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Game Review: Final Fantasy III (DS)
10-19-15 05:27 PM
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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL144B5ADEE40FDFA5 Final Fantasy III (the real one, for the NES) was never released outside of Japan before the early 2000s, when it was released on hand-held devices like the DS. Other than better graphics, I read that the story was actually improved – the four heroes actually have more than one dimension. The music was also largely improve and, thanks to modern arrangements makes the game even greater. Here is my review of the soundtrack (from the DS version). 01-Memory of the Wind: Legend of the Eternal Wind This is the (real?) orchestrated version of the overworld theme (and Elia Maiden of Water). WOW! I have just discovered it while searching for the soundtrack; it is absolutely spectacular. Legend of the Eternal Wind now sounds like the most epic overworld theme ever, while Elia’s theme sounds about as epic as an orchestrated version of Aerith’s theme. 02-Prelude As is the case with most tracks, the Prelude kept the original sound; it was merely modernized. Here, we can hear an actual harp, playing at an even swifter tempo. It kind of takes the magic out of it… Granted, the notes are much clearer and the crescendo / decrescendo is more obvious. 03-Into the Crystal Cave This is a strange track; the NES intro sounded better, but for the core the DS version sounds better. Indeed, the clarinet that was used has a much quieter tone, perfect for a cavern holding such a magical item. The “metal xylophone” in the background adds a nice touch of drama. 04-Battle 1 Wow! Of all the editions (and re-editions) of the classical Final Fantasy Battle theme, I would be tempted to say that THIS is the best, before Final Fantasy VI. The intro starts with a violin, continues briefly with heavy strings and a battery that is not too quick. The core of the theme with played with violins rather than a trumpet; I thought it was an excellent choice since that instrument *can* get annoying. We can still hear it towards the end of the loop, but it is placed very well. 05-Victory Fanfare Finally, the fanfare gets the triumphant beat it deserves. The theme is introduced with heavy brass (and, again, drum that is just the right tempo), followed by violins. They even reach higher pitches than the NES version, making the theme even better. 06-Crystal Room One of the ugliest tracks of the album. It was played by a very heavy synth that takes away any magical feeling the original tracks had. Skip it. 07-Opening Theme A very nice improvement. The theme is introduced by heavy strings, and then the main Final Fantasy theme starts with violins. As the track advances more instruments pitch in, even adding drums towards the end of the loop (which ends with a cymbal). In addition, the original feeling of epicness (with violins sounding a little “sad”) was kept intact. 08-Hometown of Ur This track also took advantage of its “face lift.” The main flute is absolutely gorgeous and soothing, while the background instrument is a harp (and violins) rather than a guitar, making the track much more relaxing than on the NES. The end of the loop was also better thought-off thanks to the absence of the “guitar.” 09-Eternal Wind I have mixed feeling on this one. While the arrangements are beautiful (albeit not as epic as the intro) they seem to be missing the feeling of epicness from the NES version. The “guitar” in that version was put to better use than the harp, and the 8-but track sounded better than the bassoon. However, the main violin track is very beautiful. 10-Jinn's Curse The modernization helped carrying the feeling of a curse much better. The theme is introduced by staccato violins, while the main part of the loop is a mix of high-pitch winds and another instrument I can not describe. 11-Dungeon This one was a little overdone. The violins are too loud, and the voice track adds too much drama for such an ordinary dungeon theme. However the bassoon at the end of the loop was placed well. 12-Return of the Warrior Only modern arrangements could carry a triumph so well! The beat may be a little too loud, but at least we feel the joy of the triumph. 13-The Road to the Mountain Top The track in itself is good; the violin intro is the perfect adaptation. However the low-tone brass used sound misplaced compared to the NES version. The loop was extended a little, with a mix of violins and brass. Overall, I found it slightly inferior to the original. 