My 5 Favourite Dynasty Warriors 7 Music

From listening to the original soundtrack for quite a few weeks now, both out of game and in-game, the sound of Dynasty Warriors 7 has further extended my admiration for the series' music.

I'm not at the point of saying I know for sure how I will rate it precisely, but enough to see roughly where it stands overall. It's dominated by the usual rock tunes, yes, but seeing as how DW has never had such a compelling focus on the story narrative as much as number seven, there is a portion of others that are there to hear through the emotions of the large amount of cut scenes, such as the BGM called Glory. The kingdom themes which have never been present before (in particular I like Jin Overture) and more. Omega Force (the developers) and KOEI really went out on making the experience closer to it's history and telling such an exciting story at that, so the sound quality has to show equal importance as anything else in my mind.

However, being as how I love the soundtracks through the rock music, I'm more in favour to liking these catchy stage pieces more than the classical-esque considering it's more suited and you listen to them a lot more as well.

Now I'm going to list my five favourites of Shin Sangokumusou 6 in actual order this time. Counting down to what is probably the single soundtrack I view as the best I've heard in the entire list of TECMO KOEI products.

Frenzy Moon which was originally translated as Wei Battle and was therefore revealed to be heard in Wei's kingdom PV. What I actually admire the most with it's energy is how in this case I don't see it to be overkill loud rock, it's more light-hearted and captivating jazz inspired. The electronic synthesizer really gives it a soothing feeling and adds to the cheerful atmosphere of the sound, although it's not exactly appropriate to be labelled as Wei's music since the kingdom isn't exactly known for being happy.

The Salvation is one of the moodier pieces in Dynasty Warriors 7's OST. The background music however, isn't entirely of that sense, it gets to the point where it changes at the 1:36 mark into what I feel is the peak heroic section of the music of what I enjoy the most before it switches back to be more threatening. And even though it plays at Hulao Gate, but isn't it's actual level property, it would have been seen as appropriate to be so given the scenario.

Intense Collision plays at the Battle of Dongkou and is actually a stage specific BGM in Dynasty Warriors 7, as Wu's final battle. Seemingly to be based off of the other music called Clumsy Expression (Wu Battle), I feel this is much busier and more entertaining to listen to, although because of this and it's loudness it can be quite overwhelming to listen to over and over again. But it's bursting with energy and mood that I can't predict it's pretty hard to ignore the epic guitar riffs and ceaseless changes throughout it's duration.

Crush 'em All being a variation of the game's opening music is a very enthusiastic background music piece. Two of the music frequent instruments; the guitar; the drum; are used in this incredibly catchy work which has been over the weeks promoted by fans. As also known as called Advancing for it's situation it plays it gives off the feeling of confident morale to the player. The tempo is quick and immediately at that it hardly catches a breath and is so, so rewarding to hear for a supporter of the series who wants a battle to feel less dead.

The Last Battle is undeniably the single masterpiece of music from the sound team that I just adore and just cannot stop listening to.

For the first time in the Dynasty Warriors series a choir has been introduced and it's one move I deeply recommend them to continue with. I sincerely hope the Samurai Warriors franchise follows suit and uses a choir or at least the next version of this franchise does. Because the likes of Jin Overture and The Last Battle captivate me and make me so fond of the idea that the kingdom of Jin's story was brought alive and that now there's a different more fresh approach to their products.

Luckily it's not so diligent as Intense Collision and because of this I'm able to appreciate the whole song without losing where it's heading or feeling lost.

So as a fan of them revealing Jin, choosing a choir with amazing rock. It's memorable, epic, and has a meaning above all that it's supposed to be the final showdown at Chengdu. It's the greatest example of how high the standard of music they can create, and is my number one choice from Shin Sangokumusou 6's OST.

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!

MASA (Guitarist/Sound Composer of KOEI)

This is just an article that has been wanting to be done for a distant time. As being a very big fan of the Dynasty Warriors original soundtracks since the start until presently still, the musical composer has partaken in very memorable pieces of work which reside on mainly hard heavy metal rock noises. So reflecting on the thought of the series music, MASA has brought alive and given a dimension as to how an energetic, lively, and historically important part of China's history needs to feel like.

