The C&C and RA soundtracks were two of the first CDs I ever bought for myself. Frank Klepacki could just keep making music like that and I would get them, game or no game
The entire Kingdom Hearts series has an amazing soundtrack. You should definitely play it if you like great combat and emotional stories. Or if you like Disney and/or final fantasy.
You can seriously hear the downgrade in the OST for TDA without Mick it’s actually kind of jarring. It’s not even bad either but 2016 and Eternal set the bar really high.
I was shouting at my wife when they played this during the Tokyo Olympics opening games. That masamune scene in CT is one of my favorite gaming memories of all time.
Gusty Garden Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy. This games was Nintendos first gander at using an orchestra for its (entire?) OST. You could list any other soundtrack, but Gusty Garden just hits differently.
(Gonna cry everytime that soundtrack plays in the Mario Galaxy Movie)
CE was great, but I think it's eclipsed both by the electric guitar version in Halo 2 and the piano in Halo 3. Just my two cents... I remember the first time hearing the Halo 2 theme and was like holy shit they made it even better?? Then Halo 3 was just dramatic, perfect for the game's theme.
Halo 3 menu and music combo will forever hold a special place in my heart. Spent countless nights falling asleep to it not wanting to log off for the night
Steve Vai is a legend. Normally, I'm a big fan of modern music played on classical instruments, but in this case, he took something that was already one of the most well known theme's in all of gaming and took it to another level.
Also, I was a fan of the menu music in the halo channel. Although I wouldn't put it as "one of the best songs in video gaming", I still find myself coming back to it, 9 years later.
Simple and Clean from Kingdom Hearts. Am I only saying that because I have a very specific nostalgia for that game since I got it on the best Christmas ever, when I also got a PS2 and my whole family got snowed in at my house and all the kids played KH all night? Yes. Does that invalidate my answer? Yeah probably but I’m still sticking with it.
Me and my friends try to make it to the Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds symphony every time we can and when they hit with Zanarkand there isn't a dry eye in the house. If you've never been, try to make it. If you HAVE been, also try to make it again.
This song is the most famous, but my favorite pieces of music from FF7 were always the world map theme (super epic and nostalgic feeling), and randomly the music loop that plays after you win a combat and you’re collecting your rewards.
This is probably my favorite. I know it's the only video game song I learned to play.
Honorable mentions because of how it's presented in the game Days Gone - Yesterday I've chilled out to that song being played in that little gazebo in the camp a lot.
Out of the context of the game it's amazing. In context and after seeing an EXPERT translation... it's so much better.
(SPOILERS ACT 2, and I have modified this to replace the supernatural elements with something those not familiar with the plot can follow) Imagine a 50-something upper class 1900-era French couple - Renoir and Aline - whose middle child died saving their youngest from a housefire. Aline turns to alcoholism (in game, something supernatural instead). Renoir wants to save her. The song is an ARGUMENT between the two that opens with Aline singing 'Stop loving me' and Renoir replying 'I will always love you!'; then Renoir singing 'drop that bottle, leave this fantasy world'. The real winner though is Renoir and Aline singing almost the same words... to different people. Again using the alcohol metaphor, one line is 'in this bottle, our love thrives (Aline)/dies (Renoir)' but the REAL killer is the one that's the same. 'continuing to love you, continuing to drink, reaching out and begging you, come back' - Renoir sings this to Aline, Aline to their dead son. It honestly works better again when you know the supernatural aspects and don't need the metaphor
So you have that playing - but these two are basically the gods of your world. And it's a boss fight, and the boss always acts first, so you are staring open-mouthed at the lines before the fight and the song and then... parry this!
With the context of the story - this is my pick of the best song of the 2020s so far. Even out of the story's context it might be my top pick of 2025.
It’s so hard to pick just one, and which franchise. But for me it has to be from Destiny. Looking out on Europa from the space station reminiscing on all the memories I made in this game and what it’s been with me through outside of the game. Gets me every time I hear it.
Rivers in the Desert - Persona 5. P5 probably my least favourite persona game but this song hit different.
Once Upon a Lullaby - Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void. If you know this song, you know how unbelievably hard it hits. The music carries the atmosphere of that game and it’s outstanding.
One Winged Angel - FFVII look, I get it’s cliche now, and overplayed, but when this came out in the 90s it was so freaking cool.
