Boss music in a retro platform-orchestral

hey, this is another freebie piece i'm doing as exercise and as a favour
http://www.box.net/shared/u76atgcx46
i'm not too happy about it, it sounds like the proper vibe, but something in the mix bugs me! glad to hear opinions, also i think its too "modern"??? or old fashioned movies??

p.s.
i didn't use the big cannon samples because it didn't fit the style.

i've changed the whole piece, anyone got any suggestions? something he liked or disliked?
i'd love some feedback

Sorry for taking so long to reply to this, The J. You deserve better.

You definitely hit the right kinda vibe. I think it's that marimba/xylophone mixing with the strings that puts me off mix-wise.

The ending is interesting. It ends, but it feels like the piece ran out of steam.

How much more do you wanna add on to this piece? Are you filling it out more or adding other sections?

Cool piece, The J,
-John

yo john,
that piece is supposed to be 60 seconds, but i left it open in case he wants it looped, maybe the ending is wierd in that sense, i wanted to create it more "casual" go happy still, so i thinned it to contrast, but the quick drums layer might be off sync and too final?(if i'm understanding you correct).

i'll check out that xylophone in the mix, regarding filling more sections, i can do it, but don't forget its a really retro with very low res and poor paintings, so its already much over doing it. its just that he wanted abit orchestral and i didn't feel like practicing on edirol.

Mk. Can you get general midi instruments for that retro feel?

-John

har, that was/is indeed an option(again i wanted to practice on real samples). i might do it after i play the game itself.
thanks for the feedback and listening john!