DISC 2
Disc2 track01- track04 commentary
Good evening guys,
This is Sekito.
I feel that I am over the moon, after I brought my own brand-new Mac book at home!
Anyway, today I will introduce you, the rookie of the sound department, the wizard of the sound, Mr Nakashima.
Let us begin!
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【Mr. Nakashima comments;】
Good evening.
I am a rookie of the sound department, the wizard of the sound, Mr Nakashima.
Recently a small alley cat appeared all in sudden in my neighborhood.
Everyday, I feed this cute alley cat with such a small figure with my sorrow, by buying food from convenience store.
As I was looking at this cutie while the cat was having its dinner in one go, I suddenly thought of that maybe this alley cat looks like a ,,, . Torgal from “THE LAST REMNANT”!
Oh, Yep!
From now on, I will call him, “Tuna”! Now, his name became “TUNA”
End.
====================================================
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This is such a heart warming story from Mr, Nakashima.
But considering the name “TUNA”… mmm.
Today, we will begin the commentary for Disc2, starting with the track“The Heavens` Majesty”.
[Disc 2]
■1. The Heavens` Majesty
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The track is from a city part of the game when the player enters the city called “Elysion”. Elysion is one the biggest city out of 2 other cities in “THE LAST REMNANT”, accordingly.
The story involves around the city of Elysion as a center of its own role.
Despite Rush matures dramatically through meeting important characters as the story goes, Rush who was born in an island of Yulum does not yet know anything about Elysion.
I wrote the track, starting with a fairly big intro with my intention for the player who would be experiencing a great first impression with surprises when enters Elysion, parallel to what would Rush be experience for the first time of entering Elysion.
The 2nd half of the track has riff that describing the feeling for the ending of the travel.
I hope I have made the intention clear enough for the track as well on the composition.
■2. Gateway to the West
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The track is also from a city part of the game when the player goes into the city of Balterossa. The city is known as a trading city with economically highly growing, and the city is surrounded by desert. I wrote the track to describe the liveliness of the city of Balterossa by writing uplifting track.
■3.The Seat of Vulcan
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This track is also from a city part of the game for the city of Royotia. Royotia is a city for miner and there are a quite few industrial buildings in the city. As you can see the city in the game, there are not that many people in the city.
I wrote the track with no obvious melody to intensify the mood of the city being industrial and primitive in a way. Also I wrote a simple and flat rhythm pattern and chord sequences for the theme.
■4.Swirling Sands
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The track is from a field part of the game including The Great Sand Sea.
The Great Sand Sea has a very few trees surviving that surrounded by a massive deserted land with a great clear sky in such a severe environment. There are also many enemies out in the desert as well. So that the player has be cautious at all time when you are on the quest.
On the 1st part of the track, I wrote a simple riff based track. As a comparison, I wrote the acoustic guitar part, accompanied by melody of sitar on the 2nd part of the track.
DISC 2
Disc2 track05- track09 commentary
Good evening, everyone. Yamanaka is here.
The sample of the soundtrack “THE LAST REMNANT” finally arrived!
I realize that the release date is getting closer by looking at those samples.
Mr. Sekito is almost crying by looking at those CDs!
Marushi Akio has a big smile in his face with those CDs!
And a great image of a great remnant on 3CDs!
Marushi Akio explained me with all his enthusiasm about this image,
Today, we will start from the commentary of the 5th Track of Disc2 of the soundtrack.
■5. Free and Easy
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The track is from a city part of the game when the player enters the city of Baaluk.
Baaluk places utmost point of the world of “THE LAST REMNANT”, with an essence of good-all countryside city/town. I wish I were visiting Baaluk and forgetting about a time going by, with a cup of tea in one hand.
■6. The Conqueror`s Message
■7. Something About that Guy
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event includes marching out the army of the conqueror in the street of Elysion.
I tried not to go nearer to the “A typical marching army theme” for this composition as you hear a lot of the time it in the commercial media. But I needed an essence of marching army for the music none the less. LOL
This event particularly, I think that the purpose of the event is only a full focus on Roeas character who is looking great in the event. Not to worry even if there is an old guy with red coat appeared in the event. LOL
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
I love the muscular belly of Madam Roeas. LOL
I particularly like the scene of that muscular body on focus, even though Roeas gives big speech scarily to the people with an attitude in the event. The balance of Castanea character who is the biggest mercenary out of the army and Roeas visually is quite amusing but it makes perfect sense to me.
I concentrated on writing the scene of after the army left from the city to emphasize a suggestion of how Rush would be coping the situation from now on.
■8. The Binding
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event shows a glance of unbreakable power of the conqueror against people.
The brief for the music was that music with unpredictable horrific feeling and the effect on stimulating anxiety. The underscoring was so brilliant that the actual event finished with an impressive and dynamic impact in the end.
【Mr.Sekito comments;】
The conqueror is indeed an exceptional who can bound the ark remnant.
I wrote the track using unusual scale for describing the spooky, suspicious feeling in the track. I also wrote the track unresolved, to leave unsettling mood in the track.
■9. Arcane Mysteries
【Mr.Sekito comments;】
This track is from the hidden part of the dungeon in the game. Although this hidden part exists in 2 places, the music is only 1 version as the 2 places are essentially the exactly the same world. I hope that I have written the track that has mysterious feeling in the track to fit exactly with the concept of this world.
END
Translation: Atsushi Suganuma
DISC 2
Disc2 track10- track13 commentary!
Good evening. This is Sekito.
Today, I slipped from the stairs in this rainy day. Then I have managed to spin myself with kicking a pot of my plant on the floor that has a picture of ducks.
Today, we will introduce you, a guy from the sound department who came back from UK, the brave heart, Mr. Suganuma.
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【Mr. Suganuma comments;】
Good evening, guys. Suganuma is here.
The soundtrack is without a doubt the super duper heavy rock influenced music.
I would like all of you to recommend this particular track for tonight, as follows…
Disc1 “The Bonds of Friendship”!!!!!
The track really is a comparison to the tracks of heavily distorted guitar orientated, up-tempo, uplifting music during a battle in the game.
For instance, imagine that you 2 friends that hate each other would have to stay in the 1 small room together… If you ever play this particular track while they are staying in the room, the result is very obvious. They will most likely to be a best friend ever for the rest of their lives, only by listening to the track in the same room!!!
It is that strong influencing!
===========================================
【Mr. Sekito commented; 】
Wow, you talk the talk, Mr. Suganuma. Peace!
We will move on the commentary of 10th track of Disc2!
■10. Memories Regained
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
My brief for the music was that the emphasis on confusion and mysteriousness for the composition. The musical box-like instrument reminds me of horror movies. The track does describe the mysterious mood for the event rather well.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
I personally think that the event has several hidden messages. I hope everyone will find those messages as well. For the music, I emphasized on those hidden messages that this event has towards the player. I assume that the scene shows its own depth of whole story off and on, especially the scene where it shows the conversation of Rush and Marina in his childhood.
■11. Family
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
As you can imagine from the title of the track, the concept is to show the bond of Sykes` family. The father “John Sykes” really is a great father figure that it is becoming so rare for general household in recent years.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
I feel a bond of affection of Sykes`s family when the father John looks at his family photo in the beginning of the event.
This track is a different variation of the theme of Yullum Island. Although they are at stake of war, I deliberately wrote with slow tempo to emphasize on the moment of reunion of Rush and John. Mr. Yagi gave me an idea for this track also. He really does have a great sense in screen play.
■12. Ancient Magicks
■13. The Curse
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event is for showing how obscene and disgusting Wagram character really is for the player.
