Epic... Powerful... Absolutely MOVING Songs!
 

There are songs out there that carry in them a power and beauty that will take you in, move every bit of spirit in you, or rip your heart out in despair. Being a player of DnD, I like to find tracks for various situations, and I can never get enough songs that can take the players in and make them really feel despair or something so big and amazing that they feel the awe of the moment.

Right now, "The Tale of Icewind Dale" is playing, and it carries in it a great mystery and subtle beauty... I love songs like this. What pieces do you listen to that give you this kind of feeling or similar effects mentioned above. Try to avoid extremely heavy thematic pieces: with no disrespect meant to great themes, the theme itself often supplements some of the magic of the song, and it doesn't require as much other beauty to make the piece really sing out. There certainly are exceptions, and you can put them down if you feel they are appropriate.

Although I like Koichi Sugiyama better on average because his pieces of music are brilliant, the person who has most made emotional songs that go with the moment so, so well is Nobuo Uematsu.

It seemed to begin with FF4 and got even better with FF6. So much moving music. So many situations have a theme. FF7 got even better with emotion! (perhaps not as epic as ff6, but better with emotion).

"Reprisal" from Ace Combat 5.

The horn solo at the 3 minute mark is the work of legends.

Since I've been listening to a lot of Ace Combat music recently, I'm going to go ahead and brag about Keiki Kobayashi. Tracks like "The Unsung War", "Blockade"/"First Flight", and "Zero" are top notch.

Epic tracks, huh? Here are some I feel fit the mold:

<> Megalith -Agnus Dei- from Ace Combat 04 Shattered Skies Original Sound Tracks
<> Morrowind Title from Elder Scrolls III Morrowind Original Soundtrack
<> THE OUTDATED HEROES from ZOIDS INFINITY -ARCADE SOUND TRACKS- THE BOY
<> ''Metal Gear Solid'' Main Theme from Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty Original Soundtrack
<> Zero Stage 1 from Rockman X1~6
<> Trigger Situation from DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII- Original Soundtrack
<> HOUR OF DESTINY from Soul Calibur III Original Soundtrack -LEGEND OF SOUNDS-
<> Speaking with the Stars from BATEN KAITOS Neverending Wings and the Lost Sea Original Soundtrack

Those are a few that popped into my head. I'll post more later on.

The orchestrated songs in both Kingdom Hearts games are well placed and represent the emotions very well. They capture the moment if you will, after seeing both the scene and song pared together, they became inseparable in my mind.

Two songs come to mind for me, and they're basically exact opposites.

Joy: Truth (Vagrant Story)

In this song, all the pains of your past are washed away, all of your worries, doubts, and insecurites seem, in an instant, ridiculous. This is the basic feeling I got from the second half of the song, long before I ever played the game.

Despair: Trübsal (Saga Frontier II)

I've never heard this in game, but obviously someone is dead or dying. This is the kind of pain you feel when someone you love very much is dying in your arms, and you fall to your knees, screaming, "Why God, why!?". Horrible, acute emotional agony.

Both of these songs make me want to cry, but for very different reasons.

Simply one of the greatest soundtracks for one of the greatest games ever made.
http://www.outcast-thegame.com/gallery/audio.htm
I find this a very stirring and emotive soundtrack that when playing the game perfectly enhances the atmosphere and portrays the sense of the environment you're in.

I actually knew Piccolo was going to answer "Truth" the instant I saw his name in the most recent reply for this thread...Scary :juggler:

As far as songs that provide feelings of "epic" and "awe", I'm generally a believer that the stronger the melody, the stronger the mood. Reason being: In an epic moment, a lot of things are usually going on and it makes sense to have equally active, yet still attractive, music.

Some songs that stick out as being "epic" in my mind, both for their prowess inside the game and outside:

"The Moon"-Ducktales (NES)
"Zone J"-Rescue Rangers (NES)
Level 7 BGM-Ninja Warriors (SNES)
Dr. Wily Area 3 (Megaman 7)
The Strongest Foe-Ys 3 Turbo Duo/Ys Felghana
Believe in My Heart-Ys Felghana
Holy Orders/Awe of She/Feel a Fear/Bloodstained Lineage/Meet Again-Guilty Gear X
The Day of Judgement/The Midnight Carnival-Guilty Gear XX Korean.
The First Unison/Hard Chain Reaction-Valkyrie Profile
Esaka?-King of Fighters 98 (especially for the sweet synth bells).
Struggle for Existence-Dynasty Warriors 4
flying-Castle Shikigami 2
Maybe I'm a Lion-Final Fantasy 8
Deceitful Wings/Duke of Stratosphere-Atelier Iris
The Battle with Lord Blazer-Wild Arms 2
Track 9-Skull Fang

So yeah...the word "Epic" normally translates as big battles or high-impact dungeons to me, as far as video games go.

