Great Soundtracks
A compilation of games I've played with highly noteworthy music. These are soundtracks that persist in my mind long after playing the game. Even if you aren't interested in playing these games, I'd recommend giving their soundtracks a listen.
Whenever possible, each title included will have a quick review, some details about the soundtrack, and a link for the soundtrack's official page if you want to support the artists! I also included a few personal favorites as well.
(**NOTE: this list is incomplete. You may see some ratings without explanations; these will be further expanded at a later date)
Whenever possible, each title included will have a quick review, some details about the soundtrack, and a link for the soundtrack's official page if you want to support the artists! I also included a few personal favorites as well.
(**NOTE: this list is incomplete. You may see some ratings without explanations; these will be further expanded at a later date)
34 Games
10/10
Personal Favorites: Where We Used to Be, Kingdom of Uraya, Mor Ardain - Roaming the Wastes, A Place in the Sun; Still, Move Forward!
Personal Favorites: Where We Used to Be, Kingdom of Uraya, Mor Ardain - Roaming the Wastes, A Place in the Sun; Still, Move Forward!
10/10
10/10
Planetary Pieces - Sonic World Adventure Original Soundtrack: The most diverse, worldly Sonic the Hedgehog soundtrack to date. A mix of orchestra, a touch of speed and electronic sound, as well as emphasis on day and night creates a well-rounded soundtrack worth hearing. While cutscene music creates atmosphere, the stage and hub world themes create the memorable journey. 10/10
Composers/Arrangers: Tomoya Ohtani, Kenichi Tokoi, Fumie Kumatani, Hideaki Kobayashi, Takahito Eguchi, Mariko Nanba
Official Pages:
Amazon Music (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 / Vol. 3)
Apple Music (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 / Vol. 3)
Also on YouTube Music and Spotify
Personal Favories:
Windmill Isle - Day, Dragon Road - Day, Dragon Road - Night, Jungle Joyride - Night, Super Sonic vs. Perfect Dark Gaia
Composers/Arrangers: Tomoya Ohtani, Kenichi Tokoi, Fumie Kumatani, Hideaki Kobayashi, Takahito Eguchi, Mariko Nanba
Official Pages:
Amazon Music (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 / Vol. 3)
Apple Music (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 / Vol. 3)
Also on YouTube Music and Spotify
Personal Favories:
Windmill Isle - Day, Dragon Road - Day, Dragon Road - Night, Jungle Joyride - Night, Super Sonic vs. Perfect Dark Gaia
9.5/10 or 10/10
9.5/10 or 10/10
UNDERTALE Soundtrack: A master of meaningful motifs and emotions, even when centered around chiptune and “inferior” sound. From energetic battle themes, mesmerizing field themes, to every sound and genre in between, Toby Fox’s compositions continue to evoke strong feelings and memories long after finishing the game. 9.5/10
Composers/Arrangers: Toby Fox, Stephanie MacIntire
Official Pages:
Bandcamp (Digital)
Fangamer (Physical)
Also on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Steam
Personal Favorites:
Snowy, It's Raining Somewhere Else, Death by Glamour, ASGORE, An Ending
Composers/Arrangers: Toby Fox, Stephanie MacIntire
Official Pages:
Bandcamp (Digital)
Fangamer (Physical)
Also on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Steam
Personal Favorites:
Snowy, It's Raining Somewhere Else, Death by Glamour, ASGORE, An Ending
9/10 or 9.5/10
JPN / EUR 9/10 or 9.5/10
Definitive Arrangements + Future Connected: Well-needed rearrangements for a fuller and more complete sound. Though cutscenes are (mostly) untampered with, and some arrangements make some questionable decisions, the new arrangements ultimately enhance and expand upon the atmosphere of an already stellar soundtrack. 9/10
Composers/Arrangers: Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, Tsutomu Narita, Natsumi Kameoka
Personal Favorites: Zanza the Divine, Satorl Marsh (Night), An Obstacle in Our Path; Agniratha, Mechonis Capital; Fog Beast Battle
Composers/Arrangers: Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, Tsutomu Narita, Natsumi Kameoka
Personal Favorites: Zanza the Divine, Satorl Marsh (Night), An Obstacle in Our Path; Agniratha, Mechonis Capital; Fog Beast Battle
ver.1224 9/10
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Original Soundtrack: A mesmerizing soundscape with strong melodies and an orchestrated driving force fit for a video game. One of the best Fire Emblem soundtracks for its unobtrusive use of motif as well as amazing map and cutscene themes. Overall a memorable soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of the game. 9/10
Composers/Arrangers: Yuka Tsujiyoko, Takeru Kanazaki, Yasuhisa Baba, Takafumi Wada, Shoh Murakami, Yoshito Sekigawa, Hiroki Morishita, Yoshito Hirano, Rei Kondoh
Composers/Arrangers: Yuka Tsujiyoko, Takeru Kanazaki, Yasuhisa Baba, Takafumi Wada, Shoh Murakami, Yoshito Sekigawa, Hiroki Morishita, Yoshito Hirano, Rei Kondoh
Xenoblade Original Soundtrack: – A large undertaking of emotional symphonic metal and beautifully orchestrated pieces. Although nearly half of the soundtrack (mostly pertaining to cutscenes) sometimes feel like standard-fare compositions, the other half stands as one of the most impressive, ambitious soundscapes to come out of JRPGs this past decade. 8.5/10
Composers/Arrangers: Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, Tsutomu Narita, Natsumi Kameoka
Personal Favorites: Engage the Enemy, Guar Plains, In the Refugee Camp, You Will Know Our Names, Mechanical Rhythm
Composers/Arrangers: Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, Tsutomu Narita, Natsumi Kameoka
Personal Favorites: Engage the Enemy, Guar Plains, In the Refugee Camp, You Will Know Our Names, Mechanical Rhythm
9/10
9/10
9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10 or 9/10
8.5/10
Arguably the best Paper Mario soundtrack to date, from its implementation within the game and variety of influences from both Western and Eastern sound. Although the soundtrack probably won't attach to you the same way as other RPGs, there's no denying the sheer quantity (and quality) of tracks that create this beautiful musical journey. 8.5/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
