It's that time of year again. In conjunction with JohnnyMercyside's Annual Final Fantasy Character Knockout Game (http://forums.ffshrine.org/showthread.php?t=204665/), I bring you the third annual Final Fantasy Music Rumble.

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. 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.

* This year, 27 new entries, advanced through an earlier qualification round, will be replacing tracks which fared poorly last year. (The old songs can still return next year through the same process.) Match-ups are chosen through random.org and modified to the bare minimum necessary to ensure that no opening round pairings are repeated from previous years.

* There is absolutely no standard criteria for voting.

* In the event of a tie, the statistical underdog always wins.

If you're curious, last year's winner was Final Fantasy VII - Bombing Mission.
It beat Final Fantasy IV - Main Theme 4-3 in the finals.
The semi-finalists were Final Fantasy VI - Dancing Mad and Final Fantasy IX - The Place I'll Return To Someday.
Within the Giant (FF4), New Continent (FF6), Liberi Fatali (FF8), 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)

Eruyt Village (FF12, 18) vs Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Freya's Theme (FF9, 20) vs Eternal Wind (FF3, 5)
The Extreme (FF8, 31) vs Slam Shuffle (FF6, 8)
Illusionary World (FF4, new entry) vs Frontier Village Dali (FF9, 7)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1, 11) vs Under Her Control (FF8, 7)
Red Wings (FF4, 15) vs Succession of Witches (FF8, new entry)
Ru'Lude Gardens (FF11, new entry) vs The Phon Coast (FF12, 8)
Starlight Celebration (FF14, 3) vs The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8, 8)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7, 19) vs The Promise (FF13, new entry)
The Sight of Spira (FF10, 5) vs The Hanging Edge (FF13, new entry)
Main Theme (FF2, 9) vs New Continent (FF6, 21)
Cid's Theme (FF7, new entry) vs The Way to the Top (FF3, new entry)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3, 11) vs The Lunarians (FF4, 11)
Prologue (FF4, 12) vs Find Your Way (FF8, 33)
The Castle (FF8, 16) vs Save Them! (FF6, 9)
Main Theme (FF1, new entry) vs Lake Bresha (FF13, new entry)
Attack (Raid) (FF10, 5) vs Castle Pandemonium (FF2, new entry)
The Royal City of Rabanastre (FF12, 11) vs The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Seymour Battle (FF10, 18) vs Wailers and Waterwheels (FF14, new entry)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17) vs Force Your Way (FF8, 18)
To the Place of Gods (FF12, 13) vs Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Melodies of Life (FF9, 9) vs Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Aetherial Slumber (FF14, 7) vs Battle (FF3, 3)
Kingdom Baron (FF4, new entry) vs Kefka (FF6, 14)
The Place I'll Return to Some Day (FF9, 37) vs Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Troian Beauty (FF4, 14) vs Devil's Lab (FF6, 20)
Breezy (FF8, 15) vs The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Birth of the God (FF7, 21) vs Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20) vs Dusk Vigil (FF14, new entry)
Longfall (FF11, new entry) vs One-Winged Angel (FF7, 18)
Saber's Edge (FF13, 7) vs Eden Under Siege (FF13, new entry)
Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8, 5) vs Battle 2 (FF3, new entry)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4, 26) vs Tower of Bab-il (FF4, new entry)
Prelude (FF4, 26) vs Harvest (FF5, 2)
Gold Saucer (FF7, 8) vs Martial Law (FF8, 14)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60) vs Bombing Mission (FF7, 50)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34) vs Troops March On (FF6, 2)
The Hand That Gives the Rose (FF14, new entry) vs The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Airship (FF11, 15) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10) vs Rabanastre Downtown (FF12, 12)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7, 13) vs Final Battle (FF9, 9)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18) vs Cursed Earth (FF5, 7)
Wild West (FF6, 12) vs The Silence Before the Storm (FF10, 13)
Decisive Battle (FF10, 39) vs Phantom Train (FF6, 23)
The Final Battle (FF4, 10) vs Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
Liberi Fatali (FF8, 24) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36)
Signs of Change (FF12, new entry) vs Steiner's Theme (FF9, new entry)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12, 18) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7, 9) vs The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6, 9) vs Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Those for the Purge (FF13, new entry) vs Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Main Theme (FF4, 33) vs Despair (FF11, 7)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry) vs On Windy Meadows (FF14, 10)
Last Dungeon (FF6, 25) vs The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11) vs Ancient Castle (FF2, 11)
The Forested Temple (FF7, 10) vs Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)
Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7, 11) vs Ahead On Our Way (FF5, new entry)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7, 9) vs Out of the Labyrinth (FF14, new entry)
Sealed Away (FF5, 8) vs Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
The Forgotten Capital (FF12, 9) vs The Invincible (FF3, 3)
Dreams Aloft (FF14, new entry) vs Esper Battle (FF12, 8)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21) vs Gurgu Volcano (FF1, 19)
Anxiety (FF11, 15) vs Sprouting (FF10, 8)
The Skycity Bhujerba (FF12, 7) vs Theme of the Tantalus (FF9, 7)
New this year: Tracks will now be listed with their cumulative total votes for all previous years.

New this year: Match-ups will be mirrored in a second music-themed community to increase voting. I am expecting maybe 2 or 3 contributors, and FFShrine will remain the parent site for this game. If there is interest, I will keep the FFShrine thread informed on off-site votes as they are cast. Otherwise, I will simply combine the two at the end of each round.

So without further ado, Round 1A:

Eruyt Village (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOAD58HCB-c) (FF12, 18) vs Besaid Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxJE6SSX-aw) (FF10, 4)
Freya's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2rlLC4N9u4) (FF9, 20) vs Eternal Wind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRWlmXuv8E) (FF3, 5)
The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31) vs Slam Shuffle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k_RlD4cxjk) (FF6, 8)
Illusionary World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq-ds_xRVTo) (FF4, new entry) vs Frontier Village Dali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw6y1Wf-IkE) (FF9, 7)
Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1, 11) vs Under Her Control (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKI8RFr0Ec8) (FF8, 7)
Red Wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPiPoPzfctg) (FF4, 15) vs Succession of Witches (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAw0bObNKr4) (FF8, new entry)
Ru'Lude Gardens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4EFhDquyFA) (FF11, new entry) vs The Phon Coast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgc1pSMCMw) (FF12, 8)
Starlight Celebration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jkZrSW4bE4) (FF14, 3) vs The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8, 8)

Woop woop!

Round 1A
Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Eternal Wind (FF3, 5)
Slam Shuffle (FF6, 8)
Illusionary World (FF4)
Under Her Control (FF8, 7)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)
The Phon Coast (FF12, 8)
Starlight Celebration (FF14, 3)

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Eternal Wind (FF3, 5) ~~ Really really tough decision
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Illusionary World (FF4, new entry)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1, 11)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)
The Phon Coast (FF12, 8)
Starlight Celebration (FF14, 3)

Round 1A

Eruyt Village (FF12)
Eternal Wind (FF3)
The Extreme (FF8)
Illusionary World (FF4)
Matoya's Cave (FF1)
Red Wings (FF4)
The Phon Coast (FF12)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)

Also Shad if I could make a clarification for some of the track titles in the list overall, there are a couple of FFXIV track names listed incorrectly there - 'Ravana 1st Stage Battle's actual title is called The Hand That Gives the Rose by Masayoshi Soken (it's on the FFXIV Heavensward expansion OST Bluray album), and secondly, 'Syrcus Tower' (a remix of FFIII's 'Crystal Tower' by Nobuo Uematsu) is actually called Out of the Labyrinth, remixed by Masayoshi Soken, from the Before the Fall OST Bluray album. Hopefully this was helpful. :)

Cool, thanks. Updated them in the records.

Besaid Island
Freya's Theme
Slam Shuffle - always loved this
Frontier Village Dali
Under Her Control
Red Wings
The Phon Coast
The Man with the Machine Gun

Eruyt Village
Freya's Theme
The Extreme
Frontier Village Dali
Matoya's Cavern
Red Wings
The Phon Coast
Starlight Celebration

I got 4 participants off-site, meaning we had 9 people vote in Round 1A. I like it. :) Keep in mind you can vote for 1A until all round 1 brackets are complete.

