With the rise of easy-to-play games such as Animal Crossing & Among Us, we were inspired to bring you our list of the 5 best gaming soundtracks of this decade. From the Final Fantasy franchise to indie game Journey, video game music is starting to gain more recognition among music listeners and composers. Let's begin exploring this exciting area of soundtracks!
1. Final Fantasy
Nobuo Uematsu, a renowned Japanese video game composer, is considered a legend in the gaming community due to his scores for the long-running Final Fantasy series. What sets the score for Final Fantasy apart from other video game soundtracks is due to its cinematic-like sounds. It feels as though you are also watching a movie while playing this game, making it all the more entertaining for the audience.
2. MapleStory
Reminiscence of our primary & secondary school days, most Singaporeans have played MapleStory SEA while we were still studying for our PSLE and Olevels. The opening theme at the log-in page will take you on a trip down the memory lane as you try to attack Balrog while you are on a ship travel. Party Quests at Kerning City and Ludibrium, in our eyes, were the most important daily tasks to gain experience to level-up. However, in terms of music, the soundtrack for Ellinia takes the crown. Its tranquil and peaceful sounds makes the adventure in MapleStory nostalgic yet exciting.
3. Journey
Award-winning indie game Journey, was known for its scores when it first came out. It caught the world's attention when it become the first video game to be shortlisted for the Grammy Award ‘Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media’. With its breathtaking visuals and graphics combined with its wondrous score, it is no wonder why this game blew up.
4. Celeste
In the video game Celeste, the character Madeline makes her way up a mountain while avoiding various deadly obstacles. The narrative of the game is an analogy of working through panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. Inspired by this, composer Lena Raine takes you to a comforting place with Celeste's beautiful and ambient passages, such that you feel relaxed, vulnerable & without tension as you play this game.The score also won Best Audio in the 2019 Game Developers Choice Award.
5. Monument Valley
In Monument Valley, the player leads the princess Ida through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects while manipulating the world around her to reach various platforms. The indie puzzle game is completely tranquil and ambient, taking you through a virtual journey that is stress-free and exciting. The balance of the synthesisers, harps and chimes makes one feel as though he/she is immersed in a different reality, with a world of adventure awaiting him/her.
Zoe is an avid fan of all kinds of music. Her primary instrument is the guitar but she is always passionately learning how to play other instruments such as the drums and keyboard. She is currently playing the bass guitar in a band and has been routinely involved in music since she was a child.