I’m sure you’ll agree that a movie becomes a lot better when it has music. It creates an atmosphere, highlights scenes, sparks emotions, and provides meaning to a character’s actions. You can say the same for soundtracks in video games. Almost every game, whether it was made in 1985 or 2017, has a dedicated soundtrack. Soundtracks breathe life into video games, getting players more involved and attracted to every aspect. Take a look at the best video game soundtracks of all time:
1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
I still miss playing this great video game on my PlayStation 1. It was great performing all sorts of tricks and stunts while being in control of the legendary skateboarder, Tony Hawk. The graphics were amazing compared to many games released during that time. Apart from the great gameplay, I still remember its amazing soundtrack, which truly made me feel like I was skateboarding in the streets with headphones in my ears.
2. Halo
My all-time favorite soundtrack is Halo’s, hands down. The soulful music gets you involved in the game, creating a very serious environment. There are instances where you start facing more aliens, and the music just becomes louder and faster. It gives you goosebumps because you know something is coming for you. And this isn’t just for the 1st installment in the franchise. You can pick any game in the series and the music will still capture your attention and engross you in its gameplay. Halo was and still is an awesome game, and its soundtrack elevated it to perfection.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
A classic game, a classic quest, and a classic soundtrack, all packed in one to create a top-class video game. The characters of The Legend of Zelda still live in this world and no one has forgotten them. A new game of the series was released in 2017, but Ocarina of Time has the best and most soulful soundtrack of all time. If you haven’t heard it yet, check it out now – I’m sure it’ll get stuck in your head for days.
4. Mass Effect 2
This action-packed game was well-received by the audience due to its great plot and graphics. This action-packed game is a must-play for FPS lovers. However, gameplay aside, do you remember its soundtrack? It was awesome! I, for one, was attracted to spending more time playing this video game, thanks to its great soundtrack. Starting slowly and electrically, then later turning into more organic and natural, it’s a soundtrack that I would never skip.
5. Chrono Trigger
One of the top role-playing games in history, Chrono Trigger has a soundtrack that you just have to listen. It changes with characters, providing different styles of music all over the gameplay so that you don’t get bored. The soundtrack starts off slowly, which might make you think that it’s going to turn in to a hard rock tone, but I assure you, the soundtrack maintains its tone and stays peaceful throughout the game.
6. Super Castlevania IV
All Castlevania soundtracks were pretty good. However, Castlevania IV beats the rest and stands out amongst them for its great and creative soundtrack. It’s a mixture of organs being played simultaneously, giving off a thrilling feeling to keep the suspense in the game alive.
7. BioShock Infinite
Are you a gaming fanatic and music lover? If so, this game is a treat for you. BioShock Infinite features some of the best songs and tunes that will lighten up your mood and keep you in the zone for hours. You won’t feel like turning the sound off and playing with your own music in the background. I could spend hours listening to this game’s magical soundtrack.
8. Rayman Legends
If you listen to the soundtrack of Rayman Legend, you’ll be able to sense something different and rare. Every world ends with a rock and pop song which is lightning fast and fun to listen to. Wonder why they planned this out? Thanks to the fun-filled nature of the game, the soundtrack had to be interesting and energetic, as well. This game is quite difficult, so the music provides a short celebration and boosts your spirit to move on to the next level.
9. Super Mario Bros
One of the most played and loved games is none other than Super Mario Bros. Even kids born in this decade know about this game due to it being a cult classic. However, I’m here to steer your attention towards the soundtrack of the game. The tunes are so popular that, within seconds, you can easily recognize which game they’re from. In fact, the Super Mario tune is widely-regarded as the most recognizable sound in gaming history.
10. Mega Man 2
Last but not least, and once again a 90s game, Mega Man 2 was considered a very difficult video game in its time. The soundtrack would keep you on track and make sure you focused on the gameplay, helping you not make the wrong move. Though the soundtrack is almost similar throughout the game, it turns slow and peaceful after defeating the final boss. Miss playing this one!
These soundtracks might seem a bit annoying to some, but they are still the best video game soundtracks of all time. I mean, I don’t know if these great games would’ve been as successful if these soundtracks weren’t part of them. They would simply feel incomplete!
Which one do you think is the best video game soundtrack of all time? Would you like to add anything to the list? You can tell us in the comments section below.