After noticing JohnnyMercyside's Annual Final Fantasy Character Knockout Game (Thread 189452), I got it in my head that an annual event would be fun for the music community here too. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is much of any community left to speak of. This is strange, really, because the non-discussion oriented section of this site still gets a new post every couple of minutes. (Oh my poor internet, why have you grown so antisocial?) I am going to try anyway, because I still have all of last year's data ready at hand in a spreadsheet and because I feel like it. Nyaah.

This is a Final Fantasy music knock-out game.

128 songs from the main Final Fantasy series (1-14) will be randomly paired head-to-head. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick a winner in each pairing.

* You can vote periodically or choose all 64 at once. I will be posting the match-ups in groups of 8 every few days with direct links to Youtube, but you can find the full first-round pairings in a spoiler tag below and search them yourselves. I will edit this when the first round ends, so it's safe to assume all Round 1 voting is still open. The semi-finals are now closed! You can pick up with us in the Finals on page 6. (http://forums.ffshrine.org/f63/final-fantasy-rumble-redux-vote-your-favorite-190139/6.html#post3010369) All brackets (A-H) will remain open until r2, so feel free to go back and vote if you missed one.

* The first round will remain open at least until 5 people vote. If this doesn't happen in a month or two, I will weep bitter tears and probably abandon the project.

* These are the same 128 songs we used last year, but no opening round match-ups will be repeated.

* There is absolutely no standard criteria for voting. For instance, I am probably going to be a jerk and blackball last year's winner.

If you're curious, last year's winner was, predictably, Final Fantasy VI - Dancing Mad.
It beat Final Fantasy X - Decisive Battle 4-2 in the finals.
The semi-finalists were Final Fantasy VI - The Decisive Battle and Final Fantasy VIII - Find Your Way.
The Dreadful Fight (FF4), Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5), Opening Theme (FF6), and Dark Messenger (FF9) made it to the quarterfinals.


Click below for the full first round pairings:
(not an actual spoiler--feel free to vote on them all right away)
To Zanarkand (FF10) vs Mystic Mysidia (FF4)
The Silence Before the Storm (FF10) vs Home Sweet Home (FF5)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4) vs Red Wings (FF4)
Seymour Battle (FF10) vs The Lunarians (FF4)
Still More Fighting (FF7) vs Cursed Earth (FF5)
The Decisive Battle (FF6) vs Devil's Lab (FF6)
The Spy (FF8) vs The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8) vs Selbina (FF11)
Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7) vs Melodies of Life (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4) vs Harvest (FF5)
Wild West (FF6) vs Kuja's Theme (FF9)
Phantom Train (FF6) vs Sealed Away (FF5)
Taejin's Tower (FF13) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Fierce Battle (FF6) vs Rebellion (FF12)
Dark Messenger (FF9) vs Frontier Village Dali (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11) vs Aetherial Slumber (FF14)
On Windy Meadows (FF14) vs Blue Fields (FF8)
Birth of the God (FF7) vs Mysteries Abound (FF13)
Vivi's Theme (FF9) vs Eternal Harvest (FF9)
Dear Friends (FF5) vs Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Forested Temple (FF7) vs Slam Shuffle (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7) vs Suteki da ne (FF10)
One-Winged Angel (FF7) vs Eyes on Me (FF8)
Decisive Battle (FF10) vs Daughter of the Great Summoner (FF10)
Aerith's Theme (FF7) vs Ashe's Theme (FF12)
Within the Giant (FF4) vs Will to Fight (FF13)
Desert Moon Defied (FF14) vs New Continent (FF6)
Under Her Control (FF8) vs Despair (FF11)
Troops March On (FF6) vs Freya's Theme (FF9)
Last Dungeon (FF6) vs Saber's Edge (FF13)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9) vs Crystal Cave (FF3)
Besaid Island (FF10) vs Martial Law (FF8)
The Sight of Spira (FF10) vs Sprouting (FF10)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6) vs The Extreme (FF8)
The Day Will Come (FF5) vs Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Skycity of Bhujerba (FF12) vs The Final Battle (FF4)
Prelude (FF4) vs The Invincible (FF3)
Awakened Forest (FF9) vs Rabanastre Downtown (FF12)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7) vs Gold Saucer (FF7)
Kefka (FF6) vs Between Ordeals (FF10)
"Sometime, Somewhere" (FF11) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Ancient Castle (FF2) vs Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9) vs Barthandelus Battle (FF13)
Gustaberg (FF11) vs The Phon Coast (FF12)
The Forgotten Capital (FF12) vs Opening Theme (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7) vs The Empire Gestahl (FF6)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7) vs Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12) vs Born Anew (FF13)
Theme of the Empire (FF12) vs Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6) vs Attack (Raid) (FF10)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1) vs All the World Against Us (FF13)
Esper Battle (FF12) vs The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Prologue (FF4) vs Steel Reason (FF14)
Final Battle (FF9) vs Otherworld (FF10)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3) vs Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (FF8) vs Seeking Power (FF12)
Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8) vs Main Theme (FF2)
Auron's Theme (FF10) vs Eruyt Village (FF12)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9) vs Eternal Wind (FF3)
The Castle (FF8) vs Starlight Celebration (FF14)
Fight 2 (FF4) vs Airship (FF11)
To the Place of Gods (FF12) vs Anxiety (FF11)
Battle (FF3) vs Find Your Way (FF8)
Tower of Mages (FF2) vs Force Your Way (FF8)

So without further ado, Round 1A:
To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10) vs Mystic Mysidia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geBRu2JgAeM) (FF4)
The Silence Before the Storm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHw2V0C-D-o) (FF10) vs Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx79UtJbpfE) (FF5)
The Dreadful Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp4-fXuTwb8) (FF4) vs Red Wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQyqX9iu_M) (FF4)
Seymour Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWE0nlhpdq8) (FF10) vs The Lunarians (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCceq0q1pA) (FF4)
Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7) vs Cursed Earth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYTb5f68wf0) (FF5)
The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-Lhkm93pI) (FF6) vs Devil's Lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMK-y8w6YhA) (FF6)
The Spy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txs-MnMiP2w) (FF8) vs The Nightmare Begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBjCKWaO_0) (FF7)
The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8) vs Selbina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGxNFlOO5k) (FF11)

To Zanarkand (FF10)
Home Sweet Home (FF5) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVybqeHLpAw) love it :3
The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
Seymour Battle (FF10)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Selbina (FF11)

To Zanarkand (FF10)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
The Lunarians (FF4)
Cursed Earth (FF5)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
The Spy (FF8)
Selbina (FF11)

To Zanarkand (FF10)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)
Red Wings (FF4)
The Lunarians (FF4)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Selbina (FF11)

X
V
II
X
V
III - The Decisive Battle
VII
VIII

Thanks for voting! Just so you know, both options in the third set are from the same game.

Mystic Mysidia (FF4)
The Silence Before the Storm (FF10)
Red Wings (FF4)
The Lunarians (FF4)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Selbina (FF11)

:o Welcome back.

That's 5 already, so this event is definitely good to go. I think I'll post every 2 days since people can go back and vote on what they missed.

