When it comes to video games, the soundtrack is often just as important as the gameplay itself.
The best video game soundtracks can create an immersive atmosphere and draw players into the game world like no other medium can.
From the 8-bit chiptunes of classic arcade games to the epic orchestral scores of modern AAA titles, the best game soundtracks have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best video game soundtracks of all time and discover what makes them so memorable.
1. Persona 5
When it comes to games with good music, Persona 5 has without a doubt one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
The game’s atmospheric jazz-inspired soundtrack is simply unparalleled and makes you feel as if you are living the life of a Phantom Thief in modern-day Tokyo.
Composed by renowned composer Shoji Meguro, the soundtrack evokes a unique blend of Japanese culture and urban funk and is full of energy, excitement, and rhythm.
2. Undertale
The game has a great soundtrack that stands out among the best video game soundtracks of all time.
It’s not surprising that the soundtrack won multiple awards and was even featured in a live concert!
The beautiful music and songs in Undertale will take you on a magical journey through its world.
From the cheerful melodies of “Snowdin Town” to the hauntingly beautiful “Heartache”, you will find yourself captivated by the music.
3. Bastion
Released in 2011, Bastion has become one of the most beloved games with a good soundtrack.
It’s one of the best video game soundtracks out there, thanks to its eclectic mix of music genres that range from orchestral to blues and jazz.
Composed by Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett, the soundtrack is an incredible blend of ambient soundscapes, haunting tunes, and up-tempo bangers.
4. Chrono Trigger
Released in 1995, Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest games with good music.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is considered one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
It is notable for its complexity and its melodic blend of classic genres like jazz, rock, and classical.
5. Journey
Released in 2012, Journey is an award-winning game developed by ThatGameCompany and published by Sony.
Its soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory, has been praised by many as one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
The music of Journey is one of its greatest assets, adding atmosphere and emotion to the game’s incredible visuals.
The score is an orchestral score that uses traditional instruments, such as piano and violin, combined with electronic elements to create a powerful soundscape.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This beloved game from 1998 still has fans humming its iconic tunes more than two decades later.
Koji Kondo’s musical score for Ocarina of Time is nothing short of timeless.
It contains a beautiful blend of soothing melodies, triumphant fanfare, and nostalgic leitmotifs that bring back fond memories for many players.
It’s impossible not to get lost in the music.
Every song is perfectly crafted to perfectly match its corresponding environment in the game.
7. Hotline Miami
Developed by Dennaton Games, this 2012 release is considered one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
The soundtrack, composed by various artists such as M O O N, Perturbator, and Jasper Byrne, captures the chaotic and frenetic atmosphere of the game.
The music helps add a sense of tension and intensity to the game, with its catchy melodies, driving percussion, and pulsing synths.
It’s an essential part of the game that immerses the player in the experience.
8. Halo: Combat Evolved
This game was released in 2001 and quickly became one of the best video game soundtracks.
With its orchestral score and hauntingly beautiful melodies, Halo: Combat Evolved remains one of the best game music pieces ever composed.
The music sets the mood for each level and captures the feeling of being an intergalactic soldier on a distant planet.
From the moment you start playing, the music will get your heart pumping as you fight through waves of enemies.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an iconic game with amazing music that truly brings the world to life.
From the iconic opening theme to the relaxing ambience in small towns, this game features some of the best video game music and OSTs around.
With its grandiose score that feels like an epic movie soundtrack, it’s no wonder why Skyrim is one of the most loved games with great music.
10. Super Mario Galaxy
Released in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy was praised for its music as much as its innovative gameplay.
The game’s composer, Mahito Yokota, created a soundtrack that captured the spirit of the game – full of whimsy, energy, and the promise of exploration.
Whether it’s the familiar classic themes or the original music, the soundtrack to Super Mario Galaxy is considered one of the best soundtracks.
11. Minecraft
Minecraft is one of the best games its soundtrack is no exception.
Released in 2011, the game was accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack composed by C418.
A combination of ambient soundscapes, haunting strings, and a few upbeat tracks, it perfectly captures the player’s journey from exploring the blocky world of Minecraft to epic battles with monsters and dragons.
12. Cuphead
One of the most recent entries on our list, Cuphead is a classic-style run-and-gun action game with an art style inspired by 1930s cartoons.
The music in Cuphead draws heavily from jazz and ragtime, bringing the game to life uniquely.
Even those who don’t usually pay attention to video game soundtracks will find it hard to resist the charm of Cuphead’s music.
13. Final Fantasy VI
Released in 1994, Final Fantasy VI is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time with its amazing soundtrack.
