I can& #39;t say enough good things about the music of Manabu Namiki. He is, as far as I& #39;m concerned, the king of the Stage 1 theme. What& #39;s that mean, exactly? Listen close and I& #39;ll post a few examples. https://twitter.com/manabn/status/1330058812821221380">https://twitter.com/manabn/st...

In the cacophony of lights & sounds that make up an arcade, the player& #39;s attention is often limited. Thus, it falls on the game to grab them and never let go. Dodonpachi DaiOuJou accomplishes this via an absolutely wonderful Stage 1 theme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muuApOJSP9E">https://www.youtube.com/watch...

Stage 1 of the arcade classic Battle Garegga lasts for just a minute. During that time, players are treated to what is liable to go down as one of the most memorable tracks in the Shmup genre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szr0TSXcWok">https://www.youtube.com/watch...

I am TERRIBLE at ESP Galuda 2, just plain awful really. The music is just sublime though. It& #39;s so effortless and so perfect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gALhcCbn4A">https://www.youtube.com/watch...

As good as Manabu Namiki& #39;s Stage 1 themes are, his Stage 2 themes are even better. That& #39;s a story for another day.