Whether itâs the world of video game music or something else entirely, itâs safe to say that surprises are usually a welcome affair. This can be especially true when they come out of the complete blue, much like the release of Capcomâs Rockman DASH 2 Special Collection. When one is honest however, the Mega Man Legends series has not been unkempt in its native Japan like it has abroad - from the 2005 PSP re-releases to the all new, original cell phone game in 2008 - perhaps it is not so surprising that Capcom has decided to officially release some more music from the series - a series whose last official soundtrack release was over a decade ago in 1998.
Overdue as it may be, even those familiar with the seriesâ music may be unaware of the changes that occurred between Mega Man Legends and Mega Man Legends 2 when Toshihiko Horiyama took on composing duties for The Misadventures of Tron Bonne. Wanting to make the seriesâ music to take on a more homogenous nature than Tomozawaâs original effort, Horiyama added the use of overarching themes to the mix. To this end, the scoreâs various pieces adopted a behavior not unlike those from Tsuyoshi Sekitoâs Brave Fencer Musashiden, where variation upon variation of prominent themes were used to create connective cohesion between the gameâs various scenes, characters and locations.
Upon returning to score Mega Man Legends 2, this element of Horiyamaâs work was quickly integrated into Tomozawaâs as well. Unfortunately, the negative effects of this theme-driven approach - which can be more or less be observed by acknowledging the lack of accolades the Brave Fencer Musashiden Original Soundtrack has received over the years â was that the sacrificed individuality on a track-by-track basis made soundtrack releases for either game very unlikely, even more unlikely than it was for the first gameâs score which, if it wasnât for the well-timed formation of Capcomâs Suleputer record label the that time, most likely would have been left to the ages as well.
Anyways, regardless of the hand fate may have dealt it in the past, we now find ourselves presented with a small cross-section â seventeen out of about eighty pieces â of what Mega Man Legends 2 has to offer. With such limitations, did the best tracks make the cut? Read on to find out!
01. Title
Right off the bat, the Rockman DASH 2: Special Collection presents us with an improvement over its forbearer by, ironically, offering something that isnât new. With the limited amount of material presented, the Japanese vocal themes are no-shows for obvious reasons. This allows the chance for a significant piece of in-game music to make a strong and powerful stance and say âthis is what Mega Man Legends is about!â The disc does not disappoint, offering up the original Flutter theme from the first game and legitimizing its position as the seriesâ titular theme with its unapologetic, happy-go-lucky nature. In reality, itâs not really the daring proposition Iâm making it out to be, but there is something about this choice that does feel defiant - forming a bridge between the two games with its pleasing nature despite its utter simplicity. (9/10)
02. The Flutter
A soft and relaxed version of âTitleâ above, this take paints a picture of the humble living quarters aboard the Casketâs newly renovated airship. While âhumblenessâ may be the overall sentiment one can take away from this piece, itâs what one can find when digging a bit deeper thatâs the real prize - weariness. This is a bit misleading however, as this âwearinessâ isnât really hidden as much as it is in jeopardy of being casually dismissed as part of the initial, collective message. Neither the result of a flat-out compositional flaw nor an example of a track that loses out when taken out of context, it merely seems destined to be a track that may be under examined. Ultimately, while nowhere near as engaging as the original â not that it was ever meant to be â itâs a more than worthy addition to the seriesâ musical continuity, the only gripe being that in placing two variations of the same theme back to back to one another, the discâs strong opening is inadvertently prolonged in a slightly unfortunate manner. (7/10)
03. Yosyonke Town
Representing a calm and peaceful winter wonderland, âYosyonke Townâ is another track with the ability to nail the sweet spot between simplistic and underdeveloped that many of the seriesâ best themes take all the way to the bank. Again, itâs clear that the environment being portrayed here is fun-filled and cold, but the message on display here is hardly one-dimensional. Emitting a simultaneous sense of warmth that manages not to betray the true nature of its surroundings, a campfire-like togetherness creeps out from the woodwork â a commentary of sorts on the resourceful people that live and love in such unforgiving conditions. Despite the duality of its message âYosyonke Townâ still doesn't ask too much of the listener, but then there is no real need to decrypt what is here either. (8/10)
