SystemSoft's Master of Monsters brought hex-based strategy to the Genesis with a fantasy twist -- summoning and evolving mythological creatures on a grid battlefield -- and its soundtrack is a hidden gem of the Mega Drive's FM synthesis library.
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Every track is named after a color, creating a poetic through-line: "黒の威厳" (Dignity of Black) opens with an imposing martial theme, "紅蓮の谷を征く" (Conquering the Crimson Valley) drives forward with urgent energy, and "紺碧の空へ" (To the Azure Sky) lifts into something almost triumphant.
The color-coded naming is not just a gimmick -- it genuinely reflects each track's mood. "菫色の刻" (Violet Hour) has a contemplative, almost melancholic quality, while "緑の大草原" (The Great Green Plains) carries a sense of open-field adventure.
"萠黄色のローブ" (Yellow-Green Robe) evokes something mystical and arcane, fitting for a game built around summoning magic. The Mega Drive's Yamaha YM2612 chip gives everything that crunchy, slightly aggressive tone that strategy game fans of the era will find deeply nostalgic.
The tracklist appears to repeat itself, suggesting the album includes both the original game audio and possibly an arranged or alternate version of the same nine compositions. Bookended by "黒の威厳" at the start and "黒の終焉" (End of Black) at the close, there is a satisfying narrative arc to the whole thing -- from the dignity of entering battle to its dark conclusion.
It is a compact but thoughtfully constructed score that deserves more recognition among Genesis enthusiasts.