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3 Years Later DirectSong Finally Shipped My Skyrim Album

February 14 2013 I put in an order for Skyrim on CD from DirectSong. DirectSong's tagline is "your unique record store" and seems to exclusively sell albums by Jeremy Soule. I figured i'd get the album in a couple weeks so I could rip it and listen to the Skyrim score from anywhere. A month later my Skyrim album hadn't shipped so I reached out to them to see where the order was. The first response from them was an automated email telling them I couldn't open a support ticket that way and I need to create a separate account on the support site. They told me that they had a stock issue and my response was:

Jon: I recommend next time being a bit more proactive by letting... Read All February 14 2013 I put in an order for Skyrim on CD from DirectSong. DirectSong's tagline is "your unique record store" and seems to exclusively sell albums by Jeremy Soule. I figured i'd get the album in a couple weeks so I could rip it and listen to the Skyrim score from anywhere. A month later my Skyrim album hadn't shipped so I reached out to them to see where the order was. The first response from them was an automated email telling them I couldn't open a support ticket that way and I need to create a separate account on the support site. They told me that they had a stock issue and my response was:

Jon: I recommend next time being a bit more proactive by letting me know when you know. I totally get backups and product delays and don't fault you for that. But I had to submit a complaint before I knew.

DirectSong: I completely understand your concern and apologize for any Inconvenience. Unfortunately there has been a hold on shipping due to manufacturer delays. We are expecting the arrival of product any day now, Once received they will be ready for a signing session with the composer. Your patience understanding and cooperation thus far has been greatly appreciated. Once your order has been dispatched you will receive a confirmation email and USPS tracking number

We will be sure to keep you posted!

I felt pretty good about that. Jeremy was going to autograph my CD when stock came back which was a big bonus but I was annoyed they didn't reach out to tell me about the delay. Not a huge deal and I was super excited Jeremy would autograph it.

A few weeks later I got this email:

DirectSong: I am contacting you regarding your soundtrack order through DirectSong.com Our records indicate your order is well over the 4-6 week window we have quoted in the disclaimer, We understand the inconvenience these several delays have caused and truly hold your support with high value.

It is within my authority to issue your soundtrack at no additional charge via Link

Please keep in mind you will still receive your Autographed soundtrack.

To receive your soundtrack via DirectDownload please change the "Subject" of this message to either: "Skyrim", "Guildwars2" or "Both" and Reply to this message.

I was impressed. They reached out and I was going to get a digital download of the album and getting the album autographed? Awesome. That said 5 months went by and I didn't hear anything from them. I guess it could take 5 months to get more albums back in stock. Maybe they got lost somewhere? I filed another support ticket and received no response. I was pretty upset and at that point I stopped reaching out to DirectSong at all.

August of this year I decided to reach out again and send them a much less happy email. Years had gone by and I didn't receive my album and I was very upset. At this point I figured my money was flushed down a toilet. I actually did get a response back from the agency that represents Jeremy Soule and they finally shipped the album 3 months after they contacted me.

I do not recommend you buy anything from DirectSong if you want it to actually be delivered to you. My experience isn't unique as many people have had a terrible time with them too, I just wish i'd known that beforehand. That said the Skyrim score is fantastic and if you are looking for a great classical score for one of the best open world games around, it's worth listening to just don't go to DirectSong to do it.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/10/ign-has-your-back-dont-use-directsongcom
https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/14slg7/ive_fought_with_directsong_for_too_long/

Travis Admin wrote on 11/17/2016 at 09:53pm

Wow, three-year shipping. That's new!

Glad you finally got it though.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 11/18/2016 at 12:33am

Years ago, I backed a project of Jeremy's on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/499808045/from-the-composer-of-skyrim-soule-symphony-no-1). The project was funded, but has yet to see the light of day (it's been over 3 years now), and appears to be on the back burner as far as Jeremy is concerned, and, unless you follow his Facebook page, you won't get updates, even as a backer (they stopped updating the Kickstarter with any news). The whole thing felt pretty scammy. I'm still hopeful he'll make the album he collected funding for, and hearing that you finally got your product, Jon, is at least slightly encouraging, I suppose.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/18/2016 at 01:01am

"DirectSong" sounds like a hip church name lol

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/18/2016 at 02:26am

"Three year shipping" LOL yeah and I had to pay for shipping too.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/18/2016 at 02:27am

Greg: I funded the same project and I think based on that and now this, I don't think I'll order anything from Jeremy again.

