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Gyakuten Saiban Yomigaeru Gyakuten Original Soundtrack :: Review by Muzza
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Album Title: | Gyakuten Saiban Yomigaeru Gyakuten Original Soundtrack |
| Record Label: | Suleputer | |
| Catalog No.: | CPCA-10124 | |
| Release Date: | November 30, 2005 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at VGM World |
Overview
Released in late 2005, in light of the original Gyakuten Saiban's re-release on the DS, the Gyakuten Saiban Yomigaeru Gyakuten Original Soundtrack covers the newly arranged music from this much-publicised port. The music, composed by Masakazu Sugimori, was arranged in this release by Gyakuten Saiban 2 soundtrack composer Akemi Kimura, who also composed a few new tracks to go along with a brand new court case featured in the dual-screened port. I'm going to conclude this brief overview by saying this: What do you get when you improve the sound quality tenfold of the original game's masterful compositions? You get one hell of a soundtrack, that's for sure.
Track-by-Track Reviews
1) Gyakuten Saiban - Prologue
Simply put, an awesome mood-setter that correlates perfectly with in-game FMV usage. You've got it all: an ominous organ-piano intro, a rapid, intimidating beat progression, and some fast paced mayhem comprising of sounds similar to those of a gunshot... intrigued, aren't you? And to think this is only a 40-second sniff of what's to come! (7/10)
2) Courtroom Lobby ~ The First Prelude
Undoubtedly the strongest courtroom lobby composition in the series, track two of the soundtrack puts the intensity level down a notch to create a more "tense" feeling of mental discomfort. It's your first trial as a defence attorney, and you're sweating more profusely than a couple of dueling sumo wrestlers. This haunting music doesn't really help, either! In this piece, a nice beat and some extremely well-placed bass adorn a very simplistic DS keyboard melody. I don't know why I love it so much, because it's just so repetitive and musically uninspired. But it's such a fitting little ditty, and sustains the mood presented by the opener track exceptionally well. In my eyes, it bears enough compositional charm to make it positively exude with nostalgia, so that's a definite bonus. (8/10)
3) Gyakuten Saiban � Trial
The first trial theme of the series is probably the mellowest and most compositionally reserved one of the bunch. There aren't any strikingly deep bass lines, nor are there any quasi-militaristic elements to try and spook the listener. Rather, a downtempo electronic approach is taken here, which surprisingly works in the Gyakuten Saiban courtrooms. Delicate acoustic guitar strums and some electronic bloops and twangs progress to a particularly moving, courageous B section. It's this subtle yet effective development that I love the most about this piece. It's definitely not one to miss, despite its insignificance on paper. (9/10)
4) Testimony ~ Moderato 2001
Now that I think about it, the first game's testimony theme is probably the weakest one out there (the only part of the soundtrack that pales in comparison to others). Repetitive in a potentially irksome way, some erratic sound samples add to a decidedly unnerving atmosphere; the reverb is also used to decent effect, especially with the quality DS sound chip to back it up. But yeah, there's not much to say about this moderate version anyway. (6/10)
5) Logic and Trick
Gosh I love this track. I like to classify this "Logic and Trick" track as ambient techno, that is, it's techno in the most down tempo sort of way. A thoughtfully produced and competently executed futuristic melody flutters between a few notes to hypnotising effect, while a few subtle, subdued musical decorations layer the melody intricately and unobtrusively. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but to this listener, it's an absolute winner. This is the best "Logic and Trick" theme in the series by far. (9/10)
6) Ryuichi Naruhodo ~ Objection! 2001
One of my favourite Gyakuten Saiban themes of all time, "Ryuichi Naruhodo ~ Objection! 2001" is the first theme to our hero, Phoenix Wright. Even though after it gets going it's essentially comprised of 10-second loops on repeat, it's the infectious beat and almost unmanageable levels of energy that hooks me in every time. Plus, the entire piece positively exudes character and determination, making it fantastic for in-game usage. This is a fan favourite for a very good reason; you can't honestly listen to this piece without stomping your feet on the floor in harmony or knocking your head like an overzealous fool. Just listen to this minute of musical goodness and let your inhibitions go! (10/10)
