So I picked up the FFXII Soundtrack

[Cain Highwind]

This thing is a BEAUT'! It actually comes in a folding DVD case (despite being CDs). The outer sleeve case has a picture of the Judges in the game. The actual case itself folds out, having that skyscraper artwork that was originally unveiled on two of the "panes" with also different "landscape" artwork on other sections. Each disk has a different pair of characters, printed in excellent detail (there's also some fully rendered scenes with the two characters on the inner panes. Underneath Disks 1 and 4 is a little bit of English text explaining the story and giving sort of a prologue.

Similar to the FFT Soundtrack, the OST comes with a little pamphlet that's actually made of a type of parchment and not just regular paper. This has a lot of Japanese text, but has some nicely printed screens and artwork. It also has Kiss me Goodbye's lyrics (in English).

Now the music itself. Well if you've listened to and enjoyed FFT or Vagrant Story, you won't be disappointed here, the quality is astounding! However I felt that it was lacking in booming Battle themes like FFT. For those newbies out there that are more used to FFVII or FFX, you might be disappointed, it's more about subtle "atmoshpere" with dark looming strings and cheery woodwinds, and while it's synthed, there's a very epic orchestral sound to it. So, don't be expecting dance numbers or crazy guitar pieces.

Oh and Disc 3, Track 13 is FREAKIN' GILGAMESH A Symphonic, but suitably Tactics-style remix of the FFV theme is here! I also like Sakimoto's renditions of the chocobo theme.

The soundtrack is good, nothing mindblowing, but a good listen. I'll probably appreciate the music a lot more once I play the game (I usually do)

[LocoColt04]

*gaping jaw*

Yeah, I'm like that too. Sometimes my brain tries to come up with all kinds of scenarios for the music as to what it could possibly be for and such.

So, are there any particular tracks thus far that are highly emotional in nature?

Oh, and did you purchase it online, or has it hit stores Stateside? I haven't really noticed if it has. I really want a copy for myself, now that you've had your little rant about it. ^_^

[Cain Highwind]

Originally Posted by LocoColt04

*gaping jaw*

Yeah, I'm like that too. Sometimes my brain tries to come up with all kinds of scenarios for the music as to what it could possibly be for and such.

Yeah I lurk around the Soundtrackcentral Forums from time to time. The guys there are nice and have total knowledge over game soundtracks in general. And they really pick apart new Game music even without playing or knowing what the game is about. I just can't do that, I like a little "backstory" to the music I'm listening to (it's why I'm generally so picky about mainstream music in general). I only bought the FFXII OST before playing it because I really wanted to get the fancy "Limited Edition", something I've never gotten before. And since I liked the FFT OST, and am excited for FFXII in general...

So, are there any particular tracks thus far that are highly emotional in nature?

Nothing that jumps to mind. There are tracks, that not so surprisingly sound like they were lifted from FFT (not EXACT or Remixed tracks, just similarly sounding ones) I'll have to listen to it a few more times to get a better idea (I only listened to all 4 discs once today). Like I said above, there's some great atmospheric pieces. I'll definetely post more "impressions" later as I get more aquainted with it.

Oh, and did you purchase it online, or has it hit stores Stateside? I haven't really noticed if it has. I really want a copy for myself, now that you've had your little rant about it. ^_^

It's kinda confusing when I say "Picked up" huh? Actually I get a lot of my imports from Play-Asia. Here's where I got mine:

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...n-70-19g6.html

They've got good pictures too. Remember it's first print!

[midgarmako]

I have most of it downloaded and all of it so far is amazing to listen to, I dont think this soundtrack is the best in the FF series, but it still lived upto my expectations, the first disc is the best for me

FFXII rules!...even though I havent played it

[Sevion]

does that cd have the battle theme in it? or are the songs just the music.

[Cain Highwind]

Originally Posted by Sevion

does that cd have the battle theme in it? or are the songs just the music.

Ummm what? It's ALL the music from the game.

[Sevion]

so then does the game have a battle theme or not?

[LocoColt04]

...yes. Every FF soundtrack has the battle theme(s) in it.

I wish I had more content for this post, but simple questions require simple answers.

[Cain Highwind]

Yeah it's really common sense. Besides I figure mentioning the fact that I mentioned there's a Gilgamesh theme remix, which was a boss theme from FFV would've been enough of a clue.

[LocoColt04]

Psst, guess what?

I just got some massive settlement checks from the auto insurance company to cover for the time lost during the two wrecks I had back in March. Two thirds of it just went off to pay medical bills, but the rest of it? Yeah, I just ordered the soundtrack. I'll definitely be adding my two cents once I have it in my possession.

i still don't like the music in ff12 that much as compared to other ffs :/ except for kiss me good bye o_O;

*i think my taste has changed lol..

not a worth buying ost for me o_o

*goes n find bt lol

[Zell Dincht]

Okay, So I was totally on the checkout screen with my credit card info all plugged into it. Sooooo was on my way to buying the soundtrack...and then I remembered rent was due soon and that I like to eat...Damn it.

Well the digi file will have to do for me. I really want that 28page book though.

It looks so cool, and would so go with my collection well.. Damn...Oh well though.

I cant wait to listen to it later. =D

_Z_

[Kyle]

I really hope Nobuo's music continues to improve as it has. He's given us so many classic songs. The whole strings thing sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind hearing an orchestral piece or two here.