Ed Bellis ranked his Top 100 Video Games Songs with brief writeups in April-May 2009. Apparently he did one in 2007 or 2008 but I don't see a list wiki'd here!
Ed made a playlist of the whole top 100 in countdown form, which can be found here: http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/playlist/DvFJjlqN/my-top-100-video-game-songs-music-playlist/
Preface[]
With (bad) writeups, of course, but you all know this by now.
Revised from... 2007, I think? 2008? Whatever, it's been a while, at any rate.
get ready for AWESOME
The Ranking![]
100. Besaid Island
Game: Final Fantasy X
Composer: Masashi Hamauzu
http://www.imeem.com/anime-home/music/5SKzTw70/nobuo-uematsu-besaid-island/
Soothing and ethereal, almost New Age-y, this is my favorite song from Final Fantasy X. There’s a great piano part with strings through the song, and it definitely gives off the vibe of moving through a deep stream.
99. Scene 7
Game: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Arcade Game
Composer: Konami Sound Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/iTjVQvhy/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2-scene-7/
A pretty intense chiptune, this song plays on the final stage of the game. It’s short but insanely memorable, and it really captures the desperation and intensity of the game’s climax.
98. War Preparation
Game: Muv-Luv Alternative
Composer: Hiriji Anze
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/pASfHxw8/hijiri-anze-war-preparation/
This song reminds me of a march, something to be played before a great battle or a grand entrance. It’s intense and fits the title perfectly.
97. Nightless City Guara Bobelo
Game: Wild Arms the 4th Detonator
Composer: Masato Kouda
http://www.imeem.com/people/H3mHcJh/music/FxqFp4_r/masato-kouda-nightless-city-guara-bobelo/
It’s difficult to describe this piece – it’s totally unique, a soundscape that’s jazzy and foreign at the same time. The build towards the middle always really captivates me.
96. Theme from Battery
Game: Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Composer: Amon Tobin
http://www.imeem.com/theonlybigboss/music/r4MGpcpz/amon-tobin-theme-from-battery/
Tobin’s a breakbeat artist who brings a sense of discord to his video game work, and Theme from Battery paints a stark picture – it’s kind of like Guara Bobelo, yet where that song is kinda hopeful, Battery is very cold and hostile.
95. Force Your Way
Game: Final Fantasy VIII
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
http://www.imeem.com/fullmetal2691/music/ez7IH-on/final-fantasy-8-disc-1-force-your-way/
A song I first heard during Harmonica’s boss battle contest, Force Your Way takes weird sound samples and actually makes them work, creating a sometimes discordant, sometimes jarring sensation. (I didn’t want to use the word “intense” again!)
94. Theme of Wolverine
Game: Marvel vs. Capcom
Composers: Yuko Takehara, Masato Kouda
http://www.imeem.com/people/tbCRs-/music/jGhRxkua/yuko-takehara-masato-kouda-theme-of-wolverine/
I really think this could be some sort of boss or Touhou-esque theme. It’s enough to get me pumped any time I listen to it.
93. La Mer
Game: Suikoden IV
Composer: coba
http://www.imeem.com/people/wsc_HU/music/9pTreiuM/coba-la-mer/
A Celtic, jazzy song, La Mer is soothing and kinda inspirational at the same time, like it’s setting you up for some sort of grand adventure.
92. Star Shape
Game: Shadow Hearts
Composers: Yoshitaka Hirota, Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/people/UR3yrK/music/NA1LKbq7/yoshitaka-hirota-yasunori-mitsuda-star-shape/
Foreboding and mysterious, Star Shape feels like going through an uncertain time or path. I’d imagine it fits perfectly in the game.
91. Zero-Two
Game: Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Composers: Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando
http://www.imeem.com/people/1T_AJB/music/K5xaf00G/jun-ishikawa-0-zero-two/
A crazy-ass, scary crap-your-pants discordant song. Who would have thought this could have come from a Kirby game?
90. Sky Chase Zone
Game: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Composer: Sonic Team
http://www.imeem.com/groups/r0YhZVZz/music/85dvDcXe/sonic-team-sky-chase-zone/
From Zero-Two to this – who says my taste isn’t diverse? =P Impeccably soothing, Sky Chase feels like you’re floating through the clouds and coming home.
