Where it branches off is its story, or rather lack thereof. Legend of Mana, originally released on PS1 in 1999, also features real-time combat with optional two-player that's somewhat drop-in, drop-out. They also tend to emphasize active combat and multiplayer co-op, things that were uncommon of JRPGs in the '90s. Square Enix's Mana series is typically about a group of fantasy heroes who must protect the mana tree from evil forces who would misuse its power. Legend of Mana brings that same quirky charm to its remaster, along with some pleasant (one unnecessary) new features. That's even more true when a game is about stories rather than one central story - again, Crystal Chronicles. There's just something about a break in the traditional formula that captures my attention. Crystal Chronicles might be my favorite Final Fantasy game of all time, while Majora's Mask and Wind Waker beat out Ocarina for my favorite Zelda game. Legend of Mana may not be a game for everyone, but it's soundtrack is one of the all time greats.I've always been a fan of the "other" games in a longstanding series. Kudos to Ryo Furukawa for doing such an immaculate job remastering the soundtrack, and of course to Yoko Shimomura for composing such a stunning soundtrack in the first place. But I will say that with the current trend of bringing old games to new platforms, this is the high watermark for remastering a classic soundtrack - Rather than losing the spirit of the original, it meticulously recreates it while amplifying all the qualities that the original simply couldn't due to technology of the time. I'll refrain from posting effusive praise for every track on here: For those who haven't played Legend of Mana, one of it's best qualities is entering a new area you've never been to before, then hearing another track begin and start romancing your ears. This new version uses orchestral VSTs so clean and shiny it sounds like it could have been recorded with an orchestra. To add to that, the original sounded great in spite of its dated orchestral VSTs in 1999. It perfectly retains the strong melodic theme of the original while allowing the harmony and counter melodies more room to come to the fore, meaning it sounds even more stirring and full of energy than it did in 1999. One of the main "Adventure" themes in the original game - This is a stunning arrangement. That 6/8 breakdown slaps harder than ever. Where the original sounded charming with its midi synths replicating rock instruments, here we've got what sounds like actual studio musicians letting rip, while perfectly keeping to the form of the original piece. The string accompaniment is perfect: Violin, cello and pizzicato strings perfectly arranged to help carry the main melody, without allowing the strings to dominate the theme.Īn absolute banger. That melancholy piano line now sounds so full and beautiful I genuinely tear up listening to it. Yes, some of the virtual instruments in 1999 sound a bit rinky dinky in 2021, but I was scared and ultimately resigned to the fact in remastering the tracks using modern VST's and live instruments, the balancing and voicings I loved in those pieces would be lost.īut they did it! They actually did it! They didn't just update the sound quality of the tracks, they kept the original spirit of them while improving the dynamics, and making them sound better than ever! So when it was announced that as part of the LoM Remaster, the original tracks would be updated and remastered themselves, I initially felt. Along with Final Fantasy IX, it's probably my most listened to game soundtrack. While most of the tracks were arranged using 90s-era MIDI rather than live instruments, the composition and voicings by Yoko Shimomura were so strong that every track felt bursting with emotion and heart. So, some backstory here: I first played Legend of Mana years ago, and instantly fell in love with it's charming soundtrack.
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