SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Lucky XIII Edition

For the past two weeks we have looked at two Nintendo titles and listened to their tracks. This week's edition of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs enters the lands of Pulse and Cocoon with Final Fantasy XIII. The game was listed in my article Sour Games, Sweet Soundtracks from early this year. Just like with our look and listen to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Kid Icarus: Uprising, we have five tracks to represent Final Fantasy XIII today. Let's get to them!

v211. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - Blinded By Light

Masashi Hamauzu composed all of the music to Final Fantasy XIII, and he did a splendid job with the majority of the soundtrack. Blinded By Light is the battle theme of the game, and it is important for an RPG to have a stellar theme for battle as it is generally one of the most heard songs in a game. Even though Final Fantasy XIII players will listen to this track over and over again, its fantastic melody and tempo make for a terrific tune.

v212. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - Serah's Theme

We go from a battle theme to a character theme. This is Serah's Theme, the theme for Lightning's sister. Serah would go on to take the starring role in the direct sequel to Final Fantasy XIII, surprisingly called Final Fantasy XIII-2. Where do they come up with these creative titles? Anyhow, Serah's Theme is a gentle vocal track that touches upon the listener's soul. What it lacks in length it makes up for in pure loveliness.

v213. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - The Sunleth Waterscape

Essentially a peppy pop version of Serah's Theme, The Sunleth Waterscape welcomes you with its song. Like Serah's song, this theme also is supported by some grand vocals. The piano, strings and fast beat make for a song that can get your head bopping and smile... smiling. The Sunleth Waterscape would make an appearance as the field song for the Final Fantasy XIII section of the brilliant Theatrhythm Final Fantasy (3DS).

v214. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - Pulse de Chocobo

Listed as the top Chocobo theme in my Best of Final Fantasy Music special this past summer, Pulse de Chocobo drives you to ride the world of Pulse aboard your feathery Chocobo friend with this jazzy and fast-paced rendition. The piano kicks in alongside the drums, setting the tempo; the brass makes its presence known; and the entire theme enters your head and stays like a welcomed guest. Masashi Hamauzu did Nobuo Uematsu's original Chocobo theme a great service with this track.

v215. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360) - Fighting Fate

I believe the word "epic" is thrown around way too often nowadays. Everything from slam dunks to high fives to farts are considered epic. Then the word loses its luster for when it is supposed to be used like to describe this theme for the various battles with Barthandelus, the main antagonist of Final Fantasy XIII. Fighting Fate has it all -- bold brass, magnanimous drums, a lively choir, powerful chords, and a sweeping series of strings.

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We have reached the end of another edition yet again. For more VGM greatness, check out my VGM database. Every VGM ever listed is recorded there for your listening convenience. Next week we will have a new game being showcased on the good, old-fashioned Favorite VGMs.