Overview

Following the series' modest debut on the Game Boy, the Super Nintendo's Secret of Mana (aka Seiken Densetsu 2) achieved widespread popularity internationally. The game marked the debut video game score of Square's most artistic composer, Hiroki Kikuta, who took the series' music in a different direction to his predecessor. The result is one of the most fascinating game soundtracks ever released — simultaneously simple yet deep, ambient yet personal, abstract yet accessible...

Body

Throughout the score, Kikuta creates just the right mood to complement the game's scenery. This is clear right from the title theme "Fear of the Heavens", where the SNES' sound chip is used to create an extraordinary ambience. The melody featured throughout has a spiritual and enigmatic quality, yet is highly personal too — clearly written to draw gamers into the experience. The track blooms from its delicate piano introduction towards the orchestrated choral climax in an absolutely satisfying way, without ever sounding forced or excessive. While it only recurs towards the conclusion of the game, the melody binds the experience together by highlighting Kikuta's distinctive lyricism and the organic, spiritual, and personal flavour of the entire soundtrack.

As the soundtrack progresses, Kikuta provides a refreshing take on the standard themes required for a RPG. The field theme "Into the Thick of It" encourages listeners to stroll into the unknown with its carefree flute melodies, whereas the meditative rhythms and jazz influences of "Distant Thunder" inspire a moment of relaxation. When portraying the game's dungeons, Kikuta proves equally unpredictable. "Secret of the Arid Sands" withholds the expressive melodies of the aforementioned tracks in favour of unresolved phrases and unconventional tonalities. The contrasts between suspensions and motions in "A Bell is Tolling" meanwhile perfectly depicts the party passing through a palace frozen in time. Equally delightful is "Whisper and Mantra" with its divine use of synth vocals and impressionistic piano phrases; in fact, one can't help but feel Kikuta was inspired by Debussy while writing it.

Despite its artistic focus, this score is far from pretentious in its approach. Tracks such as "Colour of the Summer Sky" and "Together Always" create a feeling of jollity in an absolutely straightforward way. The former is driven by a cheesy drum kit beat throughout, while the latter features little more than a few xylophone phrases. Yet they fit the youthful scenario of the game extremely well and, for those that aren't looking for fully-fledged symphonies, can be quite enjoyable too. Others are even more ridiculous, such as the "It Happened Late One Evening" or "Dancing Beasts", but are hilarious depictions of dwarves and goblins respectively. They demonstrate that, while Kikuta appreciates the deeper things in life, he doesn't hesitate to have fun either. In this regard, he is much like his youthful contemporary Nobuo Uematsu.

The most eccentric, and divisive, tracks on the entire score are the action themes. The boss theme "Danger" is one of the most unique compositions ever featured in a video game. Siren-like synth sounds, hyperactive drum beats, and dissonant chord suspensions — challenging elements even on their own — are thrown together into a seizure-inducing mix. Even more bizarre is the way the extensively developed composition gives way to a heroic melody after all this chaos. "Meridian Dance" is a more satisfying listen, showcasing its exuberant rock-tinged melody between the more jagged and frenzied sections. It's the track that most clearly channels Kikuta's roots as a progressive rock artist, though this undercurrent runs throughout the score. It's also an incredible way to set the scene for the decisive battle...

The score is as emotional as it is scenic, with Kikuta fully immersing the gamer into the experience throughout. Players are certain to feel touched by the sentimental chord progressions on "Spirit of the Night", soothed by the reverberating piano fragments on "Fond Memories", and enlightened by the unrestrained lyrical phrases of "Premonition". These tracks are all quite simple — sometimes even intentionally minimalistic — in their approach. Yet they crafted in a potent way that guarantees a personal connection. The darker tracks are equally simple — built around slapped bass rhythms on "Steel and Snare", eerie synth noises on "Ceremony", and a cinematic chord progression in "Eternal Recurrence" — but still enhance the experience. The soundtrack ultimately closes strongly with the reflective "Now Flightless Wings" and exuberant "The Second Truth from the Left".

Summary

Many that played Secret of Mana remember the score as something special. This is for good reason, as Kikuta ensured the music satisfied on a range of levels: superficially with its catchy melodies, emotionally with its rich soundscapes, and contextually with its fitting moods. What's more, he achieved this while channeling quite an unconventional and daring musicality throughout. That said, the soundtrack still has its technological limitations and listeners should keep in mind that many pieces are short, particularly in this somewhat crammed one disc release. Regardless, the Secret of Mana soundtrack is a must-have for those that love classic RPG soundtracks.