Game Soundtracks

[Petchy]

What are your favorite soundtracks to your favorite games? Are they nostalgic from extensive playing when you were younger, or maybe they are just far too beautiful to not be recognized even if you didn't play the game that much.

You can post some links to Playlists on YouTube if your particularly in love with them, or just make references.

I'd like to know what you feel about the impressions that the Music gives to you. For me, as an example, Listening to the LoZ [OoT and MM] soundtracks brings back a LOT of memories, even though I barely played them. I think the way that they are set up gives a feeling of a distant foreign lad, with the keys and chord structures unique, yet similar (There are some quite noticeable classical dance phrases in some of the tunes) in a way to what we are used to.
But even games like Pokémon, or Sonic (Sonic in particular is famous for having its game music as modern lyrical song with different genres for different characters and stages or areas) have great soundtracks which you would normally recognize and hum // sing along to... right?!
I think that a game HAS to have a great soundtrack, and one which effectively convinces the player - maybe even without seeing or playing the game - what mood the characters are in, their location, safety, danger, time period, etc. The tunes have to be memorable, catchy, without getting annoying easily, and that is a VERY hard task.
The differences with Game Soundtracks and Movie Soundtracks is that with most games, they will be reused, and revisited. With a Movie soundtrack, you can't exactly 'go back to that scene', and any repetition is through leitmotif to show the characters. Games have to do all of that, but a bit more too.

I'd love to hear what you think on the topic :)

[omgrawr213]

OMG.
This is my kind of thread.


-.hack// series <---my all-time favorite!
-.hack//GU series
-Star Wars: KOTOR series
(these are like the only games I've played faithfully the past few years)
-Drakengard
-any skateboarding game [they choose some bangin' jams]

I agree that Pokemon actually had a really good soundtrack... used to whistle those tunes every day when I was younger. :)

If you've never heard any of the soundtracks from the aforementioned, look it up!

[Shoosh Malooka]

New Reno ( Fallout 2 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0UrrVfYLBc

Don't listen if you have not yet played Fallout 2 but intend to. Fallout was a game that depended on the support of its music to express what context the player was to his environment. You can hear the sense of danger and criminal intent in the forms of sound they used in the example. This was not merely an extension, it WAS the atmosphere, as Fallout had little spoken dialogue and the majority was text.

For me, music for a game must not echo the form of music you would hear on a CD you bought at Best Buy - a, b, a, b, c, solo, a, b. It would not work at all. It must be loopable. Instead, it must set the mood without forcing you to face it when you are not ready. Un-intrusive, working on your subconscious rather than consuming all of your forward attention. It must not be a chore to hear, but it can be any mood. And most importantly, it must have expression or else it has nothing.

In the situation of a game cutscene, the music should be more flexible and assertive. When something important happens ( hero kills the villain, villain tosses virgin into volcano, imp bites off finger and gets ring ) the music must try to mimic the action onscreen to help burn the impression into your memory. Mass Effect did this job well, and is an excellent example. There may be cutscenes on YouTube as well, if you've already played it and wish to review.

[suikostar108]

Chrono Cross...all time favorite

[kustirider2]

I adore game soundtracks! (I'm also a massive music nerd LOL)

I love both the Morrowind and Oblivion soundtracks (HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_baYXNb8tk) and HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGRPXaCUwkk&feature=related) are the main themes) The Morrowind Reprise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7HZJmPS4U4) is pretty damn awesome too!

I also love THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDZscyf8lU) Halo track (I've actually learnt most of it on the piano) [Best part begins at 1:00]

THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlPYYH0ZClg) has got to be my favourite of all time! It's from Bioshock and pretty crazy and atonal (I'm also learning this, I have the right hand sorted, LOL)

[AdamB72]

Personally, I thought the soundtrack to Rallisport Challenge 2 (Xbox, 2004) was great. Mainly one song that I liked, but I can't figure out which one it is (there's a song list in the manual) and I've NEVER been able to find the soundtrack online :(

[Petchy]

THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlPYYH0ZClg) has got to be my favourite of all time! It's from Bioshock and pretty crazy and atonal (I'm also learning this, I have the right hand sorted, LOL)

Forgive me, Kusti, I just listened to that track and I am COMPELLED~

Cohen's Masterpiece is a work of Modern musical period Wonder, But I think that it's, indeed, not Atonal. *grinz* It does, however; shift key, time signature and tempo, and features a dotted // blues rhythmic patter - which is why you get that 'Chum-chi-chum-de-chum-chum-chumm~' effect in the main melody (and why its slightly hard to deduce a Time Signature on it, but easier to tap) The Chords and Cadences are Augmented // Diminished, and rarely end into "perfect" (Thats 5 to 1) at the end of phrases, which give it a feel of madness and "other-worldly" effect - never finishing Just right.
:D

Wouldn't know where to start when learning it - I hope you share a Video or track for us all to hear :)

[kustirider2]

