Castlevania Dungeon Forums
The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: Ahasverus on October 27, 2011, 02:05:09 AM
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- In the time you joined Konami, videogames were very different than now, composers did not have the resources they have nowadays to make the music they want. How do you decide you wanted to compose music for video games?
When I graduated from University, it was time for me to consider which way I should take. My high school handed me an offer to be a part-time lecturer of music, but I don’t know why I didn’t like the option.
I think I’d rather be composing or arranging music rather than teaching.
Around the same time, I found a classified ad from KONAMI, I applied immediately and I was hired. In the end, I joined a videogame company by chance.
-Are you a gamer? What kind of games do you like?
I do like playing games. When I joined my company I used to play a lot of shooters or action games. Especially Parodius, which had children thronged at the arcades. I also liked Vagrant Story, God of War or the Tomb Rader series.
Nowadays, I rarely play anything, but I like games such as ICO or the Professor Layton or Ace Attorney series, which require the player to think.
-What is your opinion about the music and sounds used by the classic video games (eg SD-Snatcher, Twinbee…) in contrast to the complex and orchestral current pieces?
Unique techniques of composing and arranging arose, as we overcame hardware limitations and found great sounds and music with its own personality. That music suited its games, and though it was simple it had depth, and it is still worth to listen even nowadays.
-Do you think the “chiptune” it is still a valid way of making music for video games?
Yes, I think so. It has become a musical genre itself. Although modern hardware allows graphics or sound to be more free. If you create 2D pixel art games the music is more suitable if it’s done in traditional ways.
-Listening to the soundtracks of Nemesis III (ゴーファーの野望) Contra: Hard Corps (魂斗羅 ザ・ハードコア) or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, it can be seen that you master different styles, like music for action, epic, sci-fi… As composer, what style are you most comfortable?
When considering what music will I compose for a game, no matter what genre, if I come up with a good idea at once then the process will be smooth. On the other hand, when I can’t find a good idea I end up messing with the trial and error method. Though it is hard, I love composing for what it is, so I try to enjoy doing any kind of music.
-There are songs in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night OST, like Wood Carving Partita, or Dance of Pales that have a melancholy feel, almost sad. What feelings you want to transmit to the player with the soundtrack?
As for “Wood Carving Partita” or “Dance of Pales”, I felt those were maybe too lyrical to be background music for an action game.
I remember that I got stuck trying to make them fit in the atmosphere and the graphics, instead of telling how I felt. Maybe those feelings ended up in the music in some way, some kind of melancholy.
-Your music fits perfectly in the games you worked, music and graphics works together. How is your usual process of composition for game music?
If it’s possible, I play the game to decide about tempo or style for the music. I also ask the level designer or the director about their opinion. If only graphics are available to me, then I need to focus on that for an idea. In very early development stages I sometimes compose based only on storyboards or references.
After I decide tempo or style for a song, I compose basic things like its melody or harmony aided by a piano. Then, I input everything to the computer and do the orchestration.
-Is it hard to work for a company as big as Konami? I mean, in terms of exigency, enough time to work, creative freedom… What are the pros and cons?
I’d say a good point is the stable income. And for me it really was a valuable experience that people around the world could enjoy my music along with a game such as Castlevania. If you don’t care only about game music and you want to do other kind of music, it’s a good thing to be freelance.
-One of the keys to success in the Castlevania series is its music so characteristic, mix of romance and action and catchy melodies. What inspires you?
The game world itself. Regardless of how old or new, I drew inspiration from films and novels relates to Dracula, of course. Also Ayami Kojima’s aestheticism and visionary illustration was a big help for me to compose, as well as the beautiful graphics created by background artists.
Besides, ethnic music that I listened to when traveling has given me a lot of inspiration.
I have been to Spain, and I was touched by flamenco passionate music.
-In 20 years at Konami, you have made a lot of music, do you have any song that you feel especially proud, a favourite?
I could say the one I did for Ganbare Goemon 2 for Famicom, which was entrusted to me when I had just joined Konami, and also the one for the Castlevania series, for which I did a lot of music.
-Is there any particular reason to choose these two games?
As for Goemon 2 the senior composer and I tried hard to make an effort everyday and devise better sound or music so that users could enjoy it. Those were times in which few people cared about game music, not like nowadays. In a way, we were researchers.
