.

This is where the game’s next big goal comes in. Where the original took a more linear approach to storytelling and exploring the world, The Last of Us Part 2 rewards players for watching in each. dark corner they meet. Safes, story pieces, and collectibles are plentiful around the world, sometimes hidden away in areas you might not think of exploring the first time you look around in the new areas. as you enter.

Long grass and narrow hallways give way to new rooms that Ellie can use to get around enemies and conserve ammo, though sometimes the game throws you straight into firefights with no way to avoid them. These moments are rare and Naughty Dog has done a great job of making these instances less offensive to the player.

From enemy bases to abandoned music stores, there are tons of environments to explore and navigate in The Last of Us Part 2. Each is detailed and feels unique as you browse through them, really helping to paint the image that it is indeed a life, breathing world that the player inhabit. Unfortunately, this living, breathing world comes at a cost, and there have been a few instances where events triggered did not trigger properly, forcing me to reload the save file at the nearest checkpoint to get things to click properly. .

A symphony of darkness

Naughty Dog continues to build on world design by enveloping the player in a beautifully crafted soundscape. The rush of the wind passing in front of your head, the whistling of arrows raining down on you as you move from cover to cover, it all fits in so well in the world. The glass cracks under your feet as you walk through it, the sound of running footsteps echoing through the dark hallways littered with infected. Sound design helps paint a disturbing and haunting image.

Atmosphere is not the only sound design on display, however. As mentioned earlier in the review, the sounds enemies make when they die, the gurgling of their blood in their throats as Ellie lodges her Switchblade deep in their necks, all add to the brutality that permeates the tune in The Last of Us Part 2. It’s a wild world, and recent events have turned the previously innocent girl from the original game into a dark and disturbed mess. But his actions are not absolute. Her actions have consequences, and as you delve into the story, Ellie struggles more and more to face the reflection in the dirty windows littering the abandoned storefronts of Seattle.

The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t for everyone. It is a dark and fascinating experience. A symphony of madness, revenge and brutality. It is the song of humanity’s greatest darkness and an absolute pleasure to participate in. The good people of Naughty Dog went above and beyond this time around. The clever mix of cutscenes and gameplay combine perfectly to create an unforgettable experience that rivals some of the greatest classics in American cinema. All you have to do is see it for yourself.

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This review is based on code provided by the publisher. The Last of Us Part 2 will be released exclusively for PlayStation 4 on June 19, 2020.