Video Game Music

[Cubed-Sphere]

I was inspired to make this thread after seeing this recent video of the composer of the Silent Hill music rock out the SH2 theme live.

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/26493

Music in games is usually one of the most overlooked aspect of the media, with much of the focus going to controls and graphics in terms of what defines a good game. Music really crafts a mood and atmosphere, from the playfulness of Mario to the macabre of Resident Evil, I've always loved and admired a good videogame score.

What is your opinion on VG music? Any specific examples of when it sucked you in or took you out of a game? Any favorite sountracks come to mind?

I personally really get into the music of Resident Evil and Silent Hill games. The mood is untouchable in my mind. Uncharted 1 and 2 and the Metal Gear series also have amazing scores. The song entitled "Old Snake" from MGS4 is one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard in my life... the way it literally reacts to the events of the final fight in real time is pure poetry. I also find going back to Shadow Moses from MGS1 in MGS4 while playing "Calling to the Night" in Snake's Ipod almost brings a tear to my eye. The music encapsulates the entire mood of the moment.

[virus21]

I find that Capcom games have some of the finest soundtracks around.

[Vice]

Video game music is some of the best. Probably a quarter of my relatively large Winamp playlist is video game or at least video game related.

Anything Castlevania ranges from pretty damn good to fucking amazing. Same goes for anything Metroid. Mega Man. Final Fantasy. Zelda. Metal Gear. Halo. Shadow of the Colossus. Resident Evil. Castle Crashers. LittleBigPlanet. God of War. Doom. Mario. Sonic. Command & Conquer. Actraiser.

All tasty.

A mediocre game with a fantastic soundtrack can make it worth playing. A fantastic game with a fantastic soundtrack makes it one of my favorites. Music, in my opinion, is one of the most important things about the package. Definitely underrated, I'd say.

[Bill Casey]

You knew this was coming sooner or later...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w5neFPat1w

[Guy]

I'll always love the theme from Streets Of Rage/Bare Knuckle 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSDUEp85vwA

And for nostalgia sake:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7AHT3qdFeE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGmKecsG2fs

[Force of Nature]

I love it when a game is complement with good music, or just the right music to fit the mood of the gameplay. On the other hand bad music or a lack thereof can heavily decrease my chances of playing a game a second time (or finishing it at all if I don't really care for the game that much).

Though, for good music in it's own respect. Lost Odyssey has some pretty good music such as this gem. Just couldn't get it out of my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv6_bDfnHGc&feature=related


Another game that has really stellar music is Eternal Sonata. Here's a sample.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM3BIOvEJSw

Sonata easily has some of the best videogame music I've heard that isn't based off of real bands or such. The original Command and Conquer: Red Alert and Red Alert 2 also had awesome music. That Red Alert 2 theme used to destroy my speakers in the good way :).

[ImperialStingmon]

That Eternal Sonata piece is awesome Force, but the Lost Odyssey one just makes me think of the Captain Planet video game. Sorry.

For more good music here's from Tales of Symphonia, End of a Thought

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRTtITgXpoM

Also, Video Games Live does insane stuff for video game music. I had the priveledge of seeing them recently and they are amazing.

[Force of Nature]

Aw....and that was my favourite song from Lost Odyssey too. You didn't like Captain Planet? :p

I think Eternal Sonata is the only game I played where essentially every song is good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZAhrE2ZzGk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btG4YJdE1vo&feature=related

[ImperialStingmon]

Loved the tv show, hated the game. still do. That is one game where I admit defeat. it makes Mega Man look easy.

[Anaconda Sniper]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IncSnfW_aB0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmB9LsIozSQ

Couple favorites.

[VanillaJello]

Command & Conquer.


Love me some 'Hell March'. From Red Alert 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QyQ9PsOj6A

Here's other songs from the original Command and Conquer. Makes me want to reinstall and do a NOD tank rush on those GDI losers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO__oRr59_s

[Bill Casey]

Surprised there's been no mention of Kid Icarus...

[Force of Nature]

Love me some 'Hell March'. From Red Alert 1.