7) Testimony ~ Allegro 2001
This is a bit better than the more slow, moderate version, but it still falls short. The increase in tempo is awfully unflattering on the (scarce) melody, and consequently sticks out like a sore thumb, even on the impressive DS hardware. It progresses adequately, but other than that, I can't extract any redeemable factors. Listen to it once for curiosity's sake, but I don't think you'll be going back to it that often. (6/10)
8) Pressing Pursuit ~ Cornered
This is more like it! Very similar in style and sound to track 6, "Pressing Pursuit ~ Cornered" is one of the best action-themes to ever grace the series. Seriously, just read my review of track 6 to get the gist of this one; a very repetitious electronic melody that's bundled with vigor and awesome, inspired beats and rhythms. I just can't get enough of it! It always fires me up! (It's missing a little something... though that'll be cleared up soon!) (9/10)
9) Telling the Truth 2001
This is the most interesting interpretation of the testimony theme, for sure. This is the case because the melody is heavily distorted, and additional components are incorporated into the undercurrents of the composition. So in effect, you can hardly tell that the tracks are related at all! The hook of this arrangement is definitely the use of a high-quality organ sample. Sends evil little DS chills down my spine, it does! (8/10)
10) Suspense
I know it's kind of pathetic, but when I first heard this music in the game, I got really frightened. I mean Silent Hill frightened. "Suspense" is one of the most effective tension themes I've ever heard. Just as I'm getting over the chills the last piece left with me, I become absolutely petrified when I put this one on to play... so as you may be able to guess, this one was not fun to review. (8/10)
11) Pressing Pursuit ~ Cornered / Variation
Engaging and enthralling from the get-go, this variation on the much-loved cornered theme is epic, chaotic, and fantastic. You know how I said it was missing something before? That "something" is the wickedly powerful melodic strikes of discord that hit you periodically. They just add a whole other side to this seemingly one-dimensional composition. One of the best arrangements in the series, both in terms of the variation and the port. (10/10)
12) Jingle ~ It Can't End Here
And so end the extraordinarily badass courtroom suite. How does it end, you ask? With this rather cute and sweet jingle. Somewhat anticlimactic, I'll admit, but we couldn't keep going on that musical rollercoaster ride forever, now, could we? The best jingle in the series by the way (for what it's worth). (6/10)
13) Investigation ~ Opening 2001
Investigation themes are usually bland. Very bland. The good thing about them, though, is that more times than not, they work brilliantly in game, and manage to not get on the gamer's nerves. I never found myself aggravated at the ones in the first game (although I can't say the same for others), so Masakazu Sugimori deserves to be commended for that. Mind you, now that I'm listening to it for review purposes, I'm fully aware of all of the track's utter musical mediocrities. But it's not really fair to say that, since it's pretty decent for an investigation theme. (6/10)
14) Mayoi Ayasato ~ Gyakuten Sisters Theme 2001
Probably the sweetest melody ever to grace the Gyakuten Saiban series, "Mayoi Ayasato ~ Gyakuten Sisters Theme 2001" is sure to please many listeners with its accessibly frivolous, carefree approach. I'm a sucker for well-composed melodies, however fluffy and vanilla-soaked they are; this one in particular hit a note with me that not many tracks do. It's very generic in terms of musical structure (you can find a track or several like this in any given h-game soundtrack) but the tone of the melody is exceptionally agreeable and cute. If you're a person who likes to get a nice melody stuck in their head for days on end, then be sure to check this one out. It still pops into my mind occasionally, and it makes me smile every time. (9/10)
15) Detention Center ~ The Guards' Elegy
