The Zertinan Caverns

The Zertinian Caverns

The Zertinian Caverns. The Henne Mines just remind me of one of my more recent endeavors--creating the Tournesol. Those Etems just bug the crap out of me.

An Imminent Threat

3-3... tie break time. Guess I'll have Hawkeye do it.

The Zertinian Caverns

Edit: Sorry Hawkeye

Hmm, time's up anyway so I guess I'll count Purrr's vote. Though, I think from now on for tie breaks I'll just post that we have a tie and need one more person to break it. Directing attention at a specific person who hadn't voted helped get things done faster, but I think we're all set. Though, Purrr, not that it would matter anymore after this, but major shame on you for not paying attention as this is the second time you've done that.

Round 1 - Battle 13

Naivety - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)

No clue about what the title is referring to, but this is the theme in the sky, aboard airships, which I'm sure most of you have spent a fair amount of time. If you can think of anything naive about flying on an airship, do enlighten me! Though anyway, I'm pretty sure "naivety" isn't even a real word, they might have meant "naivete". Title confusion aside, one of my favorite airship themes. Also, 5/4...

VS.

Giza Plains - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/125%20Giza%20Plains.mp3)

The theme of the location in the title. This piece seems to change mood a lot, which seems perfect for a field which goes from calm to cloudy to rainy, that's Giza. I usually think of a rainy field upon hearing this theme. As well as Giza Plains, this is also the theme used in the vast expansive Tchita Uplands, which share plenty of the same characteristics, so it would fit.


For me, I thought this would be a pretty easy choice, though I do like Giza Plains a little more than I thought after listening now, but still it's no Naivety.

Naivety

Yeah I know and I often post my vote prior to reading everyone else's post. Directing it at one person is kinda faily anyway as that person may not log in or for whatever reason doesn't see it and it can make the bout go on longer than necessary.

Anyway enough about that, my vote goes to Naivety

Giza Plains numbs the brain so Naivtey

Forgive me and this will be my last post on the subject, but for the record, Purrr, I would usually look at who's been voting in the last few rounds AND I do take note of their "Last Activity" and make sure it was today or yesterday, and I PM them. I would hardly call that "faily" but whatever, it's changed for now.

Giza Plains, and "naivety" is one correct spelling of the word...at least it is in the dictionary.

Zak, how about whenever there's a tie we just eliminate your vote. :D

Do you eliminate your vote in your rumbles?

I don't vote in my rumbles. All right, enough of messing up Zak's rumble, though. Back to voting.

Naivety

Naivety

Naivety

Naivety

Hawkeye I think Agent was joking seeing as we almost always disagree and vote for the opposite things. :P
But anyway I think he doesn't vote in his because he chooses the matcdhups whereas I usually rig them up randomly...
Oh, and sorry I forgot to comment at the end of the last round about Zertinan Caverns winning, mainly this whole mess... anyway.

Naivety 8-1 Giza Plains

This seems to be rather one-sided, as more seem to enjoy the naivety of flying on an airship. Though, I'm still curious about that title, what's so naive about flying on an airship?

Round 1 - Battle 14

The Salikawood - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/318%20The%20Salikawood.mp3)

Theme of the Salikawood, which sounds nice and calm and fitting. Though anyone agree that when it gets to the piano part it sounds like it came from X-2?

VS.

Near the Water - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/323%20Near%20the%20Water.mp3)

This nice track is played in two places (at least), both which sort of serve as a rest spot in the middle of a vast area with encounters, but are pretty big and have a lot of things there. That would be the Hunter's Camp on Phon Coast, which I think the title is referring to. However, it's also used in the small village in the Estersand, which is also, as the title implies, very well near the water. Also an important place with a lot going on.


Hard choice for me, but I'll throw one in for The Salikawood.

Near the Water

Yeah, Zak is right, it was my little joke because our choices are so often opposite. And I'm gonna have to go that way again-- my vote here is for Near the Water.

Near the Water.

Near the Water.

Near the Water. Wouldn't be disappointed if it won the rumble, actually.:)

The Salikawood

The Salikawood

Near the Water 5-3 The Salikawood

And to think I was about to change my vote just to make things fast... this ended up a pretty good battle, but the beachside theme seems to have a greater following.

Round 1 - Battle 15

Theme of the Empire - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/211%20Theme%20of%20the%20Empire.mp3)

Considered a favorite by a lot of fans, this theme is played in a lot of scenes in the game. But as far as locations go, it's for Archades and Draklor Lab. Also what's special is that this theme is split into two parts, one that only loops in Archades and one that only loops in Draklor. Since this is a location music rumble I would have liked to do the opposite of what I had done with Balfonheim/Secret Practice and split them apart, because both halves are VERY different! Unfortunately I was unable to find individual sound-clips of one alone. I'll just say, the first part of the loop is Draklor, and once it stops being upbeat and you stop hearing that drum, then it's Archades. This also I believe came in second in the last rumble?

VS.

The Royal City of Rabanastre - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/109%20The%20Royal%20City%20of%20Rabanastre%20-%20Town%20Ward%20Upper%20Stratum.mp3)

The theme of Rabanastre, Dalmasca's capital. It's also a hell of theme with a really long loop with different parts. It's pretty relaxing, kinda gives a feel of wandering around town, and seeing as it's the place you start in, I would say they made a wise choice impressing us with the OST's quality early in the game. I said the same about the Estersand music, but this even more IMO.


As much as I'd hate to see either of them go, very little can make me vote against Theme of the Empire. Draklor though. I'd have picked Rabanastre over the Archades theme alone. But I didn't split it, oh well. TotE in Draklor is what made me start liking the OST.

Theme of the Empire

The Royal City of Rabanastre

The Royal City of Rabanastre

The Royal City of Rabanastre

The Royal City of Rabanastre

Theme of the Empire ftw...