89. Rave On
Game: killer7
Composer: Masafumi Takada
http://www.imeem.com/people/3m2WPj/music/20U-LY08/masafumi-takada-rave-on/
When I first heard this I thought it was a generic techno song. Now I think it’s awesome – pulsing, with enough subtle variations on the main theme to not get bored.
88. Opening Stage
Game: Mega Man X
Composers: Setuo Yamamoto, Makoto Tomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara, Toshihiko Horiyama
An SNES guitar-riff-fest, this song, like every other piece from its soundtrack, manages to have an awesome melody while still kicking major ass. I’d say it would make a great metal piece, but it’s already kinda there, y’know?
87. Battle with Dialga
Game: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness/Time
Composers: Arata Iiyoshi, Atsuhiro Ishizuna
This impressive battle theme is somewhat slow-paced for a boss fight, but it definitely drives home the point that there’s something otherworldly and mysterious going on.
86. Odin Sphere’s Theme (Shanachie Version)
Game: Odin Sphere
Composer: Shanachie
http://www.imeem.com/yomiko01chikane/music/BnLz11bI/odin-sphere-odin-sphere/
Soft, haunting, a rare example in video game music of vocals actually working as an instrument as opposed to being the main focus.
85. Far into the Sky
Game: Brave Fencer Musashi
Composer: Tsuyoshi Sekito
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/u1CYjuL1/tsuyoshi-sekito-far-into-the-sky/
The last song on the Brave Fencer Musashi soundtrack, Far into the Sky is a stirring ending theme that perfectly fits its title – you’ve won the day and achieved victory, now how about some celebration and reminiscing of times gone by?
84. The Big Game
Game: Bully
Composer: Shawn Lee
http://www.imeem.com/emo5001/music/2L_mfWMd/shawn-lee-the-big-game/
Another song that fits the title – The Big Game is a great song to get pumped up to, full of energy and anticipation. The percussion here is fantastic.
83. Warrior’s Whistle
Game: Wild Arms
Composer: Michiko Naruke
http://www.imeem.com/raven01/music/FqfFWOkB/michiko-naruke-whistle-of-the-warrior-boomerangs-theme/
A subtle piece with overtures of malice, this song uses whistling to great effect to build a suspenseful atmosphere.
82. Windy Day
Game: Metal Slug 5
Composer: Toshikazu Tanaka
http://www.imeem.com/people/hi__48Y/music/ELk9Xdgj/toshikazu-tanaka-windy-day/
Windy Day has always sounded like something out of a Western to me – it’s got that old-school “showdown” feel with some newfangled modern touches, like the guitars.
81. The Original
Game: Guilty Gear X
Composer: Daisuke Ishiwatari
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/9br2Qnvu/daisuke-ishiwatari-the-original-ggx-naomi/
Something of a departure from the usual hard rock fare of Guilty Gear songs, The Original is kinda jazzy, with a pretty kickin’ melody all through the song. Unlike most GG pieces, this one actually stays consistently good throughout its entirety.
80. Din Don Dan Dan Fo
Game: Ragnarok Online II
Composer: Yoko Kanno
http://www.imeem.com/metalpanda/music/h7MLlv5_/yoko-kanno-din-don-dan-dan/
A Celtic-esque song, Din Dan Do Fo Fee Fie Fo Fum is energetic and lively with a little bit of melancholy thrown in for good measure.
79. Astaroth ~ Battle with the Fallen Angel
Game: Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
For a boss battle tune, Astaroth is very mellow, but it’s incredibly soothing and haunting at the same time.
78. Melody of Aqua
Game: The Seventh Seal
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/6daaS-Ag/yasunori-mitsuda-melody-of-aqua/
A beautiful piece, Melody of Aqua serves as a reminder that Yasunori Mitsuda is probably the best video game composer ever. Like a lot of “water” pieces, this one feels like moving through a deep stream.
77. Silent Hill
Game: Silent Hill
Composer: Akira Yamaoka
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/Wri2w1nF/akira-yamaoka-silent-hill/
Creepy yet still melodic, the main Silent Hill theme is a modern classic.
76. World Revolution
Game: Chrono Trigger
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/tih-mica/music/wGOE1Ds9/chrono-trigger-world-revolution/
Another Mitsuda piece !! (get used to it imho) This song ranks among the most intense boss themes I’ve ever heard; it’s got this pulsating drive to it that keeps it crazy all throughout.
