Noriyuki Iwadare's Grandia score is pure PS1-era adventure distilled into sound. The "Theme of Grandia" hits with this hopeful brass melody that basically defines what a JRPG about exploration should feel like. "Town of Parm" has that cozy hometown warmth, woodwinds dancing over gentle strings, and then "Ghost Ship" flips everything into this tense, creepy atmosphere without missing a beat.
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"Farewell to Sue" will wreck you if you know the context. The battle themes cycle through energy levels perfectly, with "Battle 3" bringing this intensity that makes random encounters actually feel exciting. Just that sense of wonder in every track.
If you grew up on Saturn or PS1 RPGs and somehow skipped Grandia, start with this collection and thank me later.