Final Fantasy XII Original Soundtrack Announced!

[Fatigue]

Again, I quote myself:

Square Enix has finally announced a soundtrack release for the latest entry in their hit Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XII. The composer behind the score is Hitoshi Sakimoto, the President and founder of Basiscape, and featuring the former series' main composer, Nobuo Uematsu who was responsible for creating the image theme, "Kiss Me Goodbye" with vocalist Angela Aki. It's unknown whether Taro Hakase's main theme, "Hope" (constructed of 5 movements), will hold a place on the Original Soundtrack, but it's well into the likelihood of it appearing amongst the score. The Final Fantasy XII Original Soundtrack will contain 4 CDs and is set to be released on April 19, 2006, published under Aniplex with the catalog number SVWC-7351~54. Preorders have yet to start.

Go, go, Sakimoto! :D

[Jormungand]

4 CDs?!

Holy god. I thought it was just going to be 2.

Score. (+pun)


:):):)

[Fatigue]

To me, the idea of 4 CDs worth of Sakimoto genius is purely orgasmic :p

I can't wait to hear the music, and will preorder a copy as soon as Kahori starts her preorder campaign ;)

[Jormungand]

I can't wait to hear the music, and will preorder a copy as soon as Kahori starts her preorder campaign ;)
Oh excellent. I'd much rather order from her than from cdjapan or gamemusic or places like that!

And yeah, orgasmic indeed.

[Raijin]

100 tracks?

http://www.aniplex.co.jp/FF12/

Looks hot!!

[Fatigue]

The DVD box looks nice and all, however I do wish limited edition soundtracks were still packaged in CD cases. This CD is my collection will really stand out (just like my Grandia III OST does). Oh well, it's the music that counts. Plus, that 28 page booklet must be filled with all kinds of terrific information! It probably has what Sakimoto thinks of each individual track.

Still, I do hope that Hakase and Toriyama's main theme is on the soundtrack. It would make a more 'complete' experience.

But anyway, preorder (http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=756&PHPSESSID=4390cc19d3e3798123b56b981b94f15b), kiddies!

[Garamond]

the information read that this OST also contains the out-take tracks. Make sense, Matsuno always rejects.

[cubed]

will it include translation for Sakimoto thoughts? Nope :(

[Fatigue]

Preordered the Soundtrack just a moment ago! A satisfied customer indeed. :D

Yeah, I doubt that there will be any translations in the content, besides the artist credits. It's a tradition, really. :(

[Jormungand]

Yeah, I doubt that there will be any translations in the content, besides the artist credits. It's a tradition, really. :(
Well that's why we have places like Chudah's Corner ;).

I can't make any promises since I'm not the one doing the translation work, but I will try to get my copy scanned and added to our (backlogged) translation queue. :p

[Fatigue]

Well that's why we have places like Chudah's Corner ;).

I can't make any promises since I'm not the one doing the translation work, but I will try to get my copy scanned and added to our (backlogged) translation queue. :p

That would be great! Thanks Jorm!

(Oh, and while we're on the topic of Chudah's Corner, you should add Masaharu Iwata and Ryo Fukuda to the Shadow Hearts Original Soundtrack plus 1 tracklist, and Hiroto Imoto to the Shadow Hearts From the New World Original Soundtrack tracklist. I have updated my tracklists to reflect this. Take a look at Shadow Hearts Original Soundtrack plus 1 here (http://www.squaresound.com/albums/s/shadowhearts.html) and Shadow Hearts From the New World here (http://www.squaresound.com/albums/s/shadowhearts3.html). :) )

[Raijin]

There's an interview from Sakimoto here: http://rapidshare.de/files/15056007/Sakimoto_Interview.zip.html

Maybe someone could translate what he's saying? ;)

[Fatigue]

If you have iTunes, click here (http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?storeFrontId=143462&url=itms%253A%252F%252Fphobos.apple.com%252FWebObj ects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fs%25 3D143462%2526i%253D120382716%2526id%253D120385353% 2526%2526partnerId%253D30%2526siteID%253DUb3yk8dHn bM-e8UvYhdazr_6dpO50P1nTA) to hear 30 second samples of Final Fantasy XII tracks. Alternatively, if you liked the tracks, you can even purchase them for roughly $1.50 USD each ;)

[Fatigue]

It's been confirmed, recently released Symphonic Poem "Hope" (Composed by Taro Hakase and Yuji Toriyama. Inspired by Hitoshi Sakimoto's main theme) is going to be included in the game (all five movements)! It will be used as the ending (staff roll) theme. :)

[Jormungand]

I'm actually not so enthused. I recently heard the 3rd movement at Squaresound and it's absolute garbage. Don't tell me the other four sound like that...

[Ovelia]

I'm actually not so enthused. I recently heard the 3rd movement at Squaresound and it's absolute garbage. Don't tell me the other four sound like that...

I think it's ok, though not so good compared to Sakimoto's brilliance.

As for the OST itself, after 10 hours into play, I'm gonna say it's Sakimoto's best work to date, even on par with Vagrant Story IMO. :)

[Raijin]

It's been confirmed, recently released Symphonic Poem "Hope" (Composed by Taro Hakase and Yuji Toriyama. Inspired by Hitoshi Sakimoto's main theme) is going to be included in the game (all five movements)! It will be used as the ending (staff roll) theme. :)


What???? Are you kidding me? Sakimoto didnt compose the staff roll theme?? Meh... if it's confirmed. :(

[Fatigue]

I'm actually not so enthused. I recently heard the 3rd movement at Squaresound and it's absolute garbage. Don't tell me the other four sound like that...

I thought like you at first; the theme (as a whole) was disappointing, but after I listened to it a bit more, it grew on me. I still think it's a bit underwhelming, but it could be worse.

What???? Are you kidding me? Sakimoto didnt compose the staff roll theme?? Meh... if it's confirmed.

I really wanted a Sakimoto ending theme too! :(

[Raijin]

Meh biggest disappointment ever...

EDIT: Well maybe it's only one part of the ending. But kinda sucks nontheless...

[gamemusicfreak]

Nice to see Mr. Sakimoto is keeping the four disc tradition. I pre-ordered mine as well. I have loved what I heard on the playable demo so far, and being a big FF fan, I don't think Mr. Sakimoto or the game is going to disappoint.

[Fatigue]

EDIT: Well maybe it's only one part of the ending. But kinda sucks nontheless...

Sorry to burst your bubble again, Raijin, but "Kiss Me Good-Bye" (of course, by Uematsu, arranged by Kenichiro Fukui) is the first half of the ending, sorry. Looks like Sakimoto has no participation in the ending :(.

[Terramax]

I really wanted a Sakimoto ending theme too! :(

Yeah, a sequel to the staffrole in Vagrant Story is something everyone wants. Grrrrrr. Who's stupid idea was it not to have him do the end theme?

Mind you, this seems to be a thing with all Final Fantasies. Usually to get some good looking Japanese girl with a half decent voice to make the end/theme tune to easily help promote her singing career.

Sakimoto should've emailed us telling us this. I could've constructed a riot party.

[Garamond]

Sorry to burst your bubble again, Raijin, but "Kiss Me Good-Bye" (of course, by Uematsu, arranged by Kenichiro Fukui) is the first half of the ending, sorry. Looks like Sakimoto has no participation in the ending :(.

off-topic: Kenichiro Fukui has written some nice battle tunes for Front Mission 5th in techno-orchestral style.

[Fatigue]

off-topic: Kenichiro Fukui has written some nice battle tunes for Front Mission 5th in techno-orchestral style.

Yeah, his electronica-orchestral style gace the soundtrack extra diversity. My review (http://www.squaresound.com/reviews/harry/frontmission5.html) should answer all questions.

For all those who don't know who Fukui is, he is best known as the composer responsible for Einhänder (1997), All Star Pro-Wrestling (2000, with Tsuyoshi Sekito), performed the organ in Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- (2005), arranged in Hanjuku Hero 4 ~The 7 Heroes~ (2005), and Front Mission 5 ~Scars of the War~ (2006, with Hidenori Iwasaki, Yasuhiro Yamanaka and Masayoshi Soken). And for some history, he arranged some of Motoaki Furukawa's (we should all know who he is!) work for Gradius II. Of course, he is also a member of The Black Mages and plays the keyboards in the band. :)

Anyway, back to Final Fantasy XII!

[Fatigue]

Ready for some disappointing news? The Final Fantasy XII Original Soundtrack release date has been delayed by quite a significant amount of time. The former release date was April 19th, 2006, but now it is May 31st, 2006. This is very disappointing! :(

But, with the soundtrack, it is confirmed that "Symphonic Poem "Hope" will make an appearance, as well as "Kiss Me Good-Bye (English Version)". There will be 100 tracks featured in the game, and the same amount will be present on the Original Soundtrack, including some extra out-takes. This means that the following artists will be involved in the soundtrack: Hitoshi Sakimoto, Nobuo Uematsu, Kenichiro Fukui, Taro Hakase and Yuji Toriyama.

It is now confirmed that the Limited Edition version (which most of us have preordered) contains a deluxe DVD box with pictures of the Judge, a 28 page booklet, and pictured discs.

[Ovelia]

What???? Are you kidding me? Sakimoto didnt compose the staff roll theme?? Meh... if it's confirmed. :(

I watched the pre-ending scene (I don't mind spoilers but many people do, so I will not spoil here), and there is orchestral performance accompanying that scene, right before "Kiss me goodbye" and "Symphonic Poem 'Hope'" :)

[Raijin]

I watched the pre-ending scene (I don't mind spoilers but many people do, so I will not spoil here), and there is orchestral performance accompanying that scene, right before "Kiss me goodbye" and "Symphonic Poem 'Hope'" :)


Ok, at least he composed one part of it... Great.

[Lierre]

There's an interview from Sakimoto here: http://rapidshare.de/files/15056007/Sakimoto_Interview.zip.html

Maybe someone could translate what he's saying? ;)

My english skill isn't enough for complete translation.
Please sorry for misinterpretation and so.

──How did you get involved in FINAL FANTASY XII ?

About 6 months before the presentation hold in November 19th, 2003, Yasumi Matsuno (the original author and supervisor of FFXII), whom I had developed Ogre and so on with, asked me to make music for FFXII. At First, I got very surprised. After this offer, I had wrote "theme of FFXII" which was played with a video in the presentation.

──Did you compose it watching a video ?

Yes, I expanded my image by watching a screen because we could have control characters in game to some extent at the time. However, I also kept in mind that Matsuno requested me to write so catchy tunes that many more people would appreciate.

──On working for FF, Was you conscious of past FINAL FANTASY music?

As FFT, I also wonderd whether if I create "music like FF". But after all, I just had to work in my way. At first I had suffered this time again, though finally I decided to be my usual self. I also thought, to begin with, once I took mainly orchestra as music instruments, then it wouldn't be the same as past FF series. Still, I tried to make the similar ambience of music.

──FFXII is in the same world "Ivalice" as FFT&FFTA, wouldn't you divert those tunes to ?

At the conceptual phase I thought of it a little, but I didn't because each story isn't involved so much. Then in under development , I vaguely said "If we do something, it's next time". Though, nothing is planned for next work... LOL

──You talked about Next project under development LOL....How many tunes did you write for FFXII ?