I would love the player to think “What a jerk” for Wagram character.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
This track is also a different version of the theme of Wagram. I tried to achieve the becoming less in the mix to emphasis deeper voice of the dialog of Wagram in the mix. With my intention, I tried to write the track in a very simple form.
DISC 2
Disc2 track14- track17 commentary!
Good evening.
This is Sekito.
I have been too busy writing on my new year card for 2009 lately.
I did not notice that I had already written with the letter, saying,
“Happy New Year! 2008!” on 70 of my new year card for 2009.
Oops!
Anyway, Today`s guest for the comment is…
The love in his word of wisdom, “Takamori Saigo” of Shinjuku, Mr. Onishi!
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【Mr. Onishi comments; 】
Hello, “Takamori Saigo” of Shinjuku, I am Onishi.
The weather has gone very cold recently. How is everyone?
I imagine that some of you have been busy playing “THE LAST REMNANT”, of course!
I am recommending you the great, “THE LAST REMNANT” soundtrack for you!
It will be no mistake of buying the soundtrack as you will be enthusiastic by only listening to the music! Especially the 26th track of “Reversal!” on Disc1 is the best! !
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【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Oh no, It looks like that he might be the one that got really enthusiastic of all. But I appreciate your promotion of the soundtrack, though!
This blog may be becoming only for the promotion purposes itself…LOL
Today, we will start from 14th track of Disc2. Have a great time!
■14. The Marshalls
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This track is a different variation of the track “Home”. The harp part of the track describes sorrow but warm hearted “Marina” very well. Originally, the music should only have sorrowful mood in the track. But with this variation, the music really works with the dialog very effectively.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
I wrote the variation of the theme of Yullum Island with a replacing of harp part.
In the event, I feel the agony in her dialog. The track was written with expressing sorrow but warm and emotional feeling in the track. I could not have written this track without the direction and a wise idea of the arrangement from Mr. Yagi.
■15. Limberlost
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
This track is from Crookfen, a field part of the game. The main impression of the music is created by acoustic guitar arpeggio part. Flute part of the melody phrase n the middle of the track changes to the accompaniment of bright organ part in the structure of the track. Whole mood of the track is uplifting for the player to play the game.
■16. In the Shadow of the Dragon
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
This track is from Nagapur, one of the biggest cities in the world of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
Nagapur has an enormous dragon which supposed to protect the city and remains as a guardian of the city.
The lord of Nagapur is a villain indeed.
I wrote this track with more force driven approach for describing a intense feeling in the track.
■17. The Crumbling Fortress
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
The track is from Ghor Castle, a city part of the game.
Ghor Castle is a territory of Nagapur initially.
The music is written for bringing out the image of rusty old Ghor Castle, which still remains its own dignity from prosperous years.
DISC 2
Disc2 track18- track24 commentary!
Hello, I am a Yagi, the planner.
In the past few days, I suddenly had an urge of seeing the ending of “THE LAST REMNANT”. Then as I started playing the game, for no reason, I suddenly could not compete with the last boss of the game in Disc1!?!?!
Huh? What is happening?
I did not have a hard time when I played on my test playing before, though.
How did I do that?
So far, I have just lost 5 times in a low… I must beat the last boss for this time!
Anyway, I will move on to the commentary session.
I have my personal great memories for the tracks for today`s commentary, actually.
I would love everyone to have a listen to those tracks.
■18. Old Traditions, New Methods
【Mr. Sekito comments 】
This track is from a town of Melphina, a city part of the game.
Melphina is an ordinary town that surrounded by a beautiful nature with forests.
I decided to use the acoustic guitar part and xylophone part for the track to describe the city with peaceful nature of trees and river. I wrote the track also with a slightly different approach to the previous tracks for a city part of the track for the composition.
■19. Unrelenting Advance
■20. Fallen
【Mr. Yagi comments】
First of all, My hat’s off for to Mr. Sekito’s composition for this event.
The music does not seem to be cliché of the battle track in games, rather, the music was written for underscoring this event especially.
In fact, this event includes a key element for a turning point for story.
I remember that I and Mr. Sekito did have spent a huge amount of time and effort for getting the right brief especially for this event. e.g. Music cue for the event.
I still feel really emotionally stunned, every time when I listen to the track “Fallen”.
【Mr. Sekito comments 】
During the event, there is so much going on with the scene of confused civilian, the scene of major war etc. For the music, I especially concentrated on describing an agony of civilian and allies, anger towards unbeaten power of the conqueror, and emotional in tense moment of characters.
■21. Catafalque
■22. A Son`s Lose
■23. Vows Renewed
【Mr. Yagi comments】
The music for this event really captures the feeling of desperation and fear after a number of tragic incidents happened in previous events. And the music also captures the rise of hope that made by the particular character, appearing on this story.
This event begins with following the story that previous event suggested before.
I have had a hard time coming up with the right idea for the following previous event to this event musically. As Mr. Sekito comments as follows, the music interprets the event very successfully. I highly recommend the player to enjoy this event.
【Mr. Sekito comments 】
Transition from the despair to the hope brings people altogether in this event.
The music for this particular event is very memorable since the pre production of the music. This event is one of my unforgettable event scenes, personally.
■24. Everflow (Music: Yamanaka)
【Mr. Yamanaka comments 】
The track is from The Aqueducts, a dungeon part of the track.
The dungeon itself seems really humid that it could instantly make things moss-grown.
I wrote the track to capture this humid dungeon exactly by putting musical part of slow filtering effect.
NEWS
Thank you so much for all the messages!!!3
Hello.
Marushi Akio, a promotion staff is here.
Thank you so much for your messages!
We will also be continuing to answer all the received messages, today.
Some of you might be able to find the answer for your own massage, today!?
【Message;】
I am stunned with graphics, the game systems, and BGM for “THE LAST REMNANT”.
I am totally hooked!
I am very looking forward for the release of the soundtrack.
I will absolutely be going to the store to buy the soundtrack even if it is raining or typhoon.
And take care for your cold.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Hello, Sekito is here.
Thank you for your message.
The soundtrack has a variety of style of music including the composition from Mr. Yamanaka.
The track order follows the same path with the actual game itself.
You might find satisfying if you change the order of the tracks for your own purposes.
I will try all my best to work for the future game development, I will also try not to catch a cold!
I will pass on your great message to our development team, too!
【Message; 】
I really like the track “Out of Control” the most even though there are many favourite tracks for the soundtrack.
When I first listened the track, I was amazed with great harmony on the intro.
I fell in love with the track!
I just felt great by listening to the track during my battle.
The track really is my favourite.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Hi there, Sekito is here. Thanks for your message.
I fact, we have not gone far enough for the commentary of the track “Out of Control”.
Did you listen the track through the limited edition of the soundtrack that only available with Xbox 360 “THE LAST REMNANT” Premium Pack???
Incredible!
The track “Out of Control” is also my favourite track from the soundtrack.
The track has a great vibrato on the melody during the intro, hasn’t it??
The first half of the track is quite simple, but the balance between the first half and second half of the track with odd time signature is creating a great vibe in the track, I think.
【Message; 】
The question for Mr. Sekito and Mr. Yamanaka:
Do you guys have your own admirable composers, possibly who works in the game industry?
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Hello, Sekito is here.
Thank you for your message.
I have a huge respect on Mr. Barry Gray and Mr. Scott Bradley. To me, these composers are my God!
≪Barry Gray:≫
the music for Thunderbird, Captain Scarlet, etc. Thunderbird had its own game series, too.
