Farland Story Densetsu: Arc Ou no Ensei (Farland Story Legend: March of King Arc) was the second game in TGL's all-encompassing underdog RPG series. The only soundtrack released in relation to said game is this one. As the front cover indicates, its subtitle is the "T.Watarai Drive Mix" and it is "Dedicated To All Drivers." Apparently, composer Tatsuya Watarai wanted people to enjoy this album while on the road. Prompted by the text on the album's cover, I popped this baby in while on a road trip.

Since then, I've listened to it a number of times, but I've found that I enjoy it more while reading and writing than when driving. Then again, I'm a pretty weird guy. The point is that I enjoy this unique brand of synth/sample/loop/pop.

For all its charm, this album lacks in one key area: length. The 14 track arranged CD barely makes the 30 minute mark. Ouch.

Listen to the samples, and remember the power of the '80s. Except, well, this CD was released in 1994. But it's modeled after some classic 80s synth instrumental work. Despite its old retail price of 2500 yen, this album is the only one in the Farland series that has seemed to depreciate over the years: I got it for a mere $8 on Yahoo! Japan Auctions. So if you're interested, there may well be an abundant supply from Japanese used-CD sellers.

Reviewed by: Patrick Gann