Similar contrasts can be found in other Final Fantasy games - Final Fantasy VII and its depiction of Midgar, for instance - but here, it's a new take. Smartphones and pinball machines exist alongside colossal, lumbering monsters. The universe is a curious blend of high fantasy and contemporary technology modern skyscrapers and sleek sedans surround individuals who can teleport, cast spells and wield magical weapons. The combat is faster and more 'active' than before. Final Fantasy XV, which comes out at last on November 29th, is a slight departure from previous games. Nobuo Uematsu performs at La Cigale in 2012. Many are the work of Nobuo Uematsu, one of the most respected video game composers of all time. The tracks stand on their own but take new meaning when you know the characters, locales and events they were originally paired with. Delicate melodies that reinforce a party member's sadness, confusion or unrequited love. Sweeping scores that underscore tense, mystical battles. Whether it's the 'Theme of Love' from Final Fantasy IV, or 'One-Winged Angel' from Final Fantasy VII, every game has its share of memorable, distinctive tracks. 'It wasn't, not having a desire to want to do it professionally,' she offers. During that time, she never once considered what her own Final Fantasy score would sound like. Shimomura is an industry veteran, having worked with Capcom, Square Enix and Nintendo for almost 30 years.

'I've been a fan of Final Fantasy for a long time, and I never thought that I would get the chance to do it,' she says. She's a calm, dignified bundle of sunshine. The downbeat atmosphere has had little effect on Shimomura's mood, however. It's a cramped, gloomy space - a typical refuge, I suspect, for sound engineers - filled with squishy chairs, mixing desks and other high-end recording equipment. We're in a room overlooking Studio One, where the London Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing the game's tracks later that evening.

I'm meeting Shimomura at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios. But overall, from a musical perspective, the concepts that we wanted to use from the start, they're pretty much as they were. There have been some changes, small scenario tweaks and the game's functionality itself has changed. 'They're quite similar to what they were originally. 'The basic scenario and story concepts haven't changed that much,' she explains, speaking through a translator.

Final fantasy 15 audio