When Taito decided to smash together two of their most iconic arcade franchises, the soundtrack needed to honor both legacies while forging something new, and this original score delivers on that promise. The tracklist is cleverly divided into thematic pairs -- the Invader tracks ("Minimalized Invader," "Synthesized Invader," "Pixelized Invader") and the Vaus tracks ("Wobbled Vaus," "Chilled Vaus," "Drummed Vaus") each explore their respective franchise's sonic identity through different production lenses.
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"Two Legends" serves as the conceptual centerpiece where both worlds collide. "Arkanoid MMXVI" (that is 2016 in Roman numerals for the non-Latin scholars) modernizes the Arkanoid sound with contemporary electronic production, while "ARKANOID Step" keeps things rooted in the franchise's arcade DNA.
"Natia's Lead" introduces the game's original character with a distinctive melodic hook, and "Liberated Bass" does exactly what the name promises with a low-end heavy groove that rumbles through the mix. The contrast between the clinical precision of the Invader tracks and the more playful Vaus tracks mirrors the gameplay fusion beautifully.
"Endless Legends" captures the weight of two franchises with decades of history meeting on a single screen, while "Circular Reflection" adds a contemplative moment to an otherwise energetic collection. "Winning Tone" and "Lost Tone" bookend the player experience with appropriately triumphant and deflating stingers.
For a mobile crossover title, the soundtrack shows a level of thought and craft that respects both Arkanoid and Space Invaders as the pillars of gaming history they truly are.