:headbang:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WqwFhX6Cqg

*Crushes Allies with Apocalypse tank rush* :evilgrin:

[Force of Nature]

Was listening to some old Final Fantasy music, mainly from 8 & 10 and am really digging these themes. Really loved those games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe45YhKQEQU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUu2olqwZ8s&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08RYp-uDpPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBOTt38E0g4&feature=related

[Excel]

8 had some good music but its not a patch on FFVII

However after listening to premonition there, I may have to go back and play FF8

[Force of Nature]

Final Fantasy VIII was epic. Heavily underrated game. VII was, and still is the best though I'll admit. Sephiroth is the definition of a great villain.

[Excel]

I actually preferred the Junction system of 8 over the messy Materia system of 7. The ganeplay was better, just that the story and characters couldnt hold up to 7. Nor could anyone expect them to.

[Gangers]

Ok some favourites include from Sonic 2 the Chemical Plant Zone and Casino Night Zone, the Morrowind main theme, and loads of the stuff from Little Big Planet. I remember that some of the stuff in Super Mario Galaxy was fairly brilliant.

[Hero!]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0379Zs0qaXg

Nothing will ever beat this song.

Live version by Ozma:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-bRx62jFys

[virus21]

Twisted Metal 2 had a kick ass soundtrack. The Los Angeles stage was my favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLFok2t605k

[S.C.O.S.E.]

Nearly chimed in with ANOTHER Sephiroth boss fight music plug.

Sonic Adventure 2 on the Dreamcast for sure. City Escape, Green Forest ,Metal Harbor...

[Force of Nature]

Twisted Metal 2 had a kick ass soundtrack. The Los Angeles stage was my favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLFok2t605k

I agree there were some kick ass songs such as the themes for Moscow, New York and Hong Kong along with Los Angeles, but Antartica takes the cake for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccGGL2yl6rc&feature=related

Fantastic song in its own right. Level was bullshit though...

[Stan Hibbert]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J67nkzoJ_2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MNAktk9ei8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2vpqd9gKXk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGal2fBQ3EM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKXOV9_Ql9Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2kxFCQ_mQ

[Jez]

I think the music in Uncharted is some of the best from this generation. It has such an epic feel that adds greatly to the environment and atmosphere of each level. I can't wait to hear some of the new tracks in Uncharted 2.

[MMH]

i alway have loved the old Final Fantasy themes. Along with Seymours theme mentioned above some of my faves are....

The Black Mage Village (FF 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYsJUXh5Iec

Mako Reactor (FF7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGVg_nsYktQ

Breezy (FF8) Much better with the sea in the background though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVszUBzzPQY

One Winged Angel (FF7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTxhh1Ins5I&feature=related

Im also a fan of Kens and Sagats SF2 themes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I8nrDVPnuw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai4y6qrIQc8

And going back a bit, the Bubble Bobble theme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gggp9JkY1Pk

[Badger]

Pretty much the entire soundtrack to FFVIII is my favourite, but FFVI, VII, Crisis Core and X are sweet too. I liked the boss themes in IV too.

I liked Vega's Street Fighter theme too.

One Winged Angel is good, but the variations are better especially the orchestral version.

[ImperialStingmon]

From Skies of Arcadia: Airship Battle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktWgd2cMdnU

and from Mario and Luigi Bowser's Inside Story: Final Battle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckxy-i7Dc5U

[Guy]

You know what was a grand experience?

Playing Vice City for the first time, you steal your first car...and then it hits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fHoDWc22B0

[Guy]

Oh yea, then there's this catchy bastard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8LsmHjpsTg

[Guy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG3QcmpC_-U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDYN9LuT1lQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYlVQkDz3AY

I'm done

[Badger]

Some of my favourites from FVII Crisis Core:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXqnI4ngSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bej25RN4Ktg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbIpj4Z2guI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbIpj4Z2guI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezq8b3iM7N8

A remix of FVII's "Anxious Heart" played in Nibelheim.

