Jet Set Radio Future OST

Ah Jet Set Radio Future...It's the perfect example of a timeless game. It came from a period when developers weren't afraid to take major risks. This game was made back when cel-shading was an emerging graphic style, one that sadly doesn't exist anymore.

The premise of Jet Set Radio Future revolves around the player's gang of rocket powered roller blading hooligans in their fight against rival gangs and the typical futuristic dystopian government using the power of, what else? Graffiti and music. This is another one of those rare games that has so much style. Everything about the art direction and the presentation were spot on. The graphics were great and still look good for an xbox launch title. Everything looked like it was taken out of a some trippy manga. There was nothing like blasting through a futuristic Tokyo trailed by policemen while some awesome dance music blared in the background. The game was fun. Simple and pure. Everything about it was just so great. It was such a major improvement over Jet Grind Radio.

Why is there such a focus on realism in newer games? Yes, I'll admit that new games do look impressive and I'm astounded at the further level of detail they manage to cram in each time, but the problem with realism is that it's so...boring! As technology advances, even games like Uncharted 2 and Crysis will eventually look dated. I'm not saying that new games are bad, but we've seen this happen before. Remember when Gran Turismo 2 was considered the ultimate simulation? Games that put the emphasis on the HOW of graphics instead of the WHAT will live on forever.

Anyways, the soundtrack is full of pulsing electronic music and hip hop that fit the electricity fueled landscapes of the future. Drop that top and bump these funky jams

UNDERSTAND UNDERSTAND

Shadow of the Colossus OST

Imagine for a second utter, inescapable loneliness. Not the kind of loneliness that we manufacture in our minds and self pity, but true loneliness. That's what this game is like. It's been a while since I've played a game that really made me feel something and words could hardly describe the feeling you get when you descend those giant steps from the starting temple and see the vast empty wasteland that seems to stretch on forever. Instead of being treated to the uplifting sound of adventure that accompanies traditional RPGs when you step out onto the world map, you are met with nothing. You hear nothing but the footsteps of your horse, the panting of your breath, maybe the far off call of a solitary bird or the tinkle of a waterfall.

That is, of course, until you come across the Colossus. They are huge moving monoliths that arise out of the horizon. The creatures are seemingly benevolent, some little regard you as they march about naturally, and often times I was met with the awe inspiring and somewhat frightening moment when one of the massive beasts would bend their head downward and gaze at the main character with curiosity. It is then that the music starts. You don't know why you have to kill them, you don't know what they've done to deserve being killed. The only thing you know is that you have to do it.



A great game all around. And a great soundtrack to boot.

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