Previously released as part (the largest part) of “Generation of Chaos OST The Best,” the music of Generation of Chaos IV can now be found in a bonus release from NIS America. That’s right, the PSP GoC title is actually a port of the fourth game in the series…the first to come to America. What should we make of this interesting little bonus soundtrack?
Well, first, there are some problems with the way in which the music comes to us. Do the math: 31 minutes, 46 songs. Yeah, it looks like NIS America recorded these songs themselves and put fadeouts on them mighty early, because most tracks don’t reach the one minute mark. Yikes. Even though these 46 tracks are many more than what was found on GoC “The Best”, the shorter track lengths are a real problem.
The music itself is decent. It’s certainly better than the soundtrack for the first Generation of Chaos title. The primary complaint I’d level against Kikawa-san is that many of these songs sound like the same thing with little variation. That’s never a good sign. We get the idea: majestic imperial marches and symphonic-style battle themes. None of them hold a candle to, say, Final Fantasy Tactics OST. So, it’s alright, but not great.
If you’re looking for a PSP title that is new (to the US at least), this game may be the one to pick up. And, in that case, you may as well try and spring for the bonus soundtrack. Otherwise, collectors be warned: it’s lacking in many ways, as I have already described.
