https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yaNd6O5AfA

After a rather insanely difficult first game, Enix was able to produce a much better second game with Dragon Warrior II. It had better graphics, two other team members and was a continuation of the first opus. It also had a much richer soundtrack, which I will review right here.

1- Overture

When you turn on the machine. I honestly went beyond the “introductory trumpet.” It shows that the music has evolved from the first game, but just skip it.

2- Joyous Song

The save state screen. The music would have been proper for a carnival of some sort, but you never really listen to it when you play. Plus the arrangements get annoying. Just skip it.

3- All Hope is Lost...

Now this is getting interesting. This is the track when you die or, in the introduction, when Moonbroke is overrun by monsters. The loop is short, but it carries the despair very well. The 8-bit track in the background sound like weeping even.

4- Royal Palace

The arrangements are more complex than in Dragon Warrior I. The “trumpets” in the main track already sound more regal. The 8-bit track in the background even sounds joyous.

5- A Lonely Youth

The overworld theme whenever there are NOT three members that are alive. It is a variation of the Alefgard theme, and a MUCH better one at that. The theme sounds cheerful, but also “lonely” from the main flute. It is the better of the two overworld themes.

6- Demon Attack

The battle theme. The arrangements are better than in Dragon Warrior I; they are more upbeat and more complex. However I found the first part of the repeated loop a little too… quiet.

7- Busy City Streets

My favorite town theme from the whole series until VI. You can feel that the city is vibrant, as if it were a bazaar. It is highly cheerful, and you can barely hear the 8-bit track in the background. The main tracks do an excellent job.

8- Underground

Inside a cave. Although it does not sound as dark as the DW theme, you can still feel the mystery of the dark place you are exploring. The main track does have a repeated sound that can get annoying, but it is overall a good theme.

9- Friendship

This is where the classical “join the theme” started. I kind of prefer the NES version; V had it too quiet and VI tried to overdo it with modern arrangements. It is short and joyful, and this is all you need.

10- Prophecy

The short (and kind of annoying) temple loop. The arrangements do fit a temple feel, but their high pitch will make you want to exit the temple forthwith.

11- Travelling with Friends

When your team of three is complete. I really preferred the previous one; it was a better fit for an overworld theme. Yes, this one sounds more cheerful since you have reunited with your cousins, but it does not sound proper for an overworld theme.

12- Ever Upwards

The tower theme. I love the distinction with the dungeon theme. It sounds even more intriguing, and the “razor” between the main parts of the loop sounds wonderful… but strange.

13- Riding the Waves

The boat theme. The arrangements are a little too loud for my taste (compare to III, for example), but it sounds light and jolly. It evokes the perfect feeling of traveling on a sea full of monsters.

14- The Spirit of Rubiss

When Rubiss helps you see through Malroth’s illusion in his castle. I never really paid attention to it during the game, so I generally skip the track. The flute arrangements are not that interesting.

15- Malroth ~ The True Evil

The final boss battle. Much better than DW 1 thanks to better drama. However it is still too slow for such a fight; Final Fantasy II had it much better. Even the 8-bit track in the background sounds bland.

16- Recounting the Journey

The end theme. As always, I have not much care for this kind of theme. Nevertheless, it has a very good heroic feel to it as it should since you restored peace to the world.

17- Victory!

The classical DW victory theme. Why change classics when they are perfect the way they are already?

18- Improvement

Another classic, although this one seems to be arranged slightly better.

19- Cursed!

The start of a new classic. It does not sound as if the world were ending, but it does show that something wrong is going on.

20- Sleep Well

The start on yet another classic. It is very brief; I guess Enix heroes just fall asleep very quickly.

21- Won the Lottery

Before the casino there were lottery tickets. If you were lucky enough to win you would hear this very triumphant music. Its high pitch is actually very good for once.

22- Saint's Prayer

When someone gets resurrected. I love the way it starts very low and then explodes in glorious arrangements where your comrade get brought back to life (directly brought by the angels?)

23- 24- Echoing Flute + echo

If you worked your way without a guide, this instruments told you (when it echoed) that a crest was present somewhere in the dungeon. It sounds very primitive, but I thought the concept was more original than the jewel sonar in Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals.

25- Kingdom of Alefgard

When you explore the grounds of Alefgard, where your ancestor completed his heroic deeds. Despite slightly better arrangements, I still find the theme highly annoying because of its very short loop.

Final diagnosis: I recommend this game to all RPG lovers. Despite its age, the game and the soundtrack are still interesting. It is interesting to hear the evolution of themes like Saint’s Prayer and sleep well.