Sonic Superstars - Press Factory Act 1 (YM2612 + SN76489 Arrangement)

dr. robotnik's ball crushing machine
Song name: Press Factory Act 1 (YM2612 + SN76489 Arrangement)
Written by Jun Senoue;
arranged by John "Joy" Tay
Made with tildearrow's Furnace tracker
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[@DGCpicturesEntertainment]

Bro didn’t just cook, he had a whole bonfire party.

[@AustinOnSugar]

I'm still convinced all of Jun's tracks were meant to be demos that would be covered later, and the game was just too rushed to finish most of them. Regardless, wonderful job bringing new life to the piece!

[@SyntaxTsundere]

Y’know, based on what happened to Bridge Island and Cyber Station, I would have to agree!

[@Ezpeezy309]

They actually are

[@AustinOnSugar]

@@Ezpeezy309 Do we have confirmation of this somewhere? I'd love to have an interview or piece of code to point to.

[@Cretaceous158]

Press factory was actually a later version of the track. The earlier version had an electric guitar instead of the Genesis instrument.

[@nekomarulupin]

I mean the elements of good songs are there, but the instrument choices, and the fact everyone else brought their A game kind of makes them disappointments in comparison.

[@Alo_AJ]

Woah, Press Factory with a side of John Tay? Count me in.

[@colburnrescores6654]

And sprinkle in a dash of Cosmic Carnage too

[@fireyocean8129]

I don't think Jun needs to be flat out replaced, but I do think he needs to ditch the Genesis in favor of a more proper synth, if that's how he uses it. I do think his compositions are good, so he can cook. He's just not using the right ingredients. That aside, really good cover. It really brings out the mechanical feel of Press Factory.

[@johntayjinf]

few things i wanna address here: 1. supposedly jun senoue uses a triton vst (i forgot which one, but it is triton) that closely resembles the synths that he would use if he were ever to get his hands on a mega drive dev kit 2. idk who's giving him the fm synth sounds that's been mixed in the final tracks, but i'd assume that it's yasayuki nagata (who wrote and arranged the racing music in battle mode and possibly frozen base act tails); though their tracks use sampled fm instruments rather than direct output from the actual fm chips 3. realistically speaking jun's tracks use both vsts and sampled fm sounds, but i don't like it when people reduce it down to soundfont shenanigans because it kinda blurs the line for what distinctions the music here makes. it's funny that people say to throw out the md fm synth chip/ "genesis soundfont" in favor of a more proper synth, but the definition of a "synth" is so broad that it makes the argument redundant, because there are fm vsts/keyboards and whatnot that can very well imitate the 4-operator ym2612 chip that have more than 4 operators

[@JadeJovian]

This is the only arrangement of his that uses Genesis patches, as far as I'm aware. And even then, the lead isn't one of those. So there's already been a "proper synth" in use here.

[@JadeJovian]

@@johntayjinf Thanks for shedding some more light on this. There are a few things I also want to address: Jun Senoue's arrangements are (mostly) Vacuum and XPand!2 here. The same tooling as Sonic 4: Episode II, while Korg Triton was used in Episode I. Ep.2 is mostly Vacuum with some Xpand instruments, while in Superstars it's the other way around. Another change Superstars makes is ditching the Korg shakers for noise samples. Also, there's an unfortunately common sentiment of calling Jun Senoue's music "fake genesis" while also saying "he needs to stop using the 'genesis synth'". This is about as self-contradictory as you can get.

[@Epsilonsama]

​​@@johntayjinfso as someone who does Genesis remixes what could Jun do to improve his Chiptunes tracks? Because his compositions are good but I feel that he should play to his strengths and use live instruments because the Chiptunes he makes always feel like something is off.

[@johntayjinf]

@@Epsilonsama as for now it's either that he let someone else do the programming work for him or just let him play the guitar for the best possible outcome the way i see it is that classic sonic music could sound like anything, and not be constrained to just the md chipset's hardware limitations. if you ask me, i'd ask for a digital fusion of both modern synths and primitive sound chips and mixing in some actual instrument playing to balance it out, but i'm not opposed to jun senoue shredding his heart out on the guitar with someone else, because i mentioned in the video that the sonic symphony version of superstars' opening theme is such a great arrangement

[@SNESJerry]

This is what it should’ve sounded like. Jun we’re not hating on you or harassing you. We’re just being super honest on how you handled some of Superstars OST…

[@ToadSparkster]

but we went the mindless mob route because screw knowing about music i guess

[@SNESJerry]

@@ToadSparkster Sonic fans be like

[@apersoniguess_]

yeah no we’re definitely hating on him (“we” not including me because I thought everyone was overreacting anyways)

[@collinjenne5299]

I agree, the problem isn’t the compositions, it’s just how the instrumentation was handled, Jin’s song stick out like a sore thumb, when compared to other tracks, have more modern sounding instrumentation, I feel like the sonic fanbase went way over there head saying the entire ost is trash when it’s far from the case.

