The five best video game soundtracks ever made

The history of video game soundtracks is a rich tapestry that mirrors the evolution of video games themselves, evolving from simple beeps and buzzes to complex compositions that rival film scores in their depth and emotional impact. In the early days of arcade and home console gaming, technical limitations meant that soundtracks were often composed of basic monophonic tones. These early sounds, though simple, were integral to the gaming experience, providing feedback and enhancing the atmosphere of games. Notable examples include the iconic themes of “Pac-Man” and “Space Invaders,” which became deeply ingrained in popular culture despite their technical simplicity.

As technology advanced, so too did the capabilities for video game music. The introduction of the MIDI standard in the 1980s was a significant milestone, allowing for more sophisticated musical compositions with multiple channels and instruments. This era saw the emergence of memorable soundtracks in games like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Final Fantasy,” where composers began to experiment with more complex melodies and motifs that would become synonymous with their respective franchises.

The 1990s marked a golden age for video game music as developers started to employ digital audio technology, enabling the use of real instruments and voices in compositions. This period saw the release of games with highly acclaimed soundtracks such as “Chrono Trigger,” “Final Fantasy VI,” and “The Secret of Monkey Island,” which featured music that was not just background, but an essential part of the storytelling and emotional engagement of the games.

With the advent of CD-ROM technology and improved storage capacities in the late ’90s and early 2000s, video game soundtracks underwent another transformation. Games like “Final Fantasy VII” and “Metal Gear Solid” showcased the potential of fully orchestrated scores and licensed popular music to create immersive worlds and narratives, further blurring the lines between video games and other forms of entertainment.

In recent years, the video game industry has seen an explosion in musical diversity and innovation. Indie games like “Undertale” and “Celeste” have used music to great effect, leveraging both retro and modern compositional techniques to tell their stories. Meanwhile, blockbuster titles such as “The Last of Us” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” have employed scores composed by renowned musicians, emphasizing the critical role of soundtracks in creating emotional depth and connection to the game’s world and characters.

The evolution of video game soundtracks reflects the industry’s growth and the increasing recognition of video games as a legitimate and powerful medium for storytelling and artistic expression. From their humble beginnings to their current status as works of art, video game soundtracks have become an integral part of the gaming experience, celebrated for their ability to evoke emotions, build immersive worlds, and enhance the narrative depth of the games they accompany.

Stardew Valley

The soundtrack of “Stardew Valley,” a beloved indie farming simulation game developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), is an integral part of its charm and immersive experience. Eric Barone, who is also the composer of the game’s music, crafted the soundtrack with the intention of complementing the game’s serene and engaging gameplay. Each piece of music in “Stardew Valley” is meticulously designed to reflect the game’s changing seasons, time of day, and various environments, from the bustling town to the tranquil countryside, thus enhancing the player’s connection to the game’s world.

Barone’s approach to the soundtrack was to create themes that would not only be memorable but also evoke the specific emotions associated with the wide range of activities and settings within the game. The music shifts dynamically, with more upbeat tunes accompanying the player during the day’s work and softer, more reflective pieces playing as the sun sets. This dynamic aspect of the soundtrack serves to deepen the player’s immersion, making each in-game day feel unique and full of potential.

The composition of the “Stardew Valley” soundtrack showcases a blend of various musical styles and instruments, from gentle acoustic guitar melodies that evoke the simplicity and beauty of rural life, to more energetic and synthesized tracks for the game’s mines and combat sequences. This diversity not only reflects the game’s variety of gameplay aspects but also contributes to a rich auditory experience that complements the visual and interactive elements of the game.

The “Stardew Valley” soundtrack has been widely praised for its ability to capture the essence of the game’s world, contributing significantly to the game’s success and the establishment of a dedicated fan base. Fans and critics alike have noted the soundtrack’s role in enhancing the game’s atmosphere, with many tracks becoming standout favorites that evoke nostalgia and a sense of peace.

