We’ve put together an awesome collection of the best original video game soundtracks of all time just for you. Over the years, the gaming world has given us not only some incredible visuals and gameplay experiences but also a whole bunch of memorable and emotionally charged tunes. From those catchy 8-bit jingles to the epic orchestral scores we hear today, video game music has become a super important part of our gaming adventures, setting the mood, adding to the atmosphere, and making sure we never forget those epic moments we experience in-game.
So, in this two-paragraph intro, we’re gonna take a quick look at how video game music has evolved and why it’s such a big deal in the gaming scene. Starting out with simple beeps and synthesized tunes, video game music has come a long way and now we’ve got these amazing, sweeping orchestral pieces that really make us feel like we’re part of the action. These iconic soundtracks have won over the hearts of gamers across generations and even inspired loads of musicians and composers to create some amazing stuff that blurs the lines between video game music and the tunes we hear on the radio. So, grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let’s dive into the best original video game soundtracks of all time!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Composer: Koji Kondo Music: Orchestral, electronic, and world music Popularity: Ocarina of Time's music has become iconic, with tracks such as "Zelda's Lullaby," "Gerudo Valley," and "Song of Storms" being beloved by fans. The music creates a sense of wonder and adventure, with different themes for each region and dungeon, perfectly complementing the game's varied environments.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Composer: Jeremy Soule Music: Orchestral, ambient, and choral music Popularity: The soundtrack captures the epic scope of the game's open-world fantasy setting, with tracks like "Dragonborn" becoming instantly recognizable. The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, from the serene exploration of vast landscapes to intense battles with dragons.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Composer: Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori Music: Orchestral, electronic, and choral music Popularity: The Halo soundtrack is known for its epic, sweeping orchestral themes, punctuated by electronic and choral elements. Iconic tracks like the "Halo Theme" and "Under Cover of Night" create an immersive soundscape that enhances the game's futuristic sci-fi setting and intense action.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Composer: Woody Jackson Music: Western, ambient, and country music Popularity: Red Dead Redemption 2's soundtrack captures the atmosphere of the Wild West, featuring an eclectic mix of ambient sounds, western themes, and original songs. The dynamic soundtrack adapts to the player's actions and the game's events, with tracks like "That's the Way It Is" and "Cruel, Cruel World" enhancing key emotional moments.
Chrono Trigger: Jet Bike Special
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu Music: Orchestral, electronic, world music, and jazz Popularity: Chrono Trigger's music is celebrated for its rich melodies and diverse styles that reflect the game's time-traveling narrative. Tracks such as "Corridors of Time," "Frog's Theme," and "To Far Away Times" evoke a sense of adventure and wonder, enhancing the game's immersive storytelling.
Journey (2012)
Composer: Austin Wintory Music: Orchestral, ambient, and world music Popularity: Journey's soundtrack is widely praised for its emotional depth and beautiful, evocative melodies. The music plays a significant role in conveying the game's narrative and emotional journey, as the game features minimal dialogue. Austin Wintory's work on Journey earned the first Grammy nomination for a video game soundtrack, with standout tracks like "Apotheosis" and "I Was Born for This."
Final Fantasy VII International
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu Music: Orchestral, electronic, and rock Popularity: Final Fantasy VII's soundtrack has been praised for its memorable melodies and emotional depth. Tracks like "Aerith's Theme," "One-Winged Angel," and "Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII" are often cited as standout examples. The music plays a significant role in the storytelling, capturing the emotional intensity of key moments.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Hearts of Stone
Composer: Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival Music: Orchestral, Slavic, and folk music Popularity: The Witcher 3's soundtrack combines traditional instruments and Slavic influences, creating an immersive soundscape that enhances the game's dark fantasy setting. Tracks like "The Fields of Ard Skellig," "Silver for Monsters," and "Ladies of the Woods" evoke the game's rich cultural and regional diversity.
Persona 5
Composer: Shoji Meguro Music: Jazz, rock, electronic, and pop Popularity: Persona 5's soundtrack is known for its stylish and catchy tunes that reflect the game's urban setting and its themes of rebellion and self-discovery. The soundtrack features a mix of vocal tracks and instrumental pieces, with tracks like "Last Surprise," "Rivers in the Desert," and "Life Will Change" becoming fan favorites.
NieR: Automata
Composer: Keiichi Okabe Music: Orchestral, electronic, and choral music Popularity: NieR: Automata's soundtrack is celebrated for its unique blend of styles and haunting melodies that perfectly complement the game's dystopian setting and philosophical themes. Tracks like "Weight of the World," "Bipolar Nightmare," and "City Ruins" create a rich, atmospheric soundscape that enhances the game's storytelling and emotional impact.
