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[Nocturnowl]

VOTING OVER

Welcome to the thread that is both a companion to the games of the 5th gen voting thread and a sequel (or maybe that should be prequel) to the 6th gen soundtrack thread from earlier this year.
Unfortunately your previous host Dark Schala is busy with duties that are more important than soundtrack tallying which leaves you with me filling the void like a stop gap spin off while you await the true sequel.

Voting Rules
You may vote for up to 10 games with a minimum ballot of 3, anything extra will have to fall under honourable mentions category.
I'm going to tackle the scoring a bit more simply than before, well a lot more simple actually.
Your number 1 choice is worth a whopping 2 points, the rest are all just worth 1 so this way you may avoid choice paralysis when trying to order your musical musings and on a completely unrelated note it may also be easier for someone to count up these results by hand *cough*.

Discussion is always an important part of these threads to me so if you can try to at least throw down a sentence at least for your choices that would be swell. Granted I understand that talking about music can be kinda tricky for some of us so I'm not going to enforce too much here, if you're really struggling at least link to a favourite track for each choice.

You can check the previous thread for some ballot examples of all shapes and sizes, just speed past that indefinitely more detailed opening post lest I look bad with this hastily assembled one.

Voting ends on the 15th of September so you have a month to wrestle with your innermost thoughts and come to a conclusion. As for the exact cut off point, well maybe when I wake up and make my way to the thread the following morning, you can be at the mercy of my sleeping schedule (on UK time!).


Swiping from Anihawk's thread...
What Platforms Count?
PC-FX, Apple Bandai Pippin, FM Towns Marty, Amiga CD32
Atari Jaguar, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Nintendo 64
Virtual Boy, R-Zone, Game Boy 1996-2001, Game Boy Color
Neo Geo Pocket, Neo Geo Pocket Color
PC 1994-1999, Arcades 1994-1999

Yeah I don't know what the first few are either but if you do then feel free to enlighten me with your vote.

As for the games themselves, well mostly anything is fair game though anything that falls into the path of being a late port of something from a previous gen I'd steer clear of, so basically as much as you may want to sneak in Ballad of the Windfish from Link's Awakening under the guise of its GBC DX edition just know that I'm ever vigilant and will be very disappointed in you.
Though feel free to ask about soundtracks you're not sure about.

The results thread will (hopefully) come soon after the voting period ends, When you arrive at the thread there will be a congratulatory party with sandwiches and moderately priced champagne, oh and the top 20 of course.

But most importantly here it's not about who wins but about having fun highlighting your personal favourite soundtracks and all of us getting to share in this mediums musical variety, we've got the rise of CD sound quality on home consoles through the PS1, the stubborn commitment to cartridges leaving its own musical stylings on the N64 and still some 8 bit soundtracks lurking in the ever enduring game boy.
And don't forget the PC, I've got some Theme Hospital bouncing through my head right now, just remember to pay attention to the year criteria.

Good, happy voting!
(and if I missed something important here by all means scold me about it)

Oh and one more thing, lets avoid those reservation posts, cheers!

 

[Falk]

Who are you and what have you done with Dark Schala

 

[Nocturnowl]

I'm just the Usurper of the Eloquent Princess, now enjoy my transitional reign Falk.

 

[Tenebrous]

1) Homeworld - Very atmospheric - Suits the game perfectly.
2) Final Fantasy VII - The first time a games OST blew me away.
3) Pokemon Green/Red/Blue - Probably a nostalgia vote, but there's some really catchy tunes there.
4) Planescape: Torment - Perhaps a surprise pick to many, but it does have a solid OST. When this started playing, I went "oh shit" out loud... What have I done!?!?
5) Wipeout 2097. Amazing OST for an amazing game. Truly mindblowing to hear some of those tunes on one of the most mindblowing games I've ever played.
6) Crash Bandicoot - These games always had catchy OSTs.
7) Red Alert - Hell March alone is enough to get a place on any OST list.
8)
9)
10)

I'll have to come back to this... A lot to think about.

 

[Tenebrous]

This thread needs some more attention...

... So I can steal your picks and make them my own. Mwahaha! Seriously though, it was so long ago, and I really, really don't want to put another Final Fantasy or C&C game in there. This is damn hard.

 

[Firemind]

Goldeneye has this in the bag.

