The Final Fantasy VI Music Review By Josh Brown (jb1234@hotmail.com) Special thanks to Frank Buckley for letting me use his format Version 1.1 Revision History: Version 1.1 - Corrected the line errors on two of the reviews and added extra comments to the third disk. The Ending theme was also expanded and some of the others were as well. Updated the "Coming Soon" section. Version 1.0 - First official version. Posted to the Unofficial Squaresoft Homepage. Revision time! Yay! When I first wrote this, I was in a real hurry, so I didn't take my time on the last disk. I also noticed when I downloaded a copy, that some of the lines were cut out, so I immediately decided to fix that. My only problem was that it is highly unusual to see an update so soon after the original was published. I decided to heed the blasphemous demons in my head and so here I am, writing this article. What fun! I will first tell you the title of the track, the length of it, the place where the song is generally used, some general commentary is next, of course. If you have some critisism to offer me, feel free to contact me via E-mail so we can have a nice friendly conversation. If you want to applaud my adventurous undertaking and want some information about my decisions, do the same thing. Remember, this is my first time. Last but not least, I will give you my score. 0-10. Disk One -------- 1 - "Opening Theme" - 4:16 Use: Title Screen and Introduction And so it begins. The organ starts it out and the chorus adds a wicked reverb as the title screen appears in front of you. When the dust clears, the piano does a brief solo consisting of very creative notes. Soon after, a single bell tells us that the introduction has officially begun with the Empire theme blasting into our eardrums. The violin is quite noticeable and well chosen. Once again, Nobuo shows off his skill with multiple instruments. Bravo!! Soon the music dies down and the "Magitek Armor plowing through the snow" scene begins. You can hear the delightful oboe sustaining the main theme with the strings serving as a constant reminder of how unclean the FF6 world is. Overall, a good introductory theme and one that is worthy of being on this CD. My score - 7.2 2 - "The Mines of Narshe" - 2:49 Use: Inside the town of Narshe I've never really liked this one, so I'm going to make it brief. The problem with this piece is that it has no depth, no meaning. It starts out relying mostly on the strings, but soon the harp and piano join in to show off, especially the piano, playing its tiny solo. Luckily for my patience, this pattern doesn't continue, as the oboe comes in. One of the many problems with this track included a persistent tapping sound. It was highly annoying. I don't know. This one just didn't work for me. My score - 5.6 3 - "Awakening" - 1:42 Use: When Terra wakes up in Narshe. Has other uses as well A lovely oboe solo starts this one off to an excellent start, then the piece really starts to shine, as the piano comes in with its chord intervals. The strings and the harp also stood out for me as well. The beauty of this theme is certainly the high point of this track. Uematsu took the time to choose the instruments and he chose them right. This is a song that will really please you. My score - 7.4 4 - "Locke" - 2:01 Use: Locke's Theme When you write a song for a video game, be it action, RPG, simulation, whatever, the melody has to be enjoyable, or else the player won't really get into the game. This theme is very heroic and it portrays Locke quite well. Once the timpani roars, the strings add a certain flair to it and it all comes together. I particularly enjoyed it when the French Horns came in near the halfway point. Uematsu obviously knew what he was doing when he wrote this one, but then again he always seems to know exactly what to do anyway. Another good piece for FF6. My score - 7.3 5 - "Battle Theme" - 2:00 Use: Battle with random enemies Right when it starts, the fun begins. All of the battle themes for the Final Fantasy series are good and this one certainly fits in that category. It has shades of rock and classical at the same time, making it a general pleasure to listen to. I like the way the track sounds like the FF2/FF4 battle theme, but it has other qualities of its own to pick up a few points. Once again, the instruments were picked well, especially the guitar and trumpet. The good thing is, you