Best Video Game Soundtracks

The Sonic the Hedgehog 2 soundtrack is iconic for its catchy and energetic melodies that defined the sound of 16-bit era platforming games. Its themes, such as 'Emerald Hill Zone' and 'Chemical Plant Zone,' became instantly recognizable and set a precedent for video game music, influencing countless subsequent compositions.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's soundtrack is iconic and groundbreaking, setting new standards for video game music with its innovative use of interactive melodies and memorable themes that evoke deep emotions. Its influence extends to countless composers and subsequent games, solidifying its place as a milestone in video game music history.

The soundtrack of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is iconic for its gothic and melancholic atmosphere, utilizing a blend of classical and rock music that set a new standard for video game musical composition. Its melodies, such as 'Dracula's Castle' and 'Lost Painting,' are instantly recognizable and have influenced countless subsequent composers.

The soundtrack of Super Mario 64 revolutionized video game music with its innovative use of catchy melodies and orchestrations that evoked a sense of adventure and discovery. Its iconic themes set a new standard for musical composition in 3D games, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of composers.

Undertale's soundtrack, primarily composed by Toby Fox, is iconic for its masterful use of musical themes that evolve and adapt to the player's choices. Its catchy and emotional melodies, ranging from cheerful to melancholic, have left an indelible mark on players' memories and influenced other developers.

The Hollow Knight soundtrack stands out for its melancholic and evocative atmosphere, which perfectly complements the exploration of the vast and mysterious world of Hallownest. Its immersive sound design and memorable musical themes have influenced the conception of soundtracks for independent games, setting a new standard for quality and emotional depth.

Garry Schyman's score for BioShock Infinite is instrumental in immersing players in its dystopian world. Its compositions evoke deep nostalgia and melancholy, while simultaneously underscoring the narrative's tension and drama, elements that have made it a benchmark in video game sound design.

The Kingdom Hearts soundtrack is iconic for its masterful fusion of epic orchestral melodies and emotional themes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that elevated the game's narrative. Its composition, by Yoko Shimomura, introduced memorable arrangements and a distinctive use of leitmotifs that have profoundly influenced music in video games.

The soundtrack of Final Fantasy VII, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is iconic for its masterful orchestration and memorable themes that evoke deep emotions and define key moments in the game. Its influence extends across generations of video game composers, setting a standard for musical storytelling in the medium.

The Final Fantasy X soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, is iconic for its emotive orchestration and the unforgettable main theme 'To Zanarkand'. Its masterful use of choirs and recurring themes helped define the epic scale and emotional depth expected from JRPG soundtracks, influencing subsequent composers.

Its iconic role in gaming history, blending classic rock, alt, and ambient industrial trip-hop to create a deeply immersive experience.