Maybe, But from what I've learnt so far, It definitely fits the "atonal" category. It doesn't seem to be in either Major and Minor keys (It actually uses just about every key, including sharps/flats) Isn't 20th century music generally composed atonal? (That's what we were told anyway :lol:)

[Petchy]

From what I head it does fit into keys - the Blues and Dominant Seventh ones :D
They "Say" modern music is mostly Atonal, but what they are describing is that Period which came about around the same time as Minimalistic Art [You know, White Boards and a Black stripe] as it was the newest and latest craze. Modern-Day composers is better described as using features from almost all of the periods in a new and unique way - Like the rippling left hand, but in a modern Key - or Drastic changes in Tempo and Dynamics, normally featuring in the Romantic Period, being applied to music Digitally edited with Reverb and echo.
"Mix and Match" :D

[kustirider2]

Okay :lol: I think you know much much more about music than me.. LOL :)

[Axe Gaijin]

My favorite bit of music in a videogame would be this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CByxp2J8Ug

I was going through a lot of personal stuff when I played that game, and I identified strongly with both Laguna and Squall, still can't listen to that song without getting tears in my eyes, that spaceship scene where it plays is pure magic, one of the best moments in videogame history.

[ElPresidente]

I thought that at the time but every time I look back on that scene it just comes across as hokey now.

That said the song is on my playlist still so I must not have completely soured on it. :)

If we're talking Final Fantasy I've got to give the nod to 'To Zanarkand' from Final Fantasy X.

Now I detest FFX. To me it represents everything that has gone wrong with the JRPG genre over the years but even with this intense hatred of the game (well as intense as hate can be for an inanimate object :P) I can't deny the sheer beauty of its core theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLnZ5jcsRpc

For those curious the above clip is from Tour de Japon which was a concert tour in Japan dedicated to the Final Fantasy themes of Nobuo Uematsu and arranged by Shiro Hamaguchi. While it was conducted by Taizō Takemoto there was a treat during the encore when the father of Final Fantasy music composition - Uematsu - would come out and conduct the final piece.

[Couriervaughan]

I love soundtrack of Final Fantasy 10

[Shoosh Malooka]

Last Final Fantasy I played was Final Fantasy 3 ( US version, which had Kefka as the main villain ). The music was done by a person named Nobuo Uuematsu (sp). Does he still do the music for FF?

[Shoosh Malooka]

On Topic:
I have finally tracked down that music that has been bothering me since 1997. It was the battle music from Pax Imperia, whose name I had forgotten. At the time, I was looking for a better, stronger, faster Master of Orion. I tell you, I hated the game from the start and I can't say I appreciated the music either. It certainly gave space warfare a style of its own, whether it was a good style is a matter of taste. But there was one thing that has haunted me for a long time, and that was the word "uwiggi" repeated over and over in this song. My impression was that there was something sick and evil about it, or else just my interpretation. It just rubbed me the wrong way and has revisited my thoughts countless times ever since.

You be the judge and do have a good laugh at what I'm making a big deal over. Here is the track:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHVIN-KGyXk&feature=PlayList&p=469F56BB88F850F8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=4

[Slipslop]

Right now i'm addicted unto ye Starcraft 2 Terran soundtrack, simply fantastic. But i'm addicted unto gamesoundtrack, fore yon art numerous goode ones, i hast a few Gigabytes of gamesoundtracks.

If thee desire unto heed unto it:
Theme 1,2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcghLSIpZlM&fmt=18
Theme 3,4,5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD93x_qHpSg&fmt=18

[lovetadraw]

Every darn FF game (except 12), Kingdom Hearts (1 and 2), The Sims 2, The Legend Of Dragoon. I mostly listen to soundtracks.

[Astrognash]

Mario.

Also, do the Guitar Hero/Rock Band series of games count?

[midnightmonkey28]

The Grand Theft Auto San Andreas soundtrack, I would post a link but it might have swearing and stuff in it and I don't want my account deleted.

[KKai]

Metal Gears Solid series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_6LG8dyE0U
(At first, I thought there was an idiot wandering on the stage, then ... *!!!*)

Dragon Age Origins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAANKFPchtA

[ElPresidente]

Nice choices KKai.

Inon Zur's work in Origins is simply astounding. The main theme is great but my personal favourite is Leliana's Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMDtFfdtt8E).

[AtropaMandragora]

There are two games that immediately come to mind for me. Well, three actually. The first is Vampire; the Masquerade - Redemption. Such a well made soundtrack, with the music giving such a feel for the surroundings and situations. Great examples here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktOHCVni1HI), here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Zzlq8LCFE) and here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It_YJ432Tnk).

The other is the sequel of sorts, yet a stand-alone game, Vampire; the Masquerade - Bloodlines. It featured a lot more "real" music (as in songs by bands), rather than just the movie type music, but they were such great picks, and the movie type music was great as well. Example here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUDvdBGbCwY).
Boy, that brings back memories.

