Final Fantasy Soundtrack Countdown

5) Final Fantasy IX
Nobuo Uematsu once again shows off his symphonic might with a dramatic explosion of percussions, winds, brass and strings in this sweeping, medieval work. Each character has their own unique theme, and the battle tunes are rich and edgy. Major highlights include the Elizabethan "Whom We Must Protect," the grandiose "Skies of Alexandria," and the playful "Vivi's Theme." With lots of variety and excitement, Final Fantasy IX is an impressive addition to any FF music collection.

4) Final Fantasy VIII
This album starts the uber-impressive "Liberi Fatali," and ends with the equally impressive "The Extreme." Full of drama and suspense, both pieces evoke images of stormy skies and bloody battles. And they're not the only precious gems in this musical crown. "Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec" echoes with dark, regal overtones, as does "Succession of Witches." The sound of robotic pursuit is evident in "Never Look Back," while "Balamb Garden" is light and soothing. FF VIII is also the first Final Fantasy game to offer an official vocal track, entitled "Eyes on Me" by Faye Wong. This is truly a musical investment FF fans don't want to miss out on.

3) Final Fantasy VI
What can we say that hasn't already been said about this utterly amazing soundtrack? Everything from the heroic "Locke" and "Blackjack" themes to the dark yet enchanting "Opening Theme" stir up a flurry of emotions. "Kefka's song is a mix of jolly and menacing, while Cyan's is noble and dignified. The most well-known and popular song however is "Aria Di Mezzo Carattere," a rich and romantic sonata still considered to be one of Uematsu's greatest achievements. At times haunting and heart-breaking, exciting and soothing, Final Fantasy VI's music can't fail to please.

2) Final Fantasy IV
This album is indisputably the touchstone for all Final Fantasy soundtracks to follow, and is part of the reason many of us became Final Fantasy lovers. Songs like "Mystic Mysidia," "Theme of Love," and "Edward's Harp," became instant classics, and are now played in live game concerts all around the world. "The Dreadful Battle" (Battle with the Four Fiends), is among the best battle tunes in Final Fantasy history, and the legendary "Prologue" has become the unofficial anthem for the entire series (even appearing in the most recent game, Final Fantasy XII). In short, Final Fantasy IV's music is simply epic.

1) Final Fantasy VII
Surprised this soundtrack is number one? We thought not. Gamers know that Final Fantasy VII is not only one of the most groundbreaking FF games in the series' history, it also has one of the most groundbreaking soundtracks as well. Nobuo Uematsu masterfully brings the futuristic world of Migar to life with gritty, industrial tunes tethered to dramatic strings and whistling flutes. Examples include "Jenova," "Red XIII's theme," and "Those Chosen by The Planet." Character tracks are emotionally gripping, especially the one for Aeris, which never fails to tug at the heart. But it's the audio feast that is "One-winged Angel" that puts this album at the top. With dark, sinister overtones, grandiloquent percussions, and a chorus singing in Latin, the theme for Sephiroth easily captures the pure evil that is his character and cements this soundtrack into game music history.

Top Ten Definitely Download List:
10) Kiss Me Goodbye (FF X)
9) Kaze No Ne (FF CC)
8) Hero's Theme (FF Tactics)
7) 1000 Words (FF X-2)
6) Suteki Da Ne (FF X)
5) Whom We Must Protect (FF IX)
4) Liberi Fatali (FF VIII)
3) Aria Di Mezzo Carattere (FF VI)
2) Prolouge (FF IV)
1) One-winged Angel (FF VII)