Working with Final Fantasy is like "deciphering sacred texts," says veteran JRPG composer: "I feel my posture straighten every time I engage with Final Fantasy music"

1. Games
2. JRPGs
3. Final Fantasy
4. Final Fantasy 7

Working with Final Fantasy is like "deciphering sacred texts," says veteran JRPG composer: "I feel my posture straighten every time I engage with Final Fantasy music" News By Jordan Gerblick published 9 February 2026

Yasunori Nishiki holds a lot of reverence for Final Fantasy

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There's not much to say about Nobuo Uematsu's iconic Final Fantasy 7 music that hasn't already been said by people much more qualified than me, but veteran JRPG composer Yasunori Nishiki is in the unique position to offer genuinely novel insights.

Nishiki, primarily known as the main composer for Octopath Traveler, also handled various arrangements for Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth, including Rebirth's versions of One-Winged Angel and Hollow Skies, and he recently opened up to RPG Site about what it was like having a hand in adapting such a beloved score.

"Final Fantasy music is something that's legendary to me, and creating remakes or arrangements of it feels akin to deciphering sacred texts," Nishiki said. "There is always something to learn within that work, and I feel my posture straighten every time I engage with Final Fantasy music."

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Nishiki's description is great because it could have only come from someone with a lot of years in the music industry. For me, that last line evokes images of a straight-backed composer commanding an orchestra in spirited dance as a crowded theater watches in captivation, while also conveying the sense that Nishiki is simply passionately inspired by the music.

As for his own work, Nishiki said the key to creating memorable video game music is a good caffeinated beverage, but the specific type of drink depends on the scenario.

"Black coffee – especially unsweetened – is what I typically reach for whenever I'm buried in paperwork. On the other hand, a sweet latte usually means I'm gearing up to tackle a crucial battle theme, one I expect will be an uphill battle."

Since I'm sure you're all begging to know what I drink while writing these soon-to-be classic GamesRadar+ news stories, it's usually green tea or decaf coffee because normal coffee makes me too jittery. You're welcome.

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There's a reason Final Fantasy 7 still ranks so highly on our list of the best JRPGs.

CATEGORIES PlayStation Platforms Jordan GerblickSocial Links Navigation

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.

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