Great games with amazing soundtracks

Michel Billard — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:22:08 +0000

I’ve just recently finished playing Bastion and the awesome soundtrack got me thinking about games I love and their music. A lot of my favorite games have amazing soundtracks, but does the excellence of the game make me appreciate a decent soundtrack more or is it the other way around? It’s probably a bit of both, each part being excellent completing the other one to make one especially enjoyable gaming experience. Nevertheless, here’s a list of my favorite games that have amazing soundtracks.

VVVVVV

This little indie game is a must play for all gamers. It’s a regular offering in all the indie bundles popping and often on sale for around 2$. The game is quite short but very enjoyable and the chiptune music fits perfectly.

Don’t let yourself get turned away by its simplistic graphics, it’s one good game.

Bastion

This one caught me by surprise. I had seen a couple of screenshots of the game and it looked interesting, but I was not really considering purchasing it. It’s only once I saw a gameplay video that I understood this game was special. The game features a reactive narrator who accompanies you in your adventure commenting on your actions and explaining the unfolding story. The narrator’s voice is perfect and never repetitive or annoying. Of course, the music is also excellent. It’s available on Steam for $15 and, as most indie games, will probably have deals for it every now and then.

Shadow of the Colossus

This one is probably better known than the 2 games above. Featuring excellent and unique gameplay (epic boss battles!), the game features an incredible soundtrack to help immerse the player in the action even more. The game was released a couple of years ago, but the recent HD/3D remake for the PS3 (bundled with the excellent ICO too) makes the purchase an easy decision.

Games by Square Enix

I will not list all of them because so many of their creations would fit in this list. Among the most noteworthy are Final Fantasy (IV, VI, VII, IX are my favorites), Kingdom Hearts (the main games) and, last but not least, Chrono Trigger. I had the chance of going to a Distant Worlds concert and loved the experience.

Zelda

The last game/series on my list, the Zelda series has always had exemplary gameplay and great music. I will probably go to the Zelda Symphony concert, I’ll be sure to comment on the experience afterwards.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m running out of superlatives. What are you favorite games featuring great soundtracks? I love them and would love to play more.

Team ICO’s latest project: Project Trico

Michel Billard — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:34:54 +0000

PlayStation LifeStyle has posted a trailer for the next game from Team ICO. If you like games, then check it out. Team ICO has produced 2 of the most beautiful, charming and best games. If you haven’t played ICO or Shadow of the Colossus yet, you should give them a try. Whenever the “game as art” debate comes up, I always think of those two games, they truly are works of art.

Note that the trailer may be two years old. Hopefully, we’ll learn more about this game soon.