Asking a group of gamers what the best video game soundtrack of all time is is like asking baseball fans who the best pitcher of all time is - there are sure to be very strong opinions and definitely a few heated arguments. For this list we've compiled some of the greatest video game music of all time, and we're leaving it up to you to decide which is best. In recent years games like Braid and Bastion have been praised for their beautiful songs, while older favorites seem to be Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy 7. Video game music can be good for different reasons. Some songs are epic, some sweet, some scary, intense, catchy, sad, etc... Whatever the reason, vote for the best video game soundtracks of all time. If one of your favorite games with great music is missing, feel free to add it to the list so it has a chance for other people to vote on it too. You can add a game from any console, whether it's an older platform like SNES or it's a newer game for PC. Just make sure it has an amazing soundtrack before throwing it with these other greats!
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's enchanting melodies whisk players away on a timeless adventure. With a soundtrack that tugs the heartstrings and sets the tone, it's no wonder this epic tale is considered a masterpiece in gaming history. From the haunting "Song of Storms" to the uplifting "Hyrule Field Theme," Ocarina of Time's auditory brilliance never misses a beat.
Final Fantasy VII's iconic soundtrack, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, is the lifeblood that pumps through this beloved RPG. Every tune, from the triumphant "One-Winged Angel" to the somber "Aerith's Theme," whisks you back into Cloud Strife's fantastical journey like a bolt from the blue. It's a symphonic experience that will leave you with goosebumps and a hankering for more.
Super Mario Galaxy sends players soaring through the cosmos with a soundtrack that's truly out of this world. Combining orchestral arrangements with classic Mario tunes, it's a joyous and adventurous soundscape that propels you through this gravity-defying quest. If you don't find yourself humming along, you might be lost in space.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim sweeps players into its Nordic world with a soundtrack that’s as vast and breathtaking as the game itself. Composer Jeremy Soule masterfully crafts an aural tapestry of dazzling orchestral themes that echo across snow-capped mountains and ancient crypts alike. In Skyrim, the music doesn't just set the scene—it steals the show.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker sets sail with a lively and delightful musical score that truly captures the spirit of adventure on the high seas. With soaring melodies and whimsical tunes, composer Koji Kondo's masterful hand steers players through island-hopping escapades and enchanted waters alike. Climb aboard — Wind Waker's music will carry you away.
Halo: Combat Evolved envelops players in an immersive sci-fi world with an ethereal and powerful score that's impossible to forget. Composer Martin O'Donnell fuses together otherworldly choir chants, pounding percussion, and electronic elements that charge you up like a plasma grenade. You've not experienced Halo until you've soaked in its sonic splendor.
Chrono Trigger's time-traveling escapade is brought to life with its rousing, unforgettable score. Composer Yasunori Mitsuda delivers a sonic odyssey for the ages, featuring tunes that linger in your mind long after the credits roll. With tracks teeming with emotion and energy, Chrono Trigger's soundtrack journey is worth taking time and time again.
Kingdom Hearts weaves together a rich and magical tapestry of beloved Disney classics and enchanting original compositions. Yoko Shimomura's heartfelt score tugs at your heartstrings as you join Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their epic quest to save the worlds. It's a heartwarming journey fueled by the power of friendship and music.
Super Mario 64 bursts onto the scene with a jaunty, iconic score that perfectly captures the groundbreaking three-dimensional platforming adventure. From the lively "Bob-omb Battlefield" theme to the serene "Dire, Dire Docks," Koji Kondo's ingenious compositions never fail to delight and surprise. Welcome to a new dimension in gaming and music alike.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's spooky and atmospheric score is the sonic backbone that supports its gothic horror setting. With a haunting mix of orchestral, rock, and even techno elements, this soundtrack sinks its fangs into your soul and refuses to let go. Every note is a bloodcurdling thrill that keeps players coming back for more.
Donkey Kong Country's catchy tunes will have you tapping your feet and grooving through jungle hijinks with a spring in your step. Composer David Wise crafts a funky, upbeat soundtrack that slaps harder than a barrel thrown by a burly gorilla. Trust us, once you bop along to the beats of Donkey Kong Country, you'll be hooked for life.
