[All-Time] A Collection of Masterpieces in Video Game Music [Up to the Latest Tracks]

At the summit of this worldFaiā Emuburemu Fūkasetsugetsu

Fire Emblem: Three Houses — At the Peak of This World: Empire Final Boss BGM

Back in the days before the term “simulation role-playing game” even existed, everyone was captivated by games where you position your allies and invade the enemy’s camp, battling foes along the way.

Fire Emblem is another long-running and beloved series.

Its defining feature is that once an allied character falls, they never come back.

The piece I’m introducing is the track that plays during the final battle in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Its grand, story-capping sound is truly moving—absolutely masterful! It really makes you want to play Fire Emblem again.

Yanato Rice-Planting Song: Miko — Kami-nagiTensui no Sakuna Hime

Yanato Rice-Planting Song / Miko — Kaminagi — (Theme Song of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin)

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a work whose great appeal lies in its grand worldview inspired by ancient Japan and its mythic realms.

The protagonist, Princess Sakuna, is a harvest goddess, and the game’s system—growing and harvesting rice to convert it into strength—drew considerable attention.

The rice cultivation segment is said to be so authentic that real-world rice farming guides were useful for progressing in the game.

The main theme song, “Yanato Taue Uta: Miko — Kaminagi —,” is a piece centered on planting rice—a crucial process in the story and a key motif of the work.

It was created with reference to traditional “rice-planting songs,” folk songs found in real-life Japan in which people offer prayers to the gods for a bountiful rice harvest.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Main themeZeruda no Densetsu Buresu obu za Wairudo

[Spatial Audio] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Main Theme [Headphones Recommended]

Alongside the game consoles of their eras—such as the Super Famicom, Game Boy, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, and Wii—the Legend of Zelda series has grown as well.

Perhaps it was this series that taught us the fun of puzzle-solving, making it more than just an action game.

According to the official website, the “Main Theme” of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a two-part composition: the first half represents Princess Zelda’s past memories, and the second half represents Link’s memories.

It’s a piece that blends excitement with a sense of calm.

Dr.WILY STAGE 1Tateishi Takashi

Mega Man 2 (NES) Music – Wily Fortress 1

When it comes to legendary chiptune born from the constraints of the Famicom, many people probably think of the Wily Stage BGM included in Mega Man 2: Dr.

Wily’s Revenge.

Composer Takashi Tateishi, who worked on the game’s sound and released it in December 1988, crafted a superb track under strict audio limitations: a lead phrase that blends cool precision with soaring excitement, a surging bassline, and a rhythm brimming with speed—all combining to heighten the player’s sense of anticipation to the fullest.

This piece, which brilliantly captures the tension and sense of achievement of storming the final boss’s fortress, has earned high praise, even ranking near the top in best-of lists by overseas media.

Many players likely had the melody seared into their minds after repeatedly hitting game over on the notoriously difficult stage.

It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to rediscover the charm of retro games.

Mad Flowers, Water MoonAndo Hirokazu

[Endurance BGM] Kirby of the Stars: Mad Flowers, Water, and Moon [60 Minutes]

This battle theme sweeps players into a frenzy with its heartrending yet beautiful melody and intense development.

Composed by Hirokazu Ando, it crowned the final battle of the 2014 Nintendo 3DS title Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

The progression from a quiet piano to increasingly fierce phrases brilliantly conveys the tension within the game.

Immerse yourself in its world where fragility and madness intertwine!

Boss Battle 2OCTOPATH TRAVELER

Boss Battle 2

OCTOPATH TRAVELER made waves for its bold concept of releasing an RPG that deliberately spotlights pixel art in an era where realistic 3D graphics are the norm.

If you’ve played the Final Fantasy series, many of its tracks will really hit home.

“Boss Battle 2” is a piece frequently used in mid-boss fights.

It’s game music that delivers both a sense of speed and dynamism—seriously hype-inducing! It’ll have your hands sweating on the controller!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

In Search of Lost Timesugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

This is the ending theme that is deeply etched in the hearts of players who saw the story of Dragon Quest XI through to the very end.

As a work that could be called the culmination of the series, it is sprinkled throughout with nostalgic melodies from past entries.

It is also included on the album Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” released in January 2018, where the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra’s magnificent performance brilliantly adorned the finale of a long-running adventure.

Please take your time and savor the lingering afterglow of this grand tale!