Arc of Alchemist is one of Compile Heart's more understated PS4 action RPGs, set in a post-apocalyptic desert world where humanity clings to survival. The soundtrack, spread across 33 tracks, does a solid job of setting the tone for Quinn Bravesford's journey through the wastelands.
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You get sweeping orchestral pieces for the vast desert exploration segments, tense combat themes that drive the real-time battles, and quieter moments that underscore the base-building and character interactions back at camp.
The score leans into that desolate atmosphere with a blend of strings, synths, and percussion that feels appropriately sandy and windswept. Battle themes bring welcome energy with driving rhythms, while the exploration music captures the loneliness of trekking through ancient ruins in search of the Great Power.
There is a melancholic undercurrent running through much of the album that fits the dying-world narrative perfectly. As a Compile Heart joint, Arc of Alchemist did not set the world on fire critically, but its soundtrack stands as one of the more memorable aspects of the package.
At 33 tracks it is a compact listen that covers the full emotional range of the game without overstaying its welcome. Fans of JRPG soundtracks with a post-apocalyptic flavor will find something to appreciate here.