Golden Sun was a revolutionary game, not only because it introduced new mechanics used by many modern Japanese-like RPGs, but also included an a universal unfamiliar culture which reached out to every aspect of the game, not just certain parts. Every town and village seems somewhat mimicking of a medieval/African society while the architecture and mythology modeled after the Greeks and Romans. What made the soundtrack extraordinary was how well it blended elements from each of these ancient civilizations to form something that the world has never heard before.

In this piece in particular, there's an unwarranted mixture with almost solid, crystal-sounding bells and soft and wooden wind pipes, an unobvious transfusion to the mind, but a melody to the ear. With an addition of the oboe solos throughout the peace, the piece utilizes instruments that first appear incompatible, an incomprehensible set. The genius behind this piece is its execution and placement; The setting itself, the Sol Sanctum, brings an appropriation to the progression and transitions between each instrument.

Your execution seems to have broken that culture and style that Golden Sun's original composition had striven to create. The first half of a minute had promise for something that justified the original; The transition between the chimes and the oboe was well done, although, the oboe could possibly be presented in a more soothing way, perhaps elongated. This is interrupted by a horrible sound choir. I don't particularly blame you for it; I have heard very few choir soundfronts that have a decent sound. But you should have sought to perfect it instead of letting it slide; however, the original didn't do a good job with the vocals, so there's no deduction for that. I continued listening through waiting to hear the grand oboe solos, but they were never there. Instead, I heard the strings, while still done well, brought no where as much joy as the unique sound of the oboe did. On review, I noticed that the sound file starts off with no quiet aura, but instead begins with a chime. I believe it would have a greater effect if you adding a second or a second and a half of silence; If you walk into a structure built by the gods, you better believe you'll be in so much awe for at least that length of time without paying attention to what you hear. Those chimes could break that wonderment and give the divine structures a peaceful aura.

Overall, it was not dis-pleasant, but you completely forgot to integrate and support the aura and style that Golden Sun had. It simply sounds like that you didn't put originality or creativity into it, but rather made a copy of the piece and associated subpar instrumentation. I guess that's what covers serve as nowadays, but it honestly doesn't express a creative vision. Fear not though, I grade and critique on a higher level and will not let you down as long as you do not let me down. 6.3/10 isn't bad at all in my book; In fact, it's above average.

Also, you have the wrong title for the song; It's "The Elemental Stars" and not "Sol Sanctum." Please check this url:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7pBcKlONnA

Believe it or not, the first time I had ever heard the Tetris theme was this piece featured in the flash game, Monochrome. I did a little more research, found this page, and learned the origins of the tune.

This clearly exemplifies why Tetris has developed such a culture as it has. There are literally hundreds of remixes and renditions only a few clicks away, yet, I have yet to find one more soothing and well balanced than this one. After listening to at least a dozen of the top rated picks, I can safely claim that your version is, by far, the most original out of the many who have tried before you.

While this may be one of the better bits of audio that I have listened to, it is by no means perfect. Many notes and features seem a little too reserved and held back, such as some plucks from the guitar and the use of the child's voice. Yes, it may contribute to the fluidity of the piece as a whole, but it adds an unwanted element of awkward distortion that makes it seem a little out of place. Perhaps software will be available in the future that can achieve the overall tone and replicate the care you placed in the work.

I give you an 8.3/10, which will be my highest rating for a while. It may seem low for some who give out 10's, but for someone who is waiting for that awe inspiring piece, 8 and above is for the simply great and the greatest.

Your piece has great potential, but I believe that many of the nice elements were masked by the strings that played from the very beginning. Perhaps lowering the intensity (volume) could fix it.

Other than that, I rather enjoyed the rest. Try not to be offended by my rather "low" score, my grading scale is very strict, saving perfect scores for flawless and stunning pieces (non which I have encountered yet). Definitely the "Butterscotch" Newgrounds needs more of (I would enter a 6.5 if I could; 7 just seems to high at the moment). Let me know if you update this; I'll be interested to see what happens :)