*** The Music Petition Thread For The Original Soundtrack ***

[Athelstone]

===================== 10th AUGUST UPDATE =======================
This morning I received the following letter from the Square Enix support team:
http://i.imgur.com/LKkcgQ3.jpg

"Thank you for your letter and thoughts regarding the music used in the recent release of Final Fantasy VII (7). It is great to hear how passionate you are about Final Fantasy VII and we would like to assure you that we attempt to produce the best quality version of games with each release.

From the Steam discussion page you referred to we can see that you have already received a number of updates regarding this matter from our Community Manager Phil Elliott and can only reiterate what he has already passed on to you as this stage.

The music issue is something we fully understand and are actively looking into. We have passed on your valued feedback to the relevant team, but unfortunately do not have an update for you at present. However, please do keep an eye on our official website: www.eu.square-enix.com as any official updates regarding this matter will appear on the Square Enix blog.

We would like to once again thank you for your letter and support.
Kind regards, The Square Enix Support Team".

Thank you, Square Enix, for the polite and professional response - on behalf of all petitioners we are very grateful that the music issue is being seriously looked at. I assume many will be eagerly checking the Square Enix blog for an update and that gamers will remember Square Enix's attentiveness as a company should this matter be resolved.

Sincerely,
Athel

===================== 4th AUGUST UPDATE =======================
Square Enix community manager Phil Elliott made the following comment on the SE blog -
"The music issue isn't something we've forgotten about. We're still looking into it - I hope to have a more definite update in the next couple of weeks... but to reiterate, this is still something we consider a live issue, and we're exploring the options".
Well done everyone - but still no action yet, so let's keep the pressure up! Please remember to sign the PetitionBuzz page (no registration is necessary):
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/ff7music

====================== 19th JULY UPDATE ========================
Customers who purchased FF7 early through the SE Store have just been notified that they're now entitled to a 20% discount for a limited time. Community manager Phil Elliott also posted the following comment in a blog post - "The music issue is still being looked at, so when I have any news I'll update you".

Square appears to be aware of our disgruntlement - and providing a discount to early buyers proves that they're capable of responding to feedback. So I would urge petitioners reading this to KEEP UP THE PRESSURE by making a firm request for the original soundtrack in the newest FF7 blog post at the following link - http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/notice-square-enix-store-customers-who-purchased-final-fantasy-vii
(You'll need to register on the Square Enix website - the link is at the top-right hand corner).

====================== 12th JULY UPDATE ========================
We've had this response from Square Enix Community Manager Phil Elliott -
"For those asking about FFVII music, we've seen the petition - thanks as always for your passion and dedication. I've passed it on".
http://i.imgur.com/ZBFtw9h.jpg

Also got this reply from Square Enix technical support -
"We have passed your feedback on to the relevant department. Although we cannot guarantee that actions will definitely be taken we thank you for your input in making the game better. We would also like to assure that the developers monitor the forums; we would assume that there will be a reaction to the posts you have copied at some stage."
http://i.imgur.com/agMrL5i.jpg

So good news there, it seems they've finally taken notice - now we need to reach out from the Steam forums - please read below how to help us accomplish this...
(PS - Thanks to the mods for deleting anti-petition troll posts).