With his attention on producing a quality professional atmosphere, MASA has recently still given his awareness to pleasing fans of KOEI's everlasting video game soundtracks. Of course a game's content would not be as full of emotions and inspiration without an OST (Original Soundtrack). And in this case apart from it all sounding very noticeable given the genre of music, there's influence of Eastern scores which is utmost vital to be told because of the setting based loosely off of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel by Luo Guanzhong.

MASA's work within the franchise tells stories with thanks to his creation with the guitar, both sad and joyful experiences. Along with it's Eastern vibe. The Shin Sangokumusou series as known in Japan, with it's oriental sound setting based in The Three Kingdoms period of China can be listened to in countless songs. This in presence can be heard in particular in this guitar-based work which tells the anguish of Liu Bei wanting revenge after his oath brother Guan Yu's death by the joint hands of Wei and Wu in Dynasty Warriors 4. It's entitled ''AVENGING BATTLE''.

Now for a selection of fascinating noise, I will give examples of how instrumental and appreciated the music he creates reveal.

From Shin Sangokumusou 2 (aka Dynasty Warriors 3), this theme plays on one of the last stages, the Siege of He Fei Castle. Known on the OST as ''BLAST FROM THE EAST'', Wu's own theme music for this level is a slow, catchy, techno tune which more so allows the listener to anticipate a climatic time of somewhat desperation. Different when compared to the equally as good other song on the OST called ''THE MEN OF INTELLIGENCE'', Wei's grand newly built historical fort's brilliance can be seen as a faster more positive upbeat mixture of guitar and drum, although the composition is by Kenji Nakajo.

Based on the later era stage the Battle of Wu Zhang Plains, the apparent challenge of it merits the uncomfortable appeal of the stage's situation. SACRED GROUND by MASA which starts and ends with gloom, basing at night, is a fan favourite.

RUN, RUN, RUN from Shin Sangokumusou 4 has an extremely fast tempo which resides on the thought of urgency. Using guitar and drum, when playing at the Escape from Chi Bi, a fleeing Cao Cao is hesitant on not losing his life.

This song, ''SLASH THE DEMON'' is a BGM which plays against the tyranny of Dong Zhuo at Hu Lao Gate.  Referring to the terror of Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo which can be addressed throughout the entirety, it is full of heavy disturbing, resonant noises.

GAIN MOMENTUM, certainly not lacking liveliness, from the Dynasty Warriors 6 Original Soundtrack is as energetic as most of his work. It's one of my personal favourites and is very distinguished with it's rock-esque sense of style. It plays in scenarios where you gain the advantage and as a whole is one promising mood-uplifting soundtrack.

Lastly for this update, this popular memory is titled ''THEME OF LU BU'' from Dynasty Warriors: Online. It offers a range of sections (including spurts of guitar riffs) which are all exciting to hear. It is truly heavy metal rock, extremely busy, MASA at his finest and most known for composing the thrilling staple themes of Lu Bu in each title.

On a closing note, there will be more updates on MASA's recordings in the future and my personal favourites, as well as posts on the other artists such as Kensuke Inage and Masato Koike.

That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!

Dynasty Warriors 7

Outside of Japan, Dynasty Warriors 7's first ever trailer was exclusively revealed first-hand at the London MCM Expo, October 2010 by TECMO KOEI Europe's presentation.


Shin Sangokumusou 6 is the latest KOEI title to be announced for the Dynasty Warriors series. For both the PS3 console and Xbox 360, Dynasty Warriors 7 will be ditching the tried and tested Renbu system from Dynasty Warriors 6 in place of using the old and adored engine of hack and slash.

For the first time ever, Dynasty Warriors 7 will be introducing a new kingdom, Jin. This time in history during the later troubled times of The Three Kingdoms era of China, initially part of the Wei kingdom, Jin's power grew and usurped Wei stepping towards eventually the creation of the Jin Dynasty which brought an end to the army of Wu and Shu, as well as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

KOEI TECMO through their website dedicated to this title has been sharing music that will be featuring. This piece is named ''Jin - Overture'' on the official TECMO KOEI EU site.