[speedracer]

Final Fantasy 7 and 9 had some fucking fantastic music. I especially loved the title screen music from 9. I'd sometimes intentionally leave the screen up just so I could listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHLBrtpZ5gY

Forgot to mention the world map music from 9. Another one of my favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL0HVjyK4j8

And then there's the classic...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9LrE6dRHn8

Remix!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQuLl7MhO_o

[Badger]

Last one for the day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O_53rg1o9A

Anyone else get tricked by the fake credits when they were little? I did. :$

[evilyn]

I loved the music from Mario and both Vice city games, cause I love the 80's but this is one of my all time favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGWa4Zm0YDA

[Force of Nature]

I loved the music from Mario and both Vice city games, cause I love the 80's but this is one of my all time favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGWa4Zm0YDA

:heart: Parasite Eve. Another underrated game. Really wish they came out with one for the PS2 (and now PS3).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcvvNO4v5eY&feature=related

This was the standout song to me.

[Mark84j]

MDK2, one of my favorite soundtracks anywhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iY88647mJw

Carmageddon theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyWFX0FPhOA

Mega Man 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIJmyE0eT-k

[evilyn]

They were coming out with a Parasite Eve sequel called the Third birthday but for some reason they dropped it.

[Force of Nature]

It's a same really. I could have sworn I played through the original Parasite Eve about 4 or 5 times (And the Chrysler Building about 2 or 3 times).

I guess Square Enix wanted to focus on their main franchise RPGs instead. Would of been nice of PE could have sold more.

PE: Third Birthday was for PSP right?

[evilyn]

It's a same really. I could have sworn I played through the original Parasite Eve about 4 or 5 times (And the Chrysler Building about 2 or 3 times).

I guess Square Enix wanted to focus on their main franchise RPGs instead. Would of been nice of PE could have sold more.

PE: Third Birthday was for PSP right?

Yep, it was originally a cell phone game, but it was changed to the PSP and then dropped.

I played both games but never finished the Chrysler Building. I'm trying to find both games now.

[Force of Nature]

The Chrysler Building was hard. Once you got to floor 51, you encounter these squirrels that shoot shit at you that causes Aya to become disoriented, thus fucking her up. Frustrating shit right there. However, the end result is well worth the effort.

The odd Gamestop should have PE there.

[Mark84j]

Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master. My favorite Genesis game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRW-Ug43NXQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KWn4SaHcAo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z18XFVeLP4

[RuneEdge]

http://www.ocremix.org/
Some really cool stuff on there.

[Badger]

Know what's good battle music? The final battle with Seymour in Final Fantasy X.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBOTt38E0g4

Also I'm off to a video game music concert next month, wish it was Nobuo though. An orchestra's playing all the classics like Street Fighter, Final Fantasy et al.

[The_Mike]

Where is this concert Badger?

[Badger]

Caird Hall, Dundee in 2 weeks.

[The_Mike]

Ach, Dundee's a bit far for me, but hope you enjoy it.

[Hobbit]

Dunno if it's been posted yet but the theme to Metal Gear Solid 2 was incredible. The game was already epic but that music made it ridiculously film-like. Love it. Half way through it gives a boner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUHJsU_ooWQ

The GTAs have always had great music with the exception of SA which for me was a bit poo. It had some gems sure but overall it's nowhere near VC, 3 or 4. The electro station on 4 is awesome. I'd end up listing about 100 tracks if I started so I won't. Effort.

[Vice]

I love me some Blaster Master:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgiURE-qF1c

Totally underrated game that really had everything going for it. Shame it was bogged down by an absurd amount of lag that can be beyond frustrating to deal with. Plus it was hard as fuck, letting you get wrecked fairly easy in a giant world with no real direction of where to go.


IJI:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9H6ULM-Bwg

Iji, an indie game, has a pretty great soundtrack. This is my favorite song from it, though there are lots of cool ones.

[Force of Nature]

Know what's good battle music? The final battle with Seymour in Final Fantasy X.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBOTt38E0g4

Also I'm off to a video game music concert next month, wish it was Nobuo though. An orchestra's playing all the classics like Street Fighter, Final Fantasy et al.

:p Didn't I post that song in here a little while back? Outstanding theme. Anyways I hope that they play this song from FF8.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5f_VBd_17M

Epic shit right there. Also, Edea and Seifer were great villains too.

