(RPG-ween) Re-Top 10 Greatest RPG Final Boss Themes · 12:31am Oct 12th, 2017
Foreword:
Apologies for this sudden switch in schedule. Some complications came up while making the Pokemon VS Digimon blog and I had to set to to next week. On the upside, you get this list now rather than next week. Again, apologies for the inconvenience.Also sorry for this being late! There were some complications, but it’s here now and we’ll be back on track next week. Thank you for your patience!
Time passes and opinions change. Might as well share my new thoughts!
My oh my, the last time I did this the blog got over 3000 views. That's insane, given I'm fairly small on this site. But I'm not here to talk about how popular the last list was, I'm here to share my new thoughts on new games and new final boss themes. Yeah, that sentence above wasn't lying: I have new opinions now that a year has passed, so let's get right into it!
Rules are like last time, so I'll just copy and paste with a few edits: Obviously the only themes on this list are from RPGs, but what do I classify as an RPG? Turn-based battle systems and real time battle systems, potions, magic, leveling up, the whole sort. This includes games like Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem and Dark Souls, but not stuff like Monster Hunter as that is an action game with RPG elements. There is a difference, believe it or not. Secondly, one game per franchise. I want to narrow down some things on this list so we aren't here forever, because let's face it: there's some really badass themes out there in Final Fantasy and I don't want this to just be a list about it.
So with all that out of the way, let's begin the second round of favourite RPG final boss themes! Oh, and spoiler warning, obviously.
Number 10
The Genesis
Persona 4
It makes sense that this theme would show up on this list since it's my favourite Persona battle theme. I've already gone into why I love this theme so much, so check out last week's list for more details. Basically, the theme is sweet and I love it, droning darkness throughout the theme and triumphant burst at the end, it's a perfect way to end off a great game that I've never played.
https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/764720/rpg-ween-top-5-persona-battle-themes
Number 9
Serpent Eating the Horizon
Bravely Default
Bravely Default was probably my favorite game on the 3DS before I obtained Pokemon Moon and to this day I STILL haven’t beaten it because of the bullshit world looping plot, a problem thankfully fixed in it’s sequel. But while I love the sequel more than the original, Bravely Second simply cannot match the sheer power of Bravely Default’s orchestral music, and this is no more evident than in the final boss theme.
While I personally am not a fan of the final boss of BD because of his deep and almost unintelligible voice, the music is kickass and the stakes this boss stands for are high. You are fighting for the future of not just your world, but ALL dimensions that this beast has control over. While the theme begins loud and incredibly dark, it soon becomes quieter and almost sad before picking right back up again and turning into an amazing mix of each of the main character’s themes, utilizing each of their signature musical instruments. It’s a great way to show that you have the power to overcome the final boss and save the worlds. Oh, and the live version was a masterpiece, just saying.
Number 8
The Shadow Queen
Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door
Returning from the grave, both figuratively and literally, is the theme of the Shadow Queen taking the same spot as last year. And you know what? This theme STILL haunts me to this day. Paper Mario TTYD is a dark game for sure, but this music... this FUCKING music pushes the bar a little too much.
What I love about this theme is that before this fight, an unbelievably triumphant theme plays cheering you on to stop the Shadow Queen, and when this plays you realize just how fucked you actually are. The violins in the theme are what do it for me, without a doubt. They’re used in the best places at the best times and it makes it sound like you’re fighting something not only evil, but otherworldly. And yes, I can still hear the screams of the people being dragged in by the Shadow Queen’s hands.
Hopefully Paper Mario returns to this level of quality gameplay, but I highly doubt it now.
Number 7
Megalovania
Undertale
Shut up.
I may not like Undertale now, but I am still a fan of Toby Fox’s skills in composition and Megalovania, his signature theme he has thus far put in all games and media he has been a part of, is no exception. In fact, I actually love the symbolism behind the theme itself. In all cases it has been used, it plays for a character that is absolutely obsessed with power or has been blinded by their power. In Undertale’s case, this is not Sans’ theme (I just felt a year of my life taken away saying that name), but rather your theme.
You have killed every monster in the underground, and you feel like you can do anything now; kill anyone. This skeleton person who won’t be named lest I start feeling sick is in your way and he’s the last person you need to kill, and he’s the weakest monster ever. But we all know by now that’s not the case. This music blasts in your ear as you dodge some of the most ruthless bullet-hell sections that will put Touhou to shame. It’s intense, but not intense enough for me to ever finish the game.
Goodbye.
