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Video game soundtracks worth giving a listen: a thread (that will hopefully be updated daily)
Zelda: Skyward Sword.
This was the game that made me realize how excellent OSTs can be. It's music was full of that particular Zelda charm, and was the perfect accompaniment throughout every step of the game.
My essential song of the OST: Ballad of the Goddess.
This was the game that made me realize how excellent OSTs can be. It's music was full of that particular Zelda charm, and was the perfect accompaniment throughout every step of the game.
My essential song of the OST: Ballad of the Goddess.
Assassin's Creed 4:Black Flag.
Brian Tyler's swashbuckling score is action-packed and tense enough to reflect the gameplay, but knows when to calm down and reflect on the sad story the game tells.
My essential song is "Lay Aboard Lads", but I'd suggest listening to the full OST.
Brian Tyler's swashbuckling score is action-packed and tense enough to reflect the gameplay, but knows when to calm down and reflect on the sad story the game tells.
My essential song is "Lay Aboard Lads", but I'd suggest listening to the full OST.
Final Fantasy XV.
Yoko Shimomura's OST for FFXV is one of my favourites. From the whimsical to the momentous, this OST has it all, and it manages to elevate every moment of the game to heights otherwise unattainable.
Honestly I recommend you find the album and just hit shuffle.
Yoko Shimomura's OST for FFXV is one of my favourites. From the whimsical to the momentous, this OST has it all, and it manages to elevate every moment of the game to heights otherwise unattainable.
Honestly I recommend you find the album and just hit shuffle.
Journey.
ThatGameCompany worked closely with composer Austin Wintory to make this wonderful game, and it shows in the OST. It's the force behind every emotion you feel, and is what makes your journey special.
I'd say Apotheosis is the best song, but the entire OST is magnificent.
ThatGameCompany worked closely with composer Austin Wintory to make this wonderful game, and it shows in the OST. It's the force behind every emotion you feel, and is what makes your journey special.
I'd say Apotheosis is the best song, but the entire OST is magnificent.
Hollow Knight.
Christopher Larkin's OST for Hollow Knight is truly beautiful. Even with no mind to think and no voice to hum along, there's a song in this OST you'll adore.
Recommending just one track doesn't do its variety justice, so just listen to it all. You won't regret it.
Christopher Larkin's OST for Hollow Knight is truly beautiful. Even with no mind to think and no voice to hum along, there's a song in this OST you'll adore.
Recommending just one track doesn't do its variety justice, so just listen to it all. You won't regret it.
Batman: Arkham City.
Nick Arundel's OST for Arkham City is an essential part of why it was so good. Stealthily picking off thugs with the OST mimicking their growing panic is glorious.
The main theme is my favourite track, and matches the quality of Batman's various film OSTs.
Nick Arundel's OST for Arkham City is an essential part of why it was so good. Stealthily picking off thugs with the OST mimicking their growing panic is glorious.
The main theme is my favourite track, and matches the quality of Batman's various film OSTs.
The Last of Us.
Unlike most OSTs on this list so far, Gustavo Santaolalla's is a bleakly tragic one. It reflects the tone of the game perfectly, as its tragic nature doesn't diminish its beauty.
All Gone (Aftermath) is my song of the OST, though every theme is a worthy choice.
Unlike most OSTs on this list so far, Gustavo Santaolalla's is a bleakly tragic one. It reflects the tone of the game perfectly, as its tragic nature doesn't diminish its beauty.
All Gone (Aftermath) is my song of the OST, though every theme is a worthy choice.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
BotW had an incredibly minimalistic soundtrack, especially when compared with former Zelda games. However, it suited the game well, and the songs that did play were absolutely fantastic.
My favourite is the theme that plays near Shrines on Mountains.
BotW had an incredibly minimalistic soundtrack, especially when compared with former Zelda games. However, it suited the game well, and the songs that did play were absolutely fantastic.
My favourite is the theme that plays near Shrines on Mountains.
Sekiro.
FromSoft decided to buck many of their own trends with Sekiro, and that includes how they used the OST. Yuka Kitamuras work plays far more often as areas and combat have their own themes.
I recommend the song Strength and Discipline as it represents the OST very well.
