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

Stigmata of TwilightYamane Michiru, Ichihashi Yasuhiro, Konami Kukeiha Kurabu

Gate of the Underworld

The acclaimed Castlevania series, one of Konami’s flagship franchises, was also popular on the Nintendo DS.

Among its entries is the distinctive title Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, notable for featuring a protagonist outside the Belmont family.

While Castlevania is synonymous with Michiru Yamane, a particular track prepared for a pivotal moment in this game is especially beloved among fans.

The Knight of Lodis Music – 09Iwata Masaharu

Overhang (209) – Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (MIDI Arranged Version)

A work that portrays the past of Lanselot, a key figure in Tactics Ogre.

Compared to the numbered titles, its difficulty is somewhat lower.

It also offers plenty of depth, such as fully completing titles and other challenges.

The richly layered story, centered on a religious war, has garnered many fans.

Unidentified Divine Battle SyndromeSakuraba Motoi

[30-Minute Endurance] PS Valkyrie Profile Unverified Divine Battle Syndrome VALKYRIE PROFILE Fighting the Shadowy Gods

The PlayStation title Valkyrie Profile, which catapulted tri-Ace to fame, cannot be discussed without his music.

So popular that people say “when you think Tales or tri-Ace, you think Sakuraba,” he went beyond being a game composer to even hold live concerts, and can be said to have defined an era of game music.

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.