75. Bloody Tears
Game: Super Castlevania IV
Composers: Masanori Adachi, Sotaro Tojima
http://www.imeem.com/people/_dUwtU/music/5hoHY_ns/kukeiha-club-bloody-tears/
One of the most iconic video game songs of all time, Bloody Tears has a stellar melody and this version in particular has outstanding production.
74. Beyond the Earth
Game: Beatmania IIDX 12 HAPPY SKY
Composer: 猫叉Master
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/LTsMqstL/lmaster-beyond-the-earth/
A fun, happy song that manages to combine a bunch of different and weird elements together to make a cohesive whole. Like Guara Bobelo, this definitely needs to be heard to be understood.
73. Communication Breakdown
Game: Xenosaga Episode II – Jenseits von Gut und Bose
Composer: Yuki Kaijura
http://www.imeem.com/yoruichishihouin/music/0lFlaZrz/yuki-kajiura-communication-breakdown/
SAUNA EEMA LLAMA
A wonderfully crazy boss (I think) theme, Communication Breakdown has wacky chanting and an excellent buildup.
72. The Moon-Dwelling Demon
Game: Ar tonelico II ~Sekai ni Hibiku Shoujotachi no Metafalica~
Composers: Ken Nakagawa, Daisuke Achiwa, Akira Tsuchiya
I first heard this in VGMusic Contest 2, and it deservedly got to the Sweet 16. A suitably funky and compelling piece, Moon-Dwelling Demon has a blend of sounds that give it a unique feel all its own.
71. Flight of the Bamboo Cutter ~ Lunatic Princess
Game: Imperishable Night
Composer: ZUN
http://www.imeem.com/people/sPN32/music/WKZsHXIX/zun-lunatic-princess-touhou-imperishable-night/
My favorite Touhou song, this one takes the best elements of the Touhou style (lots of stuff going on) and none of the worst (lots of overwhelming stuff going on) and actually makes something with a great melody to boot.
70. Bloody Tears
Game: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Composer: Akihiro Honda?
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/7yyX22px/castlevania-rondo-of-blood-psp-bloody-tearsmp3/
Another Bloody Tears version?!? I couldn’t exclude one, so I left in both. This is the best version of the iconic song, with immaculate presentation that really brings out the strengths of the melody.
69. Time of the Dreamwatch
Game: Chrono Cross
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/marctv/music/GWBf1zCa/yasunori-mitsuda-chrono-cross-the-dream-that-time-dreams/
A gorgeous piece from a gorgeous soundtrack, Dreamwatch subtly incorporates motifs from both Cross and Trigger, combining them into a cohesive whole.
68. Compression of Time
Game: Final Fantasy VIII
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
http://www.imeem.com/groups/w54FKgsb/music/7-TygD_Q/nobuo-uematsu-compression-of-time/
I saw this song get a lot of hate for its simplicity in the VGMusic Contest, and I disagree (obviously) – the fact that it’s the same notes repeated over and over with slight variations in the background only adds to the sense of hopelessness the song conveys.
67. Onward to Grasstown
Game: Cave Story
Composer: Pixel
http://www.imeem.com/people/RN-BO3V/music/LkdJzftY/pixel-on-to-grasstown/
A happy little chiptune, Onward to Grasstown is exuberant and full of life, conveying a sense of moving forward on a great journey.
66. Lava Reef Zone
Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Composer: Sonic Team
http://www.imeem.com/kirbyneko/music/Hmdmfvlb/lava-reef-zone-act-1/
I’ve always loved this song. It’s got a great melody and is full of mixed emotions, trepidation and excitement being the prominent two that I feel.
65. Taking over the Halberd
Game: Kirby Super Star
Composer: Jun Ishikawa, Dan Miyakawa
http://www.imeem.com/people/tWaT-za/music/a9KH0zC4/jun-ishikawa-dan-miyakawa-take-down-the-halberd/
A really tense battle-esque theme that sounds like it’s ripped right out of an RPG. They rearranged this for Brawl, but I’ll take the original any day of the week.
64. Jenova Absolute
Game: Final Fantasy VII
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
http://www.imeem.com/xthefallensoldierx/music/maCSxtnM/nobou-uematsu-jenova-absolute/
An excellent song with a “duel” motif, Jenova Absolute really feels like an intense showdown, with the clock ticking menacingly in the background.
