Climbing notes give way to a steady, upbeat tune that sets the stage for the drama to come. The album opens, fittingly, with the “Theme of Final Fantasy XII,” a dramatic piece that begins with a furious pace. Casey Ormond’s stunning arrangements have tremendous variety that breathe new life into the Ivalice soundscape. After hearing only a few tracks, however, any reservations I had were immediately dispelled. I wondered if Sakimoto’s complex melodies would maintain their identities when rewritten for the piano. When I discovered that a Piano Collections album for the game was in the works, my excitement was tempered with trepidation. Today, I hold its soundtrack in high esteem, and I feel it is one of Hitoshi Sakimoto’s best efforts. As I became deeper entrenched in the lore of Ivalice, I found myself connecting with the game’s music and art design more than any other aspect. Final Fantasy XII is a game that I initially felt indifferent to, but have come to love in recent years.