https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20DnYrDO8Lk&list=PL4C405739924C28E9

While I was first looking for Final Fantasy VIII tracks, I found some of these (supposedly) orchestrated tracks of the game. While I sometimes doubt a true orchestra did this, there are still some mighty fine tracks. Unfortunately, there is a definite lack of originality.

Indeed, Liberi Fatali sounds exactly the same as in the game. I have heard many orchestrated version of the theme, and this one is definitely not – real voices sound “quieter”. Ditto for Eyes on Me; Faye Wong’s voice sounds exactly the same, and so do the other arrangements. And the Ending Theme (parts 1 and 2) also sounds exactly like its game version. So far that’s already four out of 14 tracks (28 percent) that were taken directly from the game. So much for new material…

Other tracks, while sounding nice by themselves, are not up to the original versions. Balamb Garden doesn’t sound as welcoming as the original; the introduction is much too quiet, as are some of the key parts of the loop that are played with a flute. And the loop extension, in contrast, sounds “too” epic to fit the original track. The Ami part of the track, however, sounds much more joyful with a full orchestra than with just a piano. But considering the context of the game (Squall having a hard time showing his happy feelings), it might sound too joyful.

The Man with the Machine Gun loses its epicness when played with real instruments since the tempo is slower. Also, this version beats the drum rather than the “foot cymbal” as in another version I’ve heard better, making it less interesting. And like Don’t Be Afraid the extension is too quiet to fit the theme.

Fortunately the other tracks are new material, and they generally sound very nice. Although the original Blue Fields did the staccato in the background better, at least the main instrument (a clarinet?) does not sound like the “Jamaican” drums from the original. For the rest of the loop, violins blend in perfectly to recreate the original arrangements; there are also various other instruments that are used in good harmony. Don’t Be Afraid sounds more epic now that the instruments are “realer”. Both the trumpets and violins in the first part of the loop have a more realistic tempo, and the brass in the second part of the loop are excellent. However I didn’t like the “extension” in the middle of the loop, which was too quiet. Fortunately it lasts only a few seconds before another full loop kicks in.

Fisherman’s Horizon, of which I’ve never been a fan, does gain from being played with a flute instead of a generic synth (that you can hear faintly in the background). The full orchestra support makes the theme much more epic, and it would have been even better had the choir sung longer as it did in Voices. You only briefly hear it in the introduction and towards the 2:50 mark. The choir was put to better use in Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec. They start quietly and go louder as the orchestra kicks in. The arrangements don’t sound as dramatic as in the game, although they sound much more “tribal” with the realistic drums and flute. I also liked the touch of piano that increased the dramatic ambiance of the parade. However that drama is lost a little at the end of the regular loop with the violins and flute that don’t sound so dramatic. And a voice coming out of nowhere around 3:55 completely spoils the rest of the track. She’s completely out of place.

Finally, let me finish in beauty with my two favorite tracks. Dance with the Balamb Fish sounds MUCH better with real instruments; it really sounds likes you are at a formal dance party (despite the accordion). And the slight extension (before repeating the second part of the loop) blends in perfectly. Even the finale sounded good. Fragments of Memory, while not trying to sound like a music box, was nevertheless excellent. The violins are slow and romantic, making it the perfect track to relax to. I loved that track even though the second part (the “slow waltz”) didn’t quite sound like the original track.

In short, you would be better off downloading a few tracks rather than the entire album. This way you will avoid duplicating tracks you already got from the original Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack.