Nobuo Uematsu retires from Square-Enix

[EdenMaster]

Not sure if this belongs in Multiconsole or what...but more will probably see it here. If you don't know who Uematsu is, you've obviously never played a Final Fantasy game before, and for that in itself you should be shot for.

Source: <a href="http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2004/103004b.html">RPGamer</a>

Nobuo Uematsu, famed composer of many Final Fantasy soundtracks, may be leaving Square Enix for greener pastures. Reportedly, Uematsu plans to found his own company after being employed by Square Enix for almost 20 years. His recent busy schedule, which consisted of activities spent with his rock band The Black Mages, as well as being responsible for composing music for Hanjuku Eiyuu Tai 3D and Final Fantasy XII, is reported to be the catalyst for his decision.

If this were to happen, he may still work with Square Enix in the future. RPGamer will bring you more on this subject should it hold truth.

UPDATE: 10/30/04: After going over the story above with a more experienced translator, we have determined that, at the moment, this story is a rumor, and has not been confirmed in any way.

UPDATE: 10/31/04: Nobuo Uematsu's official fan club has confirmed this report, saying that Uematsu will leave Square Enix this month and join a company named "Smile Please" in November. Uetmasu said that he would not want to call this "quitting," as that term is too extreme. Rather, it is akin to graduating from the company. His reason for leaving is to pursue work at his own pace. He plans to continue his work in writing game music, performing in concerts, and producing the upcoming second Black Mages album. He is also planning other activities outside of Japan as well.

How disturbing...FFX-2 showed us just how frightening Final Fantasy music can be without Uematsu at the helm. I hope they replace him with someone good.

[Great Rumbler]

Maybe they could bring over someone from the Enix half of the company, because I know they've got some talented composers there. *is listening to the Cooking Master song from Star Ocean 2*

[Dark Jaguar]

You know, the composer for Crystal Chronicles is pretty good too. She's probably meant to inherit the throne.

[Weltall]

They should bring Yasunori Mitsuda back. He is, hands-down, the best videogame composer out there. Akira Yamaoka is a very close second, but his style doesn't exactly fit the Final Fantasy theme much. :D Motoi Sakuraba of Enix is also quite masterful.

I do have to admit though, that Uematsu's work was great and every game he did he displayed an increase in talent.

[OB1]

FF just won't be the same without him. :(

But I look forward to change! And whatever he works on next.

[Great Rumbler]

They could get Noriyuki Iwadare, who was the mastermind behind Grandia's amazing music.

[OB1]

Or Billy Joel!

[Great Rumbler]

Yeah, that would be awesome.

[OB1]

*plays a battle in FF XIII with "River of Dreams" blaring in the background*