The 20 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time

Video games have come a long way since the days of simple bleeps and bloops. Today’s games feature incredibly rich and intricate soundscapes, with soundtracks that rival the best movie scores.

From atmospheric and emotional pieces to adrenaline-pumping action tracks, video game music has the power to transport players to new worlds and bring their experiences to life.

Best Video Game Soundtracks Ever

In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the most popular video game soundtracks of all time :

1. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – Jeremy Soule
2. The Last of Us – Gustavo Santaolalla
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Various Artists
4. Shadow of the Colossus – Kow Otani
5. Chrono Cross – Yasunori Mitsuda
6. Super Mario Bros. – Koji Kondo
7. Tetris – Hirokazu Tanaka
8. Red Dead Redemption – Bill Elm and Woody Jackson Final Fantasy VII – Nobuo Uematsu
9. BioShock – Garry Schyman
10. Halo: Combat Evolved – Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori
11. Metal Gear Solid – Harry Gregson-Williams
12. Portal – Mike Morasky
13. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai
14. Stroinski, and Percival
15. Mass Effect 2 – Jack Wall, Sam Hulick, Richard Jacques, and David Kates
16. Batman: Arkham City – Nick Arundel and Ron Fish
17. Deus Ex – Michiel van den Bos
18. Kingdom Hearts – Yoko Shimomura
19. Resident Evil – Mamoru Samuragochi
20. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Koji Kondo

Video Game Soundtracks Rival the Best Movie Scores

Video game soundtracks have come a long way in recent years, evolving from simple bleeps and bloops to complex, emotional soundscapes that rival the best movie scores. From the atmospheric music of “The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind” to the adrenaline-pumping action tracks of “Halo: Combat Evolved,” video game soundtracks have the power to transport players to new worlds and bring their experiences to life.

From Classic Tracks to Modern Masterpieces

The soundtracks featured in this article run the gamut from classic tracks that have stood the test of time, such as the iconic theme from “Super Mario Bros.” to modern masterpieces like the haunting score from “The Last of Us.” Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action or atmospheric ambiance, there’s something here for everyone.

A Journey Through Video Game Music History

This article takes you on a journey through video game music history, showcasing some of the best and most memorable soundtracks in the industry. From the early days of “Tetris” to the blockbuster scores of “Final Fantasy VII” and “Resident Evil,” you’ll experience the evolution of video game music and discover why these soundtracks have become so beloved by fans.

The most popular video game soundtracks

“Super Mario Bros.” by Koji Kondo

The upbeat and cheerful theme from the original “Super Mario Bros.” is one of the most recognizable pieces of video game music of all time. Koji Kondo’s iconic score has been remixed, covered, and sampled countless times, cementing its place in video game history.

“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” by Jeremy Soule

The sweeping and epic soundtrack from “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” perfectly captures the scale and grandeur of the game’s open world. From the majestic main theme to the dramatic battle music, Jeremy Soule’s score is a must-listen for any fan of video game music.

“Final Fantasy VII” by Nobuo Uematsu

“Final Fantasy VII” is a classic RPG, and its soundtrack is just as memorable. Nobuo Uematsu’s score ranges from sweeping and epic to haunting and emotional, and it perfectly complements the game’s cinematic story.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” by Koji Kondo

Koji Kondo’s beautiful and adventurous soundtrack from “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is a testament to the power of video game music. From the iconic main theme to the haunting and atmospheric dungeon music, this soundtrack is a classic that stands the test of time.

“Chrono Trigger” by Yasunori Mitsuda

“Chrono Trigger” is a beloved RPG, and its soundtrack is a major reason why. Yasunori Mitsuda’s score ranges from beautiful and haunting to epic and adventurous, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the game.

“Metal Gear Solid” by Harry Gregson-Williams

The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack from “Metal Gear Solid” is a masterpiece of video game music. Harry Gregson-Williams’ score perfectly complements the game’s stealth-based gameplay and cinematic story.

“Halo” by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori

The epic and orchestral soundtrack from the “Halo” series is one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of video game music. Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s score perfectly captures the game’s sci-fi setting and dramatic gameplay.

