Battle Bards
A musical journey through MMO soundscapes, Battle Bards reviews and discusses the soundtrack of MMORPGs with a trio of engaging hosts. The Battle Bards podcast alternates with Retro Reprise, a half-hour podcast showcasing classic VGM from the ’80s and ’90s.
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 150: The great plains
08/07/2019
Battle Bards Episode 150: The great plains
It may not be the most sexy or exotic of biomes, but plains tend to pop up in pretty much every MMORPG -- and they always have music to adventure by! In this episode of the Battle Bards, the crew evaluates music from steppes, savannahs, and the great, great plains. Is it all dull atmospheric tunes? Far from it, as you'll soon discover. So join this eclectic team for a grand 150th episode spectacular! Episode 150 show notes Intro (feat. "Plains of Beauty" from Runes of Magic, "Open Plains" from Anarchy Online, and "The Azim Steppe (Daytime)" from FFXIV) "Plains" from World of Warcraft "Plains of Ashford" from Guild Wars 2 "Gahren Plains" from Vanguard "Pradeth Plains" from Aion "Agris Steppe" from Black Desert "Zafaria Savannah" from Wizard101 "Skypetal Plains South" from Blade and Soul Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Caroline, Sam, Sym, and Katriana Jukebox picks: "Slinger's Song" from Bastion, "Waterfalls" from Seasons After the Fall, and "The Roof" from Plants vs. Zombies Outro (feat. "Thundering Steppes" from EverQuest II) Stinger: Efficient German love Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/10750421
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 149: Istaria / Horizons
07/24/2019
Battle Bards Episode 149: Istaria / Horizons
Is Istaria more than just "that game where you can play a dragon?" If it is, the answer might lie in its hidden repository of soundtrack tunes! The Battle Bards once again assemble to apply their dragonish wit, tenacity, and fire-scathing critiques to a largely undiscovered score. It's more fun of an experience than you might expect, so come along for the ride! Episode 149 show notes Intro (feat. "Saris," "Kirasanct Tundra," and "Spirit Island") "Main Theme" "Ancient Ruins" "Mahagra" "Eyes in the Garden" "Tazoon" "Aughundell" "New Rachival" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Buddy, Smuggler-in-a-yt, and Chris Jukebox picks: "Rab the Wizard" from Dragon Quest XI, "At Night the Forest Sings" from Anno 1800, "Main Theme" from Legend of Outro (feat. "Mystery Ancients") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/10587503
info_outline
Battle bards Episode 148: Composer spotlight on Inon Zur
07/10/2019
Battle bards Episode 148: Composer spotlight on Inon Zur
On a special theme episode of Battle Bards, acclaimed composer Inon Zur is given the spotlight, especially for his contributions to several MMORPG soundtracks such as RIFT, TERA, and EverQuest II. If you've only known Zur as "The Fallout Guy," then prepared to be pleasantly illuminated as to the wider body of his work! Also, the crew takes in an orphaned music track and gives it the name "Steve." We will always love you, Steve. Episode 148 show notes Intro (feat. "Homecoming" from TERA, "Klak'Anon" from EverQuest II, and "Invisible Ghosts" from Fallout 76) "Main Theme" from Fallout 76 "Trailer Theme" from Durango Wildlands "Behind the Mountain" from Lineage 2 "Othmir Camp" from EverQuest II "Variation 1" from Arena of Fate "Oceans of Stone" from TERA "Sanctum solo" from RIFT Which one did we like best? Listener mail: What soundtracks have you discovered through Battle Bards? Jukebox picks: "Lost in the Cave" from 2003's The Hobbit, "First Light" from Crysis, and "Unicorn's Rest (Cover)" from Lineage II Outro (feat. "Freemarch" from RIFT) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/10322759
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 147: Continent of the Ninth Seal
06/26/2019
Battle Bards Episode 147: Continent of the Ninth Seal
Bring on the heavy makeup, electric guitars, and MMO groupies, because the Battle Bards are rock and rolling their way into Continent of the Ninth Seal (aka C9). It may not be a game -- or soundtrack -- that most know, but does that mean that there is a musical treasure trove waiting to be discovered? Listen to this episode to find out! Episode 147 show notes Intro (feat. "Innocence RunersVill" and "Brotherhood of the Wolf") "Main Theme" "Cold Mountain" "Black Yard" "Blade of a Knife" "Gong!" "Braveheart" "Waterford Theme" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Caroline, Bullwraith, and George Wilson III Jukebox picks: "We've All Done Things" from Days Gone, "Main Theme" from Unending Dusk, and "The Adventure Begins" from Cube World Outro (feat. "Silent Night") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/10202114