always know that the Battle Theme is going to be good when Nobuo writes it. My score - 7.8 6 - "Victory's Fanfare" - :40 Use: A battle won Once again, the traditional Final Fantasy "battle's done, take the carcass home and skin it" theme. It's a real perker-upper, I'm pleased to say. With a rousing rhythm and nice melody, you'll be dancing right along with your party members. There's really not much to say about it, except that if you've never heard it before, you're bound to like it. My score - 6.8 7 - "Edgar and Sabin" - 2:33 Use: Inside Figaro Castle The castle theme always needs to sound forbidding with just a shade of royalty and "Edgar and Sabin" appropriately hits the spot. This is a neat song mostly because of the enlarged brass section which fits perfectly with the castle setting. The middle is not quite as excellent as the beginning, but it still has charms of its own. Not bad. My score - 7.1 8 - "Kefka" - 2:44 Use: Kefka's evil theme Once again, the villain gets the best song in the first CD. This is an extremely powerful track, especially with the flute singing its song. The villian's theme needs to be evil sounding and "Kefka" sounds more like a clown act, but then again Kefka is a clown in his own sort of way. The starting solo instrument fits perfectly with Kefka's erratic personality and when the full orchestra joins in, this piece really soars. Listen to it, you'll see what I mean. My score - 8.6 9 - "Mt. Koltz" - 2:30 Use: On top of Mt. Koltz and other mountainous regions I'm not sure why, but I've never liked Final Fantasy mountain themes. This is the second one I've heard. The first was FF4's "Mt. Ordeals/Hobs." They never really enthrall me like the character themes do. I guess it's just personal taste. Some parts were exceptional, especially the middle with the violin adding some melody, but when it repeats itself once again, I can't resist groaning. Nice try. My score - 5.2 10 - "The Returners" - 2:42 Use: The Returners hideout Another goose-egg. I've never liked the military-style music, and this is one of them. The only high point that is worthwhile enough to mention is the clever use of the French Horn. It was pleasing to hear it again. The background has this useless "left right, left right" theme that will get on your nerves after a while. Clearly irritating (at least for me). It might fit Banon and the returners but it just doesn't fit me. My score - 5.7 11 "Shadow" - 1:54 Use: Shadow's theme Mysterious. The high point is definitely the piccolo because it adds a harmony to the relentless guitar chords and harp. Some character themes are beautiful and some are not. This one belongs in the "not" family. Once the piece really gets going, you'll probably wonder why it was made at all. Uematsu's whim, perhaps? The guitar is a bad instrument for a Final Fantasy piece and the harp is used poorly. It never really rises above the main theme, which is too bad, because it could have been really good, but as it stands, enough is enough. Give me "Kefka" anyday. My score - 5.8 12 "Troops March On" - 1:57 Use: The enemy encampment east of Doma Oh goody! Another military piece. Since I'm sure you can't wait for me to sink my teeth into this one, I recommend taking a deep breath. You'll need it. The only clear high point is the "Gestahl" theme. It's the only thing that keeps this track afloat. The trumpet helps a lot as well, but the Timpani is overused and it is just too bouncy for my liking. Oh well. Better luck next time. My score - 5.3 13 "Cyan" - 2:22 Use: Cyan's theme and inside Doma Finally an improvement over the last set, "Cyan" definitely will make your eyes fill up with tears. A major plus over other RPG's, the Final Fantasy series actually has drama and "Cyan" displays this drama to the highest degree. The horn and flute were good instruments to choose and the main theme is quite good, if not overextended. Worth listening to. My score - 6.8 14 "The Unforgiven" - 1:23 Use: Cyan's fury over the poisoned Doma and other tense places Ouch! That hurt. The one written rule in music composition is for there to have an actual melody and harmony. This piece is missing the harmony. The same relentless theme repeats over and over again until you are compelled to turn the volume down. Fortunately, it is mercifully short, lucky for us. Next track, please. My score - 5.8 15 "The Phantom Forest" - 2:18 Use: The Phantom Forest and other cave