Katawa Shoujo Forums

I'll preface this by saying that I've lurked around these boards for several months now and thought that it's about time I actually joined the community, so hi all.

Over the past week or so I've been busying myself with bit renditions of the KS soundtrack. My original intention was to create a medley of the various tracks but due to some computer related issues and a general lack of time I settled for tackling individual tracks whenever I found myself bored and with some time to spare. At the time of me posting this I've just uploaded a new cover, bringing the total thus far to seven.

I didn't stick to any of the 'rules' associated with chiptunes, hence the whole 'Katawa bits'. Each track took on average between one to three hours, depending on what else I was doing at the time, and thus they may seem a bit lacking at points. Regardless, I've had a blast making these and I can only hope that some of you will enjoy them, too. I'll link a couple of the ones I had the most fun with and then link the actual playlist/set beneath that for you to browse at your own leisure.

Painful History: Soundcloud
This was the third track I had a go at and I had originally planned on keeping it short and not venturing much further beyond the minute or so mark. However, upon starting I decided to lead into my own little arrangement and then resume the original once again.

Daylight: Soundcloud
This has to be my favorite of the seven I've done so far. I ended up doing this on a whim at 4am and had so much fun with it. It provided an ample opportunity put my own spin on it given the length and content of the track.

Cold Iron: Soundcloud
Perhaps not the best example to use as it is somewhat lacking in comparison to the others - I think, at least - but this was the track that spurred me onto doing these renditions. I'd done Wiosna prior to this at a friend's request and so I began playing around with Cold Iron out of sheer boredom. This was the result.


And here's the link to the entire set/playlist on Soundcloud: Katawa Bits
Playlist on YouTube: Katawa Bits

Update: Katawa Bits Vol. 1

Vote for the next Katawa Bits | Poll Link: Here (Ends Wed 26th)

Thank you to any of you who have taken the time to read this and/or listen. Enjoy!

I'm not really a fan of bit-music, but I listened to Daylight for a little bit and I'd say it's pretty good. Not sure if it was the sound used for the notes or not, but there are a few that seemed a little bit off...

Other than my usual constructive criticism, I bestow upon you the warmest of welcomes to our fine little corner of the Internet! Sorry about the fancy linguistics, I get slightly theatrical when I'm on the border between reality and dreamland, you see

This is pretty good. I could instantly tell which song it was as soon as one began. Keep it up.

@Numb:

First of all, thank you for the welcome and for listening. I've been keeping an eye on your Blossom pseudo-route for quite some time and I have to say it's coming along nicely. Looking forward to the next update.

Back onto topic, may I ask around what time the notes sounded off? I ran the original tracks parallel to the covers to make sure I wasn't making blunders along the way but didn't turn up any particular issues in regards to Daylight. Though I will say that there was a particular bar where the dubbed guitar played an octave higher than the synth (0:50) and thus that might sound a little strange. Past that, I understand that the saw and square waves can sound a little off-putting in comparison to the original, so there's definitely an adjustment to be had in that regard.
Anyhow, if you could give me a general idea of where things may have sounded off, I'd appreciate it. If not, thank you for the comment and for listening.

@LorSquirrel:

Thank you! I don't really have plans to try another track anytime soon due to a lack of time, but I may end up doing another impromptu one before the month is out.

It seems like the first note in the ascending scale (I think that's the right term for it) in the beginning is flat, it just seems to stick out much more than I think it should. You're the musician here though

Quite a keen observation, thank you for pointing it out! Just scrolled through the forum to reference Skaf's sheet music for Daylight and you are indeed correct. It seems painfully obvious in retrospect, but what can you do. I've corrected it and reuploaded to both SoundCloud and MF. Probably going to stay away from uploading tracks at 4am. Or do one better and just pay more attention next time. Thanks again.

Ultimately, a lot of these sound like the OST run through a filter to make it sound "8-bit".

It's an interesting idea, but IMO, the execution falls flat. (And, I know, you did say you weren't following the "rules". I will admit that I tend to prefer things recorded on actual old hardware.)

@bhtooefr:

Fair enough, however I didn't run any of the above through a filter or a program. I wanted to improve my ability to tab by ear and read sheet music and so I did exactly that. Whenever I had trouble figuring something out I went and referenced the sheet music if it was available. All in all it ended up as a fun little project that I'll probably continue to tip away at from time to time. As for your preference, I lack the actual hardware to do so and thus I stuck to doing it with my own Massive patches.

Thanks for listening, all the same. Sorry to hear that it wasn't your thing.

Yeah, not really my style either. But I admire you for the effort you put into it. KS really does inspire us all.

I like it.

@Pandaphil:

Sorry to hear it's not your style, but thanks for the kind words and for listening.

@KeiichiO:

Always glad to hear.

This some good shit right here. I'm a huge fan of chiptunes and the like, so these hit a good spot. I have to say your other work on that page is very nice as well.

@Solistor

Glad to hear you're digging them!

Thank you for the kind words in regards to the originals, too. Much appreciated!

Loving it!

Love it as well ^^ !