Favorite Video Game Music

Since in the old days the technology was very limited, it posed a high challenge to composers to create music that's not only enjoyable the first time around but can still be enjoyed as it loops infinitely until the level is completed or the boss is defeated.

 

I dont know weither "video game music" should be considered a genre or not, as it covers a wide variety of styles and moods. I do relate a lot of video game music with progressive rock though, as a lot of video game music from the 8 bit and 16 bit eras could get very complex and intricate and didn't have to follow basic "pop song" structure, perhaps because composers were often encouraged to push a systems sound capabilities to it's limits.

 

Just post videos of your favorite soundtracks.

 

Here's some of mine.

 

 

 

This has to be my favorite NES soundtrack. It's hard to believe a soundtrack like this was even possible for an 8 bit system. Also this guy is clearly a proghead. It's a great game too, pretty challenging puzzles, recommended for proggies and NES fans alike.

 

 

 

 

This was the game that was intended to demonstrate the superior technological power the SNES system had over the Sega Genesis, and it succeeded. This is one of my favorite racing games, and this is a definitely a good example of how riveting, adrenaline pumping music enhances the gameplay experience.

 

 

 

Though here's an example of how ambience can work just as well, expecially for games like this that put more emphasis on atmosphere, problem solving and exploration than fast paced action.

 

 

 

More advanced sound chips aren't everything though. The Sega Genesis had some incredible soundtracks in it's own right. Yuzo Koshiro's finest work was for this system with The Streets of Rage and Shinobi games. Koshiro took in a variety of influences but still always managed to have a sound of his own.

 

That's it for now but I have a lot more to cover.

 

Also, while I considered myself a gamer for some time, I have not played any of the games posted so far. Hm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, the Kefka theme sounds VERY prog.

 

Anyway. Some more favorites.

 

 

 

Some people criticized the music in this game for being "too ambient", I don't know what the f*ck those people are smoking. Castlevania always has great music but this is my favorite in the series.

 

 

 

This is one of those games only retro gamers seem to know, argubly the best non-Sonic platformer on the Genesis.

 

But speaking of Sonic.

 

 

 

I STRONGLY disagree with those who say Sonic 3's soundtrack is weaker than the first two games. Gamers are just notorious for never accepting changes in their beloved series.

 

 

 

Another great soundtrack from Koshiro, I'll be posting his stuff often.