 | Album Title: Brigandine Lunasia Senki Original Soundtrack “Music of Runersia” |
| Record Label: Happinet Games | |
| Catalog No.: N/A | |
| Release Date: June 25, 2020 | |
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
The Brigandine Lunasia Senki Original Soundtrack “Music of Runersia” is the latest work by composer Tenpei Sato for the strategy game Brigandine -The Legend of Runersia- by Happinet Games. The game follows six different factions vying for control of the world. The music, as one might expect, has a very militaristic flair to it. How does Tenpei’s score for a more serious-toned game work?
Body
The album opens with the main theme, “Phantasien,” setting the stage for the soundscapes to follow. It’s an orchestral tune with vocal backing, mainly in the form of angelic and operatic female vocals, that complement the regal orchestral tone and militaristic percussion found throughout. The harmonies in the piece are wonderful and the melody exquisite. There is a sense of magic and wonder, alongside determination and drama. The end result is a strong main theme. There is also an additional rendition of this piece, “Phantasien ~epilogue~,” that transforms it into a delicate, piano- and strings-led piece with the ethereal vocal backing helping to convey the sense of magic and wonder heard in the original.
As mentioned before, there are six factions and each comes with its own theme music. “Norzaleo” gives off a sense of justice, but also a sense of warmth, with regal, uplifting strings and brass that elevate the exquisite melody and choral backing. “Guimoule” is a more elegant piece with a violin-led melody and softer accompaniment and choir that gives off a more magical feeling. “Shinobi,” representing a faction comprised only of women, features delicate woodwinds and strings with some lovely brass harmonies. There is a large focus on female vocal support, which comes together to create a beautiful piece of music. “Mana Saleesia,” also strings-led, is reminiscent of “Guimoule,” since in the game both of these factions stem from the same faith. Choral backing and wonderful woodwind melodies work in tandem with militaristic percussion to craft something that also has a magical quality to it. The pirate nation, “Mirelva,” is a piece with plenty of strong brass and strings work that gives off an adventurous tone with vocal elements both in support and at the forefront. The end result has a determined sound and is fitting for a band of pirates. The last nation, “Gustava,” prominently features vocals with a heavy militaristic feel. It gives off a sense of might, but also one of sadness, as it was once a desolate region; however, the fiery melody and determined sound create a powerful atmosphere.
These nations also have their own respective battle themes as well. “Keep the Faith,” the battle theme for Norzaleo, gives off a determined sound, supported by ethereal vocals and choir, martial percussion, and an energetic melody that features wonderful brass and string harmonies. “Crying Piano,” the Guimoule battle theme, ties in nicely with its theme music. This violin- and piano-driven theme features a delicate sound, but one still full of determination. The B section is more energetic and determined in sound and the ethereal vocals add some additional texture. The end result is simply beautiful. The Shinobi battle theme, “Magnificent,” much like its theme music, features more prominent female vocals compared to some of the pieces. The violin-led melody adds a delicate sound, while the percussion, strings, and brass help give off a determined tone. The overall soundscape is exquisite. Mystical and mysterious in nature, Mana Saleesia’s battle theme, “Virtuous Conductor,” has a large militaristic presence, and the choir, strings, and brass help support the fantastic and determined melody. “Flag of the Pirate,” Mirelva’s battle theme, has a rebellious sound with a militaristic base. The brass focus helps convey the feeling of a pirate atmosphere, especially with the dramatic choral accents. However, the more delicate B section, with its slower tempo and strings- and woodwind-dominant soundscape, makes for an engaging listen. Lastly, “One Wild Night,” Gustava’s battle theme, is regal and militaristic. Like many of the other battle themes, it, too, features ethereal vocals, which are a focus for the melody. It’s a powerful and exquisite piece that captures the essence of their main theme.
There are also various other pieces on the soundtrack, from narrative ones to additional battle themes. “Story Teller” is dramatic and sets a semi-ominous tone. There is a brass focus with choir backing and strings. It has a sense of seriousness to it and shares many of the militaristic characteristics scattered throughout the album. “Road of Roses” is a strings- and choir-dominant piece with militaristic percussion. It has a dramatic flair, given its slower tempo, and features a beautiful melody as well. “Visionary World” conveys a mystical atmosphere. Delicate piano gives way to hints of sorrow and the vocal focus in the melody reinforces the magical feel. It is also a piece that progresses quite nicely, becoming richer in sound as it continues due to the expanded instrument palette. “Endorian,” featuring organ, strings, and ominous choir, is tense, dramatic, and exotic, particularly in how the vocals are utilized, while the choral elements convey a sense of power. An exquisite piece done in a flamenco style is “Valero.” It is beautiful, but also has tinges of sadness. Lastly, “Broken Wings” is a female choral-led tune. Harp, in combination with the vocals, creates an angelic sound while the woodwinds and strings help give it a more romantic and melancholic feel.
Summary
Tenpei Sato’s latest effort, a departure from his more colorful work for various Nippon Ichi Software titles, works very well for the dramatic game at hand. While there isn’t as much diversity in terms of musical styles, it still comes off as a strong soundtrack. Some of the shorter tracks fade quickly once finished, but the more substantial pieces all contribute to a rich soundtrack that helps convey the world of Runersia. Fans of Tenpei Sato’s other works will certainly find something to enjoy with this soundtrack, even if they might miss some of his more imaginative pieces.