14-Tozas The modernization is a great improvement to the track (which was extended a little). The flute (piccolo?) was perfect to relate the size of the people, the drum blends in and the instrument in the second part of the loop is perfect too. During the extension you can hear the flute but also some xylophone. A good track 15-Nept Temple While the original track sounded too dramatic, this one does not sound dramatic enough. The main clarinet just does not carry the “dungeoness” of the theme enough; however the violins in the second part of the loop do it better (with drums and cymbals). 16-The Enterprise Goes Into the Sea The boat theme now sounds more epic. The low-tone brass intro is excellent, the violins in the first part of the loop are perfect and their mix with the battery (that nicely quickens the tempo) in the second part are just what one can except from a sailing theme. 17-Living Forest The modern touch sounds better than the original for sure (with the flute and bassoon), but I find the track as uninteresting. Just skip it 18-Ancient's Village This title is more fitting. The theme now sounds like a music box for some reason; there is also flute towards the end of the first loop that blends in during the second loop (with violins in the background). It is beautiful, but weird compared to the original track. 19-Chocobo Theme This is, I believe, the first time I hear harmonica in a video game. It is very nice though; the theme sounds more light-hearted than the original. And the flute adds to this feeling in the second part of the loop. Finally the guitar is a perfect fit. 20-Fat Chocobo Discovered I definitely preferred the original one. This track almost sounds like burlesque, and a chocobo is NOT the first thing you think about when you hear this track. Even the Final Fantasy IV one was better. And the big extension to the loop does not make it better. 21-Tower of Owen This is definitely better than the original one. The violin intro sets a much more dramatic tone to the track, while the core of the loop have low-tone brass that adds to the dramatic atmosphere of the tower – there are even more violins in the background that add to the drama. 22-Gysahl Greens While I loved the original one, the modernized one (although it does not sound much like real instruments) is also very good. It even incorporated “Jamaican” drums in it! 23-Castle of Hain Another missed shot at modernization. The intro sounds more like this is announcing a circus rather than a dungeon with a fire pit. The background beat even submerges the main flute. Just skip it. 24 to 26-Hazardous Short Music 1 to 3 All the dramatic music that usually precedes a boss battle. The first one was done very well, with the violin track adding a great deal to the drama (and that other instrument I can not identify). The second one added a choir, which helps with the already very dramatic tone, while the last one merely sounds like the second one played backwards (with the same choir). These tracks are short so do not mind them. 27-Battle 2 Modern arrangements transformed that track for the best. The violin intro sets the tone better than the NES intro, while the core is heavy on the battery and low-tone brass. Finally the trumpet mixed with violins makes this track perfect for such a battle. 28-Requiem I did not care for the track on the NES – I never died – so I do not care for this one. The harpsichord makes it a Renaissance death, but I just skip it. 29-The Enterprise Soars in the Sky WOW! This was yet another spectacular improvement. The theme is now about as epic as the Highwind in Final Fantasy VII. The violin intro was much superior to the original NES track, while the main violin track makes for a very epic flying theme; the battery is a very nice addition too. I usually repeat it once or twice when my playlist is on it. 30-The Boundless Ocean The feeling of an endless sight of water is carried much better with this track. Since the flute is an “actual” one, the feelings of vastness is carried better. That background harp is beautiful, while the violins in the second part of the loop just keep adding the right feel to the track. 31-Elia, the Maiden of Water Wow, modernization makes this theme even better! The main clarinet is simply wonderful, while the harp in the background simply makes that track even more relaxing. And all through the loop, the few piano notes also add to the relaxing feeling. 32-Town of Alm The track now has very nice flute. However the background guitar (harp?) sounds a little to “unreal”, bringing the quality down. Fortunately, the second part of the loop features a fuller use of instruments, highly improving the theme. 33 to 35: Piano playing Thanks to modern instruments, it IS piano that is playing. However, the first try does not have the womp womp failure sound at the end. The second one does not have the applause, and the third one is very upbeat and joyful, including even electric guitar and harmonica! 36-Rest at the Inn The modernization is good, but a little too loud for a 37-Added Companion It sounds very triumphant and happy! However it was a little too quick compared to other added companion themes. 