Just as I knew that as soon as you saw that I had posted here you would say something about me liking Truth. ;)

Broken Memory - Soukaigi
Betrayal - Silent Hill 2
Fight Tune "The Immaculate" - Dirge of Cerberus

One song that I find particularly epic is Tales of Legendia - Seeking Victory. I really love the whole orchestral thing, especially the violin. It plays during some of the boss battles in the game.

Communication Breakdown" By Yuki Kajiura or something. From Cenosaga Episode: II

Anybody who mentioned Ace Combat 5 knows what they're talking about. Keiki Kobayashi..... you god.

As for me, Yasunori Mitsuda composes poetry. His music isn't just music. Just listen to Black Shadow from Tsugunai and you'll understand.

Other than that, "A sign" from Tales of Symphonia. 60 seconds of EPIC.

Oh, and "Supreme Ruler of the Nine Havens" from Baten Kaitos.

WHOA.

Thanks for all the replies. I had never listened to Ace Combat music before, but when I did... wow. Great stuff!

Ace Combat Zero - Zero. [ =O ]

When I lay in my bed at night and listed to this track, my eyes got wet. That's just too epic, powerful and awesome for a wimp like me. Nothing to add, simply listen to it and I advise you not to be contrary.

Gasp.

It's so good it's actually the reason I played the game. It started off as a random download too. Then I said "I have to see what this is all about." And the game is okay. But the music is far better than okay.

Resident Evil Outbreak File # 2:End credits.

I know, most of you had not listened it,but its just plain AWESOME.

Hmm, the songs I acknowledge for being powerful are:
-Destati by Yoko Shimomura (KHII)
-Minuet by Koichi Sugiyama (DQIV)
-Theme of Love by Nobuo Uematsu
-Overture, Rondo in C, Soaring Mix (Unlimited Saga), Thema, Variation (SFII), Wodan (Coi Vanni Gialli) by Masashi Hamauzu
-Maya's Death (Persona II, I forget who composed it. The most powerful sad piano IMO)

well, most of them could be found in Galbadia Hotel if the threadstarter is looking for the tracks.

The orchestral tracks ("Title" and "Flight" in particular) from Panzer Dragoon are quite breathtaking.

Mega Man 2 opening/Wily stage 1 theme (if you were tired and saying to yourself, "Man I'm getting the password and heading to bed," after finishing the last boss before this stage, your mind changed quickly when this song started.)

The Brinstar Red song from Super Metroid. Just gives a whole different feeling to the game.

Valley Of Heroes song in Stormwind in World of Warcraft.

Sewer Shark's tunnel music.

Silent Hill 2's "Running the through the forest endlessly" Ambience.

Fei Long's Music.

Little Mac's Uppercut sound effect (not really a song but it makes the entire situation feel Epic. Even if its hitting Glass Joe)

Streets of Rage 2 Boss music. Especially the first one, in the rain.

Donkey Kong Country first stage music.

Y's Book I&II epic dungeon music.

Bloody Tears from castlevania IV specifically.

Sephiroth's theme.


Thats all I can think of.


P.S. Sewer Shark thing was a joke.

P.P.S. Hi I'm new. But old. Its hard to explain.

I love the brooding music that plays in Zelda:Majora's Mask on the last day when the moon's just about to fall.

Definitely some works by Jeremy Soules including the Icewind Dale Theme & Mysterious Attacker from.. can't remember the soundtrack; and some music by Danny Elfman including the ending section of Spidey Suite. When the horns and strings just roares, its one powerful movement to another.

Which track number is that?

I'm tempted to include Terra's theme as my favourite, but then again I wouldn't be fair to Nobuo's other works.

Here's a list of songs, and why I picked them.

Aeris' Theme - If the orchestrated version didn't leave you semi-drowning in a pool of your own tears by the end of it, you are not human.
Terra's Theme - The overworld theme of FF6. The enchanting melody will haunt me 'til the day I die.
Bonds of Sea And Fire - 'Tear-jerker' is an understatement.

A bevy of other songs as well, from Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, etc. but these three are the most prominent ones that stick on my mind.

Disc 2, Track 24.

Epic, huh? I'd have to go with The Oath (FFVIII) then. It certainly fits the mood very well during that scene. It's a nice, powerful score that moves me every time I listen to it.

