Succulent Soundtracks
Music from games I always come back to.
42 Games
Favorite Track: Untamed Heart
Deeply relaxing, and endlessly varied, filled with hit after hit of pure distilled raw emotion and inspiration. Klonoa fucking rules, dude.
Deeply relaxing, and endlessly varied, filled with hit after hit of pure distilled raw emotion and inspiration. Klonoa fucking rules, dude.
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Favorite Track: Undertale
IT'S UNDERTAAAAAAALE!!!!!
IT'S UNDERTAAAAAAALE!!!!!
2
Favorite Track: Star Wolf
A sonic journey where no Star Fox has dared to go before or since. While typically this series sounds far more arcade-y, Assault's ratio of beauty/action in its music feels about the same as the ratio of Fox's ship to the impossibly vast expanse of space that surrounds you in its cradle. Drop-dead gorgeous stuff.
PS: There's actually another piece in this that I really like called Heroes of Old, but it has no known OST rip because it only plays during pre-rendered cutscenes where the audio is baked in. Hearing this on its own is my white whale.
A sonic journey where no Star Fox has dared to go before or since. While typically this series sounds far more arcade-y, Assault's ratio of beauty/action in its music feels about the same as the ratio of Fox's ship to the impossibly vast expanse of space that surrounds you in its cradle. Drop-dead gorgeous stuff.
PS: There's actually another piece in this that I really like called Heroes of Old, but it has no known OST rip because it only plays during pre-rendered cutscenes where the audio is baked in. Hearing this on its own is my white whale.
3
Favorite Track: Move Me
This is that peak 90's Namco sound, through and through. Thumping toe-tappers that I'll never regret putting on.
This is that peak 90's Namco sound, through and through. Thumping toe-tappers that I'll never regret putting on.
4
Favorite Track: You of the Light
Rei Kondoh popped their whole pussy for this one. Listening to this feels like being physically beaten and battered with some of the richest musical ideas you've ever heard, which as it turns out is pretty par for the course with this guy.
Rei Kondoh popped their whole pussy for this one. Listening to this feels like being physically beaten and battered with some of the richest musical ideas you've ever heard, which as it turns out is pretty par for the course with this guy.
5
Favorite Track: Avion
Never have I felt the majesty intended by the creators of a game than I have during my time with Shadow of the Colossus. Heartwrenchingly powerful. Thinking about this soundtrack is not enough. When Shadow of the Colossus enters your mind it demands to be played to experience all its components together.
Never have I felt the majesty intended by the creators of a game than I have during my time with Shadow of the Colossus. Heartwrenchingly powerful. Thinking about this soundtrack is not enough. When Shadow of the Colossus enters your mind it demands to be played to experience all its components together.
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Favorite Track: Past Below
Lots of chill map music in this one. There are many places where this route of Fates in particular stumbles, but thankfully the soundtrack is not one of them. The perfect tone for the world of Valla.
Lots of chill map music in this one. There are many places where this route of Fates in particular stumbles, but thankfully the soundtrack is not one of them. The perfect tone for the world of Valla.
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Favorite Track: Apotos Day
The music that defines the "modern Sonic" sound has become increasingly drumstep/EDM-inspired, but for my money this is the best mix of all worlds. Lots of unique locations and styles, all held together with a that cohesive Sonic flavor. Possibly my favorite Ohtani score?
The music that defines the "modern Sonic" sound has become increasingly drumstep/EDM-inspired, but for my money this is the best mix of all worlds. Lots of unique locations and styles, all held together with a that cohesive Sonic flavor. Possibly my favorite Ohtani score?
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Favorite Track: Hateno Village (Day)
Breath of the Wild is a Zelda game that covers a lot of fresh ground, and so a soundtrack that ventures just as far was imperative... and man, does it stick the landing! Listening to any track from this game makes me want to truly be in this Hyrule more than anything else. It's music to yearn to, Jerry.
Breath of the Wild is a Zelda game that covers a lot of fresh ground, and so a soundtrack that ventures just as far was imperative... and man, does it stick the landing! Listening to any track from this game makes me want to truly be in this Hyrule more than anything else. It's music to yearn to, Jerry.
