![]() ![]() Keeping the militaristic orchestral motifs, rhythmic guitar riffs and electric percussion is a surefire key to enjoyment at least for once, but Tanaka makes the composition intricate enough to satisfy on each consecutive listen due to the fantastic and catchy melodies. Even more interesting is "Be Headquartered in the City" that continues where Tanaka left with Metal Slug 4's best rock compositions. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the score. The composition is further developed with burning guitar solos and some cool synth leads, making the track really stand out despite its minimalistic approach. "Out of Control" is much more intense due to its frantic guitar riffs and dramatic orchestral motifs. The track is energetic and fast paced, featuring Tanaka's trademark guitar work but with a repetitive melodic pattern. "The South Pole" could have been very well used in Metal Slug 5, because of its focus on heavy guitars and stylistic similarities of Tanaka's own work for that game. Still, the soundtrack features its fare share of rocking tunes too. Clearly, Tanaka can pull off some great orchestral action themes. Also, one of the most impressive compositions is without a doubt "Coal Mine Mark" with its fast and radiant string melodies and the fantastic adventure-inspiring trumpet melodies. Both tracks could have very well stood out in a Wild Arms score, and if you are not familiar with that series, that's definitely a compliment. It's still a great orchestral theme, nevertheless. "Atmospheric Discharge" is stylistically similar, borrowing even the same anthemic Spaghetti Western motifs, but falls slightly short due to a generic and slightly predictable formula. Ultimately the track is very memorable, inspiring adventure and heroism while emotionally moving the listener. It starts with an intense blast of strings and electric guitars, and then it turns into a beautiful Spaghetti Western orchestral anthem that later surprises even more with a beautiful Jindo-esque (circa The Oath in Felghana) violin solo that gives to the theme a more melodramatic feel. Speaking of awesome orchestral themes, "Desert Town" should ring familiar bells to Falcom fans. ![]() The track is also used as the first stage music, something that guarantees to ban the game for hazardous reasons, due to players' heads exploding from the sheer awesomeness of it all. ![]() The composition strikes from the go, and leaves a big impact since from the first listen. Simply put, the track is comprised of intense electronic percussion, electric guitars used for rhythm, and incredibly catchy and heroic orchestral motifs. The man has showed in numerous occasions his capability to score with an orchestral palette, and fans should remember his good contribution to Metal Slug 4, but with this particular track, he manages to kick all amounts of ass. "Start from Mountain Village" is the most jaw-breaking and awesome example of how Tanaka is versatile and capable of creating adrenaline-inducing, bombastic and energetic compositions regardless of musical genre or style. ![]() Still, despite these minor shortcomings, the soundtrack is a blast, no doubt about that. There are some truly amazing composition here that would have benefited from a chance to develop and captivate even further the listener, but apparently contextual limitations prevent this. Which leads to the second problem: The tracks are often too short to be worthwhile stand-alone listening. While none of the tracks I listened were bad or boring, they simply end up sounding slightly generic, and are easily overshadowed by the fantastic stage themes, clearly the most important bulk of the score. First of all, there are 38 original tracks featured on the disc and, due to the cinematic approach to the score, it's predictable that there is going to be a lot of skippable material, or possibly filler, due to the in-context focus of most of the compositions. I must address some of the issues before I start. This soundtrack was featured on the final disc of the Metal Slug Complete Sound Box, together with a bonus arrangement and an unused track. Toshikazu Tanaka once again returns to score the music, and biblically improves over his stylistic orchestral approach from Metal Slug 4. Fortunately, the game sticks to the typical Metal Slug fashion of having an amazing soundtrack, regardless of gameplay quality. It was not a terrible game, but subpar in many aspects, primarily because of the year it was released. Metal Slug 3D was the first (and possibly last) venture of the Metal Slug franchise in the over-crowded "modern" three-dimensional video game realm. Metal Slug 3D Complete Box Soundtrack :: Review by George ![]()
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