The music is terrible. (FF12)

[Nicola]

Obviously, I'm in the UK and have not played the game yet.

I did, however, buy the soundtrack. And let me tell you, when I first got it I was gobsmacked. It comes in a beautiful case (more like a DVD case than a CD case). It has five hours of music, four discs, beautiful artwork, glossy fold out case inserted into another case... it was all very promising.

Then I started to listen to it. :( I acknowledge this isn't Nobuo Uematsu, but he is surely missed. I think it has advanced in a manner that it sounds like a film score. There aren't any themes (none that I detect) like Nobuo had. There is nothing catchy. I know that I am listening to the music without the context but I don't think you would have had to with the FFVIII and FFVII soundtracks - they were amazing compositions in themselves.

The arrangement is done in the same way with a lot of these tracks - he even gave his own treatment of the chocobo theme which is dreadful.

Maybe it's because change is difficult, but I find Hitoshi immensely laid back in his composing and it leaves a rather dull feeling. I want the emotion to carry me off. After listening to three hours of this soundtrack I find myself worrying for XII. Maybe it's just another way of advancing the series (the compositions are definitely more 'mature'). He seems to write music for the game as it goes along - for the actions, movements, screen shots, etc; whilst Nobuo wrote 'themes'.

I may be shallow, but I prefer Nobuo's themes. I'm quite distressed he has handed it over to someone else. He will be sorely missed.

What do you think? Do you miss Uematsu? Or do you appreciate the subtleness of Hitoshi?

[Haku]

I think Uematsu Nobuo is in charge for FFXIII's music.
I remember seeing his name on the trailer thing.

Edit: Gah. I watched it and it said Tetsuya Nomura.
Ah, I dunno. I hope its Nobuo.

[Nicola]

I think he has retired. My understanding is that he helps out every now and again with a song or two. :(

[Exodus]

I haven't heard every song FFXII has, but what I have heard is good. Especially Esper Battle. Although FFXII does have some good music to it, I do miss the works of Uematsu.

[SB]

Uematsu created his own company, he never retired.

The music does sound better when you've actually played the game and you are able to see how it fits with everything. It's definitely not going to overthrow FF8 or FF10 as my fave soundtracks, but it's good in it's own way and when you play the game and you start to absorb the music along with what's happen and what you are doing, then you'll see the music in a different way.

[Punishment]

Saberblade is right. Before I played the game I did have doubts about it. Personally I thought the music was very flat! But as you play it alongside the game the music is awesome. One of my persoanl favorites is Esper Battle and Sochen Cave Palace.

I thought the chocobo theme was pretty nice but you have to play the game to see what the music is really like. But I have to say the style is obviously different from Uematsu. But Hitoshi does have qualities Uematsu lack vice-versa. I think it is a pleasant change to the series.

[Vilagen]

I personally have the same opinion on FFXII's music like I do with the rest of the series; generally good with a few memorable tunes thrown in. Just like other people mentioned, it would probably help if you play the game alongside the music. It does fit.

Sure, maybe the score doesn't have as many memorable tunes like I found FFVII or FFVIII to have, but compared to VI, IX X, or just the series in general, I thought it was well done. I like Hitoshi's style of music and every now and then I keep thinking of Tactics when I hear some of it, which is a good thing for me.

[Iselyn]

Personally, I've never understood the strong dislike for XII's soundtrack. Sure, it's not the best that's ever been in a FF game, but it's still good. When I first listened to it (before I playe dthe game) I was drawn into several of tracks; I honestly thought they sounded beautiful. Now that I've played the game and realize how the music fits in, I think Hitoshi did a wondeful job.

Sure, I still enjoy Uematsu's scores immensely, but there's nothing wrong with the way Hitoshi did things. And at least I can say this, it's still not the worst in the series. We can't forget about the atrocity that is the FFX-2 soundtrack.

[Lina]

Keep in mind that battles are no longer random. Therefore, a lot of the tracks that would otherwise be peaceful, pretty tracks have to be transformed into something that can also play during a fight.