locations This is a beautiful theme which uses excellent instruments to their advantages. Since you'll hear this track in many other locations in the game, the designers had to make sure that the piece wasn't really irritating. They succeeded. Once the music starts, you'll begin to wonder what the inspiration was. The oboe sounds like it's longing for something and the chorus adds a backdrop to the annoying middle section. Once that annoying middle section is through with, the theme repeats itself and you will get enraptured in the mysteries of the Phantom Forest. My score - 7.2 16 "Phantom Train" - 2:49 Use: The Phantom Train Get ready for a wild ride! The Phantom Train is a mysterious place, and thus a mysterious setting must be displayed. The ghosts help somewhat and so does the dark interiors, but the single most important part is the music. Fortunately, the music fits the mood beautifully. First, a strange harp-like instrument plays a solo, then the brass and strings come in to play a marvelous melody that is well worth the wait. Once the middle point is reached, the flute does multiple rising scales and then the solo instrument repeats. Wow! My score - 7.8 17 "Wild West" - 2:15 Use: On the Veldt Sometimes music belongs in different categories. "Wild West" belongs in the "insane" category. I'm not sure why this one was produced except to bug me out of my wits. The percussion is overdone and the notes get way too high for my liking. Why bother? My score - 4.2 18 "Gau" - 1:50 Use: Gau's theme. I've only heard it once, not counting the ending The one thing that Nobuo is good at is expressing emotions in his music. He makes all of the characters shine and that is what a song needs to do. In "Gau" he uses this knowledge to full effect. I love the very rare usage of the cello in this piece. It adds a certain romantic air that is hard to find in a video game. Soon the strings come in and everything ties in together to make a lovely theme that has only one purpose, to introduce a lonely character. My score - 6.7 19 "The Serpent Trench" - 2:07 Use: Navigating the Serpent Trench What was the point? A terrible theme, no real driving force, and the terrible use of string instruments destroys this one. The fact that it is an underwater piece and that it needs to sound "aquatic" could't even begin to express the anger I felt at it. Luckily, the solo instrument improves it somewhat from my original score (which was 2.2) My score - 4.1 20 "Kids Run Through the City" - 2:43 Use: Town Music, the World of Balance After the horrendous Serpent Trench, we needed something calming and luckily we got it. Nobuo's town music is usually excellent and this one is no different. The title is well chosen and the beauty of the piece will soon show. The harp and what sounds like a woodwind instrument head this one, then the strings join in and it turns into what was once a simple theme into a beautiful array of colors. My score - 8.1 21 "Under Martial Law" - 2:26 Use: Any town taken over by the Empire I knew my happiness wouldn't last. "Under Martial Law" isn't a bad song, but it doesn't have the emotional power that "Kids" did to sustain it. I hoped for a little more, but I didn't get it. The harp is used to good effect here, providing the backdrop for Locke's hidden journey into South Figaro. Once again, a good instrument is chosen for the main theme, but that can't help a theme that doesn't really grab me. Good, but not excellent. My score - 6.3 22 "Celes" - 2:56 Use: Celes' attempted suicide and other plots involving the character The best character melody and the most complicated, "Celes" brought my interest back up. It has a good choice of instruments except maybe the harp and a good emotional arc. The strings bring probably the most impact at the beginning, but not nearly as much as the bells. Beautiful!! Not quite as good as the opera version which I'll review later. My score - 8.5 23 "Save Them!" - 1:58 Use: A situation of great peril. Remembering how long it took to pass Kefka's large group of monsters when he attacked Narshe (I forgot to stock up on Tonics, okay?), I also remembered how irritating the music got. It is still irritating. The trumpet helps soothe my major irritation, however. The strings once again are clear in the beginning, but then they taper off near the middle to return in full force near the end. I have great appreciation for Nobuo's