Episode Details

It's time for our Nobuo Uematsu spotlight episode. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tunes!

PART I

With the exception of Hironobu Sakaguchi, there really isn't any other name more synonymous with Final Fantasy than that of "Nobuo Uematsu". Composing either all or part of 12 of the 15 main-series final fantasy games, much of the feel and atmosphere, that visceral, unspeakable part of us that sings when we are reminded of a Final Fantasy, may be the melodies that Nobuo Uematsu is responsible for. With numerous remixes, live symphonic performances, and the original scores themselves, fans of Final Fantasy have relived their FF adventures through listening to the plethora of material presented by Nobuo Uematsu through their headphones while they do homework, clean their homes, or drive to work. There is no doubt that without the contribution that Nobuo Uematsu has brought to the series, much of our experiences with these games would be dramatically altered from what they are. Where would Star Wars be if it weren't for John Williams? You could ask the same of Uematsu.

Note: You will be hearing a large number of remixes through this two-part Nobuo Uematsu spotlight, as well as some concert performances, and tracks from the games themselves. The youtube links for all of the pieces will be provided in the descriptions, and we ask that if you like a particular piece to consider following the links and supporting the artists that keep the music of Uematsu alive.

Let's get to it…

[small interlude with the main FF theme]

Nobuo Uematsu was born on March 21st, 1959 in Kochi, Japan. Inspired by the music of Elton John, he taught himself how to play the piano at the age of 12.

Shortly after graduating from Kanagawa University, Uematsu began writing music for commercials before being hired by Square Co. in 1986 to work on video game scores.

For 18 years Uematsu worked at Square, creating over 30 video game and movie soundtracks before separating from square in 2004 to become an independant contracter.

We're gonna pay special attention to these years, as that's where most of the Final Fantasy meat is at; but first, let's rewind the clock back to his very first game score, co-written with Takashi Uno, this is a piece from "Cruise Chaser Blassy" called "Space":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcmWisadc9Q

1986 would end up being a very busy year for rookie Nobuo, the next game he'd work on would be his first that he'd compose entirely on his own called "Alpha", although we can't seem to find any tracks for that game, his next would be a NES classic called "King's Knight". Here's the theme from that game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBui5DMZAVs

December of 1986 would feature his next soundtrack, that for Suishō no Dragon. Here's the intro track for that game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MIhB2mgcRA

The 3-D Battles of WorldRunner would push Square's stereoscopic 3D technology to the limits and with the music of this game, we would see a side of Nobuo we hadn't seen before, you could call it "super pep" here's a cover of the main theme:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDZhruBVzP4

Another soundtrack was made for a little piece of software called "Apple town story", and he would follow that up with "Mystery Quest" (not to be confused with Mystic Quest, a later game). Here's a taste:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_qIcMhmXJ0

With few exceptions, most of th