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Super Mario Run Drops December 15th for $9.99 on iOS

Sorry Android friends, Super Mario Run is coming out on iOS exclusively(for now) on December 15th. Super Mario Run should eventually come out on Android but for now it seems to be exclusively iOS. Originally Nintendo said the game would cost money and not be free to play and today they let us know that Super Mario Run will debut for $9.99. You will be able to download the game at no cost and try it out but if you want the full meal deal you will have to pay a full meal price. I have seen some people complain that $9.99 is too much for a phone game and if Super Mario Run was as bad as most mobile games i've played then it really wouldn't be. That said, if the game... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 11/16/2016 at 06:51pm

It depends. An endless runner for $9.99? It'll have to do something really unique or provide a lot of value for $9.99. If it's just Temple Run without the microtransactions it's definitely not worth $9.99.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/16/2016 at 06:52pm

Also, Nintendo's VP of Marketing is named Doug Bowser? I guess he had to go to work for Nintendo.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/16/2016 at 07:33pm

I will buy it.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/17/2016 at 08:44pm

Wow, that looks great! I'm jealous it's not on Android. I'd consider picking it up for $10

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/18/2016 at 03:23pm

I hear you Travis. If the game is throw away then it won't be worth it. That said, it doesn't look like it will be and I don't mind $10 for an app if it provides about that in terms of hours played. Bonus if my wife likes it.

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Ty Anderson's Ura Zelda Project Remakes Link's Awakening With The Ocarina of Time Engine

Ty Anderson is remaking the gameboy classic Link's Awakening with original art assets using the Ocarina of Time 64 game engine.

"I work tirelessly for hours at a time every moment I can, building temples, creating new actors, animating them, writing scripts, designing puzzles and relentlessly studying the possibilities of the old Nintendo 64 Ocarina of time ROM. My aim: to create a completely original version of The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening in the Ocarina of Time Game Engine. "

This kind of project is interesting in that if it comes out could bring the game to an entirely new audience. With that, I wonder how well the game translates to 3D? The small 2D nature... Read All

The NES Classic Craze Continues For The Holidays With An Epic Teardown!

The NES Classic looks like it will be this holidays hot item. I wonder if Nintendo purposefully limited stock to create more demand for the product or if it's simply a case of the system being way more popular than they anticipated? Either way if you want to get a system pre-Christmas, right now, it looks like you will have to do a bit or work or pay some crazy ebay scalper prices, which I don't recommend. I was at Target today and they recommend calling in at 8.30am to see if they have any in stock and if they do to come in and pick it up. I don't love that method but I really would love opening this up on Christmas and so i'll be calling for now.

YouTuber... Read All

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/14/2016 at 12:03am

My wife, attempted to buy me one on Friday. it was out of stock everywhere she went. But I appriciated the effort! (I had no idea she planned to buy me one :) )

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/14/2016 at 01:07am

Yep. I was on Amazon to buy it and it crashed. Crazy amount of demand for this.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/14/2016 at 04:05am

I really didn't expect that! I guess this gives me more time to agonize over whether to spend $60 I don't need to spend :D

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/15/2016 at 10:11pm

Is target tired of you calling yet?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/16/2016 at 02:43am

Hahaha, I keep forgetting. At that time I am handing off the kid to the wife so I can go to work and I haven't remembered to call in. I'll do it tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/16/2016 at 05:58am

Nintendo plans on increasing supply:
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-exec-responds-to-nes-classic-shortages-as-nin/1100-6445373/

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/30/2016 at 01:27am

You may be able to get one from ThinkGeek, maybe even for free if you win! http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nes-classic-will-be-back-in-stock-soon-at-thinkgee/1100-6445820/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/30/2016 at 05:09am

I imagine ThinkGeek will be out of stock in seconds but if they keep stock longer i'll buy one there for sure.

Not sure i'll enter the contest though, i'm not great at that sort of thing. Winning that is.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/30/2016 at 05:38am

> I imagine ThinkGeek will be out of stock in seconds but if they keep stock longer i'll buy one there for sure.

From what I've read, I imagine their stock will be sold out quickly, too.

> Not sure i'll enter the contest though, i'm not great at that sort of thing. Winning that is.

I entered the contest. I don't usually win these things either, but I can remember two times I actually did. I won a copy of the Wings of the Goddess expansion for FFXI from a FF wiki. I also won a Modest Mouse CD from their label.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/30/2016 at 02:19pm

I just entered. The contest is using gleam.io, which is a pretty slick contest web app. It's pretty painless to enter, and I hope I win!

