Hitoshi Sakimoto News and Updates Thread

[Lierre]

Well, I've long wanted to have a thread where we post and discuss any news related to Hitoshi Sakimoto.
Also, feel free to use this thread for many purposes.
(I mean, if you have something but hesitate to create a new thread, then please post here)

I really hope this thread works well.

[Fatigue]

Good thread, Lierre! In fact, I will sticky it for future reference.

[Lierre]

The first post will be a shocker for some.
(It shocked me utterly, at least).

As you may have already heard it from other forums, but I have also confirmed, by contacting the help desk, that Yasumi Matsuno, ex-the head of 4th Development Team, had quit SQURE-ENIX at the end of last August. I have heard too many vain conjectures about him (like, he joined in Mistwalker), but I have believed somehow that he still belongs to SE. But yes, he left a year ago.

I do not intend to denigrate Sakimoto and I always hear how highly rated he had been as some Terpsichora works for PC88/98 and Genesis, but I still think he owes most of his present status to Matsuno. Without him, Sakimoto couldn't have been such a celebrated composer and more importantly, we would not have heard his great contributions to the Ogre series, FFT(A), VS and FFXII... Can you imagine this? Then what am I supposed to hear?

Although Matsuno has disappointed me slightly by his recent games (they are never crap, but VS and FFTA JP ver. didn’t amuse me much), in terms of music, we can easily see how greatly each work has had an effect on Sakimoto's style. I can't talk much about Magical Chase and it's a kind of Minagawa (not Matsuno) game, though. Anyway, for Ogre Battle, he was required to compose orchestra music first time (though I think some tracks of King Breeder and Guntlet featured orchestra). For Tactics Ogre, he was required to express 'emotion' and 'drama' for the first time. For FFT, he was required to create music that would have popular appeal. For VS, he was required to pursue 'ultimate ambience' for the first time. I don't think FFTA and FFXII have more historical significance for his music than two biggest turning points, Ogre Battle and Vagrant Story, but if I dare to say, FFTA has more understandability as a game for portable console and FFXII shows to us a sophisticated integration of the popular appeal from FFT and the obscurity from VS.

I'm sure Matsuno has been great musical direction for him. Not only has he given great inspirations, but he has also occasionally given instructions to Sakimoto. Indeed, Matsuno confessed he prefers light and catchy stuffs like Magical Chase and FFTA compared to VS. However, when Sakimoto had prepared music like FFT for VS first time, he had rejected it nonetheless and had claimed a different thing. As a result, Sakimoto had released one of his best works ever. And then, Matsuno said "Don't make music like VS" when he offered FFXII to Sakimoto. Although VS isn't my most favorite soundtrack and I think there are many problems in FFXII music, but I have to admit his directions were quite right. If Matsuno had kept directing Sakimoto at the time, FFXII music could be much better (maybe even turning into the greatest FF OST of all time ).

However, there ain't no chance that Sakimoto will work on a Ogre and Ivalice game sequel in the future because needless to say now not Quest but SE has the right of Ogre game and ex-Quest squads, who had developed Ogre Battle 64, Knight of Lodies and FFTA, they still can belong to SE (Though I'm not personally interested in those 'fake' Ogre or Ivalice games and I hear SE won't allow any zeteginea or Ivalice games because now they are planning to focus all their resources on the FFXIII games). Moreover, if Matsuno comes back to the game industry again, who do you think he uses for the music? We never worry about this. Actually he did offer FFXII to Sakimoto 6 months before the first master-up schedule, though Uematsu had wanted to compose all FFXII music solely!

Anyway, I'm very sad. I personally think, truly great game music must be only from a great game (I know how many overseas people love game music without playing the game, tho!). The relationship between Matsuno and Sakimoto was, for me, the most promising spring of great music. But, he was gone. While I really hope Matsuno comes back and start to draft a new epic again, it's fact we can't see Sakimoto's score on Matsuno's Ogre and Ivalice games again... One of my farvorite game series ends...

