For every exceptional game, there is an exceptional soundtrack. Actually, there are some great games with horrible soundtracks, and some terrible games have incredible soundtracks. Oh boy. Let's put it this way: Video game music can make or break a game. There are those themes that will forever be stuck in your head. Sometimes you won't even recognize them at first, but you'll know it's there from the hours and hours you spent battling that final boss or leveling up or so on. These themes can trigger up memories that make gaming the great hobby and medium that it is. So we've compiled a list of our ten favorite gaming soundtracks. Get ready to hate us. You'll be humming these all day.
10. Super Mario Bros.
You can’t get on the internet without hearing the original Super Mario Bros. theme. EVERYONE knows it. Super Mario Bros. is still the first thing in people’s minds when you say “video games.” Translated on everything from a tesla coil, to glass bottles, to a beatboxer, it is undeniably a piece of history. While the Super Mario franchise has brought us numerous excellent theme songs, the original is still the best. It immediately takes you back, and defines the return of video games in North America.
9. Rez
In terms of music, I tend to stick to hardcore and metal while I stray from genres like house and techno. But there's something about the soundtrack of Rez that really hooks me. Maybe it's the synesthesia - the interaction and correlations between the on-screen graphics, the many audio channels, and the force feedback. Or maybe it's that I'm the one adding to the songs - in-game actions such as locking onto a target or shooting a bullet create certain layers of a song's proverbial onion. Maybe it's just the soundtrack is just freakin' cool, especially Adam Freeland's "Fear" which plays during Rez's final stage.
8. Mega Man 2
The title screen alone has probably the best NES music ever made. As it ramps up, and you start to ascend the skyscraper, only to find the Blue Bomber standing on its edge.....well, this is what games are made of. That aside, there are even more tracks for each robot boss! Arguably the greatest Mega Man game, and even more so the greatest Mega Man soundtrack. Put this one in the historybooks, for it is NES music at its finest.
7. Ouendan Franchise
I think what's so appealing about the soundtracks to the Ouendan is how utterly "Japanese" it all is. I swear I mean that as the utmost compliment. I can't understand word one on either soundtrack, but that never stopped me from bopping along in the car when one of these comes on the iPod. It's hard to explain the allure, but the music is just so dammed adorable. Of course I associate all the songs with the game storylines (oh "that's the one about the little kid potty training" or "that's the song about the girls dead Dad coming home at Christmas") but I think really that just adds to their charms.
6. Halo 2
The first Halo is arguably the game the signaled a resurgence in Western game design and philosophy - at least in the console world. It was a deftly handled and mature take on the first-person shooter, and had a suitably grand Western orchestral score. Halo 2 simply kicked it up a notch. Bungie in house composer Marty O'Donnell beefed up the now memorable tracks with greater gusto. The unmistakable Gregorian chants were complimented with hard-edge guitar. Speaking of guitar, a few custom made tracks by notable bands like Incubus rose up to the occasion during some of the game's more memorable action sequences. Buy perhaps most importantly of all, Halo 2's score soared precisely where it needed to, reduced to melancholy lows at precisely where it needed to, and cut out altogether precisely where it needed to; it wasn't just the music that was amazing, it was its dynamic implementation and fusion with Halo 2 that was equally memorable.
5. Goldeneye
Hearing that familiar dark chime, or even just the sound effect of the heavy breathing when being shot, will instantly be recognizable by any true gamer. Goldeneye probably accounted for many a late night with friends, and the epic score put the game on par with the full on action movie it was based on. There were parts that slowly swelled up, while hi-hats raced, giving you a sense of urgency and of course, feeling super badass. Throw in a screeching guitar riff every once in a while, and it’s time to do some serious slappers only damage.
4. Jet Set Radio Franchise
Equal parts hip hop and funk, with some rock and roll here and there, the soundtrack of Jet Grind Radio brightens up an already colorific game. It’s music spans a few genres, that while somewhat familiar, definitely add to the underground renegade vibe of the game. A wonderful example of complete immersion, with gameplay and music combined, you can’t help but feel you’re a rebel with a paint can, grooving away while sticking it to the man.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time is a masterpiece. And that is, in part, due to its music. The most impressive part of the game's soundtrack is how most songs share a motif with the meoldies the player must learn on his titular aerophone. For example, the chorus of the Kokiri Forest theme is a faster, more upbeat version of "Zelda's Lullaby." While most people might not recognize Koji Kondo's sly arrangement tricks, this musical referencing definitely adds to the game's atmosphere. I can't think of many other games where upon mention of a level, its theme pops into me head faster than a mental image. Ocarina of Time's soundtrack is simply far more memorable than almost all other games. I just wish there was a rendition of the original Zelda theme somewhere in the game.
