The Final Fantasy VI Music Review	

		     By Josh Brown (josh1980@email.msn.com)

        Special thanks to Frank Buckley for letting me use his format

			      Version 1.5

Revision History:

Version 1.5 - (November 26, 1998) This is going on-line!

Version 1.4 - (December 11, 1997) All I did here was change some of the 

"Coming Soon" section. 

Version 1.3 - (October 5, 1997) It's been a while since I've updated this. 

I've been really busy with school and such. I no longer need any more 

information on Final Fantasy VII. I just bought it and completed

it the other day. Maybe I'll find the time to do a review on it. On

this review, I rewrote several of the reviews. I also removed

most of the "Coming Soon" section that had to do with FF7.

Version 1.2a - (June 24, 1997) Fixed some minor errors. I changed the 

"Coming Soon" section.

Version 1.2 - (May 23, 1997) I figured out that my text file on the Internet 

still has line errors but the printed out version doesn't. I've pretty much 

given upon it. I rewrote the "Epitaph" review and made changes to the "Wild 

West", "Celes", "Metamorphosis", "Aria De Mezzo Careterre" and "Johnny C. 

Bad" reviews. Also updated the "Coming Soon" section and added a special 

thanks section right below it. I didn't publish this version on the 

Internet.

Version 1.1 - (May 2, 1997) 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 - (April 22, 1997) 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 blasphamous 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, and 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.

It worked really well for me.

	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 "maybe" 

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 - 6.2



	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. It fits the Veldt perfectly, but I spent way too 

much time there building up rages to get attached to it. It started to get 

on my nerves. The percussion is overdone and the notes get way too high for 

my liking. Why bother? 

	My score - 5.8

	

	18 "Gau" - 1:50

	Use: Gau's theme. I've only heard it twice, 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" couldn'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. It depends

really on your tastes.

	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: It's heard when Terra turns into an Esper

	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. 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" 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 I 

am used to, 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 its beauty.

Definitely worth it.

	My score - 8.7

	

	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. It certainly is a lot different then what I'm used to, but

unfortunately, he surprise quickly turned to annoyance. When Uematsu wrote 

this, I began o wonder, what was the point? The annoying main theme is 

about all you get to listen to and it is aggravating. I was not fond of it 

at all.

	My score - 3.3



	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 "Troops March On" 

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, I started 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: A comedic scene

	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. 

Some things shouldn't have been made. This is one of them.

	My score - 5.5

	

	20 "Another World of Beasts" - 2:38

	Use: The Sealed Cave theme

	Overall, I'm quite pleased by the Final Fantasy cave themes. They 

all have a theme that is different then all the other ones. Hereās 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. 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 - 6.7



	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

	"Epitaph is one of those pieces that relies on the players mood. I 

admit, I was in a slightly sour mood after listening to this at first, but

my opinion changed when I looked at it closer. "Epitaph" is a look back 

memory lane. It uses Setzer's theme, but more of a variation of his theme. 

It improved quite a bit. 

	My score - 6.5



	10 "The Magic House" - 2:37

	Use: Jidoor's music in the World of Ruin and Owzer's house in the WOR

	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. I guess I shouldn't be complaining. I don't see very

many RPG's that have character development as advanced as the FF series.

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 found 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. After a 

minute, the music turns wistful and almost depressing. After a while, the 

trademark Final Fantasy theme will appear and you will find yourself 

reminiscing old themes and new ones. After the trademark music, a 

delightful theme begins, relying mostly on fast strings to make its point. 

You'll begin to sway to the theme, but unfortunately, things end too 

fast, and in a wash of music compilation, it ends in B-Major. Wow!! 

	My score - 10. Easily.

	

	16 "The Prelude" -2:21

	Use: Save game screen

	Who could have the guts to publish a Final Fantasy game without "The 

Prelude"? No one so far. Definitely a way to round out a wonderful CD 

collection. You have had to have heard this wonderful theme. If you haven't, 

then you're missing out.

	My score - 7.9



	Overall - 6.8

	Wow!!! Might not be a perfect score, but it is still impressive 

(if you're keeping count) This 3-CD set is easily worth every penny. 

Try it out, if you have the money. You'll find it at 

http://www.gamemusic.ncy.com. Let me correct that last statement. You'll find

the bootlegged SM versions at http://www.gamemusic.ncy.com. There's no

difference in the music quality, but the insert is skimpy compared to the

original. I have Kefka's Domain, so I really don't know what it looks like,

but if the quality is the same as the FF1/FF2 soundtrack, you won't know what

each track is called.





I would appreciate it if you would not modify the contents of this file. 	

						-Josh Brown



		-Coming soon....

		1. The Final Fantasy IV Music Review

		2. The Final Fantasy VII Music Review

		3. The Final Fantasy I Music Review

		4. The Final Fantasy II Music Review

		5. The Final Fantasy III Music Review

		6. The Final Fantasy V Music Review



	Sorry I've been delayed. The computers I work on switched to MSN so I can't attach files to e-mail. I tried to do it later on a friend's but he also has MSN, much to my woe and distress. Expect the Final Fantasy I and II reviews first, in about a week or maybe even less. It depends on how long it takes for the page to get updated. I sent the reviews the same time I sent this out, so who knows.....

	I'll then work on the Final Fantasy III and IV reviews. I now have the Final Fantasy IV CD, so it will come before FFV's. If you want the FF7 

OSV, order it at The Place. You'll find them at http://www.the-place.com

	-November 26, 1998

	-Josh Brown