Christopher NiskalaI always loved taking to the sky in this game just so I could hear the music. I figured this tune could use some of my 8-bit Orchestral treatment. And I'm glad I did because the results are great!
Zelda: Skyward Sword - The Sky - 8-Bit OrchestralChristopher Niskala2020-04-24 | I always loved taking to the sky in this game just so I could hear the music. I figured this tune could use some of my 8-bit Orchestral treatment. And I'm glad I did because the results are great!
As always, if you want to see me continue my work here on YouTube join me on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaFamitracker Session - Realm of Order: Arisen - Overworld BattleChristopher Niskala2024-04-15 | I finally decided to learn Famitracker! This music was originally composed in a DAW using the Chipsounds plugin. Here is a recreation of the music using Famitracker which approximates the original as much as possible. This by no means shows what the music will sound like in the finished game (which will still rely on my DAW production).Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Proving Grounds 8-bit RemixChristopher Niskala2023-08-11 | I took elements from the Shrine Battle and Proving Grounds encounters then blended them together into one cohesive 8-bit remix. It's everything you'd want from a Tears of the Kingdom demake!
Follow me! Twitter (X): @TheNiskala Insta: christopher.niskalaZelda: BotW - Horse Riding (Night) 8-bitChristopher Niskala2023-05-10 | Continuing on with my work on the daytime horse riding music, here's a similar 8-bit treatment for the nighttime music. This one famously includes a quote of the original Legend of Zelda theme, so for a bonus I included two other themes: Zelda's Lullaby and Epona's Theme!
Follow me! Twitter (X): @TheNiskala Insta: christopher.niskalaSonic - Spring Yard Zone DX7 RemakeChristopher Niskala2023-04-03 | I recently found a Yamaha DX7 at a local music shop, and after playing around with it I realized how much it has in common with the Sega Genesis sound system (which is a Yamaha FM synth chip). My first reaction was to remake something from the Genesis, and Sonic the Hedgehog is a great place to start!
I've always loved the Spring Yard Zone music, so it was great to get a chance to learn this tune and perform it. Here I perform all the tonal elements but the drums are from the original using RYMCast.
Follow me! Twitter: @TheNiskala Insta: christopher.niskalaOriginal Music - Nightmares Demo - Menu & GameplayChristopher Niskala2022-12-01 | I scored a demo Unity project called "Nightmares" using Wwise for the implementation of the adaptive elements. Here is a linear version of the music where you can enjoy the fun/spooky music outside the context of the game. I'm looking to also share a video the gameplay so you can hear how the music adapts to the gameplay. Stay tuned!Original Music - Bypass SubroutineChristopher Niskala2022-07-25 | Creeping through "Cyberspace" you hack your way to the mainframe undetected. The subroutines are anything but routine. This one is going to take everything you've got!
Enjoy a smooth Trip Hop experience for your hacking adventure.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - EndlessChristopher Niskala2022-06-23 | The endless void of space is endless...or is it? One needs only to stare endlessly into the void to solve this never-ending mystery.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZeldas Lullaby, but instead its Retro Synth Chill W A V E!Christopher Niskala2022-05-30 | What do you get when you mix retro synths, jazz harmony, and one of the best melodies in the history of gaming? This remix! Enjoy the chill, groovy vibe of this unique version of Zelda's Lullaby.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - Final Fantasy 7 Rescore with Wwise Live DemoChristopher Niskala2022-05-27 | Welcome to my Final Fantasy 7 Rescore project, where I wrote all original music (as if I was hired to compose music). To showcase my work I created a Wwise project to demonstrate the adaptive aspects of the music and how it can be manipulated by a game engine. You will see me do a Live Demo of my Wwise project alongside a video of edited FF7 gameplay footage. The video takes you from the menu screen, to exploring, battling, caves, dungeons, bosses, and even end credits. All the basics of a short game. Grag a snack, kick back, and enjoy!