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 146: More vocals
06/12/2019
Battle Bards Episode 146: More vocals
In another theme sequel, the Battle Bards return to the notion of vocal tracks in MMORPGs. Does singing hold a special place in online games, or is it immersion breaking? In some cases, it can be both. Join Syl, Steff, and Syp for a romp through a widely diverse array of sung tunes -- and beware the pigs! Episode 146 show notes Intro (feat. "Singing" from Elder Scrolls Online, "Song from the Woods" from The Secret World, and "Eternal Love" from Lineage II: Oath of Blood) “Dragonsong” from Final Fantasy XIV “Glutton for Nourishment” from RuneScape “The Daughter of the Sea” from World of Warcraft “Dungeon Herograve” from Lime Odyssey “Wild Side” from WildStar “Port Lux (Vocal Version)” from Cabal Online “Odyssey” from Granado Espada Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Caroline Jukebox picks: "The Frostlands" from Octopath Traveler, "Dolphin Surf" from Tetris Effect, and "Future" from Max Payne 3 Outro (feat. "Day of Destiny" from Dragon Nest: Saint Haven) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/10095005
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 145: Dark Age of Camelot
05/29/2019
Battle Bards Episode 145: Dark Age of Camelot
It's Bard vs. Bard vs. Bard in this show, as the trio of MMO video game music lovers take sides in the Dark Age of Camelot debate! This tri-realm PvP game is rather unique for having published an "inspired by" album featuring music not in the game at all in addition to the actual soundtrack. So why not review both? Syp, Syl, and Steff are more than up for the task! Episode 145 show notes Intro (feat. "Albion Town 1," "Vinum Bonum," "The Wizard," and "Albion Campacorentin Forest") “Call to Arms (Frontiers)” “Combat Music” “Star of the County Down” “Breton Melody” “Moving” “Hibernia Town” “Albion Sailbury Plains” Which one did we like best? Jukebox picks: "Ceta" from Rimworld, "Across the Stars" from Star Wars: The Old Republic, and "Main Theme" from Trine 3 Outro (feat. "Howth") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9914372
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 144: Colors of the rainbow
05/15/2019
Battle Bards Episode 144: Colors of the rainbow
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet: Combined, these forces create the awesome power of Roy G. Biv -- otherwise known as the rainbow! In today's experimental episode of the Battle Bards, Steff, Syl, and Syp attempt to find MMORPG music tracks to go with each of the seven colors that shine over a rainstorm or in a particularly oily puddle. It's a daunting mission, but these three are just crazy enough to finish it! Episode 144 show notes Intro (feat. "Greenwood Camp" from Free Realms, "Red Menace" from Stargate Worlds," and "Purple Trip" from Glitch) "Drinking from Red Wine" from WildStar "Celestial Crab March" from Wizard101 "Hello Yellow!" from Club Penguin "Green Valley" from Ys Online "Flying in a Blue Dream" from MapleStory "Purple Snow" from Grenado Espada "Wild Violet" from Tree of Savior Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Sylkesh, George Wilson III, and Katriana Jukebox picks: "End Credits" from Hello, Neighbor!, "Onward" from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, and "Dulles Airport" from Die Hard Trilogy Outro (feat. "Blue World" from MapleStory) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9690179
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 143: Rappelz
04/24/2019
Battle Bards Episode 143: Rappelz
It may see itself as an "old school fantasy MMO," but Rappelz' soundtrack is a great mixture of old and new, traditional and experimental. In this episode, the daring and ever-courageous Battle Bards plumb the depth of this score and see what can be brought out of obscurity and into the light! Episode 143 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "A New Epic," "Breeze of Old Forest," and "Resonance of the World") "Main Theme" "The Deva" "Crystal Mountain" "The Temple of the Masters" "A Horizon in the Sunset" "A Lost and Secret Island" "The Morning Breaks of Rondo" Which one did we like best? Listener mail: Bullwraith, Katriana, Caroline, and Michael Jukebox picks: "Cierzo" from Outward, "Green Village Baruchie" from Another Eden, and "La Pintarroja" from Tropico 6 Outro (feat. "The Ursa Caverns") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9461963
