Twinfinite writes "Dragon Quest XI is a damn good video game. But if there’s one aspect to the experience that has driven me absolutely insane over the course of my first twenty hours with the game, it’s that damn MIDI-soundtrack."
I’m so glad someone highlighted this! It’s a bizarre concept to incorporate a midi soundtrack instead of an orchestral game in a current gen console RPG that looks and plays beautifully. Given it’s a lot more ‘realistic’ visually, I’d also expect a more ‘realistic’ soundtrack to accompany it.
The reasoning is simply ridiculous and I’m surprised the publisher’s granted the composer’s request to only include an inferior and unsuitable version of the OST, just to increase sales of an independent album. Honestly seems a little greedy. Why spend all that time, money and resources creating a big game but downgrade the music soundtrack? If he’s really that desperate, at least making it an in-game purchase or something!
I hope this gets recognised and an update is released particularly for consoles. The music exists, so I can’t see it being a difficult integration.
Most of its sales will be from japan, in japan customers wanted the midi for nostalgia. We still got voice acting though, something the japanese version didnt have.
Using MIDI allowed you to use any source sound you want and allows some unique sounds within the game that otherwise wouldn't be possible with a standard orchestra.
The music is awesome in this game and I actually prefer it the way it is.
With an orchestra, everything always sounds exactly the same, no matter who is playing any of the instruments....there is no room for variation in source sound.
I think when we say ‘midi’ we mean the same sort of music style that you achieve via midi.
It seems that it was probably intentional, but many including myself believe a less midi-like and more orchestral soundtrack would’ve been a much better experience.
Thanks I was just gonna type this. Maybe MIDI is a tad on the cheap side in this day and age, but I kinda look at it like a homage to all those old school JRPGs we grew up playing in the 80s and 90s
Sure, it’s a nice homage. But perhaps it could’ve been an interchangeable option, or maybe even a bonus option available once you achieve something in game...
I’m so glad someone highlighted this! It’s a bizarre concept to incorporate a midi soundtrack instead of an orchestral game in a current gen console RPG that looks and plays beautifully. Given it’s a lot more ‘realistic’ visually, I’d also expect a more ‘realistic’ soundtrack to accompany it.
The reasoning is simply ridiculous and I’m surprised the publisher’s granted the composer’s request to only include an inferior and unsuitable version of the OST, just to increase sales of an independent album. Honestly seems a little greedy. Why spend all that time, money and resources creating a big game but downgrade the music soundtrack? If he’s really that desperate, at least making it an in-game purchase or something!
I hope this gets recognised and an update is released particularly for consoles. The music exists, so I can’t see it being a difficult integration.
Personally I like the music just the way it is.