0:00 Introduction 3:15 Let's Get This Demo Started 4:19 Town Theme & Exploring 4:45 First Battle 5:41 Cave 7:42 First Mini Boss 9:50 Back to Town & More Exploring 12:03 Snowy Mountain 14:06 Ice Cave 16:00 Second Mini Boss 19:00 Back to Town Again & Even More Exploring 20:43 Dungeon 24:28 Cutscene 24:45 Final Dungeon Section 25:22 Final Boss Battle! 28:13 End CreditsMario Galaxy - Good Egg Galaxy - Retro Synth RemixChristopher Niskala2022-04-30 | Let's dial it back to 1985 to get some chill vibes for this one: a nice, smooth remix of the Good Egg Galaxy theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - Town Theme (for the upcoming game Realm of Order: Arisen)Christopher Niskala2022-04-03 | This is a working version of the Town Theme from a game that's currently in the works by @xFoondom . It's in a classic 8-bit style, which is departing slightly from my own "8-bit Orchestral" sound and going more for an actual classic NES sound (games like Zelda, Dragon Quest, or Final Fantasy).
Disclaimer: this does not necessarily represent the final product, and things could change at any moment!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaContra (NES) - Orchestral MedleyChristopher Niskala2022-03-05 | Let's take a trip back to 1988 and enjoy nearly all the music from the original NES Contra! In this orchestrated journey we'll go from the start menu all the way to the end credits! Enjoy the ride!
Original Music by Hidenori Maezawa & Kiyohiro Sada Orchestral Arrangement by Christopher Niskala
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - Deathloop Rescore (Music Only)Christopher Niskala2022-02-02 | This is the music from my Deathloop Rescore project coming straight out of Wwise. This is a basic tour of the 3 pieces of music: Explore, Tension, and Combat. The first two transition smoothly at the end of phrases, but the combat music comes suddenly, so be ready!
If you want to learn more about how I made this music, check out my Interactive Demo video where I talk about how I developed the music and implemented it in the Wwise audio engine: youtu.be/aG5QMNQDuP4
In this video I breakdown my process of creating adaptive music and implementing it into Wwise. I take you through the process of coming up with an idea for the music, how it should function within the game, and how I built the Wwise project. The final section is a demo of the music system along with gameplay footage from Deathloop.
0:00 Introduction 1:03 Let's Talk about Deathloop 1:57 Generating Ideas for Music 3:52 Tour of Wwise - Let's Dig In 14:45 Transitions - The Heart of the Matter 19:40 Soundcaster and Events 23:53 Demo - Music + Gameplay 30:00 Conclusion
If you're interested getting early access to my new music and videos, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZelda: BotW - Shrine Theme 16-bit SNES RemixChristopher Niskala2022-01-01 | Let's take it back to the 90s! The Shrine music from Breath of the Wild lends itself nicely to the sounds of the SNES era. I recreated the music using a selection of soundfonts from actual SNES games including: Zelda: LttP, Final Fantasy VI, Castlevania IV, and a cameo from Terranigma!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZelda: LttP - Hyrule Castle (Orchestrated)Christopher Niskala2021-11-26 | That first moment when you enter Hyrule Castle in A Link to the Past is so grand, I felt that it deserved the grand treatment! Enjoy my virtual orchestra and some smashing gameplay from yours truly!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - Watchers in the NightChristopher Niskala2021-11-02 | Here's something I'm working on for my upcoming album. For now it's produced solely with virtual instruments, but eventually I would like to record live strings. Keep posted for an improved version down the road.
When I was writing this music, I was channeling the vibe of Dark Souls 3 and a little bit of Bloodborne. I've spent so much time in those worlds that I'm starting to live and breathe that style :)
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaInto the Fountain - From the Zelda Fairy Fountain Theme (Orchestrated)Christopher Niskala2021-09-30 | This is based on an orchestration I wrote years ago for the Zelda Fairy theme, but never had a chance to go back and update it with my current setup. It was fun to take such a wonderful piece of music and add a few twists and turns and add my own musical flair!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZelda: BotW - Guardian Battle 16-bit SNES RemixChristopher Niskala2021-08-31 | Time to get Wild! Here's my own take on the Guardian Battle music from Breath of the Wild using a selection of soundfonts from SNES games: Zelda:LttP, Final Fantasy VI, Super Mario World, Castlevania IV, and even StarFox! The results really are wild!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaOriginal Music - Overworld Adventure (from the upcoming game Realm of Order: Arisen)Christopher Niskala2021-07-30 | This is a working version of the Overworld Theme from a game that's currently in the works by @XFoonDom. It's in a classic 8-bit style. So I am departing slightly from my own "8-bit Orchestral" sound and going more for an actual classic NES sound (games like Zelda, Dragon Quest, or Final Fantasy).
