Top Ten Video Game Soundtracks: 10-8 EDIT

In Honor of the (graphically superior) Dreamcast version of Space Channel 5 part 2 getting an upcoming release on the PSN and Xbox live arcade, I decided to start a top ten list of my favorite VG soundtracks.

EDIT: I decided that Space Channel 5 & SC5 part 2 should count as one entry, so here is the revised 10-8 list.

10) Castlevania (Rondo of blood/ Symphony of the Night) [Turbo CD, PS1]

The Castlevania Games have always had great music and awesome identifiable themes, even from their starting days on the NES. But, it was when The series hit the CD format that the soundtracks moved from “eh, pretty good,” to “great.” These first 2 CD based Castlevania games definitely prove my point. The songs range from, energetic, to eerie, to just plain epic. It fit’s the game well and also is fun on it’s own.

Sample(s):  Vampire Killer & Requiem 

9) Space Channel 5/ Space Channel 5 part 2(Dreamcast, PS2)

Part of me really, really, wants these games higher up on the list, but my more critical side is restricting them to the number 9 spot. Space Channel 5 for the Sega Dreamcast has an awesome soundtrack that could have come straight out of the 60’s if it didn’t have that one techno song stuck right in the middle. Each song has a killer beat and goes great with the game-play's sleek, sexy retro-futuristic style. Every one of the songs on the soundtrack blends well with the next, but that’s part of the reason this game is stuck in the 9 spot and not 4 or 5; the songs start to sound sort of similar after a while, and although fun, the soundtrack isn't too varied. This is not a huge surprise, because the majority of the soundtrack as well as the game itself were inspired by the 1960’s Ken Woodman song, Mexican Flyer. Don’t let it get you down on the game or soundtrack though, both are super fun. The sequel’s music is just as good, in fact it has a wider range of musical styles, but it isn’t different enough for a seperate entry in this countdown

(Remember, don’t forget to pick Part 2 up on the PSN or Xbox live arcade when they come out! :3)

Sample: End bosses + support chant & Guitar battle

8) Jet Grind Radio (Dreamcast)

Jet Grind radio is a totally over the top skating/action-platformer, one of my top 5 dreamcast games, and probably one of my favorite games of all time. It’s one of those games that once you figure out the basics, you can basically jump right in and have a blast with Now, the game would have been great on its own, but it’s Hip-Hop, Techno, Ska/Punk-Rock soundtrack puts you in the moment, not to mention a great mood. As far as just listening to the soundtrack on it’s own goes, this one is a terrific mood lifter. Seriously, this kept me in a good mood while I was cleaning the kitchen! I friggin had to unclogged the sink too! True fact.

Samples:  Jet Set Medley + Funky Radio

 

Peace out and Geek out,
Mikeke352