Dwelling of Duels: Franchise Fusion Month
Last month I started writing reviews for the Dwelling of Duels video game cover competition. In case you are not familiar with “DoD”, you chan check that entry out for an explanation.
The theme for this month was quite interesting! Artists had to combine two or more franchises or games, into a single cohesive cover. If I recall correctly, this was a theme proposed by TheManPF, who’s already proven he excels at this king of work with his amazing Dr. Wily cover that practically incorporates every other VGM anthem.
As expected, this was a “free” month in disguise, and the variety in terms of sources reflected this. Yes, there was a lot of Square Enix music (also expected). But this was exactly the perfect opportunity to cover tried and true sources, because combining them with something unexpected can yield incredible results.
You can listen to and download all entries directly throuh DoD’s website. And remember that you can watch a recording of the listening party (which takes place in Twitch each month), through DoD’s YouTube channel:
Without anything else to add, these are my reviews, written while anonymity was still enforced and before the voting period ended.
Reviews
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Doom – E1PM1
I love covers with good sound design, be it sound effects from the games or atmospheric samples. I also love swamp music, so this track was right up my alley.
I’m not at all familiar with Animal Crossing, and I’ve never been too much into Doom. Yet, I was able to recognize which sounds and melodies belong to each game. And the amazing part is that this anon blends those 2 completely different games together so they fit nicely with each other. Way to go beyond the meme and what a nice way to start the list of entries!
Castlevania, Final Fantasy – Imp Killer
There were a lot of ideas this month that left me wondering why no one had tried them before. I thought this was one of them when I read the title and games covered, since both are classic NES games that we all know and love. But being a “birb” entry, I have a hard time even distinguishing the melodies from each of the games.
The intro was interesting, both games’ atmospheres get integrated nicely. But then, as far as I can tell, it’s just one source from one game, and then the other.
Artist Prediction:
This tracks might seem like an inside DoD joke, but Unknown Pseudo Artist actively participates in at least two communities that I know of, and is known for doing “birb” covers. As you can tell if you see his avatar, his style of exaggerated vocals (“birbs”) are intended to sound like a Chocobo singing. I suspect he collaborated with Carrie Wood on this track, for a recorded voice message between the two sources.
Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy 8, Final Fantasy X – Square Off
This anon did a good job selecting some mellow tracks from Square Enix’s catalogue, for a pretty laid back cover. In terms of quality, there are several things to improve. I wasn’t a fan of the guitar tone and drums. Even for a chill track, I think there could be more interesting choices.
The execution sounded great when anon takes liberties and changes the notes in favor of maintaining the flow of the track. But towards the last few sources, it sounds to me like they were struggling to remember the right notes. Maybe they lacked time to rehearse? They could have benefitted from making the list of sources shorter.
I did love the idea of having a source be the accompaniment for each half of the track. Only recognized “Besaid Island” for the first half, though.
Chrono Trigger, Donkey Kong Country – Ambience of the Forest
In almost 30 years of video game covers, someone should have thought of this sooner. These are pratically the two most acclaimed ambient tracks to come out of the SNES, and arguably, two of the most iconic video game music pieces of all time.
Loved all the synths and effect choices, making Chrono sound like Donkey and viceversa. Often blending the two, but also making one source respond to the other at just the appropriate times. Excellent mashup!
Artists Prediction:
It took me a while, but after listening to it some more, the proggy additions make me think this is jnWake‘s work.
Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6 – Desert search for techno camel meat
Both sources go so well with this Arabic sounding style! The instrument choices and vocals are just spot on for this. Excellent sound quality as well: for a fully acoustic piece, everything sounds well recorded.
However, the concept alone carries this mashup, since the switching of sources is very noticeable. I would have rated it higher if the artist had experimented more in blending both sources. But what a great concept it is!
Dark Souls, Final Fantasy X – Sin of the First Flame
FFX’s “To Zanarkand” has never sounded so sinister! I love it!
I’m not familiar with the Dark Souls’ soundtrack, but I would recognize Zanarkand anywhere. So I can safely say that what the former brings to the table is a whole lot of atmosphere and also the accompaniment to the main melody. So in that way, it’s quite successful as a mashup, in my opinion. But it might leave Dark Souls fans hanging, since the melody from Zanarkand is so prevalent.