Round 1B

J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7, 19) vs The Promise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4CM848e48A) (FF13, new entry)
The Sight of Spira (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTptg9nedlM) (FF10, 5) vs The Hanging Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skzimlWx5DA) (FF13, new entry)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xktPLOC6e6Y) (FF2, 9) vs New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR230Q0TtSA) (FF6, 21)
Cid's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJzfOA9uV6E) (FF7, new entry) vs The Way to the Top (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqMVE9tHGS4) (FF3, new entry)
Cloud of Darkness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYh5TB-trI) (FF3, 11) vs The Lunarians (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KtGh_F5FmI) (FF4, 11)
Prologue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQIX8R_6mE) (FF4, 12) vs Find Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn0T6Xh5VXY) (FF8, 33)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8, 16) vs Save Them! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGHbjU0Ahcw) (FF6, 9)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lViSeukzQOQ) (FF1, new entry) vs Lake Bresha (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLyGnxAzdQU) (FF13, new entry)

---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 PM ----------

If anyone wants updated on off-site votes let me know, otherwise I'll display all the totals in the end.

Round 1B

J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7, 19)
The Hanging Edge (FF13, new entry)
Main Theme (FF2, 9)
Cid's Theme (FF7, new entry)
The Lunarians (FF4, 11)
Find Your Way (FF8, 33)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Lake Bresha (FF13, new entry)

The Promise (FF13, new entry)
The Sight of Spira (FF10, 5) ~~ I'll vote Sight of Spira over just about anything in this game.
New Continent (FF6, 21)
The Way to the Top (FF3, new entry)
The Lunarians (FF4, 11)
Prologue (FF4, 12)
Save Them! (FF6, 9)
Lake Bresha (FF13, new entry)

J-E-N-O-V-A - quite a tough call because The Promise is a gorgeous song
The Sight of Spira
New Continent
Cid's Theme
Cloud of Darkness
Prologue
The Castle
Main Theme

Keep in mind you can vote for 1A until all round 1 brackets are complete.


i like your style man. you were thinking what i was thinking as I came back to the page. Listening to round 1b today. though i know them all off the top of my head anyway. Apart from ff8 maybe. been ages since i played that.Okay, results...

J-E-N-O-V-A
The Sight of Spira
New Continent
Cid's Theme
Cloud of Darkness
Prologue
The Castle
Main Theme

Sorry. i forgot to put it in the previous post.

Round 1B

J-E-N-O-V-A (FFVII)
The Hanging Edge (FFXIII)
New Continent (FFIV)
Cid's Theme (FFVII)
Cloud of Darkness (FFIII)
Prologue (FFIV)
The Castle (FFVIII)
Main Theme of Final Fantasy (FFI)

And haha, it looks like you and I have the exact same choices PforPianist! :D

I hate to disappoint you, but I had to go for sight of spira, its a wonderful theme. go the acoustic tracks

Round 1C -- remember, you can still vote for earlier brackets too!

Attack (Raid) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNIslB7GoXU) (FF10, 5) vs Castle Pandemonium (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=056K3TLNlcM) (FF2, new entry)
The Royal City of Rabanastre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aat2hwglybs) (FF12, 11) vs The Empire Gestahl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLLvLneU2k) (FF6, 6)
Seymour Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWE0nlhpdq8) (FF10, 18) vs Wailers and Waterwheels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSKNntvdRJk) (FF14, new entry)
To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10, 17) vs Force Your Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) (FF8, 18)
To the Place of Gods (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ2rw-VDwfA) (FF12, 13) vs Seeking Power (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wzU706vNlA) (FF12, 5)
Melodies of Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94PdrQF1Ugs) (FF9, 9) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4, 24)
Aetherial Slumber (http://www.smashcustommusic.com/29995) (FF14, 7) vs Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNEdOk_w8Fg) (FF3, 3)
Kingdom Baron (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET_R74tkmBk) (FF4, new entry) vs Kefka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcMDlgdnZPI) (FF6, 14)

---------- Post added at 02:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 PM ----------

My internet's been running at a snail's pace today so I haven't been able to verify that 100% of those links work. Let me know if they don't, or I'll find out myself later.

---------- Post added at 02:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 PM ----------

As usual, Aetherial Slumber is nowhere to be found on youtube, but I found a site with it.

Round 1C

Attack (Raid) (FF10, 5)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FF14, new entry) - Tough choice, but this new track is great!
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Aetherial Slumber (FF14, 7)
Kefka (FF6, 14)

Attack (Raid)
The Royal City of Rabanastre
Seymour Battle
To Zanarkand
Seeking Power
Fight 2
Battle
Kefka

Round 1C

Attack! (FFX)
Royal City of Rabanastre (FFXII)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FFXIV ARR) (I have to note this particular track in a slightly different way, as this track only appears in FFXIV A Realm Reborn, as it replaces another theme in the original '1.0' version of FFXIV - it's the town theme for Gridania during the day, the version 1.0 track it replaced was 'Born of the Boughs',
but it is still much better than the cheesy Battle With Seymour :)).
Force Your Way (FFVIII)
Seeking Power (FFXII)
Melodies of Life (FFIX)
Aetherial Slumber (FFXIV 1.0) (another track I had to mark slightly differently, as this has only appeared so far in the original version of FFXIV - 'version 1.0' - it was used on the main title screen when viewing the development team credits. But it is still a haunting aetherial track - see what I did there? ;))
Kingdom Baron (FFIV)

Attack(Raid)
The Empire "Gestahl"
Wailer's and Waterwheels
To Zanarkand
Seeking Power
Melodies of Life
Battle
Kingdom Baron

Castle Pandemonium (FF2, new entry)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FF14, new entry)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Aetherial Slumber (FF14, 7)
Kingdom Baron (FF4, new entry)

Round 1A:

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Freya's Theme (FF9, 20)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Frontier Village Dali (FF9, 7)
Under Her Control (FF8, 7)
Succession of Witches (FF8, new entry)
Ru'Lude Gardens (FF11, new entry)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8, 8)

Round 1B

The Promise (FF13, new entry)
The Sight of Spira (FF10, 5)
New Continent (FF6, 21)
Cid's Theme (FF7, new entry)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3, 11)
Find Your Way (FF8, 33)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Main Theme (FF1, new entry)

Round 1C -

Castle Pandemonium (FF2, new entry)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Seymour Battle (FF10, 18)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Melodies of Life (FF9, 9)
Battle (FF3, 3)
Kefka (FF6, 14)

Round 1D

The Place I'll Return to Some Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW3QK6CTg2g) (FF9, 37) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29)
Troian Beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9Dc7USBhY) (FF4, 14) vs Devil's Lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIlGeT6N6Xs) (FF6, 20)
Breezy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB30RVWeuP8) (FF8, 15) vs The Four Warriors of Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn0i_ZNsAIs) (FF5, new entry)
Birth of the God (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwQnEfbh0U) (FF7, 21) vs Auron's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWcvol93Bg) (FF10, 3)
Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7, 20) vs Dusk Vigil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0lXb7HQHi0) (FF14, new entry)
Longfall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry) vs One-Winged Angel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7wJ8pE2qKU) (FF7, 18)
Saber's Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz8ZOw392M8) (FF13, 7) vs Eden Under Siege (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bzxejm082M) (FF13, new entry)
Maybe I'm a Lion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYDT_Y6Jj5c) (FF8, 5) vs Battle 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qTDxTsH_Q) (FF3, new entry)

Round 1D

Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Troian Beauty (FF4, 14)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Longfall (FF11, new entry) FFXI lives on!
Eden Under Siege (FF13, new entry)
Battle 2 (FF3, new entry)

Round 1D

Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Troian Beauty (FF4, 14)
Breezy (FF8, 15)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Longfall (FF11, new entry)
Eden Under Siege (FF13, new entry)
Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8, 5)

Round 1B

The Place I'll Return to Someday (FFIX)
Devil's Lab (FFVI)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FFV)
Birth of a God (FFVII)
Still More Fighting (FFVII)
One-Winged Angel (FFVII)
Sabre's Edge (FFXIII)
Battle II (FFIII)

Opening Theme (FF6, 29) ~~ ouch
Troian Beauty (FF4, 14)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Birth of the God (FF7, 21) ~~ ouch
Dusk Vigil (FF14, new entry)
Longfall (FF11, new entry) ~~ ouch
Saber's Edge (FF13, 7) ~~ and the toughest one of all
Battle 2 (FF3, new entry)

rng was harsh this year, and we still haven't reached the craziest match-up.