Theme Of The Empire

I was about to update after all this time, but we have a tie! And I promised in the last tie break I wouldn't call on a specific person anymore in this rumble, so anyone who hasn't voted wanna break it? If no one comes forward, don't worry, I know who I'd call forth. Giving this another day for someone to vote.

And sorry Agent, not eliminating my vote :P

The Royal City of Rabanastre

Thanks, Kie! Now we can finally move on.

The Royal City Of Rabanastre 5-4 Theme of the Empire

Wow, the Imperial theme that was a silver medalist in the other rumble got snuffed out in the first round! Either it felt like giving others a chance, or Rabanastre's theme has something about it. Either way, it does! Hope it goes far!

Round 1- Battle 16

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/208%20Nalbina%20Fortress%20Underground%20Prison.mp 3)

Although you're only there once, this is the theme of the Nalbina Dungeons you get thrown into near the beginning, where you first meet Basch and escape through Barheim. Starts out dark and gloomy, but towards the end of the loop picks up and becomes more dramatic. Good fit for a prison.

VS.

Challenging the Empire - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/222%20Challenging%20the%20Empire.mp3)

Although probably used in a few other small scenes here and there, this crazy theme is used most extensively on the Leviathan, a place where you probably spent a lot of time. Yes I know there is a separate track called "The Dreadnought Leviathan" but you only hear it briefly for a few seconds in a scene when you first arrive and never again, so I would figure this is more associated with the Leviathan.


Challenging the Empire gets my vote.

Challenging the Empire

Challenging the Empire

Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison

This time I'm with you, Zak. Challenging the Empire! And ya'ay for the Royal City of Rabanastre! Also ya'ay for high-speed and not having to wait forever to listen to the music.

Nalbina Prison... I find other choice more annoying to listen to...

Oh, BTW, guys-- I heard from Ceidwad. He wishes us well and thanks us for taking care of the rumble. Apparently he had some college issues and decided to swear off the boards for a while.

Yep Agent, I got the exact same message!

Challenging The Empire. I remember I always power level on the Leviathan.

Challenging The Empire

Challenging the Empire 6-2 Nalbina Fortress Underground Prison

Upbeat intense ship theme has the advantage over the dark and eerie prison theme.

Round 1 - Battle 17

The Beginning of the End - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/412%20The%20Beginning%20of%20the%20End.mp3)

As the title implies, this theme is for one of the last places you visit in the game, the Pharos. Only for the First Ascent, though... the BEGINNING of the END, get it. The second ascent theme already won... but this can also be considered Reddas' theme, since it's also played when you first meet him in Draklor and during a scene in his Manse.

VS.

The Cerobi Steppe - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)

The theme for the Cerobi Steppe, which is much more slow and relaxing, has different parts to it, an array of flutes and strings and other stuff. Probably hence the rapid weather change, gives a feel for different seasons.

I forsee this as possibly being pretty even, but I gotta go with The Beginning of the End. One of my favorite underlooked tracks in the game, the end of the loop is just that awesome.

I really like them both, but I love The Cerobi Steppe. That's my vote.

The Beginning of the End

The Beginning of the End

Cerobbi Steepe

Cerobi Steppe

I really like them both, but I love The Cerobi Steppe. That's my vote.

The Cerobi Steppe is an incredible theme.

The Cerobi Steppe 6-3 The Beginning of the End

So the First Pharos Ascent wasn't as lucky as the second... the Cerobi Steppe theme progresses.

Round 1 - Battle 18

The Feywood - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/408%20The%20Feywood.mp3)

The theme for the misty Feywood. Very evil music, in fact I nominated it in the other forum's "evil VG music" poll. Perfectly fitting for a place like the Feywood. This track's probably the scariest thing about the Feywood...

VS.

A Moment's Rest - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)

A more tranquil theme, used in certain rest-spots much like "Time For a Rest", except it's used also spanning big places, like Old Archades, as well as the Ridorana Cataract area, where you spend a lot of time.


My vote's for The Feywood. I really really like it. Also, I would have loved to include "Time For a Rest" but the places it's used in aren't big enough to qualify as full locations. Oh well.

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest. Also, ya'ay for nearly the end of round 1, for some reason it feels like it's been a long round.

A Moment's Rest

The Feywood

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest, ftw

A Moment's Rest 6-2 The Feywood

Not much love for the evil Feywood music, it seems... and the moment of rest in Old Archades and the Ridorana Cataract catches up.

Round 1 - Battle 19

The Phon Coast - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/319%20The%20Phon%20Coast.mp3)

This is a pretty popular track among fans, as it was the big gold winner of the last Rumble for all music. It's pretty happy-sounding, I guess it's nice to see the beach after a while of trekking through the desert and creepy forests. Sounds kinda like something from Kingdom Hearts, no?

VS.

Nalbina Fortress Town Ward - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/130%20Nalbina%20Fortress%20Town%20Ward.mp3)

The theme of Nalbina Town... sure, that's the only of the five big towns in the game that's completely optional to go to, nothing important going on there in the main story, but it still has it's own nice little theme and a few sidequests.


Nalbina Fortress Town Ward gets my vote. Not letting it go down without a fight. Of course I could be wrong that it would have... but anyway, yeah, I like it.

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast

I have been waiting for this battle. The Phon Coast, no question, no doubt. I will vote this as a far as possible.

