Battle Bards

Although Lost Ark is still making its slow journey to the west, the music arrived ahead -- on a songbird, of course! It's a flat-out amazing soundtrack by a Hollywood composer, and the Battle Bards want to make sure that you aren't missing out on its musical gifts. So settle back, put on some headphones, and prepare to be blown away. Episode 172 show notes Intro ("Ocean World," "The Ark," and "Sanctuary of Arcadia") "Into the Wider World" "The Town of Leonhardt" "Black Teeth" "Silrian Theme” "Mokoko Village" "Club Avenue" "Calm Village" Which one did we like best? Listener note from Sym Jukebox picks: "Main Theme" from Population Zero, "The Tavern" from Wargroove,  Outro (feat. ) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Hitch up your shorts, buckle your boots, and step into another deep forest of MMORPG music with the Battle Bards! As diverse as the woods are in virtual worlds, so too are these tracks that attempt to convey the feeling of a variety of leafy settings. Episode 171 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Mnes Forest" from Echo of Souls, "Forest of Adera" from Eldevin, and "Sleeping Forest" from Allods Online) "Forest of Legends" from Bless "Mystery Forest of Vikings" from Minions of Mirth "Lost Forest" from Revelation Online "Saphora Forest" from Aion  "Drustvar Glenbrook Woods" from World of Warcraft  "Forest of December" from Tree of Savior  "Tera Forest" from MapleStory Which one did we like best? Listener mail: Katriana, Cursed Seishi, and Bereman Jukebox picks: "Day at the Fair" from Life is Feudal, "Wastelanders Theme" from Fallout 76, and "Doom Eternal" from Doom Eternal Outro (feat. "The Rime Woods" from Champions Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTune

Stop your whinnying and take Star Stable's soundtrack out for a gallop today! You might discover, as the Battle Bards did, that this horse-themed MMO has a pretty amazing and lovely soundtrack that's as large in quantity as it is high in quality. So saddle up for a ride through the trails of this lively soundscape! Episode 170 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "To Pandoria," "Hooves on the Run," and "Forest Bells") "A Dimension in Pink" "South Hoof Peninsula" "Epona" "The Capital of Jorvik" "My Stable" "Cloud Kingdom" "How to Build Your Ranch" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Zinn, Katriana, and Castagere (link to the song mentioned) Jukebox picks: "Painful Gulch" from Lucky Luke, "Badlands 2" from Horse Isle 3, and "Azukay" from River City Girls Outro (feat. "Glacier Galloping") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to

Do you ever walk on the wild side in MMOs? Do you have a penchant for beastly races that aren't merely reskinned humans? Then you might find something to like in today's offerings from the Battle Bards. It's a show full of tracks that pay homage to the animalistic races in MMORPGs, but the most savage thing of them all? Syl's put-downs. Episode 169 show notes  Intro (feat. "A Savage Beauty" from TERA, "Scatherran Forest Critter Glen" from RIFT, and "Kloro" from Glitch) "The Charr Triumphant" from Guild Wars 2  "Namazu Beast Tribe" from Final Fantasy XIV "M5" from Furcadia "Taunka Night" from World of Warcraft "Chardok" from EverQuest II "Weaponizing of Maniacal Furballs" from WildStar "Purr of the Hunter" from Elder Scrolls Online Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Zoward and Minimalistway Jukebox Picks: "Welcome Horizons" from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, "Sneaky Driver" from Katana ZERO, and "Twilight in Dreamlands" from Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Outro (feat. "Quaggan Command" from Gu

Final Fantasy XIV know full well how Square Enix loves to dote on its huge and often bizarre boss battles -- and includes the lengthy themes to match! This week, the Battle Bards have formed a light party to tackle several of the more unique and memorable boss themes from this MMO. Will they loot a few favorites in the process? Episode 168 show notes Intro (feat. "Alexander," "Bismark," and "Garlean Leader") "Shinryu" "Omega Sigmascape" "Titania" "Sephirot" "Calcabrina" "Susano" "Eden Titan" Which one did we like best? Listener note from Smuggler-in-a-YT Jukebox picks: "Towards the Eternal Glory" from Code Vein, "Aquarius" from Castlevania III (Famicom), and "The Opened Way" from Shadow of the Colossus Outro (feat. "Nidhogg") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Tapping into their inner children, the three Battle Bards get into the spirit of name calling, trading stickers, and goofing off in kiddie MMOs. It's another episode devoted to 100% kid-themed games and their soundtracks and the weird rabbit hole tangents that the hosts find themselves pursuing. Did you know Switzerland has a Not-Fun Zoo? Never, ever go there. Just trust us. Episode 167 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme" from LEGO Minifigures Online, "Shrouded Glade" from Free Realms, and "Aerokid" from Habbo Hotel) "Character Creation" from FusionFall "Jammer Anthem" from Animal Jam "Arissola" from Temtem "Maple Island 1" from MapleStory 2  "Unicorn Adventure" from Fantage  "Kid's View" from Trickster Online  "Goofy Speedway" from Toontown Online  Which one did we like best? Listener notes: Katriana, Danny, and Ratstew Jukebox picks: "Ode to the Bridge Builder" from World of Goo, "First Steps" from Unravel, and "Ophelia" from Elsinore Outro (feat. "Bolshoy Theatre" from Hello Kitty Online) Talk to the B

