Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version :: Review by Depolus

	Album Title:	Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version
	Record Label:	NTT Publishing
	Catalog Number:	N25D-019 (1st Print); NTCP-5030 (Reprint)
	Release Date:	August 6, 1993 (1st Print); October 1, 2004 (Reprint)
	Content:	1 CD - 44 Tracks
	Purchase:	Buy at Game Music Online

Overview

The Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version first popped into the lives of Square fans in 1993. The Original Sound Version was composed and arranged by Hiroki Kikuta, whose life with Square began in 1991, where he worked on the sound effects for Romancing Saga. Though he did an admirable job, it didn't compare to the first of his three solo composing works for Square: the score of Seiken Densetsu 2. This easily exceeded any expectations of him. Despite the "old skool" aura of this album, you can just feel the melodies flow, just like they must flow through his veins. The Sound Version itself contains all 44 tracks from the game. Once again, we are faced with a wide range of tracks — we have the touching gems ("Fond Memories" and "In the Dead of Night"), heroic epics ("Leave Time for Love"), and beautiful themes ("Star of Darkness"). Though a Super Nintendo game, the score pushed the machine's musical abilities to the maximum, thanks to sound programmer Minoru Akao's efforts.

Track-by-Track Reviews

1) Angel's Fear (Title)

The first track we hear is musically impressive — you can feel the flow of the air and the whispering of the clouds. "Angel's Fear" reveals Kikuta's abilities immediately, as this is a great opening theme, which has a real wow factor. (10+/10)

2) Tell a Strange Tale

Kikuta doesn't drop the first impression he gave us, as many game composers do. The instrumental use is brilliant here; we have a flowing flute, wonderful percussion, and a rather exotic instrument. The title of this track is "Tell a Strange Tale" — in a way, the melody reflects this, as it is somewhat mystical in nature. (10/10)

3) Phantom and... a Rose...

The first sad track on the album. A keyboard is used in a rather ghostly way to reflect the idea of the phantom. The melody used here is very solemn and is a lot more basic than in the previous tracks. This piece, although full of sadness, is also full of hope; the vibrant glockenspiel that features in certain passages symbolisses this. (9/10)

4) Always Together

The main melody in this rather cool track is played by a xylophone playing chords, and a clarinet line is also frequently heard reinforcing the rather catchy beat. At the 45 second mark, the track develops into something with a rather different beat, but we soon learn that this is the link before the track loops. The percussion in the background is excellently mastered, and the clapping effects are great! (8/10)

5) Fond Memories

A light glockenspiel rhythm is accompanied by an accordion and violin in this track. You can certainly sense the idea of dreams and reminiscence. It is truly a beautiful theme; however, the synth really doesn't do it justice and its development, or hereby lack of it, is dissapointing. (8/10)

6) Into the Thick of It

This is a rather fun theme to listen to, and the introduction, which is in the form of a rumba, is basically the main reason for this. As the title suggests, "Into the Thick of It" is a rather active track, and it gives the album some action at last and works well in the game. At the 1:30 mark, there is a noticeable development, which is quite effective; the whole track doesn't loop until it reaches 1:47, which is pretty impressive. (9/10)

7) Colour of the Summer Sky

This track is a very inspirational one, and with some drums and a piano in the background, it can't fail. A xylophone introduces the track, and then we hear a clarinet playing one of the finest melodies in the game. (10/10)

8) Dancing Beasts

Well, the percussion introduces this track with a dance-like rhythm. An overdriven guitar joins this. In the game, this works well, and just when you don't think anything is going to happen, the percussion goes into a rhythm which sounds a lot like tap dancing. (9/10)

9) Distant Thunder

A funk organ, overdriven guitar, and glockenspiel play in this track. It has a breezy carefree bounce to it. When the violin joins in, it serves to add to the sunny jive of this track. The track is relatively simplistic in comparison to others, but it gets the job done well. (8/10)

10) The Little Sprite

Once again, we have the rather glockenspiel and its chords. However the oriental side is blended in with a more advanced technological side. Tradition vs. Technology here. The melody played is great, and the percussive bass accompaniments used are superb as usual. The only bad point about this track is the length of it! The imagery is great, and the theme certainly represents the nature of a sprite. (8/10)

11) It Happened Late One Evening

The upbeat tracks just keep coming! They are so fun to listen to, but they are mind-warping at the same time. This track won't be out of my head for a while. The accordion plays the melody, and although it is a rather strange choice of instrument, it isn't as strange as the bagpipes, which come in at the 23 second mark. (7/10)

12) In the Dead of Night

A change from the catchy melodies. Here we move into a more suspicious and dark melody. The title "In the Dead of Night" reflects this totally. The piano plays a continuous drone in the background, and during this, the accompaniment (an organ with echo effects added) plays a repeated phrase. The end of the track is rather unexpected, and the sound effects sound very much like ghosts. This track is extremely effective in its own right. (8/10)

13) Mystic Invasion

The rhythm in this track is very hard to get hold of, as the drums changes rhythm regularly. In a way they ruin the track, although it is meant to add variation. The melody is very simple, as is the whole piece. The overall feeling created is one of mystery, but that's all there is to it. This disappoints, as it is a downer on a good album. (6.5/10)

14) Secret of the Arid Sands

The glockenspiel returns, and the idea of dissonance continues. The melody doesn't really fit with the xylophone. The track picks up at the 35 second mark though, and it becomes less atonal. In the game, you definitely do get the feeling that there is something to be found, especially when the more active part comes in! (7.5/10)

15) What the Forest Taught Me

This track is rather playful, and with two very natural instruments (the violin and flute) playing, an idea of a Forest is created almost immediately. Here, Randi (the main character) tells of what the forest taught him. It is rather upbeat, so you know that what was "said" couldn't be bad! (8/10)

16) A Wish...

