After the huge success of our recent Tribute to Nobuo Uematsu Arrangement Competition, it was inevitable that there would be a follow-up, even it is slightly more low-key this time. After seeing all the hysteria revolving around Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, what better time to embrace the music than now?

The Criteria

Each contestant must submit an arrangement in either MP3 or MIDI format of a piece from either Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, or the original Final Fantasy VII. The arrangement can be for any instrument or instruments, must be complete, and must be entirely the contestant's own work. Previously created work that has already been submitted to SquareSound or other websites may not be used. The work must be new and original. You may not collaborate with others on the arrangement, but medleys are perfectly acceptable.

The Prize

The winner of this competition will receive his or her choice of either the Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII game for the Sony PSP, or the Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Original Soundtrack. If there are at least 20 entrants in the competition who submit an arrangement, we'll award a second copy of the game or soundtrack to the first runner-up.

The Judging Process

A qualified judge or panel of judges will score each entry using the criteria outlined below. Each piece will be given a numbered rating between one (1) and one hundred (100) based on the weighted average scores of the three categories. The final scores of all judges will then be averaged to determine the winner.

Judges will only be required to submit ratings for each arrangement, though they are welcome to post individual comments as well. To prevent personal favoritism or bias, each submission will be assigned a number and file names will be changed. The judges will not be aware of which piece is composed by whom until after submitting their reports.

The format for judging will be divided into three categories, inspired from past competitions but with the intention of being somewhat streamlined. It is as follows:

Technique: Grade the piece's technical merit. Its fluidity and confidence can all play a part, but complicated music will not be rewarded over simplicity if both attempts are equally adept. This section may be dropped by the judge if he or she feels either uncertain or uncomfortable on the subject.

Musicality: Grade the success of the piece's musical direction. Analyze context, sensitivity, lyricism, and the overall intended effect from the composer's point of view. Try to determine whether the composition works in relation to its source, itself, and its own aesthetic and proportion rather than on preference.

Personal Tilt: Grade based on opinion. This is the chance to influence the score on taste; promising works that perhaps had a few rough edges can be raised, others lowered, within reason.

The Deadlines

Contestants must register for the competition by Thursday, May 1, 2008 to be considered for the contest. Registration involves filling out the registration form to notify us of your interest in competing and providing us with your contact information. You need not have selected the piece you wish to arrange in order to register, and applicants are free to change their piece selection or withdraw from the contest at any time. Once registered, contestants may begin work on their arrangement immediately.

Your finished arrangement must be submitted to us no later than Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Midnight EST Standard Time. This deadline is firm and will not be adjusted. Within a week of receiving all submissions, the winner will be determined and notified. The full results will be posted on the website shortly thereafter.

The Fine Print

By registering to participate in this contest, you agree to allow SquareSound to post your name on the website, and grant us the rights to post your arrangement in our Arrangement Archive regardless of whether you are the winner or not. The contest is open to everyone except where prohibited by law.