 

[Golnei]

I'll probably have to think about it as well - it's not exactly the easiest to choose just 10 from. Symphony of the Night, Vagrant Story, Resident Evil 2, Parasite Eve, Xenogears, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Perfect Dark, Soul Edge/Blade, Chrono Cross, Silent Hill, Tetrisphere and the applicable Zeldas and Final Fantasies come to mind first, but there's a lot more worth noting as well...

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

First five are a lock, but the others will be a bloodbath, same as it ever was. I'm going to have fun doing the links and blubbering about individual tracks though!

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Soundtracks are only harder for me to rank because my favorite ones are spread across generations. I think I'll have to go back and listen to a few more of these because I'm stumped after Super Mario 64, Final Fantasy, and Zelda when it comes to soundtracks for this gen.

Edit: Didn't realize Pokemon Red and Blue counted. I think I'm straight now.

 

[HelenBaby]

1) Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time (N64)
2) Pokémon Red (Game Boy)
3) Final Fantasy 8 (Playstation)
4) Legend of Zelda : Majora's Mask (N64)

 

[Ganondorfo]

1.Chrono Cross - overworld map, just listen to this, so beautiful, Mitsuda made a masterpiece


2.Legend of Mana Boss theme: Shimomura gave her everything for this Mana soundtrack, the boss themes were so out of this world and very relaxing town themes.


3.Vagrant Story Wyvern boss theme: Most people will say that Final Fantasy Tactics is Sakimoto his magnum opus, I slightly agree, but Vagrant Story amazed me with its soundtrack, it was very atmospheric.

4.Resident Evil 2 Marshalling yard: this is maybe for me the best horror soundtrack, it captures that 80s style of Romero his Zombie movie trilogy and Capcom did the same with Resident Evil 2.

5. Valkyrie Profile Valkyrie Profile world map theme: Sakuraba impressed me with this sountrack, it sounds almost good as his excellent Baten Kaitos series.

 

[Dangerous1992]

1) Xenogears
2) Persona 2 Eternal Punishment
3) Chrono Cross
4) Panzer Dragoon Saga
5) Shin Megami Tensei 2
5) Castlevania Symphony of the Night
6) Final Fantasy IX
7) Metal Gear Solid
9) Pokémon Silver/Gold
10) Medievil

 

[KevinCow]

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

 

[Myriadis]

I gonna give it a try, just a bit about the first three:

1. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon - Surprise! My favorite soundtrack I heard on this gen successfully mixes traditional Japanese Music with newer styles and it absolutely works!
2. Chrono Cross - The only PS1 OST CD I have, nuff said
3. Ocarina Of Time - Excellent and highly influential Soundtrack for one of the best games
4. Super Mario 64
5. Final Fantasy IX
6. Pilotwings 64
7. Suikoden I
8. Jet Force Gemini
9. Final Fantasy Tactics
10. Majoras Mask

HM: Threads of Fate, Mario Party 1 (composed by the same guy who did Chrono Cross), Banjo Kazooie and Tooie and Metal Gear Solid

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

1, Xenogears - I think it's the best soundtrack to a game ever.
2. Suikoden 2
3. Final Fantasy 7
4. Chrono Cross
5. Metal Gear Solid
6. Final Fantasy Tactics
7. Final Fantasy 9
8. Castlevania Symphony of the Night
9. Baldur's Gate
10. Suikoden

 

[Dark Schala]

Good looking out, Nocturnowl; especially on super-short notice. Checking this on my phone as I buy work shoes.

My hope is that I can throw a vote in by the deadline if I have a day off and can dedicate time to a post because while I appreciate the former generation more, this gen has its own fair share of good soundtracks. But with a thesis and work transitions, I couldn't handle thread duties at the moment.

I also think a few posters would kill me if I didn't vote.

I'm just the Usurper of the Eloquent Princess, now enjoy my transitional reign Falk.

Yeah, I'll be back for the 2015 soundtrack of the year thread since I'll be better-settled into work/school... and I've been slaving over the archive for the past year and wrote the entire thread/results template/ballot template already so most of the work is already done.

So gogogogo, vote vote vote for this one. Don't forget that vgmdb.net has a calendar that you can use to note soundtrack release years, so you can use that as a quick reference. This generation was pretty gigantic, so your pool of soundtracks is very large.