[@RawrX32009]

​@@collinjenne5299It's a known fact that Jun just doesn't really know how to program YM2612 music, why SEGA don't give him a sound programmer like they used to is perplexing, he genuinely just isn't a sound programmer, so the fans hating on him are completely unreasonable, the guy's a musician, not a tech wizz for God's sake, leave him alone everyone!

[@Redrumehtneht]

Damm, i already liked the original track but this brings out its full potential. Amazing job as always

[@cheesy713]

Gotta agree. I'm personally fine with the final version, but having a touch-up remix is also nice.

[@SuxMenner]

what adol the red ys 6 doing in john tay

[@Redrumehtneht]

@@SuxMenner well John tays music is really good, especially his sonic remixes, they are great to listen to while traveling. that sonic guy is honestly pretty similar to me, we both love adventure.

[@LunaMinuna]

Agreed

[@sega641]

I facking agree this is lit as f#+*

[@camjetawesome]

i like how they go from spreading a message about how everyone has a greater potential into casually dropping the hardest solo ever at 2:20

[@rafaelramondemorais2743]

This is why John Tay literally made me dance a lot with this masterpiece. Now Press Factory Act 1 is my favorite one!

[@Cejilmeister]

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person in the world that enjoys Jun's FM and has 3D Blast Genesis as one of their favorite Sonic OSTs. His songs in Superstars are good, but it's always nice to see someone else's take. Great job, and I look forward to hearing more of your work.

[@DigitalPhantomZX]

You're not alone! Jun's work in Superstars is amazing, and 3D Blast Genesis is honestly better than the Saturn ost!

[@eightee7635]

3D Blast music still bops to this DAY, Genesis OR Saturn ❤️‍🔥

[@Just_Some_Yonko_With_A_Beard]

Rusty Ruins Genesis my beloved

[@Kuhazan]

While I like his music I seriously think it would be better with real instruments just based on what he has done before but it seems every time it is a 2D game he does this for some reason. At first I thought it was something Sega told him to do because it was not so in Sonic Generations present in Sonic 4 and Sonic Forces but with Superstars the other composers did not do the same so I doubt Sega forced anything on them. I want to hear something like what was present in Sonic Adventure 1 from Jun. Maybe the upcoming IOS game might have some.

[@brinst_ar]

He has good compositions but that instrumentation is really not it, man

[@BillimanMCjon]

Very cool John! The genesis sound gives the song a new feel

[@b_e_p_i_s_m_a_n6212]

don't think I didn't notice that Cosmic Carnage ref you snuck in

[@BahnYuki]

My favorite part of the track. Hopefully, John Tay can cover some of those songs, especially Talmac

[@PhantomBoi-ru9ci]

YES!! Someone who feels the same as me when it comes to Jun's songs!! He is a great musician, it's just that FM doesn't seem to be his forte, and when comparing it to what we KNOW he can do, it just leaves a lot to be desired... I don't think he should be replaced, but there can definitely be improvements made Your arrangement is proof that THERE *IS* something good there! The song is good, great even, but the instrumentation is what makes it underwhelming for many I believe Amazing job with the song!

[@skunthundler]

Man, they should just get you on the next game like they did with Tee Lopes for Mania.

[@Jon_Cyber]

I believe Valve made a statement previously that they will never ever compete with the fans of their products. They've admitted that the fans are always more clever and creative when it comes to works they produce. It's of no surprise that Sonic fans are doing the same here. Probably 20 years from now, this same culture will still persist. That being said, SEGA's current decision-making on the release of this game, whether it was rushed or poorly thought out or underpowered or some other thing, is extremely upsetting. Especially since this game is a followup after Sonic Frontiers and The Murder of Sonic. To some fans, the only way they can "reach" SEGA or signify their disappointment is to produce or signal boost fanwork that outdoes what SEGA currently produces. "We made this in a cave, for free, with sand and stone. Why can't you?" Is it tasteless? Yes. Is it effective? Who knows. Even though Sonic PR does see it, it may still fall on deaf ears. Oh, and good arrangement.

