I'm so glad that Hamster's Arcade Archives are a thing.

[SavagePencil]

Strike Gunner looks pretty awesome. I love games with selectable weapon load outs, and the music--while a little abrasive--is p. cool.

[Skyknight]

Given all the staff in common between Athena and Warashi, maybe we’ll see Shienryuu as well at some point?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

The USA region Daioh jamma pcb that was sold/distributed statside by American Sammy has the original 2-button endowed JPN region version on-board (selectable via a 2-pin header on a certain jumper). How cool is that?

In addition to having a 6-button layout upgrade with the USA variant of Daioh pcb, the 2nd loop has enemy bullets that move faster than your fightercraft does -- perfect for rage inducing stg sessions indeed. Buttons 4, 5 & 6 are directly wired to a custom harness loom that's then plugged into the pcb itself (via a multi pin header interface setup).

What makes the USA region variant of Daioh special/memorable, is that it's the only tate arcade stg pcb to sport a dedicated six button layout period and remains so to this very day.

Sure, I spotted a lone American Sammy coin-op Daioh jamma conversion kit complete with a full-sized Daioh backlit marquee housed in an upright Dynamo cab at a Golfland mini golf joint back in 1997. Coined it up with a golden colored Golfland arcade token & proceeded to try it out -- quite different for an arcade stg trying to "cash in" on the Street Fighter II craze going on during that point in time with it's own six button layout scheme.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Sumez]

Wasn't Green Beret one of the very first big games in the Elevator Action Returns/Rolling Thunder likes subgenre?

You know, a game where you have to strategically move and shoot while managing ammo. Where firepower is deliberately limited compared to games like Contra.

I'm trying to get "Spy Action" to fly, and yeah I'd very much consider Green Beret and its sequel M.I.A. a part of that. It has that unique sense of tactical precision kills that IMO defines the subgenre.

[BrianC]

Jailbreak isn't up on the US PSN or eShop yet. Probably another ratings issue (ugh). It appears to be up on the UK PSN.

[BIL]

Hell yeah, Finest Hour confirmed for next week! I've wanted to play this ever since stumbling over a random Youtube video forever ago. Its open battlefields always gave me the tantalising impression of a coinop MD Leynos. Sidescrolling heavy machine action with vernier gauge and onscreen radar will always get my attention. Definitely looks like part of the Assault/Metal Hawk late 80s visual extravaganza set.

The USA region Daioh jamma pcb that was sold/distributed statside by American Sammy has the original 2-button endowed JPN region version on-board (selectable via a 2-pin header on a certain jumper). How cool is that?

I'd love to see it on ACA with both regions included! I wonder if the Sammy connection might be an issue, but then again, neither Capcom nor Psikyo's involvement in TGM/TGM2 stopped those. We'll see I guess!

[Skyknight]

So that probably means a Taito title the week after. Cadash’s release is making me think Rastan 1.

[AGermanArtist]

Strike Gunner's gained a new fan. I really like the strategic element of only being able to select a weapon per level.

[BIL]

I'm looking forward to giving Strike Gunner a spin tonight - helis in space boyeee!

So that probably means a Taito title the week after. Cadash’s release is making me think Rastan 1.

Goddamn, I wish. My only bigger Taito blueballer than Rastan is Rainbow Islands. I can't think of sequel that arrived on ACA before its predecessor, but at this point it wouldn't surprise me if Nastar was the first.

[BrianC]

Just bought Strike Gunner off PSN. Jail Break STILL not on the US stores. I wish Hamster would say something when this happens. Bought the switch version off the JP eShop.

[velo]

Hell yeah, Finest Hour confirmed for next week! I've wanted to play this ever since stumbling over a random Youtube video forever ago. Its open battlefields always gave me the tantalising impression of a coinop MD Leynos. Sidescrolling heavy machine action with vernier gauge and onscreen radar will always get my attention.

It's such a cool game, but I need you guys to pick it apart and assure me it's not a quarter-sucker. I remember it having a fairly generous lifebar, and it really wiped the floor with me. I didn't see a run on YT that looked 100% definitely legit.

[hamfighterx]

Jailbreak isn't up on the US PSN or eShop yet. Probably another ratings issue (ugh). It appears to be up on the UK PSN.

Weird thing is that it does have a US PSN page (I'm on it right now on PS5, and it's also on the US web Playstation Store)- but no ability to buy the game, just to wishlist it. Release date is listed as 9/13/2023, which obviously did not happen. I was hoping the Switch US version showed up with today's update, but alas, no such luck. I ended up using some gold points (from registering Japanese cart games to my Japan account) to just buy the Japan eShop version earlier today.

Honestly, this feels like they might just not release the game in the US due to the potentially sensitive "cop shooting a bunch of criminals and/or innocent bystanders" thing. That's... kind of a touchy subject in the States these days. Nichibutsu's Cop 01 did make it a couple months ago! That looks like a very different kind of space/jetpack cop though, and you shoot a lot of bats and stuff (and I would be receptive to arguments that game existing could be considered a crime). I can see the difference between that and Konami's POLICE BRUTALITY: THE GAME.

[BrianC]

Is Jail Break up in Europe for Switch (a post on X said that it's up on PSN in GB, but not Switch)? I read an X post that said it's not up yet in Australia. I have a feeling that it's a ratings issue and possibly due to "Batman" and the naked women that can pop out of windows. Odd thing is that hamster's twitter post links to the US page that shows the game as announced.

[Ms. Tea]

It's out in Europe: https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Ninten ... 47628.html Only North America where it's still MIA.

[BrianC]

It's out in Europe: https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Ninten ... 47628.html

Yeah, I noticed it's now out when I checked the EU site, though possibly not all storefronts.

Only North America where it's still MIA.

No, that's a different Konami game.

[jehu]

Hurray for Finest Hour. I've never played it myself, but it's been near the top of my Namco 'Wanted' list. If only Burning Force was around the corner.

It's out in Europe: https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Ninten ... 47628.html Only North America where it's still MIA.

No, that's a different Konami game.

This is such a groaner

[BrianC]

Checked the Australia Nintendo Store for Jail Break. Not listed there, though Strike Gunner is.

[MJR]

I just had to get Jail Break for my childhood memories alone - I saw it on my very first arcade hall trip back in the 80's. The game that talks! Hyper violence!

I played the JAP rom and it didn't feel as difficult as I remembered. I even got to second stage, first time ever.

Funny thing; shooting barrels with bazooka reveals something that resembles Batman.

[Marc]

I don't often feel cheated, as these things cost less than two pints, but Strike Ginner is fucking wank and I want a refund. I remember Super Play hating the SNES version back in the day, so not sure why I bothered, because I'm an idiot I suppose.

It looks like shit, sounds like shit, and is by far the most Euro feeling Japanese shmup I've ever played.

I think the last one that I disliked this much was The Binja Warriors, and yes I own Athena!

Fuck this game.

[TransatlanticFoe]

It's about a third of the length of the SNES version, so there's that at least. I don't recall what I did with my CIB SNES copy, potentially hated it enough to simply chuck it in the bin.

Also two pints Love Wigan prices. Hard pressed to get one pint down South for what an Arcade Archives release costs!

[BIL]

Athena is Japanese for bipolar. Sometimes they'd do BioMetal, Daioh, and JJ Squawkers, other times Dragon Unit and *record screech* I just realised JJ Squawkers might have some hope of an ACA release. Always wanted to try that one out, ever since trap gave it his highest recommendation. Ninja-Kun 2 was one of my first ACA pickups for same reason.

Never thought any of these games stood a chance of proper console release. God bless Hamster and M2. Ostensibly, an era with only two reliable arcade porting houses would be a tragic one. This particular "two champs and a bunch of randos" field is probably the strongest in history.

Spoiler

[Samildanach]

On the subject of Strike Gunner being a bit iffy, here is my personal ratings of the Arcade Archives shmups I've spent some time with. I'm no shmupper of any decent skill, a 1cc of the likes of Raiga is about my limit, so my scores out of five may well be questionable to pros, they rather indicate simply how much I enjoyed them.


1985
Twinbee Mar - 2/5 classic but I really hate the bell mechanic
Gradius May - 4/5 basic now, but still so good to play
Terra Cresta Oct - 2/5 probably sacrilege but the whole game looking the same doesn't do it for me, as does the bomb shot mechanic.

