SaGa 2 Special Sound Selection
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Album Title: SaGa 2 Special Sound Selection |
| Record Label: Square |
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| Catalog No.: N/A |
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| Release Date: December 14, 1990 |
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| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
SaGa 2: Hihou Densetsu, rebranded Final Fantasy Legend II in North America, was the second title in a popular trilogy of Game Boy titles. Nobuo Uematsu returned as the lead composer of the title, but was joined by Kenji Ito, a complete newcomer at that point. The pair maintain the magical feel of the original SaGa with a range of original compositions and arrangements on the title. The resultant score was released in four versions: as a stand-alone Mini CD in a guidebook, as part of a two disc set with the rest of the SaGa trilogy, as the second disc of the series’ box set, and as a stand-alone digital download in Japan. The first release, reviewed here, is somewhat limiting for two reasons.
Body
Nobuo Uematsu maintains continuity with the original SaGa by offering a number of arrangements on this title. “The Legend Begins” is a welcome rendition of the original “Prologue”; more familiar with the Game Boy’s capacity than the year previously, Uematsu was able to blend the resonant melody of the original with a more elaborate harmony line. The Game Boy synth still has a piercing and crackling quality, but it’s not as much of a hindrance here, although the version on the DS remake will be more attractive to most listeners. Unfortunately, the rendition on this particularly album is considerably shorter than the three alternative editions. This will be a major disadvantage for those expecting a full loop and is a feature present on subsequent additions of the album.
The main theme for SaGa 2, “Searching for the Secret Treasure”, offers the boundless adventurous feel desired for the world map. While a little weaker than its predecessor melodically, it makes up or it with a rich development and intertwining melodies that reflect the relationships and journeys of the companions. Deviating away from the melodic focus of the soundtrack, Uematsu offers an atmospheric depiction of the “Pillar of Heaven” using, rather predictably, ascending arpeggios. Another of Uematsu’s relatively sparing contributions, the game over theme “Wandering Spirit” maintains this spiritual vibe with its elegaic yet unresolved melody. It’s one of many themes that doesn’t quite stand up against its counterpart. It was only on the DS remake that these compositions finally achieved their full potential.
Kenji Ito is the most impressive contributor here and instantly makes an impact with the normal battle theme “Lethal Strike”. More wholesome and balanced that Uematsu’s battle themes from the original SaGa, it plunges gamers into battle with its vigorous runs, while offering plenty of great melodies to whistle along to. It’s arguably better than all the battle themes Nobuo Uematsu had produced at that point, affirming Ito’s reputation as a master of battle themes. “Through the Cramped Darkness” portrays the protagonists’ uncertain journey through the game’s dungeons with its abstract chord progressions and pressing bass line, while “At the End of the Decisive Battle” is a showcase of how the composer can create plenty of intensity using modal scales. Less impressive is “Theme of the New God”, which takes too long to get going yet loops prematurely.
Journeying to the finale of the soundtrack, there is an arrangement of the series’ mainstay “Wipe Your Tears Away”. It is less substantial than the opening arrangements, but a welcome reprise nevertheless. Ito’s “Never Give Up” is a motivating march-like track used during the last areas. Its lyrical quality contrasts considerably with Uematsu’s somewhat more mundane “Burning Blood”. Thankfully, the final battle theme “Save the World” makes up for this with its glorious development, exuberant exploration of the Game Boy synth’s pitch range, and eventual reprise of the preceding track. Unfortunately, the two ending themes are omitted from this version of the score due to length limitations, though are available on the three other editions.
Summary
Overall, the SaGa 2 soundtrack maintains the magical and personal feeling of the series while exploring the range and depth of the Game Boy further. Uematsu’s contributions aren’t quite as memorable or emotional as those of the original, though Ito demonstrates in this debut that he is capable of creating most types of RPG compositions while exhibiting a different sort of lyricism. Omitting two tracks and standing at just 18 minutes, this particular edition of the album is clearly inferior to successors. It is much better to experience the full-length soundtrack on All Sounds of SaGa compilation and, for hardcore collectors, a giant series’ box set.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on August 1, 2012 by Chris Greening. Last modified on August 1, 2012.
About the Author
Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!
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