There’s something truly magical about video game soundtracks. They have the power to transport you back to moments of triumph, tension, and emotion, often leaving a lasting impression that transcends the gaming experience itself. Here’s a look at ten game soundtracks that deserve a spot on your playlist.

Story

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time follows the journey of Link as he seeks to thwart the evil King Ganondorf. Set in the fantastical land of Hyrule, Link must navigate through time, gaining allies, and acquiring essential artifacts to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom.

Gameplay

Ocarina of Time revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its introduction of a 3D world and innovative mechanics like Z-targeting. Players explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and engage in combat, all while experiencing a rich narrative.

Why it’s on this list

Composed by Koji Kondo, the soundtrack is a masterpiece of atmospheric and thematic music. Tracks like “Gerudo Valley” and “Zelda’s Lullaby” capture the game’s epic and emotional scope, making it a timeless classic.

Graphics and Sound

While its graphics were groundbreaking at the time, it’s the sound design, especially the memorable music, that remains iconic. The use of the ocarina as a central gameplay and musical element adds to its unique charm.

Legacy and Reception

Widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, Ocarina of Time’s soundtrack has been celebrated for its depth and emotional resonance, influencing countless games and composers since its release.

Story

Final Fantasy VII follows Cloud Strife and his companions as they battle the megacorporation Shinra and the enigmatic Sephiroth. The game’s narrative blends themes of environmentalism and identity with personal and global stakes.

Gameplay

This RPG features a blend of traditional turn-based combat and an intricate materia system for customizing characters’ abilities. The expansive world and character-driven story enhance its immersive experience.

Why it’s on this list

Nobuo Uematsu’s composition for Final Fantasy VII boasts pieces like “One-Winged Angel” and “Aerith’s Theme,” which have become synonymous with the franchise and remain fan favorites for their emotional depth and complexity.

Graphics and Sound

While the polygonal graphics may seem dated, the soundtrack continues to shine through its orchestral arrangements and emotive melodies, which have been performed by symphonies worldwide.

Legacy and Reception

Revered as a landmark title in the RPG genre, Final Fantasy VII’s music has left an indelible mark on gaming culture, influencing future titles and earning a place in the hearts of fans for generations.

Story

Chrono Trigger tells the tale of a group of adventurers who travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. The narrative explores themes of destiny, friendship, and sacrifice across multiple eras.

Gameplay

Featuring a unique Active Time Battle system, Chrono Trigger combines strategic combat with an engaging and non-linear story. Its multiple endings and character-driven quests offer significant replayability.

Why it’s on this list

Yasunori Mitsuda’s work on Chrono Trigger is lauded for its memorable and diverse soundtrack, with tracks like “Frog’s Theme” and “Corridors of Time” that evoke the game’s vast and varied worlds.

Graphics and Sound

The 16-bit graphics are complemented by a richly layered soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience. Each track perfectly suits the game’s diverse settings and emotional beats.

Legacy and Reception

Often cited as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, Chrono Trigger’s music continues to be celebrated for its innovation and emotional impact, influencing numerous games and composers.

Story

Nier: Automata is set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids battle alien machines for the survival of humanity. The story delves into existential themes and the nature of consciousness, morality, and emotion.

Gameplay

Featuring a mix of hack-and-slash combat, RPG elements, and a compelling narrative, Nier: Automata provides a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience with multiple endings and layers of depth.

Why it’s on this list

The haunting and ethereal soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe, featuring tracks like “Weight of the World” and “City Ruins,” enhances the game’s emotional and philosophical undertones, making it an essential listen.

Graphics and Sound

Combining stunning visuals with a powerful and atmospheric soundtrack, Nier: Automata creates an immersive and evocative world that captivates players.

Legacy and Reception

Nier: Automata has been praised for its storytelling, gameplay, and music, earning a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its innovative approach to game design and narrative.

Story

Journey is an evocative exploration game where players control a robed figure traversing a vast desert towards a distant mountain. The narrative unfolds without words, relying on visual storytelling and player interpretation.

Gameplay

With simple mechanics focused on exploration and interaction, Journey emphasizes an emotional and contemplative experience. The game encourages cooperation between players without direct communication.

Why it’s on this list

Composed by Austin Wintory, the soundtrack’s flowing and emotive music, particularly the piece “Apotheosis,” is integral to the game’s atmospheric and emotional impact, elevating its narrative and visuals.

Graphics and Sound

Journey’s minimalist and breathtaking visuals are complemented by its award-winning soundtrack, creating a seamless and immersive experience that resonates with players long after the journey ends.