≪Scott Bradley:≫
The theme for TV cartoons “Tom&Jerry” etc I m not too sure but Tom&Jerry might have a game series, too.
Unfortunately, those composers have already passed away. They used to be my admiration in my childhood.
In Recent years, I really love Mr. Danny Elfman.
≪Danny Elfman:≫
The music for the film “Spiderman”, Fable, Fable2 on Xbox360 etc
【Mr. Yamanaka comments; 】
Hi, Yamanaka is here.
Thank you for the question.
I love Brian Eno for my admiration.
He is a pioneer of Ambient music, I am sure everyone would recognize the sound of Starting Sound jingle for Windows 95.
Brian Eno is also famous for creating Generative Music theory, which means that music generated by a system component. He composes music through his theory.
He has recently composed music by using his own theory for some game project.
【Message;】
All the track really rocks! It sounds very cool!
But I have noticed the sound of “Line6 ” and “dfh” on the guitar and drums.
How do you approach your composition? Do you start from each part?
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Hello, Sekito is here.
Thank you very much for your message and question!
For the question about the guitar part, we used several amp simulators both Analog and Digital. We did not actually use Line6 for the guitar part for the production.
We usually use the actual recording of the guitar that is recorded on microphones.
Then we produce the guitar part with both individual recording and post mixed recording.
Mr. Yamanaka will be answering the question for the production of the rhythm track instead of me.
First of all, before composing music, I check the game system for a starter.
Having had a few ideas for the music, I start with fixing the tempo of the music.
And then, after fixing the tempo I move on to the process of chord sequencing and melody simultaneously. After that, I tend to add the instrument parts following the order of the instruments that have the lowest frequency range to the higher frequency range.
【Mr. Yamanaka comments; 】
Hi there, Yamanaka is here.
For the question about the production of rhythm part, we produce with the mixture of the rhythmic sound samples and recordings, not including the use of “dfh” for the rhythm.
【Marushi Akio comments; 】
The previous message contained quite a few special term for the music production,
I will add a few explanations here…
According to my data…
Line6 is a manufacturer that manufactures a product of the digital modeling amp simulator called “Pod”. Line6 is famous for the product of “Pod” from both pro and amateur musicians.
dfh is a sound files for rhythm track making. It is produced by Toontrack e.g. dfh superior.
I did not know that, I should be making memos for myself then.
I feel very happy to have such a many encouraging messages from everyone.
On the website of “Square-Enix MEMBERS” –“THE LAST REMNANT” page, we are waiting your messages continuously!
Some of the answers for received messages might just well be yours?!
Diary
Mr. Sekito about his guitar collections
Hello Marushi Akio is here!
Today, I questioned Mr. Sekito about his guitar collections.
I have just been to Mr. Sekito`s recording booth for the interview.
I brought Mr. Yamanaka with me in case of an emergency for technical answers.
Knock! Knock!
Mr. Sekito welcomed us with his smile and was kindly enough to show us his collections.
Here are his guitar collections.
Wow! 4 of them! He really has a lot of the guitar.
Do they really make any differences for the sound?? Of course they do, Don’t they?
【Question1:】
Do you remember which guitar did you use for each track?
【Mr. Sekito answers; 】
I remember the most of the order for the use of my guitar. LOL
I have 6 guitars in total, I ended up using 4 of my guitar after all.
≪1st left of the photo:≫
1.Fender Stratocaster Master builder series, customized by Art Espaza NoAE587
≪2nd left of the photo:≫
2.Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe series
≪1st right of the photo:≫
3.JamesTyler Studio elite deluxe
≪2nd right of the photo: ≫
4.YAMAHA classic guitar
【Question2:】
How do you divide the use for each guitar?
【Mr. Sekito answers; 】
I mainly use No 1 guitar. I use the Most of my electric guitar part with No 1.
I use No 1 guitar on my previous live concert, also the past live for the band “Star Onions.”
No 2 guitar is for the use of the special low tuning that 7semitones down tuning.
I use No2 guitar for the track “Reversal”.
No 3 guitar is for mainly overdub recording, for example I use for melody.
I used No 4 guitar for the track “Echoes of the Past. ”
This might be my own limit as my knowledge for music on my brain has so little.
I will pass on questioning for Mr. Yamanaka.
【Question3:】
What do you use for your usual guitar-effects, and what is your usual guitar sound?
【Mr. Sekito answers; 】
I did not use a huge amount of guitar-effect for “THE LAST REMNANT”.
I love the sound of Delay effect in general. I did use “Ducker Delay” a lot.
I like my distorted guitar sound usually. My distorted guitar sound goes more towards the sound that produced with modeling effect and pre amp than an ordinary over-drive effect.
I like to use EQ that cutting off on Mid range for the guitar. Outcome for this EQ is similar to “Biting sound”, also the sound of muted guitar with lot of depth.
I tried very hard to have my own exact guitar, spending a long period of time.
I am happy with outcome of the sound after all.
【Question4:】
Do you have to be fussy about your sound?
【Mr. Sekito answers; 】
Absolutely! When I am creating muted guitar, for example.
Even though muted guitar sounds great when you listen to it in front of the amp,
After the sound mixing process, those great sounding muted guitar tends to be out in the mix, or muddy sounding.
For “THE LAST REMNANT” though, I passed on my job of sound mixing process to Mr. Yamanaka! He must have had a nightmare of mixing sound. LOL
【Question:5 】
What are those stickers which you can see on 1st &2nd left of 2 of the guitar on the photo??
【Mr. Sekito answers; 】
Those stickers are from my private fellow guitar group that I have been involved with for a long time. Are n`t they look cool on the guitar??
【Mr. Yamanaka comments; 】
That is it for my interview for today.
It is only 3 days left for the release date of the soundtrack!?!?
Tomorrow, we are introducing new commentary for you.
【Marushi Akio comments; 】
Oops!
Mr. Yamanaka just did my job for me to tell you guys about the release date.
The soundtrack of “THE LAST REMNANT” is going to be released on Dec 10th 2008.
It contains whole 97 tracks from “THE LAST REMNANT”, I am highly recommending you this soundtrack!
Please check out for tomorrow’s interviews, Thank you
DISC 2
Disc2 track25- track28 commentary!
Good evening. This is Sekito.
I questioned myself for whether or not I should put eggs in my fridge.
After putting eggs in my fridge, I realized that eggs were actually boiled eggs(Japanese one that you don’t put them in the fridge at all.)
I made a pan cake out of them after all, though.
Anyway, Tonight, we have a final guest from our sound department.
I am introducing the king of Akihabara, Mr. Uchimura!
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【Mr. Uchimura comments; 】
Hi all, Uchimura is here. I love all the maids in Akihabara by the way!
Is n`t tonight rather cold?
Recently, I have just been to **id pub in Ikebukuro!
The place was packed with girls in costume, I was loving that place!
I would love to sit on the bar counter for next time! LOL
I have been busy watching latest anime and hanging out in **id café in Akihabara…
Every time when I visit Akihabara, I see many Torgal-like girls, only ears that are look-alike though. LOL
Sorry I got carried away with talking my personal favourites… LOL
By the way, has everyone complete “The Last Remnant” yet?
It might be a little hard to complete as the game contains so many missions and playable tasks, etc.
Also, the soundtrack of “The Last Remnant” ! It is so great!
I got given the sample of the soundtrack with the autograph of Mr. Sekito and Mr. Yamanaka!!!!!
The best present ever!
Thank you so much!
You guys take care now and try not to catch a cold!
