SaGa 3 -Shadow or Light- Bonus Soundtrack
 |
Album Title: SaGa 3 -Shadow or Light- Bonus Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Square Enix |
|
| Catalog No.: N/A |
|
| Release Date: January 6, 2011 |
|
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
In 2011, the Game Boy classic SaGa 3 was remade for the DS. Consumers could receive a bonus soundtrack by registering a code found in the game package on the Square Enix Members website. It features four tracks from the original and remake soundtracks, as well as a bonus arrangement.
Body
The album opens with two tracks created for the Game Boy version of SaGa 3. Despite the shift in composers, “Prologue” from the original SaGa forms the basis of SaGa 3‘s opening theme’s melody. However, Ryuji Sasai’s interpretation is much more upbeat, with a faster tempo, prominent bass line, and some ornate countermelodies. The synthesis is also somewhat more coarse and choppy, meaning the sonorous quality of the original is lost. An original composition, Sasai also shows mature command of the console’s synth on “Theme of Another Dimension”. This is a motivating anthem filled with character and melodic potency, though is somewhat underdeveloped.
Moving to the selections from the DS version of the game, the opening track “To a Shining Future” is an original composition created for the remake by Kenji Ito. It is a vibrant march that captures the heroism and innocence of the game’s protagonists. Exceeding even the material in SaGa 2‘s remake, the orchestration is relatively elaborate and the synthesis makes the most of the DS. “Steslos” meanwhile is an impressive rendition of the Game Boy original featuring Ryuji Sasai’s character light rock instrumentation. It features a more refined sound than the original, but still retains the old-school rock flavour and synth quality.
The album closes with Ryuji Sasai’s bonus rock arrangement of the opening theme. It fits the melodic material and game scenario less well than Ito’s orchestral interpretation featured in the remake’s opening. However, it’s still a decent bonus that brings the album — and indeed, Sasai’s career at Square — round full circle. Note this arrangement is also present at the end of the DS remake.
Summary
Overall, this is a decent bonus for Square Enix Members. The selections here are somewhat random, but they at least provide a perspective on the different sounds and styles featured between the Game Boy and DS scores. However, the full DS remake soundtrack is a much more rich and full experience overall.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
3
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!
Related Posts
Final Fantasy VII Remake Acoustic Arrangements →
Fleeting Symphony →
Final Symphony II – music from Final Fantasy V, VIII, IX and XIII →