[Daniel DeCastro]

I think there are many problems in FFXII music, but I have to admit his directions were quite right. If Matsuno had kept directing Sakimoto at the time, FFXII music could be much better (maybe even turning into the greatest FF OST of all time ).

It is my professional opinion that you may be mistaken. FFXII is one of the greatest OST's game music has seen. I've sat down in front of a pair of Mackie HR824's and thoroughly listened to this absolutely phenomenal OST that will definitely leave your ear demanding greater quality from other composers from start to finish. This OST is an example of excellent command of orchestral and electronic writing with a rich harmonic vocabulary and grasp of gestures coupled with riveting ostinati and syncopating rhythms which create drive, surface, colour, and atmosphere. The skill of mixing music is also quite evident in Sakimoto, and he succeeds in creating a Lucas Arts quality sound from a mix of Sonic Implants, Vienna, Stormdrums, and other top notch sample libraries.

Sakimoto commands a full chorus and orchestra in the finest manner I've heard in years with his "Opening Movie" score, and his writing decimates most film score composers beyond measure via his fresh 21st century futurist musical language. To have written such music requires an ear of prokofievian standards, and to deny this is highly misleading to those venturing in the field of game music listening. The way your post is laid out would have been very misleading to me given the experience I've gotten from this OST. As a music theorist, Sakimoto does things in FFXII that MOST DEFINITELY marks a starting point in his VG music history. For starters, the length of this OST alone marks his longest score to date! His own professional opinion is that his favorite works are the newest works he's written, and I'm sure he hasn't let up on that stance with this OST. I completely agree with the man. I could go on and on.

Also, are you a professional composer? Certainly the FFXII score can be better, but not *much* better! For goodness sakes, did you see the bags under the man's eyes? Just look at this picture found in the FFXII OST booklet!



No Photoshopping here, this man means business! Click the image to get a better picture!

I still can't believe that a man of Sakimoto's skill would allow himself to be led around by anyone about what to do musically, especially Matsuno!! Is he as good a composer? does he know how music works? Does he understand how friggin hard it is to do what Sakimoto does? Sometimes I wonder about people.

[Jormungand]

I still can't believe that a man of Sakimoto's skill would allow himself to be led around by anyone about what to do musically, especially Matsuno!! Is he as good a composer? does he know how music works? Does he understand how friggin hard it is to do what Sakimoto does? Sometimes I wonder about people.

Matsuno may not be a composer, but he is as equally a brilliant artist as Sakimoto. Sakimoto has expressed gratitude numerous times to Matsuno, and it's obvious the two work extremely well together. The relationship between director and composer is often downplayed as with most dev teams the interaction isn't all that comprehensive, but when you get a good pair, then both parties will always produce higher quality art.

Matsuno and Sakimoto are a great example, Matsuno's best games being Tactics Ogre, FFT and VS (and those being the best Sakimoto scores, in my opinion). Haven't played FFXII yet obviously, but I'm sure it'll be up there (at least it'll be the best FF game). And I agree with Lierre--without Matsuno, Sakimoto wouldn't be where he is today.

Another prominent pairing is Masato Kato and Yasunori Mitsuda. Chrono Cross being their joint best production, there was also Chrono Trigger, Xenogears (Kato wrote the script), and Kirite. Another director with Mitsuda would be Tetsuya Takahashi for Xenogears and Xenosaga Episode I.

I would also agree that FFXII could've been better. It was extremely troubling to me when I heard the news about Matsuno's alleged illness and the handing of the directorial reins over to two other guys for FFXII. I hope the game stays entirely true to his vision, but there's no way it's going to be as good as it could have been, had he saw the project through to the end. That kind of crap is happening a little too often these days... of equal misfortune would be Tetsuya Takahashi and Soraya Saga dropping from Monolith Soft.

As far as the Quest team goes...yes, that does suck. However, it doesn't mean we'll never see Sakimoto on another Square project. It will all depend on Square's internal teams and who's music catches their ear. Like with the recent Children of Mana (awful soundtrack though it may be) where they got ahold of Masaharu Iwata (from Sakimoto's own freelance group) and Takayuki Aihara alongside Ito. Sometimes it's predictable who will get the composing job...but sometimes it isn't.

