XVGM Radio

Marred in 90s era video game controversy, Konami's Lethal Enforcers series, along with Mortal Kombat, Night Trap, and several other games, had ironic targets on their backs for their innovative, realistic (at the time) graphics involving firing a fake plastic gun at the screen, killing human targets. Years later, the series is best known for … Read more "Episode 122 – Lethal Enforcers I & II (Same Song, Different System)"

Product placement and advertising in video games is a wild, wacky thing. Today on XVGM Radio, Mike and Justin are joined by fellow VGM podcast CRT Soundsystem, where Reese and Tom bring some unique tracks to the mix! The hosts chat about Redline, Fast food chicken preferences, and gamer munchies. The Americans on the podcasts … Read more "Episode 121 – Product Placement VGM w/ CRT Soundsystem"

Free Picks…the very definition of randomness. Every 20 episodes, Mike and Justin think back to stuff they're playing, or perhaps pick a track suggested by our Discord members (Thanks ElectricBoogaloo for this month's pick!) What follows is an episode full of tongue twisters, caller requests from questionable callers and Justin goes all in on Destiny … Read more "Episode 120 – Free Picks 6: The Search for 5"

Released in 1987, the Sharp X68000 would lead the way for Japanese computer systems, ending its reign around 1996. Utilizing the Yamaha YM2151 sound chip would make the computer sing some of the best FM synthesis based VGM ever released. Today on XVGM Radio, we're joined by our third host NikoTengoku to spotlight just a … Read more "Episode 119 – The Sounds of the Sharp X68000"

Multiplayer games can create some of the most memorable times for gamers but what few people talk about is their music. Today on XVGM Radio, Mike and Justin focus on the Party Game genre (with a few examples that fit further into the multiplayer aspects.) The guys chat about the mountain that is One Piece's … Read more "Episode 118 – Party Games Music"

Returning to the topic of Natsume's musical history, Mike and Justin revisit one last time for a sort of epilogue on the history of Natsume via Tengo Project. Formed from an offshoot of Natsume Co. Ltd in the mid to late 2000s, Tengo Project is a small team of Natsume's original staff who have been … Read more "Episode 117 – The Music Of Tengo Project"

Greetings boils, ghouls and everyBOOdy in between! Welcome to another SPOOOOOOOOKYFEST 2024! Each year, Mike and Justin get together for an “outdoor festival” that everyone can go to and enjoy some spooky halloween tunes! From horror movie based IPs with insanely creepy swamp tracks to bad William Shatner impressions, this episode is chock full of … Read more "Episode 116 – Spookyfest 2024!"

We've covered the Mario RPG games and their music WAY back on Episode 29 but today, we're revisiting one of the best Paper Mario games out there: Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door. Recently, it received a remaster on the Nintendo Switch and while the original soundtrack is an option in this new version, … Read more "Episode 115 – Same Song, Different System: Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door"

Justin comes in with a jump off the top rope! BOOM! Mike goes down, and it's ONE-TWO-11? Yes, 11 tracks of excellent wrestling music from video games are coming your way on this super-charged episode of XVGM Radio! Hear the guys chat about their Wrestling game (and Wrestling TV) experiences. Plus an extra special appearance … Read more "Episode 114 – Wrestling Game Music"

There's two things that don't get the recognition they deserve when it comes to video games: Game Boy Advance soundtracks and licensed games. Today on XVGM Radio, Mike and Justin build up a musical tale to combat this inaccurate statement with a GBA soundtrack from a licensed game that rocks! Robots, based on the CGI … Read more "Episode 113 – Robots GBA/DS Spotlight with Composer Ian Stocker"

High score rankings have been a thing since the 70s in video games. But the music layered behind them didn't really pick up until the 80s. Justin and Mike examine these tunes to explore the eastern vs western comparisons. Eastern composers tend to create much shorter high score music than western composers and the guys … Read more "Episode 112 – High Score Jamz"

