Gameplay, graphics and storylines are three key parts of games, but often players do not realize that gel keeping it all together is the video game soundtrack and score. Good video game music helps set the pace for the game, create the atmosphere for levels and helps players identify with their on-screen characters.
The following five games achieve all of these factors and more as songs have become an essential part of game play. Go ahead and try playing with the sound off for any of these games. It will feel completely different.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
The original Super Mario Bros. Music for NES is unmistakable and always hard to top with each new Mario game. Mixing in some of those classic elements, with a new upbeat fantastical flow and you have the New Super Mario Bros. Wii musical score. Levels are recognized by their scores and the music is so catchy that the enemies beat and dance along to it.
Not only does that help timing, but it is just another little touch that made the Mario side-scrolling relaunch such a success. The final boss battle music makes you feel like Bowser is Freddy Kruger and adds to the anxiety and getting past the moving lava pit.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
There’s nothing like stealing cars, evading police and joining the mafia while jamming out to dozens of fictional 1980’s themed songs. A variety of radio stations in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City have manipulated the sounds of the 1980s into new tracks that put you right into the feel and decade of the game.
The tracks are catchy and make you just want to cruise around the sandbox world instead of completing missions. Fictional radio hosts and ads only add to the reality of the music featured in the game. The era of the 1980s makes this far better than any other music from other Grant Theft Auto titles.
Kingdom Hearts
Disney soundtracks already have a place of their own in the music world, but Kingdom Hearts has provided more delight and wonder to Disneyana fans. A mixture of battle themes and Disney scores are the highlight here with each new world displaying a new score to listen to.
One of the best in the game is the “Nightmare Before Christmas” world where the Danny Elfman soundtrack mixes with original scores to make you feel like you are reliving the classic animated film. Kingdom Hearts 2 continues the success of the first with even more Disney-based music.
Bubble Bobble
The original NES title Bubble Bobble is a continuous game as players take creatures through over a 100 levels and monster hunting madness. The music never stops as players get through level after level in one of the most relaxing musical scores in video game history.
After playing for just five minutes, the repetitive tones will be stuck in your head. When you take too long in a level the music transforms into a panic-ridden evil song that increases the challenge.
Rock Band: Beatles Edition
Out of all of the Rock Bands, Guitar Heroes, and other music games, the Beatles edition is far greater than the rest. The collection of music contains the band’s best hits. The music goes perfectly with the CG band and each song has its specific animation to go along with it.
Highlights include “Day Tripper,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “All You Need is Love.” DLC content allows you to get extra albums that expand on the already impressive library.
Sources:
The Beatles: Rockband Song List: http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/music