If, like me, you like your music in games then chances are you’ll have some particular favourites. Themes, tunes, melodies and scores can add just as much to an experience as the graphics and gameplay. It’s important to note I’m talking about music written specifically for a game, not licensed from record labels, etc.
Below are some of the melodies that stick firmly in my mind. Whether it be because they’re memorable or associated with a treasured gaming moment, each is distinctive and well written.
Super Mario Bros.
Best get the big one out of the way first: everything about the Mario Bros. games is iconic and the music is no exception. So much so that even after almost thirty years since release people are still finding new and interesting ways of playing it. Including on a 3,000 year old instrument…
Halo
A grand, sweeping game deserves a grand, sweeping soundtrack. The music in Halo perfectly complimented the increasing intensity of the battles and story. Underneath it all was a recurring theme that became as distinctive and recognisable as Master Chief himself.
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
Because I played this before the original Monkey Island, and it will always be my preferred game of the two. The music throughout the title suited each and every locale Guybrush visited on his journey which was especially important at the time because it was released in a time of 8- and 16-bit sound processors with limited capability. That it was still able to capture the feel of haunted ships, voodoo swamps and jaunty pirate shanties is testament to its brilliance.
Tetris
Admit it, you’re humming the tune already. Although I’m pretty sure you’ve never heard it quite like this before:
The Legend of Zelda
If this music doesn’t fill your head with memories of lifting the Master Sword high into the air then I don’t know what will. In my mind this is just as iconic as the Super Mario Bros. theme but never quite made it into the mainstream consciousness the way the little plumber’s ditties did. When played by a full orchestra however, there’s nothing quite like it.
What do you think? Which are your favourite original game soundtracks?