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Favorite Track: Gateway
Austin Wintory's most varied and inspired work to date. Going in I was really curious what someone like him would do with the unique challenges composing for an open world comes with and I think the results really speak for themselves. No matter how many times I return to this soundtrack I well up at the point where the huntress first takes flight. What a showstopper.
Austin Wintory's most varied and inspired work to date. Going in I was really curious what someone like him would do with the unique challenges composing for an open world comes with and I think the results really speak for themselves. No matter how many times I return to this soundtrack I well up at the point where the huntress first takes flight. What a showstopper.
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Favorite Track: Livin' in the City
Everyone who says this is not what a Sonic game isn't supposed to sound like has never lived and never will live. Rot in hell, Sonic R forever.
Everyone who says this is not what a Sonic game isn't supposed to sound like has never lived and never will live. Rot in hell, Sonic R forever.
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Favorite Track: Gulp Swamp
With regards to Lena Raine's work, I truly feel like Chicory doesn't get as much credit as it deserves. To my ear, this is by far my favorite she's done. Chicory is practically overflowing with emotion.
With regards to Lena Raine's work, I truly feel like Chicory doesn't get as much credit as it deserves. To my ear, this is by far my favorite she's done. Chicory is practically overflowing with emotion.
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Favorite track: Apotheosis
A score that so vibrantly stands out in a time and place in my life. Much like the game itself, the music for each of this game's areas flow perfectly into one another in a way that never leaves me satisfied listening to just one track plucked away from the others. This score demands being listened to in full in one sitting.
A score that so vibrantly stands out in a time and place in my life. Much like the game itself, the music for each of this game's areas flow perfectly into one another in a way that never leaves me satisfied listening to just one track plucked away from the others. This score demands being listened to in full in one sitting.
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Favorite Track: Dark Song
What can I say, it's Fire Emblem Fates with significantly less Rei Kondoh. The Celtic-inspired sound is still good on its own merits, but my preferences have no choice but to lead me where they do. Azura's pussy popped with this one though.
What can I say, it's Fire Emblem Fates with significantly less Rei Kondoh. The Celtic-inspired sound is still good on its own merits, but my preferences have no choice but to lead me where they do. Azura's pussy popped with this one though.
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Favorite Track: Longing
I've said in the past that Analgesic Games' portfolio is the sort of thing I feel grateful to have stumbled upon, and the identity of its soundtracks are a red-hot core at the center of it all that keeps me coming back. Understated yet overwhelming all at once, Anodyne 2's sounds are a constant reflection of the themes in its story. There's some deep stuff in here I feel like I've still yet to fully appreciate.
I've said in the past that Analgesic Games' portfolio is the sort of thing I feel grateful to have stumbled upon, and the identity of its soundtracks are a red-hot core at the center of it all that keeps me coming back. Understated yet overwhelming all at once, Anodyne 2's sounds are a constant reflection of the themes in its story. There's some deep stuff in here I feel like I've still yet to fully appreciate.
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Favorite Track: Hyuponia, Ruin of Sorrow
In many ways, Klonoa 2 is not Klonoa 1. First off, the numerical addendum. But secondly, its score runs in a very different direction. Yes, the famous sentimentality is still there in its most important moments, but on the whole the package is just a smidge weaker than the incomparable highs of the first. It's okay Klonoa, you can fix this when you get your third entry. :)
In many ways, Klonoa 2 is not Klonoa 1. First off, the numerical addendum. But secondly, its score runs in a very different direction. Yes, the famous sentimentality is still there in its most important moments, but on the whole the package is just a smidge weaker than the incomparable highs of the first. It's okay Klonoa, you can fix this when you get your third entry. :)
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Favorite Track: Let Mom Sleep
In spite of Hideki Naganuma's later output, this first entry is so stuffed with wall-to-wall energy that anybody who has dared to listen to it will patiently wait for him to reach these same highs for as long as it takes. Listening to this makes me want to break shit.
In spite of Hideki Naganuma's later output, this first entry is so stuffed with wall-to-wall energy that anybody who has dared to listen to it will patiently wait for him to reach these same highs for as long as it takes. Listening to this makes me want to break shit.
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Favorite Track: Bootlegger Boogie
Cuphead's back and he's cupper than ever. Five years out from the release of the original, The Delicious Last Course feels like it never missed a beat. Impossible to hate.