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【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Did he only talk about himself? Or did n`t he?? LOL
Tonight, we will begin with the commentary on 25th track of Disc 2.
I hope that you will have a great time.
■25. Assembling the Puzzle
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
The brief for this event is “Insanity”.
At a glance, the character seems to come across as a foolish character. But the character actually veils fearful, dreadful characteristic behind itself. The music brings out the factor of this event very well. Human beings can be grim and horrible, indeed.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
I deliberately wrote the music to describe the feeling of comical and glamorous, which relatively with the dreadful characteristic in the event. I tried to capture the characterictic from the 2nd half of the event when the character gives a big speech especially, in the music. I feel that I succeeded my intention towards the music for this event.
■26. The Gates of Hell
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Among our development team, our team members used to call the name of this particular battle” The battle of monster with magic square”.
I wrote this track for the battle that related to the story about Wagram.
The intro of the track starts off with heavily distorted guitar riff. The track was written intentionally for stimulating the emotion of the player of the game. The track also has a mellow melodic section structurally to achieve my intention toward the track, rather than having a heavy distorted guitar riff all the way through the track.
■27.A Sister`s Faith
■28.The Price of Arrogance
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event describes the maturity of Irina throughout a course of the story of the game.
I always think to notice the bravery of Irena`s Character despite of her age, being 14 years old. As opposed to the character of Irena, the character of Wilfred Hermeien seems to me….I am speechless. LOL
But I personally like the character, like Wilfred, to have a nasty role in the game.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
The character of Wilfred Hermeien seems to make his role very well in the event.
The role of sub character nasty “Wilfred Hermeien” works perfectly with the role of Rush character even though Rush does not do any particular expression to confront with Wilfred character in the event.
DISC 2
Disc2 track29- track32 commentary!
Good evening, This is Yamanaka.
It is a day before the release date for the soundtrack!
For this special day, we have a great guest for our interview.
The guest is Mr. Naora, the art director/ art producer of “THE LAST REMNANT”!
He was kind enough to have us for our interview tonight despite of his busy schedule.
================================================
Good evening, This is Naora, everyone.
I just feel bad for everyone that I have given the sample of the soundtrack before its release.
As I have been listening to the soundtrack while at work, I just find it difficult to concentrate on my work as I am listening to the soundtrack…
My “moral gauge” is always at the top notch while I listen to the soundtrack.
Also, when I listen to the soundtrack, the music does not only get all my attention.
The music really brings out all my memory of the time that we had during the game development.
While the production for promotion video was under development,
I had mistaken the music, which is supposed to be the theme of David Nassau, as the theme for “THE LAST REMNANT” when I first heard the music.
I suggested Mr. Sekito, saying,
“If it is possible, would the theme of David Nassau be changed to the theme for “THE LAST REMNANT”??
Mr. Sekito replied,
“OK, but the music was meant to be the theme for David Nassau…”
I suggested again, to Mr. Sekito, saying,
“Yeah, but the music captures the characteristic of the “THE LAST REMNANT” brilliantly.
And it also intensifies the emotion in the game.”
Mr. Sekito replied,
“Absolutely! But the music was really meant to be the theme for David Nassau, though”
We used to have the conversation just like above for 3 times at the time! But in fact, we had that actual conversation 2 years ago.
Now it becomes all in the memory of good all days.
A few weeks ago, our development team had a little game-ending viewing gathering for ourselves.
I almost had tears in my eyes when I listen to the music for the ending of the game while we had a viewing gathering.
At the gathering, I could not pass my message to Mr. Sekito who could not attend the viewing for his rehearsal for the live concert.
I would like to send my message to Mr. Sekito on this blog, as I missed the opportunity last time.
“Mr. Sekito, would you still think changing the theme of David Nassau to the theme for “THE LAST REMNANT”??” LOL
Well, I would love all the game player and listener to enjoy listening to the soundtrack!
Also please have great fun playing “THE LAST REMNANT”!
================================================
I clearly remember that particular conversation between Mr. Sekito and Mr. Naora in the beginning of the development.
Where this commentary leads to us??
Who will we be introducing for the next interviews in the next few weeks?!?
As well as we think about those matters, we will also begin with the commentary of 29th track of Disc2.
■29.Reunited at Last
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
The brief for this event is the word ”Famiy”. For the music, we had a briefing to compose a different variation of the track “Home”,
The outcome with this variation is brilliant and very impressive.
I was impressed with the fact that the event really stands out with this variation of the music.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The event itself has a very short length of all.
I personally feel relieved that the event shows the brotherhood of Rush and Irena in the distruction during war period.
I composed to vary the track from the theme of peaceful life Sykes family in Yullum Island.
■30.Echoing Hallways（music：Yamanaka）
【Mr. Yamanaka comments; 】
The track is from Nagapur, in the part of hallway or the foyer of Nagapur.
The track in fact includes the melody from the track “Dark Secrets”.
It is not a problem whether or not the track is using the melody from the different track.
■31.Rewriting the Rules
■32.The Second Awakening
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
From this event on, there would be many important scenes in terms of the story in the game.
We continued to put our idea into one place by redoing demos many times.
We concentrated on covering that what are the specific feel for the music, how much should the music be involved in each scene, how we achieve to intensify the momentum with the consideration of the story in the actual event.
The number of meeting that we have had was enormous. I think the number of our meeting for this event was the biggest out of all events in the game.
I really hope that the player would have a great time on enjoying this event.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
I did rewriting the music over and over again for this particular track.
The music cue for the breakbeat and the orchestral strings works perfectly with a huge effect from great dialog.
I introduced the main theme for the scene where Rush fight back the conqueror with full of anger.
NEWS
The soundtrack “THE LAST REMNANT” has been released
December 10th
At last! The soundtrack “THE LAST REMNANT” has been released!!!!
Including Mr. Sekito, Mr. Yamanaka and Mr. Yagi, we are incredibly happy for the release for the soundtrack!
This is the CD image for the soundtrack below…
I and happy to announce that everyone, who has just bought the CD, and who is going to buy the CD, Also who is yet deciding whether or not buying the CD will be enjoy and will be satisfied with an amazing production of the soundtrack.
If some of you have not yet bought the CD, please check out at SQUARE ENIX ONLINE STORE!
Thank you and hope to enjoy our next interview.
DISC 2
Disc2 track33-track 36 commentary.
Recently, I found a strange tape with the sticker, said that “song for love, by T. Sekito”, while I was tidy up my desk.
As I was giggling about a success of finding this tape, thinking that “This must be some kind of mistake!?” Mr. Yamanaka, who was accidentally walking through the room, caught me at the exact moment.
The photo here
Today, it is finally the release date for the soundtrack of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
This exclusive blog continues only until a week from Today. I will do my best till then!
Well, today`s guest on this blog is…
The busiest man of the team, the director of “THE LAST REMNANT”, Mr. Takai!!!
Let us begin!
============================================
Good evening!
I am Takai, the director of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
Has everyone had a great time playing “THE LAST REMNANT”?
The game itself contains quite large amount of data, I think.
I hope everyone is reaching towards the end of the game.
I imagine that the player has found many great tracks of Mr. Seiko’s music in the game.
I am extremely happy with the music that Mr. Sekito has composed and I am very thankful to his work. Especially he has managed to compose many tracks for the battle.
As I look back, it was 3 years ago when the producer told me that who would like to use for our composer for the game. I remember that I told him with my instant answer, saying that” Mr. Sekito!” at the time.
I still think that I made my decision truly right.
Looking back, as well as it seems like a good old days, I really do not feel that it seem like the end of the development. Rather, all the staff seems to be busy working.