FromSoft decided to buck many of their own trends with Sekiro, and that includes how they used the OST. Yuka Kitamuras work plays far more often as areas and combat have their own themes.
I recommend the song Strength and Discipline as it represents the OST very well.
Super Mario Odyssey.
Sometimes you just need some happy music to brighten up your day, and in that case Mario Odyssey has you covered. It's filled with brilliant new themes and some wonderful spins on classic tunes.
My favourites are Cascade Island and Shiveria Town.
Sometimes you just need some happy music to brighten up your day, and in that case Mario Odyssey has you covered. It's filled with brilliant new themes and some wonderful spins on classic tunes.
My favourites are Cascade Island and Shiveria Town.
Super Metroid.
This OST is mysterious, atmospheric and incredibly memorable, and many of its best songs were taken and repurposed in later Metroid games. The OST used the SNES audio to its advantage to enhance its otherwordly feel.
My recommended song is Brinstar Red Soil.
This OST is mysterious, atmospheric and incredibly memorable, and many of its best songs were taken and repurposed in later Metroid games. The OST used the SNES audio to its advantage to enhance its otherwordly feel.
My recommended song is Brinstar Red Soil.
Assassins Creed Origins.
Sarah Schachner's OST for AC's soft reboot sounds wholly unique, and the electronic sound of most songs in the OST somehow doesn't feel at odds with the setting of Ancient Egypt.
Its remix of Ezios Family is stellar, but I'd say listen to The Last Medjay.
Sarah Schachner's OST for AC's soft reboot sounds wholly unique, and the electronic sound of most songs in the OST somehow doesn't feel at odds with the setting of Ancient Egypt.
Its remix of Ezios Family is stellar, but I'd say listen to The Last Medjay.
The Witcher 3.
Marcin Przybyłowicz & Mikolai Stroinski really created something special with this OST. It's as vast and rich as the game itself, ranging from the hypest of battle OSTs to some of the most calming music you'll find in a video game. And the DLC albums are great too!
Marcin Przybyłowicz & Mikolai Stroinski really created something special with this OST. It's as vast and rich as the game itself, ranging from the hypest of battle OSTs to some of the most calming music you'll find in a video game. And the DLC albums are great too!
Red Dead Redemption 2.
Woody Jackson and a variety of other talented artists really created a masterpiece of an OST. It's the perfect accompaniment to a group of Outlaws who don't have much time left, and some songs still make my heart ache.
But That's The Way It Is.
Woody Jackson and a variety of other talented artists really created a masterpiece of an OST. It's the perfect accompaniment to a group of Outlaws who don't have much time left, and some songs still make my heart ache.
But That's The Way It Is.
God Of War (2018).
Bear McCreary's masterful work breathes life into every character and moment of what many consider 2018's GotY. Sung in old Norse, the songs of Kratos' new life are memorable and epic as Hel, but also provide a beautiful, vulnerable gentleness that I adore.
Bear McCreary's masterful work breathes life into every character and moment of what many consider 2018's GotY. Sung in old Norse, the songs of Kratos' new life are memorable and epic as Hel, but also provide a beautiful, vulnerable gentleness that I adore.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations.
Jesper Kyd and Lorne Balfe's closing OST for the Ezio Trilogy was exquisite. Forgoing using Ezios Family, they created a wholly unique OST with a main theme I wish had become the series theme.
My favourite song of this OST is "The Road To Masyaf".
Jesper Kyd and Lorne Balfe's closing OST for the Ezio Trilogy was exquisite. Forgoing using Ezios Family, they created a wholly unique OST with a main theme I wish had become the series theme.
My favourite song of this OST is "The Road To Masyaf".
Skyrim.
Skyrim wouldn't have been the same without its OST. Comprised of excellent atmospheric tracks, epic themes and battle songs, it's as full a package as one could wish for.
If you have to choose, I'd suggest listening to "Sovngarde", "One They Fear" or "Ancient Stones".
Skyrim wouldn't have been the same without its OST. Comprised of excellent atmospheric tracks, epic themes and battle songs, it's as full a package as one could wish for.
If you have to choose, I'd suggest listening to "Sovngarde", "One They Fear" or "Ancient Stones".
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
Force Unleashed had the privilege of using John Williams iconic score for the Star Wars films, but the original pieces made for this game were miraculously just as memorable. Crucially, the way the OST balanced film and original music was spot on.
