Customer Reviews

Final Fantasy VI: Original Sound Version

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The long running Final Fantasy series has had atleast decent music in all of it's titles, but FFVI leads the way, by far. FFI has a great musical score for it's time, FFIV is even better, and VII is a worthy follow up to VI, while IX has a good soundtrack, but VI is easily the best the series has to offer. Even for those that just want good music, you should buy it. It's not only a great accomplishment for game music, but it's a great accomplishment as far as musical talent goes. Nobuo Uematsu is probably the most talented videogame composer out there, and just a very talented musician overall.

Disc 1 is the second best of three that are included. It contains most of the character theme songs, with all of them being atleast good. One thing that Nobuo really specializes in is fitting every character with the perfect theme, that perfectly resembles the character. For example, Lockes is upbeat and adventurous; considering he's a treasure hunter and is a pretty upbeat character. Kefka's is comical, yet sinister at the same time. The character themes on disc 1 are: Locke, Kefka, Shadow, Cyan, Gau, Edgar, and Celes. Shadows is mysterious, and is easily a favorite of mine. Cyans, Gaus, Edgars, and Celes' also rank up there as some of the best songs ever in videogame history. No joke; FFVI contains one great track after another.

Other high points include: The Battle Theme, Mt. Koltz, The Returners theme, The Phantom Forest, Phantom Train, Kids Run Through the City, The Boss battle theme, and Metamorphosis. Really, though, disc 1 is good all the way through, so just because I didn't mention a few, it doesn't mean they aren't good.

The Battle Theme isn't the best in the series, but it's still a good one. Your typical intense battle music is used. The Phantom Forest is great; one of the catchiest and most relaxing beats you will ever hear. Kids Run Through the City is another relaxing and exellent one. The Boss battle theme ranks right up there at #1 or #2 in the series as far as Boss battle music goes. With FFVII being the only that rivals it. Metamorphosis is an intense track, that gives you the feeling that something big is happening. One of my favorites on the first disc.

Disc 1 score = 5/5

Disc 2 starts out with a bang, as one of the best, if not the best, videogame track of all time plays: Terra's theme. It also doubles as the overworld song. Most reading this review have heard it, and I'm sure they agree that it is one of the best ever. I have not ever seen one person say that they dislike this song.

Other high points include: The Coin Song, Forever Rachel, Slam Shuffle, Overture, Aria de Mezzo, The Empire, and Another World of Beasts.

A few of the other tracks are decent, but there's quite a few here that I can't get into. It's the ones that have that really happy and crazy feel to it. Ones I mean are: Spinach Rag, The Devils Lab, and add in Mogs and Stragos theme as well. I'm not a fan of the bluesy Johnny C Bad either. Some will like them, though. Setzers theme is pretty average too, and the Wedding Song isn't a favorite of mine. Overall, the second disc has about half filled with average songs(and a couple below average, but nothing bad), and about half filled with great, great stuff.

Disc 2 score = 3.5/5

Disc 3 is the favorite for me. It opens with another one of those intense songs where it feels like something big is going to happen. It has some really crazy stuff going on in it. I love it. Catastrophe captures what a Catastrophe would sound like. It's a pretty good track. These are two of the darker songs you will hear, as that's what the third disc leans more towards.
More darker tunes to follow, with all of them ranging from good to exellent.

Other darker tracks: The Fierce Battle, Dark World, with it's intense Organ(I think) and a Piano; very neat combonation. 1-3 & 5 are some of the better ones you will hear on this OST, in my opinion.

It does get better from there, believe it or not. The Day After is just amazing. I really can't describe it, since I don't know what's used in the song, but it's more on the sad and relaxing side. One of my favorites. Searching for Friends is the second overworld song, and while not as good as Terras Theme, it is one one heck of a song. I'd say it's better than most other overworld themes in the series, but it has tough competition with Terras theme, so that one always gets all of the attention. Epitaph and Fanatics are awesome, while The Last Dungeon theme is another favorite of mine. Then, of course you have The Prelude(AKA the Final Fantasy Theme), which is in most FF's, mainly used at the beginning screen. We all know how amazing it is. Gogo and Umaro's themes are all right, but really get left behind in the dust when compared to the rest of this disc. As far as character themes go, they are just average. The Magic House is a nice & catchy tune, but nothing spectacular.

Then there's the two LONG songs at the end. Dancing Mad is about 18 minutes long(it plays during the final battle in the game), while Ending Time is about 21 minutes long(I'd say about half is a mix of songs throughout the OST, while the other half is original). Both are amazing, and really showcase Nobuo's musical talent.

Disc 3 score = 5/5

Overall = 5/5

Disc 2 is the weak spot, but even then it's only half of the songs on the disc. I'd say about 10 of the 60 songs range from below average to average, but everything else is just freaking amazing. Honestly! If you're looking for a soundtrack to buy, make it this one.

