Music is an often-overlooked part of our favorite games, but few things are better than when a great game complements itself with an amazing score. Who doesn’t feel epic, playing as Master Chief, when the strings swell and the drums amp you up to deliver some awesome Halo action? Who doesn’t love the playful-jam of Kakariko Village in...any of the Legend of Zelda games!?
Well, this is why we are here! To celebrate games over the Christmas season, we are going to take a look at some of the best soundtracks in gaming. These games all have one amazing thing in common, their music: and they deserve to be saluted for all the wonderful tones with which they have graced our ears...
Number 10 – Mass Effect 3
We’re starting off big here, with the much-loved Mass Effect 3! Long before Mass Effect Andromeda gave us a headache with its bugs and utter-forgettableness, Mass Effect 3 hit our consoles as the final entry in the original trilogy. Its music was a culmination of everything that had come before, with soaring strings, incredible percussive sounds and a small, subtle, but beautiful piano motif that added an emotional tone to the game that never failed to tug at our heart strings!
Number 9 - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The only thing more iconic than the classic Skyrim Theme, is perhaps that 'arrow in the knee' meme that never seemed to leave us alone for freaking years... But in all seriousness, Dovahkiin song, in particular, is such an epic tune, swelling as you sleigh dragons, fight off guards, and steel clothes from unsuspecting civilians. When will we get Elder Scrolls VI? Well, who knows, but just listening to the soundtrack again for this article makes us want to boot up our computers and jump straight back into Skyrim again...
Number 8 - Journey
If you haven't played Journey yet, we really are not sure what you've been doing with your life! This beautiful adventure from TheGameCompany is scored by Austin Wintory, who delivers an atmospheric and emotionally effecting soundtrack. Travelling through Journey's devastating lonely adventure would not be the same without the mournful "Nascence" and its contrast with joyful tunes like "The Road of Trials". The Journey soundtrack is one of the most unique and powerful in gaming, and will certainly bring a tear to your eye.
Number 7 - God of War (2018)
God of War (2018)was one of, if not our, favorite games of 2018. Kratos' journey with Atreus struck an incredible chord with us, and makes us long to return to the world! The only problem is - there are tons of games to play, and so little time... One of the most memorable aspects of the game was the way the music added to the experience. Along with the incredible performances by Christopher Judge (Kratos) and Sunny Suljic (Atreus), the music was beautifully woven into the fabric of the game and managed to excite and depress us simultaneously.
Number 6 - Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it is a bit of a cop-out to include two games in one. But, shut up and listen - you can't speak of one without the other! Super Mario Bros. has always had insanely iconic music, with the classic ba ba ba bu da ba du da... sorry, that doesn't really work in writing. But we are sure you understand what we are talking about! Anyway, Super Mario Galaxy introduced a full orchestral score and one of the most incredible Nintendo soundtracks of all time! Then, Super Mario Galaxy 2 came in and managed to blow the original out of the galaxy! Listen and lust over this incredible game...oh, and its score!
Number 5 - Persona 5
Persona has always had incredible music, versatile from the in-game score to the mix of pop and rock songs that play during combat and other encounters. Persona 5's soundtrack was full of fantastic songs that gamers loved, and their partners / parents loathed after hearing them a million times (seven hells, that game was long!). It was such a great soundtrack, that P-Studio made Persona 5: Dancing in the Starlight, a bloody dance/rhythm game, to capitalize on these incredible disco songs!
Number 4 - DOOM (1993)
Let's be honest: pretty much ANY Doom soundtrack could be on this list! We are choosing the original Doom, however, as it is by far the most iconic! People are still listening to this amazing soundtrack, with its explosive rhythm, dark and dreary sounds and eerily awesome synths, even in 2020. We would certainly suggest that you check out Doom Eternal and Doom 2016's intense heavy-metal tones. Personally, our favorite part of the original soundtrack is the amazing use of the drumkit! Just. Pure. AWESOME!
Number 3 - Halo 3
The climax to Master Chief's first trilogy is an iconic Xbox 360 game, filled with tunes that are just as iconic. Halo is perhaps the most popular video game soundtrack of all time, and features a complex mix of strings, operatic singers and just the most incredible percussion. Halo 3's main theme, a twist on the iconic Halo theme, is real next-level s**t! Halo 3 just took the soundtrack to the next level, and featured some of the best backing music in any of Master Chief's adventures...
Number 2 - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Okay, we're going to let you in on a little secret: we LOVE Uncharted! Uncharted 3 is the best one, though many gamers argue that it's Uncharted 2(uhm... this editor would like to firmly, yet lovingly & respectfully, distance himself from this statement – Uncharted 2 is life), and it has one of the most epic soundtracks in gaming. We love the way that the mood of the game gets constantly complemented by the soundtrack, and love the various themes that come with each location and set-piece. Uncharted 3 is by far one of the most action-packed and exciting games of all time, and the music complements it absolutely perfectly! And let's just say: Nate's theme is certainly one of the most iconic character themes in gaming!
Number 1 - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
At Number 1 we have... *drumroll*... wait, you already read it in the title... THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER! Look, any Zelda game could be on this list, literally ANY of them. They are all amazing! What we find so special about The Wind Waker, is its versatility. All Zelda games are versatile, but from the musical emulation of the rolling waves as we sail the sea, to the frightening themes of some of the dungeons, and the fun, quirky and sometimes mysterious tunes throughout the games... this game has an absolutely wonderful soundtrack. Some of these tunes are even super catchy, and we catch ourselves humming them. We absolutely love this game, and absolutely love the soundtrack. There are few better, or even on par, so go and check out the game - you won't regret it...
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