A rather dreamy tune, with sound effects added in, mainly echoes. The track flows in legato passages, and the instruments used once again reflect the title. "A Wish..." isn't a great track though; it needs more to it for it to be as memorable as the others. (7/10)

17) Spirit of the Night

This is a classic track. The glockenspiel plays a beautiful melody, and an acoustic guitar backs the track well. At the 50 second mark, more instruments come in, and take over the main melody. We hear this track blossom from a simple melody, into a wondrous texture of chords. The track sounds somewhat majestic, and it rates very highly with me! (9.5/10)

18) Did You See the Ocean?

The same theme used in "Into the Thick of It" is used here. It has bass added, and vocals replace the more subtle melody. It produces an idea of danger, and the passage at the 1:45 mark makes it seem all the more scary. There is a high-pitched frantic melody, which once more increases the tension. This is a great track, which develops so well! (9/10)

19) Danger

Judging from the last track, one could easily determine a track like this would come up. The frantic melody in this track is entirely synthesized, and it is hard to even name one of the instruments, yet this is one of the best tracks on the album. The track begins with a speedy descending phrase which repeats itself. The drums are frantic. The theme repeats again, emphasising the danger you are in. However, when the track reaches the 1:15 mark, the track turns rather more victorious, and full of hope. It then turns into a rather playful theme, and this part of the track ends on a victorious chord. This soon skips down quickly through the notes to the rather disturbing theme at the start! This is definitely an inventive track. (10/10)

20) Calm Before the Storm

This tracks starts off in a militaristic fashion at the start. The melody is smooth and easy going. The track seems to eliminate any stress previously felt, and with the constant repetiion of the theme, it would seem like Kikuta wants this idea to be drummed into our heads. This track sees a lovely developed secion, and it deserves a 10 for sure. (10/10)

21) The Wind Never Ceases

The persistent wind won't give up, and whole areas are being destroyed. The instruments used once again reflect an idea of airiness, which is quite useful for a wind theme really! The track develops well, and the piano does well to keep it moving. It is the strings that play the biggest part here, as the play the main melody which shows the upset of the situation. (9/10)

22) Flight into the Unknown

The Sound Version was becoming very hard to listen to, as even though they are epic tracks, they take it out of you. However, this one really wakes you up. It is very lively, and it adds a large feeling of anticipation. Nobody knows where they are going, and you don't know what is happening! This track makes good company in the game! (8.5/10)

23) Eternal Recurrence

This track begins off in a very ambient fashion. A glockenspiel plays a similar drone all the way through the track. The important thing to notice are the moving melodies on top of this. A chime sounds a few times, which reflects upon the idea of time given by the title. "Eternal Recurrence" is a fun listen, and it lasts for a long time too. The piano is beautiful in this track, and it becomes more prominent around the 1:45 region. (10+/10)

24) The Legend

The track begins with a nice upbeat, pacey tempo. A xylophone joins with a two note chord accompaniment. This track builds up a lot, and it is quite impressive. The rhythm of the melodies at the 1:10 region are very interesting to analyse. They all link to each other in a rather jumpy fashion. This track is a great listen. (9/10)

25) Eight Ringing Bells

This is a slow, captivating track, which has a dark edge to it. The melody does turn somewhat brighter, however, although this is short-lived as at the 0:50 mark we go into a section of caution. This is possibly one of the better tracks on the album, but its development lets it down. (9/10)

26) Strange Event

The melody here is very mixed-up. A rather precarious xylophone plays single notes here and there. The organ adds chords, and also is the player of the main melody. This is a very strange track to listen to. It lacks development, but apart from that, there is nothing to criticise. (8/10)

27) King of the Sea

Well, this track sets his personality out well from the start. The introduction is grandiose, and nearly fanfare-like. The drums enhance the feeling of importance created by his presence. The melody sways up and down, just like waves do in an open ocean. (8/10)

28) Star of Darkness

Violins play an ever rising accompaniment, and this is done up to a point where a drum enters. This theme is truly dark, and has a sense of importance about it. The drums are very effective, and give a feel of war, or at least of a forthcoming battle. When the melodies intersect, this make the theme seem very important, and the chords are well-placed. (10/10)

29) Premonition

The intricate detail of this piece does it a lot of favours. However, Kikuta seems to have gone into a habit of looping the tracks within the minute, which seriously lets down the track. This track gives off an aura of instant action. You must do whatever you can to prevent disaster from happening. (8/10)