 

[weekev]

Poignant lyrics sang with such grace and beauty.

https://youtu.be/0w5neFPat1w

 

[PositiveYorae]

1. Chrono Cross - the greatest video game ost of all time for me. Mistuda's magnus opus.
2. Breath of Fire IV - nostalgia? fanboyism? Maybe. But it's hard to argue against this battle themes ( Bastard Sword, It's an easy win,Men of war. Overall a great soundtrack by Ms. Aoki.
3. Final Fantasy VIII - One of the best FF OST (if not the best). Liberi Fatali is magnificent and the overall quality of the tracks are through the roof. Breezy and ami just relaxes the mind while Only a Plank Between One and Perdition, Maybe I'm a Lion and Don't be afraid pumps you up. And Eyes on Me, as cheesy as it is, is still a classic.
4. Legend of Mana - Before Kingdom Hearts, Shimomura's talent first shined on this OST (at least for me). Hometown domina is still one of the best tracks ever. Clifftown Gato, Southern City Polpota, The Wind Sings of a Journey. Oh my, too many to mention...
5. Pokemon RGB - Maybe nostalgia but pokemon tunes are just too classic not to be mentioned.
6. Vagrant Story - As a sakimoto fan boy, this has to be included. Ifrit, Snowfly forest and many more great tracks.
7. Final Fantasy VII - Aerith's theme and One winged angel, enough said.
8. Final Fantasy IX - A place to call home, Over the hills and the battle theme are great tracks. Melodies of life is also a classic.
9. Red Alert - as someone already said, you need to include this because of hell march.
10. Grandia - great opening theme!

 

[Tenebrous]

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

I think I have to agree. Leaving MIDI behind for CD quality capable devices wasn't an easy jump, and it took a while for many to get adjusted. Gen 6, overall, beats out Gen 5 comfortably for music.

 

[Mauricio_Magus]

Majora's Mask should take best game and best OST of Gen 5.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

We are already deep into double-digit contestants for the last 5 spots.

May God have mercy on my soul...

I think I have to agree. Leaving MIDI behind for CD quality capable devices wasn't an easy jump, and it took a while for many to get adjusted. Gen 6, overall, beats out Gen 5 comfortably for music.

The change-over from synth to live Redbook was smooth in my book.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

1) Final Fantasy IX OST and OST Plus
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Claimed by Nobuo Uematsu to be his greatest work and it is. With a soundtrack of about 150 songs, there is plenty of variety held within. Nobuo encompasses the melodic tunes that Japanese games usually stick with, but the orchestral pieces in the game's FMV's are more akin to the compositions in films and modern day AAA Western titles. Nobuo Uematsu created songs perfect for atmosphere, nostalgia, and emotion. Whether it's "The Place I'll Return to Someday", the serenity of "Crossing Those Hills", the sense of danger in "Battle 2" or the suspense of "Breaking Through South Gate" you're getting a quality composition. I still remember the first time I heard "Rose of May" and "You're Not Alone". When "You're Not Alone" comes on that's a moment that will stick with you forever.

Notable Tracks: Crossing Those Hills, Breaking Through South Gate, Rose of May, You're Not Alone, Melodies of Life

2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST
Composer: Koji Kondo

My favorite composition by Koji Kondo is probably only second to Yoshi's Island or Majora's Mask. My foray into my first Legend of Zelda was made phenomenal by this soundtrack. His compositions really hit you in the heart in various ways. The title theme will leave you in awe when you first hear and subsequent ones will hit your nostalgia. "Fire Temple" has an air of creepiness to it that makes you a bit cautious when roaming around the dungeon and "Middle Boss Battle" lets you know shit is going down. The game also makes sure that the music is memorable by incorporating it into the gameplay. With the ocarina mechanic nearly each piece that you learn will have multiple uses and ties to the story that will keep you from forgetting them. Ocarina of Time's music is in the pinnacle of video game art.

Notable Tracks: Title Theme, Lon Lon Ranch, Windmill Hut, Fire Temple, Gerudo Valley

3) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask OST
Composer: Koji Kondo

This OST is almost as good as Ocarina of Time's. The only reason it's not quite as good is because there aren't as many tracks and some of the compositions I don't find as memorable to their counterparts such as Great Bay to Zora's Domain. This game did however did experimented more with music as game mechanic than in Ocarina of Time. It is still a stellar soundtrack however and when the giants sing in Oath to Order it gives me chills.

