Top Ten Videogame Songs
Allow me to present to you my personal all-time top ten for musical pieces found in videogames. First of all, let me say that compiling such a list was extremely hard. My list of candidates had well over 40 entries, and it was quickly made. I was eventually able to narrow it down to ten pieces that, I hope, you will agree with!
The criteria to appear on the list was as follows
1) The piece must have been composed for a videogame exclusively (so no licensed songs found in sports games, for example, could make the list)
2) The piece must be engrossing and/or so catchy that you can't help but nod your head as you are listening to it. The piece can be engrossing in itself, but sometimes it is also accompanied by personal memories that helped it score a place.
3) There cannot be more than one piece written for the same videogame franchise in this top ten. That's a very harsh requirement, but it was the only way I could populate the list without it being crowded with Final Fantasy...
My top ten is in no particular order; It is simply a bundle of songs, and I will therefore present them in the chronological order of their composition. And now, here they are!
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts - Level 1
Year: 1991
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Capcom's Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts was a fun and quirky platformer on Nintendo's relatively new console, the SNES. Starring King Arthur, it would have been quickly finished and forgotten, was it not for its addictive soundtrack. Each level featured a catchy song that was somewhat reminiscent of Danny Elfman's efforts in Beetlejuice. But of all these wonderful tracks, the theme from the very first level was instantly captivating. As soon as you started a new game and found yourself in King Arthur's shoes, the first level's music invariably brought a smirk to your face.
Final Fantasy V - Clash on the Big Bridge: Battle with Gilgamesh
Year: 1992
Publisher: Squaresoft
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
This was probably the hardest choice on the list. I knew I had to include a Final Fantasy song in there - the question was which one? Although each game had its own full set of unique pieces that could have very well made the list, I selected the fifth game's Clash on the Big Bridge as the most worthy. Let me be frank: Final Fantasy V probably had one of the worst soundtracks of the series (though that is, of course, relative). It was made up of mostly repetitive short pieces that really got on your nerve after a while. But then, past the halfpoint of the game, there comes this unique scene of a quasi-war on a huge bridge; an epic act that came with its own dedicated song; and it downright rocked. The scene itself ended with an challenging battle against Gilgamesh; arguably the best pseudo-villain in the entire history of videogames. The song was so good that it became one of the ten "elite" pieces that were remixed into hard rock for the first Black Mages album; a remix that is just as worthy to listen to than the original.
Mega Man X - Prologue
Year: 1993
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The very first scene in a videogame is often the best way to leave a positive impression for the entire game on the player. Few games accomplished this better than Mega Man X, in no small part due to the music. Players used to the old cookie-cutter vanilla Mega Man gameplay were shocked and stunned as they started their first game of X. This was a whole new beast; it was clear from the get-go that Capcom was ready to reinvent its beloved franchise and make it not only 'edgier', but also more epic. This song will forever remain printed permanently in the brain of many old school gamers.
Breath of Fire II - Cross Counter
Year: 1994
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Another Capcom game on SNES?! Yes, I must admit that the Super Nintendo was a true golden age for Capcom (as well as gaming in general). Breath of Fire, however, was different in that it was a role playing game in the vein of Final Fantasy, rather than Capcom's usual action games. And like Final Fantasy V, Breath of Fire II was plagued with a soundtrack that was mediocre at best... except for its battle theme. Cross Counter made the list because it excelled at what it was supposed to do: pump up the player for the next battle, even if he has been going through a hundred of them previously. It is definitely one of these "can't help but nod your head" songs that I mentionned earlier. Check it out!
Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Ice Cap Zone
Year: 1994
Publisher: SEGA
Platform: SEGA Genesis / Megadrive
Although Sonic was always designed as a 'rebel' character, he never truly acted upon this personality until he arrived at the Ice Cap Zone of its third game, bursting from a mountain of snow, landing on a snowboard, and surfing his way down the hill. Whoa. And the music was right there to accompany him. Like the Prologue of Mega Man X, the song told the player quite simply: "this one's different, so wake up and hang on to your controller". Memories of being stunned by this flamboyant entrance are deeply intertwined with the music of Ice Cap Zone, and this is why it made the list.
Command & Conquer - Act on Instinct
Year: 1995
Publisher: Westwood
Platform: PC-CDROM
This song was actually the reason why I decided to make this list in the first place; so its place was pretty much guaranteed from the start. Another "pump up" song, it ensured that the player's attention was fully directed to the game from the start of each mission until the very end. Frank Klepacki, the composer for all Command & Conquer games (except Generals I believe), is a pure genius of techno/industrial sound. In fact, you can listen to his work at his official website http://www.frankklepacki.com/, including Act on Instinct.
