It might be the best video game song of all time.
A twenty minute song without much in the way of loops that tells an interconnected story of triumph, loss, and hope communicated purely through musics emotion. Combined with the visuals, like Terra taking off her headband and finally becoming free - free to live, free to love, free to choose - and you have quite possibly the greatest video game ending of all time.
The story of the song is essentially Kefka's words come to life: there is no reset button, the world has been destroyed and there's no going back. What gives the song and ultimately the ending, its strength is despite the desolation, the horror, the deaths and scourge of the planet, there is hope for humanity to continue. In a game where one of the main characters tries to attempt suicide, the message resonates so strongly with those who have fought depression. Final Fantasy VI stands as possibly the most life affirming video game ever made.
When people say Dancing Mad is Nobuo's best, sometimes I respect their opinion, but it feels like most pick it because it's popular to do so. Dancing Mad is great, and would be my number two easily, but it lacks the emotional resonance of Balance is Restored.
The combination of Locke and Celes' themes, two people who help and rely on each other in a mutual loving relationship, is nothing short of stunning. When I'm feeling down, this song gives me hope to keep fighting. Shadow's theme in particular is nothing short of extravagant.
Without the ending, FFVI is just a really good game. With it, it's a fucking masterpiece and imo, easily the best story in the franchise. One Winged Angel is great, that's all I can say about it.
But Balance Is Restored?
I'm thoroughly convinced those who say FFVI is overrated have not beaten it.
Terra taking off her headband as the climax to The Prologue plays. Masterful. Might be my favorite game "shot" of all time. And then it cuts scene, the birds part and fly into every dungeon of the game, showing that there's potential life in eve the most darkest of places.
Masterpiece.
