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

Plains BGMMoriyasu Yako

[SFC] Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts – Plains BGM

A musical piece used in Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, the third installment of the Ghosts ‘n Goblins series developed by Capcom.

It’s a masterpiece that stands out even more in this title, which fully captures the high level of polish of an action game and the atmosphere of the demon realm.

In Search of Lost Timesugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

This is the ending theme that is deeply etched in the hearts of players who saw the story of Dragon Quest XI through to the very end.

As a work that could be called the culmination of the series, it is sprinkled throughout with nostalgic melodies from past entries.

It is also included on the album Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” released in January 2018, where the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra’s magnificent performance brilliantly adorned the finale of a long-running adventure.

Please take your time and savor the lingering afterglow of this grand tale!

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.

a tranquil row of housessugiyama kouichi

【DRAGON QUEST VII】 Tranquil Row of Houses

Fishbell, the starting village of Dragon Quest VII.

It’s a piece that evokes the simplicity and rustic charm of a small fishing village and the vistas of a bountiful sea.

It’s a peaceful village with the protagonist’s home and the mansion of his childhood friend Maribel, known for its local specialties of seafood, steamed buns, and rice crackers.

Stepping WindŌkubo Hiroshi

Klonoa 2 – Stepping Wind

A theme song for Klonoa with an action-game vibe.

It’s a poppy, catchy, high-energy track sung in the unique language of the in-game race, the Klonoa.

The language, with its bouncy rhythm unlike English, is addictively appealing! Misheard-lyrics jokes also became a trend.

DesireOkada Satoru, Rinomikoto, Bī Bī Sutajio, Arima Takasato, Kishi Toshiyuki, Kitashiro Kazumi, Kitashiro Hiroshi, Winkī Sofuto, Saramandā Fakutorī

[2nd Super Robot Wars OG] Desire [BGM]

In recent years, one track from the Super Robot Wars series has seen an extraordinary surge in popularity thanks to its PV.

With the release of 2nd Super Robot Wars OG on PS3 and the inclusion of the handheld title Super Robot Wars D, the game has captivated many fans, and all related tracks were intentionally titled to start with the letter D.

Esaka（Hero Team）Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan

The King of Fighters ’96 – [Esaka] Hero Team Theme

The theme song for the Hero Team in The King of Fighters ’96, a title that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Street Fighter series in sparking the fighting game boom.

Numerous arrangements have been composed in later entries, and it remains one of the signature tracks of KOF to this day.