Flufflist: The Seven Greatest Original Game Soundtracks of the Past Ten Years

...The sound of music.

I love music. It is essentially tied with video games as my favourite hobby. I love playing and listening to it. So I thought it would be kind of interesting to dig through all the video game soundtracks I've listened to or own. I was about halfway through the Elder Scrolls III soundtrack when I realized I've never actually professed my love of game soundtracks on Marshmallow Fluff!. Oh the horror. So I thought this would be a good way to fix that. However, for a couple different reasons I decided it would be better to narrow my choices to the past ten years or so. I'll probably do a 'best of all time' list at some point, but this is a good jumping off point.

So without further adieu, here are the seven best video game soundtracks of the past ten years.

(Note: I take into account all the songs I can find from each game, not just their physical soundtrack releases. Some of the games don't even have one after all)

Honorable Mention - Fable

It was very hard for me to leave this off the top seven because it's just so good at giving a great musical context for the world your in. Few games soundtracks support their world as strongly as Fables did, though it lacks a true standout piece of music, unlike most of the other soundtracks that made it into the list. The thing the soundtrack does reallywell is distinguish the different areas of Albion that you visit. Oakvale has a very natural sound to it's associated music, while the music in Bowerstone sounds much more city-like. It won't ever win an award for being exceptional, but the Fable soundtrack is a great example of how music can add to the experience of exploring a new world.

Check Out: Summer Fields - A relaxing song that really puts on display the ability Fable's soundtrack has to really set a great backdrop for your journey around the world of Albion

#7. Advent Rising

Advent Rising is one of those games that had a lot of potential, but will likely never be able to show it. Originally supposed to be the first part of a trilogy, Advent Rising has built up quite the cult following. However, the one thing that Advent Rising should never be forgotten for is it's soundtrack. It's not original, it's not without obvious influences, but it makes up for that with impact. The opening track 'Muse' is one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of music in a game ever, and the rest of the soundtrack does an incredible job of keeping you immersed in gameplay. There are a lot of big budget movies and games that could learn from what Advent Rising does with it's musical score.

Check Out: Muse - Few games boast the kind of standout musical opening that Muse gives Advent Rising.

#6. Halo 3: ODST

It may not be the best Halo game, and it may not be your favourite, but ODST's soundtrack finally gave the complete package for a Halo soundtrack. The Halo series has always had some standout pieces of music, but they've always felt  a bit lacking, it never really delivered a whole games worth of epic music. Marty O'Donnell did a masterful job of changing up the soundtrack for the new campaign but also still finding a way to make it sound distinctly like it came from the Halo universe. The thing that places this soundtrack above all the other Halo games is how the whole thing stays with you. Everyone remembers the classic theme from Halo, but not many tracks are memorable outside of that. ODST's entire soundtrack will follow you around long after you've completed the game, something the main series of Halo games has never really done. The soundtrack itself does a masterful job of reflecting the mood of the setting. Walking around New Mumbassa City at night with that music will send shivers up your spine. It reaches out to you in a way none of the other Halo soundtracks have. In fact, this is the soundtrack all the other Halo games wish they had.

Check Out: Deference For Darkness - It might not be the Halo Theme, but it is defiantly on that level.

#5. Radiant Historia

Radiant Historia itself is one of those rare games that snuck under the radar. Once people realized how good it was though, the copies disappeared. Literally almost. They actually had to re-release the game because there are so few copies to be had right now. Among the the many things that Radiant Historia does right is it's soundtrack. Yoko Shimomura absolutely knocked the soundtrack to this game out of the park. While it doesn't quite reach the level of Nobou Uematsu and Yasunori Matsuda's work, it is certainly within reach of it. The various locations are brought to life with the music, and the combat scores are tense and pulse raising.  Each track brings something else to the table, and it is really something to hear what Simomura was able to create despite the Nintendo DS' very weak sound system. It puts to shame just about every other DS' game soundtrack. Radiant Historia will likely go down as one of the better JRPG's of all time, and the games incredible soundtrack will be right there with it. 

Check Out: An Earnest Desire Of Grey - This track really captures the ability this soundtrack has to raise your pulse a bit and make you feel like your in an epic struggle. 

#4. Mass Effect 3

The most recent release to grace this list, Mass Effect 3's soundtrack is one amazing piece of work. It takes the sci-fi elements from the first two Mass Effect titles, but also introduces a more orchestral arrangement to some of the more important tracks. While a few tracks are more ambient or background noise than anything, there are several standout tracks that really drive the emotion level through the roof. There are plenty of moments in Mass Effect 3 that will make feel a gamut of emotions and the soundtrack does a beautiful job at supporting the really big scenes. The final scenes of the game have one of the most incredible musical scores I have heard in a long time. Most missions still have the sci-fi style that Mass Effect usually brings to the table, and they do a great job of setting up combat sections and making you feel like your in the Mass Effect universe. This maybe the most recent Mass Effect game, but it also brings a detailed and strong soundtrack. A few tracks are forgettable, but the number of outstanding pieces of music far outweighs the ones that you'll forget. Also Faunts song "Das Maelfitz" as the end credits track is just a wonderful thing.