talent. My score - 6.7 24. "The Decisive Battle" - 1:59 Use: A boss battle That's more like it. One of the best tracks on the first CD, the boss music proves that the key of A-minor is not completely out of date. Once those tones are finished, it goes into a major key while you're busy rapidly pressing the "A" button. The Boss music has to be very suspenseful and unyielding, and "The Decisive Battle" raises your tension level up a notch. A very good piece with very good instruments. My score - 8.4 25. "Metamorphosis" - 1:26 Use: When something catastrophic is happening This music is nasty. Really nasty. It has a bad theme and poor instrument selection. I definitely don't agree with the strings this time. The only real purpose it serves is to get your adrenaline pumping quite nicely mostly because it fits the situation that your party is in. I'm glad it's mercifully short. My score - 5.1 Overall - 6.2 Hmmmmmmm. Not too shabby. You really can't trust the Overall score because each piece is individually different, but I try to ballpark it and I usually do a fine job (in my opinion). The first CD has songs that are used mainly in the beginning of the game but you'll sometimes hear them much later on. The bad pieces are "Serpent Trench", "Wild West" and "Metamorphosis". The good pieces include "Kids Run Through the City Corner", "The Decisive Battle", and "Kefka". On to the next disk..... Disk Two -------- 1 "Terra" - 3:51 Use: Overworld Map, World of Balance The advantages of listening to a piece composed by Uematsu is that you are certain that it will have the qualities that are (mostly) pleasing to the ears. There are a few exceptions, but not in this piece. It starts out quiet and then it gets louder and it picks up a rhythm along the way. "Terra" might not be named right, but the piece is still quite good, full of tidbits of pleasure. The cymbals are wonderfully used and the instruments stick out accordingly. It has a rhythm that is quite addicting to the ears and you need that sort of addiction to like an overworld peace. Well done!! My score - 7.8 2 "Coin Song" - 2:15 Use: Edgar's choice: Castle life or freedom. The harp carries this weak piece at first, but then the strings come in and it becomes less likable. I don't really like this one. It's too "deciding" It does well in that it sounds like the crossroads of life, however. Once again, Final Fantasy III/VI reveals even more drama and it does an excellent job at it as well. This piece would probably have been more enjoyable if I was in a better mood, but oh well, life goes on. My score - 5.7 3 "Techno de Chocobo" - 1:35 Use: Riding one of those cute Chocobos Very odd. Very odd. This is a much different style of music then we are used too, that's for sure. It has the advantage of being yet another variation of the famous Chocobo theme. I'm sorry to say it is just a little too wild for my liking and it comes on too strong. It depends on your mood, I guess. My score - 4.2 4 "Forever Rachel" - 2:52 Use: Locke pining for Rachel I despise the flute, I despise the strings and this song really annoys me. The fact that Locke is mourning for someone doesn't change the fact that the instruments are quite poor and the main instrument grating. Once again, a nice theme is written, but it is overshadowed by an extremely loud intrument. It probably should have been toned down a little bit and given a little more substance, but that didn't happen. Stay away from unless you want to start crying. It's that depressing. My score - 6.3 5 "Slam Shuffle" - 2:20 Use: The town of Zozo When you introduce a different kind of story in a Final Fantasy game, you have to back it up with a unique piece of music. This song is the trademark song for the poor town of Zozo, the place where thieves hide out. "Slam Shuffle" is a very addicting piece that has all of the characteristics that a good song needs. The sound of rain in the background works perfectly with me and the background is much better then "Returners" was even if it was the same kind of basic pattern. My score - 7.3 6 "Spinach Rag" - 2:14 Use: Talking to imps When ragtime is introduced into a video game piece, it goes wayyyyy downhill. This song went downhill fast in my opinion. I'm not sure there is anything really worthwhile on this track, so I probably should have given it a "0" but I'm in a better mood today, so I decided to be lenient. This could have been replaced