Disclaimer: this does not necessarily represent the final product, and things could change at any moment!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaA Light In The Dark - From Zelda: LttP Dark World Theme (Orchestrated)Christopher Niskala2021-06-25 | I still remember the first time I stepped into the Dark World of A Link to the Past back in 1991! The music caught my attention then and still has a hold on me to this day. I thought a fitting tribute would be to create an orchestrated journey that dances between the original and my own embellishments of the material.
Special Thanks to Petter Amland for his beautiful art. Check out more of his work: artstation.com/petteramland
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZelda: Breath of the Wild - Horse Riding (Day) - 8-bitChristopher Niskala2021-05-14 | Let's try out some musical Pointillism! I figured the Breath of the Wild Soundtrack is very inspired by the Impressionist composer Debussy, why not try out an interesting technique for the remix! The main "melody" (that's normally just on the piano) is now bouncing between three different 8-bit instruments. Add a healthy amount of reverb and panning and you get a very interesting audio experience! Make sure to try it out with headphones.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaZelda: Skyward Sword - Skyloft - 8-bit OrchestralChristopher Niskala2021-05-07 | Another great piece of music from Skyward Sword! Skyloft has this very relaxing and positive vibe that I love. I carefully recreated it here in my 8-bit orchestral style. Thanks again to my sister Courtney for the awesome artwork!
Follow me on Social Media: Twitter: @TheNiskala Insta: christopher.niskala
Also, check out more art from Courtney Niskala http://cniskala.comZelda: Wind Waker - Outset Island - 16-Bit SNES RemixChristopher Niskala2021-04-30 | I decided to make an extended version of the Outset Island music from Zelda: Wind Waker which combines the original composition with my own musical ideas, bouncing between both throughout. Not only that, I did it in a 16-bit SNES style, mostly made up of soundfonts from Link to the Past, but I also sprinkled in some sounds from FF6 and Chrono Trigger.
Please show your support today! Join me on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaDEBUT ALBUM - Dreaming of SolitudeChristopher Niskala2021-04-08 | OUT NOW! This album was born out of my many hours playing The Elder Scrolls. It's ALL ORIGINAL music inspired by my journeys and adventures in Tamriel. It's basically a love letter to the series! If you're a fan of these games you're going to love this album!
0:00 A New Beginning 3:00 At The Top of the World 6:06 First Light 10:03 A Cave of Wonders 13:16 Enemies Beware 16:23 Forest Dance 19:41 Ascend the Clouds 23:35 Autumn Horizon 28:18 Pleasant Nights 31:29 Fight or Flight
Copyright 2021 Christopher NiskalaDark Souls Medley - 16-Bit SNESChristopher Niskala2021-03-25 | I decided to have some fun with my Dark Souls Medley. This time I remade it using the SNES soundfont for Super Castlevania IV and it's a match made in heaven!
Tracklist: Menu Music Firelink Shrine Taurus Demon Excerpt from "Great Grey Wolf Sif" Gwyn, Lord of Cinder Nameless SongZelda: Breath of the Wild - Shrine Theme - OrchestralChristopher Niskala2021-03-04 | Here's my take on the Shrine music only using the orchestra.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaAnimal Crossing: New Horizons - Main Theme 16-bit SNESChristopher Niskala2021-01-16 | I figured I'd jump into the 16-bit realm by recreating my previous version of the AC:NH theme using only the soundfont from Super Mario World. I think It's a really good fit!
Original Music: Kazumi Totaka 16-bit arrangement: Christopher Niskala Awesome Photoshop skills: Courtney NiskalaOriginal Music - Questionable Tactics - 8-BitChristopher Niskala2020-12-18 | After years of sharing remixes, I'm happy to bring you some original 8-bit music I composed. Instead of my usual "8-bit Orchestra" sound, this has a smaller arrangement closer to an actual NES or GameBoy sound.