Hosted by the Sima clan, Jin's force in Dynasty Warriors 7 will be led by former Wei's strategist Sima Yi and is said to start after Wu Zhang Plains. And obviously with a new clan, you expect new characters, and Dynasty Warriors 7 does not displease here. Sima Yi's very own two sons Sima Shi and Sima Zhao have been revealed as part of the unity. Amongst other faces like the popular requested Deng Ai, Wang Yuanji, and more.

With all of KOEI TECMO's promotion, we expect the Jin Dynasty to be a refreshing take on the series we have all grown to love after many titles which have attempted to bring an entertaining aspect to Luo Guanzhong's Chinese based novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms which bases loosely off of it.

Wei's Xiahou Dun has returned and continued tradition of being a popular character within the franchise.

But even though there's a new threat to be reckoned with, the powers of Shu, Wei and Wu will be returning amongst reoccurring and new persona. As for the 'Others' category which consists of favourites such as Lu Bu, it will sadly not be receiving a storyline, but those present will be seen in the confirmed stories and will be able to be used in the new mode entitled Chronicle Mode which will act in similar fashion to Dynasty Warriors: Online where you can buy equipment and wander around China joining factions. So having said all that, other than that category not having a quest it's just yet to be known how much focus each kingdom will be getting in this video game which is set to be released this year.

Worth noting and for a debut which you can see in action below in the footage is the promoted ''seemless play'' where the game will smoothly change from a cut scene to actually playing. For instance in this case you see Shu's hero Zhao Yun take part in a scene with Zhang Fei and proceed straight into combat, as if there was no difference between the two. Another instance having been shown elsewhere to reveal being mounted, charging straight into the battlefield.

Dynasty Warriors 7 is set to hit stores early this year worldwide in March, 2011. Stay tuned for further updates!

                                            
The latest PV of Shin Sangokumusou 6 has recently been put online by KOEI TECMO.


That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!

My history with KOEI Warriors!

Joining the community of KOEI Warriors 4 years back really does seem longer to me. Having been so active and indulgent towards it is probably why.

Oct 2006 I had went through the life decision of creating a nickname and finally became part of the forum discussion after a time beforehand browsing KOEI Warriors. During that time I was already a member at the official US KOEI forums and browsed that side of GameFAQs, and thought why not, I still wished to comment and read more from what appeals to me, and that's where it all began.

http://s13.zetaboards.com/koeiwarriors/profile/83328/

Being so enthusiastic and absorbed by playing Dynasty Warriors 2 and then seeing all the improvements in the third of the Shin Sangokumusou series (known in Japan), I had not been that inclined to a particular gaming series since my times with Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy; which are both still favourites of mine presently. Though Dynasty Warriors 3 and the sheer amount of hours is what probably sent me in this direction and eventually lead me to the community. It's my most preferred title at this point still. Maybe lots to do with the sense of nostalgia.

I have literally bought every main title and expansion of this series, and other KOEI titles like Samurai Warriors as well. This gave me sort of permission to go deeper in the message comments and quickly, fuelled by passion, gather a vast number of posts within KOEI Warriors and countless other related sites.

After time I became a staff member of the founder, Insp. Chin's website, a close friend who now has a blog:  http://inspchin.wordpress.com/, and moved up from there trying to be as organized and friendly as possible. But moving up in rank is really not something I would say happened promptly at all. As I've said it seems to me like I have been doing this for far longer.

Nowadays after being drawn to the members and days passing, even attending events throughout London with other friends whom I met with similar hobbies, I'm now an administrator alongside a great team of hard working helpful staff who work voluntary to help promote TECMO KOEI's video games.

For the future of KOEI Warriors, who knows how long it will be around and where I will be, but in the meantime I'm looking forward to doing what I do and furthermore intrigued by the latest news that the Japanese team KOEI TECMO reveal. Like the incoming Dynasty Warriors 7 which I am really eager to see. Which it, Shin Sangokumusou 6 as known in the East, I will be discussing in my next post.

That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!