Who knew that interlocking brick systems would result in so many video games -- and a pretty good soundtrack? The Battle Bards step on many small bricks on their way to reach LEGO Universe, the now-defunct MMO that only ran for a couple of years. Tune in for a high-octane trip through toys, tunes, and alliteration as Syp, Steff, and Syl regress to their childhood! Episode 166 show notes Intro (feat. "Spaceship Entrance" and "Pirate Cove 1") "Our Universe" "Tortoise Terrace" "Darkling Battle"  "Pet Rock"  "Nimbus Plaza" "Magic Forest" "Crocodile Corner"  Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Katriana and Scotty Jukebox picks: "Mysterious Destiny" from Bayonetta, "The Sunflower Farm" from Ghost Giant, and "Thieves' Forest" from Castle Crashers Outro (feat. "Character Create") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated

For those who played the Nintendo Entertainment System, the name “Sunsoft” conjures up memories of intense gameplay, slick design, and — of course — terrific music. On today’s episode of Retro Reprise, Syp and Syl delve into the 8-bit treasure trove of video game music from this studio. Grab these vibes and don’t let go! Retro Reprise Episode 21: Sunsoft’s NES classics Intro “Area 3” from Blaster Master “Stage 1” from Journey to Silius “Stage 1” from Gremlins 2 “Streets of Desolation” from Batman “Good Weather” from Mr. Gimmick “Main Theme” from Ufouria: The Saga “Stage 1” from Batman: Return of the Joker “Boss Battle” from Fester’s Quest Outro (“Stage 3” from Journey to Silius)

On this Very Special Edition of the Battle Bards, Lord of the Rings Online's Bill Champagne sat down for an interview to talk about his tenure in this long-running MMORPG as its lead composer. From his surprising origin story to tales behind the scenes at Standing Stone Games to his favorite soundtracks, Bill gives the flip-side of MMO music production while still sharing the love that we all have for these scores! Special note: Bill picked specific LOTRO tracks for us to feature on today's show, which is a first for the program! Bill Champagne can be found on Twitter @BillChampMusic. Episode 165 show notes Intro "Where Dragons Dwell and Kingdoms Fell" "Life in Laketown" "Beyond All Darkness" "Valley Nourished by the Great River" "Dread and Drear" "Feast in the House of Grimbeorn" "Fury of the First Age" "She Who Walks in the Darkness" "The Remnants of Grárik" Outro (feat. "Lingering Shadow") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio,

If you ever walked into a forest glade at the light of the first full moon of the year, you may spy an impish fae dancing among the moonbeams and singing to all of the woodland creatures that come out for the annual concert. And if you ever tune in to Battle Bards -- in particular, this episode -- you may hear a rare recording of fairy music along with very serious discussion involving (a) aerial kung-fu, (b) the taste of fairy wings, and (c) didgeridoos. You are so not prepared for any of this. Episode 164 show notes  Intro (feat. "Kelethin" from EverQuest II, "All's Fairy in Love and War" from RuneScape, and "Fairytale" from EverQuest) "A Fairy of Peace" from Aion "Fairy Academy" from MapleStory "Fairy Tale Out of Time" from Allods Online "Fae Forest" from Project Gorgon  "Fae Wilds" from Trove  "The Fairy Valley" from Luna Online  "Pixie Beast Tribe" from FFXIV Which one did we like most? Listener note from Katriana and Caroline Jukebox Picks: "The Cause" from Elemental Gearbolt, "Beach Bunny" from Jazz J