30) Steel and Snare

A steel guitar is accompanied by a drum kit (not necessarily snares) as this track plays. The guitar plays a rather unpredictable melody which goes everywhere. This is an effective track in the game, even if it does sound slightly out of control here. (8/10)

31) A Prayer and a Whisper

This track has a rather holy feel to it. A clear piano plays. There are synth vocals in the background. It all fits very well together and it is quite impressive, but it lacks development in all areas. (6.5/10)

32) Ceremony

This track is a better one. Chimes, a gong, and a series of glockenspiels play this piece. It fits the gameplay to absolute perfection! This piece is very creative, and... well.. strange! Chords played in the background emphasise each of the beats. The atonality of this piece just adds to its wierdness. (10/10)

33) Morning is Here

This is a very fast-paced track that doesn't really do much. A flute melody wavers above a repetitive harmony. This track is boringly tedious, and Kikuta seems to have lost his inspiration for this track. (5/10)

34) Leave Time for Love

This is a rather powerful theme. The harmony plays arpeggios up to a point (the 30 second mark) where the piece changes somewhat, and then into an almost pride-filled state. This is quite a remarkable track, and it follows well after a poor track. He has certainly redeemed himself with this one. (8/10)

35) Still of the Night

This is a slow and ambient theme. A majestic instrument plays an unfaltering melody to a rather simple choir, or is that a glockenspiel?! Well, it seemed to transform from an oboe! The synth in this track IS poor, but the pace and the notes are all that matters. As long as an overdriven electric guitar doesn't play the melody, this track can't really fail! (8/10)

36) The Curse

This is a rather unnerving track. The same thing repeats over and over again. It sounds like some native chant in the background. We hear freqent sound effects, which are very ghostly, and in some places like fireworks. The track doesn't develop much, but at the 50 second mark, a chime is sounded to represnt the end of a section. The piece then returns to its original basis. This is quite a haunting track, and not one to go to sleep to! (8/10)

37) The Sorcerer

A gong is sounded as an introduction, and this is then followed by a rather retro, punky dance-like synth rhythm. The rhythm is very beaty, and the melody wavers up and down. At the 1 minute mark though, this begins to develop. It is very psychadelic and strange. He must be one strange sorceror! This piece shows sheer initiative and flair, hence its mark. (10+/10)

38) An End

Again we are faced with a very slow and ambient theme. It is played by synth instruments and a choir. This track doesn't develop at all. However it does still have a feeling of sorrow about it and agony too. Perhaps if Kikuta developed the harmony a bit more, then we might have a better track on our hands. However, in the game, this is very effective. I will give it a 6! Hmm... a bit generous maybe. (6/10)

39) I Will Never Forget You

By using a theme from an earlier track at the start of the album, Kikuta has created a sorrowful theme. It is well-arranged and he has done a good job. The harmony echoes itself, and this is very effective. (8/10)

40) One of Them is Hope

This track is certainly upbeat, and represents determination to succeed, as the characters are on their way to the final battle. This theme is briliant. The chords used in contrast with the melody are great. The part towards the start is based up on interweaving melodies, which is very effective as an introduction. Such a simple theme, yet it still portrays the feelings of hope! (8.5/10)

41) Meridian Dance

This is the final battle theme, and a very convincing one too. You know that you must win this battle to regain what would be a lost world. You have hope and trust on your side, so use it! The melody develops around a centre of glory. Around the 1:30 region it gives an idea of success, but don't worry, as this soon goes back to the psychadelic start played by overdriven guitars and an electric drum kit. (10/10)

42) Now Flightless Wings

This is the heartfelt epilogue "Now Flightless Wings," where the struggles of the story's heroes finally bring an end to the pain and suffering that they fought against. This track develops pretty well. It works well as a wonderful epilogue. The beginning has a slow metre due to a reminisicent time. This then changes to a more upbeat happy one. The suffering is over! (10/10)

43) The Second Truth from the Left

Well the game has nearly ended, and you are greeted with this fantastic piece. As random as it sounds in places, and as quirky as its melodies may be, don't worry, as it is just Kikuta getting in touch with his inventive side. This is truly an impressive track! The beginning is like a fanfare and brings you, all sealed up nicely, a feeling of pride! (10+/10)

44) I Closed My Eyes

This is a sweet innocent lullaby. There is nothing more that I can give it than an appreciation. The theme is far too short, and it doesn't develop enough for it to be able to be marked! (N/A)

Summary

The music in this soundtrack is very different than in other video game scores. Many tracks comes at a different angle, being a cross between new age, and rock and roll. This is shown in plenty of the tracks, such as "Did You See the Ocean?," "Flight into the Unknown," and "Leave Time for Love". Other tracks try to mix in some symphonic elements. It contains some of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard in my life. In fact, there are so many great tracks on this soundtrack that I would prefer to call it an "Original Masterpiece" than an "Original Sound Version"! This is truly a great album, and it is still in high demand now, so this means that it is nice and easy for you to go and get it! I recommend it with all my heart — this is game music as it was meant to be!