1. I am not human.
2. I'll drink to that. 2nd-best overworld theme the series has had (FF7's wins for me for its complexity and atmosphere).
3. I wouldn't necessarily call BoSaF a "tearjerker," but it's definitely moody. More of a lose-yourself-in-thought kind of theme, as it never really struck me as sad.

My votes are:

1. The Age of Fables (Phantasy Star IV): Plays when a certain character is explaining key plot points to certain other characters. It only plays once or twice, and only in that situation, and it gives me goosebumps every time.

2. Hari-Hara: 2nd Movement (Digital Devil Saga): Final boss theme for DDS1, and it rocks pretty hard. I've always seen final boss themes divided into two categories: the "All right, let's DO it!" themes and the "Wow...'kay, then, we're fucked" themes. Battle with Lord Blazer is an "All right" theme, as is "Lucia vs. Zophar" from Lunar 2. This, on the other hand, is most definitely a "fucked" theme. Few can so effectively convey the kind of mind-boggling power the heroes are fighting, but this is among those few. Especially when the chorus kicks in. Organ comin liek wut.

3. Sorrowful Fate (Magna Carta): Don't recall offhand where this one plays (maybe not there yet), but wow is it grandiose. Operatic choir, heavy percussion, organ, the works.

Agreed, I can't really explain...but somehow this piece always takes my breath away when I hear it.
It gives off such a sad & foreboding feeling when hearing it.
Probably one of Koji Kondo's most moving tracks he has ever created (together with the Giant theme from Majora's Mask)

I'd have to say Mushihimesama!

Shinju Heading to the Forest is a wonderful song. I feel my spirit lifting everytime I listen to it.

Then humans have bad taste.

sorry for intruding, but how is Aeris's theme, erm... powerful, and epic? Moving maybe, but izit the first 2?

Film music:

Pretty much anything David Arnold. To be in more detail, I'd say the Main Theme to the Stargate Movie Soundtrack. That whole soundtrack is really epic sounding. I also liked a lot of the music from Independence Day and all of his music from the recent Bond films (Tomorrow Never Dies, World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day).

As for VGM...

Unlimited SaGa Overture
One Winged Angel
Time's Scar
The Labyrinth (Rogue Galaxy Premium Arrange)
Ending Theme from FFX
Opening Theme from FFXII
Alchemy (Man's Theme) from Stella Deus
Aeolic Guardian from Musashiden II BLADEMASTER

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

i much recommend 'staff roll' track in vagrant stories....its powerfull and moving orchestrated music...

'water' from advent children also fit that description...

Resolution ~ Pure A Stream - Star Ocean: The Second Story: Arrange Album - I really liked this song. I love the use of the piano solo, as well as the orchestral entry about midway through the track. Ending with a somber piano solo at the end.

Theme of RENA - Star Ocean: The Second Story: Arrange Album - Another great orchestral plus piano song. This song however added some female vocals. Ending with a "music-box" style.

Epic, Powerful, Moving?
Everything on Christopher Franke's score for the canceled Babylon 5-game "into the Fire"! :D

Chrono Trigger: The Brink of Time -- World Revolution

Chrono Cross -- Time's Scar

The rest have been mentioned :O

The main theme from Ace Combat V - Razgriz, performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra is absolutely stunning!!! Shivers down my spine, ohhh!!!

Megalith -Agnus Dei- - This is one of my all time favorites when it comes to epic music. I was glad it had such a high ranking in the GFF Best song of 2005. I havent even played AC4 and yet I really enjoy this song. The whole opening just screams OH SHI~ Boss Fight to you, right from the start it makes you feel like you are standing against the main badguy or a really huge monster that threatens to devour you in an instant. And then the fight rolls on, with the slowdown after 3 minutes to enter a new mode of the fight and then just slowly gear up into high mode again. An excellent song that just eminates epic.

The Unsung War - I absolutley love this song. I hadnt even played AC5 before I heard this one, but still as in the case of Megalith I managed to fall in love with this one. This is great because of the buildup in a slow momentum. One can almost imagine the planes lining up on the runway and taking off toward the epic battle that will sway the tide of the war.
Now I just wished I had played through AC5 when I had the chance.

And I might as well add Reprisal from AC5 to the list. I didnt like it in the beginning actually. But now its grown on me and I find it really really good.
Other great ones that has to be mentioned is Blockade from AC4, First Flight (it really doesnt sound like a remade version of Blockade) from AC5. And the most obvious one, Hell March from C&C Red Alert. Might as well toss in Hell March 2 from RA2 as well.

