Favorite Video Game Scores
Posted 07 September 2011
Well it's been done with movie scores, so now the question is, what are your favorite video game scores?
Personally I LOVE every single song from the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion sound track by Jeremy Soule. As far as I'm concerned, Soule's music makes the game. Adventuring around the enormous country and through dungeons and even through the gates of hell (Oblivion) just isn't the same without his music. I strongly recommend listening to any or all of this soundtrack. Or try the game with the music in context, either way I'm sure you'll recognize Soule's talent and you'll love what you hear!
Sorry I just have to:
What are your favorite video game soundtracks? And I mean composed music, whether electronic or symphonic it doesn't matter, just popular songs played in the background of a game doesn't count
--art
Posted 25 November 2011
Posted 02 January 2012
Classical/Quasi-classical
Valkyria Chronicles by Hitoshi Sakimoto
A powerful rendition of military music with its own RPG elements. Although one of his weaker soundtracks in terms of melodic lines, along the lines of FF XII, it has its own successes in being a highly engrossing soundtrack in its own right, due to its "epic" feel, much along the lines of TES.
Breath of Fire V by Hitoshi Sakimoto
In my opinion, Hitoshi Sakimoto's best soundtrack. A beautiful combination of dark classical and industrial electro gives a really deep and moving atmosphere that sticks with you long after you've finished listening. The only criticism I could have is that the final boss theme is weak and unexciting, but literally every other track is beautiful. I highly recommend listening to it.
Shadow of the Colossus by Kow Otani
One of the most epic classical soundtracks I've heard in a very long time. Much like the game, it gives a sense of size, and tracks like A Violent Encounter followed by Revived Power are as emotional as they are driving. Definitely among the best soundtracks I've heard in any format, including movies.
Odin Sphere by Basiscape
Another of Hitoshi's works, though in collaboration with those that are part of his music company. A tightly wound collection of beautiful "fairy tale" like songs with a heavier twist. Highly recommended.
Alternative
Shadow Hearts: Covenant by Yoshitaka Hirota, Yasunori Mitsuda, Kenji Ito, Ryo Fukuda
Absolutely brilliant. One of the best video game soundtracks you'll hear, especially Yoshitaka's grungy, crushed industrial tracks. Get it. I have nothing else to say.
All of the Silent Hill Soundtracks from 2 Onwards by Akira Yamaoka and Elizabeth McGlynn (Performer)
Aural gloom and deathly industrial are Akira's realm, and he pulls it off leaving nothing to be wished for every single time. With "creepy-as-fuck" vocal tracks, trip hop tunes with an air of uncertainty to them, graceful yet haunting piano lines, and deeply disturbing atmospheric ambience, these soundtracks are a must for anyone, even if you don't like horror.
Persona 3, Persona 4, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2, Catherine by Shoji Meguro
Shoji's mastery of weaving modern music with heavy rock and other influences are always welcome, but his best comes when he tries something different (except with the uncharacteristically disastrous Strange Journey). Nocturne, Persona 3 and DDS all offer these levels of uniqueness and still retain their emotional feel.
Arc: Twilight of the Spirits by Yuko Fukushima, Koji Sakurai, Takayuki Hattori, Michiru Oshima
More quasi-classical, but just over the edge enough to be alternative, Arc: Twilight of the Spirits combines so many different styles it's difficult to keep track of them all, but it works like a charm. An absolutely brilliant soundtrack, though difficult to find.
inFAMOUS by Jonathan Mayer, James Dooley, Amon Tobin and Mel Wesson
Impacting, epic orchestral meets the drum 'n' bass stylings of Amon Tobin, creating a powerful and gritty electromental soundtrack that captures both the feel of the game and your ear's attention very well. Highly recommended.
All the Kingdom Hearts Soundtracks (No, really) by Yoko Shimomura
Yoko weaves her usual magic with the majority of the soundtracks, but things really get special when she extends her reach a bit.
Limbo by Martin Stig Andersen
A powerful ambient soundtrack that sounds as lonely as it is effective.
Boktai 2 by Norihiko Hibino
A brilliant, western-themed GBA chiptune journey. Utterly captivating, and highly recommended.
Zone of the Enders 2: The Second Runner by Norihiko Hibino
Combining neo-classical with techno and a penchant for syncopated rhythms, Norihiko once again delivers a successful soundtrack that is both energetic and atmospheric.
Metal Gear Solid: All of Them by Harry-Gregson Williams, Norihiko Hibino
Nothing to be said here. Great soundtracks.
Posted 22 January 2012
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