Today, video game music has reached new heights, with orchestral renditions of favorite songs easily found on platforms like YouTube. Despite its many accolades in gaming history, Sebastian Deken argues that Final Fantasy VI’s greatest legacy lies in its music. Composed by Nobuo Uematsu under the constraints of the limited Super Nintendo system, the game has a unique and refined sound that could not be replicated due to technological advancements.
Deken describes Final Fantasy VI as an opera with fourteen main characters, each with their own theme song that adds depth to their narratives. The music plays a crucial role in conveying the characters’ emotions and personalities, even for minor characters like Gau, whose theme reflects his origins on the Veldt. The ending melody weaves all character themes together, symbolizing their final escape and fates in a new world.
While Deken delves into technical music notation to analyze the songs, his clear prose and relatable analogies make the complex subject matter accessible. The comparison to What’s Opera Doc? highlights Uematsu’s playful yet respectful approach to game music, showcasing his mastery and innovation in the industry.
Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