Halo 2 (Vol. 2) - Unforgotten

I really liked the sound of this when I first heard it. Unfortunately, for a long time the only place I'd ever hear it was about half of it at the title screen sometimes. And since I don't own the game or an XBox, that made my hearing it occur even less until I got a direct recording of it, and finally as part of the Vol. 2 soundtrack today.

Earth City from Halo 2 is another one. I first heard it in that E3 Demo for Halo 2 years back, when the Master Chief hops into the gunner seat of that Warthog and proceeds to blow up lots of stuff. That was just fantastic.

Lastly, but certainly not least...

Grandia II - Granasaber

[quote] Then humans have bad taste. [quote]

yeah that version was kind of crap, the best version is the piano collections, in my opinion

most of final fantasy music i love, so my favourite is the piano collection version of eternity, its bloody marvellous!

It is not epic, but it is emotional.

"Beyond Sorrows" from the Kojima Black disc.

I listened to this a lot when a family member passed away a few years ago.

Non-game, no song in the world can possibly be more epic than Blind Guardian - And Then There Was Silence.

As far as game music goes, Final Fantasy VI - The Decisive Battle always gets me pumped...particularly the Black Mages version.

Royal Road, from Makai Kingdom. If you haven't heard this song, you haven't heard pretty much the best song Nippon Ichi's games have to offer. Yes, it's that good. Way better than any ending theme in that series of games and pretty much better than any of the other songs too.

Wow, to me there are a lots of them.
First of all, all of the Shenmue orchestral cd tracks + Wish (track N°18 of the second cd of the OST if I remember well).


Then, Suteki da ne, Ootsuki sama, and Pure Hearts from rikki (FFX/Suteki da ne OST).


There's also a few tracks from Very Best of Ys (by the way, it's the OST I like the second most (after Shenmue orchestral)), especially Feena~First Step To Wars~Palace, Endless History The Morning Grow, Lilia, and Nusical Suite Lilia


Also, Leaving the body from Chrono Cross is especially moving.

I think that's it for the most moving songs. But I'm sure there's a lot oh others which I don't think of right now.

Off the top of my head, here are just a few, in no particular order at all:

-Stuff from the Shenmue Orchestral Soundtrack: A lot of the tracks in this were amazing, beautiful, and moving, namely Shenfa and Sedge Tree (or whatever).

-Speaking with the Stars from Baten Kaitos: I've only heard a few songs from Baten Kaitos, but I really loved this one in particular. Sure, some people find it boring, but I couldn't get enough of it.

Honorable mentions include the ending theme to FFX and the set of songs at the end of Kingdom Hearts, which really help to make the scenes much more touching.

I am absolutely suprised no one has mentioned "Brass Wings" from Star Ocean: Till the end of time. Its the theme shortly before the 2nd DVD.

This theme gives me chill bumps everytime I listen to it while watching the game. Perfect music/action synchronization. Epic in every sense of the word.

The other one that I really enjoyed as a strong defining moment in gaming is Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter, at the end after you defeat all the bosses, but before you take on Chetyre. Not as good music, but it fits the game so well that too gave me chills.

I Am...All Of Me - Shadow The Hedgehog
Alright, I'll start off with this one. This is one of those songs that just reels me in and keeps me coming back for more. It's powerful, yet it also has a little despair in there just because it sounds so evil.

You're Not Alone! - Final Fantasy IX
Starts out in despair, goes on to powerful, back to despair...best song from the game.

Star Stealing Girl - Chrono Cross
Somehow this song does it to me every time. It's so relaxing and beautiful, yet I almost lose a tear every time I hear this song. Not a big fan of the game itself, but it had a few really good tracks like this one.

Sairin- Henyoku no Tenshi ~Advent- One-Winged Angel~ - FFVII Advent Children
Let me first of all point out that I am not a big fan of the original One Winged Angel. I played FF8 first, and to me the final battle song from FF7 was a HUGE letdown. In fact, I believe the Kingdom Hearts version of this song was much better. That having been said, this one completely defeats its predecessor in every way. I'm not a fan of long songs either. This is one of the few exceptions...it's a cross between epic and powerful, yet it's so well done. Um...might be a little despair there where it starts really picking up at around 3:30 or so. By far, one of my favorite songs I've ever heard of.

Last Day - Legend of Zelda : Majora's Mask
I really have nothing to add to this...what more can be said? It's really depressing, but I have an attachment to it. Same can't be said for my brother though, he hates it.