The Phon Coast

Nalbina Fortress Town Ward
Phone Coast is ok but the praise it gets is just too much ;P

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast 5-2 Nalbina Fortress Town Ward

Wow, there's gotta be something about that Phon Coast, even it being the last rumble winner, it seems to be striving to win again. Then again, this is the first round. And with that, the first round is about to come to a close with this battle:

Round 1 - Battle 20

The Sochen Cave Palace - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/321%20The%20Sochen%20Cave%20Palace.mp3)

Ah, the Sochen Cave... home of a lot of weird secrets. A very eerie track, with a hell of a loop, it's quite something, as well as regarded as a favorite among some fans, but I don't think it was included in the last rumble. Well, seeing as this is the last round I wonder how many of you were waiting for it to turn up... heh, well here it is. It's also used in some short scenes in the temple-y places, as well a scene in Eruyt Village involving Mjrn.

VS.

The Barheim Passage - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/213%20The%20Barheim%20Passage.mp3)

Ah, Barheim... the underground railroad with the secret escape from Nalbina Prison, also home of the Mimic Queen and the Esper Zalera. Interesting music for it, the upbeat beginning already gives you the idea that it's leading up to something big. I remember hearing it for hours and having it grow on me when trying to get the early Zodiac Escutcheon!

Barheim's cool, but it's no The Sochen Cave Palace, which has my vote. Not sure if it's cause I like it better, or because the Barheim music grew on me during the ZE hell.

They're both good, but The Sochen Cave Palace for me.

The Sochen Cave Palace

The Sochen Cave Palace

The Barheim Passage

They're both good, but The Sochen Cave Palace for me.

The Barheim Passage

Alright let's end this...

The Sochen Cave Palace 5-2 The Barheim Passage

Sochen Cave's eerie theme is quite something, Barheim got shafted, oh well. Also, the last to be admitted into Round 2! Yeah, this concludes the first round.

Round 2 will begin shortly or later today!

Well, all set, and I must say I'm pretty satisfied with the matchups. Shall we proceed?

Round 2 - Battle 1

A Moment's Rest - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)

A track known mostly for rest areas like the Valley of the Dead outside Raithwall's Tomb, but it's also used for a couple broader areas, namely Old Archades and the Ridorana Cataract, both for which it is very fitting, and in a very different way. The Feywood theme was no match for it.

VS.

Near the Water - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/323%20Near%20the%20Water.mp3)

Happens to be the track following it's opponent on the OST, and it serves a very similar purpose, played in rest areas... but important noteworthy ones like the Phon Coast Hunter's Camp and the Estersand Village. Both are indeed near the water, it's hard to say where this was originally intended. Beat the Salikawood theme last round.


Two very alike tracks with a similar feel, used for almost the same purpose. Hard choice for me... though neither had my vote in the last round, I like Near the Water a little better. Plus, less disappointed about it's opponent losing.

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest

I think I voted for both in the previous round, but definitely Near the Water this time. Very pleasant to my ears.

A Moment's Rest

Tough choice because i really like them both...

Such a hard choice because they are both relaxing. But I think A Moment's Rest is more relieving.

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest 5-2 Near the Water

Barely any love for Near the Water this time, didn't see that coming... Moment's Rest seems like it'll be progressing to round 3 with the top 10.
Another thing I didn't see coming was myself and Agent not only choosing the same thing, but being the only ones! Heh.

Round 2 - Battle 2

Rabanastre Downtown - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/119%20Rabanastre%20Downtown.mp3)

The theme of Lowtown, as in DOWNtown, as opposed to just "downtown". Nice fitting cellar-theme, with all the drums and whistles. Catchy too... probably why it beat the double-theme of Balfonheim.

VS.

The Dalmasca Estersand - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/113%20The%20Dalmasca%20Eastersand.mp3)

One of the first places you visit with wild encounters. Very dramatically orchestrated theme, unlike the Westersand which wasn't lucky enough to make it this far. Beat the Royal Palace/Clan theme in the last round. Definitely a good choice for a track to put early in the game.


Rabanastre Downtown has it for me. I like them both, but this one's kinda special, plus the Estersand theme gets on my nerves after a while in ways I wouldn't expect it to.

Rabanastre Downtown

Rabanastre Downtown

Sometimes we share the same taste, Zak. Not this time, though. Dalmasca Estersand. Beautiful working of the game's main musical theme in this one.

BTW, is it just my imagination, or is "Rabanastre Downtown" another one on which they have changed the key (sorry if that's the wrong term-- I'm not great when it comes to musical terms) from the way it is in the game.

If you mean the scale that is indeed the correct term, and I believe they have! Didn't notice that.

Dalmasca Estersand

Dalmasca Estersand

Dalmasca Estersand

The Dalmasca Estersand 4-3 Rabanastre Downtown

A dangerously close battle! The Estersand's theme just barely beats Lowtown's. Something tells me it's gonna last a while...

Round 2 - Battle 3

The Stillshrine of Miriam - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/315%20The%20Stillshrine%20of%20Miriam.mp3)

Fun with clarinets and wind... the theme of the Stillshrine was one of the first tracks revealed on the OST at E3, and is also used on the bonus disc menu. It totally outdid the Westersand theme in the last round.

VS.

The Phon Coast - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/319%20The%20Phon%20Coast.mp3)

One of the more popular tracks. And even though it won the other rumble, it already beat Nalbina in the last round, and I already know that there will be at least one vote for this one! Guess it's fitting for a long vast sunny beach.

I'll probably lose, but my vote's for The Stillshrine of Miriam. Nothing against the coast, but I like the combination of wind and drums to that beat. Also liked the place...

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast.

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast 5-2 The Stillshrine of Miriam

It seems almost anything up against the Phon Coast is toast! Stillshrine out, and moving on...

Round 2 - Battle 4

The Sochen Cave Palace - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/321%20The%20Sochen%20Cave%20Palace.mp3)

The eerie captivating theme of Sochen. It outdid the Barheim Passage theme last round, and it's also popular in general. Considered a highlight of the OST by many fans.

VS.