Chrono Trigger - The Day the World Revived
Year: 1995
Publisher: Squaresoft
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Chrono Trigger was another sure hit on this list; with its soundtrack composed by the two musical giants Nobuo Uematsu and Yasunori Mitsuda, there was no lack of material to be found there. I was originally planning to pick an obvious song from the game; its memorable battle theme, or the introduction. But as I listened through the entire soundtrack, I stumbled upon this amazing melancholic piece. I remembered it very well from the game, but I could not remember which scenes it played in... probably Merle's sad act after you rescued her from the church. Regardless, the song is a wonderful piece of music that will bring tears to your eyes. Highly recommended when you feel down and want to bask in your own sadness...
The Curse of Monkey Island - Introduction & Main Titles
Year: 1997
Publisher: Lucasarts
Platform: PC-CDROM
One word: PIRATES! How could I dare forget this classic? Although the Monkey Island main theme itself is much older (1990, the oldest on this list), its 1997 arrangement featured in the third game of the series remains the best version to date. It captured perfectly the setting of the series: 15th~16th century caribbeans! Inspired by dub and reggae music, Monkey Island's main theme is both catchy and engrossing, while keeping a decidedly humorous style; exactly like the games themselves.
Unreal Tournament - Save Me
Year: 1999
Publisher: Epic Megagames
Platform: PC-CDROM
Unreal Tournament. For many hardcore gamers, that name is synonymous with countless late-night (if not all-night) fragging sessions at LAN parties all over the globe. Its fast-paced competition gameplay, bloodsport atmosphere, and techno/rock/industrial soundtrack simply did the trick. As with many other players, my favourite map was DM-Morpheus, the tri-tower stage, for its low-gravity environment and its music. The feeling of gliding in the air from one tower to the other as you frag your opponent from above is simply exhilirating, and the map's music did a great job of putting you (and keeping you) in the perfect fragging state of mind.
Metal Gear Solid 2 - Main Theme
Year: 2001
Publisher: Konami
Platform: Playstation2
Last but not least, Harry Gregson-Williams' orchestrated main theme for Metal Gear Solid, featured in the second game of the series, is a perfect example of games growing and maturing to reach levels of entertainment closer to motion pictures. Like a rollercoaster, this musical piece conveys a wide range of genres and evokes many emotions: mystery, thriller, action, sleekness, honour, pride, loyalty, friendship etc. At its peak, it redefines the word "epic", and never fails to give me goosebumps on any involved listening... no matter how often I do it. A must.
And there you have it. I hope that the list was an interesting read. If you wish to hear any of these songs, just contact me and I'll send it to you. Now tell me: are there things you don't agree with, or songs that you think I unfairly left out? Please comment to give me feedback!
The criteria to appear on the list was as follows
1) The piece must have been composed for a videogame exclusively (so no licensed songs found in sports games, for example, could make the list)
2) The piece must be engrossing and/or so catchy that you can't help but nod your head as you are listening to it. The piece can be engrossing in itself, but sometimes it is also accompanied by personal memories that helped it score a place.
3) There cannot be more than one piece written for the same videogame franchise in this top ten. That's a very harsh requirement, but it was the only way I could populate the list without it being crowded with Final Fantasy...
My top ten is in no particular order; It is simply a bundle of songs, and I will therefore present them in the chronological order of their composition. And now, here they are!
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts - Level 1
Year: 1991
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Capcom's Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts was a fun and quirky platformer on Nintendo's relatively new console, the SNES. Starring King Arthur, it would have been quickly finished and forgotten, was it not for its addictive soundtrack. Each level featured a catchy song that was somewhat reminiscent of Danny Elfman's efforts in Beetlejuice. But of all these wonderful tracks, the theme from the very first level was instantly captivating. As soon as you started a new game and found yourself in King Arthur's shoes, the first level's music invariably brought a smirk to your face.
Final Fantasy V - Clash on the Big Bridge: Battle with Gilgamesh
Year: 1992
Publisher: Squaresoft
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
This was probably the hardest choice on the list. I knew I had to include a Final Fantasy song in there - the question was which one? Although each game had its own full set of unique pieces that could have very well made the list, I selected the fifth game's Clash on the Big Bridge as the most worthy. Let me be frank: Final Fantasy V probably had one of the worst soundtracks of the series (though that is, of course, relative). It was made up of mostly repetitive short pieces that really got on your nerve after a while. But then, past the halfpoint of the game, there comes this unique scene of a quasi-war on a huge bridge; an epic act that came with its own dedicated song; and it downright rocked. The scene itself ended with an challenging battle against Gilgamesh; arguably the best pseudo-villain in the entire history of videogames. The song was so good that it became one of the ten "elite" pieces that were remixed into hard rock for the first Black Mages album; a remix that is just as worthy to listen to than the original.
