Upon first listen, NiGHTS Original Soundtrack is acceptably overwhelming. The opening track ("NiGHTS") features a strong orchestral ensemble that nearly resembles a well-scored Disney adventure. Composer Tomoko Sasaki offers an impressive effort on this first track. What is even more pleasant is that the track isn't in the game - it's a treat just for the soundtrack owner.

All of the stage music from the game is here in the soundtrack. "Take the Snow Train", "Gloom of the N.H.C" and one of my personal favorites, "Suburban Museum" (also known as the "Soft Museum" stage), are featured in their exact digital splendor. The moods they set are perfect for bright and optimistic listening. In addition, the more eerie boss segment music from the game is also included. It's great hearing the successful mixture of fast saxophone and pop/techno rhythms in these boss tracks.

"After the Dream" is one of many musical intermissions that play during the game's "high score" screens. Separate the music from the actual events in gameplay and what remains are some really excellent instrumental journeys.

Some game fans may wonder which version of the end song ("Dreams, Dreams") is featured - the rendition with child vocalists or the one with adults. I would have preferred the former (it was just more fitting with the game), but the soundtrack showcases "Dreams, Dreams" in adult contemporary fashion, with the children's version nowhere to be found.

Sure, the NiGHTS soundtrack may sound a bit too bright or happy for some. But it has become one of my favorite game soundtracks of all time for its variety in instrumentation and its fusion of techno and pop music. The music fan who enjoys energetic, upbeat music will have no regrets with this disc.