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 Member 1218 Level 30.33 Mar 2006 
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To be honest, my first listen of the FF12 OST didn't exactly evoke feelings of greatness. It was definitely good, epic and grand but didn't leave as strong as an impression as I'd hoped. For one, I thought the sountrack could have been more varied in terms of style and instrumentation at several spots (same complaints I have with some of Soule's work). More piano would have been nice. But with a few more listens, I must say the soundtrack is starting to grow on me.
I still gripe a bit about how the instrumentation could have been more diverse but now appreciate the care implemented into many of FF12's tracks. I guess Sakimoto's FF12 outing might not be as catchy as Uematu's classics but they have a bit more depth that takes time to recognize and enjoy. I also like how the soundtrack is very cohesive and thematic. The use of the wonderful FF12 main theme is great and really helps to create a more memorable listening experience in the end. The battle themes are generally nice and sound pretty solid but I particularly liked the final battle theme. Definitely one of the better ones I've heard of late but I'm having some trouble adjusting to the brass sample used; I actually like the one in the psf version more. I'm also wondering if "Esper" (402) is a battle theme as well because it appears to be a slightly more exciting version of "Esper Battle." That and it's very reminiscent of several battle themes from Vagrant Story, particularly the percussion. Speaking of which, there were quite a few moments of deja vu with FF12. Even with some of Iwata's tracks, I couldn't help but be reminded of FFT in many instances. And then there's of course the Vagrant Story throwback. Despite that, FF12 manages to create its own identity fairly successsfully. But I do kind of miss the stuff Sakimoto did in BoF: Dragon Quarter and Legaia 2: Duel Saga. I guess it's too much to ask considering the somewhat medievil setting of FF12 but I really liked the refreshing changes he introduced into Dragon Quarter. Oh yes, then there's the obligatory vocal song. I found it a bit odd that the theme doesn't appear anywhere else in the soundtrack. It's pleasant as vocal songs go and a good effort by Uematsu but I imagine it would make a stronger impact if it had made more appearances. One reason why I felt "Melodies of Life" was very effective at FF9's conclusion was its many incarnations in the game, from the overworld theme to Garnet's song, which lent more weight and attachment to "Melodies of Life" in the end. But maybe "Kiss Me Good-Bye" will work out eventually. Many games have also resorted to using a previously unheard vocal song when the credits/ending sequences roll and some of those have been rather effective. On a somewhat unrelated note, the Vienna Symphonic Library samples are very, very good. I didn't think it was possible to put so much character into synth. Well, actually, with a lot of work, it could be done, I guess. But I imagine Sakimoto's FF12 score would certainly benefit greatly from better synth in some spots. :P Jam it back in, in the dark.
I think therefore I am... I think.
Last edited by Elorin; Jun 23, 2006 at 10:53 AM.
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Elorin