Some video game soundtracks don’t just complement the action. They define it. If used correctly, soundtracks enhance the ambiance and normal travel throughout the game world.
Whether it’s the pulsing synths of a neon-lit brawler or the orchestral swells of an epic RPG, these scores transcend gaming and become legendary in their own right. Here are twelve of the best soundtracks ever composed.
Donkey Kong Country
David Wise’s score for Donkey Kong Country is nothing short of legendary. His ability to fuse natural sounds with electronic beats creates a haunting and exhilarating atmosphere, especially in tracks like “Aquatic Ambience.” It’s an experience that pulls you into the jungle, capturing its mysterious allure and the constant adventure.
Songs like “Stickerbush Symphony” perfectly encapsulate the beauty of nostalgia. Donkey Kong Country’s music is still something stuck in our heads, and hearing any song takes you back.
Streets of Rage 2
Streets of Rage 2 is a masterclass in synthesizing dance music with combat. Yuzo Koshiro’s soundtrack pulses with an energy that feels straight out of an underground club, blending funky beats, techno, and house influences into an irresistible groove.
Tracks like “Go Straight” pump energy into every fight, turning a simple brawl into a rhythm-filled showdown. It’s the soundtrack of a night out on the town, where the action never stops, and the beats never let up.
Earthbound
There’s no soundtrack quite like Earthbound’s, a bizarre and unforgettable journey through a world that defies expectations. Yasuhiro Wada’s compositions are quirky, blending jazz, experimental sounds, and psychedelic rock to craft an atmosphere that’s as charming as it is unpredictable.
The sunny optimism of “Pollyanna” contrasts beautifully with the unnerving eeriness of “Giygas’ Lair,” proving that this score taps into both the whimsical and the unsettling. It’s a soundtrack that feels like a fever dream. I can promise you have never heard a soundtrack like it.
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Chrono Trigger
Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu created a timeless masterpiece with Chrono Trigger’s score. Each track feels like a passage through time itself, from the serene beauty of “Corridors of Time” to the heroic surge of “Frog’s Theme.” It’s a soundtrack that transcends mere background music; it evokes feelings of adventure, nostalgia, and loss.
“To Far Away Times” still stands as one of the most powerful compositions in gaming history. It is a piece of music that wraps up an unforgettable journey with a bittersweet farewell.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack is woven into the very fabric of gaming history, thanks to Nobuo Uematsu’s unparalleled work. From the tragic elegance of “Aerith’s Theme” to the triumphant energy of “Those Who Fight Further,” it captures every emotion the game presents.
Tracks like “One-Winged Angel” have become symbols of epic boss battles, impossible to separate from Sephiroth’s iconic appearance. Nobuo Uematsu is a legendary composer who proves video game music can be more.
Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy celebrates whimsy in musical form with a soundtrack that bursts with joy and unpredictability. The mix of J-pop, lounge jazz, and funk makes every moment in the game feel like a quirky celebration of life.
“Katamari on the Rocks” is impossible to hear without tapping your feet, while “Lonely Rolling Star” carries an infectious optimism that stays with you long after the game’s over. It’s the kind of music that makes you smile without even realizing it, as vibrant as the game itself. Need feel good music? Give this soundtrack a play.
<h2″>Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2’s soundtrack is a shining example of chiptune brilliance, making the most of limited hardware to create unforgettable melodies. The sliding in between notes really made it a stand-out at the time. Each stage theme has its own identity, from the intense pulse of “Flash Man” to the menacing atmosphere of “Dr. Wily’s Castle.”
The tracks are simple but endlessly catchy, perfectly complementing the game’s tight platforming and fierce bosses. The soundtrack proves how powerful music can be in elevating a game’s mood.
Persona 5
Persona 5 oozes style, blending jazz, funk, and electronic influences into one of the coolest soundtracks ever made. The music fuels the game’s urban atmosphere, with tracks like “Last Surprise” giving you that sense of energetic rebellion, while “Beneath the Mask” is a smooth reflection of the game’s more introspective moments. Lyn Inaizumi’s vocals really breathe extra life into the tracks.
It’s a perfect blend of modern sensibilities and classic vibes, ensuring that every battle feels like a dance and every moment of exploration is steeped in cool. It’s a soundtrack that resonates long after you’ve put down the controller, leaving you humming its melodies.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The legend of Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s soundtrack extends beyond its incredible composition, thanks in part to the rumors of Michael Jackson’s involvement. It was proven by staff that Jackson was involved. The pure funk and groove that define tracks like “Ice Cap Zone” and “Hydrocity Zone.” have Jackson’s musical DNA all over them.
These tunes are upbeat, catchy, and impossible to ignore, making racing through levels feel like a party. The blend of R&B, rock, and electronic elements made the Genesis sound truly special.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Jeremy Soule’s Oblivion soundtrack is a sprawling orchestral epic that perfectly matches the grandeur of Tamriel’s open world.
Skyrim may have the more memorable theme song, but Oblivion’s whole soundtrack is majestic. From the stirring horns of “Reign of the Septims” to the ethereal beauty of “Auriel’s Ascension,” it’s an emotional journey told through music. Soule’s score even makes traveling and exploring feel epic.
Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2’s soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka, is a haunting blend of eerie industrial sounds, ambient noise, and melancholic melodies that perfectly capture the psychological horror of the game. From the haunting “Theme of Laura” to the unsettling industrial clangs of “Forest,” every track reflects the protagonist’s tortured mind. The music doesn’t just enhance the atmosphere.
It is integral to the game’s sense of dread, using dissonance and silence to make you question what’s real. It’s a score that sticks with you, luring you into the misty world of Silent Hill and leaving you there. You will put down the controller, but the haunting sounds will stick with you.
DOOM (2016)
Mick Gordon’s soundtrack for DOOM (2016) is a brutal, sonic assault that matches the relentless action of the game. With its gnarly guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and industrial synths, it’s a full-throttle ride that makes every encounter feel like a brutal fight where no survivors will be left. Tracks like “BFG Division” are explosive and make you feel invincible as Doomguy rips demons apart.
It’s the perfect blend of metal and chaos, creating a soundtrack that’s as intense as the game it accompanies. It feels like a punch in the face, but one you’ll enjoy as your ears are assaulted with brutal chugging guitars and eerie synths.
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