Best Video Game Music
Jstas
Posts: 14,836
I thought we had a discussion about this before but I couldn't find it.
Music plays an important role in lotsa stuff from TV shows and movies to the soundtrack of our lives. Everything from your classes' chosen song at your Senior Prom (or the song you listened to when you avoided the prom like the plague) to the song you danced to with your wife at your wedding. Music has impact and can enhance or destroy any moment.
So instead of focusing on the negative, lets talk positive. Video games are no stranger to soundtracks. They all have them and some are awful, others are great and for many reasons! So which ones are great in your humble opinion?
Great can be anything from how the music moves you, how it fits with the game you are playing or even just the quality of the tracks. Does it distract you from the game or does it add to it? Distraction isn't bad because it can keep your mind occupied when playing a game with a monotonous skill like say "Crazy Taxi".
Me, I have lots of opinions on this topic but I'll start out small and see where it goes.
One of the best soundtracks I've ever heard and it kept me coming back to play more was in "Road Rash". It had some of the best rock and metal bands of the time playing popular songs and some b-sides. The music was CD quality for the most part and it was distracting in a good way. It let you get in to a zone so when the baddies started coming fast and furious, you were on auto-pilot mode. You know, that time when you get the tunnel vision and you have that blank stare but your brain is running a mile a minute processing info and reacting. The hard-driving music always helped that for me. It was fun, well played/produced music that enhanced game play. "Road Rash" is one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard.
So there you go, there's your start! What do you think? What games do you have on your mind? Even if it's the soundtrack to Frogger, doesn't matter! Share your thoughts!
Music plays an important role in lotsa stuff from TV shows and movies to the soundtrack of our lives. Everything from your classes' chosen song at your Senior Prom (or the song you listened to when you avoided the prom like the plague) to the song you danced to with your wife at your wedding. Music has impact and can enhance or destroy any moment.
So instead of focusing on the negative, lets talk positive. Video games are no stranger to soundtracks. They all have them and some are awful, others are great and for many reasons! So which ones are great in your humble opinion?
Great can be anything from how the music moves you, how it fits with the game you are playing or even just the quality of the tracks. Does it distract you from the game or does it add to it? Distraction isn't bad because it can keep your mind occupied when playing a game with a monotonous skill like say "Crazy Taxi".
Me, I have lots of opinions on this topic but I'll start out small and see where it goes.
One of the best soundtracks I've ever heard and it kept me coming back to play more was in "Road Rash". It had some of the best rock and metal bands of the time playing popular songs and some b-sides. The music was CD quality for the most part and it was distracting in a good way. It let you get in to a zone so when the baddies started coming fast and furious, you were on auto-pilot mode. You know, that time when you get the tunnel vision and you have that blank stare but your brain is running a mile a minute processing info and reacting. The hard-driving music always helped that for me. It was fun, well played/produced music that enhanced game play. "Road Rash" is one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard.
So there you go, there's your start! What do you think? What games do you have on your mind? Even if it's the soundtrack to Frogger, doesn't matter! Share your thoughts!
Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
Post edited by Jstas on
Comments
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Unreal Tournaments have always had great fitting music, at least in my opinion.I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
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A couple of the Hitman scores were really good, with Silent Assissin being my favorite of the bunch.
My all time favorite video game score though is the one from Max Payne 2. The main theme is very similar to the first game, but the arrangement with the strings and all on the second game is my favorite. There's also a song on there called Late Goodbye that's really good. The score for this game does the job of imersing you into the game better than any other I've seen.
The opening theme from Fallout 3 is also very good. -
Two of my all-time favorites would have to be Final Fantasy 7 and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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FF7 i agree. Castlevania Symphony of the Night got ridiculously annoying after a while, especially when you beat the game and they just flipped it upside down.Main Surround -
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I always thought the soundtrack to Earthworm Jim was great. Obviously the quality has some 16bit limitations but an awesome soundtrack nonetheless."The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." Thucydides
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The jazzy music for SimCity 3000 is my favorite. It gave the city building game a wonderful atmosphere. It's been quite awhile since I last loaded the game but IIRC one of the song sounds awfully similar to Dave Brubeck's Take Five.
I also like the music for Halo if you can call it music. -
This is mine, insane beat
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ReoQHPutz6s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ReoQHPutz6s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580 -
Another one of my favs
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kGg6q1j6jZE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kGg6q1j6jZE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580 -
We can post video in the Video Games section now? Have we always been able to or did it change recently but I wasn't paying attention? What about the Music section?
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The Playstation 1 versions of Doom. Hands down the best, most atmospheric music in any game. Its the music that makes the PS1 version 10 times better than the PC version.
This one is my sentimental favorite because its the music to the first level and Ill never forget playing Doom for the first time. I was just in awe over how cool this game was.
