WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

One of the many reasons why I struggled playing Persona Q was because of the labyrinths. Exploring them eventually became such a drag, even the music gradually became monotonous to listen to, even if they were suitably atmospheric. That’s why I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the music for the final labyrinth.

Once you step foot into the Clock Tower, you’re met with a melancholy melody. The dungeon immediately takes on a somewhat tragic feel, which works considering this is following the revelations regarding who Zen and Rei are. Both the music and the dungeon represent Zen’s mistakes and how, despite his intentions, they have led to Rei’s suffering.

But this tune quickly changes to something more intense. The use of guitars could symbolise the party’s determination to ascend the tower and rescue Rei, regardless of the danger. The track switches back and forth between these two different kinds of emotions and, as a result, it becomes the most fun to listen to. It even incorporates some vague chanting (which you all know I love), creating a heavenly, god-like feel, perhaps foreshadowing the final battle against Chronos.

I’m usually not big on most atmospheric tracks since they tend to not stick in my head after I stop playing but Footsteps of Time is one of those few exceptions.