Final Fantasy VI treats players to an enthralling and emotional score that perfectly encapsulates the essence of each character and location. From the rousing "Terra's Theme" to the infamous "Dancing Mad," Nobuo Uematsu once again crafts an auditory experience that leaves you with shivers. This soundtrack is no mere sideshow—it's the star of the show.
Shadow of the Colossus towers above other games with an epic, chilling, and cinematic score that matches its massive titular beings. The wintry strings and haunting themes amplify the loneliness and grandeur of the world as you wander and battle colossal foes. It's a masterpiece that will leave you breathless and awestruck in equal measure.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask plunges players into a melancholic world shrouded in darkness, with a score that echoes the game's impending doom. Its eerie, mystical melodies are the perfect companion to Link's race against time, weaving a sense of urgency and mystery throughout. Majora's Mask proves that ominous tunes can be just as unforgettable as courageous ones.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past transports you to Hyrule with a rousing and heroic score that has become synonymous with adventure. Koji Kondo's masterful compositions blend seamlessly with classic Zelda themes, creating an immersive soundscape that'll have you hooked like a boomerang. To truly experience the magic of this game, let its music be your guide.
Final Fantasy X enchants players with its lush and moving soundtrack that carries them through a journey filled with love, loss, and heroism. Nobuo Uematsu's compositions shine in this fantastical tale of summoners and guardians, perfectly capturing moments of triumph, tenderness, and tragedy. It's a beautiful ballad that speaks to your very soul.
Silent Hill 2 creeps under your skin with a hauntingly beautiful and eerie soundtrack that amplifies the tension and terror around every corner. Composer Akira Yamaoka's atmospheric mix of melancholic melodies and industrial discord creates an unsettling ambiance that's as unforgettable as the game's twisted narrative. If you're not already afraid of the dark, Silent Hill 2's soundtrack might just change that.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess envelops you in a dark and magical world with a rich, atmospheric score that enhances every moment of Link's shadowy quest. Koji Kondo and Toru Minegishi craft a spellbinding audio experience that transports you to the troubled realm of Hyrule, weaving mystery, sorrow, and courage together with haunting precision. It's a beautiful beast of a soundtrack that will leave you howling for more.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's evocative soundtrack casts a spell over players as they traverse its dark and folkloric world. Featuring haunting vocals and acoustic instruments, each track excellently embodies the vast landscapes and nerve-wracking combat situations Geralt encounters. It's nothing short of witchcraft, the way this music enchants and enthralls.
Tetris drops players into its addictive, fast-paced world with an iconic chiptune soundtrack that's as simple and exhilarating as the game itself. From the catchy "Korobeiniki" theme to the frantic "A-Type" track, Hirokazu Tanaka's compositions will have you tapping your toes as you tap-tap away at those descending blocks. Tetris proves that when it comes to music, sometimes less is more.
Doom charges back onto the scene with Mick Gordon's scorching, adrenaline-pumping metal score that kicks like a shotgun blast. The fusion of electronic beats and face-melting riffs creates a relentless aural assault that fuels the game's fiery action. Doom's soundtrack is the war cry you need when taking on the legions of Hell.
Sonic the Hedgehog races onto the scene with a high-energy, melodious score that captures the thrill of leaping, spinning, and sprinting through its colorful levels. Composer Masato Nakamura masterfully blends catchy chiptunes with an infectious sense of speed, creating a fast-paced roller coaster of sound that keeps you on your toes. Gotta go fast? Sonic's soundtrack has got you covered.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 amps up the speed and energy of its predecessor with a pulse-pounding soundtrack that keeps you itching for more action. Composer Masato Nakamura returns with his signature blend of catchy chiptunes and driving rhythms, taking players on a whirlwind adventure that leaves hearts racing and fingers tapping. Strap on your sneakers — this high-octane sonic extravaganza won't wait for anyone.
Persona 5 steals your heart right off the bat with its funky, slick, and infectious soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the game's stylish aesthetic. Composer Shoji Meguro's jazzy beats and catchy hooks will have you dancing and grooving as you sleuth your way through this Phantom Thieves' saga. It's a heist so suave, you'll be begging for more.
