One of the unsung heroes behind all games, be they good or bad is the music that sets the tone for everything that’s transpiring within them. A nice melody can be the difference between a good game and a great one, just as a bad melody can spoil an otherwise wonderful adventure.
In this list we’ll be covering musical scores. Looking at each game and some of their noteworthy hymns, I’ll address what I believe to be the best musical arrangements in video game history. Any genre of music is on the table; be it orchestral, Japanese, 8-bit, you name it. If it’s good enough, it’ll be on this list.
The criteria in this process is simple; we’ll be looking at games that have an impressive series of songs. A title with 1 great gem most likely won’t make the cut, as it’ll be up against games containing 3 or 4 amazing melodies. Of the games cataloged, we’ll rank the very best 1st – 10th, basing our decision solely on quality of music available throughout the entire game. So, without further-ado, it’s time to get started. Put on your headphones and get ready, this is going to be noisy.
[promo title=”10. Super Mario Galaxy” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Starting with a franchise that’s no stranger to wonderful music, Super Mario Galaxy takes the #10 spot with its beautiful orchestral style. Containing such classics as, Good Egg Galaxy and Rosalina’s Storybook, players are swept away into a magical world that truly succeeded in rebooting the mega-popular series. However, seeing as how Mario Galaxy was amazing anyway, the musical score only stood to improve an already great game.
[promo title=”9. Legend of Dragoon” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Taking the #9 spot is a title that many may find surprising to be here. However, after taking one listen of Dart’s Theme you’ll see why I had to include it on this list. Joining Dart’s classic are Lloyd’s Theme and a Boss Battle Theme that gets the blood pumping like few others before it. For all of you video game nerds out there who also like to pump iron (so… no one), the Legend of Dragoon soundtrack is for you!
[promo title=”8. Halo 3″ button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Never Forget (get it?), the amazingly sad arrangement found in Halo 3. At the time I thought it was the greatest song I’d ever heard in a video game, having been swept up in the moment. Take into account that Never Forget is not alone in this title, with songs like Unforgotten matching it in excellence, and you’re left with a game that, musically-speaking, is surpassed by very few.
[promo title=”7. Zelda – A Link to the Past” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Two things you can always count on in a Zelda title are an amazing story and an even better soundtrack. With Zelda being quite possibly the best musical franchise in video game history. Zelda: A Link to the Past is no exception, as it set the standard for future titles with this release. Containing such masterpieces as the Over World Theme as well as the Dark World Theme, A Link to the Past made players feel like they were truly part of an epic adventure while slashing their way to glory.
[promo title=”6. Mario 64″ button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcPSbkS9TQ
Dire Dire Docks is still my favorite song of any Mario game – bar-none. Seriously, just click play up there. Is that not incredible? This was my ring-tone at one time. That is, until I realized it wasn’t bringing in the ladies at the rate I’d hoped for (sorry to dash your hopes, fellas). Joining this amazing melody is Inside the Castle Walls, a song that shouldn’t be that good. After all, on its face it’s just a song about being inside of castle walls… but when it comes to this game even the most mundane of experiences are elevated to a higher level by great compositions such as those mentioned.
[promo title=”5. Okami” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpuGNH75pUc
I’m probably going to get lynched for putting this title at #5, as many believe it to contain the best score of all time; and while I will admit that Reset and The Sun Rises are insanely good songs, especially for fans of Japanese music, I’m not convinced the titles are worthy of a spot higher than #5. Sorry, Okami fans, but this is where I stand on the matter. But don’t you worry, I’m sure the sun will rise again :).
[promo title=”4. Final Fantasy X” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8
What can be said about Final Fantasy X that hasn’t already been said? This game is simply incredible. With a story and graphical interface that was ahead of its time, arrangements like those in To Zanarkand, Fleeting Dream, and the Ending Theme take a game that’s already amazing and cement its legacy as one of the best ever created. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll listen to To Zanarkand as I write the rest of this article. Yeah, it’s that good.
[promo title=”3. Super Mario World” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Who doesn’t love the music to Super Mario World? I have a confession to make, I’m not even a huge fan of the Super Mario World game. I know, I know, such an admission is high-treason, punishable by death on a site dedicated to gamers. But, despite my disinterest in the game at-large, songs such as Athletic, Castle, and Ending make me want to play this game right now, just so I can jam out to its overrated adventures!
[promo title=”2. Chrono Cross” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd7ggm04GFo
I don’t think anyone would’ve expected to see Chrono Cross claim the #2 spot on this list. As a matter of fact, 2 hours ago neither would I. However, after listening back to its nostalgic orchestrations, with songs like Prisoner’s of Fate, Time’s Scar, Radical Dreamers, and Life standing out to me in-particular, I was floored with how underrated this track really is. Seriously, anyone wanting to listen to a video game arrangement that can make them smile (or cry, for those of us – I mean you! out there who aren’t quite so tough) listen to this entire sound track and tell me it’s not one of the best you’ve ever heard. You can’t; so don’t even try, liars!
[promo title=”1. Zelda – Ocarina of Time” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
The #1 pick should come as no surprise as Zelda: Ocarina of Time has a selection of music that’s never even been approached, much less matched. If I were to make a list of the 50 greatest video game songs of all time, this game would have at least 2 in the top 10, at least 5 in the top 20. The music in this game is that good. With such titles as Song of Storms, Bolero of Fire, Zelda’s Lullaby, Saria’s Song, and Gerudo Valley setting the mood perfectly for the adventure at hand, this track will go on forever as an incredible accomplishment, worthy of its place as the best musical score in video game history.
So there you have it! The best musical scores in video game history. Agree? Disagree? Let us know what you think by commenting below, or start a discussion in our new forums! I’ll join in on the fun later, but for now I’ve got some music to listen to.