63. Sayonara Heaven
Game: Beatmania IIDX 14 Gold
Composer: Nekomata Master
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/wyDn-gMS/master/
I don’t know what that instrument is – is it bagpipes? – but whatever it is, it’s solidified awesome. What would in lesser hands be shrill and irritating becomes a thing of beauty here. No wonder they call him “Master”!
62. UNLIMITED: SaGa Overture
Game: UNLIMITED: SaGa
Composer: Masashi Hamauzu
http://www.imeem.com/metalpanda/music/-s2c3ns-/masashi-hamauzu-unlimited-saga-overture/
UNLIMITED !! A stirring opening to what will surely be an epic journey, Overture paints an awesome picture of great things to come.
61. My Home, Sweet Home
Game: Final Fantasy V
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
http://www.imeem.com/people/yR526Ew/music/4S2Uqr6P/unknown-artist-track-7/
An emotional, sweet song, My Home Sweet Home perfectly embodies the title and captures a wistful sensation that few video game songs can hope to emulate.
60. Dark World
Game: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Composer: Koji Kondo
http://www.imeem.com/zelda-master/music/c2pcNTc4/koji-kondo-dark-world/
A deserving classic, Dark World truly makes you feel like you’re in a foreign place, where everything is out to get you. The melody is probably better than even the main Zelda theme, and that’s saying a lot.
59. Death from Above
Game: Jets’n’Guns
Composer: Machinae Supremacy
I found the Jets’n’Guns soundtrack sometime last year, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since. Machinae Supremacy takes C64-esque sounds and gives them a rock edge, and this particular song uses high-pitched samples to great effect, creating an in-your-face sound.
58. Kingdom of Ixa’taki/Ixa’taka
Game: Skies of Arcadia
Composers: Yutaka Minobe, Takayuki Maeda
http://www.imeem.com/people/NtMv3R6/music/XBXCGg7u/yutaka-minobe-takayuki-maeda-kingdom-of-ixataka/
A tribal song tat sounds like it should be played around a campfire, Kingdom of Ixa’takitakarikkitikkitempo owes a lot to the background percussion and the samples.
57. Bubbleman Stage
Game: Mega Man 2
Composer: Capcom Sound Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/nV5YYP/music/-hWsFN7g/capcom-sound-team-bubbleman-stage/
An 8-bit classix and one of the best songs among a stellar soundtrack. Bubbleman’s theme has an absolutely fabulous melody and some great 8-bit dream beats.
56. Sunset Heroes
Game: God Hand
Composer: Masafumi Takada
http://www.imeem.com/people/NODkJcQ/music/oVaYpwaF/track15/
Sunset Heroes is so full of energy I think it might explode. The overall production and the melody both come together seamlessly, and the song’s a great ass-kicker.
55. Title
Game: R-Type (Commodore 64)
Composer: Chris Hulsbeck
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/9aJc_rgy/chris-hlsbeck-r-type/
A funky chiptune from one of the most overlooked systems for video game music, this gem has a great melody with enough variations to keep you interested all throughout.
54. Hydrocity Zone Act 2
Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Composer: Sonic Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/xhRjFV/music/xXM2YtLc/sega-sound-team-hydrocity-zone-act-2/
My favorite Sonic song. Hydrocity Zone Act 2 takes the Act 1 riff and spices it up considerably, turning into something approaching epic.
53. Go Straight
Game: Streets of Rage 2
Composer: Yuzo Koshiro
http://www.imeem.com/zombie88/music/sG4YzD09/yzo-koshiro-go-straight/
The Streets of Rage soundtracks are full of amazing beats and flows, and Go Straight is the pinnacle of the series’ music.
52. The Sun Rises
Game: Okami
Composer: Rei Kondoh
http://www.imeem.com/girwaffle/music/sYqmHn7W/rei-kondo-rising-sun/
This song is immaculate. Multi-layered, compelling, and even touching, its only flaw is that it goes on too long. It’s only this low because, like Windy Day (to answer a previous question), I’m a little sick of it.
51. Rockface Rumble
Game: Donkey Kong Country 3 Advance
Composer: Dave Wise
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/GbhGjQ-U/david-wise-rockface-rumble-cliffside-bgm/
For those dissatisfied with DKC3’s music, look no further than the GBA port, which has an all-new soundtrack composed by the man himself, Dave Wise. This song has a kickin’ melody and is rather “funkay” to boot.