In terms of production, I think this would have benefitted greatly from some live strings. Maybe anon needs to reach out and collaborate more with members from the DoD community? Going solo is completely fine, but this would be mind-blowing with more real instruments.
Diablo, Mega Man 2 – Tristram Man
Such a haunting take on two classics! This entry does an excellent job of playing with your expectations and pulling the rug from under your feet. So in that sense, it succeeds as a mashup. However, the second half repeats some of the tricks and they lose a bit of impact, since you are kinda expecting them.
Loved the reverb, the quality of the recording and its simplicity. Only two instruments, and an excellent performance. A beautiful acoustic entry!
Doom, Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Hell Djivision
Much like “Tristram”, it’s only thanks to The OneUps that I’m familiar with “Hell March”. This is another excellent use of sound and voice effects to set the atmosphere (which is pretty much required, given the source). It promises djent in the title and it delivers, the track goes hard. However, being a march, the drums can get a little repetitive, so I would have loved more variety or experimentation on that end.
As far as I can tell, the sources get combined nicely throughout the track, proving that they definitely go well together.
Fable, Silent Hill – Tears of Light
Atmospheric tracks were a real treat this month, and even though they might not stand out enough to get a medal, I really enjoyed them. In fact, I think I’m gonna rely on another of DoD’s tradition and give out “awards” of my own as part of these reviews. A category for those will be atmospheric tracks, so keep an eye out for those at the end of this post.
This track comes precisely at the right time for me, since Pixel Mixers graced us with one of the best VGM albums of the year in a tribute to Silent Hill (more on that on the podcast’s monthly episode). So I’m thankful that the only Silent Hill entry of the month was this good. Excellent atmosphere and arranging, sources are completely blended together, and they translate well to synth. Anon definitely picked two pieces that fit.
Final Fantasy 4, Super Mario Bros. 3 – To Air is Shroomin’
An airship-themed mashup! Another march of pure metal, and this one goes places. Manages to keep me interested throughout, event when it’s more than 4 minutes long. A lot of variety in the arrangement, which makes way for some improv and a cool ending. Makes discrete use of sound effects at precisely the right times.
Excellent integration of both sources. Knowing is half the battle, and this anon definitely knew what to pick. They go together like bread and butter, and again, can’t believe no one tried it before.
Final Fantasy 5, Sonic the Hedgehog, Xenogears – Having the Time of My Life
I’m familiar with the VGM sources, but I admit I didn’t recognize the Dirty Dancing reference. I’ve heard the song on the radio, but never paid attention to the lyrics. They were so well adapted to the sources, that I didn’t recognize the melody. The result is extremely catchy, albeit a little corny.
Of all three, Xenogears is the one I’m the least familiar with. So I can’t fully attest to the integration of all sources, but from what I could tell, it’ was all tastefully done.
Artists Prediction:
This is definitely Ian Martyn‘s voice, and probably a solo piece.
Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 8, Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy 11, Chrono Trigger, Xenogears – Bad Aural
I gotta say that trying to get the whole of Square Enix’s catalogue into a single cover was not the best idea, for both entries that attempted it this month. Also, I get that the otamatone is often used as a joke instrument, but to me this feels like a mock entry to annoy the FF haters out there. However, even when I cannot take it seriously, the piano playing was actually quite nice. Would love to hear a “serious” cover from this anon.
It’s a succession of sources, with some ocasional use of a different source as backing for the otamatone, but that’s about it. So I can’t commend it on the arranging.
Final Fantasy 7, L.A. Noire – (I Always Die For) The Things I Love
I have to admit that I don’t know the sources, so I can’t comment about the quality of the mashup itself. I did recognize the prelude here and there. But this entry oozes style, with a smooth jazz band and both singers. I loved it based solely on the execution and concept. The gravely male voice is unlike anything I had heard before in VGM, and the female voice is an excellent addition. However, I think the latter gets a little buried in the mix, and she does arrive a tad late in the track. I would love to hear more covers from her in this style.
Artists Prediction:
By now, people know I’m not big on FFVII. So it’s not often that I get excited for yet another cover from that series of games. I do however, recognize, that Uematsu’s work on this game is some of his best. I ranted about this at length in Discord, which helped me remember the last time a FFVII cover got me interested, and it happened to be Andromeda‘s Cosmo Canyon from last year’s Final Fantasy month. Inadvertently, I believe my subconscious predicted one of the artists in this entry.
