Video games are a synthetic art form of modern times that combines various types of classical art, including music. Music plays a leading role in creating the atmosphere and vibe of the game, enhancing the emotions of a certain scene or event, which is sure to enchant many.
Often, video game music resonate so well with people that they add them to their playlist to listen to them again and again. In this article, we have selected the best video game soundtracks that are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
The Elder Scrolls Oblivion & Skyrim
- Composer: Jeremy Soule
- Soundtracks: Dragonborn, Harvest Dawn, Secunda
The Elder Scrolls series has long been known for its sweeping, epic soundtracks that perfectly complement its open fantasy worlds. Skyrim and Oblivion stand out, especially thanks to the work of composer Jeremy Soule.
The main theme of Skyrim (also known as "Dragonborn") became instantly recognizable due to its powerful Nordic chants and exquisite orchestral performance. Besides various dynamic musical pieces, there are also calmer soundtracks to enjoy while strolling during the night in the game.
Silent Hill 1 & 2
- Composer: Akira Yamaoka
- Soundtracks: Silent Hill OST, Promise (Reprise)
The iconic series about the mysterious foggy town of Silent Hill captured the hearts of many horror genre fans, and one of the many reasons for its success was the soundtracks. Among the compositions heard in this series, two leading tracks for the first and second parts stand out.
The composer of these tracks is Japanese musician Akira Yamaoka. He wrote most of the musical pieces for the Silent Hill franchise. These soundtracks have become so iconic in the gaming community that they can be recognized by just the first few notes. They brilliantly convey the melancholic mood of the game, allowing players to feel the hopelessness and simultaneously the calmness that haunts the protagonists.
Undertale
- Composer: Toby Fox
- Soundtracks: Megalovania, Heartache
Undertale by Toby Fox is a masterclass in how music can elevate a game emotionally to a new level. The game's soundtrack, inspired by chiptune sound, is filled with vibrant melodies and emotional depth, perfectly conveying the game's quirky yet touching tone.
There are no bad tracks in this game, but among all, Megalovania and Heartache should be mentioned, which have become iconic in gaming culture. This music enhances emotional moments in a way that words cannot, turning key events of the game into unforgettable memories. Also, that's one of the best video game soundtracks for studying.
Alan Wake II
- Composers: Marco Saaresto, Markus Kaarlonen, Olli Tukiainen
- Soundtrack: Herald of Darkness
One of the coolest soundtracks in Alan Wake II is the song Herald of Darkness, performed by the band Old Guards of Asgard (the in-game counterpart of the real band Poets of the Fall).
The track combines elements of hard rock and progressive metal, perfectly mixing with the tense and surreal atmosphere of Alan Wake 2. Herald of Darkness not only serves as the background song but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and narrative impact during gameplay.
Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time
- Composer: Stuart Chatwood
- Soundtrack: Tower of Dawn
The "Sands" trilogy of Prince of Persia offers players gaming music that interestingly and originally combine Middle Eastern musical motifs with modern orchestration or even rock music, creating a unique blend that reflects the exotic and mystical world of the game.
Composer Stuart Chatwood enhances the atmosphere with complex rhythms and melodic progressions. His tracks vividly reflect the current atmosphere and mood of the game, as well as particular episodes or events happening on the screen.
Diablo
- Composer: Matt Uelmen
- Soundtrack: Tristram OST
The Diablo series by Blizzard stands out with its dark and depressive setting, superbly enhanced by Matt Uelmen's musical works. His most recognizable and iconic track is the main theme of the settlement called Tristram, where players could visit in the first part.
Upon entering the game, players are greeted by the eerie, yet calming sound of acoustic guitar combined with whistles. This track also appears in other parts, sometimes even in a slightly altered format. Uelmen's composition creates such a unique atmosphere.
Assassin's Creed II
- Composer: Jesper Kyd
- Soundtrack: Ezio's Family
Although Blizzard is not experiencing its best times today, it could once boast quality projects with excellent soundtracks. The best of them remains Jesper Kyd's work for Assassin’s Creed 2. It is a very heartfelt, yet uplifting music, evoking feelings of pride, growth, and elevation — all that describes the main protagonist of the second game.
Hollow Knight
- Composer: Christopher Larkin
- Soundtrack: City of Tears
Christopher Larkin's soundtrack to Hollow Knight brilliantly conveys the haunting beauty and melancholic atmosphere of its desolate, insect-inhabited world. The game's ethereal orchestral score is rich with subtle themes of sadness, hope, and adventure.
Minimalist melodies and atmospheric use of instruments give the music a sense of both intimacy and grandeur, highlighting the loneliness of the silent protagonist and the scale of the journey ahead.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Composer: Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikołaj Stroiński, Percival
- Soundtrack: Silver for Monsters
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt received praise for its storytelling, but the music composed by three artists takes it to a truly cinematic level. Drawing inspiration from Slavic musical sources, the soundtrack uses traditional instruments, such as lute, violin, and hurdy-gurdy, adding authenticity to the game's setting.
The lead track Silver for Monsters often accompanies players during intense battles and explorations of locations. The music seamlessly integrates with the narrative and atmosphere.
Portal 2
- Composer: Mike Morasky
- Soundtrack: Carra Mia Addio, Want You Gone
Portal 2 doesn't feature as many tracks as other mentioned games. However, at the end of the game, players encounter two tracks that seem to highlight everything the game's hero has endured. The first track is a song performed in the style of Italian opera, sung by turrets escorting Chell to the exit from the underground complex.
The final song during the credits, performed by GLaDOS's voice actress Ellen McLain, masterfully combines humor with emotional depth in relation to the relationship between her and Chell, which can often bring tears to those familiar with the game.
List of soundtracks worth mentioning:
- Doom — BFG division
- Cyberpunk 2077 — Chippi’ In
- The Last of Us — Main Theme
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — Zelda's Lullaby
- Until Dawn — Oh, Death
- Team Fortress 2 — Main Theme
- Nier: Automata — Weight of the World
- Kirby: Super Star — Gourmet Race
- World of Warcraft — Arthas, my Son
- Team Fortress 2 — Main Theme
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