The way this score leans into traditional Japanese instrumentation over the usual fantasy RPG orchestra is so good. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma builds its whole sound around shakuhachi, koto, and taiko with modern production polish underneath.
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Village of Everblooming Flowers shifts between its day and night versions like the town actually breathes, the night arrangement pulling back into this gentle folk melody that just sits with you. Thunderous Lament goes full dramatic with layered strings and percussion that hit way harder than you'd expect from a farming sim.
Then Long, Long Ago strips everything down to almost nothing. Just quiet devastation. If you've been sleeping on Rune Factory soundtracks, this one will absolutely convert you.