Top Ten: Final Fantasy VII Songs

Not too long ago, I announced my plans to compile a Top Ten list of the greatest video game songs of all times, despite the fact that I already had with Project Playlist. However, it has come to my attention that this a near impossible feat without smudging my own opinion - why? Because, all the songs belong to Final Fantasy VII.

I do hope to create another Top Ten list of the greatest video game songs in the future, but this list will have to exclude Final Fantasy VII to be fair. For the record, the Mario games, the Zelda games, and the Sonic games would all have gotten at least one song on this least would it not be for Final Fantasy VII. So, I present to you, the Top Ten greatest songs in Final Fantasy VII.

10. Hurry Faster

One of the most appropriately named songs in the game. Most notably played in the "Battle Arena" at the Gold Saucer, the song conveys the thought of "hurrying", and is used in perfect combination with a timer. It's hurrying theme is noticeable in those who have never even heard it before, making it a true masterpiece.

9. Stolen Materia

Because of the fact that I am an avid clarinet player, you may believe that my choice of this song is somewhat biased as it features clarinets heavily. But that is not the reason I choose it - those who have played Final Fantasy VII know that this song ties in with Yuffie, who ends up stealing your materia because of her thieving ways. The song's light-hearted tune reminds me of that entire section of the game, as well as Yuffie's character. This tune's memorability also earned it a spot on the list.

8. Cait Sith's Theme

I couldn't include every character's theme on the list, and quite honestly, I didn't want to. Most do capture the true essence of the character (a very important quality), but they don't have the familiarity of a tune such as Cait Sith's Theme. You'd be hard-pressed to find a fan of the game who couldn't hum Cait Sith's tune, but even for those who haven't played the game can enjoy the jazz like qualities of this theme.

7. Shinra Army Wages A Full-Scale Attack

Again, you may believe that I picked this song with a bias, because of the fact that I am in marching band and this song is designed after a march. But, again, that is not why I picked it. The songs epic feel mirrors the mood of the scenes in which this theme is played very well. For fans of the game, hearing this song can only bring back memories of Shinra from the game. Expertly composed, this song undoubtedly has earned a spot on the list.

6. Highwind Takes To The Skies

Being one of the most epic songs in the game, I knew immediately that this theme would have a place in the Top Ten. While I initally wanted to place it higher in the list, there was just too many songs that beat it out. Regardless of that, this song highlights one of the most exciting points in the game: taking the Highwind and flying across the world for the very first time. Truly an amazing piece.

5. Still More Fighting (Boss Battle Theme)

Most of the songs on this list (and, in fact, in the entire game) are classical, even if some have a faster tune. But the boss battle theme, known as "Still More Fighting" is, undoubtedly a rock song. It may not have lyrics, but those who have not played the game will still find this song great, simply because it's a great deal more modern than the rest. If you played the game, than you remember the first time you heard this song, and the excitement it carried as you battled your first boss.

4. Crazy Motorcycle Theme

Ah, yes, the "Crazy Motorcycle" theme. Fans of the game will immediately remember the amazing in-game movie that pushed the PlayStation's graphics to the extreme as Cloud hopped on a motorcycle, armed only with a sword, and proceeded to destroy all the Shinra soldiers tailing him and his friends. Memorability definitely played a huge role in this theme reaching the number four spot, but no one can doubt that this a great and catchy tune.

3. Tifa's Theme

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful peaces in the game, "Tifa's Theme" is the perfect song to one of the most developed characters in the game. The slow, woodwind-based melody is quite soothing, and the whole song is carried with tons of emotion. For those who have played this game, it's a trip down memory lane - for those who haven't, it is still a beautiful tune.

2. Victory Fanfare

It may seem foolish to such a short tune above some of the greatest songs in the game, like "Tifa's Theme" and "Highwind Takes To The Skies". In fact, I doubted myself at first when I put the song so high on the list. But its length doesn't detract from the fact that this fanfare is, without a doubt, the most recognizable song from the game. Heard more than any other, the short trumpet blast will fill any player's heart with glee.

