Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney Bonus Soundtrack
 |
Album Title: Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney Bonus Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Level 5 |
|
| Catalog No.: N/A |
|
| Release Date: November 29, 2012 |
|
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
In November 2012, Capcom and Level 5 released the ultimate crossover game with Professor Layton VS Ace Attorney. This Nintendo 3DS exclusive teamed up puzzle solving archeologist Hershel Layton and defense attorney Phoenix Wright into one epic storyline. Combing the puzzles of Professor Layton and the trials of Ace Attorney, the results were well-received in Japan. For the music, Layton series veteran Tomohito Nishiura was commissioned to handle composing duties. Although a game for handhelds, the soundtrack was completely orchestral. For those that pre-ordered the game, a special, but very brief, promotional soundtrack was given out. Does this album offer a good taste of what the music has to offer?
Body
“The Opening Theme of Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney” has Nishiura’s fingerprints all over it. I could recognize his melodic style immediately when hearing this theme. The opening bars begin with a music-box introduction and, soon afterwards, a solo violin leads in with the elegant classically-tinged main theme. This shortly blooms into the full orchestra featuring sonorous string leads and bold brass accompaniment. Nishiura’s signature use of the accordion and piano can still be heard in the background. Simply put, this theme is just beautiful and ranks highly among Nishiura’s other Professor Layton main themes.
The next subsequent tracks are arrangements from the Professor Layton series. “Puzzles 6 ~Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney Arrange~” from professor Layton and the Last Specter is a jazz-inspired piece of background music. The piano, violin, and woodwinds all effectively contribute with their own sections. “Tension ~Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney Arrange~” from Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is just what the title suggests: a tension-filled melody used for the more suspenseful parts of the game. The horn provides the main melody, while the strings provide subtle backing.
The last two tracks are newly composed for the game. “The Courtroom’s Magician,” likely a character theme, sounds like a combination between Eastern and French styles of music. Nishiura’s use of guitar and accordion is characteristically well done. I was curious to see how Tomohito Nishiura would handle the courtroom themes of Ace Attorney with his signature style. We get one of his themes with “Pursuit ~ Casting Magic.” Like all “Pursuit” themes in the Ace Attorney series, this one is filled with fast-paced loops and action-oriented melody. Although not the best in the series, I can imagine it as an effective piece when arguing cases with the prosecution in the game.
Summary
Even by promotional standards, this album runs far too short, not even clocking in at 10 minutes. What’s shown here is very good, though it’s only a very brief demo. Currently, no official soundtrack is planned and the game isn’t even confirmed for release outside of Japan. I honestly hope that these two problems are remediated soon. As for this album, it’s not really worth getting on its own due to its short length. If you ever do listen to it, though, you’ll still find some good orchestral pieces of music. Now if only a full, proper soundtrack was released. Make it happen, Level 5 and Capcom!
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
3.5
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Oliver Jia. Last modified on January 19, 2016.
About the Author
Oliver Jia I am a university student based in Kobe, Japan majoring in Japanese and English writing. Having dual American-Canadian citizenship, as well a Chinese and Lebanese heritage, world culture and history are big passions of mine. My goal is to become a university educator specializing in Japanese culture and history, as well as hoping to do translation/interpretation on the side. Hobby-wise, I'm a huge cinema buff and enjoy everything from classic to contemporary film. I love playing all kinds of video games as well and having grown up in a musical household, video game soundtracks are a natural extension of that. At VGMO, I primarily cover Japanese and indie soundtracks, but will occasionally conduct interviews with composers. Some of my favorite VGM artists are Koichi Sugiyama, Nobuo Uematsu, Hideki Sakamoto, and Norihiko Hibino to name a few. As for non-VGM artists, I regularly listen to David Bowie, Japan, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Queen, and Chicago. I hope you will enjoy your time on VGMO!
Related Posts
Final Fantasy VII Remake Acoustic Arrangements →
Fleeting Symphony →
Final Symphony II – music from Final Fantasy V, VIII, IX and XIII →
