Essential video game music listening

The albums that define video game music.

Our picks for where to start with video game music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The video game music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Hans Zimmer

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

A sweeping orchestral landscape infused with electronic elements, capturing the tension and heroism of Spider-Man's world.

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Inception

Hans Zimmer

Inception

A haunting blend of orchestral and electronic elements that evoke a sense of dreamlike tension and introspection.

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Minecraft – Volume Beta

C418

Minecraft – Volume Beta

Ethereal soundscapes and playful melodies create a soothing auditory journey through the Minecraft universe.

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Minecraft – Volume Alpha

C418

Minecraft – Volume Alpha

Delicate ambient soundscapes intertwine with playful melodies, evoking the tranquil yet adventurous spirit of exploration.

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kiЯitɘ

Yasunori Mitsuda

kiЯitɘ

An ethereal blend of orchestral melodies and ambient soundscapes that evoke a dreamlike narrative.

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Myth: The Xenogears Orchestral Album

Yasunori Mitsuda

Myth: The Xenogears Orchestral Album

A lush orchestral reimagining of iconic video game themes that evoke nostalgia and emotional depth.

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Pacific Rim Uprising

Lorne Balfe

Pacific Rim Uprising

Dynamic orchestral arrangements blend with electronic elements, capturing the epic scale of kaiju battles.

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Terminator Genisys

Lorne Balfe

Terminator Genisys

A sweeping orchestral score intertwines with electronic elements, capturing the tension of a dystopian future.

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Number Nine

Chris Hülsbeck

Number Nine

A lush tapestry of ambient soundscapes and melodic themes that evoke nostalgia and tranquility.

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Symphonic Shades – Hülsbeck in Concert

Chris Hülsbeck

Symphonic Shades – Hülsbeck in Concert

A sweeping orchestral tribute that revitalizes classic video game themes with lush arrangements and dynamic crescendos.

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Act II: The Father of Death

The Protomen

Act II: The Father of Death

A theatrical rock opera blending hard-hitting riffs with storytelling that captures the essence of a dystopian narrative.

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The Protomen

The Protomen

The Protomen

A thrilling rock opera blending hard-hitting melodies with narrative-driven lyrics inspired by video game culture.

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Wild Arms Music the Best -rocking heart-

Michiko Naruke

Wild Arms Music the Best -rocking heart-

Epic orchestrations blend with driving rhythms, capturing the adventurous spirit of classic RPG soundtracks.

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No More Heroes Original Sound Tracks

Masafumi Takada

No More Heroes Original Sound Tracks

An eclectic blend of energetic beats and quirky melodies that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic essence of video gaming.

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Diablo II Soundtrack

Matt Uelmen

Diablo II Soundtrack

A haunting blend of orchestral and atmospheric sounds that immerses players in a dark fantasy world.

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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Original Game Soundtrack

Michiru Yamane

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Original Game Soundtrack

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and gothic melodies that evoke the eerie atmosphere of Dracula's castle.

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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Koji Kondo

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

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