About 120 to 130 pieces, if it includes the tunes slightly arranged or divided from long one. As I have composed for a long time, there were some tunes I did'nt remember to write. It's just like mine, but I couldn't remember. LOL

──As for FFXII, "Theme of Final Fantasy" runs just when we power PlayStation 2.

I really wanted to use somewhere "Theme of Final Fantasy" and "Prelude" composed by Nobuo Uematsu. Some suggested using both in loop demo at the outset of game, so we tried and it was fitted very well.

──The song evokes FF.

Yeah. I also felt "Oh, well, this game was FF！". LOL

──How did you feel when you arranged Nobuo Uematsu's music?

Since I myself have played FF for long, impression of music is more image for game itself than music. while I wanted to adapt his tunes as a arranger, I also thought of keeping tunes in those colors so it remained like FF. As a result I saved the base of original score.

──Commingled Uematsu's tunes and yours, it has many glorious stuffs.

It's relatively gaudy LOL...there are still other arranges of past series, such as "Clash on the Big Bridge" from FFV.

──You speached that there are many tunes arranged from light motive (a specific melody) in SQUARE-ENIX PARTY. Indeed, How many are those?

I guess those are over 10. It's my premise to disperse light motive in tunes. I was concerned to make simple, lingering in ears, and cathy melodies so that light motives doesn't change after being arranged. For example, there is no point in arranging Empire's theme in cherry tone or sadly tone, if users don't notice it's from Empire's theme at once.

──The intro, which we hear jumping out of a town or dungeon, evokes the sweep of field area.

I'm very consious of it, and also it was order from staff ：It's desirable to enhance contrast between well-lighted zones and dark places such as dungeon. I actually played, and it made sense. It's happy to hear a bright song when I find a sky.

──You actually played FFXII.

Yeah, of course. If I do say so myself as one of developer, it's a well-made game. It's good battle and moving is united. As for Gambit I felt some anxiety at first, but in the events it's very interesting. We can't leave party fighting with many monsters in only one sets, and we try and learn against boss monster. When I was told about FFXII, it seemed interesting, but also I feared it couldn't complete. As a result, more than expected.

──There is no transition in FFXII's fight and move. Did you take pain in composing tunes for field area?

As suspected, I suffered. However, as Tactics Ogre or FFT, Scene changes directly to battle from conversation, so I have a kind of methodolody from my exprience through working on similar games. Concretely speaking, I weaved both intese and calm part into a tune to create intonation, make it dynamic and dramatic, and I tried to keep the same pace. As for the rest, I also took pain in differentiate every fields like some deserts. A short time after I wrote Main theme of FINAL FANTASY XII for presentation, staff gave me a list of massive order for tunes. In the list, there were some deserts written like only "Desert1, Desert2, Desert3,,,". I asked "What desert is this?" and composed. LOL

──There are also many event scenes. What was it like composing tunes for events?

Basically, I adjusted the tunes written in advance, but the length of events changed on and on in the process. There in nothing surprising because this was the project of FINAL FANTASY and a number of staff were partipated in. By necessity, Many people were involved in events part and they refined those frequently. No sooner recomposed I also tunes for changed event, than some events were changed again. I paused to know FF is a huge project.

──When you asked to work for a huge project like FF again, do you hesitate?

Alright. I can do better next time.LOL This time much pressure on me. I can make use of this trial and error experience next time.

──Are there any other composing methodology you forcus on?

As for Matsuno's game, it has often heavy story. An unrelieved choice is presented. But I don't intend to trace it with music. It's abstract, but I play as hopeful tunes as possible. Of course, for event scenes the tune adjusted for locale must run. Though, there are some ways to change the impression, so I tried to leave hopeness for the future as much as I can. Needless to say, Matsuo doesn't write just a heavy plot and intend to make players unhappy. There is always the hidden background from which players see a character is in a situation he/she has no alternatives but an unrelieved choice. Thus rereading the story again, ashamed to say, we know "Here is human love". I also try to express it in music, perhaps due to it, playes can feel Hope.

──At the last, if you have anything you want players pay attention to, please let us know.

Tumultuous time, though Vaan stays in adversity, he lives strongly and brightly, involves party into a good mood... Begining to compose, I always think of where to set music's centrage on. Once I heard his circumstance, I thought it's better to plan tunes centraging on Vaan. I appreciate, even if only slightly, players feeling that music also revolves around Vaan, as it would be after listening all tunes that players understand it.

──Well, so Vaan is your favorite character.

Personally, Panelo come highly recommended ! LOL I never take her off party ! Without her, I don't feel like making a journey ! LOL

──So much...LOL

--------------------------------------------------------
If there is still something wrong or confusing, plz tell me it.
I'll edit this everytime.

[Fatigue]

Thanks for that, Lierre! :)

Just in, there will be 98 tracks on the Original Soundtrack. Just below 100. :(

[Rain Corale]

Thanks for that, Lierre! :)

Just in, there will be 98 tracks on the Original Soundtrack. Just below 100. :(

Preposterous. I demand less tracks!

[Rain Corale]

As suspected, I suffered. However, as Tactics Ogre or FFT, Scene changes directly to battle from conversation, so I have a kind of methodolody from my exprience through working on similar games. Concretely speaking, I weaved both intese and calm part into a tune to create intonation, make it dynamic and dramatic, and I tried to keep the same pace. As for the rest, I also took pain in differentiate every fields like some deserts. A short time after I wrote Main theme of FINAL FANTASY XII for presentation, staff gave me a list of massive order for tunes. In the list, there were some deserts written like only "Desert1, Desert2, Desert3,,,". I asked "What desert is this?" and composed. LOL



This is so cool! This is one of my favorite aspects of Sakimoto's music...dynamics between intensity and calm...its awesome to hear him talk about it! Thanks a lot Lierre. This is awesome.

[Ovelia]

Thanks for that, Lierre! :)

Just in, there will be 98 tracks on the Original Soundtrack. Just below 100. :(
Where did you get this information from? I'm curious...

p.s. Is the track list out yet?

[Fatigue]

Where did you get this information from? I'm curious...

p.s. Is the track list out yet?

I got it from here. (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20060421/ffxii.htm)

And no, the tracklist hasn't been announced yet. :)

[Ovelia]

Well, my interpretation is, there're 98 sakimoto tracks, and if symphonic poem 'hope' and 'kiss me good-bye' are included, then there're still 100. :p

anyway, thanks for the information :)

[Lierre]

Well, my interpretation is, there're 98 sakimoto tracks, and if symphonic poem 'hope' and 'kiss me good-bye' are included, then there're still 100. :p

anyway, thanks for the information :)

Sakimoto once said "The Number of tracks is just 100 (If he count the tracks which is slightly arranged or divided from long tune, then it's 120-130)". And the aniplex soundtruck page didn't refer to Hope and Kiss me goodbye at first.

So we "can" take it as two tracks are out.
But at the same time, when he said so, he could include the tunes he didn't compose in the number, such as Kiss me good-bye, Hope, and Iwata and Matsuo's ones.

At any rate, I already created a list from PSF2 files and play video, and will pin down this.

[Zane]

I need new Sakimoto. :(

[Fatigue]

Like usual, thanks to KujaFFman, we have full production credits for Final Fantasy XII. Here, I will only post the important part: sound section. :p I also added the outside collaborators company names alongside their own names (plus correcting misspelling and credits which were left out).

Sound Production Credits

Music Production & Composition
Hitoshi Sakimoto (Basiscape)

Additional Composition
Hayato Matsuo (IMAGINE)
Masaharu Iwata (Basiscape)

Synthesizer Operator
Keiji Kawamori

Sound Programmer
Minoru Akao

Sound Tool Programmer
Satoshi Akamatsu

Opening & Ending Themes

Composer
Hitoshi Sakimoto (Basiscape)

Orchestral Arrangement
Hayato Matsuo (IMAGINE)

Producer
Yuji Saito (IMAGINE)

Piano
Masato Matsuda

Percussion
Midori Takada, Tomoko Kusakari, Marie Oishi

Trumpet
Kazuya Honma Group

Horn
Hiroyuki Minami Group

Trombone
Osamu Matsumoto Group

Harp
Tomoyuki Asakawa

Tuba
Kiyoshi Sato

Flute
Takashi Asahi, Yoshio Kizu

Oboe
Satoshi Shoji, Keiko Narita

Clarinet
Tadashi Hoshino, Satoshi Kobayashi

Faggoto
Josuke Ohata

Strings
Masatsugu Shinozaki Group

Conductor
Koji Haishima

"Kiss Me Good-Bye"(Featured in FINAL FANTASY XII)

Composer & Producer
Nobuo Uematsu (Smile Please)

Vocals/Piano/Lyrics
Angela Aki

Arrangement
Kenichiro Fukui

Strings
Ittetsu Gen String Group

Guitar
Mitsuhiro Ohta

Bass
Akira Yamamoto

Drums & Percussion
Isao Arima

Symphonic Poem "Hope"

Composer
Taro Hakase
Hitoshi Sakimoto

Arrangement
Yuji Toriyama, Robin Smith

Guitar
Yuji Toriyama

Violin
Taro Hakase

Additional Production
Katsumi Ohtani
Miho Kitagawa
Robby Wada

Some facts on the staff team:

Hitoshi Sakimoto - Need I say more?

Masaharu Iwata - (Composed for Final Fantasy Tactics, Stella Deus, Baroque, Shadow Hearts, Ogre series, etc). Sakimoto's 'partner-in-crime'. Worked with the main Final Fantasy XII composer on many projects (no, NOT just Final Fantasy Tactics and Treasure Hunter G). Is now employed and works alongside by Sakimoto in Basiscape (alongside Manabu Namiki, Mitsuhiro Kaneda, Masaaki Kaneko and Miki Ito).

Hayato Matsuo - (Composed for Ogre series, Front Mission 3, etc). One of the good people working for Yuji Saito at IMAGINE. Has had a long time relationship with Sakimoto and Iwata (known as the 'Ogre Trio' on one of their most prominent series, Ogre Battle.

Keiji Kawamori - One of the many synthesizer operators employed by Square Enix. Aside from Yasuhiro Yamanaka and newly employed Mitsuto Suzuki, he has worked on the least projects at his time working for the company, only contributing to their premier Final Fantasy series. Is the bassist in Uematsu's rock band, The Black Mages. Final Fantasy XII is Kawamori's fifth known project.

Minoru Akao - One of the very first staff members to join the sound division (with Nobuo Uematsu coming in first, and Kenji Ito coming in later after Akao) at Square (now Square Enix). His first recorded work for Square was the original Final Fantasy game. Since then, he has been hard at work for nearly every single Square Enix game made in existence. That's a hard worker!

Satoshi Akamatsu - This man is fairly skilled in the art of Sound Tool Programming. He has worked on such projects as The Bouncer, Dewprism (Threads of Fate), Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, Final Fantasy X-2, Front Mission 4, Front Mission 5, UNLIMITED: SaGa, etc. He can also play the guitar, contributing his talents to games such as Final Fantasy XI, Front Mission 4, Front Mission 5, UNLIMITED: SaGa, etc.

Yuji Saito - The director of IMAGINE. Usually works in the sound production elements in various anime and movie projects. Residing in his company lies well known faces like Shiro Hamaguchi, Hayato Matsuo and Kouhei Tanaka.

Masato Matsuda - He has been involved in a large amount of Square Enix orchestrations, lending his talents to every Final Fantasy orchestral track to date.

