I think out of all the things I've seen Engage get hate/criticism/negative reception for, the soundtrack is definitely the one I understand the least.
I think Fire Emblem OSTs are just supernaturally destined to be good, so already I think believing any game so far has overall poor, bland or boring music is an extremely tough pill to swallow.
But the general absurdity of saying that the music is anything to give Engage shit for???
Not only do the five main countries all have corresponding themes, they also play into the plot progression like every other FE game. Faraway Holy Land is the introductory, wistful theme. Bloom in the Breeze is the beginnings of a journey. Royal Confidence raises the stakes with its booming military horns, strings and drums. Tear Streaked and Broken Bonds both represent reactions to loss, the vengeful and the desperate despondence. Bright Sandstorm is the free-wheeling recuperation period after the big midpoint. And they each have their own spinoff themes that remix their respective leitmotifs!
Falling Petals is disastrously beautiful. Determined Journey is rallying and adrenaline pumping. Distorted Flash of Light is hauntingly exhilarating. Salvation and Loss is creepy and foreign. Both Last Engage and Mirrored Engage are bombastic!
Or even the non battle themes, like gorgeous and melancholy Silver-White Heart, the creepy Fell Dragon's Hounds, the faintly wondrous title screen theme or Twelve Stars, the fun intro song and the beautiful credits song? The preparations themes? The support themes, like the heartwarming Sentimental Moment or Caring? The funny Hiya Papaya? Even An Everyday sort of Day is pretty delightful to listen to!
And that's all before getting into the series remixes!
Like, Engage's OST is so fucking GOATED! It's not even rage inducing when people say it's an underwhelming soundtrack, it's just plain baffling.













