Strap into a Zig and get ready to move for great justice, because Justin and Mike are diving deep into the musical history of the shoot ’em up stalwarts themselves, Toaplan! From the early arcade beginnings to partnerships with some of Japan’s biggest publishers like Taito and Capcom, Toaplan’s composers knew how to create driving… Continue reading Episode 2 – Toaplan, An Audio History

Episode 2 – Toaplan, An Audio History

XVGM Radio is a VGM podcast, done in the style of a radio show. It was established in 2018 with one simple mission in mind: to bring an awesome & ecclectic mix of Video Game Music to your ears! Each episode will bring you new music, new topics, and hopefully show you something you may not have heard, or might not have thought to listen to otherwise. With co-hosts Mike Levy and Justin Schneider, you’ll hear from game music composers, fellow VGM lovers and podcasters as well as musicians within the scene. Join the guys (and their producer, a Metroid named Janine,) as they take game music podcasting to a whole new level (complete with caller requests from game characters mixed with ones from Patreon members plus….silly commercials!) XVGM Radio….Where the Bits Keep Comin’!  We release shows (episodes) on a monthly basis – usually on the middle-most Wednesday.

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Music Commentary


High score rankings have been a thing since the 70s in video games. But the music layered behind them didn’t really pick up until the 80s. Justin and Mike examine these tunes to explore the eastern vs western comparisons. Eastern composers tend to create much shorter high score music than western composers and the guys find a few tracks here and there that do show the differences in tone and style. Filled with influences from prog and classic rock, funk, r&b;, dance and new wave genres, today’s episode pulls no punches with tracks from Amiga, arcade, 16 bit systems and even some redbook audio! There’s even a newer track buried in here to prove that high score tunes have a life beyond the 80s and 90s! We hope you’ll rank this one high on your podcast list!
What did you think of this episode and the tunes? Got a favorite track you heard today or a suggestion? Shoot us an email at XVGMRadio@gmail.com or join in on the discussion at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XVGMradio
Also, we have a Discord Channel! Join us and chat about the show, share a random or obscure VGM song you love, or just chit chat with Mike and Justin about tacos! Join for free here: https://discord.gg/zWxDYfn
Thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons: Cam Werme, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Scott McElhone, Jordan & Anson Davis, Rayjkayj, Llama Adam, Super Best Friends Club aka Rhythm & Pixels, Kung Fu Carlito, Nick Davis, Ryan McPherson, Marques Stewart, Scott Brackett, and Brad Austin. Become a Patron, get cool rewards, and more at http://www.Patreon.com/XVGMRadio
Check out all episodes of XVGM Radio on www.youtube.com/dongled for another more visual format!
Our Twitter and Instagram are great ways to interact with us! Find us on there under our handle @XVGMRadio
If you’re an Apple Podcasts listener, please consider leaving a rating and a review to let us know how we’re doing! It also helps with getting the show to show up when others are searching for VGM!
TRACK LISTING:
Intro – Ridge Racer Revolution (PS1 – 1996) “High Score Screen” Nobuhide Isayama, Hiroshi Okubo
1 – Spider Man/X-Men Arcade’s Revenge (SNES – 1992) “High Score Table” Geoff Follin, Tim Follin
2 – Leatherneck (1988 – AMI) “High Score” David Whittaker
3 – GODS (GEN – 1992) “High Score Tune” Richard Joseph, Nation 12 (John Foxx,) Jason Page (Mega Drive Conversion)
4 – Dangerous Seed (ARC – 1989) “Name Entry” Yoshinori Nagumo
5 – Patreon Pick: Ryan McPherson – Kirby’s Pinball Land (GB – 1993) “High Score Entry” Tadashi Ikegami
6 – Gradius III (SNES – 1990) “King of Kings” Kazuki Muraoka, Kazuhiko Uehara, Harumi Ueko, Yukie Morimoto
7 – Final Vendetta (SWI/Xbone/PS4- 2022) “High Score Board” Featurecast, Utah Saints
8 – Strider Returns: Journey from Darkness (1993 – GEN) “High Score” Unknown Composer
9 – Battle Squadron (AMI – 1989) “High Score 2” Yvo Zoer, Ron Klaren
10 – Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire (PCE-CD – 1995) “High Scores – Name Entry” T’s Music Limited Company