Notable Tracks: Clock Town; First Day, Song of Healing, Stone Tower Temple, Oath to Order

4) Final Fantasy VIII OST
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Uematsu's second best composition to me, Final Fantasy VIII is a treat to the ears. Most of the high intensity pieces I feel are done better than in IX and this is also where Uematsu started putting in those movie like compositions though there are more in IX. The tranquil tracks aren't bad either with Fisherman's Horizon being the best. He brought back chorus tracks from VII and they were great and perfectly set the appropriate tone for the battles that were about to ensue. VIII's soundtrack will not be forgotten.

Notable Tracks: The Landing, Fisherman's Horizon, The Extreme

5) Diddy Kong Racing OST
Composer: David Wise

Yooo, I forgot how good this shit is. Went back onto YouTube when ole girl was asking about the lack of Diddy Kong Racing mentions. Shit started flooding back and that doesn't happen with every game out there I've played. Recently played Firepower 2000 and none of that music meant anything to me. I was surprised when I found out David Wise did this soundtrack, but shit of course he did because this shit is so good. The soundtrack is a present full of sunshine, flowers, and cinnabons.

Notable Tracks: Lobby Theme Tune, Ancient Lake, Walrus Cove

6) Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow
Composer: Junichi Masuda

Nintendo is rock solid when it comes to soundtracks and with their newest franchise at this time, it opened with a great soundtrack. That opening theme gets me every time, but Route 1 is my personal favorite and how could one forget the chilling tunes of Lavender Town. Given how limited the sound bytes are in the Game Boy they utilized what they had and made it work.

Notable Tracks: Opening, Route 1, Mt. Moon, Lavender Town

7) Street Fighter III: Third Strike
Composer: Hideki Okugawa

This soundtrack is crazy. The choice to make the soundtrack hip-hop and jazz oriented was the right fucking choice. It separated itself from so many other games out there by doing that and ultimately created some of the best music in gaming. The raps in the game are kind of cheesy, but I fuck with it regardless and the instrumentals are crazy good. While I often find more relax music not fitting for a fighting game, Third Strike makes the exception for me with "Jazzy NYC" and "Twilight". That a different kind of tension to the battles. There is hardly a bad track to be found here and I love it.

Notable Tracks: Fight for the Future, Jazzy NYC '99, Twilight

8) Banjo-Kazooie
Composer: Grant Kirkhope

9) Parappa the Rapper
Composer: Masaya Matsuura

I thought this game was made by a Western studio so I was surprised when I found out that it had a Japanese composer. This ost is pretty good regardless and it makes since for a music based game and I believed it was the first one. The ost is a strange mix of happy rap and television sitcom/cartoon music, but it does a good job of replicating the sounds. The raps are cheesy here too, but I found myself jamming to Mooselini's rap. Riveting fun!

Notable Tracks: Parappa's Greeting, Instructor Mooselini's Rap, Paradise

10) Resident Evil 2
Composers: Masami Ueda
Shusaku Uchiyama
Syun Nishigaki

Notable Tracks: T-B, The Malformation of G, And After That

Honorable Mention
x. Threads of Fate
Notable Track: Serene Town

 

[K.Sabot]

1. Panzer Dragoon Saga - actually incredible
2. Street Fighter EX + @ - My favorite Street Fighter OST, which is saying a lot because it's going against classics like SF2 and SF3:TS. Strong songs all over the fucking place.
3. Chrono Cross
4. SaGa FRONTIER II - Masashi Hamauzu's breakout OST, he makes a shit ton of music for every game and all of it really good.
5. Final Fantasy IX
6. Panzer Dragoon - Of course nothing beats Flight, but everything else on the soundtrack is really solid.
7. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
8. Grandia
9. Ape Esacpe - This soundtrack is actually straight RIDICULOUS at how good it is.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

 

[Noobcraft]

Ocarina of Time. There's a reason orchestras travel around playing music from that game.

