There’s no doubt that games such as NieR Automata and Hotline Miami have proven that the potential impact of a well-crafted and thoughtfully complemented musical score can’t be overstated. Much like it does in cinema, a good soundtrack can prove to be crucial to enhance emotions, set the tone, create atmosphere, and elevate the overall game to new heights.
Whether it’s haunting tunes that accompany quieter character-building moments or triumphant melodies during epic boss battles, a good soundtrack can thrill players and leave a lasting impression that keeps bringing them back for more. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 games with the best soundtracks that you definitely need to give a shot at.
5. NieR Automata
NieR Automata debuted in 2017 to critical acclaim, not just for its beautiful plotline, well-crafted setting, and the life-altering debates of human existence, but for its beautifully poetic and haunting soundtracks.
Sure, there’s no end to games with pleasant soundtracks, but NieR‘s lead composer, Keiichi Okabe, has gone the extra mile to make every track as iconic as the last.
One of the game’s best soundtracks is “Weight of the World,” which is an emotional piece that manages to capture the title’s major themes of sacrifice, existentialism, and hope. The soundtrack dynamic completely enhances the gameplay experience and is quite a vital element that resonates with gamers after the ending.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The legendary Nintendo 64 epic garnered universal praise for its storyline, gameplay, and cutscenes. However, another key aspect of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time acclaim can be located in Koji Kondo’s masterpiece soundtrack, which brought players to iconic melodies that the Zelda series is now known for.
For long-time fans of the franchise, the haunting classic of Zelda’s Lullaby instantly brings up nostalgia, while the Gerudo Valley theme fills players with a brand-new sense of adventure and excitement to this day. The use of the ocarina has allowed melodies such as Song of Storm and Saria’s Song to be the key to the title’s action-packed gameplay.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Right from the iconic main theme to action music, Jeremey Soule’s breathtaking musical score successfully immerses gamers in the vast fantasy world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The fan-favorite game brings the ultimate sorcery and sword experience, and Soule’s impressive work brings perfect audio as well.
The Dragonborn theme that greets the player’s arrival and the peaceful melodies of tracks, such as Secunda, enhance the feeling of adventure and exploration. Soule has cleverly created a brilliantly immersive and captivating musical experience that compliments the horror and thrill of Dragonborn’s journey.
2. Halo: Combat Evolved
There’s no way to talk about games with the best soundtracks without mentioning the iconic Halo: Combat Evolved; it was truly a watershed moment in action gaming.
Bungie’s Martin O’Donnell crafted an astrosphere with soundtracks that captured the grandeurs of Master Chief’s adventure. The main theme, with its chants and melodies, is an iconic piece of gaming history.
Iconic tracks with Reconciliation Suite and Brothers in Arms and Truth managed to bring a sense of wonder and awe that we had never seen before. O’Donnell’s ability to blend unique themes throughout the entire game brings a truly immersive musical score. The seminal music was a major aspect of Halo’s success and rise to the top.
1. Hotline Miami
If you’re unaware, Hotline Miami is a top-down shooter title, which means that gamers only have a bird’s eye view of the action happening below. It’s a decade-old game that’s set in 1989’s Miami, so the graphics and design deliberately come with a vintage look. However, its most striking aspect is the iconic soundtracks that it gave us.
The game’s music was crafted by various artists such as Perturbator, M|O|O|N, and Carpenter Brut. One of its best soundtracks is “Hydrogen”. Its pulsating synths and driving beats perfectly blend into the game’s fast-paced action.
The soundtrack captures the surreal atmosphere and chaos of Florida, which is crucial for immersion. It’s sad to see that other games haven’t tried reviving the sound of the 1980s electronic music wave in such a fashion.
What are your favorite soundtracks in games? Let us know in the comments below!
