Video games are one of the best ways of passing the time with your friends. But in the last two decades, they have become much more than that. Gaming has slowly transitioned from short bursts of dopamine to the brain into an hours-long work of euphoric art. Moreover, games are now one of the most immersive ways to do storytelling, alongside movies and shows.
But while developers do a good job at making some of their games a work of genius narrative, sometimes they do it in the most unorthodox fashion. That being said, let us look at some of the best soundtrack choices in games that felt somewhat unrelated to the overall setup of the game's world.
10 Dying Light
Developer Techland went from making games that people didn't remember to titles they don't stop speaking about. One such title is Dying Light, a successor to their famous Dead Island series. In 2022, Techland released the much-awaited sequel to their action-RPG zombie game.
But we are here to talk about the original one, which came out in 2015. Dying Light is an outstanding zombie game that has parkour-based traversal and combat. Apart from gameplay, the game has great visuals and art style that fit the vibe of the post-apocalyptic world. One thing that is a little off is the main menu theme, which seems like it belongs to a sci-fi game set in space.
9 Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Everybody knows the Call of Duty franchise, as they are some of the most successful console shooters ever. Since they are a part of a long-running series, these games have seen it all, from robots to zombies and more. Call of Duty games has showcased different theme throughout the years, like a world war, modern combat, and even futuristic warfare. However, the overall emphasis has always been on the military, which has a certain tone.
While most games have had these epic Hans Zimmer kind of themes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 shifted gears when it offered a bass-boosted dubstep beat in the form of "Adrenaline." It is also one of the few things people remember from Black Ops 2, which means the change of music style worked in favor of the game.
8 Red Dead Redemption
Here is an unpopular opinion. Far Away doesn't fit the vibe of Red Dead Redemption. Yes, the song did win the "Best Song in a Game" award at 2010's Spike Video Game Awards, but that is because it is really good on its own.
However, as good as it is, there's just something about it that doesn't go well with that era. Red Dead Redemption's story is from 1911, which means the music has to belong to that time. Far Away is a great song, but the mixing, guitar strumming, and reverb do not encapsulate the feel of the 1900s.
7 Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
The Grand Theft Auto series has over ten different games, most of which are great for their time. Apart from the open world, the best part about every GTA game is its soundtracks. There have been many iconic soundtracks that fit the game's vibe in the past.
Some examples are the hip-hop beat of San Andreas, the 80's Miami-style synth music of Vice City, and the gritty suspense drama theme of Grand Theft Auto 4. However, one game's main music doesn't fit its overall vibe, and that's Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.
6 Legendary
Not many people recall this game, and it is because it was one of the most mediocre titles on PlayStation 3. Still, if there's one thing that anyone who has played this game will remember, it is the main soundtrack, "Flashpoint."
It's a kick-ass beat with an amazing guitar in the back that catches everyone by surprise. But as good as the soundtrack is, it doesn't go well with the overall setting of the game. The game is about a supernatural incident in a modern-day timeline and should have an epic orchestral theme song.
5 Alien 3
Alien franchise video games are one of a kind and always have that touch of nostalgia. While newer games like Alien Isolation nail the atmosphere, things were not always the same back in the NES era.
Alien 3, the original Nintendo game, wasn't the most appreciated one, but it certainly offered an impressive sound design that is very different from any other Alien soundtracks ever. Everything about the Alien 3 Nintendo game is badass, from the title to the mission music. The only odd thing is that it does not go well with the overall vibe of the franchise.
4 Max Payne 3
Max Payne is a sad story of a man who lost his family and became a killing machine. Hence, the original music of Max Payne captures the feel of depression, sadness, anxiety, and pain. It's as perfect of music as it can be for any game ever.
However, Max Payne 3 shook things up by dragging the main character out of the dark and cold subways into the heat of Brazil. The game is fun, badass, and does a good job showing the next phase of Max's life. However, one memorable moment at the airport is when the song "Tears" starts playing and hits most people by surprise.
3 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Ubisoft's co-op masterpiece is a great game, years after its release, and it's all thanks to the consistent polish and work from developers. Like any other game, Siege has put a lot of effort into building each character and backstories and has an overall military espionage vibe.
So it is kind of mind-blowing that developers threw the game's seriousness out of the window for the Christmas update. Instead, they picked the main theme that doesn't fit Siege or the feel of Christmas. Thankfully, Ubisoft reset the music after the winter event was over.
2 Half-Life
Everyone who has played the Half-Life series knows why these games are so good. The environment, concepts, design, and gameplay are extremely good and polished to the day. Half-Life may be outdated in some aspects, but it still holds up in storyline and music.
Unfortunately, there's one good soundtrack in the game that doesn't go well with the sci-fi alien invasion vibe of the game, and that's the closing credits theme. It sounds like something that would play at a bar in Mass Effect's Citadel.
1 Control
Control was the 'game of the year' for many people in 2019, and for a specific reason. It's an action-packed game with a good gameplay design, unique puzzles, and a mind-boggling story. Additionally, Control has a great sound design that fits the eerie atmosphere of its world.
Except for the Ash Tray Maze level, which has "Take Control." While the Poets of the Fall song is a masterpiece on its own, it just plays out of nowhere in Control, making it seem out of place. At the same time, since the song is so good, its inclusion makes the entire Ashtray maze encounter feel unique and like one of the most badass moments in the game.