To the Place of the Gods - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/411%20To%20the%20Place%20of%20the%20Gods.mp3)

Another theme of the same eerie genre, that of the Great Crystal. If you went out of your way to get Ultima or Omega Mark XII, you should be pretty familiar with this theme. Fun times getting lost... wiped out the Sandsea theme last round.


As for my vote, it's a really hard choice, but To the Place of the Gods is one of the ones I'd vote for as far as it got, with some exceptions, Sochen not far off but not one of them. As much time as I spent in the Crystal, never got enough of it.

To the Place of the Gods

To the Place of the Gods

To the Place of the Gods

To the Place of the Gods.

Teh Sochen Cave Palace

Oh well... sorry Ionic, early blowout, but since you managed to get your vote in I'll count it. Heh, the only real difference is I'm moving on now.

To the Place of the Gods 6-1 The Sochen Cave Palace

Quite surprising there, a near blowout. Heh, I honestly though I would lose when voting for TtPotG, but it's good to see most of you feel the same about it as I do! Either that or I was expecting a tie. Anyway, Crystal theme, top 10. Poor Sochen... didn't think it'd get slaughtered this bad.


Round 2 - Battle 5

The Mosphoran Highwaste - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/324%20The%20Mosphoran%20Highwaste.mp3)

Interesting theme of the Mosphoran Highwaste. For some reason it sounds to me like it could easily be mistaken for a boss theme. I guess the intensity matches and fits with the stormy aspect. Probably why it beat Ozmone's theme...

VS.

Ashe's Theme - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/409%20Ashe%27s%20Theme.mp3)

This and "Theme of the Empire" have something in common, they're both split into two parts for the game, each part played in a different place. For Ashe, she's the theme of the Giruvegan entrance area, the walkway where you fight Daedalus. Second part, which is a little more catchy, is the Pharos Subterra theme. Ironic that this beat the inner-Giruvegan theme last round.

I gotta go with The Mosphoran Highwaste.

Ashe's Theme

The Mosphoran Highwaste

The Mosphoran Highwaste, easily.

This didn't have a lot of votes to begin with, but I'm a give it more time because of the outage.

Ashe's Theme.

So we have a tie... one more vote from someone who hasn't?

If no one replies in the next day I shall go back to PMing active users. It was mainly Purrrr's fault I had to change that and he doesn't seem to be around so...

Agent0042 has a free cookie for anyone who will vote for The Mosphoran Highwaste. He does not want to see it lose to Ashe's Theme.


Wait... what's that, Zak? Bribes aren't allowed?

The Mosphoran Highwaste

Hmm... okay, Agent, but now you have to let me do the same in your rumbles if the opportunity arises. :-P

Probably would have also said the same if I didn't agree, but who cares, about time this thing moves forward.

The Mosphoran Highwaste 4-3 Ashe's Theme

Long grueling battle, including someone pulling the plug on the arena, but finally The Mosphoran Highwaste theme comes out on top.

And that puts us halfway through the round.

Round 2 - Battle 6

The Forgotten Capital - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/407%20The%20Forgotten%20Capital.mp3)

The theme of the Necrohol, which is a very special track on the OST, in 7/8, something you rarely come across. Also creepy and perfectly fitting for that place, home of the Zodiac Spear, Chaos, and lots of other secrets! It won in a complex tie break last round against Jahara.

VS.

Naivety - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)

The theme in the sky, aboard the airships! Much like it's opponent it's in an unusual tempo, of 5/4. Beat the Giza Plains' theme in the last round. Again I ask, however, what's naive about flying on an airship? Well, you would be naive if you were to not listen to the signs on deck. :-P


Anyway, hard choice as I picked them both last round, but I vote for Naivety this time.

Naivety

Naivety, and Slavka, you may stop by my house at your earliest convenience to pick up your cookie. Do you have a preference?


Oh, and Zak, by all means, feel free. :)


P.S.: One other thing, whatever happened to TCS? Has the system of determining the tiebreaker by looking at the results from the previous round or rounds been abandoned?

The Forgotten Capital

The Forgotten Capital

Agent: Not sure if you've noticed, but I've actually never used that system once in the past. I've always looked for someone active who hasn't voted and PMed, even if on the second round. Not really my thing I guess.

Okay, well, I guess since you're the one managing it now, you can do it that way if you want to.

Naivety

The Forgotten Capital because i really like this kind of atmosphere, but if Naivety will win i won't be very sad

Naivety 4-3 The Forgotten Capital

Once again, the naivety of flying on an airship takes a very narrow win. No more 7/8 Nabudis... oh well.

Round 2 - Battle 7

Seeking Power - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/304%20Seeking%20Power.mp3)

A favorite among many, the theme of the Paramina Rift. Stands out mainly due to using piano while most of the OST is orchestrated with strings. Also very deeply fitting for the blizzard atmosphere, especially the last third of the loop. Surprised it's name is after other scenes it's used in. Yes, there are other scenes in the game involving people who crave power, guess it was used here because you see those "meanwhile" scenes with Vayne right around when you enter, or simply because it's fitting. It upped Eruyt's theme last round, how will it fare this time?

VS.

Challenging the Empire - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/222%20Challenging%20the%20Empire.mp3)

Kinda funny and ironic how both titles in this round mean, or rather imply, the same thing. This one, the theme of the Leviathan (as well as a few scenes which fit the title), is a lot different than Seeking Power. Upbeat and creepy. Slaughtered the Nalbina Dungeon theme last round... and yeah I know there's another track on the OST with "Leviathan" in the title, but it's only briefly played in a quick scene when you first enter. This would better represent the Leviathan for someone who has played the game.

Interesting combination of titles, I like them both, but my choice is easy. Seeking Power, no question. That's one of the ones I wouldn't mind seeing win it all.

