Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version

There is a group of fans that absolutely worship this score and I must admit that I am one of them. If I were to be stranded on a desert island with nothing but five soundtracks that I could choose, this would most definitely be one. Nobuo Uematsu transcended all that seemed possible and created a score of boundless and adventurous spirit that has yet to be topped in the videogame music world.

The Final Fantasy series has certainly had its recent ups and downs, but without a doubt in my mind, the sixth installment is the pinnacle of FF music, and indeed game music thus far. Years ago, when I was in fifth grade, the unforgettable Final Fantasy IV was released, which was my first true introduction into the wonders of game music. It wasn't until a couple of years later that I played part six. While IV impressed me by its almost orchestral sound system (at least I thought so at the time), VI completely blew me away with its incredible traditional arrangements and its knack for unhampered thematic progression.

This leads me to acknowledge this soundtrack's best feature: I've yet to hear one soundtrack from a videogame or a movie that contains so many memorable themes. There are so many great melodies rolled into one neat little package that it makes it nearly impossible to pick out a favorite. There are a couple throwaway tracks, but who cares? There's so much great stuff here that the bad is completely overshadowed and ultimately overlooked. I will admit that this is much darker than its predecessors, but I believe that this is simply a direct turn into musical maturity. The previous FF scores may have been lighthearted, and therefore fun to listen to, but one can hardly make any argument that they were "mature", though I hold them dear to my heart as well. This particular score fits the game like a glove and enhances its emotional impact at least tenfold, yet it still contains a bit of that humorous Uematsu charm that we all know and love. And it is still lighthearted compared to FFVII that was to follow.

The basis for this soundtrack is generally carried by the Wagnerian technique of leitmotif, or character theme, which you may or may not know, was also the basis for John Williams' Star Wars scores. Though Wagner pioneered this technique, Nobuo, in my opinion, maximizes it to the fullest extent, surpassing Wagner entirely. There is a theme for every character and many of these receive a secondary arrangement such as "Coin Song" for Edgar and Sabin and "Forever Rachel" for Locke. Many of these character themes sound traditional, and then there are some that take other routes. "Shadow", for example, sounds as if it came straight out of an Ennio Morriconne spaghetti western soundtrack. While not easy to pick out a favorite, I can say what I don't like. I never cared for the Ghestal/Empire theme that is used in several militaristic tracks, and I've always found Strago's theme to be particularly annoying. Overall though, the character themes form a set of thoroughly entertaining and endearing melodies. More great tracks include the second overworld theme "Searching for Friends", which is similar to Terra's overworld theme but seems a bit more thoughtful and stirring. "Devil's Lab" is certainly a fun listen, and "The Fierce Battle" sounds absolutely ferocious - I believe it to be the second best battle theme in the series right after "Dancing Mad" on the same CD!

One cannot write a review for FFVI OST without mentioning the immortal opera sequence. This also sounds as if Wagner inspired it, as it nearly matches his style. I've never been one to care for opera, but no one can deny that this is just incredible. Once the intro hits the forefront, you are immediately drawn in by its raw power, and the cinematic sequences that follow are just incredible. The best track in the opera sequence is probably the famous "Aria Di Mezzo Carattere" version of Celes' theme, which is one of the most praised tracks in FF history.

If you're looking for the perfect score, then you won't find it here because if it's perfection you're searching for, you're never going to be satisfied. There is no such thing as perfect! If I really have to demand it, then the one thing that irks me the most about the soundtrack actually has little to do with the composition itself, but rather the CD release. I just wish that the ending theme had been split into two tracks. It seems kind of ridiculous to stick all twenty-one minutes into one track when it contains two very separate compositions. Even so, I really shouldn't complain, considering I believe this to be the second greatest piece of music ever composed, just behind the "Presto" movement from Beethoven's ninth symphony. My personal favorite section is the *hugely* bombastic arrangement of Setzer's theme which kicks off as the end credits begin to roll. Combined with the ingenious "Dancing Mad" that comes just prior, I'd say the two conclusive tracks of Final Fantasy VI make for the most enthralling forty solid minutes of music *ever*, and I don't see how it's possible to not view it as such.

As a whole, this, my favorite game soundtrack, makes a timelessly inspiring listen, leaving its own niche in the souls of those who hear it. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could think that any other game soundtrack out there today could top it. The future may hold a soundtrack that I like better, but until then, Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version will be the game score by which I judge all others.