2. PaRappa Franchise
Regardless of whatever ranking we have collectively given PaRappa the Rapper, it deserves the number one spot for sheer originality. You kids and your music games today...they used to be called rhythm games and this is one that started the modern rhythm craze. You play PaRappa, a rapping dog. You'll answer beats with your own rap stylings in a call-and-response format. We still don't know how exactly they get their rankings in freestyle, but we love being told "U Rappin' Cool!" Who can forget the sage teachings of Chop Chop Master Onion? MC King Kong Mushi? Not only were the J-Poppy beats fresh, but the characters and lyrics were creative and weird as all get out. And don't even get us started on PaRappa's rock'n'roll cousin, Umjammer Lammy. Do yourself a favor and don't just pick up the soundtracks, pick up the games.
1. Katamari Franchise
Na naaaaaa, na na na na naaa na na, katamari damacy! The only music suitable to match the ridiculous animated intros of the Katamari games is a cheesy, over the top, lounge act sing along theme that is both nonsensical and genius. Each game featured an amazing soundtrack that slowly seeped into your brain while you rolled things up to make new stars. One can’t help but think that the King of The Cosmos did no less than write each song himself. We’re not ashamed to say this music is frequently hummed or whistled or blasted from our stereos. Oh, I feel it. I feel the cosmos.
Honorable Mention: LucasArts Adventure Games
The classic Lucasarts games were some of the first games where I really took note of the "score" of a game, it just seemed like so much more than filler. I can listen to alot of those soundtracks and enjoy them outside of the game. They don't even really strike you as game soundtracks, and are some of the first of their kind to stand toe to toe with film scores. From the steel-drum inspired romp for Secret of Monkey Island to the Mexican cassanova vibe of Grim Fandango and everything in between, if you're a fan of film or game score you really owe it to yourself to check these out.
Comments (11)
... written by Dexie,
September 22, 2009
Glamourous Sky...god. I think, more than any other song in the Ouendan/EBA franchise, that the stage that song was used an actually benefited from not being in English. I shed a few tears at the end of the level when it finally hit me what was happening, as the train started rolling away.
Definately my favorite stage in the series.
+0
Where's Diablo? written by Ian Westbrook,
September 22, 2009
Where's the soundtrack to Diablo in this list? Surely one of the most entrancing, engaging, and plain memorable soundtracks ever?
Hahahaha, slappers only! Ohh, the crazy matches that this would provide... I'm more of a throwing knifes guy myself, but still, that was something!
I'd like to mention the soundtrack of the old classic Star Wars: TIE Fighter. While it can't really be hummed, the way that the music kept changing every few seconds depending of the current series of events was pure genius! It really dragged you in much better than any standard orchestra could, and it was on-par with John Williams's classic score. Thanks, iMUSE! It's one of the factors why this is my favorite videogame of all time.
+1
... written by leo111,
September 27, 2009
Where is Nobuo Uematsu???
+2
... written by Anon,
September 27, 2009
For more Parappa freestyling fun you can all check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzMGJtu6Dac
+0
I agree written by Awesome O,
September 27, 2009
Tie Fighter should have been there, that game had some excellent music (that wasn't just the regular Star Wars stuff). It's one of the few game songs you will hear me hum.
+1
fail list is fail written by roflman,
September 28, 2009
way better list: http://www.gamegrep.com/top_list/15600-screwattacks_top_10_video_game_theme_songs_ever/
The Ocarina of Time has a snippet of the orignal zelda theme in it's overworld music for hyrule field.
+0
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO............................... written by Tye The Czar,
September 28, 2009
There's this little series of games over in Japan... Touhou, you might call it. Lately it's become a cult-cult hit over in the West, but a pretty big phenomenon in Japan. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the Touhou series music is SO SO SO SO SO SO killer, that fans make an obscene amount of remixes of the songs. As for my conclusion, those who have played Touhou games know full well(they may deny it) that their tunes can blow all other games' soundtracks out of the water. Here's some information of the series: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/touhou-project-東方project
And for the music... just youtube it.
+0
... written by Nixorbo,
October 01, 2009
No Chrono Trigger/Cross? No Final Fantasy (number)? No JRPG at all? I call shenanigans.
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I'm more of a throwing knifes guy myself, but still, that was something! 
There's this little series of games over in Japan... Touhou, you might call it. Lately it's become a cult-cult hit over in the West, but a pretty big phenomenon in Japan. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the Touhou series music is SO SO SO SO SO SO killer, that fans make an obscene amount of remixes of the songs. 
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 
Definately my favorite stage in the series.