For me I'd have to say Beyond Good & Evil. Jack Wall did the soundtrack for that one and it's just remarkable. While the process of getting the audio into a computer-friendly format is quite cumbersome, it's definitely worth it for some of the really stand-out scores, and BG&E is definitely one of those. "Thoughtful Reflections" is a favourite of mine from that score. Also "Home Sweet Home" and "Enfants Disparus."
(Not to mention that the game itself, while a bit short, is highly underrated. It oozes polish.)
Also, I recently acquired Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean; despite the fact that it's a Japanese console RPG and follows most of the Japanese console RPG conventions (angsty teenage male protagonist, uppity teenage female sidekick, evil technology-oriented empire with mad ruler bent on world domination via the unleashing of some sort of ancient sleeping evil power) I find the orchestral portions of the score so moving that I try to advance the story just so I can hear new songs. Namco clearly knows they've got a good soundtrack on their hands, since the game includes a mode whereby you can just sit and listen to the piece of your choice (provided you've heard it in the game) without background, making the process of getting the audio onto a computer way easier. "Star-Spangled Journey" is my favourite so far. Gives me shivers every time. There are just some chord progressions that almost always work, no matter how many different composers use them.
Resident Evil 2 also had some really good music. Very atmospheric.
I used to love the WarCraft II soundtrack, but now it just sounds cheesy to me.
Rock 'n Roll Racing, obviously
But BG&E and Baten Kaitos stand head and shoulders above everything else I can think of offhand, aside from maybe RE2. Great stuff.
Anyone else have any favourite game soundtracks? Let's count the number of people who say FF7...
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Grim Fandango is the only game with which I bought the soundtrack (I got a release day copy of the game that didn't have the soundtrack included, like many others got).
-Bok
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I've got a copy of Grim Fandango now. Remind me again why I'm not playing through it on my parents' PC?
Oh, right. I'm an idiot.
Posted by Human (Member # 2985) on :
Listen to Final Fantasy anything. Nobuo Uematsu does their soundtracks, and he's a brilliant composer.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Actually, now that you mention it, Chrono Trigger had a pretty good soundtrack. I like Magus' theme and Zeal Palace in particular.
I've heard my fair share of FF soundtracks, though, and while I enjoyed them and thought they were pretty good, the only piece I ever bothered to get in a usable audio format on my computer was the obvious one (Sephiroth's theme). Still, they deserve a mention. There's some good stuff in there.
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
The classic video game music redone by the Minibosses is great. Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
The Chrono Trigger music would be a lot better if performed by something other then a synthesizer, which, sadly, I haven't found. I love all the FF music. Cyan's theme from FF 3 (us numbering) is probably my favorite of video game music, not because the composing is any better, but it just reaches me. A lot of FF music is like that. Maybe its not, technically, the best music in video games out there, but its certainly the stuff that reaches me on an emotional level.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
My first answer would have been Gran Turismo, but that's cheating. I like the music on Guilty Gear, and to a lesser extent, some of the weird stuff on the first Silent Hill.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
After all these years, the music from "ActRaiser" still stands out in my mind as some of the best music ever composed for a game.
Of course there's also "Chrono Trigger", which has already been mentioned. The music from "Skies of Arcadia" is also wonderful.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Random: Most of you have probably already perused this site, but if not, you have to download this song which is a Chilean song about Pac-Man. It's awesome. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Heh, the Minibosses are pretty cool. Also the Black Mages, who do FF music. They're very good musicians.
Posted by Human (Member # 2985) on :
If you want a site with lots of redone video game songs...www.vgmix.com. It's got literally hundreds of remixed songs from videogame soundtracks, some of them very good. Also all free. It's actually where I get most of the music that I listen to.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'm going to go with the theme to M.U.L.E.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
First place: Homeworld
Second place: World of Warcraft (particularly in game)
Third place: Starcraft
Feyd Baron, DoC
EDIT: Honerable Mention: Descent 2
[ January 17, 2005, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: Architraz Warden ]
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
quote: Cyan's theme from FF 3 (us numbering) is probably my favorite of video game music, not because the composing is any better, but it just reaches me. A lot of FF music is like that.
FF 3(6) totally has some of the greatest video game music of all time. Rachel's Theme is so bittersweet. And yeah, Cyan's theme is awesome. Before I ever had the internet and the ability to download midis, I would piss my friends off by flying to Doma Castle and listening to Cyan's theme for 10 minutes.
