Video game soundtracks are one of the strangest ways to listen to music. Back in 1978, developer Taito released a looped background song for Space Invaders. The idea was for players to tap into the music, which would help them concentrate and pass the time.
Fast forward three decades to the days of FIFA soundtracks, which are considered a mashup of global cultures through music. Not only did the music introduce thousands of gamers to new artists and songs, but the eclectic mix of languages and genres added seamlessly to the gameplay.
Along the way, video game soundtracks have become more varied. Games like Journey (2012) have been nominated for Grammys based on its soundtrack, while video game franchises like Uncharted have opted to draw on (and improve on) earlier models like the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider theme.
Clearly, there’s something for everyone, whether interested in radio hits or title tracks from composers. Looking back at the almost half-century of video game music, starting with Space Invaders, here are five of the most memorable (and replayable) soundtracks.
Halo 2 (2004)
When it comes to most Halo 2 diehards, they’re most likely to remember the game for having one of the most frustrating endings in the industry (at least in the early 2000s). However, the vast majority of Halo gamers never actually made it to the end of the game—many were content to explore the first-person shooter on an afternoon off.
They’re also more likely to remember Halo 2 for its soundtrack. At the time, the game’s signature theme song featured choir and melancholic piano. Developers managed to marry this with the standard action of a first-person shooter, which featured different tracks for scenes battling Hunter enemies or playing at the Arbiter.
Doom (1993)
Like Halo introduced ambient instrumentals to shooter games, Doom brought heavy metal to the masses in the 1993 release. Though many also hail the soundtrack of Doom Eternal (2020), it had a notably different sound. The original project, on the other hand, changed how composers built out video game soundtracks.
With only a few relaxing songs mixed into the unending metal riffs and hardcore vocals from King Diamond to Slayer, the Doom soundtrack was just as aggressive, edgy, and memorable as the game itself.
Rayman Legends (2013)
Though the Rayman Legends series hasn’t panned out into a huge hit like the other titles in this list, its soundtrack caught the attention of many critics. The game is an open-world RPG set in fantastical realms. As such, the soundtrack is appropriately poppy and upbeat.
What’s unique about the Rayman Legends soundtrack is that the rhythm of the songs directly correlates to gameplay mechanics. Once players finish a certain level, they’re treated to a platforming sequence that sees the main character, Rayman, speed through a final stretch in time with hits like ‘Woo Hoo’ by 5.6.7.8’s or ‘Black Betty’ by Ram Jam.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Most gamers, no matter how casual, remember their first time playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Much of that embedded memory links back back to the hit songs included in the original soundtrack, from Goldfinger to AFI to the Dead Kennedys. In fact, it introduced many to the alternative rock at the time.
Fans can rejoice—developers announced last year that they were organizing the release of a 4K remastering of the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Unfortunately, not all songs could be featured due to licensing issues.
Crypt of the NecroDancer (2015)
Like Rayman Legends, Crypt of the NecroDancer flew under the radar for many. And, just like Rayman Legends, this project took musical gameplay mechanics to the next level. Gamers must move through dungeons to take out as many monsters as possible—but only while moving and attacking to the rhythm of electronic music.
Composer Danny Baranowsky created an unforgettable spooky and ambient electronic soundtrack, which pairs perfectly with the game’s features and design. Looking to dance in your seat while perfectly timing attacks to the beat? NecroDancer was made for you.
