Yeah, Naoshi Mizuta is supposed to have a few tracks in the game. I want to say he composed this track. Not 100% certain, though.
·English·Theme
- Forums
- Final Fantasy XIV
- General Discussion
- ARR music compared to FFXI's?
ARR music compared to FFXI's?Follow
I come to see the troll attempts, and I'm always disappointed. Sigh... This forum deserves a better level of troll.
[ffxivsig]1183812[/ffxivsig]
Music is tough to offer a opinion on since it's so subjective.
But listening to some tracks in FFXIV versus FFXI, I can't help but notice some differences.
First, the sound of FFXIV is a lot more complex. There's a greater variety of instruments and even some vocals slipped in here and there. But I think the "forgettable" nature of the background music is actually by design. FFXI music almost takes over if you let it. The San D'Orian music proudly blares its bagpipes in defiance of the encroaching Orcs; the Xarcarbard music is a lot more subtle, and yet leaves you with a sense of the wintry horrors lurking about.
The music in FFXIV, on the other hand, whispers the ambiance of your environment without trying to distract you. You can't listen to the tracks of the Black Shroud and not get the sense of that you're traveling through a magical place. But it's also meant to act only as a means to set that mood, not serve as an anthem you'd play at a soccer match. It's a better quality in the sense that you might not mind leaving FFXIV music running in the background whereas after a few dozen loops in Sandy, that volume bar suddenly looks like it needs to be dragged down a few notches.
On the other hand, I think that FFXI's style has an edge in combat music. It may be because they didn't want FFXIV's combat music to be so jarringly different than it's background music, but it almost ends up taking away from the experience by being far too milquetoast. In FFXI, even a battle with a bunny is an epic experience, and I think that stays true to how combat is usually handled in the franchise.
Even so, I think there is a lot of potential in FFXIV's style. I'm glad to hear they are giving new tracks a try; maybe this will give them a chance to set the tone just right.
But listening to some tracks in FFXIV versus FFXI, I can't help but notice some differences.
First, the sound of FFXIV is a lot more complex. There's a greater variety of instruments and even some vocals slipped in here and there. But I think the "forgettable" nature of the background music is actually by design. FFXI music almost takes over if you let it. The San D'Orian music proudly blares its bagpipes in defiance of the encroaching Orcs; the Xarcarbard music is a lot more subtle, and yet leaves you with a sense of the wintry horrors lurking about.
The music in FFXIV, on the other hand, whispers the ambiance of your environment without trying to distract you. You can't listen to the tracks of the Black Shroud and not get the sense of that you're traveling through a magical place. But it's also meant to act only as a means to set that mood, not serve as an anthem you'd play at a soccer match. It's a better quality in the sense that you might not mind leaving FFXIV music running in the background whereas after a few dozen loops in Sandy, that volume bar suddenly looks like it needs to be dragged down a few notches.
On the other hand, I think that FFXI's style has an edge in combat music. It may be because they didn't want FFXIV's combat music to be so jarringly different than it's background music, but it almost ends up taking away from the experience by being far too milquetoast. In FFXI, even a battle with a bunny is an epic experience, and I think that stays true to how combat is usually handled in the franchise.
Even so, I think there is a lot of potential in FFXIV's style. I'm glad to hear they are giving new tracks a try; maybe this will give them a chance to set the tone just right.
Waiting to really judge, personally. XI had some okay stuff, but it also had a lot of bad stuff. The matter of dominance over ambiance also seems to be issue for some in the MMO sphere. And at the risk of some fanboy rage, I've also been of the mind that Uematsu hasn't really stepped into the more recent eras with his synthetic, often MIDI-like choice of instrumentation. It worked in the SNES days because we had no choice with tech. As of now, the only limit to music is how much the composer is willing to synthesize or actually record live.