 

[Tye The Czar]

1. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards - The best soundtrack in a series filled with best soundtracks. Contains one of the best boss themes ever.
2. Goldeneye - Perfectly nails the atmosphere of a Bond FPS.
3. Diddy Kong Racing - One of my favorite David Wise soundtracks outside of DKC 1 & 2. And here's PSY and Barkley in it as a bonus.
4. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow - After spending hours with these games, it's always been hard to get them out of my head.
5. Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - I actually prefer this over Ocarina. Really.
6. Final Fantasy VII - Aeris' Theme. Enough Said.
7. Xenogears - Knight of Fire is still one of the greatest boss themes.
8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - One of the most gothic soundtracks of the era.
9. Darius Gaiden - Shooting up robotic fish to haunting vocals and trippy arrangements never gets old. "Get this guy a cardboard box because he needs to breakdance!"
   Spoiler

   Say that the last song shouldn't be mashed up with Gangnam Style! I dare you, fishyfucker!
10. Conker's Bad Fur Day - One of the best last soundtracks on the N64. How can you leave off a game that features The Great Mighty Poo?

 

[IAmRandom31]

1.) Final Fantasy VII - one of Uematsu's best overall productions. One Winged Angel alone catapults this to the top. Let alone the other 50+ wonderful tracks. Classic soundtrack

2.) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 - it may not be full of original compilations or anything but this game pretty much set the bar for future games of its genre when it came to licensed soundtracks

3.) Suikoden - still one of my favorite orchestrated soundtracks of all time. From the very open old irish song to tiny characters in a big world to into a world of illusion. Just phenomenal

4.) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - 'Requiem for a Dream' alone is a masterpiece but reallty the entire soundtrack is fantastic. some of the tunes you just have to play the game to understand the context and appreciate more, but even without that connection it is still a very solid and powerful soundtrack. One of the best ever.

5.) Zelda: Ocarina of Time - it is Zelda. The soundtracks are always moody and perfectly represent the colorful and whimsical nature of the world you explore but also captures the adventure and mystery and danger of the same world. Brilliant soundtracks always but OOT is my favorite of them all.

6.) Xenogears - I actually didn't experience this title when it launched at first but caught up with it later. And man was I taken back by the soundtrack. Pretty terrific melodies throughout the journey
7.) Silent Hill - hauntingly beautiful, basically all you need to know about this soundtrack.
8.) Command and Conquer: Red Alert - still can hear the soviet sounding marching songs in my head. A fantastic overall soundtrack
9.) NiGHTs: Into Dreams - a very serene and beautiful soundtrack for this title
10.)

 

[Wazzy]

Ahhhhhh yesssssssssssssss! The one I've been waiting for. This is going to be hard since the amount of outstanding soundtracks to choose from are quite large. Still, I already know my number one and the rest will be a matter of my order so it will take time to do my write ups for each game.

1. Final Fantasy VIII: Where to even begin describing the emotions and variation within this OST. We start off with Liberi Fatali, an orchestral piece that immediately throws you into a sense of awe and desperation backed behind a chorus of chants that push these feelings even harder the more the piece goes on. The song finishes leaving your heart racing but just as quickly as it's going, a new song begins and with it a soothing track plays making the desperate emotions of the previous one come to a halt . Balamb Garden immediately contrasts Liberi Fatali's serious approach with it's attempt to allow a calm period for relaxation. It's a song that is comfortable and enjoyable. Everyone remembers this playing as Balamb Garden is introduced as you start to get an idea of the games home and world. It's as memorable as the strong piece before it and is attempting something completely different. Just this alone gives you an idea of how each song completely changes the atmosphere and mood allowing for different emotions to be experienced. We have Don't Be Afraid, the battle theme of Final Fantasy VIII which throws you right into the feel of it. The game finds many ways to push the feeling of adrenaline with songs like Force Your Way, The Man With The Machine Gun and The Extreme, the last piece being one of the most beautifully composed boss themes in the series. It starts off with a haunting chant that appears throughout the OST "FITHOS LUSEC WICOS VINOSEC" that is more corrupt and slower sounding. Once the chant ends, the music begins and it's as if time is moving slowly and a strangely alluring voice is singing along with it. The music comes to a halt and that's when it switches to a fast paced beat almost as if it's fighting back against the slow feeling of time stopping.

The OST finishes with the Ending Theme which includes a wonderful orchestra of Eye's On Me sang by Faye Wong and is a beautiful piece that is emotional and breathtaking. Once the song concludes, we hear the classic Final Fantasy Theme playing which then switches to a reprise of Liberi Fatali that is without voices but still dramatic and fierce. To finish the ranges of sound happening in this final track, it switches to something softer and deeper. The sound is romantic and yet almost sadly beautiful.

