Save This World: Phantasy Star Universe Original Score
| Composed by | Fumie Kumatani / Hideaki Kobayashi / Kenichi Tokoi |
| Arranged by | Marlon D. Saunders / Masamicz Amano / Philippe Saisse / Toshio Mashima |
| Published by | Wave Master |
| Catalog number | WWCE-31125 |
| Release type | Game Soundtrack - Official Release |
| Format | 1 CD - 14 tracks |
| Release date | September 13, 2006 |
| Duration | 00:54:34 |
| Genres |
Overview
Phantasy Star Universe was a first in the series to offer live orchestral tracks mixed with very good quality synth, making it the first Phantasy star that had truly "real" sounding music. It also boasts one of the largest soundtracks with around 70 tracks. However, the initial soundtrack release I went into this album with zero expectations, and came out the other end with my jaw on the floor. This is my story.
Body
The live orchestra is a new asset to the series and this album features the main full orchestral contributions. One particular think to look at is this game uses two different orchestras, making the budget for this album seem very high. The beginning of the album introduces us to both, starting with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Playing a beautiful and heart wrenching arrangement of "Save this World", the main theme of Phantasy Star Universe, Warsaw immediately fights for top spot with the other contender. The beautiful violin passages flow very nicely with the epic brass that takes the forefront of the track. What a great way to begin the album!
Warsaw has shown us their idea of how to get to our hearts, so it stands to be told that The Hollywood Session Orchestra should prove itself in the same manner. It does, and probably does it better in my opinion. Giving us an arrangement of the games main city's theme, "Parum" should be written as the definition of musical perfection. Focusing on the high strings and blaring brass, Kobayashi shows us exactly what being in the highest power in the world "should" feel like. I have goose bumps on my goose bumps, and we are only two tracks in!
Considering contributions from other composers, Fumie Kumatani offers "Otoku City -Neudaiz-". It has a surreal oriental vibe going on, carried by the piano and flute, but doesn't reflect her versatility as much as the full soundtrack release. Kenichi Tokoi takes a more tribal approach with his addition to the town themes in "Dagora City -Moatoob-". Focusing more on percussion and less on the flute, he takes the two mentioned instruments on a ride though the savanna, adding string work in later on that reinforces an intense atmosphere not heard so far in the town themes.
Fumie Kumatani and Kenichi Tokoi write the vocal theme and corresponding arranges of "For Brighter Day". I am not the biggest fan of either iteration of the vocal theme, but I will say that both have some pretty amazing jazz instrumentation. The remix version has a church choir sound to it, which is even more of a turn off. The strings sound slightly better here though, if not as listenable. The track also receives an orchestral short version at the end of the album.
Summary
This album provides a good compilation of the best themes from Phantasy Star Universe. It includes the main fan draws, such as the orchestral and vocal main themes, as well as a range of more diverse works. That said, there is a huge amount of material not featured here that is present on the three disc score. While this album will suffice for those wanting just the big cues, stick with the full score if you're looking for a more expansive experience.
Bryan Matheny
1. Save This World ~Orchestra Version~
Composed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Andrzej Sasin at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Assistant Engineer: Aleksandra Nagorko
2. Guardians
Composed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Orchestrated by Toshio Mashima
Played by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Andrzej Sasin at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Assistant Engineer: Aleksandra Nagorko
3. Parum
Composed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Orchestrated by Toshio Mashima
Played by The Hollywood Session Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Damon Tedesco at Cello Studios, Los Angeles
Assistant Engineer: Steven Rhodes
4. Neudaiz
Composed & Programming by Fumie Kumatani
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by The Hollywood Session Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Damon Tedesco at Cello Studios, Los Angeles
Assistant Engineer: Steven Rhodes
5. Moatoob
Composed & Programming by Kenichi Tokoi
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by The Hollywood Session Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Damon Tedesco at Cello Studios, Los Angeles
Assistant Engineer: Steven Rhodes
6. S.E.E.D
Composed & Programming by Kenichi Tokoi
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by The Hollywood Session Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Damon Tedesco at Cello Studios, Los Angeles
Assistant Engineer: Steven Rhodes
7. Ancient Civilization
Composed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Orchestrated by Toshio Mashima
Played by The Hollywood Session Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Damon Tedesco at Cello Studios, Los Angeles
Assistant Engineer: Steven Rhodes
8. With You
Composed & Arranged by Fumie Kumatani & Kenichi Tokoi
Lyrics by Fumie Kumatani
Translated by Kan Hashimoto
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Andrzej Sasin at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Assistant Engineer: Chad Lupo
Vocal: Lita Harvey
Vocal Recording by Roy Hendrickson at Avatar Studios, NY
Directed by Atsushi "SUSHI" Kosugi (Beat On Beat, Inc.)
