83: ST2 #10 - Detroit: Become Human (w/Nima Fakhrara & Philip Sheppard) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW/PODCAST]
Detroit: Become Human is a detailed sci-fi narrative with some of Quantic Dream's most ambitious music to date. In order to best score the story’s three playable characters, a trio of top tier composers joined the project – each focusing on one thread of an interweaving narrative. For Connor – an android police investigator – Nima Fahkrara mixed an array of hardware synths and custom instrument...
1hr 57m May 15, 2020
1hr 57m
82: LIVE - 08/05/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
An almost non-stop list of pumpers and bangers dominates this playlist, so get ready to move. During links, Lee presents his top five film-to-game adaptations - and Blade Runner's only at number four! Otherwise, we hear a boatload of strong requests and the VGM SongFight takes an esoteric turn... Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/125576656992...
2hr 25m May 09, 2020
2hr 25m
81: LIVE - 01/05/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
This very profane LIVE show takes a look at swearing in video games, from the very first time cussing was heard in a title to some of the most famous examples. Along the way, you can hear all the usual features and a playlist stacked with the very best VGM. Finally, if you check out this podcast on YouTube (link below), you can see my brother - ShadyLane - perform a live speedrun of The Legend ...
2hr 34m May 02, 2020
2hr 34m
80: LIVE - 24/04/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
It's another solo show this week, as Dale's finally decided to play it safe and social distance! In his absence, we kick things off chippy before moving into an extended look at the history of David Cage and Quantic Dream. Then, we end up on some top shelf requests - not before a whole show's worth of the usual chatter, musings and VGM trivia! Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (h...
2hr 9m Apr 26, 2020
2hr 9m
79: LIVE - 17/04/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
Lee runs the show solo this week as Dale recuperates at home. But personal picks and requests keep things flowing, we hear more about Lee's reaction to FFVII Remake, discuss his 30th birthday and a question is posed - what is your favourite individual chip or console when it comes to audio? Including: SFX Showdown News VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038...
2hr 7m Apr 18, 2020
2hr 7m
78: LIVE - 10/04/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
We're back this week without the need of a crate of Pepsi to keep us going. The energy keeps flowing through this one, kicked off by one of the strongest starts to a playlist yet! Additionally, Lee's tentative link to the physical realm is tested yet again by social norms and an interaction with a scotsman. Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1...
2hr 6m Apr 11, 2020
2hr 6m
77: BONUS - Gareth Coker Interview [Ori and the Will of the Wisps]
After our expansive chat about Ori and the Blind Forest last year, I welcome Gareth Coker back on The Sound Test to discuss its sequel; Ori and the Will of the Wisps. We take a look at its production process, how it differs from Blind Forest, the instrumentation used and how Covid-19 has impacted composers. It's wonderful to see Gareth return, and I'm particularly pleased to continue the musica...
42m Apr 10, 2020
42m
76: LIVE - 03/04/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
Fatigue reigns heavy on our shoulders this week! Dale and I stumble our way through a very sleepy show, mostly discussing last week's question - what are some of your favourite gaming sequels? An excellent playlist of listener choices definitely helps paper the gaps on this one as we attempt to make sense of our own brains, leading up to our focus for next week - best boss tracks of all time! M...
2hr 13m Apr 04, 2020
2hr 13m
75: BONUS - Mike Morasky Interview [Half-Life: Alyx]
Mike Morasky returns to The Sound Test for a lengthy and expansive conversation about Valve's latest masterpiece - Half-Life: Alyx. Being a VR game, we get plenty of chance to discuss how you can apply audio in that environment. Additionally, we hear all about the development of Half-Life: Alyx itself and how Mike approached its music. Lee Tyrrell on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenT128 (http...
1hr 19m Apr 04, 2020
1hr 19m
74: LIVE - 27/03/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
This week, I'm once again joined by Dale Fowler for a truly off the hook edition of The Sound Test LIVE - your weekly celebration of VGM goodness! Alongside our mad tangents, we play the usual features, some heavy hitting tunes from new games and pose the question: what are some of your favourite direct sequels in gaming ever? Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (https://twitter.co...
1hr 58m Mar 29, 2020
1hr 58m
73: ST2 #09 - Outer Wilds (w/Andrew Prahlow)
Outer Wilds, a unique sci-fi adventure released in 2019, has been a huge hit with critics and players alike. Scored by Andrew Prahlow, a lot of the soundtrack is built on banjos, guitars and other fireside classics (like simple whistling). However, the music also makes clever use of soundscapes, synths and textures, all contributing to a decidedly post-rock sound that perfectly captures the set...
1hr 6m Mar 27, 2020
1hr 6m
72: LIVE - 20/03/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]
Alongside the usual chatter, this episode takes a look at some of the games that first inspired regular listeners to get into VGM. There are some great choices! Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY (https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038706176) ) Quickfire News This week's playlist: Oil Panic – ??? (originally composed by Yoko Mizuta and/or Jin Sugita) [Game & Watch Gall...
1hr 39m Mar 22, 2020
1hr 39m
71: BONUS - Jason Graves Interview (Moss, Dead Space, Star Trek, Until Dawn, Tomb Raider and more!)
Jason Graves has worked on a simply incredible list of titles throughout his career. Whether it's Tomb Raider, Dead Space, Until Dawn, Moss, multiple Star Trek games or any of his various projects, Jason always brings depth of thought and true feeling to his music. In this unbelievably expansive bonus interview, Jason and I cover as much of his back catalogue as we can. He's passionate, enthusi...
1hr 1m Mar 21, 2020
1hr 1m
70: LIVE - 13/03/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
On this week's show, I catch up on your thoughts about particularly effective looping tracks in games, and then go on to ask what games and tunes very first got you into VGM. More on that next week! Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY: https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038706176) Quickfire News This week's playlist: Birth of the People – Yuzo Koshiro [ActRaiser] Ocean ...
1hr 29m Mar 15, 2020
1hr 29m
69: LIVE - 06/03/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
For this second episode of a third run, I'm joined after a little while by somebody very familiar to longtime listeners... Including: SFX Showdown VGM SongFight (BACKSTORY: https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038706176) and more... This week's playlist: Those Who Fight (Intro) – (originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu) [FF7: Remake] Don’t Be Afraid (Final Fantasy VIII) – Nobuo Uematsu ...
1hr 31m Mar 07, 2020
1hr 31m
68: LIVE - 28/02/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
The first episode of a (kind of) third season! This time, I'm going solo and introducing a couple of new ideas. I don't do the old features in this broadcast, but they'll be returning in the next... This week's playlist: Da Funk – Daft Punk [Homework] Material Girl – Gavin “zer0page” Graham (originally by Madonna) Samurai Shodown Embrace Death – Fat Bard [Samurai Shodown (2019)] We Called Upon ...
2hr 7m Feb 29, 2020
2hr 7m
67: ST2 #08 - Sea of Thieves (w/Robin Beanland)
Sea of Thieves is a multiplayer pirate adventure complete with sailing, cutlasses, sea monsters and even interactive shanties. Though given a cartoonish and playful feel, as is often the case with Rare, its creation and continued evolution are taken very seriously. That’s exemplified in Sea of Thieves’ music, which uses an arsenal of intriguing instruments in its authentic sound. In fact, its c...
59m Feb 21, 2020
59m
66: ST2 #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory)
After composing one of the best loved game OSTs of all time with Journey, Austin Wintory was left wondering what could inspire him with the same intensity. Known as a top authority when it comes to composing modern VGM, every project he scores offers a new opportunity to explore and innovate. But, when Stoic – a team of developers led by a trio of ex-Bioware staff – contacted him about their up...
46m Feb 14, 2020
46m
65: LIVE - 07/02/20 (feat. Chris Abbott) [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight (BACKSTORY: https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038706176) News And a BONUS interview with C64Audio.com's Chris Abbott about the 8-Bit Symphony! This week's playlist: Days Like These (Head Radio Extract) – Craig C...
2hr 18m Feb 07, 2020
2hr 18m
64: LIVE - 31/01/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight (BACKSTORY/POLL (https://twitter.com/GreenT128/status/1191119218038706176) ) News This week's playlist: Flagship – Danny Baranowsky [Industries of Titan] Overworld (Peaceful) – Danny Baranowsky (originally composed by Koji K...
