Why the Soundtrack Is the Best Part of Trials of Mana

 

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RPG Odyssey

    When people talk about Trials of Mana, they often focus on its colorful visuals, party system, or real-time combat. While all of these are important, I believe the true soul of the game lies in its outstanding soundtrack, composed by the legendary Hiroki Kikuta. Simply put: the music is Trials of Mana’s greatest strength, and it’s what elevates the entire experience from good to unforgettable.

A Soundscape That Brings the World to Life

    The world of Trials of Mana is full of diverse environments — lush forests, scorching deserts, frozen peaks, and magical cities. Each place has its own unique atmosphere, and what ties it all together is Kikuta’s music. The soundtrack doesn’t just accompany your journey; it defines it.

    Every track feels perfectly crafted to match the tone of the moment, whether it’s a peaceful village stroll, a tense dungeon crawl, or a climactic boss battle. Even when the gameplay is simple or the story feels predictable, the music keeps you emotionally invested and immersed in the world.

A Blend of Whimsy, Energy, and Emotion

    One of Kikuta’s greatest talents is blending different moods seamlessly. Trials of Mana’s soundtrack covers a wide emotional range:

• Whimsical and playful tracks like "Little Sweet Cafe" instantly lighten the mood.
  
  

• High-energy battle themes like "Damn Damn Drum" and "Swivel" keep your adrenaline pumping during combat.
  
  

• Emotional and reflective pieces like "Evening Star" and "Fable" bring depth to the quieter, more introspective moments.
  
  

    No matter where you are in the game, there’s a piece of music that feels tailor-made for that scene, adding layers of emotional depth that the simple story alone could never achieve on its own.

Personal Highlights

    For me, the soundtrack became an inseparable part of my experience with Trials of Mana. Some personal favorites that really stood out include:

• "Little Sweet Cafe"
  
  

• "Raven"
  
  

• "Damn Damn Drum"
  
  

• "Swivel"
  
  

• "Evening Star"
  
  

• "Don't Hunt The Fairy"
  
  

• "Fable"
  
  

• "Harvest November"
  
  

• "Few Paths Forbidden"
  
  

• "Female Turbulence"
  
  

• "Different Road"
  
  

• "Powell"
  
  

• "Nuclear Fusion"
  
  

• "Splash Hop"
  
  

• "Obsession"
  
  

• "Frenzy"
  
  

• "Can You Fly Sister?"
  
  

• "Secret of Mana"
  
  

• "Electric Talk"
  
  

    Each track brought its own mood and flair, many of them lingering in my mind long after I put the controller down.

    If you haven’t yet had the chance, I highly recommend giving the full soundtrack a listen — it's an experience that can stand on its own even outside the context of the game. You can find it here.

Why It Matters

    A lot of modern games have flashy graphics and deep systems, but few leave a lasting emotional impact. Trials of Mana succeeds because its music gives it that extra heart. It’s the soundtrack that makes every boss fight feel grand, every quiet scene feel nostalgic, and every exploration feel like a real adventure.

    In short, even if you don’t remember every plot point or dungeon, you’ll remember how the game made you feel — and that’s thanks largely to its music.

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Join the Conversation!

• What's your favorite track from Trials of Mana?
  
  

• How important is music to you when playing an RPG?
  
  

• Have you played any other games with soundtracks that left a deep impression on you?