Final Fantasy 7, Resident Evil 2 – Stay Away
I love when people try to incorporate styles from mainstream music into video game covers. Much like the Dirty Dancing track, or the aforementioned tom-waitsy FFVII track, this entry is another example of that. It’s an obvious reference to Maynard James Keenan and his multiple projects, and while the spoken parts could have made me swear it was Maynard, the voice doesn’t quite get there for the more harmonious singing. Still, a very interesting concept that I would love to hear more of.
Sadly, even though I do enjoy Resident Evil 2’s soundtrack, it’s not the most identifiable of sources. However, I do detect the FFVII bits, and it all sounds gracefully integrated into the same style.
Final Fantasy 7, Ys 2: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter – Still More Sailing
I see no chance at all that this track won’t get first place. The quality and production values are over the ceiling, which is to be expected of the anon I suspect is behind it. It really isn’t my place to nitpick this, it sounds like it belongs in any triple AAA production out there. And even though I’ve never heard Ys 2’s soundtrack, I can tell that both sources are used in a constant exchange throughout. This, however, is not at all my favorite track of the month. But that is purely based on personal taste.
Artists Prediction:
This was most likely made by Ivan Hakštok, the orchestral and epic style kinda give it away.
Guilty Gear -Strive-, Fate/Stay Night Realta Nua – Like a LOSERs Naturally As a Matter Of Course
I have no idea what this entry is about. I don’t know the sources, the references, and I even forgot Fate was also a video game. The execution and instruments beneath all of the over-the-top singing sound like they could have been an interesting cover, but the main vocals ruin it for me this time. My only prediction would be too obvious, since we also have “birbs” at the beginning and ending, so I’ll refrain from it since I have no idea who’s behind the rest of the track.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo Tooie, Mass Effect 2 – Master Jiggywiggy’s Hyrulean Suicide Mission
I was wholeheartedly hoping that someone took this month’s banner art seriously just so I could put my Banjo-Kazooie Amiibo to good use. And fortunately, this anon delivered not only a great Banjo + Zelda cover, but also what is probably my top pick for this month. The prog-rock band approach is exactly my cup of tea, and the sources all get nicely integrated into the arrangement. Loved the violins and synths throughout. The synths at the end particularly, gave me a pretty good idea of the people behind this.
Artists Prediction:
I’m gonna go with Pokérus Project for this one, it sounds exactly in their style.
Alternate prediction:
I think the artists pretty much outed himself on chat, but to respect anonymity, I’ll try predicting some of his collaborators: Ronin OP F for the violin and Logan “Biggoron” Tuck for the synths.
Little Nemo: The Dream Master, Super Mario RPG – Cremini Dreams
A very interesting psychedelic prog-rock approach. Loved the chiptune sprinkled throughout the track as well.
During the first half of the track, I was unsure if I was already hearing some SMRPG. However, it was only my head playing tricks, since I lack sufficient exposure to Little Nemo’s soundtrack, but it’s catchy enough to have left an impression. Sadly, the track breaks in half with the sources from both games and doesn’t mix them up too much, even when we do return to Little Nemo at the end.
Mega Man X3, Super Mario 64 – Spikes that Sting
Another example of sources that go extremely well together, and I never would have imagined. What seems to be sampled percussions from SM64 do a great job at leading us in, and from there it’s each source’s phrases answering each other masterfully, with backing percussions bleeding from one into the other seamlessly.
This had all the potential to be a certified banger, but my only nitpick is that the sound quality could be improved. Still, it managed to get into my top 3 this month (see awards at the bottom).
Artists Prediction:
My intuition tells me this is Gregorio Franco, with some variations to his usual setup, since he apparently had computer troubles.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Pilotwings – Above the borders
Gotta love those ambient tracks. The sources’ relation is evident from the games they come from, but I don’t think I’ve heard them before. As such, it’s hard to tell which one is which, or how well they are integrated. However, the track does sound consistent, with no noticeable breaks or abrupt changes.
Love the guitar and synths, but there seems to be a barely audible hiss in one of the recordings. Not sure if it’s intentional. Amazing soundscapes nevertheless.
