Jan 14 2009
Crisis Core Soundtrack - Best Soundtrack Ever
There is no doubt that the soundtracks to video games have come a long way since the games for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, let alone the Atari 2600. Ten years ago, I probably would never have thought about even looking for a video game soundtrack. My first game soundtrack was Kingdom Hearts, and then I picked up the soundtrack to Katamari Damacy not long after. A couple of years ago, I added the second Kingdom Hearts and Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker soundtracks to my library. This week, the soundtrack to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII showed up on my doorstep, and it’s definitely the best gaming soundtrack I have ever heard. More than that, it’s the best soundtrack I have ever owned.
For me, personally, it’s everything I could ever want in a mix CD. I’m a huge fan of both classical music and hard rock, and the tracks on this CD flip back and forth between the two genres. One minute, I’m head banging to a piece from one of Zack’s many combats, and then the next, I’m listening to a sweet violin and piano ballad. One of the best things about it for me is that it doesn’t sound like a video game soundtrack, with the exception of one or two pieces. When I listen to the Wind Waker soundtrack, there is no doubt it’s a video game soundtrack. The “YOU GOT THE ITEM!!” chimes don’t help, but you can pick any tune off of the CD and hear similar game-like tones. I could probably get away with never telling anyone the music they are hearing is a video game soundtrack, except for my friends who are Final Fantasy VII fans since a few of the tracks are ripped right out of the original game, but with an orchestral upgrade.
I’d recommend this CD to anyone who likes gaming soundtracks or to anyone who likes the same mixture of genres I do. I will be playing the hell out of this CD. I’m not sure it will ever leave my car CD player, unless I trade in my car.
For those wondering, it is an import so it is more expensive than most soundtracks. However, if you poke around some of the sellers on Amazon, most of them are selling the CD set for less than half of what Amazon.com asks for.