50. The Battle for Everyone’s Souls
Game: Persona 3
Composer: Shoji Meguro
http://www.imeem.com/people/-Mm4B8/music/nrXjoQxZ/shoji-meguro-the-battle-for-everyones-souls/
This starts off slow-paced (I like the term “deliberate” myself) and then, while keeping the same beat, transforms into this foreboding, kickass piece.
49. Vendetta Preps
Game: Bully
Composer: Shawn Lee
http://www.imeem.com/jukeboxmusic8/music/Ug95NQqS/shawn-lee-vendetta-preps/
A finely polished song that seems to be an homage of sorts to “Billie Jean” (homage being the polite term), Vendetta Preps has production values up the wazoo, from the funky guitar riff towards the middle to the crowning notes played in the song’s chorus.
48. Storm Eagle
Game: Mega Man X
Composers: Setsuo Yamamoto, Makoto Tomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara, Toshihiko Horiyama
http://www.imeem.com/benedickcartera/music/UDtvgafC/megaman-x1-storm-eagle-stage/
Who wants more SNES HARDCORE aww yeah. Storm Eagle’s theme is a classic, one that’s been remade countless times for guitar, and I can’t blame fans for doing so.
47. Electric Power Building
Game: Breath of Fire V: Dragon Quarter
Composer: Hitoshi Sakimoto
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/zGN2GODl/hitoshi-sakimoto-electricity-suppliant-building/
This game and Opoona are like the only Sakimoto works I enjoy, and the dude more than makes up for it with this song, a beautifully crafted piece that reminds me of a darker, edgier version of Guara Bobelo.
46. Megalith -Agnus Dei-
Game: Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
Composer: Keiki Kobayashi
http://www.imeem.com/people/JYbXK2/music/_TLnAIL3/keiki-kobayashi-megalith-agnus-dei/
Nobody does OMG EPIC like Ace Combat does, and Megalith is a sprawling, seven-minute-plus magnum opus replete with Latin singing, over-the-top instrumentals, and discordant parts at all the right places.
45. Final Destination
Game: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Composer: unknown
Another ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN piece, Final Destination would be much higher if it stuck with the motif at the beginning instead of segueing into random guitar wailing. But it’s a testament to how powerful that beginning is that the song is here at all!
44. Daddy Mulk
Game: The Ninja Warriors
Composer: Nobuyuki Ohnogi
What a weird song. A synth-y melody with lots of variations and riffs make this awesome, quirky piece what it is.
43. God’s Footprints
Game: Ar tonelico II ~Sekai ni Hibiku Shoujotachi no Metafalica~
Composers: Ken Nakagawa, Daisuke Achiwa, Akira Tsuchiya
A gorgeous, uplifting song from the game that brought us Moon-Dwelling Demon and the Second Tower.
42. EXEC_LINCA./
Game: Ar tonelico Hymmnos concert Side Crimson -Playing the Moon ~Tsukikanade~-
Composer: Haruka Shimotsuki
http://www.imeem.com/people/PzUfTH/music/_ZlFh__O/ar-tonelico-hyms-execlinker/
More Ar tonelico !! This piece takes weird foreign-language singing and blends it with a creepy piano part and excellent instrumentation to create a foreboding piece that never fails to sound epic.
41. Blue Water, Blue Sky
Game: Guilty Gear X
Composer: Daisuke Ishiwatari
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/AdGFPZOu/daisuke-ishiwatari-blue-water-blue-sky-ggx-dc/
A great guitar-based song that, unlike a lot of other GGX pieces, actually remains consistently awesome all throughout the piece.
40. Shin Onigashima
Game: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Composer: Masafumi Takada
http://www.imeem.com/people/y2bZj6/music/UaJlDKRC/shin-onigashima/
An absolutely balls-to-the-wall guitar song, Shin Onigashima redefines “epic” for the Brawl soundtrack. Takada takes a very simple, slow piece and totally turns it into something new.
39. Schala’s Theme
Game: Chrono Trigger
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/tih-mica/music/bZLklpPK/chrono-trigger-schalas-theme/
This song might be among the most heartbreaking in all of gaming. It’s just such a sad, plaintive melody, as if the titular character was crying out for help all throughout.