You do yourself a disservice not listening to this Soundtrack. It's got flavors of Jazz, Rock, Orchestra and many more options to suit your taste. It's really one of the greatest OST's you can listen to.

2. Final Fantasy Tactics
I adore this soundtrack. So many memorable tracks that suit the classic style of the game. The opening title track alone leaves you wanting more and more from the game.

Some stand out tracks:
1. Trisection
2. Bloody Excrement
3. Under The Stars

3. Chrono Cross
This is pretty much one of the greatest OST's of all time. The boss theme is one of my favourite tracks with how serious and pumped it get's you. The most beautiful song by far on the album is Star Stealing Girl which has a singing part that's almost saddening to listen to.

4. Xenogears

5. Parasite Eve

6. The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask

7. Ocarina of Time

8. Final Fantasy VII

9. Donkey Kong Country 2

10. The Legend Of Dragoon

Honourable Mentions:
Final Fantasy IX
Pokemon R/Y/B/G/S

 

[Nocturnowl]

Good looking out, Nocturnowl; especially on super-short notice. Checking this on my phone as I buy work shoes.

My hope is that I can throw a vote in by the deadline if I have a day off and can dedicate time to a post because while I appreciate the former generation more, this gen has its own fair share of good soundtracks. But with a thesis and work transitions, I couldn't handle thread duties at the moment.

No problem.

It's always worth noting that you can always do a briefer post to save time, like actually brief and not like last voting threads triple post that you apologised for because it was too short which makes me chuckle.

I also think a few posters would kill me if I didn't vote.

So we can put down our pitchforks then? excellent.

Poignant lyrics sang with such grace and beauty.

https://youtu.be/0w5neFPat1w

My hunch from your avatar was indeed correct.

 

[The Xtortionist]

1. Buck Bumble

 

[mcz117chief]

1) Pokémon Gold/Silver: route 27
This one has a special place in my heart(gold). It isn't the best OST on this list BUT I had such a magical moment when I heard this song and the man told me "do you know what you just did? You took your first steps into Kanto!" I exploded inside, "My Lord, the whole Kanto region is in this game too? I can't believe this!" And since then this piece has been the symbol of freedom and adventure for me. Other pieces are excellent as well, surf, bicycle, Golden Rod city, Ecruteak City/Cianwood City, Kimono Dance Theater, dozens of route tracks. If we all add this up then this definitely deserves those two points!

2) Command & Conquer: Act on Instinct
Everyone knows this one who played C&C, the moment you start playing the game (for GDI of course) you hear this absolutely badass song as you storm the beach. One of the most memorable songs of all time. There are, of course, other awesome tracks in this OST, but this one is THE one.
3) StarCraft: Terran Theme 1
StarCraft, aliens, cowboys, James Raynor, great music, need I say more?
4) Metal Gear Solid: Encounter
The first time you hear this song, you know you screwed up, but damn! This music piece is more of a reward than a punishment. May the alert phase never end I hope I don't have to say that the entire game is filled with excellent songs, but just in case: Hot damn the whole OST is a Godsend!
5) Freespace 2: Cinema 2
The 1:05 and on is why I adore this song and 2:40. Good God this game has such an amazing OST, 10/10 game in every respect.
6) Unreal Tournament: Main theme
Of course, the Unreal Tournament. Probably the first twitch shooter we have all played. Runnin'n'gunnin with those insta-gibs on Fractal with 15 bots This theme is one of THE songs of our video game generation.
7) Shadow Warrior: Okinoww!A
Hehe, you no mess with Lo Wang! Is he better than Duke? I would say so! Shadow Warrior is the best 3d Realms game and the OST makes it one of the greatest FPS games of all time. Are you lost in a level? No worries, this OST will provide you with company
8) Duke Nukem 3D: Grabbag
But of course Duke Nukem deserves a shout-out too. Grabbag is a brilliant song but not just that one, others are great too. This OST is the one that brings back a lot of childhood memories. "Blow it our your ass!"
9) Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain: Awekening to the World
One of the games that I wish I have played more. Nevertheless, besides the phenomenal story and characters the OST is definitely NOT lagging behind. Great pieces throughout.
10) Diablo: Tristram Village
Every action RPG fan has played Diablo, and every single one of them knows that the 1st Diablo game just oozes atmosphere. Not just because of it's creepy setting, but also because of the astonishing OST!