Had I the choice in creating the ultimate soundtrack for a game, it'd probably follow a few of these standards. First being every zone would have a day and night track. Second is that every zone would have a combat track influenced by its zone theme. I'd try to avoid electronic sounds as often as possible. I'd break the stereotype that desert themes need some kind of annoying wind instrument. Primary characters would obviously get some themes and maybe some variants depending on what goes on. I'd try not to fall back to one song being the song for conveying a certain emotion (which could involve ties to the zone theme in this case). There would never be outright silence in any area. If there's some kind of alarm/escape track, you can bet your *** I wouldn't allow some annoying buzzer to blast over it, either. There's probably more I could add to this, but in the end I'd need to know more about what I'd be working with.
Of recent games I played, Xenoblade probably had the best soundtrack. It does the day/night thing for a lot of zones, and while it does electronic stuff, it's fairly good and not out of place since it isn't a medieval setting. There's a lot of good syncing with the environments, too.
Had I the choice in creating the ultimate soundtrack for a game, it'd probably follow a few of these standards. First being every zone would have a day and night track. Second is that every zone would have a combat track influenced by its zone theme. I'd try to avoid electronic sounds as often as possible. I'd break the stereotype that desert themes need some kind of annoying wind instrument. Primary characters would obviously get some themes and maybe some variants depending on what goes on. I'd try not to fall back to one song being the song for conveying a certain emotion (which could involve ties to the zone theme in this case). There would never be outright silence in any area. If there's some kind of alarm/escape track, you can bet your *** I wouldn't allow some annoying buzzer to blast over it, either. There's probably more I could add to this, but in the end I'd need to know more about what I'd be working with.
Of recent games I played, Xenoblade probably had the best soundtrack. It does the day/night thing for a lot of zones, and while it does electronic stuff, it's fairly good and not out of place since it isn't a medieval setting. There's a lot of good syncing with the environments, too.
Violence good. Sexy bad. Yay America.
ShindaUsagi wrote:
FilthMcNasty wrote:
XIV's music doesn't hold a candle to XI's tracks. I think I'd have trouble putting the best song in XIV against the worst song in XI and coming up with any other conclusion. Not to mention the piano collections and various fan remixes... not even close. Not a dig against XIV or their music producers, but XI was pretty special in that regard.
Fan remixes hold no water. ARR hasn't even been released yet. I love XI but things like this take time. Comments like this conclude that XI is your comfort blanket. It's a different game and the soundtrack is good.
My taste in music is based solely on what appeals to me and has nothing at all to do with providing comfort or security. No idea where you're coming from with that statement
I never said or implied that the XIV soundtrack was bad, just that none of it is as good. Again, it's my personal opinion. FWIW, there are many game soundtracks I'd put ahead of FFXI. Just because I enjoy them more than the next doesn't mean the rest of them are bad. I don't see how you'd come to that conclusion.
Rinsui wrote:
Only hips + boobs all day and hips + boobs all over my icecream
HaibaneRenmei wrote:
30 bucks is almost free
cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
FilthMcNasty wrote:
ShindaUsagi wrote:
FilthMcNasty wrote:
XIV's music doesn't hold a candle to XI's tracks. I think I'd have trouble putting the best song in XIV against the worst song in XI and coming up with any other conclusion. Not to mention the piano collections and various fan remixes... not even close. Not a dig against XIV or their music producers, but XI was pretty special in that regard.
Fan remixes hold no water. ARR hasn't even been released yet. I love XI but things like this take time. Comments like this conclude that XI is your comfort blanket. It's a different game and the soundtrack is good.
My taste in music is based solely on what appeals to me and has nothing at all to do with providing comfort or security. No idea where you're coming from with that statement
I never said or implied that the XIV soundtrack was bad, just that none of it is as good. Again, it's my personal opinion. FWIW, there are many game soundtracks I'd put ahead of FFXI. Just because I enjoy them more than the next doesn't mean the rest of them are bad. I don't see how you'd come to that conclusion.
Quote:
XIV's music doesn't hold a candle to XI's tracks.
I concede in an arguable sense of opinion.
