https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDF411E031D22DD93

Phantasy Star II was the very first RPG released on a 16-bit console, the Sega Genesis. And all through the era, it remained one of the most advanced games, beating even Squaresoft and Enix (especially Enix) with its intricate battle graphics and complex, continuous story that followed Phantasy Star I. How did the soundtrack stand though? I will review it right now.

1- Phantasy

The prologue telling you about Alis Landale and the Mother Brain. The beat is slow and quiet in the intro, which is perfect for story telling about the glory of the past. Then the core of the loop is slightly more upbeat and loud, as to probably reflect the more “modern” part of the story. And the loop is impressively long for such an old game (nearly 2 minutes 45 for the first loop).

2- A Prologue

Whenever we see Rolf dreaming about his distant ancestor. I have never been fond of this track; it is too slow and simplistic. The one or two arrangements used are stretched to boredom. They are appropriate to reflect this premonition, but you should just skip it.

3- Pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJiYLeP8gFw

I can not quite remember when this is played (the Paseo central tower?), but I like it anyway. The drum track is at the right level and the main track sounds very modern, showing that you are in an advance society.

4- My Home

Rolf’s house. The track does sound “homey” with its moderate tempo and quiet arrangements. However it is not the best one; the main track just makes a weird sound.

5- Pleasure

Inside a Motavia town. The arrangements make the cities sound like they are thriving with life and that people are stressed out about it. Why would they be since the Mother Brain does everything? Anyway the “bass” and main track fit the busy Motavia environment perfectly.

6- Step Up

Inside the item shop. It sounds very joyful and welcoming; probably the best shop theme from the first four Phantasy Stars. Unlike III, II has a more modern beat to it that I like.

7- Blacky News

Inside a weapon or armor shop or the clone laboratory. It is not my favorite track either; the track would have been much better if it had been only for the clone shop. It would have been perfect for the, er, clown owning it. Fortunately this dark track is very short.

8- Restoration

The Motavia overworld theme. It does not have the usual epicness of an overworld theme, but I love the contrast it has with Phantasy Star I. One thousand years ago, the planet was barren with only a few oases; now the planet is green and luscious almost like Palma. The theme reflects this transition well as it sound much less mysterious and more “comfy.”

9- Movement

The victory fanfare. Not the best one around – it sounds rather repetitive – but at least it sounds triumphant and MUCH more elaborate than I or even IV. The flute is the best the Genesis could give out, I guess.

10- Advanced

The Motavia dungeon theme. It is a perfect fit for a dungeon of the future. The main track sounds very mysterious and the high-tempo drum adds an element of stress, especially in the Biolab with all those gigantic test tubes. The second part of the loop is my favorite, adding to the feeling of mystery.

11- Secret Ways

In a dungeon where you find / use the Maruera Gum. It would have been better, in my view, for the Dezolis Crevasse because of its “wintry” feeling. Nevertheless, the main track has an interesting mysterious feeling perfect for a dungeon.

12- Mystery

Inside a dam. The main track is played by a strange synth that is perfect for this very high-tech dungeon. The drum track is upbeat, as to remind you that you must hurry to save Motavia from its flooding.

13- Over

Your obligatory game over theme. Since I never even died I have never heard the theme before. It does sound sad as it should, but this is usually not a theme you want to hear. Just skip it.

14- Silent Zone

The Dezolis overworld theme. The main track is a perfect fit for this mysterious, snowy planet most people still know little about even after all these years. The drum track adds an interesting tempo to the music while the main track is imbued with mystery.

15- Excite Town

Any Dezolis town. The title is correct; the track sounds much more joyful and light-hearted than the Motavia towns. The “trumpet” track still keeps the mysterious feeling from Dezolis, but that background “drum-trumpet” adds the right touch of “excitement.”

16- Violation

Inside a Dezolis dungeon. This is an excellent such theme; the beat is very slow and mysterious (heavy synth DOES serve a purpose), and the drum track almost sounds haunting. This is perfect to look for Nei gear in order to save the solar system once again.

17- Power

This is probably related to Lutz / Noah when you meet him. I do not care for this track, which also tries to stretch the notes to boredom. Plus the tempo is soporific; just skip it.

18- Death Place

The (only) boss battle theme there is. It sounds more dramatic than the regular battle theme with its “sad” main track that shows that the fight is important. But it does not sound proper for battling Dark Forces or the Mother Brain. Hell, even most NES games had at least a different theme for the final boss!

However it DOES sound proper (especially with the final “movie”) at the very end, when your team attacks the Earthlings that brought Dark Forces to Algol. You can feel the anger from Anna, Amy, Kain and the rest at those who brought destruction.

19- Exclaim

Speaking of the Earthlings! I never found that theme interesting; it sounds like a cheap ghost house theme with its slow tempo and annoying main track. Just skip it.

20- Never Dream

After the end movie, I guess? I usually never care for ending themes, but this ones feels very proper. Even though you defeated Dark Forces and the Mother Brain, Palma was still destroyed and will bring forward the near destruction of civilization in Algol. It is slow and the main track sounds rather sad and depressing.

21- Rise or Fall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZpbDDdMGcQ

The regular battle theme. Not as classical as Uematsu’s work, or even the PS IV one, but it is still interesting. The tempo is very quick thanks to the drums and the main track has some complex arrangements that, despite heavy synthetization, were impressive for the Genesis.

22- Under

https://youtu.be/pqPuN9n-lw0?t=30m43s

The final dungeon. When I first played the game this was my favorite track. It is very upbeat with the drum, and the main track has both elements of mystery and urgency, since you must stop Dark Forces before it is fully resurrected! Once again the heavy synth is perfect for this space ship you are exploring in outer space.

Final diagnosis: Phantasy Star II is the perfect addition to an RPG soundtrack collection. Its heavy synth if perfect for the futuristic society and the tracks are always appropriate for the context.