Minecraft, Risk of Rain 2, Undertale – The City Formerly Known as Moog
This starts out way too chill for it’s own good. I was loving yet another laid back track, but it quickly transforms into something at the other end of the spectrum. I wasn’t too fond of the quality in the guitar’s recording, since the synths sound much crispier in my opinion. The bass is loud and I don’t mind it, but the percussion didn’t do much for me either.
I focus on the production aspects, since I have absolutely no clue about the sources. I can’t tell them apart at all.
Punch-Out!!, Friday the 13th – Tyson Voorhees
I love puns, and the concept behind this was solid enough. However, the execution and production values are lacking a bit. The sources get interchanged often, but the contrast in styles is somewhat noticeable.
Smash TV, Final Fantasy 6 – Atma Smashed My TV
I’m not familiar with Smash TV, but I presume the voice samples are directly from that game (except the Kefka sample). I can barely tell when it’s not the Ultima Weapon theme, so I think the mashup was somewhat successful. I liked the bass and drums best, but wasn’t a fan of what seem to be sampled strings (correct me if I’m wrong there, please).
Spy Hunter, Metroid – Hunting Spies on Planet Zebes in a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
This started as a very interesting concept, and I love to hear “Item Room” covers, no matter how short. But again, the vocals completely ruin it for me. As a laid back nerdcore piece, this probably works. But it’m not a fan of that style of lyrics and unpolished vocals.
Super Mario RPG, Undertale – Death by Hammer (Mettaton vs. Smithy)
I was not expecting this at all. I had to go and look up the Undertale source just from how good and funky this is. Mixing it with probably the second best thing Yoko Shimomura has ever composed, only makes it better. Sources intersect quite a bit, but still, each one shines on its own at different intervals. The execution and quality is just what I’ve come to expect from these anons. This will most likely place in the top 3. I know it did in MY top 3.
Artists Prediction:
This is obviously the work of Logan “Biggoron” Tuck and Joe Newman, but I have no idea what other collaborators they had on board. Not Kev Ragone this time, as fas as I can tell.
The Hybrid Front, Metroid – The Metroid Front
Two “Item Room” covers in a single non-metroid themed month?? I liked this one alright. No idea about The Hybrid Front, but I could certainly distinguish the Metroid parts. Sadly, there were far too few of those, and the sources didn’t intersect at all. This is a pretty cool cover, but not a great mashup, in my opinion.
Loved the quirky synths, weird voice samples and all the instruments in general, but it’s basically 2 covers glued together.
Warioware: Twisted, Twisted Metal(2012), Metal Gear, Gears of War, War Zone, Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars, Mars Saga – Warioware: Twisted Metal Gears of War Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars Saga
The methodology behind this cover is what holds it down. Anon obviously had the skill to pull off some great stuff in different styles. But picking games at random by overlapping words in the title can only get you so far. It lacks cohesion in terms of style, and just as I was getting comfortable with one thing, switches to another one quite noticeably. Specially at the beggining, the jumps feel too awkward. Although it does get better later in the track.
I have no idea about any of the sources at all, but I don’t think it makes a difference since it’s just a “rapid fire” type of medley.
AWARDS
The Mega Mixtape Awards
These will get highlighted in The Mix, our podcast’s “best of the month” episode.
- Master Jiggywiggy’s Hyrulean Suicide Mission (Zelda: OoT / Banjo-Tooie / Mass Effect)
- Death by Hammer (Mettaton vs. Smithy) (SMRPG / Undertale)
- Spikes that Sting (MMX3 / SM64)
“Music To Relax To” Awards
The last two will also get mentioned in The Mix as background music, but #1 was truly the best ambient track.
- Honorary mention: Above the borders (Microsoft Etc… / Pilotwings)
- Ambience of the Forest (CT / DKC)
- Tears of Light (Fable / Silent Hill)
“I Can’t Believe No One Tried This Before” Awards
For merits in originality and advancement of VGM culture.
- Ambience of the forest (CT / DKC)
- To Air is Shroomin’ (FFIV / SMB3)
- Tristram Man (Diablo / MM2)
“I Can’t Believe This Is Video Game Music” Awards
Have your family or friends listen to this, they will never guess it’s VGM.
- (I Always Die For) The Things I Love (FFVII / L.A. Noire)
- Desert search for techno camel meat (CT / FFVI)
- Stay Away (FFVII / RE2)
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