Arabian Dream Scheherazade -- known as The Magic of Scheherazade in the West -- is a genuinely unique NES action-RPG from Culture Brain that blends Arabian Nights mythology with time travel mechanics. This 2023 soundtrack release preserves the game's charming chiptune score in all its 8-bit glory.
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The title theme "Arabiandorimu Shierazado" immediately transports you to a fantasy Middle Eastern setting, while "Hatenaitabi" (The Endless Journey) provides that perfect overworld adventuring energy that NES games did so well.
The town themes showcase impressive variety for the hardware. "Mizunomiyako Murun" (Water Capital Murun), "Rudorianomachi" (Town of Rudoria), and "Horennomachi" (Town of Horen) each have their own distinct personality, and the time travel conceit means tracks like "Sabakunomiyako Ararato Kako" give past and future versions of locations their own musical identity.
"Mahogassen" drives the action-RPG battles with infectious energy, while "Bosuparesu" and the villain themes "Oyadamatojo" and "Majintojo" bring appropriate menace. "Mahonojutan" (Magic Carpet) is pure whimsy. The deeper cuts reveal a surprisingly emotional range -- "Minnadechikarawoawasetegambaro" (Let's Combine Our Strength and Do Our Best) captures the game's party-based spirit, while "Makaihe" (To the Demon World) ramps up the tension for the final stretch.
"Daimajingorugoranoshometsu" celebrates victory over the great demon Gorugoron, and the ending and epilogue tracks close things out with warmth. This is a hidden gem of the NES library, and having its soundtrack properly released is a treat for retro game music enthusiasts.