Many of today's indie and AA developers know their retro. That's why there's an abundance of amazing games available for modern platforms which channel the games of our pasts. Thankfully, game composers of the current era haven't forgotten the roots of VGM either, as the amount of modern games which rely on catchy melodies, punchy … Read more "Episode 111 – Modern Retro Game Music"

Music touches all aspects of the soul. It's a large part of what makes us human. In tough times or happy moments and everything in between, music can be therapy in many ways and video game music is no different. On today's episode, we sit down for a chat with Norihiko Hibino and listen to … Read more "Episode 110 – Musical Therapy: An Interview w/ Norihiko Hibino"

It's that time of year again! It's January in a new year and as always with XVGM Radio, we bring in the big guns: NikoTengoku! Our old pal and honorary third co-host Niko joins us once again to ring in 2024 with a somber note: Emotional VGM. Whether the moments in the games touched our … Read more "Episode 109 – Emotional Damage VGM w/ Niko Tengoku"

In 1994, video game system manufacturers were just starting to shift into the realm of 3D-based video game consoles thanks to the fifth generation. But one company decided to continue building upon the legacy of 2D in the mid-90s with their final console release: NEC. The PC-FX was host to 62 games which utilized 2D … Read more "Episode 108 – The NEC PC-FX"

Though Halloween season is over, we're still playing with gore! XVGM Radio sits down with VGM composer Jason Létourneau to discuss his music in the 8-bit modern retro classic, Infernax. Hear us grill Jason to learn about his process and how some of our favorite modern VGM composers helped him early in his game composing … Read more "Episode 107 – Infernax w/ composer Jason Letourneau"

They'reeeee bacccckkkkkk! The XVGM Radio boys are back for another haunting year of SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOKY songs to celebrate the holiday season! Join Mike and Justin on their 5th annual Spookyfest, complete with crowds cheering them on, buying Poltergust 4000 vacuums and gettin' their sour pukes on! Two special Patrons make requests, the guys try their best … Read more "Episode 106 – Spookyfest 2023"

Continued from Episodes 99 and 102, Mike and Justin close out the musical history of the developer, Natsume Co. Ltd. After the split between Natsume Co. Ltd. and Natsume Inc, Natsume Co. Ltd. would continue to work on developing games, mostly on the Super NES and eventually handhelds like the Game Boy Color. Here is … Read more "Episode 105 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 3"

Wayforward's Shantae on the Game Boy Color was the swansong release on the handheld and the beginning of a franchise in the making. Now, Shantae has not only blossomed into a 5 (soon to be 6) game series, but can be widely considered Queen of the indie game scene. One particular stand out in this … Read more "Episode 104 – Shantae Tunes"

PING! BLAM! DING-DING-DING-DING! CH-CHUNK! Pinball certainly has some exciting sounds. Video pinball brings the experience of pinball home to consoles, PCs or on the go. But what rarely gets discussed by video pinball aficionados is how great the music is in these games. Today, we're getting our flippers ready to beam 11 exciting tracks up … Read more "Episode 103 – Video Pinball VGM"

Continued from Episode 99, Mike and Justin hit the dusty trail of Natsume's musical history for a second time to uncover the North American-based publishing (and sometimes development) side of the company. Splitting from Natsume Co. Ltd. in 1995, Natsume Inc. began publishing a wide variety of games mostly in North America. From tales of … Read more "Episode 102 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 2: Natsume Inc."

Step into the world of Elevator Action Returns: A place full of guns, explosions and most importantly…elevators! Justin and Mike climb back into the world of Taito's in house band, Zuntata; more specifically Yasuhisa Watanabe's stellar soundtrack for this exciting sequel to the original arcade classic, Elevator Action. From funk elements to jazz and light … Read more "Episode 101 – Elevator Action Returns"

WE DID IT! 100 EPISODES OF XVGM RADIO! We're still thrilled to be able to bring you engaging topics and themes, a wide variety of VGM related guests and of course, fun wacky times with a dash of game music knowledge. Thanks so much for listening to our little show! In celebration, we decided to … Read more "Episode 100 – Request Hotline"