While I agree that nothing has struck me like it did in the series of 7-10 yet, I think it fits the game's style and I've been enjoying the game a lot. Definintely don't pass over the game because the soundtrack might not be so good. If you're still hesitant, rent it, play the first few hours, and then I'm sure you'll want to go buy it.

[Dhóchas]

http://i16.tinypic.com/34td8cp.jpg

The soundtrack looks amazing. I'm getting this game very soon, and I do collect the beautiful soundtracks.

It looks amazing. :(!

[Immortal_h0nk255]

Final Fantasy just isn't the same without Nobuo, that's my point of view. Though I haven't played XII or listened to the soundtrack, my expectations aren't "yay high", simply because Nobuo, after my opinion, made perfection. And I'm really surprised if anyone can match him

[Lina]

Anyone else really like the Giza Plains track? It's a good balance of normal area music and battle theme.

I like Rabanastre's track as well. It sounds kinda lazy, and the city feels kinda lazy in a way. I just think it matches up well with the environment.

[Carlos D]

Well, it’s very disappointing :angry: that Nobuo is not part of this game cuz his work was amazing just like with FFVIII, FFVII, FFVII AC and FFX :D . But I will say that Hitoshi has his own style and his work is not bad, although I think is not the best one for a FF game. My only conclusion of why Nobuo didnt work with FFXII was (may be) because he has his hand very busy with FFXIII, KH and FFversusXIII (which is the first one I’m planning to play now:D ) and others, I that’s a lot of work.

But I think we all have to give Hitoshi a chance (I havent heard all the songs) :p

[Zaden Star]

XIi's main theme is amzing, but not overly terrible. I like Nobuo's musioc too, but I hated all of VII's music except for Cosmo Canyon.

[Punishment]

If Nobuo had one hand in the soundtrack it was the song "Kiss Me Good-Bye". Overall the song is nice but in my opinion it doesn't match the political storyline. Maybe if they had more indepth scenes of Ashe's relationship with Rasler it would have made more sense. Final Fantasy XII is different but in a good way of it's own. It is setting precedence for the future games.

["X"]

My fav songs are:

Boss Battle
Esper Battle
Clash on the Big Bridge

It is a good OST and the theme song is good.

[rudra]

I'll refrain from going into too much detail until I've heard every song, but what I'll say right now is, the music just a part of the background. This is not forefront music like we've heard in the previous games. Because of the open-endedness and immensity of the world, the music fits like a blanket. It's just there to keep things warm.

I'd have loved to have Uematsu on this game, but I think you can give Hitoshi respect for a job well done.

[Chaos Bard]

In all honesty, I just turn the volume down and listen to my CD player when I'm not watching a cut-scene. I thought it was okay at first, but I quickly got bored of it. It had a very Vagrant Story feel, but kinda fell short of its mark.

Though, the opening fanfares were done incredibly well.

[Hsia Nu]

Uematsu created his own company, he never retired.

The music does sound better when you've actually played the game and you are able to see how it fits with everything. It's definitely not going to overthrow FF8 or FF10 as my fave soundtracks, but it's good in it's own way and when you play the game and you start to absorb the music along with what's happen and what you are doing, then you'll see the music in a different way.

Well said SaberBlade. Final Fantasy XII is one of those game where you have to play it to have the music impact you. I was one of those who purchased the soundtrack before i received the game, and i'll admit it didnt sound that good to me. But once i played the game, wow it turned into one of the most beautiful soundtracks ive ever heard.

NOTE: For those who want to know what Nobuo is up to lately he started his own company that he named "Smile Please" and he just finished the soundtrack for Blue Dragon for the Xbox 360. He stated in an interview this is the first sound he has written completely by himself since Final Fantasy VIII. He is also finishing up the music for "Lost Odyssey" another xbox 360 game which is due out later this year.

BTW: the Blue Dragon soundtrack is phenominal, i bought my import copy a few weeks ago and haven't stopped listening to. Don't expect anything revolutionary. He uses a lot of the basic writing and sound manipulation with analog instruments that he has used in the past, but with MUCH higher sound quality.

