The music of this game has come a long way over the years and it's quite astonishing. There are all in all three different versions of the original soundtrack, which was a confusing topic during the release of The Zodiac Age remaster.
Here's what the three versions entails:
- The Original Sound Version: What we heard on PS2, mostly made with the internal soundchip of the hardware
- The Original Soundtrack: the official album of FF12, with higher quality synth sounds (what it should have been)
- The Zodiac Age Remaster: The brand-new version mostly using live instruments
Here's an example I cobbled with the 'Ozmone Plain' track:
One can only theorize that they used the internal soundchip of the PS2 in order to save storage space, a decision that didn't really pay off as it had the issue of homogenizing the music of the game instead of showcasing its differences. Not everything is bad with the PS2 version though, a lot of tracks still sounded great.
Hitoshi Sakimoto was obviously chosen as the lead composer since the start, he went on to create intricate pieces in order to fully represent the seismic shift in the series. The difference between battles and exploration was no more, so he had to balance tracks to represent the atmosphere of Ivalice instead of just going for the usual Field theme/Battle theme transition. Even with the huge pressure of succeeding Nobuo Uematsu, Sakimoto decided to go with his own distinct style. But this time, he chose to put lighter, more atmospheric music than his previous work on Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story. Ivalice's setting happened during its antiquity period, almost a century before the cataclysm that would send the world back to the stone age. The tracks are soothing, upbeat, denoting an era far before the dark times of treachery and deceit of the War of the Lions, but also quite energetic and dark when needs be, such as 'The Esper Battle'
He wasn't alone though. He was helped by long-time collaborator Masaharu Iwata and Hayato Matsuo, who were already working together since Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen, the first mainstream success of Yasumi Matsuno. In a way Final Fantasy XII's music is a direct extension of their collaborative work since 1993.
- Masaharu Iwata notably made 'Sochen Cave Palace', and 'The Feywood'
- Hayato Matsuo notably made the incredibly powerful 'Seeking Power'
All three versions has tracks that I feel works much better in a specific version than another. The Zodiac Age remaster had the added challenge of making all the tracks playable by a live orchestra, which makes some tracks sound differently than before, but are much more powerful and natural-sounding. The truth is: if you didn't like a version of the music, there is a good chance you'll like it in another.
The Zodiac Age remaster has done a really good job to finally give the orchestral treatment it deserved, and it really shows how diverse the soundtrack can be as each instrument is much clearer to make out.
In my opinion, here are the tracks that really shines with The Zodiac Age's version of the soundtrack:
- Dalmasca Estersand is an even stronger slap to the face than before. The PS2 version sounds like a deflated balloon in comparison.
- Giza Plains is also equally good and far above the other versions.
- Nalbina Dungeons shines completely in this version, the composition is so crisp and clear that it feels like a wholly different track (listen from 1:15 onwards). PS2 version shows how the internal soundchip struggles to give the same oomph.
- The Archadian Empire theme has now become literally Star Wars, but much better ;)
But The Zodiac Age version didn't stop there, it also added brand new tracks in order to fill the gaps in places that needed its own composition, but didn't in the original release. Eight brand new compositions by Hitoshi Sakimoto in 2017 !
- Fury of the Entites is the new boss theme of the game, bringing a more upbeat Ivalician style in order to avoid the fatigue of the regular boss theme, more suited for story-important boss fights.
- Tchita Uplands replaces the Giza Plains music for this location in a much-needed move.
___
I've really come to appreciate the soundtrack of Final Fantasy XII over the years. Its focus on atmospheric tracks and engaging battle themes/boss themes really makes it shine for me. I think today, the FF12 music is reaching its vindication point. Now free from the shackles of the PS2 soundchip, it's almost like listening to a completely new soundtrack. My only gripe is that the remaster version still didn't have a chorus so the tracks that has them still sounds less than what could have been.
I still enjoy listening to the three versions of the game. Today I am glad that I have the selection to listen and re-listen to my favourite tracks.
So here are my questions for you : What are your two favourite tracks ? Is there a moment where the music really popped out for you, like in a boss battle, or exploring a new area ?
NOTE: Here are three good playlists for the PS2 soundtrack, the Original Soundtrack, and The Zodiac Age soundtrack. Most of all, avoid the TZA playlist by OnionSoldier that has been inexplicably bass boosted and sounds like mush.