Good news is opening round match-ups can never repeat in future years. <_<

Round 1D

The Place I'll Return to Some Day (FF9, 37)
Devil's Lab (FF6, 20)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
One-Winged Angel (FF7, 18)
Eden Under Siege (FF13, new entry)
Maybe I'm a Lion (FF8, 5)

Some of these are pretty tough, and it's only the first round!

The Place I'll Return to Some Day
Devil's Lab
Breezy
Birth of the God
Still More Fighting
One-Winged Angel (FF7, 18)
Saber's Edge
Maybe I'm a Lion

It's good to see people coming out to do some controversial tracks. I admit, putting up ronfaure against OWA is going to be problematic. Okay, it would be cruel. But i'm going for all the times I've heard that song playing while raising low level units. The reason I chose it is because it is actually pretty thematic, and in comparison to OWA it's normal, OWA being just insane. It makes me grieve that he wants to destroy everything. I also think in this instance there's real underdogs (Opening theme, battle 2) i'm hoping to see more of these matchups to see if the underdog wins.

Wait, that is what is up against One-Winged Angel? It was listed as 'Longfall' instead of Ronfaure so I just assumed it was another track - my fault for stupidly not checking the track. :p

But I'll stand by my vote for OWA, even though I love Ronfaure.

I told you that one match-up in particular would be pretty crazy. I didn't plan this, but I suppose stranger things have happened. Enjoy:

Round 1E

The Dreadful Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Hy1CdxuGg) (FF4, 26) vs Tower of Bab-il (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wF6e_6UKA) (FF4, new entry)
Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XbLZzsbMo) (FF4, 26) vs Harvest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMw-DIa-pts) (FF5, 2)
Gold Saucer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaGq6vn7hg) (FF7, 8) vs Martial Law (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjTw1Wcjzf8) (FF8, 14)
Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6, 60) vs Bombing Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M) (FF7, 50)
Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4, 34) vs Troops March On (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcMmm-B9Oy8) (FF6, 2)
The Hand That Gives the Rose (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6roTXrTziQ) (FF14, new entry) vs The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9k6drY8M7o) (FF6, 11)
Airship (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-if85nnGWMg) (FF11, 15) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12)
Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLa0bQflIVo) (FF9, 10) vs Rabanastre Downtown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMgLuY6bNds) (FF12, 12)

The Dreadful Fight
Prelude
Gold Saucer
Dancing Mad
Troops March On
The Fierce Battle
Vamo Alla Flamenco
Vivi's Theme

Tower of Bab-il (FF4, new entry)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Gold Saucer (FF7, 8)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34) ~~I love Troops March On, but it keeps getting what are, for me at least, really hard round 1 pairings...
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Airship (FF11, 15)
Rabanastre Downtown (FF12, 12)

Round 1E

The Dreadful Battle (FFIV)
Harvest (FFV)
Gold Saucer (FFVII, FFXIV ARR)
Dancing Mad (FFVI) (This was especially difficult to choose!) :p
Troops March On (FFVI)
The Hand That Gives the Rose (FFXIV HW)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FFIX)
Rabanastre Downtown (FFXII)

Round 1E

Tower of Bab-il (FF4, new entry)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Martial Law (FF8, 14)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Airship (FF11, 15)
Rabanastre Downtown (FF12, 12)

Rabanastre Downtown

1E


The Dreadful Fight (FF4, 26)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Martial Law (FF8, 14) - Easiest match for me since I absolutely abhor Golden Saucer
Bombing Mission (FF7, 50) - Followed by this ridiculously hard match
Troops March On (FF6, 2)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12) - I also really like both of these as well
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10)

Round 1E

The Dreadful Fight (FF4, 26)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Gold Saucer (FF7, 8)
Bombing Mission (FF7, 50)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10)
I'm going to comment on the ff4 music in this round. There's something about the ff4 soundtrack which is really unique, even though I can hear the similarities between these tracks and the later games. It makes me want to go and sit down and play the game again. For me, nothing compares with the end dungeon theme of ff4. I was curious to find out where it was played, and found out it was also played in the giant, though I can't recall hearing that music. I have fond memories of leveling up edge into a formidable fighter and then going for the giant. One of my favourite parts of any ff (ff6 end dungeon is also quite memorable in that sense)

Round 1F

Off the Edge of Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oPqxoGzorI) (FF7, 13) vs Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzXNx2XF6H8) (FF9, 9)
Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g) (FF7, 18) vs Cursed Earth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNxkTLLKd1M) (FF5, 7)
Wild West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfJqDdrq0fI) (FF6, 12) vs The Silence Before the Storm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHw2V0C-D-o) (FF10, 13)
Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTxqsTfDgC4) (FF10, 39) vs Phantom Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBOS7-QAz38) (FF6, 23)
The Final Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECtR9P-4PzQ) (FF4, 10) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8, 11)
Liberi Fatali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k) (FF8, 24) vs Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLG9Te9B4rg) (FF5, 36)
Signs of Change (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv9AMf_1aDQ) (FF12, new entry) vs Steiner's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeciA7yViqM) (FF9, new entry)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTu1lzfLolA) (FF12, 18) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7, 29)

Round 1F

The Final Battle (FFIX)
Aeris's Theme (FFVII)
The Wild West (FFVI)
Mystery Train (FFVI)
The Final Battle (FFIV)
Battle on the Big Bridge (FFV) (this was so tough to choose!)
Steiner's Theme (FFIX)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FFXII)

Round 1F

Off the Edge of Despair (FF7, 13)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Wild West (FF6, 12)
Decisive Battle (FF10, 39)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
Liberi Fatali (FF8, 24)
Signs of Change (FF12, new entry)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12, 18)

Off the Edge of Despair (FF7, 13)
Cursed Earth (FF5, 7)
The Silence Before the Storm (FF10, 13)
Decisive Battle (FF10, 39)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11) ~~ Really tough call here.
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36)
Signs of Change (FF12, new entry)
Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12, 18)

Round 1F

Final Battle (FF9, 9)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Wild West (FF6, 12)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23)
The Final Battle (FF4, 10)
Liberi Fatali (FF8, 24)
Steiner's Theme (FF9, new entry)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)

Round 1F

Final Battle (FF9, 9)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
The Silence Before the Storm (FF10, 13)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36)
Steiner's Theme (FF9, new entry)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)

Off the Edge of Despair
Aerith's Theme - actually quite tough because I love that FF5 track :)
Wild West
Phantom Train
Blue Fields
Liberi Fatali
Steiner's Theme
Valley of the Fallen Star

Round 1G

On the Other Side of the Mountain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQR6oko6YkE) (FF7, 9) vs The Nightmare Begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBjCKWaO_0) (FF7, 16)
The Mines of Narshe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXvJUjwPHmY) (FF6, 9) vs Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PYZXXMm7_o) (FF5, 12)
Those for the Purge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu1IOVTMgK4) (FF13, new entry) vs Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9, 6)
Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4, 33) vs Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxCId9SvAU) (FF11, 7)
Balamb Garden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eU0tRBHnE0) (FF8, new entry) vs On Windy Meadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxYi3O_SHc) (FF14, 10)
Last Dungeon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP3iUSuNnv4) (FF6, 25) vs The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NPGJ1TKobM) (FF6, 28)
Song of Memories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5U30DKaYFw) (FF9, 11) vs Ancient Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLxGFQqcfME) (FF2, 11)
The Forested Temple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1VYCy3HW00) (FF7, 10) vs Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9, 41)

Round 1G

The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6, 9)
Those for the Purge (FF13, new entry)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Ancient Castle (FF2, 11)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)

On the Other Side of the Mountain
The Mines of Narshe
Awakened Forest
Main Theme
Balamb Garden
The Decisive Battle
Song of Memories
Dark Messenger

1G

The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Despair (FF11, 7)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)

Round 1G

The Nightmare Begins (FFVII)
Home Sweet Home (FFV)
Awakened Forest (FFIX)
Despair (FFXI)
On Windy Meadows (FFXIV)
The Final Dungeon (FFVI)
Song of Memories (FFIX)
The Dark Messenger (FFIX)

The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Those for the Purge (FF13, new entry)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
On Windy Meadows (FF14, 10)
Last Dungeon (FF6, 25)
Ancient Castle (FF2, 11)
The Forested Temple (FF7, 10)

(Liberi Fatali and Dark Messenger are the two most overrated Final Fantasy songs ever.)

