Music and video games are the perfect combo. You can never fully experience the immersive world you’re only getting into or a familiar one you’ve missed dearly, without the company of a soundtrack. Without a soundtrack, your gaming becomes less of an experience and more of a task.
The music establishes and enhances the game’s atmosphere, so when moments of tension, drama, warmth, and everything in between come, they become a bit more memorable. So when you put the controller down for a quick snack or a brief return to the real world, you know you’ll be humming the melodies as if you’re still immersed in that digital world.
From the wonders of misadventures to the thrills of a captivating story, Billboard Philippines highlights some of the best video game soundtracks of all time. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of a fantasy epic or the electrifying pulse of an action-packed adventure, these soundtracks serve as a gateway to the very heart of the game.
Minecraft
The original soundtrack of Minecraft, composed by Daniel Rosenfeld (C418), captures the essence of the game’s open-world experience. As you build and explore in either Creative or Survival mode, the tracks create a sense of calm that perfectly complements the ever-expanding world of the game. Even for first-time players just starting, there’s a touch of nostalgia in the songs from the soundtrack. It truly feels like you’re right at the comfort of your home, surrounded by villagers and the world you’ve built.
LittleBigPlanet
Taking us back to the heyday of the PlayStation 3, LittleBigPlanet is a 2008 puzzle platformer that centers on a customizable ragdoll named Sackboy. Players take on the role of Sackboy as he embarks on a creative adventure through various levels and environments, solving puzzles and exploring the world of content creation. Its soundtrack, composed by Kenneth Young, Daniel Pemberton, and Mat Clark, adds a playful and whimsical blend of genres that perfectly complements the game’s imaginative and creative worldbuilding.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty, the long-running military first-person shooter video game series, is known for its compelling campaigns, intense multiplayer modes, and action on a cinematic scale. Each game in the series features a soundtrack that enhances the realism and grit of the overall gameplay. Of course, 2009’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is no exception. Its soundtrack, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, the latter scoring the last two Mission: Impossible films, adds even more depth and grandeur to this installment.
Sable
Set in a gorgeous open world, Sable draws heavy inspiration for its artistic aesthetics from French artist Moebius (Silver Surfer: Parable) and the gameplay style of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game follows a young girl named Sable as she embarks on a rite of passage called the Gliding, in an adventure through self-discovery. To top it all off, the calm and serene atmosphere is perfectly complemented by the soundtrack, composed by none other than Japanese Breakfast.
Persona 5
The beloved and critically acclaimed role-playing game, Persona 5, follows a group of high school students in modern-day Tokyo who become Phantom Thieves, aiming to expose the crimes of corrupt adults, only to find themselves caught in a global conspiracy. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is a perfect blend of jazz, rock, and electronic elements that captures the rebellious themes and stylish aesthetic of the game. From the fast-paced combat to the introspective moments, the music adds depth to every aspect of high school life and on a much larger scale.
Doom (2016)
The original Doom video game popularized the first-person shooter genre, with the term “Doom clone” being used for those that came after. Players take on the role of an unnamed space marine, also known as the “Doom Slayer,” battling against demonic forces on Mars and in Hell. For the 2016 reboot, Australian composer Mick Gordon, along with contributions from sound designer Richard Devine, provided a score that is a mix of industrial, metal, and electronic, composing different soundscapes for the worlds of Mars and Hell.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim boasts a massive open world filled with engaging stories and a modding community that has kept the game relevant even a decade after its release. Set in the fantasy world of Tamriel, the classic hero’s journey follows the Dragonborn, who is destined to defeat the ancient dragon Alduin and save the world from destruction. Composer Jeremy Soule provides the game’s score. The orchestral arrangements and choral elements perfectly complement the mood and tone of exploring the game’s landscapes, engaging in battles, and encountering dragons.
The Last of Us
With a hit HBO television series garnering critical acclaim, the source material is equally celebrated. Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us is a gut-wrenching video game set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows a survivor named Joel and Ellie, who may hold the key to finding a cure for the fungal infection that destroyed humanity. The story explores themes of survival, loss, and emotional hardship, making it brutal to experience and even harder to play again. The celebrated original game and its story wouldn’t be as emotional and heartbreaking without the original score by Gustavo Santaolalla, featuring acoustic guitar and soft percussion that capture the despair and somber atmosphere.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
What’s not to love about a racing game that’s fun to play and a soundtrack that bangs? Regarded as one of the best entries in the series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch offers a blend of fast-paced racing, exciting visuals, and a deep roster of beloved characters. Not to mention its soundtrack, which is twice as fun to listen to as you race past your opponents and make it to the finish line first. With orchestral arrangements, funky jazz, and electronic beats, the adrenaline rush is there as you play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Shy Guy, among others.
Plants vs. Zombies
Imagine this: you’re at your computer after a long day at school. You’ve finished your homework (or maybe not), and you’re ready to spend hours defending your home with the ever-reliable plants from the incoming horde of slow but pesky zombies. Plants vs. Zombies certainly has its quirks, capturing that sense of nostalgia and immersing you in its lighthearted and charming soundtrack by Laura Shigihara. It’s the perfect complement, adding a sense of urgency, humor, and wonder that makes each playthrough so enjoyable and nostalgic.
Batman: Arkham City
When Batman: Arkham Asylum was released in 2009, it reinvented what it meant to be the Caped Crusader in the world of video games. In 2011, gamers were gifted with one of the greatest superhero games ever: Batman: Arkham City. Along with immersive gameplay that puts players into the crime-ridden district of the titular Arkham City, Batman is confronted by his iconic rogues’ gallery. The game also features stellar gameplay, amazing voice acting, and a rich, atmospheric soundtrack by Nick Arundel and Ron Fish. The world of Gotham is best felt through a score that captures the dark and brooding narrative of the overall experience of becoming the Dark Knight.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Insomniac’s Spider-Man for the PlayStation 4 immerses players in an open-world New York City, allowing them to experience the dual identities of the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Peter Parker. Apart from the fun exploration of a variety of Spidey suits, the story, web-slinging gameplay, and combat are perfectly complemented by the soundtrack composed by John Paesano. You get to be the iconic Marvel superhero and perform all the heroics right at the heart of the Big Apple. Not to mention, you’ll face off against some of his most iconic villains, from the menacing Mister Negative to the brute force of Kingpin. The soundtrack adds to the long list of amazing scores from previous films, from Sam Raimi’s original trilogy to the Andrew Garfield films.
Stardew Valley
A farming simulation game wouldn’t be as exciting and memorable if its soundtrack didn’t capture the very essence of the story and gaming experience. Luckily, Stardew Valley‘s soundtrack, composed by creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), perfectly complements the serene slice-of-life experience. Whether building relationships with townspeople or engaging in activities like farming and fishing, the music creates a feeling of relaxation and a laid-back atmosphere. Its soundtrack wouldn’t be considered iconic and memorable without the fans who would do anything to experience the score live in a full orchestral arrangement.