Overview

Games are often not released for a variety of questionable reasons. Sometimes, companies think the game would be too complicated for us, other times, they think the unusual gameplay would throw us off. And sometimes, there are some good reasons. How about a potentially dangerous hallucinogenic / psychedelic / kaleidoscopic shooter that can cause epileptic seizures because of its extremely bright colors and constantly melting backgrounds? That's pretty much what Square's and Positron's IS: Internal Section was, and why they chose not to release it to the States is that very reason. A professional electronic music composer, Shinji Hosoe, and his assistant Ayako Saso, were given the arduous task of writing the music to this very unusual game, and let me tell you that they know their stuff, and they know it really well. Here are my opinions on the music.

Body

Most of the music is written specifically to be in synch with the pulsations of the tube that you are travelling in. More beats in the music result in more furious action and insane tube pulsations. The second role of the music is to put you into a sort of trance in order to help you focus on your targets and to ignore the constant flashes and melting backgrounds. Each piece of music fits its environment perfectly. A great example would be "Stage 1 - Get a Kick Out of Tube" — the rapid beats and fuzz-like sound effects give the trance effect and fit in just right as you're introduced to the wonderful, trippy world of IS: Internal Section.

One track especially sticks in my mind as being original and also really hilarious. "Stage 4 - Ignorance is Bliss" is just so bizzare, as you hear a woman moaning in pleasure at some points in the track, followed by this curious buzzing noise, which sounds like a giant mosquito or something. That's not to mention the pink lines forming the tube gives a unique feel in synch with ths track. I always get a chuckle when I hear this music.

The boss themes are as unique as the stage themes. I'll give two examples. "Boss 2 - What Goes Up Must Come Down" is certainly fitting as you're fighting. Get this: a group of killer cubes all huddled together moving in a waving motion, who start shooting red triangles, red balls, and when there's only one left, it goes all out on you shooting rainbows?! Yep, a crazy track for a crazy boss.

"Boss 4 - Excessive Information," composed by Ayako Saso, is one nutty track, filled with beeps and buzzes. It completely throws you off guard as you're up against... a giant Japanese newspaper. The fast-paced beats and sound effects fit right in as it tries to knock you silly spouting Japanese kanji letters at you. Yep, it doesn't get more unique and bizarre than that. There would be more to say about this fun and addictive soundtrack, but I'd ramble for pages and pages about how the music complements the scenery so well.

Summary

Having imported the game, I can say that this is one of the most original electronic soundtracks ever written for a video game. It's definitely worth purchashing if you're a fan of experimental electronica, though it may be difficult to find.