How did I not notice this already? *smacks self*

Round 1A

Mystic Mysidia (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)
The Dreadful Battle (FF4)
Seymour Battle (FF10)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)

1A

Mystic Mysidia (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
Seymour Battle (FF10)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)

You can still vote for Round 1A. Votes won't be counted until all 128 tracks have appeared.

Round 1B:
Chasing the Black-Caped Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti_iazvRLD4) (FF7) vs Melodies of Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye7BGnlTZmQ) (FF9)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvnbmCyWD84) (FF4) vs Harvest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c5-qVkVfqU) (FF5)
Wild West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsncqH61jFc) (FF6) vs Kuja's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2spjqRmQGRA) (FF9)
Phantom Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaTSIDarZA) (FF6) vs Sealed Away (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYv_NaRoH2M) (FF5)
Taejin's Tower (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOvNwa452A8) (FF13) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMTXyExkeI) (FF5)
The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmwSfUqnDvA) (FF6) vs Rebellion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWdY8WJ0Fk) (FF12)
Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9) vs Frontier Village Dali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_D3ayN9cKo) (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11) vs Aetherial Slumber (http://www.brawlcustommusic.com/29995) (FF14)

(Aetherial Slumber is currently not available on Youtube. I'm pretty sure the title is correct, because I skimmed through 200 other FFXIV tracks just now without finding it and it appears under that name on the "Final Fantasy XIV Field Tracks" cd.

Round 1B
Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4)
Kuja's Theme (FF9)
Phantom Train (FF6)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Rebellion (FF12)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Aetherial Slumber (FF14)

IX
IV
VI
V
V
III
IX - Dark Messenger
XI

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4)
Wild West (FF6)
Phantom Train (FF6)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)

Chasing The Black Caped Man
Main Theme
Kuja's Theme
Phantom Train
Clash on the big Bridge
Rebellion
Frontier Village Dali
Aetherial Slumber - Interesting track this one.

Melodies of Life (FF9)
Harvest (FF5)
The Wild West (FF6)
Phantom Train (FF6) (cannonically, this is actually called Mystery Train on the FFVI OST album
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)

Also in regards to Aetherial Slumber, that is indeed the correct name of the track, as it's also labelled as such on the Before Meteor ~ FFXIV Original Soundtrack album (it was track 38 on that album). However, the track as far as I'm aware only appeared in the original (now shutdown) version of FFXIV (version 1.0) and has not yet appeared anywhere in A Realm Reborn - I don't even know exactly where in FFXIV 1.0 it was used (I suspect it was used in a quest cutscene, but I'm not sure). But yes, it's an interesting theme (I liked FFXI's Chateau d'Oraguille more though, as I at least knew where that piece played and how well it worked as a leitmotif). ;)

EDIT: according to FF Wiki it actually played on FFXIV 1.0's main title screen if the player viewed the development team credits. So there you go. :)

1B

Melodies of Life (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4)
Kuja's Theme (FF9)
Phantom Train (FF6)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Rebellion (FF12)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11) vs Aetherial Slumber (FF14). I'll come back to this one since I can't get the file to play. I'm going to try it on another device.

You can still vote for Round 1A and 1B. Votes won't be counted until all 128 tracks have appeared.

Round 1C:
On Windy Meadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxYi3O_SHc) (FF14) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8)
Birth of a God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7) vs Mysteries Abound (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Iy1VeOcG4) (FF13)
Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxXL_1dxScA) (FF9) vs Eternal Harvest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcoMMAlopMU) (FF9)
Dear Friends (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7kKDZei4s4) (FF5) vs Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTu1lzfLolA) (FF12)
The Forested Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWcZEbuECO4) (FF7) vs Slam Shuffle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBx3M4Comlc) (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQR6oko6YkE) (FF7) vs Suteki da ne (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gm3p7jq4fs) (FF10)
One-Winged Angel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7wJ8pE2qKU) (FF7) vs Eyes on Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qcW0oiLKHg) (FF8)
Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTxqsTfDgC4) (FF10) vs Daughter of the Great Summoner (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePf5xTkL7pg) (FF10)

Last year, One-Winged Angel was unexpectedly knocked out in the first round after being randomly paired against Battle on the Big Bridge. This year, rng politely paired it with Eyes On Me. :P

Round 1C
Blue Fields (FF8)
Birth of a God (FF7)
Eternal Harvest (FF9)
Dear Friends (FF5)
Slam Shuffle (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Decisive Battle (FF10)

Whenever sang my songs

Round 1C

On Windy Meadows (FFXIV)
Birth of a God (FFVII)
Vivi's Theme (FFIX)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FFXII)
Slam Shuffle (FFVI)
Suteki da ne (FFX)
One-Winged Angel) (FFVII)
Decisive Battle (FFX)

Incidentally, On Windy Meadows is from the original version of FFXIV (it was the original La Noscea zone BGM), but it does show up in A Realm Reborn in certain cutscenes (in particular the opening scene on the ferry for a new player starting out in Limsa Lominsa). It's still one of my favourites though ;)

Yeah, I noticed that when I was digging it up on Youtube. I think this track list was compiled prior to A Realm Reborn. I do find it very bizarre that Square scrapped a lot of the original music, as if that was the issue.

---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:48 PM ----------

Round 1C:
On Windy Meadows (FF14)
Mysteries Abound (FF13)
Eternal Harvest (FF9)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Forested Temple (FF7)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Decisive Battle (FF10)

I think this track list was compiled prior to A Realm Reborn. I do find it very bizarre that Square scrapped a lot of the original music, as if that was the issue.

Correct, and ditto. I haven't heard the full soundtrack for A Realm Reborn yet. Maybe for next year's rumble?

Oh yes, this game is going to be great :D

1A
To Zanarkand (FF10)
The Silence Before the Storm (FF10)
Red Wings (FF4)
The Lunarians (FF4)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)

1B
Melodies of Life (FF9)
Harvest (FF5)
Wild West (FF6)
Phantom Train (FF6)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)

1C
Blue Fields (FF8)
Birth of a God (FF7)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
Slam Shuffle (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Decisive Battle (FF10)

Blue Fields (FF8)
Birth of a God (FF7)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Forested Temple (FF7)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Decisive Battle (FF10)

Round 1C

On Windy Meadows (FF14)
Mysteries Abound (FF13)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)
Dear Friends (FF5)
Slam Shuffle (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Daughter of the Great Summoner (FF10)

Round 1D, previous rounds are still open to new votes

Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g) (FF7) vs Ashe's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIcI70Ve-f0) (FF12)
Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Q7OXR6bhk) (FF4) vs Will to Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzCsfqKgGJE) (FF13)
Desert Moon Defied (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-94brHheDe4) (FF14) vs New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6)
Under Her Control (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKI8RFr0Ec8) (FF8) vs Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxCId9SvAU) (FF11)
Troops March On (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI0AAgpzJbE) (FF6) vs Freya's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyjqNukHitA) (FF9)
Last Dungeon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeAkwI7rjQA) (FF6) vs Saber's Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLbULEiuFgo) (FF13)
Theme of the Tantalus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYLk1cwhyyM) (FF9) vs Crystal Cave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcP_R-MJd-E) (FF3)
Besaid Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxJE6SSX-aw) (FF10) vs Martial Law (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjTw1Wcjzf8) (FF8)

