When you think of video games whether it be casual or more intense often times what comes to mind is the visuals or games play. One part of video games that often goes overlooked is the music. Many composers slave away for hours over the soundtracks for games only for them to be completely ignored or tossed to the side. Today me and Clay want to show you 10 songs that we think deserve to be listened to in your everyday playlists. I want to divide these songs into two categories that I think show the best parts of video games music. The first is study music, video game music is designed to be put on in the background while you are playing the game itself so a lot of it is great to out on while you are studying for that big test. The other is combat music this is used to pump yourself up before a battle in a game. This can be used first thing in the morning to get you ready for the day or maybe during a work out.
The first song on the list is called Undertale from the game of the same name. Undertale is a small game made by a group of three people as a passion project. Undertale was a commercial success when it came out due to its fun characters and beautiful story telling. The standout from the game was its music, you have probably already heard some of this music without even knowing it. The composer Toby Fox basically used the game as a vessel for its music. This song Undertale is played right before you go into the final battle and just warms your heart. Give it a listen and let me know if it stirs out some emotion.
I love violins they are by far my favorite instrument. They have just a sad haunting quality to every sing draw across the bow string. I put on a study playlist during dead week last year and was so surprised that this was from a video game. After hearing the opening number I thought I was listening to the start of an orchestra, it really took my breath away. I might be over hyping this song but I really thought it was great and I am sure the game it come from is great as well. This song is perfect for a quick break from studying to just breath.
When I played video games as a kid it was often really late at night when I was supposed to be asleep, because of this I would turn the volume all the way down so my parents would not hear me playing in the room over. This song is from the Legend of Zelda but I honestly had no idea. In the game there is a little observatory where you look at the stars and the song plays along side it . It really captures the feeling of looking at the sky and feeling the weight of how big the universe is. It is a little creepy but just relaxing enough to put on your next playlist.
Ok so these other song I vaguely remember and discovered later this next song I can tell you exactly what I was doing. I was over at my friends house and we were determined to finish it on the hardest difficulty because we were 12 and had a lot of time on our hands. It had to be 2am and we were on the last level. The final level has the whole place you have been playing on explode around you while you drive a car to freedom. In the last moment the main character sacrifices himself for the 2 player character because only one of them is going to make it. This song plays after this moment a pretty solemn song for what should have been victorious. I remember us finishing this and going to bed with this playing in the background, a memory I will always keep, so uhhh put it on your study playlist.
Ok so you hear of this little game called Minecraft, if you have then get out of the rock you have been under for the past 10 years. Everyone loves Minecraft and 10 year old James was no different. The soundtrack in this game is very interesting because it is minimal. It does not have these grand orchestra, it has one guy who really loved what he did. The music is perfect for walking around, exploring, or trying to find diamonds deep in a cave. The only problem with putting this in your study playlist is that there is a strong chance you will be put into a nostalgia induced trance thinking of all the houses you made when you were young.
During the pandemic everyone and there mother was playing Animal Crossing. People I have know for years were suddenly buying Nintendo switches and diving into the colorful world of Animal Crossing. I personally can not stand the game, but the music is undeniably good. This song is played in the in game coffee shop so it is perfect for your studying whether you are in a coffee shop or not.
Celeste is a game about climbing a big ole mountain, it is also a game about conquering your fears bout not be good enough and the ever pressing weight of self doubt. It ALSO has a banger soundtrack. During a particular part in the story the main character has a panic attack and is reminded to take a breath. This song plays as you the player have to guide a leaf up and down to simulate the main character’s breathing patterns. It is a great song for just taking a little break from studying and then coming back full force.
OK you you know Donkey Kong the big gorrilla that loves bananas and hates Mario. This is from his first game of his own called Donkey Kong Country and it is really well done. I have never played the game myself but the sound track captures the underwater feel perfectly. I honestly don’t know how to describe it and I don’t know half of the instruments used but they blend so perfectly together. I don’t have much more to say about this track other then give it a listen.
Antoher space themed one, what is it about space that makes people rigth such good music. This is from Mario Galaxy where shockingly Mario is in space. Much like the astral observatory talked about it has a sort of haunting quality about it that makes you feel at peace and scared at the same time. This one has a more relaxing melody that just kind of fades into the background if you are not thinking about it. This is a perfect one to put on your playlist and just….space out.
This one I remember from playing way too much super smash brothers as a child. It play in between matches as a relax before starting the next one. This one is very chill and slow with the music that makes you just drift away. If you want something to put on in the background while you study this was made by the composer as background music while you plan you next move.