Seeking Power

however not my candidate to win the whole thing.

Seeking Power

Challenging the Empire only gives me nightmares of struggling around on the Leviathan during a low-level playthrough. My vote is for Seeking Power.

Challenging The Empire

Seeking Power

Seeking Power 5-1 Challenging the Empire

I suppose if you seek power, challenging the empire is a bad idea.
Heh, anyway... no more Leviathan, and the ominous Paramina Rift theme moves forward.

Next it looks like we have... the battle of the cities!

Round 2 - Battle 8

The Skycity of Bhujerba - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/217%20The%20Skycity%20of%20Bhujerba.mp3)

What more to say... Bhujerba's cheerful theme, which proved to be quite popular in the last round winning in a blowout against the Deadlands' theme. It is also the theme of the Giza Plains Nomad Village, when it's dry.

VS.

The Royal City of Rabanastre - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/109%20The%20Royal%20City%20of%20Rabanastre%20-%20Town%20Ward%20Upper%20Stratum.mp3)

...And that of Rabanastre. Catchy tune, and must be popular if it took down the Theme of the Empire which came in second in the other rumble! Great theme to start off with.


No question here, between these two, my vote is easily The Royal City of Rabanastre.

On the other hand, this one was a bit more difficult for me, but my inclination was immediately towards The Skycity of Bhujerba and after doing a bit of relistening, that's my choice.

The Royal City Of Rabanastre

The Skycity of Bhujerba

The Skycity of Bhujerba

The Skycity of Bhujerba 4-2 The Royal City of Rabanastre

So looks like Bhujerba came out on top this time... even though Rabanastre beat a previous finalist. Well, welcome to the top 10!

Round 2 - Battle 9

The Zertinan Caverns - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/405%20The%20Zertinan%20Caverns.mp3)

The creepy theme of the desert's Zertinan Caverns, home of Adrammelech and a lot of weird sand-falls. Picks up and becomes more upbeat later... it just barely beat the Henne Mines theme last round.

VS.

The Garamsythe Waterway - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/127%20The%20Garamsythe%20Waterway.mp3)

Again, just like it's opponent a cave-ish place that beat the theme of another cave-ish place last round (Lhusu Mines). Well, this is the theme of the waterway running below and connecting all of Dalmasca, and it's both creepy and dramatic.

I like them both but my vote is for The Garamsythe Waterway. Some parts of it I just can't say no to.

The Garamsythe Waterway

The Zertinan Caverns

Honestly, both are about on par for me. Very slight edge to The Garamsythe Waterway.

The Zertinan Caverns

The Garamsythe Waterway

Whoo, great to see Bhujerba advance :D

The Garamsythe Waterway

The Garamsythe Waterway

gee, this is weird. the OST rumble was on when i first joined. good times.

Both are great but i like The Zertinan Caverns a bit more

The Garamsythe Waterway

The Zertinan Caverns. I had a great time fighting going for Adrammelech.

The Garamsythe Waterway 7-4 The Zertinan Caverns

Good battle, but today in the themes-for-creepy-places department, it's the waterway's lucky day!
Also good to see this picking up, I might have to rethink what the blowout conditions should be!

Last battle of this round.

Round 2 - Battle 10

To the Peak - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/413%20To%20the%20Peak.mp3)

The theme of the second Pharos Ascent, where you have to give something up. I gave up the map... but then again, didn't everyone who knows about the "select" button? The first round opened with this powerful-sounding theme winning against Golmore Jungle, now the second round shall conclude with it. Whether or not it shall emerge victorious, we'll see.

VS.

The Cerobi Steppe - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)

Again, the complete opposite of it's opponent. Calm and slow and happy-sounding. Also it should be noted, it's funny how it beat the theme of the first Pharos ascent (The Beginning of the End) in the last round, and it's now challenging that of the second.


I can't predict how well it will do, but my vote's for To the Peak.

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe

To the Peak

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe.

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe 7-2 To the Peak

Again, the Cerobi Steppe crushes the Pharos... that's gotta hurt.

This concludes Round 2, leaving ten songs left in this thing. The third round will be starting later today, consisting of five battles to determine the top five!

Hooray for The Cerobi Steppe! It is a very good and unusual piece of music-- it deserved its win.

Alright, Round 3, 5 battles, let's roll!

Round 3 - Battle 1

The Mosphoran Highwaste - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/324%20The%20Mosphoran%20Highwaste.mp3)

The Highwaste... this theme made it to the top 10, no surprise as it could easily be mistaken for an epic boss battle. Kind of fitting with the rain, but other than that, an odd and yet interesting combination of music with a place. Is it worthy of the final 5?

VS.

Seeking Power - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/304%20Seeking%20Power.mp3)

A truly strong entity in this competition, as it stands out a lot as not being an overly string orchestrated piece like most of the music in this game is criticized for. Top 10 material, yes. Kind of creepy, and fitting for the Paramina Rift, where it's played. Especially those rough blizzards where you can't see the sky. Top 5 maybe?


I've voted for both all the way through, but I have an easy lean towards Seeking Power. Plus, seeing as this is a batte for the top 5, it is in MY top 5 for the OST.

And I have an easy lean towards The Mosphoran Highwaste, which I would vote for against just about any of the other pieces except for "The Phon Coast" and maybe "The Cerobi Steppe."

Seeking Power.

Seeking Power

Seeking Power

The Mosphoran Highwaste

Both are very good. I think that I will have to give Seeking Power the edge. Though, just slightly.

Seeking Power 6-2 The Mosphoran Highwaste

Tough break there for Mosphoran Highwaste, but the Paramina Rift theme makes it to the top 5! Seeking Power will now be seeking victory.

