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Game Review: Final Fantasy VII (PSX)

 

01-06-16 03:41 PM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMtlLpYcCAQ

Final Fantasy VII was really the game that inaugurated the 32-bit era. Spanning across three disks, it offered a massive storyline, nice cutscenes and many sidequests. But because the game was so early in the era, it was kind of underwhelming for graphics but also for music. Here is my review of the soundtrack.

1- The Prelude

This track gives you a preview of the limitations of the music. Even Final Fantasy IV was more realistic. However the core of the track is very beautiful and relaxing, despite its “artificiality.”

2- Opening - Bombing Mission

When you officially start your game. Although orchestrations sound much better, this version is still good. The “opening” part sounds very epic (despite the annoying background noises), and the bombing part sounds very dramatic, perfect for such an opening of action.

3- Mako Reactor

When “exploring” the reactors. The synth does good to this track; it sounds very heavy and dramatic. The “piano” in the background adds an additional touch of “heaviness.”

4- Anxious Heart

One of the tracks I never cared about; I do not remember when it is played. It does not really sound “anxious.” Just skip it.

5- Tifa's Theme

Self-explanatory. The piano version is much, much better than this synthesized version with strange “echoing” instruments. Plus, it seems to play the same thing over and over again. Just skip it.

6- Barret's Theme

Although I never cared for the track, I have to say that it represents Barret well. The arrangements make him sound fatter than what he is, but it represents his “brutish” persona well.

7- Hurry!

THIS is definitely better than such similar tracks from previous games. The loop is much longer, it sounds more dramatic and the metronome in the background adds to the sense of urgency.

8- Lurking in the Darkness

A nice “infiltration” theme. It has an interesting jazzy feel with the drum in the background, and it sounds perfect for exploring the dark corners of Midgar.

9- Shinra Corporation

Although the synthetization was overdone a little, the arrangements sound perfect to represent that evil corporation. It is slow, it is heavy and “choirs” help adding to the drama. However the looping of the loop was “too quiet” with just a few drum sounds; Uematsu should have incorporated a few more arrangements.

10- Fighting

The ordinary battle theme. It is quite a departure from the classical theme from the previous six. It does sound more modern, but I kind of preferred the “classic”, especially with realistic-ish arrangements.

11- Fanfare

At least THAT one did not change much. You can recognize the classical victory triumph, although the second part is less than ordinary with seemingly random sounds.

12- Flowers Blooming in the Church

A variation of Aerith’s theme. Although the arrangements are too artificial, they still sound nice. They represent this lone flowered church in the middle of the concrete jungle.

13- Turks' Theme

Whenever one of the Turks enters. It is another tracks with an interesting jazzy feel with the finger snapping in the background. You get a feel that they are not on your side, but at least they are not as evil and the big shots from Shinra.

14- Underneath the Rotting Pizza

When walking between the sectors in Midgar. Despite being very artificial, I find the arrangements very interesting. You can feel the heavy air surrounding you, but also a part of mystery.

15- Oppressed People

The theme inside the Wall Market. The title is strange, but I find the arrangements to be appropriate. People are just minding their business while ignoring that the people on top do not care about them.

16- Honeybee Manor

I never cared for this track. It reminds me of the spaceship in Final Fantasy VIII when you fight the paired monsters, and I hated that track too. Just skip it, your ears will thank you.

17- Who Are You?

One of the best tracks of the album, and one of the few with very realistic arrangements. There is a piano playing with a lot of echo, showing the confusion going in Cloud’s head about “who he is.”

18- Don of the Slums

I preferred that track to Honeybee Manor. The arrangements show the brothel better without overdoing it. In the second part, the background arrangements sound like a kind of flute I like.

19- Infiltrating Shinra Tower

Self-explanatory. It is another excellent track that, just like Who Are You, reflects mystery very well. The loop has three distinctive parts, all adding on top of each other to add to the infiltration feeling (my favorite is the second one with the drums).

20- Still More Fighting

The ordinary boss battle theme. I found the arrangements to be more interesting than in Final Fantasy VI, with the electric guitar. The “organ” is also incorporated better.

21- Red XIII's Theme

A variation of the Cosmo Canyon theme… which I preferred. The background guitar here is annoying and the “echoing” instruments are uninteresting. Just skip it.

22- Crazy Motorcycle

The motorcycle chase when escaping Midgar. It is very upbeat as it should for a high-speed chase, and the various arrangements help keeping you rushed with adrenaline.

23- Holding My Thoughts In My Heart

Outside the gates of Midgar, but also a variation of the main theme. I do not like the track as such, but the arrangements are nice and relaxing, perfect to “meditate” on what to do next.

24- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII

The first overworld theme. Orchestrated arrangements are far superior; nevertheless the original is still good. It has to be the most elaborate overworld theme ever composed, looping after 6 minutes. It sound as epic as an overworld theme should, slowly building up for the apex ¾ of the way. The last part would have been more appropriate for the second overworld theme, though.

25- Ahead on Our Way

A nice, quiet-village track that it very relaxing. The slow guitar in the background (and the violins sometimes) show that, even with a limited sound chip, Uematsu is a master of gaming music.

26- Good Night, Until Tomorrow!

When you go to sleep. It is surprisingly long (11 seconds), but it still feels appropriate.

27- On That Day, 5 Years Ago

When Cloud tells his story with Sephiroth. It reminds me a little of Who Are You, which is fairly appropriate… The tempo is slow and the violins are stretching the notes to add some mystery.

28- Farm Boy

The chocobo farm. The highlight of this track is probably the banjo, which gives the track an excellent “rural” feel for a farm.

29- Waltz de Chocobo

I am not sure when we can hear this track… I believe I found it when I listened to the soundtrack. Anyway just skip it.

30- Electric de Chocobo

When you encounter a chocobo during a fight. The arrangements are indeed “electric”, which is appropriate since the chocobo is wild and you need to capture it. They are also more upbeat.

31- Cinco de Chocobo

When riding a chocobo. It also has a jazzy beat to it with the drums in the background. I actually prefer this theme to the previous six ones (especially VI) because it departed from the “classic” loops by stretching it a little.

32- Chasing the Black-Caped Man

Another one of my favorite track. It is very relaxing and “magical” with the bells and choir all through the track. It feel even more appropriate when the Ancient Forest “wakes up.” And it loops for over 2 minutes and 30 seconds without ever getting annoying.

33- Fortress of the Condor

Whenever you have to engage soldiers at the said fortress. The constant drums in the background (and synth effects) make for an excellent military march while the “trumpets” on the main track give you a kind of sense of urgency to repel those soldiers.

34- Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony

Self-explanatory. It sounds like a very nice, triumphant military march with drums in the background and loud trumpets on the main track. I love the cymbals in the background, adding to the military feel.

35- It's Difficult to Stand on Both Feet, Isn't It?

Another track I never cared about. The arrangements are overdone and artificial, and I can not even remember when it is played. Just skip it.

36- Trail of Blood

Whenever you are close to Sephiroth’s massacres. The tempo is very slow and anguishing, but also very dark. You really feel like you are chasing a serial murderer.

37- J-E-N-O-V-A

The “major boss” battle theme. Although I prefer the piano version, this version is excellent still. It is very upbeat and dramatic; I especially like how the loop concludes after the “trumpet solo” (it is hard to describe).

38- Continue?

The death music. Since I never died I never even heard it. It uses excerpts from the Prelude that sound more realistic than the original track…

39- Costa del Sol

Self-explanatory. It sounds very relaxing and exotic with the drums and conga in the background (and also the ukulele-like instrument). This is what a beach resort should be!

40- Mark of the Traitor

Another track I do not care about and which I can not remember. The violins in the background sound like they were cut and paste with strange separations. Just skip it.

41- Mining Town

God this is annoying. The main arrangements are excessively repetitive and want to make me deaf. Skip it in a hurry.

42- Gold Saucer

Now THAT is much better. It really sounds like a carnival, joyous and festive. I think it actually does the track good to be played with synths; I wonder how “real” instruments would have sounded like.

43- Cait Sith's Theme

Self-explanatory. Another good jazzy theme with finger snapping that reflects the character’s betrayal of your team. The organ adds a darker feeling to the track and I like it.

44- Sandy Badlands

When you are stuck in the desert prison. I never liked the track, but its arrangements are highly appropriate. They sound like they were made for a western (better than Shadow’s theme); you can even hear the rattle snakes moving their tails in the background.

45- Cosmo Canyon

Self-explanatory. I prefer this track to Red XII’s theme any day. It sounds like the theme of a primitive, Native tribe with the drums in the background and the “hou” male choir. The electric guitar at the end of the loop sounds misplaced, though.

46- Life Stream

One of the most beautiful tracks of the album. The violins in the background are very slow and stretching their notes as much as they can, adding to the magical feeling the “bells” in the main track are creating. You really feel connected with the planet.

47- Great Warrior

When Red XIII discovers what his father really did. Once again, the Cosmo Canyon track was much better. I mean come on, staccato banjo for a great warrior that sacrificed himself? Just skip it.