2hr 28m Feb 03, 2020
2hr 28m
63: LIVE - 24/01/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight News and lots of listener requests this week! This week's playlist: Six’s Theme, Pt. II – Tobias Lilja [Little Nightmares] Spring (Wild Horseradish Jam) – ConcernedApe [Stardew Valley]  The Palace – Matt Gray [Reformation 3]...
2hr 32m Jan 26, 2020
2hr 32m
62: LIVE - 17/01/20 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight News Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 Drum/Percussion Sounds) This week's playlist: Light from the Netherworlds – Yasunori Mitsuda [Xenogears] Miami Disco – Perturbator [Hotline Miami] EXPERT SHOT – Ryuji Iuchi [Super Monkey Ball: Ba...
2hr 26m Jan 19, 2020
2hr 26m
61: BONUS - Slay the Spire: Reslain, Kind Words & Factory Town (w/Clark Aboud)
Almost exactly a year on from my first conversation with Clark Aboud (https://audioboom.com/posts/7121456-bonus-slay-the-spire-w-clark-aboud) , I caught up with him again about his Slay the Spire remix EP - Reslain! It's always a pleasure to chat to Clark, and we also manage to spend some time discussing Kind Words and Factory Town. Both released since we last spoke, so it was great to hear a l...
22m Jan 19, 2020
22m
60: LIVE - 10/01/20 (feat. Clark Aboud) [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight News and a BONUS interview with Slay the Spire's Clark Aboud! Clark's "Reslain" on Bandcamp: https://clarkaboudmusic.bandcamp.com/album/slay-the-spire-reslain This week's playlist: Factory Town – Clark Aboud [Factory Town] T...
2hr 44m Jan 11, 2020
2hr 44m
59: LIVE - 03/01/20 (2010s Special) [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight Top TEN (THIS WEEK: My favourite game from each year of the 2010s, including runners up and honourable mentions!) This week's playlist: Rocket Man – Gavin “zer0Page” Graham (originally composed by Elton John & Bernie Taupin)...
3hr 27m Jan 05, 2020
3hr 27m
58: LIVE - 27/12/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features. This week's playlist: Buying Lumber – Jerry Martin [The Sims] Don’t Be So Serious – Low Roar [Death Stranding] Grace and Glory – Hideki Naganuma [Jet Set Radio]  Bike Race – Shawn Lee [Bully/Canis Canem Edit] Fusion – TiceTunes Marble Zone – Masato Nakamura ...
2hr 31m Dec 30, 2019
2hr 31m
57: LIVE - 20/12/19 (feat. TiceTunes) [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight Quickfire News Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 Snow Graphics/Physics) and a LIVE interview with Kynseed's TiceTunes! TiceTunes Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-275358929 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?v=fZS8FzuLjOQ&redir_t...
3hr 4m Dec 22, 2019
3hr 4m
56: BONUS - Kynseed (w/TiceTunes)
To follow up on my Fable podcast episode with Russell Shaw, I caught up with TiceTunes about Kynseed - a new project from a number of ex-Fable developers! Although Russell Shaw wrote Kynseed's main theme, its expansive soundtrack is otherwise given life by Tice. Despite it being his first official video game OST, his work is deep, accomplished and - most importantly - perfect for Kynseed itself...
32m Dec 22, 2019
32m
55: LIVE - 13/12/19 (feat. Fat Bard) [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight Quickfire News and a LIVE interview with Guinea Pig Parkour's Fat Bard! All future streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf-ef67-A3H79fLoRDtoQ Requests and contact: https://twitter.com/GreenT128 (https://www.youtube.co...
1hr 59m Dec 15, 2019
1hr 59m
54: BONUS - LIVE Fat Bard (Zach Fendelman & Patrick Crecelius) Interview [Guinea Pig Parkour]
For Shelley's very first LIVE interview, we spoke to the lovely Fat Bard about their work on the upcoming Guinea Pig Parkour and composing VGM in general! Along with a debut appearance of my own guinea pig, Douglas, Fat Bard's Zach Fendelman and Patrick Crecelius discuss how they got started in the industry, adapting to different styles and the separate roles they take. It was fantastic to talk...