Compared to the relatively lighthearted soundtrack of Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version takes a sharp turn for the somber and disconcerting. The game was fairly dark in tone, and while this would have been felt in the music anyhow, Nobuo Uematsu's newfound experimental tendencies amplified the sorrow and strangeness that flavors much of the soundtrack. Although I am generally more a fan of upbeat music, I confess I am quite fond of the Final Fantasy VI soundtrack, most obviously because Uematsu has the compositional skills to make the soundtrack interesting, engaging, and memorable (for the most part).

The soundtrack, despite its tendency for dark ambience, has a good amount of variety. The first major change in tone is with "Locke", the fourth track, which is heroic and much more optimistic than the three tracks preceding. The three discs continue to change tones and moods but, for better or worse, never lose sight of the general unrest and the almost sullied feel. It is primarily the character themes (like "Locke") interspersed throughout that stand out and keep the soundtrack interesting, although Uematsu displays more than a few flourishes of brilliance with area themes like the calming "Kids Run Through the City", the aggressive "Slam Shuffle" (Zozo's theme), and the grimy and addictive "Devil's Lab". Plus there are two primary overworld themes - the melancholy, searching "Terra" and, even better, the soaring and magnificent "Searching For Friends", which almost totally overshadows much of the third disc.

If there is any one particular component of the soundtrack that Final Fantasy VI is famous for, though, it is most definitely the four-track opera progression. Certainly the crown jewel among the results of Uematsu's experimental urges, the opera sequence never loses its musical footing as it shifts from forebodingly dramatic ("Overture") to breathtakingly beautiful ("Aria de Mezzo Carattere"), before seething with tension beneath the civilized surface of "The Wedding" and ending with a lighthearted comic gem ("Grand Finale?") that simultaneously manages to dissipate all of the tensions of the opera and cap off the proceedings with a strangely fitting climax. In fact, were it not for the prohibitive cost of import CDs, I would consider the entire soundtrack to be almost worth purchasing for these four tracks alone... thankfully, the rest of the three discs more than picks up the slack.

Also extremely noteworthy is "Dancing Mad", the last boss music, which is another fine example of Uematsu fulfilling his experimental potential, as it manages to not only unnerve the listener and generally freak him or her out (in a good way, mind you), but it also manages to encapsulate the rather strange personality of the game's antagonist, making the final fight all the more meaningful. While the track is not as heroic and tuneful as Final Fantasy IV's "The Final Battle", it does not have to be, and "Dancing Mad" is probably the best last boss theme this game could have hoped for.

Still, there are some stumbles scattered throughout. The first airship theme, "Blackjack", really fails to affect me in any way except to annoy me, and the drone of "Fanatics" is nearly unlistenable. But without question, the most disappointing track is "Battle Theme", especially since on so many other Square soundtracks the corresponding track is among the highlights. Final Fantasy VI's Battle Theme is neither pulse-pounding, nor at all melodic, nor compelling, nor focused. (All of these are traits that a battle theme really should possess. To fall short on one or two would be forgivable, but all four?) Instead, what we are given is a mess of directionless horns blaring atonally as the track spasms this way and that, never even coming close to catching fire as the battle themes in the previous two Final Fantasy games did. Thankfully, the mess of "Battle Theme" is not the norm on the soundtrack, though there are more than a couple other missteps (for instance, "Ending Theme", while astounding, is longer than it needs to or should be).

All in all, while it is not the perfect creation that some will try to tell you it is, this soundtrack is truly an impressive beast. If you are going to have even just a small soundtrack collection, the Final Fantasy VI soundtrack - one of the best video game soundtracks ever, slightly flawed though it may be - should without question be part of it.

This 3-disc work, by Final Fantasy music composer Nobuo Uematsu (who also composed the music for FFs 1-5 and 7-9, and some of 10), is probably my favorite musical work of all time. I have purchased many FF CDs in my time, and I know many of the scores like I know my best friends. But this score is different. It overshadows everything else Uematsu has written.

There are so many reasons why. The foremost, I believe, is the character themes. Chances are this OSV would not be so great if the character themes were not of excellent nature, as much of this is driven by the character themes. Almost every character has more than one arrangement of their theme. The main theme of the game is a character theme. The final battle music is based on the villain's theme. And the incredible ending theme is basically just a medley of the character themes. The themes are all outstanding, but some more so than others. Shadow's theme, for one, isn't that good, and Stragus' is a bit annoying and repetative. The Empire / Ghestal theme is pretty mediocre as well. But others, like Celes' and Terra's, really shine. Kefka also has a wonderful theme, as does Setzer.