38-Parting from a Companion It does not sound sad enough for parting from a companion. Paladin’s Quest had it better. 39-Dancer's Dance If my NES memory serves me right, you hear that track once the water receded on the planet, in bar. It sounds a little strange for a dance music; just skip it. 40-Item Get It was done better in Final Fantasy II Origins, with more staccato notes. Here, the arrangements sound “lazy,” with the notes stuck together. 41-Garuda Defeat Garuda is the boss inside the Golden Mansion right? Anyway it sounds more triumphant than the regular victory music, a little like when Cecil becomes a Paladin. 42-Four Old Men's Theme The modern arrangements carry the silliness of these pseudo-heroes better. The flute is upbeat, the drums are perfect and the guitar (?) in the background adds to the interest for the track. 43-Covert Village Falgabard From a more mysterious theme, the track now sounds Medieval. I honestly preferred the NES version; the flute just seems out of place while the bassoon just sounds strange. 44-Megalopolis Salonia NOW it really sounds militaristic. There is heavy battery and drums, and the main beat (mixed trumpets and other instruments) carry better the military atmosphere of the kingdom. 45-Submarine Nautilus Modernity is always better at carrying feelings of magic and vastness. The harp in the background is as good as Boundless Ocean while the main flute (?) and bells tracks just makes for a great track. The loop was extended and you can also hear violins adding to the feelings of “waterness.” 46-Underwater Temple The loop is slightly extended at the beginning with a mix of piano and strings. That was an excellent idea; the NES tracks started too abruptly. The core of the loop, with the violin, still carries that idea of water being nearby. 47-Pavilion of Dorga and Une Wow! The harp and violins make this theme even more magical than on the NES. I would even say that it adds a touch of hope – you are told about the final boss, after all. 48-Noah's Lute Ugh. It sounds more like heavy Spanish music with guitar than a soothing lute trying to tell you a legend. Skip it. 49-Une's Exercise This was probably an addition with the DS version as it does not remind me of anything on the NES. It sounds rather silly and too upbeat so late in the game. Just skip it. 50-Huge Battleship Invincible Modernization has improved the track big time. The violin intro translated the feeling of greatness of your new airship better, and the accelerated drums give it a militaristic beat. The core of the loop also boasts violins and battery, in addition to occasional cymbals that says, “Get out of the way!” 51-Forbidden Land Eureka Now THAT sounds like a forbidden land hidden for a long time. The newly-conceived intro has low-sounding, high-pitch voices that carries the feeling well, whereas the heavy strings makes it sound like you have entered a HUGE cave. MUCH better than the original. 52-Crystal Tower Just like Castle Pandemonium in FF O, Crystal Tower has greatly profited from it modernization. Instead of heavy strings the drama of the final dungeon comes in the form of voices. The second part of the loop features a nice flute, and the background strings and cymbal just carries the feeling of “finalness” in a very great manner. 53-Dark Crystal The dramatic tone of the final part of the final dungeon is carried even better here. The intro is quieter (with sounds similar to Submarine Nautilus) with harp and bells (and violins in the background), while the core of the loop has very heavy strings and battery that have just the right touch for late-game tension. 54 and 55- This is the last battle Instead of integrating those with the final boss theme, they were put separately. They do sound dramatic, with the heavy violin and some organ. However I preferred the original sounds, which were much more intriguing and quiet. Also the accelerated tempo was more subtle. 56-Last Battle 3 The core of the final boss battle. Strangely enough, the arrangements were made in such a way that they almost copy the original one. But still the modernity carries the drama of the fight better. The second part of the loop is played by violins, which was a very nice touch. 57 to 59-Ending Theme Another deamalgation of tracks. The first part is the intro, quiet and beautiful like most ending themes (modern harps give it such a nice touch). The second part is the flute and violin version of Huge Battleship Invincible. It sounds really epic! The last part starts with a primitive version of the Prelude (which sounds ugly); it is then followed by militaristic drums and violins to play the credits. It was done well overall. Final thoughts: this modern version is one of the best “remixes” for Final Fantasy. A great majority of the tracks are far superior to their original. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL144B5ADEE40FDFA5 Final Fantasy III (the real one, for the NES) was never released outside of Japan before the early 2000s, when it was released on hand-held devices like the DS. Other than better graphics, I read that the story was actually improved – the four heroes actually have more than one dimension. The music was also largely improve and, thanks to modern arrangements makes the game even greater. Here is my review of the soundtrack (from the DS version). 01-Memory of the Wind: Legend of the Eternal Wind This is the (real?) orchestrated version of the overworld theme (and Elia Maiden of Water). WOW! I have just discovered it while searching for the soundtrack; it is absolutely spectacular. Legend of the Eternal Wind now sounds like the most epic overworld theme ever, while Elia’s theme sounds about as epic as an orchestrated version of Aerith’s theme. 02-Prelude As is the case with most tracks, the Prelude kept the original sound; it was merely modernized. Here, we can hear an actual harp, playing at an even swifter tempo. It kind of takes the magic out of it… Granted, the notes are much clearer and the crescendo / decrescendo is more obvious. 03-Into the Crystal Cave This is a strange track; the NES intro sounded better, but for the core the DS version sounds better. Indeed, the clarinet that was used has a much quieter tone, perfect for a cavern holding such a magical item. The “metal xylophone” in the background adds a nice touch of drama. 04-Battle 1 Wow! Of all the editions (and re-editions) of the classical Final Fantasy Battle theme, I would be tempted to say that THIS is the best, before Final Fantasy VI. The intro starts with a violin, continues briefly with heavy strings and a battery that is not too quick. The core of the theme with played with violins rather than a trumpet; I thought it was an excellent choice since that instrument *can* get annoying. We can still hear it towards the end of the loop, but it is placed very well. 05-Victory Fanfare Finally, the fanfare gets the triumphant beat it deserves. The theme is introduced with heavy brass (and, again, drum that is just the right tempo), followed by violins. They even reach higher pitches than the NES version, making the theme even better. 06-Crystal Room One of the ugliest tracks of the album. It was played by a very heavy synth that takes away any magical feeling the original tracks had. Skip it. 07-Opening Theme A very nice improvement. The theme is introduced by heavy strings, and then the main Final Fantasy theme starts with violins. As the track advances more instruments pitch in, even adding drums towards the end of the loop (which ends with a cymbal). In addition, the original feeling of epicness (with violins sounding a little “sad”) was kept intact. 08-Hometown of Ur This track also took advantage of its “face lift.” The main flute is absolutely gorgeous and soothing, while the background instrument is a harp (and violins) rather than a guitar, making the track much more relaxing than on the NES. The end of the loop was also better thought-off thanks to the absence of the “guitar.” 09-Eternal Wind I have mixed feeling on this one. While the arrangements are beautiful (albeit not as epic as the intro) they seem to be missing the feeling of epicness from the NES version. The “guitar” in that version was put to better use than the harp, and the 8-but track sounded better than the bassoon. However, the main violin track is very beautiful. 10-Jinn's Curse The modernization helped carrying the feeling of a curse much better. The theme is introduced by staccato violins, while the main part of the loop is a mix of high-pitch winds and another instrument I can not describe. 11-Dungeon This one was a little overdone. The violins are too loud, and the voice track adds too much drama for such an ordinary dungeon theme. However the bassoon at the end of the loop was placed well. 12-Return of the Warrior Only modern arrangements could carry a triumph so well! The beat may be a little too loud, but at least we feel the joy of the triumph. 13-The Road to the Mountain Top The track in itself is good; the violin intro is the perfect adaptation. However the low-tone brass used sound misplaced compared to the NES version. The loop was extended a little, with a mix of violins and brass. Overall, I found it slightly inferior to the original. 14-Tozas The modernization is a great improvement to the track (which was extended a little). The flute (piccolo?) was perfect to relate the size of the people, the drum blends in and the instrument in the second part of the loop is perfect too. During the extension you can hear the flute but also some xylophone. A good track 15-Nept Temple While the original track sounded too dramatic, this one does not sound dramatic enough. The main clarinet just does not carry the “dungeoness” of the theme enough; however the violins in the second part of the loop do it better (with drums and cymbals). 