Chrono Trigger - Last Battle
Alright, seriously...if World Revolution is in here (yes I know it's not the original one, it's the one from Brink of Time) then Last Battle is sure as hell gonna be here. This is quite far one of the best songs I've ever heard. It hints at desperation because you've gotta stop Lavos, but it's also powerful. Not rocking guitar powerful like some of my previous ones, but powerful that it just completely blows you away. Every time I hear the beginning of this song, I envision Crono pulling out his sword knowing that this is it...either we stop this freak here and now or our future is screwed. The song has a beat that starts at the beginning and keeps going until it fades out, but it keeps panning between left and right. The Lavos screams don't bother me at all...in fact, I think it's cool and adds to the effect of the song. This is by far Mitsuda's best composition.

Well that's all I can think of right now...maybe I'll add some more later.

Eternal Sorrow from Musashiden II Blademaster.

Hamauzu never disappoints when it comes to moving pieces.

Also, Healing Winds from Soul Calibur III was quite moving. Nice build, very excellent intro. Wish that song was around when I got married.

This is the best thread ever.

Defenders, from Front Mission 5. It gives me goosebumps even when I'm in the shower.

"Terra's Theme" Final Fantasy VI -
The first time I heard this I was absolutely amazed that a SNES could produce something so beautiful and moving. I still love to hear it.

"To The Stars" Dragonheart -
It's a movie soundtrack, sure, but I just can't leave this off a list of epic, moving songs. Dragonheart IMHO has the most beautiful, moving music I have ever heard in my life. I love it.

"Title Track?" Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind -
It has such a subtle, ambient feel, but it really gives you the feeling of a kind of hidden power, just like what the story is - you CHOOSE to become the Nerevarine, you accomplish the main quest via your OWN power. Sure, there is prophesy - but you aren't bound to it. You could either succeed or fail, that is very clear - you aren't the Nerevarine, she says, but you could be the Nerevarine.

"Farewall Hyrule King" The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker -
A remix of one of the most beautiful Zelda themes ever (castle theme) from A Link to the Past. A very emotional and moving track. It's right at the end when you are talking to the King of Hyrule after beating Gannondorf.

"Last Battle" The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time -
I was astounded at how good the choir effects sounded in this...on a 64...and how it really gave you the feeling of impending and almost unavoidable doom.

"Title Music?" Jet Force Gemini -
Wow. Just wow. Perhaps a bit overdone, but it is balanced back out with a more subtle theme later on in the track.

"Chozo Ruins - Hall of Elders" Metroid Prime -
Definitely a deep, epic track. No doubt about it. Very deep choral sounds mixed with a slightly higher pitched choir, really gives a much deeper feeling of how ancient the place is.

"Phendrana Drifts" Metroid Prime -
Love this too. Gives a feeling of a massive, grand, open wasteland. This entire game had very good tracks, hard to pick two, even harder to pick one...but I'll stop here with Metroid Prime tracks :p.

"Ghosts of Reach" Halo 2 -
Sorry, had to include this. But I have a hard time believing anyone who didn't enjoy the choir singing the Halo Theme. Definitely a empty-spacy religous feel to it.

On the topic of epic, powerful tracks in general, am I the only one who would kill babies to be able to hear a game soundtrack done by E.S. Posthumus?

Also, mustn't forget "Consumite Furore" from Phantasmagoria. One of the first times I can remember Latin choirs appearing in VGM. Used to a pretty damn good end result, too; especially when they were used during the end "chase" sequence.

Homeworld 2 - mission 2 beginning

a short, tragic, desperate theme that has incredibly good sounding drum. This track has some balls and very well conveys the feelings of the Higaarans at that point in the story.

Homeworld - (the music that plays when they see the planet kharak (sp?) burning in the background)

Same feel as the previous one...

R-Type Final's (PS2) stage six "Dimension Jump" heard through a really good stereo system is as epic and powerful as one can get. Together with the visuals on the screen it gives you the feeling that you are really there.

EDIT: The Guardian Legend for the NES had many sweet tunes you could really feel when heard through good speakers.

I'm not sure if anybody has mentioned this one:

Epilogue - To Good Friends. Not epic, but very emotionally powerful.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned: Demise of the Ritual ~Battle With the Colossus~

It's haunting and unnerving when you first hear it right before climbing the final colossus.

For a more recent example, i felt the lullaby by Leon Willett played in various forms in Dreamfall was very strong stuff. Not sure of the track name as i've only heard it in the game.

Anyone familiar with "Dire, Dire Docks" from Super Mario 64? I remember when I first reached the water stage with Bowzers submarine...I just sat there because it was so moving...