Final Fantasy VI contains not only my favorite video game music, but also my favorite music in history. Why? Final Fantasy VI has so many different songs, packed with so much emotion, that you can tell instantly that this games music was a labor of love. From "Collierly Nalsh" with it's moody downbeat sense that something mysterious is going on to "Tina's Theme" which makes you feel sorry for her troubled life, you will find heart wrenching emotion in every song on this CD. "Lock's Theme" with it's fast paced treasure hunting music, will get you ready for adventure while "Shadow's Theme" will make you think twice about messing with Shadow. "Troops March On" and "Unforgiven" will get you ready for combat while "The Decisive Battle" and "The Fierce Battle" will put you in it. "Devil's Lab" will put you right in the middle of enemy territory and "Metamorphosis" and "Catastrophe" will make you feel like you're in a fight for survival. "Searching For Friends" will have you listening in awe (listening to it's beauty and sadness both) and "Magic House" will make you feel like you're in the middle of one of those haunted houses. When you hear "Last Dungeon", you'll know that the quest is almost over...

I'm putting these two songs in their own paragraph for a good reason, they are simply two of the best songs I have ever heard in my life. We all know what the first one is, "Aria Di Mezzo Carattere", the song that plays during the world famous *Celes opera scene*, is THE only song in video game history that has ever actually made me cry a stream of tears. Even now, 7 years later, it still retains all of its impact just like when I heard it for the first time. It's just so beautifully sad that you can't help but treasure it. The other is the "Ending Theme". After you hear this song, you'll know your quest is finally over, but like me, you'll still want it to go on...

I know that this review was kind of long winded, that was intentional because I had to go into detail as much as possible in order to truly reveal to you the shear emotional power of this album and my reason that this CD is my favorite CD of all time. Thank you, and enjoy...

This soundtrack is probably my favorite right next to FF7. To me it's hard to tell which one is better. They are both my fav at the time of their release. FFVI is the best SNES release and FF7 is the best PS release. Both have just extremely beautiful music. If you like Final Fantasy you will absolutely love the soundtracks. GET IT NOW!!!

The Final Fantasy series has some great music to be sure; some of my favorite tracks of this particular game is the Atma/Statue music track (The Decisive Battle) as well as Dancing Mad, in my view, perhaps THE best track there is to be had on this CD set. The opening is also a fine track. Well to be noted is that, on Game Informer's top 100 games of all time, Final Fantasy VI was the highest ranked RPG and also within the top ten--number 7, in fact. If you're an RPG fan and truly appreciate good game music, buy this soundtrack. If you're biased against earlier consoles because you're a later player, than I pity you. Final Fantasy VI really is a cut and more above the rest.

The soundtrack of Final Fantasy VI/III is probably one of the best soundtracks to ANY game in the history ever. It`s an amazing amount of different songs, and almost everyone of them are totally great. When you play the game, you always feel for turning up the volume, and this is what this collection also does. It`s just stunning. You can even listen to it without having played the game, and still feel the joy in some of the songs, the tragedy in some of the others, and the darkness in the rest of them, but it is highly advisable to put on the first of the cd`s, turn down the light, and just listen to the beautiful and haunting songs of the greatest game ever. And I still mean it, living in 2001. Just Buy it.

The music was very beautifully written, making it easy to become part of the music at times. The love themes are very heartfelt and perhaps the most touching of them was Aria Di Mezzo Carattere on Disk 2. I found certain songs such as Techno de Chocobo to be a little rough on the ears, but it is the only techno song in the entiire set(also on disk 2).
The music is entirely instrumental, therefore sometimes a bit lengthy and othertimes fairly short. The longest song is the ending theme(counted at 21 minutes, 35 seconds. It is a blend of all the music in the entire set, but still good if one enjoys instrumental movements.
Overall, a great set. I'd recommned it.

There is a group of fans that absolutely worship this score and I must admit that I am one of them. If I were to be stranded on a desert island with nothing but five soundtracks that I could choose, this would most definitely be one. Nobuo Uematsu transcended all that seemed possible and created a score of boundless and adventurous spirit that has yet to be topped in the videogame music world.

The Final Fantasy series has certainly had its recent ups and downs, but without a doubt in my mind, the sixth installment is the pinnacle of FF music, and indeed game music thus far. Years ago, when I was in fifth grade, the unforgettable Final Fantasy IV was released, which was my first true introduction into the wonders of game music. It wasn't until a couple of years later that I played part six. While IV impressed me by its almost orchestral sound system (at least I thought so at the time), VI completely blew me away with its incredible traditional arrangements and its knack for unhampered thematic progression.

