ReMix: Descent 'Lost in the Mines'
Download MP3
Play Preview
- Game: Descent (Interplay, 1995, DOS)
- ReMixer(s): CFX
- Composer(s): Brian Luzietti, Jim Torres, Ken Allen, Larry Peacock, Leslie Spitzer, Tim Wiles
- Song(s): 'Briefing', 'Callisto Tower Colony', 'Main Theme'
- Posted: 2011-12-15, evaluated by the judges
Our first ReMix of the original Descent!! I remember playing this game on PC wayyyy back in the day; getting used to moving in all directions really took some time, and it's still not an FPS mechanic that's too common. I wish we'd get an updated Descent 4 or Freespace that really pushed modern hardware, I think it could be awesome, but in the meantime newcomer CFX (H. Arnold Jones) gives us oldsters a trip down memory lane:
"This is easily my biggest undertaking to date, in terms of project size, complexity, and length... Since 1994 I wanted to be part of the soundtracks of my favorite games (something which has not changed to this day). What HAS changed is my ability to do so, and create something that fans of the original tracks could appreciate -- and I could be sure I've created a solid tribute instead of a pile of garbage. It took many years for me to be confident enough in my abilities to satisfy all of the above, and I think the time has arrived.
The tune herein lightly references the Briefing and Descent Title Themes (in the intro and outtro respectively) but is otherwise a heavy rearrangement of Callisto Tower Colony (Level 12). Level 21 has an extremely similar feel to Level 12, but it is certainly its own track, and I consistently referenced Level 12 while building this arrangement. I do not diverge much rhythmically in the supporting parts (aside from the actual rhythm section) and did not change melodic elements a great deal, but the arrangement and instrumentation should speak for itself."
I was psyched when Dj Redlight sent in an excellent Descent II ReMix way back in 2005, and now six years later it's finally got some company. A great mix of electronica & some rock textures, CFX's arrangement has a deliberately-paced tempo and plenty of sci-fi synths that pair nicely with a piano lead. TO's familiar with the game and its music so let's see what he thinks:
"This is beautifully produced. Everything is crisp and clear. The piano has the right amount of compression and reverb. The beats are clear and have a nice downtempo sound to them. The guitar that comes in is crystal clear. I keep saying clear, but it just summarises the mix so well. The sound reminds me of Massive Attack. The Callisto Mines track is the most evident, with some of the briefing, I couldn't hear the menu theme in there, so it must be very subtle."
Funny, because this arrangement also reminds me of Lee's own ReMixing style, in addition to Massive Attack, both of which I consider big compliments. I really feel like this style/approach suits the source material and the world of Descent; it seems like a natural pairing, in no way forced, and I like that the artist had a clear understanding of the game's music and what he wanted to accomplish - that conviction comes through in the music. Great OCR debut for both CFX and the original Descent!
Discussion: Latest 14 comments/reviews; view the Descent has always been a goldmine for remixes, and this is just further proof of that. The synth, the drums, the paino, the guitar; all of it meshes really well and creates a very enjoyable soundscape. The part around 3:00 is simply amazing.
Good stuff, man.
- Martin Penwald on March 27, 2012
- Bahamut on December 20, 2011
- The Damned on December 17, 2011
Also, to all the OCR Descent fans, have you guys checked out [URL="http://www.descent2.de/d2x.html"]D2X-XL[/URL]? It's an extensive port of Descent 2 to OpenGL, to make it compatible with modern computers. The also added updated textures/models, and a bunch of gameplay and processing features. If you've still got copies of the original games, I suggest checking it out.
- omnipotentBagel on December 17, 2011
The Damned;828301 wrote: Oh fuck yeah. Descent was one of my favorite games and to see even one remix is just perfect. I'd even call this an early Descent-mas gift.
Seconded. Descent: Destination Saturn is easily still my favorite flight sim game that I've ever played - and I've played many. Yeah, the physics in it may not be perfect, but it's still an amazing game with great music and definitely needs more love on OCR.
On to the track: EXCELLENT job of blending Callisto and the main theme together; I felt they dovetailed together just perfect. It took me a few more listens before I could spot the briefing music, though, although that's probably because I was too busy reading at the briefings to pay much attention to the music in that section when I was playing, lol. :-P The piano at 1:02 was an excellently timed surprise that worked perfectly for me. A good combination of sounds overall - I felt like I was back in that blasted Callisto mine with only 500 Vulcan rounds and a concussion missile to my name. Great stuff, CFX - I hope to hear more from you soon (even if it's not Descent stuff).
- Melbu Frahma on December 17, 2011
- The Damned on December 16, 2011
This is a great debut, and displays a very impressive level of polish. I really like downbeat style, and the synth choices are perfect to set the mood. I think the beat works well with the piece, and the cymbal break is a really nice way to mix it up on the percussion side, leading into the more groovy solo section, which is my favourite part of the remix. Great stuff, and hopefully you have more in the pipeline!
- DarkSim on December 16, 2011
- Crulex on December 16, 2011
Enjoy the music!
-cfx
- cfx on December 16, 2011
- SuperiorX on December 16, 2011
With a fresh set of ears - and sadly still not as much familiarity with the Descent score no matter how many times I tried listening to the sources - it to me still sounds just as crisp and suffice as it was when I first heard it. The main source melody managed to face good appearances while still facing a more shifted chord structure in comparison, and there's definitely been some solid melodic writing to make it feel cohesive and well executed. I'm with the panel with the not-quite-too-attentive drums; mainly due to lack of fills and additional layers undereneath the kick/snare/cymbals, but for the atmosphere they work... "descent-ly". (sorry, I HAD to make the pun!)
The samples are a bit of a pick and mix for me, though mostly on the positive side; I thought the synths were very well manipulated, and the occasional synth panpipe sounds - though a little basic - managed to add some good amount of life to the compositions. But the synth guitar to me sounds a little thin sounding in comparison to some of the other instruments; thankfully the modulation work on it and the use of power chords at 3:10 sounded neat so it's probably not as weak as it made out, but should be something to look out for should any expansions need looking into.
Otherwise, it's a solid package and a well-put-together first submission. Hopefully we'll get to see more of you over time, and to keep seeing you refine your technique... and maybe look into other obscure games in the process? One can dream :wink:
- Rexy on December 15, 2011
Sweetness. Cool ending too :P
- TheGuitahHeroe on December 15, 2011
- Top Gun on December 15, 2011