Fun fact! If you check out Cuphead's Bandcamp page, there's actually a very enlightening list of direct musical inspirations that influenced the game.
Cuphead's back and he's cupper than ever. Five years out from the release of the original, The Delicious Last Course feels like it never missed a beat. Impossible to hate.
Fun fact! If you check out Cuphead's Bandcamp page, there's actually a very enlightening list of direct musical inspirations that influenced the game.
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Favorite Track: The King's Court
It says a lot that of all of those dumb little Mii costumes they added to Smash Ultimate, Cuphead was one of the few series that was so good it demanded a seat at the table. The origin story of this game being worked on by a family of jazz musicians comes oozing out of every seam in this package.
It says a lot that of all of those dumb little Mii costumes they added to Smash Ultimate, Cuphead was one of the few series that was so good it demanded a seat at the table. The origin story of this game being worked on by a family of jazz musicians comes oozing out of every seam in this package.
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Favorite Track: Northeast Frost Street
When Star Allies first released, something immediately stood out to me about one of the tracks from that game's soundtrack: Planet Earthfall. As I would later come to discover, HAL had recently added a new face to its esteemed lineup of musicians: Yuuta Ogasawara. WOW, is their presence ever felt in this game! Kirby and the Forgotten Land taught me to love Kirby in ways I never knew Kirby could make me feel. The most Klonoa Kirby game yet.
When Star Allies first released, something immediately stood out to me about one of the tracks from that game's soundtrack: Planet Earthfall. As I would later come to discover, HAL had recently added a new face to its esteemed lineup of musicians: Yuuta Ogasawara. WOW, is their presence ever felt in this game! Kirby and the Forgotten Land taught me to love Kirby in ways I never knew Kirby could make me feel. The most Klonoa Kirby game yet.
20
Favorite Track: Autumn Mountain Battle
Though Sticker Star is often maligned for ruining the series with the new direction it took, at the very same time the Paper Mario series was whisked away into the overall Mario series' broader shift towards a big-band sound. Origami King feels like the complete culmination of that journey. An impossibly huge soundtrack where not a single track feels like wasted filler.
Though Sticker Star is often maligned for ruining the series with the new direction it took, at the very same time the Paper Mario series was whisked away into the overall Mario series' broader shift towards a big-band sound. Origami King feels like the complete culmination of that journey. An impossibly huge soundtrack where not a single track feels like wasted filler.
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Favorite Track: It's Alright
I completed work on this game in the summer of 2022 alongside my friends. Getting to see this soundtrack take shape over its development opened my eyes to new sides of everybody I worked with. Not only does listening to this make me think back fondly upon the time spent being a part of putting this together, but makes me look forward to what comes next from this studio.
I completed work on this game in the summer of 2022 alongside my friends. Getting to see this soundtrack take shape over its development opened my eyes to new sides of everybody I worked with. Not only does listening to this make me think back fondly upon the time spent being a part of putting this together, but makes me look forward to what comes next from this studio.
22
Favorite Track: Shulk and Fiora
My introduction to a wide and beautiful world of not just the Bionis and Mechonis, but of a legendary series of acclaimed JRPG musicians. Seeing everybody come together to produce something so beautiful is something I'll treasure for a really long time. This classic Xenoblade sound may not be around these days in the modern entries, but this will always be where it's at.
My introduction to a wide and beautiful world of not just the Bionis and Mechonis, but of a legendary series of acclaimed JRPG musicians. Seeing everybody come together to produce something so beautiful is something I'll treasure for a really long time. This classic Xenoblade sound may not be around these days in the modern entries, but this will always be where it's at.
23
Favorite Track: Ripple Star
It's interesting to think about how throughout every Kirby game leading up to 64, the music really does just get linearly more insane with each release. Listening to this music blows my fucking brain into a million little crystal shards.
It's interesting to think about how throughout every Kirby game leading up to 64, the music really does just get linearly more insane with each release. Listening to this music blows my fucking brain into a million little crystal shards.
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Favorite Track: The Gates of Hell
My heart tells me that I should put Bayonetta 2 here because it's the game that I like more in most respects, but I feel like 1 has to win out here solely because of the Sega arcade remixes. I guess that just means I should start listening to more Sega arcade game music so I can put them on this list instead, but that Bayonetta style is undeniable.