Force Unleashed had the privilege of using John Williams iconic score for the Star Wars films, but the original pieces made for this game were miraculously just as memorable. Crucially, the way the OST balanced film and original music was spot on.
Uncharted 4.
Henry Jackman's OST for Uncharted 4 was the perfect score to close off Nathan Drake's story. It carries the narrative excellently, at one point even serving as the main delivery tool for character development, but knows when to shift into fast-paced action goodness.
Henry Jackman's OST for Uncharted 4 was the perfect score to close off Nathan Drake's story. It carries the narrative excellently, at one point even serving as the main delivery tool for character development, but knows when to shift into fast-paced action goodness.
Bloodborne.
This game's OST is intimidating. The few non-boss tracks all carry with them a sense of unease bordering on the outright threatening, and the boss themes range from horrifying to exhilarating. The OST is a masterpiece, and I'd highly recommend listening to it in full.
This game's OST is intimidating. The few non-boss tracks all carry with them a sense of unease bordering on the outright threatening, and the boss themes range from horrifying to exhilarating. The OST is a masterpiece, and I'd highly recommend listening to it in full.
Tekken 7.
Most songs in this OST feel appropriate as a backdrop to a duel, making it the perfect OST for a Tekken game. Those that don't are excellent chill menu themes, further adding to this OSTs quality. My personal favourite songs are Brimstone&Fire and Beginning of the End.
Most songs in this OST feel appropriate as a backdrop to a duel, making it the perfect OST for a Tekken game. Those that don't are excellent chill menu themes, further adding to this OSTs quality. My personal favourite songs are Brimstone&Fire and Beginning of the End.
Elden Ring's trailer.
Okay, I will admit this one is a stretch to include, but honestly that trailer's score is so perfect it's painful. Plus I'm hoping FromSoft will show some more of the game today, so there's that.
We'll return to your regularly scheduled thread tomorrow.
Okay, I will admit this one is a stretch to include, but honestly that trailer's score is so perfect it's painful. Plus I'm hoping FromSoft will show some more of the game today, so there's that.
We'll return to your regularly scheduled thread tomorrow.
Metroid Prime.
Metroid Prime takes the otherworldly mystery of previous Metroid OSTs and adds a mechanical sound that is truly unique to the series. It fits the game perfectly, and is as memorable as any Nintendo OST.
If you want to hear its best, listen to Phendrana Drifts.
Metroid Prime takes the otherworldly mystery of previous Metroid OSTs and adds a mechanical sound that is truly unique to the series. It fits the game perfectly, and is as memorable as any Nintendo OST.
If you want to hear its best, listen to Phendrana Drifts.
Dark Souls.
This OST is a special one. Comprised mostly of boss themes, the OST is used to convey the mystery, tragedy or pure malice of every foe you face. Its few area themes are equally memorable, and the menu and credit themes are calming, yet tragic.
Also...
Plin Plin Plon.
This OST is a special one. Comprised mostly of boss themes, the OST is used to convey the mystery, tragedy or pure malice of every foe you face. Its few area themes are equally memorable, and the menu and credit themes are calming, yet tragic.
Also...
Plin Plin Plon.
Marvel's Spiderman.
John Paesano's score was as heroic and epic as befits a musical theme for the Amazing Spiderman. Dynamically coming in whenever you thwipped through New York, it made every swing feel special.
The Golden Age is the track that perfectly encapsulates this OST.
John Paesano's score was as heroic and epic as befits a musical theme for the Amazing Spiderman. Dynamically coming in whenever you thwipped through New York, it made every swing feel special.
The Golden Age is the track that perfectly encapsulates this OST.
Zelda: Majora's Mask.
As this OST is a Zelda OST, a certain standard of quality was a given, but this one is host to some of the most iconic songs in Zelda's history. The OST is unique in its tragedy and ominousness, becoming more overtly threatening as time runs out for Termina.
As this OST is a Zelda OST, a certain standard of quality was a given, but this one is host to some of the most iconic songs in Zelda's history. The OST is unique in its tragedy and ominousness, becoming more overtly threatening as time runs out for Termina.
FFXIV.
