Overview

Panzer Dragoon was certainly musically elaborate and technologically accomplished for a Saturn game. However, most would agree that there was room for improvement and that an arranged album for the title would have great potential. Unfortunately, this potential was never fulfilled on the Panzer Dragoon Power Remix D-RAM. This album features three extended electronic remixes that each feature a few pieces from the original score. While this approach could have been interesting, the arrangements all adhere strongly to their originals and are extremely repetitious. The result was a regression, not an improvement.

Body

The album suitably begins with a rendition of the opening theme. What was especially good about the original version was the way it constantly built to give a sense of going somewhere. However, this is lost in the remix given the rambling development and the constant repetition of an inane new electronic figure. It's difficult to stomach after two minutes and, by the needless repetition from the six minute mark, it's almost intolerable. By 8:00, the remix finally does something new as it segues into an ethereal rendition of "Flight", yet repetition eventually ensues and the electronic figure continues to reverberate. Why someone would want to listen to this formulaic 14 minute remix over the sublime originals is beyond me.

The repetition doesn't end there. On the second remix, the main theme receives more attention with a mix of "Main Title" against formulaic beats and annoying figures. Once again, the highlights are the parts when the composition transition into new parts; the introduction of the lyrical treble runs from "The Empire" and later its meditative focal motif are especially enjoyable. Though there is is a little more variation during the total development, it's counterbalanced by the completely unnecessary 17 minute playtime and a complete lack of dramatic arch or direction. Once again, Yoji Biomehanika and Seisuke Ito demonstrate they were very uninspired while writing this album.

The arrangers save their boldest, or at least longest, offering to last. The initial rendition of "The Imperial Capital Set Ablaze" is quite perplexing since it adheres very closely to the original yet strips all life out of it through monotonous beats and excessive looping. There are actually quite a few other pieces featured, including "Departed Souls" and "Assault", but little ambitious is ever done with them. The best part of the arrangement is how the final boss theme remix transitions into a climactic reprise of the opening theme. Yet with the main theme having received so much playtime on the album already, it is difficult to find it novel or emotional anymore.

Summary

While Panzer Dragoon Power Remix D-RAM was a promising and interesting concept, its realisation failed. It's one thing to offer an arranged album that offers mostly straight renditions of the originals. It's another for an arranged album to go on to ruin them with endless repetition, muddled development, and annoying beats. While imperfect, the originals are much more individualistic, dramatic, and entertaining than the generic 'power' mixes featured here. Avoid this album at all costs.