Windy Day (Metal Slug 5 [2003])

After a breeze of well, wind, the graceful Classic and hardcore Electric Guitars intertwine, in this wonderful track that breaths the inspiration of old westerns! Complimenting such strong primary melodies, are a clean Dumset, simplified Chimes, then a beautiful Horn duo that switches between their welcome additions to the western and military motifs, respectively. Hard to go wrong with this powerful pick made late into the NEO GEO’s history, I feel!

(Length before loop: 1.5+ minutes)

Dear Falling Angel [Boss Stage] (The King of Fighters ’99: Millennium Battle [1999])

This final boss track is one I feel never got a better rendition ever since, even “Cutting Edge”, which I love in its own right, but ultimately misses what made this one special. It’s essentially a total redo of Omega Rugal’s King of Fighters ‘98 theme, taking that track’s best traits and carrying them over for extra mechanical spin this one’s got. How much you value intimidation factor versus sheer energy in VG music will probably determine which one you like more, with “Dear Fallen Angel” focusing on the latter aspect more closely, but they’re both catchy in their own ways regardless.

Those “whirr” and “steam” sound effects are cool and all, but they take a backseat compared to the even cooler yet underrated, old-school Bass. In fact, one of its solo(s) single-handedly starts one of the better Electric Guitar melodies and compliments it wonderfully whenever it comes into play. The Drums sound like the typical Techno drum but not quite 100%, giving the track an energetic feel during the less intense sections. I believe that all of this together with the other electronic/”mechanical” sounds, creates an engaging melody of triumph over a major yet artificial obstacle, such as Krizalid himself!

And before someone mentions it, I don’t know enough about the “NESTS Saga” to talk about it. It’s a fighting game story anyhow; a genre I’ve still yet to find an impressive story in, because no one’s been able to properly separate canon from the playable roster whenever necessary. I’m just here for the cool music, the last thing I need is age old discourse. You can look forward to more NEO GEO action in the list later down the line!

(Length before loop: 2+ minutes)

Mixed Space/Into The Cosmos (Metal Slug Attack/3 [2016/2000])

Former's a remix of the latter; 2 sides of the same coin on how to pull off intense alien invasion music!

(Length before loop [Attack]: 1.5+ minutes, [3]: Nearly 2 minutes)