And as for Castlevania, there are a lot of fans who love the music for Symphony of the Night and they keep sending me encouraging messages. I’m very happy to know so many people enjoy my music since so much time ago.
-In the latest installment of Castlevania series, Lords of Shadow, the soundtrack has been composed by a non-Japanese composer, the spanish Oscar Araujo. Did you hear the soundtrack? Did you like it?
It's a solemn and big scale orchestration which draw listeners into the world of Lords of Shadow. In particular, the choirs reminded me the religious or philosophical elements of the Middle Ages. I was deeply impressed with the orchestration for the battle scenes. I think he has done a very good job.
- Recently you left Konami, and now you are a freelance composer. What new projects do you have?
I want to make not only music which revolves around visuals, but also music in its own.
I’d like to approach to jazz, and hopefully play something live
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Original Interview Avaliable in Spanish http://gamikia.com/2011/10/rincon-musical-xxii-entrevistamos-a-la-compositora-michiru-yamane (http://gamikia.com/2011/10/rincon-musical-xxii-entrevistamos-a-la-compositora-michiru-yamane)
:)
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I was deeply depressed with the orchestration for the all scenes. I think he has done a very bad job.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv119%2Fc0mbat%2Ftf.png&hash=0adb693b1e0588189bd2849666ad4bce8256cc8f)
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Well, I dont think abyone can really say the music as bad, it was really good, the problem was that the game repeated the same few tracks all the time, using it as mood pieces to instill certain moods.
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Nice interview!
I smell the same tirade about LoS music, though. Not a nice smell. :(
Hopefully i'm wrong.
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I agree with Flame, LoS' music wasn't bad, but the approach of defamiliarizing the tune and on top of that Repeating the same tracks 50+ times got really old.
I wasn't expecting anything upbeat but I at least was expecting something to get stuck in your head and at least a new track per stage.
Overall it was okay, but Oscar's problem is that he was scoring more for a movie and not a game, which is also Konami's problem with LoS.
Video Games Aren't movies, Quit trying to make it that way, only bad things come of it!
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I think its an interesting concept. Making a game with the production values of a movie. I liked the fidgety camera LoS had. Though it made me think of how l33t that cameraman must be to be able to follow all that shit so well.
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(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv119%2Fc0mbat%2Ftf.png&hash=0adb693b1e0588189bd2849666ad4bce8256cc8f)
Thumbs up.
Like I've said many times, Araujo's music would be much better with identifiable stage specific themes. The looping between sets of three songs just made me think "oh look, it's the every-other-stage music!"
Some of the battle themes do admittedly get me pumped a bit, though.
I think its an interesting concept. Making a game with the production values of a movie. I liked the fidgety camera LoS had. Though it made me think of how l33t that cameraman must be to be able to follow all that shit so well.
The cameraman is actually Zobek.
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Good find, Ahasverus. How did I not know she did the music for Nemesis III and Contra Hard Corps?
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The cameraman is actually Zobek.
THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING.
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THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING.
Death follows Gabriel wherever he goes, figuratively and literally.
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Yeah I know. I just never really thought about Zobek being the actual "cameraman."
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So that's why I find Contra Hard Cops being the game with the best music in the series.
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Without the whole "epic" orchestra to back it up, most of LoS music is hollow and forgettable. So it's completely ok to call it bad and not lose any sleep over it.
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Also Yamane is just being Japanese-polite and not telling the truth trollolololol.
I kid, I kid. The music is sort of like the game itself in that it's taken time for it to grow on me.
Gotta replay this and some other Castlevanias soon. 'Tis the season for autumny atmospheric stuff.
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Nice interview, it's good to her a bit from Michiru Yamane. :)
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Good interview. I've always liked hearing from composers to get their take on certain things. Can't wait to hear her work on Skull Girls!
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Without the whole "epic" orchestra to back it up, most of LoS music is hollow and forgettable. So it's completely ok to call it bad and not lose any sleep over it.
Cant tell if trolling. . .
LoS score is ALL about epic orchestration, and nothing else.
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Cant tell if trolling. . .
LoS score is ALL about epic orchestration, and nothing else.