[Roxas the 13th]

Nobuo Uematsu is my favorite music composer, so it's darn terrible that I don't get to hear his work on Final Fantasy anymore. Actually, the game FFXII kind of sucks 'cause of that. I hope his own company can be as great or even better than Square-Enix in skill and production, but that's at an unlikey chance.

[Spike Marshall]

I'm surprised Nicola doesn't like this score actually as it is a lot more traditionally composed than anything Uematsu ever came up with. It feels like the background score to a grand and majestic opera rather than a collection of instrumental pop songs, there's a real pulse and vitality to some of the pieces which invokes (but never flat out Plagiarises like the older scores) the work of Handel, Wagner, Vivaldi and at times even Bach. It's a truly mature and utterly beautifully rendered score, the backlash is just stupifying.

[Zang]

Im a big Nobuo Uematsu fan and i too collect the sound tracks and am currently learning how to be a composer myself... Anywho that aside, thats the only thing that deters me from wanting to buy FFXII (it has yet to be released in the uk) The music had real emotion to it, with final fantasy its wasnt just the story it was the feel of the game, and i think the music is what did this the most, i really dont think anyone can compose as well ask Nobuo But i guess i shall find out soon enough.

But yeah from what ive heard im not impressed with the sound track thus far!

[Punishment]

Well someone said earlier that the music had to be fined tuned in order to invoke harmonoius melody yet be sufficient enough to provide an epic score while battling. Along the music may sound stale and stark but alongside the game it is vibrant. You really have to play the game to really appreciate the music in this one.

[Olette]

You really have to play the game to really appreciate the music in this one.

...Yeah, ya kinda do...But none the less, I still miss Nobuo Uematsu (he is one of my kings that I belong to!!:kiss: ) VERY, VERY much...He hasn't retired COMPLETELY from making/composing music -- he just retired from Square like what Hironobu Sakaguchi (another king..!!:kiss: ), the CREATOR of Final Fantasy, did. In fact, Nobuo has his own studio that he's running right now named Smile Please. If you pay attention to the ending credits after watching Advent Children, you'll notice it under his name.

[Kurohime]

BTW: the Blue Dragon soundtrack is phenominal, i bought my import copy a few weeks ago and haven't stopped listening to. Don't expect anything revolutionary. He uses a lot of the basic writing and sound manipulation with analog instruments that he has used in the past, but with MUCH higher sound quality.

The music for FFXII isn't terrible at all. It's just like the game itself, it's different than FF's of the past. So while I thought it was "alright," it just never became memorable to me at all. It's not anything I'd listen to on a whim, while I listen to Uematsu's music like that constantly.

Hsia mentioned the Blue Dragon soundtrack, and I've got to agree. I was listening to it, and felt like I was listening to Final Fantasy again, and in a good way. I LOVED it. I can actually REMEMBER the music from Blue Dragon. It's the kind that stays in your head and whenever I listen to it, I get nostolgic for the game and want to play it. So for me, that means his music (and the game itself) worked.

FFXII didn't work for me in either sense. I didn't really care as much for the game to play it more than once (though, "FORCE myself to play it" is more like it), and the music does nothing to enhance my emotions about it. So because the game didn't do anything for me, the soundtrack doesn't do anything for me, either. That's the only reason.

[ubslasherx]

I plan on buying FFXII tomorow... now that Its finally avalible... I really hope the music isnt as bad as you say... its the music that I love more then anything...

[Brad]

S-E really seem to have come to the conclusion that large = good, I beg to differ.

[Kurohime]

Square-Enix concludes that trendy = money = good.

[Spike Marshall]

How is a classical score in anyway trendy. FFVIII's score was far more of its time than XII's.

[Brad]

S-E really seem to have come to the conclusion that large = good, I beg to differ.
I wasn't referring to music, I was referring to the giant cunting area maps.

[Haku]

The music sucks real bad cock.
It's fucking terrible. So terrible, that it stays in my head.
Stupid Lowtown.

I really dislike the music though, I think Nobuo Uematsu's themes would work but it would have to have a sudden music jerk when battles occur like in the Devil May Cry series.

