Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version

To me the original score found in Seiken Densetsu 2 will always remain one of the most memorable. This was the first game that introduced me to the world of game music. So, after listening to the highs and lows of Nobuo Uematsu and others, can Seiken Densetsu 2 still stand in its own two feet? The answer is yes.

"Fear of the Heavens" is a piece that is touching as well as thrilling. "A Bell is Tolling" is one of the most memorable pieces of music I have ever heard. Seiken Densetsu 2 contains a much lighter mood than some of Nobuo's scores, yet it is not as bouncy in tone as Seiken Densetsu 3 OSV.

Seiken Densetsu 2 OSV has too things going against it. The first is that each piece only plays once through and then stops. This takes away some enjoyment from the OSV. The second is the sound quality. Although revolutionary for its time, the years have taken their toll on this once great OSV.

If you have not experienced Seiken Densetsu 2 OSV then this album is like a gem waiting to be discovered. On its own Seiken Densetsu 2 OSV may not seem like the most amazing album, but it is one of the most revolutionary and original scores made to date. If for nothing more, buy it for the memories that come to life after listening to a score like this.

If you think video game music can't have heart, check out this CD and you'll found out that it can. I myself didn't believe that heartfelt game music was possible until I first played the game. This is beautiful stuff. The first track, "Angel's Fear", is musically impressive and a catching overture. I was hooked by the game the first time I heard this beautiful piece of music. In fact, this was the first game soundtrack CD I ever bought. From listening to it later on, even today, my attitude about it remains unchanged.

The music is quite different from most video game scores. It takes on a different direction, a cross between new age and rock and roll. This is noticeable on most of the tracks, such as "Colour of the Summer Sky", "The Holy Intruder", "Did You See the Sea", "Flight Bound for the Unknown", and "Give Love Its Rightful Time". Some other tracks, meanwhile, try to mix in some symphonic elements, particularly the Mana Seed Palace theme. It's one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard in my life. In fact, there are so many great tracks on this soundtrack. Also there are a few loud, dissonant, noisy cacophonies, mainly the battle themes. Although they suit the tone of the game very well, the battle themes are not exactly the most comforting things to listen to.

While mixing in these different styles in the music, Hiroki Kikuta also adds in a touch of emotion in all tracks. I was almost in tears the first time I heard "The Wings No Longer Beat"; it sounded really sad the way it starts, even though it becomes lighthearted later on. The Pure Land theme is exquisitely gorgeous, with a sacred, almost heavenly feel.

I had never, ever imagined videogame music to have such beauty, so Secret of Mana was a pleasant surprise for me. The score now holds a special place in my heart, along with Final Fantasy VI, and will always stand against the test of time in the years to come. Even the later Squaresoft soundtracks will never be able to quite replicate such a powerful, revolutionary feeling as is in this one. If you have a game music collection, or are thinking about starting one, be sure you include this CD. This is truly heartfelt gaming music, and I highly recommend it.

You can tell a lot about a CD from the opening song. From the tic-toc of Chrono Trigger to the ever-known prelude of the Final Fantasy games. Secret of Mana has an amazing first song. "Fear of the Heavens" keeps pace with the blockbuster songs of other games, but not too many more songs follow its path on this CD.

You can't listen to this CD straight through, I always find myself jumping tracks that I hate. All the jumping takes the feel from the music away and is also nerve racking! When I do reach a good song, it is too short, two minutes at the most. The songs only play through one and a fourth times. Very short!

Not everything is bad about this CD, it does have its good points. Some of the music can be touching such as "Fond Memories" or "A Wish...". "Spirit of the Night", the music when you get booted from the town, is also a song that might mix with your emotions. Those are all masterpieces.

The OSV also has very rare songs that you won't see anywhere else like "Dark Star" - it has the wickedest drum beat ever and bells and symbols thrown in at the right time make this song a favorite. One more song that is unique is "Flight into the Unknown", from which your feet will start tapping and your head will start bobbing, then the next thing you know the song is over. Yup, this is one of those songs that just isn't long enough.

Secret of Mana doesn't compare to the likes of Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger but it does offer something new and unique. If you feel you have heard all the great music and are at a loss for OSVs, try Secret of Mana. It isn't anything extraordinary as a whole but a few of the songs will definitely move you.

I just love Secret of Mana and its music. While the quality of the synthesized instruments would be shunned today, they are still quite capable of producing mood. And that happens to be Hiroki Kikuta's specialty. Whereas Nobuo Uematsu is unparalled in creating a melody, this soundtrack excels in producing moods, even on those tracks that have good melodies. One example of this is the first song, "Fear of the Heavens". It's a song of sadness, of loss, but also of undying hope. My favorite is "Secret of the Arid Sands". The song gives the feeling of desperation, but portrays the presence of a flame of hope burns. Unfortunately, there are a number of songs that are cutesy, but the number of good songs far outweighs that of the bad.

If you're new to game music, there are few better places to start your collection than with Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version. Even the songs that don't grab you at first will in time grow on you. With the excellent composition and quality sound programming (even by today's standards), this disc has all that a game music lover could ask for.

Square did I great thing by bringing this game, and this soundtrack, to the United States. Why they chose this but not so many other great games is beyond me - luck of the draw, I suppose - but nevertheless, I'm proud to listen to and review this sterling CD. First off, this game has many names. In the United States it was dubbed simply Secret of Mana. In Japan it was called Seiken Densetsu II, translated to Legend of the Holy Sword II. The first Seiken was released here as well, called Final Fantasy Adventure. That one's music is in Seiken Densetsu Sound Collections.

This OSV is very, very good. It's written by Hiroki Kikuta, one of the great composers of our time. He also did a great job, I hear, on Seiken Densetsu 3. This one uses an interesting instrument set. Most of the instruments are high pitched, and there are a lot of bells as well as a nice sounding piano. This composer is particularly good with percussion, and the instrument set accompanies that talent well. This is a new age sounding CD, not in the same vein as Ecco: Songs of Time. In fact, this is a happier one, although it is very moody. The range of music is astounding. Nearly every piece on this CD is either good or excellent, although some of them sort of scream game music, those not being classified as good or excellent. That's just a minor flaw, though. This is a composer that does belong with Mr. Uematsu as a Square composer. Minoru Akao also deserves credit, as the sound programmer. This game employed many specialized instruments, taking up much of the cart space. Mr. Akao managed to get the SNES to play the songs, all the instruments, and squeeze out more from the SNES for the sound effects. Bravo, sir. These chaps are brilliant.