EDIT: Here is a decent midi:

http://www.vgmusic.com/music/console...r_bay_full.mid

Sorry, the remote link no longer works.

Yes! That song is so awesome!

Here's a pretty sweet remix of it too:
http://www.ocremix.org/remix/OCR00405/

:biggrin: - WOW! Thanx, this is awesome.

I don't remember the name of the song, but there's a scene in Kingdom Hearts really moving, with an epic song.
Description of the scene :

I would recommend you Animal Forest Keke Mix. It only contains of 6 tracks and they are so relaxin. I feel myself on the forest when listening it

http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/3138

and also not to forget, Nintendo Music Selection, Peach Healing Music contains 4 arranged tracks which will carry you into slumber:

http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/2888

I really recommend them to insomnias. I think we should make a thread of relaxin vgm in the audio request after all.

Just to Name a Few

Shadow of the Colloseus OST (ALL OF IT) (Otani (?))
Final Fantasy XII - Opening Movie (Sakimoto)
Vagrant Story - Efreet (Sakimoto)
Ace Combat 5 - Reprisal (Nakatsuru)
Soul Calibur 2 - Hubris (Nakatsuru)
Dark Chronicle Premium Arrange - Dark Element (Nishiura/ Sakuraba)
Baten Kaitos - True Mirror (Sakuraba)
Baten Kaitos 2 - Valedictory Elergy ~Guitar Ver.~ (Sakuraba)
Suikoden III - Opening Theme
Suikoden V - Wind of Phantom (Toriyama)
Kirite (ALL OF IT!!) (Mitsuda)
Arc the Lad Twilight of Spirits - Fateful Fight (Fukushima)
Arc the Lad Twilight of Spirits - Natural Selection (Fukushima)
Arc the Lad Twilight of Spirits - Offense and Defense (Fukushima)
Devil May Cry - Doppel Ganger Battle (Hasagawa)
Resident Evil Outbreak - 3rd Times the Charm (Shibata)
Front Mission 5 - Deliverence (Iwasaki)

I could go on XD

Not from a game, but "War of the Last Wolves" by Taku Iwasaki, from the Samurai X OST. Though, it's much more powerful if you're watching the movie.

Oh, and if anyone wants a relaxing song, robotaki on the OC forums posted a remix of "Katamari Stars," here. Enjoy.

I was blown away after listening to Ace Combat Zero - Zero.

Any more epic songs from this game?

1) Zero
2) Megalith
3) Unsung War

"Highbrow" from Star Ocean 3 - alt-jazz with classical influences from "The Rite of Spring"

"Stage 5.0" and "Stage 6.0" from R-Type Final. Easily the most emotional VGM I've heard from a shooter game.

"Visions", "Grim Reaper", "Quicksilver", "Survivor", "Breaking Limits", and "Gladiators" from Front Mission 5. Easily the best classical and techno puzzle bosses and fuchi komas I've heard in any game besides Front Mission 4.

I highly recommend "Epilogue to a Prideful Heart" from the Suikoden 5 Limited Edition CD (track 8). The whole piece is awesome, but I love that 2:09...

http://www.savefile.com/files/261089

On the Suikoden note, do check out "Epilogue: For the 108 Stars" and "Finale: Remembering the Deep Blue" from Suikoden 4.

Another favorite of mine is "Steadfast Determination" in Suikoden Tactics/Rhapsodia.

Unlimited SaGa Overture and Time's Scar from Chrono Cross.

Other than what people have stated already...

By the way, my vision of epic that the song itself is a story. The story has to be a very deep, complex, and moving one... so only things like Zero + Unsung War truly fit in.

Others:

Thematic/Epic
Halo Original Soundtrack - Truth and Reconciliation Suite
Metal Gear Solid OST 2/3 - Main Theme (separate songs)
Onimusha 2 Orchestra Album Taro Iwasiro Selection - Chapter I Truth Of Brave ~Onimusha 2 Main Theme~ (Actually, this ost is EXTREMELY good, especially because of it's use of strings, any song in here can really be considered epic)
Onimusha Buraiden Original Soundtrack (Blade Warriors) - The Beginning...
Soul Calibur - Path of Destiny (any game)
Soul Calibur III - RADIANT SOULS, SYMPHONY OF SWORDS, NAMELESS CALAMITY, UPON MY SOUL
Star Fox Theme (especially the orchestral editions)
Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War Soundtrack - Blood Ravens Approach
Xenogears Original Soundtrack - Awakening (I'm probably one of the few who thinks this really tells a story)
Game Orchestral Concert 5 - Chrono Trigger ~~ Theme Of Chrono Trigger (this specific vers)
Front Mission 5 - Keepers of Freedom (beginning of the journey)

