All the video game music used at the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony
23 July 2021, 15:30 | Updated: 23 July 2021, 20:59
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics may have been scaled back because of the pandemic, but the opening ceremony was certainly one to remember!
Not only did it commence with the usual flag procession, the spectacle included energetic dance routines, light displays, Japanese traditions and, of course, music - including some...familiar tunes.
As well as playing the hosting country's national anthem, organisers included the official song for this year's Games: 'Colourful' by a chorus of J-Pop artists, and a selection of video game scores.
Indeed, Japan has a long and celebrated history when it comes to video games, producing some of the most popular titles in the world.
Read more: Every piece of music played in the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony
From Final Fantasy to Sonic the Hedgehog - here's every video game score that was featured in the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony...
1. Dragon Quest
- 'Overture: Roto's Theme'
Dragon Quest III Symphonic Suite - Roto
2. Final Fantasy
- 'Victory Fanfare'
- 'Main Theme'
Click to listen to Classic FM’s Video Game Music playlist on Global Player
Final Fantasy VII - Victory Fanfare [HQ]
Final Fantasy Main Theme (Orchestral)
3. The Tales series
- 'Sorey’s Theme - The Shepherd'
- 'Royal Capital'
Tales of Zestiria Soundtrack - 01 Sorey's Theme ~The Shepherd~
Tales of Orchestra 20th anniversary - Royal Capital ~Majestic Grandeur~
4. Monster Hunter
- 'Proof of Hero'
- 'Wind of Departure'
Monster Hunter Rise OST — Proof of a Hero
Monster Hunter - Wind of Departure
5. Kingdom Hearts
- 'Olympus Coliseum'
- 'Hero’s Fanfare'
Kingdom Hearts Music - Olympus Coliseum
Hero's Fanfare
6. Chrono Trigger
- 'Frog's Theme'
- 'Robo's Theme'
Chrono Trigger Music Extended - Frog's Theme
Robo's Theme
7. Ace Combat
- 'First Flight'
"First Flight" (Extended) - Ace Combat 5
8. Sonic the Hedgehog
- 'Starlight Zone'
Sonic The Hedgehog OST - Starlight Zone
9. Winning Eleven
- 'eFootball Walk-On Theme'
10. Phantasy Star Universe
- 'Guardians'
Guardians | Phantasy Star Universe OST
11. Gradius
- '01 Act 1-1'
Gradius (1 CC)
12. NierR
- 'Initiator'
NIER OST - Song of the Ancients ~ Fate
13. Saga Series
- 'Makai Ginyu Poetry Saga Series Medley 2016'
14. SoulCalibur
- 'The Brave New Stage of History'
SOULCALIBUR VI OST - The Brave New Stage of History (EXTENDED)
Fans have since flooded social media with praise.
One viewer wrote: "Playing Frog's theme at the Olympics... I'm validated"
Another added: "Definitely hearing Starlight Zone theme from Sonic the Hedgehog playing at the #OpeningCeremony Love that! #Olympics."
