The power of music
Square Enix’s premier RPG series is known for its grand story, epic battles, and outstanding graphics, but it is also known for itsFinal Fantasybattle themes. Across its 36-year span, theFinal Fantasyseries has enlisted many talented musicians, including Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, and Masashi Hamauzu.
FromFinal Fantasy XIII‘s “Blinded by Light” to the original battle theme from the firstFF,here are the bestFinal Fantasybattle themes, ranked. Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
10.Final Fantasy VI –“Decisive Battle”
This upbeatFinal Fantasybattle theme ups the stakes with its frenetic tune and intense drumline that keeps your heart racing. A great battle theme keeps you energized and “Decisive Battle” certainly does that. Something about the nostalgic 16-bit tone also adds so much that’s lost within modern remakes of this track.
9.Final Fantasy XIV –“Torn from the Heavens”
Final Fantasy XIVis known for its epic themes whenever a big battle occurs, and “Torn from the Heavens” is certainly one of those. The callback to the main theme of the series alongside its gorgeous percussion and choir makes this an unforgettable track. The stakes are raised whenever “Torn from the Heavens” is played in thisgrand MMORPG.
8.Final Fantasy I –“Battle Theme”
All great series have their beginnings, andFinal Fantasy Imade an impression from the very start. The melody is as intense as it can get on an 8-bit system, and the flow of the piece is sublime. You’ll hear how great this composition is if you check outWorld of Final Fantasy‘s interpretation of the track. It truly gives the original piece justice with a rocky interpretation and a lovely strings throughline.
7.Final Fantasy X –“Battle Theme”
With a game that’s as long asFinal Fantasy X,you’ll want to verify the standard battle theme is a banger. Thankfully, it is. Tidus’ journey is complemented by a track with a tasty bassline, an exciting clash of drums, and a riveting melody that will keep you focused on the fight. What also helps with a battle theme such as this is the unpredictable nature of the track. It keeps surprising us with alterations to the song, and for the first ten times of listening to it, you’ll notice a new twist on the main melody.
6.Final Fantasy V –“Clash on the Big Bridge”
“Clash on the Big Bridge” used the SNES sound font to the absolute max. This battle theme has an impressive melody, a wonderful drumline, and will catch you off-guard with how fast it is. It’s a blast to play onTheatrhythm Final Bar Line.The otherworldly playing of the introduction is also striking and catches your attention.
5.Final Fantasy XV –“Stand Your Ground”
Yoko Shimomura is known for her work on theKingdom HeartsandStreet Fighterseries but she brought her A-game toFinal Fantasy XV.The battle theme “Stand Your Ground” starts the track with an epic sweep of the strings section and doesn’t let you go until the very end. It then gets followed by a glorious reference to the mainFinal Fantasytheme, just like “Torn from the Heavens.” After that, the action gets elevated by a rambunctious array of the orchestra with the blissful woodwind matched with the thunderous percussion.
4.Final Fantasy VII –“J-E-N-O-V-A.”
Whenever you hear that high-pitched synthesized intro from “J-E-N-O-V-A,” you know you’re in for a good time. The melody is pleasing, the drum beat elevates the action, and the bassline is a grand accompaniment to the whole piece. It’s a track that sounds mysterious as Cloud and his friends are unsure of what lies ahead of them. Music should help set the scene, and “J-E-N-O-V-A.” does that perfectly.
3.Final Fantasy XIII –“Blinded by Light”
Final Fantasy XIIIis arguably the most controversial game in the series, but you’re able to’t deny how awesome the soundtrack is. “Blinded by Light” is one of the bestFinal Fantasybattle themes because it consistently engages the player with its striking melody and ability to let every instrument in the piece shine. The guitar in the background gives it a hard edge, and the heavy use of the emotive strings section makes this theme song epic, but beautiful at the same time.
2.Final Fantasy VII –“One-Winged Angel”
When “One-Winged Angel” plays, fear strikes the heart of everyFinal Fantasy VIIfan. The dread-filled drums, the terrifying cluster of brass, and bewildered strings section all set the scene for the evil Sephiroth. Then there’s a badass guitar throughline and the deep choir that adds to the drama of the piece. Each fight with Sephiroth is meaningful, and “One-Winged Angel” makes it next level. While theAdvent Childrenversion isn’t technically from a game, it is the best version; it’s inSuper Smash Bros.Ultimate. The PS1 andRemakeeditions of the track also deserve praise, however.
1.Final Fantasy VII Remake –“Let the Battles Begin!”
A greatFinal Fantasybattle theme is able to establish the danger present for your characters and motivate the player to carry on forward with the fight at hand. “Let the Battles Begin!” fromFinal Fantasy VII Remakesuccessfully establishes that. The mixture of the powerful brass, thunderous drums, and emotive strings all make for a piece that truly stands out in theFinal Fantasyseries. Listen to it and you’ll get hyped for anything: a run, pumping weights, or going to your dreaded dental appointment. “Let the Battles Begin” is a perfect battle theme, through and through, andFinal Fantasy VII Remakejust takes it one step further.
