Top 10 Greatest Video Game Soundtracks of All Time
Video game soundtracks are a crucial aspect of the gaming experience. Whether it’s a sweeping orchestral score, an electronic synth beat, or an unforgettable rock anthem, music has the ability to enhance the emotional depth, elevate the excitement, and immerse players in the virtual world. A great soundtrack can turn a good game into an unforgettable one, and many of the best video game soundtracks are iconic in their own right. Here’s a look at the top 10 greatest video game soundtracks of all time, each representing a milestone in the relationship between music and gaming at the best Minecraft server hosting.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Few video game soundtracks are as beloved as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Composed by Koji Kondo, the soundtrack blends orchestrally rich compositions with unique melodies that are now synonymous with the franchise. Tracks like “Zelda’s Lullaby” and the iconic Gerudo Valley theme evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, capturing the spirit of adventure in one of the most beloved action-adventure games of all time. The music enhances the experience of exploring the vast world of Hyrule, providing an unforgettable auditory backdrop to the game’s epic journey.
The emotional weight of Ocarina of Time’s music, paired with its story, has made it a staple of gaming soundtracks for decades. The game’s ability to evoke emotions through its music is part of what helped cement its place as one of the greatest games of all time.
2. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Nobuo Uematsu’s score for Final Fantasy VII remains one of the most iconic and revered soundtracks in gaming history. From the haunting opening theme to the stirring One-Winged Angel (the theme of the antagonist Sephiroth), the soundtrack perfectly captures the emotional depth of the game’s narrative. Uematsu’s orchestral compositions blend with rock, electronic, and classical influences to create a soundtrack that evokes a wide range of emotions.
Tracks like Aerith’s Theme are remembered for their ability to pull at the heartstrings, while others like Those Who Fight perfectly complement the game’s high-stakes battles. Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack remains influential, not only for its role in the game’s storytelling but also for its impact on video game music as a whole.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Jeremy Soule’s score for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an epic, sweeping soundtrack that reflects the grandeur of the game’s open world. From the powerful Dragonborn theme to the hauntingly beautiful Far Horizons, Skyrim’s music brings the frozen land of Tamriel to life. Soule’s use of choral arrangements, orchestral strings, and deep, resonant brass creates a soundtrack that complements the game’s epic scope, exploring themes of heroism, destiny, and power.
Whether you’re walking through the snow-covered hills of Skyrim or battling a dragon, the music always seems to heighten the sense of adventure and danger. The score is not only memorable but deeply tied to the identity of the game, cementing its place among the greatest video game soundtracks.
4. Chrono Trigger (1995)
One of the most influential and groundbreaking games of the 16-bit era, Chrono Trigger is celebrated not only for its innovative gameplay but also for its incredible soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda. From the upbeat, joyful tones of Frog’s Theme to the somber, reflective melodies of The Wind Scene, the Chrono Trigger soundtrack is full of emotional highs and lows. The music effortlessly transitions between moods, whether it’s the light-hearted Kingdom Trial or the urgent, fast-paced Battle with Magus. How game music influences our emotions and behavior, read more here.
What stands out in Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack is its ability to reflect the time-traveling nature of the game. Each era in the game has its own distinct musical identity, and Mitsuda’s compositions help to reinforce the game’s rich narrative and world-building. The game’s soundtrack remains beloved by fans, and many tracks are considered timeless classics in the world of video game music.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
The soundtrack of Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of immersive world-building. Composed by Woody Jackson and featuring contributions from a variety of artists, the music of Red Dead Redemption 2 is an essential part of the game’s atmosphere, setting the tone for every dramatic moment. Whether it’s the melancholic piano of Unshaken or the triumphant, foot-stomping energy of That’s the Way It Is, the soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s setting in the American frontier.
With its mix of Western folk, blues, and orchestral scores, the music of Red Dead Redemption 2 evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, encapsulating the themes of the game. It’s a soundtrack that can stand alone as a work of art, as it so effectively conveys the raw emotions of life in the Old West.
6. Halo (2001)
The Halo franchise’s music, composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, is one of the most iconic in gaming history. The orchestral score, combined with chanting Gregorian-style choirs and a military-inspired drumbeat, perfectly fits the epic, space-faring theme of the game. Tracks like The Ghosts of Reach and Believe have become synonymous with the franchise, instantly recognizable to fans of the series.
The soundtrack’s use of choir and symphonic elements creates a sense of grandeur and heroism, setting the stage for the high-stakes battles and exploration that the Halo series is known for. The music of Halo has become a hallmark of the franchise, and its legacy continues to resonate in the gaming world.
7. The Last of Us (2013)
Gustavo Santaolalla’s minimalistic yet emotionally charged soundtrack for The Last of Us is a perfect example of how music can elevate a game’s narrative. The score’s delicate guitar plucking and atmospheric soundscapes mirror the desolate, post-apocalyptic world of the game. Tracks like The Path and The Last of Us (Main Theme) have a haunting quality, underscoring the tragic beauty of the game’s world.
The music complements the game’s themes of survival, loss, and hope, creating an emotional depth that lingers long after the game is finished. The soundtrack of The Last of Us is a masterclass in subtlety, where each note feels deliberate and carefully crafted to serve the emotional core of the story.
8. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Koji Kondo’s work on Super Mario 64 is one of the most influential video game soundtracks ever made. The playful, energetic tunes that accompany Mario’s journey through the Mushroom Kingdom are now as iconic as the game itself. From the jazzy melodies of Dire, Dire Docks to the adventurous beats of Bob-omb Battlefield, Kondo’s music adds personality and charm to every corner of Mario’s 3D world.
The soundtrack is also notable for its ability to reflect the whimsical, light-hearted tone of the game. Each theme is instantly recognizable, and the music elevates the game’s sense of fun, making it one of the most beloved soundtracks in video game history.
9. Journey (2012)
The soundtrack for Journey, composed by Austin Wintory, is a breathtaking blend of orchestral and electronic elements that perfectly complements the game’s meditative, spiritual journey. The music evolves alongside the player’s progress, creating a seamless connection between gameplay and soundtrack. The track Nascence is especially haunting, and its slow build-up evokes a sense of wonder and mystery.
The beauty of the Journey soundtrack lies in its ability to enhance the emotional storytelling of the game without overwhelming it. The music serves as both an accompaniment and a narrative device, deepening the player’s emotional engagement with the game’s world and story.
10. Undertale (2015)
Toby Fox’s score for Undertale is a unique combination of catchy melodies, quirky motifs, and emotional depth. The soundtrack perfectly matches the game’s blend of humor, adventure, and surprisingly deep themes. Tracks like Megalovania and Hopes and Dreams are instantly recognizable, with their energetic beats and memorable hooks.
What makes the Undertale soundtrack so remarkable is its ability to shift between various genres and moods, reflecting the game’s diverse range of gameplay styles and emotional tones. Whether it’s the lightheartedness of Snowdin Town or the tension-filled battle music of Hopes and Dreams, the soundtrack is as integral to Undertale’s identity as the characters and story.
These 10 video game soundtracks are among the best the industry has ever produced, each one playing a key role in enhancing the emotional depth and immersion of the games they accompany. They have not only shaped the games themselves but have also influenced the broader landscape of video game music. Whether it’s through orchestral arrangements, electronic beats, or iconic rock anthems, these soundtracks have become as legendary as the games they belong to.
For further reading on the role of music in video games, check out this Wikipedia article on video game music.
