Legendary Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu says he probably won't compose the score for another complete game; instead, he prefers to spend his time on compositions or his band Uematsu Nobuo conTIKI. Amongst his long list of notable achievements, in addition to being the primary composer of the Final Fantasy series, he single-handedly composed the soundtracks of the first nine games.
Uematsu was interviewed by Zeit Online (thanks VGC) ahead of a performance of Merregnon: Heart of Ice, his new orchestral show, where the composer, aged 64, said he thinks his days of taking on a project as massive as a game's score are over. Uematsu said: "As far as Final Fantasy is concerned, I'm still involved by writing the main themes for the games. But I don't think I'll compose music for a whole game again."
He says that the workload is just too punishing, that "you would have to give it full throttle for two or three years”. As time passes, Uematsu reflects: "I don't think I have the physical and mental strength to do it anymore. I think I'd rather use the time I have left to work on other projects that I love. Such as compositions like Merregnon or my band Uematsu Nobuo conTIKI."
If Uematsu's prediction is proven true, then IOS RPG Fantasian could be Uematsu's last soundtrack. The composer was going through some health issues even then, back in 2021, and so the 60-piece orchestrated soundtrack represents a monumental achievement.
Is there a particular soundtrack among Uematsu's many composed over the years that holds a special place in your heart? Let us know in the comments section below.
[source zeit.de, via videogameschronicle.com]
Comments 25
What a legend. He deserves a break.
I don't how he managed to produce so much consistent quality over the years. Truly a talented guy. Hope he enjoys his well earned rest
Enjoy your well deserved rest legend. You have done more than enough for the industry.
Final Fantasy IV and VI are my favorite of his soundtracks.
To echo everyone's sentiments here, he's a legend who truly deserves all the rest he needs.
If anyone here hasn’t heard Lost Odyssey’s soundtrack, it’s possibly one of the best I have ever heard from him. Just incase anyone hasn’t had a chance to play it - check out the music.
Thanks Nobuo (which is the title of brilliant song that the band Periphery made in honor of him. Highly recommended for anyone who likes heavy stuff)
"If Uematsu's prediction is proven true, then IOS RPG Fantasian could be Uematsu's last soundtrack. The composer was going through some health issues even then, back in 2021, and so the 60-piece orchestrated soundtrack represents a monumental achievement."
The saddest thing about this was that even Masayoshi Soken was going through health issues in 2020 where he had cancer(But supposedly it remissioned) which I didn't know about at all until now. Aging sucks :/
An absolute legend. The FF7 soundtrack is a masterpiece. I'm as excited for the Rebirth soundtrack, particularly the tracks based on his original work, as I am the game!
I actually did a playlist last night where I followed the original CD1 of the OST with the Remake OST versions. 20 of the 23 tracks are featured - and I'm hopeful the last 3 will be on the Rebirth OST (Barrett's Theme, Red XIII's Theme - both characters feature prominently in Disc 2 of the original game so I think they held these tracks back for Rebirth, and Holding My Thoughts In My Heart which should be very near the opening of Rebirth, if it's included, as it's right at the end of CD1 on the original game).
Uematsu is a legend. I've been fortunate enough to see him live at distant worlds, and his music has played a massive part of my life over the past 25 years or so. I dont think any other music has stuck with me for so long and had such enotional impact.
He deserves his rest and to focus on those projects that he finds most enjoyable at this stage of his life and career. It's great that he is still involved in final fantasy of course - but recent games have also shown that there are also other talented musicians like Soken (16) and Shimomura (15) that can make an impact on the series. He leaves the series in safe hands.
Thank you Uematsu for all of your work.
The few tracks he did for Chrono Trigger were masterpieces.
Uematsu definitely deserves a break. Most of my favorite soundtracks composed by him are mostly from FF7 and FF8. Those two are some of my favorite games in the series even though FF8 is known to be the black sheep.
Alright, since no one has said it, I will. This guy is a legend. I legend I tellz ya.
Ff10 soundtrack, still think To Zanarkand is the best FF song.
All of his music is top tier but I've always had a soft spot for his work in FFX. Absolute stellar soundtrack.
Legend. Has made music that makes so many happy and will be listened to forever.
I had the honor to watch him live playing Dark World from FFVI on a tour, an amazing guy who opened my eyes to videogame music, It’s his fault that I mainly listen to videogames OST. His Black Mages albums were masterpieces too.
I've got nothing new or original to contribute here, just want to pay tribute to the man. His legacy speaks for itself. Here's hoping he gets to enjoy many more years of good health and sort-of retirement (I doubt he's the type to sit still).
And yeah, obligatory personal favourite: Final Fantasy 6. Terra's Theme, Celes' Theme, Locke's Theme, Dancing Mad, Phantom Forest, Forever Rachel, Searching for Friends, etc. Ridiculous.
"FFVI - Terra Theme" is my absolute favourite. The intro of the game paired with this masterpiece gives me chills and tears every time!
FF8 soundtrack was just sublime..gorgeous even. FF16 is no different.. AWAAAAAAAY
@oc1d It's my ringtone. 😂
Know how he feels , ive just cut my working week down to 4 days , after 20 years of doing 6 , just can't do it anymore, more time for myself and my family , remember that youngsters 😁
@K1LLEGAL That game is amazing! It ranks up there as one of my favorite RPGS of all time.
Only Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger rank higher.
Let the guy retire.
His FFIV, FFVII, and FFVIII sound tracks are so good that they earned him instead retirement in my opinion.
@Mikey856
What I love about FFVIII is that it’s literally a club soundtrack.
I feel like Uematsu went to the club one night in 1998 and said “I’ve got a good idea for the next final fantasy soundtrack.”
The guy is a total legend.
I've been to one of the Distant Worlds concerts and it was an incredible experience.
My favourite soundtracks are probably 8 and 9. There's a real mixture of powerful, emotional, hard hitting songs and thoughtful ambient moments in those games. They're amazing soundtracks.
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