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Like many other forms of music, RPG themes have their highs and lows. Considering the battle theme is something RPGamers will have to hear looped throughout their gaming experience, it is important that the theme possess a few specific qualities such as fitting into the game's universe, being pleasant to listen to, and of course, pumping the player up to do battle with the enemies.
Although the music is in the background, a good battle theme should get me excited to do battle. Some of my favourite combat themes are upbeat, catchy, and make me feel as though I fit into the game's world. The song's strength should lie in its ability to stick with the player to the point where they don't find it grating. However, I've always found no matter how frustrated I've gotten, there will always be a point that no matter how much I love a song, it will begin to grate on me when I feel as though I'm not progressing in the game.
A good battle theme should have a hook. Persona 3's "Mass Destruction" opens with the repetition of the word "baby" and combined with its hip-hop flavor, it allows me to get excited to do battle. Not only does it fit with the urban vibe that Persona 3 showcases, but its hook is strong enough that the song becomes very memorable. Although I like "Reach Out to the Truth," for me personally, the hook just isn't nearly as strong, but what I do love about it is its pop feel. The vocals have so much strength, and it gets its message across. Perhaps I just love the word "baby," as we've all learned that you can make any musical hook with that word.
A good battle theme should encompass the game's spirit. As much as I love Valkyrie Profile, "The Unfinished Battle With God" has a lot of energy, sporting a great techno sound, but in a lot of ways doesn't doesn't express the sights and beauty within the game. On the contrary, while I immensely dislike Final Fantasy VIII, "Man With a Machine Gun" is a shining example of a great battle theme that gets my blood pumped to do battle, and it still feels like it fits perfectly into Laguna's dream world.
Now we certainly cannot forget boss battle themes. When certain bosses have their own theme songs, it not only shows the change in tone for the game, but it also shows a level of respect for that character, especially major baddies. Some of my favourite boss battle themes are "Gothic Neclord" from Suikoden II and "Strega" from Persona 3, and both incorporate a sense of respect to the characters in question. On top of that, both are simply fantastic songs to listen to you. Their change in tone imply that this upcoming battle will be a challenge, and that it could be a "do or die" situation.
Battle themes should essentially fit the tone of a game, and should help to make constantly combat more enjoyable. If you come to hate certain songs, the harder and more difficult it is to progress in a game without resenting not only the song itself, but the combat of the game. It is important that when a game composer creates a piece that the player can relate to it on several levels. Music should make us want to engage and activate our sense of wonder. Considering combat is the main focus of a lot of RPGs, players should be able to enjoy the battle theme, or rest assured, they'll be playing their own music over it.
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