That all changes in disc 2, which is chock full of arrangements of SFII's original character themes. Included in the mix are a couple of full-on clubbing tracks as well as a few mostly orchestral pieces, most notably the epic "Historic Distillery Stage" and "Secret Laboratory Stage (Round 2)" themes.ĭisc 1 is surprisingly devoid of themes from Street Fighter II, aside from a melodic reference to the main theme in "Volcanic Rim Stage" and a low-key arrangement of Gouki/Akuma's theme in "AC Ending -Type E-". Even if the former is true I consider it a guilty pleasure, as the ethnic touches make the already quality compositions for stages like China, Japan, and Africa all the more interesting. Some might say such stage themes cling to stereotypes, some might say they demonstrate diversity, I'd say it's probably a bit of both. In fact with several of the first disc's stage themes, I was able to guess the stage's location (or pretty close to it) on first listen without checking the track title. Several tracks have ethnic accents specifically geared toward their stage locations. The lead melodies themselves are conveyed by robust sampled instrumentation that generally makes an excellent fit for a fighting game soundtrack. That's not to say it feels like an electronica album - there's too much else going on in most of the tracks melodically and instrumentally to peg them down to a particular genre, and they all have an energetic, gamey feel to them. In place of the '80s synth-rock commonly heard in Street Fighter II is an electronica sound in the beats and background synth of SFIV, covering everything from trance to industrial to drum 'n bass. To the few who haven't (of whom I am included), feel no hesitation in going straight for Street Fighter IV Original Soundtrack, as it offers the high-energy compositions and arrangements you would expect of a fighting game with the technical prowess you would hope for. For the many who have already heard the music in game, the beefy track list for the album release probably says all they really need to know. Reviews The latest soundtrack for the premier fighting series does not disappoint.Īfter massive hype following a long absence, the next major title in the Street Fighter series has arrived.
#STREET FIGHTER II MOVIE OST PLUS#
Twelve-page full-color liner notes feature artwork and lyrics, plus commentary from Hideyuki Fukasawa (composer), Masayuki Endo (sound direction & design), Natsuki Shiozawa (game project manager) and Yoshinori Ono (game producer).Secret Laboratory Stage (Round 2) -Unknown.Secret Laboratory Stage (Round 1) -Unknown.Volcanic Rim Stage -Street Fighter IV.
Character Select Screen - Game Arrange.