1. Departure
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Easily my favourite Crystal Chronicles track and one of my all time favourite Final Fantasy songs, “Departure” is the background music to River Belle Path, the very first place you encounter after leaving your hometown of Tipa in your myrrh caravan. At the time, I’d never heard anything like this before in a video game, and the deep, layered tones of the recorder were, quite literally, music to my ears. It’s not the most complex piece of music, but there’s something about its beguiling serenity that always compels me to whistle along with it every time I hear it. In fact, it was the strength of this track alone that made me import the two-disc soundtrack– if that’s not a ringing endorsement of its overall quality, then I don’t know what is.
So do you agree with my list? Are you shocked and appalled by the lack of Final Fantasy VI on this list? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to post your own links to your favourite alternative Final Fantasy songs as well!