Round 1D

Aeris's Theme (FFVII)
Within the Giant (FFIV)
New Continent (FFVI)
Under Her Control (FFVIII)
Troops March On (FFVI)
The Last Dungeon (FFVI)
Theme of Tantalus (FFIX)
Martial Law (FFVIII)

Round 1D
Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Within the Giant (FF4)
New Continent (FF6)
Despair (FF11)
Freya's Theme (FF9)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9)
Martial Law (FF8)

Ashe's Theme (FF12)
Within the Giant (FF4)
New Continent (FF6)
Despair (FF11)
Troops March On (FF6) -- Ouch. I prefer Freya's Theme generally, but I love both of these songs and would hate to see Troops March On exit the first round twice.
Saber's Edge (FF13) -- Best non-Uematsu song in the franchise imo.
Crystal Cave (FF3)
Besaid Island (FF10)

Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Will to Fight (FF13)
New Continent (FF6)
Under Her Control (FF8)
Freya's Theme (FF9)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9)
Besaid Island (FF10)

Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Desert Moon Defied (FF14)
Under Her Control (FF8)
Freya's Theme (FF9)
Saber's Edge (FF13)
Crystal Cave (FF3) - I always felt that Uematsu borrowed a bit from New York, New York when making the theme for tantalus. xD
Martial Law (FF8)

Sharing this with you guys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIrP5mJIGBM

Round 1D

Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Within the Giant (FF4)
New Continent (FF6)
Despair (FF11)
Freya's Theme (FF9) - this was super hard discision!
Last Dungeon (FF6)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9)
Martial Law (FF8)

Round 1E, voting for previous rounds is still open

The Sight of Spira (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTptg9nedlM) (FF10) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10)
The Mines of Narshe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fnTJ5SF2uM) (FF6) vs The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8)
The Day Will Come (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh_PiwSLA1I) (FF5) vs Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7)
The Skycity of Bhujerba (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQNWafc6_9k) (FF12) vs The Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jzh0BThaaU) (FF4)
Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOALvPFyhAA) (FF4) vs The Invincible (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zTMGVoq1N4) (FF3)
Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9) vs Rabanastre Downtown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMgLuY6bNds) (FF12)
JENOVA Absolute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yX4h8Agi7U) (FF7) vs Gold Saucer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaGq6vn7hg) (FF7)
Kefka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e3I8zVIN6s) (FF6) vs Between Ordeals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93TJJpXzfgQ) (FF10)

Round 1E
The Sight of Spira (FF10)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6)!
Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Prelude (FF4)
Rabanastre Downtown (FF12)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7)
Kefka (FF6)

Some pretty even match-ups this go-around.

Sprouting (FF10)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Prelude (FF4)
Awakened Forest (FF9)
Gold Saucer (FF7)
Kefka (FF6)

The Sight of Spira (FF10)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Skycity of Bhujerba (FF12)
Prelude (FF4)
Rabanastre Downtown (FF12)
Gold Saucer (FF7)
Kefka (FF6)

The Sight of Spira (FF10)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Prelude (FF4)
Awakened Forest (FF9)
Gold Saucer (FF7)
Kefka (FF6)

Round 1E

Sproutling (FFX)
The Extreme (FFVIII)
Bombing Mission (FFVII)
The Final Battle (FFIV)
The Prelude (FFIV)
Awakened Forest (FFIX)
Jenova ABSOLUTE (FFVII)
Kefka's Theme (FFVI)

Round 1E

Sprouting (FF10)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Prelude (FF4)
Awakened Forest (FF9)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7)
Kefka (FF6)

Round 1F: (voting is still open for previous rounds)

"Sometime, Somewhere" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuqJ9m35Ulo) (FF11) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7)
Ancient Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLxGFQqcfME) (FF2) vs Troian Beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9Dc7USBhY) (FF4)
Song of Memories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5U30DKaYFw) (FF9) vs Barthandelus Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH5QcBC0G28) (FF13)
Gustaberg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0rYk83Rt0A) (FF11) vs The Phon Coast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgc1pSMCMw) (FF12)
The Forgotten Capital (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE8-z8wW-c4) (FF12) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7) vs The Empire Gestahl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFoGXzSbDw8) (FF6)
Off the Edge of Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oPqxoGzorI) (FF7) vs Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW9KQ5vu8Y) (FF12) vs Born Anew (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXr-J-Pv154) (FF13)

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Opening Theme (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Opening Theme (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

1F
"Sometime, Somewhere" (FF11)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Opening Theme (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9)
Gustaberg (FF11)
Opening Theme (FF6)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

I did say I'd be hesitant to vote last year's winner. Can't deny Dancing Mad over some tracks on the list, but with the extra weight I'm giving its competition I think Off the Edge of Despair earns my vote.

Round 1F

Cosmo Canyon (Valley of the Fallen Star) (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Song of Memories (FF9)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Opening Theme (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

Round 1F

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Ancient Castle (FF2)
Song of Memories (FF9)
Gustaberg (FF11)
Opening Theme (FF6)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)

Round 1G (voting is still open for previous rounds)

Theme of the Empire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3vT3hp0U5w) (FF12) vs Breezy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB30RVWeuP8) (FF8)
Save Them! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xehpm1vLrDQ) (FF6) vs Attack (Raid) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNIslB7GoXU) (FF10)
Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1) vs All the World Against Us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEYS84k7suA) (FF13)
Esper Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COG3R3Km-Zk) (FF12) vs The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4wyNiQa6I) (FF9)
Prologue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yYxsda1v2M) (FF4) vs Steel Reason (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhr2mLhmdR4) (FF14)
Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFUj4fq69Po) (FF9) vs Otherworld (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbLQhzsJG0A) (FF10)
Cloud of Darkness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYh5TB-trI) (FF3) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8) vs Seeking Power (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wzU706vNlA) (FF12)

Round 1G

Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Prologue (FF4)
Final Battle (FF9)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
Esper Battle (FF12)
Prologue (FF4)
Final Battle (FF9)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3)
Seeking Power (FF12)

Round 1G

Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Prologue (FF4)
Final Battle (FF9)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Prologue (FF4)
Otherworld (FF10)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

Breezy (FF8)
Save Them! (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Prologue (FF4)
Otherworld (FF10)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Seeking Power (FF12)

Round 1G

Theme of the Empire (FF12)
Attack! (FF10)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Steel Reason (FF14)
The Final Battle (FF9)
Matoya's Cave (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

Round 1H, previous rounds are still open

Maybe I'm a Lion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYDT_Y6Jj5c) (FF8) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xktPLOC6e6Y) (FF2)
Auron's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOu3KIDHqxc) (FF10) vs Eruyt Village (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOAD58HCB-c) (FF12)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9) vs Eternal Wind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulrKuQaSOrs) (FF3)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8) vs Starlight Celebration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jkZrSW4bE4) (FF14)
Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cJe5v5lLKk) (FF4) vs Airship (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-if85nnGWMg) (FF11)
To the Place of Gods (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ2rw-VDwfA) (FF12) vs Anxiety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOqUMiEmVt4) (FF11)
Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNEdOk_w8Fg) (FF3) vs Find Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn0T6Xh5VXY) (FF8)
Tower of Mages (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b6Pkj_6zIY) (FF2) vs Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8)

---------- Post added at 09:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 AM ----------

I'm going to count votes some time in the next few days. Round 1 won't be closed just yet, but if you want to make a change I'd appreciate if you make a new post about it. Edits will likely be overlooked.

Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8)
Auron's Theme (FF10)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Castle (FF8)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Force Your Way (FF8)

Main Theme (FF2)
Eruyt Village (FF12)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Castle (FF8)
Fight 2 (FF4)
To the Place of Gods (FF12)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Force Your Way (FF8)

Main Theme (FF2)
Eruyt Village (FF12)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Castle (FF8)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11)
Battle 1 (FF3)
Magicians' Tower (FF2)

Main Theme (FF2)
Eruyt Village (FF12)
Eternal Wind (FF3)
Starlight Celebration (FF14)
Fight 2 (FF4)
To the Place of Gods (FF12)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Tower of Mages (FF2)

Round 1H
Main Theme (FF2)
Auron's Theme (FF10)
Eternal Wind (FF3)
Starlight Celebration (FF14)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Tower of Mages (FF2)

Round 1H

Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8)
Eruyt Village (FF12)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Castle (FF8)
Airship (FF11)
Anxiety (FF11)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Force Your Way (FF8)

Concerning ties, I think I might allow the track with the lowest total votes across all years (in this case just 2014) to advance. This would give underdogs a little advantage--if you can tie a song that's historically done better than you, you get the edge.

TIES

Anyone who hasn't been voting care to break them? I'll close out round 1 when someone votes the 3-3s at least or in a few days. I expect the first three tracks are going to be decided on the tie-breaker method I suggested above.

4-4 ties (Szczepan and Link006 already voted):
Seymour Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWE0nlhpdq8) (FF10) vs The Lunarians (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCceq0q1pA) (FF4)
The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-Lhkm93pI) (FF6) vs Devil's Lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMK-y8w6YhA) (FF6)
The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8) vs Selbina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGxNFlOO5k) (FF11)

3-3 ties:
On Windy Meadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxYi3O_SHc) (FF14) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8)
Under Her Control (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKI8RFr0Ec8) (FF8) vs Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxCId9SvAU) (FF11)
The Sight of Spira (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTptg9nedlM) (FF10) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10)
JENOVA Absolute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yX4h8Agi7U) (FF7) vs Gold Saucer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaGq6vn7hg) (FF7)
Cloud of Darkness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYh5TB-trI) (FF3) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
Tower of Mages (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b6Pkj_6zIY) (FF2) vs Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8)

Seymour Battle
Devil's Lab
The Man with the Machine Gun

Blue Fields
Under Her Control
The Sight of Spira
JENOVA Absolute
Cloud of Darkness
Force Your Way

..dunno if I changed some votes from when I actually voted but those resonate with me the most for this actual vote :)

Cheers, that resolves two of the ties. Here are the remaining ones:

4-4 ties (Szczepan and Link006 already voted):
The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-Lhkm93pI) (FF6) vs Devil's Lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMK-y8w6YhA) (FF6)
The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8) vs Selbina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGxNFlOO5k) (FF11)

3-3 ties:
On Windy Meadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxYi3O_SHc) (FF14) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8)
Under Her Control (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKI8RFr0Ec8) (FF8) vs Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxCId9SvAU) (FF11)
The Sight of Spira (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTptg9nedlM) (FF10) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10)
Cloud of Darkness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYh5TB-trI) (FF3) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
Tower of Mages (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b6Pkj_6zIY) (FF2) vs Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8)

XIV
XI
Sprouting
I
VIII (tough one)

Thanks Link. Moving on!

Highest ranked track eliminated in round 1: The Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy 6 (ranked 3rd)
Lowest ranked track to progress: Matoya's Cave (FF1), Main Theme (FF2), Home Sweet Home (FF5), Slam Shuffle (FF6), and Awakened Forest (FF9), all ranked 113th.
All the World Against Us from FF13 becomes the only remaining track to never receive a vote.

All-Time Round 1 Performance Stats

1. Final Fantasy 4 (11 entries)
Total: 1st, 69.3% -- 106-47
2015: 3rd, 67.1% -- 49-24
2014: 1st, 71.3% -- 57-23

2. Final Fantasy 7 (14 entries)
Total: 2nd, 62.6% -- 122-73
2015: 2nd, 68.5% -- 61-28
2014: 2nd, 57.5% -- 61-45

3. Final Fantasy 6 (15 entries)
Total: 3rd, 57.2% -- 119-89
2015: 4th, 63.9% -- 62-35
2014: 5th, 51.4% -- 57-54

4. Final Fantasy 9 (13 entries)
Total: 4th, 54.8% -- 97-80
2015: 5th, 62.2% -- 51-31
2014: 8th, 48.4% -- 46-49

5. Final Fantasy 1 (2 entries)
Total: 5th, 51.9% -- 14-13
2015: 1st, 76.9% -- 10-3
2014: 14th, 28.6% -- 4-10

6. Final Fantasy 8 (13 entries)
Total: 6th, 51.8% -- 99-92
2015: 6th, 50.6% -- 43-42
2014: 3rd, 52.8% -- 56-50

7. Final Fantasy 11 (7 entries)
Total: 7th, 47.3% -- 44-49
2015: 7th, 44.4% -- 20-25
2014: 6th, 50.0% -- 24-24

8. Final Fantasy 12 (13 entries)
Total: 8th, 46.7% -- 84-96
2015: 10th, 39.2% -- 31-48
2014: 4th, 52.5% -- 53-48

9. Final Fantasy 2 (3 entries)
Total: 9th, 45.7% -- 16-19
2015: 8th, 42.1% -- 8-11
2014: 7th, 50.0% -- 8-8

10. Final Fantasy 5 (7 entries)
Total: 10th, 40.8% -- 40-58
2015: 9th, 40.8% -- 20-29
2014: 11th, 40.8% -- 20-29

11. Final Fantasy 10 (13 entries)
Total: 11th, 39.8% -- 72-109
2015: 11th, 38.4% -- 33-53
2014: 10th, 41.1% -- 39-56

12. Final Fantasy 14 (5 entries)
Total: 12th, 35.9% -- 23-41
2015: 12th, 32.3% -- 10-21
2014: 12th, 39.4% -- 13-20

13. Final Fantasy 3 (5 entries)
Total: 13th, 35.3% -- 24-44
2015: 13th, 25.8% -- 8-23
2014: 9th, 43.2% -- 16-21

14. Final Fantasy 13 (7 entries)
Total: 14th, 24.0% -- 23-73
2015: 14th, 11.6% -- 5-38
2014: 13th, 34.0% -- 18-35

--------------------------------------


Click below for the full second round pairings:
(not an actual spoiler--feel free to vote on them all right away)