Tomoyuki Asakawa - Here is a big face in VGM. Asakawa has appeared in a huge amount of VGM orchestrations. Like Matsuda, he has appeared in many Square Enix orchestral tracks. Has been around in the VGM world since before 1990. Also took over the arrangement responsibilities of Michio Fujisawa and arranged the New Arrange Version tracks on Ys III Perfect Collection.

Takashi Asahi - Joins Matsuda and Asakawa in contributing to a whole variety of Square Enix orchestrations.

Masatsugu Shinozaki Group - This is THE group to call for when you want the job done right. Masatsugu Shinozaki and his group have been around for a LONG time, and in my knowledge, first contributed to a VGM score or album in the Ys days on many of Falcom's albums. He is also an extremely talented string player, and can play a wide variety of instruments.

Koji Haishima - The conductor of pretty much all Square Enix orchestra tracks.

Nobuo Uematsu - No need to explain.

Angela Aki - A half American/Japanese vocalist who has provided a fresh, new voice to Final Fantasy love ballads. She and Motoki Matsuoka created a cover version of Uematsu's "Eyes on Me" released on her 'Warriors of the Heart' album.

Kenichiro Fukui - A talented addition to Square Enix's composing crew. He first worked with Square on Einhänder and was responsible for arranging many tunes on Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Also composed for All Star Pro-Wrestling, All Star Pro-Wrestling III, Front Mission 5 ~Scars of the War~ and more. His first project was to arrange Motoaki Furukawa's work on Gradius II.

Ittetsu Gen String Group - Ittetsu Gen has worked with Masashi Hamauzu on UNLIMITED: SaGa, and his string group has performed on some tracks in Yasunori Mitsuda's Xenosaga Episode I.

Taro Hakase - A very well known violinist and composer in Japan (despite me not knowing much about him. :p)

Yuji Toriyama - Recently surprising us with his orchestral style, the guitar composer, who is contracted to Sony Music, arranged and played the guitar in the 'Street Fighter II Alph Lyla with Yuji Toriyama' album and arranged Mieko Ishikawa's "Morning of Departure" for Ys III Perfect Collection. Recently composed the main theme, "Wind of Phantom", for Genso Suikoden V.

[Lierre]

Good job, yet a small thing...

Masaharu Iwata - (Composed for Final Fantasy Tactics, Stella Deus, Baroque, Shadow Hearts, Ogre series, etc). Sakimoto's 'partner-in-crime'. Worked with the main Final Fantasy XII composer on many projects (no, NOT just Final Fantasy Tactics and Treasure Hunter G). Is now employed and works alongside by Sakimoto in Basiscape (alongside Manabu Namiki, Mitsuhiro Kaneda, Masaaki Kaneko and Miki Ito).


As I remember, Masaaki Kaneko and Miki Ito belonged to PROCYON STUDIO (http://web.archive.org/web/20040429141709/www.procyon-studio.co.jp/staff.html) (Mistuda's company) not Basiscape. But if they transfered to, it's good. :) I'm also interested in Sakimoto's company.

[Fatigue]

Good job, yet a small thing...



As I remember, Masaaki Kaneko and Miki Ito belonged to PROCYON STUDIO (http://web.archive.org/web/20040429141709/www.procyon-studio.co.jp/staff.html) (Mistuda's company) not Basiscape. But if they transfered to, it's good. :) I'm also interested in Sakimoto's company.

Indeed, they have transferred to Basiscape. This has been confirmed to me, and also is evident due to their profiles being removed from Procyon Studio. :)

By the way, that link you provided seems to be some sort of archive. The real page is found here (http://www.procyon-studio.co.jp/staff.html).

[Lierre]

Indeed, they have transferred to Basiscape. This has been confirmed to me, and also is evident due to their profiles being removed from Procyon Studio. :)

By the way, that link you provided seems to be some sort of archive. The real page is found here (http://www.procyon-studio.co.jp/staff.html).

Oh, really? I knew they quited Procyon Studio recently, but I didn' know about it. Thanks for infomation.

[Jormungand]

Harp
Hiroyuki Minami Group, Tomoyuki Asakawa

What the...??

If anyone might be able to give me a good justification for needing more than one harpist (two at most), then I'll leave this one alone.

[Fatigue]

Tracklist!! (http://www.aniplex.co.jp/FF12/)

[Lierre]

What the...??

If anyone might be able to give me a good justification for needing more than one harpist (two at most), then I'll leave this one alone.

I don't know about musical performance well, But there would be some parts needs many harpist... However, you may be right because Hiroyuki Minami was written as a Horn player not Harp in this website (http://wwwi.netwave.or.jp/~popo/studio1-5/listtop-studio4.htm#１２２) reffering to the recording of FFXII.

Tracklist!! (http://www.aniplex.co.jp/FF12/)

!!!! Thanks!
I always wonder why overseas people catch news so fast.
Maybe this informatin isn't written in Japanese forum or news site yet.

[Fatigue]

Here it is! KujaFFman and I present the first English tracklist of Final Fantasy XII! Enjoy! (Please take note that we have altered some titles to match the names of the tunes (and areas) which are found in game). :D

Credits:

Composition: Hitoshi Sakimoto, Nobuo Uematsu (1-1, 1-2, 2-3, 2-12, 3-11, 3-13, 4-19), Masaharu Iwata (3-21, 4-8), Hayato Matsuo (1-29, 2-4, 2-21, 2-22, 3-4, 4-6, 4-7), Taro Hakase & Yuji Toriyama (4-20)
Arrangement: Hitoshi Sakimoto (1-1, 1-2, 2-3, 2-12, 3-11, 3-13), Hayato Matsuo (1-3, 4-18) Kenichiro Fukui (4-19), Yuji Toriyama & Robin Smith (4-20)
Lyrics & Vocals: Angela Aki (4-19)

Disc 1

01) Loop Demo
02) FINAL FANTASY ~FFXII Version~
03) Opening Movie (Theme of FINAL FANTASY XII)
04) Infiltration
05) Boss Battle
06) Auditory Hallucination
07) Secret Practice
08) Small Happiness
09) Royal Capital Rabanastre / City Upper Ground
10) Penelo's Theme
11) Dream of Becoming a Sky Pirate
12) Little Villain
13) The Dalmasca Estersand
14) Level Up!
15) Naiveté
16) Coexistence (Imperial Version)
17) Symptoms of Change
18) Mission Start
19) Rabanastre Downtown
20) Mission Failure
21) Peaceful Determination
22) The Dalmasca Westersand
23) Clan Headquarters
24) Small Bargain
25) Giza Plains
26) Separation with Penelo
27) The Garamscythe Waterway
28) Sign
29) Riot
30) The Nalbina Fortress Town Area

Disc 2

01) The Princess' Vision
02) The Strike of a Blade
03) Victory Fanfare ~FFXII Version~
04) Abyss
05) Dark Clouds (Imperial Version)
06) Promise with Balthier
07) Game Over
08) The Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison
09) Barbarians
10) Battle Drum
11) Theme of the Empire
12) Chocobo FFXII Arrange Ver.1
13) The Barheim Passage
14) Sorrow (Liberation Army Version)
15) Basch's Reminiscence
16) Coexistence (Liberation Army Version)
17) The Skycity of Bhujerba
18) Secret of Nethicite
19) Dark Night (Imperial Version)
20) Speechless Fight
21) The Dreadnought Leviathan Bridge
22) Challenging the Empire
23) State of Urgency
24) Agitation (Imperial Version)
25) The Tomb of Raithwall

Disc 3

01) Large Sandsea
02) Esper Battle
03) Sorrow (Imperial Version)
04) Seeking Power
05) Fight to the Death
06) Jahara, Land of the Garif
07) Ozmone Plain
08) The Golmore Jungle
09) Eruyt Village
10) You Really Are a Child...
11) Chocobo ~FFXII Version~
12) A Threat Drawing Near
13) Clash on the Big Bridge ~FFXII Version~
14) Abandoning Power
15) The Stilshrine of Miriam
16) Time of Rest
17) White Room
18) The Salikawood
19) The Phon Coast
20) Destiny
21) The Sochen Cave Palace
22) An Hour of Rest
23) Neighbourhood of Water
24) The Mosphoran Highwaste

Disc 4

01) The Cerobi Steppe
02) Esper
03) The Port City of Balfonheim
04) Nap
05) The Zertinan Caverns
06) Ground of Recollection
07) The Forgotten Capital
08) The Feywood
09) Ashe's Theme
10) Giruvegan Enigma
11) To the Place of Gods
12) Beginning of the End
13) To the Summit
14) Sky Fortress Bahamut
15) Shaking Bahamut
16) Battle for Freedom
17) The End of Battle
18) Ending Movie
19) Kiss Me Good-Bye -featured in FINAL FANTASY XII-
20) Symphonic Poem "Hope" ~FINAL FANTASY XII PV ver.~
21) Theme of FINAL FANTASY XII (Presentation Version)

[Garamond]

disc 4 17) Final Battle / 闘いの結末
I would say it's "The End of Fight" (final fanfare).

[Fatigue]

disc 4 17) Final Battle / 闘いの結末
I would say it's "The End of Fight" (final fanfare).

You are right. I edited "Final Battle" and changed it to "The End of Battle". :)

[Lierre]

This (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/music/sem/page/ff12/) implies that with "Kiss me Good-Bye" and "Hope", OST still includes all 100 tracks.
So the total number of "ingame" instrumental tracks would be 98, not 100.
Sakimoto would count the pieces of others when he reffered to the number of tracks.

I guess there can be 4 to 8 pieces written by Iwata and Mastuo among those.
Below is my anticipation.

Iwata's ?
3-21 The Sochen Cave Palace...silmilar to "Fog of phantom", "Blasphemous Experiment" from Tactics Ogre.
4-08 The Feywood...very silmilar to "Blasphemous Experiment", "Unsealed" from Tactics Ogre.
?-?? Paramina Rift...Unconfident, but slightly similar to "Under the stars" from FFT. This regular intervals of piano seems Iwata's way

Matsuo's ?
3-06 Jahara, Land of the Garif...Unconfident, but Sakimoto hasn't written such a traditional song
3-07 Ozmone Plain...I just feel so.
3-15 The Stilshrine of Miriam...Unconfident, but Sakimoto hasn't written such a traditional song
3-19 The Phon Coast...Please listen "Accretion Disk" from Ogre Battle. This stings is silmilar to that wind part.

If I'm right, plz praise me:)

[Fatigue]

A new interview on Udatsu Tanaka's Square Enix Music TV has been uploaded, and guess the composer who is interviewed (again)? :p

Click here (http://www.square-enix.co.jp/music/sem/page/udatsu/imgs/utv_014.asx)!

[Fatigue]

Iwata composed 2 tracks for Final Fantasy XII. Matsuo composed 7. :)

This is all I will reveal. Please stay tuned for more! :D

[Ovelia]

Wow... waiting for more information to follow. :p

[Lierre]

Iwata composed 2 tracks for Final Fantasy XII. Matsuo composed 7. :)


I'm looking forward to the detail. Fatigue...How could you get it?:o
Matsuo composed 7 tracks...omg, I didn't find it.
"The Dreadnought Leviathan Bridge", "Jahara, Land of the Garif", "Ozmone Plain", "The Stilshrine of Miriam", "The Phon Coast",
"To the Summit" are so, or?

