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

Eiji’s ThemeNakano Yasuhiro, Tanabe Fumio, BANG HEADS

This is the stage theme for Eiji Shinjo, the protagonist in Tohshin Den 2 (Battle Arena Toshinden 2), the sequel to the fighting game released in the early PlayStation era.

In contrast to the rough, heroic style of the first game, this track burns with a quiet fighting spirit, featuring a pleasant tone from the brass instruments.

Wipe your tearsItou Kenji

Wipe your tears

An interlude from Romancing SaGa with a pleasantly resonant guitar sound.

Composer Ms.

Ito has worked on major titles primarily for Square Enix, including the Romancing SaGa series, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon, parts of the Final Fantasy series, and the Mana (Seiken Densetsu) series.

Beyond the distant reaches of timeMitsuda Yasunori

Beyond the distant reaches of time

This is the song that graces the ending of Chrono Trigger, an RPG created by Square and a title that represents Japan.

As the protagonists, Crono and his companions, journey across time and space to resolve countless problems and finally bring their quest to protect this world to a close, this masterpiece plays, and it has captivated many game fans.

Boss BattleMasuko Tsukasa

Shin Megami Tensei II_BGM [Boss Battle ~ Ending (PMIX)]

The Megami Tensei series has maintained a consistent style since the Famicom era.

Its spinoff, the Devil Summoner series, still has many fans, and this particular work features tracks that brilliantly showcase the composer’s unique individuality.

It includes many memorable bosses, and this song is one that represents the game.

Rim ElmŌshima Michiru

Rim Elm (Retro Ver.) – Legend of Legaia OST

This is the piece that plays in the protagonist Vahn’s hometown, Rim Elm, in the PlayStation RPG Legend of Legaia.

It conveys the solemnity of a temple, the comfort of home, and the blessings of a nature-rich environment.

There is a mysterious tree in the center of the town that holds Vahn’s fate.

Battle 2Ando Masahiro

Arc the Lad II – Last Battle (Arrange)

A signature track from the early PlayStation-era release Arc the Lad, composed by Masahiro Andoh, leader of the Japanese instrumental band T-SQUARE.

While incorporating electronic sounds, it showcases a unique musical style and sensibility not typically found among game composers.

Arc the Lad ThemeMasahiro Ando

Theme of ARC THE LAD - Composed by Masahiro Ando (formerly of T-SQUARE) - (Cover Studio Live) / D_CLACX RYO & SAIJI

This is the main theme of the popular Arc the Lad series.

With a march-like main section led by trumpet and a swirling, rippling flute sub-section, it overflows with the grandeur of a suite.

It’s an exhilarating piece that foreshadows the adventure to come.