My 5 Favourite Dynasty Warriors Music

I am a very big fan of video game and film music, especially that of KOEI. Playing the series since Dynasty Warriors 2 (Shin Sangokumusou as known in Japan), I like to view all aspects such as the gameplay, cut scenes, characters, history, and of course the soundtracks of the company. Being so attached to many music samples of the series, and the sound composers, it was a difficult decision to finally come up with a top five list in which I hold the most highly. These are in no order and property/credit to the musicians Kenji Nakajo, followed by three from MASA, and lastly Masato Koike. I listen to these regularly and have really done so for the past years, so here goes.

This is my most fond track from Dynasty Warriors 3 (Shin Sangokumusou 2), although I happen to deeply love the majority in the game; The Men of Intelligence more so stands out to me because of the challenge of the stage and how often I played it because of this. This one stands out in the OST along with the also awesome Blast from the East piece as a fantastic final showdown between Wei and Wu. I wouldn't say it's such a happy BGM in terms of boosting morale, but it's presence is definitely worth taking note, as this soundtrack really portrays the sense to overtake Wei's newly-built grand castle that it's going to be a grievous task. The guitar is so recognizable as always in the Dynasty Warriors series and the drums in the background really add to the toughness of the track. 

Avenging Battle is the Dynasty Warriors 4 (Shin Sangokumusou 3) track for the stage Yi Ling which is appropriately labelled for Liu Bei's revenge. It's a very emotional, saddening grudgeful Eastern musical piece; although a glimpse of positivity can be sensed. Everything about this score is just sheer brilliance, I find every direction it takes to be pretty much flawless. With the drums starting, the guitar comes in with the typical Dynasty Warriors-fashion followed by a flute to slow the pace tranquilly to then welcome back MASA's fine guitar work. Although the real notable factor about this which strikes me the most is how much better it gets as it continues. Towards the end it quickens and has a powerful guitar riff which shows how it strives for impact and to reflect on Liu Bei's anger. 

Lu Bu's theme has always been one of them most to look forward to and consistently dominating most soundtracks in my opinion and is loved by many. This one in particular is my most adored among them all of ''Theme of Lu Bu'' and its many variations. Sharing sections with the actual main theme of Dynasty Warriors 4 (Shin Sangokumusou 3) from the beginning to finish this is so forceful, fast and truthful in how it's been created for Lu Bu who's a man of might and a terrifying personality. What more could a background music do better than to show such a person's most sinister side with heavy, disturbing drum beats coordinated so well with MASA's electric guitar. I admire Lu Bu's music generally, but Dynasty Warriors 4's Theme of Lu Bu's meaning wins the vote for me.

Gain Momentum is probably my favourite in the entire Original Soundtrack of Dynasty Warriors 6 (Shin Sangokumusou 5), though the likes of A Great Giant, Oriental Rush, Welcome to China, Geniuses Sanctuaries Ultimate Pressure would not be far behind. Gain Momentum is another which is wonderfully titled since it does just that; giving off the feel of victory being closer at hand. Boosting morale at very timely situations such as gaining the summit at Mt. Ding Jun as Shu and burning Wu Chao's supplies at Guan Du. Immediately it begins with all the most known, drums, guitar, and percussion is heard during the whole of the score. And to say this apart from my next below being certainly the most inspiring out of the lot would not be bold at all, as it just completely shows confidence.

Unsurprisingly the late level He Fei Castle was given a marvelous song again. And once again I favour the given name which fits to the pristine constructed castle of Wei. A Great Giant from Dynasty Warriors 6 (Shin Sangokumusou 5) by Masato Koike is different from my first picked because this one just generates enthusiasm throughout the whole song, as opposed to The Men of Intelligence from Dynasty Warriors 3 being tough. I am lost for words with this unique sound which alike the Avenging Battle and my others listed, I feel every second of it is just so worth listening to and praising, however especially the horn here which gives it more depth to the story.


This is it for this update. Thanks for reading!

Music of Dynasty Warriors 7

One of the most unique aspects of this title's support is the fact the official Japanese site has been updating us with music to listen to whilst we excitingly await it's release.

