Top 10 RPG Battle Themes
These tunes get us pumped up, even when we're waiting patiently for our turn! Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 RPG Battle Themes.
For this list we're looking at the music themes that play whenever you engage in a random battle, be it in a JRPG or Western RPG, We're leaving off boss battle themes as those ones will be getting a list of their own, and because there's so many themes to choose from, our standard one entry per franchise rule is in effect, though honorable mentions will be excluded from this restriction.
Special Thanks to our users "ACD0909" & "IWillScoop" for suggesting this topic on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Script written by Garrett Alden
#10: Isaac Battle
“Golden Sun” (2001)
Let’s start this list off right! Isaac is the silent protagonist and party leader of Golden Sun, and the theme that plays when he’s the party lead is very exhilarating. While it’s fast paced and drums heavy, it still has moments of whimsy with flutes and ethereal synth music playing. This contrast of urgent menace with encouraging positivity in the face of danger is something every RPG battle theme should aspire to.
#9: Silver for Monsters
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)
Though it was a close call between this and another popular Witcher 3 track, Steel for Humans, Silver for Monsters won out; both for its greater length and higher degree of atmosphere. The theme which plays whenever you face a monster features haunting, tribal chants and some brilliant acoustic guitar work, which, along with the fantastic graphics and massive world, really helps immerse the player into the Scandinavian-esque kingdoms the game is set in.
#8: Battle Theme 1
“Chrono Trigger” (1995)
Top 10 RPG Boss Battle Themes
Far more laid back than most of the entries on our list, Chrono Trigger’s main battle theme is jazzy and chugs along at a fun pace. Just like the not-quite-turn-based gameplay, the song is slow, but still manages to keep the player invested with enough action that there’s no time to be bored. There’s no other song we’d rather pull off a triple tech to. There is another main battle theme that was left hidden in the game’s code, and its odd that they cut it out since it too is damn good.
#7: Reach Out to the Truth
“Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4” (2008)
The main battle theme for Persona 4, Reach Out to the Truth is one of the few vocally driven tracks to make our list. The vocalist and the music alternate between hopeful tones backed by rock instruments, and oddly fitting rap sections. The contrasting mood matches well with the gameplay, which is split between the real world and a “TV World.” All the lyrics, whether they’re rapped or sung, also emphasize the characters’ inner conflicts, as well as their external battles.
#6: Kanto Trainer Battle
“Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow” (1998/99)
When you cross another trainer’s path, from those first opening bars, generations of Pokemon fans have immediately known they’re in for a fight! While the theme has been remixed a few times in newer games, our pick has to go to the original version, which manages to make us feel cornered, with no choice but to do combat, in spite of the Game Boy’s technical limitations. Speaking of which, the song would get revamped significantly for the Game Boy Advance and DS titles, as well as a full rock cover in the anime.
#5: Real World Battle
“Mario and Luigi: Dream Team” (2013)
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It wouldn’t be a video game list without a Mario entry! There are many great RPGs starring everyone’s favorite plumber, but our pick has to be from this gem on the 3DS. In addition, although the song has a darker counterpart with a similar arrangement that plays during battles in the dream world, we chose this one for its upbeat, whimsical, tropical atmosphere; which, all-in-all, feels much more like Mario.
#4: Tali Battle Music
“Mass Effect 2” (2010)
Nailing down a favorite song from a series known for its all-around quality was pretty difficult, but in the end we had to go with Tali’s theme, though Jack’s was a close second. Like Tali herself, and the quarians in general, the song has an air of mystery about it and a bit of a cyberpunk-ish atmosphere. Like any good rescue theme, the music escalates in intensity, furthering the player’s investment to get your machinist back!
#3: Battle Theme
“Final Fantasy VI” (1994)
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Out of all the possible battle themes by legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu, The 6th installment stood tall above the rest. After the signature opening beats it has in common with every Final Fantasy fight theme before it, the sixth installment’s battlemusic begins. As the last in the series before the jump to 3D, Final Fantasy VI is one of the pinnacles of 2D RPGs, and its enemy encounter song is a great example of why. With its urgent call and answer beat and complex fade tones, this tune used every bit of the Super Nintendo’s hardware.
#2: Dragon Battle 1
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” (2011)
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At its best, video game music embodies the games it’s featured in and makes the player feel something. Few themes come close to doing both these things as well as Skyrim’s Dragon Battle theme, which is practically synonymous with the game and immerses us in the game’s realm. Fighting an enormous enemy with this playing in the background elevates what might be a a relatively standard encourter in another game and makes it an epic deed, worthy of saga and song!
Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Bell of Battle
“Bravely Default” (2014)
Battle Theme
“Final Fantasy VII” (1997)
Battle 1
“Skies of Arcadia” (2000)
Battle Theme 1
“South Park: The Stick of Truth” (2014)
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“Xenoblade Chronicles” (2010)
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Nearly everybody loves rock n’ roll and listening to it during an RPG battle is icing on any gamer’s cake. Shulk and company fight their foes accompanied to some truly excellent, wailing electric guitar, intense drums, and even some uplifting trumpets. And, because this song only plays during an encounter with a unique monster, it makes these special encounters all the more epic. Now if only we could get Rein to shut up.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite RPG battle theme? For more catchy Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com
