Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 10
Congratulations! If you’re reading this message, then that means that you’ve survived the apocalypse! Hooray! Now go out and buy yourself a commemorative mug or something as you’ve definitely more than earned it. Now, while things might be fine and dandy on your end of the spectrum, those of us behind the scenes at FFR had honestly been expecting something a bit grander to occur. I mean, jimerax showed up to work wearing a fuzzy pink bike helmet and aperson spent the day hiding under a cardboard box that had “No Apocalypses Allowed” written on it! Although I hate to admit it, I almost wish that civilization really did crumble. Oh well, I guess there’s always next year.
White Walls, Part 1 by Between the Buried and Me (dore) – Guru [79] / 6:53 / Rock / New Age Metal
Fans of the both Between the Buried and Me as well as the Rock genre in general are going to adore this release. Before you get too wrapped up with your worrying, let me assure you that there aren’t any white 192nd burst walls in this file. What the chart does contain, however, is plenty of polyrhythms, extended jacks, jumpstreams, trills of both the one hand and two handed variety, runningmen, BPM changes, jump jacks and jump gluts that will be sure to leave you crying in the fetal position as you struggle to comprehend what exactly just happened. Like the vast majority of the charts that you’ve faced throughout the course of your Twelve Days of FFRmas adventure, this one is quite a formidable opponent as well. However, do not be deterred, because if you do then one of the FFR staff members will be legally required to come to wherever you live and whisper hurtful things in your ear until you muster up the courage to try your hardest!
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 9
We over here at FFR would like to take a moment to solemnly apologize for our actions. You see, at the onset of our journey, we held every single intention of delivering unto you twelve fantastic new songs for you to enjoy, but it appears that along the way we forgot one minor detail that in the end has proven to be our downfall. I can quite vividly recall a moment that occurred a couple of weeks ago in which bmah angrily slammed his fists down onto the FFR boardroom table, spilling his yoghurt everywhere, and screaming at the top of his lungs, “The only thing that’s gonna keep us from releasing these songs is the end of the world!” Well thanks a lot bmah, you apocalypse-causing jerk. Either way, now that the doomsday is upon us, we figured that the best way to simultaneously celebrate and lament our impending demise is to release not only one, but two new files! Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t you guys say that we were only getting one release a day?” and the answer to your question is an emphatic no, we never said that. Ever. Go back and check the records if you feel so inclined.
The earth blew up v2 by S.I.M. on kor Funkle (Choofers) – Expert [68] / 2:26 / Skill Token / Noizecore
World End’s Yama Xanadu by t+pazolite (0) – Guru [82] / 6:50 / Token / Freeform Hardcore
Those of you who were active on the forums when bob bob’s chart for The earth blew up was released back near the start of the year may remember the heated debate that it engendered. Some players proclaimed that it was an incredible piece of art that deserved every last nuance of the perfect score that one judge had bestowed it, while others spat on it and attested that they happily agree to placing their heads into a filthy public toilet and remaining there for several days if it meant that they’d never have to play through the file ever again. Since he had gone through the effort of bringing us his own take on this noizecore selection, it would appear that Choofers had sided with the latter of the two factions. Although relatively similar in terms of difficulty with its predecessor, version two features a slightly longer cut of the song itself as well as a completely different conceptualization of its various bleep and bloops. If you wish to give this file a try, then you’ll have to achieve a score that has less twelve goods, twenty-one averages, twenty misses and twelve boos (or, in simpler terms, better than 12-21-20-12) on The earth blew up v1.
Both 0 and t+pazolite are no strangers to the realm of difficult files. World End’s Yama Xanadu, a hardcore remix of Shikieiki Yamaxanadu’s theme from Touhou Kaeitzuka ~ Phantasmagoria of Flower View, achieved infamy in the western rhythm gaming community thanks in part to Malice’s Stepmania chart. Even by looking at the file statistics alone, it definitely goes without saying that 0′s rendition of this fervid piece is nothing to scoff at: clocking in at nearly 7 minutes and possessing 4501 arrows, this file boasts a higher note count than all of its publically released predecessors and falls short of the present record holder Vertex Beta vROFL’s total by a hundred and fifteen notes. If you thought that your fingers were in pain after yesterday’s marathon release, then you’re probably going to want to keep an ambulance at the ready for this one. If you want to try your hand at this modern masterpiece then you’re going to have to find the profile relevant to this day and ask a very important question: “End of the world?”
Today is the day in which we as a species are going to be meeting our inescapable doom…or are we? It’s always good to reassure yourself of the most important things, especially when it comes to something as substantial as the end of the world. Go ahead and interrogate the guy – I’m sure that he’s around here somewhere.
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 8
We’re now two thirds of the way through our Twelve Days of FFRmas exploits. Remember when I asked where time went earlier on in the event? Well, I really mean it this time. Tell me where the time goes or I will permanently delete one Legacy file from the game every hour on the hour! Wait, what? You want that to happen? Oh come on, you’re crazy! Yes, I honestly believe that Uber Rave is a masterpiece! Wait, no, hang on! Don’t you hang up on me! I just…hello? Oh goddammit.