This is — you guessed it — the strongest detention center theme in the series (that line's a bit cliché now, huh?). Unlike a couple of others, this once focuses more on tone than music; what I mean by this is that instead of a convoluted melodic approach being taken, we're presented with utter somber simplicity. Sad to the very bone, this is basically just a mature sounding composition that I personally find a joy to listen to. (9/10)
16) Keisuke Itonokogiri ~ Detective Itonoko
Poor ol' hapless, dopey Detective Gumshoe. When he's not getting yelled at during detective investigations, he's stuck in his (apparently) crummy apartment eating scarcely satisfying meals of instant-noodles. He's a good man at heart though, as shown by this incredible piece of music. The luckless instrumentation and backing rhythms gorgeously contrast with some rather uplifting progressions, which in turn conclude a wonderful little melody. Brimming with character and thought, and overflowing with compositional expertise: this is what character themes are all about. (9/10)
17) Recollection ~ Brokenhearted Mayoi
In essence, this is the theme music to the first case you undertake in game (apart from the opening case, each case has its own recollection theme). These recollection themes are notorious (at least in my mind) for being awfully drab and monotonous, with hit-or-miss melodies and dubious developments. This one, sadly, is accurately representative of this rule. The depressing, reminiscence-like atmosphere is apparent for sure, what with the use of minor scale melodic devices and such; another aspect I like is the chord harmonisation. A melody is there under the shrouds of musical ambiguity, but it's barely noticeable and hardly memorable. Appropriate in context, but generally a bore to listen to outside the game. (6/10)
18) Soranosuke Hoshikage ~ Aging, Regret, Repay
What a great way to pick up the pace from the previous drab offering! The theme to Marvin Grossberg (read: an overweight attorney who constantly makes references to his hemorrhoids...) is a fantastic listen in its brief one-and-a-half minutes. A lazy time signature and some sleazy jazz undertones immediately give a feeling of corruption, perhaps stupidity. Whatever the theme is, it's been transformed into an insanely catchy melody that progresses just as any quality jazz piece should. Although it sounds somewhat tinny even with the adequate DS sound-chip, I still consider it one of my favourite character themes. (9/10)
19) Auspicious People
Hmm, you know how I mentioned h-game music in my review of track 14? I was kind of off, considering how ridiculously h-game-like this piece is. In one loop (30 seconds), you're given an unabashedly catchy melody that coincides with some wickedly saccharine sound quality and electronic instrumentation; these two facets alone make track 19 of this soundtrack stand out like a luminous star in the night sky, whether you like it or not! I got absolutely irritated at listening to this one so many times in-game, although with only two spoonfuls (read: loops) to swallow here, it's actually kind of... good! (I'm going straight to hell for saying that, let me assure you) (7/10)
20) Recollection ~ The Light and Shadows of the Film Studios
Here we go again, another recollection theme. This one fares slightly better, as its shorter in length and much more interesting, musically speaking. Look up repetitive in the dictionary and this track will probably play at 100 decibels just to annoy you with its repetitiveness; but that's beside the point. A mesmerising melodic line is peppered by some clever percussion work. That alone makes this piece tolerable, but be aware that it can make you want to pull your hair if you listen to two-minutes or more of it. (Which is what I had to do for this review; I'm completely bald now, by the way) (6/10)
21) Oo-edo Soldier Tonosaman
Aww yeah! This is the best Gyakuten Saiban track ever, bar none. Ask any fan and they'll agree. I'm so overwhelmed by the awesomeness here that I'm struggling to review... just imagine some subtle Asiatic percussions, in-your-face action rhythms, and upbeat melodic pacing and you've got "Oo-edo Solider Tonosaman" (the theme song to the fictitious children's show, The Steel Samurai). Don't understand those technical terms? Just listen to the track and you'll be blown away, I swear! If superhero shows had themes like this when I was a kid, then I'd never be away from the TV!! (10/10)
22) Recollection ~ DL6 Incident