Honourable Mention: Rafael’s Final Stand - BG3. This isn’t one I’m just listening to, but in context to the game/the rest of the music, this song was my favourite part of BG3, and it wasn’t close.
Few songs move me like "We Lost", along with the entire Simon OST. Expedition 33 went beyond ham with the music. They defined a generational bar of quality, without a doubt.
Hm Hmm hmm hm hm hm hm hm hm , hmmm hmm hmmmmmm hmmm hmmm hmmmmm hm hm hm hm hm hm hmmmm hm, do do do do do do do dooo do do do dooooooo ba ba ba ba ba ba ba baaaaaaaa.
Gwyns theme from Dark Souls. It caught me off guard when I first came to it. I was expecting the most intense battle since it was the final boss, but instead it was just putting down a withering old shell of a man long since past his prime. The music really brought it all into perspective.
Red Alert - Hell March
In my head for over two decades.
The C&C and RA soundtracks were two of the first CDs I ever bought for myself. Frank Klepacki could just keep making music like that and I would get them, game or no game
If Lenin could see us now.
Die waffen... legt ant!
GUITAR
The sound of those boots hitting the pavement in perfect unison is etched into my gray matter. Crunch, crunch, crunch.
Live and Learn by Crush 40 from Sonic Adventure 2
The Goldeneye pause menu music.
For the uninitiated
I was hoping for this. Nice work. Quality contribution to this thread right here.
I watch it every time I think about it, so probably at least once a month tbh
Very happy you linked the correct video for this
I'm grooving to this in my own head. Excellent choice
https://youtu.be/ZAEM2NZ9EIg?si=clOvOItu_oUZTVG5
My favorite remix of goldeneye pause music
Good Googly Moogly
Every song in that game is a banger.
Gerudo Valley - Zelda
Second this. Absolute banger. Ephixa remix as well. Got me into dubstep largely
Without a doubt. Holds its own as a real flamenco song
Sea Shanty 2 - OSRS
I found Autumn Voyage to have been my favorite.
Harmony was mine.
I really like the one at the ToB bank.
I dont know many but I always check in with Dearly Beloved from Kingdom Hearts 2, I never even played the game.
The entire Kingdom Hearts series has an amazing soundtrack. You should definitely play it if you like great combat and emotional stories. Or if you like Disney and/or final fantasy.
This was the first song that popped into my head.
As soon as I hear it, I immediately get taken back to my childhood.
Dearly Beloved, are you listening??
It perfectly captures the specific feeling of missing someone you haven't met yet.
Still Alive - Portal
Portal just wouldn’t have had the same impact without that playing during the credits
Jonathan Coulton deserves so much praise, Valve couldn’t have chosen a better person to write that masterpiece
It’s catchy and perfectly express the tone of the game.
This was a triumph
I'm making a note here "huge success"
Its hard to overstate my satisfaction
Aperture Science
Aperture science
We do what we must because we can
For the good of all of us
Except the ones who are dead
But there's no use crying over every mistake
You just keep on trying 'til you run out of cake
Honestly, I prefer want you gone
Jonathan Coulton is honestly such a great artist. Still alive is super unique but he also wrote that song "All we wanna do eat your brains."
RIP AND TEAR!!!
Pay Mick Gordon!
You can seriously hear the downgrade in the OST for TDA without Mick it’s actually kind of jarring. It’s not even bad either but 2016 and Eternal set the bar really high.
I've tried listening TDA Ost but I gave up halfway through the album because I miss mick's zing
I would also accept BFG Division
AND the only thing they fear is you
Wind Scene - Chrono Trigger
Actually all of Chrono Trigger. Yasunori Mitsuda FTW.
This game was a masterpiece. All of it.
Corridors of time is more my jam. But most songs in that game slap!
Frog’s Theme - Chrono Trigger. I walked down the aisle to my wedding to a classical rendition of it.
I was shouting at my wife when they played this during the Tokyo Olympics opening games. That masamune scene in CT is one of my favorite gaming memories of all time.
Omg that’s the 600AD song… it’s been so long
Alan Wake 2 - Herald of Darkness
What a thrill….
Some day you’ll feed on a tree frog…
Username checks out
Seeing and hearing that on the PS2 back in the day. What a glorious moment.
Donkey Kong Country - Aquatic Ambience
I raise you Stickbrush Symphony
You’re both correct.