[@Karnage233]

Amplified my love for the track tenfold, amazing work as usual bro.

[@VGJol]

I am absolutely BEGGING you to please do act 2, i love Press Factory so much and this remix does it so much justice 🙏

[@VGJol]

Juns tracks for this zone are honestly pretty good, but this remix absolutely blows it out of the water

[@VGJol]

They cooked 🥹

[@train4292]

I’m actually one of the idiots that likes a lot of this soundtrack, even Press Factory. And as one of the only losers that kinda live this song, I appreciate the remix here. It really brings out the chaotic nature the composition conveyed, which really fit the entire stage there. I also gotta mention your sky temple remix is also really good too, and I generally agree with the message you’re trying to put out in the middle of the song. (Even if I actually think Jun does good work with his classic songs, but honestly, I don’t think I’m normal for liking the Sonic 4 instruments.)

[@ZonicMirage]

I seriously cannot comprehend how goddamn hard this goes.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

I'm diggin the Cosmic Carnage drums. Shit sounds POWERFUL

[@PreStalnic]

Seeing this and Sky Temple makes me wonder if you're gonna do arrangements of all of Jun's tracks for Superstars. It's some damn good renditions! :D

[@jurassicarkjordanisgreat1778]

imagine sand sanctuary in this style

[@KojiKombo]

I actually really like the original Press Factory I think the harsh guitar and the percussion that gives off the feeling of clicking machinery is really cool maybe just not mixed the best. Anyways this is an amazing arrangement as always.

[@ShamefulBog]

Sega really needs to bring you on to work on the next 2d Sonic game

[@AltKaxREAL]

Unironically tho, he better get payed good if he does, because his genesis tracks never disappoint

[@brinst_ar]

This has such better use of the Genesis instruments and capabilities that it just elevates the song to its peak form. Absolutely love this remix

[@ABitofEpicness]

This is fantastic I love the extra section so much, part of it reminds me of alt sonic 3 Launch Base act 1 almost

[@Brodoof]

I was hoping you'd tackle this one! Good instrumentation/arrangement really does make all the difference

[@NeoNoteDev]

1:04 I don't know the original but it heavily reminded me of the Metal Sonic Hyperdrive options theme lol UPD: That's a character select theme from Cosmic Carnage on 32x

[@ForteNT7601]

i never thought that senoue-kun's music was bad, i just that the instrumentation was a bit ...challenged. glad i wasn't the only one who thought this way

[@hippoboii3401]

it really annoys me that most of Jun's compositions (on Superstars at least) have a lot of unreached potential, not only by the instrumentation used, but by the length of his tracks. Amazing extension, sounds fantastic!

[@Dinosaurianationazation]

Running face into spikes is the natural reaction to playing Sonic Superstars

[@DonPuffles]

Yeah looks like Dimps came back after all

[@ShiroTori47]

That image of Trip about to eat spikes is a mood after playing her campaign. Also fantastic remix! I love that you kept the harshness of the original track here.

[@kirbybaker2721]

I love how even in the different artstyle you still have a thumbnail of characters in perilous situations haha

[@LegamSSF]

Really appreciate your renditions / remixes plus commentary. It's interesting to hear what other musicians think about the Superstars soundtrack. Cause sure, fans are allowed to say whatever they want, but your perspective for instance really tones down the "outrage" being poured on this soundtrack

[@Formula_Zero_EX]

I’m very imPRESSed by your remix. It’s really good! Also, wtf, Cosmic Carnage?!

[@Vin4greta]

No tengo palabras para describir lo tan bien que suena esto. Excelente trabajo

[@hydro8177]

You removed the snare and for that we are truly thankful

[@mozazr]

bro i am OBSESSED with this i have been listening to it on loop all day and it's making me bob my head uncontrollably hahaha

[@Tiposinimportancia]

What I like about Press Factory act 1 is its rhythm and under the instruments they don't convince me very much. But God, in addition to improving the melody, you expanded the rhythm, great job.

[@jtg55]

Ooh, I've wanted to do a Genesis cover of this song ever since I heard it! Nice job John!