48- Descendant of Shinobi

This is Yuffie’s Theme (?). When I got her I did not even noticed the music that was playing, showing how unmemorable it is. Frankly it does not sound like we are joined by a great ninja. Just skip it.

49- Those Chosen by the Planet

A track linked with the JENOVA reunion or something of the sort. I never cared for the track; however it sounds highly appropriate with its very heavy atmosphere created by bells and a “choir” that seems to be suffering.

50- The Nightmare's Beginning

I believe this is Vincent’s theme. If so the theme sounds very appropriate: dark, mysterious and intriguing. The guitar is played at medium tempo; I even found a real guitar player playing it and it sounds wonderful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4TEcefo1J4&list=PLC23CB375AC7B5195&index=19

51- Cid's Theme

Self-explanatory. I do not care for the theme, but its “deceived triumph” is highly appropriate when he tells his failed attempt to launch into space. Indeed, you can hear the triumph of getting into the rocket but feel that he was disappointed because he could not take off.

52- Steal the Tiny Bronco!

I honestly can not remember hearing this track. However the arrangements are good. In the first part you hear a kind of “joyous infiltration” arrangements while the second part is quicker, where you need to escape.

53- Wutai

Probably my favorite track of the album. The main flute track sounds very “eastern”, very appropriate for a village with pagodas. The second part adds to that “easternly” feeling with instruments in the background that are hard to describe.

54- Stolen Materia

When Yuffie steals your materia. I did not even remember that there was a theme for it, and quite honestly it does not sound like a thief / betrayal theme like Cait Sith’s theme. Just skip it.

55- Racing Chocobos - Place Your Bets!

Self-explanatory. It was a little overdone and can get annoying, but since you rarely spend a lot of time placing your bets you do not hear the full loop in the game.

56- Fiddle de Chocobo

Chocobo racing. As the title suggests, you can hear fiddles all through the tracks, but also a lot of banjo. This is one of the best rendition of the theme in my opinion. I like the “youhou” towards the end of the loop; it make it sound like you a riding a wild bull.

57- A Great Success

When you / your bets triumph in a race. It sounds a little too artificial, but hey! At least you can hear the classical victory theme at least once in this game.

58- Tango of Tears

When you / your bets lose a race. It still sounds like the victory fanfare, but the “tango” beat makes it definitely sound sadder.

59- Debut

Another track I do not remember nor cared about. It sounds repetitive and uninteresting. Just skip it.

60- Interrupted by Fireworks

When Cloud visits the Gold Saucer with Aerith. There is an interesting romantic touch to this track, with the metal xylophone in the background and the harp on the main track. The arrangements get louder in the second part.

61- Forested Temple

When exploring the Temple of the Ancients. The guitar in the background is excellent, while the flute in the main track ads a sense of magic I just love. It gets even more “magical” after the “exchange” between the flute and the guitar about midway through the loop.

62- You Can Hear the Cry of the Planet

The Village of the Ancients. The background arrangements reflect the title very well, while the occasional bell ringing give the theme a more solemn feel.

63- Aeris' Theme

Self-explanatory. Too bad the arrangements are so primitive; they do not do the theme’s grand feeling justice (hear for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3LkKviuGKU&list=PLC23CB375AC7B5195&index=30). Nevertheless you can still feel Aerith’s strength and delicate nature at the same time.

64- Buried in the Snow

The arrangements sound like they are gasping for air, but it has a “wintery” feeling I like. The “bells” show a touch of warmth you encounter in this otherwise frigid place.

65- The Great Northern Cave

The second overworld theme (and also self-explanatory). It sounds very sad and dramatic, reflective of the fact that the Meteor will soon crush the Earth. Hell you can even hear the heartbeat of the planet in the background.

66- Reunion

The arrangements in the background sound like a very strange heartbeat. Anyway I never cared for that track so just skip it.

67- Who Am I?

When Cloud is struggling with himself inside the Life Stream. You care hear some of the piano from Who Are you, in addition to very heavy synth in the background that shows Cloud’s struggle very well.

68- Shinra Army Wages a Full-Scale Attack

An excellent military theme, appropriate for Shinra’s desire to knock down the Northern Barrier. It sounds less triumphant than Rufus’ Welcoming ceremony, which is a good thing. It focuses exclusively on the military mood.

69- Weapon Raid

When the Weapons get out of their hiding. Although it sounds dramatic enough with its constant drumming, I do not care much for the track. Just skip it.

70- The Highwind Takes to the Skies

One of the best airship themes ever composed. It sounds very epic and triumphant, as if to show that you now have an advantage over Shinra since you can move faster than they can.

