Thunder Force V Soundtrack Remaster Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Sega Saturn

In a significant nod to both retro gaming enthusiasts and soundtrack collectors, Sega and its music label Wave Master have announced the remastered release of the classic Thunder Force V soundtrack.

This highly anticipated edition coincides with the historic 30th anniversary of the Sega Saturn, cementing the event as a celebration of both game music legacy and platform heritage. Originally developed by Technosoft, Thunder Force V holds a revered status among scrolling shooter fans since its initial debut on the Sega Saturn in 1997.

The game was later ported to the PlayStation (PS1) in 1998, further broadening its reach.

Thunder Force V’s evocative soundtrack, composed by veteran Hyakutaro Tsukumo, became an immediate standout, praised for its pulsing rhythms and genre-defining melodies, making it a collector’s favorite among Japanese game music aficionados. Wave Master, Sega’s in-house music publisher, will issue the remastered Thunder Force V soundtrack as a comprehensive two-disc set, giving long-time fans and new listeners the highest fidelity version yet released.

According to the official announcement by Sega on social media, this edition is presented as "the definitive sound source for the masterpiece"—a description that emphasizes the pivotal role these tracks have played in shaping shooter soundtracks and the enduring reputation of the title. The remastered soundtrack is confirmed for release in Japan on Thursday, August 8th, 2024.

Each disc offers meticulously enhanced audio, ensuring a listening experience that honors both Tsukumo’s original vision and the technical legacy of Technosoft. Thunder Force as a series has seen a period of inactivity since the launch of Thunder Force VI in 2008.

Following Technosoft’s dissolution in 2001, Sega took ownership of the intellectual property, retaining stewardship over one of the most influential SCG (shooting game) franchises in gaming history.

The Sega Saturn—launched on November 22nd, 1994—played a crucial role in the series’ popularity, thanks to its robust hardware capabilities and Japanese gaming culture’s embrace of the shoot ‘em up genre. With Wave Master’s remastered offering, fans can re-experience the Thunder Force V soundtrack in modern clarity, while newcomers can discover why the music remains such a vital part of Sega Saturn’s enduring legacy.

As the anniversary celebrations continue, industry observers will be watching for additional announcements that honor Sega’s rich hardware and software history. For more updates on classic re-releases, game anniversaries, and soundtrack launches, follow our ongoing Nintendo news and gaming industry coverage.

Sega Sega Saturn Saturn soundtrack Technosoft Wave Master Thunder Force V Hyakutaro Tsukumo PS1