Customer Reviews

Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII (Original Soundtrack)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With every new Final Fantasy VII spin off release thats come out in the last several years, each time I have been bracing myself for disappointment, specifically in regards to the music. FFVII, while primitive by today's standard of music composition, is a masterpiece of a score. Period. Nobuo Uematsu is a master of his craft. That being said, although he did not compose the music to this game, it still came out to be pretty damn good.

For those who don't know, Crisis Core is basically the prequel to the FFVII story, with the main character being Zack, the mysterious SOLDIER from Cloud's foggy past. Anyway, as far as the music goes, Takeharu Ishimoto doesn't just plunge the listener into a mass of newly composed peices we may or may not like. Instead, he eases us into it by using familiar tracks from previous FFVII installments (FFVII game, Advent Children and Last Order respectively). In fact, the first three tracks seem to be lifted right from the original game and given a little update, but by no means do I consider that to be a bad thing.

While there are a good many familiar songs on here that are nicely "remixed", there are plenty of new songs that came out to be very good. The thing that stands out the most about these new songs is that they feel a bit different from what we're used to hearing from a Final Fantasy game, especially those done by Uematsu. Some of Crisis Core's original pieces have a sort of.. hip hop-ish/pop-ish instrumental vibe to them, while others are very heavy metal. I've seen a few reviews that site these unconventional tracks as the weaker part of the soundtrack because they dont fit with the whole FFVII experience. To some extent they're right, because it doesn't fit with what FFVII fans are used to. But I personally think that these tracks are a bold attempt to change with the ever evolving world that is FFVII. If you've heard to music from Advent Children, which Uematsu did, it is a prime example of evolution. He does the same thing (mostly) that is done on this soundtrack. The point is that while some FFVII die hards will nitpick at this, its generally very good music in many respects.

Basically this is everything you might expect from a FFVII soundtrack, with a few extra treats thrown in there to shake things up a bit. The heavy metal tracks for the most part are pretty good, and the more soft, laid back and suspenseful type tracks are great. You don't need to have played Crisis Core to enjoy this (I didn't). Its worth the buy, spoil yourself.

A solid 5/5 stars.

While Crisis Core may not be in the ranks of say, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear, or the Final Fantasy series, CC does respectfully hold its own as a game ost. The composer is Takeharu Ishimoto, and he was entrusted with the goal of refreshing some of the classic FF7 themes from the original game - and I thought he did a decent job.

If you haven't played the game, some of the music may not be appealing, but for those that have played the PSP game Crisis Core, you will no doubt find yourself buying/downloading this OST and listening to it. You have quite a variety on this CD, you have your typical game music reflected in songs like "The Mako City" "Patriots of the Moonlight" "Wandering on a Sunny Afternoon" "Wilderness of Destruction" and "Town Where the Sunlight Doesn't Reach" which are either here nor there, but still great toons just to have in the background.

Then theres the techno-rock mix found throughout the CD that just doesn't do it for me - songs like "Encounter" "Last Order" "Conflict" "Controlling The Iron Beast" "The Face of Lost Pride" really don't fit the game at all, nor the FF7 lore. It's not that these songs are bad in themselves, it's just they don't belong here in FF7.

After that, you have the closest tracks that resemble the FF7 world and really capture the spirit of the game, these songs would include "Dreams and Pride" "Under The Apple Tree" "The Clandestine Dark Suits (Turks Theme)" "A Flower Blooming in the Slums (Aeriths Theme)" "Sky-Blue Eyes" "The Mako-Controlling Organization (Shinra Theme)" "Moonlight Wandering" "Night of Seclusion" "Duty and Friendship" and of course the climatic, orchestrated piece "Fulfilled Desire" which pays homage to alot of the original music in FF7 in a 8 min track.

It's a great soundtrack for those that have played the game.

To start, I want to say that I judge this compared to "true" film scores, not video game soundtracks, primarily because I think it has the same impact and scope. I know a lot of people are infatuated with the original FFVII soundtrack, which makes them a little bit unfair when considering this one, but let's face its, it didn't have the cinematic sound and scope as fleshed out as Crisis Core. There are full orchestral and string arrangements here to rival the best of movie scores, and that says a lot by itself. Naturally, in a release which pretty much contains every little tune played during the game, many of the tracks are not worth listening, or they might bring back bad memories of frustration trying to kill some boss. I completely dismiss them and just like in a movie, focus only on the ones which may have the potential to provide a lasting impression, since the merit of the effort can be measured by its highest points, not its lows. And Crisis Core has some real gems. Especially the track "The Burdened", with its heartfelt violin performance, masterfully conveying the tragic aspect of Aerith's and Zack's relationship, as well as their respective dark fates. This was a highlight during the game and still is on the soundtrack album. Ideal material for repeated listening. "The Price of Freedom" is yet another example of this sort, also heard during the game's great and heartbreaking finale. "Fulfilled Desire" is actually the closing credits track and this is where the score is treated to full orchestral majesty. The rousing, fanfare-like statement of the game's main theme is worth the price of admission alone. Original FFVII fans should also be very pleased with similarly great performances of beloved themes throughout this track. Overall, a great soundtrack of true cinematic quality and a worthy complement to an excellent game.

If you're emotional, like instrumental music and love the game this album is perfect for you.
Most of the songs don't have any lyrics but are very good to listen to and are very emotional. The songs are played by guitars, violins, drum kits, electric guitars and orchestrated.
There are soft songs, metal songs, acoustic songs and Japanese sung songs.
Enjoy!

The music on this cd especially the violin and classical string instrument tracks sound very elegant and very catchy. I know there is a lot of the songs remade with techno and electric guitar but my real enjoyment came from the violin tracks. I don't own a PSP so I have no idea where the songs are in the game but you don't really need the game to enjoy such a good soundtrack. Some songs I simply didn't like while others were very good. Inherited Hope and An Enemy to the World are probably my favorite tracks on the whole album since as I have somewhat discovered this album with some tracks are kind of a rehash of the previous games sound track (though there us nothing wrong with that). Some songs do not really sound like they belong to Final Fantasy 7 but then again this is a different game made at a completely different time. Overall I am very pleased and I still listen to my favorite tracks and I bought this when it first came out a few months ago and I hope to find how to play the violin music when its transcribed.

Don't get me wrong - I adore Nobuo Uematsu's Final Fantasy soundtracks, but for Crisis Core, Takeharu Ishimoto nails it.

The emphasis on the guitar and other strings fits perfectly with the more gritty and nostalgic feel of Crisis Core. A perfect companion to the other Final Fantasy soundtracks, but unique in every way.

For a FFVII Fan this is well recommend. I love Final Fantasy especially FFVII, VIII, and X. FFVII is one of my favourite out of all and I've been wanting to play this game. I had bought the CD before the game but I fell in love with the music. It is perfect to listen to at any time. Well recommended for a FF--especially FFVII--fan.

My daughter was so delighted to receive this as a Christmas present. She plays it continuosly. Thankyou!

The music is very soothing, suitable for listening while studying. It feels as if I am playing the game while studying. Great stuff. 4 stars

Almost every music piece in this soundtrack was created with Final Fantasy 7 in mind. The songs were given a fresh little twist, but you can still tell that they are classics from FF7. Crisis Core also has some original songs made for this game too, which are just as good. Very enjoyable and I definitely recommend it to all FF7 fans or videogame soundtrack fans alike. A+