1986
Salamander Jul - 4/5 incredible for its age, though it does have its foibles

1987
Darius Feb - 4/5 I love the Darius games and even the first floats my boat despite its asset reuse throughout.
(Life Force Jun) see Salamander

1988
Gradius II Mar - 5/5 sublime....and evil.
P-47 May - 2/5 this feels like a bit of a basic prototype for the later USAAF Mustang
Armed Formation F Aug - 3/5 nice, detailed and varied visuals for its time with solid, if unremarkable gameplay
Thunder Cross Oct - 3/5 only play the Japanese version. Its good, but the four large satellites do mess up where I think my ship is on the screen.
Image Fight Oct - 3/5 another sacrilegious score I suspect, but tend to lose interest with difficult vertical memorizers like this. Personal taste and I can see its fine quality.

1989
Phelios Feb - 4/5 love the original aesthetics. Its got some tough bits that edge just into bullshit territory, but the varied levels earn it extra points.
Tensaruu: Saint Dragon Feb - 3/5 almost a two but the first two levels are strong even if it goes down the pan later (level 5 being an exception). Also wins the wooden spoon for the most disappointing, half-arsed final boss in shmupdom.
Plus Alpha May - 3/5 Well made cute em up that, for me, edges into too difficult territory, albeit later in the game.
X-Multiply Sept - 4/5 A lot more enjoyable compared to Image Fight due to its lower difficulty, particularly enjoyable weapons and awesome visuals.
Megablast Oct - 3/5 An absolute guilty pleasure this one. It looks basic and the gameplay is as deep as a puddle, however it tickless the 'mindless blasting' itch very well.
Gradius III Dec - 3/5 I think we all know why this one scores lower than its predecessors.
Dangerous Seed Dec - 3/5 slightly basic looking but still a lot of fun. Also later has an inventive way to alter the levels and bosses you face.

1990
Raiden Apr - 2/5 another terrible score that most would disagree with, but I can't stand the series' staple of a trying to avoid super fast sprays of bullets with a slow moving large hitbox. Not exactly original backgrounds either.
Lightning Fighters/Trigon May - 3/5 Slightly better than above due to the better visuals, but almost has the same problem. Not quite so evil though, so I enjoyed it.
USAAF Mustang  Jun - 3/5 Much better than its predecessor and it is varied and enjoyable until the final level upon which the devs decide throw all the bosses at you all the time almost endlessly.
Bio-Ship Paladin  Nov - 3/5 I had a fair bit of fun with this despite it's rather...unusual style. The big hitbox is offset by your defensive capabilities and novel firepower.
Dragon Saber (Arcade) Dec - 3/5 conflicted on this one as I love the fantasy visuals and great music but never really get on with most shmups where you have to hit ground targets with a separate, limited range air-ground missile.

1991
Ghost Pilots Jan 1/5 Oh god this was awful. As if you had asked an AI to generate a shmup. I save stated my way to the end for some bizarre reason and it was so goddam dull and mindless. The exact opposite of Toaplan's remarkably well thoughtout enemy placements.
Gun (&) Frontier Jan 4/5 By rights I should dislike it; slow moving large hit box ahoy, but something seems just right in this that didn't work for me in Raiden. Maybe it's just slower enemy bullet speed, but I can certainly say the unique Western visuals helped.
Detana Twinbee Feb 3/5 the fantastic worlds you visit go a long way to make up for the awful bell system and damn ground attacks gameplay...a long way.
Raiga Strato Fighter Feb 4/5 I love a well made horizontal space shooter and this absolutely is that. Not too difficult or long, my only improvement would be that the first loop misses out the final level (but not the boss). Seems a little too short as a result.
Earth Defence Force Mar 4/5 Another one that I liked an awful lot, especially the absolutely wonderful final level.
Black Heart  May 3/5 NMK shmups must have always been on a bit of a budget as there is a lot of music and asset reuse in a single loop in all their earlier games and this is no different. Oddly enjoyable despite its rough and ready feel, though that hellish third level spoils things somewhat.
Alpha Mission II Jul 2/5 I struggle to understand why I don't like this, maybe I struggle to concentrate on collecting only the one type of power armour when I'd rather just blow shit up.
Turbo Force Jul 3/5 - TURBO FORCE!!! It's utterly ridiculous but silly fun. Unfortunately there are the odd bullshit section which spoils things (looking at you, first part of stage 6) but otherwise I like it.
Thunder Cross II Aug - 3/5 I'm not quite sure why I don't enjoy this game and it's predecessor more as they should be up my street, again I think it is because I kill myself too often thinking my ship was somewhere else.
Thunder Dragon Aug/Sept - 3/5 more NMK jank with heart and despite its extreme difficulty it has that something that makes me want just one more go.
Hacha Mecha Fighter Sept - 2/5 I know others enjoy this but the difficulty is just too off the scale, the music sucks and as usual you have seen almost all the backgrounds, enemies and bosses by the time you are only halfway through.
Rezon Sept - 5/5 just in case the Yakuza are still listening out for any trouble related to this totally not ripped off R-Type clone. (Shh, 3/5... surprisingly decent effort despite the bleeding from my ears after hearing the music for more than four seconds.)
Xexex Oct - 4/5 another 'only play the Japanese version' game. Love it, and it should get a five, but I find I get frustrated with the gameplay sometimes. That's likely just on me.
Metal Black Nov - 4/5 Cut out the two tedious bonus levels and perhaps make the first level more than a danger -less spectacle, then you would have a masterpiece.

