Dense, moody SNES composition that sounds way heavier than most 16-bit RPGs dared to go. The 7th Saga's score by Norihiko Yamanuki gets a proper composer's edition treatment here and it deserved one. "Battle in a World of Darkness" is relentless, this churning bass line with sharp staccato hits that make random encounters feel dangerous.
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"Gorsia's Death March" builds dread with low sustained tones and this slow, inevitable march rhythm. Then "World Map" pulls back into something melancholic and vast, capturing that feeling of being completely alone in an unforgiving world.
The character themes each have real personality too. If you think SNES RPG soundtracks peaked at the obvious picks, The 7th Saga argues otherwise.