Video games are one of the most nostalgia-drenched pastimes of our younger years. Whether it was battling monsters and ferocious beasts, or tearing down bubblegum-tinted landscapes in futuristic worlds, the soundtracks were there to spur you on into the final frontier.
Today is #VideoGamesDay, so we’ve decided to round up our favourite game soundtracks past and present. So, it’s time to plug in and geek out while sink into some of those familiar and sentimental sounds.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Still regarded as one of the best games of all time, Ocarina of Time, had a soundtrack to match its iconic status. Created by Koji Kondo the games’ OST harked back to the original Legend of Zelda, linking the two harmoniously. Gentle keys and soaring wind melodies were aplenty whilst solving puzzles and casting spells.
Halo 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIyQVP3IUyg
Possibly one of the most epic game scores of all time, Bungie‘s Halo 3 soundtrack, is as memorable as the game itself. From its famous Gregorian chant-laden theme to its fast-paced courageous anthems, composers Marty O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori created an unforgettable masterpiece perfect for the Master Chief’s heroic adventures. An honourable mention from the Halo soundtrack universe goes to Halo 3: ODST. The moody atmospherics in this one truly reflected the desperation in the game’s narrative.
Streets of Rage 2
The Streets of Rage 2 OST perfectly matched the game’s gritty and sleazy aesthetic. Battling it out against street thugs with knives and big bosses with claws the groovy 8-bit breaks were the perfect serenade. Influenced by the action movies of the ’80s and ’90s, as well as Eurobeat and Detroit house, the composer, Yuzo Kosiro, undoubtedly worked his magic here.
F-Zero-X
Nintendo 64’s electrifying F-Zero X was a high octane experience in which thirty competitors would race plasma-powered hovercars across intergalactic circuits. The soundtrack was composed by Taro Bando and Hajime Wakai and is packed with roaring guitar solos and shredding synth melodies. From the get-go, this one was sure to gear you up for the race ahead.
Silent Hill 3
The Silent Hill saga has always been renowned for its unmistakable soundtracks. It’s hard to choose between the first three games, but it’s certain that the third instalment is the most refined. Composed by Akira Yamaoka, the SH3 OST is an atmospheric memory bank of the games emotions. With elements that span from ambient synth-scapes to indie-rock anthems, you can picture the main character. Fun fact about the Silent Hill 3 OST: previously anonymous producer, Burial, sampled the intro on his track ‘Endorphins‘. It was released in Japan on July 7, 2003, by Konami Music Entertainment, Inc.
