Hitoshi Sakimoto

My, this thread reminded me of earlier thread of Sakuraba. Just like the thread starter, I feel the composer just doesnt get my taste, in contrast how many people (might) praise him for albums he composed.

Anyway, I am actually fair admirer of Sakimoto's works, especially the Final Fantasy Tactics and Ogre Series. I havent listened much of his earlier works, but I think Sakimoto has distinguished style of neo-classical, and somehow, has atmosphere of celtic and jazz. I love his works especially when he's using woodwind instrument and harp, which is necessary to build mediaval atmosphere.

But I dont like some of his works, for example is Breath of Fire V. I petrified when realizing how Sakimoto composed in different style, and using a lot of dissonants (CMIW) in this album. I only like one track, and eventually I never bothered to listen to the rest anymore. For FFXII soundtrack, I wouldnt say it's really good album. I personally think it has too much ambient music and some really few melodious tracks. But some music are just really good.

I wouldnt dare to label him terrible composer. It's all return to your subjectivity and taste toward VGM composer. I, for example, worshipping Sugiyama and Haneda, but dislike Sakuraba and at the moment still trying to understand music of Yuko Tsujiyoko (Fire Emblem). There is nothing wrong with it, perhaps if you listen a lot of his works, you will eventually appreciate him more.

Also, if you think Sakimoto mediocre, try to listen Tsujiyoko's works, which sounds much like robotic music. Both composers composed music for mediaval-setting game. Sakimoto produced Tactics Ogre+Ogre Battle with mixed atmosphere of mediaval-classical music that are memorable, while Tsujiyoko works sound like "just a BGM".

Jam it back in, in the dark.