Last, there's this really old one, that I played... 10 or 15 years ago. Shivers 2: Harvest of Souls. The music there was brilliant, because it really creeped me out. So very eerie that if someone came into my room while I was playing it, I got so spooked I jumped out of my chair. :D
It's hard to find examples. The only one I can find is this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBtioyujHhA), from 0:05 to about 0:20...

[Petchy]

So I decided to give this thread using a Max Revive; even though it might not have much PP left, it still has HP, and Struggle, Maybe an Ether will do it. </Pokémon References>

So here are some Music I like from the Pokémon games!
Gen V:
[Sinnoh]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oezvU_s534
- I really love how the Piece starts out very surreal and seemingly not very beat-orinated, with the Piano riff, and then grows and grows, to the sudden drop near the end with the solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ac1BsPvZWQ
- Seriously amazing that this is in a game: Game Corner = Club, apparently. Until it uses the Gen I theme from Kanto, which is slightly nostalgic but doesn't really work.
[Johto]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUBU0VvndAE&playnext=1&videos=mG6uY6gWcqU
- 8 bit music is amazing, even after all these years. It's an 8 bit version of their new location, and decided to add this with the player activated. Nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rPcKPTiqx8
- I like how this song is very simple, giving an air of suspicion, very fitting for a Game like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr_LutgDjV0
- Piano is love.

Gen III
[Hoenn]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9vqvfxoRBg&feature=related
- I really like how this Song sounds like a Jazz band, with a Flue or something. It's brilliantly fitting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2ut8s2hdSc
- For me, being a Musician, every time I listen to this I think of 6/8 time, bowed stings, and clarinets. Gen III music was all about location.
[Kanto]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm7HjS747mM
- Remake of a Gen II song, Really works well!


Of course there are many more songs with amazing tunes, especially from the Pokémon games, but for me.. I just can't see another game apart from this series be as diverse with it's music and styles... Your views?

[TheGuySim]

Oh yah the Pokemon soundtrack is DA BOMB!!! Espiecially Pokemon Crystal's soundtrack (cue Bicycle music!: Do. . do . .do . . do-di-di-do-di-di-do-di-di-do-do. . :D) And especially the creepy Lavender Town music, but also very soothing!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g76W944CXzo

And the remastered versions of the Gen II music are brilliant!

Besides Pokemon being one of my all time favourite soundtracks, I also LURVE the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack!! I mean every theme in it is amazing! The boss battle music will always be stuck in my head!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDGBUp25i8U

And the Aerith's Theme (I've never heard a song so sad!) It still sends chills down my spine (in a good way)! ;(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q85KIhPXrIQ&feature=related

That game is perfect!

I also love Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's soundtrack, because of its classic 80 tracks! My other favourites are SSX 3, SSX On Tour, and even The Urbz: Sims In The City for GBA (The credits music awesome! :P)

[8MileWalker]

Splinter Cell Chaos Theory's got some nice tracks :P

[Nekowolf]

Come on now. No one has mentioned Portal's "Still Alive"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ljFaKRTrI

Oo, here's one; Clock Tower, "Cradle Under the Star" - http://www.vgmusic.com/music/console/nintendo/snes/clock_tower_-_cradle_under_the_star.mid

[funcioná!!!]

Age of Mithology and Renegade soundtracks.

Civilizations music (greek, egyptian, nordic):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzJYoaJcneA

I couldn't find Renegade's music, it's a very old game.

[meriel]

The Metal Gear Solid and the Silent Hill soundtracks, for sure.

One of my favourite MGS tracks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr8WslV4cEw

Aaaand one of my favourite Silent Hill tracks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvSWgkBS73g

[Magic And Pancakes]

I'd have to say my favorite game soundtrack is the one from American McGee's Alice. The music is so creepy and haunting, but sometimes beautiful. I have the soundtrack on my iPod and I listen to it all of the time. This is my favorite track from the Castle Keep level, right before you enter the throne room to battle the Red Queen. It's called Time To Die:

American McGee's Alice - Time To Die (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGPjYbNAgzk)

I know this game is about 10-years-old now, but I still play it. I heard there's a sequel in the works to be released sometime next year.

[Undercovers_Agent]

Battlefield music for sure!

[please_dont_crash_my_game]

Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune has a pretty awesome soundtrack. :up: (Yes, it's an arcade game which OM NOM NOMs your money, but I assume it still counts.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz26ffP2rng

[ORESUND]

Battlefied I like it to But my favorite ones are : Deus ex soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1oxIrAX39M

Mass effect series

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVm_ljDSdwA&feature=related

And the sims 1 :D

[Rawra]

I like the music from "The Settlers - Heritage of The King". It's so damn cool!

[itsnotozzyitsozzy]

Silent Hill Series from Akira Yamaoka...such an amazing composer and artist he is the best...check out some of his songs sometime guys, even if your not a fan of silent hill, he does instrumental songs, some beautiful...some creepy.