For added flash, GameArts used FMV sequences for spells in battle. When a character casts ZapAll, for instance, a short CG animated sequence shows clouds gathering and lightning streaking down to fry any foes in your path. Then 2D animation of the lightning striking the targets is overlaid onto the battle, producing a unique and dramatic effect. Grandia II was designed with the Dreamcast's power in mind, and it shows. Grandia II 's sound and music match the high standards of the visual design.
Sound effects are solid and atmospheric.
Footsteps echo, water flows, and wind whistles through the speakers to compliment the visual environments. In battle, swords clash and spells shake the room with the explosive roar of fireballs. Composer Noriyuki Iwadare has created a fascinatingly unorthodox score, primarily upbeat and sometimes even whimsical. The music is thematic rather than attempting to be epic, and revolves around the aspects of song that Elena represents as a Songstress. The game includes a soundtrack disc comprised of tracks selected by Mr. Iwadare himself, and contains some of the best music in the game, along with a few remixes.