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Final Fantasy Tactics concert is coming to Tokyo, completely free, and needs volunteers

Casey Baseel Jun 26, 2014
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Even though the numbered sequels in the Final Fantasy video game series stretch all the way up to 14, there are actually far more titles than that in the franchise. One of the most popular spinoffs to Square Enix’s massively successful role-playing game is Final Fantasy Tactics, thanks to its deep customization, complex and unpredictable plot, and stirring soundtrack.

The strategy role-playing game has been entertaining fans for the past 17 years, and as testament to its lasting appeal, this summer a symphony orchestra concert will be held dedicated to the music of Final Fantasy Tactics. And best of all, it’s free.

Square Enix served as published for Final Fantasy Tactics, and having the company’s name plastered on the box and title screen means it gets the lion’s share of the credit for the high quality of the finished product. Truth be told, though, the title owes its popularity at least as much to the talents of collaborative developer Quest, creator of the Ogre Battle and Tactics Ogre series of strategy games. While much of Final Fantasy Tactics’ artwork and job classes drew heavily from the first seven numbered Final Fantasy games, the core battle system and unflinching brutal storyline of Final Fantasy Tactics unmistakably have their roots in Quest’s earlier efforts.

Another thing Quest brought to the table was the music of composers Hitoshi Sakamoto and Masaharu Iwata. The two friends had supplied the scores for Ogre Battle and Tactics Ogre, and did so again for Final Fantasy Tactics.

The soundtrack they created struck a chord with a group of musicians in Japan, who call themselves the Knights Templar Orchestra, after a class of character that appears in the game. Made up of 70 performers from across the county, the group exclusively plays music from Final Fantasy Tactics.

Their first concert was held in 2007, which was followed up with a second in 2009. This summer, the group is back again with a July 19 performance at the Parthenon Tama concert hall in southwest Tokyo.

The Knights Templar Orchestra will be selecting movements from the complete Final Fantasy Tactics soundtrack, which contains over 50 pieces of music. The group’s aim is to weave them into a representation of the game’s narrative, which focusses on the political and religious struggles of the fictional medieval society called Ivalice.

Gamers with sharp memories and cultured ears have no doubt remembered that this isn’t the only live Final Fantasy music event of the summer, as there was also a Final Fantasy VII concert in Akasaka on June 21. But while tickets for that performance ranged from 6,500 to 10,000 yen (US$64-$98) and sold out almost immediately, the admission to the Knights Templar Orchestra’s is completely free, with a first-come first-seated system. The doors open at 12 noon, and the music starts at 1 p.m.

Square Enix is not involved directly involved in the event, although it has given its blessing to the game-loving musicians’ concert. If that act of generosity has inspired you, the Knights Templar Orchestra is recruiting volunteers to help out on the day of the performance. Those interested can fill out the form here, which asks that volunteers wear a formal suit and be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 19. The group say they need doormen, receptionists, and ushers, which don’t have quite the same flair as prestige classes like black mage, dragoon, and ninja, but are important all the same.

Venue information
Parthenon Tama / パルテノン多摩
Address: Tokyo-to, Tama-shi, Ochiai 2-2-35
東京都多摩市落合2-2-35
Website

Related: Knights Templar Orchestra Tumblr, Twitter