While video games are known for their immersive stories and massive worlds to explore, some video games also give us some of the best soundtracks possible. A game with good music playing in the background helps make the story that much better – but which video games have the best soundtracks?
The Best Soundtracks in Video Games
While there are quite a few games out there that have noticeable soundtracks, there are only a few that truly stand out amongst the rest. It is just like a good movie or TV show; a soundtrack can make or break the viewer’s experience.
What makes a video game soundtrack good? Well, a lot of different factors can come into play. One big component is themes. A game with a noticeable theme usually stands out amongst gamers, making it go down in history.
Many other games also have very good atmospheric music, which is songs that play in the background while you are exploring. A gamer wants to feel like he is in the world of the game he is playing, and music helps add to that experience.
Here are the five games with the best music in them.
5. Skyrim
Skryim is a historic game. First being released on the Xbox 360, and now playable on the Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PS5 and more, Skyrim is easily one of the most famous games of all time.
It should first be noted, that Skyrim’s opening theme is historic. The game gets you amped to travel across its mountains, villages and more. Many of the game’s other songs are quite noticeable too. The atmospheric part of the soundtrack makes you feel like you are walking the roads of Skyrim yourself.
Skyrim is historical, not only for its massive world, unique gameplay and more but also for its beautiful music.
4. Minecraft
You can’t have a list of the best video game soundtracks without including Minecraft. This sandbox-style video game has been famous for over a decade now, and its soundtrack is just as noticeable.
What makes the Minecraft soundtrack so enjoyable is its lo-fi sound. The game is not full of intense battle music that plays when people roam worlds, building their way. No, Minecraft has a plethora of soft beats that play when players are building in the game.
The entire OST is available for sale in vinyl on various websites, making it extremely popular amongst gamers. To be honest, the Minecraft soundtrack is perfect to listen to when studying or just wanting to chill out.
Minecraft easily has some of the best music in the gaming world.
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3. The Witcher 3
Composed by the famous Polish musician, Marcin Przybyłowicz, The Witcher 3 easily has one of the most dramatic and immersive soundtracks to date. The music is comprised of a full orchestra, drawing inspiration from the medieval and Renaissance era.
The soundtrack was loved by so many, that the official Netflix show decided to adapt some of its themes. From the tunes that random jesters play on their mandolins to the dramatic singing that surrounds a player when they are getting attacked by a monster, The Witcher 3 has one of the best OSTs out there.
There is no debate when it comes to how legendary The Witcher 3’s soundtrack is, making it a top contender for the best video game music.
2. The Legend of Zelda
If you have any sort of knowledge of the entertainment industry, then there is probably a good chance you have heard a song from The Legend of Zelda. This massive series has created some of the greatest video games of all time, and alongside those are quite a few of the best soundtracks.
Games like Ocarina of Time and Windwaker are iconic due to their catchy and unique soundtracks. The games take different styles of music from around the world and infuse them into their game. Different regions of the games will have a different feel due to the music.
When you head to the desert reason in Ocarina of Time (Gerudo Valley), the Gerudo Valley theme will play, which has a more Andalusian sound, which is popular in the Mediterranean. The composer, Koji Kondo, is an absolute genius, creating some of the greatest songs in video games.
1. Mario
Another Nintendo franchise is the Mario games. Whether it’s a regular Mario adventure or a Mario Kart race, these games have some of the most iconic themes of all time. The actual Mario theme, which plays during a large majority of his adventures, is known by practically everyone in the gaming world.
So many of the themes in the Mario games stand out. Whenever Mario goes underground, a specific song plays. You probably are singing it in your head, aren’t you? When Mario gets star power, a specific song plays.
There are so many tunes within the world of Mario that stand out, making it easily the best video game music of all time.