Anyway, thx for information.

[Fatigue]

I'm looking forward to the detail. Fatigue...How could you get it?:o
Matsuo composed 7 tracks...omg, I didn't find it.
"The Dreadnought Leviathan Bridge", "Jahara, Land of the Garif", "Ozmone Plain", "The Stilshrine of Miriam", "The Phon Coast",
"To the Summit" are so, or?

Anyway, thx for information.

I cannot reveal anything more for now, but a big surprise should come available in the next few days. ;)

[Lierre]

I cannot reveal anything more for now, but a big surprise should come available in the next few days. ;)

well, so interesting.

[Jormungand]

I'm looking forward to the detail. Fatigue...How could you get it?:o
Matsuo composed 7 tracks...omg, I didn't find it.
"The Dreadnought Leviathan Bridge", "Jahara, Land of the Garif", "Ozmone Plain", "The Stilshrine of Miriam", "The Phon Coast",
"To the Summit" are so, or?

Anyway, thx for information.
I only have the demo rips, but Phon Coast is most definetely Sakimoto.

Fatigue, unless you are either part of the Secret Service or a psychic, I'm not sure what there possibly could be to surprise us at this point?

[Ovelia]

^

The Phon Coast music in the demo was used in Giza Plains and Tchita Uplands in the actual game. And the Miriam Shrine theme was actually the BGM in the middle part of Pharos of Ridorana.

:p

[Lierre]

^

The Phon Coast music in the demo was used in Giza Plains and Tchita Uplands in the actual game. And the Miriam Shrine theme was actually the BGM in the middle part of Pharos of Ridorana.

:p

Yep, when I refer to "The Phon Coast", it means the track of the same name in OST.
Similary, "To the Summit" means the music of the middle-Ridorana Pharos and the demo music of The Stillshrine of Miriam.
"The Phon Coast" is kinda like "Accretion Disk" of Ogre Battle, but anyway there isn't any hard evidence to say so.
I don't have good ears.

[Jormungand]

Oh those crazy guys at Square. Well, once I hear the actual soundtrack, I'll know who did what just by the merit of knowing Sakimoto's tendencies within a second of hearing something... not that it will matter since the album will list composition credits. Meh.

[Fatigue]

The details are revealed. (http://www.cocoebiz.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3390#post3390)

[SakiMojo]

what is the US release date for the FF XII soundtrack? I'm dying to get my grubby hands on it!

[Fatigue]

what is the US release date for the FF XII soundtrack? I'm dying to get my grubby hands on it!

No such thing. It's a Japanese release only.

[Fatigue]

I updated the original tracklist (http://www.cocoebiz.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3306&postcount=44) to incorporate the tracks that Matsuo and Iwata composed. Mr. Iwata composed "The Sochen Cave Palace" and "The Feywood". Mr. Matsuo composed "Riot", "Abyss", "The Dreadnought Leviathan Bridge", "Challenging the Empire", "Seeking Power", "Ground of Recollection", and "The Forgotten Capital". Thanks to Lierre for the information from the linear notes! :D

[Lierre]

In Japan, OST is virtually released today.
First of all, I want to celebrate this day, and render thanks to Hitoshi Sakimoto and all those who are involved in this project.

Hearing all tracks, I swear it's one of the best OSTs of Sakimoto.
As expected, it's far more elaborated and sophisticated than his past works.
And I'm also surprised at the difference of quailty between this OST and in-game sound.
It's a pity that FFXII staff couldn't adopt "Streaming" but "in-PS2" sound.
(Indeed, the directer Minagawa revealed they quited inserting battle music because of memory capacity.)

However, I personally have a beef at the same time.
First, when I actually played FFXII, these tracks weren't always pleasing to my ear.
Rather, I dare to say, I sometimes felt they were even "jarring".
But I know it's simply because I was too acclimatized to FFXI music stlye.
Secondly, I still can't find "indescribable piece" in this OST yet, though I can pick out too many "great pieces".
If Sakimoto had a chance to write staff roll song, instead of Hakase,
then it would be 'cause his staff roll tunes were always awesome as we know.

Anyway, If you like Sakimoto music, Don't miss this OST!
It would be said as his crowning work in terms of not only recognizability but also popularity.

Btw...


Matsuo's ?
3-06 Jahara, Land of the Garif...Unconfident, but Sakimoto hasn't written such a traditional song
3-07 Ozmone Plain...I just feel so.
3-15 The Stilshrine of Miriam...Unconfident, but Sakimoto hasn't written such a traditional song
3-19 The Phon Coast...Please listen "Accretion Disk" from Ogre Battle. This stings is silmilar to that wind part.


I'm sorry, but this anticipation was almost wrong:(
You all figure how my ears suck.

EDIT:Hearing again and again, I'm so excited！

[Raijin]

I see, so It seems the sound has been significantly downgraded in terms of quality in the game. Meh...
What a shame also there's no Sakimoto's Staff Roll this time. Instead of a potential marvel we have to suffer again from Hakase's stuff. Ugh...

[SakiMojo]

Where is the best place to order the FFXII OST? also, there are some songs and samples from the FFXII ost here: *Link Removed*

EDIT: SakiMojo, do not post links which have not been formally approved by Aniplex or Square Enix. While these tracks are mostly rips from the demo, it is still not a good idea to post links like this.

[Fatigue]

Where is the best place to order the FFXII OST? also, there are some songs and samples from the FFXII ost here: *Link Removed*

Um, I'm not even going to answer that question. ;) It seems too obvious.

[SakiMojo]

can anyone give their impressions of this album? is it epic like Radiant Silvergun? Dark like Vagrant Story? a bit subdued like Stella Deus? a mix of styles? The demo songs I've heard sound quite epic and fast paced, and have me very excited about the album!

[Pastor Of Muppets]

can anyone give their impressions of this album? is it epic like Radiant Silvergun? Dark like Vagrant Story? a bit subdued like Stella Deus? a mix of styles? The demo songs I've heard sound quite epic and fast paced, and have me very excited about the album!

All of the above. (one track that I think sounds a lot like Radiant Silvergun is "The Phon Coast")
This OST is really the perfect mix of all his past styles, and it's easily his best work so far imo.
Iwata's and Matsuo's contributions are excellent as well.

[Raijin]

I have only heard the first disc and I absolutely love it! Amazing work by Sakimoto-san.

EDIT: Lierre, if you still go here, I would like to know how well received was the OST by Sakimoto in Japan?

[Lierre]

I have only heard the first disc and I absolutely love it! Amazing work by Sakimoto-san.

EDIT: Lierre, if you still go here, I would like to know how well received was the OST by Sakimoto in Japan?

I have seen few praise Sakimoto for FFXII before the OST was released.
What is even worse, many criticized him, saying "He sucks" "We miss Uematsu" "All tracks were forgettable" and so on.
But now, almost everyone who hears this OST seem to appreciate it very much.
It's because not only were there many myopic people, but FFXII music didn't impress us also when we played the game.
As noted above, I prefer also FFX or FFXI music to FFXII in game(Needless to say, I prefer FFXII OST to all those).

Indeed, this reversal movement doesn't make me amazed so much since the same thing happened with Gradius V.
His symphonic techno music for Gradius V had been quite unusual to them at first.

[Terramax]

It makes me slightly angry that the OST approached badly in Japan at first but I new it was going to happen. Anyway, give it a couple of months/ years and people won't care.

I agree that the Gradius V was unusual compared to many side shooters but at the same time, there is a sound to Sakimoto's music, that gives the game overall a more majestic, epic feel than most of the kind. I think the best example of this is the track 'Battleship -Stage2 & 8-' or the intro. Tell me, when listening to that loud, that the hairs on your arms don't flick up?

What a shame also there's no Sakimoto's Staff Roll this time. I

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooo...

anyway, as long as I get that sample song from the site, the one with the wind instrument (hopefully you all know what I'm on about) then my 30 quid is already well spent.

[Raijin]

I have seen few praise Sakimoto for FFXII before the OST was released.
What is even worse, many criticized him, saying "He sucks" "We miss Uematsu" "All tracks were forgettable" and so on.
But now, almost everyone who hears this OST seem to appreciate it very much.
It's because not only were there many myopic people, but FFXII music didn't impress us also when we played the game.
As noted above, I prefer also FFX or FFXI music to FFXII in game(Needless to say, I prefer FFXII OST to all those).

Indeed, this reversal movement doesn't make me amazed so much since the same thing happened with Gradius V.
His symphonic techno music for Gradius V had been quite unusual to them at first.


Well I'm seeing the reviews at amazon.co.jp and I see exactly what you're talking about. Bahh anyway I love what Sakimoto did for this game and It's certainly one of my favourite of all time.

[RinoaDestiny]

Hi! :) (coming out of lurk mode)

I just recently got the soundtrack as well, and I must say as a long-time Sakimoto fan that I'm absolutely floored by it. I loved his FFT work with Iwata, then VS had my jaw on the ground - still does with that lovely opening and Staff Roll - and now, his debut into the FF series is simply astonishing. It's like every time he does another soundtrack, his style matures and his compositions get tighter and more fluent. It's quite a treat to the ears.

As for the lukewarm reception, I hear ya on that. :( Sadly enough, I'm seeing that on GameFAQs, of which I'm a common participant on the FFXII boards. While there's quite a few of us Sakimoto fans on there (with many having converted since FFT's OST came out years ago), many of the diehard Uematsu fans aren't giving Sakimoto's soundtrack a chance. Common complaints are that it's too 'boring,' 'unmemorable,' 'repetitive,' 'too orchestral so everything sounds alike,' 'an FF without Uematsu isn't a FF OST,' 'Sakimoto's inferior to Uematsu' (I think I blew some steam at that comment), and so on and so forth. It's quite disheartening.

At the same time, it's also why I've recently nabbed not only the FFXII OST, but also VS's reprint OST. Sakimoto's such a sleeper-hit composer that he needs all the encouragement he can get, and CD sales speak for themselves. I wish him the best of luck with his next DS project, and that he along with Development Team 4 (Matsuno's group) can continue to give us games that have heart, class, style, and their historical roots in warfare, sacrifice, and genuine subtle emotion.

[Raijin]

Meh GameFAQs is full of morons and empty-headed fanboys ugh... what a detestable board.

[Ovelia]

^ Hello there. ^^ My username is PrincessOvelia in the GameFAQs board and I've seen those comments. Yes it's sad.

But some days ago in a discussion group in my native language, I've even seen people yelling that Sakimoto fans are 'crazy', 'incomprehensible' or something like that. I got speechless here. In fact, WE are the one using reasoning to argue with these people, so we are not the crazy one. :(

[RinoaDestiny]

^ Hello there. ^^ My username is PrincessOvelia in the GameFAQs board and I've seen those comments. Yes it's sad.

But some days ago in a discussion group in my native language, I've even seen people yelling that Sakimoto fans are 'crazy', 'incomprehensible' or something like that. I got speechless here. In fact, WE are the one using reasoning to argue with these people, so we are not the crazy one. :(

Hi! :) Nice to see you again, Ovelia!

Yeah, it's very sad. I just think some people like being spoonfed a ditty or two (sorry, Uematsu!) instead of having to process layers of harmony and variations that make music more interesting. (It's like people going to see a movie, and then complaining that they don't want to think about the plot). :rolleyes: If it wasn't for FFT, I would've never found Sakimoto, and that would've been terrible. He's a pioneer in the best sense of the word, and he's way ahead of his time with his mature composing. He's like VGM's Van Gogh - underdog in his art.