This leads me to acknowledge this soundtrack's best feature: I've yet to hear one soundtrack from a videogame or a movie that contains so many memorable themes. There are so many great melodies rolled into one neat little package that it makes it nearly impossible to pick out a favorite. There are a couple throwaway tracks, but who cares? There's so much great stuff here that the bad is completely overshadowed and ultimately overlooked. I will admit that this is much darker than its predecessors, but I believe that this is simply a direct turn into musical maturity. The previous FF scores may have been lighthearted, and therefore fun to listen to, but one can hardly make any argument that they were "mature・ though I hold them dear to my heart as well. This particular score fits the game like a glove and enhances its emotional impact at least tenfold, yet it still contains a bit of that humorous Uematsu charm that we all know and love. And it is still lighthearted compared to FFVII that was to follow.

The basis for this soundtrack is generally carried by the Wagnerian technique of leitmotif, or character theme, which you may or may not know, was also the basis for John Williams・Star Wars scores. Though Wagner pioneered this technique, Nobuo, in my opinion, maximizes it to the fullest extent, surpassing Wagner entirely. There is a theme for every character and many of these receive a secondary arrangement such as "Coin Song・for Edgar and Sabin and "Forever Rachel・for Locke. Many of these character themes sound traditional, and then there are some that take other routes. "Shadow・ for example, sounds as if it came straight out of an Ennio Morriconne spaghetti western soundtrack. While not easy to pick out a favorite, I can say what I don't like. I never cared for the Ghestal/Empire theme that is used in several militaristic tracks, and I've always found Strago's theme to be particularly annoying. Overall though, the character themes form a set of thoroughly entertaining and endearing melodies. More great tracks include the second overworld theme "Searching for Friends,・which is similar to Terra's overworld theme but seems a bit more thoughtful and stirring. "Devil's Lab・is certainly a fun listen, and "The Fierce Battle・sounds absolutely ferocious - I believe it to be the second best battle theme in the series right after "Dancing Mad・on the same CD!

One cannot write a review for FFVI OST without mentioning the immortal opera sequence. This also sounds as if Wagner inspired it, as it nearly matches his style. I've never been one to care for opera, but no one can deny that this is just incredible. Once the intro hits the forefront, you are immediately drawn in by its raw power, and the cinematic sequences that follow are just incredible. The best track in the opera sequence is probably the famous "Aria Di Mezzo Carattere・version of Celes・theme, which is one of the most praised tracks in FF history.

If you're looking for the perfect score, then you won't find it here because if it's perfection you're searching for, you're never going to be satisfied. There is no such thing as perfect! If I really have to demand it, then the one thing that irks me the most about the soundtrack actually has little to do with the composition itself, but rather the CD release. I just wish that the ending theme had been split into two tracks. It seems kind of ridiculous to stick all twenty-one minutes into one track when it contains two very separate compositions. Even so, I really shouldn't complain, considering I believe this to be the second greatest piece of music ever composed, just behind the "Presto・movement from Beethoven's ninth symphony. My personal favorite section is the *hugely* bombastic arrangement of Setzer's theme which kicks off as the end credits begin to roll. Combined with the ingenious "Dancing Mad・that comes just prior, I'd say the two conclusive tracks of Final Fantasy VI make for the most enthralling forty solid minutes of music *ever*, and I don't see how it's possible to not view it as such.

As a whole, this, my favorite game soundtrack, makes a timelessly inspiring listen, leaving its own niche in the souls of those who hear it. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could think that any other game soundtrack out there today could top it. The future may hold a soundtrack that I like better, but until then, Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version will be the game score by which I judge all others.

There is a group of fans that absolutely worship this score and I must admit that I am one of them. If I were to be stranded on a desert island with nothing but five soundtracks that I could choose, this would most definitely be one. Nobuo Uematsu transcended all that seemed possible and created a score of boundless and adventurous spirit that has yet to be topped in the videogame music world.

The Final Fantasy series has certainly had its recent ups and downs, but without a doubt in my mind, the sixth installment is the pinnacle of FF music, and indeed game music thus far. Years ago, when I was in fifth grade, the unforgettable Final Fantasy IV was released, which was my first true introduction into the wonders of game music. It wasn't until a couple of years later that I played part six. While IV impressed me by its almost orchestral sound system (at least I thought so at the time), VI completely blew me away with its incredible traditional arrangements and its knack for unhampered thematic progression.