The Victory theme is blatantly FFIX's. It's just nicked from it. The other Final Fantasies developed the victory theme to suit its own game.

The music is basically the worst part of the game.

And what's up with the voices and accents? The "baddies" all have strong British accents, the posh kind. :( And there were an Indian accent somewhere there too.
Balthier's voice is hot though. :norty:

["X"]

I love the boss theme in this game. So far the music has been good, but not brilliant, apart from the loop movie and Final Fantasy music at the very beginning.

[DeaQ]

I believe the reason some people didn't like the OST of FF XII is because, they are used to the style Nobuo Uematsu used. You are addicted to him, and you want to hear similar styles in the game, and when you play through you just miss the previous OST made by him.

Myself I just got myself a new favorite composer after Nobuo Uematsu. Sure some tracks seems dull, but hey there are alot of tracks that are good, awesome and great also.

[Rag]

I like the music. It's catchy, and a hell of a lot better than what we got in X and X-2, not to mention more fitting for a fantasy game. I also like the way the battle music fades in and out seamlessly. They did a good job with it on the whole, I'd say.

[Jack]

I really don't understand everyone's problem. I've read through posts god knows how many times and I don't get it. The music is good. I can't think of a bad thing about it.

Ok, it is different to some past games, its not as quaint or catchy and not snappy, but thats just because the game itself has grown up. To be perfectly honest I think the music actually has a little in common with VIII. There was a time I was in a dungeon (or something) and I could've thought the music was just taken out of VIII and placed in XII.

[KFT]

It really makes me sad to see so many people naming Nobuo Uematsu as their favourite composer. :(

[Nicola]

Why wouldn't they? For some people it's probably the only composer they listen to.

Anyway, I'm sure they mean favourite game composer. :sweat:

[Stygiandeath]

Yea I found that the music sucked in FFXII it was so repetitive, I was always muting the game and cranking up some Saliva or Nickelback.

[Robo-Alaska]

Yea I found that the music sucked in FFXII it was so repetitive, I was always muting the game and cranking up some Saliva or Nickelback.

lol

Without question, thus far FFXII is one of my favourite FF games. One of the reasons why I love it so much is actually the music. Sure, people have been slating it left right and centre, but I personally don't see how it differentiates too much from the soundtracks of old. Had this soundtrack been composed by Uematsu, I honestly believe that it'd be hailed as one of the best soundtracks for an FF game to date, but some people seem to be having difficulties warming to the idea of having a new composer.

I've found some of the pieces to be absolutely perfect for capturing the atmosphere of the moment. A beautiful, yet melancholic piano piece enters as you explore the Paramina Rift, representing the cold and hopelessness of the 'mid-journey' mountain-climbing expedition. A heartwarming string orchestration kicking in as you exit the Sochen Cave Palace dungeon, with a poignant light effervescing from the orange save crystal ahead. Also notable, is that the boss / esper battle themes are outstanding, and arguably the best in the series.

I believe that Sakimoto has done a fantastic job with this soundtrack, and it's a reflection of how the Final Fantasy series is evolving; showing signs of maturing, rather than stagnating.

[Stygiandeath]

Dude I have no idea how you found this to be the best ff's ever it's either you never played the other ones or you lke crappy music.

[Robo-Alaska]

Dude I have no idea how you found this to be the best ff's ever it's either you never played the other ones or you lke crappy music.

yeah man it's like opinions don't exist or anything lolo

Plus, for the record, I've played every FF game except III and XI.

[Vilagen]

Yea I found that the music sucked in FFXII it was so repetitive, I was always muting the game and cranking up some Saliva or Nickelback.

If you are going to try to bash anyone's opinion about music, it definitely shouldn't follow after a post about listening to Nickelback and Saliva.

I can't understanding what all the bashing is all about on this thread. What is it about the music that you guys hate? Is it really because you find it to be OMG terrible or the lack of Uematsu or what? The music fits really well into the game and I find the various use of instruments and sounds amazing.