“Silent Hill 2” by Akira Yamaoka

The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack from “Silent Hill 2” is a masterpiece of horror game music. Akira Yamaoka’s score perfectly captures the game’s disturbing atmosphere and psychological horror.

“Bioshock” by Garry Schyman

The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack from “Bioshock” is a masterpiece of video game music. Garry Schyman’s score perfectly captures the game’s dystopian setting and tense gameplay.

“Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” – Michiru Yamane

The classic action-adventure game “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” has a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Michiru Yamane. Its gothic, atmospheric tracks perfectly capture the game’s dark, eerie feel. The main theme “I Am the Wind” is a haunting, melancholic piece that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished the game.

“Journey” – Austin Wintory

The minimalist indie game “Journey” has a beautiful, atmospheric soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory. Its ethereal, ambient tracks perfectly complement the game’s simple but powerful gameplay, making for a truly memorable experience. The main theme “Nascence” is a haunting, mournful piece that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the game.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’s soundtrack is one of the best in the series, thanks to its wide variety of music styles. From the 80s pop hits to the atmospheric ambient tracks, this soundtrack is a love letter to the music of the era.

The Last of Us – A Masterpiece in Soundtrack

“The Last of Us” is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog. The soundtrack of this game, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, is considered one of the best in the gaming industry. Its haunting melodies and emotional strings perfectly complement the game’s intense and emotional story, making it a must-listen for fans of both video games and music.

Shadow of the Colossus – A Symphony of Adventure

“Shadow of the Colossus” is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ico. The soundtrack of this game, composed by Kow Otani, is widely considered one of the best in the gaming industry. Its orchestral music, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and epic battles, creates a truly immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on players.

Chrono Cross – A Timeless Soundtrack

“Chrono Cross” is a role-playing video game developed by Square. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is widely regarded as one of the best in the gaming industry. Its blend of traditional and modern instruments creates a unique and memorable sound that perfectly complements the game’s time-traveling adventure.

Red Dead Redemption – A Western Symphony

“Red Dead Redemption” is an open-world western action-adventure game developed by Rockstar San Diego. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Bill Elm and Woody Jackson, is a masterful blend of western-style music and modern instrumentation. It sets the perfect mood for the game’s story, immersing players in the wild west like never before.

The Witcher 3 – A Tale of Adventure and Romance

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is an action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival, is a fitting accompaniment to the game’s tale of adventure and romance. With its sweeping orchestrations and haunting melodies, it creates an unforgettable experience for players.

Mass Effect – An Epic Sci-Fi Soundtrack

“Mass Effect” is a science fiction role-playing game developed by BioWare. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Jack Wall, is a fitting accompaniment to the game’s epic story of space exploration and discovery. With its soaring orchestrations and thrilling action themes, it creates a truly unforgettable experience.

Batman – The Dark Knight’s Theme

“Batman: Arkham” is a series of action-adventure video games based on the DC Comics character Batman. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Nick Arundel and Ron Fish, creates a fitting atmosphere for the Dark Knight’s adventures, with its dark and brooding themes perfectly capturing the spirit of the Caped Crusader.

Deus Ex – A Futuristic Symphony

“Deus Ex” is a series of action role-playing video games developed by Ion Storm. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Michiel van den Bos, Alexander Brandon, Dan Gardopée, and others, creates a fitting atmosphere for the game’s futuristic setting, with its electronic and orchestral music perfectly capturing the game’s cyberpunk vibe.

Kingdom Hearts – A Musical Adventure

“Kingdom Hearts” is a series of action role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Yoko Shimomura, is a fitting accompaniment to the game’s tale of adventure and discovery, with its upbeat and energetic music perfectly capturing the spirit.

conclusion

In conclusion, video game soundtracks play an important role in enhancing the player’s experience. From the epic orchestral pieces of “Final Fantasy VII” to the haunting melodies of “Silent Hill,” music has the power to transport us to different worlds and immerse us in the action. The 20 soundtracks introduced in this article are just a small selection of the best video game music out there, but they represent some of the most memorable and iconic pieces in the industry. Whether you’re a gamer or a music lover, these soundtracks are sure to impress and inspire you.