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
I still sometimes hear the theme for Megaman 2. Especially Flashman and uhh...The stickybomb guy (I forgot his name ). Cyan's theme was good. But I really liked Celes's theme. It's not as good now as it was, what, 6 years ago? But hey. Uhh...what else. Dark Reign, if anyone's ever played that game, had a great soundtrack for the time (It was to first RTS I ever played with a symphonic soundtrack to it. I often just listened to the soundtrack, even while playing other games). Tropico 2 had a fun soundtrack, very fitting for the game. Of course, I'm a fan of all the Command & Conquer soundtracks (Except Tiberian Sun, which went WAY off track, pardon the pun). Yeah, that's all I can think of right now (That hasn't been mentioned).
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:The stickybomb guy (I forgot his name ).
Crashman. And yes, Mega Man 2 had the best music from any Mega Man game. Actually, it was the best Mega Man game, period.
The music from Street Fighter 2 was pretty cool as well.
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
quote:And yes, Mega Man 2 had the best music from any Mega Man game. Actually, it was the best Mega Man game, period.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this. And I don't understand WHY it was the best Mega Man game. They were all just kinda re-hashes of the same game, yet, Mega Man 2 was the best...Odd.
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
quote: It's not as good now as it was, what, 6 years ago?
Actually, I think the North American release was in 1994.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I liked Setzer's theme the very best. I still must beat that game. Maybe tomorrow.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this. And I don't understand WHY it was the best Mega Man game. They were all just kinda re-hashes of the same game, yet, Mega Man 2 was the best...Odd.
I don't know either, but I do know that everyone I have talked to about the series agrees with us. The best guess I can come up with is that it expanded upon and was more versatile than the first, so it had more to offer and made for a better experience. And though later games also added certain things, by then we weren't as impressed because we had basically seen it all before. For me, at least, the first game was good, the second excellent, and each subsequent game progressively duller.
But surely there are other game series my analysis could refer to in which the second was not the best. So even if there is truth in what I've just said, there must be more to it than that.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
My favorite game music was in both NOLF games. While I might not rush out and buy a soundtrack, the music added to the flavor of the games perfectly. It's all about atmosphere with me, and the music to these added the perfect touch to already incredible immersive games.
I know I'm a broken record, but all the Thief games had the same quality, as well. The music was perfect for the atmosphere.
Posted by Alcon (Member # 6645) on :
The Halo and Halo 2 soundtracks are amazing.
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
quote: Actually, I think the North American release was in 1994.
Yeah, but I didn't play it til 98 or sometime around there.
quote: But surely there are other game series my analysis could refer to in which the second was not the best.
I'm going to say Castlevania was another series where the second game was the best. Simon's Quest rocked (Soundtrack wasn't too bad either), but I just can't get into any of the other ones (The third one was pretty close, but still not as good IMO)
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I would say the Sims 2 and Morrowind, but since these are the only two games I ever spent time on, it's not an objective judgment.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Ooh, and Earthbound. That music is great.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I don't play many video games, but I used to love the music on King's Quest VI. I know, corny. Old. Out of date. But I stand by it.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Me too!! I still have that game, but it won't run on my computer Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I liked the music for Alternate Reality, even though it was on cheesy 8-bit sound when I heard it.
Great game, too. I wish they'd remake it.
Dagonee
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
That reminds me a bit of Zeliard, which I was so obsessed with as a kid I still have the first few levels memorized ^^
Posted by Ron Lambert (Member # 2872) on :
The old LucasArts videogame "The Dig" had nice background music, with just the right feel. It was in the style of Howard Shore's beautiful scores for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I like my music to be beautiful. It has the widest range of moods and feelings.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
Callahan's Crosstime Saloon. No question. It's got songs by Spider Robinson with guitar work by Amos Garrett.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Ron, I loved the music from Loom.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
A Boy and His Blob!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
While I still love the music to M.U.L.E., primitive though it is, I'm going to agree with Feyd that the music to Homeworld is pretty incredible.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
How does that go again, Icarus?
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Final fantasy 7 (the best with Tactics) and I remember a game in 3D with a special Bowie Music : The Nomad Soul.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
Homeworld and Mechwarrior 2.
