Favorite PCM video game console sound

DragonmasterDan · 09/02/2011, 07:33 PM

In listening to various chiptunes I've found myself very drawn to listening to music coming out of the Master System. It has a very unique sound to it, I could listen to 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog or Phantasy Star 1 music for hours.

Does anyone have a favorite system soundchip?

ParanoiaDragon · 09/03/2011, 01:04 AM

The Turbob & the NES are my favorites. I've never been big on FM, though, there's deffinitly some good stuff on the SMS & Genesis despite my general dislike of FM.

ccovell · 09/03/2011, 06:45 PM

Don't you mean PSG or chip?

PCM usually refers to wavetable sample-based systems like the SNES, and even CDs.

ParanoiaDragon · 09/03/2011, 07:02 PM

I was thinking he meant in a general sense, so many terms get thrown around for the type of sound chips that us un-coders tend to get confused.

Tatsujin · 09/03/2011, 07:49 PM

SID for ever in my heart

But am also big fan of some good fm sounds, like some good old sst sounds on the system16.

thrush · 09/03/2011, 11:03 PM

I agree, DMDan! I listen to a variety of chiptunes regularly: my library currently contains mostly C64, NES, SMS, and demoscene stuff, but the PCE collection is growing and I have a few GameBoy soundtracks, too. Although I like compositions across the board I have really been drawn to the sound of the SMS (which I have never yet owned); it is probably heresy to say this here, but my favourite version of the Ys 1 soundtrack is the SMS rendition for this very reason. There's just something about it....

Mathius · 09/04/2011, 12:55 AM

I was listening to the Dungeon Explorer soundtrack while playing the game this morning and I can't stress enough how cool it is! Especially for a first generation title. Whoever composed that soundtrack should get a free ticket to heaven.

With that said I love music across all fields as well. The NES, PCE, SNES, and Genesis all have their standout tracks. Konami did a great job with their work on the NES with Life Force, Contra, and Castlevania. Sunsoft and Technosoft were masters of the Mega Drive FM chip. Do I need to explain why the PCE rules in this regard? As tinny as it can sound, it is still wows me! Capcom and Nintendo worked their asses off making music for their SNES games that sounded like they looked, like in Street Fighter II and Super Metroid.

However, I am surprised by the amount of love going around for the SMS. I just didn't expect it. But, I will say that the older I get the more I am endeared to it.

ParanoiaDragon · 09/04/2011, 01:34 AM

Quote from: Mathius on 09/04/2011, 12:55 AMI was listening to the Dungeon Explorer soundtrack while playing the game this morning and I can't stress enough how cool it is! Especially for a first generation title. Whoever composed that soundtrack should get a free ticket to heaven.

With that said I love music across all fields as well. The NES, PCE, SNES, and Genesis all have their standout tracks. Konami did a great job with their work on the NES with Life Force, Contra, and Castlevania. Sunsoft and Technosoft were masters of the Mega Drive FM chip. Do I need to explain why the PCE rules in this regard? As tinny as it can sound, it is still wows me! Capcom and Nintendo worked their asses off making music for their SNES games that sounded like they looked, like in Street Fighter II and Super Metroid.

However, I am surprised by the amount of love going around for the SMS. I just didn't expect it. But, I will say that the older I get the more I am endeared to it.

The guy responsible for Dungeon Explorer, was also involved with Bonk's 1 & 2, Legendary Axe 2, Twin Cobra, & a wrestling game, I think it was Monster Pro Wrestling.

Tatsujin · 09/04/2011, 05:35 AM

I can lissen to the sms only with fm add-on.

Joe Redifer · 09/04/2011, 05:39 AM

I am not as limited as you. I can appreciate any sound chip and style. Except country.

Tatsujin · 09/04/2011, 06:31 AM

I can also appreciate almost any chips and style, but plain sms musics gives me earpain in 85% cases.

ccovell · 09/04/2011, 08:19 AM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 09/04/2011, 01:34 AMThe guy responsible for Dungeon Explorer, was also involved with Bonk's 1 & 2, Legendary Axe 2, Twin Cobra, & a wrestling game, I think it was Monster Pro Wrestling.