Mega Man 9 Rock Medley by FreddeGredde (MarioNintendo & megamon88) – Master [72] / 7:26 / Arcade / VG Rock
Whoa, hold on a second here…a chart by megamon88 that isn’t pony-related and MarioNintendo that isn’t a piano solo? Maybe the world really is going to end after all. Well, regardless of humanity’s inescapable fate, two of our very own simfile judges have nevertheless teamed up with one another in order to bring you FreddeGredde’s aptly-titled Mega Man 9 Rock Medley. Play through the file and relive fighting Wily’s eight robot masters to the tune of wicked guitar solos and a driving beat that will make you want to stand up, attach a cardboard tube to your arm and pretend that you’re the Blue Bomber himself. Even though this file isn’t as densely layered as the previous few releases have been, its colossal length will definitely test the endurance, stamina, and concentration levels of even the most seasoned of Stepmen.
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 7
Just think, it was one week ago today when we as a community first embarked on our grand ol’ Twelve Days of FFRmas journey. It seems like such a long time ago now. Along the way we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve blackflagged, booflagged, missflagged and yes, even avflagged, all in the name of providing the Holy Father Synthlight with a couple of hearty chuckles. Oh, speaking of which, that reminds me: I keep forgetting to mention that the whole reason as to why Synthlight never makes an appearance anymore is because he’s too busy sitting in this massive underground amphitheater/colosseum place that shows nothing but live footage of every single FFR game that gets played. And before you ask, the answer is no, I don’t know why he does it either. Somebody told me once but I honestly forget. I think it had something to do with summoning an ancient demon maybe? Oh well, it’s probably not important.
Milky Blue by YMCK (icontrolyourworld) – Brutal [84] / 4:26 / Purchased / Cutie 8-bit Pop
Remember how Twinkle of the Stars was the first YMCK file on FFR to not feature trills and 32nds galore? Well, feel free to scrap that notion for Milky Blue. If you’re familiar with cetaka’s Stepmania chart for the song then you should know fully well exactly what sort of finger straining, curse engendering and monitor smashing fun you’re in for. All of the brave souls who strive to have every single song on FFR either passed, full combo’d or AAA’d shouldn’t fret though for the jumpstream-saavy icontrolyourworld has made the FFR version of Milky Blue an enjoyable experience for all, even if it brings them to the brink of despair. You’ll want to have your pocket books ready as well, for claiming the rights to this chart will cost you exactly 4500 credits. If you think that a cheery 8-bit pop song juxtaposed with fast 32nd streams, polyrhythms, jumpstreams and a formidable length is something that you wish to experience for yourself, then by all means please do so! After all, that’s what the song is there for, right?
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 6
If you happen to take a quick gander at a calendar today then you may experience jaw-dropping shock, immense relief or a fine juxtaposition of the two when you discover that there exists all but a single week-long stretch to separate those of us in the present moment from the fateful Christmas Day. By this point in time, the gift-related shenanigans have reached their climax: attempting to find a parking spot in virtually any mall across the globe will always amount to nothing more than an exercise in futility, and the endeavors put forth by children of all ages as they rummage through closets and crawlspaces alike in their never-ending search for hidden gifts have increased exponentially. If you need to take a break from either the impending feeling of doom that demonically looms over top of your head due to you having procrastinated your shopping, or the crippling anticipation that makes focusing on anything other than what you’re going to be receiving or giving to others nothing short of impossible, then feel free to play today’s release and try to get your mind out of the holiday gutter!
Kirlian Shores by The Flashbulb (DarkZtar) – Brutal [86] / 3:14 / Skill Token / Acoustic IDM
Much like our inevitable Renard release, having our Twelve Day of FFRmas event not include at least one song that had been released under one of the several aliases of acclaimed musician Benn Jordan would be as unthinkable as a DJ Sharpnel song that doesn’t incorporate samples, be them anime or otherwise, or a Synthlight file that’s legitimately on sync. Kirlian Shores is highly atmospheric pierce that features intense breakbeats in addition to a soothing soundscape, the likes of which serving as a perfect culmination between The Flashbulb’s earlier and later works. DarkZtar cuts no corners in his portrayal of the piece either; if the song features a fast burst of percussion then you better believe that you’re going to be dealing with a pattern that appropriately corresponds to the song’s intensity. Just make sure to keep in mind throughout the course of your sightreads that even if the song sounds as if it’s reached a relatively relaxing section that you shouldn’t lower your guard– after all, you never know when a rainbow-colored wall of notes is going to suddenly wash ashore. In order to unlock this file, you’ll need to full combo Kirlian Changes and achieve a score that features an identical number of perfects and boos. Good luck!
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 5
As we move into the fifth day of our Twelve Days of FFRmas event I must admit that I’m finding myself at a bit of loss with respect to what I should be discussing. What do you guys and gals out there want to talk about? Pizza? Please share your pizza-related anecdotes and tidbits of wisdom in the comments section of this post and you will be handsomely rewarded…maybe.