Quote:
I think I'd have trouble putting the best song in XIV against the worst song in XI
Simple soap box ridicule. You weren't "enjoying more". You aimed your gun and shot. Your opinion to prefer XI is valid and I might even agree. But to go so far as to hike your leg to the XIV soundtrack against XI simply shows your bias. My conclusion.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
Edited, Jul 27th 2013 4:13pm by ShindaUsagi
Edited, Jul 27th 2013 4:13pm by ShindaUsagi
Seriha wrote:
Xenoblade
Yes.
ShindaUsagi wrote:
Simple soap box ridicule. You weren't "enjoying more". You aimed your gun and shot. Your opinion to prefer XI is valid and I might even agree. But to go so far as to hike your leg to the XIV soundtrack against XI simply shows your bias. My conclusion.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
There were no shots fired at XIV. Perhaps I should have said "I'm not as fond of my favorite track from XIV as I am my least favorite from XI", but I already clarified that; not that I though it even needed clarification. If I say "I think Kobe Bryant is a much better guard than Dwayne Wade" that doesn't mean that I think Dwayne Wade sucks by default. I shouldn't even have to say that.
You're responding to my post projecting some perceived agenda based on something I posted in the past? I'm not certain I have ever read a forum post that made me blush. Thanks for that
Rinsui wrote:
Only hips + boobs all day and hips + boobs all over my icecream
HaibaneRenmei wrote:
30 bucks is almost free
cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
FilthMcNasty wrote:
ShindaUsagi wrote:
Simple soap box ridicule. You weren't "enjoying more". You aimed your gun and shot. Your opinion to prefer XI is valid and I might even agree. But to go so far as to hike your leg to the XIV soundtrack against XI simply shows your bias. My conclusion.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
There were no shots fired at XIV. Perhaps I should have said "I'm not as fond of my favorite track from XIV as I am my least favorite from XI", but I already clarified that; not that I though it even needed clarification. If I say "I think Kobe Bryant is a much better guard than Dwayne Wade" that doesn't mean that I think Dwayne Wade sucks by default. I shouldn't even have to say that.
You're responding to my post projecting some perceived agenda based on something I posted in the past? I'm not certain I have ever read a forum post that made me blush. Thanks for that
You responded to me. Perhaps I should blush.
And perhaps you should reread what you wrote. You didn't say Kobe Bryant is a better player than Dwayne Wade. You said Kobe Bryant's worst day is better than Dwayne Wade's best day. Get it?
ShindaUsagi wrote:
FilthMcNasty wrote:
ShindaUsagi wrote:
Simple soap box ridicule. You weren't "enjoying more". You aimed your gun and shot. Your opinion to prefer XI is valid and I might even agree. But to go so far as to hike your leg to the XIV soundtrack against XI simply shows your bias. My conclusion.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
*edit Also, do not mistake me for simply a post to post forum commenter. When I respond to someone I am responding to their post history. I would expect you to read between my agenda because I am certainly reading between yours.
There were no shots fired at XIV. Perhaps I should have said "I'm not as fond of my favorite track from XIV as I am my least favorite from XI", but I already clarified that; not that I though it even needed clarification. If I say "I think Kobe Bryant is a much better guard than Dwayne Wade" that doesn't mean that I think Dwayne Wade sucks by default. I shouldn't even have to say that.
You're responding to my post projecting some perceived agenda based on something I posted in the past? I'm not certain I have ever read a forum post that made me blush. Thanks for that
You responded to me. Perhaps I should blush.
And perhaps you should reread what you wrote. You didn't say Kobe Bryant is a better player than Dwayne Wade. You said Kobe Bryant's worst day is better than Dwayne Wade's best day. Get it?
I respond to pretty much anyone who talks at me.
I do get it, but it's not the same as what I said. Not at all. Completely different context.
Rinsui wrote:
Only hips + boobs all day and hips + boobs all over my icecream
HaibaneRenmei wrote:
30 bucks is almost free
cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
The music is great. These posts though... not so much kid....