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 142: Sunrise, sunset
04/10/2019
Battle Bards Episode 142: Sunrise, sunset
In MMORPGs across the world, days are beginning and days are ending -- and with them come the catharsis of the sunrise and sunset. The Battle Bards draw together in this special stillness to discuss some of the in-game tracks devoted to these moments. So from sunrise to sunset, here are the melodic moods that accompany our journeys online. Episode 142 show notes Intro (feat. "The Flag at Dusk" from Blade & Soul, "The Warming Sunrise" from Star Wars Galaxies, and "A Horizon in the Sunset" from Rappelz) "Sunrise" from RuneScape "Weeping Sunrise" from Runes of Magic "Dawn Gleams on Cyrodil" from Elder Scrolls Online "Sunrise" from Worlds Adrift "Crimson Sunset" from Final Fantasy XIV "Eternal Sunset" from TERA "Sunset Ridge" from City of Heroes Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Scott, Nogamara, Zinn, YD Wes, Phubarrh (listen) Jukebox picks: "Main Theme" from The Secret of Monkey Island, "Day of the Bright Sun" from My Time at Portia, and Outro (feat. "Dusk Song of High Elves" from Elder Scrolls Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9288770
info_outline
Retro Reprise Episode 18: Obscure Genesis games
04/03/2019
Retro Reprise Episode 18: Obscure Genesis games
Fans of retro video game music have heard all of the same classics over and over again, which is why in today's episode of Retro Reprise, Chaos Constant and Syp dip into the more unknown titles of the Sega Genesis library for tunes that you may have overlooked! From the tense atmosphere of Warsong to the futuristic music of Pulseman, this show might have your new favorite track waiting to be discovered. Retro Reprise Episode 18: Obscure Genesis Games Intro "Kingdom Knight" from Warsong "Soltype" from Alien Soldier "Wily Stage 1" from Mega Man: The Wily Wars "An Old Sad Dance" from King Colossus "Neo Tokyo" from Pulseman "Stereo Protect" from Pulseman "Splash Down!!" from Ristar "Midnight Greenhouse" from Knuckles Chaotix Outro
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9197807
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 141: Riders of Icarus
03/27/2019
Battle Bards Episode 141: Riders of Icarus
The Battle Bards take to the sky to investigate the somewhat obscure Riders of Icarus and see if the lofty visuals can be matched by the music -- or if this soundtrack has been grounded for good! "Surprisingly rich" and "theatrical" are review terms that the Battle Bards are willing to license out to the studio to put on the soundtrack cover. Episode 141 show notes Intro (feat. "Character Creation" and "Attauis") "Main Theme" "Character Selection" "The Beginning" "First Elite" "Fort Baellus" "Artisan Square" "Floor 34 Boss Theme" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Caroline, Katriana, Zoward, Paragon Lost, and Maggie May Jukebox picks: "Crimson Caribbean" from Blackwake, "Field Tutorial Zone" from Mabinogi, and "The Castle" from Dead Cells Outro (feat. "Sea of Hakanas") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/9109916
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 140: Piano piano!
03/13/2019
Battle Bards Episode 140: Piano piano!
It's one of the most powerful and versatile of musical instruments, and now the piano is getting its own featured show here on Battle Bards! The crew re-assembles, not to avenge, but to uplift beautiful, striking, and moving piano themes from MMORPGs. So tickle the ivories with Syl, Steff, and Syp as they listen to today's signature tracks. Episode 140 show notes Intro (feat. "Breezewind Park" from Blade and Soul, "Main Theme" from The Secret World, and "Piano Works #1 Serendia" from Black Desert) "Theobomos Hotel" from Aion "Purple" from Worlds Adrift "Kaelar and Empyrean Freeholds" from Ashes of Creation "Tieve's Theme" from Vindictus "Lullaby" from Chronicles of Spellborn "The Die is Cast" from Tree of Savior "Ancient City" from FFXIV Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Katriana and IronSalamander8 [link] Jukebox picks: "Chiasm" from GRIS, "Main Theme" from Neon Chrome, and "The Beginning" from Resident Evil 2 Remake Outro (feat. "Hywel" from Mabinogi) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8892152
info_outline
Retro Reprise Episode 17: The shareware show!
03/06/2019
Retro Reprise Episode 17: The shareware show!