Round 1G

On the Other Side of the Mountain (FF7, 9)
The Mines of Narshe (FF6, 9)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28) *hard one, given my belief that there's not much that tops ff6 end dungeon. haha
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)

Round 1H:

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti_iazvRLD4) (FF7, 11) vs Ahead On Our Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56KOtYxydrU) (FF5, new entry)
JENOVA Absolute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yX4h8Agi7U) (FF7, 9) vs Out of the Labyrinth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQrvxE5wo4) (FF14, new entry)
Sealed Away (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi5N5071HN4) (FF5, 8) vs Walking the Snowy Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQSTxrQ7e0) (FF5, new entry)
The Forgotten Capital (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE8-z8wW-c4) (FF12, 9) vs The Invincible (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKMo6r5vCK8) (FF3, 3)
Dreams Aloft (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yUgppaSmKk) (FF14, new entry) vs Esper Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVYHhcYWttY) (FF12, 8)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11, 21) vs Gurgu Volcano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdSH34z5hg) (FF1, 19)
Anxiety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOqUMiEmVt4) (FF11, 15) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10, 8)
The Skycity Bhujerba (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQNWafc6_9k) (FF12, 7) vs Theme of the Tantalus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYLk1cwhyyM) (FF9, 7)

Round 1H:

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7, 11)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7, 9)
Sealed Away (FF5, 8)
The Invincible (FF3, 3)
Dreams Aloft (FF14, new entry)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Anxiety (FF11, 15)
The Skycity Bhujerba (FF12, 7)

Chasing the Black-Caped Man
JENOVA Absolute
Walking the Snowy Mountains
The Invincible
Esper Battle
Gurgu Volcano
Sprouting
Theme of the Tantalus

1H

Ahead On Our Way (FF5, new entry)
Out of the Labyrinth (FF14, new entry)
Sealed Away (FF5, 8)
The Forgotten Capital (FF12, 9)
Esper Battle (FF12, 8)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Anxiety (FF11, 15)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9, 7)

Shad! You take that back! Those are two of my favorites! But then again I find Jenova overrated, so.

Ahead On Our Way (FF5, new entry)
JENOVA Absolute (FF7, 9)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
The Invincible (FF3, 3)
Dreams Aloft (FF14, new entry)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Sprouting (FF10, 8)
The Skycity Bhujerba (FF12, 7)

Round 1H:

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FFVII)
JENOVA Absolute (FFVII) (technically 'Out of the Labyrinth' is just a remix of FFIII's Crystal Tower)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FFV)
The Forgotten Capital (FFXII)
Esper Battle (FFXII)
Gulug Volcano (FFI)
Anxiety (FFXI)
Theme of Tantalus (FFIX)

Round 1H:

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7, 11)
Out of the Labyrinth (FF14, new entry)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
The Forgotten Capital (FF12, 9)
Dreams Aloft (FF14, new entry)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Sprouting (FF10, 8)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9, 7)

Round 1 is complete! The results are rather interesting, I think. 44 new tracks were introduced to this game for 2016. They were paired up against losers from the previous year in a qualification round to determine the final 128. Of those 44, 17 failed to qualify and 18 failed to advance beyond the first round, meaning only 9 new entries will be appearing in the round of 64.

We also had some huge names knocked out of the first round, due in part to random.org pairing a number of top-ranked songs. 6 of the top 20 ranked tracks have been eliminated, including Liberi Fatali (FF8, 17th), Last Dungeon (FF6, 16th), Find Your Way (FF8, 9th), The Place I'll Return to Someday (FF9, 5th), The Decisive Battle (FFX, 4th), and Bombing Mission (FF7, 2nd). That's 3 eliminations just in the top 5.

Who is moving up? The lowest ranked (new contestants are not yet ranked) tracks to advance were The Invincible (FF3) and Auron's Theme (FF10), both previously sitting in 111th place and surviving qualifications to get here.

Upsets! There were a few. Besaid Island (106th) beat Eruyt Village (28th) decisively. Prologue (51st) knocked out Find Your Way (9th). Seeking Power (98th) took out To the Place of Gods (44th) in an FF12 head to head. But the biggest upset of all was Auron's Theme (111th) eliminating Birth of the God (21st) 4-3.

Final Fantasy 2 was the only game eliminated in Round 1.


All-Time Round 1 Performance Stats

Over all, 2016 had way fewer landslide victories than previous years. A ton of match-ups ended at 4-3, and all 128 selections received at least 1 vote. Final Fantasy 9 saw the best round 1 performance this year, earning 59% of the votes. Its previous best single year resulted in 5th place, though that was with 62%. Final Fantasy 10 saw the most improvement by a mile, having the second highest vote % this year when its previous best was 10th place. And while Final Fantasy 13, arguably my favorite in the series, continues to lag in last place, it at least saw its highest success this year with 40%. The all-time round 1 stats saw a bit of movement, most notably in Final Fantasy 9 passing up Final Fantasy 6 for 3rd place. FF10 predictably moved up.

1. Final Fantasy 4
Total: 1st, 62.8% -- 157-93
2016: 5th, 52.6% -- 51-46
2015: 3rd, 67.1% -- 49-24
2014: 1st, 71.3% -- 57-23

2. Final Fantasy 7
Total: 2nd, 60.7% -- 182-118
2016: 3rd, 57.1% -- 60-45
2015: 2nd, 68.5% -- 61-28
2014: 2nd, 57.5% -- 61-45

3. Final Fantasy 9
Total: 3rd, 56.3% -- 151-117
2016: 1st, 59.3% -- 54-37
2015: 5th, 62.2% -- 51-31
2014: 8th, 48.4% -- 46-49

4. Final Fantasy 6
Total: 4th, 54.7% -- 173-143
2016: 7th, 50.0% -- 54-54
2015: 4th, 63.9% -- 62-35
2014: 5th, 51.4% -- 57-54

5. Final Fantasy 1
Total: 5th, 52.9% -- 27-24
2016: 4th, 54.2% -- 13-11
2015: 1st, 76.9% -- 10-3
2014: 14th, 28.6% -- 4-10

6. Final Fantasy 8
Total: 6th, 51.4% -- 151-143
2016: 6th, 50.5% -- 52-51
2015: 6th, 50.6% -- 43-42
2014: 3rd, 52.8% -- 56-50

7. Final Fantasy 12
Total: 7th, 46.6% -- 122-140
2016: 8th, 46.3% -- 38-44
2015: 10th, 39.2% -- 31-48
2014: 4th, 52.5% -- 53-48

8. Final Fantasy 11
Total: 8th, 45.3% -- 62-75
2016: 12th, 40.9% -- 18-26
2015: 7th, 44.4% -- 20-25
2014: 6th, 50.0% -- 24-24

9. Final Fantasy 10
Total: 9th, 44.7% -- 110-136
2016: 2nd, 58.5% -- 38-27
2015: 11th, 38.4% -- 33-53
2014: 10th, 41.1% -- 39-56

10. Final Fantasy 5
Total: 10th, 41.6% -- 64-90
2016: 10th, 42.9% -- 24-32
2015: 9th, 40.8% -- 20-29
2014: 11th, 40.8% -- 20-29

11. Final Fantasy 2
Total: 11th, 41.1% -- 23-33
2016: 14th, 33.3% -- 7-14
2015: 8th, 42.1% -- 8-11
2014: 7th, 50.0% -- 8-8

12. Final Fantasy 14
Total: 12th, 39.0% -- 48-75
2016: 11th, 42.4% -- 25-34
2015: 12th, 32.3% -- 10-21
2014: 12th, 39.4% -- 13-20

13. Final Fantasy 3
Total: 13th, 38.9% -- 44-69
2016: 9th, 44.4% -- 20-25
2015: 13th, 25.8% -- 8-23
2014: 9th, 43.2% -- 16-21

14. Final Fantasy 13
Total: 14th, 29.0% -- 40-98
2016: 13th, 40.5% -- 17-25
2015: 14th, 11.6% -- 5-38
2014: 13th, 34.0% -- 18-35

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

ROUND 2A (points cumulative through 2015)

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti_iazvRLD4) (FF7, 11) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7, 29)
Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4, 24) vs Wild West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfJqDdrq0fI) (FF6, 12)
Attack (Raid) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNIslB7GoXU) (FF10, 5) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4, 33)
Cloud of Darkness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYh5TB-trI) (FF3, 11) vs Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7, 20)
Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PYZXXMm7_o) (FF5, 12) vs Wailers and Waterwheels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSKNntvdRJk) (FF14, new entry)
Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XbLZzsbMo) (FF4, 26) vs Off the Edge of Despair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oPqxoGzorI) (FF7, 13)
Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g) (FF7, 18) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lViSeukzQOQ) (FF1, new entry)
Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLa0bQflIVo) (FF9, 10) vs Freya's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2rlLC4N9u4) (FF9, 20)

Round 2A

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FFVII)
The Wild West (FFVI)
Attack! (FFX)
Still More Fighting (FFVII)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FFXIV ARR)
Off the Edge of Despair (FFVII)
Aeris's Theme (FFVII)
Vivi's Theme (FFIX)

ROUND 2A
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3)
Home Sweet Home (FF5,)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)


-
Man it's been a long time since I've done this.
Totally forgot about them.

