When it comes to gaming, there are a variety of factors that contribute to a truly immersive and captivating playing experience. While graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling typically take center stage, another key aspect that should never be overlooked is the importance of a high-quality soundtrack.
The potential impact of a well-crafted and thoughtfully implemented musical score in gaming cannot be overstated. Much like it does in cinema, a good soundtrack can enhance emotions, set the tone, create atmosphere, and elevate the overall gameplay experience to new heights. Whether it's the triumphant melodies during epic boss battles or the haunting tunes that accompany quieter, character-building moments, a good soundtrack has the power to further transport players into the game world and leave a lasting impression on their journey.
6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Boasts A Folk-Focused, Atmospheric Sound
Marcin Przybyłowicz's sweeping, often darkly melancholic score sets a well-fit stage for Geralt's adventures in the vast and dangerous world of The Witcher. The beloved fantasy epic is enhanced by its soundtrack, which often functions as a curious blend of orchestral mayhem and Eastern European folk music.
The powerful, evocative Sword of Destiny functions as the game's main theme, quickly helping to hook players into a hazardous world of monsters and magic. Tracks like Ladies of the Woods and Wolven Storm are especially effective in capturing the essence of Geralt's encounters with mythical creatures as well as his complex, often troubled relationships with other characters. Przybyłowicz's ability to blend a variety of both cinematic and old-fashioned, folksy genres creates an unforgettable musical experience that resonates with players as a key sensory aspect of their gaming experience no matter how many times they play it. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's soundtrack serves as a vital component in building the game's immersive and captivating world, making it among the finest the gaming industry has ever heard.
5 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Enjoys A Suitably Epic Soundtrack For The Dragonborn's Adventures
From the instantly recognizable main theme to the thrilling action music, Jeremy Soule's majestic score successfully immerses players in the vast fantasy world of Skyrim. The fan-favorite Elder Scrolls installment is a tour de force in all things swords and sorcery, and Soule's impressive work provides the perfect audio background to the proceedings.
From the sweeping Dragonborn theme that heralds the player's arrival, to the peaceful, almost mystical melodies of tracks like Secunda, the soundtrack consistently enhances the game's sense of adventure and wonder. Soule cleverly captures a different essence for each region and encounter as well, giving the game's many exciting locations their own atmospheres and vibes. This talent is especially apparent in tracks like Streets of Whiterun and the blisteringly epic Sovngarde. The orchestral compositions, combined with the choir's powerful vocals, create a brilliantly immersive and captivating musical experience that complements the imaginative thrills of the Dragonborn's perilous journey.
4 Halo: Combat Evolved's Soundtrack Added To Its Status As A Watershed Moment In Action Gaming
Bungie director Martin O'Donnell's atmospheric, often epic soundtrack perfectly captured the intensity and grandeur of the Halo universe. The main theme, with its haunting chants and mesmerizing melodies, quickly proved itself to be an iconic piece of gaming history.
Tracks like Brothers in Arms and Truth and Reconciliation Suite also create a sense of awe and wonder. The intense percussive blasts of The Maw, meanwhile, amplify the game's exhilarating climax. O'Donnell's impressive knack for seamlessly blending diverse themes throughout the game creates a cohesive and immersive musical experience. Unsurprisingly, his work has become synonymous with the Halo franchise and with first-person shooters in general. Upon release back in 2002, Halo: Combat Evolved quickly established itself as a new top dog in the gaming world. Along with the legendary Master Chief protagonist, a great supporting cast, and thrilling gameplay, O'Donnell's seminal music was a key aspect of the game's glowing success and acclaim.
3 Final Fantasy 7 Provided The Peak of Music In Gaming At The Time Of Its Release
Nobuo Uematsu's beloved score for the iconic Final Fantasy 7 is a remarkable musical journey that elevated the emotional depth of this beloved RPG. Setting a new gold standard for music in gaming upon its initial 1997 release, the game still holds up to this day as a musical masterclass.
The poignant Aerith's Theme is a fine example of how music can capture a character, as it complements the leading character Aerith Gainsborough's troublesome journey within the game perfectly. Uematsu also shows his diverse talent by expertly inserting moments of everything from whimsy and joy with tracks like Golden Saucer to heart-pounding intensity with the iconic One-Winged Angel. The soundtrack manages to seamlessly blend orchestral elements with synth-driven beats. The hybrid sound leads to a unique and unforgettable musical experience that has gamers and critics alike still talking to this day. Uematsu's compositions not only enhance the narrative and characters but also serve as a standalone masterpiece that ultimately transcended the world of gaming and left fans longing for a remake on more recent consoles.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2 Enjoys A Thoughtful, Setting-Appropriate Soundtrack
The poignant cocktail of Woody Jackson's atmospheric soundtrack and Daniel Lanois' emotional vocals managed to capture the essence of the Wild West better than any game before it. The result was an even better gaming experience than expected for players, many of whom got completely immersed in the tragic journey of Arthur Morgan.
The hauntingly soulful That's the Way It Is by Lanois is a show stealer that evokes a melancholic longing. Its placement near the end of the game ties in perfectly with Morgan's reflections on his troubled life as he prepares for the fatal climax of his arc in the game. Other tracks such as Outlaws from the West and the use of famed folk track The House of the Rising Sun successfully capture intense, action-packed moments of the game as well. Jackson's penchant for creating a musical backdrop that complements players' time on the atmospheric, often emotional Rockstar epic is nothing short of remarkable throughout. The thoughtful, tonally appropriate soundtrack is a neat showcase of the power music can have in the gaming medium. It successfully enhances the tension of the narrative while also managing to set the perfect tone for one of the eighth generation's finest gaming experiences.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remains A Flawless Piece Of Game Soundtracking
The classic Nintendo 64 epic garnered universal acclaim for its gameplay, storyline, and cutscenes. Another key aspect of its acclaim can be found in Koji Kondo's masterpiece soundtrack, which introduced players to iconic melodies that have since become synonymous with the Zelda series.
For longtime players of the beloved series, the haunting classic Zelda's Lullaby instantly conjures up feelings of nostalgia, while the epic Gerudo Valley theme still fills players with a sense of adventure and excitement to this day. The use of the ocarina, a wind-focused vessel instrument, as an essential gameplay element managed to create a surprisingly immersive experience, with melodies like Saria's Song and Song of Storms being as key to the game as its action-packed gameplay and themes in creating the essential Zelda experience. Kondo's ability to craft memorable and emotionally resonant compositions sets this soundtrack apart as one of the greatest of all time and a classic that remains in the top 25 years later.