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Phantasy Star IV was the concluding episode of the trilogy (after I and II) that defined RPG for the Sega Genesis. It was, short of 3D games like Mario RPG and Donkey Kong Country, the most advanced game of the 16-bit era, with your team attacking the enemies directly and very elaborate spells and spell combinations. Also distinctive was its awesome soundtrack.

While, yes, it was heavily synthesized like so many Genesis games, it turned these limitations to its advantage to make some of the most memorable tracks of the era. Laughter, for example, is actually one of the best “major boss” battle themes ever composed – I daresay it’s even better than JENOVA or even Fierce Fight in Final Fantasy VI.  Not only is it one of the longest loops of the kind – 2.5 minutes – but it reflects the evil persona of the foes you fight (Lashiec and Zio). The tempo is very upbeat and the synth effects are perfect to show those possessed by Dark Forces. The notes even get flat towards the end to add more evil.

Abyss and Ooze (both themes against Profound Darkness, the final boss) also use synth to their advantage. The former is a little slower and quieter, showing that PD hasn’t reached its final stage. But despite its “lighter” attacks, the heavy synth reminds you that you are facing evil incarnate. The latter, on the other hand, shows the brute strength of the boss. After a one-minute intro – I can only think of One-Winged Angel that had such a good, long intro – it explodes with the best synth effects the Genesis has to offer. The upbeat tempo is perfect, although the synth gets a little too heavy towards the end.

Even the regular battle theme (Meet Them Head-On) uses the right combination of quick tempo and synth effects; it gets even better when you fight robots as it gives a futuristic ambiance. There are even “voice” samples in the background that add just the right touch. And despite its short loop (30 seconds), Defeat At a Blow (the boss battle) is still excellent. It’s more upbeat than the regular battle theme and the effects show that the battle is more important.

Being a space adventure, PS IV of course has its share of futuristic dungeons and their tracks reflect just that. Behind the Circuit is the perfect “techno” ambiance for a dungeon full of machinery. Although effects towards the end of the loop are a little too loud, the drum track and the synth effects are just perfect. Organic Beat, on the other hand, sounds more intriguing but still carries its futuristic beat. And unlike BTC, it is not overdone in any manner.

In addition, there are two remixes of PS I dungeons – a fun way to remind you of the very first game. Arranged I (inside the bio-plant), is much more upbeat than the original and its Genesis adaptation has a much clearer drum track and futuristic beat. Arranged 2, on the other hand, sounds a little inferior with synthetization that was a little too heavy for my taste (what OB would have sounded if it had been too synthesized).

Speaking of deceptions, there were a few. The village themes (on Motavia and Dezolis where Palmians live) used the worst of the Sega Genesis: bells. I never kept these tracks in my collection because, despite having respectably long loops, are just downright annoying. The shopping music also uses bells, but in a slightly more bearable manner. Her Last Breath also abuses bells, which completely spoils this very sad track – especially after you listen to the guitar version on the Phantasy Star Collection album. Pain has the same problem. Although it does translate the pain of the Dark Wave very well, the arrangements feel like an aggression to the ears.

And while they were not complete deceptions, some tracks were not up to what they could have been. King of Terror (against Dark Forces) is appropriately dark and upbeat, but the synth was overdone, making it inferior to Laughter. Plus, the end of the loop gets quieter, which is weird for this incarnation of pure evil. Cybernetic Carnival (fight inside a vehicle) does sound like a carnival… but why use it in a battle theme? The thought of a different battle track inside a vehicle was good, but make it sound more serious. Take-Off Landale (when riding a spaceship) has an excellent intro – better than in PS 1 – but the loop lasts too long and we lose interest. Fortunately, the in-game experience is just the right length.

Finally, let’s mention some of the other good tracks in the game. The Motavia Field theme was very good, especially in the intro cutscene where you see Alys and Chaz look at the horizon. It may be not the most epic such theme, but it does show heroism. Dezolis Field 1 is very slow and heavy, a perfect reflection of the snowstorm ravaging the planet. At times, you have the impression you can’t move because you can’t see. Dezolis Field 2, on the other hand, it much lighter and joyous since the storm is over. Its happy arrangements show that the future of the planet is much more optimistic. Rykros Field, on the other hand, sound very mysterious. Despite the sometimes annoying “flute” effects, has just the right tempo to reflect this intriguing planet where you must show your worth.

In short, Phantasy Star IV is a must to your music library, especially if you love techno music. The beat is excellent, the synth is used very advantageously and reflects the futuristic ambiance of the game.