Final Fantasy
The series began in 1987, when Square employee Hironobo Sakaguchi was contemplating quitting the video game industry and opted to go out with a bang, making one last game his 'Final Fantasy'. Nobuo Uematsu was working in a music rental shop when he was asked to score the game, which focuses on four 'Warriors of Light' as they attempt to purge the world of darkness. Although simplistic, it is worth visiting even today purely because of what it kickstarted. Featured here are remastered editions of the original 8-bit tracks, which are worth listening to regardless for nostalgic purposes.
The Prelude The first track ever heard by players, this has become truly iconic given its inclusion in some form in almost every other game in the franchise.
Opening Theme Otherwise known as the 'Final Fantasy Theme', this too has appeared in some form in almost every title. Though remarkably similar to Atreyu's Quest from The Neverending Story in places, it is instantly recognisable and always seems to suit whatever situation that it is being used to score. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqmDtgz0o1c
Matoya's Cave Though the cave in which this track plays was a location only visited once, its backing music has enjoyed seemingly perpetual popularity, likely due to its catchiness, even in 8-bit form. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUc_t3i4qwE
Chaos Shrine Standing miles above the game's generic dungeon theme, this is a beautiful piece that succeeds at seeming dark in tone despite the lightness of its melodies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suyCi-xdjNo
Ruined Castle Coming in just above the Underwater Temple in terms of excellent location-specific music is this, which adequately builds tension before becoming more uplifting in tone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suyCi-xdjNo