shrugo's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Mansion Hopeless(Gametime)]

It's not bad, but it is a bit repetitive. I understand that video game music tends to be repetitive, but it does feature a decent amount of variation. This is closer to like a hip-hop or rap type track. Also, the build up is very slow. Something about game music that I really only just realized recently is that except for a few exceptions, the music should have a relatively short build-up and then immediately play a decently catchy melody. Exceptions would be major boss battles, which can take a while to build up, and certain area songs (which might never actually build up anywhere).

liljchosen responds:

Go check out the original mansion hopeless that I made. It is a hip hop beat indeed, but video game hip hop. This version is the same, minus the kicks and all, it's for those that want a different experience with the same track, but thanks a lot for the review. I do indeed need to work on the variations in the gametime versions instead.

[MM2-Wily Castle 1&2]

It's okay. Don't get me wrong, I love the song. But the lead "guitar" is kind of annoying just because of how often that's used. Further, while I love the original a lot, I would have liked it if there was musical variation on this piece, making it stand out from the original.

[Egg Rocket Zone 80s Mix]

This is pretty cool! It's outside my normal spectrum of music appreciation, but it's actually quite good.
I think you've captured the sounds of the original piece and the genre almost perfectly.

[Dawn of Fate]

Pretty good stuff here. It's obvious to me that the percussion was a labor of love, but I feel like the rest of the track could have used some embellishment upon the original (making it your own or something) but it was good nonetheless (it helps that I love that song).

deliverance84 responds:

"Who are you boatman" You clearlly listened well, you got it bang on somehow, I did spend way more time on the percussion than the melody. Since kingdom hearts remixes seem to be well received here, I might try and go crazy on this one. Thanks for the review.

[Castle - retro RPGish WIP]

Haha I can hear the writers' block (I hate that stuff man).
I really enjoy the woodwind stuff a lot, actually.

[8-bit Inferno]

This is pretty amazing!
You take that classic Takashi Tateishi sound, but you apply your own distinct style to it. It has a very distinct metal influence, I would say. It's beautiful.
You did a wonderful job keeping the song interesting! I was gripped for the entire 6:17! It's kind of a shame that it doesn't loop endlessly, but the sudden end also plays to the song's strengths!

And I have to say, I do feel the love in this piece. All kinds of love, but it's always love coming out of this song. I can feel tears of joy and sadness welling up inside me at the same time. Strange how these feelings are so similar to each other, yet so distinct...

Anyway, as far as games go, I would have to say that such a song would only work for certain circumstances to be sure! The length of the song would suggest something along the lines of a JRPG, which would allow a song of this length to be fully appreciated, but the style is definitely that of a fast paced action platformer like Mega Man! It could possibly work in an arcade style fighting game too, and probably also games like Raiden and Contra.

If you are looking for a niche, I'd say you've found it.
Excellent job!
Please keep up the good work.

[Initiate]

This has a great feel for rhythm! I don't necessarily approve of all the choices of instruments, though. I would suggest switching some of the piano parts onto a simular instrument that has a little more umph, like a rock organ of some type. (Mainly the stuff before the halfway mark. The stuff in the middle is fine as it is; it creates a nice dichotomy.)
I enjoy the freedom you take with your chord progression. It's nice to see someone mixing it up a bit.
Also I would try and find a more full sounding drum instrument (VST or Soundfont or whatever). The one here sounds a little bit weak, but your choice of drum composition is actually very nice.
I do like your bass though! It reminds me a bit of some Genesis-era stuff!
I forgot to mention that there are a few parts that I really like in particular: 0:51-1:15, 1:19-1:26 (this part has a very strong Justice/Daft Punk feel that you only really find in French House! Very good stuff there) 1:33-1:52

I'm not so sure if this would fit into a game very well, but I can't say for sure. It definitely would work for some games, probably a platformer of some type (I'm thinking Sonic gameplay for a boss battle). As a song, though, it is very nice.

Croirefly responds:

Thanks so much for the full review! It helps me become better and I really appreciate it :)

[Vidyagame Music 4 Videogames 2]

This is pretty chill. It would go well with a puzzle game or a puzzle-platformer, if the game were chill too.

[Nocturne-Strolling Search]

Pretty good. My main complaint is that this track lacks some melodic variation for a good portion of the loop. I would suggest messing around with building a little tension more around the :30 mark a gripping melody line.
This would fit well for some kind of racing/surfing type of game I think, actually.

NocturneLabs responds:

You're absolutely right. I'm going to reopen the file and put a melody in there :) I threw this together the first time in about 30 minutes, and didn't catch that it was lacking. Thanks for the review / listen ^-^

[Snowy Song]

Very nice! I say the weakest part of the song was actually the very beginning. I felt like it was lacking a bit of something to catch my attention, but the rest of the song was perfect for the atmosphere.
I suggest listening to Junichi Masuda's works (particularly his Gold & Silver stuff) if you want to expand in this direction! Keep up the good work.