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

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.