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

Let out a battle crysugiyama kouichi

Letting out a roar — Dragon Quest VIII

This is the track that plays during regular battles in Dragon Quest VIII.

It’s a true fanfare that instantly stirs excitement and tension for the fight to come.

Just hearing the ascending melody at the start conjures up images of the heroes facing off against monsters.

And that bold, triumphant motif that charges into the enemy lines with a roar—how can you not love it? It’s the perfect number for when you want to ignite your fighting spirit or psych yourself up.

Saria’s SongKoji Kondo

[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time] Saria's Song - Orchestral Arrangement

In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, this is the song taught to the protagonist, Link, by his childhood friend Saria when he sets out from his birthplace, the Kokiri Forest.

It often serves as a recurring theme throughout the Zelda series, and it is a piece filled with Saria’s warm kindness and heartfelt feelings.

Clan of Heaven and EarthShozhi Ro, Nakamura Kozo, Saito Mikio, Sano Tomoko

A track from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, released on the PC Engine.

Symbolizing Richter Belmont, the strongest man of the Belmont clan, this classic—later arranged in subsequent series entries and even pachislot—continues to captivate countless fans to this day.

Battle! CassiopeiaTaniguchi Teruo

[Pokémon SV] Final Boss Battle [Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Gameplay Video / BGM]

A fierce, fighting-spirit-filled track featuring pounding gabber kicks and distinctive synthesizers.

Composed by Teruo Taniguchi, it appears in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

The song plays during the battle with Team Star’s secret boss, Cassiopeia, and captured the hearts of many players.

It is included on the album Nintendo Switch Pokémon Scarlet and Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Super Music Collection.

With its dramatic soundscape, it brilliantly conveys the emotions of a character who, despite their doubts, strives to move forward.

Sea StageIshikawa Jun

[BGM Commentary] Sea Stage (Kirby’s Dream Land 3)

This is a song used in Kirby Super Star.

It’s first heard during the in-game scenario Revenge of Meta Knight, and while it retains Kirby’s signature whimsical vibe, it also matches perfectly with the ocean motif of the stage.

Ole! Silvia!sugiyama kouichi

[15-Minute Endurance] Ole! Silvia! - Dragon Quest XI (BGM)

This is the theme BGM for Sylvando, the traveling entertainer who joins your party in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Led brilliantly by a sparkling trumpet, the piece has the feel of a cheerful parade.

Listening to it vividly brings to mind Sylvando’s personality—always bright and eager to delight everyone around him.

The album “Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” released in January 2018, includes an orchestral performance that adds an extra layer of elegance to the lively in-game arrangement.

Perfect for lifting your spirits!

Glimmers of Lovesugiyama kouichi

[15-Minute Endurance] Dappled Light of Love - Dragon Quest XI (BGM)

If you’ve played Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, this is a track that will set your heart ablaze.

It’s a masterpiece brimming with the warmth of sun-dappled light, beginning with delicate harp tones before the melody is passed to alto flute, oboe, and then strings—like listening to the story of life itself.

Heard during the moving scenes depicting the World Tree of Life and the bond between the sisters Veronica and Serena, it left a deep impression on many players.

It’s perfect for immersing yourself while reminiscing about the game’s most emotional moments, and just as lovely as music to soothe your daily fatigue.