I was worried that this soundtrack would be weak. I don’t know what I was worried about, though. Minako Adachi is a great composer.
Summon Night X ~Tears Crown~ is a DS title and a follow-up to the DS game Atlus USA localized (Twin Age). Look at the tracklist, and you may think “how boring.” I thought that too. Sorrow Theme, Town Theme, Battle Theme… okay. Well, I’m not sure boring is the right word. Let’s try “traditional.” Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.
The two opening tracks are highly thematic: they are memorable. Not Dragon Quest Overture memorable, but still strong. And I reference Dragon Quest for a reason. As you listen to these tracks, you’ll be reminded of all your favorite RPG franchises of old: FF, DQ, Mana, all mixed with a touch of Sting’s early RPGs (as Adachi-san was on the team for those as well). Also throw in some of Iwadare’s “Grandia” influence and a tiny bit of Shimomura’s “Super Mario RPG” soundtrack, and you have a good feel for what you’ll find on this OST.
Wanna hear something really catchy? Check out that “Shop” theme on disc one. It has a sense of adventure to it. Reminds me of a mix of a Shiren the Wanderer and FFXII: probably has to do with the Lydian mode (sharp 4 in your scale). It appears from time to time in the melody, and it sounds excellent.
Check out the other samples for cool, folksy-ethnic sounds, as well as inspirational march-style melodies and rock-hard battle music. This is the perfect size score for a longform RPG on a handheld. It’s also a great listening experience.
I wasn’t expecting to like the Tears Crown OST more than the original Summon Night trilogy on PS1/PS2. But my opinion is quickly shifting. Let that be the “green flag” for you if you’re on the fence. This is a great RPG soundtrack through and through.