My heart tells me that I should put Bayonetta 2 here because it's the game that I like more in most respects, but I feel like 1 has to win out here solely because of the Sega arcade remixes. I guess that just means I should start listening to more Sega arcade game music so I can put them on this list instead, but that Bayonetta style is undeniable.
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Favorite Track: Progress
Now that we live in a time so far out from the initial boom of indie games in the early 2010s, it'd be easy to point at certain aspects as classic "indie" pastiches; components that speak to the metastasizing of the independent aesthetic. You'd think this would mean that by now we would have a million games that sound like FEZ, but not a one I can think of comes close. Gorgeous sound design, through and through.
Now that we live in a time so far out from the initial boom of indie games in the early 2010s, it'd be easy to point at certain aspects as classic "indie" pastiches; components that speak to the metastasizing of the independent aesthetic. You'd think this would mean that by now we would have a million games that sound like FEZ, but not a one I can think of comes close. Gorgeous sound design, through and through.
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Favorite Track: Crazy Robo
Sonic Adventure is a game that had a lot to prove, and its music shoots for the absolute stratosphere. The culminate work of several musicians who had slowly been honing their craft in several games prior in order to craft the "Sonic sound" of the era. This is where they finally hit their stride.
Sonic Adventure is a game that had a lot to prove, and its music shoots for the absolute stratosphere. The culminate work of several musicians who had slowly been honing their craft in several games prior in order to craft the "Sonic sound" of the era. This is where they finally hit their stride.
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Favorite Track: Mission Street
It's like Sonic Adventure but with more ska. Whether or not this is a good thing is in the eye of the beholder, which says more about ourselves than it does about Sonic Adventure 2.
This shit is rockin' though.
It's like Sonic Adventure but with more ska. Whether or not this is a good thing is in the eye of the beholder, which says more about ourselves than it does about Sonic Adventure 2.
This shit is rockin' though.
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Favorite Track: Rosalina in the Comet Observatory
I get the impression I underestimate this game more often than I should. Mario didn't come to sound like this without a lot of hard work and experimentation (not speculative, there is literally an Iwata Asks about this). Though we're a long ways away from this style at this point in the series, it still has a soft spot in my heart, and clearly in the hearts of those still working on Mario to this day. The rare moments when we get thrown a Galaxy bone in a modern Mario soundtrack makes me a happy Griffin.
I get the impression I underestimate this game more often than I should. Mario didn't come to sound like this without a lot of hard work and experimentation (not speculative, there is literally an Iwata Asks about this). Though we're a long ways away from this style at this point in the series, it still has a soft spot in my heart, and clearly in the hearts of those still working on Mario to this day. The rare moments when we get thrown a Galaxy bone in a modern Mario soundtrack makes me a happy Griffin.
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Favorite Track: Abandoned Memories
For as comedic as this game is, Chibi-Robo!! is astonishingly heartfelt. The balance they strike between its cuter moments versus the somber tension beneath the surface is expertly stricken. In Chibi-Robo, you get to experience the fun of toys but also partake in the despair of those who have been discarded and played with for the last time. They really believed in Chibi-Robo, and so do I.
For as comedic as this game is, Chibi-Robo!! is astonishingly heartfelt. The balance they strike between its cuter moments versus the somber tension beneath the surface is expertly stricken. In Chibi-Robo, you get to experience the fun of toys but also partake in the despair of those who have been discarded and played with for the last time. They really believed in Chibi-Robo, and so do I.
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Favorite Track: Dolphin Shoals (Highlight Reel)
It feels like the Mario series' move to big-band was made for this game. Bursting with personality, every single rendition in this game, both new and old, is a hit.
PS: There is an important difference between Dolphin Shoals (Highlight Reel) and Dolphin Shoals. They made a mistake with this one. Free the sax guy!!
It feels like the Mario series' move to big-band was made for this game. Bursting with personality, every single rendition in this game, both new and old, is a hit.
PS: There is an important difference between Dolphin Shoals (Highlight Reel) and Dolphin Shoals. They made a mistake with this one. Free the sax guy!!
31
Favorite Track: Find Your Flame
Sonic Frontiers' score feels like the most deliciously overindulgent Sonic game I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. This soundtrack isn't held back by anything, and neither am I.