Song of Memories (FF9) vs The Fierce Battle (FF6)
Final Battle (FF9) vs J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
On Windy Meadows (FF14) vs Prelude (FF4)
Slam Shuffle (FF6) vs Fight 2 (FF4)
Dark Messenger (FF9) vs Opening Theme (FF6)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9) vs Decisive Battle (FF10)
Martial Law (FF8) vs Within the Giant (FF4)
Find Your Way (FF8) vs Sprouting (FF10)
Last Dungeon (FF6) vs Eruyt Village (FF12)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11) vs Save Them! (FF6)
Force Your Way (FF8) vs Breezy (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7) vs JENOVA Absolute (FF7)
Still More Fighting (FF7) vs Troian Beauty (FF4)
Melodies of Life (FF9) vs Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (FF8) vs Freya's Theme (FF9)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9) vs Theme of the Tantalus (FF9)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7) vs Kefka (FF6)
Prologue (FF4) vs Wild West (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1) vs On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6) vs To Zanarkand (FF10)
Awakened Forest (FF9) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Dancing Mad (FF6) vs The Final Battle (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4) vs The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11) vs Home Sweet Home (FF5)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12) vs The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)
The Castle (FF8) vs Despair (FF11)
The Extreme (FF8) vs The Phon Coast (FF12)
Bombing Mission (FF7) vs Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Main Theme (FF2) vs Seymour Battle (FF10)
New Continent (FF6) vs The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)
One-Winged Angel (FF7) vs Phantom Train (FF6)
Birth of the God (FF7) vs Vivi's Theme (FF9)

--------------------------------------

Round 2A:
Song of Memories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5U30DKaYFw) (FF9) vs The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmwSfUqnDvA) (FF6)
Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFUj4fq69Po) (FF9) vs J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7)
On Windy Meadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxYi3O_SHc) (FF14) vs Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40RkVCi-qaE) (FF4)
Slam Shuffle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBx3M4Comlc) (FF6) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cJe5v5lLKk) (FF4)
Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9) vs Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTxqsTfDgC4) (FF10)
Martial Law (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjTw1Wcjzf8) (FF8) vs Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4)
Find Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn0T6Xh5VXY) (FF8) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10)

Round 2A
The Fierce Battle (FFVI)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FFVII)
On Windy Meadows (FFXIV)
Slam Shuffle (FFVI)
The Dark Messenger (FFIX)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FFIX)
Martial Law (FFVIII)
Find Your Way (FFVIII)

Round 2A
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Prelude (FF4)
Oh my God. Why??? Fight 2...
Opening Theme (FF6)
Decisive Battle (FF10)
Martial Law (FF8)
Find Your Way (FF8)

The Fierce Battle (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
On Windy Meadows (FF14)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Opening Theme (FF6)
Decisive Battle (FF10)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Find Your Way (FF8)

Song of Memories (FF9)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Prelude (FF4)
Slam Shuffle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Martial Law (FF8)
Sprouting (FF10)

The Fierce Battle (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Prelude (FF4)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Opening Theme (FF6)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Find Your Way (FF8)

Round 2A

Song of Memories (FF9)
Final Battle (FF9)
Prelude (FF4)
Slam Shuffle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Find Your Way (FF8)

Upset much? Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9), ranked 96, probably just knocked out Decisive Battle (FF10), ranked 2nd! :o

Round 2B (Round 2A still open for voting)
Last Dungeon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfvEpsgR5qU) (FF6) vs Eruyt Village (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOAD58HCB-c) (FF12)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11) vs Save Them! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH_C7EOv0Fk) (FF6)
Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8) vs Breezy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB30RVWeuP8) (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7) vs JENOVA Absolute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yX4h8Agi7U) (FF7)
Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7) vs Troian Beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9Dc7USBhY) (FF4)
Melodies of Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0S3wc9KAZs) (FF9) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8) vs Freya's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyjqNukHitA) (FF9)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW3QK6CTg2g) (FF9) vs Theme of the Tantalus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP2H_QIZm5o) (FF9)

Round 2B

The Final Dungeon (FF6)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Force Your Way (FF8)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Melodies of Life (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Some really, really tough choices (like, how could you make me choose between Matoya's Cave and Melodies of Life?! ;)), but in the end, it came down to which I just like the most.

Round 2B

Last Dungeon (FF6)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Breezy (FF8)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Last Dungeon (FF6)
Save Them! (FF6)
Breezy (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Melodies of Life (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Round 2B

Last Dungeon (FF6)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Force Your Way (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Melodies of Life (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Eruyt Village (FF12)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Breezy (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Troian Beauty (FF4)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Freya's Theme (FF9)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Round 2C (previous R2 brackets are still open!)

The Nightmare Begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBjCKWaO_0) (FF7) vs Kefka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cGvzrNoEtY) (FF6)
Prologue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQIX8R_6mE) (FF4) vs Wild West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsncqH61jFc) (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1) vs On the Other Side of the Mountain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQR6oko6YkE) (FF7)
Devil's Lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7-WEwjaLmc) (FF6) vs To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10)
Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwkz3sNbfiA) (FF9) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMTXyExkeI) (FF5)
Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6) vs The Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jzh0BThaaU) (FF4)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4) vs The Dreadful Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Hy1CdxuGg) (FF4)
Anxiety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOqUMiEmVt4) (FF11) vs Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx79UtJbpfE) (FF5)

Round 2C

The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Wild West (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
Zanarkand (FF10)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
Main Theme (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)

The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Wild West (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
Awakened Forest (FF9)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)

The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Prologue (FF4)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
To Zanarkand (FF10)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)

The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Prologue (FF4)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
To Zanarkand (FF10)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
The Final Battle (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11)

Topopoz!

You can still vote in Round 2B if you're interested.

Round 2B
Eruyt Village (FF12)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Force Your Way (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Freya's Theme (FF9)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Round 2C

Kefka (FF6)
Wild West (FF6)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7)
To Zanarkand (FF10)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
Main Theme (FF4)
Anxiety (FF11)

Round 2C

The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
The Wild West (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
Devil's Lab (FF6)
Battle on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Dreadful Battle (FF4)
Home Sweet Home (FF5)

Interesting that my choices this time were all, save for one, all from pre FFVII games. ;)

Round 2D (previous R2 brackets are still open for voting)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTu1lzfLolA) (FF12) vs The Royal City Of Rabanastre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW9KQ5vu8Y) (FF12)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8) vs Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxCId9SvAU) (FF11)
The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8) vs The Phon Coast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgc1pSMCMw) (FF12)
Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CK2hx377iU) (FF7)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xktPLOC6e6Y) (FF2) vs Seymour Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWE0nlhpdq8) (FF10)
New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6) vs The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8)
One-Winged Angel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDD-iYkHBhc) (FF7) vs Phantom Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaTSIDarZA) (FF6)
Birth of the God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7) vs Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxXL_1dxScA) (FF9)

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Seymour Battle (FF10)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Birth of the God (FF7)

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Main Theme (FF2)
New Continent (FF6)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Birth of the God (FF7)

Round 2D
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Main Theme (FF2)
New Continent (FF6)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Birth of the God (FF7)

Round 2D

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Main Theme (FF2)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)

The Royal City Of Rabanastre (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Extreme (FF8)
Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Seymour Battle (FF10)
New Continent (FF6)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)

So hard to choose!

