The DS sound chip doing overtime to build a world that's half elementary school, half electromagnetic battlefield. "Shooting Star" opens with this bright, hopeful melody that nails the kid-hero vibe without talking down to you, setting up the whole tone in seconds.
Read more
Then "Wave Battle" drops you into combat with rapid-fire percussion and a lead line that climbs and dives like the EM waves you're riding. "Loneliness" is where it gets you though, this quiet little piece that hits different when you remember the game's themes about isolation and connection.
The DS hardware gives everything a slightly crunchy warmth that suits the series perfectly. If you skipped Star Force thinking it was just Battle Network again, the soundtrack alone proves otherwise.