Since there were two related stories that I wanted to share, I’m bunching them together into one piece. Let’s take a look at each one separately.

▶︎ The Composer of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R: Motoi Sakuraba Interview

Prior to the release of Star Ocean The Second Story R this past week, composer Motoi Sakuraba sat down with the guys at Square Enix to give this really nice interview, which is hard-subbed in English.

Why did you decide to become a professional musician?

I’ve always loved performing, since I was in high school, and it’s almost like I can’t do anything besides music. I’ve felt this is the only thing I’m meant to do, which led me to pursue music professionally.

What influenced your music?

Until high school and college, I was actually a part of a hard rock cover band. Specific bands that influenced me were DEEP PURPLE and Whitesnake, as well as a prog rock band called UK, and King Crimson.

How did you come across game music?

I was originally a session musician, but it’s difficult making a decent living as one. I’m sure you’ve seen listings for part-time jobs in magazines before, right? I came across one for a gaming company, and that was when I decided to apply.

What propelled you to work a part-time position at a gaming company?

I didn’t know a thing about video games, but applied for the job anyway because I wanted to make a living through my music.

What was your first job in the gaming music industry?

My first job was a game for the PC-98. The music needed to have a limited number of notes, and because I’ve never listened to music like that before, I found the experience to rather novel and intriguing.

What was difficult about your first job?

The most difficult part was the fact that I couldn’t use chords, and had to play each note separately. I certainly struggled because as a keyboard player originally, I had a habit of relying on chords.

How did you come across Star Ocean?

There used to be a game developer called Wolf Team (now Namco Tales Studio) that I used to be a part of and made games with. When some members went independent, the first series they created was Star Ocean. Those ties eventually led to me making the music for the series.

What does Star Ocean‘s music mean to you?

I feel it allows me to showcase my most natural self, especially because there aren’t many titles that allow me to use synthesizers. There are many RPG games out there, but I don’t think many allow you to venture into space, while also providing an experience packed with fantasy and sci-fi elements, so overall I feel like the series really fits me well.

How do you approach music composition?

It depends on the song, but if I can get a hold of the script and gameplay footage beforehand, the harmony and melody comes to me at the same time, as I immerse myself into the footage. If it’s an area where civilization is perhaps less advanced, I might utilize more acoustic instruments, whereas if the civilization is more advanced, I might try to use synthesizers–specifically, digital synthesizers–as much as I can.

What’s something you’re attentive about when composing?

Back in the day, there were only eight available polyphonic tones and the memory size for tunes was much smaller. At the time, I was also creating tunes, so I recall things were incredibly difficult. For example, if there were ever a silent 4-bar segment within a song, I had to fit in a different tune to meet the required polyphonic numbers. As such, if you ever examined the raw data, it’s extremely complex. In an oboe part, I made a program change and suddenly include a timpani part, but those adjustments were needed to make the tracks fit within eight polyphonic song.

How has incorporating stringed instruments affected the music?

While some of the arrangements are close to the original tracks, some [of the new tracks] incorporate string instruments. I hope you would enjoy the expanded range of expressions that comes from it.

Which tracks do you personally like?

Since I’ve always loved band music, my favorite tracks are definitely the battle and boss tracks.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind, when composing music?

In games, I always consider the player to be the most important, so I try to make music that doesn’t interfere with the user’s gameplay experience as much as possible.

How do you approach music composition within a changing landscape?

The approach to composing music hasn’t really changed. There are some differences in the sense that we can utilize more numbers of notes compared to before, but I don’t think the fundamental process of composing a melody or harmony has really shifted.

How do you express your personal individuality through music?

I’m often asked that question, but I don’t know myself. It’s not something I’m particularly conscious about while making music. Maybe my individuality shines through because I’m not conscious of it; either way, I’m not really sure.

What’s a challenge you’d like to take on moving forward?

I’d love to work on a game that incorporates more performative music. Maybe a song that includes an improvised piano segment, or a game that utilizes band music… those would be projects I’d love to experiment with. When it comes to Star Ocean specifically, my hope is that the series would continue to do well into the future, and that I can also continue working on its music.

Star Ocean is an incredibly fun RPG, featuring a ton of gameplay elements. There’s a wide breadth of music as well, so I think you’ll enjoy it. Please give it a try!

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Next up, we have some additional details on the new original soundtrack for Star Ocean The Second Story R, which is ON SALE NOW for 4,180 yen / $37.99!

• You can listen to clips from all tracks and purchase here.
• And here’s the teaser video for the soundtrack:

TRACK LIST

▶︎ Disc 1

1. At the crack of dawn
2. Silent the universe
3. Feel refreshed
4. A feeling of oppression
5. THe venerable forest
6. Electrical dance
7. Stab the sword of justice
8. Strike your mind
9. Pure a stream
10. Mist began to form
11. Field of Exper
12. Weathercock
13. Rescue operation
14. Cuddle
15. A crisp morning
16. Shower of blossoms
17. Sacred song
18. The bonds
19. Walk over
20. Misty rain
21. Moderate
22. Heraldic emblem

▶︎ Disc 2

1. Dynamite
2. In a lightsome mood
3. Breath of air
4. Discord
5. The Colosseum
6. Pyroxene
7. Ome of hope
8. Ceremight
9. Invasion
10. Intangible body
11. Look forward
12. KA.MI.KA.ZE
13. Decisive battle
14. The Climax of the tower
15. Mysterious dreams
16. Trumpet 1
17. Trumpet 2
18. Electric Piano 1
19. Electric Piano 2
20. Harmonics 1
21. Harmonics 2
22. Harp 1
23. Harp 2
24. Cembalo 1
25. Cembalo 2
26. Organ 1
27. Organ 2
28. Shamisen 1
29. Shamisen 2
30. Violin 1
31. Violin 2

▶︎ Disc 3

1. A quirk of fate
2. The time light of dusk
3. Desert island
4. Lose one’s illusions
5. Hydrangea
6. Field of Nede
7. Endlessly
8. Teary
9. Breezy afternoon
10. Deadly hatred
11. Tender spot
12. Theme of RENA (music box)
13. Theme of RENA
14. White the heart
15. Let’s walk in a parade
16. Come on Bunny
17. Fortune teller
18. Cooking Master
19. Mission to the deep space
20. Shiver

▶︎ Disc 4

1. Tengency
2. Invade
3. Fight to the last
4. Beast of prey
5. Mighty blow
6. The incarnation of devil
7. The ultimate terror
8. Can you say Yes with eyes open
9. Integral body and imperfect soul
10. The fateful moment
11. Resolution
12. We form in crystals
13. Live in plenty
14. STAR OCEAN forever
15. Timpani
16. Orchestra
17. Merry harbor

▶︎ Purchase from the links below

• Square Enix Store (Japan)
• Square Enix Store (NA)
• Square Enix Store (EU)
• CDJapan
• Download *Availability may vary by platform.

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You can also listen to a couple of the remastered tracks on YouTube here:

1. The venerable forest (SO2R Ver.)
2. Pure a stream (SO2R Ver.)
3. Deadly hatred (SO2R Ver.)
4. Shower of blossoms (SO2R Ver.)
5. Cuddle (SO2R Ver.)
6. Field of Exper (SO2R Ver.)
7. At the crack of dawn (SO2R Ver.)