Best Video Game Music

Every great game needs great music.

Super Mario World (SNES)

There is something just so odd about the Super Mario World theme song. It's Americana, folky banjo plucking doesn't seem to make sense with a game about an Italian plumber made from Japan. But it's perhaps the friendliest music in any game ever. Out of all the Super Mario theme songs, none of them put a smile on my face as quickly as this SNES classic.

The Uncharted Series (PS3)

Who doesn't get chills from hearing this song? Uncharted is famous for giving Indiana Jones a run for his money. How could that happen without an iconic theme. Although, this song might not be as iconic as Indie's theme, it still remains one of the greatest video game themes of all time.

Earthbound (SNES)

Earth Bound might be a cult classic, but it still doesn't get the love it deserves. Most people know "Because I Love You" from Super Smash Bros. Mele. When players hear it for the first time in earthbound, it's bossanova beat is set over Fourside. However, it's this tear jerking, stripped down version that truly shows how special this score is. With only 16 bits, Earth Bound's score can hit so many feels.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

How can you have a list without including what's arguably the greatest video game of all time. Music is even used as a game mechanic. Ocarina of Time's score was the first time a game's score made an impact on me. And to this day, when it rains, I think to myself, "A, Down C, Up C, A, Down C, Up C."

Duck Tails (NES)

There was a time where when someone mentioned Duck Tales, I would think "Woo hoo." That all changed with this classic score. Unfortunately, besides the moon theme and the 8-bit chip Duck Tales theme song, I don't remember any other song from the game.

Star Fox 64 (N64)

Doesn't the theme song get you pumped? It almost makes you feel like what you're about to do hold some sort of importance. It's life or death, man. Then you press A and hear the deep voiced "Good luck."

Yoshi's Story (N64)

Depending on who you are or when you grew up, this soundtrack is either the most irritating or it makes you cry. As you may have guessed, I'm the latter. Hearing a bunch of Yoshi's singing in unison reminds me of a simpler time in my life where all I had to do was eat the fruit.

Sonic 3 (Genesis)

There's a lot of stories about Michael Jackson's alleged involvement in the soundtrack to Sonic 3. But listening to just a second of it, it's obvious he was involved in some way. Michael Jackson was no stranger to Sega. After all, he had his own video game (Michael Jackson's Moon Walker). All of Sonic's game soundtracks were pretty dope in the 16 bit era, and this is perhaps the dopest.

Mega Man II (NES)

This one speaks for itself.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (Gamecube, PS2, Xbox)

My favorite genres of music are hip hop and punk rock. There was a time where all I listened to was NoFX and Nas. I think I owe it all to this game. Out of all the Tony Hawks, this one was my favorite, and had my favorite soundtrack. I know that these songs weren't made for video games, but every time I hear anything from this game, I just immediately go back to a time where my brother and I were glued to the TV.