A geek-centric post.  Haven’t done one of those in a while.  I can’t abandon our geek audience, right?  That would majorly suck.  Anywhoo, I’ve decided to count down my favorite Japanese RPG battle themes.  These were the conditions of my selections:

1. The game had to developed in Japan.
2. The game had to play during a battle/random encounter.

I sorted out my selections based on personal preference, so I’ll begin with #10.

10. Closed Road (B)
Composed by : Motoi Sakuraba
Featured in: Resonance of Fate (US/EU) /End of Eternity (JP)
Notes about Sakuraba-sensei from Wiki:

Motoi Sakuraba takes the baroque and melodic Japanese progressive rock of the 1980s and expands it with his own trademark complex rhythms, emotional flutes, use of male choir and heavy reverb. The lighter side of his style is a crossover between symphonic progressive rock, cinematic orchestra and new age. Sakuraba is also known for introducing many jazz-like improvisations to his music style. In recent years he has made a serious effort toward expanding his style even further.

This song features a more “rock ‘n roll” vibe, which fits really well with the frenetic gun battles of RoF. Catchy, fun, and easy to listen to, which are three necessary things for a JRPG battle song to have.  I mean, you’re gonna be hearing that song a lot.

What made #9?  Stay tuned, folks.