Overview

In 2009, Capcom produced a stage adaptation of their popular series of hack-n-slash titles, Sengoku Basara. The performances portrayed the Sengoku era conflicts of Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura with drama performances and live action set to music. The music largely featured recordings of 50 pieces of music used in the first five game soundtracks for the series, though an original track was also composed for the play. The adaptation was commemorated with a two disc soundtrack release several months after the performances.

Body

The soundtrack for Sengoku Basara's stage adaptation compiles the music featured in the first five game scores for the series. The music from Sengoku Basara is particularly well represented, to portray the major battles of the Sengoku era featured during the live action. In addition, the music of Sengoku Basara 2 is widely featured to portray the various characters and events in the play, most notably Masamune Date and Yukimura Sanada with similarly styled but subtly contrasting melodic fusions of rock and orchestra.

In addition, arrangements of established themes were used at key points during the play. The more soothing arrangement of "Yukimura Sanada's Theme" featured in Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes adds a deeper perspective to the character, while the hard rock versions of "Awakening" and "Joy Ride" from Sengoku Basara X certainly ensure a climactic end to the soundtrack. It's also delightful that some of the better selections from Sengoku Basara Battle Heroes made it here, including "My Seal of Invincibility" and "The Dragon That Soars the Heavens".

While there is plenty of music featured in this release, the quality varies. In particular, selections from Sengoku Basara such as "Near the End" and "The Abyss" let the side down due to their unfocused stylings and last-gen synthesis. In addition, there are plenty of excellent tracks not included here from the better soundtracks in the series, most notably the enjoyable themes for characters such as Kotaro Fuuma, Keiji Maeda, and Hideyoshi Toyotomi. These tracks didn't have a place on the play, but will be sore absence for those looking for an encompassing music compilation.

Despite the mostly rehashed material on the soundtrack, an original track was composed for the series' stage adaptation. In a major deviation from the typical blistering sounds of the series, there is a beautiful blend of healing piano melodies and traditional Japanese elements throughout the track. The spiritual dimension is enhanced by the gorgeous choral backing, while there are some contemporary beats and guitars gently integrated to maintain a fusion sound. The track is also reprised towards the end of the soundtrack, though this reprise loses its effect outside the context of the play.

Summary

Consumers should approach this soundtrack as a compilation to make most early soundtracks in the series obsolete. Most of the best from Sengoku Basara, Sengoku Basara 2, Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes, and Sengoku Basara X is featured here, for a price more accessible than the full soundtracks. That said, there are numerous omissions and inconsistencies, so hardcore collectors may want to consider other options. Those who already own the series' soundtracks should skip this release, given it offers very little new. The original track is a lovely theme, but not a must-have.