Number 6
The Anticipated New World
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Now hold on a moment and just listen. The Digimon series was never known for its super amazing themes at all, but considering the guy who did the music for Danganronpa did the music for this game I think we can cut it some leeway. Besides, this theme just kicks ass.
While I've never played Digimon Story before, and probably won't for quite some time, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate other aspects of it. The music in this game is amazing! Certainly not perfect, but considering this is a Digimon game you can color me impressed. The theme is powerful and intense, revving you up for an amazing final bout with the main antagonist of the game. It helps the theme is also a remix of the title theme, bringing the game full circle in a sense. But no part of this song is better than the 2:09 mark where the song almost sounds sad. I love this in final battle themes, if you couldn't tell.
Number 5
Dismiss
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
At the end of Aqua's storyline is a battle against your friend Terra who is possessed by Xehanort, and now it's your job to free him. This theme plays while you're doing so, and what an incredible theme to play during such an event and, yeah, I think it's better than Darkness of the Unknown. Fight me.
The theme adds a touch a Star Wars, Kingdom Hearts intensity and the main theme of the game as a means of telling you this is quite truly the final battle. And even the name of the song holds meaning: you're basically dismissing your friend, or sending him away to try and free him. Part of me thinks the guys over at Square wanted you to play Aqua's story last so this could be the final challenge you had to face, and I think that's perfect.
Now if only they could make Aqua's voice acting bearable... lol...
Number 4
It's Over
Mother 3
I've never played Mother 3 nor do I have any emotional connections to it, but I know damn-well it's a sad fucking game.
This theme... no, this true masterpiece plays during the final phase of your battle against Claus. It is a theme not of triumph or even sadness; this is a theme of closure. Closure for everyone you've met on your journey, closure for Lucas and most importantly closure for Claus. These are two kids who have been through some serious shit, and now both can finally rest knowing that their journeys are over. But what I love about this theme and really this battle in general is that it isn't so much a battle as it is a cutscene presenting actual child suicide and the loss of a family member in a disturbingly real way.
All while this theme plays. Needless to say when I saw this scene for the very first time, I cried for a long time. But I was happy for the characters I've met, because after all they shit they've been through, after the absolute tyranny of that dipshit Porky, they can finally rest. It's a great end, nay, closure to a great game. I only wish I could play it one day.
Number 3
Twilight of the Gods
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
I can imagine the thought that went through Intelligent Systems' head went something like this: "Hey, let's take an old and unremarkable map theme from an outdated game and give it an orchestral update.", and someone immediately responded with "Okay, sure.", and that's how we got this theme.
I LOVE Shadows of Valentia for its characters and storytelling (take notes, Awakening and Fates), and this is a great way to end off personally my favourite 3DS Fire Emblem game. If you take a listen to the original theme you'll find that elements of it are incorporated into this theme, obviously, but it has been expanded upon greatly and now sounds dark and foreboding while simultaneously triumphant and heroic. Just to give you an example of how much this theme rules, it plays during battle with any unit besides Duma, which in Echoes is something that doesn’t happen. Just… wow.
Fire Emblem: crushing bastards and telling red-haired women not to worry since 1992.
Number 2
The Battle at the Summit!
Pokemon Sun & Moon
Holy fuck.
Remember when I said Diantha's theme perfectly encapsulated what a Pokemon battle theme should be? Yeah, GameFreak decided it wasn't and made an even better theme. I swear, the first time I heard this in HQ I felt like I was smoking some dank-ass drug that just gave me an overwhelming sense of euphoria, it's THAT good. I love Sun and Moon's OST and this is no exception. The theme begins perfectly with a beautiful recreation of the very first theme you heard when playing Pokemon Red and Blue all those years ago: the intro theme. This gives a sense of familiarity, and for good reason. The reason this theme sounds so triumphant and cheers you on as you battle Kukui? This isn't his theme.
It's YOUR theme.
YOU are the champion of the Alola region, and now you have to fight for your right to BE the champion. The orchestra perfectly encapsulates both the joy of playing Pokemon and the closure the game deserves. Absolutely brilliant how GameFreak did this theme, and I hope Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon has the same theme or an even better one. Don't let me down now!
Number 1
Dancing Mad
Final Fantasy VI
Try to act surprised for this one.
Yeah, to this day Dancing Mad has remained my favorite final boss theme. How could it not? It is literally the perfect boss theme, though since it's been a whole year later I've decided to use the updated symphonic version which perfectly encapsulates what I love about this theme. And this time I'll go into the entire theme, not just one tier, and explain briefly what kind of symbolism this theme represents.
