VGM – THE VGMBASSY

Summer is upon us, and Ed and Myla have decided to go for a joyride! This month’s show is all about summer drivin’ tunes from driving games. We cruise the neighborhood with some light jams, pick up the pace as we enter the highway, then unwind at a roadside bar to close off the show with some southern-fried blues. Roll down your windows, fire up the CB radio, and join the convoy!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Muddle MADness, Scott McElhone, Periodical, Chris Murray, Mike Stark, Keyglyph, Kyle Krull, Claire Meyers, The Diad, Professor Tom, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “It’s Electro Gal” from Heading Out (PC, 2024) Composed by Damian Czajka and Lukas Bonzzi, aka Serious Sim

2 – “Life Race” from My Summer Car (PC, 2016) Composed by NinjaBaka

3 – “Shiny World” from Outrun 2006 Coast 2 Coast (Arcade, Windows, Xbox, PS2, PSP, 2006) Composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Yasuhiro Takagi, Fumio Ito, and Richard Jacques

4 – “Tennessee – Race 5” from SnowRunner (PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, 2020) Composed by Steve Militz and Citrus Prana

5 – “Go Crazy” from Art of Rally (Everything, 2020) Composed by Slava Korystov (Tatreal)

6 – “Backwater Bog” from Hill Climb Racing 2 (Mobile, 2016) Composed by Filippo Vicarelli

Ready for a nostalgia trip with a twist? On this month’s episode, Ed takes the reins and curates a fantastic selection of some of his favorite video game music for Joe and Myla to experience for the very first time!

It becomes a VGM battle of sorts, where Ed plays the original versions of beloved tunes and then surprises Joe and Myla with one or more remakes. From the chiptune classics to techno and rock reimaginings, our hosts will listen, discuss, and cast their votes on which version reigns supreme. The conversation takes some interesting turns, so beware: you may never look at Simon Belmont the same way again!

Will the original 8-bit magic capture their hearts, or will the modern, polished remakes win them over? Tune in to hear their candid reactions, spirited debates, and, of course, the final verdict!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Muddle MADness, Scott McElhone, Periodical, Chris Murray, Mike Stark, Keyglyph, Kyle Krull, Claire Meyers, The Diad, Professor Tom, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

Castlevania – Heart of Fire/ Can’t Wait till Night

1 – “Heart of Fire” from Castlevania (NES, 1987) Composed by Kinuyo Yamashita and Satoe Terashima

2 – “Don’t Wait til Night” from Haunted Castle (Arcade, 1987) Composed by Kenichi Matsubara

3 – “Don’t Wait til Night” from Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (Xbox360, PS3, 2011) Arranged by Yasushi Asada

Cybattler – Interception (Mission 1)

4 – “Interception (Mission 1)” from Cybattler (Arcade, 1993) Composed by Pao, U Masaaki, and Y Tsugumi

5 – “Interception (Mission 1)” from Psyvariar Delta (Switch, PS4, PC, Arcade, 2018) Composed by Tetsuro Sato, Kenichi Arakawa, Kazushi Tsurukubo, Misako Tago, Kazumine Tsushima, Takashi Egawano, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Daisuke Matsumoto, Takeshi Miyamoto, Daisuke Nagata, Takashi Okamoto, and Ayatsugu Otowa

Dangun Feveron  – Barofever/ Sad Barofever

6 – “Barofever” from Dangun Feveron (Arcade, 1998) Composed by Ryuichi Yabuki, Nanpei Misawa, and Ryo Sakai

7 – “Sad Barofever (FM Arrange)” from Dangun Feveron (PS4, XB1, 2017) Arranged by Tatsuhiko Kasuga

8 – “Sad Barofever (VIP Arrange)” from Dangun Feveron (PS4, XB1, 2017) Arranged by Jaelyn Nisperos aka Chibi-Tech

Undercover Cops – Sarah Sowertty

9 – “Sarah Sowertty” from Undercover Cops (Arcade, 1992) Composed by HIYA-UNIT aka Takushi Hiyamuta

10 – “Sarah Sowertty (Arranged)” from the Undercover Cops Original Soundtrack CD (1992) Composed by Takushi Hiyamuta and Arranged by Mishiru Ohshima, with Guitar by Takayuki Hijikata

