Editor’s Be aware: We’re kicking off 2026 music critiques with six weeks of basic Last Fantasy! Whereas our staff had enjoyable reviewing the latest Pixel Remaster variations of the primary six video games, our music staff was eager to look again on the unique variations of Last Fantasy by means of Last Fantasy VII. We hope you take pleasure in revisiting these iconic sounds as a lot as we did. You’ll be able to at all times discover these, the Pixel Remasters, and all music critiques in our Music part.
I’m conscious that I’ve approached the soundtracks of the basic Last Fantasy and Last Fantasy II video games within the reverse solution to most, having by no means skilled these video games till the Pixel Remaster variations arrived with their new organized OSTs. Leaping into this album, I used to be wanting ahead to taking a visit again in time to the late ’80s and testing the stripped-back, chiptune origins of Last Fantasy music.
While 1988’s All Sounds of Last Fantasy I • II clearly lacks the number of a contemporary soundtrack, that doesn’t imply there’s an absence of vary within the feelings or moods it evokes. Bookending the OST are two fantastically nostalgic synth tracks—”Welcome to F.F. World” and “Farewell! F.F. World,” each involving a extra layered and full strategy (i.e., they sound like common songs) than the remainder of the soundtrack, which is full-on chiptune awesomeness. I significantly take pleasure in “Farewell…” which is half electropop banger and half energy ballad, and sounds prefer it dropped straight out of an ’80s superhero cartoon.
The remainder of the tracks comply with a way more primary format, all restricted to these chiptune sounds and really quick lengths. You’ll be able to blast by means of this complete album in simply over an hour. There’s a whole lot of enjoyable available on the best way too! Don’t let the restricted soundscape idiot you both; there’s nonetheless selection and a journey available with All Sounds of Last Fantasy I • II.
“Prelude” and “Opening Theme” will sound very acquainted to collection followers, and it’s nice to listen to each of those tracks of their first iterations. “Chaos’ Temple“—one in every of my favorite tracks from the Pixel Remaster OST—continues to be a spotlight in its unique rendition, with the low tones in its most important motif creating a pleasant sense of mystique. “City” is a enjoyable, jaunty monitor that feels very becoming for store music, with the chiptune sound even making it really feel extra like elevator music or one thing you’d hear strolling round a division retailer (in all probability not meant, however a enjoyable trendy affiliation from this ’80s monitor). “Gurgu Volcano” will immediately sound acquainted to any Last Fantasy IX followers on the market, with Mount Gulug’s music from that recreation being a brand new model of this FFI unique.
There isn’t an enormous distinction between the FFI and FFII tracks, as the general sound throughout the video games may be very related, although FFII provides a bit extra complexity and layering. The “Important Theme” is splendidly bleak-sounding, and “Chocobo’s Theme” is the primary model of the very well-known theme of Last Fantasy‘s large yellow bird-friends, and it’s simply as enjoyable as at all times. The FFII portion of this soundtrack is a extra sombre affair, becoming the sport’s world and story completely—exemplified by tracks like “Temptation of the Princess,” “Useless Music,” and “Fort Pandemonium.”
It’s attention-grabbing listening to this album now, with these retro online game sounds being fairly current and on-trend in digital music genres at present, significantly in synth wave and electropop. While the unique FFI and FFII clearly lack the musical number of up to date collection entries, they’re nonetheless a enjoyable pay attention whether or not you’re stepping into for the nostalgic sounds or to listen to the origins of a few of Last Fantasy‘s most well-known tracks.
