https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFA59B26FFC682F8A

Unlike most RPG series, Phantasy Star I through IV is just one, long continuous story (although purists often discuss the merits of Phantasy Star III, but moving along). And in each subsequent game you find references to past games. So plunge into the first opus of the series, where Alis Landale tries to get even with Lassic, whose posies killed her brother. I will review the game’s soundtrack,

1- Title screen

The Master System chip was way superior to early NES games, as this track shows. It is quite upbeat and has rather complex arrangements. However the background “drum” tends to get too loud.

2- Intro

When you see Alis’ brother getting killed. The music sound good as an intro indeed with its very slow beat – a little like Simone’s appearance in Shining Force. However it does not sound dramatic enough to show Alis’ promise to her dying brother.

3- Town

Music from hell. There is no other description possible; the arrangements are excessively repetitive and highly unvaried. Plus the loop ends with a few seconds of silence as if the composer did not know how to properly make it. Skip it in a hurry.

4- Cave

Ah, much better. Although, once again, the background drum tends to be too loud, the main arrangement track have a mysterious feel to them. This is the perfect fit for a cave (this is one of the remixes heard in Phantasy Star IV).

5- Shop

It sounds definitely better than in Final Fantasy I. The notes are detached from each other and, for once, the drum is not too loud. Not my favorite track, but I like it.

6- Lassic

It does not sound very dramatic for such an important fight. However it is more upbeat that the regular battle theme and the “flute” from the main track has enough of a dramatic touch to pump you up a little.

7- Dark Falz

The final boss battle. Now THAT is an excellent such theme, especially compared to the Dragon Warriors until III. It is very upbeat and the main “flute” sounds very dramatic. The 8-bit track adds the perfect finishing touch of drama.

8- Tower

The other PS IV remix. Honestly I kind of prefer this one. It sounds much more dramatic than the dungeon theme, there is not that much drum and the main track has fairly complex notes compared to most 8-bit dungeons except Dragon Warrior IV.

9- Dezoris

The arrangements are hard to describe, but they fit this icy planet very well. They sound like a muted flute, perfect for a planet that is still full of mysteries. But, once again, the drum track takes most of the sound capacity.

10- Village

MUCH more tolerable that the town theme. As with most games that do the distinction, it is quieter and more relaxing. This one sounds like a slow waltz I like; the drum is at the right volume while the “main” flute will calm you down a little.

11- Vehicle

The main track has just the right arrangements to show the high technology of the three vehicles you will handle. Notwithstanding the drums, this is one of the best “vehicle” themes from the 8-bit consoles (except Enterprise takes the Sky).

12- Story

Apparently this track has not caught my attention because I can not identify it. Besides the main track has VERY annoying arrangements, barely better than the town theme. Just skip it.

13- Final dungeon

Sega did not do this one good. FF 1 had a much better final dungeon theme; PS I has the main track playing some weird arrangements that vaguely sound like the Final Fantasy 2 dungeon theme but slower. The track is OK in itself, though.

14- Motavia

Unlike the luscious greenery of Palma, Motavia is a desert and this track reflects it well. The main “flute” has a higher pitch as to show how barren the planet is outside the oasis of Paseo. It is also quite upbeat.

15- Game over

I have never been fond of such themes, and this one is rather annoying. It does sound sad but it does not even loop, and the arrangements are rather basic. Just skip it.

16- Battle

This is a fairly good battle theme, better than FF 1 and DW I and II. The tempo is just right, and the arrangements are just right to make you feel you are trying to kill those annoying swarms to amass enough mesetas to get your passport.

17- Palma

My favorite track of the album. It may not have the epicness of Eternal Wind, but it is still one of the best overworld themes of the 8-bit era. The main flute shows that the planet is very beautiful and still carries some epicness to it. There are even some hints of “guitar” in the background that add a nice touch.

18- Church

Another track from hell. Sega did not master the organ very well and it shows. The arrangements are plain annoying, making you want to exit the church forthwith. Plus the loop ends way too abruptly. Just skip it.

19- Ending

This track sounds very cheap. The main flute has a pitch that is way too high, it stretches the note and will make you want to skip the end credits. Skip it in a hurry.

Final diagnosis: this soundtrack is a must for all 8-bit gamers. Despite sometimes annoying drum tracks, the arrangements are quite interesting and fit their situation perfectly.