ReMix: Killer Instinct 'The Wolf of the Opera'

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When I think Killer Instinct, I don't particularly think piano solo, but we're all about defying conventions and adapting/retrofitting old tunes in new contexts, and newcomer Uboichi does exactly that with this arrangement. Technically it's a piano duet, though both weren't played at the same time, as there's not one but two fairly dark Grands at work. No Opera singing, so if that's not your gig, don't worry (though you should reconsider and check out Puccini and Wagner, etc.) - straight piano(s) and no libretto for this wolf's Opera. The common comments from the judges were that the mix is an interpretive and creative arrangement, recorded well enough, but that the performance could have been a bit more human, had more dynamic contrast, and held back on the heapin' helpin' of staccato, all of which I'd agree with. The pianos are a bit dark, but this is more a personal preference thing, as Steinways, Bosendorfers, Kawaiis, Young Changs, etc. all have their own timbre. The moody judge who used to be a system MANIAC writes:

"Original, well-sequenced and moody. Would have liked to hear more dynamic contrast, and there are a few little sound quality issues, mostly staccatos that are just a bit too short. Nice work."

Which is an equitable and measured appraisal, methinks. The strong element here is the overall concept and adaptation, and the sequencing is dramatic and note-heavy in a good way. I could have seen this, as Jesse suggested, developing into a full orchestration with deep cellos and some accentuating percussion, but as is it's an interesting, unexpected take on Killer Instinct that gives the button masher some classical chops.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

The arrangement is great, but it is pretty mechanical sounding. The different sections have great transitions, and there is some real power behind the chords. I really liked the arpeggios as well, and even though i'm unfamilir with the source, the mix is compelling enough to make me want to check it out.
I'd love to hear this performed live with 2 pianos. :-)

- OA on June 1, 2009

Beautiful song, it made me feel so nostalgic...

Actually I like this stripped-down piano version. If the intention was to make it more operistic, it could have a more orchestral approach, but as it is, it's just fine.

- Raffael Zabbot on July 26, 2008

I liked it because I love Sabertooth... buh where'z the life ? Where'z the dramatic enterances? Where'z the Strings!!
Please remake another!

- Ranch Doritos on January 30, 2008

Has potential, however this recording lacks emotion, sounds like a robot played it.

- Dionyseus on October 10, 2006

I really liked this song. I did really remind me of an opera (well that if KI made an opera) But I would've liked it better if there were at least some strings added, but nonetheless, its very good.

- Darkmetamorphasis on December 2, 2005

This game is a classic, and the way you brought out one of my favorite character themes of all time was spectacular. The piano layering was well done, and thank you for keeping in beat... it drives me nuts to listen to a song that can't choose which beat to follow. This one earned my liking... which isn't easy...

- okami_chi on December 1, 2005

I miss that dog. I still have the Killer Cuts CD.
I really dig the piano work here; impressive playing. And I think there is enough contrast. At first listen, I liked the original more since there is so much more going on. After a few listens, I realized that this piano solo is very good in it's own accord. I would love to hear it in concert.

- meccaneer on October 7, 2005

Killer Instinct definitely has some cool fukin music man. Whoever is out there PLZ make more remixes of KI music or even from Gold but man something has to be released. The game kicks ass.

- SiC-DCoN on August 11, 2005

I like the original song, and this ReMix pays good homage to it. However, this song would sound better if played with a real pipe organ and some cellos.

- DJ Pili on August 11, 2005

:? cool remix but i think it's done better by darangen. go to his site the link is on this site and look for vgremix link and look for the song deck the claws.this verson is closer to the killer cuts verson. just with heavy guitar and snyth guitar riff's over the piano. very cool check this one out guy's :)

- linkwolf on August 11, 2005

I thought it was a nice piano remix to Saberwolf's theme even if it wasn't to almost everyone's standards of a good remix (yes I've read the reviews). Quite enjoyable to listen to and I added it to my playlist.

- Art_lover on May 12, 2005

I have the CD that this song [Tooth & Claw] is from... Except I don't know where it is and haven't listened to it in years. Even still, the melody is very familiar...
But anyway, I like it, even if it isn't very complex or anything. Nice background music.

- Corporal Eschebone on December 23, 2004

I will start off by saying this is a fantastic mix of one of my all time favourite pieces of VG music. So welldone there.
But like others have mentioned it sounds too sequenced, it lacks feeling and emotion which is a shame because the way you have arranged this piece, it has enormous potential for that. I'd have to disagree with you when you said that the original didn't have much dynamic contrast because well, it did. In spades.
Can't fault the arrangement, just needs more oomph.

- Sal on December 18, 2004

This is very easy one of the best oc remixes ever. That is the end of it. Good God you have blessed us with this remix and me and God don't even get along like that.

- Ramenking on December 14, 2004

Oh, yes! The Saberwolf Theme!
I do not hesitate.The arrangement of this piano is genuine. How to explain that its sound touches the soul?
Cheap imitations not touch in the soul.

- Txai on December 14, 2004

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