Summary
In the early 2000s, whenever I wanted to listen to video game music, I had to wait an hour to download each song and then burn it onto a blank CD. Wow. I’m officially “back in my day” old. Now, I can instantly listen to whatever video game music I want on my phone viaSpotify. Man, the future is wild.
Related:Rhythm Games That Let You Use Your Own Music
I have various Spotify playlists. Several are for working out. Dozens more are dedicated to different roles I’ve played as an actor. And, of course, I have the staple cry-in-bed-all-day-existential-dread playlist. There is video game music mixed in all of them. The music from these games often ends up in the queue.
5Final Fantasy 7
How could I write about my favorite video game music without mentioningFINAL FANTASY FREAKIN 7? (The answer is I couldn’t, nor could anyone else.) The battle theme alone,Let The Battles Begin!is one of the most recognizable tracks in gaming.
I was a tad too young to take on the two-disc juggernaut of a game when I was a child. But I played that bombing mission demo on my PlayStation religiously. And after each playthrough, the leaping brass introduction of Let The Battles Begin! seeped deeper into my absorbent kiddie brain.
Now that I’m older, I’ve revisited FF7’s music, much in part thanks to coveringTheatrhythmfor TG. And the wealth of dynamic range in this game’s soundtrack still stuns me. High-tension themes, likeJENOVA, can send my heart racing. Meanwhile, climactic ballads, likeAerith’s Theme, summon gentle tears from my eyes.
And for anyone butt hurt that I didn’t mentionOne-Winged Angelyet,
Estuans interius
Ira vehementi
Sephiroth!
4The Zero Escape Trilogy
The Zero Escape Trilogyis a series of games that asks, “What if SAW had more watches?” I kid. Mostly. There’s much more going on in this series than wrist accessories. These visual novels examine heavy themes, including high-concept pseudo-science, game theory, philosophy, and morality.
Also, there are plenty of bloody, gruesome deaths. Did I forget to mention that part?
Related:Best Mystery Visual Novels
If you’re a fan of electronic music, then you’ll understand why I enjoy Zero Escape’s tunes. These tracks are highly atmospheric, evoking a futuristic sci-fi feel. Furthermore, they illustrate the trilogy’s intense storyline eloquently.
For instance, the first Zero Escape title,999 (Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors), includes anxiety-inducing musical moments with heart-pounding percussion and blaring sirens. Then, the game balances these high-intensity moments with solemn instrumental pieces likeMorphogenetic Sorrow.
3Persona 3-5
The best adventure games have fantastic soundtracks (If I didn’t make that clear in my last two entries). The Persona series, P3 through P5, to be exact, further proves my point. Oddly enough,I’ve never played through any of these games. But I played the heck out of thePersona Dancing spin-offs!
And I’m glad I platinum-trophied all those spin-offs because they brilliantly showcased Persona’s diverse music. Each unique soundtrack perfectly emulates the world of the games they represent.
Persona 3, a game where high school students unalive themselves to unleash their alter ego, features existential head-bangers likeBurn My Dread. The more optimistic Persona 4 capitalizes on upbeat J-POP likeReach Out To The Truth. Finally, Persona 5’s phantom thieves steal hearts to jazzy tunes likeWake Up, Get Up, Get Out There!that instantly bring heist films like Ocean’s 11 to mind.
In short, there is a Persona soundtrack for any mood. Go ahead and blastShadow Worldover your local bar’s jukebox during a crowded Happy Hour! Your fellow patrons will thank you for it.WARNING: The previous claim was not tested. Readers assume all responsibility for the repercussions of blasting J-POP in a public venue that serves alcohol.
2Street Fighter
Street Fighteris one of the foundational games of my life. Don’t believe me?I’m the author of half the guides in this hub!Oh, by the way,I wrote a whole ranking of the mainline Street Fighter games. And, if you’re curious, I alsowrote extensively on the women of Street Fighter. Wait, Three interlinks in one paragraph? My editor’s reading this thinking, “YAS SLAYYYY! UP THAT ENGAGEMENT, KING!”
Editors Note: Yes, I am.
Related:Capcom Fighting Collection: The Best Remixes
Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo has some of the best hype music. When I’m on my last mile of a 5k, hearingGuile’s Themeputs me in the right mind space to push through to the end.Cammy’s Themedoes the trick as well. These tracks combine the best retro arcade sounds with unforgettable hooks!
Street Fighter 6 continues the tradition of straight-up bops! I’m listening to Ryu’s new theme,Viator(no relation to the travel website), as I write this, and it’s so good! It’s giving Kung Fu, Hollywood, Stakes, Drama, and Triumph! Yup, def adding this to the playlist.
1Dance Dance Revolution
Where do I even begin withDDR? This game taught me rhythm before I knew how to read music. It played a significant role in fostering my sonic taste and inclination toward Eurodance. (Come to think of it, I wonder ifLady Gagais a big DDR fan? And if so, what are her favorite songs?)
It’s no surprise that several Konami Originals circulate through my Spotify playlists. And the overlying theme is Paula Terry, the smooth-as-ribbon Australian vocalist featured in many Naoki tracks, likeCan’t Stop Fallin' In LoveandDynamite Rave.
That doesn’t meanallmy favorite DDR tracks have vocals. I could start a one-man dance party onBrilliant 2U (Orchestra Groove)or any of the dozens ofParanoiaremixes.
You know what. I don’t need to elaborate on this. Justread this other list I wrote earlier.