Sonic Frontiers' score feels like the most deliciously overindulgent Sonic game I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. This soundtrack isn't held back by anything, and neither am I.
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Favorite Track: Runaway Sunset Express
Truly the bridge between Sticker Star and Origami King. A significant punch above the last game in spite of everything seeming like they wouldn't be able to pull it off. You can tell they had a lot of fun with this one!
Truly the bridge between Sticker Star and Origami King. A significant punch above the last game in spite of everything seeming like they wouldn't be able to pull it off. You can tell they had a lot of fun with this one!
33
Favorite Track: Vela Nova
Putting Hideki Naganuma on a Sonic game was the smartest idea anyone has had and every series he touches will forever have a deep mark left upon it.
Putting Hideki Naganuma on a Sonic game was the smartest idea anyone has had and every series he touches will forever have a deep mark left upon it.
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Favorite Track: Busted Bayou
There are many series that would be worse off with David Wise, and I can think of no better example than Donkey Kong Country. After his heavy absence in Returns, Tropical Freeze is one of the most triumphant comebacks I've had the pleasure of listening to. Nearly 10 years out from the original's release, it's got me curious to see what he might be up to next.
There are many series that would be worse off with David Wise, and I can think of no better example than Donkey Kong Country. After his heavy absence in Returns, Tropical Freeze is one of the most triumphant comebacks I've had the pleasure of listening to. Nearly 10 years out from the original's release, it's got me curious to see what he might be up to next.
35
Favorite Track: Balaenoptera Musculus
In stark contrast to thatgamecompany's post-Journey output, Abzû is a game that proves that the team members who left to strike out on their own at Giant Squid can continue to bring the hits. Though it's still the most Journey-derivative game they've made, there's still deeply skilled and appreciable work to be experienced here all the same. It's not an easy target to swing for.
In stark contrast to thatgamecompany's post-Journey output, Abzû is a game that proves that the team members who left to strike out on their own at Giant Squid can continue to bring the hits. Though it's still the most Journey-derivative game they've made, there's still deeply skilled and appreciable work to be experienced here all the same. It's not an easy target to swing for.
36
Favorite Track: Under the Ocean
Super Monkey Ball 2 is a game that drops you in many mazes of despair and frustration. This is why it's all the more important that the tunes are as jammin' as they are. Without these to soothe me while I'm balling I would without a doubt have grown up into the kind of person who breaks controllers.
Super Monkey Ball 2 is a game that drops you in many mazes of despair and frustration. This is why it's all the more important that the tunes are as jammin' as they are. Without these to soothe me while I'm balling I would without a doubt have grown up into the kind of person who breaks controllers.
37
Favorite Track: Toad Factory
One of my least favorite Mario Kart games but its soundtrack didn't do anything wrong. As Jesus Christ of Nazareth once said: "Don't hate on Mario Kart Wii just because it sucks balls."
Amen.
One of my least favorite Mario Kart games but its soundtrack didn't do anything wrong. As Jesus Christ of Nazareth once said: "Don't hate on Mario Kart Wii just because it sucks balls."
Amen.
38
Favorite Track: Unawakening Float
WHO'S GONNA ROCK THE PLACE?
PLACE? PLACE? PLACE?
WHO'S GONNA ROCK THE PLACE?
PLACE? PLACE? PLACE?
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Favorite Track: Yggdrasil, the World Tree
Unashamedly derivative temp music of every hit you can think of from Xenoblade Chronicles 1, but somehow still catchier on the whole than Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Unashamedly derivative temp music of every hit you can think of from Xenoblade Chronicles 1, but somehow still catchier on the whole than Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
40
Favorite Track: Battle!!
Xenoblade 2 if it were more focused and inspired. This represented a time in the series for me when "Kenji Hashimoto should bring this sound to a mainline game" was an untested idea, but perhaps it should have stayed that way.
Xenoblade 2 if it were more focused and inspired. This represented a time in the series for me when "Kenji Hashimoto should bring this sound to a mainline game" was an untested idea, but perhaps it should have stayed that way.
41
Favorite Track: Bowling
For as disappointing as this game is, it still has no right to sound as good as it does. If they played this shit over the speakers at my rec center I would be going a lot more often.
For as disappointing as this game is, it still has no right to sound as good as it does. If they played this shit over the speakers at my rec center I would be going a lot more often.
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