It's only over a few weeks away from Shin Sangokumusou 6 releasing in Japan for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. During our time we have had six music tracks to enjoy, so I'm going to go through and explain more so my thoughts on each one the best I can.

Titled ''OPENING'' it's clear that this theme suits rock and will welcome it's fan-base to the newest Shin Sangokumusou, although it leaves behind it's typical self for a new take of introductory music. Waiting to be heard in the opening footage, this BGM was first heard outside of Japan in TECMO KOEI Europe's exclusive Dynasty Warriors 7 presentation at the London MCM Expo last year.

The most noticeable sound of music coming from this franchise is that of a guitar. The lead sound producer and guitarist of KOEI's Dynasty Warriors soundtracks is known and credited as MASA whom I have covered in a past blog. Yet confirmed of his presence for the score of this video game, the OPENING and THEME OF LU BU being vital to the series sound is likely him responsible again, as he takes these particular themes for himself and Lu Bu's is reminiscent of his past compositions.

Now to say some thoughts on this piece. With the guitar being the central point which we can hear, the main course is that of a fast noise including drum and percussion. There're it's steadier paced sections, but the gist comes from how lively, catchy and dynamic it is. My most fond and favourite musical soundtrack as heard at this point of time.

Wei's ''Prelude'' (Japanese) or ''Overture'' (English) was the first kingdom record to be heard a few months back. From listening you can sense how it can be seen as quite a moody and steady example of music. The drums in the background are much more forcibly struck in this compared to the OPENING. Seemingly the sound of a march is given along with sorrow from the horn.

Representing the new kingdom of Jin, Jin's Prelude was the next in line. The kingdom's background music starts off similar and steadily paced all the way through like Wei's Prelude with drumming being present as well as the horn instrument. However, unlike Wei, Shu, or Wu's music, this classical type theme has the extra aspect in the way a choir is heard and heard immediately; which the vocals can be viewed as very soothing and also uplifting. Although even though the choir is recognisable throughout it's more so during the chorus, I wouldn't say KOEI has pushed the sound to an extreme and used a sense of overpowering vocalists, but just to give that feel of a dramatic scene and a new era approaching.

                                           

Wu's Prelude was updated on the official Shin Sangokumusou 6 website after Jin's. It's probably my least favourite part of the OST (Original Soundtrack), however I can reflect on the fact that it's the most peaceful, serene of the lot. The drumming pattern in this in particular sounds softer and somewhat harder to follow, although the beautiful use of the horn leads to quite the epic drum hit at the end.

                                           

Shu's Prelude is the final out of the four preludes revealed and is arguably the most tragic of them all. The drums in reason are inconsistent and not as continuous as the other soundtracks ranging from softer hits to much stronger. With the support of the horn like all the others, it's backed up with bigger pauses and even haunting echoes to give off that dramatic emotion to the audience.

''Lu Bu's Theme'' or also known as ''Theme of Lu Bu'' has always been one of the most anticipated tunes as much as people looking forward to his appearance. It's a very important thought for one of KOEI's most known characters to have a thrilling BGM to give some more depth to his persona. Relying on hard rock, Theme of Lu Bu has been revealed and promoted, used in presentations in the past to symbolize KOEI's latest Dynasty Warriors games as iconic.

This version does not displease and has been praised to be a step forward by many. There's distinguishable notes that remind us of it's relation to his songs in the past, such as the first twenty seconds. It's intensely urgent, perhaps the most so out of the whole series. The usual exciting guitar riffs are present and also the lately used techno influence that was used in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce and Dynasty Warriors 6; although I'm rather seeing the techno as somewhat of it's flaw.

Lu Bu's Theme's rock, guitar riffs and distinguishable similarities to the former music tracks makes this one of the most liked so far (which will still be once we have the entire OST).

That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!

Dynasty Warriors 7 PV - Jin

Jin's promotional video is the first kingdom PV to be released in Japan.


The first of four Shin Sangokumusou 6 official kingdom PV (promotional videos) to be shared over the next few weeks released by KOEI on the official Japanese website features the new kingdom of Jin.

The upcoming exciting video next week judging from the main site layout is likely that of Wei's. Using a mix of scenes, musou attacks, and a rock themed version of the BGM (background music) Prelude/Overture is likely the way it'll follow for each force.

That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!