Final Fantasy XIV
Best FFXIV Songs: Sultana Dreaming (Ul’Dah Night Theme)
If Ul’Dah’s day theme was a little too epic for what’s meant to just be a wandering city track, the night variant does a much better job of capturing the city’s nocturnal charm. Titled Sultana Dreaming, this track feels like a gentle reference to Nanamo herself and her responsibility to the citizens.
Sultana Dreaming plays around with a rhythmic xylophone beat that makes it feel nostalgic and calming – perfect for when you just want to chill at the tavern and watch people engage in some quality role-play on Balmung.
Best FFXIV Songs: Night in the Brume (Ishgard Night Theme)
Both day and night themes for Ishgard are absolutely fantastic, but Night in the Brume captivated me in a way that the day theme couldn’t come close to doing. Starting off as a lovely, wistful piano piece, Night in the Brume slowly reveals itself to be a much more complex piece as the organs kick in. In many ways, it’s a fitting musical representation of what Ishgard is: a grand, medieval kingdom that’s just a shadow of its past, glorious self.
This track remains relevant throughout the Heavensward storyline, too, as it underscores the emotional weight of everything that’s going on in the narrative.
Best FFXIV Songs: Revenge of the Horde (Final Steps of Faith Theme)
It was hard to choose between this and Knights of the Round (Thordan’s trial music) for best boss music in Heavensward, but ultimately we had to give the edge to Nidhogg. Not only is the fight itself incredible (and very challenging), the music itself is presented in phases.
Starting off with Heavensward’s main theme, Dragonsong, it really dawns on the player that this is the moment we’ll finally get to bring an end to the Dragonsong War itself. When the fight finally begins proper, we’re treated to this kickass orchestral, boss fight-style rendition of Imagination that’s certainly fitting for a confrontation as important as this one. It’s a very inspiring, soaring theme that might very well be the best trial music in Final Fantasy XIV at the moment.
Best FFXIV Songs: Triumph (Stormblood Dungeon Boss Theme)
Now, I don’t want to knock the dungeon boss themes we’ve gotten in A Realm Reborn and Heavensward because those were definitely decent, but Triumph just blows those completely out of the water.
The track wastes no time in getting that hype meter up with intense, fast-paced percussion and a rhythm that just gets your blood boiling. The operatic vocals play up the ferocity of the situation even more, and just the sheer incorporation of the unbelievably catchy and epic Storm of Blood motif makes this track one of the very best in Final Fantasy XIV right now.
Best FFXIV Songs: Crimson Sunset (Kugane Night Theme)
Whereas Heavensward took us to a western, medieval setting, the Stormblood expansion visits the opposite end of the spectrum and presents a far-east inspired continent instead. Doma is heavily inspired by Asian and Japanese culture, and Kugane is a lovely encapsulation of the ideas and themes presented in the story.
Crimson Sunrise serves as the night theme of Kugane, and it makes use of traditional instruments to really hammer home that vibe the game is going for. Similar to Triumph, it uses the Storm of Blood motif as its core, and it works. This is a perfect theme for warm summer nights and the melancholic wistfulness of Doma’s heroes.