Love the stats. :D

And hi to Tanis! Yeah, it feels like it's been a long time since I've seen you in a rumble thread.

ROUND 2A (points cumulative through 2015)

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7, 11)
Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3, 11)
Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Freya's Theme (FF9, 20)

2A

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Wild West (FF6, 12)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10)

Fantastic stats, loved reading them :)

Valley of the Fallen Star
Wild West
Main Theme (FF4)
Still More Fighting
Home Sweet Home
Prelude (FF4)
Aerith's Theme
Vivi's Theme

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
Fight 2 (FF4)
Main Theme (FF4)
Cloud of Darkness (FF3)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FF14)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
Main Theme (FF1)
Freya's Theme (FF9)

My daughter was born this morning. She seems to be quite healthy. :)


As usual you can vote for earlier Round 2 groups if you missed it.
ROUND 2B (points cumulative through 2015)

Clash on the Big Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLG9Te9B4rg) (FF5, 36) vs To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10, 17)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8, 16) vs Seeking Power (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wzU706vNlA) (FF12, 5)
Auron's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWcvol93Bg) (FF10, 3) vs Esper Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVYHhcYWttY) (FF12, 8)
Song of Memories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5U30DKaYFw) (FF9, 11) vs The Man with the Machine Gun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jho-peCAKs) (FF8, 8)
Frontier Village Dali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw6y1Wf-IkE) (FF9, 7) vs The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9k6drY8M7o) (FF6, 11)
Balamb Garden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eU0tRBHnE0) (FF8, new entry) vs Battle 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qTDxTsH_Q) (FF3, new entry)
Gold Saucer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaGq6vn7hg) (FF7, 8) vs The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31)
Phantom Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBOS7-QAz38) (FF6, 23) vs Theme of the Tantalus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYLk1cwhyyM) (FF9, 7)

Congratulations Shad on your new little one! :D

ROUND 2B

Battle on the Big Bridge (FFV)
The Castle (FFVIII)
Esper Battle (FFXII)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FFVIII)
The Fierce Battle (FFVI)
Battle 2 (FFIII)
The Extreme (FFVIII)
Mystery Train (FFVI)

Whaaaaaat?! Congratulations!!! :D It feels like your son was only born yesterday.

ROUND 2B

To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8, 8)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23)

ROUND 2A

Chasing the Black-Caped Man (FF7, 11)
Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FF14, new entry)
Prelude (FF4, 26)
Aerith's Theme
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10)

Yay, moar money to spend on legos...for the kid, of course.
:3

==============
To Zanarkand (FF10)
The Castle (FF8)
Auron's Theme (FF10)
The Man with the Machine Gun (FF8)
The Fierce Battle (FF6)
Balamb Garden (FF8)
The Extreme (FF8)
Phantom Train (FF6)

Congratulations Shad! :D

To Zanarkand
The Castle
Auron's Theme
Song of Memories
Frontier Village Dali
Balamb Garden
Gold Saucer
Phantom Train

Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36) is what I'm feeling right now, though I wouldn't mind seeing To Zanarkand win this round and I might switch in the end.
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Frontier Village Dali (FF9, 7)
Battle 2 (FF3, new entry)
Gold Saucer (FF7, 8)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23)

---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 PM ----------


Whaaaaaat?! Congratulations!!! :D It feels like your son was only born yesterday.

Yep, Ollie's not quite 15 months. Plan was to have them as close together as we realistically could. We aren't getting any younger. :P

Congrats Shad!

2B....or not 2B

Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Frontier Village Dali (FF9, 7)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9, 7)

ROUND 2B

Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5, 36)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Theme of the Tantalus (FF9, 7)

ROUND 2C (points cumulative through 2015)

New Continent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR230Q0TtSA) (FF6, 21) vs Besaid Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxJE6SSX-aw) (FF10, 4)
Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9, 41) vs The Nightmare Begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBjCKWaO_0) (FF7, 16)
Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6, 60) vs The Dreadful Fight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Hy1CdxuGg) (FF4, 26)
Cid's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJzfOA9uV6E) (FF7, new entry) vs The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NPGJ1TKobM) (FF6, 28)
Troian Beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9Dc7USBhY) (FF4, 14) vs Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9, 6)
The Phon Coast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgc1pSMCMw) (FF12, 8) vs Ronfaure/Longfall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn0i_ZNsAIs) (FF5, new entry) vs Prologue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQIX8R_6mE) (FF4, 12)
Saber's Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz8ZOw392M8) (FF13, 7) vs Red Wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPiPoPzfctg) (FF4, 15)

2C

New Continent (FF6, 21)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4, 26) .....shhh, you see nothing afoul here
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Ronfaure/Longfall (FF11, new entry)
Prologue (FF4, 12)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
The Dreadful Fight (FF4, 26) ~~ Here's a great opportunity to ensure a first time winner this year. :)
Cid's Theme (FF7, new entry)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Saber's Edge (FF13, 7)

---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------

hah, I wrote that note before I saw your post

ROUND 2C

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
The Nightmare Begins (FF7, 16)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Troian Beauty (FF4, 14)
Ronfaure/Longfall (FF11, new entry)
Prologue (FF4, 12)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)

ROUND 2C:

New Continent (FF6)
Dark Messenger (FF9)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
Awakened Forest (FF9)
Ronfaure/Longfall (FF11)
Prologue (FF4)
Red Wings (FF4)

Besaid Island
Dark Messenger
Dancing Mad
Cid's Theme
Awakened Forest
Ronfaure/Longfall
Prologue (FF4)
Red Wings

ROUND 2C

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Cid's Theme (FF7, new entry)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Ronfaure/Longfall (FF11, new entry)
Prologue (FF4, 12)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)

What happened to ronfaure? i thought it was eliminated, since it went up against OWA.

Cid's theme really touched me this time.

Besaid Island
Dark Messenger
Dancing Mad
Cid's Theme
Awakened Forest
Ronfaure/Longfall
Prologue (FF4)
Red Wings
What???

What happened to ronfaure? i thought it was eliminated, since it went up against OWA.

Statistically it wasn't a huge upset, but definitely a surprise. Ronfaure won the match-up by a vote and a half. (4-3, would have taken the tie-break if 3-3.)

Round 2C

New Continent (FFVI)
The Dark Messenger (FFIX)
Dancing Mad (FFVI)
Cid's Theme (FFVII)
Awakened Forest (FFIX)
Ronfaure (FFXI)
Prologue (Final Fantasy) (FFIV)
The Red Wings (FFIV)

ROUND 2D (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12) vs Sprouting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTXozr0-Bg) (FF10, 8)
Aetherial Slumber (http://www.smashcustommusic.com/29995) (FF14, 7) vs The Empire Gestahl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLLvLneU2k) (FF6, 6)
Steiner's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeciA7yViqM) (FF9, new entry) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11, 21) vs The Invincible (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKMo6r5vCK8) (FF3, 3)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQSTxrQ7e0) (FF5, new entry) vs Matoya's Cavern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR06uwC4e20) (FF1, 11)
The Sight of Spira (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTptg9nedlM) (FF10, 5) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8, 11)
JENOVA Absolute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yX4h8Agi7U) (FF7, 9) vs Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4, 34)
J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7, 19) vs Kefka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcMDlgdnZPI) (FF6, 14)

ROUND 2D

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7, 19)

Vamo Alla Flamenco
The Empire Gestahl
Steiner's Theme
The Invincible
Walking the Snowy Mountains
Blue Fields
JENOVA Absolute
J-E-N-O-V-A