==============================================================
~~~~~~ THE FINAL FANTASY VII ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK PETITION ~~~~~
--------------------------- http://i.imgur.com/rBV5lYH.jpg -------------------------
==============================================================

++++++ APPROXIMATELY 1,000 UNIQUE SIGNATURES IN 7 DAYS +++++++
http://i.imgur.com/TBeQ6Xh.jpg
(Letter sent to Square Enix EU London office, can be read at the link below)

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION IN TWO PLACES -
1) BY SIMPLY REPLYING "SIGNED" OR POSTING A COMMENT IN THIS THREAD
2) BY SIGNING AT PETITION BUZZ:
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/ff7music
(No registration is necessary - use an alias if you'd prefer not to use your real name):

Keep the petition alive by making your voices heard. Link any of your friends playing FF7 here and to the PetitionBuzz page and there is a chance we will see it fixed. The more popular the issue becomes, the more bad publicity for Square Enix, and therefore the more likely it is that they'll fix it.

As many of you know, the Steam edition of FF7 does not include the epic high quality soundtrack featured in the original Playstation edition of the game. Instead, all the tracks have been replaced with low quality MIDI renditions contained inside OGG files. Sadly, this means that many gamers won't be able to enjoy the release as envisioned by the original developers. There was a pinned thread on this forum explaining how to replace these low quality tracks with the original soundtrack, but said thread was deleted because there were links to illegal downloads. This was a big mistake, because a lot of people were voicing there dissatisfaction with this issue - those comments are now lost, which means Square Enix will not get to read them, and will thus remain unaware that many of their customers are dissatisfied. Hence this thread.

Moderators, please don't delete it. Simply delete illegal links rather than the entire discussion - otherwise we can't make ourselves known to Square Enix. Thank you.

Success on this may depend on how many and how loud fans shout about it. It would be all too easy for Square to sit back and do nothing. So if your reading this thread and care about FF7, please don't just sit back and stay silent - just take 5 seconds to log in and post "signed" - that increases our chances of success even if it's by just a little.

Final Fantasy 7 is an epic tale about the life of Gaia revitalized through personal reconciliation and teamwork - it needs the original sound-score to be fully appreciated.

In addition to signing here and on PetitionBuzz, it's very important TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE LACK OF ORIGINAL MUSIC ON THE FOLLOWING TWO PAGES on the Square Enix website, so that community manager Phil Elliott and other Square executives will notice the disgruntlement:
Here: http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/final-fantasy-vii-launches-steam
And here: http://eu.square-enix.com/en/games/final-fantasy-vii
Scroll down to see the comments - you'll notice that they're mostly filled with SE customers trying to get Steam keys for themselves. What we need to do is displace these with complaints about the lack of original music.

I know it's a hassle, but you'll need to register at the Square Enix EU website to post a comment, by clicking the link at the top-right hand corner of http://eu.square-enix.com/en/
It's annoying, I know. But if we can inundate Square Enix's doorstep - in a polite yet firm manner - then we can instill some urgency in them about this issue. As proof this works, due to the high number of SE customers complaining about lack of Steam keys, there is now talk of them being accommodated. Community manager Phil Elliott commented, "For those of you asking for Steam keys, we are currently working on a solution...I will update with more information when I have it...We're still watching the Final Fantasy VII thread, so feedback posted there is being read". So this proves that SQUARE ARE WILLING TO LISTEN and that your signatures and voices CAN make a difference.

You can also email Public Relations executives at Square Enix, but please be polite if you choose to do so - http://press.na.square-enix.com/sqex/contact

Here are a selection of some of the comments posted here so far -

[GPA] Nemesis page 16 -
"there are a signifigant number of people, myself included, who are ready to buy this game with the full soundtrack, and will not without. That is a lot of money left on the table for what I cannot imagine is a difficult fix. Put the original music in, and watch sales soar".

Slyder page 11 -
"Everyone is aware that they can change the music themselves, but we want SE to do it properly".

Jer page 12 -
"The decision to use the inferior midi files was oppressive and shocklingly ignorant of the foundational value music and sound plays in a video game".

Ike page 13 -
"Music is a huge part of immersion, and this is difficult to listen to making this more of a chore than entertainment. I don't know why they would do this. You don't mess with franchises this big and important. Especially something as coveted by the FF community as FF7 is".

mouthofxenu page 11 -