Round 2D

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
The Castle (FF8)
The Extreme (FF8)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Main Theme of FFII (FF2)
New Continent (FF6)
Mystery Train (FF6)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)

TIES

3-3 ties:
Slam Shuffle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBx3M4Comlc) (FF6) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cJe5v5lLKk) (FF4)
Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6)
Martial Law (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjTw1Wcjzf8) (FF8) vs Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4)
Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8) vs Breezy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB30RVWeuP8) (FF8)
Melodies of Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0S3wc9KAZs) (FF9) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
Birth of the God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7) vs Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxXL_1dxScA) (FF9)

If you haven't already voted, you're welcome to go back and vote for other Round 2 match-ups as well. We'll move on to Round 3 when the ties are resolved.

Slam Shuffle (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Martial Law (FF8)
Breezy (FF8)
Melodies of Life (FF9)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)

TIE votes:
IV
IX
IV
Force Your Way
I
VII

Highest ranked track eliminated in round 2:
Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy 10 (ranked 2nd) -- The Dreadful Fight (FF4) and Opening Theme (FF6), both ranked 7th, were also eliminated.

Lowest ranked track to progress:
Matoya's Cave (FF1), Main Theme (FF2), and Home Sweet Home (FF5), all ranked 113th.

Biggest upset:
Decisive Battle (FF10), ranked 2nd, was knocked out by Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9), ranked 96th!


Click below for the full 3rd round pairings:
(not an actual spoiler--feel free to vote on them all right away)

To Zanarkand (FF10) vs Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
New Continent (FF6) vs Force Your Way (FF8)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5) vs Fight 2 (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4) vs One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12) vs Dark Messenger (FF9)
Wild West (FF6) vs Last Dungeon (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7) vs Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
Dancing Mad (FF6) vs Home Sweet Home (FF5)
Find Your Way (FF8) vs Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Prelude (FF4) vs Birth of the God (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Fierce Battle (FF6) vs The Extreme (FF8)
The Castle (FF8) vs The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11) vs Still More Fighting (FF7)
Bombing Mission (FF7) vs Main Theme (FF2)

--------------------------------------

Round 3A:
To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1)
New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6) vs Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8)
The Nightmare Begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBjCKWaO_0) (FF7) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7)
Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0JnXdfoYpY) (FF5) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4)
Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4) vs One-Winged Angel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7wJ8pE2qKU) (FF7)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTu1lzfLolA) (FF12) vs Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9)
Wild West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsncqH61jFc) (FF6) vs Last Dungeon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfvEpsgR5qU) (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7) vs Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1)

FFVI's Opening Theme lost to Dark Messenger? People...You're breaking my heart.

Round 3A
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
New Continent (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)

To Zanarkand (FF10)
New Continent (FF6)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)

To Zanarkand (FF10)
New Continent (FF6)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Fight 2 (FF4)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Wild West (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)

Round 3A:
To Zanarkand (FF10)
Force Your Way (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)

Round 3A:

Matoya's Cave (FF1)
New Continent (FF6)
Cosmo Canyon (Valley of the Fallen Star) (FF7)
Battle on the Big Bridge (FF5)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
The Dark Messenger (FF9)
The Final Dungeon (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)

Round 3A

To Zanarkand (FF10)
Force Your Way (FF8)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Wild West (FF6)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)

Round 3B (You can still vote for 3A until the round is over--and it's got some interesting ties right now)

Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6) vs Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsPnguilm1M) (FF5)
Find Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn0T6Xh5VXY) (FF8) vs Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8)
Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XbLZzsbMo) (FF4) vs Birth of the God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9)
The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Lr7nRjvEk) (FF6) vs The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8) vs The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4wyNiQa6I) (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11) vs Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7)
Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xktPLOC6e6Y) (FF2)

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Birth of the God (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4)
The Extreme (FF8)
The Castle (FF8)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

Won't have a chance to vote until tomorrow, just wanted to say goooooooo Home Sweet Home! It's not going to happen, is it?

Round 3B

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Prelude (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
The Extreme (FF8)
The Castle (FF8) -this matchup made me sad
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

Round 3B
The Castle (FF8) -this matchup made me sad

Me too :(

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Birth of the God (FF7)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Extreme (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

Home Sweet Home (FF5)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Birth of the God (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4)
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

Sorry Shad ; ;

Round 3B

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Birth of a God (FF7)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Extreme (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

Round 3B

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Find Your Way (FF8)
Prelude (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
The Extreme (FF8)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Still More Fighting (FF7)
Bombing Mission (FF7)

TIES

3-3 ties:
Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0JnXdfoYpY) (FF5) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4)
Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4) vs One-Winged Angel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7wJ8pE2qKU) (FF7)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTu1lzfLolA) (FF12) vs Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9)
J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7) vs Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1)
Find Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn0T6Xh5VXY) (FF8) vs Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8)


If you haven't already voted, you're welcome to go back and vote for other Round 3 match-ups as well. We'll move on to Round 4 when the ties are resolved.

Fight 2 (FF4)
One-Winged Angel (FF7)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

IV
IV
IX
I
Liberi Fatali

Highest ranked track eliminated in round 3:
Clash on the Big Bridge from Final Fantasy 5, ranked 4th.

Lowest ranked track to progress:
To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy 10, ranked 96th.

Biggest upset:
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11), ranked 26th, was knocked out by Still More Fighting (FF7), ranked 76th.

--------------------------------------

Round 4:

Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7)
Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6) vs Last Dungeon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfvEpsgR5qU) (FF6)
New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4wyNiQa6I) (FF9) vs Birth of the God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7)
Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4) vs Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8)
Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1) vs Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9)
The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4)
Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4) vs To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10)

Still More Fighting (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4)
To Zanarkand (FF10)

Round 4

Still More Fighting (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
New Continent (FF6)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4)

Round 4

Still More Fighting (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
New Continent (FF6)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
The Extreme (FF8)
To Zanarkand (FF10)

Round 4

Bombing Mission (FF7)
Last Dungeon (FF6)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4)

Bombing Mission (FF7) -- Easy choice
Last Dungeon (FF6) -- Said I was going to give tracks up against Dancing Mad a handicap :)
New Continent (FF6) -- Pretty tough call here, but not half as hard as the next one
Birth of the God (FF7) -- Last year I said I wanted to see FF10 Decisive Battle or else The Place I'll Return To Someday go all the way. Still wouldn't be against it, but I've really been feeling Birth of the God this year. It's kind of my pick to win at this point.
Fight 2 (FF4) -- Liberi Fatali is way overrated. I've always thought it was a bit meh...
Gurgu Volcano (FF1) -- Dark Messenger simply does not hold up over time for me. Great song, but I'm sick of hearing it.
Main Theme (FF4) -- by a hair. The Extreme just made me think of Rob Hubbard's Monty on the Run. Weird.
Within the Giant (FF4) -- I might still consider this over Birth of the God for my top pick out of what's left.