As far as Robo-Alaska said, I kind of have the same pondering opinion if the game's soundtrack would probably be praised if the name said Uematsu instead of Sakimoto. Look, I'm not trying to start a hatefest on Uematsu, but I don't really see how he is any better than Sakimoto or a few other composers, like Shimomura (Legend of Mana sounds fantastic) or Mitsuda (Chrono Cross rapes other soundtracks). While Uematsu does a great job with the Final Fantasy games, I can't help but find he style a bit repititive; even though they are different, I have heard the same kind of style done over and over again. Could Uematsu do a great Celtic theme that Mitsuda did for Chrono Cross, or fairy tale setting like Shimomura's Legend of Mana track or even the style of music that Sakimoto has done? Cause really, the only reason he's big is due to Final Fantasy and I don't hear too many of those themes in any of those games.

[Mr.Cactuar]

I fully agree the music in XII sucked. I hope they Learned a lesson, that they should leave Nobou to do the music. I mean he has started to closed the gap between vidoe game music and radio music. I mean i have heard a few of his song on the radio in my car (Eyes on me[FFVIII] and melodies of life [FFIX]).
Also has anyone been to any of the Black Mages concert?

[Spike Marshall]

But Pop Music and Soundtrack music are fundementally different things. Liberi Fatali may be a cool song, but it is NEVER used in the actual game just as a piece of trailer music at the beginning. And One Winged Angel almost drowns out the final battle in FF7.

[DeaQ]

I am a big Nobuo fan myself, but I also like Japanese game composers and I must say that FF XII music is awsome because it is similar to theather music. It is more like a cinematic music atmosphear more then gaming music atmosphear. I do love Nobuo uamatsu. He caught my ears the first time I heard some of his FF OST's. And if some of you people can't accept changes then I suggest you guys to get used to it, because some things just has to change or will change.

The same thing if your parents spereate sooner or later some of them wants to go on.

[Spike Marshall]

The Parimina Rift music is just fantastically hypnotic, a wonderful piece of work. It really is a majestically subtle score, it evokes feelings instead of trying to force them onto you. The only real counter to this rule is the Esper/Bad Motherfucker boss music which is like the fucking apocalypse just showed up at your door. It genuinely makes you nervous and makes you fight your hardest.

[eye of the divine]

I was very apprehensive about it to be honest because quite often I find myself playing games and when your in one place for a while or stuck the tune just gets on my nerves. But I do think they've done an ok job considering I wouldn't say oh my god lets get the CD but it doesn't go against my nerves like when my grandfathers playing the Animaniacs for the PS2 and has this annoying tune.

[Exodus]

The Parimina Rift music is just fantastically hypnotic, a wonderful piece of work. It really is a majestically subtle score, it evokes feelings instead of trying to force them onto you. The only real counter to this rule is the Esper/Bad Motherfucker boss music which is like the fucking apocalypse just showed up at your door. It genuinely makes you nervous and makes you fight your hardest.

Agreed fully.

I was always fond of the music that plays in Rabanastre. It seems to fit with the city pretty well. It's kind of upbeat and happy, like the city itself. Of course my favourite Final Fantasy XII tune is Esper Battle. On top of the Espers being fucking powerful, the music really does add on to the intensity of the battle. I always get so worked up when battling them because of this.

[Rag]

Phon Coast is my favourite. It kind of stands out from the rest of the music in the game.

[Spike Marshall]

I do have a great deal of love for the serene, string led, theme which kicks in every now and then. I think the most noticeable place is just at the Gate Crystal in Sochen but after battling all the way up Pharos it really made me smile to hear that oh so faint but oh so empowering piece of music. Like I said before the score really succeeds in evoking emotions and moods, it doesn't force you to feel a certain way (barring the Esper music which is designed to make you realise shit is going down) but it helps makes certain areas and scenes resonate.

[DeaQ]

I do have a great deal of love for the serene, string led, theme which kicks in every now and then. I think the most noticeable place is just at the Gate Crystal in Sochen but after battling all the way up Pharos it really made me smile to hear that oh so faint but oh so empowering piece of music. Like I said before the score really succeeds in evoking emotions and moods, it doesn't force you to feel a certain way (barring the Esper music which is designed to make you realise shit is going down) but it helps makes certain areas and scenes resonate.

