The Best Game Soundtracks: Music That Defines Gaming
Video game soundtracks have evolved from simple beeps and boops to full orchestral compositions that rival the most celebrated film scores. Music in games isn’t just a background element — it can drive the emotional experience, enhance the atmosphere, and leave a lasting impression long after the game is over. Some soundtracks have become iconic in their own right, defining not just the games they’re part of, but also the medium of gaming itself. Here’s a list of some of the best and most memorable game soundtracks that have helped shape the gaming experience.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
- Composer: Koji Kondo
- Why It’s Legendary: The soundtrack of Ocarina of Time remains one of the most iconic and influential in gaming. Koji Kondo’s work here blends lush orchestral themes with the magical and whimsical nature of the series. Tracks like “Zelda’s Lullaby”, “Gerudo Valley”, and “Song of Storms” have become staples of video game music.
- Impact: The music transports players to the mythical land of Hyrule, with the Ocarina itself becoming a symbol of the game. It’s often regarded as one of the best soundtracks ever created for a video game due to its ability to complement the emotional highs and lows of the game.
2. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
- Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
- Why It’s Legendary: Nobuo Uematsu’s score for Final Fantasy VII is deeply emotional and complex. With tracks like “One-Winged Angel”, “Aerith’s Theme”, and “Tifa’s Theme”, the music evokes the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreak of the game’s story.
- Impact: The music of Final Fantasy VII is so powerful that it has become synonymous with the game’s narrative. One-Winged Angel is particularly iconic, with its orchestral choir and grand arrangement, making it a standout piece in gaming music history.
3. Chrono Trigger (1995)
- Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
- Why It’s Legendary: The music of Chrono Trigger is known for its diversity, mixing everything from upbeat, adventurous themes to somber, melancholic pieces. “Corridors of Time”, “Frog’s Theme”, and “To Far Away Times” are just a few standout tracks from this incredible soundtrack.
- Impact: Mitsuda’s score blends classical, jazz, and ambient influences, perfectly complementing the game’s time-traveling narrative. The soundtrack is as timeless as the story it accompanies, leaving a lasting legacy in both the RPG and gaming world.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
- Composer: Jeremy Soule
- Why It’s Legendary: Skyrim’s music is a sweeping, epic soundtrack that mirrors the grandeur of its open world. With tracks like “Dragonborn”, “Far Horizons”, and “The Streets of Whiterun”, Jeremy Soule’s score immerses players into the frigid beauty of Tamriel.
- Impact: Skyrim’s music has become emblematic of the series, evoking a sense of adventure, mystery, and danger. The powerful choirs and orchestral arrangements make the game’s world feel alive, while “Dragonborn” has become one of the most memorable themes in gaming.
5. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Composer: Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori
- Why It’s Legendary: The music of Halo is instantly recognizable, especially the iconic “Main Theme”, which blends choir vocals with a military-style march, creating a sense of grandeur and gravitas. Other tracks like “Under Cover of Night” and “Unyielding” add tension and drama to the action.
- Impact: The soundtrack’s ability to combine orchestral and choral elements with electronic sounds set it apart from many other games at the time. It defined the Halo franchise and has become a hallmark of sci-fi gaming music.
6. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
- Composers: Woody Jackson, Daniel Lanois, Bill Elm, and Josh Homme
- Why It’s Legendary: The soundtrack for Red Dead Redemption 2 captures the essence of the American frontier with a blend of folk, blues, and ambient music. Standout tracks like “Unshaken”, “Outlaws from the West”, and “The Course of True Love” fit perfectly with the game’s sweeping open-world narrative.
- Impact: The soundtrack perfectly captures the loneliness, beauty, and harshness of the wild west. It enhances the game’s immersive atmosphere and makes every moment feel like it’s part of a larger, cinematic experience.
7. Journey (2012)
- Composer: Austin Wintory
- Why It’s Legendary: The Journey soundtrack is a hauntingly beautiful and emotional score that complements the game’s minimalist art and narrative. “Nascence”, “Apotheosis”, and “I Was Born for This” are standout tracks that elevate the game’s themes of exploration and self-discovery.
- Impact: The music of Journey elevates the experience of the game, enhancing its emotional depth and making it feel like a unique, personal journey for each player. It was even nominated for a Grammy Award, a rare achievement for a video game soundtrack.
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
- Composers: Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival
- Why It’s Legendary: The soundtrack of The Witcher 3 is a blend of epic orchestral scores and folk-inspired pieces that perfectly capture the gritty, dark fantasy world of Geralt of Rivia. Tracks like “The Fields of Ard Skellig”, “Priscilla’s Song”, and “Silver for Monsters” add depth and emotion to the game’s story.
- Impact: The score elevates the game’s immersive world and narrative, blending traditional instruments with cinematic orchestration to bring the game’s dark medieval world to life.
9. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
- Composer: Koji Kondo
- Why It’s Legendary: Super Mario Bros. is not only one of the most important games of all time but also one of the most recognizable soundtracks. Koji Kondo’s catchy “Overworld Theme”, “Underworld Theme”, and “Castle Theme” have become synonymous with the Mario franchise and the world of gaming itself.
- Impact: The simple, yet extremely memorable tunes of Super Mario Bros. set a new standard for video game music, proving that even limited 8-bit sound could have immense emotional impact.
10. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
- Composer: Michiru Yamane
- Why It’s Legendary: The soundtrack for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night blends rock, orchestral, and Gothic influences to create a haunting, atmospheric score. Tracks like “Bloodlines”, “Dance of Pales”, and “I Am the Wind” perfectly match the game’s eerie, otherworldly setting.
- Impact: The music of Symphony of the Night helped set the tone for the entire Castlevania series, influencing the direction of action-adventure and Metroidvania games.
11. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
- Composers: Kazumi Totaka, Atsuko Asano
- Why It’s Legendary: The Animal Crossing: New Horizons soundtrack is soothing, warm, and endlessly charming. Tracks like “Morning Theme”, “K.K. Slider’s Songs”, and “Blathers’ Theme” perfectly capture the relaxing nature of the game and its village life atmosphere.
- Impact: The soundtrack has become one of the defining features of Animal Crossing, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility that players associate with the cozy world of the game.
Conclusion
Music is an essential element of the gaming experience. It has the power to enhance the atmosphere, intensify emotions, and make moments unforgettable. From the heart-pounding orchestral scores of The Witcher 3 to the whimsical tunes of Super Mario Bros., these soundtracks have not only defined the games they accompany but have also left an indelible mark on the history of video game music. Whether evoking nostalgia or creating new memories, the right soundtrack can transform a good game into a timeless classic.