It's Technostasy! Since 1987, Natsumi, a company created by ex-Konami employees, has been one of the best developers from the 8 and 16 bit eras of gaming. However, their history has been muddled by confusing ownership and history to the common fan. Today on XVGM Radio, Mike and Justin uncover the truth behind Natsume's story […]

Matt Creamer (AKA Norrin Radd) has been one of our favorite guests (and composers) for some time now, but he's been holding back from us. He's unleashed his final musical form in the mold of Slayin' 2's original soundtrack and it is A BANGER/ROCKER! Now it's time for you to feast your ears on over […]

It's well known that Sony's Playstation 2 dominated sales during the 6th generation of gaming. However, this was also during the era where Sony attempted to take on the task of toppling Nintendo's handheld juggernaut abilities. Enter the Sony Playstation Portable, Sony's first major foray into the handheld market. Many games from the PS2 were […]

It's that spooooooooooky time of year again! Celebrate Halloween with the video game music podcast hostesses with the mostestes….that's a word. Justin and Mike host Spookyfest each year and now that they're back to their normal outdoor festival activity, you're in for a fright of a good time! From discussions of Peanuts characters becoming VGM […]

It's that spooooooooooky time of year again! Celebrate Halloween with the video game music podcast hostesses with the mostestes….that's a word. Justin and Mike host Spookyfest each year and now that they're back to their normal outdoor festival activity, you're in for a fright of a good time! From discussions of Peanuts characters becoming VGM composers to the nostalgia-dripping remembrance of Count Duckula's airtime, the boils scare no expense as they share their love of spooky game tunes. Mike digs up the bones of his rare appreciation for industrial music and Justin learning that….GASP…he was replaced with a ROBOT?! It's a howling romp of a VGM festival that we hope you'll enjoy…PERMANENTLY! MUWAHAHAH!

Marvel Comics' X-Men series is a franchise that means a lot to millions all over the planet. In the 90s, it was the pinnacle of X-citing, engaging storytelling coupled with a major media boost thanks to the comics, collectible cards, Saturday morning cartoons and of course, video games. On today's episode of XVGM Radio, Mike […]

Marvel Comics' X-Men series is a franchise that means a lot to millions all over the planet. In the 90s, it was the pinnacle of X-citing, engaging storytelling coupled with a major media boost thanks to the comics, collectible cards, Saturday morning cartoons and of course, video games. On today's episode of XVGM Radio, Mike […]

Indie composers of video games are leading the way with their creativity, ingenuity and hunger to create the next wave of classics. One such composer is Nicole Marie T, who we had the pleasure of interviewing. From her love and appreciation of Sega to her evolution into a Sony fan, Nicole's video game upbringing shines […]

Indie composers of video games are leading the way with their creativity, ingenuity and hunger to create the next wave of classics. One such composer is Nicole Marie T, who we had the pleasure of interviewing. From her love and appreciation of Sega to her evolution into a Sony fan, Nicole's video game upbringing shines through her music as she churns out tons of tunes that we showcased in this interview. From hearing about her reaction to seeing her name in the credits of her first game to her excitement over orchestral tunes, you'll get to hear a prime example of the next generation of VGM composers in this very episode. Justin and Mike are stoked for you to hear the sounds of Ghoulboy, Robozarro and beyond in this composer interview!

If you had to pick four legendary composers that best represents you…as well as all of video game music, who would you pick? Well, that's the question that our pal Bedroth from VGMVGM (Very Good Music Video Game Music) Podcast asked the community of VGM podcasters…and we broke the rules and picked a bonus one, […]

If you had to pick four legendary composers that best represents you…as well as all of video game music, who would you pick? Well, that's the question that our pal Bedroth from VGMVGM (Very Good Music Video Game Music) Podcast asked the community of VGM podcasters…and we broke the rules and picked a bonus one, because we're rule breakers. Yeah, that's right. Your boys from XVGM Radio are here to break down all the barriers. All jokes aside though, Mike and Justin pick their heaviest of hitters in their VGM opinions. From discussions on the impressive echo of Iku Mizutani's NES bangers, to the sentimental tears Justin shed over Final Fantasy 9's ending, XVGM Radio takes you through some of their favorite composers and the tracks they feel best represent them. Get ready to climb VGM mountain and see the masters of video game music!

