Entry #21 (Tranquil Tracks) Secret of Mana "Spirit of the Night"

 This track comes from the 1993 SNES classic Secret of Mana. Like many of the classic RPG's of that time, this game has an incredible soundtrack that is well worth listening to. There is a New-Age feel to this track, which I adore.
Developer: Square
Composer: Hiroki Kikuta
You can buy the soundtrack for the Japanese version Seiken Densetsu 2 here

Entry #20 (Tranquil Tracks) Super Mario 64 "Dire, Dire Docks"

 This next track comes from the classic Nintendo 64 title Super Mario 64. Following in the Tranquil Tracks theme, nothing about this particular track is very demanding- it's just chill enough to be enjoyed in quiet time.
Developer: Nintendo
Composer: Koji Kondo
The simplest way to get a physical soundtrack would be through Amazon. Check out your prospects here

Entry #19 (Tranquil Tracks) Knytt Stories "Snow Is A Chiptune"

 I thought it would be appropriate to start this week off with a personal favorite of mine. I can't articulate exactly what I love about this track; I can ultimately only describe the tune from Knytt Stories as jazzy and cool. A great tune for chilling to for a few minutes. 

Developer: Nifflas 

Composer: Nurykabe (a.k.a Yaan van der Crussyen) 

You can check out the game for free here 

This Week's Topic: Tranquil Tracks

 This is a stressful time of year for everyone. Whether you are worried about the holidays, the well-being of your family in endangered areas, or anything else- there is great merit in finding time to just relax. This week's topic is all about video game music that can facilitate relaxation. So take a few moments every day for yourself to enjoy these great tracks.

Enjoy.

Entry #18 (Halloween) I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream "That Hole In My Chest"

  

 This 1995 Point-And-Click survival horror game's title is provocative enough to get in the running for this week's focus. This swelling orchestral track speaks for itself, listening to it is like going on a short journey. 

Developer: The Dreamer's Guild 

Composer: John Oltman 

Entry #17 (Halloween) Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly "Crimson Butterfly"

 This track comes from the Playstation 2 game Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly. In a week centered around Halloween, the beauty of this track starkly contrasts some previous music selections. Regardless, I would be silly not to include this gem. 

Developer: Tecmo

Composer: Shigekiyo Okuda 

Entry #16 (Halloween) Clock Tower "Don't Cry, Jennifer"

 This track comes from Clock Tower, the first installment in the point-and-click survival horror series of the same name. This game was released in 1995 on the Super Famicom, and was subsequently re-released on the Playstation, Wonder Swan, and PC. I love this particular track for its balance of ambiance and melody. In a lot of horror-themed games the music is very slow and atmospheric. This track certainly has some chilling personality, but it's also driven forward in a compelling way.

Developer: Human Entertainment 

Composer: Kouji Niikura (side note: the game has two possible composers. Ultimately, the choice came down to the listings by Brent Weinbach over at the Legacy Music Hour- he's an expert on this stuff, and I feel I can trust him)