Well, they really are working their heads off, intensely to be exact.
I would not feel to stop them working though.
All the staff, including me, we are constantly working at various things for our game development.
I am very confident to say that after new-year, we will be able to give some great news for everyone.
Best regards
The director Takai
============================================
That's right! It really is a great memory looking back our time.
We will start with the commentary of 33th track of Disc 2.
■33.Gwayn's Bellow
■34.The Remnant of Fear
■35.Marion's Blessing
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event describes the existence of massive power of Remnant itself. I wanted to deliver the message that the world exists in such a fragile balance even if the world seems perfectly in peace. I hope the player would be able to read my message from seeing this event.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This event is one of the most important events for the story of “THE LAST REMNANT”
■36.Whispers of the Ancients（music：Yamanaka）
【Mr. Yamanaka comments;】
This track is for a dungeon of ancient ruins. I composed with the approach of symphonic orchestration as oppose to the other music from dungeon part of the game.
I tried to capture the theme of ancient atmosphere by adding thumping drums, like an avalanche.
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
Since today is a very special day of the release date for the soundtrack,
We will introduce the commentary of Disc 3 as well!!!
Please hold tight for the next commentary.
DISC 3
Disc3 1st track-3rd track commentary
================【DISC3】================
■1.Breakers on the Shore
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This track is from Fornstrand, a field part of the game.
Fornstrand has dark sky, wild terrain and many enemies in its field.
The music has slow but strongly steady rhythm with keeping the good balance of dark mood in the music. On the second half of the track, it has a sorrow feeling in the track when strings part kicks in. For me, the structure and the feel of the track work perfectly. I hope all of you would feel the same, too.
■2.Enter the Seven
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
This event is for the introduction of “Seven” who are my favorite characters in the game. By all means, “Seven” really are very cool characters. The music captures the evilness of “Seven” very cleverly.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Again, I love muscular body, on her stomach especially, of Roeas. This event shows the first introduction of “Seven”. I deliberately compose the music with the emphasis on Rhythm section and Brass section in order to emphasize the strong individuals of “Seven” characters.
■3.Life Without Remnants
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
From earlier period of the game development, the director of “Mr. Takai” suggested to us to have a 2 individual music for dependant on whether the world has remnant or not.
I have managed to capture the deep inside meaning of the existence of Remnant without sounding only sorrow and dry.
Also in my composition, I captured the message that why civilization dependent on Remnant, and why Remnant dependent on civilization.
DISC 3
Disc3 track4-track7 commentary
Good evening!
I have a technique that when I can get rid of boiled water to sink when I eat instant cup fried Chinese noodle. I pour boiled water so well that the sink does not go “bowink!”, because of the temperature difference between the sink and the water. I use my technique every time when I eat cup chow-mein! Whee!
Anyway, we will start from the commentary of the 4th track of Disc3 tonight.
I hope you enjoy the commentary.
■4.Hermeien's Ultimatum
■5.Accepting the Challenge
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
The event itself has a huge comparison with the 1st half of the event, being horribly bright, and the 2nd half of the event, being incredibly dark. I do not see it as a one whole event. LOL
The brief for this event is e word “Insanity”. The theme for this event shares the same theme as the track “Assembling the Puzzle”. This event particularly has its own madness and horrific mood in the event. In the 2nd half of the event, the event describes Hermeien`s madness rather well. It is so dark, indeed.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The character of Hermeien has become stronger and scarier than the past events. I think this event really reflect the difference of the characteristic of Hermeien very well as you can see.
The 2nd half of the event, I emphasized the darker mood in the music to capture a life and death battle between Hermeien character and the Lord Ghor who used to be a partner of Hermeien in the past.
■6.Press to Victory
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The track used to be called ”The battle for “Seven”” among our development team.
This track is introduced in the game only when the player fights against “Seven” characters in the game.
I chose very effective approach to compose the music by using unison on the guitar tapping part and Arpeggio bass part during intro.
It works really great with the event especially when the camera panning on the beginning of the event. I think that the player would love each character of “Seven” who have an individual unique strength for each character.
■7.Turn the Tide
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This track is triggered when the player has an advantage with the moral gauge during their battle.
The track has up-tempo; hard rock style in its basis, the track also has a symphonic orchestral style as well in the track. I added Ducker Delay effect on the melody, which is played by the guitar part. I love guitar effect like that on my guitar part. LOL
The track runs very smoothly with the guitar riff after the 1st half of the track.
DISC 3
Disc3 track8th-track12th commentary
Good evening, this is Yagi, the event planner.
At last! The soundtrack has been released!
I have been listening to the soundtrack on everyday basis, honestly.
This soundtrack will certainly be the masterpiece in the game music world...
If some of you have not yet bought the soundtrack, I would recommend this awesome soundtrack!
Moving on, we will begin with our commentary for today, then.
Oh, almost forgot to mention about my progress of game playing since the last week!
Since the last week attempt of that the last boss battle, I still have not yet achieved to beat the last boss… how awful is this for the game developer`s point of view…
I am planning to complete “The Last Remnant” by the end of this year.
Wait a minute! We only have 2 weeks left for the new-year in 2009!? No way!
Mmm we might have to move on to our commentary session for today!
Let us begin!
■8.Unexpected Betrayal
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
I wanted to have a slightly different style of music for this particular event.
I tried to bring out the moment of indescribably dangerous situation by Mr. Seiko’s underscore for this event. Mr. Sekito, without any doubt, has composed the perfect music for this event. I am very impressed with this underscore from its coolness of the music.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
The event goes quickly with panicky situation. The scene with explosions sound effect, for example, is taking the most of space in the mix. To avoid the interfering between the sound effect and music, I deliberately reduced the low frequency on the music for the mix.
■9.Out of Control
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
The track used to be called “The battle for THE REMNANT” among our development team.
The player can listen to the track when the player is in the battle mode with the Remnant, for example with Cyclopse.
The track has many selections of instruments of synthesizer part, guitar part, and symphonic orchestral part. The 2nd half of the track introduces the chaotic feeling in the track, which is produced by the guitar part, played on odd time signature, and strings part.
■10.Beat the Odds
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
This track is for when the player is in crisis during the battle.
The timpani part is played during the intro. I chose a symphonic approach to the music for the track. The player might not be able to recognize about the fact that the track has an intensity movement on the 2nd half of the track.
This track is meant to yell out the player during the battle which is being in crisis.
■11.The Bitter End
■12.My Liege, My Enemy
Diary
Thanks for all your messages! Vol.4
Good morning!
This is Marushi, a promotion staff.
This week also, we have received many messages from everyone.
We are introducing received messages for you below!!
【Message1】
I am very looking forward to hearing the news for the release for the soundtrack.
As well as furious battle music, I personally love a field part of the music from the game.
By the way, as I have been enjoying reading this blog, I have just found out that I am not able to listen to the track on this blog for my PC setup. Even if I click the link for the tracks and wait for a while, it does not respond me. My browser is FireFox2, I am able to listen to the music on the top page of “Square-Enix Music”!?
I could only listen to the track from the very first page of this blog…
It is a shame, but I should be waiting for the release of soundtrack.
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Thank you for your message!
This is Sekito.
We produced our production with a conscious on having a quite huge variety of music style. With the exception of music for all the event sequence, the music is divided by dungeon part of the music, which is composed by Mr. Yamanaka, a field part of the music, city part of the music and battle.
Is not the music for a field part of the game rather brilliant after the big battle??LOL
I think that I have succeeded to compose great music for it in order to bring out such a big scale of “THE LAST REMNANT world”.