 

[Tenebrous]

-Snip-

I was thinking about UT99, but I can't think of much past the theme song. Dun dun dun, dun dun dun, dun dun dun dun dun dun! Duuu, duuu.

Diablo, though... Great pick. Might need to steal that. And I've not heard the original C&C OST in years, holy shit.

 

[Thoraxes]

1.) Saga Frontier II - (I'll write more later)

One of Masashi Hamauzu's greatest VGM OSTs, the compositions that spawned from his game have permanently colored his works to come in the following years. The pieces from this game have been re-orchestrated for chamber symphony, piano (even did a new version of Missgestalt in 2014), string quartet, full orchestra, and more. It's a testament to the compositions of this game that the music can live on so long in the capacities that they do.

His strong sense of motivic manipulation and skills in arrangement and variation are second to none, and the OST has a cohesive and inclusive feeling that I have yet to really feel from any other composer. His harmonic language for the pieces are of the extended-tertian variety, and they are colored just perfectly to give, even me, feelings of emotion. His approach to orchestration (even with sound patches) is spot on according to modern orchestrational theory and techniques, as his presentation is much like that of writing for real instruments.

The phrasing is all just perfect, and it's like he wrote the music not only for the game, but for audiences beyond that threshold. It's pure performance music brought to a video game, and it manages to work in both the context of the game and in real-life performances as well. The strengths of the compositions in this title are outstanding. Masashi Hamauzu is a god.

(... individual piece writeups to come here, if I remember!)

 

[mcz117chief]

I was thinking about UT99, but I can't think of much past the theme song. Dun dun dun, dun dun dun, dun dun dun dun dun dun! Duuu, duuu.

Diablo, though... Great pick. Might need to steal that. And I've not heard the original C&C OST in years, holy shit.

Unreal Tournament has a glorious soundtrack, check it here if you are not sure.

 

[MetalSlug]

1. Theme Hospital
2. Resident Evil 3 : Nemesis
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Super Mario 64
5. The Unholy War
6. Little Big Adventure 2
7. Duke Nukem 3D
8. Medievil
9. Sonic R
10. Age of Empires 2

 

[rafa]

1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
2. Xenogears
3. Diablo
4. Street Fighter III: Third Strike
5. Metal Gear Solid
6. Final Fantasy Tactics
7. Planescape: Torment
8. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
9. Chrono Cross
10. Final Fantasy VII

 

[Anth0ny]

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

what the fuck

Ocarina of Time? Symphony of the Night? Pokemon RBY? No?


this generation was god tier

this list is going to be fucking impossible to make

 

[PositiveYorae]

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

You mean to say the era of golden soundtracks....

 

[KevinCow]

You mean to say the era of golden soundtracks....

No, I pretty much meant what I typed.

The N64 was still using midi music that lacked the retro charm of midi music from earlier generations, while the PS1 was trying to embrace CD quality audio but lacked the production values of music from later generations.

Maybe part of it is that I don't play JRPGs, but I just can't think of a single soundtrack besides Banjo-Kazooie that I liked enough to put on a list.

 

[AAK]

1) Tekken 3
2) Final Fantasy VIII
3) Starcraft
4) Tekken 2
5) Twited Metal 2
6) Soul Blade
7) Metal Gear Solid
8) Super Mario 64
9) Legend of Zelda : OOT
10) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

 

[LGom09]

There are a lot of games I haven't gotten around to playing yet that would probably make the list, but...

1. Chrono Cross
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
3. Diddy Kong Racing
4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
5. Super Mario 64
6. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow
7. Donkey Kong 64
8. Final Fantasy VII
9. F-Zero X
10. Conker's Bad Fur Day

 

[AoM]

1. Perfect Dark - I never played it, but the soundtrack is something special. More than two hours of great tracks, with many picking up speed halfway through.

Favorite track: dataDyne Central: Defection

2. Diddy Kong Racing - I've always liked DKR more than MK64, and that's true for the music as well. Wise at his best.

Favorite track: Darkmoon Caverns (funnily enough, this wasn't included on any of the official OSTs)

3. Age of Empires II - I think I like AoM (hmm..) more, but I played this so much back in the day. Stephen Rippy does something special with music (and comes up with the funniest song titles). I wonder whether he'll be returning for Halo Wars 2...

