With the absolutely massive release of God of War: Ragnarök dominating the gaming world going into winter 2022, fans of video game soundtracks also have plenty to be excited about as the game has an appropriately awe-inspiring score. In fact, for many of this year's biggest titles, including Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West, the soundtrack has been one of the best-selling points.
Video game history is full of stunning and memorable compositions, however, and those games will have a tough time standing the test of time as well as the likes of Halo and the Mass Effect soundtrack. These are the games that Reddit considers the stand-out titles when it comes to incredible music.
Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Though it's a relatively recent game, especially for players that don't own a PS4 as it only received a release on other consoles and PC earlier this year, Redditor pikamango thinks Persona 5 Royal already has a claim for having one of the best soundtracks, commenting that "every [Persona] game has an amazing soundtrack but P5 is my personal favorite."
It's fair to say the series' soundtracks have been consistently amazing and that's thanks in no small part to sound director Shoji Meguro who composed, performed, and produced the game's music. Meguro's jazz influences are on full display in an eclectic soundtrack that features songs performed in English and Japanese, and it's the perfect complement to an equally unique and memorable game.
Doom (2016)
Whilst controversy, unfortunately, now haunts the soundtrack for the follow-up game Doom Eternal after a high-profile dispute between Bethesda and series composer Mick Gordon, there's no denying both games have the perfect roaring heavy metal, electronic-infused scores to underpin all-out demon-slaying action.
Redditor durandpanda rates both highly and comments that there are "some absolute bangers in there." Doom has a simple, old-fashioned feel and the soundtrack is similarly uncomplicated. It's all about thumping, adrenaline-fueled action and, with tracks like "The Only Thing They Fear Is You" and "Rip & Tear" dominating the game, it's hard to imagine Doom without it.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
The survival horror classic from the Silent Hill series may be receiving a long-awaited remake next year, but they might want to be careful what changes they make to Silent Hill 2. Changing the soundtrack too much, and they may risk undermining one of the things that made the game great. Redditor ElpisButGod admits they "didn't even play the game but it's just near perfect."
Akira Yamaoka is the man behind the music of the series, and it seems he hit his stride with the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack as it's full of incredible melodies and touching moments. Whereas many horror soundtracks rely a lot on ambiance and slow-building tension, Silent Hill 2's OST is elevated by memorable songs like "Theme of Laura," which is why it can be enjoyed without even playing the game.
Hotline Miami (2012)
Violent and surreal, the Hotline Miami series is unlike any other, and it needed a soundtrack that matched. Luckily, it had just that, and music is often touted as one of the best parts of a beloved series. Redditor kilimandzharo is one of many fans that think the soundtrack to the first game "slaps really hard."
Featuring music from Sun Araw, Perturbator, and El Huervo to name just a few, it's clear that the soundtrack was all about giving distinctive artists free rein to innovate and create a sound like no other. Intense at times and euphoric at others, it's fair to say there's no other soundtrack quite like it.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Whether it's for establishing the FPS franchise as one of the biggest names in the gaming world, its unforgettable opening sequence, or a soundtrack that re-defined what video game music could be, Halo: Combat Evolved has earned its reputation. Redditor Orb_Collector thinks the latter isn't talked about enough, commenting that they're "surprised I'm the first one commenting this."
Composer Martin O'Donnell was tasked with creating a mysterious and impactful soundtrack for the game, and he revealed in a report by Vice that the Gregorian chanting they used to achieve this effect was performed by him, Michael Salvatori, and just a few other singers. That didn't stop them from creating an absolutely massive sound that would go on to be a series trademark.
Mass Effect (2007)
Though the game's interactive storytelling is primarily what made Mass Effect so highly rated, some think the soundtrack is an overlooked part of its success. Redditor Shuntaro thinks it's one of the best because it "fits the game like a glove and the music is just so freaking good."
They compare it to the soundtrack of Blade Runner, which is apt because of the clear 70s/80s electronic influences on the music that's most apparent with the use of synth elements. However, with veteran Jack Wall and Sam Hulick leading the composition team, they were able to combine it with huge orchestral moments that matched the ambition of the iconic RPG.
Skyrim (2011)
The Elder Scrolls is a series associated with amazing music, and it's hard to argue that Skyrim's isn't the best they've ever produced. Redditor AbsoluteMad-Lad certainly thinks so and comments that, when it comes to the best original soundtrack, they'd have to "say Skyrim."
Unsurprisingly, composer Jeremy Soule also worked on Morrowind and Oblivion before delivering his best work yet for the fifth title in the series. The breathtaking scale of the soundtrack is no accident either, as the team employed some clever tricks to make their modest choir sound a lot bigger.
Journey (2012)
Indie games are generally forced to limit their ambitions in the music department due to simply lacking the budget and resources to craft a big orchestral score, but Thatgamecompany is a studio that knows how to deliver on their ambitions. One Redditor isn't alone in thinking the Journey soundtrack is "head and shoulders above anything else I ever heard."
American composer Austin Wintory was tasked with crafting the game's music, and he made heavy use of the cello to represent the player's journey through the game. Whilst the music is beautiful on its own, it's interesting ideas like the incorporation of new instruments when the player meets a new person that helped form an award-winning score.
The Witcher (2007)
Whilst the Witcher games can be divisive, few could argue that CD Projekt Red didn't nail the music for the fantasy series from the very first game. One Redditor thinks "all of the witcher games soundtracks" could be considered the best in video games, and describes the music as "epic, serene, thoughtful."
With the first game, Adam Skorupa and Paweł Blaszczak defined the sound for the series with huge orchestral swells and dramatic drums but also quieter, more emotional moments, too. By the time Marcin Przybyłowicz eventually took over composition for The Witcher 3, he had a lot to live up to.
Hades (2020)
For a game that imaginatively reinvented Greek mythology to craft a difficult but immensely rewarding experience, Hades required an engrossing soundtrack. Redditor Rectacrab thinks it delivers more than just that, calling the score "so so good" and highlighting pieces like "Rage of the Myrmidons" that made the Elysium sequence unforgettable.
Darren Korb may be best known as the voice of Zagreus in the game, but he has also composed the music for every Supergiant Games title, including Hades. What makes the soundtrack great is that every single floor has its own distinctive feel, often incorporating unusual instruments and different cultural influences, yet it manages to feel like a cohesive soundtrack.