Originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000 and eventually ported to the PS2 (and beyond), Game Arts’ Grandia II was a more mature affair than the 1997 prequel, and featured a lot of the returning original staff – including Noriyuki Iwadare, the composer of all three main Grandia games. The game told the story of Ryudo, a mercenary of wobbly morals who gets tasked with a seemingly simple escort mission that evolves into a grand(ia) adventure.
Back in 2022, I covered Wayo Records’ YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Vinyl Collection, and was wowed by the artwork and content. Here again 2 years later, Grandia II is given the same treatment. Presented in a lift-off cardboard box, the same care and attention present in the YS VIII soundtrack is also here, in spades. The cover art and presentation is eye-wateringly gorgeous, and the sleeves of each individual record are replete with evocative art that celebrates the characters, whilst the records themselves are immaculately pressed, honestly – Wayo Records are amongst the best in the world in terms of quality, their standards are astonishing, and the crispness and clarity of the production and mastering is evident in all their releases - and certainly illustrated here, thanks to the talents of Wayo regular Benjamin Joubert.
Another key component is the ever-present Wayo Records booklet. 16-pages in length, it includes comments from those involved in the creation of the video game and soundtrack, with some words from character designer Youshi Kanoe, designer Atsuko Nishida, scenario writer Kei Shigema, composer / arranger Noriyuki Iwadare, and lyricist / vocalist Kaori Kawasumi, as well as further glorious artwork, character biographies and an overview of the setting and story – there’s plenty here for Grandia fans to tuck into as they listen to the soundtrack.
And it is a heck of a soundtrack. As mentioned earlier, the production is exquisite and the music sings off the needle. Iwadare tackles everything from battle themes to lilting exploratory music through sentimental ballads, blazing J-Rock, and more expressive passages, all with an ear for melody and hooks through the 40-track triple album.
SUMMARY
A must-have for fans of Grandia 2, this collector’s edition is a great way to celebrate memories of the game, it feels deluxe in its presentation, and the production and textured landscape-like music has never sounded so good. A huge thumbs up from us here at GF!
From the Wayo Records website:
Join Ryudo and his team on their greatest adventure yet! We're delighted to be collaborating again with Game Arts on this new vinyl edition of the Grandia II soundtrack, composed and arranged by Noriyuki Iwadare and entirely remastered for the vinyl format!
A cult title for the Dreamcast released in Japan in 2000 and acclaimed in particular for its innovative combat system, the game recently benefited from a remastered version in 2019 on Nintendo Switch and PC.
The Grandia II Memorial Soundtrack Edition comes in the form of a luxurious vinyl box set, newly illustrated for the occasion by the game's original character designer, Youshi Kanoe.
It contains 3 color discs inserted in individually illustrated sleeves and a newly designed 16-page booklet with superb illustrations by Youshi Kanoe and new comments from the team, including Kei Shigema (Scenario Writer), Atsuko Nishida (Designer), Noriyuki Iwadare (Composer) and vocal Kaori Kawasumi.
Track list:
SIDE A
01 Memory of the Gods (Full Version)
02 Opening Act
03 Carbo Village ~ Pious Believers
04 A Deus
05 Dangerous Zone
06 That Which Lurks in the Darkness
07 Garmia Tower
SIDE B
01 FIGHT!! Ver.1
02 You Won’t Be Able to Kill Me Just Like That!
03 Come On, Let’s Travel
04 Agear Town ~ Cursed Land
05 Commercial City of Liligue ~ Pretense of Prosperity
06 The Broken Seal
07 Having Dinner...
SIDE C
01 Purification of Darkness ~ Battle with the Parts
02 Nightmare Village Mirumu ~ A Good, Unknown Anxiety
03 FIGHT!! Ver.2
04 St. Heim Papal State ~ Pious Believers
05 Granas Sanctuary
06 Granasaber
SIDE D
01 Cyrum Kingdom ~ Prosperity and Freedom
02 LIVE! LIVE!! LIVE!!!
03 Cyrum Castle
04 Cyrum Kingdom Announcement ~ March
05 Romance at a Windy Isle
06 Have Faith in Yourself
07 FIGHT!! Ver.3 ~ Middle Boss Battle
08 Heh, They Didn’t Even Get to Fight Back!
SIDE E
01 Skye’s Reminiscence
02 Nanan Village ~ Placid Nature
03 Traditional Song ~ The Villager’s Chorus
04 Despair and Hope
05 Elegy
06 Collapse
07 The Mythical World
SIDE F
01 Valmar
02 A Farewell, and Decision
03 Ryudo Awakens ~ Prayers of the People
04 FIGHT!! Ver.4 ~ The Final Battle
05 Canção do Povo
Wayo Records – Purchase Link
No comments:
Post a Comment
Like what you see in the Games Freezer?
Why not tell us what you think with a few well-chosen comments? :)
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.