I didn't even PLAY mechwarrior 2, I have the CD for the music.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Halo 2 Grand Theft Auto San Andreas Jak III Anything Lord of the Rings Star Wars Battlefront
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
Metroid and Super Metroid Castlevania Symphony of the Night Chrono Trigger
Check out some metal remixes of the Metroid songs here.
Posted by CookieMonster (Member # 7238) on :
Mario.....all of it.....I love all the Mario music...........I play it in my head all the time................and can sing most of it.............if anyone knows were I can get the complete Mario soundtrack on CD I would bless you five times and...............bless you five times??? Posted by Puppy (Member # 6721) on :
I listen to the Fallout soundtrack while I work.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Oooh! And Frogger!!!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
How can I get music for Homeworld!?
Posted by Puppy (Member # 6721) on :
It came in the box Posted by Book (Member # 5500) on :
Morrowind had a gorgeous, epic soundtrack that really made the world tangible to whoever played it.
Posted by Lost Ashes (Member # 6745) on :
The Gran Tourismo series for PS.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
The only game soundtrack I have purchased is Space Channel 5. I would sort of like to get the soundtrack to Katamari Damacy since it plays through my head a lot.
And San Andreas? What Evah! The music in Vice City was soo much better.
Posted by WheatPuppet (Member # 5142) on :
quote:First place: Homeworld
I second this (or third it, rather).
Jet Set Radio Future has some awesome music. Very Jpop and unusual.
Homeworld 2 has some good music, too. It's much more directed than the Homeworld 1 soundtrack. It's very muslim-sounding. If I could, I'd have them both on CD. Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
quote: If I could, I'd have them both on CD.
I have em ^^ ... or did, they got lost somewhere in my brother's room Posted by xtownaga (Member # 7187) on :
I loved the soutracks from Myst III and IV (both done by Jack Wall), and the World of Warcraft music is also exelent (each area I've been to has it's own music that fits perfectly)
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I've been thinking about picking up Myst IV or a Myst bundle of some kind for precisely that reason. He's really astonishingly good.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
My box didn't have the soundtrack. And the sticker SAID IT DID! Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
Blade Runner.
The PC Game that came out in 1999 (i think) had music that was adapted well to match that of the movie.
Amazingly sparse use of music, but was there blew me away. i think it's the only video game music i have ever bothered taking notice of.
Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
So I was going to start a new thread, but then I figured that there had to be one like it (and so there was). I guess this thread isn't that old... so don't kill me for bumping.
I'm going to cast my vote for Homeworld as the best music I have heard in a game (hey, mack: you can get all the music here, as well as all the animatics/cutscenes here.) The opening song gives that great "vast empty space" feel. The credits song was cool too
The Ace Combat series, partucularly the latter two games have good music as well; AC4*(soundtrack here) and 5 both use latin vocals in the same way as Homeworld. Even the monologues are well done. AC5's The Unsung War is one of the best songs I have ever heard in a game, possibly even better than HW's main theme.
--j_k
[ February 04, 2005, 09:40 PM: Message edited by: James Tiberius Kirk ]
Posted by John Payne (Member # 1391) on :
I have to add another vote for Homeworld.
And I still occasionally listen to the Chrono Cross soundtrack 5 years after the last time I played it.
Posted by JemmyGrove (Member # 6707) on :
What to say that hasn't already been said?
One bit of VG music that has stuck with me for years is the Cosmo Canyon music from FFVII. It's still one of those places I'll go visit in the game just to hear it again.
Also, the first time I bought Heroes of Might and Magic II, the music that you heard when you entered your own castles was this phenomenal operatic soundtrack that doesn't appear on my current version (the old CD broke so I bought it again). The rest of the music for that game is unremarkable, but I loved visiting my castles -- especially the Sorceress castle with the Phoenix and the unicorns.
Vote for Homeworld.
FFIII(6) yet again. That was one of my first games in which I was aware of how much the music influenced my video game experience. So many memorable melodies.
And Chrono Trigger. The music that plays on the overland map (I don't remember which time) may be among the top three music themes in the entire (relatively short) history of video games.
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
I always liked the Sonic 1 and 3 soundtracks. As far as computer games go, I second the HOMM 2 vote. The music for the credits of the original Descent was also good.
Megaman 2 may have had better bosses, but Megaman 3 had better overall gameplay. And Shadow Man was several orders of magnitude more awesome than Metal Man.
Posted by MEC (Member # 2968) on :
I like the music in Katamari Damacy. It's just so...enchanting.
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