[Top 25 Overworld Themes] - #4 - Lost Odyssey

-Track title: "Neverending Journey"
-Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
-Album and track number: "Lost Odyssey Original Soundtrack," disc 1, track 10
-To purchase: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-na-49-en-70-2e4e.html

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~ Wyrdwad's Top 25 Overworld and Map Themes ~

This list is ALL-INCLUSIVE, spanning every era of gaming from 8-bit to modern, every gaming genre that could even conceivably have a map or overworld theme, and every "tier" of game from AAA to indie. (Of course, it's also all my own personal opinion, and is based on the criteria of memorability, overall feel, appropriateness as an overworld/map theme, emotional intensity, and/or just general awesomeness!)

Rules: One track per game, two tracks per series. Spinoffs count as part of the same series, so for example, Final Fantasy proper, FF Tactics, FF Crystal Chronicles, FF Mystic Quest, etc. all count as part of the Final Fantasy series, and Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, Digital Devil Saga, and Devil Summoner all count as part of the Shin Megami Tensei series.

What constitutes an overworld or map theme: For a standard RPG, it's pretty obvious what would qualify here, but for action RPGs or non-RPGs, I'm counting any area that consists of a plain or field and connects towns, stages, dungeons, and/or other landmarks. In the case of sci-fi games that take place on various planets connected by a starmap or other planet-hopping interface, I'm counting any music that plays during the starmap as an overworld/map theme. And in the case of games that take place entirely or almost entirely within towns and their outskirts (but contain battles or other obstacles within those areas), I'm counting all travel music between destinations as a combination overworld/town theme (think "Onett" from Earthbound as a perfect example).

Yeah, I know, this is all pretty loosely defined, but hey - my list, my rules! ;)

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The list thus far:

#25 - Katamari Damacy - Walking on the Wonderful Star is Wonderful
#24 - Equinox - Overworld
#23 - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest - Bloody Tears
#22 - Persona - City 1 Tranquility
#21 - Secret of Mana - Into the Thick of It
#20 - Zwei!! - Floating Continent Arges ~Main Theme~ (2008 version)
#19 - Lindacube - Summer Beat
#18 - Chulip - Happy Shabby Life ~Daytime Stroll in Bonnoudera~
#17 - Faxanadu - Overworld
#16 - Legend of the Mystical Ninja - Lost Town Traveling
#15 - Final Fantasy II - Main Theme (remake version)
#14 - Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys - Walking the Path of Legend
#13 - Legend of Heroes: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch - LET'S START, OK? (PSP version)
#12 - Muramasa: The Demon Blade - Dim Twilight A
#11 - Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne - Large Map
#10 - Crystalis - Wild Fields
#09 - Ys Seven - To Reveal The Way To Go
#08 - Saira - Nature Story
#07 - Vantage Master Portable - Those Who Are Pure
#06 - Chrono Trigger - Corridor of Time
#05 - Wild Arms - Lone Bird in the Shire
#04 - Lost Odyssey - Neverending Journey

Category:

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[GhostandChromis]

I remember the first time I played tthis game I didn't even hear the electric guitar part at 1:44 until like the fifth time I went to the world map.

Needless to say my mind was blown. An already great song just got amplified 1,000 fold.

[giantturdburglar]

I love this game. How can anyone not like it? The visual novel segments were some of the best writing (and by extension, translating) ever in a video game.

[telmopaz]

@ForgottenShadow60 I find him corny. But everybody has different tastes, enjoy.

[ForgottenShadow60]

@telmopaz I have listened to them, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven. All are amazing and last I checked they are not really up and walking around right now. :X

All goofiness aside, Nobuo is amazing to listen to in concert. Quite the experience.

[telmopaz]

@ForgottenShadow60 Dude, it´s OK but you need to listen to more music. Google Bach for instance..

[ZGoten]

This is the perfect overworld theme for Lost Odyssey. I totally fits the premise of a 1000 year old immortal, who has seen so much suffering in his life and is on the road to see even more of it.

Perfect, Uematsu is a genius, but I guess we all know that at this point.

[thereaperslair3]

This song is absolutely beautiful in every way. I swear I teared up towards the end. For some, it hits home, right at the heart. If beauty had a sound, this would be it. If you let it, it can take you away to another world. Just close your eyes for a moment....and imagine. :)

[jikili]

With Valkyria Chronicles, best jrpg of this generation. One of the games I'll will always remember its music

[ForgottenShadow60]

This..... This is why Nobuo Uematsu is the greatest composer to walk the Earth...

[terrareus13]

I'd love to play this game, but I don't have 360 :'(