We noted a couple months back that composer Yuzo Koshiro had dumped the retro-flavored FM synthesis that he employed for past Etrian Odyssey titles in favor of a live recorded soundtrack featuring everything from woodwinds and brass to strings and live percussion. There were three samples up on the game’s website at that time, but there’s something new if you check now.
Not only are the three previous samples elongated to their entire length, but there’s a fourth a sample, a battle theme, that takes a more energetic approach with brass, electric guitar, and percussion. Recording director Norihiko Hibino has told us that the entire soundtrack will be getting the live treatment and that “a lot of music was recorded for the game,” as in multiple discs worth. The soundtrack is currently available for pre-order from CD Japan and is set to ship on July 25 for 3,360 Yen ($40).
So, are you a believer yet? Are you willing to give up on Koshiro’s tasty FM works in favor of this big live sound? I know I am. And when the hell is this game going to be announced for North America?