Beautiful/Epic:
Ys Oath in Felghana Original Soundtrack The Oath in Felghana ~ A Premonition =Styx=
Final Fantasy X-2 - Gagazet Mountain (if you think about it)
Legend of Heroes Sora no Kiseki FC/SC Arrange - Place of a promise ~Sora no Kiseki~

Powerful/Epic:
Rockman X7 - Conclusion - vs Sigma Final
Soul Calibur II - Raise Thy Sword
Legend of Heroes VI Sora no Kiseki - The Fading Light of the Sealed Land, Those Who Protect the Treasure (esp the end)
Front Mission 5 - War of the Titans (I really like this song), Defenders (really haunting/powerful theme), Quicksilver, Mechanized Infantry
FFXII - The Battle for Freedom
Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams - Dawn of Nightmares
Legend of Heroes VI SC Original Soundtrack - Enormous Fright
Anubis Zone of the Enders Original Soundtrack - Ardjet
Phantasy Star Universe - Brave Fight

=) I definitely like listening to a repertoire of game music. By the way, from the above mentioned, I really suggest you listen to Front Mission 5 OST. The songs as a whole combine REALLY WELL to create an entire epic tale with multiple different themes.

well i'm gonna go with Nobuo Uematsu songs, especially in piano...
The FF VIII piano all
some tracks on IX, X, X-2


But lately
Tekken 5 OST - Moonlit Wilderness
Ys 6 - Release of the far west ocean
from KH2 Utada Hikaru - Passion
and the music of Ninja Gaiden by Minibosses (great stuff) ^^

I've been collecting all the music people have listed here. They are so cool. This is my favorite type of music; it should have a genre of its own label, I never know what to call it. "Contemporary epic orchestral..."?

Anyway I thought of a few more now.
"Flight" and "Wings" in Xenogears
"Gothic Neclord" in Suikoden II
"People Imprisoned by Destiny" in Chrono Cross
"Neverending Cycle of Reincarnation", "Like Becoming Accustomed to Happiness", "Break Down", "Fragments of the Heart" in Valkyrie Profile

Ack, so many of the songs I were going to list have already been taken! And yet, I also see many songs listed, that while may be good, are no means powerfully epic. C'mon people, it's not a "post your awesomest song!" thread, it's for epic, grandiose, blow-ye-away-with-emotion music!

And on that note, here are my additions:

Star Ocean Blue Sphere - 1-10 - Legacy from the Past
Star Ocean Blue Sphere - 1-12 - STAR OCEAN FOREVER
Star Ocean The 2nd Story Fantasy Megamix - 04 - Silent Universe
most of the Onimusha 2 Orchestra Album
Medal of Honor Frontline - 11 - Arnhem

One that I recall being an outstanding soundtrack was from the Dreamcast game "Sword of the Berserk" by Susumu Hirasawa. That had some unbelievable work in it for the sentimental moments in the game, especially the end credits and "Rita's Grief" which was also a beautiful rendition.

I'll have to second Communication Breakdown from Xenosaga Episode II and Awakening from Xenogears, two tracks that I really find epic.

As for the rest, lemme think...

Blaze Heatnix Stage from Rockman X6

Xenosaga II Main Theme

On the Banks of a Dream: Anothe World from Chrono Cross

Frog's Theme from Chrono Trigger

Hikari -Kingdom Orchestra Version- from Kingdom Hearts

Unfinished Battle With God Syndrome from Valkyrie Profile

promised pain from Xenosaga Episode III

just to name a few, there are many others I can't think of just now...

I know it's from a movie, but "Navras" is the most epic piece ever created. "The Chase" from National Treasure, too.

For games, hmm.

-One Winged Angel (Advent Children: Teh Pwns)
-The Last Confrontation (KOTOR)
-Memory of the Wind (Final Fantasy III on DS)

I'm going to check out this Ace Combat stuff...

My first post /\

Edit: Somebody else put down Feena. I didn't say it because it seemed not epic enough, but I guess it is very moving.

I can't believe nobody's touched on this yet:

Xenosaga Episode I: The Escape

Starts with dread, then becomes a sweeping, epic fanfare of evil. Would have been a great last boss battle, but... well, anyone who's played the game knows what they did there.

The ones I like.