NieR: Automata's mesmerizing and haunting score perfectly complements the game's dystopian setting and gut-wrenching narrative. Composer Keiichi Okabe expertly sculpts a beautiful, sorrowful soundscape that echoes the thrilling gameplay and poignant moments found throughout the game. This melancholy masterpiece is the ultimate accompaniment to 2B and 9S's android odyssey.
Minecraft's soothing, ambient soundtrack provides the perfect backdrop for endless crafting, mining, and exploration. Fittingly, C418's beautifully minimalist score underscores the endless possibilities of the game's blocky landscape, evoking a sense of peace and wonder that echoes throughout every corner of its vast sandbox. Build the soundtrack of your dreams in this pixelated paradise.
Kingdom Hearts II pulls out all the stops with an emotionally charged, majestic soundtrack that enhances every beat of Sora's thrilling journey. Yoko Shimomura's lush compositions blend Disney magic with heart-pounding original themes, creating a sonic world as vast and vibrant as the colorful realms you explore. Kingdom Hearts II is a tear-jerking, blood-pumping symphony for the ages.
Street Fighter II kicks off a revolution in gaming with a rollicking, high-octane soundtrack that matches its fast-paced, hard-hitting action. Yoshihiro Sakaguchi's distinctive score pummels your eardrums with a memorable mix of rock, funk, and electronic beats quick to turn you into a world warrior. Street Fighter II packs a punch musically as well as mechanically.
Doom's thumping, heavy metal soundtrack packs a one-two punch that matches the fierce, adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Composer Mick Gordon captures the unrelenting intensity of blasting through demonic hordes with an aggressive earworm that never relents. Strap on your headphones and crank up the volume—this soundtrack's ready to raise hell.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl smashes expectations with a titanic soundtrack that showcases the best compositions from the storied history of its stellar roster. From epic orchestral arrangements to quirky, heartwarming themes, you won't be able to resist settling the score in this cross-franchise extravaganza. When the fight is this intense, you need the music to match.
Cuphead takes gamers back in time with a rollicking, jazzy soundtrack that's as colorful and vibrant as the game's art-deco visuals. Composer Kristofer Maddigan delivers a toe-tapping score that bops along with every boss battle and run-and-gun level, keeping your spirits high as you dodge, shoot, and parry your way through its cartoon chaos. Set your dials to the golden age of animation—Cuphead's got the tunes to match!
Halo 2 takes the baton from its predecessor with an even more epic and pulse-pounding score that sends your senses into overdrive. Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori's brilliant fusion of haunting choirs, powerful orchestral themes, and head-banging rock riffs ensures that Master Chief's second outing is as explosive as ever. Queue up the Warthog music—this soundtrack's set for a wild ride.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest continues the franchise's tradition of funky, toe-tapping tunes that perfectly accompany the dynamic duo's rollicking adventure. Composer David Wise returns with a vengeance, blending tropical rhythms, jazzy beats, and atmospheric melodies to craft a fresh and exciting soundtrack that proves lightning can strike twice. Grab your headphones and get ready to groove through this thrilling quest.
Metal Gear Solid infiltrates your senses with a dramatic, atmospheric score befitting its intense stealth action and complex narrative. Composers Tappi Iwase, Kazuki Muraoka, and the rest of their team deliver a riveting audio experience that plunges you headfirst into Solid Snake's shadowy world, leaving you hanging on every note. When stealth is key, it's all about the music.
Super Mario Bros. 3 catapults players into a fantastical world filled with mushroom kingdoms, airships, and magic flutes with its iconic, exuberant score. Composer Koji Kondo's whimsical tunes expertly capture the high-flying fun of Mario's most ambitious adventure yet, proving that sometimes the simplest melodies can leave the most lasting impressions. Grab your raccoon suit and let's-a-go!
Final Fantasy IX enchants players with a wistful, heartwarming score that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and whimsy that permeates its magical world. Nobuo Uematsu's compositions are rich with emotion and charm, sweeping you off your feet and whisking you through a tale of love, friendship, and personal growth. Embark on a journey of self-discovery with a soundtrack that will steal your heart away.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 sends players hurtling back into the cosmos with a high-flying, whimsical soundtrack filled to the brim with orchestral marvels and interstellar grooves. Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo build on their previous work to create a soaring audio experience that proves once again that there's no adventure too big for Mario and his trusty Luma sidekick. Blast off into auditory bliss with this celestial delight.