[@DonPuffles]

1:04 METAL SONIC HYPERDRIVE OMG (Cosmic Carnage) Press Factory always reminded of the "metallic-artificial" like music that was selected for that romhack

[@hyperstarman6848]

Have no dismay, John Tay is here to save the day!

[@kuribirdie]

me when jun senoue's compositions sound amazing when given to someone who can actually arrange genesis music

[@spectronwn]

I love press factory this song does it so much justice thank you!!!

[@boybomber2052]

Just needed the right synths to make this one better! Awesome

[@picoultimate7707]

Great work on this remix overall, John! And yeah, I agree with the points you brought up in this video. Asking to flat-out replace Jun isn't going to do ANYONE any favours, especially not SEGA. And though he isn't exactly the best when it comes to composing classic Sonic music, he still does a great job when not restricted to using those instruments.

[@iamfoogle]

nice description dude

[@NonG07]

bro sega should've hired you not gonna lie. this is so beautiful

[@Andrews_Studio]

"Sega, hire this man!!!" -said the masses knowing the man won't get hired

[@Froaklies]

Jesus Christ this goes absolutely insane without removing the parts that made me like the original. Fantastic stuff here!

[@juanjocruzooie4712]

We NEED a 1 hour version of this theme,it's really really amazing

[@bluebellsforever]

This sounds like music you would put over an argument scene

[@risingrevolt]

HOT HOT GET YOUR PAPERS HERE JOHN TAY JUST RELEASED ANOTHER BANGER

[@maximyllion]

the wonders even different drums can do

[@Sairot247]

Thank you, my ears aren't bleeding anymore

[@NikkaTiel]

If anyone can fix the jun songs in superstars it's John Tay! I personally like the sonic 4ish sound, but man this version is so much better, and more faithful to the older games. Good work!

[@bluestaggo]

I called it! Haha! I was not expecting this.

[@shalpp]

God that picture with trip is exactly how I feel about that entire stupid level in the second campaign

[@Pr0jectFM]

Suddenly Cosmic Carnage? Epic

[@sleepy8688]

Got that joy tay original recipe in this cover, fucking awesome

[@kyoucchiinzaba5208]

Really digging this. I love bit that starts at 1:04. Not sure if its intentional or not but its very close to the 32X Cosmic Carnage select theme

[@TheNerdCave.]

she never misses

[@JaredThe]

Now this slaps LESGO

[@TheMrPasquale]

VERY NICE

[@commentarysheep]

If Jun Senoe actually knew a damn about the sound chip of the Mega Drive/Genesis.

[@BoredSquidward]

He knows very well, he progammed his own tracks in 3D Blast

[@commentarysheep]

@@BoredSquidward No, he did not program it into the game, he only composed them. He knows jackshit about the hardware.

[@BoredSquidward]

@@commentarysheep He composed and progammed all of his tracks except for the second boss theme and apparently the ending theme, it's literally listed in the game's codes

[@BoredSquidward]

Taken from the game's rom files: 01 Green Grove Zone Act 1 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 02 Green Grove Zone Act 2 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 03 Rusty Ruin Zone Act 1 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 04 Rusty Ruin Zone Act 2 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 05 Volcano Valley Zone Act 2 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 06 Volcano Valley Zone Act 1 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 07 Spring Stadium Zone Act 1 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 08 Spring Stadium Zone Act 2 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 09 Diamond Dust Zone Act 1 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 0A Diamond Dust Zone Act 2 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 0B Gene Gadget Zone Act 1 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 0C Gene Gadget Zone Act 2 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 0D Panic Puppet Zone Act 2 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 0E The Final Fight Song by M.Sets. ? Arrange by M.Sets. ?? Sonic 3 Bonus Stage Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 10 Special Stage Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 11 Intro/Panic Puppet Zone Act 1 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 12 Boss 2 Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by M.Sets. 13 Boss 1 Song by T.Maeda ? Arrange by T.Maeda 14 Intro Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 15 Credits Song by S.Okamoto ? ?Arrange by J.Seno. 16 Game Over 17 Congratulations 18 Level Clear Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 19 1-UP Song by H.Drossin. ? Arrange by M.Sets. 1A Chaos Emerald Song by Y.Makino ? Arrange by Y.Makino 1B Invincibility Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 1C Menu Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by J.Seno. 0F Ending Song by J.Seno. ? Arrange by M.Sets.