16-The Enterprise Goes Into the Sea The boat theme now sounds more epic. The low-tone brass intro is excellent, the violins in the first part of the loop are perfect and their mix with the battery (that nicely quickens the tempo) in the second part are just what one can except from a sailing theme. 17-Living Forest The modern touch sounds better than the original for sure (with the flute and bassoon), but I find the track as uninteresting. Just skip it 18-Ancient's Village This title is more fitting. The theme now sounds like a music box for some reason; there is also flute towards the end of the first loop that blends in during the second loop (with violins in the background). It is beautiful, but weird compared to the original track. 19-Chocobo Theme This is, I believe, the first time I hear harmonica in a video game. It is very nice though; the theme sounds more light-hearted than the original. And the flute adds to this feeling in the second part of the loop. Finally the guitar is a perfect fit. 20-Fat Chocobo Discovered I definitely preferred the original one. This track almost sounds like burlesque, and a chocobo is NOT the first thing you think about when you hear this track. Even the Final Fantasy IV one was better. And the big extension to the loop does not make it better. 21-Tower of Owen This is definitely better than the original one. The violin intro sets a much more dramatic tone to the track, while the core of the loop have low-tone brass that adds to the dramatic atmosphere of the tower – there are even more violins in the background that add to the drama. 22-Gysahl Greens While I loved the original one, the modernized one (although it does not sound much like real instruments) is also very good. It even incorporated “Jamaican” drums in it! 23-Castle of Hain Another missed shot at modernization. The intro sounds more like this is announcing a circus rather than a dungeon with a fire pit. The background beat even submerges the main flute. Just skip it. 24 to 26-Hazardous Short Music 1 to 3 All the dramatic music that usually precedes a boss battle. The first one was done very well, with the violin track adding a great deal to the drama (and that other instrument I can not identify). The second one added a choir, which helps with the already very dramatic tone, while the last one merely sounds like the second one played backwards (with the same choir). These tracks are short so do not mind them. 27-Battle 2 Modern arrangements transformed that track for the best. The violin intro sets the tone better than the NES intro, while the core is heavy on the battery and low-tone brass. Finally the trumpet mixed with violins makes this track perfect for such a battle. 28-Requiem I did not care for the track on the NES – I never died – so I do not care for this one. The harpsichord makes it a Renaissance death, but I just skip it. 29-The Enterprise Soars in the Sky WOW! This was yet another spectacular improvement. The theme is now about as epic as the Highwind in Final Fantasy VII. The violin intro was much superior to the original NES track, while the main violin track makes for a very epic flying theme; the battery is a very nice addition too. I usually repeat it once or twice when my playlist is on it. 30-The Boundless Ocean The feeling of an endless sight of water is carried much better with this track. Since the flute is an “actual” one, the feelings of vastness is carried better. That background harp is beautiful, while the violins in the second part of the loop just keep adding the right feel to the track. 31-Elia, the Maiden of Water Wow, modernization makes this theme even better! The main clarinet is simply wonderful, while the harp in the background simply makes that track even more relaxing. And all through the loop, the few piano notes also add to the relaxing feeling. 32-Town of Alm The track now has very nice flute. However the background guitar (harp?) sounds a little to “unreal”, bringing the quality down. Fortunately, the second part of the loop features a fuller use of instruments, highly improving the theme. 33 to 35: Piano playing Thanks to modern instruments, it IS piano that is playing. However, the first try does not have the womp womp failure sound at the end. The second one does not have the applause, and the third one is very upbeat and joyful, including even electric guitar and harmonica! 36-Rest at the Inn The modernization is good, but a little too loud for a 37-Added Companion It sounds very triumphant and happy! However it was a little too quick compared to other added companion themes. 