Arranged video game soundtracks, still a fairly niche genre of music, are meant to improve upon already solid musical ideas within the original game's music. Second Evolution's arranged album breaks this cardinal rule.

None of the songs sound all that different and almost none are improved. In fact some are made worse. "Stab the Sword of Justice" now sounds childish and silly with its distorted synth melody, and "Mission to the Deep Space," while funkier thanks to some decent drum work, has had its melody diluted by annoying instrumentation. "Rena's Theme," "Silent the Universe," and "Sacred Song" all still sound good, though you are not missing anything if you have the original soundtrack. The best that can be said is that they did not make already good songs worse.

"We Form Crystals" is the only song that sounds noticeably better. Already an interesting mixture of darkly baroque melodies, filled out with strings, the tune is richer and more satisfying. Good as it is, it hardly makes the entire album worthwhile. This one is strictly for collectors and completionists.

Reviewed by: James Quentin Clark