[@KewlSokudo]

METAL SONIC HYPERDRIVE

[@DonPuffles]

YEAHHH BOIIII

[@DoritoTime]

Jun composed in Sonic 3, then someone else translated them to the Genesis. If this style carried over into later games, these would be considered all-time greats

[@BoredSquidward]

It wasn't someone else. He both composed and arranged.

[@Katthemusicfox]

graahhh now i wanna hear these modded in ,.,,

[@shoesbedrawin]

The section at 1:04 is reminding me of cosmic carnage's soundtrack. Super nice nod

[@theultimateswagon]

Now I feel like most of Jun's songs deserve the criticism they get, but this one stands out as pretty good. This remix takes it even further

[@samuelknytt9434]

This is like getting to listen to the original version of a song you only knew from a kazoo remix

[@Sonen10]

I'm starting to notice a theme with your makeshift album covers for Superstars remixes... Let's say I'm glad that I beat the game beforehand.

[@Autumn5layzallday]

The Jun version tried to sound like this. You fixed his mistakes which proves your music worthy

[@ashkirby8896]

Nice Sega Genesis cover of the song!😄🤩😎👌

[@Sonicgames5]

OH MY GOD YES!!

[@RomuloTheBrazilian]

1:04 Cosmic Carnage - character select 😮

[@guffingtonreal]

jun if he discovered the full extent of ym2612

[@eggysthings6600]

Haha Trip goes brrr

[@anonymous_eevee]

wow

[@Andrews_Studio]

Why did my ears stop bleeding and start reverse bleeding when I play this (this is a compliment)

[@sigmartmsr1141]

nobody is gonna talk about the cosmic carnage charakter select theme reference in this cover?

[@chewheejoo2968]

THIS #ING SOUNDS LIKE A NEW SEGASONICHEDGEHOGARCDADE SONG AND ITS A HITTING BANGER🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 WE BE BEATIN THIS LEVEL AS SONIC MIGHTY AND RAY

[@shadetehchimera2006]

random suggestion idea, the bad piggies theme!

[@stormeraurion]

Is that a hint of friggin Cosmic Carnage I hear in the remix?

[@RudJohns]

Now it sounds like a Megaman music

[@retrogamingbureau3923]

In my humble opinion, your Megadrive remix sounds better than the original !

[@agreedboarart3188]

Gives me Cosmic Carnage vibes (great OST).

[@Sparklyboiii2009]

It has a part of the character select from Cosmic Carnage/Cyber Brawl

[@Josbird]

They don't miss

[@user-fh7di8st6l]

awesome better cover

[@waynetastic1746]

Now if only these were the actual in-game instruments used... 😢

[@katamari_]

Watch out, Sonic! He’s gonna crush your balls!

[@katamari_]

ok but seriously damn i really wasnt expecting 1:04 to be this good

[@senorlock5128]

Frozen base zone act 1 im on my hands on knees here

[@chiptuni]

When you post I go :)

[@retrogamingbureau3923]

John, Sir, do you use Deflemask as a Tracker ? Do you know/use Furnace ? Thanks.

[@NeoNoteDev]

Please read the description

[@retrogamingbureau3923]

​@@NeoNoteDevFurnace indeed, thanks ! 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@AliHossein.E]

Lagoon city act 2 and Sand sanctuary next time pleaseee!

[@leont6813]

I didn't even listen to 3 seconds when I pressed the like button

[@herculescelular3278]

Please, can anyone make a mod placing it in Sonic Superstars?

[@RandomTomatoMusic]

No mention of the Egg Rock Act 2 reference 😔

[@Mivxyt]

Hol'up. The oscilloscope looks way smoother

[@HarmedStudiosDXfanatic]

Added on sonic superstars tune up

[@miadatenshi9903]

0:40 This needs some claps

[@dobrakawanimat]

the FM guitars used here are very sex

[@alunbuss7877]

I will say that Superstars' soundtrack needed more consistency. Mainly in soundfont. If all tracks had gone for the Saturn feel, or all tracks had gone for the GEN/MD feel like this, the soundtrack would be much better. The mishmash makes it sound worse though, especially when we look at Bridge Island and the POTENTIAL some of these tracks have.

[@BoredSquidward]

Superstars doesn't use soundfonts.

[@alunbuss7877]

@@BoredSquidward Instrumentation. Chipsets. You know what I mean.