Despite having never played FFXIV, I still think its OST is excellent. I asked Leo ( @dawnbrigayde) his opinion on it since he played the game, and he simply said: "Soken is a fucking god."
And personally, I'd say any OST that grants its composer godhood is worth a listen.
Despite having never played FFXIV, I still think its OST is excellent. I asked Leo ( @dawnbrigayde) his opinion on it since he played the game, and he simply said: "Soken is a fucking god."
And personally, I'd say any OST that grants its composer godhood is worth a listen.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
Prime 2's OST takes the best songs of past Metroid games and remakes them in the signature prime style, as well as adding many original tracks of equal quality. It fits the theme of duality central to the game, and is my favourite of the Metroid OSTs.
Prime 2's OST takes the best songs of past Metroid games and remakes them in the signature prime style, as well as adding many original tracks of equal quality. It fits the theme of duality central to the game, and is my favourite of the Metroid OSTs.
Super Mario 3D World.
This game's OST is so good that I love it despite having never gotten around to playing the game it belongs to. The main theme and its many variations are excellent, World Bowser is a genuine bop, and every song is suffused with that wonderful Mario charm.
This game's OST is so good that I love it despite having never gotten around to playing the game it belongs to. The main theme and its many variations are excellent, World Bowser is a genuine bop, and every song is suffused with that wonderful Mario charm.
Jedi: Fallen Order.
Like Force Unleashed before it, Fallen Order takes John Williams' peerless Star Wars OST and augments it with original tracks. However, in having The Hu make an original song for the game, Fallen Order added to the musical canon of Star Wars in a special way.
Like Force Unleashed before it, Fallen Order takes John Williams' peerless Star Wars OST and augments it with original tracks. However, in having The Hu make an original song for the game, Fallen Order added to the musical canon of Star Wars in a special way.
Undertale.
Toby Fox's soundtrack for Undertale is memorable enough that I'm sure a song popped into your head as soon as you read its name. Bursting with energy and charm, this OST is just as wonderful as the game it accompanies, and is guaranteed to fill you with determination.
Toby Fox's soundtrack for Undertale is memorable enough that I'm sure a song popped into your head as soon as you read its name. Bursting with energy and charm, this OST is just as wonderful as the game it accompanies, and is guaranteed to fill you with determination.
Dark Souls 2.
Motoi Sakuraba and Yuka Kitamuras work on Dark Souls 2 is excellent. Majula's theme alone is beautiful enough to earn this OST a mention, and the plethora of fantastic themes for both areas and bosses this soundtrack offers further enhance its worthiness.
Motoi Sakuraba and Yuka Kitamuras work on Dark Souls 2 is excellent. Majula's theme alone is beautiful enough to earn this OST a mention, and the plethora of fantastic themes for both areas and bosses this soundtrack offers further enhance its worthiness.
Zelda: Wind Waker.
My personal favourite of the Zelda OSTs, Wind Waker's soundtrack is just so bloody charming. It includes some of the absolute best of Zelda music out there, and conjures a wonderfully whimsical sense of adventure that is wholly unique to this game.
My personal favourite of the Zelda OSTs, Wind Waker's soundtrack is just so bloody charming. It includes some of the absolute best of Zelda music out there, and conjures a wonderfully whimsical sense of adventure that is wholly unique to this game.
Limbo.
Martin Stig Andersen's work on the indie game Limbo is unlike any other, its droning sounds conveying the emotion of the game perfectly. Shifting from imperceptible to almost overwhelming as necessary, it's lack of a distinct tune doesn't detract from how memorable it is.
Martin Stig Andersen's work on the indie game Limbo is unlike any other, its droning sounds conveying the emotion of the game perfectly. Shifting from imperceptible to almost overwhelming as necessary, it's lack of a distinct tune doesn't detract from how memorable it is.
Shadow of the Colossus.
This game's opening is scored by a song that sets the tone so perfectly that it alone gives SOTC a spot in this thread. But Kou Otani's work stays amazing, delivering an OST that enhances the story in glorious fashion. Listen to it, you won't regret it.
This game's opening is scored by a song that sets the tone so perfectly that it alone gives SOTC a spot in this thread. But Kou Otani's work stays amazing, delivering an OST that enhances the story in glorious fashion. Listen to it, you won't regret it.
