What does the shrill sound of a power-up in Super Mario, or the iconic “Fus Ro Dah” from Skyrim, do to you? Does it evoke a sense of nostalgia or pump you up to dive into a virtual world? If you answered “Heck, yes,” then get ready, because we’re taking a trip down memory lane with the most iconic video game sound effects.
Okay, visuals are one thing, but some sounds are etched into our memories so deeply that as soon as we hear them, we know exactly which game they belong to. These instantly recognizable audio cues have become a crucial part of our gaming experience. Join us as we make our way through a symphony of nostalgia and unforgettable gaming moments that made you press those buttons with more excitement than ever before!
The Legend of Zelda chest
The sound effect that plays when Link opens a chest in The Legend of Zelda is instantly recognizable to gamers of all ages. Its triumphant melody has become a symbol of victory and discovery in the gaming world.
Pac-Man eating
The sound effect that plays when Pac-Man eats a dot or a power pellet is simple, yet iconic. Its high-pitched chomping noise has become synonymous with the character and the franchise as a whole.
Super Mario Bros. coin
The sound effect that plays when Mario collects a coin in Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic in video game history. Its cheerful, upbeat tone has become synonymous with gaming and has been sampled in countless songs and other media.
Metal Gear Solid alert
The sound effect that plays when the player is detected by an enemy in Metal Gear Solid is one of the most tense and iconic in gaming history. Its rapid beeping and accompanying exclamation point have become synonymous with stealth gameplay and have been referenced in countless other games.
Final Fantasy VII victory fanfare
The victory fanfare that plays when the player wins a battle in Final Fantasy VII has become one of the most recognizable in the series. Its upbeat, triumphant melody has become a symbol of victory and accomplishment in the gaming world.
Sonic the Hedgehog ring
The sound effect that plays when Sonic collects a ring in Sonic the Hedgehog is simple, yet iconic. Its high-pitched chime has become synonymous with the character and the franchise as a whole.
Resident Evil zombie moan
The haunting moans of the zombies in the original Resident Evil game are some of the most iconic sound effects in gaming history. Their guttural, growling cries are instantly recognizable to anyone who has played the game and have become a symbol of the franchise's horror elements.
Street Fighter II announcer
The voice of the announcer in Street Fighter II is one of the most iconic in gaming history. From his opening line, 'Round one, fight!', to his memorable victory quotes, his voice is instantly recognizable to anyone who has played the game.
Portal gun
The sound effect that plays when the player shoots a portal in Portal is instantly recognizable to fans of the game. Its distinctive, futuristic tone has become a symbol of the game's innovative mechanics and has been referenced in numerous other media.
Tetris theme
The catchy, Russian folk-inspired theme of Tetris is one of the most recognizable pieces of video game music in history. Its addictive melody has become a cultural touchstone and has been covered by countless musicians over the years.
Mortal Kombat 'Finish Him!'
The iconic voice of the announcer in Mortal Kombat, shouting 'Finish him!', has become a symbol of the franchise's brutal, over-the-top violence. Its inclusion in later games in the series is a testament to its enduring popularity.
Donkey Kong Country mine cart
The sound effect that plays when the player jumps into a mine cart in Donkey Kong Country is one of the most iconic in the series. Its catchy melody and accompanying sound effects have become synonymous with the game's fast-paced, action-packed gameplay.