They might not have been the AAA-budget titles of the 1990s, but shareware games were perhaps even more well-known due to the proliferation of these demos. Studios such as id, Epic, and Apogee made their mark with these titles -- and the simple but memorable tunes from each got lodged into our brains. Joining Syp today is Chaos Constant from Occasional Hero, who is a self-professed retro game music fan and has plenty to say about the shareware era! Show notes Intro (feat. "Cruising with Stryker" from Major Stryker and "The City Streets" from Duke Nukem 3D) "Title Theme" from Halloween Harry "Toy Factory Table" from Epic Pinball "Main Theme" from Duke Nukem 3D "Welcome to a Kick in the Pants in Good Old Hillville" from Commander Keen 4 "Main Theme" from Mystic Towers "Spiders" from Jill of the Jungle "Shooting Star" from Major Stryker "Episode 1 Levels 4-6" from Stargunner Outro ("Beach Bunnies" from Jazz Jackrabbit)
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8842148
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 139: Return to LOTRO
02/27/2019
Battle Bards Episode 139: Return to LOTRO
It has been a good long while since the Battle Bards walked the road that led them from the Shire to Mordor, but now they're back in Lord of the Rings Online -- and they have a lot of positive things to say about this beloved soundtrack. If the word "quaint" can ever be used as a recommendation for a score, it has to be done so here! Tune in as these three Minstrels share a few favorite tracks you may not have heard before. Episode 139 show notes Intro (feat. "Let Us Sing Together," "Rivendell," and "Urgent Errands") "Coronation of Aragorn" "Mug in Your Hand" "Brigand's Tale” "Night in the Shire" "Malthellam, the Steward of the Vale" "Tavern Lore" "Cape of Belfalas Housing" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Hamblepants and Jaedia Jukebox picks: "Chicken Illuminati HQ" from Guacamelee 2, "Menu Music" from Kingdom Hearts 3, and "Towergrounds" from Forgotton Anne Outro (feat. "Battle of Pelennor Fields Final Victory") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8751332
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 138: Wild wild westerns
02/13/2019
Battle Bards Episode 138: Wild wild westerns
Boy howdy, is it time for another highfalutin Battle Bards episode? Shucks, looks like! In this week's show, the trio saddle up for a ride through the tumbleweeds and mesas of western MMO tunes. It may be slim pickins, but the pickins are actually pretty good! Episode 138 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Renewal" from Fallen Earth, "Ashe" from Overwatch, and "Crimson Hills" from Aion) "Calm Guitar" from Crossout "Thermock Hold" from WildStar "Way Out West" from LEGO Worlds "Main Theme" from Wild West Online "Eyes of Ice" from Aion "Cool Ranch Tumbleweed Explorer" from Pirate101 "Main Theme" from Dino Storm Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Katriana and PanagiotisLial Jukebox picks: "Legend of the Eagle Bearer" from Assassin's Creed Odyssey, "Into the Wilderness" from Wild Arms, and "Escape" from Return of Obra Dinn Outro (feat. "Antique Cowboy" from Ragnarok Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8553803
info_outline
Retro Reprise Episode 16: Amazing Amiga
02/06/2019
Retro Reprise Episode 16: Amazing Amiga
The Amiga series of computers is renowned for its amazing sound -- and the terrific scores that video game composers were able to wrangle. In this episode of Retro Reprise, Syl joins Syp for a look and listen back at this machine and the tunes that carry on its legacy! Show notes Intro (feat. "Space Ninja" from Lotus 3) "Theme" from Deflektor "Ending" from Fuzzball "Hymn to Aurora" from Horace Wimp "Theme" from The Humans "Theme" from The Carl Lewis Challenge Outro (feat. "Theme" from Hero Quest)
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8470529
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 137: League of Legends' hero themes
01/30/2019
Battle Bards Episode 137: League of Legends' hero themes
What's your hero's theme? If you play League of Legends, you know the answer to that already, because every hero in that game has his, her, or its own musical motif, from the dour to the delightful. In this episode of Battle Bards, the crew turns to this popular MOBA to see what heroic themes are pure ear candy. Episode 137 show notes Intro (feat. "Elementalist Lux," "Odyssey Login," and "Snowdown 2018") "Irelia" "Arcade Ahri" "Dragon Trainer Tristana" "Kindred" "Lulu" "Tahm Kench" "Braum" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Mika, Thomas, and Katriana Jukebox picks: "Warsongs: Silver Scrapes (ProtoShredanoid Remix)" from League of Legends, "Can't Wait Until Night" from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and "Stars at Our Backs" from Monster Hunter World Outro ("Jinx, the Loose Cannon") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8398856
