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

The wind that speaks your nameitō kanako

Blue Knights - The Wind That Blows Your Name - Hortensia OP (full)

This is the main theme song of the smartphone war chronicle game Hortensia Saga.

Centered on conflicts with other nations, its rich story—where fantasy and reality intertwine—is widely popular.

With the schemes of various characters flying about, how will history ultimately change…? The twice-daily guild battles are also fun to strategize for.

Challenge to FateItou Kenji

Devil Survivor 2 Original Soundtrack – 08. Challenge to Fate

A piece by Kenji Ito, who says he’s not good at battle themes.

From the tension of encountering a formidable foe to the modulation that launches into the offensive, the melody is superb, with a narrative quality that evokes unfolding developments from its structure.

It makes you involuntarily marvel at the composer’s high level of craftsmanship.

FilmoreKondō Yūzō

ActRaiser Fillmore ACT 1

Yuzo Koshiro, a prodigy who studied under the renowned Joe Hisaishi of Studio Ghibli, showcased an exceptional level of craftsmanship with one of the earliest Super Famicom titles, ActRaiser.

There’s an anecdote that the quality was so impressive it prompted the development team of the then-in-progress Final Fantasy IV to reconsider and remake their sound.

Alright, I’m bursting with power—face me!Mori Akihiko

Mystic Ark Akihiko Mori: All right, power surging—I'll be your opponent!

From the production-development RPG Mystic Ark.

This track is used in the game’s dungeon “Okashi no Yama” (Candy Mountain), but contrary to what the dungeon’s name might suggest, it’s an intensely passionate and energetic piece.

Along with its title, it leaves a particularly strong impression.

CallingIshimototakeharu

Subarashiki Kono Sekai OST – Calling

The World Ends with You’s BGM.

It’s a club track characterized by a driving, fast-paced dance beat.

The title is repeated many times as the main lyric, and while the lyrics are basically in English, the vocalist’s clean, unadorned tone makes it a song that’s easy on anyone’s ears.

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.