1992
Koutetsu Yousai Strahl Feb 3/5 decent final shmup by Jaleco, but not quite so fun as EDF. Again has a great final level (I don't mean the slightly dull final boss), though this time due to great gameplay rather than the other's soaring into space spectacle.
Last Resort Mar - 3/5 another R-type clone that at least has its own style compared to Rezon's more blatant R-Type II copy...even if that style is just ripped from Akira instead. On gameplay however, I have to give the nod to Rezon, so they come out evens.

[BIL]

Great post! I think Strahl may be UPL's, despite its astonishing relative normalcy compared to the likes of Atomic Robo Kid, Ark Area and Mutant Night (a bit of their signature madness showing through in those FOOKIN MASSIVE M8 laz0rs). Omega Fighter always needs mention where UPL are concerned, the kind of late 80s STG that feels a good five years younger than it really is. Shredding autofire, bullet-time bombs, and a buzz scoring system all recall the mid-90s golden age... plus, the turbocharged 8bit aesthetic is simultaneously super-cute and credibly imposing. There are many Huge Battleship stages; this is a mahfuckin Huge Battleship Game. You'll feel it when you shear a city block-sized section of hull away to reveal the cosmos rushing past beneath! Crisply efficient yet bursting with character, ala the similarly minimal/maximal Ninja-Kun 2.

If you've not tried them already, I also highly recommend Thunder Dragon 2 and Operation Ragnarok (aka Zed Blade). While the latter's ground-shooting scoring is infamous (not to be confused with ground-humping, that was later NMK hori P47 Aces ), they're the best-refined NMK vert and hori currently on ACA. If you dig TD1 and Black Heart, you might really get into these. Ragnarok has a similar immediacy to HachaMecha, but it's nowhere as bitterly brutal; super-likeable foot-to-floorboards blaster with first-rate Namiki gabber. TD2's a legitimately great early-modern STG, imo, with a killer waveshredding mechanic ala Recca/Dangun. The OST's limited range is noticeable - just two main stage BGMs remixed throughout - but its Namiki tunes are so well-suited to longterm replay, I honestly don't consider it a notable weakness. (obligatory "don't use autofire with 2P ship" warning, it has 30hz by default)

On the subject of Jaleco, Cybattler is both rock-solid and super-cool. Plays more like the later Shock Troopers than a traditional STG, with the 8way strafing and sword attacks. ACA version's autofire setup makes it easy to lock aim while slashing for maximum hull-cleaving effectiveness, and fixes the PCB's squirrelly hiscore entry cursor. I wonder if any EDF personnel worked on it, given both's talents for staggeringly cool climactic setpieces; more credibly filmic than a lot of actual anime/film-licensed STGs.

I rate Phelios very highly, with caveats to the nearly suicide-mandating Rank; the fourth boss becomes seemingly unkillable no matter your power level, and the final very nearly if you equip the third Option. I stumbled over a cheeseful exploit for the former, which tbh I used with a vengeance because he was starting to piss me off. Between your big hitbox, his revenge attacks' tiny gaps, and his high HP, I dunno how you're meant to kill him conventionally. The latter requires studious handling at max power, to avert a body-ram 1HKO. My current run fastidiously avoided the third Option, which meant unkillable st6 zako... then I panic-grabbed the literal last one, and nearly got smooshed anyway.