I hate to come off like an Eternal Sonata mark, but damn the music is so freaking good. Check out "Unbalanced".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i74cvcvBRuI

Motoi Sakaruba is a musical genius.

[TheMagnum]

Spiderman/X-Men in Arcade's Revenge. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bIZHdR8Dao

[Gangers]

Was just thinking about this topic and how much of my favourite game music (particularly retro) I did not offer up here. So here's a few:

From Super Hang On (Sega Mega Drive):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8sSA1482Q0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvtzDK-01Xg

And especially:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2YCy3aBD88

From Sonic 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LYB7iLZNWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEyGntyOZQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-gocswLwsc

From Mario Kart: Double Dash (they took the best parts of the Rainbow Road theme from MK64 and revamped it to make it sexier)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6z9aoZyaF0

The end credits theme from Super Mario 64 is ace, I've completed this game so many times I can hum it from memory (let it get in a bit or move to 2:20 for the start of the real theme):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=___cioE0vVc

That'll do for now!

[blackening]

I love the Mega Man game music. Really cool stuff. One day I just went on YouTube and listened to all the music from the games. :yes:

[One Man Gang]

I suppose I'll share of my favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhE7rAG6rvY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlRufeRbLwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlpHUwri46k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUoIZwHJlzI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kORNC_tPOU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He0br6UgkCs

Of course I also love the music to Super Mario Bros, Mega Man, Contra, Gauntlet, Castlevania, Sonic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghosts and Goblins, Ninja Gaiden, Metroid, Duck Tales, ChronoTrigger, and Final Fantasy games. There's probably a bunch more that I'm forgetting...

[Guy]

The Max Payne theme always created a perfect mood for those games. For some reason my mind always thinks of this Violin version over the originals piano version however, so here it is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvwmZmFi0w

And I'm re-posting this lovely fucker because it just makes me smile so much
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8LsmHjpsTg

Back in the day when I actually owned a football game, this theme is the best thing about it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpNlCrbY3gg

I think we all remember this next one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYy69qOJWoM

[Excel]

Yus! Love the original GTA theme!

[One Man Gang]

I've listened to every video in this thread now. A few I hadnt heard in years and am kinda digging now.



Anyways,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ijIsmZfMPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJo4VILqow&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ljFaKRTrI

[ImperialStingmon]

Just heard this one today and already love it. It's from the final surgery of Trauma Team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98781-FHOr0

[The_Mike]

I've never played the games, but that's pretty snazzy. Sounds rather FFesque.

[Vice]

BUMP. I mentioned Shadow the Colossus earlier, but only recently have I really sat down and listened to the soundtrack to death. It's so astonishingly good.

YouTube- Shadow Of The Colossus Soundtrack - The Opened Way (1)

YouTube- Shadow Of The Colossus Soundtrack - A Violent Encounter (2)

YouTube- Shadow of the Colossus soundtrack: 16 Fear Of Power

Mega Man 9 really has a great soundtrack too.

YouTube- Mega Man 9 OST: Dr. Wily Stage 3

Assassin's Creed 1 & 2 have lovely soundtracks as well. One of my favorite songs off the OST:

YouTube- Assassin's Creed Music: Jerusalem Horse Ride

CASTLE CRASHERS. Brilliant soundtrack for what it is. Love the home castle theme and am fairly miffed that it was not given an actual CD release.

YouTube- Castle Crashers Music- Home Castle

YouTube- Castle crashers soundtrack - _-={Dark Skies}=-_

Braid is great too.

YouTube- Braid Music - Undercurrent

[Vice]

Halo Reach's soundtrack is absolute sex.

Here is a great track that has a good bit of everything:

YouTube - Halo Reach OST - Winter Contingency

[Dreyski]

No love for Goldeneye?

YouTube - GoldenEye 007 Music - Byelomorye Dam

YouTube - GoldenEye 007 Music - Soviet Missile Silo

YouTube - GoldenEye 007 Music - Frigate 'La Fayette'

Also, going old-skool, Jet Set Willy had a continuous form of 'If I was a rich man', but going up in tone every time you lost a life. It added a feeling of urgency with every misplaced jump or misjudged enemy :yes:

[Bill Casey]

YouTube - Limbo of the Lost - Epic ending

[Judas Iscariot]

ARE YOU GUYS FUCKING KIDDING ME THAT THREE PAGES IN THIS WASN'T POSTED IN THE FIRST FUCKING POST?