Travis Admin wrote on 01/07/2017 at 05:47am

After quickly learning how to install a custom linux distro on this thing: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/11/nes-classic-joins-the-can-it-run-linux-club-has-custom-distro-installed/

People have now hacked it to allow custom roms: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/hackers-unlock-nes-classic-upload-new-games-via-usb-cable/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/07/2017 at 08:31pm

Awesome. I wonder what the NES Classic specs are and how much storage it has?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/07/2017 at 08:41pm

Jon: http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13597620/nes-classic-edition-teardown

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/07/2017 at 09:59pm

Half a gig storage should be enough for a couple more games. I wonder how much storage is take by default?

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Ark: Survival Evolved Coming to PS4 in December, Release Delayed, and Tek Tier!

It looks like Ark is coming to PS4 next month!

http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/11/07/ark-survival-evolved-ps4-submitted-to-sony-aiming-for-december-2016-release/

It also seems that the game won't be released this "holiday season." It was supposed to come out summer 2015, then pushed to "holiday" 2016, now we're looking at the beginning of next year.

http://www.gamenguide.com/articles/65916/20161111/ark-survival-evolved-2016-latest-news-update-tek-tier-update-coming-in-2017-new-items-objects-available-for-limited-period.htm

In other big news, it looks like the Tek Tier is coming soon and it looks sweet! See the video embedded in this post. For more info, check out... Read All

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 11/13/2016 at 05:44am

As someone who's been mostly playing this game since the summer of last year, I'm actually not as disappointed in the release delay as I was the last time. That's because I got a new GPU, which dramatically improved the game's performance and beauty for me. Yes, there are still some bugs, but nothing that I can think of that's extremely major or game breaking. I love this game so much I've already clocked 1,932 hours in it and I want to keep playing!!! I did start out in single player mode at a low difficulty level. Then, I played on an official server for a while. Then, I took a break to play some other games, but I came back to it to play around again in single player mode, but with some mods. Then Scorched Earth came out, so I jumped on that. Since I hadn't played The Center (officially supported map mod), I decided to give that a try, since I could obtain higher level creatures there (and transfer them over to my other saved maps like Scorched Earth), since it's max creature level is 150, instead of the normal 120. Just recently, official servers have made this change and it is coming to single player mode soon, too (as an override for all maps). Lately, I've been playing on the map I created about a year ago. Since Procedurally Generated Maps is a new feature that came out in the last month, I'm thinking about giving that a try, too.

Ark was my favorite game of 2015 and it continues to be my favorite game of this year as well! I'm glad it's on the XBox and coming to the PS4 so other gamers get to play it and see how awesome it is!

One final thing to mention, I did watch a bit of the Extra Life stream where they were playing on a PS4. They were answering questions from players and they said that there will be no more paid DLC coming to the game (at least until it's released). That does not mean that there won't be free DLC coming. The team that was working on Primal Survival (the mode where you play as creatures) took a break to complete the Procedurally Generated Maps feature. Now they're back on the Primal project and working on finishing it up. From what I read and heard, it was supposed to come out this month, so perhaps will see it before the end of the year.

More details are expected to come in the next few weeks or so!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 12/01/2016 at 01:58am

12/6/16! https://survivetheark.com/index.php?/articles.html/ark-survival-evolved-stomps-onto-the-playstation-4-r354/

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Does Super Mario Land On Gameboy Hold Up?

When the Gameboy came out Super Mario Land was one of the more interesting launch titles. Being able to play a Mario game anywhere you wanted was an incredible prospect and Super Mario Land delivered. Even at the time I thought Super Mario Land was a bit basic but it was fun and I enjoyed playing it. Later Mario games brought more to the table and games like Metroid 2 and Link's Awakening showed that the Gameboy was capable of having an incredible library. GaminTank is a YouTuber I hadn't heard of before I saw this video but its well worth watching.

What 30 Games Would You Put On A Super Nintendo Mini?

Now that the NES Classic has launched and is getting incredible reviews I was wondering what we'd all like to see in a future Super Nintendo Mini launch? Curious what games people would put on it and make sure to limit your list to 30 games. Personally I think the Super Nintendo was one of the best consoles of all time and the game catalog is nothing short of incredible. Nintendo might not be able to license out each game on our lists but i'm curious what all our dream lists would be?

