Five Video Games with the Greatest Soundtracks Ever

Films, TV and other media, especially video games, can’t live without music. They just don’t work as well. Music provides the audience with information: information about the characters or protagonists of a story, about what’s happening in the story, including any subtexts, and how the audience is supposed to feel. It provides atmosphere and immerses the player or viewer into what they’re witnessing on the screen in front of them. It creates engagement.

In many cases, the music of a TV, film or video game is so good that people remember it and enjoy it just as much as the entertainment itself. Below is a look at memorable soundtracks from video games and what made them resonate with fans and stick in their minds. 

Gran Turismo 2

While other racing simulation games were going down the metal and glam rock route, “Gran Turismo 2” was delivering contemporary classics as players raced around tracks in a wide variety of cars. Artists such as The Cardigans, whose “My Favourite Game” served as the game’s intro track; Garbage, with “I Think I’m Paranoid”; the Foo Fighters, with “My Hero”; and more provided music to match the tempo behind the wheel and allow “Gran Turismo 2” to break the mold in terms of its soundtrack. 

Grand Theft Auto V

When it comes to soundtracks, the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise is another not afraid to do its own thing. Rockstar’s soundtrack supervisor told Rolling Stone magazine the game makers wanted to catch the feeling of modern Los Angeles, California, at the time. Musically, the game gave players everything it had, with a massive variety of songs and genres. Electronic dance music (EDM) featured strongly and includes music from Aphex Twin, Flying Lotus and more. 

The “Grand Theft Auto” franchise isn’t the only style of game to include EDM. In the online casino world, especially in the case of slots, EDM is common in games. Their dynamic nature calls for music to match, not just to reflect what’s going on, but also to add to the player’s enjoyment. The slots section of a casino, which contains a variety of games, is an important part of an online casino’s offering and will place lots of thrilling games at players’ disposal. 

Just Dance 2016

The 2016 edition of the “Just Dance” franchise was a big title and a must-play for anyone who loved EDM and dance. The rhythm game series offered a host of infectious tracks for players to get their groove on to. Household names on the game include David Guetta, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo and Calvin Harris. The fact the name of the franchise title contains “dance” in it means that there are plenty of EDM tracks in each title of the series. You’ll even find some you’ve not heard as the list of tracks has become more obscure as the series has gone on. As well as the soundtrack, the World Video Challenge and a tweak to the Dance Party mode that allows players to team up with a friend to earn more points have helped the game become a firm hit. 

The Last of Us Part II

“The Last of Us” games have stuck firmly in the memory of fans, thanks to the instrument scores of Gustavo Santaolalla, the genius behind the music for the game and the HBO TV network adaptation. 

It’s not only Santaolalla’s magic that has made the soundtrack work so well. The second game also includes some nice selections of licensed popular music. Best of all, however, are the contributions by actors Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, who star as Joel and Ellie. They contribute acoustic covers of Pearl Jam’s ‘Future Days’ and A-ha’s “’Take On Me.’ It took hard work to bring the upbeat A-ha title down to the emotional wavelength of the game, but it was certainly worth it.

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker

Originally, Sega developed two versions of the game, based on the King of Pop’s legendary experimental movie: one an arcade beat’em-up, the other designed for game consoles at home. The game was one of the first to illustrate how far crossover between gaming and music could go.

“Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker” played like a traditional platform and beat’em-up, featuring the late pop star as the protagonist (and some assistance from his pet monkey, Bubbles), pushing back thugs with his superior dance moves. He even escapes from attack using his trademark move, the Moonwalk. All this accompanied by superb renditions of hits such as “Beat It,” “Bad” and, of course, “Smooth Criminal.” 

Music is an essential part of media, especially gaming, and has accompanied video games to stellar effect, creating for a memorable experience for many fans. Other video games to have hosted superb soundtracks include “Fallout: New Vegas” and “Def Jam Vendetta.”