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I’m sure I’ve mentioned the high import prices on original soundtracks a time or two. Paying $30 or more when you’re dealing with an anime series isn’t all that bad since generally, there tends to be only one or two soundtracks released, except in those rare occasions where the producers go ballistic and release something anytime you take a breath. That’s only a rare occasion though, and these days seems to be restricted to the Love Hina series. However, what about when you’re dealing with a long running, and extremely popular, video game series like Final Fantasy. For each game that comes out, you can count of at least an original soundtrack, and that’s just the beginning. Square will take it as far beyond that as they can. Apparently there is a need to have a piano collection for everything, and there have even been vocal collections done in the past, and even very recently. An original soundtrack itself will easily set you back at least $40, but what if you don’t want to pay that much, and yet you want something that looks better than a burned CD filled with incomplete and incorrectly labeled tracks that you pulled off for a person to person server? That’s a great question, and TOKYOPOP has the answer. Final Fantasy S Generation combines some of the best tracks from when Square decided to jump ship on long time partner Nintendo and go for a higher state of glory with upstart rival Sony. The union has been more than prosperous, and that’s just on the game end of things. When it comes to soundtracks, Square took things to a new level, and went far beyond the OST frame of mind, putting a large dent in the pocketbook of those of us that live outside of Japan. Don’t worry though; this collection contains some of the best tracks from Final Fantasy VII – IX, and it’s not just the in-game music that you’re getting either. But, that’s the way the soundtrack starts, and it opens quite beautifully. The first track may very well be one of my all time favorite FF tracks, and it was the one that I remember upon hearing it, made me that much more anxious to play Final Fantasy VIII. “Liberi Fatali” is the intense, highly dramatic opening for the game that backed the incredible 3 and a half minute CG opening for the game, showing once again the Square still had all their old tricks, and some new ones. Complete with Latin lyrics, the track has an unparallel majesty that, in my opinion, has never quite been matched with any Final Fantasy track. The soundtrack contains quite a few beautifully orchestrated pieces however, coming from both live events and recorded elements. If you were one of those that was fortunate enough to not have picked up the now out of print, abysmal Final Fantasy VII: Reunion, don’t worry. While the soundtrack was more of less a collection of the “best” tracks from the original soundtrack, it also had some amazing orchestrated renditions of some of the better tracks from the game. I’ve never been quite the fan of FF VII that some people have. Although it was a step in the right direction from what Square had previously done, the game had never quite drabbed me that way it had many other players, and even the music for the most part was something that didn’t stick in my brain. But, when you take the tracks and provide arranged versions, it’s a whole different animal. “The Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII” comes across with a majesty that pales that clunky sounding game version while “Aeris’s Theme” has a romantic quality that the original version can’t even touch. The best of these arranged versions though has to be “One-Winged Angel,” the ending battle music from the final confrontation with Sephiroth. Much like “Liberai Fatali,” the track has some incredibly well orchestrated and arranged Latin chants that make the track haunting. Aside from all of the original soundtracks, arranged versions, and concert pieces that Square has managed to lay on fans like an avalanche, several piano collections (okay, numerous) have been produced and released. Although it may seem like a rather odd combination, Uematsu’s music translated perfectly into the format. Louis Leerink performs these tracks, and he may be one of the most phenomenal pianists that I’ve ever heard in my life. Not only does he do a fantastic job at bringing these tracks to life on the piano, he breathes a new life into them to make them fresh and unique. The selected piano collection tracks come from FF VII and IX and although all of them are outstanding, there is one that stands above the rest. “Vamo Allla Flamenco” is another highly recognizable FF track, and long time players will certainly recall it from the mock battle in FF IX, and later still during the Chocobo stages. Leerink provides us with not only a beautiful rendition, but also a unique and spectacular take on the song. Final Fantasy S Generation certainly contains some of the greatest tracks from the days of the original Playstation. Even if you’re the most hardcore fan, and already own all of these in their original Japanese version, it’s still a perfect collection to own since it does contain some many memorable and spectacular tracks, and you don’t have to worry about loaning out those expensive imports. If you’re hard-pressed for cash though, or just don’t think that the high price is worth importing the soundtracks, definitely pick up this collection. Your wallet will definitely thank you. -mike-
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