Japanese RPGs host some of the greatest soundtracks in gaming history. Nobuo Uematsu’s familiar scores inFinal Fantasyset the highest standard possible for video game music. However, he is one of many names that has contributed to a legacy of quality music in gaming.
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To include Japanese RPGs, as well as titles heavily inspired by them, these games hold some of the best music in gaming history. Some of their legacies have been preserved through remixes in other games. Others became immortalized in Nintendo’sSmash Bros.series.
10Chrono Trigger
Square-Enix’s popular title,Chrono Trigger, came out for the SNES in 1995. Developed by Square-Enix, it took the development team of the heads ofFinal FantasyandDragon Questto come up with this title.Chrono Triggerboasts half a dozen eras across time with a soundtrack to fit them all.
The synthesized piano pieces fit wonderful throughout the middle ages. The overworld theme was among my favorites in the game. “Silent Light” might be the best piece of music in the game and fits wonderfully with the haunting atmosphere of the cathedral.
9Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Falcom’s legacy of incredible music began 30 years ago with the release of theYsseries. In that timeframe, they’ve scored over eight games as well as the prequel title,Ys Origin. Falcom made a name for themselves with theYsandTrailsseries.
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Ys VIIIcontinues the tradition of hard rock, smooth jazz, and beautiful beach area music. The dim caverns emit the ominous feel of stronger enemies attacking while the mountain area’s “Overcome the Rocky Path” puts the player back in the energetic mood.Ys’s mysterious haunting and calming soundtrack will remain a highlight among games.
8Kingdom Hearts
According toKingdom Heartsseries composer, Yoko Shimomura,Super Mario RPGwas her turning point as a composer. Originally composingStreet Fighter II,Super Mario RPGwas one of her first RPG compositions. Afterward, she would composeLegend of Manabefore her work inKingdom Heartsmade her a famous name.
The beautiful piano compositions and emotional pieces bring forth all sorts of feelings from its players. These include both the wonderful Disney remixes, like “Under the Sea” and the haunting Hollow Bastion. Across all 18 years of the series,Kingdom Heartshas brought forth some of the most magical soundtracks in gaming history.
7Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
EachFire Emblemgame brings forth energetic battle themes and memorable map music.Path of Radiancemight have been the apex of the soundtracks. Along withRadiant Dawn, the Tellius Saga offered some of the most beautiful compositions.
“With Us,” renamed “Stalwarts Unite"remixed the tune with more impact. The marching beat of “A Battle and a Beginning” and “Crimean Army Sortie” motivated the player to move their army and take back Crimea. Plus nothing works the strings quite as well as Elincia’s Theme.
6Valkyrie Profile
Inspired by Norse Mythology,Valkyrie Profilestars the Valkyrie maiden, Lenneth, on her quest to recruit souls to Valhalla to fight in the final battle of the world, Ragnarok. Throughout the game, however, she uncovers conspiracies from darker forces at work.Valkyrie Profile’s fast-paced action and gloomy atmosphere go perfectly with its wonderful soundtrack.
Motoi Sakuraba’s work comes heavily from his compositions in theTalesandStar Oceanfranchise before this title. While his hard rock work extended intoGolden SunandBaten Kaitos,Valkyrie Profilemight have been his best work yet. The gloomy theme when recruiting an Einherjar, the Forest of Woe’s haunting yet fast-paced melody,
5Final Fantasy VI
To list oneFinal Fantasygame would mean to list all of them. Nobuo Uematsu’s first ten titles, prior to leaving Square-Enix, rank exceptionally high among gaming soundtracks. Each one offers something different and all boast their memorable themes.
Final Fantasy VIwas perhaps an exception in some ways. Pushing the SNES' 16-bit cartridge audio chip to its limit,Final Fantasy VIanimated an opera and even utilized a synthesized chorus for its routine. “Aria de Mezzo Caratterre” and “Dancing Mad” number among the many prominent tracks. “The Mystic Forest,” “Narshe,” and “Figaro Castle,” number among the best of the map themes as well. “The Decisive Battle” will forever be one of the best boss themes in history.
4Bravely Default
Spun-off from Square-Enix’sFinal Fantasyseries,Bravely Defaulttakes cues from older titles in the former series. The influence of the Crystals, the four warriors of light, and the Job system, popularized inFinal Fantasy V, make a major impact inBravely Default’s story. However, it defies all expectations of a handheld JRPG with its brilliant soundtrack.
Known for his opening themes for the anime series, such asAttack on TitanandSailor Moon Crystal, Linked Horizon’s lead composer, REVO, composed a grand soundtrack forBravely Default. This beautiful, brilliant masterpiece tends to the mood perfectly with every hard rock battle theme, every haunting area track, and everything in between. To sweeten the deal, the special attack and Asterisk battle themes also featured vocal versions in the official soundtrack. REVO will return for the upcomingBravely Default IIfor Nintendo Switch as well.
3Eternal Sonata
IfValkyrie Profilewas a shining example of Motoi Sakuraba’s rock work,Eternal Sonatais where he excels in the orchestra.Eternal Sonatafeatures 19th-century composer, Frederic Chopin, as a prominent character. As such,Eternal Sonata’sentire thematic is built around music.
Sakuraba’s orchestral work utilizes strings, drums, violins, piano, and all kinds of instruments. There’s no limit to the variety used inEternal Sonata. While this set the groundwork for more of Sakuraba’s orchestral compositions, such as inDark Souls,Eternal Sonata’s melodies stuck with the player from start to finish and beyond.
2Octopath Traveler
Following the success of theBravely Defaultseries, series designer Tomoya Asano decided to create an original IP. Serving as aspiritual successor toFinal Fantasy VI, this title utilized 2D pixel sprites with gorgeous HD overlay. Composed byYasunori Nishiki, this title came with one of the most beautiful soundtracks in gaming history.
Octopath Travelergets the blood pumping in its epic battle tracks. Likewise, it sets the tone for beautiful, soothing melodies throughout its peaceful town themes and haunting dungeon melodies alike. Notably, this title also received a remixed soundtrack release calledOctopath Traveler Arrangements - Break & Boost.
1Persona 5 Royal
Persona 3,4, and5were all composed by Shoji Meguro. Featuring vocals from various artists and, inP3’s case, rapping from Lotus Juice, all featured prominent soundtracks.Persona 5best represents the series' peak largely thanks to the added tracks featured in the Royal release.
Persona 5 Royalfeatures a largely smooth jazz soundtrack with some incredibly energetic vocal tracks. These tunes mesh wonderfully with the bass and electric guitar used in the tracks throughout. Of the new tracks, “Gentle Madman” makes for a fresh take on a dungeon theme while “I Believe” energizes the player approaching the final battle. “Throw Your Mask Away” marks the cherry on top of one of the single greatest soundtracks in gaming history.
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