Suikoden has always been a game about the unification of cultures in order to triumph over threat. Although there may not be any immediate danger in need of conquering, the same principle of diversified culture joined together is present in the musical score of the game, as well. In fact, you could say that the project was so grand that it required the talents of three great composers in order to accomplish such a feat to accurately represent Suikoden III. Michiru Yamane, Takashi Yoshida, and Masahiko Kimura form a trinity of their own, mirroring the game’s own heroes, and bless the latest installment of the Suikoden series with music as epic as the game itself.
To many, Suikoden III‘s OST will be a welcomed trip of nostalgia; many of the previous installments themes are included in the new one. Along with both battle themes from Suikoden I and II, character-type themes have also been carried over, such as the well-known “zany French-theme” and the somber theme of reminiscence. If that’s not enough, Suikoden III also boasts new songs for fans to fall in love with, most of which are done in the well known style of the Suikoden games: reflective of various cultures and empowering, significant and befitting of the situation.
The Suiko-series is also famous for amazing intro themes, established first with Suikoden II, then later with both Suikogaiden games. A song rich with tribal drums and thundering gongs, mysterious chanting and teasing flutes play alongside the game’s anime intro, leaving player’s stunned and desperately groping for more. There’s no real way to describe the assorted tracks that are laced into the game. Most have an oriental feel to them, deeply ethnic and rich with culture. Others reflect Western Europe, and some even seem to have African origins to them. But, as other games have shown, diversity in music strengthens the scenes they accompany. Often these songs burn themselves into the minds of the players. So, if the scene is recalled, the song is remembered, or if the song is hummed, the scene floods back into memory. Thus the desired effect is achieved.
Suikoden III‘s soundtrack is for both fans of the series and newcomers alike. For those familiar to the series, the alluring factor of nostalgia that this soundtrack carries will be a strongpoint. If the game is foreign to you, then embrace the unique style and suitable tastes this soundtrack holds as a reason to purchase it. Two discs, seventy-six tracks, eighty percent of which are memorable tracks. If the game was an experience for you, then allow the music to continue its epic legacy and seal a place for both in your mind.
