If we tell you to hum Mario’s music now, you’ll know! Video game soundtracks play a crucial role because they enhance immersion and narrative. But do you know which are the best game soundtracks of all time? Check them out with us!
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The best game soundtracks of all time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is widely recognized not only as a milestone in the history of video games, but also for its innovative and emotive soundtrack.
Composed by Koji Kondo, the game music not only perfectly suits the diverse environments and settings of the vast world of Hyrule, but has also become iconic for its ability to evoke nostalgia and emotion in players.
The use of the ocarina as a central instrument within the game not only reinforces the emotional connection of the protagonist, Link, with the world around him, but also allows players to interact musically with the game in a unique and engaging way. It can’t be left off the list of the best game soundtracks of all time.
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
“Final Fantasy VII” is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time, and its soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, plays a key role in that reputation.
With music that ranges from emotional and melodramatic to grandiose and epic, the soundtrack of “Final Fantasy VII” not only complements the intense twists and turns of the story, but has also become an iconic element of video game culture. Tracks like “Aerith’s Theme” and “One-Winged Angel” not only capture the essence of the game’s characters and events, but have also left an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers around the world.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
“Chrono Trigger”, a classic RPG from the Super Nintendo era, is acclaimed for its memorable soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and supervised by Nobuo Uematsu. The game’s music not only accompanies the characters’ journey through different time periods, but also deeply reflects the themes of adventure, friendship and time travel explored in the plot.
With a mix of musical styles ranging from melodic, nostalgic themes to energetic battle tracks, the “Chrono Trigger” soundtrack continues to be revered as one of the best in video game history. It also lives up to the list of the best game soundtracks of all time
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
The soundtrack to “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”, composed by Jeremy Soule, is a perfect combination of grandeur and atmosphere that defines the epic experience of the game. With music that evokes a sense of the vastness and mystery of the world of Tamriel, Skyrim’s soundtrack not only complements the player’s exploration, but also reinforces immersion in the game’s rich lore and emotional landscape. Tracks like “Dragonborn” and “Secunda” capture not only the epic scale of the Dovahkiin’s adventures, but also the beauty and melancholy of the Nordic lands he explores. Thus, we have here one of the best game soundtracks of all time.
Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Metal Gear Solid’s soundtrack, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams and Norihiko Hibino, is known for its tense, cinematic atmosphere that intensifies the game’s stealth experience. Composed of music that ranges from suspenseful and action themes to emotional and reflective melodies, the music of “Metal Gear Solid” not only drives the game’s complex narrative and puzzles, but also establishes a unique and unmistakable tone that has become synonymous with the series.
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Legendary! The Super Mario Bros. soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, not only helped set the standards for game music in the 1980s, but also became one of the most recognizable and beloved in the history of video games.
With cheerful, catchy melodies that adapt dynamically to the action of the game, the music of “Super Mario Bros.” not only elevated the gameplay experience, but also established a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with gamers of all ages to this day. Simply one of the best game soundtracks of all time.
The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, which perfectly complements the game’s complex narrative and themes of survival and human connection. Composed mainly of acoustic and minimalist themes, the music of “The Last of Us” not only amplifies the moments of tension and melancholy, but also adds an additional layer of immersion and realism to the player’s experience, becoming an essential part of the game’s emotional appeal, making it one of the best game soundtracks of all time.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The soundtrack for “Halo: Combat Evolved”, composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, is often praised for its ability to capture the epic grandeur and heroic tone of Master Chief’s space saga. With music ranging from epic battle themes to solemn and mysterious melodies, the music of “Halo” not only accompanies the epic battles and player exploration, but has also become an inseparable part of the series’ identity and cultural impact.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Another of the best game soundtracks of all time is that of “Red Dead Redemption 2”, composed by Woody Jackson. It’s a masterful fusion of original and atmospheric music that perfectly complements the vastness and ambience of the American Wild West. With a mix of orchestral, folk and ambient music, the music of “Red Dead Redemption 2” not only amplifies Arthur Morgan’s emotional and moral journey, but also enriches the player’s experience of exploration and immersion in the game’s expansive open world.
Mass Effect 2 (2010)
The soundtrack of “Mass Effect 2”, composed by Jack Wall and Sam Hulick, is praised for its ability to create a futuristic, epic and emotionally charged atmosphere that perfectly complements Commander Shepard’s intergalactic journey. With a mix of orchestral, electronic and ambient themes, the music of “Mass Effect 2” not only intensifies the moments of action and suspense, but also enriches the moments of exploration and social interaction within the game’s vast and diverse universe.