If you had to pick four legendary composers that best represents you…as well as all of video game music, who would you pick? Well, that's the question that our pal Bedroth from VGMVGM (Very Good Music Video Game Music) Podcast asked the community of VGM podcasters…and we broke the rules and picked a bonus one, because we're rule breakers. Yeah, that's right. Your boys from XVGM Radio are here to break down all the barriers. All jokes aside though, Mike and Justin pick their heaviest of hitters in their VGM opinions. From discussions on the impressive echo of Iku Mizutani's NES bangers, to the sentimental tears Justin shed over Final Fantasy 9's ending, XVGM Radio takes you through some of their favorite composers and the tracks they feel best represent them. Get ready to climb VGM mountain and see the masters of video game music!

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was plenty of stuff Mike and Justin reflected on in this episode from their youth. Though as always when they pick a topic, sometimes they approach the idea differently for fun results. Episode 90 is a perfect representation of this method of madness. Listen to the guys wax nostalgia when talking about retro television, cartoons and how the theme songs converted to video games. They also go over the composers on the original theme songs and their thoughts on comparing them. Mike gets goofy with the best anime ever (courtesy of the internet meme about Corey in the House), Justin shares his take on Dragon Ball Z's music, Mike talks about college drinking games involving Power Rangers, and the guys collectively discuss sick days with Bob Barker, all on this memory-filled episode of XVGM Radio!

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was plenty of stuff Mike and Justin reflected on in this episode from their youth. Though as always when they pick a topic, sometimes they approach the idea differently for fun results. Episode 90 is a perfect representation of this method […]

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was plenty of stuff Mike and Justin reflected on in this episode from their youth. Though as always when they pick a topic, sometimes they approach the idea differently for fun results. Episode 90 is a perfect representation of this method […]

The Sega Genesis GEMS Driver is often considered one of the worst drivers created for video game music. However, we are optimists when it comes to most chips, so today, we're taking a deep look into the GEMS driver. Who created it, why it was important to Western composers, the benefits of it and the downfalls. Justin and Mike aim to examine the good AND bad parts of it, to unearth some game music that you might not have known about. Aaron Hickman of the Genesis Gems podcast is also known as chiptune and VGM composer DYA. He joins us on this episode to help explain some of the nitty gritty details regarding GEMS and the Sega sound in general. From bad Sylvester Stallone impressions, to Mike absolutely losing it whenever Captain Salty is discussed….to a surprise phone call from someone claiming to be Tommy Tallarico, this episode of XVGM Radio has it all!

The Sega Genesis GEMS Driver is often considered one of the worst drivers created for video game music. However, we are optimists when it comes to most chips, so today, we're taking a deep look into the GEMS driver. Who created it, why it was important to Western composers, the benefits of it and the […]

The Sega Genesis GEMS Driver is often considered one of the worst drivers created for video game music. However, we are optimists when it comes to most chips, so today, we're taking a deep look into the GEMS driver. Who created it, why it was important to Western composers, the benefits of it and the downfalls. Justin and Mike aim to examine the good AND bad parts of it, to unearth some game music that you might not have known about. Aaron Hickman of the Genesis Gems podcast is also known as chiptune and VGM composer DYA. He joins us on this episode to help explain some of the nitty gritty details regarding GEMS and the Sega sound in general. From bad Sylvester Stallone impressions, to Mike absolutely losing it whenever Captain Salty is discussed….to a surprise phone call from someone claiming to be Tommy Tallarico, this episode of XVGM Radio has it all!