Round 3 - Battle 2

The Garamsythe Waterway - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/127%20The%20Garamsythe%20Waterway.mp3)

The waterway. This theme's been lucky so far... or maybe it really is good. I've never heard it talked about before and I've read a lot of reviews of this OST, but it's good to see it shine and make it this far, as it really is an awesome underlooked theme. Could it make top 5?

VS.

To the Place of the Gods - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/411%20To%20the%20Place%20of%20the%20Gods.mp3)

Ah, the Great Crystal. It's music has been getting some easy blowout wins so far in this rumble, and that's no surprise as it is truly a stand-out. Will it go for top 5?


Okay, this is a really hard choice for me. Oh well... sorry Waterway, I've just always had a thing for To the Place of the Gods.

To the Place of the Gods

Definitely with the crowd so far on this one. To the Place of Gods


P.S.: Slightly disappointed about the last result, but not too much. "Seeking Power" is a good tune.

To the Place of the Gods

It's not a coincidence that it is winning so smoothly

The Garamsythe Waterway.

To the Place of the Gods

To the place of the gods

To The Place Of The Gods

To the Place of the Gods 7-1 The Garamsythe Waterway

Well well well, the waterway's theme has finally met it's match, as it got badly raped by TtPotG. The Crystal theme makes it to the top five, deservingly, and we'll see how it goes from there!

Round 3 - Battle 3

A Moment's Rest - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)

This one had two lucky wins as well so far. While not associated with a certain place, it's the theme for a few big places, namely Old Archades and the Ridorana Cataract, as well as some screens. It's been doing well, but will it make top 5?

VS.

The Skycity of Bhujerba - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/217%20The%20Skycity%20of%20Bhujerba.mp3)

Not much of a description needed by now, the happy clarinet-induced theme of Bhujerba. It's had a couple solid wins so far, one which I didn't quite expect. Perfectly fitting for the town. It's also played in Giza's Nomad Village during the dry, for some reason, guess it fits it well, usually "Near the Water" is used for such places, but this one isn't near any water so I guess this is the next best thing. Bhujerba 4 top 5?


For me, they're both nice, don't feel particularly strongly about either one winning, but between those two my vote would be for The Skycity of Bhujerba.

I think that A Moment's Rest is the better of the two. Although, I agree that I don't see either of them winning the whole thing.

The Skycity of Bhujerba, with the same sentiment that neither is likely to win.

A Moment's Rest.

A Moment's Rest

A Moments's Rest

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest 6-2 The Skycity of Bhujerba

Wow... A Momen't Rest really is a sneaky secret weapon, there must be something about it! Welcome to the top 5! It's had nearly a slaughter in every battle so far almost! I must say I'm surprised.

The fourth of the five battles will be posted tomorrow once I get stuff taken care of, not that you care what's going on with me but if you happen to, see IX rumble for details.

Right sorry for the little delay...

Round 3 - Battle 4

The Phon Coast - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/319%20The%20Phon%20Coast.mp3)

Yeah, here's your Phon Coast, for all those of you who were waiting for it to show up! An incredibly popular theme that's now contending for the top 5. It was the general XII music champion before... will it find it's match this time.

VS.

The Cerobi Steppe - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)

Another theme that seems to have a hell of a cult following, as it slaughtered so far. Viable for top 5, no doubt, but competition for the Phon Coast? Couldn't tell ya, we'll just have to see for ourselves!


Hmm... well, both are nice, though I personally don't care about either winning since I can name at least three others I'd rather see make it, though based on observation I'm sure a lot of you here do. It's hard for me to decide which one I like better, so it's gonna come down to my vote for The Cerobi Steppe because I refuse to vote for a former champion.

I find The Cerobi Steppe to be much more relaxing, so it gets my vote this round.

I don't refuse to vote for a former champion. The Phon Coast was a former champion for a reason. It's an epic theme that is first used for the launching of the Strahl FMV. And when I play FFXII, I always look forward to reaching the Phon Coast area to hear this theme. It is everything you could want signifying excitement and high adventure.

The Cerobi Steppe

The Phon Coast

I find The Cerobi Steppe to be much more relaxing, so it gets my vote this round.

6 votes...? Meh, alright. By the way I might have been misunderstood, it's not that I refuse to vote for a former champion altogether, it's that when I have trouble deciding based on other factors, that's what it comes down to. I have voted for Phon Coast already. But anyway...

The Cerobi Steppe 4-2 The Phon Coast

Well, didn't expect that. The Phon Coast, former champion of the other rumble, out! I forgot to mention before that it also won second in the location rumble. But at least it's plausible seeing as "The Cerobi Steppe" wasn't even included in the other music or location rumble, pretty sure. Well, Cerobi earned itself a spot in the top 5.

Alright, this round concludes with:

Round 3 - Battle 5

The Dalmasca Estersand - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/113%20The%20Dalmasca%20Eastersand.mp3)

The theme of the Estersand's pretty popular, for a place you spend a lot of time in. It makes sense considering it's an early impression and uses the game's main theme in a fun way. Is it top 5 material?

VS.

Naivety - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)

Up in the air... this 5/4 theme in the airships is going for the top 5. Will it make it? Still haven't figured out the origin of the title, hah. It's had some pretty easy wins so far.


My vote is easily for Naivety. It's always been a personal favorite, when I first heard it I knew from the first five seconds of it that it would be awesome. Estersand is cool, but there's so many other tracks like it and eventually it runs dry for me (no pun intended).

Naivety, but quite difficult.

Naivety

I'm going to have to break the trend and go with The Dalmasca Estersand.

Naivety

As Stupid as this seems....I go for Dalmasca Estersand. Simply because its a personal favourite.

Naivety 5-2 The Dalmasca Estersand

The aerial deck theme, Naivety, wins being the last to join the top five, and concluding this round. I will shortly make a separate post outlining what's about to happen next.