I love the second acent and the first theme songs a lot especially the second. It makes you think "oh no not again!". :P

[Graham]

The majority of the music i found was decent, however some scores, paticually the Phon coast made me angry, it was awful, not in context with the scenery at all...

[DeaQ]

The majority of the music i found was decent, however some scores, paticually the Phon coast made me angry, it was awful, not in context with the scenery at all...

yeah something more calmer would have been better. Though the current one aint so bad either.

[Kurohime]

I for one LOVED the prelude on this game, with the choral voices. It brings back memories of the Voices concert; I think they used the FFXII version to play open it up with, and it was POWERFUL.

[ubslasherx]

Listen to the opening cimematic movie music live by an orchestra...

It really makes you appreciate the music...

Hatashi Sakimoto is a funny laid back casual person too, and I think his music is simply amazing...

Archadian theme anyone?

[Punishment]

The majority of the music i found was decent, however some scores, paticually the Phon coast made me angry, it was awful, not in context with the scenery at all...

Well I think the song was geared more towards the Hunt Club then the actual scenery. The Phoine Coast musicwise is a really great score. It gets adrenaline pumping so you can grind some monsters there. It is almost par with the Esper Battle theme.

[Naruto]

The soundtrack is alright I really like the theme song though.

[Hsia Nu]

But Pop Music and Soundtrack music are fundementally different things. Liberi Fatali may be a cool song, but it is NEVER used in the actual game just as a piece of trailer music at the beginning. And One Winged Angel almost drowns out the final battle in FF7.

That and not many people know this, but nobuo uematsu didn't write Liberi Fatali. It's his re-arrangement of a opera piece written by a russian composer from like the 18th-19th century. I forgot the orignal name of the piece and the composer who wrote it =(. Some chick in the summer olympics a couple years ago used the original russian piece in her water performance (forgot what the actual event is called).

[Punishment]

"Liberi Fatali" is a choral piece sung in Latin that is played during the introduction of the game. The song was played during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens during the women's synchronized swimming event. It was arranged by Shiro Hamaguchi and the original Japanese lyrics were written by scenario writer Kazushige Nojima, being translated into Latin for the game by Latin translator Taro Yamashita. Liberi Fatali translates to "Fated Children," although with a grammatical error, as it should be "Liberi Fatales" by correct Latin grammar.

Though a bit off topic Hsai Nu there is no proof so far that proves your statement.

Well most people seem to be bias in no offense. Many say they hate the music and provide petty responses to why. It seems many can't accept the fact that Nobuo Uematsu isn't composing for this game.

[Hsia Nu]

damn, then the stupid annoucer at the olympics must have fucked it up then. i remmber him saying some russian guys name. the info you posted i did not know about, so i stand corrected. my fault :(

but im happy though now i know uematsu wrote it :)

[Spike Marshall]

Liberi Fatali is way too unstructured and all over the place to be anything but a contemporary piece. It offs far more to the relatively new operas of Orff and Wagner than Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev than anything else. And I still attest to the fact that game music when used properly should be background music.

It should be there to subconciously up the tension or set a mood, which is why I'm constantly surprised at how many people choose to listen to game music. Real game music is essentially muzak, and the stuff which is generally popular are abberations which generally don't actually coincide with gameplay. Liberi Fatali, Fithos Lusec, Eyes on Me, and to a lesser extend One Winged Angel are all pieces of music used during the non-interactive segments of the game.

[Nicola]

Many say they hate the music and provide petty responses to why. It seems many can't accept the fact that Nobuo Uematsu isn't composing for this game.
Why do we need to give reasons if we dislike the sound of something? Surely it's just down to taste? The composer is adequate at what he does, but that doesn't mean I'm going to like it. My indifference to this soundtrack has nothing to do with Nobuo Uematsu, I'm quite open to new composers.

I still haven't played the game, and I still have the soundtrack - that may be the reason, but the music certainly doesn't stand on its own.

