Inner Station (Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001 [1996])

Here’s a YM2610 composition I have to thank Kitsune DJ (YouTube and Soundcloud) for identifying the instruments within this wonderful soundchip, I pretty much wouldn’t have been able to go into any detail about why I like this track without his helpful videos on Metal Slug music. He’s also got various Metal Slug-style compositions across the channel, and is kind enough to shout out some other Metal Slug enthusiasts from time to time! Also of note is his soundfont contributions to the 6th Division website, which also houses the upcoming Aqua Ippan that recently had its demo released!; ‘tis a wonderful place made by Metal Slug fans, for Metal Slug fans!

The loads of Electric Piano is one thing in Metal Slug 1 and 2 that later Metal Slug games usually lack, for better or worse depending on how much you think the Electric Piano contributes to the melodies. The distorted Electric Guitars, more specifically an Overdriven Guitar on the ADPCM B (Lead instrument) section, which is also shared with the catchy Trumpet, is a mix of intense and cool, especially as far as ways to bridge into the last part of the melody go!

As if the 2 ADPCM B Guitars weren’t enough, the FM Heavy Guitar is yet another part of what makes the addicting rhythm near the beginning and end of the track shine, on top of serving as another bridge into later sections of the track, The Synth atmosphere coupled with the chunky Drum rhythms in said later parts really immerses me into the action too. Metal Slug music rocks for all years to come!

(Length before loop: 2+ minutes)

Finally identified the one who helped identify many parts of the Metal Slug 1 soundfont, which helped greatly with this description, so I updated the description accordingly! It's worth a good read!

Inner Station (Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001 [1996])

Here’s a YM2610 composition I have to thank Kitsune DJ (YouTube and Soundcloud) for identifying the instruments within this wonderful soundchip, I pretty much wouldn’t have been able to go into any detail about why I like this track without his helpful videos on Metal Slug music. He’s also got various Metal Slug-style compositions across the channel, and is kind enough to shout out some other Metal Slug enthusiasts from time to time! Also of note is his soundfont contributions to the 6th Division website, which also houses the upcoming Aqua Ippan that recently had its demo released!; ‘tis a wonderful place made by Metal Slug fans, for Metal Slug fans!

The loads of Electric Piano is one thing in Metal Slug 1 and 2 that later Metal Slug games usually lack, for better or worse depending on how much you think the Electric Piano contributes to the melodies. The distorted Electric Guitars, more specifically an Overdriven Guitar on the ADPCM B (Lead instrument) section, which is also shared with the catchy Trumpet, is a mix of intense and cool, especially as far as ways to bridge into the last part of the melody go!

As if the 2 ADPCM B Guitars weren’t enough, the FM Heavy Guitar is yet another part of what makes the addicting rhythm near the beginning and end of the track shine, on top of serving as another bridge into later sections of the track, The Synth atmosphere coupled with the chunky Drum rhythms in said later parts really immerses me into the action too. Metal Slug music rocks for all years to come!

(Length before loop: 2+ 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)