James Domizio

The soundtrack for the SNES classic “Final Fantasy VI” is usually regarded as one of the best in the series, but is it really that good? I’ll be taking a look at the relatively behemoth 61-song tracklist today.

Next time, I’m ranking my favorite video game soundtrack, maybe even soundtrack period, of all time.

Let’s get into it, folks!

61. “The Returners“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This isn’t a bad song. In fact, it’s easily the best “worst” song on an FF soundtrack so far. The rest of the soundtrack is just better.

60. “Under Martial Law“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Another song that isn’t quite on the same level as the rest of the soundtrack, but its odd, plotting melody is still pretty cool.

59. “Locke’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

And just like that, we’re into the really good songs. Looks like “Final Fantasy VI” does indeed have a strong soundtrack.

58. “From That Day On…“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is such a Final Fantasy song. I like the tremolous opening lead and the cozy guitar riffage.

57. “Rest in Peace“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

As sad and resolute as any other FF game over theme. Nothing much to say about it other than “it’s good!”

56. “Epitaph“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I love the guitar sound here. The plinky keys are alright, too, I guess, but the wind instruments make this an enjoyable listen.

55. “Mt. Koltz“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

The melody here is so bizarre and unintuitive, and I really am starting to love the Super Nintendo guitar sound. The way the ending transitions back into the opening here is what really seals the deal.

54. “Forever Rachel“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is a sweet and romantic tune that I really don’t mind at all!

53. “Troops March On“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I like an evil song, and this one definitely feels like some Star Wars shit. At least this time they didn’t just copy John Williams’ homework. 

52. “Celes’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I’m not a huge fan, but I gotta give props to the bits of this song that would eventually become “Aerith’s Theme” from “Final Fantasy VII.” There’s just a better rendition coming later in the ranking that makes this less impactful.

51. “Gau’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I can respect a nice little tune that strikes a good balance between sad and happy, and this does that well with some neat instrumental flairs.

50. “Protect the Espers!“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Hype track with some cool sections, ultimately a bit scattered, but that’s alright! She’s trying and we love her.

49. “Setzer’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

It’s definitely passable. Can’t help but think it would be improved by a 10-20% speedup.

48. “What? 2“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is one of the greatest song titles in history and it’s just weird enough to live up to its name. ???? ??? ???? ?? ???? ????

47. “The Mines of Narshe“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Funky bassline meets patient strings. I love the little snaps, piano riffs and breathing sound effects. A very cool song.

46. “Strago’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Extraordinarily catchy bassline and some really cool backing instrumentation make this song the first great track on the list.

45. “Awakening“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I really like the lead instrument here and the way it’s backed up by echoing plucked strings is very nice. The bit of “Terra’s Theme” coming out is also a nice touch.

44. “Shadow’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Really great little plinky instrument that opens this song: what is your name?? I love you?? Also, the whistle lead is so well programmed that it actually almost sounds like someone actually whistling.

43. “The Gestahl Empire“ by Nobuo Uematsu

The opening bell presages a nearly identical bell’s usage in Sephiroth’s theme music from “FF7,” “Those Chosen By The Planet,” so I like its use here. An instance of a known theme from a game being slowed down to perfection.

42. “Victory Fanfare“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

A bit of an update, with some rockin’ guitars. Also, the first section ends a beat sooner and that’s cool I guess?

41. “Gogo’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

A mischievous and fun tune. Kinda rock’n’roll-y toward the end.

40. “The Decisive Battle“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Cool opening, and the section after it is definitely my favorite in the song. A very cool song through and through, though, and a very worthy use of the organ.

39. “The Airship Blackjack“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

There’s something luxurious about this tune. To me, it conveys some real strong “too expensive for you” vibes.

38. “Cyan’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

God, that flute is so fucking good. It absolutely rules.

37. “The Veldt“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is an excellent, sinister little track. Immaculate rhythms and melodies here.

36. “Searching for Friends“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

The mix of cowboy songwriting and electronic instrumentation here is intoxicating. One of the cooler songs you’ll hear on the SNES. I just wish the whole song was as good as its highest highs!

35. “The Unforgiven“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

An urgent and anxious song that achieves much of the same that earlier, similar songs in the FF series did, but with an expected “FF6” twist. I admire the 5/4 time signature a lot.

34. “Catastrophe“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Like a more chill version of sections from “Omen” and “Dancing Mad,” I do like this song a lot, but when the album contains more epic versions of the same tune, it’s hard to get excited for the flute version, y’know?

33. “Johnny C. Bad“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I cannot believe the title of this song. It’s simply too good to be true. I like old rock’n’roll when it’s done right, and it certainly is here.

32. “Grand Finale“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Definitely sounds like the screwball finale of a Shakespeare play, which I love. But I’m not sure it lives up to its grand title.

31. “Wedding Waltz – Duel“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

The first part of the song, “Wedding Waltz,” is a beautiful waltz that I really enjoy! The second part is a nifty baroque fighting theme that I wish I liked a bit more.

30. “Phantom Train“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Sound effects and all, I love this tune. The way it moves from lounge music to something much more bombastic is also super cool.

29. “Techno de Chocobo“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Look, I wasn’t around at the time, but this cannot be what techno actually sounded like in 1994. Whatever, it’s still a weird and gauche tune that’s hard to hate.

28. “Battle“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Designed to sound like a heavy metal track, I think this is a spunky and excellent track. The riffage is just so good.

27. “Umaro’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

A spooky tune! We love to hear it!

26. ““Omen“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Beginning with some of the most iconic notes in video game history, “Omen” functions as an overture for the game and features some incredible songwriting. Unfortunately, it’s also the credits theme, so it stretches a bit too thin.