The only recollection theme in the series that I openly enjoy, I personally think this is a great work. It relates to the fourth case in the game amazingly well, with appropriate senses of dread and misery, and the musical features that back up this atmosphere just add to the appeal. There's actually a nice melody in this one, and the progression of said melody is fluid and really tugs at your heart. Congratulations to Masakazu Sugimori; not even Noriyuki Iwadare himself was able to craft such a great recollection theme! (9/10)
23) Investigation ~ Core 2001
The second investigation themes in the Gyakuten Saiban games / scores are usually drastically better than the first ones; as to accommodate a pick-up in pace and intensity of plot is a pick up in quality of composition. A warped, distorted opening places us right in the midst of an enjoyably busy tempo and a vividly urban (and chaotic) setting. The tone comes across as charmingly neurotic in a way (assuming something can be considered "charmingly neurotic"), and the rhythms and beats counter each other with jabs of musical mischief. Not too great, but it's a very solid track as far as investigation themes are concerned. (7/10)
24) Recollection ~ Classroom Trial
Bah! Back to recollection theme mediocrity. Almost unsettlingly similar in sound to the second recollection theme (track 20), this one also houses a mesmerising melody, but it's used to such uninspired, boring effect. Track 20 at least placed some intriguing percussion into the mix�this one can't even do that. I guess the in-and-out reverb does decently offer a musical notion of time, but otherwise: bleh! (or did I say "bah!"...? I forget) (3/10)
25) Victory! ~ The First Victory
If you were impressed with this piece on the GBA soundtrack release (which I also reviewed), then you're in for a pleasant surprise with this aural facelift. Arguably the freshest sounding piece on the score, the first victory theme of the series is the best in the series by a country mile. Joyous harpsichord arpeggios and colourful developments offer an infectious sense of relief and assuagement. The melody of "Victory! ~ The First Victory" just bounces from your speakers with its animated, vivid style; I just love it when pieces do that, don't you? (10/10)
26) Gyakuten Saiban � End
So I'm guessing that you, the reader of reviews, are used to reading paragraph after paragraph of ending/staff roll track reviews, huh? I know, it can be a bit tiring sometimes, no matter how well the review is written. So I'll keep this one short, just for you! This isn't the best ending theme in the series, as it's hideously unvarying and musically tedious, but it carries so many emotions along with it (togetherness, cheer etc), so that makes it more than acceptable in the context of the game. There, how was that? Good length, yeah? (7/10)
27) Ballad of the Gyakuten Sisters
While the original Gyakuten Sisters theme is sweet, innocuous and bubbly, this acoustic interpretation is mature, melancholy, and absolutely heartwarming. This is one of the best down-played (in terms of tempo and pacing) arrangements I've ever heard, and additionally sounds fantastically full and ravishingly rich on the dutiful DS sound chip! You can't honestly not be moved by this piece, even if it is somewhat sappy... in this humble reviewer's opinion, however, it's the perfect amount of sap! (10/10)
28) Turnabout Revival � Prologue
Tracks 28 to 34 weren't apparent on the GBA releases' soundtrack; that's because these tracks cover the added fifth case to the DS port (I'm still impressed that Capcom went to the trouble of adding the case to this very day). This is similar to the first prologue track (track 1), as it's a great mood setter, complete with foreboding sound effects and intricate sound devices. What we've got here is the sound of heavy rain, thunder, shattering glass and many, many gunshots, all peppered by a nicely structured rhythm. Yeah, if this doesn't get your blood pumping then I don't know what will. (8/10)
29) Recollection ~ SL9 Incident
This is the most depressing recollection theme I've heard... I honestly have little to no motivation to review such a track. Not that it's bad, but it's just so emotionally draining! As such, it works brilliantly in context and OK in the score I suppose. But I think I prefer my sad themes to have a bit more of a background to them (ironic considering the intricacies of the fifth case). Each to his own, I guess. (6/10)
30) Akane Houzuki ~ Gyakuten Sisters Theme 2005
