OOH a PSMD remix! I know this theme really well so I can comment with context
"PSMD has a constant upbeat feel to it with the exception of some parts here and there" OH how I disagree... PSMD's soundtrack is so vividly ambient in more ways than one. The soundtrack is absolutely brimming with emotions on every side of the spectrum - happy songs, yes, but also scary ones, defeated ones, determined ones. The Partner Theme in itself is meant to be atmospheric and longing in nature.
So you probably know this already, but a lot of this is incorrectly transcribed. Makes sense, you were probably trying to nail it by ear but just aren't quite super practiced with it yet. For this theme, though, you have an amazing reference in Bespinben: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUaAszRmBbQ He put up this near-verbatim arrangement of the theme the day the game released in Japan. I know back when I was remixing this song I used these sheets to nail the chords from the song.
I really like some of the creative liberties you pulled in this track - judging by the description you made some pretty daring moves and although they didn't all work out (which is to be expected for daring the first time - I didn't get it all right when I was starting out either), I have to admire the effort. I really like your interpretation of the intro for the track and some of the chords you used, although wrong, are nice nevertheless.
General as-if-the-song-was-in-a-vacuum criticism:
- The drums could be more pronounced, and there could be more percussion in general to really sell the beat in the climaxes
- The piano could be further humanized so it sounds more organic and less robotic
- I like what you were going for with the 2:54 transition but look for ways to make it more impactful, possibly by dropping the chords or really emphasizing the break in the middle.
- The strings in the intro don't really sell it, probably because you're using low quality strings: I usually end up using a light pad instead of strings just because I don't have access to any decent string libraries myself.
Also sorta wished to hear your interpretation on the back few sections of the song, where did those go? :( But what you have a nice start! I'm sorta honored you would take this endeavor because of me :pray: Best of luck in the future!