I've loved the concept of the Mysterious Dungeon series ever since I played Torneko no Daibouken (Torneko's Big Adventure) for the Super Famicom. Though the music and characters were more of an Enix staple, Chunsoft managed to make it a product all their own. However, Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon has a sound that is totally Square, and even this arranged album can't escape that, which is a good thing.

Coi Vanni Gialli, Italian for "With the Yellow Wings", is the arranged, orchestral version of 11 of the tracks from the Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon soundtrack. While not particularly long pieces, they vary wildly in theme. While the Prologue is fast paced and exciting, La Nymphe is a cute little music box-esque adaptation of the traditional Chocobo theme we all know and love. Coincidentally, that theme returns in more than one of the pieces, including Theme M, La Prorhetie, and the beautiful title piece, Coi Vanni Gialli.

None of the tracks on this CD fall short of excellence. One thing to note, however, is that I sensed a bit of Secret of Mana composer, Hiroki Kikuta in L'Illusion, though, that could have been because of the synth beeps and general pace of the song, though with none of Kikuta's atmospheric charm. Still, Coi Vanni Gialli is a wonderful soundtrack, blending both cuteness and energy. Pick it up if you get the chance.

Reviewed by: Damian Thomas