RPG Battle Systems/Battle Music

This is my first thread that I've ever created so I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't a topic already done in this forum and I hope it does the rpg community proud.

I personally think one of the main features of an rpg that adds a lot of gameplay and fun factor to them is the battle system and the battle music that each rpg entails in its own individual way. I find myself enjoying an rpg a lot more if the battle system is done in a new or innovative way and has really great music to correspond to it no matter what kind of story an rpg tries to tell.

Don't get me wrong, I think an rpg's storyline is the first and fundamental factor of what defines a good rpg. If an rpg doesn't tell a great story than it greatly influences the playing experience for the player

A great battle system with its own style of music can really set the tone and mood for an rpg. In a sense its almost an added bonus especially if the rpg has a very intriguing storyline.

Basically I would like to ask from the rpg community is to contribute what are your top 3 favourite rpg battle systems and and your top 3 battle music themes out of all the countless rpg's you have played. Please feel free to explain your answers as well.

Top 3 RPG Battle Systems

1.) Legend Of Dragoon: I'll probably be flamed for this since a lot of friends who are into rpg's absolutely hate this game for some apparent reason. For me on the other hand it is an average rpg at best but it still has my favourite battle system of all time. To be honest, there is nothing wrong with the whole standardized concept of selecting a command and then waiting for your character to execute that command. I like this battle system because it keeps you on your toes instead of waiting for your character to simply the execute the command you have given him/her and to be honest I haven't seen any other rpg use this type of battle system and even if there will never be another legend of dragoon game I hope another game gives this battle system another chance. This rpg really tests eye co-ordination especially when doing some of the difficult move sets from characters such as meru and alfred.

2.) Valkryie Profile: I'll be completely honest, I haven't played very much of this game as of yet but when I seen the first battle for this game it actually captivated me. The focus of teamwork within this game and the ability to do some of the most devastating attacks I have ever personally seen for any ps1 rpg and thats only within the first 30 minutes of playing it. I can't wait to find more time to play this game to its fullest when I actually have some free time.

3.) Parasite Eve: This still remains to me one of my favourite battle systems despite its simplicity. Personally for me it was just a battle system that was done just right while showing active based elements. The whole idea of actually dodging active enemy attacks while the action stops when your ready to select your command gave you time to think out your actions in some relatively hard battle atmospheres.

Top 3 RPG's that have great battle music themes


1.) Xenogears: I personally think the music in this game is beyond wonderful. When I personally listen to the battle theme it can make you right tense especially when fighting a really tough boss fight. To this day, the boss battle music when your fighting deus still remains one of my all time favourite battle music themes. I personal think xenogears brings out the best of yasunori's mitsuda's compositions even though he does so much very memorable for some of the greatest rpg's that have ever been placed upon this earth.

2.) Xenosaga - Episode 1: I can just sum up the various battle music throughout this entire game in just six words. Yasunori Mitsuda Is A Musical God. The normal battle theme throughout this game is just something I can listen to continously. I think it matches the gameplay perfectly especially when your doing some of the characters special moves.

3.) Thousand Arms: This one might actually come as a shock but I actually really enjoyed a lot of the battle music throughout this game even though there wasn't much variety. I especially liked the boss battle music, especially when it came to fighting the later bosses throughout the game because it just screamed out send your strongest special attacks at the enemy. Even the normal battle music in itself was a little catchy as well.

I want to thank your time and patience for reading this, and look forward to your opinions and input for this topic.

How ya doing, buddy?