"It's the principle of the matter. Square-Enix should not sell an incomplete product when they advertise this game as "the quintessential Final Fantasy experience." It's misleading and insulting to the legacy of such an important title in the history of video games".

Kiva page 12 -
"There are a geat deal of gamers where FF7 was their first FF game and it was a magical experiance on the PS1, now you go and ruin it a bit by messing with the music".

lilone page 15 -
"The music is so important to the storytelling, why mess with it? Also that's like half the nostalgia factor right there! "

MikeCaruso page 15 -
"I don't want to pay to have my nostalgia pooped on. I don't remember the entire storyline or every bit of dialogue, but I sure as hell remember the music. Fix it".

sylvinari page 18 -
"How can a company miss the mark so severely on this? I actually intended to purchase the game today, but I refuse to buy a low-music quality edition of this game. That's insane, the fans of this series have shown time and time again that the music is a key part of what makes this game series spectacular".

irrenhaus3 page 11 -
"Bringing FF7 to steam is a really wonderful move from Square - it really just lacks the soundtrack. That's the one single thing that stains an otherwise good release imo - and the one thing that keeps me from buying it".

Ephnen page 17 -
"Most of fans have already played the PS1 FFVII and probably still own it. Why the hell do the fans have to settle for something less than the original that was released back in 1997".

Ninja Stu page 18 -
"Square could get a lot of good publicity if they updated the soundtrack, it would show they are in tune with their Steam userbase. Given the 12 dollar price point, I don't think it's unreasonable for people to ask for an update that fixes the music".

IndoorPandaRaid page 14 -
"Whoever thought it was a great idea to not put in the better soundtrack needs their head testing and its quite shocking that it's happened".

DK-97 page 17 -
"Square-Enix should be honest and announce this fudge...It seems they just want our money with this cheap release".

k1kz3r page 14 -
"I was disappointed to hear the sound was such low quality. FFVII is definitely known for it's beautiful soundtrack".

Dauntless |UKCS| page 18 -
"I would have got this if it had the proper soundtrack, it makes or breaks this game!"

King page 17 -
"The music in this game is iconic, you can't just replace it. This is very disappointing".

Skysen Ra page 15 -
"You don't take a game with great music and swap that with rubbish. You just don't".

Shroomizzle page 14 -
"I refuse to buy this as long as the MIDI music is present. It's beyond comprehension that Square Enix was unable/unwilling to include the original PSX soundtrack in this release".

ker2x page 11 -
"i won't buy it without the original soundtrack".

erceos33 page 17 -
"I just cant believe they made a choice like this for a game this big, for me, music its 80% of the reason this is my favorite game of all time, and it makes me sad to realise I wont be enjoying and reliving some of the best memories of my childhood, hope they put a fix to this huge problem as soon as possible, otherwise im afraid I wont be purchasing this game".

Ninja page 16 -
"Sound is always a massive part of any media and with this release of FFVII it does ruin the nostalgia somewhat".

winston smith page 14 -
"I just can't stand the low quality midi files! Shame on you Square Enix! You broke the game experience!"

TrunkMunkey75 page 16 -
"This game was ground-breaking in its time and the soundtrack was a very important part of the experience".

Overheal page 11 -
"Waiting for original score before purchasing. I would gladly pay the asking price if this was resolved, because all I can hear in my head when I see FFVII on the store front is the first battle Midgar music. And if its not authentic, whats the point?"

Rurori page 16 -
"What on earth was Square Enix thinking?"

BubblegumBalloon page 11 -
"It doesnt even make any sense for them to use the bad midi versions. Its not even really midi, its just been recorded into the .ogg format. They could easily fix this and replace it with the PSX version in a few minutes if they wanted".

VanMan420 page 11 -
"This is a shocker for me! I have yet to purchase this release, but I want to".

Esoterik page 11 -
"Seriously? Why? The music is half of what makes this game so damn good. The orchestral rises when emotional scenses are taking place replaced by cheap circus music is just ridiculous. I'm a huge fan of the game and still argue that it's the best FF ever made, but I won't support this mockery of a classic. (You even call it a classic yourself in the teaser. Why would you change it?)"

Gilleous page 11 -
"I will not purchase this product if the original high quality music is not implemented. Till that point, I will spend my money at a KFC. It is a sad fact, that a lot of companies don't care about customers because they think they will still get your money".

mynd page 16 -
"I hate what Square has become over the years. I miss the ol Squaresoft logo and trusting beyond a doubt I was about to enjoy a quality game. Now I will wait months after a Square game is released and judge my purchase based on reviews".

Sleepwalkaz page 15 -