Drop your list in the comments and i'll do the same.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/12/2016 at 04:29am

Difficult to say...All Marios, Tetris Attack, Dr Mario (it's on the SNES right?), All Mortal Kombats, Zelda, Super Metroid, maybe Street Fighter...oh and how could I forget the Final Fantasy games and Chrono Trigger...

Travis Admin wrote on 11/12/2016 at 04:55am

Super Mario World 1 and 2 obviously, Mario Kart, Mario All-Stars (kinda cheating), Actraiser (required), Actraiser 2 (optional), Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Star Fox, Super Punch Out, Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy "2" and "3", NBA Jam, Street Fighter 2 (the kinda ultimate version, whatever it was called), MK1, 2, and UMK 3, Killer Instinct, all 5 of the Mega Man games that aren't soccer games. That's 24.......

Six more copies of Actraiser.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/12/2016 at 05:52am

Not really in an order

1. Link to the Past
2. Starfox
3. Romance of the Three Kingdoms 2
4. Super Mario World
5. Donkey Kong Country
6. Final Fantasy IV
7. Final Fantasy VI
8. Super Street Fighter II Turbo
9. Super Metroid
10. Mario Kart
11. Yoshi's Island
12. Mortal Kombat
13. Super Star Wars
14. Secret of Mana
15. Chrono Trigger
16. Earthbound
17. Super Mario RPG
18. Castlevania IV
19. ActRaiser
20. Zombies ate my Neighbors
21. Simcity 2000
22. Harvest Moon

That's all I could think of but I might be missing something.. oh right.

23. NBA Jam (like Travis said)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/12/2016 at 06:00am

Hell yeah, guys! I forgot many of them. I agree with NBA Jam, though I think I played it on the Genesis. I remember it being a fun game.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/12/2016 at 06:10am

Donkey Kong Country! All of those!

scrypt Supporter wrote on 11/12/2016 at 12:15pm

I think that's pretty much everything! Putting together a list makes me realize there weren't a ton of great games on those early systems, as compared to the standing army that is our Steam game lists (apples and oranges, I know, but still...).

Travis Admin wrote on 11/12/2016 at 02:45pm

There were 720ish games released for it here, I'm sure there are some great games in there that we've missed, but yeah it was a different time. It seems like there are 720 games released in a month these days.

Also-- I need to add Earthworm Jim 1 and 2 to my list, and the Lion King which was a surprisingly good game.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/12/2016 at 02:49pm

Oh and they would never do it for obvious reasons but: Super Noah's Ark 3D

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/12/2016 at 03:33pm

Noah's ark 3D? I'd buy that for a dollar.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/12/2016 at 11:48pm

F-zero! You need to add that to the list.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/13/2016 at 03:14am

And Super Bomberman.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/13/2016 at 01:22pm

Oh yeah! F-zero is a keeper. Never played Super Bomberman but I think I remember people liking it.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/13/2016 at 02:34pm

I'd add:
UN Squadron
Contra 3: The Alien War
Super Castlevania IV

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/13/2016 at 02:36pm

Oh, I see Castlevania IV is already on Jon's list :)

Travis Admin wrote on 11/14/2016 at 04:03am

@Adam is UN Squadron about the United Nations?

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/15/2016 at 04:40am

One would think that, but I don't believe it has anything to do with it. I have no idea where the name of the game came from. It's really good though. A tough side scrolling shooter.
https://youtu.be/_B0xfgdPdMQ

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/15/2016 at 08:10pm

U.N. Squadron! I forgot about that game but yes, it deserves a place on this list. Wikipedia says it was based on a Manga by the same name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.N._Squadron

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/15/2016 at 08:13pm

Since this is a fictional list, I'm going to add a game that was never released in the west: Seiken densetsu III, the sequel to Secret of Mana. It's downright criminal this was never released on SNES back-in-the-day. It's a fun game and it also had the co-op multiplayer aspect.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/15/2016 at 11:01pm

Super R-Type!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/16/2016 at 02:58am

Looks like the Famicom Mini is just as popular in Japan http://kotaku.com/1788988883

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/18/2016 at 03:24pm

All but certain Nintendo will do a SNES mini. Some have said they can do them up to the Nintendo 64 and I think I'd buy them all if they did. Not sure it will ship with 30 games but even if they include half of our list it would be awesome.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/18/2016 at 03:51pm

That would be sweet!!! Still it'd be sweeter if we could have more games available for each system.