I raise you Crocodile Cacophony
That track had no right to go that hard on the SNES. It’s calm, nostalgic, slightly haunting, and instantly transports you back. Absolute masterpiece.
The whole game soundtrack is insane good
Gusty Garden Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy. This games was Nintendos first gander at using an orchestra for its (entire?) OST. You could list any other soundtrack, but Gusty Garden just hits differently.
(Gonna cry everytime that soundtrack plays in the Mario Galaxy Movie)
Space Junk Galaxy and Luma's Theme hold such a special place in my heart
BFG Division 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
ducktales moon theme
Moon theme in 1989: "I'm on the Moon!"
Moon theme in 2017: "I'm coming home."
The 2017 DuckTales show is incredible. Never thought lyrics for the Moon Theme would make me tear up.
Halo combat evolved
CE was great, but I think it's eclipsed both by the electric guitar version in Halo 2 and the piano in Halo 3. Just my two cents... I remember the first time hearing the Halo 2 theme and was like holy shit they made it even better?? Then Halo 3 was just dramatic, perfect for the game's theme.
All three were amazing though :-)
Halo 3 menu and music combo will forever hold a special place in my heart. Spent countless nights falling asleep to it not wanting to log off for the night
The Breaking Benjamin halo two song is fucking awesome.
ONLY THE STRONGEST WILL SURVIVE
Steve Vai is a legend. Normally, I'm a big fan of modern music played on classical instruments, but in this case, he took something that was already one of the most well known theme's in all of gaming and took it to another level.
Also, I was a fan of the menu music in the halo channel. Although I wouldn't put it as "one of the best songs in video gaming", I still find myself coming back to it, 9 years later.
Unforgotten on halo 3 absolutely slaps
How tf is this not higher
Simple and Clean from Kingdom Hearts. Am I only saying that because I have a very specific nostalgia for that game since I got it on the best Christmas ever, when I also got a PS2 and my whole family got snowed in at my house and all the kids played KH all night? Yes. Does that invalidate my answer? Yeah probably but I’m still sticking with it.
It's hard not to sing along to it.
Yes yes yes YES you’re right. Literally one of the best video game openings ever.
Funny that the first answer I see here is KH, my first thought when I saw the thread was Kyle Landry's old ass piano cover of Passion
In Red Dead Redemption, Far Away by José González (it plays when you ride into Mexico for the first time.
Also the soundtrack for Darktide goes hard.
Red dead 2 soundtrack is really good
That's the way it is. God I was balling like a baby the first time I played that part.
Funny enough some of the best musical moments come in the prologue, Woody Nelson kicking in was magical.
Baba Yetu from Civ 4
In high school band we played a mash up of video game songs and I had the solo on trombone for baba yet. It was awesome
Heard that choir live, so good.
That’s how I found out who Christopher Tin is. He’s brilliant!
The only one that won a Grammy.
This, but also Sogno di Volare from Civ6
To Zanarkand, FFX
Just a personal favorite of mine.
I love to zanarkand. But I have a soft spot for Liberi Fatali from ff8.
https://youtu.be/XyBensMp_MA?si=Of-NPtJKD7vvchcs
I occasionally get it in my head and have to relisten.
One winged angel also slaps hard
Also my absolute favorite from FF8 is just the Balamb Garden music.
Besaid Island
I listened to the soundtrack to ffx on repeat while I slept it comforted me so much. I put in easily 150 hours in that game if not more.
Me and my friends try to make it to the Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds symphony every time we can and when they hit with Zanarkand there isn't a dry eye in the house. If you've never been, try to make it. If you HAVE been, also try to make it again.
One of the best shows I've ever been to.
Forever Rachel from FFVI is my favourite.
The credits of the game, where Celes’ theme starts playing, then they layer over Locke’s theme… it’s amazing!
One Winged Angel - Final Fantasy 7
I always liked City of the Ancients
This song is the most famous, but my favorite pieces of music from FF7 were always the world map theme (super epic and nostalgic feeling), and randomly the music loop that plays after you win a combat and you’re collecting your rewards.
Not many villains have a Latin choir chanting their name. That's how you knew you were in trouble.
Bury the Light
Undertale from Undertale. Simple. Beautiful. Perfect.
Wily Castle 1, Mega Man 2
Already had the link copied, the absolute best:
https://youtu.be/aTbfpkByIM8?si=qsEhbQUobu3IqfTe
The Tetris theme/Korobeiniki
Portal - Still Alive
This is probably my favorite. I know it's the only video game song I learned to play.