71- A Secret, Sleeping in the Deep Sea

When riding the submarine. While it does have that underwater feeling, I thought that the arrangements with the staccato violins were very annoying. Plus there is this weird buzzing sound in the background. Just skip it.

72- Parochial Town

The town of the archeologists (on the edge of the Ancient Forest). Despite being artificial, the arrangements are decent, nice and quiet. It also has a jazzy feel with the quiet drum in the background.

73- Off the Edge of Despair

It sounds like the underwater theme mixed with Mining Town, i.e. not very good. Staccato piano is very annoying; just skip it.

74- On the Other Side of the Mountain

A rather sad theme I can not quite remember. The guitar arrangements are nice and slow and seem to translate some kind of sorrow. I like it!

75- Hurry, Faster!

Another “hurrying” theme that sounds even more dramatic than the other one. Although I preferred the first one, this one is still interesting, with its quick tempo and constant drums and cymbals (and also accelerated metronome).

76- Sending a Dream Into the Universe

A variation of Cid’s theme; when they are traveling in outer space maybe? Anyway I preferred the original theme; this one is too slow and even sadder with the guitar.

77- The Countdown Begins

Another track I can not remember because I always skipped it in the past. Sorry.

78- If You Open Your Heart...

You can hear this track while looking for strong materia like Knights of the Round. It has a kind of magic feeling, but the arrangements in the background are absolutely intolerable. Just skip it.

79- The Mako Cannon Fires! - Shinra Explodes

When Shinra finally fires the Mako Cannon. It sounds militaristic enough, and even dramatic, but their lack of realism does not make me appreciate the track. Just skip it.

80- Judgment Day

The last dungeon theme. The title is very appropriate; you feel like you are in front of an Inquisition Tribunal that is looking to accuse you of something. However it feels very strange for a last dungeon theme; it sounds like some evil tribal music.

81- Jenova Absolute

Self-explanatory. I preferred the original Jenova theme, but this one sounds dramatic enough for one of the last fights. However, the drama of the theme is slow to build; you have to wait towards the end of the loop to actually hear something different. The first part is pretty much the same thing played in loop, both in the main track and in the background.

82- The Birth of God

The second-to-last fight. I rediscovered it way after completing the game and found it strangely addictive. The intro has some low-key piano arrangements that are interesting, the constant drumming gives it a good quick tempo and the other arrangements help building up the drama leading to the last fight.

83- One-Winged Angel

The final boss battle, one of the most popular tracks of its kind ever composed. You can hear a few Latin words here and there, taken from Carmina Burana. They do not really mean anything in the context, but they were a nice modern addition. As for the arrangements, they really feel like a final battle, with its one-minute introduction that sounds very dramatic and epic. When the choir starts singing, the drama increases even more.

84- World Crisis

The end movie, when the Life Stream ultimately saves the planet. It mixes dramatic music of the team trying to escape the Northern Crater and of the Meteor starting to wreak havoc. It also incorporates excerpts from Aerith’s theme and of the overworld theme as the World start to recover. It is good overall but I usually do not care about ending themes.

85- Staff Roll

Nor do I care about staff roll themes. It sounds overly military and not triumphant enough to show that you beat the first modern RPG of the CD era.

Final Fantasy VII Reunion Tracks

Along with a few tracks from the original album, there are three orchestrated versions of popular tracks that sound MUCH better than the original ones.

1- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwmh7Wu50mU&list=PL2C02F739C215F346&index=17

THIS is how it should have sounded like. Real violins are just perfect to play overworld themes. The apex towards the end sound SO MUCH more triumphant with trumpets and drums, while the low-tone strings at the end make for even more drama.

2- One-Winged Angel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6ImX4_-C8&index=18&list=PL2C02F739C215F346

The heavy violins and brass at the beginning set the tone much better than early PSX music allowed. And of course, real voices help heightening the dramatic tone of this already-excellent track. It sounds much better in Latin than in Japanese (with the Black Mages).

3- Aerith’s Theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLCYdJj3LYQ&index=19&list=PL2C02F739C215F346

THIS is how is should have sounded like, take 2. After a nice, quiet flute and violin intro (concluded by harp), the piano starts playing the theme with quiet violins in the background. Damn, I am wetting my keyboard again for listening to it! But the best part is the apex at the very end, which is very triumphant and grand.

