THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY: FINAL FANTASY VIII

This week, we take a loving look at some of the incredible music from FINAL FANTASY VIII. The beauty of these tracks would make even Squall crack a smile...
By Duncan Heaney

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY.

If you were concerned that FINAL FANTASY VIII wouldn’t be well represented in THEATRHTYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, then don’t be afraid - there are plenty of tracks from Squall and co’s adventure to experience.

In fact, from men with machine guns, to blue fields, you’ll find your way to all sorts of amazing music from the game. And before you think maybe I’m a-lyin’, check out this tracklist:

  • Ending Theme (FMS)
  • Waltz for the Moon (FMS/EMS)
  • Balamb GARDEN (FMS)
  • Blue Fields (FMS)
  • Don't be Afraid (BMS)
  • Force Your Way (BMS)
  • Shuffle or Boogie (BMS)
  • The Man with the Machine Gun (BMS)
  • Premonition (BMS)
  • Fisherman's Horizon (FMS)
  • Love Grows (FMS)
  • Ride On (FMS)
  • The Castle (FMS)
  • Maybe I'm a Lion (BMS)
  • The Extreme (BMS)
  • Liberi Fatali (BMS)
  • Find Your Way (FMS)
  • The Oath (FMS)
  • Eyes On Me (FMS) (Digital Deluxe Edition / upgrade only)

So eyes on me, as I take you through just three of the amazing tracks in the game - you may already like them but listen again and you’ll probably find your love grows even more!


Liberi Fatali (BMS)

24 years on from its 1999 release, the opening sequence to FINAL FANTASY VIII has lost none of its power.

The opening duel between Squall and Seifer is expertly choreographed and beautifully rendered, but what really brings it together is this epic choral track by Nobuo Uematsu. As the fight goes on, intercut with scenes of other characters and events, the track builds and builds to a screaming climax that leaves quite the impression on the listener.

It certainly did for me!


Fisherman’s Horizon (FMS)

When FINAL FANTASY VIII goes big, it goes to the extreme, but what makes the soundtrack so remarkable is how memorable even the quieter moments are.

The tranquil settlement of Fisherman’s Horizon is a welcome bastion of peace and tranquillity for the game’s heroes. Pieced together from found and recycled materials, and with a pacifist philosophy, it provides both respite and a stark contrast to the rest of the world.

All those feelings are perfectly captured in the town’s beautiful theme.


Ride On (FMS)

When you force your way onto the Ragnarok, it’s a big moment - in many ways the culmination of Squall and Rinoa’s tentative relationship. Even then, you may have had a premonition that this beautiful craft would become yours to control.

When it does, it’s feels amazing.

Although you and the SeeD-y team have experienced world travel through Balamb Garden’s unexpected… portability, it’s nothing compared to the freedom that this flying craft offers you.

Suddenly, the world is your oyster, and the sense of endless possibility bursts from this track that perfectly captures the feelings of soaring through the clouds at lightning fast speeds. FINAL FANTASY wouldn’t be complete without airships, and this theme is one of the greats!


We hope you enjoyed listening to these tracks - there are hundreds more to enjoy in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE!

The game releases physically and digitally for PS4 and Nintendo Switch on February 16, 2023, so either shuffle (or boogie) down to your local games store, or preorder now through the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop.

Three editions will be available at launch:

  • Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

  • Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

  • Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now. All digital preorders come with 15 ProfiCards to use in game:

There’s also a free demo available that lets you play through 30 tracks from the game, including some beloved songs from FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XV!

Your progress even carries over to the full game, so download it now and start setting some scores!

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

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