Check Out: The Fleets Arrive - This song takes the Mass Effect theme that has evolved through all three titles and turns into the track that you ride into the final battle on.

#3. Kingdom Hearts

From the opening menu theme, Kingdom Hearts soundtrack is a beautiful, mystical, and lighthearted set of music that paints the world of Kingdom Hearts perfectly. In fact, it might be a little too lighthearted. Very few of the tracks ever sound particularly dark, which kind of holds the soundtrack back from realizing it's full potential. That doesn't mean this Kingdom Hearts music is without sad or pulse raising moments. A few of the battle tracks have great power and force behind them. Kingdom Hearts also does a great job of mixing in Disney elements with it's soundtrack when the situation calls for it, something that could have been just as easily ignored or done halfheartedly. Instead it stays true to the source material, and every song that is affected by it benefits from the extra effort, especially Kingdom Hearts take on the Little Mermaid Song "Under The Sea." Ultimately this is one of those soundtracks that fans will remember for a long time, and although it doesn't have quite the variety of some of the other soundtracks on this list, it's superior quality more than  makes up for it. 

Check Out: Dearly Beloved - One of the most magical and mystical opening themes of all time. It sets the mood well for the entire game.

#2. Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The Elder Scrolls has become known for incredible soundtracks, and Morrowind is a big part of the reason for that. It's incredible what Jeremy Soul has done with Morrowind's soundtrack. Using the usual orchestral instruments, Soul creates a mystical and otherworldly musical experience. Though much of the music is on the ambient side, the opening title music has earned a place as one of gaming histories most iconic themes. Really that might be the only thing holding Morrowind's soundtrack back from true greatness. Sometimes the music is just so perfectly blended into the game, you don't even notice it. It almost becomes a part of Morrowind itself. Although that could also be praise, given that Morrowind is a bit different than the standard fantasy setting. Thats not to say the music is boring though. Prior to Morrowind I had never heard a game with this kind of a soundtrack. Both Oblivion and Skyrim have also provided excellent soundtracks for their games, but Morrowind still holds out as the best in the series because of how different it is from anything before it. Even today, few games have a soundtrack as original as Morrowinds.

Check Out: Morrowind Main Theme - Few games will ever have as epic a piece of theme music as this. Just listing to this will make you want to play the game.

#1. Bastion

Bastion isn't even a year old yet, but it will be a very long time before we get a soundtrack as strong and unique as Bastion's. Darren Korb really knocked it out of the park with this one. A very unique mix of western, electronica, and even some eastern Arabian themes may not sound appealing to the ears, but Korb found a way to blend all three elements into a soundtrack that paints the world of Bastion so masterfully that it's hard to imagine this soundtrack being part of any other game. It is rare for a soundtrack to actually make a game better, but Bastions does exactly that. From the simpler walking around tracks to the driving beats of the battle music, every track pulls you into the game world and keeps you immersed in the experience. Each of the theme tracks is also very well crafted, offering slower and quieter moments that will blow you away. The ending theme blending two of the main characters themes together into one of the most magically entrancing songs I have heard in a game. Not many soundtracks have the ability to be loved even without having played the game, but if there were ever a case for it, this is it. Make no mistake, Bastion may not be the greatest game ever, but the soundtrack will go down as one of the most unique and memorable of all time.

Check Out: Apart from the whole thing, Setting Sail, Coming Home is an amazing mash-up of two of the themes from earlier in the game. The result is otherworldly.


That was a nice update I think. Still working with some graphical things here, you'll notice the background for posts is white now. Thought it was easier on the eyes.

As always, comment, share, critique. I like hearing from people, even if I know you already (and I usually do.)

Until next time then!

Image Sources:
#1.
#2. http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/6/62830/1633300-fable_ost_super.jpg
#3. http://wallpapers.latestscreens.com/1024x768/adventrising/adventrising-01.jpg
#4. http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/2/23286/1148403-halo_3_odst_super.jpg
#5. http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/radianthistoria/backcover.jpg
#6. http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0uozuXJrF1r8fltpo1_1331688021_cover.jpg
#7. http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/k-hearts/cover_l.jpg
#8. http://morrowindon.ru/uploads/posts/2010-06/1277866519_1871972.png
#9. http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/bastion/cover_l.jpg

The Top Games of 2011: Console Specific Games

Some games don't get released on every platform. It's a real shame, but such is the way the games industry works. But what were the best games for each console?