27m Dec 15, 2019
27m
53: ST2 #06 - Ori and the Blind Forest (w/Gareth Coker)
When Ori and the Blind Forest first released in 2015, it made waves for its beautifully realised landscapes and emotional narrative. Inspired by a number of classic platformers, gameplay concentrates on running, jumping, climbing and shooting through a plethora of striking environments. It was developed by Moon Studios, who represent a collective of talented and experienced creatives from aroun...
58m Dec 13, 2019
58m
52: LIVE - 06/12/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
SPECIAL MARATHON EPISODE! This features nearly five hours of VGM, but also has us getting progressively more drunk throughout the show! A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight Quickfire News Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 ST1 Eps) All future streams: https://www.youtube....
4hr 59m Dec 08, 2019
4hr 59m
51: LIVE - 29/11/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown SongFight Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 Plants in Games) All future streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf-ef67-A3H79fLoRDtoQ Requests and contact: https://twitter.com/GreenT128 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwit...
2hr 11m Dec 01, 2019
2hr 11m
50: ST2 #05 - Hollow Knight (w/Christopher Larkin)
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight, funded by a Kickstarter in 2017, is a prime example of the ongoing strength of indie games. Players quickly became enamoured with its masterful Metroidvania gameplay, brought to life at every turn by a strikingly unique visual style. It’s a title you can truly lose yourself in, through its dark, atmospheric environments and dense sound design. Besides some individua...
48m Nov 29, 2019
48m
48: BONUS - MediEvil (w/Paul Arnold & Andrew Barnabas a.k.a. Bob & Barn)
This BONUS episode appeared basically out of nowhere, as a short 15-min interview about the latest MediEvil game turned into a 50-min exploration of the entire franchise! Paul Arnold and Andrew Barnabas (probably best known as "Bob & Barn") are true musical masterminds, who have worked on a number of interesting titles in their career. Notably, they've composed for every single iteration of Med...
51m Nov 24, 2019
51m
49: LIVE - 22/11/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown Quickfire News SongFight All future streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf-ef67-A3H79fLoRDtoQ Requests and contact: https://twitter.com/GreenT128 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FGreenT128&event=...
1hr 44m Nov 23, 2019
1hr 44m
47: ST2 #04 - Plants vs. Zombies (w/Laura Shigihara & Peter McConnell)
Popcap are probably best known for a string of browser and mobile games that helped define their respective genres. Among their most successful series is Plants vs. Zombies, which has spawned several spin-offs and sequels since it first released in 2009. It was also one of the games that established Laura Shigihara as a formidable musical talent. She provided such accomplished work to the game ...
1hr 9m Nov 22, 2019
1hr 9m
46: LIVE - 15/11/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
NEW LIVE STREAM EVERY FRI AT APPROX. 8pm UK! A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown Quickfire News SongFight Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 Zombie Games) This week's playlist: Asimov - 65daysofstatic [No Man's Sky] Clock Tower Stage - Tetsuya Shibata and/or Mitsuhiko Takano [Marv...
2hr 37m Nov 17, 2019
2hr 37m
45: ST2 #03 - No Man's Sky (w/65daysofstatic's Paul Wolinski & Paul Weir)
For ST2's third episode, I specifically wanted to explore something more up-to-date. No Man's Sky's soundtrack is among the best received VGM OSTs of the past few years, and that's even more impressive considering the game's initial negative reception. Though the title itself has been updated numerous times, significantly warming people's perceptions in the process, 65daysofstatic's great music...
1hr 2m Nov 15, 2019
1hr 2m
44: LIVE - 08/11/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown Quickfire News SongFight All future streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf... (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf-ef67-A3H79fLoRDtoQ) Requests and contact: https://twitter.com/GreenT128 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=h...
2hr 15m Nov 10, 2019
2hr 15m
43: ST2 BONUS - Black & White (w/Russell Shaw)
This BONUS episode of ST2 is actually the second part of a Lionhead Studios double bill, with the first focusing on Fable (available here (https://audioboom.com/posts/7415374-st2-02-fable-w-russell-shaw) ). After Peter Molyneux left Bullfrog Productions in 1997, he soon started his new venture - Lionhead Studios. Though they were unfortunately ill-fated with money across their run, they were no...
