Now That’s What I Call Video Game Music
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- 22 November 2022
Music is an important tool setting the tone of a video game.
This was something I was reminded of while playing Asobo Studio’s A Plague Tale: Requiem with Pete this month. There was a particular section in the game where the developer had offset the harrowing part of the storyline with a beautiful choral piece and it had worked perfectly.
While we both felt the game was a little mediocre, struggling to decide whether it wanted to be stealth or action title and therefore failing at both, the soundtrack was just as good as that in the first instalment. It reminded me of a piece I’d singled out while playing A Plague Tale: Innocence three years before. It was this one which had inspired me to start keeping a YouTube playlist of music I’d enjoyed.
Sound plays an integral role when it comes to storytelling in gaming and can really enhance the experience of playing. A good soundtrack can help establish a scene and set the atmosphere depending on its pace and volume, heightening a players’ emotions and connection to the world. As with that piece in Requiem, hearing the right music can create those standout moments which speak to you.
My playlist is above and below you’ll find the current listing. I’ve started adding new tracks as I come across them so I’m sure it won’t be too long before it grows again. A couple of notes on my music choices: the list has been ordered by release date and this is for the game, rather than the track itself. I’ve also limited myself to only one piece per title otherwise today’s post would be far much longer. Grab a cup of tea, put on your headphones, sit back and immerse yourself in some of my favourite video game sounds.
A good soundtrack can help establish a scene and set the atmosphere, heightening a players’ emotions and connection to the world.
* These tracks were included in the release trailers for the titles, rather than the game itself.
Timlah
4 months agoIf you ever want something a bit different and just want to feel good, the Katamari Damacy OST is phenomenal. Here’s a specific song that never fails to make me feel great: https://youtu.be/iMH49ieL4es
It fits the rainbow-esque aesthetic of the game and is consistently positive. It never feels like you fail, just small setbacks. The OST really adds to the joy of the game.
Kim
4 months agoI’ve just listed to the link and it’s such a Tim track! Whenever I hear this now, I’m going to think of you. 😀
Mr. Wapojif
4 months agoThe Ori games have the most amazing soundtracks. Ori and the Will of the Wisps – can recommend that one!
Kim
4 months agoGood choice, Mr Wapojif. I’ve only played a little of the Ori games because I’m not great at platformers but I do appreciate their beauty in both style and sound. The soundtrack seems like a great one to listen to if you’ve had a stressful day at work!
Mr. Wapojif
4 months agoLike gangsta rap, innit!
Kim
4 months agoIs there any better way to wind down after a long day than some gangsta rap and a cup of tea? I think not.
Halsdoll
4 months agoThere are ton of video game soundtracks I enjoyed listening to. Glad to see Hollow Knight on your list. Music does make a difference in the overall gaming experience.
Kim
4 months agoI haven’t played Hollow Knight myself, but the Green Path track stood out for me after watching Frostilyte stream the game. The next day I tracked it down on YouTube because I couldn’t get it out of my head!
WCRobinson
4 months agoI like this idea of making an album-length playlist of video game music!
Whenever I think video game music, I think about Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum and that suite of cathartic music. Tunes like Route 209 are just brilliant. I recommend GlitchxCity, who does brilliant video game remixes (which includes a lot of Pokémon).
Kim
4 months agoThanks for the tip! Seems like it’s good music to have on in the background while you’re working. 🙂
WCRobinson
4 months agoDefinitely! The lo-fi beats are super relaxing 🙂
shredfearn
3 months agoJust discovered this blog after your ‘like’ on my True Colors post : ) Lovely little hang out here for adults into videogames. This post in particular caught my eye as I also write about videogame soundtracks over at A Closer Listen with my buddy David. We call ourselves *Press A*, and we’ve covered quite a few on your list. Some other gems I’d recommend would be FAR: Lone Sails, Celeste and Spiritfarer.
Link to all our posts here, if you’re interested: https://acloserlisten.com/?s=press+a
Kim
3 months agoThanks for the link! I’ve followed and am looking forward to reading more. 🙂
I’ve had FAR: Lone Sails on my wishlist for absolutely ages but haven’t gotten around to playing it yet. I’ll make a point of doing it this year and will keep an ear on the soundtrack.