The gaming experience has always been linked to music, from the first sound bits of Pong to the most complex melodies of today. In fact, try to take the pad in your hands and play The Legend of Zelda without listening to the magnificent songs made by Koji Kondo or jump here and there in the company of Richter belmont without the stunning soundtrack created by Michiru Yamane to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, we are sure that you too would notice the lack of something.
The great Jamaican artist Bob Marley he said “Music is the simultaneous sound representation of the feeling of movement and the movement of feeling“, perhaps there is no better phrase to represent the union between music and video games. In fact, thanks to the skilful union of these individual elements, the videogame product transcends its nature and becomes art.
Today, we want to list which video games of the last decade have managed to accompany us inside fantastic virtual worlds thanks to their exceptional soundtracks. We inform you that the following list does not follow a specific order, as we believe it is impossible to draw up a sort of definitive ranking.
NieR: Automata - Keiichi Okabe
If we talk about music and video games we cannot but start from the masterpiece developed by Platinum Games under the brilliant direction of Yoko Taro. In fact, the undoubted talent of the Japanese composer Keiichi Okabe (author of the music also by NieR), in addition to having received numerous awards between 2017 and 2018, he managed to offer the already excellent gaming experience an extra gear. In fact, to the excellent quality of the melodies proposed, is added the characterization of the bizarre world created by one of the most eclectic (and crazy) Japanese game directors.
Although the whole soundtrack is a masterful work, we would like to recommend the song The Weight of the World, available only to those players who have committed to complete the title several times until you get to the real ending of the game. Within this melody you will find the worthy closure of the exciting journey that up to that moment has kept you glued to the screen.
Doom Eternal - Mick Gordon
The latest shooter in the signed series Bethesda e Id Software it was certainly one of the most popular titles of recent years (here our review), but not only for the excellent gaming sector, able to give new luster to this beloved brand, but also for the incredible soundtrack that accompanies this last adventure of Doom Slayer.
On the other hand, it must be admitted that Doom has always distinguished itself from other video games of the genre thanks to a respectable sound sector, composed of songs full of "cazzimma" and exciting. This time, however, the good Mick Gordon he surpassed himself, managing to give a new dimension to the songs heavy metal inserted into the game. In fact, not only are the latter perfectly functional to the action, but they are expertly remixed based on what happens on screen. More immersive than that.
Also in this case, we would like to recommend a particular song from this exceptional soundtrack.
Super Mario Odyssey - Shiho Fujii / Koji Kondo
Nintendo has always wanted to include truly epic music in its main video games, from the melodies of The Legend of Zelda to those present in the adventures of the beloved plumber.
From the iconic notes featured in Super Mario 64 to the dreamlike songs by Mario Galaxy 2, the Japanese company has always focused on immersion and the delicate balance between gameplay and sound sector. Super Mario Odyssey has somehow perfected the efforts made by the Japanese company and its collaborators. In fact, in this last chapter of the franchise we can say that Nintendo has found a solution to the equation capable of combining music and video games, all thanks to an exceptional set of songs.
Furthermore, we must not forget that this chapter of the series, like other great triple A titles, is composed of orchestral pieces, all capable of highlighting the undisputed genius of Koji Kondo. However, the song that deserves a special mention is Jump Up, Super Star !, known for being part of the first soundtrack with sung part of the series.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Marcin Przybyłowicz / Mikolai Stroinski / Percival
From the cheerful atmospheres of Mushroom Kingdom let's move on to the fantastic world imagined by Andrzej Sapkowski and brought to our consoles by the guys from CD Projekt RED. The title in question proved to be an incredible commercial success, so much so that it reached the 50 millions of copies sold in May 2020.
The entire soundtrack, released on CD through the Day One Edition of the game and in digital format on GOG and iTunes, manages to take the player by the hand and accompany him in the lands of Velen, Skellige, Novigrad, etc. where between Wolves, Djinn, Live it e Harpies the legend of Geralt of Rivia.
Among the various tracks of the official soundtrack of the game, which hosts an unreleased track by the Polish folk group Percival, we would like to advise you The Fields of Ard Skellig. Listening to this song, your mind will be catapulted into the wonderful Skellige Islands.
Cyberpunk 2077 - Marcin Przybyłowicz / Refused
Let's stay at home CD Projekt RED. In fact, their latest video game, despite being overwhelmed by criticisms regarding the numerous problems within it, presents a decidedly interesting soundtrack, as its melodies capture their essence from the past and bring it into the future, within a world exclusively present on our gaming platforms.
Having been lucky enough to adequately explore each alley of Night City, we have analyzed many of the 150 tracks present on the radio and we can say that it is such a varied and intense experience that it represents a real musical kaleidoscope. In short, thanks to the inclusive philosophy of the developers, a clear element in this dystopian adventure, every player will find the genre they prefer.
There are several songs that deserve your attention, from the evocative NO SAVE POINT to the rhythmic Flacko Locko. Although personally we recommend the splendid Never Fade Away di PT Adamczyk e Olga Jankowska.
Persona 5 Royal - Shoji Meguro
Let's go back to Japan, how could we not include the title that cleared such an interesting series in the West. Furthermore, remain impassive in the face of the brilliant talent of Shoji Meguro it would have been a pity we could not stain ourselves, in fact, the Japanese composer managed to reach and overcome the incredible soundtrack of 4 person. Incidentally, the Royal version features an updated and definitive version of the soundtrack.
The melodies inside are a symphony that will remain etched in your memories, becoming, after the gameplay, one of the main strengths of the success of this new chapter. One of the most interesting aspects of the soundtrack concerns the fact that the songs remain powerful and valid even once out of the video game.
