12 Greatest Final Fantasy Battle Themes

9. "The Extreme" - Final Fantasy VIII's Final Boss Ultimecia Theme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcmx2l3WA What makes a good battle theme? Uplifting baselines? Catchy melodies? Sheer longevity? What makes a good Final Boss theme? The exact opposite. As the theme for the grand finale, a Final Boss theme should be two things: unique and emotionally unrivaled. This theme used for Final Fantasy VIII's last encounter takes a risk most wouldn't; starting slowly with the haunting motif of a chant heard through the game over sweeping time-space and a simple acoustic melody that transitions to its stunning piano brethren before finally breaking into a pulsating baseline worthy of a battle amidst a time-compressed vortex. This theme took risks in following "One Winged Angel" with something far softer and subtler but boy did that contrast pay off! We're only at '#9 too!