38. Rhythm of Red
Game: The Seventh Seal
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/saintofsins/music/gcXhcx6c/yasunori-mitsuda-rhythm-of-red/
Mitsuda can really do no wrong, can he? Here’s another classic that most people became familiar with from VGMusic Contest 2, where it deservedly made it to the Sweet 16 (at the least). There’s a Latin vibe to it that blends seamlessly with the orchestral portions.
37. Everlasting Love
Game: We <3 Katamari
Composer: Alisa
http://www.imeem.com/lilfilipina/music/cjUZjKub/arisa-everlasting-love/
This is quite possibly the happiest song I’ve ever heard. It has the potential to make grown men dance, to cure various diseases, and to bring the countries of the world together. That is Everlasting Love.
I LOVE YOU SOMETHING SOMETHING SOMETHING
36. Zero
Game: Ace Combat Zero
Composer: Keiki Kobayashi
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/F7C6RsEp/keiki-kobayashi-zero/
Woo random note at the beginning. A Latin-themed epic, Zero is very unique in that it’s more understated – at least in parts – than your average Ace Combat epic, and has a flavor all its own.
35. The Moon
Game: Ducktales
Composer: Capcom, Disney
http://www.imeem.com/prower/music/Zpc4NPMO/ducktales-the-moon/
One of the best chiptunes ever produced, this iconic ditty is full of life, hope, and buoyancy.
34. River of Souls
Game: Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
Composer: Darren Mitchell
http://www.imeem.com/johnsk/music/it9hiH4w/acclaim-entertaiment-river-of-souls/
Like every other song from the Turok 2 soundtrack, this piece is filled with unease and tension, using a varied melody to accentuate the point. The funny thing is that River of Souls is actually one of the more hopeful songs on the soundtrack! HO HO HO
33. The Final Showdown…?
Game: Donkey Kong ‘94
Composer: Taisuke Araki
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/HbgjkPa9/taisuke-araki-the-final-showdown/
Who wants some SCREECHING GAME BOY GUITAR RIFFS aww yeah. Why nobody has remade this song with real guitars baffles me.
32. Boomer Kuwanger
Game: Mega Man X
Composers: Setsuo Yamamoto, Makoto Tomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara, Toshihiko Horiyama
Filled to the brim with electronic synth-y goodness, Boomer KuWANGer’s theme takes that damn background beeping and never lets go, always remaining compelling.
31. Mining Melancholy
Game: Donkey Kong Country 2
Composer: Dave Wise
http://www.imeem.com/people/5uIqWn/music/0M0dhUGT/donkey-kong-country-2-mining-melancholy/
Like the rest of the DKC2 soundtrack, Mining Melancholy uses moody sounds (in this case, clanking and clattering) to create an immersive atmosphere. In MM’s case, the song also becomes something beautiful when the “chorus” kicks in.
30. KIMERA II
Game: G-Darius
Composer: Hisayoshi Ogura
http://www.imeem.com/people/j-qwIo/music/FfawSlMD/hisayoshi-ogura-kimera-ii/
Speaking of atmosphere… this is by ZUNTATA, the same dudes that brought you Daddy Mulk and all its quirkiness. Ogura turns that song on its head and makes this one moody and foreboding, using a variety of samples to create an otherworldly, unsettling atmosphere that has to be heard to be described.
29. In-Game Music
Game: Monty on the Run
Composer: Rob Hubbard
http://www.imeem.com/ksurent/music/mTavSlaZ/rob-hubbard-monty-on-the-run/
An absolutely amazing song, and quite possibly the best C64 track ever, this song just goes everywhere and never gives up any steam. It’s frantic, it’s fun, it’s Monty on the Run !!
28. Tearing up Spacetime
Game: Acid Tetris
Composer: Acid Tetris Music Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/qo4RTEk2/acid-tetris-music-team-tearing-up-spacetime/
Tearing up Spacetime is one of those wonderful songs that manages to be a bunch of things at once: happy, wistful, exuberant. It paints a great picture through its colorful sounds.
27. Chargeman Stage
Game: Mega Man 5
Composer: Capcom Sound Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/GAG8OSxb/capcom-sound-team-chargeman-stage/
The most underrated Classic Mega Man theme ever, Charge Man’s stage is peppier than Bubble Man and almost as memorable as the Mega Man 3 title (heresy, I know).
