right. but there's a huge difference between original soundtracks created out of technical limitations and stuff that could easily be sold as a compilation cd in any store.

You know, as much as every Nintendo fanboy whines about the SNES having better music than the Genesis, I just don't see it.

Better audio dosen't mean better music, some music just sounds better with more primitive production. I mean, do you really think Black Flag would sound as cool if their music was produced by Phil Spector?

Hell no.

There's no denying that the SNES boasts many classic soundtracks, but I actually prefer that tin can sound of the Genesis soundchip. I dunno, Genesis specialized in synth and bass heavy music, often metal, pop, funk and techno inspired stuff, and that kinda music is just more appealing to me than the more orchestrated sounding music that the SNES was known for. Whenever the SNES tried to be funky or heavy, it just didn't sound as raw or badass as the Genesis. Genesis could do "epic" music too though, heck, I'd take Shining Force II's soundtrack over any of the SNES RPGs.

And yeah, I might get my ass kicked for saying that.

The differences in style had a lot to do with the different kinds of sound chips, the SNES had a very diverse amount of sound channels and a MIDI wavetable that can sample or emulate the sounds of many instruments incredibly well, while the Genesis had fewer sound channels and a simple FM synthesizer.

But while the Genesis didn't have as much flashy hardware or versatility, many games used these limitations to their benefit. I dunno, some SNES soundtracks just sound very muffled for me, the bass and drums aren't as raw and abrasive sounding as the Genesis.

Even with multiplatform games, sometimes the Genesis music was in fact superior.

Example.


^ SNES version


^ Mega Drive/Genesis version

Man, the Genesis absolutely ass raped the SNES with that one.

moar please

^ I second this.

I'm not even a big gamer and this is probably my favourite list on the forum.

actually that's the opposite of the point i was initially trying to make. if a game is going to ship with the equivalent to a compilation disc of random songs by random bands i'd rather make my own soundtrack from various mp3s on my computer. as i'm positive i'm not the only gamer who gets incredibly fed up by hearing the same 3 connect the dot rock songs over and over and over again until you unlock the next area only to have another collection of 3-4 rock songs repeat ad infinitum.

I'll have to get back to you on that one cuz musicbanter is SERIOUSLY cutting into my MW2 time..

I totally agree. They need to make it so you can load mp3s onto your console and play them instead of the game's music if you want. When I was younger I used to just turn the TV's volume all the way down and listen to my boombox, but with a lot of modern games sound is an important part of the experience so you really can't just turn the sound off altogether.

I haven't read any of this thread...BUT...What pisses me off about video games...or computer games...really it may just be about teh type of people who play them..who knows..

Is that if you are a girl you pretty much have to keep your identity hidden because of all the creepy dirty 14 year olds that play.

I was playing call of duty and was not talking on mic at all..everything was fine. The game was going great. As soon as I opended my mouth and they knew I was a chick...

"Oh, I got her from behind" snicker snicker snicker

I just want to be able to play like the rest of you :(

age has absolutely nothing to do with this behavior. the perceived disconnection from responsibility is why most people say things and behave in ways online that they would never own up to in person.

@Janszoon - most new consoles feature the option for custom user soundtracks, not all games support it, but it's happening, and it's awesome. although the snes / boombox days were pretty awesome too hehehe

I downloaded Perfect Dark on xbox live the other day...what an epic game.. so far ahead of its time.. but it's age showed in lack of checkpoints and unclear mission objectives.. It's mega-frustrating to spend 10-15 minutes on a level only to screw up some minor detail and have to replay the whole thing..