Honorable mentions because of how it's presented in the game Days Gone - Yesterday I've chilled out to that song being played in that little gazebo in the camp a lot.
Scars of Time from Chrono Cross.
Stream Nobuo Uematsu’s Distant Worlds albums and take your pick from any number of bangers.
Battle on the Big Bridge, Jenova, Suteki da Ne, Memoro de la Stono are some of my favs.
Chemical plant zone - Sonic 2
Dragon Roost Island - The Legend of Zelda, The Wind Waker
“Down By the River” from Baldur’s Gate 3
Secunda
Deep Stone Lullaby
Sometimes I play the 8 hour loop at work. Love this shit
GUYS! I can't upvote EVERY comment!
I believe in you.
Golden Sun - The Elemental Stars This is the orchestral remix but the original on GBA was magical
So glad to see Golden Sun mentioned. The Isaac battle theme will always be my favourite, but the entire soundtrack is an absolute masterpiece.
une vie a taimer
I think I audibly gaped “fuck yea” first time I heard that
I completely forgot about the Dualiste track. Been on repeat for 3 days holy fuckp
Came here to comment this.
Out of the context of the game it's amazing. In context and after seeing an EXPERT translation... it's so much better.
(SPOILERS ACT 2, and I have modified this to replace the supernatural elements with something those not familiar with the plot can follow) Imagine a 50-something upper class 1900-era French couple - Renoir and Aline - whose middle child died saving their youngest from a housefire. Aline turns to alcoholism (in game, something supernatural instead). Renoir wants to save her. The song is an ARGUMENT between the two that opens with Aline singing 'Stop loving me' and Renoir replying 'I will always love you!'; then Renoir singing 'drop that bottle, leave this fantasy world'. The real winner though is Renoir and Aline singing almost the same words... to different people. Again using the alcohol metaphor, one line is 'in this bottle, our love thrives (Aline)/dies (Renoir)' but the REAL killer is the one that's the same. 'continuing to love you, continuing to drink, reaching out and begging you, come back' - Renoir sings this to Aline, Aline to their dead son. It honestly works better again when you know the supernatural aspects and don't need the metaphor
So you have that playing - but these two are basically the gods of your world. And it's a boss fight, and the boss always acts first, so you are staring open-mouthed at the lines before the fight and the song and then... parry this!
With the context of the story - this is my pick of the best song of the 2020s so far. Even out of the story's context it might be my top pick of 2025.
Cyberpunk: V, Revel Path, The Heist
Honorable mention for Resist and Disorder
I Really Wanna Stay At Your House, Phantom Liberty
-Memories of Dust (Nier Automata)
too many to list from Expedition 33. I like them all, from the epic battle themes to the piano tracks
Grandma -Destruction and Grandma-Reunion for me from Nier
Ezio's Family
INSANE I HAD TO SCROLL SO FAR TO FIND THIS!!!
To The Edge - FFXIV (and Neath Dark Waters - a key song to its inspiration).
You could put so many XIV tracks here. Soken always cooks.
Corridors of time - Chrono Trigger
Deep Stone Lullaby - Destiny 2.
It’s so hard to pick just one, and which franchise. But for me it has to be from Destiny. Looking out on Europa from the space station reminiscing on all the memories I made in this game and what it’s been with me through outside of the game. Gets me every time I hear it.
I’ll give you three all 10/10 iconic songs.
Rivers in the Desert - Persona 5. P5 probably my least favourite persona game but this song hit different.
Once Upon a Lullaby - Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void. If you know this song, you know how unbelievably hard it hits. The music carries the atmosphere of that game and it’s outstanding.
One Winged Angel - FFVII look, I get it’s cliche now, and overplayed, but when this came out in the 90s it was so freaking cool.
Honourable Mention: Rafael’s Final Stand - BG3. This isn’t one I’m just listening to, but in context to the game/the rest of the music, this song was my favourite part of BG3, and it wasn’t close.
Risk of Rain 2 has some real bangers for sure.
Silent Hill 2 Laura’s Theme
You know what sets the mood?
Duke Nukem 3D theme!
City of tears- hollow knight
https://youtu.be/oFuTy7ubo74?si=dpiqWSjKZWFIwftA
Gusty Garden Galaxy, hands down
Diablo II - Tristram Theme
"Dragonborn", Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Fus!