Mega Man 2 blasts its way into gamers' hearts with an unforgettable chiptune score that fuses together rock, electronica, and pure adrenaline. Composers Takashi Tateishi and Manami Matsumae craft aurally explosive tracks that match the game's high-speed, robotic action, proving that even 8-bit tunes can pack a serious punch. This is one metal medley you don't want to miss.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City takes a nostalgic trip back to the '80s with a neon-soaked soundtrack that perfectly captures the decade's spirit. Featuring an eclectic mix of classic rock, pop, and dance tracks, this toe-tapping tunescape will have you grooving through the seedy underbelly of Vice City with a smile on your face. Slip into your best pastel suit and cue up the synthesizers — it's time to party like it's 1986.
Super Mario World leaps into the 16-bit era with an exuberant, colorful soundtrack that radiates joy and adventure. Composer Koji Kondo adroitly expands upon his iconic melodies with richer instrumentation and bolder arrangements, resulting in an auditory journey that's as vibrant and diverse as the game's many varied stages. It's a me, Mario, and I'm here to make your ears happy.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas continues the franchise's tradition of using music to immerse players in its gritty, sprawling world. Boasting a killer soundtrack spanning multiple genres and decades, this auditory collage perfectly captures the essence of early '90s California, from gangsta rap to alternative rock. With music this good, you'll never want to leave the streets of Los Santos.
Castlevania whips up a storm with its darkly catchy, adrenaline-pumping chiptunes that perfectly complement the game's gothic horror setting. The iconic score from Kinuyo Yamashita and Satoe Terashima will have you humming along as you navigate Dracula's treacherous castle and face down its monstrous denizens. With an 8-bit soundtrack this good, it's no wonder the game's become a classic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion beckons players into its sprawling, open-world fantasy with a richly evocative score composed by Jeremy Soule. With majestic orchestral themes that soar alongside the game's breathtaking landscapes, the soundtrack perfectly captures each moment of wonder and exploration. Step into Cyrodiil and let its enchanting melodies be your guide.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate brings together the greatest hits from gaming with a colossal, star-studded soundtrack worthy of its epic crossover roster. Featuring adrenaline-fueled remixes and beloved originals, this auditory tour de force elevates each thrilling battle to new heights. It's a symphonic showdown you'll never forget.
Journey transports players through its stunning, emotional odyssey with a sweeping score that's as gorgeous and mesmerizing as the game's visuals. Austin Wintory's Grammy-nominated composition masterfully combines lush orchestration and ethereal melodies to create an unforgettable musical experience that will leave you speechless. Embark on a journey that transcends time and space with this timeless masterpiece.
The Last of Us delivers a haunting, emotional, and raw score that perfectly encapsulates the game's gritty, post-apocalyptic setting. Award-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla crafts a poignant yet minimalist soundscape filled with sorrowful strings and haunting melodies that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. It's an auditory journey as unforgettable as the game itself.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild breaks new ground with a minimalist yet captivating score that perfectly complements its vast open world. Tinged with subtle piano melodies and hints of classic themes, this sparse, enigmatic soundtrack heightens the sense of freedom and mystery that pervades every corner of Hyrule. With Breath of the Wild, less is truly more.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind beckons players into a sprawling, alien world with a hypnotic and atmospheric soundtrack that captures the essence of exploration and discovery. Jeremy Soule's haunting and evocative score acts as the perfect companion to your journeys through Vvardenfell's vast landscapes, echoing in your ears long after you've set the game aside. Lose yourself in the music, and find your way in Morrowind.
Assassin's Creed II transports players to Renaissance Italy with a sweeping and atmospheric score that breathes life into its sprawling, intricate world. Jesper Kyd's masterful fusion of haunting vocals, stirring strings, and pulsing electronic beats provides the perfect accompaniment to Ezio Auditore's journey of vengeance and discovery. Parkour your way to victory with this unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag hoists the Jolly Roger and sets sail for the Golden Age of Piracy with a rousing, swashbuckling score that perfectly complements the game's high-seas adventures. Brian Tyler's thrilling compositions blend orchestral majesty with the rollicking spirit of a shanty, creating an unforgettable soundtrack that'll have you yearning for the open ocean. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!
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