While the game itself was a messy and convoluted sequel to a classic RPG, Chrono Cross has nevertheless persevered over time to become a cult classic that is incredibly beloved for its amazing soundtrack. On the show today, Syl and Syp share a conversation about their favorite tracks and just what made this score so special to hear. Retro Reprise Episode 20: Chrono Cross  Intro "Time's Scar" "Reminiscence" "Dreams of the Shore Near Another World" "Forest of Cutting Shadows" "Dead Sea" "Radical Dreamers" "Star Stealing Girl" "Voyage" Outro

The Battle Bards return to the verdant fields of EverQuest for a look at the updated and remastered soundtrack that came out last year. If you only know EverQuest's music in its MIDI format, why not venture into the modern era of the game's score? It's a trip down Norrath lane, just slightly belated from the MMO's 20th anniversary! Episode 163 show notes  Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Boomba's Exchange," and "Faydwer's Dusk") "The Jaunty Bardic Song" "Dawn Over Norrath"  "The Gates of Qeynos"  "The Gypsy's Trek" "Faydark" "Halfling Habits"  "Norrathan Seas"  Which one did we like most? Listener note from Zinn Jukebox Picks: "Victor X" from Ion Fury, "Et Ratio Principalis" from Control, and "Isabelle Battle Theme" from Shadowverse Outro (feat. ) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright A

Do you love a good mystery? A hidden secret? A riddle wrapped in an enigma and presented on a platter of puzzle? Then you're in for a treat with today's Battle Bards, as mystery-themed music from MMORPGs is served for dinner! Also, Syl and Syp finally throw down over a long-standing criticism regarding song picks. It's brutal. Episode 162 show notes  Intro (feat. "Wintertide" from TERA, "A Lost and Secret Island" from Rappelz, and "Mystery Forest of Vikings" from Minions of Mirth) "Mystery" from Astellia "Heart of the Ocean" from Runes of Magic "Winter's Mystery" from WildStar  "Riggle's Theme" from Avabel Online  "The Asura" from Rappelz "Secrets of the Second Age" from Lord of the Rings Online "Hidden Village" from World of Tanks Which one did we like most? Listener notes from David and Katriana Jukebox Picks: "15F Master Suite" from Luigi's Mansion 3, "Puzzled Creatures" from Concrete Genie, and "Aqua" from Smurfs' Nightmare Outro (feat. "The Mystery" from Allods Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twit

While Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIV is enjoying rousing success here in the west, its other MMO -- Dragon Quest X -- never made it across the Pacific. Today, the Battle Bards assemble to examine the soundtrack to this overlooked fantasy game and see how it holds up by itself and in comparison to the Dragon Quest franchise. Episode 161 show notes Intro (feat. "Bright Horizons," "Soprano of Blue," and "The Race of Water") "Overture" "The Heavens"  "Good Night Villagers" "Town Music" "Melody of the Blade" "Casino" "Exploring the Hills" Which one did we like most? Listener notes from Druidsfire, Bill Champagne, Katriana, and Wolfy Jukebox Picks: "Endless World" from Dragon Quest II, "Main Theme" from Toonstruck, and "Edge Water" from The Outer Worlds Outro (feat. "Comedic Fight") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!

For the first time since Episode 50, the Battle Bards crew returns to the theme of cover songs of MMO tracks. Several extremely musicians tackled their favorite MMORPG tunes to our delight, taking us on a breathless tour of their spin of these classic tunes. Since we want to give all of the artists full credit, you can find links to their full tracks in the show notes -- give them a listen! Episode 160 show notes Intro (feat. "Grizzly Hills Theme" from World of Warcraft, "Main Theme" from Albion Online, and "Fear Not This Night" from Guild Wars 2) "Gondamon Theme" from Lord of the Rings Online, performed by Brandon Skelton "The Secret World" from The Secret World, performed by Lord Bif Music "Forest Calling" from Lineage II, performed by Dryante Zan "Heavensward Synth" from Final Fantasy XIV, performed by Dutyyaknow  "Arthas Theme" from World of Warcraft, performed by Eliott Tordo  "The Tale of the Mad King Thorn" from Guild Wars 2, performed by Sharm "Stones" from Ultima Online, performed by Mathias Semborg

It's a return to a soundtrack that, over the past couple of years, experienced a lavish remastry. This week, the Battle Bards explore the wild notes of Black Desert, a soundtrack that relishes its situational and ambient tracks. It might not be the most memorable soundtrack, but enjoyable? Yes, we'd advocate that. Also, Steff finally snaps and tells her co-hosts off. Draaaaamaaaaa! Episode 159 show notes Intro (feat. "Florin," "The Capital City," and "Glish") "Serendia" "Valtarra Mountains" "Treant Forest” "Northern Wheat Plantation" "Acher Western Camp" "Behr Theme" "Terrmian Waterpark" Which one did we like most? Listener notes: George Wilson III Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, "Magical Merrymaking" from Wizard of Legend, and "Monolith" from Cloudbuilt Outro (feat. "Hidel City") Stinger: The superiority of the Swiss Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!