Viertel wrote:
Seriha wrote:
Xenoblade
Yes.
"What a bunch of jokers~"
Edit: And just in case someone wants some random listening to kill time, why not have some Xenoblade OST~
Edited, Jul 27th 2013 8:03pm by Seriha
Violence good. Sexy bad. Yay America.
Scholar
37 posts
There were some memorable tracks in XI for sure.
this one comes to mind as one of my favorites.
I'm looking forward to FFXIV's music leaving me with similar recollections years from now.
this one comes to mind as one of my favorites.
I'm looking forward to FFXIV's music leaving me with similar recollections years from now.
SkyRaymaker wrote:
There were some memorable tracks in XI for sure.
this one comes to mind as one of my favorites.
I'm looking forward to FFXIV's music leaving me with similar recollections years from now.
this one comes to mind as one of my favorites.
I'm looking forward to FFXIV's music leaving me with similar recollections years from now.
Yes this song is awesome.
...though I think we can all agree that the music in most SE games (regardless of composer) just has that melodic component that just isn't in western RPGs.
---
Off topic but I finally know why I like this song so much....because it reminds me of this song.
Scholar
47 posts
I think XI had music that was enjoyable due to context, whereas XIV has music that is more enjoyable as a standalone piece.
Example:
These are two of my all-time favorite FFXI songs apart from Distant Worlds (which is very good even apart from the game):
Starlight Celebration
Sunbreeze Shuffle
Neither of these are bad pieces of music by any standard, but I have to acknowledge that a significant portion of my affection for them comes because it brings back very fond and vivid memories. Call it a nostalgia bias, but that doesn't diminish my enjoyment of these songs or the fact that they were masterfully appropriate in the context of the game.
On the other hand, even after playing the FFXIV beta for a very short period of time, I realized that this my first time playing an MMO where I have repeatedly commented on how great the music is (once I moved out of Gridania). I've even gone AFK in Limsa just to have it on in the background while browsing the internet.
Ultimately the winner is the one that evokes the strongest reaction in me -- right now that's FFXI by far, but who knows what kind of memories I will attach to FFXIV in the months/years to come.
Example:
These are two of my all-time favorite FFXI songs apart from Distant Worlds (which is very good even apart from the game):
Starlight Celebration
Sunbreeze Shuffle
Neither of these are bad pieces of music by any standard, but I have to acknowledge that a significant portion of my affection for them comes because it brings back very fond and vivid memories. Call it a nostalgia bias, but that doesn't diminish my enjoyment of these songs or the fact that they were masterfully appropriate in the context of the game.
On the other hand, even after playing the FFXIV beta for a very short period of time, I realized that this my first time playing an MMO where I have repeatedly commented on how great the music is (once I moved out of Gridania). I've even gone AFK in Limsa just to have it on in the background while browsing the internet.
Ultimately the winner is the one that evokes the strongest reaction in me -- right now that's FFXI by far, but who knows what kind of memories I will attach to FFXIV in the months/years to come.
I can't help but imagine cities in the middle of deserts to be somewhat exotic like Rabao/Aht Urghan, so the Ul'dah music sounds a bit too European to me.
My god the next thing we will fnd to argue is if the grass is better or worse than XI... Oh wait we already did that didnt we. Not to mention we have the usual suspects doing what they know best...
As for the music. Havent really heard the XI music but I liked ARR one and I really dont care if its better or worse than that of XI.
As for the music. Havent really heard the XI music but I liked ARR one and I really dont care if its better or worse than that of XI.
I really love the XI music overall and I think it has a lot to do with nostalgia like someone mentioned. I like the ARR music too, but I have some issues with the music that is kept from 1.0 and I think that is simply a matter of "anti-nostalgia" if that makes any sense. I thought 1.0 was so bad that just like I get reminded of the good times with XI music, the opposite happens with 1.0 music for me. Hopefully even 1.0 music kept for ARR will make me feel good after playing and enjoying the game with its music in the background. That being said I hope they keep the King Mog and Garuda music from 1.0 because they were great.