Final diagnosis: If you can overcome the early limitations of the PSX sound chip, then Final Fantasy VII is definitely worth your while. It has excellent arrangements and some of the most memorable tracks ever composed (Highwind, One-winged Angel, fiddle de chocobo).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMtlLpYcCAQ

Final Fantasy VII was really the game that inaugurated the 32-bit era. Spanning across three disks, it offered a massive storyline, nice cutscenes and many sidequests. But because the game was so early in the era, it was kind of underwhelming for graphics but also for music. Here is my review of the soundtrack.

1- The Prelude

This track gives you a preview of the limitations of the music. Even Final Fantasy IV was more realistic. However the core of the track is very beautiful and relaxing, despite its “artificiality.”

2- Opening - Bombing Mission

When you officially start your game. Although orchestrations sound much better, this version is still good. The “opening” part sounds very epic (despite the annoying background noises), and the bombing part sounds very dramatic, perfect for such an opening of action.

3- Mako Reactor

When “exploring” the reactors. The synth does good to this track; it sounds very heavy and dramatic. The “piano” in the background adds an additional touch of “heaviness.”

4- Anxious Heart

One of the tracks I never cared about; I do not remember when it is played. It does not really sound “anxious.” Just skip it.

5- Tifa's Theme

Self-explanatory. The piano version is much, much better than this synthesized version with strange “echoing” instruments. Plus, it seems to play the same thing over and over again. Just skip it.

6- Barret's Theme

Although I never cared for the track, I have to say that it represents Barret well. The arrangements make him sound fatter than what he is, but it represents his “brutish” persona well.

7- Hurry!

THIS is definitely better than such similar tracks from previous games. The loop is much longer, it sounds more dramatic and the metronome in the background adds to the sense of urgency.

8- Lurking in the Darkness

A nice “infiltration” theme. It has an interesting jazzy feel with the drum in the background, and it sounds perfect for exploring the dark corners of Midgar.

9- Shinra Corporation

Although the synthetization was overdone a little, the arrangements sound perfect to represent that evil corporation. It is slow, it is heavy and “choirs” help adding to the drama. However the looping of the loop was “too quiet” with just a few drum sounds; Uematsu should have incorporated a few more arrangements.

10- Fighting

The ordinary battle theme. It is quite a departure from the classical theme from the previous six. It does sound more modern, but I kind of preferred the “classic”, especially with realistic-ish arrangements.

11- Fanfare

At least THAT one did not change much. You can recognize the classical victory triumph, although the second part is less than ordinary with seemingly random sounds.

12- Flowers Blooming in the Church

A variation of Aerith’s theme. Although the arrangements are too artificial, they still sound nice. They represent this lone flowered church in the middle of the concrete jungle.

13- Turks' Theme

Whenever one of the Turks enters. It is another tracks with an interesting jazzy feel with the finger snapping in the background. You get a feel that they are not on your side, but at least they are not as evil and the big shots from Shinra.

14- Underneath the Rotting Pizza

When walking between the sectors in Midgar. Despite being very artificial, I find the arrangements very interesting. You can feel the heavy air surrounding you, but also a part of mystery.

15- Oppressed People

The theme inside the Wall Market. The title is strange, but I find the arrangements to be appropriate. People are just minding their business while ignoring that the people on top do not care about them.

16- Honeybee Manor

I never cared for this track. It reminds me of the spaceship in Final Fantasy VIII when you fight the paired monsters, and I hated that track too. Just skip it, your ears will thank you.

17- Who Are You?

One of the best tracks of the album, and one of the few with very realistic arrangements. There is a piano playing with a lot of echo, showing the confusion going in Cloud’s head about “who he is.”

18- Don of the Slums

I preferred that track to Honeybee Manor. The arrangements show the brothel better without overdoing it. In the second part, the background arrangements sound like a kind of flute I like.

19- Infiltrating Shinra Tower

Self-explanatory. It is another excellent track that, just like Who Are You, reflects mystery very well. The loop has three distinctive parts, all adding on top of each other to add to the infiltration feeling (my favorite is the second one with the drums).

20- Still More Fighting

The ordinary boss battle theme. I found the arrangements to be more interesting than in Final Fantasy VI, with the electric guitar. The “organ” is also incorporated better.

21- Red XIII's Theme

A variation of the Cosmo Canyon theme… which I preferred. The background guitar here is annoying and the “echoing” instruments are uninteresting. Just skip it.

22- Crazy Motorcycle

The motorcycle chase when escaping Midgar. It is very upbeat as it should for a high-speed chase, and the various arrangements help keeping you rushed with adrenaline.

23- Holding My Thoughts In My Heart

Outside the gates of Midgar, but also a variation of the main theme. I do not like the track as such, but the arrangements are nice and relaxing, perfect to “meditate” on what to do next.

24- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII

The first overworld theme. Orchestrated arrangements are far superior; nevertheless the original is still good. It has to be the most elaborate overworld theme ever composed, looping after 6 minutes. It sound as epic as an overworld theme should, slowly building up for the apex ¾ of the way. The last part would have been more appropriate for the second overworld theme, though.

25- Ahead on Our Way

A nice, quiet-village track that it very relaxing. The slow guitar in the background (and the violins sometimes) show that, even with a limited sound chip, Uematsu is a master of gaming music.

26- Good Night, Until Tomorrow!

When you go to sleep. It is surprisingly long (11 seconds), but it still feels appropriate.

27- On That Day, 5 Years Ago

When Cloud tells his story with Sephiroth. It reminds me a little of Who Are You, which is fairly appropriate… The tempo is slow and the violins are stretching the notes to add some mystery.

28- Farm Boy

The chocobo farm. The highlight of this track is probably the banjo, which gives the track an excellent “rural” feel for a farm.

29- Waltz de Chocobo

I am not sure when we can hear this track… I believe I found it when I listened to the soundtrack. Anyway just skip it.

30- Electric de Chocobo

When you encounter a chocobo during a fight. The arrangements are indeed “electric”, which is appropriate since the chocobo is wild and you need to capture it. They are also more upbeat.

31- Cinco de Chocobo

When riding a chocobo. It also has a jazzy beat to it with the drums in the background. I actually prefer this theme to the previous six ones (especially VI) because it departed from the “classic” loops by stretching it a little.

32- Chasing the Black-Caped Man

Another one of my favorite track. It is very relaxing and “magical” with the bells and choir all through the track. It feel even more appropriate when the Ancient Forest “wakes up.” And it loops for over 2 minutes and 30 seconds without ever getting annoying.

33- Fortress of the Condor

Whenever you have to engage soldiers at the said fortress. The constant drums in the background (and synth effects) make for an excellent military march while the “trumpets” on the main track give you a kind of sense of urgency to repel those soldiers.

34- Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony

Self-explanatory. It sounds like a very nice, triumphant military march with drums in the background and loud trumpets on the main track. I love the cymbals in the background, adding to the military feel.

35- It's Difficult to Stand on Both Feet, Isn't It?

Another track I never cared about. The arrangements are overdone and artificial, and I can not even remember when it is played. Just skip it.

36- Trail of Blood

Whenever you are close to Sephiroth’s massacres. The tempo is very slow and anguishing, but also very dark. You really feel like you are chasing a serial murderer.

37- J-E-N-O-V-A

The “major boss” battle theme. Although I prefer the piano version, this version is excellent still. It is very upbeat and dramatic; I especially like how the loop concludes after the “trumpet solo” (it is hard to describe).

38- Continue?

The death music. Since I never died I never even heard it. It uses excerpts from the Prelude that sound more realistic than the original track…

39- Costa del Sol

Self-explanatory. It sounds very relaxing and exotic with the drums and conga in the background (and also the ukulele-like instrument). This is what a beach resort should be!

40- Mark of the Traitor

Another track I do not care about and which I can not remember. The violins in the background sound like they were cut and paste with strange separations. Just skip it.

41- Mining Town

God this is annoying. The main arrangements are excessively repetitive and want to make me deaf. Skip it in a hurry.

42- Gold Saucer

Now THAT is much better. It really sounds like a carnival, joyous and festive. I think it actually does the track good to be played with synths; I wonder how “real” instruments would have sounded like.

43- Cait Sith's Theme

Self-explanatory. Another good jazzy theme with finger snapping that reflects the character’s betrayal of your team. The organ adds a darker feeling to the track and I like it.

44- Sandy Badlands

When you are stuck in the desert prison. I never liked the track, but its arrangements are highly appropriate. They sound like they were made for a western (better than Shadow’s theme); you can even hear the rattle snakes moving their tails in the background.

45- Cosmo Canyon

Self-explanatory. I prefer this track to Red XII’s theme any day. It sounds like the theme of a primitive, Native tribe with the drums in the background and the “hou” male choir. The electric guitar at the end of the loop sounds misplaced, though.

46- Life Stream

One of the most beautiful tracks of the album. The violins in the background are very slow and stretching their notes as much as they can, adding to the magical feeling the “bells” in the main track are creating. You really feel connected with the planet.

47- Great Warrior

When Red XIII discovers what his father really did. Once again, the Cosmo Canyon track was much better. I mean come on, staccato banjo for a great warrior that sacrificed himself? Just skip it.