Assistant Engineer: Chad Lupo
9. Save This World
Composed and Arranged by Hideaki Kobayashi
Lyrics by Kan Hashimoto
Strings Arranged & Scored by Philippe Saisse
Sound Produced by Atsushi "SUSHI" Kosugi (Beat On Beat, Inc.)
Recorded & Mixed by Roy Hendrickson at Avatar Studios, NY
Pro Tools Operation & Edit by "SUSHI"
Assistant Engineer: Chad Lupo
Vocals: Kelli Sae
Drums: Scoota Warner
Guitar: Sherrod "Lic Spiffy" Barns
Strings: Richard Sortomme, Carol Webb, Barry Finclier, Johnathon Dinkledge, Vincent Lionti, Eileen K. Moon
10. For Brighter Day
Composed & Arranged by Fumie Kumatani & Kenichi Tokoi
Lyrics by Fumie Kumatani
Translated by Kan Hashimoto
Sound Produced by Atsushi "SUSHI" Kosugi (Beat On Beat, Inc.)
Recorded & Mixed by Roy Hendrickson at Avatar Studios, NY
Pro Tools Operation & Edit by "SUSHI"
Assistant Engineer: Chad Lupo
Strings Arranged & Scored by Philippe Saisse
Chorus Section Arranged by Marlon D. Saundars
Played by Philippe Saisse Acoustique Trio featuring Kelli Sae
Piano: Philippe Saisse
Bass: David Finck
Drums: Scoota Warner
Vocal: Kelli Sae
Guitar: Sherrod "Lic Spiffy" Barns
Chorus: Marlon D. Saundars, Biti Strauchn, Arlf St. Michael
Strings: Richard Sortomme, Carol Webb, Barry Finclier, Johnathon Dinkledge, Vincent Lionti, Eileen K. Moon
11. For Brighter Day ~Orchestra Version~
Composed by Fumie Kumatani
Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Orchestrated by Toshio Mashima
Played by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Andrzej Sasin at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Assistant Engineer: Aleksandra Nagorko
[ Bonus Trax ]
12. Overture
Composed, Arranged & Programed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Mixed by Roy Hendrickson at Avatar Studios, NY
Pro Tools Operation & Edit by "SUSHI"
13. For Brighter Day
Remixed by Kenechi Tokoi
Mixed by Roy Hendrickson at Avatar Studios, NY
Pro Tools Operation & Edit by "SUSHI"
14. Save This World ~Orchestra Short Version~
Composed by Hideaki Kobayashi
Orchestrated, Conducted & Mixed by Masamicz Amano
Played by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra Recorded & Edited by Andrzej Sasin at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Assistant Engineer: Aleksandra Nagorko
| 1 | Save This World ~Orchestra Version~ | 07:10 |  |
| 2 | Guardians | 02:25 | |
| 3 | Parum | 02:23 | |
| 4 | Neudaiz | 03:08 | |
| 5 | Moatoob | 02:55 | |
| 6 | S.E.E.D | 03:31 | |
| 7 | Ancient Civilization | 03:27 | |
| 8 | With You | 05:16 | |
| 9 | Save This World | 03:18 | |
| 10 | For Brighter Day | 05:41 | |
| 11 | For Brighter Day ~Orchestra Version~ | 04:42 | |
| 12 | Overture | 02:38 | |
| 13 | For Brighter Day ~Remix~ | 05:19 | |
| 14 | Save This World ~Orchestra Short Version~ | 02:41 | |