And yes, we actually present more information and intellectual sense when debating with people over Sakimoto's work. Actually, the VS board on GameFAQs is nigh intelligent, with courteous people, actual English being correctly written and posted, and the FFT board has quite a few of those people as well. I guess you need to be of a more mature mindset to enjoy Matsuno and Sakimoto's work as a whole; any more juvenile, and it completely flies by you like a chick flick.

I guess that to many FF fans who haven't followed Sakimoto into Vagrant Story can't comprehend his style, or pick out his harmonies/or melodies. *sigh* I want to help spread the love, but it's so hard. Like throwing pearls to swine (in a not-so Biblical sense).

[Terramax]

Ive listened to the soundtrack and its good, but nowhere near his best. I have to say, personally, as much as I love his music as we all do, he may not have been the best for the job. At least I cant see him doing another OST for the main FF series for a while.

His music is diverse to a certain extent, but its too mature and orestra, whilst the Final Fantasies have always been more, how can I say it, concept driven. At least the later ones. FF8 was more fanfare and military, FF9 more medievil sorts. They all have music that contributes to the overall game. But Sakimoto might not have approached the music the same way (obviously, as it is a different composer).

This soundtrack isn't bad though. But one thing, when listening to this and the Stella Deus CD before is that maybe his music is getting TOO mature. I've always liked FFTactics because it's so much more playfull and childish (and not childish as in bad at all) whilst Vagrant Story is specifically dark and sinister. But there doesn't seem to be any agenda to his latest work other than the Sakimoto agenda. The only recent work that has seemed a little different recently is Gradius V.

Of course, I haven't played the game yet so things might be different when I play. But when I listen to this, I don't think of Final Fantasy.

I still love this album though. I'll be listening to it for a while. But I wish Sakimoto would stop making mature works and go back to being a kiddie with his musical toys.

EDIT: Also, am I the only one sometimes reminded of the new Star Wars soundtracks when listening to this album?

[Ovelia]

Guess I'm the one that completely embraces maturity. ^^

The situation here is quite similar to Danny Elfman maybe... Some people got tired after his change to more mature works after 1995, but in my case, I love Elfman's later work more than his earlier ones. :(

[Terramax]

BTW, the track I was on about earlier was 'Time For A Rest'. Absolutely beautiful. Better than anything Uemetsu has made.

[RinoaDestiny]

I haven't followed Williams' latest SW offerings, so I can't say anything about the similarities. Although, the Empire theme in FFXII does have the same bombastic grandiose style. Considering that the Japanese are crazy SW fans, I'm not surprised if Sakimoto is one, too.

I'm currently listening to 'Esper Battle.' This track is simply stunning. It tells me that Sakimoto has picked up on Iwata's subtle touches for menacing composition, and his choral insertions have gotten better. It sounds formidable - perfect for going up against them. 'Eruyt Village' almost sounds like it can belong in 'Chrono Cross' with its soft melody/harmony (?) - another one of my favorites, especially for lulling me to sleep. I might just as well say that Disc 3 is perhaps my favorite disc; although, just for 'Battle for Freedom' alone on Disc 4, that disc's going to be worn down in no time. :D

Thank goodness his ability to compose epic battle themes hasn't gone dry. That would be a shame.

[Ovelia]

'Eruyt Village' almost sounds like it can belong in 'Chrono Cross' with its soft melody/harmony (?) - another one of my favorites, especially for lulling me to sleep.

I discussed this track with a friend of mine, and he said if not for the last part of the song with standard Sakimoto-ish chord progress and orchestrations, it's hard to distinguish from other composers' works if not given the context. I certainly do not mean it's bad, it's perhaps another facet of Sakimoto's compositions. :p

[Fatigue]

It would be great if someone could provide a translation of Sakimoto's comments in the booklet. Anyone here great at Japanese? :p

[Jormungand]

I haven't gotten the OST yet, but

His music is diverse to a certain extent, but its too mature and orestra, whilst the Final Fantasies have always been more, how can I say it, concept driven...when I listen to this, I don't think of Final Fantasy.

^this comment makes no sense to me. It's what all those gameFaq'r's use as their ammunition--that FF can only look a certain way, play a certain way, sound a certain way. FF has never been about a single idea; any similar features throughout the series are novelties that are superficial to the goal of any individual title.

FF8 was more fanfare and military
This generalization doesn't even hint at the overall tone of FF8. 'Militaristic' would be a fitting adjective for something like Front Mission or Metal Gear, but certainly not Final Fantasy.

I've always liked FFTactics because it's so much more playfull and childish (and not childish as in bad at all) whilst Vagrant Story is specifically dark and sinister.
Now this has me stumped. Tactics Advance is his extreme lightheartedness, Vagrant Story his darkest; FFT stands in the middle. One of the intriguing aspects of FFT's soundtrack is that it retains Sakimoto's 'mature' orchestration yet is still, in his words, easy for people to understand. It has its share of "playful" tracks, but in no way can that word be applied in description to the score as a whole. In fact, there are some works there that match the darkness of Vagrant Story (not to mention one that's just outright frightening...).

EDIT: Also, am I the only one sometimes reminded of the new Star Wars soundtracks when listening to this album?
I sure hope so, because the new SW scores suck...

[RinoaDestiny]

One of the intriguing aspects of FFT's soundtrack is that it retains Sakimoto's 'mature' orchestration yet is still, in his words, easy for people to understand. It has its share of "playful" tracks, but in no way can that word be applied in description to the score as a whole. In fact, there are some works there that match the darkness of Vagrant Story (not to mention one that's just outright frightening...).

Which track is that in FFT that's outright frightening? I can think of a few, but it sounds like you're very specific there, Jormungand.

To me, this is what his soundtracks break up into:

VS - almost spiritual in a sense; dark and forboding, yet strong and honorable.

FFT - I always think of 'battle' whenever I hear this OST. There seems to be an insatiable driving force behind the music that just screams 'war' to me.

FFXII - I haven't played the game, yet. But this OST really is an unique balance of epic tracks, soothing ones, and other experimentations. Overall, it seamlessly stitches together a diversity of sound. It's unlike any Sakimoto album that I've heard before.

[Rain Corale]

Which track is that in FFT that's outright frightening?

Let me guess...Bloody Excrement. :)

[Terramax]

Don't get me wrong Jormungand, I didn't mean to create an arguement here or offend, however, I do sorta disagree with one thing...

FF has never been about a single idea; any similar features throughout the series are novelties that are superficial to the goal of any individual title.

I think this is true to a certain extent, but FF IS a franchise. And with franchises in movies or games, sometimes changing the style can help it but sometimes harm it.
Of course, Like I'm sure I said, I haven't played the game yet so I can't really tell whether it would fit or not. I'm only listening to the music as the Sakimoto franchise rather than the FF franchise.

I just find his earlier work more distinguished and would catch on to me faster. I've been listening to the OST for about 12 hours straight (I was up until 3 listening again and again) and it just sounds so much more overbuilt, more like a movie soundtrack and some themes like secondary tracks to work before. However, I'll give credit, when an original track plays on this OST it definatly feels like Sakimoto hits the spot.

One of the intriguing aspects of FFT's soundtrack is that it retains Sakimoto's 'mature' orchestration yet is still, in his words, easy for people to understand. It has its share of "playful" tracks, but in no way can that word be applied in description to the score as a whole.


You are quite right. However, I think there is a major different between the maturity with FFT and FFXII. FFT is just as much epic (as 'Battle on the Bridge' would show) but it's seems all the more cleaner. The tunes were simpler and catchier and even the darker ones more upbeat. I think they stand alone just as much when listening to the OST on its own as it would when playing the game whilst with FFXII, I just can't enjoy it much without wanting to embrace the game at the same time.

FFXII - I haven't played the game, yet. But this OST really is an unique balance of epic tracks, soothing ones, and other experimentations. Overall, it seamlessly stitches together a diversity of sound. It's unlike any Sakimoto album that I've heard before.

I agree completely. I think it's the drumming and the horn wind instruments giving it a slight medievil-warcry or even boardline tribal feel in some parts. This aint a bad thing. FFXII is DEFINATLY the most epic OST he's ever done. I just guess I'm not into epic OSTs as much as everyone else here.

[Jormungand]

Let me guess...Bloody Excrement. :)
5 millionz points for Rain Corale!

Terramax, I would agree with you for the most part. I can't take the discussion much further however, as I still don't have my FFXII cds :(.

[Fatigue]

Just recived my FFXII OST from the postman, and I'll be reviewing it for VGMWorld.com on Thursday night. :)

[Terramax]

I only just got my FFXII OST today, but I managed to get hold of the mp3s by an alternative method a few days before... me still listening, and there are some incredible tracks here, but I understand why hardcore Uemetsu fans say this OST has a number of forgettable tracks. There are a number of tracks on this CD that are forgetful, mainly because they sound very similar to each other and because the same sounds/ instruments are used very often.

I think maybe it's about time Sakimoto might want to expand his canvas a little more now.

[Raijin]

I only just got my FFXII OST today, but I managed to get hold of the mp3s by an alternative method a few days before... me still listening, and there are some incredible tracks here, but I understand why hardcore Uemetsu fans say this OST has a number of forgettable tracks. There are a number of tracks on this CD that are forgetful, mainly because they sound very similar to each other and because the same sounds/ instruments are used very often.

I think maybe it's about time Sakimoto might want to expand his canvas a little more now.


There's a lot of "forgettable" (yeah because they arent for me at least) tracks, because are related to dungeons and they are numerous in the game. Anyway you will see.

[KujaFFman]

They all fit perfectly within the game, that's for sure. Outside, they tend to be easily forgettable if you are not a Sakimoto fanboy...

[Ovelia]

Well then, I sure am a fanboy. :( I can even hum these dungeon themes...

[SakiMojo]

if the dungeon themes are anything like the greatness of the Vagrant Story dungeon themes, I'lll be VERY happy!...

[RinoaDestiny]

Count me in with Ovelia. I'm a fangirl. :) Doesn't take me too long to memorize his dungeon themes, but his battle themes are always easier to retain.

[TerraEpon]

If this were done live, it would have been a LOT better...this more than almost any game soundtrack I've heard. There's just parts that seem so....pinched.

A lot of great tracks, though.

-Joshua

[KujaFFman]

If this were done live, it would have been a LOT better...this more than almost any game soundtrack I've heard.
I also think that. When I hear both opening and ending movies, it makes me realize Sakimoto's music is definitely lighter when it is orchestrated. This being said, the sound quality of FFXII is very satisfying, generally speaking.

-Joshua
You are lucky to have the name of Sakimoto's best track for Vagrant Story! :)

[Terramax]

if the dungeon themes are anything like the greatness of the Vagrant Story dungeon themes, I'lll be VERY happy!...

Id say it's more a mix between Vagrant Story and Stella Deus. It's not as dark as VS. Strangely enough though, FFXII OST has actually got me playing VS again for some reason.

You are lucky to have the name of Sakimoto's best track for Vagrant Story! :)

Factory and Ifrit remain my favs.

