Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Kingdom Hearts III
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory

The 13th Dilemma

Revision as of 14:18, 31 May 2024 by Sora34CE (talk | contribs)
Kingdom Hearts II
The 13th Dilemma
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:59
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
The 13th Dilemma
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 3:37
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yuko Komiyama
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Tomomichi Takeoka
Length 6:21
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yuko Komiyama
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
The 13th Dilemma -Saïx-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yuki Kishida
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Yuki Kishida
Length 6:17

"The 13th Dilemma" is a musical composition by Yoko Shimomura that appears in Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts III. Two new arrangements were introduced in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind, named "The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar-" and "The 13th Dilemma -Saïx-". It is the boss theme of several Organization XIII members.

Appearances

Kingdom Hearts II

Battles
Cutscenes
  • Hollow Bastion: "Demyx"
  • Beast's Castle: "Belle or the Rose?"
  • The World that Never Was: "Xigbar", "Saïx"

Kingdom Hearts III

Battles
Cutscenes
  • Keyblade Graveyard: "Ansem Retreats"

Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind

Battles
Cutscenes
  • Keyblade Graveyard: "Past Redux: Ansem Retreats"

Composition

"The 13th Dilemma" lasts one minute and 59 seconds in Kingdom Hearts II and is extended to three minutes and 37 seconds in Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX.

The track plays in D minor and incorporates elements of "Another Side", both the Organization's leitmotif and the second half. Instrumentals focus on strings with a heavy drumbeat and female vocals as backup. The "Organization XIII" segment is performed on piano. Prominent in the track is a distinct ostinato rhythm performed by strings.

The two arrangements introduced in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind, while similar to the original in structure, are drastically different from each other. "The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar-" lasts six minutes and 21 seconds. It changes the key to E minor and quickens the tempo considerably. Unlike the original, this arrangement has a more urgent instrumentation, heavily dominated by horns and strings with the woodwinds providing a unique countermelody.

An alternate version of this track plays when Sora activates the Showdown Situation Command. This alternate version is a loop of the ostinato that dominates the track, concluding with a finale that triggers when Sora successfully uses Quick Shot.

"The 13th Dilemma -Saïx-" is far closer in arrangement to the original. However, in reflection of Saïx's berserker state, this arrangement is accompanied with an electric guitar, giving the track more of a heavy metal feel.

Albums

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b If he is the last target remaining
  2. ^ "The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar-"
  3. ^ "The 13th Dilemma -Saïx-"