10 best video game soundtracks of all time

The Greatest Video Game Soundtracks of All Time

Gaming has become a massive and resilient market within the entertainment industry. Unaffected by piracy and resilient in the face of pandemics, video games continue to flourish at the forefront of technological advancements. One aspect that has played a significant role in the success and impact of many video games is their soundtracks. A great soundtrack can enhance the gaming experience, immersing players in the game’s world and leaving a lasting impression even outside of the gameplay. In this article, we will explore ten of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time.

Streets Of Rage (1991)

Streets Of Rage, the classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up game from Sega, not only revolutionized the genre but also set a new standard for video game soundtracks. Composed by Yuzo Koshiro, the game’s propulsive techno score not only elevated the game’s atmosphere but also left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and electronic music scene.

Mortal Kombat (1992)

Known for its brutal gameplay and over-the-top violence, Mortal Kombat also featured a world-class soundtrack. The game’s original soundtrack, featuring a mix of tension-filled and brooding tracks, perfectly complemented the intense fighting action on screen, making it one of the most memorable soundtracks of the 90s.

Doom (1993)

Doom, a groundbreaking first-person shooter, not only redefined the genre but also introduced an influential heavy metal soundtrack. Inspired by metal bands like Slayer, Pantera, and Megadeth, Robert Prince’s music added an intense and hellish vibe to the game, further enhancing the gaming experience.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000)

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series became iconic in millennial rock culture, introducing players to an impressive selection of punk, metal, and alternative rock songs. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, in particular, expanded the franchise’s repertoire, featuring a diverse and energetic soundtrack that perfectly complemented the skateboarding gameplay.

Silent Hill 2 (2001)

As one of the most legendary survival horror games, Silent Hill 2 pushed the boundaries of storytelling and atmosphere in gaming. Akira Yamaoka’s masterful score added to the game’s unbearable suspense and emotional depth, utilizing guitars, gloomy strings, and eerie silences to create a haunting and unforgettable soundtrack.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City took players back to the 1980s with its vast open-world and an incredible lineup of ’80s music. With over nine hours of music spanning various genres, the game’s soundtrack allowed players to customize their in-game experience, cruising through the city while listening to iconic hits from that era.

Saint’s Row 2 (2008)

Saint’s Row 2, often compared to the Grand Theft Auto series, stood out with its own unique charm and an outstanding soundtrack. Boasting tracks from Deftones, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, and even classical compositions, the game’s soundtrack added depth and personality to the gangland adventure.

Brütal Legend (2009)

For metalheads and gamers alike, Brütal Legend was a dream come true. Featuring an all-star cast of metal artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead, Slayer, and more, the game’s soundtrack was a metal enthusiast’s paradise, perfectly complementing the game’s theme and storyline.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Skyrim, a vast and epic role-playing game, required a soundtrack that could match its grand scale and immersive world. Jeremy Soule’s masterfully composed score, inspired by traditional Nordic music and classical compositions, became an integral part of the game’s identity, influencing even metal bands years after the game’s release.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 was hailed as one of the greatest video games of its generation, offering a massive and detailed open-world Wild West experience. Accompanied by a stunning original score by Woody Jackson and an excellent soundtrack featuring artists like Willie Nelson and Josh Homme, the game’s music captured the essence of the rugged and atmospheric setting.

Honorable Mentions

While the above list covers some of the most exceptional video game soundtracks, there are many other noteworthy mentions worth exploring:

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): Koji Kondo’s iconic and memorable score added magic and wonder to this classic Nintendo title.
• Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s epic score elevated the Halo franchise to legendary status.
• Journey (2012): Composed by Austin Wintory, the emotionally charged soundtrack of Journey perfectly mirrored the game’s touching narrative and exploration.

Conclusion

The video game industry continues to produce incredible gaming experiences, and soundtracks play an essential role in shaping those experiences. The ten games listed above, along with the honorable mentions, showcase the power of music in gaming, creating emotional connections with players and leaving a lasting impact beyond the virtual world. As technology advances, we can only anticipate more immersive and innovative soundtracks in future games, enhancing the medium and pushing the boundaries of gaming as an art form.