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskalaSuper Mario Galaxy - Gusty Gardens - 8-bit OrchestralChristopher Niskala2020-10-26 | Mario is turning 35 and it's time to celebrate with some more of my 8-bit orchestral music! I'm happy to bring you the Gusty Gardens theme, one of my favorite pieces from this game (and I'm sure everyone else's favorite too).
Music by: Kazumi Totaka Remix and Production by: Christopher Niskala Art and Animation by: CupOhJoeDestiny 2 - Journey 8-Bit ChiptuneChristopher Niskala2018-08-27 | One of the most outstanding pieces of music in the Destiny series is "Journey." I just had to do my own version!
If you're interested getting early access to my new music, join me on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/ChrisNiskala Original Music: Michael Salvatori 8-bit Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Visuals: Christopher NiskalaMorrowind 8-Bit Chiptune Medley (Part 2 of 2)Christopher Niskala2018-02-16 | Part 1 wasn't nearly enough music to satiate a true fan of Morrowind! So, here's what you want. More beautiful music from one of the best gaming OSTs out there! Enjoy!
Tracklist: Knight's Charge 0:00 Shed Your Travails 0:52 Caprice 1:27 Silt Sunrise 2:04 Blessings of Vivec 3:05 Hunter's Pursuit 4:17
Original Music: Jeremy & Julian Soule 8-Bit Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Visuals: Courtney NiskalaMorrowind 8-Bit Chiptune Medley (Part 1 of 2)Christopher Niskala2017-12-22 | Finally, after long last, I bring you the music of Morrowind with my 8-bit orchestra! 4 Great tracks from the OST weaved together for your enjoyment!
Original Music: Jeremy & Julian Soule 8-bit Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Visuals: Courtney NiskalaDestiny 2 Main Theme 8-Bit ChiptuneChristopher Niskala2017-09-12 | This is my 8-bit orchestral arrangement of the track "Inner Light."
Original Music: Michael Salvatori, Skye Lewin, C Paul Johnson, Rotem Moav & Pieter Schlosser Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Visuals: Christopher NiskalaOverwatch 8-Bit Orchestra MedleyChristopher Niskala2017-05-24 | Here's a medley of 4 tracks from the Overwatch OST, reimagined with my 8-bit orchestra! Tracklist below.
Visuals: Courtney Niskala http://cniskadraws.tumblr.comSkyrim 8-Bit Chiptune Medley [Part 2 of 2]Christopher Niskala2016-12-22 | Part 2 is here! Enjoy this new mix of tunes from one of my favorite game soundtracks of all time!
Tracklist: From Past to Present The Jerall Mountains Death or Sovngarde Steel on Steel Far Horizons
Original Music: Jeremy Soule 8-bit arrangement: Christopher NiskalaUncharted - Nates Theme 0.5 (8-Bit Chiptune)Christopher Niskala2016-05-20 | 8-Bit Uncharted...Nuff Said! Ok I'll say a little more. I absolutely love the theme from this series! It helps it was composed by the guy who did the music for FIREFLY! Thank you Greg Edmonson!!
Original Music: Greg Edmonson 8-bit Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Artwork: Joshua Barnatt (http://www.barnattphoto.com)Dark Souls 8-Bit Chiptune MedleyChristopher Niskala2016-04-11 | It's said that Dark Souls gameplay is much like classic Japanese games...precision timing and repeating the bosses until your eyes bleed :) So why not remake the music in classic 8-bit style as well! Here's a medley of my favorite music from the original Dark Souls. Tracklist is below.
Original Music: Motoi Sakuraba Chiptune Arrangement: Chris Niskala Visuals: Chris Niskala
Tracklist:
0:00 Menu Music 0:50 Firelink Shrine 1:14 Taurus Demon 2:20 Excerpt from "Great Grey Wolf Sif" 2:30 Gwyn, Lord of Cinder 3:41 Nameless SongFallout 8-bit ChiptuneChristopher Niskala2016-02-19 | Did you ever want to play a version of Fallout on the Pip-Boy? Well if it had an RP2A03 audio chipset then the soundtrack might sound something like this! Here's a tune inspired by the Theme from Fallout 3.