04. Continent of Calinca
Surrounded by snow with only one place to go, numbers like âContinent of Calincaâ stand to exemplify the extreme degree Tomozawa is willing to take in his implementation of minimalism within the music of Mega Man Legends 2. Important as it may be to present this side of the score to those listening, given the small size of the canvas available for painting, this two and half minute âcrystalline hymnâ (which doesn't benefit from being looped in the slightest) is a poor choice in a situation that calls for much more discrimination in what does and what doesn't make the cut. However, looking beyond the limitations placed upon it here, a better option may have been to switch to the more up-beat âattackâ variation on the loop to break up the overly sterile and serene sense of stillness while covertly adding another track to the proceedings. (6/10)
05. Yosyonke Abandoned Mine
It doesnât take long after âContinent of Calincaâ to realize that area themes get the short end of the stick in this collection. Still, despite all the positives there may be in offering up something a bit more tangible and a little less ambient, âYosyonke Abandoned Mineâ also happens to be one of the scoreâs most uninspired and trivial dungeon themes. Itâs true this typical âmine-likeâ number may have enough drive and operating power to make it a decent piece, yet it stands a painful reminder to the pieces â pieces with far more to offer â that remain regulated to the game rip to this day. Perhaps what is most disturbing is the fact that it almost seems like the person behind the selection process was well aware of this, but more or less chose it to employ it here as a cheap prefix to the next selection rather than selecting it based on its own merits. (6/10)
06. Jaiwan
More than any other track on the Rockman DASH 2: Special Collection, âJaiwanâ dies at the hands of its original context - this despite that fact it is comprised solely of the ingredients one would expect to find in any other Reaverbot battle theme. Not being a case where a track fails because itâs too typical, this is a case of a track failing because it overshoots the situation it depicts by a mile and a half. Indeed, the fear and drama that presides over the proceedings in âJaiwanâ blows what is a minor, inconsequential scuffle completely out of proportion to the point where it is almost laughable. Such misdirection will obviously go undetected by those who have never played the game and take each track for what it is at face value, but to those who have, Tomozawaâs gaffe â as well as the absurd amount of real estate spent on inconsequential tracks from the Calinca Continent â will remind one of the blank expression expressed by deer captured within the demanding glare of an automobileâs headlights. (5/10)
07. Jagd Krabbe Rev.
Illustrating a wonton, wreck loose battle with a comedic edge, âJagd Krabbe Rev.â is rife with connections to past and present material. The most important of these - itâs affiliation with âFeldynaught!â from the first game - works on two levels: visual (both machines are similar in appearance and are capable of flattening a small town in mere seconds) and musical. Even though âFeldynaught!â may take its influence from the themes used to portray Reaverbots, the overabundance of intensity at its core makes it not unlike âJagd Krabbe Rev.â despite their conflicting styles. But where previous attempts at applying âoverabundanceâ in a musical fashion brought tracks like âJaiwanâ to their knees, the same cannot be said here, even when the crazy, Mega Man bashing voice-overs employed by Tron during the in-game battle are affixed atop it. (7/10)
08. Bola
A tightly wrought, anxiety-based number, âBolaâ exposes the stubbornness that lies deep within many of the compositional builds and/or norms used throughout the music of the Legends series. In an attempt to create a musical calling for a new kind of adversary, Tomozawa tones down the bold doom and gloom of your standard Reaverbot battle theme to create what could be essentially considered a more methodical and reserved âReaverbot Light.â This creates quite a conundrum, because, at the end of the day, booze is just another name for alcohol, and there is still isn't enough space between these âmusical identitiesâ to promote the idea that there is no connection between this character and the aforementioned creatures. Troubling as it is for the track to lack an identity to call its own, the perceived faults surrounding its grinding pace are eventually shown to be its one redeeming quality. (6/10)