Dungeon Explorer, Bonk, Twin Cobra = Masuko "Macco" Tsukasa
Maniac Pro Wrestling, Bonk 1 & 2, Legendary Axe II (most likely) = Hirohiko Takayama.

Mathius · 09/04/2011, 12:22 PM

Quote from: ccovell on 09/04/2011, 08:19 AM
Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 09/04/2011, 01:34 AMThe guy responsible for Dungeon Explorer, was also involved with Bonk's 1 & 2, Legendary Axe 2, Twin Cobra, & a wrestling game, I think it was Monster Pro Wrestling.
Dungeon Explorer, Bonk, Twin Cobra = Masuko "Macco" Tsukasa
Maniac Pro Wrestling, Bonk 1 & 2, Legendary Axe II (most likely) = Hirohiko Takayama.

They can't both be Bonk!

Unless Macco composed for Bonk 3.

Joe Redifer · 09/04/2011, 07:42 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 09/04/2011, 06:31 AMI can also appreciate almost any chips and style, but plain sms musics gives me earpain in 85% cases.

You could have some ear disorder where certain frequencies cause physical pain.

ccovell · 09/04/2011, 07:48 PM

Quote from: Mathius on 09/04/2011, 12:22 PMThey can't both be Bonk! Unless Macco composed for Bonk 3.

Look at Journey to Silius on the NES. The credits list 5 people in the sound staff.

ParanoiaDragon · 09/04/2011, 08:04 PM

Quote from: ccovell on 09/04/2011, 08:19 AM
Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 09/04/2011, 01:34 AMThe guy responsible for Dungeon Explorer, was also involved with Bonk's 1 & 2, Legendary Axe 2, Twin Cobra, & a wrestling game, I think it was Monster Pro Wrestling.
Dungeon Explorer, Bonk, Twin Cobra = Masuko "Macco" Tsukasa
Maniac Pro Wrestling, Bonk 1 & 2, Legendary Axe II (most likely) = Hirohiko Takayama.

I had a feeling it was more confusing then what I had posted. I get the feeling that in one way or another Macco was involved, at the very least, with just the sound engine itself.

Mathius · 09/04/2011, 08:36 PM

Quote from: ccovell on 09/04/2011, 07:48 PM
Quote from: Mathius on 09/04/2011, 12:22 PMThey can't both be Bonk! Unless Macco composed for Bonk 3.
Look at Journey to Silius on the NES. The credits list 5 people in the sound staff.

Yeah, I thought of that after I posted. Heh, sorries.

Tatsujin · 09/04/2011, 09:01 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 09/04/2011, 07:42 PM
Quote from: Tatsujin on 09/04/2011, 06:31 AMI can also appreciate almost any chips and style, but plain sms musics gives me earpain in 85% cases.
You could have some ear disorder where certain frequencies cause physical pain.

No way, Josey

thrush · 09/04/2011, 09:09 PM

Quote from: ccovell on 09/04/2011, 07:48 PMLook at Journey to Silius on the NES. The credits list 5 people in the sound staff.

Which just happens to have some of my favourite NES tracks on it. ^_^

For clarity, I also really like the SNES & MD as well, they just aren't what I think of when I think "chiptunes".

Regarding sensitivity to particular frequencies, I know that some part of my central nervous system really gets off on high-pitched electronic tones that hurt most of my friends' ears. (If you've heard Satellite 1 by Purple Motion, Elysium by Jester, or best of all Winter's Dream by Excursion you know what I mean.) I always figured it was some genetic difference.... Maybe this is related to my fondness for the SMS?

SignOfZeta · 09/04/2011, 10:42 PM

I actually like SNES and Neo Geo the most. I know that puts me in a minority here, but I also don't own a fixed gear bike or any Ninja Turtles trading cards.

Although we don't here it a lot, I also like the Saturn chip. Usually it just plays CDs, but the music in Panzer Azel is very good, almost all of which is chip tunes.

Vecanti · 09/05/2011, 01:57 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 09/04/2011, 05:39 AMI am not as limited as you. I can appreciate any sound chip and style. Except country.

Ha ha!