Spike - I prefer tracks like 'The Oath', 'Terra's Theme/World of Balance World Map' and 'FFVII World Map' music than those big numbers. I find 'Eyes On Me' a bit a boring to be honest. There is nothing wrong with music taking centre stage either. Aeris' death wouldn't have been so touching without her theme, or Squall's speech wouldn't have been so effective without 'The Oath' - the music takes over those parts, but not in a bad way, I think they served their points well. I think they fit in whilst also providing music that could stand on its own. If it works both ways I don't really understand the problem.

[Spike Marshall]

Aeris' death scene is another example of when the game switches from being a game to being a mock movie though.

[Punishment]

Why do we need to give reasons if we dislike the sound of something? Surely it's just down to taste? The composer is adequate at what he does, but that doesn't mean I'm going to like it. My indifference to this soundtrack has nothing to do with Nobuo Uematsu, I'm quite open to new composers.

Well that statement was geared towards to those who just post one liners saying they "disliked" it.

To provide a reason is basically to back up your statement. But the part citing Nobuo Uematsu is for those who try to compare this game to another certain title in the series.

[Edelweiss]

While I have to admit the music in FFXII can't be categorized as "Best FF soundtrack ever!", I disagree when someone says it's terrible. There were a handful of great compositions in there: the Esper Battle theme song, for instance, was awesome, as well as the boss battle themes. Other tracks like "The Dalmasca Eastersand" and "The Salikawood" were beautifully composed.
Only problem I found with the CD was that the tracks sounded way different from the actual music in the game, whereas the last one was much better.

[Valkyrie]

This review comes by game experience only. I haven't actually sat down and listened to the soundtrack yet.

The music of FFXII, for whatever reason, seems to fit perfectly with the game. It was subtle, nothing too dramatic (only a song or two are exceptions) and the tracks fit more with its specified areas more than any other FF game I've played. The music was created to make you feel a certain way when you were in a certain area, and I most definitely got that effect. For example, when you're wandering around in Salikawood and there are no (serious) monsters attacking you, there is a comfortable and soothing melody playing. But when you're trudging through the Ogir-Yensa and Nham-Yensa Sandsea, it's mysterious, yet threatening at the same time, and I believe the music pulls at the right emotions successfully.

Now one would argue, "Don't all Final Fantasy albums achieve that?"

Well, no.

Many times, especially in the PS Final Fantasy titles, I felt certain tracks completely destroyed certain moments. Majority of the time it was the serious and important parts of the game where they would play, "So and So's Theme", and this song would play repeatedly throughout the game, representing a moment where the character was growing, a flashback, an emotional scene, etc. The music was the players guide, and didn't give the gamer a chance to think for themselves and concentrate on more than just that certain character. This became the norm through Final Fantasy X-2, and damnit, it's about time we got some change.

What's cool about Final Fantasy XII is that it's not about one specific person and his or her emotions, but covers the story of an entire war, and how entire nations were affected by it. It is this that the soundtrack cannot even come close to representing anything from any previous Final Fantasy titles. There were no awkward moments where I felt the music didn't fit, or times when I was actually embarrassed to be playing when watching a certain scene (music plays a huge role in those). I understand that the soundtrack may have problems standing alone, but I have yet to hear it alone, so I suppose that review can come later.

So for now, I say 'Bravo!' to Hitoshi Sakimoto! Thank you for giving us something different, and something that fits comfortably with the game.

[Edelweiss]

I have nothing against N. Uematsu, indeed one of the greatest composers of video game music of all times. However, IMO his work started to lose quality since FF VIII. Other than a couple of tracks, specially from the last CD, the entire soundtrack was rather average for a guy like him.
The music of FF IX was nothing to remember (not to mention that the game itself was pretty bad) and the same can be said about FF X.
H. Sakimoto, on the other hand, did an excellent job with both FF Tactics and Vagrant Story, which was a masterpiece. Some of the tracks from FF XII actually remind me of his work on that soundtrack.

Also, keep in mind that sometimes a particular song can grow into you by listening it several times, so why not try it out with FF XII.

