Game Music - Akumajo Dracula X (34 tracks) +Album Reviews

Absolutely Amazing!!!

J. N. K | Central Mass | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Did anyone know that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was originaly to be released in the US as: "Castlevania: Nocturne in the Moonlight", but was later changed due to first-timer composer Rika Muranaka's brilliant musical score? If you have ever heard the musical score, wheather it be from the game or this soundtrack, you'll understand completely. Not only are most of the tracks between great and brilliant in terms of composition, but they're all also played with a real drummer, real bass player, real guitarist, and the most expensive and high-class keyboard one could find. Since this game was released in the US a couple of months before Final Fantasy VII, the jump in sound technology for gaming is phonomenal!Normally it isn't all that great to have a hard-core soundtrack for a midevil epic, but somehow the sheer slick attitude of the Castlevania series that not only allows it, but makes it work all the better with heavy rock and jazzy tunes. However, the large influence of Jazz, Techno and Rock music doens't mean that this soundtrack is void of both powerful and subtle symphonic tracks, some beautiful, some elegant, some apacalyptic.The range of both style and emotional content alone makes this a soundtrack to remember, but who has not thought to themselves how awesome Final Fantasy or Castlevania music would be if played in maximum quality? I have for years, but THIS IS maximum quality! This CD truly rivals that of Hollywood's best soundtracks ever (except a select few). It truly amazes me that composer Rika Muranaka was up until now but a sound-programmer, when he's a legendary composer in potential, rivalling Nobuo Uematsu and Yasonuri Mitsuda at their very bests!My CD has developed a scratch, and track #7 (Dance of Gold -- the Alchemy Labratory location theme) doesn't come in smoothly except at the begining and end. This scratch I know will get worse, and when it does, I'll rush imediately to go find my second copy of this godly CD. I've even constructed a treatment for a movie screenplay off of it! "The Tragic Prince", track #25 is quite literally the greatest track I've ever heard, and my punk freinds have grown to instantly love it, not knowing it's from a game! The select five best are alone worth the price! Hurry up, because while there may be many copies in existance, they're in high demand, and it's not too hard to see (or hear) why!"

The Perfect Soundtrack

J. N. K | 01/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If anyone has ever played the game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, they know that even with the great graphics and awesome gameplay--the sheer perfection of the entire game, there is one section that stands out above all the others: the music. From the first haunting notes, Michiru Yamane hooks you in to the game with his music, perfectly capturing the mood of each area in his tunes. One of the best qualities about this soundtrack is that it doesn't rely on just one genre of music. Most of it is classical, but you'll also find jazz, pop, punk rock, and even mixing between them (track 25, for example); no matter who you are, there will be at least one or two tracks on this album that you will enjoy.If you enjoy music, I highly recommend this album. And although it would probably be best for you to play through the game before listening to the soundtrack, it's not really necessary. If you know the reputation of Nobuo Uematsu and his music for the Final Fantasy games, this is just as good.All in all, a masterpiece."

The Perfect Soundtrack

A. J. Thomas | Ohio | 11/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I felt like updating my review of this item to correct an error I made and to also point out that the same composer, Michiru Yamane, has also composed the soundtrack for Aria of Sorrow on Game Boy Advance and Lament of Innocence for PS2 (Amazon, please start to sell this soundtrack).If anyone has ever played the game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, they know that even with the great graphics and awesome gameplay--the sheer perfection of the entire game, there is one section that stands out above all the others: the music. From the first haunting notes, Michiru Yamane hooks you in to the game with her music, perfectly capturing the mood of each area in his tunes. One of the best qualities about this soundtrack is that it doesn't rely on just one genre of music. Most of it is classical, but you'll also find jazz, pop, rock, and even mixing between them (track 25, for example); no matter who you are, there will be at least one or two tracks on this album that you will enjoy.If you enjoy music, I highly recommend this album. And although it would probably be best for you to play through the game before listening to the soundtrack, it's not really necessary. If you know the reputation of Nobuo Uematsu and his music for the Final Fantasy games, this is just as good, if not better.All in all, a masterpiece."

Symphonic Delight

Steven Alexander | Tracy, CA | 04/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people who are checking out these reviews have probably heard the soundtrack already, whether through playing the game or on compact disc (or perhaps both). While a lot has been said already and there's probably nothing profoundly great that I could add, I'd still like to give my two cents.

The score for this game is truly magnificent. Despite the fact that it's an OST it sounds as organic as many movie soundtracks, especially the classical pieces. "Dance of Pales," which has been mentioned at least a few times in other reviews, is an alluring and somewhat catchy piano piece that sounds like it would fit snugly in a ballet or in a ballroom dance. "Wood Carving Partita" has more of a Baroque feel because of the rather embellishing harpsicorde. Another sweet piece of music. "Dance of Gold" and "Tower of Mist" add more orchestral beauty, as well.

Perhaps the most hauntingly gorgeous track on the disc, however, is the eerily resplendent "Requiem of the Gods." I remember when I first began listening to this piece I literally felt the hairs of my neck stand on end. While it's easy to tell that the vocals are synthesized, they are nonetheless wonderful to listen to. My only complaint is that it's too short (as are many of the songs on here, after all, it is a score for a video game), clocking in at just a little over two minutes.

Keeping with the tradition of other Castlevania scores, there are, of course, many upbeat tracks as well, most of which have a more rock-type feel. The short, energetic "Prologue" is the first example you'll come across. It's a simple, but effective action piece. I also love the theme to "Dracula's Castle." It starts out a little slow and atmospheric, but it quickly builds into one of the games more fast-paced masterpieces. My favorite of all the rock-oriented tunes would have to be "The Tragic Prince" (also translated as "Nobleman of Sadness"). This piece really is kind of a combination of classical music and an electric guitar that borders on hardrock or even heavy metal (well, not quite). There is definitely a more rock emphasis, but I really enjoy the way the guitar and violins switch off in taking the lead. It's also one of the longer pieces, clocking in at just over four minutes. Only two pieces are longer, in fact, one of them being the ending song. Speaking of which, "I Am The Wind" sounds a little out of place here, being what they call a "J-pop" tune as opposed to instrumental, but it's still not a bad way to end the score. It has a nice melody and I even enjoy some of the lirics.

With all that's been said (by other reviewers as well as myself), if you are a lover of video game music and you can spare the cash then there is virtually no excuse for not getting this soundtrack if you haven't done so already. It's simply one of the better ones out there. I wouldn't dispute anyone who even goes so far as to say it's the best. It certainly is the best Castlevania soundtrack I've heard (and at one time I thought nothing could ever top Super Castlevania IV). Anyway, I've probably become a bit too longwinded in this review. If you were smart you would have stopped about halfway through and just bought the soundtrack already, lol. Oh well, thanks for reading and enjoy the music!

"

Galamoth says: THIS!!!...IT'S REALLY COOL!!!

BBVA Bancomer | Mérida, YUC MEX | 04/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, what can I say...IT'S CASTLEVANIA!!!...This soundtrack is AWESOME...every song is filled with deliciuos symphony sounds...each cent is WORTH IT...I mean, if you purchase this CD, it'll be a really good investment...not a spend...DON'T DOUBT IT...Purchase it."

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