This track is not in any way, shape, or form similar to the original Gyakuten Sisters' theme, and also in no way a better composition, however it's still a very gentle, amiable track. This 2005 version (the theme for sisters Ema and Lana Skye) has a really clever futuristic feel to it, which really compliments the sweet, whimsical melody. There aren't really any "wow" factors here, but regardless, it's an enjoyable listen (despite being one of the weaker character themes overall). (7/10)
31) Taiho-kun ~ I Want to Protect
"Aww, look at it! It's so cute!!" This is probably what the kids in the game say when they see the police's animated mascot, the Blue Badger, dancing about on display. (Yup, that's right, the mascot has its own musical theme) "Taiho-kun ~ I Want to Protect" is a pointless and insignificant piece, but it's still fairly sweet, as indicated by the "bloop" electronic plods of instrumentation. It really makes me think of the circus or something, which is nice! (6/10)
32) Kyosuke Zaimon ~ Detective From the Wild West
When I first heard this in game as the theme to detective Jake Marshall, I was gobsmacked. This is some damn fine music, music that I find myself listening to time and time again (if you like Wild Arms music, check this one out). Jake Marshall is your typical wild-west, carefree cowboy type of character (not what you'd expect in a lawyer game), but is also one of the more intelligent characters out there. His musically intricate yet structurally lush theme perfectly correlates with these attributes; in addition, the numerous harmonica "wild-west" melodies apparent are nothing short of outstanding, making this one of my top-five favourite character themes in the series. A huge "well done" to Akemi Kimura, the composer responsible for these added tracks. Also, here's my obligatory stimulation-response: This piece really makes me think of a cowboy on horseback, riding into the distant sunset. Original, huh? (10/10)
33) Kaiji Ganto ~ Does Everyone Want to Swim?
From a typical yet well-produced wild-west theme, we now come to a comparatively atypical, curiously-produced menacing theme. I use the term "menacing" very loosely, as even though police chief Damon Gant is a very intimidating, power-hungry individual, the music doesn't convey this as accurately as I would have liked. The most entertaining aspect of this track is the opening 15 seconds; it's just so outlandish and ostentatious, it makes me smirk every time! Damon Gant is a character who's always laughing, so perhaps this musical detail was added intentionally. Regardless, a solid albeit highly unconventional dose of character theme-age. (7/10)
34) Gyakuten Revival - End
This is one of the better ending themes of the series, I'll admit, but it's still an easily skippable track. Less emotional than the game's other ending theme, but housing much more competent variation and progression, "Gyakuten Revival � End" is ultimately a good theme, though it won't be sticking with you for long, due to the aforementioned lack of emotional attachment (also a fairly crappy melody). A decent way to end the soundtrack, but I think four-and-a-half minutes is a bit much, don't you? (7/10)
Summary
In conclusion, I think that this is my number one favourite Gyakuten Saiban soundtrack (and there's some fierce competition, what with Iwadare and all). A large amount of the tracks are outstanding, memorable and filled with talent. Hearing the amazing Gyakuten Saiban compositions in DS sound quality truly is a treat to the ears, a treat that you definitely shouldn't deprive yourself of. Surely I've persuaded you, by informing you of the energetic awesomeness of "Ryuichi Naruhodo ~ Objection! 2001", the accessible fun display of action that is "Oo-edo Solider Tonosaman" (best Gyakuten Saiban track ever), the majestic jubilance of "Victory! ~ The First Victory", and the somewhat clich� but oh-so tasteful and memorable wild-western "Kyosuke Zaimon ~ Detective From the Wild West".
The courtroom suite is the best out there, the character themes are unrivaled, and even the event tracks are even solid (usually). There are a few duds (read: recollection themes), but they're overshadowed by the shining brilliance of other tracks. It's not a perfect soundtrack by any stretch of the imagination, but it's highly accessible, fun, and melodious. It's just one of those soundtracks that will appeal to any game music fan; I recommend it unhesitatingly!
