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Final Fantasy X-2 Original Soundtrack :: Review by Soapy
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Album Title: | Final Fantasy X-2 Original Soundtrack |
| Record Label: | Avex | |
| Catalog No.: | AVCD-17254 (Copy Protected) | |
| Release Date: | March 31, 2003 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
If you haven't heard reviews about this soundtrack yet, well, you might want to refrain from reading ANY reviews if you want to approach this one with an open mind. Or, maybe if you go in with some really low expectations, you might be pleasantly surprised? Honestly, this is one of those soundtracks that could take a little 'getting used to' or you just may very well never get used to it.
Body
The first piece you'll hear is "Eternity ~Memory of the Lightwaves~." This was the first piece I heard from the trailer for Final Fantasy X-2 and I immediately fell in love. I was really attached to "To Zanarkand" from Final Fantasy X because I thought that using the piano for introduction music was the greatest thing since sliced bread. The piano captures the emotion in its simple rhythm and sound that no other instrument can imitate. "Eternity..." was one of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard, and I immediately wanted the sheet music for it. I have asked a lot of non-video gamers to listen to it and they all ask me where it came from.
So far this review doesn't sound too bad right? Next on the list is the song "real Emotion," which people have compared to "Simple and Clean" from Kingdom Hearts. Even though I enjoy the usual techno pop type music, I wasn't too crazy about "Simple and Clean," but "real Emotion" made me cringe. As an intro to the game, I did not want to have to listen to it. Something about the repetition of 'What can I do for you' makes me wish I were deaf. I'm not kidding; this is the one track that if I had no remote, I would get off the couch and go skip it manually.
We all know how important character themes are in Final Fantasy. This time we have three leading ladies. If that weren't enough to make you wonder, the soundtrack may confirm your worst fears. I have no problem with have girls as the main characters, but it was mostly how they would portray these girls that was a problem. Yuna is much less uptight, Rikku is as bubbly as ever, and Paine is the quiet brooding type, although it does not show in her theme. Their themes sound like game show music, maybe because it's played while you're doing mini-games, but don't expect something too memorable from these themes.
I don't mind electronic computer music, but this soundtrack went a little overboard. Besides "Yuna's Ballad," "Besaid," "Nightmare of a Cave," the first version of "Eternity...," and a version of "1000 Words," the rest seem to be entirely electronic. Sometimes it's fitting, other times it's just annoying. There are some good tracks, like "Vegnagun Starting" which gives you your stereotypical sinister mastermind theme music. "Yuna's Ballad" is another one of my favorite tracks. It's a bit sad, but it's very touching, especially when it comes on in certain scenes in the game. I think it is a very accurate portrayal of Yuna's feelings.
Summary
I might have exaggerated if I made it seem like this soundtrack was absolutely horrendous, though sometimes it does seem that way. However, if you skip the really obnoxious tracks, there are a few which are quite enjoyable to listen to. The general mood of this soundtrack is upbeat, fun, and girly. Since this album includes some excellent piano pieces, I am still very excited to see what the Piano Collection will sound like.
