Video game soundtracks have the power to elevate gameplay to new heights, turning interactive experiences into unforgettable adventures. As music continues to play an essential role in enhancing narrative and emotional depth, certain compositions have gained legendary status within the gaming community.
In this article, we explore ten of the best video game soundtracks that have left an indelible mark on both gamers and the music industry alike.
10. Nier: Automata
Keiichi Okabe’s masterful score for Nier: Automata blends haunting vocals, dynamic orchestrations, and electronic elements to create a unique sonic landscape. The soundtrack perfectly captures the game’s themes of existentialism and melancholy, with standout tracks like “City Ruins” and “Weight of the World” earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.
9. Doom (2016)
Mick Gordon’s industrial metal soundtrack for Doom (2016) revolutionized game music. Blending aggressive riffs, electronic elements, and atmospheric sounds, it perfectly captures the game’s intense, demon-slaying action. Standout tracks like “BFG Division” and “Rip & Tear” have become iconic, cementing this OST as a modern classic in gaming music.
8. Persona 5
Persona 5’s jazz-infused soundtrack perfectly captures the game’s stylish aesthetic. Composed by Shoji Meguro, standout tracks like “Life Will Change” and “Rivers in the Desert” blend catchy melodies with energetic vocals. The music enhances every aspect of gameplay, from tense battles to relaxing downtime, creating an unforgettable audio experience that resonates with fans long after completion.
7. Journey
Austin Wintory’s Grammy-nominated soundtrack for Journey is a masterpiece of emotive orchestration. The cello-driven score adapts dynamically to player actions, enhancing the game’s ethereal atmosphere. With its blend of Eastern influences and angelic vocals, Journey’s soundtrack elevates the entire gaming experience to artistic heights rarely achieved in the medium.
6. Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy’s orchestral soundtrack, composed by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo, is a masterpiece of cosmic proportions. The game’s 81 tracks blend sweeping orchestral pieces with whimsical melodies, perfectly capturing the wonder of space exploration. Standout tracks include the iconic main theme and the hauntingly beautiful “Gusty Garden Galaxy.”
5. Chrono Trigger
Yasunori Mitsuda’s masterpiece for SNES’s Chrono Trigger (1995) blends orchestral, Celtic, and jazz influences. Standout tracks like “Wind Scene” and “Corridors of Time” evoke nostalgia and wonder. The soundtrack’s emotional depth and versatility perfectly complement the game’s time-traveling narrative, cementing its place among gaming’s greatest musical achievements.
4. Undertale
Toby Fox’s indie masterpiece Undertale boasts a soundtrack that’s both nostalgic and innovative. From the haunting “His Theme” to the iconic “Megalovania,” each track perfectly captures the game’s emotional depth. The clever use of leitmotifs throughout creates a cohesive musical journey that resonates with players long after the game ends.
3. Halo: Combat Evolved
Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s iconic score for Halo: Combat Evolved set a new standard for video game music. The haunting main theme, with its memorable choral arrangement, instantly became synonymous with the franchise. Atmospheric tracks like “On a Pale Horse” and “Under Cover of Night” perfectly capture the game’s sense of wonder and exploration.
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2. Final Fantasy VII
Nobuo Uematsu’s masterpiece for Final Fantasy VII is a pinnacle of video game music. From the iconic “One-Winged Angel” to the poignant “Aerith’s Theme,” the soundtrack perfectly captures the game’s epic scope and emotional depth. Its influence extends beyond gaming, with orchestral performances worldwide celebrating its enduring legacy.
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1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Koji Kondo’s masterpiece for Ocarina of Time remains unparalleled in gaming music. From the iconic “Zelda’s Lullaby” to the adventurous “Hyrule Field” theme, each composition perfectly captures the game’s epic journey. The soundtrack’s ability to evoke nostalgia and emotion has solidified its place as a timeless classic.
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