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

Ryu’s ThemeShimamura Yōko

Street Fighter II OST Ryu Theme

In March 1991, a shockwave hit arcades.

Capcom’s arcade game Street Fighter II: The World Warrior began operation, and the history of versus fighting games started to move in a major way.

Ryu’s theme, which plays on the Japan stage, is one of the most iconic tracks composed by Yoko Shimomura.

It opens with percussive attack sounds reminiscent of taiko drums and hyoshigi clappers, then electric guitar and synth lead deliver a powerful melody.

While expressing the stoicism of a “seeker of the way,” the somewhat wistful tune also conveys a distinctly Japanese flavor—wonderful stuff.

The piece continued to be arranged across numerous ports, including the Super Famicom and Mega Drive versions, and in 2015 it was included on the album Street Fighter II The Definitive Soundtrack.

It’s a classic that fighting game fans—and anyone nostalgic for ’90s arcade culture—should absolutely hear.

You Were ThereŌshima Michiru

You Were There (Original Mix)

A gem of a vocal piece by Michiru Oshima that graces the ending of the PlayStation 2 masterpiece action-adventure ICO.

Released in February 2002 as part of the official soundtrack “ICO: Melody in the Mist,” the song is distinguished by the pure, translucent voices of members from the British boys’ choir Libera.

Its lyrics, evoking fantastical landscapes like a solitary island and mist-shrouded hills while quietly revisiting memories of an irreplaceable presence, resonate deeply with the brief yet intense journey shared by the boy and girl in the game.

In stark contrast to the main game’s largely minimal, ambient soundscape, the orchestral arrangement and boy soprano that swell during the ending leave a profound afterglow in the player’s heart.

Beloved even after many years—ranking 11th in the PlayStation Game Music Awards 2018—this is a track recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a tranquil world or is seeking a melody that truly touches the soul.

Prologue ~To the Ancient Land~Ootani Miyuki

Prologue ~To the Ancient Land~

The moment the game boots up, a majestic orchestra resounds as if the doors of an ancient ruin were opening.

This piece, which graces the opening of Shadow of the Colossus—released in October 2005 for the PlayStation 2—is the pinnacle of Koh Ohtani’s symphonic scoring.

The weighty harmonies woven by the low strings and brass, layered with choral resonance, brilliantly convey the protagonist’s resolve and apprehension as he steps into a forbidden land.

Though it carries the grandeur of a Hollywood film, its faintly mournful melody tightens the chest.

Included on the album Shadow of the Colossus: Roar of the Earth, this track became a key piece underpinning the game’s world—a title that won five awards at the 2006 Game Developers Choice Awards.

It’s a masterpiece I highly recommend to anyone drawn to epic adventures and mythic tales.

Theme of LauraYamaoka Akira

Theme of Laura

That melody that grabs the player’s heart the moment they step into the fog-shrouded town.

The main theme of the PlayStation 2 horror game composed by Akira Yamaoka is a classic that was released on the soundtrack in October 2001.

Its mournful guitar riff repeats as percussion layers in, unfolding a unique sonic world where quiet despair and faint hope coexist.

It’s unmistakably Yamaoka’s sound—straddling industrial and trip-hop—yet what stands out in this work is the more rock-leaning, emotional edge brought to the fore.

In 2024, a new arrangement was included on the remake’s soundtrack, showing that the piece continues to evolve even after more than 20 years.

The official YouTube video has surpassed 10 million views, and the abundance of international comments speaks to its popularity.

If you want to experience artistry that transcends the boundaries of game music, or immerse yourself in sonically rich psychological depth, this is a must-listen track.

Bloody TearsMatsubara Kenichi

Castlevania II Music (NES) – Bloody Tears (Day Theme)

This is a piece that carved its name into video game music history as the BGM that plays on the daytime field in Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, released for the Famicom Disk System in August 1987.

Composed by Kenichi Matsubara, the track is stunning in its structure: from a majestic, pipe-organ-like intro, it plunges into a driving, exhilarating rhythm.

Its melancholic melody in a minor key and a powerful, forward-thrusting beat brilliantly portray the protagonist’s fate and resolve as he fights on to lift the curse.

It’s impossible not to admire how such a dramatic narrative was woven within the constraints of 8-bit sound hardware.

As one of the defining themes of the series, it also received a new arrangement in Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate.

A must-listen for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a world of gothic horror or has an interest in retro game music.

Evergreen WindUematsu Nobuo

Everlasting Wind

Characterized by the light, buoyant rhythms and warm melodies typical of Celtic music, this piece is beloved as BGM that plays on in-game shop screens and the like.

The refreshing sound woven by folk instruments such as tin whistle, fiddle, and accordion wonderfully captures the bustle and lived-in feel of a port town in a skybound world.

Included on the album “GRANBLUE FANTASY ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK” and later performed live, it has become one of Granblue’s signature popular tracks.

It’s perfect music for taking a breather in the midst of an adventure.

Mad Flowers, Water MoonAndo Hirokazu

[Endurance BGM] Kirby of the Stars: Mad Flowers, Water, and Moon [60 Minutes]

This battle theme sweeps players into a frenzy with its heartrending yet beautiful melody and intense development.

Composed by Hirokazu Ando, it crowned the final battle of the 2014 Nintendo 3DS title Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

The progression from a quiet piano to increasingly fierce phrases brilliantly conveys the tension within the game.

Immerse yourself in its world where fragility and madness intertwine!