Recommended video game music: compelling masterpieces and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to.

Stage 1Tim Follin, Geoff Follin

Silver Surfer Music (NES) – Background Game Music I [Level 1]

This piece, hailed as an FC soundtrack that surpasses the limits of the FC, is a stage theme from Silver Surfer, released overseas on the FC (NES).

It’s hard to believe it doesn’t use any expansion audio.

With overwhelming flair, it delivers an astonishing sound that rumbles with deep bass.

Proof of a Hero ~from Monster Hunter~Kōda Masato

Eiyuu No Akashi (From “Monster Hunter”)

An instrumental piece representing Capcom’s acclaimed game series! Composer Masato Kouda crafted a powerful melody that inspires a spirit of adventure and determined challenge.

Its graceful themes, woven with rich brass, harp, and strings, continue to lift players’ spirits.

Since its debut in March 2004, it has been featured in Toyota commercials and performed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony, delivering emotion that transcends the realm of games.

Striking a perfect balance between tension and release, this track is ideal for moments when you want to rally yourself or take the first step toward a new challenge.

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.

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.

Stickerbrush SymphonyDavid Wise

Stickerbrush Symphony (Super Donkey Kong 2)

This is a track from Donkey Kong Country 2, developed by Rare in the UK.

Among the game’s many acclaimed features—its grand, almost unbelievable-for-an-action-game graphics and its clear, airy sound—this particular piece is especially popular.

ghostly wailsRESONATOR

06 – Dreadful Atmosphere (Stage 2)

Among the tracks composed by the star-studded duo of Kenji Ito—famed for Romancing SaGa—and Kota Takahashi—known for R4 and Klonoa of the Wind—for the Xbox 360 shoot ’em up Bullet Soul, there’s one that truly stands out.

It’s packed with phrases that will make fans of Kenji Ito’s music grin, and it’s a must-listen for anyone who loves his work.

Demon’s Worldmatsumoto hiroshi

Lord Monarch (SFC) – Demon’s World

This is the title track from the Super Famicom strategy game, Lord Monarch.

Its catchy, seemingly J-pop-inspired style—very much in vogue at the time—feels forward-thinking! The game is simple yet demands deep strategic thinking depending on the stage, and it was later released as a free game for PC.