Soul Calibur II - Confrontation, Sword of the Patriot and Hubris.
Viewtiful Joe 2 - memoirs of an Invincible Monster
Metroid Prime - Underwater Rector Core
Prime 2 - Hunters
Baten Kaitos - The True Mirror
Chrono Cross - Time's Scar.
Gradius V - Intermezzo
Tales of Symphonia- Fatalize
Secret of Mana- Phantom and a rose, Danger
Megaman x5 - Volt Kraken Stage
X6- Infinity Mijinion (sp?)

...

Chaos Legion OST - Massive Strokes as well as the whole dang OST.
Spartan: Total Warrior - Talos
Castlevania: Resurrection - Have Mercy
Unreal Tournament - Skyward Fire, Botpack #9, Serenity (2004), Level 8 (2004)
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within - Main Theme
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat - Main Menu Theme, couple of in-game themes.

I'm very surprised with the lack of mentions for Shadow Hearts and SNK's awesome sound team. Those two teams have created some of the most powerful and moving songs I've ever heard in video games, including many of the mainstays already mentioned in the thread.

I love Revived Power - Battle with the Colossus from the Shadow of the Colossus score. I've never played the game and I know I never will, but this track is thrilling. When I think of the term 'epic' this is the music I imagine:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ct5e1q

Sorry for zombieing this thread, but I agree with Kanzaki with his SC2 choices, except I'd replace Confrontation with Healing Winds (original and remix). Unlike (what I assume to be) most others, I also like the US version of Hubris over the Japanese version, since it sounds like it uses an actually chinese instrument, the erhu, for the strings, making it sound more traditional/authentic. The original version seems to either use western string instruments or is electronically rendered, almost kind of dumbing it down.

I already nominated this song for Song of the Year so it's only fitting that it gets a mention here as well: Keiki Kobayashi - Naval Blockade [Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War]. That song is 3 rock-solid minutes of pure, unadulterated EPIC.

Street Fighter Alpha 3 - Zangief's Theme and Hi-Tech. Great songs with epic melodies that convey the personalities of their characters to the highest degree.

These probably have been posted before, but whatever:

FFVI - The Dream Oath
FFVII - One-Winged Angel
FFVIII - Liberi Fatali
FFXI - Opening Theme

Those are the four most "epic" FF songs, in my opinion. That said, my favorite of all time is Eternity from FFX-2 (particularly the piano arrangement).

Final Fantasy VII Main Theme - A lot of nostalgia comes along with this one, and it complimented the game so well.
Life, A Distant Promise (Chrono Cross) - Purely epic. I can't really even find words to describe it, it moved me that much.
Small Two of Pieces (Xenogears) - My all time favorite. I heard it on this particular site about six years ago, and DAMN. I was blown away even then, without the context of the game itself. Beating the game a few years later made it even better, and I'm still amazed every time I listen to it. Joanne's voice really complimented the music (moreso than the Mebius singer, methinks) and the guitar solo still brings a tear to my eye.

Healing Winds - Soul Calibur II & III
Going to Where the Wind Blows - Soul Calibur II (think)
Unforgotten - Halo 2
Glorious Victory - Dead or Alive 2

...these would have to be my favourite ones :D

To me, "Betrayal" from the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack is epic, since it's so filled with emotion. Whenever I listen to it I get a feeling of total hopelessness.

Vagrant Story - 22 - Great Cathedral Attic/Large Chapel Garret

This song seamlessly intertwines despair and hope at the same time. It's not long nor complex, but it really brings you down with emotion. Especially in the context of the scene it was meant for. VS is regarded as (one of) Sakimoto's best works, and I highly recommend you listen to it if you havent already. 03 - Climax of the Greylands Incident is also one massive 11-minute epic orgasm, and so is 29 - Staff Roll.

I'm a bit surprised that there haven't been any Medal of Honor tracks posted yet, so I'll add a few.

Medal of Honor: European Assault - Dogs of War
Medal of Honor: European Assault - To Stalingrad
Medal of Honor: Airborne - Main title
Medal of Honor: Airborne - End Credits

I tend to find the MoH "epic" songs to be almost a breed of their own. They do an excellent job evoking images of the valour, courage and tradegy one only finds in war.

If you're interested in almost "over-the-top" epic, I recommend "Hero's Theme" from Kameo Elements of Power

A lot of the WoW/Burning Crusade tracks have a very epic choral feel to them. In particular, I love the theme for Stormwind. Ironforge, Thunder Bluff, and A Call to Arms are all good tracks from the WoW soundtrack. I haven't listened to much to the Burning Crusade stuff but there's some gold in there as well.