YouTube - The Legend of Zelda Theme *READ THE DESCRIPTION PLEASE*

Here's an orchestral version:

YouTube - The Legend of Zelda Theme (Orchestra)

And an AMAZING version by I Fight Dragons:

YouTube - I Fight Dragons - I Fight Ganon (Legend of Zelda Theme - Live)

Oh my God, one on the fucking THEREMIN.

IT'S ON THE FUCKING THEREMIN.

KNOW WHAT A FUCKING THEREMIN? EVER SEEN ONE? EVER PLAYED ONE? I'VE DONE ALL THREE. THAT MEANS I OWN THE TRIFORCE.

YouTube - The Legend of Zelda Theme on theremin

[Chris]

Soul Blade on the PS1 always had great music. Some of them really added to the fast-paced energy of the fights.

YouTube - Soul Blade Future Dancin' Taki theme

YouTube - Soul Blade Recollect Continent Rock theme

YouTube - Soul Blade The Gears of Madness Voldo theme

YouTube - Soul Blade Heavenly Engage Sophitia theme

YouTube - Soul Edge OST (ARCADE) / 24 - World Atlas Collapsed

YouTube - Soul Blade A Desperate Struggle Colosseum theme

Something a bit more recent - this song begins as you reach a certain area in Red Dead Redemption.

YouTube - Far Away - Red Dead Redemption Soundtrack

[Pablo Diablo]

From that last one I much more prefer this one

YouTube - Compass (Red Dead On Arrival Version) - Red Dead Redemption Soundtrack

I think it had to do with the moment. P.S. if you haven't finished the game don't actually go to youtube's site because there are major spoilers in the top comments.

[The Rick]

*bump*
After posting my villains list I found these gems.(well to me)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oF9NeU8MYc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW3YVYfpY3o&feature=related

Zombie Ate My Neighbors OST - Evening Of The Undead - YouTube

[Sweet_Chin_Music]

Battletoads in Battlemaniacs OST Hollow Tree - YouTube


Battletoads in Battlemaniacs OST Title - YouTube


Battletoads in Battlemaniacs OST Roller Coaster - YouTube


Battletoads in Battlemaniacs OST Last Battle/Bonus Stage #1 - YouTube

God this takes me back...loved this game.

[mr sabu]

Phoenix Wright Music Cornered - YouTube

PW:AA - "Objection! 2001" - YouTube

PW:AA - "Inform the Truth 2001" - YouTube

[Derek]

Alucard Theme (Arranged Version) - YouTube

Castlevania Symphony of the Night-Bloody Tears - YouTube

Vampire Killer (Symphony Of The Night Version) - YouTube

Zelda - Original Fire Temple Music - YouTube

[Guy]

Just to go off of the zombies/Red Dead posts above. When this kicked in on Undead Nightmare, I smiled from ear to ear.

Undead Nightmare - OST - 15. Bad Voodoo - Kreeps - YouTube

[blackening]

This band plays the entire soundtrack to Mega Man 2 while someone plays the game projected on a screen in the background.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GnQ7bDGhOLI#

[One Man Gang]

That's pretty fucking awesome.

[Atty]

A few from the past year.

Portal 2

The music in Arkham is absolutely brilliant for the game, so here's the main theme.
Arkham City Main Theme

As it's a Zelda game, Skyward's music is fantastic. Here's the main theme that is seemingly an original track.

Skyward Sword Main Theme

...Which leads to...

Theme Played Backwards


Also from Arkham City...
End Credits

[Bill Casey]

Speaking of that Arkham City Song...

Lovely video...

Joker sings Only You (with music)

[VHS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBmBy8vchCw

[stylepoints]

My favorite soundtrack, Dark Cloud 2. This track has been my alarm for years now.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amZWrIQZ3b0&list=PLD3B8428B47BC737A