Episode 112 – High Score Jamz


Many of today’s indie and AA developers know their retro. That’s why there’s an abundance of amazing games available for modern platforms which channel the games of our pasts. Thankfully, game composers of the current era haven’t forgotten the roots of VGM either, as the amount of modern games which rely on catchy melodies, punchy drums and FM tones is alive and well. On today’s XVGM Radio, Justin and Mike uncover some of their favorite game music styled like the 8-bit and 16-bit tunes that raised them. Tons of interesting conversation about Justin wearing diapers, wax nostalgic Strong Bad references (20XD6!)
What did you think of this episode and the tunes? Got a favorite track you heard today or a suggestion for another modern retro classic? Shoot us an email at XVGMRadio@gmail.com or join in on the discussion at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XVGMradio
Also, we have a Discord Channel! Join us and chat about the show, share a random or obscure VGM song you love, or just chit chat with Mike and Justin about tacos! Join for free here: https://discord.gg/zWxDYfn
Thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons: Cam Werme, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Scott McElhone, Jordan & Anson Davis, Rayjkayj, Llama Adam, Rob & Pernell Super Best Friends Club aka Rhythm & Pixels, Kung Fu Carlito, Nick Davis, Ryan McPherson, Marques Stewart, Scott Brackett, and Brad Austin. Become a Patron, get cool rewards, and more at http://www.Patreon.com/XVGMRadio
Check out all episodes of XVGM Radio on www.youtube.com/dongled for another more visual format!
Our Twitter and Instagram are great ways to interact with us! Find us on there under our handle @XVGMRadio
If you’re an Apple Podcasts listener, please consider leaving a rating and a review to let us know how we’re doing! It also helps with getting the show to show up when others are searching for VGM!
TRACK LISTING:
Intro – Venture Kid (SWI/WIN/IOS – 2016) “Title Theme” Matt Creamer
1 – The Messenger (SWI – 2018) “Fire & Earth (Elemental Skylands)” Rainbow Dragon Eyes
2 – Phantom Breaker Battlegrounds (360/VITA/SWI/PS4/XBONE – 2013) “Costly Wish (FM Version)” Takeshi Abo
3 – Patreon Pick – RayjKayj – World of Horror (PC – 2023) “School Combat” Sebastian Zybowski (ArcOfDream), Joseph Bailey
4 – Panzer Paladin (SWI/PC – 2020) “USA (Classic)” Patrice Bourgeault
5 – 20XX (PC – 2014) “Pseudocode” Brandon Ellis (credited as Cityfires)
6 – La-Mulana EX (Wii – 2011) “Mr. Explorer” Takumi Naramura, Houyru Samejima
7 – Crawl (PC – 2014) “Curses” Alex Yoder
8 – Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 (SWI/XBONE/PS4/WIN – 2020) “Roaring Cascade” Ippo Yamada, Hiroaki Sano, Takumi Sato, Ryo Yoshinaga, Yusuke Sakai, Hiroyuki Sato, Masahiro Aoki, Takuya Tsuda
9 – Ex-Zodiac (PC – 2022) “Data Harrier” +TEK
10 – Steel Assault (SWI/WIN/XBONE/PS4 – 2021) “Into The Fray” Joseph Bailey, Luca Della Regina

Episode 111 – Modern Retro Game Music


Music touches all aspects of the soul. It’s a large part of what makes us human. In tough times or happy moments and everything in between, music can be therapy in many ways and video game music is no different. On today’s episode, we sit down for a chat with Norihiko Hibino and listen to one of his favorite genre offerings: Jazz music. We listen to a few tracks from his latest album, Jazz Resort, Vol. 2. He talks about his influences (John Coltrane,) and shares stories about his time at Konami (What was lunch time like in Konami’s headquarters?) Mike asks some blatantly selfish questions about Castlevania and we learn about some close, personal composer friends of his. We also get to hear stories about Hideo Kojima and how Hibino’s hectic schedule worked when composing for multiple projects at the same time. For Konami, Metal Gear and Jazz fans, this is an episode you DO NOT want to miss!
Huge thanks to Scarlet Moon Productions and Jayson Napolitano for making this happen for us! Check out Hibino’s album, Jazz Resort, Vol 2. Here: https://scarletmoonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/jazz-resort-vol-2
Also, we can’t thank Norihiko Hibino enough for taking time out of his schedule to chat with us about his amazing music. Please check out Norihiko Hibino’s social medias and websites here:

* https://twitter.com/norihikohibino
* https://www.facebook.com/HibinoSoundTherapyLab/
* https://hstl.net

What did you think of this episode and Jazz Resort Vol 2? Got a favorite track you heard today?  Shoot us an email at XVGMRadio@gmail.com or join in on the discussion at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XVGMradio
Also, we have a Discord Channel! Join us and chat about the show, share a random or obscure VGM song you love, or just chit chat with Mike and Justin about tacos! Join for free here: https://discord.gg/zWxDYfn
Thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons: Cam Werme, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Scott McElhone, Jordan & Anson Davis, Rayjkayj, Llama Adam, Kung Fu Carlito, Nick Davis, Ryan McPherson, Marques Stewart, Scott Brackett, and Brad Austin. Become a Patron, get cool rewards, and more at http://www.Patreon.com/XVGMRadio
Check out all episodes of XVGM Radio on www.youtube.com/dongled for another more visual format!
Our Twitter and Instagram are great ways to interact with us! Find us on there under our handle @XVGMRadio
If you’re an Apple Podcasts listener, please consider leaving a rating and a review to let us know how we’re doing! It also helps with getting the show to show up when others are searching for VGM!
TRACK LISTING: (All songs by Norihiko Hibino)
Intro – “There’s Always A Path” from Norihiko Hibino’s Jazz Resort, Vol 2.
1 – Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (GBC – 2000) “Infiltration 2” Kazuki Muraoka (Sound Direction)
2 – Zone of the Enders (PS2 – 2001) “You Need This Done To You”
3 – Ninja Blade (360/PC – 2009) “Main Theme”
4 – Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2 – 2004) “The Pain”
5 – Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand (GBA – 2003) “The Count of Groundsoaking Blood”
Intermission – “I Miss You” from Norihiko Hib...

Episode 110 – Musical Therapy: An Interview w/ Norihiko Hibino


It’s that time of year again! It’s January in a new year and as always with XVGM Radio, we bring in the big guns: NikoTengoku! Our old pal and honorary third co-host Niko joins us once again to ring in 2024 with a somber note: Emotional VGM. Whether the moments in the games touched our heartstrings or the songs made it look like we were cuttin’ onions, we’ve assembled a list of tracks here that hit our souls in a way that other VGM hasn’t. Grab the tissues and shed some tears to the softer side of video game music with 11 songs chosen by the three hosts (and one by Patron Cam Werme) that you’ll remember for days to come. Prepare for some emotional damage on this episode of XVGM Radio!
What did you think of these sad songs? Got a favorite track?  Shoot us an email at XVGMRadio@gmail.com or join in on the discussion at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XVGMradio
Also, we have a Discord Channel! Join us and chat about the show, share a random or obscure VGM song you love, or just chit chat with Mike and Justin about tacos! Join for free here: https://discord.gg/zWxDYfn
Thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons: Cam Werme, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Scott McElhone, Jordan & Anson Davis, Rayjkayj, Llama Adam, Kung Fu Carlito, Nick Davis, Ryan McPherson, Marques Stewart, Scott Brackett, and Brad Austin. Become a Patron, get cool rewards, and more at http://www.Patreon.com/XVGMRadio
Check out all episodes of XVGM Radio on www.youtube.com/dongled for another more visual format!
Our Twitter and Instagram are great ways to interact with us! Find us on there under our handle @XVGMRadio
If you’re an Apple Podcasts listener, please consider leaving a rating and a review to let us know how we’re doing! It also helps with getting the show to show up when others are searching for VGM!
TRACK LISTING:
Intro (Niko) – Paper Mario: The Origami King (Switch – 2020) “Chit-Chat Over Coffee” – Yoshito Sekigawa
1 – Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (WiiU, Switch – 2014) – “Seashore Wars” – David Wise
2 – Gris (PC/SWI – 2018) “Gris, Pt 1” Marco Albano, Luigi Gervasi, Gemma Gamarra
3 – The Last Story (Wii, 2012) “Lost Time” Nobuo Uematsu
4 – James Bond Jr. (NES – 1992) “Unused Theme” – Neil Baldwin
5 – Patreon Request – Cam Werme: Shadow of the Colossus (PS2, 2005) “Demise of the Ritual” Kow Otani
6 – Ori and the Blind Forest (PC/XBOne – 2015) “The Sacrifice (feat. Aeralie Brighton)” Gareth Coker, Aeralie Brighton
7 – Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES, 1990) “Unlimited Moment” Ryuichi Nitta, Mayuko Okamura
8 – Sleepwalker (Amiga CD32 – 1993) “City Centre (Town)” – Barry Leitch
9 – Final Fantasy IX (PSX – 2000) “You’re Not Alone” Nobuo Uematsu
10 – Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition (Switch, 2020) “Reminiscence” Yoko Shimomura, Manami Kiyota, Yasunori Mitsuda, Tomori Kudo, Kenji Hiramatsu

