https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJzfBs-wiek

As you all know by now, Final Fantasy VIII is my favorite game of all time. Despite, yes, an ordinary storyline and a frustrating junction system at first, the excellent graphics and music more than made up for it. And as is usually the case for most Final Fantasy games, some of the tracks were “remixed” with the piano. How do they stand next to the original tracks? Here is my review.

1- Blue Fields

The track in itself is very good and relaxing, and the heavy “strings” you hear from the original are played better on the piano. However I preferred the staccato violins of the original track. Plus the tempo is kind of slow.

2- Eyes On Me

To be honest, I never cared for the “variations” of the theme through the game. This track is supposed to be sung, and however pretty the piano arrangements are (they sound kind of romantic) they will never replace Faye Wong’s voice. I would recommend to skip it.

3- Fisherman's Horizon

I never really cared for the original track. However the piano arrangements are VERY beautiful. They respect the original track and they sound much more genuine and quiet than the original track. They are also very relaxing, as if relaxing by a warm fireplace. The second part, however, tries to be a little too epic, forgetting that the piano can not go so loud without spoiling the music.

4- SUCCESSION OF WITCHES

Although I preferred the original arrangements (a kind of high-pitch harpsichord) the piano still keeps the heavy feeling of the witch. Even without the voices the pianist was able to do this track good. However the finale is kind of… random.

5- Ami

This track sounds DEFINITELY better when played with real piano. After a nice intro, the main track is played in a slower (and softer) way than the original track. I think it reflects Squall’s “quiet happiness” to see his friends again better than on the PSX.

6- Shuffle or Boogie

The track has a nice jazzy feel to it. It sounds nice by itself, but the original track sounded better, especially when you think about Triple Triad; it just feels right to have more “artificial” arrangements. However the piano arrangements would be perfect for a night of “real” card playing.

7- Find Your Way

The piano was able to capture the mystery of the dungeons MUCH better than the, er, bells from the original track. From the intro to the core of the loop, the playing sounds much more mysterious and intriguing. It is especially good when the player changes key about midway through the track.

8- The Oath

A track I never cared for on the original soundtrack. However the piano sounds better, with a softer tone that does not get annoying.

9- Silence and Motion

The original arrangements were definitely better. Esthar is a city of the future, and the original track had “futuristic” arrangements. The piano in itself is good, but not as a “remix” of the original track. Just skip it.

10- The Castle

An organ is DEFINITELY better to play a dramatic final-dungeon track. Although the intro was good, the core of the loop just does not recreate the drama of the original track (although the piano does sound dramatic, and the “quieter” part about midway does sound good). Just skip it.

11- The Successor

Another track that profited GREATLY from being played by a real piano. The notes are played softer and slower in the intro, after which the pianist starts playing a more dramatic melody when the original track had simply quiet arrangements. A very interesting remix.

12- Ending Theme

The Final Fantasy Theme is much better when played with real instruments. The piano here is much too slow and soft to recreate the epicness of the original theme. Just skip it.

13- Slide Show Part2

I wonder why they kept this one last… Anyway since it is played with a real piano the tempo is much more realistic, and the player does not seem to be smashing the key. In addition the track still kept its ragtime beat. Probably the best track of the album.

Final diagnosis: the overall quality of the album was disappointing, at least compared to the Final Fantasy VII piano album. You would fare better by buying individual tracks rather than the whole album.