XENOSAGA: EPISODE I  MUSIC

Music has been a strong point in Xenogears (PSone). Its religious themes and touching melodies, composed by none other then Yasunori Mitsuda, captured the hearts of many.

Mitsuda is back with Episode I does not fail to deliver the goods ones again. 

Yasunori Mitsuda:

Mitsuda has composed some of the very best game soundtracks ever, including the Xeno Series as well as Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Street Fighter ZERO and many others.

Many believe, Xenosaga is Yasunori Mitsuda's very best performance, while others will disagree. I truly think it's a great soundtrack but, while being much more professional and performed better then Xenogears, it falls short of my all time favourite (Xenogears). Episode I, is a very professional recording. It has been performed by one of the world's best orchestras (London Orchestra), and ranges from some very religious, and emotional tracks, to the mysterious and 'strong orchestra' kind. The variety is sure there.

Joanne Hogg makes a return to the Xeno scene ones again, this time landing her voice in two songs, Kokoro and Pain.

Joanne Hogg:

Joanne is a female singer for a celtic/inspirational group named IONA. Joanne performed one of the songs on the Xenogears soundtrack ('Small Two of Pieces' - End Credits), which has become one of the fans favourites, and it's no surprise, neither disappointment that Mitsuda chose her to sing to Episode I soundtrack.

The album consists of two 'packed' CDs, and to my knowledge has only (legally) been released in Japan. It really is a great soundtrackand and in no way does it bring and shame to the greatness that is 'Xenogears'. You can purchase the original soundtrack from the very popular CD Japan for a fair price. 

Also, watch out for the counterfeit anime/game soundtracks which are pretty much everywhere now, since they look just like originals, sound like originals, but don't give the money to the people behind the music. If you see the logo of either 'SONMAY' or 'EVER ANIME', buy it, or don't buy it (I really don't care) but just be aware that you're not getting the real thing. They often appear on Ebay and are sometimes very cheap, while others may sell them for the regular price to avoid being accused of selling pirated products.

Links:

CD Japan - To buy the ORIGINAL soundtrack

Gaming Force - Download Xenosaga and other RPG soundtracks

TXT FILE / WEBSITE - Latin to English Translation of some Xeno lyrics

by Jacob Chruscinski