Legendary video game composer Nobuo Uematsu has created some of the most iconic music in gaming history. Best known for scoring the soundtracks for the first nine Final Fantasy games produced by Square Enix, Uematsu’s music has played a pivotal role in the success and emotional impact of the legendary Final Fantasy series.
In a recent interview, Nobuo Uematsu stated that he likely won’t ever compose a full video game soundtrack again. While he still contributes main theme songs to new Final Fantasy games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and the upcoming sequel Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Uematsu feels he no longer has the physical and mental stamina needed to score an entire game.
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“As far as Final Fantasy is concerned, I’m still involved by writing the main themes for the games,” Uematsu explained. “But I don’t think I’ll compose music for a whole game again.” He cited the years of intensive work needed to produce a full orchestral soundtrack as being too demanding at this stage of his career.
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Nobuo Uematsu’s last complete video game soundtrack was for Fantasian in 2021, an Apple Arcade exclusive RPG directed by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. Sakaguchi has hinted that Fantasian’s sweeping 60-track score may be the legendary composer’s final full-game soundtrack.
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“I think he kind of hinted that Fantasian is maybe the last game that he does from end to end in terms of scoring an entire soundtrack,” Sakaguchi stated at the time. While Uematsu will likely continue contributing individual compositions to Square Enix games, Sakaguchi speculated that the masterful Fantasian soundtrack might represent the composer’s last magnum opus.
Truly one of gaming’s most prolific and decorated composers, Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic music has played an integral role in defining the sound, emotion, and legacy of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series. From sweeping anthems like “One-Winged Angel” to heartfelt character themes like “Aerith’s Theme,” Uematsu’s sophisticated blend of orchestral and synthetic sounds has captivated generations of gamers. Even as he steps back from full soundtracks, his main theme compositions continue bringing his signature style to new Final Fantasy worlds.
As he focuses on other passion projects like his progressive rock band The Black Mages and orchestral performances like his forthcoming show Merregnon: Heart of Ice, Nobuo Uematsu leaves behind a peerless legacy in video game music.
While he may never again undertake a full game soundtrack as monumental as his earlier Final Fantasy scores, Uematsu’s new compositions show the same heart and ingenuity that have made him a gaming legend. Even decades after scoring early Final Fantasy titles, Nobuo Uematsu’s memorable themes and sophisticated sounds continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
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