with something a little more enjoyable, but Noooooooooo. They had to stick this turkey in here to completely ruin my day. What was Nobuo thinking? My score - 2.7 7 "Overture" - 4:46 Use: Beginning of Opera Here is something completely new. Using an opera in a video game is an extremely brave thing to do judging from the majority of the fans are rock-based. I know that most of my friends scoffed when they had to fill Celes' lines in. Obviously, they didn't understand the concepts of the opera. (You can also tell that I hate rock. Personal tastes) Finally! Something enjoyable! After the pathetic Spinach Rag, I just couldn't contain my enjoyment in hearing this piece. Long, full of different themes, and exciting, the only regret I have about it is that it doesn't follow the normal guideline of an Overture. Oh well. It's fun. Listen to it bask when the opening chords shoot up your spine. The best part is when the Impresario is explaining the story. A wonderful song that I couldn't turn down. Then it get into a heavy string part that is irresistible. Until the singing I liked it. They really could have picked a better instrument for the man's voice. Drat! My score - 8.5 8 "Aria De Mezzo Careterre" - 3:55 Use: Celes' song at the Opera The beginning harp chords might send bad vibes down you after remembering that was the way that "Coin Song" started, but the theme soon gets a singing voice, and then the full orchestra joins in. This is probably my favorite theme in the whole 2nd CD and rightfully so. It carries a passion unheard of in a normal video game, but Square doesn't make "normal" video games. Once again, the singing voice leaves much to be desired, but the quality of the song overrides that. Once the main part begins, the beauty of the song will rapture you and caress you with it's beauty. Definitely worth it. My score - 9.1 9 "The Wedding" - 4:01 Use: The dance and Ultros' threat Once again my friends scoffed (most of them were cheering Ultros) at this part of the game, but I thought it was quite clever and enjoyable as well. "The Wedding" might not beat the Aria, but it still has the rest of what the opera needed. The waltz and the tension of time running out. Wow! The waltz has the appropriate instruments and when the party figures out that Celes is going to get a BIG headache, the tenseful music of doom starts. What a bang! My score - 7.2 10 "Grand Finale?" - 3:15 Use: The fight with that annoying octopus Ultros at the opera It starts out with the silence of a disturbed audience, but soon you'll hear a lot of instruments. This song works only as filler. I was pretty much amused at how Ultros failed again and again to defeat you. This music magnifies this, turning it into a comical piece with no real substance. The percussion is way too heavy and the main theme tiresome. So and so. My score - 6.3 11 "Setzer" - 1:55 Use: Setzer's theme This is a very heroic theme and I don't understand really why they decided it should be one. Remembering the game didn't help much. I just didn't find Setzer to be a very heroic character. You really don't know him (and Strago and Relm and Umaro and Gogo) well enough to get a mental picture of the character. The problem with this one is that it reminds me way too much of the Airship theme and I don't like that theme either. The theme might be slightly stirring, but that's all it got out of me. My score - 6.5 12 "Johnny C. Bad" - 2:55 Use: Inside the Coliseum ....And Vanna turns the letters over to reveal this, another waste of time. When Uematsu wrote this, I began to wonder, what was the point? The annoying main theme is about all you get to listen to and it is aggravating. Take my advice. Stay away. My score - 2.7 13 "The Empire 'Gestahl'" - 3:11 Use: Inside Vector I'm glad the quality improved. I was starting to get a little depressed. Even after the knelling bells, the theme carries itself out in a beautiful array of Timpani and French Horns. Unlike the "Occupied" theme which is the same theme, this one has a point, and it shows it. Once the middle part occurs, the strings come in and the bells increase until it reaches a crescendo of noise and percussion and then it dies down. Yay!! My score - 7.7 14 "Devil's Lab" - 2:32 Use: Magitek Facility This one is a lot of fun to listen to and it probably uses the most percussion out of the 3 CD's. It has a stirring theme consisting of strings and provocative