Favorite track: Drizzle (Firelight Smoove Mix)

4. Pokémon Gold & Silver - Second generation is still my favorite. The soundtrack has so many memorable tunes.

Favorite track: Azalea Town/Blackthorn City

5. Final Fantasy Tactics - I actually haven't played any FF games, but this is a soundtrack that I enjoy listening to, and it just resonates classic.

Favorite track: Desert Land

6. Banjo-Kazooie - Kirkhope's first big showing at Rare. It's so easy to recognize his style. I'm excited to see what he and Wise do with Yooka-Laylee.

Favorite track: Mad Monster Mansion

7. Wave Race 64 - Pure nostalgia. I was never good at this game, but I loved just following the dolphin and doing tricks on that ramp.

Favorite track: Sunset Bay

8. F-Zero X - Never played an F-Zero game, but this soundtrack will quickly get you pumped up. The guitar is awesome.

Favorite track: The Long Distance of Murder

9. Mega Man X5 - I've only played the first X game, but this soundtrack has some great tracks.

Favorite track: Zero Stage 2

10. Wario Land 3 - I loved this game as a kid, but could never beat it. I really got drawn into this odd world, and the music played a part in doing that.

Favorite track: The Peaceful Village, A Town in Chaos (Day)

 

[PositiveYorae]

No, I pretty much meant what I typed.

The N64 was still using midi music that lacked the retro charm of midi music from earlier generations, while the PS1 was trying to embrace CD quality audio but lacked the production values of music from later generations.

Maybe part of it is that I don't play JRPGs, but I just can't think of a single soundtrack besides Banjo-Kazooie that I liked enough to put on a list.

Maybe that's the problem because it's the era where jrpg took center stage...

 

[Elitist1945]

1. Medal of Honor
2. Medal of Honor: Underground

Those are the only two I remember standing out.

 

[xehanort]

1. Final Fantasy VIII; Can't remember much OST except this one has Eyes on Me. I still have it on my playlist.

2. Final Fantasy Tactics;

3. Suikoden II;

Will continue later

 

[Morrigan Stark]

Goddamn another brutally difficult list. Subscribed, will post my list later.

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

Insanity. SotN alone is enough to make it the best gen for game soundtracks.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

No, I pretty much meant what I typed.

The N64 was still using midi music that lacked the retro charm of midi music from earlier generations, while the PS1 was trying to embrace CD quality audio but lacked the production values of music from later generations.

Maybe part of it is that I don't play JRPGs, but I just can't think of a single soundtrack besides Banjo-Kazooie that I liked enough to put on a list.

JRPGs were really the stars of that generation for me. Just so much good work.

 

[Yuterald]

Man, I can't think of anything besides Banjo-Kazooie.

I think it was kind of a weak generation for soundtracks, honestly.

0_0 wtf

Anyway, will probably sit this thread out. Can't keep up with these quarterly threads. Too hard for me to pick from that era as well.

 

[Bishop89]

1. Metal Gear Solid - the score perfectly captures the espionage theme and features one of the most epic soundtracks in any medium.
2. Pokemon red
3. DBZ Ultimate Battle 22
4. Bust a groove 2
5. Ape Escape
6. street fighter ex plus alpha

 

[ohlawd]

yikes, not even gonna vote

did any of y'all not play Diddy Kong Racing or something? I only see three people with excellent taste here :x

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

No, I pretty much meant what I typed.

The N64 was still using midi music that lacked the retro charm of midi music from earlier generations, while the PS1 was trying to embrace CD quality audio but lacked the production values of music from later generations.

Maybe part of it is that I don't play JRPGs, but I just can't think of a single soundtrack besides Banjo-Kazooie that I liked enough to put on a list.

Oh, that can't be it either (these are about a 1/3 of what's fighting for the final 5 slots on my list). More than ample to fill out the final 9 slots of yours.

Spoiler

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Super Mario 64

LoZ:OoT

Street Fighter III: 2I

Brandish IV

Heroes of Might and Magic III

Astal

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Einhänder

Darkstalkers 3

The Smurf's Nightmare

Rise of the Triad

Unreal Tournament

Street Fighter EX2

Jazz Jackrabbit 2