Ranking Every Final Fantasy By Their Soundtrack

Final Fantasy XII OST: Tracks - 100, Composer(s) - Hitoshi Sakamoto, Masahau Iwata, Hayato Matsuo & Nobuo Uematsu

It's very difficult to get a general consensus on Final Fantasy XII. Many criticise it for its departure from a number of series traditions and bland leading man and villain, whilst as many praise it as a deeply immersive take on the series' formula with an excellent supporting cast. Reappraisals will likely be everywhere come July when Square-Enix follow the success of their Final Fantasy X and X-2 HD remasters and re-release it as 'The Zodiac Age'.

The game does feature some truly epic moments from a narrative standpoint, but too few of these are lacking a similarly epic musical accompaniment. Instead, the game's strength is in its location music, as a diverse range of fitting pieces score most locales. Amongst these, the riveting 'Phon Coast', the intriguing 'Cerobi Steppe', 'Lust For Power', 'Realm Of Memories' and the enigmatic 'To Walk Amongst Gods' are all highlights.

The assorted battle themes are hit and miss, but the likes of 'Battle With An Esper' and 'Struggle For Freedom' excel at making key encounters hit home. Character themes, meanwhile, are all but nonexistent, with only two members of the cast treated to themes that are nothing to write home about.

It's unclear as of yet if The Zodiac Age will remix the game's original score, but this is an action that would certainly not go amiss given how quickly the bulk of the soundtrack was forgotten first time around despite its sizable volume.