4) Silent Hill 2 (PS2, Xbox, PC)
Silent Hill 2 is probably my favorite horror game of all time. It’s a terrifying, psychologically intoxicating, addicting, experience. What makes this game such a well rounded psychological horror game is not only solid game play and a great, complex story, but also a sophisticated, moody soundtrack. During the cut scenes, the music does a perfect job setting the mood for the developing story and also setting a feel for each character. Whether it’s a sensual yet creepy vibe for Maria, or the “this guy isn’t all there in the stability department” for Eddie. During the standard gameplay segments, the music takes a more ambient tone with repetitive, industrial sounds that gives the player a feeling of total unease. The fact is, this soundtrack works well with the various moods of the game and adapts its sound to both the cutscenes and gameplay. Adding in the fact that it’s great to listen to in a contemplative of broody mood, I have no doubt this deserves the number 4 spot.
Sample: Theme of Laura & Promise (reprise)
3) Earthbound a.k.a Mother 2 (SNES/ GBA(jp only))
This is not only one of my favorite SNES games, it’s probably one of my top 5 RPG’s of all time. With a contemporary setting, quirky story, and even quirky characters, it’s no surprise that Earthbound has a fairly eclectic soundtrack that is beautifully produced through the Super Nintendo’s exceptional sound chip. The songs on the soundtrack range from, tacky, cheerful, and spooky to just plain weird. A couple of the songs, (Smiles and Tears + Because I love you,) are just so romantic and just plain beautiful that they can get me a little misty eyed when they are used in their proper context of the game. Listening to Because I Love You play in the background while Ness slowly walks Paula back to her house, and the little moment they have at her doorstep…priceless. Getting me this worked up over a 16-bit soundtrack is a task that is rarely (or not at all) accomplished with any other 16-bit game. It truly is a wonderful soundtrack to carry along a wonderful experience. Personally, I love to listen to this soundtrack when I’m doing a lot of tough schoolwork, as it keeps me in a great mood. I could seriously talk about this game and its music all day, so I’m going to stop here. If you haven’t already, PLAY EARTHBOUND. Are you doing it? Go. Now!
Samples: Because I Love You & Hi! Hi! Hi! (Mr. Saturn Valley) & smiles and tears (yes a third sample. It’s my blog, I can what I want dammit :B
2) Earthbound Zero, a.k.a Mother 1 (NES-Famicom)
Ok, now I know some of you Mother/Earthbound fan somewhere on the interwebs are totally having seizures over the fact I rank the simpler/less known NES game, Mother 1's OST, higher than Earthbound, (Mother 2 in Japan.) Yes, the graphics are a little sub-par, especially for how late it was released in the NES/Famicom’s lifespan, and yes the gameplay is not nearly as good as Earthound or Mother 3. Hell, even the music isn’t put together as eloquently as Earthbound’s. But, it portrays and gives the player the feeling of serious emotion all throughout the game, forcing the player to empathize with the characters. This is very impressive when you take into effect that the NES can only play 3 notes at a time and the graphical and spatial limitations for Text and sound on an NES Cartridge. To give out powerful emotion so well despite all these problems and limitations makes me think it is deserving of the #2 spot on my list. Mother 1 has a good 8-bit soundtrack, but it has a WONDERFUL orchestral/vocal soundtrack that was composed entirely in English. The easiest VG soundtrack closest to the NES one to find is the Mother 1+2 OST, and on this soundtrack the music has been updated a 16 bit style remake. But really, you can’t go wrong with either one.
Samples: Wisdom of the World (vocal) & Opening song & Eight melodies (vocal) (my fav)
Peace out and geek out,
Mikeke352
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