In conclusion, the “Stardew Valley” soundtrack is a testament to Eric Barone’s talent and vision, not only as a game developer but also as a composer. The music plays a crucial role in shaping the game’s world, making the experience of playing “Stardew Valley” memorable and emotionally resonant. The soundtrack is a key element of the game’s identity, contributing to its status as a modern classic in the indie gaming community.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” released by Nintendo in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, is not only celebrated for its groundbreaking gameplay and storytelling but also for its enchanting and iconic soundtrack. Composed by the legendary Koji Kondo, the music of “Ocarina of Time” plays a pivotal role in defining the game’s immersive world and has left an indelible mark on the memories of gamers around the world. Kondo, who had previously composed for other titles in the Zelda series, crafted a soundtrack that was both innovative and deeply rooted in the game’s narrative and mechanics.

Central to the game and its soundtrack is the Ocarina, a magical musical instrument given to the protagonist, Link. The Ocarina’s melodies, which the player learns and performs to solve puzzles and progress through the game, are a testament to the unique integration of music into the gameplay. Each melody has a specific purpose, from altering time to summoning rain, and these tunes have become some of the most memorable aspects of the game.

The soundtrack’s compositions range from grand orchestral themes that underscore the epic nature of Link’s quest to softer, more intimate pieces that convey the game’s emotional depth and the solitude of its hero. The diversity of the music, which includes influences from classical, folk, and even rock genres, mirrors the varied landscapes and epochs that Link travels through, from the tranquil Kokiri Forest to the ominous Shadow Temple.

Kondo’s use of leitmotifs, recurring musical themes associated with specific characters, locations, or ideas, is particularly effective in “Ocarina of Time.” These motifs not only enhance the storytelling but also deepen the player’s connection to the game’s world and its inhabitants. The haunting melody of the Song of Storms and the uplifting tune of Zelda’s Lullaby are just a few examples of the soundtrack’s power to evoke a rich tapestry of emotions and memories.

The “Ocarina of Time” soundtrack has been celebrated for its ability to evoke the game’s expansive world, offering an auditory journey as rich and compelling as the visual and narrative elements of the game. Its legacy endures, with many of its tracks being performed by orchestras and remixed by fans, underscoring the soundtrack’s importance not only to the game it accompanies but also to the broader culture of video gaming. Koji Kondo’s work on “Ocarina of Time” stands as a milestone in video game music, demonstrating the potential of a game’s soundtrack to transcend its medium and resonate with audiences long after they’ve put the controller down.

Doom

The soundtrack of “Doom,” the seminal first-person shooter game released by id Software in 1993, is as iconic and influential as the game itself. Composed by Bobby Prince, the music of “Doom” played a pivotal role in shaping the game’s intense and immersive atmosphere, contributing significantly to the game’s success and lasting appeal. Prince’s compositions for “Doom” drew heavily from the heavy metal and rock music of the era, infusing the game with an aggressive and energizing vibe that perfectly complemented its fast-paced action and demonic imagery.

The “Doom” soundtrack’s use of synthesized guitars and percussion created a sense of urgency and danger, enveloping players in the game’s hellish landscapes and relentless combat. The music varied from level to level, with some tracks featuring pounding, rhythmic beats that drove the player forward, while others provided a more atmospheric and foreboding background to the exploration of the game’s labyrinthine levels. This dynamic approach to the soundtrack helped to enhance the emotional and psychological impact of the game, heightening the sense of suspense and exhilaration.

Interestingly, many of the game’s tracks bore resemblance to popular songs by bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera, reflecting the influence of contemporary metal music on Prince’s compositions. This choice of musical style not only appealed to the game’s target audience but also reinforced “Doom’s” themes of rebellion and chaos. However, the soundtrack’s genius lies in its ability to blend these influences into something uniquely suited to the game’s innovative gameplay and aesthetic.

Beyond its immediate impact on the player’s experience, the “Doom” soundtrack has had a lasting influence on the video game industry. It demonstrated the potential of game music to contribute to the overall gaming experience, influencing the development of video game soundtracks in the genres of action, horror, and beyond. The soundtrack’s legacy can be seen in the countless games that have sought to emulate its ability to use music to enhance gameplay and atmosphere.

