Mini-Reviews From a Layperson

Turn on the console, throw a game in there, press START to begin. It could be an old favorite, or one you aren’t familiar with at all. You could be playing along or with co-op. But, that is how a game is typically started.

But it’s the best games that suck you in and keep you there. It takes many factors, and there’s almost always one that is overlooked: what you’re hearing.
The music helps. The music shouldn’t just add atmosphere, but enhance it. But it should be able to stand on its own.

I believe these picks are only some of the best that are out there, but I highly recommended them. So without further ado, and in no particular order…

• Chrono Cross [MP3] [FLAC]

  This was the first soundtrack that came to mind when I was asked for this article. Could you really blame me? It is everything a soundtrack should be! From first track to last, it really feels like you are going through a journey.

• Persona 4 [MP3] [FLAC]

  This has the leg up on Persona 3 because these tracks felt like it had more thought put into them, and less “oh, just loop this sound” (not always a bad thing- No More Heroes by Takada does melody repetition right, too). Shoji Meguro is best known for his use of hip-hop elements, but there’s also variety here: rocking boss battles, soft melodic pieces and even electronica in velvet room.

• Mother 3

  I still do not have the words to adequately describe WHY I love this OST so much. Because it’s expansive? Thorough? Heartwarming?



• Final Fantasy X [MP3] [FLAC]

  It was difficult to narrow it down to just ONE Final Fantasy, since each soundtrack is brilliant in it’s own right. Now, this is the entry that will cause fights. But this is my reasoning: take note that not only Uematsu worked on this soundtrack, but Hamauzu and Nakano as well! They bought in some of their best composers to create an engrossing backdrop for this game.

• Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog

  These are the perfect examples of the music and the “scenery” of the game that are deeply entwined. The music IS the stage. The stage IS the music. It’s difficult to imagine one without the other- and that is a good thing. And hey, if you’ve never played either game before, by themselves they are pretty damn catchy.

• Tekken Tag Tournament

  Why yes, I do belong in the Tekken camp. These are great songs to kick butt to (or have your butt kicked to…). Never boring, almost always upbeat.

• Trace Memory

  It gives you a relaxing atmosphere, and when needed, a little tense. Great music to solve puzzles and mysteries to!

• Lucy in the Sky with Dynamites

  It is as bizarre as the game itself: if you’re not familiar with it, you bump into things and teleport to surreal and sometimes frightening landscapes.

I realize that the majority of these are soundtracks to RPGs. Furthermore, since I am most familiar with Squaresoft titles… I tried not to be biased. How did I do, dear reader? I’m sure I am missing out on several great soundtracks, and most are more soundtrack fanatic than I am. What are some of your favorites? Feel free to leave a comment!

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