ROUND 2D:
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6)
Opening Theme (FF6)
The Invincible (FF3)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
Blue Fields (FF8)
Within the Giant (FF4)
Kefka (FF6)

surprised there's so little love for Sprouting (FF10, 8)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Matoya's Cavern (FF1, 11)
The Sight of Spira (FF10, 5) ~~ this is a pretty tough match-up
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7, 19)

ROUND 2D

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FFIX)
Aetherial Slumber (FFXIV)
Opening Theme (FFVI)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FFXI)
Matoya's Cave (FFI, XIV HW)
The Sight of Spira (FFX)
JENOVA Absolute (FFVII)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FFVII)

ROUND 2D

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Steiner's Theme (FF9, new entry)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Kefka (FF6, 14)

My daughter was born this morning. She seems to be quite healthy. :)

Congrats Shad!! :D


I was about to vote in the last part of 1st round, but got overwhelmed by a number of tough match ups at once xD

Round 2A

Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Off the Edge of Despair (FF7, 13)
Main Theme (FF1, new entry)
Freya's Theme (FF9, 20)


ROUND 2B

To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Seeking Power (FF12, 5)
Esper Battle (FF12, 8)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Frontier Village Dali (FF9, 7)
Battle 2 (FF3, new entry)
Gold Saucer (FF7, 8)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23)

ROUND 2C

Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Ronfaure/Longfall (FF11, new entry)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (FF5, new entry)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)

ROUND 2D

Sprouting (FF10, 8)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
The Sight of Spira (FF10, 5) I think of Chrono Cross every time I hear it and thats good, since I love it so much :3
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Kefka (FFVI) so close

Ooo, plot twists at the very end!

Your votes rescued Home Sweet Home, Song of Memories, and The Decisive Battle (FF6) from defeat at the expense of Wailers and Waterwheels, The Man with the Machine Gun, and Cid's Theme if I'm checking my notes right at a glance.

Going to post up round 3 as soon as Pianist votes or else in a day or two.

Round 2 is complete!

A number of games in the series won't be around to see the round of 32. There was compression on both ends, with Final Fantasy 1 and 3 as well as Final Fantasy 12, 13, and 14 joining Final Fantasy 2 on the bench.

Of the 9 new entries that progressed to the round of 64, only 3--Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5), Balamb Garden (FF8), and Ronfaure (FF11)--lived to fight another day.

In terms of upsets, Besaid Island (106th) continued its improbable run, knocking out another big name in New Continent (20th). Freya's Theme (23rd) fell to Vivi's Theme (61st), and--while not a big deal by the numbers--To Zanarkand (34th) managed a rather surprising knock-out of Clash on the Big Bridge (6th). Technically 'upsets', Awakened Forest (94th) and Auron's Theme (111th) somewhat predictably eliminated Troian Beauty (41st) and Esper Battle (74th) respectively.

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

ROUND 3A (points cumulative through 2015)

The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31) vs Home Sweet Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PYZXXMm7_o) (FF5, 12)
Red Wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPiPoPzfctg) (FF4, 15) vs Blue Fields (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4) (FF8, 11)
The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8, 16) vs The Empire Gestahl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLLvLneU2k) (FF6, 6)
Phantom Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBOS7-QAz38) (FF6, 23) vs The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NPGJ1TKobM) (FF6, 28)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQSTxrQ7e0) (FF5, new entry) vs Within the Giant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFy5I3tiJo) (FF4, 34)
Prologue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQIX8R_6mE) (FF4, 12) vs Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9, 6)
Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g) (FF7, 18) vs Dark Messenger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNBwZe6GTI) (FF9, 41)
J-E-N-O-V-A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6GrZYE2il0) (FF7, 19) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4, 33)

ROUND 3A

The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Phantom Train (FF6, 23) - This was a hard choice and I would not be disappointed with either making it to the next round.
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)

6 out of 8 of these were really really tough choices for me o_o;

Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)

ROUND 3A
The Extreme (FF8)
Red Wings (FF4)
The Castle (FF8)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5)
Prologue (FF4)
Aerith's Theme (FF7)
Main Theme (FF4)

The 2017 qualification stage is up (Thread 207272). Votes in that thread will have no bearing on the present game, and voting will remain open until May 2017.

The qualification stage is a hefty 88 track event, and I don't want anyone to feel under any obligation whatsoever to vote in them. It exists for those who want to have some say in which songs do and do not make the cut for next year's game.

ROUND 3A

The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11)
The Empire Gestahl (FF6, 6)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Prologue (FF4, 12)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)

ROUND 3A

Home Sweet Home (FF5, 12)
Blue Fields (FF8, 11) close one
The Castle (FF8, 16
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Within the Giant (FF4, 34)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Dark Messenger (FF9, 41) really tough one
Main Theme (FF4, 33)

Ooo, plot twists at the very end!

Your votes rescued Home Sweet Home, Song of Memories, and The Decisive Battle (FF6) from defeat at the expense of Wailers and Waterwheels, The Man with the Machine Gun, and Cid's Theme if I'm checking my notes right at a glance.

Going to post up round 3 as soon as Pianist votes or else in a day or two.

i this.

Here's my choices

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

ROUND 3A (points cumulative through 2015)

The Extreme (FF8, 31)
Red Wings (FF4, 15)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Walking the snowy mountains (FF5, new entry) point of fact, i used this in a starcraft campaign i was developing back in the day.
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)

Remember that you can still vote in Round 3A.

ROUND 3B (points cumulative through 2015)

Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6, 60) vs Fight 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkXxohsw7I) (FF4, 24)
Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7, 29) vs Besaid Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxJE6SSX-aw) (FF10, 4)
Balamb Garden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eU0tRBHnE0) (FF8, new entry) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7, 20) vs Vivi's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLa0bQflIVo) (FF9, 10)
Song of Memories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5U30DKaYFw) (FF9, 11) vs Ronfaure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11, 21) vs Auron's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWcvol93Bg) (FF10, 3)
Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29) vs Prelude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XbLZzsbMo) (FF4, 26)
To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10, 17) vs The Fierce Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9k6drY8M7o) (FF6, 11)

Fight 2
Valley of the Fallen Star
Vamo Alla Flamenco
Still More Fighting
Ronfaure
Chateau d'Oraguille
Opening Theme
To Zanarkand

ROUND 3B

Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Balamb Garden (FF8, new entry)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)

I don't know how I was late posting 3A's results...

ROUND 3A

The Extreme (FFVIII)
The Red Wings (FFIV)
The Castle (FFVIII)
Mystery Train (FFVI)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FFV)
Awakened Forest (FFIX)
Aeris's Theme (FFVII)
J-E-N-O-V-A (FFVII)

ROUND 3B

Dancing Mad (FFVI)
Cosmo Canyon (FFVII)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FFIX)
Still More Fighting (FFVII)
Ronfaure (FFXI)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FFXI)
Opening Theme (FFVI)
The Fierce Battle (FFVI)

Round 3A

The Extreme
Red Wings
The Castle
Phantom Train
Walking the Snowy Mountains
Awakened Forest
Dark Messenger
J-E-N-O-V-A

Round 3B
Dancing Mad
Valley of the Fallen Star
Vamo Alla Flamenco
Still More Fighting
Song of Memories
Auron's Theme
Opening Theme
To Zanarkand

ROUND 3B

Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11) really difficult choice:/
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)

ROUND 3B (points cumulative through 2015)

Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Besaid Island (FF10, 4)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Vivi's Theme (FF9, 10)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
Auron's Theme (FF10, 3)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
The Fierce Battle (FF6, 11)

ROUND 3B

Dancing Mad (FF6)
Besaid Island (FF10)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Vivi's Theme (FF9)
Ronfaure (FF11)
Auron's Theme (FF10)
Prelude (FF4)
To Zanarkand (FF10)

ROUND 3B

Fight 2 (FF4, 24)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Song of Memories (FF9, 11)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)

Just waiting on my off-site voter to break the tie, should probably be moving on to round 4 tomorrow.

Round 3 is complete!

Every game that was alive--FF4-11--still is! "Chateau d'Oraguille" and "Ronfaure" become the first two songs from Final Fantasy 11 to reach the round of 16 since "Airship" in the original run of this game.