percussion that will put you closer to the speakers rather then away from them. The excitement of the middle theme amplifies this, giving you a good impression. I liked it. My score - 7.9 15 "Blackjack" - 3:05 Use: Airship theme, World of Balance I've never been fond of the Airship themes. Final Fantasy I's had a very frisky theme which assumed that the characters actually liked riding the flying machine. (I'd get airsick) Final Fantasy II/IV's was a bit better. It had a good melody and it was certainly entertaining for a time, but after hearing ten thousand times, you start to get annoyed. On to the song. This one is more irritating then soothing, It reminds me too much of Setzer's theme (A full circle) and you remember how that went. The disgusting main theme is too bleary and there is way too much percussion for its own good. Compared to the next one, this one actually got a good rating. My score - 5.7 16 "???" - 1:07 Use: It's hard to say. Something whimsical If I had a choice between getting run over or listening to this song tied up, I would gladly choose the former, because this is a pointless song. It is pointless, pointless, pointless, etc. There, I'm glad I got that out of my system. In brief, bring out the headphones and the dynamite. My score - 1.1!? Ugh! 17 "Mog" - 1:55 Use: Mog's theme The moogles never really had a main theme, and I'm glad it's not Mog's. Mog's theme is more jumpy then is needed, and the moogles aren't really that unusual. Here's another one that is more whimsical then is needed. The theme is good but is overlaid with too much percussion and sound effects. It really fits Mog however. Kupo!! My score - 6.8 18 "Strago" - 2:29 Use: Town of Thamasa This theme reminds me of FF4's "Mystic Mysidia". It has a certain "flair" that is enjoyable to listen to. I'm pleased to say that this piece is as intricate as when I first heard it. A wonderful introduction and whimsical main theme make this one a good stocking-stuffer. Too bad it wasn't expanded upon. A good attempt, and very pleasing except for the middle bridging section. My score - 6.3 19 "Relm" - 2:53 Use: Relm's theme Way too cute for it's own good. The instruments were a good choice, but the theme doesn't really fit Relm. Relm is more like a whinny spoiled little brat with an affinity for dogs. (You can tell that I don't like Relm) I'm not so sure that the guitar was useful at all, as well. Something's shouldn't have been made. This is one of them. My score - 5.5 20 "Another World of Beasts" - 2:38 Use: The cave east of Vector Overall, I'm quite pleased by the Final Fantasy cave themes. They all have a theme that is different then all the other ones. Here’s one I won't forget for a while. With a stirring theme and a beautiful melody, "Another World" was definitely worth my time. The middle bridge might be grating, but it is a good sort of grating. It might be loud but it works tremendously. Definitely a keeper. My score - 8.1 Overall - 6.1 This is a pretty good CD. The "ups" are "Another World", "Terra", all of the Opera, and "Gestahl" The downs include "Techno", "Coin Song", "Johnny C. Bad" and "Relm". The one that should be permanently banished to Starbase 33 is the aptly-named "???." A good buy, though. Now for the grand finale. Is it worth it. YESSSSSSSS!!!!! Disk Three ---------- 1 "New Continent" - 2:27 Use: The Floating Continent Now here is an intriguing piece. I'm not sure I agree with some of the instruments, but the theme is mostly good. Since the Floating Continent is a temporary place in the game, you'll only hear it then, but judging from the amount of time I spent on it building my levels up, I don't think it really matters. My score - 6.3 2 "Catastrophe" - 2:15 Use: Kefka and Gestahl on the Floating Continent When something bad is happening in a video game, the music needs to fit this development. "Catastrophe" sounds more like a dangerous undertaking, a risk, and that is exactly what it is supposed to be. At least the purpose fits. Nothing else does. It is generally good, but a little too strong on the strings. Once again, you'll only hear this one once, but once is enough. Not bad, but not excellent. My score - 5.8 3 "The Fierce Battle" - 2:35 Use: Battles with the Atma family and last three bosses I've liked the "Fierce Battles" in the Final Fantasy series until now. I don't know why this one wasn't quite as powerful as FF4's but something went