Original Music: Inon Zur Chiptune Arrangement: Christopher NiskalaSkyrim 8-bit Chiptune Medley [Part 1 of 2]Christopher Niskala2015-10-30 | 8-Bit Skyrim! If you've ever wondered what Skyrim the OST would sound like on several Nintendos, some GameBoys, and Commodore 64, here it is. I was going to do this months ago but I took an arrow to the knee :) Stay tuned for Part 2.
Tracklist: Dragonborn Ancient Stones Tooth and Claw Secunda
Original Music: Jeremy Soule ChipTune Arrangement: Christopher NiskalaOblivion 8-bit Chiptune MedleyChristopher Niskala2015-06-29 | Some of my favorite music from Oblivion smashed together into one medley, performed by the ChipTune Orchestra...a.k.a. my computer :) Tracklist is below.
Original Music: Jeremy Soule ChipTune Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Visuals: Christopher Niskala
Tracklist: Reign of the Septims Sunrise of Flutes Auriel's Ascension Glory of Cyrodil Watchman's EaseZelda 2: Adventure of Link Silent FilmChristopher Niskala2015-05-31 | I recently unearthed some rare footage of pre-Alpha gameplay of Zelda 2. Pretty close to the original though I'm glad they got rid of the dialogue :)
Music by: Akito Nakatsuka Arrangement by: Christopher Niskala Video by: Joshua Barnatt Gameplay by: Christopher Niskala Dialogue by: Christopher NiskalaDragon Warrior vs Harry Potter (Full Orchestration)Christopher Niskala2015-04-30 | I thought it would be fun to see what the Dragon Warrior music would sound like if adapted to the full scale orchestration style of Hedwig's Theme from the Harry Potter films.
Arrangement: Christopher Niskala Art: Courtney Niskala Inspiried by the original music of Koichi Sugiyama and John WilliamsDestiny 8-bit Chiptune Medley - PART 2Christopher Niskala2015-03-31 | Back by popular demand! There are so many fans of the first Destiny video I couldn't deprive the world of a second! This time with an emphasis on action music. Tracklist is below.
Original music by Martin O'Donell & Michael Salvatori Arrangement by Christopher Niskala Visual by Christopher Niskala Game by Bungie
Tracklist Last Array 0:00 Sepiks Prime 1:34 Excerpt 1 from the Rose 2:56 Dust Giants 4:12 End Of The Line 5:44Dragon Warrior (Quest) Orchestrated MedleyChristopher Niskala2015-02-28 | Dragon Warrior or Dragon Quest. It doesn't matter what you call it, the music is awesome! I put together 6 tunes from the original NES game in full orchestrated style for your listening enjoyment.
Original music by Koichi Sugiyama Orchestral arrangement by Christopher Niskala Visuals by Christopher NiskalaDestiny 8-bit Chiptune Medley - PART 1Christopher Niskala2015-01-08 | Destiny OST in Chiptune! I put together 6 tunes from the game in my orchestral 8-bit style! Check the tracklist below.
Original music by Martin O'Donell & Michael Salvatori Arrangement by Christopher Niskala Visual by Christopher Niskala Game by Bungie
Tracklist: Guardian 0:00 The Tower 1:22 Excerpt From The Ecstasy 1:57 The Warmind 3:03 The Great Unknown 3:49 Cabal Stomp 4:39Samus Aran Trio - Brinstar SwingChristopher Niskala2015-01-06 | What does Samus like to do in her free time when she's not being attacked left and right by Space Pirates? Yes, you are right. She fronts a jazz trio with her amazing piano skills! It's Brubeck meets Metroid!
Original music by Hirokazu Tanaka Arrangement by Christopher Niskala Cover art by Courtney NiskalaMetroid (NES) Orchestral MedleyChristopher Niskala2015-01-06 | An orchestra got bored and decided to play all the music from the NES Metroid game. From the title screen to the ending credits, this has it all! (by orchestra, I mean me and my computer)