Say what you will about the Final Fantasy franchise, but no one would dare deny that every song in the game series slaps. The Final Fantasy franchise is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved RPG series ever. And one of the critical factors that make the games so memorable is the music. It’s often composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu and other talented composers who have contributed to the series over the years. With so many great songs to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one from each game. Still, here are some of the best songs from each mainline Final Fantasy game.
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Best Final Fantasy Songs from Every Game
Final Fantasy I – Prelude Theme
The first Final Fantasy game featured the prelude theme, which has since become an iconic piece of music that sets the tone for the entire series. The prelude theme has been remixed and rearranged in almost every numerical part, making it one of the franchise’s most recognizable and beloved pieces of music.
Final Fantasy II – Central Theme
Final Fantasy II‘s central theme is a melancholic masterpiece that perfectly captures the game’s somber tone. Although the game was never released outside of Japan for the NES, the music was remastered for subsequent releases, including the 2003 collection for PSX and PSP.
Final Fantasy III – Aria, The Maiden of Water
Final Fantasy III‘s Aria, The Maiden of Water, is a beautiful piece of music remastered in the game’s DS remake. The song perfectly captures the game’s water-based theme and is one of the standout tracks from the game’s soundtrack.
Final Fantasy IV – Boss Theme
Final Fantasy IV‘s Boss Theme is an upbeat and catchy piece of music that perfectly sets the tone for boss battles. It’s one of the most fun and energetic Final Fantasy songs that will pump your blood and make you feel like you can take on any challenge.
Final Fantasy V – Battle at the Big Bridge
One of the most famous pieces of music in the entire series is Final Fantasy V‘s Battle at the Big Bridge. The song played during the boss fight with Gilgamesh was so good that it has since become its theme. In later parts, including Final Fantasy XII and XIII-2, Gilgamesh returned as the final boss, including cool remixes of this music.
Final Fantasy VI – Dancing Mad
Final Fantasy VI‘s Dancing Mad is epic and grandiose music during the game’s final boss fight. The song features choirs and organ music and is one of the most impressive pieces of music ever composed for a video game.
Final Fantasy VII – Shinra Corporation
Final Fantasy VII‘s Shinra Corporation is a dark and industrial piece of music that perfectly captures the game’s gritty and dystopian world. This is the kind of Final Fantasy song that is haunting and goosebump-inducing and is one of the standout tracks from the game’s soundtrack.
Final Fantasy VIII – Don’t Be Afraid
Final Fantasy VIII‘s Don’t Be Afraid is a heroic and energetic piece of music that perfectly captures the game’s action-packed battles. The song is one of the most unique battle themes in the entire series. It will get you pumped up and ready to take on any challenge.
Final Fantasy IX – A Place to Call Home
Final Fantasy IX’s A Place to Call Home is a beautiful and emotional piece of music that perfectly captures the game’s whimsical and fun tone. The song plays during the game’s opening sequence and sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Final Fantasy X – Someday the Dream Will End
Final Fantasy X‘s Someday the Dream Will End is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music. It perfectly captures the game’s emotional and bittersweet ending. This is one of the most memorable Final Fantasy songs and will leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
Final Fantasy XI – Despair (Memoro de la Ŝtono)
Final Fantasy XI‘s Despair (Memoro de la Ŝtono) is beautiful and haunting music that plays during the game’s opening CGI sequence. The song is one of the standout tracks from the game’s soundtrack and is a fan favorite during Final Fantasy live concerts.
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Final Fantasy XII – Streets of Rabastre
Final Fantasy XII‘s Streets of Rabastre can quickly sweep the floor here. Just how many hours have you spent in Rabanastre? Speaking to the townfolk, getting to know the different races and characters — heck, you even raced a speedy Cuckatrice around the block. Streets of Rabanastre is chirpy and enthusiastic. It perfectly suits a city that, despite being ravaged by the Empire, still hasn’t lost hope.
Final Fantasy XIII – Blinded by Light
Say what you will about Final Fantasy XIII‘s story and gameplay. Still, you can’t deny that its battle theme, Blinded by Light, is an absolute banger. When those electric guitars kick in, you know you’re in for a wild ride. This song gets your blood pumping, your heart racing, and your fingers itching to hit some buttons. Whether fighting a boss, grinding through a tricky area, or just walking down the street, Blinded by Light is one of the Final Fantasy songs that will make you feel like a badass.
Final Fantasy XIV – Revolutions
If there’s one thing Final Fantasy XIV does better than any other MMORPG, it’s epic boss battles. And if there’s one thing that makes those boss battles even more epic, it’s the music. Revolutions, the theme that plays during the final phase of the Ultima Weapon fight, is a perfect example. It starts out slow and ominous, building tension with each passing moment. But then, at the 1:30 mark, it explodes into a frenzy of drums, guitars, and horns. It’s an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride from start to finish.
Final Fantasy XV – Stand by Me
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Stand by Me?” Really? But hear me out. Yes, Apocalypsis Noctis is a fantastic piece of music, full of bombast and grandeur. But it’s also what you’d expect from a Final Fantasy soundtrack. Stand by Me, on the other hand, is a complete departure from the norm. It’s a cover of the classic Ben E. King song, reimagined with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement by Yoko Shimomura. And it works. Oh, how it works.