To solve your technical difficulty, Marushi will be answering your question for me.
【Marushi Akio comments;】
Thank you very much for your message.
This is Marushi, a promotion staff.
I am very sorry for our technical problem when you tried to listen to the track.
We have not yet faced such a problem like yours, unfortunately.
The reason might have been your PC set up, but I would love to know your PC setup and your technical issues further more in detail to solve this problem.
Again, I apologize for your technical problem while you are enjoying the soundtrack.
For the solution to that problem,
1.You will be able to listen to the music on the official website of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
2.Considering that the soundtrack is sale for 3.300 JPY that has now been released on store, it might be an idea that you buy the CD in the store!?!?
I will have a research for that particular technical issue for you, as well as I will need for our further management on the blog.
I hope that you will enjoy “Return of Sekito Clinic” from now onward.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
【Message2】
Hi there, I have been enjoying this blog everyday.
I have been looking forward to listen to the soundtrack before the release, as I used to go the official website of “THE LAST REMNANT” just to listen to the music.
To listen to the music on this blog is my daily pleasure.
The 6th track of Disc 1”The Assault” is my favorite track especially. As I am trying to copy the rhythm pattern of cymbals on drums, I still find it difficult to play on the drums. The track is indeed my favorite track that has very cool rhythm section.
I can not wait to hear about the release for the soundtrack as the date is close to the release date.
I feel a little hesitated to listen to all the music from the soundtrack before I complete the actual game. But I bet that I would put my hands on the soundtrack once I get the CD anyway.
My plan is that I will be listening to the soundtrack very carefully while I play through the game. I will look forward for your future game!
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Thank you very much for the message, this is Sekito.
This blog was started out from one silly conversation that our staff and I used to have.
Since then, with collaborations from so many people, we have been updating this blog pretty much, almost everyday basis. Just recently though, we might be able to update from “Almost everyday basis” to “everyday basis”! LOL
Maybe this blog is a little annoying, might be very enjoyable!!?? LOL
Honestly, I am so glad to hear everyone`s response and contributions.
Meanwhile, on the rhythm part of the track “The Assault”, you might find it easier to play when you concentrate on playing along with the bump of the string section rhythmically.
Here is a photo for your reference for the track below…
I did not realize that you have noticed this rhythm pattern like that.
I shall be trying to write the music in more complexes… Oh no, I should be going to add greater impression in game with my music. LOL
I really hope that you would enjoy both “THE LAST REMNANT” and the soundtrack.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
【Message3】
I have been enjoying this blog very much along with your commentary and other stuff!
Just the other day, I have completed the game!
The music for the ending of the game, which Mr. Sekito mentioned before on this blog, was so great that I have now ordered the soundtrack while I was feeling a little dizzy.
Everyday, I have been listening to the music from the CD that came with “Infinite Undiscovery” special edition, hoping that the day for the release date of the soundtrack would come soon.
Once it comes out, I will be listening to the soundtrack while I think of the “THE LAST REMNANT”. I have a feeling that I will cry once I listen to the music for the ending of the game… I was not planning to buy the soundtrack to be honest…
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Thank you so much for your message. this is Sekito!
I hear that you have completed the game, then? Congratulations!
I hear also that you have already ordered the soundtrack! I imagine that you would have received the CD by now.
Thank you very, very much.
I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed the music for ending when you completed the actual game.
The music was not too bad, was it?? LOL
The track order of the soundtrack follows the story of the game itself. You might find satisfying to listen to the soundtrack by making your own play-list, while you could imagine and indulge your own story of the game. That might be fun!
【Marushi Akio comments; 】
I hope you enjoyed Today`s messages and answers.
I like the message concerning about the rhythm pattern, very much!
You have pointed out great bit!
We are still waiting your messages for our development team on the “SQUARE-ENIX Members” website.
We are welcoming all your messages, such as comments on the game, the music, also the question about the music making skills. Any messages are welcome!
We will be also introducing our received messages tomorrow.
Please do not miss that out!
Until then, Good bye!
Diary
Thanks for all your messages! Vol.5
Hi all, this is Marushi, a promotion staff.
As I mentioned yesterday, we will continue introducing our received messages today.
That, of course, includes commentary from Mr. Sekito and Mr. Yamanaka.
I hope you will enjoy today`s messages!
【Message１】Dear sound department staff,
I love reading the commentary of the soundtrack on this blog!
I am enjoying updates of the commentary everyday.
I used to listen to a few of the tracks on the official “THE LAST REMNANT” website before.
I feel so glad of the fact that I can now listen to the music on this blog.
In fact, I still do not own either Xbox 360 or Playstation3 yet. I still have not played “THE LAST REMNANT”, yet.
I am a big game fan myself, I did check out the trailer of “THE LAST REMNANT” when the first announcement for the release of the game came out.
I loved the music on the trailer which gave me a goose skin when I listened to it for the first time!
I used to listen to the music endlessly on the trailer over and over.
I do not have an exact memory of the music on the trailer that I saw as the website has been updated a few times since then. I assume that the music that I love is I think the track “First Awakening”. It maybe it was a different arrangement!?
I was touched when I found the track after the updates of the website.
I hope I am not mistaking the name of the track though…
Anyway, I still feel awesome when I listen to the music on this blog. I also love the game music scene. The fact that I have not yet played the actual game make me eager to listen to the music more and more when I listen to the tracks on this blog.
I would want to listen to the tracks for a whole length for once.
The game itself seems very interesting. I am planning to buy the game.
I just wanted to let you know about how I was impressed with the music.
I am still looking forward to reading the rest of the commentary on this blog.
Thank you
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Thanks very much for your comment, this is Sekito.
I feel honored to hear that you have a positive impression on the soundtrack just by itself!
I am not so sure whether you could categorize “game music scene” or not. LOL
But I know exactly what you are trying to say anyhow.
We have compiled the soundtrack that follows the order of the story in the game.
I think that you might enjoy imaging the game by listening to whole track when you have a spare time.
Also, our sound crews have made a huge effort to create such a quality sound production for the game. If you ever feel like playing the actual game, I would recommend you to play this awesome game!
Shall we ask what Mr. Yamanaka thinks about “The First Awakening”??
【Mr. Yamanaka comments;】
Hi there, this is Yamanaka.
To answer your question about the music of the trailer, I have a feeling that It might have been the first ever theme that we had written for the game. Sorry, if I m wrong!
The track has been arranged its variation from the music for “TGS 2007 trailer”, Disc3 “Overture TGS 2007 Mix”, to Disc1 “The first Awakening”. We have a different arrangement of it on Disc3 “Finale” also.
The closest arrangement I think is that the last part of Disc3”Overture TGS 2007 Mix”
To agree with Mr. Sekito's comment. I would love for you to play the game!
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
【Message;2】
Good evening.
I have been enjoying playing “THE LAST REMNANT” very much.
The other day, I was playing the game with my headphones on, without any intensions.
I realized how good the music was for the first time! I was listening to the title track over and over.
I thought that the battle tracks must sound so cool, and then I discovered that I totally love the track changes when the moral gauge moves back and forth during the battle.
That really makes me feel great!
As I was looking for the release date for the soundtrack, I just found out that Today is the release date! I think that the online shopping might take a while to deliver, so that I will buy the CD in store. I feel bad about the fact that I did not realize how great the music was while I was playing the game before.
I will definitely choose the music during the battle for my wake up alarm in the morning.
That music brings my feeling right up.
Of course I am following this blog everyday. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the commentary!
