Video games and their soundtracks have come a long way since the 8-bit era. Before, you were rather lucky to get any music at all. But now you can expect anything, from a locally produced mix in games like Stardew Valley to huge orchestral pieces found in the Final Fantasy franchise. In this list, I have once again conscripted the Underlevelled team to assist me in compiling a list of our must-hears. This list is ranked in no particular order; these are just some of our favourite video game soundtracks.
Yeah, you knew this was coming. Arguably one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, the FF7 soundtrack combines aspects of metal, rock and symphonic music to create a masterpiece that stands on its own outside of the game. I think that ‘Tifa’s Theme’ is one of the best piano-based pieces I’ve ever heard, and goddamnit, I want a piano now! ‘One Winged Angel’ is by far one of the most spine-chilling pieces; it gives you a sense of impending dread. Even if you aren’t a Final Fantasy fan, it’s one you should give a listen—you’ll thank me later.
Here are some of the best tracks:
- Let the Battles Begin!
- One Winged Angel
- Tifa’s Theme
- On Our Way
- Bombing Mission
- Those Who Fight
(Editors note: ‘Due Recompense’ from FF7: Remake is a whole-ass bop. ‘Shuffle or Boogie’ in FF8 too.)
The Katamari series are delightful games where you play as The Prince of All Cosmos as he performs the Sisyphean task of rolling up everyday objects to turn them into the appropriate celestial bodies. You can roll up anything, from paper clips to cows and even cities. The soundtrack is similarly eclectic and the one composed for OG Katamari Damacy is a personal favourite. The soundtrack adheres to the Shibuya-kei musical style, which uses elements of pop, jazz, samba, bossa nova, and electronic music. Sonically, Katamari is many things: triumphant, cheery, silly, relaxed, ethereal, even sensual. It can get melancholic, but it’s never sad, and it’s never boring. These citizens are having the time of their lives as they are melted down into a sun to ‘Lonely Rolling Star’!
Best tracks:
- Katamari on the Rocks
- Lonely Rolling Star
- Wanda Wanda
- Que Sera Sera
- Roll Me In
I can’t overstate how awesome both this game and its soundtrack are. The music is exceptional on its own with a high-frequency electronic edge on top of a metal mix that activates all the right neurons. Paired with the explosive gameplay, the stimulation is amplified by a factor of 1000: lyrics will kick in during frenetic life-or-death set pieces, punctuating the sickest moments in the cyborg ninja swordfights. Vocalists will belt out the chorus as you cut a robot dinosaur in half and an electric guitar will be shredded when you’re doing the same to a worthy adversary. There isn’t one dud on the entire soundtrack. The high-intensity energy in this OST and videogame is something that should be experienced by all.
Best tracks:
- Rules of Nature
- A Stranger I Remain
- It Has To Be This Way
- Red Sun
- I’m My Own Master Now
Mick Gordon is a god. Enough said. I don’t need to say anything more, do I?
Nothing compares to the utter bliss of killing hordes of demons to a metal soundtrack. I mean, the amount of games I have played where I just shut the music off to put this soundtrack over them is unreal. Even farming games have received this treatment from me! Do you know how intense it is to reap crops with blazing, chanty metal in the background? No? Well go try it, it’s oddly pleasing. …And it’s cheaper than therapy.
P.S.: Whilst I am sad Mick won’t be doing the next Doom game, Nine Inch Nails is a worthwhile replacement, and I can’t bloody wait!
Best tracks:
- Rip and Tear
- BFG Division
- At Doom’s Gate
I could very easily fit any of the Kingdom Hearts games on this list but I am opting for the second game purely because the opening track scratches the old piano itch and goddamnit I still want a piano! I don’t know how Square Enix has a monopoly when it comes to music, but they do. While not as high energy as other soundtracks the music fits perfectly for each world, and does a great job at not being repetitive or annoying. Overall I’d play the game to get a proper taste for the music, it hits harder.
Best tracks:
- Dearly Beloved
- Sanctuary
- Roxas (The Other Promise)
- A Fight to the Death
- Fate of the Unknown