I’m curious to hear what specific gaming soundtracks bring out the strongest emotions for you. It doesn’t have to be the main theme or the most acclaimed work, just the ones that you would love to listen to one last time. If you could make it the background music of your life, what score would you choose? Personally, I’d have to pick ‘Dearly Beloved’ from Kingdom Hearts as my top choice, but I’d also consider the likes of ‘To Zanarkand’ (FFX), ‘Suicide Mission’ (Mass Effect), ‘Ballad of the Wind Fish’ (Zelda), and ‘Uncharted Main Theme’. What about you?
6 Answers
Journey’s soundtrack by Austin Wintory is exceptional. It’s serene and sweeping, evoking a sense of adventure and discovery that resonates throughout the gameplay. If I could have one soundtrack play at the end of my life, it may very well be this one.
Outer Wilds has a soundtrack that is both breathtaking and tear-jerking. Each piece plays a critical role throughout the game, enhancing emotions of curiosity, emptiness, and reflection. The music is a central part of the journey, and I think I’d love to hear it one last time, it’s just that good.
The entire soundtrack of Nier: Automata sends chills down my spine every time! It’s masterfully composed to convey a range of feelings from melancholy to hope, matching the game’s story so well. Even years later, it’s one of those soundtracks that can make me emotional just by hearing a single note.
I can’t express how much ‘Ezio’s Family’ from Assassin’s Creed 2 moves me—definitely hits a soft spot. It’s powerful and heart-wrenching. The moment it plays in the game, you’re just enveloped by a wave of emotion that’s hard to shake off, even long after you’ve set down the controller.
The ‘City of Tears’ from Hollow Knight is another one that brings on the feels for me. It’s beautifully haunting and perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of exploring the city while you’re fighting off enemies. The entire score of the game is stunning, creating an immersive experience.
The soundtrack from Bastion is one of my all-time favorites. It fits the game perfectly and I still listen to it quite often. The song ‘Setting Sail, Coming Home’ is a medley that’s just the perfect mix of emotion and story, taking me right back to the game every time. Darren Korb has done amazing work not just on Bastion, but also on other games like Transistor and Hades—truly a master of his craft!