As we head into our triple-digit episode numbers, Ed has brought back a fun show concept last seen on episode 44: the Mystery Indie Bundle VGM series! With the exception of our first track, all of the music played today are from games that were purchased as part of a blind pack of Steam keys. Ed has hand-picked some of his favorite music from those titles, making for a fun and eclectic episode. We’ve got music from Dominick Ninmark, Dale North, SonicPicnic, and more!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Muddle MADness, Scott McElhone, Periodical, Chris Murray, Mike Stark, Keyglyph, Kyle Krull, Chris Meyers, The Diad, Professor Tom, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Ghost on the Road” from Pacific Drive (PC, 2024) composed by A Shell in the Pit (Gordon McGladdery)

2 – “Here We Go (Again)” from Dead Estate (PC, 2021) Composed by Major

3 –  “Gaul Hard Fight” from Asterix & Obelix XXL Romastered (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, 2020) Composed by Fabrice Bouillon-LaForest (original game, GBA, PS2 and GameCube) and arranged by Valentin Lafort

4 – “Returning to the Refuge” from Sparklite (PC, PS4, XB1, Switch, Android, 2019) Composed by Dale North

5 – “Grand Mountain Radio 105.5” from Grand Mountain Adventure (Android, PC, 2022) Composed by Viktor Sehr and Sebastian Sehr

6 – “The Guardian Forest” from For the King (PC, 2018) Composed by John Robert Matz

7 – “Collective Consciousness” from Danger Scavenger (PC, 2020) Composed by Szymon Weiss

8 – “Stage 1 (Neon Crisis) from Bot Vice (PC, Switch, 2016) Composed by Dominick Ninmark

9 – “Nabel’s Theme” from Strikey Sisters (PC, 2017) Composed by Dominic Ninmark

10 – “What’s on the Menu?” from Speedrunners (PC, 2016) Composed by SonicPicnic

11 – “A Winter is You (Icy Mountain Phase 2)” from Chenso Club (PC, 2021) Composed by Knasibas

The day is finally here! Ed, his wife Myla, and their youngest kiddo Logan are all decorating the Embassy for a blowout 100th episode celebration. This one is packed with special guests, cameo appearances, and the debut of the NEW VGMbassy Theme Song, arranged by PAPRIUM co-composer Trevin Hughes, aka Dredd!

Ed is hosting a BYOV party, where each guest brings their own VGM tune that reminds them of the VGMbassy in some way. Each segment sees the arrival of a new guest, all of whom have been VGMbassadors on previous shows and prominent members of the podcast’s community. Lots of memories and laughs (and a few touching moments) are had throughout this plus-sized episode, wrapping up with some exclusive news regarding the next era of the VGMbassy. We’re continuing the celebration onto our Embassy Exclusive show at the end of the month, so please write in (or send a voice recording) to [email protected] and shout out your favorite guests, shows, and memories, and we’ll include it on the episode!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Muddle MADness, Scott McElhone, Periodical, Chris Murray, Mike Stark, Keyglyph, Kyle Krull, Chris Meyers, The Diad, Professor Tom, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – Cameron Werme: “Praying Hands (VRC6 Version)” from Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge (GB, 1991) Composed by Hidehiro Funauchi and Arranged by Cameron Werme

2 – Bedroth: “Flight” from Panzer Dragoon (Saturn, 1995) Composed by Yoshitaka Azuma

3 – Alex Messenger: “Wakakusa GCC Spring Theme” from Swingerz Golf (GC, 2002) Composed by Takeshi Arai

4 – The Diad: “The Grind” from Going Under (Switch, PS4, PC, XB1, 2020) Composed by Felix Peaslee and Chong the Nomad

5 – UtopiaNemo: “Backpack” from Grindstone (iOS, Android, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, 2019) Composed by Sam Webster

6 – Ryan Steel: “Journey Through Time” from Fire Emblem Warriors (Switch, 3DS, 2017) Composed by Yosuke Kinoshita, Kosuke Mizukami, Shinichiro Nakamura, and Hiromu Akaba

7 – Dan Laughton: “Patology” from Pato Box (PC, Mac, Switch, PS4, XB1, Vita, 2018) Composed by Controvol (Luis Vázquez De Lara Padilla)

8 – Chris Murray: “Throbbing Heartbeat (Event Battle 3)” from Ys X -Nordics- (PS4, PS5, Switch, 2023) Composed by Mitsuo Singa

