New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Music in video games isn't there just to fill silence. It acts as a storyteller and mood-setter, often in ways that you don't even notice - the right track at the right moment turns an ordinary moment into something that sticks with you long after you've shut the game off.
Sometimes, the sound design of a game is a tension-builder, a hum in the background that makes you tighten your grip on the controller ever so subtly. Other times, it's the appearance of all-too familiar licensed tracks that catch you off guard.
Think back to when a piece of music in a game made you pause. Maybe it was an adrenaline-fueled battle theme, or maybe it was a quiet, melancholic melody at just the right moment. Let's get into five times when music did more than just complement the gaming experience…it defined it.
The Hidden Power of Gaming Soundtracks
Before we dive into specific moments when music really made its mark on gaming, let's take a closer look at why it matters so much.
The soundtrack to a game isn't just about entertainment. Music can be one of the strongest emotional triggers, guiding players' subconscious reactions and responses. From sweeping orchestral arrangements in fantasy RPGs to the pounding system of a cyberpunk dystopia, the soundtrack works to shape how you react to what's happening on screen.
Of course, the sound experience of a game involves a lot more than musical interludes. It also encompasses sound effects, background noises, incidental music, and much more! Effective sound design plays a major role in how successfully a game is able to immerse players across a multitude of genres.
We've talked about some of the most obvious uses of music to support a game, but did you know that the developers of more alternative gaming niches, like online casino gaming, pay just as much attention to sound design as the big budget studios? If you've ever played a game like blackjack online, you'll know that the cards, chips and dealer sounds all combine to immerse you into the gameplay. Paired with cutting edge graphics and it really does feel like you're playing in a real life casino.
Now that we've talked about the power of a good gaming soundtrack, let's countdown those defining moments.
Vice City's Neon Dream
It wasn't just the 80s setting that made GTA: Vice City iconic - it was the music. Whether you were tearing through the city to Mötley Crüe or cruising the coastline with the sun setting to Toto's Africa, every track reinforced the fantasy of living out an 80s crime epic. Step into a heisted sports car, flick on the radio, and suddenly, the humid streets of Vice City feel real.
A Meaningful Melody in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Plenty of games use music as a backdrop, but Ocarina of Time put music front and center. Link's ocarina wasn't just a gimmick, it was a crucial tool for communication, puzzle-solving, and even time travel in the game. Each song had a purpose and made a direct impact on the gaming experience.
Megalovania, Undertale's Sonic Punch
When playing Undertale, there's a moment that makes your stomach drop. You realize you've backed yourself into a fight that won't end well, and then - Megalovania kicks in. The track doesn't ease you into the fight; it throws you in headfirst! With frantic, unpredictable melodies, it mirrors the insanity of the boss battle itself. Aggressive and relentless, Megalovania hits you with a sonic punch that says "you're not in control anymore!".
The Sound of Space (Halo)
Four notes. That was all it took to create a game theme that would become just as recognizable as any Hollywood blockbuster score. The music from Halo doesn't just set the scene, it transports you straight into that interstellar battlefield.
Metal Mayhem - Doom
And finally, the most era-defining soundtrack of all time, to go with a GOAT of a video game. When Mick Gordon's Rip & Tear kicks in, you know that hell has officially been unleashed. Doom's award-winning soundtrack is a relentless blend of the chunkiest riffs and heaviest of industrial beats - it's practically impossible to do any demon-slaying without it.
