"Me and Satan King" -- also known as "Boku to Maou" in Japan -- is one of the PS2's most underappreciated RPGs, and its soundtrack is a big reason why the game earned such a devoted cult following. Composed with a warmth and whimsy that belies the Satan-in-the-title premise, tracks like "Emotional Universe" and "Home Sweet Home" establish an unexpectedly heartfelt tone.
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The town themes for Tenell, Madril, Lischero, and Highland Village each come in two versions (the "R" variants), giving the world a dynamic musical identity that evolves as the story progresses. The exploration and dungeon tracks paint a vivid picture of the game's diverse fantasy world.
"Island of Wap-Wap" and "Pospos Snowfield" have the kind of charming, memorable names that match their equally distinctive melodies. "Addashi Desert" and "Forest of Willkur" handle classic RPG biomes with personality, while deeper locations like "Escapeless Abyss," "Sealed Cave," and "Deep Grave Pit" shift into darker, more foreboding territory that reflects the game's willingness to go to unexpectedly serious places.
Tracks like "World Library" and "Out of Acknowledge" hint at the game's philosophical depth -- this was an RPG that genuinely grappled with big ideas about heroism, evil, and destiny despite its lighthearted exterior. "Wirepuller Building" carries a sense of conspiratorial intrigue, while "at the Bar" provides a laid-back breather.
It's a shame this game never left Japan, because this soundtrack alone proves there was something special here that deserved a wider audience.