Unranked Walking the Snowy Mountains' defeat of 7th all-time Within the Giant might have been the biggest upset of the round, though Aerith's Theme (28th) knocking out Dark Messenger (3rd) comes close to that claim. Awakened Forest (94th) beat out Prologue (51st), and otherwise the historically more popular tracks mostly won the day.

Walking the Snowy Mountains and Ronfaure are the only remaining newcomers to the game.

Only four previous quarter-finalists remain, so no matter what the rand there will be a few newcomers heading into the final stages.

ROUND 4 (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12) vs Red Wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPiPoPzfctg) (FF4, 15)
The Decisive Battle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NPGJ1TKobM) (FF6, 28) vs Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7, 20)
The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31) vs Main Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTbJyH7jIE) (FF4, 33)
Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29) vs The Castle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqtGBR80NWw) (FF8, 16)
Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7, 29) vs Dancing Mad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc) (FF6, 60)
Chateau d'Oraguille (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaTmeeQLFZ0) (FF11, 21) vs Walking the Snowy Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQSTxrQ7e0) (FF5, new entry)
Ronfaure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry) vs To Zanarkand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8) (FF10, 17)
Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9, 6) vs Aerith's Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g) (FF7, 18)

ROUND 4:
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
The Decisive Battle (FF6)
The Extreme (FF8)
Opening Theme (FF6)
Dancing Mad (FF6)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry) vs To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6) vs Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)

ROUND 4

Red Wings (FF4, 15)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)

Red Wings (FF4, 15)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry) ~~ really really tough call
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)

ROUND 4 (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
The Decisive Battle (FF6, 28)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Dancing Mad (FF6, 60)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
To Zanarkand (FF10, 17)
Aerith's Theme (FF7, 18)

Vamo Alla Flamenco
Still More Fighting
The Extreme
The Castle
Valley of the Fallen Star
Walking the Snowy Mountains
To Zanarkand
Aerith's Theme

Round 4

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FFIX)
Still More Fighting (FFVII)
The Extreme (FFVIII)
The Castle (FFVIII)
Dancing Mad (FFVI)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FFXI)
Ronfaure (FFXI)
Awakened Forest (FFIX)

ROUND 4

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Main Theme (FF4, 33)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)

Round 4


Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)
The Castle (FF8, 16)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11, 21)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)

Quite a few unexpected outcomes this go around. My off-site voter has been MIA for over a week, so I'm going to assume all votes are in and post up the quarter finals tonight or tomorrow. :)

The Round of 16 is complete, and it was a pretty wild ride.

Dancing Mad was defeated by Valley of the Fallen Star, guaranteeing that the third year of this game sees a third new winner.

The Extreme and Main Theme became the only match-up this year that required a secondary tie-breaker. Both games being tied at 52 total votes going into the round, The Extreme advanced as a consequence of Main Theme's finals appearance last year.

Newcomer Ronfaure becomes the first track to represent Final Fantasy 11 in the quarter finals.

The Extreme was one vote away from being 4th place in the all-time rankings yet never making the quarter finals. That's a statistic I won't have to apply.

Upsets? Literally every match-up ended in an upset save Opening Theme's win over The Castle, and it is the only remaining contender who has reached this stage before. The most shocking quarter finalist by far is Awakened Forest, who entered this year ranked 94th all-time.

So, how has this game played out in the past? With a great deal of variety, which I like to see:

Quarter-finalists:
FF6 - Dancing Mad (2)
FF6 - Opening Theme (2)
FF9 - Dark Messenger (2)
FF4 - Main Theme
FF4 - The Dreaful Fight
FF4 - Within the Giant
FF5 - Clash on the Big Bridge
FF5 - Walking the Snowy Mountains
FF6 - New Continent
FF6 - The Decisive Battle
FF7 - Bombing Mission
FF7 - Still More Fighting
FF7 - Valley of the Fallen Star
FF8 - Find Your Way
FF8 - Liberi Fatali
FF8 - The Extreme
FF9 - Awakened Forest
FF9 - The Place I'll Return to Someday
FF9 - Vamo Alla Flamenco
FF10 - Decisive Battle
FF11 - Ronfaure

Semi-finalists:
FF6 - Dancing Mad (2)
FF4 - Main Theme
FF6 - The Decisive Battle
FF7 - Bombing Mission
FF8 - Find Your Way
FF9 - The Place I'll Return to Someday
FF10 - Decisive Battle

Finalists:
FF4 - Main Theme
FF6 - Dancing Mad
FF7 - Bombing Mission
FF10 - Decisive Battle

Winners:
2014 - FF6 - Dancing Mad
2015 - FF7 - Bombing Mission

QUARTER-FINALS (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12) vs Awakened Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3xoQqFFns) (FF9, 6)
Still More Fighting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak) (FF7, 20) vs Ronfaure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry)
Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29) vs Valley of the Fallen Star (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJVNzQDdCY) (FF7, 29)
The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31) vs Walking the Snowy Mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQSTxrQ7e0) (FF5, new entry)

QUARTER-FINALS
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Ronfaure (FF11)
Opening Theme (FF6)
The Extreme (FF8)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29) -- A bit of an unfortunate pairing I suppose, I've really been enjoying Valley this go around and there weren't many songs I'd have voted over it, but at this point Opening Theme is my favorite track of the lot.
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry) -- I was expecting to vote The Extreme here before I played both songs again, but I guess Snowy Mountains has grown on me a bit because I'm really feeling the underdog between these two.

QUARTER-FINALS

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry) - tough choice, but I'm curious to see how far this piece will go.
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)

QUARTER-FINALS

Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7, 29)
Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5, new entry)

not a single easy choice anymore...

Awh, my off-site voter showed back up today. If I'd waited about 3 more hours Main Theme would have won. :\

QUARTER-FINALS

Awakened Forest (FF9, 6)
Still More Fighting (FF7, 20)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)

Vamo Alla Flamenco
Still More Fighting
Valley of the Fallen Star
The Extreme

Quarter-Finals

Awakened Forest (FFIX)
Ronfaure (FFXI) <---- (SOOOO tough... but I thought Still More Fighting would probably win anyway so I decided to put my vote to the eponymous forest theme instead ;))
Opening Theme (FFVI)
The Extreme (FFVIII)

QUARTER-FINALS (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)
Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
The Extreme (FF8, 31)

Well, there were two different ways this could have shaped up. Either one of two improbable contenders was going to make it to the final guaranteed, or both would have to face off against songs that have proven far more successful over the years.

Random.org chose the latter.

Enjoy:

SEMI-FINALS (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s) (FF9, 12) vs Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS9H4E1LdVI) (FF6, 29)
Ronfaure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11, new entry) vs The Extreme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA) (FF8, 31)

SEMI-FINALS:
Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
Ronfaure (FF11)


Very hard choice, I am a FF6/8 fanboi after all, but I had to go with 'overall enjoyable', not nostalgic as fuck.

Opening Theme (FF6, 29) ~~ Though I suspect I'll be voting Vamo Alla Flamenco in the final if Opening Theme loses.
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)

SEMI-FINALS

Opening Theme (FF6, 29)

The Extreme (FF8, 31)

SEMI-FINALS

Opening Theme (FF6, 29)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)

Now this is most unexpected...

Semi-Finals

Opening Theme (FFVI)
Ronfaure (FFXI)

Never thought I would see a FFXI track actually make it this far.... :) (Although the fact it's a Uematsu track probably helps a lot). :p

Semi-finals

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)

I'm going with both improbables. Besides, as Enkidoh said, never thought I'd see a FFXI track make it this far.

Vamo Alla Flamenco
The Extreme

I'm holding off posting the final match-up because we actually have a 4-4 tie this late in the competition. :)

If Pianist isn't around in the next day or two I'll just go ahead and employ the tie-breaker rule.

:o I had a new voter show up off-site out of the blue. The fate of Opening Theme and Vamo Alla Flamenco is still in Piantist's hands, but Opening Theme is now set to advance if he doesn't vote.

Final round will start tonight; last call to vote.

SEMI-FINALS (points cumulative through 2015)

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9, 12)
Ronfaure (FF11, new entry)

I came! lovely! i get to submit a vote!

DUN DUN DUN

Opening Theme has been eliminated.

