In-Game music - do you like it??

[Fenral]

Stormblood's leitmotif is so pervasive so as to be actually confusing, because it's basically the only one that exists in-universe: it's the Ala Mhigan national anthem, but we first hear it in that context as the Garlean Ala Mhigan anthem, and either way it muddies things; if you read it as the Garlean anthem then it doesn't make sense why it plays in Rhalgr's Reach, and if you read it as the Ala Mhigan anthem it doesn't make sense why it plays... well, everywhere else in Stormblood.

Well, it plays in Rhalgr's Reach because of the sing-along and the end of 4.0, where the resistance sings a version with (improvised?) modified lyrics after liberating Ala Mhigo. Taking a sad song and making it better? (Incidentally, "The Star-Spangled Banner" has similar origins, but from a popular tavern song. Historical precedent!)

Soken is NOT a bad composer. He made and makes some fantastic game music that you don't hear anywhere else. But when it comes to lower energy, non-combat themes he relies way too much on the leitmotif.

Turning the main theme into a leitmotif and playing it everywhere is kind of one of Uematsu's things, though, and a Final Fantasy staple. "Melodies of Life" and "Distant Worlds" are the ones that hit hardest, for me. (So what if the latter was by Mizuta?) Alternatively, taking an Uematsu composition and making a vocal version. There are several albums worth, even. ("Pray" and "Love Will Grow," off the top of my head. Also, the B-side for "Suteki da ne" used a very famous melody.)


Yes, necro-ing an old argument will resummon the VGM nerd. You're welcome.