P-Vock's Music Box: I'll Give You Despair
Hello and welcome back to P-Vock's Music Box, where every Friday I am pulling out a tune from my massive music box to help get you ready for the weekend.
I recently decided that I wasn't poor enough, so I picked up a PS5. Along with that chonky ass router-looking bastard, I picked up one game, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Jesus that name is a mouthful). Yes, for the newest console, I wanted my first experience to be a remake of a game almost as old as I am, that I already played on the PS4 about 14 months ago... Hey, I never claimed to be good with money. Look, I can see Jessie in slightly prettier graphics and I think she is worth the overpriced console.
This is not my favourite entry in the long-lasting franchise (IX is the best and my favourite), but it does have some amazing moments and characters. Of these characters, I would argue that none are as iconic as the One-Winged Angel himself, Sephiroth. This shmexy lad serves as the villain to Final Fantasy VII and has become arguably the most iconic villain in gaming next to Bowser or Dr. Eggman.
His terrifying glare, his sadistic and unfeeling nature, his willingness to just drop in like an RKO outta nowhere and murder a sweetheart in one of the most iconic deaths in the medium, everything about this Adonis just screams villain. This includes the music most associated with him, and what accompanies his iconic boss fight.
Just look at this dude. He looks like the exact personification of evil.
After the long journey through FFVII, you get to face him. While the actual final boss fight is pretty damn easy, the music and atmosphere do not disappoint.
It starts off so intimidating as a minute of pounding beats echoes through your body alongside your increasing heart rate. Soon, the shrill strings further the tension. But thankfully, the music dies off and begins to settles as the fight begins. SYKE, in comes the fucking choir to let you know you're fucked. You don't even know what they're screaming at you, but do you even want to? I know it's a lengthy tune, but I promise it is worth it to hear it through until the end.
Now, it was atmospheric enough on its own back in 1997, even with the compression of the PS1 sound font. But as I mentioned, this got a remake. It sounds even more sinister, chaotic, and horrifyingly epic. Oh yeah, this fight is actually kind of tough and may kick your ass, so the music works even more. I think I'll always prefer the original version, but Oh My Buttery Toast this version slaps with enough force to knock you out. It's so fast, and given the newer action combat system in the Remake, it fits so well.
You don't have to listen to the whole thing, but you really should.
Whatever your weekend has in store for you, I hope it is as hype as this tune. Thank you for joining me once again, and I'll see you next week with another suggestion from P-Vock's Music Box.