At least Kato is back with Square, so I can hope for another Chrono game.

[Daniel DeCastro]

If you say so. I actually liked the old Rabanastre Town theme piece until it was released in the manner that it was at final cut. Good thing I have the first draft! It's reasons like this that I'm skeptical about a director's intervention about the music. Film suffers from the same nonsense where you have directors dictationg the music in the final cut. I'll always remember the "Behind the Scenes" DVD of Star Wars ep. 3 where there is a clip of Williams conducting the "Anakin vs Obi Wan Battle" (Title?) and Williams asks Lucas, ""Is that good George?" to which George replies something like, "Heh, yeah (of course lol), yeah that'll do! (Heh, of course it will do!)"

Lucas' reaction to Williams was like, "Gee, he's actually asking me if it's good? Lol". I like thsi kind of interaction better, where producer does not intervene with composer, yet gives the composer awesome material to work with. I don't think Sakimoto needs to be told how to do things. Allowing a composer absolute freedom coupled with a huge playground for him/her to work in and you'd get better results. And yes, there are areas in Sakimoto's score that can be improved, but his language is so original and so difficult to handle that one should just be pleased with what he's given the world. In hearing those areas that could use improvement, perhaps I will follow through with such improvements in my own music as for sure Sakimoto's language has influenced me drastically.

Also, he must've worked very hard on that score such that by the time he noticed a need for improvement, the deadline had come already. I'm sure he's aware of the areas that could be improved. Nevertheless, the work he did in the time he was given was absolutely fantastic.

[Fatigue]

It is my professional opinion that you may be mistaken. FFXII is one of the greatest OST's game music has seen.

I'll have to agree with Lierre. The FFXII score has problems, but it's still an enjoyable and fulfilling listen, though It certainly had a lot of expectation to live up to.

Sakimoto commands a full chorus and orchestra in the finest manner I've heard in years with his "Opening Movie" score, and his writing decimates most film score composers beyond measure via his fresh 21st century futurist musical language.

Note that although Sakimoto wrote the track, Matsuo arranged and orchestrated it to what it is today. As Sakimoto says, "Mr. Matsuo is my old friend, so we can understand each other easily, and what is more, he is the best orchestrator I know. I haven't thought of other choices.", I can only agree with this.

It's been expected that Matsuno had left Square Enix, so this definitely doesn't come to any surprise. But now that he is gone, Square Enix has truly lost their last 'artist' of game design.

[Daniel DeCastro]

I'll have to agree with Lierre. The FFXII score has problems, but it's still an enjoyable and fulfilling listen, though It certainly had a lot of expectation to live up to.



Note that although Sakimoto wrote the track, Matsuo arranged and orchestrated it to what it is today. As Sakimoto says, "Mr. Matsuo is my old friend, so we can understand each other easily, and what is more, he is the best orchestrator I know. I haven't thought of other choices.", I can only agree with this.

It's been expected that Matsuno had left Square Enix, so this definitely doesn't come to any surprise. But now that he is gone, Square Enix has truly lost their last 'artist' of game design.

What sort of problems does the score have?

Ah! Matsuo orchestrated? Well, he did a great job with the chorus! Wonderful orchestration! Thanks for letting me know.

[Lierre]

Hello, Daniel DeCastro. I have heard your "Poem Electro acoustic.mp3" a few days ago and dug it! Also, reading your post is always very interesting(sometimes too difficult for me, tho). It is a privilege to talk with you. And please forgive me, if my Eng'r'ish irritate you.

As for the relationship between Sakimoto and Matsuno, Jormungand talked far better than I can. I thought it's one of Sakimoto's advantages that he has been a regular composer of Matsuno.

