https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4HnjG023zAFgF8Yk-4p75qCk0rdeyqJj

This album is what I call a “semi orchestrated one.” In other words, it sounds much more realistic than the regular soundtrack (especially for this game), but if you listen closely you can figure that it’s not quite “real” instruments that are playing. Nevertheless, the arrangements on this album are excellent. Here is my review of Sound Story of Shining in the Darkness.

1. The World of Shining and the Darkness

Probably the most realistic track of them all. You can hear all the original tracks incorporated together, from the intro song to the shop theme and the few labyrinth themes. The shop music is the highlight; it sounds very joyful and light-hearted with the staccato violins. However I’m not fond of this track; it goes on for too long and the individual “remixes” are better by themselves than together.

2. Welcome to Storm

The “intro song” when you see the old man getting up from his rocking chair. The arrangements are excellent; they feel “magical” with the flute, harp and “metal xylophone”.

3. Stormsong Castle

Self-explanatory. The royal feeling is much stronger thanks to good arrangements – the trumpets are very loud and the drum rolling in the background gives a good militaristic feel. However, the “strings” in the background don’t sound very genuine…

4. The Ancient Temple

The lower levels of the labyrinth. The constant drum and cymbal in the background give it an excellent tempo, while the “flute” in the main track give the track the mystery it deserves for your exploration of this vast labyrinth. The mute “brass” heighten the drama, much better than the original arrangements.

5. God's Baptism

When you finish the trials. The new arrangements sound much more grandiose with the “organ”, which is very fitting for completing such a hard task. You could also swear you are hearing a choir singing your triumph, which was excellent too.

6. Confrontation with Monsters

The battle theme. I just love the slow violin intro, which just builds the drama. The gong marks the start of the theme proper, which has an excellent quick tempo thanks to constant cymbals in the background. The main track has loud trumpets that are very appropriate, while the second part of the loop relies on equally loud violins. Finally, you can hear a flute that made the strange background sounds from the original track. However, I thought that the finale was too abrupt.

7. Requiem

The dying music? I can’t really remember it… Anyway, while it does sound sad, the track lasts for so little time in the game that I generally skip it.

8. Village Church

Self-explanatory. While the arrangements are not very elaborate compared to, say, the battle theme, its realism is still excellent. You could swear you are hearing a gigantic organ playing in a church with a lot of echo.

9. Garf's Pub

By far the best track of the album. Although the main track – I can’t even identify the instrument – doesn’t sound realistic, the rest of the arrangements will make you want to dance! The banjo in the background is simply great, while the drum gives a much better tempo than the original track. Finally, the heavy bass you hear all through the track is the perfect addition.

10. Cheerful Merchant

This one was overdone a little. The flutes and violins in the main track are just too loud to be enjoyable. That’s too bad because the staccato violins in the background made for a good track. I usually skip it.

11. Searching for Princess Claire

The upper labyrinth. Like the lower part, the track goes between loud, muted brass and violins that create the perfect dramatic atmosphere. The high-tempo drums in the background are even better for this track. And the finale was perfect, blending in perfectly unlike the battle theme.

12. Fateful Battle

The “boss” battle. The arrangements are perfect for, indeed, such a “fateful” battle. The violins in the background create the perfect dramatic atmosphere, while the loud trumpets and other brass instruments show the importance of winning this fight. The tempo is even close to what it was on the Genesis.

13. Ending Theme

Self-explanatory. Modern arrangements make for a much more triumphant track. However, I find the trumpets to be too loud and ultimately annoying. I suggest skipping it.

Final diagnosis: this is an excellent “semi orchestrated” album that everyone should listen to, especially if you played the game before.