RPGFan Music of the Year 2023 Editors’ Favorites: Hilary Andreff

Dave the Diver Original Soundtrack

MINTROCKET truly has a hit on its hands with Dave the Diver. There’s something inherently satisfying (and wholesome, I think) about Dave’s deep sea sushi adventures, whether that’s narrowly escaping a risky diving situation or admiring the undersea ambiance. The soundtrack deserves more credit for creating and maintaining the ambiance that makes it so memorable. The comic book-style scenes steal the show, but the music does just as much heavy lifting, especially since the roguelike framework means there is a small array of tracks you hear repeatedly.

Luckily, you won’t mind hearing them several times because this soundtrack has the best aquatic music this side of Donkey Kong Country, and some truly surprising and delightful tracks representing the diverse cast of entertaining characters Dave helps along the way. There’s a fun range of genres here, from almost cartoonish beach music (imagine slow Aloha ʻOe) as Dave gets pulled out of retirement to energetic J-pop during weapon upgrades. The even more impressive part is how no character piece clashes with the music underscoring the diving and sushi cycles. I’m particularly fond of any music related to Bancho. I also didn’t know I needed a rap about hot pepper tuna, but here we are.

Highlighted Track: “Restaurant Prep”

The 7th Saga Soundtrack – Composer’s Edition

I certainly didn’t expect niche SNES RPG The 7th Saga‘s soundtrack to rise from the grave this year. Because it’s a Produce! game, many presumed The 7th Saga‘s soundtrack would never get a release for intellectual property reasons. Imagine everyone’s surprise when composer Norihiko Yamanuki, under the Bandcamp handle “Bosatsubeat,” surfaced with a “re-recording of the soundtrack based on original data.” Resident music authority Pat Gann breaks this down well in his review, but any way you look at it, we now have an updated and accessible version of a presumably lost OST! These songs didn’t even really have names until this release, and that serves as a satisfying analogy for how this Composer’s Edition truly refines the soundtrack.

It’s appropriately whimsical, has a good range for the several (widely differing) playable characters, and sounds better than it ever has before. I highly recommend listening to this one with good headphones to heighten the experience. This soundtrack made my list this year because it is worth listening to (even if I slightly favor the fan-made cello version I brought on Rhythm Encounter), plus I want to support creators having agency over their work.

Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar

This release happens to combine two of my interests: relaxing music and the ActRaiser soundtrack. I think this is a good complement to my last pick too; ActRaiser is another unexpected SNES title where the soundtrack has received recent attention, both with the release of ActRaiser Renaissance and this lovely soft jazz release from GENTLE LOVE and Scarlet Moon.

The original score by Yuzo Koshiro had to synthesize the game’s two very different sections—helping your people build their cities and, in the dungeons, directly confront the forces of evil in the world through action platforming. GENTLE LOVE always features saxophone and piano, but the two work quite well to meet those musical demands while still having the capacity to sound like relaxing music. Consequently, Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar works some slower and more syncopated and energetic segments into each piece, especially in the improvisation, that works to even out the tone of the entire album.

I also can’t help but think of Norihiko Hibino’s work at the Hibino Sound Therapy Lab when listening to this album. Balance in tones seems to be at the forefront, which is honestly a pleasant listening experience! If you want something interesting to listen to without losing focus, this album is exactly what you’re looking for.

Highlighted Track: “Filmoa”