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
Thank you very much for your message, this is Sekito.
I am so glad that you are enjoying both the game and the soundtrack!
When you listen from headphones, I can actually hear more frequency band of the sound that TV speakers are unable to reproduce. .
On the game title part, you would hear two tracks “The First Awakening” and “Cherished Memories”. You might also enjoy many of different variations of those two tracks in the game.
I agree with you mentioned about the music for the battle would be suitable for a wake up alarm! LOL
I would love for you to listen to those tracks when you are in the situation that you must bring your feeling up!
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
【Message3】
I just have bought the soundtrack of “THE LAST REMNANT” online!!
I can not wait to have the CD in my hand. I will be listening to the soundtrack when I read my own message this blog! LOL
I am a big fun of Mr. Sekito since “The Brave Fencer”
As much as I like his music, I really like his sense of humor.
I am looking forward to reading your almost every track commentary session!
【Mr., Sekito comments;】
Thanks very much for the message! This is Sekito.
Oh, good old “The Brave Fencer”! LOL
The game was released 10 years ago…
Since then, my enthusiasm toward music for games has not changed the slightest.
I feel that you will enjoy “THE LAST REMNANT” as I have put all my effort to the game.
There is a lot of great music on “THE LAST REMNANT” also! LOL
Someone pointed out about my work, saying that “his work has now a little rack in color these days” LOL
This opinion may be grateful!? Or it might be not so grateful to hear!? LOL
From now on, I will try my best and challenge newer projects in the future!
I really hope to have your support!
【Marushi Akio comments; 】
Thanks for your enthusiastic messages, everyone!
Thank you very much for your messages that makes me encouraged!
We are continuing to have more and more messages from all of you for this blog.
If you have any question that needs to be answered by us, or if you want to deliver your feeling to us, please do send us your messages!
We are welcoming your massages from the link below…
Tomorrow, we will begin with Disc3 13th track commentary session.
This blog might have been reckless for a start as to update on everyday basis.
But since we have only 3 days left, we will continue this blog enthusiastically,
We hope for you to enjoy as much as you can.
Thank you!
Marushi Akio, A promotion staff
DISC 3
Disc3 track13th-track16th commentary
Hello, this is Sekito.
Recently, I am realizing the end of year is coming closer clearly when I notice the freezing cold weather in the mornings and the evenings.
On the day like this, I feel awkward to get out of bed. I thought of bright idea that I set my alarm on my alarm clock to 18min ahead, my cell phone to 12 min ahead, and my clock in the room to 23min ahead.
This way, those alarms would go off for me in the different timing that would make me worry to know about the exact time of the day! LOL
I do not know about you, but this works perfectly for me! LOL
Anyway, we have this “Return of Sekito Clinic” for only 3 days left! Today, we will comment from Disc3 13th track” Wheat From Chaff” today.
Let us begin!
■13.Wheat From Chaff
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This event shows heart warming human-drama in the story. Some of you might think that the behavior of the lord Ghor does not make any sense in the event…
No, No! that is the true man`s behavior! LOL
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This music is a different variation of the theme for the conqueror, which I particularly
Composed the music for this event.
The characteristic of this event is that the event describes the mind of complicated conflict in each character. The event has very dramatic moments in every scene.
■14.Through the Tulgey Wood
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This track is from Tulgey Wood, a field part of the game.
I think that the track is written to capture mysterious and magical feeling inside of the foggy deep forest.
■15.Unconditional Trust
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
Although the length of this event is very short, the event delivers the feeling of brotherhood between Rush and Irina. The event will warm up players` heart.
【Mr. .Sekito comments;】
In this event, the behavior of Irina character is indeed very effective, and it really is heard warming story is said in this event.
■16.Echoes of the Past
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This track is from the city that is shown in the 2nd half of the game.
For the instrumentation, I used the acoustic guitar for the melody part in order to capture the beautiful landscape of the city.
DISC 3
Disc3 track17-track21 commentary
Hello, everyone. This is Yamanaka.
“Return of Sekito Clinic” has only 2 days left of its commentary session!
In the beginning, I was worried whether this blog lasts more than 1 month or not.
But now this blog contains vast amount of text and it has been updated everyday!
Today's guest for the commentary is the producer of “THE LAST REMNANT” who leads whole “THE LAST REMNANT” development team, Mr. Ueda!
Thanks
============================================
Hello everybody.
And hello to “Return of Sekito Clinic” blog, This is Ueda.
It has been about a month since the release of the game “THE LAST REMNANT”.
I assume that some of you have already completed the game. But if some of you on this blog have not yet played the game, I would love for you to play the game during new-year holiday period.
I think I have done enough of promotion for the game for now LOL
I will now tell you about our history of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
It was 2 years ago when the game development had not reached the point where the game was not so much in the shape in playable from. The intriguing battle system that “THE LAST REMNANT” is known for was still under the development at the time.
The team produced the demo movie which is to share the complete production image with our development team. Our aim was to acknowledge our battle system to the rest of team who still had little knowledge about the battle system.
For the demo movie production, we required the 3 different tracks for the battle, which changes around 3 different tracks depending on the player's moral gauge.
Some of you may have already known about this, but “THE LAST REMNANT” has its unique battle system that music changes dependent on the advantages of the battle situation. We sent your requirement to Mr. Sekito to compose different music for our unique battle system. The finished tracks from Mr. Sekito was those 3 tracks of
“Sword Sparks”, “Beat the Odds”, and “Reversal!”
Those 3 outstanding tracks for the battle system made a huge contribution for completing the production of the demo movie, and the demo movie motivated our team to create further greater game development.
And 2 years after when I watch the demo movie again, I still feel that what we had achieved on this demo movie is fully reflected on the finished product of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
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【Mr. Yamanaka comments;】
When the music changes during the battle, I always get goose skin, especially when the player is predominant in the battle!
At that time, I remember that Mr. Sekito and I used to think the amount of tracks for the battle was so enormous that would overwhelm us.
But it has now all became good memory! LOL
We will start from 17th track on Disc3 for our commentary session.
■17.Final Decision
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
I would love for all of you to feel the important relationship between the characters, and the maturity of Rush, David, and among other characters through the story by playing this event.
For the player who has been playing the game until this event, you would get emotionally involved with the story of this event. The event would definitely make you cry!
【Mr. Sekito comments; 】
For the 1st half of the music for this event, I deliberately wrote quite subtle music in order for the player to concentrate on great dialog in each scene.
For the 2nd half of the music on the other hand, I think that I have composed music very successfully that intensify the emotional momentum to follow the story of the event.
■18.Labyrinth（music：Yamanaka）
【Mr. Yamanaka comments;】
The track is from a dungeon part of the game called “Siebenbur”
As well as the track “Dark Secrets”, the feeling of the track interprets the eerie and horrific feeling in the dungeon of Siebenbur. Those feeling is emphasized in the track by, I think, solid snare sound in the rhythm part of the track.
I hope you would enjoy the track for your quest in Siebenbur.
■19.One Step（music：Yamanaka）
【Mr. Yamanaka comments;】
The track is from the last part of dungeon in the game. Sacred place of this last dungeon matches so well with this track that has chaotic feeling in the track.
The guitar part of the intro is played by Mr. Sekito. This distinctive driven sounding guitar part emphasizes roughness in the track. I processed he guitar riff with sampled electric guitar and Mr. Sekito`s electric guitar recording.
■20.The Warden and the Activator
■21.Time for Release
【Mr. Yagi comments; 】
This events follows Rush characters and the others who is facing for their last battle.