Bombing Mission (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6) - I really wish that this song doesn't reach the finals. Hard as it is to beat it. I don't think that its opponents up to this point were really decisive for me.
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Birth of the God (FF7) - agreed. This song is my favorite from the leftovers and I would gladly put it in the first place this year given the opportunity.
Fight 2 (FF4)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Main Theme (FF4)
Within the Giant (FF4)

Alright, going to speed through this a bit more now that we're getting down to the quarter finals. Three fights ended up tied in the round of 16, tie breaker is still underdog advances but Link's been pretty cool about giving us clean wins:

ROUND 4 TIES
Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7)
New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7)
Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4) vs Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8)

And I wanted to throw something else out there in the meantime: I'm planning to do this every year, and I don't want to keep recycling the same 128 tracks every time. I think 256 would be overkill and people would lose interest, so what I thought I would do is add some extra tracks (up to 64, but probably less) and make a qualifier thread where the lowest-ranked songs failing to advance in the current mix square up against them. This will happen whenever I get around to it (maybe in a week, maybe in a few months) and stay open until next year's 128-track showdown. Even if only two or three people vote, it will give us an opportunity to mix things up in a non-arbitrary way. If there are songs you'd like to see added, request away. FF6 and 7 have the most currently so I'd rather avoid adding much there. The goal's going to be equal representation, so I'll definitely be adding more for FF1-3, 5, 11, 13, and 14.

Here are some thoughts on additions through FF12. I'm trying to bump everything but 1-3 to at least 12 options with a cap at 15:


Final Fantasy I - Main Theme
Final Fantasy I - Ship
Final Fantasy I - Battle Scene
Final Fantasy II - Castle Pandemonium
Final Fantasy II - Battle Scene
Final Fantasy III - The Way to the Top
Final Fantasy III - Battle 2
Final Fantasy III - Castle of Hain
Final Fantasy III - The Boundless Ocean
Final Fantasy IV - Fabul
Final Fantasy IV - Kingdom Baron
Final Fantasy IV - Illusionary World
Final Fantasy IV - Long Way to Go
Final Fantasy V - Ahead On Our Way
Final Fantasy V - Walking the Snowy Mountains
Final Fantasy V - Royal Palace
Final Fantasy V - The Four Warriors of Dawn
Final Fantasy V - The Prelude of Empty Skies
Final Fantasy VII - Cid's Theme
Final Fantasy VIII - Succession of Witches
Final Fantasy VIII - Balamb Garden
Final Fantasy IX - Steiner's Theme
Final Fantasy XI - Longfall
Final Fantasy XI - Rolanberry Fields
Final Fantasy XI - The Federation of Windur
Final Fantasy XI - Rulude Gardens
Final Fantasy XI - Heaven's Tower
Final Fantasy XII - Signs of Change

ROUND 4 Tiebreaker :3

Still More Fighting (FF7)
New Continent (FF6)
Liberi Fatali (FF8)

Still not going to count double votes. :P

Here's what I'm thinking of adding for FF13:


Final Fantasy XIII - The Promise
Final Fantasy XIII - The Hanging Edge
Final Fantasy XIII - Those for the Purge
Final Fantasy XIII - In the Sky That Night
Final Fantasy XIII - Lake Bresha
Final Fantasy XIII - Primarch Dysley
Final Fantasy XIII - Desperate Struggle
Final Fantasy XIII - Eden Under Siege

Still not going to count double votes. :P

Here's what I'm thinking of adding for FF13:


Final Fantasy XIII - The Promise
Final Fantasy XIII - The Hanging Edge
Final Fantasy XIII - Those for the Purge
Final Fantasy XIII - In the Sky That Night
Final Fantasy XIII - Lake Bresha
Final Fantasy XIII - Primarch Dysley
Final Fantasy XIII - Desperate Struggle
Final Fantasy XIII - Eden Under Siege


Man, you just made me want to finally finish ff13. haha!

unfortunately i have such horrible rng on platinum ingots and defeating turtles with death.

And last of all, here's what I've got for FF14:


Final Fantasy XIV - Ravana Theme (Phase 1)
Final Fantasy XIV - Dusk Vigil
Final Fantasy XIV - Saltswept
Final Fantasy XIV - Wailers and Waterwheels
Final Fantasy XIV - Dreams Aloft
Final Fantasy XIV - Fealty
Final Fantasy XIV - Ishgard Pillars (Day)

For the Round 4 tie

Bombing Mission
How could anyone vote against this theme???

New Continent I love the *airship (not airplane) theme but setting forth in WoR is staggeringly cool

Liberi Fatali

So that's 43 additions in total with plenty of room to incorporate FF15 whenever it comes along. I'll make a thread for this after 2015's game is wrapped up. For now, really interested to see where the quarter finals take us. Only 2 of the 8 tracks from last year are still kicking.

---------- Post added 07-15-2015 at 12:16 AM ---------- Previous post was 07-14-2015 at 11:57 PM ----------

Highest ranked track eliminated in round 4:
The Extreme from Final Fantasy 8, ranked 10th.

Lowest ranked track to progress:
New Continent from Final Fantasy 6, ranked 76th.

Biggest upset:
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7), ranked 17th, was knocked out by New Continent (FF6), ranked 76th.

--------------------------------------

Quarter Finals:

Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4) vs Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4)
Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8)
Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9) vs Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4wyNiQa6I) (FF9) vs New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdAJBXbyKc) (FF6)

Hmm... hard choices there. technically last play through, this song (Within the Giant) was on repeat for a long time, since I failed to level up before this - fighting dragons (steel dragons IIRC) inside the beast at the save point and wasting all my cottages. So I have some affinity to it, FF4 has to be my favourite soundtrack ever. It certainly doesn't feel like you are listening to a repeated song.

Main Theme gets my vote
Bombing Mission
Dancing Mad when i saw that it was the whole song, from start to finish, i had to go for kefka.

The Place I"ll Return to Someday I still remember getting ff9 and unpackaging it for the first time, to play the game and listening to this piece every time you play. im sorry ff6 but this song wins hands done for me.

Quarter Finals

Within the Giant (FF4)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
New Continent (FF6)

Main Theme (FF4) -- I've let both of these tracks loop for the full 15 or so minutes of the video a couple times during this game, and neither of them have gotten old. I tend to assume Within the Giant is my favorite FF4 track (that or The Dreadful Fight), but looking back I really have to side with Main Theme here. Really tough choice.
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6) -- First time I've actually voted it. It would be nice to see a new winner each year, but I haven't been feeling Dark Messenger at all. I might yet change this vote but probably won't.
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Quarter Finals

Main Theme (FFIV)
Liberi Fatali (FFVIII)
Dark Messenger (FFIX)
The Place I'll Return to Someday (FFIX)

I posted up the qualifiers round for next year's game. (Thread 191689) You're free to vote for the better part of a year, so no rush, but thought I'd put it up now before I forget.

Main Theme (FF4) - lovely theme, simple as :)
Liberi Fatali (FF8) - very tough to choose but going with the opening theme of FF8 here. Every time I hear it, it gives me goosebumps :)
Dark Messenger (FF9) - my favourite FF9 boss track. Always loved Dark Messenger and find it underrated, although it seems in this competition it's not :)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9) - Another song that always gives me goosebumps. Sends me to my "happy place" :)

Within the Giant (FF4)
Bombing Mission (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

I was holding out a bit for Enkidoh, but with no possibilities of his vote creating a tie, I think we can safely move on here.

