Ranking Every Final Fantasy By Their Soundtrack
9. Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2 OST: Tracks - 79, Composer(s) - Masashi Hamauzu, Naoshi Mizuta, Mitsuto Suzuki & Yoshitaka Suzuki, Final Fantasy XIII-2 OST PLUS: Tracks - 16, Composer(s) - Masashi Hamauzu, Naoshi Mizuta & Mitsuto Suzuki
Final Fantasy XIII followed in the footsteps of X by spawning a direct sequel, switching the focus from Lightning to her younger sister Serah in a time-travel focused tale that addressed many of the criticisms associated with its forebear, particularly its linearity. All things considered it stands out as perhaps the best entry in the XIII trilogy, aided considerably by its soundtrack.
The game built on its predecessor's penchant for vocal tracks as Serah, leading man Noel and supporting player Yuel are gifted with beautifully sung character themes in the form of 'Memories', 'Final Journey' and 'Yuel's Theme' respectively. 'Crazy Chocobo', meanwhile, somehow works as a bizzare twist on the traditional chocobo theme with its metal infusions.
From a non-vocal standpoint, Lightning also gets in on the act with 'Unprotected Future' despite her very limited role in the game's proceedings, whilst the villainous Caius Ballad is well served by a theme that conveys both the tragedy and misguided pride of his character.
Elsewhere, there are a myriad of battle themes for each of the game's locations, with standouts including 'The Last Hunter' and 'Parallel World - Aggressive Mix'. The game also opens and closes in considerable style with pieces such as 'Wishes' and the 'Closing Credits' that suit of the mood of the game's shocking ending twist.