FFXIV needs more Bagpipes IMO XD.
But yeah, I also feel that FFXI had much more powerful score. While I did find myself humming along to Thanalan's new tune I still feel that even 1.0's soundtrack was much better. It could just be the mettalhead in me though, since I thought 1.0's battle themes were pretty bad ***. Even still, compared to FFXI's soundtracks they don't hold a candle. The first time I stepped out into Ronfaure was a magical experience, and the music lent a lot to that. I've yet to hear a track other than Answers that had any sort of emotional "power" to it like Gustaburg or Lufaise Meadows have... Well I guess the original Thanalan tune was pretty good, but it was so short and IMO inappropriate for the area I could see how it could wear on you after a while.
I don't personally think that it is just nostalgia talking for those of us that think that FFXI's soundtrack is better. I personally enjoyed most of 1.0's tracks and I've listened to the OST a dozen times over the last couple years. While solid and certainly better than WoW's music, what I've heard of ARR's music is pretty meh by comparison. Maybe I need to play the game more, but I haven't had any of the music "grab" me right off the bat like FFXI's tracks. Even ARR's rendition of Prelude doesn't strike the emotion that previous versions have (6 and 7 most notably, but even FFXI). Overall, It's pretty forgettable.
Let it be noted that while Uematsu did compose a couple tracks in FFXI, the bulk of the work was done by two other composers. The most notable tune that he did was in fact the Ronfaure theme.
But yeah, I also feel that FFXI had much more powerful score. While I did find myself humming along to Thanalan's new tune I still feel that even 1.0's soundtrack was much better. It could just be the mettalhead in me though, since I thought 1.0's battle themes were pretty bad ***. Even still, compared to FFXI's soundtracks they don't hold a candle. The first time I stepped out into Ronfaure was a magical experience, and the music lent a lot to that. I've yet to hear a track other than Answers that had any sort of emotional "power" to it like Gustaburg or Lufaise Meadows have... Well I guess the original Thanalan tune was pretty good, but it was so short and IMO inappropriate for the area I could see how it could wear on you after a while.
I don't personally think that it is just nostalgia talking for those of us that think that FFXI's soundtrack is better. I personally enjoyed most of 1.0's tracks and I've listened to the OST a dozen times over the last couple years. While solid and certainly better than WoW's music, what I've heard of ARR's music is pretty meh by comparison. Maybe I need to play the game more, but I haven't had any of the music "grab" me right off the bat like FFXI's tracks. Even ARR's rendition of Prelude doesn't strike the emotion that previous versions have (6 and 7 most notably, but even FFXI). Overall, It's pretty forgettable.
Let it be noted that while Uematsu did compose a couple tracks in FFXI, the bulk of the work was done by two other composers. The most notable tune that he did was in fact the Ronfaure theme.
Scholar
35 posts
Sanctuary of Zi-Tah? Bastok Theme? Mhaura? THE AIRSHIP MUSIC!?
Nothing in FFXIV comes close in my opinion. Although the theme in Gridania is pretty nice. I also dig the Thanalan music. I'm going to have to explore some higher level zones and revisit this. But as of right now, FFXI hands down for me!
Nothing in FFXIV comes close in my opinion. Although the theme in Gridania is pretty nice. I also dig the Thanalan music. I'm going to have to explore some higher level zones and revisit this. But as of right now, FFXI hands down for me!
Kashius1138 wrote:
Sanctuary of Zi-Tah? Bastok Theme? Mhaura? THE AIRSHIP MUSIC!?
Nothing in FFXIV comes close in my opinion.
Nothing in FFXIV comes close in my opinion.
Except the crystals theme.
I know, I know. We're probably talking about new music made specifically for XIV. But nothing will ever make me truly feel like I am playing a Final Fantasy game like hearing the crystals theme.
