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

The Dream Never Ends ~Droplets of Time Spilling Away~yōmi

Tales of Phantasia: The Dream Never Ends ~Droplets Spilling from Time~

It’s the main theme of Tales of Phantasia, and in the game it plays with the actual vocalist’s voice during an event in the city of Venezia late in the story.

Back when the Super Famicom was the latest hardware, hearing a human voice singing in a game was a shocking, groundbreaking experience.

Pokémon Crystal Version Suicune BattleIchinose Go

Pokémon Crystal Version Suicune Battle BGM

This is a battle theme used in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, but it only plays during a battle with a certain Pokémon: Suicune, one of the legendary Pokémon also depicted on Crystal’s package.

Just hearing the song brings back the excitement of encountering it.

Battle 2Shioo Yasunori

[SFC] Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals – Battle #2

From Neverland Company’s hidden masterpiece, Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals.

This RPG puts the fun of dungeons and puzzles front and center, and among its music, this track used in mid-boss battles is especially beloved by gaming enthusiasts.

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.

Theme Song (Dokodemo Issho Opening Version)Kunikatsu Murayama

[PS] Doko Demo Issyo OP

This is the song that plays on the opening title selection screen of the original PS version of Doko Demo Issyo.

It’s so adorable to watch Toro and the others running around as if they’re playing tag.

Each character has a different running style and speed, so you can keep watching without getting bored.