Persona 4 Soundtrack Endurance Run!
By Hamz 19 Comments
Hey guys and girls how are you all? Enjoy the GDC coverage and news? I was going to blog about some of the stuff coming from GDC. Specifically OnLive and why I can't see it working out the way the creators seem to think it will. But instead I've opted for something else, something less negative.....
If you happened to be paying attention to my Twitter feed (link to follow me) last night you'll have seen I mentioned I was listening to the entire soundtrack for Persona 4. In fact some of you who are already following me (link again if you missed it) expressed some mixed emotions over me doing this. Below are a few tweets I received from folks about this....
LordofUltima@Hamzini You're fucking sick. A SICK BASTARD.
LordAndrew@Hamzini Nothing wrong with that.
MattyFTM@Hamzini Nothing is wrong with you. Or everything is wrong with you. I can't decide.
Just a few of the replies and as you can see there was clearly a mixed response. At first I wasn't sure why, was it because the soundtrack is that bad? Or was it because people were shocked I was listening to a soundtrack for a game they didn't like? I couldn't decide. So I soldiered on and clicked play.
Now would probably be a good time to set a few things straight. And by straight I mean I like girls, the younger the better....wait ignore that, scrap that last piece from your memory. Anyway I should point out I am a big fan of video game, and movie, soundtracks. Always have been ever since playing Final Fantasy 7 and hearing the 'One Winged Angel' theme for Sephiroth. And for me personally I find my enjoyment for a game can be intensified if the soundtrack and music within it is good. Like Bionic Commando Rearmed for example, amazing soundtrack in that game. I would happily say it’s got one of the best soundtracks in a game, ever.
With the Persona 4 soundtrack I found myself instantly imagining Japanese schoolgirls dressed as cats in a club listening to this sort of music. I mean that was honestly my first thought when hearing some of the early tracks. The music is just really positive and somewhat addictive to listen too. Sort of like the game seems to be actually. I mean for all its JRPG merits, who doesn't want to play Persona 4 so they can get it on with Chie? Admit it, you've thought about it. We all have.
Obviously being the soundtrack for a Japanese RPG means there is some J-Pop in it. Some more obvious than others I'd say. And I have to admit I am not that big a fan of J-Pop, but in this case I wasn't bothered by it at all. I really found myself enjoying the more Japanese aspects to the music. Just because it was a lot more different and in a pleasant way. A lot of the soundtrack is very relaxing, laid back and soothing to listen too. I got a really positive vibe out of it.
There are some really emotive songs in the soundtrack. Most made me feel somewhat happy and relaxed while there are a few darker, perhaps more depressing tracks on the list. But they are few and far between and I think it balances it out a little, Persona 4 doesn't look like a game that is entirely all smiles and laughs, I'm sure there are darker moments.
My favourite tracks would have to be 'Reach out for the Truth' and 'Backside of the TV' which I found insanely catchy and at one point had me humming along to it as I listened. In fact as I type this I have it playing now. And that’s the beauty of this games soundtrack I think. It is just so utterly pleasant and relaxed. A lot of music in games tends to be long dramatic orchestral scores that have you imagining epic battles or adrenaline rushing heavy metal which makes you want to smash and stab things. Persona 4 sort of has this blend of genuinely calming and addictive music that really suits the game.
I could go on, but I'll try and keep this short and just say this about the soundtrack. Buy it. You know that transaction of money for a service or item(s)? Yeah that one. Go do it now; even if you haven't played Persona 4, like me, you can still appreciate the fine music this game has to offer. And who knows maybe like me you'll be flirting with the idea of buying a PS2 and a copy of the game just so you can experience funky student and fox first hand. And walk in the steps of Vinny and Jeff.
Also if you haven't done so already, follow me on Twitter. A link to my profile on Twitter can be found here, here and in my about me section which can be found here.
No Hamz blog is complete without a random and totally unrelated image at the end....
Sadly though this image is so awesome it refuses to show in full size HQ. So click here to see it in said HQ!
