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Disclaimer:
Before we precede with my list of the best video game soundtracks, I feel you should all know…
- This is my list, not his/her list, their list, etc…I could care less what GameSpot, IGN or anyone else says/believes, I like video games, I like music – the rest of the story tells itself.
- This list will include complete soundtracks, single pieces & effects. Yes I know creating a complete soundtrack involves much more effort (& deserves more praise) when compared to a single piece/effects – & yes, what I have just said is contrary to the title of the post itself, maybe I should change it, hell – maybe I should respect my elders as well. The truth is: neither is going to happen here today…so don’t hold your breath.
- I have indeed thoroughly played all of the below listed games, so I’m sure bias has reared its ugly face here as well. Luckily, I embrace bias– I say out with individuality/open-mindedness, In with conformity/preconception. Don’t you worry – I will never become a world leader, hold any sort of military might nor ever try to ‘make a difference’.
- You may ask questions/make statements like: “Why the bloody hell isn’t Fallout 3 mentioned, that had an amazing soundtrack…I really don’t trust your judgment at all”. I will not be listing soundtracks that have just been sampled from other artists music, I’m looking for video game soundtracks created specifically for video games; & yes, it would be a smart decision NOT to trust my judgment when it comes to most things – I have made some seriously debilitating life-decisions in the past, but gaming & music I know…I promise you that much.
- Very rarely am I ever serious about anything at all…
Now on to the Top 10 Video Game Soundtracks…
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#10 – Duke Nukem (Megadeath)
If you’ve played it, then I’m sure you can all agree: There is nothing like “Kicking ass & chewing bubblegum” while listening to these bad-ass Megadeath adaptations.
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#9 – Gothic 3 (Kai Rosenkranz)
Quite respectable as far as video game soundtracks go I must say. Every track does a very good job at setting the tone for any fantasy role-playing-game. All seem to be performed by a live symphonic orchestra. Unfortunately the soundtrack I believe to be the best part of the game, these scores can easily be ruined by cheesy screams, disappointing voice-acting & otherwise crappy audio effects, but the soundtrack itself is quite pleasant.
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#8 – Contra (Konami Digital)
Absolutely great stuff, it feels like every single track should be a boss song. I specifically remember playing this game & always feeling like I had to continuously run from something (besides an orgy of bullets of course). Upbeat analog bliss – that’s what this is, brilliant! Oh dear…I’ve gone nostalgic again.
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#7 – Super Mariokart (Koji Kondo)
Ahhh yes! So familiar – I played the hell out of this game, so much that I find myself waiting to hear sounds of heat-seeking shells, banana-drops & wipe outs while i listen to this track. Nintendo has always been good at what they do – especially when it comes to the Mario franchise. Very upbeat, insanely catchy & memorable.
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Absolutely great stuff, it feels like every single track should be a boss song. I specifically remember playing this game & always feeling like I had to continuously run from something (besides an orgy of bullets of course). Upbeat analog bliss – that’s what this is, brilliant! Uh oh…I’ve gone nostalgic again.
#6 – Morrowind (Jeremy Soule)
This is another instance where my aforementioned “bias” comes into play. It is safe to say this game changed my life (for the better? most certainly not) I have probably dumped more hours into this game than any other since. The entire thing just seemed to immerse me into a world of almost believable fantasy & I believe that the soundtrack contributed to this more than anything else. To this very day, that opening score sends chills up my spine – Oh god…what a monumental waste of time, but an amazing soundtrack none-the-less.
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#5 – New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Tommy Tallarico)
Yes, I do realize this is the 2nd time I have listed the “Mario” franchise in a Top 10. No, it’s not a mistake, it’s the simple fact that Nintendo kicks-ass when it comes to sound architecture. Also, it’s the only one of the video game soundtracks I can think of that actually interacts with the environment itself. Unfortunately I cannot properly/accurately describe what I just said, again, if you’ve played it…you’d understand. They also did a fantastic job of remaking some of the old classic songs – A lot of love went into this game.
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#4 – The Curse of Monkey Island (Michael Land)
Why ask why when you can just take my word for it. Play it & journey into a digital witty wonderland of curses, Islands…not so many monkeys though – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I hear they are mischievous, require high-maintenance, can become vicious if provoked & can accurately hurl their own poo up to 10yrds…I’ve made my mind up.
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#3 – Portal (Jonathan Coulton)
To properly understand & fully appreciate such a thing of flawless audible beauty, you must follow the below steps…(yes, in same order)
a) Play & beat Half Life
b) Play & beat Half Life 2 (Might as well play the episodes well your at it)
c) Play & beat Portal
d) Enjoy the song that plays with the credits “Still Alive”
God I’m a nerd…
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#2 – Riven (Robyn Miller)
I have to say (with confidence) that this is my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. Why is it not listed as #1 you may ask…Well, id have to say because its composed not so much of actual songs/musical composition, but more ambient/subtle audible atmospheres & effects. I used to get scared while playing this game on behalf of the atmosphere being so rich – yet there was nothing remotely frightening that ever took place in this game. I used to just leave the game running in forest scenes through my surround system because the quality of the birds/crickets/wind/chimes was so utterly perfect…it was like you were really there. If i had a choice to own only one of all the the video game soundtracks ever created…This would definitely be it.
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#1 – Super Mario Bros. (Koji Kondo)
I shouldn’t have to explain “why” – But for those that are still wondering…Its bloody epic, that’s why. Of course it holds 1st spot, what did you expect, honestly? For starters, it’s probably safe to say that its audio has been sampled more than any other game to date & has also been remixed by nearly every instrument our planet has ever heard. I also go as far as to say it is probably one of the most widely-recognized musical compositions ever written. Congratulations Super Mario Bros! In my opinion, you hold the#1 spot for best video game soundtrack EVER!
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Video Game Soundtracks: Cool Related Links
- Duke Nukem Soundboard
- Super Mario Bros. on double-guitar
- Riven Slideshow
- Portal: A day in the life of a turret – Hilarious!
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Love that Portal song… I would have liked some Castlevania or Megaman in this list, though! Good stuff either way.