 | Album Title: Luminous Arc 2: Unlimited World – Kana |
| Record Label: Marvelous Entertainment | |
| Catalog No.: MJCD-23041 | |
| Release Date: May 21, 2008 | |
| Purchase: Buy at Play-Asia |
Overview
Like its predecessor, Luminous Arc 2: Will also features a vocal theme. However, this time it was composed and arranged by an external source rather than by someone who was also composing for the game. The single includes only two pieces, “Unlimited World” and “No Name,” and, like the first single, karaoke versions of both. Composed by Iseppe and arranged by Hal, how does “Unlimited World” hold up against “Brilliant World” from the first game? And how does Hal’s composition, “No Name,” match the non-game song from the original, “Wish On”? You’ll just have to read on to find out.
Body
“Unlimited World” definitely has a J-pop sound, but there are elements that distinguish it from a normal pop piece and mark it as composed for a game. Most striking in this song is the violin. Combined with the rock-based bass line and Kana’s vocals, it really contrasts nicely to create a beautiful soundscape full of energy. The electric guitar and violin solos are a nice addition and help tie the verses together. In the end, I think this piece surpasses “Brilliant World,” but this could also be because Iseppe may have more experience composing vocal pieces than Kazumi Mitome from the first game.
“No Name” also follows in the footsteps of its counterpart, “Wish On.” Unlike the piano pop style of the first, Hal decides to create a beautiful soundscape that relies on a semi-Celtic, semi-Asian-inspired pop style. Out of the two songs on the single, this is my favorite. I’m always a sucker for slower pieces when it comes to vocal performances, and I really think Kana does a fantastic job expressing the emotion within the piece. It’s a rather simplistic piece with a focus on woodwind and piano work, but the pop style and the subtle electric guitar riffs heard throughout really help craft a marvelous work. I highly recommend this one!
Summary
Composed by an external source—a seeming trend in video game music today despite some exceptions—the “Unlimited World” single surpasses the original. Both songs create entirely different soundscapes that really cater to Kana’s voice. She also does an outstanding job. It’s a shame that one of the composers for the game wasn’t responsible for any of it, but what can you do? I’d definitely pick this one up if you are a fan of the game version of “Unlimited World” and want to hear more of Kana’s voice or if you’re a fan of her previous works.
