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

Small flowerNishio Saeko

PoPoLoCrois Story II - Little Flower - Ending Theme

It’s the ending song of PoPoLoCrois Monogatari II, and its lyrics—like the game’s overarching theme—leave a strong impression.

In Chapter 3, when Narcia goes to the Land of the Gods, one of the trials has you select lines from this song’s lyrics.

The moment the chorus begins, that memory comes rushing back, and I’m moved to the point of getting goosebumps.

One and OnlySuzuki Yume

Sound Novel Machi_One and Only

This is a piece of music used in Chunsoft’s sound novel for the Sega Saturn, “Machi: Unmei no Kousaten” (Machi: Intersection of Fate).

Played during the ending of the game, the song, together with its lyrics that perfectly match the title, leaves players with a calm, peaceful feeling.

Battle with a Wanted CriminalKadokura Satoshi

Metal Max 2: Battle with the Wanted

This is a track from the masterpiece Metal Max 2, produced by Data East.

Mainly used in boss battles, the piece is highly popular among game music enthusiasts.

Given the relatively high difficulty of the boss fights in this game, many people likely find it especially memorable.

Legend Of The Five Great DragonFalcom Sound Team jdk

Falcom vs. jdk BAND 2010 Summer – Legend of the Five Great Dragons (Ys Seven)

While primarily released on PC, the renowned Ys series—whose older installments were even ported to the Famicom—features this track from its seventh numbered title.

Packed into a brief 3 minutes and 10 seconds, its richly modulating melodies remain timeless no matter how many times you listen.

BeginningKonami Kukeihō Kurabu

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse – Beginning

From the second installment of the Castlevania series, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse.

This iconic track, which opens the game, is still celebrated today as one of the series’ three greatest themes.

Despite being on the Famicom, it achieved high quality thanks to Konami’s proprietary sound hardware.

Terrible – monster Attacking Crew！Uematsu Noriyasu, Koda Masato

Wild Arms 5 ~ by Masato Kouda & Noriyasu Agematsu

Speaking of Wild Arms, it had always been Michiko Naruke, but for the numbered title 5, Wild Arms: The Vth Vanguard, a different composer was hired for the first time.

Many fans voiced concerns upon learning they wouldn’t hear Naruke’s signature style in Wild Arms, but the straightforward, classic RPG boss theme they delivered blew those worries away, resulting in a thrilling, exhilarating track.

MEGALOMANIAShimamura Yōko

MEGALOMANIA

From Square’s RPG LIVE A LIVE.

It’s a track that could be called the hidden main theme, as it always plays during boss battles in the various scenarios.

It’s a masterpiece that lets not only those who have played the game but anyone truly feel the ‘heat’ this game embodies.