I think he meant that if it was done without the orchestra aka On Paper, it's empty...
I'm bound to agree, without the orchestra and the "epic" feel, it would have been mediocre
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Great interview. Thanks for the find and the translation! :)
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LoS music is okay at best and doesn't fit with a Castlevania game especially after 25 years of beautiful scores before LoS. Can you hum any LoS music? I sure can't.
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LoS music is okay at best and doesn't fit with a Castlevania game especially after 25 years of beautiful scores before LoS. Can you hum any LoS music? I sure can't.
I can hum besieged village. But yeah I get your point.
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LoS music is okay at best and doesn't fit with a Castlevania game especially after 25 years of beautiful scores before LoS. Can you hum any LoS music? I sure can't.
I do, lots of times, especially the battle themes, they are awesome
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LoS music is okay at best and doesn't fit with a Castlevania game especially after 25 years of beautiful scores before LoS. Can you hum any LoS music? I sure can't.
I hum the music used during the fight with the Black Knight, it's pretty easy.
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I find no difficulty humming it's themes. They might be epic orchestra pieces, but their structure is nothing too complex to hum. I often find myself humming waterfalls of Agharta.
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I think he meant that if it was done without the orchestra aka On Paper, it's empty...
I'm bound to agree, without the orchestra and the "epic" feel, it would have been mediocre
Pretty much yeah.
Take away all the smoke and mirrors of a symphony orchestra and it has little to offer. Hardly a melody to remember after 30 minutes. No stage or challenge you can associate it with from there on.
Then take an older CV song, like Cross Your Heart, Wicked Child or even goddamn Dwelling of Doom and spice them with the musical resources LoS got and it'll only sound better.
That is what we here call "climbing into a tree arse first".
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LoS music is okay at best and doesn't fit with a Castlevania game especially after 25 years of beautiful scores before LoS. Can you hum any LoS music? I sure can't.
Belmont's Theme without a doubt. Also the music can probably fit if I had the ability I would try and do a 8,16, or 32 remix yet I can't and for some reason it sound's like it could fit with belmont's revenge.
Pretty much yeah.
Take away all the smoke and mirrors of a symphony orchestra and it has little to offer. Hardly a melody to remember after 30 minutes. No stage or challenge you can associate it with from there on.
Then take an older CV song, like Cross Your Heart, Wicked Child or even goddamn Dwelling of Doom and spice them with the musical resources LoS got and it'll only sound better.
That is what we here call "climbing into a tree arse first".
Castlevania- The Vampire Killer (Inspired by Lords of Shadow) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WtHXKTYdk#)
Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Gabriel's Theme (FAN-MADE!!!!!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5OvICyNoRo#)
Deforestation - Super Castlevania IV 'Forest of Monsters' cover by Thunder Thouin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVoBQn0oYYo#)
Still sounds good to me even with all the fancy things but then again what do I know.
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Well.. Maybe it's because I only played through the game once. LoS is such a bastard child atrocity of a Castlevania game that I can't bear to play through it a second time. I'd rather go watch some Lord of the Rings or Titanic. Yeah. Titanic.
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Still sounds good to me even with all the fancy things but then again what do I know.
Am I mistaken or are none of those remixes actual LoS tracks? I mean, my point was that oldschool CV music only improves when you give it the same technical quality and instruments LoS OST got.
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Belmont's Theme without a doubt. Also the music can probably fit if I had the ability I would try and do a 8,16, or 32 remix yet I can't and for some reason it sound's like it could fit with belmont's revenge.
Castlevania- The Vampire Killer (Inspired by Lords of Shadow) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WtHXKTYdk#)
Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Gabriel's Theme (FAN-MADE!!!!!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5OvICyNoRo#)
Deforestation - Super Castlevania IV 'Forest of Monsters' cover by Thunder Thouin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVoBQn0oYYo#)
Still sounds good to me even with all the fancy things but then again what do I know.
That's the approach LoS should have went with invtead of changing most of the classic songs into completely unfamiliar things.
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Am I mistaken or are none of those remixes actual LoS tracks? I mean, my point was that oldschool CV music only improves when you give it the same technical quality and instruments LoS OST got.
Right and all I wanted to do was show how some examples of how it could be. None of them are LoS songs but still remixes in the style of LoS none the less.
