Overview

Even though I haven't finished Lufia II yet (or tried out the original Lufia), I still must say that this score is surprisingly superior, considering that it isn't a Square or Enix soundtrack. This album is also a double treat for big Lufia fans. Don't let the album cover title fool you, as this isn't just the music from Lufia II; the music from the original Lufia is also on this album. Strangely though, they have Lufia II's music before the original's. But then again, Lufia II was actually a prequel, not a sequel.

Body

The music from Lufia II is downright superb. It ranges from soothing and relaxing to modestly furious and exciting. The music also occasionally takes on a pop-like feel while staying true to the feel of the game, which works well in "The Earth" and "Theme Of Port Town".

The only two major drawbacks with this score is that the album's three battle themes aren't as great as they should be. The problem isn't that they don't recapture the feeling of danger, but that they aren't furious or grandiose enough, compared to the battle themes from Final Fantasy for instance. Also, the game ending (at least from what I've heard) ends sadly, and the "Ending" piece could have been a little sadder, like "Eternal Lullaby" from Dragon Quest VI. But such criticisms seem laughable since the music is just so well done and enjoyable.

Now, onto the music for the original Lufia. It lacks the sophistication of its follower and the music is much simpler, but it is still very good in its own right. It's even nice to hear occasional earlier versions of "Pulifia", "The Earth", "The Sorrow Of Parting", and others, even if they aren't in full quality.

Summary

Overall, the music for Lufia is an excellent addition to your collection, period. Even if you are not a big Lufia fan, you still might want to get this music. However, I'd recommend the score's reprint in Game Sound Legend Consumer Series Estpolis Biography Soundtrack rather than this version, since it's in-print and also includes the music to Lufia: The Legend Returns for the Game Boy Advance.