Style: video game music
Thoughts: Final Fantasy XII is my second favorite in the series right after VI. VI is there for nostalgia reasons. Replaying it lately... it doesn't hold up so well. Twelve on the other hand does.
The game takes place in Ivalice, the same place as Final Fantasy Tactics. The plot is just as political as you would expect, and the music made a distinct point to try and return to the compositions of the earlier games. At least in terms of melody and structure, a full orchestra is still utilized for most of the soundtrack.
What really sets this one apart though is the small cast of characters. The way that the player is intentionally mislead throughout the story is a great work of story telling. The music as well leans into this subterfuge and keeps the listener second guessing where the music is heading.
Unfortunately this soundtrack is not made by Uematsu, however it does live up to his legacy. The music has the intrinsic Final Fantasy feel, and I'm glad to finally have some of it on vinyl. There isn't much more to say about this one though. The soundtrack is way too long to do a detailed breakdown on, and while this selection is excellent it cannot replicate the majesty of the full thing. Still as they say, bird in hand vs. two in the bush... I'm happy for what I have.
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