Best Xbox 360 Exclusive Game: Forza 4 

This category was hard to decide upon for two reasons. The first being that none of the core consoles have a deep catalog of exclusives. The second being that there were two very good Xbox 360 exclusives that were vying for peoples attention. And both are deep and have a lot to keep you busy. Both were solidly the best of the year in their respective categories. But when it comes down to it, Forza 4 is a highly polished, very deep racing sim. There is no reason any racing fan would not want this game, with over 450 cars, over 20 tracks, and a deep community that offers custom paint jobs, car setups, and pictures. The driving mechanics are incredible, and every last car in the game is painstakingly recreated. The game is a bit unfriendly to beginners but there are enough driving aids that, given some patience, you could ease yourself in without too much trouble. Really the only thing missing are Porsches (curse you EA!) 

Image source: Videogamewriters.com

Best Downloadable Game: Bastion

This is the only category I honestly had no trouble deciding. The story is excellent, the art style is unique and vibrant, and the soundtrack is one of the best in any game. The combat, while not inventive, is incredibly fun, and the huge variety of weapons and special abilities offers lots of possibilities. And it's not just the things that are clear in front of you that make this game incredible. There's all sorts of amazing things waiting to be discovered that add to the story and to the experience. The omnipresent narrator is also a really cool touch, and helps flavor the game even further. This is one of those games you need to play. 

Image source: Supergiant Games

Best PC Exclusive Game: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Perhaps it was because of Skyrim, perhaps it was because the game was released in May. Whatever the reason, a lot of people seem to have forgotten just how good The Witcher 2 is. It is one of the best examples of storytelling in a game. Nearly every decision you make drives the game forward or alters how the game will end. The plot  moves along at a fast pace, sometimes so much so that several big revelations and shocking moments coincide. These moments are made even better by a wide array of characters who feel like real people. The environments are gorgeous, and the music and sound just add to the experience. The fast paced combat always keeps things entertaining, and the deep customization and crafting encourage exploration. The Witcher 2 also doesn't shy away from being gritty or offensive, often going places few games have tread before in terms of content. It is without a doubt one of the finest RPG experiences ever created. 

Image Source: Airbornegamer.com

Best Playstation 3 Exclusive: Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Uncharted 3 offers more awesome exploits from Drake, Sully and co. and it might just be the best game in the series. It further refines the experiences of the past two, opening at a breakneck pace and continuing that way for much of the game. The story is solid, even if it is starting to become a bit formulaic, and the characters and voice acting continue to be highlights. The soundtrack is impressive, as are the environmental audio effects. The graphics are beautiful as well. The gameplay is better than it's ever been, but the shooting mechanics still feel a bit jumpy at times, and some segments of the game are extremely frustrating to play through. But this game still shines through as one of the best experiences to be had, PS3 or otherwise. 

Image Source: Playstationlifestyle.net

Best Wii Exclusive Game: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Legend of Zelda turned 25 years old this year. Fitting then, that the best game in the series revolutionizes it as well as marks the anniversery of the series. Skyward Sword changes the control style, the design, and even the relationship between Link and Zelda. Yet, the story that Skyward Sword tells is powerful, and is easily one of the most memorable in gaming history. The watercolor art style is stunning, and will standout for years to come, and the musical score, while not quite the best in the series, does an incredible job of providing emotion. The controls are intuitive, they just feel right. You will never want to play Zelda any other way again. Ocarina of Time has long been the standard by which all other games in the Legend of Zelda series are judged. Skyward Sword may finally be the game that tops Ocarina of Time, a feat few thought possible. And it goes to show just how incredible an experience Skyward Sword really is. 

Image source: Wikipedia

Best Handheld: Radiant Historia 

Radiant Historia may not be the choice people were expecting, but the game itself is not what people were expecting. Raidiant Historia walks a fine line between a traditional RPG, and something entirely different, and the game takes a lot of chances. The result is a game that is refreshingly different and fun. The story is solid, and though it can get a bit text ridden sometimes, it always makes you feel engaged and your decisions will make you feel responsible for what happens because of your choices. It does take a bit to get going, maybe longer than it should, but once your into the heart of the game you will be on the edge of your seat until the end. The combat is incredibly fun, offering a very interesting shakeup to the usual turn based style seen in most RPGs and it allows some very different strategies for combat while remaining somewhat familiar to longtime RPG players. The retro sprite graphics are also stunning and detailed, the soundtrack is absolutely incredible and a large game world offers plenty of exploration. It might not be what you were expecting, but that isn't always a bad thing. 

Image Source: Moby Games

The Best Game of 2011
The Best Genre Specific Games
The Best Sound and Art
Marshmallow Fluff! Presents: The Top Games of 2011