Seiken Densetsu Sound Collections

Seiken Densetsu, literally translated as "Legend of the Sacred Sword", was released for the Game Boy in the United States under the name "Final Fantasy Adventure". Seiken Densetsu 2 was retitled "Secret of Mana" for its U.S. SNES release and Seiken Densetsu 3 was never released on our shores. This CD, Seiken Densetsu Sound Collections, contains music from the first Seiken Densetsu only. There are 34 tracks, 7 of which are arranged. These 7 arranged tracks were previously released on their own CD, Let Thoughts Ride On Knowledge, more than five years ago. In a nutshell, these seven tracks are the only reason for buying this CD - but they are most certainly reason enough. The remaining twenty-seven tracks are OSV and are, as anyone who's ever heard Game Boy-produced sound knows, not pleasing to the ear.

The arranged tracks, on the other hand, rival Final Fantasy Symphonic Suite's as the best Square music ever to be arranged for a full instrument set. The two CDs, however, are nothing alike. While Suite's maintains a more traditional European-classical arrangement style, Seiken Densetsu has a strong Latin/Western influence. In addition to a full complement of strings and brass, there is an acoustic guitar, a solo piano, and a more ethnic percussion set. Each arranged track contains several themes from the game.

The cool thing about Sound Collections, in contrast to Suites, is that the listener really feels as if he's going on a journey. He begins the quest with a strong, melodic "Determination"; later rides atop the comical Chocobo, one of the many "Friends" he'll meet on his journey; fights fiercely several times along the way only to arrive at the final confrontation in the fast and dynamic "Decisive Battle"; and, finally, emerges victorious in a powerful and uplifting celebration of "Life". Sit down, close your eyes, and find the time to listen to the entire 35 minute performance - it won't take long until you're as engaged as I was. This is what music is all about.

Wow! This is really good stuff! This is all music from the Gameboy game Final Fantasy Adventure. The first seven tracks are orchestrated, with the remaining 24 taken straight from the Game Boy game pack.

The first track, "Determination", is as about as epic as orchestrated soundtracks get! The John Williams-like arrangement, with its epic drums, fast paced horns, and climactic cymbals, makes it is simply the greatest track on the CD. I never thought I'd ever listen to a three-minute track so many times!

The Latin and western-classical influences are evident, giving this CD a much different feel than Final Fantasy Symphonic Suite or any of the Dragon Quest Symphonic Suites. It has a much more frenetic, peppier feel throughout it, with much more musical action and suspense. This CD grabs you at times and never lets go.

Not to say it doesn't have its low points... I found the fourth track, "Friends", with its repetitive Chocobo theme, overdone at times, and just really annoying at others. I love the Chocobo theme just as much as the rest of Final Fantasy nuts (I have a cassette tape of nothing but the tune on it) but it just didn't rub me the right way. You can only hear its "whoo-whooo" so many times. Even at that, it takes away from the rest of the CD only slightly.

The real low point of Sound Collections are the Gameboy tracks, which come after the orchestrated ones. They're interesting to hear at least once, just to realize how well the sub-8-bit music is translated and used in the live performances. It makes you appreciate it more. Other than that, you shouldn't really need to listen to anything other than the orchestrated tracks.

This would be a perfect addition to any video game soundtrack fan's collection. If you've never played the game, don't sweat it. If you're at all a fan of orchestrated performances, this is a must buy. The bottom line is that the arranged tracks are among the best of their kind, and definitely sure to please!