Pairing III (D)

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060 - Ninja Gaiden Shadow (GB) - Stage 1
197 - Metroid (NES) - Kraid's Hideout

My vote on this was premature. Ninja Gaiden has really grown on me. It likely won't help NG win anyway, but could someone change my vote to NG?

Kraid´s Hideout is a classic, that´s for sure. Stage 1 isn´t bad either but not as memorable. Gotta vote for Metroid here.

Stage 1's a grower for sure. Awesome intro there. Not good enough, however, to topple the best (and most atmospheric) Metroid track ever.

I enjoyed the driving melody of Ninja Gaiden Shadow (GB) - Stage 1, which had a slight, though not overbearing, oriental lit to it, with a pinch of jazz thrown in for good measure. Not the most complex tune, but satisfying.

Since I never played any of the Metroid games, the music's never had much of an effect on me. and seeing mediocre-to-terrible Metroid tunes routinely triumph over superior songs in the BSC has hardened me against the series. So Metroid (NES) - Kraid's Hideout is at an immidiate disadvantage. The tune isn't really ambient, at least not to the standards of oppressive, tuneless ambiance set by its successors. I was able to pull a pretty significant melody out of it on my first listen. No, the track's problem is that its melody doesn't have enough variation, especially in the first half of the track.

Going for Gaiden here.

Now see, this is why I don't feel bad about voting down all those other Gameboy tracks. Stage 1 is a pretty good track.

Still, Kraid's Hideout. At this point I feel like I should vote against it just for being nothing but solid square waves, but maybe later.

Stage 1 has some ROCK'N that just won't stop. Just won't stop I tell you. But hey, what's this? One of the more memorable Metroid tracks that also has really catchy melody? Oh hell yeh. Reminds me, I need to finish playing Metroid Prime 2 at some point. Stupid boost boss.

"Ninja Gaiden Shadow" is represented by a cool track, with tight rhythms and a dynamic melody. I can't find anything wrong, except that it's missing an experimental/special aspect to it, which I usually appreciate even more. It isn't a must though, and this doesn't negates the quality of "Stage 1".

At first hidden in its hideout (GFF's server), I've eventually been able to smoke Kraid out by right-clicking on the link and downloading the MP3 of "Kraid's Hideout". I was happy when I recognized the tune and the special aspect of its atmosphere (space-ish). There isn't much content, still enough, especially the very enjoyable part at 0:31, but it leaves a certain hole to fill at the end.

Again, I'm not distressed by this pairing. Whichever track wins, I'll be glad. Let's support "Stage 1" for it's freshness compared to Metroid, to my ears.

Stage 1 is very cool for a generic track, I found myself listening to it more intently after 0:33, which is a nice sounding, almost Iwatsuki style chord change.

Shame it's up against this monster. Kraid's Hideout has so much more character and substance to it, despite it's simplicity.

Gah...Kraid? Of all the opponents for my #2 to face. The end is nigh...

Well, no matter. Sticking with the horse I rode in on, since I genuinely prefer its boppin' stomp.

Dammit dammit dammit dammit. This is a tough one here. Two tracks I really like. I try not to let nostalgia factors influence my votes, but damn, Kraid's Lair sure hit home. I've always really liked Stage One from Ninja Gaiden Shadow too. It sounds a lot like the music from Shadow of the Ninja for NES by Natsume (which is a great game, BTW). Gah, I'm gonna have to go with NG Shadow, which I'm sure will be the underdog here.

- Justin Pfeiffer

: 060 - Ninja Gaiden Shadow (GB) - Stage 1
: 197 - Metroid (NES) - Kraid's Hideout

o kraid u

Stage 1 is just so much cooler. It's not very distinctive, but it's sure as hell a solid groove, and I actually do prefer it's melody to Kraid's.

Originally Posted by KyleDunamis

My vote on this was premature. Ninja Gaiden has really grown on me. It likely won't help NG win anyway, but could someone change my vote to NG?

Done, although your name will still be reflected in the poll as the song you originally chose, the point totals have been changed accordingly.

And here I am giving the point right back by way of my own vote.