Calamaistr's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[The Cycle (Mac13)]

the only actual 8bit track in the whole contest, go figure.

but did you take the style from my tracks? cause its very recogniceable, just curious.

(apart from the drumset i still need one of those, never found a proper vst)

Sadly i do have some criticism for you, there is never anything interesting going on, to me this track sounds like canvas, there is to much space that has potential to add something into, also the two halves dont fit together.

regards.
-cal.

Genclops responds:

Thank-you for your candid review. The criticism is understood, I wrote it in more than one session and the parts are rather distinct - The space your referring to is supposed to be filled by animation- which was the point of the contest. I wanted to make several atmospheres to advance the story. I am glad it kept the judges interest more than yours!
As far as your perception of its likeness your style, I'm sorry you feel that way but my influences for this track are much older than my knowledge of you. Im sorry but you had no influence on this track at all.

[Goodbye Maru Mari]

sorry but first off this has way to much reverb to it wich ruins the atmosphere, the melody itself is fairly original, the drums arent 8bit either but 32, and the triangles used for bass are hifi even.

Such a shame because this couldve been a pretty good 8bit piece if you had only made it with actual 8bit instrumentation.

-cal.

BenTibbetts responds:

Thanks for your thoughts. In retrospect, I think you've got a point about the reverb. You're also correct about the drums and the "triangles" (although I'm not sure exactly what you're hearing there), but this mixture of 8-bit and other samples does not bother me. If this piece was "purely" 8-bit, I would have had to cut several melodic lines out of the mix because of voice limitations. That would have been an interesting challenge, and maybe the track would have been better as a result of these restrictions.

[Dystopian East Coast (8-bit)]

Original progressions, soundbits, just very enjoyable to listen to man.
Listening to these things make me more proud on that i make 8bit myself.

Especially the two progressions at 0:11 are nice.

I remember bucky o hare, used to watch a good friend of me play it on nes when i was younger.
Also loved the show heh, even had actionfigures of it.

Genclops responds:

Glad you dig the song man, Bucky O'hare is my shit.

[Orbit Base]

perfect pacing and soundbits imo, though here and there the melody couldnt keep my attention its alot better than what most people make as 8bit here on newgrounds.

greets.
-cal.

Genclops responds:

Grazie Grazie

[The Return]

It sounds more like a concept because of the simplicity in its repetition, i also cant find a theme in the melody as it sticks to much to a single chord, that might be the theme on its own but i dont know about that.

At the start i found the bells a bit unnecessary at 00:31, overall there is just to little change to make it interesting and even becomes nagging as its just one chord most of the time throughout the track.

Maybe im of the few in this not to like such, it might be personal preferrence.

As for the quality itself its ok appart from the piano, could use some filter cut to make it softer.

stunkel responds:

Yeah, I wasn't really going for a specific theme, but more of something to work as I guess almost a pop song. I'm not really expecting people to use this in their games or movies or anything, I just do it for enjoyment.

And I don't know why people hate on the bells, I don't really get why DX. I kinda liked them and I don't think that adding it is really unnecessary or necessary, but more of just something to add to the song.

But I appreciate the review though. Thanks!

[Full Throttle (SEGA)]

dat panning, i love the falling of the synth, and now dat solo holy shit.

this is going on my favorites.

EmperorCharlemagne responds:

Sweet!
I was getting only a LITTLE carried away with the solo, but I think the type of song calls for a bit of over-the-top shreddin'!
Glad you liked!

[Hope Flies High (16bit)]

You take something that sounds simple and make it osomow.

hmmm.

i am now go for fly to the space.

EmperorCharlemagne responds:

GOOD LUCK TO THE FLYINGS ENTERPRISE OF SUPER PLAYER PILOT