Having said that, we would like to advise you Life Will Change, a song that represents the spearhead of the entire gaming experience, capable of transmitting adrenaline and tension, not for nothing is it connected to the final battle of our protagonists.
Death Stranding - Ludvig Forssel / AA.VV.
If we talk about the indissoluble union between music and video games we cannot fail to mention Death Stranding, the latest effort by the brilliant and enigmatic Hideo Kojima. The music within this very special video game was composed entirely by the Swedish composer Ludvig Forssel (who recently left Kojima Productions).
Some songs by the likes of also find space within the evocative soundtrack Low roar, Silent Poets e Chvurches. Moreover, Sony Interactive Entertainment e RCA Records they launched an album containing the songs dedicated to the video game last November 2019 from the name Death Stranding: Timefall.
It is not easy to choose a symbolic song that best represents the title, but when you think of Death Stranding, the memory goes to the first teaser and the song I'll Keep Coming by Low Roar, the one-man band founded by Ryan Karazija.
Red Dead Redemption 2 - Woody Jackson
The adventure of Arthur Morgan is perhaps one of the most loved titles ever. In fact, we are talking about the video game that has managed to bring the public and critics together (and it is never a simple thing) thanks to a solid gameplay and full of possibilities and to manicured settings. Obviously, the title Rockstar he manages to convince also from the musical point of view, so much so that he wins numerous awards in 2018.
At first listen, the soundtrack of this one Western "fairytale" seems to reproduce the typical soundtrack to which the genre has accustomed us. Indeed, in a short time the player will realize that each song represents a part of the journey that the protagonist is making. All this without forgetting the sound accompaniment to the incredible moments of pathos that characterize the game. On the other hand, very few soundtracks have earned their vinyl version.
Among all these sonic masterpieces, we would like to advise you Unshaken by the American multi-instrumentalist D'Angelo (aka Micheal Eugene Archer). It is one of the most evocative songs as it narrates the change of the protagonist, showing us a different man from the one we have known so far.
Final Fantasy VII Remake - Nobuo Uematsu / Masashi Hamauzu / Mitsuto Suzuki / AA.VV
Talking about music and video games leaving out the immense skill of Nobuo Uematsu it would be a mortal sin. In fact, the Japanese genius together with Koji Kondo, Akira Yamaoka, David Wise, Grant Kirkhope, Norman Corbail and many others, he pioneered this marriage by giving all of us moments of interminable joy.
On the other hand, from the explosive mission of opening to the encounter with Sephiroth the master Uematsu offers us a series of incredible emotions, so much so as to dramatically increase the immersion that the title offers, making us dress for the entire duration of the title the role of Cloud Strife and all members of the group Avalanche, from the bursting Tifa to the noisy Barrett. Each song is linked to a specific musical genre, in fact, it is impossible to forget the sweet sound of the guitar in Hollow Sky or the fitting rhythms typical of the Walled Market.
Even this valuable soundtrack, composed by ben 156 tracks, is available on vinyl, inside 7 discs separated, what a bizarre number, huh? Within this gargantuan musical work it is really difficult to find a piece that contains its essence, but if, like myself, every time you meet the Angel with only one wing, the heart stops, The One Winged Angel Theme is the right song for you.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Manaka Kataoka / Yasuaki Iwata / Hajime Wakai
The legendary Nintendo franchise has always been known for its sound sector, often entrusted to the genius of Koji Kondo. This time, the Great N, has decided to entrust to the very good Manaka Kataoka (The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Animal Crossing New Leaf / City Folks) the heavy burden of the Breath of the Wild soundtrack.
Several players did not appreciate the new way of thinking about the music of the video game. In fact, Nintendo's latest masterpiece diverges from the musical idea has accompanied fans of the series so far, from the timeless melodies of Ocarina of Time to the gloomy symphonies of Majora's Mask e Twilight princess. And it is precisely this diversity that pays off Breath of the Wild so special, as it offers us the opportunity to explore the new and wild Hyrule accompanied by the most beautiful and harmonious sound in the world, that of nature.
Obviously, the musical composition is still present, and we notice it when we arrive in the dungeons or in the various iconic places of the Great Plain of this new Hyrule, from Gerudo city al Calbaric village, without forgetting the now abandoned Temple of Time. Although the song that most impressed us comes directly from the story trailer, as through its notes it anticipates the incredible adventure that our fearless Link will have to face.
The Last of Us Part 2 - Gustavo Santaolalla / Mac Quayle
Talking about music and video games without mentioning the wonderful experience of The Last of Us Part 2 (here our review) would have made this special incomplete. In fact, the magnificent soundtrack that characterizes this sequel enters by right within the best of the decade, as it managed to accompany us by the hand inside the post-apocalyptic future conceived by the boys of N.
The Californian team, after the indisputable success with the first chapter of the series, has decided to entrust again to Gustavo Santaolalla. The stylistic choice of the latter, however, is in our opinion the winning weapon of the entire sound sector. In fact, the Argentine composer has not dedicated himself to the horror of the terrible monsters / zombies that have invaded the planet with their violence, on the contrary, he is inextricably linked to the feelings of the characters, offering players greater depth.
To the soundtrack there are also some sung pieces, evocative Future Days sung by Joel to the beautiful version of Take on me sung by Ellie a Dina. And it is precisely the latter that has left an indelible memory in our memory.
We conclude here our special dedicated to music and video games. Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page which titles you think can enter this "ranking" by right.