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 136: Overlooked MMO soundtracks
01/16/2019
Battle Bards Episode 136: Overlooked MMO soundtracks
Ever feel like the Battle Bards have covered every MMO soundtrack in existence? It's actually far from true, and today's episode is Exhibit A to prove it. The team looks at seven online RPGs that have never had a single track featured on a Battle Bards show -- and it's a fun discovery process! So settle back as we roll out 100% debuts! Episode 136 show notes Intro (feat. "Terminus" from Pantheon and "Main Theme" from Otherland) "A Harsh Winter Fell" from Camelot Unchained "Intro Theme" from Rising Force Online "Aman's Theme" from Lost Ark "Outdoors" from The 4th Coming "Sea of Hakanas" from Riders of Icarus "East Sea Plain (night)" from Dream of Mirror Online "The Magic Shop" from PlaneShift Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Mika, Theldos, Myre_Test, Mike, and Raphael Jukebox picks: "Sea Theme" from Heroes of Might and Magic IV, "Dog" from MineCraft, and "Cave" from Blue Dragon Outro ("Lorencia" from Mu Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8231210
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 135: Battle for Azeroth
01/02/2019
Battle Bards Episode 135: Battle for Azeroth
It's Battle Bards vs. Battle for Azeroth -- and only one victor will come out of this alive! Actually, the podcast trio is delighted to have another World of Warcraft expansion to explore and investigate. Will it be destined to obscurity as this x-pack apparently will be, or does the score rise above and beyond Blizzard's design flaws? Find out in today's show! Episode 135 show notes Intro (feat. "The Grand Bazaar," "Drustvar," and "Freehold") "Pride of the Seas" "Crimson Forest" "Might of the Zandalar" "Zuldazar Zandalari Lament" "The Motherlode Dungeon" "Time and Tide" "Tiragarde Sound Tavern (Night)" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Pedro Macedo Camacho (Composer, Star Citizen), Katriana, and Jinxed Thoughts Jukebox picks: "Pallet Town" from Pokémon Let's Go, "Hunting Path" from Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and "Another Voyage" from Chrono Cross Outro ("Dive Bar C") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8067371
info_outline
Retro Reprise Episode 15: Atari ST tunes
12/26/2018
Retro Reprise Episode 15: Atari ST tunes
On this episode of Retro Reprise, Syl drags Syp back to her childhood playing on the Atari ST -- and the tunes that made this machine so memorable. Do these tracks withstand the test of time? Find out -- if you dare! Show notes Intro "Theme" from Wizball "Theme" from Toki "In-Game Music" from Bubble Bobble "Theme" from Wonderboy in Monsterland "Theme" from Mousetrap "Theme" from Xenon 2: Megablast "Theme" from Bard's Tale Outro
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/8015030
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 134: Halloween and Christmas
12/19/2018
Battle Bards Episode 134: Halloween and Christmas
It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! And, er, Halloween! Well, the Battle Bards were never much for subtlety, so you must excuse their efforts to sandwich two holidays -- and their related MMO soundtracks -- into one amazing yet confusing show. Whether you like to be spooked or Santa'd, this episode's got the score for you! Episode 134 show notes Intro (feat. "Xmas Jazz Theme" from Lineage II, "White Christmas" from Ragnarok Online, and "Wistmead" from Lord of the Rings Online) "Halloween 2018" from Black Desert "Halloween" from Elsword "Ice Day for Penguins" from RuneScape "Jingle Bells" from Dragon Nest "Frostfell" from EverQuest II "Winter Wingding" from Glitch "Gotham Winter Holiday" from DC Universe Online Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Scott, Cynalus, and Zinn Jukebox picks: "Village of Rynoka" from Moonlighter, "Train Heist" from Red Dead Redemption 2, and "Bloody Tears" from Super Castlevania IV Outro ("Santa Claus is Coming to Town" from Lime Odyssey) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7925756
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 133: Star Citizen
11/28/2018
Battle Bards Episode 133: Star Citizen
