In video games, you have certain factors that all need to shine to make it that A+ title that everyone will want. Granted the graphics and gameplay are the two main selling points. But what needs adding is a storyline, character development and of course, music; which is what this article is all about. This list will contain soundtracks that in my opinion are bursting with originality and ones that are just simply amazing to listen to. I will also try to narrow out the most popular franchises, as most gamers should know how great the Super Metroid or Final Fantasy X soundtracks are.  I feel these games get enough credit.

#10:  Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros’ Treasure – Wii

This will most likely be the weakest entry out of the ten, but that doesn’t stop it from having a great soundtrack. What’s so unique about Zack & Wiki’s soundtrack is that it stays true to the theme of the game; and it works really well. It helps add to the characters and the in-game world, which is what a soundtrack should do. I love how each pirate crew and key character had their own theme tune. I also like how certain events, such as comedy had its own jingle. It reminds me of watching a beloved show at times.

The track “Meeting Barbaros” will remind you of your favourite evil pirate from films or books. The track “Pirate Ship” is simply an amazing score piece and in my opinion, should be in every game or film that involves a pirate ship getting attacked by a sea monster. Last of all, my favourite track from the soundtrack, “Jungle Ruins 2″ really gives off a mix of exploration and espionage with a hint of danger.

#9:  Resident Evil Remake – Gamecube

I had to have at least one survival horror game soundtrack in here, and it was a tough choice to make. It was ether this or Silent Hill 2. As you can tell I picked Resident Evil Remake.

The music in Resident Evil Remake is bone-chilling to say the least. In fact whilst I’m typing this I’m listening to the soundtrack, and it makes me nervous, very nervous. It does exactly what a Survival Horror game soundtrack should do; it has the straight in your face action, and even the calm but un-relaxing tracks. “Macabre Hallway” sends chills up my spine, and it does a great job of adding dread and the feeling of paralyzing fear. “Safe Haven” is the track that gets played in the safe rooms. While it makes you calm down a little, it tells you that as soon as you leave this room, you won’t be safe. And that in itself is quite un-nerving.

#8:  Majora’s Mask – Nintendo 64

Whilst doing this list, I’ve tried to stay away from the popular franchises to let lesser known games get the acclaim they deserve, however a few exceptions have to be made and Majora’s Mask is one of them. Majora’s Mask has over 100 midi tracks in the game, and although none of the tracks in game were orchestrated, each one really added to the game’s dark atmosphere. A few tracks were also remixes of earlier Zelda tunes, such as at the start of the game when you chase Skull Kid. The music that plays there is a remix of a track from A Link to the Past.

The Track “Cavern” really shows how dark Majora’s Mask is. I’d also say this is most likely the scariest track you’ll hear in a Zelda game, The track “Clock Tower” really gives you a mystery vibe upon hearing it, which is exactly how you should feel when talking to that spooky Mask Sales guy.

The “Ikana Castle” track is another track that stands out. It’s a great track which does a very good job creating imagery through music. Last but not least, has to be the “Astral Observatory”, I can’t even begin to describe how magical and beautiful this track is. It’s my favourite Zelda score to be made to date.

#7:  Skies Of Arcadia – Dreamcast

Skies of Arcadia is up there in my top 3 favourite video game soundtracks. It just does everything right; every note is perfection. The game has around 70 tracks, and is mainly orchestrated, unlike the Gamecube port where the music was cut down and some tracks had had to be turned into midi format.

Do you remember the first time you watched Star Wars or any other legendary classic film? When you hear the music in the film it only adds to the excitement. Well this is what the Skies of Arcadia soundtrack pulls off, and it does it so well. It really grabs the player’s attention and adds to the in-game world.

I love the battle music, mainly the boss battles. I love how the music can suddenly change in-game when you get badly hurt by a boss and you’re in a near game over situation. Upon recovering from the attack and getting your party back on its feet, the music changes to give you that feeling of an extra push in battle. It really is an astonishing soundtrack.

#6:  Super Mario Galaxy – Wii

Nintendo is known for producing some amazing soundtracks in their time. But to me, I doubt they will ever beat the soundtrack for Super Mario Galaxy. The game has 81 tracks, all done by the “Mario Galaxy Orchestra”.

Believe it or not, the soundtrack was originally going to be done with Latin musical instruments, since the previous Mario games had used those same styles of instruments. There were even completed tracks done in this style. However this style got disbanded and in the end it was down to an orchestral style, a pop music style, or a mix of both. Shigeru Miyamoto himself, picked the orchestral piece to be the soundtrack and rightly so. The soundtrack has gone on to receive awards such as “Best Design in Audio,” which is an achievement in its own right since not many video game soundtracks receive such critic acknowledgment.

The best thing to me about the soundtrack is just how it makes you feel as if you’re flying though the galaxy. You’re the one who’s launching off of that planet onto the next. I also loved how upbeat most of the tracks were; and I was impressed with the remixes of the Bowser themes.

