Favorite Suikoden Tracks...

I have really enjoyed the soundtracks from the first three Suikoden games, especially so the first one. What really impesses me about it, is the overall quality of the insturments used for a majority of tracks (which were compressed recordings as opposed to synth.). Suikoden II compositions attempted to expand upon the original, with mixed success. Suikoden III's soundtrack is very underrated in my opinion. Going back to it, many of the tracks are at the same level, if not better than the first two.

Italicized tracks indicate overall album favories.

Suikoden I:

Main Theme (Guitar Arrangement): This is a warm, and very touching theme for guitar and piano. The guitar work is of impeccable quialty and makes the track a silky smooth listening experience.

Distant Mountain - What really struck me about this track initially as the real pan-pipe solo. The great beat and bouncy melody make traversing mountain passes a breeze.

Peaceful People – This is, to put it simply, an audible feast of Asian goodness. Featuring
tons of Asian percussion and instruments it is really one of the most interesting offerings from the album.

Rising Tide - It has sort of a new-age feel, what with the extended intro with just a surf sound effect. The melody here is wonderfully simple and really makes the areas
in which it is played stand out. Definatly one of my personal favorites. I just like how the compsotion is so outside the box yet manages to work so well.

Collision! - A fun battle track to accompany the strategy battles. I really like how it sways back and forth between several dark, then heroic passages.

Victory March - Another good track to listen to in game, and going along with the previous song is played when you are poised to win a strategy battle. It is a really upbeat track that makes winning almost feel good.

Theme of Sadness (Guitar Version) - The original theme was powerful enough, but the soul of the piece really comes though in this acoustic guitar version. One of the most memorable themes in the game, many due to the events in accompanies

Gathering of the Warriors - This is very Celtic track in composition, which really distinguishes itself from the more Asian-oriented themes of the first half of the game.

Forgotten Days – This is a marvelous piece which features a very lonely pan-pipe playing the lead during much of the track. Real drums and guitar really add to the richness of the track which maitaining a
tremendous amout of emotional impact.

Glorious Island Fortress - After hearing a variation on this theme for much of the game, its nice to see it (and your fort) finally come together. The melody is much more developed than the previous installments, and builds into an uplifting crescendo by the end.

An Old Irish Song - One of the more distinctly Irish songs (its in the title after all ), thanks in part to the bagpipe introduction. This leads into a soothing and rather sorrowful flute melody. Yet another great track, which does well in adding to the depth and diversity of the soundtrack.

Theme of the Advancing Army - Finally, we have this soaring war anthem that precedes the final battle in the game (I think.) The strong trumpet calls and stern orchestra sections really set the
stage for the battle to come and make for an enjoyable listening experience.

Overall: 4.7/5.0

Suikoden II:

Opening
Enemy Attack
Reminiscence
Battlefield Without Light
Let's Climb That Hill
Nahala Yam Koong
Her Sigh
Heart Softening Time
An Old Story
A Bustling Town
Imprisioned Town
Freedom, Again
Even Farther
Gremio's Special Stew
Gothic Neclord
Silver Wolf

Suikoden III:

Wind and Ground
Bridge Town
Horseman's Pride
Glittering Blade
Beautiful Grasslands
Hurry!
Green Grave Marker
Stupid Ducks
Conversation 2
Large Cavity
Yutaka Festival
Evening Melody
Farm Village
Once Upon a Time ~Over the Mountain Road~
The Awaited Wind
Enduring Foot
Searching For a Hero
Advance and Retreat
Arctic Area
Complex Thoughts
Everyone's Smiling Faces ~108 Stars of Destiny~
Calming Everyday Life

Arranged Favorites:

Nahala Yam Koong - Genso Suikoden Asian Collection
Old Castle by the Lake - Genso Suikoden Asian Collection
Mysterious Forest - Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection II
Rock Rockland - Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection III
Dash To Karaya! - Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection III
Everyone's Smile ~Epilogue For The 108 Stars of Destiny - Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection III
Cold Wind Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection
Distant Mountain Genso Suikoden Celtic Collection
Beautiful Grasslands Suikoden Celtic Collection
The Festival of Abundance - Genso Suikoden Ongakushu (Kentaro Haneda)
Large Cavity - Genso Suikoden III Ongakushu ~Kaze no Zawameki~
Conversation 2 - Genso Suikoden III Ongakushu ~Kaze no Zawameki~
Wind and Ground - Genso Suikoden III Ongakushu ~Kaze no Zawameki~

I guess this list was rather large, so indivicual track comments will have to wait.

Jam it back in, in the dark.