The music in a video game is an important element. When done right, it makes for an unforgettable experience. The best music not only enhances the gameplay, but it creates an atmosphere unique to that title. From licensed soundtracks to original songs, these five games have some of the best music.
Fallout 3
The Fallout games, especially Fallout 3, have amazing soundtracks. Whether you’re just exploring the Wasteland or fighting a Super Mutant, nothing sets the mood like Billie Holiday or the Andrew Sisters. It’s also hard to forget Fallout 3‘s haunting theme song, “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire.” The game’s quirky mix of 1940s era music and post nuclear America is an interesting experience. The songs definitely get stuck in your head long after you stop playing.
GTA IV
Grand Theft Auto is a series known for its music. GTA IV has over 15 radio stations that feature everything like rap, rock, jazz, and techno.With all these choices, GTA has one of the best soundtracks in gaming. There were times when I was driving to a mission that I didn’t want to get out of the car because a song I liked was playing. Just having small things like multiple radio stations, make driving from mission to mission much more enjoyable
Portal
While you make your way through Portal, the music is sparse. Beyond the background music in the Test Chambers, all you encounter is the occasional radio playing an upbeat instrumental number. After you beat the game, that’s when one of the best video game songs is played. “Still Alive” is the perfect gaming song. It’s sung by GLaDOS after you think you defeated her, it chronicles the events of the game, and it even references another game. Then you realize that’s song playing on the radios.
Legend of Zelda
Every gamer knows the iconic theme to the Legend of Zelda. While the NES score is still incredible, the series really stands out for its songs. In many LoZ games, Link is given an instrument to play. It’s the songs he has to learn that has left a lasting impression on gamers. Songs like “Zelda’s Lullaby” and the “Song of Storms” are simple, but beautiful. Since the player has to learn the music in order to progress through the games, it’s a more powerful experience than just listening to a soundtrack.
BioShock
Both BioShock titles have some of the best music in video games. They use unconventional songs to create a creepy, unsettling tone. I never thought I would play a game where I fight something like a Big Daddy while listening to “(How Much is) that Doggy in the Window.” The old songs don’t sound goofy or out of place. Instead, they create a feeling that Rapture is a forgotten city, and you’re stuck down in it. The games’ original scores also lend to the desolate feeling, even though some of it sounds very upbeat.
It can be easy to overlook the importance of music in video games. While music isn’t needed to make a video game enjoyable, the ones with the best soundtracks and scores are most memorable.