09. Gargarfummi
Despite coining the theme that fuels the crowning jewel of the bunch, âGargarfummiâ lacks the credentials to change hearts and minds when it comes to the unflattering stereotypes that surround Reaverbot battle themes. That said, it should be obvious that there is a lot to be gained from avoiding the pretentiousness that ran rampant throughout âJaiwan,â and in this respect the track delivers, steering clear of completely exasperating the player with worry. However, beyond the forward drive possibly reminding listeners of similar pieces like âGarudoriten!â from the original, everything comes right back to that underlying theme in the end, perhaps explaining why it is a little more resilient than most of its brethren. (7/10)
10. Glyde Drache Ace
The inclusion of what is effectively known as âGlydeâs Themeâ wasn't so much a question of âifâ it would appear as much as it was of âwhich versionâ would represent it. Thinking about it in retrospect, was there any doubt that the horn filled, free-for-all that is âGlyde Drache Aceâ would take prominence? Not really. Be that as it may, as fun and energetic as this battle theme may seem on a standalone basis, there are things beyond this initial impression that drive it forward. Itâs mainly the performance of horns that leads one to eventually pick away at the surface layer of amusement and expose the overwhelming since of pride and entitlement thatâs just below its surface. Itâs all about vanity, or, more specifically, the vanity of an overconfident adversary. This is what sets âGlyde Drache Aceâ and Glyde himself apart from Bonneâs and their respective themes; both may be prideful, but where the Bonneâs portray a healthy sense of pride in what they can accomplish together (despite its legality), Glydeâs are prideful to represent a characteristic fault. (7/10)
11. Klaymoor
In using compositional schemes with their fair share of bugs, Tomozawaâs implementation of overarching themes can sometimes cause problems. More often than not, the resiliency to power through any choppy waters can be achieved, but then there are times where one is simply left stranded. Behold âKlaymoor,â a slower and even more listless version of âBolaâ that surrenders any and all chance there could have been to rescue the piece. Itâs depressing to see the changes made here, like the streamlined manipulation of the instruments and somewhat more tangible climax go to waste, but be that as it may, there is one thing both pieces have in their favor: a bit of hidden context. Did Tomozama take these characters discussions on the disadvantages of old age in combat into consideration when crafting these pieces? Could their slow, methodical nature be a musical extension of these characters ages? A question that is likely to never be answered, but influenced or not, they remain the hostages of their weaknesses regardless. (5/10)
12. Blitzkrieg
To say that âBlitzkriegâ is a track that delivers the kind of hard-hitting action it name implies would be somewhat of an overstatement, because while all the strife and drama one would expect to experience during a real life blitzkrieg (a sudden or surprise military offensive) is present, its far from being unrestrained. Being another example of the âreserved tenacityâ the ends up dictating the pace in many of Tomozamaâs battle themes, the careful application of this technique can pay off huge dividends, much like it did with in âMarlwolf!â and âThe Gesellschaft!â from the Rockman DASH Original Soundtrack. This requires a poignant theme with an easily repeatable rhythm, and itâs not long before the musical, tug-of war quality of this piece reveals itself not only to be in such a league, but reveals itself to be at the top of it, perfectly summing up the quagmire of limitations Mega Man finds placed upon him in this particular battle. Combine this with the piercing percussion that accompanies and resets the track on the loop and its plain to see itâs inclusion on this disc was an absolute MUST. It is easily one of most defining moments in Legends music history. (10/10)
13. Wojigairon
