Note: This is the import version of the promotional CD. Gamestop (and other North American retailers) had been giving away this CD as well, but it included no artbook.
This promotional album is for those who had pre-ordered Phantasy Star Universe (PSU) in Japan back in the summer of ’06. It also came with a spiffy artbook, and having played the game myself, I know the graphics are beautiful. Since this is a promotional CD, obviously it only features a few songs from the game, but they are nice choices.
The CD consists of all the selection and lobby songs, and hearing them in the game for so long drilled them in my head. The lobby songs are easygoing, and makes one feel relaxed. On the other hand, Moatoob lobby music is too tribal for my taste, and Parum music, while enjoyable, is a rather generic theme. Also featured are the mission result songs; the victory theme gives you a sense of accomplishment, while the losing theme makes you feel like you’ve tasted bitter defeat.
Last but not least, we have the opening “Save This World” featuring an upbeat melody, and some of the cheesiest vocals in modern gaming. This easily falls under a “love it or hate it” category. Many people I know are appalled by the vocals, while some grew fond of it as a guilty pleasure. I fall in the latter category, as I grew some attachment to the song after hearing it a couple of times. If you get beyond the cheeseball lyrics, the melody is quite good, and the song will eventually grow on you.
All of the songs are included on their 3-disc OST, though it’s quite difficult to obtain. If you want some good PSU music, you might as well get the full package. Regardless, this is a fine promotional CD. The album comes alongside the artbook; and hey, gifts are always nice!
