Written by Dragon627

NOTE: This review was written BEFORE the game was played.

Finally, the Final Fantasy X Original Soundtrack. I can't believe it. This soundtrack has been the most anticipated soundtrack to date so far. And this time Nobuo Uematsu isn't the only one creating melodies for an FF soundtrack.

At first I didn't know what to expect; Uematsu was going to be working with two other video game music composers (Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano). I've never heard any music from the new composers but if Square picked them, they must be good, right? Fortunately, this was the case. This soundtrack is one of the most varied in style I've ever heard. I can honestly say that the collaboration between these three composers has produced excellent results.

The first disc, like most soundtracks, introduces the main melodies and themes of the game. The music starts with the second track (track one being Tidus saying something in Japanese). "To Zanarkand," MY GOD can anyone be so gifted as to produce this type of music?! This is exactly the reason why Nobuo Uematsu continues to be my favorite among composers. What better way to start a soundtrack than with a beautiful piano piece that conveys a feeling of sadness? The Prelude also continues its presence as it has in all FF soundtracks, this time in a sort of dance/house style. And what the heck is "Other World" supposed to be? This was the biggest surprise on the soundtrack. I would have DEFINITELY left this one out. (You'll know what I mean when you listen to it.) The battle theme is fresh and new, not at all like Uematsu's regular battle themes. The boss music, this time done by Nakano, sounds slightly similar to IX's boss theme. Something a little more upbeat would have been preferred but it does just fine. Later on in Disc 1 you hear "Besaid Island." This is a very lighthearted sounding song done by Hamauzu. One thing you'll notice in Hamauzu's compositions is his style of incorporating the piano into any song, you'll come to recognize his songs as you progress through the soundtrack.

On the second disc a new theme is introduced, this time Yuna's. Very nice song, you'll hear more renditions of this theme. "Silence Before the Storm" is one of my favorite songs, very relaxing and peaceful. You'll notice Hamauzu again in the song "The Splendid Performance," excellent job with the piano. "Blitz Off" features a jazz/techo/rock fusion style that sounds like something you'd hear when playing Ridge Racer. On down the list of tracks on the second disc we get to the ever popular chocobo theme. This time its "Brass de Chocobo." Uematsu never fails to make me smile when I hear these songs. Another very relaxing piece, "Rikku's Theme." If you listen to it closely, it resembles "Costa del Sol" from VII.

The third disc contains some of the best songs from Hamauzu. "Thunder Plains" kind of sticks in your head, in a good way, it's a nice song. Nakano, being very good with percussion and ambient textures, gives you a mysterious feeling with "Temple Band." He does the same on "Those Who Came Closer," setting a mood of despair and tension. "Revealed Truth" sounds a lot like "The Oath" from VIII but is much more touching. "To Zanarkand" is melted into that song perfectly with warm strings. "Attack," there goes Hamauzu with the piano again, I love this guy! Nobuo Uematsu, VIDEO GAME MUSIC GENIUS! He comes out with another piano piece, "Path to Repentance," that evokes a sort of wonder and sorrow in our being, excellent. For the past three Final Fantasy soundtracks, there has been a vocal song done by an Asian pop-star. Rikki is now our FF diva and sings "Suteki da Ne." This song grows on you. The melody is beautiful and Rikki sings it perfectly. Unfortunately, the English version of this song will not be done by her.

And now on to disc four. The disc starts out with "Yuna's Determination," which is a warm and mellow piece. "People of the Far North" almost sounds like a tribal cry song that really portrays sorrow. Nakano again sets the mood of mystery and tension with the song "Darkness." Now we get to "Seymour Battle." EXCELLENT battle theme. It is upbeat and varies in the way the melody is carried out. Uematsu is great at battle themes. Then there is the "Ending theme." ........HOW!? How can music this beautiful and emotional be created?! This is now officially my favorite song in the entire Final Fantasy music series. Shiro Hamaguchi arranged this song and for this song alone he should have his name on the cover along with the original three. Pure majesty. If you thought "To Zanarkand" couldn't get any better then you MUST listen to this song. The soundtrack finishes with an orchestrated version of "Suteki da Ne," also arranged by Hamaguchi. In my opinion, "Suteki da Ne" is enhanced in it's orchestration. 

This is one of the most intricately composed soundtracks and it is one that you must get. You probably won't be able to find the limited edition anymore but keep trying and don't give up hope. Regular and domestic versions will be available soon and you'll be able to listen to the incredible new music created by these high-caliber composers.