9 – Kung-Fu Carlito: “Fight and Flight” from Rivals of Aether (PC, XB1, 2015) Composed by Flashygoodness

We all love chiptune VGM, right? So many composers have written magical tunes for 8 and 16 bit console hardware. What some folks may not know is that there are also thousands of pieces of music written for these systems that weren’t meant for video games at all. On today’s show, Ed and Embassy Exclusive cohost Todd have selected a few amazing chiptune tracks from the demoscene. To make things interesting, their main focus of conversation is to imagine what kinds of hypothetical video games these amazing songs might feel at home in! So buckle up! When the worlds of the demoscene and video games collide, you may find yourself with a nasty case of Chiplash!

Check out the tracklist for links to the indie artists that are featured on today’s show.

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, Muddle MADness, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Movement 1” by Tristan Perich from the album 1-bit symphony (2010)

Tristan Perich’s Bandcamp

2 – “Crimson Beech” by Lutin from the album nanoloop 2.3 comp – a selection of nanoloop 2.3 tracks (2010)

Album Download

3 – “April 10th” by Zen Albatross (2009)

Bandcamp Link

4 – “Cherry Cola” by Kommisar from the album Mercury (2015)

Kommisar’s Bandcamp

5 – “The Cluster & the Cloud” by Dubmood from the album Lost Floppies Vol. 2 (2013)

Dubmood’s Bandcamp

6 – “Vampire Explosion” by H-Pizzle from the album The Tale of the Fable of the Legend of HPizzle (2010)

H-Pizzle’s Bandcamp

7 – “Pizza Pizza” by Algar from the album Chiptunes in Stereo (2012)

Algar’s Bandcamp

8 – “Into the Lion’s Den” by Willrock from the album Illusion of the 3rd World (2019)

Willrock’s Bandcamp

9 – “Leeds” by Boy vs Bacteria from the album Waste No Sound (2013)

Boy vs Bacteria’s Bandcamp

10 – “Some Dealings with the Office of Magic” by Musho from the album Swamps of Eden (2014)

Musho’s Bandcamp

It’s our last episode of 2023! For this festive Christmas Eve release, the EE boys gather around their warm microphones and chat about a number of fun topics. Todd starts a chat about regrettable game purchases with a few amusing anecdotes. Joe wants to know which games have captured us in its clutches of addiction, citing games like Dead Cells as his personal vice. To round out the show, Ed wants to know how geek culture is tied into our listeners’ holidays, and what gaming traditions we’ve started. We hope everyone has a great holiday, a fantastic New Year, and we’ll see everyone in 2024!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Jason Letourneau for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Periodical, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Devil’s Lab” from Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PC, Switch, PS, Xbox, 2022) originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu

2 – “Clock Tower” from Dead Cells (PC, Switch, PS, Xbox, 2017) Composed by Yoann Laulan

3 – “It’s Not Ice! (Stage 4)” from Magical Chase (TG-16, 1993) Composed by Masaharu Iwata

Ed and Cameron are put to the test in another Blind Listen episode! This month, VGMbassy community member UtopiaNemo has provided the soundtrack from an obscure title called Sora no Fudousan. Ed and Cam must listen to the music and try to determine what the game is about, what system the game is for, and who the composer might be by the end of the show! Listen along and make your guesses, because all will be revealed in the final moments of the podcast.

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, Muddle MADness, and Dan Laughton.

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app!

****Spoiler Alert****

The Tracklist:

01 Floating Object in the Sky

02 Introduction to Law

03 A Chemical Reaction of Embodied Magical Power

04 Haruna Harukawa 2

05 Haruna Harukawa 3

06 Combat

07 Dueling

08 Jellybeans and Milk

09 Haruna Harukawa 1

10 Immediate Departure

11 100M Dash on a Tightrope at an Altitude of 100M

12 Big Mistake

13 Last Magic

14 Exile to the West

Sora no Fudousan (Sharp X6800, PC, 2001)

There’s a good mix of light and heavy topics on this month’s show. Todd starts out with a discussion on the game collecting market, and games that might be out of reach for us due to pricing. Joe leads a chat about great uses of graphics and art design in games, and the hosts all have some very different takes on what that means. Lastly, Ed remembers the old TV setup he used to play games on as a kid, and invites the listeners to share their own childhood gaming rooms and how they influenced their gaming habits growing up. As a side note, please humor Ed as he begs us all to play Inscryption for a good five minutes at the start of the show. He’s really quite smitten with it.

