Bahamut Lagoon Original Sound Version
Composed, arranged & produced by : Noriko Matsueda
How to describe Bahamut Lagoon ? Difficult question indeed. One of the few soundtrack in which Noriko Matsueda scored certainly didn't gather much attention… and that's a shame… Why you'd ask ? Read on to find out. Note : Some names are derived from the online translation, and the review is mostly based on my playing experience. The music in Bahamut Lagoon is pretty much epic, as it has a medieval setting, something I'm very fond of, personally. The Opening Theme is breathtaking, it fits the visuals effects really well, and for fans of strategy rpgs, you'll be served a full plate of military-like music. An excellent example of this would be " Kanna Army ", this is used for the battlefield mode, the use of the drum machine here simply gives the player the impression that he's really planning some tactic to overcome the enemy, which is the Granbelos Empire. " Sauzer's Theme " is innacurate, it hardly plays when Sauzer has the spotlight, it's more of a theme for the generals of the Granbelos Army, it does give off a feel of uneasyness, which fits their motives just fine. " Friendship " actually IS Sauzer's theme, and it's a first in RPG History to my knowledge, never was a villain granted a beautiful melody, in contrast to the usual evil/brooding theme, it's an interesting change. " Gudluf's Theme " (known as Gudruff in the translation) is actually another villain's theme, however this one is of the evil/brooding kind, and does represent the vile Gudruff all too well. An obvious interest in all RPG soundtracks are the battle themes, do Bahamut Lagoon's do their part ? Of course, these are among the best battle themes coming from Squaresoft (SNES era speaking, of course). The boss theme is my personal favorite, it gives off a sense of danger and urgency as you do your best to survive in battle. " Battle with Alexander " is another battle theme that stands out, while it may be short, it makes up by sounding just plain good. Another part of RPG soundtracks would be town themes, well, Bahamut Lagoon has some good ones as well as (unfortunately) bad ones. " The Green Continent Campbell " is very soothing and reflects the peaceful town, just lovely. Another popular section of RPG soundtracks are the character themes, yet again, Bahamut Lagoon's stand firmly on their own. " Yoyo's theme " is simply a light, peaceful track, and of course the princess has that particular trait, so it fits her well. " Little Nori-Chan's Appreance " is actually Donphan's theme, who just cannot stop flirting the ladies. :P As he provides a good chunk of comic relief, it's just normal he gets such a hilarious theme. " Materite's Theme " (known as Matelight in the translation) has a much more serious and military tone, this is played when he gives the crew a briefing or training session, it does it's job. That's pretty much it…. Wait… there is a second disc ? O_o Why yes, it contains two orchestral arrangements, of the Opening Theme and Yoyo and the Sacred Dragon respectively. They are basically a souped-up version, I,m not really " that " impressed. And we get two bits from 15 to 20 seconds of the arrangement's ending parts…. Why did they do this ? Heh, your guess is as good as mine :P All in all, I, truly believe this soundtrack is worth picking up, mostly cuz it's Squaresoft, but also because it's pretty original for an RPG. Want this soundtrack ? Well, there are two places I know of, the easiest is Otaku.com, if Otaku should stop stocking them , well you'll only have Ebay … all I can say is good luck ! You'll need it as this soundtrack has become extremely rare like it's other CDs of the same year, Rudra No Hihou and Treasure Hunter G.