#5:  Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix – Playstation 2

Same as Majora’s Mask and Mario Galaxy, exceptions have to be made. And the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack is one of them. What we have here is some of the greatest music talent in the world. We have the music composers from Disney, Square Enix and the now freelance, Yoko Shimormura.

You can tell a lot of work and effort has gone into the creation of the Kingdom Hearts soundtracks, which is why this gets a spot on my list, I’m not going to lie, I don’t think all the tracks are amazing, but there’s a good few which really stand out. And you can just tell so much work has gone into certain tracks. I can just see each composer in my head, adding bits and pieces to one track with such dedication and care. Go listen to “Rage Awakened”, “Fate of the Unknown” and “The Other Promise” tracks and you’ll be able to hear how much care has gone into creating some beautiful music.

#4:  Alundra – Playstation 1

I’m going to gather that most of you haven’t heard of or played this game; and it’s a shame as it such an underrated gem. However I’m not here to talk about Alundra itself, (sadly) but the music of the game.

Alundra’s Soundtrack was composed by Kohei Tanaka, who has worked on several anime series and a few video games in his time. Kohei’s work in Alundra is just a sweeping orchestral score that will make love to your ear drums. Alundra is a game based around a dark story that deals with death and despair. The game’s soundtrack hits all the right notes depending on the current theme, be it exploration or a sad event, it’s all in there.

Alundra also holds the crown for world map theme in my eyes(and ears). Check out “The Wind that Shook the Earth” track; it really makes you feel you’re exploring the unknown or going off on an adventure into the wilderness. “The Use of Meia” is a track which will relax you, but also keep you on your guard and it’s simply beautiful. “Tears” is a track which will aim to pull on certain strings of emotions within you, starting off quite sad, and then giving the player a glimmer of hope, whilst finally turning to anger, achievement and even despair.

#3:  Lost Odyssey – Xbox 360

Nobuo Uematsu is a name that was bound to pop up sooner or later in this list, and rightly so. He has bought us “One Winged Angel” from Final Fantasy VII and other known musical scores. There’s no end to this man’s talent. And in my eyes, the soundtrack to Lost Odyssey is his best work. You can hear hints of his earlier works in certain tracks, and you can tell he has gone all out to create something amazing.

Using an amazing orchestra and a choir, Nobuo surely made some grand piece’s of music for Lost Odyssey. Listen to “Roar of the Departed Souls” to get a full on experience of Nobuo using his orchestra and choir at their best. Other tracks I’d recommend a listen are “A Mighty Enemy Appears”, “A Return, Indeed…(Piano Version)”, “Never Ending Journey” and “Dark Saint.”

This is just an outstanding Soundtrack, and it deserves its spot on this list more than any Final Fantasy game does.

#2: Oddworld – Playstation 1

Oddworld’s Soundtrack is perhaps something you didn’t really pay attention to, for those who played this amazing game. If you sit back and listen, the soundtrack only builds and adds to the mysterious world of Oddworld.

The track “Scrabania” feels like it has its own story to tell. The use of the instruments is very unique too. “Rupture Farms” is an amazing track which covers desperation and captures the darkness of the storyline. “Paramonia” really lets you know that you’re on your own now, and there’s no turning back. Most tracks in Oddworld were just background noises. But listen to them without playing the game, and you pick up on the instruments and the certain sounds, that really do a great job of creating imagery though music.

#1:  Jet Set Radio – Dreamcast

Now when it comes to games that have signed bands as the main source of music, I’m not a huge fan. I can understand how these games basically need to have it, as it’s a major selling point. However Jet Set Radio not only broke the fourth wall in graphics and gameplay but it also broke it in the music department. You see, whereas games such as Tony Hawk’s use bands such as Blink 182, JSR introduces artists that are either foreign, not found mainstream or work under gaming licenses such as Guitar Vader, The Latch Brothers (including Mike D of the Beastie Boys),and The Prunes to name a few.

Since the game is quite funky and hip itself, the music really fits in well. With music being so diverse, you have a collection of genres ranging from J-pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Electronic, Acid Jazz and Trip Hop. It’s worth noting the NTSC version had some exclusive tracks; most of these were more suited to a popular crowd. One example of this being Dragula by Rob Zombie being one of the tracks. I think this goes against what the game stands for and doesn’t fit in all too well.

Normally, Hip-hop or Acid Jazz aren’t my genre of music. I’m into my metal and rock. That being said, how could I not jam out to “Funky Radio”, or rock out to the Electro-Punk track, “Magical-Girl”. Overall, this is one soundtrack that gets everything right, and suits the game 100%. Listening to anything else whilst playing JSR would just ruin the experience.

There we have it. I’ve tried to be as diverse as I can with this list, however I would like to give credit due to some honourable mentions such as the Final Fantasy games, Metal Gear Solid series, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Okami, Halo and I could go on; but I’m sure you know how great the majority of most video game music is. My aim here was to bring across some of the most unique sounding and some of the most beautifully crafted soundtracks.

This isn’t a “Best Soundtracks of All Time” list, so please don’t be too upset if your favourite soundtrack didn’t make it. Give us a shout in the comments box and let us know your favourites