[XLord007]

I have to say that I like it quite a bit. After hearing the music in the demo, my expectations were pretty low, but I'm pleased to report that Sakimoto does not disappoint. I don't think it's quite up there with his best stuff (Legaia Duel Saga and BoF5), but it's a very enjoyable listen nonetheless.

[SakiMojo]

Id say it's more a mix between Vagrant Story and Stella Deus. It's not as dark as VS. Strangely enough though, FFXII OST has actually got me playing VS again for some reason.



Factory and Ifrit remain my favs.

uh oh, don't get me going! I'm gonna start playing VS when PS1 games are made available for download for PSP. my fav VS tracks are:


graylands incident climax
minotaur
catacombs
sanctum
wyvern
lizardman
tieger & neesa
abandoned mines level 2
iron crab
dark element
ifrit
grotesque creature

[KujaFFman]

I actually think "Joshua" from Vagrant Story has Sakimoto's most beautiful melody ever. There are some new amazing melodies in Final Fantasy XII, although he is not as melody-oriented as Nobuo Uematsu.

In Final Fantasy XII, the main theme is particularly amazing, although short. I also love the melodies from Dalmasca Estersand, Penelo's Theme, Theme of the Empire (and its arrangements throughout the soundtrack, Destiny for example), The Skycity of Bhujerba (the instrument -is it a oboe? a clarinet?- is beautiful), Ozmone Plain, Eruyt Village, The Salikawood (for the moment, I think this one is the greatest tune of the game... the piano!!), and the two Esper Battle and Esper.


So, there was a TV programme a few days ago on French TV about the launch of Final Fantasy XII in Japan. Sakimoto was interviewed and he gave some interesting details about the game and its music, although we already know some of them. I translated his words:

Before Final Fantasy XII, I already worked several times with Mr Matsuno, and when I was asked to work on it it was so big that I was quite surprised. But I immediatly accepted, of course.

Of course, the pressure was enormous. When I worked on Final Fantasy Tactics, another game by Mr Matsuno, I remember I had a lot of stress. This time again, at the beginning of production, I was quite worried, I didn't know if I had to keep the universe created by Mr Uematsu or rather take another path. After having thought about it a lot, I realized I had simply to do my best without beging too worried about it.

What was the most difficult, it was at the beginning of the game. The starting city is surrounded by deserts. Wherever you leave the city, you find yourself in a desert. And when I got the list of tunes to write, it was only written "western desert", or "eastern desert". I had not seen any pictures and really, it was difficult to find ideas and inspiration with so few elements.

Usually, for the game's sake, it is just like a music : words are useless. This is not the case with the scenario, of course, which needs to have words. But fundamentally, the purpose of the game goes beyond the limits of language. This is why I think the excitment of video game is accessible to anyone in the same way. Especially in the case of this game, which doesn't impose a sectarian philosophy.

Concerning music too, I tried to write something easy and pleasant to listen to. Personally, if I compose only by following my own tastes, the result is something a bit special, such as Vagrant Story. For Final Fantasy XII, I tried to keep my own style and at the same time, composing a soundtrack that is easy to listen to. If this is what you feel while playing, I'd be really glad.
Some pics of the programme:
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap003.jpg
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap004.jpg (Yeah, they made him drink a potion!)
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap005.jpg
Sakimoto's reaction when he drinks the potion? "Yeah, I feel I regained some HP, thanks!"

[RinoaDestiny]

I actually think "Joshua" from Vagrant Story has Sakimoto's most beautiful melody ever. There are some new amazing melodies in Final Fantasy XII, although he is not as melody-oriented as Nobuo Uematsu.

Some pics of the programme:
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap003.jpg
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap004.jpg (Yeah, they made him drink a potion!)
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap005.jpg
Sakimoto's reaction when he drinks the potion? "Yeah, I feel I regained some HP, thanks!"

Aw, he looks so genial! Heh, he actually looks like he's enjoying the potion. XD He could use the HP gain after writing that monster of a soundtrack.

'Joshua' is one of his best melodies, I agree. When it comes in at around 3:15 in 'Staff Roll,' it's one of my most favorite sections. As for being less melody-oriented, I believe that he does have melodies. It's just that they're not as straight forward as Uematsu's melodies. Naysayers tend to say that he lacks melody in general, but I can always hear them no matter what piece it's in. It just takes a lot of time and a Sakimoto-experienced ear to pick them out.

[KujaFFman]

Be careful, "Joshua" does not have the main theme (but "Joshua 2" does). Unfortunately, the melody of "Joshua" is not present in the Staff Roll, which is very sad, even if the original tune has a great orchestration!

[RinoaDestiny]

Be careful, "Joshua" does not have the main theme (but "Joshua 2" does). Unfortunately, the melody of "Joshua" is not present in the Staff Roll, which is very sad, even if the original tune has a great orchestration!

Ah, okay. Man, it's been a while since I've been fully acquainted with my VS OST.

[Jormungand]

Ah yeah, that's a great piece. I want to do some arrangements from VS and other Sakimoto works, and "Joshua" is definetely on the list. Unfortunately it (and basically the entire VS score) is very intimidating and I'm not so certain I can extract all the harmonies correctly...maybe Garamond can help^_^'

[Raijin]

I actually think "Joshua" from Vagrant Story has Sakimoto's most beautiful melody ever. There are some new amazing melodies in Final Fantasy XII, although he is not as melody-oriented as Nobuo Uematsu.

In Final Fantasy XII, the main theme is particularly amazing, although short. I also love the melodies from Dalmasca Estersand, Penelo's Theme, Theme of the Empire (and its arrangements throughout the soundtrack, Destiny for example), The Skycity of Bhujerba (the instrument -is it a oboe? a clarinet?- is beautiful), Ozmone Plain, Eruyt Village, The Salikawood (for the moment, I think this one is the greatest tune of the game... the piano!!), and the two Esper Battle and Esper.


So, there was a TV programme a few days ago on French TV about the launch of Final Fantasy XII in Japan. Sakimoto was interviewed and he gave some interesting details about the game and its music, although we already know some of them. I translated his words:


Some pics of the programme:
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap003.jpg
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap004.jpg (Yeah, they made him drink a potion!)
http://smsamples.free.fr/bscap005.jpg
Sakimoto's reaction when he drinks the potion? "Yeah, I feel I regained some HP, thanks!"

Holy **** that's very nice! :)

Do you have the video of this or do you know where I could grab it?

Thx! ^^

[Lierre]

So, there was a TV programme a few days ago on French TV about the launch of Final Fantasy XII in Japan. Sakimoto was interviewed and he gave some interesting details about the game and its music, although we already know some of them. I translated his words:


Good work.
It's very helpful 'cause I couldn't catch his Japanese fully in the program.
And also I'd like to thank you for posting another his interview of French TV in Squaresound forum once.:)

As I recall, he will appear on Ultimania guides soon as VS.
I hope he talks about something different from magazines and SQEX TV.:D

EDIT:Complete psf2 files were added. Some tracks still sound better to me, but I overwhelmingly prefer OST since I can taste fine nuance of each track.

[RinoaDestiny]

It is interesting to see how he reuses elements from his previous games. FFXII's final boss battle song reuses exactly the same drum notes from 'Ultema - The Nice Body' from FFT, but it's like the way how Sakimoto's incorporating it has gotten more complex. He's getting to the point where he's able to pull parts out of previous pieces and redoes them instead of rehashing them.

Also, his 'Esper Battle' track sounds oddly like 'The Pervert' that Iwata composed for FFT. Something about how the choir voices echo almost exactly the same low notes, but then that middle section at 00:50 - 00:57 breaks that comparison.

[KujaFFman]

Holy **** that's very nice! :)

Do you have the video of this or do you know where I could grab it?

Thx! ^^
In case you didn't notice, I PMed you the link.

J'ajoute même : grouille-toi parce que je sais pas si ça va durer longtemps !!

Good work.
It's very helpful 'cause I couldn't catch his Japanese fully in the program.
And also I'd like to thank you for posting another his interview of French TV in Squaresound forum once.:)
You are welcome! For once, good news do not come only from Japan! :)

[Origin]

J'ajoute même : grouille-toi parce que je sais pas si ça va durer longtemps !!

I took French in school for about five years (since I live in Canada) and the most I can make out of that sentence is that the second half says something like "because it is of long duration" (and even that's probably wrong). I feel so proud :rolleyes:

Anyway, it's very cool that Sakimoto was on French TV. Can anyone give some more information about the channel this program appeared on? Do they often have cool stuff like this? And why don't we get stuff like this on English TV??? :(

[KujaFFman]

I took French in school for about five years (since I live in Canada) and the most I can make out of that sentence is that the second half says something like "because it is of long duration" (and even that's probably wrong). I feel so proud :rolleyes:
Well, I'm speaking in French to a French guy, after all :D It was just an advice for him because that program is actually not going to stay online for long (want the link too?).

Anyway, it's very cool that Sakimoto was on French TV. Can anyone give some more information about the channel this program appeared on? Do they often have cool stuff like this? And why don't we get stuff like this on English TV??? :(
The channel is Game One (http://www.gameone.net/), some kind of G4 but it is absolute crap. They happen to talk about real video games. They have some cool programs sometimes (just like the one we are talking about), but they are produced by another studio called Pocket Shami (http://www.pocketshami.com/). They recently did a very nice report on Japanese video game music (Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Yuzo Koshiro, Nobuyoshi Sano, Akira Yamaoka were interviewed) and another one on the history of shooting games (with Cave, G.rev and Treasure).

[Origin]

Well, I'm speaking in French to a French guy, after all It was just an advice for him because that program is actually not going to stay online for long (want the link too?).

That's ok, I don't really need to see it. And I suppose it's all in French/Japanese, so I wouldn't understand more than maybe a few words of it anyway. But thanks for the offer

The channel is Game One (http://www.gameone.net/), some kind of G4 but it is absolute crap. They happen to talk about real video games. They have some cool programs sometimes (just like the one we are talking about), but they are produced by another studio called Pocket Shami (http://www.pocketshami.com/). They recently did a very nice report on Japanese video game music (Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Yuzo Koshiro, Nobuyoshi Sano, Akira Yamaoka were interviewed) and another one on the history of shooting games (with Cave, G.rev and Treasure).

I don't get any videogame channels on the cable that I get, although I have seen a few videogame shows on different channels (most of them average at best). I've seen a few clips of G4 on the internet and it basically looks like absolute garbage to me (I can't stand the hosts). So I guess I've just come to assume that there are no good videogame channels or shows on English TV (even though there may be a few somewhere).

[Rain Corale]

The channel is Game One (http://www.gameone.net/), some kind of G4 but it is absolute crap.

Whats the difference, then? G4 is COMPLETE CRAP. Its only saving grace is X PLAY, and even that isn't enough to keep this network from reeking of fecal matter. Like I want to listen to a bunch of geeks talk about how the latest windows operating system doesn't come with a robotic girlfriend. Please...save your petty tirades for something more substantial...like a real girlfriend, you morons!

They happen to talk about real video games. They have some cool programs sometimes (just like the one we are talking about), but they are produced by another studio called Pocket Shami (http://www.pocketshami.com/). They recently did a very nice report on Japanese video game music (Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Yuzo Koshiro, Nobuyoshi Sano, Akira Yamaoka were interviewed) and another one on the history of shooting games (with Cave, G.rev and Treasure).

...That sounds amazing! I wish there was a way to catch these programs in the states. Do you think there is a chance that people in the United States could catch a glimpse of these interviews?