26. Battle Demon
Game: Wild Arms
Composer: Michiko Naruke
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/2ngLsVVB/michiko-naruke-battle-demon/
Otherwise known as “Boomerang Flash Battle,” Battle Demon takes an Old West-style motif and runs with it; it’s intense without being over-the-top.
25. Momentum
Game: Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu
Composer: Sinkon Kiyoshi
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/D9TbJTMD/sinkon-kiyoshi-momentum/
A virtually unknown chiptune that I somehow managed to get into VGMusic Contest 2, Momentum has a killer hook and a fairly simplistic melody, though it uses both to great effect.
24. Me and My Little War
Game: Elebits
Composer: Nekomata Master, apparently
Somebody once described this as a happy version of JENOVA, and I kinda agree, since the piano part is virtually identical. Me and My Little War is a cute, expressive song.
23. The Price of Freedom
Game: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Composer: Takeharu Ishimoto
http://www.imeem.com/radiojemeela/music/juMUiBeF/takeharu-ishimoto-the-price-of-freedom/
A very simple but effective song, this one basically takes the same guitar riff and plays with it subtly throughout, conveying an excellent sense of sadness.
22. Zoo
Game: Sleepwalker
Composer: Barry Leitch
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/Uc3ifmW9/barry-leitch-zoo/
A funky, bass-driven song that likes to play with the main theme all throughout.
21. Puzzle
Game: Wild Arms: Alter Code F
Composer: Michiko Naruke
http://www.imeem.com/people/0Xll2LL/music/kttFQVng/michiko-naruke-puzzle/
Puzzle is like good candy: cheery and sugary-sweet. The melody is practically perfect, and the presentation just makes you want to come back and listen over and over again.
20. Time Circuits
Game: Chrono Trigger
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/wiseoldunicorn/music/779FY2uY/nobuo-uematsu-time-circuits-enhasa/
The best song in one of the best soundtracks of all time, Time Circuits sounds impossibly well-produced for a “mere” SNES track.
19. Into the Wilderness
Game: Wild Arms
Composer: Michiko Naruke
http://www.imeem.com/silversurfer2323/music/a7uiILjp/wild-arms-wild-arms-theme/
An exquisite song, haunting, beautiful, and uplifting, Into the Wilderness is probably the best damn use of whistling I’ve ever heard in a song.
18. Shop Music
Game: Jets’n’Guns
Composer: Machinae Supremacy
http://www.imeem.com/people/EjBv1ie/music/qRmHNCW0/machinae-supremacy-shop-music/
Shop Music paints a strange, catchy picture using tons of samples and action. Machinae Supremacy do an excellent job here, blending guitars with synth-y things to create a unique, cohesive piece.
17. Wild Wind
Game: Napple Tale: Arsia in Daydream
Composer: Yoko Kanno
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/JFFOgK9K/yoko-kanno-wild-wind/
Wild Wind is, like most Yoko Kanno songs, beautiful. It basically sounds like spring.
16. Main Theme 1
Game: Albert Odyssey Gaiden
Composer: Naoki Kodaka
http://www.imeem.com/maxdelirium/music/kawHSnod/naoki-kodaka-main-theme-1/
Main Theme 1 is the standout track of this overlooked soundtrack. The Eastern sounds make for a gorgeous experience.
15. Diving
Game: Waterworld
Composer: Dean Evans
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/PSsp2Pjz/dean-evans-diving/
Another song from a hideously obscure game, Diving is kinda ambient, kinda melodic, and definitely worth your time to listen all the way through.
14. Dream of the Shore Bordering Another World
Game: Chrono Cross
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
As I said last time I did this list, I grew to appreciate this song during the first VGMusic Contest; it’s got a surprising amount of depth to it.
13. Title
Game: Solstice
Composer: Tim Follin
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/CJt9SksP/tim-follin-title/
The best non-Mega Man NES song ever composed, the Solstice Title theme really expands upon the NES’s sound capabilities and creates walls of sound that even those who don’t like chiptunes would be hard-pressed to dislike.
12. You’re Not Alone!
Game: Final Fantasy IX
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
http://www.imeem.com/heidychang/music/SzmsgdD4/final-fantasy-9-youre-not-alone/
Stirring and emotional (even without knowledge of the scene it plays in), You’re Not Alone is my favorite Final Fantasy song. The theme is simple, but the overall presentation just really hits it home.
