T5W#162-Top 5 Video Game Soundtracks

I was talking with a friend the other day when the topic of Video Game Soundtracks came up.  Their favorite was an old Sega Genesis Classic, Sonic 3.  It got me thinking about what I considered to be my favorite soundtracks to listen to which came from the games I grew up playing.  Honestly, it did seem kind of hard at the moment.  When thinking about the best do you look to the classics from the NES, SNES, Genesis era or to the more modern, fully orchestrated soundtracks that are on par with most feature length film productions.  The answer, dear readers, is that it’s ok to go with both.  After I gave my friend the 16bit generation answers, I gave them the name of my all time favorite and thus, this list was born.  So enjoy today’s Top 5 Wednesday, taking a look at my Top 5 Video Game Soundtracks and the tunes ill listen to even when im not playing the actual game.

#5-Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

DKC2 is a prime example of how to make a sequel that surpasses its predecessor on every level (wont be the only one on this list too).  And the soundtrack compliments these improvements.  The high flying adventure of the Pirate Ship themes to the darkness of the underwater depths or the haunting but catchy beat of the Lost World, every track from Diddy’s Kong Quest feels epic in nature and fits the scope of the gameplay.  And, if im honest, the Rare Logo Track that plays when you power up the game was an early on signal that this game was going to be something special. 

#4-Final Fantasy XV

I’ll prepare for the onslaught of backlash on this one.  Yes, Final Fantasy has many other soundtracks that are more amazing and iconic.  But give Final Fantasy XV a little bit of a break, it has the potential to stand among the legends of Final Fantasy VI-X.  From the peaceful tracks that play as you ride around in your kick ass Regalia to the bombastic, operatic set pieces when you battle giants and tough as hell bosses, there’s plenty to classify this as a worthy Final Fantasy Soundtrack.  Also, Apocalypse Noctis is one of the most epic battle themes of all time and I get pumped every time I hear it.

#3-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

This game is considered to be the quintessential Ninja Turtles Video Game and why not?  Well in addition to the multiplayer, the iconic enemies and all the time traveling, the soundtrack is a major part of the experience.  From adrenaline filled battle themes like Big Apple 3AM and Technodrome: Let’s Kick Shell to the period piece inspired tracks like Skull and Crossbones and Starbase: Where No Turtle Has Gone Before to the amazing final track that plays during the credits, Turtles in Time is filled with so many likeable songs they’ll be playing in your head long after you’ve beaten the game.  It’s no wonder we never really got a decent Ninja Turtles Video Game since…cause this was 16bit perfection here.

#2-Mass Effect 2

To this day, Mass Effect 2 remains one of the greatest video games I have ever played in my life.  Better story, stronger gameplay, more interesting characters (and older ones who get a lot more depth).  It’s a damn near perfect game with the soundtrack to match.  The world of ME2 is larger, darker and more dangerous than the previous game.  The Tron inspired cords that made ME1’s soundtrack a classic return with more grit and action and an occasional chanting chorus to dial up the direness of any situation that seems impossible to escape.  The big stand out is the track that plays during the start of the final, potentially suicidal, mission.  You know you’re in the thick of a legend making event when that choir starts chanting.

#1-Halo 2

Halo 2 is a game that holds a very special place in my heart considering when I first played it.  The game helped me through my trial filled first year at college and introduced me to a franchise that is still an integral part of my life.  For all of it’s gunplay, imaginative story and epic scope, the soundtrack of Halo 2 still stands as the best in the entire franchise for me…plus I could have easily just said every Halo Soundtrack ever made belongs in the #1 spot.  Of course, the original Halo theme gets an incredible hard rock upgrade but the rest of the soundtrack is a perfect mix of all things action packed but calming, terrifying but wondrous, epic but personal.  This soundtrack set the benchmark for all other Halo games going forward and is still one I will listen to at night while working on random assignments…kind of like this list haha.