World 1-2, the ultimate video game music collaboration

Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae, along with Keiji Yamagishi of Ninja Gaiden, Austin Wintory of Journey, and other video game composers have announced today the release of their mega collaboration: World 1-2: The Complete Collection. Available now, this collection features both the original collaboration, World 1-2, and the follow up, World 1-2: Encore. This collection of music will pull from well known classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog and The Legend of Zelda, as well as from less known titles, remixing and remastering the pieces for a brand new performance.

Manami Matsumae, who also co-planned the collaborative piece, says, “For World 1-2, a variety of artists from multiple genres have put forth their own differing style and sensibilities into one CD, which makes it quite special. Even though we do not speak the same language, simply listening to their music allowed me to understand their feelings in the same way that I understand the Japanese language. I find their music to be truly amazing”

So far the composer list includes:

Manami Matsumae (of Mega Man)

Keiji Yamagishi (of Ninja Gaiden)

Akira Yamaoka (of Silent Hill)

Austin Wintory (of Journey)

Module (of Shatter)

Grant "Stemage" Henry

Danimal Cannon

Benjamin Briggs

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The Videogame Orchestra

GamesRadar has an exclusive track, of A Crook Man’s Eyes (from Mega Man 5), here for your listening pleasure: