Riddles’ Pick: Final Fantasy VII
Huh boy, here comes the sweep.
It was frankly difficult to decide between VII and VIII in this case, but again, VII edges it out for being the stronger overall package. Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack is packed with not simply good, but excellent pieces. And, there are very few stinkers – if any – to offset them. The most impressive aspect of the soundtrack, though, is how incredibly well – suited it is to the events, tone, and atmosphere of the game. There’s not a single track out of place. Every environment theme is spot-on. Every character theme fits them with perfection. Every special boss theme, be it Jenova or the One-Winged Angel himself, sets the tone of the struggle expertly. I’m hardly a musical critic, but I can call a strong videogame soundtrack when I hear one – and Final Fantasy VII’s is one of the strongest.
Runner Up: Final Fantasy VIII
The reason why I love Final Fantasy VIII’s music so much is because Uematsu took the somber tones of Final Fantasy VII and mellowed them out. The result is one of the more ambient Final Fantasy soundtracks in existence, as well as one of the most peaceful. It’s not quite as atmospheric as Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack was, but it still shines in many areas – Compression of Time is one of the moodiest environment themes in the series, and The Extreme one of the greatest final boss themes. Uematsu himself may think that Final Fantasy IX epitomizes his work, but I must respectfully disagree.
Dishonorable Mention: Final Fantasy X-2
Jesus, where do I even begin on this one? I suppose I’ll write something positive: Final Fantasy X-2 has a few excellent tracks. There are some pretty piano themes, and I’ll admit to liking the lyrical song 1000 Words. But, aside from those few gems, the soundtrack is almost complete shit. Overly-poppy and upbeat, with no memorable melodies, just a bunch of nonsensical noises and effects that sound more fit for a porno than a videogame.
Tags: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy X-2, Nobuo Uematsu, Riddles' picks, The Final Fantasy Awards
FFVIII has an incredibly strong 10-15 tracks, but there was also a lot of filler …
The FFVII OST was amazing, and X-2’s was a real stinker. I did like 1000 Words, Yuna’s Ballad, Besaid’s VGM, Zanarkand’s VGM and Eternity- Memory of Lightwaves. But everything else was just so obnoxiously gaudy, it felt so out of place …
Yeah, I think all three of us are in fairly solid agreement here. Although I side more with SN when it comes to FFVIII.