VGM: Panzer Dragoon Remake The Definitive Soundtrack
Composer: Saori Kobayashi
Tracks: 16
(Brave Wave Productions, Limited Run Games, 2021)
Soar through the wonderfully reimagined soundscapes of Saori Kobayashi’s Panzer Dragoon Remake OST!
The 1995 on-rails shooter Panzer Dragoon from Sega, amazed gamers upon its original release, offering a new sense of freedom, scale, and wonderment. A major contributor to this broadened sense of scope, was the sweeping orchestral and electronic score by composer Yoshitaka Azuma, which expertly complimented the unique, organic bio-tech textures and atmosphere, taking Panzer Dragoon's incredible world to even greater heights.
Fast forward 25 years, and not only has this cult-classic been remade for a new generation of gamers courtesy of MegaPixel Studio and Forever Entertainment, but its legendary soundtrack has also been completely reimagined to accompany the new visual landscape. Panzer Dragoon series veteran Saori Kobayashi (Panzer Dragoon Saga, Panzer Dragoon Orta), returned to the franchise to offer her unique take on the original Azuma compositions.
According to Kobayashi in the CD soundtrack booklet:
"There are limitations in arranging a soundtrack that was originally recorded with live instruments. Instead, I took a well-known game and tried to create a continuation of its story through my music. In that sense, hope the arranged tracks give fans the sense that they are traversing into a different world than the original.'
Those familiar with Kobayashi's previous scores in the Panzer series for Azel / Saga and Orta, will find themselves on both new and familiar ground (before taking flight of course!). While Yoshitaka Azuma's original score had balanced sweeping orchestral arrangements with rhythmic electronic sections, Kobayashi's approach opts for a more textured, nuanced, and layered soundscape that reveals more of itself with each subsequent listen. It not only pays respect to Azuma's original melodies, but also takes them at times in both bold and subtle new directions, offering a fascinating audible journey.
Kobayashi's unique, spacious, organic stylings shine through in the new interpretations on Panzer Dragoon: Remake, and just as Azuma's soundtrack perfectly complimented the original Saturn classic, Kobayashi's new versions of these classic tracks succeed in doing the same for Panzer Dragoon: Remake's revamped visual, and gameplay experience.
Kobayashi's closing words in the CD booklet reflect on the history of the franchise:
"Thinking about it now, it's been a long 25 years since the inception of Panzer Dragoon. I'm honored to have been part of this franchise. I'm grateful to everyone who was involved."
And we as listeners, are grateful for Kobayashi-san's continued contributions to this beloved series. So whether you're an ancient Panzer Dragoon fan, or perhaps new to the franchise, you can take to the skies with Panzer Dragoon: Remake on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Stadia, and Steam, and with the soundtrack, which is available on iTunes, and major streaming platforms.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake The Definitive Soundtrack Tracklist
Main Title
Opening Theme
Flight
Sudden Turn
Worms
Confrontation
The Empire
Departed Souls
Reactivation
Assault
Flagship
The Imperial Capital Set Ablaze
Tower
Conclusion
Parting
Staff Roll
*Panzer Dragoon: Remake The Definitive Soundtrack is also available to enjoy digitally on Apple Music and Spotify. (Links take you to each service's respective album page.)
**Check out some of composer Saori Kobayashi's other soundtracks and projects on Apple Music and Spotify.
***Special thanks to Panzer Dragoon World and Brave Wave Productions for hosting the giveaway on Twitter from which this signed, Limited Edition was received.
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