DTL: TNC Music Review

Don't ask about the picture. I just needed something to put on the front...

It seems I missed a topic when I did my Review of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter. What is that topic? Well, you already know; you read the title. Music. Ironically, it seems that I ignored the music in my review, because I just realized that if it wasn’t for the music, I wouldn’t embrace the series like I do now. So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

The music in this game is spectacular. It’s got some excellent melodies, medleys, and is easily a lot better than the first’s. The first game’s music was nothing much. But the piece I want to talk about is the ending song. The moment I heard that song end, I knew I would be a lifelong fan. Not only was it the first time I had ever heard a full 4-minute vocal song on a Nintendo DS game, it was coupled with a sweet and amazing storyline. And after that, it nails you with the Mari and Jowee theme right after it during the credits, providing that heartwarming sensation that hooks us to the franchise. There are some other good songs on there too, but the problem is, Isaac doesn’t have all the tracks in his shop! The songs he sells are only the mediocre ones. He does sell some good ones like the Snowy World one, the Mari and Jowee theme, and the famous Alt. song. But, man, I wish he would’ve sold the ending song. But now I’ve got it on my iPod, so no biggie, no biggie. Now, back to my main focus. The Next Chapter is a huge step up in regards to music. Now before I go any further, I want you to turn on your little DSi, and start up Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter. If you haven’t finished yet, do it. Now. I’ll wait. It shouldn’t take that long.

Ya done? Good. Go into Isaac’s shop, and buy all the music. Because 5th Cell didn’t bother to name the tracks for some reason, I’ll have to name off specific ones in the store. First of all, this game sports some great remixes from the first game. Tracks 1, 2, 10, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 29 are remixes. They’re all great, but I actually think Track 2 is actually a downgrade from the first one. I dunno why, maybe it’s that clap. Play it. You hear it? I don’t really like that for some reason. Now play track 20. Oh my god, the beginning of that song is going to stick with me till the end of time. Ugh, I can’t get that out of my head… Umm… Play Track 25. My god… I hate this song… I’m not saying that it’s bad… It just that it makes me feel terrible. Believe it or not, this simple scale of notes being played over and over again may be the most saddening scale I have ever heard. It plays in the saddest moments in the game, and accompanies the Raposa in their last minutes. I. HATE. THIS. SONG. It’s too darn sad! Speaking of sad songs, Let’s take a look at the last track. Play it through about 2/3 of the way in. Listen for the background singers while the lead singer is singin’ the chorus. I’m not quite sure what they’re saying, but the melody is astoundingly moving. As many of you already know, 5th Cell has a tendency to insert the melody(s) in the ending song into various songs throughout the game. I love that. That’s a great idea. But here’s the problem. The ending to The Next Chapter mentally scarred me. So now, whenever I hear those 7 notes, I die a little inside. Even starting up the game is torture- The second I hear that melody play during the developer logos, my mood plummets and I turn it off before the menu even starts up. But enough with the sad stuff. There is one track I want to talk about. Go into level 5 in the Galactic Jungle. Why go into a level? BECAUSE IT’S NOT IN THE STORE! AGAIN! I’m glad 5th Cell decided to put more tracks into the shop, but if you’re going to do that, why not put them ALL in there? This level’s music is my favorite out of all the tracks. Too bad it’s not sold in the store!

Well… I think I’ve made my point. The Next Chapter has some good music in it, but does have some downsides. All I can say is that David J. Franco really knows how to push our buttons.
I suppose I would rate the music a 8.5/10.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to jump into depression for a little bit.