Those two coin-grabby Rank Wanks aside though, rollicking good charge-shotter fun. Metal Hawk is absolutely killer if you're into time attack STGs, that's the other Namco pick I'd mention. It does feature ground bombing, but it's not particularly Xevious-esque, at least not if you intend to survive! The Z-axis is integral, plunging past flak to deliver god-hammering death from above, shredding through relentlessly dogpiling enemy choppers. Despite the arresting looks, and famous hydraulic cab, it's no tech demo; a classically-tight topdown seek/destroy with exhilarating intensity of movement. As expected of Hamster, the controls are fastidiously well-adapted to pad/stick, as well as catering to flightsticks, too. I enjoyed playing it with [ascend/descend] on the DS4's right analogue, and [vulcan/missiles] on L1/R1.

Metal Hawk always demands an Assault mention, and vice-versa. They don't play much alike, appropriately enough with one featuring a heli and the other a tank, but the shared ethos of time-pressured 360' seek/destroy is unmistakable. I'm really happy both found definitive home release via ACA; for a short lifetime, it was just Assault on console (via Namco Museum Vol.4).

Agreed re: Metal Black. For a long time I considered it a personal/cult favourite, having gotten into it very early among arcade STGs. Coming back a decade+ on with far more experience, I've no hesitance ranking it high. The balance of generosity and intensity - massive shotbox vs fiendishly tenacious enemies - is spot-on; the gritty nose-to-nose battling, like that of its directorial predecessor Gun Frontier, compellingly tactile and decidedly unique. It almost feels like those silly BRs had to be lamped on to maintain its dark horse status, haha.

[Marc]

It's about a third of the length of the SNES version, so there's that at least. I don't recall what I did with my CIB SNES copy, potentially hated it enough to simply chuck it in the bin.

Also two pints Love Wigan prices. Hard pressed to get one pint down South for what an Arcade Archives release costs!

I went to London for a gig last year, and between trains, one night, and 20 quid a round, spent about 800. Never again I'm afraid. Pint of lager and cider in my local about 7.50

[BIL]

Oh nice, I like Strike Gunner. Instantly recalls a personal favourite, NMK's Task Force Harrier. Sharply responsive no-frills action, with compactly detailed gunmetal. So many chunky little helis and tanks. Way too early to say how its weapon system holds up, but I like the Compile-esque assortment and [A: shot / B: subweapon] setup. Also abrasively warbly BGM. It really does look and feel like an escaped Japanese PC game from the late 80s, with its little sprites and minimalist BGs; not a problem for me tbh. Sonic Wings fans might want to give it a look, too.

Pleasantly surprised - I only knew of its SFC port, and then only for the alarmingly Euroshumpin' upper difficulty modes.

And no horizontal panning - a huge plus in my book, nowadays. As a kid I instantly fell in love with NES Jackal's degree of horizontal freedom, so unlike Super Contra's topdown stages. As time goes on, I think extraneous scrolling in general was a risky proposition for hardcore 2D action games. So many, even from esteemed devs, just completely bugger the player-to-screen positioning; cf Obada-san's Guevara, a feared game which would be infinitely less so without the relentlessly blanket-partying hori pan. Memorise a path through the fog of war that is st1-3, and the final two, while the most technically intricate by far, are infinitely smoother to learn; dialling the panning down to near-zero ala his earlier landmarks Ikari and Dogosoken. Ironically, its beautiful FC port does roaming right, keeping the player properly-anchored throughout the most hellish straits... a handy how-to.

[Samildanach]

Great post! I think Strahl... etc

Thanks for the big reply BIL. You are absolutely right, Strahl is UPL not Jaleco, my mistake.

As for TD2, Zed Blade and Cybattler, they are on the list to do, however, in the sense of bringing some kind of order to my backlog, I am working through all my shmups in release order. It gives a great sense of context in that pioneering games stand out better against their peers. Its a long damn list to get to the present day (118 if I don't buy any more!) but I'll be getting to those three soon enough.

Omega Fighter oddly never got a release in the UK, did they just forget!? Obviously I could use the US store but since I have already got to 1992 in my Odyssey, then I may have to catch that and Metal Hawk on the way back in time once I get up to the present day!

