Super Metroid - Sound in Action

I was drawn to the music of "Super Metroid" when I first played the game, and I was determined to get a soundtrack album of the game. This CD starts with four arranged tunes from Super Metroid, wonderfully performed on synthesized instruments. I love those tracks a lot, especially the ending theme because it stays true to the original composition but sounds even more powerful with updated instruments. Following that awesome track is the finale from the original Metroid for the NES! I had never heard this tune before. It was not as impressive as the finale from Super Metroid, but it was still memorable, featuring funky instruments and a bouncy, good-natured melody.

The next tracks that follow are all the OSV tracks from the original Metroid for the NES. The tracks are awesome in composition, but they suffer in many ways. First of all, they are very low-grade and are distorted in some areas. Second, they have different kinds of instruments than the NES cartridge version. Third, two tracks sound like someone plugged in their stereo A/V cables to the Famicom and starting recording while they played. For example, track 13's melody, which is heart-pounding and exciting, is drowned out by an annoying alarm sound that makes me want to cover my ears. Finally, at the beginning of the tracks, there is one momentary "step" noise, which is incredibly annoying every time I hear it. Otherwise, the tracks are okay.

The last 24 tracks are all of the OSVs from Super Metroid. The tracks are awesome in composition and sound quality, but there are still complaints I have to make. I remember that the tunes in the game were much longer and more complex than they are on the CD. Most tracks are cut short. Plus, some tracks just end abruptly, which is a scary surprise. Other than that, it is a great CD. If you want a soundtrack to a "Metroid" game, this CD is for you. But be warned, there are some tracks in here that are just painful to listen to.

From what you get out of this CD, I think you'll agree with me - it could've been better. Not to say that this soundtrack is a "Don't buy", it isn't. If you're a Metroid fan, then you're going to enjoy many of the songs on this album.

My favorites on this whole CD are the five arranged tracks at the beginning. They are astounding in arrangement, performance, and quality. They get a major thumbs up! As for the next nine tracks, the sound is good, but some of them are annoying, especially tracks 12 and 13. The only ones worth listening to are 6-11 and 14. Track 13's alarm noise makes me want to do more than plug my ears, I'm tempted to attack the stereo!

Now for the last 24 tracks, the SNES OSVs. These have excellent sound quality, but I have a complaint agains track 20, my favorite. In the game, the music went on for longer and sounded awesome, but on the CD they cut it short! I was a little angry at that, but the tracks that follow (and the tracks beforehand) are excellent.

If you like Metroid, you might want to get this disc. If you're a die-hard Metoroid fan, then you'll definitely want to get it! But non-fans had better keep the $30 in their wallets.