Journey (2012)
The soundtrack of “Journey”, composed by Austin Wintory, is a unique musical experience that blends perfectly with the player’s solitary and emotional journey through a vast mystical desert. Composed of instrumental themes that evolve dynamically based on the player’s actions and interactions, the music of “Journey” not only creates an atmosphere of contemplation and discovery, but has also become a remarkable example of how music can tell stories and evoke deep emotions without words.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt soundtrack, composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski and Percival, is praised for its ability to capture the rich setting, culture and emotions of Geralt of Rivia’s dark fantasy world. With a mix of orchestral, folk and atmospheric music, the music of “The Witcher 3” not only intensifies the moments of combat and exploration, but also enriches the player’s emotional and moral encounters within the game’s vast and immersive universe. It also has its place on the list of the best game soundtracks of all time.
BioShock Infinite (2013)
The soundtrack of “BioShock Infinite”, composed by Garry Schyman, is known for its ability to create an atmosphere of tension, mystery and beauty in the floating city of Columbia. With music ranging from melodic, nostalgic themes to suspenseful, horror pieces, the music of “BioShock Infinite” not only complements the game’s intricate narrative and philosophical themes, but also adds an additional layer of depth and immersion to the player’s experience.
Dark Souls (2011)
“Dark Souls” also has one of the best game soundtracks of all time. Composed by Motoi Sakuraba, it is praised for its ability to complement the dark, challenging and mysterious atmosphere of the world of Lordran. With a mix of orchestral and ambient music, the music of “Dark Souls” not only intensifies the moments of combat and exploration, but also amplifies the sense of loneliness, despair and triumph that players experience as they face the game’s numerous challenges.
NieR: Automata (2017)
The soundtrack for “NieR: Automata”, composed by Keiichi Okabe, Keigo Hoashi and Kuniyuki Takahashi, is known for its fusion of electronic, classical and vocal music that perfectly complements the game’s post-apocalyptic and philosophical atmosphere. With music ranging from emotional and reflective themes to intense and dynamic battle tracks, the music of “NieR: Automata” not only elevates the game’s narrative and existential themes, but has also become an integral part of the player’s emotional and aesthetic experience.
Persona 5 (2016)
The soundtrack of “Persona 5”, composed by Shoji Meguro, is known for its fusion of jazz, pop and rock that perfectly captures the stylized style and urban energy of the game. With music ranging from catchy, danceable themes to melodic, introspective tracks, the music of “Persona 5” not only reflects the themes of rebellion, freedom and identity explored in the game, but also enriches the experience of navigating the social and psychological complexities of the characters’ lives.
Minecraft (2011)
The “Minecraft” soundtrack, composed by C418 (Daniel Rosenfeld), is celebrated for its evocative simplicity and its ability to capture the game’s spirit of exploration and creation. With ambient, minimalist melodies that change dynamically based on location and time of day within the randomly generated world, the music of “Minecraft” not only adds a layer of tranquility and contemplation to the gaming experience, but has also become a fundamental part of Minecraft’s welcoming and immersive identity. Easily one of the best game soundtracks of all time.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
The soundtrack for “Silent Hill 2”, composed by Akira Yamaoka, is known for its ability to create an atmosphere of psychological horror and melancholy that defines the survival horror series.
Silent Hill 2 has one of the best game soundtracks of all time because the music ranges from disturbing and oppressive themes to introspective and emotional melodies. The music of “Silent Hill 2” not only intensifies the tension and discomfort of the players as they explore the dark mysteries of Silent Hill, but also deeply complements the themes of loss, redemption and guilt explored in the game’s narrative.
Super Metroid (1994)
The soundtrack of “Super Metroid”, composed by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano, is known for its atmospheric and tense atmosphere that perfectly complements the solitary exploration and alien atmosphere of the game. With music ranging from mysterious and unsettling themes to action and suspense tracks, the music of “Super Metroid” not only intensifies the experience of navigating the dark labyrinths of Zebes, but has also become a classic example of how music can create a sense of place and atmosphere in a game.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
The list of the best game soundtracks of all time closes with that of “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves”, composed by Greg Edmonson, which is praised for its ability to capture the adrenaline, action and spirit of adventure of Naughty Dog’s series of action and exploration games.
With music ranging from epic and emotional themes to suspenseful and dangerous tracks, the music of “Uncharted 2” not only elevates the game’s action and narrative moments, but also enriches the player’s cinematic and emotional experience as he accompanies Nathan Drake on his quest for treasure and dangerous adventures.
List: the 20 best game soundtracks of all time
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
- Final Fantasy VII (1997)
- Chrono Trigger (1995)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
- Metal Gear Solid (1998)
- Super Mario Bros. (1985)
- The Last of Us (2013)
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
- Mass Effect 2 (2010)
- Journey (2012)
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
- BioShock Infinite (2013)
- Dark Souls (2011)
- NieR: Automata (2017)
- Persona 5 (2016)
- Minecraft (2011)
- Silent Hill 2 (2001)
- Super Metroid (1994)
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
The selection of the best game soundtracks of all time helps us see how music can enrich players’ experiences. Did you like this content? Then be sure to check out more:
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