Much like in movies, television, and even theater, music plays an integral role in video games. It sets the mood; it can help scare us, make our eyes fill with tears, or even pump us up for a massive action sequence.
If it weren't for the soundtracks composed by the very talented minds behind them, our gameplay experiences wouldn't be as emotionally satisfying. Thanks to the music featured in the following titles, the spectacle of these games are elevated tenfold into grandiose epics that will be remembered throughout gaming history.
Image source: The Stately Harold
Halo Franchise
When Halo: Combat Evolved was released back in 2001, it not only blew us away with top-notch gameplay, but with a surprisingly epic soundtrack that made us feel like absolute badasses. Marty O'Donnell composed music that seamlessly blended graceful melodies with fast-paced, adrenalin-pumping scores. Whenever you hear that signature hymn of the Halo theme, it's unmistakable and gives us goosebumps when it finally transitions into the boisterous drumming and roaring guitar. It's truly awe-inspiring.
Source: YouTube
The Final Fantasy Series
Nobuo Uematsu's contribution the Final Fantasy games is unforgettable. His music is absolutely beautiful, inspiring every emotion from happiness to sadness, and absolute dread when you face off against what seems like an impossible boss. With each of the entries he worked on, he created sweeping scores that perfectly fit the themes of the game, whether it was VII's dark and industrial world or X's tranquil and somber tones. The Final Fantasy series has always been synonymous with jaw-dropping melodies that any gamer would recognize.
Don't deny it, we've all caught ourselves humming the Final Fantasy VII battle theme at least once in our lives.
Source: YouTube
Mass Effect Trilogy
The Mass Effect franchise is the perfect embodiment of a space opera done right, rivaling the likes of both Star Wars and Star Trek. An argument could be made that its out of this world soundtrack of synth and epic instrumentals is just as awe-inspiring as John Williams' work. Each game in the trilogy possesses awesome music that made us feel like we were truly the galaxy's only hope against the Reapers, but it could be said that Mass Effect 2 was the pinnacle of the series.
The score during the final mission when the Normandy was blasting its way through the asteroid field was truly epic in ever sense of the word. Your arms were covered in goosebumps as you gripped your controller, ready to take on the Collectors.
Just put on the track 'Suicide Mission' next time you're driving down the highway and try not to weave your way through traffic as if it were an armada of enemy ships.
Source: YouTube
The Legend Of Zelda Series
Back in the day, when the best our Nintendos could muster was MIDI based scores, The Legend of Zelda came along and pushed its musical ability to the limit. Everybody, gamers or not, knows the Zelda theme.
The intro theme is probably one of the most iconic songs in not only video games, but in media as a whole. Koji Kondo's music mixes just the right amount of epic with adventure, making us eager to explore the world of Hyrule and save the princess, Zelda from the evil Gannon.
... and hit bushes with our sword for rupees.
Source: YouTube
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Ever felt like you could punt an object the length of a football field just with your voice? No? Well, after hearing the music in Skyrim, you might. What is a massive open world of sprawling vistas and fire breathing dragons if it doesn't have an epic soundtrack to go along with it? Well, in Bethesda's hit game, they have that covered.
No matter what quest you're venturing out on or gigantic beast you're slaying, you're always accompanied by a chanting theme that makes you feel like you truly are Dragonborn.
Now, go forth and Fus Roh Dah your little sister across the kitchen table!
Source: YouTube
The Uncharted Trilogy
The Uncharted games have always strived to blend a cinematic experience with brilliant gameplay. But its movie-like feel can be mostly attributed to its grand score that sounds akin to something you would hear in a big budget summer blockbuster. The moment you boot up any of the three entries, you are immediately greeted with a jaw dropping theme that would make even the likes of Indiana Jones jealous.
The score hypes you up for a thrilling adventure that awaits the second you press start, letting you know that the game that follows is going to be one hell of an ride.
I'll take unkempt hair over a fedora any day!
Source: YouTube
Chrono Trigger
With this year marking its 20th anniversary, I could not leave this retro RPG gem off of the list. Chrono Trigger is often considered one of the best video games ever made and its soundtrack one of the most memorable in gaming.
From the incredibly epic opening theme playing alongside an animated sequence with designs by Akira Toriyama, you knew right from the beginning that this game was special. My personal favorite track was "Primitive Mountain." This song is always stuck in my head for hours on end after hearing its catchy tune.
Definitely one of, if not the greatest, video game soundtracks ever.
Source: YouTube
Metal Gear Solid Series
For a franchise that focuses so heavily on stealth and keeping silent, the Metal Gear Solid games are no strangers to heroic instrumentals and pulse pounding scores. Whether it's the emotional theme song that personifies the soldier, Solid Snake, or the stressful music that shouts from your speakers when you're spotted by the enemy, the soundtrack is one that helped make this PlayStation title standout amongst the rest.
Any composer that can make a game that involves hiding in a cardboard epic is one that deserves praise and to go down in game music history.
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Any epic scores that I missed? What powerful themes go you feeling like you could take on hordes of alien foes?
Let it be heard in the comments below!
Image source: Final Fantasy Wikia
Published: Aug 23, 2015 05:33 pm