Mega Man 1 – 6 Techno Arrange Ver.
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Album Title: Mega Man 1 – 6 Techno Arrange Ver. |
| Record Label: Team Entertainment |
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| Catalog No.: KDSD-00174 |
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| Release Date: December 19, 2007 |
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| Purchase: Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
Wow. It’s been 20 years since the first release of Mega Man or Mega Man for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Who knew he’d still be alive and kicking at this day and age, even if the original Mega Man has long been retired? Given that it is essentially his 20th birthday, he was given, as a present from Team Entertainment, techno and rock arranged albums. The techno arrangement album was done by Shinji Hosoe, known for his work with Super Sweep. Given his excellent electronica compositional skills and arranging abilities, how does Hosoe fare in commemorating the Blue Bomber’s 20th birthday, the age of adulthood in Japan?
Body
Unlike its rock counterpart, there isn’t really anything bad I can say about this arrangement album. Ever since I first heard it, I make it a daily ritual to listen to it. That may sound obsessive, but trust me, it’s that good. As with the rock arrangement, the track selection for this is just as strong, if not stronger. While there are a few surprises, they were all arranged beautifully. The entire arrangement seems to have a nice airy feel to it and it really shows Hosoe’s skill at arranging for electronica. While I won’t go through every track, I will mention my personal favorites.
Mega Man 2 has its share of pretty awesome arrangements, including “Dr. Wily Stage 1,” “Airman,” “Heatman,” and “Quickman.” Out of these, “Airman” and “Quickman” are definitely the best of the original soundtrack. The “Airman mix” is definitely my favorite arrangement on the album. It starts off very mellow and has subtle hints of the original theme. From there, the pace is exceedingly quickened and the original melody is overlayed on top of some really interesting beats.
“Quickman mix” is quite interesting. It has a very tribal-like atmosphere to it. The beats are very rhythmic and there are the occasional chanting vocals. It’s quite fun to listen to. Of course, what would this arranged album be without “Snakeman” from Mega Man 3? This remix starts off with a screaming “Rock this!” and that’s just what Hosoe does. Clearly influenced by Hosoe’s Sampling Masters work, “Snakeman mix” is an energetic arrangement full of fun and quirkiness. Some people have even described it as Mega Man meets Ridge Racer!
I’d say my second favorite is easily “Flameman mix.” There’s just some charming aspect to it, whether it is in the simplicity of the arrangement, or the awesome xylophonic samples, reminiscent of the Gust team. Either way, it’s definitely the most fun arrangement on here in my opinion. Lastly, I’ll mention “Magnetman mix”. This is definitely a very rhythmic arrangement as well, featuring a very nice bass line, rising scales, and some electronic German counting down to the next portion of the main melody. There is just so much going on in this track, your ears are almost in a state of overload!
Summary
This arranged album easily topples its rock counterpart. Shinji Hosoe does an awesome job at arranging and composing electronica and it was only fitting that he was chosen to arrange for Mega Man’s birthday bash. His arrangements offer both respect to the original material as well as offer a hint of Hosoe’s quirkiness in arrangement. If you are a fan of Mega Man, or a fan of Hosoe, this surprisingly accessible album can not be missed.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
4.5
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on August 1, 2012.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
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