If one where to take âWojigaironâ in solely on the eight second intro that opens it, there is little doubt that the phrase âyouâre screwedâ would immediately pop into the minds most people. Intimidating as it may be (leading to itâs incorporation within some of the late-game battle themes), itâs not really representative of the remainder of the experience, which, for most intensive purposes carries the true balk of the message. That message? You donât necessarily need to see this twenty-two story, lava chugging monstrosity to be afraid of it. Musically, there are no real surprises; the intensity is once again kept in check as the presidio-militaristic style beats reflect the disjoined movements of a mal-proportioned behemoth. As much as a theme like this adds in the depiction of such roadblock, its workmanlike structure is far from inspiring. (7/10)
14. Hover Gustaff
Much like âGlyde Drache Aceâ before it, âHover Gustaffâ is another track whose appearance may not have been necessarily guaranteed, yet was much more likely than the majority of those that didn't. A relatively high-octane number as far as Legends standards go, the flailing silliness of âJagd Krabbe Rev.â is ditched in exchange for an upbeat and focused channel of controlled tenacity. The âcontrolled tenacityâ exhibited here doesn't directly relate to the âreserved tenacityâ within âBlitzkriegâ as one would expect; however, it does demonstrates how a minor adjustment in forward velocity can make two similar tracks very diverse. If there is anything to conclude from the experience set fourth in âHover Gustaff,â is that itâs a very different kind of Bonne-based track, which is more than welcome, but doesn't have a real hook to it, that quality that would make it a staple favorite. (7/10)
15. Geetz
Another piece whose appearance is on this disc is nothing short of a necessity, âGeetzâ may indeed be the greatest Reaverbot battle theme to grace the series. Thatâs a tall order for any track to fill, and sure, itâs merely one persons opinion, but with all the repressed rage from the previous âundergroundâ boss themes coming to a head, something the rapid-fire percussion here more than sees to, this âabovegroundâ rendition of the theme first heard in âGargarfummiâ speaks volumes about the conflict at hand. Add in the gothic styling of the keys and the experience feels a lot more intense than it really is; itâs right in your face but at the same time itâs not. Brilliant. Not even the gameâs final battle themes can touch this one. There really isn't anymore to say; with âBlitzkrieg,â âGeetzâ is the simply the epitome of what Mega Man Legends 2 has to offer the listener. (10/10)
16. Mother Area
Coming off as a more appropriate choice than its icy counterpart âContinent of Calinca,â the angelic, female harmonies found within âMother Areaâ reinforce the concept of one last reprieve before a final showdown. It hits the nail right on the head, and unlike âYosyonke Abandoned Mineâ is not a cheap prefix to a subsequent battle theme. At the same time however, the final battle theme on this disc doesnât bring the pound for pound power that the omitted âSera Computer Terminal Battle 1st Formâ would have; power that would have created some truly commanding contrast. (7/10)
17. Sera Computer Terminal Battle 2nd Form
Sadly, if you where to take all the rapid-fire drumming, adrenaline and power out of âGeetzâ and add a more than generous helping of âangelic hymnâ to what remained you would be left with âSera Computer Terminal Battle 2nd Form,â a uninspired variation of the gameâs most pivotal battle theme. Reflecting back on this particular battle, it should be noted that Tomozama is not really misguided in the direction he wants to take this track â the idea of presenting dead and empty space in musically abstract way is dead-on considering the environment itâs played it â but the general concept that beauty can be found in simplicity starts to run out of gas here, mainly because it limits the compositionâs ability to be engaging. This makes it hard, if not downright impossible, to be fair towards both this track and âGeetzâ even though nothing here is terribly awry. (6/10)
As expected, the Capcomâs Rockman DASH 2: Special Collection is mainly aimed towards satisfying the seriesâ small yet dedicated faction of fans. While it may be a more than welcome treat, the limited amount of material presented makes for a mix of tunes that range from âthey couldnât pick anything better?â to âdamn right!â that cumulatively equals out to a âIâm just glad to finally get something on an official disc!â The positive side of such a dilemma is this turns the album into a mini history lesson, pointing out the strengths and weakness of this particular score (and, indirectly, the Misadventures of Tron Bonne) when taken in as a whole. To this end, exploring what is here its time well spent, but only those who are infatuated with the world of Legends will stay.
Capcom Special Selection: Rockman Dash 2 review
Posted : 11 years, 10 months ago on 1 July 2012 01:060 comments, Reply to this entry