What a great problem to have...too many shooters. Far cry from the days of owning a PS3 where there was incredibly thin pickings.

[BIL]

Ah man - yeah, I do seem to recall Omega Fighter (and a few others) missing from the UK store. Definitely worth seeking out, it's great!

Much respect to the chronological shooting project. Indeed, this gen-and-counting has been nothing if not a pleasant surprise for home arcade gaming. Shows what just a couple of genuinely passion-driven outfits can accomplish... I'll be chipping away at ACA and ShotTriggers until I fall off my chair.

[Marc]

Weird, it got a UK release on Switch.

[Samildanach]

Weird, it got a UK release on Switch.

Well that makes the psn omission even weirder.

[BIL]

After a lazy afternoon with Strike Gunner, I'm surprised how much I still like it! Honestly, not bad. I was expecting Dragon Unit The Shooting, mind. 3; That homing missile vs tank action kinda HAWT ngl Bittersweet to note this version does NAWT feature Attack Helicopters In Space! Maybe it's the SFC rev my absent homie Drum was thinking of? That ol' shitbird got me again! At any rate, I'll take aesthetic continuity over meme cred any day - besides, we have Bakuretsu Breaker for lunar chopper action.

Spoiler

Always nice seeing acclaimed screenwriter UNDEAD_TAMA's nick. Decided proto-DAIOHHH/BioMetal setup with the his n' hers 1P/2P characters!

Spoiler

I honestly thought that was Shin Nakamura, of Video System/Psiyko renown. Seems not though; apparently that's Sakae Nakamura, producer of many other Athena titles (ta roushimsx, much-missed!)

A curious example of Video System-lite meets a relatively mean Compile. Has the former's refreshing immediacy, while staying well clear of their - let alone Psikyo's - intensity. Mild bullet density VS fast ship allows lots of twitchy improv that'd get you caned in MaoMao & Mecha-Keaton's hood.

Zako design, OTOH, is often straight out of Zanac/Aleste; seemingly moreso as the game progresses into space, beyond the early, comfily familiar Sonic Wings heli swarms and speedy tanks. Lots of familiar faces, like the sneaky bastard who quietly books it downscreen, before unleashing an unaimed crescent spread perfect for macroing around... and the more ostentatious prick who drunkly swerves back and forth down the sides... and the unassuming delivery craft that litters the screen with dangerously indestructible obstacles. In proper Compile they'd have names, like GAYOU and FAGTOR and U-CAT, but you'll know 'em when you see 'em

Good times. Weapon selection and deployment much the same; some fun tools here, particularly the ripping homing missiles, and grittily close-ranged sonic boom. Less endearingly, there's also Compile's version of Gradius syndrome; your main shot's powerup curve is rather long, and you lose it all upon death. 3; Hardly the first or last STG to suffer from "one and done (OR FUCKIN ELSE)" ethos, mirite!

Subweapons being one-use per credit is indeed a nice tactical wrinkle; I found keeping the sonic boom for the st6 ImageFight cameo a good move. I didn't, the first time around, and needed much chicanery to deal with those spreadshotters and ROBOSPIDERS, using upscreen safespots + COMRADE FIGHTERS! While there's technically no INVINCIBLE BODY RAM ala Compile, there is the ol' 1942-eroo!

BEIN' FRIENDS.mp3 ;3

Was surprised to note the POW carriers - cycling through Shot/Ammo/Speedup by default - will actually stop offering you upgrades that've been maxed-out. That's a nice touch! Also, if two are onscreen and offering the same upgrade, and the first maxes you out, the other will haul ass offscreen. Cute!

PROTIP: if a ROBOSPIDER is in your way when you reach the end of the ImageFight, it'll be slammed headfirst into your ship by the boss's scroll speedup. Ouch! The final boss also made me burst out laughing, especially with the preceding "He ran away! Chase him!" setup. Yeah I dig those games too TAMA-san

*plbbbth* WHAT (■｀w´■)

WHAT THE FXXK (■｀w´■)

It's so hard to dislike these guys, even if they're responsible for Dragon Unit.

Not a bad diversion at all for fans of the aforementioned houses. My only stern complaint goes to the absolutely god-awful st5 BGM. Where the rest is the kind of abrasion I dig, this is just abject cacophony; sounds like a toddler let loose on a MIDI sampler. Probably was.