Enter the 8-Bit (Again)

by Endarire Elward

(Pre-editorial requirements- FF8 boss music knowledge, ff8bnes.s3m and ff8boss.mid)
    Technology (among other things) has brought us hits like FF7, FF8, Grandia, Xenogears, Wild ARMS and more.  But how do these classics compare to those of old?  First, check out the first file listed above.  Listen to it a few times.  Do the same with the second file.

    How do you feel after hearing the first?  The second? If you're like me, you'll get more of a rush from the 'tinny' NES style than the 1999 "full blast" style.  Why?

    I have a theory.  As systems evolved into 16-bit and beyond, the 'tinny', adrenaline music style changed to attract a new audience while satisfying as much of the (then) current audience.  In FFIV, there's Zeromus's fight music, FFV has the boss fight music, along with FF6 and 8 to a lesser degree.  To me, FF7's boss fight music gets the blood pumpin' better than any music since Crystalis or Megaman 2, with the biker music coming closely in second, tied with FF8's landing.  Other RPGs give out great music, though none in the go-out-and-kill way that FF7 does.

    Another theory.  The NES was designed as a game system for the action gamer and the instruments allowed in the sound chip were ones that were more rush-based. Megaman 2's Dr. Wily stage 1 music is an example of this.  I dread thinking about what it may sound like if it were to be remixed into sounding 16+-Bit.  Another example that doesn't go so well is the cave music from Crystalis.  After playing through the game about 4 times, I want to SCREAM when I hear it.

    Summary: 8-Bit music still rocks and may be as good or better than 16+ bit music.

    'Scuse me while you're listening to One Winged Angel and Eyes on Me, I'll be on Crystalis.

-EE "The 8-Bit Gamer"

Endarire Elward
R340@Execpc.com

(0 offense intended toward those involved with making games and music files!)