23m Nov 08, 2019
23m
42: ST2 #02 - Fable (w/Russell Shaw)
I always wanted the second episode of ST2 to cover a classic, and I think I got that in spades when I spoke to Russell Shaw about the Fable series. Its first release is a real RPG benchmark, and though the games slowly slipped into a less enthusiastic reception, Russell Shaw's music was always highly regarded as some of the best in the industry. After an interesting collaboration with Danny Elf...
50m Nov 08, 2019
50m
41: LIVE - 01/11/19 [Weekly VGM Radio]
A brand new iteration of The Sound Test LIVE! This time, I'm joined by Shelley Moncaster for fresh VGM playlists and all the old features, including: SFX Showdown Quickfire News SongFight Top 5 (THIS WEEK: Top 5 Bergen Moments) All future streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf... (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jf-ef67-A3H79fLoRDtoQ) Requests and contact: https://twitter.com/GreenT1...
1hr 58m Nov 03, 2019
1hr 58m
40: ST2 #01 - Minecraft (w/C418, Gareth Coker & Laura Shigihara)
To kick off this first pre-Christmas mini-run of ST2, Minecraft seemed perfect. As I type this, it's the best-selling video game of all time, and it's a safe bet that practically every gamer has dipped into its blocky world at some point. Many of us, myself included, have done far more than simply dip in, using its subjective gameplay and nearly infinite possibilities to construct an addictive ...
1hr 34m Nov 01, 2019
1hr 34m
39: BONUS - Tom Salta Interview (Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Red Steel, Crackdown & more!)
Tom Salta has worked with video game music for nearly two decades. After honing his skills on titles like Red Steel, Crackdown, the Tom Clancy series and more, his latest OST - for Wolfenstein: Youngblood - sees him reach back to the 80s for inspiration. In this bonus episode of The Sound Test, I catch up with Tom about his music for Wolfenstein, and his career in VGM as a whole. Along with his...
39m Oct 14, 2019
39m
38: BONUS - Telling Lies (w/Nainita Desai)
Telling Lies is the latest FMV game from Sam Barlow, featuring an original soundtrack by Nainita Desai. For this bonus episode, I catch up with Nainita to hear about her process for composing the score, history with sound design and more.
39m Sep 07, 2019
39m
37: LIVE - 28/07/19 [VGM RADIO FINALE]
Unfortunately, this is the finale of The Sound Test LIVE as we know it. Scheduling conflicts have forced Dale to step back from the show, leaving this last edition in Lee's hands. Within, you can hear the usual hand-picked and requested VGM alongside several details of what's to come next. The Sound Test LIVE is far from over, and will return in an updated format soon after a short hiatus. In...
2hr 33m Jul 29, 2019
2hr 33m
36: LIVE - 21/07/19 (feat. Professor Elemental) [Weekly VGM Radio]
This episode welcomes an unfortunately distressed Professor Elemental onto the show. Although trapped in a wardrobe by his orangutan butler, Geoffrey, he still manages to give us the lowdown on his latest madcap performances, upcoming material and even his transition from interstellar nuisance to steampunk superhero. Our chat was cut off by the return of his still furious simian companion, but ...
2hr 42m Jul 22, 2019
2hr 42m
35: ST2 TRAILER - Game Boy (w/Steve Rockett)
Steve Rockett, aka Steve Collett, is an absolute industry veteran when it comes to VGM. A stalwart of the Super Nintendo, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance systems, we'll be going in-depth into his work on each and the unique problems they presented. We'll follow some of his earliest work, like Jelly Boy, right up to his GBA mastery with OSTs like the ported Street Fighter Alpha 3 across three epis...
2m Jul 08, 2019
2m
34: BONUS - LIVE Jeroen Tel Interview (30/06/19)
After bumping into one another several times at the 8-Bit Symphony, Jeroen Tel agreed to appear on The Sound Test LIVE! Hopefully we'll be able to speak again for an official podcast conversation, but here's our great, relaxed live chat until then. We talk about Jeroen's association with the 8-Bit Symphony, being influenced by Rob Hubbard, his soundtrack for Robocop 3 and more!
27m Jul 01, 2019
27m