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Same rules as I've had with other similar lists, one game per franchise, etc etc.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
There are some who may yet crucify me for putting Skyrim this low on the list. But remember, we're talking specifically about the soundtrack. And while it has probably the best game main theme in recent history Dragonborn, the rest of the soundtrack doesn't have many catchy or memorable tunes.
However, to its credit, that wasn't the point of the soundtrack in Skyrim. It wasn't meant to have a variety of lasting themes for each moment but the entire score as a whole (as it is with many Elder Scrolls games) was meant to be a symphonic ambiance for the game.
We play the game and the score responds actively to the scene, meaning that we are never out of tune with the circumstances. This, as a result, doesn't mean we relive the same songs over and over again, but constantly are given something fresh. The score can hardly be penalized for that, but still I rate Skyrim as the number 10 spot.
9. Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Mad that Skyrim got beaten out by a Sega Genesis game? Name three titles of songs in Skyrim. Now name three titles of songs from Sonic The Hedgehod 2.
You were thinking of this, this and this.
You're welcome.
For the record, I was torn between the soundtrack from this, Sonic Adventure 2 and the original. While the original had some great tracks to be sure it didn't quite meet the bar of Sonic 2. And Sonic Adventure 2 is... well it's a mixed bag. If it weren't for the Tails and Knuckles stage tracks then I might have rated it higher. Sonic 2 just had a perfectly scored memorable soundtrack that didn't skimp or cut corners.
8. Kingdom Hearts
What? You're putting Kingdom Hearts and NOT Kingdom Hearts 2? Well while the battle music in Kingdom Hearts 2 is very nice I feel like some of the tracks in the second one were a little too repetitive. It's nice to have a recurring motif, but I feel like they dragged this a little too far and the game suffers from an expansive library of music which, while not bad, doesn't invite the same fond memories as the original.
And if nostalgia isn't a valid reason enough for you, how about because Kingdom Hearts 2 included "Swim This Way"? That instantly throws it off the list. Also some of the best tracks from 1 were ripped right into 2 so that's not fair. Afterall we could honestly judge Kingdom Hearts by the first few songs that play in the game. Musically it appeals to everbody.
For your longtime SQUARE fans there is a beautiful piano prelude Dearly Beloved.
For your, shall we say, Rainichan demographic we've got an above average JPOP song as our opening cutscene Hikari which later gets a beautiful orchestrated version which sounds on paper like it shouldn't work, but it does (but I digress).
For the person who wants a deep and epic storyline, the next track acts as a wonderful bit of foreshadowing Dive Into The Heart -Destati- .
And then to remind us that this is a family game, a nice kid friendly island theme is the first place we visit with Destiny Islands.
I've ranted enough. I think you get the picture. Moving on.
7. Super Mario Brothers
I was originally going to make Super Mario 64 the contender in this spot. I had written about a paragraph defending the decision when something hit me. "When you think about Mario, what's the first damn thing that comes to your mind?"
This.
Yes, Admittedly the Super Mario Brothers soundtrack consists of about six songs, but those six songs have formed the basis for every other mario soundtrack since. That theme is the most recognized video game theme song of all time for crying out loud!
And let's not forget it was Shigeru Miyamoto himself who originally came up with that theme. If the man who arguably saved video games thinks it's good, then so should you!
Hey it's way better than this!
6. Pokemon Red & Blue
Come on, admit it. You played these games when you were a kid. And you play them now. And while you may have moved onto the newer generations, the original gameboy games are the themes you know and love.
The Opening Theme got your little 8 year old self excited. This was the moment you were like:
I'M GONNA BE A POKEMON MASTER!!!!
One of my favorite tracks in the game is the Gym Leader Battle. I would literally leave my gameboy playing the theme instead of battling because it was so awesome. This song takes motifs from the other battle themes but spins them in a triumphant, almost gladiatorial way. From Brock to Giovanni, when I heard this theme, I knew shit just got real!
And an odd one to end on, but this is true. This was the first Gameboy song that I actually found legitimately creepy. Who can forget Lavendar Town. That'll scare the crap out of you as a kid!
5. Donkey Kong Country
Look, I'm not going to really go in depth on this game. I just want to share with you these.
Main Theme
Aquatic Ambience
Ice Cave Chant
Fear Factory
AND OF COURSE: DK Island Swing
Okay. Listen to them all? Okay. Now YOU can tell ME why I put this at the number 5 spot.
Thes tracks are legendary, memorable, and incredible quality for SNES. I wouldn't be surprised to find these tracks in even an N64 or PSOne game! The variety, the attention to detail, and that's less than 1/6 of the soundtrack that I gave you!
