Game Soundtracks For Your Soul: Level One

Have you ever heard a piece of video game music that triggered something inside you? An emotional reaction? A cherished memory? I have. In this week’s mini-feature I discuss two pieces of music that when played by a symphony orchestra had an big impact on me. The music of Chrono Cross, and Fantasy Zone.

First, a preface:

The moments I am taking about here are akin to the scene in Ratatouille when the restaurant reviewer, Anton Ego takes of bite of the dish and is instantly transported back to his childhood. I have had experiences like this with food and more importantly,  sonically with video game music.

And with that:

One particular piece, that is no longer available for purchase was recorded for a 2007 album titled “Passion” by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra. It has been graciously uploaded to Youtube by user tomenaki. It’s the first time I ever heard a symphonic presentation of Yasunori Mitsuda’s Dream of the Shore~Bordering Another World. The original piece from the Chrono Cross soundtrack is one of my all time favourite compositions by Mitsuda.  Listening to this version brought me back to playing the game on my treasured Playstation 1, and imagery of sailing across a vast world map. Two words: man tears. This album also contains a beautiful rendition of “Radical Dreamers” with solo violin and acoustic guitar without vocals.

The second piece, is the final track on the Press Start the 5th Anniversary album ” Fantasy Zone”. The clip was uploaded by user twdziki. I never in a million years imagined that the music of Fantasy Zone could ever sound so wonderful. My brother and I used to rent the Tengen Nintendo cartridge repeatedly from our local video store for a dollar. The music in this presentation brings memories flowing back of the colourful, and unique game that Fantasy Zone was and playing it over and over on my NES.  The piece includes the music from the opening stage, the shop music, boss music, and at 4:40 has beautiful woodwind dying melody! Who could have thought dying could so wonderful?

I plan to continue sharing game soundtracks that have had a personal impact on me. What are some of yours?