[Album] Kingdom Hearts II OST (TOCT-25871~2)

I have the OST, but haven't actually listened to it yet (in fact, I'm still sorta debating whether I should even open it, or instead just keep it as-is, and go the MP3-route, as some people have suggested). Waiting to actually finish the game before I do that.

However, everything I've heard, thus far, easily matches -- and, in some instances, outdoes -- nearly everything the first had to offer. And that holds particularly-true in the unique battle-theme-department...

[I'll be sure to comment on more than just these, once I've had a chance to listen to every, single theme/the entire OST, itself.]

- The Nobody battle-theme (not sure of its title) is simply amazing. It's the one which first plays during the giant-Nobody battle, then at various other battles involving Nobodies throughout the game, following that.

- Both of the new Heartless battle-themes are very, very good. And so much more sinister & foreboding than Shrouding Dark Cloud ever was (although, I also really enjoyed that one).

- The new Disney Villain battle-theme (don't know the actual title) surpasses Squirming Evil by such a large margin, it's almost laughable. Very catchy, and definitely one of my favourites (which is ironic, seeing as I came to really dislike SE).

- I absolutely adore Pete's theme (again, no knowledge of the actual title), in all it's quirky-splendor. It's so fitting for his character-type; y'know, the blundering villain. XD

- The revised CoM 13th Order battle-theme (which I assume is known as 'The 13th Stuggle') is undoubtedly one of the best. I'm so glad it was included, as I was truly hoping that it would be -- plus, it was my favourite theme from CoM (and all KH II does is improve upon that fact).

- The other battle-theme utilized by a select few of The 13th Order's members is also great -- and certainly more dramatic, by-far.

- The arrangement of Disappeared is positively brilliant and absolutely perfect for the situation during which its played. And, despite what others might claim, I found it to be quite superior to its -Final Mix--counterpart.

And while all of the above are indeed better than most other game-music composers could ever hope to produce, nothing quite matches the magnificence of either Night Of Fate, The Deep End or Forze del Male (with particular emphasis on the latter; although, it's likely going to be eternally-untouchable), from the first game -- which is sort of unfortunate. Or maybe there actually is, and I just need to listen to each one of them a bit more thouroughly.

I'm also a bit disappointed to hear that the theme(s) used during the final battle(s) are possibly somewhat lacking in their significance -- and to read the disparaging remarks -- especially considering I've heard much which would suggest the contrary. Although, I suppose Guardando nel Buio, likewise, was also a tad underwhelming for a final battle-theme. But I have much higher-hopes/expectations for KH II. So I'll reserve judgement until I actually them it/them for myself, and, in the mean-time, remain optimistic.

Jam it back in, in the dark.