Alright, as you probably guessed, what's gonna happen is what I usually do when I have five left: You decide who to knock off. Five isn't too much, shouldn't be too hard to pick one. You'll each vote for one song you want to knock off, as usual. I mean, it might be hard seeing as these all made it to the top five so most of you must really like them. Oh well, you'll figure something out.


The final five are:

Naivety - Airships - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)
Seeking Power - Paramina Rift - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/304%20Seeking%20Power.mp3)
A Moment's Rest - Old Archades, Ridorana Cataract, Valley of the Dead - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)
The Cerobi Steppe - ... - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)
To the Place of the Gods - Great Crystal - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/411%20To%20the%20Place%20of%20the%20Gods.mp3)

For me, hard choice between two, and I predict this won't happen, but out of those I say knock off The Cerobi Steppe. Because it's less likely to happen than my other choice.

Somehow I don't think that's going to be a popular choice to knock off, Zak, based on the voting pattern. My choice is to knock off A Moment's Rest.

Out of those, I'd have to say my least favourite is Seeking Power.

I say get rid of To the Place of the Gods

I say knock off Naivety.

Wow.... just wow. Hah, don't worry, two more days of this, it's just so funny I couldn't resist commenting.

Oh, I was about to comment myself, but wasn't sure if I should. It's pretty across the board, isn't it? All five has a vote. Just goes to show how many interesting tracks there are and how varied people's tastes are.

How lucky! I will be the 1st one to break this perfect harmony :D Bash the Seeking Power, I say. It is good but i don't imagine it winning the title ...

Er, are we on standby?

No, I was just letting this run a little longer since this was a special round and all. Plus, seeing as we're down to four, the last few battles are gonna be this way (unless we have an early blowout, but judging from this round I'm guessing we won't). Gonna update this later tonight.

I guess it's decided. With the variety of votes, the deciding one says...

Goodbye, Seeking Power! Was nice having you!

Damn, I said I was debating between two to vote out, I really should have gone with my other one. If anyone was curious, it would have been A Moment's Rest

Anyway, semifinal time. Doing it in a seperate post, momentarily.

So there we have it.

Semifinals - Part 1

To the Place of the Gods - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/411%20To%20the%20Place%20of%20the%20Gods.mp3)

The Great Crystal theme, nearly all of it's battles have been blowouts. Let's see how it will fare.

VS.

The Cerobi Steppe - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)

Another theme proven to be a powerhouse, will it make the final?


To the Place of the Gods has my vote easily.

Yes, well unreservedly The Cerobi Steppe for me, though the other is definitely very good.

To the Place of the Gods

The Cerobi Steppe

To The Place Of The Gods.

To the Place of the Gods

EDIT: btw The one who will win this battle will win the whole thing - it's a hunch i have.

The Cerobi Steppe

To the Place of the Gods 4-3 The Cerobi Steppe

Crystal theme wins again, but this time in a much closer battle. Cerobi really is a special theme, and don't worry, this isn't the last you'll see of it, you'll get to vote for it in third place battle.

Also in case anyone's wondering since I said initially I was gonna make these battles longer, I figured what's the point we rarely get more than seven votes anyway, usually all on the same day, we got only six after I waited four days. Plus, I start school on Friday.

So...

Semifinals - Part 2

A Moment's Rest - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)

Although the Old Archades/Ridorana Cataract didn't go very far in Ceidwad's Rumble, it made it to the top four this time! Will it get to the final? It's interesting with the different parts, kinda like the Cerobi Steppe...

VS.

Naivety - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)

Ah, the public airships, and the naivety of flying on them without any fear that you may encounter Deathgaze. Right... outstanding theme that made it to the top four. Final?


Naivety for me easily as always.

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest.

Naivety

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest 5-2 Naivety

I guess this is Naivety's downfall... easy win right there for Moment's Rest. Can't say I saw that coming!

But it's not the last we've seen. In fact, before the finale, it's time for the...

Battle For 3rd Place

The Cerobi Steppe - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/401%20The%20Cerobi%20Steppe.mp3)

This tweety theme certainly proved to be a strong entry here, it was slaughtering left and right. But, it finally met it's match, the Crystal theme. It was close, though! We've yet to see if that's it's only match, as it now has a shot at earning third place!

VS.

Naivety - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/115%20Naivety.mp3)

The airship theme also had a lot of tipped slaughters and blowouts, but it finally met not only it's match, but surprisingly lost miserably, to the peaceful-area theme, A Moment's Rest. This is it's last chance to win something, the 3rd place badge.


My vote here is for Naivety, as it has always been.

Naivety

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe

Naivety.

The Cerobi Steppe

The Cerobi Steppe 4-3 Naivety

Very close match here, but the 3rd place bronze badge goes to...

The Cerobi Steppe!

That song was always popular and underlooked, I would say it is definitely worthy of the top three!

But we still have the battle that actually matters. The one it all hinges on, the...

FINAL BATTLE

A Moment's Rest - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/322%20A%20Moment%27s%20Rest.mp3)

Did anyone see it coming, this making it to the final? For a song that's played in three main places (well, only two major ones), there sure it no one who gets tired of it! It's very nice and relaxing, will this one win?

VS.

To the Place of the Gods - Listen Here (http://lamda.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/411%20To%20the%20Place%20of%20the%20Gods.mp3)

The Great Crystal... one of the most frustrating parts in the game, but I'm sure many would agree that this phenomenal piece made up for it. After all, it did make it this far, now it's all about whether or not it'll reach the top.

Good luck to both, now fight!