Everybody brings up Gang Plank Galleon and it's cool (or should I say Kool) and all, but I think the song that proves this games worth as a soundtrack is actually the very moving end credits theme . I mean listen to how much effort and care is put into this ending theme! Simply amazing!
4. Wild Arms 3
Hey look, it's that game that Jason Tandro never shuts up about on another one of his lists! Well yes, Wild Arms 3 is once again on this list. But it had to be. The western aesthetic is carried out into musically so beautifully and while I called out Kingdom Hearts 2 for carrying a musical motif too far this game actually handled it well. It called back to the old western serials of the 60s and 70s as well as a modern touch.
Let's check out some of these tracks!
The Overture alone sets the mood and tone of the game. The whistle in the distance, the sound of a thunderstorm and train engine slowly builds the mood as a guitar wails. A harmonica lets out a strain backed up by a pan flute. A deep bass line hits as the train engine sounds. The brakes SCREECH and the percussion picks up. The guitar races along with your heart as a pizzicato string fills in the holes. This is the essence of western.
The World Map is another great example of this. The fact that the entire song is basically played on a guitar, banjo and whistle with some occasional additional instruments gives the impression of a small band traveling along the wasteland with the sound of nature chipping in as they travel through the wilds.
Crossfire Sequence, the theme that plays whenever you battle Janus is an example of the modern influences. This takes a western sound but as a definitively "action movie" turn with a heavy percussion and grinding bass line.
These are only a few of the great tracks in this game, so seriously this is a soundtrack you'll want to check out!
3. Chrono Trigger
Anybody who has played this game knows exactly what I'm talking about. The music really tells the story of this game. If you have the soundtrack, you don't need the game. Listen to it all the way through and you can almost tell what happens. Each major point is so musically distinct it hits you hard.
For instance the main prelude of the game To Dear Friends is a wonderfully soothing piece and it brings about all your memories of the game if you've played it. If you haven't, it has the same stirring effect. Familiar, somehow.
Then you launch into the main Chrono Trigger theme which mixes the sounds of a far off future and keen past as though the adventure themes of a science fiction story and medieval fantasy have blended.
And need I even mention the character specific themes. I think it's universally accepted that everybody's favorite theme is Frog's Theme, which i think perfectly sums up his character. Strong, honorbale, loyal and dedicated are played out in a military cadence with a solitary flute.
Again, this is a soundtrack you just need to check out.
2. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
I'll admit, I was kind of looking for which game people would hate me the least for selecting, but Ocarina of Time probably does have the greatest overall soundtrack, with maybe Link To The Past or Wind Waker giving it the biggest run for its money.
I mean the game was centered around music! A theme that worked out so good for Zelda that they did the exact same thing for the next 6 games! (save Minish Cap).
For starters, the game reinvented the Hyrule Field theme, and frankly, I think I like this a bit better than the original Legend of Zelda theme. It captures that same sense of adventure, even pays nod to the original theme in a few bars, but still makes it fresh and exciting.
And of course there is an amazing update to the Zelda's Lullaby theme.
If I had to choose a favorite track, it's probably Gerudo Valley. This track was unlike anything we'd heard in a Zelda game up to this point and there is such artistry in the guitar work. It's almost like the song is daring you to call it a cookier cutter video game track.
And finally, I have to show it: Ganondorf's Theme. How can something so simple be so menacing? I don't know, but Koji Kondo found a way.
Without a doubt, the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time had a phenomenal soundtrack.
So what could possibly beat out Zelda?
1. Final Fantasy 6
Okay, stop groaning. Yes, I am a Final Fantasy fanboy. Yes, I rant on too much about Final Fantasy. And even if you are a fanboy too you might be saying "why not put Final Fantasy 1-5 or 8-XIII? Or 7 (most likely)?}"
To you people, I say, shut up and listen to this soundtrack. I mean go out, acquire the soundtrack and listen to every... single... track....
There is not a goddamn weak link in the entire soundtrack from start to finish. They did everything with this soundtrack perfect.
Opening Theme
World Map Theme
Boss Theme
Forever Rachel
Locke's Theme
Empire's Theme
Kefka's Theme
And I have to stop myself now, but there are dozens of more songs I want to put on there! I mean seriously asking me to choose a favorite song is practically impossible because I love them all so much.
And to end this let's not forget that this game had probably the best battle theme in Final Fantasy history for its end game and followed it up with the best ending credits song of ANY Video Game ever!
Dancing Mad
Ending Credits, Part 1
Ending Credits, Part 2
So yeah, this game soundtrack is easily the best entire soundtrack in video game history and it lives on in the memories of any who have played it. Nobuo Uematsu's finest work!
It's one of those levels I get really angry at every time, actually.
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