[2026] Many classic tracks! A compilation of nostalgic Japanese video game music

One-Winged AngelUematsu Nobuo

Advent: One-Winged Angel

This is a grand piece by Nobuo Uematsu that colors the final battle of Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997.

Its sound—woven from full orchestra and Latin chorus—was an unprecedentedly bold experiment for game music at the time.

Influenced by Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Jimi Hendrix, the piece creates a unique tension through a fusion of ominous chords and rock-like riffs.

The Latin lyrics, echoing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, accentuate the last boss’s presence as both divine and terrifying.

In addition to appearing on the album FINAL FANTASY VII Original Soundtrack, it was reimagined with a heavier arrangement for the CGI film FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN.

It has also found love beyond the series, appearing in Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate.

A must-listen for anyone who enjoys epic orchestral works.

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.

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.

Chop Chop Master Onion RapMatsuura Masaya

Parappa the Rapper: Chop Chop Master Onion Rap

This is the track that colored Stage 1 of the 1996 PlayStation music game PaRappa the Rapper.

Created by Masaya Matsuura, it’s memorable for its uniquely quirky setup in which the karate dojo master, Chop Chop Master Onion, teaches training through rap.

While rooted in hip-hop, the song exudes a playful, poppy vibe with a distinctly J-pop sensibility.

Players follow the master’s rap as a model, entering button inputs in a call-and-response format—an approach that delivered an experience that could be called the origin of rhythm games.

The soundtrack was included on the album PaRappa The Rapper Original Soundtrack, released by Sony Records in December 1996, and it has been carried forward through the PSP version and the PS4 remaster.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to explore the history of game music or relive the excitement of that era.

Dearly BelovedShimamura Yōko

Kingdom Hearts Dearly Beloved (Original Version)

This piece is a piano track that plays on the title screen of the Kingdom Hearts series and has continued to be loved by fans around the world.

Composed by Yoko Shimomura, it was included on the 2002 album KINGDOM HEARTS Original Soundtrack.

Its gently undulating arpeggios and wistful melody evoke both the anticipation of the adventure to come and the feelings you have for those dear to you.

Across the series, various versions—such as orchestral and jazz arrangements—have been produced, each beautifully expressing the story’s themes of “heart and bonds.” The piece is frequently performed at concerts like KINGDOM HEARTS Orchestra, moving even those who aren’t familiar with the games.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to bask in the memories of a nostalgic adventure.

Katamari on the Rocks ~ Main ThemeTanaka Masayuki

Katamari Damacy: Katamari on the Rocks

One of the definitive arrangements of the main theme from Katamari Damacy.

It even throws in some unexpected, mysterious lyrics, making it more upbeat and playfully spirited.

With irresistibly catchy words you can’t help but hum along to and a groovy rhythm that makes your body move, it stands as one of Katamari Damacy’s signature tracks.

Lavender Town ThemeNEW!Masuda Junichi

[Pokemon Red/Green] Lavender Town BGM 10-Minute Endurance

This is in-game BGM composed by Junichi Masuda under the very limited constraints of the original Game Boy sound chip.

In contrast to the bright town themes that spur on adventure, it skillfully uses dissonance to evoke unease and melancholy.

Released with Pokémon Red and Green in February 1996, it has served as the dedicated theme embodying the atmosphere of a place called Lavender Town.

Its structure is striking—within a short loop, it gradually seeps into the listener’s psyche.

It has been repeatedly remade in subsequent entries in the series, and is remembered across generations as a “scary BGM” classic.

If you want to experience an eerie, chilly mood, give it a listen.