The sparkling majesty of space beckons to the hearts of the Battle Bards -- and up there they discover the Star Citizen soundtrack! In today's episode, Syl establishes that she's not a "scifi nerd," Syp causes an international crisis, and the team comes together to hand out praise to this rich score. Episode 133 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "A Symphony in Motion," and "First Light") "Scifi Homage" "Bishop Speech" "Majesty of Space" "Hero March" "My Home" "Leir III" "Main Theme Happy Variation 1" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Cyclone Jack, Scott, Ken, and Katriana Jukebox picks: "Marble Gallery" from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, "Overture" from Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and "A Jaunty Tune" from Death's Gambit Outro ("The Ballad of Big Benny's") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7658966
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 132: Steampunk
11/14/2018
Battle Bards Episode 132: Steampunk
Steam-powered tech, airships, clockwork machines, and automata are the source of inspiration for this week's episode of Battle Bards! The team scrounged the landscape of MMOs for music from and inspired by steampunk games. It's a wild grab bag of themes, so fire up your phonographs and give it a listen! Episode 132 show notes Intro (feat. "Operation Gnomeregan" from World of Warcraft, "The Refugee" from City of Steam, and "Main Theme" from Arcanum) "Main Theme" from Black Gold Online "Lands of Igsh" from Allods Online "Through the Epoch" from City of Steam "Login Theme" from Divine Soul "Ganedine" from Neo Steam "Town" from Guns of Icarus "Adventure Awaits" from Deepworld Which one did we like best? Listener mail from Video Game Music Soundtrack OST and Katriana Jukebox picks: "Dark Forest" from Rise of Nations, "Lakrum Beach" from Aion, and "CrossWorlds" from CrossCode Outro ("Menace of the Underdark Character Creation" from Dungeons and Dragons Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7510346
info_outline
Retro Reprise Episode 14: Final Fantasy combat tunes
11/07/2018
Retro Reprise Episode 14: Final Fantasy combat tunes
It's been a year-and-a-half since Syl and Syp first dove into Final Fantasy music, but now the duo is back to discuss combat themes from four of the game's 1990s installments! From One-Winged Angel to The Man with a Machine Gun, it's all the classics you've been listening to -- and adoring -- for years, packaged with exclusive fan commentary! Show notes (episode download, episode page) Intro FFV: "Clash on the Big Bridge" FFVII: "Combat" FFVII: "Jenova" FFVII: "One-Winged Angel" FFVIII: "The Man with a Machine Gun" FFVIII: "The Extreme" FFIX: "Combat" Outro
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7423682
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 131: Path of Exile
10/24/2018
Battle Bards Episode 131: Path of Exile
It may be a fairly grim MMOARPG, but Path of Exile features a surprisingly, well, grim soundtrack. Guess that wasn't that much of a surprise! This episode, the Battle Bards wade into the fracas of this rather expansive soundtrack to see what audio treasure has been dropped by the zerg of mobs. Episode 131 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "The Overseer's Tower," and "The Ascent") "Fall of Oriath Theme" "Four Guardians" "Solaris Temple" "Hunter or Prey" "The Grand Arena" "Templar Courts" "Elder" Which one did we like best? Listener mail from CJ and Loopy Jukebox picks: "A Distant Journey, Soaring on the Battlefronts" from Granblue Fantasy, "Main Theme" from Spider-Man 2018, and "First Steps" from Celeste Outro ("The Aquaduct") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7249499
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 130: Oddballs 2
10/10/2018
Battle Bards Episode 130: Oddballs 2
While every Battle Bards episode is a cavalcade of strangeness, this week the team is ratcheting it up with the return of "Oddball" MMORPG music tracks. If there's a piece of music that made one of the hosts tilt their heads to the side and go "whaaat the what is this?" then rest assured, it's on this show! Episode 130 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Robo Factory" from The Sims Online, "Little Kitty's Adventure" from Ragnarok Online, and "The Rube Song" from Glitch) "Chompy Hunt" from RuneScape "Flow Control" from Entropia Universe "Welcome to Doram Town" from Ragnarok Online "Valentine's Theme" from FFXIV "Venetian Eclipse" from NeoSteam "Papaya" from FFXIV "BEER!" from WildStar Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Alleycat Blues" from TMNT IV: Turtles in Time, "Crush" from Command and Conquer Red Alert, and "White All Around Us" from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Outro (feat. "Kobold Still Hates You" from Dungeons and Dragons Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7136706