As for FFXII 'OST', I also think it's definitely one of best soundtrack in Sakimoto's works(I remember writing that kind of post in this forum). But at the same time, I'm still sure FFXII music could be much better because I personally think that, in general we can enjoy OST not only by hearing the scores indivisually without playing the game, but also by ruminating memories of the gameplay or even emotions which we have while playing the game. Rather, Sakimoto actually could have composed VS and BoF5 score under the assumption that we would enjoy OST in the latter way. By the way, my best Sakimoto's contribution has been still Tactics Ogre for over 10 years. why? Since the game amused me most and scores fitted the game perfectly.

The problem of FFXII music is, for me, mainly it sounds bad in the gameplay and it doesn't fit the game perfectly. Do you plan to play FFXII? If so, I never want to rubbish the game which has been expected by many and will be released soon. Yes, I don't wanna mention any faults of the game now. But, anyways, I don't like FFXII 'in-game' scores for the following reasons.

First, although I don't blame Kawamori, the manipulater who was responsible for downconverting, for this and indeed there are some tracks that I prefer rather than OST(For example, "Battle for Freedom". Cool strings chords in the refrain parts), sequenced music in PS2 totally sounds bad. Of course, it was simply because Sakimoto has used so great samples and so many channels(Sometimes over 160!) that only streamed music could have expressed it enough.

Secondly, I felt, more than half of area themes didn't fit the game well. While "Cerobi Steppe", "Ozmone Plain", "Seeked Power" and "To the place of Gods" fitted their landscapes perfectly, "East Dalmasca Desert", "Giza Plain" and "Phon Coast" were too harsh. If you have played FFXI, you would understand me. They should have added normal battle music, and then more calm field and dungeon themes. Certainly I hear Minagawa exchanged normal battle music for sound quality(because PS2 has only 2MB for sound memory) and I know Sakimoto indeed suffered from this issue. But with any reason and any effort, I'm afraid I won't change my opinion.

Thirdly, most of the tracks for event scenes are forgettable and didn't work well. Even supposing that the scores themselves are good(I don't dislike both "Sorrow", "Destiny" and "Vision of Princess"), there is no excuse for diverting many area themes to event scenes.

Of course, there are some game side's faults. FFXII game amused me much, but didn't move me at all. I mean, if FFXII was a masterpiece game(it's good game indeed, tho) and then Sakimoto's music fitted better, everytime hearing OST, I could recall many emotions(drawn, moved, impressed, excited, cried and shocked) and enjoy OST all the more. However, now hearing OST, I can only recall scenery of some areas.

I believe Sakimoto could have done better for FFXII, but to be perfectly frank, Sakimoto himself also admited it in a magazine. Though he might say this with humilty.

a interviewer - Do you also hesitate if a huge project such as FF is offered to you, again?
Sakimoto - Alright! As I'm sure I can do better next time(laugh). I was, well, pressured this time. I can make use of these trials and errors for next.

Regarding sampling CDs, he has revealed his libraries (for FFXII) in certain magazine. I hope this info may be relevant to you.

Strings
Sonic Implants - Symphonic Strings Collection
Woodwinds
East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra (Platinum?) - volume 2 WoodWinds
Brass
East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra (Platinum?) - volume 3 Brass
Miroslav - Symphonic Orchestra Samples (Woodwind &) Brass Ensembles
Project SAM - SAM TROMBONES
Project SAM - SAM HORNS
Percussion
From many libraries.

Someone says strings are ugly and often have flanging. Someone says brass are awful, but horn is excellent. Someone says the velocity change on horn is very rough, but strings and woodwinds sound great. Curiously, Each of thier opnion is strong for me, because they would have awesome ears and are far more knowledgeable about music and MIDI than me.
Me? Hmm... compared with Stella Deus... maybe FFXII instruments totally sounds unclear and dirty for me(it doesn't necessarily mean the samples are bad). FFXII has great clarinet, but as for flute and piccolo, I prefer Stella Deus.

[gamemusicfreak]

Wow, thanks very much for the information Lierre! It was great to read that. I have enjoyed the FF XII soundtrack. If there was anything I could say I didn't like about it, it would be that some of the music is not as memorable as I would have hoped. Otherwise, it is still wonderful to behold.