Square Enix is one of the most legendary video game companies to hail from Japan, being the company behind Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and many other classic JRPGs. Their games are known for being archetypal RPG experiences, and feature music from brilliant composers like Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu.
Recently, Square Enix created a channel on Youtube Music and released several thousand tracks onto it, providing fans free access to loads of music from their classic video games. While it doesn't cover every game released by the company, it does have a lot of tracks from several Final Fantasy games. Here are some tracks that fans of the franchise can listen to right now on the channel.
10 "The Hand That Gives The Rose" (Heavensward OST)
Final Fantasy 14 has become widely known as one of the best MMORPGs on the market, and its incredible soundtrack matches his legacy. "The Hand that Gives the Rose" is one of many tracks that were added as a part of the Heavensward expansion, and it plays during the Ravana boss fight.
The song is a classical waltz, which might not seem like something that would fit a boss battle. However, this track is only a prelude to the fight. It only plays until Ravana uses his ultimate, after which the track changes to "Unbending Steel."
9 "Tifa's Theme - Seventh Heaven" (Final Fantasy 7 Remake OST)
Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been hailed for its incredible soundtrack, including renditions of tracks from the original game. There are numerous tracks that are a pleasure to listen to, but "Tifa's Theme - Seventh Heaven" has a particular beauty to it.
The song starts off with a somber mood, before swelling up with the addition of multiple orchestral instruments. As a song that only plays at a few points in the game, it's a perfect match for one of the most popular characters in the entire Final Fantasy franchise.
8 "Not Alone" (Final Fantasy 9 OST)
Final Fantasy 9 may not be as popular as other Final Fantasy games, but it is still a classic that deserves attention. Its soundtrack is no less amazing than any of the other games' soundtracks, and "Not Alone" is a strong example.
"Not Alone" plays during one of the most impactful moments in the game, and is a power ballad-like tune that slowly builds up around its melody. The emotional strength behind both the song and the scene in which it plays makes it an unforgettable tune.
7 "Ending Theme" (Final Fantasy 10 OST)
Final Fantasy 10 is easily one of the most popular Final Fantasy games, owing to being the first game to have voice acting and three-dimensional areas. Its soundtrack is similarly legendary, with many tracks that fit the game's island setting.
The theme from "To Zanarkand" opens the game, and it is a beautiful melody that is both hopeful and sorrowful. The theme is reprised again in the game's "Ending Theme," which plays in the finale. The triumphant return of the theme that plays in the opening provides a suitable end to this classic entry.
6 "Blinded By Light" (Final Fantasy 13 OST)
Final Fantasy 13 and its associated sequels are not as highly regarded as other Final Fantasy entries, but the games still have great soundtracks. One great example is the track "Blinded by Light", which serves as the first game's main battle theme.
The song is an energetic orchestral track that alternates between slow, moody strings and fast, melodic violin lines. Although Final Fantasy 13 may not be up to snuff compared to the franchise's absolute best, this track definitely made normal combat much more bearable.
5 "The Dreadful Fight" (Final Fantasy 4 OST)
Final Fantasy 4 is a lot older than a lot of the other games featured so far, but it is an absolute classic that represents the best of early Final Fantasy. Its soundtrack is similarly legendary, and includes classic compositions like "The Dreadful Fight," which plays when fighting against the Four Fiends.
The Four Fiends are some of the toughest boss fights in Final Fantasy 4, and "The Dreadful Fight" illustrates this perfectly. Its menacing orchestral arrangement would make even the toughest of men feel tense.
4 "Triumph" (Stormblood OST)
Stormblood is yet another among many expansions and updates for the acclaimed Final Fantasy 14 MMORPG. As with every expansion, Stormblood also came with a set of its own tracks to add to the game's growing collection of music. One such track is "Triumph," a song that plays when facing the final boss one of Stormblood's new dungeons.
"Triumph" is a daunting orchestral composition by Final Fantasy 14 composer Masayoshi Soken. It features soaring string lines and vocal chants, providing an epic feeling that suits such an intimidating boss fight.
3 "Battle Theme B" (Final Fantasy 4 OST)
Of the many incredible tracks in Final Fantasy 4's soundtrack, "Battle Theme B" is one of the absolute best. It's the theme that plays when fighting one of Final Fantasy 4's regular bosses, and it is a winner from start to finish.
"Battle Theme B" starts off similar to the normal battle theme, before switching gears into an ominous string arrangement. Add to this an incredibly energetic bassline that never loses speed, and the result is one of the best battle themes in Final Fantasy history.
2 "Suteki Da Ne" (Final Fantasy 10 OST)
While most of Final Fantasy's soundtracks are instrumental, the composers will occasionally use vocals in their music. One example is "Suteki da ne," a song that plays as the romantic theme for Tidus and Yuna's relationship. The theme has several variations, but the original song is the most well known.
"Suteki da ne" is a pop ballad performed by singer RIKKI, and it is a tender song that is brimming to the top with melodramatic emotion. Fans of Final Fantasy 10 surely remember this piece of music as one of the highlights of the series' soundtracks.
1 "One-Winged Angel - Rebirth" (Final Fantasy 7 Remake OST)
Final Fantasy 7 has a lot of legendary tracks, but "One-Winged Angel" is probably its most famous, used as the main theme in the battle against Safer Sephiroth. "One-Winged Angel" is one of the most easily recognizable tracks, and is frequently brought up in conversations about Final Fantasy music.
Naturally, Final Fantasy 7 Remake brought this track back in the form of "One-Winged Angel - Rebirth," a rendition that matches the original in majesty. Used in the battle against iconic villain Sephiroth, this track is a worthy successor to the classic theme.