Oh, and the vote, I'm gonna throw one in for To the Place of the Gods. After Seeking Power (which originally became my candidate to win the whole thing) got knocked off, this and Naivety would have been my hopes to win the whole thing

To the Place of the Gods

There was no better piece in this rumble, at least in my opinion. It surely deserves to win. No regrets nor double thoughts about this.

A Moment's Rest.

Im holding on to this piece.

No second thoughts about To the Place of the Gods for me either, even though I haven't really voted for it much in this rumble.

A very tough decision, but I go with To the Place of the Gods.

A Moment's Rest

A Moment's Rest ftw...

To The Place Of The Gods

It's been a long time, but it's time to announce the winner.

To the Place of the Gods 5-3 A Moment's Rest

The winner of the location music rumble goes to...

TO THE PLACE OF THE GODS!

A long battle, but a well-deserved win for the Great Crystal theme. Few places that you might spend hours in have a tune that takes a while to get rusty! Also I'd say it deserved it after being excluded from Ceidwad's music rumble (which a location piece won, btw). Although TtPotG never faced off directly against "The Phon Coast", it was beaten by "The Cerobi Steppe", which I don't believe Ceid included either.

Anyway, no timing could be more perfect than this for finishing a rumble, as my first day of classes starts tomorrow. I'll keep going with my other two that I'm doing, probably might take a while to update sometimes (should likely keep going at a regular pace though), but I'd rather have one less. So, someone else can pick this up if they wish.

And if someone does pick up I say we go with the idea of Notable Rare Game, and since it can be arguable on what's "notable" we should be allowed to nominate a bunch and say why we think they're each notable.

That's what my next move would be if I were to continue this. But for now, I won't, and if no one bothers picking this up in a couple months when I have more free time, that's what's gonna happen.

Given that are still several other rumbles, I can see that a break might be worthwhile. Nice one for "To the Place of the Gods" - a worthy winner. I updated the results in the first post of the thread.

Okay, what the hell, I'll revive this.

Like I promised, I want to try the Notable Rare Game idea.

Let me remind you, by "Notable" I mean a Rare Game that's particularly known for something like Negalmuur for the auto level up trick, or Dustia for early leveling up, or Disma for being annoyingly hard to kill, or Thalassinon for starting the trophy sidequest... I'm sure that out of 80 there are a LOT of memorable Rare Game, 32 or 48 perhaps. Not those that go unnoticed like Phyllo or Aerieel.

So, I'll let you all nominate, but please, for each one you nominate, say why you think it's notable. You can find a list easily anywhere.

Aspidochelon - Stealing the Scarletite from him in Cherobi Steppe
Ithuno - Early Deathbringers from this guy
Luxollid - Massive EXP
Vagrant Soul - Massive EXP
Negalmuur - Auto level
Dustia - Early leveling/money
Larva Eater - ...does anything really need to be said?...
Bombshell - Yagyu Darkblade
Lindbur Wolf - Early Gladius
Vishino - Ribbon!!!
LV 99 Red Chocobo - He doesn't appear on the rare game list, but with all of his drops and the 1/256 chance of spawing, I think he deserves to be here
Drowned - When I first saw this guy, he started at the bottom of the Garamscythe Waterways, ran all the way to the entrance of the area to get upstairs, then ran all the way back to me. So, he has always stuck in my mind as one of the weirdest ones.

I think 32 is a good number.


Thalassinon - It's the first Trophy Rare Game you fight, so it stands out.
Dreadguard - Mirrorknights look cool.
Glaring Eye - It has an interesting way of spawning.
Bull Chocobo - Come on, it's a chocobo!
Matriarch Bomb - It's hidden very interestingly, and bomb monsters are neat.
Disma - Boy is this one strong!
Avenger - another strong one.
Tower - Interesting looking and curious method of spawning.
Urutan Exile - Remarkable for what you have to go through to get it to show up.

Vorres - The one where you have to lead the Dark Elemental. Always thought that was neat. Also, easy steal for a Soul of Thamasa.

Anchag - For the Damascus Steel steal.

Okay I'll add a few myself.

Razorfin - It's in a part of the Garamsythe Waterway that the story takes you to very early in the game, and has a pretty good chance of appearing at that point, so it's usually the first one you "chance" upon and for most it's the first time you know RG exist.
Helvinek - Surprised no one mentioned this, has an interesting way of appearing and also carries a piece of equipment that because of it many challengingly chain this guy.
Wood Toad - Again surprised no one mentioned this, it's invisible so you need a special magic-reflecting trick to get it to show itself.
Molen - Interesting method of spawning.
Anubys - Well, it's in the Pilgrim Door, so it's kind of special.
Cubus - Knowing how to tell whether it will spawn is kind of a cool standout code method.
Killbug - Interesting clock-based way of spawning, and while it disguises itself as a chest like Ithuno, it's a pretty damn HUGE chest unlike anything else in the game. Unless you count Omega Mark XII when it's sleeping.
Ishteen - Free Soul of Thamasa, for you High Arcana collectors.


EDIT: Wow, I wasn't even counting, but I just did and this is EXACTLY 32! Perfect. I think I will start this soon.

Before I start this, actually, I kind of have an objection to a couple of the nominations.

Lv99 Red Chocobo - Well, it's not officially an RG monster. Sure, it's special, but... it's not required to complete the Bestiary. I mean, it would also make including Bull Chocobo almost pointless.
Dreadguard - I'm not sure what Agent said would be a good enough rationale to include it... a lot of monsters look cool, doesn't make them memorable enough for me.

So, I think I might add two more to replace these, but I mean if any of you have a better reason why I should include these two (I'm more likely to accept an argument for Dreadguard, almost positive I won't include Lv99RC) or have two additional nominations, I'm giving you one more day to submit them here, otherwise I'll decide myself.

If people want to vote for a monster just because it looks cool, that should be their call. But I don't really care too much if it gets replaced with something else.