[Jormungand]

Well, finally got around to listening through the FFXII score.

And to my own dismay, I can't really summarize my initial thoughts. I actually debated on waiting to listen till I played the game, but my curiousity got the better of me. To avoid conflict I'm not going to bother to try and make a judgement call on the soundtrack till I actually get around to writing a review for Chudah's... which likely won't happen until I've thoroughly played the game. This thing is massive and there's so much to cover. Too many OST reviews that come out nowadays are rushed to accompany a release date (and it shows painfully), and I think Sakimoto deserves better.

I will however say that Kiss Me Good-Bye went in one ear and out the other for what was apparently five minutes of my life that I can't remember what I was doing.

[Lierre]

The thread "Iwata and Matsuo on FFXII" seems nowhere.

Anyway, Sakimoto says he was so pressed when Matsuno had offered him FFXII because he had also said "it'll be finished six months later".
I personally think this was why Iwata and Matsuo had a part in FFXII.
(Sakimoto had already worked on others:Stelle Deus, Gradius V, Maybe Fantasy Earth, Wizardy PoB, King of Wands, and so on).

Also, he seemed to have only six months for FFTA.
So, this could be why the two from SuperSweep, Saso and Ōkoshi composed 8 tracks.
He had finished all project within six months except for VS, though.

[gamemusicfreak]

I've listened up to song number 19 on disc four, and I have really enjoyed it so far. I will say there aren't as many memorable melodies as I would have hoped for, but some of the songs are so good they made up for that. I can really hear a Final Fantasy Tactics style sound in the compositions.
Having played the demo and experienced a tiny fragment of what the game will have to offer, I'd say the musical style looks like it could fit very well.
I can't wait to play the game and see how the gameplay and the music really go together.

[KujaFFman]

Having played the demo and experienced a tiny fragment of what the game will have to offer, I'd say the musical style looks like it could fit very well.
In fact, the music that plays in the demo for the two areas is different that in the final game. The Phon Coast has its own tune, what you hear in the demo is Giza Plains. Also, the Stilshrine of Miriam has a track with its name, what you hear in the demo is disc 4 track 13 "To the Summit".

And the music does not change when you summon an esper in the final game, which is sad.

[Lierre]

Yep, it was "Esper Battle" not "Esper" in the demo. I dislike "Esper", though...:(

It may be sorta off-topic, but I heard Matsuo's arranged track of "Dragon Quest and FINAL FANTASY Itadaki Street Special" for PSP. From FFXII, "Boss Battle" and "The Dalmasca Estersand" are selected and arranged. Well, while Matsuo always shows us grand and great music, his arranging for the entire game is cheap for good or ill. Maybe he dared to do so because it's game for the portable console. Still, some songs sound worse than the original. As for that famous song, "Battle 2" of FFIV, the electonic guitar sounds like PSG timbre and I don't prefer the arrangement of those two Sakimoto's track.

I see many says it's hard to arrange FFXII music on the piano. That's as may be. Even so, I wanna Mitsuhiro Kaneda or Hamauzu to try it. The collaboration with the latter seems interesting.



EDIT:I just watched English official website (http://www.finalfantasyxii.com/), and what is this music in the trailer? So Hollywoodic track Sakimoto won't compose. Well, I hear it's usual to use disrelated music in the movie trailer in US(it would be called as immediate music...), so is this it?

[Ovelia]

I've seen that teaser trailer too, and it's evident that they use some stock music here. Which is sad given that the soundtrack is already here. :p

[Lierre]

Hmm...I personally think it's neither Sakimoto's piece nor Iwata and Matsuo's. Still, I'm pleased if they have some unreleased tracks and put out an additional OST as FFIX or FFX-2.

Now, the piano sheet music book which includes 12 tracks from FFXII is announced. However, I don't know if it's an offcial book as Piano Collections.

[Ovelia]

Wow that's interesting... Lierre, can you give us the link to that announcement please? :p

[Terramax]

This album has grown on me. I can hear the echoes of Star Wars as well as Total Recall OST in this soundtrack. I still miss his cleaner, catchier music from before, but some tracks are really starting to take affect on me after a number of weeks. Favs:

Time for A Rest
The Royal City of Rabanastre / Town Ward Upper Stratum (is anyone reminded of the battle theme of 'Hook' on the later upbeat part of this track, or some other pirate like music?)
The Salikawood
A Moment's Rest
Eruyt Village (Very Chronocross somehow)
Giza Plains
Penelo's Theme
The Mosphoran Highwaste
Phon Coast (a mix between Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V)

ALSO:
The Cerobi Steppe (the first part reminds me of the Starwars and Hook soundtracks)
The Port of Balfonheim (reminds me of something but I can't put my finger on it)
The Secret of Nethicite (VERY Total Recall - listen to The Mutant)

[Lierre]

Oh, sorry for the belated reply.
Anyway, this (http://www.kmp.co.jp/Shinkan/shinkan0606.html) is it.

Penelo's Theme
Naivety
Separation with Penelo
Coexistence (Liberation Army Version)
Sorrow (Imperial Version)
Eruyt Village
Clash on the Big Bridge ~FFXII Version~
Destiny
The Port City of Balfonheim
Sky Fortress Bahamut
Symphonic Poem "Hope"
1st Mov.overture
2nd Mov.march Of A Wise Man
3rd Mov.road Of Hope
4th Mov.romance
5th Mov.road Of Hope~refrain
Kiss Me Good-Bye -featured in FINAL FANTASY XII-

As we know, they already released sheet music of Symphonic Poem "Hope" and Kiss Me Good-Bye, and will include the same thing.

I guess this selecting doesn't give much pleasure to many...
I wonder how many people would buy a Final Fantasy XII Piano Collections with this track list.

[luminous]

Just having a quick listen through it all,indeed it is mature no doubt there`s a few moaning about that.I think its grossly unfair to compare him to Nobuo and expect another ost like his as they are quite different.Of course FF7 is still a classic and nobuo has milked it for all its worth quite rightly but time moves on and i`m glad h got a crack at this series its well deserved,he`s very talented he puts some great subtle nuances in his music.
Would have liked more catchy stuff tho,i mean the chocobo themes sound out of place against his serious backdrop but there is some nice subtle music in there too.
Looking forward to playing the actual game tho,this is when you really appreciate a soundtrack.

[Daniel DeCastro]

This album has grown on me. I can hear the echoes of Star Wars as well as Total Recall OST in this soundtrack. I still miss his cleaner, catchier music from before, but some tracks are really starting to take affect on me after a number of weeks. Favs:

Time for A Rest
The Royal City of Rabanastre / Town Ward Upper Stratum (is anyone reminded of the battle theme of 'Hook' on the later upbeat part of this track, or some other pirate like music?)
The Salikawood
A Moment's Rest
Eruyt Village (Very Chronocross somehow)
Giza Plains
Penelo's Theme
The Mosphoran Highwaste
Phon Coast (a mix between Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V)

ALSO:
The Cerobi Steppe (the first part reminds me of the Starwars and Hook soundtracks)
The Port of Balfonheim (reminds me of something but I can't put my finger on it)
The Secret of Nethicite (VERY Total Recall - listen to The Mutant)


Hey Terramax!

During my years discussing game music with peers, many of those who haven't heard much video game music usually make comments about how it reminds them of film scores (This is not to say that Terramax hasn't heard alot of game music). In the spirit of discourse, I'm compelled to say that I've refrained from ever stating that game music works are similar to film scores I've heard in the past unless there is a profound similarity. I don't find much if not all of the music in FF12 worth stating that it's similar to film music. It's interesting because, the composers aim for a "Film" quality score, but in essence, they have gone beyond film quality and into a new realm.

Game music is very different, and it was made all the clearer to me when they had Harry Gregson Williams score Metal Gear Solid. Quite honestly, I did not like his work much at all, it was too "Filmy", and what I mean by that is that film music has alot of "Gaps" in it due to concern with what's going on in the movie instead of concern with the music itself. Film composers are concept based whereas game composers are more narrative. I prefer the latter approach far more, and one of the few films I know to take this approach is the film "Conan The Barbarian". Dino Di Laurentis gave Basil Pouledouris the freedom to use the most expressive musical tools to make it serve as the dialogue (As there was so little dialogue amongst the actors to begin with). This is perhaps my favorite score of all time due to its shackles-free approach.

Video Game music is all about shackles-free; there is so much more freedom for the game composer. He is no longer limited by cues on screen but rather, the overall mood and setting. It is closer to being concert music than film music is. Koichi Sugiyama demonstrated this early on in 1986 by giving the world's first orchestral game concert of Dragon Quest music in Suntory hall. The music to Dragon Quest fit perfectly as a game narrative and as stand alone work. (Film Music used to be concert music early in it's history, when they had live orchestras play during silent films, and composers like Schostakovich and Prokofiev doing scores, but nowadays, this is dwindling as composers are often times at the mercy of the directors who have relatively little musical knowledge. Now, we have many poor scores flooding the market, and there hasn't been a hit from Williams for years. The Williams sound has become a little outdated to me in light of the ideas coming from game composers. He came close with "Prisoner of Azkaban", but "Memoirs of a Geisha" was utter garbage).

The harmonic language is far more colorful and atmospheric in FF12, more "Futuristic" sounding wheras the language of John Williams is more in line with the late romantic tradition that maintains a sound reminiscent of Gustav Holst's "The Planets". The rhythms in FF12 are more in the realm of influence from electronica bands like "Kraftwerk" or "Yellow Magic Orchestra" than anything from Total Recall or Star Wars, with use of the most up-to-date composition techniques using 21st century synth patches, elec guitars, and samples coupled with rock and electronic percussion. The Harmonies are unlike I've ever heard in any other music, Sakimoto's use of harmonies creates a extreme "Pull" towards musical destinations rarely found in film music. The only examples I can think of from film that create such a harmonic "Pull" is from Robocop by Basil Pouledouris, and Jurassic Park by John Williams, Nixon as well. Judge Dredd also has a strong harmonic language. Having gone to a university that has a dedicated film scoring program (NYU), I've been provided with over 40 gigs worth of the best Film Music scores. I've heard the best of them, and am Non-Plussed in comparison to the best of VG music. I've yet to hear a film music work top the amount of goosebumps and emotional buildup that Masashi Hamauzu gave me with his "Decisive Battle" from FFX after over 50 listens. Conan The Barbarian is the only film score that came close, and I absolutely love that score.

All that being said, I am against comparing film music to game music, but that's just me. I will say this much though, the orchestration found in film is still a bit more massive than game music, but there are innovative instrumentation setups found only in games coming from Japan. There are two improvements I would like to see come from game music, and that is in the departments of melody and form. There is, more often than not, a lack of melodic activity in many of the melodic lines found in games. The most refined melodies I've heard come from Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection, Motoi Sakuraba's Star Ocean TTEOT. One can see what I mean by listening to Prokofiev's Violin Concerto #1, and seeing how long he maintains his melody throughout the first 2 minutes of that work. Such a feat is not outside the realm of today's games at all as is exemplified by Richard Jaqcues in the game "Headhunter Redeption, ~Jack's Theme~".

