7th Dragon 2020 Limited Soundtrack
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Album Title: 7th Dragon 2020 Limited Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Sega |
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| Catalog No.: N/A |
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| Release Date: November 23, 2011 |
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| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
Released as a pack-in with the game, the 7th Dragon 2020 Limited Soundtrack provides a look at some of the themes on the soundtrack. It includes their Miku Hatsune versions, which are not included in the original soundtrack and are arranged by a variety of people, although only sasakure.UK is included on this album. There is also the theme song for the game, also composed by sasakure.UK. How does the album turn out?
Body
“BGM TOWN 1” is “Daybreak at the Metropolitan Government on the original soundtrack. It reminds me of the more urban themes from Persona 3; however, the melody is much more emotional and I think the combination of the groovy rhythms works well with the crystalline synthesizer melody. It’s quite an effective theme and would probably please fans of Shoji Meguro’s more contemporary styles. “BGM TOWN 2” is “Mankind’s Last Stand” from the original soundtrack. It’s an excellent contribution to the soundtrack, offering a steady electronic beat mixed with a contemplative, yet heroic synthesized melody, lots of electronic harmonies, and some ethereal, wind-swept sounding accompaniment. It’s quite engaging and definitely one of the highlights of the album. The Miku version of the former focuses on chiptune rhythms and piano accompaniment that works well with the vocaloid melody line. The Miku version of the latter is a bit jazzier in tone, but focuses on piano, keyboard, and piano. Overall, it’s another great interpretation.
“BGM BATTLE D1” is “Battlefield – Further Enraged Ones” from the original soundtrack and is a reprise from the first 7th Dragon soundtrack. It takes the sinister orchestral tone of the first one and transforms it into an orchestral/electronic fusion that really works well and, to me, makes the theme a bit more enjoyable. I really like the various effects heard in the background and I really think the fusion of styles do wonders for the theme without trading in any of the aggressive and ominous sounds of the original tune. The Miku version is also quite interesting, focusing on some drum n’ bass mixed with chiptune. Miku’s voice isn’t implemented as well here, used mainly to simulate the more sinister strings sections of the original, but the overall soundscape is an interesting transformation, nonetheless.
“BGM BATTLE D2” is “Battlefield – Raging Tyranny” from the original soundtrack. It doesn’t focus so much on melody, but the overall tone of the track is quite sinister and edgy. I love the guitar riff focus mixed with the haunting, spooky synthesizer as it creates an interesting contrast. I also like the various electronic effects in the background, from the more industrial accompaniments to the wobbles heard commonly in the dubstep genre. This one may be an acquired taste, but it definitely works as a theme against a major enemy, even if it isn’t melodically focused like many RPG boss themes. The Miku version focuses more on orchestral tones with some hip hop rhythms and chiptune accompaniments. Once again, Miku’s voice isn’t the star of the show, but the transformation of the original is spectacular in terms of instrumentation choices.
The main theme, “SeventH-HeaveN,” composed by sasakure.UK is an extremely catchy theme featuring Miku Hatsune on vocals. It has a chiptune influence as well as some jazzy tones. It’s short, but does manage to engage the listener. It’s an excellent theme that manages to bring the more current trends in Tokyo to the forefront.
Summary
In the end, this album should be skipped over in favor of the original soundtrack. The Miku Hatsune versions will not please everyone, mainly due to the vocaloid’s voice, but the instrumental soundscapes that accompany her transform the originals into something quite spectacular. While these did not get released with the original soundtrack, perhaps they will in the future, as it’d be interesting how they treated many of the themes in the game, especially with the plethora of arrangers working on that aspect of the soundtrack. The theme song will also please certain fans, but those who don’t like Miku Hatsune should stay away, despite it being quite catchy overall.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
2.5
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on January 18, 2016.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
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