"don't think that just because you're a big company you can do whatever you want...it doesn't mean i have to idly sit by and accept it".

Wraith page 11 -
"Shame, I was very excited to purchase and play this yet again just for the fun of it. I won't now though, can't imagine playing the game without the original sounds and music".

Whormones! page 12 -
"Low quality midi music over the original awesome orchestra? Definitely am not buying now".

steinhenge page 12 -
"Was on the cusp of buying this, now I won't until the good version of the st is reinstated".

Black Hammer page 12 -
"I have zero interest in picking up an inferior version of the game".

HappyParrot page 12 -
"I do not see myself spending money on this title without proper soundtrack".

Gay Cop page 13 -
"I really want to show my support and get this game. But I'm simply not going to buy it while the music exists in this state".

Laki page 13 -
"I was going to buy the game until I learned that the music is all midi. No thanks. If you push out the correct soundtrack, then I'll buy it".

SkarnSka page 13 -
"Like other people i was about to buy this game, but without the original music... no way".

peerje page 13 -
"We refuse to accept this grossly incomplete product which you expect complete compensation for".

Armonite page 13 -
"they will not see my money until the OST gets implemented".

MPxKryn page 14 -
"I already knew about the music issue. It is the ONLY reason I will not purchase this release"

DefB page 16 -
"Was considering this to purchase... glad this thread changed my mind. You hear that, SE? Fix the music".

POSTED 11th JULY ON THE SQUARE ENIX BLOG -
"Phil, have you passed onto the FF7 team the Music Petition Thread for the Original Soundtrack? It's been 6 days and we're nearly at 1,000 signtaures. It's somewhat disconcerting that such a large chunk of customers seem to be being ignored by Square Enix.

The more signatures this petition gets, the more popularity it gets, and therefore the more bad publicity it is for SE. I would urge you to take note of what happened with Microsoft's Xbox debacle this year at E3.

It's all very well advertising new products, but unless you have the loyalty and assurance from fans that they are being listened and cared for, SE will underperform. A lot of people who post on the SE forums and website are already loyal to SE, but there's a lot of people out there who are disgruntled and want to be heard - and it doesn't take much to satisfy them.

Again, the link to the petition is here -
http://steamcommunity.com/app/39140/discussions/0/846958223080118201/
I think at this stage we really deserve some sort of a response.
Thank you for your time.

Phil Elliott responded as follows -
"We're still watching the Final Fantasy VII thread, so feedback posted there is being read".
http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/final-fantasy-vii-launches-steam

[Hungry_Biscuit]

I sign this Petition. I opened up the file after huge hassle trying to even get the game to open, when I finally got it to work I was hit with further disappointment when I had low quality Midi files, then wondered why I paid £10 for this. It just seems like a cheap and quick way for SquareEnix to grab money from fans and I personally don't agree with it and I'm starting to lose patience with SquareEnix..

[King DaMuncha]

Anything that can make this game better sounds like a good idea to me.

[Tr Saur]

Signed

[Hapistorique]

Seriously ? I was going to buy the game then I saw this thread... FF7 music is as important as the gameplay/story, that's a shame

[Circle Nine]

Please sign my internet petition.

[DefeatedCoin]

Signed. The music is such an integral part of the experience.

[jamPers]

Signed.

[Koowluh]

As I replied in another thread, it would probably take them 10 minutes to install the software midi emulator that was in the original PC version and re-record the tracks with that. That would already be one huge step forward.

So signed. Me buying this game on Steam depends on it.

[Slapped_Chimp]

I will buy the game if the original music is patched in, EVEN better would be a reorchestrated high quality version :) SIGNED

[Stag]

Dude!!! This is BS. Im 33, I grew up with that game, and I was THIS close to buying it on Steam, til I read this. I remember how Chrono Trigger jumped platforms to the PS1 many years ago, and thats what made me hate the game too-- lack of the ORIGINAL music. Why the hell would they down-scale the music anyways, especially on a legendary title like this one? Ill sign it, and Steam/Squeenix, neither of you are gettin my cash til you fix this!

[Chibi-Moogle]

I'll sign it too. Since a simple request could make all the difference. =3
And there had been times when peitions actually worked so it is possible. =)

[Cid]

Signed. The MIDI's are killing my childhood. They should at least release a free dlc with the original music (or a mod of some kind). The victory song is just.... *shudders*.

[JU1CY JAMES]

signed.

[prntlsuprvsnneeded]

Signed

[Phazon_Kiwi]

Signed :D

Originally posted by Firestorm998:

Originally posted by Cremated_Spatula:

EVEN better would be a reorchestrated high quality version :) SIGNED

I'm currently using a remastered orchestral soundtrack and it transforms the experience.

With the steam one? Info or links on that please?