Composer Recreates Sephiroth Theme in the Style of Kirby Super Star
Thanks to big game releases, a year to reflect back on, and many people finally getting time to enjoy themselves, December often comes as a celebration of video games. With this celebration, comes new art and creativity, as well as some unexpected parings most people would not have even considered.
Few characters in all of video games have had a bigger year than Final Fantasy 7’s irredeemable villain, Sephiroth. Appearing in the long-awaited Final Fantasy 7 Remake in all of his beautifully rendered and voice-acted glory, the iconic villain has returned in a big way. In addition, a recent announcement at The Game Awards revealed that we would soon be seeing even more of the villain then we had expected. Also completely unexpected, was hearing his iconic theme, "One Winged Angel," in the cheery style of Kirby Super Star.
Steven Universe: The Movie composer Jeff Ball took to Twitter to share his unique creation with all his followers. The sweeping, orchestral menace of the classic Final Fantasy theme has been expertly and carefully recreated in the chiptune style of the SNES era. Lasting well over 3 and a half minutes over two separate posts, it is a joy to see that his musical talent and ear have intersected with his love for video games, creating a tune that would not seem out of place on a 1990’s cartridge. Followers were even treated to an accompanying photo of a plush Kirby, complete with an almost physics defying, Final Fantasy style long sword.
It is worth noting that Sephiroth's debut on the original PlayStation came only one year after Kirby Super Star, in early 1997. While it would appear to be difficult to find two more different video game characters, in the actual world, these two are very much of the same era. Considered one of the most important and genre changing decades in all of video games, it is easy to find the charm in listening to this composer’s nostalgic crossover.
Video game music is just as powerful and important as any other facet of the creation process. A well-crafted musical score can tell us so much about a character before a single word is spoken. In the hands of an expert composer, this message can stand the test of time.
By sharing his love of video game music and the unique ways it can be altered and changed, Jeff Ball is reminding us all that no matter the game or genre, music and their composers are an essential part of video games. Hearing a familiar tune in a new way, can make something old seem new again.
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