This leads me to acknowledge this soundtrack's best feature: I've yet to hear one soundtrack from a videogame or a movie that contains so many memorable themes. There are so many great melodies rolled into one neat little package that it makes it nearly impossible to pick out a favorite. There are a couple throwaway tracks, but who cares? There's so much great stuff here that the bad is completely overshadowed and ultimately overlooked. I will admit that this is much darker than its predecessors, but I believe that this is simply a direct turn into musical maturity. The previous FF scores may have been lighthearted, and therefore fun to listen to, but one can hardly make any argument that they were "mature・ though I hold them dear to my heart as well. This particular score fits the game like a glove and enhances its emotional impact at least tenfold, yet it still contains a bit of that humorous Uematsu charm that we all know and love. And it is still lighthearted compared to FFVII that was to follow.

The basis for this soundtrack is generally carried by the Wagnerian technique of leitmotif, or character theme, which you may or may not know, was also the basis for John Williams・Star Wars scores. Though Wagner pioneered this technique, Nobuo, in my opinion, maximizes it to the fullest extent, surpassing Wagner entirely. There is a theme for every character and many of these receive a secondary arrangement such as "Coin Song・for Edgar and Sabin and "Forever Rachel・for Locke. Many of these character themes sound traditional, and then there are some that take other routes. "Shadow・ for example, sounds as if it came straight out of an Ennio Morriconne spaghetti western soundtrack. While not easy to pick out a favorite, I can say what I don't like. I never cared for the Ghestal/Empire theme that is used in several militaristic tracks, and I've always found Strago's theme to be particularly annoying. Overall though, the character themes form a set of thoroughly entertaining and endearing melodies. More great tracks include the second overworld theme "Searching for Friends,・which is similar to Terra's overworld theme but seems a bit more thoughtful and stirring. "Devil's Lab・is certainly a fun listen, and "The Fierce Battle・sounds absolutely ferocious - I believe it to be the second best battle theme in the series right after "Dancing Mad・on the same CD!

One cannot write a review for FFVI OST without mentioning the immortal opera sequence. This also sounds as if Wagner inspired it, as it nearly matches his style. I've never been one to care for opera, but no one can deny that this is just incredible. Once the intro hits the forefront, you are immediately drawn in by its raw power, and the cinematic sequences that follow are just incredible. The best track in the opera sequence is probably the famous "Aria Di Mezzo Carattere・version of Celes・theme, which is one of the most praised tracks in FF history.

If you're looking for the perfect score, then you won't find it here because if it's perfection you're searching for, you're never going to be satisfied. There is no such thing as perfect! If I really have to demand it, then the one thing that irks me the most about the soundtrack actually has little to do with the composition itself, but rather the CD release. I just wish that the ending theme had been split into two tracks. It seems kind of ridiculous to stick all twenty-one minutes into one track when it contains two very separate compositions. Even so, I really shouldn't complain, considering I believe this to be the second greatest piece of music ever composed, just behind the "Presto・movement from Beethoven's ninth symphony. My personal favorite section is the *hugely* bombastic arrangement of Setzer's theme which kicks off as the end credits begin to roll. Combined with the ingenious "Dancing Mad・that comes just prior, I'd say the two conclusive tracks of Final Fantasy VI make for the most enthralling forty solid minutes of music *ever*, and I don't see how it's possible to not view it as such.

As a whole, this, my favorite game soundtrack, makes a timelessly inspiring listen, leaving its own niche in the souls of those who hear it. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could think that any other game soundtrack out there today could top it. The future may hold a soundtrack that I like better, but until then, Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version will be the game score by which I judge all others.

I can't believe that there were only 11 reviews at the time this was written! No justice...

Anyway, the title of this review is no joke. The only other soundtrack that rivals this is that of Chrono Trigger. I flip-flop back and forth between these 2 for my favorite soundtrack of all time. There is not a movie with a better soundtrack, not Saturday Night Fever, not Dirty Dancing, not The Song Remains the Same...

NOT EVEN FANTASIA, PEOPLE.

I would not make that last comment unless absolutely certain, as I love Fantasia & its music. The point is that this music evokes more feeling, more passion, more life than anyone could expect from a video game, much less one whose soundtrack had to fit the constraints of the SNES's sound capabilities. This is a feat in itself as anyone who has tried to arrange/compose with MIDI knows. Nobuo Uematsu is definitely in my top 3 composers of all time list.

Favorite tracks include "Awakening", "Colliery Narshe", "Searching for Friends", "Mt. Koltz", "Mystic Forest", "The Emporer Gestahl", the list goes on...

Not much else can be said about the music in this collection, it speaks for itself! Buy it.

This 3 disc set is beyond words to me. I bought Final Fantasy VI for the SNES as it was released back in '93. While listening to the soundtrack, I was able to close my eyes and remember exactly where in the game I was at and the events surrounding the music. If you are a fan of just sitting on the world map screen and listening to the theme or going to the open a save game screen and hearing that. Every song possible on the game is available on this soundtrack. I would recommend this 3 disc set to anyone that has played the game and listened to a song and remotely said "hey, that song is pretty cool".