48- Descendant of Shinobi

This is Yuffie’s Theme (?). When I got her I did not even noticed the music that was playing, showing how unmemorable it is. Frankly it does not sound like we are joined by a great ninja. Just skip it.

49- Those Chosen by the Planet

A track linked with the JENOVA reunion or something of the sort. I never cared for the track; however it sounds highly appropriate with its very heavy atmosphere created by bells and a “choir” that seems to be suffering.

50- The Nightmare's Beginning

I believe this is Vincent’s theme. If so the theme sounds very appropriate: dark, mysterious and intriguing. The guitar is played at medium tempo; I even found a real guitar player playing it and it sounds wonderful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4TEcefo1J4&list=PLC23CB375AC7B5195&index=19

51- Cid's Theme

Self-explanatory. I do not care for the theme, but its “deceived triumph” is highly appropriate when he tells his failed attempt to launch into space. Indeed, you can hear the triumph of getting into the rocket but feel that he was disappointed because he could not take off.

52- Steal the Tiny Bronco!

I honestly can not remember hearing this track. However the arrangements are good. In the first part you hear a kind of “joyous infiltration” arrangements while the second part is quicker, where you need to escape.

53- Wutai

Probably my favorite track of the album. The main flute track sounds very “eastern”, very appropriate for a village with pagodas. The second part adds to that “easternly” feeling with instruments in the background that are hard to describe.

54- Stolen Materia

When Yuffie steals your materia. I did not even remember that there was a theme for it, and quite honestly it does not sound like a thief / betrayal theme like Cait Sith’s theme. Just skip it.

55- Racing Chocobos - Place Your Bets!

Self-explanatory. It was a little overdone and can get annoying, but since you rarely spend a lot of time placing your bets you do not hear the full loop in the game.

56- Fiddle de Chocobo

Chocobo racing. As the title suggests, you can hear fiddles all through the tracks, but also a lot of banjo. This is one of the best rendition of the theme in my opinion. I like the “youhou” towards the end of the loop; it make it sound like you a riding a wild bull.

57- A Great Success

When you / your bets triumph in a race. It sounds a little too artificial, but hey! At least you can hear the classical victory theme at least once in this game.

58- Tango of Tears

When you / your bets lose a race. It still sounds like the victory fanfare, but the “tango” beat makes it definitely sound sadder.

59- Debut

Another track I do not remember nor cared about. It sounds repetitive and uninteresting. Just skip it.

60- Interrupted by Fireworks

When Cloud visits the Gold Saucer with Aerith. There is an interesting romantic touch to this track, with the metal xylophone in the background and the harp on the main track. The arrangements get louder in the second part.

61- Forested Temple

When exploring the Temple of the Ancients. The guitar in the background is excellent, while the flute in the main track ads a sense of magic I just love. It gets even more “magical” after the “exchange” between the flute and the guitar about midway through the loop.

62- You Can Hear the Cry of the Planet

The Village of the Ancients. The background arrangements reflect the title very well, while the occasional bell ringing give the theme a more solemn feel.

63- Aeris' Theme

Self-explanatory. Too bad the arrangements are so primitive; they do not do the theme’s grand feeling justice (hear for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3LkKviuGKU&list=PLC23CB375AC7B5195&index=30). Nevertheless you can still feel Aerith’s strength and delicate nature at the same time.

64- Buried in the Snow

The arrangements sound like they are gasping for air, but it has a “wintery” feeling I like. The “bells” show a touch of warmth you encounter in this otherwise frigid place.

65- The Great Northern Cave

The second overworld theme (and also self-explanatory). It sounds very sad and dramatic, reflective of the fact that the Meteor will soon crush the Earth. Hell you can even hear the heartbeat of the planet in the background.

66- Reunion

The arrangements in the background sound like a very strange heartbeat. Anyway I never cared for that track so just skip it.

67- Who Am I?

When Cloud is struggling with himself inside the Life Stream. You care hear some of the piano from Who Are you, in addition to very heavy synth in the background that shows Cloud’s struggle very well.

68- Shinra Army Wages a Full-Scale Attack

An excellent military theme, appropriate for Shinra’s desire to knock down the Northern Barrier. It sounds less triumphant than Rufus’ Welcoming ceremony, which is a good thing. It focuses exclusively on the military mood.

69- Weapon Raid

When the Weapons get out of their hiding. Although it sounds dramatic enough with its constant drumming, I do not care much for the track. Just skip it.

70- The Highwind Takes to the Skies

One of the best airship themes ever composed. It sounds very epic and triumphant, as if to show that you now have an advantage over Shinra since you can move faster than they can.

