THE NEVER ENDING STORY
(Movie Soundtrack)
Composer: Giorgio Moroder
Of course, this one isn't game music. It's from the motion picture soundtrack for The Neverending Story. I put this one up because it was requested on my forums. I've never actually seen the movie myself, but I've enjoyed its music for many years now.
"Ivory Tower"
Time: 3:09
Size: 2.89 MB
Automatic ending
Comment: I highly recommend downloading this if you're a big fan of videogame music, because it has a "videogame" quality to it. You'll see what I mean if you listen to it...The beginning part kind of sounds like something from an 8 or 16-bit game, but then it segues into a really neat electric guitar section.
 
NINJA GAIDEN
(NES)
Composers: More Yamasan, B. Hasake, & Miyazaki
A great NES soundtrack accompanies some of the most challenging gameplay of all time. Here are my favorite songs from this classic.
Music also featured on:
Game Ending Songs Extravaganza
"Battlefield"
Time: 1:20
Size: 1.84 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: The boss theme.
Rating: 
"Basilisk Mine Field"
Time: 1:43
Size: 1.57 MB
Automatic ending
Comment: My favorite song from Ninja Gaiden. Note that this is the ending credits version of the song, which is almost identical to the stage version except that it comes to a definitive end.
Rating: 
"Death of Ken Hayabusa"
Time: 0:43
Size: 680 KB
Automatic ending
Comment: One of the three fantastic ending themes. This one is touched with such sorrow that it makes me feel sad even without having really known Ken Hayabusa. And poor Ryu has to lose his father twice!
Rating:
"Death Valley"
Time: 2:40
Size: 3.67 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: It looks more like the Grand Canyon than Death Valley to me, but that's what the manual calls it. Also used in some other areas like the Amazon jungle.
Rating:
"Foster's Theme"
Time: 1:32
Size: 2.12 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: Everyone who's played this game is probably familiar with this tune for the talk with the infamous CIA agent. Seems to be a fan favorite.
Rating:
"Galesburg"
Time: 1:29
Size: 2.04 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: The first level theme often gets credited as being the best song in the game, but it's not my top favorite. I've come to appreciate it a little more over time.
Rating:
"Nails of Lukifell"
Time: 1:33
Size: 2.14 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: A slower, more melancholy song than most of the others. Drops almost all percussion to give almost the impression of a sad violin solo. A little repetitive, but interesting anyway.
Rating:
"Masked Devil"
Time: 0:48
Size: 1.12 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: The music for the fight with the Masked Devil and also Walter Smith's death scene. This is one of my longtime favorite songs from Ninja Gaiden.
Rating:
"Opening Theme"
Time: 0:46
Size: 1.05 MB
Automatic ending
Comment: The sad-sounding song from the opening sequence when Ryu reads the letter.
Rating:
"Outpost"
Time: 1:31
Size: 2.09 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: The second stage theme. I like this one more than the Galesburg music.
Rating:
"Prison of the Dead"
Time: 1:05
Size: 1.50 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: I remember some Nintendo Power guy from back in the day saying this was his favorite Ninja Gaiden song or something like that. It's okay, but not my top personal choice.
Rating:
"Ryu and Irene"
Time: 0:53
Size: 838 KB
Automatic ending
Comment: The beautiful ending scene music from the part where Ryu and Irene watch the sunrise.
Rating:
 
NINJA GAIDEN 2: THE DARK SWORD OF CHAOS
(NES)
Composers: S. Kajiya, Mayu, & Miyazaki
While the Great Ninja Gaiden vs. Ninja Gaiden 2 Soundtrack Debate wages on, I have to confess I still slightly prefer the sequel's music to its predecessor (although they're both very good.) I'll compile my favorite NG2 songs here. Incidentally, this game has some of the most realistic-sounding PCM snares I've heard on the NES.
Music also featured on:
Game Ending Songs Extravaganza
Unused Game Music Oddities
"A Long Way to Go"
Time: 2:59
Size: 4.12 MB
Automatic ending
Comment: The ending song that made my Top 50 article (when it was a Top 50).
Rating:
"Chaosium Sword"
Time: 1:33
Size: 2.14 MB
Automatic ending
Comment: Fantastically ominous opening theme.
Rating:
"Fire Cavern"
Time: 1:18
Size: 1.80 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: Really heavy on the percussion. Some weird note-bending near the end. Always liked this one a lot.
Rating:
"The Parasprinter"
Time: 1:23
Size: 1.91 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: Without a doubt, my favorite song in Ninja Gaiden 2.
Rating:
"Unlimited Moment"
Time: 1:35
Size: 2.18 MB
2 loops with fadeout
Comment: Softer, more melancholy music than what's usually found in Ninja Gaiden games. Another song I'm extremely fond of. The end part sounds like it would be perfect for violin.
Rating:
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