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, the game’s music is often applauded for its sweeping orchestral arrangements and memorable melodies.
From the beautiful and melancholic opening theme to the heart-pounding battle themes, the soundtrack of Final Fantasy VI is one of the most iconic pieces of music in gaming history.
14. Shadow of the Colossus
Released in 2005, Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most well-known games.
The game features an epic soundtrack that captures the feelings of awe and wonder as players explore a breathtaking world.
Composed by Kow Otani, the music creates a mysterious atmosphere, while at the same time evoking a sense of grandeur.
15. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is a cult classic and one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
The music creates a quirky, offbeat atmosphere that perfectly matches the off-the-wall gameplay.
The soundtrack has been acclaimed for its diversity and originality, making it one of the best game OSTs ever produced.
16. DOOM
Composed by Mick Gordon, it is a powerful blend of heavy metal, industrial, and ambient music that perfectly fits the dark, chaotic atmosphere of the game.
Even if you’re not familiar with the game itself, you can still appreciate the soundtrack as an excellent example of a good game soundtrack.
The intense energy and emotion of its music will surely be remembered as one of the best video game songs ever created.
17. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
“he Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was released in 2017.
The soundtrack was composed by Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai, who did an incredible job of creating a soundscape that is almost as immersive as the game itself.
From the opening theme to the low-key themes that play in the background during exploration, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild contains some of the best game music you’ll ever hear.
18. Mega Man 2
One of the best video game soundtracks of all time is Mega Man 2.
This timeless side-scrolling game was released in 1988 and has become a classic for many gamers.
The music for this game features catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, making it one of the best game OSTs out there.
19. Super Mario 64
Released in 1996, the Super Mario 64 game is a classic game that continues to remain popular today.
Its soundtrack features some of the most iconic game music.
From the timeless and nostalgic main theme to the adventurous levels, every song captures the essence of the game perfectly.
With its mix of electronic and orchestral music, Super Mario 64 has truly amazing soundtracks.
20. EarthBound
One of the most popular video game soundtracks is from the classic Super Nintendo RPG EarthBound.
Composed by Keiichi Suzuki and Hirokazu Tanaka, the music in this game is some of the most memorable game OSTs ever created.
The game has a wide variety of catchy and nostalgic tunes, from the main battle theme to the iconic title screen music.
21. NieR: Automata
Since its release in 2017, NieR: Automata has become one of the most acclaimed games with good music and soundtracks.
Its beautiful soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe and Keigo Hoashi, has become a staple of the best video game soundtracks of all time and is considered one of the best game music and OSTs out there.
22. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best video games and its soundtrack is no surprise.
The game boasts an impressive selection of soundtracks that take players on an emotional journey.
From melancholic and atmospheric tracks to powerful battle themes, the soundtrack is one of the best game OSTs of all time.
23. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a game that is remembered for its incredible music.
From the iconic battle theme to the memorable character themes, this game is a testament to the power of good game soundtracks.
With powerful, sweeping orchestrations and haunting melodies, it’s no wonder this game still resonates with gamers today.
Many consider it one of the best game music soundtracks ever.
24. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest is widely considered a game with an amazing soundtrack.
Composed by David Wise, the soundtrack encompasses an eclectic range of styles from jazz to funk to rock.
The main theme, “Stickerbush Symphony,” was lauded by critics as one of the greatest video game songs ever written.
25. Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994 and was a revolutionary game for its time due to its 3D graphics.
Its soundtrack was similarly revolutionary and remains one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
Composed by David Wise, it was praised for its mix of musical styles, ranging from jazz and reggae to classical and chiptune.
26. Ico
Developed by Team Ico and released in 2001, Ico is a puzzle-adventure game with an emotionally driven narrative and gorgeous visuals.
But one of the aspects that makes Ico truly special is its music, composed by Michiru Oshima.
The music perfectly captures the atmosphere of the game with its unique blend of ambient soundscapes, classical music, and Japanese folk instruments.
27. Silent Hill 2
One of the greatest horror video games of all time, Silent Hill 2 is also a great example of a game with an amazing soundtrack.
The game’s soundtrack was composed by Akira Yamaoka and released in 2001.
Featuring a mix of eerie ambient music, tension-building synth arrangements, and intense rock music.
Yamaoka was praised for his compositions in the game, which greatly enhance its atmosphere and add to the suspense.
28. Streets of Rage 2
Sega’s Streets of Rage 2 is considered by many to be one of the most played games.
Released in 1992, the soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima, who sought to create a unique and compelling soundscape to accompany the game’s action.
The result is a mix of funk, jazz, and dance-pop, creating an upbeat and melodic backdrop to the game’s brawls and battles.
29. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation 3 and is considered to be one of the greatest games.
It features a fantastic soundtrack composed by Gustavo Santaolalla.
With his acoustic guitar taking center stage, he also employed other instruments such as strings, woodwinds, and drums to create a stunning and evocative soundscape.
30. Halo 2
Composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, this game soundtrack combines orchestral music and chanting, and it is a perfect accompaniment to the battles of the game.
From the intense track “To War” to the haunting “Unyielding”, every track on this soundtrack is designed to heighten the drama and excitement of the gaming experience.
The game was released in 2004.
31. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight, released in 2017, is one of the best games with good music on the market today.
The game has an amazing soundtrack composed by Christopher Larkin, which perfectly complements the dark atmosphere and storyline of the game.
The OST features a mix of melodic and powerful tracks that add to the excitement and intensity of the game.
32. Dark Souls
Dark Souls is one of the most popular action role-playing games, and its soundtrack has become iconic in the gaming world.
Composed by Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba, the music of Dark Souls features a mix of dynamic orchestral tracks and hauntingly beautiful choral pieces.
The themes are designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and dread, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience that complements the game’s dark fantasy setting.
33. Street Fighter II
Developed by Capcom and released in 1991, Street Fighter II is a classic game with an iconic soundtrack.
The music of Street Fighter II is one of the most recognizable soundtracks in the gaming world.
It was composed by Yoko Shimomura who had worked on several other Capcom titles.
With its infectious synth-based beats, energetic rhythms, and dramatic flourishes, the soundtrack perfectly complemented the action and excitement of the game.
34. Tetris
Composed by Russian composer and musician, Vladimir “Vlad” Lyagushkin, the classic game Tetris has a truly iconic soundtrack.
Released in 1984, the 8-bit video game music is based on a Russian folk song called “Korobeiniki” and it immediately captures the attention of all who listen to it.
The piece remains timeless and memorable, with its catchy melody and its simple yet captivating sound, while the game itself may be over 30 years old.
35. Parappa The Rapper
Parappa The Rapper is a rhythm-based game released in 1996.
The musical soundtrack was created by Japanese music producer Masaya Matsuura and his team at NanaOn-Sha.
Players use the controller to simulate playing a turntable, with different characters and unique backgrounds providing an immersive experience.
The game has become a cult classic, with many fans praising its iconic soundtrack as one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
36. Silent Hill
Released in 1999 for the original PlayStation, Silent Hill is one of the most horror games.
The soundtrack was composed by Akira Yamaoka and plays a big role in creating the spooky atmosphere of the game.
The soundtrack is mostly industrial and ambient, featuring both eerie drones and hauntingly beautiful pieces.
From the memorable “Theme of Laura” to the harrowing “Esperandote,” the music of Silent Hill has become synonymous with games with good music.
37. Celeste
Released in 2018 by Matt Makes Games, the game follows a young woman on her journey to climb the titular mountain and the soundtrack follows that journey perfectly.
From the dark, ambient tones of the early levels, to the epic and hopeful climax, the soundtrack captures the beauty and emotion of Celeste’s story.
Celeste has set the bar for games with amazing soundtracks and is one of the best game OSTs available.
38. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Composed by Masato Nakamura, the music for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released in 1992 and is still considered to be one of the most iconic and influential soundtracks in video game history.
The soundtrack captured the nostalgia of a generation with its upbeat, catchy melodies that could easily be hummed along to.
It truly stands the test of time and has become a timeless classic.
39. Red Dead Redemption
Released in 2010, Red Dead Redemption was developed by Rockstar Games and is widely acclaimed to be among the best games of all time.
The game’s soundtrack featured a mix of acoustic guitar and strings to create an immersive atmosphere, from gritty Western-style songs to intimate ballads.
Composed by Bill Elm and Woody Jackson, it was nominated for multiple awards and remains one of the most memorable game soundtracks ever.
40. BioShock Infinite
A first-person shooter video game BioShock Infinite was developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games.
The game was released in 2013 and became a hit among gamers all around the world.
The game is also loved because of its amazing music.
Best Video Game Soundtracks – Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best video game soundtracks of all time, there is no shortage of amazing music.
From the sweeping symphonies of Persona 5 to the iconic Halo 2 soundtrack, there are countless games with good music to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for classic tunes like those of Super Mario, or more modern masterpieces like Red Dead Redemption or Undertale, the greatest video game soundtracks have something for everyone.
So what are the top video game soundtracks of all time?
That’s up to you to decide – but these ten games certainly have some of the best game music and soundtracks out there.
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