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Jason Letourneau for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Periodical, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Title theme” from Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi (Switch, PS, Xbox, PC, 2021) Composed by Naoaki Jinbo

2 – “Course Mania!” from Super Mario Wonder (Switch, 2023), composed by Shiho Fujii, Sayako Doi, and Chisaki Shimazu

3 – “April’s Stage” from TMNT Tournament Fighters (GEN, 1993) Composed by Miki Higashino

On this month’s episode, Logan is back! Prepare to be schooled as they delve into the world of Undertale alternate universes, unraveling the intricate web of fan-created narratives that have sprung from Toby Fox’s iconic game. Logan passionately explores the diverse interpretations and imaginative twists that fans have introduced to Undertale’s original storyline. The focus of the episode, of course, is a deep dive into the mesmerizing music that accompanies these alternate universes. Filled with determination, Ed and Logan dissect the emotional impact and creative brilliance of these soundtracks, discussing how it enhances the unique atmosphere of each alternate universe. Whether you’re a die-hard Undertale fan or a newcomer to the universe of alternate timelines, you’re in for an engaging exploration of the boundless creativity inspired by this beloved indie game.

Check out the tracklist for links to the indie artists that are featured on today’s show.

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, Muddle MADness, and Dan Laughton.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Dynami V2 NITRO Remix” from Altertale (2017) Composed by Robin Blend, Remixed by Nick Nitro

Robin Blend’s Soundcloud

2 – “Black Apple” from Underverse (2020) Composed by NyxTheShield

NyxTheShield’s Bandcamp

3 – “Phase 1 [Now You’ll Never Leave]” from VHS SANS (2023) Composed by  iamaboss0

iamaboss0’s Soundcloud

4 – “Megalo Strike Back V3” (2021) from Earthbound I Miss You Composed by Toby Fox, Remixed by Nick Nitro

Nick Nitro’s Youtube

5 – “Not a Slacker Anymore (Official Remake)” from Undertale: Last Breath (2021) Composed by BenLab, Remixed by OnyxCupcakes

OnyxCupcakes’ YouTube

6 – “Reality Check Through the Skull” from Dusttale (2020) Composed by DM DOKURO

DM DOKURO’s Bandcamp

7 – “Made in Heaven” from Deltamyth (2021) Composed by Moonster

Moonster’s Soundcloud

8 – “Hello World (Fatal Error)” from Aftertale (Comic, 2015) Composed by SharaX

SharaX’s YouTube

9 – “Royal Knight/ Evil Papyrus Theme” from Underfell (2015) Composed by Neveroff

Neveroff’s YouTube

10 – “Forlorn (Dalv’s Battle Theme)” from Undertale Yellow (2016) Composed by MasterSwordRemix and arranged by MyNewSoundtrack

MyNewSoundtrack’s Bandcamp

If you could pick your favorite non-VGM music artist to make a video game soundtrack, who would you choose? This was just one of the topics of discussion on today’s show, and we got some really interesting answers from the listeners! Also featured: A chat about deck-building games which causes patron Ryan Steel to contribute a hilariously confusing testimonial, and some debate around the definition of the term “backlog” and how it relates to our gaming habits. Add a dash of some great VGM selections as usual, and you’re in for a fun episode!

A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Jason Letourneau for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Ryan Steel, Cameron Werme, Periodical, Kung-Fu Carlito, Scott McElhone, Chris Murray, Chris Myers, Mike Stark, KeyGlyph, Kyle Krull, The Diad, Daryl Bowers, Tom Hunt, Cameron Chiles, and Dan Laughton.

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app:

The Tracklist:

1 – “Queen Eydie” from Alwa’s Legacy (Win, Mac, Linux, Switch, PS4, 2020) Composed by Rushjet1

2 – “The Scrybe of the Dead” from Inscryption PC, PS4, XB1, Switch, 2021) Composed by Jonah Senzel

3 – “No Ya Not & No Ya Didn’t” from The Best Music (2010) Composed by George & Jonathan (George Michael Brower & Jonathan Baken)