The average length of a game music work is 2 minutes, then loop! They should expand the forms! Imagine mass symphonies in the style of Sakimoto the size of a work from Gustav Mahler; it would be the best work ever written! Rachmaninoff, in his 3rd symphony, had 5 minutes of amazing music, and he loops it followed by another 8 minutes of music for a 1st movement that lasted 18 minutes. The longest VG music work I've ever heard was from Motoi Sakuraba: "Highbrow". Sakimoto attempts it in FF12's final battle work, "The Battle for Freedom". This is excellent, but both works are battle themes. I want to hear an overworld theme of such length, and for that, the award goes to FF7, Nobuo Uematsu's overworld theme (6:30). He holds the record thus far, but hopefully, it will be broken. Anyhow, I'm going off on a whim, here, hopefully someone can update me on things if anything I've said is not accurate. I've listened to TONS of game music, but certainly not all of it, =).

Look forward to reading replies!

[Jormungand]

Though it poses an interesting idea, a Mahler-size piece in a game might be a bit excessive :p (though admittedly I've always wanted to do a long, intensive symphony for an overworld theme).

The problem with long tracks in games isn't so much as them being inappropriate for that environment, but rather that directors require so many different types of BGM. I mean, what RPG these days doesn't have at least 2 overworld themes, 5 different battle themes, 10 different town themes, and 4987239487 different dungeon themes? Add sufficient time to these themes in order to expand them into fully-developed, self-contained thematic presentations and you're suddenly looking at a score that's double to triple in length. Not only is that a significant challenge to the composer, but also to the sound programmer and the software's storage space. And with today's demand on rapid developement cycles...well, you get the picture.

Not that I'd have any problem seeing this kind of thing in the future, but the last thing I want is to see my favorite composers burn out...:)

[Daniel DeCastro]

I believe it would be an unfair statement to suggest that such amazing composers, being a composer myself, would burn out if asked to write longer works at a time. If the composers are in good shape, I don't think it would be a problem. Guys like Sakimoto, Hamauzu and Matsuo arguably seem to be in great shape mentally and physically. They are most certainly capable of such feats. I wouldn't want my fans thinking I'd burn out trying to write a symphony! Anyways, if they felt there would be a problem, a simple soultion would be to hire multiple composers; a composer dedicated to writing a few good pieces that are lengthy, and someone else to write the rest. Look at what Sakimoto did for FF12, over 2 hours of unlooped music! (4 hours plus looped, hence the 4 disks). It's one of the longest scores if not the longest score for a single game in history (Certainly Sakimoto's longest score). A great combo would be Sakimoto and Hamauzu, Hamauzu on the long overworld theme and sakimoto on the rest, even Yoshiki Aoi with his wonderful piano concertino a la Rachmaninoff from Drakengard 2. For the record, I believe Yasunori Mitsuda to be a great composer as well, and know of his story with Chrono Trigger and his ulcer, but I wish he were in better shape, and good shape is important for composers to avoid fatigue and burnout.

These guys are too talented and physically strong to burn out, I wouldn't be worried. Although, after seeing the bags under the eyes of Sakimoto from the pics in the FF12 OST booklet, I can tell he worked long nights, but judging by the massive score he wrote, a lengthy work shouldn't be so bad at all. However, I disagree that a Mahler size work for a game would be overtly lengthy, especially with the room of expression that the PS3 console, or future generation consoles for that matter, would allow for. Even still, on the current consoles, music can be programmed to play in real time to save data usage just like they did for early PS one games like "Battle Arena Tohshinden" where you could actually put the disk in a cd player and play the music from the game disk! I don't see why they couldn't do that for PS2 or any other game system. Anyways, it'd only be too much of a musical learning experience to see a game composer accomplish that, and that it would severely impale the biases held by academics who run our university music schools can only be a good thing. I am a VG music fan too you know, and as a child, I would have loved more and more and more. It would be a step towards progression and truth about what music is all about, and that composers of our generation can indeed superceed the masters of old. The attitude about masters being unsurpassed is an attitude that I strongly believe should be challenged for the good of musical quality coming from alumni in universities where such views are held. Beethoven challenged the notions of puritan classical critics, and boy did it feel good when he refuted such positions by expressing himself in a way that he wanted to express himself; it showed people that musical establishments are flawed, and encouraged many people to express themselves beyond the standards taught and limits imposed by music teachers at the time.

Today, the same attitude rings true as I've noticed that many of my colleagues have not yet shown their true voices, and write to impress the professors so that they may get A's in class, but when writing for school, you end up trying to "prove" that you can do what they do because they believe that you must do what they ask of you first in order to be deemed worthy of a diploma from them, otherwise, you're in for a bumpy ride as was my case. I wanted to express myself, and in doing so, I, for the most part, was shunned by them when I told them how I felt about video game music. Unfortunately in this country, people don't really trust your potential unless you have a diploma, so I have no choice but to put up with this. Even though professors would often say that my works were "great", and the rare honest and good natured colleagues would come to me saying the same, they would still shun game music, and yet, my music expresses ideas that come from video games that I find truly progessive and forward thinking. That they would compliment me and not my influences made no sense!

From gaming, I found within the storylines of RPGs challenging philosophical notions that the real world needs to be aware of, from Atheists as main characters (Cliff from Star Ocean, Till the end of Time), to scientific facts of nature (A meteor crashing into the planet, FF 7), to brainwashed god worshipping cults (Xenogears), and a glimpse into the inquisition period (Dragon Quest 8, in the Abbot's church). To be fair, even Christians have used games as their own ideological outlet (The Left Behind series). VGs present those messages in an interactive way that people of all different ages can enjoy. My own personal ideas and beliefs were shaped by the games I've played during my life, and as a result, I've gained a deeper appreciation from life. VGs contain no less serious subject material within their storylines than film or literature. Douglass Peikoff, Professor at NYU's Gallatin school wrote an entry in "Guide to Computer Game Studies: MIT Press" about how games will serve as the 21st century form of ideological communication amongst it's generation of gamers, so I'm not the only one who sees this. It is a realm, given my philosophical interest, in which I can express my deepest thoughts and feelings about the characters, stories, and worlds through music. My approach is very serious, and I am certain it is along the lines of the approach that the composers represented on this site take.

I want my passion for VGs to be taken seriously and treated with equal intellectual tenability as have the arts of film and web design. VGs will find an official place in the university setting soon enough as a scholarly form of art, and my approach is the most effective way of getting it there; in your face rational discourse and challenging outdated beliefs using evidence, mountains of it.

Onto the music. Such music should be written because the fans would have something that will last them forever. A symphony is the most complex and personal statement any composer can make. I want to hear our most cherished composers describe their deepest feelings to us through music, give us an everlasting glimpse of who they are through music! By Mahler's symphonies alone, we were able to see that he is a mystic, a superstitious, yet powerful fellow with a strong sense of fealty, heroism, and fantasy. I want to see Sakimoto show us his reason, logic, emotion, humanism, heroism, discipline, and devotion to his passions. I'm certain it would be one of the best musical works in history if he wrote a symphony that took elements from Radiant Silvergun, FF Tactics, Stella Deus, FF 12, and something new in the following 4 movements for a total of 40-60 minutes of music, "1st Movement, Main Theme, 2nd Movement, Overworld~Final Destination, 3rd Movement, Final Battle Theme, and 4th Movement, Ending". This would be an absolutely amazing and unheard of historical feat, the world's first official "Video Game Symphony".

I want to encourage that our favorite composers "Grow" with us. You get to an age where life issues take such a serious toll on your life, that music becomes a haven and outlet for your deepest feelings. Well, what I say to you is that my deepest feelings of today are not worth 2 minute long pieces, they are worth a work of Mahlerian scope and length. I do not consider Mahler as much a hero as I consider Sakimoto, and I would love it if Sakimoto provided me and others like me with longer works of the same depth found in his shorter works. He's managed to pack a huge amount into such a small package, and he is on to something with his lengthier works, and I encourage that wholly for the good of musical progress. I'm attempting lengthy works in the language of these great composers as well, and I believe it has given way to a new style of writing. This is great! I can't see how anyone could disagree here.

I leave you with one comment that demonstrates that even game composers are out to disprove notions about game music. I don't see why the notions I wish to disprove would be any different. This comment come from a beloved composer and hero of mine, Nobuo Uematsu:

"I believe that there are still people who think that game music is something equal to just an effect incorporated into the game, something like a "Background Music" or "BGM". This is something that I would like to show is not true."
~Nobuo Uematsu

And this is why today, Uematsu goes out of his way to give live concerts of orchestral and band music. Guess what guys? My old composition instructor from NYU, Justin Dello Joio (son of Norman Dello Joio for those who may know) is one of those academics who look down on game music. He was also of the opinion that VG music is mere BGM. This is nonsense and such opinions must be refuted because they are simply not true in every case. I do not believe in lies being handed down to any more of his composition students. I left him as a student immediately after showing him a beautiful work by Koichi Sugiyama in which he replied, "Why do you listen to that Japanese stuff?". Yes, it is people like him who hold positions of professorship in top ranked universities like NYU. Goodness knows who else in that department holds such opinions. The sad thing is that Dr. Dello Joio is a talented orchestrator. He recommended Ravel to me instead of Sugiyama (What is it with people at this university and thinking that the game music I show them sounds like Ravel? It is *very* different!), but I have listened to ALL of Ravel's orchestral works, and still think Sugiyama has been more effective in reaching out to my emotions and desires in music.

[Jormungand]

They would not burn out at all, and that's an unfair statement to give to such amazing composers, being a composer myself.
Anyone can burn out. Anyone in any field of art, too, not just composers. I mean, Uematsu has, and there's no better example because we can get a very progressive sense of his burnout by listening to his scores since FF6. It's all subjective of course, but no one can tell me that FF9-FF11 had even half as much substance as FF6 or FF7...

These guys are too talented and physically strong to burn out, I wouldn't be worried.
But they are human just like us, and that's what makes them such great composers in the first place...their humanity. That they are infallible is a secret wish of anyone's, but we can't allow that to cloud our judgement of them. Then we just become fanatics, like all the fools who still believe Uematsu is the god of music. Or the equally foolish individuals who think only the classical masters wrote music worth listening to. Or the idiots who listen only to death metal. This attitude can only narrow one's tastes. As much as I tout Sakimoto as my favorite composer, he has not impressed me 100% of the time. Nor have any of my other favorite composers... in fact, I've found something that all of them have done that have rubbed me the wrong way: Nakano, Hamauzu, Tamawari, Matsueda, Mitsuda, Kikuta...the list goes on. Their great works will last forever of course, but whether or not their personal production of brilliance can survive is something that only time can tell.

And as a composer as well, while I certainly would hope it could never happen, I can't guarantee the quality of my musical output for the rest of my life. But I sure can foresee some problems if I were writing two 100+ track scores every year for a period of many...I don't think anyone could take that in stride without losing some stamina.

Onto the music. Such music should be written because the fans would have something that will last them forever. A symphony is the most complex and personal statement any composer can make...
I respectfully disagree. Length is meaningless. Something that Debussy has written with 3 minutes of piano has matched and surpassed all the substance and expression of a massive half-hour-long Mahler symphony. There is no right way to express, nor is there a better way than others...length of all things doesn't have any meaning unless the composer has an idea that can only fluorish in that kind of enduring scope. If a composer is up to it, and has a sufficient idea, then I say go for it... but whether or not they think it's the right thing to do is up in the air. I can't imagine many composers saying, "hey, at most a player will be walking around for 5-10 minutes out here in the over