Do you feel a little... frozen this winter season? Winter is something amazing to behold, especially when video game composers attempt to capture its unique magic in their songs. Today, let the Battle Bards warm up your bones and your ears with tunes from the snowy vales and icy wastes of MMORPGs! Episode 158 show notes  Intro (feat. "Another World (Winter Journey)" from Aion, "The Long Winter" from Asheron's Call 2, and "Sorceress of Melted Snow" from Allods Online) "Sea of Snow" from Runes of Magic "Violet's First Adventure" from RuneScape "The Snow Falls" from Pantheon "Winter Night Crystal" from Black Desert "Ice Cave (Day)" from Trickster Online "A Perfect Snowball" from Spiral Knights "Dazzling Snow" from Ragnarok Online Which one did we like most? Listener notes: Liraven and Spookydonkey24 Jukebox Picks: "Floor 2-2" from Streets of Rogue, "Main Theme" from The Invisible Hours, and "Holders of Power" from Ys 1 & 2 Outro (feat. "Winter Wonderland" from Ashes of Creation) Talk to the Battle Bards o

An odd, offbeat, and short-lived MMO, Chronicles of Spellborn hardly registered on most of the gaming community's consciousness. However, this fantasy title has not escaped the attention of the Battle Bards, especially with Assassin Creed's Jesper Kyd composing most of the score. It's a strange score, with plenty of otherworldly tunes, but just perfect for this team to tackle! Episode 157 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Lullaby," and "Palace at Night") "Armada Combat” "Stonedeep" "Aldenvault" "Silent Child" "Gleaming Cauldron Tavern" "Fountain" "Traitor's Rest Tavern" Which one did we like most? Listener notes: Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Afterimage" from Einhänder, "Main Theme" from Yonder, and "Colored Engine" from FAR: Lone Sails Outro (feat. "Housing") Stinger: Battle Bards’ t-shirt store Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!

Is blue a color? An emotion? A song? An overused alien skin tone? One thing is for certain: Blue shows up an awful lot in MMORPG soundtrack, which is why the Battle Bards have mined their music libraries for the bluest of blue tunes to share. Will they come to a conclusion as to what "blue" means? And will Steff ever let go of a grudge? Probably never, but it'll be a fun listen even so! Episode 156 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Blue Dots" from Anarchy Online, "Limitless Blue" from FFXIV, and "Engage Blue" from Stargate Worlds) "Sapphire Basin" from Blade and Soul "The Tune of the Azure Light" from MapleStory "Synthquest Blue" from Star Citizen "Legend of the Blue Horizon" from WildStar "Blue Coral Dark" from Lime Odyssey "Blue Kojin Tribe" from Final Fantasy XIV "Cobalt Deep" from Vanguard Which one did we like most? Listener notes: Zinn and Zoward Jukebox Picks: "Brazil (Atomic Era)" Civilization VI, "Main Theme" from Old Man's Journey, and "Interred Glory" from Bloodstained Outro (f

Welcome to the "Cursed Episode" of Battle Bards, where you'll be risking bad luck and poor RNG rolls just by hearing it! But it is totally worth it, because this week the trio is tackling the astounding Shadowbringers soundtrack and it's impressive addition to the FFXIV music library. Also, if you listen very, very carefully, a certain "la-HEE" might make a cameo! Episode 155 show notes Intro (feat. "Prologue," "Amaro Mount Theme," and "Figments") "The Source" "Civilizations" "Kholusia Night" "The Dark Which Illuminates the World" "Vamo' alla Flamenco" "Unwound" "Insatiable" Which one did we like most? Listener notes: Zinn and Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Hear Our Call" from Ancestor's Legacy, "Gateway Galaxy" from Super Mario Galaxy, and "Menu (Ramp Mix)" from Tron Run_r Outro (feat. "Hades Theme") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!