Another reason for this OSV's brilliance is the immortal opera sequence. Despite the hideous synth vocals, the music is glorious and powerful. I've never been a fan of opera, but these four tracks I can listen to over and over again. "Aria De Mezzo Carattere" is probably the most praised track in the history of FF, and is an arrangement of Celes' theme (proving once again the greatness of the character themes). "The Wedding Waltz ~ Duel" is a beautiful and exciting track, and "Grand Finale?" is fabulous battle music. The opera sequence is probably one of the only reasons to buy the OSV.

I could go on and on about many other tracks because almost every track on this OSV is fabulous, but that would take up a lot of time. Thus, I will just talk about the two most important tracks: "Dancing Mad" and "Ending Theme", both on the 3rd disc. "Dancing Mad" is split up into four sections: tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, and the final battle with Kefka. This piece is brilliantly written... so much so that when the time for the 3rd tier comes around it is nearly impossible to not mistake it for a J.S. Bach piece! The battle with Kefka, at the end, is quick and exciting, with fragments of the evil fiend's theme thrown in here and there. This is my second favorite battle theme in the series; "One Winged Angel" from FF7 is the first.

Next comes "Ending Theme." This piece is staggeringly long, over twenty minutes in fact. But it is amazing. The first half is a medley of the character themes, all arranged so that they are played to their full potential. The second half consists mainly of a bombastic arrangement of Setzer's theme, and then the piece ends with an exciting coda. I believe this coda even blows away the coda to Rossini's "William Tell Overture." It is THAT exciting. This piece is Uematsu's greatest work, his tour-de-force. This is wonderful.

To end my rambling, I will say this: Buy this now!! Buy it or i'll stalk you and hold you hostage until you do!!! Don't deprive yourself of the greatest musical work of the 20th century. The FF6 OSV awaits!

I know anyone who even has the slightest inkling of gaming soundtracks knows about Final Fantasy VI already, but I'll go into detail about it anyway. FFVI, considered to be Nobuo Uematsu's best work ever, is in a nutshell the best. This three disk set comes with power packed in each one.

As usual, "Main Theme/Tina" is wonderful. Simple in composition, yet beautiful, this is a benchmark theme. Of course, you've got many variations scattered throughout the soundtrack, all sounding excellent. All of the characters' themes are great, especially Lock's, Cayenne's and Celes'. "Techno de Chocobo" is rocking. In any RPG so far, FFVI has the best battle themes yet. "Battle Theme" is way cool and the "Fierce Battle" is just too awesome. "Ending Theme" is simply amazing - one super-long song with variations of all of the characters' themes, along with a way cool "Epitaph"/"Setzer" staff role. The Final Fantasy theme, of course, is here, and this is the very best one I've ever heard. Never have you heard so much power, so much grandiose involved on the finale. It's simply astounding. Well, what can I say? After nine years of Final Fantasy, it all comes down to this. With Final Fantasy VI Nobuo Uematsu has continued cranking out the power with no signs of stopping.

Out of the Final Fantasy CDs that I have, Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version (Final Fantasy III in America) is the best and is, without question, a classic. Nobuo Uematsu has really outdone himself with this score. Here, we hear some of his most beautiful, haunting, and exciting pieces of work.

There are plenty of highlights on this album. First, there are individual themes for all of the characters throughout the game, each of which is downright impressive. The themes are effective, beautiful, occasionally funky (such as Mog and Strago's themes) and truly memorable.

Secondly, there is an *opera* sequence in the score. Uh huh, an opera sequence, with four tracks total! Even when you are not playing the game, you can still feel the emotion and the pageantry of that experience through the music.

Finally, and best of all, there is an extended finale track which runs for 21:36! That is really quite a long piece for an ending theme, but it is worth listening to over and over again (and it will make you want to cry and wish that it doesn't ended so soon!). This piece, in my opinion, is the definitive highlight of the soundtrack. All the characters themes are reprised (in a film score end title manner), and after a heavenly treatment from the beautiful Final Fantasy theme, the piece ends in a spectacular climax that it surpasses all of the other Final Fantasy ending themes (including FF IV).

This score perfectly recaptures the experience of one of the all-time great games. My advice to game music fans is to snatch a copy of this CD while they still can. It is a definitive classic.