38-Parting from a Companion It does not sound sad enough for parting from a companion. Paladin’s Quest had it better. 39-Dancer's Dance If my NES memory serves me right, you hear that track once the water receded on the planet, in bar. It sounds a little strange for a dance music; just skip it. 40-Item Get It was done better in Final Fantasy II Origins, with more staccato notes. Here, the arrangements sound “lazy,” with the notes stuck together. 41-Garuda Defeat Garuda is the boss inside the Golden Mansion right? Anyway it sounds more triumphant than the regular victory music, a little like when Cecil becomes a Paladin. 42-Four Old Men's Theme The modern arrangements carry the silliness of these pseudo-heroes better. The flute is upbeat, the drums are perfect and the guitar (?) in the background adds to the interest for the track. 43-Covert Village Falgabard From a more mysterious theme, the track now sounds Medieval. I honestly preferred the NES version; the flute just seems out of place while the bassoon just sounds strange. 44-Megalopolis Salonia NOW it really sounds militaristic. There is heavy battery and drums, and the main beat (mixed trumpets and other instruments) carry better the military atmosphere of the kingdom. 45-Submarine Nautilus Modernity is always better at carrying feelings of magic and vastness. The harp in the background is as good as Boundless Ocean while the main flute (?) and bells tracks just makes for a great track. The loop was extended and you can also hear violins adding to the feelings of “waterness.” 46-Underwater Temple The loop is slightly extended at the beginning with a mix of piano and strings. That was an excellent idea; the NES tracks started too abruptly. The core of the loop, with the violin, still carries that idea of water being nearby. 47-Pavilion of Dorga and Une Wow! The harp and violins make this theme even more magical than on the NES. I would even say that it adds a touch of hope – you are told about the final boss, after all. 48-Noah's Lute Ugh. It sounds more like heavy Spanish music with guitar than a soothing lute trying to tell you a legend. Skip it. 49-Une's Exercise This was probably an addition with the DS version as it does not remind me of anything on the NES. It sounds rather silly and too upbeat so late in the game. Just skip it. 50-Huge Battleship Invincible Modernization has improved the track big time. The violin intro translated the feeling of greatness of your new airship better, and the accelerated drums give it a militaristic beat. The core of the loop also boasts violins and battery, in addition to occasional cymbals that says, “Get out of the way!” 51-Forbidden Land Eureka Now THAT sounds like a forbidden land hidden for a long time. The newly-conceived intro has low-sounding, high-pitch voices that carries the feeling well, whereas the heavy strings makes it sound like you have entered a HUGE cave. MUCH better than the original. 52-Crystal Tower Just like Castle Pandemonium in FF O, Crystal Tower has greatly profited from it modernization. Instead of heavy strings the drama of the final dungeon comes in the form of voices. The second part of the loop features a nice flute, and the background strings and cymbal just carries the feeling of “finalness” in a very great manner. 53-Dark Crystal The dramatic tone of the final part of the final dungeon is carried even better here. The intro is quieter (with sounds similar to Submarine Nautilus) with harp and bells (and violins in the background), while the core of the loop has very heavy strings and battery that have just the right touch for late-game tension. 54 and 55- This is the last battle Instead of integrating those with the final boss theme, they were put separately. They do sound dramatic, with the heavy violin and some organ. However I preferred the original sounds, which were much more intriguing and quiet. Also the accelerated tempo was more subtle. 56-Last Battle 3 The core of the final boss battle. Strangely enough, the arrangements were made in such a way that they almost copy the original one. But still the modernity carries the drama of the fight better. The second part of the loop is played by violins, which was a very nice touch. 57 to 59-Ending Theme Another deamalgation of tracks. The first part is the intro, quiet and beautiful like most ending themes (modern harps give it such a nice touch). The second part is the flute and violin version of Huge Battleship Invincible. It sounds really epic! The last part starts with a primitive version of the Prelude (which sounds ugly); it is then followed by militaristic drums and violins to play the credits. It was done well overall. Final thoughts: this modern version is one of the best “remixes” for Final Fantasy. A great majority of the tracks are far superior to their original. |
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