Ear Candy: My Top 10 Games with Unforgettable Soundtracks
by In the realm of video games, the visuals often take center stage, but for many of us, it's the music that truly elevates the experience. A great soundtrack can amplify emotions, build tension, and even become as iconic as the game itself. Over countless hours of gaming, certain melodies and compositions have etched themselves into my memory. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a sonic journey as I present my top 10 games with the absolute best soundtracks.
#10: Hollow Knight (Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
Christopher Larkin's atmospheric and melancholic soundtrack for Hollow Knight perfectly captures the desolate and mysterious atmosphere of Hallownest. The haunting melodies, often played on piano and strings, evoke a sense of ancient grandeur and lingering sadness, making the world feel both beautiful and tragic.
#9: Journey (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, iOS)
Austin Wintory's Grammy-nominated score for Journey is a minimalist masterpiece that perfectly complements the game's serene and emotional journey. The cello-heavy compositions evolve organically as you traverse the desert landscape, creating a truly unique and deeply moving auditory experience.
#8: Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Gareth Coker's breathtaking orchestral scores for both Ori games are truly magical. The soaring melodies, delicate piano passages, and powerful crescendos perfectly capture the beauty and fragility of the forest, as well as Ori's emotional journey. These soundtracks are a testament to the power of music to evoke pure emotion and wonder.
#7: Persona 5 Royal (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Shoji Meguro's stylish and jazzy soundtrack for Persona 5 Royal is as integral to the game's identity as its vibrant visuals and compelling story. The upbeat and catchy tracks like "Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There" and the more melancholic "Beneath the Mask" perfectly capture the game's themes of rebellion, friendship, and societal critique.
#6: Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
The sweeping and atmospheric score for Red Dead Redemption 2, composed by Woody Jackson with additional vocal contributions, perfectly embodies the vast and untamed American West. The melancholic melodies during quiet moments of exploration and the dramatic orchestral swells during intense gunfights create an incredibly immersive and emotional experience.
#5: Hades (Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
Darren Korb's work on Hades is a masterclass in dynamic and engaging music that seamlessly integrates with the gameplay. The energetic and catchy tunes, often featuring vocals by Ashley Barrett, perfectly complement the fast-paced roguelike action. From the driving "Out of Tartarus" to the poignant "Good Riddance," every track is a banger that gets your blood pumping.
#4: NieR: Automata (PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
Keiichi Okabe's score for NieR: Automata is an emotional rollercoaster. The haunting and ethereal vocals, combined with melancholic melodies and powerful orchestral arrangements, perfectly capture the game's themes of loss, identity, and the beauty of a dying world. Tracks like "Weight of the World" and "Song of the Ancients" are truly unforgettable and deeply moving.
#3: Chrono Trigger (SNES, PC)
Another SNES gem, Chrono Trigger's soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu and Noriko Matsueda, is a delightful blend of medieval fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, and quirky humor. The iconic "Frog's Theme," the adventurous "Wind Scene," and the mysterious "Corridors of Time" are just a few examples of the memorable and diverse tracks that make this soundtrack so beloved.
#2: Final Fantasy VI (SNES)
Nobuo Uematsu's work on Final Fantasy VI (originally released as Final Fantasy III in North America) is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling through music. The operatic "Aria di Mezzo Carattere," Terra's melancholic theme, and the epic "Dancing Mad" boss battle music showcase the incredible range and depth of this soundtrack. It's a soundtrack that can evoke tears, joy, and pure awe.
#1: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)
This is where it all began for many of us. Koji Kondo's masterful score for Ocarina of Time perfectly captured the vastness and wonder of Hyrule. From the adventurous "Hyrule Field" theme to the haunting "Forest Temple" and the triumphant "Saria's Song," every track is instantly recognizable and deeply nostalgic. The use of leitmotifs throughout the game was groundbreaking and remains a benchmark for video game music.
Of course, a list like this is always subjective, and there are countless other games with incredible soundtracks that deserve recognition.
(If I'm being honest, the Chrono Trigger fan in me made it difficult to be truly objective) but that's the beauty of it—everyone has their own preferences. What are some of your favorite video game soundtracks? The world of gaming music is vast and full of masterpieces waiting to be discovered!