[Valkyrie]

I have nothing against N. Uematsu, indeed one of the greatest composers of video game music of all times. However, IMO his work started to lose quality since FF VIII. Other than a couple of tracks, specially from the last CD, the entire soundtrack was rather average for a guy like him.
The music of FF IX was nothing to remember (not to mention that the game itself was pretty bad) and the same can be said about FF X.

Hold up there, that's probably not the best thing to say. I'm getting a bit off-topic here, but FFIX and FFX were both pretty incredible games with pretty incredible soundtracks.

[Nicola]

It's just an opinion Valkyrie. I actually agree with him, but you are right, it's not really relevent.

I'm trying to sell my FFXII soundtrack at the moment, or, for the past two months. It's not selling, even when I put it down as the cheapest, and dispatching from the UK. I'm really not surprised.

[Edelweiss]

Well Valkyrie, I get the same way when people say Vagrant Story sucks.

[Valkyrie]

Sorry, I was in a bad mood.

Hugs everyone?

[Lune]

I feel that, since the advent of voice acting on Final Fantasy games, the music has become less important. In the past Final Fantasy games, music has been used to convey the expression and emotion from a scene, and I do think it has been mostly highly successful with that. For example, in Final Fantasy VIII, when there is a scene with Edea, music such as Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec plays. It immediately tells the player that something sinister and mysterious is going on. You can just tell Edea is an evil character without having to see facial expressions and the tone of her voice.

These days, with more advanced graphics and voice acting, music does not need to play such an important role. Instead of setting the mood of the scene, the music lies underneath whilst the characters express their emotions through their faces and voices. This is something that just didn't happen before the PS2 era, so music was central to the storytelling. Now, unfortunately, music doesn't have to play this part and can just roll on underneath to fit the environment.

[Valkyrie]

Slightly off topic, but did the voice acting seem like a terrible quality, or is it just my tv? (I didn't mean the acting in itself, but the actual recordings...) It always seemed as if Vaan's voice was always fuzzy for some reason.

And Lune, good observation, I agree with you on that.

[Punishment]

Slightly off topic, but did the voice acting seem like a terrible quality, or is it just my tv? (I didn't mean the acting in itself, but the actual recordings...) It always seemed as if Vaan's voice was always fuzzy for some reason.

And Lune, good observation, I agree with you on that.

Well the game itself was supposed going to take up more then one DVD if they didn't compress something. They decided to compress sound quality so that is why you hear the fuzziness sometimes. This also really hurts the music a bit in some places.

[Edelweiss]

I believe anyone who survives an excruciating ordeal such as listening FFX's voice acting can handle the work Square did on that matter on FFXII. Voice acting was actually good IMO, but the quality, yes, it's not top notch.

[VincentTheEmoGoth]

See i like FF12 and i like the music as it fits the game. The only bit of music i don't like is the boss battle music. It just taken from FF7 and change like hell to make it really bad. I get they were trying to make it fit the game but, come one, the FF7 boss battle music is great and shouldn't of been change. Well in my view anyway.

[Nicola]

Are you sure, Vince? It's just Final Fantasy XII had a different composer completely, so why would they take Boss Battle music from FFVII?

You contradict yourself. You say it's completely taken from FFVII, but it's changed 'like hell', so it's not really the same, is it?

I finally sold that soundtrack by the way. It made me happy to get money, and to make more room. It was a big ol' set.

[VincentTheEmoGoth]

Really? oops my bad. I guess it were i played FF7 for so long that it just sounded like it. Alwell no biggie. Next time i will spend more time looking in to things before i start ranting about it ^^ Thanks for that by the way.

[Nicola]

No problem. Trial and error. :)

[VincentTheEmoGoth]

AWwwwww i hate trial and error :T_T: Oh well. I came and tryed.....and i lost. So i will try again. For JAPAN ^^ And everyone else.

[Nicola]

Trial and error is a good thing. It's how you learn and mature.

[VincentTheEmoGoth]

Fine i guess. hey wait i used that the other day when i was trying to run up the wall.....i stop after 2 trys. But i will keep trying and i should get there. I almost had the run up wall thing but i can't go past 2 setps coz i just fall. I think i need to keep the speed the same all the way.

Opps sorry. got carryed away ^^