Dragon Quest II Symphonic Suite

Unlike Dragon Quest I Symphony, this CD is *not* mundane! In fact, this has some of the best arranged fantasy gamemusic in existence. I've always liked Dragon Quest II, so I was pretty excited when I got the CD. Then I actually listened to the London Philharmonic Orchestra play songs from a video game (a *video game*!) that I have played. I nearly passed out right there and then. The music is just stupendous, and you can definitely tell a full orchestra is playing it.

There is a wide range of music to enjoy here; from slow and regal tunes, to ominous and frightening tracks, to lively and upbeat melodies. A few songs may even bring tears to your eyes, especially if you have played the game ("Endless World" is one such track). Other songs will have you whistling for days ("Town" does this to me - really!). Of course, to avoid standard video game repeating, it is arranged such that there is no repetition - all songs are "unique" from the beginning, with additions that make the song flow to completion.

After listening to the CD and wiping the drool from my body, I quickly went out and recommended it to all my friends, and immediately phoned my aunt in Japan and profusely thanked her for sending it to me. This is a CD that isn't to be missed! (If Square did this to anything in the Final Fantasy series, I would probably be dead from a heart attack right now - of course, I haven't heard FF Symphonic Suite yet).