11. Title
Game: Mega Man 3
Composer: Capcom Sound Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/dvT9_yMW/capcom-sound-team-title/
Starts off slow and contemplative, then just explodes with high energy.
10. Dark Cloud Main Theme
Game: Dark Cloud
Composer: Tomohito Nishiura
http://www.imeem.com/radiojemeela/music/jZo3ogy9/tomohito-nishiura-dark-cloud-main-theme/
A wonderful “intro” piece that perfectly sets the tone of adventure, the Dark Cloud Main Theme has long been a personal favorite of mine. It’s like a slower La Mer, full of energy despite its tempo.
9. To the West
Game: Aka
Composer: Feel / I’ve (whatever the hell that means)
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/fizzm513/feel-ive-to-the-west/
Good call, Mr. Trout! I adore To the West. An utterly gorgeous song, completely soothing and mesmerizing. I listened to it repeatedly when I got out of the hospital to soothe my nerves, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
8. “Reset” ~ “Thank You” Version
Game: Okami
Composer: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
http://www.imeem.com/puertocuban/music/BKswGcsI/hiroshi-yamaguchi-reset-thank-you-version/
Forget The Sun Rises - this is the best song in Okami. A sprawling, Eastern epic that starts off slow and methodically builds to one of the most satisfying climaxes in video game music.
7. Riches in Me
Game: Guilty Gear Isuka
Composer: Yoshihiro Kusano, Tetsuya Ohuchi
http://www.imeem.com/kenjishinoda/music/sPnjWX2J/yoshihiro-kusano-tetsuya-ohuchi-riches-in-me/
The greatest intro in all of video game music, Riches in Me might very well be my number one song if it stuck with that motif all throughout. But the rest of the song’s no slouch either, as it transcends the “wailing guitar” stereotype and becomes something pretty deep.
6. Dr. Wily Stage 1
Game: Mega Man 2
Composer: Capcom Sound Team
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/1CPlwjJO/capcom-sound-team-dr-wily-stage-1/
The best chiptune ever composed and one of the most defining video game music tracks of all time, this song essentially blows away any ‘argument’ people have for saying that vgmusic sucked back in the day. It’s essentially perfect.
5. Baba Yetu
Game: Civilization IV
Composer: Christopher Tin
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/O3Lc_1DT/christopher-tin-baba-yetu/
This song is immaculate and I thought it was from some ‘real music’ recording when I first heard it. It’s beautiful and incredibly evocative.
4. Sky Tower
Game: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue & Red Rescue Team
Composers: A. Iyoshi, A. Ituzuka
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/ZjDklCsf/a-iyoshi-a-ituzuka-sky-tower-15th-dungeon/
Sky Tower is a masterpiece of melody. It’s so exuberant, happy, and full of life that it’s impossible not to like… at least, if you’re sane. The breakdown and then subsequent reemerging of the melody is one of my favorite moments in video game music.
3. Hive of the Mantids
Game: Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
Composer: Darren Mitchell
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj3vcTq/music/4UKHhzOv/turok-2-seeds-of-evil-hive-of-the-mantids/
The most atmospheric, intense, climactic piece of video game music ever written. The whole thing is eleven minutes worth of amazing buildup, and the payoff is incredibly worth it.
2. Stickerbush Symphony
Game: Donkey Kong Country 2
Composer: Dave Wise
http://www.imeem.com/people/HMsvnz/music/wQxnQzgW/nintendo-rare-ltd-stickerbush-symphony/
The top two are kind of in a class all of their own. Stickerbush is essentially a perfect song, and is the epitome of soothing, pseudo-ambient video game music. The slow buildup to the drum beat, the overall package… for me, nothing beats this.
…except for one song.
1. Scars of Time
Game: Chrono Cross
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
http://www.imeem.com/people/Cj_I3h/music/knIlPN8i/chrono-cross-scars-of-time/
From the haunting opening notes to the stirring, sudden change to a frenzied pace, this is the epitome of what video game music can hope to accomplish. The deserving winner of the first VGMusic Contest, its only (minor) flaw is a sudden end, but even that kinda works, as it just leaves you wanting more. That’s Scars of Time, my favorite video game song.