Ro!
Dah!
May I stand unshaken
Amid, amidst a crashing world.
Great fairy fountain from LOZ or Fallen Down from Undertale
Lumiére - Clair Obscur Expedition 33
Few songs move me like "We Lost", along with the entire Simon OST. Expedition 33 went beyond ham with the music. They defined a generational bar of quality, without a doubt.
Moon Stage Theme -Ducktales NES
Chrono cross or ff ost
Dr Wily's Castle - Mega Man 2https://youtu.be/WJRoRt155mA?si=5f2fQaDC8R7wOtqj
Diablo - Tristram
Final Fantasy VI - Dancing Mad.
Most of the soundtrack to FF6 is amazing! My personal favorites are The Epitaph and Spinach Rag
BFG Division from Doom 2016
"Fight On!" from "Final Fantasy VII" for me.
DK Rap from DK64 of course
Impossible to pick just one, but here are some favourites of mine:
Icarus - Main theme - Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Never Forget - Halo 3
Travellers - Outer Wilds
Introduction - Mirror’s Edge
Noosphere - Mechanicus
Sector Sweep - Half-Life 2
Galaxy Map Theme - Mass Effect Trilogy
Im slightly disappointed nobody but you and one other said anything from outer wilds.
Lonely Rolling Star from Katamari Damacy
The Halo theme makes me ascend
Herald of Darkness from Alan Wake 2 Take Control from Control
Assassins Creed Black Flag- Main Menu theme
Mario 64- Dire, Dire Docks
Borderlands- Welcome to Fyrestone
Monster Hunter Wilds- Earth-Piercing Bolt (Rey Dau theme)
Super Smash Bros Brawl- Final Destination
Zelda Tears Of The Kingdom- Demon Dragon Theme
Zelda Twilight Princess- Midna’s Lament
Monster Hunter- Proof of a Hero (Rise Edition)
Honourable mention is “Make it Bun Dem” in Far Cry 3 when you burn the weed fields.
𝚆𝚎 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚝 𝚃𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 - 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚎
I think its goes like this,
Hm Hmm hmm hm hm hm hm hm hm , hmmm hmm hmmmmmm hmmm hmmm hmmmmm hm hm hm hm hm hm hmmmm hm, do do do do do do do dooo do do do dooooooo ba ba ba ba ba ba ba baaaaaaaa.
Gusty Garden Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy
BFG Division - Mick Gordon, from DOOM (2016)
To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy or the opening overture of Dragon Quest XI
Spring Yard Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 1991 never fails to get me dancing
Dark World overworld music, A Link to the Past.
All time favorite: Simple and Clean from Kingdom Hearts
Close second: Travelers from Outer Wilds
I’ve scrolled quite a bit and haven’t seen it, but city escape from Sonic Adventure 2 is a certified banger.
Raphael’s Final Act - Baldur’s Gate 3
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, Ace of Spades by Motörhead.
Can't hear that song without remembering the game.
Yeah, I hear that and I'm right back in the foundry. Also Blitzkrieg Bop for the same reason.
I’m a boomer.
Prophecy by Hiroki Kikuta from the snes secret of mana game.
I used to keep it on pause to listen. It’s from when you get your flying mount.
Halo
Ludwig the Accursed - Bloodborne
Portal-still alive
Cleric Beast - Bloodborne
Halo theme song. My brother used to turn on the Xbox just to play the menu screen music to fall asleep lol
Abandon Ship - Subnautica
Ace Combat 4 - "Comona"
The Wii menu theme has brainwashed us all
megalovania
Pokémon Black/White/Black 2/White 2 Victory Road.
so may good ones man. just what comes to mind is all of zelda oot, doom 2016, katamari damacay, OH! guardians of the galaxy is killer too
Theme of Laura or Promise reprise from Silent Hill 2
Halo theme (Mjölnir mix personally). Pretty much anything Halo related, specifically Bungie Halo.
Above The Sea Of Clouds - Genshin Impact
Anything from genshin
Gwyns theme from Dark Souls. It caught me off guard when I first came to it. I was expecting the most intense battle since it was the final boss, but instead it was just putting down a withering old shell of a man long since past his prime. The music really brought it all into perspective.
The entire 2 CD set of Halo 3 ODST music, but “A Light at the End” in particular