WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3

I’ve discussed my love for Persona 3‘s final boss before (along with all the other reasons I enjoyed that game), and one of the reasons I love it so much, despite its length, is the music that accompanies it – The Battle for Everyone’s Souls. God, even the song title is cool!

Even though you’re battling a foe that apparently cannot be defeated, even though this fight may be ultimately pointless and simply delaying the inevitable, this music backs you up. The quick pace, the use of guitars and drums; this isn’t the sound of people accepting defeat. It’s the sound of determination. It makes you want to kick Nyx’s ass even more.

But what’s really cool about it is that it’s also a reworked version of another track, Aria of the Soul, a recurring theme that usually only plays in the Velvet Room. While I think Aria of the Soul is decently atmospheric, I much prefer this rocking remix of it. They even keep the operatic singing which adds a grandiose flair to it. Pretty suitable considering you’re battling an avatar of Death itself.

I’m not entirely sure why they did that; maybe it symbolises how Igor and Elizabeth are also supporting you from afar. They’ve helped you come this far and they want to see you succeed.

It’s dark and heavy but weirdly encouraging. It’s like it’s telling you that the battle will not be easy and you will struggle, but you will somehow defy the odds and win. It transforms what could’ve been a potentially sluggish final boss into the epic confrontation it is.