Mega Man X - Prologue
Year: 1993
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The very first scene in a videogame is often the best way to leave a positive impression for the entire game on the player. Few games accomplished this better than Mega Man X, in no small part due to the music. Players used to the old cookie-cutter vanilla Mega Man gameplay were shocked and stunned as they started their first game of X. This was a whole new beast; it was clear from the get-go that Capcom was ready to reinvent its beloved franchise and make it not only 'edgier', but also more epic. This song will forever remain printed permanently in the brain of many old school gamers.
Breath of Fire II - Cross Counter
Year: 1994
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Another Capcom game on SNES?! Yes, I must admit that the Super Nintendo was a true golden age for Capcom (as well as gaming in general). Breath of Fire, however, was different in that it was a role playing game in the vein of Final Fantasy, rather than Capcom's usual action games. And like Final Fantasy V, Breath of Fire II was plagued with a soundtrack that was mediocre at best... except for its battle theme. Cross Counter made the list because it excelled at what it was supposed to do: pump up the player for the next battle, even if he has been going through a hundred of them previously. It is definitely one of these "can't help but nod your head" songs that I mentionned earlier. Check it out!
Sonic 3 & Knuckles - Ice Cap Zone
Year: 1994
Publisher: SEGA
Platform: SEGA Genesis / Megadrive
Although Sonic was always designed as a 'rebel' character, he never truly acted upon this personality until he arrived at the Ice Cap Zone of its third game, bursting from a mountain of snow, landing on a snowboard, and surfing his way down the hill. Whoa. And the music was right there to accompany him. Like the Prologue of Mega Man X, the song told the player quite simply: "this one's different, so wake up and hang on to your controller". Memories of being stunned by this flamboyant entrance are deeply intertwined with the music of Ice Cap Zone, and this is why it made the list.
Command & Conquer - Act on Instinct
Year: 1995
Publisher: Westwood
Platform: PC-CDROM
This song was actually the reason why I decided to make this list in the first place; so its place was pretty much guaranteed from the start. Another "pump up" song, it ensured that the player's attention was fully directed to the game from the start of each mission until the very end. Frank Klepacki, the composer for all Command & Conquer games (except Generals I believe), is a pure genius of techno/industrial sound. In fact, you can listen to his work at his official website http://www.frankklepacki.com/, including Act on Instinct.
Chrono Trigger - The Day the World Revived
Year: 1995
Publisher: Squaresoft
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Chrono Trigger was another sure hit on this list; with its soundtrack composed by the two musical giants Nobuo Uematsu and Yasunori Mitsuda, there was no lack of material to be found there. I was originally planning to pick an obvious song from the game; its memorable battle theme, or the introduction. But as I listened through the entire soundtrack, I stumbled upon this amazing melancholic piece. I remembered it very well from the game, but I could not remember which scenes it played in... probably Merle's sad act after you rescued her from the church. Regardless, the song is a wonderful piece of music that will bring tears to your eyes. Highly recommended when you feel down and want to bask in your own sadness...
The Curse of Monkey Island - Introduction & Main Titles
Year: 1997
Publisher: Lucasarts
Platform: PC-CDROM
One word: PIRATES! How could I dare forget this classic? Although the Monkey Island main theme itself is much older (1990, the oldest on this list), its 1997 arrangement featured in the third game of the series remains the best version to date. It captured perfectly the setting of the series: 15th~16th century caribbeans! Inspired by dub and reggae music, Monkey Island's main theme is both catchy and engrossing, while keeping a decidedly humorous style; exactly like the games themselves.
Unreal Tournament - Save Me
Year: 1999
Publisher: Epic Megagames
Platform: PC-CDROM
Unreal Tournament. For many hardcore gamers, that name is synonymous with countless late-night (if not all-night) fragging sessions at LAN parties all over the globe. Its fast-paced competition gameplay, bloodsport atmosphere, and techno/rock/industrial soundtrack simply did the trick. As with many other players, my favourite map was DM-Morpheus, the tri-tower stage, for its low-gravity environment and its music. The feeling of gliding in the air from one tower to the other as you frag your opponent from above is simply exhilirating, and the map's music did a great job of putting you (and keeping you) in the perfect fragging state of mind.
Metal Gear Solid 2 - Main Theme
Year: 2001
Publisher: Konami
Platform: Playstation2
Last but not least, Harry Gregson-Williams' orchestrated main theme for Metal Gear Solid, featured in the second game of the series, is a perfect example of games growing and maturing to reach levels of entertainment closer to motion pictures. Like a rollercoaster, this musical piece conveys a wide range of genres and evokes many emotions: mystery, thriller, action, sleekness, honour, pride, loyalty, friendship etc. At its peak, it redefines the word "epic", and never fails to give me goosebumps on any involved listening... no matter how often I do it. A must.
And there you have it. I hope that the list was an interesting read. If you wish to hear any of these songs, just contact me and I'll send it to you. Now tell me: are there things you don't agree with, or songs that you think I unfairly left out? Please comment to give me feedback!