Metroid Reorchestrated Updates/Discussion

[Light_of_Aether]

I am the Lead Reorchestrator of Metroid Reorchestrated and I've made this thread for updates and discussion. I noticed in the 2009 thread about MREO that most of the posters weren't very impressed with our work back then, which is quite understandable. We now have more experience with reorchestration and our recent pieces (Lower Norfair Redux and Get Item Theme Redux) reflect that. We currently try to release new songs monthly, but we may move toward a "when it's done" schedule like Pokemon Reorchestrated. We have several works in progress and here is one of them: a 30 second preview of Kraid's Lair from Metroid: Zero Mission. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the preview and on MREO in general.

[CapCom]

I think the idea is in the right place. I'm not sure exactly what the approach is, but I will say I think the synths here could be a little better, as they feel a little midi in quality. One thing I always liked about the Super Metroid soundtrack was also the low, bassy feel it had. Also, why no choral part for the Norfair mix?

[Light_of_Aether]

It sounds synthy? That must be a mixing error on my part because the sample libraries I'm using are EastWest Quantum Leap's Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choirs and they are definitely not midi quality. I didn't include a choral part for Lower Norfair Redux because the sample library I was using at the time had awful choir samples.

[Infinity's End]

I can say without a shred of doubt in my mind that I'm still not impressed. I'm not some maestro composer or anything, but I know what sounds good. I don't care if you spent $1000 per sample, it doesn't matter. It's what you do with the samples that counts, and you haven't done much.

You have done little to no embellishment on ANY of the songs that you've demonstrated here.
Want some really good feedback? Go over to OCR's forums (if you haven't done already) and ask around there. The people will be brutally honest with you, and most likely give you some good tips.

Good composition doesn't come easy. Not even seasoned composers are able to make fantastic arrangements of Metroid music.
If your end goal is to truly "transform these amazing songs into orchestral masterpieces," then you must go way beyond what is there and not be tied too closely to the original composition of the piece. The sample tracks on your site are little more than that.

[Light_of_Aether]

Thank you for the advice, I have made good use of OCReMix's forums. My pieces are better, but they are still nowhere near masterpiece quality. I doubt they will ever be hailed as orchestral masterpieces, but I will try my best to make it happen.

I'd like you guys to take another look at MREO, specifically our 25th anniversary update and Christmas update. The pieces I'd like you to listen to are Ending Redux V2, Item Room/Bridge, and Kraid's Lair (11-24-2011).

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!