I have a bunch of FFXI music cd's.
My favorite is the Jeuno Christmas music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SsxrmHXHh8
The new music I like but nothing has grown on me yet, I am sure it will after a while.. i have been so into playing the game I have not really sat to listen to the music.
My favorite is the Jeuno Christmas music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SsxrmHXHh8
The new music I like but nothing has grown on me yet, I am sure it will after a while.. i have been so into playing the game I have not really sat to listen to the music.
FFXI: Nashred
Server: Phoenix
FFXIV : Sir Nashred
server: Ultros
Server: Phoenix
FFXIV : Sir Nashred
server: Ultros
Teravibe wrote:
My god the next thing we will fnd to argue is if the grass is better or worse than XI... Oh wait we already did that didnt we. Not to mention we have the usual suspects doing what they know best....
Reminds me of http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Russellius/grass_zps0dbeb0ac.png
Seriha wrote:
Of recent games I played, Xenoblade probably had the best soundtrack. It does the day/night thing for a lot of zones, and while it does electronic stuff, it's fairly good and not out of place since it isn't a medieval setting. There's a lot of good syncing with the environments, too.
Would you be upset if I this is my favorite track?
Seriously, I can rock out to this in my car headbanging until my neck pops.
Xoie wrote:
On the other hand, I think that FFXI's style has an edge in combat music. It may be because they didn't want FFXIV's combat music to be so jarringly different than it's background music, but it almost ends up taking away from the experience by being far too milquetoast. In FFXI, even a battle with a bunny is an epic experience, and I think that stays true to how combat is usually handled in the franchise.
I actually believe this to be a bad thing. Something so simple as fighting a rabbit should be treated as fighting a rabbit. It shouldn't be treated as a battle of epic proportions because it just isn't. That, to me, diminishes the quality of the music. Music should be more about setting the tone and mood of the situation.
That said, I find XI did a pretty good job at this, and for the longest time, nothing held a candle to this track in XI. It just sets the right mood. Light enough on the tone to keep you relaxed, but powerful enough to make you focus. It's a triumphant theme that begs for you to defeat the mob without breaking a sweat. I find no other battle theme in XI topped this one because frankly it just felt so right.
...That however, is topped by this. Seriously, I ******* love this track. It just has this "COME AT ME, BRO!" tone to it. It's a bit over the top due to the electric guitar, but that's what they were going for. It's a fun slice of music that sets the mood for almost every "random encounter" in the open world. You're supposed to enjoy the fight, because you're a badass adventurer, and you're ******** all over weak monsters you don't give a **** about. This is perfect as a battle theme to me.
Does ARR have a track like this? Right now, no. I find the battle theme to be too microscopic for my taste. It doesn't really have a personality. However, I do enjoy the hell out of the Event Battle theme that often plays during boss battles in dungeons.
HeroMystic wrote:
I actually believe this to be a bad thing. Something so simple as fighting a rabbit should be treated as fighting a rabbit. It shouldn't be treated as a battle of epic proportions because it just isn't. That, to me, diminishes the quality of the music. Music should be more about setting the tone and mood of the situation.
A rabbit isn't just a rabbit when it's even level or higher. My first battle against a rabbit was a Forest Hare outside San d'Oria. I didn't survive and spent most of the time trying to run around it dodging it's attacks, but it was probably one of the most epic solos I ever attempted in FFXI. White Coney was another...
That said, my favorite battle themed music from XI is pretty close tie between this and this. Almost certain that the former is my favorite, but probably gets dragged down a bit because of the enormous amount of time I spent in the area listening to it
Rinsui wrote:
Only hips + boobs all day and hips + boobs all over my icecream
HaibaneRenmei wrote:
30 bucks is almost free
cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
Recent Visitors: 297
All times are in CST
Anonymous Guests (297)
- Forums
- Final Fantasy XIV
- General Discussion
- ARR music compared to FFXI's?
© 2024 Fanbyte LLC