Legacy and Reception

Journey has been celebrated for its innovative design and emotional depth, with its soundtrack earning critical acclaim and awards, solidifying its place as a standout in video game music history.

Story

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, while navigating a war-torn world filled with political intrigue and supernatural threats.

Gameplay

This open-world RPG offers expansive exploration, intricate quests, and dynamic combat. Players must make choices that affect the narrative and world, creating a personalized and immersive experience.

Why it’s on this list

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz and Mikolai Stroinski, features tracks like “Silver for Monsters…” that capture the game’s epic and atmospheric tone, perfectly complementing its richly detailed world.

Graphics and Sound

The Witcher 3 boasts stunning visuals and a richly layered soundscape, where the music enhances the game’s emotional and narrative depth, drawing players deeper into its world.

Legacy and Reception

Lauded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3’s music has been praised for its ability to elevate the storytelling and gameplay, contributing to its enduring popularity and influence.

Story

Shadow of the Colossus tells the tale of Wander, who ventures into a forbidden land to revive a girl named Mono by defeating sixteen colossal creatures. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice and consequence.

Gameplay

Players engage in epic battles against colossal foes, using strategy and skill to climb and defeat each one. The game’s minimalist design focuses on exploration and the emotional weight of Wander’s quest.

Why it’s on this list

Composed by Kow Otani, the haunting and majestic soundtrack amplifies the game’s emotional intensity and scale, with tracks like “The Opened Way” heightening the sense of awe and wonder.

Graphics and Sound

The game’s minimalist yet stunning visuals are complemented by a powerful score that enhances the emotional impact of each encounter, creating a lasting impression on players.

Legacy and Reception

Shadow of the Colossus is hailed as a masterpiece of artistic and emotional storytelling, with its soundtrack earning acclaim for its ability to evoke deep emotional responses.

Story

Undertale is a unique RPG where players control a child who falls into an underground world filled with monsters. The narrative explores themes of empathy, choice, and consequence, with multiple endings based on player actions.

Gameplay

Combining traditional RPG mechanics with a unique battle system that allows players to spare or fight enemies, Undertale challenges players to consider the impact of their choices on the story and characters.

Why it’s on this list

Toby Fox’s composition for Undertale is celebrated for its catchy and emotive tracks, such as “Megalovania” and “Hopes and Dreams,” which have become iconic within gaming culture.

Graphics and Sound

While the pixel art graphics are simple, the music is rich and varied, enhancing the game’s emotional and comedic moments and contributing to its charm and appeal.

Legacy and Reception

Undertale has earned a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and music, influencing indie game development and music composition.

Story

Hollow Knight follows a silent, insect-like protagonist exploring the ancient, ruined kingdom of Hallownest. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and the player’s interactions with the world and its inhabitants.

Gameplay

This Metroidvania-style game combines exploration, challenging combat, and intricate platforming. Players uncover secrets, acquire abilities, and face formidable foes in a beautifully crafted world.

Why it’s on this list

Christopher Larkin’s score for Hollow Knight is praised for its haunting and atmospheric music, with tracks like “City of Tears” enhancing the game’s melancholic and mysterious tone.

Graphics and Sound

Featuring hand-drawn art and a rich soundscape, the game creates an immersive and atmospheric experience, with the music playing a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the world.

Legacy and Reception

Hollow Knight has been acclaimed for its gameplay, art, and music, earning a place as a standout title in the indie gaming scene and influencing future Metroidvania games.

Story

Persona 5 follows a group of high school students who form the Phantom Thieves, a vigilante group that uses supernatural powers to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. The story explores themes of freedom, justice, and identity.

Gameplay

This JRPG combines traditional turn-based combat with life simulation elements, where players manage their time between dungeon crawling and social activities to enhance their abilities and relationships.

Why it’s on this list

Composed by Shoji Meguro, the soundtrack features an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, and electronic music, with tracks like “Last Surprise” and “Rivers in the Desert” capturing the game’s stylish and rebellious spirit.

Graphics and Sound

Persona 5’s vibrant and stylish visuals are matched by its dynamic and infectious music, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that enhances both gameplay and narrative.

Legacy and Reception

Persona 5 has been praised for its storytelling, style, and music, earning a dedicated following and critical acclaim as one of the best RPGs of its generation.

These ten soundtracks represent the pinnacle of video game music, each offering a unique auditory experience that enhances the games they accompany. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, these soundtracks are sure to captivate and inspire.