It should be pretty obvious if you've heard the show before that Mike and Justin LOVE comedy. So on this episode, which just so happens to release on April Fools for no specific reason, the guys get deeply personal and share never before heard stories before. Listen to some wacky tunes about sunflowers, finding secrets, […]

It should be pretty obvious if you've heard the show before that Mike and Justin LOVE comedy. So on this episode, which just so happens to release on April Fools for no specific reason, the guys get deeply personal and share never before heard stories before. Listen to some wacky tunes about sunflowers, finding secrets, slippery little things that taste so good all the time, all while learning about Mike's porn music career, Justin's pet rock collection and his unofficial name change, Mike's shocking political affiliation, Justin's composer obsession and many more secrets revealed! This is an episode you won't want to miss!

It should be pretty obvious if you've heard the show before that Mike and Justin LOVE comedy. So on this episode, which just so happens to release on April Fools for no specific reason, the guys get deeply personal and share never before heard stories before. Listen to some wacky tunes about sunflowers, finding secrets, slippery little things that taste so good all the time, all while learning about Mike's porn music career, Justin's pet rock collection and his unofficial name change, Mike's shocking political affiliation, Justin's composer obsession and many more secrets revealed! This is an episode you won't want to miss!

The Super Nintendo is known for having some of the most lush compositions in 16 bit history. But have you ever wondered what these tracks would sound like with real instruments? Our guest today is Andrew Thompson who runs a musical project where he answers that very question and the results are EPIC! Mike and Justin sit down with Andrew to discuss and compare his orchestrated versions with real instrumentation, while mostly staying faithful to the original compositions. If you're a fan of JRPGs on the SNES, this is NOT an episode to miss!

The Super Nintendo is known for having some of the most lush compositions in 16 bit history. But have you ever wondered what these tracks would sound like with real instruments? Our guest today is Andrew Thompson who runs a musical project where he answers that very question and the results are EPIC! Mike and Justin sit down with Andrew to discuss and compare his orchestrated versions with real instrumentation, while mostly staying faithful to the original compositions. If you're a fan of JRPGs on the SNES, this is NOT an episode to miss!

The Super Nintendo is known for having some of the most lush compositions in 16 bit history. But have you ever wondered what these tracks would sound like with real instruments? Our guest today is Andrew Thompson who runs a musical project where he answers that very question and the results are EPIC! Mike and […]

It's that time of year again! NikoTengoku joins us for his third return as the unofficial “third host” of the show…and he's ready TO DANCE! We let Niko pick the theme this time around and he wanted to get down! We've all picked a variety of dance tracks to listen to from all walks of […]

It's that time of year again! NikoTengoku joins us for his third return as the unofficial “third host” of the show…and he's ready TO DANCE! We let Niko pick the theme this time around and he wanted to get down! We've all picked a variety of dance tracks to listen to from all walks of dance music. From almost gabber-like songs, to borderline industrial, progressive trance and more! You'll be ready to get outta your seat and join us on the dance floor in no time! Prepare for an insane amount of Alzadick jokes, stories about Mike's dad hating VGM and much more!

It's that time of year again! NikoTengoku joins us for his third return as the unofficial “third host” of the show…and he's ready TO DANCE! We let Niko pick the theme this time around and he wanted to get down! We've all picked a variety of dance tracks to listen to from all walks of dance music. From almost gabber-like songs, to borderline industrial, progressive trance and more! You'll be ready to get outta your seat and join us on the dance floor in no time! Prepare for an insane amount of Alzadick jokes, stories about Mike's dad hating VGM and much more!

While single games have been covered before on XVGM Radio, never before have we went into a soundtrack without hearing it period. Taking a page from our pal Ed Wilson over at The VGMbassy, we're doing a “Blind Listen” episode where we pick tracks we haven't heard, and learn about the game as we go along. The end result is a hilarious episode where Mike and Justin try to figure out PCM samples' origins, listen to a totally radical soundtrack we've never heard before, deal with an explosion in the studio…and take a caller request from…Janine?! It's all on this very exciting episode of XVGM Radio!