In summary, the soundtrack of “Doom” stands as a testament to Bobby Prince’s innovative approach to video game music. It not only defined the auditory landscape of one of the most influential games of the early ’90s but also left an indelible mark on the medium, showcasing the power of music to immerse players in a game’s world.

Skyrim

The soundtrack of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” composed by Jeremy Soule, is widely celebrated for its epic scope and profound emotional depth, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of the game. Released in 2011 by Bethesda Game Studios, Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing game set in a richly detailed fantasy universe, and its music plays a pivotal role in bringing this world to life. Soule’s compositions for Skyrim draw the player into the game’s vast landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests, enhancing the sense of adventure and the epic quest that lies at the heart of the game’s narrative.

Jeremy Soule, often referred to as the “John Williams of video game music,” approached the Skyrim soundtrack with the intention of capturing the game’s Nordic setting and the grandeur of its world. The main theme, “Dragonborn,” features a powerful male choir singing in the fictional dragon language, created specifically for the game, which adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the player’s experience. This theme sets the tone for the entire game, evoking the ancient myths and legends that permeate Skyrim’s lore.

The soundtrack’s use of orchestral arrangements, combined with more intimate, atmospheric pieces, mirrors the game’s dynamic between epic battles and exploration. Soule’s music seamlessly transitions between moments of serene beauty and intense conflict, reflecting the player’s journey through the game’s diverse environments and encounters. The composer’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions contributes to the player’s connection with the game world, making each expedition, battle, and discovery feel deeply personal.

In addition to its function within the game, the Skyrim soundtrack has gained recognition in its own right as a significant work of orchestral music. The soundtrack’s compositions are celebrated for their complexity and emotional resonance, with many fans and critics noting their ability to stand apart from the game as evocative pieces of music. The soundtrack has been performed in concert by orchestras around the world, further attesting to its broad appeal and impact on both gaming culture and the wider realm of music.

The enduring popularity of the Skyrim soundtrack underscores the importance of music in video game design, illustrating how a well-crafted score can enhance storytelling, deepen the player’s immersion, and leave a lasting impact on the audience. Jeremy Soule’s work on Skyrim is not just a collection of background music, but a vital component of the game’s world, contributing to the creation of one of the most beloved and enduring titles in video game history.

Minecraft

The soundtrack of “Minecraft,” composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, known professionally as C418, plays an integral role in defining the game’s unique and captivating atmosphere. Released in 2011, “Minecraft” is a sandbox game that allows players to explore, build, and create in an open world made entirely of blocks. The game’s soundtrack, characterized by its ambient and minimalist compositions, complements the game’s open-ended gameplay and the sense of solitude and wonder it evokes in players as they traverse vast landscapes, delve into deep caverns, or construct elaborate structures.

C418’s music for “Minecraft” is subtle yet profoundly impactful, crafted to enhance the player’s experience without overwhelming it. The compositions are primarily instrumental, featuring a blend of electronic music with classical and contemporary influences, creating a sound that is both serene and slightly melancholic. The soundtrack’s ambient nature makes it a perfect backdrop for the game’s diverse activities, from the peaceful moments of building and crafting to the tension of surviving against the game’s creatures at night.

The music in “Minecraft” is dynamically integrated into the gameplay, with tracks gently flowing in and out of the player’s experience, depending on the in-game time of day, the player’s environment, and the activities they are engaged in. This dynamic integration helps to create a more immersive experience, as the music responds to the player’s actions and the world around them, further blurring the lines between the game and reality.

Beyond its role in the game, the “Minecraft” soundtrack has gained a following in its own right, with many players and fans listening to the music outside of the game for relaxation and inspiration. The soundtrack’s popularity has led to its release across various platforms, allowing it to reach a wider audience and influence other composers and artists.

The “Minecraft” soundtrack’s significance lies not just in its musical quality but in its ability to evoke emotions and memories associated with the game. Daniel Rosenfeld’s compositions have become synonymous with “Minecraft,” contributing to the game’s iconic status and its enduring appeal. The soundtrack is a testament to the power of music to enhance virtual environments, making the game’s world feel vast, alive, and endlessly inviting to explore.