25. “Metamorphosis“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Whoa, this sounds like a song off the “Final Fantasy V” soundtrack! I love the thumping bass guitar and evil strings.

24. “Floating Continent“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

God, that siren that kicks the song off is just so massive. I love the combination of electronic noises with traditional ones.

23. “The Fanatics“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Cute use of organ at the beginning of the tune. The synthetic voices here are bone-shaking.

22. “Kids Run Through the City“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Town theme! Good! Next!

21. “Overture“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

As I haven’t yet played much “FF6”, I don’t have any nostalgia for the famous opera house sequence, so I’m not that partial to its score, but even I can admit that “Overture” is a fucking work of art. I adore the dueling harp playing of the song’s beginning.

20. “Phantom Forest“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

What is this Nutcracker shit?? I love it! So eerie!

19. “Esper World“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

First a 5/4 time signature, now a 7/8 one? Damn, Nobuo. Hell yeah.

18. “Terra’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Epic, unique and instantly recognizable as a part of this soundtrack, “Terra’s Theme” is just an awesome tune. I love the flute lead.

17. “Aria di Mezzo Carattere“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I know I’m a big “FF7” fan which means my perception of this song is directly proportional to how much I like “Aerith’s Theme,” as this song contains a lot of sections that that song would later reuse, but I do still love this track. It’s gorgeous and powerful, but it ain’t no “Aerith’s Theme.”

16. “Spinach Rag“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

I love ragtime. It’s so joyous and exciting, and Uematsu captures it effortlessly here.

15. “Relm’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

From its luscious opening notes, this solidifies itself as one of the most compelling and dynamic songs on the SNES sound chip. Unfortunately, it also kinda hurts. Yeeeow.

14. “Kefka’s Tower“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

What even is this technological horror orchestra-ass song? Whatever it is, I’m so glad it exists.

13. “The Prelude“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

A nice slow version of the prelude. I’m a big fan of the flute lead that occasionally sounds a bit out of tune, just like a real flute might be. It’s the little things!

12. “Balance is Restored“ by Nobuo Uematsu  

Where do I begin?? This song is literally 21 minutes and 35 seconds long, the longest (to my knowledge) in the FF series and definitely the longest at the time of its release, and I’m too tired to talk about the whole thing. But it’s a really excellent summation of the soundtrack thus far, and does the soundtrack (and the series as a whole with its inclusion of the FF main theme) a wonderful service.

11. “The Serpent Trench“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Mysterious, terrifying and expansive, “The Serpent Trench” is when the “Final Fantasy VI” soundtrack really begins to spread its wings. I am obsessed with its instrumentation and arrangement.

10. “Mog’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This song’s opening 18 seconds are literally just pure audio euphoria. The drum intro, the unison riff and the wild verse section are just bliss.

9. “Slam Shuffle“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is such an interesting song. It’s a song that would make so much more sense as an orchestral piece, yet its electronic palette is precisely what makes it such a great track.

8. “Dark World“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Man, I love the organ. I also love ethereal wind sounds, so this song was basically made for me.

7. “Battle to the Death“ by Nobuo Uematsu

The absolute madman of a backing instrument that starts off the song is one of the most deranged and quick-paced instrumentals I’ve ever heard. Add in some odd-time super riffs and an electronically mangled organ lead and you have a legendary tune on your hands.

6. “Magitek Research Facility“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Have you ever heard a song that sounds like this? How surprising that all of this album’s best songs blend traditional instruments like synth horns and strings with the craziest industrial sounds you’ve ever heard. 

5. “Edgar and Sabin’s Theme“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This is the sound of pure triumph and strength. What an immense and emotional track!!

4. “The Magic House“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

This game is at its best when it attempts spooky and jagged riffs, and this is the second-best example of that. Delightfully mad and mysterious.

3. “Kefka“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

After an admittedly unremarkable opening, the listener is treated to one of the best villain themes in video game history. The boisterous and thrilling riff that transitions us into madness is just pure gold.

2. “Coin of Fate“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

Transcendent little tune. I love it dearly.

1. “Dancing Mad“ by Nobuo Uematsu 

What else could it have been? “Dancing Mad” stands head and shoulders above every Final Fantasy song made up to its release as the most intricate, colossal song Nobuo Uematsu had ever written, and many fans’ pick for the greatest track in the series.

The track opens with a combination of electronic keys, church bells and ferocious pipe organ, before transitioning to a pounding interlude. Then, everything save for organ and one lone female voice is pulled back, and the song takes on a more gentle tone. The walls begin to crumble on that softer reality when the song blasts into a blistering rock section that ends the first major looping movement of the song.

The second movement begins with an angular organ riff and a lone male voice as drums fade in and out of the composition. Next, a thunderous organ break gives the song a bit more kick before fading back into the movement’s opening riff. The end of the movement sees the organ taking an extended solo, one of the most powerful and solitary moments of the FF6 soundtrack.

The third movement begins with more church bells and more organ playing, but this time it has a more joyful edge to it. This happy facade slips away as song trudges on and takes on a minor key before bursting into a rapid, classical section. With cascading chords, the third movement ends and gives way to the fourth movement, one of the best pieces of recorded video game music ever made.

We hear the game’s opening notes again, followed by a fierce drum and bass riff leading into an intense, scorching reed organ riff that dominates the song. The movement ends with a fugue-like section, melancholic and woeful, before looping back into itself while Kefka’s maniacal laugh echoes over it. “Dancing Mad” would stand as the best song of the series for just three short years, as “Final Fantasy VII” would soon dwarf it with a masterpiece straight from one of the greatest video game soundtracks in history.