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 129: Elder Scrolls Online Morrowind
09/26/2018
Battle Bards Episode 129: Elder Scrolls Online Morrowind
In today's episode, the Battle Bards crew row their dinghy to the island of Vvardenfell, where there is a rumor of the legend of the return of Morrowind. Yes, it's a tour through Elder Scrolls Online's first expansion soundtrack. Will it be enough to reverse a few negative opinions of the base MMO's score? (spoiler: yes indeedy!) Episode 129 show notes Intro (feat. “Ascadian Idyll," "Omens Prophecy," and "Telvanni Towers") "Shadow of Baar Dau" "A Land of War and Poetry" "Grazelands Dawn" "Currents of the Odai" "Reverie of the Netchimen" "Magnus Smiles on Suran" "Azura's Coast" Which one did we like best? Listener notes: Deekay_zero Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Crash Bandicoot, "Darkness Rises" from The Banner Saga 3, "Traps" from Turrican II Outro (feat. "Vvardenfell Vista") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/7049591
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 128: Seaside port
09/12/2018
Battle Bards Episode 128: Seaside port
Why not sail up to our dock and tie your ship to ours for an hour? The Battle Bards return for another great episode examining MMORPG music, with the focus this time around being on harbor and port music. Does the sight of boats sailing out into the open ocean inspire you? Then this music may be the soundtrack to your next great adventure! Episode 128 show notes Intro (feat. "Selbina" from Final Fantasy XI, "New Bellin Port" from Risk Your Life, and "Hermalte Port" from Dragon Nest) "Port BGM" from Lime Odyssey "Lith Harbor" from MapleStory 2 "Aria de Coimbra" from Granado Espada "Saltswept" from Final Fantasy XIV "Port Noble" from City of Villains "Epheria Port" from Black Desert "Port Town Ilfalo" from Wizardry Online Which one did we like best? Listener notes: Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Deliverance" from God of War, "Jump Up, Super Star!" from Super Mario Odyssey," and "New Junk City" from Earthworm Jim Outro (feat. "Port Malaya" from Ragnarok Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/6998104
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 127: Champions Online
08/29/2018
Battle Bards Episode 127: Champions Online
When you sit down to make a list of the greatest heroes that humanity has ever known, obviously the Battle Bards will top that list. So who better to comment on the music to the sadly neglected superhero MMO Champions Online than they? The trio wiggle into their ill-fitting tights and see if they can make sense of this off-kilter soundtrack before they have to dash out and save the day, yet again. Episode 127 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Midtown," "Apostolic Church," and "Renaissance Center") "Main Theme" "Location! Location! Location!" "The Undying Reef" "New Harmon Reeducation Facility" "Sovereign Sunset" "Renegade Run" "Snake Gulch" Which one did we like best? Listener notes: Scott Jukebox Picks: "The Traveler" from Crusader: No Remorse, "Main Theme" from Octopath Traveler, and "Main Theme" from Batman: Arkham Asylum Outro (feat. "7th Anniversary Celebration") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/6966622
info_outline
Battle Bards Episode 126: Out of this world
08/15/2018
Battle Bards Episode 126: Out of this world
It's time to boldly go where no podcast has gone before -- by exploring MMO space themes! It's perhaps the flat-out goofiest and silliest Battle Bards episode to date, so you're going to have to excuse a whole lot of diversions, arguments, and giggles. Because that's what space does to people? We do not know. This episode is also notable for Syl's all-time greatest quote, "Planets are usually in space." Usually. Episode 126 show notes Intro (feat. "A New Frontier" from Destiny 2, "Morning Star" from Anarchy Online, and "Centaurus" from Elite: Dangerous) "First Light" from Star Citizen "The Cold Science of Supremacy" from WildStar "Terran Wander 3" from Earth and Beyond "Delta Rising Theme" from Star Trek Online "Through a Lush Ravine" from Wurm Online "Main Theme" from Black Prophecy "Theme Version 2" from Star Sonata Which one did we like best? Listener notes: Rafael, Bryan, and Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Revenant, "This Way" from The Terminator Sega CD, and "She Came from Outer Space" from A Hat in Time Outro (feat. "Surface Tension Conference" from Star Trek Online) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! Find more gaming podcasts at The Gaming and Entertainment Network!
/episode/index/show/battlebards/id/6912096