Composer and Arranger Tsuyoshi Sekito Publisher DigiCube

Brave Fencer Musashi appears to be one of very few soundtracks composed entirely by Tsuyoshi Sekito, being a game calling for music that would be likable to children without being overly simplistic for older audiences. That is exactly what Sekito produced; though lacking quite the musical narrative that tends to be found in scores to more traditional RPGs, this soundtrack is utterly full of music that is both instantly appealing (a very important quality for younger audiences) and deep enough for careful listening.

Melodically, Brave Fencer Musashi never ceases to be clever—very few soundtracks contain as many memorable themes as this one. While some tracks stand out more than others, they are all very distinct thematically. Being the background music for an action RPG, an adjective that comes to mind is “energizing,” to the listener. In doing so, Sekito strings together themes that transition seamlessly, maintaining a sense of movement and usually avoiding monotony.

“Musashi Legend” is simultaneously exciting and beautiful, even tear-jerking in its sheer passion, setting the stage for a well-intentioned hero on an adventure. Every section of this track is meaningful, as if describing the journey. The range of emotions this hero theme manages to evoke at once is astounding, while keeping focus as it develops. Almost the entire rest of the soundtrack uniformly dazzles in like manner.

As aforementioned, being the soundtrack to an action RPG, there is a sense of cohesion in that virtually every track is charged by percussion. The music contains instrumental “effects” (sounds made by instruments not directly supporting the harmony) and Sekito constantly experiments with absolutely all sorts of percussion, and does not pull any punches with the electric guitar. Plainly, the soundtrack “rocks,” with terrific intelligence and intensity, such as with “Skullpion”— one of the most engrossing boss themes of its kind. Other themes are more subdued but maintain a pulse such as “The Only Friend.” The two discs could be accused of having a lack of variation for the constant percussive nature, but by doing so it maintains style while exploring degrees of intensity.

Brave Fencer Musashi is especially notable among great soundtracks for a particular reason; many game composers, though often talented, will use synthesizers of a timbre that come across as a “poor man's orchestra,” such as even the venerable Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, etc.). Not so in this case; these are extremely high-quality and tasteful electronic sounds, providing a distinct sense of character, and Sekito's sense of timbre is nothing short of brilliant, bold and sometimes knowingly quirky.

Brave Fencer Musashi is a glowing example of how “game music” should be seen as a subgenre; it is definitely “background music,” complex, intricately layered, and full of melodic ideas that enhance iconic moments rather than call attention away from them. Though excellent in the game it accompanied, the music also easily tells an epic while maintaining a light, kid-friendly tone. And yet, it is the exceedingly tasteful use of synthesizer, in which the music sounds impeccably at home, that makes this soundtrack absolutely unmissable as a distinct listening experience. Though often overlooked—perhaps for a “kiddie” sound or because it belongs to a game not in a larger franchise—Brave Fencer Musashi deserves to be recognized as one of the best original soundtracks for a game, ever.

Musicianship Sound Quality Production Value 5.0/5