Abarenbou Princess (translated: “Rowdy Princess,” at least according to the soundtrack’s packaging) was released for the PlayStation 2 by Kadokawa Shoten in September of 2001. This lighthearted PS2 title featured a unique style of art, but that was about all anyone ever knew about it, at least here in the US. The game didn’t fare too well in Japan, and has generally been forgotten. But we at RPGFan love to dig up forgotten relics.
It is with some excitement that I tell you the following: if you liked Junya Nakano’s soundtrack for Dewprism (Threads of Fate) you’re probably going to like this album as well. Granted, it lacks some of the diversity and technical prowess that Dewprism had, but in general, the music to both games are similar. I found this to be a strange coincidence, since Dewprism also had very unique (and colorful) character art.
So what is this stylistic similarity to which I attest? Funky synth usage, catchy rhythms played out on unique percussion, melodies you’ve not likely heard in recent years, all sorts of good stuff. I found myself immersed in the album from the opening track straight through to the end. Strange and wonderful, much like the art (which I used to believe ugly, but have since gradually accepted as something beautiful), this album will please only those looking to find something different.
Not that it’s a fantastic soundtrack; there are plenty better, even within its genre (again, I look to Dewprism as the quintessential work). But it’s good. There’s no doubt about it. And if you’re scrounging, searching far and wide, for a soundtrack that few have heard but will give your ears their money’s worth, you may find yourself wanting this one. Speaking of getting your money’s worth, check out that disc time: 71 minutes. For a 30 track albums, that’s pretty good. There’s a lot of substance in each track.
I myself was glad to have experienced it. Not every song is a winner, but the “overall” experience is certainly worthwhile. If only the composers went on to do more prolific works; to my knowledge, they haven’t done much beyond this, at least for RPGs.