Highest ranked track eliminated in the quarter finals:
Dark Messenger from Final Fantasy 9, ranked 4th.

Lowest ranked track to progress:
Main Theme from Final Fantasy 4, ranked 63rd.

Biggest upset:
Within the Giant (FF4), ranked 12th, was knocked out by Main Theme (FF4), ranked 63rd.

--------------------------------------

Semi-Finals:

The Place I'll Return To Someday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4wyNiQa6I) (FF9) vs Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7)
Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4)

Bombing Mission (FF7)

Main Theme (FF4)

Bombing Mission (FF7)

Main Theme (FF4)

The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Main Theme (FF4)

The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)
Dancing Mad (FF6)

Bombing Mission
Dancing Mad

The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9)

Main Theme (FF4)

I'm sorry Shad, I was feeling unwell the last few days. :(

Semi-Finals:

Bombing Mission (FF7)
Dancing Mad (FF6)

Final Fantasy 2015 Finals

VS

Well, we have reached the end, and in an impressive upset, the Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV has guaranteed that we will not see a repeat of the winner from 2014.

Bombing Mission (FF7), ranked 9th at the start of this year's game, decisively outclassed 113th-ranked tracks The Day Will Come (FF5) and Main Theme (FF2) 6-0 in the first and third rounds respectively. It also defeated 20th-ranked Aerith's Theme (FF7) 4-2, 76th-ranked Still More Fighting (FF7) 4-3, 49th-ranked Liberi Fatali (FF8) 4-2, and 29th-ranked The Place I'll Return To Someday (FF9) 4-3. It enters the finals with an overall vote count of 28-10. The average rank of its opponents along the way was 67.

Main Theme (FF4), ranked 63rd, began with a clean 5-2 win over 124th-ranked Harvest (FF5), then overcame a tough hurdle, beating 7th-ranked The Dreadful Fight (FF4) 4-2. From there it defeated 96th-ranked Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9) 4-2, 10th-ranked The Extreme (FF8) 5-1, 12th-ranked Within the Giant (FF4) 4-2, and the #1 ranked song Dancing Mad (FF6) 4-3. It enters the finals with an overall vote count of 26-12. The average rank of its opponents along the way was 42.

It all comes down to this:

Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4)

I can't stop laughing at that poster for Final Fantasy IV. When I was a kid, this is what sexy time with those characters looked like:



Anyway, Main Theme. It's pensive, it's urgent, it's searching, it's weighty, it's heroic, it's sad. It's a perfect overworld theme for its game.

I'm taking Main Theme as well. As an overworld track, its main purpose is to sustain a sense of adventure that does not grow repetitious over time. I think it accomplishes that perfectly.

Bombing Mission - As much as I love FF4 music in all it's glory, the best SNES Era OST of FF IMO and the best FF of it's era as well for me and the First FF that I played before getting a PS1.
Bombing Mission hits me in every center of my cerebral cortex, sending jolts all over my body and elevating my heart through miraculous sensations. After that If I'm not headbanging. I'm teary eyed contemplating.
It is amazing how it narrates and captures the right images and sensations. It's changes, it's horns and the bass lines...

You know where my vote lies today... Bombing Mission it is! the climactic start to the whole adventure. Cloud with buster sword in hand, and boarding the train to oblivion, here in reveals himself as the protagonist of the story and the idyllic transition from serenity and purity to the hustle and bustle of a renegade group, intent on toppling Shinra. This song never grows old.

As much as I love FFIV, as much as I enjoy the main theme, the overworld piece, as much as I may want to vote for it, I do feel that Bombing Mission is the better piece.

Bombing Mission for me :)

IV.

So... is it over? :)

So... is it over? :)

Since there was no more after this I figured I'd give everyone plenty of time to vote, see if it went to a 4-4 tie or a decisive 5-3 victory.

But it has been a while at this point, so sure, we can wrap things up here. :)

Winner is.....








Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M), from Final Fantasy VII





The opening track to Final Fantasy VII knocks out Final Fantasy IV's overworld theme 4-3 to become the 2015 champion.

Bombing Mission (FF7) was also this year's point leader with 32, moving it from 9th place to 2nd all-time, behind only the 2014 winner Dancing Mad (FF6).

Main Theme (FF4) had an outstanding run, jumping from 63rd place to 8th with 29 points.


All time top 50, with position changes since last year:

1. (=) Dancing Mad (FF6)
2. (+7) Bombing Mission (FF7)
3. (+1) Dark Messenger (FF9)
4. (-2) Decisive Battle (FF10)
5. (+24) The Place I'll Return To Some Day (FF9)
6. (-2) Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
7. (+5) Within the Giant (FF4)
8. (+55) Main Theme (FF4)
9. (-3) Find Your Way (FF8)
10. (=) The Extreme (FF8)
11. (-4) Opening Theme (FF6)
12. (+5) Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
13. (-10) The Decisive Battle (FF6)
14. (-7) The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
15. (+1) Prelude (FF4)
16. (+4) Last Dungeon (FF6)
17. (+32) Liberi Fatali (FF8)
18. (+15) Fight 2 (FF4)
19. (-8) Phantom Train (FF6)
20. (+56) New Continent (FF6)
21. (+19) Birth of the God (FF7)
22. (+4) Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
23. (-10) Devil's Lab (FF6)
23. (+53) Still More Fighting (FF7)
23. (-10) Freya's Theme (FF9)
26. (+48) Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
27. (+13) J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
28. (-8) Aerith's Theme (FF7)
28. (+35) One-Winged Angel (FF7)
28. (+5) Force Your Way (FF8)
28. (-8) Seymour Battle (FF10)
28. (-9) Eruyt Village (FF12)
28. (+21) Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
34. (+62) To Zanarkand (FF10)
35. (+61) The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
35. (+28) The Castle (FF8)
37. (-19) Red Wings (FF4)
37. (-24) Airship (FF11)
39. (-9) Anxiety (FF11)
40. (=) Breezy (FF8)
41. (-1) Troian Beauty (FF4)
41. (-1) Kefka (FF6)
41. (-1) Martial Law (FF8)
44. (-24) Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
44. (-24) The Silence Before the Storm (FF10)
44. (-24) To the Place of Gods (FF12)
47. (+66) Home Sweet Home (FF5)
47. (+49) Wild West (FF6)
47. (+49) Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
47. (-21) Rabanastre Downtown (FF12)

Qualification voting (Thread 191689) for 2016 will remain open all year. Feel free to chip in your votes, but don't feel obligated. I only needed three people to make this method effective, and I already got that. :)

See you all June 2016!

Just a friendly neighborhood reminder that FF Rumble 3.0 will be kicking off in a few days. ;)

Just a friendly neighborhood reminder that FF Rumble 3.0 will be kicking off in a few days. ;)

Is the Qualification Opening still... open? I'll vote if so :)

I already locked them in and randed this year's match-ups, but qualifications for 2017 will be open from when this year's ends until some time next May. :)

No worries, send a link to my thread when your game is ready :)

Woot woot! I'm ready! I think...I hope. Yeah, let's do this!