[2026] Many classic tracks! A compilation of nostalgic Japanese video game music
From the era when chiptunes echoed to the time game music earned the artistry to be performed by full orchestras.
When we think back to those days playing on the Famicom, Super Famicom, and PlayStation, the excitement of the time comes flooding back with the melodies, doesn’t it? The countless adventures we dove into, controller in hand, were brought to life by unforgettable game BGM.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected nostalgic game music born from the Showa era through the mid-2000s.
From works lauded overseas as art to tracks with a devoted cult following, immerse yourself in the full allure of game soundtracks!
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[2026] Many classic tracks appear! A roundup of nostalgic Japanese video game music (51–60)
Final Fantasy X “To Zanarkand” (Piano Collections ver.)Uematsu Nobuo
The bittersweet melody, marked by its beautiful theme, is pleasing to the ear yet leaves a deep afterglow.
Symbolizing the fictional city that serves as the story’s setting, this piece delicately conveys the protagonist’s feelings for their hometown and the struggles of characters swept along by fate.
Included on the album “Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY X,” released in July 2004, it uses the expressive power of the piano to further enhance its narrative quality.
Transcending the bounds of video game music, it has become a popular piece performed in many contexts, continuing to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal.
Even those just beginning the piano can express profound emotion with this piece by carefully practicing its beautiful melodic line.
Rondo of the Royal Palacesugiyama kouichi
This is the piece that you first hear in Dragon Quest III, the one playing in the castle.
It’s a quintessential example of the series’ hallmark: stately, refined orchestral music with a rich, weighty sound.
In short, it’s a very cool composition, which is likely why it enjoys high popularity and recognition.
Embrace the seasonsOfuji Fumi
The ending theme song of the spring entry in the “Yarudora” series, Season of the Sun Embraced.
The game’s title is also the name of the song, and the phrase appears at the beginning of the chorus.
Fitting for a pure romance themed around spring, the track has a fresh, light feel.
The vocals are truly beautiful and leave you with a refreshing sensation.
One and OnlySuzuki Yume
The ending theme song of the cult-classic sound novel game “Machi.” The lyrics and vocals are by Yume Suzuki.
An arranged version of this song also plays on the scenario selection screen, and its melody really sticks with you.
The lyrics are actually excellent, so I hope you’ll pay attention to them along with the music.
Listening to this song after finishing the game feels especially moving.
[2026] Many Classic Hits Appear! A Compilation of Nostalgic Japanese Video Game Music (61–70)
KarmaAho Tsuyoshi
It’s the main theme song of Ever17.
It’s a deeply sorrowful, heartrending piece, and together with the game’s content it’s highly praised as an emotionally rich, well-crafted track.
You hear it many times as you play: it makes poignant scenes even more poignant, sad scenes even sadder, and love-filled scenes even more tender.
I think it’s a superb BGM that highlights and elevates each scene.
Metro-CrossŌnoki Nobuyuki
One of the companies that supported the golden age of arcade video games following Space Invaders was Namco.
Released in 1985, this game—where you dash to the goal within a time limit—features a soundtrack unusually written in a minor key for game BGM.
Sonic the HedgehogNakamura Masato
In response to Mario from the Famicom classic Super Mario Bros., Sega made Sonic the Hedgehog the flagship character of its own games.
This title became one of the defining works for the consumer console Mega Drive.