Final Fantasy II & III
Due to re-releases of the titles receiving their proper numbering, these two game are more commonly known as Final Fantasy IV & VI, respectively. I'm probably cheating by combing both games as one entry, though it is because I don't find either soundtrack to be particularly amazing as a whole. However, both games have several standouts and deserve to be included, even if it takes both to create one full entry. Plus, my friend would scold me harshly if I did not include Final Fantasy III in this article.
Out in the Field – Final Fantasy II
With a nice and mellow pace, this theme represents the vast landmasses the heroes will soon travel across. It may seem a little laid back to embody an adventurous spirit, but it's a long journey out there, and slow and steady does it. There is also another version of this theme in the subterranean area of the game, set at a lightly slower tempo and with a bit of a jazzy bass, which is also an excellent piece..
Jaunt on the Moon – Final Fantasy II
Deep in the core of the moon, where a great evil lurks, this tune is all that's to be heard as the party trek ever closer to the center. Rather than taking a foreboding approach, this trumpet melody is instead inspiring, pushing you onward into the final confrontation. Soon, an unavoidable epic battle will commence, inching closer with each step.
Field/Terra's Theme – Final Fantasy III
This is a piece that's hard to describe, as it works on many levels, but I'll give it my best. Normally, I would prefer a more relaxed field theme, but this one represents more than just a sprawling adventure across unknown lands. It also encompasses the soul-searching journey of the game's protagonist, Terra, who doesn't appear to fit in anywhere. The flute in the first part is her spirit, pushing forward, and the brass in the second part is her hope, never dwindling.
Doma Castle/Cyan's Theme – Final Fantasy III
One step into this empty castle, and one listen, is all it takes to realize what had happened. Slow in tempo, the flute and the drums convey the lifeless castle, its people killed off in a great tragedy. A lone survivor is all that remains, with nothing left but revenge. Farther into the piece, the segment with the brass and strings gives hope that he will prevail, ensuring that no one else will feel his pain.
I've got to agree with a lot of your picks, perhaps excluding Vortex. I don't dig techno.
I loved Super Mario RPG's music. It's memorable to this day, as is all the rest, especially that found in Chrono Trigger...
But I think Super Metroid music is even better than you give it credit for. I find myself "thinking" the music on a regular basis, particular the boss music and whenever a building is going to blow up.
Honestly, if you were to ask me again, I'd probably pick a different five games to highlight here. There were a lot of good choices to write about, and just because I didn't doesn't mean I think any less of even the ones that weren't mentioned in the Honourable Mentions. I could have easily expanded this and wrote about each and every one of those games, but for the sake of readability, I couldn't make it longer than the average attention span. I had to put a limit somewhere, and trust me, it wasn't an easy decision.
Though I can't believe I forgot to mention the Nimbus Land music for Super Mario RPG. That isn't just one of my favourites, it's probably my most favourite. How it slipped my mind I'll never know. The volcano music is another worth mentioning, as it also had enough bass to rattle the speakers.
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