Does he unveil his character as “Evil”, or?!
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This event really makes the player tensed up as the story face towards its last battle.
DISC 3
Disc3 22nd track-27tht track commentary
Good evening!
From 20th Nov, the release date of “THE LAST REMNANT”, simultaneously we started this blog with the limited period of 4 weeks. We had sustained updating almost everyday for this blog, and today is the final day for this blog.
During 4 weeks period, we have had 2-30,000 hits of viewing for this blog.
I appreciate all of you who have been reading this blog, and I feel grateful for having a success on this blog. I would like to thank all of you.
Well, we would like to finish this glorious final day for this blog with the interview from the executive producer of “THE LAST REMNANT”, Mr., Kawazu!
He was kindly enough to give us an opportunity for our interview with him.
Thank you
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Good evening, this is Kawazu.
It has been almost a month since the release for the game “THE LAST REMNANT”.
Has everyone understand the meaning of the word “THE LAST REMNANT”?
In fact, the title “THE LAST REMNANT” is fully related to the scenario of the game which I think is an unusual for the game title for the recent SQUARE-ENIX games.
I have also been enjoying playing “THE LAST REMNANT” as we speak. My plan is to play the game with no attendance on unnecessary “quest” playing, and no relying on infantry of Athlum.
But I have to admit that my plan was reckless and I am now overwhelmed by the power of the army of conqueror.
I am impressed with such an enormous amount of tracks on the soundtrack.
I wonder if I can actually hear all the tracks from the soundtrack during the game play…
As I listen to the music on the soundtrack, it really brings out awful memories from the game play. The memories that when I went into the battle, thinking that I was fighting against just a small fish. But during the battle, the music was somehow different from normal battle. As I was thinking that “there is something wrong here!?”, the next thing I saw on the screen was that the word “Terminated” ,then soon after the word ”game over”, and a few minutes later, I ended up watching the game title screen for over and over again …Let us forget the past like that.
While the game was under development, I was playing the minimum volume for sound.
I could not appreciate stunning sound production that our sound department has created for the game. Now as I am playing the finished product of the game, I enjoy the game with the maximum volume for the sound!
Both battle and event scene is 3 times better and more enjoyable with this great music.
I am thinking to enjoy the soundtrack while I am driving a car.
I hope that everyone would enjoy and have a great fun by listening the soundtrack!
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Well, the final day for our commentary session begins with 22nd track of Disc 3.
Let us begin!
■22.Nisus
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
Each phrase of the music create very lyrical mood in the event. The player would appreciate the scenario that describes the beginning of the time and end of the time in the world of “THE LAST REMNANT”. I would recommend for you to see the world view of “THE LAST REMNANT” through listening to this particular underscore.
■23.Schismogenesis
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
The music progresses from very subtle movement to stormy, furious movement in the music. The music captures the anger, agony, and compassion and some kind of generosity feeling of the characters. You would feel despair of the future when you come across with this event.
■24.The Final Sacrifice
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
I would rather not to comment of this piece, as I might spoil the meaning of this event.
I highly recommend the player to think and see through the event what the characters sacrifices themselves for, what are the consequences for their act, and what is the cause and effect from their act.
■25.Journey's End
【Mr. Yagi comments;】
I think nobody could decide whether each character`s act is a judicious or foolish.
Yet, I think that sometimes characters need to face the consequences and take some responsibility in some situations.
I, as lead event planner of “THE LAST REMNANT”, would feel extremely lucky if the player could feel and consider the importance and sacrifices that they made by seeing each character in the event.
■26.Finale
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
For this composition, I composed several variations of themes for each character, written as medley, by following the progression of the scenario of “THE LAST REMNANT”.
You might be able to recapture the memories of your own adventure in the game by listening to this medley. I would love the player to enjoy the moment of your achievement during the game play by listening to this medley.
■27.Overture: TGS 2007 Mix
【Mr. Sekito comments;】
This music was written when we produced the promotion movie for Tokyo Game Show in 2007. I am personally very happy with the outcome of the perfect production and its coolness.
What is THE REMNANT? What the future of the character “The conqueror”, “Rush”, “David”, and “Irina” awaits?
I really hope that the player would enjoy playing the game and find those answers.
Diary
I would like to thank everyone who has been reading “Return of Sekito Clinic”
Good evening. This is Marushi , a promotion staff.
I would like to thank everyone who has been reading “Return of Sekito Clinic” for whole month.
Looking back, this blog has improved from “almost everyday update” to “everyday update”, and it went smoothly until the final day of this blog.
For the final day, Mr. Sekito ,Mr. Yagi. And Mr. Yamanaka has greetings for everyone about this blog.
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Greetings from Mr. Yagi
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Good evening, this is Yagi, event planner.
“Return of Sekito Clinic” has just been a month since the first day.
Today really is the final day for the blog.
When Mr. Sekito asked me that “I would love you to do the commentary session with you for the music for event sequence” for this blog, I was worried that what I should be writing for this commentary. But I managed to finish this with the constant struggle of looking back the past memories. I would like to thank all of the reader who has been reading this blog until this final day.
On this final day of this blog, I would like to say that I want everyone to have a great fun playing “THE LAST REMNANT”.
I hope to see all of you sometime very soon.
Thank you very much!
Yagi
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Greetings from Mr. Yamanaka
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Good evening, this is Yamanaka.
Finally, the blog “return of Sekito Clinic” has come to its end!
We used to struggle with our comments that not knowing what to write about.
But as this blog continues, we began receiving many encouraging messages from everyone. I started enjoying and having good time writing after that!
Thank you so much, everyone!
I hope to see you very soon.
Yamanaka
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Greetings from Mr. Sekito
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Good evening, this is Sekito.
It is now on the final day for the blog. Has everyone had a good fun on this blog?
We have started hoping that it would be great to update every day for the blog.
As soon as we have started, I realized that t is actually so much fun doing! LOL
4 weeks flew by for only a blink of an eye. We have had a lot of ideas from Mr. Yagi, Mr. Yamanaka, and Marushi for the blog.
I am a classic optimistic guy most of the time, but I feel a little down from time to time. LOL
When I feel a little down, I must look back about this blog that I have had so much fun with.
Finally, I would like to thank to the people who have been reading this blog, who have sent us encouraging messages, and who have helped us to work this amazing blog for us.
Thank you very, very much!!!
And also…
This weekend on Dec 20th, “Jump Festa in 2009” is held in Makuhari Messe, Japan!
On Dec 20th approx. 14:00pm, Mr. Sekito is going to show his appearance in “Jump Festa in 2009” at Square-Enix Music booth.
We will be waiting all of you at Makuhari Messe.
Please do not throw something at me in the convention! LOL
Sekito
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Greetings from Marushi
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As Mr. Sekito mentioned on his comment,
Mr. Sekito will be appearing at the convention of “Jump Festa in 2009”, which is free entrance, in Makuhari Messe, Japan!
This might be a great opportunity for meeting Mr. Sekito for everyone!
He will be appearing at Square-Enix Music booth,”Jump Festa in 2009”. His appearance time would be approx. 14:00pm.
At the Square-Enix Music booth, we will also be selling CDs of Square-Enix Music.
If some of you are still not planning of doing anything on this weekend, please feel free to visit Square-Enix Music booth! We will be selling “THE LAST REMNANT” soundtrack as well!
Again, I have just managed to do a promotion for you until right at the end of this blog. LOL
I really hope to see everyone sometime in the future!
Thank you again for reading this blog for whole month with us!
Thank you
Marushi Akio, a promotion staff
