Thunderous drums as you flee a horde of monsters, melancholic melodies bringing tears to your eyes, a nostalgic arrangement transporting you back to your childhood; music has a profound influence on our mood and emotions.
Soundtracks are as an essential part of video games as writing and art-style. They help set the tone in a myriad of ways, holding your hand and leading you down different paths of emotion.
From boppy beats to opulent orchestras, here are some of our favourite video game soundtracks:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
You know a soundtrack is going to be good when you’ve been sitting on the title screen for a good 10 minutes, absorbing the overture into your bones. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of those games. The composers could’ve simply rested on their laurels, updating the original soundtrack for a modern audience — and we would’ve loved it — but that’s not the kind of remake Rebirth is. The classic soundtrack is not only lovingly reimagined, but built upon and evolved: character themes, boss-battle music, mini-game tunes, questline bops… there’s so much in there.
FF7 Rebirth officially has over 400 new musical compositions (though some fan counts have the number as high as 600) while the original 1997 game had just 85. When you take into account that Rebirth is just part two of a three game remake, it’s actually mind boggling. But the most important thing is that the quality is also there and in fantastic variety: grand orchestral arrangements with full choir backing, an 80s power ballad sung by Aerith herself, rocking battle music, stirring operas, funky afrobeats… Even a doggy dubstep banger that didn’t leave my brain for weeks.
I adore the music of the original game, but Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth now wears the crown of the greatest video game OST in my eyes.
– Shaun.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Choosing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as my favourite soundtrack says a lot, especially since I’m borderline obsessed with ‘To Zanarkand’ from Final Fantasy X and basically anything Nobuo Uematsu’s ever touched (Kingdom Hearts, hello). But Expedition 33 just hits different. The range is wild: one minute you’re swept up in soaring orchestral and choral pieces, the next you’re vibing to glitchy synth beats during sweaty-palmed boss fights. The variety makes the whole journey feel electric; it’s never dull, always dazzling.
Very few times have I ever I’ve been so struck by a game’s music that I stopped playing just to listen, but Expedition 33 did just that with the beautiful guitar and haunting vocal melody that plays when you fight the hypnotic Axon Sirène. I’ve never been more happy to be stuck exploring a level than I was there.
What makes the soundtrack even more impressive is the fact that composer Lorien Testard had never scored a video game before. First-time gig, 154 tracks, and somehow manages to blow seasoned composers out of the water. That’s not just impressive — it’s borderline unfair. The Expedition 33 soundtrack didn’t just stick with me; it painted itself into my heart.
– Sonia.
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Skyrim
When Skyrim first came out in 2011, the game pulled me in so deeply that I failed a university subject… My productivity took an arrow in the knee. Ironically, fourteen years later, it’s Skyrim again that helps me focus and stay productive, this time thanks to its marvellous soundtrack. Whatever I’m doing: work, study, staring aimlessly into the void… Skyrim’s music is my go-to. Its sweeping orchestral themes, haunting Nordic choirs, and layered ambient textures unlock a peaceful nostalgia that helps me concentrate like nothing else can.
When playing — and I still do, regularly — I mostly wander, letting the music carry me. Because the soundtrack isn’t just background noise, it’s woven the very fabric of the game. Its emotional depth guides your mood without overpowering the experience, creating a living, breathing world that feels both vast and intimate. This seamless blend is what makes Skyrim’s world feel alive and, after all this time, very much like home.
– Tim.
Undertale
Undertale’s soundtrack is more than mere background music, it’s the heart of the game. Composed entirely by Toby Fox (the game’s brilliant developer, composer, and story-teller), every song feels alive and purposeful. Each piece doesn’t just complement the story, it becomes the story, often portraying more than the dialogue itself.
“His Theme” will almost bring you to tears, “Death By Glamour” will have you bopping in your seat, and “Snowdin Town” feels like stepping into a childhood memory. And don’t even get me started on “Megalovania”, a cultural juggernaut that leapt beyond the game and cemented itself as one of the most iconic video game tracks ever made.
Undertale’s music is playful, devastating, and triumphant all at once, filling me with determination.
– Rose.
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Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley’s soundtrack will always be memorable, with every track carefully crafted to capture the game’s mood. From the changing seasons to special events, the music pairs perfectly with each moment.
“Summer (Tropicala)” is one of my favourites, filling me with warmth and happiness, taking me right back to summer. Another unforgettable track is “Dance Of The Moonlight Jellies” which mirrors the magic of the in-game event perfectly. It’s so soothing and calming that I always have it in my playlists for when I want to unwind.
Stardew Valley left a lasting mark on me, and its iconic soundtrack is a massive part of that experience.
– Alex.
Tetris Effect
There are many soundtracks that I love, but none attempt the delicate balance that Tetris Effect accomplishes so well. The synergy between the traditional gameplay, trippy visuals and the sweeping, genre-busting music forms the fundamental core of this game. Beats drop and choruses explode in tandem with your moves, while the lyrical motifs of connection and community imbue the act of fitting blocks together with unexpected depth.
It’s more than a collection of bangers, the music of Tetris Effect invests emotion and narrative… Into bloody Tetris! It shouldn’t work, but the end result is a thing of beauty.
– Rivers.
Cult of the Lamb
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Cult of the Lamb’s soundtrack is instantly recognisable. Incredible game, incredible music — they go together so well. Its soundtrack is synonymous with praising lamb, but it’s the man behind the music is what makes it so special.
Narayana Johnson, aka River Boy, was behind the variety of cool beats behind Cult of the Lamb, not only did he produce the music but he also produced the voiceovers and sound effects for the title. He was the whole package.
Sadly, River Boy passed away last year — a big loss to the industry. His music will forever live on through the lamb’s little world.
– Julian.
What video game has your favourite soundtrack? Let us know on our socials.