1. World Crisis

The length of this song is daunting, but that shouldn't stop you from listening to the whole thing. While slow, the beginning is quite beautiful, but the best comes later, when the song "explodes" into a very fast section. Composed perfectly, "World Crisis" is undoubtedly the greatest song from Final Fantasy VII. The slow parts are beautiful, the fast parts exciting, and the entire thing created with amazing precision. If I had to describe this song in just one word, it would be "epic". This song's epicness is truly what brought it to the top spot on the list. Listen, and enjoy.

And that concludes the Top Ten: Final Fantasy VII Songs. I truly hope that you listened through each song, as each earned a spot on this list for a reason.

Thanks to Entertonement for making this list possible!

Sweet, Sweet Memory Lane

I hate change. And while I've learned to accept that things will always change, that doesn't mean I'm above doing everything I can to re-create the past. And that's why last weekend I decided to dig up my old PS1, break out Final Fantasy VII, and just go on an all-day gaming run.

Unfortunately, my only Playstation controller has broken, so I had to get a pair off eBay. But they just arrived today, and I'm working on a list of things I need to make this day/week perfect:

- Playstation 1 (Check)

- Controller (Check)

- Giant inflatable mattress in the middle of my living room (Check)

- Yoohoos (Check)

- Lunchables (Check)


Well, it seems like everything is in order. I'll post updates within the next week as I begin my descent into becoming a total and complete nerd. (Also, am I the only person who heats up their Lunchables? It seems weird to eat them cold)

Ultimate Showdown (Team): Barret Wallace & Vincent Valentine VS. Detective Spooner & Sonny

I've reviewed the game Final Fantasy VII before, and spoke wonderfully of it, but I have not yet mentioned the movie I, Robot. It tells the story of Detective Spooner, and his quest to show that the inventor of the modern robot was killed by one of his own creations. He ends up successful, but the "murderous" robot, Sonny, turned out to be a protagonist in the story, as well as being one of Spooner's friends.

For this battle, I'll be matching up two teams. Barret Wallace, a rebel with a gun for an arm (literally) and a short temper, teams up with Vincent Valentine, a vampire-like man who is quite proficient in firearms (as well as having the ability to transform into a variety of different monsters). Those two are pit against two of the protagonists of I, Robot: Detective Spooner, a detective with a hatred for robots (along with having a completely robotic arm) and Sonny, the first intelligent robot of the world.

***

Not knowing where they are, Barret and Vincent exchange a quick glance before looking over the large metal table they curiously appeared behind. They see Detective Spooner pointing his gun straight at them before they dive for cover. However, Spooner fires no shots. Meanwhile, Spooner and Sonny are discussing the events behind cover of their own. Spooner says "I'll get a look at them, then you run around the side of the room and test out their firepower." Sonny replies, "So I'm the bait? Why?" Spooner makes a fist and knocks on Sonny's metal casing a few times before saying, "That's why." Sonny follows the detective's instructions and dashes out of his cover. Barret opens fire on him, screaming the whole time, while Vincent lands three well-aimed blows at his head before realizing that their guns are futile. Vincent ducks for cover as Spooner's bullets shower the area, eventually ending Barret's ammo. Vincent watches quitely as his friend silently slides to the floor, lifeless. He sighs and jumps out of cover, just as Sonny runs up to him to deliver a final blow. He is successful, but in his last moment Vincent pulls the trigger, which is silently stopped by detective Spooner's head.

WINNERS: Sonny & Detective Spooner (deceased)

Blast From The Past: Final Fantasy VII

Ah, yes, the old Final Fantasy VII. One of the greatest games of all times, it has recieved numerous awards and recognitions, and has even been credited with the popularization of RPGs (Role Playing Games) in the United States.

Although many people claim that the game was "over hyped" and many still claim it is over-rated, I believe the game deserves everything it's gotten. The gameplay is rich and exciting, and the Materia system is very in-depth. And even though the game was on PS1, the gameplay graphics are not bad, and the video graphics are absolutely stunning.
The story is long and interesting, spanning an entire 3 discs. It involves a wide range of characters, from your party to your enemies (and sometimes both).
I must state one of the best parts of the game: the music. A team of expert composers created the soundtrack to this game, which includes classical music along with more modern pieces. I strongly suggest you head over to ffonline.com to hear all of the amazing tracks in this game.
I give Final Fantasy VII a 10/10 - truly stunning. One of the greatest games in history.
** Edit: I've added some music from the game.