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If they aren't actual LoS tracks, I don't see how they're an example of what you're saying.
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If they aren't actual LoS tracks, I don't see how it is an example of what you're saying.
I just wanted to point out that it would sound like these right? I just wanted to search to see how some classic cv tunes would sound like in the form of LoS with that kind of treatment maybe it was just a misunderstanding of what I was trying to type or something?
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Too much something in between. I said that LoS music has its peacocky appearance, but there is little to reveal underneath it all. It is, at its essence, forgettable, unoriginal and unmelodic. Then I made a comparison to old CV music which didn't need a massive symphonic orchestra, because it made an impression by being original, memorable and mostly about melodies.
Therfore: if someone says LoS music is crap, the fact that it has a flashy exterior, but doesn't really stay in your mind is a very strong argument in favor of that opinion. I personally think that Castlevania music should be firstly about the qualities mentioned above. Had LoS composers sought those qualities to go with that "epicness", it would have been received more favorably.
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Someone really needs to make a Belmont's theme de-mix or something.
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Yes. That and Waterfalls of Agharta. The only two tracks that have actually stayed in my mind.
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Too much something in between. I said that LoS music has its peacocky appearance, but there is little to reveal underneath it all. It is, at its essence, forgettable, unoriginal and unmelodic. Then I made a comparison to old CV music which didn't need a massive symphonic orchestra, because it made an impression by being original, memorable and mostly about melodies.
Therfore: if someone says LoS music is crap, the fact that it has a flashy exterior, but doesn't really stay in your mind is a very strong argument in favor of that opinion. I personally think that Castlevania music should be firstly about the qualities mentioned above. Had LoS composers sought those qualities to go with that "epicness", it would have been received more favorably.
Right I think I get it now take the"fancy" things out and it supposedly has no soul no feelings. It's just a matter of style and substance like how some of the classic tunes have vs the kind LoS has, yet even with that the soundtrack of LoS is not that empty,forgetful, or soulless granted there are some I will say that are forgetful like "carmilla's theme".
Yet to say that LoS music is forgetful or even unmelodic I cannot agree with. Songs like Belmont's theme and the waterfalls of agharta really stick out(like hearing the waterfalls songs when it's actually raining or has just stop raining can create a sense that is just awe inspiring) ,but yes I can see ones opinion of not liking it due to some songs lacking some X factors yet the overall as a whole no way.
Most of them in my opinion are really good songs that at some points just feel so appropriate to play at certain moments. So my opinion on this is that some of the songs are far from forgetful when concerning lords of shadow sure some could say it's not the best heck even lacking but forgetful no way. Now I am not a muscial genius or anything but I just cannot see the "essence" of LoS as empty or little next to nothing. Yes it has a orchestrated exterior yet even when that is taken away there can always be something more.
Maybe it was just how the music placement was and how it kept going and repeating it's self level after level made some of the music lose some magic and potency to some over time. To me it stands just as well as anyother CV soundtrack and there is always room for improvement.
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Ok, I get that. But..don't you think it's kind of funny that the very two tracks you remembered where the same ones I myself and lots of other people keep mentioning? ;D
I think it's because those two were the only ones that had some CV in them. The rest..well, that's were our opinions differ. I can't remember their melodies or their names. They don't sporadically start ear worming me unlike oh so many previous Vania tracks. I think this is why they fail as Castlevania music.
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Ok, I get that. But..don't you think it's kind of funny that the very two tracks you remembered where the same ones I myself and lots of other people keep mentioning? ;D
I think it's because those two were the only ones that had some CV in them. The rest..well, that's were our opinions differ. I can't remember their melodies or their names. They don't sporadically start ear worming me unlike oh so many previous Vania tracks. I think this is why they fail as Castlevania music.
With out a doubt and that is because their awesome, incredible, and process a great sense of the mood they are trying to put heck belmont's theme stuck with me the moment I was controling the sun and moom. Made me feel like I was deciphering out the davinci code or something (but then again when is a belmont theme not good) :)
The waterfalls was a different reason for me I out jogging one day it was raining and then the song started playing and I was like dang that is some deep stuff. Whenever it rains I put that song on in my I-pod without thinking.
