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Probably One Of The Greatest OSTs EVER! I've Loved It Since 1997, And I Continue To Do So To This Day.

This soundtrack is whack! Maybe a little whacked, too.

Perhaps because of its slightly schizophrenic nature, perhaps because of its ability to overwhelm the simplistic graphic quality of the game, Square’s soundtrack to Tobal No. 1 has been compared to that of the Tekken series, which debuted around the same time. In truth, though, where the Tekken series is content to bump and grind to repetitive melodies and generic acid rhythms, Tobal’s soundtrack is inventive from top to bottom and draws influence from everywhere in classy popular music. True, some tracks use weird enough electronic voices (Disused Mine, Character Select) to evoke images of Rugrats, but to judge the album on that weirdness, which grows on you after a few listens anyway, doesn’t do it justice.

The majority of music here displays cutting-edge arrangements permeated by live performances perfectly suited to the game’s whimsical groove and a real kick to listen to on their own. The rock and techno bits are masterfully done, but when it branches out into samba and rockabilly or breaks out the jazz trombone, you know this album is something special! It's simply more spontaneous, amusing, and engaging than the typical fighting game soundtrack.

The OST adds extra listenability, such as cool openers and hard closings, to the tracks available on the PS1 disc. Even without that benefit, though, the Tobal No. 1 OST would be a must-download.