71- A Secret, Sleeping in the Deep Sea

When riding the submarine. While it does have that underwater feeling, I thought that the arrangements with the staccato violins were very annoying. Plus there is this weird buzzing sound in the background. Just skip it.

72- Parochial Town

The town of the archeologists (on the edge of the Ancient Forest). Despite being artificial, the arrangements are decent, nice and quiet. It also has a jazzy feel with the quiet drum in the background.

73- Off the Edge of Despair

It sounds like the underwater theme mixed with Mining Town, i.e. not very good. Staccato piano is very annoying; just skip it.

74- On the Other Side of the Mountain

A rather sad theme I can not quite remember. The guitar arrangements are nice and slow and seem to translate some kind of sorrow. I like it!

75- Hurry, Faster!

Another “hurrying” theme that sounds even more dramatic than the other one. Although I preferred the first one, this one is still interesting, with its quick tempo and constant drums and cymbals (and also accelerated metronome).

76- Sending a Dream Into the Universe

A variation of Cid’s theme; when they are traveling in outer space maybe? Anyway I preferred the original theme; this one is too slow and even sadder with the guitar.

77- The Countdown Begins

Another track I can not remember because I always skipped it in the past. Sorry.

78- If You Open Your Heart...

You can hear this track while looking for strong materia like Knights of the Round. It has a kind of magic feeling, but the arrangements in the background are absolutely intolerable. Just skip it.

79- The Mako Cannon Fires! - Shinra Explodes

When Shinra finally fires the Mako Cannon. It sounds militaristic enough, and even dramatic, but their lack of realism does not make me appreciate the track. Just skip it.

80- Judgment Day

The last dungeon theme. The title is very appropriate; you feel like you are in front of an Inquisition Tribunal that is looking to accuse you of something. However it feels very strange for a last dungeon theme; it sounds like some evil tribal music.

81- Jenova Absolute

Self-explanatory. I preferred the original Jenova theme, but this one sounds dramatic enough for one of the last fights. However, the drama of the theme is slow to build; you have to wait towards the end of the loop to actually hear something different. The first part is pretty much the same thing played in loop, both in the main track and in the background.

82- The Birth of God

The second-to-last fight. I rediscovered it way after completing the game and found it strangely addictive. The intro has some low-key piano arrangements that are interesting, the constant drumming gives it a good quick tempo and the other arrangements help building up the drama leading to the last fight.

83- One-Winged Angel

The final boss battle, one of the most popular tracks of its kind ever composed. You can hear a few Latin words here and there, taken from Carmina Burana. They do not really mean anything in the context, but they were a nice modern addition. As for the arrangements, they really feel like a final battle, with its one-minute introduction that sounds very dramatic and epic. When the choir starts singing, the drama increases even more.

84- World Crisis

The end movie, when the Life Stream ultimately saves the planet. It mixes dramatic music of the team trying to escape the Northern Crater and of the Meteor starting to wreak havoc. It also incorporates excerpts from Aerith’s theme and of the overworld theme as the World start to recover. It is good overall but I usually do not care about ending themes.

85- Staff Roll

Nor do I care about staff roll themes. It sounds overly military and not triumphant enough to show that you beat the first modern RPG of the CD era.

Final Fantasy VII Reunion Tracks

Along with a few tracks from the original album, there are three orchestrated versions of popular tracks that sound MUCH better than the original ones.

1- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwmh7Wu50mU&list=PL2C02F739C215F346&index=17

THIS is how it should have sounded like. Real violins are just perfect to play overworld themes. The apex towards the end sound SO MUCH more triumphant with trumpets and drums, while the low-tone strings at the end make for even more drama.

2- One-Winged Angel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6ImX4_-C8&index=18&list=PL2C02F739C215F346

The heavy violins and brass at the beginning set the tone much better than early PSX music allowed. And of course, real voices help heightening the dramatic tone of this already-excellent track. It sounds much better in Latin than in Japanese (with the Black Mages).

3- Aerith’s Theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLCYdJj3LYQ&index=19&list=PL2C02F739C215F346

THIS is how is should have sounded like, take 2. After a nice, quiet flute and violin intro (concluded by harp), the piano starts playing the theme with quiet violins in the background. Damn, I am wetting my keyboard again for listening to it! But the best part is the apex at the very end, which is very triumphant and grand.

Final diagnosis: If you can overcome the early limitations of the PSX sound chip, then Final Fantasy VII is definitely worth your while. It has excellent arrangements and some of the most memorable tracks ever composed (Highwind, One-winged Angel, fiddle de chocobo).

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the unknown


Affected by 'Laziness Syndrome'

Registered: 12-14-12
Location: Murica
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