Then there is the maze garden while not as awesome to me as the other two it is in my top five Los music.
There is more but yes I am not going to fib when it comes to LoS the first two always come into my mind.
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Yes. That and Waterfalls of Agharta. The only two tracks that have actually stayed in my mind.
The Waterfall: Super Castlevania 4 Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgit8zlIupo#)
WoA was a CV4 remix.
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Hey, thanks for the link! It was a pleasure for me to interview Michiru Yamane, her music is really awesome, and surely she is one of the best game composer of all time.
Now I'm going to interview Oscar Araujo about his work in Lords of Shadow, are there any questions that you would like to ask him? Thanks!
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What his favorite soundtrack from the series is and why? Or something along those lines?
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The Waterfalls - Block 3-2 - Super Castlevania IV + Lords of Shadow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVITAImw0nI#)
This is what you would want, then. **shameless plug**
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The Waterfall: Super Castlevania 4 Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgit8zlIupo#)
WoA was a CV4 remix.
Was it really? Cuz that's what I've been pondering ever since I heard someone say that.
I'm not a musical expert, but I can only hear some similarities. Could someone with training and experience confirm that it's an actual remix, not a track inspired by "The Waterfalls"? I'm too lazy to Google the terms, but what I'm getting at is this:
John Lennon - Imagine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xB4dbdNSXY#)
A Perfect Circle - Imagine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dunKAwRN3P8#)
Same song, changed tone. My ear just can't connect "Agharta" and "Waterfall" to each other in that way. All I hear is perhaps inspiration drawn from the SCVIV tune.
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Hey, thanks for the link! It was a pleasure for me to interview Michiru Yamane, her music is really awesome, and surely she is one of the best game composer of all time.
Now I'm going to interview Oscar Araujo about his work in Lords of Shadow, are there any questions that you would like to ask him? Thanks!
Why he decided to go the direction he did with the soundtrack. And or, perhaps, was it HIS decision to or something imposed on him?
Why not any outright arrangements, but only tiny nods with a few notes from past songs scattered within very few tracks? Sans Vampire Killer, but that really doesn't count being a music box.
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What his favorite 'vania game is, and what inspired him while doing his work
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"mr. araujo what's your fav soundtrack from the series?"
"mr. araujo what's your fav game from the series?"
"mr. araujo what was your fav part about working on los music?"
Really, guys? :rollseyes:
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Man, it's really good to hear from video game music composers, Specially from castlevania. her Bloodlines songs are awesome!!
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"mr. araujo what's your fav soundtrack from the series?"
"mr. araujo what's your fav game from the series?"
"mr. araujo what was your fav part about working on los music?"
Really, guys? :rollseyes:
and what inspired him while doing his work
Why dont YOU make some questions then?
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Hey, thanks for the link! It was a pleasure for me to interview Michiru Yamane, her music is really awesome, and surely she is one of the best game composer of all time.
Now I'm going to interview Oscar Araujo about his work in Lords of Shadow, are there any questions that you would like to ask him? Thanks!
Why was there a lack of classic castlevania music in Los at first did you considered putting cv tunes in a full orchestra and if so which ones. have you have listened to cv music prior to working on LoS? what is your favorite castlevania if you have played one.
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i'm just sayin'..
try 'n think of something unique to ask rather than generic questions any interviewer in that position would ask anyway (or questions that have already been answered in previous interviews)
Typical questions get typical answers
Now I'm going to interview Oscar Araujo about his work in Lords of Shadow, are there any questions that you would like to ask him? Thanks!
Apparently nothing that you wouldn't think of ;)
edit: on second thought, it's not like he's interviewing David Cox or Toru Hagihara or anybody. ask any question you guys want :)
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"mr. araujo what's your fav soundtrack from the series?"
"mr. araujo what's your fav game from the series?"
"mr. araujo what was your fav part about working on los music?"
Really, guys? :rollseyes:
Why was there a lack of classic castlevania music in Los at first did you considered putting cv tunes in a full orchestra and if so which ones. have you have listened to cv music prior to working on LoS? what is your favorite castlevania if you have played one.
Wow I overlooked this I can't help but laugh even a little. Too funny
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;D
Thanks, I'll post the interview in the forum when Oscar send me the answers.