When Penguins Fly by flashygoodness (0) – Master [75] / 1:06 / Misc / Comical Pop
When you take into consideration the fact that the average song length of flashygoodness’ three previous FFR files amounts to all but a measly zero minutes and forty-six seconds then it should come as no surprise whatsoever that playing today’s release, When Penguins Fly, isn’t going to require all that much of a time commitment on your end. Stepped by 0, this file marks the first time that a flashygoodness song has broken the one minute mark, even if it’s only by a scant amount. Much like Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me v2, don’t be fooled by the short length: 0 employs his usual penchants for all things difficult by forcing players to tackle extended jumpstream runs, fast 32nd triplets intermittent with 16th stream and lengthy 24th trills, all of which clocks in at an imposing 180 BPM. Even if you’re thinking something highly pessimistic along the lines of, “Even when penguins do fly I still won’t have AAA’d this song!” then you should still mosey on by the Misc section anyways and have some fun since, you know, that’s more or less the whole point of FFR.
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 4
The fourth day of releases, while agreeable in the sense that you have a brand spankin’ new file to look forward to, also means that we’re already a third of the way through our Twelve Days of FFRmas event. Where does the time go? I asked around the FFR offices but only received the unfortunately lackluster and spiritually unfulfilling answers of “What the hell are you talking about?” and “How exactly did you get in here?” and “Dude, I’m going to call security in like two seconds if you don’t put my goddamn sandwich down right now.”
Twinkle Of The Stars by YMCK (kommisar) – Expert [68] / 2:05 / Dance 2 / Techno Pop
If our past experiences have taught us anything worthwhile, it’s that YMCK songs are often highly deceptive. Despite featuring cheerful vocals, jazzy instrumentation and an overall jubilant disposition, virtually every single file ranks near the high end of the difficulty spectrum. Twinkle of the Stars, brought to us by veteran stepartist and 8-bit aficionado kommisar, is no exception. The only major difference that sets aside this file aside from all others is the complete deficit of all and any trills. Yes, that’s right folks, Twinkle of the Stars is the very first YMCK file in FFR to not feature even a single trill! Whether this revelation has you crying tears of joy and immediately preparing to mail kommisar a congratulatory Puyo Pop related holiday gift in the mail or has you nefariously refusing to ever indulge yourself in the fabled Canadian dish of poutine for the rest of your life out of spite depends entirely on the individual. Irrespective of its lack of trills, Twinkle of the Stars still packs quite a punch that will surely keep you entertained and begging for more.
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 3
We now encroach upon the third day of our Twelve Days of FFRmas event. Can you feel the excitement mounting? I know I can. Well, to be perfectly honest I can’t, since mounting excitement from complete strangers isn’t exactly something that I can physically experience, but at least my heart is in the right place…I think.
Heffalump Hardcore 2010 by JAKAZiD (_.Spitfire._) – Expert [69] / 2:04 / Dance 2 / Hardcore
Given the median age of FFR players, a decently-sized proportion of the key-smashing population should recognize that the Heffalump portion of this release’s song title relates to the Winnie the Pooh franchise. The Heffalumps, a type of elephant that’s known to steal honey, obtained notoriety from a musical number that appears in the animated film “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day”, one that is often described as being trippy or surreal. Not so surprisingly, Heffalump Hardcore 2010 samples the aforementioned sequence quite extensively. Much unlike the generally blithe and easy-going nature that Pooh himself possesses, you should know fully well upon seeing the “hardcore” portion of the song title as well as _.Spitfire._’s name being listed as the stepartist that this file is going to be anything but laid back. The majority of the file is grape flavored, but upon reaching the final stretch it suddenly veers off-course and adopts an overwhelming cherry flavor. If you’re curious as to what this comparison exactly means, go and play the song and find out for yourself, you goofball!
- plopadop and FFR Staff
Twelve Days of FFRmas 2012 – Day 2
Now that the sun has set and risen again, the time for the second of our twelve releases has at long last come to fruition. I sincerely hope that you didn’t think that we were lying about putting on this event or expected us to lose interest after the initial release or something silly and totally un-FFRish like that!
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me v2 by Kitsune^2 (Tidus810)
– Very Challenging [63] / 1:05 / Skill Token / Game Music
You do realize that the inclusion of at least one Renard song was inevitable, right? The second file of our event, lovingly forged by stepartist Tidus810, takes the original version of Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me that’s presently in-game and cranks up the difficulty tenfold. As opposed to kjwkjw’s rendition that’s comparatively less layered and much friendlier towards novice and intermediate players alike, version two features abundant polyrhythms and jumpstream runs as well as and the occasional minijack or two all thrown at you within the course of just over a minute. Sound interesting? Good! Unfortunately though, me mirroring the song title’s sentiments by telling you that Nothing’s Gonna Stop you from playing this chart would be giving you a free pass to refer to me as a stinking liar. In order to unlock this file and place it into your continually expanding skill token repertoire, you’ll have to pass Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me v1 first. Good luck!
- plopadop and FFR Staff
