Music

So it's time to show why I actually came to Sonic Retro. :X

Hill Top Zone Rendition:
YouTube Version
Downloadable Version

This wasn't really intended to be a submission for Sonic 2 HD, but I decided to submit it as I tried to get it as close as the Genesis version (while using better sound sets) as possible.

I've also done a rendition of the final boss and I am also in the middle of doing one for Mystic Cave, but I'll wait until you tell me what you think of Hill Top first.

Oh and about the format it is in; I can change that if you decide that this will do.

 

The saxophone doesn't hold for long enough, the trumpets hold for too long and sound overly synthy, and it overall doesn't compare to the quality of previously approved Hill Top renditions.

EDIT: Sorry, I'm sure you were looking for a warmer greeting than that.

Welcome to Sonic Retro!

 

Don't worry about it, criticsm is very welcome.

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting a miracle when I decided to post this submission, so don't worry if you think I would be offended because this is my first post.

Thank you for your honesty.

 

Whoa!! You just made the Hill Top theme ten times more enjoyable to listen to (It used to be my least favorite song from Sonic 2)! That harmonica in the main part of the tune just hit the nail on the head, IMO. The percussion really gives this piece more soul, too. I think you should keep that organ, as it feels like an accurate instrument from the original theme, and I really like the wind in the beginning and that faint chime in the background; it gives the piece a sort of Sonic Adventure sound.

I agree about the brass needing some adjustment, though. When I hear that part in the original Genesis version, I think of acoustic guitar chords being strummed in that section -- try that out, perhaps?

[EDIT] Y'know, I've given it a lot of thought, and no matter how I imagine those guitars playing that brass area of the song, I just don't think guitars would be good for that part after all. Saxophones, however, might be better.

 

Thanx a lot for the positive feedback. I will redo the changes within next week as I have a deadline this Friday.

 

I ran into some great-sounding pieces from a guy's YouTube channel, here's his website: http://dummyworld.net/music/ (scroll down a bit for Sonic 2 pieces). I love Aquatic Ruin and Casino Night, though I realise they're obviously not in the style the project wants them: however, check out the Final Boss theme, which is great!

 

Wow, Mesmonium, I love your stuff (more positive feedback). They're like remixes without being a remixes, just very smart remasters, keep it up. :v:

Might I enquire as to what library you're using for the drums in OOZ and HTZ? That's some really contemporary stuff right there that I've always struggled to find good samples of.

 

Gentlemen, I present you(after god knows how much work and effort) my final version of the remastering of Aquatic Ruins Zone!

It took me WAY too long to find a decent enough percussion soundfont (I use Synthfont mainly) that would fit the thing just right. If this doesn't end up giving the impression of a "south american jungle" vibe, I dunno what will.

Hopefully ya like what I did for the tune, and tell me what ya think of it, ok? :3

 

You've definitely got the right idea, but the background tune sounds way too quiet, and almost tuneless. I don't know exactly what that instrument in the background is supposed to be (some sort of xylophone?), but perhaps it should be replaced with something that can hold a longer note.

Otherwise, everything else sounds great.

 

Xylophone-ish thing at :22 = good touch.
And yes, as Blue said, the harmony is virtually non-existent. I would use a combination of a louder (steel drums?) and maybe a lower-range Peruvian flute. That would be fantastic. And would finalize it I would think. Please don't consider this your final edition, like you said the majority of the time was spent finding the percussion samples. Just a simple edit of a track would be all you need to do, right?

 

Sounds good, but needs a bit more oomph to make it stand out. The strings in the first part need to be louder, and you need to put in a clapping effect.

 

GAH! TOO MUCH DRUMMING!

Also, the tempo is a bit too slow.

 

HPZ sound awesome. Love it all apart from the lead sound. I would have used a much better Flute that sounded more euphoric and aloof. Or maybe even an Oboe. The lead you have now doesn't sound bad. Just sounds weak and not fitting to the rest of the amazing track.

 

That's made a difference. Though I think that the leads overall sound is a bit dominating. Could do with lowering the volume and some EQing. Also some gaps between each midi note. Let the piper breathe. Also it would be better if you use different instruments for the main lead. Like the first section is the flute, next section strings. Moving between these two would give the track a sense of real progress. The drums is the other thing. I was listening to it over and over again and they start to become a bit relentless. At the moment, because it has no breakdown and the rapid pattern you have done, gets tedious very quickly. Maybe it would be a nice idea to add some creative flare if you could do it building up the drums to it and then bring the build down.