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

Dearly BelovedShimamura Yōko

Kingdom Hearts Dearly Beloved (Original Version)

This piece is a piano track that plays on the title screen of the Kingdom Hearts series and has continued to be loved by fans around the world.

Composed by Yoko Shimomura, it was included on the 2002 album KINGDOM HEARTS Original Soundtrack.

Its gently undulating arpeggios and wistful melody evoke both the anticipation of the adventure to come and the feelings you have for those dear to you.

Across the series, various versions—such as orchestral and jazz arrangements—have been produced, each beautifully expressing the story’s themes of “heart and bonds.” The piece is frequently performed at concerts like KINGDOM HEARTS Orchestra, moving even those who aren’t familiar with the games.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to bask in the memories of a nostalgic adventure.

MEGALOVANIA(Undertale)Toby Fox

[Undertale] Tried Playing 'MEGALOVANIA' [Piano]

The melody, imbued with a unique sense of speed and tension, delivers a thrilling and memorable resonance.

Although the original piece is instrumental, its dynamic development—synchronized with in-game boss battle scenes—leaves a strong impression on players.

Since the game’s release in 2015, it has continued to captivate many fans, and by 2022 it had grown into a work loved worldwide, even being performed at a Vatican City circus event before Pope Francis.

While this piece demands advanced performance technique, it is an ideal choice for those who wish to captivate audiences with meticulous arranging and passionate expressiveness.

Umapyoi LegendUma Musume Puritī Dābī

Umapyoi Legend

Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a popular mobile game that combines horse racing with rhythm gaming.

It sparked a massive boom that even drew in people who don’t usually play games.

Its story is based on real events from horse racing history, featuring cute anthropomorphized girls who shine in both races and live performances.

The series has many hit songs, but one of the most popular is Umapyoi Densetsu.

It’s inspired countless fan creations, including dance and cover videos.

In the game, you can form your favorite unit and have them perform this song! Be sure to create your own dream unit!

Dreams and hopeToby Fox

Dreams and hope

This is battle music that draws you in with powerful arrangement and dramatic development.

It’s a track from the American indie game UNDERTALE, released in September 2015.

In the game, it’s used during the climactic scene of the “True Pacifist Route,” in the final boss battle.

Its appeal lies in a bold sound that fuses various genres such as chiptune, orchestral, and techno.

It was also included as downloadable content for the action game Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! on Nintendo Switch, and is loved by a wide range of game fans.

It’s a recommended song for when you want to fire yourself up or need the courage to face a challenge.

One-Winged AngelUematsu Nobuo

Advent: One-Winged Angel

This is a grand piece by Nobuo Uematsu that colors the final battle of Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997.

Its sound—woven from full orchestra and Latin chorus—was an unprecedentedly bold experiment for game music at the time.

Influenced by Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Jimi Hendrix, the piece creates a unique tension through a fusion of ominous chords and rock-like riffs.

The Latin lyrics, echoing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, accentuate the last boss’s presence as both divine and terrifying.

In addition to appearing on the album FINAL FANTASY VII Original Soundtrack, it was reimagined with a heavier arrangement for the CGI film FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN.

It has also found love beyond the series, appearing in Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate.

A must-listen for anyone who enjoys epic orchestral works.

To the wide worldsugiyama kouichi

[15-Minute Endurance] To the Vast World - Dragon Quest VIII (BGM)

The background music that plays when you walk across the vast, fully explorable 360-degree field in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is one of the most beloved tracks in the series.

Its quietly opening melody evokes the hero’s very first step into an unknown world.

From there, the layers of sound gradually build, giving you the sensation that the endless horizon and grand scenery are unfolding before your eyes.

Even without lyrics, it conveys a clear sense of anticipation for the adventure to come.

Koichi Sugiyama himself reportedly called it “one of my best works,” which further speaks to the game’s high level of polish.

Ryu’s ThemeShimamura Yōko

Street Fighter II OST Ryu Theme

In March 1991, a shockwave hit arcades.

Capcom’s arcade game Street Fighter II: The World Warrior began operation, and the history of versus fighting games started to move in a major way.

Ryu’s theme, which plays on the Japan stage, is one of the most iconic tracks composed by Yoko Shimomura.

It opens with percussive attack sounds reminiscent of taiko drums and hyoshigi clappers, then electric guitar and synth lead deliver a powerful melody.

While expressing the stoicism of a “seeker of the way,” the somewhat wistful tune also conveys a distinctly Japanese flavor—wonderful stuff.

The piece continued to be arranged across numerous ports, including the Super Famicom and Mega Drive versions, and in 2015 it was included on the album Street Fighter II The Definitive Soundtrack.

It’s a classic that fighting game fans—and anyone nostalgic for ’90s arcade culture—should absolutely hear.