Episode 109 – Emotional Damage VGM w/ Niko Tengoku


In 1994, video game system manufacturers were just starting to shift into the realm of 3D-based video game consoles thanks to the fifth generation. But one company decided to continue building upon the legacy of 2D in the mid-90s with their final console release: NEC. The PC-FX was host to 62 games which utilized 2D animated content, with a focus on Japanese animation being highlighted in many of them. With a combination of redbook audio and the same sound chip that was in the PC-Engine (Turbo Grafx-16 for us North Americans,) the PC-FX was host to some incredible musical content. On this episode, Justin schools Mike on “swords and boards,” resident obscure game nerd Nick Carney stops by for a quick call and the boys chat about the wild and wacky world of eroge games! Join Mike and Justin as they analyze just some of the PC-FX’s tunes on the 108th episode of XVGM Radio!
What did you think of the music of the PC-FX? Got a favorite track?  Shoot us an email at XVGMRadio@gmail.com or join in on the discussion at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XVGMradio
Also, we have a Discord Channel! Join us and chat about the show, share a random or obscure VGM song you love, or just chit chat with Mike and Justin about tacos! Join for free here: https://discord.gg/zWxDYfn
Thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons: Cam Werme, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Scott McElhone, Jordan & Anson Davis, Rayjkayj, Llama Adam, Kung Fu Carlito, Nick Davis, Ryan McPherson, Marques Stewart, Scott Brackett, and Brad Austin. Become a Patron, get cool rewards, and more at http://www.Patreon.com/XVGMRadio
Check out all episodes of XVGM Radio on www.youtube.com/dongled for another more visual format!
Our Twitter and Instagram are great ways to interact with us! Find us on there under our handle @XVGMRadio
If you’re an Apple Podcasts listener, please consider leaving a rating and a review to let us know how we’re doing! It also helps with getting the show to show up when others are searching for VGM!
TRACK LISTING:
Intro – Tokimeki Card Paradise – Koi No Royal Straight Flush (PC-FX, 1996) “Track 8” Target Labratory, Yusuke Takahama, Satoshi Nagano, Michihiko Shichi
1 – Battle Heat! (PC-FX, 1994) “Track 2” Minoru Endo
2 – Chip Chan Kick! (PC-FX, 1996) “Stage 3” Yoshio Furukawa
3 – Kishin Dōji Zenki FX: Vajra Fight (PC-FX, 1995) “Track 6” Aya Tanaka, Minoru Endo
4 – Miraculum: The Last Revelation (PC-FX, 1996) “Music-30” Kenji Ikeda
5 – Power Dolls FX (PC-FX, 1996) “Track 15” Hiroto Saito
6 – Chōshin Heiki Zeroigar (PC-FX, 1997) “Zeroigar-29” Hideo Shimazu
7 – Wakusei Kōgekitai: Little Cats (PC-FX, 1997) “Track 12” Toyo Kusanagi, Michiko Tomita
8 – Angelique Special 2 (PC-FX, 1996) “Mountain Road” Chinatsu Kuzuū
9 – Team Innocent: The Point of No Return (PC-FX, 1994) “Track 4” Kenji Kawai
10 – Farland Story FX (PC-FX, 1995) “Track 04” Tomoo Kasahara

Episode 2 – Toaplan, An Audio History

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