Since the almost the birth of video games, music within the game has been a huge part of immersion. With video game soundtracks getting better and better every year, it’s only natural to take a look at the greatest video game themes ever made.
Max Payne 2 – Kärtsy Hatakka, Kimmo Kajasto – 2003
The sad theme to Max Payne’s life, Max Payne’s theme brings the feeling of despair throughout Max Payne 2. A homage to the old noir film scores, The theme of Max Payne fits in perfectly with the neo-noir storytelling of Max Payne.
Baulder’s Gate – Michael Hoenig – 1998
Arguably, one of the best RPGs ever made, The theme to Baulder’s Gate yells that a big perilous adventure is ahead. The theme and soundtrack of Baulder’s Gate would fit in perfectly with films like Lord of the Rings and other fantasy films. With the enhanced edition right around the corner, fans have every reason to be pumped when they hear this theme again.
Super Mario Bros. – Koji Kondo – 1985
Easily the most recognized tune from any video game, The Super Mario Bros. theme first appeared in the 1980′s. Countless covers of the song exists on YouTube ranging from various instrument covers to many other creative ideas. It’s amazing that Nintendo created such a catchy tune that even the youngest children of today wills recognize and I hope so will the children of the future.
Halo: Combat Evolved – Martin O’Donnell – 2001
The game that brought the shooter to the console and made it a success. Martin O’Donnell’s score is considered by many to be the greatest in modern videogames. Halo is still regarded as many as one of the best console shooters ever made. The theme goes perfectly with the epic feeling of the game.
Diablo I & II - Matt Uelmen – 1996 & 2000
The addictive game that single handily started the hack and slash genre, The theme of Diablo goes perfectly with the game. Considered by many as the greatest video game of all time, Diablo II uses the same epic theme as the first one. There is nothing better than walking around in Tristram and hearing one of the greatest melodies in a game.
Deus Ex – Alexander Brandon – 2000
What is there to say? My personal favorite soundtrack of all time, From the streets of Shanghai to the UNATCO base, the soundtrack never disappoints. A mix of electronic music with an epic orchestral score, Only Daft Punk’s Tron Soundtrack comes close to matching the music of Deus Ex. When Ion Storm first released Deus Ex back in the summer of 2000, It was met with rave critical reviews. To this day it is considered by many to be the best game ever made, Even topping many best of all time lists.
What are your favorite themes? Voice your opinion in the comments.
Here are some of my favs
Outrun
Afterburner 2
Bayonetta
Mirror’s Edge
Katamari Damacy
Shadow of the Colossus
Castlevania (NES)
Mega Man 3
Final Fantasy Tactics