wrong. Maybe it's me. I don't know. This is certainly an engaging song. Definitely tensing and way too strong. It fits with the situation, however. The flute starts it off to a series of raising and falling notes and then the whole thing goes haywire!! Fun, but not really perfect. My score - 7.2 4 "Rest in Peace" - :29 Use: Your party getting the boot. R.I.P. Once the flute starts, you know you did something wrong. How many times did I hear this while playing FF3/6? Too many. A nice distraction, with a depressing overtone, I'm not sure what rating I should give "Rest in Peace." I'll just improvise. My score - 6.1 5 "Dark World" - 3:04 Use: Overworld theme, World of Ruin This is such a macabre piece I almost turned it off, but soon I realized that there were a lot of good ideas in it, especially the wind blowing in the background. I also liked the bells and the flute made an excellent addition to an otherwise grim piece. Not bad for an overworld piece. Not bad at all. My score - 7.8 6 "The Day After" - 2:15 Use: Town Music, World of Ruin Why are almost all of the music in the World of Ruin in a minor key? No, don't tell me. Let me guess..... This is a grim piece just like the one before it and you have to have patience to listen to it. The harp is a lovely addition to it and most of the strings worked quite well as well. (That didn't sound very good) Of course, hearing it in the game can have a slightly sour aftertaste when you see all the destruction that Kefka caused. This game is definitely a soap opera! My score - 6.3 7 "Searching For Friends" - 2:56 Use: Airship theme, World of Ruin Oh goody. Another minor key. What fun. I probably could have lived without that annoying background noise whatever that was. The flute once again provides the melody, and what a haunting melody it is. The mixture of bells and strings make this a piece definitely not worth missing. If only they had removed the cymbals.... My score - 8.1 8 "Gogo" - 2:10 Use: Take a wild guess....Gogo's theme!!! Even though this is another minor key piece, it is still whimsical in its own sort of way. After the highly disturbing clash of timpani, silence reigns and then the fun begins. And how?! The wonderful choice of instruments puts another dreary piece into the spotlight. A lot of fun this one is. My score - 7.4 9 "Epitaph" - 2:50 Use: Setzer reminiscing I knew my good mood couldn't last. I KNEW a terrible piece would come in to ruin my day and guess what? One did. "Epitaph" has no spirit whatsoever and spoils the beautiful noise of the harp. Don't listen to this one. You'll probably regret it. My score - 5.1 10 "The Magic House" - 2:37 Use: Jidoor/World of Ruin Hark! Something better approaches. I also knew something would help my spoiled appetite. The beautiful beginning harmony is improved with the soothing sounds of wind instruments, particularly the oboe. Goody! My only complaint is probably the middle section which can be grating to the ears. My score - 6.4 11 "Umaro" - 1:55 Use: Umaro's theme One of the major problems of FF3/6 are the undeveloped characters later in the game. Sure, Terra, Locke, Edgar, Sabin, Celes and Cyan and Gau get a lot of development, but what about Relm, Strago, Mog, Gogo and Umaro? None whatsoever. The characters are practically a cipher, expecially the two special characters. It's a real pity and it doesn't help the piece that I am reviewing. It starts out much like Gogo's theme, but then it picks up a new theme of its own. I didn't really appreciate this theme. Maybe I was in a bad mood while writing this, I don't know. Then again, I don't like Umaro period. I think that about covers it. My score - 6.1 12 "Fanatics" - 1:48 Use: Fanatic's tower The problem with voice music in FF3/6 is that the soloist gets an annoying flute-like instrument because of the limitations of the Super Nintendo system. I had to cover my ears again if that tells you how this review is going to go. The beginning's promises are soon ruined by that annoying synth-voice. Figures. My score - 3.2 13 "Last Dungeon" - 2:49 Use: Kefka's Tower Why are the "Last Area" themes always bad? I wasn't fond of SOM's Mana Fortress music, or the Lunar Caves in FF2/4's. Something has to be done........ This theme has some promise but it didn't really hold up that well to me. I don't like the instruments, I don't like the tempo, and I don't like the dynamics. My score - 5.9 14 "Dancing Mad" - 17:38 Use: Four different themes/last bosses and Kefka They certainly gave me plenty of time to write this one out. Right when the chords begin, you'll recognize Nobuo's style. I'll review this in four parts. First Tier: Right when the drums start the piece, you'll recognize definite tension in the air. The unusual main theme is freaky and when you hear the strange sounds of beasts in the background, you'll probably begin to wonder. The female voice in the middle actually brings life to the track and when the beat really gets going, you'll start to turn the volume up. I just love this one. Second Tier: This theme wasn't quite as good, and it sounded really cheesy especially when the male voice started to hyperventilate. It probably didn't help that the snare drum repeats again and again. No sir, I don't like it. Once it repeats itself two times, the fugue begins. Talk about freaky. Bach probably would have been proud. The organ is put to good use, finally. Third Tier: This is another fugue. Once the bell rings twice, the fun begins. Pretty appropriate for fighting two really ugly monsters. Fun though. Unfortunately, my speakers aren't high quality, so this really didn't work too well for me. I also would have preferred some more instruments, other then the annoying organ. Battle with Kefka: And so it goes full circle with the introduction music from Disk one. Think it's over. Nope. A new theme begins, one that is probably the most complex out of the three CD's. I didn't really enjoy it that much. I expected something a little more death-like, to fit Kefka's personality, but I guess I got something a little bouncier. The organ once again dominates this part of the piece and then the middle begins. The music slows down and the screen turns red. That's when you know the middle has begun. The music starts to sing a mournful tone that will make you feel really sad and once that's over, the first theme will repeat after Kefka's demonic laugh. (I love that laugh!!) To finish off this track, I think this is one of the best tracks in the set and you don't want to miss it. I think I've rambled long enough. My score - 9.3 15 "Ending Theme" - 21:33 Use: Endgame, wrapping up the storylines and the credits This is going to be one LOOONNNGGGGG review. First off, we have a lovely theme with the harp that will quickly get your attention, then the character variations begin. First is Cyan, who gets an appropriate farewell with the oboe and timpani blaring. A good theme, not at all overdramatic. Soon after is Setzer's theme. A moderately good theme, different then his normal theme and quite a bit more enjoyable. After that is Edgar and Sabin. This pretty much sounds the same as Figaro castle with a few added bells and whistles. I liked it a lot. Cute little Mog is next. His theme is still too cute. At least Nobuo toned it down a little. Umaro gets the spotlight next. The theme was slowed down a bit and given a major key. It worked quite well. Immediately after is Gogo. The theme hasn't changed much, that's for sure. Same notes, same rhythm, same Gogo. How could we forget Gau? His theme came next and it came in with a bang, immediately joined with another oboe. Definitely better than the original. Next is Celes. Her theme would have been better if it weren't for the pesky strings in the background. They go away soon after to produce Locke's theme. Drat!!! I still don't like this one and probably never will. Phooey. Terra is next. She doesn't even have her trademark theme. Instead, a more pleasing theme is presented that is worth every second then it turns to Relm. Her theme now shines with the added harp. I enjoyed that far better then before, then a sad melancholy theme starts that belongs to Shadow. It brought a tear to my eye, since I only completed the game with him dead. Strago came last. His theme kind of gets a terrible downlifting. I miss the old version. The concluding music with the airship going down is perfect. It will get your heart pumping. After three apocalyptic chords, a nice counter-melody is produced and it is definitely worth it. It has all of the charm that a story needs to conclude itself. Soon you'll hear Setzer's theme for a short time. His theme has actually turned listenable, especially when the French Horn joins in. A couple minutes pass and the theme changes into a lush atmosphere. Then, just to irritate us, Setzer's theme is repeated. A