I'll post the final when my kids are in bed. :)

Final Fantasy 2016 Finals

VS

Here we are! I doubt anyone ever expected either of this year's finalists to get where they got; it's been a wild ride, and frankly, for me at least, a lot more fun than watching all of the traditionally most popular tracks steal the show. :)

Ronfaure (FF11) entered the tournament unranked, having beaten 111th-ranked Fighting Fate (FF13) 2-1 in the qualification stage. It left its mark quickly, knocking out One-Winged Angel (FF7, 28th) 4-3 and sweeping The Phon Coast (FF12, 74th) 8-0. Song of Memories (FF9, 56th) gave it a close call at 4-4, but the tie-breaker rule saw it through, and from that point it was a string of increasingly improbable upsets that brought the song to this stage: 5-3 against To Zanarkand (FF10, 34th), 5-3 against Still More Fighting (FF7, 23rd), and 8-2 against The Extreme (FF8, 10th). While it only had to knock out one of the top 10 tracks coming into this year, the average rank of its opponents was 38--tougher than either finalist last year. Should the song receive no votes in the final round, it will still end its inaugural year ranked 24th all-time.

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9), ranked 47th at the start of this year's game, required no qualification match to enter the event. It had an arguably easy early run: 4-3 against Airship (FF11, 37th), 5-3 against Sprouting (FF10, 74th), and 7-1 against Balamb Garden (FF8, Unranked), before overcoming its first major test in Red Wings (FF4, 37th), 6-3. It met the even more unlikely underdog Awakened Forest (FF9, 94th) in the quarter-finals and advanced 5-3 before encountering what was surely one of the tournament favorites in Opening Theme (FF6, 11th). A 5-5 tie advanced it to the final round having never previously made it out of the round of 32. Ignoring its unranked match, it faced an average rank of 51, roughly double that of its opponent. Should the song receive no further votes, it will end the year in 11th place all-time.

It all comes down to this:

Ronfaure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw4IHZT7guM) (FF11) vs Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6w7atxi0BI) (FF9)

Out of all of the rumbles we've had (FF-related and otherwise) across my almost 10 years here, this is the weirdest finale I've ever seen.

Vamo Alla Flamenco

Haha :D

Vamo Alla Flamenco

I think it just goes to show how much great music the Final Fantasy series contains that two songs this far down the ladder can still pick up the votes to get here.

I still can't believe that Ronfaure made it to the finals! A very underrated piece of music (but a beautiful piece nonetheless).

So my vote goes to the theme of Kingdom of San d'Oria's forest - listening to this track just brings back all those memories in FFXI of hunting rabbits and being chased by orcs and goblins. :p And seeing Big-mouthed Billy completely ignored (a worm 'notorious monster' which dropped absolutely nothing of value and thus no one bothered fighting him). Uematsu's medieval styled track suited the Ronfaure forest perfectly.

So yes, my choice:

Ronfaure ;)

I think it just goes to show how much great music the Final Fantasy series contains that two songs this far down the ladder can still pick up the votes to get here.

Agreed. I'd somehow ignored FFIII's "The Way to the Top" for two decades until this rumble forced me to consider it more closely. As simple as it is, I love it now.

No clear favourite in the final with Op Theme being eliminated :O Vote goes for Ronfaure , a fun theme which i didnt know before this rumble, but liked it a lot from the 1st time listening to it :) Hundreds of hours of listening to Vamo Alla Flamenco while chocobo digging and pleasing nobles, made me a bit sick of it tbh.

btw I was rooting for Cosmo Canyon theme to be here now :D

Ah yes! I love this final round! I love seeing songs that aren't the typical popular songs make it this far. I'm a bit conflicted as I love Vamo Alla Flamenco, it holds quite a bit of nostalgia for me as well. I absolutely loved that chocobo mini game. I spent so many hours playing it and the song never got old.

On the other hand, I feel Ronfaure is a beautiful piece, and I feel like XI doesn't get enough love. Although, ironically enough, I feel like this song could easily fit into IX's world. Is this the furthest we've ever seen a song from XI make it? I think so and I'm not sure we will see another XI song make it this far. Either way, I will not be upset with either song winning.

Despite my nostalgia, my vote is going towards Ronfaure.

Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)!!!

I while I really enjoyed Ronfaure, I never got to really play FF11 back in the day.

But, FF9 is one of my favorite JRPGs, and Vamo is just a nice song.

Surprisingly tough choice this year.

Just to keep you in the loop for the final: the off-site voter who participated for the majority of the game chose Vamo Alla Flamenco.

There's a second guy who started playing late in the run, and I don't know if he's going to vote or not.

---------- Post added at 03:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:27 PM ----------

Here's a link to the off-site thread (http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/topic/98090-final-fantasy-music-rumble/) by the way, if anyone's curious. Not much to see there but DM is an awesome forum community if any of you are fans of the Wheel of Time series. :)

Vamo Alla Flamenco

Vamo Alla Flamenco - always been my favourite chocobo music for some reason :)

Winner is.....








Vamo Alla Flamenco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6w7atxi0BI), from Final Fantasy IX





The upbeat Spanish tune from Final Fantasy IX knocks out Final Fantasy XI's zone theme 6-3 to become the 2016 champion.

Vamo Alla Flamenco was also this year's point leader with 38, moving it from 47th place all the way up to 8th all-time. This was the most points earned by a song in the history of this game, one ahead of Dancing Mad's run in 2014. The tournament as a whole also saw the most votes ever, with 1017, compared to 806 in 2015 and 831 in 2016.

Ronfaure had an outstanding run, ending its first year in the tournament at 18th all-time, with 37 points.

I was very happy with how the off-site participation worked out this year--enough to keep it competitive while still leaving the Final Fantasy Shrine community well in control of each track's fate.

And for the first time, the song I voted for in the final won! :)

The champions:

2014: Dancing Mad (FF6)
2015: Bombing Mission (FF7)
2016: Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)

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

1. (=) Dancing Mad (FF6)
2. (^8) The Extreme (FF8)
3. (^8) Opening Theme (FF6)
4. (-1) Dark Messenger (FF9)
5. (^3) Main Theme (FF4)
6. (-4) Bombing Mission (FF7)
7. (^5) Valley of the Fallen Star (FF7)
8. (^39) Vamo Alla Flamenco (FF9)
9. (^4) The Decisive Battle (FF6)
10. (-3) Within the Giant (FF4)
10. (^13) Still More Fighting (FF7)
12. (-6) Clash on the Big Bridge (FF5)
13. (-9) Decisive Battle (FF10)
14. (-9) The Place I'll Return To Some Day (FF9)
15. (^20) The Castle (FF8)
16. (^6) Chateau d'Oraguille (FF11)
17. (^11) Aerith's Theme (FF7)
18. (N/A) Ronfaure (FF11)
19. (-1) Fight 2 (FF4)
19. (=) Phantom Train (FF6)
19. (^15) To Zanarkand (FF10)
22. (-7) Prelude (FF4)
23. (-14) Find Your Way (FF8)
24. (^13) Red Wings (FF4)
25. (^69) Awakened Forest (FF9)
26. (-12) The Dreadful Fight (FF4)
27. (-4) Freya's Theme (FF9)
28. (-1) J-E-N-O-V-A (FF7)
29. (-9) New Continent (FF6)
30. (-13) Liberi Fatali (FF8)
31. (-15) Last Dungeon (FF6)
32. (^19) Prologue (FF4)
32. (^24) Blue Fields (FF8)
34. (-13) Birth of the God (FF7)
35. (^21) Song of Memories (FF9)
36. (-13) Devil's Lab (FF6)
37. (^10) Home Sweet Home (FF5)
37. (^15) The Fierce Battle (FF6)
39. (-13) Gurgu Volcano (FF1)
40. (-5) The Nightmare Begins (FF7)
40. (^21) Vivi's Theme (FF9)
42. (N/A) Walking the Snowy Mountains (FF5)
43. (^9) Matoya's Cavern (FF1)
43. (^1) Off the Edge of Despair (FF7)
43. (-15) One-Winged Angel (FF7)
43. (-15) Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison (FF12)
47. (-6) Kefka (FF6)
48. (^58) Besaid Island (FF10)
48. (-20) Seymour Battle (FF10)
48. (-20) Eruyt Village (FF12)


Qualification voting (Thread 207272) for 2017 will remain open all year. Feel free to chip in your votes, but don't feel obligated. I'll be more than happy to choose for you. ;)

Nice work again Shad. Great tournament :)

Bit of a roller-coaster, but fun nonetheless.

Woo! Awesome work Shad! I love seeing this every year and how the ranks change.