A truly exceptional video game delivers a multisensory experience. It’s not just about the graphics or the mechanics – the soundtrack plays a crucial role in transporting us into these virtual worlds. A brilliant score lingers in our memories, evokes strong emotions, and intensifies the impact of key gameplay moments. Sometimes, these soundtracks transcend their original purpose, becoming standalone musical experiences that we want to revisit again and again.
10 Best Video Game Soundtracks
Let’s dive into ten video game soundtracks so memorable, you’ll want to turn up the volume and hit repeat all day:
1. The Legend of Zelda Series
From the iconic overworld theme in the original Legend of Zelda to the epic orchestral scores of modern installments like Breath of the Wild, the Zelda series boasts one of the most beloved musical legacies in gaming. Koji Kondo’s compositions perfectly capture the sense of adventure, mystery, and grandeur that defines the series.
2. Persona 5
Persona 5’s soundtrack blends acid jazz, funk, and rock with a stylish flair that perfectly reflects the game’s rebellious spirit. From the catchy battle theme “Last Surprise” to the energetic “Life Will Change,” every track is an earworm bursting with attitude and energy.
3. Final Fantasy Series
With multiple games boasting masterful scores from legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu, the Final Fantasy series is a treasure trove of iconic melodies. Whether it’s the sweeping orchestral themes of Final Fantasy VII, the poignant “Aerith’s Theme,” or the bombastic “One-Winged Angel,” there’s a Final Fantasy soundtrack for every mood.
4. Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata’s haunting and melancholic soundtrack blends ethereal vocals, experimental electronic elements, and beautiful orchestral pieces. The result is a score that perfectly complements the game’s themes of existentialism, loss, and the search for meaning in a desolate world.
5. Hotline Miami
Hotline Miami’s pulse-pounding synthwave soundtrack is inseparable from the game’s neon-drenched 80s aesthetic and hyperviolent action. Composers like Scattle and Perturbator crafted intense, hypnotic tracks that fuel a sense of both nostalgia and adrenaline-soaked mayhem.
6. Undertale
Toby Fox’s charming chiptune soundtrack for Undertale is both playful and emotionally evocative. From the quirky battle themes to the surprisingly heartfelt character leitmotifs, the music adds another layer of depth and warmth to the game’s surprisingly impactful and emotionally resonant narrative.
7. Celeste
Lena Raine’s soundtrack for Celeste is a triumph of electronic and orchestral composition. The music dynamically adapts as you climb the treacherous mountain, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional journey while perfectly underscoring the challenging gameplay and the triumphant sense of overcoming obstacles.
8. Cuphead
This run-and-gun platformer’s soundtrack is a delightful throwback to the jazzy big-band soundtracks of 1930s cartoons. Kristofer Maddigan’s compositions are relentlessly cheerful and energetic, perfectly matching the fast-paced action and the game’s unique hand-drawn aesthetic.
9. Halo Series
Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s iconic Halo scores are synonymous with epic sci-fi action. Their mix of chanting choirs, sweeping orchestral arrangements, and driving percussion delivers the perfect backdrop for the Master Chief’s adventures, amplifying the sense of scale, heroism, and mystery.
10. Journey
Austin Wintory’s Grammy-nominated score for Journey is a masterpiece of emotional minimalism. Its evocative cello melodies, sweeping string arrangements, and ambient textures blend seamlessly with the player’s actions, creating a deeply moving auditory experience that mirrors the wordless tale of companionship and self-discovery.
The Power of Game Music
These soundtracks are proof positive that video game music isn’t just background noise. They are meticulously composed masterpieces that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with film scores. The best composers understand the unique interplay between music and the player’s actions. They know how to use a catchy battle theme to amplify the rush of combat, a mournful melody to underscore a tragic scene, or an atmospheric soundscape to create a sense of wonder and exploration.
Honorable Mentions
The world of video game music is incredibly diverse and constantly expanding. Here are a few more soundtracks that deserve a place on your playlist:
- Doom (2016)/Doom Eternal: Mick Gordon’s heavy metal soundtrack is pure adrenaline, the perfect fuel for demon slaying.
- Bastion: Darren Korb’s folksy, atmospheric soundtrack evokes a frontier spirit and a poignant sense of longing.
- Gris: Berlinist’s delicate, piano-driven score mirrors the game’s beautiful watercolor aesthetic and its emotional journey.
- Ori and the Blind Forest/ Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Gareth Coker’s stunning orchestral scores perfectly capture the beauty and wonder of Ori’s world.
Conclusion
Next time you fire up a new game, take some time to actively listen to the music. Notice how it enhances the atmosphere, how skillfully it shifts to complement the action, and how easily those melodies work their way into your head long after you power down for the day.
I’d love to hear about your all-time favorite video game soundtracks in the comments. Which ones are on your repeat playlist, and are there any gems I might have missed? Let’s share the love for outstanding video game music!
Follow MoroEsports on Twitter for keeping updated with our latest news and articles.
