What do YOU think? Gaming soundtracks

This week’s WDYT article is something I’m really passionate about, and that’s music in games. I really do love music, as I believe it completely sets the mood for the entire game, especially when done right. I hate to admit it, but music is one of those little things in a game that can push me from liking a game to really loving it. Without rambling too much, I’ll just say that this is my list of Top Ten Gaming soundtracks, and I want all you guys to show me your lists as well! At the end of the week, I’ll gather up all the “votes” and see what you guys think is the best soundtrack ever!

Top 10 Nintendo Video Game Soundtracks

10. Metroid Soundtrack
Samus’ first adventure just made the cut for its beautifully crafted main theme, as well as the assortment of secondary themes that support it. No single soundtrack has ever portrayed the far reaches of space and science fiction better than Metroid’s own, and (while many of the songs may not be memorable) every song is perfect at capturing the deep space emptiness and loneliness that comes with Samus’ trek.

9. The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker
Windwaker was a troublesome one to place on a list such as this because of the two-faced nature of the soundtrack. Certain songs from Windwaker were stunning, and to this day bring the same feeling to me as they did when I originally played the game, but others were merely average and hold no special meaning to me at all. Regardless, I couldn’t help but feel a little sympathetic when the ocean theme came rolling around in my shuffling iTunes.

8. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams
Taking into account that I’ve yet to play the original, which I’ve heard has an even more impressive soundtrack, “NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams” makes the cut for having one of the most memorable scores I have heard in a long time. Many people find the overly joyful tunes to be somewhat annoying, but no matter how I try to listen to it I always come out impressed. The popping melodies fit perfectly with the atmospheric undertone to the game, and the near-constant happiness from the soundtrack always leaves me feeling glad I took the time to listen to it.

7. Star Fox 64
Many people will scold me for adding this to my list, but no matter what I do I cannot find a good reason not to include it. Every song on the soundtrack is wonderful, most notably Star Wolf’s theme, and each one carries a completely different feel to it. From the frantic theme of “Area 6” to the quiet and cautious “Meteo”, no song stands out as being completely unlistenable. The same logic applies inversely, however, because no song stands out as being a masterpiece that redefined what it meant to have music in games. Still, Star Fox 64 features one of the more solid musical experiences I have had with a video game in a long time.

6. Chrono Trigger
I have yet to fully beat Chrono Trigger, but from what I’ve heard of the music I can confidently say that it has one of the nicest soundtracks I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. The music combines the genius of Final Fantasy’s Nobuo Uematsu with a few of his closest composing friends to create a top-notch RPG soundtrack for one of the most top-notch RPGs on the market today.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
With arguably the most epic Zelda game came arguably the most epic Zelda soundtrack. Koji Kondo and friends created a soundtrack that became a classic the instant that the Hyrule Field theme rang through the ears of Zelda fans, and it didn’t stop there. A flurry of piano ballads, light flute melodies, and trumpeting fanfares bombard the listener throughout the game, and that will cause not only Twilight Princess’ soundtrack to remain ringing in the ears of Zelda fans everywhere for years to come, but it will also win it a spot on my top ten list.

4. Super Mario 64
Amidst the plethora of amazing qualities that Super Mario 64 has is a smaller and less appreciated feature that (though it stands out far less in comparison to the gameplay and innovation) is one of the best of its kind. That small feature is the soundtrack, and many would argue that it is some of Koji Kondo’s best. Everything about the soundtrack just works. The relaxing, beautiful theme of Jolly Roger Bay, the tense, menacing theme of Bowser; all of it fits so perfectly that you’d be hard pressed to find any musical score that can offer the same feeling of familiarity and innovation. Why didn’t this get the top spot, then? The tracks, while perfectly fitting, are not as complex or impressive as many other soundtracks, and as the result, Mario 64’s OST gets the fifth spot.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time’s soundtrack is Koji Kondo in his MIDI prime, and arguably his overall best piece of work. The game features not only fitting music for the settings, but also some complex and impressive themes that could only come directly from the mind of Kondo himself. The Hyrule Field theme is especially ear-pleasing, and in my opinion the best song in the game, followed closely by Gerudo Valley and the Staff Credits. No matter how many times I listen or play this game, I cannot get tired of the music. No one song is sub-quality, and each one carries its own distinct sound, something that Twilight Princess lacked. That puts Ocarina of Time at number 4.

2. Super Mario Galaxy
The second I learned that Galaxy would feature a live orchestra performing the songs, my heart sank a little bit. The idea that real instruments would replace the atmospheric MIDI sound that previous games used made me nervous, and even as the opening theme blasted onto my speakers I still held my bias firmly in place. No matter how strongly I reinforced it however, I could not keep from falling in love with the theme of the first level, the “Good Egg Galaxy”. Everything about the soundtrack was too fresh and too well done for me not to like it, not matter how much I wanted to. The epic songs blew my mind away, and the quiet songs captured the feeling of space so perfectly that as soon as I beat the game, I got the soundtrack to match. It easily earns the spot of third on my list.

1. Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2, for those who haven’t played it, is not only one of the best NES games available, but also one of the best games of all time regardless of platform. In addition, the soundtrack to the game still proves to be my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. It features only 19 tracks, but every single one is as masterful and complicated as every other one. “Wily Stage 1-2”, a favorite of many fans, is arguably the most complex and melodic tune of the bunch. Because is it’s success, it has been covered many times by bands and instrumental groups across the globe, including a very odd (and frankly, difficult to listen to) crazy Japanese screamo cover, found here. In addition, the others songs are just as complex and wonderful, always fitting the stage and providing an experience that rivals that of the gameplay itself, and when a soundtrack can do that, it has really achieved something special. Do yourself a favor; play Mega Man 2.

Comments or question about what I picked and why I picked it? Angry that my list didn’t include your favorite soundtrack? Sign-up and make a thread on our forum!

Bear in mind that I have only played so many games, and regardless of the fact that you think “Bubble Bobble Plus” has the greatest soundtrack ever, I can’t add it unless I’ve played it. Thanks!