Overview

Back in 2003, Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, and Yousuke Yasui scored the GameCube's Mega Man Network Transmission (aka Rockman EXE Transmission) on behalf of developer Arika and publisher Capcom. For years, fans complained that the critically acclaimed soundtrack has never received a stand-alone release. Fast-forward to 2012 and SuperSweep has finally obtained the rights to publish it. As might be expected, the soundtrack sports an electronic touch and features plenty of catchy melodies. Is it worth picking up after all this time?

Body

The stage themes are certainly the best part of the soundtrack. Each composer plays to their strengths to create some very memorable and entertaining tunes. "Densan Area" blends some of the best features of Mega Man soundtracks with the musicality of Shinji Hosoe. It continues the series' tendency to feature catchy melodies and upbeat flavours, while featuring lots of Shinji Hosoe's signature electronic tones. "Waterworks Cyberspace" is much more ethereal in tone, but still one that focuses on an energetic melody. It definitely reminds of older Mega Man tunes, particularly those in Mega Man 7, except it upgraded for more modern synthesizers. The B section in this particular tune is absolutely dreamy and the overall atmosphere works quite well for an aquatic based stage theme. "

Of the stage themes by Shinji Hosoe, I feel the weakest is definitely "Abnormal Gravity Area." While it is still a multifaceted listen, reminding me at times of his Under Defeat sounds, it isn't as memorable as the other tunes he composed. Fortunately, "Zero Gravity Area" follows in the footsteps of his more catchy tunes. Of all the area themes in the game, this is probably my favorite. It sports a fantastic spacey sound, beautiful synthesizer tones, and an equally infectious melody. Electric Town Cyberspace" is another bubbly tune with another fantastic melody. The jazzy keyboard tones complement the quirky synthesizer accompaniment quite nicely. Lastly, "Ura Internet" is an energetic tune that sports a beautiful melody, although it does harbor a more sinister touch. It goes well with the intense accompaniment that serves as the backdrop for the final stage.

"Bank Center Cyberspace" by Ayako Saso harbors a darker tone, particularly in the accompaniment. However, the melody lines are where the theme truly shines — there is a wonderful blend of ethereal, bubbly, and even sneaky tones. "Game Center Cyberspace" certainly fits the atmosphere with its quirky sound, but when it comes to the actual melody, I find myself at a bit of a crossroads; I'm not the biggest fan of the A section, but the B section is pure gold and definitely redeems the track in the end. One of Saso's stronger tunes is definitely "Legendary WWW Area." Saso throws in a nice Egyptian-sounding melody line, perfect for Pharaohman's representation, and combines it effortlessly with pounding electronic beats and sharp synthesizer tones. "WWW Ruins Cyberspace" is another fantastic tune. It offers an extremely strong melody and plenty of energy in the accompaniment that maintains the flow of the soundtrack.

When it comes to Yousuke Yasui's stage theme contributions, many describe "Internet on Fire" as his most iconic tune on the soundtrack. It offers his signature blend of retro-styled rock with an equally adoring melody. This is one of the tunes on the soundtrack that would fit perfectly in any classic Rockman game. "Power Plant Cyberspace" is another old-school rock piece with an industrial vibe — for those familiar with Yasui's work, think along the lines of Eschatos. "Garden Cyberspace" is also a fun, bubbly tune that sports a catchy melody and a fun rhythmic accompaniment, but I find it to be one of Yasui's weaker contributions. "Old Generation Area" is very sinister in tone, featuring a cacophony of sound in the accompaniment that really builds up a nice tension, but at times, it does get in the way of the melody.

Of course, there are also a few battle themes on the album. "Navi Battle ~ Clear" features Yasui's battle music and Saso's clear music. The battle tune itself features a nice rock vibe with plenty of keyboard accompaniment and a pretty engaging melody. The clear portion is quite short, but fits well with the style of the soundtrack. Yasui contributes another battle theme with "vs. Zero." It features pounding electronic beats, some industrial touches, and even choral highlights, but the melody is definitely where it shines. I think that one of Yasui's strengths is crafting extremely catchy melodies and this one is no different. Lastly, "Dream Virus Battle R," composed by Shinji Hosoe, is an interesting last battle theme. Rather than focus on intense passages, it has a much more ethereal and dreamy quality about it. I love the spacey vibe that the music gives off and the accompaniment features a great rhythm that really moves the piece along.

When it comes to event themes, tracks such as Yasui's "Peaceful Event" and Saso's "Zero's Rebirth" offer a bubbly, futuristic sound that sport fantastic melodies. Themes like "New Determination" and "Ending," both of which share the same melodic motif also sport a bubbly sound, but also are much more energetic in nature. Shinji Hosoe's event contributions, such as "Suspicious Event" and "Arrival of Help Event" are a bit darker in nature and serve their purpose.

Summary

In the end, the Rockman EXE Transmission Soundtrack is a must-have for any fan of SuperSweep's more light and melodic side. The music stays true to the Mega Man universe and there is a diverse array of tones thanks to the talents of the three different composers. While a few tracks don't work out of context, particularly the more event-oriented music, there is an abundance of highlights among the stage themes. Mega Man Network Transmission absolutely deserved an album release and SuperSweep have done it justice here. The overall soundtrack is a satisfying listen.