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

Winged HopeKexin Wang

[Honkai: Star Rail] EP "Hope with Wings"

This piece is striking for its grand melody, as if spreading its wings and soaring into the open sky.

Composed by Wang Kexin, it was used in the climactic scene of the Penacony arc in Honkai: Star Rail.

The fusion of orchestral and rock soundscapes, layered with Chevy’s clear, translucent vocals, creates an overwhelming sense of immersion.

It’s an inspiring battle theme that enriches a weighty story where fate and order—and the wishes of the people—intertwine.

You Were ThereŌshima Michiru

You Were There (Original Mix)

A gem of a vocal piece by Michiru Oshima that graces the ending of the PlayStation 2 masterpiece action-adventure ICO.

Released in February 2002 as part of the official soundtrack “ICO: Melody in the Mist,” the song is distinguished by the pure, translucent voices of members from the British boys’ choir Libera.

Its lyrics, evoking fantastical landscapes like a solitary island and mist-shrouded hills while quietly revisiting memories of an irreplaceable presence, resonate deeply with the brief yet intense journey shared by the boy and girl in the game.

In stark contrast to the main game’s largely minimal, ambient soundscape, the orchestral arrangement and boy soprano that swell during the ending leave a profound afterglow in the player’s heart.

Beloved even after many years—ranking 11th in the PlayStation Game Music Awards 2018—this is a track recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a tranquil world or is seeking a melody that truly touches the soul.

MAGICAL SOUND SHOWERKawaguchi Hiroshi

MAGICAL SOUND SHOWER (Out Run)

This is one of the three tracks you can select from the radio-style menu before starting Sega’s immersive driving game OutRun, which began operating in arcades in September 1986.

The composer is Hiroshi Kawaguchi.

Its tropical sound, infused with elements of Latin jazz and salsa, brilliantly evokes the exhilaration of speeding through seaside resorts.

It’s impressive how the steel-pan-like bell tones, synth brass, and conga-like percussion—rendered via FM synthesis—layer together to achieve a full-band richness despite the limited polyphony.

In 2007, numerous arrangement versions were included in the OutRun 20th Anniversary Box, and the track has also been featured in rhythm games such as Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Arcade, maimai, and Taiko no Tatsujin.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to feel the vibe of a summer drive or experience a slice of 1980s arcade culture.

The strong onessugiyama kouichi

[DRAGON QUEST VII] The Strong Ones

This is the battle theme that plays when you face boss-level enemies in Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden.

From the opening, the dissonance and the pounding timpani rolls foreshadow the fierce fight to come and instantly heighten the tension.

It’s not just intense, though—the piece develops into a slightly comical phrase in the latter half, showcasing Koichi Sugiyama’s signature playful touch.

It’s included on the album Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest VII” Warriors of Eden + Original Soundtrack, released in September 2000.

Eyes on me(Piano collections ver.)Uematsu Nobuo

Eyes On Me (Piano Collections Final Fantasy VIII)

The piano-arranged love song from Final Fantasy VIII beautifully portrays the poignant feelings between the protagonist, Squall, and the heroine, Rinoa.

Woven solely by piano, its clear, transparent tones express sincere emotions with a tender sense of frustration, while the gentle melody soothes the listener’s heart.

Though it depicts unrequited love, it conveys an unwavering devotion to a beloved person with a quietly passionate timbre.

Since its 1999 release, it has continued to captivate the hearts of many music fans.

With a beauty that moves you through piano alone, it’s a perfect piece for fans of classical or new age music, and for anyone seeking a song with a deeply moving sense of storytelling.

Demon Lord ShowdownMitsuda Yasunori

Demon Lord Showdown

This piece draws you in with its weighty sound steeped in tension and intimidation.

Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, it was used for a climactic boss battle in the Middle Ages chapter of the Super Famicom RPG Chrono Trigger, released in March 1995.

Fiery percussion layered with a majestic arrangement makes it perfectly suited to a decisive showdown.

It’s one of the great works of game music, also featured on albums such as the CHRONO Orchestral Arrangement BOX.

Final Fantasy X “To Zanarkand” (Piano Collections ver.)Uematsu Nobuo

At Zanarkand

The bittersweet melody, marked by its beautiful theme, is pleasing to the ear yet leaves a deep afterglow.

Symbolizing the fictional city that serves as the story’s setting, this piece delicately conveys the protagonist’s feelings for their hometown and the struggles of characters swept along by fate.

Included on the album “Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY X,” released in July 2004, it uses the expressive power of the piano to further enhance its narrative quality.

Transcending the bounds of video game music, it has become a popular piece performed in many contexts, continuing to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal.

Even those just beginning the piano can express profound emotion with this piece by carefully practicing its beautiful melodic line.