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But this one is my overall favorite. A baby crying in the background and at different speeds. Listening to this while creeping along trying to sneak around the corners.
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Max Payne 2 also knocked the music out of the park. The main theme was just spectacular:
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But this one was my favorite, and probably my alltime favorite video game song.
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSnLFucvNOI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSnLFucvNOI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
This one from Halo 2 deserves high marks too. You start a level on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean and this song starts in the background. First time I heard it, I stood there for like 20 minutes just looking off at the ocean and the trees listening to this song.
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cQQ4ME22Lx8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cQQ4ME22Lx8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
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polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D -
FF7 and FFX are both fantastic.If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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fatchowmein wrote: »We can post video in the Video Games section now? Have we always been able to or did it change recently but I wasn't paying attention? What about the Music section?
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101832
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Sonic and metroid are the first that come to mind from the old school days. These are my favs from both
From super metroid
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From Sonic 1
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There's so much more but can't think right now AVR: H/K AVR240
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Gamertag: kovster27 -
The music from The Way of the Exploding Fist for the Commodore 64. That s#!+ is still stuck in my head after 20+ years!
Um... this video gets weird after 3 minutes. You might not want to watch that far if you're easily offended.
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9ruNYVqOB7c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9ruNYVqOB7c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object> -
Surprised not to see more PC games up here TBH
After just glancing over the thread.. So doom, sim city, and unreal tournament weren't on the PC?
oh yeah, Donkey kong country, the water level, great mood song! Man this thread is bringing me back to my youngling days..
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D65TT5Ieb4M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D65TT5Ieb4M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Ok, I'm DONE!AVR: H/K AVR240
Fronts: Monitor 50s
Center: CSI3
surrounds: R15s
Sub:Velodyne DPS10
Dvd/Cd: Samsung HD upconverter (for now)
TV: 50" Sammy Plasma
game hardware: 360 and gcn.
Gamertag: kovster27 -
Oh man that Donkey Kong does bring back memories and so does playing DOOM. Wow, excellent posts.Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580 -
Man Commodore 64 had all the great tunes!
Rambo: First Blood
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Green Beret
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Yie Ar Kung Fu
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One of the best, International Karate
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Commodore 64 baby! That thing ruled! Got mine back in 1984. Had a million games. I guess Ive been PC gaming longer than Ive been doing anything else! polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st
polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D -
Thought I'd throw this out there. I've never played any of the Fallout games, but have been hearing some good things about the up coming new Fallout 4 will have a really good soundtrack. Maybe some of the older Fallout games had good soundtracks also???
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Original Final Fantasy.
And original Mario.
Can't beat the classics."Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
My System:Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
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Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 music, especially the opening theme.
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Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy Tactics
Chrono Trigger
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater
Grand Theft Auto Vice City
Street Fighter II
Marvel vs Capcom 2 (gonna take you for a riiiide!)My System Showcase!
Media Room
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Mega Man had some good tunes but alot like Tetris, the burrowed in to your brain like a gopher on speed and stayed there. I still catch myself humming them from time to time.
Speaking of burrowing music...Tetris takes the cake! Although, the music was beneficial to the game because it's rhythm coincided with the dropping of pieces and as the pieces sped up so did the music.Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you! -
The soundtrack to '30 minute hero' is really excellent for any JRPG fan. It is well done music from the most famous JRPG composers.
Halo's theme is excellent. This is probably the best western example.
My favorite game composer is probably Mitsuruda of xenogears and Chrono Cross fame.
But, as orchestral soundtracks have started being the norm, we are getting more hollywood style music and less memorable music. This is good for the cinematic aspect but not for the music itself... as typically game music mimics the last popular blockbuster in a rather dull manner.My Iron Man training/charity blog.
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32" Sharp LCD. H/K dpr 1001 to Outlaw Audio 7900 to Polk LSi + Paradigm Studio center. Hsu DualDrive ULS-15. PS3/Wii. Outlaw 7900. -
I thought that the music to Wing Commander was pretty cool - set the mood just right.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Going back a few years, but this game was special for many reasons. Silent Hill 1. The music went really well with the game.
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^^^ Definitely!
I loved that game. Silent Hill 2 was pretty good but nothing like the first.
This is the first game that ever gave me a serious case of the creeps. The first time Im in the school and you see those little midget ghosts cruising around ---eeesh.polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st
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Yup agree 100%. I was alone at home one weekend and I played this game straight for 7 hours. Kinda lost track of time. The sequences at the school and the hospital were great. None of the sequels lived up to this one though.
The sound effects and lighting were great. Great storyline too.
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Add me to the Doom crowd. Personally, DoomII wins over Doom. Some of the solos are epic.
Marvel Vs Capcom 2? Dear god no!
