A soundtrack of a game is like an ingredient to a soup; it can be the most minimal of parts that adds to its delectability, or it could be at the forefront, bringing forth a deluge of strong flavors. In video games, these musical compositions can spring a whole virtual world into life and build a fitting atmosphere for any locale or key moment. Along with the likes of game mechanics and story, I believe that music is one of the most significant aspects of any game.
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
Video game music have a remarkable impact upon me personally, and I am inspired by the great minds behind my favorite soundtracks to someday write my own works. In the meantime, I'll write about my favorite soundtracks instead!
Kid Icarus: Uprising
An all-star team of composers - comprising of Motoi Sakuraba, Yuzo Koshiro, Masafumi Takada, Noriyuki Iwadare, Takahiro Nishi, and Yasunori Mitsuda - had their hand in making this wondrous soundtrack. Even so, they not only captured the tone of the original game, but the remastered and new tunes compliment each other perfectly.
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It's also interesting to note that a majority of these songs go along with the events that take place during the game, which I feel makes the whole soundtrack incredibly memorable. I can only imagine the characters' banter and action going on in my mind as I listen to these tracks.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Harry Gregson-Williams is one of my all-time favorite composers, and I love his work on the series and beyond video games. Despite all the flak it gets, I loved the second installment of Metal Gear Solid, and the soundtrack is one of the reasons that I place it up so highly. Never have I wanted to rise and give a salute more than the main theme of this game. More than that, it captured the raw emotions of the characters at pivotal moments or the intensely charging atmosphere of a grueling duel.
Fire Emblem
Of course, I'm talking about the series because I'd be hard-pressed to not include some of my favorites! The musical work of these games nail at accentuating the atmosphere of the situation at hand, whether they be jubilant highs or somber lows. It was grieving to fight my fellow teams on the other side of the battlefield, or the amount of regret that overwhelms me as I plow my way across a battalion of soldiers who've lost their will to fight against us, all while these beautiful pieces of music are playing.
Between fighting a tough foe or a romp on weaker soldiers, there's always a theme that makes these skirmishes well-worth the battle in the series.
Hope y'all enjoyed this! I leave off with a couple more songs from these various soundtracks! Until next time!