I agree with your statement that Mizuta has grown. This is even more noticeable since most of the field themes from Wings of the Goddess illustrate the same areas than in the original FFXI. From "Rolanberry Fields" to "Flowers on the Battlefield", from "The Kingdom of San d'Oria" to "Griffons Never Die", from "Sarutabaruta" to "The Cosmic Wheel"... there's something different. The atmosphere of the game is not the same, too... Too bas you didn't mention the new theme for Castle Zvahl, "Troubled Shadows", which I think is great.

I thought Aht Urhgan was his best work, at least since the original OST. It had many great tracks. I've listened through this and it's good, but nothing caught me the way AU did. I'll have to give it another shot, and also try to pick up on those composer references you mentioned.

Thanks for the compliment Jeri. :)

kaleb, I do think the Aht Urhgan had some GREAT music, and may well be his best. But after the first, say, ten tracks on the OST, I feel like it goes downhill. The first ten tracks are INCREDIBLE, filled with great music. Had "Ragnarok" (the Alexander battle theme) been on the Aht Urhgan OST at the time of its printing, that would easily tip the scales for me. Its presence as a track on the WotG OST makes me like the newest disc even more.

also, zana, I went back and listened to Troubled Shadows. You're right, this really is an excellent track. It's also REALLY long, in a good way. Personally, I think the biggest transition for Mizuta can be seen in Sarutabaruta ---> Cosmic Wheel. Cosmic Wheel is an incredible song.

Very informative review. Looking at the expansion pack as a project that honors the traditions of the series is an insightful way of considering the motives behind the soundtrack's style. I think the review really benefited from your experience with FFXI.