Joe Redifer · 09/05/2011, 02:42 AM

Zeta, what tunes would you recommend for Neo Geo listening? I have the Universe BIOS for automatic sound tests in each and every game. Unfortunately those games are hard to come by and I don't trust others to record them with exceptionally high quality.

The Saturn has a cool sound chip. Other games that are pure chip-goodness on that system are Bulk Slash, Scorcher, Astal and probably a lot of others I can't think of right now.

ccovell · 09/05/2011, 04:09 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 09/05/2011, 02:42 AMwhat tunes would you recommend for Neo Geo listening?

I'll give my recommendation!

GREAT music

ASO / Alpha Mission II
Blazing Star (prerecorded tho)
Magician Lord
Metal Slug 2, X, 3...
Nam 1975
Pulstar (prerecorded tho)
Samurai Shodown 1,2...
Sengoku
Thrash Rally / Rally Chase
Viewpoint
Zed Blade (just awesome!)

Good music

Andro Dunos
Crossed Swords
Last Resort
Metal Slug
Robo Army (good piano solos)

Tatsujin · 09/05/2011, 05:31 AM

View Point is ubergeil!

Last Resort is one of the darkest VG Musics ever.

Mathius · 09/05/2011, 07:41 AM

I never really thought of Chiptunes coming from a system from the 32-Bit era. The N64 always seemed midi-like to me, and I can't remember if I heard anything coming from the PlayStation.

Joe Redifer · 09/05/2011, 05:04 PM

Why no recommendation from Metal Slug 4? The first stage is awesome.

ccovell · 09/05/2011, 06:54 PM

Quote from: ccovell on 09/05/2011, 04:09 AM3...

Joe Redifer · 09/05/2011, 07:08 PM

4. It deserves to be listed over 3! In fact 4 and 5 are really the only Metal Slugs where I actually enjoyed the music enough to listen to away from the game.

Tatsujin · 09/05/2011, 09:07 PM

I also very dig the x68Ks FM tootling

Vecanti · 09/06/2011, 12:12 AM

PSG vs FM

PSG for the WIN! ;)

Tatsujin · 09/06/2011, 12:21 AM

Do the same with f.e. an R-Type

FM for the WIN! ;)

Arkhan Asylum · 09/06/2011, 12:47 AM

I like mostly all of it. Except the Atari 2600. That shit shouldn't have left the factory like that.

My favorites are the PCE and FM in the Genesis or MSX.

There is some badass fuckin FM musics right thurrrrrrr

Joe Redifer · 09/06/2011, 01:29 AM

Quote
PSG vs FM

PSG for the WIN! ;)

Wow, I don't like the way that either of those tunes sounded. The problem with SMS FM usually lies in the percussion. It's dreadful and weak. The PSG side does much better percussion.

ccovell · 09/06/2011, 09:37 AM

The reason is that most SMS games that use FM have a single (more or less) set of notation data which maps to default "instruments" at runtime depending on if it's PSG or FM. Meaning, there's no dynamism in the instrumentation at all during songs. A couple exceptions tend to be Compile music: Golvellius and R-Type are pretty darn good in both PSG and FM.

FM-Pac stuff on the MSX (using the same FM hardware) tends to be much better because it's not hindered by PSG downward compatibility.

geise · 09/06/2011, 10:47 AM

I have to agree with Joe on Metal Slug 4 having amazing music. It is my least favorite Metal Slug by far but the music is so amazing!
As far as my favorite game music tune, that is so hard for me to really choose. It's kind of a tie for me between Contra 3 The Alien Wars and Actraiser. I know it's blasphemy I didn't choose a PC-Engine game, but Dungeon Explorer would be a close 3rd.

Joe Redifer · 09/06/2011, 05:54 PM

What is it with Konami removing sound tests when localizing many of their SNES games? Why didn't developers of games for other cnsoles embrace the sound test as much as developers for the Mega Drive did? It really pisses me off that some of the great sounding PC Engine games do not have a sound test. Oh, what I wouldn't give for a CD-ROM that lets me load and listen to just the music from each PSG game (CD games included) through the Turbo's sound hardware (not redbook audio).

Tatsujin · 09/06/2011, 08:19 PM

Yeah, games w/o a sound menu are just half-finished goods.

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Favorite PCM video game console sound