Travis Admin wrote on 11/18/2016 at 04:07pm

I would get the SNES and N64 mini in half a heartbeat because I don't have nearly as many of those games in my collection.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/18/2016 at 04:22pm

The mini snes might be worth it given the high resale value of existing games. It could be a good deal!

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Moonwalker Are You Ok, Are You Ok Moonwalker?

CygnusDestroyer is back trying a case in Innocent Until Proven Guilty court for the Sega classic Micheal Jackson's Moonwalker. As someone that was exclusively Nintendo I was always interested in this game but never owned it. Every time I played it in the Arcade and at a friends house I rather liked it but it was only a level or two and never got the full King of Pop game experience. As with all the IUPG CygnusDestroyer videos I think his verdict is fair and gives this classic a new look.

Blaster Master Zero Set To Launch In 2017

Blaster Master is an NES classic that many have fond memories of. What's not to love in a game where you can not only drive a tank but get out and explore on foot? The gameplay was great and upgrading the tank and your character was fun and as you progressed you felt like a badass. In retrospect my only minor gripe with Blaster Master is the same one I had with many NES games in that there was no save feature on the game cart. Developer Inti Creates and Sunsoft are partnering up to launch the all new Blaster Master Zero that will come out exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS and I hope later the Switch.

"Using the original Blaster Master game as a base, we are setting out... Read All

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 11/10/2016 at 05:29pm

Shut up and take my money!

Nicholas_Biondi wrote on 11/11/2016 at 03:52am

Travis Admin wrote on 11/11/2016 at 01:01pm

I legitimately didn't realize that Sunsoft was still around!

I feel great shame that I've never played this game. I guess I should?

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/11/2016 at 04:44pm

I never played the game, but I remember reading a Blaster Master book as a child. I don't remember anything, other than it being AWESOME.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/11/2016 at 04:56pm

Turns out it was part of a series of novelizations of video games known as Worlds of Power
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worlds_of_Power

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/12/2016 at 02:16am

I don't remember those books. But I had this one: http://www.mariowiki.com/Leaping_Lizards

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/12/2016 at 02:16am

I think I still might have it in a box somewhere.

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FEZ Soundtrack Is One Of The Best "Centering" Game Scores Around

So it's post election time in the United States and I think we can all agree that it's been a very rough season. Many years ago I started listening to more Classical music during another particularlly charged election year because I was drawn to music that had less of an agenda by not featuring words. Which is why I think I enjoy listening to amazing video game scores. Not only is the music great but it's also a more personal experience beacuse the meaning isn't often as obvious.

FEZ is a very special Indie platformer that I consider to be one of the games that kicked off the Indie revolution. FEZ packs a bunch of charm and has a special kind of magic to it as you make... Read All So it's post election time in the United States and I think we can all agree that it's been a very rough season. Many years ago I started listening to more Classical music during another particularlly charged election year because I was drawn to music that had less of an agenda by not featuring words. Which is why I think I enjoy listening to amazing video game scores. Not only is the music great but it's also a more personal experience beacuse the meaning isn't often as obvious.

FEZ is a very special Indie platformer that I consider to be one of the games that kicked off the Indie revolution. FEZ packs a bunch of charm and has a special kind of magic to it as you make your way collecting Tetrominoes. One big part of the whole experience is the score by Disasterpiece that is a nearly perfect collection of 26 tracks that weave the game together. Initially FEZ launched on the XBox 360 but I first played it after it came to PC. I picked up the score in a later Humble Bundle that had it as part of a download and it's been in constaint rotation on my iPhone and in nearly every playlist of albums i'm listening to. This might seem a bit strange but if I need to center myself or need to focus on something I put on the FEZ score. During my first Hearthstone fireside brawl I played the FEZ score during my matches to help as it contains some really moving pieces like the track Compass that seems more a series of notes meant to have you exist in the moment than draw you to any particular goal. I find that lack of agenda to be one of the best places to play Hearthstone from as its often easier to come to a good series of plays naturally than overthink something.

As we come out of this particularly hard election season I encourage you to find things that can bring you better to a centered place and for me one thing thing that helps is listening to the soundtrack to FEZ. But you know if blasting demons in Doom helps that's fine too. Hit me up in the comments love to hear what people are into.

You can listen to the whole FEZ score in it's entirely on Spotify for free by hitting the link below:

https://play.spotify.com/user/1263129891/playlist/2ERpj9ihXLG43UoBjxeTdM