To begin, the theme represents Dante's Divine Comedy (already hilarious since Kefka himself is a clown) with the first phase being Inferno, the second being Purgatorio and the third being Paradiso before finally reaching god. The first phase is dark and terribly foreboding, representing the intense powers of hell and Kefka's destructive abilities. The second phase is almost silly-sounding and crazy, representing the madness of both purgatory and Kefka himself. The third phase sounds calming and peaceful before turning much darker, representing the imperfect heaven and Kefka's twisted god complex. Finally we arrive at the final phase, the entire orchestra goes absolutely insane, representing Kefka's last stand, before the music goes quieter and almost sad, representing Kefka's accepting that he is doomed to die and lose all of his power.
I could go on and on, but I'll leave it there. Don't want to bore you all, y'know?
And that's the list! I hope you enjoyed this little recreation of my list a whole year ago. Tell me what you thought of it down in the comments below! Love it, hate it? Let me know and, hell, even give me your favorite final boss themes. I'm always willing to hear what you guys have to say. And I STILL have that shelf of books I'm never going to read! Fancy that.
This has been SuperKamek saying thank you, have a great night and this month I'll actually get around to finishing the Final Fantasy VI review. Joyous day!
Nice, with me I personally love Cynthia's theme and even get me started with that piano.
Ironic how Megalovania is one of my favorite themes and I've never heard it in game. And sorry Kamek, but you will not sway me from my opinion that Red had the superior battle music in its 16-bit glory.
4695150
Relax, friend. Gen 2 is now one of my fav gens. I have Heartgold and a rom of Crystal, both of which I adore and play almost every day now. Though I love the final battle theme, it's a little generic by today's standards.
Also, it's 8-bit, not 16-bit. Get your facts straight, so-called Gen 2 lover! (lol, I kid)
4695131
I love Cynthia's them as well, but goddamn the League Title Defense theme in SM is incredible.
4695150
Though if you absolutely feel like winning me over, I think the updated versions from HGSS and B2W2 are incredible.
Nice selection, I get how hard it is to make a list even within a series. Heck, I probably couldn't contain myself to just final boss themes.
I am partial to FFIV's and Pokemon Gold's final boss themes.
4695277
They're pretty cool. They really help to bridge the gap between us old folk and you kids. Still say the Color had 16-bit sound, as it had more range than the NES, which was true 8-bit.
I'm surprised that I at least played eight of these games, but yeah, good stuff, very good stuff.
Also, I, too, think the battle against Terra in Bbs is meant to be played last, especially considering it only unlocks after finishing all three stories.
4695279
Zeromus and Lance's themes respectively are incredible and I fully expect your opinions. And I have the same problem because there are so many great themes in video games. Have you heard some of the penultimate boss themes of any game? Even just the boss themes in general? They're something else, lemme tell ya.
4695425
Which of the games listed here did you play? Or rather which ones didn't you?
And to be absolutely fair, I haven't played BBS so I don't know how the story progresses. I still think this is an incredible and highly underrated final boss theme however.
4695525
Starting with Pokemon, those first 20 seconds of turning the main theme into an intro motif blew my younger self's mind away when I first heard it. At :44 there was a real sense of urgency to the battle. And just when I thought the piece couldn't carry an more weight, the FINAL final boss comes into the picture and makes it a whole lot scarier.
The HGSS version's additional instruments did absolutely no harm to the piece, and the slight 8 bit inclusion was nice. BW2's inclusion of more percussion was pretty good and set it apart.
Now for FFIV. I think that the piece's tempo matched the moving background perfectly. There was an echo to certain parts that helped with the atmosphere incredibly. The build up to the high point of the piece at :47 was an astounding reprisal of the main theme. And there is so much feeling at the :58 mark, you can relate to the party, or at least I did.
The DS version's slower tempo, isn't too jarring, an still conveys the struggle well. Dissidia's arcade version is a wonderful remake and doesn't detract from the original.
As far as penultimate boss themes go, I'll post another reply later.
4695527
I played all except Persona 4 and Mother 3. Although I also never finished Bravely Default (stopped way earlier than you) and FF VI (yes, I regret it). And I never did a Genocide Run (I prefer Hopes and Dreams, anyway).
Also, Kingdom Hearts songs are great by default, thanks to Yoko Shimumura (I'm afraid I misspelt it).
Also also, I'm mentally kicking myself for not noticing how similar the soundtracks of Digimon Story and Danganronpa are (though I played the latter nearly one year later...). And that despite me being on a huge Danganronpa high right now, thanks to the new game.